Boktai 2: Solar Boy Django (GBA)

“Django is apparently a rather famous character (at least, according to the internet :D such a reliable source of information...) but the first time I heard of him was in one of those megaman battle network games. Something that should be mentioned:...”

“Django is apparently a rather famous character (at least, according to the internet :D such a reliable source of information...) but the first time I heard of him was in one of those megaman battle network games. Something that should be mentioned: this game comes with a special cartridge so it can react to sunlight (actually, just UV-rays), affecting the game in various ways. After playing for a while I've come to some conclusions.
+ Unique gameplay. At first it seems to be a rather simple game like you've seen dozens of times before (still fun, mind) and nothing special. Then you start playing outside and you suddenly notice all those fun little things you couldn't do before. (Hey look, a zombie. hmm... ooh a window! pushie-pushie and the zombie dies)
+ Weapons. You can get simple weapons from foes and treasure but that's only the beginning. This game implements a very decent (it has some flaws but those will come later) forging system which allows you to create awesome spears, hammers and swords (fists and gun can't be enhanced this way).
+ Solar flare magic. Lot's of things need sunlight but you can't always play in the sun (kids, it'll fry your brains! believe it! no really, take a break and sit in the shadows every now and then...). That's why they've implemented a skill/spell that makes it so that the game considers you playing in full sunlight for a short period. There are other nice skills, Sol and Dark ones (yay for transformations) to be exact, but Solar flare is the most usefull one.
+ Crossovers. I've always liked the fact that you rescue Solid Snake and meet Megaman/Rockman. Not much to say but if you've read my introduction you'll see why :D
- Sunlight. Regain ENE (MP)? Forge weapons? Kill the Boss? Grow the tree? Use Gun/spells? ...
You need sunlight for each and every one of them, making the game nearly unplayable at some points. And that's not all: your recovery items are fruit, and what does fruit do when exposed to too much sunlight? it rots. Yes, play the game without sun and you limit yourself in your options, play it with sunlight and get sick from eating rotten fruit.

If you're interested in this game I'd advise you to search for Lunar Knights on the DS. I haven't played that one yet but it's the newest installation in the series and for this game the "sun" is based on your internal DS-clock. Much better if you ask me :D (and yes, Pokemon Gold/Silver showed us a clock was possible, Konami!)
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