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Review of Dengeki Gakuen RPG: Cross of Venus Special on Nintendo DS

by Gemma Looksby Gemma Looksby photo Feb 2011
Cover image of Dengeki Gakuen RPG: Cross of Venus Special on DS
Gamefings Score: 8.5
Platform: DS DS logo
Released: 10 Feb 2011
Genre: Action Role-playing
Developer: Pegasus Japan
Publisher: ASCII Media Works

Introduction

Welcome to the zany world of Dengeki Gakuen RPG: Cross of Venus Special, where your typical high school experience merges with epic battles, mystical heroines, and probably too much snack food to ensure you'll need to hit the gym afterward. In this game, you step into the shoes of a nameless protagonist (because why bother with character development, right?) who gets swept into interdimensional chaos and must juggle school life with saving the world. Think of it as a cross between your favorite anime and one of those sliding puzzle games that caused you to throw your DS across the room back in the day. So grab your portable console, don't forget your snacks, and let's dive into this quirky RPG!

Gameplay

Gameplay in Dengeki Gakuen RPG is a delightfully chaotic mix of exploration, character chatter, and action-fueled battles. You'll spend a good chunk of time navigating the Dengeki Academy, making friends with characters who seem to only exist to pummel things. The game transitions from a laid-back exploration vibe to intense combat when you bump into an enemy, which could range from a disgruntled ghost (they just want their melon bread, I swear) to foes who look like they walked straight out of a light novel. Fortunately, you don't have to fight alone! You can switch between the main protagonist and eight different heroines-all meticulously designed with their own fabulous weaponry and quirky fight styles. Seriously, Shana from Shakugan no Shana with her katana is like a one-woman invasion force. The battles also feature combos and special attacks, making each fight feel like a mini anime episode-without the awkward pauses. And let's not forget the ability cards that some of the characters can use for extra sizzle-healing and attacking like they just downed three energy drinks.

Graphics

On the graphics front, this game unveils gorgeous character designs and colorful environments that, although a bit retro compared to today's blockbusters, still pop with personality. Character design is granted the love and attention you'd expect from a game based on light novels. The upgrade to 3D graphics in the 'Special' version is a blessing for fans who had their hearts set on a smoother aesthetic, giving life to the cute characters and ensuring that the action sequences at least **look** fancy while you're mashing buttons like a caffeinated squirrel. While it doesn't quite redefine graphics standards for the DS, you can feel the spirit of anime bouncing off the screen - just watch out for those throw pillows during particularly heated scenes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dengeki Gakuen RPG: Cross of Venus Special is an unexpectedly endearing title in the sea of Nintendo DS games, filled with quirky humor, well-designed characters, and vibrant gameplay. It's got enough dimension-hopping action and snack-fueled shenanigans to keep any 18-year-old gamer entertained. Whether you're a fan of the Dengeki Bunko series or just looking for an absurd journey that mixes high school drama with epic battles against an evil organization that's all about ruining smiles (seriously, what's their deal?), this game has something for everyone. Grab your DS, power up those combos, and prepare to save both your school and the multiverse! And remember, friends don't let friends skip out on melon bread for midnight snacks.

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