Mithlas

Classic Strategy Game, September 17, 2011

Although I felt it wasn't extremely compelling, each mission had a voiced briefing that indicated the changing situation even if it wasn't necessarily clear that this was a shifting galactic-scale conflict. The fact that the only battlefield not held firmly by the enemy is where you are coming from is part of the issue, but it was enough to make sense of the two-sided galactic war with generous suspense of disbelief.
Story: 6.5/10

Total Annihilation was not a surpassingly impressive game in its heyday, and now it shows its age. However, it can be played relatively easily on most machines and you can still find plenty of mods that up-scale units (besides adding more,… Read more

Looks Pretty, Plays Dull, September 17, 2011

Five characters take part in an interwoven tale, often one character will briefly appear as an opponent for a different one. Each role seems at least reasonably compelling, as far as the story itself, although why some of the background actions (like the opening war) are not always clearly or believably explained.
Story 6.8/10

Odin Sphere has been widely praised for its "beautiful 2D graphics". Yes, a lot of work has been done including crouching and looking up, but that doesn't save it from looking the same a LOT of the time. There is a great deal of repetition in the moves, enemies, and areas that draws down what should have been a pretty game.
Graphics 6/10… Read more

One Part of a Saga, September 17, 2011

The series has skirted the line between dramatic and outright comedy, and this one takes a slightly firmer line on serious. There's still plenty of moments to laugh at, especially if you've played the PS2 prequel Up Your Arsenal, but is perfectly enjoyable stand-alone. The world is complex and intricate while still being chock-full of things to chuckle at.
Story: 8/10

The effects are all superb and they definitely take advantage of the PS3's ability to animate movement and complexity, but like many newer PS3 games it contains a few too many instances of the "shiny surfaces" for my tastes. Most won't have a problem, with billowing explosions and rippling water helping… Read more