It has been a while since Final Fantasy Explorers have been released outside of Japan, and I can see that a lot of people are so excited with the game, and I am just one of those people. In fact, this is actually the first game that I've ever bought during the day it launched!
So I've played the game a little bit, and I can say that even with the repetitive gameplay (which is a problem in some cases), I can see that it has promise to be a very decent game. I have fun with it, and I am going to invest time on it to make a final verdict. Here are some of the things that I've observed:
1. The game's formula does look like Monster Hunter, but with several tweaks.
While it does to imitate some elements in Monster Hunter, they heavily re-worked on them to ensure that they don't end up like a sorry clone of the latter. The quest system, for example, allows you to receive pre-determined rewards, while also allowing you to get multiple rewards along the way by killing monsters.
2. Each locations are interconnected with each other
The hunting areas in the game are all part of the entire world map, making the environments very organic while offering some decent challenge in the process.
3. The combat is flashy and full of power!
Unlike Monster Hunter where it requires you to hit monsters with extreme precision, Final Fantasy Explorers gives you a selection of movements and skills to make sure that you defeat enemies in any desire you wish. Whether you hack-and-slash all day or go gung-ho with your barrage of spells, Explorers has a lot of ways for you destroy your adversaries.
4. It is not as punishing as it seems to be... I guess.
However, it is up to you whether you make it such. There are certain self-imposed challenges that you can use to make the game tougher. I honestly still don't know on how relevant this system is, but I think it is just to pump up the already challenging missions to a certain degree... and for masochists who always crave for a deliciously good time!
5. Monsters are predictable yet menacing.
The eidolons (which are equivalent to Monster Hunter's large monsters such as the Rathalos and Zinogre) moves pretty much like their RPG counterparts; their move sets, design, and even it's battle structure are all well animated and they offer a decent challenge. However, this also means that their moves can also be easily predicted by word boxes; a common staple in the franchise.
There are many other things that I would like to discuss about this game, however, it is best to find out more on yourself. Besides, self-discovery is far more fulfilling than relying on walkthroughs. Right?! Right! :)
Final Fantasy Explorers has been released in January 26, 2016 in the United States.
Saturday, March 5, 2016
Thursday, January 21, 2016
Thoughts about Final Fantasy Explorers
Only a few days left and Final Fantasy Explorers will get its stateside release. As a guy living in the Philippines, we usually follow the North American release timeline, since most of the games here are US-based. But I can't help but to wonder; will Explorers ever live up to the people's expectations?
To be honest, upon seeing a lot of things about the game, it really does kind of remind me of another popular hunting game, which makes me a bit worried about things. I tend to ignore every news and reviews about the game so that I could be able to make a fresh perspective about the game. This is to ensure that my excitement for the game is never spoiled. That being said, there are so much things to go for with this particular franchise and I am not lying to tell you this; Square Enix must have been doing a lot of research, and I commend them for that.
To give you guys a little background, Final Fantasy was originally meant to be Hironobu Sakaguchi's (the series' creator) final game; serving as a last resort for Squaresoft's (name of the company prior to their merge with Enix) struggling predicament at the time. Unbeknownst to them, however, the game became a massive hit, allowing Square to survive, make partnership with Enix, and become one of the most profitable video game companies that we all know today.
The overall gameplay of the Final Fantasy franchise has evolved throughout many years of its development; from a single player turn-based RPG, it became a flexible mix of dungeon exploration, action, adventure, as well as becoming an MMORPG. And who would thought that Square would not embrace innovation?
I am pretty sure I am not the only one who is hyped on this games release. Japan got this game like 2 years ago and I am honestly have no idea on how popular the game has become at some point, although I will also assume that it was also not Monster Hunter popular, but who cares?
Final Fantasy Explorers will be released in the United States on January 26.
To be honest, upon seeing a lot of things about the game, it really does kind of remind me of another popular hunting game, which makes me a bit worried about things. I tend to ignore every news and reviews about the game so that I could be able to make a fresh perspective about the game. This is to ensure that my excitement for the game is never spoiled. That being said, there are so much things to go for with this particular franchise and I am not lying to tell you this; Square Enix must have been doing a lot of research, and I commend them for that.
To give you guys a little background, Final Fantasy was originally meant to be Hironobu Sakaguchi's (the series' creator) final game; serving as a last resort for Squaresoft's (name of the company prior to their merge with Enix) struggling predicament at the time. Unbeknownst to them, however, the game became a massive hit, allowing Square to survive, make partnership with Enix, and become one of the most profitable video game companies that we all know today.
The overall gameplay of the Final Fantasy franchise has evolved throughout many years of its development; from a single player turn-based RPG, it became a flexible mix of dungeon exploration, action, adventure, as well as becoming an MMORPG. And who would thought that Square would not embrace innovation?
I am pretty sure I am not the only one who is hyped on this games release. Japan got this game like 2 years ago and I am honestly have no idea on how popular the game has become at some point, although I will also assume that it was also not Monster Hunter popular, but who cares?
Final Fantasy Explorers will be released in the United States on January 26.
Thursday, January 7, 2016
An ominous turn - Shin Megami Tensei IV Reader's Review
I have to admit myself, I like role-playing games, especially those with a lot of replay-ability and character customization such as the likes of Pokemon, Etrian Odyssey, and a whole lot recently, Monster Hunter. However, none of these (except Monster Hunter, lolz) pale in comparison to that of the very obscure series known as Shin Megami Tensei. Practically, I am not somehow fond of the many elements found in the game (such as the heavy use of religious elements and the fact that God is the antagonist of the majority of its installments, which can be considered VEEEERY offensive towards certain people), but nevertheless, the game mechanics are very well-established.
However, instead of complaining about its negative impact towards people, I will make a Reader's Review about it...
...... In case you're wondering. :)
That being said, here's my Reader's Review of Shin Megami Tensei IV.
However, instead of complaining about its negative impact towards people, I will make a Reader's Review about it...
...... In case you're wondering. :)
That being said, here's my Reader's Review of Shin Megami Tensei IV.
Title: Shin Megami Tensei IV
Date Released: May 13,2013 (Japan), July 16, 2013 (US), October 30, 2014 (Europe)
Company: Atlus
Genre: RPG
Platform: Nintendo 3DS family of handhelds
ESRB Rating: Mature
Brief Background: Originally released in Japanese waters in May 2013, it was considered to be the fifth installment of the Shin Megami Tensei metaseries (I am saying metaseries because that the series has spawned numerous spin-offs in the process). The development of the game itself took place after the development of another Shin Megami Tensei title; Strange Journey for the DS. The latter was dubbed to be the original "Shin Megami Tensei IV" but was changed due to probable confusion for the Western market, but despite this, the success of the previous games became the strong basis for another SMT title to be released on the West. The game is also known for its extensive character customization, great replay-value, and grueling difficulty.
What do you do here?
You take the role of a young Samurai (the default name being Flynn) as you are chosen to shape the destiny of mankind while defending the medieval-like Eastern Kingdom of Mikado. From there, you are introduced to certain key characters such as Jonathan the gentle Luxuror Samurai, Walter, a cool yet brash Casualry, and Isabeau, a self-assertive and quite Samurai; all of them which affect the ideals and choices that you make as the story progresses. Also, certain decisions that you make in-game will affect the fates of these individuals and overall, mankind. Along the way, you can encounter monsters throughout dungeons underneath Mikado which will force yourself to ally with as you unravel the secrets of Mikado's depths.
What makes the game interesting?
The series itself is known for the aforementioned awesome amounts of replay-value and the amount of freedom that you do in this game. While the game focuses on a more linear type of story progression, there are some hefty amount of side-quests that you can do throughout the game; all of which can be accessed at any time throughout. Some side-quests can be accessed via in-app purchases, which contains a very nice amount of content, such as additional boss battles and bonus equipment. The series itself is known for having multiple endings depending on the choices that you make, which is very engaging and a very interesting way to revisit the game multiple times to experiment a different set of choices; all of which are very interesting at some point. Another series' staple that I like is the way that you talk to "demons", being considered to be an integral part of the game. You can talk to these monsters to either give you money, heal your party, or convince them to join your cause. The catch though is that ALL of these monsters have interesting personalities; which may clash towards your ideals and choices, affecting the overall impact of a negotiation; do it right and you got yourself in a very favorable situation, do it wrong and... well you get the idea.
What are the flaws that I found in this game?
The only thing I could consider a major flaw in this game is the VERY TOUGH difficulty curve of the game, which starts from the very beginning of the game! The feeling is like "ready to take the game on? Well TOO BAD! Because we're sending a barrage of enemies that will instantly destroy you and make you walk away from the game for good!". It feels that you've been cheated at some point, giving you little to no chance of fighting back, which leads to my next point, and that being the enemy AI being aggressive... too aggressive. The enemy always feels intimidating in every way, unleashing a barrage of attacks that comes to a point where it's starting to become cheap and unfair. Heck, even simple grunt enemies will destroy you in a couple of hits (unless you have the Fellow Difficulty on). This makes the game very fulfilling to complete, however, as the challenges themselves have its own rewards... if only you survive, that is.
How controversial this game had become throughout the years?
There are countless controversies regarding the series itself as a whole, especially the aforementioned religious references seen in the monster designs as well as their real-life references, which is a VERY sensitive topic both in and out of the gaming community. As a fan of the series, I kind of find it unsettling that such issues have gone out of hand for Atlus, and while the impact itself is not that large, the lasting effect towards gamers' morality may cause some severe long-term damage on their perspective towards everything spiritual. While I understand the risks of playing these kinds of games, it doesn't change the fact that it has subsequently became a hit for RPG enthusiasts due to its deep combat system, interesting concepts of enemy negotiation and recruitment, and an interactive story; making it one of the greatest RPG franchises ever created. On another note, don't get me started with the whole "Shin Megami Tensei copies Pokemon" thing. It's a discussion that I DON'T want to tackle.
Can you recommend this game?
RPG fans? This is a no-brainer. Playing at least a single Shin Megami Tensei title is a starting point for appreciating the series' awesome ideas. However, if you're not a fan of games of gruesome difficulty and you're not used on seeing religious references and imagery on video games, then I suggest you stay away and find something else... Pokemon, I guess?
Overall rating: 8.8/10
Solid gameplay mechanics and unique approach to the formula lead its way to become a competent title against Pokemon, a different game with the same framework of monster collecting. However, without the hassle of having separate versions, the collecting aspect of this particular series is more spot-on and more intuitive than the Pokemon games, but it doesn't have the same rewarding experience as that of the aforementioned title. Nevertheless, this and Pokemon are two different games and comparing these two games do not make any more sense. If you want a game that is NOT Pokemon, but has that same feel and aspect, then Shin Megami Tensei IV may scratch that monster collecting itch.
--END OF REVIEW--
Date Released: May 13,2013 (Japan), July 16, 2013 (US), October 30, 2014 (Europe)
Company: Atlus
Genre: RPG
Platform: Nintendo 3DS family of handhelds
ESRB Rating: Mature
Brief Background: Originally released in Japanese waters in May 2013, it was considered to be the fifth installment of the Shin Megami Tensei metaseries (I am saying metaseries because that the series has spawned numerous spin-offs in the process). The development of the game itself took place after the development of another Shin Megami Tensei title; Strange Journey for the DS. The latter was dubbed to be the original "Shin Megami Tensei IV" but was changed due to probable confusion for the Western market, but despite this, the success of the previous games became the strong basis for another SMT title to be released on the West. The game is also known for its extensive character customization, great replay-value, and grueling difficulty.
What do you do here?
You take the role of a young Samurai (the default name being Flynn) as you are chosen to shape the destiny of mankind while defending the medieval-like Eastern Kingdom of Mikado. From there, you are introduced to certain key characters such as Jonathan the gentle Luxuror Samurai, Walter, a cool yet brash Casualry, and Isabeau, a self-assertive and quite Samurai; all of them which affect the ideals and choices that you make as the story progresses. Also, certain decisions that you make in-game will affect the fates of these individuals and overall, mankind. Along the way, you can encounter monsters throughout dungeons underneath Mikado which will force yourself to ally with as you unravel the secrets of Mikado's depths.
What makes the game interesting?
The series itself is known for the aforementioned awesome amounts of replay-value and the amount of freedom that you do in this game. While the game focuses on a more linear type of story progression, there are some hefty amount of side-quests that you can do throughout the game; all of which can be accessed at any time throughout. Some side-quests can be accessed via in-app purchases, which contains a very nice amount of content, such as additional boss battles and bonus equipment. The series itself is known for having multiple endings depending on the choices that you make, which is very engaging and a very interesting way to revisit the game multiple times to experiment a different set of choices; all of which are very interesting at some point. Another series' staple that I like is the way that you talk to "demons", being considered to be an integral part of the game. You can talk to these monsters to either give you money, heal your party, or convince them to join your cause. The catch though is that ALL of these monsters have interesting personalities; which may clash towards your ideals and choices, affecting the overall impact of a negotiation; do it right and you got yourself in a very favorable situation, do it wrong and... well you get the idea.
What are the flaws that I found in this game?
The only thing I could consider a major flaw in this game is the VERY TOUGH difficulty curve of the game, which starts from the very beginning of the game! The feeling is like "ready to take the game on? Well TOO BAD! Because we're sending a barrage of enemies that will instantly destroy you and make you walk away from the game for good!". It feels that you've been cheated at some point, giving you little to no chance of fighting back, which leads to my next point, and that being the enemy AI being aggressive... too aggressive. The enemy always feels intimidating in every way, unleashing a barrage of attacks that comes to a point where it's starting to become cheap and unfair. Heck, even simple grunt enemies will destroy you in a couple of hits (unless you have the Fellow Difficulty on). This makes the game very fulfilling to complete, however, as the challenges themselves have its own rewards... if only you survive, that is.
How controversial this game had become throughout the years?
There are countless controversies regarding the series itself as a whole, especially the aforementioned religious references seen in the monster designs as well as their real-life references, which is a VERY sensitive topic both in and out of the gaming community. As a fan of the series, I kind of find it unsettling that such issues have gone out of hand for Atlus, and while the impact itself is not that large, the lasting effect towards gamers' morality may cause some severe long-term damage on their perspective towards everything spiritual. While I understand the risks of playing these kinds of games, it doesn't change the fact that it has subsequently became a hit for RPG enthusiasts due to its deep combat system, interesting concepts of enemy negotiation and recruitment, and an interactive story; making it one of the greatest RPG franchises ever created. On another note, don't get me started with the whole "Shin Megami Tensei copies Pokemon" thing. It's a discussion that I DON'T want to tackle.
Can you recommend this game?
RPG fans? This is a no-brainer. Playing at least a single Shin Megami Tensei title is a starting point for appreciating the series' awesome ideas. However, if you're not a fan of games of gruesome difficulty and you're not used on seeing religious references and imagery on video games, then I suggest you stay away and find something else... Pokemon, I guess?
Overall rating: 8.8/10
Solid gameplay mechanics and unique approach to the formula lead its way to become a competent title against Pokemon, a different game with the same framework of monster collecting. However, without the hassle of having separate versions, the collecting aspect of this particular series is more spot-on and more intuitive than the Pokemon games, but it doesn't have the same rewarding experience as that of the aforementioned title. Nevertheless, this and Pokemon are two different games and comparing these two games do not make any more sense. If you want a game that is NOT Pokemon, but has that same feel and aspect, then Shin Megami Tensei IV may scratch that monster collecting itch.
--END OF REVIEW--
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
My Top 7 favorite Monster Hunter weapon types!
The Monster Hunter series has become a commercial success for Capcom, which is evident to the many people that plays the game all over the world (including myself). And thus, begins a little story of mine...
One day, as I embark on a new adventure as a Hunter, I crept closer to my inventory stash and found a variety of stuff that I can use in my travels; such as Potions, Paintballs, some Raw Meat, and the most important of them all, a bunch of very, very, VERY neat weapons! The question is; which one to bring?! I mean I can't bring all of these cool weapons with me, right? RIGHT?! Yes, and that's sad.
Why is it sad, you ask? Well because of a simple fact... ALL weapon types are useful in every way. There is no single one that either stands out or performs poorly. Each of them has their own significant charm to them, which makes people use these kinds of weapons.
However, while all weapons are fun to use, there are some weapons that I liked and some others that I never really had some interests on. That being said, this is my...
Top 7 favorite Monster Hunter weapon types!
Before I proceed in making this list, there are some factors that I need to consider:
1. It's advantages and disadvantages (which ones I consider to be such)
2. It's overall game-play style, and...
3, It's difficulty level (Is it recommended for beginners or not?)
Disclaimer: Keep in mind that these factors are not definitive and it does not intend to put others' opinions aside. If you have any more concerns, then feel free to reply in a very constructive manner. :)
And another note, since that I've only played Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate, I may also include either the Charge Blade or the Insect Glaive on this list, so without any more delays...
LET'S GET STARTED!
Top 7: Gunlance
PROS:
+ A more powerful version of the Lance
+ Can perform explosive attacks
+ Wyvern's Fire is deadlier than the Bowgun versions
+ Can move while blocking
CONS:
* Promotes slow movement
* Defensive stance can make you out-of-place against faster monsters
* Wyvern's Fire requires a cooldown between uses
* Explosive rounds varies from each Gunlance type
* Has shorter range than bowguns
Notes: There are weapons to get when you are in the need of something durable yet packs an explosive punch. Much like the lances, gunlances are never meant to be used as a fully offensive weapon in the first place. Precise timing and striking is imperative to fully master the gunlances. Additionally, with it's certain and distinct advanced maneuvers such as Wyvern's Fire and Quick Draws, it may take new users some time to master this weapon. If you do, however, then prepare the fireworks display!
Top 6: Insect Glaive
PROS:
+ The only weapon type that you can jump with; adding exceptional mobility
+ Possesses a powerful Kinsect
+ Can allow you to collect essences to power up your Hunter
+ Has exceptional attack speed and reach
CONS:
* The weapon is evasion-reliant
* It has a very complex upgrade mechanic
* A VERY expensive weapon type to invest upon
* Has a very small weapon selection
* Monster essences differ from each monster, which makes essence-stacking difficult
Notes: One of the new weapon types introduced in the latest installment of the Monster Hunter franchise. The Insect Glaive has a lot of things to offer; such as a built-in jumping move, Kinsects that you can summon in battle, and the ability to collect extra "essences" from monsters to give you certain buffs in battle. While it is a very great weapon to use, mastering the weapon is a matter of getting used to it, with a combination of research since monster essences may give you different effects compared to others. Additionally, like I've already mentioned, the glaive is a very expensive weapon to invest upon, and a confusing one to work upon upgrading it. The first thing that you need to do to power up your glaive is to power-up your Kinsect, which requires Nectars that gives different bonuses, which can also greatly affect your Kinsect as it evolves. If the Kinsect is fully upgraded, THEN that will be the only time that you'll be able to upgrade the glaive itself, offering new and different forms of battle tactics at your disposal. With enough messing around and a little bit of advanced research, mastering the Insect Glaive is a VERY rewarding experience.
Top 5: Bows
PROS
+ Very long range
+ Has a variety of coatings at your disposal
+ Advanced techniques are very easy to pick-up and master
CONS:
* Melee techniques are terrible
* Playing with bows requires you to play smart
* You are an utmost target against certain monsters
* This weapon only shines in multiplayer hunts
Notes: As one of the older weapon types introduced in the Monster Hunter series, bows are not really that used much (in my opinion, at least) and many other players prefer the more damaging bowguns. However, there are some advanced maneuvers that you can do with bows. First of all are the charged shots which varies from each bow. There you can either do Focus Shots that deal heavier damage than a normal shot, or Wide Shots that may not deal that much of a damage but covers a large area. You can also fire from a distance and deal AOE damage. Another highlight for these weapons are the coatings; which provides certain effects that makes it as deadly as bowguns. However, using a bow also requires mastery towards dodging and precise timing, since getting caught off guard by a Rathalos can surely tear your party to shreds. Also, the melee attack of this thing is terrible, so don't even bother fighting a Zinogre using pitiful melee blows.
To be honest, mastering the bow is not a chore, but the hassle of hunting solo using these weapons and the proper coatings to use can be extremely detrimental to the fun (which is also the reason why I rarely use and make these since I go solo most of the time). Just use it on Multiplayer hunts and you're golden!
TOP 4: Sword and Shield
PROS:
+ A very basic weapon, suitable for any skill level
+ Acts as a cutting and blunt weapon at the same time
+ Capable of using items, even when holding the weapon
+ Almost every weapon of this type has an elemental affinity
CONS:
* Overall attack power ranges from mediocre to horrible
* Easily outclassed by every other weapon
Notes: One of the easiest weapon to use in the game (just behind the Great Sword), and I had to admit, I actually had fun using these awesome toys during multiplayer hunts. First, these weapons are very straightforward; you hack, you slash, and you block! Rinse and repeat until you finish the hunt. This weapon also has outstanding amount of utility; allowing you to use items while pressing the block button, adding to the cool factor! Another thing has it going for is that the majority of the weapons in this category possess an elemental affinity; giving you additional firepower against monsters with elemental weaknesses (*cough* Tigrex *cough*). The bad thing is, being a beginner's weapon, it's easily outclassed and underwhelmed by the majority of the other weapon types, making the Sword and Shield a jack-of-all-trades kind of weapon. Nevertheless, it never disappoints.
Top 3: Dual Blades and Charge Blade
PROS:
+ Fastest attack speed among all weapon types
+ It has access to an empowered mode, naturally increasing it's attack power
+ Further empowerment will grant access to other devastating attacks
CONS:
* Overall weakest weapon if its multi-hit potential was excluded
* Majority of these weapons have low natural Sharpness
* Sharpness quickly deteriorates when empowered
* Evasion-reliant; making these weapons super punishable if you're not careful
* Pitiful attack range
PROS:
+ Good reach with a variety of combos
+ An enhanced version of the Sword and Shield weapon types
+ Has access to extremely dangerous Phial attacks
+ Ultra Burst Attacks really packs a punch
CONS:
* Phial attacks can be very difficult to master
* Unlike Sword and Shield weapons, you can't use items while blocking
* Sword Mode requires you to "charge" at some point to prevent your attacks from bouncing back
* Very limited weapon selection
Notes: You don't expect this one, do you? I like me some Dual Blades and Charge Blade goodness! While it's technically good to use these particular weapons, they come in extreme costs. Dual Blades will force you to rely on quick dodges; making you very vulnerable against monsters that can otherwise take you down in one hit, while Charge Blades, in exchange for power, loses all the reliable perks of Swords and Shields; such as the ability to use items while blocking and the ability to smash your shield on the opponent's face. These disadvantages aside, they do have a lot of cool things to offer; such as an empowerment buff for the Dual Blades that allows you to increase the damage you inflict and the Charge Blade's phial attacks, dealing massive damage to monsters should you know how to master them. To be honest, the Dual Blades is an easier weapon to master between the two, but the Charge Blade is more rewarding to do so... if only for its very, very, VERY small weapon library!
Top 2: Great Sword
PROS:
+ A large weapon that is VERY EASY to use
+ Has a large weapon selection, branching from Buster Swords to Bone Blades
+ Decent base damage
+ Allows you to shield attacks
+ Attacks have very small costs in sharpness
CONS:
* Heavy weaponry that hinders movement
* Proper timing is important for heavy damage
* Sharpness is overall mediocre, making it very reliant on Whetstones
* Blocking attacks reduces sharpness
Notes: This is actually the first weapon type that I ever used... and imagine on how much fun that I had with this thing! Hacking, slashing, blocking; all at once! Well, not really, I can also do those things with Swords and Shields, but nevertheless, the Great Sword is a better weapon for me! The charge attacks with this thing is very rewarding if you timed it right, making devastating damage against foes with ease. Also, there is a GREAT weapon selection for Great Swords, making you sure that you don't get bored on ever using them. However, one thing that I hate about this is that blocking an attack will reduce the sharpness of your weapon, and with a not-so-outstanding sharpness on certain swords, things can get a little haywire... Especially if you lack the Whetstones to alleviate the already dire situation that you have. If you are the person who would like to try out large weapons while being a greenhorn in the world of monster hunting, then I highly recommend on using these harbingers! It's a great weapon with a lot of things going for with little skill needed.
Top 1: Hammer
PROS:
+ Arguably the strongest weapon type in terms of raw damage
+ Has devastating multi-hit attacks
+ Capable of smashing monster parts with ease
+ Has the ability to stun foes upon repeated hits in the head
+ Another "easy-to-use" weapon
CONS:
* As a dedicated blunt weapon, it cannot cut tails
* With a few technique options, using a hammer can become boring at times
* It's multi-hits can leave your hunter allies hindered if you're not careful on using it
* Careless swinging may ruin player strategies (accidentally flinging them away)
Notes: And here it is, my top favorite throughout the Monster Hunter series, and for a variety of good reasons. It has an amazing attack power; arguably the strongest weapon throughout the game (that title also goes to the Hunting Horn due to the fact that also shares the trait of having a high base attack), it has access to multi-hit combos which is capable of dealing large damage with ease, and it also possess the ability to stun monsters upon repeated hits in their noggin. However, it also comes with a cost. The hammer, while has a lot of power, does not offer a lot in terms of game play. It does what it does best, however, breaking heads and stunning large monsters with ease. In addition, it is very easy to control, making it one of my most used weapons to date. Just be careful on where you swing that hammer, because players may find it annoying to be toppled down every single time!
And that's all for this list. I apologize if you favorite weapon type did not meet the cut there. Probably because:
1. I never probably enjoyed using that much or...
2. I've never played those weapon types too often
Anyways, should you ever want to share on what your favorite weapons in the Monster Hunter series are, then feel free to leave comments about it! I do appreciate it :)
Until then, happy hunting! :D
One day, as I embark on a new adventure as a Hunter, I crept closer to my inventory stash and found a variety of stuff that I can use in my travels; such as Potions, Paintballs, some Raw Meat, and the most important of them all, a bunch of very, very, VERY neat weapons! The question is; which one to bring?! I mean I can't bring all of these cool weapons with me, right? RIGHT?! Yes, and that's sad.
Why is it sad, you ask? Well because of a simple fact... ALL weapon types are useful in every way. There is no single one that either stands out or performs poorly. Each of them has their own significant charm to them, which makes people use these kinds of weapons.
However, while all weapons are fun to use, there are some weapons that I liked and some others that I never really had some interests on. That being said, this is my...
Top 7 favorite Monster Hunter weapon types!
Before I proceed in making this list, there are some factors that I need to consider:
1. It's advantages and disadvantages (which ones I consider to be such)
2. It's overall game-play style, and...
3, It's difficulty level (Is it recommended for beginners or not?)
Disclaimer: Keep in mind that these factors are not definitive and it does not intend to put others' opinions aside. If you have any more concerns, then feel free to reply in a very constructive manner. :)
And another note, since that I've only played Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate, I may also include either the Charge Blade or the Insect Glaive on this list, so without any more delays...
LET'S GET STARTED!
Top 7: Gunlance
PROS:
+ A more powerful version of the Lance
+ Can perform explosive attacks
+ Wyvern's Fire is deadlier than the Bowgun versions
+ Can move while blocking
CONS:
* Promotes slow movement
* Defensive stance can make you out-of-place against faster monsters
* Wyvern's Fire requires a cooldown between uses
* Explosive rounds varies from each Gunlance type
* Has shorter range than bowguns
Notes: There are weapons to get when you are in the need of something durable yet packs an explosive punch. Much like the lances, gunlances are never meant to be used as a fully offensive weapon in the first place. Precise timing and striking is imperative to fully master the gunlances. Additionally, with it's certain and distinct advanced maneuvers such as Wyvern's Fire and Quick Draws, it may take new users some time to master this weapon. If you do, however, then prepare the fireworks display!
Top 6: Insect Glaive
PROS:
+ The only weapon type that you can jump with; adding exceptional mobility
+ Possesses a powerful Kinsect
+ Can allow you to collect essences to power up your Hunter
+ Has exceptional attack speed and reach
CONS:
* The weapon is evasion-reliant
* It has a very complex upgrade mechanic
* A VERY expensive weapon type to invest upon
* Has a very small weapon selection
* Monster essences differ from each monster, which makes essence-stacking difficult
Notes: One of the new weapon types introduced in the latest installment of the Monster Hunter franchise. The Insect Glaive has a lot of things to offer; such as a built-in jumping move, Kinsects that you can summon in battle, and the ability to collect extra "essences" from monsters to give you certain buffs in battle. While it is a very great weapon to use, mastering the weapon is a matter of getting used to it, with a combination of research since monster essences may give you different effects compared to others. Additionally, like I've already mentioned, the glaive is a very expensive weapon to invest upon, and a confusing one to work upon upgrading it. The first thing that you need to do to power up your glaive is to power-up your Kinsect, which requires Nectars that gives different bonuses, which can also greatly affect your Kinsect as it evolves. If the Kinsect is fully upgraded, THEN that will be the only time that you'll be able to upgrade the glaive itself, offering new and different forms of battle tactics at your disposal. With enough messing around and a little bit of advanced research, mastering the Insect Glaive is a VERY rewarding experience.
Top 5: Bows
PROS
+ Very long range
+ Has a variety of coatings at your disposal
+ Advanced techniques are very easy to pick-up and master
CONS:
* Melee techniques are terrible
* Playing with bows requires you to play smart
* You are an utmost target against certain monsters
* This weapon only shines in multiplayer hunts
Notes: As one of the older weapon types introduced in the Monster Hunter series, bows are not really that used much (in my opinion, at least) and many other players prefer the more damaging bowguns. However, there are some advanced maneuvers that you can do with bows. First of all are the charged shots which varies from each bow. There you can either do Focus Shots that deal heavier damage than a normal shot, or Wide Shots that may not deal that much of a damage but covers a large area. You can also fire from a distance and deal AOE damage. Another highlight for these weapons are the coatings; which provides certain effects that makes it as deadly as bowguns. However, using a bow also requires mastery towards dodging and precise timing, since getting caught off guard by a Rathalos can surely tear your party to shreds. Also, the melee attack of this thing is terrible, so don't even bother fighting a Zinogre using pitiful melee blows.
To be honest, mastering the bow is not a chore, but the hassle of hunting solo using these weapons and the proper coatings to use can be extremely detrimental to the fun (which is also the reason why I rarely use and make these since I go solo most of the time). Just use it on Multiplayer hunts and you're golden!
TOP 4: Sword and Shield
PROS:
+ A very basic weapon, suitable for any skill level
+ Acts as a cutting and blunt weapon at the same time
+ Capable of using items, even when holding the weapon
+ Almost every weapon of this type has an elemental affinity
CONS:
* Overall attack power ranges from mediocre to horrible
* Easily outclassed by every other weapon
Notes: One of the easiest weapon to use in the game (just behind the Great Sword), and I had to admit, I actually had fun using these awesome toys during multiplayer hunts. First, these weapons are very straightforward; you hack, you slash, and you block! Rinse and repeat until you finish the hunt. This weapon also has outstanding amount of utility; allowing you to use items while pressing the block button, adding to the cool factor! Another thing has it going for is that the majority of the weapons in this category possess an elemental affinity; giving you additional firepower against monsters with elemental weaknesses (*cough* Tigrex *cough*). The bad thing is, being a beginner's weapon, it's easily outclassed and underwhelmed by the majority of the other weapon types, making the Sword and Shield a jack-of-all-trades kind of weapon. Nevertheless, it never disappoints.
Top 3: Dual Blades and Charge Blade
PROS:
+ Fastest attack speed among all weapon types
+ It has access to an empowered mode, naturally increasing it's attack power
+ Further empowerment will grant access to other devastating attacks
CONS:
* Overall weakest weapon if its multi-hit potential was excluded
* Majority of these weapons have low natural Sharpness
* Sharpness quickly deteriorates when empowered
* Evasion-reliant; making these weapons super punishable if you're not careful
* Pitiful attack range
PROS:
+ Good reach with a variety of combos
+ An enhanced version of the Sword and Shield weapon types
+ Has access to extremely dangerous Phial attacks
+ Ultra Burst Attacks really packs a punch
CONS:
* Phial attacks can be very difficult to master
* Unlike Sword and Shield weapons, you can't use items while blocking
* Sword Mode requires you to "charge" at some point to prevent your attacks from bouncing back
* Very limited weapon selection
Notes: You don't expect this one, do you? I like me some Dual Blades and Charge Blade goodness! While it's technically good to use these particular weapons, they come in extreme costs. Dual Blades will force you to rely on quick dodges; making you very vulnerable against monsters that can otherwise take you down in one hit, while Charge Blades, in exchange for power, loses all the reliable perks of Swords and Shields; such as the ability to use items while blocking and the ability to smash your shield on the opponent's face. These disadvantages aside, they do have a lot of cool things to offer; such as an empowerment buff for the Dual Blades that allows you to increase the damage you inflict and the Charge Blade's phial attacks, dealing massive damage to monsters should you know how to master them. To be honest, the Dual Blades is an easier weapon to master between the two, but the Charge Blade is more rewarding to do so... if only for its very, very, VERY small weapon library!
Top 2: Great Sword
PROS:
+ A large weapon that is VERY EASY to use
+ Has a large weapon selection, branching from Buster Swords to Bone Blades
+ Decent base damage
+ Allows you to shield attacks
+ Attacks have very small costs in sharpness
CONS:
* Heavy weaponry that hinders movement
* Proper timing is important for heavy damage
* Sharpness is overall mediocre, making it very reliant on Whetstones
* Blocking attacks reduces sharpness
Notes: This is actually the first weapon type that I ever used... and imagine on how much fun that I had with this thing! Hacking, slashing, blocking; all at once! Well, not really, I can also do those things with Swords and Shields, but nevertheless, the Great Sword is a better weapon for me! The charge attacks with this thing is very rewarding if you timed it right, making devastating damage against foes with ease. Also, there is a GREAT weapon selection for Great Swords, making you sure that you don't get bored on ever using them. However, one thing that I hate about this is that blocking an attack will reduce the sharpness of your weapon, and with a not-so-outstanding sharpness on certain swords, things can get a little haywire... Especially if you lack the Whetstones to alleviate the already dire situation that you have. If you are the person who would like to try out large weapons while being a greenhorn in the world of monster hunting, then I highly recommend on using these harbingers! It's a great weapon with a lot of things going for with little skill needed.
Top 1: Hammer
PROS:
+ Arguably the strongest weapon type in terms of raw damage
+ Has devastating multi-hit attacks
+ Capable of smashing monster parts with ease
+ Has the ability to stun foes upon repeated hits in the head
+ Another "easy-to-use" weapon
CONS:
* As a dedicated blunt weapon, it cannot cut tails
* With a few technique options, using a hammer can become boring at times
* It's multi-hits can leave your hunter allies hindered if you're not careful on using it
* Careless swinging may ruin player strategies (accidentally flinging them away)
Notes: And here it is, my top favorite throughout the Monster Hunter series, and for a variety of good reasons. It has an amazing attack power; arguably the strongest weapon throughout the game (that title also goes to the Hunting Horn due to the fact that also shares the trait of having a high base attack), it has access to multi-hit combos which is capable of dealing large damage with ease, and it also possess the ability to stun monsters upon repeated hits in their noggin. However, it also comes with a cost. The hammer, while has a lot of power, does not offer a lot in terms of game play. It does what it does best, however, breaking heads and stunning large monsters with ease. In addition, it is very easy to control, making it one of my most used weapons to date. Just be careful on where you swing that hammer, because players may find it annoying to be toppled down every single time!
And that's all for this list. I apologize if you favorite weapon type did not meet the cut there. Probably because:
1. I never probably enjoyed using that much or...
2. I've never played those weapon types too often
Anyways, should you ever want to share on what your favorite weapons in the Monster Hunter series are, then feel free to leave comments about it! I do appreciate it :)
Until then, happy hunting! :D
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
Obscurity at its finest - Earthbound Reader's Review
Nintendo is a company known for their huge titles like Mario, Pokemon, Metroid, Legend of Zelda, and more recently, Earthbound. However, back in the day, Earthbound is not really that popular. In fact, it is one of Nintendo's lukewarm titles that has received little to no attention. However, with the rise of Super Smash Bros, among other things, Ness, the main character of Earthbound (also known as Mother 2 in Japan), has been given some love and since then, Earthbound has found the attention it deserves! However, there is this one question, what makes this game so magical and timeless to begin with? Well, you'll see.
That being said, here's my third Reader's Review, and this time, I am going to talk about the timeless classic; Earthbound!
Title: Earthbound (also known as Mother 2 in Japan)
Date Released: August 27, 1994 in Japan, June 5 1995 in the United States
Company: Nintendo
Genre: RPG
Platform: SNES
ESRB Rating: K-A (Kids to Adults and re-rated as Teen for the Virtual Console re-release)
Brief Background: Earthbound is a 1994 video game released by Nintendo. It was co-developed by Ape and HAL Laboratories for the SNES. Notable people like Shigesato Itoi (writer), Hirokazu Tanaka (sound designer), and the late Satoru Iwata (co-producer) have taken part of the game's development. Upon its initial release, Earthbound suffered from poor sales in the United States; most notably due to its simple graphics, not-so-serious marketing strategies, as well as the market's lack of interest in the Japanese RPG genre at the time. Fortunately though, with the rise of a dedicated fan base, Super Smash Bros, and its recent re-release in the Virtual Console, Earthbound became a huge success as a modern-day video game.
What do you do here?
You play as Ness, a young boy living in the outskirts of Onett, where you travel across different locales to find the secret behind Giygas' attack and to stop the said menace on destroying the world. Along the way, you'll also encounter other characters that will help you or, otherwise, hinder your progress, as well as other typical RPG stuff where you battle enemies, level up, collect money, you get the point.
What makes the game interesting?
Well I did mentioned a while ago that Earthbound is just a simple RPG of sorts. However, what makes Earthbound interesting is on how it is presented. The colorful, vibrant, and modern feel of the game is a very ambitious contrast to the usual dark, grim, and medieval setting that usual RPGs offer like Final Fantasy and Shin Megami Tensei.
The art style in this game has that particular Peanuts-esque feel to it, since most of the character designs in the game kinda reminds me of paper-cutouts mashed in a sea of oil-pastel filled suburbs and city landscapes. It's just that beautiful! Another thing that it has going for is the humor. It is funny and light-hearted at best, which can be very deceptive as the game takes on a darker tone later on.
Speaking of a darker tone, Earthbound is also infamously known for its story transition; from fun and lovable, it then transforms into something eerie and disturbing, which is considerably evident to the game's main villain, Giygas, who was also arguably to be one of the most horrifying and bizarre (in a good way) bosses of all time. The battle of Giygas is also memorable, but I won't spoil the fun on why.
Enemies can be encountered in the overworld; with sprites representing certain enemy types. What's interesting in this particular system is that when you approach an enemy from behind, you gain the upper hand, but if it is the other way around, then the enemy gains the advantage; which is a matter of risk against reward.
The battle system of this game is what you expect from other RPG's; attack enemies, use items, cast spells, and other stuff. What makes this interesting is the rolling HP meter, which adds tension to the already challenging game. When you take fatal damage that can otherwise knock you out, you are still given ample time to perform actions until the HP rolls to zero, it's kinda like a "proto-type" version of Final Fantasy's Active Time Battle system. If you heal before the character's HP falls to zero, then that character survives, adding length to some battles. There is also an Auto-Battle system which switches your control to the computer and do the battles for you, which is OK if you're too lazy, but with the difficult and complex enemy AI, it can be rather punishing.
The game is also widely known for its use of homages, such as musical clips and cultural references. However, there are some of them that needs to be altered or removed in order to neutralize any potential prejudices it may inflict upon players.
What are the flaws of this game?
One of the major setbacks of the game is that it is heavily reliant on grinding, which can be disheartening to some players who are new to the genre.
The difficulty of the game is as hard as it gets; kind of like "Shin Megami Tensei" hard (for those who played the latter, then you know what I mean). This is where the grinding aspect will take place; allowing you to level up during crucial points of the game, but it will also consume a lot of your time and inventory space.
Additionally, with the massive places around the game, it's easy for you to lose track on what to do next. Well, there are several "hints"that are scattered around the game, but it's not really helpful since that it usually requires a hefty amount of money, which you can use in buying resources instead!
Speaking of resources, Earthbound also forces you to play smart! Each character only has 14 slots, and some of the items are so indispensable that you can't even afford to keep it away from your pockets, such as food stuffs and key items. Also, you can only store 3 items at a time via Escargo Express; limiting your options on what items to be kept or to be stored away indefinitely. Also, with a lot of useful items scattered around the world, the game will force you to make a tough decision on what to throw away...
Inns, which serves as healing hubs in the game, are expensive which forces you to defeat a whole lot of enemies to get more money. Again, grinding is taken into account here, making the game even less forgiving as you proceed. Even hospitals can cost you a fortune should a number of your party members fall. To make matter's worse, the enemy AI is aggressive, also opting you to defeat said enemies to grind money and to utilize the services that they provide to you.
Another thing I considered a "flaw" is the pacing of the game. While it conveys a sense of depth to the actual story, it is kind of slow at best, which can bore most people.
You can only get the money you gain from enemies by talking to your dad on the telephone, which is OK and adds a certain realism to it, but it doesn't help that much since that you'll be on the field most of the time. There are also pay phones that you can use, which is essential since it certainly helps curing Ness' homesickness (by calling to your mommy), but it's not the most efficient way to save the game since that the black telephones (the one you'll usually encounter) practically does the same thing (except the aforementioned homesick cure) and unlike the aforementioned black telephones, pay phones requires you to PAY! Duh!
Is Earthbound a good game till this day? Why or why not?
I've never played Earthbound that much, and I've only known about the game only recently (from Classic Game Room, ProJared, among other things), but after playing the game for the first few minutes, I can't imagine on how much potential this game has to begin with. Everything about it screamed "old-school", while also managed to survive the bombardment of other obscure yet cool RPGs like Lufia and Breath of Fire. However, there is one thing that Earthbound possesses that makes other RPGs very typical, and that is the amount of nostalgia that it exudes right in your face! I think it does not try to be an RPG, but it has this unique blend of incredible cast of characters, colorful backgrounds, playful musical scores, and a very straight-forward battle system while adding some awesome spices to it. All in all, Earthbound is a classic that anyone should try!
Can you recommend this game?
If you are a fan of old-school style JRPGs, then you'll definitely enjoy this! For those who have missed the fun back in the 90's, then there's no need to worry for there are a lot of ROM sites out there to download a copy of the game. However, if you are a video game purist, then tough luck since Earthbound is a VEEEEERY rare game nowadays, being hunted down by collectors till this day.
Overall Rating: 9.1/10
While many modern-day RPG fans will not be able to appreciate the sheer goodness of Earthbound to its entirety, such talent and charisma should never be ignored. Earthbound is not just a video game, after all, but it has become an idea that many fans of the series will never, ever abandon for the rest of their lives.
--END OF REVIEW--
That being said, here's my third Reader's Review, and this time, I am going to talk about the timeless classic; Earthbound!
Title: Earthbound (also known as Mother 2 in Japan)
Date Released: August 27, 1994 in Japan, June 5 1995 in the United States
Company: Nintendo
Genre: RPG
Platform: SNES
ESRB Rating: K-A (Kids to Adults and re-rated as Teen for the Virtual Console re-release)
Brief Background: Earthbound is a 1994 video game released by Nintendo. It was co-developed by Ape and HAL Laboratories for the SNES. Notable people like Shigesato Itoi (writer), Hirokazu Tanaka (sound designer), and the late Satoru Iwata (co-producer) have taken part of the game's development. Upon its initial release, Earthbound suffered from poor sales in the United States; most notably due to its simple graphics, not-so-serious marketing strategies, as well as the market's lack of interest in the Japanese RPG genre at the time. Fortunately though, with the rise of a dedicated fan base, Super Smash Bros, and its recent re-release in the Virtual Console, Earthbound became a huge success as a modern-day video game.
What do you do here?
You play as Ness, a young boy living in the outskirts of Onett, where you travel across different locales to find the secret behind Giygas' attack and to stop the said menace on destroying the world. Along the way, you'll also encounter other characters that will help you or, otherwise, hinder your progress, as well as other typical RPG stuff where you battle enemies, level up, collect money, you get the point.
What makes the game interesting?
Well I did mentioned a while ago that Earthbound is just a simple RPG of sorts. However, what makes Earthbound interesting is on how it is presented. The colorful, vibrant, and modern feel of the game is a very ambitious contrast to the usual dark, grim, and medieval setting that usual RPGs offer like Final Fantasy and Shin Megami Tensei.
The art style in this game has that particular Peanuts-esque feel to it, since most of the character designs in the game kinda reminds me of paper-cutouts mashed in a sea of oil-pastel filled suburbs and city landscapes. It's just that beautiful! Another thing that it has going for is the humor. It is funny and light-hearted at best, which can be very deceptive as the game takes on a darker tone later on.
Speaking of a darker tone, Earthbound is also infamously known for its story transition; from fun and lovable, it then transforms into something eerie and disturbing, which is considerably evident to the game's main villain, Giygas, who was also arguably to be one of the most horrifying and bizarre (in a good way) bosses of all time. The battle of Giygas is also memorable, but I won't spoil the fun on why.
Enemies can be encountered in the overworld; with sprites representing certain enemy types. What's interesting in this particular system is that when you approach an enemy from behind, you gain the upper hand, but if it is the other way around, then the enemy gains the advantage; which is a matter of risk against reward.
The battle system of this game is what you expect from other RPG's; attack enemies, use items, cast spells, and other stuff. What makes this interesting is the rolling HP meter, which adds tension to the already challenging game. When you take fatal damage that can otherwise knock you out, you are still given ample time to perform actions until the HP rolls to zero, it's kinda like a "proto-type" version of Final Fantasy's Active Time Battle system. If you heal before the character's HP falls to zero, then that character survives, adding length to some battles. There is also an Auto-Battle system which switches your control to the computer and do the battles for you, which is OK if you're too lazy, but with the difficult and complex enemy AI, it can be rather punishing.
The game is also widely known for its use of homages, such as musical clips and cultural references. However, there are some of them that needs to be altered or removed in order to neutralize any potential prejudices it may inflict upon players.
What are the flaws of this game?
One of the major setbacks of the game is that it is heavily reliant on grinding, which can be disheartening to some players who are new to the genre.
The difficulty of the game is as hard as it gets; kind of like "Shin Megami Tensei" hard (for those who played the latter, then you know what I mean). This is where the grinding aspect will take place; allowing you to level up during crucial points of the game, but it will also consume a lot of your time and inventory space.
Additionally, with the massive places around the game, it's easy for you to lose track on what to do next. Well, there are several "hints"that are scattered around the game, but it's not really helpful since that it usually requires a hefty amount of money, which you can use in buying resources instead!
Speaking of resources, Earthbound also forces you to play smart! Each character only has 14 slots, and some of the items are so indispensable that you can't even afford to keep it away from your pockets, such as food stuffs and key items. Also, you can only store 3 items at a time via Escargo Express; limiting your options on what items to be kept or to be stored away indefinitely. Also, with a lot of useful items scattered around the world, the game will force you to make a tough decision on what to throw away...
Inns, which serves as healing hubs in the game, are expensive which forces you to defeat a whole lot of enemies to get more money. Again, grinding is taken into account here, making the game even less forgiving as you proceed. Even hospitals can cost you a fortune should a number of your party members fall. To make matter's worse, the enemy AI is aggressive, also opting you to defeat said enemies to grind money and to utilize the services that they provide to you.
Another thing I considered a "flaw" is the pacing of the game. While it conveys a sense of depth to the actual story, it is kind of slow at best, which can bore most people.
You can only get the money you gain from enemies by talking to your dad on the telephone, which is OK and adds a certain realism to it, but it doesn't help that much since that you'll be on the field most of the time. There are also pay phones that you can use, which is essential since it certainly helps curing Ness' homesickness (by calling to your mommy), but it's not the most efficient way to save the game since that the black telephones (the one you'll usually encounter) practically does the same thing (except the aforementioned homesick cure) and unlike the aforementioned black telephones, pay phones requires you to PAY! Duh!
Is Earthbound a good game till this day? Why or why not?
I've never played Earthbound that much, and I've only known about the game only recently (from Classic Game Room, ProJared, among other things), but after playing the game for the first few minutes, I can't imagine on how much potential this game has to begin with. Everything about it screamed "old-school", while also managed to survive the bombardment of other obscure yet cool RPGs like Lufia and Breath of Fire. However, there is one thing that Earthbound possesses that makes other RPGs very typical, and that is the amount of nostalgia that it exudes right in your face! I think it does not try to be an RPG, but it has this unique blend of incredible cast of characters, colorful backgrounds, playful musical scores, and a very straight-forward battle system while adding some awesome spices to it. All in all, Earthbound is a classic that anyone should try!
Can you recommend this game?
If you are a fan of old-school style JRPGs, then you'll definitely enjoy this! For those who have missed the fun back in the 90's, then there's no need to worry for there are a lot of ROM sites out there to download a copy of the game. However, if you are a video game purist, then tough luck since Earthbound is a VEEEEERY rare game nowadays, being hunted down by collectors till this day.
Overall Rating: 9.1/10
While many modern-day RPG fans will not be able to appreciate the sheer goodness of Earthbound to its entirety, such talent and charisma should never be ignored. Earthbound is not just a video game, after all, but it has become an idea that many fans of the series will never, ever abandon for the rest of their lives.
--END OF REVIEW--
Thursday, June 11, 2015
Cute winks mean a good time right? NOPE! - Love Live School Idol Festival Reader's Review
I recently got a new phone, and I gotta say that I am excited to see the world of mobile gaming, and for some strange reason, I ended up downloading a game. And what that game's all about? Boosting careers of a bunch of girls who are desperate to save a school from imminent closure. Well, I can't really say that it's outstanding, but I gotta say that I had fun with it; mostly because of the cute illustrations of the girls, doing cute gestures like smiles, pouts, smirks, and my personal favorite, winks! :)
So without further ado, here's my Reader's Review of Love Live! School Idol Festival.
Title: Love Live! School Idol Festival
Date released: April 16, 2013 (iOS), June 6. 2013 (Android)
Company: KLab Games, Bushiroad
Genre: Rhythm
Platform: Mobile
ESRB Rating: Unrated (but it will certainly be Teen if given such)
Date released: April 16, 2013 (iOS), June 6. 2013 (Android)
Company: KLab Games, Bushiroad
Genre: Rhythm
Platform: Mobile
ESRB Rating: Unrated (but it will certainly be Teen if given such)
Brief Background; Love Live! School Idol Project is a Japanese multimedia project co-developed by ASCII Media Works' Dengeki G's Magazine, music label Lantis, and animation studio Sunrise. The project revolves around a group of fictional school girls who become idols in order to save their school from shutting down. It launched in the August 2010 issue of Dengeki G's Magazine, and went on to produce music CDs, anime music videos, two manga adaptations, and video games. A 13-episode anime television series produced by Sunrise and directed by Takahiko Kyōgoku aired in Japan between January and March 2013, with a second season airing between April and June 2014. Both anime series and film are licensed in North America by NIS America and United Kingdom by MVM Entertainment. An animated film has also been announced to be distributed by Shochiku as well as a new project titled Love Live! Sunshine!!, featuring an all new cast of characters. Source: Wikipedia
What do you do here?
You play as a student (or in my case, a young man accidentally activated a time portal and became trapped in such a timeline) of Otonokizaka Academy who was asked by Honoka, leader of Muse (stylized as μ's) in order to help them save the school from closure due to the dwindling number of enrolling students at said school. But how? By making an idol unit. In order words, you are their errand boy (or girl, if you would). You also experience certain scenes that is quite reminiscent to the anime series presented in a style similar to that of a visual novel (although I've never watched any of them before), which really engages you to know more about the girls. The main highlight, however, in this game are the Live Shows, and this is where the rhythm aspect of the game takes place. You play different songs found in the anime in order to aim for a high score. The better you do in this game, the better the rewards you get. You also unlock Side Stories that, once you maxed out a relationship of a particular girl, will reveal certain bits and pieces of that character's personal life. It always boggles me every time I unlock a story bit, to be honest, which sometimes makes my fantasy go wild and mix up some... other stuff in between. Also, there are global leaderboards, rank matches, bonus promotional cards, and more.
What makes the game interesting?
The most interesting part of this game is the story mode which, like I mentioned, allows you to relive some of the important scenes in the anime. They are wacky, funny, and just downright cute (and I am saying cute with a smile). Another interesting aspect in this game is the card system. Each idol that you use in Live Shows are represented as cards which contains cute illustrations of the main cast of μ's, as well as some extra girls that serves as filler. You can level them up by using other cards in order for them to gain better stats. I really do not care of leveling up most of them, but I am only there for the cute artworks. :) Also, the story of each character gets updated really frequently, so expect a lot from them from time to time.
What are the flaws that I found in this game?
While the game has an interesting story mode, the pacing of the game is extremely slow. See, in order for you to proceed to the story, you have to make certain objectives such as finishing a song on a certain difficulty and reaching a sufficient rank... which kinda makes the story heavily reliant on grinding and playing the same songs over and over again, which makes the game very repetitive, kinda like Monster Hunter but not nearly as great as the latter. Another frustrating thing about this game is that you can't do Live Shows all the time because of the LP meter that you have; which means that you are only allowed to do certain number of Live Shows at a time (each song has varying LP requirements, depending on the difficulty). To make matters worse, you have to wait for like 6 minutes to replenish a single LP, which means that you have used up all of your LP, you'll have to wait for like an hour and a half to fill it up! It's quite a frustrating experience, but its not really a big deal since that its a free-to-play game. The game is pretty forgiving, however, since that Love Gems, which you can use to replenish LP and recruit μ's members, are pretty frequent. Also, this game requires a stable internet connection which can be a bummer since it has that potential to be an offline game of sorts (just like their console counterparts).
What is your take on μ's? Are they better than the Wake Up Girls!?
I hate to admit it but yes, they are better in every single way. While Miyu and Minami has a lot of potential for being kawaii, they are single-handedly flaunted away by Kotori's cute yet simple looks. Heck, even Hanayo (the shy type of μ's) would easily get my attention more (especially if she unleashes her cuter side). Despite that, I still like Wake Up Girls, but in this case, μ's is the superior idol group.
Can you recommend this game?
Not to all, except to those who are a fan of the anime and of the music genre. Those who played Tap Tap Revenge, O2Jam, heck even Cytus, should play this game. I really can't say anything else.
Overall Rating: 7.8/10
Again, I really can't say that this is a ground-breaking game or anything, but the idea of putting up a game based on a popular Japanese anime really strikes me fancy. If you ever feel that hacking-and-slashing monsters, shooting people, and wreaking havoc really tuckers you out, then take a break from those stuff and hang out with μ's; you'll be sure to have a good time. Just be prepared for a LOT of things in store for you... boosting the careers of those girls can be VEEEERY hectic at times.
--END OF REVIEW--
What do you do here?
You play as a student (or in my case, a young man accidentally activated a time portal and became trapped in such a timeline) of Otonokizaka Academy who was asked by Honoka, leader of Muse (stylized as μ's) in order to help them save the school from closure due to the dwindling number of enrolling students at said school. But how? By making an idol unit. In order words, you are their errand boy (or girl, if you would). You also experience certain scenes that is quite reminiscent to the anime series presented in a style similar to that of a visual novel (although I've never watched any of them before), which really engages you to know more about the girls. The main highlight, however, in this game are the Live Shows, and this is where the rhythm aspect of the game takes place. You play different songs found in the anime in order to aim for a high score. The better you do in this game, the better the rewards you get. You also unlock Side Stories that, once you maxed out a relationship of a particular girl, will reveal certain bits and pieces of that character's personal life. It always boggles me every time I unlock a story bit, to be honest, which sometimes makes my fantasy go wild and mix up some... other stuff in between. Also, there are global leaderboards, rank matches, bonus promotional cards, and more.
What makes the game interesting?
The most interesting part of this game is the story mode which, like I mentioned, allows you to relive some of the important scenes in the anime. They are wacky, funny, and just downright cute (and I am saying cute with a smile). Another interesting aspect in this game is the card system. Each idol that you use in Live Shows are represented as cards which contains cute illustrations of the main cast of μ's, as well as some extra girls that serves as filler. You can level them up by using other cards in order for them to gain better stats. I really do not care of leveling up most of them, but I am only there for the cute artworks. :) Also, the story of each character gets updated really frequently, so expect a lot from them from time to time.
What are the flaws that I found in this game?
While the game has an interesting story mode, the pacing of the game is extremely slow. See, in order for you to proceed to the story, you have to make certain objectives such as finishing a song on a certain difficulty and reaching a sufficient rank... which kinda makes the story heavily reliant on grinding and playing the same songs over and over again, which makes the game very repetitive, kinda like Monster Hunter but not nearly as great as the latter. Another frustrating thing about this game is that you can't do Live Shows all the time because of the LP meter that you have; which means that you are only allowed to do certain number of Live Shows at a time (each song has varying LP requirements, depending on the difficulty). To make matters worse, you have to wait for like 6 minutes to replenish a single LP, which means that you have used up all of your LP, you'll have to wait for like an hour and a half to fill it up! It's quite a frustrating experience, but its not really a big deal since that its a free-to-play game. The game is pretty forgiving, however, since that Love Gems, which you can use to replenish LP and recruit μ's members, are pretty frequent. Also, this game requires a stable internet connection which can be a bummer since it has that potential to be an offline game of sorts (just like their console counterparts).
What is your take on μ's? Are they better than the Wake Up Girls!?
I hate to admit it but yes, they are better in every single way. While Miyu and Minami has a lot of potential for being kawaii, they are single-handedly flaunted away by Kotori's cute yet simple looks. Heck, even Hanayo (the shy type of μ's) would easily get my attention more (especially if she unleashes her cuter side). Despite that, I still like Wake Up Girls, but in this case, μ's is the superior idol group.
Can you recommend this game?
Not to all, except to those who are a fan of the anime and of the music genre. Those who played Tap Tap Revenge, O2Jam, heck even Cytus, should play this game. I really can't say anything else.
Overall Rating: 7.8/10
Again, I really can't say that this is a ground-breaking game or anything, but the idea of putting up a game based on a popular Japanese anime really strikes me fancy. If you ever feel that hacking-and-slashing monsters, shooting people, and wreaking havoc really tuckers you out, then take a break from those stuff and hang out with μ's; you'll be sure to have a good time. Just be prepared for a LOT of things in store for you... boosting the careers of those girls can be VEEEERY hectic at times.
--END OF REVIEW--
Monday, June 8, 2015
Monsters, monsters and MOOOAR monsters - Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate Reader's Review
So it has been a while after the release of the much awaited latest installment of the Monster Hunter series, and I was so baffled to the fact that many people liked the series soooo much. I mean, you just hunt monsters and beat the living daylights out of them, right? Perhaps! But after seeing the screenshots, as well as some gameplay footage... I was still not convinced.
However, after getting the game, I then realized something; is repetition really makes games sooo boring? Well, there are some games that becomes so repetitive that it becomes much of a chore to play them, but this game... I must say that it is pretty impressive, and the repetition is not as frustrating as it can be, but instead it forces you to get back to that certain mission, hunt the monster down, and collect the pieces you need... but let's go to a more in-depth perspective on this thing.
Thus, here's my first Reader's Review
Title: Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate (also known as Monster Hunter 4G in Japan)
Date Released: Japan - October 11, 2014, North America - February 13, 2015, Europe - February 13, 2015, Australia - February 14, 2015
Company: CAPCOM
Genre: Action RPG, Open world exploration
Platform: Nintendo 3DS
ESRB Rating: Teen
Brief Background: The original Monster Hunter has been released in 2004 for the PS2 and since then, it has become one of Capcom's biggest-selling franchise, selling 32 million units worldwide as of February 17, 2015. The series spanned numerous sequels, as well as some exclusive titles, mobile games, and even an online game. There are also an amount of upcoming releases that is already in development (like X and Stories).
What do you do here?
Basically, the main thing that you do in this game is to search for monsters, kill (or capture) them, and carve off some of their body parts. But what exactly do you do after carving off the monsters' parts, you might ask? Well, you make several pieces of equipment and a ton load of weapons out of it, which can allow you to gain access to the more difficult missions, and in that, stronger monsters. However, you just don't hunt once and call it a day, you've got to hunt the same monster over and over again, in order for you to get the rare parts you need or until that you have sufficient number of knickknacks to tinker upon.
What makes the game interesting?
Well, to be honest, repetition is something that makes a game less interesting. This game, however, is very repetitive, but is also offers some new things; which is probably why people like the Monster Hunter series so much. The game rewards you for engaging the same missions (and monsters) over and over again through the parts (and other stuff) you get, the weapons and armors you make, and most importantly, the skills you learn against the monsters you hunt. Also, the replayability of this game is top-notch; giving you new and exciting challenges every single time. Multiplayer of this game is also fun... for as long as you have a stable internet connection, but besides that, its really fun to hunt with friends and strangers, hunting some of the difficult monsters like Brachydios and some subspecies of certain monsters. There are also a ton-load of downloadable content in this game, making your Monster Hunter experience very enjoyable even after you beat the game's story mode.
What are the flaws that I found unpleasant?
Well, the only thing that I can consider to be a flaw in this game is on how to introduce the mechanics of the game to new players. Well, there is a story mode that introduces players to the majority of the game's basic controls and other important mechanics found in the game. While it does explain some very important things, it doesn't really cover them up in detail. Additionally, the story itself is simply bland; no drama, no character development, no anything. In fact, the people of the Caravan that you are taking part of are just unrealistic (although I find the klutzy Guildmarm kinda cute) and the NPC's are just downright plain. They do speak some witty yet bad one-liners, though, so there's that (Isn't it RADalos? No). Nevertheless, these are just minor complaints that doesn't make enough negative impact to the game as a whole.
What are the new things introduced in this game?
Some of the added features in this game that was never seen nor heard in previous Monster Hunter games is the Explorations; these are optional, random-generated dungeons that has a lot of things; resources, some monsters, and even better, treasures. You can find rare pieces of equipment that cannot be seen in-game, so always take the chance to go there every time. Another addition to the game are two new weapon types; the Charge Blade and the Insect Glaive. The Charge Blade is basically an inverted Switch Axe with a different phial mechanic, and the Insect Glaive is a newly-introduced blunt weapon that can allow to summon your insect into battle. Plus, it can allow you to jump and do aerial attacks, which is also an important factor for another new mechanic; mounting monsters. This new mechanic allows hunters to deal massive damage against the enemies they mount, however, the monsters being mounted won't give up without a fight as they will try to shrug the hunters off their backs to end the combo. There's also new places like Val Habar, new monsters like the Zamtrios, and new weapons and armor.
Can you recommend this game?
Absolutely! In fact, Monster Hunter X (Cross) will be released in Japan this year and Monster Hunter Stories next year, so there really is no reason NOT to join the hype. I highly recommend this game for beginners and pros alike.
Overall Rating: 9.2/10
The game has substance, elegance, and even sheer fun. The Monster Hunter series stood the test of time and this proves to show you that replayability is not always a boring thing to think about. And if you still think that Monster Hunter is boring, I dare you to play it. You'll be sure to regret everything you say bad about this game... and I am a living proof to say such.
--END OF REVIEW--
Thus, here's my first Reader's Review
Title: Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate (also known as Monster Hunter 4G in Japan)
Date Released: Japan - October 11, 2014, North America - February 13, 2015, Europe - February 13, 2015, Australia - February 14, 2015
Company: CAPCOM
Genre: Action RPG, Open world exploration
Platform: Nintendo 3DS
ESRB Rating: Teen
Brief Background: The original Monster Hunter has been released in 2004 for the PS2 and since then, it has become one of Capcom's biggest-selling franchise, selling 32 million units worldwide as of February 17, 2015. The series spanned numerous sequels, as well as some exclusive titles, mobile games, and even an online game. There are also an amount of upcoming releases that is already in development (like X and Stories).
What do you do here?
Basically, the main thing that you do in this game is to search for monsters, kill (or capture) them, and carve off some of their body parts. But what exactly do you do after carving off the monsters' parts, you might ask? Well, you make several pieces of equipment and a ton load of weapons out of it, which can allow you to gain access to the more difficult missions, and in that, stronger monsters. However, you just don't hunt once and call it a day, you've got to hunt the same monster over and over again, in order for you to get the rare parts you need or until that you have sufficient number of knickknacks to tinker upon.
What makes the game interesting?
Well, to be honest, repetition is something that makes a game less interesting. This game, however, is very repetitive, but is also offers some new things; which is probably why people like the Monster Hunter series so much. The game rewards you for engaging the same missions (and monsters) over and over again through the parts (and other stuff) you get, the weapons and armors you make, and most importantly, the skills you learn against the monsters you hunt. Also, the replayability of this game is top-notch; giving you new and exciting challenges every single time. Multiplayer of this game is also fun... for as long as you have a stable internet connection, but besides that, its really fun to hunt with friends and strangers, hunting some of the difficult monsters like Brachydios and some subspecies of certain monsters. There are also a ton-load of downloadable content in this game, making your Monster Hunter experience very enjoyable even after you beat the game's story mode.
What are the flaws that I found unpleasant?
Well, the only thing that I can consider to be a flaw in this game is on how to introduce the mechanics of the game to new players. Well, there is a story mode that introduces players to the majority of the game's basic controls and other important mechanics found in the game. While it does explain some very important things, it doesn't really cover them up in detail. Additionally, the story itself is simply bland; no drama, no character development, no anything. In fact, the people of the Caravan that you are taking part of are just unrealistic (although I find the klutzy Guildmarm kinda cute) and the NPC's are just downright plain. They do speak some witty yet bad one-liners, though, so there's that (Isn't it RADalos? No). Nevertheless, these are just minor complaints that doesn't make enough negative impact to the game as a whole.
What are the new things introduced in this game?
Some of the added features in this game that was never seen nor heard in previous Monster Hunter games is the Explorations; these are optional, random-generated dungeons that has a lot of things; resources, some monsters, and even better, treasures. You can find rare pieces of equipment that cannot be seen in-game, so always take the chance to go there every time. Another addition to the game are two new weapon types; the Charge Blade and the Insect Glaive. The Charge Blade is basically an inverted Switch Axe with a different phial mechanic, and the Insect Glaive is a newly-introduced blunt weapon that can allow to summon your insect into battle. Plus, it can allow you to jump and do aerial attacks, which is also an important factor for another new mechanic; mounting monsters. This new mechanic allows hunters to deal massive damage against the enemies they mount, however, the monsters being mounted won't give up without a fight as they will try to shrug the hunters off their backs to end the combo. There's also new places like Val Habar, new monsters like the Zamtrios, and new weapons and armor.
Can you recommend this game?
Absolutely! In fact, Monster Hunter X (Cross) will be released in Japan this year and Monster Hunter Stories next year, so there really is no reason NOT to join the hype. I highly recommend this game for beginners and pros alike.
Overall Rating: 9.2/10
The game has substance, elegance, and even sheer fun. The Monster Hunter series stood the test of time and this proves to show you that replayability is not always a boring thing to think about. And if you still think that Monster Hunter is boring, I dare you to play it. You'll be sure to regret everything you say bad about this game... and I am a living proof to say such.
--END OF REVIEW--
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