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26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Fun RPG with a bum rap!, March 28, 2008
Fun:4.0 out of 5 stars
This review is from: Opoona (Video Game)
I was excited to learn that the Wii was at last getting a turn-based, old-school style RPG to add to the library. I had been reading up on Opoona online, searching different sites to get the buzz, what came up was rather lackluster. In spite of that, I went out to my nearest GameStop and purchased Opoona on the 1st day it was available (being the old-school RPG fan and all). I have been playing and I must say that it has really gotten a bum rap. Sure it's not Final Fantasy VII BUT for a first venture into the new system, it's not bad!
The graphics are good, the production company really paid attention to detail. It's impressive doing the turn-based battles and seeing the environment come alive: i.e. the clouds are moving, the water's in motion, heck even leaves falling from the trees - all these details add up quite nicely. It's a very big, detailed world too as far as I've seen which is great (more to explore) and though I have read about people getting confused because of it, I could tell they were judging from the first Dome, which can be confusing but subsequent domes are simpler!
Another qualm I have read about is the cutesy graphics, it's true that they are but that is just a matter of the style in which they decided to take the game (at least it's consistent).
The music is definitely a super-plus for the game, the composer did a wonderful job of making it come alive in that respect and at least that aspect has been lauded in reviews.
Having to take on Jobs and get licenses can be a lot of fun, it gives the game a real-life feeling and a sense of accomplishment once you've gotten your license. You can definitely see why this was dubbed a "lifestyle rpg" as you're trying to earn money, stash some away to help your parents, buy modifications for your bonbon, make friends, etc.,.
The last gripe I disagree with is the control scheme since you use the nunchuk to control most things. First of all, in battle depending on the angle you throw you and thus where you hit them, you can either cause little or HUGE damage to your enemy, it's rather strategic in that respect. Something I found very ENGAGING about the game is that in battle you have to constantly be aware of your HP and whatnot since using items or Force does not pause the game, it's all Real-Time so you have to do it fast before you pass out (not as easy as some may think it is!!).
All in all, I found this to be a good game, with an awesome old-school feeling with new innovations. If you can get past the "confusion" that some had directionally, put the dialogue on Fastest Text Speed, enjoy completing tasks to get new licenses and remember to upgrade your bonbon trying new modification combos and see what happens (I have a fire/ice bonbon that is WAY freakin' cool, it adds fire THEN ice damage to enemies after I hit them), then I think you'll really get into the game.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Not very popular, but extremely fun, November 24, 2008
Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars
This review is from: Opoona (Video Game)
This is an example of a game that has garnered little attention, yet deserves some serious accolades. Due to the mediocre attention and reviews I had seen regarding it, I hesitated purchasing Opoona. The name sounds funny, the graphics looked quirky, and there was no hype to be guided by. However, I like other games made by Koei, so I took the risk of buying the game.
I am so glad that I did! Granted, the game is not for everybody. Although a turn-based RPG, fans of the genre may not appreciate it like I did.
Cons: The exploration is overly complicated in the first dome (i.e. city). There were so many rooms and such that I got lost almost immediately. Only by the time I beat the game was I finally getting a strong grasp of how to navigate it! However, when in the field (where random battles take place), the exploration is mostly linear. Lots of time is spent wandering around the domes, trying to figure out what to do. Although, in some ways that can be a pro if you like that type of exploration.
Pros: The two aspects of the gameplay that make this game really fun are the battle system and the different licenses/jobs you can aquire. The jobs are interesting. Some of them are used to progress the storyline, while others are side events that you can play for fun or to gain rewards. Licenses include jobs such as fisherman, janitor, and psychic. Although the jobs aren't deep and fleshed out, they can add a nice distraction from the rest of the game.
The battle system is what really makes the game shine. You will eventually have three characters at your disposal in the real-time combat of Opoona. Although you can't move around, time constantly flows leaving you with little time to plan your next move. You can use Force (magic), items, or use your bonbon to deal damage. Using only the nunchuck control stick to attack, you lean it and release it (the length you hold it determines the power/speed/angle your bonbon will travel) to fire your projectile at the enemies. You can curve it overhanded, underhanded, or to the left and right. The arc gets more bent the longer you hold down (or up) the control stick. You can use this feature to target enemies in the back that are difficult to target, or to find the weak point of the particular foe you are fighting. Some are weak in the sides, while others are weak underneath (such as flying enemies). Discovering the weaknesses is part of the fun. Not to mention that you can add different coats and cores to your bonbon to give it a variety of different qualities, such as fire attack or the ability to travel through enemies.
This is an excellent turn-based RPG for the Wii, so for those starving for Wii RPG goodness this is an excellent place to turn your attention. The exploring might get a little old, but the fighting and job system are more than enough to keep you coming back for more. I like to play my completed file just to enjoy the battles again. The concept is unique and executed very well.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Walk a mile in Opoona's shoes... No, seriously, April 23, 2009
Fun:4.0 out of 5 stars
This review is from: Opoona (Video Game)
Creative forces from beloved Japanese console RPG franchises gather, create one of the most original titles in ages, and are promptly... ignored.
I really think the character designs for Opoona and family are what hurt it most. His unique people, and how they battle, are a big part of what makes this game so great. It's just that a casual glance at the box art would make most people write it off as a kid's game, and pass it by. There are lots of different life forms in Opoona's universe, his just happens to look like Fisher Price people.
Opoona is anything but a kid's game. In fact, if you bought this game for a child, chances are he/she would have been happier with a nice pair of socks. They'd certainly get more use out of them, anyway.
You don't play Opoona, you live out his everyday life, and the lives of his family. You have to learn how to survive, adjust to new surroundings, and situations, and create strong friendships, in a galaxy where Opoona's people are somewhat unique. So, there's a little bit of proving yourself along the way, as well.
Stepping into Opoona's shoes truly is daunting at first. As others have mentioned, your first home is vast, and confusing. You will get the hang of it, if you pay attention to signage, and remember that there is more than just one set of elevators on any given floor. If you stay on target, you'll be off to the second city in short order. Again, as has been mentioned, the hardest part is the begining. The important thing is to stick with it, and this game will reward you as few others in the genre ever did.
The story is engaging. The licensing system is brilliant. The part time jobs you can take run the full range from humbling, to laugh out loud hilarious. I liked being able to buy items in the field, watching 'TV' shows, making friends/strengthening friendships, crafting through the use of combining 'secrets' into anything from mundane items, to augmentations for your characters, and even changing the look and functionality of your GUI!
There's just one thing that I found bothersome; the fighting fields can sometimes be claustrophobic. In these areas the view is locked in place as well. It makes it harder to spot treasure, and easier to stumble into the next battle. Kind of odd when you see some of the huge expanses in other parts of the game.
One handed control is a cool feature, but for the most part, I used the Wii remote for changing camera positions. I should mention that the classic controller is supported as well. All modes of control work nicely.
Opoona is Phantasy Star Online, Earthbound, The Jetsons, dodge ball, The Sims, and just a tiny pinch of Fisher Price, all mixed up into a tasty power shake of variety, and originality.
Opoona is an onion, waiting for you to peal back it's many layers. In a word, Opoona is epic. As console RPGs go, this is frankly what we need more of. What we should be supporting. First things though, we need to stop judging books by their covers.
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