Aedis Eclipse - Generations of Chaos

Reviewed by Nick Tran
July 1, 2007

Developer: Never-Land Company         Publisher: NIS Website: Click Here Consoles Available: PSP Number of Players: 1 ESRB Rating: Everyone 10+

Aedis Eclipse is broken up into three separate scenarios that intertwine at certain points, though they don't seem to be directly related at first glance. The first scenario includes a tutorial for the entire game, teaching the player about the item shop, Classes, Partners and the more intricate elements. Although they do not have to be played in order, starting from the bottom and working your way up will give you more insight into what's going on in the later scenarios.

This isn't your normal strategy game played on a grid. Each Captain in your force has a set number of units. Other unit types can be acquired randomly on the battlefield due to victories against other units. At the start of each battle, you're allowed to choose several marching formations, each of which affects the force's overall stats. Victory is achieved by defeating the Captain of a force. In some cases, you can capture Captains as prisoners. From that course, you have the option to release your prisoner, execute your prisoner or take them to the nearest base and persuade them to join your side.

Good graphics and animation on a PSP title are hard to find without the bother of excessive load times. Even though the game is a bit long to start up, it's one of the smoothest runs I've ever played on the PSP, and all without sacrificing in-game animation or great intro and dialogue.

The game is rather straight forward.  Either you will completely trample your opponent or you will find yourself trampled upon. Once your Captains get a few levels under their belts, it's a matter of outfitting them with the proper troops and gear. Greater numbers don't always win, though it's nice to have Captains steadily devoted to exploring dungeons and towns for items and cash. It tends to cause tedious times, especially when you're anxious to get to the next leg of the story.

This is a perfect title for the weekend micromanager. It's not as complex as most tactics setups, which is largely in part due to an incredibly user-friendly interface. Sometimes it's difficult to choose which units to keep since prisoners are plentiful, but you'll find your favorites soon enough. Just keep your gold and levels up and you'll be the conquering hero in no time flat.

The Evolution Factor on this game is low.  Aedis Eclipse is nothing that any gamer hasn’t seen before in this genre, nor is there anything new or game defining.  This game is a once through game then you shelve it or trade it for something better.

Screenshots (click image to enlarge) :