Idea Factory

So Much to Not Like, and Yet...

HIGH "Crap. I thought NIS America's plan was to keep that fourth wall up."

LOW Forgetting the skill commands for a new character so she can't do anything during a battle.

WTF Licking "nubile maidens" who are, like, seven years old? Robot-dude, I think this game's M rating is mostly your fault.

More than Just Eye Candy

HIGH Gorgeous illustrations and plenty of heartthrobs for all persuasions.

LOW A little lacking in the romance department for an otome game.

WTF Since when did Hijikata of the Shinsengumi swear like a sailor?

The Console Wars Get Literal

HIGH The satirical cameos by unnamed game stars.

LOW Waiting for a minute for my hammer to recharge.

WTF Seeing the bruised heroine treated with "bondages" (not a typo!)

Hoarding: Netheruniverse Edition

HIGH Engaging and seldom-tedious role-playing game combat.

LOW Being buried alive under an avalanche of loot.

WTF An extended debate over whether yelling the name of a special attack increases its effectiveness.

Game Description: In the vein of "Cross Edge", Trinity Universe combines the Atelier and Disgaea universes into a massive RPG mashup.Two different scenarios. A "Goddess" side featuring Gust characters and a "Demon Lord" scenario with NIS stars. The first time popular Disgaea characters Etna, Flonne and Prinny are presented in full 3D. Fully customize your character and weapons. Depending on how you decorate it the ability and strength will change. Combat skills are assigned to three different action buttons. Input a set sequence to deal more damage. Magic blasts, weapon strikes, and ground shaking blows can be performed by one champion or by the entire team. Time is also an important element in Trinity Universe. Players have to destroy a gravitation field and escape a dungeon before time runs out.

Pretty Girls and Mechs? Not as Awesome as it Sounds

HIGH: The dating simulation "Adventure Mode."

LOW: Long battles, followed by even longer boss fights, without a break. (Or a save point).

WTF: The dating simulation is the high point. In a game about giant mech fighting.

Game Description: Sakura Wars: So Long My Love is a single player strategy role-playing game (SRPG) and the first game in the popular Japanese Sakura Wars franchise to be released in North America. The game features both an exciting and fast-paced mech/air battle system and a unique, sim-based storyline. This in-depth storyline allows for character interaction that plays a major role in the progression of game action as interactions with various characters in the game can ultimately change the story content and even the final outcome.

David and Goliath: The Collectible Card Game

HIGH Overcoming (seemingly) impossible opponents with superior strategy.

LOW Rebuilding my deck from scratch to pass one particular battle.

WTF So I'm earning "earn"?