Generations of Chaos

Reviewed by Norman Canseco
March 20, 2006

Developer: Idea Factory Publisher: NIS Website: Click Here Consoles Available: PSP Number of Players: 1 ESRB Rating: Teen

Screenshot from Generations of Chaos. (Click image to enlarge)

NIS brings it's magic to the PSP with Generations of Chaos. This strategy role-playing game (SRPG) gives players command of kingdoms during a bloodthirsty race for supremacy. Players must take control of their commanders as they fortify locations, strengthen the markets and search for allies as well as hidden treasures throughout the land. Of course, there are the usual responsibilities like fending off adversaries, gaining territory, and if possible, building alliances to prepare for future conflicts. Generations of Chaos is basically the build-your-own empire sim for the gamer on the go.

There is the bit of a learning curve for this game due to the lack of a tutorial. It may take a few tries to get used to. The game is full of great illustrations and animated special attacks. The battles run a little slow, taking some of the energy away from the battles. There are many different races in the game, each with different strengths and weaknesses. Terrain and weather also affect conditions on the battlefield. As the player, you can gauge your kingdom's strengths and weaknesses and alter your terrain to your advantage. In short, GoC is complete SRPG action and kingdom management in the palm of your hands.

There are only a few problems with Alpha3 for PSP. One being that the D-pad on the system doesn't work quite well with special moves in this game. The D-pad is too low and doesn't quite register all the commands. Capcom has prepared for this and developed a special D-pad overlay which allows for better execution of moves. Unfortunately, to get the D-pad converter you have to have ordered the game from Capcom.

A lot of responsibilities are given in the beginning of the game and to add a little more pressure, there is no tutorial. One reason for the difficulty is the fact that this particular game is actually the fourth in an ongoing game series in Japan. For import players, there would be no need for a tutorial this far into the series. For beginners, however, the game seems a little nerve-racking in the fact that there are a few commands that work, and that the CPU is just sailing along. Before you know it, your kingdom is cornered, the prisoners you just captured have just been rescued, and your generals are taken hostage. Luckily, NIS had already planned for this and provided an online mini-guide for those who are lost. The guide has many helpful hints and is packed with item and skill lists for future reference. So for those who love the game but need a little help, they can find the guide by registering on their site under member downloads at www.nisamerica.com. For those who have patience, Generation of Chaos is a great game and filled with good storyline.

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