Death end Re;Quest 2 (REVIEW)

Dark, and serious are two words one would not usually associate with a IFI game release. With "Death end Re;Quest 2" though that is exactly what you get. This mature rated JRPG sequel earns it's ESRB rating by including a protagonist subjected to unrelenting physical and emotional abuse. That and her resulting journey into what could be best described as descent into madness. As Mai the player gets plunged into a dreary, and hopeless reality as well as a seemingly unreal situation due to her parents dealings with her and her younger sibling, Sanae. Abandoned by her mother, and abused by her father Mai's only hope in life lies with knowing that her sister is better off in the company of her mother. This hope draws to an abrupt close early on though as Mai receives an enigmatic text message from her sister with an ominous warning attached. An event that falls into place right before a bloody confrontation with Mai's abusive father. Mai ends up discovering herself first hand that the preemptive warning which related to her sister's placement at the all girls dormitory called Wordsworth is itself steeped in mystery. Being located in a town that is shrouded in it's own religion, and hush-hush happenings only serves to further the intrigue as she finds herself the newest resident orphan. 

As Mai you will take on the day, and night task of finding out clues to your little sister Sanae's whereabouts. During the day you will interact with the dormitory's staff, and residents doing some sleuthing while at night you will venture out into the streets of Le Choara without authorization to do so facing the ghosts of it's peculiar past. Phantoms that may or may not be as real as Mai believes ...

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.

The Caligula Effect: Overdose (PS4)

Imagine, if you will, a JRPG centered around a created classroom reality manifested by a virtuadoll name "Mu"who is hellbent on saving humanity from their own emotional suffering. Imagine even further still that this manufactured fantasy world is more of a prison, and less of an escape. One that holds it's classroom captives captive indefinitely even if they intend on returning to their long forgotten harsh reality. Thus is "The Caligula Effect". At the heart of the story is a male or female protagonist named by you, and controlled by you. He or she finds themselves in a sort of living nightmare as they see through the veil of supposed reality that is set before them. They see classmates corrupted by a digihead infection that has them doing the main antagonist's will according to the idol songs she both plays, and has playing out through associated Ostinato Musicians within Mobius, a paradise reserved for the emotionally distraught. Through your own manifested emotions, and as a counter to said threat, you are able to weaponize you and your fellow classmates who can also see beyond the veiled truth. A group of interesting individuals in a sort of high school club known as the "Go-Home Club". A club with the means with which to combat the mindless minions of the Mu. After your entrance, and joining of said club with your own virtuadoll companion you will find that fighting the good fight is done with the "Catharsis Effect", or rather a manifesting of your heart's hidden emotions brought forth into weapon form. It is this catharsis effect, and the imaginary Chain ability that ultimately allows for predictive assault, defense, and support options with which you'll take on the afflicted, face off against the antagonists, and eventually wake up in the real world ... if you are successful.

Death end re;Quest (PS4)

I never thought I'd see the day that IFI went full-on mature with their games. That day has come though, and as much of a surprise (or shock) as it was it was a pleasant one. I've always saw beyond the character driven antics into IFI's more brilliant plots pertaining to the industry, and it's many involvements in real world goings on. I could always read between the lines, and find a deeper meaning in the cute facade, and fantasy features that were a built upon staple of all their creations. In "Death end Re;Quest" all of the above still holds true. Through it's deeply applied character building, and layered mystery solving you will be fully immersed in the gritty world of cyber-hacking, criminal investigations, and the implementation of revolutionary VR game development accented by AI programming that is not too indifferent from applications of our own real world.

Enter Shina, and Arata. Two employees working for a game development studio known as Enigma. A studio working on a groundbreaking VRMMO engine known as the Alice Engine, and a virtually real gaming experience known as World's Odyssey. It is through the back and forth real world scenarios of Arata, and the resulting contact and ongoing combat situations of Shina through her mysterious VRMMO resurfacing in World's Odyssey after having gone missing for a year that we are clued into the spidery web of happenings that go beyond corporate interests into cyber-sleuthing in a dual attempt to get to the bottom of things. Through the staff at Enigma together with Shina, and Arata the fight to find out the truth about what's going on will take them deep into the metaphorical rabbit's hole as they follow Shina to the true ending of the World's Odyssey. A task, and undertaking that will not only effect Shina's fate, but also the fate of the world in which Arata, and his team of coders are struggling to deal with the aftermath of Shina's disappearance, and the resulting impact of it on the tech world.

The Lost Child ~ Brief Synopsis Plus Video Review Link

From time to time NISA likes to publish new games that are outside of their flagship series. They sign on with well known Japanese gaming studios such as Kadokawa Games, and publish said titles. Their latest release that is "The Lost Child" follows this usual testing of the metaphorical waters. By that I simply mean they brave the market to see if their game choice pays off among loyal fans. When it comes to the game's presentation, and what it offers I believe "The Lost Child" does good for it's $40 budget price point. While it borrows some influence from other older JRPGs it still manages to do it's own thing at the same time. It harbors many different mixed and matched religious themes including various good deities and interesting evils. All alongside tweaked first person dungeon crawling combat of the turn based sort.

The developer manages to innovate quite decently on the gameplay portion of the story being told. It genuinely coincides with the game's storytelling focus in regards to the religious themes therein, but does so in such a way as to make the given plot the most intriguing point of all. It takes the old first-person dungeon crawling gameplay, and applies a "Shin Megami Tensei" inspired demon capture system in which the protagonist, and accompanying angel are able to team up with purified and strengthened demons (Astrals) in a fight against the hidden evils of the mortal world. The occult journalist Hayato (the protagonist) ultimately gets involved as God's chosen one unwillingly, and must use a demonic gun called the Gangour in tandem with a special tablet utilized by his guiding angel Lua to do God's bidding while simultaneously investigating paranormal goings on for Hayato's co-produced LOST publication. Hayato, through various worldly and otherworldly acquaintances, gets caught up in a tug-of-war for his allegiance. It is a tug-of-war that features some key characters whose motives aren't initially clear. Thus is the hook. The thing that keeps you playing through the sometimes repetitive, and tedious traversing of the demon labyrinths known as layers. Overall it's a good gaming experience for a good price, but is one that will cater more to oldschool JRPG fans than those looking for the more modern action oriented type of JRPG.

MegaDimension Neptunia VII Returns With Some New Virtual Reality Features

If fan service were a Neptunia game this reworking of "MegaDimension Neptunia VII" would be it. It takes the already improved game formula, improves further upon it, and adds in VR character interactions as a means to draw the player further into Gamindustri than ever before. It's like the ultimate interactive edition of the previously released entry. As far as VR features go the game can be experienced with or without a VR headset. The VR portions of the game are limited only to the new player's room area which can be accessed between gameplay sections through the world map. It is a supposedly real world place where you get to interact with the CPU Goddesses on a more personal level. You, as "The Player", are introduced to the ladies of the Gamindustri as that enigmatic guiding presence that they finally get to meet. Through continued interactions the Goddesses are able to change the items in your room, and carry a conversation through your motioned "Yes" or "No" answers as well as through the movement of the camera's focus. By focusing on certain parts of the Gamindustri gals it will sometimes provoke a response. Sometimes the response is that of embarrassment, and other times of shock if you look down towards their legs. Even the environmental objects will evoke a response if focused on in the correct moment. You'll even find that some of the conversations are deeply involved while some are flirtatious, and others meaningful in the sense that the player finally gets to meet those he/she has watched over throughout the history of the Neptunia series.

An HD Return To Damascus Gear Via Operation Osaka

Arc System Works, and A+ Games' 'Damascus Gear' series offerings continue with an updated HD port of 'Damascus Gear: Operation Osaka' for the PS4. This twenty dollar visual, and all inclusive upgrade brings to fans of the series a revamped and remastered story driven mech based RPG experience with the basic features of the first installment still intact along with some changes in focus. New to the series are missions that take the gamer through multiple floors of the Cosmopolis in order to loot new gear for their GEARS, and farm rare materials to pay of a ridiculous debt taken on, and passed down to the new pilot by his/her parents. Most of the game revolves around this debt story arch in that your progress, and ranking will afford you the gear, and monetary compensation needed to pay off the various loans. Beneath the debt driven gameplay you, your operator, and your mech will be engaging in gladiatorial Japanese mech battles via the "Arena". A 1v1 sports spectacle in which the winner leaves with a huge lump sum of money, supposing they win. You will ultimately be switching focus between doing missions to engaging in arena combat while occasionally being haunted by an enigmatic person or entity who seems to know something more about your destiny than you do.

NISA's "The Longest 5 Minutes" Lives Up To It's Name

The moment of epiphany, and the moment of reflection in passing is a lot like @NISAmerica's "The Longest 5 Minutes". We often get to a point in life where we stop, and think how did I get here? That's what makes this game both different, and brilliant in regards to the JRPG genre's usually set formula. It is, in a way, a mirroring of self-reflection. In the game you get to take on the role of a heroic leader of a band of party members who has arrived at the final battle against the evil of all evils. For whatever reason you lose your purpose, and memory to a point that only with each attack against you are you able to relive your adventure in an episodic manner and recall all that you learned along the way. In doing so you slowly regain the will, and ability to fight the formidable foe that stands before you. The premise is simple, and the gameplay oldschool or retro in the turn based/pixel constructed sense, but in it's presentation it becomes a metaphor for life's key moments where we must reflect on how it is we got to this point in time, and how we are to move forward. As such the tale being told is a story that most can relate to even if it is directly unrelated. Like a lot of NISA games, especially the more indie titles, it makes you think on a deeper level if you even care enough to take it's underlying theme that far. The game has the usual NISA charm, and continues with the quality content NISA always puts forth. It is why, in this micro-review, I give it a good to buy rating. If you own a PS Vita definitely pick it up! I think it's also available on the Switch for those of you who own that console. I enjoyed it, and I believe you will too.

Tiny Metal (PS4)

Area35 & Unties' "Tiny Metal" is a cutesy military grade SRPG made possible by a controversial kickstarter campaign. It is a turn based tactical RPG supposedly not originally planned by the developer. A turn based tactical gaming experience in which you command, control, and conquer with various military units on a tiled map that has special terrain and capture points made available. You basically fight enemy units as one of the game's warring factions while capturing points to spawn new units, heal, and bank METAL coins for spawning the new units. The inclusive gameplay also uses special terrain to add in other tactical/strategic options such as height and cover advantage. Tiny Metal currently includes two modes of play including a story driven 'Campaign', and a 'Skirmish' mode outside of that. It says it has a multiplayer coming soon as well, but that has yet to be implemented as of the posting of this review.

The game's campaign story which is the core focus of the game involves the warring America-like Artemisia, the Japan-like Zipang, and some suspicious mercenaries for hire who are all involved in an ongoing war resulting from the aftermath of a Great Global War. A great war that left in it's wake an electronic corrupting miasma which rendered electronics useless. There is betrayal, suspicion, and misunderstanding involved between the two included warring nations as the stakes of the fight continue to escalate. It is through key characters such as Nathan Gries of Artemisia that the plot unfolds in a point-by-point series of battles that get progressively harder, and progressively more inclusive when it comes to features and mechanics. The art style within this inspired plot setting is kind of anime in nature as one might expect from a Japanese developer, and includes multiple language/audio options for both English and Japanese gamers.

Dark Rose Valkyrie (PS4)

IFI rarely ever branches off from their mainstay Neptunia series features. Their battle mechanics usually adhere to similar setups as does their animation style. While "Dark Rose Valkyrie" is unique in regards to the studio's staple animations, and stories it too harbors similarities with some of IFI's previous games. I think there's a little bit of "Omega Quintet" thrown in alongside some "Hyperdimension Neptunia" influence. Dare I say it I also think some inspiration was taken from games like Koei Tecmo's, "God Eater". In fact like "God Eater" there is a protagonist within the game recruited into a certain military agency with a unique ability tied to wielding special weapons. Large over-sized experimental weapons called Valkyrie which are to be used against Chimera infected people, and animals. As far as the gameplay goes most of the game has you learning, and earning your role as a commanding officer in the "Special Force Valkyrie" unit under the leadership of ACID (Anti-Chimera Interception Division) while taking on missions in relations to the Chimera virus threat. As a commanding officer who has an ability which enables him to wield the new weaponized technology you must effectively boost troop morale, and trust while completing the objectives given to you by your own commanding officer. This is done through headquarters interactions, and through mission outings that are kind of like what the Neptunia series has set in stone. Not only that, but there is at one point an infected subordinate who must be found in order to save the world. This will require a deeper understanding of the cast of characters, and attention to detail.

Tales of Berseria (PS4)

Bandai Namco's "Tales of Berseria" is a thematic story driven action RPG that delves deep into the human psyche through a varied storytelling presentation that includes a plot of revenge taken on by an exorcist's apprentice who was wronged in the worst sort of way. Velvet, that wronged protagonist, starts off in a semi-happy life tending to her ailing younger brother Laphicet while abiding by Arthur's guidance, and instructions. The latter of whom is a man of the utmost seriousness, and who is loyal to his duties as the town's unwelcome savior/exorcist. While the world in which Velvet, and the trio of main role-players is oppressed by a surrounding demonblight, or rather an unexplained plague which turns humans into daemons, the lot of them push to make the most of their humble lives. Like many people in the real world they aspire to do great things in the midst of dark times, but suffice to make ends meet through hard work. Unfortunately for them the aspiration, and dreams for a better life are cut short one fateful red mooned night due to a certain character's selfish decision, and the resulting seeking of vengeance by the wronged, Velvet. As it were Velvet's quest, and thirst for revenge is what set's the stage for the bloodthirsty battles ahead, and drives those who join her cause to fight alongside her.

Megadimension Neptunia VII - "Zero Dimension Neptunia Z" (PS4)

Over the years, and through different Playstation consoles the series that is "Hyperdimension Neptunia" has evolved, and improved in various ways. The gameplay, the visuals, and even the soundtrack have been tweaked over time to bring to the gamer the most inviting experience possible. While the mechanics, and gameplay constantly hold strong to the game's root theme the underlying plot that accompanies each narrative heavy tale only changes to fit in with the goings on of the current real world gaming industry. For those of you who have never played a 'Hyperdimension Neptunia" game the series is basically a parody of real world gaming industry topics, and concerns. The fantasy driven tales encompass everything from the console wars to journalist and community based opinions, and even the state of the industry. Often times the characters, which were created specifically for the game's lore are tied in with various consoles, and even operate as nation rulers in their own alternate game industry (Gameindustri). Like the console makers of our industry these characters, or 'CPUs' battle it out with each other for shares, and favor among their fans. Even with this mirrored storytelling logic set firmly in place as Neptunia's foundation the games in the series remain as their own unique experience, and keep things both lighthearted, and fun while doing so. For me, it's the one video game series that has always brought a smile to my face, and laughter to my stressed out life. Having also played Idea Factory's and Compile Heart's latest release of 'Megadimension Neptunia VII' I still find myself pleasantly surprised, and happy with what the developer has produced.

Hyperdevotion Noire: Goddess Black Heart (PS VITA)

Innovation, and a new direction is what this latest Neptunia spin-off is all about. While co-developers Complie Heart, and STING do good to stay true to the roots of the series, and the characters therein they take a gamble on an almost completely new combat system. One that really pays off. Of course it goes without saying that the story is entirely different this time around though. In fact you'll find that instead of Nep-Nep being the game's protagonist that the often times second place Noire gets her turn to shine as team leader. As far as the plot goes Noire, and her share dueling friends once again find themselves mixed up in a terrible mess regarding the Gamindustry. Having bumped into a shady character while sporting a new holier than though demeanor Noire lets down her guard only to be tricked into messing up the Gamindustry shares for all of the CPU goddesses including herself. To right her wrongs Noire soldiers up, and joins her former friends to figure things out, and restore their respective Gamindustry lands.

A Preview Review - Hyperdevotion Noire: Goddess Black Heart (PS VITA)

Before I briefly go over the details you need to know in order to make an educated decision about a possible purchase of this upcoming PS Vita exclusive I need you to understand that this is a "Preview Review". In simple terms it's more, or less a preview of my future full length review. It will not be a complete disclosure at this point for the simple fact that I got the code for the game late, and will not have the full playthrough finished before it's release. As such my purpose behind posting this micro-review is to tell you whether, or not I think the game is worth a purchase, and what the game entails this time around. I hope you enjoy this article posting for what it is, and I hope that it gives you a proper understanding of "Hyperdevotion Noire: Goddess Black Heart". Do enjoy!

Fairy Fencer F (PS3)

Abounding in compelling content, and vibrant with attention getting art "Fairy Fencer F" aims to draw the gamer in with a new story built upon old standards. Like 'Neptunia', and 'Mugen Souls' you will find that this latest JRPG has some elements slightly akin to those previously mentioned series. Along with the old does come the new though. This time around the main protagonists are bound by mystical relationships that harken back to an epic battle between a Goddess, and a Vile God. Ending the fight in a stalemate eons before the main protagonist came to fulfill his role both deities were left impaled by hundreds of furies (swords), and were imprisoned by each other's actions with only the fairies that were left behind to share their tale. Fencers who prove worthy to carry the furies are destined come to the aid of the imprisoned fairies contained within, and in doing so form a mutually binding relationship meant to free one of the two deities. Of course it goes with out saying that there is a wish to be granted as well once the said deity of choice is freed. In the end it is up to you, and those you choose as companions to release either one deity, or the other. Thus letting the world's fate be decided by those who added that spark to life in the first place.

Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair (PS VITA)

Following a similar path as "Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc", Spike Chunsoft's "Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair" pits the latest Hope's Peak Academy "Ultimates (students with varying ultimate talents)" against themselves, and against the murderous intent of the returning Monokuma as they try to figure out why it is they are where they are, and who is behind their current predicament. As with the first game the second installation in the series begins with the unusual meeting between a main character (Hajime Hinata), and his accompanying classmates at the supposedly prestigious Hope's Peak Academy. It's after the classmates arrive, and meet up with "Usami" (a mystical stuffed rabbit) that the students are magically transported via the school building to an island resort meant to build their hope. Of course things go to hell in a hand basket rather quickly as Monokuma arrives on the scene once again with his usual trial, jury, judge, and executioner ploy. As the plot thickens, murders occur, and trials go underway even more underlying facts surface in the origin of Monokuma, and the driving force behind his actions. Secrets to the core story are ultimately revealed through the characters that are fighting for survival in this second go around. You'll find as always that in returning to the world of Danganronpa nothing is ever as it seems, and digging to the truth of it all will require some serious attention to detail as well as some serious detective work. It's mystery mayhem at it's finest! ...

Akiba's Trip: Undead & Undressed (PS VITA)

As one might imagine from the details disclosed about this game you'll find that "Akiba's Trip: Undead & Undressed" has a title with multiple meanings. At heart the game is based around the real-life "Akihabara" district of Japan where the main entertainment culture thrives, and where people from all walks of life come to shop to their hearts content. Everything from gaming to yaoi, and even pop idol fandom is what makes up the social aspects of the community who frequents it's many pop culture oriented shops. As such you'll find that the portion of the title "Akiba" actually refers to 'Akihabara' in a shortened way rather than a person, or individual taking a trip. Another intended secret buried within the spelling of the game's title lies with a certain aspect of the gameplay, namely the interesting combat system that was applied. If you were to dislocate the apostrophe at the end of "Akiba", and move the "S" over to "Trip" you'd get the word "Strip" which coincides with the nature of the combat system.

Oddly enough undressing the undead, or 'Synthisters (Synthetic Vampires)' by beating the clothes off of them is a huge part of what you'll be tasked with doing after becoming a part of the undead population yourself. Since you are dealing with vampire-like citizens it only makes sense that exposing their unnatural skin to sunlight would do them in. In the game you, the gamer become the main male protagonist by name, and actions as you meet up with fellow persons of interest. With your Otaku Activist group known as MOGRA by your side, and your new found mysterious savior Shizuku you set out to rid Akihabara of Synthisters, and find a cure for your current state of being. Of course other characters you meet such as Shizuku, a female warrior of a different kind, will have their own objectives in mind as they lend a hand, or try to stop your efforts.

Battle Princess of Arcadias (PS3)

Complicated, and demanding are two adjectives that immediately come to mind when I think of "Battle Princess of Arcadias". The game which is a blend of strategy, and action starts off smoothly with the usual character, and plot introductions then quickly escalates in complexity with the introduction of an overbearing battle system. It is this battle system, and the applied character/unit leveling that more often than not will leave the player ill-prepared for the sieges, and skirmishes ahead. Before I jump the gun with gameplay explanations let me explain the story behind the fairy tale title ...

At the start of "Battle Princess of Arcadias" we find Princess Plume (who looks a lot like the princess from "Child of Light"), the proclaimed "Battle Princess" tending to the fallen princess brigade members who each have been fatally wounded by a dragon that looks as if it were ripped straight from Pokemon lore. Despite the overwhelming odds Princess Plume stands her ground against the beast, and scares it away for the time being. Unfortunately even after the gained momentary victory the remaining fallen soldier that the Princess had aimed to save prior to the epic fight dies leaving a final request that a man by the name, "Raltz" should take his place as her protector. Soon afterwards the transformed goose king, and other whimsical characters come into the picture adding depth, and variation to the ever-growing story. The story, as it were is one of betrayal, medieval espionage, and outright conquering. Some of the characters involved play a behind-the-scenes role while others are main players within the game's story, and battles. Additional elements such as NISA's signature naughty humor, and fun loving RPG antics are all thrown in the mix as well as a part of the game's core experience. While the Princess is brave enough to face the threats ahead you will find it will take some morale boosting as well as proper recruiting, and equipping to take on the more challenging confrontations that are in store for the kingdom of "Schwert".

Demon Gaze (PS VITA)

Demon Gaze is what you would call a minimalist's JRPG. You are given a very vague story, are introduced to only a handful of different main characters, and are thrust into the adventure with a bare minimum of tasks to take on. As you progress both the story, character interactions, and the chance encounters expand in greater detail though. It's like becoming a hero with amnesia, and trying to remember exactly what it is that you should be doing. When the game opens up, and the initial maze encounter ensues along with it's theatrical credits you will find that you have been descended from the heavens into a den of demons. Upon opening your eyes for the first time you are greeted by a frightened mercenary who tells you to RUN! Try as you might though you end up facing your first demon regardless of your attempt to flee the decrepit dungeon-like castle you happened to wind up in.

With the aid of a battle scarred female you stand your ground, and triumphantly capture your first demon with your "Demon Gaze". Little by little things are explained to you by your female savior. The "Demon Gaze" is among the many revelations that are learned during your one-on-one conversations. As the title suggests you are a chosen "Gazer" who has the inherent ability to capture demons with a special ability known as the "Demon Gaze". With this ability you can either be mankind's savior, or use your powers for evil purposes. Lorna, the retired mercenary who saved you hopes that you will aid them in their quest to rid the world of demons instead of the latter choice.

Conception II: Children of the Seven Stars (PS VITA)

Having had no prior knowledge of the series I was quite surprised to see a strategy-JRPG drama so in-depth, and vast in nature. The developers of this innuendo rich adventure known as "Conception II: Children of the Seven Stars" included an impressively rich background history on all of the characters, and organizations involved. Like a true RPG concepts such as that of good, and evil are also explored, but in a more pseudo-religious tone. While the world outside of Alterra is rarely visited, or mentioned within the game the special heroes, and heroines involved in the fight for good are given a new home in which all of the action takes. These highly ranked young ladies, and gentlemen are each gifted, and personally chosen by the Star God to fight off the growing threat caused by otherworldly inhabitants, and the seven deadly sins. Known, as the Elite these "A-S" Rank students find solace in their social interactions as well is in joined fights, and classmating. While their daily lives are mostly geared towards fighting the good fight these chosen few still have to work on their social skills in order to be prepared for the more sexually suggestive academic activities. Even though classmating may sound bad it affords the would be parents child-like allies which will accompany them in the continuous battles that they face for the sake of the world's population. Hence the title, "Conception II".