P.N.03 - official

[Adman]

Yeah, I remember working this out myself, and you definitely don't lose any combo points if you leave a room early. At least... I'm sure that's what I worked out.

It only takes 5 minutes to work it out anyhow.

[SpoDaddy]

I've had my eye on this game since it came out but all the scathing reviews scared me off. It's 20 bucks most places, think I should pick it up? Does it have much lasting appeal replay value, one of the major knocks on the game was that it's only a couple hours long.

[mrt]

ah ok thanks, ill check for myself about the points thing. (i suck at math too, so ill whip out the calculator )

spo: this game kicks all kinds of ass. it has a good deal of replay value if you enjoy refining your action/shooter game skillz. its all about getting used to the game mechanics and the enemy patterns and getting better suits so you can go into a room a wipe the floor with enemies who once kicked your ass, with style.

not a game for everyone though. it can get repetative and it is on the short side.

i really just bought into the whole style of the game. the way Vanessa moves, the way you can clear a room quickly and easily if you know what to do, or get spanked by it. its addictive. i want all of the suits and the endings.

i got it at half.com new, for less than 20 shipped, and im quite happy. not for everyone though.

[SpoDaddy]

Is the game heavy on unlockables? I love unlockables!

[BioMechanic]

I've had my eye on this game since it came out but all the scathing reviews scared me off. It's 20 bucks most places, think I should pick it up? Does it have much lasting appeal replay value, one of the major knocks on the game was that it's only a couple hours long.

P.N. 03 is all about replay. The game is designed for the player to eventually be able to play through the entire game without getting hit once, while max comboing every single room. On Hard. With the Papillon. Impossible? No. Just very very difficult. It has that old-school, sink-your-fingers-into-it, skill-based gameplay that's becoming increasingly rare, and highly addictive.

Most reviews bashed it because it's got a unique control layout, is basically pretty bizarre, and is a shooter. The controls aren't bad, just different. They do exactly what they're supposed to, when they're supposed to do them. Keep in mind that under all the modern 3D graphics and splashy particle effects, P.N. 03 is a score-based, performance-based shooter.

It's not for everyone. The controls will turn off a lot of people (Vanessa can't strafe or shoot while moving because she's not designed to, get over it - btw I think the Cube controller is ideal for this setup), the story's anime-weird and vague (but intentionally, I believe), the graphics and soundtrack are repetitive (again, I think intentionally), and it's damn hard when it's played like it's meant to be.

Not a huge number of unlockables (like Rez or Orta), but the core gameplay is so refined and unique, it doesn't need it. If you get into it - and you might not - it's the type of game you'll play through many times over the years because it's unlike anything else. Once you get good at it, you'll be able to beat it in under an hour if you want - that's all it takes for a reminder. I'm happy it's not a 10-hour game, because it wouldn't be the same.

Personally I think it's a masterpiece of subtle design, and one of the best games I've played this generation. Not only do I find it incredibly fun to play and constantly rewarding, it's got a certain aesthetic feel to it that few modern games have. Even though I've beaten it many times, like Ico and Rez, I keep coming back because of how it feels.

edit: Exiting a room before the combo counter runs out does not cost you any points. Otherwise the clock would still be ticking when you enter the next room.....

[SpoDaddy]

Thanks for all the insight on the game BioMechanic, looks like I'll have to pick this one up

[mrt]

edit: Exiting a room before the combo counter runs out does not cost you any points. Otherwise the clock would still be ticking when you enter the next room.....

if the points from a combo were lost because of prematurely exiting a room, why would the combo timer continue?

if the timer continued, wouldnt the points from the combo carry over as well?

[SpoDaddy]

I'm in love with this game. Unfortunately, after playing for hours tonight I chose not to continue for the first time ever (figuring I'd go back to the menu and power up my suit, then try the level again from the beginning). It took me back to the title screen and I lost the whole night's progress!! I'm so frustrated with the game that I'm not touching it again for at least a few hours

[Rich]

I just bought P.N.03 unfortunatly I have to wait until the middle of August to play it. I don't even know anything about the game except that the cover art is great.

[SpoDaddy]

Why do you have to wait until the middle of august?