New Game Plus - A Retro Gaming Podcast · New Game Plus

Episode 478: InuYasha: Secret of the Divine Jewel

·58 min·5 clips

Nolan shocks the hosts by declaring Inuyasha one of the most insanely boring games he's ever played.

This episode of New Game Plus features hosts Dustin, Kenny, and Nolan reviewing the 2007 Nintendo DS RPG *InuYasha: Secret of the Divine Jewel*. The game introduces an original American character named Janice who is transported into the world of the popular anime *InuYasha*. Players control a party of up to six characters, including series regulars like InuYasha and Kagome, in a turn-based combat system with random encounters. A unique combat mechanic allows players to press buttons corresponding to character portraits to perform support attacks or defensive blocks. Resource management revolves around Energy Points (EP) instead of traditional MP, which replenish as characters walk or use a "Focus" command. The hosts note the game features extensive story exposition and dialogue, likely to accommodate players unfamiliar with the anime. Graphics receive praise for detailed sprite work and vibrant colors that effectively use the DS's dual screens, though the touchscreen functionality is minimal. Kenny highlights special combat animations that span both screens during powerful attacks. Music is described as a mixed bag, with some tracks feeling overly compressed or too on-the-nose for the scenes. The encounter rate for battles is criticized as inconsistently high, potentially to pad game length. Nolan expresses frustration with the lack of meaningful character progression or customization options typical of RPGs. Dustin points out the game's current market value is around $50 for a loose cartridge. Kenny reveals the *InuYasha* franchise has spawned about a dozen games, with the most recent being a 2020 mobile title. The episode maintains a conversational and humorous tone, with the hosts frequently joking about their own gaming habits and anime knowledge. Listeners who enjoy deep-dive retro game analysis or have nostalgia for mid-2000s anime adaptations will appreciate this review. Those seeking fast-paced gameplay discussions or who dislike story-heavy RPGs might find less to enjoy.

As heard by us

A loose retro-game hangout that turns a dated DS RPG into a sharp, funny debate about balance.

Episode 478 has the usual New Game Plus mix of ribbing, memory, and game talk, and it takes a little while to settle. Once it does, the discussion gets clear about how the DS game handles combat, why the encounter rate can feel harsh, and how the handheld leans more on…

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

A retro gaming episode that turns combat pacing, encounter frequency, and escape mechanics into the main event.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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