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Game Section
The Cover Story
By Zephyr
Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance is the ninth installment in the Fire Emblem series. Path of Radiance was released exclusively
for the Nintendo GameCube. The game is rated T for fantasy violence. Path of Radiance is unrelated to prior Fire Emblem games;
however, a sequel, Radiant Dawn, has been released. The Fire Emblem games are part of the tactical RPG genre. Players control
units on a grid map to achieve various objectives such as: rout enemy, seize, escape, defeat enemy boss, defend, or survive
a certain number of turns. If the main character dies or an objective is not met, the player will have to restart the chapter.
There are four types of armies that can appear in chapters. Blue units can be directly controlled or given generic orders
by the player. Yellow units can only be given generic orders. Red units are part of the enemy army. Green units act independently.
The player controls individual characters with their own unique backgrounds. Some characters will join automatically, and
others will have to be recruited by the player by fulfilling certain conditions. There are several different types of units
that a player can command, but there are a limited amount of units that can be used each chapter. Players must keep in mind
the strengths and weaknesses of different units because if a unit loses all of his or her health points, he or she will become
unusable for the rest of the game. Units gain experience in battle; earning 100 experience points will cause a character to
level up. Beorc units can promote upon reaching Level 21.
Weapons can be purchased before battle. The weapon level of a character determines whether or not the character can wield
stronger weapons. A unit's weapon level will increase the more the unit uses the weapon (or heals with the staff, if the unit
is a priest or cleric). A unit's weapon is important when deploying soldiers. Swords best axes; axes best lances; and lances
best swords. Wind magic bests flying units, bird tribe laguz, and thunder magic. Fire magic bests beast laguz and wind magic.
Thunder magic bests dragons and fire magic. The option of forging weapons was introduced in Path of Radiance. A player can
customize a weapon's attack, weight, accuracy, and critical rate. **To players planning to play the Radiant Dawn: the seemingly
useless coins that can be found in this game can be uploaded from this game to Radiant Dawn. The coins are used to add bonuses
to the weapons a player forges.
There are two species of units available in Path of Radiance: beorc and laguz. Beorc are the traditional weapon-bearing units
seen in previous Fire Emblem games. Laguz units are new to the Fire Emblem series. Laguz can transform into animal forms that
have no need for human weapons. The beast tribes are populated by tigers and cats; the bird tribes include hawks, ravens,
and herons. Herons fulfill the role that dancers played in previous Fire Emblem games. Herons can't attack; however, by singing
the galdr, units adjacent to the heron can move again that turn. The dragon tribes consist of red, white, and black dragons;
all of which are very powerful. While laguz weapons never break, laguz are not in animal form all battle. When in human form,
laguz are unable to attack and their stats decrease, leaving them vulnerable.
A support system accords bonuses to characters based on the affinities of characters sharing a support. Characters can form
supports only with certain characters; these support conversations reveal more about characters backgrounds. The number of
battles both character participate in determines whether or not two characters can share a support. **Players can upload data
from Path of Radiance for Radiant Dawn to carry over support bonuses made in Path of Radiance.
Path of Radiance takes place on Tellius and begins in Crimea with the Greil Mercenaries. Ike, the protagonist, is the son
of the leader of the Greil Mercenaries. Daein, led by King Ashnard, attacks neighboring Crimea and kills the Crimean king
and queen. Daein forces pursue a young woman who is being escorted by a platoon of Crimean knights to Gallia. A skirmish between
the Daein and Crimean forces ensues. The Greil Mercenaries find the young woman unconscious. They discover that she is Princess
Elincia Ridell Crimea, rightful heir to the Crimean throne. Separated from her escort, she turns to the Greil Mercenaries
for aid. The Greil Mercenaries escort the Princess to Gallia, and circumstances force Ike to become Commander of the Greil
Mercenaries. Ike builds an army uniting both beorc and laguz to restore Crimea to her rightful Queen.
Path of Radiance is an excellent tactical RPG and worth playing. Players who enjoy the tactical RPG genre and fans of the
Fire Emblem series won't be disappointed in Path of Radiance.
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Review for: Suikoden V
By Zephyr
Suikoden V is a role-playing game released exclusively for the Sony PlayStation 2. This game is rated T for mild language,
partial nudity, use of alcohol, and violence. Suikoden V takes place before Suikoden and after Suikoden IV and focuses on
the Queendom of Falena. Players will control the Prince of Falena. The Prince has been named Freyjadour or Frey in novelizations,
but the player can choose the Prince’s name in the game. The decisions players make greatly influence the outcome of
the story. Depending on how nice a player is to Princess Lymsleia, a player can see a different Good Ending provided all 108
Stars of Destiny are recruited as well. Players will have to restart the game from a save slot if defeated in combat.
There are three different types of combat. The most common combat players will experience are turn-based battles triggered
on the World or Field Map. Players can opt to defeat all enemies, retreat (the successfulness of this option depends on the
characters luck), or bribe the enemies to leave. Bribing is guaranteed to allow a player to retreat; however, the more numerous
or powerful enemies will require more money (Potch) from the player. Players can choose whether characters will attack with
their weapons or magic, use an item, or defend. Certain characters can attack enemies together using the Cooperative Attack
option for stronger attacks. Players control a maximum of six characters in battle. Depending on a character's weapon, he
or she will perform more effectively in certain positions. Characters with the S Weapon Range Types are the most efficient
on the front lines. M Weapon Range types should operate on the middle lines of the formation. L Weapon Range types perform
equally well regardless of their position and cannot be counterattacked. After emerging victorious from battle, characters
will earn experience, Potch, SP (Skill Points) and possibly items. Characters will gain a level every 1000 experience points.
Duels are the second type of combat. There are three commands: Attack, Guard, and Special. Enemies will hint at their next
move. Players must select a command that will be stronger than the enemy's move within a time limit. The command relationship
is as follows: Attack bests Guard; Guard besets Special; Special bests Attack. If the enemy's command is stronger than the
player's, the player will lose health and vice versa. If the player and the enemy both choose Guard, neither will take damage.
If both sides choose Special, both will receive double the damage. If both choose Attack, a Deadlock Gauge will appear on
the screen. The player will have to press one of the command buttons repeatedly to fill the Deadlock Gauge first to damage
the opponent.
The final type of combat is war. Players control units on a map to accomplish the battle goals. Each unit can include three
characters. The captain of the unit decides its type. Each unit can have up to two special abilities. The characters a player
chooses for each unit will determine that unit's special abilities. There are three basic types of ground units: infantry,
cavalry, and archery units. Infantry bests archery; archery bests cavalry; cavalry bests infantry. The basic naval units are:
combat ships, rams, and archer ships. Combat ships are stronger than rams; rams are stronger than archer ships; archer ships
are stronger than combat ships. Players can receive items for defeating units. The Potch a player earns in battle is determined
by the Potch earned minus the Potch lost from casualties.
Characters can equip two skills to improve their attributes. Some characters have Unique Skills, which cannot be unequipped.
Basic Skills can be equipped by all characters from the start and include: Attack, Defense, Technique, Vitality, Agility,
Magic, Magic Defense, Incantation, and Sword of Magic. Epic Skills can be learned after improving certain combinations of
Basic Skills to level A. Characters improve their skill level by using SP. Characters earn SP when they are victorious in
battle. A character's SP can be moved to the Party SP so other characters who do not have enough SP can improve their skills.
Runes allow characters to use special attacks or magic. Characters can equip runes to a maximum of three places; characters
will be able to equip more runes as their level increases. There are three basic rune types: magic runes, attack runes, and
effect runes. Runes can be bought at runes hops, dropped by enemies, or founds as Orb Pieces. If a player gathers 4 of the
same Orb Pieces, the Pieces can be assembled into an Orb. Orbs can also be used to produce scrolls. Scrolls can only be made
form Magic Runes. The scrolls will have the same effects as the Rune it was made from allowing characters to use spells without
decreasing MP. **Spells can only be used a certain number of times. MP can be restored by resting at an inn.
Players have a variety of different options to make money. Combat is an extremely efficient way to raise Potch, gain items,
and make characters stronger at the same time. Trading is another option for players to take advantage of. Trading items in
certain towns are cheaper or more expensive depending on the needs of that town. For example, gold can be bought at the Dwarf
Camp for 50,000 Potch and sold in Haud for 60,000 for a 10,000 Potch profit. There are also rumor events that can be learned
by listening to the rumors at trading posts. For example, if there is a price drop in gold at the Dwarf Camp, it would be
advantageous for players to buy as much gold as possible in the Dwarf Camp and sell it at Haud or wait for another rumor to
tell of a price boom in gold. The essential component of trading is :Buy Low, Sell High! Combat and Trading are two basic
methods of earning money.
The Suikoden series involves 108 Stars of Destiny. If a player recruits all 108 Stars of Destiny, players will see the one
of the Good Endings of the game. If a player recruits 61-107 Stars of Destiny, the player will see the Normal Ending. Players
will see the Bad Ending if less than 61 Stars of Destiny are recruited.
The Prince of Falena is sent to Lordlake to investigate the remnants of the town that dared to revolt against Queen Arshtat's
rule. The Prince reports on the devastation of Lordlake and his companions implore the Queen to aid Lordlake's devastated
citizens. Queen Arshtat stands by her judgment of Lordlake, maintaining that Lordlake has not suffered enough for betraying
her. Without Lord Rovere of Lordlake, the Senate has become divided into the Godwin faction and the Barrow faction. The royal
family of Falena is beset by political intrigues at every turn. In order to restore peace to Falena once again, the Prince
must gather the support of his allies and reclaim the Queendom from those who would disrupt the hard-won peace and prosperity
of the Queendom of Falena.
Suikoden V is a great game choice for both newcomers and fans of the Suikoden series. Players willing to invest several hours
exploring the Queendom will be well rewarded for their efforts. From the vast cast of character with distinctive personalities
to the diversity of combat, players are sure to enjoy hours of game play with Suikoden V.
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Ah, Love Shapes
~Kikuno Yamato Nadeshiko
High School is a time to prepare you for the real world (AKA “work”). But what happens if you don’t have
to work for your fortune? Well then my friend, you go to Ouran High!
Ouran High School Host Club takes place in one of the most prestigious private schools in all of Japan. So costly in its
expenses that, normally, only kids with rich relatives (parents, uncles, such and such) can attend. Poor kids can only attend
if they pass certain exams and gain a scholarship to the school.
Haruhi Fujioka is one of these few honor students when she accidentally stumbles on the Third Music Room and The Ouran
Host Club. The Host Club, six attractive male students, mistakes her for a boy. And soon after, having a huge debt to pay
is forced to work in The Host Club.
Though working as a Host, it isn’t long until the club finds out that Haruhi’s girl. But the club allows her
to continue working there as long as she keeps her identity hidden.
Having a creative cast of crazy and interesting characters Ouran High is a pleasurable blend of Romance and Comedy that
will have you laughing on every page. I recommend this ani-manga to anyone who likes romance or who likes a good comedy. Witty
and bright this book will keep anybody sufficiently entertained. Besides, it has a love octagon! Read for the Octagon!
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Characters
Takashi “Mori”- Defiantly the ‘strong and silent type’, normally seen with Hunny.
Mitsukuni “Hunny” - Known for his boy like physique and love for all things cute, he is actually incredibly strong
and is normally seen with Mori.
Kaoru and Hikaru – The twins of The Host Club they are very mischievous and can normally can’t be told apart,
especially when they mess up their hair. Haruhi is the only one known to be able to distinguish them apart with their hair
mused.
Tamaki- The President of the Host Club and known to do anything at a whim. A pretty boy and a bit of a drama king, he takes
care of the people in the club and is referred to as “Daddy”.
Kyoya- Cold and calculating are the only words to describe him. He will not put effort into anything unless he finds some
benefit to him. So, it needs to be said that he takes care of the Host Club’s financial costs. Referred to as “Mommy”.
Haruhi- the brutally honest, well liked heroine of this Ani-Manga!
| A picture of the group |
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| Copyrighted by respectful owners |
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A Blast from the Past
A Flash from Last Century
By Kid
If you were a gamer in the twentieth century or maybe just a kid, you probably had a Sega Genesis. Home to the start of famous
games, Sega Genesis was close to the PlayStation of today. The Genesis console was home to the Sonic the Hedgehog as well
as its successors.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 introduced a new character, Miles ;Tails; Prower, now a well-known name from the Sonic series. The third
Sonic title established a red echidna named Knuckles. There was also Sonic and Knuckles, in which you could insert another
game cartridge to play Knuckles in other Sonic games. Sonic 3-D Blast hit the markets, with amazing three dimensional graphics
for its time. Sonic Pinball was also created, the title speaking for itself.
But there was one spin-off created from the Sonic series that is truly a great game, Doctor Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine.
The evil doctor from the Hedgehog's series is at it again. Taking beans from Beanville, he uses the “Mean Bean Steaming
Machine” to change them into his lackey robots. Sonic is nowhere to be found, so the player must foil the Doctor's evil
plans by battling his henchmen until finally confronting the doctor himself.
Doctor Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine was released in November of 1993 in America, although never released individually in Japan
due to its similarity to a popular game Puyo Puyo. Later the game was released in Japan with the Sonic Mega Collection. In
December of 2006 for the price of 800 Wii Points, you could purchase Doctor Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine.
Gameplay is similar to that of Tetris. A colored variety of beans come down in pairs. The player must match them with corresponding
colors in groups of four or more. Refugee beans, with no color, are dropped in the player's grid when the combatant pops a
set of beans. Timing the sets of beans can trigger double or even triple pops at the same time, making more refugee beans
fall into the other's grid. To remove a refugee bean, you must match a set of beans neighboring it. The winner is whichever
player does not have their beans reach the top of the grid.
Various modes are available. Exercise mode allows the player to practice its technique of bean popping. A 1 vs. 2P mode allows
the player to challenge someone else. The Story Mode is the method to play against Doctor Robotnik's henchmen as well as the
Doctor.
So if you're a Sega fan or a Sonic fan, and have never played this game; it may be a good idea to check it out;if you can
find one. - Kid
| A scene from the popular video game |
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Online Game of the Month
By Jeffmonster
Massively multiplayer online role-playing games have become a huge part of the gaming industry. At the moment there are
a large group of these in circulation. At the top of the list is a game worth playing, World of Warcraft (WoW). This game
exceeds all others in storyline and game play. WoW is a fantasy game that takes you into a planet divided by race. These sentient
beings have allied themselves with each other in hopes of conquering the most challenging of goals; surviving in a time of
war.
WoW allows the player to become a hero in a world where almost anything is possible. The game consists of two armies in a
battle, each side having 5 races. The armies in this world are the Horde and the Alliance. The Alliance containing the Humans,
Dwarfs, Night Elves, Gnomes, and Draenei, wish to keep their land and conquer the land of their enemies to stop the corruption
this being the horde's views. The Horde, on the other hand, consists of Orcs, Trolls, Forsaken (un-dead), Tauren, and Blood
Elves; this group is just the outcasts of the world thrown together in hopes of survival. On both sides, the Alliance and
the Horde, you can play as different classes such as warrior, rogue, hunter, paladin, priest, mage, warlock, shaman and druid.
Each race can use different classes, so trying them all is the best way to learn.
WoW is a game that follows a level system of 1-70 but is periodically being raised. It allows you to interact with other players.
If you own a microphone, you may even interact as far as talking to a person. The experience is thrilling and the game never
gets old. Even if you reach level 70 you have many possibilities: you can fight in battle grounds against other gamers, run
through dungeons, and finish quests to increase your characters potential. Plus, if you reach the maximum stats, there’s
no reason to worry. Blizzard, the producers of WoW, update every few weeks to keep the game fresh. The games doesn't stay
the same and has many new opportunities.
Sounds like a success, right? There are some downs you should be aware of if you plan on playing this game. You do have
to pay monthly (only so Blizzard can make game updates) and there are times when updates don't go very smooth. However, over
all Luna gives World of Warcraft 5 stars!
| A female Blood Elf from the original artwork |
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| Copyright Blizzard Entertainment |
Anime and Manga Section
Akuma de Sourou (The Devil Does Exist)
By: MKS
Kind, gentle, smart, and athletic, to Kayano Saitou, Kamijou was the perfect guy. At seventeen years of age, Kayano has never
had a boyfriend before and chooses Kamijou to be her first. With the support of her friends she gathers up enough courage
to write a love letter and comes to school early to confess.
Things were going well until she saw him walk by. In a nervous frenzy, Kayano blindly runs out and confesses to the person
in front of her, “I like you! Will you go out with me?”
Unfortunately, poor Kayano’s luck ran out as she looked up and saw she confessed to the wrong guy! And what’s
more is it was the one and only-Takeru Edogawa!
Edogawa was the principal’s son at Kayano’s school and considered the “Prince of Charming” among
the ladies. Unfortunately for Kayano, his attitude was anything but princely.
With a cocky sneer, Takeru mocks Kayano in her embarrassment and watches as she runs off completely forgetting about the
letter she left in his possession. Deciding that he wasn’t done making Kayano’s life a nightmare, Takeru decides
to blackmail Kayano with the love letter and forces her to become his slave!
Takeru’s plan works above all expectations and it doesn’t take Kayano long to knock some sense into him! However,
Kayano soon learns of Takeru’s higher motives for his treatment of her and in her confusion is faced with another shock.
Kayano’s mom is getting remarried to none other than the school principal! Meaning Kayano’s personal devil just
became her future little brother!
Brought together under the ideal of becoming “family,” Kayano is sure her life is over until she sees something
unexpected at her house concerning Takeru. Moved by the event, Kayano’s heart starts to waver and she starts down a
path that will change her entire life…....
Akuma de Sourou is a romance story unlike any other. It is almost like a modern twist on a forbidden romance that causes
the reader to both think and question their own values. The story is fresh and original and the characters are lovable and
realistic. The line that divides right from wrong is continually blurred as one is drawn into this captivating story. A pleasing
combination of comedy, secrets, misunderstandings, angst, and sweetness, Akuma de Sourou is one manga not to be missed!
Kayano Saitou is an only who lost her father when she was young. She is the perfect image of a “pure” girl but
proves how “pure” girls can be cool too. Although she starts off weak, she’s the type of person who learns
from her mistakes and always thinks of others before herself. She becomes brave and strong as she fights for her happiness
and way out of confusion.
Taker Edogawa is an enigma. He seems like a kick butt jerk who cares only about himself but has a softer side shown only
to a selected group of people. He proves the meaning of the ancient proverb “Don’t judge a book by its cover,”
to those that try to understand him. He has many secrets that he hides behind his pretty face.
We Hear Good Tidings
~Kikuno Yamato Nadeshiko
Yoki, Koto and Kiku are triplets that are all the heirs of a rich clan. When their grandfather dies, the great fortune of
the Nekogami clan needs to be passed on… But to who? With their eldest brother off fighting a faraway war, it is between
the triplets, or their brother’s fiancee, Tamayo, to get the fortune. But when the triplets are poisoned and die, it
seems that only death and destruction will befall the family… OR NOT?
Amazingly the twins come back to life as demons who battle Tamayo, and each other, for the fortune that their grandfather
left them. Along the way they meet many people such as a Shinigami, a lost Soldier, and an amateur detective who all get in
their way. So who will win the prize of an old man? Who will have their dream come true?
I, personally, found the book confusing. I had to read the book three times to understand it. THREE TIMES! Although when I
finally did understand it was hilarious. It’s full of quirky moments and you don’t always know what’s gonna
happen next. I don’t personally think you should spend money on it, but that's your decision.
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Kikuno Nikogami- The youngest of the triplets and likes flowers. Wants to become an Opera star!
Yokiko Nikogami- The oldest of the three. Although her dream remains a secret, it is good to assume that it has something
to do with singing or dancing, because she’s good at it.
Kotosuki Nekogami- The only boy of the triplets and has a frail heart. Is good at playing the koto and wants to search the
worlds for a cure to his heart disease.
Tamayo- A maid of the family and is engaged to the triplets older brother, Sukekiyo. Her only dream is that she can take care
of the family well enough until he comes home.
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