Ninety-Nine Nights

"Words from a skeptic: Ninety Nine Nights"

If you're a reader of my reviews, then you'll notice that I just recently submitted a review for Dead Rising also titled "words from a skeptic." Reason being is that these two games take heavy hits from skeptics. I am a skeptic, and I believe that these two games show a bright future for the 360. That is why you are reading the words of a skeptic, a skeptic of N3, one who assumed it would be nothing but a hack-and-slash boredom, one who assumed that the game would merely be a sad mockery of Dynasty Warriors. I was also a skeptic on the future of the 360, but because of the release of these two games, things are looking a little better.

Let's get to the game. There's the orb that was split in half to form the Orb of Light, and the Orb of Dark. It used to bring peace as the world coexisted in harmony because of the orb. But when the orb mysteriously shattered, the orb split into Light and Dark. Races were consumed by hatred and suspicion towards one another. The result of the mistrust lead into war.

Each character has their own story, some shorter than others, and while all characters have their own story, only one of them can be considered "main-line." Most all of the other characters have awkward, empty endings, and most of them contradict the other. While it's confusing, just take it from me: look at Inphyy as the main character.

The gameplay...

The story is too complex for me to explain, so I'll cut straight to the gameplay. You begin the game as Inphyy, the lead female character. She's the all around good fighter capable of powerful combos and swift strokes. She's strong, fast, lethal all around. At first, I assumed that this game would be a yawn-fest willed with boring battles. I was wrong.

As soon as I began the game I charged into battle and used some of the numerous combos available to my level one character. Not much, but fun. Taking down two enemies with swift strokes, I then dashed through the crowd and slashed another enemy from afar. Seeing myself surrounded, I leapt on the heads of the enemies to cross the field, escaping danger. Fun? Yes. As you power up throughout the game following one of the seven character's small stories, their powers level up into something of a God. Brutal combos, over-the-top attacks. Special orb spark techniques which bring a tear to your eye (most notably being Tyurru's).

The game satisfies any hack and slash fan's dreams. A great time, though short. The attacks of each character requires you to master each individual person. Each one is well varied.

While it's overwhelming to see thousands of enemies flood down a battle field towards you, the game does get repetitive. I'm not a fan of hack and slash, so yes, it does get very repetitive. Luckily, just as you're getting bored, your orb meter will max out, and you can unleash a devastating combo, followed by, if your orb spark meter is full, an all out attack wiping out most enemies on the field. You'll achieve new levels and have more ways to devastate foes.

However, perhaps the worst part of the experience comes in when you have to battle a boss. The bosses are basically tougher, meaner versions of normal foes who don't like to take hits. That's it. They'll devastate you, and feel shameless for it. While the AI for all of the enemies runs circles around Dynasty Warrior's AI, the bosses are simply not that good.

Sounds and music.

The sounds in the battle field are muffled. Not the best. The sword clashes, the yells. Nothing sounds quite authentic, and most of it is off rhythm.

The music, on the other hand, is great. I love the theme, it has a beautiful sound to it which is used in numerous movements throughout the title. The music is perhaps the best feature in terms of "what you hear."

As for the voice work, it's mediocre at best. Not horrible, not excellent. Some characters are good, but for the most part, it's just okay.

The graphics are stunning, though. Great environments (though still a little big) with highly detailed character models. As far as the enemies go, almost every enemy is varied in some way whether it's a different color helmet on your side, a different piece of armor, whether they have a beard or mustache, it changes.

In closing.

After writing numerous large reviews, you may be surprised that this is so short. So what's to say? It's a short game, not too much going on, repetitive. But in the time I did play it before I discovered all of the story lines, I enjoyed it. The battles gave me a thrill, and most all of them (like in the Pholya Plains) have an epic feel to them. It was great for when it lasted, and there's plenty of replayability in level up your character, scoring all achievements, leveling up maps, and even uncovering a secret bonus mission.

I'd recommend you renting this title first. It's not phenomenal, but it's good. Maybe, just maybe the future of the 360 looks brighter because of this. It's not the best game in the world, but it's nice, and when you have a limited game collection in terms of the 360 at this time, it always looks nice with a place on your shelf.

The Good:
- Excellent Battles
- Great Music
- Excellent Graphics

The Bad:
- Repetitive Gameplay
- Annoying Boss Battles

The Slow:
- It takes two to three minutes between battles with enemies just to get into battle with the next pocket of enemies. A little faster, please?

"Words from a skeptic: Ninety Nine Nights", by NWalterstorf.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 08/28/06