Muramasa Rebirth

Port Over of an Action RPG

As an action RPG, Muramasa Rebirth offers a slightly different kind of game play than most.

Some gamers might have noticed that Muramasa Rebirth looks a lot like Muramasa: The Demon Blade for Nintendo Wii. If nothing else, they might very well have noticed that because Demon Blade is one of the most prominent anime style RPGs of this type available to those who play games on the Wii. Muramasa Rebirth represents a port over of this game to the PlayStation Vita console, and because it doesn't use the Wii controller it might actually be considered the superior version.

Using Japanese Stories

Like the original Oboromuramasa, this PS Vita installment features a great deal of Shinto and traditional Japanese influence. Those who like to play these kinds of games are often fans of anime. Those who are certainly going to like scenes where the character Momohime goes along and ends up fighting an Oni spirit demon that is wielding a kanabo. Those who practice the martial arts or have a background in kabuki might also appreciate some of the themes more so than other gamers, as this game has a number of themes that those who are otherwise uninformed may not be able to recognize.

Top Vita developers like Marvelous AQL had their hand in the game, and while its single player those who play it have thus far not really considered this to be a drawback. It's the type of game that actually benefits and uses the single player setup to its advantage, even if it feels like a cross between an RPG and a fighting game at times.

Art Direction

Hashimoto Yoshifumi and George Kamitani worked on the game. Vanillaware in general has a very distinct style, and that's obvious in this game. They refer to their graphic development process as tenbineri, which is also known as hand shaping. These figures are generally 3D looking, but they're rendered completely from objects that stand as two-dimensional pixels instead of actual 3D models or anything of the sort. That gives all of their games a very unique look, which has certainly been well demonstrated by this particular title. The game is unique in its own right.

MLB 14: The Show

Major League Baseball Sports Title

The ninth entry in the MLB: The Show franchise is a great title for PS 3, 4 or Vita players.

PlayStation 3 and Vita players will be able to pick up MLB 14: The Show as soon as April, though PS 4 gamers will have to wait for March. The line up for play-by-play includes Matt Vasgersian, Eric Karros, and Steve Lyons. Fewer games have given much attention to stadium details, which is why it's so nice that the game has done so.

Attention to Detail

For instance, they actually took the time to hire a professional PA announcer to do the stadium voice over work for this game. Mike Carlucci has leant his talent to the game. He is known not only as the Dodger's PA man, but he also has worked for the Ducks and the Kings. He even did the Olympics a few times, which should certainly boost his popularity. Games have been giving this kind of attention to detail since NBA: The Life '06, '07 and '08, which the aforementioned Carlucci was also involved in. Some hockey fans might also know him because he leant his vocal talents to games in that respect as well.

The soundtrack to the game is where Sony Computer Entertainment has taken things to a whole new level though. At one point it would have been unheard of for alternative bands like Band of Skulls and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club to ever make it onto the soundtrack of an extremely mainstream game like this. While some people might make negative comments as to their inclusion, it's actually a positive and rather unexpected twist to be perfectly honest.

Regional Differences

Numerous people in the world of video game media have been commenting on how Miguel Cabera is the featured athlete on the cover. Strangely, though, this single-player and online multiplayer sports game will not feature the prominent Detroit Tigers first basemen on the cover in Canada. Brett Lawrie from the Toronto Blue Jays will be on it. Apparently Sony Computer Entertainment has been trying to attract more Canadian interest by putting in local talent when selling the game outside of the US. Though some people might consider baseball a relatively minor sport out of North America, there could be additional Latin or Japanese players on localized covers in the future as well according to some speculators.

FINAL FANTASY X|X-2 HD Remaster

Those who played the original Final Fantasy X or X-2 will find that not much changed in this new installment.

Anyone who is getting ready to purchase Final Fantasy X|X-2 HD Remaster should note that it's a collection. Those who want the to maybe reduce the physical size of their collection could look at this as a way of replacing a few discs and boxes with a single PS3 or Vita game. On the other hand, all of hte benefits of this game merely come from the fact that Final Fantasy X was one of the greatest Japanese RPGs of the modern era.

What's New in this Version

Essentially as a result there's nothing new in this version. Instead, the game is an HD reworking of the original two. Certainly fans will like to have a look at Yuna in all the new footage, but a few people have balked at the current designs. There was an image circulating in cyberspace showing the extent of these changes. Some footage in the cut scenes was actually modified for the sake of making it more suited to high definition televisions.

Interestingly while Naora Yusuke, Toriyama Motomu, Kobayashi Masaki and Matsuda Toshitaka were all onboard with the project they did not do much of the remastering work. Pan Feng from the Virtuos studio headquarters in Shanghai actually made the majority of the changes. As a result fans might actually note that the art is a little different. In some ways it's better, and might suggest that Virtuos could be going onto better things. Unfortunately they've developed a reputation for only working with licensed film properties, and this might be the way of changing some people's opinion of the firm.

Roleplaying Power

This is an RPG that even spurned an audio drama. Some people suggest that there might be a second sequel to X that could come around as a result of these new storylines. Gamers that want to play this game are primarily interested in the story, and they might look less to the game play as a result. Either way it should be noted that playing it is essentially like playing an anime.

FIFA 14

Cross Platform Soccer Action

Gamers who invested in the PS Vita will now be able to play the big sports games like FIFA 14 like they had on the full sized consoles.

Unlike a lot of other handheld soccer games, FIFA 14 on the PlayStation Vita actually focuses on the simulation side of thing. Make no mistake; this isn't the kind of game that has a great deal of arcade like play. While quick game options are available, the majority of players won't spend a lot of time with them. Seasons and the like are much closer to the core of the game play when it comes to FIFA 14.

Ignite Engine Features

Those who purchase FIFA 14 for the PlayStation 4 or Xbox One will have access to a new game engine called the Ignite Engine. It features a number of graphical and game-play changes that allegedly make the computer-controlled players act more like human ones. Since the PS Vita version won't feature the Ignite code some people have been claiming that it's a dumbed down version of the console top big brother. Nothing could be further from the truth, however.

Licenses are the big features that drive this sports game. There are 21 different Brazilian clubs that got licensed, for instance. All of the 20 from the 2013 season of the A series of Campeonato Brasileiro were added in. Chile's Campeonato Nacional Petrobra joins a few other South American teams as well. While there are some European teams as well, the fact that they added all of these South American teams to the mix is really heating up the media. The addition of countries like Poland to the mix, however, should not be missed. It's exciting to enjoy matches involving top eastern European athletes, and the Polish team will not disappoint.

International Game Covers

It's always important to consider who makes it onto the cover of a sports game, and different athletes made it onto the cover of this one. Americans who purchase the game will get a shot of Javier Hernandez, while Australians will be admiring Tim Cahill. Polish gamers will cheer for Robert Lewandowski while Gareth Bale is prominently featured in the United Kingdom and in Ireland.

Dragon's Crown

2D Fantasy Action RPG for Vita

Those who have been playing video games for some time will especially like Dragon's Crown.

Vanillaware developed Dragon's Crown, and they're already known for their work with the Muramasa release on the PD Vita. The company is described as consisting primarily of artists, and that means that the game continues to maintain the unique art style that many of their games are noted for. Additionally it has a connection to a Sega Saturn game that some really serious hardcore fans might already have in their collections.

Connections to Other Titles

Those who might have enjoyed Golden Axe will certainly enjoy Dragon's Crown. In some ways the game actually appears rather close to the original Sega Genesis title, but clearly transported over to the far more current PS Vita. An online mode allows four players to play at once, which again increases the feel of this being something rather like an old time brawling title.

While there are stats sheets and there are elements that make this an action role-playing title, it really does have far more in common with a brawler. Of course the fantasy theme and the setting of the Kingdom of Hydeland help to bolster the RPG feeling that the game has, but overall it really is a brawler. Those who primarily play fighting games or the like will especially enjoy it considering the controls. Moreover as it has some semblance of a cell shaded game it really starts to look like a fighter in some ways.

Those familiar with Princess Crown for Sega Saturn will see some connections, and this is sort of a spiritual successor to that game. Some people have called it the most gorgeous RPG ever, and that same look has come over to the Dragon's Crown arena as well.

Development of the Game

What might interest some fans is that George Kamitani claims to have been working on Dragon's Crown for years. He said that the game was conceived immediately after Princess Crown came out for Sega Saturn. The original version of Dragon's Crown would actually have been a Dreamcast title, and that fact might help to explain why it appears so much like some other great Sega games.

Demon Gaze

Dungeon Crawl RPG with an Unusual Twist

Those who've already played Demon Gaze have said it resembles Harvest Moon combined with the original Final Fantasy.

Those who can think back and actually say that they loved the first Final Fantasy game or its GBA remake should definitely fall squarely in the intended demographic of Demon Gaze. This new PS Vita dungeon crawler allows games to control a young man named Oz. With a magical eye capable of sealing away demons, Oz would have enough trouble already if it weren't for the fact that he were expected to form relationships with NPCs left and right.

Spending Money at the Inn

A good portion of the game play involves dungeon crawling and fighting around monsters that gamers find on missions. Immediately after leaving these dungeons though, people will probably want to go back and use their loot at the inn. Rather than having a town and village system like every Adventure of Link clone ever has used, Demon Gaze uses a primary inn that allows players to spend their money and upgrade the party.

On top of this, Oz is expected to form relationships and interact with the NPCs that are in the inn. These interactions form a core part of the game play that actually have helped to separate it from many other anime inspired RPGs. Summoning spells and the like allow players to bring those that they have defeated back. Since Oz can seal demons, when players defeat demons they're able to actually then use them as summoned monsters. This actually has drawn some unnecessary comparisons to the Monster Rancher series, though Demon Gaze doesn't actually focus too much on training or anything to that effect.

Development Information

Kadokawa developed this game, and they're well known by fans of anime and manga. As a result it shouldn't come as any surprise that Kurono was involved with the Demon Gaze spin off media. In fact there's a manga that's being serialized in Dengeki Maoh based on the events in the game. Those who have some ability to collect information explained in this manga may actually be able to put it to use in the game, though its unlikely that this will ever see an official release in any form of western media unfortunately.

Deception IV: Blood Ties

Anime RPG for Vita and PS3

By revisiting an older Tecmo game, Deception IV brings back interesting strategies to modern gamers

Those who play Deception IV: Blood Ties are in for a really interesting twist in the way that the game is played. The object is to prevent the enemy from ever reaching the player. To do so, the player has to end up using a variety of traps to keep them from approaching. This is certainly a lot different from the game play in many other titles.

Using Traps in the Game

Players can choose between rolling boulders, flames, spring boards, electrocution, spiky walls, bathtubs that fall out of the sky, an iron maiden, railway locomotives, human cannons and other types of traps to ensure that the enemy is defeated. Proper timing is always the best, considering that one false move will make the traps instead activate on the player. Combinations that are used to humiliate or brutalize the opposition make up a main portion of the game play. By using the touch screen on the PS Vita players are easily able to set off different types of traps, which make it ultimately more suited for handheld gamers than those who would have played the original game on a full sized console.

More or less the game follows Laegrinna, who is a daughter of a demon that created her using a fragment of his own soul. These twelve Saints who sealed him up using certain scriptures then defeated the devil. The Holy Verses were divided into 12 different objects that were sent to descendants of the saints. By collecting them, Laegrinna is going to be able to help out her father. Those interested in the story will probably start to wonder whether they had intended to make the player character evil, or whether there will be some plot twists considering the verbiage the developers ultimately elected to use.

Deception on Vita

While it's certainly not the first RPG to come to Vita, it's going to be one of the best according to all of the remarks people have made about it. It combines both storyline with an action RPG feel, which is different from many games in this category. In fact a few people have even started to make comparisons with the Children of Mana release a few years back for Nintendo DS.

DanganRonpa: Trigger Happy Havoc

Action-Adventure RPG

Trigger Happy Havoc has both elements of classic RPGs and visual novels.

While one might call this installment of the DanganRonpa series a murder mystery visual novel, even that's not giving it enough credit. The creators of the game had genuinely intended to make a meta-series with it. It was initially released in Japan for PlayStation Portable in 2010, and the remake was released by NIS America for Vita players in 2014.

Other Media and Gaming

Players of Trigger Happy Havoc should note that the game is intended to go along with Lerche's television anime adaptation. There were additionally two manga adaptations, and the game has been novelized twice. Individuals who play this installment and genuinely love it should certainly check out Zettai Zetsubo Shojo: Danganronpa AnotherEpisode if it ever actually comes to this continent.

Hope's Peak Academy is where most of the game takes place. This elite high school requires students to commit murders if they don't wish to be imprisoned at the academy forever. Class trials are held to attempt to catch those who are committing the murders. Several students are killed throughout the course of the game, and it's going to be up to the player to handle these grizzly murders. If they play their cards right then they might be able to get to the bottom of the mystery and figure out why everyone is being held here against their will and all. Otherwise they too could be trapped at Hope's Peak for the rest of their lives.

Intended Audience

Since the game play is sort of like the game play in the Ace Attorney series, those who like to unravel a mystery will certainly be attracted to it but perhaps the biggest comparison someone could make is to Death Note. Fans of the Death Note anime and manga will probably be attracted to this more than anything else. It has characters that even resemble the thought processes of L and Light to some degree, though it's very clear that it wasn't actually intended to be a derivative work of that series in any way. There are also some elements that borrow from the mecha genre, and this has certainly helped to broaden out the appeal all things considered.

Conception II: Children of the Seven Stars

Turn-based Roleplaying Game with Anime art

This Japanese role-playing game features downloadable content, which might really attract an interesting class of fan.

Children of the Seven Stars is a sequel to a game that was never released to English speaking audiences. While this game might be coming out for PlayStation Vita, Nintendo 3DS players might want to have a look at it as well. Those who liked first generation anime games for the Nintendo DS will certainly love Conception II, since it has all the turn-based battles and storyline that a game from that genre would be expected to have.

Those who don't really care for RPGs aren't the intended audience, so the developer had quite a bit of fun working without having to worry about the market that they were going to actually sell the game to. It sort of had a built-in audience so to speak.

Charming Sequel

Ore no Kodomo o Undekure for PlayStation Portable never left Japan, and it has a slightly unusual plotline. Japanese speakers would note that Conception Part I's title suggests it could have something to do with giving birth, and the overarching story involves a main character named Yuge Itsuki trying to charm pure innocent girls. This isn't an eroge, so those who have a certain fear about very serious material in visual novels shouldn't have to worry about picking up a title if they happen to speak Japanese. The character charms these girls to have offspring of a sort with them.

Rather than literally charming them in a romantic sense, though, he has to have Star Children with them by pouring out energy at the Granvania National Star God Academy. Conception II picks up with this slightly offbeat story, but doesn't require gamers to have ever played the original. It's a stand-alone title so English speakers don't have to fear. It also has some interesting downloadable content, like a boss battle with Monokuma from Danganronpa.

Looking at Teasers

From what's currently known in the North American and Japanese media, this is a standard Japanese role playing game. An RPG like this might very well focus primarily on grinding techniques, and has even been compared to the Persona series. As a result hardcore gamers are certainly going to love it straight out of the box.

The Amazing Spider-Man

To be honest, The Amazing Spider-Man is the most confusing number in the Vita’s collection of games. Why? Let me clarify:

• The movie it’s based on was released all the way back in mid 2012
• The game (across all major platforms) was originally released along with the movie
• The sequel game/movie are due to come out in a few months

With the following puzzle in mind, one can’t help but concede that the game has been released at a very odd time. Nonetheless, it’s good to see that The Amazing Spider-Man fills the particular niche of household third-person action games in PS Vita’s library, a category which the platform has been lacking in despite its vast array of various types of games.

Those who have played The Amazing Spider-Man on other platforms would be well-versed with the sheer size of the game. With that in mind, the main concern regarding the game’s PS Vita edition is whether or not the Vita would be able to handle the game without compromising on anything.

Well, let me break it to you: if you’re hoping for a perfect port of the game’s PS3 version then you’re in for a huge disappointment. It’s obvious that sacrifices needed to be made to make sure the wide-open New York City fits onto the Vita.

Plot (3/5)
The first of those sacrifices were, not surprisingly, the looks, which are quite ugly to be honest. Apart from that, the storyline is basically the same as the console version, which takes place not long after the events of the movie. Along with that, you’re free to roam around in an open world (New York City), stop crimes and collect some 700+ comic book pages which you will find throughout the city. Yes, there are a few hiccups here and there during cut scenes and combats but overall the game runs relatively well.

Gameplay (4/5)
The gameplay is good enough to hold up to scrutiny. The web swinging action you would expect is a rewarding setup, enabling you to put together big combos along with your spidey-sense constantly giving you the opportunity to evade and counter the attacks from various enemies. The stealth takedowns are also quite invaluable as they prove handy in a number of missions and you’ll find them particularly fun.

This brings us to the ultimate question; is The Amazing Spider-Man’s PS Vita edition any good or not? Well, the first impression with those bitter graphics would certainly be a negative one. But the game overall manages to be a complete package. And it goes without saying that yes, The Amazing Spider-Man on the Vita manages to pass as a good game.

Final Thoughts
Roaming around New York City would certainly give your memory a few glimpses of the legendary Gravity Rush as The Amazing Spider-Man provides you a similar sense of “Let’s explore the world!” Although, the game being nowhere near to the action-adventure is still a welcome addition to the Vita’s library and is definitely recommended for those who’re in the mood for some exciting open-world adventure.

Mario Party: Island Tour

Mario Party: Island Tour is the first from the legendary series to visit the 3DS. The game follows the format of Mario Party 9 but differs from the formula. It offers various boards that have a unique gameplay and different play times. The game is indeed, a fine addition to the franchise that is well-capable of challenging all Mario Party fans. Why? Let’s discuss.

Plot (2/5)
Island Tour doesn’t trick you or keep you confused as all it simply does is invite you to the party. Upon selecting Party Mode, you have the option to choose from six new game boards with an extra board which can be unlocked later on. Each board offers a unique experience.


Gameplay (4/5)
Solo Players can access multiple options such as Collectables, StreetPass Mini-games as well as Browser’s Tower.

Browser’s Tower is the main attraction of the solo mode. It provides you good company when you have no one around to play with, offering you a gimmick-filled challenge in which you have to make your way to the top of the tower while facing computer players on each level. After every five levels, the Browser sends a boss that you have to battle. If you conquer the tower you earn new rewards.

Furthermore, Download Play is the main attraction of the game which provides room for up to four people to play Party and Mini-game modes.

On one of its boards, the game simply requires the collection of Mini Stars. But other boards do offer special features such as boosters and bonus cards that can be used as well as event spaces on the dice. The variety of challenges each board offers is a welcome feature as it ensures you enjoy every board with more than just a theme change.

Inventive mini-games that use the 3DS’ console features such as the gyroscope keep things unique and interesting. They are all easy to understand, although the overly repeated directions and controls might tick you off at times in modes that have a number of mini-games, specifically due to the fact that they cannot be skipped. The versatility of the game doesn’t end there as you can also play the mini-games in a variety of other modes, such as Time Attack and Hot-Air Hijinks.

The collectables turn into Mario Party Points, which can be used to buy bubbles that include board game areas and characters. Unlocking bubbles and earning points are both very simple and can be completed quite easily.

Final Thoughts
Mario Party: Island Tour is a brilliant addition to the 3DS’ library, with crisp graphics that utilize 3D quite well and an exciting soundtrack that fits each mini-game and board. The only area where it lacks is an online multiplayer mode. Apart from that, each mode of the game is easy to pick up, master and play with friends anytime. In short, Mario Party: Island Tour offers you exactly what you would wish for in a portable party game and is a well-suited party game to the 3DS, something which was long overdue.

The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds

The 3DS at last has its own Zelda to brag about with “A Link Between Worlds” being a perfect mix of new and old to excite fans.

First thing is first, were the developers kidding with these graphics?

Story (1/5)
Moving on, there’s nothing new about the entirely inconsequential story. There’s a bad guy called Yuga who’s here from an alternate dimension and he wants to unleash Ganon yet again. That is pretty much all of it, apart from the part where Link gets zapped by the bad guy but survives, only to find out that he can now morph into a 2D version of himself whenever he wants thanks to the magic attack.


Gameplay (3/5)
This is what the game’s main gimmick is about as during gameplay you can merge into flat surfaces and proceed moving horizontally as long as the stamina gauge allows you to (which is initially 10 seconds) or until you encounter a 3D obstacle. Due to the strict top-down camera angle, a large number of secrets hidden in the game are discovered upon the move into 2D.

The 2D ability is more essentially used for a number of puzzles, which are solved once you learn how to merge onto moving platforms and slip past grates. But that’s not it. The game has a number of other impressive features in its armory, including the best collection of dungeons that you would hardly find in any other installment in the series.

The point where this game starts diverting from the same formula that follows every other Zelda game is when you realize you can choose to tackle the dungeons in any order you like. Upon reaching the main quest of the game when you land in the alternate world of Lorule, you are provided with a map that includes seven dungeons. And that’s where the fun begins, as you’re pretty much left on your own to work everything out all by yourself.

If there is something bad about the game other than its hideous graphics, then I’d say the fairly easy boss battles. As compared to the standard set by previous Zelda games, the boss battles are a letdown with little to know space to move in and absolutely no advanced tactics to utilize.

Comparatively, if you set out to explore the overworld then you’ll be in for quite an experience. The entire exploration is seemingly unending and it gets even more interesting with the addition of hidden caves and heart segments. Further features that deserve top recognition include the series of smaller dungeons that you can discover and visit and the mini-games that can be played to win special prizes.

Final Thoughts
To sum it all up, A Link Between Worlds offers some of the most impressive dungeons that you wouldn’t find in the rest of the series. Although, the little too easy gameplay and the rubbish graphics might be the biggest drawbacks but the game still passes with flying colors as long as you ask me.

The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds

Injustice: Gods Among Us - Ultimate Edition

The PS Vita has quite an extensive range of outstanding fighting games. Injustice: Gods Among Us – Ultimate Edition is a welcome addition to that list, bringing to the console an alluring and interesting single player story involving the infamous alternative DC Comics universe that the fans will certainly admire.

Gameplay (3/5)
If you’re also a fan of the latest Mortal Kombat addition which was released on the Vita like me, then you’ll probably have no trouble at all adjusting to the fight controls of Injustice. The fights are pretty simple; one-v-one and you fight for three rounds until you lose. The controls are defined below and couldn’t be much easier:

Square: Light Strike
Triangle: Medium Hit
Cross: Heavy Attack

If you combine directional buttons with these, or press any two of them together then you can modify the attacks:

Down + Cross: Sweep/Knock Opponent Off Their Feet
Square + Cross: Throw/Counter

Then we have the special moves which are, not surprisingly, based on a combination of multiple buttons and typically have your character use its superpowers. This is where the game differs from regular fighting games that you would encounter as it places a great deal of importance on combo moves and juggling your opponents in mid air. The easy-to-adapt controls will get you pulling off all of these amazing combos in no time, even though they may be a bit tricky to perform.

You will also find a number of inputs that counter and deflect attacks. And the list of options expands even further with various inputs offering recovery from falls, dashes that allow you to move quickly around the arena as well as maneuvers that enable you to utilize the environment. The fight sequence becomes more interesting thanks to the addition of a three-tier power meter which can be used to unleash superpowers, or ‘super special’ as it is termed in the game.

The overall play is prompt and dynamic. And it is well-complemented thanks to a single player mode that seamlessly transforms cut-scenes to gameplay. Although, the change of models from detailed renders to pretty carelessly designed characters with dull colors may be a bit of a disappointment, nonetheless the characters are pretty smooth during battle and punches land quite convincingly. Plus, the epic soundtrack will get you pumped up for sure!


Plot (4/5)
As far as the story is concerned, you will notice it to be surprisingly dark. But why wouldn’t it be when you have superheroes like Superman and Batman in the mix? You will see all of these characters in ways you might’ve never seen in the comics and the cartoons.

Furthermore, there are a variety of exciting features such as Ad-Hoc, WiFi multiplayer, complex missions and trinkets to unlock that will effectively boost the amount of fun you would have with this game.

Final Thoughts
All in all, Injustice: Gods Among Us – Ultimate Edition is a strong contender in the already crowded pool of fighting games on the PS Vita. The game may be quite hard on newbies. But for seasoned fighting gamers, it’s a treasure.

Injustice: Gods Among Us Ultimate Edition - PlayStation Vita

Ys: Memories of Celceta

The next game in the Ys series has arrived – the much awaited Ys: Memories of Celceta. And if you ask me, I’m all up for praising this game as much as I can. I do believe that it is indeed too early into the analysis to claim this but along the way I’ll be shedding light on some important and impressive features of the game that will surely get your attention for all the right reasons.

Plot (3/5)
For those who are no strangers to the series, the game has all the things that made us fall in love with Ys Seven. The quiet, red-haired explorer named Adol is again the protagonist and he’s on his way to an epic quest which involves discovering a huge map for many reasons like before. Like the previous installment, you’ve a team of friends that you need to look after along with your inventories and all the usual stuff (pardon my lack of emphasis but I find these details boring).


Gameplay (4/5)
The most important aspect though, is that much similar to Ys Seven, the series’ latest installment is keen on moving forward at a decent pace. In terms of combat, it’s all real-time and focused on button-mashing. Encounter an enemy, hit them, move forward; that’s all there is. In order to keep your characters moving you can keep tapping X and they’ll run, roll and jump as fast as possible, so you don’t have to sit for countless hours watching them move at the pace of a snail. Although there are occasional slowdowns for dialogue, but that’s as far as it goes. The side quests might require a bit of effort but you wouldn’t find any of it too difficult. The primary stuff you require can be acquired from defeating enemies. Further, there won’t be any hide and seek with objects that can be smashed to yield additional items as all of these objects will be clearly chalked out on your map.

Which brings us to the point – Ys’ has a phenomenal map! You don’t have to ponder and revisit places you’ve already been to; you don’t need to do that! All thanks to the percentage system which tells you exactly how much of the map you’ve discovered so far. This is a highly useful feature since the initial plot point of the game focuses around getting rewarded for mapping the entire forest.
And since we’re going on about usefulness, I think the game’s save system deserves some praises. Simply put, you can save the game anytime and anywhere (except for cutscenes). Yes, this is a dream come true.

Final Thoughts
Come to think of it, I wouldn’t mind saying that this game is a gift sent from the heavens above for PS Vita gamers who had been searching for some sign! Similar to its predecessor’s fame on the PSP, Ys: Memories of Celceta is definitely among the best of what Vita has to offer. The ability to switch characters in and out of the gameplay and possess their different weapons and skills, to see different effects on the game earns top recognition from my side. Easy, quick and exciting; there’s no reason as to why you wouldn’t like the game!

Pokémon X & Y

Pokémon X and Y make up the 6th generation of the series. The latest installment of the franchise is mainly focused on the community. From the very beginning of your journey into the game, there isn’t a moment where you’d feel alone.

Plot (3/5)
This is partly due to the group of NPC friends that you’ll be heading out with. From the start of your campaign, these guys will remain with you at all times along the way. Apart from that the beginning is pretty much how it’s supposed to be; you’ll get to pick your first Pokémon from 3 starters. But the ones that don’t make the cut will be chosen by your team. Similarly, you will be facing such decisions up ahead which will offer small choices but your decisions will have quite an impact on how you progress.

The companionship, like stated before, is indeed a strong feature, but it isn’t just due to your NPC friends. The new player search system is the main ingredient which makes this game all the while interesting. It uses your 3DS’ net/wireless connectivity to give you a list of real life trainers who’d be playing the game near you. They will all be bunched along as passers-by but after interactions, they can also be promoted as acquaintances or friends. The various sorts of interactions that you can do with them including trading, gifting powers and messaging, are the real treat and the main reason why you will feel as if you’re playing with an entire network of trainers.


Gameplay (4/5)
Other than that, another key feature of the game is the fast progression. Unlike the previous installments, you will now be able to progress at a fairly quicker speed. In the very first few minutes of your game, you’ll already secure remarkable achievements such as your first gym badge. You’ll also acquire roller skates, which are a lifesaver that won’t let you die of boredom while you traverse the map.

It’s good to see more new additions in the series such as the Pokémon-amie, an interface in which you can play, pet or feed your Pokémon. This feature is a well-crafted distraction from the main storyline.
The franchise had long been lurking towards full 3D but Pokémon X and Y have at last taken the final step towards it. The switch to 3D has made way for some mesmerizing graphics in the game. Further enhancements include the ability to move diagonally across the world which is a refreshing change from the rather shackled, four directional movement.

Final Thoughts
With a history as rich as the Pokémon franchise’s, it must be very difficult to manage new installments. However, the developers have laid it all down quite well, and the game, instead of being depressed, is rather excited by its rich history. The latest installment is not only just a monster-hunting RPG but is also a decent social networking tool. And these two key features of the game are set to revolutionize the series to an extent where even the fans that had given up on the series wouldn’t mind giving this one a try.

Sorcery Saga: Curse of the Great Curry God

Simply put, you wouldn’t find a simpler and more straightforward game on the Vita than Sorcery Saga. The game is a dungeon-crawler in its entirety; a dungeon-crawler that would surely have you going crazy thanks to its insanity.

Why am I saying that? Because I want to remind you how awful the subtitle sounds if you’ve happened to overlook it. “Curse of the Great Curry God” – what was Compile Heart thinking with that?

Plot (2/5)
And it just doesn’t conclude on the subtitle; the storyline is flat out bizarre as well. Let me walk you through it: you’re a heroic young girl named Pupuru who’s in a quest to save a curry restaurant that her friend owns. Why does it require being saved? Well, because it’s being battered in the market by a huge curry chain restaurant which happens to have opened up nearby. In order to do this, you have to put together the ingredients for a legendary curry. But making that task difficult for you is the owner of the curry chain who has eavesdropped on your plan and has sent a team of his own in search of the same ingredients.

Plus, you have this Pokemon-looking creature that accompanies you in your quest, which is also a pain in the neck as it keeps crying and attracting monsters if you don’t feed it constantly. Furthermore, it doesn’t just end on the occasional chat-ups with a disturbingly-dressed young girl who keeps uttering about the Curry God as there’s also an evil prince who’s overly obsessed with you and wants you as his future wife. And it is possible that the Pokemon-looking thingy is that prince’s father.

Yup, just your routine story.


Gameplay (1/5)
Anyhow, I might add that Sorcery Saga’s overly complex story can obscure the fact that the game is astonishingly simple – AND astonishingly stupid. Going through every dungeon, you have to grind your way out while carefully attempting to build up your stats. When you’re done, you do it all over in the next dungeon. Apart from getting the feeling of being stuck in a time loop, what drains whatever that is left of your excitement is starting back at Level 1 regardless of your progress in the previous dungeon.

Yes, it doesn’t matter how strong you might’ve grown in the first dungeon as in the next one you’ll start over from ground zero.

On the bright side, crafting across the game allows you to carry a variety of weapons into each new dungeon, which means you have a fighting chance. But if you die, which you certainly will, you lose all of them. Fun, right!?

Final Thoughts
Of course, this is where the ‘interesting’ storyline plays its part. If there is one good thing about Sorcery Saga, it is the storyline’s ability to draw you in and keep you occupied. Although you’ll pretty much be fighting the odds in this terribly difficult dungeon-crawler all the time, but you would be doing so happily, thanks to the oh-so-jolly ambiance of the game.

Adventure Time: Explore the Dungeon Because I DON'T KNOW!

You can guess the genre as the name suggests, “Explore the Dungeon” is a dungeon crawler in its entirety. It offers you a 100-floor labyrinth that needs to be completed.

Adventure Time: Explore the Dungeon Because I DON'T KNOW! on the 3DS is shameful. Yes, I’m sure there are an insane amount of fans of the retro games niche but when they’ll play a game as lazy as this one, they’d rather feel ashamed of their favorite genre. The whole game basically seems a rush-job, with awful animations all around and cut-scenes looking as if they were made using MS Paint.

Plot (1/5)
Although the game comes without any solid plot, that’s fine. The story revolves around you following Princess Bubblegum’s orders and trying to get to the bottom of prisoners’ outbreaks from the dungeon. You can choose Finn, Marceline, Jake or Cinnamon Bun along with a few other unlockable characters. But it doesn’t really matter as to which character you choose because the story is entirely the same with each choice.


Gameplay (1/5)
The same lack of effort can be seen in the overall gameplay as well. Moving at a snail’s pace with no option to run seems a nightmare in itself, but it is coupled with a perpetual frame-rate issue. In simple words, the entire game seems to run in slow motion.

You have the routine button configuration with buttons for attack, block, dodge, super power and sub-weapons. The worst part is that you don’t even need mix any of these up as your normal attacks are enough to help you move along the game.

All the different characters have their own distinctive styles or powers. Jake and Marceline allow you to traverse gaps whereas Fin enables you to equip more items. But in the end it doesn’t really matter which character you choose as regardless of your selection, you can breeze through the game without any serious challenges. Boring, right?

Yeah, the first few floors are a good start to the game. But you would soon realize that each level is a flat-out repeat of the previous one and you’re pretty much stuck in a timeloop for 10 levels unless a new theme arises.

The enemies are poorly designed and barely resemble characters from the animated series, and the bosses are no different. The dungeon layouts are based upon the same formula which consists of a staircase that is always on the opposite end of your starting point. The vague foe designs plus the inability to gain experience from killing them couple to ensure you that you’re only wasting your time ‘exploring’ in Explore the Dungeon.

Final Thoughts
I honestly believe that while this game was under its development process for the 3DS, somebody should’ve had a look and scrapped the project completely. Because it is safe to say that Adventure Time: Explore the Dungeon Because I DON'T KNOW! is a total disaster and WayForward has really set an example for others now.

‘Toukiden: The Age of Demons’: Epic Monster Killing Fun on PlayStation Vita

If you are into hunting giant monsters, Playstation Vita has something special for you. Following from the Ragnarok Odyssey and God Eater 2, here is Toukiden: The Age of Demons, a reason to invest in the Vita if you’re crazy about demons and dragons. The developer Omega Force of the Dynasty Warrior series fame contributes to our expectations on what Toukiden has in store for us. Here is a brief rundown of the game:

The Plot (4/5)
Toukiden is an adventure in a medieval Japanese fantasy world. In the preamble, we are told that a great demon emerged from the underworld and laid siege to the land of Nakatsu Kuni 8 years ago. Nakatsu Kuni is traditionally protected by warriors known as mononofu. It is up to the protagonist and other characters from Utakata Village to lead the final battle against the oni demons.


The Gameplay (4/5)
Toukiden is a third-person game. Each player is able to customize their choice of weapons, armor, and skills. Collect ‘mitama’, or souls, during the game to acquire special skills. The oni monsters are also divided into several categories, and slaying each one rewards you with collectibles and upgrades.

As soon as you enter the game, you have to fight off a gigantic monster without any prior training. But this balanced by the fact that being killed by the monster is highly unlikely. Toukiden excels in this respect by other games in the genre by taking you straight to the action, instead of giving you hour-long walkthroughs.

Other Tips
It is worth noting here that if you have been following the Monster Hunt games, you will find Toukiden’s combat mechanics familiar:

• The left and right sticks control movement and the camera
• Holding down the Left Trigger enables lock-on
• Square launches light and fast attacks
• Triangle launches slow and strong attacks
• Circle launches “special attack” depending on the weapon equipped (these drain the character’s stamina)
• X is the all-purpose button

In addition, most weapons allow you to chain these attacks according to your preferences. What else? The life and stamina bars are at the upper left corner of the screen. Note that the stamina only depletes when characters perform actions like running and dodging, and especially while launching special attacks. The bar itself doesn’t need no maintenance.

Final Thoughts
Considering the demos released in the US, Toukiden is nothing short of a massive, fantasy, dragon slaying experience. You will immediately find yourself indulged in weapon crafting and upgrading, adding sockets to weapons to equip ‘mitama’. Not to mention, the online and multiplayer and modes offers tons of team action.

All in all, Toukiden is the best choice for Vita players who are new to the Japanese dragon hunt genre. Since the game takes you right to the ‘battle zone’, new players will find it highly convenient to see what the genre is all about. Of course, this also means that Toukiden may not please diehard fans of giant monster hunts, but it is worth your time and money. Go through the demo today and do download Toukiden on your Vita.

Bravely Default for Nintendo 3DS: A Review by Default

Bravely Default is the new title in the Nintendo 3DS library that attempts to resurface Japanese RPGs. The following is an overview of what the game is all about:

Plot (3/5)
The basic framework of Bravely Default is not novel, for you find quests, job points, an overworld map, battle music, and of course, the battles themselves. The plot itself is nothing new - a village is laid to waste by a mysterious force. It is up to a beautiful girl, Agnes Oblige, to embark on the mission of bringing the village back to life.

It must be noted, however, that Nintendo 3DS cameras and an AR market has been used to play the opening sequence in augmented reality impressively.


Goals (4/5)
Agnes is joined on her quest by Tiz, who is another character from the devastated village. Your goal is to rebuild the village. To do so, your character is given a map along with supernatural powers, allowing you to supervise the reconstruction of the village. Tasks will be assigned to the villagers, and as always, you will have to earn more workers to get jobs done faster. The ‘StreetPass’ option helps you in this regard, and you can also use Sleep Points (explained below). Ultimately, you are left to decide whether to speed up the building process, or see the village come to life as you complete other quests.

Playing Techniques
You can attack up to 4 times in a row. This is the ‘Brave’ feature that you can avail from the start, but it will prevent you from making the same number of attacks after the blows land. The ‘Default’ feature on the other hand works like this:

Your character will not attack for a certain amount of points while absorbing attacks from the enemy. This helps you accumulate ‘Brave Points’ which enable you to launch multiple attacks.

Let’s talk about the Sleep Points. These can be earned by going into Sleep Mode while the game is running. Alternately, you can purchase Sleep Points with real money via the eShop. You may actually be forced to avail this option since the former process takes 8 hours to generate one Sleep Point! Once earned, these points allow you to freeze time in the game. So, you can attack even when it’s not your turn. Helpful during intense battles.

Presentation (4/5)
Bravely Default - Nintendo 3DS features rich presentation, highly impressive for a handheld RPG. You will enjoy the silky smooth 3D effects at the flick of the 3D Slider. The background is worthy of special mention, and it plays an instrumental role in not only launching the story of Agnes, but denoting high and low points of your battles. Without a doubt, the developers have taken a lot of care to design the overall feel of the game.

To Play or Not to Play?
Will you enjoy Bravely Default? It kind of depends on much you like sitting through sagas, managing workforces, and running around in magical worlds that remind you of your Super Nintendo playing days. But all in all, Bravely Default manages to deliver a high level of quality, and you will find it hard to put down once you begin playing.