My Gaming Memories - Nintendo 64

 

Back in mid-80's to early 90's where Nintendo had dominated the gaming industries with the success of their home system as well as the handheld portable. 

The consoles such as NES, SNES, and GB had gained so much popularity at worldwide thanks to numerous of killer libraries, innovation, price launch, and fanbases that made Nintendo became one of the top dog of gaming company until the new rivalry such as SONY had finally kills off the competition with the Playstation in mid-90s.

At the times before the Playstation, Sony and Nintendo had agreed working together to develop the CD add-ons for SNES to compete with their rivalry such as SEGA's own CD add-ons for SEGA Genesis/MD which is SEGA CD (A.K.A Mega CD in EU and JP), but until Nintendo had changed it mind by making an partnership with Philips, who is a main competitor to SONY, to produce their game titles for the console such as Philips CD-i which led the betrayal on SONY weren't happy with the decision from Nintendo which is the reason why SONY had left the production of SNES's CD based add-ons as cancellation to create their own video game system which is a Playstation leaving Nintendo in panic mode that struggles to create their own CD based console, unlike their competitor such as SONY Playstation and SEGA Saturn which is a 32-bit consoles heavily focuses on the CD-ROM based format as well as 3D based titles including various of arcade ports and AAA exclusive titles. 

While on the development of the Nintendo's own 64-bit system which is a Nintendo 64, their decision is to stick with the cartridge based system as opposed to CD-ROM based, and it is one of the first home console being produced by Silicon Graphics, Inc for its software development kit rendering the 3D technology being developed for the system. 

It is also added some features on the system such as 4 controller ports as opposed to 2 for bigger and wider multiplayer modes, and the expansion pak, a RAM memory add-ons which produces 8MB of console's RAM give the system the advantage of greater visuals and higher resolution.

The N64 had introduced their own unique controller fully designed for the 3D titles such as mostly 3D platformers, First-Person Shooters, and Action-Adventures that utilizes the 3D analog stick resulting the smoother and response 360 degrees controls as opposed to fixed-traditional Digital Pad.

It had shared with their own accessories designed for N64 controllers such as Memory Pak which is save function slot, Rumble Pak is a feedback vibration designed for some games, and Transfer Pak  which give ability to transfer data between N64 games and Game Boy games.

Nintendo 64 was widely positive upon the release for sharing with many acclaimed titles such as Banjo-Kazooie, Mario Kart 64, F-Zero X, Turok: Dinosaur Hunter, Conker's Bad Fur Day, Goldeneye 007, Perfect Dark, Starfox 64, Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Super Mario 64 which made Nintendo 64 being the second most recognised video game consoles of 5th generation era behind SONY Playstation still remains as number 1 top-selling system. 

I decided to share my gaming nostalgia to discuss my experiences on games console that I've still own as today such as the games that I remember playing back then as a child and does it defines my childhood memories, so these are the stuff that I like to talk about my history of owning the video game system as well as collecting many libraries of games.

So without go further do here is my gaming memories on Nintendo 64. 

My Gaming Memories - Nintendo 64:

In around year 1997 when I had SEGA Saturn at the time as a child, I remember being into the electronic shop with my brother, so I've discovered the new Nintendo system that had me attention where I saw one of the N64's kiosk previewing a 3D platformer game such as Super Mario 64 which is highly one of the most popular N64 title of launch release at the time. 

I was begging my brother to get me a new Nintendo console, but the issue is that he cannot afford the console yet due to his shortages of money savings till he secretly decides to trade my SEGA Saturn with the Nintendo 64 around in winter holiday without my knowing while I'm at school.   

After I came back from school around 6 hours later, I went straight into the front room and discovered that my SEGA Saturn had missing and asked my brother what has happened while I'm in school? so he said everything to me what has happened the day he took my Saturn away and I got really upset after hearing from him just to tease me on purpose, but he also give me a good news that he bought a N64 as my Christmas gift bundled with Super Mario 64 which is the reason why he did that for me.

As my brother and sister watches me playing a new 64-bit system, I had a go with the Super Mario 64 as one of my very first N64 game to experience a new adventures of Mario in free-roaming 3D platformer. You play as a plumber hero named Mario sets his quest to save his damsel in distress Princess Peach again from Koopa King himself Bowser, so your goal is to collect many stars as possible by completing several of tasks to gain access to the next locations as well as defeating King Bowser at very end.

It is one of the first Mario game being played on the 3D perspective, making it a departure of traditional 2D side-scrolling from previous game. 

Mario has ability to perform many manoeuvring that requires to use these moves to reach a higher up areas like triple jump, dash jump, and wall jumps which is very useful for some bigger variety levels, thanks to N64's analog controller making the full use of 3D stick is really shows that it plays so flawlessly for 3D games like this on N64.

What makes the game quite recognisable are a lot of fun gameplay segments such as battling with bosses, race against koopa, saving baby blue penguin, puzzle solving, reaching higher up castle, collecting all 8 red coins, and discovering hidden secrets which is the reason why it labelled the game as not just being the N64's highly acclaimed and best-seller title ever upon the release, but also being the most influential video games that defines the 3D platform experience.

I really enjoyed playing Super Mario 64 entirely which my siblings and I had spent playing for hours of fun wondering around the levels and searching for stars is quite straightforward and easy to get into with this kind of game that I fell in love with the 3D platform genres.

A week after I had the N64, my cousin came to visit my house as I introduced him with the Nintendo's new console, but as my cousin at the time was an hardcore SEGA fan he doesn't mind trying out with the newer Nintendo consoles as he previously enjoys my SNES as much I've enjoyed his SEGA Genesis/MD, so me and my cousin began to play Super Mario 64 and he was amazed to see a Mario game being in 3D platforming adventure.

In about 6 months later after owning the N64, my brother and I went to local rental store to rent the game that he gonna choose the game for me to try out on N64. 

I had a go with the Blast Corps which is a strange over-the-top action game developed by a same team behind their successful titles such as Donkey Kong Country and Killer Instinct on SNES, and Goldeneye 007 on N64.

You take control of player uses the destructible vehicles to take down buildings to prevent nuclear missile carrier from destroying the entire city. 

It has over 50 mission levels in single-player action and 8 demolition vehicles to demolish things such as bulldozer, rams, dump truck drifts, buggy, robot mechs and others.

It's a solid experience that is so different from any of action games on N64, so it focuses on mostly a puzzle-style campaign than focusing on the action-combat as a core gameplay which is quite an interesting concept to make the game look more original, but it gets quite repetitive very quickly due to repeated mission objectives and the controls takes sometime to get used with it which requires practice, but overall it's a fun blasting title that I actually had fun playing for hours.

He also rented the copy of Turok: Dinosaur Hunter for N64 which is one of the groundbreaking title that had caught my attention. It's the FPS game with dinosaurs mixes with run-n-gun action and open-world exploration where you take control of Native American warrior named Turok set his quest to stop the evil campaigner from conquering the universe with an ancient and powerful weapon.

It is so different from any of FPS games like Doom and Quake which is more of the traditional FPS game, so unlike Turok which is more non-linear approach which is reason why the gaming magazines labelled the game as one of the greatest FPS title which was credited for its open environment graphics and the evolution of the genre, as well as being praised for its combat gameplay, open-world level design, and focusing on the exploration which led into being one of the most popular games for the Nintendo console on the release.

 

In around between summer and autumn season of year 1998, my brother bought me a copy of Yoshi's Story which is a 2D platformer game for N64. As my sister and I previously enjoyed Yoshi's Island on SNES, we are looking forward playing another Yoshi's title stars your favourite cuddly dinosaur himself set his adventure along with his friends to retain a happy fruit tree back from that little brat himself Bowser. Jr who has taken their happy stuff away, so your goal is to beat the stage by eating all the missing fruits as opposed to reach at the finishing goal line. 

It's one of the Yoshi's first title on N64 still retains the 2D perspective similar to previous Yoshi's title on SNES rather than the 3D perspective like Super Mario 64, but however it's more heavily focuses on puzzle-oriented which is different from being the traditional 2D platforming style.

This game really puts a smile on my face as a child when it's comes with the cuteness of lovable characters, crafty art-style design, and sound designs is what I find the game appeals to me the most, but I don't understand the disapproval from gaming press finding the game disappointing for its lower difficulty, short-length play, and lack of originally compared with the predecessor for SNES, so to me the game aren't bad as many think which I had the reason to like this type of game that is appeals to younger players.

After I had a ton of fun playing Yoshi's Story over 3 weeks, my brother had secretly trade my game with the copy of Goldeneye 007 while I'm at in school without knowing what my brother been up to again, so after I came back to school I head straight through to front room to play N64, but I've notice that the copy of Yoshi's Story wasn't on the TV cabinet which took me awhile to find the game till my brother came in the front room and said to me that he purposely swapped it with the Goldeneye 007, so I got really upset big time that he did it just to tease me again especially I know nothing about the game based off the film he bought it for N64 because I've never watched any of James Bond films before.

He said that he wanted me to give the game a go on the N64, so I did play the game for an hour which took me a week to get used with the game.

It is a Rareware's FPS game based on the film in same name where you take control of British agent James Bond set out his mission to prevent a criminal syndicate from using satellite weapon against London to cause a global financial meltdown.       

The game has received critical reception from the gaming magazines labelled it as the greatest console-only FPS game of all-time and had commercial success worldwide has sold over 8 million copies making it N64's 3rd best-selling game, as well as being credited for pioneering features such as atmospheric single-player missions, stealth elements, innovative gameplay depth and variety, and console's multiplayer mode making it a huge departure of traditional Doom-like approach to more realistic style of FPS genres. 

I had a blast of playing Goldeneye 007 especially with my brother and cousins during the deathmatch mode which is addicting and over-the-top arena-style multiplayer that we couldn't stop shooting at each other for hours of laugh and joy. 

While the local split-screen multiplayer is addictive and fun to play, I also enjoyed the single-player campaign that is so different from any of shooters, so instead of collecting keys and head to the exit like Id's Software Doom and Quake, you had to follow the to-do's list objectives to complete the mission which in fact I like the idea of having a different playstyle of FPS game from bungee jump to destroying gas tanks and escaping from archives to rode on military tank is what made Goldeneye 007 so recognisable.

It is becoming one of my favourite shooters of N64 library as well as being my all-time top favourite FPS games that has inspired many game developers to create their later own successful FPS franchises such as Bungie's Halo, EA's Medal of Honor and Battlefield, and Activision's Call of Duty which is the reason why many had labelled Goldeneye 007 as one of the most important game for FPS genre. 

In the year 1999, my brother had bought something different for N64. As I never actually watched any of the wrestling program at the time before year later, but one of the game that caught my attention was WCW vs NWO: Revenge which is a 3D wrestling game exclusively on N64 based from TV program called World Championship Wrestling.

I overheard the game was being popular on the N64 which they labelled it as one of the best wrestling games on the system by gaming press as well as being a best-selling wresting game for the N64 console.                          

It's one of the game made various of improvement from the predecessor's WCW vs NWO: World Tour which adds wrestler ring entrances, customisable outfits, new gameplay mechanics with combo system and more grappling moves, actual arenas such as Monday Night Nitro and Starrcade, new championship mode, and added new rosters such as Bret Hitman Hart, Bill Goldberg, British Bulldog, Brian Adams, Chris Jericho, and Fit Finlay, while retaining the previous roster such as Hollywood Hogan (A.K.A Hulk Hogan), Kevin Nash, Chris Benoit, The Giant (currently known as Big Show for later WWF/WWE era), and Dimond Dallas Page. 

It took me awhile to get used with the fighting controls such as figuring out how to pull off grappling moves and striking, as well as picking up objects, entering ring, sprinting, and pinning and submitting opponent is what wrestling game is all about. 

I remember the day when my brother and cousins had their moment playing this kinds of game which has the awesome local matches such as single match, handicap match, tag-team match, and of course 40-mens battle royale is what kept us playing all day which proves WCW vs NWO Revenge on the N64 is by far one of my favourite wrestling game of all-time.

In month later, my brother and I headed to local rental store to rent the N64 game that many people had considered the title as the most revolutionary game that defines not only the genre itself, but changed gaming industries which is the Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, an Open-World Action-Adventure by Nintendo themselves where you take control of the Hylian's favourite hero named Link set his quest to save his homeland and rescuing Princess Zelda from the wicked villain Ganondorf.

Unlike any of previous Zelda games which is top-down 2D perspective, this game is a 3D open-world perspective that has a large environmental areas to explore and visit places, so your main goal is to complete the tasks throughout the game such as the dungeon levels and bosses. What really adds the game that is so new to the series is that Link has ability to travel freely between the two time periods of light and dark, he can acquire to ride on horse named Epona that allows him to travel faster as well as attacking while riding is restricted to bow and arrows, and using the musical item known as the ocarina which requires to learn the melodies that allow him to solve music-based puzzles and teleport to previously visited locations.

The game itself has critically praised for its many side-quests, large open-world environments, cinematic design, combat system, puzzles and action, and epic bosses which became one of the most acclaimed video game title ever made had gained many awards by gaming press and had commercial performance worldwide.

I actually liked this type of game that given me a freedom to wonder around the levels, fighting off those foes, collecting rupees, entering dungeons, obtaining new items, and discovering hidden secrets had captured my gaming nostalgia.

In the year 2001 at the time when I still had the SEGA Dreamcast for months, there are a last two games that I ever rented from the local rental store which was released before the end of the N64's lifecycle, so I played Paper Mario which is a colourful-RPGs title where you take control of Mario yet again to rescue Princess Peach from Evil Bowser, who has imprisoned the 7 stars spirits causing the castle to float up in sky and steals the star rod from star haven making himself invincible. 

I have never seen any of Mario game receive an RPGs title as a kid which is entirely a new thing for the franchise, so it involves Mario and number of partners to solve the puzzles in the game's overworld and defeat enemies in a turn-based battle system.

I got to say the game is pretty straightforward RPGs with simplistic battle gameplay are easier to navigate commands and the graphics are made of papers with cartoony visuals and colourful environments adding the game's appeals.

Then I also played Conker's Bad Fur Day which is a 3D platformer created by a same developers who previously worked on N64 titles like Banjo-Kazooie, Goldeneye 007, and Perfect Dark. 

As a kid at the time, it's kinda strange when I looked at the age rating system on front of the game's cartridge which are aimed for mature audiences, so how can a cute and adorable squirrel turned into a foul-mouthed character since his first appearance in Diddy Kong Racing for N64 as well as Conker's Pocket Tales for GBC. 

I began to play the game on my N64 to see how the game went, so it started out quite normal at the beginning of the game where you take control of hard-drinking red squirrel Conker finding his way to return home to his girlfriend Berri, but until the rest of the whole game went full on edgier content such as the use of explicit language, toilet humour, and graphical violence which I did not expect this was being included on the Nintendo console which is meant for younger children, but not anymore because I have seen games like South Park did a same thing on N64 way ahead before this title.

To be honest that didn't bother me as a child because I finding the game quite entertaining for comedic sense of humour and funny-ass characters that really builds up the story development and I also enjoyed really cool segments in the game such as evading wasps while carrying beehive, force feeding stinky-ass rat with alive cheese, bull fight scene, throwing a toilet roll into a big opera-singing pile of shit called great mighty poo, and it has an awesome pop-culture parodies from the likes of The Matrix, A Clockwork Orange, Aliens, and Monty Python's series that really adds the game's appeal to those who enjoys TV show like South Park will appreciate this type of game.

To conclude my story, the Nintendo 64 is a remarkable gaming system that brings my moment of my nostalgia hood from 3D platforming adventures to over-the-top FPS action, then from wrestling brawling fighting game to open-world action-adventures is what made my childhood so great back then.

Despite my loss of SEGA Saturn been taken away at the time before I finally retained it back in long years later, I did not regret having N64 as a replacement from Saturn which kinda makes sense that the library on N64 is doing somewhat better for its the varieties of 3rd party games and plenty AAA exclusives which is the reason why N64 had sold slightly better than SEGA could do with the Saturn for lacking AAA Sonic games and limited 3rd party support, but don't get me wrong I still loved the Saturn for its great arcade ports and some decent exclusives that are introduced for SEGA's 32-bit console.        

Going back to Nintendo 64, the games are very known for pushing the single-player and local multiplayer into boundaries like Goldeneye 007, Perfect Dark, WCW vs NWO Revenge, International Superstar Soccer 64, Mario Party, Mario Kart 64, F-Zero X, Super Smash Bros, Super Mario 64, The Legend of Zelda; Ocarina of Time, Banjo-Kazooie, Starfox 64, and Turok: Dinosaur Hunter that defines the N64 legacy.

N64 has fair shares with interesting video game accessories such as memory pak which stores save data as opposed to built-in save battery, rumble pak is designed for types of game that uses vibration feedback for gameplay purposes, transfer pak that allow you to transfer data from GBC to N64 for extra features, and expansion pak that allow N64 runs on hi-res screen or the game that are required to run such as Perfect Dark, Donkey Kong 64, and The Legend of Zelda: Majora Mask which adds the innovation for the system at the time.  

I do really love the controller which introduces the additional C-buttons, Z digital-trigger, and 3D analog stick which brings the new ways of playstyle for several of the games that has 360-degrees movement, camera system, and other commands which many gaming media labelled it as one of the most influential video game controller at the time until the PS1's Dualshock controller does it better job than the N64 controller itself thanks to dual-stick controls.

While it is not as good compared with SONY's own machine PS1 when it comes with better libraries of JRPGs, Survival Horror, Sports, Fighting Games, Racing, and Stealth-Action that led PS1 still remains a top-selling system of 5th generation era.

What SONY did a right with their PS1 is focusing on CD-based system which is easier for developers to fit a chunks of game data on whole disk as opposed to N64 cartridge being restricted with limited amount of memory which is expensive to produce whereas the CD-ROM is much cheaper to produce with 700MB which is the reason why most developer teams had preferred the PS1 over the N64 for the game's development cycle.   

The N64 really missed out the features such as FMV cutscenes and MP3 format music that likely gonna affect some game's overall for N64 like having a small libraries of licensed soundtrack on Tony Hawk's Pro Skater, relying on MIDI music format and in-game slide presentation on Mortal Kombat Trilogy, and altered content on Spider-Man which replaces pre-rendered cutscenes with captioned freeze-frames comic book style and fewer voice clips which proves that the PS1 version has the advantages than the N64 version had to offer.

It's a shame that the N64 had missed out the bigger title like Final Fantasy VII was previously in development for the Nintendo console, but due to N64's restricted storage size which led Square decided to transfer the game into the PS1 instead which makes the first Final Fantasy game ever released on Playstation console, since their previous titles being on SNES and NES, gaining a worldwide commercial success as system best-seller and received critical praise as the landmark game of RPGs genres which the Playstation has beaten their competition against Nintendo who has already lost the support from one of the best 3rd party developers behind their RPGs titles since the SNES and NES era.  

Look how well Capcom had bought Resident Evil 2 to N64 proves that they managed to cram 700MB of data from PS1 Disk into the 64MB of N64 cartridge with compressed FMV cutscenes and audios, running on hi-res as opposed to PS1, and packed of content which is a faithful port of the original game making it the most technically impressive title for Nintendo console that is harder to develop.

The interesting history about Nintendo's own 64-bit system is that they had additional system's addons called Nintendo 64DD which was only released at Japan in holiday 1999, so it is basically a disk drive system that plugs into the N64's system extension port adding more data storage, persistent game design, and audio library for further storage efficiency which allows game developer to create movies, characters, and animations for new genres of games and applications, as well as online services based on Randnet network for online gaming and media sharing. 

Unfortunately it went commercially failure at the release which sold 15,000 units in Japan leading into a system's discontinuation in 2001 causing many 64DD games to be released on traditional N64 cartridges, some being ported to other consoles, or it's likely being cancelled during development due to poor sales of add-on hardware.

It's one of the system's add-ons that never officially released at worldwide leaving the 64DD hardware being stuck in Japan with only 10 official games, so it's a shame that I will never being able to see a system's add-on for N64 at light of the day because it did had the potential to innovate a new technology for gaming consoles.               

Nintendo 64 is a great video game system that I had experienced playing a numerous of N64 libraries which has fun and addicting multiplayer matches, adventurous single-player campaign, and tons of replay values that are worth playing again to revisit my gaming nostalgia.    

In nowadays, I began starting to collect more N64 games on my collection such as Turok: Dinosaur Hunter, Blast Corps, and Perfect Dark that are worth revisiting my childhood games again since my old days and I am very glad that I still own the copy of Yoshi's Story back in my teen days which proves that I've been missing the game so much as a child back then.        

Then I finally grab a copy of games like Operation Winback, Hybrid Heaven, and Mischief Makers are the N64's hidden gems titles that are worth checking it out.

I will never forget my childhood moments of remembering the days when me, my siblings and cousins had our good times of playing Goldeneye 007, Quake 2, Snowboard Kids, and WCW vs NWO: Revenge which is the reason why N64 had the best multiplayer titles on the system.                          

I'm kinda feel annoyed when N64 games are becoming valuable especially Conker's Bad Fur Day is one of the game that I wanted to add on my collection, but it's difficult to find it cheaper online which cost more than £100 making it the rarest game of N64 library, unless you can find the cheap reproduction copy through Ebay and Aliexpress site, or get it physically or digitally for the XBONE under the Rare Replay, a video game compilation that has 30 original classic games by Rare.

That being said, I love the system as much as the SNES, so that is Nintendo 64 everyone, now you're playing with the ultra 64 power.   

 

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Ratchet and Clank PS4 (Digital) Review

 

Ratchet and Clank is a mix of 3D action-platformer and third-person shooter only for PS4, which was developed by Insomniac Games, and published by SONY Interactive Entertainment. It is a re-imaging of the first game in the series, as well as being based on the 2016 film of the same name by Rainmaker Entertainment (now Mainframe Studios) and Blockade Entertainment. 

To keep you in mind before reviewing this game, I had a difficulties to get into with this series since I've played R&C Tools of Destruction on PS3 and R&C Size Matters on PS Vita as digital PSP copy (via PS Store) which are these two games that I never being able to complete it, but that doesn't mean it's anything bad because I heard this series are overwhelmingly positive for its clever-puzzle solving, various of engaging weapons upgrades, fun platforming sections, exploration, and has great single-player action that made the series so recognisable on SONY platforms.

I decided to give this series a second try with the Ratchet and Clank for PS4 which I had this digital copy for free from PS Store thanks to Playstation's Play at Home Initiative program who has previously given a two giveaways games like Uncharted: Nathan Drake Collection and Journey last year.

So I've finally beaten this game for a week and I got to say I kinda liked it so far because it's one of my first Ratchet and Clank title that I have completed it.

This game does have a positive parts that made this game worth playing, while I will discuss some of the negative things in further review.

So without go further do, let's start the review.

Presentation

While the game was based on the 2016's movie, the game sets in planet Veldin as it focuses on young Lombax named Ratchet, who works at the mechanic, had his dreams of joining the Galactic Rangers, but unfortunately after he passes the test he was then quickly being rejected by Captain Qwark due to his criminal past.

Then Ratchet had discovered the crashed ship and rescued a defective warbot named Clank, who managed to escape from factory on planet Quartu, as he explains to Ratchet that he needs to warn the Galactic Rangers of dangerous plans made by Alonzo Drek, a chairman who works at the construction factory of a mechanical army built by an evil scientist Dr. Nefarious.

So Ratchet had agreed to join Clank as a new partner throughout the adventure to stop the Drek from destroying the planets.

To be quite honest with the story in the game which is based on the film, I finding it quite below the average which I got to say that it's not fully terrible but it's just not sounds great in my opinion. 

The only good part in the game is that it did had a sense of humour lines which is entertaining for young viewers, but I find the rest of the story dialogue throughout the game is somewhat a bit under-developed when it's comes with the story-written plot which doesn't do anything to impress me, but like I said it's fine with the younger audience may seem to like this stuff. 

Aside with the story, I really liked the cast of characters in the game such as Ratchet is just the lombax welding with the wrenches and kicking all robots asses which made him quite memorable, and you have little robot friend Clank who is intelligent and clever with the puzzle-investigation as well as helping with the partner throughout missions which I quite liked him a lot. 

Then you had one silly side-character like Captain Qwark which kinda looks like Mr Incredible from Pixar's film The Incredibles wore Daffy Duck's Duck Dodgers costumes from Looney Tunes, yeah judging with his bulky design.

He one of the dumbasses who pretending to be like a superhero just for attracting attention to people in order to gain money and publicity which sounds like a jerk moves, but he's not always being a horrible person as he seems much nicer with Ratchet.

There are some support characters like Agnogg Buckwash, Plumber, Skidd McMarx, Cora Veralux and rest others are just the people who needed their help from Ratchet and Clank throughout the story missions.

The game also shared with great villains such as Chairman Alonzo Drek is more of being the dictator than just the chairman who are aiming to create his new homeworld by creating his space station that could destroy planets with deadly powerful laser as well as sending his forces to gather pieces from other planets and use them for his new homeplanet known as New Quartu.

Then you have big bulky robot lieutenant Victor Von Ion who is a chairman's bodyguard and served as Clank's archenemy when Clank had becoming one of the defect of all warbots which led Drek instructed Victor to destroy him before he escapes the planet.

Lastly Dr Nefarious is one of the series's original villain who is vile and evil big headed robot-scientist has a distinct hatred against humanity and plotting to rule the galaxy which you will see able to see him quite soon sometime throughout the game.  

I honestly to say that I liked their production values for its aesthetics cinematic design which is almost like watching Pixar's films during the cutscenes seems to be quite look amazing for the Playstation platform. The CGIs and animations throughout the sequences is pretty gorgeous which I'm quite surprised the animation team behind the 2016's film did a tremendous job of capturing these cinematic assets in both film and video games.

The presentation looks fantastic in each planets such as Veldin which is rocky-like wasteland full of scrapyard and garage, Novalis is a spring forrest places with cave tunnels filled with neon-light and waterfall, Kerwan is sorta city like centre with many tall buildings and flying transport, Rilgar is the place where the racing event took place, Gaspar is a tiny islands filled with lakes of lava and stations, Batalia takes place in icy battle fort, and others locations which is colourful and sharp looking details the game has to offer making it the most appealing designs they ever produced for the whole series.

Overall, it suffers with the average storylines, but has lovable characters, aesthetics cinematic design, and fantastic presentation settings.

Gameplay

You take control of Ratchet in third-person perspective with the mix of open-world platforming and shooting action elements, so you will have the list of the story missions as well as optional side-mission on the map menu where your goal is to complete all missions throughout the game which leads you to the next planet.

Using the left stick to move Ratchet while right stick is to move camera system around, so you use wrench as a basic melee weapon to attack on enemies by thrown or swung at them as well as destroying boxes packs with bolts and it is also serves as tool to turning bolt cranks and picking up objects. 

You will gain a new weapon are made available by completing missions or buying them through a weapon vendor which requires numerous of bolts as a currency to spend.

You will start off with combuster which is a balanced blaster weapon, fusion grenade works effectively with impact damage and area of effect by throwing at the enemies, pyrocitor is a flamethrower had short range but high rate of fire works better for smaller enemies, predator launcher is a homing weapon with multi-lock on system allowing you to release 4 missiles, proton drum is a orb launcher which launches metallic ball on grounds or wall creates large portion area of shockwaves damaging enemies, plasma striker is a sniper works better effectively in long-range shots provides critical hit damage, pixelizer is a 8-bit shotgun are short-ranged but deals heavy damage turns enemies into 8-bit pixelated, warmonger is a rocket launcher which fires 2 rockets per shot, groovitron is a disco ball that plays disco music that makes enemies dance along for distraction till it expires, Mr. Zurkon is just the assisting attack drone that zaps his laser, sheepinator is a laser weapon that zaps enemies turned into sheeps, buzz blades shoots out with multiple sharp-blade disc, bouncer fires with large bomb with smaller bomblets, glove of doom acts as kamikaze explosives allowing you to run towards an enemy, and R.Y.N.O fires up to a 9 powerful missiles per launch.

The game also has several of gadgets that can be used for platforming segments such as grind boots which allows you to ride on rails, heli-pack that can be used for glide and jump high to reach inaccessible areas, hydro-pack allows you to dive under the water but be vary to keep an eye with the oxygen level, hydrodisplacer is a water draining equipment that drains and fills pools of water, magneboots allows you to walk across the traverse magnetic surfaces, swingbot allows you to latch and swing as grapple hook to reach across gaps, jetpack allows you to fly around the area which requires fuel from fuelling stations, and trespasser are used for hacking devices to unlock blocked doors.      

You also get to play as Clank which is more puzzle-based focused as oppose to combat and platforming segment like Ratchet. 

He has ability to punch at enemies, but rather than defeating enemies he must solve the puzzle aspects in the game such as using gadget bots to create bridges which allowing him to get across the gap, spring makes him jump high to reach higher platform, and using power to activate generators.    

Aside with these weapons and gadgets, the missions has the list of objectives that you will need to complete which can be marked on the map screen. It involves stuff like destroying the battleships, disable the security system, escaping the sewers, finding someone to help you repair your ship, get to the HQ, investigating the factory, locating the gadget, meeting up with the rangers, trade 20 brains for an infobot, and defeating bosses, while it also has optional side-missions like collecting all holocards, winning the hoverboard race cup, and searching for hidden treasure. 

Once you've completed some of the objectives which leads you to unlocking a new planet for newer objectives so you can able to travel there with the ship to select any of these planet to visit.                  

I got to say the combat in the game are pretty good for its range and firing rates so my favourite weapon to use mostly is pixelizer that turns enemies into chunk of pixels which is fantastic, the predator launcher did had a great lock-on system which is easier to target at the enemies but I much preferred with warmonger which benefits a heavy impact damage, and the buzz blade which shoots multiple sharp discs which kinda worked pretty well.

There are couple of the weapons that I find it hilarious which is groovitron and sheepinator are the funniest part of the game.

I wasn't the fan with the Mr. Zurkon as a drone assistant which is slow and doesn't do any of damage are by far the weakest of all combat weapons.  

The rest of the gadgets such as jetpack, heli-pack, grind boots, and swingbot in the game are actually pretty cool for most part which is great for platforming segments so I really like stuff like riding on the rails, gliding in the air, swinging forward and backwards, and jumping up high.

My favourite part on the Ratchet's mission is riding on the warship similar to Nintendo's Starfox or Factor 5's Star Wars: Rogue Squadron where you need to take down many of the enemies ship as possible which I finding it quite entertaining to play and I also liked the stealth segment where you need to use device to disguise as Captain Qwark to avoid getting contact by securities. 

I got to say that I've enjoyed the hoverboard race competition throughout the 3 cup race which is really fun to play these kinds of mini-games.  

I also enjoyed the Clank's puzzle-investigation which I liked the ideas of using these gadgets bots that allow me to get across the gaps with bridges, activating power generators, and reaching up high platforms with spring jump that encouraging me to find the way of unlocking the blocked doors. 

The game does have an amazing boss battles where you need to fight off against the boss which requires tactics such as memorising their attacking patterns before you had a chance to attacking them in right timing which adds the fun factor of the game.

While everything is positive so far, I do find the game kinda lacked innovation which is too similar to the previous Ratchet and Clank titles so I fully acknowledge the PS2 games like Going Commando and Up Your Arsenal has already introduced new mechanics like weapon upgrades and new control system in the past, but I don't see this game add anything new to this installiment besides it uses the similar assets as the R&C's PS3 titles for its controls and combat, but honestly its more playable than the first original PS2 title when it comes with making an decent remakes.                  

Overall, it has good combat system, cool gadgets, and enjoyable single-player mission.

Graphics

The graphics is looking excellent on the PS4 hardware. I was so impressed to see the developers had managed to make one of the top-quality design of all Ratchet and Clank series featuring bright lighting effects, polish details of foregrounds and backgrounds environments, colourful surfaces, and smooth character animation are looking so amazing on both in-game cutscenes and open-world areas.

Speaking of open-worlds areas, the game itself has large portion of areas which resulting an ambitious exploration of big cities, massive junkyards, inside cave tunnels, outside stations, and factory that you can roam around the levels is so much beautiful to look at in the game.

I see no signs of screen tearing and major drawbacks on these particular design that they made the game look and feel astonishing for the Playstation platform, and the game has locked on 30 fps which I don't see the severe slowdowns during the gameplay which is good so far. 

Overall, it has bright lighting effects, polish details of foregrounds and backgrounds environments, colourful surfaces, and smooth character animation.

Music and Sounds

The game does have an solid original soundtrack is more like a movie-like orchestral with Pixar style vibes feel to it which really fits nicely to the game itself increasing the game's atmospheres. Rather than re-arranging the 2002's soundtrack from the PS2 which has more cartoony sounds, the composer Michael Bross wanted to create his music feels more cinematic which I kinda liked it a lot, yeah that just my opinion. 

The sound design is pretty good for its environmental noise and ambient effects in some areas and the voice cast did a decent job on their role in the game delivers their character's personality and humour throughout the game. 

Overall, it has solid soundtrack, good sound design, and decent voice roles.

Special Features

The game does have an unlockable modes called challenge mode which is more of new game plus featuring most items including all weapons are carried through, but it also raises the game's difficulty making it more tougher than ever.

There are several collectibles are present in the game such as holocards which provide information about the world, and gold bolts which unlock aesthetical extras such as cheats and misc.

Overall, a cool content.

Advantages

Fantastic presentation settings

Aesthetics cinematic design

Good combat system and cool gadgets 

Enjoyable single-player mission 

Excellent graphics design

Solid soundtrack

                        

Disadvantages

Average storylines

Lack of innovation 

Final Verdict

Presentation 7.5/10 - average storylines, but has lovable characters, aesthetics cinematic design, and fantastic presentation settings.

Gameplay 8/10 - good combat system, cool gadgets, and enjoyable single-player mission.

Graphics 9/10 - bright lighting effects, polish details of foregrounds and backgrounds environments, colourful surfaces, and smooth character animation.

Music and Sounds 8/10 - solid soundtrack, good sound design, and decent voice roles.

Special Features 7.5/10 - unlockable contents and collectables cards.

Overall 8/10 - It took me awhile to get used with the Ratchet and Clank series, this game is definitely a solid overall experience that I never regret playing it on my PS4. The game filed with great single-player campaign, clever use of combat and gadgets, has the mix of action and puzzles segments, memorable duos, and entertaining boss battles is what made me enjoy the game itself.

Although it could have been done it a bit better when its comes with the mediocrity of storyplot and has not enough innovative doesn't mean it drags out the fun factor of the game itself does has the charm to appeal younger audiences. 

I say this game is pretty good especially I've claimed this game for free (via PS Store) thanks to Playstation's Play at Home Initiative program, so grab it while you can till it expires on next month, but incase it's expired the original price is not that expensive to pick up and play which is worth getting it for less than £12.

I say this is must play for all casuals and the fans of the series, so I'm hoping for the another sequel in sometime future such as R&C Rift Apart for PS5. 

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The Surge 2 PS4 Review

 

The Surge 2 is a Action-RPGs games for PS4, XBONE, and PC, which was developed by Deck13 Interactive and published by Focus Home Interactive, and it is a sequel to 2017's title The Surge.

Around year and the half, I already covered The Surge for my PS4 which I described it as Dark Souls styled Dystopian Sci-Fi title which is a decent Action-RPGs that I have praised it for its 30 hours length, solid combat, satisfying boss battles, and exploration, but except the weak story and characters that felt bland and uninteresting that needs to be addressed for the future installiment.

So then I finally had another go with the sequel which I am expecting the improvements from the original including larger open-world exploration with alternative paths, make different choices which will affect the game's world and story, larger variety of combat styles with the introduction of 5 weapon types, and allowing players to create their own customizable characters.

After spending over 25 hours of whole single-player campaign, I had to say this is actually a better sequel that had addressed the faults of the original game such as the storyline itself are slightly more interesting in the sequel than the first game, but not quite perfect which I will explain it further on this review.

I will also discuss the pros and cons of this game such as combat system, open-world design, objectives, and boss battles during this review to show if this game is worthy enough to pick up and play.

So without go further do, let's start the review.

Presentation

The game takes place after the event of the first game as it sets in dystopian future where humans have exhausted the world's resources causing strained social service and environmental diseases which leads the extinction of mankinds.

You have unnamed protagonist who is befriends a young girl named Athena Guttenberg, the granddaughter of CREO founder Jonah Guttenberg, went abroad an airplane till the rocket collides with the plane which releases its nanite payload which severely damages the craft, causing it to crash on the outskirts of Jericho City.

After the terrible plane crash, you are being woken up in a prison medical facility where you set off to search for Athena, as well as learning the conflict with the A.I.D. disaster relief unit and the Children of the Spark led by Matriarch Celeste, a cult leader who plotting to use an experimental source power known as nanites to harm the human race as well as the machines.

The story in the game is rather bit better, but not the best so far in my opinion. What made the story got it right is that it focuses on unnamed warrior uncovering the Athena's recent memories which involves how she was being infected with nanite that leads the members of the A.I.D units went after her for experiment which I think it made the story in the game quite little bit better than what I've expected from the game.

Then you have a former protagonist Warren Garcia from the first game which I never been fond on this character as much, but instead he just one of the NPCs came to help unnamed warrior as a masked man seeking the truth behind the actions of A.I.D.

I got to be honest with the villains in the game such as Little Johnny is a big fat maniac, who is drug-addict, went quite aggressively ballistic during the boss fight, and then you have Brother Eli, a prophet and heir to the Spark, who followed a same plot as his mother Celeste tends to destroy humanity by obtaining the powerful sources that allowed them to corrupt the city and turning machines into hostile, so these villains are actually quite better than the ones from the original which is a not bad attempt by developers themselves trying to make it look more acceptable in game.

Speaking of acceptable, the character's customisation is pretty good which gives you an option to change your choice of preferences such as male or female appearances, types of facials, types and colours of hairs and eyes, and personal outfits which I got to say its pretty good for the genres that gives you a choice to create and design your own playable character.   

As much I liked the Dystopian Sci-Fi settings, the city of Jericho is massively larger than the first game filled with broken buildings, wrecked cars, remote controlled drones, security zones area, and no entry bridges, as well as many locations such as dance clubs, metro station, forrest, power station, police station, and undergrounds which I got to say it's pretty neat looking environmental design.

The weapons and enemies in the game is just as good like from the originals which I am very glad that the developer team did a fine job of putting more efforts in the game.  

It had robots, droids, security experts, heavy armored units, and super-powered sparks units, while the weapons concepts like blades, hammers, twin-rigged, and heavy-duties is what made the concept design looked appealing in the game.

Overall, it has fair story, okay characters, cool character's customisation, and solid presentation design.

Gameplay

You take control of unnamed player in Souls-like RPGs perspective, while it has Metroidvania style exploration which has large open-world levels to explore as well as requiring the quest item to open up blocked areas that leads to new locations. Your goal is to head at the main destination while it progressed though the story as you are being required to upgrading your abilities and weapons in order to survive the battles against the enemies.

You have an bar screen at the bottom screen which indicates player's health, stamina, and energy, so the health is actually your player's condition which keeps you alive, the stamina actually effects on sprinting, dodging and attacking which tells you that you may ran out breath for overdoing your actions, and finally the energy are used for implants items and drone attack which can only increased by attacking enemies further.

You can able to walk, sprint, and jump through the areas, while locking on the enemies during the fight which I think its easier to direct focused on the enemies keeping the camera system intact nicely. You can also switch target between the enemies nearby are also really helps me to lock on another types of enemy that I wanted to fight on.

You have two types of attacks such as horizontal and vertical attacks which are used for damaging enemy depending what types of weapon you used in the game and you can also avoid enemy's attack by pressing the dodge button for evading and using block button to prevent getting damaged by their projectiles as well as parrying which also defecting their incoming projectiles.

It came with 9 different types of weapons has some advantages and disadvantages depending how much impact damage or speed contains with such as twin-rigged provides speed attacks and balanced stamina, one-handed is short range with well-balanced attributes, staves has long range and well-rounded, heavy-duty are slow and wide but deals high amount of damage, punching gloves are quick but has weak attack, hammers are heavy and slow provides high impact attack, spears are long and quick attack, double-duty are dual welding weapons, and single-rigged attacks deals fair amount of damage. 

It will takes sometime to get used with these kinds of combat weapons once you're able to master these weapon well during the combat fight against bad guys. You can also perform an finishing moves by holding the action button while the enemy runs on low health causing to dismantle enemy's armour parts by targeting on their body parts such as arms, legs, body, and head as you can keep them for the workshop which I will explain it for later.

Then you have these types of drones modules such as sniper which deals long-range damage, flamethrower that burst the enemies with fire, turret is a self-machine that automatically shoots, grenades that can explodes them, and of course spray can which allows you to spray stuff on walls.   

On the workshop room which acts as a auto-save checkpoints, this will allow you to craft and upgrade your weapons and armours which requires both components and tech points.

You will need wrecked armour parts to convert into the certain components and you can also gained tech points by defeating enemy or destroying consumables which you can store them safe fully on workshop's tech bank, but be careful if you getting killed by foes your tech points drops on same location as where you die so you had to retrieve it back to get all remaining tech points, but if you die again then your tech points item will disappear meaning you will lose all remaining currencies.

Spending on these tech points along with required components helps you upgrade your armours which improves your player's defense to reduce damage, as well as choice of weapons that increases amount of impact damages resulting heavy kills on enemies easier. 

Then you have the core power are also effect on equipping armours and implants items which requires enough core power to use these depending what your core power level you're on, so you can upgrade them from the workshop which adds enough core capacity levels to fit your enhancements.

The implants items are quite useful which can be located on different rooms of the areas, so you will have health capacity, stamina reducer, energy saver, and etc. which really improves your player's overall performance making more stronger and tougher. These injectables items may come in handy during the in-game battle such as restoring health, increasing defense and stamina, and removing poisonous are also located somewhere in the levels.

There are a required quest items that leads you to new paths such as ID card to unlock security doors, travel hook that you can attach into ropes allowing you to travel through the next area, and you may also need EMP disabler that allow you to disable mechanism such as unlocking doors or activate stuff, and finally the one of the ability that attached into your attributes allowing you to break through blocked paths made of sparks using your own weapon.

What I've notice in the game is that the whole level environments seems to be much larger than the original which is the reason why this game takes place in city rather than the factory which gives us a more freedom and choices to explore around the areas such as finding hidden secrets, discovering un-visited places, collecting randomised items, and best of all is the alternative paths where you can make decisions may affect the world and story with two or more different routes which I got to say it's a well-made game's design filled with many interesting objectives and replayability.

Then again, I did mention two annoying things from the first game such as lack of the map screen from the pause menu and keep losing all scraps after two deaths are still present on this game, so it looks like the developer team hasn't learned it from the first game to resolve the issue, oh well. 

The combat system feels much fluid and more impact than the first game thanks to 5 addition types of weapons feels nicely balanced and responsive making it easier to fight against many foes. 

As I liked the customisable controls from the option menu may benefit to those who aren't really used with the default settings like mostly from From Software's Dark Souls series, I also noticed that the game had added two customisable functions for sprinting, jumping, and evading, so I am glad that I don't have to press left stick for jumping like from the first game so I can have all 3 actions on the X button instead which is much easier to use.         

The objectives is mostly good in the game which mixes with all mains and side-quests as well as fighting with the tough bad guys are harder to beat but also adds the fun factor of the game itself which I am glad they tweaked the enemy's A.I to make it feel more intelligential and responsive. I had to give the game credit for having the most satisfying boss battles that the sequel had done it right for being tactical and challenging which I am impressed with the game's overall.   

Overall, it has larger open-world design, fluid combat system, has alternative paths, and satisfying bosses.

Graphics

The graphics in the game is just like from the originals but larger than you're expected such as environmental design on mostly level locations which they did a good job of expanding the open-world size of the Jericho city, and I also liked the details on objects like trees, waterfall, rocks and large buildings seems to be quite impressive to look at.

The visuals design seems to be look good for its lighting effects and background draw-distances which is fine, but it does have an minor loading textures when loading the game up or exiting the medbay menu causing the blurs textures that only lasted for 10 seconds which is not an serious issue.

The game does have graphics options which gives you an option to change motion blurs, bloom effects, camera shake system, brightness levels, and other configuration that might help you change for your preferred video settings. 

The character's animation is pretty good in the game especially with their A.I feels much more natural during the combat and I got to love the gory effects on the game where the player chops off the enemy's body parts in slow motion which is kinda cool to watch them torn apart while running on slow speed sequence.

            

Overall, it has amazing environmental design, great visuals, good character's animation, and cool gory effects.

Music and Sounds

The soundtrack is mostly great with more of industrial sci-fi feel that fits perfectly well for most of the locations as well as in-game boss battle, and I am glad it has an easter egg soundtrack from the first game at one of the medbay such as the song called Prisoner made by Stumfol.

The sound effects is pretty good for its background noises and some environmental sounds inside the building is quite an atmospheric in the game, while I also liked the battle screaming from the human enemies is quite insane during the battle.

The voice acting in the game is slightly little bit better than the first ones, but not the best so far in my opinion because some of the NPCs sounded like they trying so hard to be like professionals while the others including villains are sounded just about right for their roles which is okay at best.

Overall, it has great soundtrack, decent sound design, and okayish voice acting. 

Special Features

The game does feature new game plus that adds the game's replay value, and it also has DLC expansion called The Kraken which includes a new location with 3 quests as well as new story, weapons, enemies, armor, and implants.

The physical copy of limited edition came with many cool collectables such as 3D exclusive cover, comic book, 3 exclusive lithographs, and double-sided poster with artwork.

Overall, an amazing bonuses.

Advantages

Cool customisable characters

Solid presentation design

Larger open-world design

Fluid combat system

Has alternative paths 

Satisfying boss battles

Amazing environmental design

Great soundtrack

Disadvantages

Lack of map screen

Losing tech scrap instantly after two deaths

Minor texture loading 

Final Verdict

Presentation 7/10 - fair story, okay characters, cool character's customisation, and solid presentation design.

Gameplay 8/10 - larger open-world design, fluid combat system, has alternative paths, and satisfying bosses.

Graphics 8/10 - amazing environmental design, great visuals, good character's animation, and cool gory effects.

Music and Sounds 7.5/10 - great soundtrack, decent sound design, and okayish voice acting.

Special Features 8/10 - New game plus, expansion DLC location, and bonus limited edition collectables (physical copy).

Overall 8/10 - As much I liked the first game, this sequel are far better than what I've expected thanks to large open-world with numerous of locations, character's customisation, solid single-player quests with great combat and epic bosses, and has more than 2 different routes adding replayability makes the overwhelmed improvement over the original.     

The Surge 2 is one of the better game that I can appreciate enough to liken this type of Action-RPGs, so it may be difficult to recommend casuals due to punishing difficulty may frustrates them unless if you're one of the experts or those who previously good at From Software's Dark Souls series then this game is for you to pick up and play.  

 

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Dragon Ball FighterZ PS4 Review

 

Dragon Ball FighterZ is a 2D Fighting Game based on Dragon Ball franchise for PS4, XBONE, Switch, and PC, and it was developed by Arc System Works and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment.

Dragon Ball is a Japanese media franchise created by Akira Toriyama in 1984. It was started out as manga series was serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump from 1984 to 1995. 

As manga series has been adapted into two anime TV series such as Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z which together were broadcast in Japan from 1986 to 1996.

Dragon Ball follows the adventures of the protagonist Son Goku (which mostly we referred him as Goku) spends his childhood days of training martial arts. He then meets a young girl named Bulma who persuades him to join her quest in exploring the world to find an mysterious seven orbs known as the Dragon Balls which summon a wish-granting dragon, while Dragon Ball Z continues the adventures of Son Goku as an grown adult, who along with his companions, defend the Earth against villains ranging from aliens, androids and magical creatures.

Since the release, Dragon Ball has widely become one of the most successful manga and anime series of all time with the manga sold in over 40 countries and the anime broadcast in more than 80 countries.

It was highly praised for its art, characterization, and humour of the story, as well as many manga artists citing Dragon Ball as a source of inspiration for their own now popular works.

Many people had talked about Dragon Ball Z which is the reason why it became popular across the world and is considered one of the most influential in boosting the popularity of Japanese animation in Western culture has impact on global popular culture such as artists, athletes, celebrities, filmmakers, musicians and writers across the world.

It also spawned into films, both animated and live-action, collectible trading card games, numerous action figures, along with several collections of soundtracks and numerous video games.

From my childhood, I remember first time watching Dragon Ball Z when its aired on channels like Cartoon Network in late 90's, as well as CNX in 2002 and Toonami 2003. 

I was blown away with over-the-top battle scenes between the heroes and villains start beating the shit out of each other with many rapid fists, quick teleporting, charging up their power level with loud screaming (becoming Super Saiyan form), shooting numerous of projectile blasts, launch them into destructive environments, and making whole world collide with finishing blast (such as spirit bomb and KAMEHAMEHA!!!) is what made the whole show entertaining.

In video game series based on Dragon Ball franchise, I've been previously playing some of the titles back then such as Dragon Ball Z 2 -Super Battle for Arcade (via Mame 32), DBZ: Supersonic Warriors and DB: Advanced Adventure for GBA, and Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limits for PS3 which these are the game that I ever played except most of DBZ games on PS2 such as DBZ: Budokai and DBZ: Budokai Tenkaichi which I heard most of the DBZ fans really liked these games a lot back then. 

I couldn't get into with games like DBZ: Raging Blast and DBZ: Battle of Z which aren't as good compared with DBZ: Burst Limit, and I don't mind the DB: Xenoverse 1 and 2 which is kinda okay but it's not perfect fighting game based on the franchise that I wanted till Dragon Ball FighterZ came around in 2018 which is 3 on 3 fighting game similar to Capcom's fighting crossover series such as Marvel vs Capcom.

I did not expect the game turns out to be one of the better fighting game based on Dragon Ball series which I am glad that I found the right game that I wanted so badly over the years since I haven't had any decent Dragon Ball games after DBZ: Burst Limit. 

It's one of the game developed by a same team behind their talented work on unique fighting game titles such as Guilty Gear, Blazblue, Persona 4 Arena, and the most recent title Granblue Fantasy Versus.        What made Dragon Ball FighterZ destroys the competition is the inclusion of recognisable rosters, well-written story arcs, 3 on 3 matches on both online and locals, and the art-style visuals is what really beating the shit out of Capcom's recent fighting game title such as Marvel vs Capcom: Infinite which is the crossover fighting game had suffered with lackluster story, missing favourite roster, and less stylised art direction got horribly flopped at the release with low sales target as opposed to this game had sold over 6 million copies worldwide becoming one of the commercially success video game title based on everyone's favourite manga franchise is the reason why the game got it right so far.

After spending whole week of playing this game, I am so happy to see how the game turned out with many surprising results that made me very pleased the most, while I will explain some of the bits further on this review.

So without go further do, let's start the review.

Presentation

The game takes place sometime between Universe 6 and Future Trunks arcs of Dragon Ball Super.

It focuses on the game's main antagonist Android 21 was started out as human researcher but she is now Android created by the Red Ribbon Army.

She had a son who became the model for the design of Android 16 and uses the 7 orbs of Dragon Balls to resurrect Frieza, Cell, Nappa, and the Ginyu Force as well as seals away the powers and souls of all Earth's strongest warriors.

It splits in 3 story arcs such as Super Warrior Arc which focuses Goku and his friends reunite together to find their way of regaining their powers as well as finding the truth behind the Earth's current crisis, while Enemy Warrior Arc focuses on Frieza recruits with the Nappa, Ginyu Force, and Cell to battle the clones and eventually confront the true culprit, and lastly Android 21 Arc focuses on mostly Android 21's saga. 

The story in the game is basically a different timeline sets in universe of Dragon Ball Super. Unlike the whole season of Anime TV series, this game is rather has their own original storytelling such as the introduction of Android 21 and splits with 3 story arcs which I got to say the story concept is pretty amazing as being highly faithful to Dragon Ball franchise.

You have Goku and his team reunite together to battle out against clones as well as restoring their normal abilities, but I'm kinda surprised that the long-time villains such as Freza and his crew are originally attends to kill Goku and his fighters, but instead they had no choice to agreeing with them to fight against not just clones but confronting the mad scientist who was responsible for the disastrous crisis.

You have link-up system which is shiny-orbs souls can possess the warriors by speaking to them deep inside and provide them important strength which really helps them to change their heart for its decision making and acceptation which works pretty well during the in-game conversation with 2 possible outcomes affecting the game's story.

I also liked the in-game conversation on linked event where you as a inside soul and your characters getting to know each other which is nice for them to make their opinion and thoughts about you in general. 

The game has many memorable cast of characters such as everyone's favourite kakarot Goku is one of the most ironic anime characters that we all love him as a great fighter and personalities, and of course he has 2 sons such as Gohan and Goten are included in the game as well except his angry pissed-off wife Chi Chi which thank god she's not in the game to yell at them just like she did on the Anime TV series. 

Then you have Vegeta, a former villain but later now heroes, sure does have an anger issues especially he didn't like being roasted by Goku's trolling jokes, and of course he's married to Bulma as well as he has a son called Trunks who is a half-human saiyan.

I also liked the tiny bold-headed Krillin who is a best friend of Goku as he fights every villain along with Goku or before him and is often depicted as the comic relief due to his baldness.

He is not the only bald headed character in Dragon Ball series, so you have one-eye Tien, big brute Nappa, and green humanoid Piccolo.

Then you have Krillin's blonde wife Android 18 teamed up with her brother Android 17 and high-ranking soldier Android 16 under Red Ribbon Army to battle against the clones. 

One of the character that is ridiculously cringefest is Yamcha are by far the weakest fighter in Dragon Ball history which really adds his silliest humour such as his infamous death pose that made me laugh a lot, jeez what a f***ing noob.      

Then you had big round fat Majin Buu who was known for taking joy in fighting and scaring people as well as turning people into candy-like food such as sweets, lollipop, cakes, and doughnuts where he gobbles it ups so fast which is the reason why he is big rounded fella.

It has Frieza and Cell who are well known for being Goku's all-time nemesis as well as their intense abilities and their evil personalities which made them an recognisable villains that also got popular in Dragon Ball franchise.

The game introduces Android...what's 9+10? 21...ah yes Android 21 is one of the first villain that never featured in any Anime TV series not even the manga book, so instead she's more of the original antagonist for video game title.

First of all, she started out as human-like android from the beginning acting out as innocent scientist who struggles to control her hunger till she's becoming even wicked as she's turned into true Buu-like form which causing her to become a power hungry monster just like most of the Buus did a same thing like turning people into candy and eat them.

What made me more surprised about the character is that she's one of the most strongest of all-villains supressing the likes of Cell's and Frieza's power level which I got to say that she's ridiculously powerful than ever was.

The presentation in the game is fantastic thanks to art direction and designs which is faithful to not just most of the Arc System Works fighting series, but also a whole Dragon Ball universe that fits perfectly in the game as you can tell the settings is heavily based off the Anime TV series like Dragon Ball Z with exact same locations and designs. 

It has stuff like world tournament arena which is a martial arts tournament filled with cheering audience, cell games arena which is one of the cell's constructed area, outer space with planet earth and moon seen at background, land of the kai's sets on a grassy land with waterfalls, west city is an urban street area with multiple buildings and cars, wasteland has huge crater, cavern takes place inside of cave with lake and pillars of rock, rocky field has noon and evening time with multiple rock formations and plateaus, islands is an ocean forrest stages, planet namek is namekian's home places, and galactic arena is a futuristic fighting arena.

I got to praise the overall design of visual novel during the cutscenes which feels more refreshing and refinement than any of Arc System Works games with added character animation that can move and talk as opposed to games like Blazblue and Persona 4 Arena, it shows more details of backgrounds and environments in each locations to make the whole scenes well presented, and the style of camera work with more than 10 angle.

I got to say I really love the finishing sequences known as destructive finish where one of the player finishes the opponent with deadly special attacks causing the whole world collide with huge explosion of Ki blaster projectiles is looking fantastic. 

I got to say this is by far one of the best art direction of all fighting games they created making it a highly faithful to Dragon Ball franchises as a whole.

Overall, it has amazing story, beloved cast of characters, and fantastic art direction.

Gameplay

The game gives you an option to select any of game modes such as story mode, arcade mode, practice mode, local battle, battle dojo, and online matches.

You can select either single or 3 vs 3 match with different time limit, difficulty, and win points. You will have character selection to pick any 3 of your roster against either player or bot and then select any stage to fight.     

At the in-game match, you have the health bar at the top of the screen as well as special meter bar on the bottom screen which I will explain it for later in this review and then you have 4 basic attacks such as weak attack, medium attack, strong attack, and Ki attack.

The weak attack are basically much quicker to perform combos but has low damage attack, the medium attack are just mid-balanced which is easier for player to perform low-range special attack, the strong attack has high damage which you able to launch them in mid-air, and then finally Ki attack lets you shoot projectiles known as Ki blast which worked effectively in long-range attacks.

Then you will have 3 different dash attacks such as dragon rush can break through an opponent's guard if successful which offers a choice between an aerial combo or forcing the opponent to switch to a different character, while the super dash is an flying attack will home in on the opponent's lead character and is able to pass through weaker projectiles, and lastly you have vanish attack as a shortcut which instantly teleport behind an opponent's character and strike them in the back.

Your character can be switched with one of the other characters at any time by holding one of the assist button, while you can also call one of their other characters to perform an Assist move by simply press the assist button which allowing you to perform simultaneous attacks and combos with the entire team.

On the bottom of the screen, your special meter level can expand up to 7 so you can able to perform an finishing combos or projectiles resulting with the most powerful attacks on opponents with ambitious damage hits, so you will have special cutscenes of dramatic finishes that appear at the end of a fight depending on the characters involved and stage which can be applied after using special finishing moves.

The game includes 7 orbs of Dragon Balls that allows players to gather these together one by one as your specific dragon balls can be obtained by successfully performing a multi hit combo with the amount of hits demining which ball is given. Having all 7 Dragon Balls fused together which summons Shenron the Green-Dragon which gives you an 4 options such as restoring health, making you immortal, bring back ally, and gaining ultimate power.

On story mode, you will have map selection where you can freely navigate the locations to fight against any of clone enemies or bosses. On the ally menu, you get to select any of playable ally can be unlocked throughout the chapters and you have an option to add the enhancements such as attack, defense, Ki charge, EXP points, and etc. benefits your player's abilities. 

Speaking of beneficial, you can improve your character's skill level by fighting many of clones in each map which resulting levelling up your skills adding reduced damage hit and increases attack making you feel stronger enough to fight against any enemies and bosses with higher skill levels. 

      

So far, each of the game modes are pretty damn amazing. I had blast with the arcade modes as well as the local battle which includes tournament matches and 2-player versus plays pretty well for most of the part and you can also enjoy the online battles which includes ranked match, casuals, arena, and world match.

I also liked the practice mode for its training practices and combo challenge tutorial which encourages player to learn all the advanced moves and techniques to become a fighting game expert.

The story mode is filled with not just has the excellent battles and skilling up players, but it has an amazing stories throughout the game.

You will be awarded with Zeni points per match which you can spend these from shop to unlock stuff like stickers, messages, icons and etc.

As each of the game modes are quite fun to play, the fighting controls plays outstanding because it feels very smooth and responsive throughout the game thanks to button mashing combos and destructible special moves keeps the ongoing pace of the fighting system feels more impacted.

Despite all the positive parts in the game, there are one things that I feel annoyed is that it has tutorial being repeated in some 1 or 2 levels on Super Warrior Arc which kinda get tiresome pretty quick but thank god it didn't happen to rest of the levels.      

Overall, it has amazing story modes, enjoyable local matches, and outstanding fighting system. 

Graphics

Dragon Ball FighterZ definitely has the best looking graphics of fighting game genres thanks to Arc System Works was very known for its anime-style visual design that ran really well for modern PCs and consoles with no major sign of slow-downs and delays. 

As the game was based off Akira Toriyama's beloved franchise still retains a same visual art style as the manga series, it looks everything beautiful for its nice background details of landscape and the environmental levels on foreground feels bold and colourful that gives the game's personality look refreshing for the modern fighting games. 

The use of special effects looks stunning on most of the parts such as shooting out Ki blast, charging up your Ki power, the destructible explosion, and the teleporting vanish looks very faithful to it's franchise.

The character's design is just like we know from the franchise which is the reason why they are so recognisable with familiar faces and their awesome haircuts made them so memorable.             

                    

Overall, it has great visual design, stunning special effects, and amazing character's design.

          

Music and Sounds

We all know Arc System Works made the best original soundtrack of each fighting game series mixed with epic metal sounds and some orchestrated style. It was composed by Toshiyuki Kishi, Hiromi Mizutani, Kenji Katoh, and Reno did a marvellous job creating the soundtrack mixed between the likes of Guilty Gear and Dragon Ball TV series that really makes you feel ready to pump up for super saiyan action.

I also liked the sample of sound effect they used it from Anime TV series with recognisable projectiles sounds and POW fist effects during the battles and I gotta give the game credit for voice casting from the Anime TV series such as the likes of Sean Schemmel voiced Goku and Christopher Sabat voiced Vegeta in English dubbing, while the original Japanese voice of Goku, Gohan, and Goten was voiced by Masako Nozawa.     

Overall, it has rockin soundtrack, classic sound design, and has original voice cast.

Special Features

The game does have 3 unlockables rosters like Goku and Vegeta as Ultra Instinct form and Android 21, and shop places to unlock icons, stickers, and messages.

The game does have 19 additional DLC rosters which is cool, but unfortunately you had to pay all 3 fighter pass to unlock these roster which is not worth for £64.97 where as you can also buy DLC characters like Master Roshi, Broly, and Android 17 individually just for £3.99, but thankfully you didn't lose all your favourite base roster like Goku, Vegeta, Frieza, Cell, Piccolo, Krillin, Gohan, Buu, and Android 18 which I am glad the developer team has fully understands the importance of Dragon Ball characters in their fighting game.

Overall, fine features.

Advantages

Fantastic art direction

Great selection of base rosters

Amazing story modes and 3 on 3 matches

Outstanding fighting system

Stunning visual effects

Rockin soundtrack

Classy sound design

Disadvantages

Tiresome tutorial levels

Overpriced fighter pass

Final Verdict

Presentation 9.5/10 - amazing story, beloved cast of characters, and fantastic art direction.

   

Gameplay 9/10 - amazing story modes, enjoyable local matches, and outstanding fighting system.

Graphics 9/10 - great visual design, stunning special effects, and amazing character's design.

Music and Sounds 9/10 - rockin soundtrack, classic sound design, and has original voice cast.

Special Features 7/10 - overpriced fighting pass, but has 3 unlockable rosters and some miscellaneous stuff.

Overall 9/10 - Dragon Ball FighterZ is clearly not just being one of the best fighting games released in 8th generation console era, but also one of the better video game title in Dragon Ball franchises that got it everything right what I wanted.

It's one of the fighting game that Capcom should have been done it same for the first place after their disastrous of Marvel vs Capcom: Infinite couldn't give their series an justice for lacking many content and has lackluster story mode as opposed to Arc System Works putting their OVER 9000!!! magnificent effort for adding memorable base roster, enjoyable 3 on 3 matches, well-written story, quality visuals, and smooth fighting gameplay is what makes the game epically fun. 

I highly recommended to not just the fans of the Dragon Ball franchise, but also a fans of the 3 on 3 fighting games in general should feel much appreciate to play this awesome super saiyan fighting game action.

KAMEHAMEHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!

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