March 22^nd, 2002 (12:00am) - IGN board member ikachii has once again translated one of Famitsu’s GameCube reviews. This time it’s Koei’s exclusive GameCube action title , Battle Houshin. It scored very well and hopefully it will be brought over to the states...

Grade: 8
While the characters are by no means realistic, the enjoyment provided by the game�fs superior control and response gives a familiar system an updated feeling. The system of developing your characters through careful and prolonged use of techniques has also been simplified. The feeling of flying up in the air within the game is exhilirating within itself, with the added element of having to check for groups of enemies below you enhancing the game even further. A rich storyline also adds to this title�fs enjoyment.

Grade: 9
The game�fs system is an exact replica of that used in �gSankoku Musou�h, also by Koei. The addition of new magic attacks serves greatly to enhance the raw pleasure that the game provides. It feels pretty good just playing the game. The tutorials within the game are also complete and thorough. Although you can select from 3 different levels of difficulty, the �gNormal�h setting should be more than sufficiently difficult. This is not a game to simply pop in and casually enjoy.

Grade: 8
The element of discharging a variety of attacks simply by hitting buttons is refreshingly easy. As the critters that try to kill you are also capable of following you around, you�fll often turn around to find a wall of enemies in front of you. However, the feeling of blowing them away with your magic attacks feels remarkably good, leaving you at times completely engrossed in the action. The battles with the giant bosses are also worth noting. Consider this title the �gHoushin Engi�h version of �gSankoku Musou�h. While the game is appropriate for younger audiences, it does pack some bite.

Grade: 8
The gameplay of this title feels like �gSankoku Musou�h with magic attacks. Still, the use of combination attacks that max out the use of your various magic spells and weapons in leveling large groups of enemies fills out the game�fs fun factor. Powering up your characters changes their attacks in a variety of ways, giving you an incentive to develop your characters. A harder game than meets the eye.