In Lufia The Fortress of Doom for the SNES, the first ten minutes and throughout the game, you are made aware of Maxim’s, Guy’s, Artea’s and Selan’s strength and fighting ability. In Lufia II The Rise of The Sinistrals, also for the SNES, you get to play as Maxim with Selan, Guy, Artea and even Tia in your party.
Then, you tolerated and enjoyed 16 Bit graphics, a turn based battle system and were able to carry as many items as you could get. Step into the year 2010 where Square Enix and Natsume decided to give Lufia Curse of the Sinistrals for the Nintendo DS a few upgrades. But before we get into that, the game’s difficulty level and game play mechanics, let’s first deal a little with…
The Story
As Lufia Curse of the Sinistrals for the Nintendo DS opens, Tia, who is in the town of Elcid observes something in the sky. It’s not a bird, not one of Lexis Shire’s inventions gone horribly wrong, but Doom Island.
Meanwhile in Soma Temple where Maxim and Lexis have gone after spotting the island in the sky, (this also acts as a fighting tutorial for the red haired hero) Gades, the Sinistral of Destruction makes an appearance. Upon his confrontation with Maxim, Gades makes his intention clear.
He wants to destroy Maxim’s world and create one more to his liking.A fight between Maxim and Gades follows. Maxim loses, but Iris, an Oracle from the previously mentioned SNES Lufia Rise of the Sinistrals shows up and saves the day, for now.
Maxim, even though Tia (Maxim’s childhood friend and love interest in this game, for a while anyway he later marries Selan ) wants him to quit his monster hunting ways and settle for a safe life as a shopkeeper, realizes his new objective. He has to travel around the world seeking out others like him who are willing to help him take on Gades. So the adventure begins with a few upgrades…
What’s New
Maxim, as well as the other fighters he meets along the way are young, energetic and Square Enix and Natsume have done a good job blending smooth, detailed graphics with music, the game’s sound effects and voice acting in certain scenes. Quite apart from the SNES Rise of the Sinistrals where Maxim and Lexis seemed not to be too familiar with each other, here in the Nintendo DS Curse of the Sinistrals the two are not only good friends, but travelling companions.
The Not So New
In Lufia Curse of the Sinistrals for the Nintendo DS, you do not at first hoof it from one town or country to the next. Lexis, with the help of his ship, The Excelion, takes you where you want to go after you select your destination.
This is done by choosing the ‘Move’ option on the menu screen. If you have played Lufia Ruins of Lore on the Gameboy Advance, you should be familiar with this mode of getting around.
The ‘Move’ option brings up a map of Lufia Curse of the Sinistrals world. Furthermore, ever so often, the game will have you returning to those already visited places where you enter areas you could not gain access to before. New areas appear on the map as the game advances, and you do a lot of running around and fighting while in a dungeon.
The Battle System
You no longer have to sit and wait for the command you select to take effect. No, because in Lufia Curse of the Sinistrals you can get up close and personal with the enemy, action style. This makes the game enjoyable for those who do not mind this action style of fighting.
Mystic Stones
These are found in dungeons and temples you visit and are used to enhance a character’s defense, fighting ability, strength, intelligence etc. when placed on the Mystic Board.
Select your hero
By the time you have reached the halfway point of the game, you would have already have all six playable characters in your party. Each comes with his/her own unique weapon skill or ability.
For example, although Maxim cannot equip heavy weapons, he wields a Rapier or Broadsword and can jump gaps by doing a Cross Dash. This comes in useful when he has to lower the Gondorvan bridge.
Tia uses her hookshot in the Tanbel Mines to cross gaps or bring items, objects, and even enemies to her. In order to use a certain character’s ability, you touch his/her portrait on the Nintendo DS lower screen. Or if you want to save yourself the trouble of touching your touch screen all the time, just press the START button, and highlight the character you want.
Is Nine The Magic Number
In RPGs such as: Final Fantasy you are able to carry up to ninety nine potions, hi potions, ethers etc. This time around in Lufia Curse of the Sinistrals, you are limited.
Limited to nine potions, nine antidotes etc. The game is generous though. For in those dungeons and mines you will find potions in treasure chests to replenish any you have used from your stock of nine. Advanced RPGers may enjoy this little challenge, which brings to mind the game’s difficulty level.
Are Some Parts Cursed
Upon entering Gondorvan Bridge, you probably did not think Maxim would have such a challenging time running and crossing gaps to lower levers. Fortunately, if you want to save your game at any time, you can go to the Excelion where Lexis is and do just that.
But if you survive Betty and Berty’s annoying and sometimes frustrating mine cart shenanigans at Tanbel Abandoned Mine, it might leave you wondering if you might overcome other similar obstacles to advance the game.It might even leave you wondering if the word CURSE in the game’s title has anything to do with that.
Some gamers might become annoyed at some of the mind boggling puzzles and obstacles you have to overcome and give up. So if you intend to play Lufia Curse of the Sinistrals for the Nintendo DS, bring along a dose of patience and your thinking hat. You will need both to survive this massive adventure, action RPG.
Game Play
The fun and exciting game play is done with the Nintendo DS D or Directional Pad. The touch screen is optional for use when you want to switch characters or use the Reset or Escape option.
As you play the game using mainly the Nintendo DS A, B, X and Y buttons for fighting, and the A button for talking to other characters and checking items or treasure chests, the controls feel great and comfortable much like holding a SNES controller.
Only if you want to use your finger or the stylus to switch characters or execute a Reset or Escape command from the touch screen, do you feel a slight interruption of all that comfort.
Conclusion
But all in all, if you enjoy playing RPGs and are ready for some challenging game play, action fighting, smooth graphics, with gripping story line to match, then do pick up Lufia Curse of the Sinistrals for the Nintendo DS.
You will enjoy it even if you have not played any of the previously mentioned Lufia games.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Scribblenauts For The Nintendo DS/DSi
I have played many interesting video games since I have had my Nintendo DS. I have played RPGs, side scrollers action games, puzzle games, strategy, but nothing compares to one of Nintendo’s latest: Scribblenauts DS for the Nintendo DS/Nintendo Dsi.
Now when I first saw the box art for this particular video game, I thought it must be a game exclusively for kids.
But as I played and delved further into it, I observed that Scribblenauts for the Nintendo DS is for anyone who enjoys doing a little problem solving every now and again.
For this video game will bring out the creative problem solver in everyone. In it, you help the game’s hero, Maxwell solve each problem by typing in a noun in the game’s keyboard feature.
Then you click on the submit button and voila! The word comes to life in the form of an object or person on your Nintendo DS to help Max solve the problem.
Take something simple as trying to get a cat down a tree. Type in any noun, object or person to aid Maxwell and it shows up on the screen to help him get the cat back on solid ground.
If you want, for example, to go the regular route of using a Fireman to get the cat from the tree, just type in the word Fireman. Or if you want Maxwell to climb the tree to rescue the cat himself, you can have him do so with a ladder and so on.
Each individual has a different way of solving such a problem. So the words, or objects you use can be endless.
The puzzles get harder as you advance. But once you start solving puzzle after puzzle, you might not want to put down your Scribblenauts game for too long. For it can get addicting.
And since it comes with 220 levels, there is certainly much to do and solve here. Also before each level ends, there are things known as Starites Maxwell has to collect.
You get to help him find a way to collect these as well. But you have so much fun doing so, that it might make you wonder, gee where has a game like this been all your video gaming life.
There are also other challenges along the way. For example, the quicker you complete solving a puzzle, the more points you get. And the fewer objects you use the better.
Like you can use one object to remove one or more obstacle and so on.
I have really enjoyed this video game. It comes with great graphics and sound effects to match. So if you’re looking for a way to let your imagination run loose, give Scribblenauts for the Nintendo DS/Dsi a try.
And allow your creative, problem solving side to take over. You will be glad you did.
Now when I first saw the box art for this particular video game, I thought it must be a game exclusively for kids.
But as I played and delved further into it, I observed that Scribblenauts for the Nintendo DS is for anyone who enjoys doing a little problem solving every now and again.
For this video game will bring out the creative problem solver in everyone. In it, you help the game’s hero, Maxwell solve each problem by typing in a noun in the game’s keyboard feature.
Then you click on the submit button and voila! The word comes to life in the form of an object or person on your Nintendo DS to help Max solve the problem.
Take something simple as trying to get a cat down a tree. Type in any noun, object or person to aid Maxwell and it shows up on the screen to help him get the cat back on solid ground.
If you want, for example, to go the regular route of using a Fireman to get the cat from the tree, just type in the word Fireman. Or if you want Maxwell to climb the tree to rescue the cat himself, you can have him do so with a ladder and so on.
Each individual has a different way of solving such a problem. So the words, or objects you use can be endless.
The puzzles get harder as you advance. But once you start solving puzzle after puzzle, you might not want to put down your Scribblenauts game for too long. For it can get addicting.
And since it comes with 220 levels, there is certainly much to do and solve here. Also before each level ends, there are things known as Starites Maxwell has to collect.
You get to help him find a way to collect these as well. But you have so much fun doing so, that it might make you wonder, gee where has a game like this been all your video gaming life.
There are also other challenges along the way. For example, the quicker you complete solving a puzzle, the more points you get. And the fewer objects you use the better.
Like you can use one object to remove one or more obstacle and so on.
I have really enjoyed this video game. It comes with great graphics and sound effects to match. So if you’re looking for a way to let your imagination run loose, give Scribblenauts for the Nintendo DS/Dsi a try.
And allow your creative, problem solving side to take over. You will be glad you did.
Monday, June 15, 2009
The Dark Spire DS
If you are looking for something a little more challenging than SNES’ Eye of the Beholder, then let me welcome you to take Dark Spire Nintendo DS for a spin.
Along for the long trek through Dark Spire’s vast dungeon, you will need a good dose of patience and some time. For you will spend a good many hours just building up your party’s levels.
So come along, build your party from the beginning, arm them and get ready to battle.
And when you feel your heroes are good and strong enough, you can venture forth to the quest of finding the monster, Tyrhung, at the top of the tower and slay him to regain the Royal Family Necklace.
Sounds simple, doesn’t it? But some of the monsters you will encounter are rather fierce, so level up all you want, your heroes will need every ounce of health point they can get.
And unlike other RPGs you have played, this one is quite different.
Here, you won’t find any 3D animated graphics. What you will find is the classic Retro wire frame version, as well as the modern, colourful one.
There is no big, epic storyline a la Final Fantasy style. But if you love RPGs, then you will love this dungeon crawler. Although the auto mapping feature allows you to see how much of each floor you have covered, it won’t let you see where your party is.
But if you get too lost, and want to see where you are, just have your mage use his Visum Sitis mapping spell. Filled with more than enough treasure boxes for your Thief to disarm and open, you will find a treasure indeed in this Dark Spire game for the Nintendo DS/DS Lite/Dsi.
Don’t forget to level up your band of heroes, save often (you can save anywhere in the dungeon) and bring along some heal potions as well as some antidotes.
You will also need these in case your Priest runs low on his Heal spell. Oh, and it does get addicting after a while, just in case you were wondering.
And the music is also great.
My Rating: 10 out of 10 For Graphics
Music: 10 out of 10
Gameplay: 10 out of 10 for simplicity but can get addicting
Nintendo’s Rating:
E for Everyone 10+
For: Alcohol Reference
Fantasy Violence
Language
Suggestive Themes.
Along for the long trek through Dark Spire’s vast dungeon, you will need a good dose of patience and some time. For you will spend a good many hours just building up your party’s levels.
So come along, build your party from the beginning, arm them and get ready to battle.
And when you feel your heroes are good and strong enough, you can venture forth to the quest of finding the monster, Tyrhung, at the top of the tower and slay him to regain the Royal Family Necklace.
Sounds simple, doesn’t it? But some of the monsters you will encounter are rather fierce, so level up all you want, your heroes will need every ounce of health point they can get.
And unlike other RPGs you have played, this one is quite different.
Here, you won’t find any 3D animated graphics. What you will find is the classic Retro wire frame version, as well as the modern, colourful one.
There is no big, epic storyline a la Final Fantasy style. But if you love RPGs, then you will love this dungeon crawler. Although the auto mapping feature allows you to see how much of each floor you have covered, it won’t let you see where your party is.
But if you get too lost, and want to see where you are, just have your mage use his Visum Sitis mapping spell. Filled with more than enough treasure boxes for your Thief to disarm and open, you will find a treasure indeed in this Dark Spire game for the Nintendo DS/DS Lite/Dsi.
Don’t forget to level up your band of heroes, save often (you can save anywhere in the dungeon) and bring along some heal potions as well as some antidotes.
You will also need these in case your Priest runs low on his Heal spell. Oh, and it does get addicting after a while, just in case you were wondering.
And the music is also great.
My Rating: 10 out of 10 For Graphics
Music: 10 out of 10
Gameplay: 10 out of 10 for simplicity but can get addicting
Nintendo’s Rating:
E for Everyone 10+
For: Alcohol Reference
Fantasy Violence
Language
Suggestive Themes.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Summon Night: Twin Age For The Nintendo DS
Sometimes when I am not certain about certain books, games, movies or music cds, I start looking for reviews.
And reviews are important. They give us insight into items or forms of entertainment we are interested in. But what if you do not always agree with some reviews.
Take, for example, the Nintendo DS/DS Lite/Nintendo Dsi’s game, Summon Night Twin Age. Some reviews said this game is lightly entertaining, not long enough, and some said it was fun. And had I based my decision on whether I should or should not get this game on a few of those reviews, I think I would have missed out on a great RPG.
Because after playing Summon Night Twin Age, I found it to be rather interesting, intriguing and no, I was not expecting anything that is similar to a Final Fantasy epic.
Especially after playing the GBA Summon Night Swordcraft Story. What I did get here in Summon Night Twin Age for the Nintendo DS was something deeper than I expected.
Sure you have the same find the items you need to create weapons similarity as there is in Summon Night Swordcraft Story for the GBA. But in Summon Night Twin Age for the Nintendo DS, there are characters your hero, Aldo/Reiha meet along the way that help you with all that fighting.
In fact, as the story opens, you and your hero find yourselves in the world of Clardona. In this world, the Spirits take part in all activities, but lately, those Spirits have grown restless and aggressive.
It is up to our hero, Aldo or Reiha to find out the source of all this restless behaviour and calm the areas that are affected. Reiha, a magic user, is a great help to Aldo who uses physical or weapon based attacks. And you can get Reiha to help Aldo by opening the menu and going into the Party Action option. When you are there, just click on the OFF button. In the GBA Summon Night Swordcraft Story, our hero met many interesting characters, but he was the sole fighter.
Other than that, the Nintendo DS capabilities allow you to use a touch screen style of play for fighting and advancing the game. There is also some voice acting here in Summon Night Twin Age in certain cut scenes.
Spread out into 20 chapters, with the last one being the longest, Summon Night Twin Age for the Nintendo DS will keep you coming back for more.
I found it to be neither too easy nor too difficult. But as in any Summon Night RPG video game, you will have to level up your fighters, craft your weapons after finding the items you need for that, prepare yourself for those nightly talks with other characters and have fun.
Oh, and some of the decisions you make will have an effect on the outcome of the game, so decide wisely, and make good use of the auto mapping feature in those dungeons. The red dots are the enemy and the white dots are you and your party.
And after you have conquered Summon Night Twin Age for the Nintendo DS, you can play as the other character in the lead, whether that character is Reiha or Aldo. If you want to, of course.
Another aspect I liked about this offering for the Nintendo DS, is you had several dungeons to visit. Not the same 50 or 100 floors of the same dungeon as you had in GBA Summon Night Swordcraft Story.
My Rating:
Graphics 10 out of 10
Sound Effects 10 out of 10
Music 10 out of 10
E for Everyone but contains
Animated Violence
Suggestive Ideas (from a few of the characters)
Nintendo’s Rating:
E10+ For Everyone 10+
Mild Fantasy Violence
Suggestive Themes
And reviews are important. They give us insight into items or forms of entertainment we are interested in. But what if you do not always agree with some reviews.
Take, for example, the Nintendo DS/DS Lite/Nintendo Dsi’s game, Summon Night Twin Age. Some reviews said this game is lightly entertaining, not long enough, and some said it was fun. And had I based my decision on whether I should or should not get this game on a few of those reviews, I think I would have missed out on a great RPG.
Because after playing Summon Night Twin Age, I found it to be rather interesting, intriguing and no, I was not expecting anything that is similar to a Final Fantasy epic.
Especially after playing the GBA Summon Night Swordcraft Story. What I did get here in Summon Night Twin Age for the Nintendo DS was something deeper than I expected.
Sure you have the same find the items you need to create weapons similarity as there is in Summon Night Swordcraft Story for the GBA. But in Summon Night Twin Age for the Nintendo DS, there are characters your hero, Aldo/Reiha meet along the way that help you with all that fighting.
In fact, as the story opens, you and your hero find yourselves in the world of Clardona. In this world, the Spirits take part in all activities, but lately, those Spirits have grown restless and aggressive.
It is up to our hero, Aldo or Reiha to find out the source of all this restless behaviour and calm the areas that are affected. Reiha, a magic user, is a great help to Aldo who uses physical or weapon based attacks. And you can get Reiha to help Aldo by opening the menu and going into the Party Action option. When you are there, just click on the OFF button. In the GBA Summon Night Swordcraft Story, our hero met many interesting characters, but he was the sole fighter.
Other than that, the Nintendo DS capabilities allow you to use a touch screen style of play for fighting and advancing the game. There is also some voice acting here in Summon Night Twin Age in certain cut scenes.
Spread out into 20 chapters, with the last one being the longest, Summon Night Twin Age for the Nintendo DS will keep you coming back for more.
I found it to be neither too easy nor too difficult. But as in any Summon Night RPG video game, you will have to level up your fighters, craft your weapons after finding the items you need for that, prepare yourself for those nightly talks with other characters and have fun.
Oh, and some of the decisions you make will have an effect on the outcome of the game, so decide wisely, and make good use of the auto mapping feature in those dungeons. The red dots are the enemy and the white dots are you and your party.
And after you have conquered Summon Night Twin Age for the Nintendo DS, you can play as the other character in the lead, whether that character is Reiha or Aldo. If you want to, of course.
Another aspect I liked about this offering for the Nintendo DS, is you had several dungeons to visit. Not the same 50 or 100 floors of the same dungeon as you had in GBA Summon Night Swordcraft Story.
My Rating:
Graphics 10 out of 10
Sound Effects 10 out of 10
Music 10 out of 10
E for Everyone but contains
Animated Violence
Suggestive Ideas (from a few of the characters)
Nintendo’s Rating:
E10+ For Everyone 10+
Mild Fantasy Violence
Suggestive Themes
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Dragon Quest V: Hand Of The Heavenly Bride (Nintendo DS/DS Lite/Nintendo Dsi)
After playing Dragon Quest IV: Chapters Of The Chosen on the Nintendo DS, I was so impressed and taken in with the gameplay and storyline that I wished that particular game were longer and wondered what the other one in the series would be like.
And I didn’t have to wait long, for Dragon Quest V: Hand Of The Heavenly Bride, one of the video games that was not previously released in the US, was already here for play on the Nintendo DS/DS Lite and now the Nintendo Dsi.
There is no voice acting, but when the game opens, you see Pankraz, who is most of this game’s hero’s father pacing the floor. A short while later, you hear the sound of a baby crying as Pankraz’ wife gives birth to the hero, name him what you will, I named mine Edgar.
Just like most RPGs, you beat bosses, do little side quests, level up, find items and so on. But unlike some of those RPGs, this particular one involves a strong family element.
You and your hero enter a world in which you are travelling with Pankraz, (or your father) visiting towns in which people just seem to have lots of respect for Pankraz.
Also, you explore dungeons and caves and a little later in the game, you get to have monsters join you. This is a unique feature that must have been a slight introduction to the Pokemon series.
Since the wagon you also acquire (later on as the game progresses) can only hold eight monsters at a time, there are monster monitor points in certain towns where you can drop off or pick up such monsters.
Furthermore, as you level up these monsters, you are able to equip them with weapons, armour and such. And yes, they do come in handy when you are faced with some of those battles.
The game’s storyline contains so many dramatic twists that once you have invested a couple hours of playing time into it, you will want to continue, more so if you love RPGs.
So come on and watch your hero grow from child to a young man, gets married. And I thought I might add here, that if you allow the second generation hero, Pankraz’ son to marry the wrong girl, it could have an impact on how the rest of the game plays out.
Of course, I let him marry the right girl, but maybe on my second play through of the game, I will let him marry one of the other girls,( there are three from which to choose) just for fun.
Oh and if you let your second generation hero marry the right girl, you will have your third generation hero, his son and also a daughter. For your hero had twins.
Dragon Quest V: Hand Of The Heavenly Bride for the Nintendo DS/DS Lite/Nintendo Dsi contains a few violent based thought provoking scenes, ( a slave scene, a flogging scene, Pankraz death scene) but it still remains as one of the best RPGs that I have had the pleasure and time to play. You will too, if you haven’t done so already.
My personal rating:
Graphics: 10 out of 10
Sound Effects: 9.5 out of 10
Story: 10 out of 10
Gameplay: 9.5 out of 10
And below is Nintendo’s rating:
Rated E 10 + for:
Alcohol Reference
Mild Fantasy Violence
Mild Language
Mild Suggestive Themes
Simulated Gambling
And I didn’t have to wait long, for Dragon Quest V: Hand Of The Heavenly Bride, one of the video games that was not previously released in the US, was already here for play on the Nintendo DS/DS Lite and now the Nintendo Dsi.
There is no voice acting, but when the game opens, you see Pankraz, who is most of this game’s hero’s father pacing the floor. A short while later, you hear the sound of a baby crying as Pankraz’ wife gives birth to the hero, name him what you will, I named mine Edgar.
Just like most RPGs, you beat bosses, do little side quests, level up, find items and so on. But unlike some of those RPGs, this particular one involves a strong family element.
You and your hero enter a world in which you are travelling with Pankraz, (or your father) visiting towns in which people just seem to have lots of respect for Pankraz.
Also, you explore dungeons and caves and a little later in the game, you get to have monsters join you. This is a unique feature that must have been a slight introduction to the Pokemon series.
Since the wagon you also acquire (later on as the game progresses) can only hold eight monsters at a time, there are monster monitor points in certain towns where you can drop off or pick up such monsters.
Furthermore, as you level up these monsters, you are able to equip them with weapons, armour and such. And yes, they do come in handy when you are faced with some of those battles.
The game’s storyline contains so many dramatic twists that once you have invested a couple hours of playing time into it, you will want to continue, more so if you love RPGs.
So come on and watch your hero grow from child to a young man, gets married. And I thought I might add here, that if you allow the second generation hero, Pankraz’ son to marry the wrong girl, it could have an impact on how the rest of the game plays out.
Of course, I let him marry the right girl, but maybe on my second play through of the game, I will let him marry one of the other girls,( there are three from which to choose) just for fun.
Oh and if you let your second generation hero marry the right girl, you will have your third generation hero, his son and also a daughter. For your hero had twins.
Dragon Quest V: Hand Of The Heavenly Bride for the Nintendo DS/DS Lite/Nintendo Dsi contains a few violent based thought provoking scenes, ( a slave scene, a flogging scene, Pankraz death scene) but it still remains as one of the best RPGs that I have had the pleasure and time to play. You will too, if you haven’t done so already.
My personal rating:
Graphics: 10 out of 10
Sound Effects: 9.5 out of 10
Story: 10 out of 10
Gameplay: 9.5 out of 10
And below is Nintendo’s rating:
Rated E 10 + for:
Alcohol Reference
Mild Fantasy Violence
Mild Language
Mild Suggestive Themes
Simulated Gambling
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Legacy Of Ys (Ease) Comes To Nintendo DS/DS Lite
When I first learned that these couple of games were coming to the Nintendo DS/DS Lite on one game card, I was ecstatic. So ecstatic, that I pre-ordered a copy, watched some videos of previous computer and Turbo Grafix versions of the games while I waited and the more videos I watched, the more impatient I became.
Because Legacy Of Ys Books I And II are a great couple of games to have in one’s RPG video game collection, judging from the videos I watched, that is. Finally, the day when the games were released came and I began to play mine.
Now considering that I have watched some videos of earlier versions of these games, this article is not so much a comparison/contrast, but more of a plain run through of the story, gameplay and so on.
First, of course, I began with Book I. At once reminding me of a typical Zelda title, Adol, the game’s hero is washed up on shore, unconscious and is taken to the local clinic by a young man, Slaghf.
Adol, a red haired dude, wakes up some time later convinces everyone that he is well and sets about the adventure. He learns that he is in the land of Ys, (Ease) where some strange events have been taking place lately. First of all, the Six Books Of Ys have suddenly disappeared.
And as RPGs go, you can be certain that is the quest Adol is now on. He has to find the six books. And even though you will find clear graphics and sound effects in the Nintendo DS/DS Lite version, there is no voice acting.
Another aspect I found interesting, was that the games are designed to give you hints about what to do next or where to go after the completion of each quest. Although they are not as long and involved as a Final Fantasy epic, you can finish these games in less than say, fifteen to twenty hours.
Book I, for instance, has eight areas to explore. Three towns: Barbado, Minea, Zeptik, a Temple, an underground dungeon close to the temple, a Thieves’ Den, a mine, and the final area, a tower known as Darm Tower. (Pun probably intended as Darm Tower is a pretty long area.)
But don’t be fooled here by how brief the games are though. Once you start playing them, you will discover that there is a lot to do, find and you may even end up rescuing a person or two.
Come and help Adol restore order to the world of Esteria in the land of Ys as he rams into enemies to defeat them, uses a little magic and even talks to beasts in Book II. You will enjoy the two games in one Nintendo DS/DS Lite game card.
And if you are fortunate enough to get the game’s music soundtrack CD with your purchase, yes, even the music is super. Both games are playable with the Nintendo DS/DS Lite stylus, but I found it more enjoyable to play them using the D-Pad.
Rated T for Teen, for:
Animated Blood
Suggestive Themes
Partial Nudity
Alcohol and Tobacco Reference
Mild Violence
Mild Language
Because Legacy Of Ys Books I And II are a great couple of games to have in one’s RPG video game collection, judging from the videos I watched, that is. Finally, the day when the games were released came and I began to play mine.
Now considering that I have watched some videos of earlier versions of these games, this article is not so much a comparison/contrast, but more of a plain run through of the story, gameplay and so on.
First, of course, I began with Book I. At once reminding me of a typical Zelda title, Adol, the game’s hero is washed up on shore, unconscious and is taken to the local clinic by a young man, Slaghf.
Adol, a red haired dude, wakes up some time later convinces everyone that he is well and sets about the adventure. He learns that he is in the land of Ys, (Ease) where some strange events have been taking place lately. First of all, the Six Books Of Ys have suddenly disappeared.
And as RPGs go, you can be certain that is the quest Adol is now on. He has to find the six books. And even though you will find clear graphics and sound effects in the Nintendo DS/DS Lite version, there is no voice acting.
Another aspect I found interesting, was that the games are designed to give you hints about what to do next or where to go after the completion of each quest. Although they are not as long and involved as a Final Fantasy epic, you can finish these games in less than say, fifteen to twenty hours.
Book I, for instance, has eight areas to explore. Three towns: Barbado, Minea, Zeptik, a Temple, an underground dungeon close to the temple, a Thieves’ Den, a mine, and the final area, a tower known as Darm Tower. (Pun probably intended as Darm Tower is a pretty long area.)
But don’t be fooled here by how brief the games are though. Once you start playing them, you will discover that there is a lot to do, find and you may even end up rescuing a person or two.
Come and help Adol restore order to the world of Esteria in the land of Ys as he rams into enemies to defeat them, uses a little magic and even talks to beasts in Book II. You will enjoy the two games in one Nintendo DS/DS Lite game card.
And if you are fortunate enough to get the game’s music soundtrack CD with your purchase, yes, even the music is super. Both games are playable with the Nintendo DS/DS Lite stylus, but I found it more enjoyable to play them using the D-Pad.
Rated T for Teen, for:
Animated Blood
Suggestive Themes
Partial Nudity
Alcohol and Tobacco Reference
Mild Violence
Mild Language
Thursday, February 19, 2009
My Top Twenty Video Games
Here are my top twenty video games of all time. Games I have played, of course.
Enjoy.
1. ANIMAL CROSSING- CITY FOLK- Nintendo Wii
Because now you get to go the big city, where you can shop, ride on the bus to go to and from the city, and just have fun while trying to pay off that in game mortgage.
2. ANIMAL CROSSING WILD WORLD- Nintendo DS.
I enjoyed taking it on the go, and shooting down those balloons to see what else was in them. Finding those space ship parts for Gulliver was also fun.
3. LEGEND OF ZELDA PHANTOM HOURGLASS- Nintendo DS
I had a notion there was more to this Triforce, and playing this portable game showed me just how significant it has been to the Legend Of Zelda series.
4. EARTHBOUND- Super NES
I never realized what a great game this was/is until after I played it. And if you haven’t yet played it, get a copy while you still can on ebay or amazon. It is a great game.
5. SUPER MARIO WORLD- Super NES/Nintendo DS/DS LITE.
Mario needed to run, jump, pounce on the enemies and sail through the air in his cape to teach Bowzer yet another lesson. Very addicting and fun to play over and over and over…well, you get the idea.
6. FINAL FANTASY II- Super NES
Cecil of The Redwings had to do something to save the world around him. A world he noticed that had begun to change…for the worse. Also available on the GBA as FINAL FANTASY IV Advance and on Nintendo DS/DS Lite as FINAL FANTASY IV DS.
7. FINAL FANTASY III- Super NES.
Terra’s mind had been controlled and abused long enough for her use of magic. Come help her and memorable characters such as: Locke, Edgar, Sabin, Celes, Cyan and others defeat the ultimate villain, that is Kefka. Also available on GBA and Playstation as FINAL FANTASY VI.
8. FINAL FANTASY VII- Playstation.
AH! The love triangle. Cloud, Tifa, Aeris. All in all, another great RPG. Play as Cloud as he and Sephiroth battle it out.
9. FINAL FANTASY VIII- Playstation
When Squall and Rinoa first met, who knew they would end up falling in love, with each other, that is. Or is the case of yet another love triangle? Remember Seifer? Come and help Squall and other members of the elite SEED team maintain order in their world as they prepare to take on Ultimecia.
10. BREATH OF FIRE- Super NES/GBA.
When you awake to the sights and sounds of your village on fire, what are you going to do? Try and save it and the rest of your world from destruction, of course. Come help a young warrior, Ryu and others do just that in this excellent RPG.
11. BREATH OF FIRE II- Super NES/GBA.
Come join Ryu on yet another epic RPG.
12. PHOENIX WRIGHT GAMES- Nintendo DS/DS LITE.
Maybe I fantasized about being an attorney when I was a teen. Great games though, great games.
13. PROFESSOR LAYTON AND THE CURIOUS VILLAGE- Nintendo DS/DS LITE.
Do you enjoy riddles? If you do, here is an excellent game with quite a few of those. Come join Professor Layton and his assistant, Luke, unravel the mystery of this curious village with the aid of those riddles.
14. CHRONO TRIGGER- Super NES and Nintendo DS/DS LITE.
A great RPG, especially if you don’t mind stepping back or forward in time to rescue a friend or two.
15. HOTEL DUSK ROOM 215- Nintendo DS/DS LITE.
Every now and again I enjoy a good mystery. And helping former detective Kyle Hyde unravel this one was fun and addicting.
16. FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES RING OF FATE- Nintendo DS/DS LITE.
Reminding me more of a Legend Of Zelda game than a Final Fantasy one, I aided Yuri, his sister and others as they seek out the villain in this portable epic.
17. DRAGON QUEST IV CHAPTERS OF THE CHOSEN - Nintendo DS/DS LITE.
This game is so great, I can’t wait to play it again or the next one in the series.
18. Millionheir- Nintendo DS/DS LITE.
If you enjoy a little point and click, spot the clues sort of game, you will certainly enjoy this.
19. LEGEND OF ZELDA A LINK TO THE PAST- Super NES and GBA.
Addicting, fun and just a great game from a great series.
20. FIRE EMBLEM THE BLAZING SWORD and FIRE EMBLEM THE SACRED STONES- GBA
A couple of good, strategy RPGs as you lead your team into battle. Addicting, and fun.
And those are my top twenty video games for right now.
Enjoy.
1. ANIMAL CROSSING- CITY FOLK- Nintendo Wii
Because now you get to go the big city, where you can shop, ride on the bus to go to and from the city, and just have fun while trying to pay off that in game mortgage.
2. ANIMAL CROSSING WILD WORLD- Nintendo DS.
I enjoyed taking it on the go, and shooting down those balloons to see what else was in them. Finding those space ship parts for Gulliver was also fun.
3. LEGEND OF ZELDA PHANTOM HOURGLASS- Nintendo DS
I had a notion there was more to this Triforce, and playing this portable game showed me just how significant it has been to the Legend Of Zelda series.
4. EARTHBOUND- Super NES
I never realized what a great game this was/is until after I played it. And if you haven’t yet played it, get a copy while you still can on ebay or amazon. It is a great game.
5. SUPER MARIO WORLD- Super NES/Nintendo DS/DS LITE.
Mario needed to run, jump, pounce on the enemies and sail through the air in his cape to teach Bowzer yet another lesson. Very addicting and fun to play over and over and over…well, you get the idea.
6. FINAL FANTASY II- Super NES
Cecil of The Redwings had to do something to save the world around him. A world he noticed that had begun to change…for the worse. Also available on the GBA as FINAL FANTASY IV Advance and on Nintendo DS/DS Lite as FINAL FANTASY IV DS.
7. FINAL FANTASY III- Super NES.
Terra’s mind had been controlled and abused long enough for her use of magic. Come help her and memorable characters such as: Locke, Edgar, Sabin, Celes, Cyan and others defeat the ultimate villain, that is Kefka. Also available on GBA and Playstation as FINAL FANTASY VI.
8. FINAL FANTASY VII- Playstation.
AH! The love triangle. Cloud, Tifa, Aeris. All in all, another great RPG. Play as Cloud as he and Sephiroth battle it out.
9. FINAL FANTASY VIII- Playstation
When Squall and Rinoa first met, who knew they would end up falling in love, with each other, that is. Or is the case of yet another love triangle? Remember Seifer? Come and help Squall and other members of the elite SEED team maintain order in their world as they prepare to take on Ultimecia.
10. BREATH OF FIRE- Super NES/GBA.
When you awake to the sights and sounds of your village on fire, what are you going to do? Try and save it and the rest of your world from destruction, of course. Come help a young warrior, Ryu and others do just that in this excellent RPG.
11. BREATH OF FIRE II- Super NES/GBA.
Come join Ryu on yet another epic RPG.
12. PHOENIX WRIGHT GAMES- Nintendo DS/DS LITE.
Maybe I fantasized about being an attorney when I was a teen. Great games though, great games.
13. PROFESSOR LAYTON AND THE CURIOUS VILLAGE- Nintendo DS/DS LITE.
Do you enjoy riddles? If you do, here is an excellent game with quite a few of those. Come join Professor Layton and his assistant, Luke, unravel the mystery of this curious village with the aid of those riddles.
14. CHRONO TRIGGER- Super NES and Nintendo DS/DS LITE.
A great RPG, especially if you don’t mind stepping back or forward in time to rescue a friend or two.
15. HOTEL DUSK ROOM 215- Nintendo DS/DS LITE.
Every now and again I enjoy a good mystery. And helping former detective Kyle Hyde unravel this one was fun and addicting.
16. FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES RING OF FATE- Nintendo DS/DS LITE.
Reminding me more of a Legend Of Zelda game than a Final Fantasy one, I aided Yuri, his sister and others as they seek out the villain in this portable epic.
17. DRAGON QUEST IV CHAPTERS OF THE CHOSEN - Nintendo DS/DS LITE.
This game is so great, I can’t wait to play it again or the next one in the series.
18. Millionheir- Nintendo DS/DS LITE.
If you enjoy a little point and click, spot the clues sort of game, you will certainly enjoy this.
19. LEGEND OF ZELDA A LINK TO THE PAST- Super NES and GBA.
Addicting, fun and just a great game from a great series.
20. FIRE EMBLEM THE BLAZING SWORD and FIRE EMBLEM THE SACRED STONES- GBA
A couple of good, strategy RPGs as you lead your team into battle. Addicting, and fun.
And those are my top twenty video games for right now.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)