Review: Ragnarok Odyssey

Posted on November 1, 2012 by geelw

Platform: PlayStation Vita

Developer: Game Arts

Publisher: Xseed Games

# of Players: 1 (online 1 – 4)

ESRB Rating: T (Teen)

Score: A- (90%)

Another key Vita game hitting stores and PSN at a prime point in a pretty busy year, Ragnarok Odyssey is one of the better JRPGs on the handheld thanks to addictive, fast-paced gameplay, plenty of tough enemies in offline single and online multiplayer modes and lots of lovely visuals and sound to groove on as you play. The game clicks in just about every area and fans of Ragnarok Online and the under-appreciated Ragnarok DS will be pleased to know that the game has enough familiar elements that it feels like a natural extension of those games that can be enjoyed on its own merits. The game is so good that the only major flaws here are some lock-on issues and the lack of a PlayStation 3 version or the ability for Cross Play functionality. The PS3 could use a decent new MMO/Action RPG experience and this would have been superb had GungHo Online and developer Game Arts seen fit to bring the game to that console.

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Ragnarok Odyssey: A Few Hours Into Xseed’s Vita MMORPG Time Eater…

Posted on October 28, 2012 by geelw

Well alrighty then – after a chunk of time spent downloading thanks to a sloooooow connection and a bit of a false start when booting up the first time (I got a black screen for ages and had to reboot my Vita twice before the game woke up and decided to start), I’m finally playing Ragnarok Odyssey – well, the single player mode so far. So far, it’s quite fun – easy to get into in terms of setting up and creating your character, but not the grind-fest I thought it would be. You actually don’t gain levels by killing monsters (although you can repeat quests to gain extra items, weapons and other drops plus more Zeny to buy supplies and upgrade gear with). Your rank goes up as you complete chapters that advance the overall story.

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Orgarhythm Now Available On PSN – Another Vita Must Have for Xseed Fans…

Posted on October 23, 2012 by geelw

As this went live only a short time ago (a bit late, I think), I’m sitting here trying to download the game at a Starbucks, but may have to get back to getting it tomorrow, as it’s a big file and I’ve under an hour left before they kick me out. Gyaaaa! Still, I’m also in the middle of too many other games on the Vita at the moment: Dokuro, Retro City Rampage (I just started my review for that) and the import version of EDF 3 Portable so I won’t even get to touch Orgarhythm until at least Friday. Still, it’s a very, very good time to be a Vita owner, that’s for sure. I still need to get my paws on Virtue’s Last Reward, Corpse Party: Book of Shadows was just announced yesterday for the PSP (and will hopefully be playable on the Vita) and more key to niche gems are on the way. Sony fans, take heart – the Vita is far, far from “dead” these days…

Buy It! Half-Minute Hero: Super Mega Neo Climax Ultimate Boy Hits Steam

Posted on October 2, 2012 by geelw

One of the best blends of JRPG, humor and genuine challenge for the unwary player, Half Minute Hero finally hits the PC in a nicely buffed up version that rounds up all the content from the PSP while adding a really interesting cartoon art style (check out the YouTube video channel here) and of course, retaining the same lightning-paced gameplay from the portable games intact. BUY this game, I say, as it will make you laugh at the familiar tropes it pokes fun at while you’re getting creamed by some pretty pesky enemies. You need to pay attention, plan ahead and fight for time here as you try to make that 30 seconds count. Don’t play this on a laptop while traveling, however – people will think you’ve gone nuts when you start yelling at your screen and yep, the men in the white coats will follow soon afterward.

The Last Story: Great Game, But That Deluxe Packaging Is A Pain

Posted on September 22, 2012 by geelw

So, the copy of The Last Story I recently ordered finally arrived today and while I’m pleased as punch about this (the game is running in the background as I type this post), whomever designed the outer sleeve for the otherwise wonderful game packaging needs a spanking or something. The “book” design of the slipcase that protects the game and lovely art book gets an “A” overall, but after than, it’s a bit goofy.

I understand that yes, the “book” should open like a book, but that outer cover protective flap thing? Er, what the what are gamers supposed to DO with it once they open the package? It’s not going to fit inside the box, the two front flaps on the blasted thing stick up like gull-wing doors on a DeLorean and storing it like a book on a bookshelf is a bit of a lame idea (especially if you don’t have a proper bookshelf or like me, your bookshelf is packed to the gills with other games). Hmmm… maybe I should design a case for the case? Eh, not enough time, nor enough patience to fiddle with constructing something like that. Oh well – off to see if this Story is as great as it looks. I like Mistwalker’s games, so I intend to be suitably impressed when it’s necessary. Back in a bit…

Ragnarok Odyssey US Trailer: Vita JRPG Lovers, Xseed Wants All Your Spare Time

Posted on August 23, 2012 by geelw

Packing in a lengthy quest mode, a real time battle system focused on combos and contact, up to four player co-op via ad hoc or online, lovely visuals and some nice connections to the popular MMO series, this one could be an instant classic when it’s released. As someone who liked Ragnarok DS quite a lot and knows this game is going to be a whole lot better, I can’t wait to see how it turned out. My Vita’s getting hungry for more dungeons and drooling denizens determined to drop doom on my poor party. Fat chance, demon-spawn, fat chance, I say, grrrr!

Xseed’s August One-Two Punch: Way of the Samurai 4 and Gungrave: Overdose Hit PSN

Posted on August 21, 2012 by geelw

Normally, I’d suggest running the other way at paying $40 for a game that doesn’t come in a case with a manual, but I’ll make an exception for something this wacky, challenging and fun. Especially as it’s supporting the fine folk at Xseed Games who seem to be doing quite well with their digital releases these days. Acquire’s open world sword-swinging samurai series has gotten quirkier and more intriguing with each new installment, so if you’re into the Yakuza games and their weird (and more modern) riff on all things Japanese, you’ll like what here quite a lot. WoTS 4 has ten endings, loads of stuff to do in your travels and too much Japanese humor on display that you’ll have to play through a few times just to confirm that the game was that nuts. Check out the full features list on the PlayStation Blog post or at the game’s official site

Gungrave: Overdose is also super insane and while shorter and cheaper at $9.99, the more action-packed run ‘n gun gampelay found in this PlayStation 2 sleeper (now part of the PlayStation 2 Classics lineup) from 2004 (originally published by Mastiff Games in North America) might appeal to those who aren’t quite fans of wandering samurai in feudal Japan as it moves kicking and screaming into the modern era. Granted, you may not be into anime or manga either, but I say take a chance on one or both titles if you haven’t played them before. Of course, if you’re into offbeat Japanese games, haven’t played either of these and want to support Xseed, well… here you go. Just poke around the PSN store and you’ll find these with ease.

Incoming RPG! Unchained Blades: Xseed’s All-Star Manga/Anime Artist Dungeon Crawler

Posted on August 8, 2012 by geelw

As a big fan of all things dungeon crawler, I’ll have to pick this one up soon. I’ve been a bit occupied with a few other games and projects, so yes, I’m a wee but behind on newer reviews. Anyway, I’m happy about Unchained Blades for the mix of famous anime/manga artists for the character design, the old school grind-fest gameplay (a la Wizardry) and the fact that the game is PSP and Vita compatible. Now I’ll have to decide which portable to play it on and when to go snap this up. It’ll most likely be downloaded at a Starbucks nearby, as I can’t access my PSN account on my terrible home connection. This digital-only stuff is making me nuts sometimes… Ah, well.

Video Game Appreciation 101: Nintendo DS (New Additions)

Posted on July 20, 2012 by geelw

I need to do this on a more regular basis like some of my other fellow game bloggers (you know who you are, but I need to list you guys on my sidebar at some point today), so here you go, six new DS games added, all picked up quite cheap.

Aliens: Infestation is a pretty challenging side-scrolling shooter/adventure from WayForward Technologies (makers of some of the best “retro” style games out there) and Gearbox Software. Hop aboard an alien packed Sulaco as a squad of Marines as you search for survivors in this sort-of sequel/side-story to Aliens. With a limited number of squad members available (one they’re dead, they’re gone for good), some mean bosses that take a bit of work to put down and a decent amount of replay value, it’s not a bad game at all if you’re a fan of this sort of game.

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The Last Story To Be Told On A Wii Near You Next Month

Posted on July 13, 2012 by geelw

August 14, 2012, to be more precise. And yes, there’s a gorgeous 44-page art book included in all first edition copies of the game. if you get that pre-order in, you get a nice bonus in the form of a 7-track music CD. All for a mere $49.99. The nice thing is this isn’t a GameStop exclusive, so Amazon, Newegg, GameStop and other online or offline shops should be well stocked (well, for a Wii game, that is). Xseed isn’t yet selling this in their small online store just yet, but I’m hoping they decide to stock a few copies, as that’s where I’d prefer to spend my money – give it right to the publisher and cut out the middleman entirely. Eh, I’ll bug them later about it and see what the deal is on why they’re not carrying the game.