My Played Video Games Review: Infinite Space for the Nintendo DS

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Infinite Space is an RPG developed by Platinum Games for the Nintendo DS handheld console and published by SEGA. It was released in 2010 and has received a lukewarm reception. The game is set in the distant future where men roam the stars.

Despite being obscure and being a hidden gem of an RPG, it is underrated. For those looking for a space-age setting RPG done well, this game is a keeper.

Infinite Space - Nintendo DS game trailer

The Graphics

The graphics are okay. The artwork is done in an anime way that fits completely into the sci-fi theme and setting of Infinite Space. Think of the visuals in Japanese anime series set in space but more rugged looking.

The 3-D ship models look better than Star Trek ship designs. Each spacecraft has a different shape and size - from the ships your character can construct to the ships operated by NPCs.

The 3D graphics in this game are like those done by the SEGA Saturn or Playstation One if I can compare something similar.

Gameplay video

The Story

The story focuses on a kid named Yuri who wants to be a space pirate/adventurer in order to unlock the secrets of a mysterious relic he inherited from his late father. The story branches many times depending on your choice. You might have to play the game several times in order to acquire the other different crew members and get their stories.

The Gameplay

The gameplay is innovative. The gameplay for battles is divided into two unique battle systems.

The 1st battle system is where most of the game's action occurs, where your space fleet battles an enemy fleet. Your fleet formation actually affects the outcome of the battle, and your flagship is critical because if it dies then its game over. You'll learn when to use barrage, normal, and dodge. You'll move on the battlefield to get the enemy in weapon hit range or to escape being targetted by the enemy. If you get the hang of it then random battles are a breeze.

Boss battles are hard if you're not prepared. While the game gives you hints to beat them they all have different strategies to apply with, otherwise, you get frustrated.

You can customize your ships in 3 ways: the modules, the firepower, and space fighters you carry. All of which you buy or get during the game. Learning what to make and equip for stats-building of your characters and battle effectiveness of your fleet, is one of the keys to victory.

The second battle system is ground combat, either on a planet or when you board an enemy ship with the "melee" command during space battles. This is a simpler system in a rock-paper-scissors fashion. Though good combat stats crew members ensure victory for you.

While not in combat, the game plays out much like a visual novel where there are many instances where you can get a game over for choosing the wrong choice.

The only complaint about the gameplay is there's no menu "quest log". So if you're clueless you generally will fly planet to planet to figure out what to do next. It is like roaming around in older RPGs. Also, the battle system can bore you if want to grind for money to buy better ships or get some characters. Otherwise, the gameplay is good for a space RPG.

Game Music and Voice Acting

There's limited voice acting in the game. Most of it is decent with some lines done lazily.

The music is better. While not epic like those Star Wars themes, they blend well to the space saga theme of Infinite Space.

My Verdict

Infinite Space is not for newbie RPG gamers, as the high learning curve may piss them off. But if you like a space saga RPG and a quick learner, you will enjoy this game. It is a must-buy for any sci-fi RPG fan.

Emulators are the way to go if the game is unavailable to buy or rent for you.



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