Role Playing Reminiscence- Nostalgia Review
As the resident RPG reviewer for the site, I get the opportunity to play every turn-based adventure that gets sent our way. While I approach almost every title with eager anticipation, sporadically those expectations can be crushed by drudgery; an excessive amount of grinding or a tedious combat system can quickly turn a stirring diversion into a monotonous chore. Still, a particularly charming and well built title has the power to rekindle my faith in the genre.
The recently released Nostalgia is one of those uncommon games that is perpetually delightful, proficiently constructed, and undeniably gratifying. It’s a throwback to Playstation-era RPGs like Wild Arms and Star Ocean: The Second Story, and a much-needed reminder that a heartwarming story is just as important as visual splendor in an adventure. DS owners seeking a charismatic RPG should strongly consider seeking out Nostalgia.
Nostalgia opens as fedora-clad, stalwart archeologist Gilbert Brown is exploring the famed Tower of Babel. Brown’s expedition is interrupted by a cultish mob- the Cabal, who are forcing a young woman to retrieve an enigmatic artifact. The chivalrous adventurer comes to the detainee’s aid and ushers her aboard his airship, as the duo plan a hasty escape from the nefarious gang. Unfortunately, the adventurer’s plan is thwarted- although the youthful captive escapes, Brown is apprehended by the Cabal’s leader. In characteristic RPG style, players assume the role of the archeologist’s son, Eddie Brown as he scours the world, searching for his missing father.
Unlike many RPGs, the title’s plot consistently moves at a rapid pace; dialog is focused, and yet delicately sculpts each of the game’s central protagonists. The game’s 19th century setting fastidiously explores a variety of locales- from the Great Pyramids and Tibetan temples to metropolitan locations such as New York, London and Tokyo, fostering a brilliant sense of discovery. A wealth of side missions and an expansive epilogue flush out the game’s storyline, and assist in disguising the linear nature of the title.
Nostalgia features two distinct forms of combat: dungeon battles and airship conflicts. The game’s interior contests are randomly generated, but occur sporadically enough so they don’t ruin the momentum of a specific quest. Once an enemy encounter is initiated, gamers are shown a graphical representation of the battle order on the lower DS screen. Each member of the player’s four member party has a specific aptitude, easing the tactical requirements of the title.
Although the game’s airship conflicts are still turn based, enemies approach the player’s vessel from the front and each side when sky conflict inevitably occurs. Party members staff different parts of the ship, and can use special attacks to defeat a group of foes. Once players power up their airship, higher altitudes are available, meaning tougher enemies will be encountered. Occasionally, these battles with resilient opponents will cause combat to drift into monotonous territory. Only by venturing into the upper thresholds will players be able to unearth some of the title’s World Treasures; so there is a tradeoff for the more arduous skirmishes.
Visually, Nostalgia is a thoroughly proficient title that utilizes the same capable 3D engine as Final Fantasy III and IV. Characters are drawn with an endearing super deformed aesthetic, while city and dungeon maps sport a distinctive hand-drawn style. While the title forgoes an adjustable viewing perspective, the game assists players with urban navigation by displaying icons for weapon, armor, and supply shops. The game’s soundtrack is comprised of diverse chiptune melodies that evoke the game’s variety of locations.
Nostalgia is the ideal name for a game that tenderly evokes the role-playing goodness of past eras. Although players accustomed to complex battle systems or multi-layered narratives may not be captivated by the title’s amiable simplicity, those who take pleasure in light-hearted romps will surely appreciate Nostalgia’s impeccable execution.
Please keep the RPG reviews coming, deagle!
I need to get this one for sure. Reminds me of a DC game (forgot the title)
Wow, this one didn’t give me much warning. I didn’t know it existed until I saw the review.
Looks and sound pretty much like a kids RPG. Might appeal to the Hannah Montana set.
No NIS didn’t have a hand in this?
I kid!!!
Hmm, many people are saying this ones pretty boring.
You had me at Wild Arms!
I’ll be getting this at $19.99 for sure.
So, they are all kids in the game?
Not bad looking, but what happened to 2D RPGs?!?
Good one!
And good review, DE.
So NOLA and Tide don’t like RPGs?
Not at the top of my list, but I still want!
Thanks for the review, guys! I love me those RPGS, and this one looks cool.
The two kinds of combat sounds like it helps to keep things a bit fresh!
On the lookout for this one.
The world exploration bit sounds cool. More games should do something like that.
What, you wierdos don’t might random battles?
You better turn in your reviewing license 😉
It’s at Gamestop, BTW.
Good review. I gotta admit, I really play most of my JRPGs on the consoles.
The graphics look pretty good.
I still need to pick up Dissidia!!!
The logo makes it looking steampunk. Is it?
Great review, Deagle!
Yep, totally agree. I’m intrigued by this one.
Thsi game sounds like it was made just for me. I need to get this!
Wow, this got next to no hype, which is usually a bad sign.
Your review made it sound very fun and totally fun. Nice job.
I’ve heard there are only four heroes in the game. Isnt that a big drawback?
Yep, Nostalgia is a great name of the game. Need to get my old school grind on.
I want this, but I’m going to have to wait for a sale.
Sounds like fun. Maybe I’ll indulge.
Getting my trade ins ready for a game stop run tomorrow. Anyone know if they are having any decent trade in deals?
I’ve been playing this for a couple of hours now, and it’s pretty entertaining, but it also feels a little simplistic. Or maybe I mean it feels classic. Reviews I read said that the combat system was simplistic, but there are some nice nuances to it like being able to use acquired points to upgrade and unlock new skills on a grid, and the airship combat is cool. The random battles aren’t much of a big deal because they are spaced pretty far out; they never feel frequent. And anyone who can’t at least tolerate random battles isn’t a true RPG gamer. For me it depends upon the fun of the battle system, and Nostalgia’s battle system is fun so far. I say it’s worth getting if you want a new DS RPG to sink time into.
I’ve been playing it since reading the review and picking it up.it’s totally retro and completely fun for me.
I don’t know why people complain about random battles. That’s like FPS games complaining about exploding barrels.
Nice art, man! Those drawings look great!
Where is the world is Gilbert Brown? Hooking up with Carmen SanDiego!
next on my ‘to buy’ list. Need a RPG on the go!
Couldn’t have said it better myself.
Deagle, whats your favorite RPG of all time?
Rogue Galaxy and Dark Cloud 2 are two off the top of my head. If you include SRPGs then Disgaea 2 would be at the top of the list.
Got to play that one, then!
Anyone who says this is boring is obviously not very smart, and anyone who says it looks like a kid’s RPG is just a flat-out moron.
Revealed: Secret to Reducing Air Conditioning Costs
Certain results indicate how each American household pay an estimate of $1000 for
both heating and air conditioning systems every year.
Indeed there are very good ways to cut down on these
expenses without sacrificing the benefit of air conditioning during
hot summer days in any way. The true secret to reducing Air Conditioning costs lies in your maintenance activities and
making the right purchase of air conditioner units based
on your needs.
Currently, there are 3 common kinds of air conditioners, central, freestanding
and window on the US market. Each kind has its own pros and
cons. Before purchasing any air conditioners for your home, there is something that
you need to understand. Not all the types
of units on the market require the same kind of maintenance.
Think about the possible utility and maintenance costs when you
purchase your unit. What is the cooling coverage that you truly need?
It may seem easy to install a centralized system for your entire house.
But the question is whether it is necessary.
Apart from the high expense of purchasing this system, there are the possible high costs of repair and maintenance.
If you only want cool air in certain rooms because they are the hottest in your
home during a hot summer season, then opt for the window or freestanding
kind. The key difference between the freestanding type and
the window type is in terms of mobility. You can move a freestanding air conditioner from one room to another easily enough.
Buying this type will be a great idea if you intend to rotate
the usage of the unit in different rooms. But if
your mind is fixed on having a few units in specific rooms, then the window
type might be a good option. Since the window type
would be up on the wall, it would not take up space in the room like how the freestanding type would.
When it comes to the window type, you have the choice
of selecting one that comes with or without duct.
Apart from being compact and small, the ductless kind is rather easy to install on any wall.
Compared to the one that comes with a duct, it is
also more energy saving. A good way to cool the temperature
in the other rooms that have no air-conditioners is to use oscillating fans.
Another smart way is to purchase a few 5 ton air conditioners to cover the space for
your entire house instead of buying a centralized unit.
But this depends on how large your home is. Apart from the
cost of purchase, there is the expense for maintenance. Normally,
the cost of maintenance of a centralized air conditioning
system is much higher compared to the freestanding or window
types. To reduce maintenance costs, think about performing simple maintenance activities on your own.
For example, you can take a look at the filter and change it if it requires changing.
Normally, the frequency for changing or checking the filter will be mentioned
in the air conditioner manufacturer’s manual.
Some findings show that changing the filters can help in reducing monthly utility costs by
10 to 20%.
Though it is fine to carry out a simple maintenance task such as changing a filter, it is best to leave the more complex maintenance or repair tasks to Air Conditioning Experts.
Now and then, call them up to check on the state of your air conditioner units
and do what is necessary for their optimum working condition – an ounce of prevention is worth
a pound of cure.