Nightcaster II: Equinox

"Not perfect but an all around pretty good game"

First off I read one review of this game and the reviewer went so far as to say the game was abysmal, I honestly can say that after a few hours with the game I hardly think that review was fair. The game may not win any awards but all in all for the money spent which now for the game is under 20 bucks, it's worth it.

Graphics: Clean and smooth looking graphics all around,the game is also HDTV compatible and it looks awesome if you have the system for it, I like that fact that you can click the left analog and the camera sways to the direction your character is facing making it easier to fight and keep from getting too lost in the levels.

Gameplay: Okay the one thing I did notice is that your spells regardless of which one you use kill the monsters basically the same unlike the first game where you actually HAD to have the opposite spell to kill them quickly, you seem to be able to use any spell against the creatures, I also noticed that the creatures seem to move really fast VS. the first game where you could outrun them and get a chance to get composure and kill them, this one requires you to be on your toes constantly, HOWEVER there is one thing that does help out a bit with the creatures and it's noted below in the sound dept. Gameplay summed up is kill the creatures on each level, find the artifacts and move on to the next level, call it Gauntlet 101 which this game borrows heavily from.

Sound: Not too bad, the review I read claims that the techno soundtrack was outta place, this is not the case, I actually like the music that accompanys you on your journey it's a nice mix of ambient and the techno score kicks in to let you know when enemies are close making it easier to get ready for an attack, this is a welcome addition VS. the first game where they just attacked. Basic fire and grunt sounds are put where they belong and as you level up and gain more spells, you hear the standard LEVEL UP and Weapons voice you here in most action games ALA gauntlet. Nice soundtrack keeps the action and pace flowing quite well I think. I must say though that they could have done something with the female voiceover that usually starts off the level, there are check spots where she starts to speak, and if you go over the checkspot again her voice starts over, this I think could have been avoided, you'll understand what i'm talking about if you play the game, it can wear on you especially those of us that want to get 100% perfect levels by picking through every nook and cranny, hearing her voice kick in every time you hit one of those spots really can get irritating, just a small gripe on that one...

All in all: For what you can pick this game up for now which is under 20 bucks it will keep you busy for sometime especially if you are a fan of action RPG's like Gauntlet, the game was also in limited release as most reviewers hated it making it all the more collectible, you guys have played worse games trust me. So grab this one, abysmal it is not perfect it is not what it is is a game that will give you your 20 bucks worth and then some, I can see myself playing through this game again sometime..

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 07/19/03, Updated 07/19/03