Friday, November 30, 2012
Claw Review
This is actually my first review, so... please go easy on me. ^ ^"
Claw... this game is a nostalgic game for many Israelis. At least
with most of the ones I talked to. It was given as a present with some
computer systems in Israel in the late 90's and early 2000's. In
America... appearantly, this game is mostly unknown. (Although most
Israelis won't know this game by its name, 'Claw,' it was known here as
'Captain Hook.' I... really don't know why)
This game was released by Monolith Productions during '97 in America, and '98 in Europe. To put it simply, it is a platformer game. One of the bests I've seen, if not the best. Why? Well, that is for the actual review.
Story - 8/10:
This game opens up with a short animation video, which was actually like the 90's cartoons, detailing how the captain of the cat pirates, Nathaniel Joseph Claw, got imprisoned by the Cocker-Spaniards, after a long fight. While in his cell, Captain Claw finds a note detailing about nine mystical gems that grant the one who collects them all near-immortality. And thus, Claw breaks out of his cell in order to collect all the gems.
The game already begins with Claw right outside his cell, and it is your job to help him escape and go through his journey as he collects each gem and a piece of the map to find the gems, across 18 levels.
After every two levels you get to watch another part of the story as a cartoon, which you can clearly see they put some efforts into these cartoons. You can watch each cartoon you unlock alone, or watch them all at once.
These cartoons are fully voiced, and even though the story is not that well thought-out, or really even that original, the story is presented in such a pleasant way that it's still enjoyable and fun to go through it along with the videos.
This game was released by Monolith Productions during '97 in America, and '98 in Europe. To put it simply, it is a platformer game. One of the bests I've seen, if not the best. Why? Well, that is for the actual review.
Story - 8/10:
This game opens up with a short animation video, which was actually like the 90's cartoons, detailing how the captain of the cat pirates, Nathaniel Joseph Claw, got imprisoned by the Cocker-Spaniards, after a long fight. While in his cell, Captain Claw finds a note detailing about nine mystical gems that grant the one who collects them all near-immortality. And thus, Claw breaks out of his cell in order to collect all the gems.
The game already begins with Claw right outside his cell, and it is your job to help him escape and go through his journey as he collects each gem and a piece of the map to find the gems, across 18 levels.
After every two levels you get to watch another part of the story as a cartoon, which you can clearly see they put some efforts into these cartoons. You can watch each cartoon you unlock alone, or watch them all at once.
These cartoons are fully voiced, and even though the story is not that well thought-out, or really even that original, the story is presented in such a pleasant way that it's still enjoyable and fun to go through it along with the videos.
Graphics - 10/10:
Now, I am not one to be that interested in graphics, usually. I just play a game if I can just understand what is going on on the screen. Other than that, the way it looks does not matter.
But with this game, given the way games looked at the time, all I can say is 'wow.' Every two levels have the same general theme, but no level is the same, graphic-wise - inside the castle, outside the castle, forest at day and night, different parts of the city, different parts of the harbor, under-water, island, etc. Each level is different, and each level looks amazing - the amount of details is huge, the colors changing with each level and making each level feels like a game of their own.
The characters also share much details, visual characteristics fitting the levels theyre in - Robin Hood-like enemies in the forest and sailors for the harbor, for example.
The videos are quite short, except for the first one, that is, but they look exactly like a cartoon. Even today, I do not see many games that make drawn cartoons for the game, and at the time, you would not see such a thing at all.
Also, throughout the game there are treasures you can collect, and the checkpoint is a pirate flag. I like the pirate-y feel it gives the game.
Overall, the graphics is good in today's standards, amazing in the 90's' standards, and even when looking on the game today - it is hard to believe how much they put into this game.
Now, I am not one to be that interested in graphics, usually. I just play a game if I can just understand what is going on on the screen. Other than that, the way it looks does not matter.
But with this game, given the way games looked at the time, all I can say is 'wow.' Every two levels have the same general theme, but no level is the same, graphic-wise - inside the castle, outside the castle, forest at day and night, different parts of the city, different parts of the harbor, under-water, island, etc. Each level is different, and each level looks amazing - the amount of details is huge, the colors changing with each level and making each level feels like a game of their own.
The characters also share much details, visual characteristics fitting the levels theyre in - Robin Hood-like enemies in the forest and sailors for the harbor, for example.
The videos are quite short, except for the first one, that is, but they look exactly like a cartoon. Even today, I do not see many games that make drawn cartoons for the game, and at the time, you would not see such a thing at all.
Also, throughout the game there are treasures you can collect, and the checkpoint is a pirate flag. I like the pirate-y feel it gives the game.
Overall, the graphics is good in today's standards, amazing in the 90's' standards, and even when looking on the game today - it is hard to believe how much they put into this game.
Gameplay - 9/10:
As I said earlier, this game is a platformer, and quite simple at that. You go left or right. You jump. You fight enemies using either a sword, a gun, a TNT or a mystical power. The sword is the only weapon which is infinite, as a gun has bullets that may go to waste and you can pick up along the way, just like the TNT. The mystical power... I have never found how to regain it without cheat codes.
You can regain healt by food you find around the level. You pick up some objects or some enemies you can through later on.
There isn't much to explain about the gameplay of this game because of the fact that its gameplay is... well... just a regular platformer game.
One thing I can say about this game is - this game is really hard. I know no one who beat this game without using cheat codes. The scenery is, in some of the times, hard to cope with, with one jump killing you, enemies that are hard to beat, and bosses which are hard to even hit. Until I got to the fifth grade, I was never able beat the third stage. This doesn't say much, I know, but I still find this game extremely difficult without cheats, and there's only one difficulty mode.
This game is not that straight-forward, though. There are extra zones you can reach, which usually come with great reward, like an extra life or valuble treasure for your score, but these zones are not easy to get to. I haven't found all of them with cheat codes on. They usually also end up killing you if you make one little mistake, like one wrong jump, or waiting for just one second too long on a moving platform.
I honestly enjoyed playing this game, but if you are planning on playing this game... well... all I can say is good luck and I hope you will not end up breaking your computer.
Sound Effects - 10/10:
As a matter of fact, this game has plenty of sound effects. And I mean plenty. Every enemy has a voice, Claw comments on things while traveling or or fighting enemies. Gun sounds and sword sounds when needed. Explosions when needed. The videos has many sound effects. Cannons. Cannons moving. Lava and boiling oil. This game is full of sound effects and has many of them, varying from squeak sound of a mouse to a 'Ooh!' of a dog enemy in the first level.
Like the graphics, a lot of effort was put into the sound effects, and I think it deserves a 10/10 too.
Music - -/10:
I cannot believe that I am actually adding this one in, even though I practically can not. I never noticed this game's music aside from the first stage. Never once in the game could I be calm enough to enjoy the music while still playing the game. There is music in the game, but I do not think that unless you actually notice, so I can not say for sure whether or not I should actually rate it.
I do think, however, that if you decided to actually read this category, I just wasted 20 seconds of your valuble time.
As I said earlier, this game is a platformer, and quite simple at that. You go left or right. You jump. You fight enemies using either a sword, a gun, a TNT or a mystical power. The sword is the only weapon which is infinite, as a gun has bullets that may go to waste and you can pick up along the way, just like the TNT. The mystical power... I have never found how to regain it without cheat codes.
You can regain healt by food you find around the level. You pick up some objects or some enemies you can through later on.
There isn't much to explain about the gameplay of this game because of the fact that its gameplay is... well... just a regular platformer game.
One thing I can say about this game is - this game is really hard. I know no one who beat this game without using cheat codes. The scenery is, in some of the times, hard to cope with, with one jump killing you, enemies that are hard to beat, and bosses which are hard to even hit. Until I got to the fifth grade, I was never able beat the third stage. This doesn't say much, I know, but I still find this game extremely difficult without cheats, and there's only one difficulty mode.
This game is not that straight-forward, though. There are extra zones you can reach, which usually come with great reward, like an extra life or valuble treasure for your score, but these zones are not easy to get to. I haven't found all of them with cheat codes on. They usually also end up killing you if you make one little mistake, like one wrong jump, or waiting for just one second too long on a moving platform.
I honestly enjoyed playing this game, but if you are planning on playing this game... well... all I can say is good luck and I hope you will not end up breaking your computer.
Sound Effects - 10/10:
As a matter of fact, this game has plenty of sound effects. And I mean plenty. Every enemy has a voice, Claw comments on things while traveling or or fighting enemies. Gun sounds and sword sounds when needed. Explosions when needed. The videos has many sound effects. Cannons. Cannons moving. Lava and boiling oil. This game is full of sound effects and has many of them, varying from squeak sound of a mouse to a 'Ooh!' of a dog enemy in the first level.
Like the graphics, a lot of effort was put into the sound effects, and I think it deserves a 10/10 too.
Music - -/10:
I cannot believe that I am actually adding this one in, even though I practically can not. I never noticed this game's music aside from the first stage. Never once in the game could I be calm enough to enjoy the music while still playing the game. There is music in the game, but I do not think that unless you actually notice, so I can not say for sure whether or not I should actually rate it.
I do think, however, that if you decided to actually read this category, I just wasted 20 seconds of your valuble time.
Overall - 9/10:
If you love, or at least like, the platforming style, and would not mind a challenge - this is definitely the game for you. It is packed with challenge, and it is great to look it. Though... if you have anger management problems, I would advise you to make sure you are not near breakable things. This can really frustrate a person, and I have seen many who became frustrated with this game.
If you do not like hard games, and want to burn time in a nice way - this is not the game for you. It is not as hard as 'I Wanna be the Guy,' but it is a hard game.
Also, if you do not like platformers, this obviously not the game for you, seeing as this game is a platformer.
Other than that, I would say give this game a try. I really think it is a fun game over-all, and that it is a shame that not many heard of it in America.
If you love, or at least like, the platforming style, and would not mind a challenge - this is definitely the game for you. It is packed with challenge, and it is great to look it. Though... if you have anger management problems, I would advise you to make sure you are not near breakable things. This can really frustrate a person, and I have seen many who became frustrated with this game.
If you do not like hard games, and want to burn time in a nice way - this is not the game for you. It is not as hard as 'I Wanna be the Guy,' but it is a hard game.
Also, if you do not like platformers, this obviously not the game for you, seeing as this game is a platformer.
Other than that, I would say give this game a try. I really think it is a fun game over-all, and that it is a shame that not many heard of it in America.
Monday, November 26, 2012
Yoshi Land Wii U?
Ok so its unofficially official that a brand new Yoshi game will be
coming to the Nintendo Wii U! How do I know this? Well if you haven't
heard, when the Wii U first came out someone was messing around with the
console, and they actually managed to access the Wii U debug menu. Here
they were able to view hidden content, delete posts from Miiverse, and
even gain access to other peoples accounts, but THAT ISN'T ALL! There
was also a small list of games where people could submit their comments,
and the following games were on that list.
Super Mario Wii U
Zombie
*Yoshi's Land Wii U
Flipnote Studio
Donkey Kong
Wii Fit
*Soul Hackers
Resident Evils (note the s)
Metal Gear Solid
Final Fantasy 3
Dragon Quest X
with Yoshi and Soul Hackers having a * by their name.
Now none of this has been announced by Nintendo, but since that mistake, Nintendo has patched the Wii U restricting the access to the debug menu.
Super Mario Wii U
Zombie
*Yoshi's Land Wii U
Flipnote Studio
Donkey Kong
Wii Fit
*Soul Hackers
Resident Evils (note the s)
Metal Gear Solid
Final Fantasy 3
Dragon Quest X
with Yoshi and Soul Hackers having a * by their name.
Now none of this has been announced by Nintendo, but since that mistake, Nintendo has patched the Wii U restricting the access to the debug menu.
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Which Megaman game do you HOPE Capcom is working on?
As I'm sure all of you know, a few weeks ago Capcom announced that we
could expect to see a brand new Megaman game sometime in the future;
however that's basically all that was said. To avoid another Legends 3,
or Megaman Universe (which were two games that were announced before
they were approved and put into full development), Capcom withheld all
detailed information and kept that announcement as vague as possible.
Anyway with that being said, what game are YOU personally hoping for? If we take a step back and look at the current Megaman series, you would see that many of them have plenty of room left to expand; so before you answer my question, lets take a minute to think back.
Classic:
The classic series is the original set of games which gets expanded every once in awhile. When it comes to the story we already know that it will end at some point, but how it gets to that end is still unknown. Still, because of this, Capcom can easily expand on the original series without having to worry about creating plot holes. It's also possible that we could get remakes of the older games as well, after all Capcom DID plan on remaking them and releasing them under the "Powered Up" series, but as of right now it seems there are no plans to do so.
X:
Although Megaman X also has a beginning and end, due to it's placement in the timeline, there's still a lot left unanswered. While one of the Megaman X6 endings (Zero's ending) shows the future at an unknown point in time, we really don't know what happens from the end of X8 up to that point. Megaman X8 is one of them games that ends in a cliffhanger which makes it pretty clear that there was going to be an X9; however due to poor sales of Rockman X8 in Japan, that sequel still hasn't happened. We still don't know what happens to Axl, and we still don't know what happens to lead up to Zero locking himself away for testing. Sure we do have Command Mission (which takes place in the year 22XX), but if you take into account that the game was released BEFORE X8, then you would see that we still don't know Axl's fate. Maybe they save him before Command Mission, or maybe nothing has happened to him yet until AFTER Command Mission. Only a sequel would tell... There's also the canceled Maverick Hunter X project, which was going to be a remake of X1-6, but after the first release didn't sell as well as they might have hoped, it seems that Capcom decided against making the others.
Zero:
The Zero series is one of the FEW Megaman series to have actually ended, and because of that there really isn't much they could do. Sure there is a year gap between Zero 1 and 2, but that's just about it. Unless Capcom wanted to fill that year gap in, or release a game to bridge a gap between Zero and ZX, the Zero series is finished. They could do some remakes though.
ZX:
The ZX series is a series that ends in one of the biggest cliffhangers in Megaman. Very much like X8, ZX ends with us being unsure of what will happen next. You find out one of the "good guys" is actually a "bad guy," and they want to "reset" the world. Since the Zero and ZX games were created to bridge the gap from X to Legends, it's possible the next game could show how the Legends world came to be (destroyed/flooded/all humans dead), but we really don't know that for sure. Game ended in a cliffhanger, and there just isn't much more to say than that.
Legends:
Shouldn't have to explain this one! If it wasn't for the Legends 3 project, many people here at Capcom-Unity wouldn't be here, and if it wasn't for Legends 3, Megaman would have gone back to being an almost unknown game. Still the facts are as followed. The second game ended in a cliffhanger, Capcom wasted a year of their staff's life only to can a game they were really looking forward to releasing, and millions of fans are still upset. Maybe one day Legends 3 will pick back up, but it's very unlikely.
Battle Network:
This series also ended, but there's still gaps to fill. We don't know anything about Lan's highschool life, and there's also the ending in BN6 where we learn Lan now has a son. They could easily go back and tell either of these stories with a new series, but the original series is in fact done. There was a remake of BN1 released a few years ago though, but it never made it to the west.
Star Force:
Just like with BN, SF had an ending, but that ending was actually in the remake of Battle Network. Although Star Force 3 was the true end for the series, Geo (Subaru) returned for one last mini adventure where he traveled to the past and met up with Lan. Not saying it isn't possible to expand the series, but it seems that Capcom is done with it for now.
New Series:
Always possible! Megaman spans quite a few different genres, so you never know when Capcom is going to release a completely new series!
So, now with all of that being said, which game would you like to see next? A follow up to one of the older games, or would you like to see something brand new? As for me, I'd love to see another Megaman X game. X9, Command Mission 2, or some spin off, it really doesn't matter to me! Just as long as the games keep going, and we finally get to see what happens next!
Anyway with that being said, what game are YOU personally hoping for? If we take a step back and look at the current Megaman series, you would see that many of them have plenty of room left to expand; so before you answer my question, lets take a minute to think back.
Classic:
The classic series is the original set of games which gets expanded every once in awhile. When it comes to the story we already know that it will end at some point, but how it gets to that end is still unknown. Still, because of this, Capcom can easily expand on the original series without having to worry about creating plot holes. It's also possible that we could get remakes of the older games as well, after all Capcom DID plan on remaking them and releasing them under the "Powered Up" series, but as of right now it seems there are no plans to do so.
X:
Although Megaman X also has a beginning and end, due to it's placement in the timeline, there's still a lot left unanswered. While one of the Megaman X6 endings (Zero's ending) shows the future at an unknown point in time, we really don't know what happens from the end of X8 up to that point. Megaman X8 is one of them games that ends in a cliffhanger which makes it pretty clear that there was going to be an X9; however due to poor sales of Rockman X8 in Japan, that sequel still hasn't happened. We still don't know what happens to Axl, and we still don't know what happens to lead up to Zero locking himself away for testing. Sure we do have Command Mission (which takes place in the year 22XX), but if you take into account that the game was released BEFORE X8, then you would see that we still don't know Axl's fate. Maybe they save him before Command Mission, or maybe nothing has happened to him yet until AFTER Command Mission. Only a sequel would tell... There's also the canceled Maverick Hunter X project, which was going to be a remake of X1-6, but after the first release didn't sell as well as they might have hoped, it seems that Capcom decided against making the others.
Zero:
The Zero series is one of the FEW Megaman series to have actually ended, and because of that there really isn't much they could do. Sure there is a year gap between Zero 1 and 2, but that's just about it. Unless Capcom wanted to fill that year gap in, or release a game to bridge a gap between Zero and ZX, the Zero series is finished. They could do some remakes though.
ZX:
The ZX series is a series that ends in one of the biggest cliffhangers in Megaman. Very much like X8, ZX ends with us being unsure of what will happen next. You find out one of the "good guys" is actually a "bad guy," and they want to "reset" the world. Since the Zero and ZX games were created to bridge the gap from X to Legends, it's possible the next game could show how the Legends world came to be (destroyed/flooded/all humans dead), but we really don't know that for sure. Game ended in a cliffhanger, and there just isn't much more to say than that.
Legends:
Shouldn't have to explain this one! If it wasn't for the Legends 3 project, many people here at Capcom-Unity wouldn't be here, and if it wasn't for Legends 3, Megaman would have gone back to being an almost unknown game. Still the facts are as followed. The second game ended in a cliffhanger, Capcom wasted a year of their staff's life only to can a game they were really looking forward to releasing, and millions of fans are still upset. Maybe one day Legends 3 will pick back up, but it's very unlikely.
Battle Network:
This series also ended, but there's still gaps to fill. We don't know anything about Lan's highschool life, and there's also the ending in BN6 where we learn Lan now has a son. They could easily go back and tell either of these stories with a new series, but the original series is in fact done. There was a remake of BN1 released a few years ago though, but it never made it to the west.
Star Force:
Just like with BN, SF had an ending, but that ending was actually in the remake of Battle Network. Although Star Force 3 was the true end for the series, Geo (Subaru) returned for one last mini adventure where he traveled to the past and met up with Lan. Not saying it isn't possible to expand the series, but it seems that Capcom is done with it for now.
New Series:
Always possible! Megaman spans quite a few different genres, so you never know when Capcom is going to release a completely new series!
So, now with all of that being said, which game would you like to see next? A follow up to one of the older games, or would you like to see something brand new? As for me, I'd love to see another Megaman X game. X9, Command Mission 2, or some spin off, it really doesn't matter to me! Just as long as the games keep going, and we finally get to see what happens next!
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
It's hard to believe, but here we are again! Thanksgiving day! A day
to reflect back on everything you are thankful for, and a day to spend
time with family and friends! I just wanted to say that I'm thankful for
everyone's support with the Game Room, and that I'm happy that I'm able
to make this post once again!
Anyway please have a safe Thanksgiving everyone, and please be sure to make the most out of it.
Also as an extra, I wanted to share a little Thanksgiving related trick for anyone who has the game Assassin's Creed III. Now normally I don't tie these holiday posts in with anything, but this time I'm going to make an exception.
If you have AC3 on either the Xbox 360 or Playstation 3, here's a nice little easter egg. To do this little trick you first must have access to the homestead which opens up in part 6. Once you reach that section of the game, head to the back door of your house, press up against the wall, and whistle. After you whistle, look around and see if you can find a turkey walking along.
Once you find the turkey you then want to enter in the following code... The Konami code! Up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, B, A, Start (or O, X Start on the PS3). As soon as you do this code you'll notice something about the turkey... IT'S AN ASSASSIN TURKEY! Yep the turkey will get an Assassin's hood, and will then follow you around the town!
Really this isn't to big of a trick, but I thought it was a nice little trick that would be perfect to share on Thanksgiving.
Well anyway, Happy Thanksgiving everyone, and I hope to see you this time next year as well! ^_^
Anyway please have a safe Thanksgiving everyone, and please be sure to make the most out of it.
Also as an extra, I wanted to share a little Thanksgiving related trick for anyone who has the game Assassin's Creed III. Now normally I don't tie these holiday posts in with anything, but this time I'm going to make an exception.
If you have AC3 on either the Xbox 360 or Playstation 3, here's a nice little easter egg. To do this little trick you first must have access to the homestead which opens up in part 6. Once you reach that section of the game, head to the back door of your house, press up against the wall, and whistle. After you whistle, look around and see if you can find a turkey walking along.
Once you find the turkey you then want to enter in the following code... The Konami code! Up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, B, A, Start (or O, X Start on the PS3). As soon as you do this code you'll notice something about the turkey... IT'S AN ASSASSIN TURKEY! Yep the turkey will get an Assassin's hood, and will then follow you around the town!
Really this isn't to big of a trick, but I thought it was a nice little trick that would be perfect to share on Thanksgiving.
Well anyway, Happy Thanksgiving everyone, and I hope to see you this time next year as well! ^_^
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
The NettoSaito Review Writing Process
Ok so over the past few months or so I have had a few people ask me
for some advice when it came to writing reviews, and well, let me say
this now. I AM NO EXPERT GAME REVIEWER! Everything I review has been
either for fun, to help someone out, or to get some of the lesser known
games known again. Even so, I would like to say that I do really
appreciate you guys asking me, so I decided to go ahead and make this
blog post ^_^
Step 1: Picking the Game
Ok so before I write a review, I have to start with this very basic step. Picking a game (or show/movie/anime) to review. I know this may sound like a simple step for me, but it really isn't! There are actually many different factors that go into my decision, and it's really important that I decide on the right game. How do I do that though? Well, really, it's just a little bit random.
Before I review a game, I look at the games that I can review, and I really think about what game just "feels right" to me. You know how sometimes you just don't feel like playing a game, so you turn it off and play something else? Well, the same idea applies here. If I'm just not in the mood to talk about a game, I'll normally put it on hold, and either walk away from it and come back later, or I'll just review something else. The review for Jak II is a prime example of this.
As of right now (11/20/12), I have yet to complete my Jak II review. Now don't get me wrong, I loved the game (heck I made sure to 100% that sucker), but as of right now the timing just isn't right. Just lately I've got my hands on a few other great games, and some of them I feel need a bit more attention than Jak and Daxter. Sure I could go ahead and just type that review right now, but I found that writing a review you don't feel like writing is one of the worst possible things you can do. The writing tends to come out choppy, aspects of the review become forced, and I tend to completely forget to talk about subjects I planned on covering. In short, it isn't pretty.
So anyway, if you're just doing a review for fun (or to help someone), make sure you're feeling it. Make sure it's a game you feel like talking about, and make sure it's one that you understand enough to review. (PLAYING A GAME FOR FIVE MINUTES ONLY TO TURN AROUND TO REVIEW IT IS NOT THE WAY TO GO PEOPLE! Sadly though... That happens quite often.)
Step 2: Think About the Categories
After I've picked my game to review, I start thinking about how I want to review it. What are the major features of this game? Where should I bring them up in the review? How much of the story should I explain? All of these are questions I ask myself, and it normally comes down to the same pattern. I'll give the game a nice intro to just basically explain what the game is, I'll then talk about the story (which believe it or not is something that can make or break it for most people), and then I'll get into the gameplay. The thing is though, many games have many different aspects to their gameplay, so you can't really just cover it all in one big paragraph.
Once I start talking about the gameplay, I start to think about how the standard levels play out (if there are levels), the alternate gameplay modes/extras, the VS modes, and I'll also think about any mini game that might be included. Although some games tend to stick to the same basic pattern/controls throughout the entire game, many do change it up, and I always felt that it was very important to explain it all.
The thing is, you don't want people to go buy this game without knowing anything about it, so I always try to explain the gameplay as much as possible. I mean, do you really want to make someone who hates a puzzle game buy a puzzle game just by leaving out that one piece of information? Just think about it.. In your review, you could have said that it has a good story, there's exploration, and that the fighting is awesome, but you could fail to mention that it is mostly a puzzle game. Your review would most likely make people want to buy that game, for them to then turn it on, and find out that the exploration/story/fighting takes back seat to the main gameplay... The puzzle solving...
So anyway, in short, it's very important that you fully explain what the gameplay is like. Don't leave out anything, unless its to avoid a major spoiler.
Once I've covered the gameplay, I then normally move onto a section where I talk about the good and the bad. Normally this section just sums up a lot of the major points of the review, but I'll also normally put some of the smaller detail as well. For the most part I tend to keep what I find "bad" out of the main sections of the review, but that isn't always the case. If the "bad" aspects of the game actually are a major feature in a game, I will make sure to point it out throughout the review, but if it's just some little minor detail I found annoying, then I'll normally just put it at the end.
Really though, for all of the categories, it's best that you just decide for yourself how you want to review the game. Although I have my standard structure that I follow for most reviews, sometimes it just doesn't work out, and I find myself using another outline. (The Dead or Alive: Dimensions review I did a long time ago is a perfect example of that.)
Step 3: Understanding BOTH Points of View
This step goes along with Step 2, but I really think this might be the most important step to remember. EVERYONE has their own personal tastes, and YOU shouldn't try to force someone to change. Basically everyone likes different things, and there's nothing you can do about that. Some people like comedy movies, other people hate comedy and rather watch horror. This is just the human nature, and it is something we've had to deal with our entire lives. Just look at your friends or family for example. Do they ALL like the games you play? Do you like all the stuff they do? Let me answer both of them questions for you; no.
When writing a review I always try to see both points of view. I'll talk about all the main features the game has to offer, cover the story, and basically explain it with as much detail as I feel is needed, but as I'm doing that, I'm also constantly telling myself that not everyone will like the game like I do/dislike the game like I do. I know I keep going back to examples, but this is is an easy way to explain it, and it's also an example you can go back to read if you really feel like it.
Back when I reviewed Metroid: Other M, I did something most people wouldn't dare to do. I gave the game a solid 10/10. Now, is Metroid: Other M the best Metroid game out there? Heck no. Is it a pretty solid game that many people will have fun with? Well, yeah! Metroid: Other M is one of them games which really upset a lot of fans, and a lot of people found reasons to hate on it. It wasn't up to Team Ninja's standards that most people were expecting, and it wasn't the Super Metroid like Nintendo wanted people to believe; it was something completely different. Even so, the story was interesting, the controls worked very well, the level design was nice, and it's a game I just enjoyed playing. Although I did give it a perfect score for what type of game it was, I also mentioned that it wasn't what people expected. Throughout the entire review I made sure to point out that Metroid: Other M wasn't the game fans were asking for, and that I would be rating it based off of it alone, ignoring the rest of the series. In short, if you wanted a standard Metroid game, stay away from Other M, if you wanted something new, Other M was at least worth a shot.
Another example would be my Resistance: Burning Skies review. Now this is a game I might have personally gave about a 3/10, but in my review it ended up scoring a 6. The thing is, the game couldn't hold up to the standard Resistance games, it was extremely short, and it's multiplayer was nothing more than running around with shot guns, so really, I just didn't care for it too much. Sure I may pick it up from time to time, but I haven't actually played it since the day I bought it and 100%ed it. That doesn't mean it is a COMPLETELY bad game though. While I did point out the standard issues with the game, I also made sure to keep in mind that there would be people who would actually love this game as well. I made sure to talk about the game's good points, point out why people might want to play it, and well, I ended up rating the game higher than I expected. Not because I really liked the game, but because it truly wasn't that bad. It was still a solid shooter, and fans would find at least 10 or hours of enjoyment from it.
So anyway, just try to keep in mind what other people might think as well. Just because you hate it or love it, it doesn't mean it is a good or bad game. Heck I like Sonic 2006 for reasons most people wouldn't understand, but that doesn't mean it deserves a 10/10 does it? Chances are, most of you would rate it a 1/10 (if not lower). Actually, that's one of my older reviews that I did, and back then I didn't even bother giving it a score.
Step 4: Screenshots
This really depends where you type the review, but screen shots can play a major role in the review when it comes to letting people know what the game is like. Sure your words will paint a picture in someone's head, but that doesn't mean the image they created is what the game is actually like. I found by placing a few screen shots here and there, you can really help make your points stronger. If you're talking about how nice the graphics look, why not include a picture to help show that off? Little additions like these can really come a long way in a review, but you SHOULDN'T be depended on them.
All of my reviews here are also uploaded on other websites, GameFAQs and GameSpot for example, and on them websites images cannot be included with the reviews. If I were to completely base my reviews around the pictures I have, then the people reading the reviews on them sites would be completely lost.
Also, although I used to do it all the time, I recommend avoid using videos as well. Sure maybe a trailer or a song from the game is nice from time to time, but don't base your review around that either. Remember not everyone may have sound on their computer/be able to listen to it for whatever reason, so it's always better to explain everything in your own words when possible.
Step 5: Post it!
Yep that's about all I can really say! Once you've finished everything, well you might want to read through it first, it is then ready to be posted for the world to see! Since I post my reviews on sites such as this one, I normally have to wait for it to be approved before it actually goes up for the public. Also please remember to give credit to anyone where credit is due!
Well, that's about it. Thank you all for taking the time to read this, and also thanks again for asking my opinion when it comes to writing reviews! I won't say who all asked me, well not all of you are actually from Capcom-Unity lol, but anyway... There ya go ^_^
Step 1: Picking the Game
Ok so before I write a review, I have to start with this very basic step. Picking a game (or show/movie/anime) to review. I know this may sound like a simple step for me, but it really isn't! There are actually many different factors that go into my decision, and it's really important that I decide on the right game. How do I do that though? Well, really, it's just a little bit random.
Before I review a game, I look at the games that I can review, and I really think about what game just "feels right" to me. You know how sometimes you just don't feel like playing a game, so you turn it off and play something else? Well, the same idea applies here. If I'm just not in the mood to talk about a game, I'll normally put it on hold, and either walk away from it and come back later, or I'll just review something else. The review for Jak II is a prime example of this.
As of right now (11/20/12), I have yet to complete my Jak II review. Now don't get me wrong, I loved the game (heck I made sure to 100% that sucker), but as of right now the timing just isn't right. Just lately I've got my hands on a few other great games, and some of them I feel need a bit more attention than Jak and Daxter. Sure I could go ahead and just type that review right now, but I found that writing a review you don't feel like writing is one of the worst possible things you can do. The writing tends to come out choppy, aspects of the review become forced, and I tend to completely forget to talk about subjects I planned on covering. In short, it isn't pretty.
So anyway, if you're just doing a review for fun (or to help someone), make sure you're feeling it. Make sure it's a game you feel like talking about, and make sure it's one that you understand enough to review. (PLAYING A GAME FOR FIVE MINUTES ONLY TO TURN AROUND TO REVIEW IT IS NOT THE WAY TO GO PEOPLE! Sadly though... That happens quite often.)
Step 2: Think About the Categories
After I've picked my game to review, I start thinking about how I want to review it. What are the major features of this game? Where should I bring them up in the review? How much of the story should I explain? All of these are questions I ask myself, and it normally comes down to the same pattern. I'll give the game a nice intro to just basically explain what the game is, I'll then talk about the story (which believe it or not is something that can make or break it for most people), and then I'll get into the gameplay. The thing is though, many games have many different aspects to their gameplay, so you can't really just cover it all in one big paragraph.
Once I start talking about the gameplay, I start to think about how the standard levels play out (if there are levels), the alternate gameplay modes/extras, the VS modes, and I'll also think about any mini game that might be included. Although some games tend to stick to the same basic pattern/controls throughout the entire game, many do change it up, and I always felt that it was very important to explain it all.
The thing is, you don't want people to go buy this game without knowing anything about it, so I always try to explain the gameplay as much as possible. I mean, do you really want to make someone who hates a puzzle game buy a puzzle game just by leaving out that one piece of information? Just think about it.. In your review, you could have said that it has a good story, there's exploration, and that the fighting is awesome, but you could fail to mention that it is mostly a puzzle game. Your review would most likely make people want to buy that game, for them to then turn it on, and find out that the exploration/story/fighting takes back seat to the main gameplay... The puzzle solving...
So anyway, in short, it's very important that you fully explain what the gameplay is like. Don't leave out anything, unless its to avoid a major spoiler.
Once I've covered the gameplay, I then normally move onto a section where I talk about the good and the bad. Normally this section just sums up a lot of the major points of the review, but I'll also normally put some of the smaller detail as well. For the most part I tend to keep what I find "bad" out of the main sections of the review, but that isn't always the case. If the "bad" aspects of the game actually are a major feature in a game, I will make sure to point it out throughout the review, but if it's just some little minor detail I found annoying, then I'll normally just put it at the end.
Really though, for all of the categories, it's best that you just decide for yourself how you want to review the game. Although I have my standard structure that I follow for most reviews, sometimes it just doesn't work out, and I find myself using another outline. (The Dead or Alive: Dimensions review I did a long time ago is a perfect example of that.)
Step 3: Understanding BOTH Points of View
This step goes along with Step 2, but I really think this might be the most important step to remember. EVERYONE has their own personal tastes, and YOU shouldn't try to force someone to change. Basically everyone likes different things, and there's nothing you can do about that. Some people like comedy movies, other people hate comedy and rather watch horror. This is just the human nature, and it is something we've had to deal with our entire lives. Just look at your friends or family for example. Do they ALL like the games you play? Do you like all the stuff they do? Let me answer both of them questions for you; no.
When writing a review I always try to see both points of view. I'll talk about all the main features the game has to offer, cover the story, and basically explain it with as much detail as I feel is needed, but as I'm doing that, I'm also constantly telling myself that not everyone will like the game like I do/dislike the game like I do. I know I keep going back to examples, but this is is an easy way to explain it, and it's also an example you can go back to read if you really feel like it.
Back when I reviewed Metroid: Other M, I did something most people wouldn't dare to do. I gave the game a solid 10/10. Now, is Metroid: Other M the best Metroid game out there? Heck no. Is it a pretty solid game that many people will have fun with? Well, yeah! Metroid: Other M is one of them games which really upset a lot of fans, and a lot of people found reasons to hate on it. It wasn't up to Team Ninja's standards that most people were expecting, and it wasn't the Super Metroid like Nintendo wanted people to believe; it was something completely different. Even so, the story was interesting, the controls worked very well, the level design was nice, and it's a game I just enjoyed playing. Although I did give it a perfect score for what type of game it was, I also mentioned that it wasn't what people expected. Throughout the entire review I made sure to point out that Metroid: Other M wasn't the game fans were asking for, and that I would be rating it based off of it alone, ignoring the rest of the series. In short, if you wanted a standard Metroid game, stay away from Other M, if you wanted something new, Other M was at least worth a shot.
Another example would be my Resistance: Burning Skies review. Now this is a game I might have personally gave about a 3/10, but in my review it ended up scoring a 6. The thing is, the game couldn't hold up to the standard Resistance games, it was extremely short, and it's multiplayer was nothing more than running around with shot guns, so really, I just didn't care for it too much. Sure I may pick it up from time to time, but I haven't actually played it since the day I bought it and 100%ed it. That doesn't mean it is a COMPLETELY bad game though. While I did point out the standard issues with the game, I also made sure to keep in mind that there would be people who would actually love this game as well. I made sure to talk about the game's good points, point out why people might want to play it, and well, I ended up rating the game higher than I expected. Not because I really liked the game, but because it truly wasn't that bad. It was still a solid shooter, and fans would find at least 10 or hours of enjoyment from it.
So anyway, just try to keep in mind what other people might think as well. Just because you hate it or love it, it doesn't mean it is a good or bad game. Heck I like Sonic 2006 for reasons most people wouldn't understand, but that doesn't mean it deserves a 10/10 does it? Chances are, most of you would rate it a 1/10 (if not lower). Actually, that's one of my older reviews that I did, and back then I didn't even bother giving it a score.
Step 4: Screenshots
This really depends where you type the review, but screen shots can play a major role in the review when it comes to letting people know what the game is like. Sure your words will paint a picture in someone's head, but that doesn't mean the image they created is what the game is actually like. I found by placing a few screen shots here and there, you can really help make your points stronger. If you're talking about how nice the graphics look, why not include a picture to help show that off? Little additions like these can really come a long way in a review, but you SHOULDN'T be depended on them.
All of my reviews here are also uploaded on other websites, GameFAQs and GameSpot for example, and on them websites images cannot be included with the reviews. If I were to completely base my reviews around the pictures I have, then the people reading the reviews on them sites would be completely lost.
Also, although I used to do it all the time, I recommend avoid using videos as well. Sure maybe a trailer or a song from the game is nice from time to time, but don't base your review around that either. Remember not everyone may have sound on their computer/be able to listen to it for whatever reason, so it's always better to explain everything in your own words when possible.
Step 5: Post it!
Yep that's about all I can really say! Once you've finished everything, well you might want to read through it first, it is then ready to be posted for the world to see! Since I post my reviews on sites such as this one, I normally have to wait for it to be approved before it actually goes up for the public. Also please remember to give credit to anyone where credit is due!
Well, that's about it. Thank you all for taking the time to read this, and also thanks again for asking my opinion when it comes to writing reviews! I won't say who all asked me, well not all of you are actually from Capcom-Unity lol, but anyway... There ya go ^_^
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Hard Corps: Uprising (XBL/PSN) - Review!
Hard Corps: Uprising is a game that came out back in 2010, and was developed by Arc System Works (which is better known for their Guilty Gear, BlazBlue, and other fighitng game series, as well as the DS Visual Novel 999), and published by Konami. So, just what type of game is Hard Corps? Well, let's just say I can sum up just about this entire review using only one word. Contra! Now before you quit reading, let me clarify a few things. Yes this IS in fact a Contra game, but at the same time it is a series of its own. It has new features, a brand new art style, and it has quite a bit added to its gameplay style. So with out farther adieu, let's get to the review!
The Story of Hard Corps:
Hard Corps is a prequel to the rest of the Contra series (released on Xbox Live Arcade and Playstation Network), and takes place in the year 2613 when the world is controlled by an empire called the Commonwealth. They raid villages, slaughter everyone who gets in their way, and flat out take control of every nation in their path. Although many have tried fighting back, they all have failed, and the Commonwealth continues to rule. That is, until a small group of elite soldiers finally showed up to save the day.
Bahamut was a soldier in the Commonwealth army, but after seeing what whats going on, he threw away his badge and decided to form the resistance group to fight back. Krystal was a normal young woman who decided to pick up a riffle and fight back as she watched her parents get killed. She also has an eye patch over her right eye which seems to have been injured when her family was attacked. The third member of the group is the bike rider Harley, who loves to go crazy on the battle field, the fourth member is a young samurai named Sayuri (who has her own reason to fight), and the final member is Leviathan who is actually one of Bahamut's friends.
Although they may not seem like much, this small group is the only hope left for the world.
The Gameplay:
Hard Corps: Uprising is in fact a Contra game, so it plays a LOT like Contra. The game is a 2D side scroller with hundreds of enemies spread out throughout the level, your characters can jump and dodge shots, you use guns as your main weapon, you can pick up power ups (which you lose when you get hit), each level also normally features a few boss battles, and you can even play through the game co-op with a friend as well. In short, it's your standard shoot em up side scroller which you might expect to see in the arcades; however Hard Corps does have some twists of its own.
In Hard Corps characters can now double jump, they can dash on the ground, they can air dash, they can run up some walls, and there's also a few other abilities as well (such as dodge moves, bullet reflect moves, and tackle moves) to spice things up. Also unlike in other Contra games, characters actually have health bars, so it's no longer set up so getting hit once means you lose a life. Still don't let that fool you, this game is still no walk in the park!
Although you can get hit more than once now, enemies will constantly be coming at you, and thanks to the new double jump and dash moves, you now have a much wider range of options to dodge attacks, and Arc System Works decided to make the game even harder to make up for it.
That's not all though! Some levels mix up the gameplay even more and even feature some stealth elements (complete with a Metal Gear box to help you)! These sections require you to not only use your fact reflexes, but your brains as well. What's the best way to make it through this area? Should I take out the alarms then just shoot everyone? Maybe I should just take my time... All of these will be thoughts that will run through your mind as you decide what's the best action to take.
Still, all of this is even farther expanded with the new Rising Mode and Shop System!
Rising Mode:
Although Hard Corps features a standard "arcade mode" which plays like standard Contra (characters have preset skills, limited number of lives and continues, and health), there is also a new mode called "Rising Mode" which is for anyone who doesn't want to have as much of a challenge.
Basically in Rising Mode, every point you score during the level is turned into cash. You can freely play any levels you have already completed (to either find the hidden medals or shoot for a higher score), and the game doesn't really force you to do anything you don't want to do.
After you have played for awhile and racked up enough points, you can then go into the shop to upgrade your characters to make the game easier! You can buy power ups that make weapons stronger, you can increase your health and extra life count, or you can even unlock new abilities or increase your movement speed. Basically if you ever have a problem with a stage, you can simply "farm" points, go buy a new upgrade, and then go back through and destroy it.
Still if you're the type of person who actually wants a challenge, you really don't have to make this mode easier if you don't want to! Every power up you buy in the shop can be turned on or off, and every character has their own shop. Even if you do buy every power up as one character, there's still the others to do the very same for. This really helps add to the replay value of the game.
The Arc System Works Style:
This is something I can't pass up talking about. While other Contra games are dark and gritty, Hard Corps uses a nice new fresh style, one that I'm sure you've seen before if you have ever played an Arc System Works game. Yep that's right! Conta has gone anime styled!
The game uses nice and bright anime styled HD sprites, in a 3Dish cell shaded world! Just like with games like BlazBlue, everything really pops, and the entire game is just filled with eye candy. Besides all of that, the game's musical score was actually created by the very same team that did BlazBlue's outstanding music, and it is filled with songs you are sure to remember. Everything just really fits the game well, and you'll find yourself enjoying its style just as much as its gameplay. The anime opening is pretty cool as well!
The Good and the Bad:
Hard Corps: Uprising does a lot right. It captures the Contra style fans know and love, it returns to the Contra III style of play (with two weapon slots), it adds in its own new features to mix up the gameplay, it's got a nice simple story, the graphics are amazing, the music is amazing, the Konami code is used in a nice way (I won't spoil it for anyone), and the Rising mode is a VERY much welcomed addition. The game also really pushes you to get better, and the entire game does in fact rely on skill so you won't ever feel like you were cheated either. There's actually only ONE real downside to it...
Other than that, there really isn't much to complain about. If you like Contra games, you should check it out for sure; if you don't, then you may want to go download that free demo and try it out for yourself.
Either way, Hard Corps: Uprising, gets a solid 10/10. You can't get any more old school than this!
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Strain: Strategic Armored Infantry - Review
o, I have been planning on doing another anime review for quite some
time now, but I never expected it to be this one. Even so, this is one
of them "unknown" animes that most people over look, and it really is a
shame. So anyway, figured I'd help get the word out about it, especially
since I know quite a few of you will be interested in it. So anyway,
let's get started!
Note: THIS REVIEW WILL MOSTLY FOCUS ON THE FIRST HALF OF THE SERIES TO AVOID MASSIVE SPOILERS!
Strain is a short "Mecha, Military, Psychological" anime series which originally ran from 1 November 2006 – 14 February 2007, and was then brought to the US back in 2009. Unlike other mecha series though, it had a much stronger focus on the emotions of the main character. Although it was short lived, and not as popular as other mecha series, it is still one of them series that will leave a lasting impression on you, and it will most likely keep you coming back for more.
The Story:
When Strain opens up we get to see two character's talking, one is an older man in a military suit, while the other is a little girl. It turns out the two are brother and sister, and that this is the last time they will most likely ever see each other. The older man is a man named Ralph Werec, and he is the best "Strain" pilot the "Galactic Union" has, and because of that he is being sent away to war. Before leaving however, Ralph decides to dance once more with his little sister Sara, and he then gives her a necklace to always remember him by. After this, Sara happily accepts, and then tells her brother that she will follow him to space one day.
Years later Sara is now a Strain pilot at a military school, and she is finally about to graduate. Basically a "Strain" is a very unique mech which can only be controlled by people called "reasoners." Reasoners are people who had their brain cells harvested before birth, and then put into devices known as a "mimic." By using the mimic these special pilots are able to take complete control over the strongest mechs to ever be created, but there's also a catch. If a mimic is damaged, it's dead forever. Since it is made up of brain cells from the pilot, there is just no way to fix a damaged one.
After showing off her pilot skills, Sara decides to hang out with her friends the night before they graduate and most likely never see each other again. Although all of them are excited to finally be moving on, they are also sad to know that they were finally ready to move on. At least, that was the plan.
While dancing with her best friend, Sara looks up into the sky and sees what she thought was a battle test; however, it turns out that wasn't the case. Her brother, the world famous Ralph Werec, had finally returned, but with only one goal in mind. To kill everyone.
Sara watches in horror with her friends as she sees the entire school go up in flames, with everyone being killed within just seconds. With no other option, she decides to run off with her friends, get in her Strain, and stop the "unknown" Strain. Not too long after Sara once again is forced to watch in horror as her friends die in front of her face, and she is left as the last one to be alive. Sara then decides to confront the Strain's pilot on foot, when she finally sees who it is. Her brother.
After seeing her brother, Sara just about loses it. She once again gets in her Strain to take him down, but in the end she fails. After her Strain gets stabbed through the cockpit, Sara's mimic is damaged, and she is forced to crash land. Now having lost everything, including her ability to pilot a strain, Sara cries out knowing that her life was basically over.
Jump ahead and Sara is now a completely changed woman. She changed her last name to hide her identity as being Ralph Werec's sister, she cut her long hair, and she also moved onto a new training school in space, but this time as a "Gambee Unit" pilot. (A Gambee Unit is a lower class mech which anyone can pilot, but it doesn't have that great of combat skills.) Also due to everything she had to go through, Sara also suffers from post traumatic stress disorder. She keeps to herself, and avoids becoming close to everyone, but also because of that everyone hates her.
She is always told how she sucks as a pilot, other students love to hit her or rip up her cloths, and she is basically just treated as the unfit trash of their group of students. Even so, Sara tries her hardest to fly through her training so she can finally be one step closer to her brother, who she now knows she must stop at all costs. But then, everything changes.
One day after coming back to her locker to put her cloths on, Sara finds that her cloths have been ripped up (again), but also the very important necklace her brother gave her was gone as well. This is when Sara finally hits her breaking point and snaps. She searches everywhere for her necklace, and just about goes mad looking for it, but then she comes across something else instead. A life size human doll named "Emily." Although Emily is a doll, she is also someone's mimic. In short, it is a doll, with someone's brain cells in her. Apparently Emily was going to be a test subject for a brand new strain two young mechanics were working on, but up until that point it still wasn't finished. Even so, Sara feels a strange connection to this doll, and slowly over time, she starts to revert to her old self as she spends time with it. That is when Sara's life once again changes forever.
Not too long after finding Emily, their ship goes under attack, and Sara tries a very risky move. She takes Emily, puts her in the unfinished Strain, links up with her, and takes to the battle field. Normally it is 100% impossible to link up with someone elses' mimic, but Sara somehow pulls it off, and she once again finds herself face to face with her brother.
After that battle Sara is then switched over from her Gambee Unit to the Strain, but that still doesn't help her out with the rest of the students. Although her new teammates treat her nicely, the rest of the students still hate her guts; even more so now since they blame her for the deaths of their friends in the last battle. Even so, Sara continues to push on despite what everyone else thinks of her, and she still continues to fight for them no matter how many times they beat her up. Still, what is with that mimic? Why can Sara link up with it? Why did Sara's brother attack them? Still Sara ever come to terms with what happened to her? Will the students ever respect her? Will she win her fight? The opening of the show leaves so many unanswered questions that you can't help but to continue watching.
Sara Werec:
Normally I would dedicate this section to the main characters, but when it comes to Strain, Sara is really the only character that you will care about. Sure there are other characters, most of which you will hate due to how they treat Sara, but as for the others, they are mostly there just to support Sara. Sure they are important characters, but they take the back seat most of the time, and their character development is spread out throughout the series. To avoid spoilers, I'm not even going to mention them here.
Anyway, Sara really is an interesting character, and one you will care about. Now the first time you see her, I'm not going to lie, you might actually hate her. In the first episode she is that standard stupid anime girl who is full of herself, thinks she's the best, runs around completely oblivious to the world around her, and well, just acts like a little girl. She's a lot like a 13-14 year old who basically just got into high school, and thinks she's the best. Really, Sara is the reason I thought I was going to hate the anime, and almost shut it off; still I decided to give the show a shot, and keep watching. Man I'm glad I did.
After Sara watches her friends die (whom she really cared about), and after she loses her mimic and finds out her brother was behind the attack, she really changes. From the second episode onward she goes from being that stupid standard anime girl, to one who is more realistic and down to earth. She's focused on her goal, she understands she isn't the best, but even so she decides to never give up. She comes off a bit cold since she tries to distance herself from others, but she also has a very good reason to. On top of that she is willing to do anything to help others, no matter what they do to her in return. For example there's one girl who is always running her down, and always doing anything she can to hurt Sara, but Sara still saves her life... Even though her "thank you" was basically another slap to the face.
Really the show does a very good job telling Sara's story, and you can really understand where she is coming from. She watched her brother kill everyone she knew, she lost her ability to pilot a strain (which is what she lived for), everyone seems to hate her, and the few people who are nice to her just feel sorry for her and seem to not truly care. It really is no wonder Sara is the way she is, but you also can't help but like her because of it. While the viewers get to see the real her, the rest of the characters just see her as trash/the one who should have died in their first battle.
Even so, I never expected the girl I hated in the first episode, would be the main reason I kept coming back episode after episode. Her character development is really great, and you can't help but want to follow her story.
The Setting:
For the most part, Strain takes place on their ship in space. You're going to be seeing a lot of the same places (the warehouse where Sara's strain is kept, the training area, the lunch room, the hall ways, the shower, etc), but it never really gets old. Sure there are changes from time to time to keep things interesting, but basically they couldn't have picked a more fitting setting than their ship.
The entire story has a more "at home" type of feel to it, and that really helps show off the main character's daily life. She's not running around thousands of planets exploring ruins and shooting aliens, she's working as hard as she can at her academy ship so she can go take down her brother. Unlike other shows which have a "mother ship" as the main setting, this one never gets old.
There are some changes for the second half of the series, but like I said at the beginning, I'm going to avoid talking about it to avoid spoilers.
The TV MA Rating:
This is something else I thought I should share as more of a warning/explanation. Strains is in fact another TV MA rated show (as in 18 years or older), but there's only one reason for it. Basically the entire show switches back and for from being rated PG and TV14, but there's a single episode which bumped up the rating... Episode 7.
While the show does contain some light nudity (naked backs, naked necks/top of breasts), there really isn't much that would offend anyone or turn them off from watching. You'll basically see the same amount of fan service (if not MORE) in this that you would see in other PG rated shows, or movies. There's also a few scenes where it's implied that the two main villain have sex, but even that doesn't show anything. It simply shows them kiss, then fall off screen as the scene changes. Once again, you'll see worse/hear worse from many of them "family shows" you'll see on TV now days. Heck, just turn on TV land and you'll see what I'm talking about. HOWEVER, there is one case where the show truly deserves a TV MA rating.
Like I said, episode 7 of the series is basically the whole reason for it's higher age rating. It's a completely random episode, with a completely random scene which goes against the rest of the series, and I'm actually shocked it was in there. Basically in episode 7 one of the minor characters, who just happens to be gay, decides to try and make the main character love her. How is she going to do this? Well, I wont spoil the episode, but at one part of the episode Sara is taking a shower, and this girl decides to go in with her. The girl pulls her cloths off (which shows just about full nudity, except for the lower half which no "detail" is drawn for), and she rushes in. Well, it turns out Sara isn't in the shower, and after seeing someone else inside, she runs out screaming. The scenes that follow feature the naked girl running down the hall ways trying to find her cloths, as everyone else watches with a stunned look on their face.
That 2-3 minute long scene was FILLED with fan service and nudity, and I really have NO idea why the heck they even bothered to include that. It was completely pointless, and I actually found myself looking away from the screen because I was tired of seeing her breasts bouncing allover the screen as she ran. It was just flat out SCREWED UP, and I personally feel that they should have just left that crap out.
The GOOD news is, that's basically the only time you will ever see something like this in the show. If it offends you, I recommend just looking away for a few minutes, and then go on watching it like it had never happened.
(Yep, that about sums up the look on your face after you see that scene.)
Also
the intro shows Sara topless for about a second, but it isn't in a
sexual way. If you have ever watched other mecha series such as Gundam,
Full Metal Panic, or Eureka Seven, it's basically the same thing. It's
used for a dramatic opening effect (it's a transparent image of her
floating in space), and it really isn't bad enough to give it more than a
TV 14 rating. Heck, just open up a history book and look at the
renaissance era. you'll see more graphic content in them paintings than
you will in this show's opening.
In Conclusion:
Although not everyone is a mecha fan, and although many mecha series do the whole "mecha" thing better, that really isn't the main focus of Strain, and it really shouldn't turn you off from the show. This is a show about a young woman who lost everything she had, and is now doing everything possible to get her life back. The show is filled with mystery, it has great character development, the fight scenes are actually pretty cool, and the overall story telling is just great.
Sadly the show is only 13 episodes, but you know what they say about short animes:"The short ones, are normally the best ones," and that remains true here. Also because its so short there really aren't any filler episodes either. All of the episodes are jam packed with story development, and everything flows together nicely.
The only downsides this show really has is that the first episode might turn many people away, but the fact is that it's 100% different from the rest of the series. It's a really great intro, and I love the back story it creates, but it even almost turned me away when I first started watching it. It's just that the characters seemed kind of stupid, and the show just didn't seem like it was going anywhere... Until it did go somewhere and it became a non stop roller coaster ride to the finish!
Another thing you may notice is that the animation is just a little bit dated. I mean the show came back in 2006 so it's understandable, but if you're watching it post 2012, you may expect a little bit more. Now I'm not saying that it isn't good, it actually is, but if you're used to the more detailed animes it might take a bit of time getting used to. For the most part though, everything is drawn well, the animations are nice and fluid, and like some series (such as Ghost in the Shell), they try to keep the "anime faces" to a minimal. So yeah, don't go expecting to see funny X shaped eyes, or tear drops floating in the sky. Not saying it isn't there, but it isn't plastered allover the episodes like in a lot of shows. Now that may be a minus for some of you, but that's a plus in my book.
Other than the random fan service episode, I really don't have anything truly bad to say about this one. Sure I do wish it could have been longer, but if it was it might have lost some of it's solid story telling, so really, I'm glad it is what it is.
As of right now Strain can be watched both in English and in Japanese, so really it is up to you to decide which version you think is best. While the English dub really isn't bad, the voice actors do a good job showing emotion, if you just don't care for them, you should just stick with the original Japanese version.
As of 11/10/12 you can OFFICIALLY watch Strains at one of the following places:
Funimaiton (both sub and dub) -
www.funimation.com/strain-strategic-armo...
Hulu (both sub and dub) -
www.hulu.com/strain-stategic-armored-inf...
Netflix (dub, requires paid membership) -
movies.netflix.com/WiMovie/Strain_Strate...
Although as of right now Funimation has the series uploaded at the above websites, please keep in mind that this may not always be the case. If you read this review years down the road, there is no guarantee that it will still be there.
Recommended Age Group: 14 + (18 + for Episode 7)
Number of Episodes: 13
Gender it Most Appeals to: Both Male and Female
NettoSaito's Rating: 5/5
Read More
Note: THIS REVIEW WILL MOSTLY FOCUS ON THE FIRST HALF OF THE SERIES TO AVOID MASSIVE SPOILERS!
Strain is a short "Mecha, Military, Psychological" anime series which originally ran from 1 November 2006 – 14 February 2007, and was then brought to the US back in 2009. Unlike other mecha series though, it had a much stronger focus on the emotions of the main character. Although it was short lived, and not as popular as other mecha series, it is still one of them series that will leave a lasting impression on you, and it will most likely keep you coming back for more.
The Story:
When Strain opens up we get to see two character's talking, one is an older man in a military suit, while the other is a little girl. It turns out the two are brother and sister, and that this is the last time they will most likely ever see each other. The older man is a man named Ralph Werec, and he is the best "Strain" pilot the "Galactic Union" has, and because of that he is being sent away to war. Before leaving however, Ralph decides to dance once more with his little sister Sara, and he then gives her a necklace to always remember him by. After this, Sara happily accepts, and then tells her brother that she will follow him to space one day.
Years later Sara is now a Strain pilot at a military school, and she is finally about to graduate. Basically a "Strain" is a very unique mech which can only be controlled by people called "reasoners." Reasoners are people who had their brain cells harvested before birth, and then put into devices known as a "mimic." By using the mimic these special pilots are able to take complete control over the strongest mechs to ever be created, but there's also a catch. If a mimic is damaged, it's dead forever. Since it is made up of brain cells from the pilot, there is just no way to fix a damaged one.
After showing off her pilot skills, Sara decides to hang out with her friends the night before they graduate and most likely never see each other again. Although all of them are excited to finally be moving on, they are also sad to know that they were finally ready to move on. At least, that was the plan.
While dancing with her best friend, Sara looks up into the sky and sees what she thought was a battle test; however, it turns out that wasn't the case. Her brother, the world famous Ralph Werec, had finally returned, but with only one goal in mind. To kill everyone.
Sara watches in horror with her friends as she sees the entire school go up in flames, with everyone being killed within just seconds. With no other option, she decides to run off with her friends, get in her Strain, and stop the "unknown" Strain. Not too long after Sara once again is forced to watch in horror as her friends die in front of her face, and she is left as the last one to be alive. Sara then decides to confront the Strain's pilot on foot, when she finally sees who it is. Her brother.
After seeing her brother, Sara just about loses it. She once again gets in her Strain to take him down, but in the end she fails. After her Strain gets stabbed through the cockpit, Sara's mimic is damaged, and she is forced to crash land. Now having lost everything, including her ability to pilot a strain, Sara cries out knowing that her life was basically over.
Jump ahead and Sara is now a completely changed woman. She changed her last name to hide her identity as being Ralph Werec's sister, she cut her long hair, and she also moved onto a new training school in space, but this time as a "Gambee Unit" pilot. (A Gambee Unit is a lower class mech which anyone can pilot, but it doesn't have that great of combat skills.) Also due to everything she had to go through, Sara also suffers from post traumatic stress disorder. She keeps to herself, and avoids becoming close to everyone, but also because of that everyone hates her.
She is always told how she sucks as a pilot, other students love to hit her or rip up her cloths, and she is basically just treated as the unfit trash of their group of students. Even so, Sara tries her hardest to fly through her training so she can finally be one step closer to her brother, who she now knows she must stop at all costs. But then, everything changes.
One day after coming back to her locker to put her cloths on, Sara finds that her cloths have been ripped up (again), but also the very important necklace her brother gave her was gone as well. This is when Sara finally hits her breaking point and snaps. She searches everywhere for her necklace, and just about goes mad looking for it, but then she comes across something else instead. A life size human doll named "Emily." Although Emily is a doll, she is also someone's mimic. In short, it is a doll, with someone's brain cells in her. Apparently Emily was going to be a test subject for a brand new strain two young mechanics were working on, but up until that point it still wasn't finished. Even so, Sara feels a strange connection to this doll, and slowly over time, she starts to revert to her old self as she spends time with it. That is when Sara's life once again changes forever.
Not too long after finding Emily, their ship goes under attack, and Sara tries a very risky move. She takes Emily, puts her in the unfinished Strain, links up with her, and takes to the battle field. Normally it is 100% impossible to link up with someone elses' mimic, but Sara somehow pulls it off, and she once again finds herself face to face with her brother.
After that battle Sara is then switched over from her Gambee Unit to the Strain, but that still doesn't help her out with the rest of the students. Although her new teammates treat her nicely, the rest of the students still hate her guts; even more so now since they blame her for the deaths of their friends in the last battle. Even so, Sara continues to push on despite what everyone else thinks of her, and she still continues to fight for them no matter how many times they beat her up. Still, what is with that mimic? Why can Sara link up with it? Why did Sara's brother attack them? Still Sara ever come to terms with what happened to her? Will the students ever respect her? Will she win her fight? The opening of the show leaves so many unanswered questions that you can't help but to continue watching.
Sara Werec:
Normally I would dedicate this section to the main characters, but when it comes to Strain, Sara is really the only character that you will care about. Sure there are other characters, most of which you will hate due to how they treat Sara, but as for the others, they are mostly there just to support Sara. Sure they are important characters, but they take the back seat most of the time, and their character development is spread out throughout the series. To avoid spoilers, I'm not even going to mention them here.
Anyway, Sara really is an interesting character, and one you will care about. Now the first time you see her, I'm not going to lie, you might actually hate her. In the first episode she is that standard stupid anime girl who is full of herself, thinks she's the best, runs around completely oblivious to the world around her, and well, just acts like a little girl. She's a lot like a 13-14 year old who basically just got into high school, and thinks she's the best. Really, Sara is the reason I thought I was going to hate the anime, and almost shut it off; still I decided to give the show a shot, and keep watching. Man I'm glad I did.
After Sara watches her friends die (whom she really cared about), and after she loses her mimic and finds out her brother was behind the attack, she really changes. From the second episode onward she goes from being that stupid standard anime girl, to one who is more realistic and down to earth. She's focused on her goal, she understands she isn't the best, but even so she decides to never give up. She comes off a bit cold since she tries to distance herself from others, but she also has a very good reason to. On top of that she is willing to do anything to help others, no matter what they do to her in return. For example there's one girl who is always running her down, and always doing anything she can to hurt Sara, but Sara still saves her life... Even though her "thank you" was basically another slap to the face.
Really the show does a very good job telling Sara's story, and you can really understand where she is coming from. She watched her brother kill everyone she knew, she lost her ability to pilot a strain (which is what she lived for), everyone seems to hate her, and the few people who are nice to her just feel sorry for her and seem to not truly care. It really is no wonder Sara is the way she is, but you also can't help but like her because of it. While the viewers get to see the real her, the rest of the characters just see her as trash/the one who should have died in their first battle.
Even so, I never expected the girl I hated in the first episode, would be the main reason I kept coming back episode after episode. Her character development is really great, and you can't help but want to follow her story.
The Setting:
For the most part, Strain takes place on their ship in space. You're going to be seeing a lot of the same places (the warehouse where Sara's strain is kept, the training area, the lunch room, the hall ways, the shower, etc), but it never really gets old. Sure there are changes from time to time to keep things interesting, but basically they couldn't have picked a more fitting setting than their ship.
The entire story has a more "at home" type of feel to it, and that really helps show off the main character's daily life. She's not running around thousands of planets exploring ruins and shooting aliens, she's working as hard as she can at her academy ship so she can go take down her brother. Unlike other shows which have a "mother ship" as the main setting, this one never gets old.
There are some changes for the second half of the series, but like I said at the beginning, I'm going to avoid talking about it to avoid spoilers.
The TV MA Rating:
This is something else I thought I should share as more of a warning/explanation. Strains is in fact another TV MA rated show (as in 18 years or older), but there's only one reason for it. Basically the entire show switches back and for from being rated PG and TV14, but there's a single episode which bumped up the rating... Episode 7.
While the show does contain some light nudity (naked backs, naked necks/top of breasts), there really isn't much that would offend anyone or turn them off from watching. You'll basically see the same amount of fan service (if not MORE) in this that you would see in other PG rated shows, or movies. There's also a few scenes where it's implied that the two main villain have sex, but even that doesn't show anything. It simply shows them kiss, then fall off screen as the scene changes. Once again, you'll see worse/hear worse from many of them "family shows" you'll see on TV now days. Heck, just turn on TV land and you'll see what I'm talking about. HOWEVER, there is one case where the show truly deserves a TV MA rating.
Like I said, episode 7 of the series is basically the whole reason for it's higher age rating. It's a completely random episode, with a completely random scene which goes against the rest of the series, and I'm actually shocked it was in there. Basically in episode 7 one of the minor characters, who just happens to be gay, decides to try and make the main character love her. How is she going to do this? Well, I wont spoil the episode, but at one part of the episode Sara is taking a shower, and this girl decides to go in with her. The girl pulls her cloths off (which shows just about full nudity, except for the lower half which no "detail" is drawn for), and she rushes in. Well, it turns out Sara isn't in the shower, and after seeing someone else inside, she runs out screaming. The scenes that follow feature the naked girl running down the hall ways trying to find her cloths, as everyone else watches with a stunned look on their face.
That 2-3 minute long scene was FILLED with fan service and nudity, and I really have NO idea why the heck they even bothered to include that. It was completely pointless, and I actually found myself looking away from the screen because I was tired of seeing her breasts bouncing allover the screen as she ran. It was just flat out SCREWED UP, and I personally feel that they should have just left that crap out.
The GOOD news is, that's basically the only time you will ever see something like this in the show. If it offends you, I recommend just looking away for a few minutes, and then go on watching it like it had never happened.
(Yep, that about sums up the look on your face after you see that scene.)In Conclusion:
Although not everyone is a mecha fan, and although many mecha series do the whole "mecha" thing better, that really isn't the main focus of Strain, and it really shouldn't turn you off from the show. This is a show about a young woman who lost everything she had, and is now doing everything possible to get her life back. The show is filled with mystery, it has great character development, the fight scenes are actually pretty cool, and the overall story telling is just great.
Sadly the show is only 13 episodes, but you know what they say about short animes:"The short ones, are normally the best ones," and that remains true here. Also because its so short there really aren't any filler episodes either. All of the episodes are jam packed with story development, and everything flows together nicely.
The only downsides this show really has is that the first episode might turn many people away, but the fact is that it's 100% different from the rest of the series. It's a really great intro, and I love the back story it creates, but it even almost turned me away when I first started watching it. It's just that the characters seemed kind of stupid, and the show just didn't seem like it was going anywhere... Until it did go somewhere and it became a non stop roller coaster ride to the finish!
Another thing you may notice is that the animation is just a little bit dated. I mean the show came back in 2006 so it's understandable, but if you're watching it post 2012, you may expect a little bit more. Now I'm not saying that it isn't good, it actually is, but if you're used to the more detailed animes it might take a bit of time getting used to. For the most part though, everything is drawn well, the animations are nice and fluid, and like some series (such as Ghost in the Shell), they try to keep the "anime faces" to a minimal. So yeah, don't go expecting to see funny X shaped eyes, or tear drops floating in the sky. Not saying it isn't there, but it isn't plastered allover the episodes like in a lot of shows. Now that may be a minus for some of you, but that's a plus in my book.
Other than the random fan service episode, I really don't have anything truly bad to say about this one. Sure I do wish it could have been longer, but if it was it might have lost some of it's solid story telling, so really, I'm glad it is what it is.
As of right now Strain can be watched both in English and in Japanese, so really it is up to you to decide which version you think is best. While the English dub really isn't bad, the voice actors do a good job showing emotion, if you just don't care for them, you should just stick with the original Japanese version.
As of 11/10/12 you can OFFICIALLY watch Strains at one of the following places:
Funimaiton (both sub and dub) -
www.funimation.com/strain-strategic-armo...
Hulu (both sub and dub) -
www.hulu.com/strain-stategic-armored-inf...
Netflix (dub, requires paid membership) -
movies.netflix.com/WiMovie/Strain_Strate...
Although as of right now Funimation has the series uploaded at the above websites, please keep in mind that this may not always be the case. If you read this review years down the road, there is no guarantee that it will still be there.
Recommended Age Group: 14 + (18 + for Episode 7)
Number of Episodes: 13
Gender it Most Appeals to: Both Male and Female
NettoSaito's Rating: 5/5
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Sims 3 - NettoSaito's Mansion
Ok so Subaru Konoe (Eclipse)'s review got me thinking. I LOVE design,
and I have spent a lot of time playing games like the Sims 3, but I
never actually uploaded or shown off anything I worked on here. So I'm
going to change that...
The following is what I would call my "main house" in The Sims 3:
Now with this house I basically tried to do two things. First of all, I wanted to use a more "realistic" look, and make as much use out of its rooms as possible. I didn't really add any extra space just for having space, but I did try to include a verity of "types" of rooms.
The second thing I did with this house was actually base some parts of it off of my own memories. What I mean by that is, one room (the "living room" on the west side) is actually a recreation of my grandma's living room where I spent every christmas night. Another thing I did was with the basement which I made a recreation of the "Legendary Cafe's" basement from Kirby's Dream World. No it's not realistic at all, but if you've played KDW, you'd know what them rooms are from the moment you first lay eyes on them.
The third and final thing I did was try to just add in everything one might dream of having in their house. I gave some of the parts a "hotel" like feel by adding little side areas where people can just sit down and hang out. It's not normally something you would see in a standard house, but I thought it gave the place a nice homey feel if you would.
House Download Link -
(Note: This house was made using mainly the basic Sims 3 game, with a few objects coming from Sims 3 Late Night and Ambitions. This file can still be downloaded if you only have the base game, but a few minor objects will not carry over.)
www.thesims3.com/assetDetail.html?assetI...
Front:
Back Yard:
Close up of the back yard showing off the in door pool:
Inside view of the top floor:
Close up of the room inspired by my grandmother's house:
The kitchen/dining area:
Side view showing how different parts of the house connect outside:(See above "Close up of the room inspired by my grandmother's house" Picture)
Shead with secret passage to the basement:
Legendary Cafe basement hallway with Legend's office:
Party/basement Game Room based off of the Legenadry Club:
Front View of the house:
Although I really don't upload too much anymore, since I don't play as much, you can still check out the other houses, furniture, and clothing I have made as well by visiting my Sims 3 Page at:
mypage.thesims3.com/mypage/NettoSaito
Thanks for checking it out guys ^_^
The following is what I would call my "main house" in The Sims 3:
Now with this house I basically tried to do two things. First of all, I wanted to use a more "realistic" look, and make as much use out of its rooms as possible. I didn't really add any extra space just for having space, but I did try to include a verity of "types" of rooms.
The second thing I did with this house was actually base some parts of it off of my own memories. What I mean by that is, one room (the "living room" on the west side) is actually a recreation of my grandma's living room where I spent every christmas night. Another thing I did was with the basement which I made a recreation of the "Legendary Cafe's" basement from Kirby's Dream World. No it's not realistic at all, but if you've played KDW, you'd know what them rooms are from the moment you first lay eyes on them.
The third and final thing I did was try to just add in everything one might dream of having in their house. I gave some of the parts a "hotel" like feel by adding little side areas where people can just sit down and hang out. It's not normally something you would see in a standard house, but I thought it gave the place a nice homey feel if you would.
House Download Link -
(Note: This house was made using mainly the basic Sims 3 game, with a few objects coming from Sims 3 Late Night and Ambitions. This file can still be downloaded if you only have the base game, but a few minor objects will not carry over.)
www.thesims3.com/assetDetail.html?assetI...
Front:
Back Yard:
Close up of the back yard showing off the in door pool:
Inside view of the top floor:
Close up of the room inspired by my grandmother's house:
The kitchen/dining area:
Side view showing how different parts of the house connect outside:(See above "Close up of the room inspired by my grandmother's house" Picture)
Shead with secret passage to the basement:
Legendary Cafe basement hallway with Legend's office:
Party/basement Game Room based off of the Legenadry Club:
Front View of the house:
Although I really don't upload too much anymore, since I don't play as much, you can still check out the other houses, furniture, and clothing I have made as well by visiting my Sims 3 Page at:
mypage.thesims3.com/mypage/NettoSaito
Thanks for checking it out guys ^_^
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