Moon Diver Review for PlayStation 3 (PS3)

System: PS3
Dev: feelplus
Pub: Square Enix
Release: March 29, 2011
Players: 1-4
Screen Resolution: 480p-1080p	Fantasy Violence

Use of the platforming sections to encourage combos between jumping and slicing up enemies would have made for better gameplay. But since they don't reach their potential, they feel tacked-on. The game as a whole feels like it was a shell of a much larger idea, as if it were rushed to meet an internal deadline, which is a shame because the concept is great. Since it is never realized, it becomes a victim of weak gameplay.

Moon Diver Screenshot

The game's boring feel is enhanced by the art direction: as you'd expect from any game based on an anime series, things look bland, environments are dark, and character models look severely dated. Closer inspection, however, reveals surprisingly crisp models and environments. There's great artwork done here, but there's a dirty filter applied over everything.

As one might expect, Moon Diver has an electronic soundtrack, featuring a synth musical score. Sadly, none of the songs are able to stand out on their own merit. While occasionally you'll hum along with the tune or bob your head as you play in rhythm, it doesn't add anything to the gameplay.

Moon Diver has no personality to call its own. Every aspect of the game merely comes in, does their job, and leaves without leaving any memorable mark. You'll have some fun with Moon Diver, but don't expect it to last forever. Try the demo, and if you think you will enjoy playing the same style of game for a good couple of hours, then you'll enjoy Moon Diver. Chances are, however, that you won't. Before long, the game will likely become lost in the crowd of online marketplace offerings.

By Jake Valentine
CCC Freelance Writer

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

3.0

Graphics
Art direction is typical of every anime game on the market: dark and bland. Yet the character models themselves are clean and crisp.

3.5

Control
This is, without a doubt, a button masher. Platforming sections handle nicely.

3.0

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
The sound is stereotypical, despite a somewhat catchy soundtrack.

2.0

Play Value
Move. Kill. Move. Kill. Repeat for hours upon hours until you pass out.

2.9

Overall Rating - Average
Not an average. See Rating legend below for a final score breakdown.

Review Rating Legend
0.1 - 1.9 = Avoid	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	3.5 - 3.9 = Good	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair	4.0 - 4.4 = Great	5.0 = The Best

Game Features:

The Diver System allows players to jump in or out at any time, for a maximum of up to four players total. Guest players are awarded experience points for helping out.

Combos increase in power and intensity according to the number of players. Collect new combo moves by picking them up on the map or fulfilling certain requirements.

Adjust the difficulty level at any time with the Chaos Accelerator. Higher levels are rewarded with enhanced visuals and greater experience points. Players set the challenge rating as they see fit.

Experience twelve stages alone or with four friends online.