Spectral Souls (PSP)

Spectral Souls is a strategy RPG for the PSP. The original
game was Spectral Souls 2 for the PS2 (JP only). This
remake removes the level cap, as well as includes some new
dungeons. Newcomers to this series should not be afraid.
You will not be lost in the story.

Story (8/10)- You play as three separate armies, are all
involved in a war to gain control. How you progress effects
the story effects the turn of events. It is a good twist on
the normal war story which tends to make SRPGs work.

Gameplay (10/10)- Always the meat and bone of SRPG. The
system is on a grid system like many of its genre. It
uses an AP system, which each action costs AP (Action
Points), and you have to wait once you use all your AP.
Using less AP allows your character to gain his turn faster.
So no longer do you have to be careful with the way you use
your special skills and magic, for with the AP system MP is
out the window. Another part of the battle system is the
chain and combo attacks. You can use skills alone, allowing
you to use the same attack several times, or use several at
once, sometimes combining the attacks into a stronger skill.
You can also get your other characters into the action to
rack up the damage.

If an ally falls during battle it gives you three turns to
resurrect that character, very much like Final Fantasy
Tactics. However unlike FFT if those three turns pass that
character is only out of the battle, not gone forever.

There is also a small amount of character customization is
the game. You gain points for the character to upgrade as
you please, and you also gain a type of point called party
points for completing story battles, which acts in the same
way as the points you use to upgrade your units, allowing
you to make the characters your own. You are also able to
change what skills they use, allowing you to change up their
attacks as you see fit, further customizing them.

Sounds (6/10)- The music in the game fits, however nothing
to really write home about. The few battle tracks feels
completely at place in the game, however grows repetitive
somewhat quickly.

Graphics (9/10)- I'm not one to be to picky on my graphic.
They are simple 2D character sprites with plenty of polish
to make them pleasing. The battlefield seems to be 3Dish.

Other notes about game: If you are to search for other
reviews, you will come across one simple factor. The
loading of the game does in fact take a while, however
using the cache feature in the psp slim and up helps
speeds things up. In reality the loading times using
a slim are very manageable.

The major flaw in my opinion is the hassle you have to
go through just to save every time. It is just plain
annoying, but you get over it.

Overall (9/10)- Overall its good. The loading times can
be a burden sometimes, but this is a fantastic SRPG that
a fan of the genre should not miss out on. The replay
value is great, and so is the fun factor. The fact every
choice and how you progress effects the story is proof
of the replay value.

Megaman 9 (Wii, PS3, Xbox 360)

*Note* This is based off the Wii version. Any differences from the other versions will not be noted.

The folks over at Capcom felt like taking a bold move. They added a new entry to the classic Megaman series, giving it the feel of the earlier NES versions. This was a very bold move, but it worked out well. Its what many of the original fans have come to love, while introducing the newer players to an interesting experiance. This title is for Wiiware, Xbox Live, and the PSN network.

Story: The world is at peace, well that is till a set of new robots attacks. This new threat is now from Dr. Wily, but from Dr. Light. In order to save the world Dr. Wily is taking donations to build his own set of robots. Its up to Megaman to clear Dr. Lights name.

Graphics: If you played the original Megaman games you should know what to expect. This game is made in retro glory, bringing everything down to 8-bits. If you were born with the NES you might have a wonderful trip to the past, while if you were born later you can relive what many of us started with.

Sound: Along with the graphics, the sound was given a downgrade, not that its bad. Each track is catchy as well as infectious. Many claim the soundtrack rivals that of Megaman 2's.

Gameplay: From the get go you are given a choice of 8 robot masters to face. Each stage has you avoiding obsticals such as spikes and pits, as well as several enemies. You are armed with only your buster. I'm sorry to say for those that got used to the slide and charge buster, as they are not in this game. You are however given the use of your robotic companion Rush. Once you reach the end of a stage you are faced against the robot master. If you manage to defeat the boss, you are given their weapon, which will work well against one of the other bosses.

During each of the stages you will collect bolts, which can be used at the stage select screen in the shop, which allows you to buy different items to aid you in your quest.

After you defeat the 8 robot masters, you must undertake a gauntlet of stages to face the final boss.

During the gameplay you can also complete challenges, which range from the easy to the impossible.

Replayability: Unlike other megaman titles, the added challenges and ability to buy additional content really adds to the many times one can play this game.

Overall I'd say this is a must buy. This game is challenging, but like all the other additions can be overcome through memorisation. Well worth it if your looking for a challenge, or a fan of the series.

Chaos Legion (PS2)

You know those times you feel its you against the world? That is exactly what this game plays as. This game is not for those who can not take a challenge.

Story:
You, as Seig Warheit, must face off against Delacroix, a former friend, who's soul is taken over and stained by the blood of the innocent.

Music:
Everywhere you go you notice a dark tune playing. While it does get boring after a while it fits into the game pretty well.

Gameplay:
The gameplay is pretty forward. you are sent into a area, and you must make your way to the end. Each level is split into areas, which is timed. To get to the next area, you must complete a special task. Man times its to defeat a special monster. The better you do in each area, the better bonus item and exp you shall gain.

There are 2 types of monsters in the game. Organic, and metal. Each attack, and each legion has its own strength and weakness. Its up to you to make use of everything your given.

Legions are the monsters you summon. They are sealed within crests. At first they are small in number, and pretty weak. As you work with them though, you shall summon more monsters with each spell. The crests of the legions also have an effect on your Seig. Each crest increases his stats, and allow for bonus moves. You can only use the bonuses of the crests you have equiped though.

When summoned you can put them in attack or defense mode. In attack, they seek out the closest monster and attacks them. In defense mode, they stay near you, protecting you from damage. When not summoned, you can preform a special attack with the legion with a single press of a button. Each attack changes from legion to legion.

Experience is pretty important. It will have you racing to complete the task, while taking out as many monsters as you can. You do not have to do this task alone though. You are able to bring forth 2 legions into each stage. Only the legions you bring with you shall gain experience.

Overall:
A great game, that was sadly overlooked. The game play is difficult, and tests your skills to the limit. The music adds to the atmosphere, and the game play is smooth, if not a little complicated to understand.

If you find it on the used game rack, I highly advise you to pick it up.
8/10

Mario Galaxy (Wii)

Hes back, and he has some new moves. You should all know the plumber in red, who go out of his way to save the Princess. This time his latest rescue mission leads him into the cold reaches of space.

Story:
The story is what many has came to expect from Mario. Princess Peach gets captured by bowser, and Mario goes off to save her. Mario is given a Luma which allows him to spin and breath in space. You will be taken from planet to planet in hopes of collecting the power stars.

Controls:
The controls for the game is pretty good. You use the Nunchuk/remote combo. The analog stick moves Mario, while the A button lets him jump. You also use the B button to shoot starbits (small crystals which you collect), Z to duck, and a quick side swipe of the remote to spin. I'm not going to lie, it takes some getting used to, but they are very easy to learn.

Music:
Do you remember Super Mario 3? If you do then prepare for a huge flood of memories in each level. The music in this game is pretty much redone SMB3 music. Everything from the Battle ship theme, to the Swimming music is here. It brings the levels together nicely.

Gameplay:
Your main goal is to retrieve the power stars, and the mighty grand stars from Koopa and several other creatures. The game is divided into galaxies. Don't let that word fool you, each level is pretty small. In each galaxy there are around 5-6 stars there. There are a total of 120 stars in the game for Mario to collect. During your travels in these galaxies, you will need to make great use of your jumping powers. Of course only jumping won't save you. You must learn to make use of your starbits, using them to stun, and to gain lives. Also on occasion you shall find a special suit, which allows Mario to do several different things.

Bee Mario - able to climb Honeycomb walls, and fly. Unable to do special jumps.
Boo Mario - able to float, and go through grates and other things.
Fire Mario -able to shoot fire balls for a limited time.
Ice Mario - Able to freeze water, allowing for easier travel.


Overall:
I liked the game, although I can't help but feel it is a bit overrated. The music is a nice touch, but there is a lot lacking from the levels. The levels feel linear and too small. They are not as open as the levels in both Sunshine and 64.

Overall I would rate this game 7/10. Fun, but the linear gameplay gets tiresome.

GrimGrimoire PS2

Here is an interesting game from the makers of Odin Sphere. This game is both unique and breathtakingly beautiful. On top of that the music, voice-overs, and plot are well done.

Story:
You are Lillet Blan. A new student at the Silver Star Tower. She works hard to learn new spells, so she can become a great magician for her brothers. Through out this adventure, you learn from teachers, fight teachers, make friends, and become enemies with all you meet. During the fifth day of studying, a most unfortunate event happens. Everyone dies, and you are next. Facing death, you are transported back in time, having to replay those same 5 days again.

You must learn from your mistakes and learn greater magic in order to solve this mystery.

Gameplay:

This is played like a RTS, or real time strategy. There are 4 types of magic in which you can use, each having advantage and disadvantage towards another type of magic.

Glamour :

"The magic calls upon the faintest powers which exist everywhere, but the
fierce powers of created lives cannot be stopped."

These creatures hate the undead, while fear those lives made artificially. In this class you summon elves, faries, and unicorns to aid you in your defence. Its holds great power, and the undead had better watch out.

Necromancy:

"The magic calls upon those who should not exist, and therefore fear the
embodiment of nature's laws."

Ghosts, Ghouls, and gastly things is what you get with this magic. They fear the creatures from the Glamour grimoire. Most of these fallen souls have the ability to pass through walls, allowing them to travel fast. They also have the added benifit of not being hit by physical attacks. They are strong against the devil's sorcery.

Sorcery:

"The magic works with the enemies of god, but no method can fight against the
pure wills which still look to god in the deepest darkness."

This is one of the more powerful spell sets out there. You can summon creatures from Imps, to massive dragons. They fear the undead, but they laugh at the Alchemy creatures.

Alchemy:

"The incomplete lives, born by the hands of men pretending to be god, are
perfect prey to those who stand against god."

This is one of the more difficult spell classes to use. As it deals with more indirect attacks. Each of the the creatures you call forth are strong. All of the direct attackers use phisical force to attack,
thus making them moving targets towards ghosts. You can remidy that by using your Homunculus to turn the ghostly people solid. These man made creatures are weak against the minions of Hell, but make short work of the Glamour folk.


Through out the story, you will learn new spells. You shall only start with the basic elves and work your way up from there.

Each map in itself ranges from medium to huge. Many of the later missions will take around 30-60 minutes to complete. So prepare to spend some time with this game. Each map will have you complete a certain objective. Its mostly defeat all of 's runes, but they mix it up sometimes with timed, or missions with more than one enemy. The missions start out easy enough, but by the half way point the Normal difficulty may be a big much.

Most of the main missions unlocks a bonus level to play upon beating the level.


Overall: Great music, great music, everything is great. The replay value may be low to some people, but being able to replay old story missions, and all those bonus missions with each difficulty adds a good amount of replay value to those that work for it.

5/5 Loved it.

Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga (Rated M)

This is another game made by Atlus. A few other games you may have noticed that is labled with the Shin Megami Tensei title would be Persona 1 and Persona 2 (both versions) for the PS. Devil Summoner - Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army, Nocturn, and the newly released Persona 3 for the PS2.

The story:
In the world Junkyard (the name of the world), six tribes fight an endless war. They fight for supremacy and the right to ascend to Nirvana. All they know is to fight. After a blinding light interrupts a deadly skirmish between two tribes, new found powers are soon discovered. With those powers comes a new rule to this game of supremacy, eat or be eaten. Together with a mysterious black haired girl, can you lead your tribe to Nirvana, or will you simply become the food for other demons?

The gameplay:
This is your average RPG. You star off with three party members, and as you continue through the story you get more to use. Each of the party members can turn int demons. In their human form, they are weak, but can use guns. The guns changes powers and elements depending what bullets you equip them with. In demon form, you gain the ability to cast different abilities. To gain more abilities, you must master the Mantra your character has. Upon mastering the Mantra you can then buy another mantra, and switch back between the mantra's you already bought. Once you gained the abilities from the mantra, you have access to them when ever you want. The only purpose of switch back to a different mantra you mastered is to take its strengths and weaknesses.

During battle you must thing about your moves. You are given a set amount of moves, and the turn ends once they are used up. You can gain more actions by exploiting the enemies weaknesses, and causing critical attacks. Upon doing one of the aforementioned tasks, you gain an extra action. You will also lose two actions if you miss, or if they block your attack. The same shall go towards to your enemies.

Unlike many other SMT games, you don't befriend other lesser demons for you to use. Its just you and your party.

Overall, I'd give it a 6.5
Story - Its good, but a tad bit short, and linar, even with it spread out through 2 different games.
Music - I love it, wish I got the soundtrack with it.
Replay-ability - Lacking in this department. All you have to do is complete the story, and get all the montras.

The beggining of the Gaming Blog

This is the beginning of the KOK gaming blog. All of the information regarding games will go here. This is mostly to get an inside look at my gaming habits. This blog will attempt to keep the spoilers to a minimum, but some are bound to slip eventually.
Thats it for the first post (Which is really the second post).