Great way to kill time... and Final Fant

Posted : 4 months, 2 weeks ago on 5 April 2008 04:28 (A review of Final Fantasy VII: Dirge of Cerberus)

The graphics in this game was quite cool and beautiful in its FMV movies. The learning curve for the controls is short, which is good, and the characters in this game have great voice actors (thankfully, most were kept intact from the Advent Children movie). The story was great, adding a twist to itself and the other Final Fantasy VII spin-offs, although it still seemed lacking. Other nice features included the little shop music-box, the end of level trade-in, which gives you the option to either gain levels (thus becoming stronger) or trading it all in for money (thus becoming richer).
Another thing to compliment is the fact that Square-Enix chose to make the main character run faster, and the weapon lighter, thus no sluggish gameplay during the heat of battle; which really helps during boss battles.
Sadly, the graphics in-game were no up to the standard one would expect at the time of the release, and the gameplay within the game slowly become boring - jump, shoot, kill, collect key-card, open gate with key-card, and repeat. Sure, there were a few missions which required unique goals but most of the time, the same procedure was required. Also, the bad level design was a major flaw, with most places having repeated graphics in many locations. all the item boxes looked the same, boxes, TNT crates and even some of the surroundings. Why couldn't they add variations?
This game, in my own opinion, is strictly for Final Fantasy fans. Most people who haven't played any of the series before will find themselves confused. And, most fans of Final Fantasy may not even like it anyway, as some feel that it kills the spirit of Final Fantasy VII. If you want fast-paced shooter RPG action, look elsewhere unless you watch gameplay movies from a website to let yourself know what you're getting. It'll vote "Graphics" as fantastic only because of its superb FMV quality.



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Final Fantasy XII review

Posted : 4 months, 2 weeks ago on 4 April 2008 07:46 (A review of Final Fantasy XII)

When I finished Final Fantasy X-2, I thought it was time to say good-bye to Final Fantasy. It's not that the game was bad, but the lack of genuine spirit of the series, flat characterization and rather thin story made me think that perhaps the creators of the series have finally run out of creativity. I say "finally", because up to that unfortunate installment, every single Final Fantasy game was blessed by artistic inspiration, no matter how controversial it was.
I felt that there was a need for a radical change. A change that would take Final Fantasy onto a whole new level. The gameplay innovations of "Final Fantasy X-2" were too superficial and didn't make up for the lack of story-telling quality. I dreamed about a departure from the conservative, static battle system of Japanese RPGs, about expanding the game world, about introducing new story-related ideas while preserving the serious, emotional approach to the story.
And then "Final Fantasy XII" came, and it was like a miracle. Everything I was hoping for was there. A gameplay revolution in the world of Japanese RPGs, which was at the same time a genuine, high quality Final Fantasy game.Customizing your characters has always been one of the strongest aspects of Final Fantasy series. Every game provided you with new and entertaining ways, be it switching jobs in Final Fantasy V, junctioning GFs in Final Fantasy VIII, or using the sphere grids in Final Fantasy X. The system in "Final Fantasy XII" is actually quite similar to this last one. You also have a large board with all kinds of abilities you can unlock. The difference is that here every possible ability can be gained from this board and you are not restricted to a certain path, allowing a totally open-ended customization. You decide what kind of weapons and armor your characters will be able to equip, what spells they will learn, what enhancements they will get. Everything is up to you. You can turn the cute little Penelo into an axe-wielding barbarian clad in platinum armor, or you can have the powerful soldier Basch wear magician's hat and cast white magic. There are also plenty of very useful augmentations to learn, such as automatically gaining MP when dealing damage, increasing defense when HP critical, and so on.
Most of the complaints I've heard about this game are highly subjective, and I don't want to descend to the fanboy level and to ramble about how they took out my favorite feature X from Final Fantasy Y and how it utterly ruins the game. Yes, I also loved Nobuo Uematsu's music, but this game has a totally different musical style and nothing can change the fact that it is excellent in its own way.


Lets see the positive and not positive points of it:
+ Great overall concept and execution
+ Exceeds the boundaries of Japanese RPG
+ Fantastic combat system
+ Plenty of exploration in a large world
+ Excellent story and characterization
+ Lots of creativity in style and design
+ High production values
- Story is not always perfectly paced
- Some minor gameplay problems





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Kingdom Hearts II review

Posted : 5 months ago on 21 March 2008 09:02 (A review of Kingdom Hearts II)

For a Disney and Final Fantasy fan, this game caters well to both audiences, and brings those fans into each other's worlds in an epic package that make most big-budget films cringe.

The worlds in this game are stunning. The new worlds add so much life and depth to the stages that you can't help but feel like you're walking on a virtual set of the movies.

"Pirates of the Caribbean" was a surprise world, but works with the story it lays out. Same for worlds like "Steamboat Willie", which is utterly charming in presenting itself as a 1920's cartoon, complete with mono sound. And "Tron" is simply the game that you always wanted to come out when the movie first appeared. It captures the essence of that world so well, that I spent a great amount of time just staring at how pretty the world was.

The same could be said for other new worlds, like "Lion King" and "Beauty and the Beast". And even the revisited worlds are by no means rehashes of the original game. New areas, new missions, new story... familiar characters. And the reunions between Sora and the inhabitants of that worlds generate a feeling of sincere familiarity. Long-time players of the series will be pleased.

I did not like the ending, though, expecting to now, after everything was done, start playing normally without any missions, level up until 99 with whoever there was. Riku, Kairi, Donald, Goofy, Leon, etc.

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Kingdom Hearts review

Posted : 5 months ago on 21 March 2008 08:59 (A review of Kingdom Hearts)

First off, I'll start with the first blatant fact; Kingdom Hearts is for children, and makes a weak game for the "advanced" gamer, right? WRONG! This game is totally under-rated by some gamers who claim to be "hard-core", even those who haven't even played the game. Why? Some say it's "Too unreal", others say because of its "dreadful plot" or "it's just too easy". Well, it may be "unreal" slightly, but have we forgotten what fun actually is? It's not how far you've got doing something or bragging your progress - FUN is your own personal entertainment, and believe me when I say that I have had lots of fun playing this.

Another interesting thing worth noting is the Journal. This Journal records all major information of your quest, with pictures and back-tracking information which help should you forget where you're up to in the plot. Another quick thing I have to mention is the graphics. During movie scenes, they are simply great and are so too during gameplay. Tropical places are lush and colourful, whilst the latter dark places give a great atmosphere.


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Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories review

Posted : 5 months ago on 21 March 2008 08:56 (A review of Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories)

I enjoyed the original PS2 "Kingdom Hearts" game immensely. It remains a noteworthy title, and shows how easily Square can blend their worlds with others (the previous attempt being Super Mario RPG). That said, this game ties the first and second game together in a gorgeous package.

The card battle system is the most radical change, and though I do miss the hack/slash style of the first game, the battle system still makes sure action is the emphasis. Different, but once you get into how it's done, it becomes second nature.


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Fifa 2000 : Major Soccer League review

Posted : 6 months, 3 weeks ago on 30 January 2008 09:41 (A review of Fifa 2000 : Major Soccer League)

The Good
The game was nicely presented and the graphics are the best seen in a football game todate. Comparing it with the Playstation shows how old the PS is now. The games are smooth and flow very well. The control system is easy to pick and takes very little time to master, and the three difficultly levels are miles appart, making an interesting learning curve.

The Bad
The presentation although is good. But sadly the overall play once mastered is very unrewarding, passes flow a little too easily and goal some very easily from free play. Free kicks are impossible to score and simply the game lacks any overall longevity.

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Mortal Kombat: Special Forces (PSone) review

Posted : 7 months ago on 19 January 2008 06:51 (A review of Mortal Kombat: Special Forces (PSone))

It's not good for me. Graphics are crap, sound is crap, really.

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Mortal Kombat II review

Posted : 7 months ago on 19 January 2008 06:50 (A review of Mortal Kombat II)

The best fighting game in the Genesis history ever

The Good

The graphics: These graphics have taken a major step-up from the first Mortal Kombat. Everything moves more smoothly and there is no brief stall when you sometimes hit a guy. Plus, the stages are more detailed and fun to look at.

The sound: The music in Mortal Kombat II is pretty good. Each stage has its own individual music. Although i must say the Genesis once again got the short end on this area of the game, it is pretty good. Most of the tunes sound very dark and good. They fit the stages well too. For instance, when you are on the bridge at night with the moon shining eerily and the place is deserted, the song that goes with it is quieter and more erie sounding. It adds to the mood of the game rather well. The classic fatality music is included, and friendships and babalities have their own music which sound good.

The gameplay: Mortal Kombat II can provide a reasonable challenge. Some of the regular characters can be difficult, and Kintaro, just like the other ports of Mortal Kombat II, is rather challenging. However, unlike the other ports, you're not out of the gate, because Shao Kahn actually provides the difficulty a final boss should. It'll take you a few tries to finally defeat him.

The Bad

The story: The whole outworld thing didn't appeal to me. I liked it all when it stayed close to home, far from places where nuke resistant immortal people didn't try to take over other realms.

MK II is still the only game I can pick up and play 13 years after it's release. Because it is fun for the same reasons now as it was then. If you still have a genesis then I definitely recommend this game.



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Mortal Kombat review

Posted : 7 months ago on 19 January 2008 06:48 (A review of Mortal Kombat)

Good game, but not enough characters

The good thing about this game, is its graphics(compared to other games in its time). Characters look better than those from Street Fighter. Special mocves are great, and the ending specials are truly amazing.


Ok, first, THERE ARENT ENOUGH CHARACTERS. Okay, why couldnt they have put Reptile or something in this game(without needing code)? Surely they could have added someone. Street Fighter wins on this.


Overall, MK is a descent game, one earning a 3.5/5
Which is 3.5/5x2= 7/10



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Mortal Kombat IV review

Posted : 7 months ago on 19 January 2008 06:38 (A review of Mortal Kombat IV)

Pretty good game, but could be better


Firstly, the graphics are overall very good. Each character looks different and the smooth gameplay and unchoppy fighting is definitely something to praise. There are a lot of characters, including the welcoming return (in my opinion) of Johnny Cage. There are also new characters, but they weren't really that great. Goro is back, and although Motaro and Shoa Kahn have gone, I feel that Shinnok taking their place is good enough. Sound is quite good, and the sfx are great.


Well, you can pretty much throw the idea of music away for Mortal Kombat. In all Mortal Kombats I've played, I just find myself wanting to disable music. The background music is somewhat better in this one than the others, but it still doesnt live up to the amazing music of Killer Instinct, where each character has their own music and stage, and their music goes right with them. I wouldn't say this game had accomplished anything musicwise.


Graphics, sound and gameplay are good, and music is horrible. This game still deserves my rating, which is ( 4 / 5 )
Which is equal to: 4/5x2=8/10.



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