all games are not created equal

I'm making this comparison because I was thinking of games I've played for the 360 that weren't in the database before. Note that this is based on limited experience with both games, but I think the judgement is still justified. On the surface, the only similarities between the games are the system they're on and the fact that they have a colon in their titles, but a primary draw for both games are the same: the battle systems.

Dynasty Warriors: Gundam is the same as every other Dynasty Warriors game, except instead of being based on ancient Chinese history/literature, it's based on giant mecha. This is a plus, because Gundam is awesome. In theory, the idea of piloting a gundam and destroying hordes of Zakus sounds like loads of fun, especially with the wide selection of mobile suits you can use that the box claims. The truth is, though, the "game" consists of repeatedly pressing one button over and over while watching mobile suits explode (rather unspectacularly, too -- the graphics are in general pretty underwhelming). This may satisfy those who like Dynasty Warriors, but I grew bored within ten minutes. What's worse is that Gundam is somewhat of a niche interest itself, so to like this game, one has to be a fan of both franchises; only liking one will probably lead to disappointment.

On to Star Ocean: The Last Hope. Aside from the sci-fi setting, the game is in many ways a traditional fantasy RPG: combat consists of swords and bows and sorcery, because the primitive enemies are somehow immune to your advanced energy weapons. Whatev, I played Star Ocean 2, so I had already come to accept it, and it's more of a source of amusement than anything else. The combat itself is surprisingly addictive. Few RPGs have made me want to fight, especially something like Final Fantasy or Chrono Trigger where encounters can often be won by mashing A to just attack. Instead, Star Ocean's battles are real-time and action-oriented. You can move your characters freely and attack, perform counters, use magic, and chain some cool looking combos. The difficulty is balanced well (I'm playing on the Normal difficulty), since you have to pay attention to what's going on or you'll get hurt pretty quickly, but it's never frustrating (ok, maybe a bit if you get surrounded and dazed or something).

Oh yeah, and there's like characters and plot and item creation and stuff, but I'm still on disc 1. Once I complete the game, maybe I'll put up a comparison to a more fitting game. But that's the key here: I'm 6-ish hours into the game and can't wait to play some more, while DW:Gundam was returned long ago. If you want Gundam, stick to Federation vs. Zeon or Gundam vs. Zeta Gundam.