October Video Game Preview Thread

RC Cola · Oct 31, 2006

Gamespot now has their review of FFXII up in case anyone wants to read it:
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/finalfantasy12/review.html

This long-awaited chapter in one of the world's most popular role-playing series features an inspired look, boldly redesigned strategic combat, and a long, engaging story.
The Good: Inspired art direction and a strong cast of characters draw you into the world; lengthy quest spans dozens of hours of gameplay; redesigned strategic combat system offers considerable depth and complexity; all battles are fought in context while exploring, so no random encounters; excellent music and voice acting.
The Bad: The gambit and license-board systems are complicated to get used to; a bit too much running around back and forth in some spots.
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Gameplay
9
Graphics
9
Sound
9
Value
9
Tilt
9
Overall
9.0
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9.0 from Gamespot, now down to 93 at Metacritic. Out of all the FF games at Metacritic from FF7 on, this is the 2nd highest rated FF game; the highest rated FF game is FFIX with a 94.

Some reviews from IGN:
Children of Mana (DS)
http://ds.ign.com/articles/742/742998p1.html

In the end, you’re either going to love or hate Children of Mana. Hardcore gamers expecting to get a sequel to the popular Secret of Mana series from the days of the Super Nintendo are going to be let down purely based on the dungeon crawler design of the game. For fans of games like Blizzard’s Diablo, or repeat gamers that enjoyed Sword of Mana despite its harsh criticism and apparent downsides, Children of Mana is a keeper. The action is solid, the amount of character customization is definitely robust, the amount of side quests and bonus missions to partake in will ensure players that the adventure isn’t over too quickly, and the game is simply beautiful on an audio/visual level. As far as hack-n-slash RPGs go, Children of Mana is one of the best we’ve seen on a handheld, and for dungeon crawler addicts Square Enix has definitely hit the spot. It has its downfalls, such as a lack of diversity on side quests and a few nagging multiplayer issues, but the overall product is definitely one to pick up if you’re looking for a button-mashing, action-intensive role playing experience on DS. Grab a few copies, your three bestest buds, and enjoy.
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8.5 Presentation
The use of both DS screens is managed well, always keeping statistical info viewable during the action. Children of Mana’s layout is intuitive and stylish.
9.0 Graphics
Simply beautiful. Aside from a few basic animations on characters and enemies, the game is stunning. Background art is especially amazing.
8.5 Sound
The musical score is impressive, though a few songs per dungeon would have helped ease our ears during long sessions. Even still, the music is inspired and very enjoyable.
7.5 Gameplay
The overall gameplay is a bit one-dimensional, though every effort was made to add customization and diversity into character building. If you’re a fan of hack-n-slash, enjoy.
7.5 Lasting Appeal
The multiplayer mode adds a ton of replay value to the game, although it’s still bashing monsters and leveling up over and over, which will eventually wear thin. Either you love it, or you don&
8.0 Overall
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8.0 from IGN, 68 at Metacritic.

GTA:VCS (PSP)
http://psp.ign.com/articles/742/742681p1.html

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories is essentially more of the same, for better or for worse. It's a nice leap over what we saw in last year's release of Liberty City Stories, but it still feels "safe" by many standards. The story is certainly sub-par and there are problems with close combat while armed with a firearm or when attacked in groups, but it still has all of the elements that makes every Grand Theft Auto game great. It's funny, doesn't take itself seriously, the gameplay mechanics are mostly great fun and the world is a fantastic place to screw around in.
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8.0 Presentation
Great soundtrack, art style and overall presentation, but the story is anything but great.
9.0 Graphics
Massive, huge and expansive are fitting words. Everything runs pretty well and draw distance is hardly a problem. Its scope really is fantastic.
9.0 Sound
Great voice work and a fantastic soundtrack. Good if not exceptional sound effects for weapons, vehicles and such.
9.0 Gameplay
While the formula does need a face lift, it's still fun as hell.
9.0 Lasting Appeal
The story will last you quite a long time, there's lots of exploration to be done and multiplayer only adds more time for the disc to stay in your system.
9.0 Overall
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9.0 from IGN, 88 from Metacritic.

Also, apparently I forgot to post a review for WTF on the PSP:
http://www.gamespot.com/psp/puzzle/bytehell2000/review.html?sid=6160711

Work Time Fun is ridiculous and there's nothing else quite like it. It's not for everyone, but if you're looking for something insane and Japanese, you'll probably love it.
The Good: Unique take on the minigame collection game.
The Bad: Some games are better suited for earning fast money than others.
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Gameplay
7
Graphics
8
Sound
8
Value
8
Tilt
9
Overall
8.0
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8.0 from Gamespot, 69 at Metacritic. As you can tell by the Metacritic score, Gamespot's score is quite a bit higher than what most reviewers gave the game (5 reviews with a 65 score or less).

BTW, I decided to not include the PS3 and Wii games in the November thread, which I will have posted shortly. I'll explain more in that thread.

VicVictory · Oct 31, 2006

IMO, the two best PSP games so far are Medal of Honor and GTA: Vice City Stories. MoH has a very addictive multiplayer with a maximum of 32 players at once with little lag! It's easily the best FPS for the PSP. Vice City Stories is the same good ol' grand theft gameplay but at the palm of your hands. I been playing a couple missions and most of the characters so far have been hilarious. It also looks much better than Liberty City Stories and probably can pass for a PS2 game.

RC Cola · Nov 2, 2006

Gamespot's review of Neverwinter Nights 2 is up:

http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/neverwinternights2/review.html?sid=6160878

Neverwinter Nights 2 isn't without some technical issues, but the engaging, dynamic story and proven Dungeons & Dragons framework make it a role-playing game that shouldn't be missed.
The Good: Compelling story will keep you hooked for the entire 50-plus hours it takes to finish the single-player campaign; full-featured toolset lets you easily create and share new modules; this is just about the most authentic representation of dungeons & dragons you'll find in any game; excellent music and mostly well-done voice acting; the interactive dialogue and influence system make for dynamic and entertaining character interactions.
The Bad: Frustrating camera requires constant attention; steep system requirements for a game that doesn't look particularly good; the artificial intelligence doesn't always cooperate.
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Gameplay 8
Graphics 6
Sound 8
Value 10
Tilt 10
Overall 8.6
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8.6 from Gamespot, 87 from Metacritic.

Also, Gamespot's review of F.E.A.R. in case you guys didn't trust IGN's review:

http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/fear/review.html?sid=6160869

This straightforward translation of last year's hit PC game skillfully blends kinetic action with creepy atmosphere to create one of the most intense shooters on the Xbox 360.
The Good: Incredibly kinetic action and visually intense firefights; creepy psychological horror; instant-action mode lets you compare your best scores online; frenetic multiplayer mode.
The Bad: Complex control scheme is a bit clumsy on the gamepad; "bonus" mission isn't much of a bonus.
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Gameplay 9
Graphics 8
Sound 9
Value 7
Tilt 9
Overall 8.6
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8.6 from Gamespot, 87 from Metacritic.

I think that just about covers everything for the month.

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