Author: Dustin Murphy

Review: Final Fantasy Type-0 HD (PS4) – Class Zero Reporting for Duty

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Review by Dustin Murphy

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Pros:
+An intricately weaved storyline that leaves plenty of fans to build up their theories regarding the L’Cie that are also mentioned in the Final Fantasy XIII Trilogy.
+Multiple Characters to select during combat leaves plenty of combat scenarios to occur.
+One of the most beautifully crafted soundtracks in the most recent of Final Fantasy titles.
+Side missions (Trials) as well as side quests (tasks) leave for plenty of things to do outside of the games main campaign.
+New Game+ offers more to be had as well as an ending to be unlocked
+The use of Eidolon’s comes at a decent cost that will leave players trying to level them between missions in order to enjoy them to their full potential

Cons:
–Rem and Machina’s romance quickly overshadows the overall story and at times overpowers the rest of it.
–Confusion about L’Cie and Fal’Cie could potentially sore some peoples takes on the story and its tie in with Final Fantasy XIII’s three titles that discuss the Crystals, Fal’Cie and L’Cie
–Leveling can be very time consuming and painful to those looking to enjoy a quick story due to the level requirements.
–The PSP version’s (Japan only) multiplayer was left out of this version
–Portions of the game have been graphically updated, but the blurred and some blocky faces take away from some of the games enjoyment.

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Final Fantasy, it’s a name that many fans of RPG’s can relate to. It is a series that has become one of the few to stand and shine through the ages and manage the fan base it has, but also has managed to grow it in size. In many years, Final Fantasy has remained a series that has always had intricate, deep, and rather well scripted stories that touched the hearts of many, but one remained almost untouchable for Western audiences for a rather long time. Finally landing as an HD Remaster, Final Fantasy Type-0  has remained as a hidden gem that has long evaded us, but here it is in most of its former glory and giving us one of the most serious stories to have ever launched in Final Fantasy’s long-running history. 

Enter Final Fantasy Type-0 HD a game that delivers one of the best combat systems to date, one of the most serious stories that takes place during a war between the Dominion of Rubrum, Concordia, and the Militesi Empire, which have all set their sites upon each other in this all out war that has begun by the Militesi leaders in order to expand their reach, in return? Class Zero has been sent in, all fourteen students specializing in Magic, their own set of Abilities, and even the capability of wielding Eidolon’s (Summons). As the war has progressed we have been introduced to fourteen of the most serious characters that have set a place in the hearts of fans that have enjoyed Final Fantasy, but also for those who are familiar with the lore behind Final Fantasy XIII’s story arch (soon to be expanded somehow by Final Fantasy XV as part of the Fabula Nova Crystallis Final Fantasy Saga). Final Fantasy Type-0 HD is a game that heavily emphasizes itself upon war, the triumphs that Class Zero goes through, heavy casualty counts, but also the consequences of war that the world around our fourteen heroes will experience. As players trek through each of these war torn zones that they eventually conquer, Type -0 will constantly keep players in check by reminding them that the game is about a group of very gifted teenagers who have lead on countless campaigns, taken out countless enemy troops, but also fighting despite their own loses when they occur. As the game opens, players are introduced to this harsh reality as players witness a city under attack, students as well as residents are gunned down by Militesi forces, which leaves one to see just how the mechanisms of this world’s wars occur. Within minutes players also do get to witness the first deaths within the game, a soldier, a chocobo, and a handful of enemy troops as Class Zero descends upon the battlefield in order to settle the score.

Starting in 2011, players who owned PSP’s in Japan or have imported were able to turn the cogs of war as they battle continued on for them, but as of recent, this HD remake allowed Western fans to wage a war of their own. As Final Fantasy Type-0 HD spilled onto PlayStation 4’s and Xbox Ones, fans were able to push on through their own battles throughout the world before them, but also helping bring the war to a close in one of the most emotionally captivating titles made to date. In this title, Class Zero’s students will allow fans to interact with the characters as their stories are introduced in small cutscenes, but also small conversations that will occur outside of the games combat system as fans explore the world around them in “days” between each of the games sortie missions, but also the main battle campaigns that will lead them trekking across the world of Orience. As fans explore the world about them, the game will easily let players see that this game isn’t just a tale about war, but a heartfelt as well as engaging story about Rem and Machina who soon become the forefront of the games storytelling as Machina learns the truth as to what happened to his brother. Though some of this is quickly clouded by the squabbling between characters such as Eight who constantly throws out mindless sentences that usually end with the word “Yo,” and reflect the fact this character seems to have an opinion about everything, but that isn’t as harsh as the narratives that are quickly flooded with terms such as “L’Cie”, “Phantoma”, and even the newest of terms for creature summoning such as “Eidolon”. Unfortunately, even as a fan of the Crystallis Saga (for short), it’s hard to understand what these words mean since they are very briefly discussed by the mysterious “Mother” and the “L’Cie”, but are never fully explained for those who haven’t truly delved into the games lore. As the story begins to unwind, players get to meet dozen’s of characters, some that will be seen once that die or just simply play no solid role, some that will be seen multiple times, or some that just all together vanish once their appearance is done with, which leaves their supporting role unfinished and questionable.

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Outside of trying to sift through the confusing bits, the game has a rather well rounded story plot that fills in with the battle between the ‘kingdoms” of Concordia, Dominion, and Militess. As the story unfolds, the overall picture is grim, there is war, there is death, and Militess is seeking to take over through its military prowess and the use of mechanized weapons, but also the threat of their very own L’Cie only known as “White Tiger”. As the war grows to its deepest moments, which lead us to a heavy focus on Machina’s love for Rem and her ever growing weakness, the reactions based upon the rest of Class zero becomes palpable, and even feeds upon the narrative the game has, which shows that even in war stories, a hint of love can outshine the darkness of war, but also feed upon it as the accomplishments of the war effort as they are witnessed.

 When playing through Final Fantasy Type-0 HD there was a noticeable draw into the games combat system, which to this date, is the most unique out of them all since players will learn how to utilize all fourteen characters of Class Zero. In doing this, players will get a unique feel to each of them as none fight, act, or even use any of the same abilities as the other thanks to their fighting styles, but they can all wield the same magic as well as the same support abilities, which gives them some resemblance to the most. Sadly, some may find characters such as Trey, King, Ace, Queen, Rem, and or Machina when needed as they seem to be the most powerful of the team’s members, which also proves them as some of the best combat capable members. Each of them providing both powerful offense, defense, and even supportive capabilities depending upon how players set them up, but the most memorable thing about them is the fact each character can be used in both combat and out of combat based upon how the player chooses to utilize each of the characters. Characters such as Trey, Ace and King offer a prowess in long range combat while also utilizing hard hitting specials when not using their defensive capabilities in order to keep enemies at bay while managing to dish out devastating attacks. Meanwhile, players can utilize characters such as Queen, Rem, and Machina in order to keep enemies at bay in close range combat while dishing out rather devastating attacks that knock enemies back one by one and quickly destroy their health bars in a rather harsh manner by using extremely powerful close range attacks that vary to single target and multiple target hits that help wipe out wide areas of enemies.

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When not spending time in close quarters combat, the game does offer another form of combat that’s even a bit more confusing to some, and can even be just as annoying as it looks, which is the games “Real Time Strategy” like component. In this component fans will be able to utilize the chocobo’s they’ve bred, but also the chocobo’s in which they’ve captured in order to utilize them besides world travel with no combat. In this scenario, which is referred to as sorties, players will take their favourite characters into combat and begin to invade outlying regions in order to further extend Rubrum’s reach. As players do this they will find themselves going to each of the town to support the outside troops while bringing down the defenses of the outlying location before invading it. Once inside (invading), players are able to go into the town in search of the enemies leaders within that town, take them out, and claim that town for Rubrum, they are able to visit it once the sortie is completed. Once completing the sortie, however, players are left with a timeframe before the next mission begins. This mission usually signals a next step in the chapter progression or a step to where players will find themselves ending that chapter with a rather long siege into enemy territories while witnessing rather long cutscenes.

 Looking away from the games combat, which is its deepest mechanic outside of leveling the Vermilion Bird attack, Eidolon’s, or even each character; Final Fantasy Type-0 HD offers a very intricate filling of problems that I have brought up multiple times when in discussions with fellow reviewers. Unlike a title such as The Last of Us and Tomb Raider, instead Type-0 HD suffers from one very real problem that many others have. While the game has been upgraded graphically, audio wise, and even ratio wise to be improved on larger screens, there is a big problem; it still looks and feels like a PSP game. Due to this I found myself grunting when watching some of the cutscenes that felt as if they were simply upscaled from the PSP’s 720×480 (480p or lower), which proved one thing that was wrong with this whole ordeal outside of some of the characters still looking like they originally did on the PSP itself, but also left a very real problem that the game itself was suffering some larger issues when it came down to the blurred faces when cutscenes weren’t being played. Even with this uglier appeal, Final Fantasy Type-0 HD provides one of the most emotionally driven games possible as it focuses upon the hardships, the strives, and efforts the characters made when going through the games story, which will most certainly leave an impact on most when they come to the games conclusion, but there will be a question left unanswered – how does this game tie into the Final Fantasy XIII series and the upcoming Final Fantasy XV? The truth is, no one truly knows, but there is an answer out there and it is left for players to discover.

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Overall, Final Fantasy Type-0 HD has become one of the most well told stories that will leave players hungering for more once they complete it, and it is sure to set place where players will wanting a sequel. For those wanting one? It seems hints at Final Fantasy Type-1 has been made for those looking to get into it. This is definitely a Final Fantasy that should be added into a Final Fantasy collectors shelves and put away once they have completed this beautifully tragic story of war, love, and friendship.

Final Score: 7 out of 10

Ethics Note: Our review was based upon a purchased made by the reviewer post-release. The title is now available on both PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. For information about our ethics policy please click here.

About the Writer:

DustinBATGRPhoto1Dustin is our native console gamer, PlayStation and Nintendo reviewer who has an appetite for anything that crosses the boarders from across the big pond. His interest in JRPG’s, MMO’s, Handheld Gaming, and Pizza is insatiable and can’t be softened by even the biggest names in the gaming industry. His elitist attitude gives him direction, want, and a need for the hardest difficulties in games, which is fun to watch, and hilarity at its finest. To follow Dustin, hit him up on Twitter over at @GamingAnomaly, find him on his Google+. Wanna game with him? You can find him on PSN with RaivynLyken.

Review: V-MODA Crossfade M100 Headeset – A Killer App Above The Rest

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Review by Devon Day

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Hello fellow readers of Blast Away! This is Devon here; giving you a review of another gaming product in the V-MODA Crossfade M100. A crowd sourced headphone, V-MODA took all the lessons learned from its LP series to create their top of the line headphone. Designed to compete with the likes of Beats, Audio Technical, Sony and others, VMODA boasts true ‘Reference Class Sound For the Modern Audiophile’. Priced at $300, it is more than some would pay for in a headphone, but at the same time its an absolute steal. If you want to find out why the Crossfade M100 is easily the best $300 to spend, read on to find out!

Upon holding the Crossfade M100, I could easily tell how much V-MODA was out to prove this headphone was a cut above the rest; style and simplicity to boot. There is a tremendous amount of detail throughout, such as its fold in mechanism, stitched headband, dual sided 3.5mm input, kevlar braided cable and soft earpads. To top it all off, V-MODA has something called ‘Shield Plates’ on the sides of the headphone. They are accessories you can add onto the Crossfade M100 through just basic colors or through their official site using your own patterns. It is quite nice to have a company sympathize with the audience geared towards personalization. On top of the headband lies the V-MODA branding. In addition, inside the box, the headphone comes with its own weatherproof case that houses a 1/4 inch adapter for hi-fi gear and something known as a V-Cork to prevent dust and dirt build up from the side of the headphone you are not using. My only complaint is that were are not given the tool needed to remove the Shield Plates.

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The M100 looks just are not for show either. Tested beyond military standards according to VMODA, the M100 should easily be able to handle anything type of abuse. Even throwing these on the floor only resulted in the folding mechanism to fold one of the sides of the headphone. Not only is the headphone built like a tank, so is the cable. Using military grade Kevlar, bending this in any shape or form didn’t short any audio frequencies during testing. My only complaint with this is that the cables are partially exposed; potentially resulting into some snags on surfaces by accident. Much like the build quality though, the comfort is quite stellar. To my ears, the pads provide an generous amount of comfort without my ears touching the drivers. However, for others, the padding may not be enough. VMODA does offer an optional XL Earpad option for $20, but it would have been nice to include a thicker set of default pads or include this option to start out with.

The Crossfade M100 has quite an impressive feature set. Being able to connect to any 3.5mm compatible device isn’t impressive, but its dual inputs are. You can use either side as a source for your audio; adding more personalization from the headphones. For me, this is good because my preferred side is the right as opposed to the left. Furthermore, you can remove the V-Cork to add another headphone towards the mix for two or use VMODA’s provided SharePlay Cable to add length and add an additional headphone for three total. One thing of note though; check your headphones impedance rating. If your headphone has a higher impedance than 32, the Share-Play feature will not work properly. Moving along is something V-MODA calls a CLIQFOLD hinge; making it the most portable headphone we at Blast Away have tested. Essentially, both earcups can be folded into the headphone itself. This allows for excellent portability for any type of bag or other form of transportation.

Now for the most important piece of the review; sound performance. V-MODA claims that their patented dual diaphragm drivers for the Crossfade M100 are more well rounded and balanced out in sound than their LP series of headphones thanks to over 200 musical professionals and audio enthusiast feedback; using a port system for what they call ‘3D Airflow’ to increase sound-stage, detail and clarity as icing on the cake. While I didn’t have the LP series on hand, I was curious to see if the Crossfade M100 could live up towards my expectations.

I have to say, coming from headphones such as NADs HP 50, Sony’s recently released MDR1A, and Audio Technicas MSR7, the Crossfade M100 was exceptional and held its own quite well. Firing up Iron Maidens ‘The Number of The Beast’, the M100 delivered; handling the symbol crashes and violent guitar riffs with excellent clarity and separation. Dubstep tracks, such as ‘Kansas City Winter’, the Crossfade M100 handled the expansive bass drops and aggressive sound loops with ease. Stevie Wonders ‘Higher Ground’ was incredible. The sound stage made feel as if I could feel every symbol crash and guitar pick being played; Stevie handling the rhythmic tone as well. The sound signature of the M100 is laid back but retains enough detail, clarity, separation, and sound stage to make audio less fatuiging and pleasing to the ears. Using a Astro Mixamp using Dolby Pro Logic IIx for Advanced Warfare, the Crossfade M100s sweet, yet detailed and wide sound-stage allowed me to pick out enemies quite well even without Dolby Headphone. Engaging Dolby Headphone technology enabled me to pick up every detail possible; so much so that I was able to obtain victories for my team often in 1v4 situations. Other games such as Zone of the Enders HD Collection or Ni No Kuni also delivered beautifully pleasing results.

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While the aforementioned headphones do out place the Crossfade M100s in some areas, such as the HP50’s sound-stage and detail, MDR1As tonal balance, and MSR1’s clarity, they don’t provide enough of these superior qualities to knock the Crossfade M100s outright; their own problems to boot, such as the HP50s having excellent bass control, but lacking bass decay, the MDR1A’s well rounded sound signature or lack of clarity and detail, or the MSR7 excellent detail but poor harshness on violent tracks. All in all, the Crossfade V-MODA doesn’t have the perfect sound, but it also doesn’t have a headphone capable of countering it either.

To sum it up, the Crossfade M100 is V-MODA’s Killer App. Much like a US Army Combat Knife forged from the most pristine of materials, the M100 doesn’t aspire perfection towards one particular area, but does everything exceptionally well; so much so that the M100 is my go to headphone. $300 isn’t something people would consider, but considering the Beats Studio garners the same price tag, it isn’t too far off. With its impressive aesthetics, exceptional durability, great comfort, tremendous personalization, superb feature set, and well crafted sound, those who want the rare complete package need to look no further than the M100. That being said, we here at Blast Away The Game Review give the V-MODA Crossfade M100 a perfect 10/10. It is also the first gaming accessory at Blast Away the Game Review to ever earn this award.

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Thank you for reading! This has been Devon, giving you a product review. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to ask! Until next time, this Devon Day and I will catch you guys later.

Final Score: 10 out of 10

About the Writer:

Devon_Day_BATGRA man growing up between the gaming boundaries on the 5th generation Nintendo 64, but admiring the 3rd gen. Nintendo Entertainment System and 4th generation Sega Genesis for their contributions, Devon Day always has something on his mind regarding video games and the accessories they contain. His first was a microphone for the Nintendo 64 for the “Hey You, Pikachu!” video game, but expanded towards the next line up of gaming peripherals including the Astro A40, MadCatz MLG Pro Circiut Controller, MadCatz STRIKE 7, and many other gaming gadgets. Now loving gaming tech more than ever, he sees this generation crucial to bring the full circle of social connectivity that the 7th. generation of video game consoles started.

Review: Omega Quintet (PS4) – Setting the Stage for the Show

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Review by Dustin Murphy

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Pros:
+Extremely strong soundtrack that is charming and fits the game quite well
+Each chapter plays out like an episode from an anime with intro and end themes
+Characters are unique and befitting for an anime like scenario
+The PV editor allows for players to make their own custom music videos in-game
+Combat is based on a turn-based scenario that plays out like traditional turn based RPGs

Cons:
–Combat can get extremely repetitious
–Long and drawn out tutorials could leave some players frustrated
–Sidequests tend to be hard to find and frustrating to complete
–Unnecessary costume destruction

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Welcome in the newest girls on the street, ones that have entered the scene unlike any other, and look to provide a rather entertaining experience for most. For some? This game will be a frustrating experience that will leave players frustrated, annoyed, and wanting to put it down faster than they start. Before assuming this game is bad, hard, or even poorly executed, but instead it is challenging and does have long scenarios where it feels more like an interactive novel versus an RPG title. Unlike other games, it does feel like the game is a diverse and unique title since it spawns to forms of titles, but for fans who aren’t used to games of this type, the tropes, the references, and even the Japanese pop-culture that is intertwined into the game may kick their interest off to the curb. However, for those willing to give it a shot? It’s an experience that can be charming, fun, and even bring forth an all female cast that is hilarious, unique, and presents a mindset very much different from one another. It also features a unique disc system for abilities, item crafting system, and even a unique rewards system for those looking to have a fresh new experience with the PlayStation 4’s first JRPG to released exclusively for it.

Many of you may know renowned developer Compile Heart. They are a developer well known for titles such as Agarest War, Hyperdimension Neptunia, Fairy Fencer F, Mugen Souls, and even their title Monster Monpiece, which has become well known on the PlayStation Vita. Much like these titles, the developer has decided to sit down and pop something a bit more than before. This time around? They’ve mixed tech and music into bringing J-Pop idols into being heroes, rather heroines of the day. In the world that we are introduced into Takt and Otoha are dealing with something unique as they begin their adventure: a world where it has been destroyed and a beast type called Blare are to blame, which leaves us with some beautiful scenery to explore. With the world laid to waste and our stage set (literally) for our female heroes, we are given a strong sense of duty as they become dancing, singing, instrument/weapon wielding Verse Maidens – all of them who seen to maintain a world safe for their fans so that they can enjoy their lives. This is where the game picks up and the fun begins. As the game begins with a heavy set of graphic novel like-introduction to the world, the cast, and the events that lead up to where the game is taking place, players will get to meet multiple teenage girls who want to save the world while going on their usual antics. This includes and isn’t limited to a rather heavy set of adventuring, sight seeing, and even focuses on interactions that the girls, but also their manager Takt shall experience throughout the game.

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Much like any traditional RPG, Omega Quintet follows the stereotypical anime setup with a rather long first few hours that are used as interactions. This includes introductions to the cast, combat scenario, setting(s), skill sets, combos, and even the editing of in-game music videos. Once the first few hours of 10-15 minute chat scenes and video clips are over, fans get to take on an experience unlike any other, and get to take a joyride where players get to experience the unique world Compile Heart has set before them. When playing the title, players are also introduced to chatting with the Verse Maidens, but also crafting their gear, customising their apparel, and even how to take on side missions for those who live within the city. For some players, however, this is where the game grows weak and will lose their interest within a matter of minutes as players come to deal with the drawn-out period of interacting with the Verse Maidens within their new home, the general office for them to work out of, but also live in. Some of these conversations are quite awkward for people with some edge towards the situations between the characters.

When looking away from the awkward moments, the game is filled with insanely painful tutorials, long dialogue moments, and even the awkward moments of navigating the menus, the game is a rather enjoyable experience that will lead up to some amazing and traditional turn-based battles that include insanely powerful bosses that will lead players to using several modes within the game. One of them is the Harmony mode, which sends players into being able to use unique combo skills between two of the Verse maidens, but also setting up a devastating set of skill links that will allow for quick bursts of damage against bosses, but at the cost that these abilities can only be used once during each of those battles. This also allows for players to choose their lineup so that they can trigger who Takt is comboed with, but also a characters placement in the battlefield. Since each character has a unique set of weapons that can be moved in and out, each of these characters also get a unique set of skills that allows for them to provide a unique fighting style for them. Much like the combat scenario with Harmony, but unlike Harmony, Live Concert Mode allows for the Verse Maidens to get special buffs, but sometimes at the cost of debuffs that can either debilitate them in the area of resistances or simply by slowing down their attack speeds, increasing damage taken, or increasing enemy chances of status abnormalities.

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Unfortunately, even with these combat strategies, the hardest bosses are easy, which provides players with some form of mediocrity when moving through the game. The game itself is still overall quite enjoyable thanks to the mixture of a well done score, vocal tracks, script, episodic like placement of missions, but also the games capability to provide interesting dialogue between the locals in the areas that players will visit. Thankfully the game allows for hours of gameplay time that can be filled in by playing around with the in-game PV mode, which takes advantage of the games video capture mode. With all this being said, Omega Quintet is a title that has plenty to offer for fans seeking a game that plays out like an anime and even fulfills that need for one all the while taking on amazing bosses, well crafted enemies in a hand-drawn like world. This is a game that will definitely leaving fans craving for more within this potential franchise.

Final Score: 7 out of 10

Ethics Note: This version of the game is based upon a pre-release retail version of the game. Our copy was provided to us by the games publisher. For information about our ethics policy please click here. Omega Quintet will be released on April 28th, 2015, exclusively for the PlayStation 4 and will be priced at 59.99 USD both physically and digitally.

About the Writer:

DustinBATGRPhoto1Dustin is our native console gamer, PlayStation and Nintendo reviewer who has an appetite for anything that crosses the boarders from across the big pond. His interest in JRPG’s, MMO’s, Handheld Gaming, and Pizza is insatiable and can’t be softened by even the biggest names in the gaming industry. His elitist attitude gives him direction, want, and a need for the hardest difficulties in games, which is fun to watch, and hilarity at its finest. To follow Dustin, hit him up on Twitter over at @GamingAnomaly, find him on his Google+. Wanna game with him? You can find him on PSN with RaivynLyken.

Resident Evil HD Remaster Sales Over One Million Copies

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Written by Dustin Murphy

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As of this week, our friends over at Capcom have announced something awesome. As you can tell by the title, Resident Evil’s HD Remaster for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC has sold more than one million copies since it’s lunch this January. Since then, the title has continued on in order to grow in its audience. The title had previously set a new record for the biggest selling day one digital title on the PlayStation Network and Capcom’s overall fastest selling digital title in the history across both Europe and North America.

Resident Evil has continued to remain as one of the highest and most praised franchises in gaming, but this recent remastered version has garnished even more praise than before. Since it’s original release in 1996, Resident Evil was remade in 2002 when it landed on the Wii, and since then has been “remade” from the ground up once more, which allowed fans new and old to enjoy the game just as others would. This newest version returns with new and various updates including updated visuals, sounds, and a new “Very Easy Mode, but also options for control and aspect ratios for those playing it.

We’d like to congratulate Capcom in this recognition.

About the Writer:

DustinBATGRPhoto1Dustin is our native console gamer, PlayStation and Nintendo reviewer who has an appetite for anything that crosses the boarders from across the big pond. His interest in JRPG’s, MMO’s, Handheld Gaming, and Pizza is insatiable and can’t be softened by even the biggest names in the gaming industry. His elitist attitude gives him direction, want, and a need for the hardest difficulties in games, which is fun to watch, and hilarity at its finest. To follow Dustin, hit him up on Twitter over at @GamingAnomaly, find him on his Google+. Wanna game with him? You can find him on PSN with RaivynLyken.

Dungeon Travelers 2: The Royal Library & the Monster Seal Gets Slight Changes

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Written by Dustin Murphy

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When it comes to games that will head West from Japan, it’s no surprise that a few changes are usually made in order to ensure that games meet some form of quality requirements. As of recent, renowned games publisher ATLUS U.S.A. has announced that them and developer AquaPlus had had to change a few small things in Dungeon Travelers 2: The Royal Library & the Monster Seal. This is done in order for the game to match that of North American sensibilities.

With these changes, ATLUS detailed that there were a few changes made, minor ones that were required for the game to launch. So how many edits did they make exactly? Four minor edits in total, which was only done to four small images within the games entire duration. All of these were done in order for the game to meet the needed requirements of an M-rating. All of these small edits were made with the approval of AquaPlus.

As a company that is highly respected and committed to their fans, but also as one of the leading publishers for niche titles, ATLUS has been very aware of what censorship can do to fans that want to enjoy a game. With doing this, they are confident that the small edits will not distract fans from enjoying Dungeon Travelers 2: The Royal Library & the Monster Seal. This means that fans will get to experience the game as close to the original as possible, while also enjoying the well preserved Japanese audio with English subtitles.

About the Writer:

DustinBATGRPhoto1Dustin is our native console gamer, PlayStation and Nintendo reviewer who has an appetite for anything that crosses the boarders from across the big pond. His interest in JRPG’s, MMO’s, Handheld Gaming, and Pizza is insatiable and can’t be softened by even the biggest names in the gaming industry. His elitist attitude gives him direction, want, and a need for the hardest difficulties in games, which is fun to watch, and hilarity at its finest. To follow Dustin, hit him up on Twitter over at @GamingAnomaly, find him on his Google+. Wanna game with him? You can find him on PSN with RaivynLyken.

Might & Magic Heroes VII Pre-Order and Special Editions Outlined

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Written by Dustin Murphy

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Have you been wanting to have a reason to get in on Might & Magic Heroes VII? If so, there is reason for those of you who like to pre-order. As of today, those who preorder Might & Magic Heroes VII will be granted access to the closed beta that starts this spring. Furthermore, the Closed Beta starts on May 25th, 2015, which will allow for players to obtain exclusive in-game portraits once the game releases this September.

Most importantly, Ubisoft has also announced several special editions of the game that will be available at lunch. First and foremost is the standard edition, which features the full game, and the pre-order bonus for those who pre-order. The Deluxe Edition will feature the full game, digital soundtrack, Might & Magic Heroes III HD Edition, as well as additional in-game content that will feature a new Hero and extra scenario-map. Additionally the Collector’s Edition will be featured as a uPlay Shop exclusive and contains the full game as well as the following:

* A Collector’s Edition box
* A 26-cm Yvan figurine displaying Yvan proudly posing after a brilliant victory on the battlefield
* An Artbook
* The official soundtrack in digital format
* Two lithographies
* A full-customized tarot game
* Additional in-game content including a new Hero and an extra scenario-map

Additionally, those who join the Shadow Council, which is available on the Might and Magic Heroes VII website, players will be able to share what knowledge and love they have for the game, but also a way to share their experiences with the game. In turn, players will also get to chat with developers, comment, share, and interact with the team in order to influence the content of the game, and even feel as if they have earned their own award. As part of this initiative, fans have also been able to vote for 2 of the 6 factions that will be available in the final product when it launches. The fans have also chosen what figurine would be enabled with the Collector’s Edition.

About the Writer:

DustinBATGRPhoto1Dustin is our native console gamer, PlayStation and Nintendo reviewer who has an appetite for anything that crosses the boarders from across the big pond. His interest in JRPG’s, MMO’s, Handheld Gaming, and Pizza is insatiable and can’t be softened by even the biggest names in the gaming industry. His elitist attitude gives him direction, want, and a need for the hardest difficulties in games, which is fun to watch, and hilarity at its finest. To follow Dustin, hit him up on Twitter over at @GamingAnomaly, find him on his Google+. Wanna game with him? You can find him on PSN with RaivynLyken.

Nintendo’s New Weekly Downloads Listed for the Week

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Written by Dustin Murphy

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Wanting something to do this weekend and the week? Nintendo has come to the rescue with their current digital sales and new releases. Need a Mewtwo for Super Smash Bros.? It’s there. Want some new stuff to race with on Mario Kart 8? That’s here too! Read on and find out more.

This week’s Nintendo Download includes the following featured content:

  • Nintendo eShop on Wii U
    • Mario Kart 8 Update and DLC Pack 2 – The latestMario Kart 8 free software update has crossed the finish line and now you can race like never before in 200CC … if you think you’re fast enough. DLC Pack 2 is here, too, with three new characters, four new vehicles and eight new tracks, all for the thrill of the race. DLC Pack 2 is sold separately for $7.99 individually or bundled with Pack 1 for $11.99 from the in-game shop or the Nintendo eShop.
  • Nintendo eShop on Wii U and Nintendo 3DS
    • Super Smash Bros. DLC – Mewtwo – The Psychic-type Pokémon Mewtwo makes its grand entrance! Make it Mega Evolve into Mega Mewtwo Y in its Final Smash, and then use Psystrike to blow away the opposition. Starting on April 28, you can purchase and download the new fighter Mewtwo in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and Nintendo 3DS for $3.99 each game or for $4.99 for both versions.
  • Virtual Console on Wii U
    • Mario Kart DS – Race along with Mario and his friends in five single-player modes and over 30 courses. Knock out the competition with your driving skills as you rocket-start the race, use drifting and turbo at critical points and deploy crazy items to gain an advantage.
  • Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS
    • Cube Creator 3D – Craft your own realm in stunning randomly generated worlds in Cube Creator 3D. You can gather resources, combine elements, explore new worlds and combat strange creatures to survive in this expansive, cubic domain. Grab your copy at an introductory price of $4.99 until 8:59 a.m. PT on May 7. Click here to view the trailer for this game.

Nintendo eShop Sales:

  • Nintendo eShop on Wii U
    • Tetrobot & Co. is 70 percent off (reduced from $9.99 to $2.99) until 8:59 a.m. PT on April 30.
    • Cocoto Magic Circus 2 is 66 percent off (reduced from $29.99 to $9.99) until 8:59 a.m. PT onMay 7.
  • Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS

Activities:

  • Mega May is Back! – Vote Today
    • During the entire month of May, Nintendo and Capcom are celebrating our favorite blue bomber, Mega Man, with six game releases on the Virtual Console service for Wii U. The Game Boy Advance versions of Mega Man Zero 2, Mega Man Battle Network 3 Blue, Mega Man Battle Network 3 White, Mega Man Battle Network 4 Red Sun, Mega Man Battle Network 4 Blue Moonand Mega Man & Bass will land on the Nintendo eShop throughout the month. Click here to votefor the first game of Mega May, which will launch May 7. Voting is open until 11:59 p.m. PT onApril 29.
  • International StreetPass Week
    • Take your Nintendo 3DS system on a whirlwind tour without leaving your hometown during International StreetPass Week! Through April 26, collect up to six Mii characters from across Europe, the United States and Canada when you stop by a Nintendo Zone location. U.S. and Canada visitors will even get a special Mii of Reggie Fils-Aime, president of Nintendo of America. Find a Nintendo Zone hotspot near you here.

Theme Shop on Nintendo 3DS:

New themes this week include:

Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor 2: Record Breaker: Apocalypse – Available April 28

Also new this week:

In addition to video games available at retail stores, Nintendo also offers a variety of content that people can download directly to their systems. Nintendo adds new games weekly to the Nintendo eShop on the Wii U console and the Nintendo 3DS family of systems, the Nintendo DSi™ Shop for the Nintendo DSi system and the Wii™ Shop Channel for the Wii console.

About the Writer:

DustinBATGRPhoto1Dustin is our native console gamer, PlayStation and Nintendo reviewer who has an appetite for anything that crosses the boarders from across the big pond. His interest in JRPG’s, MMO’s, Handheld Gaming, and Pizza is insatiable and can’t be softened by even the biggest names in the gaming industry. His elitist attitude gives him direction, want, and a need for the hardest difficulties in games, which is fun to watch, and hilarity at its finest. To follow Dustin, hit him up on Twitter over at @GamingAnomaly, find him on his Google+. Wanna game with him? You can find him on PSN with RaivynLyken.

WARHAMMER Prepares to Invade Total War

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Written by Dustin Murphy

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If you are a fan of Total War and a fan of the famed table top series by the legendary company Games Workshop and their famed series Warhammer: Fantasy Battle, there is something in the works for you. Recently both Sega and Games Workshop have announced that the creative minds over at the team Creative Assembly that they are all teamed up and bringing WARHAMMER to Total War in order to celebrate the 15th year of the Total War franchise.

This newest installment will take itself on through the high fantasy realms for the first time ever, which will change the rules, and a change in how war is scaled by moving it to a size that has never been imagined for Total War. The game will be accessing within the limitlessly deep and rich world of WARHAMMER as it rings in the new era for Total War. Featuring gigantic monsters, flying creatures, heroes of legend and magical spells that weave along the battlefield, players will get to see all of this while thousands of warriors clash across the battlefield in real time.

Unlike it’s turn based companion, Total War: WARHAMMER will find itself digging through the Old World that is filled with unforgiving lands and even treacherous enemies that will cause endless wars and force players to forge cunning alliances they may not have foreseen upon entering the battlefields. With conflicts that will change based upon the race the player pics, players will seek out conquest, glory, and taking on threats that could tear the world around them apart with each sword clash, shield bash, and flying creature they send across the skies.

With three other titles set up, Total War: Warhammer seeks to deliver hundreds upon hundred hours of gameplay for players to enjoy while it awaits to be joined by its two companion titles. Each of these will bring on additional content that packs and the two other installments, the series plans on bringing a story to be told unlike any other.

“We’ve always loved the Warhammer universe, and couldn’t wait to approach it with the same colossal scale and authenticity that has characterised our titles for the last 15 years,” said Total War: WARHAMMER Project Lead, Ian Roxburgh. “We’re bringing it to life in a way that nobody’s attempted before.”

Think that’s all? Sega, Creative Assembly, and Games Workshop have released the announcement trailer, which is voiced by celebrated actor Steven Berkoff, for just a taste of this forthcoming match made in gaming heaven.

About the Writer:

DustinBATGRPhoto1Dustin is our native console gamer, PlayStation and Nintendo reviewer who has an appetite for anything that crosses the boarders from across the big pond. His interest in JRPG’s, MMO’s, Handheld Gaming, and Pizza is insatiable and can’t be softened by even the biggest names in the gaming industry. His elitist attitude gives him direction, want, and a need for the hardest difficulties in games, which is fun to watch, and hilarity at its finest. To follow Dustin, hit him up on Twitter over at @GamingAnomaly, find him on his Google+. Wanna game with him? You can find him on PSN with RaivynLyken.

Lord of Magna: Maiden Heaven for 3DS Gets Street Dated

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Written by Dustin Murphy

LORD of MAGNA MAIDEN HEAVEN_ logo-highres

As many know, RPG’s are nothing short of a rare breed, one that XSEED Games is known for bringing over such rare titles from Japan, and Lord of Magna: Maiden Heaven is no exception to this rule. Releasing exclusively on the Nintendo 3DS, Lord of Magna: Maiden Heaven will be landing in stores in North America on June 2nd for 39.99 USD and will also land on the Nintendo eShop for the same price at the same time. The first print, however in retail format, will feature the games soundtrack, which features 28 selected songs from the game, but also they will be in high-quality on this CD. Additionally, the title is being headed by the mastermind behind the long-running frachises such as Bokujo, Yoshifumi Hashimoto, creative mastermind behind the acclaimed and long-running Bokujo Monogatari and Rune Factory series, but also the famous Bokujo Monogatari series, which he also is known for the newly released Story of Seasons (our review can be found here). In Story of Seasons he was directly involved in the game’s production and creative vision to provide the best possible experience.

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Lord of Magna: Maiden of Heaven places players as the games young innkeeper by the name of Luchs. While enjoying his peaceful innkeeping days, Luchs discovers a bracelet only known by the name of “Lachyrma”. After having found it, he is taken by surprise by a group of strange creatures, which causes a rather mysterious faerie who just happens to be trapped within a crystal and all her memories having become clouded. Deciding to help her recover her memory, he goes on his strange quest. As they do, they encounter several faeries in a state just like her own, but they all have the same issue: lost memories.

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As players help these faeries, they will take on well known elements from past titles such as tactical combat, role playing leveling, and timing attacks in order to plow through enemies and treat them as they need in order to bring them down in one swift strike. As players turn the battlefield into their favor, players will also be able to take their Nintendo 3DS’ on the go with them using the StreetPass feature in order to participate in Free Battles, but also obtaining new skills, unique items, and even new enemies. The game will feature a fast-forward option for cutscenes for those of you wanting to enjoy combat, but players will also allow for players to customize their experience in order to enjoy it as much as possible. Completed by in-game movies and art galleries, the game will leave players hungering for more as their adventure comes to find a place in their hearts. Will you be there to enjoy it this summer?

About the Writer:

DustinBATGRPhoto1Dustin is our native console gamer, PlayStation and Nintendo reviewer who has an appetite for anything that crosses the boarders from across the big pond. His interest in JRPG’s, MMO’s, Handheld Gaming, and Pizza is insatiable and can’t be softened by even the biggest names in the gaming industry. His elitist attitude gives him direction, want, and a need for the hardest difficulties in games, which is fun to watch, and hilarity at its finest. To follow Dustin, hit him up on Twitter over at @GamingAnomaly, find him on his Google+. Wanna game with him? You can find him on PSN with RaivynLyken.

Killing Floor 2 Lands on Steam Early Access

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Written by Dustin Murphy

KF2_April_16

Ever wanted a reason to go into a Zed killing frenzy with a shotgun, assault rifle, or whatever seemingly fits your combat needs? The chance is here starting as of now on Steam. Tripwire Interactive has announced that they have officially released their co-op sci-fi horror FPS title, Killing Floor 2 for Steam Early Access for $29.99 (US), ₤19.99 (UK) and €26.99 (EU). Set up as a highly co-op focused co-op shooter, Killing Floor 2 once more picks p where the highly successful and fan favorited Killing Floor left off, which alone sold 3 million copies since its initial release back in 2009. With weapons leaking out of the woodworks, players can choose from the Pulverizer, Double-Barrel Boomstick (shotgun) or even something as simple as a pistol as they team up with six players in co-op or go head on in solo.

“With the Early Access release of KILLING FLOOR 2, we’re starting with a really fun core game,” said John Gibson, President of Tripwire Interactive. “We’re looking forward to dialing in that fun with community feedback during Early Access, and of course expanding that experience with awesome free content!”

At the Steam Early Access launch, players will be able to dive into a fully functional, highly polished subset of KILLING FLOOR 2 content, including:

  •       3 non-linear levels – The dark streets of Burning Paris, the ice covered Outpost, and a re-imagined version of the original Biotics Lab
  •       4 perks – Berserker, Support, Commando and Medic classes
  •       27 weapons – Ranging from shotguns to assault rifles to crazy makeshift hybrid weapons!
  •       11 deadly and terrifying Zeds – All determined to destroy you
  •       7 playable characters – Including fan favorites Mr. Foster and Constable Rob Briar as well as a new female character – Ana Larive
  •       1 new boss character – Enter Hans Volter and his arsenal of devastating weapons and attacks
  •       Mod SDK supporting custom level creation

With their reputation being known, Tripwire has once more carries on by listening to fans, engaging with them, which will remain unchanged with Killing Floor 2 even in Early Access and post launch, Tripwire is known for tweaking the games to provide better experiences for players. As players enjoy the game, Tripwire will be taking feedback in order to iterate their title based upon the player feedback in order to add new maps, monsters, perks, weapons, game types, and more as the game heads up to its launch.

With this information, Players who have chosen to purchase Killing Floor 2 during its Early Access will be entitled to a large amount of free content that will carry over into the games full release later this year, as well as more content for free through the games Full Release and Beyond. Furthermore, players will be able to carry on the legacy of content that Tripwire maintains with its community feedback. Want to enjoy the community? Head onto the official forums to give feedback for those who play during Early Access:  Tripwire Interactive : Killing Floor 2 Early Access Forums

Think they’re done there? As of today, the official soundtrack from Solid State Records is also available for purchase on multiple digital outlets. Gamers looking to experience “the most brutal game sound track ever for the most brutal game ever” can purchase the soundtrack at these online locations: iTunes, Amazon, and Solid State Official Online Store. Stay tuned as we prepare to bring more information forth for you.

About the Writer:

DustinBATGRPhoto1Dustin is our native console gamer, PlayStation and Nintendo reviewer who has an appetite for anything that crosses the boarders from across the big pond. His interest in JRPG’s, MMO’s, Handheld Gaming, and Pizza is insatiable and can’t be softened by even the biggest names in the gaming industry. His elitist attitude gives him direction, want, and a need for the hardest difficulties in games, which is fun to watch, and hilarity at its finest. To follow Dustin, hit him up on Twitter over at @GamingAnomaly, find him on his Google+. Wanna game with him? You can find him on PSN with RaivynLyken.