Rare's Games of 2013

Time passes on, another year wanes, time to reflect on what has been seen.

Ok that was a bad rhyme, but it almost makes sense.

It's that time again where I give you my thoughts on the best of 2013. Why not worst? Haven't really given thought about playing a bad game. Besides, if you want to talk about bad games, ask AngryJoe.

First some guidelines: I'm only giving my thoughts on what was released this year. AAA titles, digital downloads, re-releases, anyone's game. Speaking of games, let's get started.

Ni no Kuni Wrath of the White Witch (PS3) Level_5, Studio Ghibli

The most anticipated RPG of the year didn't disappoint... wait, a JRPG?!!! That's right folks, the RPG of the year which won worldwide praise from everyone was a JRPG and well worth it. Vibrant visual, stellar animation no less expected from Studio Ghibli and game play and mechanics easily intuitive, but deep in it's own right. The battle system is in real time and menu based, so helps quite a bit to avoid any hard hitters. The bosses escalated from minor to holy shit this guy is epic! I have had no problems.

There are some balancing issues such as some of your party members burn MP rather quickly and once it's depleted, they're sitting ducks. Also, your party's stats never increase when they need it the most. Esther's physical defense and attack never change and attack with just a harp for 1 HP of damage never changes and it considered the weakest of the group. And at first you might not like Mr. Drippy and his natural welsh accent, but you get used to it the all the more.

The other minor quip that I had was the ending was somewhat weak and when Ni no Kuni was first released, there was a bit of controversy regarding preorders and how Namco Bandai didn't helps matters to it. When the game was first released there were 3 versions of the game: Standard, a version with a steelbook case but still the same game and finally the Wizard's Edition which came with a soundtrack, the Wizard's Compendium, a plushy of Mr. Drippy and more. Preorders for the Wizard's Edition were strangely low to out of stock. Turns out there was a "bug" on Nambo Camdai's store front and turns out someone in Canada bought alot of the Wizard's Edition and to this day goes for a pretty high penny. Worst part was it was all 100% legal. Good Lord, my minor quip with Gamestop and Persona 4 Golden wasn't this bad in comparison.

Regardless of the minor controversy, this game is well worth the journey and will give you at least 60 to 80 hours of gameplay plus a lengthy sidequests involving a mysterious figure known only as Mr. Conductor. I'm kidding, but he is a rabbit in a top hat so it counts damn it! The prize at the end which I won't tell is... not up to what I thought, in fact I would call it lame. If you are an RPG fan and need something to pass the time before another Miyazaki marathon, this will fill the void quite nicely.

The Last of Us (PS3) Naughty Dog

Yes, the second most anticipated game second only to Ni no Kuni (Bioshock Infinite? What?), The Last of Us brought what would be atypical zombie apocalypse 3rd person adventure and made it into something extraordinary. Ok ok so it isn't exactly zombies, they're Infected, that doesn't matter at this point. It was a fantastic game that brought story telling, graphics, voice acting, and gameplay into a world that seemed to be a revolutionary for video games. Many claim that The Last of Us is the Citizen Kane of games. I'll go with it. It certainly was an interesting story.

There were quite a few frustrations that I encountered in the game. Such as if you try to use close combat on certain infected, you instantly die. That includes some parts where I encountered a Clicker and tried using a shiv as the only means to dispatch them, but ended up dying as a result. Plus to be honest, I didn't feel sympathetic for some of the characters. Yeah it's supposed to be immersing, but if I don't have any for lack of a better term "feels" for that person it just seems flat.

Regardless, The Last of Us was an incredible game that brought me into the world where the real monsters weren't the Infected, but the people. "It's the people that scare me." - Bill

Persona 2 Eternal Punishment (PS, PSP, PS3, PSVita) - Atlus

Refrain from thy tyrannical whims and hear my decree: This was re-released on the PSN this year, so it counts. Persona 2 Eternal Punishment is the second in the Duology of the Persona 2 storyline. Unlike the successful and beloved Persona 3 and Persona 4, Innocent Sin and Eternal Punishment have a different battle system. Back then before Social Links and leveling up through fusions, Persona relied on rumors and the number of tarot cards needed to summon. Battles were strategy turn based and slow as molasses. You relied heavily on fusion spells and spells in general to level up your Personas and that cost a lot of SP. Then you use those leveled up Personas to mutate them into stronger Personas. Plus, the H.E.R. (High Encounter Rate) was too damn high.

Eternal Punishment had a PSP remake not too long ago, but unfortunately it was Japan only since we already got the remake of Innocent Sin. Plus this was released 13 years ago, so take what you can get. If you are one of people who can stomach the slow but steady turn based strategy and don't mind confusing controls, then Eternal Punishment is a good counter balance to Innocent Sin. Besides, it took me 13 years to beat Joker Noriko. Stupid bitch!

Time and Eternity (PS3) - NIS

Oh boy. Where to start? It's an RPG with a dating sim and 2D anime in a 3D background. The story is comically silly, the voices are... bearable, and the music is decent. I have no idea why I got it. I'm a sucker for RPGs and I wanted something to fill the void after completing Paper Mario 2. And what better way to increase my anger after being defeated by a Kaizo trap at the fight of the Shadow Queen thereby losing 12 hours of game time than to play a polarizing game. I sure pick the strange ones. But it was 20 bucks, came with a soundtrack, can't complain...wait.

Papers Please (Steam) - Lucas Pope

Say, you ever wanted to play a game based on border patrol? Well your wish has been granted. What's that? You wanted to play a simulation of shooting people who try to cross the fence and defend that land from foreigners without diplomatic means? No? Sorry. Your patriotic thoughts of "freedom" aren't here in this game.

Papers Please is a unique indie title where you are playing the different kind of border patrol. Each person that passes your booth has to give you documentations based on certain criteria. Some may try to weasel their way in and smuggle stuff, but with your keen eye to detail and moral choices about what's right is wrong, it's up to you on how you will play out this game.

There are a few instances where you might get upset. First off Arstotzka is a communist country and people are trying to enter it. It's your job to find discrepancies in each of the people's documentations. IDs, passports, work permits, disease control, anything can be forged and you'll get in trouble for letting even the most saddest of sob stories in. That's why I like it. It's fresh, new, and unique. It's not about saving the world or helping a damsel. You're just an ordinary guy doing his job earning money to keep his family and him alive. Try it out.

Ducktales Remastered (PSN, Wii-U, XBLA, PC) Capcom/Disney

Ducktales was a beloved TV show in the 90s and the game for the NES is a loved gem for it's fun, but difficult game play. I guess it got a sort of cult following back into popularity with Brentalfloss. I could be wrong. Anyway, WayForward who brought us Shantae (rare and expensive) came to the call and remastered Ducktales for modern (7th gen) consoles. It's fine. I myself was too stupid and broke to buy Ducktales back in the day (I was 7 damn it!), but I understand why people loved this game. It sticks to the formula it knows and it plays well. Plus as an added bonus they got the original voice actors from the show to lend their voice in the cutscenes. That's pretty awesome. There's also a retail version of the game for about 20 bucks. Go get it, it's pretty damn good. There, I said one nice thing to Disney. Next game!

Hatsune Miku Project Diva F (PS3, PSVita soon) Sega

I already did a review on the game. It's pretty fun. Although for some strange reason all the modules I bought have to be rebought even though I already did that. Weird. Plus they are expensive as hell. 393939 for a piece of headgear? Grr... you tempt me game! Plus some songs are hit or miss, but fine in their own right. I was lucky to get it at half price and regardless how much it is right now, you owe to yourself as a rhythm game fan and if you like Luka (SirLionHart) you owe it to yourself to pick it up. Which is great because it was announced that Sega will bring the Vita version sometime in Spring 2014. Digital download, but hey, better than nothing.

Aquapazza Aquaplus Dream Match (PS3) Atlus

What the hell is this you may ask. It's a fighting game with lots of characters from Aquaplus and Leaf. Two very known, but unknown developers of Visual Novels and other things in Japan. What's a visual novel you may also ask. Think Phoenix Wright. Anyway, it's a fighting game that consists of 13 fighters and 13 supporters from various series including Utawarerumono, Comic Party, White Album, Tear to Tiara, To Heart, Kizuato, and Routes. There's this mind control potion and everyone has to beat the sense into each other and stop some evil plan before it's too late. Hello collect? I like to place a call to Where's, last name Plot. Yes I'll hold.

One minor thing to mention is some of the names are somewhat mispelled. For those familiar with Utawarerumono, I don't know about you but I think Hakuowlo is supposed to sound like Hakuoro right? Also, Karura which is mouthful I admit to the Japanese, but Karulau? Unless Karla is hard to say in other languages I think this is a mispelling. The same goes for any other character (Urutori) that has their name spelled wrong.

Aquapazza has a deep fighting system that is on par with other fighters out there. There's an emotion system where the bigger your emotions are the more you can unleash hell with your characters specials. At least that's what I got out of the initial first impressions. The only crux of this game is that not everyone knows who the hell these people are unless A) You watched the anime in connection to the character, or B) You played the visual novel related to said characters. For the latter I only know of Utawarerumono which had a decent beat em up and strategy game with a few sex scenes. I saw Comic Party a long time ago, but haven't played the Visual Novel. I briefly remember To Heart and how Multi was a popular character I sort of had a crush on even though I never knew her name (I was young and stupid ok?) Finally I lost out on Tears to Tiara. I should watch that and White Album.

A recommendation for the initial Who-are-these-characters? is to get to know them. A little research doesn't hurt. I mean when Tasunoko vs Capcom first came out, people didn't know anyone from the Tasunoko side. But after playing a few rounds and routes, people got to know them more through the game. Too bad it's not played as much anymore. Sadly as well Aquapazza came out near the tail end of the year and before the holiday rush so it went unnoticed. If you like fighters and are looking for something new, Aquapazza should be able to fix that itch. And who knows, maybe it'll appear at Evo this year. Heck, Persona 4 Arena did the year before.

And those are my thoughts on the games I played this past year. If there were some that weren't mentioned here I probably haven't had a chance to check it out. Shin Megami Tensei IV, I will get you soon since I just got a 3DS. All of these games are readily available at stores near you.

Hatsune Miku Project Diva F

The following question is for those who are unfamiliar with the following image.

Can I get a show of hands please? How many of you recognize this girl? Now do you know what her name is or where she came from?

She will be the subject of today as her game on the PS3 was released recently aptly named Project Diva F.

Her name is Miku Hatsune or Hatsune Miku on the last name first basis. She is one of many characters from a series of Japanese Synthesizers known as Vocaloids. Miku herself is extremely popular although there are many more whom each have their own favorites. Miku became so popular that she starred in her own concert strangely sponsored by Toyota. She's known for her bubbly personality, but she has been prone to some tiffs if her face gets messed with. Now she has a game that came out to the US finally. That game is Hatsune Miku Project Diva F.



I was well aware of Vocaloids, but never found an interest to try out the software mostly because I'm creatively bankrupt. The videos made with the software are vast and creative. When I saw the demo for the game I was morbidly curious so I thought I give it a shot. For some reason or another I quite liked it. At first it took some getting used to since it was different from the usual rhythm game, and I wasn't familiar with Miku's songs. Once I got in the groove, it gave me flashbacks to when DDRMax2/Extreme were out and all sorts of gooey memories came flooding back. So I waited for a release and here we are. Best thing though, I got it for 21 bucks.

What is Project Diva F about anyway and why should I, meaning you, buy it? Initially I'd say if you have a soft spot for Vocaloids you should try it out, but if you are looking for a robust and complex rhythm game this might be right up your alley. This probably is the most moeaty (moe and meaty) rhythm game I've ever seen. Not only do you have the standard fare of songs you can unlock, but also different vanity items and costumes known as modules to play with. That's scrapping the iceberg however.

There's a plethora of game modes to fool around with that will give you your money's worth. They may seem intimidating at first, but it gets fun the more you try it.

* Play mode lets you play the main course of the game. You have 4 difficulties and the more you play the unlockable songs, you play them on harder difficulties. As you play more songs and clear them you gain what's known as Diva Points. Diva points are the currency you can earn to unlock the aforementioned modules or costumes to dress up Miku and the others in the game. You have your tutorial which will show you the ropes on how to play the game as well as Edit Play where you can edit your own videos using a robust video editor. I would do it, but I suck at making videos.

* Diva Room is like a virtual dollhouse where you hang out with each of the Vocaloids. Let's for example hang out with Miku. She has an affinity meter that goes up every time you do something with her or to her. If you rub her head until a certain point, she'll ask to play a game of rock, paper, scissors. and look the other way. If you win her affinity to you will go up. Give her a gift as well that you use your Diva Points to buy. She likes stuff like sweets and music, maybe the occasional fatty tuna, but who doesn't like fatty tuna? Miku's room can also be customized with themes, furniture and various doodads that will unlock mini scenes that involve said doohickeys.

* Shop lets you use Diva Points to buy various modules which are fashionably doable as well as gifts for your Vocaloid of choice and many other things. The more you play the main game the more items you can purchase. They are a bit expensive though so save up enough as you can.

Gonna give Miku some fatty tuna. Girls love fatty tuna.

* Edit lets you create your own video. You can practically do anything in this mode if you have a better artistic mind to it unlike myself.

* Studio lets you watch live performances in front is a virtual leek wielding audience of nothing as you can change the camera angle of the "live" performance. Photo Studio allows you to take a look at your Vocaloid and put them in poses, but to a certain extent. If you for some desperate reason want to aim for a panty shot you get a rather amusing warning translating to simply, "Don't do that pervert!"



* Network logs you in to look at other users edited videos. You need a password for some and initially there isn't that much. You can upload yours though.

* Records show how your progress is doing. You can see how your grades are by each of the tracks you play. It includes trophies that you unlock accidentally mind you sometimes like Easily Flustered where you clear a song with 10 or more cools with the wrong button. I had a good chuckle when I unlocked that trophy. Also in Records you can see how much content you have unlocked over all and can create a nifty profile for yourself.

* Other is options where you can adjust the volume and calibrate your controller in case there's some lag in play. Project Diva F also supports 3D, but only if you have one. It's a nice feature, but again only if you have a 3D TV.

The songs are instantly catchy and easy to pick out which one you like. Here's a top 5 songs I like and dislike.

5. Weekender Girl - aka the Demo song. It's pretty flashy and nice looking. It's what got me into the game.



4. Hachi-hachi Flowery Battle of Kagamines - I know it's obvious that Rin and Len are twins, but the way they sync up together just sounds right. On top of the fact that their modules look adorable. Lastly, Len's solo on the Shamisen is really cool meshing with Rin's modern guitar brings this song to an equal harmony only brought by the twins.



3. World's End Dance Hall - This dance battle between Miku and Luka in some sexy qipaos in Chinatown. Then they dance on buses until it crashes into a dance hall and start dancing with an entourage until confetti falls down. Then you see them riding dragons. Tell me that's not awesome.



2. Acute - At first I thought to myself, "This song has an Netorare feel." Turns out I was right. Why do I like it more than World's End Fance Hall? I got my first perfect mostly, but it flows better despite the theme that I cringe at the most.



1. Senbonzakura - This is just beautiful. The way Miku's movement just ebbs and the song that flows with it just feels right. I just like this song.



Now what exactly could be wrong with this you may ask? Some people may not like the long loading delays, but they have cute fanart to look at so it evens out. Eventually some of the visuals may be too distracting when your going for Chance Time and I did end up getting distracted by part of the song and pressed the right button on the wrong button (Pressing X instead of O). I did get a trophy out of it. Each of the modules are a bit too expensive. If you were to convert Diva Points to something like Zenny, it comes out to unlocking 2 or 3 after 5 songs (30,000 Diva Points = 5000 Zenny). Also, it would be cool to get an English translation of the songs. Romaji is nice and all, but understanding what the lyrics mean is one hurdle people need to overcome and that's just not happening here. Maybe add some background info of the songs and the artist like in early installments of Dance Dance Revolution, but that would be pushing it.

Each of the songs are great, but there are some duds there. It varies if you like them or not. here are mine.

5. Nyanyanyanyanyanyanya! - File this under WTF and unexpected. The song is exactly as what you get. It's nyan nyan nyan for 3 minutes. Of course it's Miku, of course it's a staple that we all know and somehow love about her. Yes, it gave us a flying pop tart cat in space, but seriously?



4. Tokyo Teddy Bear - Don't get me wrong this is a good song, but... excuse me. There. Sorry, my Yandere alarm was going off. It's pretty brutal on harder difficulties. Sure you can argue that the hardcore rock is Rin's Raison D'etre, but it's off-putting to me.



3. Rin-chan Now! - Ironically enough I got a perfect on this even though it made no sense. It's all about what Miku and Luka want to do to poor Rin. Plus, if you say it fast it sounds like Pizza Hut. Now I'm hungry.



2. Summer Idol - Beach themed, not my thing. But you get to see Miku and Rin in striped and polka dot bikinis so that's always good.



1. Ashes to Ashes - Nothing against Kaito, he's really cool. However, this just doesn't gel right with me. It wouldn't be the gothic setting that shows hollow out Vocaloid dolls, it just goes everywhere.



Again, this is all based on your tastes.

Project Diva F offers a robust, fun and enjoyable experience that even newcomers to Vocaloid, partially like myself can find something to like. You grow to like each of the Vocaloids even though they aren't real. It's kind of funny how that works. Hatsune Miku Project Diva F is out now and available everywhere. Thanks for actually listening to your consumers Sega. Pick up a copy from here. You can thank me later.

Yes, yes, I have to add a leekspin whenever Miku is involved. It's practically second nature. Here.