Dragon's Dogma Review

We begin our story with a petty fisher. Your typical nobody main character whose village is attacked by a murderous dragon. Naturally, you attempt to kill the massive beast yourself with your rusty sword. How noble. The dragon takes notice of your courage and gruesomely rips out your heart and eats it. Yet you wake up later, breathing and moving. As you leave your village a mysterious man falls from some sort of wormhole and you're informed he is a Pawn - someone who lacks emotion and dwells in the Rift, a place that connects Pawns to various Arisen. Pawns have no true free will of their own and follow the Arisen, the one chosen by a dragon. Why does the dragon choose people? So they can seek out the dragon at a later time for mysterious reasons.

The story is a pretty big, jumbly, tangly mess of a plot and is most definitely not the main focus of the game. While interesting at times, the small bit of plot in the game isn't strong and often leaves you with plenty of questions. The ending does well to wrap up a lot of the major concerns, which is nice, but you're still left wondering about a lot of the smaller elements throughout your playthrough. In fact, a lot of plot points are easily missed in random side quests. Just know that if you want the whole story, it's safer to do every single quest you can.

Pawns are easily one of the two selling points of this game, the other being the combat. Not far into the story, you'll create your first pawn. This pawn will follow you around forever, so it's crucial to make sure it's something you can stand looking at, which is made extremely easy with the amount of detail you're able to put into creating characters. Choose a class for your pawn that compliments yours and go to town.

The best thing about pawns is the "rental" sort of system they've got going on. You have the ability to enter the Rift and find various pawns created by other players. You can hire up to two pawns [not including your main pawn] to travel with you. The cool thing about this is that you'll always have a unique party since all pawns are different in a lot of ways. Depending on where the owners of these pawns are in their own games, the pawns you hire could have a ton of knowledge you don't have on certain quests. When this happens, the pawns will take the reins and show you how something is done. Whether it's showing you the location of something or telling you how to take down a huge foe depends on the quest at hand. When you're done with a pawn - and we're assuming it didn't die - you can send it back with gifts and a message for its owner.

Your main pawn always has a copy of itself in the Rift for other players to hire it, even while you aren't playing. It's quite possible you can come back to your game with your pawn bearing loads of gifts [If you're in my shoes, it's likely lots of skulls. People love giving me skulls for some reason...] and messages for you. The pawn system kind of gives you that Dark Souls sort of feel. You always have the option of help from another player, but they're never fully there.

Personally, I can't say many games revolutionize something. Dragon's Dogma has indeed revolutionized combat though. More specifically, fighting large enemies. All it took was a combination of a couple different games - Devil May Cry and Shadow of the Colossus. The combat in Dragon's Dogma is fast and fluid. There are toooooooons of skills and abilities to learn from nine different classes [Called vocations in-game] to choose between. Once you hit a certain point in the game, you can switch your classes using Discipline points. Once you've bought a class, you have it forever. This game is very friendly when it comes to finding your niche. You have plenty of time to experiment.

So, you've found the class you like. It's time to go fight something big and scary. There are multiple options when you've found something large that wants to destroy you. You can stay back and ping it with tons of arrows or you can get close and slice it up with some blades. You can even go the route of spells. There are spells in this game that cover large areas. There are spells well suited to taking down large foes. There are lots of spells, okay? But a lot of enemies will require to jump onto them and hold on for dear life just as we did in Shadow of the Colossus. More often than not, you'll find yourself on the back of a large enemy, slicing away at a weak point or just preventing it from flying away with your weight - all the while your pawns down below are exploiting other weaknesses. Sometimes your pawns will even climb up there with you. Dragon's Dogma shows us what boss battles SHOULD be in games these days. There are no Quick Time Events to deal with. The game doesn't hold your hand. There is a huge monster with a few weaknesses. Everything is done beautifully.

The unfortunate thing is getting to those enemies. Some, like cyclopes or chimeras, are fairly common. Other large foes are far and few between, requiring tons of walking to get to them. Dragon's Dogma has no reliable fast travel system. This factor does not bother me, but has a lot of people up in arms. Some are even demanding DLC that gives us mounts or better fast travel. I think the weird fast travel system encourages exploration of the world, which is vast and lively. There are plenty of things to see and do - plenty of things that you'll miss out on with fast travel. The only way to fast travel in this game is using ferrystones and portcrystals - items that are rare as they are expensive. There is one portcrystal in the main hub of the game and another to be found in a far off place. Ferrystones range from 10,000 to 20,000 gold, which can really add up. On New Game+, you can buy more portcrystals for a whopping 200,000 gold. So fast travel can cost you an arm and two legs. You're going to find easy ways to get money by late game though. NG+ hands you all the money in the world, so fast travel isn't an issue later. You just need to earn it.

Dragon's Dogma is a game that rewards us with extremely satisfying combat [if a bit dull after slaying the same enemies in the same places over and over], epic and challenging boss battles that have never been seen done in such a proper manner before, and a dynamic world to interact with. You'll see your fully customized character and pawn with their equipment you chose in cut scenes. You'll interact with each other in combat by holding an enemy down and letting your pawn get some critical blows in [or vice versa]. You'll hire other pawns who could have more knowledge than you, helping you in your quests.

The largest and really unfortunate flaw is the story. As said earlier, it's a mess. You'll likely lose sight of what's going on since you'll spend so much time exploring or just getting these small tidbits here and there. What you will be getting is a satisfying experience with tons of gameplay. This game can easily suck the hours of your life away if you aren't careful.

I want to recommend this game to everyone, but I highly [Read: HIGHLY] recommend you go read more reviews and watch some gameplay. It really is up in there whether people love it or hate it here since it's an odd mix-up of Dark Souls, Devil May Cry, Shadow of the Colossus and maybe even some Skyrim. Play the demo, but don't play it expecting a proper example of the full game.

Dragon's Dogma is easily one of my favorite games of the year and I almost hate to say this, but I've finally found a game that is competing with Dark Souls. I know a ton of people will think I'm crazy for that, but Dragon's Dogma really does offer that much of a unique feeling. Its combat and boss battles are that well done.

Downtown Nekketsu Monogatari for Famicom Review

All video games released today have their own roots that have greatly attributed to its production over the years. This also includes every beat 'em up video game that is released in modern times, such as Castle Crashers and especially Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Video Game. In the case of these two, Downtown Nekketsu Monogatari is the main influential game that defined the genre.

Concept

Released in North America under the name River City Ransom, Downtown Nekketsu Monogatari is a beat 'em up style video game released for the Famicom in April 1989. There are a number of properties that greatly set this game apart from other beat 'em ups, but the primary one is its non-linear nature, allowing players to fully explore an open world instead of following a set path like Double Dragon. Players take on the role of Alex and Ryan, two high school students traversing River City in an effort to rescue Cyndi, the girlfriend of the latter as she is captured by gang member Slick.

Gameplay

As players travel across River City to rescue Cyndi, they come across a host of different enemies looking to stop them, each of which are a part of their own named gang, such as The Squids, The Jocks and The Frat Guys. While this was hardly the first beat 'em up to feature unique characters, the way Downtown Nekketsu Monogatari differs is that each group of gangs actually have some varying personality to them. Perhaps the most notable way of proving this is in the way certain gang members would shout Barf! once the player had defeated them. As enemies are defeated, money is collected.

Every so often, the player can enter the town and use their collected funds to purchase power ups and other items that can assist them along their journey. This is something also used heavily with Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Video Game as Scott goes to prove his love for Ramona. Similarly, Downtown Nekketsu Monogatari brings you face to face with the leaders of the gangs you are fighting, and these leaders act as sub-bosses or regular bosses, adding an extra challenge to the game.

Though it is not inherently necessary to purchase the Famicom version of Downtown Nekketsu Monogatari, it is still a nice piece to add to a collection for those interested in expanding their Famicom collection. Those on a budget can instead choose to purchase the Virtual Console version, available in America since April 2008.

Fate Extra Review

Fate Extra, Type-Moon's latest RPG game centered around Japanese Anime -Fate Stay Night. Just like the anime, the video game features an exciting story which is all about masters, servants, Holy Grail, and stellar boss fights that bring the story's central struggles to life. Regrettably, lousy exploration and monotonous fights undermine the adventure. The result is a video game with much more uniqueness than game material and far more plot than actual game play.

Fate Extra's original story encourages you to keep playing regardless of some clichés. After twenty years of harmony on Earth, an alien super-computer concealed on the moon has invited you to battle through a competition for the Holy Grail, computer that grants wishes. The issue is that it's actually a competition to the death. Using your legendary soul - servant that fights in your stead, you have to defeat several other masters in weekly elimination fights to survive. Activities resulting in these battles are extremely fascinating, with each competitor challenging you in various ways. Master-Servant interactions are also enchanting, since you're offered three servants to select from, and each has a different character. Dialogues keep things engaging, motivating plot decisions which affect the game's final.

Fate Extra RPG Elements

Living in this aggressive and ruthless world is tough enough for any participant, but your memory loss (main character has an amnesia) greatly weakens your servant. In order to win your competition, you must level the arena by unveiling the other competitor's skills and strategies within 1 week prior to the fight. This investigation is vital for you to unlock enemy techniques, which usually happens in fascinating ways, for instance, by stealing items, snooping and sparring. Discovering the opponent servant's personality also unveils element of its attack style, which might imply the gap between victory and loss.

Apart from scouting your opponents, you have to investigate, but this feature is drastically reduced for a RPG Game. You're limited to fourteen basic mazes which are a breeze to plow through. Each maze includes dull item retrieve missions. Outside the dungeon, the competition field is limited to a 3 story high school, which is a little bit disappointing if you're planning to investigate a huge world from the actual Anime Fate Stay Night. Fortunately, several mini-bosses prevent investigation from turning into utterly meaningless.

Apart from PC and Console versions of Fate/Extra, there are several RPG Flash Games too. Flash editions of the game are rather fun only. On the bright side, they are available to play or download for free.

The End Review - Your Ultimate Survival Handbook

When we first heard about The End, we actually didn't pay any attention to it.

"Seriously, what kind of name is it?" we thought. However, when we got to see a video on YouTube, highlighting the game play, we were intrigued.

Let's start with the beginning; it is an over-the-shoulder-endless-runner game. You enter the game in a nameless city as the only survivor (the world has come to an end), wearing a back-pack running around collecting green gold. Bravo, for thinking out of the box, geniuses. Green Gold!

If you're wondering what you are doing in a destroyed city with vans scattered around, you have no option but to read the hints that splash on your screen across the main menu. All you are supposed to do is dodge the obstacles and continue running, collecting green gold. Since, money is not useful post-apocalypse, you use the green gold to buy items that you wish to.

Does it remind you of something? Well, we indeed had a sense of deja vu when playing it. Temple Run, anyone? Those who are familiar with Temple Run will find this game to be a cousin of the now-famous game that has similar features as this one.

The controls are very simple. Swipe to turn, slide and jump; tilt to run towards the right or left side of the road. The uncomplicated controls make it easier to play. No complaints here.

Another very positive point is the tilt that actually works wonder. Unlike several other games, the backward and forward tilts are available, showing the world from different angles. This is a really good thing as it allows you to play with the angle you are most comfortable with. It also guides you about the cracks in the road and the stuff ahead. A sigh of relief!

However, now that we're talking about complaints, let's talk in details. The game gets tiring and mediocre after a point. Running aimlessly on ruined roads is not exciting. It indeed is fun initially, but eventually you get bored of doing the same thing again and again.

The game has different levels and you move on to different stages, but the change you witness in the task isn't substantial. Later stages introduce mission coins that one can use to prolong runs. However, the game seems to have no end as one continues to run... run... but what are you running for? How we wish it was a little clear!

You don't come across any damsel in distress to rescue or any human to save. You are running from something. Once you come to know what that something is, do let us know too. Another major problem with this game is that it has the "sharing" option, which requires you to post your results to Twitter or Facebook. This, in our opinion, is a huge drawback. You cannot continue to play unless you go social. If we want to go to Facebook, we'll log in from our computers. Why insert the option there?

Enough of the rant! The game actually has something good to offer too, other than the controls. The graphics are good for an Android/iOS game. The city is colorful and bright, with variation in the weather. The makers have paid attention to details in this department. As you move ahead in the game, the graphics only get interesting. They actually present a picture, which is good to watch and goes very well with the mood of the game.

Overall, The End offers nothing new. Its biggest drawback is the fact that it makes you say, "Oh! I have played it before." Download it if you are a fan of Temple Run and want to play it in a different atmosphere (Yes, it's that similar). However, if you aren't aware of Temple Run, then you can surely try this one. In some departments, it outdoes the game it looks to be based on.

Review - Faerie Solitaire Mobile HD

Faerie Solitaire Mobile HD is a different spin on the usual solitaire game for the iOS, but is it worth you hard earned money especially for $6.99? Read on to find out.

Faerie Solitaire Mobile HD is a golf-style solitaire game. By golf style solitaire, I mean that you have a layout of cards on the table and you have one card up in front of you for example an eight of clubs. Now you can place a nine or a seven on that card and so forth. It took me a bit to get used to it, but now I kind of prefer playing the golf style solitaire instead of my usual Klondike.

Faerie Solitaire Mobile HD and it's sister app, Faerie Solitaire Mobile, are a port of the popular PC game of the same title. I've sunk way too many hours playing my copy to be comfortable in admitting my playtime. Since this is a port, some things did get left out, but more about that in a bit.

The general plot is that you are rescuing faeries from imprisonment by playing. The reason why you are rescuing them it that you have been charged with a quest to rescue them all. After you complete ten hands in the game, you can release a faerie from captivity. At least that is what I vaguely remember from playing the PC version since the cut scenes aren't really in the game. Well, they are but are external YouTube links that take you out of the app.

Graphically Faerie Solitaire Mobile HD looks good, but it really doesn't have much in the way of flash.The same with the sound, nothing really special. The background music is nice for a while, but to be honest I usually have it muted.

As for IAP, Faerie Solitaire Mobile HD doesn't have any. This is nice especially considering the rather high cost of the game.

I have managed to drain the batteries in both my iPad and iPhone several times playing this game, usually with the idea of "just one more hand." I have also managed to have both my legs fall asleep while playing it in a waiting room. There is just something about the game that scratches an itch that keeps me playing it.

My only issues with Faerie Solitaire Mobile HD are some crashes while playing and the fact its missing one of the parts of the PC version I liked. The pet raising mini game is not present, although the publisher does say that it will be added in a future patch.

The only other thing that bothers me about the game is the absurdly high number of wild cards I have. In other games like this, I might have four or five stocked up, in Faerie Solitaire Mobile HD I have almost 100. This seems like overkill and has made the game far to easy in my opinion.

I will admit that I was shocked by the price of both Faerie Solitaire Mobile HD and Faerie Solitaire Mobile. I believe I got them both for free or at least much lower than that. But I believe that they are both great games that are worth it. If you like solitaire, then give Faerie Solitaire Mobile HD a shot. Now if you will excuse me, I'm off to play some more before my next meeting.

Street Fighter II Hyper Fighting Review

Exclusive to the Xbox 360, Street Fighter II Hyper Fighting lands on the Xbox Live Arcade. Considered to be the greatest in the Street Fighter franchise, this is the third installment in the series adding hyper speed to the world renowned Championship Edition. This is an arcade port of the original; no graphical changes and no remixed soundtrack. This is the classic just like we remember with a raw tiger knee to your face.

Appreciate this port for what it is, a higher difficulty adjustment for the vets and 4 player lobby matches online, making it the closest you'll get to being at the arcades looking over my shoulder with your bag of quarters. Street Fighter II Hyper Fighting because of its timeless game play, the equation is simple: nostalgia plus online game play you can't go wrong.

Concerning the nostalgia factor, I wasn't too fond with the graphical changes in SSF II Turbo HD Remix. It made it look too cartoony. SSF2THD Remix is a great game though, and has a wonderful balance system but because it looks cuter people over look Hyper Fighting. Hyper Fighting hits with greater impact by keeping it all-original separating this game from all the rest. I mean this game alone made me buy an arcade fight stick; you HAVE got to buy an arcade stick. I adjusted my entire room just for the arcade fight stick. It adds so much more fun to the game or you can yourself the Street Fighter pad. I'm just trying my best to keep you away from that FPS d-pad on the Xbox. When I mention controllers I'm only talking to the Street Fighter fans anyway. Casual gamers might not even notice. These accessories were not even around when this game was released back in '06. To own the Hyper Fighting cabinet would be awesome. But trust me, you'll have just as much fun as before when you played it on the Super Nintendo. This is an awesome video game and one that any old and new school gamer would appreciate.

Yeah, you remember playing on the Super Nintendo, when you used to wrap your thumb inside your shirt just to throw a hadouken. Because of how loyal I am to the series, I would have easily given 40 bucks for this game but lucky for us its only 400 points on XBLA. Nowadays the online players are scattered around, a lot of them moved to HD Remix and the Street Fighter IV series. Both of those series are great, but this is the game that keeps me coming back, even now I have memories of when my Xbox Live friends list was filled with Hyper fighters.

To put it all into perspective, Capcom released Street Fighter IV almost ten years after their last 2D SF game. This is what the Street Fighter community is all about, it reminds me of 2008 when Mega Man 9 was released in 8-bit graphics, that's crazy influence! Street Fighter II Hyper Fighting is just not going away. So until next time gamers, charge back, forward, sonic boom!

The Surprising Adventures of Munchausen Review

The Surprising Adventures of Munchausen is another Big Fish Games exclusive that graced me initially as possibly another hidden object game that is like all the others that came before it. However, this game also teaches me to not judge a book by its cover, because as I soon found out, it is not a hidden object game. This game goes beyond hidden object as it is more an adventure, and a whimsical, crazy and humorous adventure at that.

The story of the game starts as some evil wizard destroyed the Heart of the Kingdom. Without any light and prosperity in his kingdom, the king was offered a solution to marry his daughter to a strange and evil man that can bring the king an enormous amount of money. Desperate and hating her predicament, the princess calls for Baron Munchausen for help. The Baron is eager to do so, and as he enters the scene, prepare to have so much fun unlike nothing the crazy Munchausen can.

For those who do not know yet, the origins of The Surprising Adventures of Munchausen game predates to an actual living man that lived from 1720 to 1797. He told many outrageous and farfetched stories of his adventures that lived to this day on books and movies. Well now, you can experience a made up tale of the famous Baron through this game. And true to his many adventures, this game is also very unique, very funny and full of Munchausen's comical braggadocio that you will definitely enjoy playing it until the end.

Really, this game started quite amateurish to me and I was expecting no surprises, but all that impression blew away the instant that the game play starts. You see, the hidden object scenes follow a different kind of game play. Well, you still need to find objects, but instead of a list, you need to associate other items on your list with these hidden objects. Other than this, other game play mechanics include helping Munchausen by following listed instructions and the usual adventure game play where you need to use inventory items to keep Munchausen progressing in his adventure.

In my opinion, The Surprising Adventures of Munchausen is really one fine game that if you are a seasoned hidden object player, you definitely need something like this to change your perspective, that not all games like these are gritty, dark and eerie, but can also be simple and fun. Too bad that the adventure is quite short, but I am looking forward to a sequel just the same.