There are two definite series that will be remembered on the PlayStation 2, the first is Grand Theft Auto 3 Saga and the other is the 2 God of War games. Both Series did a lot to the system, as both were incredible game(s) that worked on many levels. The God of War was a great showing that Sony had a lot of potential in their first party games. In my opinion, excluding Ico, Shadow of the Colossus and two Gran Turismo games, none of the SCEA (and it's European and Japanese) divisions brought us games that we really enjoy and that helped sell the system.
When word came out that a God of War game would be coming out for the PSP, I felt this would be the game that would finally solidify the unit as a strong portable gaming console rather than a great multimedia unit. While it might not be as memorable as it's console brothers, Chains of Olympus is a fun game that everyone with a PSP should own.
Chains of Olympus takes place before the events of the console games and sheds some like onto Kratos, the star of the series. It begins about 10 years before the events from the first game as we control Kratos as he helps the Spartans fight against the Persians in Attica. As he defeats his opposition the sun disapears from the sky and Kratos must go to the temple of Helios to try to bring back the sun. This takes Kratos through various temples and the underworld as he fights his way and hopefully finding a way to stop the nightmares he has had (as we discover in God of War).
The gameplay of Chains of Olympus is very similar to the PS2 versions, but adapted to the PSP unit. The action buttons are done really well and the missing right analog stick that was used for strafing is changed to pressing both the L and R buttons and using the Analog numb. The weapons are extremely similar and anyone who has played the other games will be right at home.
The graphics and sound in the game are also top-notch. The PSP is very capable of playing games with stunning details and that is really the case with this one. There are very little problems with anti-aliasing and the game continues the cinematic experience with some very top-notch clips throughout the game, both CGI and in-game rendering. The game also loads very well with very little wait between stages. The sound is also extremely well done, taking a cue from the console version. At times, you will really think you're playing this game on your PS2 or PS3, and that is exactly what this system needs.
If there is a problem with the game is that even with the tutorials in the beginning of the game, those who haven't played the previous games might have to take some time to get adjusted to the controls, but it once you get the hang of it, you'll have no problems with it afterwards. The biggest problem that most will find is the game's length, which can be looked as both a blessing or a curse. For most experienced gamers, you should be able to beat the game in about 4-6 hours, which is decent for a portable title, but short for those who were expecting a lot more with a game of this prestige. While the game's length works well with the story, you probably will wish there was a bit more. There are some challenges to play after you've completed the game, but I am certain more people would have rather had more to the main-story instead of mini-games.
God of War: Chains of Olympus is a Great PlayStation Portable game that you must own if you play your PSP. This year has been an excellent year for the system with four standout titles already released this year: Patapon, Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core and echochrome along with God of War. If you've been looking for a reason to get the system, this is that reason. Also, Sony will be releasing (in early June) a Red PSP unit with Chains of Olympus and Superbad so if you have not already picked it up, you really have no excuse now. The game's length might be a bit of a throw-off for some, but if you're looking for some enjoyment and something worth every penny spent, then you will not be disapointed with God of War: Chains of Olympus.
Showing posts with label PlayStation Portable. Show all posts
Showing posts with label PlayStation Portable. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Thursday, May 15, 2008
echrochrome (PS3) and echochrome (PSP Import) Review
Back in early 2007 when Sony first showed off echochrome I knew at that moment they had something really special in their possession. I had this game as my most anticipated game of 2007 (even ahead of Halo 3, Rock Band, The Orange Box and Call of Duty 4). The graphics didn't show anything, especially considering the game only has two colors, which are technically shades (Black and White) and the videos of the game didn't go into too much detail about the game. It seemed really simplistic and yet offered the player a challenge. Now in 2008, we have what is probably the best PlayStation Network game and right-now the front-runner for best Downloadable game on the market.
echochrome is a game based on perspectives. In the game you control a mannequin and you lead it around a course to check-points, which are what I call Shadows. While your objective is to get to the shadows, you're also racing against the clock to get these shadows. The game doesn't show you the clock, but if you click the select button twice, it will appear. There are five rules in the game: Perspective Traveling, Perspective Landing, Perspective Existence, Perspective Absence and Perspective Jump. You use these five rules to lead your character in these puzzles.
Before continuing, I have both the North American PS3 version which you download via the PlayStation Network and the Imported Japanese PlayStation Portable version which I purchased not too long ago. I decided to review both games at the same time since I've spent a lot of time with each of them and there are differences between the two.
echochrome of the PS3 was released simultaneously with the PSP version on May 1st. Both are downloadable titles and only 9.99 each. The game contains 3 modes. In Freeform, you are given random levels to complete. You can control the difficulty of the levels during the loading screen by simply changing the settings from Easy (1) to Hardest (5). The easiest puzzles should only take you about 1-2 minutes to complete, but the harder ones will probably take you the full amount of time. If there is a level you don't like, fret not, you have the ability to skip a level and play something else.
The second mode is called Atelier. Here you are given the ability to choose whichever level you want to play. In both the PS3 and PSP version you have 56 possible levels, each unique to both systems. The game keeps track of how long it takes you to complete a level and gives you the opportunity to play with friends to see who can get the better time. Also, here you can do a whole group of levels (separated by letters, A,B,C,etc...) and see how long it will take you to complete each difficulty of levels.
The final mode is called Canvas. Here in canvas mode, you have the ability to create your own levels. If you really want to challenge yourself and people you know, this is a great place to spend some time. Sony has done a really incredible job with this by allowing people to submit their levels and if they like what you've create, they will distribute them to other gamers around the world. The Japanese already had this game for more than a month before it was released here so you can already start downloading and playing their levels. Unfortunately, you can only play them in Freeform mode and you can't save them (just yet). Also, they are week-long exclusives, so, you won't get to play with a fan favorite for very long. The PSP version doesn't have downloading, but you can trade with your friends via ad-hoc.
The games graphics although simplistic are very well done. The use of 3-D blocks do their and really look good both on a small screen or on a bigger-widescreen television. The sound is also really great for the tone of the game. It reminds me of the soothing music heard in museums so it might not appeal to all. Probably the option of playing this game with custom soundtracks might have been nice, but does not deter the experience. The controls work well but you will only really use your analog stick (either one), the X button to rush your character (run), Triangle to think (technically pauses the game, without actually stopping the timer). The only other button which you should use is the Square button, which actually helps you out with Perspective Travelling and Existence. Hit the square button and it will 'connect' blocks flush so you can move your character from one spot to another.
The games does have it's minor flaws. For one, while there is more than one way to solve any puzzle, there are sometimes where only one way will get the job done. The other problem with that is there are ways to 'cheat'. You can do something by mistake and get where you need to go, and at the same time, when you think you're doing the right thing, you can't get your character to do what you need it to do. It's can be frustrating at times, but again, it doesn't ruin your experience.
The Japanese version of the game is significantly different than the North American release. For starters, unlike the NA version which only contains 56 levels per system (each unique) the Japanese version has 96 levels (12 Letter groups with 8 stages each). The names of the modes are also different. Freeform is called Infinite, Atelier is called Box while Canvas is still the same. The other huge difference is the inclusion of 2 additional side-modes in both Infinite and Box modes.
In the North American release you can only play Solo mode. Here you control your white character and move it around the level to the shadow check-points. But in the Japanese edition, you have two additional play types. The After Solo, you have Pairs. In Pairs, you have both two White Characters and two Black Characters walking around the levels. What you need to do is to have the two white characters join and the two black characters join to create two new Grey characters. Once you've done that, you need to combine the two Grey characters to complete the level. It really adds a new spin on the levels as you now have to lead more characters on the screen. The easier levels again can be completed in a matter of moments, but as you get into the harder levels, you will have to use various strategies to get them together.
The other additional mode is called Others. In Others, you control one white character and it must reach the shadow-check-points. But this time you have black characters that act as enemies on the course. If you touch them, it's like dying and you must restart at your last check-point. Now you're trying to complete the level and fight off this opposition in order to reach the goal(s). This mode is extremely challenging as you will try to 'lead' the black characters as far away from your main character to complete the puzzles.
When playing Infinite mode, you might have to play these levels. You can't really decide which mode to play here, but thankfully with the skip feature, you can simply move to another level if you do not like what you are playing. In Box mode, you have the option of selecting which mode you want, but if you decide to play the timed Group (letter) stages, you will have a random selection here.
I have not played the North American PlayStation Portable mode so I do not know if this mode is exclusive to the PSP or not. It does seem clear that the North American PS3 version does lack this feature, but it's not to say that Sony might offer this addition sometime down the road, but at a small additional cost to the gamers.
echochrome is a Fantastic game that should be played by all. While playing this game on the PS3, I managed to get my sister hooked on it and even my friends who were watching her play couldn't stop staring at the screen. While the easy levels are a breeze to play, the larger and harder levels will absolutely challenge you, almost to the point of frustration. The game does require quick acting and careful thinking, so those who are looking for a game to waste time, may be put off. At only 9.99 (plus taxes), this is an extremely affordable game. If you purchase both the PSP and PS3, you're spending less than 20 dollars and getting a lot of value at it, and a very fair price for the genre in question. Also, because of the ability to download and share levels in the PS3 version, it gives it even more value. It is a bit of a disappointment that the North American version does lack the extra modes of the Japanese version, you just have to look at the cost and realize that you're still paying for a lot of value. I strongly suggest if you own a PS3 to pick up this title thanks to the downloading option. It's a small download, but a game that you will want to play again and again and to show off to your friends.
echochrome is a game based on perspectives. In the game you control a mannequin and you lead it around a course to check-points, which are what I call Shadows. While your objective is to get to the shadows, you're also racing against the clock to get these shadows. The game doesn't show you the clock, but if you click the select button twice, it will appear. There are five rules in the game: Perspective Traveling, Perspective Landing, Perspective Existence, Perspective Absence and Perspective Jump. You use these five rules to lead your character in these puzzles.
Before continuing, I have both the North American PS3 version which you download via the PlayStation Network and the Imported Japanese PlayStation Portable version which I purchased not too long ago. I decided to review both games at the same time since I've spent a lot of time with each of them and there are differences between the two.
The PlayStation 3 Review
echochrome of the PS3 was released simultaneously with the PSP version on May 1st. Both are downloadable titles and only 9.99 each. The game contains 3 modes. In Freeform, you are given random levels to complete. You can control the difficulty of the levels during the loading screen by simply changing the settings from Easy (1) to Hardest (5). The easiest puzzles should only take you about 1-2 minutes to complete, but the harder ones will probably take you the full amount of time. If there is a level you don't like, fret not, you have the ability to skip a level and play something else.
The second mode is called Atelier. Here you are given the ability to choose whichever level you want to play. In both the PS3 and PSP version you have 56 possible levels, each unique to both systems. The game keeps track of how long it takes you to complete a level and gives you the opportunity to play with friends to see who can get the better time. Also, here you can do a whole group of levels (separated by letters, A,B,C,etc...) and see how long it will take you to complete each difficulty of levels.
The final mode is called Canvas. Here in canvas mode, you have the ability to create your own levels. If you really want to challenge yourself and people you know, this is a great place to spend some time. Sony has done a really incredible job with this by allowing people to submit their levels and if they like what you've create, they will distribute them to other gamers around the world. The Japanese already had this game for more than a month before it was released here so you can already start downloading and playing their levels. Unfortunately, you can only play them in Freeform mode and you can't save them (just yet). Also, they are week-long exclusives, so, you won't get to play with a fan favorite for very long. The PSP version doesn't have downloading, but you can trade with your friends via ad-hoc.
The games graphics although simplistic are very well done. The use of 3-D blocks do their and really look good both on a small screen or on a bigger-widescreen television. The sound is also really great for the tone of the game. It reminds me of the soothing music heard in museums so it might not appeal to all. Probably the option of playing this game with custom soundtracks might have been nice, but does not deter the experience. The controls work well but you will only really use your analog stick (either one), the X button to rush your character (run), Triangle to think (technically pauses the game, without actually stopping the timer). The only other button which you should use is the Square button, which actually helps you out with Perspective Travelling and Existence. Hit the square button and it will 'connect' blocks flush so you can move your character from one spot to another.
The games does have it's minor flaws. For one, while there is more than one way to solve any puzzle, there are sometimes where only one way will get the job done. The other problem with that is there are ways to 'cheat'. You can do something by mistake and get where you need to go, and at the same time, when you think you're doing the right thing, you can't get your character to do what you need it to do. It's can be frustrating at times, but again, it doesn't ruin your experience.
The Imported PlayStation Portable Review
The Japanese version of the game is significantly different than the North American release. For starters, unlike the NA version which only contains 56 levels per system (each unique) the Japanese version has 96 levels (12 Letter groups with 8 stages each). The names of the modes are also different. Freeform is called Infinite, Atelier is called Box while Canvas is still the same. The other huge difference is the inclusion of 2 additional side-modes in both Infinite and Box modes.
In the North American release you can only play Solo mode. Here you control your white character and move it around the level to the shadow check-points. But in the Japanese edition, you have two additional play types. The After Solo, you have Pairs. In Pairs, you have both two White Characters and two Black Characters walking around the levels. What you need to do is to have the two white characters join and the two black characters join to create two new Grey characters. Once you've done that, you need to combine the two Grey characters to complete the level. It really adds a new spin on the levels as you now have to lead more characters on the screen. The easier levels again can be completed in a matter of moments, but as you get into the harder levels, you will have to use various strategies to get them together.
The other additional mode is called Others. In Others, you control one white character and it must reach the shadow-check-points. But this time you have black characters that act as enemies on the course. If you touch them, it's like dying and you must restart at your last check-point. Now you're trying to complete the level and fight off this opposition in order to reach the goal(s). This mode is extremely challenging as you will try to 'lead' the black characters as far away from your main character to complete the puzzles.
When playing Infinite mode, you might have to play these levels. You can't really decide which mode to play here, but thankfully with the skip feature, you can simply move to another level if you do not like what you are playing. In Box mode, you have the option of selecting which mode you want, but if you decide to play the timed Group (letter) stages, you will have a random selection here.
I have not played the North American PlayStation Portable mode so I do not know if this mode is exclusive to the PSP or not. It does seem clear that the North American PS3 version does lack this feature, but it's not to say that Sony might offer this addition sometime down the road, but at a small additional cost to the gamers.
echochrome is a Fantastic game that should be played by all. While playing this game on the PS3, I managed to get my sister hooked on it and even my friends who were watching her play couldn't stop staring at the screen. While the easy levels are a breeze to play, the larger and harder levels will absolutely challenge you, almost to the point of frustration. The game does require quick acting and careful thinking, so those who are looking for a game to waste time, may be put off. At only 9.99 (plus taxes), this is an extremely affordable game. If you purchase both the PSP and PS3, you're spending less than 20 dollars and getting a lot of value at it, and a very fair price for the genre in question. Also, because of the ability to download and share levels in the PS3 version, it gives it even more value. It is a bit of a disappointment that the North American version does lack the extra modes of the Japanese version, you just have to look at the cost and realize that you're still paying for a lot of value. I strongly suggest if you own a PS3 to pick up this title thanks to the downloading option. It's a small download, but a game that you will want to play again and again and to show off to your friends.
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