So My Handheld Summer Excursion Begins with Etrian Odyssey II

          So I decided to start off my summer of handheld gaming fun with Etrian Odyssey II. I liked the first game, was intrigued by what was gonna be offered in the sequal, and to be honest it's an Atlus which means get it when it launches or forever hold your peace finding a new copy. Thankfully finding a copy today during launch week was easy seeing as I found it at my first stop.

I've yet to truely delve into the title. I've just take some box art pics and shot a quick intro video, but my initial boot up impressions were getting me pumped all over again for some hardcore oldschool RPG gameplay. Supposedly the title fixes some of the minor general and menu issues of the first game, adds in 3 new classes and class specific force skills and the like, and a a brand new dungeon to explore. If it's anything like the first title it should be a blast, but don't expect a review anytime soon as it'll be long, involved, and hard. To quote one of my favorite game journalists Bozon from IGN "Battles are random though, and the game is punishing to say the least, so this one is for hardcore gamers only."

Check back though as I'll try and do my best to keep everyone updated as I being my play through and get deeper into the game. I'll definitely post some impressions before I get to my actual review. Hope everyone else's handheld gaming summer starts off as promising as mine!

Summer Gaming Doldrums?

          It's that time of year again. The weather's heating on up, kids are out or getting out of school, everyone is thinking of hanging out by the pool or heading to the beach, and the gaming landscape is drying up for a few months till the fall. Or is it?

It seems as if this old tried and true statement is becoming less and less true as the years go on, and of course this goes for handhelds too. You look across the DS and PSP landscape and you see things just aren't so barren through June July and into August this year. Quality titles such as NCAA 2009, Space Invanders Extreme, Final Fantasy Tactics A2, and Etrian Odyssey all are helping to fill the void. Normally this time is reserved for the post E3 hype, descent gaming sales, and overall a breather for gamers so maybe they can catch up on things.

Granted it's not as jam packed as fall, but it's much better than it use to be. Plus things are growing in and every year in the summer gaming space. It's definitely a boost for gamers that have managed to keep up with things throughout the first half of the year and are jonesing for something new. If your behind a bit well at least this year July might give ya a small brief moment to catch your breath.

So for those people that normally do not think of the dog days of summer as a time to watch out for new games think again. Check out your favorite sites like IGN and 1up and magazines like EGM and Game Informer for game reviews, and check out your local game stores for new hot titles hitting in your area... yes even in the Summer!