Azure Striker Gunvolt
Review(PC)
Game: Azure Striker Gunvolt
Console: PC(Steam)
Length: 3-4 Hours(Main Story)
This review covers the PC version's features and enhancements. If you want to know more about the game itself, read my 3DS review here.
In recent times, Japanese developers have shown an increased interest in supporting Steam due to its overwhelmingly large audience. As such, developers both large and small have begun making it a priority to port their titles to the platform. Which brings us to Inti Creates, who has chosen to bring out Azure Striker Gunvolt on Steam, almost one year after the Nintendo 3DS version landed In North America. But how does this port hold up? The short answer: Very well.
Fans will be excited to hear that the Steam version of Azure Striker Gunvolt retains Japanese voice interactions and full voice acting for each scene, a feature that was not included overseas on the 3DS. Speedrun mode Is a really nice and clean mode for those who want to master or make the game a bit more challenging. Speedrun mode has no cutscenes, and no interuptions -- you go from one stage to the next while. The game keeps track of your time until you finish the game. The game also keeps track of each button input you're using by displaying the buttons on the bottom of the screen.
Speedrun mode Is also available upon launching the game for the first time, no need to worry about unlocking It! It's important to note that you cannot save during speedrun mode.
Now, my favorite new feature Is the Japanese voice interactions which were originally cut In the North American version of the game. This feature let's you learn more about the world and characters. In the 3DS version you would go through a whole stage and not understand your full objective besides the briefing before the mission. In this version, you get to learn about each area. For example, In the Restless Spirits mission, Zeno sends Gunvolt out because he's heard reports that ghosts have been roaming around. Gunvolt and Zeno chat about all kinds of stuff...
This feature improves the story too. In the original version of the game, the story was pretty hard to understand. I really feel like this feature Is extremely important and Is one of the reasons to purchase this port even If you already own the Nintendo 3DS version.
Notice anything strange about that picture? This Is a feature they did not cover before releasing this port. By pressing the F5 button you can change the screen display. You can even use the 3DS bottom screen display! This version has 4 different screen types which you can see below.
An important thing to note Is that this
port Is not an HD remaster. It's pretty
much a 3DS' screen blown up.
Some parts In the game will require you to use a certain screen type, this does not happen often though. This version also requires you to use a keyboard for some minor things. Azure Striker Gunvolt PC retains all It's original features and has improved on them by adding new modes and features.
If you haven't played Azure Striker Gunvolt, I'd reccomend playing this version. And If you have played Azure Striker Gunvolt, I still reccomend playing this version. This port Is near perfect.
