Infinite Space DSi and DS Lite

Released on 26/03/2010

• Infinite Space Review

  Pimp my ship

  Infinite Space provides one of the most extensive RPG experiences ever. This is a game that puts you completely in control and allows you to customisation like never before. The twist is rather than customising a character with armour, weapons, skills and the like, you're customising a spaceship. In Infinite Space, you choose whether your ship is an armoured bulldog with more fire power than a volcano, or a sleek, laser cannoned sniper that's better from the distance.

  Down to you

  But it doesn't stop there, everything from armour and weapons right down to how many engines and even beds your ship has is entirely down to you. The upgrades you make in the game are real parts for your ship that make a realistic and logical difference in battle. If you build a radar room, for example, you can see enemy ships long before they can see you, which means you can open fire before they even know you're there. In Infinite Space your ship starts life as a skeleton waiting for you to piece together its parts, each of which will affect how it holds up in the cold depths of space. That's what puts this RPG above all others.

  Combat is all about second guessing your opponent... It makes for some incredibly intense, exhilarating standoffs where everything can be won or lost in a single move.

  While building and managing your ship is alarmingly complicated (but incredibly satisfying) for a DS game, combat is comparatively simple. It's basically a game of cosmic rock, paper, scissors but instead your choices are attack, dodge, fire and barrage. Dodges avoid barrages and can allow for a counter attack but if your opponent opens fire, dodging can make you susceptible to much more damage. It's all about second guessing your opponent and making the right move at the right time to counter their attack. It makes for some incredibly intense, exhilarating standoffs where everything can be won or lost in a single move.

  The combat system itself may at first seem limited with so few moves to choose from but that's where your ship comes into play with its unique customisation. Happy and healthy crew members can boost your battle gauge allowing you to make more powerful attacks sooner and if you've fitted your vessel with long range weaponry you can stay out of harms way altogether while launching an attack.

  Prepare to be pwned.

  The game really allows you to test every aspect of its depth as well, with a range of missions boasting a lot of variety. Some will require the hero Yuri to lure enemies into a trap, some are best taken on from long range. Not only will the game pull you in all directions but it will also punish you if you make too many wrong moves as difficulty is directly connected to how you adapt your ship and whether or not you have prepared it for the challenges ahead.

  There's so much to see and do in Infinite Space, so many characters and planets and so much growth as you accompany Yuri on his mission. This is a mature RPG that gives you real control over how you grow and how you take on the enemy, but it's also one that doesn't give you any second chances if you make mistakes. To be honest, we wouldn't want it any other way.

  GAME's Verdict

  

  • Hugely customisable ships.
  • Tense battle atmosphere.
  • A break away from the tired RPG system.

  

  • Combat is perhaps too simple.
  • Difficulty can spike if you make a wrong move.
  • Not the most accessible RPG.

  Review by: Tom ‘Barrage’ Pakinkis
  Version Tested: DS
  Review Published: 30.03.10

  Published: 30/03/2010

• Platinum Games working on new title for SEGA

  Japanese developer and fan favourite Platinum Games will be making another game for SEGA, according to reports at Eurogamer.

  This is great news, as the games Platinum has made so far - MadWorld, Infinite Space, Bayonetta and Vanquish - have been some of the best of the last few years. MadWorld's a black and white score attack masterpiece for the Wii, Infinite Space is a sci-fi RPG and one of the deepest, most involved DS games around, while Bayonetta and Vanquish have both rocked the PS3 and Xbox 360 with frantic action, casting you as a spooky, gun-toting witch, and a super-speed spaceman respectively.

  So is the game going to be a sequel? If so, the smart money's on Bayonetta. Replying to a Tweet a while back asking if Bayonetta 2 would ever see the light of day, the Platinum Games co-founder Hideki Kamiya said simply, 'I believe so.' He also said, 'She'll be back if you believe so,' to another follower. Sounds promising.

  All Platinum Games' releases have been successful with critics, but Bayonetta made a particularly big splash, its fast-paced fighting and lustrous visuals getting it a 10 from EDGE Magazine. We'll keep you posted when we have more news on this one.

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