Just a small note, dear readers!
Our usual weekend News Roundup has been delayed until Monday afternoon/evening.
I hope you all can survive this tragic event.
Delay
Monday, October 5th, 2009Thinking of You, Wherever You Are.
Monday, October 5th, 2009Wow, Kingdom Hearts Week! Where did you go? It feels like you just came and went and we barely had a chance to get close. I must say, however, that Riddles’ recent post on Kingdom Hearts’ charm represents my thoughts perfectly. There’s just something about the world of Kingdom Hearts that resonates in an unexpected and beautiful way.
I’m still thoroughly enjoying Kingdom Hearts: Dumb Name, but I’ve been side-tracked in it by playing some holo-missions for completist reasons and the challenge missions for fun and upgrades. Either way, it’s nice to have the series return. However, no matter how much I don’t want to let go, I must. Despite my crazy week, Riddlethos must step forward to realize its wish.
And who knows? Starting a new journey may not be so hard…
Kingdom Hearts: One Man’s Trash…
Sunday, October 4th, 2009
Quite the mishmash.
Square Enix’s Kingdom Hearts series is an odd beast.
In most cases, gamers either adore the series, or despise it for a variety of reasons. And the funny thing is that honestly, it’s easier to make a case for how bad the series is than how good it is.
Having said that, know that I am indeed a Kingdom Hearts fan. I have fond memories of my introduction to the series way back in the day with the original Kingdom Hearts. I enjoyed Chain of Memories for what it was, despite the radical, and often frustrating changes in the gameplay. And Kingdom Hearts II most definitely has a spot among my all-time favorite PS2 RPGs. I’m “under the spell,” as I like to say; one way or another, Kingdom Hearts just works for me.
A brief re-visiting of Kingdom Hearts II was all it took to re-confirm this fact. Cheesy voice acting, intensely melodramatic scripting, and embarrasing localization issues aside, the first few hours of Square Enix’s PS2 masterpiece amazed me today just as it did over three years ago. The question, though, is why?
What makes or breaks Kingdom Hearts is the setting itself: Disney characters and Final Fantasy heroes thrown into the same game, with a healthy dose of original (and very Japanese) content to buff out the storyline. It sounds crazy because it IS crazy. Nobody knew what the hell to think when the original Kingdom Hearts was announced oh-so-many years ago. Upon its arrival, the odd mishmash of characters and franchises either resonated with gamers, or it simply… didn’t. There isn’t too much more to say, frankly; people like myself find the concept charming, while others find it awkward and childish.
Regardless, it can’t be denied that the series has a hell of a heart behind it. Sora is a naive little toolbag, but I find myself relating to the guy nonetheless. He doesn’t really buy into the whole key-bearer nonsense, he just wants to find his friends and go back to a peaceful life on his lush island home. And, as the player, I find myself wanting the exact same thing. Kingdom Hearts has an awful lot of convoluted mythology behind it, which is honestly quite fascinating if you take the time to wrap your head around it. But the ongoing themes of friendship and devotion are what make the player connect to the experience – provided they can get past the heavy layer of schmaltz and melodrama.
This can't come soon enough.
It’s worth mentioning that the mechanics upon which the game is built are, for the most part, pretty solid. The combat is fairly straightforward hack-and-slash, with a pinch of obligatory RPG elements. Is it deep? No, not really. Is it broken? Not by any means. It’s fast, flashy, fun, and most of all, flashy. Kingdom Hearts is just one of those experiences that has a very unique, very over-the-top sense of style to it. And once again, this manner of flashy, stylized fun will either draw gamers in, or turn them away in disgust.
It’s hard to argue against those who dislike the series; it just doesn’t work for everyone. But it certainly works for me. I still consider the “opening segment” of Kingdom Hearts II to be one of the best found in any game, ever. The conclusion to Roxas’ tragic story brought tears to my eyes back in 2006, and three years later, it has the same effect. In Kingdom Hearts, Square Enix has the beginnings of a rich and long-running franchise. Here’s hoping they take the ball and run with it.
Watch the TGS Final Fantasy XIII Trailer in English
Saturday, October 3rd, 2009Oh hell yes. Y’know that epically long trailer I mentioned in last Tuesday’s Hey Look Listen? Well it’s since been dubbed in English, and as a result, is now approximately eight times more awesome. Not to mentioned a lot easier to comprehend.
Lots of melodrama to be found here. Thankfully the voice acting is competent, though I’m hoping for less… “anime twang” when the final product hits stores. But that’s enough of me; check out the trailer yourself.
‘ELLO GUV’NAH! – October 2nd 2009
Friday, October 2nd, 2009Well, this is a bit of an interesting case. I’ve actually ONLY played Kingdom Hearts: Dumb Name this week. Literally. Unless you count Sudoku on my iPod. And I don’t count that. So I’ll just post my impressions of the game so far. Kill two somethings with one something.
Kingdom Hearts: 358/2 Days –
Well, the name is still stupid, but if you’ve been following Riddlethos during this Kingdom Hearts Week, you probably already know that my opinion of the game itself doesn’t reflect my opinion of the title. Now work started its kick into overdrive this week, and stunted my previously quick progress through the game, I’m still a healthy 7 hours into the title and have played enough at this point to talk about the developing pros and cons.
Things I like –
Like I mentioned before, the combat is fun and returns to Kingdom Hearts’ roots. Meaning it is fast-paced, fun, but more importantly properly challenging. Unlike the pure button mashing in Kingdom Hearts II, Dumb Name requires you to think before you hack and slash. Magic is important again, and just running into the fray against larger enemies will almost guarantee your defeat. This ties into another great aspect of the game: the brand new panel system. Not entirely unlike the deck-building mechanic from Chain of Memories, Dumb Name lets you build Roxas from scratch by way of filling up a bunch of panels with different tiles. And I mean from scratch. You add items, magic, and even levels this way. If you’d rather have 3 hi-potions instead of Roxas gain 3 more levels, you’re certainly allowed to do that. In this way, it’s almost like The World Ends With You. These comparisons to other handheld games are a good thing, however, as the deck-building from Chain of Memories was probably the best part of the entire game, and The World Ends With You is just awesome all around. There are a few minor downsides to this system, but I’m not there yet. First, I have to say how refreshing it is to return to the world of Kingdom Hearts. Yes, we’re retreading old ground, but it’s from a new perspective and delivered with the kind of honesty that only Kingdom Hearts can deliver. I can only imagine that Kingdom Hearts II will be a far more rewarding play after completing this game. Seeing Roxas’ tale is interesting and involving. However…
I'll memorize your FACE
Things I don’t like -
There are some REALLY bizarre and out of place script and story choices. For such a tight package, it’s very noticeable when any one exchange or choice has been handled in a lazy manner. This hasn’t happened too often so far, but it’s a little jarring when it does happen. Going back to the panel system. For as much as I love it, I wish things were just a little more clear. There are some tiles that connect with other tiles, and while most of them are clear, sometimes I’m left with trial and error to see which panels connect. In terms of the battle system, while it’s overall very strong, the weaker enemies DO bring some of the game’s more repetitive features to light. A lot of the same enemies from old games, a lot of the same worlds from old games, and pretty much exactly the same music from old games. While the ventures into Disney worlds are still far more focused on the main characters (thank god), I seriously never want to go into Agrabah again. And if I do, it better be in the palace or somewhere completely different. Seriously, enough already. The novelty wore off in Chain of Memories. Not mention the TWO MORE TIMES I had to visit it in Kingdom Hearts II. Ugh. Also I hate Axel’s stupid “got it memorized?” hook. So dumb.
Anyway, as you can tell, my enjoyment of the game is absolutely outweighing my gripes. Hopefully I can tear another good chunk out of it this weekend and I can pretend that I didn’t accidentally look at story spoilers on Wikipedia. Long live Kingdom Hearts!
Hey! Look! Listen!
Friday, October 2nd, 2009
Another Thursday, another edition of… ah, actually, it’s not Thursday anymore. Oh well.
Failed introductions aside, I feel I should inform you that as I write this column, the original Jurassic Park is playing on Cinemax. I haven’t seen this movie in years, and I’d honestly forgotten how good it is. I also forgot how annoying that Timmy kid is. Just saw the part where he got shocked. Chuckled a little.
Okay, back on track. Time for some news. Or whatever approximation I can gather.
Young children would easily identify...
What the… a Spore Movie? Really?
I know you hope I’m joking. Sadly, I am not. EA Games has just struck a deal with 20th Century Fox to make a movie based on, of all properties, Spore. Reportedly, Ice Age director Chris Wedge is attached to the project.
Ice Age was good, so I can kinda see this turning out to be a good animated comedy. Spore’s colorful world and unique characters would certainly translate well into an animated flick, that much is certain. While I tend to frown on game-to-film adaptations on principle, I’m more optimistic for a Spore movie than anything else coming down the pipes. (Variety).
Avoid Wii Update 4.2
Now these are rather… dire tidings. It’s news like this that makes me glad I don’t utilize WiiConnect24. Or whatever the fuck it’s called. Reports have been flying hither and thither about Wii Update 4.2 rendering Wii’s useless. Problems include freezing in the middle of the update, disc read errors after installing the update, and worst of all, error messages claiming that the Wii has been modified, and then failing to start.
Nintendo has already issued a statement on their tech support forums addressing the issue. Or rather, just an apology and an offer to fix bricked consoles for free. As long as it wasn’t previously modded, of course.
You can't deny, it's a very attractive device.
Sony Adding PSP-Only Digital Copies to Blu-Ray Discs
I seem to recall that this was brought up as a possibility sometime last year; if I had to guess, I’d say it was E3 2008. But I’m too lazy to research it, and it’s just an aside anyway. Starting November 10 Sony Pictures Home Entertainment will include digital copies on Blu-Ray discs that can be transfered to PSP systems. Kinda like those digital copies for the PC that get thrown in every so often, except… for the PSP. Not too hard to grasp, eh? The first two Blu-Rays to sport this feature will be 1997’s Godzilla and The Ugly Truth.
Neat little feature, though I doubt I’ll ever use it. (Kotaku).
Oh, The PSP Go Came Out Today
Or yesterday, rather. In any case, it’s out now. I don’t know if you’ve been following the early reviews of the system, but they haven’t been entirely positive. It seems that reviewers just can’t justify the PSP Go’s $250 price tag, especially given its lack of compatibility with UMD libraries. But hey, don’t take MY word for it. Check out Kotaku’s review here.
Or, if you’d like, check out IGN’s verdict here.
That’s all I got. Jurassic Park is over. I have a strange desire to see the second and third films now. They weren’t that great if my memory serves me. BUT THE DESIRE REMAINS.
Okay, for real, that’s all I got. Goodnight everyone.
Dead Space: Extraction: Initial Impressions
Thursday, October 1st, 2009
Look familiar?
Admittedly, I was a bit late to the party with EA’s 2008 action-adventure/horror title Dead Space. I received the game as a gift, gave it a go, and I’ve been a devout fan ever since. The review I wrote during my Lusipurr.com days sums up my thoughts accurately.
Now, hardly a year later EA gives us Dead Space: Extraction, a prequel to the original, and exclusive to the Wii. As you all know, Extraction takes on the form of a rail shooter, a point of contention among much of the fanbase. As of right now, I’ve played through the first five chapters, and I can assure you, I’ve been having a great time . Despite its occasionally frustrating constraints as a rail shooter, Extraction tells a great story sure to please fans of the first game, and manages to be a lot of fun to play.
Seeing the origins of the Dead Space saga is quite interesting indeed. It’s surprising, actually, how story-driven the game is; thankfully, the voice acting is well-done across the board, and the scripting is well-written and believable aside from some scattered moments of cheese.
But fear not, there are plenty of aliens to shoot as well. The first-person shooting mechanics work quite well with the Wii’s control scheme – as if you expected any different. I’m honestly not much of a shot, though; I can’t seem to get more than a 70% accuracy rating on any of the missions. Of course, you have to recall that this is the first Wii game I’ve played in… oh… how many years now?
The only real disappointment found in Dead Space: Extraction is the lack of scares. The original Dead Space had me quivering on my couch when I played it at night. While Extraction manages to build some tense scenarios, they never quite cross into the realm of frightening. Disappointing, yes, but easily forgiven.
Dead Space: Extraction is a game that I don’t plan to stop playing until it’s finished. Look for my final thoughts soon.
Speaking of Kingdom Hearts
Wednesday, September 30th, 2009
Well folks, it’s been a very festive week so far with lovely pictures, embedded videos, and Mickey Mouse making his way onto the face of some coked out Final Fantasy XIII character. I’mma call her Cokey.
But this post isn’t about Cokey. This is about observations I’ve made about the Kingdom Hearts series now that I’ve been able to dive back into it by revisiting old favourites and trying out brand new titles. I popped the original game into my PS2 the day before I bought Dumb Name, and I got as far as kicking Leon’s ass in Traverse Town. As for Dumb Name, I’m now over 4 hours in sitting at Day 71 (the game skips days, so that doesn’t mean all that much in terms of completion).
Anyway, it was a strange experience seeing the beginning of Kingdom Hearts I. There was some decidedly cheesy voice acting (should have started playing last week), yet I was impressed with its focus on character. For a series that has a lot of over-the-top things to say, and an obsession with calling lovers “friends”, the original game is surprisingly captivating right out of the gate. Sora’s feelings for Kairi are clear right from the start which is essential for the game to draw the player in and make him realize that this series will be as much about emotion as it will be about saving the world. This is a lesson that many, many games need to learn. While the wacky trio is always focused on defeating Ansem, Sora’s motivation is only convincing because all he ultimately wants is to find Riku and Kairi.
On a nit-picky tangent, I hate that right off the bat the three friends are hypothetically talking about “other worlds” instead of just the world outside the island, it seems incredibly contrived. Also, although the scene in the “Secret Place” is really cool, it’s also an example of one of the worst miscommunications in gaming scene production. After a mysterious cloaked figure is speaking face to face with Sora for a few lines, Sora RANDOMLY stops and says “Huh? Where’d you come from?!” Makes no sense.
Anyway, the ultimate point is that Kingdom Hearts: Dumb Name seems to have similar high and low points in its story-telling. Organization XIII cares about their lack of hearts a lot more than people WITH hearts care about anything, but at the same time, there’s a very real connection with Roxas’ story. There’s that special Kingdom Hearts charm that allows it all to be believable, and even when the script isn’t the best, the characters always act in accordance with their personalities and thematic role. I may have more insight into why Kingdom Hearts just works, but more likely I’ll give in depth impressions about Kingdom Hearts: Dumb Name before anything else.
I know a few Riddlethos readers are also Kingdom Hearts fans, so what makes it work for you guys? Lemme know!
Correction
Wednesday, September 30th, 2009Right, so this is KINGDOM HEARTS Week. Not Drugged-Out Fantasy for Riddles Week. Seriously, when did the Final Fantasy series start introducing hard drugs to their characters?
That's Better.
