This weekend I took a trip to my local Game Stop and picked up the free-to-all Monster Hunter Tri demo.  It had been a while since my hunter days in Freedom Unite, so I was rusty getting back into things: my first few steaks were either burnt to a crisp or raw and dripping, but soon I remembered all the fundamentals.  One aspect that may have slowed my progress was getting used to the controls.

My brain had been wired for the PSP, and I needed to re-learn basically everything.  Since I do not yet own a classic controller I had to use the Wii remote which proved a bit challenging.  Below you can find a scan of the mini-instructional page included with the demo:

My mind, wired for a standard controller, screamed for some sense of stability.  After a few runs of the easy mission with my most comfortable weapon class (Long Sword) I would say I had the controls down and I played through just about all the weapon-types.    If I had to play the game with the Wii remote only, I would probably not buy Monster Hunter Tri.  Luckily my faith in the new classic controller bundled with the game is so great, that I have every intention of acquiring this game.

Graphically I am quite happy with Tri.  Character sprites look smooth and they fit in well with environments and monsters — this is easily the most aesthetically pleasing Mon-Hun game to date.  I was hoping the demo would also include a new trailer featuring some cut-scenes, but it was only two missions; one which is relatively easy and one which is a healthy challenge.

I did play around with the new weapon-class: Switch Axe for my first play through.  This weapon can transform between a long, clunky axe, and a smaller sword.  It will offer some variety in terms of executable attacks which will keep things interesting to players.  As I found the axe mode a bit awkward, I would rather devote my time to mastering a better sword variant.

Monster Hunter Tri is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated games on the Wii for me in a long time.  While the controls may have been less than elementary, I believe the game is definitely meant to be played on a classic controller.  The updated appearance and online functionality promises to bring the series into the current console generation in a big way.

Roy capcom, nintendo wii 4 comments

NIS has released a second, epic trailer for their upcoming PSP title: Absolute Hero Remodeling Plan. The video comically touches on every aspect of the game that we know about thus far, as well as a few new topics.

It looks like the game’s BGM will change based on the accessories your main character is wearing.  I am not sure how many different songs there are, but I have  seen an insane number of accessories suggesting an equally insane number of possible songs.  If you want to hear a few tracks you can check out the main website for the game and listen to 10 different songs.  They all tend to be a play on any tokusatsu theme you’ve ever heard.

At around the seven minute mark the trailer mentions that you can don accessories to assume the appearance of some popular characters from ASCII Media Works fame.  The characters are as follows:

• Dokuro-Chan from Bokusatsu Tenshi Dokuro-Chan (Bludgeoning Angel Dokuro-Chan)
  
• Shana from Shakugan no Shana
  
• Aisaka Taiga from Toradora (one of the anime that NIS America has licensed)
• Holo from Okami to Kyoshinryo (Spice and Wolf)

Dokuro-Chan wielding her trademark kanabo

Since this system requires certain parts to take on the appearance of a character, unique abilities will also be unlocked which relate to each character’s specific manga/anime.  Fans of the aforementioned series’ should definitely be excited!  Considering that Toradora is being brought over by NIS America I would say the chances are good that the West will still be getting this content despite some rather niche titles.

Absolute Hero Remodeling Plan definitely proves that in the face of some financial hardships, NIS has not lost their creative edge.  The game will be released in Japan next week, let’s hope we hear something concerning a Western release soon!

Related Entries:
NIS Reveals Absolute Hero Remodeling Plan for PSP
Absolute Hero Remodeling Plan Promotional Movie

Roy nis, psp, videos 1 comment

Sega announced that a new DLC mission will be released for Valkyria Chronicles 2 on the Japanese Playstation network today.  The DLC mission, simply dubbed “Ultimate Challenge” is said to be quite difficult.  In the above image you may notice that the level of the mission is capped out at a whopping 99.

To make things a little easier for the player, this is a co-op mission.  I am pretty sure this is limited to local co-op, but I am not sure exactly how it works since not many details are revealed.  The mission takes place aboard an enormous enemy battleship and the player will face off against a number of V2’s, or artificial Valkyria.  I could see why that may present a challenge…

While researching this I stumbled upon a list of passwords for various free DLC for the game.  If anyone imported this game, here are some links:

Valkyria Chronicles 2 Character DLC Passwords (note that some are only available through purchase of the anime and manga series)
Valkyria Chronicles 2 Sticker DLC Passwords (stickers can be placed on your tanks)

I totally want that toro/kuro sticker!  I am sure the Bayonetta one would be popular as well.  Some don’t appear to be released yet and may coincide with other major Sega releases.  These characters and items are unlocked by going to “EXTRA” from the main menu of the game.  On the off chance that Sega doesn’t change the passwords we may be able to unlock some or all of this content right off the bat!

I am glad the password system has been cleared up, I just hope that upon the game’s Western release the content requiring purchase of the anime or manga will still be available in some way, *cough*Selvaria*cough*.  I am also happy to see multiplayer is finally being incorporated into the series, although I wish I knew more about it.

Roy psp, sega 1 comment

English self proclaimed designerds, Bag of Bees, have released a pair of tee-shirts themed after Half Minute Hero.  Both are available for 18 GBP or around $30 USD.  There is shipping available for both Europe and America so everyone can purchase this pixely goodness.  American consumers should bare in mind that the cost for shipping is also calculated in GBP meaning you’ll wanna convert that price as well.  Just to give you an idea, delivery to my address came to 5 GBP or around $8 USD.  Ultimately it’s not a bad price for a truly unique shirt to celebrate a truly unique game.  Personally I prefer the red shirt on the left since it focuses a bit more on the game’s art.

Links:
Half Minute Hero,Retro (gray)
Half Minute Hero, Knight (red)

Roy merchandise, psp, xseed 1 comment

Yesterday marked the second full year that I have been writing at Kotowari.org.  Since last year’s anniversary the site and I have taken quite a few steps forward.  Don’t believe me?  Here is a list of achievements, bullet-ed for your convenience:

• Attended E3 2009 and approved for E3 2010
• Had my first job interview for a game industry position
• Appeared as a guest on podcasts with PSNation and Amplified Gamers
• Started broadcasting a rather unique program on UStream
• Appear as co-host weekly on the Bit-Speak podcast

That’s quite a bit of activity in a year, if I maintain this level of momentum I should be the CEO of Square Enix in five years!

Yesterday’s celebration was pretty muted:  I played White Knight Chronicles until my head hurt, went to my boxing class, ate a pizza, and finished by watching The Shining mini-series with Sarah.  It was pretty lax but enjoyable just the same.

I definitely want to thank everyone who has in some way offered their support.  This includes Sarah, my maintenance person, Joel, my intrepid co-host, and all readers and commenters.  You guys have made me feel like my interests and dedication have a place on the internet.  I look forward to what the next year may bring and hope you’ll all be around to be a part of it.

Related Entries:
Kotowari 1 Year Anniversary Celebration

Roy housekeeping 7 comments