Xbox Phantom Dust short review - [update]

**dj898** · 11-25-2004

today received my review copy of Phantom Dust Asian version which bilingual release - i.e. in other word it's in English with NTSC-J region coding.

This is much talked about XLIVE title which was ester egg on last month US XBOM demo disc...

anyway the first impression is this is rather good - in fact better than I thought after playing TGS 2004 demo. The FMV looks fav and the voice over is decent enough although I prefer Japanese voice over in TGS 2004 demo disc - when are we going to get some decent voice acting?

Only played about half an hour or so before got called for family business but I wasn't disappointed. Having no XLIVE at home I couldn't test its LIVE content but seeing xbox have no problem putting up 3-4 characters with lush visual effects and no hint of slow down at all I don't think there will be much of problem. only downside is up to 4 players can participate which isn't many...

on first few levels I've played so far you start with no skill and need to obtain skill orb and assign to each button. You only have limited chi and constantly find the skill orb to replenish used up ones...

visual wise thing is beauty. it looks gorgeous although only 480p is supported via HD pack.

and here's some pictures for your enjoyment... :)

cheers

**dj898** · 11-25-2004

ok here's further review on this rather interesting title.

as mentioned the game has solo as well as multiplayer with XLIVE option. Having no XLIVE I only played the solo mode so far.

After great looking intro FMV you awaken at the central hub of underground. One thing you will notice is the lack of voice! WTF? They have decent voice actors doing each character's voice and in the main game this stupid bubble appears with text and you have to press A button to move to next phrase... how stupid is that! I'm sure they could've done the voice acting with subtitle but...

aside that it's usual standard wondering around the underground bunkers till you get to see the "leader" and agree to join them. I won't spoil why but suffice to say you will be joining them in order to get the mission which is the main meat of the game.

When you are given the mission you finally go to the surface and beat the crap out of all sorts of things/beings... First few missions are tutorials to get you know the control and all... nothing hard here...

after couple of mission the main game begins and that's basically how far I played due to lack of time...

once I played bit more will update and probably some in-game pictures... :p

cheers

**Alien Workshop** · 11-25-2004

Too bad Microsoft has no plans of bringing it to the US :smt009

einbebop44 · 11-25-2004

Is this some sort of highly aticipated game in JP? I've never heard of it. Screenshots would be great! :-D

**dj898** · 11-26-2004

I believe it'll be out in Japan if not already since Asian version was released last week or so...

this is brawl on future Earth where surface has been destroyed - no surprise there - and those with special ability - called Esper - fight each others... On XLIVE up to 4 players can fight each other using fire ball, and other magik...

JPN demo was on last month US XBOM demo disc as an Easter egg BTW...

cheers