http://www.consolegold.com/Reviews/review/428.html

You might find it useful.

Thanks for the review.  I'll be picking up the X-Box version, so I'm not worried too much about the control scheme.  I thought the X-Box controls worked pretty well for the original game.

Huh, my wallet is rather thankful then.  The only game that interests me in the near future is Fable, and it's only $30.  

I'm very exicted at the possibilites of this. Just gotta get the creative software developers to make the most of it.

And therein lies the problem.  How many developers are going to be willing to develop a truly unique game solely for a platform that (most likely) will have the lowest user base?  In the current gaming world of 'more of the same is the only thing that makes money', will anyone be willing to take that risk?  

If the Revolution proves to be the catalyst that forces a change, I'm all for it.  I just don't see it happening.

I went ahead and picked it up today.  Impressions after an hour or so:

-  Either takedowns are much more difficult to execute, or I haven't found the 'sweet spot' yet.  In B3, I knew exactly how to hit a car to take them down from either the side or rear, but those same spots aren't effective in B3R.  Of course, it may just be a matter of finding those spots in this version.

-  The rubberband AI hasn't seemed to be a problem yet.  That's a very good thing.

-  Hate the traffic attack mode.  Smacking into all the same-way traffic felt like Pac-Man trying to run over the dots.  Lame.

-  Vertical takedowns are sweet.  I managed to take out 2 opponents using a 'death from above' move that left all kinds of carnage in it's wake.  Neat.

-  The takedown camera sucks.  On 3 occasions during my last race, the takedown slo-mo camera swung back and put me right in front of a wall with no time to react.  Not fun.

-  Being able to run into same-way traffic takes much of the thrill out of the race.  White knuckle driving while knowing I had to avoid everyone in B3 was most of the fun.  Knowing I can slam anyone with no penalty makes the game more dull.

-  Crash mode isn't nearly as fun without all the power ups.  And the golf swing start is stupid.

I don't know yet if B3R is better or worse than B3.  I'm leaning towards worse, but I'm going to give it a few more hours tonight and see improving my takedown abilities will help the enjoyment factor.  Judgement pending...

So am I really the only one who is very disappointed that they completely took out the road rage single play events? Heck all of the single play events I mean its either you play world play or multipler. Theres no way to just randomly jump into races/road rage/crash mod by yourself just to kill time..

Anyone else upset about this? In burnout 3 after I almost completed the game and world play got boring I could just sit for hours playing single player road rage on random tracks all night. Nobody else has even mentioned this..

I was going to pick it up this afternoon, but the lack of random Road Rage events (or the lack of being able to chose any random events) is giving me pause.  BO3 reached a point where the races were simply too hard and/or frustrating for me, so I spent a ton of time doing random races, mainly road rage.  If that is not available, it is going to seriously decrease the longevity of this game for me.  

The more I think about it, the more this thing reminds me of trying to play a game like Dragon's Lair on my VCR Remote.

Heh, nice.

That video just made a bad idea look even worse.  So...apparently all we will get on the Revolution with this new controller are motion controlled games?  No thanks.

After staring at it for a few minutes, I think I put my finger on what bugs me about it that controller.  Look how far apart the A button is from the B and C.  Now imagine trying to play a fighting game with that button setup, or any game that requires quick button combos.  Yeah, I can't picture it either.  THe layout seems very counter-intuitive.  Let's face it, we've been using a similar button layout on every controller for the past 10 years, and I can't imagine that gamers will suddenly get used to three vertical buttons.  It also doesn't seem like the thing has any shoulder buttons, or am I missing something?

As always, I give Nintendo props for trying something new, but I just can't see how this controller could be functionally viable.

Uematsu isn't bad, but Yasounori Mitsuda is a far better composer (especially when it comes to game music).  Chrono Trigger & Cross, Xenogears & Xenosaga, Shadow Hearts, Tsunugai, etc.  Some of the most beautiful music (I'm talking all music, not just game soundtracks) I've ever heard.

More thoughts:

I just watched it again and I must admit that it is even better the second time through. Parts of it still make absolutely no sense, but knowing the overarching story definately helped a few things fall into place.

With this movie, Square has set an entirely new standard in computer animation. Think of the absolute best CGI you have ever seen, then realize that it pales in comparison to the detail, realism, and beauty found in this film. In some ways it's a shame that FFVII: AC isn't more accessable to the masses, because I really think people would start looking at CGI in a whole new light. It's really going to be hard to watching other animated films after seeing what Square has done here. I picked up so many details this time through that I missed the first time. The fluidity and realism of the character movements. The perfection of light, shadow, and reflection. The way characters images are skewed when seen through a certain perspective. It is simply flawless, and the artists are to be truly applauded.

Unfortunately, that if you don't have a basic knowledge of the characters, you will be completely and utterly lost. For example, Aeris is never explained, and if you don't know her significance, all of the emotional punch will be lost. Square makes the assumption that the people that will watch this will be very familiar with who the characters are and their relationships with each other, and offers very little in the way of backstory. While this will probably hurt the overall success of the film, you have to give them props for knowing their audience. Don't let it stop you from seeing it, if for no reason than for the visual spectacle of the thing. You won't regret it.

I absolutely loved Xenosaga I, but II was an absolute and complete mess.  I hope the 3rd installment can redeem it somewhat.

I just finished watching FFVII:  Advent Children, and I will say that this is nothing short of an wonderful, incredible, simply amazing movie.  I have never, and I honestly mean never, seen such a visually stunning piece of work.  Square has perfected every single detail of this film, while preserving the spirit and feel of the game.  The detail packed into every single shot completely astounded me.  If you can let yourself suspend disbelief for a couple hours, you will be witness to some of the most incredible fight and chase scenes ever to be put to any medium.  Game, film, TV...I have never seen anything like this.

Much like the game, the story is completely batshit insane.  But somehow it all just...works.  I will say that if you haven't played the game all the way through, it will make even less sense.  If I can pick a very small nit, some of the characters did seem a bit tacked on.  They all came together for a mind-boggling battle, but it did seem a bit like Square decided, "Well, we need to be sure and show Yuffie, Cid, Red XIII, et al, so let's throw them in here."  That being said, seeing the gang all together in a massive throw down brought a huge smile to my face.  When it all comes together at the end, it is a heart-wrenching moment that honestly almost brought a tear to my eye.

The music is fantastic, although most of it has been released before, either on the FFVII Piano CD, The Black Mages, or the FFVII Reunion Tracks CD.  That's nothing against it, and those who have never heard those CD's will be absolutely thrilled by it.  I absolutely love hearing 'One Winged Angel' with screaming guitars and a full orchestra, and the piano arrangements during the few quiet moments fit perfectly.

OK, enought with what probably sounds like fanboy babble.  I'll simply say this.  Square absolutely, completely, 100%, and in all other ways nailed it with FFVII:  Advent Children.  It is an absolute must see for fans of the game, and for anyone who simply wants to sit back and be amazed for a couple hours.

Ys isn't even worth $10...

I'll second that.  I absolutely hated that game.

Back on topic, Bard's Tale is certainly worth $10.  I put in about 10 hours before the frustration level got too high, but all in all it was pretty fun.  There are a few laugh-so-hard-you-fall-off-the-couch ("Oh it's bad luck to be you...") moments that are all too rare in games.

I probably wouldn't have paid much attention to this one, until I read this:

We've got twenty screenshots of a Deep Labyrinth, a first person action RPG that's a bit reminiscent of the King's Field series. This is due out for the Nintendo DS in the Spring of 06, at least in Japan. Why is this title notable? Besides having Yasunori Mitsuda (Of Chrono Trigger & Cross and Xenogears & Xenosaga fame) compose the soundtrack, Masato Kato, the scenario writer for Baten Kaitos, Xenogears, and both Chrono games is also writing the story. The title will also feature a spell casting system activated via stylus gestures; as you can see in one of the shots, the player casts a lightning spell by drawing a jagged line. Sounds like good stuff so far.

Mitsuda music and a Kato story?  That combination means it's automatically a day one purchase for me if it ever hits the US.

Screenshots are here.

My PS2 must-haves:

-  Shadow Hearts:  Covenant
-  Xenosaga (the first one was brilliant, the second was terrible)
-  Burnout 3
-  Tenchu 3

Plus a couple you already have:
-  Beyond Good & Evil
-  FFX

Damn, that training mission Wonderpug mentioned is a bitch.  I've tried it at least 4 times now, with no success.  I almost wish I got that bug so I could get past it!  

I'm having a great time with it so far, although if it gets (well, remains in my case) insanely difficult, that will kill my enjoyment pretty quickly.  Withholding verdict until I can play a bit more.

I'd be perfectly happy if they got rid of the Burning Lap and Preview Lap events.  I hated those damn things.

"He's coming for you."
In the US version of DQ8, the red slimes are now called she-slimes, so apparently they're female.  I have no idea how they check for gender with slimes, though

Lift up their skirts, duh.

Dont hurt me, but I've never played a Dragon Quest game before.

This will most likely get me beaten and shunned but...

you're not missing much

That being said, I'm intrigued enough by DQ8 that I'll probably give it a shot.

[HEATHEN!!!]

As big of an RPG as I am, I have yet to enjoy an Enix-developed game.  The Dragon Warrior games are dreadfully dull, Valkyrie Profile is not nearly as good as the rabid fans say it is, and I despised nearly everything about Star Ocean III.  So I'm sure I'll try Radiata stories eventually, but not I can find it cheap and used.

SO3 definitely sucks, but the rest of what you wrote makes you a HEATHEN!!!

Heh, so I've been told.  Different strokes and all that...

I'm one of "them".

As big of an RPG as I am, I have yet to enjoy an Enix-developed game.  The Dragon Warrior games are dreadfully dull, Valkyrie Profile is not nearly as good as the rabid fans say it is, and I despised nearly everything about Star Ocean III.  So I'm sure I'll try Radiata stories eventually, but not I can find it cheap and used.

[Medieval: Total War]

I have retail jewel case (rerelease) versions of Mafia and Age of Wonders Masters Collection (Age of Wonders and AoW2, together) up for grabs.

I'd like to claim Slave Zero from wookie007.

My copy of XIII has been claimed, so it should be taken off the list.

I was just thinking over the weekend that I wanted to give AoW2 another shot.  I'll take it if you still have it (will send PM with the address).

I'm pretty sure my Karma is +a lot (haven't been in this thread since I changed jobs and can't ship for free, so I can't quite recall ), but I'll offer up Medieval:  Total War just to be sure.

YGPM

luckily I havent seen it here yet and hopefully I wont

I don't think you've been paying enough attention.

It all depends on the connotation.  Hell, I freely admit that I am an fanboy of many things (Star Wars, Final Fantasy, my PS2, etc.), and I have no problem when other people call me on it.  However, when 'fanboy' is used to mean a rabid, seething, bile-spewing, unreasonable jerk, then it becomes a problem.

That game was great, and TCU beating OU is fantastic for the MWC.  Any time one of our teams (other than BYU, of course) can knock off a ranked opponent, I'm a happy man.  

This adds even more intrigue to the game 2 weeks from now when my Utes travel to TCU.  Both schools have this one circled as the 'make or break' game for the conference, and I think it'll be one hell of a fight.

Statement:  HK-47 is far superior to any other meatbag or other pathetic life form mentioned in this thread.

My favorite is probably Cloud (FFVII), but here's a few that haven't been mentioned:

-  Jade (Beyond Good & Evil)
-  Yuri (Shadow Hearts 1&2)
-  King of All Cosmos (Katamari Damacy)

My cousin is leaving for Iraq in 3 weeks.  I'm proud of him for going, but will be freaking out every day he's gone.  

I can play piano pretty well, drums not so well, and a little bit of guitar.  I wish I had the time and/or patience to practice more, but mostly I just dabble now.

[ton]

I really enjoyed Stella Deus.  It is basically the same team that developed Final Fantasy Tactics, and it has a very similar feel (right down to the same composer).  However, it does require a ton of power-levelling and patience to develop your characters, which I simply didn't have the time or patience for.  Many people also didn't care for the art style, but I thought it was beautiful.

I never really got into La Pucelle.  I played it right after Disgaea, and thought it was a big step backwards.

[Yossarian]

+1 to Yossarian

While FFX isn't my favorite RPG of this generation (Shadow Hearts:  Covenant takes that title), it was truly fantastic game.  I'd easily list it in my top 10 games of all time.

FFX-2, however, was an absolute travesty.  Words cannot express how much I hated that game.

[LE:]

LE:  I know, but after just a couple hours I could tell that this really isn't a game I was going to enjoy.  When you're completely losing interest - even in just the tutuorial missions - it's a pretty good indicator that it just isn't your thing.  I'd rather give it up to someone who will actually enjoy it.  

Warning:  Not too interested in that one, sorry.

Yossarian:  Someone else's PM beat you by about 15 minutes.  If that one doesn't happen, you'll have first dibs.  I'll let you know...

Raven:  Heh.  I think I've already got one of those collecting dust around here somewhere.

I don't think the game is as puzzle like as you're interpreting it as. In just about every mission you have a lot of flexibility on how to proceed. You only really need to do it a "right way" if you care about your score, or maybe on some of the pre-deployed maps.

You're right but that part doesn't really kick into until after the tutorial phase which is rather long for all three games and something Gratch might not have made it beyond.  The early missions are much more puzzle oriented because the game is trying to demonstrate a particular tactic in each case.  But yeah, the later missions (and vast majority of the game) are much, much more open ended.

You're right, I doubt I even got past the tutorial.  I put about 2-3 hours total into it.  But when I'm getting my butt kicked even on the simple tutorial missions, I'm guessing it's just not my type of game.   I'll just go back to playing FFTA again or maybe give Tactics Ogre another shot.

SOLD

Well, I tried AW DS, and I still just can't get into this series.  I think my main problem is trying to keep straight which units are best against which, and trying to figure out exactly how the developers 'want' you to beat a mission.  Maybe I'm just short on patience, but I can't see myself investing the time it takes to have any success at this game.  

Teenybop characters also bug the everliving shit out of me.  When my CO says things like, 'Word.  You got served!', that's a pretty good indication that this game just isn't for me.  

I'm putting it up in the trading forum if anybody's interested.

Wow, that just looked...awful.  Not that I was expecting Oscar-caliber, but everything about that trailer just screamed low-budget crap.

Detailed impression of Shadow Hearts 3 here .

Pretty much spot on.  The first half is pretty good, especially the part involving Al Capone, Edna, and Ricardo.  The same thing can't be said for 2nd half though.

Yikes.  Maybe I'll just replay through SH2 again instead of pining for SH3.  

I'm so torn on AW.  Normally I really enjoy TBS games, but for some reason the first one didn't really grab me.  However, it was one of 6 games I picked up when I bought my GBA, and I don't know if I really gave it a chance.  I tend to do 'game overload' when I get a new system and never really devote time to a single game.  I never tried AW2, but the DS version has me seriously tempted.  

Maybe I'll pick it up as a b-day present to myself today.

Hey, Im looking for final fantasy VII thru X-2 ringtones and wallpaper, where is a GOOD site that has like poly tones and such?


im looking desperately for this and i cant find anything

btw my carrier is...alltel

MIDI files for damn near every old video game.  I currently use the FFVII theme and a couple of the Zelda songs on mine.