Persona 4 The Animation Review

Welcome back everyone to my esteemed blog.  I apologize for the procrastination of this particular review, but I wanted to view this series in it’s entirety before putting my two cents in.  Persona 4 has been called one of the best RPG’s of all time for it’s characters, amazing story, battle system, and of course it’s amazing soundtrack compliments of Shoji Meguro.  Now Persona 4 has been brought back again into a full animated series.  Does Persona 4 The Animation do justice for the already amazing gaming franchise?  Let’s review.

For those of you who are unaware of the story, it focuses on the protagonist Yu Narukami who travels from the big city to the small village of Inaba, where he stays with his Uncle Dojima and his daughter Nanako for the school year while his parents are abroad.  In the village of Inaba there is an urban legend that many have believed to be true.  The legend says if you watch a blank television screen at midnight on a rainy day, you will see your true love on the screen.  They call it the midnight channel.  This story takes a deadly twist when a string of unsolved murders occur.  This is where the story of Persona 4 begins.

While Yu goes to school he comes upon an interesting group of friends that come together and decide to solve the mystery of the Inaba murders with the help of their Personas.  I know that many of you already know the story behind Persona 4, but for those who have been oblivious to this game, i won’t go into too much detail as it may spoil the experience and mystery.

From the moment you play episode one, you will instantly feel joy as this series follows the video game 100 percent!  Shoji Meguro’s magical soundtrack accompanies this amazing animated series along with some new amazing songs.  The original character voices from the video game also return to keep that nostalgic feeling.

After watching both blu-ray sets (also available on DVD) I felt absolutely satisfied with this series and confirmed that it was definitely worth every penny.  If you are a persona fanatic, and have not yet seen this animated series…well…what are you waiting for?  Don’t miss out on this amazing animated series that does justice for an amazing game.

Final Score: 10/10

Gaming Updates!

Welcome back dear readers to my amazing blog.  I do apologize for the hiatus, but there were circumstances beyond my control that literally consumed my time.  Nevertheless, I have returned to give you more gaming blogging goodness.

I have a few updates that I wanted to inform my fellow readers about:

1.  Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse HD Remake

This was quite a shocker to find out.  I was huge fan of this game growing up.  From the details I have been able to uncover, this is being developed by the same development team of the original game.  I am personally excited about this remake.  It is scheduled for a summer release for XBOX Live, PSN, and PC.  There is no price as of yet.

2.  Playstation All Stars Battle Royale…what happened to it?

For those of you who are not aware, Sony has angered a lot of people (myself included) by releasing numerous patches and updates that nerfs characters to the point of unplayability simply because unskilled players online complain and whine on the forums.  Sackboy is a great example of this case matter.  Although a complex character, Sackboy could be devastating if you could master his unorthodox techniques.  People complained about his techniques charging his super meter too quickly.  So what does Sony do?  They release an update with a patch to make him not only slow in his technique execution, but weak in generating his super moves meter.  I think Sony should have left this game alone and not be so easily intimidated by the mindless whining of people who simply are unskilled and blame the game and creators for their inept gaming abilities.  The updates in my opinion have done more damage to this game than good.  What are your thoughts?

3. YS Celceta Sea of Trees coming to North America

The Playstation Vita has not been doing very well in North America, hopefully this title will give it a little oomph.  Ys Celceta Sea of Trees, which is a remake of YS 4 is coming stateside this fall.  I will definitely be looking forward to this title.  

Are there any updates or issues you want to discuss?  Leave me your feedback, and as always be sure to follow my blog, and see you next time.

Lucas

 

 

Bioshock Infinite Review: This Columbia ain’t no vacation spot!

Welcome back dear friends to another edition of the gaming angel.  Sorry for putting this up late in the game, but I attended a recent midnight launch of what is the most anticipated first person shooter of 2013.  I was completely consumed by this newest addition to the Bioshock series.  Yes ladies and gents, I am referring to Bioshock Infinite for the Playstation 3 and XBOX 360 gaming consoles.  This newest edition to the Bioshock franchise has a lot of high expectations to live up to.  Now the question remains does this sequel live up to it’s predecessors?  Read on to find out.

Graphics:  Bioshock Infinite is beautiful from the moment the game begins.  The world of Columbia is a sky world that is beautifully drawn and presented.  Character animations are fluid and crisp and the adversaries that inhabit the world are just as stunning.  The watercolor paint outlook of the areas are beautifully mixed and I can assure you that you will be numbed  by the incredible beauty of this game.  I found myself being constantly distracted by stopping my gameplay progression to look around and enjoy the amazing scenery.  Score: 10/10

Gameplay:  Along with Bioshock’s Infinite beauty, it is also a FPS (First Person Shooter).  The mechanics of Bioshock Infinite are among the best in any FPS.  The enemy AI is very impressive with foes bobbing, weaving, and dodging if they spot you and try to attack you.  Booker (the main character) utilizes everything from pistols and machine guns, to RPG’s and even Volley Guns.  The vigors are also very impressive, and with the help of ingesting salts, Booker can learn new vigors and recharge his salt meter when it becomes drained.  The skyline combat is literally a joy to experience.  I found myself killing hordes of enemies with skyline strikes.  There are two elements in Bioshock that truly make the game stand heads above the crowd.  The characters (Booker, and Elizabeth)  and the story.  Booker begins at first glance looking like a normal bounty hunter trying to retrieve a girl (Elizabeth) to erase his debt, but as he travels with Elizabeth, he develops emotional feelings towards her as he learns more and more about her past.  Elizabeth is a complex character with a backstory that is truly shocking when her true identity is discovered.  Elizabeth’s perky and sometimes rebellious tough attitude seem to blend beautifully with Booker’s tough guy demeanor.  The storyline is just as captivating, with a good pace and a climax that literally left me shocked and speechless (in a good way).  Score: 10/10  

Sound:  The musical score is absolutely stunning, climactic battle music combined with nostalgic 1912 music, and an excellent voice cast with Troy Baker and Courtnee Draper taking the helm as Booker Dewitt and Elizabeth.  Score:  10/10

If you have already played the previous Bioshocks and have not given this game a try, then I give this the utmost recommendations.  If you have not played Bioshock and want a reason to visit Rapture, then spend some time in Columbia.  You won’t regret it.

Final Score:  10/10

Thanks for reading everyone, and be sure to follow my blog and share with your friends.  See you next time!

Lucas

Tomb Raider Review: Exploration, adventure, and a sexy heroine resurrected!

Happy St. Patrick’s Holiday to all of my dear readers.  Welcome back to my esteemed blog.  We have seen several video game franchises make several attempts at returning to the spotlight of their glory days (Duke Nukem, Splatterhouse).  Unfortunately, these attempts have failed miserably, and have only succeeded in damaging the franchise’s reputation.

Now another franchise has made an attempt at a divine resurrection.  Lara Croft became the sexiest video game character ever with the release of Tomb Raider for the Playstation 1 in 1996.  Since 2003 Tomb Raider seemed to fade out and most people considered the franchise to be extinct.  Crystal Dynamics had other plans for the series however.  They have completely redesigned Lara Croft and the Tomb Raider franchise in it’s entirety.  So, does Tomb Raider have what it takes to make it’s way back into the spotlight?  Let’s find out.

Graphics:  Anyone who is familiar with the Tomb Raider series will instantly notice how beautiful the game is, not to mention Lara Croft’s makeover.  The environments are very lush and detailed, and whenever Lara suffers an injury you will instantly notice the effort that was put into the beautiful details of the character and environments.  Score: 9.5/10

Sound:  The musical score is very well done, and fits the scenario of each location and situation within the Tomb Raider world.  Jason Graves, who is best known for his work in the Dead Space series does a fantastic job of creating the right music for the right situation.  The voice acting is also very well done with Camilla Luddington leading the way as the voice of Lara Croft.  Score: 9.5/10

Gameplay:  Fans of Assassin’s Creed and Uncharted will feel right at home with Tomb Raider.  The gameplay mechanics have the same stealthy tactical mechanics and action packed gun, and arrow shooting as both game franchises.  Real-time situations and environmental dangers will have you thinking quick on your feet.  The storyline is also intriguing and told through cut-scenes, and in game voice dialogue throughout the adventure.  Score: 9.5/10 

Issues:  The only issue that I have with this title is the multiplayer.  While it was a cute attempt to add a little more variety to the game, it fails miserably.  The multiplayer is very dull and pointless to say the least.  While gamers might be entertained with this for the first hour or so, the interest will die very quickly.

Tomb Raider has made a huge return to the gaming spotlight in a big way.  Lara Croft is back, sexier, stronger, and with more attitude than ever before.

Final Score:  9.5/10

Thank you very much for reading everyone, and be sure to subscribe and tell your friends about my blog.  Tune in next time when I give my review of BioShock Infinite!  Til then friends, take care!

Lucas

If you’re a gaming fan who wants to see a good show inspired by a video game, then read this!

Welcome back dear readers to another edition of the Gaming Angel.  Over the years there have been many movie adaptations based on best selling video game titles.  Unfortunately, these adaptations have not been the best in the box office.  I share a few titles as an example:

-Super Mario Bros.
-Double Dragon
-Mortal Kombat- The sequel, the original was not too bad.
-Silent Hill- While the original was not too unbearable, Revelation however damaged the franchise to a point of no redemption.

So everyone is wondering if any film directors and writers will get it right.  Well fear not dear friends for there may be hope.  

Machinima has been posting shows inspired by video games, and it has created such a huge buzz in the gaming community.  They have a YouTube page with over 18 million views on their videos.  Take a look at this video of Mortal Kombat Legacy.

Let me know what games you would like to see developed into shows by Machinima.  As always your feedback is welcomed and appreciated.  Be sure to follow my blog folks and again thank you so much for your continued support.

Lucas

 

Sly Cooper Thieves in Time Review: The old gang is back…in time!

Welcome back dear friends to my amazing blog.  With the sugary, sweet, diabetic inducing holiday of Valentine’s Day less than a week away, I figured a sweet review is more than deserved.

It has been nearly eight years since Sly Cooper 3 made it’s debut on the Playstation 2 console.  It left fans wondering if there would be another installment to this amazing franchise on the Playstation 3 console.  Well fear not because Sony is putting our worries at ease with the newest edition to the Sly Cooper franchise Sly Cooper Thieves in Time for the Playstation 3.

People have been very skeptical about this recent release since it was developed by Sanzaru and not Sucker Punch (developers of Sly 1-3).  So the question on everyone’s mind is, can Sanzaru pull off a beautiful game as well as Sucker Punch?  Let’s review shall we?

Graphics:  The graphics of Sly are definitely top notch.  The animated cut scene introduction is well done, not to mention funny.  The cell shaded detail of the characters will definitely have Sly fans jumping for joy.  Score: 9/10

Gameplay:  Believe it or not, fans will be praising Sanzaru for the keeping the old style gameplay of Sly and adding a few new tricks to the roster.  The difficulty of Sly is slightly amped, especially when it comes to finding the clue bottles to unlock the safe.  The story of Sly is beautifully done, and Sanzaru should be commended for keeping in the roots of the original story, and not getting lofty visions and coming out with some way out story that doesn’t make sense or damages the franchise.  Score: 9.5/10

Sound:  The original voices of the Sly Cooper gang are back in high gear along with a soundtrack that stays true to the theme of the Sly Cooper world.  A definite accomplishment.  Score: 9/10

Sanzaru did an excellent job at taking the helm where Sucker Punch left off.  Sly Cooper Thieves in Time is a definite must for those who have remained true to the series.

Final Score: 9/10

As always friends, your feedback is welcomed and appreciated.  Don’t forget to stay up to date with all the latest in gaming news and reviews by following my blog and telling your friends about me.  Thanks everyone and see you next time!

Lucas

Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch Review

Welcome back friends to another edition of The Gaming Angel.  I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday, and here is to the start of a new year.

Great RPG’s have become a rarity in recent years, and fans have began to wonder whether or not there will ever be another great RPG that will make leaps and bounds above today’s current RPG’s.  Well folks, I am happy to answer that question with a big solid yes.  Namco Bandai has satisfied the hunger of RPG fans with the release of Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch.

I apologize in advance for the delay with this review, but I wanted to enjoy this game thoroughly, since I have been waiting for over a year for it’s release.  So, is this title worth an RPG fan’s time?  Here’s the verdict.

Graphics:  From the moment you turn on the game…Breathtaking is an understatement when describing the beauty of this game’s graphics.  The beautiful environments, cel-shaded characters, and amazing animated movie cut scenes courtesy of Studio Ghibli all blend together to bring us a timeless tale chock full of eye candy.
Score 10/10

Sound:  The musical score of Ni No Kuni is absolutely flawless.  It was composed by the world famous Joe Hisaishi.  The music was performed by the Japanese Philharmonic Orchestra.  This duo is a sure formula for perfection and it is executed brilliantly.
Score: 10/10

Gameplay: The gameplay of Ni No Kuni is a unique blend of Tales of Destiny meets Pokemon.  The exploration is pretty much like your typical JRPG.  The battle system is a nice refreshing subject.  Battle consists of all characters being in an open map area much like Tales of Destiny, and you have the option of fighting the characters yourself (Oliver) or you can summon these Pokemon like familiars to fight in your place.  It’s a blend of past gameplay elements that work wonderfully together.  RPG fans all over will drool over this.  Score: 10/10

Ni No Kuni is an RPG that fans have been waiting for!  If you have ever played an RPG (past or present) or a hardcore RPG fan that has lost hope in a perfect RPG ever coming around, then you need to pick up Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch.  You will not be disappointed.

Final Score: 10/10

Thanks for reading my blogs, and be sure to subscribe and tell your friends!  Also, for those that may not know, I have a YouTube page which consists of me playing games (past and present) and doing commentary at the same time.  Be sure to subscribe folks!  My username on YouTube is CrystalEsper.  Thanks again folks and see you next time.

Video Game Commentary Videos Are Online!!!

Hello, Happy New Year everyone and welcome back to my esteemed blog.  As many of you may already know, I have decided to get into playing video games both current and nostalgic while doing commentary on it.  These are known as either LPAT (Let’s Play A Thing), or IPAT (I Played A Thing)  on YouTube.  I have graciously decided to dive into the IPAT club with video game commentaries of my own.  My name on the YouTube Network is CrystalEsper.  Yes, as many of you can tell by the name, Final Fantasy 6 had a profound impact on me in a very positive way.  Anyhow folks, the project has begun and parts one and two are up for download.  I hope you and enjoy and will also subscribe to my YouTube page.  I will upload these as frequently as I can.  Please leave me your feedback and comments, as I welcome them graciously.  The link to my YouTube page can be found here.

Thanks for following and I’ll see you soon.

Lucas

Persona 4 Golden Review: A classic beautifully remastered!

HD Remakes are becoming an overpopulated category as of late, and now Atlus adds to this category with Persona 4 Golden for the PS Vita.  Does this version outdo the original?  Read on to find out.

Graphics:  Persona 4 is resurrected in beautiful high definition.  Atlus really did an impressive job in smoothing out the sometimes boxy pixellation of the original version.  New anime cut-scenes add to the enjoyment.  Score: 9/10

Gameplay:  The gameplay style of Persona 4 that fans remember returns in full fury.  Battles are quick and action packed, the dungeons are randomly generated and well designed.  The collection of Personas is more robust with new Personas added to the library or compendium.  The murder mystery storyline is among the best RPG story lines out there.  There is also TONS OF STUFF TO DO!  You battle creatures trying to save your friends from a horrible fate, while managing a student lifestyle on the side.  Everything from dating, to holding a job, even studying for mid-terms and final exams.  It’s all here in one terrific package.  Score 9.5/10

Sound:  Shoji Meguro does it again with this amazing soundtrack.  The catchy J-Pop music that plays during battles is addicting and doesn’t annoy a person in anyway even after 65 hours of gameplay (yes I have been playing for this long).  This is a soundtrack that will dazzle fans everywhere.  Score: 9.5/10

Issues:  Some people found the fact that there is so much to do in so little time in this game.  I only found this a reason to replay this amazing adventure and find those Personas.  Not to mention the hidden bosses in the game as well.

Final Score: 9.5/10

Did you enjoy Persona 4?  Do you like the Persona series?  I would love to hear from you!  Please leave me your feedback, and thanks again for reading and following my blog!  Until next time!

Lucas

Playstation All Stars Battle Royale Review: Beat em up goodness, Sony style!

Hello everyone and welcome back to my blog!  Things at the office have been winding down and my Thanksgiving was very full of joy, and I hope the same for all of my fellow gamers out there.  For this reason I have been idle and I apologize, but fear not, for I have a double dose of blogging goodness for everyone.

We all know about the beat em up franchise that Nintendo has with the Smash Brothers series.  Well this time around Sony is bringing their version of the beat em up franchise to the table with the release of Playstation All Stars Battle Royale.  I was very excited about this title and finally I have played this title and finally have my review for all of you.

Graphics:  From the moment you turn this game on, it completely sucks you in.  The intro is amazing and it pumps you up for the experience.  The backgrounds are lush and very well executed based on numerous Playstation game worlds from God of War to Jak and Daxter.  The character roster is very impressive 20 character selection.  There are other characters that will be available for download in the very near future, one of which I know of from sources is Kat from Gravity Rush.  Score: 9/10

Gameplay: The gameplay is smooth and impressive.  Smash Brothers veterans will feel right at home with this title.  While Smash Brothers’ objective was to beat your opponent in order to raise their percentage rate and knock them off the screen, Battle Royale is much different. The objective is to simply beat your opponent to raise your super meter and when it’s charged up (level 1-3) then you use your leveled super technique to knock your opponent(s) off the screen.  Numerous trophies to acquire and different challenges make this a title that will be playable for the holiday season and way beyond.    Score 9.5/10

Sound:  The musical score of Royale is top notch.  I can’t get the intro and character select theme out of my head.  The character voice overs make a valiant return for this amazing title.  A great barrel of ear candy all around.  Score: 9/10

Issues:  There are a few issues with online gameplay including occasional boots offline.  This will hopefully be fixed by Sony in time.

Final Score: 9/10

Thank you to all my fellow gamers for reading my blog, and please be sure to follow my blog and tell your friends about my blog.  Let’s share the love.  Thanks everyone.

Lucas