Author Archives: vtine

Bastion – Mini Review

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Bastion launched for the Xbox Arcade, July 20, 2011, as part of their summer arcade lineup.  There has been some buzz about this game when it was first revealed for its colorful visuals and unique narrative style.  Bastion is simply a marvel.  Watercolors and floating islands that form right under your feet, scatter the landscape as a gruff voice reminiscent of Jet from Cowboy Bebop narrates your adventure as you undertake it.  The style of game play is defiantly a throw back to the Super Nintendo era of video games as you brawl your way through enemies and upgrade your weapons.  It is truly a unique experience.

The narrator is what separates this game from hundreds of others.  As you pick up a weapon he talks about it, as you kill a giant boss he tells of your epic fight and victory.  The deep voiced man quite literally narrates your adventure as you play the game.  The floating landscape that forms up under your feet also helps play into this story telling vibe.  It feels like you are playing a story and it is being created as you play.

Combat in Bastion is simple and satisfying.  You obtain many a weapon along your journey, but you may only equip two.  Weapons vary greatly from one another from a crushing hammer to a machete that slashes foes to ribbons, while also serving as a ranged weapon.  Upgrades also differ enough to warrant multiple changes to your weapons to see what style you enjoy the most.  The combat can become tiresome though as nothing really changes along the way only the weapons help freshen up the experience.
Besides the main quest there are a few challenges you can do that require you to have mastered your weapon to the fullest.  These are usually quick easy distractions that are only a momentary detour to your main quest.  The main quest is what will keep you playing this relatively short game.  The quest of “The Kid” and his goal to help repair the Bastion and the mystery behind the Calamity are what will engage you into this title’s tale.

Bastion is a fresh take on an old formula that simply works.  The addition of a narrator is a risk that more games need to take.  This delightful title is well forth its price tag and should at least be experienced if you are nostalgic to the Super Nintendo era or are intrigued by its unique mechanics.  Be sure to check it out.

Pre-Orders for July

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Vincent meets a beautiful girl named Catherine at his local haunt.  After his brief love encounter with this lovely woman he is thrown into nightmares where he must escape grotesque monsters as he climbs up a tower to safety.  These nightmares reoccur ever night and he must come face to face with his fears before they consume him.

This is Atlus’ first foray into high definition.  Although this is not the HD Persona game I am looking forward to I am still excited by this title.  I really enjoy all of the work Atlus puts out and this strange tale just captures my interest and imagination.  Hopefully it will live up to my expectations.  This mixture of visual novel and block climbing will hopefully be amazing.

Based on the biblical book of Enoch, this game tells the story of a priest named Enoch who hopes to stop a flood from destroying all of mankind.  He is aided by a guardian angel named Lucifel and by four archangels in his quest.

El Shaddai Ascension of the Metatron just oozes style.  This game has an artstyle all of it’s own.  Bizzare, twisted, and outlandish are words used to describe this venture.  This is no typical bible game as angels wear jeans and use cell phones.  Varying perspectives from side scrolling to arena boss battles make up the bulk of this game.  This game looks like a real experience and I can not wait to play it.

Zelda Ocarina of Time 3DS – Mini Review

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Zelda Ocarina of Time 3DS was released June, 19, 2011.  More of a revised port than a remake, the 3DS iteration of this classic title is an enjoyable experience.  The story, for those who are unfamiliar, is about a boy rising up to thwart an evil that wants to imprison and rule the land.  This tale has aged remarkably well and retains it’s classic status even to this day.  The story has remained untouched leaving the same dialogue and sound clips from each of it’s previous ports.  Including the dreaded “LISTEN” from Navi.

The gameplay has had a few tweaks and revisions.  The main improvement is that you have a second screen that you can use in real time to switch between items and accessories.  The Water Temple has never been less aggravating as switching the iron boots on and off is less of a chore then before.  Various tweaks and adjustments have made making playing this title more smooth.  There is also the inclusion of a Boss Rush mode that is unlocked after you beat the bosses of each temple.  Master Quest, which is a harder version of Ocarina of Time, is also unlocked after you complete the game.

The presentation is where this game has had the most of an overhaul.  The title is in 3D, as the title suggests, and it seems less of a gimmick and more natural to play in that manner.  There is an amazing depth to the world and it immerses you more then before.  Without 3D the game is still beautiful with improved textures and graphics.  Towns have more life now with added set pieces and scenery.  Shops acually have items stacked against the wall making it seem more like a shop people would visit.

Overall this title is an updated port of a timeless classic.  The 3D adds much to the experience along with updated textures and graphics.  The game play is smooth and more enjoyable with the second screen.  If you have not checked out this classic title you would be doing yourself a disservice for not at least trying it out.  For those with a 3DS and thinking this is just another shameless port by Nintendo, I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

Grasshopper Manufacture to create a Neon Genesis Evangelion Video Game

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Grasshopper Manufacture, led by Goichi Suda, has announced that they are going to be making a Neon Genesis Evangelion video game.  Grasshopper has been known for past titles such as, No More Heroes, Killer 7, and its upcoming title Shadows of the Damned.  The game will be based off the new Rebuild of Evangelion movies, which is a remake of the original series.  The title has been revealed to be an odd combination of a rhythm, action, and music game.  Famed Akira Yamaoka, musical contributor to the Silent Hill franchise, will be mixing the music.  This whole production will be overseen by Goichi Suda himself.  The title has been revealed to be 85 percent finished and is to be released this September in Japan for the Sony Playstation Portable.

A rhythm, action, music game created by Grasshopper Manufacture sounds like a very odd combination.  I have doubts about how well this game will be, but its always interesting to see what Suda can come up with.  Here is a link to a trailer for the game – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_G57bGI-BI&feature=player_embedded.