8 / 10
12 May 2006 at 11:17
Review by: Sleipner
Whereas the Crimson Sea series started life on the xbox, this sequel is ps2. Does the change do better for the series or worse....mostly certainly for the better!
The idea of the game;
You are a fighter in the IAG fighting against aliens called the menace. This is a 3rd person shooter set in space (though mostly based on different planets) Made by Koei, this is a game simliar to Dynasty Warriors but with a more rpg feel.
Stroyline/plot;
Crimson Sea had the unique element of focusing the storyline on sound. CS2 continues that basis but focuses more on the combat - as a result the storyline does suffer a little. It is an average space plot with aliens as all. Nothing great so if your looking for a great story to go with the game then you will be disappointed.
I do feel the story will be much more fun if you've played the first CS on the xbox, however as an action game the full details of the plot may not be needed and the game does include an option where you can view the movies of the first game to catch up on what events happened in the past.
Combat;
Ok, this is where CS2 is focused on. Each character (2 to play as and you can change for any mission) has 2 guns and a blade. The blade can perform a series of combo's while the guns can link with the blade to peform stylish moves called overdrives. These moves are great to pull off and cool to watch.
You are sometimes faced with many enemies at once - much more then any other game, with over 100 enemies on screen at once. The enemies are nicely designed and there is a decent variety of types.
Control system;
This is what makes or breaks a game of this type and im happy to say the controls are brillant. You feel totally in control of the characters. Their are several methods of movement which are all useful at their right times while you can perform a multiple amount of moves with just a few minutes of practice.
Stylish and cool, the moves are fun to perform and certainly do give off a sense that you are doing great. Similar to the feel of the Devil May Cry series, you get a nice satisfaction from whacking an enemy into the air with an uppercut, shooting them with laser pistols then as they drop to the ground blasting them away with a space shotgun. All fun and the amount of moves on offer means the combat doesn't get repetitive too much considering the style of game.
Replayability;
This has been increased from the previous game - now you can select which mission you choose (they all have a difficult rating attached) plus you can replay any mission to build your strength up or go for "S" rating in the mission to receive a special prize. This freedom is good to see in games - their is also freedom in how you incresed your power. You collect origins throughout the stages and these can be used to power your skills up.
Do you choose to increase gun attack, speed, blades strength? do you focus on increasing one character or both evely? the choose is entirely up to the player.
The game has 3 difficulty levels but isn't that difficulty, the bosses in particular are very easy.
Overall;
A game that has excellent controls and great freedom. It's not ground breaking but is a very enjoyable game - ideal if you like action games while not too interested in playing a full rpg. A well made game that is worth a budget price and certainly if your an action fan worth taking a gamble on. The all action style isn't to everyone's tastes but those who enjoy it will find a lot of value.
Better then - crimson sea1, drakengard.
Worse then - DW3/4.
Review Score - 8/10
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