[Game Review] Star Ocean: First Departure (PSP)

Star Ocean: First Departure is a remake of the SNES game Star Ocean, released in 1996 Japan only, for the PSP. And while the new game has added more items, new features and an extra dungeon, the heart of the game is still there.

Storyline

The story of Star Ocean: First Departure is one which takes place primarily on a planet named Roak. Without getting into details or spoilers, I'd like to say a few things. The first of which being that for an RPG originally made in 1996, Star Ocean makes a valiant attempt at originality. And while the story is cliche at times, it almost feels appropriate. The framework of the story and the objective of the protagonist, Ronyx, slips your mind as you venture into this game. And while this framework itself is unique, the vast majority of the game takes place in the typical, medieval-like setting most RPG fans are sick and tired of by now. I only wish that more time would have been spent in the more unique settings used in the game.

The second thing there is to say about the storyline of Star Ocean is that it does a very good job at making you forget it is just a story. Perhaps this can be explained by the layered storylines within the game, though. It's just a shame I can't further explain what I mean without giving away key plot points of the game.

What I can talk about though are the characters. The interesting thing about Star Ocean: First Departure is that it features 14 different playable characters, although you can only have 8 over the course of the game. As a result of this, some proper character development is sacrificed in place of the possibility of alternate cutscenes and endings as well as a case for replayability. Though, I can't really comment too much on that because I've only beaten the game once.

Score: Above Average 8/10

Gameplay

Star Ocean: First Departure plays in a limited but three-dimensional world with towns and dungeons laid out on the world map of Roak. The extent of the exploration and problem solving is fairly typical compared to other RPGs. Not too much to say here as I find it one of the weakest points of the game.

The combat system used in Star Ocean uses is action based in real-time. Most battles are random and occur on the world map or in a dungeon-like area, and when triggered you enter the battle screen. The exception to this obviously are bosses. While this combat system may have been innovative when it was originally released in 1996, now it just doesn't cut it for me. The beginning of the game is fairly enjoyable, but at around the middle of the game combat already feels tired and uninteresting. Although, this can mostly be attributed to two things: The first is that when a spell is cast in combat the entire fight stops and you have to wait 3-10 seconds for the spells animation to finish itself. At first it seems cool and cinematic and what not, but not after long you feel the urge to remove the casters from your party. If only they weren't so much more overpowered than your non spellcasters. The second problem is that halfway through the game you have access to ways of making infinite money, obtaining every useful item, obtaining (almost)all the best equipment, and it becomes very easy to accidentally over level your party. By the time I got to the end of the game my main character was level 101, and the guide I was using said it could easily be done with a party below level 70, just to give you an idea incredibly easy and unbalanced this game can become.

Score: Average 6/10

Sound & Graphics

The sound department of Star Ocean is fairly impressive considering it is a PSP game. A lot of the songs fit their respective areas very nicely and not too many songs are reused throughout the game. More importantly, however, is the fact that most important characters in the game has voice acted lines. But what is most impressive about this is that the dialogues can change completely depending on which combinations of characters are in your party. Meaning lots and lots of voice acting was put into this game. I was impressed.

Graphics on the other hand... Well, let's just say I wasn't impressed. But that's not to say they weren't good. They were pretty average, but I don't feel they completely utilized the PSP in terms of what it's graphically capable of. The one good thing I do have to say about this games visuals is that of the few cutscenes that are in the game(including the intro), none of them were bad. Some of them were long and they were made in the anime style of art, so I can understand why some people wouldn't be too fond of them. But I thought they were nicely done.

Score: Slightly Above Average 7/10

Final Thoughts

This review ended up being a little shorter than I'd expected, but when there is so much cliche about a game there isn't a whole lot to say. Some parts did end up being unique enough to stretch the imagination, but for the most part the events of the game were unexciting and the gameplay felt repetitive at times. I would only recommend this to someone who really likes RPGs or real-time action based combat systems. If that's you, then you might enjoy this game enough for it to be worth it. Otherwise, don't even bother.

My overall score is: 7.3/10.0

[YT5] Top 5 YouTube Videos of the Week #2

I know I said I was going to plan ahead a little better this week, but to be honest I've been busy lately with personal stuff this week and haven't had a chance to watch all the videos from my subscriptions list yet. That said, here's this weeks list:

#5 Unuseless


An instrumental poem by Cody Weber. Not his best work but worth watching.

#4 This Conversation Is Over.


Chris rants about anarchists. Watch it. It's funny.

#3 Let's Play Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards: Part 15 - Dark Star


Odinspack33 finishes up his let's play of Kirby 64. The best part of this video - in my opinion - is Odin's announcement that he's going to be playing through Oracle of Ages starting July 1st.

#2 Dear Fatass


Chris again. Now he's looking to take your shitty life problems and give you advice. Also he does a short review(kinda, not really) on Transformers 2, which I plan on doing.

#1 1,000 Subscriber Special - A Song


I know I kind of spoiled this by talking about it here, but in all honesty it deserves the #1 spot for this week.

Things you can expect in the near future...

Things you can expect in the near future aside from random posts(like this one):

Top 5 YouTube videos of the week every Saturday(This week's will be up later tonight)

More Game Reviews and Double Reviews, the next one being for Star Ocean: First Departure.(Probably today or tomorrow)

More Tales of Phantasm updates(I might include some screenshots in the next post)

Also, I know I said I was going to movie reviews and haven't done any yet, but I'm thinking about doing one for the new Transformers movie cause I just saw it. So keep an eye out for that.

Something random I might try out soon is putting up a poll on the front page of the blog. It would probably change either every day or every week if its an important one. Still unsure about this though.

Random articles about gaming. I might even make it a column to be updated on a scheduled weekly basis. Still unsure on this also.

And last but not least, HOPEFULLY Griffinlobster will be posting soon. If you've watched the video in the post below this though, you'll know he's been very busy and that sucks.

Griffinlobster has contacted me again...

Just a little bit longer...

In the meantime watch this awesome parody he made(lots of inside jokes though):

Something I've been working on...

So, I know I haven't been posting here a whole lot lately, but I have been busy. Aside from things I have had to do recently, I've been working on making a game for awhile. This was something I'd started probably two months ago but kind of tried to let die because I suck with graphics. But after doing some research(a lot of research), I've pretty much decided to go back to what I was doing and suck it up. Everything else is a lot harder and requires me to learn a lot more that I have no fucking clue about. I know this blog is pretty lackluster in information, but there are a few things I can say about the game. I suppose I'll start by telling you the title of the game is Tales of Phantasm(sort of an unofficial "Tales of" game). It is going to be an RPG with simple mechanics and it will use the built in turn based combat system. Also the graphics are based off of 2d tilesets. Now that I've pretty much talked everyone out of even trying it I guess I'll end this off by saying that there is going to be a clear emphasis on story(particularly character development), balance and customization. This game isn't going to be the best game you'll ever play, but it is going to be my first game, and you can expect a demo of it in a couple weeks or so.

[YT5] Top 5 YouTube Videos of the Week #1

So yeah, I've been busy and haven't posted in a few days so I came up with this simple idea for a weekly thing. This list was kind of last minute also but I'm gonna plan ahead for next week's so I can make the best list possible. Anyways, I hope you enjoy.

NOTE: Several of the videos are related to this pathetic excuse of a video, so you might have to suffer through some of it to understand why some of these videos made the list.

#5 Palin vs Letterman


#4 NVP Parody


#3 HOLOCAUST!!!!111one


#2 Bowls


#1 Dumbest Youtuber Ever

[Double Review] Baten Kaitos(GC) vs. Baten Kaitos Origins(GC)

Before I start this double review(hopefully the first of many in an ongoing series), I'm going to flat out admit that both of these games are probably in my top 10 favorite games of all time. With that said, I'm going to try as hard as I can to provide unbiased facts along side my very biased opinion of these games. I really hope you guys enjoy this article, and be sure to leave me a comment in the comments section below if you want to see more reviews done like this.

Storyline

Baten Kaitos

The game begins with a little blue boy named Kalas asking you your name. You will be playing the role of this boy's guardian spirit. You soon find yourself in a town and things start to slowly progress as you meet Xelha and encounter new areas and islands to explore.

The lore behind the world Baten Kaitos takes place in, is that a long, long time ago some evil god named Malpercio swallowed the ocean. I know. It's weird, but just go along with it. Even weirder is that human civilization now lives on continents or islands floating above the Earth. Some of these aspects can feel very cliche at times, but most of them feel justified and/or well-explained by the end of the game.

Perhaps the biggest complaint about this game's storyline is its lack of proper character development for the main characters. And although this is generally made up for by exciting, unpredictable plot twists throughout the story, I find the biggest plot twist itself adds to this problem(You'll see what I mean if you play the game). There are also various sidequests near the end of the game, including one for each character in your party, that will aid in explaining the background and history of each character.

The Baten Kaitos story certainly isn't the best I've seen in a game, but comparatively to most other games of the genre, Baten Kaitos fairs well.

Baten Kaitos Eternal Wings and the Lost Ocean Score: Above Average 8/10

Baten Kaitos Origins

In contrast to the story of Baten Kaitos, Origins offers a far more diversified and compelling quest, exploring both the hearts of the characters and the world in which it takes place. Once again, the main character is a spiriter, meaning you'll be playing the role of guardian spirit. In some respects, the opening sequence is similar to that of Baten Kaitos, only this time the main character's name is Sagi.

This time around, the story progresses much quicker, even putting you right in the action at the beginning of the game. The only complaint I have about this is that there are only three playable characters in the game, and they seem to join you very early on. This sort of left me hoping there would be some more future party members, and it wasn't until the end of the game that I finally let go. Usually, I would say that three party members really isn't enough, but in retrospect the excellent character development that was put into all three of these members outshines any traces of character development found in the original Baten Kaitos. And for that I am grateful.

The story of Baten Kaitos Origins seems to base itself around the concept of traveling between two different realities: One being the real world and the other within the mind of Sagi. Scattered throughout the game are plot points in which Sagi experiences severe head pain and enters this alternate reality. There he is recognized by others, but not as himself. I know it sounds very complicated, but this is really all the game tells you at first. Thankfully, what is really happening during these sequences is explained through an important plot twist near the end of the game. And it is at that moment you will feel as if everything is connected, and the story really falls into place. The combination of the excellent character development of protagonists and antagonists, the further explanation and exploration of Baten Kaitos' underlying themes, and this concept being masterfully revealed through the best plot twist in gaming history give this story a perfect score in my book.

Baten Kaitos Origins Score: Perfect 10/10

Gameplay

The gameplay of both of these games is very similar. Both games involve a card based combat system, class ups and level ups that occur in a mysterious church, and incorporate the traverse between the different island continents. There are some changes that were made to the combat system when it was transported to Origins, so I'll note those below.

Like I said, the combat system for Baten Kaitos is based off of cards in the game called "Magnus". These magnus are used to trap the essence of different matter and objects throughout the world. Weapons and armor are stored within magnus and used later in battle. In the original Baten Kaitos, using a weapon magnus would attack an enemy, and using an armor magnus would defend from an attack by the enemy. Each character had a customized deck with these weapons and armor magnus available for them to use in battle. In Origins, however, both of these things changed. All three characters shared the same deck, and equipment magnus were far more scarce. The reason for this is that a new type of magnus, the attack magnus, were introduced. Chains of attack magnus would be used sequentially after using a weapon magnus, and each attack magnus represented an attack by that weapon. Personally, I would have rather seen them keep each character having their own deck, but it's not that big of a deal in my opinion.

Overall, the combat system is far too complicated to explain here and near impossible for me to tell you if you're going to like it or not. Personally, I like the innovation behind it but as many RPGs, it can be tiresome at times. If you really want to know about the gameplay you're pretty much going to have to try it and find out for yourself. Just keep in mind that being a card based system, there is some luck and a lot of skill involved. And grinding has almost nothing to do with it.

Baten Kaitos Eternal Wings and the Lost Ocean Score: Above Average 8/10
Baten Kaitos Origins Score: Above Average 8/10

Sound & Graphics

The sound & graphics are really were these games shine. Both games have long, appropriately used soundtracks that utilize the orchestral abilities of Motoi Sakuraba. If you really want a good example of the power in the music then watch this video.


Final boss music for Baten Kaitos Origins

The pre-rendered graphics used in both games are also just beautiful. They look as if they were painted right on. The game looks and feels so real. The aesthetics of these games in their entirety are awe inspiring. So much so, in fact, that I don't feel words do it justice. So here's another video.



Just after rewatching those videos again, nothing seems more appropriate other than a perfect score.

Baten Kaitos Eternal Wings and the Lost Ocean Score: Perfect 10/10
Baten Kaitos Origins Score: Perfect 10/10

Final Thoughts

Like I said at the beginning, I really love both of these games. The combination of a compelling story and the beautiful aesthetics behind these games always gives me goosebumps. The verdict? I would have to go with Origins. But just keep in mind that Origins couldn't be what it is today without the original.

My overall score for Baten Kaitos Eternal Wings and the Lost Ocean: 9.2/10.0
My overall score for Baten Kaitos Origins: 9.5/10.0

Griffinlobster is joining the team!

I have just received conformation that griffinlobster from the glorious youtubes is going to be writing for this blog. Assuming you're still reading this blog cause you like what I have done, you're gonna love this guy. He's twice as funny and an even better writer.

Here is his account:

Go check out his videos too!

YouTube Intellectuals

More and more I find myself spending time on youtube. But I don't really see it as a waste of time. I mean sure, I watch a lot of dumb entertaining videos. But here's just a few really intelligent people on youtube:

James Randi(aka. Santa Claus)

Penn Jillette

Fat guy with funny videos as well as deep philosophical ones

FOX News Debunker

Really cool kid that speaks out against idiots on the internet

The first two have real credentials, and the other three are just smart and fun to watch. Check um out.

[Game Review] Geometry Wars Galaxies (DS)

Geometry Wars Galaxies is an asteroid-like game for the DS, in which you are in a ship with a little helper ship that is under constant attack from geometrically based enemies. While simple, this game can be addictive. Very addictive.

Storyline

There is literally no storyline. However, I think that's justified being that this game is modeled after an old arcade game.

Score: N/A

Gameplay

Geometry Wars Galaxies has some of the best gameplay I've ever seen in a game. And that's coming from someone who has played probably near 1000 different video games. When playing Geometry Wars, you'll find yourself enjoying classic gaming aspects similar to those of asteroids, combined with new age technologies that support an easier, more natural control of your ship. You even have a choice between using buttons or the style to aim your shots. Despite being a game with some of the best gameplay elements I've experienced, there really isn't a whole lot to say about it. It's simplicity speaks for itself.

Score: Perfect 10/10

Sound & Graphics

For a simple game such as Geometry Wars, you would expect simple graphics. You would also probably expect an average to low score in this department. But that's where you would be wrong. Granted, Geometry Wars does have very basic graphics, but what you have to note is that they are utilized in an almost perfect way. With bullets flying across the screen and infinitely spawning enemies, more detailed graphics would just complicate the game and make it unplayable. Geometry Wars is laid out with a black background representing outer space, with the enemies and your ship outlined in a neon color. This in itself makes it easier to comprehend what is happening in this incredibly fast paced game. And as for sound? While the game does have a very catchy tune played to it, it only has that one looping track. The first few times you play this game you might get real into it, but eventually it might cause you to lose your sanity. I usual play the game with the sound off these days.

Score: Above Average 8/10

Final Thoughts

I can't really stress this enough, but this really is a game you need to try to get the feel of it. You can probably find it cheap for like $15 at a used games store. And if you do, then congratulations. Now you've got a reason to spend an hour taking a shit.

My overall score is: 8.5/10.0

Reflecting on E3 '09

Now that E3 is over I think it's a good time to pick 5 of my favorite and most anticipated games announced.

My top 5 anticipations from E3:

5. Metroid: Other M



Seeing this game for the first time made me very happy. Finally, we get a game that feels like it would come after Super Metroid. I mean, don't get me wrong, the Metroid Prime games are good and all. They just don't feel like the old school Metroid I remember. In Other M, the game has sidescrolling platforming like in the originals, as well as third person platforming, as opposed to the first person view in the prime series. With the alternating dimensional views, this game still feels like it could be hit or miss. I'm hoping hit.

4. Alpha Protocol



This was a game that really took me by surprise. You watch the trailer, and the last genre you expect it to be is an action RPG. Only instead of using traditional RPG combats like swords and magic, your character can specialize in either firearms, hand to hand combat or "spy gadgets". Man, talk about re-inventing the genre.

3. Golden Sun DS



So it's finally here! After taking a 6 year hiatus, Golden Sun plans for its arrival on the Nintendo DS. There isn't really much to say about this game though, as the only information out on it implies that Golden Sun DS is loyal to its predecessors.

2. Project Natal



Personally, I think this was the most impressive demo featured at E3 this year, and if I actually owned an Xbox 360 it would probably be #1 on my list. Once again, there really isn't much to say that the video can't say better. Just watch and be amazed.

1. Super Mario Galaxy 2



I'm actually kind of surprised that this made #1 on my list, because when I first heard rumors of it I wasn't really that excited. I mean, don't get me wrong, I thought Galaxy was a blast. I just didn't think it was that great. Anyone who's played the original will tell you that while being great, the game has its fair share of problems. But enough talking about old games. So why did this make the top of my list? One word: Yoshi! Yes, they're bringing back Yoshi, and it's about damn time. I mean, it seems like every time they put Yoshi in a Mario game it gets significantly better. Let's just hope they don't blow it.

"My son died to make jerking off better..."

This video is just too funny. Do 1000's of people a year actually die from this? Regardless, what an awesome way to go David Carradine. R.I.P. and L.O.L.

[Game Review] Super Mario RPG - Legend of the Seven Stars (SNES)

For my first review, I'd like to start with an old game that was very ahead of its time. This game is one of my favorite games from my early childhood, and still remains one today. It's just unfortunate the game never got the true sequel it deserved.

Storyline

The game starts you off as Mario is put into a situation where the princess has been kidnapped by Bowser. Once again, you will have to go Bowser's castle and save the princess. Although Bowser's plot is short lived, you now have to worry about Smithy and his giant sword that has taken over Bowser's castle, as they begin to wreak havoc in the Mushroom Kingdom. Personally, I think this game has one of the most unique storylines among any in the Mario series, whilst retaining the charming light-hearted characteristics you would expect in any Mario game.

Score: Almost Perfect 9/10

Gameplay

We all know that when it comes to Mario games, great gameplay is key. Fortunately, Super Mario RPG doesn't fall in this area. The best way to describe the way the game plays to anyone who hasn't played, is that it combines Mario-like platforming elements with a traditional turn-based combat system. With the exception of finicky controls in platforming sections of the game - which are very apparent in later areas of the game like Bean Valley and Barrel Volcano - the gameplay overall is excellent.

Score: Almost Perfect 9/10

Sound & Graphics

There really isn't much to say here, but I'll do my best anyway. I think given the fact that this game was released in 1996 on the SNES, it's not fair to have high expectations in this department, nor is it fair to compare this game to more modernized games. With that said though, the majority of the music in the game is very enjoyable and the graphics were pretty good for its time. Perhaps the most impressive thing this game has to offer in the graphics department is its revolutionary isometric "3D" point of view. Technically, you could argue this game was really the first 3D Mario platformer(and there aren't even any camera problems to worry about! :]).

Score: Above Average 8/10

Final Thoughts

Like I said, this game was very ahead of its time. It was the first Mario game to offer some sort of three dimensional platforming, and it was also the first Mario game to have an original storyline that didn't suck - and possibly the last. This game is just packed with secrets, cameos, mini-games and lots of fun, and if you haven't played it yet then do so. It's even available on the Wii virtual console. So go. Do yourself a favor!

My overall score is: 9.2/10.0

Welcome!

Welcome to Ravenis, my new blog for reviewing movies, video games and anything that tickles my fancy! When it comes to Ravenis, nothing is off limits! I'll review what's hot and new as well as the classics. I also blog about random shit from time to time.

Also, for those of you who may know me from other popular websites I'll post a list of the ones I'm at as well as my username for each site:

www.mtgsalvation.com - Tarmogoyf
www.terroja.com - Kalas
www.gamespot.com - Tarmogoyf_Sal
www.youtube.com/15kalas15 - 15kalas15(By the time I joined there were no good usernames left)

My email is kalaswwt@gmail.com. Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.