Espgaluda II and Localization Fortune
I imported the region-free Xbox 360 port of Cave's vertical shooter Espgaluda II two months ago and I still don't entirely realize how lucky we are. Overseas players had no way of playing it after its 2005 Japanese arcade release, and after years passed I never figured it'd get a port, much less a region free one! The title and its genderbending characters wouldn't have gotten passing mention years ago, but now they're all over gaming blogs and the like. Between the region free ports of Mushihimesame Futari and Espgaluda II, the recent iPhone release of Espgaluda II, and the forthcoming North American release of Deathsmiles next month, it's safe to say that overseas fans are fortunate.
As I've been a fan of the original Espgaluda for years it's quite something to be able to play the sequel. Espgaluda II arcade mode's difficulty is intimidating even among Cave's other works and its myriad scoring and attacking mechanics take some time to learn. I imagine some players would be baffled at expending gems to enter an alternate mode to slow down time, increase firepower, and erase enemy bullets, but these ideas -- combined with intricate enemy bullet patterns -- create an entertaining experience. The title appeals in multiple ways: as a shooter with complex patterns, as a polished visual feast, and as a considerable scoring challenge. I probably may never master scoring to its full potential but it still holds and then some.
Anyone can pinpoint game releases that may never be localized, and Espgaluda II easily could've been swept up in the tide. But overseas players' ability to play it on two platforms contributes to the idea that we're lucky to have what we've got. I'd say it's become increasingly easier to access titles!
As I've been a fan of the original Espgaluda for years it's quite something to be able to play the sequel. Espgaluda II arcade mode's difficulty is intimidating even among Cave's other works and its myriad scoring and attacking mechanics take some time to learn. I imagine some players would be baffled at expending gems to enter an alternate mode to slow down time, increase firepower, and erase enemy bullets, but these ideas -- combined with intricate enemy bullet patterns -- create an entertaining experience. The title appeals in multiple ways: as a shooter with complex patterns, as a polished visual feast, and as a considerable scoring challenge. I probably may never master scoring to its full potential but it still holds and then some.
Anyone can pinpoint game releases that may never be localized, and Espgaluda II easily could've been swept up in the tide. But overseas players' ability to play it on two platforms contributes to the idea that we're lucky to have what we've got. I'd say it's become increasingly easier to access titles!