Gods Eater Burst is an action role playing game similar to Monster Hunter, but is it a clone? It is an enhanced version of the February 2010 Japanese best-selling game Gods Eater that shipped 1,000,000 copies, so that has to bode well. Does it have enough to live past the comparison to Monster Hunter though? Let’s find out.

The over-laying plot of the title is that Earth has been taken over by mutant beasts known as the Aragami, no not oragami, and the Gods Eaters are the only thing that can save the world. Wielding their God Arc, a special weapon used for slaying the Aragami, and devouring hostile Gods, they set off on their journey. Sound pretty cookie cutter? Well it is. Earth is infested with baddies and you are there to eliminate them. There are about 90 cut scenes to break up the action and help tell the story, which is nice. The game actually starts off with a very nice cinematic to set up the game for you. There are also more than 100 new missions doubling the size of the title from its original Japanese version.

Gods Eater Burst allows you to play with four buddies via Ad-hoc or battle with AI controlled party members. If you can get some friends to help you hunt down monsters then go for it, as the AI is less than stellar. There were many times during a fight that my AI partner would walk by my corpse and leave me. Once you are downed, you partner can pick you up at the cost of half their health. Sounds good, right? Nope. It can get a bit annoying, as monsters will then sit on your corpse and inevitably continually corpse camp you while your less than genius AI partner picks you up.

This game plays like Monster Hunter but more fluid and with a less wonky camera that still is not perfect. It does add in the ability to switch from gun to sword which is fun and adds a level of strategy. Taking your God Arc and biting or devouring an enemy is pretty cool and useful, as you will trigger Burst mode and get some much needed items. You can also scavenge items from the area you explore, but in reality speed is key to getting a high ranking in the levels.

You do have the ability to craft bullets, guns, shields, weapons and even clothing. The former add to the gameplay and experience, while crafting of outfits is purely aesthetic. The game itself can get a bit repetitive, as each stage boils down to you being dropped into an area and being tasked with eliminating bad guys; rinse and repeat. Crafting and online play offer some variety, as do the different loot items dropped which will fuel some players to grind their way through stages.

Gods Eater Burst is an action RPG that has good mechanics and visuals but really only appeals to those gamers that enjoy the loot and slash aspect of this title. Once you get a hang of the game, I highly recommend going through the Training stages, you will be pleased with the fast paced action. This is a must have for any fan of the original Gods Eater or even Monster Hunter fans, as it brings some good things to the table but may lack lasting appeal to be a mainstream hit.

• Title: Gods Eater Burst

  

• Platform Reviewed: PSP
• Developer: Shift
• Publisher: D3 Publisher
• MSRP: $39.99
• Release Date: March 15, 2011
• Review Copy Info: A copy of this title was provided to DualShockers, Inc. by the publisher for the purpose of this review.