I had been curious about this title for sometime. Actually it was on Gamespot that I first spotted it. But to find it on a bargain bin (JB HiFi for all you Australian gamers) for only $29 was a treat!
You play the part of a group of adventurers in a world that has been dreamed up by Chopin who is on his deathbed at a tragically young age. From the very get go you'll be in love with the amazingly lush detail that has been pumped into this title. This kind of game seems to be only possible by Japanese game designers it plays more like a cartoon with lenghty cut scenes (my controller timed out on one of them!) and gourgeous landscapes that carry the story line from start to end.
It's only downfall are the documentary like interludes that give you an insight into Chopin's tragic short life that break up the pace of the game. It's fuelled by lushes visuals, an engaging combat system that utilises light and shadow to give the player more to think about during battles. Plus it's voice acting won't leave you wanting to hit the mute button. My only critisism is that the game is very much linear. But this may appeal to the more casual gamer. It still has enough to amuse the more harden RPG'er considering the lack of turn based RPG's on the market today.
I use to be a contributor to Megazone and Hyper during the "golden age" of gaming. Back then the industry was only starting to mature... in a pimply, spotty, adolescent kind of way. It was exciting, fun and I still regard that time to be the most rewarding period in my life. But as much as I hate to say it, print media is dead. I still buy the odd magazine to keep up with the current generation of gossip but I find that:
1) The games industry has become lifeless in that it's almost all too predictable. Hard to get excited about half the commercialised rubble being announced.
2) Internet is simply too cool to ignore. It's interactive, instant and is more adaptable to the viewers needs. I have fond memories of the 90's as I was contributing in a way most were not able to. But now everyone has a chance to be heard.
Hyper was a cool place to be in while Andrew and Stuart were at the helm. But their departure won't be the sole reason for the demise of Hyper (if it happens). The senior management must act now and get involved online in a way that they were once in the late 90's. Print's only saving grace is that it can be read while on the train/ bus stop/ can. But this is due to be replaced soon too!
I'm itching to buy a pinball machine. So while scrounging around the net I saw this little baby! Seems as though the Crocodile Hunter Pinball machine will be out soon. Shame no one carrys pinny machines anymore. I'd really want a crack at this table!
Click Here --> Steve Irwin Pinball Machine
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