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| Bladestorm: The Hundred Years' War; Score: 8/10 | |
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| Topic Started: Feb 16 2008, 03:55 PM (1,089 Views) | |
| LittleDragonZ | Feb 16 2008, 03:55 PM Post #1 |
Behold the spear of Baby Dragon!
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Story: Based on the medieval war between the English and French, Bladestorm recaptures the roles behind the events that unfolded during the period of 1337-1453 in this strategy game. Bladestorm: THYW focuses around your character, your mercenary's achievements, in order to make a name for the glory of the mercenary title and how important they can be in shaping the wars favour. Gameplay: You start by using only a limited customized CAW system in order for you to begin your mission as a mercenary. Allowing the events during the time to rekindle and come alive, you instantly choose a force to fight for in your first few missions. Choosing the force will not have an effect on whether you can change your objective and decide to fight for the opposite side at anytime, though. Which means you are able to spontaneously switch between England and France throughout the game, either playing in the important battles whenever they appear, or by just continuing on with some friendly skirmish contracts. After each contract fulfillment, it'll be up to you to pick what side and what to do next, figuratively allowing unlimited back-to-back battles, since what you conquer with England will then take away from France, and vice versa. However, in order to progress towards the end of the game, getting more fame, you will need to take part in four historical battles, such as the Battle of Orleans and the Battle of Agincourt. Moving on to the actual style of play, you will see that the system basically mimics that of the Empires series - You lead your fellow forces from base to base in order to link them all up and take the main opposing base, ultimately ending that specific skirmish or historical event contract. And since the units you use have strengths and as well weaknesses, like they do in strategy games, you will need to use these to your advantage in order to defeat and capture the scattered units and bases. Further on, after the battle and when the contract has met its end, you'll find yourself at the place you started; the tavern. Where the barkeeper will either address you with new contracts or hint towards anything that leads you further into the game or of that plays a role in the character interactions. From after speaking to him you can choose to buy and equip new clothing and weapons to improve your chance for victory on the battlefield. Not only can you do this but you can also spend your skill points to enhance different abilities and moves just by looking into the corresponding books. After all, there are a large amount of weapons and other features to keep you occupied and away from the game combat itself. For the average gamer you will be finding yourself playing at least a couple hundred battles, effectively unlocking secrets and allowing new boundries and side-quests to open. 8/10 Graphics: Impressive, but not to that can be compared to the likes of the PS3's or XBOX360's fullest capabilities; it could be better. Plus, a good thing to point out is that there are countless of cutscenes you can witness and enjoy. The opening introduction of this game is spectacular. 8/10 Difficulty: Average enjoyment coming from the difficulty until you reach the battle just before 4-star fame. That's when the game takes its toll and becomes very exciting. Other than that, this aspect comes from the fact that you choose how to make it difficult by varying your units activities. The maps are large and you'll find yourself wanting to use horses too often, leading to them dominating the difficulty and to which unit is the best and strongest use. But only up to the point that when you get to the post-game roughly, that you will start to let your guard down more and enjoy the other units. In the difficulties defence however, you can find fun and an easy learning curve for the younger generations. 8/10 Sound: Not the greatest to my personal taste, but it's still above par; most noticeably towards the England and France tune and as well Joan of Arc's and Edward's own theme songs. There are a few in the game that take parts from each other in order to create new music. Having said that, the medieval feel is without a doubt present. Though I personally can't state this as a fact of course. There are 39 songs in total. The voice acting could be much better. Some of the characters accents and other mishaps are undeniably clear, and at times, not pleasing to hear. Perhaps you could even say that this is a good point, judging from what could of happened if your character was to be able to speak. Touche. 7/10 Summary: It was indeed a pleasant diversion away from the Warriors series for me. The game has a powerful story, much gameplay value with that being around 100 hours and not including the side-quests. Perfectionists will be the only players who will be still entertained with the goal of unlocking everything in the game, but the average gamer will most likely get bored during the very later stages of the game. Thankfully though, there are always character interactions and people to talk to in the tavern in exchange for gossip, etc. I'd also like to mention now that most of the game is revolved around the two unique figures; Edward, the Black Prince and Joan of Arc. The sound is awe-inspiring within a few songs, but could also use with some help in a bundle of them, and perhaps more diverse changes in the future hopes of another game in the expected and upcoming series. However, it's overall a very satisfying music selection to experience. The story background and historical accuracy was indeed accurate enough, even the events that unfolded and character relationships were noted in the games diary feature. It was nice to learn some more about what actually happened, though knowing that the character personalities, knowing it was Koei; were more than likely characterized and exaggerated to an extent. And lastly the actual story played its major role in the four battles and only other than that, in the characters reflections of what was really happening at the time. Otherwise it would be correct to say that the skirmish contracts kept me busy most of the time. Rent or Buy? Well, since this game will take time getting use to and won't be as exciting at the start, you'll probably be better off buying this game. Not only because of the above reason, but because it wouldn't be the right choice to abandon a new platform title from Koei, for those PS3 owners, and it would be hard to rate it so early. The true potential comes from the later sections of the game after all. I'd like to lastly thank Koei for making this an educational and enjoyable experience. Good job! [size=7] Overall rating: 8/10[/size] |
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| Fayt | Feb 16 2008, 10:28 PM Post #2 |
Sakon, has left the topic.
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Nice review LDZ, this is something I'll certainly be looking into when I get a PS3. Reading from the top, so the plot revolves as you acting as a mercenary and selecting which missions to take and this ultimately can shift the balance of power between the two nations? That's how I read it anyway, it reminds me of the concept used in the Armored Core games actually - and I love them. I'm certainly curious about this, it looks like more strategy and flexibility on offer as opposed to the Warriors series, that I like the sound of. |
 Star Ocean Universe | Forum | |
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| God-Like Phoenix | Feb 16 2008, 10:46 PM Post #3 |
Mercenary General
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yes and yes... you get to decide who ends up winning, by who you do most of your contracts for, and how much of each reigon you can take over with each force. And yes that there is more strategy and flexibility in the game, so say that your defending Domremy, which has i think 5 base points, and the enemy has the surrounding bases...lets say that there base points are 3 and 5... you would have to decide which would be best to go for...me personally...would go for the three because that would be the easiest and quickest to take, so you have another base attacking the 5 base point base...but there are many other better examples, this is just one i could only think up now  (sorry for blabbing on)btw, really good review LDZ, even though i actually like some of the sounds and the accents
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| Qing Long | Feb 16 2008, 11:47 PM Post #4 |
青龙
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Excellent job, LDZ ^^ The review is very well detailed and explanations are well done  8/10 for BLADESTORM So cool another good score for BS Point on the gameplay, it looks like to be a very good point, it give the enjoyment to play  And for the sounds of accent, I hope there're some good, because BS was voiced in France lol XD |
☆ o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-|   Sorry for my bad English (English isn't my first language), forgive my mistakes, please, thank you ~ Family o Gallery o KW Addict o KW France o SOTW #43 o WO Avatar | |
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| LittleDragonZ | Feb 17 2008, 10:12 AM Post #5 |
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Behold the spear of Baby Dragon!
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Thanks guys, and Fayt; you basically do what you do in Empires by linking all the bases, and taking quick routes like God-Like Phoenix has said in order to connect and take the main base. After the battle is done you then can decide from a list of contracts to either serve the English or French on the next mission. Edit: Added a rent or buy summary. |
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| KOEI Warriors | Feb 17 2008, 03:41 PM Post #6 |
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_root.admin
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Finally T_T a review of BLADESTORM... It's a good one and I'll add them to the site... Hopefully this will inspire more people to try out BLADESTORM... Thanks LDZ! |
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| LittleDragonZ | Feb 17 2008, 04:08 PM Post #7 |
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Behold the spear of Baby Dragon!
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Thanks, I've edited it all for the better spelling and grammar, etc. I can't think of anything else really to put, so its done. This is my second review altogether, and I've just edited my Warriors Orochi review as well. Expect a Dynasty Warriors 6 (hope its good) and a SW2:XL review when they come to the UK. |
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| KOEI Warriors | Feb 18 2008, 11:12 AM Post #8 |
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_root.admin
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Thanks and it's still hard to believe the first review that our LDZ wrote is actually about the BLADESTORM OMG! THANKS! |
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| LittleDragonZ | Feb 18 2008, 11:40 AM Post #9 |
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Behold the spear of Baby Dragon!
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No, I wrote the Warriors Orochi review beforehand. I hope this topic will help others decide to buy the game, not as a trick method though, but because it's a decent new change of a game. Especially if you were like me with a little collection of games for the PS3, supported Koei and needed a new game to play. |
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| God-Like Phoenix | Feb 27 2008, 09:56 AM Post #10 |
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Mercenary General
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yeah, this game is really worth it, and this review is actually getting me thinking of writing up my own review
i think i did one for orochi
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Spoiler: click to toggle
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| LittleDragonZ | Feb 27 2008, 12:04 PM Post #11 |
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Behold the spear of Baby Dragon!
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Its good to put all your thoughts into practice. And I see that you've already started. I'll try to remember to comment when you're done with it. |
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| Thee Yuan Shao | Apr 13 2008, 12:14 AM Post #12 |
Supreme Commander
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So LittleDragonZ do you recommend me getting Blade Storm, even though I liked the demo? |
 Thanks crimson for the signature! | |
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| LittleDragonZ | Apr 13 2008, 12:04 PM Post #13 |
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Behold the spear of Baby Dragon!
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If your not busy with any other games then sure. But its small in similarity compared to the Warriors games. Do you like strategy games? If so it would be a great game to kill-off 100+ hours and try something new and fresh. |
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| Thee Yuan Shao | Apr 13 2008, 12:12 PM Post #14 |
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Supreme Commander
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I do like some strategy games, the demo didn't have that much replay variation but does it in the real game? |
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Thanks crimson for the signature! | |
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| LittleDragonZ | Apr 13 2008, 12:23 PM Post #15 |
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Behold the spear of Baby Dragon!
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If you wish to do it all such as max all units and get all the DW/SW weapons then your talking about 200 hours. Besides, for instance if I were to pick more English missions and get up to the point of a fame star increase event, I will miss cutscenes for the French, that I can see the next time I start a new file and do it that way, whilst missing the English events that I've seen just previously. So thats the replay value there. You could even in fact create 2 files at the start and play one with the English forces and one with the French if you wish to do it that way. |
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| Thee Yuan Shao | Apr 13 2008, 12:39 PM Post #16 |
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Supreme Commander
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So you have to make your own story? And one last question, how deep is the character creation? EDIT: I was reading that you can collect DW and SW weapons, can you equip them and use them in battle? |
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Thanks crimson for the signature! | |
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| LittleDragonZ | Apr 13 2008, 12:43 PM Post #17 |
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Behold the spear of Baby Dragon!
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Yes, well you decide which battles to enter, giving you the scenes, etc. The starting creation (your face, etc) of your character is very basic like in the Warriors games, it's a poor amount. But there are so many clothes, items and weapons in the game. Edit: Yes, the DW/SW weapons are avaliable but not till the very end. You can use them. |
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| Thee Yuan Shao | Apr 13 2008, 12:47 PM Post #18 |
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Supreme Commander
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Thank you LittleDragonZ, you have changed my mind about getting this. Sorry but I have one last question, can you equip the DW and SW weapons and use them in battle? |
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Thanks crimson for the signature! | |
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| LittleDragonZ | Apr 13 2008, 12:49 PM Post #19 |
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Behold the spear of Baby Dragon!
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Yes you can, I edited my post above. And I hope you have fun.
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| Thee Yuan Shao | Apr 13 2008, 12:53 PM Post #20 |
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Supreme Commander
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Thanks you 
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Thanks crimson for the signature! | |
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| KOEI Warriors | Apr 13 2008, 02:41 PM Post #21 |
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_root.admin
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Hahaha thanks LDZ for the recommendation, thus another copy of Bladestorm will be sold. |
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| PotatoSamurai | Jul 4 2008, 03:54 AM Post #22 |
First Lieutenant
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What a well organized review this is just what I was looking for. Nice job I really wanna get this game but I got DW6 first.
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Those who do not value the greatness of the Kessen series shall be struck down with the blade of virtue!
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| God-Like Phoenix | Jul 4 2008, 05:35 AM Post #23 |
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Mercenary General
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well that doesnt mean you cant get Bladestorm :rolleyes: i got Bladestorm while i was waiting for DW6, and then i got that :lol: |
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| LittleDragonZ | Aug 16 2008, 03:46 PM Post #24 |
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Behold the spear of Baby Dragon!
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Thanks. Its been slightly edited since I'm checking on all my reviews, but nothing other than a change in mind of phrasing my wording a bit better. |
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| kejimasters | Jan 20 2009, 11:39 AM Post #25 |
battle hungry
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i only saw the trailer and i wnated to get this game just wondering is it worth it little draogn z ?? |
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Check out The Ghostlands Forums! http://z15.invisionfree.com/TheGhostlands/index.php  thks to zenkokuku for the sig | |
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