Disney's Magical World is one of the best games I have actually played involving Disney. Sure there have been good games done by them, but quite a few are mostly Disney Princess games that nobody would want to touch with a 10 foot pole. But enough about that, Disney's Magical World (or DMW for short) is a game about you, you either use your Mii or you make a character from a range of choices such as hair, skin color, gender, etc. You go to Disney's castle to help breathe life into the area as ghosts have reared their ugly head making life there miserable. To start there is a prologue to get people into the swing of things, and the goal throughout the game is to defeat ghosts in dungeons while earning stickers to customize yourself even further as the stickers unlock outfits, dungeons, and worlds.
As you progress you get your own cafe, which is customizable as well. You choose which food to serve and your furniture, so if you have a favorite Disney Movie you can decorate it as such. Later you get a room, but serves no real purpose other than to decorate. Eventually to help with the cafe, you get a garden to grow food as well as other plants for outfit materials. Almost everything in this game has a use and money is mostly done by cafe rather than selling.
Once you settle in dungeons make an appearance, and while straightforward can be frustrating as while you can upgrade, it's easy to lose track of what material is gathered in what dungeon. This is offset by a recipe tracker but it just gives a general location. Overall I'd say dungeons are a weak point though I hope if there's a sequel there is improvement as I think potential is there. There is also little room for exploration, the main world is just a hub and the dungeons are separated by three worlds (4 if you get the Pirates of the Carribean, a must if you are a fan of the movies and is really cheap for what it offers). While the garden has its own world there are no dungeons there. Multiplayer is also non-existent, while there are opportunities to go to a friend's or guest's cafe that's all there is, again if there is a sequel I hope for a bit of improvement, such as interaction or aid of some kind.
Overall, most players have hit it on the head as a kind of cross between Rune Factory and Animal Crossing, there are holidays and weapons to upgrade so I would have to agree, you just don't get punished for not playing (Animal Crossing) and no marriage (Rune Factory). I highly recommend this game if you enjoy Disney and customization as there are plenty of outfits to collect (your worst nightmare if you loooove to collect EVERYTHING like me).
Overall I think it's worth at least a try, as while it's not up there in terms of classic it's certainly enjoyable.
7.5/10
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Saturday, May 3, 2014
Impressions: Disney's Magical World
Hi again readers, Airbender here with something new, an impression rather than a review, here I'll simply put my opinion on a game I have yet to beat but formed somewhat of an opinion on. In this case it's one I never thought to play:
Disney's Magical World
It's a unique cross between Animal Crossing and perhaps Rune Factory, the only difference is no marriage or neighbors threatening to leave if you ignore them for a certain period of time. You explore dungeons, dress up and can grow crops and run your own cafe. It's a highly unique game that somehow keeps gameplay fresh while giving the player options while not forcing too much out of so little. I find myself doing several things at once while not being in a rush to complete it all because it doesn't punish you for putting it down. That being said quests and other things like outfits in the store do change daily, so if you want a particular item or want to complete all quests in that time period do so before a certain time the next day before they reset. That also being said I believe the items return, though I haven't played long enough to find out (come on, it's a Disney game, it can't possibly be too punishing, then again it could surprise me).
I do have my complaints, you can achieve "Ace Ensembles" by buying a whole outfit, well it seems to have a hard time letting you know what's a complete outfit and what's not. Example: I had to buy an outfit for my cafe staff, and while I had purchased all of the pieces, it wouldn't mark the outfit as whole, leaving me confused as to whether or not there was another piece. It was only until I had put it on my staff did I realize it was complete. Not a major issue but it might confuse some as it did me for a little while.
Overall it's a unique blend that leaves me wanting more each time. You collect stickers in however way you want to unlock more stuff but if you're a collection fiend like me you'll strive for every sticker possible to get whatever you can to complete that outfit or unlock a new set of furniture. I am having a blast thus far.
DLC: some of it free, otherwise so far 1 or 4 dollars, relatively cheap and you get new furniture, weapons, or outfits, not bad at all if you like what you see.
Disney's Magical World
It's a unique cross between Animal Crossing and perhaps Rune Factory, the only difference is no marriage or neighbors threatening to leave if you ignore them for a certain period of time. You explore dungeons, dress up and can grow crops and run your own cafe. It's a highly unique game that somehow keeps gameplay fresh while giving the player options while not forcing too much out of so little. I find myself doing several things at once while not being in a rush to complete it all because it doesn't punish you for putting it down. That being said quests and other things like outfits in the store do change daily, so if you want a particular item or want to complete all quests in that time period do so before a certain time the next day before they reset. That also being said I believe the items return, though I haven't played long enough to find out (come on, it's a Disney game, it can't possibly be too punishing, then again it could surprise me).
I do have my complaints, you can achieve "Ace Ensembles" by buying a whole outfit, well it seems to have a hard time letting you know what's a complete outfit and what's not. Example: I had to buy an outfit for my cafe staff, and while I had purchased all of the pieces, it wouldn't mark the outfit as whole, leaving me confused as to whether or not there was another piece. It was only until I had put it on my staff did I realize it was complete. Not a major issue but it might confuse some as it did me for a little while.
Overall it's a unique blend that leaves me wanting more each time. You collect stickers in however way you want to unlock more stuff but if you're a collection fiend like me you'll strive for every sticker possible to get whatever you can to complete that outfit or unlock a new set of furniture. I am having a blast thus far.
DLC: some of it free, otherwise so far 1 or 4 dollars, relatively cheap and you get new furniture, weapons, or outfits, not bad at all if you like what you see.
Sunday, April 13, 2014
the Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
Hiya everyone, after a long hiatus trying to find a new game to review I decided to review Nintendo's new handheld epic The Legend of Zelda: A link Between Worlds. The story is pretty much the same, you start off as a regular boy named Link and you set off on a grand adventure to save Zelda from evil once again. Not wanting to delve into the story too much as it does have its twists, you are turned into a painting trying to fight the evil but are saved. Using this newfound power to transform onto a 2d plane you must travel between worlds to save Zelda and your world from destruction. It's very similar to the Zelda games of old in that it's top down 2d however with 3d sprites (that part's new) and it brings about a change to the formula. Instead of obtaining your tools throughout dungeons you have access to everyone of them from the very beginning. This adds a new challenge as to gain the weapons you have to rent them to start, so if you happen to perish at the hands of a terrifying boss or that Moblin who happens to get in a lucky hit you lose all rented weapons and have to re-rent them once more. There is a silver lining of sorts, should you get enough rupees you can purchase them and make them your own permanently.
Another change brought up with the rental deal is that you have access to every dungeon right from the start and to me that's another plus in the game, freedom. You can go wherever you want whenever so if you want to go to that spooky skull dungeon last you can if you choose. There are also collectables in the dungeons still so Nintendo still gave you a reason to explore and not just mow your way through.
The graphics are very simple and nostalgic if you played earlier Zelda games, something to me is a plus. The detail and motions of the characters are very good and done well. The gameplay of turning into a painting to me is the best, you have to use that power to gain access to areas completely cut off and even have to use it to maneuver through dungeons. In fact my only complaint is that the game felt too short, which in turn could be good for some as the adventure ends before getting too repetitive.
Overall I say of all the handheld Zeldas thus far this one certainly sets a new standard in terms of breaking ground with new gameplay ideas. I would recommend this to any Zelda fan and anyone who
loves adventure.
10/10
Another change brought up with the rental deal is that you have access to every dungeon right from the start and to me that's another plus in the game, freedom. You can go wherever you want whenever so if you want to go to that spooky skull dungeon last you can if you choose. There are also collectables in the dungeons still so Nintendo still gave you a reason to explore and not just mow your way through.
The graphics are very simple and nostalgic if you played earlier Zelda games, something to me is a plus. The detail and motions of the characters are very good and done well. The gameplay of turning into a painting to me is the best, you have to use that power to gain access to areas completely cut off and even have to use it to maneuver through dungeons. In fact my only complaint is that the game felt too short, which in turn could be good for some as the adventure ends before getting too repetitive.
Overall I say of all the handheld Zeldas thus far this one certainly sets a new standard in terms of breaking ground with new gameplay ideas. I would recommend this to any Zelda fan and anyone who
loves adventure.
10/10
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Review: Pokemon Y
Hi all, sorry for the extreme gap for reviews, gotta hate it when life gets in the way. Anyway, here is my next item up for review, the long awaited Pokemon 3ds game Pokemon Y.
The story is quite simple, you go on a journey to collect as many pokemon as you can while battling evildoers, gym leaders, and your friends (both in game and in real life). The game introduces around 60 new pokemon (including evolutions) and has many of the old ones catchable so there are some old favorites to be had. The game is also the first pokemon to be 3d on a handheld, taking a giant step away from the 2d pokemon we know and love and also allows you to customize your characters appearance, another first for Pokemon. However, I do have my complaints about it. They put effort into you and your rival with the battling and the occasional opponent you face, but the majority, including gym leaders, remains as 2d sprites which makes battling them a bit awkward when you see your hand fly out throwing the ball and all you see is a flat opponent to congratulate you when you win. The pokemon and their moves however are beautifully done and their moves and movements are fluid. To try to add a bit more strategy to the game they added Mega Evolutions, which gives me mixed feelings. It's a good addition, but some of the mega evolutions look absolutely ridiculous, which might make some wonder if they should put their pokemon through the change to get more power. Some pokemon go through a type change, such as Charizard and its X evolution, which gives it the Dragon type, adding to the strategy. However, once your Mega pokemon goes down and you revive it you can't evolve it again for the remainder of the battle. It's cool enough though to make me wonder why they don't give 2 evolutions to the other starters, Charizard and Mewtwo have an X and Y evolution but Blastoise, Venusaur and the others only have 1.
Similar to Black and White you don't have to use HMs to get around, allowing exploration without using an HM slave or putting unwanted HMs on your team. There are also new places to battle along the way, such as the Battle Chateau, you can grow berries and even customize what your character wears that give plenty to do in between gyms. Once you beat the game there are even sidequests,
allowing you to extend your journey besides trying to catch more pokemon. The game has memorable characters, namely the troupe you travel with, as opposed to traveling alone friends (npcs) travel with you making the journey a bit more lively, though it lacks challenge somewhat unless you impose restrictions on yourself to add challenge. Several times I found myself higher in level than the gym leader, a first compared to the other pokemon games I played moving at a similar pace.
The game has online like before, you can trade with friends or battle with them. Gamefreak also introduced a cooperative aspect of sorts, a set of powers you can use on yourself or on a friend to give them boosts, such as cheaper items to buy from the Pokestore. As you level them up they get stronger so they do have their uses. You can also gain acquaintances and can challenge random people if you connect online, so if you have an urge you don't have to go to the pokecenter, a nice change of pace from having to wait until getting to one.
Overall, the game is refreshing enough to warrant another round in the Pokemon world, and for newcomers it brings a lot to the table, however if you were hoping for drastic change, you will most likely still be waiting for the pokemon game to suit your tastes.
Overall I give Pokemon Y: 8/10
I didn't review Pokemon X as they are similar with the exception of small story sections, the legendary, and exclusive pokemon.
The story is quite simple, you go on a journey to collect as many pokemon as you can while battling evildoers, gym leaders, and your friends (both in game and in real life). The game introduces around 60 new pokemon (including evolutions) and has many of the old ones catchable so there are some old favorites to be had. The game is also the first pokemon to be 3d on a handheld, taking a giant step away from the 2d pokemon we know and love and also allows you to customize your characters appearance, another first for Pokemon. However, I do have my complaints about it. They put effort into you and your rival with the battling and the occasional opponent you face, but the majority, including gym leaders, remains as 2d sprites which makes battling them a bit awkward when you see your hand fly out throwing the ball and all you see is a flat opponent to congratulate you when you win. The pokemon and their moves however are beautifully done and their moves and movements are fluid. To try to add a bit more strategy to the game they added Mega Evolutions, which gives me mixed feelings. It's a good addition, but some of the mega evolutions look absolutely ridiculous, which might make some wonder if they should put their pokemon through the change to get more power. Some pokemon go through a type change, such as Charizard and its X evolution, which gives it the Dragon type, adding to the strategy. However, once your Mega pokemon goes down and you revive it you can't evolve it again for the remainder of the battle. It's cool enough though to make me wonder why they don't give 2 evolutions to the other starters, Charizard and Mewtwo have an X and Y evolution but Blastoise, Venusaur and the others only have 1.
Similar to Black and White you don't have to use HMs to get around, allowing exploration without using an HM slave or putting unwanted HMs on your team. There are also new places to battle along the way, such as the Battle Chateau, you can grow berries and even customize what your character wears that give plenty to do in between gyms. Once you beat the game there are even sidequests,
allowing you to extend your journey besides trying to catch more pokemon. The game has memorable characters, namely the troupe you travel with, as opposed to traveling alone friends (npcs) travel with you making the journey a bit more lively, though it lacks challenge somewhat unless you impose restrictions on yourself to add challenge. Several times I found myself higher in level than the gym leader, a first compared to the other pokemon games I played moving at a similar pace.
The game has online like before, you can trade with friends or battle with them. Gamefreak also introduced a cooperative aspect of sorts, a set of powers you can use on yourself or on a friend to give them boosts, such as cheaper items to buy from the Pokestore. As you level them up they get stronger so they do have their uses. You can also gain acquaintances and can challenge random people if you connect online, so if you have an urge you don't have to go to the pokecenter, a nice change of pace from having to wait until getting to one.
Overall, the game is refreshing enough to warrant another round in the Pokemon world, and for newcomers it brings a lot to the table, however if you were hoping for drastic change, you will most likely still be waiting for the pokemon game to suit your tastes.
Overall I give Pokemon Y: 8/10
I didn't review Pokemon X as they are similar with the exception of small story sections, the legendary, and exclusive pokemon.
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Fire Emblem: Awakening
The game we have all been waiting for, Fire Emblem. This game made me a fan of the series and genre, something no other strategy game has done, the characters are likable, you can choose the difficulty, and it retains the Fire Emblem feel along with being able to customize your character (known as Mu or FEMu from here on). Plus you get DLC of additional levels, making the game longer but it doesn't feel incomplete without it.
The story is your character is found with amnesia (yes story is a little cliche), and you and your war buddies fight to save a country and soon the world from evil. You have the option of marrying and are capable of having your child fight with you, subsequently you can choose to have your teammates marry as well to fight with their children as comrades. The gameplay is simple and if you played other Fire Emblems you will be able to catch on quickly with the exception of the pairing system. For gameplay, you pair up with a fellow ally to deal more damage, ending foes more quickly and it retains the feel of the old Fire Emblems, choose where to move your guys carefully or suffer the consequences. With old school difficulty (classic in the game), you lose your men if they die, permanently. With casual, you don't, but it can still be brutal if you underestimate your foe.
Multiple times I came close to losing because of a single misstep. To me, not only can that be frustrating, but also exciting, bringing an importance of strategy as opposed to just marching your men forward and overpowering your foes. That aspect of strategy I think makes the game more exciting, and you can pick and choose how much you sweat through a battle.
The marriage system can also have some importance to your playthrough, for instance, playing on the hardest difficulty, stats make all the difference, and who marries who does matter. On the other hand, playing on an easier difficulty allows you more freedom to choose who marries who, as stats doesn't matter much and you can put who you like together. Overall, I find it refreshing and a nice change of pace from what I call "forced pairings", nothing's considered set in stone and if you don't like one guy with that girl, or want that guy to live alone just because you don't like him, you can.
The story is typical, you move to save the day after discovering threat after threat. The surprises though, are what bring it to life. The twists and turns are plentiful and nothing is what it seems until the very end when it wraps it all up in a neat little bow. I sympathized with plenty of characters throughout the journey, and I loved the story as a whole, even if it's typical in the beginning.
Overall, it's a game I have to recommend, both to newcomers and to those who love the series. While the changes may not be well liked, I think they are well implemented, nothing is forced and you can choose how to play rather than how they think you should play.
I loved Fire Emblem: Awakening and I hope they make more just like it.
9.5/10
Multiple times I came close to losing because of a single misstep. To me, not only can that be frustrating, but also exciting, bringing an importance of strategy as opposed to just marching your men forward and overpowering your foes. That aspect of strategy I think makes the game more exciting, and you can pick and choose how much you sweat through a battle.
The marriage system can also have some importance to your playthrough, for instance, playing on the hardest difficulty, stats make all the difference, and who marries who does matter. On the other hand, playing on an easier difficulty allows you more freedom to choose who marries who, as stats doesn't matter much and you can put who you like together. Overall, I find it refreshing and a nice change of pace from what I call "forced pairings", nothing's considered set in stone and if you don't like one guy with that girl, or want that guy to live alone just because you don't like him, you can.
The story is typical, you move to save the day after discovering threat after threat. The surprises though, are what bring it to life. The twists and turns are plentiful and nothing is what it seems until the very end when it wraps it all up in a neat little bow. I sympathized with plenty of characters throughout the journey, and I loved the story as a whole, even if it's typical in the beginning.
Overall, it's a game I have to recommend, both to newcomers and to those who love the series. While the changes may not be well liked, I think they are well implemented, nothing is forced and you can choose how to play rather than how they think you should play.
I loved Fire Emblem: Awakening and I hope they make more just like it.
9.5/10
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Review:Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies
This game is the latest numbered Dragon Quest on a handheld, and I think it's a good one. Like all Dragon Quests before it, it's a fun filled adventure with a ton of puns. The story is simple, but then again it's not supposed to be a super complicated mess, a breath of fresh air from all the cinematic games on the console market.
The story starts off with you as an angel, guarding your village in an attempt to go to a paradise through good deeds and the essence you receiving after receiving thanks. Well, we can't have that so after a disaster occurs you lose your wings and become *gasp* human. You then travel around the world in an attempt to get your wings back and save humans and angels alike.
Your character is somewhat customizable, leading to my first complaint, not enough options for customization. You also customize your party members like this, or you can take what the game gives you. However, what I like is that you can choose your profession. Not at first, of course, but if you wanna chuck fireballs or punch foes' lights out you can after you unlock the opportunity. Your party and yourself are silent so you simply watch as events unfold around you, seeing how it affects those you help and meet. Some like it, some don't, me I don't really have much to say about it. On one hand it's refreshing from hearing your protagonist whine or comment on situations, rather they get up and do something about it. On the other hand having a blank protagonist who simply nods can get annoying.
The combat is straightforward, it's like all other Dragon Quests, you choose what your party does to the foe or have them decide for themselves. It's turn based but can get complicated later on as your jobs and your foes become more extravagant and stronger. I do like the combat like with its predecessors.
The part that I love the most is the multiplayer and dungeons. You can go spelunking for good with buddies, or progress in the story with a friend. The only hazard is that your friends don't progress with you so it can get dull if you have to do the adventure 4 times. That's where the dungeons come in. In the game you get maps to take you to places with plenty of monsters, but you also get plenty of treasure in return. Such adventures can easily occupy your time and break up the monotony of the story. If you go online you can also download quests which can also take up lots of time to get stronger stuff (note: I'm not completely sure if it's still being supported, but it's always worth a shot).
So, in my opinion, Dragon Quest IX is a journey worth taking, the laughs at the ridiculous puns, the multiplayer, and the sheer amount of content from the dungeons and story overtakes most lacking features the game has.
8/10
The story starts off with you as an angel, guarding your village in an attempt to go to a paradise through good deeds and the essence you receiving after receiving thanks. Well, we can't have that so after a disaster occurs you lose your wings and become *gasp* human. You then travel around the world in an attempt to get your wings back and save humans and angels alike.
Your character is somewhat customizable, leading to my first complaint, not enough options for customization. You also customize your party members like this, or you can take what the game gives you. However, what I like is that you can choose your profession. Not at first, of course, but if you wanna chuck fireballs or punch foes' lights out you can after you unlock the opportunity. Your party and yourself are silent so you simply watch as events unfold around you, seeing how it affects those you help and meet. Some like it, some don't, me I don't really have much to say about it. On one hand it's refreshing from hearing your protagonist whine or comment on situations, rather they get up and do something about it. On the other hand having a blank protagonist who simply nods can get annoying.
The combat is straightforward, it's like all other Dragon Quests, you choose what your party does to the foe or have them decide for themselves. It's turn based but can get complicated later on as your jobs and your foes become more extravagant and stronger. I do like the combat like with its predecessors.
The part that I love the most is the multiplayer and dungeons. You can go spelunking for good with buddies, or progress in the story with a friend. The only hazard is that your friends don't progress with you so it can get dull if you have to do the adventure 4 times. That's where the dungeons come in. In the game you get maps to take you to places with plenty of monsters, but you also get plenty of treasure in return. Such adventures can easily occupy your time and break up the monotony of the story. If you go online you can also download quests which can also take up lots of time to get stronger stuff (note: I'm not completely sure if it's still being supported, but it's always worth a shot).
So, in my opinion, Dragon Quest IX is a journey worth taking, the laughs at the ridiculous puns, the multiplayer, and the sheer amount of content from the dungeons and story overtakes most lacking features the game has.
8/10
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
3DS: Monster Hunter 3U
Okay, so I admit I love Monster Hunter. I may not be the best hunter but I certainly taught a few people about the game and even got a couple hooked. When I saw Mh for the 3ds I squealed my fan girl squeal and picked up both the Wii U version and the 3ds version. For the sake of fairness this review is for the 3ds version ONLY due to not everyone wanting two copies.
Okay, so it's considered an expansion by many due to it sharing the same "story" as Tri (and being called 3U), that's how I would sum it up. However, it's a darn good expansion. The game added the bow, gunlance, and dual swords while keeping the ones from Tri around, increasing your weapon choices, and it also adds new monsters, from oldies like Plesioth and Pink Rathian to new ones like Duramboros and Zinogre from 3G (which was Japan only). It even tacked on a kind of lock-on for your convenience of knowing where your target is, my only complaint is that the lock-on seems to be there for those without the circle pad pro, as it just temporarily locks on. That being said I highly recommend the circle pad pro otherwise you could have trouble moving while moving the camera to keep up with that large monster trying to eat you. It is more of a convenience rather than a necessity so it's up to the individual there.
The gameplay is a sharp as ever, your character is responsive (despite the motion reactions to eating, potion drinking, etc), the hit boxes are accurate and they even fixed the horrible Plesioth hit boxes from his psp appearance. The visuals are gorgeous and the 3d is very well done as well. The touch screen makes customization very nice. You can either keep it traditional, or clean up the main screen by putting your health and map on the touch screen, or do a mix, or whatever floats your boat.
Now, there are bad points to the game, for one, no online for the 3ds version. A hazard if you're like me and you want to play with people but no one's nearby. Not a deal breaker but it does make online a wee bit harder. You do get an additional shakalaka pal Kayamba, so it's not all bad, but it does get irritating when you go g-rank and they can't take hits, making it pretty much a solo experience. My other issue is that there is a lack of control customization. That makes some weapons, like the bow, a difficult thing to get used to due to not being able to customize the buttons to make it a comfortable weapon. A minor issue, practice makes perfect.
Overall, I would recommend this to many people, mh fans and newcomers alike. It's different enough from Tri that it very much feels like a fresh experience with plenty of additional content. I just wish it had online multiplayer.
8/10 stars
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