60Fate/Unlimited Codes is a fighting game which was initially released for arcades and the PS2. Capcom has developed a PSP version for fans of the original game and anime. Based on the visual novel Fate/stay night, Fate/Unlimited Codes collects these characters (divided into Masters and Servants) and has them fight each other in what is known as a Grail War. The winner gets to fulfill their hearts desire thanks to the Holy Grail. The game’s visuals match those of most anime and are consistent throughout the game.

Fighting
Publisher: Capcom
Developer: Eighting
Sep. 3, 2009

In the vein of fighters such as Tekken, Fate/Unlimited Codes is a basic fighting game where you go head to head with other characters while trying to execute combo moves to beat the other player. The game starts with 14 characters, with all the main Fate/Stay characters from the anime present along with some original characters. You can also unlock three other characters as you fight through the Arcade mode. There are three initial fighting modes as well as an unlockable Survival Mode which adds to the amount of fun you can have. When you begin the Arcade Mode, the character you selected follows their own storyline in order to obtain what they want when they win the Grail War. This gives each of the characters a certain amount of depth and also rewards repeat game play since each character’s story unfolds as you fight through the Arcade mode.

When you begin the Arcade Mode, you start with a small cinematic introduction where the two fighters tough talk each other (a la most anime). The arena stages are instantly striking and visually impressive, but you’re only given as much room as in a regular fighting game. The soundtrack creates a tense mood which helps to get players into the fighting spirit. As fights progress, players can utilize special combo moves which can also trigger cinematic sequences which are seamlessly integrated into the fight. With each battle, more and more information and bonuses are unlocked. Once the Arcade mode is completed, you can also undergo numerous missions to unlock various other things. Mission Mode is where players are forced to show their fighting abilities.

Now, while these positive aspects exist in the game, the game is rather two dimensional. Fights can easily be won by pressing various buttons, even on the highest difficulty level. The A.I. controlling the opposing fighter is not very impressive and can’t really put up an entertaining fight. This reduces the experience of the Arcade mode to a series of button mashing sessions and robs players of the ability to truly display any level of skill against their opponent. Fighting, the main focus of the game, is where the game is lacking. The combos are easy to use but barely essential and the character graphics are lacking, especially considering the level of graphics available which have been utilized among other fighting games.

Another large detractor from the game is the fact that it is mainly in Japanese. While most of the pre-fight sequences are subbed in English for background, the cinematic preludes to the fights are not. It can be a little distracting to have to read while the characters speak in Japanese, and it can get downright annoying when coupled with the lousy fight put up by the A.I.

However, the game has an Ad Hoc multiplayer which completely removes the computer’s limited A.I. In the multiplayer, you and a friend can go head to head against one another in order to showcase your skills and see who is the better fighter. The gameplay on the Ad Hoc network gives the game a much needed boost in fun and is one of the highlights of the game.

Blast Factor: All in all, this game is acceptable. The lame‚  A.I., subpar graphics, lack of English voicework and limitations of the arena definitely bring down what could be an awesome fighting experience. Multiplayer is where the game shines, and the survival mode presents more of a challenge than the Arcade mode can at “Hard.” If you’re a fan of the visual novel or anime fighting games in general, then this game was made for you. If you’re just looking for a fighting game for long road trips, this game is entertaining enough with its plot to keep you interested.

Fate/unlimited codes is available on the Playstation Network for download at the cost of $29.99

About The Author

David is sophomore at Boston College. He writes for the video game section and loves movies, television and music too.

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