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#hiddengem

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A Non Localized Hidden Gem 2

Why PSP? I think that console has some hidden gems. That is why the significant portion of my posts consists of PSP games. And also PSP is one of my favorite consoles so that is why I find most of the hidden gems there.

PSP’s vast library is filled with RPGs, more specifically action RPGs. Most of us are aware of Monster Hunter and Final Fantasy Crisis Core. And they are amazing too, no doubt about that but as someone who spends to find some hidden gems, I enjoy going beyond them. Hence, I have discovered Lord of Apocalypse.

Lord of Apocalypse is an action RPG, an updated version of Lord of Arcana. It offers quite a bit.

Firstly combat is fast, fluid, and enjoyable. It is one of the highlights of the game. The visual and audio effects combats positively. This game is bloody, messy visual vise but the game’s combat makes up for this.

Graphics and art style are incredible. Character portraits and models and the biome in the game looks gorgeous.

The OST pulled me into the atmosphere of the game, rather effortlessly.

One thing that I liked that separates it from the other action RPGs is the cinematic action that harkens the God Of War games. You would think implementation of such feature can hurt the game but quite the opposite, it helps to it rather drastically. And those sections feel amazing.

The loot and crafting system works similar to Monster Hunter series and I love this aspect of it so much. Gather the items, have the money and craft the weapons. It creates such a nice gameplay loop.

This game does not reinvent wheel but builds upon the foundations of great games. That alone makes it worthy contender of your attention, highly recommend it.

#psp #gaming #videogames #gaming #hiddengem #action game #actionrpg #lordofapocalypse #japanese #anime #animestyled
Hidden Gem that You Probably Missed

Caladrius Blaze is an shmup that was first released for arcades and later ported to the PC, PS3.

The gameplay feels smooth shooting thousands of bullets is always a good experiment for me.

The art style for it deeply inspired by anime.

Stories are brief, yet enjoyable and create a nice world building.

The OST was simply an eargasm. It directly contributed to the game’s overall atmosphere.

One so called negative aspect(s) I can think about this game is filled with fan service that has been directed to the men. This can be a dealbreaker for some, rightfully so.

I deeply enjoyed playing it. Can recommend it if you want to play a high quality shoot em up.

Stories offered this game are quite interesting,too

#gaming #games #videogames #caladriusburst #shootemup #hiddengem
Hidden Gem, Nostalgia

Some games simply feels nostalgic. I remember the days in which I have searched every inch of the internet just to play a single game. That game was Harvest Moon Friends of Mineral Town. Since then, I love Harvest Moon series, and more recently I got into Rune Factory and that solidified my attitude towards the farming/life sim genre.

Somehow, Innocent Life A Futuristic Harvest Moon always fall out of the radar for me. The cover art did nothing like the ones that I was familiar with. Much more melancholic, in a way. Single character standing on his bike while gazing silently to the audience.

Innocent Life is much darker game. The atmosphere for it feels heavier. The graphics compliments the general vibe of the game which is future, in which organic life stolen away from us. When you consider how much this game made me feel, you can easily say that I love the graphics and the atmosphere.

The gameplay is classic Harvest Moon, tile the land, water the seeds, harvest the product and sell them. It functions similarly to the previous iterations. Still quite enjoyable.

The soundscape of the game compliments the story rather elegantly. Few games can do it, and Innocent Life does not disappoint in that regard.

The game embraces isometric camera which is nothing to scoff at, but I would say I wish it embraced over the shoulder camera angle. I have only played it for the PSP, so maybe it is different for the PS2 version.

This game is a hidden gem, even though it is linked to such a huge franchise. Perhaps its deceptively unassuming cover art lead to such an underwhelming response. If that was the case would not be surprised.

Of course, I highly recommend it. I wish it had received a PC port. But it is easy to emulate title so you have the options.

#gaming #videogames #nostalgia #harvestmoon #innocentlife #PSP #PS2 #hiddengem #retro #farmingsims #futurism #future #atmospheric
Obscure Game 10

Last Blade is a fairly known and an amazing fighting game released for the OG Neo Geo. But did you know that it had a port for Neo Geo Pocket?

The Last Blade Beyond the Destiny is an amazing fighting game. The movement and combat all feel so fluid. They truly capture what made The Last Blade great on a portable system.

Pixel art for it is perfect. Of course one cannot expect the crispness of a Neo Geo however this port has its own graphical style which relies on fewer colors however the color palette is pleasing to the eyes.

Porting games once considered an art. Now ports are becoming more and more of HD redressing of existing IPs. I believe what is so special here is that Neo Geo Pocket port is truly masterful, it stands its own while being respectful to source material.

This game is remained this version I mean as hidden gem because unfortunately it did not sell well. But in this day and age it is easier for us to discover such hidden gems.

Give this game a shot. Whether emulate it or buy the actual copy it is up to you!

#gaming #neogeo #japan #fightinggame #neogeopocket #thelastblade
#thelastbladebeyondthedestiny #obscuregame #hiddengem #anime #snk

Tail Concerto is a #hiddenGem for the #PS1

It's a cute #Japanese action #rpg, where you play a Cop #dog-person named Waffles, and you have to fight a gang of #cat-girls.

It controls well for a game from 1998 and the voice acting is as corny as you'd expect from #anime of the period.

The battle sounds are pretty annoying, but the music is decent.

youtube.com/watch?v=zHgCjfiZPY

Here's a #hiddenGem for the #ps1

Nanotek Warrior (1997) is an on-rail shooter. It's arcadey and easy to get into, but there's a lot of nuance to the controls to reward mastery. The graphics are classic #Playstation and hold up very well due to being abstract. The techno soundtrack isn't quite as good as say Wipeout, but it still matches the action well. I suspect this will be a lot of fun on #retroGaming handhelds.

youtube.com/watch?v=p1Ol9pqgC2