Soma Bringer...modern classic

Soma Bringer is a action RPG game by developer Monolith Soft (of Xenosga, NamcoXCapcom, and Baten Kaitos fame) for the DS.  Originally released in japan in early 2008, there are still no plans for a release outside of japan.


When you start up, you can choose from 8 different characters each one having a unique class/weapon specialties (though the main story stays the same for all).  Characters are customizable thru weapons, armor, and  gaining AP as you level up, you also gain CP (Character Points), which can be used to increase the character's four base statistics. These base statistics determine the strength of physical and magical attacks, as well as maximum HP/SP, defensive power and so on. The statistics that can be boosted are Strength, Magic, Health and Skillfulness.

Combat is fast paced (reminiscent of Diablo 2), with the added ability to map your special attacks to the 4 buttons (X, Y, B, A).  You camera angle is adjustable with the select button, and automatically zooms in when attacking an enemy. Controls are fluid, and well implemented (your 2 companions that you can choose are AI controlled).





Though early on game time, Soma Bringer sure seems to be another gem that will sadly not be brought over to the US.

GOD EATER IS COMING!!!!

One of my more anticipated PSP games of 2010 has just recently been announced for release in the US. There is a downloadable demo out now for the japanese version (downloaded over 1.5 million times)!!

Taking more than a few cues from the runaway success of the Monster Hunter series, God Eater injects much more anime style to it.


                  

NamcoBandai has handed off localization to D3Publisher, and will be released in Q3 of this year.

 

  

 

God Eater is set where the earth has been ruined by  beasts known as the Aragami and mankind’s only hope against them is the Jinki weapons and the God Eaters behind them. This game lures players with more than 100 missions. Players can change their game strategy at any time by instantly switching between weapon forms to slash, shoot, and devour gigantic enemies (35 unique enemy types to find items and customize from) to alter the strength, pattern and elemental type for super powerful attacks.  A unique predator mode will add a new level of strategy as players transform their Jinki to beast form to gain a boost in stats and special bullets to launch potent attacks. Featuring cooperative modes, players can hunt with AI controlled party members or join hunting parties with up to four players via local adhoc mode or connect the PSP system to the PlayStation 3  to play online using adhocParty.

Getting back into the Moster Hunter series

Some time ago, I picked up the original Monster Hunter for the PS2, and then Monster Hunter Freedom for the PSP.  I play for awhile, yet time passes, and I move on to other gaming pastures.  Talking to my friend pcenginefan/apple, and windancer we get to the subject of Monster Hunter Tri (an upcoming game for the Wii).

This starts to take me back to my to short playing days with the original 2 games I had.  I start to feel the desire to give one of them the whirl...yet where to start.  MH Tri isn't out yet, but wait!!  Some digging turns up that MHF Unite for the PSP is now a very reasonable $20 new.  I pick it up on my next game buying run (a rare thing these days) and nab a copy.  Now being in the throes of learning my way around Phantasy Star Zero there's little spare time to put into MHF Unite.  I end up with some time and fire it up...pleasently surprised.  While the online is SEVERELY nerfed (pretty bad idea on a game that would thrive on easy to use online) it's so far an enjoyable game.

Phantasy Star Zero addictive fun

My good friend windancer, pcenginefan/apple and cohorts at The Blue Rogues have been trying to get me into Phantasy Star Zero for the DS.  It took me awhile to take the plunge...and I'm so glad I did!!  I just a few short days of off and on play, I am already have a level 23 RAcast with 11.5 hours of game time in.  I have been digging the ride so far, learning as I level up.

Customization/weapon choices galore, very nice graphics, solid online with cool peeps (though sadly no voice chat which would be GREAT).  This game is DEF more enjoyable than Phantasy Star Universe for the PS2 was.  Story is fairly solid (if typically a bit cliched), though I am not very far thru the offline story mode yet.  The real fun of the game is online with friends though.  I can honestly recomend this game to anyone that enjoys fighting foes online with their friends.

A new site covering the classic PC Engine/Turbo Grafx has just launched!!


http://www.thebrothersduomazov.com/


Run by 3 MANLY men...who IMO are some of teh BEST gaming minds in the PCE/TG community. Reviews are colorful (and unlike SO many sites) have LOT'S of screenshot's...and more than just 1-2 shot's from 5 second's into level 1 lol. More reviews are added regularly, with the daunting goal of EVERY TG/PCE game released eventually being added.

Bookmark this site for all your TG/PCE gaming info :)

Thru the years, one series has stood out for many people on the TG/PCE. Bring up the Ys series to fans of the system, and more often than not, you'll get a positive response.

Fast forward to 1989-91 Falcom got the GREAT idea to turn these classic games into an anime. Based off Ys 1&2 (with a few liberties/changes made throughout). The original OVA (Book 1) is seven episodes, and the second OVA (Book 2) is a meager 4 episodes.

A rumored 3rd book (4 episode OVA) was set to come out in japan a few years ago, but never materialized. An anime trailer for Ys IV: The Dawn of Ys was made to shop a possible series to animation companies, but it to never materialized.



The two OVA's that did come out however are a lot of fun to watch (even more so to fans of the games of course). Book 1 has a much older feel to it (animation wise), but is still a solid watch. Book 2 (coming out in 1992), looks much newer, with a different look for most returning characters. There are inconsistencies with names/pronunciations thru the series (probably due to lazy translations/quality voice actors/scripting).

Book 1





Book 2






SWEET dvd menu






When it's all said and done, the dvd's are very worth it for fans of the series.

My gaming goodness that have been way to long coming

First up...






I have been into the PCE/TG scene for over a year. In that time, I have patiently waited for one of the most popular games for the system. so far 4 levels in I am digging it immensely. I will say that so far it has been easier than I imagined it to be. Plan on beating this very soon.


Second up...




Very limited time with this one so far (first 2 levels), but so far am VERY into it. IMHO the game blows Spriggan Mk 2 out of the water ( kinda sad as Part 1 is a CD, and Mk 2 is a SCD). Also Spriggan is a vertical shootie vs Mk 2 is a horizontal. After Drac X is beat Spriggan will get teh attention it soooooo deserves.