iamjack
12-26-2002, 09:32 AM
Now that Chirstmas is over, it stands to reason you've some loose change/swag to exchange, and you've seen every movie worth renting. So here I am to yet again offer an alternative. This time, in the spirit of the season, I have one that actually takes place during Christmas.
Parasite Eve 8/10
Playstation
Plot: Ahh, Christmas in New York. Detective Aya Brea takes a date to opera night at Carnagie Hall, but once the first act starts, the audiance begins to spontaniously combust. Being the only survivor, Aya finds herself with a number of unusual powers. With the help of her partner, she investigates an unharmed stage actress and several leads involving her unique genetic properties. Based on a Japanese novel.
As games that mimic movies go, this one's got the style down. Dubbed a "cinematic role-playing game," you may wonder what it is that makes it so fucking cinematic. Let's start with the soundtrack, with plenty of moody, tension-inspiring music right out of your favorite signature horror flick, including plenty of creepy Halloween-style piano. Couple that with the dark, lonly environments featuring several true-to-life New York sights. And of course the storyline, wrought with cop-drama and sub-plots, not always at the peak of your interest, but surprisingly convincing. The best part being how it leads you along rather then throwing the whole plot in your face at once. Most interesting is the scientific angle, and trust me, you'll find out some shit that'll make your skin crawl.
And then there's the gameplay. The fights Primarily involve shooting your gun, but with a turn-base twist which requires you to be within a certain distance, but allows you to move about. Between fights, you customize your armor (in the form of bulletproof vests) and weapons to add range, bullet capacity, and several features like fire, acid etc. And of course you get to use your newfound powers like healing and super speed in limited amounts. A few problems exist though, including the need to conserve supplies and the fact that you move rather slowly, even when you run.
As games go, it's rather short, about 8-10 hours. But if you care enough to look, you'll find a decent flick within a decent game, which is always worth a rent.
Movie equivalent: The Ninth Gate
Parasite Eve 8/10
Playstation
Plot: Ahh, Christmas in New York. Detective Aya Brea takes a date to opera night at Carnagie Hall, but once the first act starts, the audiance begins to spontaniously combust. Being the only survivor, Aya finds herself with a number of unusual powers. With the help of her partner, she investigates an unharmed stage actress and several leads involving her unique genetic properties. Based on a Japanese novel.
As games that mimic movies go, this one's got the style down. Dubbed a "cinematic role-playing game," you may wonder what it is that makes it so fucking cinematic. Let's start with the soundtrack, with plenty of moody, tension-inspiring music right out of your favorite signature horror flick, including plenty of creepy Halloween-style piano. Couple that with the dark, lonly environments featuring several true-to-life New York sights. And of course the storyline, wrought with cop-drama and sub-plots, not always at the peak of your interest, but surprisingly convincing. The best part being how it leads you along rather then throwing the whole plot in your face at once. Most interesting is the scientific angle, and trust me, you'll find out some shit that'll make your skin crawl.
And then there's the gameplay. The fights Primarily involve shooting your gun, but with a turn-base twist which requires you to be within a certain distance, but allows you to move about. Between fights, you customize your armor (in the form of bulletproof vests) and weapons to add range, bullet capacity, and several features like fire, acid etc. And of course you get to use your newfound powers like healing and super speed in limited amounts. A few problems exist though, including the need to conserve supplies and the fact that you move rather slowly, even when you run.
As games go, it's rather short, about 8-10 hours. But if you care enough to look, you'll find a decent flick within a decent game, which is always worth a rent.
Movie equivalent: The Ninth Gate