Still Alive

I know I haven't done much on here lately, mostly because I've been very busy with projects both at home and at work.  The other main reason is the same reason why I've dropped a lot of hobbies in the past: they stopped being fun and started to feel like a chore.  This is my fault because I took upon the obligation to review every single game or anime I completed and thus just needed a break.  I don't know how often I'll be contributing reviews for now, but I do want to write when the mood strikes.

Initial Impressions - Arc Rise Fantasia (Wii)

Only one today, so no need to create a separate post.  I'm not sure when I'll write another review, but right now it feels like treading a fine line between a hobby and a chore.  Thus I don't plan to review every single game/series I finish immediately afterwards.

Arc Rise Fantasia (Wii)

• I've been waiting for this one for a while. When it was first announced the release date was last November.
• In deference to the creators of the game I will say the character designs are a mix of Luminous Arc with Tales of Symphonia.
• The graphics and animation in the FMV scenes are nice, but everyone's speaking telepathically!
• Wow... just wow... I didn't think any game in recent years could have more FAIL at voice acting than Star Ocean 4's English cast.  The voices are a bit better out of the FMVs though since the actors aren't trying to sync with the (minimal) lip movement.
• Load times are definitely a plus. I'm hardly noticing any.
• The battle system will take some getting used to since it's a combination of turn/AP/realtime-based. It makes sense when you play the game.
• ACK! Don't look at me like that when you gain a level, Ryfia!
• Expect to play: I kinda like the system, even if Ryfia's character model scares me.  This will be high on the Wii list.

Initial Impressions - 7 New

Going to be a good weekend. I'll update the list as I actually pick up each of the games.  In fact, it keeps growing.  This was originally supposed to just have 5 entries.

Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Sky (NDS)
Extreme Hangman (DSiWare)
Legends of Exidia (DSiWare)
Okami (PS2)
Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 Portable (PSP)
Soul of Darkness (DSiWare)
WarioWare: Snapped! (DSiWare)

Initial Impressions - 4 New

Going to end the month with a bang.  Hopefully I'll get more reviews done in July.

Deathsmiles (XBox 360)
Sin & Punishment (VC/N64)
Sin & Punishment: Star Successor (Wii)
Trinity Universe (PS3)

Initial Impressions - 3 New

While none of these are new releases for this month, I had various reasons for getting them now.

Granstream Saga (PS1)
Tekken 6 (360)
Windy X Windam (NDS)

Initial Impressions - 6 New

I decided to go back to my old method of posting initial impressions since that at least gives the illusion that I'm posting more often. In any case, all of the console releases I'm getting this month won't be until the end of the month, so I picked up a few XBLA titles and some others.

Final Fight: Double Impact (XBLA)
Raystorm HD (XBLA)
Snoopy Flying Ace (XBLA)
Street Fighter Alpha 3 MAX (PSP)
Tetris Party Deluxe (Wii)
WarioWare D.I.Y. (NDS/WiiWare)

New Approach to Classic Formula

I'm generally a fairly big fan of puzzle games, but the Picross series has always been one of my favorites. When I learned about the Picross 3D for DS, I knew I HAD to get it. How did it fare up compared to previous entries? Full review here.

Initial Impressions - May 2010

5/30/10:
Hexyz Force

5/24/10:
Demon's Souls (PS3)
Droplitz (PSN)
Super Mario Galaxy 2 (Wii)

5/15/10:
Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner (PS2)

5/11/10:
3D Dot Game Heroes (PS3)

5/8/10:
BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger Portable (PSP)
Dead or Alive 4 (XBox 360)
Persona 2: Eternal Punishment (PS1)
Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga (PS2)
Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne (PS2)
Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey (NDS)
Super Street Fighter IV (XBox 360)

5/5/10:
Picross 3D (NDS)

5/4/10:
Record of Agarest War (XBox 360)

5/2/10:
Hard to believe I actually followed through with my commitment to not buy any more new games during April after the previous set, but then again I spent all month playing Persona 4 and redecorating my room.

I'll make up for it this month, though. I'll be spending some extra money to obtain pretty much the rest of the Shin Megami Tensei games available in the US. I already picked up Devil Summoner 2 but won't try it out until I obtain #1 since I plan on playing them in order.