So Contact is out right now!

[furyk]

This might just be the RPG I'm most excited about in the past year or so. Who else is picking it up?

[nakedsushi]

I am! I'm hoping to wait for the TRU b2g1 free sale to get this though.

[heyfergy]

I am definitely picking it up the day it comes out. It looks to be rather kick ass.I accidentally purchased star fox (accidentally meaning I thought it was going to be sweet but boy was I wrong...) as something to wait for this game....bah.

[Reality's Fringe]

Been waiting for it for a while now. Me hopes it's the good stuff, but I wonder why it's been delayed 3 or 4 times?

[botticus]

Been waiting for it for a while now. Me hopes it's the good stuff, but I wonder why it's been delayed 3 or 4 times?Because they're making it awesomer, duh!

[furyk]

Been waiting for it for a while now. Me hopes it's the good stuff, but I wonder why it's been delayed 3 or 4 times?

Probably a marketing issue. They didn't want Contact up against Pokemon: Mystery Dungeon or Final Fantasy III (back when it was coming out in September).

[Scobie]

I dunno... Nintendo Power hinted that Contact kinda sucked... any other reviews coming in? I really want for this game to be good.

[yukine]

I'll get it. Hopefully it's good, as it will be the last game I buy until the Wii.

[pimpinc333]

I dunno... Nintendo Power hinted that Contact kinda sucked... any other reviews coming in? I really want for this game to be good.

Who reads reviews from Nintendo Power? Only reviews that will matter will be, IGN, Gamespot, and maybe EGM.

[ArthurDigbySellers]

Who reads reviews from Nintendo Power? Only reviews that will matter will be, IGN, Gamespot, and maybe EGM.

EGM gave Contact at 7.5, 7.0, and 8.0. NP gave it a 6.5. Most of the complaints I have read are about the combat system which is admittedly very strange.

[Scobie]

Who reads reviews from Nintendo Power? Only reviews that will matter will be, IGN, Gamespot, and maybe EGM.

Nintendo Power tends to sugarcoat reviews a little, even in their current "tell it straight and pepper 'em with Mr. T jokes" style. For them to give Contact a disappointing score is kinda scary, even if EGM was positive in their review.

[yukine]

I'll probably wait to see how GameSpot reviews it, I don't trust EGM/IGN/1UP reviews, since they are all practically in bed with each other.

[pete5883]

I'm sure a lot of people won't like Contact (posters and reviewers.) But that doesn't mean you won't like it.

[Hollow Man]

Will be curious to here what CAGers say about this game. Sounds unique, which is always a good thing in my book.

-HM

[rodeojones903]

The best review source on the planet, Play, gave it a 9.5. I can't wait for this game.

[Tyvan]

Nintendo Power gave it a 6.5..wich is pretty bad.
I really wanted this game to be good. Still think I might pick it up...just from reading and seeing the pics alone, I want it.

[Tyvan]

And now I see that GameBrink gives it a 90/100...

Pros


Great story
Amazing style
Tons of weapons, skills, and items
Job system is great
Backgrounds look really nice
Music rocksCons


Battles are fairly shallowhttp://www.gamebrink.com/nintendo-ds/1134-Contact-reviews-1.html

[62t]

The best review source on the planet, Play, gave it a 9.5. I can't wait for this game.
the problem is play gives every game a good score.

[furyk]

Who reads reviews from Nintendo Power? Only reviews that will matter will be, IGN, Gamespot, and maybe EGM.

Yes, IGN's reviews where they magically pull a number out of the ass are much better then Nintendo Power's reviews which seem to be much more hard hitting and accurate these days. IGN has been quite the shitty website for reviews for some time. Hell, they gave Uwe Boll's House of the Dead four out of five stars back in the day.

Anywho, Contact is one of those games where I think I'll ignore most of the reviews (unless they say the game has a critical flaw a'la Age of Empires). It has a nice sense of humor and even the worst Atlus games haven't burned me too badly.

[rodeojones903]

the problem is play gives every game a good score.

Completely untrue, they only give good games a good score. Here are some low reviews from that issue. :D

Scarface - 5.0
Spectral Souls - 6.0
Killzone Liberation - 6.5

[maigoyume]

Nintendo Power tends to sugarcoat reviews a little, even in their current "tell it straight and pepper 'em with Mr. T jokes" style. For them to give Contact a disappointing score is kinda scary, even if EGM was positive in their review.i tend to take NP scores with a grain of salt, not to say that i don't trust them, since they do tend to bump first and second party games up a bit, but I do trust them more than IGN for sure, gamespot I trust period, dunno about EGM (don't subscribe and don't plan to pay for it)

[keithp]

I'll be getting Contact for sure.

The reviews are scaring me a little bit, but there's enough positives I've read in them that I think I'll like it regardless.

Where's the best chance of getting it for a CAG price next week?

[Strell]

Never trust Play's reviews for anything.

I imagine Dave Halverson painted his mailbox with Kameo figures, and then proclaimed it "the most sensually mind popping mailbox ever" and gave it a score of 94 out of a possible 5.

[rodeojones903]

Never trust Play's reviews for anything.

I imagine Dave Halverson painted his mailbox with Kameo figures, and then proclaimed it "the most sensually mind popping mailbox ever" and gave it a score of 94 out of a possible 5.


Well good thing Dave didn't review it then, Heather Campbell did. :D

[Strell]

If you honestly have missed all the times Halverson proclaims X Character Platformer with a lot of hyperbole sugercoating about how it is "so totally awesome," you are not paying attention.

But you also missed the joke entirely so I'm not surprised.

[rodeojones903]

If you honestly have missed all the times Halverson proclaims X Character Platformer with a lot of hyperbole sugercoating about how it is "so totally awesome," you are not paying attention.

But you also missed the joke entirely so I'm not surprised.

I didn't miss the joke, it just wasnt funny. We all get it, you only like a platformer if its from Nintendo and he likes them no matter the developer. :D

[Strell]

I didn't miss the joke, it just wasnt funny.

I think you did.

But you should wait for a Play review before commenting further.

They just need to get another new thesaurus next week, and then we will be exposed to all kinds of floral.

And the point is that Play likes anything Halverson likes, and Halverson likes just about anything. Especially money hats.

[furyk]

Ugh, I can't believe you're having an argument over Play. They gave a Spyro game an 8.5. End of argument right there. Reading Play for reviews is like reading Cosmo to jerk off. There's a much better way out there.

[pimpinc333]

I think you did.

But you should wait for a Play review before commenting further.

They just need to get another new thesaurus next week, and then we will be exposed to all kinds of floral.

And the point is that Play likes anything Halverson likes, and Halverson likes just about anything. Especially money hats.

I missed the joke also. Could it be your not funny?

[Strell]

I missed the joke also. Could it be your not funny?

If you can not spell, I do not expect you to be able to read.

I notice you make special attempts to belittle what I say.

"Special" is the operative word there.

[pimpinc333]

If you can not spell, I do not expect you to be able to read.

I'm Sorry. You're not funny.

I also saw you went out of you're way to edit that post you just made ;) Nice Try.

EDIT: Ok Well i'm done. The use of Italic's makes me feel like you, Strell. What a sad feeling :(

[Strell]

Good gracious.

Primates! Posting on the intermotron!

You can take my Statue of Liberty, but you can't take my online discussion places you bastards.

[pimpinc333]

Good gracious.

Primates! Posting on the intermotron!

You can take my Statue of Liberty, but you can't take my online discussion places you bastards.

:rofl:

[Blind the Thief]

Good gracious.

Primates! Posting on the intermotron!

You can take my Statue of Liberty, but you can't take my online discussion places you bastards.

I think you're funny...but then, I'm a jerk, so you might not wanting me backing you on this. (Damn dirty apes...)


Ugh, I can't believe you're having an argument over Play. They gave a Spyro game an 8.5. End of argument right there. Reading Play for reviews is like reading Cosmo to jerk off. There's a much better way out there.

What's wrong with Spyro? I'm too old for it, but they (appeared) to be solid platformers (or, at least, the first one...that was the only one I saw). I know my little brother liked them at the time, and I'm fairly certain he was the one they were marketing this towards.


In any case, I generally browse reviews to see what reviewers say about the game, decide if I agree or disagree with what the didn't like, and in the end make my own judgement. I'd be perfectly happy if reviews were just text, without a number attached.

[Blind the Thief]

Oh, I completely forget the entire reason I stopped by...Contact looks very awesome. The guy that did the localization has gone on record saying Earthbound is one of his all-time favorite games, and wanted to capture that same sort of feel wit hthis game's text, so...I'm guaranteed to enjoy it, at least.


And anyone who complains about an RPG's battle system is stupid. I don't play RPGs for their battle systems anyway.

[Reality's Fringe]

This game WILL be fun.

I have spoken.

[Mattte]

I'm going to wait for the impressions of the hawt Marios and Mr Itoi up there since they all seem to be fans of Earthbound, as am I, and I've heard Contact is somewhat similar to it.

[MarkMan]

I wouldn't say it's so much similar to Earthbound.. aside from the things you do at the start of the game.. that's about it. This game really breaks the 4th wall and invovles you(the player) as one of the elements of the story. The combat is also more like an MMO, I guess that would be the best explaination.

I wonder what took Atlus so long for this game to come out? It's been done for like 2-3 months now? My guess is to get it out just in time for the Toys R Us buy 2 get 1 free sale. :)

[pimpinc333]

I wouldn't say it's so much similar to Earthbound.. aside from the things you do at the start of the game.. that's about it. This game really breaks the 4th wall and invovles you(the player) as one of the elements of the story. The combat is also more like an MMO, I guess that would be the best explaination.

I wonder what took Atlus so long for this game to come out? It's been done for like 2-3 months now? My guess is to get it out just in time for the Toys R Us buy 2 get 1 free sale. :)

Yea I might pick this up with the B2G1 sale also. Thanks for the bit O' info.

[Gnuh]

CAG seems to have its own mobile hype wagon when it comes to new games (ex. Mario Hoops, and Mario vs DK 2). I myself have chosen to preorder this game from EB with Kmart flippables, and believe that this game is going to be at least decent.

[io]

I'm getting this for sure. Now I just have to play the "Will GR get this game, and if so, when?" game for the next week or so. I also have it preordered at EB as a backup - but I'd rather not shell out the extra $5 "premium" for the priviledge of buying a DS game from EB.

But if GR doesn't come through by Friday or Saturday (they got Clubhouse games just this Sat) then I guess I'll pick up my EB copy - this sounds like a game where the extra $5 (considering that it is EB credit and not cash) is not a bad deal. I don't expect to see this game in the bargain bin any time soon.

Meh on the TRU Buy 2 Get 1 free sale - can't see how CAG's get too excited about that. You are STILL paying 2/3 of retail :D.

[Roufuss]

Meh on the TRU Buy 2 Get 1 free sale - can't see how CAG's get too excited about that. You are STILL paying 2/3 of retail :D.

But since I play my games ASAP that sure beats paying full price... I'd rather have the games sooner than later so I can finish them and move onto the next game coming out.

The TRU sale is generally shit but most GBA / DS / high profile 360 games don't drop that fast... the TRU sale will actually be worthwhile this year.

[io]

But since I play my games ASAP that sure beats paying full price... I'd rather have the games sooner than later so I can finish them and move onto the next game coming out.

The TRU sale is generally shit but most GBA / DS / high profile 360 games don't drop that fast... the TRU sale will actually be worthwhile this year.

Oh, it's not that - I mean using credit obtained via EB or GR (or FYE or whatnot) trade-in deals. I've been paying full retail, but that doesn't mean I'm paying anywhere near even 2/3 of that cost in real money :D.

[Tybee]

If I can find this and Touch Detective at TRU during the week of the B2G1 sale, I will be a happy, happy man.

[Roufuss]

If I can find this and Touch Detective at TRU during the week of the B2G1 sale, I will be a happy, happy man.

The way it's looking I will probably get this, Summon Night 2 (TRU got the first one, IIRC) and the new Splinter Cell for 360.

The only thing that would stop me is if Contact got abysmal reviews.

[Tyvan]

These 2 screenshots make me want the game even more now. Check out all the weapons!!


http://img57.imageshack.us/img57/7152/contact1vo8.jpg





http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/2385/contact2os2.jpg

[botticus]

Holy shit that's a lot of weapons.

[Tybee]

These 2 screenshots make me want the game even more now. Check out all the weapons!!

Christ, that looks like the rumpus room wall at the Branch Davidian compound.

[keithp]

Yeah, there's what, 1000 items in the game or something like that?

I think that's what I read in one of the previews.

[Scobie]

That's an insane amount of weapons... I'm willing to bet that most of them don't make any kind of a difference at all. :)

[RelentlessRolento]

God bless Grasshopper Studios. God's gift to the creative gamer...

[io]

Did anyone else preorder this from EB/GS? I got some call from Gamestop that my wife handed me in the middle of the Spanish portion - I thought she was joking with me (and handing me the phone of some misplaced Spanish-language survey or something) so I handed it back to her and she hung it up. Then she said "So what was the important info from Gamestop?". I was, like "Huh, WTF?". Apparently she just handed it to me right during the Spanish language selection (something about "numero dos").

My question is, what was this "Important Info" from Gamestop? Was it about my Contact preorder coming in tomorrow? If so, this is a new way of doing it - they didn't have the Spanish language option in there before. I'm just wondering if it has something to do with PS3/Wii preorders (both of which I have at EB).

If anyone else can verify that they got the same call either about Contact or whatever (with the Spanish info and all) then my mind will be at rest. As it is, it is driving me crazy trying to figure out what this is about. And it seems like all the old EB/GS PS3/Wii preorder threads are gone or closed so I can't post there.

Botticus, you had Contact preordered at EB, right?

[yukine]

Eh, I didn't get a call. And I have mine pre-ordered at GameStop.

[Broccoli Storm]

Not that it makes NP a good source for reviews, but I do give them a LITTLE more credit since they totally revamped the magazine. When they were using the whole 5 stars system, even games that got 2s and 3s in EGM were getting sugar-coated reviews. Now, NP does actually criticize bad parts of games. Still, NP is still one of the least reputable magazines in terms of reviews.

[io]

Eh, I didn't get a call. And I have mine pre-ordered at GameStop.

Well, see, I'm wondering if the call was about something else. Damn...

[Blind the Thief]

I'm going to wait for the impressions of the hawt Marios and Mr Itoi up there since they all seem to be fans of Earthbound, as am I, and I've heard Contact is somewhat similar to it.

Mr. Itoi thanks you for recognizing him, despite the horrible transformations I've put his face through.


I wonder what took Atlus so long for this game to come out? It's been done for like 2-3 months now?

From what I understand, there was some sort of programming error the first time they sent it off to NOA for approval, but everything was set straight and now it's OUT TOMORROW. WOO.

[Z-Saber]

As a former Hawt Mario, I must say that I'm interested in this game, but I don't yet know if I'm interested enough to buy it so soon.

[Tyvan]

So, anyone picked it up yet? Is it good or what?
It might be Friday before I can get it.

[botticus]

So, anyone picked it up yet? Is it good or what?
It might be Friday before I can get it.I have EB and GR preorders (hoping the GR preorder comes in at all). I'll probably snag it today since EB should have it. And return my GR copy when/if it comes in a week or two.

[Reality's Fringe]

YES. This will be goodness for teh weekends!

[Reality's Fringe]

Bah, not in until tommorow.

[Blind the Thief]

Bah, not in until tommorow.

Yeah, apparently there was some sort of "shipping error". Fuck you, Atlus.

[jfunkdpg]

I called the store I worked at tonight and they told me it isn't shipping until tomorrow, so it'll be in Friday. Not sure whether this is true or not for other areas, but I thought I'd pass it along anyways.

[Tybee]

I called the store I worked at tonight and they told me it isn't shipping until tomorrow, so it'll be in Friday. Not sure whether this is true or not for other areas, but I thought I'd pass it along anyways.

Well, I'm hoping this will show up at TRU for the B2G1 sale. So as long as it's there by next week.

But I'm so stoked for it at this point, I'll probably buy it, regardless.

[keithp]

To answer my previous question and for anyone else interested in a good price without waiting for the TRU B2G1 sale, you can get this at Bestprices.com using Google checkout and end up paying $25.97 shipped.

I ordered mine today, hopefully they're fairly quick on shipping!

[Tyvan]

To answer my previous question and for anyone else interested in a good price without waiting for the TRU B2G1 sale, you can get this at Bestprices.com using Google checkout and end up paying $25.97 shipped.

I ordered mine today, hopefully they're fairly quick on shipping!

keithp, don't forget, you can use a GGC and get it for $24.99 at BB also.

[Tyvan]

botticus, you find it yet?
Now my Best Buy says it will be next week......arggg!

[Tybee]

keithp, don't forget, you can use a GGC and get it for $24.99 at BB also.

I'm betting Best Buy is going to be VERY slow to get this, if they stock it at all. Same with Contact. There will probably be two or three copies and then you'll never see it there again.

[keithp]

keithp, don't forget, you can use a GGC and get it for $24.99 at BB also.

I thought list was $34.99? Otherwise I probably *would've* waited and got it at BB for $25 + tax.

Oh well, I can save gas at least.

[botticus]

I thought list was $34.99? Otherwise I probably *would've* waited and got it at BB for $25 + tax.

Oh well, I can save gas at least.Only $34.99 at EB.

[jfunkdpg]

I tried my local Best Buy and they said it'll be out on the 24th. In my experience that store has been notoriously slow on getting DS games on the shelves. Not sure whether I should wait tomorrow and pick up my preorder at GS or just wait a couple days and get it for $25.

[keithp]

Is it just me or are the reviews for this REALLY all over the place?

It seems like no one agrees on anything in this game, other than it's on the short side. For example, I'm looking at Yahoo Games and they say combat is great, but I look at Games Radar and they say combat is yawn-inducing?

[pete5883]

Combat involves selecting the enemy, and watching your character beat it to death. This is obviously love it or hate it. Funny though how some FF-haters will love this game, even though it's a FFXII with less gameplay.

[Tybee]

Is it just me or are the reviews for this REALLY all over the place?

It seems like no one agrees on anything in this game, other than it's on the short side. For example, I'm looking at Yahoo Games and they say combat is great, but I look at Games Radar and they say combat is yawn-inducing?

Short? Looks like collecting all of those weapons and outfits and stickers and what have you would take years...

[botticus]

It's a Grasshopper thing. If you look at the reviews for this and Killer 7, they run between 50 and 90, both averaging about 77.

[io]

Yeah, the reviews are all over. But really, it seems most 'decent' DS games are averaging 70-75 nowadays. I'm looking at the reviews up for FF III right now on Gamerankings - it is a surprisingly low 78 (only on 3 reviews though) for a game that has been so ultra-hyped.

From metacritic:

Children of Mana - 71 (4 reviews)
Contact - 74 (13 reviews)
Mario Hoops - 70 (28 reviews)
Mario vs DK 2 - 76 (17 reviews)
Final Fantasy III - 78 (from Gamerankings since they had 3 reviews vs Meta's 2)

I think those are all pretty good games (though I haven't played 3 of them :D). (Clubhouse Games is at 81% by the way but is a different beast). So I'm not TOO worried about the Contact reviews for now - seems good enough to go through with picking up my preorder anyway.

[pimpinc333]

I really want this Contact Game now. But, Whats up with the top scrren looking Earthbound ish and the actual play screen more 3D? I would have loved it to be all Earthbound ish. But the 3D looks pretty good.

[io]

I really want this Contact Game now. But, Whats up with the top scrren looking Earthbound ish and the actual play screen more 3D? I would have loved it to be all Earthbound ish. But the 3D looks pretty good.

I think that's part of what makes it "unique" or "cool" or something ;). Won't know for sure until I give it a shot, but I have seen comments in previews/reviews about that aspect of it. The two worlds are supposed to be very different.

[pimpinc333]

I think that's part of what makes it "unique" or "cool" or something ;). Won't know for sure until I give it a shot, but I have seen comments in previews/reviews about that aspect of it. The two worlds are supposed to be very different.
Ah Gotcha. Please anyone who gets this post up some reviews. I need a good DS RPG to play. Thanks Guys.

[RelentlessRolento]

It's a Grasshopper thing. If you look at the reviews for this and Killer 7, they run between 50 and 90, both averaging about 77.


Grasshopper is king... if a company were to have genitals, Grasshopper would have my babies.

[Tybee]

I really want this Contact Game now. But, Whats up with the top scrren looking Earthbound ish and the actual play screen more 3D? I would have loved it to be all Earthbound ish. But the 3D looks pretty good.

The different styles are to accentuate the fact that they are different worlds. There are three worlds in the game: The professor's, Terry's, and yours.

[Tyvan]

IGN Review up...7.5 Good. I can live with that.

http://ds.ign.com/articles/740/740546p1.html

P.S. I hate IGN BTW, just wanted to share this. =)

[LancerEvoX]

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Contact-Nintendo-DS-trade/sem/rpsm/oid/160261/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

Out 10/12/2006? WHAT? :D

I'll call them out later if they have it in stock, I'll just pricematch the Fry's ad there and pick it up for $24.99, or I'll wait for the TRU B2G1 deal.

[botticus]

Where the game really shines for us, however, is in the immense depth it presents. Rather than a few measly stats, Terry has dozens of number values that can be modified based on his actions (and your influence). Level-ups happen on the fly, so if you command Terry to run for the majority of the game, his speed is going to increase. Use a ton of melee attacks, and his melee attacks go up. Allow him to get the crap kicked out of him, and he'll slowly become more resilient to physical combat. Everything from stats, skills, magic ability, personality, vocational skills, defense, and endurance can be managed and modified, each acting as a main category with sub-skills to tweak as well. Add in a unique ability to have Terry put on different suits reminiscent of Final Fantasy's (http://ds.ign.com/articles/740/740546p1.html#) job system (wear a chef suit, gain the ability to cook, use chef skills, and chef items in battle), and you have a package that has an immense amount of depth.
Awesome you say?

[Tybee]

Awesome you say?

:drool:

This sounds more innovative than a lot of the RPGs on the TV-based consoles.

[Purple Flames]

Desperate for help, the geezer has crash landed on a mysterious island, and is recruiting an impromptu crew to help him find the scattered pieces of his ship across the lands so that he can ultimately get back to his home world.

Captain Olimar, is that you?

from IGN's review, the game sounds unique enough, and now that I've beaten M&L: PiT, and FFIII still a month away, I need a portable RPG fix.

[Tyvan]

"The amount of depth in the game is staggering at times, as literally every step taken can influence the character’s stats, and the potential lasting power is huge, teaming a job system with unique items, cooking, fishing, and the odd – but loveable – sticker system."

[MutantLeagueDave]

With Fry's selling it for 24.99, how could I pass it up?

[geigerm]

Man, if this is at TRU for the B2G1 deal, I'm all over it. I have no idea what other two games I'm buying, but I can figure that out later. :D

[JEKKI]

yeay I am debating if I should get it rite now,

or to wait until the TRU sale...

becoz TRU may not even have it...

[Roufuss]

yeay I am debating if I should get it rite now,

or to wait until the TRU sale...

becoz TRU may not even have it...

If Best Buy and Circuit City are getting it in, chances are pretty high TRU is getting it too.

[LancerEvoX]

I was looking at some of the reviews, some mention that the game is short gametime wise, that concerns me a bit.

I'm weird like that, stuff like that really makes me reconsider buying games. I still remember when I bought Phoenix Wright a few months ago when it was considered out of print. Took me a few days before I finally went ahead and opened it.

[Tyvan]

Anyone lucky enough to get the game yet?
Everyone around here always tell me "tomorrow".
Please, someone give us a mini review!! and the stats..I wanna know what all those stats are for!! =)

[io]

Anyone lucky enough to get the game yet?
Everyone around here always tell me "tomorrow".
Please, someone give us a mini review!! and the stats..I wanna know what all those stats are for!! =)

Well, I should be getting mine this evening, maybe I'll try it out and let you know late tonight/tomorrow.

[Tyvan]

Well, I should be getting mine this evening, maybe I'll try it out and let you know late tonight/tomorrow.

Please do that io!! :applause:

[botticus]

Picked mine up tonight along with Summon Night 2. Just not sure which one to start first.

[Mr Durand Pierre]

I wish EB/GS wouldn't jack up their prices so much. If it was only a matter of saving $5, I'd probably just buy it now and get it over with, but if I can save $9 using google checkout and get the game next week then that's just what I'll do.

[rlse9]

Anyone else find the IGN review and the score they gave the game to be a little off? I was expecting to here some negatives about the game in the review since it wasn't rated that high, but the review didn't really say anything negative beyond "it's not for everyone." Not that I'm complaining, the review was basically what I wanted to hear about the game.

[botticus]

Initial thoughts (after a half hour): it's not bad at all, and I can see where the love/hate with the combat comes from.

It's sort of a mix between real-time and turn-based combat. You don't hit A every time you want to attack, for example, but you can hit Y to choose a special attack to use at any time. But you can also exit combat mode or just move around or run away at any time.

There were already two secret paths (one not so secret) in the first area, with promises from the Professor of many more to come. I'm assuming most of those will go to treasure chests and costumes and the like.

The graphical styles are nicely consistent. When Terry makes his way onto the Professor's ship, he retains his pseudo-3D nature, while if the Professor wanders into the 3D world, he stays in his pixelated form.

You earn experience for all stats individually, and each stat has a level. You gain exp for these stats as you play, depending on your actions. Walking around for a long time will gain you exp in your speed stat. Dodging an attack or two may give you some exp in agility. And so on. There are a solid 20 stats or so.

So far the enemies have been rather uninspired (just very basic... cactus-like thing, bat, some goofy eggplant looking thing), but their attack styles vary - for example, the eggplant thing will kick your ass with about 5 attacks before you can squeeze in one if you get too close to it.

Chances are I won't have much more time for it today, but hopefully tomorrow I will be able to play some more. I will try to answer any questions anyone might have.

[Tyvan]

Initial thoughts (after a half hour): it's not bad at all, and I can see where the love/hate with the combat comes from.

It's sort of a mix between real-time and turn-based combat. You don't hit A every time you want to attack, for example, but you can hit Y to choose a special attack to use at any time. But you can also exit combat mode or just move around or run away at any time.

There were already two secret paths (one not so secret) in the first area, with promises from the Professor of many more to come. I'm assuming most of those will go to treasure chests and costumes and the like.

The graphical styles are nicely consistent. When Terry makes his way onto the Professor's ship, he retains his pseudo-3D nature, while if the Professor wanders into the 3D world, he stays in his pixelated form.

You earn experience for all stats individually, and each stat has a level. You gain exp for these stats as you play, depending on your actions. Walking around for a long time will gain you exp in your speed stat. Dodging an attack or two may give you some exp in agility. And so on. There are a solid 20 stats or so.

So far the enemies have been rather uninspired (just very basic... cactus-like thing, bat, some goofy eggplant looking thing), but their attack styles vary - for example, the eggplant thing will kick your ass with about 5 attacks before you can squeeze in one if you get too close to it.

Chances are I won't have much more time for it today, but hopefully tomorrow I will be able to play some more. I will try to answer any questions anyone might have.

WOW! Thanx for that info botticus. I have 1 simple question. Does it use the Stylus? Do you use it for combat? Can you choose to use it and/or the buttons? Thanx man!

[Reality's Fringe]

WOW! Thanx for that info botticus. I have 1 simple question. Does it use the Stylus? Do you use it for combat? Can you choose to use it and/or the buttons? Thanx man!

Stylus is used mainly for menu selection and playing with Mochi (the spacedog who wants to be a spacecat someday...or is it the other way around?), of course, I'm only an hour in, so it could be used for other things later.

I'm surprised by how many bathtubs there are.

[botticus]

I assume RF is using the D-pad for movement then, but you can use the stylus for movement as well. Works as if he were following your stylus around.

[Gnuh]

This game has bathtubs in the middle of no where, and "warm" to boot. Could they be the local urinary for the monsters?

[Reality's Fringe]

You can beat villagers without your karma taking too big of a hit. A good strategy is to murder them to see if they drop anything, reload, and then murder that specific person. It's how I got me frying pan. 15 offense and +15% cooking skill pretty early in the game(before first boss).

[daroga]

You can beat villagers without your karma taking too big of a hit. A good strategy is to murder them to see if they drop anything, reload, and them murder that specific person. It's how I got me frying pan. 15 offense and +15% cooking skill pretty early in the game(before first boss).
Ah, I always hoped we'd see a GTA / Cooking Mama crossover.

[botticus]

You can beat villagers without your karma taking too big of a hit. A good strategy is to murder them to see if they drop anything, reload, and then murder that specific person. It's how I got me frying pan. 15 offense and +15% cooking skill pretty early in the game(before first boss).Is there a quick way to restart, or is it just shut off the DS, and turn it back on (or whatever the button combo is to reset)?

This game is most definitely not easy, I can tell you that. If you don't spend some time "level-grinding" as it were, you'll get beat on. First boss kicks my ass right now.

I think my only complaint so far is that when you die, you start back at the ship. Luckily the levels aren't too large yet, so it only takes a couple minutes to get back to where you were. But if you save and quit, you start back wherever you saved.

[io]

WOW! Thanx for that info botticus. I have 1 simple question. Does it use the Stylus? Do you use it for combat? Can you choose to use it and/or the buttons? Thanx man!

Botticus pretty much covered this, but you can use the stylus to move - I found it much better than using the D-pad (and in most games that is not the case). You don't use it for combat per se, but you can use it to select a monster and then select the attack command. He pretty much attacks on his own but you can move him away from counterattacks if you time it right.

All the previews I had read made it sound like you didn't direct the character and he did his own thing (or maybe you directed him a little). Well, you pretty much direct him entirely. The only "automatic" thing is when his attacks occur. Ie, you don't actually press a button for each attack - and I'm fine with that. But everything else you control.

I'm trying to figure out the cooking - so far, all I've made is charcoal (from a chicken). I'm assuming you'll get recipes later?? Also, has anyone found the "Shadow Thief" clothes? I'm coming across all kinds of locked doors and chests that require this outfit, but I haven't seen it yet.

[Blind the Thief]

I like this game so far. Mmm.

[Reality's Fringe]

Is there a quick way to restart, or is it just shut off the DS, and turn it back on (or whatever the button combo is to reset)?

This game is most definitely not easy, I can tell you that. If you don't spend some time "level-grinding" as it were, you'll get beat on. First boss kicks my ass right now.

I think my only complaint so far is that when you die, you start back at the ship. Luckily the levels aren't too large yet, so it only takes a couple minutes to get back to where you were. But if you save and quit, you start back wherever you saved.

I don't know about soft reset, I normally just off/on it. The 1st boss is easy until you blow off his arms, then he can rape you. My HP is around 120 and I'm having a hard time. I figure if I make enough BBQ chicken and take some bread/hamburgers along I should be ok.
Did you find the "Knuckle Mole" outift? Its Earth Resistance will help.

[botticus]

I don't know about soft reset, I normally just off/on it. The 1st boss is easy until you blow off his arms, then he can rape you. My HP is around 120 and I'm having a hard time. I figure if I make enough BBQ chicken and take some bread/hamburgers along I should be ok.
Did you find the "Knuckle Mole" outift? Its Earth Resistance will help.Yeah, I've been wearing that since I got it, using a club (which kills my agility, but oh well) - I found that frying pan, but apparently I have to be a chef to use it, so it's +12 attack doesn't do anything for me.

I should probably clarify something:
Is the archeologist the first boss, or are you referring to something else? The guy kills me; I throw as many special attacks at him as I can, which do like 30 damage per, but he's taking down my 114 HP 10-20 at a time, so I don't last long.

I have a feeling the Shadow Thief clothes come later, since they're optional things so far.

I went back to beat the crap out of a few villagers... other than the frying pan, there are a couple blue books you get. I'll try out the people in the main building next. Figure I can kill everyone once, find out who leaves stuff, and then restart and just get rid of those people the next time.

[Reality's Fringe]

Yeah, I've been wearing that since I got it, using a club (which kills my agility, but oh well) - I found that frying pan, but apparently I have to be a chef to use it, so it's +12 attack doesn't do anything for me.

I should probably clarify something:
Is the archeologist the first boss, or are you referring to something else? The guy kills me; I throw as many special attacks at him as I can, which do like 30 damage per, but he's taking down my 114 HP 10-20 at a time, so I don't last long.

I have a feeling the Shadow Thief clothes come later, since they're optional things so far.

No, I was talking about the boss after. To kill the guy I got a bunch of Ep, and used Power Strike 5 or so times and it took most of his HP.

[botticus]

No, I was talking about the boss after. To kill the guy I got a bunch of Ep, and used Power Strike 5 or so times and it took most of his HP.Gotcha, thanks dude.

[io]

Gotcha, thanks dude.

I stopped last night after my first attempt at that guy (he creamed me). Where did you get the knuckle mole outfit at that point? Go back to the first area and get the message in a bottle to get to the chef area.

[PawnTakesKing]

So far, what's the general consensus on this game? Worth a purchase now or wait for a price drop?

[LancerEvoX]

I'd say buy it.

Most Atlus titles, from what I seen, will be out of print before it even gets a price cut. Thats just my observation.

[io]

So far, what's the general consensus on this game? Worth a purchase now or wait for a price drop?

From my 2 hour play session (so far) I'd say it is worth it. It seems to be at least somewhat challenging at first (so not too easy which some people don't like). So if you like RPG's, aren't put off by what I hear are "Earthboundish" graphics (at least for the Professor's portions), and want something fairly unique for the DS then give it a go.

And I agree with the poster above. If this was a Squeenix title or something like a Sonic game, I'd say you could wait. While I don't quite think this will go out of print or become hard to find, I'd say it won't likely get any cheaper either. You could take your chances and wait for it used at EB/GS though.

The coolest part is the spinnable globe you use to select what location you want to go to next. Kind of a preview of the Wii weather channel :D.

[Tyvan]

Ok I have a few more questions after reading some more here.

1- Someone mentioned attacking people will get your karma up? What does that do? Something bad I am guessing.

2- What is the deal with the stickers? I read that you get stickers to use...but how do you use them? Do they make weapons better? What?

3- How does the wifi work? Anyone tried it yet? Should we start a Contact Wifi friends code thread? I will give m code soon...I hope!!

[io]

Ok I have a few more questions after reading some more here.

1- Someone mentioned attacking people will get your karma up? What does that do? Something bad I am guessing.

2- What is the deal with the stickers? I read that you get stickers to use...but how do you use them? Do they make weapons better? What?

3- How does the wifi work? Anyone tried it yet? Should we start a Contact Wifi friends code thread? I will give m code soon...I hope!!

There is a Contact friend's code thread out there already - guess I ought to get my code and post in it. I have no idea what Wifi does at this point - only that there is a "Contact" option upon startup which I assume is the Wifi stuff (New game, continue, and "contact").

The only thing I've used stickers for is collecting power cells - you basically just peel them from your inverntory and place them on the screen. There are others too - one transforms enemies but I've never used it. The other calls down Mochi who supposedly helps you in some way - maybe I ought to use that on the boss Botticus and I are stuck on.

Edit - Yes, the Contact option is WiFi. Apparently my Friend's code is 5197-7279-0346
Since my Friend's roster is absolutely empty there was nothing I could do in this mode today :D.

Edit #2 - I KNOW there was a Contact Friend's Code thread that some made a while back in anticipation of the game - but it seems to have been deleted. So either just use this one or make a new thread...

[Roufuss]

And I agree with the poster above. If this was a Squeenix title or something like a Sonic game, I'd say you could wait. While I don't quite think this will go out of print or become hard to find, I'd say it won't likely get any cheaper either. You could take your chances and wait for it used at EB/GS though.

.

With all major retailers carrying it, the chances are good someone will clearance it.

[Z-Saber]

So are people really liking this? I'm way too tempted. Why are there so many great games coming out all at once? Why can't companies at least attempt to release things over the summer drought? It eases the pain.

[io]

With all major retailers carrying it, the chances are good someone will clearance it.

On things like Deep Labyrinth and Lost Magic I'm willing to take that risk. But on a pretty good DS RPG I'd just assume get it now. I even paid $5 over retail to get it at EB (real cost to me about $17 - I'm unlikely to see it for that price any time soon).

[Roufuss]

On things like Deep Labyrinth and Lost Magic I'm willing to take that risk. But on a pretty good DS RPG I'd just assume get it now. I even paid $5 over retail to get it at EB (real cost to me about $17 - I'm unlikely to see it for that price any time soon).

Oh yeah, I'll probably get it if TRU decides to stock it this week, don't get me wrong ;)

The fact that Botticus likes it seals the deal for me, because he recommended Summon Night which was also very awesome.

[io]

Oh yeah, I'll probably get it if TRU decides to stock it this week, don't get me wrong ;)

The fact that Botticus likes it seals the deal for me, because he recommended Summon Night which was also very awesome.

Yeah, I got both of those because of him, the rat b*stard! ;)

Botticus - you seem to be off CAG this evening (probably have a life and all unlike me - I spent my time in between DS and CAG sessions spot cleaning a carpet - woo-hoo!). When you get back lets try out the Contact WiFi thing so we can find out what the hell it is and then fill in the people here who asked about it.

[daroga]

So those of you that are playing it--would you recommend it for a non-RPG gamer? Like, I can't do the FF series (beat 7 but that was it). I've played and beaten Chrono Trigger and Super Mario RPG but that's about it--tried FF1, 4, and 6 and just couldn't get into any of them.

Not that I need another game to play with the Wii less than a month out, but I'd give it a shot.

[botticus]

Yeah, I got both of those because of him, the rat b*stard! ;)

Botticus - you seem to be off CAG this evening (probably have a life and all unlike me - I spent my time in between DS and CAG sessions spot cleaning a carpet - woo-hoo!). When you get back lets try out the Contact WiFi thing so we can find out what the hell it is and then fill in the people here who asked about it.:lol: Plenty of other people have sold me on enough games I was ignoring otherwise that it's about time I got someone else to spend money.

Yeah, I had a couple hours of free bowling to take care of (it seems I took my CHG skills with me, as I did better than I usually do). Shoot me a PM when you're around, we'll try it out if I haven't passed out yet. Otherwise tomorrow will work fine.

Message in the bottle and knuckle mole:

And I have the message in the bottle, but I apparently missed something else I was supposed to do. The knuckle mole outfit was... to the left of where the double-stairway heads to the archeologist confrontation. Follow the path for a while, there's a dude digging that you need to talk to.

Daroga, it's hard to say. It's not an intense RPG experience that you would usually associate with the genre. Leveling and all that is completely hands-off, there's just a lot of flexibility in how you deal with the character.

[Tyvan]

Found the manual...this will hold me off for another 2 days hopefully.

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=HRAHCT86

[Hollow Man]

It sounds like you guys like it. Went and scoped TRU this evening, but they didn't have it yet. I'm hoping to do the 3/2 deal with it, Mario Kart, and Rocket Slime (yeah, I know it's not the most for my money, but what can you do).

Just finished Dawn of Sorrow - yay!

-HM

[Giygas]

Has anyone been able to find it at a TRU yet?

[io]

Well, Botticus and I tried out the Wi-Fi thing tonight and it was a bust. We could see each other in the Friend's list, so the codes and Wi-Fi connection were OK. But when we selected each other's names it would say 'Waiting for friend..." for a long time and then report an 86240 error code (or something like that).

We'll try it again tomorrow - maybe they were just having problems with the servers.

[Blind the Thief]

So those of you that are playing it--would you recommend it for a non-RPG gamer? Like, I can't do the FF series (beat 7 but that was it). I've played and beaten Chrono Trigger and Super Mario RPG but that's about it--tried FF1, 4, and 6 and just couldn't get into any of them.

Not that I need another game to play with the Wii less than a month out, but I'd give it a shot.

You "couldn't get into" FFVI? I hate you.

However, I find this game more engaging than your typical RPG (no random battles, no seperate battle screen), so you might like it. Just don't hold it against me if you don't. :)

[daroga]

You "couldn't get into" FFVI? I hate you.
However, I find this game more engaging than your typical RPG (no random battles, no seperate battle screen), so you might like it. Just don't hold it against me if you don't. :) Hehe, I know. JRPGs, or RPGs of any sort (the style of Oblivion, et al. doesn't appeal to be at all) are just a turn off (with the few exceptions that I've note above). I have many friends who love them and rave about them so I've tried on many occasions to like them, but I just can't. I've learned it and aceepted it so I'm not going to buy FF5 when it hits GBA, but something that mixes up the RPG formula I might check out.

I can't do RTS games either--but that's not so much a disinterest or distaste for them but just sucking a lot at them. Maybe its the attention to all the little details that I don't like. Leveling up this guy to get that spell or getting this armor/weapon combination to win the best--it leads me to think, who cares? Others enjoy it, again that's great. :)

Maybe my gaming tastes are picky, but I'm fine sticking with my Castlevanias (Aria and Dawn of Sorrow being my faves, even with their mild RPG elements ;) ), Mario Karts, Sonics, and Marios. Even Zelda has been a stretch for me to get into, so I'm hoping that Twilight Princess pulls me in and keeps me there. :)

But, BtT, I thought you were going to be my friend as long as I had Electroplankton. :(

[botticus]

Oh, daroga, have you played Secret of Mana? That would really probably be the closest RPG I could compare this to offhand, at least as far as how it plays.

[Reality's Fringe]

Message in the bottle and knuckle mole:

And I have the message in the bottle, but I apparently missed something else I was supposed to do. The knuckle mole outfit was... to the left of where the double-stairway heads to the archeologist confrontation. Follow the path for a while, there's a dude digging that you need to talk to.



Did you check the bottle in your inventory? The island should have appeared on your Navi map... Ye can't live without the cooking.

[botticus]

Did you check the bottle in your inventory? The island should have appeared on your Navi map... Ye can't live without the cooking.Yep, just got that all figured out this morning. Cooked up a storm and actually had healing items to enable me to take out the first boss handily. Good game!

[daroga]

Oh, daroga, have you played Secret of Mana? That would really probably be the closest RPG I could compare this to offhand, at least as far as how it plays.
I have not, but I've heard good things about that as well. Maybe I'll give it a shot one of these days. Maybe it'll show up on the VC.

[Gnuh]

I've run into at least 5 locked chests now and I still can't find the shadow thief suit. I've run into the fisher on the Ft. island, but I'm baffled to how to get the "king fisher" suit.

[io]

Yep, just got that all figured out this morning. Cooked up a storm and actually had healing items to enable me to take out the first boss handily. Good game!

How are you guys cooking up so much stuff?? The only thing it would let me cook (chicken) turned to charcoal and everything else it won't cook (potatoes, herbs, etc). The spice shop isn't open yet, so that doesn't help.

I got to the boss RF was talking about (rock guy) and *almost* beat him - if I had one or two more healing items I would have done it. I just bought a bunch of bread and herbs from the store before fighting the guy before that, and didn't have many left for the rock guy. I'm sure I can get past him if I stock up enough of those. But I sure would like to do the cooking...

[Giygas]

Whooo Best Buy $29.99 - $5 GGC coupon + tax = $27

Time to make contact!

[Reality's Fringe]

How are you guys cooking up so much stuff?? The only thing it would let me cook (chicken) turned to charcoal and everything else it won't cook (potatoes, herbs, etc). The spice shop isn't open yet, so that doesn't help.

I got to the boss RF was talking about (rock guy) and *almost* beat him - if I had one or two more healing items I would have done it. I just bought a bunch of bread and herbs from the store before fighting the guy before that, and didn't have many left for the rock guy. I'm sure I can get past him if I stock up enough of those. But I sure would like to do the cooking...

If you have a frying pan/fruit knife, equipt that and it'll boost your cooking skill. You can only cook certain things, then after a while you'll learn Chef's Etiquette which will allow you to cook "level 1" dishes. At that point I was able to mix meat and spices to get some kabobs, and cook wild game.

I'm at the island with Fort Eagle on it now, and I've uncovered more weapons than I can use (Army knives, butterfly knives, a poison knife, a mallet and more). The areas look kind of reminds me of Donkey Kong Country for some reason.

[LancerEvoX]

Its out at Bestbuy already?

[Hollow Man]

My local Best Buys don't have it yet. Hell, EB didn't even have it.

-HM

[LancerEvoX]

My local Best Buys don't have it yet. Hell, EB didn't even have it.

-HM

Bleh... I was hoping to pricematch the Fry's ad at circuit city or bestbuy. I hope my local bestbuy still carries the gamer giftcards (since the ad expires tuesday).

[guinaevere]

Well, see, I'm wondering if the call was about something else. Damn...
You had 24 hours to claim your free Wii, PS3 and 360.

Is it just me or are the reviews for this REALLY all over the place?

It seems like no one agrees on anything in this game, other than it's on the short side. For example, I'm looking at Yahoo Games and they say combat is great, but I look at Games Radar and they say combat is yawn-inducing?
You have to live outside of reviews, my friend. Sometimes they're great indictors for what will stink and what will rule. Othertimes mags (online included) push numbers because of who they are receiving advertisting money from. And other times there will be a huge jump on the hype bandwagon and every reviewer in the world will sing Glory Glory Hallelujah over something like MGS 2, which everyone played and liked up until Big Shell and then realized the game was crap.


For a rule of thumb though, if your opinions line up with Rag X most of the time then stick with Rag X. If you find Rag Y does little more than use Strell's Offiicial Thesaurus to increase their Clever-Meter Word and Pop-Culture Reference-Count and never actually gives you an honest account of the game and gameplay, then don't bother reading Rag Y's reviews. Even then you'll find yourself at odds with your Reviewer of Choice but that's something to do with us all being different and unique individuals.

Combat involves selecting the enemy, and watching your character beat it to death.**Like every other game on the planet. Neat.**

Funny though how some FF-haters will love this game Oh oh! Sign me up.

even though it's a FFXII with less gameplay.**See above comment**.

I'm surprised by how many bathtubs there are.
There are never enough bathtubs in games. With the possible exception of Sanity's Requiem.

Ah, I always hoped we'd see a GTA / Cooking Mama crossover.
Now we're talking.

Oh, daroga, have you played Secret of Mana? That would really probably be the closest RPG I could compare this to offhand, at least as far as how it plays.Hey hey hey! I was looking forward to this until you compared it to SoM. =P

[botticus]

I'm at the island with Fort Eagle on it now, and I've uncovered more weapons than I can use (Army knives, butterfly knives, a poison knife, a mallet and more). The areas look kind of reminds me of Donkey Kong Country for some reason.I just got to Ft. Eagle, gonna start running around there tomorrow. Had to seriously stock up on potions on the last island, there's some badass people in that base.

Only thing I'm lacking in terms of weapons is a good hand-to-hand one. The best one I have is the claw, and that has an offense of 10, compared to the striking and slashing weapons with offense of 18-22.

I'm really starting to love this one; it takes a while to start figuring out the intricacies, and really the decal system still escapes me a little bit (as far as what I should really be doing tactically with all the ? decals), but it's really an enjoyable game.

I do wish the reviews had been a little less harsh on the combat system. It's been said a few times, but it's not very different from a number of real-time combat systems. You can call down special attacks, run, whatever, you just don't hit A every time to pound someone.

[Reality's Fringe]

I just got to Ft. Eagle, gonna start running around there tomorrow. Had to seriously stock up on potions on the last island, there's some badass people in that base.

Only thing I'm lacking in terms of weapons is a good hand-to-hand one. The best one I have is the claw, and that has an offense of 10, compared to the striking and slashing weapons with offense of 18-22.

I'm really starting to love this one; it takes a while to start figuring out the intricacies, and really the decal system still escapes me a little bit (as far as what I should really be doing tactically with all the ? decals), but it's really an enjoyable game.

I do wish the reviews had been a little less harsh on the combat system. It's been said a few times, but it's not very different from a number of real-time combat systems. You can call down special attacks, run, whatever, you just don't hit A every time to pound someone.


You know you can check those '?' decals, right? I JUST figured that out, after I beat the Ft Eagle boss (which will give you trouble unless you pay close attention to your surrondings). You also can get a sweet new outfit.

By the way, Mochi is EXTREMELY powerful. You just need to play with him the right way. If anyone wants the tip, just let me know (I had Mochi hitting for 400 + damage in Ft Eagle).

[botticus]

You know you can check those '?' decals, right? I JUST figured that out, after I beat the Ft Eagle boss (which will give you trouble unless you pay close attention to your surrondings). You also can get a sweet new outfit.

By the way, Mochi is EXTREMELY powerful. You just need to play with him the right way. If anyone wants the tip, just let me know (I had Mochi hitting for 400 + damage in Ft Eagle).I assume the Mochi decal is restored to you when you talk to the Professor again, like the ship decal?

[yukine]

I don't know whether or not to get Contact, Okami, or Bully.

Which game would you guys choose? :D

[Tybee]

Criminy...You guys are making me jones for this game. It would be teriffic it was at TRU, but I'll get it from Fry's or BB or somewhere, dammit.

Definitely going to have to read the manual cover to cover, though. The game sounds seriously complex.

[Reality's Fringe]

I assume the Mochi decal is restored to you when you talk to the Professor again, like the ship decal?

Yep, all your decals get refilled when you talk to the professor.



I don't know whether or not to get Contact, Okami, or Bully.

Which game would you guys choose? :D

Why choose just one?

[yukine]

Well, I would buy them all if I had the cash. I'm just barely going to be able to afford a Wii. :D

[io]

I just got to Ft. Eagle, gonna start running around there tomorrow. Had to seriously stock up on potions on the last island, there's some badass people in that base.

Only thing I'm lacking in terms of weapons is a good hand-to-hand one. The best one I have is the claw, and that has an offense of 10, compared to the striking and slashing weapons with offense of 18-22.

I'm really starting to love this one; it takes a while to start figuring out the intricacies, and really the decal system still escapes me a little bit (as far as what I should really be doing tactically with all the ? decals), but it's really an enjoyable game.

I do wish the reviews had been a little less harsh on the combat system. It's been said a few times, but it's not very different from a number of real-time combat systems. You can call down special attacks, run, whatever, you just don't hit A every time to pound someone.

Man, you guys have gotten WAY ahead of me - you're talkin' gibberish now :D. I used a '?' decal to turn some enemy into a cow the other day. What do you mean "check them" RF? I thought they just transformed enemies - you mean what they transform them into? I keep finding '?' decals when I fight - had no idea the professor would give you more. I had been hesitant to use them because it warns you early on that they disappear once used. Maybe I'll bring Mochi out for the next big fight.

[Lan_Zer0]

Just picked this game up from BB for $25. I think I love this game.

[halu102]

Bleh... I was hoping to pricematch the Fry's ad at circuit city or bestbuy. I hope my local bestbuy still carries the gamer giftcards (since the ad expires tuesday).

Note, you cannot pricematch and use GGC at the same time [their system doesn't allow it]. The only exception would be if you get an override... or have someone new working the register. So this method is entirely YMMV and most likely not going to work.

[botticus]

Man, you guys have gotten WAY ahead of me - you're talkin' gibberish now :D. I used a '?' decal to turn some enemy into a cow the other day. What do you mean "check them" RF? I thought they just transformed enemies - you mean what they transform them into? I keep finding '?' decals when I fight - had no idea the professor would give you more. I had been hesitant to use them because it warns you early on that they disappear once used. Maybe I'll bring Mochi out for the next big fight.There are two kinds of ? decals. The one the professor gives you, and the ones that show up on your menu screen under the "?" tab. They have all sorts of stat boosts, and you can have 4 decals applied at any time. All I've been doing is putting the first 4 I get on, and then every time I get a new one, I see if it seems more useful than one of the others, and replace it if so. Otherwise it gets trashed.

[Hollow Man]

Just picked this game up from BB for $25. I think I love this game.
None of my BBs have it. Will check around this week.

-HM

[cisco49]

Can anyone confirm finding Contact at TRU?? I cannot find it on the website.

[Hollow Man]

I went to three TRUs this weekend and none of them had it.

-HM

[geigerm]

I checked two TRUs in southeast Mass.--no luck there, either. I believe someone said in the TRU B2G1 thread that they typically get new games on Tuesday or Wednesday, although I'm sure that varies from store to store.

[rlse9]

Yeah, I checked TRU here yesterday and no luck finding it.

[Reality's Fringe]

Man, you guys have gotten WAY ahead of me - you're talkin' gibberish now :D. I used a '?' decal to turn some enemy into a cow the other day. What do you mean "check them" RF? I thought they just transformed enemies - you mean what they transform them into? I keep finding '?' decals when I fight - had no idea the professor would give you more. I had been hesitant to use them because it warns you early on that they disappear once used. Maybe I'll bring Mochi out for the next big fight.

Botticus is right. The option is under the '?' tab in your menus. Each time you pick up a ? decal you can check it for stat boosts. Additionally, I strongly advise you to level up Mochi if you're going to use him, less he do only 1HP per use. I have him doing upwards of a 1,000HP now in addition to stunning the target, and I just left Ft Eagle.

I am now at the next island which hasancient pyramids and a desert town. Be advised that the island is where you can get a new outfit:the race care driver a.ka. NITRO BOOST. It's a fire elemental suit. And get the two items you need to get the Shadow Thief and Fishing King outfits. If you need that info, let me know.

This game is, thus far, quite awesome. Oldschool feel with an entertaining setting/story.

[Z-Saber]

Now that you guys have had it for a few days, buy or no buy? I'm pressed for cash, with the Wii coming out and all, but I might be able to slip in one DS purchase.

[Reality's Fringe]

Now that you guys have had it for a few days, buy or no buy? I'm pressed for cash, with the Wii coming out and all, but I might be able to slip in one DS purchase.

I'd buy it. I paid $12 out of pocket for it thanks to GS, and I feel like it would've been worth full price. Especially if you can get it sub $30 with google checkout, or something.

[botticus]

It's very old-school, hence it has my buy endorsement.

And I have a Flyboy costume, which is always super. Too bad I didn't get it until after beating the level during which it would have been most useful.

[LancerEvoX]

Note, you cannot pricematch and use GGC at the same time [their system doesn't allow it]. The only exception would be if you get an override... or have someone new working the register. So this method is entirely YMMV and most likely not going to work.

Oh I know about that. I was trying to say if I cant get the game for $25 via pricematching, I'll use the gamer gift card to get it for $25 at bestbuy (since bestbuy's regular price is $30 for Contact). My biggest problem is I'm impatient, I want contact now.

[jer7583]

I'm liking the game quite a bit. It's a little slow paced in the beginning, and the battle system isn't anything real innovative, but it's got a lot of personality and that makes up for some gameplay shortcomings.

I always look forward to saving so I can play with mochi(or machi or something), the space dog that wants to be a space cat.. lol

[Lan_Zer0]

I am getting more and more addicted to this game. I actually like the battle system. Definitely like it more than random turnbased battles.

This game also seems to gives off a Cave Story like vibe. The whole not knowing what the backstory is and being led by a professor that knows much more than you.

Also, this game seems to be getting a sequel. The team that made it is forming their own develoment studio apart from Grasshopper. I didn't know that the director also did the Shining Soul series, which explains some of the similarities.

[Tyvan]

I'm liking the game quite a bit. It's a little slow paced in the beginning, and the battle system isn't anything real innovative, but it's got a lot of personality and that makes up for some gameplay shortcomings.

I always look forward to saving so I can play with mochi(or machi or something), the space dog that wants to be a space cat.. lol

You get play with the dog everytime u save the game? Is it just for fun or does it have meaning? Sounds fun...Hoping I get it today!

[io]

You get play with the dog everytime u save the game? Is it just for fun or does it have meaning? Sounds fun...Hoping I get it today!

Supposedly it makes him stronger for when you call him to "fight" for you. However, I've called him twice: once he did nothing, and the other time he hit the 8 guys surrounding me for a whopping 1 point damage each. So I'm not sure how the hell I'm supposed to play with him - I click on all his spots (food, computer, scratching board, bed) and get lots of happy faces, but it doesn't seem to matter. It is possible that both of those times I skipped playing with him (and hit the alarm clock instead just to cut it short). Maybe you need to play with him the right way for that exact time you are out and call him? I had thought it was a cumulative thing and was surprised he did nothing. Note that it is nothing like Nintendogs-style playing. It is simply (as far as I can tell) clicking on the 4 or 5 "hot spots" in the ship to direct him to various activities. Sometimes when I click on him he barkmeows at me and sometimes he makes happy faces.

I finally got the frying pan (from the middle-of-nowhere vending maching at Ft. Eagle). Then I got a sticker that upped my cooking skills. Then I cooked a bunch and was finally able to make 2 ingredient recipes. I had no idea you needed to practice a bunch before you are able to do that as the game never really lets you know about such things. But, that's kind of what makes the game so fun - there's a lot to discover on your own. And now I get what the '?' decals are (the ones you find, anyway, as opposed to the "?" decal the professor gives you). You can paste up to 4 of them on yourself and increase specific stats. When you want to add another, though, you have to toss one of the 4.

To the guy who asked - yes, if you are at all into RPG/Adventuring type gaming (and this is sort of a hybrid of the 2) then YES. To someone that hates RPGs, I'm not sure I'd recommend it though.

[Reality's Fringe]

Supposedly it makes him stronger for when you call him to "fight" for you. However, I've called him twice: once he did nothing, and the other time he hit the 8 guys surrounding me for a whopping 1 point damage each. So I'm not sure how the hell I'm supposed to play with him - I click on all his spots (food, computer, scratching board, bed) and get lots of happy faces, but it doesn't seem to matter. It is possible that both of those times I skipped playing with him (and hit the alarm clock instead just to cut it short). Maybe you need to play with him the right way for that exact time you are out and call him? I had thought it was a cumulative thing and was surprised he did nothing.



Mochi is a powerhouse. You just have to know how to level him up, and it IS cummulative. I can't hold it in any longer, here's what you do:

When you get to play with Mochi, tap a part of the screen below where he is sitting. Then, gently drag the stylus across Mochi. This should make him roll onto his back (if it doesn't work from the bottom, try from the left or the right. IT IS VITAL THAT YOU DO NOT TAP MOCHI FIRST, tap a spot AWAY from him and drag the stylus towards him). At anyrate, once Mochi is on his back, rapidly tap his body(this can be hard as mochi fidgets around, so if he stops responding to your taps, try tapping a slightly different spot on his body). You should be able to get 30-40 smiley faces before he gets back on his feet. You should be able to repeat this 3 or 4 times before the alarm goes off. If you see a Big smiley face, that means Mochi has gone up a level. After about 4 "nights", I had Mochi dealing about 800 HP of damage per enemy.

Enjoy.

[io]

Good lord - thanks for posting that, as I would NEVER have figured that out. I thought it was all "hot spot" based. And I couldn't get him to more than about 7 or 8 little happy faces before the alarm went off. I have done that several times though and never got the level-up.

I have gotten him to roll over a few times (by accident I guess :D). And I think I tapped once or twice to get happy faces - but then he got back up. I'll try your method out this evening - thanks!

One more question RF - have you been able to get the Shadow Thief outfit? I don't want to know where or how - I only want to know if it is something you get as part of the regular game or something you have to search around in an old area (or do something special) to find. If it simply comes later that's fine - but I'm getting annoyed at finding all these chests I can't open. I've just started the Ft Eagle place (well, I'm in the fort anyway and just fought Snake).

[Lan_Zer0]

Awesome, thanks for the tip!

[Reality's Fringe]

Good lord - thanks for posting that, as I would NEVER have figured that out. I thought it was all "hot spot" based. And I couldn't get him to more than about 7 or 8 little happy faces before the alarm went off. I have done that several times though and never got the level-up.

I have gotten him to roll over a few times (by accident I guess :D). And I think I tapped once or twice to get happy faces - but then he got back up. I'll try your method out this evening - thanks!

One more question RF - have you been able to get the Shadow Thief outfit? I don't want to know where or how - I only want to know if it is something you get as part of the regular game or something you have to search around in an old area (or do something special) to find. If it simply comes later that's fine - but I'm getting annoyed at finding all these chests I can't open. I've just started the Ft Eagle place (well, I'm in the fort anyway and just fought Snake).

I know where to get the Shadow theif, but I want to beat Aegis first. You can get info on where the shadow theif costume is, as well as the item needed to get the Fishing outift in the Aegis pyramids (after Ft Eagle). Finding the info on the Shadow thief outfit is a little tough, as is getting that item.

[botticus]

:lol: I ponder how many hours RF has spent in Contact to get to the same point I have (well, we were at the same point, when you first got to Aegis), but also discover that silliness with Mochi.

[io]

I know where to get the Shadow theif, but I want to beat Aegis first. You can get info on where the shadow theif costume is, as well as the item needed to get the Fishing outift in the Aegis pyramids (after Ft Eagle). Finding the info on the Shadow thief outfit is a little tough, as is getting that item.

Ah, yes, fishing, I figured that would come along soon too (what with the Professor babbling about good fishing spots near Ft Eagle). OK, well, then I can 'relax' for now and finish up Ft Eagle and not worry about the other outfits. Then I'll keep an eye out for stuff in these pyramids - thanks!

[botticus]

Ah, yes, fishing, I figured that would come along soon too (what with the Professor babbling about good fishing spots near Ft Eagle). OK, well, then I can 'relax' for now and finish up Ft Eagle and not worry about the other outfits. Then I'll keep an eye out for stuff in these pyramids - thanks!Don't leave without the Flyboy costume!

[io]

Don't leave without the Flyboy costume!

Have no idea what you are talking about but I'll keep an eye out for it ;).

[Reality's Fringe]

:lol: I ponder how many hours RF has spent in Contact to get to the same point I have (well, we were at the same point, when you first got to Aegis), but also discover that silliness with Mochi.

It's a lot easier to spend time with the game when you blow off whatever obligations you have. Logic class or Contact....I think we know what wins out.

Oh yes, we certainily do.

[botticus]

Have no idea what you are talking about but I'll keep an eye out for it ;). Recall the sleeping guard outside the entrance to the fort. Go north of the tree, and you'll run into a group of four pilots running around on the runway. Take them out and you get the Flyboy costume. Get ready to use a lot of Power Strikes cause they come at you pretty fast at the same time (for about 20 damage per attack). I would advise doing this before you tear through the fort, cause I don't know if they'll still be there afterwards.

[io]

OK, thanks Botticus - I will check that out tonight. I definitely would have missed that.

I don't know, though, I might have to set Contact aside to delve into this masterpiece:

http://ds.ign.com/articles/741/741239p1.html

OK, back to reality. I was able to do the Wi-Fi "contact" with another CAG tonight (drake0727). This is what happens - you see the name, click on it, wait a minute, and it says something like "congratulations - you made contact" (I'm paraphrasing). That's it. BUT, then it opens up a new island for you - "Wi-Fi Island" which has a wishing well and a dungeon. Inside the dungeon I found the guy I traded codes with (this is not online any more so it is just my game showing him in there). After talking to him I got a stat boost. Since the icon just flashed really quickly I'm not sure what it was. However, I didn't save, so I'm hoping I can go back in and do it again (and see if I get a different stat boost this time). He also PM'd me and said he didn't like my favorite food - so THAT's what happens to that info. I wonder when the "secret" comes into play? Anyway, I didn't see his favorite food, so I'm not sure how he found that out. I did see his wish on a sign next to the wishing well, but since I hadn't done mine yet maybe it showed him my favorite food instead? I dunno...

Anyway, the Wi-Fi thing is fairly limited but does add another little element to the game. However, it seems like something you want to do NOW while still playing as it adds stat boosts to your character. He also claims you get special decals too, but I didn't get one yet. The more people you "contact" the better stuff you get, I guess. We're not sure if multiple contacts with the same person do anything (or are even possible).

Botticus - since it seems to be working now, let's definitely give it a shot tomorrow.

[Tybee]

Found a stack of these at BB on my lunch break and got it with a GGC (TRU be damned). Looking forward to getting started, but probably not tonight as we'll be going out. Drat!

Any tips for starting out?

[Hollow Man]

Yeah, BB's web site is now showing it as being it in stock near me. Going out to dinner tonight, but may try to pick it up after.

-HM

[io]

Found a stack of these at BB on my lunch break and got it with a GGC (TRU be damned). Looking forward to getting started, but probably not tonight as we'll be going out. Drat!

Any tips for starting out?

Not really other than make sure you get the message in a bottle from the beach on the first island. I'm sure you can go back and get it later, but you might as well get it at first.

I'm on to the Pyramids now... I stopped last night after coming up with nothing to do to proceed. I'll have to think about that a bit more tonight when I play (before I bug RF or Botticus for the solution :lol:).

[Z-Saber]

EB and BB now have it in my area. EB is $35 though, BB $30.

About GGCs, I've NEVER seen one in my store. I was in there today and looked very hard. Couldn't find a single one, or else I probably would have gotten Contact today.

[Tybee]

EB and BB now have it in my area. EB is $35 though, BB $30.

About GGCs, I've NEVER seen one in my store. I was in there today and looked very hard. Couldn't find a single one, or else I probably would have gotten Contact today.

It seems to be hit and miss for people. There were a few more out at my location when I went this time. Best place to look is checkout (actually on the counter next to the register, not on the endcaps) or up by customer service. They're almost never in the game section anymore.

Don't be afraid to ask an employee if they have any. They may not know, but they also might have some in back or can direct you to some. You can even explain to them why you are looking for that specific card (because of the coupon). I got a guy to help me that way once.

[Z-Saber]

I'll keep that in my mind. Might run by tomorrow and pick it up.

[keithp]

In my store they're at the end of the CD aisle, facing outward. Near the checkout registers, but not right next to them, if it helps.

Gives you another place to look, anyway.

[Hollow Man]

Got mine tonight with the GGC. They didn't even have Contact out yet - dude had to fetch it from the back.

I love this Best Buy - they have an entrance/set of registers that comes from the mall side, and one from the outside, so it's easy to buy the GGC, go out one exit, cut out the coupon, then come back in and go to the other exit to buy a game.


-HM

[Lan_Zer0]

Is it just me, or does Ft. Eagle poke a little fun at mgs? The base infiltration, and the whole snake bit...

[botticus]

Is it just me, or does Ft. Eagle poke a little fun at mgs? The base infiltration, and the whole snake bit...Yep.

I preferred the "massive damage" jab though.

[psunami]

I love this Best Buy - they have an entrance/set of registers that comes from the mall side, and one from the outside, so it's easy to buy the GGC, go out one exit, cut out the coupon, then come back in and go to the other exit to buy a game.


Hell, I don't even go through that effort. I just split the thing into two transactions. Just buy the GGC and put the exact amount for the game - coupon on the Gift Card and then buy the game with the coupon right after that.

I've never had an employee stop me from tearing the coupon out of the package right in front of them.

I'm really wavering on picking up Contact though. I'm debating having my BB price match the TRU deal though to pick up this and a few other DS games that I've been holding off on.

[Tybee]

Hell, I don't even go through that effort. I just split the thing into two transactions. Just buy the GGC and put the exact amount for the game - coupon on the Gift Card and then buy the game with the coupon right after that.

I've never had an employee stop me from tearing the coupon out of the package right in front of them.

I used to do this, too. And the cashiers, while a little confused, never gave me any problems. But one time I noticed the cashier went over and talked to her manager after finishing with me. Sure enough, the next time I went in that store all the GGCs were gone and they haven't been back since.

So now I make sure to put at least $5 on each card and never use them in the same trip.

[slidecage]

if i get home early enough tonight i might run out to best buy and pick it up for 30 bucks using my Best buy mcdondald bucks


got around 160 of them and really nothing that i can think of buying

i probally should of sent out more and picked up a camcorder or something


right now thinking

contact 30
FF 3 30

would still have around 100 best buy bucks left with nothing to buy?

maybe FF12 but im thinking so many people will buy FF12 it will show up used very quickly

maybe children of mana but i heard it was lame

[Hollow Man]

So now I make sure to put at least $5 on each card and never use them in the same trip.
I just see little point in making it obvious that I'm wasting their paper and plastic to get $5 off. Granted it's their promotion, but still, the whole idea is that you buy the thing as a gift for someone, and they use the coupon. Color me weird, but I don't need to be blatent about how I use the card and coupon.

Since I used two different cashiers, they were none the wiser, and hopefully the cards will be around for a while.

BTW, the ones I use are newer and blue, not green (the "The Best Buy Gamer Gift Card Explained" thread says it's green).

-HM

[psunami]

I understand what you guys are saying about the cards. I try not to use them right when I buy them, but there are times when I'm just too lazy to walk to another cashier. Thankfully it hasn't cost us CAG's yet.

[RollingSkull]

My BB doesn't care. Every cashier understands the GGC.

[Z-Saber]

Bought it. $25 after GGC, and I got another GGC. First time using it.

I'll play it later today. :)

[Hollow Man]

My BB doesn't care. Every cashier understands the GGC.

The first time I used one of these things (a few weeks back) the cashier was perplexed, saying he'd never seen the coupon.

-HM

[slidecage]

picked it up today for 1.05 after using 29 Best buy bucks

[io]

picked it up today for 1.05 after using 29 Best buy bucks

Yes, but you had to eat alot of McDonalds crap to get those bucks, right? So no bragging :rofl:.

Even though I've never played an MGS game, I, too noticed the jabs and the "Snake" mutant. Also caught the "massive damage" quip. That is line is going to be a gaming classic like "all our base are belong to us" (or whatever that quote is), isn't it?

[Z-Saber]

Maybe 45 minutes in and I'm liking it quite a bit. My only qualm might be the battling, as it seems a bit too simple, but then again, I just started and have gotten basically nowhere.

[io]

Maybe 45 minutes in and I'm liking it quite a bit. My only qualm might be the battling, as it seems a bit too simple, but then again, I just started and have gotten basically nowhere.

It is simple - but it gets hard, so you will have to manage the special attacks/item usage pretty heavily on a few battles. I think it is a nice balance, actually (wouldn't want every battle to be so hard, but it is nice to have some challenge too).

[keithp]

Got the game today, and looking forward to playing it and making Contact wit you guys. Work is killing me this week, but I managed to crack it open to play just the very beginning. Guess I'll read the manual to tide me over so I know what I'm doing.

[AK85]

Picked it up last night, only about an hour or so in.

Here is my friend code, so if anyone want to make "contact" just shoot me a PM with your code and when you are able to make contact.


1031-6138-8361

[slidecage]

major disappointed. i thought this was a real rpg game not where the computer does all the fighting.

I probally dump it on ebay or someplace eles or trade it on goozex

[slidecage]

Yes, but you had to eat alot of McDonalds crap to get those bucks, right? So no bragging :rofl:.

Even though I've never played an MGS game, I, too noticed the jabs and the "Snake" mutant. Also caught the "massive damage" quip. That is line is going to be a gaming classic like "all our base are belong to us" (or whatever that quote is), isn't it?


nope sent out reqest buy mail. Put out 110 request for 90 bucks and ended up with 160 Best buy bucks. and around 40 free food items

[botticus]

major disappointed. i thought this was a real rpg game not where the computer does all the fighting.

I probally dump it on ebay or someplace eles or trade it on goozexYou should probably have read at least one review or this thread before buying ;)

[Reality's Fringe]

major disappointed. i thought this was a real rpg game not where the computer does all the fighting.

I probally dump it on ebay or someplace eles or trade it on goozex

So, it's really that bad that the "press A to select ATTACK" option isn't there? I mean, you have to select everything else anyway. You just don't have to keep hitting "A" over and over again for a physical attack.

[io]

So, it's really that bad that the "press A to select ATTACK" option isn't there? I mean, you have to select everything else anyway. You just don't have to keep hitting "A" over and over again for a physical attack.

Yeah, no kidding, I *prefer* this to having to push a button for each attack. Also, the fact that there are no random battles and there is not a separate "Battle Screen" for encounters makes the game go much faster and much the pace is more in your control (you can almost always choose to fight or not).

[Lan_Zer0]

I agree completely. As simple as it is, I actually enjoy the battling. It is seamless in its transition and it feels like you have complete control. No fades, blurs, swooshes, or shatters.

[slidecage]

You should probably have read at least one review or this thread before buying ;)


i did read reviews but after hearing how everyone here thought it was so good i thought maybe the reviews were wrong. THe reviews i read before this site was the game was SO SO that you spend more time just wondering around then fighting.

i played it around 2 hours last night and i guess it grows on you. BUT is all you do is fight like in dungons type places? the caves ect it looks just like a clone of some many other games

I probally keep it for awhile probally trade it in to eb games for FF 3 in a few weeks or dump it someplace

[chsty]

I've probably put an hour or so into the game so far and definitely say it's a blast. I think that I'm actually most impressed with the stylus controls. I almost prefer them to the d-pad and buttons.

[Tybee]

Maybe 45 minutes in and I'm liking it quite a bit. My only qualm might be the battling, as it seems a bit too simple, but then again, I just started and have gotten basically nowhere.

Yeah, I got to play for maybe 20 mins last night (we've been going out a lot this week!) and basically just got to watch the intro, enter my first data, and stroll around the beach for a bit. Love the sound so far, and the graphics are old school and beautiful. Don't have to go out tonight (but do have a lot of catching up to do with my DVR), so I'm hoping to get some actual play time in.

Yeah, no kidding, I *prefer* this to having to push a button for each attack. Also, the fact that there are no random battles and there is not a separate "Battle Screen" for encounters makes the game go much faster and much the pace is more in your control (you can almost always choose to fight or not).

Yeah, that was the first thing I noticed: "Wow, I can walk AROUND the crabs."

[Z-Saber]

I'll post my friend code when I get home, add everyone's codes in this thread, and then specify a time for MASSIVE CONTACTING.

[keithp]

Yeah, I basically did the same as you Tybee, so we're in the same place.

I'll post my code when I get home--massive contacting sounds fun Z-Saber!

[Hollow Man]

Here's mine:

5240-6824-9470

-HM

[Tyvan]

FINALLY GOT IT!! I am liking it so far..but it seems to be hard fighting the bosses. I find myself leveling up just to kill them. Is it just me or others having to do this?

[botticus]

FINALLY GOT IT!! I am liking it so far..but it seems to be hard fighting the bosses. I find myself leveling up just to kill them. Is it just me or others having to do this?Definitely have to. I needed to be up near 120+ HP with the earth suit on to take out the first boss. It wasn't as hard the next boss or two, as long as I bought plenty of potions so I didn't have to run away from many fights.

[Z-Saber]

My code is:

3694 4943 2561

I'm adding everyone right now. Post more codes!

And I propose Saturday as the officially endorsed MASSIVE CONTACT day.

Yes, that's really how you write it.

EDIT: After searching the thread for "friend" and "code," I only came up with AK85 and io's codes. Are there any more? You mentioned botticus played with you, io, but I don't see his code in my search results.

[io]

My code is:

3694 4943 2561

I'm adding everyone right now. Post more codes!

And I propose Saturday as the officially endorsed MASSIVE CONTACT day.

Yes, that's really how you write it.

EDIT: After searching the thread for "friend" and "code," I only came up with AK85 and io's codes. Are there any more? You mentioned botticus played with you, io, but I don't see his code in my search results.

Botticus and I haven't been able to 'contact' yet. I've only managed connecting with one person, and it was a CAG named drake so-and-so that posted his code in another thread for some reason.

Here's a summary:

io
5197-7279-0346

AK85
1031-6138-8361

Z-Saber
3694 4943 2561

Hollow Man
5240-6824-9470

I had Botticus's code in a PM, but I must have deleted it (it is in my game, anyway). I'll let him post it ;). And RF, we need your damn code!

[io]

So, I'm actually *stuck* at the pyramids. Maybe RF (or Botticus) can help me out here - do you need to get the deed and get into that other pyramid to proceed, or is that an optional task? It is just going to take a while for me to get 10,000 coins to buy the deed. I already did the car thing (to get another outfit) but that didn't seem to get me anywhere. I found 2 of the 6 statue pieces, but I can't find any other spots to dig (after helping the archaeologist to the secret room). And I found a guy who wants his "gloves" back so I went and bought one and he doesn't seem to want it. I gave the kid a bat and got ANOTHER glove (d'oh! wish I hadn't wasted 960 on the first one). Then I tried the guy again thinking maybe I needed 2 gloves - no dice. Oh, and I also gave some guy a hammer, but all that got me was the 'toy hammer', which I'm using to fight with. I actually had to quit last night because I was tired of running around with nothing to do :cry:.

If I truly need the 10,000 to proceed then that is one small knock on the game, as that will require "money grinding" which isn't the most fun way of extending game play. Though I suppose I can use the time to level up a bit too, and collect more cooking ingredients.

[Reality's Fringe]

So, I'm actually *stuck* at the pyramids. Maybe RF (or Botticus) can help me out here - do you need to get the deed and get into that other pyramid to proceed, or is that an optional task? It is just going to take a while for me to get 10,000 coins to buy the deed. I already did the car thing (to get another outfit) but that didn't seem to get me anywhere. I found 2 of the 6 statue pieces, but I can't find any other spots to dig (after helping the archaeologist to the secret room). And I found a guy who wants his "gloves" back so I went and bought one and he doesn't seem to want it. I gave the kid a bat and got ANOTHER glove (d'oh! wish I hadn't wasted 960 on the first one). Then I tried the guy again thinking maybe I needed 2 gloves - no dice. Oh, and I also gave some guy a hammer, but all that got me was the 'toy hammer', which I'm using to fight with. I actually had to quit last night because I was tired of running around with nothing to do :cry:.

If I truly need the 10,000 to proceed then that is one small knock on the game, as that will require "money grinding" which isn't the most fun way of extending game play. Though I suppose I can use the time to level up a bit too, and collect more cooking ingredients.

Here's what you do:
In the room with the archaeologist, hug the right wall to find a secret passage leading to another room. In that room, you should see three sumbols on the floor: a hammer, a fist, and a sword. These correspond with your weapon types. Equip a weapon of the same type as the panel and step on the panels. THE FIRST PANEL YOU STEP ON WILL NET YOU A NEW SPECIAL ATTACK FOR THAT WEPAON TYPE, so be sure it's one you want. The other ones will give you a stat boost in that aspect. After you step on all three, the north door should unlock. In that new room there will be 4 new panels, these corresponding with elements. Here's where it gets annoying. You'll have to dress in an outfit that uses the corresponding element (eg Knuckle Mole for Earth, Nitroboost for fire etc.) So after you step on one panel, you have to use the ship decal and warp back to the ship, change, and then walk ALL the way back for the next panel. This is annoying, but it doens't take too long if you know where you're going. After the door in that room is unlocked, you get Felio's emblem which unlocks the pyramid to the north of town. In that pyramid are harder enemies and some secret passages where statue pieces lie. I have, one to go, I think.

I'm not sure what the 10,000 coin pyramid is for, but I'm pretty sure it's not required to progress the story (at least at that point). A good way of earning money is to kill the weapon shop owner once everytime you pass through town. He usually drops an item you can sell back to him when he respawns for 400 or coins. As long as you're fighting enemies regularly anyway, your karma won't notice.

[io]

Here's what you do:
In the room with the archaeologist, hug the right wall to find a secret passage leading to another room. In that room, you should see three sumbols on the floor: a hammer, a fist, and a sword. These correspond with your weapon types. Equip a weapon of the same type as the panel and step on the panels. THE FIRST PANEL YOU STEP ON WILL NET YOU A NEW SPECIAL ATTACK FOR THAT WEPAON TYPE, so be sure it's one you want. The other ones will give you a stat boost in that aspect. After you step on all three, the north door should unlock. In that new room there will be 4 new panels, these corresponding with elements. Here's where it gets annoying. You'll have to dress in an outfit that uses the corresponding element (eg Knuckle Mole for Earth, Nitroboost for fire etc.) So after you step on one panel, you have to use the ship decal and warp back to the ship, change, and then walk ALL the way back for the next panel. This is annoying, but it doens't take too long if you know where you're going. After the door in that room is unlocked, you get Felio's emblem which unlocks the pyramid to the north of town. In that pyramid are harder enemies and some secret passages where statue pieces lie. I have, one to go, I think.


D'OH!! I would have NEVER figured that out, because I went to that room early on (like 3 or 4 game hours ago) and thought I was done with it:


I went in there and ran over the sword one and got the special attack/boost whatever. Then I ran over the others and, of course, nothing happened. I ASSUMED YOU GOT TO PICK ONE FOR A STAT BOOST AND THAT WAS THE END OF IT. So I left and went to try to find a key or something for that door. Was thinking maybe the statues had something to do with it. I didn't even realize that I got the "sword" one only because I had a sword equipped - it just happened to be the first one I stepped on and I got the boost right away. So I thought it was a 'choose one of the three' kind of thing. OK, so now I can go back and equip the other weapons and get through the door. Damn... but thanks though, you saved me all the time (for now) of getting into that 10,000 pyramid only to have that be a side quest. Believe me, after all the time I spent going back to the pyramids over and over and running around the desert looking for secret doors, etc, changing outfits a few times and heading back there for the element stuff will be no big deal at all.


Did you ever figure out what the "glove" guy wants in the town?

[AK85]

Botticus and I haven't been able to 'contact' yet. I've only managed connecting with one person, and it was a CAG named drake so-and-so that posted his code in another thread for some reason.

Here's a summary:

io
5197-7279-0346

AK85
1031-6138-8361

Z-Saber
3694 4943 2561

Hollow Man
5240-6824-9470

I had Botticus's code in a PM, but I must have deleted it (it is in my game, anyway). I'll let him post it ;). And RF, we need your damn code!
Just got done entering everyones code.

Saturday will work for me for the MASSIVE CONTACTation party that will go down.

[Sporophyte]

I totally want to make Contact with some folks. If anybody is up for it here's my code: 5369 5300 8473

[Z-Saber]

I'll add you guys tomorrow, and prepare for the onslaught that is MASSIVE CONTACT Day.

[AK85]

I totally want to make Contact with some folks. If anybody is up for it here's my code: 5369 5300 8473
I just added you to my friends list ;)

[botticus]

Heeeeeere's botticus!

3995-1373-1177

I'll try to add everyone today or tomorrow, preparing for MASSIVE CONTACT Day

[AK85]

Think we should make another topic where you have everyones friend codes up on the first post that way it is easier for everyone to find them?

[Lan_Zer0]

Yay friend code:

5068 8824 3958


PROTIP: You can fish in the tubs in WiFi Island

[botticus]

Yay, io and I finally got Contacted. And I got an intelligence boost, woo!

I think everyone is added to my friends list. Awaiting the Contact orgy.

[Hollow Man]

Ok, I've got everybody entered. Maybe sometime soon I'll figure out exactly what the Contact mode does! Damn TRU's 3 for the price of 2 and the BB GGC! Not enough time to play all these games!

-HM

[jfunkdpg]

Been playin this since it came out, figured I'd post my FC which is:

4982-9847-4923

[Hollow Man]

BTW, when I try to connect to wi-fi, it does the initial connect, but it sits there on my Friends list, showing nobody. It just beeps and never shows the friends. This happened on two separate networks (work and home), so I don't think there's a problem with my setup.

-HM

[botticus]

BTW, when I try to connect to wi-fi, it does the initial connect, but it sits there on my Friends list, showing nobody. It just beeps and never shows the friends. This happened on two separate networks (work and home), so I don't think there's a problem with my setup.

-HMIt only shows the friends that are sitting online at the same time you are.

And the act of Contacting opens up WiFisland, where characters representing all the people you've contacted live, and you get stat boosts or items or other things when talking to them.

[Hollow Man]

Ah, so it will sit there simply spinning its wheels, beeping like mad, if none of my friends are on?

-HM

[Reality's Fringe]

Did you ever figure out what the "glove" guy wants in the town?

Nope, not yet. I wonder if it's a special type og glove or what. Just gave the kid a nice bat...and he gave me a glove, which I had plenty of anyway (from killing...ehh...something).

And I've got no WiFis. Makes me go :cry:.

[espy605]

I don't have this game yet but did have a couple questions from reading the thread.

1. The WiFi aspect seems limited. You basically connect to exchange rudimentary information that's used on an unlockable WiFi island. Is this correct?

2. Does anyone have any idea what replay value this game has? This game seems like a good candidate for New Game Plus.

I'm budgeted for one more NDS game this year, and am trying to pick between this, Final Fantasy 3, Castlevania POR or Phoenix Wright 2.

[Strell]

I'm budgeted for one more NDS game this year, and am trying to pick between this, Final Fantasy 3, Castlevania POR or Phoenix Wright 2.

Well FF3 is essentially ....FF3 in 3D. Which means it is a very rudimentary RPG in comparison to contemporary efforts. This is what has been said, and I don't know this for fact, and I still plan to pick it up eventually. As long as it doesn't suffer from the bullshit lag in battles that GBA FFIV does, I'm sure it's a solid, if simple, game.

C:POR is supposedly delayed until February 2006. Which sucks but I've got plenty to play in the meantime.

PW2 won't be out 'til next year in January. Unless you import it, which might be slightly more expensive than waiting.

Also, your blood plasma is worth at least 30 dollars. And isn't your DS worth your blood plasma?

There is only one answer to this question.

[botticus]

I can't recommend it over those other games yet, so I'd say wait it out. The Wi-Fi is not something you need to do, so if you were to wait until the buzz had dissipated and no one was on Wi-Fi anymore, you're not missing much.

[Lan_Zer0]

If anyone is interested in making contact right now, I can setup my dongle and sit on wifi for a while. Just give me the word, and your friend code and I'll set up shop.

[yukine]

Haha... you said "dongle."

[Lan_Zer0]

Yea, I can't wait in three weeks to say "I'll connect my Wii to my dongle."

[Hollow Man]

I'll give it a shot if you're on now. Ouendan is kicking my butt, so I need a break.

-HM

[Lan_Zer0]

Will do, I'll be online in a few minutes.

[Hollow Man]

Rgr - thx.

-HM

[Lan_Zer0]

Yay. Amazing.

I really could do without the beeping though.

[espy605]

Well FF3 is essentially ....FF3 in 3D. Which means it is a very rudimentary RPG in comparison to contemporary efforts. This is what has been said, and I don't know this for fact, and I still plan to pick it up eventually.


Yeah, it's just FF3, but I've always played FF for the story and presentation and not much else. Although, I have little patience for the frequent random battles in the NES FF's.


C:POR is supposedly delayed until February 2006. Which sucks but I've got plenty to play in the meantime.
I thought everyone felt this was delayed for Europe only?

Also, your blood plasma is worth at least 30 dollars. And isn't your DS worth your blood plasma?


When people made comments about "Strell's sense of humor" I never understood what they meant until I read that.

I can't recommend it over those other games yet, so I'd say wait it out. The Wi-Fi is not something you need to do, so if you were to wait until the buzz had dissipated and no one was on Wi-Fi anymore, you're not missing much.
I wasn't really asking for a recommenation of one over another, just letting people know my situation. I tried looking on GameFaqs but nothing is really posted about the game's replayability in terms of bonuses or new games pluses (and I avoid the forums).

[Hollow Man]

Yay. Amazing.

I really could do without the beeping though.

Ok, so it said it connected, then it disconnected me, saved info. to the card, and then...nothing???

-HM

[Lan_Zer0]

Thats it. It will unlock WifiIsland in your game. And there will be a NPC version of me ready to give you something like an item or stat bonus.

Thanks for the Tuna Sushi =oP

P.S. Don't tell anyone my secret...shhhhh....

[Hollow Man]

Ah, I see. Cool, I guess!

-HM