Namco Bandai’s Tales of Graces f is an HD-port of Tales of Graces , a Wii game that was released back in 2009. It features essentially the same game content with upgraded visuals, plus a complete extension ( f in the game title refers to Future ) called “Lineage and Legacies”. I have to admit that I haven’t played a lot of Tales of games prior to this one; the only other I played is Tales of Symphonia for the Gamecube a few years ago, and I wasn’t really a fan of the series back then. However, after a few hours in this really cool Action-JRPG, I was really impressed by how fun this game is! Tales of Graces f Opening Cinematic Story [Spoiler-free] The story focuses on Asbel, the young heir of the Lhant family, and his friends. The prologue takes place while all the main characters and their friends are children and gives an insight on both their backgrounds and their own motivations. After a few hours, the story fast forwards a few years in the future, when the characters are young adults. This is when the main story takes place. At first, friendship is the story-driving element, but it soon unfolds to a greater scale, where Ephenia — the planet — is at risk. It might sound like a typical Japanese-RPG, but the story is very well-written and will keep you up later than usual! Gameplay Tales of Graces f features a fast-paced Action-RPG battle system that is easily the greatest highlight of the game! Your battle party consists of four characters, one of which you control. Each party member has is own attack pattern, so switching from a character to another completely changes the battle gameplay. Enemies are always visible on the field (no random encounters) and most of them can be avoided if you want to go quickly from point A to point B. As for the battle system itself, your attacks consist of “Attack” and “Burst” Artes, and can be fully customized to your liking by assigning them to buttons on the controller. An awesome feature is how you can change the assignments in real-time right in the heat of the battle when you realize your setup needs adjustments for a specific enemy. Each attack requires a set amount of CC (stamina), and attacks can be chained until your available CC runs out. A chained attacks uses more CC than the previous one, but they also yield more damage. Luckily, it replenishes very quickly in battle while guarding or by moving. This is great because it prevents the battle system from falling into button mashing and requires strategy! Finally, for those of you who like to play with friends, Tales of Graces f offers a much welcomed local multiplayer feature in which each player can control a different party member. Battle difficulty can also be raised if you want more of a challenge, up to 4 levels harder than the default. Rising the difficulty gives more Experience, Skill Points and rare item drops, so there are plenty of good reasons to switch! Content Another big highlight of the game is the sheer amount of content it includes! The world is huge, and when a typical JRPG title would last around 25-35h, this game features a 60h-long campaign, plus a ton of side-quests. It even comes with a 10h in-disc extension called “Lineage & Legacies” that becomes available once the main quest has been completed. There are also a lot of optional and hidden cut-scenes that are often related to the story progression or that appear randomly at the battle victory screen. Some of them are really humorous and actually made me laugh! This game even includes a very easy to use “Dualizing” system, which allows you to mix two items to create a totally new one! Audio / Video In Tales of Graces f , Japanese culture is really prominent. The game features cut-scenes, videos and characters all in anime. The characters are likeable and their voice acting is also usually very good. However, there are no options to switch the voices back into their original version, which was quite a deception. The soundtrack is both good and expansive! For example, each continent has its own field and battle theme. The rendering engine uses cell-shading and is as beautiful as it is polished. Landscapes are gorgeous, frame rate is rock-solid and transitions from field to battle are instantaneous. There are a few loading times when switching from one zone to another, but they’re minimal thanks to the game installation on the PS3. Final thoughts It had been a while since I played a game with such a strong story and with a fun and rewarding battle system. With a gorgeous game engine, a campaign lasting around 70h, local multiplayer and lots of unlockables, everything in Tales of Graces f has been done with the player in mind. Namco Bandai delivered an awesome game, and I can’t wait for more iterations of the Tales of series on the PS3. Review Pros Cons Lots of content on a single disc, 70h+ campaign Extremely pleasant, progressive and rewarding battle system Interesting and well-told story Local multiplayer and adjustable difficulty No Japanese voices available Rating 90% Cost: $59.99 You can purchase Tales of Graces f from Amazon.com here . Disclaimer Total amount of time played: 74 hours. Game was completed before writing this review. This review is based off of a retail copy of the game purchased by reviewer

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[PS3 Review] Tales of Graces f

Starting today until May 22 , Ubisoft is launching massive discounts on selected PSN and PS3 titles. There will be a %30 discount on over 30 titles and DLC. PlayStation Plus subscribers will be treated into a %50 discount, some fantastic 2D adventures like: Outland and Scott Pilgrim are going for only $4.89 each ! Here is the full list of discounted Titles and DLC: From Dust – PlayStation Plus price $7.34; Sale price $10.49 Outland – PlayStation Plus price $4.89; Sale price $6.99 Might and Magic: Clash of Heroes – PlayStation Plus price $7.34; Sale price $10.49 Beyond Good & Evil HD – PlayStation Plus price $4.89; Sale price $6.99 Scott Pilgrim – PlayStation Plus price $4.89; Sale price $6.99 Prince of Persia Classic – PlayStation Plus price $4.89; Sale price $6.99 Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood – PlayStation Plus price $14.69; Sale price $20.99 Assassin’s Creed 2 – PlayStation Plus price *$9.79; Sale price $13.99 Assassin’s Creed – PlayStation Plus price *$9.79; Sale price $13.99 Far Cry 2 – PlayStation Plus price *$9.79; Sale price $13.99 Call of Juarez 2 – PlayStation Plus price *$9.79; Sale price $13.99 Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands – PlayStation Plus price *$9.79; Sale price $13.99 Prince of Persia (2008) – PlayStation Plus price *$9.79; Sale price $13.99 Prince of Persia Classic Trilogy HD – PlayStation Plus price $19.59; Sale price $27.99 Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time – PlayStation Plus price $7.34; Sale price $10.49 Prince of Persia: Warrior Within – PlayStation Plus price $7.34; Sale price $10.49 Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones – PlayStation Plus price $7.34; Sale price $10.49 Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood – Da Vinci Disappearance DLC – PlayStation Plus price $4.89; Sale price $6.99 Assassin’s Creed 2 – Battle of Forli DLC – PlayStation Plus price $1.95; Sale price $2.79 Assassin’s Creed 2 – Bonfire of Vanities DLC – PlayStation Plus price $3.42; Sale price $4.89 Far Cry 2 – Fortunes Pack DLC – PlayStation Plus price $2.44; Sale price $3.49 Call of Juarez 2 – Old West Map Pack DLC – PlayStation Plus price $4.89; Sale price $6.99 Prince of Persia (2008) – Epilogue DLC – PlayStation Plus price $4.89; Sale price $6.99 Scott Pilgrim – Knives Chau Add-On Pack DLC – PlayStation Plus price $0.97; Sale price $1.39 Assassin’s Creed: Bloodlines (PSP) – PlayStation Plus price $9.79; Sale price $13.99 Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood Complete Edition (includes Da Vinci Disappearance, Animus Project Update 1, Animus Project Update 2 and Copernicus Conspiracy Missions) – PlayStation Plus price $14.99; Sale price $24.99 Far Cry 2 Complete Edition (includes Fortune Pack) – PlayStation Plus price $11.99; Sale price $19.99 Prince of Persia (2008) Complete Edition (includes Epilogue) – PlayStation Plus price $11.99; Sale price $19.99 Scott Pilgrim Complete Edition (includes Knives Chau Add-On Pack) – PlayStation Plus price $4.79; Sale price $7.99 Call of Juarez 2 Complete Edition (includes Old West Map Pack) – PlayStation Plus price $11.99; Sale price $19.99 You still here? What you waiting for?

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Ubisoft Massive Sale on PSN Today

Disney / Pixar’s Brave is coming this summer, and there will be a third person video game to coincide. The movie looks great, and so does the game! A third person action-adventure, “Brave: The Video Game” expands the tale beyond the movie’s storyline. Gamers can play as Merida, an expert archer and heroine, and in the console versions, players can also play as other entertaining characters from the film. In addition, they will be able to go on quests through a magical world and solve puzzles to uncover secrets. Source: Press Release

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BRAVE: The Video Game Trailer

First off be sure to read the Gophermods RSX reballing service review by Jay. If you ever need your PS3 repaired, I highly recommend these guys over shipping your PS3 to Sony to repair it. We have this big giveaway courtesy of Gophermods ! There will be 1 winner and they have the choice between the Deadmund’s Quest/Sports Champions PS Move Bundle or the LittleBigPlanet 2 Special Edition PS Move Bundle ! If you’ve forgot, the upcoming PlayStation Move game Sorcery is coming out late May 2012. So if you don’t have a Move controller or just want another, here your chance to win one. This will be a global giveaway as well. Entry details after the jump. Like the Gophermods Facebook page and keep an eye in their deals section for the Bonus URL entry link. Which will get you an extra entry into the giveaway. Please like & follow them on Facebook & Twitter. It’s because of them we are having this giveaway! So show them some love. Follow @gophermods [Worth up to 10 Entries] Purchase ticket for 75 Points for a entry into the giveaway. Here are all the possible ways to earn points . [Worth 1 Entry] Like the giveaway post on the giveaway entry page (not the actual post itself) via Facebook. Then post a comment to your facebook wall from the giveaway entry page. [EARN 50 Points] [Worth 1 Entry] Follow @ps3blogdotnet on Twitter. Then there will be a tweet button. You just have to click that & tweet the exact text in the pop-up . Then a notification will pop up saying your entry was successful. [EARN 50 Points] [Worth 1 Entry] Use the Google +1 button on the giveaway entry page (not the actual post itself), then share on your Google+ profile to complete your entry. [EARN 50 Points] [Worth 1 Entry] First, be a fan of our our Facebook page . At the top you will see a Giveaway box. Go there and click the “Enter Contest” button for your Facebook PS3Blog.net Fan Page entry. Note: Make sure you’re logged into PS3Blog.net before you click the button. [EARN 25 Points] [Worth 1 Entry] Subscribe to our YouTube Channel . We will post a bulletin. Follow the link & it will count as your YouTube entry. Note: Make sure you’re logged into PS3Blog.net before you click the link. [EARN 25 Points] [Bonus 3 Entries] After you have purchased at least 1 ticket you are eligible for video entries. Make a video saying why you want to win. It can be funny, unique, strange, etc. Have fun with it. Include PS3Blog.net and the name of the item being given away in your video & in the title of the video. Then use the button above to submit your video for review. Also leave a comment below with a link to your YouTube video. [EARN 60 Points] Here are the most recent YouTube video entries for all giveaways on PS3Blog.net with the most recent ones displayed first.

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[Giveaway] Win a PlayStation Move Bundle Thanks To Gophermods!

*This editorial is based off of the PC beta* Risen 2 was a pleasant surprise. Gone are the select a class aspects, such as Mage or warrior. You are, instead, given the opportunity to spend your hard earned exp on skills to shape your character leaving many doors of possibility open to shape your pirate how you see fit. The game is gorgeous. Textures are spot on and the lush landscapes of the open world are breathtaking. So much so that my PC begged for an upgrade. The game’s main draw will be its combat. This isn’t your simple hack and slash. Human opponents will have you parrying and countering, so those who run in expecting to hack and slash will get owned very quickly. Some of the encounters can become drawn out, but as a fan of Demons Souls, I didn’t mind one bit. I can see the future battles becoming more and more satisfying with every win. Here’s a look at Combat from the beta. Beta Video The beta is enough to get a full feel of the game and I am personally looking forward to long battles that require attention rather than hammering away on buttons. The dialogue is well done and the open dialogue trees were a welcome surprise. Risen 2: Dark waters lands 5-22-12 for $59.99 and should be on everybody’s wish list. Product Details Several years after the end of Risen, humanity is pushed to the brink of existence and one of the only safe havens is Caldera, a city located on the peninsula of the Lost Realm. However, even this sanctuary is threatened by the world at chaos, as monstrous sea monsters cause shipments of vital supplies to come to a grinding halt. The hero, upon discovering a rumor that the pirates of the Southern islands know of a way to banish the creatures of the deep, journeys to infiltrate their ranks and attempt to acquire this knowledge in time to save Caldera from imminent peril. KEY FEATURES A Unique Pirate Fantasy Setting – Risen 2 features an open world complete with copious amounts of rum, firearms, dirty tricks and a brand new voodoo magic style. One of the Most Intense, Immersive Game Worlds Ever Created – Risen 2 will fully envelop its players in its world with a full day/night cycle, dynamic weather patterns, NPCs with daily routines who react based on your behavior, and even creature AI with routine behaviors such as scavenging and sleeping that are impacted by the time of day. Every Gameplay Decision Made Has a Consequence – Risen 2 allows players to shape their game experience and even the game world itself depending on their actions and choices. Your choices may change the character’s skill set, NPC relationships, or even potential quest lines. A True Role-Playing-Oriented Experience – A perfect blend of classical RPG gameplay and a fresh, unique underlying game world. Several Unique Islands – All lovingly designed by hand with no copy and paste set pieces, encourage exploration and adventure while the player hunts for secret treasures and hidden areas. New Visual Technology – High-res texturing, gorgeous weather, water and light/shadow effects, a fully revamped character animation system and an exhaustive NPC character model design which greatly reduces the chance of “clone” NPCs.

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Risen 2 Beta Impressions

We had the chance of watching a great video from Quantic Dream that showcases the new motion capture tech they have been working on ever since Heavy Rain was shipped. Now, we have access to a new video that spotlights the behind the scenes process for making the Kara Tech Demo:

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The Making of Quantic Dream’s Kara Tech Demo

I had an opportunity to interview Hiroshi Matsuyama at Wondercon 2012 in Anaheim, California recently and this is what he had to say about his latest game, Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations . In the video interview, we talk about the development of Storm Generations, as well as his insight on the very popular series, .Hack (pronounced dot-hack), well known among PlayStation 2 and JRPG (Japan Role Playing Games) fans to be one of the best PS2 games in history. Stay tuned this week as we will be giving away a copy of the game to a very lucky reader! Make sure to follow @ps3blogdotnet for up to the minute information, or follow me at @paulfierce on twitter! Naruto Shippuden Storm Generations is now available nationwide.

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Japan’s CyberConnect2 President Chats about Naruto and .Hack’s Future

The developers of Ubisoft’s upcoming downloadable survival adventure, I am Alive, explain in this video, the environment, the survival element and much more. I am Alive is scheduled for a March release.

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[Developers Diary] I Am Alive – Making Of

Reviewer’s Note: I’ve inserted the write up, which is everything I mentioned in the video review, for those who’d prefer to read it than watch it. Please let me know what you guys think of the video portion. I’ve been wanting to do a video review for a long time, and if it goes well I wouldn’t mind doing some more. Enter your date of birth to access this video. Review The Darkness II, developed by Digital Extremes, is the sequel to 2007′s The Darkness. Based on the popular comic books The Darkness II follows Jackie Estacado two years after the events of the first game. He’s managed to contain The Darkness deep inside and has been living a normal life as the Don of the Franchetti crime family. After a failed attempt on his life that leaves him severely wounded, The Darkness rears its head and starts to persuade Jackie into letting it out. Trying to fight for his life, Jackie finally gives in and The Darkness is unleashed once more. Presentation The Darkness II looks significantly different than it’s predecessor; this is due to Digital Extremes decision to go with a Cel-shaded look to be more like the comic. Enemies in the game are outlined in black, which allows them to stand out from surrounding objects, making them easier to spot against the strong color palette. The move from realism to a more comic book style doesn’t detract from the experience at all, in fact it works very well to compliment the story that is being told. Story Jackie is still haunted by the loss of the one girl he cared about, Jenny, and once The Darkness is released he starts to see visions of her pop up at random moments, and begins to question whether or not it’s really happening. Shortly after the attack, Jackie finds out the identity of the group that tried to kill him, they are The Brotherhood and they want The Darkness. Jackie enlists the help of an old friend, named Johnny Powell, who turns out to be pretty knowledgeable when it comes to the occult. After all Johnny is the one who helped Jackie suppress The Darkness in the first place. Gameplay Gameplay is where The Darkness II really shines. In most first person shooters, it’s having a big gun that makes you feel like a bad ass, but in this game it’s the power of The Darkness that makes you feel invincible. Digital Extremes has introduced a new feature to this game called Quad-wielding which allows you to not only dual wield your firearms, but also use both Darkness arms as well. This allows for some interesting gameplay styles. The left arm allows you to grab objects and people, while the right arm slashes, depending on which direction you swing the right analog stick. Some of the objects you grab with the left arm can be used as a shield, which can be very handy when fighting multiple enemies. Not to mention impaling people with said shield is awesome as hell. Another change this time around is the skill tree wheel where you can unlock certain abilities as well as upgrade other aspects. Each segment of the wheel caters to the gameplay style you have; if you love using guns then upgrade your ammo capacity. Do you want more health when you perform an execution? Buy that trait. Though in order to progress up each path you have to unlock an earlier ability. Some paths branch off and lead to separate abilities with their own upgrades. Luckily you’re able to re-spec your abilities which restores your ‘Dark Essence’ the currency you spend to unlock each trait, though you won’t receive the full amount back that you’ve invested. Don’t worry, Dark Essence is easy to come by, as you get it from everything you kill. However the amount you get is based on HOW you kill someone, so get a little creative. Missing from the first game however is the gun-kata. While there is an ability that carries the name, it doesn’t do at all what you’d expect. I miss walking up to a guy and suddenly becoming Christian Bale in Equilibrium, but that’s me. Another change is moving away from the open world model the first game had. Which is fine, as it allows the games pacing to be stronger, and move you along. The breaks it does have are purely story related. There is also a coop multiplayer mode, that allows you to team up with some friends and carry out side missions together. Each character you can choose from has a unique Darkness weapon and ability at their disposal. These side missions are fun, and actually serve a purpose since these characters are employed by Jackie, and the missions tie in to the main story. The downside to this mode is that if you want to tackle it on your own, the game doesn’t scale to fit one person. So you might find certain segments challenging by yourself. Verdict The Darkness II is a fun game. It makes you feel empowered, in a way most games fail to do, while still giving you a challenge. It is not a perfect game however, there are plenty of times when the facial animations of side characters can seem a little off while they’re talking. It’s nothing too jarring, but it is noticeable. The story also seems to progress in the same way the first game does, not that it’s bad, but I was able to predict a lot as it played out, not to mention the ending felt a little too open. The Darkness II also seemed pretty short. Even though I played it on the hardest difficulty I felt that by the time it was done I had gotten through it rather quick. Though once you’re finished with the game you can always jump into multiplayer and have some fun there. If you’re a fan of the first game, I’d say pick this one up. If you’re new to the franchise and curious, I’d say pick it up as well. Review Pros Cons Great gameplay, Fun multiplayer, Looks great Short single player campaign, Same plot points as the original, Ending is a little too open Rating 80% This review is based on a PS3 edition of THE DARKNESS II developed by DIGITAL EXTREMES.

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[Video Review] The Darkness II

Did you pre-order a Vita? Are you looking forward to your portable to arrive since you DON’T live in Canada, where Amazon broke the street date? Then this video will make the wait feel even longer!

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Playstation Vita Unboxing