Games Welt: As an old-Parasite Eve fan, you have to get used to the new gameplay. The role-playing elements are sorely missed, but as a third-person shooter it makes Aya's new adventure quite good. The strong linearity we can accept as a relic of the series, but not the weak plot. Sure, The 3rd Birthday is primarily an action game, but with Parasite Eve 1 and 2 in the back of our minds, the weak and confusing plot can not be overlooked - even if it is presented in excellent CGI sequences. Where are the characters whose fates touched us in the original games?
Thus, The 3rd Birthday is just another shooter with a beautiful appearance. But it constantly reminds us that the potential here remains unused.
From Japanese horror novel to game, the Parasite Eve franchise deserves a redemption arc in this week’s edition of Bring it Back.
The original was a really unique RPG. Cool combat system too. Whatever they did with the PSP Version... don’t ever do that again. Would like to see this series return.
I think the reason why they won't bring it back is due to the licensing and the failure of that abysmal PSP game.
I think Square should try to attempt a reboot without the whole use of "Eve", since Aya is an original creation I would assume they could still use her, and maybe come up with a new threat and implement all the mechanics from the original but modernize it. Y'know, something like FF7's hybrid combat system would be awesome.
The problem comes down to Square willing to take a risk. They could dump all this effort and money into a project and it could bomb in sales. I miss the days when developers could come up with any idea and get a game green-lit even if it wasn't a guaranteed success.
Ashamed to say this is a gap in my gaming experience here. Never played the Parasite Eve titles. I do have a PS2 sat under my TV, if you have no nostalgia for the games, do you reckon they hold up?
The PlayStation Portable (PSP) was one of the most successful handheld consoles to date, featuring a large roster of games including each and every genre present to date.
Replace 3rd birthday with peace walker or Dissidia and it will be an excellent list. 3rd birthday is great mechanically but the story is attrocious as a parasite eve sequel.
Jerry from BagoGames says, "Sony hasn't had the best of luck with their handheld devices and some of their biggest franchises died on the PSP, here are those five."
Interesting little thought piece. I feel like Parasite Eve and Syphon Filter could still have legs.
That Ghost n Goblins game for the PSP was the ultimate lesson in pain.
Capcom should make a collection and bring that game back.