"Let's talk about PS2 games I want...!!"
Okay. I figured it has been quite some time since my last blog entry, I will post something...
Something rather pointless.
This was inspired by today's uneventful evening of dropping by my fave' game store ; only to be disappointed that the game I want suffered delayed shipment.
SO, instead of being off to play the much-expected game, let me share some thoughts on what PS2-release games (*cough* rpgs) I intend to get when they hit our shores.
Clement = I know, non-japanese speaking gamers usually get the short end of the stick on rpgs stock cos' most never get translated/localized. Fortunately, some DO make it over and here's what we, rpg-lovers, can look forward to:
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Rogue Galaxy by Level 5
US release date: Jan 30
Arguably the biggest rpg to hit the western shores after the overrated (and imo crappy) Final Fantasy XII. Produced by the same company which released Dark Cloud 1&2, it is expected to be awesome; both in gameplay and story aspects.
This game is probably what Star Ocean 3's planetary exploring galaxy wished it was, instead of that pathetic excuse of a single planet. With 6++ whole planets to explore, each with a distinctive environment and alien civilization = dozens hours of playing... what's there not to like?? Darn gameshop still hasn't import it over ><
My interest: 3.5/5
Will definitely be a good-buy, though not at the very top of my 'MUST-PLAY-NOW' list. The lack of cute rpg gals in this game is saddening. I am no space-flick fan either, but to not play it will be such a waste.
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Ar tonelico: Melody of Elemia by Gust (+ Banpresto)
US release date: Feb 6 (omg, today?!)
Anime-styled rpg, utilizing 2-D sprites instead of the current mainstream 3-D graphics. This game is not for graphic-whores, but for gamers like me, it is nothing short of a potentially good title to pick up. Gust is well-known for its fun Atelier series, and with the co-help of Banpresto, I have high hopes for this one.
The biggest win for this game imo is there are THREE cuties for the main character to be paired with, and you as the player, have the final say of who he will end up with! From the looks of it, I may have to go through the game 3x to complete all gals. Talk about high replay value~
My interest: 4.5/5
I have a sure-feel I will fully enjoy this one. Publisher, NIS America will also leave the Japanese voices intact. This means I can listen to Miyazaki Ui, and Nogawa Sakura's moe voices~
0.5 point deduction due to male lead expected to being quite a jerk in story (think Luke from Tales of the Abyss).
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.hack//G.U. vol.2//Reminisce by CyberConnect2
US release date: Quarter 3 (around July)
I am a huge fan of the .hack//G.U. series, and so the 6months period between vol.1 and this vol.2 is a real pain to wait. At this rate, I will be serving NS midway when vol.3 finally comes out here.
Vol.1 was terribly short, and the darn thing left us players with a cliff-hanger that we are all so dying to continue on. Fret not, vol.2 is bound not to disappoint; with additional playable characters (Sakubo, Endrance etc), better game mechanics, side-quests, it will be one heck of a blast to play when it reaches Q3 '07. ....RENGEKI!!
My interest: 5/5
Anticipation level is at its highest with all this waiting. There better be no further delays, or someone could be in for some... pain. (I will probably go grab Jun Wen and smack him to vent some frustration =D)
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Persona 3 by Atlus Co.
US release date: June?
This will be my first Persona game, and it is supposingly reported to be quite different than it predecessors. Not a bad thing, as this one features a full-fledged school relationship sim aspect. You read it; the point of this game is to lead the male protagonist through a virtual length of school semester. Tackle academic life, social pressure, and battle demons, all in one game!
Again, this is one game where you decide how you build your main boy's relationship with the girls (and boys) around him. As a twist, the relationship varies how his stats will be, and the effectivenes against his adversaries. I say; FUN~
My interest: 5/5
The art looks stylish. Music sounds retro-cool. Gameplay seems uniquely-fun. And I have waited near 1 year for this to be released. I do pray this game will be followed by the similar-titled expansion 'Fes', so we can have more goodies to play in Persona 3 world.
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Growlanser V Generations by Career Soft
US release date: unconfirmed
Ever since my precious purchase of Growlanser Generations 2 years back, I have grown attached to this turn-based strategy rpg series. Already past 3 sequels and still no news of localization for this gem, there is almost no hope of me playing anymore Growlanser title.
But great news come around. I may soon get to play the fifth installment, as it is rumored that a private company will be taking effort to translate it. Unconfirmed it may be, but I will take any chances for this game to be released in english.
My interest: 4.5/5
Yet another game with a relatioship (love-sim) feature. I am a definite sucker for such kind, and Growlanser series is also s-rpg to boot; a favourite genre of mine. I will be sure to grab it off the shelf the moment it hits Singapore.
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Sakura Taisen 5: Saraba Itoshiki Hito Yo by Sega
US release date: n/a
Love-simulation + srpg... notice a pattern here? The Sakura Taisen series has never been localized in the states and sadly, this latest installment will be of no exception. Even if the game intentionally sets itself in the heart of New York city.
So if this isn't gonna be in english, why am I blogging it here? Dood, it is cos' I want to play it, and by any means - even if it implies buying the upcoming chinese-version for the PC. Time to hit SimLim Square soon~
My interest: 4/5
In comparison with Sakura Taisen 1-4, 5th's cast of girls ain't really my cup of tea; appearance wise. When the main set of characters fail to impress me at initial, my enthu' for the game tends to drop quite a notch. But I will still have a go at it - it is afterall a 'Sakura Taisen'.
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Noteworthy titles:
Wild Arms the Vth Vanguard: The fourth one was abit of a disappointed. But I expect fun times in this latest pack. 10th anniversary game, and featuring my top-fave seiyuu Mizuki Nana-chan, you can count me in!
Super Robot Taisen Original Generations: Banpresto original mecha fans cheer!! Enjoy your favourite SRT OG Gameboy Advance games, in high resolution PS2 format! This must definitely be localized in the US.
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Phew, I finally reached the end-part of this post. I realized how boring this whole entry is after a brief runthrough on my own, but heck....whatever. More games, banzai!
