Gamertell Quick Preview: Subarashiki Kono Sekai: It’s a Wonderful World
by at December 11, 2007 2:00 pm
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Subarashiki Kono Sekai: Its a Wonderful World is going to be one of those revolutionary, blockbuster titles. The game not only provides solid game play and a fresh new take on the modern day RPG, it also features phenomenal music, great graphics, engaging characters and a story that draws you in. I recently got the chance to play this Japanese gem, and I’m smitten. Square Enix has done it again.
As mentioned in an earlier Gamertell story, Neku, along with Shiki, Joshua, Beat and Rhyme, are trapped playing the Shinigami’s Game. They must accomplish certain missions throughout Shibuya, Japan, in an effort to save their lives. They each have seven days left to live.
The first thing you’re going to notice going in are the graphics. They’re edgy, urban and modern. In fact, they’re reminiscent of another Square Enix title, the PS2 game Brave Fencer Musashi. When not in battle, the top screen will either feature character portraits of people you’re talking to or the upper portion of the landscape. The bottom is a 2D side-scrolling landscape (like in the Valkyrie Profile games) with loads of fashionable NPCs and the character running through the streets of Shibuya. The characters themselves look great as well, in fact, I want clothes like Shiki and some of the female shinigami.
The next thing that grabs you is the sound. It is just phenomenal. Its all a blend of hip-hop, techno and R&B. I don’t think I have ever seen an RPG with a soundtrack like this, and I like it. It really helps set the tone for the game. It is mp3 quality and makes me want the soundtrack. I leave the DS open and running at times just so I can listen to the tracks. There is also a bit of voice acting as well, which is always a treat in a DS game.
Of course the two things which really set Its a Wonderful World apart are the means of gathering information and the battles. Let’s start with information gathering, as it redefines NPC-interaction. You can’t just randomly walk up and talk to most people. Instead, Neku concentrates to read their minds. You tap a skull badge on the bottom screen, and all of a sudden a blue light covers everyone and thoughts pop up. You read the thoughts to discover new information and quests, which then advance the story.
The battle system though is what Its a Wonderful World is rapidly becoming known for, and for good reason. It encompasses two screens. Neku fights on the bottom and his partner fights on top. At first it is incredibly awkward, trying to manage the top character’s attacks with the directional pad and Neku’s with the stylus. It does get easier though, and after a while you memorize top character inputs so you can focus on rubbing out noize on the bottom. If you don’t enter anything on top for a while, it goes into auto mode so if it is too much for you, that is always an option.
This game is going to be a treat for DS owners. In fact, it may just be the Must Buy game for 2008. I can hardly wait.
Read [IGN] Site [Subarashiki Kono Sekai]
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