Game Review - Cave Story (3DS)

I picked up this game when I was dying without any other newly released games that could pique my interest. Well, this is definitely not a compliment to this game before I start playing it. I found this game as I was browsing the Nintendo eShop. This game cost 1000yen, and something just told me that I should really spend on this game. As usual, it took me a few days to consider before I really slashed out my card to get this game.

To start off, this game had its first version released on 2004, and it has several updates throughout different gaming platforms and a remake. And yes, these updates and remake were spanned across a decade ever since the first release. This retro style, 2D side-scrolling platform action, has proven itself damn worth to play. A big fan of Mega Man (Rockman) or Castlevania: Symphony of the Night or even Shovel Knight are all ENCOURAGED to play this game. 

Plot (8/10)
After a few lines of dialogue, the player would find themselves controlling a human-looking male character in a small cave. Later, the player will realise that the human figure they controlling was actually once a killer robot, suffering from memory loss. It was previously tasked to investigate a mysterious floating island (which is exactly the whole game setting), and to kill off rabbit-like creatures called Mimigas. After knowing Mimigas were actually innocent creatures, you found your partner, Curly Brace. She recalled your memories about everything that had happened in this every island. The source of the problem was actually an item called Demon Crown. An ambitious Doctor now possessed this Demon Crown and tried to build a team of mutated Mimigas to rule the surface world. Curly teamed up with you to stop his evil plans.

It would be quite messy trying to understand the whole story of the game. The info given to the player was like here and there, by different people with different perspective and emotions. The story also filled with sad sacrifices, involving poor and innocent characters that were destined to be sent to their graves... A player will only get big picture of the story if they are going to get the True Ending.

EH? True Ending??

Yes, a True Ending. You think only Castlevania Series can have different endings? 

This game has 3 Endings: Bad, Normal and True Endings. To get True Ending, player must follow strictly to certain subtle conditions to get it. And it is definitely not intuitive unless referred to a guide... Since the gameplay time is very short, I recommend new players to go through the Normal Ending first, then replay to get the True Ending. This way can really better understand the whole story. The developer, Daisuke Amaya, insisted his games to have multiple endings. Even his small demo to his latest game, Kero Blaster: Pink Hour and Pink Heaven, both have multiple endings too!

The save point could be found almost every corner of the game, so players could safely plunge themselves to death! I meant to be courageous and continue forth! But to be warned, the last stage (True Ending only) has no save point or whatsoever... So you will have to keep trying! As for me, I thought it was quite frustrating, but I became so addicted to the stage, I would not stop replaying the stage!

Anyway~~~ There is still some little setback about this game...
The bad thing about this game - The cutscenes were not skippable! Despite being not a long conversation kind like Final Fantasy or Golden Sun, it was rather annoying to keep tapping A or B button to skip through every line.

Characters and Weapons (9/10)
Those who have played Golden Sun will have to have a sense of Deja Vu. Because this is main character robot, is completely mute! Not that he has could not speak, just that you are controlling him and you will only answer YES or NO. You would not see him getting any dialogues in the cutscenes at all. 

But there is an extra feature mode, Curly Story. In this mode, the roles of the male robot and Curly the female robot were switched, in which player takes control of Curly instead. And player will notice Curly interacts way much more with other characters than the male robot! Other than the speechless male robot, the other characters all served good purposes in the game and each has their own unique personalities. The only confusing thing I had is keep confused with the Mimigas, Sue and Toroko... (Totally like how Misery mistook them as well!)

A typical RPG genre, levelling up! BUT! Instead of the main characters levelling up, the weapons did the trick instead! The robots must pick up the yellow triangles thingy after defeating an enemies to level up their weapons. The max level for each weapon is only till Level 3, which could be easily obtained. However, the catch is... If player received damage, their weapon level WILL decrease as well! There were also several weapons available in the game, and a player can only carry max up to 5 weapons, he must choose wisely when they are faced with options if they are to switch weapons. The choice they made will affect if they could eventually get the most powerful weapon as well!

Music (9/10)
The soundtrack of this game is mainly done by the programmer, the design, basically everything himself too! Yup, is Daisuke again. Cannot really describe further how talented he is. The music for each stage and area in the island was really well-tailored. From the theme for Mimiga Village, Egg Corridor to the Boss Theme, will leave your mind automatically playing those melodies on loop!

Version Releases
As mentioned earlier, there are many versions released up to now. Mine was 3DS Classic Version. Those who have played this game can see the various types of release on the various platforms, and see what are the features your version has to offer. 

Cave Story Version Differences

Overall Verdict (9/10)
This game definitely got its own story to tell. You can definitely feel the work that has been put in by just a small team or even just Daisuke himself.

Game Review - BRAVELY DEFAULT: FLYING FAIRY

3DS Players should have known this game. 

This game is a new title from Square Enix, the maker of the famous Final Fantasy. This game, BRAVELY DEFAULT is so called to be another Final Fantasy, because this game rekindle the name of the Four Warriors of Light. Hence, this game is known to have only 4 playable characters, namely Tiz Arrior, Edea Lee, Ringabel and Agnes Oblige. The story is set in the world of Luxendarc, a world powered by 4 enormous crystals. 

WARNING SPOILERS FOLLOW.

I intend to spoil the whole story.

Setting (8/10)

In the world of Luxendarc, the four crystals suddenly were swallowed by darkness. A hole suddenly appeared and engulfed a little town of Norende, Tiz's hometown. As the sole survivor, he teamed up with Agnes, Edea, and Ringabel, and guided by the little fairy, Airy, they set off to uncover the truth of the Darkened Crystals. 

The story was nicely broken down into a prologue, and then 5-9 chapters, depending on the type of endings the player seeks. 

The first part of the story developed quite during the first 4 chapters. Each chapter depicted how the characters travelled from one continent to another. And also each chapter will purify one crystal. After which, a Holy Pillar should appear to stabilize the whole situation. However, after entering the Holy Pillar, the world seems return back to the state before the crystals were purified! 

(This kind of story also remind me of Golden Sun, where the heroes travelled the world to light up 4 lighthouses despite people trying to stop.)

After that, the progression may slow down during the next few chapters, depending on the player's intention as well. Due to the subquests, it may slow the players down. But players could also just go ahead to purify all 4 crystals directly. Purifying all 4 crystals will trigger the next chapter. And this action was repeated for the next 4 chapters, until chapter 8. 

On the side note, if a player decided to break a crystal instead of purifying them during any chapter between 5 - 8, this will trigger the bad ending. And the player will not fight the final boss to end the game. 

If a player obediently followed the fairy, Airy's instructions until the end of Chapter 8. The story will proceeded to the final chapter. But either way, whether is Bad Ending or True Ending, the story would hint that the characters did not went back in time at all. They taken to another parallel world instead. By unlocking 5 sets of crystals would channel enough energy for the mastermind, Ouroboros to awaken, and the mastermind's assistant was none other than Airy. 

By the time, when Airy's true intention was revealed, the Main Title will reveal its true title (by taking out FF) as:
BRAVELY DEFAULT: LYING AIRY

During the final boss fight, when the characters were in despair, Agnes's pendant would reveal that it is a device that could communicate with their other selves in the parallel world. (And that explains the part during all the battle, players could actually summon other players to assist in battle). 

When I reached that moment, it was the point when I felt that the struggle I had been through during Chapters 5 -8 was worth it. And which kinda make sense. 

Characters (10/10)

The game featured 4 playable characters, with their own background stories, and each character's development along the story progression was well written. Their personalities were all well written, which is why I enjoyed the story even though the second part of the game might be a bit too tiring. 

Music (10/10)

Revo, the soul of Linked Horizon and Sound Horizon, was also the soul of this game's music. It went too well with all the places, and especially battle themes. I can just replay the music in my minds. TOO EPIC!!! Trust me, only a good piece of BGM can gain the recognition and having the very own BRAVELY DEFAULT Concert. The concert was really amazing. 

Battle and Job System (8/10)

Battle system was quite refreshing with the concept of Bravely and Default, which allows a lot of fighting combinations. The job system was even amazing, adds on to the different fighting combinations too. But the characters can only obtain more jobs when players defeated the Asterisk Holder Bosses, which kinda reminds of Rockman though. 

Overall Final Verdict (9/10)

I have only played the Japanese Version of the FLYING FAIRY, not the improved version, FOR THE SEQUEL. So I did not get the experience of the improved battle system. And I didn't expect the concept of Bravely Second (Time stopping) to be featured in it as well. If I played FOR THE SEQUEL, I might give it 10/10! But the part where players can use Bravely Second might not be well explained in the story...

Game Review: Pokémon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire

Let us first recall the previous remakes of the Pokemon Games.

Pokémon Ruby & Sapphire (2002) > Pokémon FireRed & LeafGreen (2004)
Pokémon Diamond, Pearl and Platinum (2006, 2008) > Pokémon HeartGold & SoulSilver (2009)

Pokémon players would have notice the remakes are modelled after the theme according to the versions before them in terms of the graphics and music styles.

According to the pattern of the remake releases, this remade has been highly anticipated ever since the release of Pokémon Black2 & White2, But instead, Game Freak decided to quickly release the Sixth Generation, which was Pokémon X & Y. This generation, introduced in 2013, featured a brand new Pokémon experience by switching the 2.5D graphics to an entirely new 3D space. Hence, allowing the developers to induce more depth into the gameplay and battle system. This is probably why Game Freak decided to push the release of RS remakes until last year.

And there we go, Pokémon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire has been announced shortly after the release of XY.

I had been contemplating about if I would want to buy this game because Pokémon RS has been my least favorite game of all generations. And why would I think so?

1. The style of the background music was totally uncalled for. The trumpet-prominent music was too irritating and really brought down the gaming experience.For a person that could remember all the BGM of the games I have played, I could totally not remember the music at all.

2. The journey that a player takes is too non-linear. I know a linear journey might be very boring. But the path this game has set is all over the place. The player has to backtrack, chase Team Magma and Aqua all over Hoenn, jump here and there. So it could be quite confusing finding the path. I may be quite stupid if I was confused by this, but the other titles were not as confusing as this.

3. The story was not well developed. I shall not go into too much detail. But one good example is the part after Brendan/May has successfully saved Hoenn by subdued the Ancient Pokemon. After exiting the Cave of Origin, no one is there to welcome the hero back, and everyone seemed to ignore the fact that you just saved the world, other than some petty words from Steven.

4. The Pokémon design is getting worse... I am still take aback by the fact the Regi Trios are Legendary Pokémons... Period.

Finally back to the main topic. The remake of Pokémon Ruby & Sapphire, Pokémon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire. The reason why I still bought it in the end is because I know it will be modelled after Pokémon XY, and by which it means that the top reason of why I dislike Pokémon RS will be eradicated. The trumpet music style will be replaced by the Orchestra style from the XY versions.

After playing Pokémon Alpha Sapphire, I would say that this remake made me feel like I am playing a totally new game. The developers made fully use of the 3D graphics and improved the game greatly. Besides the journey route and the Pokémon design (which they cannot change anymore), they have completely changed the story of Team Magma and Team Aqua. Technically, they did not change the whole story, but they did a few changes to the story to make it more dramatic and epic, a story more tuned towards RPG style. Of course, I am totally satisfied with the story after I have saved the Hoenn region and emerged from the Cave of Origin. The story is more complete as a whole. Ending the part where the Team Leaders of Magma and Aqua have reached a common consensus and stopped their plans.

Game Freak has also added multiple features to improve the whole gameplay.

1. AreaNav
This serves as Trainer Eye, Berry Watcher, and Secret Base Location Indicator. This is a good tool for player to easily look out for Trainers for rebattling, find out which Berry is ready to be picked, etc.

2. PokéNav
This is like a in-game guidebook. It shows which Pokémon is available or has it been captured when a player has entered a particular area. It also serves as a real Pokédex. When a player is standing near a Pokémon in city or town, the navi will automatically scan and tell the player which Pokémon it is.

3. Eon Flute
This flute is used to summon Latias or Latios, and a short segment will show how the player hops onto it, Mega Evolved and fly up to the sky, Player then can navigate the flying Pokémon and see the whole Hoenn from the sky. This is specially featured in the game for players to reach areas that are unreachable using HM Fly. These areas are secret areas to capture Legendary Pokémon from other regions. As such, this is also a great way to substitute HM Fly. But you will have to see the short footage of the Eon Pokémon keep mega evolving.

4. Flying to Individual Routes
In previous titles, even in XY, you can only use Fly to go city or town. But now, you can fly or use Eon Pokémon land on individual routes! Of course, the prerequisite is that you have passed by the signboard of the route.

5. Episode Delta
Similar to the formula of Pokémon XY, this side story will only be unlocked after defeating the Champion Steven. It depicts the connection of Rayquaza and Deoxys. During the course of the story, you will be able to capture those two Pokémons. I quite like this story, and it helps to train my Pokémon a bit more if I want to challenge the Pokémon League once more.

These are some of the main features I quite like about this game. With the improvements and the additional features, this remake is definitely worth playing. With the feature of Eon Flute, it would be useful if the future Pokémon games would rely less on the use of HMs. Like how Pokémon Black & White versions are less reliant on HMs. Probably it would be great if Game Freak can look into such gameplay.

The final verdict on this game.
Gameplay: 8.5/10
Music:9/10
Overall: 8/10

Game Review: Professor Layton VS Gyakuten Saiban

This is my first ever game for my new 3DS LL console.

This is the first game that ever captured my heart because it is the collaboration of my two favorite series!

Many DS players should have known the games that have been big hits in Japan:
Professor Layton and Gyakuten Saiban! These two games are famous not as a typical RPG, but as text adventure games!

Professor Layton, Level 5

I cannot remember how I first encounter this game. What this game interest me were the Anime cutscenes, the voice overs and the intriguing storyline. The main point of the game was to solve puzzles to understand and progress the story bit by bit. Most stories are basically investigating the mystery covering the cities featured in the different games. So far the game series has released a total of 6 games, with the sixth installment as the final one. The first game started from NDS and the final 2 games in 3DS.

Gyakuten Saiban, CAPCOM

The first 3 games were originally produced for GBA in Japan, while the English Localisation was in NDS. And that was how I first met this game after I bought my NDS. A friend I met in Navy introduced this game to me. I was totally attracted because of the detective nature of the game. This game, however, is not about how a detective runs around to solve crime, but a lawyer who does not know the full story to help his client to prove their innocence. With the evidences he gathered, the lawyer, Naruhodo Ryuuichi, will uncover the truth behind each crime.

When the Two Meet Together

This project was initially proposed by the maker of Professor Layton, Level 5. They approached CAPCOM to create this wonder. Since Level 5 was the one who created the project, the gameplay is still heavily influenced by Layton style. People who have played Professor Layton would have already used to the typical story: Having Professor Layton investigating a mystery of a city.

The city featured in this game is Labyrinth City. The city where each event in the city is happening according to the story written by StoryTeller. The city where there are witches and magic. The city where Layton and Ryuuichi met for the first time. Together, they uncovered the truth behind the mysterious Labyrinth City.

Finally, just today I finished the story. Probably this was the first time I attempted to play the whole game in Japanese, or probably the far-fetched nature of Layton Story, I feel that there are many minor stuff left unexplained even though I understand the main secret behind the city. I tried to find many spoilers information online, but there is nothing and no fan translation anywhere! But still, the cutscenes, voice overs, soundtrack, puzzles and the court trials are really freakingly awesome!

I wonder if I can be the first one who offered the spoilers...

Private Investigator

I always tell my friends, "If I cannot work for experience, I will work for the money." This means that if I could get an internship, I rather find a high paying part-time or temp job. Well, if I could not get any of this, I will work for my own experience.

While still waiting for replies from some companies that I have applied for (which I think is quite impossible to get in), I think is better for me to create my own game. Even though Flash is going down with the emergence of HTML5, I chose to create one Flash-based game. A very simple one. So of course, RPG is definitely out of the list. I have chose to a text-based game. Just like the famous ones in Nintendo DS such as Gyakuten Saiban (Ace Attorney Series) and Professor Layton Series. It may seemed like an imitation of both of these games since the game will be very detective-like. This game is titled as Private Investigator.

I'm not sure if I am able to complete within these 3 months since without a deadline, I am working very very slow. Right now, I have only completed the main character design. And yes, the design looks pirated as well. Oh well, who cares, the game is only for my own experience!

I have decided to put up my sketches.

The Rough Sketch of the Main Character: Phillip

The Rough Sketch of the Second Main Character: Isaac

The Various Sketches

The Final Design: Phillip and Isaac

The Game Logo

The rationale of the naming of the character was simply taking the initials of the Game Title: Private Investigator. Thus, Phillip and Isaac. As for the story, it will be a murder case, and it is still writing in progress. Hope I can get something done faster...

Just Some Updates.

I was terribly busy with projects lately.

One project had took an unexpected twist. One of my friends in my Orientation Group, Randy was appointed as the Academic Liaison Director during the last semester, and I gladly joined his committee as his sub-committee. In this current Semester, he proposed to start a Game Development Competition which involves participants to programme, write and design their own games. It started off with the intention of having a small competition. However, in the search of finding sponsorship, the sponsors were too interested in the idea and have requested things like media coverage and expected more participants. And now, it has turned into a rather big event. I was assigned as the Head of the Final Presentation. And my job was the easiest initially, but now I have the biggest responsibility to ensure the running of the whole programme smoothly during the last day since we would expect many reporters and big-shots.

Since it has turned into a big event, I thought of having a very nice place for the final day presentation. But I think our budget is only enough for a MPSH, which I thought was quite shabby... But I hope it would work out fine. It would be my first time planning for such a big event... Luckily, it would not eat into our semester. The actual duration will last for 3 months and the final day will be on 6 August, just before my Year 2 Semester 1 starts. Really hope nothing screw up on that day...

I suffered some blows from my another project because it required us to read one of the most difficult essays in the whole wide world. The author included so many profound and sophisticated words in every sentence... Really like those professionals who likes to profess their professionalism. It took me one whole week just to understand 40% of the whole essay... In the end, I think I screwed up my presentation as well, because I have no idea what I'm talking about...

The next blow just occured yesterday when I received one of my mid-term tests. I screwed it up terribly. And I'm like the lowest among my friends... So shameful.


Well, it doesn't matter to me now. Now I would just concentrate playing my new game! In fact, it is not a really new game. It is a remake version of the previous game. Pokemon HeartGold & SoulSilver Version!!! Now, the graphics and music are enhanced for the Nintendo DS! Japan came up with a marketing strategy that prevents piracy. The game comes with a brand new item called, PokeWalker! It is shaped like a Tamagouchi. You can transfer one pokemon over into the device and level up your pokemon as you take a walk outside! It is actually a pedometer that can measure the number of steps you took. You can also catch pokemon and find items in the device and transfer back into your game! Cool Right! Japanese is always so brainy to come up with creative idea to spur people to buy their products!

I was worried that the English Translation would exclude this special feature. But it came with it!!! I was so happy and went ahead to buy the original game at $58. So, up to now, I have 16 original NDS games in my shelf! Haha. People should support original games if they like them.

Game Review: Rockman X7 / Rockman X8

6 years after the release of these 2 games, I finally have a chance to play these 2 games. As a big Rockman fan, why must I wait until this moment to play?

I remembered the last time I ever played Rockman X5 and Rockman X6 was when I was Secondary 1 and 2! And I had to go to either Derek's or Rong Teng's house to play... So at that time, I felt so pathetic when I didn't own any Playstation Consoles...

Now, I have finally got links for me to get the games to play on my laptop! Wahahaha! I don't care even it has any malware on it. I just need to play it!!! I played Rockman X7 during mugging period and Rockman X8 after my exams.

Rockman X7 discarded the old 2D platform style and changed to both 2D/3D playing style. This had created many criticisms from the fans because of the bad controls of the 3D play style. Well, I also found it quite bad because I fell into many pitholes due to the incorrect judgement of my jump, and led to parallex error... Rockman X8 reverted back into 2D platform but with nicer 3D graphics. This game had won back most of the fans' hearts, but still not as good as the X4-X6.

I personally like X8 very much, because the story was nice, and the game became very easy to play once to get the hang of it. I even completed the whole game in less than one week! I replayed the whole game in the same difficulty (which is Normal) in one afternoon! However, being the last game of the series, the whole ending to this series is a bit too abrupt. The series taking over Rockman X is Rockman Zero, the story go all the way to 200 years later after the end of x8. The main character is Zero, but no matter how you at him, he still does not resemble the Zero in Rockman X from any angle! Haha.

I have mentioned so much about X8, but not X7, because till now, I have not even completed the whole of X7!!! Not even once... Because I always get stuck on the last boss... Plus, the controls are really suck on keyboards because you cannot press so many keys on the same time... Same goes for X8, but because it is 2D so it became much more easier. But anyway, Rockman games are still the best!!!

Game Review: レイトン教授と最後の時間旅行

Translated Title: Professor Layton and the Final Journey Through Time.

I love this game very much! The story and the gameplay were excellent! Not forgetting the Anime Cutscenes!!! I just simply love games with Anime Cutscenes.

So far, these are the other game series I'm currently hooked, and I will devote myself into complete every aspect in the game.
1. Ryuusei no Rockman Series(1 - 3)
2. Akumajo Dracula DS Series (1 - 3)
3. Gyakuten Saiban Series(1 - 4, and One Spin-off Title)
NEW. Layton Kyoju Series (Season 1: 1 - 3, and there will be Season 2: 4 - 6)

I played the English Version of Layton's First Installment, Professor Layton and the Curious Village, and I realised I like it very much. I knew there are Second and Third Installments, but I never heard it whether will there be English Version coming out. So, I stopped for more than a year before I saw the Chinese Versions for 2nd and 3rd are out! So I tried playing it, and was deeply in love with the game since the voiceovers are in original Japanese. Haha!

The stories and the puzzles were really amazing. It is not surprising to see how creative Japanese can be when creating such games and story plots. Those who have NDS should try!!! The English Version of 2nd Layton Game, Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box has just been released! Those who prefer English Version should also go try, and work that rusty brains of yours! The puzzles are really fun and interesting!

Another factor I love this game is because of the voice castors!!! Oops. I try not to be get so carried away...

Pocket Monsters: HeartGold / SoulSilver

Do you remember Gameboy Pokemon Blue / Red Versions?
They have been remade into Gameboy Advance Pokemon FireRed / LeafGreen Versions.

Now, introducing another remake versions of Pokemon Games!
Gameboy Pokemon Gold / Silver Versions will now remake into Nintendo DS Pokemon HeartGold / SoulSilver Versions!

So far, Gold / Silver was my favourite version, because you got to go back to Kanto region and fight for another 8 badges. So in total you will have 16 badges!

Haha. Feel like buying them when the English Versions are released...!

Official Japanese Website: http://www.pokemon.co.jp/special/hgss

Game Review: Tales of Hearts

Finally!!! I have completed Tales of Hearts!!! I cannot remember when I started playing this game, but the total time I took to complete is around 50 hours!!! The longest RPG I have ever played. However, the language is in Japanese, I only understand the bits and pieces of the story... I only followed the main story, while putting the sidequests aside since I cannot understand their requirements and thus cannot really complete them.

The story is terribly long. The last 2 games I played that took me more than 30 hours are Final Fantasy IV (NDS) and Golden Sun Series (GBA). Because I cannot really understand the story of Tales of Hearts, I will prefer Golden Sun's story. However, since Golden Sun is produced for GBA, therefore it cannot support a lot of graphics and better background musics (BGM). Tales of Hearts is really good, as there are voiceovers in most of the cutscenes, and I like hearing them, like watching anime! There are also short animated cutscenes, but only 7 of them with less than 1 minutes per video... But still is better than nothing! There are also numerous skit videos that you can watch throughout the gameplay. The video is actually small dialogue between the characters, to let you know more about them, and most importantly there are voiceovers too! It is like another part of anime! The team that produced this game has also took much effort for the voiceovers: In cutscenes, in battles and in skit videos. I'm truly really amazed. After you completed the game, a new option is unlocked called the Museum. It has all the BGM, videos, skit videos, voices used in the cutscenes and in battles! I think you need at least a day to hear them all! Haha.

The bad thing about the game is that you cannot skip the cutscenes. Like if your game hangs halfway and have not been actively saving it when you see a save point, you have to restart from when you last saved, and you will have to re-watch the whole scene again...

There is still a lot of things I have not done in the game. I know each character has their own one-hit-K.O-ability, but I have no idea how to unlock it... The sidequests too, if you can successfully complete them, you can have access to the unknown and inaccessible areas which are not needed in the main storyline.

I have enjoyed this game very much, way much better than Final Fantasy. That's what I think, but I have heard that the last 2 NDS Tales Mothership Titles for NDS have not been really nice. Tales of Hearts is a huge breakthrough. Haha.

Rating: 9/10!!!

New NDS Games Coming Soon!!!

1. 逆転検事 (Gyakuten Kenji)
2. 悪魔城ドラキュラ 奪われた刻印 (Akumajo Dracula Ubawareta Kokuin)

3. 流星のロックマン3 (Ryuusei no Rockman 3)

This year, 3 more highly anticipated NDS games will be released towards the end of the year. Why is it "highly anticipated"?

It is because:

1. is a spinoff of a highly popular game from Gyakuten Saiban Series

2. is another installment for Castlevania Series

3. is the sequel to the current Ryuusei no Rockman Series.

However, since they are originated from Japan, they will be released in Japanese Language first...

No current updates for Gyakuten Kenji and Ryuusei no Rockman 3 yet. But as for the new installment for Castlevania, the main character will be a female named Shanoa, and the English title is confirmed as Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia. The story takes place events after Castlevania: Symphony of the Night when Ritcher Belmont had disappeared, leaving no one to fight against the Dracula. That is when Shanoa steps in and set things right.

Acknowledgement: Konami and Capcom

NEW 逆転 NOT 裁判

New Gyakuten, But Not Saiban? Fans of Gyakuten Saiban are currently waiting for the release of Gyakuten Saiban 5. However, no progression has been heard from CAPCOM ever since they planned to release that. Now, we have confirmed that CAPCOM will be releasing the new Gyakuten Series, 逆転検事 (Gyakuten Kenji), which literally means Turnabout Prosecutor in English. The main character featured in the game is none other than 御剣 怜侍 (Mitsurugi Reiji)! A new gameplay will be introduced and it is somewhat different from the Saiban series, instead of being the first person view, you will play Reiji from a third person perspective. However, so far from CAPCOM, they have only completed 40% of the game programming. Therefore, fans must wait patiently for the next game. As for Gyakuten Saiban 5, CAPCOM has not mentioned anything about it yet. I hope they will also work on that too, because I wish to see Odoroki Housuke (王泥喜 法介) and Naruhodo Minuki (成歩堂 みぬき) reunited with their mother.