Shining Wind (シャイニング・ウィンド) PCSX2 Emulation

Well, after messing around with it a lot, I finally got Shining Wind to run under PCSX2, this game isn't listed under the compatibility list over at PCSX2, so I figured I would share how I managed to get it running, considering I couldn't find much info at all about it when I was looking.

In order to play Shining Wind on the PCSX2 PS2 emulator, you need to be using version 0.9.2, not the new 0.9.4, which seems to be the case with a couple of games actually, this is the big step. Under 0.9.4, the game runs at about 9.4 FPS, though, under 0.9.2, it runs at its normal 60 FPS. (Assuming you have a decent computer)

The only problem that I have yet to fix, and probably will not be able to fix, is the cut scenes. PCSX2 can play them, but once it gets about halfway through it will lock up the program. What I do is just press F1 (Save state) at the beginning of the cut scene, so I can just reload it once it crashes and skip the cut scene with the Start button, that way I get to see as much of the cut scene as it will let me. I am a big fan of cut scenes though, so it disappoints me that I can't view them properly. Besides that though, Shining Wind runs great on my computer, not to mention it loads faster.

Here is my config for PCSX2 0.9.2, this is the best way I have found so far, and I have tried all the new plugins:

Graphics: ZeroGS KOSMOS 0.96.0 (640x480, Interlace on at Mode 0)
Sound: ZeroSPU2 0.4.4 (The sound plugin that comes with 0.9.2 will not work with Shining Wind)
Controller: SSSPSX PAD Plugin 1.7.0
CDVDROM: Linuzappz ISO CDVD Driver 0.5.0
Bios: Japan v01.00
CPU: All options enabled.

And for those that are curious, my computer set up:

-Intel Quad Core Q6600 @ 2.4GHZ
-4 GB of RAM
-MSI GeForce 8600GTS Over-clocked edition video card
-320 GB HD
-DVD-RW with Lightscribe
-Windows Vista x64 Home Premium


So far, I've really liked Shining Wind, even though I can barely read any of it (hence the guide I am using in the screenshot), but the game play alone is pretty fun, and I love the artwork. If anyone needs some help getting Shining Wind running on their PC, feel free to leave a comment or something.

アルトネリコ２公式解放 (Official Release)

As of today, アルトネリコ２ (Ar Tonelico 2) has been released in Japan. Though, apparently retailers received this game a few days early, so some people have already been playing it for a couple days. It seems the game has received a pretty warm reception so far, and it seems to be exactly what you would expect for a good sequel from Gust.

The battles seem to be a little more faster and action packed now, there are new systems for almost everything, including hymns. Apparently, with Hymns, as you are charging them you may press different arrow buttons, and make different combinations of songs for more focused attacks and so on. There is a lot of new stuff, but not enough to alienate you, it still has that great Ar Tonelico feel to it.

Heres a summary of the story from NCSX:

"Embark on a new adventure where a lad named Kuroa Vatel and a lassie by the name of Cocona Vatel (not related) team up with Revatails in a bid to free their world from oppression and infection. A centuries old disease dubbed "I.P.D." still lingers and afflicts the Revatails and the general populace with its killing malaise. As a result of the spreading contagion, the governing body known as the Daishudo has commanded its knights to slay anyone infected with I.P.D. in a "take no prisoners" policy of mass extermination.

As the story begins, Kuroa Vatel is under the employ of the Daishudo and he indiscriminately kills a young woman who's infected with I.P.D. to the horror of the victim's mother. As her cries break through the air, Kuroa reflects on what he's done and begins to have misgivings about the Daishudo's tactics and ways of handling the disease. Kuroa's introspection eventually leads him on an adventure of exploration and discovery as he fights alongside Revatails to find a better solution to the I.P.D. problem. While the new Ar Tonelico's storyline bears no ties to the first game, the game systems, song magic, and nocturnal "dives" return for another go." (more info here)

So far there is no information regarding Ar Tonelico 2's release date in other countries, thought the question has been brought up to NIS America. I'm pretty positive that the game will be released in English as well, it's just a matter of time.

There are plenty of gameplay videos up on ニコニコ動画, so check them out to get a better idea of the latest Ar Tonelico game!






じゃまた

サクラ大戦

I would like to take a moment to talk about サクラ大戦 (Sakura Taisen). Sakura Taisen was is one of my favorite video game franchises. The first time I ever played サクラ大戦 was sometime when I was around じゅうさんさい (13 years old). My first experience was with サクラ大戦I on Sega Saturn. Of course, I am not fluent in 日本語 (Japanese), so I followed a fan translation that was on the internet, a very good fan translation at that.

Over the years, I have played and beat サクラ大戦Iとサクラ大戦II, and sadly that is about all, except for some games on the GBA, and I have seen the anime. I have been wanting to play サクラ大戦III-V, but my Sega Dreamcast has been dead for a long while and I have yet to buy a new one...

Anyways, I would just like to reflect upon the awesomeness of サクラ大戦. Also, I would like to tell anyone who does not know, that a new サクラ大戦DS game was announced at TGS awhile back, and it is looking good. Though I would much rather prefer サクラ大戦VI or something, though, then I would be even more behind...＼（－－）／ マイッタ

Here is some media about the new DS game as well as some other nice memories:

Sakura Wars DS Trailer

戦場のヴァルキュリア!

So, I really want 戦場のヴァルキュリア。。。

I have not seen a game before that is cell shaded anime graphics, with a combination of WWII RTS strategy. It is a very interested concept, and it has me hooked. The graphics to begin with a very nice and fluid, it is the closest I have seen to watching an anime, but playing a video game.

It is being released for the PS3 and has a release date of Sping 2008 in Japan. I will be sure to import this the day it is released. I will leave some media for you to form your own opinion on it.

うれしい。。。