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2010 Tokyo Game Show RPG Awards
By Heath | September 30, 2010 at 9:19 am
We went, we saw, we played. We came back, we slept off and on writing impressions, and now…we present the Best of the Tokyo Game Show 2010, broken down by system and with one overall standout. Here we go….
BEST PLAYSTATION PORTABLE RPG: Valkyria Chronicles 3: The Unrecorded Chronicles.
Like the two games before it, Valkyria Chronicles 3 looked great and played even better. We’re a little wary of Valkyria powers being put into the players’ hands, but hopefully it won’t be a game breaker. It seems the final product is shaping up to be pretty dang good.
Non-capitalized runner-up: Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together
“The gameplay from the demo doesn’t really require much description, because if you’re reading this website, you know the general build of a tactical RPG. Tactics Ogre is fun, classic, and timeless…” -Janelle’s impression.
BEST DS RPG: SaGa 3.
This game was called Final Fantasy Legend III when it was released in North America. SaGa 2 (Final Fantasy Legend II) sadly did not cross the pacific, but these 3D, full-color remakes of the early SaGa games warm the cockles of our hearts with the nostalgia they produce, and are just flat-out solid RPGs. Seriously, while playing the demo, heat from my cockles could be felt all the way across the convention center. People who didn’t even know me were like “What’s that sudden warmth? Are someone’s cockles burning?” Yes.
Non-capitalized runner-up: Ni no Kuni.
“[Ni no Kuni] was still expressive and charming, and had really fun battles.” -Janelle’s impression.
BEST WII RPG: Not applicable. But that Inazuma Eleven soccer game was kinda fun.
BEST PLAYSTATION 3 RPG: Ni no Kuni.
“If Level-5 puts even half as much effort into designing dungeons, pacing and interfaces as they have into the overall polish, charm and atmosphere of Ni no Kuni, look out world.” -Janelle’s impression.
Non-capitalized runner-up: Trinity Zill O’ll Zero (AKA Trinity: Souls of Zill O’ll)
“Just gonna say again in case it wasn’t clear: this game is awesomely fun.” -Heath’s impression.
BEST XBOX 360 RPG: Fable III.
“For being a demo of a game that sells itself heavily on long-term changes and consequences, Fable III‘s demo did a good job of showcasing the shorter and more immediate pieces of the game.” -Janelle’s impression.
Non-capitalized runner-up: Not applicable.
BEST GAME OF THE TOKYO GAME SHOW 2010: Ni no Kuni: Ni no Kuni: Shiroki Seihai no Joou (PS3)
Ni no Kuni stole the show. It had art direction, atmosphere, and presentation to top any this generation, and moreover, it appears to be a new RPG bringing back the old staples in a new way. Hey, remember explorable overworlds? They’re hardly ever seen these days even though we all have fond memories of them. But Ni no Kuni was right there with one of the best we’ve rocked in a long time. That alone is what’s winning our wow though. The game played well in all areas that an RPG should, despite only being around 30% complete. We’re looking forward to the DS title as well, but the buzz from playing that PS3 game hung with us for a long time.
See all of our Tokyo Game Show coverage right here.
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Topics: Awards, Ni no Kuni: Shiroki Seihai no Joou, Ninokuni, Tokyo Game Show 2010