Publisher: Kadokawa Games

Demon Gaze (2013)

by Ji-yeong
written by Ji-yeong 6 minutes read

Summary

Demon Gaze: A Deep Dive into the First-Person Dungeon Crawling Masterpiece

Released in 2013, Demon Gaze is a first-person RPG dungeon crawler that quickly gained a cult following among fans of the genre. Developed by Experience Inc. and published by NIS America, Demon Gaze offers a unique blend of classic dungeon crawling gameplay with modern sensibilities, resulting in an immersive and challenging experience.

Gameplay: A Classic Formula Refined

At its core, Demon Gaze is a dungeon crawler in the truest sense. Players control a party of five characters as they explore procedurally generated dungeons filled with monsters, traps, and treasure. Combat is turn-based and encounters are random and visible, allowing players to plan their strategy accordingly.

One of the unique aspects of Demon Gaze’s gameplay is the “Demon Gaze” system. By using a special item, players can “gaze” at monsters to learn their strengths, weaknesses, and potential drops. This information can be crucial in determining the best strategy for defeating each enemy.

Characters: A Diverse and Customizable Cast

Players can choose from five different races and seven different classes when creating their party. Each race and class has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, allowing for a wide range of party combinations.

The main character, Oz, is the only character with a fixed class, the Demon Gazer. The Demon Gazer class has the ability to summon demons to aid in battle, giving Oz a unique edge over his companions.

The other four party members can be fully customized, allowing players to create a party that perfectly suits their playstyle.

Story: A Dark and Gripping Tale

Demon Gaze’s story is set in the world of Misrid, a land shrouded in darkness. The player takes on the role of Oz, a young man who has lost his memories and is searching for his past.

As Oz and his companions explore the dungeons of Misrid, they uncover a dark secret that threatens to consume the world. The story is well-written and engaging, with plenty of twists and turns to keep players on the edge of their seats.

Visuals: A Dark and Atmospheric World

Demon Gaze’s visuals are dark and atmospheric, perfectly capturing the game’s oppressive setting. The dungeons are labyrinthine and dangerous, filled with traps and monsters that lurk in the shadows.

The character designs are also top-notch, with each character having a distinct and memorable appearance. The overall visual presentation of Demon Gaze is cohesive and immersive, drawing players into the game’s world.

Music: A Haunting and Memorable Score

The music of Demon Gaze is haunting and memorable, perfectly complementing the game’s dark and atmospheric tone. The soundtrack is composed by Tenpei Sato, who is known for his work on other NIS America titles such as Disgaea and Phantom Brave.

The main theme of Demon Gaze is a particularly standout track, with its sweeping strings and haunting melody. The music throughout the game helps to create a sense of tension and suspense, adding to the overall experience.

Replayability: Endless Dungeon Crawling Fun

One of the strengths of Demon Gaze is its high replayability value. The dungeons are procedurally generated, meaning that each playthrough is unique. Additionally, the game offers multiple difficulty levels and a variety of side quests, ensuring that there is always something new to discover.

For those who enjoy grinding and min-maxing, Demon Gaze offers a deep and rewarding character development system. Players can level up their characters, learn new skills, and equip them with powerful weapons and armor.

Conclusion: A Must-Play for Dungeon Crawling Enthusiasts

Demon Gaze is a masterfully crafted dungeon crawler that offers a challenging and rewarding experience. With its diverse cast of characters, engaging story, dark and atmospheric visuals, and haunting soundtrack, Demon Gaze is a must-play for fans of the genre.

Whether you’re a seasoned dungeon crawler veteran or a newcomer to the genre, Demon Gaze is sure to provide hours of immersive and enjoyable gameplay.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Lollipop Chainsaw (2012)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Lollipop Chainsaw (2012): A Sweet and Deadly Zombie Adventure

Prepare yourself for a wild and wacky zombie-slaying adventure with Lollipop Chainsaw (2012), a game that combines the charm of a cheerleader with the raw power of a chainsaw. Join Juliet Starling, a bubbly and energetic high school cheerleader, as she takes on hordes of the undead in a vibrant and over-the-top world.

A Cheerleader with a Chainsaw

Juliet Starling is not your average cheerleader. When a zombie outbreak threatens her town, she grabs her trusty chainsaw and becomes a formidable zombie hunter. With her infectious enthusiasm and signature pink uniform, Juliet brings a unique brand of cheerfulness to the gruesome task of slicing and dicing the undead.

A Colorful and Vibrant World

Lollipop Chainsaw’s world is a vibrant and eye-catching blend of horror and pop culture. The game’s environments are awash in bright colors, from the sunny high school grounds to the neon-lit amusement park. Zombies come in all shapes and sizes, from classic shambling corpses to grotesque and outlandish creatures.

Fast-Paced and Visceral Combat

Combat in Lollipop Chainsaw is fast-paced and visceral, with Juliet using her chainsaw to cleave through zombies with satisfying gore. The game features a variety of melee attacks, as well as special moves that allow Juliet to unleash devastating combos. Players must strategically manage their stamina to keep Juliet’s attacks flowing and avoid being overwhelmed by the relentless hordes.

Boss Battles with a Rock ‘n’ Roll Twist

Lollipop Chainsaw takes its zombie-slaying action to the next level with epic boss battles against larger-than-life zombie rock stars. These encounters are elaborate and visually stunning, featuring unique mechanics and over-the-top performances from the game’s cast of voice actors.

A Quirky and Humorous Story

Despite its gruesome subject matter, Lollipop Chainsaw maintains a lighthearted and humorous tone throughout. The game is filled with witty dialogue, pop culture references, and quirky characters that add a touch of levity to the zombie apocalypse. Juliet’s unwavering optimism and determination in the face of adversity are sure to put a smile on players’ faces.

Critical Reception and Legacy

Upon its release in 2012, Lollipop Chainsaw received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised its unique blend of action and humor, while others criticized its repetitive gameplay and technical issues. However, the game has since gained a cult following among fans who appreciate its over-the-top style and memorable characters.

A Lasting Impact

Lollipop Chainsaw may not have been a critical darling, but it has left a lasting impact on the video game landscape. Its unique concept and charming protagonist have made it a beloved title among fans of action-horror games. The game’s vibrant visuals and energetic combat continue to inspire and entertain gamers to this day.

Conclusion

Lollipop Chainsaw (2012) is a game that defies easy categorization. It’s a zombie-slaying adventure that’s equal parts gruesome and hilarious, with a unique blend of action, humor, and visual flair. Whether you’re a fan of over-the-top action, quirky characters, or simply enjoy a good zombie-slaying romp, Lollipop Chainsaw is sure to deliver an unforgettable experience.

Review Score

7.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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EbiKore+ Amagami (2011)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 4 minutes read

Summary

EbiKore+ Amagami (2011): A Comprehensive Review

Introduction

EbiKore+ Amagami is an enhanced port of the popular visual novel Amagami, released in 2011 for the PlayStation 2, PSP, and Vita. The game features numerous bug-fixes and a playable Mahjong minigame, making it the definitive way to experience this classic romance visual novel.

Story

EbiKore+ Amagami tells the story of a high school boy who finds himself surrounded by six beautiful girls, each with their own unique personality and storyline. The player takes on the role of the boy and must choose one of the girls to romance. Each girl’s storyline is fully voiced and features multiple endings, depending on the player’s choices.

The six girls available to romance are:

  • Ai Nanasaki: A cheerful and outgoing girl who is always looking for a good time.
  • Kaoru Tanamachi: A shy and reserved girl who is secretly in love with the player character.
  • Misao Amano: A tomboyish and athletic girl who is always up for a challenge.
  • Morimiya Miyako: A mature and intelligent girl who is the student council president.
  • Risa Harada: A popular and flirtatious girl who is always surrounded by admirers.
  • Tomoe Takasaki: A quiet and mysterious girl who is rumored to be a witch.

Gameplay

EbiKore+ Amagami is a traditional visual novel, meaning that the gameplay consists primarily of reading text and making choices. The player’s choices will affect the story’s progression and ultimately determine which girl the player ends up with.

In addition to the main story mode, EbiKore+ Amagami also features a number of bonus features, including:

  • Mahjong minigame: A fully playable Mahjong minigame that can be played against the computer or other players.
  • Character profiles: Detailed profiles for each of the six girls, including their likes and dislikes, personality traits, and backstory.
  • Art gallery: A collection of artwork from the game, including character illustrations, CGs, and backgrounds.

Graphics and Sound

EbiKore+ Amagami features beautiful hand-drawn artwork and character designs. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, with a mix of catchy pop songs and soothing instrumental pieces.

Overall

EbiKore+ Amagami is a fantastic visual novel with a charming cast of characters and engaging storylines. The enhanced port for the PS2, PSP, and Vita is the definitive way to experience this classic. Whether you’re a fan of visual novels or just looking for a great story to get lost in, EbiKore+ Amagami is definitely worth checking out.

Score: 8.5/10

Pros:

  • Charming and well-written story
  • Likeable and relatable characters
  • Beautiful artwork and music
  • Fun and addictive Mahjong minigame

Cons:

  • Some of the storylines can be a bit predictable
  • The game can be quite lengthy, especially if you want to complete all of the storylines
  • The Mahjong minigame can be difficult to master

Review Score

8.5/10

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Entaku no Seito: The Eternal Legend (2012)

by Ji-yeong
written by Ji-yeong 5 minutes read

Summary

Entaku no Seito: The Eternal Legend (2012)

Entaku no Seito: The Eternal Legend is a dungeon crawling JRPG developed by Sting and published by Kadokawa Games. It was originally released for the PlayStation Portable in Japan in 2012, and was later ported to the Xbox 360 and PlayStation Vita. A Windows version was released in 2014, and a Nintendo Switch version was released in 2020.

The game is set in the world of Entaku, a land where humans and demons live side by side. The player takes on the role of a young adventurer who must explore dungeons and fight monsters in order to save the world from an evil force.

Gameplay

Entaku no Seito is a turn-based dungeon crawler. The player controls a party of up to three characters, and must explore dungeons filled with monsters and traps. The game features a unique trapping mechanic, which allows the player to lure enemies into traps in order to gain an advantage in battle.

The game also features a bonding system, which allows the player to build relationships with their party members. As the player’s bond with a party member increases, they will learn new skills and abilities.

Finally, the game features a rivalry system, which allows the player to compete with other adventurers for treasure. The player can choose to fight other adventurers for treasure, or they can team up with them to take on more difficult challenges.

Story

The story of Entaku no Seito follows a young adventurer named Atrus. Atrus is a member of the Seito, a group of adventurers who are tasked with protecting the world from evil. One day, Atrus is sent on a mission to investigate a mysterious dungeon. When he arrives at the dungeon, he finds that it is filled with monsters and traps.

Atrus must fight his way through the dungeon and defeat the monsters within. As he progresses through the dungeon, he learns more about the evil force that is threatening the world. He also learns more about his own past and his destiny.

Characters

  • Atrus: The protagonist of the game, Atrus is a young adventurer who is a member of the Seito. He is a skilled swordsman and a powerful magician.
  • Lyra: A young woman who is a member of the Seito. She is a skilled archer and a powerful healer.
  • Garius: A young man who is a member of the Seito. He is a skilled axe fighter and a powerful tank.
  • Selene: A young woman who is a member of the Seito. She is a skilled thief and a powerful spellcaster.
  • Oz: A young man who is a member of the Seito. He is a skilled dual wielder and a powerful fighter.

Reception

Entaku no Seito was met with positive reviews upon release. Critics praised the game’s unique trapping mechanic, its bonding system, and its rivalry system. The game was also praised for its challenging dungeons and its engaging story.

Legacy

Entaku no Seito is considered to be one of the best dungeon crawling JRPGs on the PlayStation Portable. The game has been praised for its innovative gameplay and its engaging story. Entaku no Seito has also been cited as an influence on other dungeon crawling JRPGs, such as Demon Gaze and Stranger of Sword City.

Conclusion

Entaku no Seito: The Eternal Legend is a must-play for fans of dungeon crawling JRPGs. The game features a unique trapping mechanic, a bonding system, and a rivalry system that make it stand out from other games in the genre. The game also has a challenging dungeon and an engaging story. If you are looking for a great dungeon crawling JRPG to play, then you should definitely check out Entaku no Seito: The Eternal Legend.

Review Score

8.5/10

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KanColle Kai (2016)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

KanColle Kai: Moe Anthropomorphism and Naval Strategy Collide on the PlayStation Vita

Introduction

KanColle Kai is the PlayStation Vita version of the popular Japanese online browser game Kantai Collection, where the player is put in charge of a navy consisting of moe anthropomorphisms of World War 2 warships known as “fleet girls.” First released in 2013, Kantai Collection has amassed a large and dedicated fanbase in Japan, and KanColle Kai brings the game’s unique blend of moe and strategy to a new platform.

Gameplay

At its core, KanColle Kai is a strategy game in which the player commands a fleet of fleet girls and engages in naval battles against enemy fleets. The game’s battles take place on hexagonal maps, and the player must carefully position their ships in order to maximize their firepower and minimize their losses.

KanColle Kai introduces several new strategy elements to the Kantai Collection formula. One of the most significant new features is the ability to control two separate fleets simultaneously on certain maps. This allows the player to divide and conquer their enemies, or to create a pincer attack to trap them between two fleets.

Another new feature in KanColle Kai is the resource transfer and escort system. This system allows the player to transfer resources between their ships, and to escort damaged ships back to base for repairs. This adds an additional layer of strategy to the game, as the player must now carefully manage their resources and protect their damaged ships.

In addition to these new features, KanColle Kai also includes all of the existing functions from the original web browser game. This includes the ability to upgrade and remodel ships, to equip them with new weapons and equipment, and to engage in special missions and events.

Characters

One of the things that makes KanColle Kai so popular is its cast of charming and endearing fleet girls. Each fleet girl is based on a real-world World War 2 warship, and they each have their own unique personality and backstory.

Some of the most popular fleet girls include:

  • Shimakaze: A cheerful and energetic destroyer who is always ready for action.
  • Fubuki: A shy and timid destroyer who is always looking for a friend.
  • Akagi: A proud and confident carrier who is always looking for a challenge.
  • Kaga: A kind and compassionate carrier who is always looking out for her crew.
  • Yamato: A powerful and majestic battleship who is always ready to protect her country.

Graphics and Sound

KanColle Kai features beautiful and detailed 2D graphics that bring the fleet girls and the game’s world to life. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, with a mix of catchy and atmospheric tracks that perfectly complement the gameplay.

Overall

KanColle Kai is a well-made and enjoyable strategy game that combines moe anthropomorphism with intense naval combat. The game’s new strategy elements add an additional layer of depth to the gameplay, and the cast of charming fleet girls is sure to win over the hearts of players. If you’re a fan of strategy games, moe, or both, then KanColle Kai is definitely worth checking out.

Score: 8/10

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Root Letter (2016)

by Ji-yeong
written by Ji-yeong 8 minutes read

Summary

Root Letter (2016) Review

Root Letter is a visual novel adventure video game developed and published by Kadokawa Games. It was released in Japan for the PlayStation Vita in 2016, and for Microsoft Windows in 2017. The game is the first title in Kadokawa’s Kadokawa Game Mystery brand.

The game’s story follows Max, a young man who receives a letter from Aya, a girl he met 15 years ago. In the letter, Aya tells Max that she is in trouble and needs his help. Max travels to Aya’s hometown of Matsue, Shimane to find her, but she has mysteriously vanished. Max must then investigate Aya’s disappearance by interrogating the people who knew her and reliving his past interactions with her.

The gameplay is split into two distinct parts: the adventure part and the simulation part. In the adventure part, Max explores Matsue and talks to the people who knew Aya. He can ask them questions about Aya and her disappearance, and he can also investigate different locations in the town. In the simulation part, Max relives his past interactions with Aya. These interactions are presented in a visual novel format, and Max can make choices that will affect the outcome of the story.

Root Letter is a well-written and engaging visual novel with a gripping mystery. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and the story is full of twists and turns. The game’s visuals are also very impressive, with detailed backgrounds and character sprites.

One of the things that makes Root Letter so unique is its use of simulation parts. These parts allow the player to experience Max’s past interactions with Aya firsthand, and they provide a deeper understanding of their relationship. The simulation parts also add a level of interactivity to the game, as the player’s choices can affect the outcome of the story.

Overall, Root Letter is an excellent visual novel that is sure to please fans of the genre. The game’s story is engaging, the characters are well-developed, and the visuals are impressive. The simulation parts also add a unique and interactive element to the game.

Characters

  • Max: The protagonist of the game. He is a young man who receives a letter from Aya, a girl he met 15 years ago. In the letter, Aya tells Max that she is in trouble and needs his help. Max travels to Aya’s hometown of Matsue, Shimane to find her, but she has mysteriously vanished. Max must then investigate Aya’s disappearance by interrogating the people who knew her and reliving his past interactions with her.
  • Aya: A girl who mysteriously vanished after sending a letter to Max. Max and Aya met 15 years ago, and they exchanged letters for a while. However, Aya suddenly stopped writing to Max, and he has not heard from her since.
  • Yuka Kawai: A police officer who is investigating Aya’s disappearance. She is a childhood friend of Aya’s, and she is determined to find out what happened to her.
  • Fumio Takano: A doctor who knew Aya. He is a kind and caring man, and he is willing to help Max in his investigation.
  • Shun
  • Shoko

Gameplay

The gameplay of Root Letter is split into two distinct parts: the adventure part and the simulation part.

In the adventure part, Max explores Matsue and talks to the people who knew Aya. He can ask them questions about Aya and her disappearance, and he can also investigate different locations in the town. The adventure part is played from a third-person perspective, and Max can move around the town by clicking on different locations on the map.

In the simulation part, Max relives his past interactions with Aya. These interactions are presented in a visual novel format, and Max can make choices that will affect the outcome of the story. The simulation parts are played from a first-person perspective, and Max can interact with Aya and the other characters by clicking on different dialogue options.

The player’s choices in the simulation parts can affect the outcome of the story. For example, if Max chooses to be kind to Aya, she will be more likely to open up to him. However, if Max chooses to be rude to Aya, she will be more likely to shut down.

The player must carefully consider their choices in the simulation parts, as they will ultimately determine the outcome of the story.

Setting

Root Letter is set in the town of Matsue, Shimane. Matsue is a small town located in the western part of Japan. The town is home to a number of historical sites, including Matsue Castle and the Matsue Vogel Park.

The game’s setting is very important to the story. The town of Matsue is a close-knit community, and everyone knows everyone else. This makes it difficult for Aya to disappear without anyone noticing. The town’s history also plays a role in the story, as some of the events that happened in the past have a direct impact on the present.

Themes

Root Letter explores a number of themes, including:

The power of memory: The game’s story is driven by Max’s memories of Aya. Max must rely on his memories to find out what happened to Aya, and he must also confront the ways in which his memories have changed over time. The importance of friendship: The game’s characters are all connected to each other in some way, and their relationships play a major role in the story. Max must learn to trust his friends and rely on them for help in his investigation. The nature of truth: The game’s story is full of twists and turns, and the player is never quite sure what is true and what is not. Max must carefully consider the evidence and the testimony of the people he meets in order to determine the truth about Aya’s disappearance.

Conclusion

Root Letter is a well-written and engaging visual novel with a gripping mystery. The game’s characters are well-developed and relatable, and the story is full of twists and turns. The game’s visuals are also very impressive, with detailed backgrounds and character sprites. The simulation parts also add a unique and interactive element to the game.

Overall, Root Letter is an excellent visual novel that is sure to please fans of the genre. The game’s story is engaging, the characters are well-developed, and the visuals are impressive. The simulation parts also add a unique and interactive element to the game.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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