Why I dropped Lord Of Magna : Maiden Heaven

Don't be fooled. The blue haired cutie is NOT going to be the main attraction. 

Okay, so I first pre ordered this game when I caught a glimpse of the cover art. The beautifully drawn characters plus the title 'Maiden Heaven'  was what pushed me to buy a copy of the game. The summary sounded pretty interesting too.

Summary: Residing on the outskirts of town as the proprietor of a quiet, rustic inn, Luchs has lived through much of his life proudly clinging to a code of honour passed down from father to son for generations:

"When our cherished guests finally arrive, think of them as nothing less than family."

Unfortunately, the inn has not yet had even a single guest since its foundation, leaving Luchs no choice but to excavate and sell crystals - the islands most valuable fuel source - in order to make ends meet. It is during one such routine excavation that he happens upon a beautiful maiden encased inside a massive crystal, and her abrupt awakening triggers a series of unexpected events that include foul fiends, astonishing abilities, and miraculous mysteries... 

So fast forward like one or two months later. Yippee, the game was here! The limited edition set was better than I'd even imagined, consisting of a nice OST cd and the 3ds box actually had the chibi characters instead of the usual plain, white background. I was pretty pumped, to be honest.

The opening was so - so, the animation was fairly well done for a JRPG. The track which was played at the title screen, however, was FANTASTIC! Everytime i booted up the game up, I'd always spend two or three minutes listening to it at least. Now, with where this is going, readers are probably wondering why I'm clearly praising the game when the title of the post says differently. Whelp, the only reason I'm starting off with the good points is that this game wasn't that bad. It has a 3.5/5 score on Metacritic (a decent rating) and for what it was worth, the time I had spent with the game was not soul shatteringly horrible.

The game's selling point (what they kept advertising about) was its unique combat, namely, striking down your enemies by 'bowling' them over (aka. knock them over like a stack of dominos). The gameplay is quite good, in my opinion. Its fun and challenging, you really have to plan your movements before hand so you don't get stuck in a pincer attack, or getting into trouble when one of the characters in your party dies.

But unfortunately, Lord of Magna: Maiden Heaven experience is bogged down by its tedious cut scenes. I don't like how the game shoves the plot down your throat. I had thought that it was just the prolouge kind of thing, but after continuing with the game, I realized that it wasn't. Its like reading a book which throws a large chunk of exposition at you. What was originally interesting and fun suddenly became boring and downright frustrating. It got so bad that i actually searched for a 'SKIP' button, which I used all too often.

Something is definitely wrong if you continuously skip about 2/3 of the dialogue.

This feature did nothing help the plot, either. The premise and story was very generic to begin with, and having to sit through 10 minutes of doing nothing but stare at the 3ds screen makes the story seem MUCH more idiotic. I give the game props for trying to be all 'foreshadowy' and dramatic by having these segments where a narrator asks rhetorical questions, but that brings me to another reason why I ended up dropping it.

The main character (Luchs) is about as interesting, as a piece of cardboard.

He was so generic and cheesy that I really couldn't stomach much of him. Okay fine, just because he's that way doesn't mean that he's a bad character. Fine, I agree on that point. But come on, why would I play this game, when I could play a thousand other games just like this one?! How are is LoM going to keep its players engaged, when the main character is so predictable, so boring, that made me skip most of the cut scenes? Heck, even his best friend was much more enjoyable to watch! Luchs has almost no character traits outside of  being 'Kind hearted' and 'Nice' and that is why I find myself yawning when he comes on screen.

I know this sounds quite harsh and may seem like I'm bashing on him, but to be honest, Luchs is not the main reason that I dropped LoM. Everything bad about the game culminates into one giant, glaring con and it was what turned me off.  Another thing I noted, was how the game was trying to 'pair' up Luchs and Charlotte. And let me say this, I would rather watch paint dry than watch Charlotte being awkwardly forced to bond with Luchs. Their conversations are not interesting, or even remotely witty. By the time the prologue was over, I found myself desperately wishing to shut off my 3DS. Not liking her is just my personal gripe, however, because many people have expressed that she was quite the cutie. I guess that this is just a personal preference thing.

+Nice art
+Soundtrack
+Visuals
+Gameplay

-Cut scenes are too long
-Voice acting is tolerable at best
-Characters were too one-dimmensional for me
-Bad pacing

I'm not saying that you shouldn't buy the game, but I would recommend getting it when the price drops on when it goes on sale. I wished I liked it, but unfortunately, nothing ever goes as planned.

Fire Emblem Awakening

Alright, so I decided to try my hand at one of the most highly rated 3DS games of all time. What caught my attention was not because I'm a hardcore follower of the series, but because of the MARRIAGE SYSTEM. Yes, I'm shallow I know. But how many JRPGs have a marriage option? And oh goodness, you get to choose who you want to be with?

Anyway, moving on. Honestly, I didn't know what to expect with Fire emblem awakening. It was my first ever fire emblem game, and served as a gateway into the franchise. Fire emblem games are notorious for their perma death and difficulty level, and that was the only part which kept me from getting this game. Until I found out about the casual mode, that is. For a beginner like me who stumbled through FE:A, it still lasted for a solid 20 hours give or take.

Story wise, nothing I haven't seen before. It starts of well, and keeps you intrigued until you get through at least half of the game and realize: Oh wait. Is this what i think it is? It made the ending predictable, but I still enjoyed the game immensely. Thus, plot gets a 7/10. I'm sure anyone who ever played a JRPG knows how it goes. Main character is the destined one who would slay evil and or help to put an end to the time of evil bla bla bla and even finds love along the way, I didn't think the story was anything special, but it was barebones enough to keep me going to the end.

Gameplay gets an 9/10. Despite not being a huge fan of tactic games, I found that the causal mode helped immensely. The great thing about the game is that, you're not just controlling your main character. You are also responsible for each move your 'group' members make, and ultimately, are responsible for their deaths. On casual mode, you just get upset and move on since they'll be back after the battle anyway; but playing on normal mode, it takes a certain amount of planning and cunning to win. Not to mention, you'll be having emotional backlash when your favourite character gets killed off by a stupid decision.

The large cast of characters allows you to experiment with different weapon types. There is also a weapon triangle which allows you to take advantage of the weakness in different types in order to give you more advantage in battle. What I loved were the cutscenes that were shown whenever your characters engage in battle with the enemy. You don't merely just see the picture of the enemy get cut down! It plays out right in front of you!

The music of FE:A was fabulous. The background music during support conversations change according to the mood. A catchy little jingle is played when the interaction is humorous, a somber tune is played when the mood turns serious as the characters speak about their painful past. The battle scenes were accompanied by intense, fast paced music and differs between the places/continents. There is alot of thought put into this, and I for one wholly appreciate how well done the music really is. It deserves much of the praise it has received. 9/10

Animation gets 8/10. I wasn't a fan of the particular sprite style the game used, because it made the characters less than lifelike. I mean, it was good, but not so good that I couldn't take my eyes off of it. But I can't blame the game, since it's has to work on a hardware like the 3ds. It's obvious that the limitations of the console play a factor in this. But still, there were no lack of wow moments whenever they showed the animated cutscenes and introduced new characters with splendid artwork and managed to display them up to their knees at least. Many a waifu was born that day, and I'm sure fans of the game had their favourites.

Recommended to everyone who enjoys JRPGs and tactical, turn based combat. It's suited for a more wider variety of players due to the addition of casual play, and almost everyone will be able to enjoy it. It is a definite must have for the 3DS console. Doubtless, Fire emblem Awakening is a timeless gem that has been capturing the hearts of players ever since its release. 5/5 

999 - Nine hours Nine persons Nine doors

999 proves that games can be a good story telling medium. What cannot be done with books can be done with games, as it allows one to interact with the characters and move the story forward. Another name this would be ‘visual novels’. Personally, I’ve never really played visual novels outside of the Sono Hanabira series and some indie ones.

The game starts with your character waking up in a room on a ship. Discovering that you are locked in, you try to find your way out when BAM. Disaster strikes. The only window in the room begins to crack, and water streams through the opening like an unending waterfall. At that point, I got a glimpse of what playing 999 was going to be. This game could easily have fallen flat on its face if it wasn’t fun and gripping. But it was.

And I’m glad. The puzzles are surprisingly enjoyable. Some are easy while others require a bit of thinking to get you going. Sure, the puzzles were irritating sometimes but mostly, I felt that they complimented the game perfectly. The puzzles weren’t just a means to an end. And the best part is that when trying to complete a puzzle, your character slowly discovers the truth behind the Nonary game or the backstory of game’s characters.

It may seem totally random, but as you play on, you begin to realize that every bit of info is important. Every piece of seemingly unrelated information are small scraps of cloth. Once you get enough, you begin to piece them together to try and see the whole picture.

One the first play through, I can almost guarantee that the ending will be a sucker punch to your gut. You’ll go ‘wtf?’ and end up with more questions than answers. Personally, I recommend that you play through two or three times in order to at least understand what the hell is going on.

But boy will it be worth it.

Story gets and gameplay 10/10 because honestly. It is mind blowing yet fun. That’s a difficult combination to achieve in visual novels. This is strictly speaking based on my personal experience though, so feel free to think whatever you want. People with more experience with VN may not agree and that’s okay. I’m simply stating what I think in any case.

In terms of characterisation, I’m am pleased and shocked to find that the reactions from the people in 999 (main character included) are extremely realistic, and to some extent, very accurate. You cannot take anything at face value, and if you do, you’ll best hope that the character you trust doesn’t stab you in the back.

Everyone has their motivations and selfish reasons for getting out. And the worst part is; none of them are care about stepping on toes to achieve their goals. Thankfully, Junpei is a somewhat enjoyable character, flaws and all, though there were some times I wanted to scream at my 3ds and say ARE YOU INSANE? June on the other hand, I have mixed feelings about. Sometimes, June is an independent woman. Other times, she follows Junpei around like a lost puppy. So yep, mixed feelings.

I don’t want to touch on the other characters, because it is best to get a feel of it yourself once you’ve started the game.

Characters get an 8/10.

The music is pretty brilliant as well, though I didn’t particularly notice it during some scenes. But they managed to convey the heaviness and creepiness very well, so I have nothing to dislike.

Music gets a 7.5/10.

At the end, what 999 is, is up to you. Is it a tale of friendship? A tale of star crossed lovers? Or simply just a good old fashioned revenge story, or even perhaps just a mere coincidence caused by the pickings of a madman?

It’s up to you to decide.

Recommended: 5/5

Legend of Zelda Ocarina Of Time 3DS

It would be crime to say that oneself is a gamer, without having played a single Zelda game. Or so  the internet claims. From  personal view point, Ocarina of time is interesting but definitely not for me. I liked it, no doubt about that, but I don't really feel that it is the 'Best Game Ever Made' or that sort of thing. It was a greatly unique experience, but I don't think I'll be playing through it again anytime soon, because it wore me out a little.

The story was great, much like a cinematic movie (only with you controlling the main protagonist) and it kept me forging through it to see what came next. It must have been mind blowing when it first came out on the N64. Despite not being a fan of puzzle based games, I have no doubt that I would have been mesmerized. I mean come on, time travel, exploration and a heck ton of puzzles to spend countless nights with? I imagine that it was a magical experience for everyone who played OOT back then.

Animation wise, this Zelda remake looks really beautiful. I've seen screen shots of the N64 and doubtless, the 3ds one takes the cake. While galloping through the Hyrule fields with cutie Epona, I found myself just going in circles just to admire the lushness of the grass and the ridiculously blue sky in-game. Playing on the 3ds Xl was a treat, but the gameplay on the 2ds was just as good, only less immersive.

It surprised me though, that what I loved about this game was not the game play nor the story. It was the soundtracks. Some of the songs captured my heart, and I find myself putting on my HD 598s just to enjoy the game, while Link just stands idly in-game. One of my favourites was the Minuet of the Forest and the song of the storms.

As for the gameplay, it took some time for me to get used to. It was challenging at first, but after getting out of the Deku tree, I sort of got a hang of it. Let me just say now that I dislike puzzles intensely. I didn't even get through the first game of God of War before I threw my hands up and called it quits. The puzzles in the OOT were amazing, but were hair pulling and I cannot describe how frustrated I was. But...the feeling of utter satisfaction that filled me after I completed a difficult puzzle, or finished a temple was pure bliss. A sense of accomplishment that I never knew I would feel, always raised my spirits without fail. My guess is that many players have felt similarly, back in the day of the release.

I really do want to love this game. But unfortunately, it is not a game that I would claim to be my absolute 'favourite' although it has left its mark on me. I can say that I would be picking up Majoras Mask sometime in the future, though i doubt it would be so soon.

And I have to say that this game is something that everyone should play through at least once, just to experience what captured the hearts of gamers back in the day, and still allow the current generation of gamers to reminisce fondly on when they nearly broke the hinge of their ds while playing through OOT. I wouldn't call myself a 'gamer' in that sense  as I like playing for fun. Curiousity got me to buy a copy of OOT and I was not disappointed.

Plot : 9/10

Gameplay : 8/10

Animation : 9/10

Soundtracks : 10/10

*keep in mind that i am rating this based on my personal opinion and does not mean that what i feel represents what others think of the game.

Recommendation: 5/5

The Wolf Among Us

Well, my plans for watching two animes in a month have gone down under. With the looming presence of school and temptation of games, it's difficult to prioritize i guess. But without further ado, let's get on with it yeah?

I was expecting great things for this game, and i have to say that i am NOT disappointed. The story was thrilling, each twist and turn was nicely done and without the use of horrible cliches while still making it feel original. Based off an award winning comic series, it's great that someone managed to do it justice.

This game works as a standalone, and since i haven't read Fables yet, I can't really say how this game compares to it. But after poking around the internet for some time, I found that The wolf among us is set several years before the first issue of Fables. So basically, it's a win win situation for the fans and newcomers like myself.

I really like games which let you have the freedom of choice, i.e how you choose to let your character react to situations and interactions with people. It definitely makes you feel much more 'connected' to the characters and the story which is a good thing, because you KNOW that the choices you make will affect what happen in the end,

The game graphics are really splendid, the noir look with a palette of dark and neon, it certainly fits the overall somber mood. Its pleasing to look at, and you can even gauge whether certain characters are lying by their facial features. It made me feel like a real detective on the scent of a criminal sans suspect, I try to read between their words and actions, and nothing is as it seems. The question i ask myself most frequently while playing this game is without a doubt:

Who's lying?

Overall, it is definitely a game all vita owners should try at least once. Unfortunately, one bone i have to pick with the game would probably be the exhausting loading times and the lag during action scenes. Or maybe the Vita just lacks the horse power to fully push the game to its full potential. Often times, i find myself thrown off during the game when i am about to make a decision. The game stutter to a halt, and leaves me panicked and angry, since there's always the chance that even a split second would render me unable to decide my character's fate.

I would second the Vita game, ONLY if you don't have a computer strong enough to handle the game. If you do have one, then i would suggest getting that instead of the vita version, as fun as it is. However, those who lack a good computer or just prefer consoles, then The Wolf Among Us is a must buy.