'Reviews' Category

Every once in a while, you get a game that generates too much hype for its own good. Without the hype, these are titles that probably make for a good play; but add the expectation into the mix and what you get is a slightly bitter taste in the mouth. I believe it’s safe to say Rezel Cross falls into this category.

Proclaimed as the first ever PSP RPG to be available in Chinese before its Japanese release, Rezel Cross was launched to the surprise of million of Chinese-proficient players a few months back. As an exclusive RPG instead of a port, my expectation of the game was high, and this was further elevated with the impressive screenshots I saw in the Chinese gaming magazines. Perhaps due to such expectations, I was looking to be playing something in the realm of a Final Fantasy, but Rezel Cross falls short because it turned out to be more of a “Metal Gear Solid” disguised as an RPG. Don’t get the wrong idea. MSG was a great game, but is it equally good if it were an RPG? Read on to find out…

Screenshots via GNN & TGBUS.com.

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In 2000, Tales of Eternia was released on the PS in Japan, and the following year in America as Tales of Destiny II (Ie. nothing to do with the actual Tales of Destiny sequel featuring Kairu and gang). Like all Tales of series, this game was an instant hit, so much so that it received its own anime and manga titles - both successes in their own right. Sadly, this title never did reach the shores of the rest of the world, which was really shocking news then for RPG gamers everywhere.

After 5 long years, the nice chaps at Namco finally decided to recreate this wonderful title on the PSP. It sure took them a while, but gamers like me aren’t complaining now that we have the chance to experience possibly the most popular Tales of game ever. Make no doubt about it, this game is not only a success, it’s going to be a classic for a long, long time to come.

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Brave Story: Aratanaru Tabijin (to be released as Brave Story: New Traveler in the US this July) is an RPG game that is based on a popular anime-series of the same name. When I first saw the screenshots of this game, I knew I had to get my hands on this baby because of the wonderful graphic and the interesting character design. Since the game was only available in Japanese when I purchased it last July, I had to slog through this with a guide in hand - definitely not my idea of entertainment. Still, even without fully understanding the storyline or what I was doing, the game was quite a wonderful experience. And that speaks volume coming from a gamer with high-expectations.

A Wonderful Story in a Land Far, Far Away

Before we proceed to the game, let’s talk about the origin of “Brave Story”.

In the anime series, “Brave Story” is about a boy named Wataru who is on a journey to change his ill fortune (his father left him and his mom is seriously sick) by seeking the Goddess of Destiny in an alternate dimension. The story takes place against the backdrop of a land of magic and monsters, where Wataru’s quest is helped by comrades of mystical nature, including a cat-girl and a lizard-like traveler.

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Here it is; the first-ever official review by PSPHyper! I have always meant to include reviews on the site, but I just haven’t been able to actually do it due to one thing or another. With this, I hope the floodgate is now opened for many more useful reviews to come on the site.

Here goes, PSPHyper’s take on “Astonishia Story“.

A Brilliant Start

Before Astonishia Story, I have only ever played one Korean RPG (and that is Magna Carta on the PS2), so I didn’t really know what to expect from this title that calls itself a “beginner’s RPG”. Frankly, the fact that this is merely a port from a PC game did not go down too well with me either. However, all this changed when I saw the game’s brilliantly-made intro movie. Without having to go into details, let’s just say the intro was reminiscent of what you see on Tale of Destiny 2 on the PS2 or Lunar on the PS (without the catchy theme song, of course). Watching the intro was like watching the title opening of a really, really good anime series. It sure put me into the mood for some serious adventuring.

On the flip side, though, the intro creates such an expectation that many would probably feel a hint of disappointment when you get into the actual game itself.

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