Conception 2: Children of the Seven Stars - "Teaser Trailer & More" (3DS/PS VITA)

At this point in time I've not really done much personal research on Conception 2, but I do know that in some haphazard, and mature way it is about baby making. The title of the game itself should be a dead giveaway in regards such mature themes. While this concept (pun intended) might not thrill all gamers, or parents out there I think it might just be ATLUS's next handheld console hit. As for me personally, I'm totally excited to see what sorts of new JRPG gameplay mechanics are going to be added, and used within the game. I always like developers who think outside the box, and the developers of "Conception 2" seem to have done exactly that in this anime inspired JRPG sequel. I hope that you too will greet this new gaming experience with open arms when it hits the streets of the US on April 15th of this year.

Sorcery Saga: Curse of the Great Curry God (PS VITA)

In the world of gaming you'll find plenty of copycat ideas, and blatant rip-offs. Most of the gameplay mechanics that are copied, and combined with these new game creations end up making for a complete mess. In other instances the mixture of old gameplay features, and new plot material works in the developer's favor. In the case of Compile Heart's "Sorcery Saga: Curse of the Great Curry God" the mixture works out quite nicely for the most part. It contains some LOL humor mixed with memorable characters, and a lighthearted story that is entirely unique to it. On top of the new also comes some features that definitely seem inspired by previously released PS3, and PS VITA RPGs. Among the inspired tidbits you'll find dungeon crawling turn based mechanics very similar to that of NISA's "The Guided Fate Paradox". There's also hint's of other NISA RPGs thrown into the mix such as that of the "Atelier" series. While I could pick at the game all day for containing such content the fact remains that I think Aksys Games, and Compile Heart came out smelling like roses with this JRPG release.

Ys: Memories of Celceta (PS Vita)

Very rarely are us westerners gifted the opportunity to play an up-scaled re-imagining of a Japan only title. Through Nihon Falcom, and XSEED though this rare chance was made a reality with the release of Ys IV's reinvented successor "Ys: Memories of Celceta". The game itself was recreated from the bottom up in order to bring a wholly unique action RPG experience to those who have followed the series since it's early days. Along with the 'Ys IV' back story comes Ys 7's menu system, and combat mechanics. Fans of both previously released Ys installments will no doubt feel right at home with the unique mixture of gameplay features regardless of the altered graphics, and applications. Locales from the past installments will make their way back into the picture as you follow a man of legend named Adol Christin on a journey of discovery. Adol himself stumbles onto the scene, and out of the fabled forest of Celceta with no recollection whatsoever as to how he got there, or who exactly he is. Through an epic quest, and formidable peril you will take on the role of Adol as he, and his companions try to sort things out, and unravel the mysteries at hand.

The Guided Fate Paradox (PS3)

 

Those of you who have been faithful to the Disgaea series will no doubt recall the mention of the angelic realm of "Celestia" during your many playthroughs. While Celestia has never really been shown in all of it's glory it's angels have often times showed up in some form, or fashion within the netherworld of Disgaea. Thankfully the lads, and lasses at 'NIS America' have finally decided to bring to light the world of Celestia, it's many inhabitants, and the mythology that encompasses it with this latest follow-up release. Not only did they flesh out this angelic realm in "The Guided Fate Paradox" by including a deeply involved story, but they also gave the game an art style that is entirely different from that of the Disgaea series making the story more of a unique experience. It's this anime inspired theme that will have Disgaea players gawking in amazement at the display unfolding before their eyes. Everything from the anime inspired intro to the actual gameplay will most definitely prove to the gamers that NIS America has yet to run out of noteworthy ideas in their niche RPG lineage.

Atelier Meruru Plus: The Apprentice of Arland (PS VITA)

GUST Corporation has once again proven themselves worthy of praise by releasing yet another grander than grand tale about an apprenticing female alchemist. Using their usual methods of incorporating previous characters from the series into the plot, and adding new ones into the mix GUST aims to introduce to us a tale about a princess whose dreams of seeing the world are limited by her royal duties. With her childhood friends Keina, and Lias by her side though princess Meruru strives to make the most of her position as royalty, and aims to prove herself as a worthy princess as well as an adventuring alchemist like her teacher Totooria Helmold (Totori). By combining her skills as an alchemist she fully intends on blending her two worlds as she tries to better her community, and her status within.

Atelier Totori Plus: The Adventurer of Arland (PS VITA)

The "Atelier" (meaning: "an artist's workshop") series of RPGs has been around for quite some time now. You'll find that there has been an impressive amount of releases on both consoles (PS1, PS2, PS3, Dreamcast), and handhelds (WonderSwan Color, Gameboy Advance, Nintendo DS, PSP, PS Vita) throughout the years (1997 - 2013). These games range from Japan only releases to limited stateside releases, and even remakes. Gust Corporation who were the developers behind this unique series of alchemy based RPGs have always stuck to their tried, and true formula of introducing a new alchemist with each game release along with a unique story to accompany that individual. The gameplay of each title as one might expect is centered mostly around alchemy, and the crafting of various items. Throw in an alchemist against an ominous threat/situation, and you'll have the experience in a nutshell.

ZENO CLASH II (PSN)

When it comes to originality in the RPG universe hardly anyone does it like Square-Enix. Sure you'll have the occasional RPG developed by a developer who can think outside of the box (NIS America -"Time and Eternity"), but for the most part they all follow a very similar pattern. You heroes, or heroines usually come in the same RPG related classes (Barbarian, Wizard, Dwarf, Mage ...), and the enemies in an equally similar selection. Often times said hero, or heroine must face insurmountable odds against an evil army, empire, or all powerful creature or character. To say that the genre has become repetitive would be an understatement. Thankfully though the guys, and gals over at ACE Team have created a unique RPG experience like no other. Their previous release of the arcade RPG "Zeno Clash" which was hailed as a "Stonepunk" experience ended up being mostly overlooked by the gaming community, but did gain that cult following that gaming companies such as Atlus are known for. Zeno Clash had it's own mythology which was filled with interesting creatures, and characters who looked as if they were ripped from the pages of "The Island of Dr. Moreau", and rooted within a more science fiction type of world. The game's design even had an interesting Jim Henson flair about it (Dark Crystal, Labyrinth). It's the type of creative effort that would easily compete against Yoshitaka Amano's Final Fantasy creations.

Lootfest (XBLIG): "A Pixelated RPG Adventure"

During my quest to acquire game codes for review I came across a cool little RPG called 'Lootfest'. After I had watched the trailer on youtube I sent vikingfabian (gamefarm), the developer of Lootfest a review code inquiry (message) in hopes of securing a full game code. I actually prefer doing reviews on the finished product, because it allows me to give accurate details about the game. When I recieved a reply back from vikingfabian telling me he had a code for me I was anxious to start the game, and see what it was all about.

Bloody Checkers (XBLIG): "A Bloody Good Time"

When I first caught a glimpse of this game I had no idea what to expect. I did watch the game trailer which definitely sparked my curiosity. After brief consideration I sought the developers approval to do the review. He accepted my request and granted me a code. After acquiring the code from him I immeditely turned on my Xbox 360 to redeem it. I was so anxious to see what this game was all about. During my childhood I used to pass my time by playing checkers with friends, and family. I was looking forward to the nostalgic gaming experience even if it was in video game form. Needless to say I was extremely excited to play a version of checkers that payed tribute to the RPG genre, and the bloody video game carnage I've grown to love.