Crimson Gem Saga (a.k.a. Garnet Chronicle a.k.a. Astonishia Story 2)

[mxpowar]

Looks like Crimson Gem Saga is now up for pre-order at Amazon even though Atlus hasn't even officially announced it yet:

http://www.amazon.com/Crimson-Gem-Saga-Sony-PSP/dp/B001QTW2HI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1235603475&sr=8-2

Also no boxshot yet coupled with no official announcement from Atlus tells me this game is not gonna come out on May 5 like Amazon says. Still really excited because I love turn-based JRPG and this game kind of looks, graphically, like a cross between Atelier Iris and Valkyrie Profile.

[nectarsis1]

I can't wait for the all but inevitable official announcement (been heavily rumored on a few sites).

[SynGamer]

Not bad. Heard the first was...ok.

[mxpowar]

Not bad. Heard the first was...ok.
I'm not even sure why this game was called Astonishia Story 2. It looks so different and so much better than the original ( and it plays better, too).

I absolutely hated the first one but I'm excited for this game so if anyone didn't like the first one, they should still give this game a chance.

[punkmaggit]

This looks leagues better than the first. Ironically, I almost imported the asian version (Crimsongen Saga) which does have English text.

[62t]

This looks leagues better than the first. Ironically, I almost imported the asian version (Crimsongen Saga) which does have English text.

Actually it is better that you didnt as the import version has Engrish translation.

[Draekon]

Bumping this as the announcement is official as per the email Atlus just sent out. Release date is May 26th.

[wildnuts02]

here is a link to the forum with screens
http://www.atlus.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3274

Crimson Gem Saga is all about the fundamentals of RPG fun: lush hand-drawn visuals, an engaging fantasy tale, and an easy-to-use interface. That's not to leave out the fast, turn-based combat, ambush attacks, combo chains, and special attacks involving multiple party members. And you certainly would not want to overlook the stellar musical score and voice work. In fact, not content with the versions previously released in other regions, Atlus has added over 1000 additional lines of recorded voice, a North American exclusive.

Crimson Gem Saga is scheduled for release on May 26, 2009 with an MSRP of $29.99.

[mxpowar]

Now just gotta keep my fingers crossed for some sweet pre-order bonus. (Although I am grateful to be getting this ported here, regardless).

[eau]

Astonishia Story?! I thought I saw tons of it as a budget frontlane title. Is this game (and this sequel) good at all?

[mxpowar]

Astonishia Story?! I thought I saw tons of it as a budget frontlane title. Is this game (and this sequel) good at all?
IMO, the original Astonishia Story was terrible. Very bland graphics (think first generation SNES) and even more bland gameplay.

This game on the other hand has much better graphics (think PSOne graphics) and an interesting battle system. I honestly don't know why it was called Astonishia Story 2 in Korea. Maybe it's by the same developer? In any case, Atlus made a smart move by changing the name so as not to associate with the first AS. That could have only hurt their sales.

Also, there is an Asian demo of this game on www.pspdemo.org (http://www.pspdemo.org) so check it out!

[Draekon]

The link is to the wrong site. I believe you want .org and not .com, but regardless here's a link directly to a download page for the korean demo:

http://www.pspdemo.org/site/index.php?option=com_remository&Itemid=52&func=fileinfo&id=93

or

http://playstation.joystiq.com/2008/03/20/astonishia-story-2-downloadable-demo/

[TctclMvPhase]

IMO, the original Astonishia Story was terrible. Very bland graphics (think first generation SNES) and even more bland gameplay.

This game on the other hand has much better graphics (think PSOne graphics) and an interesting battle system. I honestly don't know why it was called Astonishia Story 2 in Korea. Maybe it's by the same developer? In any case, Atlus made a smart move by changing the name so as not to associate with the first AS. That could have only hurt their sales.

Also, there is an Asian demo of this game on www.pspdemo.com (http://www.pspdemo.com) so check it out!

As this is the Asian Demo, does it have english language support?

[mxpowar]

The link is to the wrong site. I believe you want .org and not .com, but regardless here's a link directly to a download page for the korean demo:

http://www.pspdemo.org/site/index.php?option=com_remository&Itemid=52&func=fileinfo&id=93

or

http://playstation.joystiq.com/2008/03/20/astonishia-story-2-downloadable-demo/

Sorry for the mistake and thanks for correcting me:applause: *facepalms self and feels like an ass*

As this is the Asian Demo, does it have english language support?

I honestly don't remember but I was able to play the battles regardless because they used symbols like sword for attack and a flask for items, I think.

[TctclMvPhase]

I gave the Korean demo a try. It is a bit tough to play as they seem to drop you into a dungeon well into the game (your characters are at level 40 or so) and the first time I was attacked my characters died instantly. I later figured out that this was because the avatar had approached me from behind, turning the encounter into a sneak attack.

It does give a really good impression about the art style and animation, which really looks great. I am really excited about this game now. I haven't played a turn based rpg since FFVII and before that it was Chrono Trigger. I would recommend an online guide as the icons can only tell you so much.

[FriskyTanuki]

Hey guys. I got a review build of this last week from Atlus and have been playing quite a bit of it for the past week or so. I wrote up a preview (http://www.gamer20.com/gamehub/crimson-gem-saga-psp/previews/1154)on what I've played so far, which I thought you guys may be interested in reading a bit more about it.

[reicaden]

sounds awesome

[Dead of Knight]

Thanks, FriskyTanuki. Sounds good so far.

[TctclMvPhase]

Thanks Frisky. Have you heard anything from Atlus about some possible "spoils" for this one?

[FriskyTanuki]

Not that I know of. What I've seen of the extra stuff they've thrown in with their recent/upcoming games has been with DS games (Dark Spire, Super Robot Taisen, and Steal Princess), not any of the PSP stuff.

[vherub]

thanks for posting your preview, another good impression here:

http://www.rpgamer.com/games/astonishia/astonishia2/astonishia2imp.html

[TctclMvPhase]

Has anyone been able to pick this up yet?

I was planning on picking it up this afternoon when I got InFamous, but every store I have called in the area didn't receive it in their shipments.

[FriskyTanuki]

http://blog.gamer20.com/2009/05/review-crimson-gem-saga-ps/

My review can be found here.

[TctclMvPhase]

http://blog.gamer20.com/2009/05/review-crimson-gem-saga-ps/

My review can be found here.

The review seems to be missing.

[vherub]

thanks for posting your review, another positive review here:

http://rpgfan.com/reviews/Crimson_Gem_Saga/index.html

[Draekon]

The review seems to be missing.

Works in Firefox, but not in Internet Explorer.

[FriskyTanuki]

Works in Firefox, but not in Internet Explorer.
That's odd. I'll see what I can do to get that checked out.

Edit: Any chance you know what version of IE, so I can have as much info as possible? Thanks.

Edit 2: Alright, that issue should be fixed now. Let me know if there is still an issue.

[TctclMvPhase]

It works now. Thanks for the review. I am still waiting on this one to come into my local Gamestop. You points about the map and lack of differentiation between the levels of enemies do sound like glaring omissions, since much of that has been in RPGs like this since SNES days. However, the art style and dialogue sort of "had me at hello..."

Did you get a chance to play this to completion? About how many hours were you looking at? And just to gauge your perspective, what other PSP RPGs and SRPGs have you enjoyed?

[FriskyTanuki]

It works now. Thanks for the review. I am still waiting on this one to come into my local Gamestop. You points about the map and lack of differentiation between the levels of enemies do sound like glaring omissions, since much of that has been in RPGs like this since SNES days. However, the art style and dialogue sort of "had me at hello..."

Did you get a chance to play this to completion? About how many hours were you looking at? And just to gauge your perspective, what other PSP RPGs and SRPGs have you enjoyed?
No, unfortunately. I was on my way to finishing the third, of four, chapters when I had to write up my review. I see the other reviews mentioning a 40 hour completion, but I was at about 40 hours at that point, so I was looking about 50-60 hours or so to beat it. I wouldn't take my time as a standard since I dawdled at a few places when I wasn't sure what to do or drew maps for the dungeons I had issues with, so the general estimate I saw seems to be about right.

As for what else I've played on PSP, there hasn't been much else besides Puzzle Quest and Jeanne D'arc, which I've enjoyed both a lot. I haven't really been too interested in any of the RPGs that have been made just for the PSP, except for maybe Crisis Core.

[Dead of Knight]

Still not sure about this game. The long, winding dungeons without maps doesn't seem too fun.

[RelentlessRolento]

wasnt interested in this until I read the IGn review... funny thing as well is that the day after I read the review I am getting sent this game from gamefly.

[Draekon]

Gah, I was suppose to have this game today but UPS still hasn't done a damn thing with my package. It's been out for delivery since 4AM and now it's 10PM. I really hate when this shit happens on a Friday because they won't do shit about it until Monday even if you call them.

Small rant as I really want to play this game.

[TctclMvPhase]

Gah, I was suppose to have this game today but UPS still hasn't done a damn thing with my package. It's been out for delivery since 4AM and now it's 10PM. I really hate when this shit happens on a Friday because they won't do shit about it until Monday even if you call them.

Small rant as I really want to play this game.

I feel your pain. Gamestop fell through on my pre-order and said that it might not be in until next Tuesday. Ive been to two Best Buys Two Game Crazys and one independent game store and nobody has it....

[Dead of Knight]

Really sounds like something has gone screwy with the shipments of this game. No idea if it's Atlus or retailers' fault. Either something went wrong with getting the game to retailers, or the retailers simply didn't order enough. Probably the latter, as Atlus has been good with distribution. Perhaps retailers thought it would be another no-name Atlus stinker like, say, My World My Way, but then got caught off guard because it actually got good reviews and hype?

Still not sure if I want it, so it's probably a good thing I just can't go out to Gamestop and impulse buy. Like I said, I'm not too sure about the long, winding, mapless dungeons FriskyTanuki's review talked about. If someone could elaborate on how annoying this is and if it really affects the game it'd be much appreciated.

[Poor2More]

None of the gamestops (12) in the area received this, but I called a local gamecrazy and they got just one, so I picked it up. This game is done really well, I am about 3 hours in, Im having a great time.

+Beautiful hand drawn graphics and maps
+Superb Voice acting, matches the characters very well
+Good Character development
+Battle System is traditional turn base but yet quick and fun
+Highly detailed animations on the battlefield and off
+In depth story

-lack of innovation (but honestly who cares, because it does everything so well)

[FriskyTanuki]

Really sounds like something has gone screwy with the shipments of this game. No idea if it's Atlus or retailers' fault. Either something went wrong with getting the game to retailers, or the retailers simply didn't order enough. Probably the latter, as Atlus has been good with distribution. Perhaps retailers thought it would be another no-name Atlus stinker like, say, My World My Way, but then got caught off guard because it actually got good reviews and hype?

Still not sure if I want it, so it's probably a good thing I just can't go out to Gamestop and impulse buy. Like I said, I'm not too sure about the long, winding, mapless dungeons FriskyTanuki's review talked about. If someone could elaborate on how annoying this is and if it really affects the game it'd be much appreciated.
I could take a picture of the map I drew for one particularly troublesome dungeon, if you'd like.

[TctclMvPhase]

Id appreciate a look at the map...

Although my mind is made up on the purchase I just need find a copy somewhere. If I don't hear from GS by Tuesday, I am going to start looking elsewhere (I pre-ordered by putting the full value down).

[Dead of Knight]

That would be appreciated, FriskyTanuki, if it's not too much trouble. Also, about how long does it take to complete the game?

[TctclMvPhase]

That would be appreciated, FriskyTanuki, if it's not too much trouble. Also, about how long does it take to complete the game?

Frisky answered that a few posts back:

"No, unfortunately. I was on my way to finishing the third, of four, chapters when I had to write up my review. I see the other reviews mentioning a 40 hour completion, but I was at about 40 hours at that point, so I was looking about 50-60 hours or so to beat it. I wouldn't take my time as a standard since I dawdled at a few places when I wasn't sure what to do or drew maps for the dungeons I had issues with, so the general estimate I saw seems to be about right."

[Bluth Superfan]

I was able to track down a copy of this today and it is great. Seriously blown away by how awesome the game is. If you dig old turn based RPGs then this one is for you.

[Dead of Knight]

Frisky answered that a few posts back:

"No, unfortunately. I was on my way to finishing the third, of four, chapters when I had to write up my review. I see the other reviews mentioning a 40 hour completion, but I was at about 40 hours at that point, so I was looking about 50-60 hours or so to beat it. I wouldn't take my time as a standard since I dawdled at a few places when I wasn't sure what to do or drew maps for the dungeons I had issues with, so the general estimate I saw seems to be about right."

Thanks, I feel like a douche now.

[TctclMvPhase]

Just got off the phone with GS and if they dont screw up (I know thats a tall order in itself), I should have this in my hands in the next three hours...fingers crossed.

[neckfurters]

If you have a Fry's Electronics store in your area, you might want to check there. I called them last week when I saw they were on sale in Fido's Fry's ad. They only had two copies, but I was able to get one. I'm not sure if they're still on sale though.

[TctclMvPhase]

If you have a Fry's Electronics store in your area, you might want to check there. I called them last week when I saw they were on sale in Fido's Fry's ad. They only had two copies, but I was able to get one. I'm not sure if they're still on sale though.

I wish...I got to visit a Fry's out in CA and it was great. Unfortunately, I live on the wrong side of the country for that chain.

[FriskyTanuki]

I'll get the map picture posted in a little bit once I get some quick work done.

[Draekon]

Well the package went out for delivery Friday and not a thing has changed since then via tracking and I still don't have the package. Messaged Amazon and they said if I don't get it today I can request a replacement or refund, which I just did. Unfortunately every place I called today is either sold out or never got in any at all so it looks like I have to wait for a replacement. ;(

[TctclMvPhase]

I finally got one from Gamestop. It has been so long since I played a real RPG its taken a bit to get used to it.

I have to say that the graphics are great and the dialogue is very well written.

[Dead of Knight]

I just placed an order for this on Amazon for whenever they get it in so I'll be near the head of the line. It says 2-3 weeks, so if I find it before then or decide I don't want it, I'll just cancel.

[RelentlessRolento]

been playing of and on from my gamefly copy... I know I'm early in the game, but I wish there was a run button (maybe unlock later?).

I will say I'm very much in love with the attention to detail everything gets as well as the superb pixel art.

[FriskyTanuki]

[IMG-C=4835]7408[/IMG-C]

To illustrate the map, the bottom left portion is the entrance area, which moves into the upper area and then down to the bottom area before I found a clear path through to the end boss.

You may notice X's on there in entrances, which is where you are warped back to the start of that area if you go through that entrance. Lines through a path indicate where it has to load the next area, which I stopped doing once I saw that basically it only loaded one of those square rooms at a time.

Plus, you'll see that I suck at making maps as I run out of space easily one I got to the third part of the dungeon.

[Dead of Knight]

Jesus. Definitely using a guide for this one.

[Draekon]

What, don't want to do more dungeons like that one particular one in Rhapsody without a map? That's what makes it fun. :P


Also looks like it's official that my order from Amazon was lost in transit. So I'll be waiting until Amazons next shipment comes in. Here's to hoping my luck changes and they get it in soon. I was really hoping to use my free time this week to play Crimson Gem Saga, but it looks like I'll have to fill it with other stuff as I've been doing up to this point.

[Dead of Knight]

What, don't want to do more dungeons like that one particular one in Rhapsody without a map? That's what makes it fun. :P


Oh man, I thought of Rhapsody too when I saw that map. :rofl:

[SynGamer]

Started playing this during my lunch break at work today. Fun so far, i've been wanting a good-looking, funny, RPG for a while now that didn't seem outdated or look like shit. I especially like the comedy so far.

[Dead of Knight]

If anyone is still looking for this game, NewEgg.com has it in stock for $27.99. $2.99 is the cheapest shipping option and it's UPS 3 Day, which makes it cheaper than buying it in a store and only slightly more expensive than Amazon with shipping factored in. I ordered it last night and it already shipped. Canceled my Amazon backorder.

[slidecage]

Got the game off gamefly may 30 and loved every single min of it... One of the few RPG games that kept me up to 4am in the morning playing it.. The game hooked me in a little too much cause i was tired as hell at work for the last 3 days (just getting about 3 hours of sleep a night playing this too much)

total time to beat the game was a llittle under 25 hours.....I only got 38% of all the monster cards (you can see the cards once you beat the game)

for dungon maps gohere

http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/genmessage.php?board=950794&topic=49755458


very good game... now to either to open up my

Knights in nightmare today or take a few days off and wait for


ROCK BAND UNPLUGGED to get to me via gamefly by weds
and
CLASS OF HEROES to get to me by saturday via gamefly
and either

Sims racing or Black Sigil: Blade of the Exiled by saturday as well

going to be a very buzzy weekend next weekend

BUT BY ALL MEAN PLAY THIS GAME It was a very nice RPG game...

[PleasantOne]

This was in my Gold Box... and using an ECA code made it less than $24... so I bit.

I hate when these things seem "rare" at launch... it makes me feel the need to purchase right away. Damn you, Atlus... daaaaamn yooooou!

I hope I don't regret the purchase, since this is PSP... I'd been thinking about ditching the PSP as of late.

Now, I wonder when it will come in stock. How long has it been backordered??

[Draekon]

Amazon just got a shipment in over the weekend or found some missing inventory. If it was a new shipment, I wouldn't expect it to take more than a week for your game to ship out seeing as Amazon likes to over estimate their ship times when they go out of stock.

[TctclMvPhase]

I think there may be something wrong with the clock in this game...it says I have been playing for 75 hours already and I havent even gotten through the second dungeon.

If it is accurate then I think it speaks highly of this game as I spent about sixty hours in both FFT and Disgaea on PSP and I really felt the final few hours pushing to complete the game. With this it feels like Ive just begun...

[Dead of Knight]

I think there may be something wrong with the clock in this game...it says I have been playing for 75 hours already and I havent even gotten through the second dungeon.

If it is accurate then I think it speaks highly of this game as I spent about sixty hours in both FFT and Disgaea on PSP and I really felt the final few hours pushing to complete the game. With this it feels like Ive just begun...

For the millionth time, it doesn't stop the clock when you standby the console.

[TctclMvPhase]

For the millionth time, it doesn't stop the clock when you standby the console.

Millionth? Where was this ever stated before?

[Dead of Knight]

If it wasn't stated here, my apologies. I've been on a few forums talking about this game.

[Poor2More]

This game is fantastic, one thing though, I wish all characters got a seperate SP pool

[Draekon]

SP shouldn't be a problem once you get through a fair portion of the game. The Ziggurat gives a significant boost to SP compared to everywhere else (and very little money) and you can access it as early as Chapter 2. You'll just need to spend it wisely early on. Which is probably best spent on the main character and Henson for their hit-all attacks.

[davidjinfla]

Everywhere is sold out in Jacksonville, I hope they add this to the PSN so I can just download it.

[punkmaggit]

Everywhere is sold out in Jacksonville, I hope they add this to the PSN so I can just download it.

Amazon.com? $27.99 with free shipping.

[Dead of Knight]

Finally got this fucker. Played it a couple hours and I am enjoying it so far.

[bjstucker]

Yea I have been looking everywhere for this. I guess Amazon is the only way to go.

I take that back got the last copy from gamestop today, and all I can say is wow do I love this game :).

[PleasantOne]

Still waiting for mine to ship. This may be the first time Amazon's delivery estimates were actually close to being right... usually they under promise and over deliver :(

[slidecage]

hope a part 2 comes out soon.... just ended way too soon... you just started to get into the game and BOOM GAME OVER : (

[Dead of Knight]

Just started Chapter 3. I like it. It's not fucking awesome or anything, but a fair way to pass the time. Nothing really special about it, but I've been hurting for new RPGs.

[TctclMvPhase]

I really like it so far, the characters and writing in particular. Some of the longer dungeons can be irritating...they start out fun but if you get lost then you end up fighting the same enemies over and over again and it can get tiresome.

I would recommend that players pick up the Hermes Boots early on because in the inevitable event that you do get lost in a dungeon, they allow you to avoid most battles by increasing your overworld run speed when equipped to Killian...

[Dead of Knight]

I really like it so far, the characters and writing in particular. Some of the longer dungeons can be irritating...they start out fun but if you get lost then you end up fighting the same enemies over and over again and it can get tiresome.

I would recommend that players pick up the Hermes Boots early on because in the inevitable event that you do get lost in a dungeon, they allow you to avoid most battles by increasing your overworld run speed when equipped to Killian...

Mercury Boots, not Hermes Boots.

[TctclMvPhase]

Mercury Boots, not Hermes Boots.

Thanks for the edit, I guess I was thinking Greek, not Roman...

[pimpster4183]

The whole no UMD thing fucking sucks. So if I buy a game online, beat it - there's no trading it back to GS when they have some extra deal going on or anything like that. You're just stuck with it. I'm not digging that, not to mention $250.00, I'd rather buy a Wii or something I don't have.

[Dead of Knight]

The whole no UMD thing fucking sucks. So if I buy a game online, beat it - there's no trading it back to GS when they have some extra deal going on or anything like that. You're just stuck with it. I'm not digging that, not to mention $250.00, I'd rather buy a Wii or something I don't have.

Wrong thread ftl.

[depascal22]

Does this game come on UMD?

[Dead of Knight]

Does this game come on UMD?

....Only on UMD.
...

[depascal22]

....Only on UMD.
...

OK. I read pimpster's post and I thought this might be something like Patapon 2. He must've just been lost then.

[Dead of Knight]

Beat it. This could be the best example ever of a mediocre RPG. Nothing in the game stands out except possibly Atlus's localization. The story, characters, music, and gameplay are all nothing special, but there is nothing particularly horrible or flawed about them. It's not something I'd play again because there is simply nothing special about it at all. Probably gonna sell it.

[erectiontown]

i don't know... i wouldn't say it's mediocre. it's not top not, but it's above average. i've been enjoying it so far. i've clocked 88 hours so far! j/k, i'm only a few real hours in.

[TctclMvPhase]

Im on the last dungeon right now. I agree with DeadOfNight that the majority of the is mediocore, although I did think the music was well above average especially compared to my recent experience with Disgaea. I think the localization makes this worth at least a playthrough because it has some genuinely funny lines, even the quest descriptions had some humor.

Speaking of Atlus localizations...has anyone heard anything about the Steambot Chronicles title that is supposed to come out next week? After trouble finding CGS I was thinking of preordering but I am not as convinced about the quality, plus several sites list the price as being 39.99.

[Dead of Knight]

The music was horribly repetitive. I thought it was one of the weakest points of the game. And remember, mediocre does not mean bad. It just means not special in any way, which is what I really think this game is. I don't count the great localization by Atlus because that was not part of the original game made by the developers.

[FriskyTanuki]

Speaking of Atlus localizations...has anyone heard anything about the Steambot Chronicles title that is supposed to come out next week? After trouble finding CGS I was thinking of preordering but I am not as convinced about the quality, plus several sites list the price as being 39.99.
http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=220845

I'm working on my review right now that should go up and I had a more positive opinion before I saw the price tag. It just kills the game's appeal since it's very short (12 hours or so) and is an easy game.

[TctclMvPhase]

http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=220845

I'm working on my review right now that should go up and I had a more positive opinion before I saw the price tag. It just kills the game's appeal since it's very short (12 hours or so) and is an easy game.

Thanks Frisky. I figured youd have the drop on this one, but didnt know if I should send you a PM or just post to the general forum, in case other kids were interested...

[depascal22]

Is it better or worse than Brave Story?

[Dead of Knight]

Never played Brave Story so I need to hand that question off to someone else...

[PuppetYuber]

My copy should be coming in shortly, I will let you know if it is better than Brave Story. As of right now Brave Story is one of my favorite PSP RPG game so far.

[TctclMvPhase]

Has anyone who beat this collected all the cards? Does it unlock anything special?

[DarkSageRK]

Is it better or worse than Brave Story?

Better. I don't wanna do a step-by-step comparison though, as I really didn't like Brave Story in the first place. I can say that if you did like Brave Story, this is an improved version of more of the same (generic RPG, that is). Come to think of it, I really didn't find this one amazing either...

Ummm, yeah. Let me reiterate. If you liked Brave Story, you'll like this.

[PleasantOne]

My copy finally shipped from Amazon, so they must have gotten more in. Hurrah!