Super fun, but very different from other RPGs. Well worth the wait, and keeps you challenged!
THE GOOD:
- RPG-style gameplay: The game has a storyline that you must progress through. The story is split into chapters, with individual missions. Within the missions, you either control a vehicle, or you run around on a map. While on foot, you run up to enemies to engage battle, or if you run too close, the enemies may begin to chase you. Either way, once contact is made, battle begins.
- Unordinary Battle System: To me, it is not just unordinary... it's UNIQUE. I have never experienced anything like it before.
Battle is sort of like a Rock-Paper-Scissors system combined with a 3rd Person Shooter. You must use your control pad to aim at your enemies and shoot them with your gun. All the time, they attack you in a pattern-like style (it varies by enemy; some approach you slowly, while others shoot at you). You have to pay attention to their patterns in order to figure out when to shoot, block, or dodge.
In addition to the three basic techniques just mentioned, you also get 4 special attacks that you can map to the X, Tri, O, and Sqr buttons. You pick these up by completing challenges, but can only map 4 at a time to the buttons. Each one can be used indefinitely, but need to recharge. Recharge time varies by the skill.
In addition to all of this, there is also a Heat bar. Every time you shoot, block, or dodge, your heat gauge increases. If you overheat, you become incapacitated until the heat bar cools down to zero.
All in all, you are constantly paying attention to your enemies' actions and patterns, your heat gauge level, HP bar, and making tactical decisions.
- Vehicle Levels: Certain missions require you to control a vehicle. These missions are usually something like a dodge and run. Acceleration is automatic, but you are moving fast through the level, trying to attack or dodge enemies. They can be tricky at times, but are very satisfying once completed.
- Interesting Leveling-Up System: You level up in two ways. First, you increase your level and max HP by fighting battles and earning exp points. (Your heat gauge capacity may also be affected, but I am not certain). Your level increases each time you gain X amount of exp.
The second way is by completing Challenges. These are usually things like "Kill X amount of This enemy," but there are other conditions as well, like, "Beat this level without losing any HP." If you complete the challenge, you gain a bonus (HP bonus, Attk bonus, etc), or a skill that can be used during combat.
- Price: It only costs $20. That's pretty good in my book... and I am always broke!!!
- FUN! FUN! FUN!: ... It's fun... really really fun.
THE BAD:
- Some parts of the dialogue are not translated. It doesnt occur a whole lot, but there are times when characters are talking and no subs are displayed.
Normally, something like this can be fixed via patches, but since this is a PSP game, I am not sure if it ever will. (PSP games allow updates, but in my experience, they are rarely done).
- Some challenges can be very hard to complete... but the game is not impossible to beat if you do not complete them. They made the game so that necessary skills (obtained by challenges) can easily be obtained. Unnecessary ones (but ones that may make the game easier) may be obtained by super hard challenges.
DO NOT feel frustrated if you cannot complete these certain hard challenges!!! You can still finish the game and have fun!!!
- Some dialogue is too fast: There are times when dialogue requires you to press the X button to continue. Every other time though, it progresses automatically (this includes movie sequences). In my opinion, some of the auto-progressing dialogue appears too quickly, making it hard to read.
Luckily, you can replay missions once you beat them, so you can read the dialogue again. Also, movie sequences can be unlocked in a gallery for viewing.
THE NEUTRAL:
- Keeps you on your toes!: This is not a game where you can lay on the couch and play while half asleep. You need to constantly pay attention and use your reflexes.
This may be awesome for some people, but frustrating for others.
- Subbed... not dubbed: I am putting this under neutral because many people wont care, while for some, it is a deal breaker.
Personally, I do not mind subs, but after such a long wait for this game to be available in English... I was kind of hoping for English dubs. I easily got over it though, but the only other thing that bugs me is that many parts of the story take place in the USA... yet EVERYONE is speaking Japanese... that just bugs the crap out of me!
- Download only: Again, this is neutral because it depends on who you are. Some may see this as good, but others as bad.
This game is ONLY available for download via PSN.
- PSP... in the Vita: Again... it depends on how you see it.
Simply put, this game was released a little late. Right now, everyone is looking forward to the new Vita games. A PSP game may easily be overlooked at this time.
SUMMARY:
This game is really fun to play and is worth the wait for it to be released in English. I am SOOOO glad that it was translated and that English-speakers were not left out of this fun!
The game is not perfect though... but no game really is. However, many people will have a lot of fun with this one.
Plus, it is only $20! (PSN download only).
If you have a PSP/Vita, $20 to spend, AND you are a Black Rock Shooter fan (or just an anime fan in general), then give this game a try!
However, if you have super slow reflexes, and cannot make split second decisions, then you may want to pass it by. It may only frustrate you.
If you do decide to give it a try, then I hope that you have lots of fun like I am! Tally-ho!