Gamertell has posted its weekly column that focuses on notable game-related imports and Japanese gaming.
From this week's article:
"One of the most popular icons and characters in Japan is a brown haired girl with yellow ribbons in her hair named Haruhi Suzumiya. People mimic the opening dance from her anime, dress up like her, collect toys that look like her character, read about her and even play video games where she is the star...
Not surprisingly, the success of the Haruhi Suzumiya series has spawned a number of video games. Here's a brief overview of what's available, in chronological order. Keep in mind, the games all contain quite a bit of fan service."
GameTrailers: "Don your cutest swimwear for a cruise of gentle feelings!"
GameTrailers: "There was sadness in her eyes--until she played this game."
411mania gives a rundown on this week's game releases. Highlights include Ar tonelico II: Melody of Metafalica, Star Ocean: Second Evolution, Commander in Chief, Big Bang Mini, The Excitement of Haruhi Suzumiya, and Ultimate Shooting Collection.
Ar tonelico II
"Overall, the better-than-average story, unique battle system, and all the little things that you can do in the game help to make this a worthy purchase for those of you who like JRPGs and do not mind buying PS2 games this late in the system's life."
Star Ocean: Second Evolution
"As far as changes go, you can expect new playable characters, updated artwork, cut scenes, and voice work, as well as new dialog."
Commander in Chief
"While I am apprehensive about juggling so many issues at once, I was sold on the idea that I can 'determine the course of world events by invading a neutral country, toppling an unfriendly regime, or plotting assassinations' and then face the 'economic, political, and military consequences.'"
Big Bang Mini
"Obviously, maneuvering around enemy fire, debris, or anything else that's moving about is done with the stylus. To keep the controls completely on the touch screen, the game requires you to flick the stylus toward the top screen to launch attacks. Making it through the game requires you to figure out when to attack and when to move your ship to safety."
Suzumiya Haruhi no Gekidou
"The main game plays simply enough - all you have to do is watch the bar at the bottom of the screen and wave the Wii remote as instructed."
Ultimate Shooting Collection
"Despite its shovelware-looking cover and shovelware-sounding name, the three games that are included might actually be worth more than the shovelware-price, at least if you are a shmup fan."
