PixlBit

 

Yes something about NIS and there over the top sexual explicit crazy story games that I just cant get away from...

Compile Hearts & Idea Factory team up to give us their latest offering for the PlayStation 3′s long line of Japanese RPGs that are a cut from the rest. This has gotten them quite a bit of criticism, as some of their games are known for their unbelievingly obtuse gameplay mechanics, over-the-top Japanese niche, and in general, games not for everyone. Neptunia MK2 was remarked as the game that may show Compile Hearts trying to break out of their niche-only market with the game’s vast improvements over its predecessor; IsMugen Souls that break out hit that both Compile Hearts and Idea Factory desperately need?

 

The story begins with a pint-sized self-proclaimed undisputed god of the universe, Chou-Chou, who with her two companions, Ryuoto, her first and main peon, and Altis, the re-incarnated Angel, now seek to conquer all of the 7 planets – Sun, Moon, Fire, Water, Tree, Metal, and Soil.  At the same time, Chou-Chou commits to make everyone her loyal peon. The game borrows many elements from Nippon Ichi’s story elements, including the not to be taken seriously attitude, to having enough parody and fourth wall breaking jokes in the script that will make any fan of Compile Hearts & Idea Factory quite pleased; to others, though, the jokes will go over their heads. While not going into spoiler territory, you meet a wide variety of colorful characters across the 7 planets that make the game feel like a Japanese comedy anime as they parody video games, anime, and the stereotypes of Japanese Sub-Culture. While the script/dialogue is one of the more applauding aspects ofMugen Souls, the game sadly ends before any real character development occurs. And when the serious twists start happening, they’re left hanging all the way to a very unsatisfying ending.

Mugen Souls has a gigantic world, easily offering 30+ hours of game play. Bouncing between strange air battles between opposing airships and the sprawling worlds full of random battles assures that boredom doesn’t set in easily. Unfortunately, I had a hard time moving past the uncomfortable sexual undercurrent running throughout. Outside of that, Mugen Souls manages to offer some fun pieces that I found oddly addicting. The art style and irreverence were fun to follow and indulge in, but it repeatedly draws attention to the uncomfortable parts instead of letting the strengths shine through. The complex systems have the potential to draw in those that desire such a thing, but the emptiness that plagues every part of the game will mar the experience.