K.J. Simmill's Blog, page 81

Game review: Tales of Zestiria

Good morning all.

A few days back I finished playing Tales of Zestiria, since I post book revies, I suddenly though, why don’t I post a game one too. I have been a fan of the Tales of series since Tales of Destiny, and have played every one. except Rebirth and Hearts. Although truth be told with the last few additions, which I really didn’t enjoy. These were Tales of Graces, and yes I know a lot of people liked that, and Tales of Xillia 2. Now with Xillia 2 it was more about the debt, it really spoilt the game for me. I have to worry about bills etc in real life, without needing to pay millions back throughout the game. I think to date, it is the only Tales of Game I haven’t completed, which is a shame because I loved the weapon switching and the plot seemed like it had potential. Anyway back to the game at hand.

Platform: PS3

Mode: Hard

Completion: – Total including post game dungeon and all side quests.

Finishing level (after post game): 97

Firstly, I really did enjoy this game, I enjoyed the story, the characters, the gameplay, the aromatization and thought the graphic style was gorgeous. As soon as my son was in bed, it would go on, and not be turned off again until I went to bed. So for me, I think it is a good game. I liked that across the world there were ‘Points of Interests’ and skits which told you a little about them thus expanding on either world or local knowledge. Oh and the skits were fun too. I even enjoyed gathering all the Normin and Lord of the Lands.

I liked the insertion of optional ruins, it fit with the main character’s wish to explore ruins, and there was no need to actually do them unless you wanted to. An optional extra that did have benefits.

Across the world there were really powerful enemies, they wouldn’t attack unless you attacked them. A nice touch when you’re a low level and see the first one. Near the end of the game, defeating them all is an optional side quest, though I think a little more story could have gone into them instead of, oh look there’s one. These battles were tough, and require strategy. Especially if you are determined to cull them when first you see them.

I liked the addition of the crucibles, however they seemed to come at the price of a battle arena, and again once the secret one is completed, I was expecting something a little more than it just being done.

However, in the interest of complete disclosure, there are also a number of things I didn’t like about the game. I will get this minor one out of the way first and then focus on the game experience affecting ones.

There has almost always been costume change in the Tales of games, you work hard to acquire titles, do side quests, some easy, some not, and unlock special titles that come with a change of the characters’ default costume, and yes there is a slight costume change available. But if you want something more than a change of colour, then you now have to buy them. Well forget that, I liked the costumes, and that they related to the completed side quests which you had to work to obtain. But paying for them and losing the side quests is a different matter all together, no thank you.

I understand what they were trying to do with the weapons and armour, but it did not work. The basic idea it that there are 50 Normin, each with their own attribute, attack, defence, hp recovery etc. These attributes are found on weapon drops, and the chance of finding them can be increased by having a Normin you have found, paired up with a Lord of the Land in the area you are in. The weapon attributes highlight areas on the five by ten grid, and creating a straight line of five vertically gives a specific boost. You can unlock new attributes by fusing equipment. skill + different skill = a new skill (sometimes locked so you need to get the gear to 1 star before it shows on the grid.) You can also stack the skills so you could have a lot on attack and the boost would stack. It sounds like it could be a lot of fun, but then you actually get started. 50 slots, lots of grinding, and in the end, after a few hours you think, why bother. It really doesn’t seem worth it. Sure if you get a line and boost by accident great. Otherwise equip your best stuff, and fuse it solely as a means of upgrading, or getting a skill you specifically want.

My next dislike was the end game camera angle. Maybe I was lucky, but until a certain part in the game it seemed fine, then suddenly, I couldn’t see my character, at one point it looked like I was controlling an enemy because there we no characters on screen. others I could see part of a mountain or a piece of the enemy and had to blindly guess what moves to use or if to defend. It may just be me, but I also don’t remember picking up an item which would allow my other characters to use healing items, which meant unless they had healing spells, the battle command ‘Focus on Defence’ or upping their defence actions to heal at 50 or even 75% hp served little purpose. Except when strategically battling tough enemies.

And finally. Zestiria was released on the 20th year of the Tales of series, I expected such great things from the post game, but I was sorely disappointed. A single small island, with a copy and paste map and the cameo appearance of two characters from past games. How disappointing. I could have done great things with this dungeon. It was 20 years, think of all the characters they had to draw on.  The end dungeon has 8 boss battles. Think of the possibilities. Just off the top of my head, how about defeating seven previous Tales of characters, then having them unite in an end of dungeon battle of epic proportions. The postgame, which really was not a post game, just a reload before final battle and access to extra dungeon. Had zero story, minimal character involvement and seemed to consist of nothing more than running a similar appearance map until you reached a boss battle at the end, go back, save, rinse and repeat. Plus the ending of the dungeon, actually made me look if something else had opened up, the conversation leading me to believe all was just a test prior to a big battle on this island. But no, they were referring to the final battle which you then have nothing left to do but it. All in all, extra dungeon – disappointing.

So there it is good and bad. I can’t really expand on the points as to why I enjoyed the game, doing so would contain multiple spoilers. I will however say this. After Graces, I wasn’t sure I would continue playing the series, then I was given Xillia2 and I really tried to like it. I had all but given up, then what should I get for my birthday but Zestiria, I enjoyed it so much that it rekindled my interest in the series.

So there you have it, and if you haven’t got it and want it, here’s the links

US Tales of Zestiria – PlayStation 3

UK Tales of Zestiria (PS3)

 

Filed under: Gaming

Game review: Tales of Zesteria

Good morning all.

A few days back I finished playing Tales of Vesteria, since I post book revies, I suddenly though, why don’t I post a game one too. I have been a fan of the Tales of series since Tales of Destiny, and have played every one. except Rebirth and Hearts. Although truth be told with the last few additions, which I really didn’t enjoy. These were Tales of Graces, and yes I know a lot of people liked that, and Tales of Xillia 2. Now with Xillia 2 it was more about the debt, it really spoilt the game for me. I have to worry about bills etc in real life, without needing to pay millions back throughout the game. I think to date, it is the only Tales of Game I haven’t completed, which is a shame because I loved the weapon switching and the plot seemed like it had potential. Anyway back to the game at hand.

Platform: PS3

Mode: Hard

Completion: – Total including post game dungeon and all side quests.

Finishing level (after post game): 97

Firstly, I really did enjoy this game, I enjoyed the story, the characters, the gameplay, the aromatization and thought the graphic style was gorgeous. As soon as my son was in bed, it would go on, and not be turned off again until I went to bed. So for me, I think it is a good game. I liked that across the world there were ‘Points of Interests’ and skits which told you a little about them thus expanding on either world or local knowledge. Oh and the skits were fun too. I even enjoyed gathering all the Normin and Lord of the Lands.

I liked the insertion of optional ruins, it fit with the main character’s wish to explore ruins, and there was no need to actually do them unless you wanted to. An optional extra that did have benefits.

Across the world there were really powerful enemies, they wouldn’t attack unless you attacked them. A nice touch when you’re a low level and see the first one. Near the end of the game, defeating them all is an optional side quest, though I think a little more story could have gone into them instead of, oh look there’s one. These battles were tough, and require strategy. Especially if you are determined to cull them when first you see them.

I liked the addition of the crucibles, however they seemed to come at the price of a battle arena, and again once the secret one is completed, I was expecting something a little more than it just being done.

However, in the interest of complete disclosure, there are also a number of things I didn’t like about the game. I will get this minor one out of the way first and then focus on the game experience affecting ones.

There has almost always been costume change in the Tales of games, you work hard to acquire titles, do side quests, some easy, some not, and unlock special titles that come with a change of the characters’ default costume, and yes there is a slight costume change available. But if you want something more than a change of colour, then you now have to buy them. Well forget that, I liked the costumes, and that they related to the completed side quests which you had to work to obtain. But paying for them and losing the side quests is a different matter all together, no thank you.

I understand what they were trying to do with the weapons and armour, but it did not work. The basic idea it that there are 50 Normin, each with their own attribute, attack, defence, hp recovery etc. These attributes are found on weapon drops, and the chance of finding them can be increased by having a Normin you have found, paired up with a Lord of the Land in the area you are in. The weapon attributes highlight areas on the five by ten grid, and creating a straight line of five vertically gives a specific boost. You can unlock new attributes by fusing equipment. skill + different skill = a new skill (sometimes locked so you need to get the gear to 1 star before it shows on the grid.) You can also stack the skills so you could have a lot on attack and the boost would stack. It sounds like it could be a lot of fun, but then you actually get started. 50 slots, lots of grinding, and in the end, after a few hours you think, why bother. It really doesn’t seem worth it. Sure if you get a line and boost by accident great. Otherwise equip your best stuff, and fuse it solely as a means of upgrading, or getting a skill you specifically want.

My next dislike was the end game camera angle. Maybe I was lucky, but until a certain part in the game it seemed fine, then suddenly, I couldn’t see my character, at one point it looked like I was controlling an enemy because there we no characters on screen. others I could see part of a mountain or a piece of the enemy and had to blindly guess what moves to use or if to defend. It may just be me, but I also don’t remember picking up an item which would allow my other characters to use healing items, which meant unless they had healing spells, the battle command ‘Focus on Defence’ or upping their defence actions to heal at 50 or even 75% hp served little purpose. Except when strategically battling tough enemies.

And finally. Zesteria was released on the 20th year of the Tales of series, I expected such great things from the post game, but I was sorely disappointed. A single small island, with a copy and paste map and the cameo appearance of two characters from past games. How disappointing. I could have done great things with this dungeon. It was 20 years, think of all the characters they had to draw on.  The end dungeon has 8 boss battles. Think of the possibilities. Just off the top of my head, how about defeating seven previous Tales of characters, then having them unite in an end of dungeon battle of epic proportions. The postgame, which really was not a post game, just a reload before final battle and access to extra dungeon. Had zero story, minimal character involvement and seemed to consist of nothing more than running a similar appearance map until you reached a boss battle at the end, go back, save, rinse and repeat. Plus the ending of the dungeon, actually made me look if something else had opened up, the conversation leading me to believe all was just a test prior to a big battle on this island. But no, they were referring to the final battle which you then have nothing left to do but it. All in all, extra dungeon – disappointing.

So there it is good and bad. I can’t really expand on the points as to why I enjoyed the game, doing so would contain multiple spoilers. I will however say this. After Graces, I wasn’t sure I would continue playing the series, then I was given Xillia2 and I really tried to like it. I had all but given up, then what should I get for my birthday but Zesteria, I enjoyed it so much that it rekindled my interest in the series.

So there you have it, and if you haven’t got it and want it, here’s the links

US Tales of Zestiria – PlayStation 3

UK Tales of Zestiria (PS3)

 

Filed under: Gaming

Book Review: Beginning of a Hero by Charles E Yallowitz

The first thing that struck me about this book was that it was written in a tense that I don’t normally see. That’s not to say there aren’t books out there written in the present tense, it’s just I don’t recall coming across one. I will be completely truthful and say the tense took some getting used to for me, meaning it took me longer to get into the book than normal. That however does not in any way state it was a bad story or poorly written, quite the contrary.

The story itself follows the protagonist, Luke Callindor, the youngest of the Callindor generations as he sets off on a mission to earn the respect that comes with his family name. His family are renowned heroes, as such Luke struggles against the assumed pressure of already being hero, and seeks a means to earn his name and the people’s respect. Of course, destiny plays a guiding hand in the life of heroes, and the challenge before him is a test worthy of those bearing his name.

Throughout the story Luke befriends and gathers a group of unlikely allies in his attempt to fulfil the mission thrust on him by fate. But such things themselves are not without a challenge. The information he was given was incomplete, and now he must fill in the missing pieces before it is too late, or a great and unimaginable terror will befall the world.

As a gamer, I wouldn’t be surprised to learn this author had, or does, indulge in either table-top, or console/pc rpg gaming. There are aspects to the story which remind me of those gripping adventures, something as simple as a yellow potion, or the design of the traps which the hero face, sing of both an amazing imagination and perhaps an area of interest to draw upon.

The interaction between the characters is brilliantly portrayed, making them not only believable, but also flawed. You will find no squeaky clean, turn the other cheek, holier than thou, hero here, well maybe one, but what do you expect from a priest?  Yet still, each of the characters have their own vices, their own flaws and secrets.

All in all, I found the plot very interesting, in fact, despite my initial difficulty adapting to the tense, I am now on my way to buy the second instalment of this book and add it to my reading list.

This book is a fun and enjoyable read, and contains a wide assortment of characters, all of which bring something to the story. I would recommend this book to any fan of fantasy.

Piqued you interest? Here are the Amazon links:

US – Beginning of a Hero (Legends of Windemere Book 1)

UK – Beginning of a Hero (Legends of Windemere Book 1)

 

Filed under: writing

Book Reviews: An idea I am toying with

I have been thinking recently. I read a lot. Most of my books tend to come from friend recommendations and Twitter and I will read most things.

Recently I have come to know first hand how difficult it is to get someone who has read your book to leave a review, and we all know that reviews are one of the things which help to sell a book. I myself have hunted down and contacted some reviewers and my work is on their waiting list. So far I have received an excellent review from one of them (Robert Krueger) on Amazon.com and I will be completely honest, the wait was a nerve wracking experience. After all, they could have hated it, yet instead I was relived to find a glowing review. I must say, I was perhaps bouncing off the walls a little, okay a lot.

This got me thinking. I am always on the look out for things to read, and I am quite easy, I will read pretty much anything if it grabs my attention. I don’t care if the book is huge or small, (although my preferred genres are fantasy, horror, sci-fi, and paranormal). In addition to this about 90% of the books I buy are from indie authors, so I wondered how many out there would consider a review for review as an option (gifting the book from Amazon to each other) or in some cases, simply a review from me if my work doesn’t appeal to their reading preferences. Now I am not talking about a guaranteed 5 star rating here, I am talking about a review like the ones I normally write here, on Amazon, and on Goodreads. One which gives a little insight into the plot, what aspects of the author’s work I enjoyed most etc. I also thought about including a small author interview at the end of the blog review so people could get a feel for the author and learn about any other, or upcoming work.

I thought about this review exchange a little and took a look at the Amazon review T&Cs and for a moment it seemed viable. Then I dug deeper, following several obscure links and places you wouldn’t think to click normally and finally found this hidden away. So it seems it isn’t an option after all. That said, since I read so much I wonder whether to still offer my services free as a reviewer, but not on a review for review basis. Since finding reviewers is so difficult I wonder if there are many other people who do this? What do you all think of the idea?

On that note, I really should get back to editing my second book. It is coming along nicely and I can’t wait to start the next edit (I tend to edit my work several times. to make sure I am happy with each part.)

I hope you all have a wonderful day.

Take care.

Filed under: author, book review, reading, writing

Book Review: The Hunted by Kristy Berridge

Good morning everyone. I don’t know about where you are, but here the season has really started to turn. This morning’s weather is starting to feel bitter, it is time to wrap up warm, sit on the sofa with a blanket and immerse yourself in a good book.

On that note of course, it is time for me to give you yet another book review. This time the book in question is written by Kristy Berridge, and is titled The Hunted.

I will be completely honest, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I am not a big fan of books written in the first person, mainly because although this narrative is meant to make me feel more connected to a story, I find it rarely does. However this book was one of the exceptions, so much so that I will be purchasing the second instalment in this series.

This book was recommended to me by a Twitter friend @EdB2630 based on a few of the books I have already reviewed and enjoyed, and I will certainly be taking to heart his future recommendations.

The book follows the story of Elena, a teenager with a very complex future ahead of her due to the events surrounding her birth. Elena is a born vampire, thus she is unable to attend regular high school so studies in the Institute of Magical Intervention who hunt down the Vânătors. When she reaches 18 she will turn, yet there are secrets hidden within her blood that mean she is not the only person on the hunt, she in turn is hunted.

The characters each have their own distinctive and believable personalities, from Elena, the somewhat mouthy, independent teenager, to her magic wielding brother, Lucas, who despite his occasional ability to disappoint her, is generally loyal to a fault. Each character has their own unique traits and individualities, not to mention flaws and humour. There are characters you root for, characters you despise, and those who intrigue you. The collection works well, and the growth they experience through the story is evident.

The book itself is a young adult, paranormal romance, to me it has the familiar feel of a more adult style L.J. Smith, if you have ever read Vampire Diaries, or Night World, think of how well the characters interact and the flow of the story, as well as the romance between characters she often includes. The concept of the story is well portrayed and once you get about a third of the way through there is no putting it down.

I would highly recommend this book to fans of the genre, even those who are not so keen on the whole vampire scene, because although it plays a part in the story, it is not all consuming, I didn’t feel as though I was reading a vampire based story, it was a fantastic balance of paranormal, magic, and everyday life. The author really found a perfect balance to the story.

As always, here are the Amazon Kindle links.

UK – The Hunted

US – The Hunted

Filed under: book review, reading

Darrienia and editing

Hi all,

I just wanted to stop by briefly to say a big thank you to all you people out there who have brought my book so far. I hope you are enjoying it, especially now the dark nights are creeping in, after all, this is the perfect weather for sitting and reading

I have been getting some really good feedback from the readers, which is only serving to drive me to work harder on the editing of The Severaine, which is the second book in the series. To be honest, I am really enjoying editing it, it has been a number of years since I last cast my vision over it, and if I am being quite honest, there are some absolutely fantastic parts in there I had completely forgotten about, and a few which have needed a complete overhaul.

I seem to be feeling very impatient at the moment though. Although The Severaine is not due out until next year, there is a part of me that can’t wait to finish editing it, perhaps because I am looking forward to that final audio edit, or maybe because I only remember small snippets of the third book, Remedy and recently I have been having some ideas on how to enhance the plot, not to mention wondering if it will surprise me as much as this one has.

Anyway, I just wanted to swing by and say hi to you all. I hope you have an amazing week.

Take care x

Filed under: writing

Book review: Demon Bound: Volume 1 (Marris and Wade) by David Parkland

Good morning all

I have once again finished yet another fantastic book. This time it was David Parkland’s Demon Bound. From the very first page of this book I knew it was going to be a wonderfully charming read, and I was not disappointed in the slightest.

The story follows the adventures of Marris and Wade as they travel the land in search of their fortune. Wade is a natural salesman with a flare for showmanship, but when inexplicable things start to happen, we are led to wonder if perhaps there is more to events than a silver tongue. And then of course there is the matter of mister ….erm…”Long.” yes, sorry, him. Although since no one else can remember his name, I am sure I can be forgiven. Whist Marris and Wade are on their adventure, so too is he, but his adventure is far from light-hearted, his job is far darker, more dangerous, than any would realise.

I found this book to be well written, and able to provide fun glimpses into the characters’ past, allowing us to understand fully the events which led them to be where they are today. From war, to the ferrying of goods, we learn everything we need to about the characters and have a lot of fun along the way. The author, much like Wade himself, has a fantastic knack for spinning a tale, and one that makes this book difficult to put down.  I really enjoyed the twists, and surprises woven into the plot, and I am sincerely looking forward to the next one. It’s definitely one for the wish list.

Interested? here are the links to Amazon, if you enjoy a light-hearted, well crafted story you won’t be disappointed.

UK £2.55 Demon Bound (Marris and Wade Book 1)

US $3.91 Demon Bound (Marris and Wade Book 1)

Filed under: book review, reading

Book review: The White Wolf Prophecy – Hall of Records by L.K. Kelley

I really enjoyed the second addition to the White Wolf Prophecy – Hall of Records by author L.K. Kelley. I found I enjoyed this book more than the first (and I really enjoyed that one), the focus on the plot and the events occurring around the characters really grabbed my attention.

The second book builds upon the foundations set in place by the first book, The White Wolf Prophecy – Mating,  and like any good book, further develops the characters we have come to know and love. Their interaction is real and enjoyable. I found the mythos and history well thought out, as well as the complex weaves of the unfolding story. With the events in the second book, I can’t wait to see where this adventure takes us next as we approach the climax of the series.

Speaking of climax, there is of course the return of the more intimate scenes between mates, since I don’t read erotica I can’t draw a reference on other materials, however, the scenes were well thought out and although frequent throughout the book, in no way overpowered or detract from the story line. This book is very plot and character driven, and the bonding of the characters in this manner serves an important role, so the balance found by the author is perfect for what needs to be achieved.

There are so many things that happen through the book, the introduction of new powers, the resurfacing of old ones, that I am really looking forwards to reading the third one. When I review the third book I will be able to discuss this further in detail, but to do so now would provide some major spoilers.

Here are the links to the Kindle versions on Amazon

US $2.99 The White Wolf Prophecy – Hall of Records – Book 2

UK £3.99 The White Wolf Prophecy – Hall of Records – Book 2

If you missed my review of the first book, you can find it here

Filed under: book review, reading

Book review: The Storm’s Own Son: Book One and Two – Anthony Gillis

Good afternoon everyone.

I trust you are all well. So this review is a first for me, as I am not only reviewing the first book, but the second as I read them back to back. As the title of this post indicates, they are books written by the author Anthony Gillis and are the first two books in The Storm’s Own Son Series. The reason I am reviewing both at the same time is after finishing the first, I had to find out what happened next, I couldn’t simply leave it at the place the book ended. Always a sign of a good book and a well designed cliff hanger.

Another reviewer hit the nail on the head when they described it as a book about sex, violence, and magic. The protagonist isn’t your standard do-gooder type, he is perfectly designed with passions and flaws. Truth be told, at the start of the book I wasn’t sure it was going to be my kind of thing, but as you may have gathered, I soon changed my mind.

Without spoilers, the book itself is about the personal war of Talaos against The Living Prophet, one which unexpectedly sees new bonds, and powers developing in ways the reader would not have imagined given the start of the first book.

There are plenty of well-constructed fighting scenes as well as character growth and development. Mr Gillis uses a wide cast of supporting characters, all of which are as well-designed and detailed as the protagonist and even have their own sense of humour. At the end of book two, there are still so many unanswered questions, still so much to look forward to that it was very difficult not to start book three straight after.

I highly recommend this book, the writing style is smooth and enjoyable, the book is packed with actions, and the characters have a way of drawing you in.

Here are the links to Amazon, the first book is currently free, why not try it today?

US

Book one: The Storm’s Own Son: Book One (Storm and Fire 1)

Book two: The Storm’s Own Son: Book Two (Storm and Fire 2)

UK

Book one: The Storm’s Own Son: Book One (Storm and Fire 1)

Book two:The Storm’s Own Son: Book Three (Storm and Fire 3)

Filed under: book review, writing

My Interview with author K.J. Simmill.

Originally posted on sallyannphillips:

K.J Simmill is the very talented author of Darrienia (The Forgotten Legacies series, book 1), and is donating 10% author royalties to the UHNM charity for the neonatal department (NICU).

She has also released an accompaniment book called Herbal Lore that covers a wide range of herbs and their uses in both medicinal and magical practices, including sections detailing extraction and application. It also provides comprehensive step-by-step instructions on making a wide range of items encompassing creams, herbal bags, incense, salves, tinctures, and poultices. Presented in an easy to understand format, with an added definition of terms, making it an asset to anyone wishing to utilise the beneficial properties of herbs.

This is what K.J had to say…

Why did you decide you wanted to become a writer?

Writing has always been a constant in my life, something I’ve done for as long as I can remember. Whether it…

View original 1,102 more words

Filed under: writing