DS Fanboy Preview: Luminous Arc 2
We like to poke fun at Luminous Arc and its successor due to all the boobs-and-butts shots, but we do it out of love. Despite the first title's somewhat lackluster overall review scores, it's looked on a little more fondly in the DS Fanboy offices. The first game had a lot working for it, and a major thing working against it: the controls. So when we sat down for a little quality time with the sequel, Luminous Arc 2, we paid particular attention to that aspect. And guess what?It's better, and not only that, but the ability to do things your way is great. D-pad or stylus control? It's up to you. Tap through the cutscenes, play them automatically, or skip them altogether? Make it your game. For those reasons alone, Luminous Arc 2 is worth a go.
Gallery: Luminous Arc 2
Of course, a game needs more than decent controls and customization, and Luminous Arc 2 has a lot to offer. The storyline isn't going to blow you away, and you're going to need at least a small taste for tactical RPGs to get into the fun here, but if you can manage both of those small hurdles, then there's a good time to be had here. The characters, graphics, and art design all shine, even if the costumes range from the impractical to the nearly impossible. The Witches must spend a lot of time and power just keeping everything in place and avoiding embarrassing slips.
Didn't play the first one, but find yourself intrigued? No problem. The title is more than friendly to gamers new to the burgeoning series. The tutorial is simple (and optional, of course) and the game will pull you right in. You're going to need to pay attention on the battlefield, however; here, it's very possible to take out your own guys in a friendly fire barrage. The only real nitpick we can pull down in the game's early stages is about the occasional voice acting. Listen, the off-and-on voice approach is just fine when it's done, say, for a pivotal scene or something. But starting a voiced cutscene, only to have the voice acting stop just, y'know, whenever, is a little weird. Maybe they're trying to keep you guessing.
The bottom line is that if you're at all interested in marching a party across a battlefield laid out in a grid, this looks like a solid choice. We hope to have a full review for you after the title's official North American release.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Tim @ Nov 6th 2008 1:38PM
Personally, I'd like to know what are the bgm's included in the included bonus CD, since that's what I cared for in the first place.
However, it seems to me that I cannot wait for the gameplay and the storyline.
Shoyz @ Nov 6th 2008 1:42PM
The first game was decent, aside from a few minor hiccups, but they really need to tell you how to save.
I got about an hour or more into it, and died. That's when I found out you -need- to save, or else GAME OVER. I was so mad.
On a side note: Theresia is out.
aj @ Nov 6th 2008 5:13PM
I had no problems with the controls in the first game.
But the random voice acting did get odd. I just turned it off after a couple of missions. Especially since that one character had the single worst voice I've ever heard. It was both the worst attempt at an English accent ever AND it was the first time I'd ever heard someone actually make the sound of nails on a chalk board with their mouth. Good God.
Ihar `Philips` Filipau @ Nov 6th 2008 5:44PM
Compared to rest of SRPG genre, LA1 was pretty good. Definitely above average.
Nutmeg @ Nov 6th 2008 11:32PM
My sister has wanted this game ever since she saw it on Gametrailers. :]
Shirono @ Nov 7th 2008 12:27PM
Man, these "pre-order bonus" deals are getting me bad. Usually I put games I want on a list and buy them when I get around to them, but I just preordered via amazon because that artbook will be sweet... I'm a character design junkie...
chibi_wings @ Nov 7th 2008 3:12PM
can't wait for LA2 ^^
Olicon @ Nov 13th 2008 12:04AM
I think the first game err a bit on difficulty. That stage where you have to duel your commander alone prompted me to go on an incredible level grind, which leaves the rest of my time with the game beyond trivial. I never did finish it, to be honest. But even the grind is very fun and never felt like a chore. I was about 15 hours into the game, and I was so early in the story line that I didn't even open all the battle commands yet. (No combination move..heck, I only got the special moves way after that.) So overall, the combat is amazingly fun. But I just got tired of squishing everything in my path..and I heard the word "Fatal Hound" one time too many.
tldr: I hope they watch the pacing with this one a bit. LA starts out way hard, and becomes way too easy later on.
I hope LA2 doesn't repeat LA's biggest flaw--extremely crappy names being shoved down your throat all the time.