Otogi 2: Immortal Warriors

Started in on Otogi 2: Immortal Warriors today. My initial impressions would have me believe we have more of the same greatness that was the original Otogi: Myth of Demons. I've played through the first five levels. Earning the 100% and A ranks for the first four. For spirits collected, and damage dealt to the level respectively. I need to replay the fifth stage to earn them before moving on to the next stage. But of course, that's just me. The graphics are just about the most gorgeous I've ever seen. Especially in art direction. They're steeped in traditional ancient Japanese. They have effects on top of effects. From Software really knows how to make a game functionally pretty. As in the active played-in environments as opposed to some rendered backdrop or FMV section. The music is just as lush. Also steeped in traditional Japanese. They've added five new playable characters beyond Raikoh from the original game. Each one not only conceptually different from the rest, but they play differently. Distinctly unique within the game. The voice over is really good. They've left the option to have the original Japanese voices. That's something I normally don't give a shit about, but in a game where everything is so heavily Japanese, it's nice and completes the overall Japanese effect. I have the urge to play it some more. It's going to be one of those games. The ones that call to you when you're not playing them. Otogi: Myth of Demons was my Game of the Year choice for 2003, even though we (The VGL) didn't actually have a list for 2003. I'm going to resist that urge to play it by seeing about some Halo 2 online. Don't want to reach the end too soon, you know. The ladies don't like that.