Ninety Nine Nights (Xbox 360)

In a nutshell:
The first major Japanese action game hits the Xbox 360 as you face down thousands of warriors at once with just a sword, a few special moves and some of the most outrageous graphics ever seen in a console game.
 
The lowdown:
With the Xbox 360 still not a proven success in Japan, Microsoft are always looking for new games to appeal to an oriental audience. Taking its cue from the massively successful Dynasty Warriors series this game pits seven different characters against whole armies of hundreds of warriors at a time. Depth of gameplay is not rely a forte here but the game does makes some important improvements to the basic formula with more aggressive enemy artificial intelligence and the ability to control allied troops. Much of the actual combat involves just jabbing madly at the controller but the awe-inspiring imagery this provokes is generally enough to help you forget how shallow it all is.

Most exciting moment:
The entire raison d'être for this game is its stunning battle effects and magic attacks. A simple swish of your sword cuts giant rainbow coloured swathes through the enemy as you juggle them in the air and smash them to the ground. Power up a special attack though and you’re treated to a gigantic fireworks show of flying bodies and crackling magic.

Since you ask:
Although the game is developed by Korean team Phantagram, most famous for the Kingdom Under Fire series, the game has been overseen by legendary Japanese producer Tetsuya Mizuguchi who has been responsible for classics such as Space Channel 5, Rez and Lumines.

The bottom line:
Not the stand out game you may have been hoping for, but still a fun action game.
HARRISON DENT

In a struggle between light and dark, a new world order is established after the destruction of the mysterious power stone. Warriors are destined to battle in a place far beyond their imagination, as a magnificent story unfolds from multiple perspectives.

Unparalleled action and gameplay. In Ninety-Nine Nights, players destroy entire armies with precision and speed unlike that offered in any other game. Each playable character will feature his or her own strengths and weaknesses as players attempt to choose the right combination of magic and might to overcome their adversaries. With more than 100 weapons to master and the art of several forms of magic, players enhance their attacks and become true deadly forces amid stunning next-generation effects.

Massive immersive battles. With hundreds of combatants on-screen at once, players wield their armies with precision and skill in massive-scale battles against ever-evolving virtual opponents. Each on-screen virtual character is a threat as opponents with unmatched AI will react and attack of their own volition, testing the skills and fortitude of even the best gamers. Ever-changing weather, terrain and structures contribute to the dynamic battles as well, leading to unique and surprising changes in gameplay.

Compelling and engaging storyline. In Ninety-Nine Nights, players must decide upon their path and choose the side of either good or evil in the struggle for the Stone of Union. In the epic and emotional campaign, gamers play through a fabulous fantasy realm with unparalleled depth. Each character has his or her dedicated plotline that ultimately intertwines with that of a larger story. Players can experience seven views of the story through the eyes of each character they choose to play.