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CRISIS CORE -Final Fantasy VII-
Fourth Installment of the Final Fantasy VII Compilation
If you are an RPG fan, you know the Final Fantasy name. If you are a gamer in general, you’re most likely familiar
with the franchise. On March 25, 2008 Crisis Core was released in the United States, exclusive to the PSP.
Fans were riled up for the latest entry to the Compilation. It took over five months after release in Japan to finally come
to the United States and Canada.
Was the wait worth it? Yes. A prequel to Final Fantasy VII, Crisis Core, focuses on Zack Fair. Zack has appeared in other
Final Fantasy installments such as Final Fantasy VII and Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children. The prequel also shows concentration
on Sephiroth, Angeal Hewley, Genesis Rhapsodos and a young Cloud.
The story elaborates on Zack Fair’s SOLDIER experience as well as the Jenova project. LOVELESS, an epic featured in
other Final Fantasy VII installments, has an important role with Genesis.
Game play is original for it includes an action/turn-based battle system featuring a DMW. This is a slot that has a frequency
depending upon Zack’s emotions. If he is particularly upset or emotional during the story, it can translate into battle
by raising the DMW. This results in frequent slot use. In the slots are people Zack has come in contact with or summon beasts.
When matching the characters/summons in the three slots, Zack can then use a special attack or receive some sort of help.
New features are in Crisis Core. Shops are at Zack’s disposal through a wireless connection. All he needs to do is
open a window and he will be able to buy anything from the shop. In the SOLDIER building, Zack can also fuse materia, making
a wide range of magic attacks. Zack’s weapon is also decided for him. At first he has a normal SOLDIER sword; sometime
afterward he uses the Buster Sword. However, weapons can be modified with materia.
In Final Fantasy there are cut scenes which use graphics titled CG: Crisis Core is no exception. Throughout the game are
various CG scenes which show highlights of Zack’s story.
So, if you are an RPG fan, or are just looking for a great game; check out Crisis Core –Final Fantasy VII- for PSP.
–Kid
The Silly Thing About Luck
Kikuno Yamato Nadeshiko
Shi-Hyun Lee is seventeen and has just been kicked out of her school. And why, you ask, has she? Simple. Shi-Hyun is the
Girl who brings bad luck.
Or at least that’s what every one, including herself, thinks. And she has good reason to believe so. First her parents
die - and then she breaks the arm of a famous kendo prodigy. It seems nothing good will ever happen.
But when Shi-Hyun transfers to her step-brother’s school, she hopes for a new start. Unfortunately, the news of her
being bad luck travels faster then ever. The only people she seems able to turn to are: her brother, the school Casanova,
the cold prince and Hee-Soo, a girl who seems not to care whether Shi-Hyun is good luck or bad.
Travel with Shi-Hyun through her experiences at her new school. Good Luck is filled with trauma, comedy and romance, and
more than a few blunt objects.
Well, I have to say I’m glad that I got this book, and if you read this, you won’t regret it. E-Jin Kang has done
a fantastic job filling this story full of witty and simple jokes and some real drama. Although some parts of the story were,
well, kind of out there and even a little ridiculous at times, nothing was that bad. Besides, this is E-Jin Kang’s first
published anime. I suspect great things from Kang and Good Luck in the future, and I highly recommend this to… uh, anyone
who will read it!Shi-Hyun Lee- The main character, and as we’ve said before, the girl who brings bad luck. All she want
to do is practice kendo… and eat some strawberry ice cream!
Shi-Woo Lee- Shi-Hyuns step-brother and the school’s Casanova.
Hee-Soo Yuh- The only person who will get close to Shi-Hyun. Is it because she actually likes her? Or is it because she’s
on her own agenda?
Hee-Young Lee- The Queen Bee, to be simply put, saying she’s popular is an understatement.
Ma-Hyun- The Cold Prince and has a thing for Shi-Hyun.
Zelda Classic: Every Geeks Dream
By LostInHyrule
Zelda Classic is a program originally developed by Phantom Menace; it was supposed to be a clone of the original Zelda to
test Phantom Menace's programming skills, but it has grown into so much more.
The clone succeeded, and with it came the revolutionary Quest-Editor, Zquest. With ZQuest, users could create and edit Zelda
Quests from scratch- provided they were in the confines of the engine for the original Legend of Zelda: few enemies, 1986
graphics, and design limitations. Despite these limitations, ZeldaClassic took off very fast and spawned several first quest
remakes and original quests built with ZQuest.
Phantom Menace moved on to bigger and better projects, but the ZeldaClassic community still wanted more out of the program:
so a group of programmers continued the development of ZeldaClassic and ZQuest, and over the years it has evolved in ways
unimaginable.
Quest builders can now import graphics and palettes from virtually any NES, SNES or GBC game (and even some GBA games), or
create their own completely from scratch. The graphical world of ZeldaClassic ranges from the original Zelda's graphics to
graphic sets rivaling The Minish Cap, the last 2-D Zelda installment.
The interface for ZQuest is extremely user friendly, and tutorials for it exist that are nearly perfect for teaching a beginning
quest builder. Some features are moderately complicated, such as the properties of "DMaps" and other programming terms, but
despite this, absolutely no knowledge of any type of coding language is required to build quests. The latest versions of ZQuest
can import scripts written in ZQuest's own scripting language, "ZScript", but they are just extras and you can build wonderquests
without ever learning one bit of ZScript.
The music used in your quests is completely up to you: you can import as many Midi files as you can fit on your computer and
use at most 255 midis in your game. Sites like VGMusic.com give great options for midis, or by using programs like Anvil Studios,
you can create your own Midis to use in your games. Any good quest maker knows that music sets the mood of a game and should
be taken seriously.
Possibly one of the best things about ZeldaClassic, however, is the amazing communities that exist to support it. What good
is quest making without some gratification? Not one, but two entire forums and databases exist for ZeldaClassic Quests and
discussion of ZeldaClassic, so that you can hype up your quest before it's even released, and let the world play your game.
A database even exists for extra auxiliary: including a Custom Music Database, a Custom Graphics Pack Database, and a Loose
Tile Database. With all of these resources at your fingertips, you can really create a wonderquest rivaling the real Nintendo
Zelda games.
ZeldaClassic is still evolving as new versions are released, and the communities continue to thrive. So, download the program
and start building your quest!
Shakespeare Goes Anime?
By: MKS
The world renowned Shakespearian play made its appearance in the anime world in 2007. However, this uptake on the tragic romance
is nothing like the original. A whole new interpretation of the term “star-crossed lovers” gave birth to a version
of Romeo and Juliet that is modern and exciting. Although it isn’t the same, it’s just as good, if not better,
than 19th century play.
Romeo X Juliet takes place in a modern fantasy world where the city of Neo Verona floats in the sky and nobility ride on winged
horses. However, not just the setting has changed. In this version, the city is under the control of the tyrannical Grand
Duke Montague. Juliet Capulet is first seen dressed as a boy, acting as a female Robin Hood, helping the citizens under the
name of the Red Whirlwind. Her reason for hiding her identity is unknown until her sixteenth birthday, the day the truth came
out.
In Romeo X Juliet, the Grand Duke forcefully took control of Neo Verona after massacring the entire Capulet family. Juliet
was the only Capulet survivor and had been living for 14 years disguised as a boy named Odin to avoid being killed. Juliet
is told of this truth on her sixteen birthday and learns of her protectors’ plans of having her lead them in a revolution
against Montague; a reclaim of Neo Verona for Capulet. Shocked, Juliet is thrown into a battle for freedom against Montague.
Like the traditional play, Juliet falls in love with Romeo, neither of them aware of the other’s identity, and attempts
to balance her secret relationship with a noble and position as the leader of the revolution. Of course, the truth eventually
comes out and their love is put to fate’s test. Juliet and Romeo are forced to overcome many trials and make many sacrifices
for the sake of their love and Neo Verona’s future.
From this point on Romeo X Juliet almost completely strays from the original plot. The story focuses on Juliet’s struggle
as the Red Whirlwind/ Lady Capulet against oppression, Romeo’s fight for the power to stop his father’s insane
decisions, and Romeo and Juliet’s fight for the right to love each other. Unlike in the play, Romeo and Juliet both
grow and change throughout the story and the anime is not completely focused on their love tragedy. The relationship does
still play a main role; however, many other side characters are introduced and developed as well.
Romeo X Juliet is a beautiful series all in all; from the plot to the music, it’s a wonderful show. It’s not uncommon
to find characters with names from Shakespeare plays. In fact, William himself has a small role in the story. Also, the music
consists of both an English and Japanese version of You Raise Me Up performed by Lena Park. The anime moves at a steady and
captivating pace so there aren’t any filler episodes and it’s an excellent alternative for people who didn’t
like the book.
Juliet Capulet is a strong willed girl who, unlike Shakespeare’s version, grew up as a commoner. She is skilled
with a sword and is unafraid to risk her life helping the citizens of Neo Verona. She juggles between three identities, Juliet,
Odin, and the Red Whirlwind, to keep people from discovering she is the sole survivor of the Capulet House. She falls in love
with Romeo, despite the protests from her peers, and leads the people of Neo Verona in a revolution against Montague.
Romeo Montague is the son of the tyrannical Grand Duke. He is unaware, at first, of his father’s manipulation of the
government and is the only one who stands up for the people of the city. He cares for his people and is not afraid to stand
up to his father. He falls in love with Juliet and discovers how truly powerless he is. Together with Juliet, he tries to
carve a path that will allow him and Juliet to be together and Neo Verona to be at peace.
Sweet Dreams Are Made of These <3
Kikuno Yamato Nadeshiko
Naoto just can’t seem to stay awake. He’s always asleep, in school, on the subway, wherever. And he always seems
to have the same dream… or at least, he ends up in the same place: Orgos, the land of the desert people. Soon his dreams
become more realistic - until he finally falls into them. He works side by side with a girl, Lucia, and her crazy set of comrades
to beat the forces of darkness! His only wish is to come home, but Lucia, a beautiful sorceress, has other plans for him.
Uh… sorry I can’t say more about this one, but saying more would give it all away! It’s a well thought out
book, and it’s filled with mystical people and zany antics. Wataru Murayama hit a home run with this one! If you like
fantasy, comedy or romance, this will be a great book for you to read. And even if you don’t read those genres, it’s
still an awesome book.
Naoto Saki- The main character. He’s a little clueless at times, but he has a pure heart and tries his best at helping
Lucia and her friends
Lucia- A powerful Sorceress in the land of Orgos. Well liked by every body but the bad guys, she keeps Naoto there for one
reason only - and you’ll have to read to find out.
Chisato Shino- Naoto’s only friend in the real world. She’s smart, polite and very shy about things. She always
wears long sleeves for some reason.
Advance Wars: Days of Ruin
By Zephyr
Advance Wars: Days of Ruin is an E10+ rated game for violence and mild language released exclusively for the Nintendo DS.
Days of Ruin is unrelated to previous three installments in the Advance Wars series. Similar to previous installments in the
Advance Wars series, Days of Ruin is part of the turned-based tactics genre. Players will control units on a grid-based map
in order to accomplish the battle’s objective. Losing all units, losing headquarters, and surrendering will result in
a player’s defeat.
The game is divided into selectable maps on the world map with new maps available upon the successful completion of the previous
battle. Players can select trial maps on the world map to hone their strategic skills. For players focused on advancing through
the story, campaign maps can also be selected on the world map. There are 26 campaign missions in addition to the optional
trial maps. Players will encounter four different armies in the course of the game. Red units are controlled by the player
and are part of the Rubinelle Army. The blue army, the yellow army, and the gray army are the Lazurian Army, the New Rubinelle
Army, and the Intelligence Defense Systems, respectively.
In battle, players will deploy units to capture properties such as cities, ports, airports, and factories. The number of
captured properties affects the amount of funds received at the beginning of each turn. Units can recover health and resupply
by resting on allied or captured properties. Players can use the funds to build more units at factories, ports, and airports.
Players will have to adjust to weather conditions; one such condition is Fog of War. Fog of War hinders the vision ranges
of units. Units outside of the vision range cannot be attacked. Capturing properties and using the terrain advantageously
is essential to achieving victory. Players will receive a ranking based on speed, power, and technique.
There are three main types of units: ground units, air units, and naval units. Infantry, mech, and bike units are the only
units that can capture properties. There is an assortment of tanks, indirect-combat, and specialized units that comprise ground
units. The six types of air units available are fighters, bombers, seaplanes, dusters, battle copters, and transport copters.
The six types of naval units available are battleships, carriers, subs, cruisers, gunboats, and landers. Air and naval units
consume fuel each turn; ground units only consume fuel when they move. Units can increase a maximum of three levels by defeating
enemy units. Leveling up improves a unit’s offense and defense. Units of the same type can join if damaged to share
health, fuel, and ammo as a single unit. The highest level of the two units will be the level of the new unit.
Units can load a CO (commanding officer) if the unit is on a factory or headquarters. A CO zone will form around the CO unit,
providing a boost in offense and defense. The CO gauge will fill as a player’s units damage enemies within the CO zone.
The CO can use his or her power once the gauge has been filled. If the unit carrying the CO is destroyed, the CO returns to
camp, where he or she can load onto another unit on the next turn.
In addition to the Single DS Play, players can also interact online through the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. Players can exchange
maps they have created or battle. Players must register each other on their friend roster to choose either option. Players
can chat through a Voice Chat, provided both players select the Enable Chat option.
Advance Wars: Days of Ruin takes place in the setting the title suggests: a devastated world where the remaining humans struggle
for survival. Meteors struck the world, covering the land in dust that blocks the sun. Amid the rubble, Will, a student of
the Rubinelle Military Academy, is rescued by the 12th Battalion. Brenner is the commander of the 12th Battalion; his second
in command is Lin, a tactician. Will, in turn, rescues a young girl who has no memory of her past and gives her the name Isabella.
Despite the devastation of their world and the threat of extinction, Rubinelle and Lazurian forces still persist in continuing
their war. To further complicate matters, a deadly virus takes root and spreads amongst the survivors. Still believing in
the inherent goodness of humanity, Will chases after hope that not even a destroyed world, countless betrayals, and the ever-looming
threat of extinction can quench.
Days of Ruin has a darker, more realistic plot than previous Advances Wars games that will be welcomed with open arms by fans
of the series. The long and challenging battles won’t disappoint players. With great music, more realistic art, and
riveting strategy, Days of Ruin is not a game turn-based tactics fans will want to miss.
Shakugan No Shana
MKS
Sakai Yuuji was a normal high school student living out his normal life until one day he found out he was…dead?! It
was a regular morning, and Yuuji was walking to school when he witnessed a horrid scene. All of a sudden time stopped and
all the people surrounding him were eaten alive! The culprit, an evil….doll thing? Shocked and confused, Yuuji watched
in terror as the “doll” turned to him with the intent of making him his next victim.
Just as he was about to be killed, the doll was attacked! Turning his head to view his savior, he saw a black cloaked girl
with flaming red hair and eyes wielding a burning sword. Unsure whether to be scared or relieved, Yuuji watched as the mysterious
girl destroyed the monster in a mere few strikes of her sword. As the escapade neared a close, Yuuji approached the fearsome
fighter.
To his dismay, Yuuji discovered that his questions only made his life even worse. The girl informed him that she was called
a Flame Haze and her job was to eliminate monsters, like the doll, called Guze no Tomogara. Overwhelmed with confusion, Yuuji
asked what happened to all the people and learned the horror of the real world.
According to the Flame Haze, the Guze no Tomogara have been killing people at a fast rate and no one in the world but Flame
Hazes realizes it. The reason for this was revealed when Yuuji saw all the people previously killed become alive with blue
flames shining inside them. The still nameless girl informed him that people with those blue flames inside them were called
Torches and they were all dead people who come back to life for a short amount of time before they disappear. To his horror,
Yuuji looked down to see a blue flame inside him! After informing Yuuji that he had already died, the girl ran off and time
began again.
With the new knowledge that he is due to disappear in the near future, Yuuji resolves to get answers from the mysterious Flame
Haze. Not long afterwards, he finds the girl again and refuses to leave her alone. Determined to prove he really is Sakai
Yuuji, he names the girl Shana and convinces her to let him join her in the fight against the Guze no Tomogara. However, in
time Yuuji and Shana discover just how important Yuuji really is in the Flame Haze fight, as his life becomes entangled in
a delicate balance between a longed for dream and harsh reality.
Shakugan no Shana is a fun anime with a wonderful balance of action, romance, comedy, and life. The storyline is intriguing
and captures a person’s attention with the first episode. The pace is slow enough to understand new content but also
fast enough to not get bored. In addition, the music is well suited and the graphics are beautiful and fresh. The series is
based on a series of novels and there are currently only two seasons. However, it’s still worth a try to watch.
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