Review: Carnage Heart EXA

CHEXAPlatform: PlayStation Portable/PlayStation Vita

Developer: Artdink

Publisher: Natsume

# of Players: 1 – 2

ESRB Rating: T (Teen)

Official Site

Score: A-

Not for those with short attention spans, casual gamers, or anyone looking for a quick weekend fix, Carnage Heart EXA is one of those games that will find its audience among the select few gamers that crave something with depth and a level of challenge that’s going to be daunting to the more action-crazy crowd. The game isn’t “easy” at all, but rewards patience and persistence as it teaches you how to program a growing army of mechs and let them loose against the crafty AI the story mode throws at you. Outside of the 3D battles, the game is also a visual novel that tells a fairly straightforward tale that has drama, humor and even a bit of love story going on, all rendered in some very pretty still images. The mix will seem odd to those new to this style of game, but this blend of simulation and story has been a common thing in Japan for quite some time. Continue reading

Batman: Arkham Origins: Current Gen Still Has It Going On, It Seems…

Hmmm… I guess it HAD to happen, but with original developer Rocksteady Games not at the helm, will WB Games Montreal just be retreading the play mechanics from Arkham City in a different version of Gotham City packed full of familiar locations and possibly during different times of the day this installment? We shall see, of course and yeah, I’m too much of an optimist to think this talented dev team (which handled the superb Wii U enhanced “port” of Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition, by the way) is going to muck things up. THAT said, let’s hope they make this a game for the ages and fix a few of the issues even the mighty Rocksteady didn’t quite nail. One positive sign is the game is being made for every current-gen HD platform available, which means we’ll not only see a PC, PS3 and Xbox 360 version, but a new Wii U game as well.

The Vita and 3DS will finally get an Arkham game with Batman Arkham Origins: Blackgate, a “2.5D” action game from Armature Studios. Hopefully, both will be as close visually to the console games as possible and not too watered down or cartoony, as that’s almost always a disappointment in terms of continuity (well, at least in my book). Oh, for those wondering WHY Origins hasn’t been announced for the PS4 and next Xbox just yet, I’m guessing here, but I allow myself to do that once in a while for fun. Perhaps the guys and gals at Rocksteady ARE doing something on those consoles you don’t need to know about just yet, hmmmmm?

I say wait and see… but don’t be too surprised if it’s a new Arkham game or this one but done entirely in house and packed with visual punch to knock a room full of drooling fanboys to the nearest space station. *POW!* Watch this space…

Black Rock Shooter: The Game Trailers: Girl Power, PSP-Bound…

FINALLY, after a long delay, this 2011 PSP anime action game from developer Image Epoch is coming stateside courtesy of Nippon Ichi Software America. It’s one of those imports I’ve been waiting to play in English just so I can find out what’s up with the story and characters without having to dig out a few dictionaries and translation aids. Anyway, April 23, 2013 seems to be the date to watch out for on PSN in North America (and April 24 overseas), so I’ll do just that. Update! NISA just posted a new trailer right after the one above, so you get another look at more of the game (and some gameplay!):

Now, I just need to decide WHICH of my three PSP’s to download the game onto. I’ll probably end up using the newer model and/or my Vita if the game is compatible.

Dragon’s Crown Gameplay Trailer: Not Your Typical Storybook Fantasy Memories…


 
DC display packsAs you can probably guess from that video above, Vanillaware sure isn’t making Dragon’s Crown for the little kiddies… well, other than that happy dancing mouse that cracked me up because *BOOM!* it’s just THERE for a second or two in the middle of things before the next visual hits your eyeballs. Yeah, this gorgeous 2D side-scrolling fantasy chase ‘n chop is destined to get the fans raving about the lush art and maybe a few raging about the generously-endowed ladies (hey, that’s George Kamitani’s style at work and working well), but it’s all good.

I’d say that Atlus most certainly has a hit here for the PS3 and Vita, so set your sundials accordingly and maybe even think about pre-ordering this one, as I can see it going out of print fast as a physical copy when the otaku snap it up on day one. Yeah, yeah, digital is the big deal, but some of us like hugging our software a bit tighter whenever we can and for as long as possible…

Dragon’s Crown PS3, Vita Bound This Summer – It’s Worth Every Crown, I Say…

Title Logo
 
DC display packsVanillaware’s latest and absolutely gorgeous-looking 2D side-scrolling action RPG, Dragon’s Crown is finally US-bound this summer for both the PS3 and Vita (yup, you can pre-order it HERE) and yes, it’s going to arrive at a premium RETAIL price point for both the PlayStation 3 and Vita. Sure, $49.99 (PS3) and $39.99 (Vita) will seem pricey to the entitled trolls who bitch about game prices in the same posts they seem to cut and paste around the web (usually followed by “When is this going on SALE?” or something similarly cheap-sounding), but this isn’t some dumb mobile nickel and dimer we’re talking about here. George Kamitani and his team at Vanillaware make their art into gaming form and fans of the company’s other releases such as Odin Sphere, Muramasa: The Demon Blade and Princess Crown (which NEEDS a HD remake one of these days!) KNOW these games are well worth the money for the artwork and lovely character designs alone.

Por ejemplo…

04 06 05001

Of course, the addictive gameplay will be a big draw as well and this one’s got drop-in multiplayer on PlayStation 3 or via adhoc network on PlayStation Vita. No Cross Play functionality might be a sore spot for some, but I say pick one version (or both) and enjoy either ride solo or with like minded friends who also love Vanillaware’s games for their always awesome art and stylish hack & slash action. Chalk up another winner for Atlus, I say!

DC background art

Star Trek The Next Generation Warps Onto The Pinball Arcade via PSN

 

Farsight Studios just rocks. The small developer has been making quite possibly the best digital recreations of classic pinball tables you’ll ever see (Pinball Arcade) and they’ve been getting them out on assorted platforms with Sony’s PlayStation Network seemingly being the least problematic to produce content for outside of PC, iOS and Android devices. Their latest table should make ST:TNG fans grin like an angry Klingon because it’s not only a great game, it’s packed full of visual and aural notes from the show that will have you losing a few balls if you let yourself get too distracted. And if you’re asking “what’s pinball?”… oooh, you kids. Go find some old coot sitting on a park bench, wake him up with a soft kick as ask away. If you’re not beaten gently on and around the head with a cane, you may come away a bit more educated…

Carnage Heart EXA Set To Mech Up Your PSP or Vita Tomorrow…

 

CH_EXA_squareNatsume and Artdink have a nice and challenging little treat for you if you happen to have a PSP or Vita in your hot little hands. Carnage Heart EXA will be hitting PSN tomorrow and promises to be a pretty deep and engaging experience for all comers. Packing in loads of customizable mechs and the ability to “program” their moves for real-time battles is cool enough, but CHEXA also offers direct control for those gamers who want a bit more action as well as wi-fi play for that versus action you’re craving. Of course, there’s a Story mode to play through for you solo play junkies reading this, but it seems the game will find a nicely sized audience among online and offline mech-heads in the mood for something unique.

I believe I’ll reviewing this at some point before the month is out. I was planning to dig out my PSOne and copy of the original Carnage Heart to see if I was a terrible as I recall, but I haven’t had the chance to do so what with so many other things happening. This is probably a good thing, as this newer game seems to be a bit more user friendly yet still as tough if you go in unprepared.

BUY THIS GAME! Amanita Design’s Machinarium Headed to PS Vita March 26

 

One of the most unique-looking and fun indie adventure/puzzle games from a few years back is finally Vita-bound for an excellent price later this month. Amanita Design’s Machinarium is coming on March 26, 2013 for a paltry $6.99 and it’s actually greatly enhanced over the previously released PSN version. A reworked control scheme allows analog sticks or touchscreen movement, a new zoom function allows you to see things a bit closer (the artwork is so intricately detailed that this is a necessity), and PSn leaderboards have been added so you can check your times and mini-game scores against players from all over. Another must-buy indie game for Sony’s handheld? Sure, I’ll take it if it’s one as good as this…

VGA 101: On Kenji Eno (2): Something Old Brings In Something New(-ish)…

Lumines ES2Lumines ES1So, as I posted last week, I finally got around to sending back that formerly long-lost Kenji Eno autographed copy of D2 about a week or so ago and got this nice surprise as a return response. A copy of Lumines: Electric Symphony autographed by the game’s producer and one of Eno’s close friends. Nice. Amusingly enough, I hadn’t played this Vita game previously, so now I get to do so and having done something nice for someone in the process. Yeah, I’m a nice guy under all that cranky. MOST of the time. Not get the hell off my lawn, you kids. Scoot! I have some games to play and no time for you whippersnappers. Git!

 

Lone Survivor Headed to PS3 & Vita. Lock Yourself In, There’s Trouble All Around…

 

I actually hadn’t heard of Lone Survivor until a friend raved about the PC version a little while back. But I’ve just been way to busy to get to the ton of indie games I already have and pushed this one to the back burner. Now, I have a reason to give it a try, as the game is headed to the PS3 and Vita this summer courtesy of superflat games (which is Jasper Byrne) with an assist from London-based studio, Curve (which is a few more people). The game is a retro-looking but decidedly modern survival horror game that can be played in almost any way a player chooses. You can complete the game without firing a shot or go all out and try to dispatch every undead thing you come across. However, your character’s mental state is a bit off (possibly from hunger, thirst and/or lack of rest) and not everything is as it seems. Innnnnteresting, to say the least and given Byrne’s complete love for Sony’s console and handheld, PS3 and Vita owners can expect some nice changes to the game that include Trophies, Cross-Buy and Cross-Play support plus MORE. What’s MORE you ask? Ha! That trick NEVER works here, kids.  You’ll see if you click on this PlayStation Blog post…