Ports are becoming increasingly common with the current generation of hand-held systems. On the rare occasion when substantial improvements are made to a game for the transition, a port really becomes worth paying attention to.
The above trailer for the Knights in the Nightmare port to the PSP shows some interesting changes to the game visually. While the original game for Nintendo DS featured static dialog art, it seems the PSP port will have animated cut-scenes. I was quite impressed to see that the game’s highly unique aesthetic still carried over into these animated sequences. I really felt like anew dimension was given to the world of the game in this video.
While my interest is perked, I still can’t help but wonder how the complex battle system will handle the transition — controlling the wisp with the analog stick just sounds too clunky!
Sting’s Department Heaven series is one of the most unique compilations of titles out there, spanning three games (currently) and changing the way people think about RPGs. Atlus has brought over part four in the series: Knights in the Nightmare, a game which appears quite different from its sister titles.
When I returned from E3, jet-lagged and behind on work, a review copy of Knights in the Nightmare awaited me in my stack of mail. The game taunted me, saying “finish your work so we can play!” When I finally got to the game, it was everything I had been longing for in a video game since 2009 began.
Learning Curve – Take a Seat, You’ll be here for a While
Since I wanted to be thoroughly educated on the game’s complex battle system, I decided I would play through all the tutorials Knights in the Nightmare had to offer. Sadly, I made this decision before I looked at how many tutorials there are. I spent over an hour working my way through them, but as the game doesn’t really provide a tutorial in story mode, this is a must! There is a bit of repetition, but you can probably tell when you know everything you need to. It will be when you say to yourself, “Holy crap, I wanna battle NAO!”
Battle System – Ethereal Grid Based Renaissance
The battle system in Knights in the Nightmare takes up more than half of what the game is, since the story progresses automatically between battles. The player will be given a grid-based map with certain locations where allies can be placed. In addition to allies, up to 4 key items or weapons can be brought each turn. You have the ability to change allies and items at the end of each turn.
Turns last for one minute of “battle” time. Basically, performing actions deducts from this available time. When the wisp, which is controlled by your stylus, is hit by an enemy projectile, a set amount of time is also lost. The turn ends when you run out of time, destroy all enemies, or clear your kill reel (more on that later).
Part one of Atlus’s tutorial videos on YouTube
Everything is controlled with the wisp/stylus, which means dexterity and your ability to multi-task are of the utmost importance. If you want some practice and own an iPhone, I found this app pretty helpful for working on your dodging skill! The main action you will be performing with the wisp is giving your allies weapons and telling them which direction to attack, but there is a lot more you can do which I won’t even try to explain now…
Victory is based on a reel at the bottom of the battle screen which is associated with the enemies you have killed. Killing an enemy in a certain location will earn you a KILL marker. You need to line up these markers across the reel in the given number of turns or else it is game over. For boss battles, you just need to make the boss not live anymore, which sounds easy, but bosses in this game provide a heaping portion of challenge.
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The reel system between turns for a standard battle (left) and a boss (right)
If you want more details on the battle system, I highly recommend checking out the rest of Atlus’s tutorial videos on YouTube.
Appearance – Medieval Film Noir
Part of what attracted me to Knights in the Nightmare over a year ago was its distinctly darker appearance which really accents the story. Since the designer who worked on the other two Dept. Heaven titles also worked on Knights in the Nightmare, visually there is a comfortable cohesion with the other games. I do feel that the style was altered just enough so that the game really stands out still. Props to the designer JaJa for somehow creating this careful balance of familiarity and distinction.
My review copy of the game included a detailed art book (still available through Amazon) which I spent a good deal of time flipping through. You can check out a little sample of the art book here. I was immediately shocked at how many knights were in the book and assumed they were NPCs or something… While some of them are NPCs, many of them you can battle with and most of them you can recruit. I swear there must be around 100 unique characters – all beautifully designed.
Story – Before the Chicken was the Egg, Beneath the Chicken was a Nest, Above the Egg was a Chicken
The story flies at the player in an occasionally confusing array of past and present from varying points of view. At times it is difficult to really feel grounded in the goings-on. I found that this problem was less severe as I became familiar with the game, but early on I had no clue what was going on. It’s important to note that those who played the previous titles in the Department Heaven series will probably feel equally lost.
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A knight’s past (left) showing her demise and her spirit being recruited in the present (right)
What does stick to my brain I like. I know that the wisp is the ghost of a great king trying to make his way back to his castle where a horrible massacre of his retainers occurred long ago. Along the way, he recruits the fallen spirits of those knights to fight a series of monsters and demons. His goal is to return to the castle and learn what happened to cause the massacre. Is that not bad-ass?
My favorite part of the game is that recruiting knights permanently (rather than just for one battle) requires that you find an artifact from the knight’s life they have a connection to. I will give you an example: I recruited a Warrior who was a bit of a drinker when he was alive. I showed him his ol’ drinkin’ cup and he fondly remembered his life. The bond he had to drinking apparently gave him a strong enough connection to the present for him to fight alongside the wisp. There are tons of these artifacts to be found throughout the game, some are harder to acquire than others.
Final Thoughts
The last time I remember playing a game as mind-blowingly unique as Knights in the Nightmare was The World Ends With You. I suppose you could say that the game is this year’s breakthrough title in terms of originality.
On a more personal note, I can say without a doubt this is my favorite title of 2009. On every level, Knights in the Nightmare brings something new and amazing to the table. The initial learning process and slight confusion concerning the story is the only hurdle to overcome. After that you will find yourself falling in a love with an extremely unique and fun game.
OK, seriously, I am just tired of talking about Atlus at this point. They are just dominating this year – especially when it comes to the Nintendo DS. I haven’t really touched mine since I became bored with Disgaea DS, but I will definitely need to dust it off for these 2 upcoming Atlus titles:
First, Devil Survivor was announced with a May 12 release date.
Why I am excited:
Devil Survivor is being called the first MegaTen game for the Nintendo DS. If that weren’t unique enough, it is also a tactical/strategy RPG, a genre that many companies attempt to do well, but often fall short. MegaTen games are already highly tactical in nature, especially when it comes to all the different elemental affinities. Combining this with a classical SRPG is a recipe for a challenging game.
The story is very unique while still remaining in the vein of a classic MegaTen game. It has a much more modern, almost futuristic feel to it which I appreciate. Also, what I have heard of the music I really like. In a game with simpler graphics, I think music is very important. Here is a video taken from the official Japanese website which may give you an idea of what I mean:
I found this trailer much more informative and interesting to watch than the one Atlus sent out with their newsletter.
Next, yesterday Atlus announced Knights in the Nightmare for a June 2nd release. I have been interested in this game since it came out while I was in Japan last year.
Why I am excited:
Knights in the Nightmare is episode four in the four part Dept. Heaven series created by Sting. Part one being Riviera and part two being Yggdra Union. The third episode is currently unknown. While the connections between games (if they exist) are lost on me, I really enjoyed the previous titles.
However conventional Devil Survivor is in terms of providing a traditional MegaTen and SRPG experience, that’s how unique Knights in the Nightmare will be. Everything from the complex battle system to the ability to play from both points of view (antagonist and protagonist) ensure that this game will not be boring to anyone.
I guess I will just have to suffer through the next few months until I have something to play. Come May (which is also the month Devil Summoner 2 is released) the floodgates will open and I won’t even know what to play. I can’t wait!
*UPDATE* I just noticed Amazon.com pulled Devil Survivor. For those of you who have already ordered it, I suggest you contact them to make sure that your order went through. Keep checking back here to be the first to know when they have it back up.
Related Entries:
A list of all Kotowari articles on Knights in the Nightmare can be found here
A list of all Kotowari articles on Devil Survivor can be found here
Some new possessions to burn your hard-earned money on are being released at the end of this month. Here they are in all of their glory:
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I’m really not too crazy about the MGS4 shirt, but sadly I wasn’t able to get a Uniqlo one. I assume most of us are in the same boat. Why are these things only ever available in large? [Insert typical fat-gamer joke]
I think I may start scouring the internet for a download of the Knights in the Nightmare OST. If anyone finds it before me let me know! Man I cannot wait for this game…
Related Entries:
OMG Toys: August ‘08
OMG Toys August ‘08 Part II
Sting’s newest volume in the Department Heaven series, Knights in the Nightmare, appears like it will have a learning curve as steep as Baldwin Street. (Sorry, Wikipedia-nerd-humor.)
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To help prepare gamers in Japan for the challenge, Sting is allowing them to download a “First Step Experience Edition” (FSEE) to their Nintendo DS. The FSEE can be downloaded directly from Minnano Nintendo Channel (Everyone’s Nintendo Channel) or at a participating DS Station.
The FSEE consists of all the tutorials on the game’s battle system as explained by the Maid of Armor. There are seven total tutorials. If gamers download the FSEE at a participating DS Station, they will receive a bonus demo which includes two playable battles as well. |
This is a great way to prepare for the game’s release on the 25th of this month. The downloads will be available until October 7th.
It’s nice to see the Nintendo DS’s features being used to their full extent. Who would have thought you could play demos of Nintendo DS games legally? It’s too bad such options aren’t available to Western gamers. Hopefully they will be at some point.
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I might play around with Minnano Nintendo Channel and see if I can figure out how to download the FSEE. If I can, I’ll post a how-to.
I think this is personally my most anticipated DS title of next year. Hopefully Atlus or Sting will be announcing some details of the game’s localization soon. Since the other Dept. Heaven titles were brought over, it seems obvious this one will as well. Judging by these screens though, it looks like there will be a lot of engrish to clean up.
Related Entries:
Knights in the Nightmare for Nintendo DS Preview
Knights in the Nightmare Opening Movie
Yggdra Union for PSP Official
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My name is Roy and this is my blog about games that I enjoy. My favorite games are RPGs, but there are a few wild cards from time to time. I use my elementary knowledge of Japanese language and culture to translate info on upcoming games in Japan. When time (and publishers!) permit I also preview games and write reviews.
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White Knight Chronicles
by Level Five
Hours Played: 35-40
Recent Accomplishment:
Georama Level: 7
Clan Level: 7
Trying to make some of the higher level job parts, they take a lot of rare elements which has be questing my ass off. Should be able to reincarnate my character soon!