Games I added to my collection: February 2010

I thought that January was big, but February actually topped it, just. Same number of games as January (16), but $32 more in monetary value. Here is how it played out, with accumulated figures in [brackets]:

Games: 16 (New - 12, Used - 4) [Year: 32 @ New - 25, Used - 7]

Cost: $348 (Average $22 a game) [Year: $664 Average $21 a game]
DS - 7 games (All new, 1 imported) $124 (Average - $18 a game)

[13 games, 12 new, 1 used, 2 imported - $263 @ average $20 a game]
Wii - 2 games (All new) $54 (Average $27 a game)

[5 games, all new, 1 imported - $146 @ average $29 a game]

Xbox 360 - 3 games (2 new, 1 used) $110 (Average $37 a game)

[6 games, 4 new, 2 used - $202 @ average $34 a game]

PSP - 1 game (New) $20 (Average $20 a game)

[2 games, all new - $40 @ average $20 a game]

PS2 - 3 games (All used) $40 (Average $13 a game)

[3 games, all used - $40 @ average $13 a game]

PC - 0 games

[3 games, 1 new, 2 used - $15 @ average $5 a game]

No surprise to me that the DS is opening up a large lead. I wouldn't expect the 360 to stay in front of the Wii for very long.

Luminous Arc - DS

$13 New - clearance (EB Games) - February

Genre: Strategy RPG

Released: 2007

Metacritic Average: 71 (High - 85, Low - 40)

Description:

Take control of the Garden Children, a group of fighters and mages trained since childhood and dedicated to eradicating the Witch threat, and discover the mysteries behind their return, their motives, and their history. Create new weapons and equipment with the Vitae Imbuing system. Strengthen your friendship with comrades and improve your attacks on the battlefield. Compare your friends' strategic prowess against your own with Wi-Fi multiplayer. A variety of unique characters drive an epic story featuring voiced dialogue.

Yet another of the many RPG I have collected for the DS and no, I haven't played it yet.

Luminous Arc 2 (with CD soundtrack) - DS

$35 New - imported (playasia) - February

Genre: Strategy RPG

Released: 2008

Metacritic Average: 73 (High - 80, Low - 50)

Description:

For most of the past four millennia, peace has reigned over the Kingdom of Carnava. "The Grand Kingdom" has flourished due to its close cooperation with the Witches of the Rev Magic Association and the ever-present usage of magic. Unfortunately, the era of peace has come to an end. Fatima, the Shadow Frost Witch, broke from the Magic Association and has taken over Granend, the Forbidden Land, with the use of magic. This infighting, dubbed the "Witch Conflict," has pushed Carnava to the brink of chaos. When the young squire Roland gains magnificent powers due to a chance encounter, Sophia, the Queen of Carnava, calls upon him to bring about an end to the discord.

Well, I haven't played the first one yet, so this sequel isn't about to get played in any hurry.

Deep Labyrinth - DS

$13 New - clearance (EB Games) - February

Genre: Action RPG

Released: 2006

Metacritic Average: 57 (High - 75, Low - 38)

Description:

Deep Labyrinth lets you explore a world populated by magical creatures and monstrous foes. Descend, if you dare, into the dark heart of the Labyrinth, in the first 3D first-person RPG for the Nintendo DS. Take advantage of the DS's dual screens and touch screen to explore dozens of dungeon levels, fighting hordes of hideous monsters in real-time with swords and spells. Two engrossing scenarios weave two amazing stories -- one for newcomers to role-playing games, and one for RPG veterans.

This certainly has a low score, but that didn't deter me, after all, an average JRPG is still miles better than a high rated puzzle game - for me anyway. Haven't played it yet.

Anno: Create a New World - Wii

$25 New - promotion (Game) - February

Genre: RTS, Simulation

Released: 2009

Metacritic Average: 81 (High - 90, Low - 70)

Description:

Build and sustain your own expansive empire. Explore the beautifully detailed world and discover new places to create your civilization. Set up trade posts in the spice mines of the Orient and explore new trade routes to keep your nation growing. Learn from other nearby cultures to expand your horizons and master the challenges of establishing a prosperous society.

I really love these kind of games on the PC, like The Settlers. I also have, played and loved the original DS version of this game series, so getting this was a no-brainer. I was right. For what I have played, though not a lot, is an excellent game and certainly one that I will go back to again and again.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion - Xbox 360

$25 New - promotion (Game) - February

Genre: RPG

Released: 2006

Metacritic Average: 94 (High - 100, Low - 80)

Description:

Oblivion features a groundbreaking new AI system, called Radiant AI, which gives non-player characters (NPCs) the ability to make their own choices based on the world around them. They decide where to eat or who to talk to and what they say. They sleep, go to church, and even steal items, all based on their individual characteristics. Full facial animations and lip-synching, combined with full speech for all dialog, allows NPCs to come to life like never before.

I really wanted to like this game, I really did. I have III on the Xbox and couldn't get into it but was still wanting to persist. Unfortunately, I didn't get into it. I didn't much like the look of it and I got bored quickly. Still, I may yet again try to get further into it.

Phantasy Star Portable - PSP

$20 New - clearance (EB Games) - February

Genre: RPG

Released: 2009

Metacritic Average: 63 (High - 91, Low - 30)

Description:

The infestation of the alien SEED was thought to be under control by the end of PSU, but a new menace has stricken the Gurhal system. Alongside a new character named Vivienne, players must investigate the contamination and clear out the affected wildlife. In this intriguing new installment, players will delve deeper than ever before into the mysteries of Phantasy Star Universe.

Yet another game for my much unloved PSPs. The gulf between the best and worst reviews is staggering. It is both great and truly awful at the same time. I couldn't say which yet, as after giving up after 30 minutes, it is too early to know.

Spectral Force Genesis - DS

$20 New - clearance (EB Games) - February

Genre: RPG

Released: 2010

Metacritic Average: 45 (High - 68, Low - 33)

Description:

A very complete tactical RPG with One goal: conquer the world (you start as the ruler of a single country), Battle strategies, troop placements, and an extensive view of the battlefield.

Wow, was this game given some bad reviews. Only one was above 50 and that wasn't flattering anyway. When I play it, I will know.

.Hack//Mutation Part 2 - PS2

$13 Used (Cunninghams) - February

Genre: RPG

Released: 2003

Metacritic Average: 76 (High - 95, Low - 55)

Description:

In part 2 of this episodic, 4-part double-disc masterpiece, your remarkable party members meet up with the characters from .hack//SIGN television series, to support you through your painstaking journey to the truth. What is the developer of "The World" hiding? Kite continues his quest, armed with the forbidden abilities of Data Drain and Gate Hacking. Will he be able to save Orca and the other coma victims...?

One of many RPG I just keep adding to my PS2 collection. I came in late on the PS2, so I have tried to build up the collection, but almost only the JRPG. I have hardly played any of them, so this will just join the list.

Star Ocean: Till the End of Time - PS2

$13 Used (Cunninghams) - February

Genre: 3rd Person Action, RPG

Released: 2004

Metacritic Average: 80 (High - 94, Low - 42)

Description:

STAR OCEAN's protagonist, Fayt Leingod brings his family and childhood friend, Sophia Esteed to the Federation-managed resort planet Hyda for a long-deserved vacation. Their dreamy holiday turns into a nightmare when Hyda is attacked by an unknown space military. In the heat of the attack, Fayt is separated from Sophia and his family and begins an emotional quest into the unknown to find his loved ones.

I have never played a game in this series, although the 360 game got a lot of play by my daughter. This is one I really want to try out, but the list is long.

Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga - PS2

$14 Used (Cunninghams) - February

Genre: RPG

Released: 2005

Metacritic Average: 78 (High - 100, Low - 50)

Description:

Junkyard, a town of endless rain. With his four companions, Serf, the main character and a member of a tribe called Embryon, sets out for Nirvana, a land that can only be reached by the champions of Junkyard. They devote themselves to fighting against the never-ending resistance mustered by other tribes. In the midst of chaos, a mysterious object, the Pod, suddenly appears. Countless spheres of light are emitted by the Pod and infect Serf and his comrades, awakening their demonic powers. An unimaginable battle unfolds within their faint conscience. They develop a desire to tear the flesh and shatter the bones of their enemies, who have also been transformed. Their instincts tell them to devour every being in their path.

Ever since I stumble on Persona 3, I have been very attracted to this series. I now have 5 games in the series. Yet another game high on my list to play.

Guitar Hero: On Tour: Decades - DS

$13 New: Game Only - clearance (EB Games) - February

$15 New: Game & Controller - clearance (JB Hi-Fi) - February

Genre: Action Music

Released: 2008

Metacritic Average: 72 (High - 90, Low - 40)

Description:

Guitar Hero On Tour: Decades allows gamers to unleash their inner rockstar anytime, anywhere and for the first time ever share their music with friends as they embark on a tour through the decades of rock. Compatible with Guitar Hero: On Tour, the game leverages the technology of its predecessor and expands the experience with a new progression taking players on a musical journey from the classics of the 1970’s through today’s greatest hits.

I got these games separately. I got the game only, as we already had a controller from the first game. Then I saw the game again, very cheap, with a controller, so I figured it would be good value and fun for multiplayer - it is.

Crackdown - Xbox 360

$10 New - clearance (Myer) - February

Genre: Action, Driving

Released: 2007

Metacritic Average: 83 (High - 100, Low - 55)

Description:

Thanks to an amazing amount of props and a deep physics system, use whatever you can get your hands on as weapons—trashcans, vehicles, even people—to clean the streets of crime. From its initial concept to its final design, Real Time Worlds focused on delivering dynamic, engaging, cooperative gameplay for double the carnage, action, and intensity. Wage war on the syndicates by taking part in high-octane chases on foot and on wheels while using any appropriate route along, around, across, over, under, or through the environment.

Well, it reviewed nicely and it was only $10 - I could hardly pass it by. Haven't played it though.

Punch-Out!! - Wii

$29 New - clearance (JB Hi-Fi) - February

Genre: Sports, Boxing

Released: 2009

Metacritic Average: 86 (High - 100, Low - 70)

Description:

Grab a Wii Remote controller in one hand and a Nunchuk controller in the other and step back into the ring with a modern update of the classic Punch-Out!! Little Mac is back! Everyone’s favorite underdog from the 1980s joins the best of the original Punch-Out!! cast in a modern re-imagination of the series. Players will find familiar names like Glass Joe, King Hippo and trainer Doc Louis. These boxers come to life again in cel-shaded 3-D, complete with hilarious fighting animations and back stories that capture all the fun and flair of the original Punch-Out!! games.

I was a bit surprised to see this game as cheap as it was, so I wasn't going to pass it by. I have played some of it and, well, I am crap at it. It is very taxing on the body if you really give it a flat out go. Thoroughly enjoyable and probably better still in multiplayer.

Rockband - Xbox 360

$35 Used (EB Games) - February

$40 New: Full instrument pack - clearance (Harvey Norman) - February

Genre: Music, Rhythm Action

Released: 2007

Metacritic Average: 92 (High - 100, Low - 80)

Description:

Play together in your living room or across the world! Rock Band offers deep online functionality, allowing players to rock together whether they’re in Rhode Island or Reykjavik. Major record labels and leading music publishers have signed on to provide unrivaled access to master recordings and legendary rock artists – from punk, metal and alternative to classic and southern rock. Rock Band ships with 45 fearsome tracks from artists like Bon Jovi and The Ramones to Black Sabbath and Stone Temple Pilots.

I saw the complete instrument pack for $40 and decided I couldn't pass it up. Then however, no-one had a copy of the game. That is why I paid $35 for a used game - I never do that. It is effectively out of print and the instruments are useless without a game. Anyway, I did have fun playing it, except I found it really odd and somewhat backward, having cables connecting everything. After all the time with the wireless instruments on the Wii and Guitar Hero, it just seemed bad.

Lunar Knights - DS

$15 New - clearance (JB Hi-Fi) - February

Genre: RPG

Released: 2007

Metacritic Average: 82 (High - 100, Low - 67)

Description:

Descend into the gothic Sci-Fi world of Lunar Knights and take control of two warriors on a quest to reclaim the world from the vampiric legion. Spin together tornados, guide down flaming meteors, and blow together snowstorms in Kojima Productions first ever title on the DS. Two different heroes with unique powers and weapons. In-game day/night cycle and weather affects gameplay. Use the touch pen to solve puzzles and guide your vehicle through 3D shooter mini games.

I never did play the earlier GBA games of Boktai, so this is new to me. I have played about an hour of it and it looks promising.