Tail Concerto

Originally scheduled for release last year by Bandai US, publishing duties have now changed hands to Atlus USA, who is attempting to broaden its domestic library through eclectic acquisitions (Guilty Gear, Bomberman Fantasy Race) and first-party localizations (Kartia, Trap Gunner, Persona). Tail Concerto marks Atlus" first major step into the 3D platform/action genre, and a significant step it is. While the game surely has a few issues, the overall quality of design and graphics is a considerable step up from developer Bandai Japan's usual fare.

Taking the role of young Waffle, a canine police officer on the floating islands of Prairie, you must herd and capture the elusive Black Cats Gang and their legion of feline troublemakers. Aiding you in your adventures is your trusty mech-suit (on top of which, Waffle can be seen literally steering this steam-powered monolith). The mech-suit is equipped with a bubble-shooter and an intriguing warp/backpack which are used, respectively, to stun those little pussies and warp 'em off to a holding cell. Convenient! The variety of objectives in Tail Concerto is fairly broad. Island hopping, kitten capturing, sack-o-coal-retrieving, you name it, it's in there. Fortunately, Tail Concerto supports both digital and analog control for those partial to either configuration.

The game spans eight different worlds, features 20 minutes of hand-drawn animation and is sprawled over enormous 3D environments.

Throw in the seven unique boss encounters and you've got an adventure fit for a king. Well, maybe not, but it's a worthy adventure nevertheless.

The game is weaved together by cutscenes utilizing the game engine with spoken dialogue. Currently the language is in Japanese, although there are English subtitles and the voices will likely be re-recorded in time for its August release.

Anyone looking for a 3D platformer (although the emphasis is less on platforming than it is on action) in the vein of Megaman Legends need look no further than Tail Concerto.