PTales of the Abyss
Console: Nintendo 3DS
Genre: RPG
Release Date: February 14, 2012
Date Reviewed: February 10, 2013
Gameplay:
Tales of the Abyss is a port from the PS2 version. I am very glad they ported it to the 3DS. I played it on the PS2 but it was so long ago and I was so young that I really didn't remember it to well. When I picked it up I knew I was in for a treat. Tales of the Abyss is an open world RPG title for the 3DS. If you have played any of the Tales games in the past then you will know the combat system is basically the same style. The combat system is not turned based but when you get into a battle screen it's a real time hack and slash RPG. You gain experience, level up, get to equipment. The same with any other RPG game. What Tales does very well is the use of strategy. You can control any of your 6 party members during battle. You can level up their skills, pick how they fight whether you want them to focus on healing or spell-casting or even focus on spell-casting until your TP (mana) hits 25%. This brings the combat to life more and great a challenge and avoids the repetitiveness. So overall combat is great!
Fast action combat!
The visuals are great. The 3D in the game doesn't really do anything unfortunately. The cut scenes are well and have also been upgraded to a more sharper picture. The story line is very well done and will get anyone absorbed to it. There are a lot of twists and “WTF” moments in the game which makes it a lot more fun and interesting. The main character of the game is really annoying at the beginning of the game. He's a very spoilt brat who always gets his way. Later on it gets much better and a lot more bearable. The game offers about 20+ hours of game play if you do not rush through it. Another issue I had with the game is when your exploring and walking around the world map it really zoomed out and at some points on the map the frame rates drop drastically making it hard to avoid some enemies. Overall I found Tales of the Abyss to be a very enjoyable game. If you have not ever played Tales of the Abyss I recommend picking it up for the 3DS. If you have played it on the PS2 version or are a tales fan I also recommend picking this up. They did a good job with the port.
Graphics:
The only two problems I have with the visuals in the game are the random frame drops in certain areas of the world map and there is no 3D in the game. You turn it on and it looks the exact same. This is very unfortunate because I think for the cutscenes the visuals will look so much more better. The port from the PS2 to the 3DS was a good port overall. No dumbed down graphics or quality overall. The game plays the same as the PS2 version and is a very enjoyable experience. I recommend not rushing through the cut scenes and skipping them just to beat the game faster. Take your time and watch the cut scenes they are very well done, well animated and will absorb you as you unfold this epic story. The battle scenes are fast paced, look very well and has no frame drops that I have noticed.
Beautiful cut scenes.
One of my favorite things to do during the battle encounters are using every party members special attack when they are available. They look so cool, bright, flashy and colorful. I also really liked the look of all of the spells visuals and skills. They all looked unique and suits the name of the skills. Overall Tales of the Abyss is a beautiful and colorful game for the 3DS.
Audio:
The soundtrack for Tales of the Abyss is fantastic. The battle music makes it like your endanger and need to kick some butt. The boss battle music makes the boss look more powerful and gets your adrenaline pumping. The music in each of the towns and the overworld map is soothing. Each town has their own unique soundtrack to them. They all sound great and very pleasing to the ears. Overall sound is top notch as well as the music.
Conclusion:
Tales of the Abyss is a splendid game. Yes, there are some small problems with the game but they aren't game breaking or will cause you to pull out your hair. It's very beautiful, very fun, interactive, has a great story and an awesome soundtrack. This port was very well done and hope to see other Tales games get ported to the 3DS in the future. There is a lack of 3D effects within the game and thought that the cut scenes would have looked a lot better and have a bigger effect on the story if the 3D was enabled for them. If you are a tales fan, RPG fan, or looking for a good game that will last awhile then I recommend you go pick this up. You will not be disappointed.
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Thursday, January 31, 2013
New Super Mario Bros. 2
Console: Nintendo 3DS
Genre: Platformer
Release Date: August 19, 2012
Date Reviewed: Feb. 1st, 2013
Gameplay:
New Super Mario Bros 2 is the second game for New Super Mario Bros. The original game debuted on the Nintendo DS hand helds. This one however is now on the Nintendo 3DS. The original NSMB was a huge hit on the DS because it was Mario, but Mario remade. It's basically Super Mario Bros. Remade onto the hand held systems. Everyone loved it. Now we have NSMB Wii and NSMB WiiU. The game play is your basic Mario plat former. You go through worlds, each world has a castle with a boss and when you beat the boss you move onto the next world. Not really much to explain more about the game play. However I had a few issues with it. Now it is a fun game don't get me wrong. But this game is missing a lot. The point in this game is to collect as many coins as possible. This is a nice new twist on a Super Mario game. They also introduced a coin rush mode into the game where you play a few levels that have a lot of coins to collect and a short time limit. The other nice thing about this one is it has DLC. The DLC content are new coin rush maps, one they included for free. When you get your one million coin goal all that happens is you get a new background on the game menu, that's it. Not really much of an award.
The Tanooki Suit is back!
The issues I have with this game is it is so plain. The backgrounds, the level designs, and the overall game play lasts only a couple of hours. Sure if your a perfectionist like me then you want to try and unlock all the levels and the star coins. But while your playing through the worlds or even navigating each world to your next level it's just so plain compared to NSMB for the Wii or even the WiiU. The environment in the Wii and WiiU titles are fun, interactive, and adds some life to the game. Compared to the first one on the DS, they really didn't change anything at all besides collecting coins. This I found was very disappointing. It's like they didn't care all to much about this game because they wanted to boost sales on the 3DS system because it is a Mario game. Maria game = sells a lot of consoles.
However when you complete the game you unlock Star world. I like the levels in Star World but when you beat the game and didn't really focus on collecting the star coins it's frustrating to try and go through these levels because it costs a butt load of star coins just to even go to the first level in star world. I do like how they added that feature to the game though. They do have a co op mode within the game as well where you can a friend can connect locally and play the game together collecting your coins or just plain and simple beating the game. I am happy they are sticking with the co op route of things even on the DS systems. Overall the game play is fun, just a bit upsetting with the lack of effort put into this game and the boring environments. I would recommend picking up Paper Mario Sticker Star before this game.
Graphics:
The 3DS uses the graphics very well in this game. The textures are crisp and it looks really good. The only problem which was mentioned up above is the plain environments and bad level designs. Almost all of the levels had a plain background and was really fast and easy to run through. Not a whole look of level creativeness in this version of the game at all. The animations on all of the enemies are great. Like in the first one the enemies dance to the beat of the music as they are walking. I still think it's funny when they hop around or swing their arms to the music.
Co op Style!
Audio:
The soundtrack is basically the same one used in the DS title. Most of the levels have a good soundtrack and goes well with the game but it is all just from the original game. All of the audio in the game is what you'd expect from any Mario plat former game.
Conclusion:
Overall the game is fun, just upsetting on the level design and environments. I mean go watch a video on NSMB for WiiU and compare it to the 3DS version. I wish I was playing the WiiU version is all I am saying. I do like the co op mode in the game and how you can also play as luigi. I also enjoyed the Coin Rush mode which you unlock after the first world is beaten. They have also included a free DLC coin rush map pack for free for a limited time to celebrate the anniversary of Mario. This map pack is known as the “classic map pack” because you play re designed levels from the original Mario games. They are also fun. If you are debating between NSMB or Paper Mario Sticker Star I recommend you pick up Sticker Star before this game.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Paper Mario Sticker Star (3DS)
Console: Nintendo 3DS
Genre: Adventure RPG
Release Date: November 11, 2012
Date Reviewed: January 30, 2013
Gameplay:
Paper Mario Sticker Star is for the 3DS system. Paper Mario Sticker Star is not like the original Paper Mario for the N64 or the Wii versions. This version of Paper Mario is a new and fresh approach to the series. I personally loved the original for the N64 because of the RPG style. With Sticker Star there is still the RPG battle system but it's not nearly the same. With Sticker Star you actually go around peeling, buying, and finding stickers, You use these stickers as your battle commands. You have your basic stickers like the shoe (jump), and your hammer. But there are also a lot of different variations of these stickers like the fire hammer which does damage to all enemies. These stickers can also be powered up or you can even find them. These are known as shiny stickers or even flashy stickers which are much more powerful version of other stickers. There are a total of six worlds and each world has it's own different theme and style like with most mario games. Sticker Star does stay to it's routes by adding a lot of humour within the game. There were several times in the game where I had a good laugh.
So of coarse your roll is to save Princess Peach from Bowser once again. Basically what happens (without giving away spoilers) is everyone is at the sticker festival. While everyone is paying attention to Mario and Peach talking about the royal stickers Bowser sneaks in and steals one of the royal stickers. These royal stickers have great power within them and Bowser uses it to capture Peach and wipe the floor with Mario. Of coarse it is up to you to recover the seven missing royal stickers and rescue Peach.
The Battle System
With Sticker Star I found there was a lot more puzzle work to do than any other Paper Mario. What I mean by that is you have to do a lot of back tracking to other levels to progress. I did enjoy this aspect of the game but some of the times you have no clue where to go or what to do next. There were to much hidden paths to find to advance to the next level. I did enjoy that there was lots to do. If not rushed it is a 12 hour+ game. No replay value but it is longer than most recent Mario games out currently. The exploration is a huge part of the game which makes it even more enjoyable. Most of the bosses are challenging but have the option to make it easier if you know what stickers to use. I do wished they kept how the original one was. You get into a battle, earn XP, gain levels, etc... I am very happy that they added something new to the series but I missed the original game play style.
Sticker Star does stay true to the series of being a fun 2D style game with 3D environments and objects. These objects can be turned into super stickers which can deal a lot of damage or be a good support tool. Some of these include a fan or a vacuum or even a baseball bat. Each has it's own unique purpose. Overall the game play is as fun as it's always been and if your a Paper Mario fan I would check this game out you will have some fun. It is probably the worst one out of the three but still a lot of fun.
Graphics:
Paper Mario Sticker Star has your same 2D graphics as any other Paper Mario game in the past. You play as Mario who is made of paper and talk with NPC's who are also made of paper. Almost everything in the game is made of paper. You play as 2D but the environments are 3D. The game is very colourful and has a lot of variety. Each world you enter is a completely different environment. A little feature that I found really neat was whenever you got a shiny or flashy sticker and moved your 3DS around the stickers will shine as you move it around.
Water coming out of a cardboard bowser mouth?
Paper Mario Sticker Star also has a lot of great battle animations. The animations on the enemies and environment are very well done. They really did stay to the name of “Paper” Mario.
Audio:
The sound track for the game is what you would expect from any Mario game in the series. So catchy and soothing for the most part. When you go underground they did re use the classic soundtrack from Super Mario Bros. The audio is what you would expect from any Mario game. Never bad, always good, and always catchy. It seems to relate to the game very well.
Conclusion:
Overall Paper Mario Sticker Star is a very fun and enjoyable game. There are some things that do affect the overall score. Some of the younger audiences may find this game confusing at some parts and well get lost and will not be able to figure out where to go next. Most of the time they do not tell you where you need to go, it's basically go and figure it out for yourself. There were a couple of times I needed a small walk through to figure out where I needed to go next. I also believe they really didn't need to add the RPG battle system in this version of the game. Yes, battling with the stickers is a cool and new concept but when you win a battle it doesn't really feel like you've accomplished anything from doing it. Yes, you may earn coins or health when you defeat them but I missed when you gained experience, levelled up Mario, use badges, etc... That was very fun to me. Overall Sticker Star is a fun and enjoyable game but if your looking for the “old” Paper Mario this is not it. But try it anyways, you may have a good time as I did with it.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Fire Emblem Awakening early!
So I got my copy of Fire Emblem Awakening this morning for my 3DS. A whole week early. The game is wonderful so far. As for Paper Mario, that will be up at some point today as promised. Stay tuned!
Friday, January 25, 2013
Upcoming Reviews! (Currently working on)
Hey everyone. Normally I would only use this blog to post reviews and not updates but this is a big one. I recently had some time off so I have had the opportunity to play some new games. I am currently writing the reviews for each of them now. Down below is a list of reviews I will be posting shortly.
Reviews to come:
- Paper Mario Sticker Star - Jan 30th
- New Super Mario Bros. 2 - Feb 1st
- Tales of the Abyss (3DS) - Feb 8th
- Halo 4 - Feb 11th
- Borderlands 2 - Feb 14th
- Call of Duty Black Ops 2 - Feb 17th
- Diablo 3 - Feb 20th
- Smite - Feb 23rd
- Fire Emblem Awakening - Feb 25th
- World of Warcraft Mists of Pandaria - Feb 27th
- Minecraft (XBLA) - Feb 28th
- Awesomenauts (XBLA) - Feb 28th
- Trials Revolution (XBLA) - Feb 28th
Yes this is a lot. These are not in order but I will be releasing all of these as soon as possible. I am planning to have all of them uploaded no later than Feb. 28th, 2013. All the dates attached to the reviews are not final and may be adjusted or pushed back. I will do my best. Also the Arcade titles are much smaller so I will do all three on the same day. If you want to see any other reviews please feel free to comment, post on the facebook page, message me on twitter, or send me an email at codysreviews@gmail.com.
I also wanted to say I have reached a new milestone and I am doing all of these reviews to see if I can double what it is now. I am getting about 700 views a month now and am at 11k viewers.
Thanks everyone!
Reviews to come:
- Halo 4 - Feb 11th
- Borderlands 2 - Feb 14th
- Call of Duty Black Ops 2 - Feb 17th
- Diablo 3 - Feb 20th
- Smite - Feb 23rd
- Fire Emblem Awakening - Feb 25th
- World of Warcraft Mists of Pandaria - Feb 27th
- Minecraft (XBLA) - Feb 28th
- Awesomenauts (XBLA) - Feb 28th
- Trials Revolution (XBLA) - Feb 28th
Yes this is a lot. These are not in order but I will be releasing all of these as soon as possible. I am planning to have all of them uploaded no later than Feb. 28th, 2013. All the dates attached to the reviews are not final and may be adjusted or pushed back. I will do my best. Also the Arcade titles are much smaller so I will do all three on the same day. If you want to see any other reviews please feel free to comment, post on the facebook page, message me on twitter, or send me an email at codysreviews@gmail.com.
I also wanted to say I have reached a new milestone and I am doing all of these reviews to see if I can double what it is now. I am getting about 700 views a month now and am at 11k viewers.
Thanks everyone!
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Console: Nintendo DSi, Nintendo 3DS
Genre: Adventure RPG
Release Date: October 7, 2012
Reviewed: November 1, 2012
Gameplay:
Pokemon Black and White 2 is basically the same as all previous pokemon games for the handheld systems. You collect your 8 badges, fight the elite four, the end. But with Black and White 2 they have added so much more to that concept.
Yes, the point of the game is still the same as it always has been but with BW2 they make it so much more dynamic. The game overall will take you over 30 hours to beat if you do not rush the game and explore the new and improved Unova region. The story in BW2 is very well done. It makes you feel so involved with what is going on in the game and has some really epic and memorable moments.
So you start in Aspertia City which is a new city added to the game. There are a bunch of new locations added to the Unova region. For the first time in Pokemon history you start in a big city not a town. You still get the same starters from the original BW games but you don't get it from Professor Juniper in this game. BW2 takes place two years after the events of BW. As mentioned the Unova region changes significantly. New locations are accessible in the southwest and northwest of the region. There are a few locations that are not accessible anymore such as the challenger's cave. There are new gyms and new gym leaders. The Unova pokedex is expanded to include Pokemon foreign to the region. The player is able to choose to play as the boy Nate, or the girl Rosa, as they travel across the region against their rival, Hugh. There are several changes to the game which makes it feel like a new adventure, not just a sequel to BW. You start off with new characters, the HP and EXP bar for pokemon has been redesigned and looks much better. New location have been added to the game such as Aspertia City, Virbank City, Floccesy Town, Lentimas Town, and Humilau City. Some of the new characters include Hugh, Colress, Roxie, Marlon and Benga. Older characters like Cheren, Bianca, Elesa, Ghetsis and Iris all receive redesigns. All Unova gyms have redesigns. There have been several changes made to existing locations, such as Driftveil City and Nimbasa City. Every trainer has their own fully animated sprite. They are much smoother. Several attacks have received new battle animations. The C-Gear has been redesigned. The Unova Pokedex has been expanded tremendously to accommodate older Pokemon. All returning gym leaders and champions receive new sprites. Route 4 has changed and also differs between BW2. Victory Road has been changed as well. The Cold Storage is now gone and has been replaced with the Pokemon Tournament. These are just some of the new features and changes to the game.
Unova has been expanded!
One of my most favorite features with the new pokedex is the habitat list. What that does is if your on route 4 for example and you are wondering what pokemon you can get from that area, just simply turn on your habitat mode for route 4 and it will show you all of the pokemom on the route. I found this feature extremely handy. A lot of pokemon are now catchable in BW2. One example of this would be Eevee. You are now able to catch them in the wild grass, and as much as you want! BW2 seems like a very polished game compared to BW. They expanded the world tremendously, they made the story more interactive and interesting. The new gym leaders are all extremely fun and all of the gyms are redesigned with new puzzles to get to the gym leaders. Another great feature that was added to BW2 was Join Avenue. Basically it's a little place that you can recruit NPC's to open their own shops to buy rare items. Now when you first get an NPC to join with their shops they start out at rank 1 and sell not so useful stuff. When you recommend and NPC to one of the stores it will gain popularity and when it does your shops will be upgraded once you hit the popularity target. When that happens they will start to sell better and more rare items for you. Overall I was extremely impressed with BW2 and yes it is a direct sequel to the originals. I feel that they are completetly new games and a whole new experience. Worth every penny.
So much more to explore.
Graphics:
The graphics in BW2 have also been improved. One of the biggest improvement to it are the sprite animations for the pokemon, trainers, gym leaders and moves. All have received a graphical update as well as more frames so that the animations are much smoother looking. Each trainer now has their very own sprite animation as well as all of the pokemon in the game. The game runs a lot smoother than BW ever did. The battles are extremely smooth and run quickly. The movement in the environment is smoother as well. The environment received an upgrade as well. When you are battling a pokemon the grass around the pokemon also moves with the air during the battle. A lot of the pokemon moves have also received an overhaul. The pokemon moves has also received an update. The moves all look smoother and better. Overall I was extremely impressed with the overall quality of the game.
Great moment.
Audio:
I have always enjoyed the audio in all of the pokemon games especially in BW2. Most of the Black and White music has been slightly remixed, in addition to the Gym Leader and Champion music from Kanto, Johto, Hoenn and Sinnoh. The remixes are very well done. My favorite music within BW2 is when you fight one of the three legendaries reaming around. All of the audio in BW2 has also received a slight upgrade in quality. Overall same great audio that we have all loved with some new ones!
Conclusion:
Conclusion:
I really enjoyed BW2. IGN gave it a 9.6. A pokemon game hasn't hit that high in score for awhile now. You can tell Gamefreak put a lot more time and effort into the sequel and it's paid off. The new storyline will keep you interested and wanting to learn more about it. The expanded pokedex is great giving you the ability to find older pokemon as soon as you begin your adventures. The habitat list is a fantastic addition and hope to see it in future pokemon games as well. The animations have vastly improved as well as the moves. Unova is much bigger and has a lot to explore. The play time is over 30 hours if not rushed. When you beat the elite 4 for the first time there is so much more to do in the game. I recommend pokemon fans, and RPG fans to go pick up this game. You will not be dissapointed I promise.
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