RPG Thread IV is the worst in the series

[quote name='Mr Unoriginal']For some reason I had the urge to play Illusion of Gaia the other day. I had it when it first came out, got most of the way through it, but to be honest, I didn't remember any of it.

I'm about 3 hours in so far and really loving it. The level up system is simplified and there isn't tons of exposition/grinding/walking around, things that I've come to dislike in an RPG in my old age.

The game is part of a triolgy right? Are the other two as good?[/QUOTE]
Soul Blazer was simpler than IoG but still fun. Terranigma, I never got very far, but it seemed good.
 
[quote name='Kissfuldreamer']So, as this week draws closer and closer, I find myself anticipating the release of HeartGold and SoulSilver more than Final Fantasy 13. Don't get me wrong, I'm still uber excited for FF in two days, but for some reason Im much more interested in the remakes of my two favorite pokemon games.[/QUOTE]

I completely agree about Pokemon > Final Fantasy... but everything I've read about FFXIII says it is the RPG equivalent of a rail shooter, and that the first TWENTY hours are really boring. I'm amazed the game is getting such high review scores, considering. I think I'm going to pass on XIII for now.

I figure FFXIII will drop in price pretty fast, and in two or three months I'll be able to get it for $30 or under.
 
[quote name='62t']I think Blue Dragon is a fine game. It just stick to the classic RPG formula[/QUOTE]

Same here. There's nothing about it that makes it a bad game. It's not the best RPG but the graphics are great and the battle system has just enough depth to make an 80 hour trip mostly enjoyable. I'd almost say it's too easy though. By the end, I was just destroying bosses that were meant to be challenging.

So as I just finished Blue Dragon, I started Persona 4. Chie just got her Persona so I'm relatively close to the beginning. Any good tips for getting all the Social Links? It doesn't seem combat will be too challenging but I'd hate to piss someone off that would get me the most powerful Personas.
 
[quote name='depascal22']So as I just finished Blue Dragon, I started Persona 4. Chie just got her Persona so I'm relatively close to the beginning. Any good tips for getting all the Social Links? It doesn't seem combat will be too challenging but I'd hate to piss someone off that would get me the most powerful Personas.[/QUOTE]
The best thing to do is to get a guide if you want all the S.Links. Scheduling, Rainy Days, dungeon exploration, weekends all have to be balanced properly to get all of them.
 
[quote name='BattleChicken']I figure FFXIII will drop in price pretty fast, and in two or three months I'll be able to get it for $30 or under.[/QUOTE]
The game would have do pretty poorly to drop that fast.
 
I agree with Kainzero, the guide was very useful. The battles in the first dungeon are cake, but overall it's a challenging game. To stay ahead of the enemy make sure you create stronger personas often that have a wide variety of skills. Like any SMT game expect a few instant death spells to set you back. Some of the final bosses become endurance fights, chipping away at their health and trying not to get blown out.
 
50+ hours into Rune Factory Frontier and at a spot where I need to figure out what to do next (or how to get the materials to make a better hammer, at least). Also, ARRGH RUNEYS. Overall, great game; just might be the best Rune Factory yet.

[quote name='JEKKI']Im gonna turn RPG playing into work!! -_-[/QUOTE]
Take it from me... even if you're unemployed, you still won't have time for all the RPGs you want to play.

[quote name='Kissfuldreamer']So, as this week draws closer and closer, I find myself anticipating the release of HeartGold and SoulSilver more than Final Fantasy 13.[/QUOTE]
Thirded, but I had decided long ago, before FFXII's release, that that would be my last main series FF >_> Also, I have only recently gotten into Pokeymans and have heard nothing but great things about Gold/Silver, so my interest in the remakes was a given.

And SMT: Strange Journey intrigues me more than the Pokemon remakes do. Megaten Etrian Odyssey?! Hell yeah, sign me up!
 
[quote name='blueshinra']Take it from me... even if you're unemployed, you still won't have time for all the RPGs you want to play.[/QUOTE]
Actually, you do have the time for all the RPGs, but you're just so depressed that you end up not doing it. =(
 
I have final fantasy in hand... I do not have Yakuza...

and the presence of FF is too strong!!!

my game plan is now broken...

even tho I prolly wont have time to pop the game in until thrusday, and by then Ill have yakuza already...

FF is jus too strong... :cry:
 
[quote name='Rodimus']Someone convince me to pick up a copy of FFXIII.[/QUOTE]

Wait a few months and it will be $30-40. If you don't want to play it though, don't waste your time. I think it looks like fun.
 
[quote name='chibamm']I'm finally thinking of picking up FFIV.

So.....which version of FFIV is the best? Advance? PSX? or DS?[/QUOTE]

Personally I'd say DS. Advance and PSX are pretty much the same (at least from what I could tell, I don't remember the PSX version all that well) other than the added CG cutscenes in PSX, which you could google and aren't at all impressive anyway. DS was fully remade in 3D, has added in game cutscenes, voiceovers, and I think a few more bonuses.
 
[quote name='TomJones4']Played 5 hours of FF13 last night. Loving it but hating level caps. WHY?[/QUOTE]

Because the game doesn't trust its player to do it right, and has a deathgrip on your hand for half the game.

You won't have all of your options in the battle system until something like 20 hours in.
 
Im about 4 hours in on FFXIII and to be honest, I'm amazed. I only had a chance to play after work yesterday, but since the moment I started I had a hard time putting it down. Even though I knew I was getting it, and that there was a good chance I was going to like it, I still feel I underestimated myself lol.

Lightning FTW!


Also, going back to Pokemon real quick. Have any of you seen the retail boxes for HeartGold and SoulSilver at Gamestop? They are REALLY nice IMO. The outer boxs are shiny, and have this "grainy" feel too them, hard to explain but Im impressed. Make's me happy to know I'll have both copies by next week.
 
I hate having to give up on Etrian Odyssey 2 but the 10th floor is just causing me too much frustration. Between the boss and brontosaurus monster (who I can kill but usually kills one party member before) the game is just too high in frustration to enjoy.
Playing Devil Survivor and Dragon Quest IV now for more enjoyment.
 
[quote name='chibamm']I'm finally thinking of picking up FFIV.

So.....which version of FFIV is the best? Advance? PSX? or DS?[/QUOTE]

PSX if you need it on a TV or want to play the "original", DS if you want the best production values.
 
[quote name='Rodimus']Someone convince me to pick up a copy of FFXIII.[/QUOTE]

Wait it out. Be strong. We're CAGs.

Unless your backlog is empty?
 
[quote name='willardhaven']PSX if you need it on a TV or want to play the "original", DS if you want the best production values.[/QUOTE]
I say FF4 Advance, it's a bit buggy (in a somewhat good way, you could potentially get extra turns) but I like the script better than the wacky DS script. Plus I like the endgame in the Advance version.
 
[quote name='kainzero']I say FF4 Advance, it's a bit buggy (in a somewhat good way, you could potentially get extra turns) but I like the script better than the wacky DS script. Plus I like the endgame in the Advance version.[/QUOTE]

Then why not go for the PSX version? I played it and it felt pretty true to my SNES version in terms of controls.
 
here's my half minute update!!

evil lord, princess, and knight modes are hella easy and straight forward.

it took me like ~7 hours to beat Hero mode...

the other modes can be beaten in like 45 minutes... I played them all during lunch break this week.

There's nothing fun at all about princess mode... but it's so easy and quick u play it anyway.

the other modes are ok... nothing great but an okay diversion.

the cool thing about these modes tho is they are in chronological order, so each mode picks up and carries the overall story.

anyway now all's left is the 5 minute stage and the 3 second stage!!
 
[quote name='kainzero']I say FF4 Advance, it's a bit buggy (in a somewhat good way, you could potentially get extra turns) but I like the script better than the wacky DS script. Plus I like the endgame in the Advance version.[/QUOTE]

and if you can find the europe version of FF4A it is suppose to be less buggy
 
I put in about two hours of FFXIII and am enjoying it. I think people (rightfully) set the bar unreasonably high with this game and it's caused a lot of negativity.

Following Mass Effect 2, which has seemingly mastered the American RPG, FFXIII really proves how obvious the line is between U.S. and JRGs.

FFXIII so far is a fun, albeit easy and straightforward popcorn RPG. I've heard it ramps up eventually so I'm just enjoying the ride for now.
 
Since I haven't played a Star Ocean game in close to a decade, I figured I'd run through 2, 3, then Last Hope International. I was having a good time with 2. That is, until I got to the Field of Power. I've done a slight amount of grinding - around level 55 for the characters I'm using - and I'm getting pummeled. I refuse to slog around for five hours between every dungeon leveling. If 3 is anything like 2, I won't bother with it or 4.

I actually liked a lot of what Second Story has to offer, even with dumb, cliched characters - I just can't bring myself to want to grind for hours on end.
 
[quote name='Feeding the Abscess']Since I haven't played a Star Ocean game in close to a decade, I figured I'd run through 2, 3, then Last Hope International. I was having a good time with 2. That is, until I got to the Field of Power. I've done a slight amount of grinding - around level 55 for the characters I'm using - and I'm getting pummeled. I refuse to slog around for five hours between every dungeon leveling. If 3 is anything like 2, I won't bother with it or 4.[/QUOTE]
Which one is the field of power?

I usually got lazy so when I got to Nede I would just use a guide and make all the best weapons.

[quote name='willardhaven']Then why not go for the PSX version? I played it and it felt pretty true to my SNES version in terms of controls.[/quote]
I just recommended the GBA because I thought it would be faster and the graphics are better. =)
 
[quote name='Feeding the Abscess']Since I haven't played a Star Ocean game in close to a decade, I figured I'd run through 2, 3, then Last Hope International. I was having a good time with 2. That is, until I got to the Field of Power. I've done a slight amount of grinding - around level 55 for the characters I'm using - and I'm getting pummeled. I refuse to slog around for five hours between every dungeon leveling. If 3 is anything like 2, I won't bother with it or 4.

I actually liked a lot of what Second Story has to offer, even with dumb, cliched characters - I just can't bring myself to want to grind for hours on end.[/QUOTE]

What party are you using? The combat in SO2 is largely geared towards picking one solid special attack for all your fighters and having them spam the shit out of it. Upgraded Ripper Blast with Claude, for example, is pretty easily abusable, but all the characters (except maybe Bowman) have one or two overpowered moves, particularly on the lower difficulties. Might backfire, though; I was so sick of hearing Precis say "Barrier!" my first playthrough that it put me off from picking up the game again for several years.

Cheesing the crafting system to get an Eternal Sphere or something of the like will probably make things easier too.
 
[quote name='kainzero']Which one is the field of power?

I usually got lazy so when I got to Nede I would just use a guide and make all the best weapons.


I just recommended the GBA because I thought it would be faster and the graphics are better. =)[/QUOTE]

The one on the icy mountain. I already finished the Field of Intelligence without any problems. Have the Marvel Sword on Claude, and solid equipment on everyone else. I'm technically using a guide, but moreso as a "go here" reference, not as a tell-all type of thing.

I don't feel like taking several hours to make all the best weapons, though. I wouldn't mind it if it were integrated into the story or something, but grinding for hours just to level up and make weapons to be able to get through each half hour portion of the game is not something I want to do. Totally kills any immersion the game may have had, too. I'm really trying to like this game, by the way. I really did enjoy it the first times I played it (went through Claude and Rena's playthrough in ... 2000, I think).

[quote name='Magus8472']What party are you using? The combat in SO2 is largely geared towards picking one solid special attack for all your fighters and having them spam the shit out of it. Upgraded Ripper Blast with Claude, for example, is pretty easily abusable, but all the characters (except maybe Bowman) have one or two overpowered moves, particularly on the lower difficulties. Might backfire, though; I was so sick of hearing Precis say "Barrier!" my first playthrough that it put me off from picking up the game again for several years.

Cheesing the crafting system to get an Eternal Sphere or something of the like will probably make things easier too.[/QUOTE]

Claude, Rena, Precis, and Celine. Celine is set to cast the most powerful magic spells she has, and I have some item on her that cuts MP use by quite a bit. She casts Southern Cross, Lunar Light, and Thunderstorm almost constantly, in order of her apparent preference. Precis is set to attack using her killer moves, and her Hop whatever does like 6000 damage. She never uses the other attack for some reason, which I think is the Hammer one. I have a link combo on Claude, and his Burst Knuckle/Dragon Howl is what I use; does about 8,000 damage combined. Powered up Air Slash/Headstab is the other combo. I use that for long range attacks. Depending on where I'm at, I set Rena to attack (her attack rating is around 1300, Claude and Precis are in the 1700 range) or sit back and support everybody with healing and support magic.
 
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[quote name='Feeding the Abscess']I don't feel like taking several hours to make all the best weapons, though. I wouldn't mind it if it were integrated into the story or something, but grinding for hours just to level up and make weapons to be able to get through each half hour portion of the game is not something I want to do. [/QUOTE]
It's really easy to make the best weapons. Just make sure you have the Orchestra ability and you can make a ton of good stuff and it shouldn't take more than an hour at the most.
Heck, if you make Eternal Sphere that's GG already.

You should also really abuse Ripper Blast. You should abuse it so much that you get tired of "Tearrrrrr into pieces...." Those skills you mentioned seem pretty outdated.
 
I beat Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story last night and the ending felt really drawn out. I really enjoyed the game up until the final dungeon and then it seemed to me like everything just bogged down mainly because the enemies were really tedious with almost no variation in attacks, which was compounded by the fact that you fight them so many times because of the length of the dungeon.

Also, I was expecting a somewhat difficult final encounter, since the other M&L games had reasonably challenging final encounters, but the final boss in Bowser's Inside Story was barely challenging and in my opinion didn't really use the game mechanic of having Bowser and Mario and Luigi both fighting at once since Bowser barely does anything, he is basically just there to do damage until you can engulf the actual final boss so M&L and wale on him.

I mean, I still really enjoyed the game but the ending probably makes it the worst in the M&L series.
 
[quote name='icebeast']I beat Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story last night and the ending felt really drawn out. I really enjoyed the game up until the final dungeon and then it seemed to me like everything just bogged down mainly because the enemies were really tedious with almost no variation in attacks, which was compounded by the fact that you fight them so many times because of the length of the dungeon. [/QUOTE]

This is why I never finished Partners in Time, and is a generaly complaint with the fights in the series. They're generally not difficult, they just take forever
 
[quote name='Zmonkay']This is why I never finished Partners in Time, and is a generaly complaint with the fights in the series. They're generally not difficult, they just take forever[/QUOTE]

I can agree with this. Its also one of my own reasons for not finishing PiT. I got to the final dungeon and just felt all the tedious fights just wasn't worth it anymore.
 
Blaze Union screens!!

http://www.famitsu.com/image/7137/rTXjBr848bv5Erpz7Cipz4NDh92xbwaX.html

reminding me once again that RPG backlog hates me!!

here's my RPG update:

finished Half Minute Hero... final stage was epic, and I also beat the 3 second stage which was a bitch.

started FF13... it feels exactly the same as every other FF game!!

started Devil Survivor... simple game so far, but the story parts are quite time consuming, donno how to fit the game into 15 minute breaks at work...

Yakuza 3... hopefully I will get it today!!
 
Infinite space looks like a pick up. And a shining force (? that doesnt sound right) srpg also by sega said to be coming out in march as well according to amazon.
 
So, I picked Star Ocean 2 back up after about a week's absence. Got through a decent chunk of the game without a problem, but I just got to the first of the 4 fields, the field of wisdom, and the boss is impossible. It kills any melee character 1 hit.

[quote name='eldergamer'] And a shining force (? that doesnt sound right) srpg also by sega said to be coming out in march as well according to amazon.[/QUOTE]

Well, there was a Shining Force Feather released for the DS a year ago or so in Japan, but I never heard anything about it coming to the US unfortunately.
 
So I caved and got FFXIII. It's exactly what I expected. The first 5 hours are boring as hell. So much that I was considering to return it. But after a while I got hooked. Not the best FF but not the worst. The restricted world remains a turn-off but I've adapted. The battle system eventually evolves. It's addicting and fast. I like the music, especially the main battle theme. However the iconic FF Victory theme is no where to be seen.

The storytelling is odd. Almost like it starts you in the middle of the story. For the first several hours I kept thinking "WTF is going on." Made it difficult for me to enjoy the story from the get-go. I like most of the characters, Sazh being my favorite.

It's far from perfect but it's definitely the best console-RPG to come out of Square/Enix in a very long time.
 
[quote name='EXStrike']So Resonance of Fate - PS3 or 360?

I'm around 12 hours in FFXIII, and I like the battle system.[/QUOTE]

From what I read, it's about the same so get whichever one you prefer.
 
[quote name='suko_32']From what I read, it's about the same so get whichever one you prefer.[/QUOTE]

360 is the better one. Higher AA if I remember correctly.

About 35 Hours into FF13 now. It really opens up at chapter 11 with a ton of hunts and things to do. Its strange they funnel you down a corridor for about 25 hours and now it seems like 25 more hours of open world.

I dont think anyone who reviewed the game bothered to actually get this far.

Also Lightning/Szah/Hope are the killer combo. 1 Commando 2 Ravagers.
 
[quote name='controlcommerce']I'm still trying to get past the first 5 hours of FFXIII myself....[/QUOTE]
Same here... but I blame Hope for that. I can't stand when that cry baby shows up.
 
[quote name='TomJones4']I dont think anyone who reviewed the game bothered to actually get this far.[/QUOTE]
That's funny. Every single review I read, the reviewer did get that far, and some even further. Also, from what I've read in those latter reviews, that wide open section doesn't last.
 
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