Luminous Arc Halfway Point

I'm starting this blog off already over halfway into a neat little SRPG for the Nintendo DS called Luminous Arc. The game has problems galore and is decidedly early-generation when it comes to its technical aspects but it has enough charm and ease of play to keep me coming back. In fact, I've been somewhat obsessive about the game over the past week and am (at Chapter 18) doing some serious leveling and completing of Intermission scenes.

This neat DS title is a Strategy RPG in the style, though without the depth, of Tactics Ogre and Final Fantasy Tactics Advance. It has, of all things in a DS game, voice acting. It's not persistent but every once in a while the dialog is spoken and it's very, very well done. The most annoying character in the game voice wise can be said to at least have a world of talent in the voice acting department.

The item and equipment system in the game is messed up, confusing, and honestly a complete pain in the ass. I'm having to write down lists just to keep track of the items. Stylus control is beyond bad, fortunately the solution is to just turn it off and use the buttons. Much better that way.

Anyway, there's lots of fights to do in the game. My characters are all mid-40s in the level department right now which as I understand it is close to end-game levels (and again, I'm only 1/2 way through the title!) I am spending a LOT of time in this chapter, trying to get my party ready for Vivi's sidequest. Perhaps I'll post progress on that particular element tomorrow.

I will keep you posted on my progress, which is daily, at any rate.

Some other games I have to look forward to are: Daisenryaku VII Exceed for the US PS2 (should be out within the next few months); Shin Sentou Kokka Kai, a terrific modern era strategy game for the Japanese Playstation; Super Robot Wars W for the DS; and a few other surprises I'm keeping secret right now. Lots of info coming your way, keep peekin! I am a strategy/SRPG game fanatic!