Kingdom of Paradise Goes PSP

Climax Entertainment Introduces A New Action RPG For The PSP

(CBS)  The world of Ouka is divided up into five different ruling zones, East, West North, South and Central. Each region is ruled by a specific clan. Each clan specializes in attacks focused on one of the 5 basic elements. Throughout your journey as Shinbu, you'll come across all of these regions at one point or another. However, the one annoying thing about this game is that you don't have a map that tells you where you are or lays out what direction you need to go in. I found myself just wondering around hoping that I was heading in the right direction while fighting off enemies in the process. But you're not completely aloof.

Shinbu keeps notes as to what his next or previous goals are. So if you're ever wondering what the heck you're supposed to do just check his notes. This, however, won't help you to know which way is up or down. But thank goodness this game isn't that massive where you could conceiveably spend hours running around without reaching your destination.

Interestingly enough, Shinbu will not be able to leave an area (ergo, township, camp site, etc.) unless he's accomplished whatever tasks need completion. So be comforted in the thought that you could be running around a town talking to NPC's and not able to leave the town simply because there's something you’ve not done yet which is a vital part of the story advancement.

Each town is extremely well detailed with vivid imagery that would settle even those with ADD. The necessary amenities are in fact present however. See the old lady if you've got a curse or visit the item shop to stock up on much needed health products; check out the closest Inn to gather info and to get some much needed rest; board ships and travel across a great body of water to neighboring countries.

Lastly, the musical scores played through the game are absolutely rich and fit perfectly with the environments.

K.o.P has a decent story line with basic concepts that have already been explored but still a good basis for some fun. It's set in a vast, living world, players will develop their swordsmanship skills as they explore active environments in a crusade to defeat an evil clan. K.o.P features more than 150 styles of sword fighting, 15 types of Qigong martial arts, wireless multiplayer connectivity via infrastructure and ad hoc mode, and more than 20 hours of game play set in a fantastically detailed world.

You'll have a rich time playing with those bugei scrolls and adding those kenpu forms to make killer combos. And although the 3D action for the combos look amazing, it's some how lost with the lack of complexity for execution. This could either be a pitfall or an advantage depending on the type of player you are.

But aside from anything else, one of the most annoying features of this game is the inability to effectively block enemy attacks. Man, this is frustrating when you're surrounded by enemy units or being plummeted by a massive brute. Being able to block, I believe, is an intricate part of any sword fighting type game.

Aside from these minor points, I think it's a pretty cool addition to your existing PSP library, however small it may seem.

Kingdom of Paradise is rated "T" for teen.