General Role-Playing Game Thread

[pete5883]

What was better than FF II(IV) in 1991 on a console? The DS remake plays really well, and I think it's a great game overall. What don't you like about FF IV DS? FF X was linear, boring and easy as hell (save for some side quests), XI is online and takes like 100 days to enjoy (screw that) and XII has bad/nonsensical dialogue and boring battles. W
In 1991? Nothing. But it's 2009 now.

There are plenty of complaints I could understand about FFX, but linear? It's a JRPG for chrissakes. FFX has Grandia's battle system, which is not boring.

[Rei no Otaku]

In 1991? Nothing. But it's 2009 now.

There are plenty of complaints I could understand about FFX, but linear? It's a JRPG for chrissakes. FFX has Grandia's battle system, which is not boring.
You played a different version of FFX than me. FFX didn't have attack interruptions, or factor in your party and enemy placement among other things. In fact its battle system was nothing like Grandia's.

[Rodimus]

IMO the DoubleJump guide is crucial when playing Nocturne. I highly recommend it.

I agree. Couldn't imagine going through the game without it and I'm not a guide person.

But I don't see how Grandia & FFX battle systems are the same? Besides being turnbased I don't think they play anything a like. But I did like FFX's "switching characters on the fly" feature.

[Lions]

They aren't even near the same, wtf?

[pete5883]

Ok they're not "the same." But you had moves that would knock your enemy back in the turn order, as well as cause your own attack to occur sooner. At the very least, more interesting and complex than FFIV's.

[Krymner]

The battle system of FFX was simple, but got kinda boring after awhile, IMO. All you really had to do was figure out what they were weak against and nail them. Never played Grandia, but if you're wanting a battle system just like FFX, look no further than LoTR: Third Age. Talk about a linear RPG...

I'm playing thru Nocturne now myself, and really haven't found any need for a guide yet. I am only about 10 hours into it tho, so I guess I'll see.

[LostRoad]

Ok they're not "the same." But you had moves that would knock your enemy back in the turn order, as well as cause your own attack to occur sooner. At the very least, more interesting and complex than FFIV's.

Perhaps, but this is not one of the first things that comes to mind when I wold think about rating an RPG. Not only that your compairing a classic to a last gen game. When did story take a back seat to game mechanics, visuals. Oh yeah... FF X :cry:

[Rei no Otaku]

Perhaps, but this is not one of the first things that comes to mind when I wold think about rating an RPG. Not only that your compairing a classic to a last gen game. When did story take a back seat to game mechanics, visuals. Oh yeah... FF X :cry:
Exactly.

[pete5883]

I'm playing thru Nocturne now myself, and really haven't found any need for a guide yet. I am only about 10 hours into it tho, so I guess I'll see.
In the later dungeons, I found it helpful to have a map so I wouldn't have to fall in a dozen holes before finding my way to the next save point. Knowing the boss's weakness also saves you a futile first fight. For some reason the need to do this really offended me in SMTIII, but didn't bother me in all the later SMT spinoffs.

Perhaps, but this is not one of the first things that comes to mind when I wold think about rating an RPG. Not only that your compairing a classic to a last gen game. When did story take a back seat to game mechanics, visuals. Oh yeah... FF X :cry:
When you think of an RPG, the battle system isn't one of the first things you think of? :whee: FWIW, I thought the story was handled better than just about all 9 of it's predecessors, but I guess I'm in the minority here.

And considering that X had a somewhat new battle system, whereas I-IX basically all had the same battle system, I'm not sure how you could say game mechanics took a back seat. Unless your complaint is that you spent more time watching and less time playing, which I could understand.

[Krymner]

I don't really consider X having much of a "new" battle system. The only thing really different that I can remember was the switch-on-the-fly maneuvering. Now FFXII, that's a "new" battle system.

[JEKKI]

I hated FFX story becoz it was pretty much a bastard version of Breath of Fire 2,

which was a fukkyn awesome game btw!!!

and it's on virtual console too!! yallz better get it when u also get Ys!

[LostRoad]

To much Y's will rot the brain Jekki, truth.

Pete you misread my post. But what did you find so " new " about the battle system in X? All it is, is a ATB [ Active time battle ]set up. Nothing new about that at all, they have been using it for ages. Adding in the option to swap on the fly is just an add on, I don't look at it any differnt than a dash gauge , boost meter , fate ring ect. Just something added in, still just a ATB system though.

As for story, I have to say I am very happy that Sakaguchi went off to make Mistwalker. He had been beating the whole " Life " theme for way to long and I feel had made the seris stagnent. Four games in a row with the same theme is just bad no matter how you look at it.

[pete5883]

Pete you misread my post. But what did you find so " new " about the battle system in X? All it is, is a ATB [ Active time battle ]set up. Nothing new about that at all, they have been using it for ages.
Turn order manipulation.
Adding in the option to swap on the fly is just an add on, I don't look at it any differnt than a dash gauge , boost meter , fate ring ect. Just something added in, still just a ATB system though.
I actually forgot FFX allowed you to swap in characters, that really should be in every RPG. How annoying is it to learn that you need a character, but you didn't bring them so now you're stuck?

[Chibi_Kaji]

I hated FFX story becoz it was pretty much a bastard version of Breath of Fire 2,
You're going to have to explain this. It's been a while since I've played either game and the only thing I can remember is they both share is the whole religion thing.

[blueweltall]

I like Final Fantasy X, it's not as good as Xenogears though. Xenogears is just a masterpiece, nothing can compare to it.

Xenogears>>>>all other rpg

[willardhaven]

Xenogears>>>>all other rpg

I love broken platforming, endless random encounters and having every character share combos. Xenogears is a good game with a creative story, but it is not as good as everyone claims.

[pete5883]

I like Final Fantasy X, it's not as good as Xenogears though. Xenogears is just a masterpiece, nothing can compare to it.

Xenogears>>>>all other rpg
Well, I thought that was just a given. Platforming broken-ness was avoidable if you could hear your PSX laser seeking. If it's already loaded a random battle, then yeah, your jump isn't going to work.

You're going to have to explain this. It's been a while since I've played either game and the only thing I can remember is they both share is the whole religion thing.
I don't think I got very far in BoF2, but I think you were doing the same thing of travelling the world, doing something at every church. I'm sure the religion turns out to be evil, too.

[Rei no Otaku]

I love broken platforming, endless random encounters and having every character share combos. Xenogears is a good game with a creative story, but it is not as good as everyone claims.
:applause:

Never understood all the praise that game gets.

[heavyd853]

The platforming is only broken if you have no coordination whatsoever, the random encounters are actually fun because the battle system is fun.

The combo inputs for characters are the same, but the combos themselves are pretty different, or at least the specials at the end of them.

Your argument has been refuted.

[willardhaven]

The platforming is only broken if you have no coordination whatsoever, the random encounters are actually fun because the battle system is fun.

The combo inputs for characters are the same, but the combos themselves are pretty different, or at least the specials at the end of them.

Your argument has been refuted.

I guess I must be an idiot, because I got into fights with enemies mid-jump. Encounters were super frequent with annoying load times, which would be fine if battles were not so mindless. If all the combos are the same, why not just have a menu? I like the game, but come on, you are just being nostalgic or easily influenced. It's cool to disagree with me, but don't act like your opinion is a means of "refuting" mine.

[Poor2More]

Hey guys, Sacred 2: Fallen Angel is coming out May 12th for 360 & PS3, Who is getting it? I for one is on day 1

[heavyd853]

Relax, it was a joke.


But no, I'm really not nostalgic of it since I played it through again last year. I don't mind loadtimes since they were all pretty bad in the ps1 days.

[willardhaven]

I need to stay away from the Vs. forum, I am on an argument kick. Anyway, it's nostalgia if you loved it in 1999, otherwise it could be forum hype. Folk around here love PS1 RPGs, even the ones that suck.

[Chibi_Kaji]

I don't think I got very far in BoF2, but I think you were doing the same thing of travelling the world, doing something at every church. I'm sure the religion turns out to be evil, too.
I know that much. I was just wondering how FFX's story is a knock off of BF2's story.

[pete5883]

That's not enough?

[depascal22]

Aren't most RPGs knock offs in some way?

[depascal22]

I'm playing thru Nocturne now myself, and really haven't found any need for a guide yet. I am only about 10 hours into it tho, so I guess I'll see.

I didn't need a guide in the early going either but once you get to Kukochinko (sp?) Prison, it gets bonkers. It's a mirror level that turns out to be no more than trial and error unless you have a damn good guide. The problem is that many of the beasts in the level can knock you out pretty quickly unless you're immune to elec. Problem is that you'll find a couple monsters that use Force powers and they just pimp you. Somehow, I managed to find the Collector Manikin that you meet in the Ginza Underpass but I have no idea how to get what he wants so I can progress in the game.

If anyone has the DoubleJump guide, I'll trade nicely for it.

[Chibi_Kaji]

Aren't most RPGs knock offs in some way?
Most of them share something in common(But what games don't these days). But when I hear the term knock off I think something like cheap imitation.

[kainzero]

I love broken platforming, endless random encounters and having every character share combos. Xenogears is a good game with a creative story, but it is not as good as everyone claims.
i thought the story and pacing were awesome. lots of clever twists and it's pretty cool how everything seems to build up and link. in the beginning you're just an innocent bystander in the giant war between aveh and kislev, the next thing you know you're battling solaris on behalf of shevat.

but i have to agree... the graphics and interface are ugly, the platforming sucks (seriously, tower of babel? come on), and the battle system was unbalanced and fairly boring.

still, that story was freakin' crazy.

[dallow]

Crazy, I loved the battles in Xenogears.
Definitely preferred that style vs a menu.

Funny this game is mentioned, as the battles in FFXIII reminded me of the Gears battles in Xenogears. Only very loosely though.

[Krymner]

I didn't need a guide in the early going either but once you get to Kukochinko (sp?) Prison, it gets bonkers. It's a mirror level that turns out to be no more than trial and error unless you have a damn good guide. The problem is that many of the beasts in the level can knock you out pretty quickly unless you're immune to elec. Problem is that you'll find a couple monsters that use Force powers and they just pimp you. Somehow, I managed to find the Collector Manikin that you meet in the Ginza Underpass but I have no idea how to get what he wants so I can progress in the game.

If anyone has the DoubleJump guide, I'll trade nicely for it.


Aww. That's disheartening. Isn't the guide like 400 pages or something and goes for around $50-$60? I could never justify spending that much on a guide.

[depascal22]

Any chance we'll see Xenogears on PSN? To me, it seems really non-sensical for Sony to not have every popular PS1 game up and running by this point. I'd really like to play it on the PSP but don't really want to pirate it at the same time.

@Krymner -- It's really disheartening because the FAQs online are so bad. I was using two of the sparingly until I found obvious inaccuracies in the prison that made them more of a hindrance than a help.

I did find a guide for $50 shipped on Amazon but I'll try to hold out to see if a CAG will trade for it.

[Chibi_Kaji]

Aww. That's disheartening. Isn't the guide like 400 pages or something and goes for around $50-$60? I could never justify spending that much on a guide.
Thats the reason I never picked it up. I was hoping they would re-release it along with the reprint of the game but they didn't.... so I guess I'll have to use Gamefaqs.

[depascal22]

I used GameFaqs and none of the guides there are worth a lick. One of them even has a to be continued because he didn't actually finish it. That's the one with faulty info of the prison. I tried one of the others but it gave bad info for earlier in the game and I never went back.

[Krymner]

Thats the reason I never picked it up. I was hoping they would re-release it along with the reprint of the game but they didn't.... so I guess I'll have to use Gamefaqs.

I did search around and found an e-guide version for $9.99, but the cheapness in me would never pay that much for a virtual copy.

Any chance we'll see Xenogears on PSN?

I believe its up on the Japanese PSN. We only get 2 or 3 PS1 games per year here in the US, so don't hold your breath.

[Rodimus]

Aww. That's disheartening. Isn't the guide like 400 pages or something and goes for around $50-$60? I could never justify spending that much on a guide.

Neither would I, and I'll never understand the people who drop that much money for it. As a rule I always buy SMT guides at launch. Not only are they all great guides but turn out to be nice little investments if I ever want to sell them (except Devil Summoner) Can you imagine how much these guides will go for a few more years down the road, especially the Persona guides?

[depascal22]

I might get that ecopy for $10. It looks like it'll be the only way I finish Nocturne at the moment. Is it an exact copy of the DoubleJump guide?

[Chibi_Kaji]

I did search around and found an e-guide version for $9.99, but the cheapness in me would never pay that much for a virtual copy.
I must have missed that. Maybe I'll look that up when I have some time to sink into the game again.

Edit: Meh, I just looked it up and it seems that it is not downloadable. Not really sure if I want to pay $10 for it now.

[Krymner]

I might get that ecopy for $10. It looks like it'll be the only way I finish Nocturne at the moment. Is it an exact copy of the DoubleJump guide?

From what I can tell, its just an electronic version of the official DJ guide. Here's the link:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Shin-Megami-Tensei-Nocturne-official-eGuide_W0QQitemZ290298962319QQihZ019QQcategoryZ139 969QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem

You can also view an electronic copy of the DJ guide if you're an Elite subscriber of hardcoregamer.com, but I think its just viewable, and not downloadable. Elite subscription is $4.95 a month.

[depascal22]

I just got a trade finalized for the DoubleJump guide. Looks like I'll have it by this time next week.

[Jest]

Been neglecting everything else to play Tales of Vesperia the past few days. I'm 35 hours in so far and have loved almost ever minute of it so far. There's some pretty ingenious stuff in this game that I've never experienced in an RPG before, like non-battle characters leveling up. It took me a good 20 hours to figure out how to do the finishing moves regularly, and I just recently figured out how to do burst arts. I feel like I'm getting close to the end. Just died and turned off for the night at the fight against Estelle. I haven't done any side quests and only hunted 1 of the giant monsters so far. Would 60 hours be a reasonable time frame if I do all the side quests?

[Flak]

Dear lord the Black Omen (Chrono Trigger) is taking forever. All I want is the white gemstone but I'm up to the giga mutant and still nothing.

[willardhaven]

Been neglecting everything else to play Tales of Vesperia the past few days. I'm 35 hours in so far and have loved almost ever minute of it so far. There's some pretty ingenious stuff in this game that I've never experienced in an RPG before, like non-battle characters leveling up. It took me a good 20 hours to figure out how to do the finishing moves regularly, and I just recently figured out how to do burst arts. I feel like I'm getting close to the end. Just died and turned off for the night at the fight against Estelle. I haven't done any side quests and only hunted 1 of the giant monsters so far. Would 60 hours be a reasonable time frame if I do all the side quests?

I thought it was at least 75 hours? All I checked was the completion thread on CAG.

[Jest]

I thought it was at least 75 hours? All I checked was the completion thread on CAG.


Oh even better! Thanks, forgot about that thread ;-)

[willardhaven]

Honestly, it's the only great JRPG for PS3/360, I want it to last as long as possible.

[Krymner]

No release date on ToV for PS3 yet?

Anyone plan on picking up Cross Edge in a couple weeks? It seems interesting, but I haven't heard much about it, other than it is a SRPG and has characters from several different companies.

[depascal22]

I completely forgot about it. Coming out on the PSP?

[Krymner]

Naw, Pee Ess Triple.

[Chibi_Kaji]

No release date on ToV for PS3 yet?

Anyone plan on picking up Cross Edge in a couple weeks? It seems interesting, but I haven't heard much about it, other than it is a SRPG and has characters from several different companies.
I'd be very surprised if the PS3 version ever made it stateside. Of course if it did I'd probably pick it up again.

And I heard alot about Cross Edge... but nothing good about it.

[Mr. Beef]

Dear lord the Black Omen (Chrono Trigger) is taking forever. All I want is the white gemstone but I'm up to the giga mutant and still nothing.
What level is your party? In all of my (first) playthroughs, Omen was super easy. You better have been Charming Speed Tablets off the wall bosses.

[willardhaven]

I'd be very surprised if the PS3 version ever made it stateside. Of course if it did I'd probably pick it up again.

And I heard alot about Cross Edge... but nothing good about it.

I have a strong feeling it will, there are a lot of people willing to double-dip for the extra content (if it's exclusive), and no real competition until 2010.

[depascal22]

I just got through Kabukicho Prison in Nocturne without a guide. I just turned it into a big grinding party and literally went through every door, climbed every ladder, and checked every dead end. I did that and I captured alot of new demons to fuse them. This game has got me hooked.

[Chibi_Kaji]

I have a strong feeling it will, there are a lot of people willing to double-dip for the extra content (if it's exclusive), and no real competition until 2010.
I don't know, The Tales series have never really sold well in the US. And I hear the numbers for ToV weren't great...

[willardhaven]

It's not a blockbuster, but it made them money. Same with Eternal Sonata.

[Flak]

What level is your party? In all of my (first) playthroughs, Omen was super easy. You better have been Charming Speed Tablets off the wall bosses.
I made it through. Everyone's a little over 50. The fights weren't difficult, it's just the dungeon is effing long. Thanks for the tip about charming, I'll have to take Ayla with me next time.

[DQT]

It's not a blockbuster, but it made them money. Same with Eternal Sonata.

Where'd you hear that? Not being skeptical, just curious.

[willardhaven]

Honestly, just common sense. If a game sells 100,000 copies (ToV) it earned the company money. Translating a game is alot cheaper than developing one.

[kainzero]

oh final fantasy tactics advance 2, you are so sly

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh98/orezniak/ffta2.jpg

[Rodimus]

I just got through Kabukicho Prison in Nocturne without a guide. I just turned it into a big grinding party and literally went through every door, climbed every ladder, and checked every dead end. I did that and I captured alot of new demons to fuse them. This game has got me hooked.

Have you went through the Kapala's yet? Even with a guide that place was intimidating to go to. So unforgiving.

There was only one door I never entered. I needed the Pixie that you recruit at the very begining of the game. Most likely she either evolves into Queen Mab or you fuse her which is fine, but I accidentally got rid of her.

[depascal22]

Have you went through the Kapala's yet? Even with a guide that place was intimidating to go to. So unforgiving.

There was only one door I never entered. I needed the Pixie that you recruit at the very begining of the game. Most likely she either evolves into Queen Mab or you fuse her which is fine, but I accidentally got rid of her.

I'm still fighting the Onis in the Ikekuburo Tunnel. Luckily, I kept my High Pixie that I got in the hospital in Shibuya. Her Lucky Find skill has come in handy and I've kept her decently leveled up so she can heal the party in a pinch.

[62t]

http://www.rpgamer.com/features/2009/road2e3/kingstoryinterview.html

Xseed is going to be bring over the remake of a classic PSone RPG. Maybe Tales of Destiny remake?

[Rodimus]

^ Oh god I hope so. They've shown interest in getting the license from the series to publish some games. But it could also be Growlanser, which I hope is not the case.

[suko_32]

If so, I can die happy.

[depascal22]

Picked up a copy of Shadow Hearts to play after I finish Nocturne.

Nocturne is so much better now that I have the guide. It's saving me alot of time since I'm not getting caught by bosses without the right Magatama equipped. I love how you can summon new demons but I really wish there was a way to change Magatama mid-battle. It's not a big deal now but I was getting murdered by some bosses before the guide.

[Flak]

Holy hell getting lumicite in CT is a bitch and a half. Can't wait to sterilize my hands of Lost Sanctum, what a shitty dungeon. Unless you love climbing mountains a million friggin' times. Hope the Dimensional Vortex isn't as terrible.

[Poor2More]

I am eagerly awaiting Sacred 2: Fallen Angel on 360, Ships 5/11/09

[Flak]

So this hunt for lumicite is driving me batshit certified. I was told Milennia Woods in 600 AD was the easiest place to find it, and it's only appeared once for me and poofed before I could do anything.

Do I have to progress through Lost Sanctum at all before I can turn in lumicite? I'm thinking I'll just do the Dimensional Vortex next playthrough and get the lumicite then, I hear the Wonder fuckers are more common there.

[Rodimus]

My memory of CT is fuzzy. What was lumicite again?

[JEKKI]

whoo! goal for the weekend... beat Grandia II!

I think I'm almost there, jus gotta make time for it.

just in time for Raidou!!!!

also... Super Robot Wars for DS is real good.

if u like a type of battle system where u gotta press a lot of buttons, like Mario RPG, Shadow Hearts, or Legend of Dragoon, then u will enjoy this battle system.

the dialog in this game is also fantastic!!

[Flak]

My memory of CT is fuzzy. What was lumicite again?
It's used in one of the new dungeons, Lost Sanctum, to make the elemental aegis. You have to get it from a wonder rock.

[Lions]

Grandia II is amazing.

[JEKKI]

Grandia II is taking fooooorever!!

like, 27 hours already... and I was jus less than 20 when I started again on friday >_<

anywayz... I got this!!

http://i39.tinypic.com/2s6q1xe.jpg

Ys Oath in Felghana!! excitement indeed!!

[Purple Flames]

I wish I hadn't made the mistake of starting up Oblivion while I'm playing through Tales of Symphonia. I've been so busy with the former that I've started to neglect the latter, which is a shame because ToS really lives up to the hype.

I'm at the beginning of the second act right after it turns out the whole world regeneration journey was just a trap laid out my those angel guys.

[Rodimus]

It's used in one of the new dungeons, Lost Sanctum, to make the elemental aegis. You have to get it from a wonder rock.

I don't think I ever did that and I completed all the bonus dungeons. Was this required to complete the dungeon?

[tbassett]

Grandia II is amazing.

I'll second that, I loved the battle system and it's still in my top 5 all time rpg's. I just started Tales of Vesperia and it's got a small Grandia 2 vibe. The gods also smiled on my this weekend, I picked up a complete/very good Panzer Dragoon Saga. I got my Saturn working yesterday so I got my next two games lined up!

[willardhaven]

I didn't like Grandia II, although the battles were fun.

[Flak]

I don't think I ever did that and I completed all the bonus dungeons. Was this required to complete the dungeon?
Nope, it's not required to complete it. I'm just OCD for a complete item encyclopedia. I'm gonna try a few more times to find a wonder rock tomorrow and if not I'll just start a new game and when I can access both new dungeons I'll report back on my findings.

[DQT]

So this hunt for lumicite is driving me batshit certified. I was told Milennia Woods in 600 AD was the easiest place to find it, and it's only appeared once for me and poofed before I could do anything.

Do I have to progress through Lost Sanctum at all before I can turn in lumicite? I'm thinking I'll just do the Dimensional Vortex next playthrough and get the lumicite then, I hear the Wonder fuckers are more common there.

I gave up. The new dungeons suck. It's not worth getting 100% item collection in my opinion. I just played though them once, got all the chests and went straight to NG+ to get the endings.

[Rodimus]

Agreed, The Lost Sanctum was just one giant annoying fetch quest.

[Krymner]

I do have low expectations for the recently-announced Lunar: The Silver Star PSP remake.

http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/kotaku/2009/05/lunar.jpg

Not sure if the PSP is the ideal platform, but since it seems to be getting a crap-ton of classic RPG remakes, it doesn't really surprise me. One thing I'm not too thrilled about is the last two words in this press release:

This latest version, Lunar: Harmony of Silver Star, will feature not only updated visuals, but an all-new user interface, along with new art and new music.In other RPG news, I'm still plodding thru SMT Nocturne, although I haven't gotten to put much time into it recently because of work and other stuff. Damn real life gettin in the way of my RPGs.

[willardhaven]

I just didn't care for Lunar, maybe it was all the stupid U.S. pop culture references. I still have the crazy puppet.

[Rodimus]

Why does all the RPG greatness come out on PSP? Anyways I loved the first Lunar. It's the most cliched RPG in every sense, but for some reason it's okay. Maybe cause it's the first one I played that introduced those cliches. Still have my Galleon boxing hand puppet too..... somewhere.

[Rei no Otaku]

Lunar had a great love story. I'll pick this one up if it comes out in the US.

[MSUHitman]

What CAG's are getting Cross Edge in 2 weeks? This will be my first NIS game, so I hope I don't dislike it horribly. I own Persona 3 FES/4 but I haven't played either one yet so I don't have too much experience on the Atlus side of things either.

[Chibi_Kaji]

What CAG's are getting Cross Edge in 2 weeks? This will be my first NIS game, so I hope I don't dislike it horribly. I own Persona 3 FES/4 but I haven't played either one yet so I don't have too much experience on the Atlus side of things either.
I'll probably hold off on it unless I hear great things about it. I really don't need to waste more money on RPGs when I have 4 or 5 sitting in my backlog.

[LostRoad]

What CAG's are getting Cross Edge in 2 weeks? This will be my first NIS game, so I hope I don't dislike it horribly. I own Persona 3 FES/4 but I haven't played either one yet so I don't have too much experience on the Atlus side of things either.
I've had it preordered for awhile now, but then again I pick up every NIS or Idea Factory game. Sprite whore here.

[steveinneed]

Gamefly has Lost Odyssey being shipped to me. How does it compare to the best jrpg's on all systems?

[Lions]

It's very final fantasy-ish, but it's a very depressing and emo-like story, but it's to be expected with what the whole story is about (being immortal).

Nothing epic, but overall a decent game, I wasn't a fan of the characters though.

[steveinneed]

It's very final fantasy-ish, but it's a very depressing and emo-like story, but it's to be expected with what the whole story is about (being immortal).

Nothing epic, but overall a decent game, I wasn't a fan of the characters though.

There are a lot of 360 owners touting it as the one of the best rpg's they have ever played. Maybe they have nothing to compare it to other than Blue Dragon?

[Rei no Otaku]

It's not as good as Tales of Vesperia.

[heavyd853]

It really is an excellent game, it just suffers from some poor character design issues and a slow pace in battle and story at times.

I'd say its definitely worth a purchase and playthrough.

[willardhaven]

LO honestly feels like torture unless you are someone who worships outdated "classic" gameplay.

[youngavatar]

i was thinking of gettin LO but heard about alot of problem with the disk be damage. so i decide i still to TOV for now and try to find other good rpg

[Lions]

It's not as good as Tales of Vesperia.

It really is an excellent game, it just suffers from some poor character design issues and a slow pace in battle and story at times.

I'd say its definitely worth a purchase and playthrough.

This.

[steveinneed]

This.

I'll see how it goes then. The game should be here in about 2-4 days. Tales of Vesperia and Star Ocean are in the que next.

[Lions]

LO is worth a playthrough, blue dragon too.

SO4 is a better game imho, and ToV takes the cake. ;)

[fatbeer]

I didn't like Star Ocean 4 that much. The voice acting is horrible, character models look like dolls , switching disks is pain in the ass if you doing optional quest, and story is dreadful. The only bright side is combat system, yet it's still not quite as polish as Tales' series.

[Lions]

Indeed.

[DQT]

I might've ruined Lunar SSS for myself by playing Lunar Legend. Then again the voice acting quite possibly could have turned me off if I played the PS1 version.

[Magus8472]

Does Lunar 1 really need a THIRD remake, honestly?

[Lions]

Sacred 2 Fallen Angel is a bad ass game. If anyone likes Diablo/Baldurs Gate and are looking for a huge, huge open world game like those, pick this up.

[Flak]

Finally got lumicite. Lost Sanctum sucks a festering sweaty nutsack.

[JEKKI]

whooo! finally beat Grandia!!

it sucked! lol. It hella dragged on forever, then got interesting, then u thought u were close to the end but then it continued to drag, then it dragged some more, then u beat the final boss which wasnt really the final boss, now the game drags even more coz u gotta fight another 5 final bosses, then u beat the game and get to enjoy the ending, but the ending drags on forever too.

and got damn some of the dialog was downright horrendous!! and the voice acting too... omg shutup!! Like I play so many real old games like Ys and Snatcher that set a real high standard for good voice acting, hella years later why do ppl still screw it up?!?!

game was still fun tho. lol. been wanting to play it forever and I finally got the chance to so I'm happy

[Lions]

Who says hella...?

I loved Grandia II, but I played it when it came out, not 10 years later... :P

[JEKKI]

nah, for me games do not age.

had I played the game 10 years ago, I woulda felt the same

[Lions]

Fair enough.

I have to have nostalgia to a old game to be able to play it. I have been too spoiled with good graphics lately to play some random old game and enjoy it. :/

[Krymner]

nah, for me games do not age.

had I played the game 10 years ago, I woulda felt the same


I totally agree if we're talking RPGs here. Some older action games (especially 8-bit era) have aged terribly, however. Older RPGs tho, to me, are still fun to play. But then, I'm just an old-school fool. One of those 'weirdos' that in today's modern HD-world still like turn-based menu-driven combat, random encounters, and saving princesses.

Spamming FIGHT FTW!!

[depascal22]

How's Nocturne going for you Krymner?

[JEKKI]

off topic... but I love old 8 bit action titles... :cry:

Ninja Gaiden NES is better than new Ninja Gaiden.

-edit-

actually.... what exactly is an example of an old retro action game??

are mega man and duck tales and felix the cat and contra considered action, or are those sidescroller/platformer?

[tbassett]

Who says hella...?

I loved Grandia II, but I played it when it came out, not 10 years later... :P

That's the truth Grandia 2 was awesome, I'm 6-7 hours into Tales of Vesperia, I'm really liking it. It's got a Grandia 2 vibe, anybody else notice that?

[steveinneed]

That's the truth Grandia 2 was awesome, I'm 6-7 hours into Tales of Vesperia, I'm really liking it. It's got a Grandia 2 vibe, anybody else notice that?

Nope. I notice you have my last name in your username :)

[Lions]

I noticed the vibe a little. Why I like ToV. :P

[willardhaven]

I don't think Grandia 2 comes even close to ToV. I guess you might be thinking they're alike because of the loner w/ animal sidekick setup? It's pretty cliche, but that's the only similarity I can see.

[Lions]

I think Grandia II blows Tales of of the water, but that's probably because Grandia II was my second JRPG, with FF9 being my first (LOVE that game as well), so I might be biased since I loved it so much. (Nostalgia is killer)
Anyway, I've probably only played about 6 JRPGs though, so not much to compare I guess.
I have Eternal Sonata and SO4 to beat after ToV, but I keep getting stuck playing these FPS games. :S

[willardhaven]

Yeah I can't believe anyone loving Grandia 2 without the nostalgia effect. FF IX and Chrono Cross blew it out of the water and they're on a much weaker console. Hell even FF VI is better than Grandia 2. I think Grandia 2 is actually a pretty good game, just not that good.

I too am getting distracted by shooting people. Call of Duty 4 is the first FPS I have really enjoyed in almost 10 years. The level-up system is so addictive.

[bvharris]

I have Eternal Sonata and SO4 to beat after ToV, but I keep getting stuck playing these FPS games. :S

I'm playing SO4 now, and I really love it, but then I'm a sucker for JRPGs. As for Eternal Sonata, I thought it was fabulous, one of the more under appreciated current-gen games, particularly on the PS3.

ToV is still on my to-play list, mostly because I haven't found a copy for a good price yet.

[Rodimus]

Started up Devil Summoner 2 a few days ago. My biggest praise is much better control over your demons during battles. You get 2 demons instead of 1, you can select their opening attack, and by holding L2 your demons hide so the can't get hit plus they regroup on you. This really helps when a boss is about to pull off a huge attack. Raidou has a couple new tricks, he can dodge, they added a strong attack button and he can use diffrent weapons like axes & lances.

With all that said there are a few things that annoy me. Keep in mind I'm only 7 hours in. So far the game is pretty much a copy/paste of the first one from music, locations, demons & world map. And IMO the story isn't that interesting so far. Some might hate that the random encounter rate is still high, but so far the dungeons are small and you only fight enemies while you're in the "Dark Relm"

[Lions]

Yeah I can't believe anyone loving Grandia 2 without the nostalgia effect. FF IX and Chrono Cross blew it out of the water and they're on a much weaker console. Hell even FF VI is better than Grandia 2. I think Grandia 2 is actually a pretty good game, just not that good.

I too am getting distracted by shooting people. Call of Duty 4 is the first FPS I have really enjoyed in almost 10 years. The level-up system is so addictive.
Yeah, I probably wouldn't be able to get into GII if I never had played it before, but then again, that can be said for a lot of games now.
I can't wait to play it again, though. I have two playthroughs already, but it's been a good 2 years. Everytime I see a cheap DC for sale, I think, "Man, I could play some Grandia II about now. And Sonic Adventure, and Shenmue, etc..." But, then I remember I have a huge backlog of 360 games, so I pass, but one day, I'd like to catch up on my old school games that I miss. :P

I've been playing Riddick, and I can't believe I missed out on Butcher Bay all this time. I was pretty busy with school and partying back then though, but I'm glad I got to play a polished up version on the 360. I beat it this morning and am now playing Dark Athena.
I like it a lot, but just I wish they would have done a little more to it to make it feel more "next gen"-ish.

I'm playing SO4 now, and I really love it, but then I'm a sucker for JRPGs. As for Eternal Sonata, I thought it was fabulous, one of the more under appreciated current-gen games, particularly on the PS3.

ToV is still on my to-play list, mostly because I haven't found a copy for a good price yet.
I played SO4 for a few hours but just couldn't get into it. When I can devote time into it, I'm sure I'll like it, though. I know the fighting was a lot of fun, but I wasn't digging the characters or story that much.
I might be about halfway through Eternal Sonata, and while I like it, it seems very boring and repetitive. I know all games can become that ultimately and usually do, but some games stand out more to me than others I guess. It has a really neat interface and charm to boot, so it keeps me going. I want to finish it, so after ToV, I'll beat it, then move on to SO4.
:D

EDIT:
Oh, and ToV is worth the 60 bucks, easily. I can't say the same for many other games. It's a really great and solid game, and I hear it's anywhere from 50-100+ hours depending on how fast you plow through it and what all you do. I know you're not wanting to spend that much, but if you can find a copy for ~40, it's a steal imho.

[Chibi_Kaji]

With all that said there are a few things that annoy me. Keep in mind I'm only 7 hours in. So far the game is pretty much a copy/paste of the first one from music, locations, demons & world map. And IMO the story isn't that interesting so far. Some might hate that the random encounter rate is still high, but so far the dungeons are small and you only fight enemies while you're in the "Dark Relm"
How high are we talking about about? Is it Skies of Arcadia/DDS high? I got my copy of Devil Summoner 2 last night but I'm not sure if I want to start it yet. I would like to finish up Persona 4 first. But I haven't really been in the mood to play it for a while.

[depascal22]

deleted

[depascal22]

I liked Eternal Sonata until the end. The battle system got much better with the chain attacks but it couldn't make up for the shortcomings in the story. The bits about Chopin's life were great also.

[Krymner]

How's Nocturne going for you Krymner?

Still slowly grinding my way thru it. I'm taking my time with it, playing maybe 2 hours every 3 days. I like the combat, the demon raising, and stuff. What I don't like so much is the constant random encounters everywhere. Recently I decided I was finished playing for the day, so I came out of a healing store and headed next door to save it, but on the way I got attacked from behind and half my party under half HP before I could finish them off, then suddenly after, twice as many demons showed up immediatly after that fight. I finished them off, kept walking to the save door, then RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE DOOR, boom, another random encounter. All I wanted was to save the damn game. Frustrating as hell.

But that's about it for my complaints, except for some little stuff. I'm still only about 15 hours into it, so I've got a long ways to go. I'll probably get to a point (maybe around 30 hours in) where I'll get tired of it and will most likely put it down for awhile, but I'll surely come back to it.


off topic... but I love old 8 bit action titles... :cry:

Ninja Gaiden NES is better than new Ninja Gaiden.

-edit-

actually.... what exactly is an example of an old retro action game??

are mega man and duck tales and felix the cat and contra considered action, or are those sidescroller/platformer?

Mega Man, Duck Tales, Felix, Ninja Gaiden, those are all classics and still hold up, mainly because of the challange and unique gameplay they still offer even today. I'm mostly referring to stuff like beat-em-ups like Final Fight and Double Dragon (fun until they get super-repetitive) action shooters like Ikari Warriors (again, repetitive gameplay) and even action/adventure stuff like the Wizards and Warriors trilogy. All of those series I mentioned I totally loved back in the NES days, but I just cannot stomach them today because of the repetitiveness just gets so boring after awhile, and the lack of any save feature in almost all of them makes them unapproachable to me nowadays.

But most classic RPGs do have a save feature. Thus, they are a little more forgiving and less time-consuming in a single playtime because you can always just save it and go back to it later. Stuff like Double Dragon you had to keep going, and Wizards & Warriors had that clunky password system.

But that's just my opinion. Replayability is also a factor to me. Graphics less so because they aren't as important to me as stuff like gameplay.

[Chibi_Kaji]

I liked Eternal Sonata until the end. The battle system got much better with the chain attacks but it couldn't make up for the shortcomings in the story. The bits about Chopin's life were great also.
Another game I need to finish... But I would need to restart it since I have no idea how to play it anymore and I'm stuck in the middle of a dungeon.

[Rodimus]

How high are we talking about about? Is it Skies of Arcadia/DDS high? I got my copy of Devil Summoner 2 last night but I'm not sure if I want to start it yet. I would like to finish up Persona 4 first. But I haven't really been in the mood to play it for a while.

I don't remember the exact encounter rate of every RPG but this is higher than most. However the dungeons are small (so far) and since the "Dark Relm" is a mirror image of the "Real Relm" you should already be familiar with most maps.

It's SMT so exploit weaknesses. If you know what you're doing then winning is a synch. Battles are more fun this time around so it doesn't feel like a chore.

[Chibi_Kaji]

I don't remember the exact encounter rate of every RPG but this is higher than most. However the dungeons are small (so far) and since the "Dark Relm" is a mirror image of the "Real Relm" you should already be familiar with most maps.

It's SMT so exploit weaknesses. If you know what you're doing then winning is a synch. Battles are more fun this time around so it doesn't feel like a chore.
It's hard to forget Skies of Arcadia encounter rate... there were times where you would get into a battle every step you took.

And since it's a SMT game it's a given that you need to exploit weaknesses. That was the only way I made it through DDS.

[Lions]

It's hard to forget Skies of Arcadia encounter rate... there were times where you would get into a battle every step you took.

And since it's a SMT game it's a given that you need to exploit weaknesses. That was the only way I made it through DDS.
That's probably why I didn't like that game. I know I rented it, and hated it.

[Rodimus]

It's hard to forget Skies of Arcadia encounter rate... there were times where you would get into a battle every step you took.

And since it's a SMT game it's a given that you need to exploit weaknesses. That was the only way I made it through DDS.

I played the GC version of Arcadia so the encounter rate wasn't an issue.

Devil Summoner 2 doesn't relay on weaknesses as much as other SMT games, but it's there solely to replenish your magic. As long as you keep hitting the weakness you'll never run out of magic points.

[Chibi_Kaji]

I played the GC version of Arcadia so the encounter rate wasn't an issue.
Thats the version I played as well and it was still pretty high at times.

[Rodimus]

Thats the version I played as well and it was still pretty high at times.

I guess after beating Persona 1 encounter rates don't phase me much. ;)

Anyways if you ever played a SMT game with random encounters then you know what to expect.

[Rodimus]

One more tidbit I forgot to add about Devil Summoner 2 : If you have a save file from the first DS then you can upload your data. It'll give you a few items to sell off for money nothing special. But the best part of data transfer is: if you fight a demon you recruited in the first DS it will remember you and join you automatically (if your level is high enough.) This is very cool considering I spent a lot of time creating demons.

[Moxio]

Quickly, someone tell me what PSX RPG I should play next.

[Chibi_Kaji]

One more tidbit I forgot to add about Devil Summoner 2 : If you have a save file from the first DS then you can upload your data. It'll give you a few items to sell off for money nothing special. But the best part is: if you fight a demon you recruited in the first it will remember you and join you automatically (if your level is high enough.) This is very cool since I spent a lot of time creating demons.
Thats a nice touch... I'll just have to double check if I have a save file.

[Lions]

Final Fantasy 9. :bouncy:

[Chibi_Kaji]

I hated FF9...

[Moxio]

You reek, Chibi_Garbaje

FF9 is a good suggestions, but I just recently beat it. Anything else? :)

[Lions]

Grandia.

[Moxio]

Hmm, that's a good suggestion. I tried it out a couple years ago and didn't get too far (the caves near the beginning, I think?).

[bvharris]

Quickly, someone tell me what PSX RPG I should play next.

Xenogears

[pete5883]

2 votes for Xenogears.

One more tidbit I forgot to add about Devil Summoner 2 : If you have a save file from the first DS then you can upload your data. It'll give you a few items to sell off for money nothing special. But the best part of data transfer is: if you fight a demon you recruited in the first DS it will remember you and join you automatically (if your level is high enough.) This is very cool considering I spent a lot of time creating demons.
You know, I thought I read this somewhere but was too lazy to confirm it. Think I might take a few minutes to recruit some more demons in DS1 before I start DS2, since recruiting seems easier in 1. Never really liked demon negotiation. Completely random.

[JEKKI]

play Vagrant Story!!

dood this shyt is maad hype

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73SUIqS_txI

also... I got Ys Felghana working on my PC! in english too!! I'ma happy dood again!

[suko_32]

Ys: Oath in Felghana is pretty easy for the most part, but the boss battles are tough!

[willardhaven]

Quickly, someone tell me what PSX RPG I should play next.

Breath of Fire IV
Chrono Cross

What have you already played?

[js1]

I enjoyed Chrono Cross. I never got around to getting BoF IV.

[depascal22]

I'd go with Vagrant Story.

[willardhaven]

I think I'm one of the only people in this thread who didn't like Vagrant Story.

[Tigresa]

Bump for Chrono Cross.

[depascal22]

I think I'm one of the only people in this thread who didn't like Vagrant Story.

Did you dislike Final Fantasy XII as well? I think I gave FF a second chance just because I liked Vagrant so much.

[Rodimus]

If ya got the cash:
Suikoden II
Persona 2
Valkyrie Profile

FF9 was the best PS1 FF game.

[willardhaven]

Did you dislike Final Fantasy XII as well? I think I gave FF a second chance just because I liked Vagrant so much.

Good guess, I do not like XII.

I dunno, I pretty much hated Persona 2 as well. The battles in Nocturne and Persona 3 are so much better. The story for 2 seemed more interesting (I didn't finish it) than 3's.

[depascal22]

I didn't finish Persona 2 because I could never beat the Joker in the TV studio. He kept casting that spell that would make one person become him and start causing havoc. Sadly, I still have to play P3.

[Moxio]

Breath of Fire IV
Chrono Cross

What have you already played?

Beat both of those. I've played most of the more popular PSX RPGs, save for a few which I've tried and not gotten too far at all (Suikoden II, earlier Personas, etc.)

If ya got the cash:
Suikoden II
Persona 2
Valkyrie Profile

FF9 was the best PS1 FF game.

I don't think I'd say the best, but 9 was really solid.

[bvharris]

I think I'm one of the only people in this thread who didn't like Vagrant Story.

Make it two. Although I still own it, so maybe I'll go back and give it another chance some day.

[Lions]

I agree 9 was the best too.

[Flak]

Beat Chrono Trigger for the first time. I probably would have liked this a lot more if I played it back in the day, but it's worth getting at least a few more endings with. Now to start playing Cross...

[Rei no Otaku]

Make it two. Although I still own it, so maybe I'll go back and give it another chance some day.
Make it 3.

[JEKKI]

omg more hype

http://www.gametrailers.com/player/49368.html

this shyt makes me dance yo.

[willardhaven]

That game looks fun, plus I like its acronym: ARF.

[JEKKI]

in japan they call it ALF.

do u remember ALF? he's back... in Wii game form!!

[depascal22]

I tried finishing the Obelisk in Nocturne today. Got pretty past save point D when a Succubus nailed my protagonist with a Death spell. It sucks having to go back but I like the challenge of this game.

I also like how there are so many random encounters. It means less grinding since every dungeon turns into one big grind.

[willardhaven]

I didn't get far in Nocturne, it's a dense game though. It manages to be a lot of fun despite the random encounters.

[Chibi_Kaji]

I didn't get far in Nocturne, it's a dense game though. It manages to be a lot of fun despite the random encounters.
Same here. I'd love to play some more of Nocturne but it just demands so much of my time...

[Krymner]

True. I think I may put it down for a little bit tho or I feel as if I'm gonna get burned out.

I may either play DQ VIII, FF XII, or maybe Enchanted Arms.

[Moxio]

Play 12, then 8. Enchanted Arms doesnt really look that good.

[willardhaven]

Man did I hate FF XII, but not as much as I hated DQ VIII.

[depascal22]

I liked Final Fantasy XII but I didn't like DQVIII at all. I'm usually a sucker for old-school turn based RPGs but something about DQVIII just rubbed me the wrong way.

[willardhaven]

XII's mechanics grew on me, but the huge, drawn-out dungeons and endless swarms of enemies made it too slow for me.

[depascal22]

Don't all RPGs have long drawn out dungeons?

[Moxio]

Too slow? Really? All you do is set your Gambits and the computer takes the boring shit out of fighting: constantly selecting attacks/spells. If it's too slow, can't you just set the game speed higher?

[willardhaven]

It was more the sheer size of things... for example the Sand Sea, it took ages to walk through all those similar areas just because you have to stop every few feet and battle with some Jawas. I'll get back to it eventually, but I wasn't a big fan. The towns were lame too, half the people couldn't even talk.

[Moxio]

That was because the towns had SO MANY people that being able to talk to all of them would be downright retarded. I mean, did you see how big Rabanastre and Archades were? If everyone could talk you'd be flooded with "X" button notifications.

[willardhaven]

Different strokes, I do really like FF IV DS though. I haven't played it in a while.

[Sockey]

Quick question: how necessary is it to have played the first SMT Devil Summoner game to play the second? Are they direct squeals which follow the same character/ events? Or are they more like the Persona games- each being its own standalone story?

[Chibi_Kaji]

From what I hear you don't really need to play the first one to understand whats going on.

[Mr. Anderson]

The story in FFXII was not interesting (to me) at all. I enjoyed the gambit system to an extent, but after a while it really felt like the game was playing itself. A friend poured over a hundred hours into that beast while I was staying with him, and it was literally the same BS the whole way through. No thanks, I'll wait for XIII.

[Krymner]

I'm about 5 hours into FF XII. So far the story is really interesting, and I've gotten used to the gameplay. What really frustrates me most is the inverted camera controls, but I guess I'll just have to get used to it. The combat is just overall "okay" but nothing special. The game world seems like its going to be pretty massive. Seems like its gonna be a fun adventure.

[Flak]

Is there a world map in Chrono Cross? I'm on the main map just outside the beach where you meet Leena at and I can't find a world map.

[heavyd853]

I'm about 5 hours into FF XII. So far the story is really interesting, and I've gotten used to the gameplay. What really frustrates me most is the inverted camera controls, but I guess I'll just have to get used to it. The combat is just overall "okay" but nothing special. The game world seems like its going to be pretty massive. Seems like its gonna be a fun adventure.

When I came back to it a few weeks ago to finally finish of the story and the last dungeon, I began leveling up and doing a bunch of sidequests, thinking I had been to every area in the game.


I hadn't even set foot in like 3 whole zones, and they were all big as hell, I was totally surprised because I didn't remember how goddamn huge the world was.

[blitz6speed]

I didnt like FF12 much when i first started playing it, in fact i gave up on it and then later returned to it. Once i did, i read a FAQ on how to properly use the gambit system and i flipped loved every single second of it from that point till the end of the game. Great story too. One of my fav Final Fantasy games ever created.

[pete5883]

I got really hooked on FFXII's battle system at first, before I even got a second character. So I got pretty burned out on it by the end.

[Rei no Otaku]

I've made up my mind to finish the Xenosaga games. I've owned all three for a couple years now, and it's about time I actually play them.

[s2k]

Lunar SSSC=End all RPG for me at least

[DQT]

Is there a world map in Chrono Cross? I'm on the main map just outside the beach where you meet Leena at and I can't find a world map.

The world expands as you progress through the game. It'd s very linear game.

[EXStrike]

I've made up my mind to finish the Xenosaga games. I've owned all three for a couple years now, and it's about time I actually play them.

3 is the best one of the bunch, although it has the most-standardized battle system of the three.

[Krymner]

I enjoyed my playthru of the Xenosaga series last year. They aren't the best PS2 JRPGs out there; the stories could get kinda weird and/or boring at moments and the battle systems took time to get used to (especially 2) but I don't consider my time wasted. As its been said, Xeno 2 is the worst of the trilogy, but thankfully its also the shortest. I think I finished it in ~20 hours, and that's including about 75% of the useless sidequests.

FFXII has me. I'm still frustrated with the camera, but everything else is fun. Not ready to say FFXII > FFX yet, but its getting there.

[EXStrike]

XSEED localizing Fragile.

XSEED <3

[depascal22]

I just couldn't get into the first Xenosaga and my opinion of the series dropped even more when I heard it was going from eight games to three.

[JEKKI]

so I'm playing Devil Summoner 2.

~3 hours in, pretty dang fun, tho I jus gotta say...

omg this game's music is faaaaaaaantastic!!!! so. good.

it's very jazzy style... yet still sounds like SMT stuff.

oh yeay... Fragile!!!

[pete5883]

so I'm playing Devil Summoner 2.

~3 hours in, pretty dang fun, tho I jus gotta say...

omg this game's music is faaaaaaaantastic!!!! so. good.

it's very jazzy style... yet still sounds like SMT stuff.

:puke:

They need to keep Meguro away from that synthesized horn.

[JEKKI]

synthesize your face!!!

go back to your Linkin Park rpg music!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FDs-i5zhic

[pete5883]

Don't get me wrong, I love the P3, P4, and half of the DDS soundtracks. Just not the Devil Summoner soundtracks.

[JEKKI]

Don't get me wrong, I love the LP3, LP4, and all of the Linkin Park soundtracks. Just not the Devil Summoner soundtracks.daaang man... maybe u should change your name to abe5883, coz u're like Abraham Linkin or something...

[EXStrike]

XSEED just announced Lunar PSP and Yuusha30 for localization

XSEED <3

[Rei no Otaku]

I must have purchased Lunar more than any other single game. Sad thing is I'll continue to keep buying every remake of it...

[depascal22]

I beat the first three Riders in Nocturne. Now I get to go to the Third Kalpa in the Amala Network. I also beat the optional boss in Shibuya that you get to fight after you clear the Obelisk. He's really tough since he casts Diarahan every turn he takes damage. Bright Might, Counter, the Physical attack up spell are the only ways you can beat that dude and you better be above level 50.

[pete5883]

daaang man... maybe u should change your name to abe5883, coz u're like Abraham Linkin or something...
:rofl: Jekki, don't ever change.

[Krymner]

About 20 hours into FFXII now and I still feel as if I've barely scratched the surface of the game.

How good is the FFXII spinoff game for the DS?

[depascal22]

I actually thought Revenant Wings was really bad because they squeeze way too much into such a small screen. You basically have to micromanage your teams in real time and that becomes nearly impossible when you have a several allies and a dozen bad guys on the screen.

[G33]

To me, playing FFXII: Revenant Wings wasn't that fun. It's similar to Halo Wars in that it's a watered-down RTS when compared to something similar on the PC. If you don't mind how console-based RTS games play, then you may enjoy FFXII: RW.

[Moxio]

About 20 hours into FFXII now and I still feel as if I've barely scratched the surface of the game.

How good is the FFXII spinoff game for the DS?

It's decent. I didn't finish it due to lack of interest, but it's certainly not a bad game. Not as good as FFXII PS2, in comparison at least.

[mrchainsaw]

I'm plowing through Chrono Trigger DS this weekend and looking to make Final Fantasy VI my next game. Is there any difference between the GBA remake and the SNES version?

[Krymner]

Thanks for the Revanant Wings info. I've had my eye on a copy at a local used shop and I might pick it up. Is the story in line with FFXII PS2 or is it some kinda offshoot thing?

I'm plowing through Chrono Trigger DS this weekend and looking to make Final Fantasy VI my next game. Is there any difference between the GBA remake and the SNES version?

From the FFVI Wiki concerning the GBA port:

It includes additional gameplay features and enhanced visuals, as well as a re-translated script that follows Japanese naming conventions for the spells and monsters, but it does not feature the full motion videos from the PlayStation release of the game. Four new espers (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_of_Final_Fantasy_VI#Espers) appear in this re-release: Leviathan (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leviathan), Gilgamesh (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilgamesh_%28Final_Fantasy%29), Cactuar (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monsters_of_Final_Fantasy#Cactuar), and Diabolos. Two new areas include the Dragons' Den dungeon, which includes the Kaiser Dragon, a monster coded but not included in the original, and a "Soul Shrine", a place where the player can fight monsters continuously. Three new spells also appear, and several bugs from the original are fixed. In addition, similarly to the other handheld Final Fantasy re-releases, a bestiary and a music player are included. Interestingly, even in the Japanese version, the music player is in English and uses the American names, e.g. Strago over Stragus.[67] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Final_Fantasy_VI#cite_note-66) The package features new artwork by series veteran and original character and image designer Yoshitaka Amano (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoshitaka_Amano). Additionally, a scene from prior releases of the game in which Celes is beaten is not present in this port.The thing left out in the last sentence kinda upset me when I played thru it a few years ago, but its not a huge deal. The music is kinda watered-down compared to the original, and you may experience some slowdown in some of the battles, but overall its a pretty solid port.

[depascal22]

Thanks for the Revanant Wings info. I've had my eye on a copy at a local used shop and I might pick it up. Is the story in line with FFXII PS2 or is it some kinda offshoot thing?

It's a direct sequel to FFXII. Vaan and Penelo are sky pirates and Balthier and Fran are also there. I didn't get far enough to flesh out the story since it's nearly impossible to play on such a small screen. I'd recommend Youtubing the cutscenes and saving your money, Krymner but diff'rent strokes I guess.

[mrchainsaw]

Cool, I'll probably get the GBA version for portability.

[Krymner]

Just put in another 10 hours into FF XII. Now I understand how people can play this game for 100+ hours and still not be done. Most of what I did today was grinding and doing some sidequest hunts.

Anyone planning on getting that Final Fantasy IV Wiiware game this week?


And horray for FFVII coming to PSN. If I didn't have a disc copy I'd be all over it.

[Rei no Otaku]

I'll most likely be picking up that FFIV sequel.

[LostRoad]

Has anyone else had any issues with disk 4 of Lost Odyssey just not reading? I did a little search and this doesn't seem to be that uncommon of a problem. If anyone faced this issue besides just replacing the disk how did you get around it or am I screwed. First day of vacation is rocking. :roll:

[Rodimus]

^ I never had a problem with Lost Odyssey. How did you buy your copy?

It must suck to get near the end only to have a software error. But most likely obtaining just the 4th disk may take some unethical steps.

[LostRoad]

I got it like a month ago new from a seller on Amazon. It looks fine, but from what I have been reading others have had this same problem. I sent a email to Mistwalker seeing if they will do anything but eh. Yeah I really don't want to do any shaddy shit just to get another copy of the disc so Im thinking ether order another copy or just say fuck it, but that will kinda bug me. Wanted to burn though some back log this week too

[pete5883]

I doubt anyone at Mistwalker speaks English. Find the publisher.

[EXStrike]

Atlus localizing Shiren 3.

Holy shit holy shit holy shit

[Flak]

Atlus localizing Shiren 3.
This? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fushigi_no_Dungeon_-_Furai_no_Shiren_3:_Karakuri_Yashiki_no_Nemuri_Him e

Never heard of the roguelike sub-genre before, sounds interesting though. Permanent death could be fun.

[Krymner]

Went ahead and picked up that FFXII Revenant Wings. Not gonna start till I'm done with FFXII tho.

I did start Etrian Odyssey 2. Seems a bit harder starting out than the first one, but so far its the same solid dungeon crawler that the first one was. I like some of the new mapping options, but I still wish there was a little more depth to it.

I also sold some of my GBA RPGs (Golden Sun, Sword of Mana, Kingdom Hearts) to my cousin. Never much cared for Golden Sun, and I have beaten both Sword of Mana and Kingdom Hearts. However, I always feel sad later after selling or trading away RPGs, even if they were ones I didn't much like or had beaten. Not much sadness for other games, just RPGs.

[willardhaven]

Golden Sun isn't that good, I do regret selling off FFT and Xenogears though.

[Moxio]

Willard is wrong: Golden Sun/2 were amazing.

[62t]

Anyone else playing FFIV The After Years? Just completed the prologue, now on Rydia's chapter

[Chibi_Kaji]

Willard is wrong: Golden Sun/2 were amazing.
I need to get around to replay them one day.

Anyone else playing FFIV The After Years? Just completed the prologue, now on Rydia's chapter
I haven't even played FFIV yet... I have the GBA version still sealed. But how is the game anyway?

[Rei no Otaku]

Willard is wrong: Golden Sun/2 were amazing.
Willard is right. They were mediocre at best.

[62t]

I gave a quick impression of FFIV Wii here

http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=226723

But make sure you finish FFIV first

[heavyd853]

Went ahead and picked up that FFXII Revenant Wings. Not gonna start till I'm done with FFXII tho.

I did start Etrian Odyssey 2. Seems a bit harder starting out than the first one, but so far its the same solid dungeon crawler that the first one was. I like some of the new mapping options, but I still wish there was a little more depth to it.

I also sold some of my GBA RPGs (Golden Sun, Sword of Mana, Kingdom Hearts) to my cousin. Never much cared for Golden Sun, and I have beaten both Sword of Mana and Kingdom Hearts. However, I always feel sad later after selling or trading away RPGs, even if they were ones I didn't much like or had beaten. Not much sadness for other games, just RPGs.

Sword of Mana had the best GBA soundtrack ever!



Well, next to Castlevania: AOS

[Rodimus]

I'm wanting to get into an RPG badly but I want to play an RPG I've never played yet. I realized I've yet to touch many of the the more obscure PS2 RPGs like Mana Khemia 2, Ar Tonelico, Eternal Poison, Steamboat Chronicles, etc. I was even thinking about Wild Arms 5 if it was any good. What do you guys recomend?

I was also thinking about The Last Remnant. I heard mixed reviews but I'm so bored I was considering it.

[LostRoad]

Rod I think you would enjoy any of the NIS games you listed. I can not give an honest review of them because I have to admit I am a " fanboy " of their games. Haven't looked but have you checked out Infinite Undiscovery for a 360 rpg? Im going though it right now and am enjoying it. Story is pretty fast paced, combat is enjoyable, and has a nice little crafting system in it. On top of that I have read its only 20 hours plus to beat.

Did you already finish Devil Summoner 2?

[Rodimus]

I havn't finished Devil Summoner 2. Honestly I'm not enjoying it. I got to chapter 3 and was forcing myself to play it. I'm a little burnt out of the fusion process after beating Persona 4. I'll keep it and maybe come back to it later.

I heard I should stay far away from Infinte Undiscovery. It reviewed poorly and from what I understand Last Remnat is the better game.

I've never been a NIS fan, but I'll give em' another shot.

[Chibi_Kaji]

I heard I should stay far away from Infinte Undiscovery. It reviewed poorly and from what I understand Last Remnat is the better game.
From what I hear it's not much better. But if you really want to check it out I'm sure it will hit $20 again at some point. I was thinking about picking it up myself but decided I would just wait and see how the PS3 version is.

[ChibiJosh]

I'm wanting to get into an RPG badly but I want to play an RPG I've never played yet. I realized I've yet to touch many of the the more obscure PS2 RPGs like Mana Khemia 2, Ar Tonelico, Eternal Poison, Steamboat Chronicles, etc. I was even thinking about Wild Arms 5 if it was any good. What do you guys recomend?

I was also thinking about The Last Remnant. I heard mixed reviews but I'm so bored I was considering it.

I enjoyed Wild ARMS 5 a lot.

I started playing Cross Edge. It's interesting, I don't know if I'll be able to finish it though.

[Chibi_Kaji]

I started Cross Edge and couldn't figure out how to save...

[Moxio]

Haha, what?

[ChibiJosh]

While I didn't have the problem, I agree that they do not explain nearly enough in this game. As for saving, hit triangle on the over world, last option.

[Chibi_Kaji]

While I didn't have the problem, I agree that they do not explain nearly enough in this game. As for saving, hit triangle on the over world, last option.
I completely missed that.... No big deal I was going to restart on Easy.

[ChibiJosh]

I wish I would have played on Easy, even Normal is hard as hell sometimes.

[Chibi_Kaji]

I wish I would have played on Easy, even Normal is hard as hell sometimes.
I started on normal but quickly got the feeling that I might want to go with easy.

[Rodimus]

I enjoyed Wild ARMS 5 a lot.

The only Wild Arms I ever beat was the first one. Wild Arms 3 looked fun but I never got around to it, and WA4 looked mediocore. Could you give me a mini review of WA5?

[Rei no Otaku]

Ar Tonelico was really good. That being said you do have to appreciate moe to fully enjoy it. I also really like WA4. I have 5, but haven't finished it.

[ChibiJosh]

The only Wild Arms I ever beat was the first one. Wild Arms 3 looked fun but I never got around to it, and WA4 looked mediocore. Could you give me a mini review of WA5?

The Wild ARMS series is one of my favorite RPG series along with Suikoden. 1 was definitely the best (although, a lot of people argue 2 was). The only problem with 4 was that it was really short, could be beat in about 25 hours.

I played 5 almost 2 years ago, so my memory is a little rusty. The battle system followed 4's battle system with the hexagon thing. I really enjoyed the battle system, it was definitely a bit more strategic than most turn-based RPGs. The characters and the story were pretty decent.

[Krymner]

I've never played any of the Wild Arms games, but I have watched the anime, and wasn't too impressed with it overall but enjoyed the feel of the world itself. I'll eventually grab WA 1 off PSN someday. Are the games true sequels, or are they each unique like the Final Fantasy series?

[ChibiJosh]

They are not true sequels. Although, they are more connected than FF games.

[willardhaven]

Wild ARMs 4 was fun but really shallow, you could just blast away most of the bosses. 3 was my favorite in the series.

I'm wanting to get into an RPG badly but I want to play an RPG I've never played yet. I realized I've yet to touch many of the the more obscure PS2 RPGs like Mana Khemia 2, Ar Tonelico, Eternal Poison, Steamboat Chronicles, etc. I was even thinking about Wild Arms 5 if it was any good. What do you guys recomend?

I was also thinking about The Last Remnant. I heard mixed reviews but I'm so bored I was considering it.

Do you have a list of games you have beaten? The Last Remnant looked alright but I read you can't even really issue commands to your team.

[Rodimus]

Do you have a list of games you have beaten? The Last Remnant looked alright but I read you can't even really issue commands to your team.

It's probably better if I list the games I haven't beaten or at least intrested in. Anyways I've narrowed it down to:

Last Remnant
Tales of Abyss
Wild Arms 5
Ar Tonelica 2
Radiata Stories
Shadow Hearts II

Do any of the PS2 games I listed above support widescreen? I want to start something as early as tomarrow so I'm not sure if any of those are hard to locate. I'd like to hear everyone's opinions. I don't have much to do at work so I'll be spending all day researching for my decision.

[LostRoad]

It's probably better if I list the games I haven't beaten or at least intrested in. Anyways I've narrowed it down to:

Last Remnant
Tales of Abyss
Wild Arms 5
Ar Tonelica 2
Radiata Stories
Shadow Hearts II

Do any of the PS2 games I listed above support widescreen? I want to start something as early as tomarrow so I'm not sure if any of those are hard to locate. I'd like to hear everyone's opinions. I don't have much to do at work so I'll be spending all day researching for my decision.


I would say Shadow Hearts II first. If you enjoyed the first one at all you owe it to yourself to see how the story ends, its really good imo. After that you can't go wrong with Tales of Abyss or Ar Tonelica 2. I would have to say the others you listed are average ( expect for Last Remnant havn't picked it up yet so no idea. )

[Lions]

Last Remnant is a tad below average.

[Rodimus]

I would say Shadow Hearts II first. If you enjoyed the first one at all you owe it to yourself to see how the story ends, its really good imo.

That's the thing, I didn't like the 1st one or the 3rd one. But I always hear the SH2 was the best. Is it really all that diffrent?

[LostRoad]

Third one is shit. Should not have even been made. And no not really to be honest. It follows the same flow that was set and ends the story that the first one started. Is it better than the first one.. hard to say I can see why some would say it was but both where great imo, I like darker stories and this was up there.

Hell if you didn't care for the first one you can really just skip it though. I know you liked Tales games so go beat Abyss. It is easly the best tales game on the PS2, and Vesperia took some game play from it and improved upon it. I think that would be your best bet.

Eh thinking about it, we only had 2 tales games on the PS2 so that point it out, bottom line Tales of Abyss is hot shit. You won't go wrong with it.

[Rodimus]

After much research and reading of reviews I decided to get Wild Arms 5. Infact from the reviews I'm a bit surprised I didn't try it out sooner. The battle system seemed unique & intresting. I like puzzles in dungeons. I'm not sure about the story & characters but they all seemed decent from what I've seen. I know there's a brand new copy at my local GS. I'll probably go out tomarrow and pick it up.

Thanks to everyone who gave advice. All of it helped.

[Rei no Otaku]

After much research and reading of reviews I decided to get Wild Arms 5. Infact from the reviews I'm a bit surprised I didn't try it out sooner. The battle system seemed unique & intresting. I like puzzles in dungeons. I'm not sure about the story & characters but they all seemed decent from what I've seen. I know there's a brand new copy at my local GS. I'll probably go out tomarrow and pick it up.

Thanks to everyone who gave advice. All of it helped.
You know what? I'll join you in that playthrough. I have the game, but have yet to finish it. So lets see how we both end up liking it.

[Rodimus]

You know what? I'll join you in that playthrough. I have the game, but have yet to finish it. So lets see how we both end up liking it.

Cool, we can compare notes. :) How far along are you?

[Rei no Otaku]

I'm just going to start over. It's been way too long for me to continue from my save.

[Flak]

The encounter rate in FFI is driving me nuts. They could at least drop me something once in a while.

[willardhaven]

It's probably better if I list the games I haven't beaten or at least intrested in. Anyways I've narrowed it down to:

Last Remnant
Tales of Abyss
Wild Arms 5
Ar Tonelica 2
Radiata Stories
Shadow Hearts II

Do any of the PS2 games I listed above support widescreen? I want to start something as early as tomarrow so I'm not sure if any of those are hard to locate. I'd like to hear everyone's opinions. I don't have much to do at work so I'll be spending all day researching for my decision.

Tales of the Abyss is in my top 5 for PS2 RPGs, I suggest that when you finish Wild ARMs 5.

[kainzero]

The encounter rate in FFI is driving me nuts. They could at least drop me something once in a while.
which version?

[Chibi_Kaji]

Tales of the Abyss is in my top 5 for PS2 RPGs, I suggest that when you finish Wild ARMs 5.
I should go and finish ToA someday... I have too many PS2 RPGs to finish. It'd be nice if my family would clean up the basement so I could break out my PS2 again...

[Krymner]

I'm thinking ToA will be next on my PS2 RPG list after I finally finish FFXII. And speaking of 12, I really haven't put much time into it the last few days. The story really kinda slows down after about halfway in, and has turned into a "go here do that" grind with very little interaction between the characters inbetween dungeons. Just need to take a break for a bit I guess.