Rule of Rose

Review by phatpat3352

Story:

This game has a very unique way of telling its story. Jennifer, the protagonist of the game, is given a story book about her at the beginning of the game. It is not yet complete; many of the pages are blank. As you progress through the game these pages are filled in. This is a very unique and creepy way of keeping track of what has transpired in the game thus far. It only keeps track of major story events but is still very unique and eerie. Also the game has pop up text windows that look like they come straight from a children's story book and tell you various things. These pop up windows tell you anything from what the item you just picked up was to describing Jennifer's current situation.

The story is mysterious to say the very least and creepy. It's dark, mysterious, and generally frightening characters and locations do well to keep you wondering what the hell is going on. The story revolves around a group of children who call themselves “The Red Crayon Aristocrats”. During the game you are basically given tasks to do by these children. If you don't do them the leader of the group treats to kill you. As you move through the game more and more Jennifer will begin to understand all the mysteries of the game. Where are the children's parents? Where are you? Why are you there? What do they want with you? How can you escape? Much more questions are revealed about Jennifer's past as well. The story is given to you in very small doses but enough to give you a craving for more.

Fun Factor:

Fun factor is the most important part of any game. From the start of the game you really get the idea that because of some very obvious errors in the games mechanics that you won't have as much fun playing this game as you would have had if those errors were not there. The controls are not perfect, in fact far from it, so that cuts into your ability to play easily and therefore makes the game less fun, at least for combat purposes.

The game runs much like the first Resident Evil or Silent Hill game. This is a good thing when it comes to fun factor. You run around looking for things to find as instructed by the “The Red Crayon Aristocrats”. “Rule of Rose” is very much a search out and find game, but all Jennifer wants to do is discovery exactly what is going on. Why is she being toyed with by these children? That is exactly how the entire game plays like. Searching dark hallways at various locations in the dark can really add to the appeal of the game. Information is given in such small doses it's hard to notice when it's given, but this only adds to your want to continue playing to find out more. It's like your personally exploring each place Jennifer goes to by yourself and has that same explorative appeal in the game.

The games level of fun does not really pick up until you get to the point in the game in which you have a dog companion join you on your quest. This occurs after the prologue of the game, which takes place in a different location than the bulk of the game does. At that point the game really picks up in fun. From that point on in the game you'll discover why this game is going to be my favorite Survival Horror game of the year. Though not much competitors out there for “Rule of Rose” it certainly would have wiped the floor with any had they come into the market. The ability to have your dog search out items for you is like having a whole new world of options open up in a game that had, up until that point, been very linier. This is a very exciting feeling, one that drives up the fun factor a tremendous amount. I remember reading about this ability in a review of the game prior to playing it and, while understanding what it was saying, I did not really get how much more fun that made the game. In that same since I know I cannot fully explain why this adds such fun to the game, it's just something you must experience on your own.

Atmosphere:

The Atmosphere is very much dark and gloomy within the game. Everything about the game has this same atmosphere. From the music in the background, to the locations that the game takes place in, this game has survival horror written all over it. I have not seen a game this dark and this gloomy in too long of a time. It helps set up the feeling of fright and mystery well. If it weren't for my being desensitized by the media at a young age I would have pissed my pants with many of the games scares; for they are cleaver and you don't see them coming.

Music / Sound:

As previously stated this games musical score, though not heavy in variety, does serve to set the dark mysterious mood well. I wish it had a bit more variety but at least it works with the game. I have seen many games that have music which does not work as well as “Rule of Rose's” does for it. Having inconsistent music, in terms of mood, in a game can ruin the experience a bit, but thankfully this game works with its music well. The sound effects are great as well. It has real sounds for the environment; meaning things sound like they would in reality. On top of that the random children giggling from what seems like nowhere is very eerie. Voices calling you from locations yet unknown, getting louder as you get nearer is also a very nice touch. I love how the sound was used for thrills and chills in the game as well as pronouncing discoveries. Other than wall collision sounds, like when you use a weapon against a wall, this games Music and Sound have almost nothing they are lacking in.

Game Play Mechanics:

This is where the game can get a bit rough around the edges. When it comes to moving you only have one option; running. This is not exactly a great touch. You'd think walking would be standard in a game this heavy in exploration as apposed to running from enemies. It feels like the game was rushed to store shelves, at least when it comes to controls.

Combat is where the game is at its worst. Horribly clumsy controls make for difficult battles with enemies that should be a piece of cake. You'll find your first battle frustrating enough, but when you encounter a group of enemies you'll wonder why Punchline, the creators of “Rule of Rose”, did not do a better job of the fighting controls. Jennifer, though she is a girl, attacks like one. She acts like swinging a weapon is horrifying all in itself. It adds to the difficulty of killing foes in a very negative way, which makes killing crowds of enemies nearly impossible without heavy damage. Her range with most of the weapons in the game is extremely short and makes for close range combat only. Close range combat in a game that has weak controls is just a not a good thing. For all of that bashing I will say that the controls are usable. It's not like you just can't do something's, because you can, it just takes a bit more effort than it should.

There is the absence of certain convenient features, like a button combo for turning around quickly. You will find yourself wishing certain control features from other games you might have played in the same genre were in this one. The controls are simple to a fault, that's it.

Graphics:

The graphics are extremely outdated as well unfortunately. Fortunately I don't feel graphics play much of an important role when it comes to what really matters in a game; fun factor. However, there are things that can be said. The graphics in this game are not quite this generation nor next. They don't utilize the Playstation 2's full capabilities and it is a shame. I love how they give the game a dingy old school film look to it but the graphics beneath it are just not up to today's par. The blood in the game is also badly done. It looks like the blood is coming from a red spray can instead of from the victim's body. The faces of the children and that of Jennifer are just not as detailed as they could have been in real time. However, the graphics are not all badly out dated; the cinema cut scenes are much more of what you would expect from today's games.

The ability to walk through your dog or enemies on the ground makes for a less real experience. So too does swinging your weapon at an enemy and watching it go through them instead of colliding with their flesh. Having half of Jennifer's body disappear inside a wall when you are near it is just plain funny. This is just pathetic in my opinion. Call me picky but I have just come to expect that those kinds of “glitches” in games were a thing of the past. I guess I was wrong. Graphically this game feels rushed to store shelves. Though it may sound like all of these graphical errors disturb me greatly, they are given a back seat to everything else that is so great about the game. The game more than makes up for its failing grade graphics.

Overall: 

This game is really on par with the first Resident Evil or Silent Hill game. Seeing as how these two games launched some of the most beloved video game series of all time, that is a really big complement to this game. If they make a series out of this game I will be the first in line pre-ordering each of the new titles. It sets the stage for what could be a really kick ass series. Keep in mind however, this review was written before I beat the game. If the ending does not allow for a sequel then I'll have to hope for a prequel with better graphics. This game deserves recognition for its high fun factor and creepy mood matching music but also bashing for its mediocre graphics and clumsy controls. This game gets an Eight Star rating.

Ratings

Gameplay....7/10

Graphics......9/10

Story...........10/10

Sound..........7/10

Cosplay

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Final Fantasy X-2 (PS2)

Review by Auron255

Since the beginning of the Final Fantasy series, there have been several changes made to the battel system, the worlds, the technology seen in the game, the time period, but never has there been such an overhaul to the Final Fantasy series, as there is in this direct sequel to FFX, Final Fantasy X-2. There are a lot of skeptics behind this game, and they all want to see it fail miserably, but let me tell you, that you have nothing to fear, because what you once thought was a cheap get rich quick scheme to rip of Charlie's Angels, it presents an interesting way to show you just how much the women Final Fantasy characters can kick as much ass the male characters.

Many people thought this game was going to ooze with cheezyness, and that the story would be uninspiring. They were wrong, partly. The game does dish out it's fair share of cheese, but it's toungue and cheek with teeny bopper mood this game sets. The story starts out with Yuna toting her new duds, which many have appropriately named, the "Yuna Raider" outfit. At first it seems out of place, but its more intertwined with the dress sphere system that you'll hear about later on. Yuna, with her Al Bhed cousin Rikku, and newcomer Paine (pronounced Pain in the NA version), are part of a Sphere hunting tribe, whom also just so happen to come across a sphere, with a static image of who she thinks is her long lost love Tidus.

This game follows the exploits of these three women, and only these tree women, as Yuna and her sidekicks go on a long journey to seek out Tidus, whom they believe is still dwelling in Spira. Its a combonation of the old plus the new, since you'll see several familiar places in this game, including some places that have been revamped since the attacks from Sin in the previous game, FFX. Wakka, Lulu, and Kimarhi all make returning cameos, and add just a little bit of FFX nostalgia and humour to the game, which lets you know it's in the same vein as FFX. You'll soon encounter Le Blanc, a woman who is part of a rival group, but is also a master at being your personal rival, who you will fight several times. Also, you'll come across new friends, new enemies, and the return of the Dark Aeons is rather brooding. As you progress, the story gets suprisingly deep, since you wouldn't expect so much from a game with an up beat feel to it.

When FFX was released, it took full advantage of the PS2's emotion engine, and sported some of the best graphics the console has seen since its release. Theres no doubt that the game was beautiful to look at, and instead of pre-rendered backgrounds, they were full-on 3-D, which added a certain flare that wasn't present in any other FF games.

The graphics of FFX-2 present a similar feel to the graphics engine presented in FFX. Though subtle, I have noticed several spots in this game where the graphics have been improved. There are less jagged models for the in-battle, and out-of-battle scenes, and have been greatly polished for those great cut-scenes. One thing that was noticeable in FFX, was that in some parts of the game, during cut-scenes, the character model would studder for some unknown reason, but don't worry, that has all been fixed, and there is no more shaking. Even though there are better in game graphics for a few different games (this does not mean that FFX-2's are without merit), but the FMV's of this game are top notch, and second to none. Square Enix has always been on top of producing the highest quality games out there, and for some reason, they have yet to be bested in the FMV department for any game to date. The overall look of this game is dazzling and exciting, and its only amplified by the snazzy dress spheres you can wear, as well as their respective special attacks. Superb visuals make this game one of the best looking out there.
 

The game play style is similar to FFX, only it involves a few more actions this time around. This time you can run and jump, and climb, rather than the taste preferential travel and explore methods employed in FFX. The gameplay is mission based, which is a first for a Final Fantasy game, and each is rated in difficulty according to the Story level you are on. The story level goes from 1 - 5, 1 meaning easy, and 5 meaning the most challenging parts of the game. You can chose freely from a selection of missions, and you given the opprotunity to play these missions right from the beginning of the game in the airship dubbed the Celsius. If at all you think a mission based RPG won't work, give this a try. I thought the same thing at first, but it becomes an aquired taste, and you eventually stop thinking about the mission orientation, and begin thinking about the story, and the dress spheres.

What are Dress Spheres you ask? Well, the Dress system is one of the most intuitive parts of this game. You can chose and earn different garment grids, that add more slots and different shape orientation to place your Spheres. You earn these spheres by completing different missions and requirements through out the entire game. These different Dress Spheres each come with their own set of special abilites, and you earn new abilites by using a certain Dress Sphere more often. A few examples of the Dress Spheres are Theif, Songstress, Dark Knight, Gambler, Gunner, Dark Gunner, White Mage, Black Mage and the Ultra powerful secret Dress Spheres (no spoilers, sorry)! 

The experience and level system is back, and most welcome, since FFX drew away from the norm. Most people were fine with the Sphere Grid system, and it worked quite well, but I think one of the reasons that lead back to the experience and level system, (as well as the Active Time Battle) is to add some spice to the gameplay, since Square Enix wouldn't want gamers to become board and think its just a cheap spin-off of FFX. Some call it a spin-off, but its much more than that. Its so unique, and feels so much like the mainstream Final Fantasy's, that it can only be called a Sequel.

Square Enix does it again with a great musical..."score". This time around, the majority of the music is based off of popular J-pop music, but in a way, it feels all too familiar when you actually play the game, and see how it actually fits with the games up-beat mood. No Final Fantasy game would be complete without an orchestral score, and FFX-2 is no exception. There is a good amount of orchestrated works in this game, they just aren't as promenant as in the other Final Fantasy's. Orchestral music is the best type of music to put into a videogame in my humble opinon, as you can acheive almost any sound of any genre of music with normal symphonic musical intruments. This is where FFX-2 scores in the audio department. Some of the "pop" songs you hear, will actually be orchestrated works, it just doesn't sound much like it sue to the theme of the music. Synthesized tunes, with Orchestrated Scores, give this game a far superior soundtrack to most other games on the market.

The sound effects are spot on...as if they ever weren't. All abilites, spells, and Voice overs work perfectly, and theres a little bit more syncopation with the dialogue and the Japanese mouth movements. Nothing more can be said about the sound of most all Final Fantasy games, except that its aural bliss.Like any normal FF game, there are a plethora of secret places to visit, and secret items to obtain, and perhaps a few dress spheres you've missed along the way, taken that you don't use a strategy guide on your first playthrough. This is all good, and a key factor in the desire to replay each individual FF game, but this time around, you can start a New Game after completing it once, with most of the items and equipment you finished the game with.

A very welcome addition to a Final Fantasty, as nothing has been done like it, which also contributes to FFX-2's originality factor. Some people might disagree and say there is little reason to play this game again because there aren't any unlockable features or what have you, but to the truest of Final Fantasy fans, we know that FF isn't about having tons of unlockable features, its about being drawn into the universe that Square Enix has created, and its no different this time around.

For those who really enjoy playing their Final Fantasies through and through, you'll be very happy to hear that there are multiple endings (3 so far to my knowledge), not to mention several optional bosses and side-quests.

Square Enix hits another Grand Slam with Final Fantasy X-2. There is no question in my mind that this game will be many people's choice as favourite game of 2003. There is just too much in this game to miss. I can assure you that all the negeative stereotypes applied to this game are false, and this game is truly another work of art. It makes one wonder, can Square Enix make a bad game? They can take the simplest of ideas, or even the worst of stereotypes, and can turn them into something so remarkable, and something so beautiful and magnificent (not to mention empowering to the female gamer population). If you love Final Fantasy, I'm sure you'll fall in love with FFX-2, its original, easy on the eyes, fun to play, intuitive game design, and remarkably well performed in the music department. Theres a first time for everything, and this game sets the record. First female lead character, first direct sequel, first mission based FF, and most important of all, first game to make some male FF gamers go gaga! As disturbing as it sounds, for some people its true.

Ratings

Gameplay... 9/10

Graphics.....8/10

Story...........10/10

Sound.........10/10

Cosplay

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