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Star Ocean: The Last Hope International (PS3)
by SciFighterAlpha
This game is the continuation of the Star Ocean series (the previous being Star Ocean Till The End Of Time on PS2) and takes the series to a whole new level of excellance.The game is created by Japanese producers Tri Ace who have published through square enix and is available on both PS3 and Xbox 360.
Story.
This is a ... prequal to the earlier PS2 game and explains the turn of events that lead mankind to destroy our own planet. You take the role of Edge & Reimi who are part of mankind's first exploration missions to space in order to locate a new home planet to colonize after the nuclear war that destroyed the surface of Earth.
During initial parts of the mission problems occur with many of Earth's spaceships lost during warp transfer. The Calnus (ship piloted by Edge) arrives on the destination planet and begins a search for the missing ships. During the search Reimi & Edge come across a new friend in Faize (an alien being sent to investigate the missing ships). While returning to the Calnus the team are attacked by the Mysterious Grigori!
Their mission begins now, search the universe for their missing comrades while trying to locate a new planet for the human race and information on the Grigori.
Graphics/Music
There really can be no complaints as far as graphics are concerned, the battles look beautiful as well as the FMV sequences which will have you on the edge of your seat. This alongside huge arrays of music from renown japanese producers Tri-Ace really sets a tone which matches the game and genuinly improves the gameplay.
Battle System
This is a simpe battle system (anyone familiar with previous titles in the series will be right at home), asking you to take control of a single character while 3 are CPU controlled. The CPU can be adjusted to suit any occasion and battle scenario. There is a good learning curve with access on the menu to tips on how to succeed.
Overall
This is a perfect addition to the Star Ocean Series and also a stand alone title as no prior knowledge is required as all is explained. The level of customisation in game and amount of extras included are truly astounding warrenting multiple playthroughs and intense fun. This game feels endless in the best possible way
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Cross Edge (PS3)
by SciFighterAlpha
Cross edge is a japanese role playing game that uses the familiar turnbased battle system with a "combo boost" attack to make things more interesting.
Graphics
The graphics in general are ok, however given that this is a PS3 game you can't help but feel disappointed. Most of the talking and conversations ... (including cutscenes) are done with a static image where the facial expression changes. Again there are a stock number of expressions so get used to seeing the same faces over and over.
Story
Cross Edge features characters from Darkstalkers, Disgaea, Ar tonelico: Melody of Elemia, Spectral Souls: Resurrection of the Ethereal Empires, Atelier Marie and Mana Khemia 2: Fall of Alchemy.
The story revolves around 3 central characters (with characters from the games above playing support roles and also play as baddies) who along with dozens of others have been brought to this mysterious world.
The game involves travelling round the map and collecting souls to advance. The ultimate battle is with the Empyreal one and his minions who'll you'll encounter on your journey.
Gameplay
The battle system is a generic turn based system with a combo move while using a square based grid. Generally easy to control although can take some time to get used to the battle. The level of customisation here is literally endless, each character has access to several outfits, hundreds of weapons and accessories plus also a multitude of battle combo's. You will find yourself travelling through the same (or at least very similar) surroundings over and over as you progress with the never ending random battle system.
Overall
I would definately recommend this game to any of the fans of the aforementioned games and fans of Role Playing games in general but this is certainly about the grind of battle and earning your rewards, some people would say the lack of moving characters in cutscenes and the level of commitment needed is too much. If you like RPG's and have 100 hours + to kill then get this over the top frantic game
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Resonance of Fate (PS3)
by SciFighterAlpha
To start, if any are confused by the notion of steam punk, allow me to sum up Steampunk is a genre which came into prominence during the 1980s and early 1990s and incorporates elements of science fiction, fantasy, alternate history.
The Story centres around 3 main characters and the distopian world in which they live, a tower ... known as Basel. The characters all meet in rather unusual circumstances and the story of turn-based mercenaries begins. You will spend alot of time in elevators travelling to different floors of the tower which can be quite annoying if i'm honest.
The opening chapter includes full instructions to any unaware of this kind of battle system and teaches the player how to succeed in battle, also with multiple skill levels for the game most people will have a great experience.
The plot thickens as you progress with the protagonist Zephyr (and his partners Leanne and Vashyron) as you find out incidents of long past that will now shape the future of mankind. The team realise that something is amiss and begin to come into conflict with the ruling elite, the cardinals. Towards the end of the game we learn more about Leanne and her relationships to the Cardinals and the secrets she has been keeping. All is answered in the final sequences which i will not spoil for anyone here.
Overall, the story is in depth and shows great characters struggling with their own world. This is a unique game from Tri-Ace (although published through Sega) so any fans of Star Ocean, Eternal Sonata, Final Fantasy ect will be in for a treat.
Another great bonus is the choice of languages, either the original Japanese with English subtitles or you can play with a complete American Audio.
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