1. Mega Man ZX Advent / DS / 2007 / EXR: 7/10
2. King's Field III: Pilot Style / PS1 / 1996 / EXR: 9/10
On August 22nd, 1996 at the Tokyo Game Show, From Software gave away a promo to King's Field III. This promo was called "King's Field III: Pilot Style". It was designed to promote King's Field III obviously, and all of 8 people got a copy of it. Many years later an ISO for this long lost King's Field artifact resurrected onto an obscure Russian gaming forum. From there, John Osbourne fan translated Pilot Style into English. And that's great, because Pilot Style is not just a promo, it is an independent self contained prequel to King's Field III. That's right, Pilot Style is its own game in the series.
The plot takes place shortly before the events of King's Field III. You play as Silviera, who is searching for the Sword of Moonlight after returning to his garrison to find all his fellow soldiers dead. The Sword of Moonlight must be returned to its resting place, or the powers of darkness will once more rise across Verdite. Silviera must seek the aid of a crazy old lady, a grave robber, and a recluse dwarf if he hopes to have a chance of finding the stolen sword.
Pilot Style works quickly to show off what From Software managed to learn after King's Field I & II. Large open areas are available, rolling landscapes, a new light modeling engine, complex architecture, more detailed textures and higher poly enemies, faster combat and movement, and quite a bit more as well. All of this serves up quite a fun little adventure.
And yes it's a little adventure. I finished the game in less than an hour without dying once. However, I'm a King's Field veteran so that probably had something to do with it. There are some really devious sections in Pilot Style, traps and pits that will kill the unwary adventurer instantly. And you cannot save at all, it's a one and done deal to beat. If you die at the hands of the final boss, that's an hour you aren't getting back. And King's Field fans wouldn't have it any other way.
I would not recommend Pilot Style as anyone's first King's Field game. It assumes you know what you're doing, and frankly if you step the wrong way right from the start, you can die in less than 2 seconds (series tradition). Menu systems, items, combat, etc. none of it is explained. Do or die! But if you're already a fan of the King's Field series, you will enjoy this brisk and varied flight of fantasy that's piloted with style indeed.