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[Volcynika]

Summary

Long ago, Norvia, the Goddess of Creation, descended from the heavens. Using the Holy Vessel, a divine chalice charged with all Force (the spiritual energy in the universe), she created life and the Divinities, shepherds of existence. For a while, all was good. After a time, Delgaia, the God of Destruction, brought about a great calamity known as the Gods' Remorse. He intended to return all Force to the Holy Vessel, returning Berge to the void. The Divinities sacrificed themselves to defeat Delgaia, delivering Berge from doom and sealing the God of Destruction away deep within the earth.

As Berge lay in ruin, a result of its bitter war, Norvia made a covenant. She would restore Berge to its former beauty on one condition. An Hour of Judgment would eventually come to pass, and in it, the world would have to decide its ultimate path: creation or destruction.

Quick Details

Platform: PSP / PSN (Unsure if day and date with UMD version, but is confirmed)
Release Date: May 24th, 2010 (US)
MSRP: $29.99
Website: Official Hexyz Force Website

Key Features

*Two-sided fantasy adventure - A rich fantasy tale told in two wholly separate yet intricately intertwined parts. Play as Cecilia, a young cleric, or as Levant, an elite knight, as they unravel the mysteries of their world's impending destruction. Each side of the story takes approximately 25-30 hours to complete, for a total of 50 hours of engaging RPG play.

*Smooth and Streamlined - Get caught in the fun of RPGs, not the hassles. An extraordinary level of polish provides players with quick, stress-free battles, flexible strategy, and virtually no load times with a special option that allows players to install the game from UMD onto a Memory Stick.

*Gorgeous presentation - Adventure comes alive with approximately 20 minutes of anime movie cutscenes beautifully depicting the struggle of Creation versus Destruction. Game events unfold inside a huge and colorful 3D world, amplified by detailed characters and a sweeping musical score.

Videos

Launch Trailer
Full Official Trailer
Gameplay Trailer

Images

Reviews

RPGFan: 87/100
RPGamer: 3/5
GameZone: 8/10
Gamer 2.0: 7/10

 

[Edgeward]

For a Sting game this seems less intimidating, then again I have no idea what the battle/skill system is like.

 

[DiscoJer]

I had that happen to me once in college. Taking a nap and having a squirrel sit on top of me. (I was under his tree)

 

[Onion_Relish]

[PSN CONFIRMED]

OH HAPPY DAY. I really liked Crimson Gem Saga. So deliciously old school and bland. Dee-licious. Really looking forward to more of the same but better!

 

[Stage On]

Man I've had this pre ordered for months. I can't wait for it to land in my mailbox in a couple days

I'm so happy Atlus is releasing it for only $30! That's way cheaper then the typical psp release which usually range from $40 to even $50 for some here in Canada.

 

[cress2000]

Getting it for free.

Spoiler

Yay Amazon promo credits.

I like the soundtrack.

 

[Volcynika]

[PSN CONFIRMED]

OH HAPPY DAY. I really liked Crimson Gem Saga. So deliciously old school and bland. Dee-licious. Really looking forward to more of the same but better!

Yeah, there was a PlayStation blog comment reply from Clayton Chan that said there will be a digital version, although he didn't specify whether it will come the same day as the UMD version.

Post I mentioned: Link and it's the reply to comment #3

Sindred | April 7th, 2010 at 9:12 am
My PSP is sorely lacking a game like this. Perfect timing. I hope it’s coming digitally too, since I only have a GO now.

Clayton Chan | April 7th, 2010 at 10:23 am
Well, we are in the Hope Era (Although sadly, not the Bob Hope Era.) so your hope has been rewarded. There will be a digital version!

Also will put reviews and probably their blog posts about the game after work or during lunch, whichever I have more free time in.

 

[Volcynika]

Update: On PSN store for US now, $29.99!

 

[mjemirzian]

At least atlus is getting the idea of releasing their games at budget price.

Publishing those 3 360 games at $60 was a big mistake considering they were $30-40 at most.

 

[hosannainexcelsis]

Sting's Dept. Heaven series is fascinating but this looks the type of game that's either charming or very bland. I'm interested, but I'll need to hear some first-hand impressions before I take the jump.

 

[Mejilan]

I don't think Amazon shipped this to me yet?
WTF Amazon.

 

[cress2000]

I don't think Amazon shipped this to me yet?
WTF Amazon.

Yeah, they're a little late on it, but the status just changed to "preparing for shipment" in the last hour or so for me.

 

[Mejilan]

Delivery estimate May 28? Blah.

 

[vagabondarts]

interested in this, has anyone gotten it yet and put some hours in? How engaging is it?
What are the quests like?

 

[Mejilan]

Amazon STILL reports "shipping soon." Been that way since yesterday.
*sighs*

 

[vagabondarts]

edit: beaten to review scores

 

[Widge]

Looking forwards to your impressions, might import if this is good. Quite a lack of good 3D rpgs on the old Pusp.

 

[Classic_Gs]

Amazon STILL reports "shipping soon." Been that way since yesterday.
*sighs*

Hurry up Amazon, don't they know I am waiting on your impressions

 

[Mejilan]

It shipped a few hours ago.
If I'm lucky, I'll have it tomorrow night.
More likely that it'll be Friday, however.

 

[DiscoJer]

I bought it last night off of PSN and finally had a chance to play it for an hour.

Seems pretty good. It's fully 3D, you can rotate (most) maps and such. And you see everything on the screen, so you can avoid monsters. (This might make it too easy for some, though).

Combat is skill heavy, that is, you usually seem to use a special attack rather than the normal one. Thankfully you can speed these up.

The story is somewhat dark (some sort of racial war), which is a striking contrast to the cute, 3d graphics.

Not much voice acting, and only ran into one cutscene (which is also quite a contrast to the 3d graphics)

The item system is complicated. Wish I got the UMD version so I could get a manual (PSN version doesn't have a software manual for some reason, you have to go to Atlus's site and download it)

So far can't say much about gameplay, it's just being going around a map more or less linearly.

 

[cress2000]

It shipped a few hours ago.
If I'm lucky, I'll have it tomorrow night.
More likely that it'll be Friday, however.

There isn't even a pickup scan on my tracking number yet. Sigh...

 

[vagabondarts]

I bought it last night off of PSN and finally had a chance to play it for an hour.

Seems pretty good. It's fully 3D, you can rotate (most) maps and such. And you see everything on the screen, so you can avoid monsters. (This might make it too easy for some, though).

Combat is skill heavy, that is, you usually seem to use a special attack rather than the normal one. Thankfully you can speed these up.

The story is somewhat dark (some sort of racial war), which is a striking contrast to the cute, 3d graphics.

Not much voice acting, and only ran into one cutscene (which is also quite a contrast to the 3d graphics)

The item system is complicated. Wish I got the UMD version so I could get a manual (PSN version doesn't have a software manual for some reason, you have to go to Atlus's site and download it)

So far can't say much about gameplay, it's just being going around a map more or less linearly.

Thanks for the initial impressions. I'm looking forward to hearing more as you experience it.

 

[ttocs]

I tried finding the game in stores for a day and a half and gave up. It looks like there is some issue with either Gamestop shipping because the stores I visited didn't even have it in their system that they were going to be receiving it. So, in the end I downloaded via PSN.

The game is starting off pretty good. I put a couple hours into it and I'm liking it so far. They throw a lot of game terminology at you in the beginning and by the fifth screen of information I stopped absorbing it. They don't explain it very well since you aren't doing what they tell you during the battle. But, that was ok since I was able to figure out all but one example they gave me on my own. The main reason I mentioning this is to tell inform you to not get overwhelmed like I did at first, it will all come together.

The game seems pretty solid so far and the battle system plays out nicely. I like how you can build up a gauge and unleash the power you accumulated to do big time attacks. Each action you take in battle costs points sort of reminiscent of a White Knight Chronicles. You can't unleash all your biggest attacks at once or you will run out, you have to use them sparingly.

Another thing I liked about the game was that you equip items that give you spells. When in battle, hit right on the D Pad and your spells are right there for you. It's very intuitive and easy to use. The story is standard fare but seems good enough. I went with the guy (The Knight) story and it's a story of betrayal. Decent enough.

So, hope you guys are enjoying the game! It does remind me of a Crimson Gem Saga type like someone spoke of before, just a little darker (from the guy's perspective at least). I've heard if you like your games to be more friendly/light hearted, choose the girl.

 

[TimeKillr]

The game is starting off pretty good. I put a couple hours into it and I'm liking it so far. They throw a lot of game terminology at you in the beginning and by the fifth screen of information I stopped absorbing it. They don't explain it very well since you aren't doing what they tell you during the battle. But, that was ok since I was able to figure out all but one example they gave me on my own. The main reason I mentioning this is to tell inform you to not get overwhelmed like I did at first, it will all come together.

That's typical Sting stuff.

ALL of their games have weird, obscure terminology, strange systems, etc.

But when they make good games, they make them completely AWESOME, even if the systems are very strange. Riviera, Yggdra Union, etc. are all very good, albeit very different games from what we're used to in terms of RPGs and SRPGs.

 

[vagabondarts]

I tried finding the game in stores for a day and a half and gave up. It looks like there is some issue with either Gamestop shipping because the stores I visited didn't even have it in their system that they were going to be receiving it. So, in the end I downloaded via PSN.

Thanks for the impressions, It's not for sale at any stores around me either, only available ordering online... seems strange to me

 

[mjemirzian]

Thanks for the impressions, It's not for sale at any stores around me either, only available ordering online... seems strange to me

Welcome to the world of Atlus publishing.

 

[Volcynika]

Welcome to the world of Atlus publishing.

I want a Jack Frost dealwithit.gif made, and I want it made now!

 

[Volcynika]

Entry on the PSBlog about it + a walkthrough video at the end of the entry:

http://blog.us.playstation.com/2010/05/27/may-the-hexyz-force-be-with-you/

 

[Mejilan]

There isn't even a pickup scan on my tracking number yet. Sigh...

After your post, I was expecting the worst. But my tracking shows that they delivered it to my home about an hour and a half ago. I'll be home in another 5 hours, and might start playing it tonight.

 

[cress2000]

After your post, I was expecting the worst. But my tracking shows that they delivered it to my home about an hour and a half ago. I'll be home in another 5 hours, and might start playing it tonight.

I wonder what what's going on with mine, then. :shakes fist:

 

[Vamphuntr]

I want a Jack Frost dealwithit.gif made, and I want it made now!

Quick shop.

 

[Mejilan]

I wonder what what's going on with mine, then. :shakes fist:

Best of luck!

 

[vagabondarts]

once I get off work I'm checking out some stores and am going to try to track it down.

I really don't want to give in and get it from PSN...


...it's so tempting >_>

Mejilan: I'm looking forward to hearing your impressions

 

[Mejilan]

Fair warning. If I have to jump through hoops to get the game working on my CFW'd PSP (ala Prince of Persia), I probably won't bother tonight. I've been forced to ignore Super Mario Galaxy 2 a lot this week as it is...

 

[vagabondarts]

Fair warning. If I have to jump through hoops to get the game working on my CFW'd PSP (ala Prince of Persia), I probably won't bother tonight. I've been forced to ignore Super Mario Galaxy 2 a lot this week as it is...

can't say I blame you there :lol thanks for the heads up.

I'm seeing most places with a retail date of June 1st. Strange considering yours is waiting at home...

 

[Mejilan]

can't say I blame you there :lol thanks for the heads up.

I'm seeing most places with a retail date of June 1st. Strange considering yours is waiting at home...

PoP is hack-able, I just haven't bothered yet.
Hexyz Force's ship date was 5/23 or 5/24.
PSN got it with Tuesday night's update.

But yeah, I'm surprised mine's arrived already.
Amazon had it as "shipping soon" for over 24 hours (and at that point, I couldn't cancel the order, so I didn't even bother to search out stores. That said, Amazon did have delivery pegged for 5/28, so I'm rather pleased to see that the tracking reports that it's already waiting for me!

 

[vagabondarts]

couldn't find it anywhere around here so I broke down and got it over PSN... I won't have time to sit down and play it until later tonight. I'll post some impressions.

 

[Mejilan]

OK, despite my earlier comments, I did buckle down and the learn the process for decrypting this new breed of UMDs. Turns out I have 3 of 'em. Prince of Persia, the new Harvest Moon (which I hadn't even tried playing yet), and presumably this. I actually forgot to check if this would, in fact, NOT run on my PSP like PoP and (apparently) HM failed... Woops.

Still, I followed the necessary steps to decrypt the 3 games, and transferred the newly hacked ISOs to PSP, and all 3 games seem to run great.

I'm way, way too tired to play this tonight, but the game loaded, it had no problem creating a save, and the cinematics and voice acting seem to work as well.

Now that I know that I CAN play this, I'll be much more likely to pop it in for a real spin sooner rather than later. But not tonight.

 

[matmanx1]

Just popped into the thread to see what was up with the retail versions and Gamestop. I've had a copy pre-ordered for several months and am not happy hearing about the delay.

Hopefully they will get it this week otherwise I'll just snag the digital version.

 

[alanias]

Grabbed this on Saturday on a him off PSN, and I gotta say, I'm really enjoying it. The story is nothing earth shattering, but it's pretty well told so far. Game reminds me of Lunar, in terms of tone.

 

[Big B]

this game is pretty addicting. You basically synthesize everything you need except your main weapon. Maybe I'm just rpg deprived but I'm liking this so far.

 

[vagabondarts]

I've been going back and forth between this and Monster Hunter Freedom Unite this weekend.
I love the polish on this game, but I'm still figuring out how it works more or less.

Started with Cecilias story first...

about 3-4 hours in, but I'm not sure I "get it" yet. Still struggling trying to wrap my head around why certain things happen in the battles. The game explained everything right up front but it was information overload. I haven't gone and looked at the manual online to get a better grasp on it yet.

No loading times for the version from the PSN though, thats a major plus

 

[RPG_Fanatic]

Sting has done it again. Picked up this game on Friday, and put about 15 hours into it the past four days. The game is alot of fun and I'm really enjoy the item creation aspect.

Thanks for the good localization Atlus.

Also Bigabu Beaze has to be one of the best names ever.:lol

 

[alanias]

I've been going back and forth between this and Monster Hunter Freedom Unite this weekend.
I love the polish on this game, but I'm still figuring out how it works more or less.

Started with Cecilias story first...

about 3-4 hours in, but I'm not sure I "get it" yet. Still struggling trying to wrap my head around why certain things happen in the battles. The game explained everything right up front but it was information overload. I haven't gone and looked at the manual online to get a better grasp on it yet.

No loading times for the version from the PSN though, thats a major plus

Yeah, they definitely overload you with information at first, but it starts to make sense after a while. Here's a few things I figured out 4 hours in:

The little thing at the top right shows the sequence of attack types (red, white, and blue.) If it is the same type several times, or if each attack "beats" the previous attack in that trinity of red, white, blue then the damage percentage goes up. So if three people do white attacks in a row for example the next person might have 120% damage. It works for enemies too so if you get it way up there they can whoop you back.

Your main weapon uses RP, which you can restore by defending. All other items use durability points, and once they are out, the are unusable. This include fused weapons, healing items, spell items etc. Essentially it's a really neat way to avoid having a discrete "item" menu option. You have to equip healing items as weapons in advance if you want to use them in fights, so there is an extra layer of preparation compared to the typical stockpiling of potions in other RPGs.

Overall it's a very awesome RPG. I really dig seeing the enemies on screen and have found myself enjoying grinding in this game due to the addictive nature of how you level you main weapon. Also the translation and humor are fantastic so far, and none of the characters on the male lead's story are whiny teenagers.

 

[Freyjadour]

Kept getting Atlus emails about this and ignoring it based on the name. Seems like a really solid RPG though, kind of reminds me of some of the great PS1 JRPGs. Seems Amazon is sold out and I'm far too busy to go hunting at the moment. Shame.

 

[rainking187]

If you want the physical version and haven't picked it up yet you might want to think about it, it appears to be sold out nearly everywhere. Not sure if it'll get a reprint or if it'll end up like My World My Way.

 

[BoilersFan23]

If you want the physical version and haven't picked it up yet you might want to think about it, it appears to be sold out nearly everywhere. Not sure if it'll get a reprint or if it'll end up like My World My Way.

I noticed that myself. Glad I ordered on Amazon long ago.

 

[larvi]

OK, despite my earlier comments, I did buckle down and the learn the process for decrypting this new breed of UMDs. Turns out I have 3 of 'em. Prince of Persia, the new Harvest Moon (which I hadn't even tried playing yet), and presumably this. I actually forgot to check if this would, in fact, NOT run on my PSP like PoP and (apparently) HM failed... Woops.

Still, I followed the necessary steps to decrypt the 3 games, and transferred the newly hacked ISOs to PSP, and all 3 games seem to run great.

I'm way, way too tired to play this tonight, but the game loaded, it had no problem creating a save, and the cinematics and voice acting seem to work as well.

Now that I know that I CAN play this, I'll be much more likely to pop it in for a real spin sooner rather than later. But not tonight.

So how much of an effort is it to get this to play from the memory card? It's currently on my to buy list but if it's too much work I'll probably pass. DS and PSP games are getting to be like PC games now where I have to research the DRM before I buy and if it's too restrictive I'll just pass and save my money for something else.

 

[Mejilan]

So how much of an effort is it to get this to play from the memory card? It's currently on my to buy list but if it's too much work I'll probably pass. DS and PSP games are getting to be like PC games now where I have to research the DRM before I buy and if it's too restrictive I'll just pass and save my money for something else.

It's not too different from prior manual decryption methods.
Dump the ISO.
Open it up in UMDGen 4.0.
Grab a file and use an app to decrypt it.
Drop that newly decrypted (and renamed) file and two or three others files back into the ISO.
Repack the ISO and voila. It loads.

I've been mulling over typing up a quick tutorial with links to the necessary apps, not unlike the last decryption method before Gen CFW started coming with built-in on-the-fly decryption. There really aren't that many games that require this new decryption yet, but that number is likely to grow in coming months.

 

[larvi]

Thanks Mejilan, as long as it's a one time thing I'm good with that. I have a $10 coupon code for Gamestop.com and may grab this then.