Sunday, October 26, 2014

Devil May Cry 2 HD (PS3)

I played all the Devil May Cry games in order because I had nothing better to do one month.  I am not usually one for games like this, I don't have the muscles for twitch movements and the like.  This was a very difficult series for me to get into but I made it through this game.

Devil May Cry is a series of games about a half-human/half-demon character by the name of Dante.  The story is honestly well written in all the other games but in this one, it is easily forgotten.  In fact, I don't remember much about this game at all.  I know it has all the over-the-top action that the series is known for and Dante is supposed to be a badass above all other badasses.

The gameplay of this was less than stellar, namely the difficulty.  I'm not huge on difficult games but this one compared to 1 and 3 is just a huge step backwards.  The game is really easy no matter what you do.  Now I don't see that as a terribly bad thing but many people will.  The combat works and the platforming and puzzles are bland, again this game was so forgettable I don't even remember anything about it at all.

I think to sum things up, if I can't remember much about this game.  It must not be a very good game in the first place.  My friends told me not to play this game because it tarnishes the series as a whole and I really feel it does.  I have only completed the first three games and did not want to move on in the series.  I'm sure there will be somebody that sticks up for this game but I honestly can't think of anything that redeems this game.

Sunday, October 19, 2014

Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen (NDS)

As the second Dragon Quest game I ever played, this was a good way to get acquainted with the series.  Having played other titles now, I can say that though they don't change the formula that much there is something about the series that is so endearing. Sure there are games with better graphics, battle mechanics, and stories but this series has so much going for it.

The game oozes nostalgic tones of RPGs in the NES/SNES days.  You can only save in certain places, random encounters, and very straightforward progression.  What sets this game apart is the story.  I feel that by splitting each section of the game across the various heroes that you meet is a great way to build the story.  You gain a connection to each character and their struggles.  The story does end quite well and I have to say it was intense to say the least.

If you have never played a traditional turn based RPG, this is a great place to start.  Battles are as simple or complex as you want them to be.  I never had a difficult time with just attacking everything, except with bosses.  Some players don't like this and feel that it makes the enemies all out to be cannon fodder.  I like this way better as I hate losing to small fry enemies.  The bosses should be the challenge but it falls to a matter of taste.

There isn't much else to say about this game.  If you want a classical RPG adventure full of dragons, magic, and random encounters.  This is the game for you.  Sure it doesn't have all the modern RPG staples but it is still a fun ride.  The story is well worth the time and some of the characters will stick with you.

Sunday, October 12, 2014

Persona 4 Arena (PS3)

Coming off my initial playthrough of Persona 4 Golden, I purchased this game.  I thought it would be a good idea.  I love Blazblue and this seemed very similar.  I was only slightly disappointed by this game but not for the reason that I was thinking.

To begin, this is a fighting game that takes place after the events of Persona 4.  The premise being that the main character from Persona 4, in this case named Yu, has returned to Inaba for a vacation.  During this time, it appears the Midnight Channel from the previous game has returned and it is up to the Investigation Team to find out what is going on.

This story setup is not the problem.  The problem with this game is the story is incredibly slow and there is far too much text on the screen for a fighting game.  Now I don't mind Blazblue because usually there is a lot of fights.  In this game, it is the opposite.  During one story section, there is literally 40 minutes of talking and one fight.  The fights are fun but often are very easy.

I couldn't actually finish the story mode because there was just way too much text.  I feel disappointed in myself for this because I really wanted to like the story but I just could not get into it.  This was just so slow and really was not interesting.  I'm sure that I am the only one that feels this way but it is my opinion.

The fighting in this game is superb and fluid.  Every character is awesome and plays just as you would expect them too if you had played the RPG.  Even some characters from Persona 3 make an appearance and it just brings more for players of both.  It is great to finally be able to settle who would win a fight between Teddie and Aigis.

I must give a special nod to the music in this title.  Most of it is remixes from Persona 4 but it really makes you feel nostalgic if you played Persona 4 beforehand.  It really pumps me up and makes me want to play both titles whenever I hear it.

All in all, if you are a fan of Persona or Blazblue, you should buy this or the new enhanced version that recently was released.  They are solid games and worth it.  Although the story mode was incredibly slow to me and with little reward, it by no means should ruin the game for you.

Sunday, October 5, 2014

Metroid II: Return of Samus (GBC)

Looking back on my time with this game, it brings back fond memories of playing through this whole games in a span of two days on a very long road trip.  I still remember where most of the items are and I remember the excitement of meeting my first Zeta metroid.  I've always been a fan of the series and this was just a continuation of my love.

The story premise is simple.  After the events of the first game, Samus Aran must go hunt metroids on their home world.  The story is very simple and to the point.  This game is meant to instill a sense of adventure and solitude.  You feel as if you are the first human to ever visit this place just as it should be because you are the first to visit.  Or at least the first to survive.

See, the planet SR388 is a dangerous place full of enemies and metroids.  Just about everything in this game is trying to kill Samus and it is your job to survive.  Most of the enemies are simple and have very predictable patterns.  Metroids on the other hand are difficult.  There are four types and they will destroy you very easily if you are careless. Why fight these things then?  Well, you can't advance without killing them.  The whole point of the game is to eradicate all the metroids.

The only part of this game that is a huge hindrance is the fact that there is no map.  Just like the first title, unless you are keeping a map, there is nothing.  It is incredibly easy to get lost in this game.  It is also easy to miss things that you need to advance.  Unless you know where to go, get ready to wander.  This does bring a sense of realism but mostly it is just a limitation of the Gameboy.

This is a great game and really should be played by anybody that likes Metroid.  Sure there are lots of times you will get lost but it is worth playing.  The battles are fun and exciting.  This is a great game to play on the run.