Showing posts with label Nippon Ichi Software. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nippon Ichi Software. Show all posts

Saturday, April 8, 2023

Process of Elimination | PS4

Heavy on the plot, and light on the gameplay NISA's new IP, "Process of Elimination" lives up to it's name in more ways than one. It features, within it's many layers, an intertwining story involving the protagonist Wato Hojo. Wato, starting off as a fledgling detective working for an amateur detective agency, pursues his first suspect only to be drawn into a plot so thick and twisted that not even his familiarity to mystery novels could have prepared him for it. 

After finding out his supposed first suspect was actually the Senior detective of the DA (Detective Alliance), but not the target Wato finds himself potentially and surprisingly living out his detective dreams. Having been forcefully recruited though and against his will he finds himself, instead, waking up on a remote island three days later where things begin to fall apart in short order. Carrying in tow a haunting past memory of a childhood friend murdered, and aspiring to be the one who catches the infamous serial killer "The Quartering Duke" Wato and his world quickly becomes the stage of an unfolding Greek tragedy in which 13 quirky detectives share in his fight for finding out the who, what, where, when, and why of the given situation. 

Friday, February 24, 2023

void* tRrLM2(); //Void Terrarium 2

Returning abruptly from where the last game left off Robbie the AI bot finds himself facing off against a new threat after having defeated cloudAI in it's attempt to resurrect humanity at the expense of Tariko. A distorting threat that is upending his, and Toriko's already bleak circumstances. All of this taking place within the same dystopian scrapyard of a world where humans were been killed off by a toxic fungal miasma, and the remnants of civilization were left behind as a heap of electronic components meshed together in partially functioning capacity. Toriko being the last human survivor among the rubble, and Robbie her sworn protector. 

Previously led by the scrapyard's AI monitor this updated entry finds Robbie trying to find what he needs to get his guiding AI pal back online, so that they can continue caring for Toriko. He accomplishes this about 10 minutes into the game, and from there the problems begin stacking once again. With Toriko's ailments continuing to manifest due to outside contamination, and the deterioration of her terrarium habitat. No sooner is one problem fixed does another arise, and in an instant Robbie has to pack up and move the odd trio to a new safer location. A location where Toriko's care can continue, unhindered.

Friday, February 10, 2023

Labyrinth of Galleria | PS4

In a world of whimsy, witchcraft, and wicked deeds we meet the unlikely pair of Eureka and Madame Marta. A noble girl looking to fill an odd job, and a wicked witch looking to acquire Eureka's special set of skills for that very job. It seems the Count of Galleria Manor and the assistant Witch in charge, Marta, are looking for something in particular. A special collection of art pieces known as Curios which are locked away in a dungeon-like labyrinth of miasma and monsters. To access it they need someone fit to not only collect the items in question, but to return intact along with said art. The catch being that it will take the binding of Eureka's soul to a powerful lost soul as well as an army of soul infused Manania puppets to traverse the dungeon depths, and return with the art/curios in hand.

Friday, January 27, 2023

Raiden IV x MIKADO Remix | PS4

The turbo charged titan of the shmup genre that is 'Raiden IV' returns in a full blown MIKADO Remix. Given the NISA treatment this all inclusive, and updated package comes complete with a new MIKADO BGM soundtrack, four modes of play, and settings galore! It's a beautifully rendered, and extremely challenging game package deal that's all about that highscore, and more bang for your buck. Longtime fans of the series will recognize the title, and the mainstay designs as they return in all their glory with 4k enhancements to boot! 

Friday, October 21, 2022

Yomawari: Lost in the Dark | PS4

NISA's "Yomawari" series is their most deeply disturbing, but morally aligned creation to date. It combines tragedies centered around suicide, depression, bullying, and other mentally taxing things in a modern Japanese setting with a chibi anime art style. Something that transitions through said tragedies into a nightmarish 'Alice in Wonderland' style experience which takes in account local folklore. It is horror survival at it's core with telling twists for audiences willing to brave it's story. 

As Yuzu, in "Yomawari: Lost in the Dark", you find yourself being brutally bullied by classmates from the start. Being told to go to Hell, and to die. Written abuse that is furthered by unrelenting physical attacks, and hurled insults. Something that appears to be so routine for the young female protagonist to the point she seemingly takes the hint, and jumps off the top of the school building to end her sorrow. While this intro detail is pointed towards that definitive direction the truth of the situation is made unclear as Yuzu awakes in a darkened, and heavily haunted version of her world. Eventually taking the advice of a mysterious girl who leads her out of the snow covered wilderness, and guides her to breaking the supposed curse cast on her in her own darkened hometown. A brief acquaintance which soon leaves Yuzu alone to tread on foot the spirit filled district with flashlight in hand in search of a series of locations with memories tied to them. Something that Yuzu is told will break her curse before the 6am deadline, so that she can be reunited with the mystery guide.

Monday, October 10, 2022

Kamiwaza: Way of the Thief | PS4

Hailing from 2006, and the PS2 console era this 2022 remaster is a smaller sized game that's big on it's unique mechanics. Developed by Acquire, and published by NIS, "Kamiwaza" tells the tale of a band of thieves that are not unlike the West's Robin Hood. A thief's guild known as the Silver Ravens. Noble in their cause they set out to rob from the rich to give to the poor in a post Edo period where invasion from the West is rife, and famine is afoot. 

Unfortunately, thieves Ebizo and his partner in crime Ainosuke find out that there's dissent among the ranks in their routine rogue mission. Some of the thief's guild have gone rogue killing the innocent while robbing them for more selfish reasons. Caught off guard by this, Ebizo rescues a potential child victim caught up in the chaos, and makes a run for it. Ten years forward, and he goes legit as a carpenter. Up until his newly adopted daughter falls ill. It is here that Ebizo's past as a thief comes calling home, and a decision is made out of desperation to fall back into old habits to find a cure for Suzuna. Bumping into old acquaintances, and hooking up with a new underground thief community for benefits Ebizo tries to remedy his situation.

Wednesday, September 2, 2020

RPG Maker MV (REVIEW)

Kadokawa, and NISA's "RPG Maker MV" is an RPG creation tool that bypasses the tedious task of coding, and lets players do the technical adjustments via a series of tool and value menu screens. You'll be able to create full length RPGs from the ground up. Everything from character and enemy creation to event management, and battle systems. Even the map transitions are at your beckon call. While the game does offer a brief introduction to all of it through a hands on tutorial most of the learning will be done through the HELP menu, and play testing along the way. Through the tutorial you will learn the basics of menus, menu navigation, and the base functionality of all that's available including the ability to upload and share your creation through the companion app that will be made available on launch.

Monday, July 13, 2020

void tRrLM(); //Void Terrarium (REVIEW)

Taking on a sombre tone in regards to humanity, and the potentially destructive capabilities of AI NISA's latest JRPG attempts to bring to life the light of hope amid a dismal, and bleak situation brought on by an extinction level event. Through 'Void Terrarium', and it's robot protagonist Robbie the player is taken on a caring and humbling journey to save, and keep alive the last living human. In a world formerly devastated by a deadly fungal infection with the remaining underground human population ultimately destroyed by an AI meant to protect it we find Robbie the robot working hard to keep his precious human child alive. Robbie is sent on many a quests throughout the tunneled, and intersecting colonies of the collapsing human world to scavenge for food, and supplies meant to help in the various tasks related to saving the child, and maintaining her safety as well as her wellbeing. With the guidance of the AI that brought about humanity's end this is made possible.

Tuesday, March 10, 2020

La-Mulana 1 & 2 (PS4/NS)

The La-Mulana series dates back to a time when world adventure was in the entertainment spotlight. A time when make believe heroes like Indiana Jones were around to give us an exciting look into the dangers of dungeon exploration, and the historically rewarding business that is archaeology. The very inspirations that no doubt inspired some of today's real world archaeologists to some degree. While it obviously has it's inspirations the La Mulana series also takes some inspiration from classic game design. When it comes to such game comparisons La-Mulana 1 & 2 are like a blend of 'Spelunky', and 'The Legend of Zelda II'. Both games in the La-Mulana series featuring Metroidvania style puzzle platforming with basic combat, and RPG mechanics for dealing with the risky navigation therein. All of which is centered around a renown bloodline of explorers who each bare the Kosugi namesake, and who each have their own reasons for exploring the ruins of La-Mulana. As with any ancient site there comes some mythology, and for Lemeza as well as his daughter Lumisa that mythology is more real than they ever dared to believe. Named after the Goddess La Mulana who created humankind in hopes of getting herself back home the ruins harbor an unsolved mystery that attracts the curious, and those who are brave enough to venture forth into it's depths. That, of course, is where you come in ...

Tuesday, March 3, 2020

Langrisser 1 & 2 Remake (PS4)

If options are your thing, and JRPGs your fling then this remake of a classic series for modern consoles might just be up your alley. With Langrisser 1, and 2 the way you approach the chapter to chapter story driven scenarios as the hero of the day are up to you. From your indoctrination as said hero, and your plight within the game's given world as a commander of mercenaries you'll find plenty of tactical situations with plenty of options at your beckon call. Done up in a per scenario setup you will find preset maps, and minions with their own commanders that are after you, and other NPCs for a variety of different reasons. As you battle it out alone, or with NPC allies in a familiar grid, and turn based affair while micro-managing your troops', and assisting commanders' every action you will find that strategy is king. That also being equipped with the skills, items, classes, spells, and mercenaries necessary for victory is the only way you'll see the two stories through to their end.

Tuesday, February 11, 2020

Psikyo Shooting Stars Bravo (REVIEW)

Psikyo Shooting Stars Bravo puts the anime into aerial combat with six wacky wave based games centered around an unusual roster of characters. Included in this bundle is a mix and match of two well renown trilogies. Including that of Samurai Aces, and GunBird. Each sporting their own plots, settings, mythologies, and mechanics. All done up in both side-scrolling, and top-down shoot 'em up fashion. It's fast and frenetic gameplay with new optional bells and whistles to help you see each game through to the end beyond the staple quarter munching mockery, and seven different difficulty settings. If you are a fan of shmups, bullet hell, or even brick breaking of the retro kind this might just be the ultimate collection for you!

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Rebranded Review: Disgaea 4 Complete+ | Formerly Disgaea 4: A Promise Revisited

This is probably something unheard of among gaming journalists, but there happens to exist a complete version of Disgaea 4 for the PS Vita that mirrors the new complete version for consoles. I think while it harbors similarities it's worth reviving my initial review of the game for those of you interested, or curious about the new complete version for the PS4. I went all in with the former review, and I'd basically be repeating what I said if I were to review it again, and I think sometimes reviews that are already telling enough are telling enough. I hope this rebranded review gives you the insight necessary to decide whether or not Disgaea 4 Complete+ is something worth your time, and money.

Friday, October 4, 2019

Alliance Alive HD | An Upscaling Of An Amazing JRPG Adventure

Mirroring the evils of society, and the governing bodies of today's real world, 'Alliance Alive' brings to us a familiar plot premise told through classic RPG gameplay, and enhanced HD visuals. Complimented by added mechanics paying homage to RPGs of the past, and others that are somewhat new to the genre as well as specific to this experience. As the game opens up through visually enhanced cutscenes, textual art panel inclusive storytelling, and in-game character interactions we find a fantasy world plagued by the invasion of  Daemons, and divided realms born from a resulting barrier where beast folk enforce the laws without mercy. Leaving humans to be the last underground resistance to the oppressive darkness, and the rule thereof. In the midst of the darkened skies, and society's downfall there lies hope in the guise of a girl named Azura, her childhood friend Galil, her father Wyatt, and the guilds that will join in an alliance to find the blue skies of a thousand bygone years. It's a story of hope enduring, and the final fight for freedom. One we all can relate to.

Tuesday, May 21, 2019

Lapis x Labyrinth (PS4)

Whether you choose to play it on PS4, or Nintendo Switch the experience that is NISA's "Lapis x Labyrinth" holds the same context, and content regardless of platform. Unlike a lot of their more deeply involved, and campaign heavy JRPGs of the past though this platforming cute 'em up takes the allure of looting, combines it with NISA's character stacking antics, and throws in a short story to boot. At the heart of it all is the briefly disclosed legend of a highly sought after tree of unimaginable treasure. That, and timeless accounts of adventurers seeking to find it, but forever failing. As a named leader of a party of mismatched character class types seeking the same object of wealth untold you set out on perhaps the last chance at looting this fabled fortune that time could soon forget. With the help of a village filled with quest givers, and other individuals of interest you will embark on this journey as you face off against many a foe in a floor by floor vertical descent to claim the ultimate prize or prizes.

Thursday, March 21, 2019

SNK 40th Anniversary Collection (PS4)

I think a lot of us gamers take the current strides in gaming tech for granted. We don't stop to realize that modern gaming as we know it wouldn't be what it was if the early pioneers of the industry didn't stick with game development through trial and error. SNK, or Shin Nihon Kikaku (as it was once known), is one such pioneer. In their quest to make a name for themselves they not only created competitive alternative options to the hottest genres for the time, but also innovated, and paved the way for other developers to follow in their footsteps as well. In this particular 40th anniversary tribute those feats, and near defeats are made all the more evident. Through the game collection's museum, and it's compendium of ads, manuals, arcade labels, guides, and in-game assets we get to see what exactly makes SNK so special. From the span of 1978 to 1990, and through 70+ game releases SNK's many development decisions earned them a proper place in gaming history among the greats. While there was some struggle with reception, and perception they still managed to survive, and create some of gaming's most memorable moments. Whether it be shmups, early fighting games, RPG platformers, or unique genres all their own SNK's efforts have paid off as they still continue to do what they do to this very day.

Friday, February 8, 2019

The Liar Princess and the Blind Prince (PS4)

Nippon Ichi Software always seems to strike all the right chords with their artsy little indies. By "artsy indies" I simply mean their ambitious puzzle platformers that each contain a fairy tale driven lesson built into the story being told. As with other NISA releases in this particular sub-genre of puzzle platformers "The Liar Princess and the Blind Prince" weaves an interesting tale through hands-on gameplay and voiced art panel inclusive intermissions that border on being mature while pulling at your heartstrings in a nostalgic childlike manner. As if it were your own parents reading to you from your favorite children's storybook. The story at hand, as it were, is unfortunately one that if explained away in too much detail, could ruin the many surprises you'd get to enjoy by experiencing the experience for yourself. I can say, however, that it all starts with a curious prince and a gifted wolf who happens to have a beautiful singing voice. A voice that attracts the Prince, and in a twist of fate, has the two characters both leading a lie, and living one. In an accidental encounter the wolf feels morally obliged to right her wrongs against the prince, and ultimately seeks the help of a witch to restore what was lost to him. The journey that ensues due to the unfortunate circumstances and a metaphorical deal with the devil is an interesting, and endearing escort mission in which you get to control a now shape shifting wolf who can change forms from wolf into a human princess in order to maintain a lie about said wolf's identity. All due to a mutual appreciation that went awry without warning.

Sunday, December 23, 2018

Nippon Ichi Software | My Gaming Studio Pick For 2018

Nippon Ichi software, or NISA, as we know it here in America is a niche studio that continues to stick to their paved niche route despite every other big studio chasing the trend dragon. Throughout 2018 they continued to release interesting value heavy titles as everyone else rehashed this or that in a pieced apart, exploitative, and unfinished fashion. Some games that were of NISA's own signature brand, and others that strayed from their usual series releases. Something that I'm truly appreciative of.

As a gaming journalist who has made a lasting connection with the NISA staff over the years they constantly kept me up to date with their plan for 2018, and for the coming year. Every time I opened one of their email updates I was excited to see what they had to say, and what they had to share. I was never disappointed. In fact I found myself excited for each future release even though I didn't cover everything. I'm seriously looking forward, as a fan and reviewer, to what NISA has to bring to gaming in 2019. I think it's going to be a big year for them, especially with them being onboard with the Nintendo Switch now. I hope that in 2019 NISA gets the gamer respect, and support that they so rightfully deserve. Not too many studios stick to a formula in the face of looming industry disaster, but NISA most certainly has. It goes to show that, unlike most Triple A studios, NISA appreciates their core fans and will stick by them to the end. That's why I love Nippon Ichi Software.

Monday, September 17, 2018

Labyrinth of Refrain: Coven of Dusk (PS4)

NIS has tried several different approaches to the oldschool maze exploration RPG formula. Most of them were just alright. They did something different, and new every time, but visually lacked that signature NIS appearance in a lot of cases. Using a familiar witch theme, a few features from "The Witch and the Hundred Knight", and other series though this game comes together in such a way as to be both visually inviting, and more fun than the usual labyrinthine affair. At the heart of the story you will follow along as Dusk Witch Dronya, and her loyal apprentice Luca put on one hell of a puppet show. Chasing after the secrets of the Labyrinth of Refrain, which resides in the town of Refrain somewhere in the mystical world of Tanis Dronya seeks to uncover via puppets what she herself cannot gather. Due to miasma blocking any human entrance Dronya uses a magical soul possessed book known as the Tactatum de Monstrum to lead a brigade of puppet led covens into the mysterious maze in order to find rare items, and ultimately the secret that lies at it's core. A secret that could spell doom for the world, or grant such wondrous things as immortality.

Sunday, September 16, 2018

Labyrinth of Refrain: Coven of Dusk ~ A Twitter Preview Review

One of many game related Twitter moments. This time it's related to my upcoming review of NISA's "Labyrinth of Refrain: Coven of Dusk" for the PS4. This is not the full review, but it will serve to give you some idea of what the game is about.

Friday, September 7, 2018

SNK HEROINES ... A To The Point Review

SNK Heroines, in my opinion, is not bad because of it's fan service. It's not bad, because of the revealing female attire. It's bad because the tag mechanics aren't explained well in the tutorial. It's bad, because it sacrifices SNK's traditional core mechanics for something based around casual controls, and an unnecessarily added tech that is not mandatory for achieving the end goal. The customization is also bad in that it's not as rewarding or brag worthy due to it's easily earned nature. The game, overall, is a departure from what made SNK fighters great. That is why I don't like it.