Touhou Genso Wanderer (PS4)

Taking place in a Japanese inspired fantasy world filled with cutesy anime girls, mythical monsters, and an evil force hellbent on cloning an entire civilization for it's own diabolical purposes, "Touhou Genso Wanderer" brings to the gamer an RPG experience unlike any other. An experience where how well you manage the main character Reimu's actions will mean the difference between completion and progress reset. As Reimu, a shrine maiden stationed at Hakurei Shrine you must face a dire circumstance brought on by a visit to a relic dealer named Rinnosuke, and the tug of war battle over a mysterious golden ball that ensued during their encounter. You'll be taken from your shrine headquarters into the clone infested lands beyond as you battle your way to an erected tower the likes of which was built by the possessed Rinnosuke for unknown reasons. These lands which are labyrinthine in nature, and divided by floors will not only lead to the solving of the investigation at hand, but will also rid Gensokyo of it's plight. You won't be going at it alone though as chance encounters with other interesting characters will give way to partnerships that will help you deal with the escalating threat. Whether or not Reimu, and her friends prevail in their mission will be up to you though.

Danganronpa 1•2 Reload (PS4)

For those of you out of the know, and new to the show the series that is "Danganronpa" is in a class of it's own. Pun intended. Despite leaning heavily on visual novel style storytelling, and basic point and click investigations the game provides a character based judicial process unlike any other. A judicial process that has you figuring out who's who in the grand scheme of things, and administering a punishment deserving of the crime afterwards. In the first game, "Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc" you follow average student, but ultimate lucky attendee Makoto Naegi as he embarks on a life changing journey at the presumably prestigious "Hope's Peak Academy". A school for the ultimate of ultimate classmates. Each of which are the ultimate at whatever it is they do best. Supposedly the school is to open up a world of opportunities for the students who attend, but the 15 students that end up arriving on opening day find out otherwise. Through the maniacal managing of Monokuma, and the murderous intent of those among them the classmates must keep their calm, and assess the situation intelligently or die trying. As Makoto you must observe others in your presence, find clues about certain situations, and build upon relationships to try and figure out what exactly is going on as well as how to escape the nightmare thereof.

Criminal Girls 2: Party Favors (PS VITA)

No matter how perverted or unfairly censored you may think the latest installment of Criminal Girls is I've personally found myself enjoying it. Everything from the constantly unfolding plot to the mythology revolving around a system of judgment that sends naughty girls to hell before they've ever committed a crime drew me in, and kept me wanting to play the game through to the end. The characters involved, their life circumstances, and their unique assortment of personalities (or personality disorders) brought to the game something more than the presence of the usual heroes, and heroines we are often used to controlling in JRPG adventures. The fact that the girls, or rather "delinquents" are fighting not for the greater good, but are instead fighting to be reformed in order to escape hell along with the program instructor makes the experience all the more intriguing. Of course as the gamer you take on the role of said male instructor, and must cope with your amnesiac situation while doing as you are told by a mysterious person who talks to you through a radio. The prison system's "reformation" program that you'll be applying as appointed instructor includes some lewd motion rubbing motivation via touchscreen interactions, the gaining of trust through given answers, teamwork, and the traversing of the multiple floor dungeon that you are in. Needless to say you will also be fighting baddies in the form of warped convicts who have become monsters through their own sinful deeds. Supposing you, and your delinquent crew makes it to the top floor you are promised a way back home, but whether or not that holds to be true is up to you to find out ...

PSYCHO-PASS: Mandatory Happiness (PS4)

Modeled after the anime series of the same name NISA's, MAGES', and 5pb's addition to the ongoing plot that is "PSYCHO-PASS" takes place somewhere in the midst of season one with two new playable characters, and a new villain the likes of which fans of said series will not yet have seen. All of which is presented in an interactive visual novel style experience with exceptional attention to detail abound. For those of you have never heard of the anime, or it's story you'll be surprised to know that it's not quite as far fetched an idea as anime usually is. In fact, dare I say it, it kind of mirrors the direction our own society is currently taking with the secretive collection, and assessment of private data tied to persons of interest by corporate entities. The premise in the anime series, like our own real world plight, revolves wholly around a managed society where enforcers operating under an AI judicial system known as the "Sibyl System" track down latent, or potentially latent criminals through their personal "Psycho-Pass". The 'Psycho-Pass', as it were is an accessible psychological evaluation that takes into account a person's stress level (Hue), and criminal capacity (Crime Coefficient) for the sake of maintaining a peaceful society. Criminals found with a certain Hue will either be counseled, enforced by the Inspectors/Enforcers via a non-lethal paralysis shot, or will be executed on site with a Dominator pistol which evaluates the criminal status of the individual before firing the fatal shot through one of the Enforcer's or leading Inspector's handling of said weapon. Inspectors, and Enforcers of the Public Safety Bureau (MWPSB), as a result of the use of this system are effectively judge, jury, and executioner of anyone deemed suspect. Even latent criminals found among themselves. Of course this game picks up on that base story element, and builds greatly upon it in a case by case, and chapter by chapter basis where three main characters' involvement intertwines through their unusually connected circumstances.

Criminal Girls 2: Party Favors - Icons, Wallpapers & Banners!!!

Just got word from the Awesome guys & gals over at NISA that they have setup a special website for fans of the "Criminal Girls" PS Vita series. This website includes downloadable icons, banners, and wallpapers that fans can use to celebrate the upcoming game, and their favorite Criminal Girls gal. There's also some trailers with which you can gain a sneak peek, and understanding of what the game is all about. The easily offended need not apply. Criminal Girls is a mature JRPG, and is labeled as such. If you aren't mature enough to handle it then I suggest you pass along. That is my opinion though. An opinion that I stick by. Be sure to click the "Read More ..." button on this post if you'd like to take up NISA on their generous offer, and adorn both your social media accounts, and your PC with the "Criminal Girls 2: Party Favors" goodies!!! Enjoy, and you are welcome!!!

Grand Kingdom (PS4)

Prior to getting my hands on the full version of NISA's "Grand Kingdom" I was on the fence about it. I really was. At first I saw little promise due to the game's overall indie appearance, and deviation from the NISA norm, but going back into it during it's BETA phase I saw some potential. A glimmer of hope, if you will. I think it was the combat system that intrigued me the most of all during that time. The fact that it was a tactical RPG built around multiple forms of lane offense/defense, and strategy really made it stand out from other games in the genre. While the combat was simple in a lot of ways it harbored a much deeper functionality, and role in the provided gameplay than I imagined it would. Not only do you have objective war oriented quests to play through, but as the title suggests everything about "Grand Kingdom" is grand in scale within the finalized product. I liken it to a complex, and decisive chess game in which there are four warring nations moving their pawns about on a continent sized chess board in order to achieve ultimate victory, and/or global domination. In fact the game itself is heavily war focused with lengthy skirmishes/wars playing out at your direct command or through AI driven troops sent out in your stead. You have plenty of tasks to take on in the form of detailed troop management, campaign initiatives at the capital of your chosen nation, and even field operations with battles that will sway your influence over the shattered continent on which you, and your guild take on mercenary tasks.

Grand Kingdom BETA (PS4) - Second Thoughts

Call it back peddling, or whatever you may, but I have changed my mind about "Grand Kingdom". I think it has potential. This second thought comes after spending some more time with the BETA, and seeing what else it had to offer. While I still feel the anime style is a bit simplistic/indie in nature, and that the story isn't as in-depth as it could be the combat more than makes up for it. I find it to be a nice change from the traditional strategy RPG formulas. It's kind of addictive, and fun at the same time. I also like the in-game character design, the fact you can change the spoken language to the original Japanese, and the added fact that it has an online component which allows you to send out or command your troops in contracted wars within one of the game's four guilds. It seems to be one of those drop in, and drop out RPG experiences that can be played anytime you feel like it. Of course you will have to check in on your troops every once in a while if you send them out via the "Detachment (automated)" option, but other than that it seems to be a leisurely gaming experience with a bit of longevity involved. The online connectivity definitely offers some replay value.

Grand Kingdom BETA (PS4) - First Impressions

I've spent some time playing through Grand Kingdom's BETA tutorial today on my PS4, and have come to realize that the game is not at all what I expected it to be. I expected a more Japanese presentation, but was met with an art style, and gameplay that can best be described as "American" in nature. The whole game is kind of simplistic in design with the main focus being on the lane based tactical combat contained within. Oddly enough it is Japanese developer Spike Chunsoft who created this particular RPG though, which baffles me to no end. When it comes down to gameplay, and game management the whole ordeal feels as if it's geared towards a free-to-play format. It doesn't feel grand in scale like most NISA games, and has a sort of indie atmosphere about it. Gameplay, as it were, is done via two main features. This includes moving a pawn-like avatar through an semi-overhead map to it's end destination within a set amount of moves, and engaging in actual party inclusive battle scenarios during said maze-like traveling. All while avoiding traps, and using available menu options along the way.

When you meet up with the enemy's avatars (or pawns) on the game's map display you will be taken into the battle screen where your troupe of mercenaries stand in their four respective lanes to the left, and the enemies in their respective lanes to the right. Sometimes there will be hidden traps, and objects placed in the lanes between you, and your enemies as well. The point of the battle is basically to make proper use of your party members' skills, and attacks as you move them a limited amount of times on, and between any of the lanes. The combat is turn based, and relies heavily on class type offerings, and tactics. Classes available in the BETA are limited, but include a Knight, a Medic, a Witch, and an Archer. Each of which has varying weapon/skill reach, and capabilities on the battlefield. The end goal of it all is to kill off the opposing leader, and the rest of the enemy troops before your party members are killed off. Of course there will be a boss fight when you reach the end marker of the current campaign map, but that too plays out in a similar way as the standard battles do. Keep in mind some enemy avatars harbor stronger enemy types, and that engaging them is not always the wisest of options. Sometimes using map menu skills to bypass the enemy avatars will be the best course of action, especially if your party is ill-prepared for the situation.

The Witch and the Hundred Knight Revival Edition (PS4)

Instead of rehashing everything from my PS3 review of "The Witch and the Hundred Knight" I will leave you with the following link (http://thegaminginferno.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-witch-and-hundred-knight-ps3.html), and spend this article discussing the new features as well as why it is I back this game with an enthusiastic recommendation. Please visit the provided link before reading any further as it will tell you all there is to know about the game's mechanics, and features ... outside of the new additions.

Love Live! School Idol Project - Complete Series 1 SE + 2 PE (NISA)

GENRE: Idols, High School, Drama

DIRECTOR/LOCAL DIRECTOR: Takahiko Kyogoku / Mitsu Hiraoka

STUDIO/PRODUCER: NIS America / Nippon Ichi Software

MSRP: $98.98 (US)

RELEASE DATE: February 14, 2016

LENGTH: Season 1 = 2 Blu-ray, 13 episodes, 308 mins. / Season 2 = 2 Blu-ray, 13 episodes, 307 mins.

LANGUAGE: English Dub w/Songs in Original Japanese (English Subtitles Included)

PREMIUM EDITION EXTRAS: Hardcover Artbook w/Glossy Pages + Artbox & 2 Slim Blu-ray Cases

JAPANESE CAST (CHAR/VO): Honoka Kosaka - Emi Nitta, Eli Ayase - Yoshino Nanjo, Kotori Minami - Aya Uchida, Umi Sonoda - Suzuko Mimori, Rin Hoshizora - Riho Lida, Maki Nishikino - Pile, Nozomi Tojo - Aina Kusuda, Hanayo Koizumi - Yurika Kubo, Nico Yazawa - Sora Tokui

ENGLISH CAST (CHAR/VO): Honoka Kosaka - Marieve Herington, Eli Ayase - Erica Lindbeck, Kotori Minami - Cristina Vee, Umi Sonoda - Kira Buckland, Rin Hoshizora - Faye Mata, Maki Nishikino - Caitlin Glass, Nozomi Tojo - Laura Post, Hanayo Koizumi -Xanthe Huynh, Nico Yazawa - Erica Mendez 

If Her Flag Breaks (ANIME)

GENRE: Harem, Comedy, Sci-fi

DIRECTOR: Ayumu Watanbe / Shigeru Ueda

ARTIST/S: CUTEG (Original Illustrations) / Hoods Entertainment (Animation Production)

MSRP: $51.99 (Premium Edition w/Art Box, Guide Book & Bonus Item) 

RATING: Teen

DATE OF PRODUCTION: 2015

LENGTH: 2 Blu-rays, 13 Episodes / 306 mins. + Bonus Openings & Endings

AUDIO/VIDEO: Original Japanese Voice Acting w/English Subtitles. Includes clean openings and endings, character trailers, commercial bumps, and Japanese commercials as stated in the website listing. From a more personal point of view I found the visuals to be exceptionally vibrant, crisp, and clean. It definitely benefits from the HD Blu-ray treatment. Even the sound, or rather voice acting comes out loudly, and clearly through an HDTV's speakers. The soundtrack that is included is as lighthearted, and fun loving as the majority of the anime series is. It's truly complimentary to the equally fun loving intros, and closing animations that come before, and after each episode.

CHARACTERS/VOICE ACTORS: Sota Hatate (Ryota Osaka), Nanami Knight Bladefield (Ibuki Kido), Akane Mahogasawa (Ai Kayano), Kikuno Shokanji (Kana Asumi), Megumu Tozokuyama (Kana Hanazawa), Rin Eiyuzaki (Yoko Hikasa), Ruri Ninjabayashi (Ayaka Suwa), Mimori Seiteikoji (Yukari Tamura), Tsumugi Ryukishibara (Aki Toyosaki), Mei Daimyozamurai (Sakura Tange), Kurumiko Daishikyogawa (Misaki Kuno), Hakua Berserker Bladefield (Ai Kakuma), Serika Ginyuin (Aoi Yuuki), Miyuki McKensie (Yuuka Nanri), Sakura/Sacrament (Rina Hidaka), No. 0 (Risa Taneda) ... Council of the Seven Virtues

Disgaea 5: Alliance of Vengeance (PS4)

Returning with a vengeance NIS's long running tactical JRPG series, "Disgaea" makes it's way once again to the forefront of the gaming scene in an attempt to impress a new generation of gamers. This time around the PS4 exclusive that is "Disgaea 5: Alliance of Vengeance", and it's traditionally based, but vastly tweaked micro-management system aims to attract a broader audience with even more to do, and plenty more to discover! While those of you familiar with the series will find yourselves at home once again in the netherworld that coincides with the Disgaea series theme you will also find that new mechanics/features have been added as well as new characters, and an all encompassing plot that takes in account a multitude of different warring netherworlds. Even the enemy comes in various new forms with the main threat being that of Void Dark.

The rag tag group of vengeance seeking overlords which will be leading the episodic show-down against said baddies includes the mysterious wanderer "Killia", The mistress of men "Seraphina", The brute demon with a superiority complex "Red Magnus", and the supposed demon overlord with a hidden agenda "Christos", among others. As a team brought together for a single unified cause these denizens of the damned are all out for one purpose, and one purpose only. That purpose being to rid the netherworld of Void Dark! Each of them, for their own personal reasons want to conquer Void Dark, and his tyrannic army. This of course is where you, the gamer steps in. While there's not really one main character to take on as a personal role plot-wise you will find yourself seeing things from all of the main characters' perspectives. As I mentioned before this latest installment of Disgaea has a plot that is all encompassing. Through some serious grinding you might just be able help the anti-heroes, and heroines of this particular tale do what they've set out to do as you learn more about their deep seeded plight.

Danganronpa Another Episode: Ultra Despair Girls (PS VITA)

NISA's Danganronpa series continues it's twisted, and often times morbid tale with one hell of a plot deviation that most gamers will not see coming. This 'Spike Chunsoft' re-imagining of the traditional Danganronpa formula not only impresses with it's visual aesthetics, deep seeded storytelling, and action RPG inspired gameplay mechanics, but goes well beyond all of that to provide likely the best entry in the series to date. It touches base on some real world problems while continuing to be it's own beast of burden. We find some returning characters of interest as well as a character or two that was briefly shown in the previous two game entries. All of which are showcased through amazing in-game visuals as well as through decent length anime sequences, and CG cutscenes that will no doubt keep the gamer closely following what the hell is going on. Content wise this sequel is more robust in nature, and more hefty with everything that it offers. While the developer could have easily made it a more linear experience they added extra mini-games, secret items to discover, and a grade system among other things that will have you spending plenty of time outside of merely advancing the plot. As usual the game is chapter based, and will incorporate some of the elements of the previous Danganronpa experiences while doing it's own things with them.

Awesome NISA Review News!!!

It has been a super long while since I've sat down to enjoy any new anime series. I've just been so involved in gaming, and adult film work that anime has taken a back seat in my ever-expanding list of things I want to do. I have noticed a ton of new anime series over the past few years that I want to see, own, and review, but gaming, comic book collecting, and toy collecting have become my mainstay review related hobbies lately. Thankfully the guys, and gals at NISA have heard my plea about reviewing anime though, and have allowed me to review one of their exclusive anime series. It is a premium edition, which NISA is known for, and it houses the complete 12 episode series plus extras on two Blu-rays within an art covered box container. For those of you who are curious about the title of said anime it is, "The Troubled Life of Kotoura". I haven't got a clue in hell as to what it's about, but from the box art it looks to be one of those pervy, and comical anime misadventure series filled with wacky hijinks. I'm anxious to get started on my viewing of the collection, and will be snapping some photos to accompany the detailed review that is to come. If you guys want to see a video unboxing on my Youtube channel just let me know, and I'll try to make that happen as well.

Disgaea D2: A Brighter Darkness (PS3/PSN)

Disgaea is one of those exceptional video game experiences that is deeply cherished by those who have played it, and often times passed up by gamers who are into the more casual gaming scene. In layman's terms Disgaea is what we RPG gamers call an "SRPG", or strategy based roleplaying game. Some even call it a tactical RPG, or a JRPG. Whatever it is referred to though it is one of the the most involved video games that the RPG genre, or any genre for that matter has ever seen. It is filled to the brim with anime inspired content, and a hundreds of hours of time filling fun.

Nippon Ichi Software, or NIS as you likely know them have in essence developed their own netherworld based mythology within the constructs of the series. This applied netherworld mythology is both expansive in nature as well as humorous in a variety of ways. The series' unique mythology is part of the reason the game has stayed alive for so long in the RPG unfriendly market. With a cast of otherworldy characters that all anime fans can relate to it's hard to not get lost within the quirky dialogue driven tales that are provided with each new release. The fact that the main set of protagonists involved in the plots often times find their places in follow-up games of the series only makes diehard fans want to return for more. By sticking with their tried, and true game design NIS will no doubt continue winning over gamers, and return fans for a long time to come.