User Reviews

1. Review Date: 2009-05-27

   You'd think that there's not a lot to expect from a game like this. A Devil May Cry clone with a half-dressed chick swinging two huge gun-swords around killing things. Seems like a sure thing.
   
   And yet, it fails to deliver. The game tries to hide the half-baked level design by making you stand in place while monsters respawn until you kill enough to close the portal, just to stretch things out in a room roughly the size of a mens' bathroom stall.
   
   The camera is apparently possessed of the various devils you're fighting, since it seems to do its level best to make sure you lock on to the wrong monsters, fall to your death, and generally die horribly.
   
   Didn't expect much in the way of story, and I got just what I expected, but come on now. I didn't expect art and deep philosophical commentary from Onechanbara either, so can't really fault it for that. Unfortunately, I can fault it for being very much "not fun."
   
   User: Ciro
   Rating:
   Summary: Sad.
   Helpful Votes: 0
   Total Votes: 1
   

2. Review Date: 2009-03-11

   This game is quite pretty - Bloom effects, lens flare, cell shading, and the most fantastic backgrounds I've ever seen. Simply put, this is a beautiful cherry blossom of a game.
   
   Seriously, once I stopped drooling, I played the game. It is smooth and fluid - and the main character is easy to control. It is just a shooter, but a FUN SHOOTER that has a good story to boot.
   
   So, if you are looking for something different in a third person shooter -this will be the game for you.
   
   
   
   
   
   User: Michael A. Kelly
   Rating:
   Summary: Very Pretty Very Fun!!!!!!!!!!
   Helpful Votes: 0
   Total Votes: 1
   

3. Review Date: 2009-03-07

   This was South Peak's last chance with me. After the travesty that was Two Worlds I was skeptical of even this purchase. I will admit the cover caught my attention. While not the best illustration in existence, the concept of playing a scantily clad female wielding two devastating gun blades heavily appeals to me. So, with some reservations, I made my purchase. I figured it was a hack and slash, a very simplistic game concept, so how could South Peak really screw that up. Oh my, let me tell you how!
   
   Pros:
   +Beautiful levels
   +Scantily clad female with dual wielding gunblades
   +Excellent magical abilities
   +Awesome combos
   +Well developed booklet
   +Leveling up mechanic is interesting
   Cons:
   -PLAYING THROUGH THE GAME TWICE!!!!
   -Levels are the size of my room
   -Bosses are really easy to beat
   -Items are incredibly easy to locate (because there is only one room!)
   -Ayumi's in game figure looks weird
   -Lame story line
   -Bad voice acting
   -LEVELS ARE THE SIZE OF MY ROOM!
   
   Details on the above list:
   Actually, I'll start off with the good aspects first. The levels look beautiful. The texturing is quite impressive. Aside from some "too bright" lighting on the outdoor levels, I really had no issues with this part of the game. I did like their level up system quite a bit. You basically kill a bunch of creatures and you get soul points then you spend these soul points to get upgrades. The upgrades were really cool. You can get fire burst, ice, earthquake, and lightning magic. You then bind these to a button on the controller and when you get enough rage from hitting your enemies you can execute these special magical attacks. I actually did like this mechanic throughout game play. You can also upgrade your gun blades to get different kinds of firing options. These were pretty decent also. No machine gun option though... would have been cool, but very unrealistic.
   
   One aspect that some people may be divided on is the way you heal. You heal by spending your soul points or hitting green crystals distributed throughout the levels. Maybe being able to essentially heal whenever you want seems like a cop out to some people, but if you run out of souls, you're screwed, so I actually liked this mechanic in the end. Plus the game has a built in element where it gets more expensive every time you use that feature, so I think this balances it out. I opted to save up my points and go for the regeneration feature. Of course you can always double back and replay levels you know you can beat and collect millions of souls to activate all the upgrades before the end of the game, if one is so inclined.
   
   The booklet for this game is incredibly comprehensive. It gives you a full background on what your character is doing there and so forth. It gives you a run down of all the enemies and a few tips on beating them. If you're really getting into trouble there's a strategy guide section that you can read for tips on how to beat certain bosses. It also has all the normal stuff that goes over spells, upgrades and user controls.
   
   All of that sounds like it should be a fun game shouldn't it? Yeah, I thought so too until I actually started playing through this game! Okay, I know I haven't mentioned it yet, you play as a girl named Ayumi. She's supposed to be a treasure hunter; yeah I thought there might be a Tomb Raider influence as well. Anyway this story is outright lame. I know my low rating might not make sense in context of my good review for Onechanbara (which also was recently released and is a hack n' slash). Let me try to explain, they both have fairly stupid story lines. I wasn't expecting anything incredible from X-blades, but I was expecting a little bit more from them. I mean, this company attempted to write an RPG and failed miserably, but I figured they'd try to at least learn from their mistakes. If you read the introduction in the booklet you already get annoyed with Ayumi. We're clearly engaging in a fantastical world and she's complaining about her parents wanting her to be a pharmacist! Seriously, read the booklet if you don't believe me. Luckily none of that makes its way into the game.
   
   Okay, so the story is bad, but the script is even worse. Coupled with terrible voice acting, once again (just like in Two Worlds), makes the cut scenes atrocious. Okay, the voice acting is a little better than two worlds, but any time Ayumi talks it just doesn't feel like the voice actress fits with her. I can't really put my finger on why, but it just doesn't feel right to me. I know it's a minor quibble. But then they introduce Jay, whom you can also read about in the booklet. He's apparently supposed to be some sort of "love interest"? Worst execution of this I have ever come across. There is ZERO character development in this and that's what I had a huge problem with. At least Onechanbara attempts to have character development and they do a better job of it compared to this.
   
   I was expecting Ayumi's figure to be a bit different. They boasted something about the combination of Anime and this video game. They're trying something new and I'm not really docking them harshly for trying out something different (read below to find out why I'm actually giving this a low rating). But I think people should be aware that Ayumi's figure (the one you control) in game and in the animated sequences does not look like something you would normally expect from the average video game. They don't appear to have used the usual rendering techniques on these main character types and her skin texture looks really bizarre to me. It's tough to explain and I don't know what they did on a technical level, just thought other buyers should know that it is not what you'd normally encounter.
   
   Alright, onto what playing the game is actually like. Now, I don't do game reviews unless I successfully beat the game or at least get to the final boss. I beat this game. I suffered through every single level. Here's where X-blades does a face plant in the world of hack n' slash. The levels are incredibly small. Beautiful looking elements, as I said above, but I'm seriously playing on a level the size of my room! Here's how this game works. You enter into a level; it's mostly a gigantic room. Lots of monsters spawn, you kill ALL of them, and then you get a screen that says level complete! Are you kidding me?! This is ALL I have to do. There's nothing to explore, there's no hidden passages. Nothing! You can walk around within the one room and break jars or coffins to get items that give you souls, but that is IT. There is then a door on the opposite side from where you came in and you go through that and you get a stats screen showing your accomplishments. You are then brought into another room to repeat this process over and over again. There are a couple one room levels where you simply have to make it across something like spinning blades, but there are only three levels like that and they're both incredibly lame and very un-puzzle like. I'd rather be in the one room killing hordes... at least I get to do something semi-interesting.
   
   I know, that sounds incredibly boring. At first cutting down tons of monsters is quite a lot of fun. As you encounter new monsters they get put into your bestiary (accessed when you hit start) and if you're having trouble the bestiary will tell you how to beat that monster. The bosses are less than challenging. Consulting the bestiary and learning the exact method to beat them puts their life span at about five minutes. The only one that took me a little while to beat was The Dark in one section, but that's because some wind weapon he used kept blowing me back so I'd have to walk back up and get close again. Other than that they're all incredibly easy to beat.
   
   The small levels are by far NOT the worst part. If that's not bad enough you have to play through this game TWICE. It's the most ridiculous thing I've ever encountered. I know doubling back in some games for a level is one thing, but seriously... an outright replay! You make it to one side of the map you beat The Dark there and THEN you have to go ALL the way back. You go through all the same exact levels again! Sure they have different bosses and slightly tougher enemies, but you still see the same exact level design over and over. What a waste of time! What lazy design!
   
   I still can't believe someone managed to mess up one of the easiest game concepts in existence. I'm seriously giving up on this developer. Maybe someday they will produce a stellar game, but I will no longer be purchasing their items on release day. This was far from a good game and there are far superior games out there. If they could only capture some of the cooler mechanics they had and harness them into a well written game they'd have quite a gem on their hands.
   
   User: Adam
   Rating:
   Summary: ...Not fun at all... and I like this genre (usually)
   Helpful Votes: 6
   Total Votes: 7
   

4. Review Date: 2009-02-27

   i bought this game the same time as onechanbara worried about the later and ezpecing this one to be alot of fun by vidio footage of game play i have seen. it turned out just the oposit. I dont like the control. the lockon is even worse the onechanbaras lock on. stages are to small. and exploration seemed would be presant and is not. I have played 4 stages. that las was a 10 by 10 room that spawned enimies untill u killed enogh to open the gate. the mechanice to adance to the next "room" for every "room" regardless of how big or tiny they are.
   
   graphicly game is nice. the idea of the game seems intertaining. but playing it is not. I have seen rave revies for this on a pc download sight. so all i can assume is that its a pc port that went horribly wrong. this game might be very fun on pc, but on xbox is not i wouldnt recomend this to anyone.
   
   graphics: 4 i like the way game looked
   sound: 3 voice donst match look of main char.
   gamplay: 2. hit a button skill works. now try targetting 1 of the 4 goasts in your face and not that thing way back there 400 yards away.....
   and this is gameplay enter room kill every thing in room to unlock door to next room. repeat over and over.while fighting a target system that never targets the monster u want.
   rplay: 0 stars. game lost me with the 10 foot by 10 foot room with 3 doors.... realy? u make me suffer threw 3 stages of being hit because i cant attack the target i want to andthen put me in a 10 by 10 room and have to kill 60 enimie to advance. and then only 1 of the 2 new pathes is even open? pressed "X" button "return to desktop" and have not put back in my xbox since.
   
   User: D. Meade
   Rating:
   Summary: sorry but could not get into this game
   Helpful Votes: 0
   Total Votes: 3
   

5. Review Date: 2009-02-15

   I'll keep this short since other reviews mostly cover XBlades. This game is sweet! I like everything from the level design to the character design. I have not had this much fun with a game in a while. It's definitely a game that I would recommend to my friends.
   
   I hope that South Peak decides to do a sequel, I want to see more. I give this game 5 stars, along with my highest recommendation.
   
   Recommended!
   
   User: GameFAN HCGamer
   Rating:
   Summary: a ton of fun!
   Helpful Votes: 0
   Total Votes: 2
   

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Editorial Reviews

X-Blades invites players into a fantastic universe where the enchanting heroine Ayumi fends off innumerable monsters and imposing bosses with her power, spells, fighting tactics and her deadly Pistol Blades. The anime-style level and character designs are what give X-Blades its special flair. Nearly 40 indoor and outdoor worlds dazzle players in an enthralling rhapsody of color and detail. Nonstop action and vivid magical effects are impressively incorporated in gameplay through the use of cinema stylizing such as bullet time or motion blurring. X-Blades will prove to be a hack ‘n’ slash spectacle for fans of entertaining action games and anime.

Meet our heroine, Ayumi. View larger.

Hack 'n slash to your hearts content. View larger.

Explore spectacular environments. View larger.

Unleash hidden abilities and spells. View larger.

Enjoy beautiful anime cutscenes. View larger.

Story
In the distant past the universe of X-Blades was ruled by two powerful beings, the Enlightened on the side of good, helping his people how and when he could and the Dark One who was quite the opposite. Both were revered by all peoples and a balanced, but never-ending battle between the two persisted for centuries. Humans suffered terribly in the constant combat between the two, combat which shook the universe to its very core. In order to ease this suffering, the Enlightened banished the divine power of the Dark One, imprisoning it in a stone, known as an Artifact, but at a price. Inseparably linked, where one of the divine beings went the other was bound to follow and so the power of the Enlightened was captured in a matching Artifact. Together the two were hidden away and peace, as well as balance was restored to the universe. But peace is a fragile thing. It is said that any human who comes in contact with the Artifacts will be cursed and the power of darkness will once again be awakened.

Enter the game's heroine Ayumi. As the game begins a map which has been lost for countless years suddenly turns up and it shows the location of the artifacts. Unaware of the curse, the adventurer Ayumi searches for and finds the immensely valuable stones, releasing powerful forces in her body. Her goal and the player's is to discover what the secret of the curse is, free herself from it and at last defeat the darkness.

Characters

	Ayumi Ayumi is a charismatic heroine and fearless treasure hunter. Now that the map with the Divine Artifacts has been found, she's going on the most thrilling and dangerous adventure of her life. As always, she prefers to work alone - partners just get in the way.
	Jay Jay is an adventurer like Ayumi. He rescues her from a deadly trap and attempts to support her in her fight against the Powers of Darkness. Jay is skillful in combat. He uses powerful explosions of light and his punches have to be seen to be believed.
	The Enlightened A powerful being who guards the Artifact of Darkness, as a Master of Magic, he uses spells to hurl opponents to the ground and metes out massive damage, but avoids close combat. The only way to defeat him is to use black magic and/or fire magic.
	The Dark One The Dark One is the guardian of the island - he conceals the Artifact of Light. Even the most powerful spells hardly affect him and only a strong blow with a blade can break through his defenses and affect him in any way.

Gameplay
X-Blades offers action-packed enjoyment in fantastic Hack-and-Slash style. Using various weapons, spells and tactics, the player must fight his/her way through many indoor and outdoor levels, killing hordes of monsters on the way. The story, exciting and rich in variety with numerous cutscenes not only motivates the player, it also cleverly interlinks the individual levels. Besides the ‘normal’ monsters, there are also "Monster Generators," which ceaselessly create new creatures (and of course powerful Boss opponents) for the game world. Hidden powerups and coins ensure that the player is rewarded for exploring a level. Some locations can only be reached by bold and daring leap/jump combinations.

Player achieve ultimate success in the game through use of the extensive character development system for the heroine Ayumi. For example, experience points earned, must be converted to Skills. Powerups, such as combat techniques, magic, weapon enhancement and teleportation are available as well and the right mix will lead to success. Apart from that, the use of skills on the "good or bad side" also affects the finale. Depending on player actions, two different game endings await the heroine Ayumi.

Key Game Features:

• Gripping fantasy story with spectacular landscapes and characters.
• Attractive anime-style heroine.
• Special Alternate “Demonic Power” mode.
• Innovative "Pistol Blades" for shooting projectiles and close-quarter fights.
• Over 40 indoor and outdoor level environments.
• Over 30 different types of enemies.
• Over 20 different types of magic in different classes.
• Strong Boss opponents in fantastic detail and designs.
• Hidden powerups animate players to explore the levels.
• Alternate endings depending upon the player’s behavior throughout the game.

Product Details

1. Absorbing fantasy story with spectacular landscapes and figures. Attractive heroine in Anime style. Learn to play easily - wide range of development possibilities.
2. Special mode for a heroine with demonic forces. Innovative Blade Gun for firing projectiles and for close combat. Role-playing elements to improve skills and enhance weapons.
3. Over 20 types of magic in different classes. Around 40 different scenarios (Indoor and Outdoor). Alternative endings, depending on player's actions.
4. Hidden Power-ups hook players to explore levels. Over 30 different classes of opponent. Powerful Boss opponents with fantastic design.
5. Cinematic stylistic devices like Bullet-Time. Various difficulty levels - from Beginner to Pro.