GUNGNIR (PSP)

GUNGNIR : Inferno of the Demon Lance & the War of Heroes

(Gunguniru : Masou no Gunjin to Eiyun Sensou) PSP.

BASIC INFO

1st Release Japan 5/2011
2nd Release NA 6/2012
Saga : IX episode of the Dept. Heaven series
Publicer : Atlus
Developer : Sting Entertainment
Genre : Strategy JRPG
trailer

STORY

Our story takes place in the empire of Gargandia, and her inhabitants, the noble high-class race Daltania (Dictators) and the outcast low-class Leonica. There is a constant war and hatred between these two races, and our young hero Giulio, is the leader of a small group of rebels (Resistance) following the steps of his great father.

In one hopeless fight, which seemed the last, Giulio founds the Holy Spear, or better it founds him to be her master. Now, with the power of Gungnir, Giulio may have the upper hand to change the fate of battle and honour the tragic loss of his people.

GAMEPLAY

Classic turn-based tactical JRPG. Battles take place on grid-based fields. Graphics are nit, the environments are in 3D and the sprite characters are excellently drawn. There is so much juice in this little gem, even more that you can ask for... from treasure hunting and luting, to a serious upgrading skill & weapon system, plus 17 classes to choose from.

The real fun of course is the heart of the game, the battle system offering some of the deepest strategic battles out there for PSP.

The Action Sequence Bar on the bottom of the screen, shows the turn order of all units, while the Tactics Gauge on the left, holds the key to victory. By capturing strategic places on the map, you acquire Base Points, helping you to increase your Tactics and attack power, or you can sacrifice Tactics Points to Scramble and act immediately and even make cooperated attacks.

Which strategy you'll follow it's up to you.  Mind though the decisions you'll have to take across the entire game, these will lead you to multiple paths and the many different endings...

OVERALL

A well-made game nearly in every aspect. This PSP title, was 2 years in development, so it's easy to  see an interesting epic story, nice visuals and music score, and a strong solid-build gameplay. It's not something new, there's no voice acting but it has some great fresh ideas. An exceptional strategy JRPG that will bring you both, tears of pain and joy. It's harsh difficulty makes it not for everyone, but it's also a game hard not to love.