Sorry for the dearth of updates in the past few months (read: year). Graduating from college and finding a grown-up job was more stressful then I had originally considered.
General Stats
Concept: 7/10
Graphics: 7/10
Sound: 8/10
Playability: 9/10
Entertainment: 9/10
Replay Value: High
About the Game
Genre: RPG/Simulation
Length: 60-120+ hours
Platform: PS2
Review and General Storyline:
First and foremost, I have been attempting to write this review from the very beginning. Persona is a series very near and dear to my heart, and has been for at least a few years now. This has been super hard for me to pin down, and I have no idea why. I've also gone in and out of obsession with this series. I'll sit down and play for fifty some odd hours (not necessarily consecutively) then I'll quit (usually right before a boss) and won't touch it for a few months.
Alright, enough bitchin'. I'm going to split this up into two different sections. The first part will be the PS2 review, then I'll list my notes on the PSP version as comparison (as I have played and loved both. Certainly there are some significant deviations between the two versions).
First, if you are thinking about getting a version for the PS2, my suggestion is to splurge for the Persona 3 FES edition. Used, it might be a little less than ten dollars more (unless you are going for the digital download, which is the cheapest option AND FES, but for the PS3, and not physical). It is totally a matter of personal preference. I am a fan of the physical disc, so I have a copy of FES for the PS2, though I have been considering for some time getting the download for my PS3 (-edit- bought the PS3 version last week. Be jelly -edit/-).
Like I said, personal preference, but go with the FES over original nine times out of ten. It has a bunch of extra features, including a whole new post-game storyline, "The Answer." You get significantly more bang for your bucks in this edition.
It's always fun to begin a game by choosing your own name, but its even more fun to begin a game where time stands still and people transmogrify into coffins. You meet Yukari and Mitsuru, and have a nice and awkward conversation with the two of them (seriously, Main Character is far to blase after seeing these two chicks with guns?)
You really have to follow the storyline for the next few days, with very little free time, until Shadows attack.
Now, this whole fighting system is very witty. The enemy, a Shadow, gets repelled by your Persona, or another facet of your personality that you summon by shooting yourself in the head. It's creepy and crazy but really, really witty. My psych class just learned about the id, ego and superego, and shadow and persona were words that I heard in the lecture that actually had me sit up and listen. Look into it, because I can't really explain it...
Anyway, this is one of the better RPG games, if only because there is just so much to do, and so little time to do it in. You become friends with schoolmates, team members, and these are called "social links" and are your connections with others. The closer you become to your classmates, the more impressive persona you can summon and fuse.
And the dungeon. Hot damn that is a fine mess. First, the name; "Tartarus." A little too on the nose, if you ask me. Tartarus is, according to Greek mythology, the part of the underworld that the really nasty people go; equivalent to hell. And the fact that it is in your school? A little too obvious.
Did you know that there was a hidden hour, every day at midnight? This is the Dark Hour, where normal people transmogrify into coffins, the streets are lined with blood and the moon is huge and yellow. Special people, like you (the main character), Yukari, Mitsuru and Akihiko in the beginning can use your strength of heart and will to shoot yourself in the head with an Evoker to release your Persona. Like I said, look into Jungian psychology, the way the creators of the game really went deep with symbolism is crazy awesome.
Now, you are required to do a bit of grinding in the dungeons to get strong enough to defeat some of the stronger shadows, but it's all great fun. I did get a little bored at parts, feeling like I was doing the same thing over and over again, but it was easy enough to stick to it. That's the only reason playability and entertainment got 9's, instead of 10's.
The optional boss (the reaper) is both frustrating and annoying. I spent hours at it one afternoon (I have only ever beat it once) because it had a lot to do with luck, almost more so than strategy. In the early levels, he sucks, because you can't really explore the levels well enough (or as well enough as I want to) without him coming after you, and even when you are strong enough, he will still kick your ass nine times out of ten.
A hint on dungeon crawling for treasure: back yourself into a corner, where you can see no little red dots on the screen, and send your teammates out to explore. They will grab all the stuff you need and fill out your map. I would do that until they found the stairs, then I'd regroup, run to the stairs, then send them out again until they found everything. Great strategy for the optional dungeon, Monad to collect lots of money and gear.
Its also a great game for all playing styles. Even casual gamers can get a kick out of this game, while more experienced players will enjoy the strategy it takes to plan out your days to ensure you maximize your time wisely. In normal and beginner mode, there is little strategy involved in fighting the bosses. You pretty much wail on them until they are done. Some of the normal and hard modes you really need to know what you are doing, however, before you get into a fight; you want to have the right equipment, then right persona, and the right mindset to kick some serious ass.
Concerning sound, some of the music gets a little annoying; the music in the Velvet Room, and the music walking around town is played so often that it does get a little grating. When I go to fuse new persona, when I know I'm going to be doing it for a while, I make sure to mute the TV. Otherwise the sound would drive my roommates insane (as they have constantly mentioned to me).
Overall, I give this game a solid 9; music's a little annoying, but it is a great game to waste hours and hours at.
Regarding the PSP edition:
There are both upsides and downsides to this. I loved having the choice to play as a woman, and she was so cute, too! It was also great not getting tired while exploring Tartarus. There were new conversations for me to enjoy, also the Void Quests for Margaret were a great new challenge. Theodore from the Velvet room was adorable, and so were the new social links.
What I didn't like about this version is that I couldn't actually control the main character in anyplace other than the dungeon. When exploring the world, all you can do is move your cursor around the screen and talk with people. Can't actually run around, which wasn't very fun.
Because of that lack of running around, I can only give this version a 7.5 out of 10. Not enough action for me, though I did love the girl character I could play.
Friday, July 25, 2014
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Gaming And Violence
So, I am not sure if I made this clear in my "mission statement" but this blog is not just about reviewing games. Its about everything to do with games. So this is my first Op-Ed piece. (For future reference, I may or may not do research for any of these articles. Depending on my mood and if I am feeling particularly scholarly).
(Note: I was listening to Imagine Dragons while writing this. May want to listen while reading.)
So I play a lot of video games. You know that, you're reading my blog. But the point is: I play a lot of video games. Like, some days I can go for hours and hours with maybe one or two bathroom breaks. I don't know, it mostly depends on my motivation (which is some days high, and some days very, very low).
Yet, my personality type tends towards the non-confrontational. That is, in real life, I hate it when people fight. I hate it when I fight. (Unless, of course, it is an intellectual debate. Then I will own you). Well, that's only if I don't like you. Then I can be all up in your face, with little to no compunction.
I don't really think of myself as a violent person. I like peace. But if you piss me off, I will smack-a-bitch. But generally, if I know you, and am good friends, I don't really have any issues with giving you a shot to the shoulder when you are being difficult. Or maybe a heel to the phalanges. Any one of them.
But for the most part, I am pretty non-violent, especially with the general public. In fact, I am rather stand-offish in crowds and around other people.
I can't speak for other people, but there is no way that video games, violent or otherwise, have anything to do with my physical violence (or lack-thereof).
I can grant that some video games (Halo, Call of Duty, games I don't really play, etc), may desensitize people to acts of extreme violence, I don't know. I don't have any experience with them, so I really have no leg to stand on if I make any kind of argument regarding them. (Actually, if we are being perfectly honest, I can't always keep my eyes open during the scary parts of some games--mostly games that are first person shooters. I can't deal with things creeping up on me. My poor heart can't take it).
So, yeah, some games that you win by killing other people, (Assassins Creed), but anyone with even the slightest grasp on reality knows not to equate gaming and violence.
And at best, my grasp on reality is tenuous; at worse, well. Let's just say reality is subjective.
I've gotten off track.Yes, there are video games that are violent and gory. Yes, video games may desensitize you to violence. But that doesn't mean that video games make you violent. They do not cause you to do stupid shit.
Video games can give people the excuse to do bad things. Blame it on the education system, video games, the government, whatever.
Take responsibility for your own actions.
Don't blame it on video games.
(Note: I was listening to Imagine Dragons while writing this. May want to listen while reading.)
Gaming and Violence
 | ||
| (c) me. You steal, I sue. |
Yet, my personality type tends towards the non-confrontational. That is, in real life, I hate it when people fight. I hate it when I fight. (Unless, of course, it is an intellectual debate. Then I will own you). Well, that's only if I don't like you. Then I can be all up in your face, with little to no compunction.
I don't really think of myself as a violent person. I like peace. But if you piss me off, I will smack-a-bitch. But generally, if I know you, and am good friends, I don't really have any issues with giving you a shot to the shoulder when you are being difficult. Or maybe a heel to the phalanges. Any one of them.
But for the most part, I am pretty non-violent, especially with the general public. In fact, I am rather stand-offish in crowds and around other people.
I can't speak for other people, but there is no way that video games, violent or otherwise, have anything to do with my physical violence (or lack-thereof).
I can grant that some video games (Halo, Call of Duty, games I don't really play, etc), may desensitize people to acts of extreme violence, I don't know. I don't have any experience with them, so I really have no leg to stand on if I make any kind of argument regarding them. (Actually, if we are being perfectly honest, I can't always keep my eyes open during the scary parts of some games--mostly games that are first person shooters. I can't deal with things creeping up on me. My poor heart can't take it).
So, yeah, some games that you win by killing other people, (Assassins Creed), but anyone with even the slightest grasp on reality knows not to equate gaming and violence.
And at best, my grasp on reality is tenuous; at worse, well. Let's just say reality is subjective.
I've gotten off track.Yes, there are video games that are violent and gory. Yes, video games may desensitize you to violence. But that doesn't mean that video games make you violent. They do not cause you to do stupid shit.
Video games can give people the excuse to do bad things. Blame it on the education system, video games, the government, whatever.
Take responsibility for your own actions.
Don't blame it on video games.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
DS Lite: Harvest Moon, Grand Bazaar
Let's put this out there as a general welcome: anyone have any ideas for games they want to see either trashed or deified? You obviously can't choose which way I go with my review, but you can choose what I next write!
General Stats
Concept: 7/10
Graphics: 7/10
Sound: 6/10
Playability: 9/10
Entertainment: 9/10
Replay Value: Moderate
About the Game
Genre: RPG/Simulation
Length: No clue. Infinite, I suppose.
Platform: Nintendo DS
Review and General Storyline:
The first thing I can say about this game is a warning: This game is highly addictive. Do not start a game around finals, or you will not study. At all. Take it from someone who knows.
So, anyone familiar with the series know that you start this game by picking your gender, as well as naming your farm (If anyone is wondering, my character is a girl whose name is Jade and the farm she lives on is Seles--and +10 for anyone who gets the reference).
Let me begin by saying that this game is ridiculously simple. There is little to no skill involved, some logic but not much, a little luck, and some cognition skills. So basically you've got to be over 4 to understand how to play this game, alright? (And if you are not, then why the fuck are you reading this?)
Ahem. Anyway, you start out with a couple of turnip seeds and some money. And your goal, at the end of the week, is to have something to sell at the bazaar. Which pretty much means that you are going to be selling a lot of found items and what not, because you have no money at the beginning here.
What makes this game so addictive is that it just goes on and on and on. Eventually you will get windmills to grind seeds into better products, make your tools stronger, or ferment foods. There are insects to snatch, fish to catch, flowers to pick, and so much more.
Sound and picture is decent for a DS game, though sounds like sowing seeds and fertilizer get real annoying, real fast. Storyline and plot, there isn't too much there, but this game is addictive just for the repetitive factors.
All in all, a game pretty much anyone, no matter the skill level, can excel at. I'd give it a 7 out of 10.
General Stats
Concept: 7/10
Graphics: 7/10
Sound: 6/10
Playability: 9/10
Entertainment: 9/10
Replay Value: Moderate
About the Game
Genre: RPG/Simulation
Length: No clue. Infinite, I suppose.
Platform: Nintendo DS
Review and General Storyline:
The first thing I can say about this game is a warning: This game is highly addictive. Do not start a game around finals, or you will not study. At all. Take it from someone who knows.
So, anyone familiar with the series know that you start this game by picking your gender, as well as naming your farm (If anyone is wondering, my character is a girl whose name is Jade and the farm she lives on is Seles--and +10 for anyone who gets the reference).
Let me begin by saying that this game is ridiculously simple. There is little to no skill involved, some logic but not much, a little luck, and some cognition skills. So basically you've got to be over 4 to understand how to play this game, alright? (And if you are not, then why the fuck are you reading this?)
Ahem. Anyway, you start out with a couple of turnip seeds and some money. And your goal, at the end of the week, is to have something to sell at the bazaar. Which pretty much means that you are going to be selling a lot of found items and what not, because you have no money at the beginning here.
What makes this game so addictive is that it just goes on and on and on. Eventually you will get windmills to grind seeds into better products, make your tools stronger, or ferment foods. There are insects to snatch, fish to catch, flowers to pick, and so much more.
Sound and picture is decent for a DS game, though sounds like sowing seeds and fertilizer get real annoying, real fast. Storyline and plot, there isn't too much there, but this game is addictive just for the repetitive factors.
All in all, a game pretty much anyone, no matter the skill level, can excel at. I'd give it a 7 out of 10.
Monday, September 17, 2012
PS3: Uncharted: Drake's Fortune
Sorry for taking over a month. I was enjoying my last few days of freedom without distraction. Actually, I'm not. Sorry, that is. This isn't a job; just for funsies.
General Stats
Concept: 8/10
Graphics: 10/10
Sound: 9/10
Playability: 10/10
Entertainment: 9/10
Replay Value: Very High
About the Game
Genre: Action/Adventure Shooter
Length: 8-16 hours
Platform: PS3
Review and General Storyline:
Okay, so this is definitely a Top 5 game, behind only Legend of Dragoon, Assassin's Creed II, and Persona 4/Persona 3 FES for me.
Plotwise, this game ranks pretty far up there. It's like DaVinci Code, Indiana Jones and Iron Man (for the snark content and sheer awesomeness) all squished together and molded into the form Nathan Drake. You begin the game by finding Sir Francis Drake (the explorer, like, duh)'s empty coffin at the bottom of the ocean, the only thing inside is Drake's journal.
And then you get attacked by pirates.
(Let's suspend our disbelief for a moment: why shouldn't the notebook be a sodden mess after spending who knows how in the ocean?)
And this is the part of the game where you decide what kind of player you are. If you play on easy (and even normal) thise first few guys can be taken down with very little effort on your part. Your auto-aim (there is a better word for this, I just can't remember it... -edit- correct term after research is, I guess, "aim-assist" -edit/-) makes very short work of these guys.
That is, assuming, you aren't as badass as me, taking them down with a brutal combo, or getting behind them to snap their pretty little necks.
If you play on hard, well... Let's just say that the pirates' aim increases dramatically while your durability is next to nothing. One shot, and bam. Dead.
Ahem. So, eventually, your buddy, Sully, (Victor - GODDAMN - Sullivan) shows up to rescue you from the pirates, and Elana (Drake's eventual love interest) has some issues with priorities--I mean, come on! Ship is on fire, pirates are just a hairsbreadth away, and she goes back to get her camera? Hello?!--but you get outta there quickly.
(I am vividly reminded for a moment of Hermione Granger; "I hope you're pleased with yourselves. We could all have been killed - or worse, expelled. Now if you don't mind, I'm going to bed."Just a thought.)
And then, in the span of a cut scene, you ditch the girl, decipher a clue on a treasure map, and pretty much act like jackasses. More or less.
That brings me to one of the most impressive things about this game: the graphics. The transitions between the cut scenes and the game play is utterly flawless. If you aren't actually playing, just watching, it is ridiculous. Absolutely impossible to tell the person playing is actually doing anything.
I recommend that you do that, at least once, for this game--to watch, not play. At times, it honestly feels like you are watching a movie, it is that good. Well, if the person playing is that good. If the person sucks, or he's playing on hard or crushing, then it is so obvious that he is playing a game. The added dialogue of the annoyed player is always interesting to listen to, though.
Side-note: I really shouldn't talk, because I've never actually finished it on Hard/Crushing. Just cuz it's so fucking hard. Not to say I haven't tried, I have, but shit, man. Not easy.
The different difficulty settings is what makes this game absolutely great for all gaming types. My sister, a very, very casual gamer, was mostly able to play on easy; and it just gets progressively more difficult for those more serious gamers.
The game follows a linear structure, and you can't deviate from it at all, sometimes you can explore a little, but the creators of this game were adamant about sticking to the story. So, no divergences for you. If they gave you a little more room to move about in, the concept would have probably been higher (though you can't get much higher than an 8).
Again, you will note a major fluctuation in the times--and I intended for this to include just the first play through. You can conceivably get all the trophies in two play throughs (to unlock the more difficult settings), and for experienced game-players, they can go through on normal in about 8 hours, if they push it and skip cut scenes.
It can also, more reasonably, take 3 play-throughs to get everything down, but that isn't the point. The point is, it is possible to take anywhere between 8 and 16hours to complete a run through of the game.
Overall, this game gets a 9 out of 10 for three reasons: the dialogue between Sully and Drake is hysterical ("You brought a hooker to church?!"), the graphics are phenomenal, and it is a great game for all player types--everyone can gain at least a little amusement from this game.
This game will constantly have you either: chuckling, cursing, and/or on the edge of your seat.
General Stats
Concept: 8/10
Graphics: 10/10
Sound: 9/10
Playability: 10/10
Entertainment: 9/10
Replay Value: Very High
About the Game
Genre: Action/Adventure Shooter
Length: 8-16 hours
Platform: PS3
Review and General Storyline:
Okay, so this is definitely a Top 5 game, behind only Legend of Dragoon, Assassin's Creed II, and Persona 4/Persona 3 FES for me.
Plotwise, this game ranks pretty far up there. It's like DaVinci Code, Indiana Jones and Iron Man (for the snark content and sheer awesomeness) all squished together and molded into the form Nathan Drake. You begin the game by finding Sir Francis Drake (the explorer, like, duh)'s empty coffin at the bottom of the ocean, the only thing inside is Drake's journal.
And then you get attacked by pirates.
(Let's suspend our disbelief for a moment: why shouldn't the notebook be a sodden mess after spending who knows how in the ocean?)
And this is the part of the game where you decide what kind of player you are. If you play on easy (and even normal) thise first few guys can be taken down with very little effort on your part. Your auto-aim (there is a better word for this, I just can't remember it... -edit- correct term after research is, I guess, "aim-assist" -edit/-) makes very short work of these guys.
That is, assuming, you aren't as badass as me, taking them down with a brutal combo, or getting behind them to snap their pretty little necks.
If you play on hard, well... Let's just say that the pirates' aim increases dramatically while your durability is next to nothing. One shot, and bam. Dead.
Ahem. So, eventually, your buddy, Sully, (Victor - GODDAMN - Sullivan) shows up to rescue you from the pirates, and Elana (Drake's eventual love interest) has some issues with priorities--I mean, come on! Ship is on fire, pirates are just a hairsbreadth away, and she goes back to get her camera? Hello?!--but you get outta there quickly.
(I am vividly reminded for a moment of Hermione Granger; "I hope you're pleased with yourselves. We could all have been killed - or worse, expelled. Now if you don't mind, I'm going to bed."Just a thought.)
And then, in the span of a cut scene, you ditch the girl, decipher a clue on a treasure map, and pretty much act like jackasses. More or less.
That brings me to one of the most impressive things about this game: the graphics. The transitions between the cut scenes and the game play is utterly flawless. If you aren't actually playing, just watching, it is ridiculous. Absolutely impossible to tell the person playing is actually doing anything.
I recommend that you do that, at least once, for this game--to watch, not play. At times, it honestly feels like you are watching a movie, it is that good. Well, if the person playing is that good. If the person sucks, or he's playing on hard or crushing, then it is so obvious that he is playing a game. The added dialogue of the annoyed player is always interesting to listen to, though.
Side-note: I really shouldn't talk, because I've never actually finished it on Hard/Crushing. Just cuz it's so fucking hard. Not to say I haven't tried, I have, but shit, man. Not easy.
The different difficulty settings is what makes this game absolutely great for all gaming types. My sister, a very, very casual gamer, was mostly able to play on easy; and it just gets progressively more difficult for those more serious gamers.
The game follows a linear structure, and you can't deviate from it at all, sometimes you can explore a little, but the creators of this game were adamant about sticking to the story. So, no divergences for you. If they gave you a little more room to move about in, the concept would have probably been higher (though you can't get much higher than an 8).
Again, you will note a major fluctuation in the times--and I intended for this to include just the first play through. You can conceivably get all the trophies in two play throughs (to unlock the more difficult settings), and for experienced game-players, they can go through on normal in about 8 hours, if they push it and skip cut scenes.
It can also, more reasonably, take 3 play-throughs to get everything down, but that isn't the point. The point is, it is possible to take anywhere between 8 and 16hours to complete a run through of the game.
Overall, this game gets a 9 out of 10 for three reasons: the dialogue between Sully and Drake is hysterical ("You brought a hooker to church?!"), the graphics are phenomenal, and it is a great game for all player types--everyone can gain at least a little amusement from this game.
This game will constantly have you either: chuckling, cursing, and/or on the edge of your seat.
Friday, July 27, 2012
PS2: JAK and Daxter, The Precursor Legacy
I warn you now (and realize that I probably should have warned you in the introduction, but I am lazy and don't like thinking ahead) that all my reviews will be biased and there will be a foul language abundance.
General Stats
Concept: 8/10
Graphics: 8/10
Sound: 9/10
Playability: 9/10
Entertainment: 9/10
Replay Value: Very High
About the Game
Genre: Action/Adventure Platformer
Length: 8-20 hours
Platform: PS2
Review and General Storyline:
Alright, this game begins with Jak and his buddy, Daxter, exploring the dangerous Misty Island, and generally doing shit they aren't supposed to do--like exploring Misty Island.
Cute little cut scene and BAM. Best friend Daxter goes swimming in some Dark Eco and is now an Ottsel. That is a mix between an otter and a weasel, in case you were wondering (I was, so I did a little research).
And, you guys are totally in trouble with the Old Green Sage Samos, so he kicks you off to Training Rock, which is a seriously useful level. Here you learn pretty much all you need to know to kick ass throughout the entire game.
Eco, as you learn, is some pretty awesome shit. Green will heal you, Blue makes you fast, Red makes you strong, and Yellow shoots fireball things. Oh, and Dark Eco, obviously will kick your ass--you get hurt if you touch it and die if you fall in it. Ouch.
But these first few levels--Sandover Village, Sentinel Beach and the Forbidden Jungle--are very easy and teach you all the controls. If you can't get through these first few levels, there is now way that you can get past some of the later levels--because some of those get hard.
Anyway, the point of this game is to generally collect power cells. They power your A-GRAV zoomer and keep you from being lava bait. You collect them for Kiera, a babe that has both Jak and Daxter drooling after her--and she is the crotchety old Sage's daughter. That kind of defines the game. You need 20 to upgrade your heat shield the first time to get you to Rock Village, then 45 to upgrade your anti-gravity device to get through the Mountain Pass to Volcanic Crater, then 72 to power your second heat upgrade and go through the Lava Tube. Finally, 100 (or 101, depending on your awesomeness) power cells are needed to unlock the "secret" ending.
You also need to collect Precursor Orbs, which act kind of like currency--they allow you to buy Power Cells from various villagers. There are like 2,000 total, but you only need just shy of 1,600 to buy all the Power Cells--and you will be considered totally kickass if you can do that, because there are some seriously tricky spots (including 10 in the junction between Spider Cave and Volcanic Crater).
ANYWAY, mini-games. I live for some of these mini-games, if only because they are so freaking hard. The first one, in the Forbidden Jungle, is to catch 200 lbs of fishies. There are 5 lb fishies and 1 lb fishies, then there are Poisonous Eels--nasty little buggers--and if you catch a single one of them, the guy takes his net back and you have to start all over again. Super frustrating, but I feel like a boss when I finish it.
So, while you are attempting to turn Daxter back into a human, you end up kicking Lurker ass, rescuing all of the Sages, zooming on your zoomer, defending a swamp from critters, flit around on a Flut-Flut, spend time in a volcano, on a snowy mountain, chill on the beach, and explore some ruins. Easy.
The final level, the Citadel, defines this game. It weeds out the boys from the men, the women from the girls, the babies from the big kids. It defines a platformer--there is so much jumping, so much precision, just so much, that if you aren't dedicated, you might just quit. I thought about it, did, in fact, a few times. But then I set aside a couple of hours and made it to the very top. That is where I met the mother of all bad guys. Seriously. Super hard boss fight that ended up making me want to pull my frigging hair out. And then--freedom. You finish the game. Done. Kaput.
Like I said, this game, if you motor through and only get enough Power Cells and Precursor Orbs to finish the game, then it can take as little as 6 hours. It is also entirely possible to 100% the game in a single sitting, 10 hours, if you are good. If you are an inexperienced gamer and OCD and have to get everything, at the very pinnacle, this game will take 15-20 hours.
This is another great game for casual players. There are places that require some skill, but it is entirely possible to bumble your way to the very top--it just takes some persistence. I've only finished this one twice, possibly, but I've gone through the first few levels at least 10 times, and can 100% it in my sleep almost. The more you play, the better you will be.
Overall, I give this game a 9 out of 10. The dialogue of Daxter and the laconic Jak is hysterical and ups the replay value to very high all by itself.
General Stats
Concept: 8/10
Graphics: 8/10
Sound: 9/10
Playability: 9/10
Entertainment: 9/10
Replay Value: Very High
About the Game
Genre: Action/Adventure Platformer
Length: 8-20 hours
Platform: PS2
Review and General Storyline:
Alright, this game begins with Jak and his buddy, Daxter, exploring the dangerous Misty Island, and generally doing shit they aren't supposed to do--like exploring Misty Island.
Cute little cut scene and BAM. Best friend Daxter goes swimming in some Dark Eco and is now an Ottsel. That is a mix between an otter and a weasel, in case you were wondering (I was, so I did a little research).
And, you guys are totally in trouble with the Old Green Sage Samos, so he kicks you off to Training Rock, which is a seriously useful level. Here you learn pretty much all you need to know to kick ass throughout the entire game.
Eco, as you learn, is some pretty awesome shit. Green will heal you, Blue makes you fast, Red makes you strong, and Yellow shoots fireball things. Oh, and Dark Eco, obviously will kick your ass--you get hurt if you touch it and die if you fall in it. Ouch.
But these first few levels--Sandover Village, Sentinel Beach and the Forbidden Jungle--are very easy and teach you all the controls. If you can't get through these first few levels, there is now way that you can get past some of the later levels--because some of those get hard.
Anyway, the point of this game is to generally collect power cells. They power your A-GRAV zoomer and keep you from being lava bait. You collect them for Kiera, a babe that has both Jak and Daxter drooling after her--and she is the crotchety old Sage's daughter. That kind of defines the game. You need 20 to upgrade your heat shield the first time to get you to Rock Village, then 45 to upgrade your anti-gravity device to get through the Mountain Pass to Volcanic Crater, then 72 to power your second heat upgrade and go through the Lava Tube. Finally, 100 (or 101, depending on your awesomeness) power cells are needed to unlock the "secret" ending.
You also need to collect Precursor Orbs, which act kind of like currency--they allow you to buy Power Cells from various villagers. There are like 2,000 total, but you only need just shy of 1,600 to buy all the Power Cells--and you will be considered totally kickass if you can do that, because there are some seriously tricky spots (including 10 in the junction between Spider Cave and Volcanic Crater).
ANYWAY, mini-games. I live for some of these mini-games, if only because they are so freaking hard. The first one, in the Forbidden Jungle, is to catch 200 lbs of fishies. There are 5 lb fishies and 1 lb fishies, then there are Poisonous Eels--nasty little buggers--and if you catch a single one of them, the guy takes his net back and you have to start all over again. Super frustrating, but I feel like a boss when I finish it.
So, while you are attempting to turn Daxter back into a human, you end up kicking Lurker ass, rescuing all of the Sages, zooming on your zoomer, defending a swamp from critters, flit around on a Flut-Flut, spend time in a volcano, on a snowy mountain, chill on the beach, and explore some ruins. Easy.
The final level, the Citadel, defines this game. It weeds out the boys from the men, the women from the girls, the babies from the big kids. It defines a platformer--there is so much jumping, so much precision, just so much, that if you aren't dedicated, you might just quit. I thought about it, did, in fact, a few times. But then I set aside a couple of hours and made it to the very top. That is where I met the mother of all bad guys. Seriously. Super hard boss fight that ended up making me want to pull my frigging hair out. And then--freedom. You finish the game. Done. Kaput.
Like I said, this game, if you motor through and only get enough Power Cells and Precursor Orbs to finish the game, then it can take as little as 6 hours. It is also entirely possible to 100% the game in a single sitting, 10 hours, if you are good. If you are an inexperienced gamer and OCD and have to get everything, at the very pinnacle, this game will take 15-20 hours.
This is another great game for casual players. There are places that require some skill, but it is entirely possible to bumble your way to the very top--it just takes some persistence. I've only finished this one twice, possibly, but I've gone through the first few levels at least 10 times, and can 100% it in my sleep almost. The more you play, the better you will be.
Overall, I give this game a 9 out of 10. The dialogue of Daxter and the laconic Jak is hysterical and ups the replay value to very high all by itself.
Friday, July 13, 2012
Ps One: LEGEND OF DRAGOON
First game review for the first game I ever played (religiously).
General Stats
Concept: 8/10
Graphics: 9/10
Sound: 9/10
Playability: 10/10
Entertainment: 10/10
Replay Value: Very High
About the Game
Genre: Fantasy RPG
Length: 40-60 hours
Platform: Ps One Classic (also available on PSN for the PS3 and PSP)
Review and General Storyline
This game begins as a young man, Dart, returns home from a 3 year journey to find the "Black Monster," the creature who destroyed his childhood home and killed his parents. But, on the way, Dart gets attacked by a Dragon and is saved by a mysterious traveler--and then learns that the Dragon just came from his hometown.
Fast forward a few minutes as Dart runs through the forest until he gets to the smouldering ruins of Seles.
Cue fight music.
Now, the fighting in this game is simply ingenious. You learn along with the characters (though we start with just Dart) because as you get better at the first addition, then you get more that get progressively harder. Double Slash, for now, is simple enough. The higher level you are, the more difficult the addition is; pretty simple.
And I say you learn along with the characters because, in a way, you do. If you began with Dart, level 1, with, say, Madness Hero, you would throw down your controller and likely never pick it up again (sidebar: Madness Hero, though only 5 attacks, had me pulling my hair out for the longest time. Blazing Dynamo, at 7, was simple. But Madness Hero was all about fast attacks and precision; with Blazing Dynamo, you get a little bit of a reprieve between each attack). You have to work your way up to the more difficult additions, and with time, it gets easier.
Muscle memory is a big component to this game. My first play through I could barely do the additions, completing one of the higher level ones maybe 30% of the time (another sidebar: took me years to actually do a Perky Step. It was insane). I got better with time and practice. And now, even though I haven't played the game in a year or two, can stick the 4th disc in and pull out a perfect Demon's Dance without practicing. It is just one of those things that stick with you.
So attacks are good: not too hard, not too easy. Guarding is a good way to gain health, especially early in the game where you don't have much gold or healing potions. It is slow, obviously, and takes some patience, but a good idea to do if monsters are kicking your butt. And in those first few fights, you need that health, not having many/any healing items.
But you kick the Commander's butt and you find out Dart's childhood sweetie, Shana, was taken to Hellena Prison for nefarious, undisclosed reasons. Obviously Dart is going to have to save her.
Before you leave this area, it is good to think about talking to every NPC you come across. Some provide vital information, or information for sub-plots, and some are just hilarious. Plus, if you want to get some fighting practice, talk to Master Tasman, as he will teach you about additions.
Another note: Star Dust. There are 50 in the game, and for every 10, you get an item. You need all 50 to make an optional fight super easy. The very first one is in Seles.
First Timers: make sure you talk to the guy in the Forest--he is going to teach you about how to use items. especially offensive magics. If you don't have a turbo controller, you are going to need this practice time. with a turbo, you can get up to 260ish%. Without, the most I have ever gotten was maybe 170%.
At Hellena, you get to save the girl, save a knight, and generally kick some ass. Lavitz, the knight, and Shana join your group, making fights so much easier, even if Shana is a pansy.
Over the course of the first disc, new characters Rose, King Albert, and Haschel join your group as a badass, a girly-man and an old dude, in that order. You slay Dragons, become Dragon Knights (Dragoons), and solve puzzles (like that absolutely annoying level Shirley's Shrine. I want my treasure chests, damn it!). To find out how the game ends, how you get these characters and what not, you are going to have to play the game. Sorry.
For a game released almost 12 years ago in 2000, the graphics are considered very good--cut scenes are cutting edge for the time period. It has some fun soundtracks, with different ones for each area, so it doesn't get old very quickly.
This game is perfect for those who want a fun time, but aren't serious gamers. It is easy without being too easy, and has some challenges to keep everyone interested. It is also a good first-time RPG-er to get introduced to the genre. It isn't nearly as long as some games in the genre, but if you want to, there is a ton of extra stuff that you can easily stretch out to 60+ hours.
I've played this game a good six or seven times, and I have yet to get bored with it, which is kind of saying something. It is a classic!
General Stats
Concept: 8/10
Graphics: 9/10
Sound: 9/10
Playability: 10/10
Entertainment: 10/10
Replay Value: Very High
About the Game
Genre: Fantasy RPG
Length: 40-60 hours
Platform: Ps One Classic (also available on PSN for the PS3 and PSP)
Review and General Storyline
This game begins as a young man, Dart, returns home from a 3 year journey to find the "Black Monster," the creature who destroyed his childhood home and killed his parents. But, on the way, Dart gets attacked by a Dragon and is saved by a mysterious traveler--and then learns that the Dragon just came from his hometown.
Fast forward a few minutes as Dart runs through the forest until he gets to the smouldering ruins of Seles.
Cue fight music.
Now, the fighting in this game is simply ingenious. You learn along with the characters (though we start with just Dart) because as you get better at the first addition, then you get more that get progressively harder. Double Slash, for now, is simple enough. The higher level you are, the more difficult the addition is; pretty simple.
And I say you learn along with the characters because, in a way, you do. If you began with Dart, level 1, with, say, Madness Hero, you would throw down your controller and likely never pick it up again (sidebar: Madness Hero, though only 5 attacks, had me pulling my hair out for the longest time. Blazing Dynamo, at 7, was simple. But Madness Hero was all about fast attacks and precision; with Blazing Dynamo, you get a little bit of a reprieve between each attack). You have to work your way up to the more difficult additions, and with time, it gets easier.
Muscle memory is a big component to this game. My first play through I could barely do the additions, completing one of the higher level ones maybe 30% of the time (another sidebar: took me years to actually do a Perky Step. It was insane). I got better with time and practice. And now, even though I haven't played the game in a year or two, can stick the 4th disc in and pull out a perfect Demon's Dance without practicing. It is just one of those things that stick with you.
So attacks are good: not too hard, not too easy. Guarding is a good way to gain health, especially early in the game where you don't have much gold or healing potions. It is slow, obviously, and takes some patience, but a good idea to do if monsters are kicking your butt. And in those first few fights, you need that health, not having many/any healing items.
But you kick the Commander's butt and you find out Dart's childhood sweetie, Shana, was taken to Hellena Prison for nefarious, undisclosed reasons. Obviously Dart is going to have to save her.
Before you leave this area, it is good to think about talking to every NPC you come across. Some provide vital information, or information for sub-plots, and some are just hilarious. Plus, if you want to get some fighting practice, talk to Master Tasman, as he will teach you about additions.
Another note: Star Dust. There are 50 in the game, and for every 10, you get an item. You need all 50 to make an optional fight super easy. The very first one is in Seles.
First Timers: make sure you talk to the guy in the Forest--he is going to teach you about how to use items. especially offensive magics. If you don't have a turbo controller, you are going to need this practice time. with a turbo, you can get up to 260ish%. Without, the most I have ever gotten was maybe 170%.
At Hellena, you get to save the girl, save a knight, and generally kick some ass. Lavitz, the knight, and Shana join your group, making fights so much easier, even if Shana is a pansy.
Over the course of the first disc, new characters Rose, King Albert, and Haschel join your group as a badass, a girly-man and an old dude, in that order. You slay Dragons, become Dragon Knights (Dragoons), and solve puzzles (like that absolutely annoying level Shirley's Shrine. I want my treasure chests, damn it!). To find out how the game ends, how you get these characters and what not, you are going to have to play the game. Sorry.
For a game released almost 12 years ago in 2000, the graphics are considered very good--cut scenes are cutting edge for the time period. It has some fun soundtracks, with different ones for each area, so it doesn't get old very quickly.
This game is perfect for those who want a fun time, but aren't serious gamers. It is easy without being too easy, and has some challenges to keep everyone interested. It is also a good first-time RPG-er to get introduced to the genre. It isn't nearly as long as some games in the genre, but if you want to, there is a ton of extra stuff that you can easily stretch out to 60+ hours.
I've played this game a good six or seven times, and I have yet to get bored with it, which is kind of saying something. It is a classic!
Introductions: Why Now?
As it just so happens, I was trolling around while at my internship today (not very important), when a stroke of genius smacks me right across the toes--and knuckles--in the form of a story. Quite literally, I might add, nursing a sore foot where I dropped a box.
Now (still not very important), I am working this summer at a local newspaper, doing general, boring work. And it is completely obvious that I want nothing to do with daily newspapers when I graduate from college, I still want to write. Just not daily--and not for a newspaper.
Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against newspapers, nor daily publications. But it is boring. Set. Unoriginal.
I can't play with form. I can't play with style. I can't even add flowery imagery because, let's face it, newspapers are boring. And that is okay because that's how it is supposed to be.
But this genius idea (getting more important), is to write about something I love about once weekly. I love very little more than I love video games (writing and sleep--that's it), and I can use the practice of keeping a deadline. Hence: a video game blog. Best of both worlds. I get to write and I get to play. Win-win.
I've always wanted to write a walkthrough, but with YouTube the way it is, everyone and their Uncle has a guide out there, and it's better because it is a video. Video for video games--it just kind of makes sense.
But (very important now), game reviews sounds like a fun time. And I have played a lot of games in my day. Who cares if I add some spoilers (which I totally will, coincidentally) because that is half the fun, isn't it?
I still don't know what I am going to do when I graduate--novel writer, teacher, librarian, ace detective, etc--but I don't really like to think that far into the future. Makes my head hurt.
So I won't. I'll take this one day at a time (though more likely, one week every once and a while), because deadlines are boring.
And I hate being bored.
So sit back, relax, and enjoy my witty, sometimes sarcastic voice and general moodiness.
Now (still not very important), I am working this summer at a local newspaper, doing general, boring work. And it is completely obvious that I want nothing to do with daily newspapers when I graduate from college, I still want to write. Just not daily--and not for a newspaper.
Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against newspapers, nor daily publications. But it is boring. Set. Unoriginal.
I can't play with form. I can't play with style. I can't even add flowery imagery because, let's face it, newspapers are boring. And that is okay because that's how it is supposed to be.
But this genius idea (getting more important), is to write about something I love about once weekly. I love very little more than I love video games (writing and sleep--that's it), and I can use the practice of keeping a deadline. Hence: a video game blog. Best of both worlds. I get to write and I get to play. Win-win.
I've always wanted to write a walkthrough, but with YouTube the way it is, everyone and their Uncle has a guide out there, and it's better because it is a video. Video for video games--it just kind of makes sense.
But (very important now), game reviews sounds like a fun time. And I have played a lot of games in my day. Who cares if I add some spoilers (which I totally will, coincidentally) because that is half the fun, isn't it?
I still don't know what I am going to do when I graduate--novel writer, teacher, librarian, ace detective, etc--but I don't really like to think that far into the future. Makes my head hurt.
So I won't. I'll take this one day at a time (though more likely, one week every once and a while), because deadlines are boring.
And I hate being bored.
So sit back, relax, and enjoy my witty, sometimes sarcastic voice and general moodiness.
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