The Release List 04.28.09: Super Robot Taisen OG Saga: Endless Frontier, Persona, and Velvet Assassin
Posted by Tommy Coloma on 04.28.2009
Atlus saves an otherwise dreary week with a new Super Robot Taisen SRPG and a Persona remake.
It's that time of the year when companies forget that gamers like it when there are new worthwhile games on store shelves every week, especially in the months that aren't November and December. I might have to start writing previews in this column if things get worse. Not that I'd mind...
This week's highlightsNote: Release dates are subject to change
Super Robot Taisen OG Saga: Endless Frontier (DS)
The Super Robot Taisen franchise started out on the Game Boy in 1991 and until a few years ago, all of the entries in the series have been turn-based strategy games that featured characters and mecha units from several Anime and Manga series. The games also featured storylines from said series with slight modifications to make them fit into the general storyline. As the years progressed, more shows were used, bringing their characters, mechs, and storylines into the mix. Full Metal Panic!, Gundam, Martian Successor Nadesico, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Rahxephon, and Macross are just some of the series that have made it into the games. Unfortunately, because of the licensing nightmare associated with bringing all of these series together, none of the Super Robot Taisen games saw the light of day in America. This all changed a few years ago when Atlus brought Super Robot Taisen: Original Generation and its sequel to our shores. Though they did not contain any licensed properties, the games were able to stand on their own by using original characters, mechs, and storylines as well as the same gameplay mechanics that the series was known for. Now Atlus brings us more of the good stuff in this spin-off.
Unlike the previous games which featured your typical strategy RPG gameplay elements, Endless Frontier has a more action/tactical RPG feel to it - instead of selecting only one attack at a time, you can now string a few together as long as the new combo meter is not empty. You can also switch characters in the middle of a combo in order to keep things going.
As far as story is concerned, this is not a direct sequel to the Original Generation games, so you can get along just fine without having played them (though you should try to track them down anyway since they are pretty good). KOS-MOS of Xenosaga fame is playable here, but I do not believe that knowing her whole backstory is necessary for enjoy the game either.
Here's a copy and paste of the excellent description Atlus sent out in an email a few weeks back. Innuendo? What's that? -
We like keeping you abreast of new developments in the world of Atlus, Faithful. That's why we're practically bursting at the seams to reveal Super Robot Taisen OG Saga: Endless Frontier for Nintendo DS. As a continuation of the Atlus Spoils fan appreciation program, each and every launch copy of Super Robot Taisen OG Saga: Endless Frontier will be a premium boxed release, with a bonus soundtrack CD featuring music from the game included in the final retail package. My friends, this is one stacked action RPG.
Contrasting the deep story and characterizations is the fast-paced, fighter-style combat engine. Juggling your opponent in the air, chaining together combos, using your entire party in concert... these may not be your typical RPG combat concepts, but with the quick, responsive battles in Endless Frontier, they're the name of the game. Behind the fighter mechanics are all of the nuanced RPG fixings genre fans have come to expect.
We'd like to emphasize: this game is more than just the fights. This is a fully-developed, well-rounded adventure. Journey across a variety of worlds, ranging from an apocalyptic wasteland covered with the hulks of downed spaceships, to a fantastical place of fairy tales and dark magic. Join Haken Browning: gunslinger, professional bounty hunter, and amateur ladies' man-along with his motley crew of robots, were-beasts, secret agents, and busty princesses-as they delve deep into the mysteries of how their worlds came to be and face a threat that imperils the multiverse. There's so much game here, Faithful, you may just get lower back pain from the effort!
With its unique combat and titillating story, this is one sci-fi action RPG sure to stick out this spring.
Super Robot Taisen OG Saga: Endless Frontier busts out on April 28th with an MSRP of $34.99.
Not very subtle, are they?
Persona (PSP Import)
This is a remake of Revelations: Persona, the first game in the Persona series, which originally came out in 1996. It will include, among other things, updated cutscenes, improved graphics, and a redone soundtrack by the person who worked on the original as well as P3 and P4. From the first-person dungeons, to the isometric rooms, to the ability to converse with demons for favors, it's a pretty big departure for those who've only played P3 and P4, but that shouldn't stop fans of the series from checking it out once it gets released in the US later this year.
About the US release: According to various reports, Atlus will be doing the localization from scratch. This is pretty big as the original PS1 release was notorious for being horrendously bad. With a more competant translation and the inclusion of missing features like the Snow Queen quest, this is definitely something to keep an eye on for those who have already played the original as well as those who wish to see how the series started.
the Persona trailer
the intro video
Velvet Assassin (360, PC) Velvet Assassin is a stealth action game set during World War II that features a female spy who has a thing for black leather. Lots of people are saying that this is basically Splinter Cell with a woman. Since I am not too familiar with that series, I'll have to take their word for it.
the "Cinematic" trailer
The other US releases Backyard Baseball 2010 (PS2)
Burger Island (Wii)
Crazy Chicken: Atlantis Quest (DS)
Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce (PSP)
Elite Forces: Unit 77 (DS)
Fantasy Aquarium (Wii)
My Horse and Me: Riding for Gold (Wii)
Party Pigs Farmyard Games (Wii)
Secret of Margrave Manor (PC)
X-Men Origins: Wolverine (360, DS, PC, PS2, PS3, PSP, Wii)
The Import Scene Dan-Dum: Dungeons & Dam (DS)
Dragon Ball Kai Saiyajin Laisyuu (DS)
Katekyoo Hitman Reborn! DS Fate of Heat II (DS)
Made in Ore (DS)
Minna no Doubutsuen (DS)
Naruto Shippuden: Shinobi Retsuden 3 (DS)
Tir-Na-Nog (PS2)
Daikoukai Jidai Online: Cruz del Sur (PS2)
Bamboo Blade: Sorekara no Chousen (PSP)
Final Approach 2: 1st Priority Portable (PSP)
Tir-Na-Nog (PSP)
ToraDora Portable! (PSP)
Fish Eyes Wii
Jikkyou Powerful Major League 2009 (PS2, Wii)
Mahjong Kakutou Club Wii Wi-Fi
Shikakui Atama wo Marukusuru Wii
Toeic Test: Eitango Speed Master DS
