Ps4 hands on event confirmation (28th October)

Wait, why are you doing a blog post for a tweet? Well I sent this tweet no too long ago after signing up for a Ps4 lock-in event on the 28th. That means exclusive hands on content for you readers here! While I will be posting a bumper post the following day with all manner of impressions and pictures from the event, I will also be live tweeting while I'm there. If your following me on Twitter then you can keep up to date with what I'm doing there! While the big hitters like Killzone are reputed to not be there, Knack will be headlining the event (Sony are really pushing it) In a way I prefer it this way. Knack is definitely the most intriguing title from the Ps4's launch from Sony as you kinda know what your getting with the other games. Plus its Sony Japan afterall. Octodad: Dadliest Catch is another quirky title there that I'm looking forward to having a go of. There's also more titles like FIFA 14 there too that aren't necessarily titles we cover but I'll have a look anyway to get more of a feel for the system.

A fairly big scoop for the blog. I'll keep my ear to the ground for any similar events that I can smooth talk my way in to! Hopefully on the 29th we'll have some exclusive hands on content. I'll let you know closer to the date if theres any changes or delays but I doubt that will be the case. Looking forward to it myself.

Check out @MadchesterManc's Tweet: https://twitter.com/MadchesterManc/status/391519586920960000

Review: Beyond: Two Souls (Ps3)

The first review to be posted straight to blog is also, probably, the biggest game we'll look at for a while. While your no doubt wondering why Ive done a review for this, its simple. While Beyond may sell a million copies (or not) only a niche part of its audience will truly understand what's trying to be accomplished. Its fairly unique in an industry of tried & true mechanics. So how does it fare?

Retrospective: Mister Mosquito/Mr. Moskeeto (Ps2)

 Yesterdays post seemed fairly popular. I guess people like reading what anime's others are watching. I bet you've watched a bit of Upotte now, haven't you? Today though its back to business as usual looking at a niche game in every sense of the word - Mr Moskeeto (PAL)/Mister Mosquito (US)

Anime's doing the rounds on my Gizmo's.

I've decided to take a break from games here today, although there is a Kingdom Hearts 3 trailer doing the rounds that may interest you (LINK) Instead I'm going to be sharing some anime's that Ive been watching these past few months. Ive got a feeling that a few may suprise you, or you may have secretly watched yourself but don't say to maintain the anime connoisseur facade you have going on. I haven't watched any from the latest 'season'. I don't tend to follow anime that way, instead I just marathon a series when its finished (the hype for certain series tends to have died down then too) So what have I been watching? Mostly older anime's from previous seasons, some are even older than that! I use KissAnime myself, it allows 720p streams and also HTML5 streaming for mobiles (anime's look dandy on my Xperia Z) so Ill provide links to the animes listed there if your interested in giving them a go.

 Disgaea
This is the one I'm currently watching at the moment. Its been a long time since Ive done anything Disgaea so I thought Id rejig my memory with this anime due to D2 being released not too long ago. The story is based on Hour Of Darkness, but skews at certain points apparently. It starts with Laharl being awoken from his slumber by Flonne, an angel apprentice, and upon learning that the overlord (his father) is dead he sets out to claim his throne with Flonne in tow and later joined by Etna. I'm only about half way through it so far, but its a lot of fun. I find it to be one of the most amusing anime's Ive seen for a while. The relationship between Laharl & Flonne is a particular highlight, with most of the amusing moments coming when Flonne starts blabbering about love - much to the dismay of Laharl. If your looking for a little fun in an anime Id say try this if you haven't already. When Ive finished with the anime I may grab a copy of Disgaea D2.
KissAnime Link

Upotte!!
Another fun anime. In truth I don't even know how I came to be watching it in the first place though. It was a Sake fuelled night so that may have been why. The anime follows a group of schoolgirls who just so happen to be guns. Yeah, the premise is that bizarre but surprisingly the anime is not. Upotte follows the adventures of Funco (FNC) and her 3 best friends Ichiroku (M16A4), Elle/Eru (L85A2) and Sig (SG550) as they make their way through the school year. The hilarity's start straight off the bat when their new homeroom teacher arrives who is just a normal human and knows nothing of what the school is really about, causing numerous misunderstandings almost straight away. With the anime shunting the use of any ecchi (except for the obligatory hot springs segment all anime's seem to have), it keeps everything light-hearted & fun. The only issue is the 10 episode run time. I managed to watch the whole series in one night. This does cause it to feel a little rushed towards the end, but its such a sweet anime Ive started watching it again anyway. The OVA isn't too good though. Give it a go if your looking to try something light-hearted that differs from the norm you usually watch.
KissAnime Link

 Date A Live
This seems to be one from the past few months that most people Ive mentioned it to have seen. With a second season announced almost upon completion of airing the first season, it must have gone down a treat with most people. The anime follows Shido, who's sister recruits him to partake in taking 'spirits' on dates so they fall for him and he seals their powers with a kiss, ensuring the world is safe! There are a couple of twists later in the series that makes things even more interesting, but the anime doesn't deviate much from its 'spirit' date storylines. In truth its not as fun as the previous 2 Ive mentioned, but its still interesting and features some really cool fight scenes between the 'spirits' and the AST who are trying to destroy the spirits. If you haven't seen it yet, Id recommend it. With a second season on its way soon too there'll be plenty to sink your teeth in to. If its of any interest, there's also a Ps3 game available..only in Japan though.
KissAnime Link

Hyperdimension Neptunia
This just had to be put here! In truth it does start a little slow. The first few episodes seem a little off and its not till about episode 4 when the anime picks up, with the second half of the series being an absolute blast to watch. That wouldn't have been so bad if I wasn't waiting weekly for each episode though! There is an underlying story arc running through the series which doesn't come to the fore till the last few episodes, so it keeps you intrigued in that way too. Again, its all about fun. The anime is similar to how Disgaea is with is light-hearted & amusing approach. Theres still fight scenes too and most of the characters make an appearance through the series. AT 12 episodes, Its a little short for me but hopefully there'll be a second season. If your a fan of the games, you should have watched it. If not, Why? The anime is basically the same format as the game. Everything that's in the games is in the anime, parodies and all. One for fans indeed, but good enough to work as a taster for those with interest in seeing what the Hyperdimension Neptunia series is all about.
KissAnime Link

As you've probably guessed, I tend to watch mainly anime's that come across as light-hearted & fun these days. I used to watch a lot of Sci-Fi & supernatural ones but Ive slowly gone off those. The last one like that I watched was probably 11 Eyes (KissAnime Link), which was actually good although a few more episodes to flesh the story out a little more would've been nice. At the times the 12 episode standard that seems to do the rounds with anime's isn't always enough. So what anime's are doing the rounds in your gizmo's? Let me know and I may check em out!

Retrospective: Gitaroo Man (Ps2/PsP)

This week should be an interesting one for the blog. Playing through Beyond (its magnificent) and Dragons Crown on Vita (pummelling orcs while ogling huge bouncy boobs is FUN) which I'm looking to drop reviews for later in the week. Ive spent Saturday & Sunday playing Beyond, going to give it a break tonight though, so that one will more than likely be up on Friday. A Dragons Crown review will follow on Sunday more than likely so I can give it some extra time. These 2 reviews will be posted here, which is a first! I tend to publish on PushSquare but they already have those 2 games reviewed there. I only publish obscure titles on PushSquare that haven't had a review, plus the staff seem to enjoy being reminded of the forgotten niche games we cover. But I'm getting ahead of myself. Its only Monday! So today I'm gonna have a look an old favourite of mine - Gitaroo Man/Gitaroo Man Lives

Majin & The Forsaken Kingdom Review (Ps3/Xbox360)

Finally have another detailed review for you guys to have a look at! I took some time off to catch up on games Id been neglecting to play through due to completing games for reviewing purposes. I do like to play games for things other than reviewing! While the game Ive looked at isn't a new release by any means, its one of those elusive ones that seems to have been forgotten with time due to its niche nature. Is it worth digging out? Find out with this review of course!

Full review on PushSquare again, here's the conclusion
While the game does have some technical issues & the odd clunky moment, it has enough charm to supersede its issues and provide a fairly entertaining romp. The puzzle filled adventure gameplay will no doubt keep your mind ticking over and would interest those nostalgic for adventure games of yesteryear. Where the game succeeds the most is in its ability to convey the need for the characters to rely on each other. The vulnerability that sets in when you are separated from the Majin is testament to that. If you can look past its niggles & rough around the edges nature, You'll find a charming adventure that shows a symbiotic relationship can be struck up between a player & their AI partner.
Here's the link for the FULL review - LINK   

Next week I may be looking into doing smaller reviews for Beyond & the Vita version of Dragons Crown. Those will be going straight onto the blog though due to Pushsquare having reviews for those as it is. I almost forgot. Apologies for no post on Friday. The opinion post on Thursday continued to attract attention the following day so I decided to leave it be for an extra day. Must be more interest than I realised for Beyond. The 2 opinion pieces Ive done have seemed to be fairly popular so I may continue to do those every now n again, but they usually only come around when they are triggered somewhat. We shall see. Hope you enjoy the review! Follow me on Twitter for up to the minute blog news @Madchestermanc

Am I to believe the mainstream press?

 HEAR YE HEAR YE! THE GAMING PRESS HAS SPOKEN. BEYOND IS NOT A GAME.

Another opinion piece incoming! Yep, with the release of Beyond (Yeah Ive been looking forward to it for ages, big whoop) theres been an influx of reviews on all manner of mainstream gaming websites. Nothing new there. The scores also vary wildly, PushSquares 8/10 seeming to buck the trend and offer a genuine opinion on the title, which is to be expected when you consider its a Quantic Dreams title. Whats baffling is that a fair amount of reviews have expressed negativity at the fact it doesn't play like your average game and have marked it down accordingly. Can this be how the industry is nowadays? With people wanting different experiences who get what they desire and then lambaste it for being different?

 "There are days where the gaming community disappoints me, and this has been one."
Ginko, PushSquare.

FULL STEAM AHEAD MY NAKAMA! 

Ahoy matey's welcome to my gaming retrospective of 2 forgotten titles of anime/manga Titan One Piece!.

Spanning over 10 years One Piece has had it's fingers in all kinds of media pies. Movies, toys, clothes, energy drinks and yes video games!.  

There was a point when over in the western world we were given One Piece but unfortunately 4Kids were the providers!.
A dodgy dub & even stranger censorship choices (sanji who smokes now constantly eats lollipops and every sword happens to be rubber) saw that One Piece didn't do to well over our shores.  

For the die hard fans they stuck with the fan sub and in the recent couple of years we have seen somewhat of a resurgence of One Piece with release of anime box sets and even games. 
Most notable ones are the Pirate Warrior series. Using the Musou layout and engine both sold considerably well and have a large fan base.  

Unlimited Cruise 1 & 2 also released over here but with not as much love, myself personally didn't like the series either.

But what other games could you be playing featuring our favourite pirate crew?. Here are 2 fine examples of overlooked games which are fantastic not only for anime related games but games in general! 

One Piece - GAMEBOY ADVANCE 

 Made for the US audience by DIMPS (Sonic Advance series) and released around the height of popularity for One Piece by 4KIDS. Players control loveable pirate Monkey D Luffy on his quest to become the Pirate King.  

The game follows the story from the beginning at the East Blue Arc (starting with Alvida often left out) and finishes up at the Loguetown town arc. 

Luffy is the only playable character throughout the game but the other members of his crew (Zoro, Nami, Sanji & Ussop) appear as summons.  

It's a fantastic little 2D Platformer along the lines of Dragon Ball Advance, instantly playable offers quite a challenge and the bosses are fun to fight. 

Each boss has a different tactic to it making the Arlong fight different to that of the Smoker fight. 

What most impresses me is the attention to characters with mini bosses for forgotten characters like Helmepoppo and Jango!. 

Iv been through this game personally a few times and I love it everytime, setting a high score and seeing it on Luffy's wanted poster always pleases me.  

The only downside is that it never got a sequel in any form!. I can only imagine what the levels based in the Grand Line would of been like. 

Plus it would of been great to see all the Strawhats side by side. I understand at the time they didn't want to pass where the viewers would be but I think now would be a good time for a 2.5D game from East Blue to Marineford!. I can only wish! 

ONE PIECE GIGANT BATTLE - NINTENDO DS 

Jumping forward a few years and we have the DS title GIGANT BATTLE. 

Based over the Sabaody Arc to the Marineford Arc (there are bits here and there from other arcs e.g characters and items). 

Featuring one of the largest playable cast you'll see with characters from every faction from The Straw Hats to The Marines to The Shichibukai and even Whitebeard himself!. 

Along side them you have a huge selection of support characters and further more even minor characters in the background of stages effecting gameplay e.g Franky Family and Minotaurus.

With pick up and play gameplay along the lines of Powerstone or Super Smash Brothers. It's easy enough to pick up do a couple of missions and put down. 

Colourful settings true to the vision of One Piece and fairly decent writing beings this tight package together nicely. 

This game performed that well it even saw a European release long after OP had died and thus kick started a relationship between Europe and One Piece once again. 

There is a sequel to this but unfortunately it never left japan. This maybe down to them wanting to push Pirate Warriors or they felt it was too late in the DS's life cycle and chose to work on Unlimited Cruise instead but that is purely guess work.  

Like the original it's still highly playable, very addictive and has a wealth of content for you and your Nakama to trove over!. It's easy enough to play on Japanese and there are plenty of people on forums and walkthroughs which should see you through this wonderful title.

These are just two examples of One Piece titles I have played and enjoyed immensely. 

Having recently finished the story of One Piece: Pirate Warriors 2 it feels good to look back at previous overlooked titles. 

The future of One Piece looks bright with the anime being released by Funimation over here on DVD & newest release the 3DS RPG Romance Dawn releasing in November in Europe. 

Plus in Japan they have Unlimited Cruise Red which looks like One Piece crossed with Monster Hunter so I am holding my breath for that one!.   

As a parting gift for you budding pirates before you set off to the Grand Line to find the One Piece here are a few Honourable and Dishonourable mentions One Piece style!

The Whitebeard!:  Jump Ultimate Stars - Nintendo DS 

Not strictly a One Piece game but a Jump! Smash Brothers style game with all your favourite jump anime characters. Luffy vs Goku vs Naruto with Ultimate Muscle characters interfering? It's all possible here!.

It didn't release over seas but there is a translation patch on the net well worth playing!. 

There is a wealth of general anime related goodness and more than enough nods to One Piece (a move turns Luffy into Afro Luffy!) one of the best games you can play on DS!  

The Blackbeard!

One Piece:Gear Spirit - Nintendo DS 

Hot on the heels of the success of the Bleach fighting games on DS we have One Piece's answer to them!.

Using a 3D looking engine you are given a clunky looking game with clunky controls. Unresponsive moves and balancing issues (I understand in fairness but Luffy and Chopper shouldn't be equals in strength) cause this to be one of the weaker titles.

It lacks content and the story mode is near enough a none starter. 

The only redeeming factor to this is that it's the only OP game iv played where Shanks was playable. Pity I had to suffer this game for that experience!.  

There you have it my Nakama till next time I'll see you on the Ol' briny!

We are! we are! We are on a cruise! 

 P.S as mentioned Romance Dawn releases in Europe November time. I'll be reviewing it unfortunately I doubt Namco-Bandai will be sending me a promo so it will be a week or so after release 

As always you can contact me here on the blog, on twitter @andicpunx or email rukiriot@hotmail.co.uk

Retrospective: Chaos Legion (PC/Ps2)

The Internet keeps dropping its connection so I'm finding it really hard to research some games! I'm going to leave it now till tomorrow and type up a retrospective on Wordpad today. What game to do? I don't know to be honest. My mind went blank when I started to ask myself that question. Ive been hoarding N64 & Dreamcast games of late as I'm considering doing some retrospectives from back then, to put the RETRO in retrospectives I suppose. With not owning a WiiU at the moment & the 3DS line up of interesting games drying up lately theres been a lack of Nintendo content of late from myself so hopefully some N64 gameplay over the next couple of weeks will beef up the Ninty stuff till something good comes along. Till then, today's piece is going to be on a PC/Ps2 release. The long lost cousin of Devil May Cry - Chaos Legion

Retrospective: Shox (Ps2)

Back to business with the blog now after a few days of taking it easy. No idea still on the missing posts but luckily Andi archives his posts so I was able to repost it for him yesterday. I stopped doing that when I got the blogger app on my phone but I'm considering going back to the old way of writing up & saving via Wordpad and just copying it to Blogger in case it happens again. So whats today? Well I thought Id do something different. Last night I finished up Yakuza 3 & did a little bit more of Majin (might have a review for that on Sunday) but there was still a bit of time before I was gonna hit the sack so I fired up the Ps2 and jumped on an old favourite that I'm going to look at today. The game I'm going to look at isn't an eastern title, but it is Niche. I don't know of anyone else who's played it at least but its one that should be looked at if arcade fun is your forte - Shox