• 30Nov 09

  "Our weapons are love." "Justice." "SEXUALITY!"

  Tales of Vesperia is the kind of game that once you start playing it you simply can't stop. Vesperia doesn't really do anything new for the genre, but it manages to be everything you could ask for in a videogame. From fun and exciting battles, beautiful graphics, a moody soundtrack, a good story that shines because of it's brilliant characters, wonderful dialogue, and how surprisingly mature the entire game ends up being. Tales of Vesperia is like a dream come true, especially for fans of the role-playing genre.
  
  The game starts off at a brisk pace as you're introduced to a world run by blastia, stones that manage magic in the game's world from weapons to the barriers surrounding towns to keep the monsters out. In fact, Tales of Vesperia may be the only game that really explains why there are so many monsters running around on the overworld right from the very start. You control Yuri Lowell, an ex-knight who may get into trouble often but means well, as he chases after a blastia thief in the city. As Yuri continues on his misadventures he and his dog Repede befriend an eclectic cast of characters, from the naïve and innocent Estelle, the young and frightful Karol, headstrong and feisty Rita, the mischievous and perverted Raven and the mysterious and beautiful Judith. What initially seems as a group of clichéd characters in a Japanese game turns out to be one of the best cast of characters ever put in a game as the core group outshines and leaves behind there seemingly trite descriptions. You'll want to see how each character overcomes his or her struggle, what they're truly striving for and how they achieve it.
  
  The characters are all brimming with sass and charm and work together wonderfully. Even victories following a battle, which are usually forgettable in most RPGs really shine as a humorous outlet for these characters to further interact with one another. Various skits come up while playing as well, though they are all completely optional you'll be compelled to see them all through, or as many as you can. They end up being the equivalent of talking heads on a screen, but the sharp writing and dialogue really help them show what the characters are feeling after a shocking event or good for simply a laugh. In particular seeing the group banter with Raven provides some of the funniest moments in the game.
  
  One of the most surprising aspects of Tales of Vesperia's writing and characters is that it doesn't try to force a good VS evil story on anyone. Every single character has their own motivations and whether it comes down to some of the more questionable decisions made by characters, or seeing the light on how some of the villains were thinking, you never really get the idea that your group of characters are stopping evil. They do mean well, yes, but they make some very surprising choices through the story and develop really well for it. The villains you come across all have their own reasoning as well and it really does feel refreshing to fight against foes that aren't out to control the world or become gods or some nonsense. They're all merely looking out for their own interests or what they believe to be correct. In particular, hearing the final boss before fighting him hits you hard as he actually has a point for what he's doing and whether he is right or you are right is a question that's left for you to decide.
  
  Aside from the great writing the first thing that really pops out at you in Tales of Vesperia are the graphics. From the opening intro sequence that plays to the game's title song until the finale, whether the graphics are in game or you're looking at some of the animated cutscenes, Tales of Vesperia is a beautiful game. The overworld isn't ugly like many other RPGs, the towns all look unique and the actual dungeons are absolutely gorgeous. Many will make the obvious comparison to Eternal Sonata, also published by Namco Bandai, when it comes to the game's graphics. Though they may have slight similarities, Tales of Vesperia goes for a more muted look while Eternal Sonata tries to be as unique as possible in order to properly create its dream-like setting.
  
  The music itself is really catchy. It won't standout as something truly fantastic but it is really good. The overworld music is nicely done, each town has a unique song, from the lazy melody of Halure to the lively tune of Dahngrest, the songs help set everything up for you. Music while in battle also changes depending on if you're fighting regular foes, a boss or a battle you simply can't retreat from. They all give you a different sense of what the game is going for. The sound effects are pretty good too, especially in battle, as enemies are hit, spells are cast and so on. It isn't truly groundbreaking but it is well done.
  
  While all of these seem like they're done well, the one thing you'll be left wondering about is the battle system. Initial impressions are that it isn't that good. You control one character and simply run and attack with either regular attacks or an arte (magic) attack or take up a defensive position. But once other characters are added to your party it opens up and you can choose which character you want to control as well as choosing which artes your party should use. But if micromanagement isn't your thing than simply let them run and attack as they see fit. Your companions in Tales of Vesperia are more than competent and will heal you when it's necessary, revive you when it's necessary, and attack with all they have when it's necessary.
  
  As you continue to play other options will open up as well in battle. Overlimits are revealed to you after a few hours of playing and basically allow you to go on an attack spree where you can combo artes and eventually use a burst arte to do massive damage to enemies. As you continue playing your overlimit gauge will get larger, allowing you to stay in that mode for even longer. Fatal Strikes become another key part of battle. Once you combo enemies enough a light will flash on them and with a button press you can kill them off in one hit. This becomes invaluable against stronger foes that will pose a threat to you as you progress through the game.
  
  The great thing about Tales of Vesperia's battles is that they never really feel forced. You can play however you like and use whatever strategies you choose to, but even with all of the battles you go through, it never really feels like the game is forcing you to battle. You can often avoid encounters if you choose to but the battles become so fun and engaging, along with the witty banter between characters at the end of each battle, that you'll feel compelled to keep fighting. They may not be particularly challenging but the enjoyment you'll get from simply fighting will make them more worthwhile than you would expect. Of course, the bosses require even more strategy and are actually far more challenging. They are all really fun to fight, from the beginning until the end, and as a bonus there's a secret mission attached to each boss fight and if the conditions are met for it than you'll unlock an achievement for your effort.
  
  Tales of Vesperia is a long game but it never panders, it moves at a wonderful pace and always keeps you interested in what's going on. If you choose to wander on your own and try to discover sidequests than that's your decision, but the game always guides you in the right direction. It doesn't spell things out for you but there is a journal of events that will tell you where the characters intend to go. It will take most around fifty hours to go through the main quest. In addition, side quests, from hunting hidden bosses to searching for hidden treasures, along with the EX Game Mode that unlocks upon completion of the game make Tales of Vesperia a wonderful and lengthy package for the value-conscious.
  
  Tales of Vesperia is the kind of game that manages to impress on all fronts. It isn't a particularly unique game, nor does it try to be, but it ends up being one of the best games released on the Xbox 360 with great characters, fun battles and beautiful graphics. In an era of gaming dominated by the gray landscapes of Call of Duty and Gears of War, Tales of Vesperia stands tall and proves that an anime-inspired cast of characters in a fantasy setting can make for as compelling an experience as any when done right, and no game does it better than Tales of Vesperia.

  Score

  • Posted Nov 30, 2009 12:26 am PT
  • Category: Games
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• 25Nov 09

  Lately I've Been Kinda Sorta Maybe Considering a Handheld

  It's no secret that I don't enjoy handheld gaming. I figure if I'm going to play a videogame I'm going to sit in front of TV or Computer Monitor and play. If I'm out, why should I play? And if I have the option of playing a console or a handheld, why choose the handheld when it's usually meant to be a bite-sized game to be played on the go? And like I said, I don't like to play while on the go.

  I have endured long car trips without a handheld. Instead, I'd take a book. I'd read or sleep. When we got to the location I'd usually find a nice patch of grass, sometimes a tree branch, whatever really looked comfy, cool or dramatic (I'm weird like that) and read my book.

  But as of late, I've been considering a handheld. The reason is there haven't been long family trips in a good while. Economy went down, prices went up, blah blah blah, no more trips to Yosemite, Redwood Forest, Grand Canyon, cruise to Mexico, etc. It's been atleast two years, I'd say since the last trip, if not more. Either way, I'm clearly not setting out anywhere with a book in hand. Siddhartha, Dracula, Candide, What Makes Sammy Run? and The Catcher in the Rye are all finished this year, so I've been doing a fine job reading on my own at home. The thing is, there's the waiting. And the waiting is horrendous.

  "The Waiting" is literally just that. I'll go to school and at night there are screenings I attend, some in the afternoon as well. There's the waiting either after a lecture is completed, or between screenings. There's literally nothing to do at school, in the dark, by yourself. There are some other instances as well, so it isn't just unique to school.

  As much as it pains me to say this though, I'll sometimes see people with their handhelds out on campus and I can only think, 'oh boy....'

  Basically, I hate handhelds, but I may be in need of one. Not today, not this week, probably not even this semester. But by sometime in February, depending on how my schedule looks, I may be the owner of a DS or a PSP. There's the other problem.

  Back in the day there was really ONE choice. Sure, there were some other choices as well, but everyone had a GameBoy. It was small, fit anywhere and had pretty good handheld games. Super Mario World, Metroid Fusion, Metroid Zero Mission, Pokemon Red/Blue/Yellow/Gold/Silver and Castlevania: Circle of the Moon all come to mind for me as great GB games I played.

  I'm obviously looking at the prices of these systems just as much as their game libraries. I think the DS would be the safer choice since I do enjoy Nintendo games a lot, it's a little cheaper too. But going with the PSP I'd finally own a Sony system and could go about broadening some gaming horizons and at the very least getting portable exposure to some of their console games.

  DS/DS-Lite (Not DSi, it sounds stupid)- I'd go with this one, it's about $130 at most and I believe it has backwards compatibality with the GBA which should allow me to play Astro Boy: Omega Factor as well! Ignoring backwards compatability for a second, these are the DS games I'd be interested in looking into, though I'd ultimately settle on maybe two or three of them, not the whole list.

  The World Ends With You- I've heard only good things about this contemporary RPG, and how it tells a story unlike any other, has great design from top to bottom and can stand up to the best games in terms of story-telling relevancy.

  Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor- I always wanted to give these SMT games a shot. They look so cool and they only end up on PS2. This'd be the first shot!

  Knights in the Knightmare- It looks too unique and crazy to pass up. I'm sure this'll be one game that people will be talking about in the same vein as other forgotten gems that didn't have any hype. From what I gather, deep role-playing and insane bullet-dodging. I'm in.

  Mario and Luigi games- Possibly the biggest reason for me to get the DS are the Mario and Luigi RPGs. Both Partners in Time and Bowser's Inside Story look fantastic and are their own RPGs to go alongside Paper Mario. Plus, backwards compatability gives me access to the GBA games like Superstar Saga as well.

  Zelda games- I've never played a handheld Zelda but I do enjoy the console versions. Plus, these games apparently have the same cutesy look as The Wind Waker, my favorite Zelda. The new one involves a train. BOYS LIKE TRAINS!

  New Super Mario Bros.- Uh, 2D Mario on the go? Of course I'll play it.

  Castlevania games- Portrait of Ruin and Dawn of Sorrow are both supposed to be really good. I'll take a look, of course at one or the other, before diving into the other!

  PSP (not PSPGo, that sounds stupid too)- It's about $170. So only $40 more for some added horsepower. I don't care about the other features on it, so I don't consider it as more bang for my buck. I just consider it $40 more, but more powerful than the DS. Although, that Lilac Hannah Montana Bundle is going for $160 on Amazon... I'm just sayin'. I also heard that Persona 3 is being ported to PSP. That'd be an instand purchase for me.

  MegaMan Powered Up- I love the look of the game. I haven't had proper playtime with a MegaMan game, and this easily looks like one of the coolest PSP games out there. I hear it's challenging to boot, and I'm up for that!

  Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII- Let's face facts, Advent Children is a horrible film by anyone's standards. Cloud is a sulky, emo-pretty boy that feels misunderstood and wants to sulk around the story until the end when he gets to fight Sephiroth, who for some inexplicable reason isn't dead and has an Oedipus Complex, but comes back to life through the body of Kadaj, who also has an Oedipus Complex along with Loz and Yazoo (who the hell names these freaks anyway?) because of Jenova's Neck or something. If that made ANY sense to you at all, you are not a sane person. But apparently, Crisis Core is supposed to be really cool AND really fun. Also, it's a prequel. So while I do already know that the main character will die and set the events for that blond loser Cloud and that long haired guy with an Oedipus Complex, this is also a prequel to one of the most famous RPGs of all time. If I get a PSP, this will be one of those first two or three games I pick up, if only because I'm curious to see what all the fuss is really about (though FF13 comes out next Spring, but that's besides the point, because the overly emo trailers are already pissing me off. Can I get a 360 port of FF12, it looks fantastic compared to 13).

  Sorry for the Advent Children rant, I hate that movie. But Crisis Core does look fantastic!

  Tekken Dark Ressurection- I have heard it called the best fighter on PSP by many people. You know what? I like Tekken. I think Tekken is fun. And I will Super Bubble Punch any punk that gets in my way! YARGH!!!!! Fantastic looking graphics, great gameplay, excellent design. This will also be one of those first few games I pick up if I go the PSP route. Nothing kills time like a fighting game and nothing kills time better than an excellent fighting game.

  Darkstalkers Chronicles- I think Morrigan is HOT! Plus, ever since I was kid I wanted to play a DarkStalkers game. Also, I think Morrigan is HOT!

  Half-Minute Hero- The game is supposed to be genuinely humorous and all battles/scenarios are designed to be 30 seconds. Basically, this RPG sounds like it was designed to be made specifically for a handheld. I could use a few chuckles, and great designed games are not too shabby either!

  Brave Story: New Traveler- This would probably be one of the first PSP games that actually caught my attention. It looks, simple, charming and absolutely wonderful. I wouldn't be surprised if it were the first one I picked up.

  Sony games- I hear God of War and Daxter are both excellent, and it'll give me some exposure to those respective series as well. Not to mention Resistance is supposed to be pretty good, and apparently Knights thinks Killzone Liberation is the Bee's Knees.
  ------

  Like I said though, I'm not even sure yet if I'm going to dive in or not. I'm still looking into what system can offer me what. But there's no guarantee that I'm going to buy one. I want to see what my schedule looks like, if I'll have a friend around or not during those wait times (this semester I don't). I'm also not looking at too many upcoming games right now because I'm not too big on portable purchases. Basically, it doesn't matter what's on the horizon because the lists alone that I have here may never even be completed. So I'm also wondering if I'll be wasting my money on a handheld.

  We'll see, I'm just not too keen on all of it. But I do have this sudden urge, y'know? It's weird.

  • Posted Nov 25, 2009 12:25 pm PT
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• 18Nov 09

  Happy Birthday GameCube!

  Eight years ago today Nintendo's Purple Purse that tried really hard was released.
  ----

  Warrior's Call

  Back in 2001 when the GameCube launched it lacked a definitive killer-app to go up against Microsoft's formidable Halo and Sony's excellent line-up. But the GameCube's savior wasn't too far off as a mere two weeks after its launch Super Smash Bros. Melee was released. Melee not only stands tall as the GameCube's best game released in 2001, but for some folks it may even be the best multiplayer game available even today.
  
  For most the real meat of the game comes through its insane multiplayer. The core gameplay is still based on the same model as the first game. Combat is relegated to two buttons and pressing the control stick in a different direction with that button will cause a different attack. There are other evasive moves and the combat requires a ton of strategy against skilled players but Melee is one of the best games of the 'easy to play hard to master' philosophy. There are twenty-five characters in all, and each set of characters has at least one level dedicated to them from their own universe. Add in items and the "oh snap, did you see that?" moments or only a second away.
  
  While there is clearly a refinement in gameplay from one game to another in the series, the first thing to notice about Melee is just how much stuff there is to do for those that can't play multiplayer. The same CIassic Mode is back where you'll select a character and go through the stages though things are mixed up with a team composed of Mario characters, fifteen Kirbys all running rampant, giant Donkey Kong and more and the best part is that it's different each time you play. The other new modes also include Adventure, where your character will run on a 2D world attacking enemies as you advance from fight to fight. It presents a wonderful homage to each of Nintendo's various series and is well thought out. The third and possibly best single player addition comes in the form of Event Mode where there are fifty-one events to go through, each with the odds stacked against you and going up in difficulty with each stage. Some memorable bouts are to be found here. There are other modes as well scattered throughout, Cruel Melee comes to mind as one of the crazier modes, and there's no doubt that folks will find a good time playing alone.
  
  The aesthetics in Melee hold up pretty well, they aren't quite as spectacular as Brawl or any recent titles, but it is easy on the eyes and the wonderful mishmash of levels from Nintendo history really help push the game forward. The music on the other hand is absolutely wonderful, coming with a few new tunes for Smash Bros. and a lot of remixed music from favorite franchises.
  
  Back in the early days of the GameCube, Super Smash Bros. Melee was the game to have, and for some it's still the best available game on Nintendo's Purple Purse. It's a fantastic self-homage to the company's glory and a total blast to play either alone or with some friends. Melee may not be as wild as Brawl, but it is just as good.

  Score

  "It's a Me.... Oh...."

  One of the major launch games for Nintendo's GameCube back in 2001 was Luigi's Mansion. Poor Luigi finally steps out of his brother's shadow to have an adventure of his own and while Luigi's Mansion may not be what you would expect, it is good old-fashioned fun!
  
  Luigi has just won a mansion and he's out to claim it. It turns out though that the mansion is haunted and big bro Mario has been captured. Suddenly, it's up to Luigi to jump into the fray and save his spotlight-stealing brother from harm. The game isn't a platformer, but something different entirely. As Luigi you carry a vacuum, ala GhostBusters, on your backside, a flashlight and a Gameboy Horror that serves as a map and scanner of sorts. You can't jump, but you can hunt ghosts.
  
  Combat can get pretty hectic against groups of ghosts since you will be in the dark and have to scare the ghosts with your flashlight before sucking them up with your vacuum. There are regular ghosts and Portrait Ghosts in the game, the latter of which were once trapped in paintings and are now running your mansion. Capturing them involves a puzzle and then taking them down. The real fun comes from the boss battles though, which are absolutely creative. You'll go from facing a giant baby as you run around in its crib while giant rocking horses are launched at you from every direction, to a giant shadow monster inside of a tombstone that spawns more giant shadow monsters. It all culminates in a very challenging and surprisingly epic final boss fight that really should be experienced by anyone that's into great ending battles.
  
  Luigi's Mansion is short though and it will take most around six hours to run through it. But Luigi's Mansion wasn't designed as a Mario game. This is like an old school arcade game where you keep on playing for the higher score. The better you are the more money you'll find in the mansions from ghosts. The money is like a high score tracker and at the end of each area the game lets you know how much money and treasure you found before moving on. I've played through the game over six times and it's always fresh and fun to get better and better at it.
  
  The graphics for Luigi's Mansion are beautiful. The mansion itself plays a major role as a character in the game, being suitably dark yet still wonderfully charming so that even a child can enjoy the action on hand. The ghost designs are silly and the boss fights are in worlds outside of the Mansion providing a trippy backdrop for everything. The music holds a suitable amount of wonder too, as the game has the ominous, haunting feeling, but when you find a Toad to save at the music becomes wonderfully upbeat and will only put a smile on your face. Another adorable aspect comes from Luigi himself as he runs through the Mansion his feet leaving dust behind him as he calls out Mario's name.
  
  Luigi's Mansion is a wonderful and readily replayable game. The aesthetics are well done and lend the game some much-needed charm. It may not have been the next big Mario game, but it sure was nice to see Luigi in a starring role for once. Here's hoping for a sequel soon enough.

  Score

  Real Fantasy!

  The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker turned quite a few heads with its cel-shaded graphics and many fans were outraged that their favorite franchise could a take turn like this. Regardless of what side of the fence you were on for the graphics argument, Wind Waker is easily the best and most creative of the 3D Zelda games.
  
  Wind Waker uses the same Zelda gameplay formula as seen before, but it mixes it up with creativity and fresh ideas. The most noticeable of these is that the overworld is on the ocean. Sailing is a big part of Wind Waker and you will spend a lot of time on the sea. But each new area provides that much more excitement as there is more and more hidden places and treasure to find. The game captures a sense of discovery not seen since first running through Hyrule Field in Ocarine of Time.
  
  The combat is deeper as well compared to other titles in the series as certain moves will let you rip the armor straight off of your foes, something that other games in the series do not possess. It also stays away from Hyrule as the game is far into the future. You are merely a young boy who must dress as the legendary Hero of Time when children reach a certain age. Of course, you hate the clothing, but what young man would want to wear white tights anyway?
  
  The dungeons are particularly exciting and in many cases the game doesn't even let you know that you are in a dungeon until it finally dawns on you. Wind Waker is such a well-realized and cohesive experience that it's hard to imagine any other game trying to match its splendor. The boss fights are suitably epic and take up the entire screen at times. The game's visuals allow these monsters to be even craftier than if Wind Waker went with a realistic look.
  
  Wind Waker captures a sense of light-hearted adventure that the other Zelda titles do not match. In the other games you are usually out to save the world. In this game you just want to rescue your sister and hang out with a few pirates in the process. But when the story takes a turn for the dramatic you feel it more than in the previous games. The final area as well as the final showdown with Ganondorf not only exemplifies this fact but they have yet to be bested by any other game in the genre. Twilight Princess and Okami's endgames simply can't match up to Wind Waker's finale and that is a testament to its greatness.
  
  Wind Waker's visuals stand as one of the best parts of the game. They convey emotion and that's something few games can do. Link's animated eyes scan ahead for enemies and you notice it. Other characters beam with gratitude and you can tell they mean it. The game is very well designed in this regard. Every area feels unique and exciting to explore because of the visuals. The sound is also well done with an at times light-hearted and at other times epic soundtrack that really captures the feel of the game.
  
  Wind Waker is a testament to how great games are made. Not only is it one of the best games released on the GameCube but it also manages to be even better than the other games in the series. It has heart and ambition, two of the key ingredients for a great game, and Wind Waker succeeds on all fronts. Don't miss this creative and heart-warming adventure.

  Score

  I totally did this all on a whim.

  • Posted Nov 18, 2009 10:30 pm PT
  • Category: Games
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