New Traveler is a solid RPG on PSP, though it does little to distinguish itself from the rest of the roleplaying genre.
Gameplay 7- By-the-book RPG format: start at point A, get info on where to go, head to point B and tackle a dungeon and boss along the way. Combat in the game is very straightforward, and quite simple. Due to ample healing abilities items were almost never used.
One unique thing about the game is that damaging enemies replenishes your MP (BP in New Traveler) so your special attacks can be used almost non-stop. The more you keep certain party members in the fighting group the more they 'bond' and learn combo attacks.
Another different thing is that money is not earned from battle itself. For about the first half of the game you will be relying on items that drop from encounters that are specifically to sell. Once a certain point is reached you will be able to collect 'bounties' the amount of money (tems) which will depend on how many monsters you have killed since the last time you have talked to the branch chief to collect it.
Graphics 9- Here is where New Traveler really shines. It is one of the best-looking games on the Portable. There is virtually no slow-down at all accept at times during special attack animations. Though I have the feeling this is intentional to make the specials feel more vibrant. Some specials even trigger real-time and during-combat CGI scenes, which is an interesting touch.
Sound 7- Pretty generic as far as RPG games go. A bit of voice overs are tossed in during combat.
Fun Factor 6- The game is not terrible by any means, I just cant help feel Ive done this before dozens of times from being a roleplaying game fan. Random battles also have a quite high frequency which eventually adds to the monotony.
Replay Value 6- You can add guest characters to your party whenever you want after you beat the game, but there doesnt seem to be any New Game +. Dont let this make you pass the game up however. New Traveler is well worth the $15 download if you cant a retail copy.
My Final Score- 35/50 (7.0)