• Review: Otomedius Excellent

    by
    Jason Arriola
    Published on 02-21-2012 01:17 PM
    5 Comments Comments


    Otomedius Excellent

    Developer: Konami Digital Entertainment
    Publisher: Konami
    Platform: Xbox 360
    Genre: Scrolling Shooter
    Rating: Teen
    Release Date: November 8th, 2011

    As it states right on the cover of the game, Otomedius Excellent is “inspired by the legendary Gradius series.” Instead of flying the traditional Vic Vipers of the Gradius games, Otomedius Excellent has you flying what appears to be jet powered futuristic scooters as girls who have a lot to hide, but choose not to. One look at the cover may have you snatch up the game in a lustful heartbeat, but how does the game fair in this XBOX 360 exclusive?

    Presentation
    The game takes place in 2011 where two organizations are at odds with each other. One is the Gofa sisters and the other is the interdimensional anti-Bacterian organization simply called “G.” New members have joined this alliance with a hope to help eradicate anything that threatens Earth’s safety. Fortunately for Earth’s sake, the scantily clad girls of G find that a dark presence has come to the planet to unleash a harrowing assault. According to the G organization, with the coming of this dark presence so to comes the war of Angels.

    Graphics
    When it comes to graphics, well Otomedius Excellent is a bit of bad news and good news. Let’s start off with the bad. During gameplay you’ll find yourself looking into the backgrounds of each stage. You’ll do this because, of course, this is a side scrolling shooter. From the get go, the first mission you undertake finds you in a tropical metropolis location. Since you fly around the perimeter of the city you can address the game’s graphical prowess. It didn’t take long to see that textures seemed to mimic those of the Dreamcast era; more specifically it was as if the anime character was flying around Station Square from Sonic Adventure. Be that as it may, the game looks great on an HDTV. There’s plenty more diverse stages the game shows off and the game certainly does a fine job with color.

    A little more good news: the anime art direction looks fantastic. The opening cinematic is one such example of this. For fans of Konami’s shoot ‘em ups, you may find some similarities in the characters of the game and the unique qualities they possess from the games they are based on. You could say they act as guest stars for this feature.

    Sound/Music
    All that is to be expected in a side scrolling shooter in terms of sound effects is packed into Otomedius Excellent. Laser blasts, explosions, and the revving sound of heavy machinery. The game does not feature an optional English dub but does feature English subtitles. The English dub would have been a welcome addition because there are times when NPCs will speak during the action of gameplay but you’ll be so concentrated on trying not to get hit to sneak a peek at the subtitles. Then there are those few times when subtitles won’t show up when a “radio” conversation between characters takes place in which they can share a few lines of dialogue with each other leaving you to wonder what it was that warranted such a call.

    Gradius fans will have something to shake their heads to in terms of music. If you’re able to get yourself a Special Edition of the game you’ll find that plenty of music from the Gradius series appears in the game, among others. From the menu and load out screens the music of the game is a treat to the ears.

    Gameplay
    As with the classic side scrolling shooters that came before it, Otomedius Excellent relies on a power up system. That is, you begin with a relatively weak weapon and through power ups that are acquired in-game you can transform your frail machine into a war machine. The point of the game is clear. Make your way through each stage, careful to avoid damage while dishing out as much damage as you can, making your way to the end of the stage to confront the boss. At that point, as the game states, shoot the core of the boss and secure victory. Then repeat the process for each stage of the game.

    There are eight playable characters in the game, each with their own unique set of weapons which encourages you to find the character that works for you. In fact, before the start of each game you can choose a series of weapons that your character can use in battle. This is actually a key part of the game that requires good understanding. Sure while you can equip something that would burn a whole town to ashes, you might not get far in your exploits. What you choose here also determines how you’ll fare against the bosses of the game.

    No doubt on your first run through of the game you may not know a good strategy to take down a boss. In fact, taking your time with a boss is a big no-no, because they’ll get bored and leave causing a negative impact on your game. While this may seem irksome, and downright maddening if it happens to you often, it still can act as a way to get you to customize a weapon set that makes your gameplay easier to manage, and it’s possible to do so. For example, there are weapons in the game that are perfect for destroying swarms of enemies, such as a spreader. Yet when it comes to destroying a boss’s core, a weapon that boasts in concentrated bursts would be more ideal. The learning curve is steep but not impossible to overcome, and it may be quite a timely task to figure out what works best.

    It won’t take long for a lot to be happening on your screen. Hoards of enemy aircraft and mechs will drop in to stop your progress, so it’s important to upgrade your weapons as soon as possible. The weaker your weapons are, the harder time you’ll have especially if you’re trying to rack up points for the leader boards. In any case, you’ll need to be careful too because taking damage will reset the power of your weapon forcing you to take out more enemies for the chance that they will drop something useful. If you’re new to this genre you may just have a few more scowls than smiles at first, but it comes with the learning process.

    Lasting Appeal
    The game does sport both an online and offline cooperative mode. Strangely, in a multiplayer game, Player 1 is the only player to be affected by “lives”. In other words, the game will keep running so long as Player 1 does not expend all their lives, yet players 2 and 3 can take damage, die, and respawn without limit. If you’re assembling a team that’s inexperienced, you might not get far and the game could be over before you know it. Despite that, it would be fun to experience the game with others and learn and/or exchange tactics.

    Leader boards are available to see where you stand amongst friends and skilled players around the world. A great feature that goes towards perfecting a gameplay strategy is that footage can be seen of the top players in the game. The fact that each time you play you can gain experience points which can be used to gain more formidable weapons. It’s a good way to give this game replay value, especially if you don’t mind putting in the work to improve in an already challenging game.

    Conclusion
    Be wary of Otomedius Excellent. I can’t speak for those who show interest in the game. You may just end up getting it because of those barely dressed anime girls riding heavy weaponry or you may just pick it up because you enjoy the side scrolling shooter genre. Otomedius Excellent is a good concept but it strikes out in some areas that could’ve used a little more attention. It has great potential, but it may be awhile before you get into the swing of things through process of trial and error. The goal is to find a strategy that works, stick to your “guns”, and the rest comes naturally.

    Score:
    7.0/10


    Comments 5 Comments
    1. Bradly Collins's Avatar
      Bradly Collins - 02-21-2012
      You should attach my video review from E3 last year.
    1. Jason Arriola's Avatar
      Jason Arriola - 02-21-2012
      Brilliant idea. I'll put it at the bottom here.
    1. Bradly Collins's Avatar
      Bradly Collins - 02-21-2012
      Haha, I was joking but it will work for some laughs.
    1. Beatboxtaun's Avatar
      Beatboxtaun - 02-21-2012
      I STILL need to give this game a go, either that or just snag Gusto's comfy pillowcase. ~.0 Great stuff, Jason! Thanks bunches for your insight. Due to your advise, I will make sure that I keep my weapons upgraded at all times. =D
    1. inkboy200x's Avatar
      inkboy200x - 02-23-2012
      i've been meaning to pick this game up. I enjoy Gradius/smups/sexy anime girls so it should be fun.

  • Review Scale

    Score 10- Flawless Victory: A score not handed out to every game. Games earning this rare score sit at the very pinnacle of excellence. These games act as the examples for which all others should be measured with. They are instant classics from the beginning. These games not only deliver what was expected of it, but also exceed the player’s expectations. The game’s features are innovative and original. No game is without its absolute flaws, but the finished product you bring home surpasses the anticipation the game has formed. A day one buy is a must. The game you hold in your hands with this score is a video game jackpot.

    Score 9 - 9.5- Outstanding: Games earning scores such as these absolutely must be played. Games that achieve this high ranking do so because they define the genres that they are in. Flaws are few and barely noticeable. Features seen in the game have been renovated to provide something new and fresh. The story, gameplay, graphics, and lasting appeal are all fantastic and is reason enough to bring the game home and to enjoy with family and friends. Every penny you spend on the game is so worth it.

    Score 8 - 8.5- Great: Any flaw the game may possess is overshadowed by its fun factor. These games would be great for gamers to play. These great games appeal to gamers more and more outside its normal player base because of what it brings to the table.

    Score 7 - 7.5- Good: Flaws do exist in these games, but the positive features of the game can counterbalance the flaws. Additionally, players who are predisposed to liking a game of a particular series or genre with this score should enjoy the game. These are in no way bad games, and much fun can be had with them. An overall good game is worth taking a look at, whether you are willing to buy the game or rent it first. That or you can also wait for the game to reach a good price.

    Score 6 - 6.5- Decent: Games falling into this category may suffer from numerous flaws (for example, graphics or gameplay), but are still worth playing. Granted, the player should be aware that a game with these scores may not guarantee them full satisfaction.

    Score 5 - 5.5- Average: An average game is one in which a game’s features are neither good nor completely terrible. Instead, the finished product is manageable. Little has been done to hold the player’s interest. If anything, rent this game before you consider buying it so that you can at least get a feel for the game’s overall experience.

    Score 4 - 4.5- Poor: Games falling into this category may only keep gamers entertained for a short while. While the game may seem enjoyable for moments at a time, it can quickly grow old and may never be revisited again. The game’s overall function is lacking in quality and may not hold the player’s attention for long. The game leaves little or nothing else to return back to.

    Score 3 - 3.5- Bad: If any positive qualities about a game in this category exist, it is not enough to redeem the game for its shortcomings. Sure you may find yourself playing it, but for how long? You will wind up not giving the game a second glance.

    Score 2 - 2.5- Horrible: Games such as these may not be totally unplayable, they nearly are. Additionally, they may lack, or greatly suffer in, the fundamental functionality of the software as a whole. The game simply does not come close to meeting industry standards at the time of its release.

    Score 1 - 1.5- Appalling: Gamers should avoid this game at all costs. The game was clearly not ready to make its way to store shelves in its status. Save your money and find something else. See it in the bargain bin? No! Stay away! Keep moving and look for something else.