Tag Archives: review

January 30, 2023 · 10:39 PM

Review: Why You Should Play Paper Mario

Paper Mario is a turn-based RPG for the Nintendo 64 that combined the world and characters of Super Mario with traditional RPG mechanics and a light-hearted, entertaining story.

Following Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars on the Super Nintendo, Paper Mario carves out its own identity by introducing a storybook aesthetic that would become the foundation of its own series. Characters look like paper cut outs and move around a 2D interconnected world featuring towns, islands and dungeons to explore. There are many locations to explore all over the Mushroom Kingdom filled with their own unique citizens and the story helps to flesh out the friends and enemies of the Super Mario world.

The narrative of Paper Mario is fairly straight forward, but the writing and characters are charming and entertaining. The overarching plot follows Mario as he is on a quest to free the Seven Star Spirits imprisoned all over the Mushroom Kingdom by Bowser. While defeating Bowser and regaining the Star Rod is a simple premise, the game is split up into 8 Chapters that focus on smaller story beats featuring a host of different side characters that enhance the overall story. From helping the Boos defeat a seemly invincible monster eating their ghostly friends, to being caught up in a murder mystery in a town full of penguins, each chapter is full of memorable characters and amusing interactions.

The battle system uses turn-based combat with the twist of adding button combos and timing to attacks to increase damage or defend against enemy assaults. Regular and special attacks have a variety of inputs to help keep you engaged during battle. Mario can use his hammer to attack enemies on the ground, while he needs to use his jump command to hit airborne enemies. He can also use items and call on rescued Star Spirits to perform extra powerful spells. Mario is not alone during battles, as he is joined by 8 other party members across his adventure that all have their own unique moves to help out during fights. You regularly need to switch between all of Mario’s other party members to have the best advantage in battle.

The other characters also have unique actions they can use outside of battle that help Mario explore and solve puzzles during the overworld and in dungeons. You can also collect and equip Badges on Mario to improve his battle prowess. These include the abilities to increase heart points, increase attack damage, adding additional special attacks to your arsenal or providing you with hints to where hidden items can be found. The gameplay comes together to make an enjoyable adventure that keeps you engaged throughout the whole playtime.

The soundtrack of Paper Mario is upbeat, whimsical and really fits each area of its world. From the cosy tunes of “Toad Town Theme”, to the darker beats of “Siege on Bowser’s Castle” and the energetic “Battle Theme”, there are plenty of memorable songs that will get stuck in your head as you explore the Mushroom Kingdom.

Paper Mario has an engaging battle system, interactive world and a colourful cast of likeable characters. If you wish to play a charming and fun RPG then you should play Paper Mario.

Review: Why You Should Play Kingdom Hearts 2

Kingdom Hearts 2 is an action RPG originally released for the PlayStation 2 and then remastered as the improved Kingdom Hearts 2 Final Mix version for PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4. It continues the weird and wonderful combination of Disney characters with Final Fantasy characters from Square Enix’s flagship series.

Kingdom Hearts 2 continues the story from the PS2 original as well as Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories and weaves it together with new and returning Disney worlds. The action combat is expanded with many new features, more depth is added to the story and the high quality voice acting and soundtrack return to deliver a more ambitious sequel that retains the heart and spirit of the magical first game.

The story is more complex this time, starting the player off in the shoes of a different character other than Sora from the original Kingdom Hearts. You play as Roxas for the first few hours as the narrative sets up lots of mysteries that are payed off many hours later near the end of the game. When you take over as Sora as the main protagonist, he once again wields his signature Keyblade and must travel through Disney worlds from classic films such Hercules, The Lion King, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Nightmare Before Christmas and Beauty and the Beast. He learns of the plans of the Organisation XIII and must once again team up with Donald and Goofy, as well as Disney and Final Fantasy characters to rid the many worlds of the Heartless and the new enemies known as Nobodies.

Kingdom Hearts 2 is an action RPG, with the ability to have full control of Sora in battle, with two computer controlled party members from both Disney and Final Fantasy. Expanding on the solid foundation of the original Kingdom Hearts, Sora can attack with his Keyblade, cast magic spells like Thunder and Reflect, equip special abilities and technique as well as summon Disney characters for powerful attacks to help in battle. New to Kingdom Hearts 2 are the Drive Forms that allow Sora to temporarily power up and take on new forms such as Valor Form to drastically increase physical strength while dual wielding two Keyblades at once or Wisdom Form to super charge his magical attacks as well as giving him access to long range attacks. Reaction Commands also show up in normal battles and boss battles to allow time-sensitive special moves Sora can execute to deal massive damage. Kingdom Hearts 2 allows the player a bigger range of abilities to make battles engaging and thrilling throughout the entire game.

The voice acting in Kingdom Hearts 2 is again high quality utilising Hollywood and veteran voice actors with many returning to voice their original Disney characters. The soundtrack is amazing as Yoko Shimomura arranges Disney classics and delivers more great original songs like “The Other Promise” and the theme of “Twilight Town”. It also follows up the vocal theme song from the first game “Simple and Clean” with another great track called “Sanctuary” performed by Hikaru Utada.

Kingdom Hearts 2 takes the fun and heart of the original game and builds upon it with new features and a more complex narrative. If you wish to play an action RPG with exciting boss fights, an emotional story and lots of Disney nostalgia, then you should play Kingdom Hearts 2.

Review: Why You Should Play Pokemon Gold and Silver

Pokémon Gold and Silver are twin turn-based RPGs for the GameBoy Colour that brought the popular monster catching series to new heights as well as expanding on the foundations set in the original games .

The original Pokémon Red and Blue allowed players to travel around the game world catching over 100 species of Pokémon creatures and training them to battle against other Pokémon Trainers to become the world champion. Gold and Silver updated the formula adding over 100 new Pokémon, new varieties, a whole new region to explore (with a real world time mechanic) and more complexity to the game play. Everything that was great about the first generation of Pokémon games, was amplified in these sequels.

The story of Gold and Silver is a direct sequel set 3 years after the events of the original games including appearances from some major characters. The player is tasked with travelling the world and amassing and training a party of Pokémon to battle against the best of the best. While the story is minimal and the visuals on the original GameBoy were limited, the region of Johto (which is based on the real Japanese region of Kansai) is full of interesting cities and locations to explore. At the end of the main storyline you also have the opportunity to revisit the Kanto region in Red and Blue and see how things have changed over the 3 years, effectively adding a second quest to the game. The Pokémon creatures themselves are diverse and will appeal to many different kinds of tastes. They are true characters of the games.

While initially seeming to be about monster collecting, the real focus of the series is battling the Pokémon you have caught in turn-based combat. There are 17 different elemental types of Pokémon that all have advantages and disadvantages against each other, such as fire being weak to water, but strong against grass. With each Pokémon having four moves (which can be of different type) and battles allowing up to 6 Pokémon each side, battles can be very strategic and engaging, especially against other human players. Add in the fact Pokémon can also hold items that have special effects in combat and there is plenty of room to experiment. The longevity of the Pokémon series is down to fact that they are easy for everyone to play, but have surprising depth and complexity for more advanced players willing to look for it. This has only increased as the series grew.

Of course the real appeal of the Pokémon series is the fantastic multiplayer aspects. Trading Pokémon with friends and then building your ultimate team to battle against them is easily the most rewarding part of the game. While these decade old games are still playable, they received a recent remake bringing them inline with the modern series and todays handheld consoles expanding the multiplayer access with online play.

With the limited hardware of the GameBoy Colour, locations needed musical themes to make them stand out, such as the tune for “Goldenrod City”, which is appropriate lively for a big bustling city. The easily recognisable battle theme is also frantic and gives you feeling of being ambushed by a wild Pokémon, while the “Champion Battle” builds urgency and intensity when the stakes are high.

Pokémon Gold and Silver are classic portable RPGs that are both accessible, but with hidden depth and complexity. If you wish to play an RPG that allows strategic battles against friends then you should play Pokémon Gold and Silver.

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Tagged as Gameboy, gold and silver, nintendo, pokemon, review

August 21, 2013 · 7:01 PM

Review: Why You Should Play Suikoden II

Suikoden II is a turn-based RPG for the PlayStation that showcased a magnificent political narrative, over 100 playable characters to recruit and featured three different types of combat.

Set years after the events of the first Suikoden game, this sequel improves upon the good ideas of the original and blends them into an impressive and epic RPG. Released in an age when 3D was the next big thing and developers were pushing themselves to understand the new technology, Suikoden II featured a 2D world with highly detailed and expressive character sprites that works very well to convey the emotional narrative. This is a fantastic looking 2D RPG.

The story focuses on the invading army of Highland lead by the destructive Prince Luca Blight and the various City States of Jowston. The two main characters fight both together and apart against Highland to bring peace to the land. The relationship between the silent protagonist and childhood friend Jowy is the highlight of the story and the character development and plot twists are extremely emotional. Rarely are characters written with this much depth and complexity. The scope of the narrative allows for an unbelievable 108 unique playable characters to recruit to your party, with many memorable and unique faces.

The Suikoden series is known for utilising three different types of combat and the second game uses them all wonderfully. The regular turn-based battles allow for up to six-characters with unique partner attacks and magic rune spells. The second combat system is one-on-one duels, with each character choosing between three attack options and the winner decided in a rock-paper-scissors style. The last combat type is massive grid style tactical battles similar to the Fire Emblem series. The stakes are higher in these battles and if characters are killed they stay dead in the storyline. Suikoden II has a plethora of game play features and also includes great mini-games such as the addicting cooking competition.

Just like the rest of the game, the music of Suikoden II is epic and ambitious. The “Opening Theme” sets the standard hitting magnificent highs and lows, while the ethereal “Reminiscence” is a beautiful melody. With all the quality soundtracks from the PlayStation era RPGs, Suikoden II stands tall with the best of them.

Suikoden II is a classic and rare RPG. If you wish to play an RPG with an intriguing story, over 100 characters to recruit and massive battles then you should play Suikoden II.

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Tagged as konami, playstation, review, rpg, suikoden ii, video game

January 28, 2013 · 7:21 PM

Review: Why You Should Play Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies

Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies is a turn-based RPG for the Nintendo DS that features a full fledge single player experience combined with co-operative multiplayer with up to four players.

Dragon Quest IX is the first main title in the series to be released on a portable system and features unique aspects such as co-operative multiplayer and the ability to create and customise your own character and party members. It greatest strength is that it can still be completed purely as a single player game with great supporting characters, a fantastical story, a giant world full of secrets and an excellent tradition turn-based battle system.

The story is based around the Celestrians, a group of angels that watch over the mortal world, who will be one day rewarded for their service by ascending to the Realm of the Almighty. Disaster strikes when the Celestrians are attacked and knocked down to the world below. The main character is stripped of his angel wings and forced to discover who was behind the attack and find a way back home. The story starts off formulaic, but really picks up as more is revealed leading to some great boss encounters during the end of the game. The story progression and minimal party member characterisation feels like a throwback to classic RPGs such as early instalments in both the Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest series.

Dragon Quest IX offers a very tradition RPG experience bursting with a robust job class system, skills and special attacks to learn, equipment and accessories, side quests and alchemy to mix and craft different items. The battle system is turn based with up to four party members and there are no random battles as all enemies are seen roaming around the environments. The multiplayer component allows other players to become guests in your adventure, while still being fully controllable by each player. Dragon Quest IX offers one of the best implementations of local multiplayer found in the genre and is great if you are looking for an RPG to play with friends.

The soundtrack accompanying the journey is classic Dragon Quest and stays pretty closely to the series routes. The main theme “Overture IX” is a triumphant tune that evokes images of a grand adventure, while the more sombre piece “Heaven’s Prayer” played at the Observatory, helps add to the angelic tone of the narrative. There will definitely be some memorable melodies as you play through the game.

Dragon Quest IX is a fantastic traditional RPG that is equally fun to play through on your own or with friends. If you wish to play a classic RPG with fully customisable characters, then you should play Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies.

Review: Why You Should Play The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is an adventure RPG for the Nintendo Wii that revolutionises the series by utilising motion controls to allow the player to further enhance the experience.

Skyward Sword features a vibrant world that takes inspiration from Impressionist artwork. It is colourful and full of personality and each new location is a joy to explore. The introduction of flying and many puzzles in the over-world give the game a huge sense of scale and the numerous weapons and tools in your inventory keep the game play feeling fresh and fun to play. The Legend of Zelda series has been around for 25 years, but Skyward Sword still captures the spirit and wonder of classic instalments while updating it with a modern control scheme and new ideas.

The game’s story is the earliest in the The Legend of Zelda timeline and outlines the origins of Zelda, the Master Sword and the series villain Ganon. Game play definitely takes centre stage, but the narrative is engaging and the characters are genuinely interesting. Zelda is given more personality than previous instalments and the antagonist Ghirahim is menacing and memorable. Voice acting is not present in the game, but the silent protagonist is still a great “Link” between players and this magical adventure.

Game play is the main focus of Skyward Sword and the implementation of motion control takes combat to another level. Using the Wii remote the player has full control over Link’s sword. Many enemies will block your attacks, unless you strike them from different directions and later in the game the AI is no push over. Sword combat is fun, but motion control is also utilised to aim the slingshot, throw bombs, crack whips, guide the remote beetle, shoot arrows and guard attacks with your shield. Bosses take it up another notch requiring thoughtful strategy and precise attacks. Once you have mastered the control scheme it really feels like you have complete control over your arsenal of weapons. Skyward sword also features some of the best designed dungeons in the series including imaginative enemies, though provoking puzzles and great locations.

Another first for the series is a fully orchestrated soundtrack. The music is melodic and epic, featuring brilliant new compositions and enhancing some old favourites. “Ballad of the Goddess” is an energetic main theme, while quieter pieces such as “Isle of Songs” and “Zelda’s Lullaby” are beautiful. The music complements the art style and world adding some extra emotion to the game.

Skyward Sword is the reason we play RPGs, to participate in an adventure through imaginative worlds. If you wish to play an RPG that puts you in control of a hero unlike any other game, then you should play The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword.

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Tagged as adventure, nintendo, review, rpg, skyward sword, the legend of zelda, video game, wii

August 13, 2012 · 10:32 PM

Review: Why You Should Play Final Fantasy XII

Final Fantasy XII is a turn-based RPG for the PlayStation 2 that brought real time battles to the series, as well as an intriguing political storyline and gigantic open world.

Following the first online entry into the Final Fantasy series, the twelfth instalment saw the introduction of real time battles into the single player experience. It also brought Yasumi Matsuno’s world of Ivalice and all the interesting characters that inhabit it. Final Fantasy XII was a revolution and was unlike any Final Fantasy before it.

Against the back drop of the raging war between the empires of Archadia and Rozarria, the story focuses on the small kingdom of Dalmasca, caught in between. Two years after Archadia invades Dalmasca; Ashe, the Princess of Dalmasca and Basch, the Captain who was thought a traitor, rise up to take revenge against the empire. Final Fantasy XII focuses heavily on its political story, but includes some fantastic characters such as the charming sky pirate Balthier. The script is well written and elegant, while the excellent voice acting provides some of the best dialogue ever in an RPG.

While the battles are in real time, with no random encounters, the battle system is still turned-based. The player has the ability to open the battle menu at any time, pausing the battle and selecting actions for all of the party members. The player also has the ability to customise gambits, which are used to program actions for all the characters with incredible depth. The battle system strikes a great balance between turn-based and real time action. Character growth is handled by opening up licenses on a grid board, allowing each character to use new magic spells, equip new items or increase their stats. Final Fantasy XII contains a lot of depth, but also allows the ability to play it any way you wish.

Hitoshi Sakimoto is the main composer of Final Fantasy XII and like his previous work, Vagrant Story the soundtrack is ambitious and full of wide sweeping orchestral pieces. The music fits the narrative well, such as the glorious “Opening Movie” theme. Sakimoto may have also created one of the best renditions of the main “Final Fantasy Theme”. Overall the music creates a distinct atmosphere that works well with the unique visual style of the game.

Final Fantasy XII brings a massive open world full of political intrigue and mystery. If you wish to play an RPG that challenged the norm, then you should play Final Fantasy XII.

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June 27, 2012 · 9:47 PM

Review: Why You Should Play The Last Story

The Last Story is an action RPG released on the Nintendo Wii that combines an exciting new battle system with a traditional story of swords and sorcery.

From the original creator of Final Fantasy, Hironobu Sakaguchi, The Last Story brings together the classic elements of the genre, such as an involving story, memorable cast of characters and in-depth customisation with a new way to engage in battles. The Last Story feels a lot like older RPGs, but the game play is something entirely modern.

The narrative follows the antics of a band of mercenaries living on the beautiful Lazulis Island, ranging from Zael, the hero who discovers a magic power, to Syrenne, a heavy drinking, short tempered rogue. It is the cast of characters that is The Last Story’s greatest strength. They all have a unique personality and the conversations between themselves are a highlight. The plot evolves into a love story between Zael and the mysterious princess Calista and involves confrontations, invasions and kidnapping. The story is fast paced, interesting and action packed, but it also takes the time to show some heart-felt moments that will keep the player coming back for more.

Battles are fought in real-time, with the player in control of Zael. He can block, run, dodge, hide behind walls and take cover from enemies as well as attack them with his sword or shoot at them with his crossbow. The game also features the ability to stop battles and issue commands to your allies, creating an added layer of depth to the battle system. Boss battles are strategic and challenging, demanding different tactics such as telling your allies to use fire magic to destroy a bridge. Unlike most RPGs, The Last Story also contains online multiplayer, where players can team up or verse each other in deathmatch modes. The game play is the most addictive of any recent RPG.

Teaming up again with Sakaguchi, Nobuo Uematsu’s soundtrack for The Last Story is amazing. It brings atmosphere and emotion to the narrative, from the majestic “Theme of The Last Story”, to the moody battle track “Order and Chaos”. The wonderful music adds that special element that all great RPGs possess to make them stand out from the crowd.

The Last Story has the heart and soul of classic RPGs, but brings forth one of most innovative new battle systems in recent games. If you wish to play an RPG full of charm and character, then you should play The Last Story.

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May 27, 2012 · 8:03 PM

Review: Why You Should Play Final Fantasy Tactics

Final Fantasy Tactics is a tactical RPG released on the Sony PlayStation that features an intriguing political storyline with a strategic and complex battle system.

As Yasumi Matsuno’s first project after joining SquareSoft, Final Fantasy Tactics introduced players to the war ravaged kingdom of Ivalice. Final Fantasy Tactics is deep and engrossing, featuring the greatest edition of the job system used in many Final Fantasy titles. The game is difficult and dense, but the committed player is rewarded with one of the greatest stories told in an RPG.

The story of Final Fantasy Tactics is set during the events of “The War of the Lions”, where Duke Larg and Duke Goltanna are fighting each other to claim the throne. It is on this backdrop that childhood friends, the high born Ramza Beoulve and low born Delita witness the ugly prejudice between nobles and commoners. The tragic death of Delita’s sister changes both of their lives, as Delita begins a plan to use and manipulate the nobility to rise above his rank and seek rule over Ivalice, while Ramza denounces his noble name and fights unrewarded for justice and to protect the princess who is caught up in the political mess. The mature narrative delves into the morals of both men as one becomes the corrupt hero that the public praises, while the other becomes the brave hero that the pages of history forgot.

Battles in Final Fantasy Tactics take place on a 3D isometric field. Each party member can be controlled by moving them around the field and selecting attacks, spells and items. It plays out like a game of chess as position and strategy are very important to the outcome of the battle. Characters are fully customisable, using the extensive job system. There are over 20 different classes to choose from including special versions for important characters. By equipping your army with the likes of Knights, Mages, Summoners and Ninjas, the game is endlessly re-playable and engaging.

The music of Final Fantasy Tactics is both beautiful and mysterious. The battle theme “Trisection” is stirring, but thoughtful, emulating the game-plays use of tactics, while the melodic piano piece “Hero’s Theme” captures the tragic struggle of Delita and Ramza. The soundtrack compliments the story fantastically.

Final Fantasy Tactics is an extremely deep and rewarding experience. If you wish to play an RPG that will challenge and captivate you from beginning to end you should play Final Fantasy Tactics.

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Tagged as delita, final fantasy tactics, ps1, ramza, review, rpg, squaresoft, video game, yasumi matsuno

April 3, 2012 · 7:45 PM

Review: Why You Should Play Xenoblade Chronicles

Xenoblade Chronicles is an action-based RPG released on the Nintendo Wii that feels modern and fresh, but encapsulates the very best features of classic RPGs.

Designed by Xenogears director Tetsuya Takahashi, Xenoblade’s story takes place on a world unlike any other. The world is literally the body of two ancient petrified titans, the Bionis, where human-like species live and the Mechonis, home to the antagonistic mechanical creatures known as the Mechon. Xenoblade Chronicles will draw you in with its magical world, that is endlessly expansive and features some of the best art design since Chrono Cross. Exploration is at its best, as pretty much anywhere you can see, you can travel there by foot. This is an epic adventure that will leave you in a sense of wonder every time you encounter a new area.

The narrative is also engrossing, as what starts out as a story of personal revenge against the Mechon, becomes something much more. The game is never slowed down by the story though and most cutscenes are action-packed, leaving the player wanting more. The characters are well developed and the main cast really have a reason to be part of the story, as the conflict has all directly impacted their lives. The stand out characters include the seasoned hero Dunban, who brings a sense of urgency to proceedings and the main protagonist Shulk, who has the ability to see visions of the future through the legendary sword the Monado that he wields. The plot offers many twists and turns that genuinely surprise and evoke emotion.

Xenoblade Chronicles has so many impressive features, but it is the battle system that will keep the player coming back for more. Unlike other action-based systems, battles in Xenoblade require strategy and can’t be won by just mindlessly attacking. Normal attacks are performed automatically leaving the player free to execute special attacks, move their characters into a more advantageous position, discover the proper strategy to defeat enemies and organise chain attacks between the three party members. The game adds more abilities as the story moves on, such as Shulk’s ability to see a vision of a powerful attack that the enemy is planning, allowing the player the chance to warn the other characters and prepare for a counterattack. The game play is deep and engaging, but never poorly explained, letting the player learn by experience, something many modern game developers do not understand.

The soundtrack of Xenoblade Chronicles is also an epic, featuring music from six composers including the well known Yasunori Mitsuda and Yoko Shimomura. The music is full of life and does not contain much repetition as many songs include multiple sections. Areas in the game such as Colony 9 contain different music depending on whether it is day or night, as the tracks for the day portray upbeat, exciting themes, while the night-time tracks are softer and calmer. The “Main Theme” is exquisite and beautiful and “Engage the Enemy” is an extremely emotional piece that is played during important parts of the game. This is one of the best video game soundtracks in years.

Xenoblade Chronicles is an RPG that must be played. It is how modern RPGs should be designed and it is comparable to Chrono Trigger in the way it makes so many innovations, but gets all of them right. If you wish to play an RPG that respects its tradition but knows when to try something new then you should play Xenoblade Chronicles.

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