| Falling Stars | |
|---|---|
Microsoft Windows box art |
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| Developer(s) | Ivolgamus |
| Publisher(s) | |
| Platform(s) | Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 2 |
| Release date(s) | Microsoft Windows PlayStation 2 |
| Genre(s) | Action role-playing video game |
| Mode(s) | Single-player |
| Rating(s) | |
| Media/distribution | 1 CD-ROM (PC), 1 DVD-ROM (PS2) |
Falling Stars is a role-playing video game developed by Ivolgamus and published by Nordcurrent in Europe[4] and by Agetec in North America.[5] It was released on August 24, 2007 in Europe for Microsoft Windows and the PlayStation 2 and on August 26, 2008 in the United States for the PlayStation 2. The game is aimed at young children and was released with a price point lower than most PS2 games.[6]
Contents |
In Falling Stars, players control Luna, a young girl who lives in the peaceful land of Dazzleon. Luna's uncle, Matt, discovers a curious mine and decides to take up residence in Dazzleon to investigate. The mine slowly takes over Matt's mind and he begins to perform evil experiments. Eventually, Matt turns on his pets, changing them all into evil monsters. Realizing her uncle's madness, Luna sets out to save him and prevent the world from suffering dire consequences.
Combat: Monsters are unleashed upon the world before your very eyes. You cannot fight until you've obtained your pet, Komi. Battles require input to progress. When Komi's time bar fills, he can attack. When the monster's time bar fills, Komi can defend. The strength of the attack depends on the strength of the defense. If the two match, less damage is done. Monsters have attack patterns players can learn and use to compensate. For example, the Red Dog will begin his attack pattern with either Red (strong) or Yellow (fast). In either case (Red or Yellow), the pattern will follow as Yel, Red, Yel, Red, Yel, White. Since the Red Dog's pattern ends with White (mega), it's easy to tell when a new pattern is beginning. You can heal Komi with magic or the more affective Health Potions when Luna's time bar fills. Luna's time bar can be rushed by rotating the RAS (right analog stick). Komi's stats can be boosted through equipped accessories, special items, and experience. Enough experience gains Komi bonus training points for use in Luna's home.
Few official reviews for Falling Stars exist but those that do are critical of the gameplay. Criticisms include 'sterile combat' and 'flat characters'. The game has not received a score higher than 65% according to Metacritic, pooling reviews from 4 separate online sources.[7]
Other critiques might include frequent slow-loading screens, slow character movement/reaction, sprinting which requires stamina (a slow-refilling bar potions fill instantly), etc.
Positive notes would highlight the rare "dress-up" system featuring multiple character's opinions, the complexity of mini-games, conversations which begin automatically upon approach, plays in six different languages, opening movie is pretty if short, there is no "game over", the battle mechanics are relatively interesting.
At the end of the game, after beating Uncle Matt's spider, the spirit reveals itself, explaining that it had taken over Luna's body to prevent her from seeking out the ultimate power. It asks that Matt ensure Luna does not seek this power out and he promises to protect her.