Spring Break
Vampire Fighting, Anime Art Entertain In 'Lunar Knights'
Joshua Denenberg
Issue date: 3/2/07 Section: Focus
When the name of acclaimed video game designer Hideo Kojima comes up in conversation, most gamers think of the "Metal Gear" series. Recently, however, he and his team released the title "Lunar Knights" which is quite the departure from what Kojima has become associated with.
"Lunar Knights" is the follow up to the Game Boy Advance series "Boktai." Those familiar with the series will recall it as an above average top down action role playing game. However, the most memorable part of it was a bizarre "light sensor" that would be able to detect if you were playing broad daylight, which would in turn affect the potency of abilities and even events in the game. Those who have tried playing a Game Boy in broad daylight probably know this is not a good idea due to the horrendous glare created on the screen. This mechanic is still present in "Lunar Knights" but it was fixed so now the "day-time night time system" is simply set on an internal clock. Like "Boktai" the time of day in "Lunar Knights" affects various elements of the game ranging from recovery to the enemies you encounter.
This "day-time night time" mechanic is not the only thing that makes "Lunar Knights" a surprisingly solid title. The control of polar opposite characters during the duration of the game also adds quite a bit (one character, Lucien, uses a big sword while Aaron uses a gun). Both have unique strengths to help you conquer the lengthy dungeons that make up the core of the game. Here, the day and night mechanic plays a significant role. While Lucien is more effective and able to recover attack energy at night, Aaron is only able to do the same in daylight. This forces players to budget their character's precious power and play to their strengths based on the location.
The dungeons that were alluded to are long and absolutely loaded with monsters. In most role playing games, you kill a bunch of monsters in one area until you get strong enough to kill the enemies in the next. In this respect, this game won't win any points for originality. Although the dungeons are well designed this style of game cannot help but feel a little routine even with the unique mechanics and dual character system.
One of the first things noticed in the game is the distinct anime-style art and lush use of color in the game. While the graphics are relatively behind current standards, the effective use of color and brief-but-well-done anime cut scenes help make up for it.
When it comes to the storyline, "Lunar Knights" is not the most original, but it will keep players interested enough to keep playing. The general premise is that the Earth has been taken over by vampires in the future. You guide your two heroes to try to fight vampire domination. While there is far more intrigue to come, nothing more can be said without spoiling key events.
"Lunar Knights" is sure to please fans of the genre, or those just looking for a lengthy adventure to kill their spring break.
"Lunar Knights" is the follow up to the Game Boy Advance series "Boktai." Those familiar with the series will recall it as an above average top down action role playing game. However, the most memorable part of it was a bizarre "light sensor" that would be able to detect if you were playing broad daylight, which would in turn affect the potency of abilities and even events in the game. Those who have tried playing a Game Boy in broad daylight probably know this is not a good idea due to the horrendous glare created on the screen. This mechanic is still present in "Lunar Knights" but it was fixed so now the "day-time night time system" is simply set on an internal clock. Like "Boktai" the time of day in "Lunar Knights" affects various elements of the game ranging from recovery to the enemies you encounter.
This "day-time night time" mechanic is not the only thing that makes "Lunar Knights" a surprisingly solid title. The control of polar opposite characters during the duration of the game also adds quite a bit (one character, Lucien, uses a big sword while Aaron uses a gun). Both have unique strengths to help you conquer the lengthy dungeons that make up the core of the game. Here, the day and night mechanic plays a significant role. While Lucien is more effective and able to recover attack energy at night, Aaron is only able to do the same in daylight. This forces players to budget their character's precious power and play to their strengths based on the location.
The dungeons that were alluded to are long and absolutely loaded with monsters. In most role playing games, you kill a bunch of monsters in one area until you get strong enough to kill the enemies in the next. In this respect, this game won't win any points for originality. Although the dungeons are well designed this style of game cannot help but feel a little routine even with the unique mechanics and dual character system.
One of the first things noticed in the game is the distinct anime-style art and lush use of color in the game. While the graphics are relatively behind current standards, the effective use of color and brief-but-well-done anime cut scenes help make up for it.
When it comes to the storyline, "Lunar Knights" is not the most original, but it will keep players interested enough to keep playing. The general premise is that the Earth has been taken over by vampires in the future. You guide your two heroes to try to fight vampire domination. While there is far more intrigue to come, nothing more can be said without spoiling key events.
"Lunar Knights" is sure to please fans of the genre, or those just looking for a lengthy adventure to kill their spring break.
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