Sexy preview for sexy people.

Well, seeing as I've been a member of this lovely site for a while now, I decided to make a nice theme for those interested. Demon's Souls immediately came to mind, as I have seen no evidence of any form of a theme for this game.

It took me a while to to make this, and I put a lot of effort into it. I used a shield for the background of the icons, and had to mess with the color scheme to make it fit. I then had to scour around and find the default PS3 icons, and applied a gloss filter on them. While it sounds simple, it actually took quite a few hours to make it. I stayed up until 3 AM to get this sucker done, and it was worth it. This will not be the only theme I will make, and there's a thread in the forums where you can request for me to make you a theme. Think of this as an announcement, sort of.

Here's the link to the theme (instructions are in the ZIP file). If you don't have an archiver, then go get Filzip, as it is free to download and can unzip quite a few file types.

So, what do you think of it?


Just how sexy can I possibly be?

Looky here, another theme. Yep, it's a simple Braid theme, but it does look pretty nice. I did this one for Gatsby, and couldn't really find any inspiration. So, I just did some searching (looking for icons), and found them on a nice site. It really came together quite well.

So, yeah, I'm awesome. Here's the link

Well, TewDee is a bit busy today, so I decided I'd take over his duty for him (with his permission, of course). I'm a bit new to stuff like this, so excuse me if I seem inexperienced. I suppose I can put some music up to listen to (Tewdee does), but my tastes are a bit odd. Hope you like my choice.


So, Here's the schedule for today:

BlazBlue 8 PM EST


So, it seems we're starting off with some BlazBlue this time. Celis777 (that's his PSN) might be doing the hosting, but I am unsure. He might be busy. If not, feel free to start a room up and invite some Dtoiders.

KoF XII 9 PM EST


Not sure who's hosting this one, so any offers would be cool. I'll edit you in if you do. Haven't played this game, so I can't say anything about it. I hear it's decent, though.

Street Fighter 2 HD Remix 10 PM EST


Another supposedly good fighting game. It may be a tad late, but I hope you guys can show up for this. Again, if any one can host, tell me. Or, just make a room and invite people.

Marvel vs Capcom 2 11 PM EST


And, ending the night, is some good old MvC 2. It's a pretty solid game, so long as you don't mind the broken-ness. Hell, that's probably why it's so fun. Hope we can get a showing, as last week had no one show up.

That's about it.

I'm gonna do something a little different here, and give you my impressions on a game that's from Square Enix. Consider it one of the few exceptions to my "do not cover big brand name games" rule (technically, it's a "do not review blockbuster games" rule). Said game is Dissidia, and I'm gonna give you a few good reasons to take a look at this game.



(The game demo has an arcade mode and 5 playable characters. As such, I am judging this game by what I have access to. That said, it is not a review, but an impressions piece)

First off, the gameplay of Dissidia is one of the more unique and engaging aspects of the game. Movement is not confined to 2 dimensions, and your character can fully explore the 3D environments (which look great, but that's for later). You attack with square (HP) and circle (Brave), jump with X, and triangle is for running up walls, grinding rails. You lock on with the L trigger, and use the R trigger to guard. Pressing R and triangle allows you to dash, while using R and X allows you to dodge. Also, there are two types of attacks in the game: Brave and HP. Brave attacks allow you to reduce enemies' brave (their attack strength) and add to your own. If the enemy runs out of Brave, they enter "break' status, and are very vulnerable. HP attacks use your brave rating to deal actual damage to your enemies. It's a really fun, and fast system that allows for strategies to be formulated on the fly. To say it's addicting is an understatement.


The visuals are pretty impressive.

Also, you collect little "particles" that fill up your "ex gauge" (an Ex symbol will appear on stage at certain times, and can help fill it up). Once full, press R and square to initiate your Ex mode. Depending on your character, some attacks will change or link together. You also get to use ultimate attacks by using an HP attack. Each ultimate is unique to a character, and their input styles are similar to that of the games they star in (like using onion knights by selecting throw command, and choosing shuriken).

The graphics are, for the most part, impressive for something on a handheld. Character models are well detailed, and the environments are beautiful (and, to a good extent, destructible). Characters move gracefully, and are well animated. Special effects are particularly impressive.


Ex burst moves are elaborate and satisfying.

The game has some great songs from previous Final Fantasy games, and the choice for their voice actors seem spot on. Of course, since this is a demo, only some of the game's songs are able to be heard. The dub can't really be judged yet, as you will only hear battle grunts and taunts.

In other good news, the game is being rebalanced and will have new moves and cutscenes (for the American release source).

In summation, this is a great demo. It gives plenty of content for a measly 78(ish) megabytes. It's definitely worth a look.

I know that the Sonic franchise has not been doing too well. It seems that many of its 3D games get a lot of flak, and the games are generally not reviewed well. The problems seem to range from bad gameplay, horrible stories, adding terrible characters, and bad voice acting. It's unfortunate that, with all the hate, people forget that there is at least one good 3D Sonic game produced this generation. And its name is Sonic and the Secret Rings.



Developer: Sonic Team
Publisher: Sega
Genre: Action/Adventure
Year: 2007

The story starts off with Sonic encountering the genie Shara. It seems that her world (which is contained with in the Arabian Nights book Sonic just finished reading) is getting erased by an evil genie called the Erazor Djinn. Not too long after entering the world, Sonic gets shot near the heart with an enchanted arrow by Erazor. Sonic must now collect seven World Rings, or his life is forfeit. The story itself is told as if someone is narrating a book. It's not particularly great, but it is passable.The only problem is that the characters are largely annoying, with the only bearable one being Shara (she does get annoying sometimes).


The levels look really nice.

Gameplay wise, Sonic and the Secret rings manages to capture the feeling of speed that his 2D games had, to an extent. You'll often find yourself speeding through levels, utilizing the rails and even enemy placement to progress even faster. Sonic moves forward on his own, and you can tilt the Wiimote left and right to control which side he moves. You can also make him jump with the 2 button, and make him stop with the 1 button. Sonic also has a homing attack, which is done by "pushing" the Wiimote forward during a jump. Up and Down on the D-pad allows Sonic to access to his Speed Break (increased speed) and Time Break (which slows down time). Speed/Time Break require a full Soul Guage to use, which will inevitably fill up as you go through a level. While this allows for easy play, sometimes you'll wish you controlled his forward movement. God help you if you need to head backwards, as the camera is always behind Sonic, and makes it hard to see if you are going towards a hazard.

The levels themselves tend to have multiple missions, with various objectives. The first mission of a level is just to make it to the end. After that, you have various missions that range from a timed run through, to collect a certain amount of rings, to even boss encounters. While they aren't particularly impressive, there is a bit of variety to keep boredom from setting in.


The floating ruins level not only looks great, but has a killer BGM.

As you progress through the game, Sonic will gain experience and level up. As you level up, you get access to more and more skills to set on him, and these will give him various passive bonuses. These can range from a speed increase, to chaining homing attacks together. Skills can be equipped before every mission, and there are skill rings that allow you to have a preset skill set so you don't have to go looking through the list after every mission.

Sonic also manages to have some really nice graphics. The textures used look eally nice, and they certainly did not skimp on the presentation. Level are large, detailed, and very "busy". One noteworthy level is composed of ruins floating through the air on a bunch of manta ray like creatures' backs. It is a beautiful level, and a personal favorite of mine.


You'll often find yourself blazing through the levels.

Sonic doesn't fare quite as well in the audio department, but that doesn't mean it is bad. Most of the songs are pretty good, and fit very well in the level they are presented in. Voice acting, on the other hand, is pretty bad. Many characters have pretty annoying voices, with Sonic and Shara being the only ones that are bearable (it seems the guy playing Sonic gets a bit better after every game. But he is still nowhere near good).

In terms of length and extra content, Sonic fare decently. There is a multiplayer party mode you can access, and can be played with Gamecube controllers. It's a decent distraction, but it won't hold your attention for long. The single player element, fortunately, is pretty long and can hold your interest for quite a while.

In the end, Sonic and the Secret Rings manages to be a solid, and fun entry in the franchise. While not perfect, it's strong points manage to easily eclipse its weaknesses. It is proof that there is hope for the Sonic franchise, and is definitely worth a purchase.

My rating:
8.5/10

Knights in the Nightmare is one of the latest offerings from Atlus and Sting. While many games stick to established formulas, KitN tries something new. It combines elements from strategy RPGs and Bullet Hell games, making for a truly unique (and somewhat confusing) battle system. So, what did I think? Did it succeed in being entertaining in its attempt at being different? The short answer is yes. For the long version, you’ll have to read my review.


Developer: Sting
Publisher: Atlus
Genre: SRPG

The story puts you in the place of a wisp, with no memories of what it once was. All you have is your desire to go to Aventheim, a castle that has fallen to monsters and traitors. Along your way, you’ll meet up with the mysterious maiden that set you free. Much of the story is told through flashbacks, which detail the events that led up to Aventheim’s current state. Death is common place, and not even the innocent are spared this fate. Many of your enemies are not as they seem, with some you’ll end up sympathizing with, while you’ll despise the others. There are plenty of twist and surprises in the plot, and it never gets boring. The only problem is that it constantly shifts from the past to the present.

The gameplay is the major draw here. The battles are fast, and you end up feeling really involved in the fighting. The game itself isn’t turn based in the traditional sense. You are given 60 seconds each turn, and it is used up by ordering attacks and getting hit by enemy attacks. Before the battle, and after each turn, you are allowed to swap out units and items (up to 4). In battle, you control the wisp (which acts as a cursor), and must issue orders to your knights. This is done by hovering the wisp over the knight, and charging an attack. Enemies attack in the form of bullets that appear on screen, or will attack your units (though this happens less often). You must maneuver the wisps around these bullets, or else you will end up losing precious time. You must also worry about MP (as it is needed to preform skills). You get more by attacking enemies and collecting the little crystals that scatter as a result. The screen can get a little cluttered at times, and you can end up selecting units by accident. Thankfully, the developers foresaw this and added an “escape mode”. Basically, you press the L button to reduce the “damage” the wisp receives and makes it so you are not able to select units. also of note is the inclusion of a really helpful tutorial mode, which clears many things up.


The story unfolds in a slow, but thoughtful, pace.

Knights have a certain amount of vitality, which is used up when attacking and when they are attacked. If a knight runs out, they are gone forever. This can be replenished in a couple of ways. One is to level up knights using accrued experience points (knights do not gain experience points from killing enemies. Instead, it is all stored up and distributed by you). Another is to use the Transoul option (which kills one knight to boost the vitality and stats of another).

Another important aspect is the items and their units. Items can be found by breaking objects and by killing enemies. Most of the items you get will be weapons, which you give to a knight by dragging it to a knight (so long as it is the proper level and class). Weapons have only a certain number of turns to be used in battle before they disappear. Weapons are also important because they are the main way you will be dealing damage (as normal attacks are pitifully weak). There are also key items, which are used to recruit new knights.


It is important to keep the level layout in mind.

One thing you must always keep in consideration is the fact that not all knights can move. The only ones that can are duelists (only two directions), mounted knights (all directions), and the armored maiden (all directions). Also, most units can only face two directions. This aspect really makes you consider where you must place units in order to effectively complete each map.

Another factor to consider is the current phase the battlefield is in. There are two phases, Law and Chaos (which are changed by swiping the symbol on the right of the screen). Knights’ strength is determined by the phase they are in (some are strong in Law, others in Chaos). The phase also determines which weapons you can use (some can be used in any phase, though). Changing laws is also important in managing your MP.

Along with a great battle system, Knights in the Nightmare also looks great. Sprites are very well detailed (especially bosses). The animations and skill effects look great, and are very fluid. The game also sports great artwork, with each portrait looking distinct from the others. The environments also look great.


Weapons have two different skills, and are necessary for beating enemies.

Along with looking great, KitN also manages to have a great soundtrack. The songs rang from sad to frantic. There are a lot of battle themes, and each boss has a unique track to accompany it. The voice acting (which is English, but done by Japanese actors) is what you’d expect. It only plays during battles, and is relegated to single lines.

The game is about 20 hours in length, but has a fair bit of replayability. There are two routes (the second is unlocked after beating the game, and then selecting continue), and around 4 endings. There are also 4 difficulty modes to play through. You can also find yourself playing through the game multiple times to get all of the knights. Also, you can get a secret character by inserting Yggdra Union in the GBA slot of the DS.

In conclusion, Knights of the Nightmare is a refreshing and unique take on the SRPG genre. It manages to combine multiple genres together successfully to create a fast paced and involving game. It has a few problems here and there, but they are very minor when compared to its strong points. If you are are looking for something new and refreshing, or like the SRPG genre, then this is the game for you. It’s a fantastically fun, and refreshingly new experience that should not be missed.

My Score:
9/10

I just recently picked up Knights in the Nightmare, and felt I should give you a bit of my impressions. I figured you guys should know how it plays, as there is quite a bit of confusion regarding the gameplay. I'll also give you my opinion on the artbook and music CD, for those who care. Here are my thoughts (as of now).

The Game

The most confusing aspect of the game has to be the battle system. You control a wisp (it acts as a curser). You have a time guage that decreases as you give orders and if your wisp is hit with one of the enemies' projectiles. You also have MP which is used for item skills, and is regained from gems the enemies drop when hit (you move the wisp over them to regain MP). Gems will get more scarce as the fog lifts, and this is rectified by switching phases (Law and Chaos). There is a lot to keep track of, and you have to stay on your toes if you want to make the best of your turns. Fortunately, everything comes second nature once you get the hang of it.

There is a leveling option on the main menu (so you can fight and gain exp without losing vitality. Awesome). It really helps,especially if you like a unit and do not want to make them lose vitality (if they reach 0, they die). You can go back to any level you've beaten before, and it also lets you get new items. It is a great option, seriously.

The game also has a tutorial mode, for those who think they need more clarification. The tutorials themselves are very informative, and even demonstrate some of the more confusing aspects. I suggest everyone starts off in this mode, as skipping it may cause people to get lost in the complex battle system.

The music is fantastic, and each track fits in with the overall atmosphere. There are quite a bit of tracks (more on this later), and no song sounds too alike (I don't want to make this too long, so that's all I'll say for now).

The sprites are really well made, and animations are pretty fluid so far. The special effects also look really good. One of the best looking DS games to date IMO.

There's much more, but this is just a basic impressions. You can expect to hear more in my review, but I must say that the game is really good so far.

The Artbook

In all honesty, this is probably one of the best preorder artbooks I've ever seen. The book is about 8 x 11 in size, and is about as thick as an game case. There is a lot of information about the characters, some of their history, and the process of their creation. There are plenty of great sketches, and I'm really digging the style.

The Music CD

The CD has 39 tracks, and most are 1-2 minutes long. The songs themselves are great, with plenty of variety. There are quite a few battle tracks on the CD, and the rest are various other themes. I'm really loving it so far, and I gotta give Atlus props for fitting so many songs on the disc.

Overall, the entire package is easily worth the money spent (so far, at least). I'll be sure to get to a review soon. Until then, you'll just have to stick with my impressions, I suppose. Anything you guys would like to ask(regarding mechanics or the bonus stuff)? Also, I've got a spare artbook. Anyone interested?