Demon's Souls Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Note: There are additions to the review below my original review.
--------------------------------------------------

I wanted to provide a review, but I see that most of the others have already addressed most of what this game is all about. This review is based off of the "Deluxe Edition," which differs from the regular edition in that it includes an official strategy guide and a slip cover case that houses the game and strategy guide. The game is exactly the same in both versions.

Demon's Souls is a worthwhile experience in itself, and I highly urge any who are on the fence about it to at least give it a rental. It's a game that one will need to play through more than once in order to feel as though the game has been completed. Read other reviews for details into all of the aspects of the game.

I am going to focus my attention on the "extras" provided with the deluxe version. Is the strategy guide worth the extra $10? As somebody who did not play the import versions of Demon's Souls (many people here have), I can safely endorse the purchase of the deluxe version in order to get the strategy guide. For one, it's beautiful. There was much effort in organizing the art and text in a concise and useful way. It's very easy on the eyes. Each walkthrough section has pictures to go along with the walkthrough instructions, which is helpful. It runs 159 pages and is as big as the game case - not bulky at all. Even though it is small, it does not look or feel cheaply made. Here are the topics considered in the table of contents:

Introduction, Class & Gender, Character Building Guide, Survival Guide, Non-Player Characters, Merchants, Living Body and Soul Form, World Tendency and Character Tendency, Demon's Souls Usage, Magic Guide, Weapons Guide, Weapons Upgrades, Armor, Rings, Items, Enemies, Crystal Lizards, Quirks & Tricks, Trophy Guide, Online Mode Guide, Leveling Guide, Walkthrough (Worlds 1-5), End Game, Perfect Run Walkthrough

There are a couple drawbacks to the strategy guide. Demon's Souls has been out for awhile in Japan, Korea and China. This means that there are already plenty of online resources that discuss just about everything provided in the paperback guide. The guide does not provide illustrated maps of each level, which would have been icing on the cake. This is especially true since the game does not have any sort of mapping system. It would have been nice if the guide were a bit fatter - more detailed descriptions - but sufficed to say, this is a small gripe considering that all items, weapons, rings, monsters, and NPCs got descriptions and pictures to go along with them. It's a blessing and a curse because there is always a want for more content, but an efficient guide is also desirable. This strategy guide is efficient to say the least.

Again, I recommend the "Deluxe Version" even though the only real difference is the strategy guide. If you have no need for a tangible guide then there are online resources that definitely match the content. However, the guide is organized, in full color, and there are pictures that go along with the walkthroughs, items, monsters and other aspects of the game. Most online walkthroughs/guides I have looked at do not provide these things, and the ones that do are not in the same league as the guide provided with the deluxe version.

In summary, the guide is NOT necessary, but it is useful and convenient. Hope this helps!
--------------------------------------------------

*Edit:A few additions to the review.It was brought to my attention that the cover of the guide, most noticeably the spine, fades easily.I found that both the spine and front cover have begun that process.

The information in the guide is still very good.However, after much use of the walkthrough I can honestly say that it's not as extensive as I initially thought it was.It covers the essentials for getting main items and tackling bosses, but it does not cover most items that can be found in each level - it does note which levels all items are located, but the walkthrough section skips over where to find them.The walkthrough also minimizes boss battles in some cases and I found myself deviating heavily from the boss guide.Again, it's still a very good guide overall, but do not expect it to have an answer for everything in the game.If you want to get the main, most powerful items, this guide is definitely for you.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Demon's Souls

Product Description:
Beautiful, compelling, and at times unforgiving, Demon's Souls is the hardcore RPG experience PS3 owners have been waiting for since the platform's launch. Revolutionary online features define your adventure like never before, presenting seamless interconnectivity that serves in every instance to enhance the single-player game. Unprecedented in its depth and subtlety, peerless in its relentlessly challenging gameplay, Demon's Souls is the ultimate action RPG. The game features:

- A hardcore RPG challenge

- In this brutal land, death is inevitable, but not final. Combining the best features of an action game and RPG, you'll slice, smash, shoot, and cast magic against some of the most horrible, vicious enemies ever encountered. Are you strong enough to face up to the impossible and win?

- Ground-breaking online capabilities

- Network features go far beyond any previous RPG, allowing players to leave hints for each other, replay death scenes, cooperatively revive dead players, or invade and wreak havoc in another's game. Not merely an add-on feature, multiplayer options are vast, and uniquely focused on changing and intensifying the single player experience.

- Freeform and flexible

- The open-ended structure of the game means that there is no single path, but rather a wealth of options. Set your own pace and progress as you like. Build exactly the character you want by creating a detailed avatar, nurturing the right stats, and customizing your skills and equipment.

Want to read more honest consumer review about Demon's Souls now ?

Xenosaga Episode III Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Xenosaga: Episode 3 (Also sprach Zarathustra) brings back the magic of Episode 1 and fixes the vast majority of the problems that occurred in Episode 2.The story here, as rich and complex as ever, is brought to an appropriate and moving close as Shion and company battle to uncover a deep-seated conspiracy unlike anything else they've ever encountered.The fabric of the story itself, the voice acting, and the cutscenes are all truly superb - it's remarkable that the makers at Namco/Bandai managed to pull all of the loose ends together to make the story finally make sense.To boot, it's a pleasure to watch and listen to -- who could ask for more?

As for the battle system, it finally regains its fun in Episode 3.I simply wasn't a fan of Episode 2's system, so the return to "basics" was a blessing in my mind.The characters still do battle in their unique ways, as each has his/her own customizable skills to obtain, but long gone are the days of ridiculously long battles against painfully weak enemies.Here, in both ground and E.S. (mech) battles, your ability to strengthen and customize your party shines through and you are always rewarded for your hard work.Replay value is moderate-to-high as well, since your party consists of all the familiar players for most of the game; if you have a habit of using the same three or four people (like me; yay for chaos!), you can always play through again with a different group.

Shops return in this Episode, making buying and selling your merchandise once again possible.The only thing lacking is this game is a little more in the "extras/side quests" department, of which this game only offers a handful.While some of these take longer than others, a few more side quests would have been nice, particularly since this is the last in the series.

I can't rave enough about how impressed I was with this title.It rivals Episode 1 in every way possible, and the trilogy's epic story outstrips other RPG competition without question.If you're looking for fun battles, a fantastic story, and beautiful graphics, then look no further; Xenosaga: Episode 3 is for you.

I can only hope that someone changes their mind and decides to make another one -- after this exceptional closing Episode, it's hard not to wish for another game to come along in the future.Very highly recommended.

Summary:
Story: A+
Cutscenes: A
Graphics/Rendering: A
Battle/Skill System: A
Extras/Side Quests: A-
Replay Value: Moderate-to-High

Click Here to see more reviews about: Xenosaga Episode III

Product Description:
Xenosaga EPISODE III: Also sprach Zarathustra (Thus Spoke Zarathustra) - A year has passed since Xenosaga II, Shion has resigned her post at Vector Industries after realizing that the company is deeply connected to the cause of the Gnosis phenomenon. She has thus joined Scientia, an underground organization, in order to unveil Vector's true objectives. The development of KOS-MOS is to be cancelled, and a mysterious android, T-elos appears to be taking KOS-MOS' place. Shadows of suspicion and conspiracy surround T-elos. Uncover the future of mankind in this much-anticipated conclusion to the Xenosaga trilogy. An In-Game Database is Your Veritable Xeno Bible -An easily accessible database of every detail such as important events, people, items, keywords, locations, weapons, back-story, phenomenon, townspeople, associations and companies Challenge Yourself and Friends with new Mini-games -With 60 pre-made levels to complete, the Xenosaga puzzle mini-games add a new type of challenge for the player, and rewards his performance. The mini-game map editor also lets players create, play and share their own custom maps with friends

Want to read more honest consumer review about Xenosaga Episode III now ?

Kameo: Elements of Power (Platinum Hits) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)If you haven't picked up Kameo yet but you enjoy games that are a complete blast to play, you are sorely missing out.The game isn't marketed very well; it looks kiddish and cute.And, to an extent, it is "cute."But if you can shrug off the fact that you are playing a female fairy, you will find this game to be an utter blast for the whole family.

Kameo is a graphical powerhouse for Xbox 360.It looks stunning.There are times when I started playing and would just stare at the environment in wonder.The opening level is absolutely stunning.Hundreds of red dragons arc through the sky, trolls are climbing up huge castle parapets, fire explodes everywhere, and here you are climbing up a frozen ledge.This level teaches you the basics of changing into your forms.And this is what the game is all about.There are 10 elemental warriors you can morph into.In fact, you will hardly ever play as "Kameo" but you spend most of your time as the other huge creatures you can transform into with the push of a button.

This transforming takes up the majority of the gameplay.There are puzzles and enemies that will require one or more of your warriors to solve/beat.As an example, in the first level you have access to an armadillo-type creature that can roll and a yeti-type creature that can climb surfaces.One puzzle involved turning into the armadillo, speeding up off a ramp, transforming to the yeti in mid-air and then climbing up a wall with him.That is a rather simple puzzle but is a good example of the type of gameplay found within.

Enemies will sometimes require a specific character(s) to beat as well.An early instance of this are trolls who have shield in front of them.You can use Rubble's lob ability to toss a rock behind the enemy and as the rock rolls back to you, it will hit the enemy from behind and allow you to pummel him.

I've already touched on the graphics, but I want to again reiterate that they are terrific.They easily show what the 360 can do, sometimes with 100s of trolls, elves, dragons and "tanks" on the screen at one time, real time, with Kameo charging through the midst on horseback.Stunning.And not even a hint of lag.

The sound is well done, as well.The voices are decent, the sound effects are great and the music in the background is stunningly beautiful.

Kameo is about a 10 or so hour game, give or take.But it is incredibly fun and can be enjoyed by almost any gamer, regardless of age.I would definitely recommend picking this one up.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Kameo: Elements of Power (Platinum Hits)

Product Description:
Kameo: Elements of Power is a larger-than-life journey full of intense combat, magnificent exploration, and innovative action. The future of the world depends onKameo, who must capture, harness, and unleash a wide assortment of monsters to rescue three of her Elemental Ancestors and destroy the Dark Troll King who threatens the planet and its wildlife. Kameo will be granted the power to transform into incredible monsters, but they must be honed to their maximum capacity as she makes her way through a world bursting with strange life and breathtaking sights.

Want to read more honest consumer review about Kameo: Elements of Power (Platinum Hits) now ?

Syberia 2 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)It was a story about Beno?t Sokal's "Syberia 2" that got me interested in playing the game and so I picked up "Syberia" knowing full well that this was a two-part game.So for me it was pretty much one giant adventure and since the original "Syberia" is available at a reduced price nowadays there is no reason not to go back and start at the beginning.There is a recap of "Syberia" cinematic available at the start of this game, but why anybody would skip the first half of the game and miss out on being introduced to Oscar and the other automatons of Hans Voralberg, the eccentric inventor who longs to see the fabled Syberian mammoths before he dies is beyond me.

At the end of "Syberia" our heroine, Kate Walker, the New York City attorney who was sent to Valdeline to close a deal on the Voralberg Automaton Factory had decided to turn her back on her job and family to join Hans Voralberg on his automaton train heading through a frozen wasteland towards the legendary island of Syberia.The first stop is the town of Romansbourg where Kate will end up acquiring a few more companions for the trip, although not all of them are wanted.Hans' failing health will be a problem throughout this journey, but if Kate does get Hans to Syberia alive then nothing else matters.

Players control Kate Walker through the standard adventure game interface consisting of an inventory screen, a document screen, and Kate's cell phone.Fortunately, since Kate has turned her back on her employer, Marston, and her mother (No more calls from Dan the annoying and cloying now ex-boyfriend!), the cell phone is reduced to a minor part of the game.However from time to time we see a cinematic where we learn that Marston has sent somebody after Kate to find her and bring her to her senses and back home (the last two not necessarily in that order).So we keep waiting for this guy to show up and either cause trouble or give Kate some help (I actually liked the way that element played out).

The strength of this game are the graphics.My nephew, who knows a lot more about what is available in the realm of computer games, assures me that these are cool graphics.There are some nice renderings of water throughout both games and I like the attention to detail here where people walking across snow leave footprints.We even have real time snowfall in this one as well.There are also strange mechanical gadgets at every stop along the way and a lot of things built out of mammoth tusks in the last part of the game.The cinematics are pretty impressive and you have the option of going back and watching them over and over again to your heart's delight.The music is also quite good, especially when you get to the key moments of wonder in the story.

The weakest part of the game is finding some of the hot spots.A couple of times in each game I missed some tiny object on the floor I was supposed to be picking up and several times it took a while to find whatever I needed to find to insert a key or throw a switch.So be prepared for some moments of frustration as you know you are missing something and keep going in circles for a while.But there is almost always a point like that in any of these games (I spent three days ranting and raving while trying to find Brad and give him what he needs in "Phantasmagoria").

As you would also expect the puzzles in "Syberia II" are a standard mix of fairly straightforward efforts in logic (I almost want to say "real world" solutions but we are playing a game looking for living mammoths on a mythical island) and those that require hit and miss trial and error for extended periods of time.A big helpful hint would be to take notes of things you see in terms of diagrams and drawings.Unlike "Syberia" there are not a lot of manuscripts and other things that you can pick up and put in your inventory to read later (however, the few you do have are pretty interesting in terms of the story).So a pattern that you see can be the clue to how things have to be arranged down the road.You will also find the quirky uses for things like a Russian doll (you will carry this one around for a long time before you use it), a fish skeleton and a flask of water.

I really think you have to consider the two games as one big one."Syberia" was a bit more interesting simply because this is where we find out what is going on and what Kate is doing.In "Syberia" the goal was to find Hans Voralberg, who was pretty much a mythic figure.Then, once we found he was a real person, the goal then became to find Syberia, which is the focus of "Syberia II."But then the whole idea that Kate was undergoing some sort of rite of passage here was never a major part of the story's appeal.Basically the mystery ends with "Syberia," but the adventure continues in "Syberia II."Kate Walker does have a character arc over the entire adventure, but it is Han's quest to find the reality represented by the doll of the mammoth with its rider that is the driving force here.

Final Note: There were a couple of points in the game (outside the monastery and on the back porch of the cabin) where there were lines of color on the screen and the game crashed.Do not panic: all you have to do is go into your options and reduce the detail level to low and everything will be fine.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Syberia 2

Product Description:
In Syberia II players pick up directly where the classic first game left off, for a more amazing, immersive adventure. Join Kate Walker and expert automaton designer Hans Voralberg as they search for a place that every scientist says does not exist. Travel on trains into realistic arctic landscapes, solving mysteries as you pursue a legend to the ends of the world.

Get 80% OFF

Want to read more honest consumer review about Syberia 2 now ?