subject: Fate/Unlimited Codes PSP Go Game Review - Download Fate/Unlimited Codes For Free! [print this page]
Most Western audiences are unfamiliar with the manga, anime, and interactive visual novels of the Fate universe, which deal with a struggle between powerful magicians and warriors for the Holy Grail. Despite this unfamiliarity, Capcom has made its Japanese arcade and PlayStation 2 fighter Fate/Unlimited Codes available for the PSP via the PlayStation Network. And because the language of punching, kicking, and performing insanely special moves is universal, anyone who's ever played a fighting game will feel immediately at home with it. It's not going to set the world of fighting games on fire, but Unlimited Codes is a fun fighter that stands on its own.
Unlimited Codes looks pretty good. The characters animate gracefully, and their special moves look powerful and fill the screen with bursts of magical color. Enhancing the impact of some attacks are camera movements that give you a particularly good view of the action, swooping in low to emphasize a kick that sends a character flying or leaping into the air as a combatant swings his or her opponent in an arc before tossing him or her to the ground.
The sound effects match the intensity of the visuals, with over-the-top voice acting befitting this epic struggle. (Alas, no English language track is provided, but the Japanese voices are more than capable of conveying the emotions behind the actions.) The electronic beats of the music are generic and don't command much attention, but the slap of landed blows, the clang of weaponry, the tinkle of distinctive chimes, and the whines of magic are all fitting.
Fate/Unlimited Codes strikes a good balance between accessibility and depth, with straightforward controls that most players will quickly grasp. It also has enough complexity available via combos and move-cancels to reward seasoned fighting game players. It's not remarkable enough to be a championship contender, and 30 bucks seems like a bit of a high price to pay for a port of a PS2 game, but if you're looking for a fun fighter to take with you on the go, Unlimited Codes will fit the bill nicely.
Fate/Unlimited Codes PSP Go Game Review - Download Fate/Unlimited Codes For Free!
