Tag Archives: Game Review

Games, News, Nintendo Switch, PS5, Reviews

Review: The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie

After many trials and tribulations, from the Azure Tree to the Great Twilight, Crossbell is finally on its path to independence for good. However, things are not all they seem on the surface or behind the scenes in Crossbell. Will this impede the progress, or will independence finally be earned? Let’s look at our final journey into Crossbell in our review of The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie!

  • Game: The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie
  • Platform(s): 
  • Nintendo Switch (Reviewed), PS4™, PS5 (Reviewed), PC (Retail & Digital) 
  • Release Date(s): July 7, 2023 (NA – retail, digital); July 7, 2023 (EU – retail, digital); July 14, 2023 (ANZ – retail, digital) 
  • Genre: RPG 
  • Publisher: NIS America, Inc. 
  • Developer: Nihon Falcom 
  • Audio Languages: English, Japanese 
  • Text Languages: English 

*Special thanks to NIS America for Providing a Nintendo Switch and Playstation 5 review Key*

Intro/Story:

From the press release:

Three destinies are about to collide! Use the Trails to Walk system to switch between Rean Schwarzer, Lloyd Bannings, and the masked figure “C,” and determine the fates of key characters and locations within Zemuria. Dive into refined tactical combat with new features such as United Front, and discover new allies and challenges within the halls of the True Reverie Corridor! 

A Trio of Trails: Experience three different story arcs and switch between them any time with the Trails to Walk system. Plus, discover side episodes to fully flesh out the characters and world of Zemuria.

Reverie into Reality: Enter the True Reverie Corridor, which allows you to encounter and recruit new characters from across Zemuria, enter randomly generated dungeons to test your mettle, and play a variety of mini games. 

Paragons of Combat: Utilize Arts, Brave Orders, and cunning tactics to prevail in battle. Master the new United Front system and harness the power of your entire team to decimate enemies while empowering yourself. 

Trails into Reverie is billed as the final game in the first three ARCs of the Legend of Heroes games. That is the Liberl, Erebonia, and Crossbell arcs. However, as one plays the game, they are quick to realize this game is more the conclusion that the Crossbell Arc deserved. Each path of the game dives into the mystery of what happens during the game and the fight for the independence of Crossbell.

Every Playable character from the previous games is playable in this game. While there are three different game paths, there is also the Reverie Corridor which every character is playable in this mode. This mode also has several minigames and modes to play outside of the main story. It is where about half of the game will take place. The other half will take place in Crossbell.

As a huge fan, I found the story in Trails into Reverie to be the best-paced story to date, but that serves a purpose. That purpose is to tie up the loose ends of the Crossbell saga once and for all and close the stories of the three arcs that have taken place already. I can say it does that job very well. The game sets out to accomplish this task and does it.

Gameplay:

Gameplay in Trails into Reverie is the same as every game previous to it. This game is not a standalone game. Once again it serves to close the arc of the three series before it, so do not think you can play it alone and get the gist of the story. Catch up to some degree before jumping in.

Load times on PS5 are next to non-existent. On Nintendo Switch, they are on par with previous Switch titles. The gameplay, as stated, is the same as previous games. There is a tutorial for every mechanic introduced, even the minigames get tutorials. The player should never find themselves lost at all as to how to play.

If you are a fan of the Trails game, this game will be no exception to it with the amount of content that is put into it.

Audio and Visual:

Audio-wise, every almost voice actor from the previous games returns in this game. They all reprise their original roles, except for one or two roles (which have wonderful replacements as well). This is for the English voice acting, which is what we played the game with. The Japanese voice acting was experienced as well and done well too.

Hajimari no Kiseki OST - C Route Battle Theme (Wind-up Yesterday!)

It is wonderful to see how Rean’s voice actor, Sean Chiplock, has come so far from voicing Rean In Trails of Cold Steel 1 to this game. You can see the growth from the years of voicing Rean and it is easily his best role for Rean to date. The same can be said for several voice actors throughout the years. They all easily put their hearts into their roles in this game and it brings these characters from over so many years brought to life once again in Trails into Reverie, especially if you played each game.

Visually, the game is on par with every previous Trails game, so its nothing really out of the ordinary. It is done really well here.

The music in this game is on par with previous games, which is they are good. Each path has its battle theme as well which is fantastic. Also, the weird audio compression that was on the Nintendo Switch for previous titles is nowhere in this game.

Wrap-up/Conclusion:

Trails into Reverie is the conclusion that Crossbell deserves, as well as fans of the three previous sagas deserve. It does well to wrap up the story in a way that fans will love. This is with a well-paced story, fan service (not in a lewd way) approach, plus overall love put into the game. Fans of the franchise will adore this game. After 70ish hours, I find myself wanting to get back into it.

– Until Next time, Mgs2master2 out!

*Special Thanks to NIS America for providing a Nintendo Switch and Playstation 5 review key*

Games, PS5, Reviews

YS IX: Monstrum Nox – PS5 Review

Adol Christin has had many adventures in his time. One of his greatest adventures comes to the Playstation 5. Let’s visit the prison city of Balduq once more as we relive this adventure in our Review of YS IX: Monstrum Nox!

  • YS IX: Mostrum Nox
  • Platform: PS5™ (Retail & Digital) 
  • Release Date(s): May 9, 2023 (NA – retail, digital), May 12, 2023 (EU – retail, digital), May 19, 2023 (ANZ – digital) 
  • Genre: Action RPG 
  • Publisher: NIS America, Inc. 
  • Developer: Nihon Falcom 
  • Audio Languages: English, Japanese 
  • Text Languages: English, French 
  • Website: https://nisamerica.com/ys-ix/

*Special Thanks to NIS America for providing a Playstation 5 review key! Note, this review will only cover the differences between the Playstation 5 version compared to the Playstation 4 and Nintendo Switch versions. You can find the PS4 review here, and the Nintendo Switch here. *

Intro/Story:

To briefly cover the story of YS IX, here is the official plot summary from the game’s website:

Experience the thrilling adventure of Ys IX: Monstrum Nox as it pierces through the shadows onto PS5™! After being cursed by a mysterious woman, Adol Christin becomes a Monstrum—a powerful being who can exorcize monsters. To escape from the prison city of Balduq, Adol must ally with five other Monstrums, each with their own unique Gifts, and stop the Grimwald Nox, a shadowy dimension on the brink of overflowing into the real world!
Feared Protectors: Play as any of the six notorious Monstrums, each with their own unique Gifts that grant abilities, such as scaling sheer walls or detecting hidden objects, to protect the city from shadowy creatures.
The World Within the Walls: Explore the massive city, accept quests to aid the townsfolk, and enter the Grimwald Nox to vanquish the threats to Balduq.
Strength of the Night: Familiar mechanics such as Flash Move and Flash Guard allow you to outmanoeuvre your foes, while new additions such as Gifts and Boost Mode further augment your ability to fight.

If this is your first adventure, you take the role of Adol Christin. Adol is a legend in the world known for his travels and exploits which he documents. His adventure finds him arriving at the city of Balduq, where our hero is arrested, ironically due to his past exploits. From his arrest, Adol finds himself on another adventure unexpectedly.

During this new adventure, the narrative is delivered in a well-paced, yet predictable format. It works well for the YS games, and as the saying goes “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. The devs found the right pacing, and build upon it each YS game. However, this review will not go into detail about that, the previous reviews of this game go into great detail about it. This review covers the PS5 version differences. Let’s take a look at the gameplay:

Gameplay:

Adol has never played better compared to other versions of YS IX. The game holds a solid framerate, and does not drop. The load times are next to non-existent, except for the initial game load in. This PS5 version improves on the issues from the performance from the previous versions. As a result, Adol and his gang of Monstrums function much better. Based on this, the PS5 version of YS IX alone should be the version to go for if you are aiming for the best performance. Additionally, this version includes ALL the DLC from the previous versions of the game ready to download.

Visual

Visually, the game is on par with the PS4 version, but much clearer and sharper. It looks good. See the screenshots in this review to make that determination as you compare it to the other versions. The Playstation 5 captures Adol in all his adventurer glory.

Wrap-up/conclusion:

If you are a new player to the YS games and your platform of choice is not a barrier to entry, I recommend going for the playstation 5 version. You get the best performance for Adol’s newest adventure and the best looking version of it. Portability still goes to the Nintendo Switch. Playstation 4 version should only be considered if the other two are not an option.

Until next time, Mgs2master2 out!

Games, News, PC, PlayStation 4, PS5, Reviews, XBOX One, Xbox series s/x

Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty – Review

In ancient China, there is a mysterious conflict that involves humans and demons. However, there is more beyond the surface. As the protagonist, will we be able to solve this conflict, or will the world fall to it? Let’s take a look at our review of Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty!

Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty
  • Platforms: PlayStation 5 (reviewed) / PlayStation 4/ Xbox Series X|S / Xbox One/ Xbox Game Pass/ Steam/ Microsoft Store
  • Release date: March 3, 2023
  • Developer: Team Ninja
  • Publisher: KOEI TECMO AMERICA

*Special thanks to Koei Tecmo PR for providing a Playstation 5 review key!*

 

Intro/Story:

From the official website:

184 A.D. China at the end of the Late Han Dynasty.
The world is in turmoil and infested with demons,
and the long and prosperous dynasty is on the verge of collapse.

As the Yellow Turban Rebellion rages,
led by Zhang Jiao’s Way of the Taiping,
the protagonist, a militia soldier heads out to suppress
the Yellow Turbans when he meets a young man.

This encounter engulfs the protagonist
into a swirling intrigue of chaos.

As with similar Team Ninja games, storytelling is not the strongest point in Wo Long. The game suffers from some interesting pacing and a story that does not make sense at times. It is not a well-developed narrative and is not delivered as other soul-like games. It feels at times that Wo Long is suffering an identity crisis when it wants to be like Sekiro, but it’s its own thing. At times, it succeeds in finding its own identity, but at others, it falls flat. That is not to say the story is bad, it just is an okay story.

From what I gathered, you are the self-insert protagonist as in any soul-like game. As this protagonist, you are tasked with fighting against the Yellow Turbans, but ultimately demons are involved in some capacity. After meeting some other important NPCs in the game, you are now tasked with not only stopping the Yellow Turbans but stopping the demons. However, as mentioned, the story is not the strongest point of Team Ninja games. Their bread and butter lie in the gameplay. Let’s take a look at Wo Long’s gameplay and see if it excels.

Gameplay:

At moments, Wo Long stands tall with some amazing gameplay and combat. This game is a solid mix of Sekiro and Nioh in terms of gameplay. The player has a great deal of mobility and can move around each stage disposing of enemies with weapons at their disposal. Combat is solid once engaged with an enemy, where players can cheese some enemies, or use strategic battle tactics to take down the enemies. The bosses of each stage are no pushovers either. Players are in for a challenge, and it is a good challenge done well.

Through each stage, players can also feel the difficult curve ramping up. From the start of the stage, the difficulty is easy, and as the stage progresses, the difficulty pacing increases. It is done surprisingly well, and probably the best from any Team Ninja game I have experienced. However, that is to say, the gameplay does not suffer any issues. Some of the issues are the camera has a mind of its own (especially during intense combat moments/boss fights), sometimes the enemy AI is just completely inconsistent in terms of seeing you or not, the pointless weapons loot system, items that were gathered and never even examined/used, there is only one path in each stage to take despite being large stages, and the online component does suffer some lag due to the net code the system uses.

My biggest gripe from these issues is the weapons/armor loot system. Team Ninja seems to stuffer this issue with every single souls-like game they make. Players will get the same weapon 15 times, but different ranks, some stats, and with some minor differences in terms of perks attached to the weapon. It ultimately proves useless as it just takes up inventory space. I understand there is a shop to sell the weapons now, but that still doesn’t deter getting the same equipment at almost every stage in multiple quantities. It is better to just grab one weapon, and upgrade it as it can be better than 80% of the weapons found in the stages.

Overall, Wo Long has some very solid gameplay, some of which are the best that Team Ninja has ever done, but it’s weighed down by issues that carry from previous souls-like titles they developed. Next, let’s take a look at the audio and visuals of the title.

Audio/Visual:

Visually, Wo Long looks fantastic in terms of character design. It is good to see characters like Cao Cao, Lu Bu, and others known from the Romance of the Three Kingdoms era brought to life and looking fantastic. The level design is good and does a fantastic job of capturing the feel of ancient China. Some issues like in enemy designs as there is very little variety in terms of enemies.

Audio-wise, Wo Long features languages in Simplified Chinese, English, and Traditional Chinese. I have only played the game in the English Language, which was hit or miss. At times some of the voice actors delivered their lines fantastically and did a great job at doing it. At other times, it just seemed awkward and out of place. I will have to revisit the game and try one of the different languages and see how it holds up. Soundtrack-wise, the game has a good soundtrack with a variety of tracks. However, some songs do play more than others. It is not an issue, just be forewarned about this.

Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty OST - Infiltration

Fun Factor:

Wo Long is a fun game when you get immersed. Each person is different when it comes to souls-like games. Outside of the main stages, there is several side stages to complete as well. However, some of the issues I mentioned in the gameplay section did turn me off from enjoying the game at times. Remember to pace yourself and have fun, as there is fun to be had here.

Wrap-up/Conclusion:

Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty shows that Team Ninja can improve upon their gameplay in souls-like games. There are some great improvements from some of their other titles, and this is the best they have offered to date. However, the story-telling and pacing in terms of the story are okay at best. However, that has not been their strong point in their games. Wo Long shines in terms of gameplay.

However, that is not to say the game does not have issues. In short, Wo Long suffers the same issues as other Team Ninja titles. It is as if they fix some of the mechanics while leaving others in place. Nothing says useless loot when I pick up my 15th spear with a slightly different perk. It does not deter from the gameplay entirely, but it does break the immersion at times. There are some great components in Wo Long, but the same issues that persist in other Team Ninja games, persist here. It stops it short of being a great game, to just being a good game.

That being said, if you are looking for a new souls-like game, I do recommend checking this out if you want to satiate that fix or are just curious. You might not be disappointed. It is currently on Game Pass and as of this writing, the game is on sale in several stores (again as of this writing), which is surprising for a sale already on release.

  • Until next time, mgs2master2 out!

 

*Special thanks to Koei Tecmo PR for providing a Playstation 5 review key!*

Games, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Reviews

Trails to Azure – Review

Following the aftermath of the events that took place in Crossbell, the Special Support Section found themselves facing a new looming threat. With two new members, will Lloyd Bannings and his colleagues be able to overcome this new barrier, or will they succumb to it? Find out in our review for Trails to Azure!

Trails to Azure

  • Platform(s): Nintendo Switch (reviewed), Playstation 4 (Reviewed), and PC
  • Release Date(s): March 14, 2023 (PC – worldwide), March 14, 2023 (NA – retail, digital), March 17, 2023 (EU – retail, digital), March 24, 2023 (AUS – digital)
  • Genre: RPG
  • Publisher: NIS America, Inc.
  • Developer: Nihon Falcom
  • Audio Languages: Japanese
  • Text Languages: English

*Special thanks to NIS America for providing a Playstation 4 review key!*

Update: NIS America was gracious to also provide a Nintendo Switch Review Key, thank you for that as well!

Intro/story:

From the press release:

Following the events of Trails from Zero, the Special Support Section find themselves with new members and new duties. However, rising tensions in Crossbell along with pressure from two neighboring political powers threaten both the safety of their home, as well as the integrity of their team.

The Fate of the City-State: Play through the finale of the Crossbell arc, a key thread within the Trails universe. What lies ahead for Lloyd Bannings and his ragtag squad of allies?

Crossbell’s Finest Forces: Experience new combat features introduced by Trails to Azure, including Burst, Back Attack, and even your own customizable car. Also, meet a few familiar faces from the Trails of Cold Steel series!

Power from the Past: Import save data from Trails from Zero for a different story experience, including additional conversations and alternate dialogue! Also, use your save data from Trails to Azure for bonuses in the upcoming release of Trails into Reverie!

Trails to Azure picks up after a short time from the previous title. Players find themselves in the shoes of Lloyd Bannings once again as the SSS is coming together once again after members go their ways. There are new additions to the team that players will recognize from the first game as well. Picking up where the story left off, several new evils are making their way into Crossbell.

What does this mean for our heroes? They will be challenged as they have never been challenged before. Trails to Azure picks up the same story elements from the previous game, which made it so beloved. This game has a wonderful story that keeps players engaged, wonderful pacing, and a great narrative, with it all wrapped up in a neat package. However, with this neat package, does it hold up in terms of gameplay? Let’s take a look at the gameplay to make that determination.

Gameplay:

Gameplay for Trails to Azure is the same as the previous game, as well as other entries in The Legend of Heroes franchise. The game has tutorials introduced for every new mechanic that is in play. This includes in battle and out of battle. The battle system also has improvements as well, as well as new features as well. Outside of battle, players are given the freedom to do side quests, complete the story, explore the world, and partake in minigames.

As this review only covers the Playstation 4 version, this writer has not experienced any issues. Similar to Trails from Zero, none of the enhancements that were included in other versions of that game are included in this title. I am not sure if the Nintendo Switch or PC versions will have any extra features for Trails to Azure. This writer plans on purchasing the Switch version of the title and will update the review to reflect any of the changes if they are present. I wanted to write this as a precaution for those who are debating which version to get.

Update:

Being provided a review key for the Nintendo Switch Version, and itching to replay the game again. I took it for a go on the Nintendo Switch. there is very little to no load time in any capacity. All of the quality-of-life updates that were in place for Trails from Zero are in place here. It is very refreshing, and surprising to say that the Nintendo Switch Version is the superior version of the game.

Audio/Visual:

Visually, the game looks as how it always looked. Again, this is only inclusive of the Playstation 4 version as I have not played the other versions. That is not to say that it is bad, but dated looks. Players will still be immersed in Crossbell in all of its original glory as well as the surrounding areas. It is good to return to Crossbell once again and take all of this original aesthetic that is in place.

Update: below are screenshots from the Nintendo Switch version, from comparison, you can see the difference.

Audio-wise,  Trails to Azure is voiced entirely in Japanese. The voice work is well done, and that is to compliment the incredible soundtrack as well. Additionally, the audio is mixed well and works well for the title.

Ao no Kiseki OST - Seize The Truth!

Wrap-up/Conclusion:

Trails to Azure is the closure of the Crossbell arc and fans told me several times that this game is the best title of the entire franchise. After playing it, I can see why. This game is something special. It wraps up the arc very well, all while leaving some questions in place that do transpire in future The Legend of Heroes games. I was rather impressed once I was done with the game.

Trails of Azure is well-written, and the story is delivered well. I can see the love from the devs and I now know why the fans love this game. If you are a fan of the Legend of Heroes games, this is one not to miss. If you completed Trails from Zero, I HIGHLY recommend you continue the story to finish this arc off. You will not be disappointed. If i were to choose a version, I recommend the Nintendo Switch Version. It is the superior version of the game.

  • Until next time, Mgs2master2 out!

*Special thanks to NIS America for providing a Playstation 4 review key and also providing a Nintendo Switch Review Key, thank you for that as well!!*

Games, PC, PlayStation 4, PS5, Reviews, Sega, Xbox series s/x

Like a Dragon: Ishin! – Review

Let’s travel to the past, specifically to the 1860s. This is a vibrant time for samurai to roam free. However, not all is what it seems. Sakamoto Ryoma is caught in the middle of a pivotal moment in history. His actions may very much shape the future of Japan as we know it. Will that be the case? Let’s take a look at our review of Like a Dragon: Ishin!

Like a Dragon: Ishin!

  • Platform: Playstation 4, Playstation 5, PC, XBOX One, Xbox Series S|X
  • Release Date:2/21/2023
  • Publisher: SEGA of America, Inc.
  • Developer: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
  • Genre: Action, Adventure

*Special thanks to SEGA PR for providing an Xbox Series S|X review key. There will also be images of the PS5 version of the game, the writer purchased the Ps5 version*

Intro/Story:

From the official website:

Centuries of peace are coming to an end. Across the nation, factions assemble in anticipation of civil war.
Imperial loyalists unite under the banner of “sonno joui”—revere the Emperor, expel the barbarians. They fight to overthrow Japan’s military dictatorship and shut its borders to foreign influence.
Meanwhile, the ruling government, the Bakufu, has assigned special police forces to maintain order—provided they can manage to coexist without drawing blades on one another.
And in the capital city of Kyo, a man who will change the course of history seeks justice… and revenge.

Sakamoto Ryoma.

Accused of murdering someone he holds dear, this lowly samurai from a backwater land renounces his name and goes into hiding.
To find the true killer’s identity, Ryoma must conceal himself among the wolves of the infamous Shinsengumi.
Taking the alias Saito Hajime, it isn’t long before he winds up embroiled in the political schemes and savage violence that will reshape the country—and give rise to legends.

Like a Dragon: Ishin is a game that took several years to finally make it outside of Japan. It was only thanks to the recent successes of such games as Ghost of Tsushima that made this was possible. In Like a Dragon, we take a look at our beloved and favorite characters from the franchise (Yakuza, which moving forward the series is now called Like a Dragon) in a different light. This game is a non-canon spinoff of the franchise with the same charm in a different setting.

This means that all of the wonderful pacing, story, delivery, atmosphere, and overall feel of the Yakuza franchise are all here. It works well in this setting of Kyo and as a Samurai. You take the role of not-Kiyru aka Sakamoto Ryoma who coincidentally follows the same pattern as Kiyru. He gets framed for murder and must prove his innocence. However, the story does develop in a way that is not expected from the Yakuza Franchise.

For those interested, I will not spoil it in this review so get caught up in the wonderful story. However, from the transition of Yakuza: Like a Dragon, to Like a Dragon: Ishin, does the gameplay hold up? Let’s take a look at it.

Gameplay:

Like a Dragon: Ishin takes the gameplay from all entries of the franchise (except Yakuza: Like a Dragon) and implements it here. That is to say, combat is the only difference. The combat is back to the original that most of the fans know and love, which is not the turn-based method, but fighting in real-time. There are four different fighting styles to choose from, each with its element of strategy to incorporate into battle.

Like a Dragon: Ishin also has tutorials for every single new element introduced so newcomers to the franchise can fit right in with the veterans. Combat though is only one component of the game. Ask any fan of the franchise, they can tell you that Yakuza games are known for their sidequests, side stories, and mini-games. Each of these is masterfully crafted and keeps the players engaged at any single moment.

Some fan favorites make a return, such as karaoke and dancing, but there are much more mini-games for players to discover. There is so much to do that will keep players engaged. Speaking of, let’s take a look at the audio section of the game.

 

Audio/Visual:

The audio is Japanese voices only with English subtitles. The developers stated they intentionally did this to keep the authentic feel of that period. It was a smart move on their part. The voice work brings back the Japanese voice actors reprising the roles of their characters from previous entries. They do a great job playing these new roles.

Like a Dragon: Ishin Karaoke - Baka Mitai (I've been a fool)

Visually, this game looks impressive for being a remaster of a game that originally came out in 2014. It captures the feel of Kyo at this period and is on par with any other game in the franchise.

Fun Factor:

Like a Dragon: Ishin is a fun game. If you are a fan of the franchise, you will find fun here. If you are a newcomer, there is so much to do that you will find fun in it as well. The game delivers on all fronts, no questions about it.

Wrap-up/Conclusion:

Like a Dragon: Ishin was several years in the making to get released outside of Japan. Frankly, I am thankful for it. This has been a solid game from beginning to end. I enjoyed my time with the Xbox version and Playstation version of the games. I finished it twice, and frankly, I will go for another playthrough again shortly. It is a strong contender to being game of the year for 2023 currently.

Newcomers to the franchise do not near to fear as this is a spinoff from the franchise and a stand-alone title. They can just jump right in and have fun. Fans of the franchise will love the updated visuals of characters from the franchise as a type of love letter to the fans. The developers took the time to put love and care into this remaster of the game, and it shows. I can wholeheartedly say, do not miss this game, it is fun from start to end.

  • Until next time, Mgs2master 2 out!

*Special thanks to SEGA PR for providing an Xbox Series S|X review key. There will also be images of the PS5 version of the game, the writer purchased the Ps5 version*

Games, News, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Reviews

void* tRrLM2(); //Void Terrarium 2 – Review

Robbie thought the looming threat was over. However, a new threat arrives in the world. Realigning with an old friend, Robbie sets out with the same goal in mind as years ago. That is to protect and care for the last human left in this world. As we take the role of Robbie, can we complete this task, or will we succumb to the pressure? Let’s take a look at our review of Void Terrarium 2

void* tRrLM2(); //Void Terrarium 2

  • Platform(s): Nintendo Switch™, PS4™ (Retail & Digital)

  • Release Date(s): February 28, 2023 (NA – retail, digital), March 3, 2023 (EU – retail, digital), March 3, 2023 (ANZ – digital only)

  • Publisher: NIS America, Inc.

 

*Special thanks to NIS America for providing a Nintendo Switch and Playstation 4 review key*

 

Intro/Story:

From the game’s website page:

Our story takes place some several years after toxic mycelium contaminated the atmosphere and caused the extinction of the human race.
Somewhere in the wastelands, our brave robot happens upon Toriko, a lone girl.
Soon after, Robbie meets factoryAI, and they work together to create a terrarium for Toriko in order to protect her.
The pair overcomes countless tribulations before finally being left to care for Toriko in peace…or so they thought.
Now, Toriko is exhibiting symptoms of disease once again. Her body is slowly deteriorating. This is unlike any illness she’s ever suffered through before, and nobody seems to know anything about it. In their search for answers, Robbie and factoryAI turn to Toriko’s–and the human race’s–past.
The ordeals before them must be overcome…for Toriko’s sake.

We covered Void Terrarium in 2020 when the first game was released on the Switch. That review can be found here. It was surprisingly one of the best games we played that year. Nearly 2 and a half years later, we are presented with the sequel. It is safe to say that all the things that were done correctly from the first game in terms of story, story delivery, pacing, and incorporating it into an immersive and fun game were carried into Void Terrarium 2. The story is still done well, with masterclass pacing,  and wonderful delivery. The simple things are the most effective and Void Terrarium 2 is proof of that.

As Robbie, you are tasked to make sure that you take care of the last human left in the world, Toriko. However, things are not what they seem as new threats are looming in the world. With your pal, factoryAI, Robbie sets out on another adventure with only one goal in mind. That goal is protecting Toriko and ensuring her safety. Will he achieve this goal? Players will have to discover that on their own.

In your journey in the world of Void Terrarium 2, players will need to know what to do. Let’s take a look at the gameplay so you are provided with the tools needed to move forward.

Gameplay:

If you have experienced Void Terrarium, then the gameplay is the same with some slight enhancements. If for some reason you decided to skip the first game and jump straight into game 2, first off, go play the first game. It was a pleasant surprise. Void Terrarium 2 provides an in-depth tutorial at the start of the game and whenever a new gameplay component is introduced. Players can also always reference the tutorial at any time in the game as well. A new edition of Void Terrarium 2 is also going to “training grounds” which is more or less a tutorial level for players to play and learn about the game at any time.

Gameplay in Void Terrarium 2 is also divided into two different sections. The first is the rogue-like dungeon-crawling aspect. Players are presented with randomly generated dungeons to explore, collect resources, and complete to move forward to new sections. Everything about the dungeons is randomly generated, and each time the player goes into a dungeon, their level resets to level one. The leveling-up component is also random in terms of unlocking new perks at each new level. The game is not a simple dungeon-crawling rogue-like, but there is that element of strategy in each exploration.

The second gameplay section is the home area, where players have to develop their base, receive new missions, craft new items, and take care of Toriko. This also requires an element of strategy as it is not as simple as it sounds. When players get to this portion, they will understand what is stated here. It is very refreshing for Void Terrarium 2 to take this kind of approach compared to other rogue-likes.

Audio and Visual:

Audio-wise, the game has one language. That is the Japanese voice language. The voice work is done rather well. The sound as well of the game is mixed well, and the soundtrack is very immersive of the environment the player is in during that current time.

float getExploredDepth(); (void* tRrLM2(); //Void Terrarium 2 OST)

Visually, the game seems to look the same as the first Void Terrarium. That is not to say it is a bad thing. The overall feel and aesthetic are done well and it keeps players immersed thinking it’s the end of the world at desolated locations.

 

Fun Factor:

To keep this short and sweet, Void Terrarium 2 is insanely fun. I beat the game and I am still coming back for more. I do not like rogue-like games in general. So Void Terrarium and Void Terrarium 2 are some of the only exceptions to this. It is speaking volumes that these are some of the only games I would play in this genre.

Wrap-up/Conclusion:

Void Terrarium 2 is a solid sequel and fun game standing on its own. The development team brought the heat in this sequel and it shows as if it does everything the first game did correctly, but even better. This is already an early contender for being the 2023 Game of the year for me, and we are only in February. I fully recommend this game to anyone who has played the first title or wants a solid rogue-like game.

  • Until next time, mgs2master2 out!

*Special thanks once again to NIS America for providing a Nintendo Switch and Playstation 4 review key*

 

Games, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PS5, Reviews, XBOX One, Xbox series s/x

Chained Echoes – Review

In late 2022, a solid RPG was released that may have been missed with all of the smash titles that came out. We had the opportunity to cover it, and after a month of its release, I can confidently say this is a MUST-PLAY RPG. Chained Echoes was a surprise launch for many of us on the site, and others who did not have it on their radar. After spending ample time with it, here is our review of one of the best RPGs of 2022.

Chained Echoes

  • Release date: December 8, 2022
  • Platforms: Nintendo Switch (reviewed), PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Steam (reviewed)
  • Developer: Matthias Linda
  • Publisher: Deck13
  • Genres: Role-playing, Indie, Adventure

*Special thanks to PR hound for providing a Steam and Nintendo switch review key*

 

Intro/Story:

From the official website:

A classic 2D RPG with Swords, Magic and … Mechs.
Take up your sword, channel your magic or board your Mech as you follow a group of heroes on their journey through the war-ridden land of Valandis.

Fast-Paced & Turn Based Battles

… don’t necessarily contradict each other. No random encounters. Battles take place directly where you engaged the enemy. Give your character an order and he executes it immediately.  No waiting involved.

Which Path Will You Walk?

Valandis has been at war for several generations, manipulated by foolish tyrants. Can you put history back into the hands of man? Your choices will impact the fate of Valandis and its citizens.

Stand Tall and Shake the Heavens

Sometimes your enemies will escape into the sky. What else to do than boarding your Mechs and burn them to ashes using your Laser Beam? You can freely switch between battling by foot or with your Mechs.

There is a Cave Behind the Waterfall

Of course there is. And much more! The lands of CHAINED ECHOES are diverse and highly intertwined. You can explore by foot, with the high speed of your mech or by calling your very own airship.

Back to the Roots!

You’ll find everything a RPG lover’s heart needs. A complex equipment and skill system, stats, loot, sidequests, big towns, dangerous dungeons and since this is a classic JRPG styled game a whole lot of minigames.

From the start of Chained Echoes, the game grabs you immediately with action and keeps the player invested. The story is an immersive one, that is told very well through the player’s journey. It has that very classic RPG feel in terms of the story, with a modernized approach, and that shows within the pacing of the story. it is a well-written, well-delivered story.

Chained Echoes delivers in terms of the story, but let’s take a look at the gameplay section.

Gameplay:

Gameplay in Chained Echoes is solid. New mechanics are taught to the players when appropriate. Additionally, all the controls are easily accessible by just pausing the game. Exploration is like a standard RPG, which is to explore the area, find stuff, do side quests, battle, and do the story. Additionally, there are no random battles, so each battle can be avoided if needed.

A mechanic that I noticed in this game that is not in many other RPGs is the overdrive mechanic. This is similar to a risk/reward system. When the meter is in an optimal zone, it’s easier to do more critical attacks, build up the super move quicker and have the battle more in the player’s favor. However, in contrast, if the meter is below or above the optimal level, it would put a disadvantage for the player. Enemies can do more damage, players can get staggered easier, and much more deficits can be delivered.

Audio and Visual:

Visually, Chained Echoes looks the same across all platforms no matter what it is played on.

 

Audio-wise, this is the same, there is no voice-over, but the soundtrack of the game is fantastic.

Battle Theme - Chained Echoes OST

 

Fun Factor:

I am a huge RPG genre fan. RPGs drop players in a new world and tell a wonderful story. It can also be used as an escape from reality. Chained Echoes has zero issues doing this. It is fun through and through for an RPG and a game in general. Indie games are also not my thing so I was pleasantly surprised playing this game and will be giving indie games much more opportunities thanks to Chained Echoes.

Wrap-up/conclusion:

Chained Echoes was honestly my surprise game of 2022 that ended up on my top 10 list releases of 2022 for how well the game was done. Do not get me wrong, 2022 had so many great games, and it’s just a shame this came out at the year because it was missed by so many people and was not on many GOTY lists as a result too. However, Chained Echoes is here now and I highly recommend anyone who is a fan of RPGs to play this game. It is currently on game pass as well, so if you have game pass, there is no excuse to pass this up.

  • Until next time, Mgs2master2 out!

*Special thanks to PR hound for providing a Steam and Nintendo switch review key*

Games, News, Nintendo Switch, PC, PS5, Reviews, Sega, Windows, XBOX One, Xbox series s/x

Persona 5 Royal – Review/Revisit

Time to step back into the role of being a Phantom Thief, fighting the injustices in society! Persona 5 Royal has finally arrived on Playstation 5, Steam, Xbox consoles, and Nintendo Switch. We are redonning our masks and taking it all back in our review/revisit of Persona 5 Royal!

  • Persona 5 Royal
  • Publisher: Atlus
  • Developers: Atlus, P Studio
  • Genre: JRPG
  • Platform: PlayStation 5 (reviewed), Xbox Series X|S (reviewed), Xbox One, Steam, Nintendo Switch (reviewed)
  • Release date: October 21, 2022

*Special thanks to ATLUS/Sega PR for providing a review key to the Playstation 5 and Xbox versions of the game*

*For our previous review, check out the link here*

Intro/Story:

Persona 5 Royal is the definitive edition of the popular Japanese RPG developed by Atlus. It was released on the Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Playstation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC in 2022 and features new content, gameplay mechanics, and improved graphics. Note that this version has already hit the Playstation 4.

From the official website, here is a brief intro to the story:

Forced to transfer to a high school in Tokyo,
the protagonist has a strange dream.

“You truly are a prisoner of fate.
In the near future, ruin awaits you.”

With the goal of “rehabilitation” looming overhead,
he must save others from distorted desires by donning
the mask of a Phantom Thief.

One of the standout features of Persona 5 Royal is its engaging story, which follows a group of high school students who must balance their everyday lives with their role as phantom thieves, fighting against corrupt forces in a supernatural realm known as the Metaverse. The characters are well written and likable, and the plot is full of twists and turns that will keep you invested until the very end. As this is the definitive edition, note there is a new ending as well as new content for players to discover.

Gameplay:

In terms of gameplay, Persona 5 Royal builds upon the solid foundation of the original game, with turn-based combat, an array of Personas (personality-based creatures) to collect and fuse, and a variety of activities to engage in outside of battle. The new content in Royal, including new Personas, areas to explore, and story elements, make it feel like a fresh experience even for players who have already played through the original game.

For the experience on the Playstation 5, PC, and Xbox versions of the title, the game runs at a solid 60 frames per second and load times are next to non-existent. The Nintendo Switch version runs at 30 frames per second, with the load times very on par with the Playstation 4 version of the game (I.E. low load times).

Visual and Audio:

The graphics in Persona 5 Royal are stunning, with vibrant and colorful visuals that really bring the world and characters to life. Visuals for the Nintendo Switch version are on par with the PS3 or PS4 version of Persona 5, but they are impressive for the Nintendo Switch title.

Ideal and the Real - Persona 5 The Royal

The soundtrack is also excellent, featuring a mix of jazz, pop, and rock tracks that perfectly match the mood of the game. In addition, the voicework done in the game is fantastic as each character is immersed in the role of their characters. The game features multiple languages as well, alongside subtitles for multiple languages for players across the world to enjoy.

Fun Factor:

It is no secret I am a huge fan of Persona 5, namely the Persona franchise as a whole. Replaying this game was a complete delight. Just be prepared to invest anywhere from 70-120 hours to complete all content.

Wrap-up/Conclusion:

Overall, Persona 5 Royal is a must-play for fans of the series and RPG genre. It’s a huge, immersive game that will keep you hooked for hours on end. Fans of Persona 5 and Royal will enjoy their revisit of the game with updated load times. Newcomers to Persona 5, this is now your chance to get the complete definitive version of the game alongside the best upgrades to the game.

Until next time, Mgs2master2 out!

*Special thanks to ATLUS/Sega PR for providing a review key to the Playstation 5 and Xbox versions of the game*

*For our previous review, check out the link here*

Games, News, PS5, Reviews

Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA – Review

For those who have missed it the first time around, inspiring adventurers now have the opportunity to visit The Isle of Seiren. Our favorite adventurer, Adol Christin, is now revisiting the cursed island on the Playstation 5. Let’s join Adol on this journey once again.

YS VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA

● Platform(s): PS5™ (Retail & Digital)

● Release Date(s): November 15, 2022 (NA – retail, digital), November 18, 2022 (EU – retail, digital), November 25, 2022 (ANZ – retail, digital)

● Genre: Action RPG

● Publisher: NIS America, Inc.

 

*Note, this review will largely be the same as the previous review of this game on the PS4. You can see that here.*

*Special thanks to NIS America for the opportunity and review key*

 

Intro/story:

From the official website:

Ys returns with an exciting adventure for the first time on PS5™! Adol awakens shipwrecked and stranded on a cursed island. There, he and the other shipwrecked passengers he rescues form a village to challenge fearsome beasts and mysterious ruins on an isolated island. Amidst this, Adol begins to dream of a mysterious blue-haired maiden living in a curiously advanced civilization. Join Adol as he unravels the enigma of the cursed isle and the blue-haired maiden Dana in Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA!

From experiencing the story on Playstation 4, it is quite the journey in itself. The delivery of the story is well done and follows a particular pattern. The same can be said for all YS titles, as they follow this pattern of “meeting X criteria”, story, and repeat. It sounds simple, but it is very effective. It is not only the story that is done, but as well as the delivery. For those experiencing YS VIII for the first time, be prepared for a solid story.

Gameplay:

The Gameplay in YS VIII is the same as each game with new features added in, as well as improving what is already good. The first chapter of each game introduces the tutorials. In terms of the difference between the PS4 and PS5 versions, this version has all of the gameplay improvements that were patched in the previous version. Additionally, all Cosmetic DLC is included in the PS5 version of YS VIII. This also includes all of the localization improvements.

In terms of performance, the load time For YS VIII is next to none. The game loads up almost instantly, it is kind of mind-blowing to see the improvement in performance in this regard.

Audio and Visual:

Audio-wise, the audio from the PS4 to PS5 of YS VIII is the same, just audio mixed properly, as well as sounding clearer. The Voice work is also fantastic as it was in the previous version.

Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA - Announcement Trailer | PS5

Visuals are sharpened versions of the PS4 version. It looks just as beautiful as it did back in the previous version.

Wrap-up/Conclusion:

YS VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA was a fantastic journey experiencing it on its original release. It was wonderful to take the role of Adol once again and re-experience this story. I enjoyed every second of this game, and it rekindled my adventurous side of gaming. YS games are something unique, and fantastic. I am genuinely honored to experience this story once again and thankful for the opportunity. I truly hope others who did not experience YS VIII on release get a chance to play it this time around.

Until next time, mgs2master2 out!

*Special thanks again to NIS America for the opportunity once again.*

Coming Soon, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PS5, Reviews

Jitsu Squad – Review

An evil force is on the rise to obtain an ancient power. In comes the Jitsu Squad to save the day! Will Hero, Baby, Jazz, and Aros be able to defeat the evil forces, or will the evil forces succeed? Find out in our review of Jitsu Squad!

Jitsu Squad

  • Release date: December 9, 2022
  • Platform: Playstation 4, Playstation 5, and Nintendo Switch (Reviewed)
  • Developer: ININ Games
  • Genre: Arcade, Action, Adventure
  • Publisher: ININ Games

*Special thanks to PR Hound for providing the opportunity and Nintendo Switch Review Key*

 

Intro/Story:

From the official Nintendo game page:

This is the story of the legendary, hidden Kusanagi Stone and the warriors seeking it. Containing the soul of a powerful demon, The Kusanagi stone can grant godly powers to those who awaken it. Now, the wicked sorcerer Origami has summoned and cursed ancient warriors to find the stone for him. Hero, Baby, Jazz and Aros, together they are the Jitsu Squad!

Control the entire Jitsu Squad in single-player mode or play with up to 2 people in local couch co-op. Tag team mode makes it possible to play locally with one friend, where each player chooses two characters!

The pacing and delivery of the story are typical of games in this genre. Players are treated to the introduction cutscene, which is well done, play a level, with some cutscenes within the area, and repeat the pattern. The story is interesting enough to keep players interested and keep the game going. However, is that enough? Let’s take a look at the gameplay of Jitsu Squad.

Gameplay:

Reminder, this review only covers the Nintendo Switch version of Jitsu Squad. I can only imagine the difference here would be the FPS and load times. The gameplay itself for Jitsu Squad is easy to pick up. Stage one is dedicated to teaching all the players how to play the game. You also learn the mechanics, such as how to learn new combo inputs, and what the game offers from the start.

Jitsu Squad pulls references and pays homage to several different source materials. You have famous Twitch Streamer Maximillian Dood with his dog Benny making an appearance as a summon, references to Wolverine from Marvel vs Capcom with a particular enemy, references to Mortal Kombat, and much much more to discover. It shows that the developers are of all things gaming, which is amazing in its way.

However, that is not to say the game does not have issues, which I hope will be patched over time. The main one is load times. I am not entirely sure of the load times for the PS4 and PS5 versions, but the Nintendo Switch version takes a good amount of time to load. It takes time to load in from the title screen to the chapter select, then time to load in from the chapter select to the level. It does not turn off the appeal of the game, but I did not expect it to take as long as it did to load. I also experienced the game crashing at the oddest times. I would be in the middle of a boss fight, pause it to look at the move list, then the game crashes. I hope these are the things addressed if the game gets patched in the future for the Switch.

Update:

We received an email indicating that the game will be patched. The Email is below:

 A patch for Jitsu Squad is currently in testing and we’re confident to have it ready and released before the official launch on December 9. We highly advise and suggest every user to download patch 1.0.1 as this is a crucial D1 patch. Patch 1.0.1 brings:

  • Fixes crashes and memory leaks

  • Improves performance and FPS significantly

  • Improves audio

  • Improves graphic resolution

  • Fixes various bugs and glitches

  • Adds 1-4 Player Multiplayer (Previously 1-2)

  • Adds FIGS languages (Previously ENG only)

This is awesome to read and I look forward to replaying with the Patch applied.

Audio and Visual:

Visual-wise, the game looks great for what it is displaying. It has the aesthetic of a side-scrolling adventure fighting game. It works well with several different environments through each of the levels.

Audio-wise, Jitsu Squad has sound mixed well. Some scenes are voiced as well. The delivery of the voice lines is done extremely well for the short amount that it is done. One issue I did have with the sound is that during some transitions within each chapter (area to area) the sound and music would suddenly just cut out, you would hear a popping sound, then the music trying to kick back in, and it eventually does. I hope this is one of those things that are patched as well.

Jitsu Squad Title Screen - Go! Fight! Jitsu Dreamers (Short ver.)

Fun Factor:

Jitsu Squad is a fun game to play. I played the game solo, but I can only imagine that playing it with someone else would be wonderful as well. This is a game that is a throwback to old classic side scroller and couch coop games. If it was a fun game solo, I can imagine it is a fun game playing it coop-wise.

Wrap-Up/Conclusion:

Jitsu Squad is a fun game with a good amount of references. Playing it on the Nintendo Switch is also fun on the go. However, some issues do take place as written within the review. Luckily there will be a patch coming very soon to the game. Regardless, those issues are not enough to deter from the game. If you are looking for a good couch coop game, I would recommend Jitsu Squad to you.

  • Until next time, Mgs2master2 out!

 

*Special thanks to PR Hound for providing the opportunity and Nintendo Switch Review Key*

Games, News, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, Reviews

Review – Kamiwaza: Way of the Thief

Once a thief of a night, Ebizo goes for a heist only to find the night turns bad. After swearing off thieving and dedicating his life to his newly adopted daughter, Ebizo finds himself at a difficult decision. Would he steal for the honor of his family, or will old habits return? The choice is yours as you take his shoes. What path will you take? Let’s take a look at our review of Kamiwaza: Way of the Thief!

 

Kamiwaza: Way of the Thief

  • Platform(s): Nintendo Switch (reviewed), PS4 (reviewed), PC (Steam)

  • Release Date(s): 10/11/2022 (NA – retail, digital), 10/14/2022 (EU – retail, digital)

  • Genre: Stealth Action

  • Publisher: NIS America, Inc.

  • Developer: Acquire

  • Audio Languages: Japanese

  • Text Languages: English

*Special thanks to NIS America for providing a Nintendo Switch and Playstation 4 review key!*

 

Intro/Story:

From the official website:

Set during the Edo period of Japan, Kamiwaza tells the tale of Ebizo, an amateur thief who aspires to steal from the rich and give to the poor.

On the seedy streets of Mikado, only the tough survive. For one man, a heist gone wrong would change his life forever. During Ebizo’s first job, he and his mentor Ainosuke witness the other members of their crew, the Silver Ravens, murdering innocent civilians. Ainosuke then tells Ebizo to flee with the sole survivor of the incident, a child named Suzuna.

A decade later, Ebizo is a changed man and living an honest, fulfilling life with Suzuna, whom he has adopted as his own daughter. But this peace is abruptly shattered when Suzuna falls ill. In order to afford the medicine needed to save his daughter, a conflicted Ebizo is forced to return to his old ways, but vows only to steal for Suzuna’s sake.

Even as a thief, can you walk the path of honor for the sake of family?

The story of Kamiwaza is an immersive story from the start. The pacing of the story delivery is well done. The narrative is one of choice. As the player, will they make the choice to honor their family and only operate for their family, or will they fall back to their old ways? This is one of the stories where the choices the player makes drive the narrative.

These are unique titles as the choices the players do make within the story actually determine the ending of the game. However, with this unique storytelling, does the gameplay match up? Let’s take a look at the gameplay for Kamiwaza.

Gameplay:

The gameplay for Kamiwaza is one that feels really dated. There is a great deal of mechanics that is introduced to the player from the first level. While the game tells you how to do that, it is quite the learning curve for Kamiwaza. When playing this game, it feels like a very retro game. Think of the old Tenchu games. The game feels very tanky. However, once it sticks, it sticks for the player.

Audio and Visual:

 

Visually, Kamiwaza looks dated as well. However, I believe that was done to be intentional as this is a remake of an old Playstation 2 title.

Audio-wise the game is for Japanese voices only with English subtitles. Not much more to say beyond that.

Kamiwaza: Way of the Thief - Gameplay Trailer (Nintendo Switch, PS4, PC)

 

Wrap-up/Conclusion:

Kamiwaza: Way of the Thief is an acquired taste. It has a huge learning curve from the start, and the gameplay is dated. However, if the player is patient and takes their time to become that master thief, there is truly a gem hidden under the layer of the issues. This is one of those games where I went through it twice just to get multiple endings. I honestly do not see myself going through the game once again.

– until next time, mgs2master2 out

*Special thanks to NIS America for providing a Nintendo Switch and Playstation 4 review key!*

Games, News, Nintendo, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, Reviews

Review – The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero

Welcome to Crossbell. This is a vibrant city full of life. However, not everything is as it seems. As the newest detective, Lloyd Bannings of the Crossbell Police Department (CPD) joins others in the newly established “Special Support Section”, players will begin to uncover the truth that grips the City. Will the SSS be able to overcome the barriers in front of them to discover the truth, or will it be lost to the void? Let’s find out together in our review of The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero

Game Details:

  • Platforms: Nintendo Switch (reviewed), Playstation 4 (reviewed), PC (Retail & Digital) (Reviewed)
  • Release Dates: 9/27/22 (NA – retail, digital), 9/30/22 (EU – retail, digital), & 10/7/22 (ANZ – retail, digital)
  • Genre: RPG
  • Publisher: NIS America, Inc.
  • Developer: Nihon Falcom
  • Audio Languages: Japanese
  • Text Languages: English

 

*Special thanks to NIS America for providing a Nintendo Switch and Playstation 4 review key!*

*Update: Special thanks to NIS America for providing a Steam Review key as well! This review will also cover the Steam version!*

 

Intro/Story:

From the game’s main webpage:

Crossbell State, a small territory nestled in the western half of the continent of Zemuria…

Historically the site of many fierce territorial battles between the Erebonian Empire and the Calvard Republic, Crossbell has now established itself as a booming center of trade and commerce, enjoying relative peace and prosperity.

However, just below its shining surface, trouble is brewing. Mounting pressure between the Imperial and Republican factions of its government has led to lawmakers from both sides engaging in ugly political battles and wanton corruption. At the same time, the criminal underworld is running rampant, with clashes between local mafia and foreign crime syndicates becoming more frequent. Its hands tied by corrupt superiors, the Crossbell Police Department is unable to address the rise in crime.

It’s in the midst of all this turmoil that four young men and women join the CPD.

Lloyd Bannings, a rookie detective. Elie MacDowell, the granddaughter of Crossbell’s mayor. Tio Plato, a young reseracher testing the newly-developed orbal staff. Randy Orlando, a womanizing former member of the Crossbell Guardian Force.

These unconventional rookies are assigned to the newly-established Special Support Section, a position that will bring them face-to-face with the harsh reality of their city.

This is the story of these four young heroes as they work together to overcome the barriers that lie before them and bring light to those living in the shadows of their city.

As my first exposure to the Crossbell arc, the story in Trails from Zero is a rather fascinating one. It does not follow the normal JRPG trope of attending a school as a student. From the get-go, you are a young adult, fresh to the CPD.  It is a somewhat refreshing start to the game. From the beginning, Trails from Zero starts on an immersive note and continues this progression throughout the story.

The story is well-written, the pacing is well done, and the overall narrative kept me interested to see the journey from arriving in Crossbell via train, to the end of the game. Lloyd and the SSS work well together as a team and that shows throughout the game. The world of Crossbell is also a fascinating and well-depicted area that is part of the Legend of Heroes universe. Players new to the Crossbell arc (or Legend of Heroes) will discover a world that is alive and ready to explore. Those replaying (or are returning to the Legend of Heroes title) will feel right at home.

If I am to recall correctly, the sequence of the stories follows the Liberl Arc (Trails in the Sky arc), Crossbell Arc (Zero and Azure), Erebonia Arc (Cold Steel Arc), and then the Calvard games. This is the second arc of a long narrative, the Legend of Heroes story. I am not one to gatekeep the games or story, but it is highly recommended to have a general understanding of each arc. Full disclosure my first game in the Legend of Heroes story was Cold Steel. Each arc is self-contained in terms of its story for the most part. However, a full understanding does require the general knowledge of the other arc that comes before.

While the story is rich and well-done, does the gameplay match up to that standard? Let’s take a look at the gameplay section for Trails from Zero.

Gameplay:

Trails From Zero plays very much like every other Legend of Heroes game. If the player is a newcomer to the franchise, there are plenty of tutorials given in the first act of the game. The gameplay is straightforward and effective. There is a reason why this gameplay scheme is only improved and built upon in each game. It is one of the better battle systems out there to date.

The gameplay is largely intact no matter which version is played. However, there are some differences between the Playstation 4 version and the other platforms. Other websites, such as RPG Site and Gematsu elaborated on some of these differences. To keep a long story short, the Playstation 4 version is largely the same version of Trails from Zero Kai that came out in 2021. It has only the changes made on that Kai version at that time of release. The Nintendo Switch and Steam versions have much more quality of life improvements that enhances the game more.

If the player only has one version to pick up, I would recommend the Nintendo Switch version or the Steam Version. Players would get the best in terms of the quality of life improvements, and visuals, and take it on the go. I am happy to report that the Steam Version is Steam Deck verified as well!

Speaking of visual improvements, let’s take a look at the visuals of Trails From Zero.

Audio and Visual:

The Ps4 looks like its original counterpart. In comparison, the Nintendo Switch has updated visuals. This is due to the quality of life updates. The images on the Nintendo Switch and Steam version look much sharper and better. See below for a comparison.

 

^ Playstation 4

^ Nintendo Switch

^ Steam Version

Audio-wise, the voice work is fantastic. It is the original Japanese voice-acting cast with English subtitles. The soundtrack is also well done. Things were updated in these new releases to sound cleaner and more clear.

Zero no Kiseki OST - Geofront

Fun factor:

Trails From Zero is a fun game. I found myself wanting to 100% the game on both the Nintendo Switch and Playstation 4 versions. The story is immersive, the gameplay is fun, and I found myself having difficulties putting the game down. I am somewhat tempted to obtain the steam version to experience it again.

Wrap-up/Conclusion:

It has been a long time coming, but Trails from Zero has finally graced modern consoles. It was worth the wait for The Legend of Heroes fans. The game is fun, it does not feel dated in the slightest depending on which version the player chooses. The only gripe I do have is as I elaborated in the gameplay section, that the PS4 version is the weakest one of the three versions. It was essentially a port without the major enhancements that were done for the Nintendo Switch and PC versions.

While the game is intact no matter which version, those changes and additions on the Nintendo Switch and PC versions are great quality-of-life additions that enhanced the actual game experience. If the platform of choice was a deciding factor in picking up this fantastic game, I would recommend picking up the Nintendo Switch or the Steam version.

– until next time, Mgs2master2 out!

*Special thanks once again to NIS America for providing a Nintendo Switch and Playstation 4 review key!*