Chrono Compendium

Zenan Plains - Site Discussion => General Discussion => Topic started by: V_Translanka on January 12, 2009, 12:34:34 am

Title: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: V_Translanka on January 12, 2009, 12:34:34 am
I'm making this because I miss this thread & because the previous thread incarnation has become a giant fuckall video game discussion gangbang. I want this to actually be a thread about something more specific.

Here's what I'm still playing, though...

Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castlevania:_Order_of_Ecclesia) - Great addition to the series with a great twist on the classic gameplay (keeps it fresh w/o straying too much)...I did indeed get past that big skeleton...I've been thinking about going through with just the knives because they rule, but they're so weak and take down the MP quick, so they aren't too hot for those areas where zombies & such keep coming at you over & over...I forget where I am now...I think I remember swinging blades (those things like that one Edgar Allen Poe story whose proper name I can't think of currently)...

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Justice For All (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenix_Wright_Ace_Attorney_Justice_For_All) - I really hate the Psyche Locks in this game and the fact that your bar doesn't regenerate all the time like the first one (really, no one's going through these games for their challenge, y'know?)...but otherwise it still kicks ass. I'm currently on Farewell, My Turnabout, and I was actually surprised when Edgeworth popped up (I figured he'd come back, but I still didn't see it coming when it did)...

Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_emblem_shadow_dragon) - About to take back the castle...! I know it's not the end, but it looks like a formidable battle...I had to go through the battle before several times...V_V I'm gonna blame the Killer Lance he had and my stupidity for going up close (I WANTS EXP!!)...After I finally get through this game, I plan on restarting Blazing Sword & hopefully finally getting through that (& then going through Sacred Stones)...

Tecmo Bowl: Kickoff (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tecmo_Bowl_kickoff) - It's starting to wear on me after the first bowl finished...I love the special abilities, but with Tecmo Super Bowl III in the wings, my patience for this mostly older-based version is kind of thin...I'm still the Giants & still trying to unlock Tecmo Joe, though...but I think after the 2nd bowl, I'm going to quit...*shrugs*
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Acacia Sgt on January 12, 2009, 01:03:30 am
Well, currently, I'm playing Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories.

The game is good, however, I always find annoying the constant camera movement I have to do. Also, the game seems to don't want to give me high-value cards, or enemy cards for that matter. Even so, the battles are easy and I rarely have to reload my deck in battle, except on the boss fights, who are even easier than in the GBA.

Also, Seiken Densetsu 3.

Now this one is hard. I'm just before the last boss on the Mana Holyland, but those enemies on the way were really annoying, especially the grey one that morphs into a party member. Also, I regret not training properly, I'm just level 45 and the Archdemon destroyed me. I may need to train in the Holyland for like, several hours.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Romana on January 12, 2009, 01:09:30 am
Oh how I love these threads~.

Persona 3 FES - A seriously fun RPG for the PS2, and an updated, more balanced version of the original Persona 3. It's a spin-off series to Megami Tensei ("MegaTen"). It involves controlling your character (a silent protagonist whom you name) through his double life, making friends and trying to do well in school by day, and entering a sprawling tower and fighting freakish occult monsters by night. The titular 'Personas' are embodiments of the person's soul, which are based on gods, demons, and monsters from mythology and such, and Personas are summoned in battle to cast spells and assist your characters. The battle system's turn-based and involves a fun bit of strategy; the main character is the only controllable party member, and you direct the others with orders or allow them to act as the CPU sees fit. Depending on how you order your party members you can make things easier for yourself if you scan the enemy - the other members will then target the enemy's weakness, which knocks the enemy down, causing every party member to simultaneously attack and cause huge damage. The summoning method is... controversial to some, considering the summoner points a gun to their head and fires to call upon a Persona. Although the gun is a custom-made one specially for summoning... Anyway, the fun in the game lies in its massive depth (there is a hell of a lot to do) and balancing your 'double life', making sure to keep your social links high so that corresponding Persona types will get level up bonuses and such. It's a huge, fun RPG that's incredibly enjoyable.

Fire Emblem Shadow Dragon - I'm not too far into this, only 5 or 6 chapters. Still, it's great fun. Remake of the first Fire Emblem, what do I say? It's strategy with rock paper scissors combat and the ability to geniunely upset you should one of your units die (they permanently die), and it doesn't help that you're forced to sacrifice one early on... Anyway, it's a really great game.

Dissidia: Final Fantasy - Fanservice at its justifiable best. Eleven FF heroes and eleven FF villains fighting it out across a storyline picking on each hero's vulnerabilities and their reasons for battle makes one hell of a game. The actual fighting is a bit difficult to get the hang of at first... You have to build up 'Brave Points' by attacking your opponent with circle button attacks (which steals their BP and adds it to your own), and then you can hit them with HP attacks (the square button), which damages the foe for the amount of BP you have. Also, reducing their BP below 0 puts them into 'Break' status, where you gain BP from the little storage 'pool' in the middle of the health display. The story for each character explores their weaknesses and interactions with other FF heroes; it's both hilarious and heartwarming to see such team-ups, like Tidus and Squall with the former convincing the latter to show some trust, and Frioniel passing on some determination to Cloud. Only thing it lacks that would've made my year is playable Gilgamesh, but at least he's a summon. So is Ultros, for fans of the quirky mini-boss villains (and he causes BP to be unreadable by spraying ink! Brilliant!). Dissidia's great fun if not a little hard to pick up and play without a little while exploring how the system works. I'm working through the stories at the moment, finished Frioniel, Cecil, Cloud, Zidane, and Tidus's so far... I'm going by the difficulty rating given in-game for the order I'm doing these. Next will be Squall's story, I think. Tina/Terra and Warrior of Light have the hardest stories, a full 5 stars.

Final Fantasy IV DS - The lovely 3D remake of FFIV which pushes the difficulty even further (some bosses even have new attack methods which make them near-impossible without a serious amount of level grinding). I've just finished the Sealed Cave and about to get the Lunar Whale... Edge keeps dying and I need to train him a bit. Nothing else really notable, 'cept I went through hell trying to kill the Demon Wall. Oh yeah, and the Augment system is fucking annoying.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Eske on January 12, 2009, 01:10:37 am
Call of Duty: World At War

I like it so far, it's certainly harder than CoD 4.  I've always been a fan of the series and tend to prefer it over its counterparts (Halo/Quake/Doom).  I'm glad they returned to the WWII setting and, in my opinion, they did a much better job on this incarnation than with CoD 3  (really enjoyed the airplane combat level too).  Right now I think I'm storming a Japanese castle with the Marines - almost done  8)


Silent Hill: Homecoming

The graphics are fantastic and the gameplay is definitely harder than previous SH games (though I never played Origins).  I have a feeling that the story is going to have a rather lackluster twist and apparently there are little to no references to the older games.  Then again, I'm only at the police station and few plot points have surfaced so I still don't know what the hell is going on  :D  I guess more on it later...
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: FouCapitan on January 12, 2009, 01:12:53 am
Chrono Cross to gain some insight for my writing project here on the boards, and Chrono Trigger still striving end it on a maxed out game.

Aside from those I've been picking up New Super Mario Bros. a few times.  Good classic style of platform fun that I grew up with.  Also trying out Tales of Vesperia for my 360.  Haven't gotten far yet.  The battle system seems a bit unresponsive, so I'll have to sit down and fiddle with the settings until I find a comfortable play style.  (I recall having todo this with all of the Tales series though.  The default settings just seem too laggy for me)

Final Fantasy IV DS is currently on the back burner.  I try not to have more than one new RPG going at a time, and seeing as I never actually completed IV back on the PSX (Never owned the SNES version) this one will need full attention.

Also near the end of Star Wars: The Force Unleashed on 360.  Excellent game, though the story seems a bit blah.  Better than the pre-Trilogy at least, with it not treating the player as a complete retard like the movies did.  Most of the game is a no-brainer brawlfest though.  Still fun to toss Imperials around with the force and all.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: V_Translanka on January 12, 2009, 01:18:54 am
Fire Emblem Shadow Dragon - I'm not too far into this, only 5 or 6 chapters. Still, it's great fun. Remake of the first Fire Emblem, what do I say? It's strategy with rock paper scissors combat and the ability to geniunely upset you should one of your units die (they permanently die), and it doesn't help that you're forced to sacrifice one early on... Anyway, it's a really great game.

Yeah, the series is a little bit of a pain in that regard...but to get the x Chapters you have to have under 15 characters total...! That first forced loss isn't too bad since through the game you get like a dozen different Cavaliers & Paladins.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Shadow D. Darkman on January 12, 2009, 01:27:29 am
Castlevania: Order Of Ecclesia and CTDS.

CV:OoE - Good game. Took me two attempts to figure out how to get the canon ending. I had to save all the villagers before challenging Albus in order to do so. Otherwise, she doesn't have Albus' flashback and uses Dominus to free ol' Drac. Currently, I'm trying to find the second Cerberus Glyph so I can search for the third one. Once I have all three I can fight Drac. All the bosses so far, even Wallman, the most recent and supposedly the easiest, took me at least two tries to defeat.

CTDS - Currently playing another NewGame+ run to get all the endings, find the missing DV weapons (I have Dreamreaper, Falcon Pu... I mean, Apocalypse Arm, Spellsinger, and Dreamseeker). Just arrived in the Future and visited Trann Dome. Ended the current segment outside Site 16, on Bangor Dome's end.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: KebreI on January 12, 2009, 02:51:36 am
Persona 4: What do you know, Pvt I just got this game the other night. From what I've seen each Persona game has a different take on Personas. In this game you get them via controlling personal troubles and thus the get stronger the more Social links you get. Social links being how many friend you have an how strong of a bond you share. Its pretty much a Dating sim/RPG hybrid.

D&D 3.5I know its not a Video game but this is the first campaign I've participated in in years. I like how GM is really going for an over the top setting. The difference is like Record of Lodoss War vs Slayers, we were all to make normaly rejected characters that were VARY specialized. SO far the two sessions have be hysterical.

Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: V_Translanka on January 12, 2009, 03:00:19 am
Persona 4: What do you know, Pvt I just got this game the other night. From what I've seen each Persona game has a different take on Personas. In this game you get them via controlling personal troubles and thus the get stronger the more Social links you get. Social links being how many friend you have an how strong of a bond you share. Its pretty much a Dating sim/RPG hybrid.

Wow, that sounds like Mega Man Star Force (I still need to get through #2 of that series...#3's coming out pretty soon...)...
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: KebreI on January 12, 2009, 03:06:21 am
Whats More is in Persona 3 the Demons and Shadow come out in the Haunting hour, or Midnight the time Freezes for one hour. Yet in Persona 4 they live in another world accessed through entering televisions, and the can only attack when the fog sets. P3 midnight and full moons, P4 Rainy days with a TV. Seems like a downgrade but I like it.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: teaflower on January 12, 2009, 11:50:26 am
What am I playing? Hmm....

Final Fantasy XII. Yes. I've gone on a kick of a game I hate. We're supposed to be running through the Feywood, but I don't want to go there. The Feywood eats me! The battle system grows on you (Balthier! STOP STEALING FROM THAT! ... good boy.), but the characters seem to be flat. (Ashe: Angsty Rassler angsty nethicite angsty magicite angsty Empire angsty Dalmasca; Fran: Funny accented bunny lady. Slut. Mystical knowledge. Slut. RAWR! ... slut.; Penelo: Hi. I'm Penelo.) Why do I enjoy it so? (Balthier: PILFER! Basch: KILL! Penelo: Hi. I'm Penel-- NO! Balthier: ... dammit. *phoenix down* Penelo: Hi. I'm Penelo! *smack*)

Finish the Novel. Yes. That's a game now. I'm sending my characters through the Spirit Plane to get argent, which they need to get to Aderyn to save the world. I have a lot of stuff planned for them, though...

Soul Calibur III. I sense a kick of this coming, soon. I want to kick some serious ass with Mina! Yes, I play Mina a lot. I also play Xiangua or however you spell it. That crazy Chinese lady with the sword. I'm starting to play other characters, though. Tira, Raphael, Zasalamel, Taki, Talim... those are all in there.

Will add more later!
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Shadow D. Darkman on January 12, 2009, 11:52:38 am
Tea, you played SC4 yet? It's a good story (same game, different stuff IMO).
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: teaflower on January 12, 2009, 12:10:15 pm
I'd absolutely LOVE to, Darkman!

Go buy me the system and the game and all the proper paraphernalia and I'll give it a whirl, 'kay?

Games I'd really like to play... hmm...

Super Smash Brothers Brawl. My friend Parker let me play with him once. I'm good with Lucario and Sonic, it seems. I'd love to kick my brother's ass in that game... heeheehee... need the system and the game to play.

Chrono Trigger DS. ... why would I want to play this game, guys? Why do you think? I'd love to take my Chrono with me everywhere (theoretically, I could make a little back thing for my watch, but I like the one I have) so I can expose the masses to the awesomeness. I want to see the new translation, the new bosses, the new endings the new... everything! Need the system and game to play.

Edit the Novel. Yes. That's a game, too. In order to play the sequel to Finish the Novel, I need to finish Finish the Novel. Then we can play Edit the Novel. I don't play the sequel until I beat the game before it.

Any form of Guitar Hero. My nutty cousin, David, is a Guitar Hero freak. When I come over to his house with my mom so she can chat with his folks, I play with him. I'm actually pretty good! Need the system (not sure), paraphernalia, and game to play. And free time.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Shadow D. Darkman on January 12, 2009, 12:17:22 pm
I'd absolutely LOVE to, Darkman!

Go buy me the system and the game and all the proper paraphernalia and I'll give it a whirl, 'kay?

:picardno

Just look on YouTube, dumbass. The worst you can expect is bad quality.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: teaflower on January 12, 2009, 12:23:08 pm
You asked if I had played it. Watching people play a game is not the same as playing it. I'm familiar with the fact that it's awesome because my sis told me so. (when she was in college, one of her friends had a PS3 or another system that worked with SC4 and she played.)
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: KebreI on January 12, 2009, 12:26:34 pm
Shadow none of that here now.


Soul Calibur IV: Now I not playing as much but I still but it up every few days. As with the other games in the series it beautiful. Now the stages look alive with DoDo birds walking through the arena, crowds cheering on the circus it does a good job setting up the atmosphere. They drop the quest mode that was found in the older version in favor of something called TOWER MODE, with is just a bunch of fights back to back all with individual themes. A bit more challenging then the quest mode but not a fun over all. The Character builder is the highlight of this game with enough customizable to make almost anyone, just make sure that some using Sophitia's style is a girl or flaming gay.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Shadow D. Darkman on January 12, 2009, 01:22:58 pm
Mirror's Edge (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mirror%27s_Edge): Seen my brother play it. Great game. Played the Demo and the Races in the full version. I don't dare play the actual game until my brother finishes it. Then again, he's moving out soon so I either might not finish or might not get to play at all.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Acacia Sgt on January 12, 2009, 04:23:22 pm
I have recently starting replaying Narikiri Dungeon 3, after several weeks of not touching it.

All I can say is, it's really annoying not knowing exactly what's going on. I want to know why those seven were in Traitor's Foretress, other than what the name of the place implies.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Nexus on January 12, 2009, 08:18:21 pm
Persona 4 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persona_4): I have been pretty much playing it off an on since I first got it. The game has been pretty interesting in it's plot and characters. Luckily I have had experience with the Shin Megami Tensei games. So it wasn't that difficult to deal with some of the enemies quirks in battle. It is always amusing to see a high school student summon a persona from mythology to fight some shadows in the TV world.

Fallout 3 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fallout_3): I was playing Fallout 3 and ironically enough I haven't touched it since I got Persona 4. Even though this game does portray the Fallout universe quite well it does leave you a little overwhelmed. I played the first two games and it does live up to the previous games to extent. What I really miss was the Black Isle humor they put into the first two. Over all it is quite entertaining but until I finish Persona 4 I probably won't finish it.

Also when I finished the games I am currently playing I will start on Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hitoshura). Much to my surprised I actually found the game in the mall in excellent condition with everything intact. This has been one of the more elusive games I have been trying to get for some time.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: mav on January 12, 2009, 09:28:09 pm
Super Bomberman (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Bomberman): I went to a vintage game store, bought a new SNES controller (looks like it's an after-market product) and this game. I'm hoping to find a multi-tap from eBay, but for now I'm just playing two player. Anyhow, this game is fucking AMAZING. The nostalgia aspect is overwhelming--simple gameplay, oldschool graphics, and just one helluva good time. There's really no story to this, I was just looking for something to play with a couple people, and going back to the SNES has done wonders for me.
Mortal Kombat 3 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MK3): A friend of mine owns this...it's too fucking hard for its own good. But it's unbelievably fun. You all know Mortal Kombat--same graphics as always, and it's one the SNES--frustrating as it can be, it's a good game to kill time with.
Legend of Mana (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legend_of_Mana): I kinda got sidelined away from this game recently, but I was heavily dedicated to it a month ago. It's such a fantastic and underrated game...phenomenal music, breathtaking graphics...and a convoluted storyline. Unfortunately this is one of those games that gets bashed for its limited connection to the series, but it's damn fantastic. I'm trying to do as many of the quests as possible--team up with as many characters as I can, get as many items and artifacts as possible...but my break's coming to an end, so it looks like I'll have to put this one down for now.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Boo the Gentleman Caller on January 12, 2009, 09:37:11 pm
I am playing Final Fantasy Tactics Advance 2 on DS when I only have a few minutes for video games...  When I have a lot of time, however, I am currently playing through Half-Life 2 again.  Gosh, that game was genius.  I haven't played Episode One or Episode Two yet, but that's my goal after I finish Half-Life 2 again...  It makes me want to be a scientist.  Gordon Freeman is the shit.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: V_Translanka on January 12, 2009, 09:53:06 pm
I am playing Final Fantasy Tactics Advance 2 on GBA when I only have a few minutes for video games...

You mean DS...? Or are you playing the first FFTA?
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Boo the Gentleman Caller on January 12, 2009, 09:57:48 pm
Oh snap!  Correction:

Final Fantasy Tactics A2 on the DS.  Whoops!

Luso Clemons has got it in for me now!
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Nexus on January 12, 2009, 11:11:34 pm
I am playing Final Fantasy Tactics Advance 2 on DS when I only have a few minutes for video games...  When I have a lot of time, however, I am currently playing through Half-Life 2 again.  Gosh, that game was genius.  I haven't played Episode One or Episode Two yet, but that's my goal after I finish Half-Life 2 again...  It makes me want to be a scientist.  Gordon Freeman is the shit.

How would you rate Final Fantasy Tactics Advance 2? Also the two episodes of Half-life 2 are quite interesting after the events of Half-Life 2 while leaving City 17.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: V_Translanka on January 12, 2009, 11:23:44 pm
I thought FFTA2 was a slight improvement over FFTA, myself...But sadly still nothing compared to FFT...If I were to go the SRPG route on DS I'd have to go with Disgaea or Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon (which I have, actually).
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Yoko Endovale on January 13, 2009, 07:13:14 pm
Here we are...!

Radical Dreamers
Should be fairly obvious regarding my history here. Beta testing beta testing. Script checking and grammar fixing. Though without much new material to work with...! It's a little irritating having to start all over every time I repatch, LOL. And I got to figure out how to add in-game saves... ah, me oh my. Also picking up better on that Aussie accent, eh, mate? (Important to note though, in one of my fanfictions my character speaks HEAVY australian to the point it's almost unreadable. LOL.)

Chrono Cross
This is my... third time playing it? I haven't touched it since I was 16. Suddenly I'm seeing the entire game in a different light, and I have no idea why. I've come to severely dislike the fact the middle portion of the game makes you its bitch and basically drives Serge to the point where any normal person would just commit suicide. And why does it seem to me they don't WANT us to use Kidd at all in the game when she's a major character? Ah, but I still love it despite these little flaws. I'm about to go get rebirthed, YEAH! Also, ZOAH YOU LOUDMOUTH. I FIGURED OUT YOUR SECRET. YOU'RE SCREAMING BECAUSE YOU LOST YOUR HEARING AID, AND NAKED BECAUSE THEY KEEP TAKING YOUR DRESSES AWAY. YOU SILLY, AND YOUR SOUL'S NAME IS CELIA.

Mario Kart Wii
Not playing in a serious fashion. My sister just needs attention and we both highly enjoy dem Karting games there. Rozalina is tha lady, man! Her Luma giggles when you pull tricks on it.

That's it for now!
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: teaflower on January 13, 2009, 07:17:34 pm
I don't get people that don't play video games for fun. It kind of annoys me, actually.

Um... I can't think of any sort of games that I want to play or don't want to play, so...
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: V_Translanka on January 13, 2009, 08:24:38 pm
It's a little irritating having to start all over every time I repatch, LOL.

Can't you just rename your savestates or w/e?

I don't get people that don't play video games for fun. It kind of annoys me, actually.

Maybe I missed it...Did someone say they weren't having fun playing something or was this just a random statement?
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Acacia Sgt on January 13, 2009, 08:35:05 pm
Even if it was random, that's currently what I don't have with what I'm currently playing.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: teaflower on January 13, 2009, 09:03:06 pm
What I was talking about is those crazy competitions that don't seem fun at all. That doesn't make sense.

Still can't think of anything.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Romana on January 14, 2009, 12:50:49 am
The Brawl community springs to mind.

Some people actually go back to Melee because of one or two really obscure minor changes Brawl made.

And don't start on tiers... play as a character who isn't Marth, Fox, Falco or Wolf and you're the fucking scum of the earth!
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Shadow D. Darkman on January 14, 2009, 12:57:08 am
Quote from: Mario in "Brawl Taunts 2"
Tiers are for queers.

I feel a bit uncomfortable with the homophobic reference (maybe b/c of my lesbian friend who is a good person).

Even so...

QFT.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Radical_Dreamer on January 14, 2009, 04:33:51 am
What I was talking about is those crazy competitions that don't seem fun at all. That doesn't make sense.

Have you ever participated in a game competition? I've played in some tournaments, and they're fun to do some times. The biggest issue is that there's a lot of waiting around, but you're hanging out with friends and people who have at least one mutual interest, so it doesn't have to be boring.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: V_Translanka on January 14, 2009, 04:40:24 am
I'm still not sure what brought up the topic...>_>

The way I see it, gaming competitions are usually just multi-players with people who are (or at the very least think they are) the best at w/e game or genre or gaming in general (depending on the tournament style, I guess)...I wouldn't mind joining one if I had a team of people I trusted for FPSs (which I don't)...Otherwise, I know I'd get my ass handed to me.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Schala Zeal on January 14, 2009, 04:50:26 am
Also, for World of Warcraft I play on Moon Guard US server, my characters:

Rumika - 70 - human - paladin - retribution
Ryouko - 77 - undead - death knight - blood
Ayuko - 75 - night elf - druid - feral
Hinoki - 70 - blood elf - hunter - beast mastery
Schaala - 30 - draenei - shaman - enhancement
Azulie - 13 - troll - mage - fire
Silverna - 11 - tauren - warrior - fury
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: V_Translanka on January 14, 2009, 05:04:31 am
This goes to show how little I care for MMO's, but doesn't WoW charge per character or are they not that lame about it? If they do, though & you just happen to be rich...can we be best friends? :lol:

My avy is making me miss MvC2...I might have to go plug in my DC...
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Schala Zeal on January 14, 2009, 05:21:22 am
It's a simple $15/month per account, though there are optional services:

- Each expansion that comes out every 1-2 years is $40, not bad really
- 50 character limit per account, 10 character limit per realm per account, 1 heroic character (death knight) per realm per account
- Character realm transfers are $25 per character if you want to transfer realms, has a 30 day wait after that
- Character rename is $10 per character, 30 day delay until you can do it again to same character
- Character recustomization (gender, skin color, etc) is $15 per character, 30 day wait after usage, optional name change is bundled. Though, the game features a barbershop where you can change your head hair, facial hair, tusks, horns, tatoos, earrings, etc for free. Well... free as in it doesn't cost real life money. You do need gold that you collect in the game to purchase barber shop stuff though.

And VT, aren't we already friends? *tight hug*

BTW, difference between barbershop and paid customization is barbershop does cosmetics whereas paid customization does skin color, gender, and name, as well as barbershop services of course.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Shee on January 14, 2009, 04:16:45 pm
I played Guild Wars, which had no monthly fee.  It was aite for a couple weeks then it got really boring.  Right now I'm playing :

Fable II - It's fun, I don't care what anybody says.  Beat it once with the most vile and evil character ever, which I LOVED!!  Now, I'm doing it again witha super jolly fat nice guy.  It's cool that everyone likes this guy, but I'll be honest, it was more satisfying when the town cleared from the evil fella wandering in.  Regardless, fun game.

College Hoops 2k8 - Rollin' with Sacramento State....turrible team but i've brought in some good recruits so it's lookin' up.  i still need to get to a bigger conference.

NCAA Football 09 - Took UNLV from the MWC to the Pac-10 woot woot.  Still, I HATE throwing int's!!!  It drives me crazy, really.

Haven't played CT in a few weeks (no DS for this guy) after starting a new game plus, going straight to the bucket for a rather disapointing ending....(no...I haven't seen them all)

Yup, I like sports and sports games, don't hate....don't hate...
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: V_Translanka on January 20, 2009, 01:54:23 am
Just finished Justice For All so I started up...

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Trials & Tribulations - I'm only in the first case, but I enjoy how they've started it...much like Justice For All (where they had Phoenix get clonked over the head & lose his memory), they've managed to make a fun way to start the game with an introduction to the series & gameplay...I always liked Mia and it's good to see her in action as more than a spirit again...One thing so far that it's made me realize is how Phoenix's screwball friend hasn't been seen very much in the series since the first game...I wonder if he'll come back in this one (or maybe make an appearance in this flashback case)...
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Acacia Sgt on January 20, 2009, 02:17:34 am
Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War.

My goal is to get S rank on all missions. So far, I still have missions 3, 10, both 12's, 13, and 22 to get S rank on them.

Honestly, I don't know what I'm doing wrong in mission 3. Somehow, when I'm in the open sea, I finish the mission despite still having things to shoot down. The fleet is not even half-way from one side to the other of the combat area, and enemy planes are still on the way to enter it, with a few enemy ships still alive. Anyway, having rised from B to A in mission 22, I consider it enough for the day.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Shadow D. Darkman on January 20, 2009, 11:18:24 am
Who is Phoenix's screwball friend again, Trans? (Obviously not Maya, since you speak of a male.)

EDIT: You should totally play Apollo Justice. Great GS game, and Case 4 is one of the best in the whole series.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: HyperNerd on January 20, 2009, 12:22:22 pm
Mother 3-

I'm playing this game again, practicing the rythem's and such until I'm ready for a 100% run. I plan to get everything. All the front/ Back Sprites, all the items at least once, and... Etc.

Final Fantasy VII-

Playing this one for the first time. It's really self explanatory.

CTDS-

I'm on my third NG+ run currently, attempting to get all of the items. I'm not gonna be done with this one until I have the Perfect file. With lvl ** Charecters and everything.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Romana on January 20, 2009, 01:10:54 pm
Who is Phoenix's screwball friend again, Trans? (Obviously not Maya, since you speak of a male.)

EDIT: You should totally play Apollo Justice. Great GS game, and Case 4 is one of the best in the whole series.

He means Larry Butz.

And Apollo Justice is the 4th game, so technically he should play it after T&T.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Shadow D. Darkman on January 20, 2009, 01:37:23 pm
Ah, I forgot about him.

IDK if he played T&T after JFA. He might have played PW after JFA.

And the reason I said that was b/c there are people who bash AJ over the fact that Phoenix is no longer a playable character (which is wrong anyway since you play as him in Case 4 of AJ).

Also, concerning AJ, maybe they should show at least what happened to everyone in the seven years between T&T and AJ.

Edgeworth - What happened to him, since Apollo never takes him on?
Maya - Why wasn't she with Phoenix in that one case, State VS Enigmar?
Pearl - Kinda weird for an 8-year-old to just vanish.
Larry - What happened?
Franziska von Karma - Also never faced Apollo. Did she go back to wherever?
Manfred von Karma - Only appeared in one case. What was his fate?

And there should also be a point in which the player finds out about Apollo's father (The Amazing Justice, perhaps?), even if Apollo himself never finds out. And have Lamiroir reveal herself to Apollo and Trucy as Thalassa.

Simply put, Gyakuten Saiban 5 (not Gyakuten Kenji) needs to tie up all the loose ends.

EDIT: Added spoiler tags upon request of V_Translanka. I didn't spoiler the prosecutors since I never said who Apollo DOES take on.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: V_Translanka on January 20, 2009, 01:57:02 pm
Yeah, Larry's who I was talking about...Yes, I've been playing them in order...I am looking forward to Apollo Justice since those are the true DS games, right? So I figure they'll be more like the extra case in the DS remake of the first game with the nifty DS-centric features being used...

CTDS-

I'm on my third NG+ run currently, attempting to get all of the items. I'm not gonna be done with this one until I have the Perfect file. With lvl ** Charecters and everything.

I wouldn't count it unless all your characters had 99999999999999 (however many numbers) EXP, which I haven't even done in my SNES file (the only one I've really effed out at all besides just going for all endings)...;)
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Romana on January 20, 2009, 02:02:54 pm
Shadow, you should probably spoiler all of that, that gives away pretty much all of AJ.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Shadow D. Darkman on January 20, 2009, 02:03:45 pm
Meh, if I ever care enough, I'll do it then. Right now, I kinda don't.

Besides, as I have said in the past, the actual experience is the best part. Whether you knew about it in advance is irrelevant.

And even then, what if some of those spoilers were lies? Go play it and see for yourself.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: V_Translanka on January 20, 2009, 02:06:17 pm
I knew not to read since he's fairly spoiler-tag-phobic or w/e...It was kind of obvious the direction his post was going...Though maybe you should for other people, Shadow...
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Shadow D. Darkman on January 20, 2009, 02:08:22 pm
*sigh* As you wish.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: KebreI on January 20, 2009, 02:09:05 pm
Meh, if I ever care enough, I'll do it then. Right now, I kinda don't.
What a Dick...




Persona 4 Still and I am loving this game more and more. Its pretty much an Ace Attorney/ Harvest moon/FF hybrid. The plot turns out to be a little predicable and the dungeon crawling a bit repetitious. I am looking forward to playing Persona 3 after this one.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: V_Translanka on January 20, 2009, 02:23:15 pm
I always want to get into the Megami Tensei series and whenever I read the description of the first couple games it sounds pretty interesting...but then I look at a few of the 8-bit screenshots and shy away...Oh nos! I is graphics whore!?
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Jutty on January 20, 2009, 02:28:04 pm
Halo 3: Kinda got bored of it for a while, but returned after playing on my friends low skill level account and dominating terribles.

Final Fantasy IX: I love this game. It's my first time playing all the way through and it's so refreshing to have a main character that isn't a cry baby bitch emo kid. So far Steiner's annoyance is the only thing keeping it from being my favorite FF. Also I'm totally gay for Vivi. I love how it feels like the 16 bit FF games.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: teaflower on January 20, 2009, 04:08:49 pm
You've played all the way through? How in the world can you still be sane after the shit Dagger and Eiko put you through? "Oh, my mommy's crazy, so I'm not going to talk and screw up your battle." Vivi, yes. When you get later, Amarant can be a godsend. Chakra saved my soul. (restores a little HP and MP) As did Aura (unlike in FF8 which heightened your chance for a limit, Aura gives you Auto-Life).
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: chrono eric on January 20, 2009, 08:55:09 pm
Grandia: My god this game is so much fun. I forgot just how awesome it truly is. The "childishness" of the characters is grating and irritating at first, but the engrossing story and world really pulls you in. Despite the fact that the world map is a 2D point and click type reminiscent of FF Tactics, Grandia still provides a greater sense of adventure and exploration than any RPG I've ever played. That's how good it is.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Romana on January 20, 2009, 10:28:07 pm
You've played all the way through? How in the world can you still be sane after the shit Dagger and Eiko put you through? "Oh, my mommy's crazy, so I'm not going to talk and screw up your battle."

All I can say is the voice thing, combined with the general annoyance of the Desert Palace, is the most frustrating thing in the game. Jutty, leave Steiner or a high-leveled Freya in your Desert Palace party (the characters you don't take to Oeilvert) in Disc 3 or you might find it really, really annoying.

Grandia: My god this game is so much fun. I forgot just how awesome it truly is. The "childishness" of the characters is grating and irritating at first, but the engrossing story and world really pulls you in. Despite the fact that the world map is a 2D point and click type reminiscent of FF Tactics, Grandia still provides a greater sense of adventure and exploration than any RPG I've ever played. That's how good it is.

I've been meaning to try out Grandia, I loved the second one.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: chrono eric on January 20, 2009, 11:19:47 pm
I've been meaning to try out Grandia, I loved the second one.

I should warn you that the game starts mind-numbingly slow. It is probably the slowest start of any RPG I've ever played actually. But don't let that make you give up the game early on when you play it, because it picks up rather quickly after that and stays that pace for the rest of the game.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Phillies64 on January 21, 2009, 05:46:46 pm
I'm a little worried because I'm not as much of a gamer as I used to be.

I play Mari Kart Wii on a regular basis.

I should have beaten Mario Galaxy months ago, but I go in and out of it. I love the game, but I play for hours at a time, then forget about it for weeks. So technically I'm still playing that.

I still mess around with RPG Maker for the PSX. The epic I started right before college still isn't finished.

Chrono Trigger DS has made me want to play Chrono Cross again. I may fire that up soon.

Call of Duty World at War on PS3 is one of my current favs.

Any suggestions on DS or GBA games?
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Shadow D. Darkman on January 21, 2009, 06:27:49 pm
Any suggestions on DS or GBA games?

Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia for DS, and Super Mario World: Super Mario Advance 2 for GBA.

I also recommend Super Paper Mario and Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, both for Wii, if you have not already played them. Also play Primes 1 and 2 for GameCube.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Sintu on January 21, 2009, 09:38:53 pm
I'm really too lazy to be fancy and put wiki links, but if you're interested enough you can always google it.

Tales of the Abyss:  I'm kinda late playing this I guess (it's a PS2 game), but I just got introduced to the "Tales of" series recently.  It started with me being impressed with the SNES version of Tales of Phantasia (Japan only release, fan-translations are available though).  After that, I decided to pick up Tales of Symphonia for the GC, which led to me getting Tales of the Abyss for my PS2.

I'm not very far into the game, so I can't really say too much.  The ability to freely roam around the battle area is nice, because I hated not being able to do that in Symphonia.  The story is just a little confusing with all this "fon" stuff, but I think I get the general idea so far.  I don't really have much to say about the characters considering I'm not very far and I know little about them.  Luke is annoying, but I think it's justifiable considering his situation.  Anise is just really annoying.  Jade kinda reminds me of Balthier, which is a good thing because he's one of my most favorite characters.  Not much to say about everyone else.  The only things that really bug me right now are the long load times and laggy world map.

P.S.  If you've never played the SNES version of Tales of Phantasia, you should at least check it out even if you've played other versions (there are PS1, GBA, and PSP remakes/ports).  It's a pretty damn impressive SNES game IMO.  The other versions are better of course, but it's interesting to see what they were able to do with the SNES version at least IMO.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Acacia Sgt on January 21, 2009, 09:48:00 pm
Speaking of Tales of Phantasia, that's what I'm currently playing. I have recently defeated Jahmir and freed Prince Laird of Alvanista from Dhaos's control.

I'm playing the GBA port. And this time, I will finish it. Currently, I regret loosing my save file, but I don't mind playing it again from the start.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: teaflower on January 21, 2009, 09:51:21 pm
Sintu! Acacia!

If you can (which I doubt you can), go get yourself a copy of Tales of Destiny. It's a great game and unappreciated. However, it didn't go too well here in the states, and the copies you find on eBay are highly valued by collectors. I suggest, if you can fix it up right, work with the ROM. The battles are really slow that way, though. Leon is pretty cool (until he decides that he would rather be dead), Stahn is fun to have, Garr kicks some ass (once you level grind with him and get Igtenos), Philia is pretty cool for a whiny priestess girl, and Rutee is... skank.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Sintu on January 21, 2009, 10:13:53 pm
I was seriously considering it awhile back, but then I saw that there was a remake AND a sequel for Tales of Destiny on the PS2.  The problem is, they're both Japan only.  So that kinda puts me in a frustrating situation.  I don't know jack about PS2 modding (and I don't have the patience either), so I have no way of playing the remake and sequel.  Sure, I could just play the PS1 version of the first game, but knowing that the remake and sequel exist would bug the crap out of me (I'm already kinda pissed off about the FF4 sequel).

I'll probably play it eventually though.

Speaking of Tales of Phantasia, that's what I'm currently playing. I have recently defeated Jahmir and freed Prince Laird of Alvanista from Dhaos's control.

I'm playing the GBA port. And this time, I will finish it. Currently, I regret loosing my save file, but I don't mind playing it again from the start.

I heard that the GBA port was kinda meh, but I can't really speak from experience.  It could just be people whining about English voice acting though.  From the videos I saw, the sound quality suffered like the GBA ports of the FF games, but the graphics were like the PS1 version.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Acacia Sgt on January 21, 2009, 10:47:12 pm
I think the voices are okay. Although, I have the European version. Maybe in that one that aspect is better than the American one.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Sintu on January 21, 2009, 11:08:23 pm
I think the voices are okay. Although, I have the European version. Maybe in that one that aspect is better than the American one.

/shrug

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbvgHviyRck (gba)

vs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFak_z35nF4 (snes)

vs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7SCsO6Mhgk (PSP)

I'm probably just being a Japanophile, but I do like the Japanese versions better.  BTW, couldn't find the PS1 version of it, but it's almost exactly like the PSP version except Dhaos has a different voice actor.

EDIT:  Grr... I could have just posted this:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vmgapz6IGws (all versions)
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Zephira on January 21, 2009, 11:21:49 pm
I am playing *gasp!* CTDS! Hurrah!
I got it Saturday around four, beat the main story Sunday night. Going to work on getting all the endings next.
Aside from that, I've acquired Bioshock, Fable, and Team Fortress 2 over the past couple of months, but haven't started any of them yet. Any idea which I should play first?
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: idioticidioms on January 22, 2009, 02:28:28 am
Fair warning, these are all going to be NES/SNES/GBA games. Well, except for one, which is N64. I think I'll start with that one and get it out of the way. (I only have one game system that's not on my comp at the moment, and that's the 64. My PS2 I let my cousin borrow and he never returned it. I wont be making that mistake again)

Legend of Zelda - Ocarina of Time - Have played this before all the way through and thought it was a pretty well-made game. Having played Both Zelda's for NES and the one for SNES; Legend of Zelda, Adventure of Link and A link to the Past, respectively; I was impressed by the graphics, gameplay and storyline of this game. A bit slow in the playing due to me being more interested in playing other games at the moment.

Bahamut Lagoon - Still working on my first time through this game. The battles are Reminiscent of Final Fantasy Tactics (for me, anyway), but with different graphics which give the game it's own personality. I like the character graphics on this and the storyline, from what I've seen is pretty good.

Dark Law - Meaning of Death - Never played this one before just a couple days ago. Pretty decent game, a bit odd with the way the storyline goes, but not bad. I'm currently level 5 on it and can't go any further until I fill out some more of the dungeon mode and level up.

Emerald Dragon - Another one that I never played until a couple days ago. I really like this one, so far. It has a decent storyline, good game play, and one of the most unique battle systems I've seen yet. For an SNES game, this really impressed me.

Star Ocean - I've played this many times, but never through to the end. I just found out how to get it to stop freezing up on me, so hopefully this time I'll make it through. This has a very good storyline to it, a good plot, good battle system, though definitely not the best (the best being Real Time Battles, in my opinion) and has a variety of different skills and stuff you can mess around with. This is THE best RPG for SNES, in my opinion, followed closely by

Tales of Phantasia - I am actually playing this on both the SNES and the GBA to see what differences, if any, there are. Pretty good game, obviously made by the same people as Star Ocean. The battle system, menu stuff, etc is all the same as Star Ocean with a few additions. I actually like the Skill stuff better on this one than on Star Ocean because of the more in-depth feel to it, though both games take some getting used to before you get the hang of knowing what skills to advance to learn stuff.

Treasure of the Rudra (Rudra no Hihou) - Another really good game. I enjoyed the Mantra system on this game and have developed a decent list of good mantras. I was impressed by the graphics of this game and how the party system worked. (when creating a new game, you name four characters and each character is the head of his/her own party. Then you choose which char you want to use (only being able to use 3 at the start) and each one has it's own storyline, and you can switch between them by resetting the game. I've beaten this one before, but now I'm playing it through with a better translation.

Terranigma - This is a pretty unique game in itself, really good story line (I thought, anyway) good real time battle system, and decent unique menu system. I've played through this one a couple times already and I'm getting ready to start another new game on this. I like how some of the actions and choices you make have effects on things later in the game. (when you get to the stage of the game where you interact with humans, you can build towns up into cities by making the right choices and can buy your own house in one if you make all the right choices.) I thought this game was pretty awesome.

Final Fantasy - Dawn of Souls - I first started playing the series Final Fantasy with the US FF3 for SNES. I got Final Fantasy 1 for NES a few years later and liked it, and have played it on every system it's been out on that I could get my hands on. For those of you who haven't played this version of Final Fantasy 1 and 2, you should. With 4 extensive new dungeons in FF1, nifty new graphics and spruced up soundtrack, these games are great re-makes of the originals. I only wish it was more like the psx version where you had a choice between easy and normal mode. On this you only get easy mode.

Final Fantasy IV Advance - first time playing through this version. I've beaten it before on the PSX version and the SNES version. A pretty good game all around, new graphics, updated music, etc. Looking forward to checking out the new shit in it.

Final Fantasy V Advance - Same story as FFIVA, but with a different style. I've played through this once before on this system and enjoyed the new Jobs and abilites. looking forward to playing through it again. Hopefully I'll be able to beat Omega and Shinryuu this time through.

Final Fantasy VI Advance - I have played this game on every system it's been out on and it is my second favorite Final Fantasy game, being trumped only slightly by Final Fantasy 8. First time I played it on this system was before they released it in America, and I played the straight japanese rom of it. I knew it well enough to go through it completely, but once I hit the new Esper fights, I needed to know where my items and spells were exactly and fumbled. Played through it as soon as it hit the states, the same day, actually, and loved the new Espers and dungeons.

Kingdom Hearts - Chain of Memories - A classic for any Kingdom Hearts fan. I enjoyed this very much the first time through and thoroughly enjoyed playing as Riku on the way back through. The card system of fighting takes some time getting used to for amateurs but is pretty easy to use once you get the hang of it.

Summon Night - I like the uniqueness of the game. You start out as a blacksmith, and the only weapons you get to use are those you make yourself. Haven't played all the way through it yet, but I am enjoying it as it progresses. Has a decent story line to it in the sense that it IS unique (first one I've seen of its kind). look forward to seeing the ending of it.

Now for some old school stuff:

Dick Tracy - a personal favorite of mine from my youth. Definitely not going to grab many people who don't have nostalgic ties to it, but a good game nonetheless. Play as Dick Tracy and solve crimes by finding clues and interrogating people before you make the final arrest and close your case. 5 cases total.

Star Tropics II - Zoda's Revenge - another game from my youth, is a pretty cool little real time fighting game for the NES. You don't level up or gain experience, but you do have a point system, health, etc. You have to be good or die a lot on this because the onyl way to heal yourself is to find healing potions and extra lives. Looking forward to beating the crap out of Zoda again.

Zelda II - The Adventure of Link - Still haven't beat this one, but it is a damn good Zelda game for NES, though pretty easy to max out on stats early on. Again, you have to be really good at this or die a lot. Even if you are really good, you still die a lot, so... Prepare to die a lot while playing this and be frustrated with it a lot. You won't always know where to go on it and that can be confusing as hell in spots, but not a bad game.

That's about it for now. I've got a lot on my plate and a lot more waiting to be played, so... I should be busy for a while as long as I can keep interest in the games.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: V_Translanka on January 22, 2009, 04:05:27 am
The only difference I've noticed in the GBA version of ToP as compared to the original was the nerfed encounter rate (which is a big plus in my books since it was so over-the-top before)...but then again, I've playing the GBA version w/o sound...

Any suggestions on DS or GBA games?

I've got a ton loaded up in my "Currently Playing" list (most are just on the backburner though) in my SoY thread (http://www.chronocompendium.com/Forums/index.php/topic,5946.0.html), so I'll share some of the best...

GBA

Advance Wars - Nice enough SRPG series by the people that do the Fire Emblem series.

Breath of Fire II - Great port of the SNES classic.

Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow - One of them neat "Castleroid" Castlevania games.

Final Fantasy I & II: Dawn of Souls - Nice FF enhanced port.

Final Fantasy IV Advance - Nice FF enhanced port.

Final Fantasy V Advance - Nice FF enhanced port.

Final Fantasy VI Advance - Nice FF enhanced port.

Final Fantasy Tactics Advance - Not FFT2, but good for what it is.

Fire Emblem (Blazing Sword) - Great SRPG series by the people that do the Advance Wars series (ha!).

Golden Sun - Classic RPG gameplay.

Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga - Another Mario RPG.

Megaman Battle Network I~VI - Interesting action gameplay that uses a card-based system for special attacks (it's funner than it sounds). Otherwise fairly corny characters from Capcom.

Mother 3 - Great series. If you played Earthbound you pretty much know what you're getting here.

Phantasy Star Collection (1~3) - Port of 3 classic Sega (SMS & Genesis) RPGs. It's only missing the best PS though (PSIV)...

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time - Pretty good platforming game with all those quirky Prince of Persia aspects.

Riviera: The Promised Land - My fav GBA (kind of hit-or-miss with most people though). Unique take on the RPG genre.

Shining Force: Resurrection of the Dark Dragon - Remake of the original Genesis Shining Force SRPG. Great series to introduce someone to the SRPG genre.

Tactics Ogre: The Knight of Lodis - The best SRPG on the system. What FFT fans really wanted when they heard about FFTA.

Tales of Phantasia - Good port of the original.

Yggdra Union: We'll Never Fight Alone - SRPG sequel to Riviera (also hit-or-miss) that incorporates a card-based system. Worth checking out, but it takes a bit of time to really get into the battle system (which it slowly introduces you to).

 -NDS

Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia - Another one of them Castleroids with a unique twist on gameplay.

Disgaea - If you haven't played the PS2 or PSP versions of Hour of Darkness, this is as good a time as any. Great SRPG. Prinny commentary is hilarious.

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates - Ok action/RPG.

Final Fantasy III - Great remake of one of the best 8-Bit RPGs.

Final Fantasy IV - Probably the definitive version.

Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings - Uhhhh...if you like RTSs I guess?

Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift - More FFTA.

Kirby Super Star Ultra - Great remake of the SNES game. Lots of fun stuff in there.

Mario & Luigi: Partners In Time - Another Mario RPG...with time travel...! >_>

Megaman Star Force I & II - More Battle Network with a few twists in gameplay.

Megaman ZX - Great 2D Megaman gameplay only not relying on the gimmick of oldschool graphics.

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney (I), Justice For All (II) and Trials & Tribulations (III) - Great point & click series from Capcom. Try it out! Fun stuff.

Resident Evil: Deadly Silence - Great port/remake of the original for those of us who never played it...or the GC version...

Tecmo Bowl Kickoff - The classic arcade-style football game is back all shiny & new-ish. Not as updated in gameplay as the later SNES versions, but still a nice enough game...

Trauma Center: Under the Knife - This is what the DS was made for. Shows off the touch screen's capabilities quite nicely.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: KebreI on January 22, 2009, 04:11:56 am
There's the list but made a bit simpler to read.

 -GBA
   ->Advance Wars - YES!!!
   ->Breath of Fire II - Yes
   ->Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow - Meh
   ->Final Fantasy I & II: Dawn of Souls - Yes
   ->Final Fantasy IV Advance - Meh.
   ->Final Fantasy V Advance - Meh
   ->Final Fantasy VI Advance - Meh
   ->Final Fantasy Tactics Advance - Yes
   ->Fire Emblem (Blazing Sword) - YES!!!
   ->Golden Sun - YEs
   ->Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga - Meh
   ->Megaman Battle Network I~VI - Yes
   ->Phantasy Star Collection (1~3) - Yes (if it had IV then it would have been a Must)
   ->Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time - No
   ->Riviera: The Promised Land - Yes
   ->Shining Force: Resurrection of the Dark Dragon - Yes
   ->Tactics Ogre: The Knight of Lodis - Meh
   ->Tales of Phantasia - Meh
   ->Yggdra Union: We'll Never Fight Alone - Yes
 -NDS
   ->Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia - Meh
   ->Disgaea - YES!!!
   ->Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates - Meh
   ->Final Fantasy III - Yes
   ->Final Fantasy IV - Meh
   ->Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings - No
   ->Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift - Yes
   ->Kirby Super Star Ultra - Meh
   ->Mario & Luigi: Partners In Time - Yes
   ->Megaman Star Force I & II - Yes
   ->Megaman ZX - Yes
   ->Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney (I), Justice For All (II) and Trials & Tribulations (III) - Yes
   ->Resident Evil: Deadly Silence - No
   ->Tecmo Bowl Kickoff - No
   ->Trauma Center: Under the Knife -Yes
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Shee on January 22, 2009, 04:19:37 am
Who says no to Tecmo Bowl?????
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: V_Translanka on January 22, 2009, 04:35:09 am
That's pretty much just a list, Kebster.

And I don't see how FFVI is ever "meh" (or FFIV for that matter...I could give FFV to you though)...And Tactics Ogre getting a "meh" when FFTA gets a "Yes" is absolute BS.

I did need to edit it from the SoY style list, though...
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: idioticidioms on January 22, 2009, 07:54:00 am
Yeah I found FFTA a bit dry for my liking, too. it gets monotonous way too quickly.

I don't understand how Aria of Sorrow gets a meh, either. I thoroughly enjoyed that game. Differing tastes, I suppose.

There's another Crystal Chronicles game out? I played the one for Gamecube and thought it was alright, nothing to get ecstatic about, but it was fun. and a sequel to FFXII... I really need to get a feckin DS, now. going to be the first thing I'm going to get when work picks back up. In fact I can already assemble a wish list for it:

Chrono Trigger: DS
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fate
Final Fantasy III
Final fantasy Tactics Advance 2: Grimoire of the Rift
Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings
Final Fantasy IV


That's my current wish list for the DS. I'll play any FF game at least once, out of principle. That series is the whole reason why I love RPG's as much as I do, Final Fantasy VI on SNES being the first RPG I ever played. So far, I haven't met one I haven't liked. They always frustrate me at some point or another, but I always like them.

Btw, is there any difference between Breath of Fire II for GBA and SNES? I haven't really played too far into the GBA version, but I haven't noticed any real differences yet. Also, could you give a bit more info on what Golden Sun is about? I have it, but I'm hesitant to start into it.

Personally, I was disappointed by the Phantasy Star Collection and have no idea what the big fuss is, there. I also don't get how you can give Shining Force a yes and give the Final Fantasy games a meh. While being a decent game, Shining Force isnt exactly a must have.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: placidchap on January 22, 2009, 08:30:55 am
Do you actually play that many games at a time?  I've always been a one game at a time kind of person...wierd, I never noticed that.  I have to finish a game or get burnt out on it before I move on to another...maybe beause I forget what I was doing if I keep swapping around.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: idioticidioms on January 22, 2009, 08:41:36 am
Well, a lot of the games I'm playing I've either already played or have no nostalgic attachment to whatsoever and the graphics, while being great for SNES, are a bit behind the curve nowadays. I've become used to eye candy. I used to be a one game at a time person, but I lose interest in one, go to another, go to another then another, come back to the first one, go to another, and so on and so forth, lol. Keeps me busy when I have absolutely nothing to do. And sometimes I hardly feel like playing video games at all, though I'm sure that would change if I could get my hands on something that actually enthralled me. Last games that did that were Final Fantasy XII and Kingdom Hearts II. Funny, I used to game until my hands bled.

Actually, if I could get my hands on Lord of the Rings Online again, you all will never see me again, lol. at least for a long time, anyway. I was privileged enough to beta test for it, and bought a couple months worth of play time last year, but that was over way too quickly.

Either way, I need to spend some money when I get it and get back into the gaming world again. I need to get back into my writing again, too, but I don't really see that happening anytime soon either.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: V_Translanka on January 22, 2009, 09:28:50 am
Yeah, I kind of get easily distracted so games get put on the backburner...So far only Capcom's been able to really keep my attention with games with any amount of consistency. I could always pick up and play through the Battle Network & the Phoenix Wright games...

It looks like Kebs is a SRPG fan, since he Yes'd all but Tactics Ogre (which is why that mystified me since I think it's one of the best games in my list, though tbh I haven't played through a ton of it). I could see getting tired of the Castlevania games, I guess, though...I was never much of a fan of the original style of the series, but I do quite enjoy the more recent "Castleroid" ones.

There's another Crystal Chronicles game out? I played the one for Gamecube and thought it was alright, nothing to get ecstatic about, but it was fun.

Yeah, there's actually a couple more FFCC games coming out as well...I think Wii (I think there's already one for Wii out actually) and a (couple?) DS at least.

Btw, is there any difference between Breath of Fire II for GBA and SNES? I haven't really played too far into the GBA version, but I haven't noticed any real differences yet.

Nah, not really. I heard it's supposed to have a better translation, I didn't notice much either, but it was a while ago when I played the original...

Also, could you give a bit more info on what Golden Sun is about? I have it, but I'm hesitant to start into it.

You shouldn't be. It's a great RPG, really. The only faults I could find with it at all is the OLD oldschool targeting system (if your target dies, your attack is wasted ala the original couple FFs & such) and maybe because the story kind of putters along at times. Otherwise though it's completely enjoyable. My fav part is the fact that eventually you gain Telepathy! That's right, you get to read people's minds! After experiencing that I've been wondering why no other RPG/game has stolen that concept...

Personally, I was disappointed by the Phantasy Star Collection and have no idea what the big fuss is, there.

The real fuss is that it's missing the effing crown jewel in the series. Otherwise it was just the best you had if you were a Sega fan...but still...! Very good for it's time...Them wacky 1st Person dungeons in the original are probably the most frustrating thing I've ever experienced in an RPG.

I think usually I try to have only one SRPG (because one takes too much time as is), one RPG (so that storylines don't get too badly mixed up in my head) and then I can have a bunch of non-RPGs that I can casually play whenever I'm burnt out on a SRPG map or leveling or w/e in an RPG...
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: idioticidioms on January 22, 2009, 10:09:34 am
Quote
OLD oldschool targeting system (if your target dies, your attack is wasted ala the original couple FFs & such)

that might stop me from playing it right there, lol. I hated that. No, no, I will give it the benefit of a doubt.

As for Breath of Fire II for GBA, I started playing it, and it does have some translation fixes to it and a good graphic overhaul too on the battle screens. So far, I've been playing about an hour or two and I'm up to where I just dropped Bow off at Niro's house (the old starving guy you saved Mina's pig from), Bow is level 9, Ryu is level 8, have about 600 pocket change, and all the best gear I can have so far. I will be searching for the Thief to clear Bow's name as soon as I get some fresh air and cancer in my lungs. Breath of Fire III will always be my favorite BoF game, but BoF II is still good enough to play through every once in a while.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Sintu on January 22, 2009, 10:42:52 am
That's pretty much just a list, Kebster.

And I don't see how FFVI is ever "meh" (or FFIV for that matter...I could give FFV to you though)...And Tactics Ogre getting a "meh" when FFTA gets a "Yes" is absolute BS.

I did need to edit it from the SoY style list, though...

Whaaaat?  FFV is awesome.  The job system is my favorite.  The story was maybe a small step back from FFIV, but it had some great music.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: V_Translanka on January 22, 2009, 12:47:08 pm
While I'm fond of the Job Class System, in the end the Bare & Mime Classes just became way too overpowered for my taste. I ended up preferring FFIII & FFT for my FF Job Class needs. And the story was just another bland, "OMG! The crystals! Oh, dang, we didn't arrive in time! But the next one...! Oh, dang, there goes another one! But the next time...! Geeze, we're really bad at this! But the last one, surely...!" There's a point where I won't accept the same exact thing happening in a series and that is apparently when it happens over 12 times (c'mon, Capcom, you've still got several more Breath of Fires to give me...!). And the characters were all mostly throw aways except for maybe Faris and then Galuf at the end...Galuf's daughter was especially lame. If they give it a makeover like FFIV DS, THEN it could be awesome.

Quote
OLD oldschool targeting system (if your target dies, your attack is wasted ala the original couple FFs & such)

that might stop me from playing it right there, lol. I hated that. No, no, I will give it the benefit of a doubt.

Yeah, it's kind of annoying, but actually, part of me kind of likes having to strategize that little bit more. Having to know who hits for what & basically how much HP each monster has...testing out each new monster with certain attacks & whatever...But pretty much everything else about Golden Sun is so good that it's just something that's easy to overlook. The Magic & Summoning system is nice.

Breath of Fire III will always be my favorite BoF game, but BoF II is still good enough to play through every once in a while.

Yeah, same here...I wish I hadn't traded in BoF3...it's up there with my absolute fav RPGs, really...wtf was wrong with me?? Rei! You were so cool! V_V
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Phillies64 on January 22, 2009, 01:13:27 pm
V_Trans and Shadow, thanks a bunch for the GBA and DS suggestions. It would seem that old school RPG goodiness is readily available on the DS.

On that subject, has the Earthbound (Mother) series seen any US ports or only in Japan? 
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Acacia Sgt on January 22, 2009, 01:27:08 pm
Only Mother 2 (Earthbound) has been released outside of Japan.

Mother 1+2 is a port of the two games as a GBA game. Japan-only.

Although 1 and 3 have been fan-translated.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: V_Translanka on January 22, 2009, 03:19:44 pm
Oh yeah, my bad, I probably should have mentioned that...My SoY list is based on VBA & no$gba respectively so I didn't think about it when I changed them to GBA & NDS. And, yeah, the DS is an RPG monster that's only getting stronger (IT FEEDS ON MY SOUL!!!)...!! Probably the best bet for any current-gen system for RPGs period.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Acacia Sgt on January 22, 2009, 03:32:44 pm
I agree, so many good games, although I wish I could play them.

But on another note, it's great to hear again 'Battle of the Spirit'. I'm currently descending down the Morlia Mineshaft. Maxwell, here I come!
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: MagilsugaM on January 22, 2009, 07:18:09 pm
Now Playing:

PSP: Prinny: Can I really be the real hero. This one is a platform game from NIS is very hard and addictive. The final boss is      impossible.

Valkyrie Profile Lenneth: I don't know much about this one because I just bought it.

Dissidia Final Fantasy: One word AWESOME! Better than Ergeizh which was fun but no one liked it.

PS2: dot hack Final chapter Quarantine. This is the last pat of the first dot hack series is fun.

PSX: Parasite eve 2: Yes one of the best survival horror ever made and the best thing is that is not short like Resident Evil.

        Resident Evil 2: I finished this in two days, one for each DISC. Is awesome too.

PC: Yugioh! Joey the Passion: The best yugioh game is pretty much the only one that emulates the card game perfectly.

      Mu Online Season 3: I good only game similar to Diablo with unique aspacts in gameplay.   
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: HyperNerd on January 22, 2009, 07:37:58 pm
Actually, Nintendo translated Mother 1, but didn't release it as RPGs weren't extremely popular and the NES was going downhill at the time. Someone bought the Prototype copy and dumped it into the internet, thus why it's called Earthbound. They fixed it with the Zero.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Acacia Sgt on January 22, 2009, 07:42:04 pm
I had forgotten about that. Yes, the Zero was the only thing added by the fans, the rest was already translated.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: V_Translanka on January 22, 2009, 08:26:32 pm
Ha, I always thought that name was stupid...
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Acacia Sgt on January 22, 2009, 08:31:02 pm
Stupid? For what?
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: HyperNerd on January 22, 2009, 09:59:47 pm
It was only added to distinguish the SNES Earthbound and the NES Earthbound. If we Fans had our way, Mother would have been released as Earthbound, establishing the Fan-Base early. Later, Eathbound as we know it would be Earthbound 2, and with the Sucess they might of had, Mother 3 may have been released here as Earthbound 3. Mayhaps the Starmen and Compendiumites should team up to Go back in time and change this, and Make the Dream Team make Chrono 3. (Or 4, if Radical Dreamers counts.) 8)
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Acacia Sgt on January 22, 2009, 10:06:25 pm
I can see the time machine now.

A mix of the Epoch and the Phase Distorter, called...

Need ideas for the name.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: V_Translanka on January 22, 2009, 10:53:29 pm
It's stupid to me because I don't like name changes at all. What's wrong with "Mother"? If anything I think Earthbound should be (un-)renamed Mother 2. Get with the program Ninny! Dragon Quest did it!
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: HyperNerd on January 22, 2009, 10:58:44 pm
About that... *Ahem* No Mother 4, and NOA Seems to not want to release Earthbound on the Virtual Console for Whatever reason. However, I believe in Japan it will be released. So.. WTF? Oh yeah, and The ESRB DID rate it at one point. They did it with Super Mario RPG, and it was released, so it seems that Earthbound MAY Be released, and possibly be renamed to Mother 2, and although Earthbound sounds more badass to me, Mother 2 looks cooler. And is more accurate.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: idioticidioms on January 23, 2009, 01:06:53 am
From what I played of Mother 3 before my other comp crashed and I had to start using the one I have now, which wont patch the rom, it looked pretty good. I originally played Earthbound (mother 2), and became a fan immediately. I wish they would release the other games here in America so we can play those, too. Maybe if we get enough people to sign a petition or something, I don't know. I'd like to see it happen, but who knows.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Shadow D. Darkman on January 23, 2009, 01:09:51 am
Prince of Persia: Sands Of Time was only good on PS2/GCN. Played it myself on GCN and loved it.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: idioticidioms on January 23, 2009, 01:16:04 am
Yeah, I loved it for the ps2. after playing that, I can't really play any other PoP games. it ruined them for me.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Shadow D. Darkman on January 23, 2009, 01:17:22 am
I disagree. Two Thrones was kickass once I started watching it.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: idioticidioms on January 23, 2009, 01:24:02 am
You know, I think it was the Two Thrones game I played for PS2, I can't remember. But after playing one of them for PS2, I tried checking out the older ones for NES/SNES/GBA and couldnt stomach them. I've become spoiled by excellent game play and eye candy, I'll admit.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Shadow D. Darkman on January 23, 2009, 01:33:51 am
In the game you played, did the Prince...

A) Turn into a Sand Creature while someone talks to him in his head?

B) Move between two time periods while being hunted by a huge monster?

C) Neither?

If A, then it was Two Thrones. B, Warrior Within. C, Sands Of Time.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: idioticidioms on January 23, 2009, 02:09:50 am
It was the one where he turned into a demon of sorts and had it talking to him in his head. With Sand Orbs and stuff, so I guess that would make it Two Thrones. Excellent game, at any rate.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: placidchap on January 23, 2009, 08:36:52 am
I've become spoiled by eye candy, I'll admit.

fixed.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: V_Translanka on January 23, 2009, 09:52:36 am
I don't usually play platformers at all, but Sands of Time on GBA made 2D jumping kind of fun. I haven't played any of the series other than that though, so...

Is the Mother series not very popular in Japan, I wonder? Do they just have something else in the works? Just being complete douches?
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: idioticidioms on January 23, 2009, 10:09:21 am
lol, I think I had it right the first time, but that's just my opinion. you're entitled to yours.

Just started playing Mazes of Fate for the GBA, and I have to say, I like the style of it. For those who haven't heard of this game, let me give you a brief synopsis of it:

You start out the game and get to choose between 4 characters: A Warrior, a Magician, A Rogue, and a Custom character you can make yourself, using one of the character images from the other 3. Yeah, this part is kind of lacking, so bear with me as I continue along. Warrior is an obvious one, choosing brawn over brain. They're not too good at Magic and not too good at Roguein', so it's back to the standard of hack the crap out of everything. Whoo!!! I love Warriors, lol. Next is the Magician, which is another obvious one. Forgoing the physical strength, they choose instead strength of mind and magical precision. Very handy to have along for any warrior for a good balanced team, but kind of hard to play on your lonesome due to the tiny little factor that they wear paper for armor and have no defense to speak of, but hey, killer spells, whoo!!! Love these guys too. Next is the Rogue, which is your basic sneaky figure, adept at unlocking locked things without a key and finding hidden paths and traps. Also good at the sleight of hand and some basic spells. Not too good at physical fighting, not too good at magic, but still nice to have along for all your little dirty work. Now we get to the Custom Character. This one starts you out with 20 stat points for each stat, and gives you 20 more to play around with to custom fit your character as much as you can. Unlike some other games like Robotrek for the SNES, this one allows you to deduct from the base 20 for each stat and lower it to give yourself more points to work with. pretty nifty. Also, you then get 4 skill points to add on to, well, whatever skills you want to raise a little bit. This is stuff like, small weapon, 1-handed weapon, 2-handed for physical, then you have your magic users options, like increasing your mana, etc, and then your rogue options, like bargaining, lockpicking, search, which is the one that allows you to find hidden paths and traps.

I chose the custom character. The game play on this isn't unique, by any means, and the story line is almost non existant, so far, but there is still some interesting quest work to be done, so hold on to your hats as we dive on into the basis of the game. Your goal is to collect information by talking with the natives of the town you start out in. Your best bet is to go to the Pub and talk to everyone. If you play your cards right and choose the right options, you can get some pretty good information out of the people, but don't worry if you choose the wrong options, because you;re given the chance to try again. I  know, still pretty lame, but what can you do. Some people would ruin their games pretty early by being stupid and making wrong choices, when talking to people.

The town is pretty easy enough to maneuver around in, allowing you free movement and has some assorted places you can enter, and some you can't enter... yet. They open up as you find quests to do and some close up, or open and then close, you get the picture. The dungeons, though, is what grabs me. If any of you have played Ultima: Exodus for NES, or old school Doom, you might be able to imagine what movement you have in the dungeons. It's a straight one person view, and you can either move forward or backward or turn to your left or turn to your right. Using your L and R buttons, you can side step, and you fight enemies as they come at you. You can see them coming, except for the ones that come up behind you. then you press A to open up your attack options and you can choose between three options: Attack, Magic, or Item. When you're not attacking things in a dungeon, you're following paths and finding things, which is where your B button comes into play. Pressing B opens up a little slidebar of your items, allowing you to discard them, but when you're in front of something you can pick u p, it will target it and you can press A to pick it up. Same mechanism for levers and locks that open doors. For levers, it's the same thing exactly, just stand in front of the lever, press B and then A. For Locks, its a bit different, you press B, cycle through your items to find the key that fits, and then press A twice.

Start opens up your menu, and select opens up your map (in dungeons). when you first hit start, you have a total of about 6 options: Camp, Character Status, Automap (which opens the same thing as the select button), Questlog (obvious), Save Game, and Settings. You can save the game anywhere, which is a plus. And Camp, while I haven't used it, yet, allows your person/party to rest up, heal poison (if they have the skill and it's strong enough), etc. You can do this in dungeons, too, though if you're seen by a monster, the jig is up. Character Status will bring you to a menu you may be more familiar with, showing you your main character. When you get another character in your party, you can cycle between them with L and R, but just starting, you'll only have one. You have 5 options here, starting with Equip items, and going down the list to Use Item, Other Items (non-usable from menu), Skills (where you can view your skills and spend your 3 skill points that you get for each level up) and Spells.

This game is pretty easy to figure out and isn't too hard to play. On a grading skill for games, I would give it a... C. It's kind of lame in some aspects, but can still be pretty fun as you get into it.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: HyperNerd on January 23, 2009, 12:34:23 pm
Mother is VERY popular in Japan. They're just assholes, I guess. Earthbound didn't sell very well to begin with, over here.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Acacia Sgt on January 23, 2009, 12:38:07 pm
Actually, partly the reason Mother 3 never reached here was because of that. NoA didn't thought it will sell well either, so they didn't.

But, they are the ones responsible, since Mother 2 didn't sold well due to the way it was advertised.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: idioticidioms on January 23, 2009, 12:52:14 pm
Yeah, but what they fail to understand is how that game spread in fame afterwards. I'm sure there's a huge fan-base here. probably not as big of one as other game series, but still pretty large. All they look at is sales numbers for mother 2. I'm sure if they released it here, it would be a huge seller.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: HyperNerd on January 23, 2009, 09:16:34 pm
Starmen is one of the most avid fan bases. EVER. I have never seen a more devoted fanbase (Except for here, of course.) But they are SO much more crazy then we are. I am proud to be a Compendiumite and a Starman.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: chrono eric on January 23, 2009, 09:29:20 pm
I am proud to be a Compendiumite

*sings* "I am proud to be a Compendiumite, where at least I know I'm a geeeek"

Sorry, couldn't help myself  :D

Why is it that every time I try to play Vagrant Story with the intentions of playing it all the way through once and for all I give up at some point out of frustration/confusion/lack of interest? All I hear from people is "Vagrant Story is such a good game" and "Vagrant Story this and that" and "You aren't a gamer unless you love Vagrant Story".

Well this time I will finish it. And if I don't...

...then fuck Vagrant Story.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Sintu on January 24, 2009, 01:33:04 am
Why is it that every time I try to play Vagrant Story with the intentions of playing it all the way through once and for all I give up at some point out of frustration/confusion/lack of interest? All I hear from people is "Vagrant Story is such a good game" and "Vagrant Story this and that" and "You aren't a gamer unless you love Vagrant Story".

Well this time I will finish it. And if I don't...

...then fuck Vagrant Story.

Vagrant Story was a pretty good game, but I can see why some people can't get into it.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: V_Translanka on January 24, 2009, 03:46:22 am
It's because the weapon modding takes some getting used to...and it also gets old having to dismantle everything & get your ass to an item box if you don't have the right set-up for the monsters in the next area...I'm in the same boat as you more or less...I think I just need a walkthrough that tells me the monster types though...Otherwise it IS a pretty kickass game!
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Shadow D. Darkman on January 24, 2009, 12:27:25 pm
I remember Starmen pulling an Anonymous on Nintendo concerning EarthBound not being on the Wii Virtual Console.

Heh heh heh...

I also hear that the ADVERTISING FAIL concerning EarthBound is why they refused to release MOTHER 1 and MOTHER 3 outside of Japan.

If only they knew how popular it is now...
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: teaflower on January 24, 2009, 01:00:01 pm
Right now, I'm playing Kingdom Hearts II. We're overlevelled and currently questing Ultima Weapon. I like kicking ass as Sora, but his Disney companions can go to hell for all I care.

Dammit, Goofy! Stop wasting my potions. Those cost mo--DONALD! Knock that off! Ugh... why can't I have Cloud and Tifa?
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Shadow D. Darkman on January 24, 2009, 01:22:26 pm
I agree. For a good while, I was trying to get Donald to stop using Aero whenever enemies showed up.

Got back into Castlevania: Order Of Ecclesia, and busy with Eligor(sp?) in the Arms place.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: idioticidioms on January 24, 2009, 01:33:20 pm
you could always kill donald and goofy off and solo as Sora.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: teaflower on January 24, 2009, 01:38:21 pm
Yes, but then... I couldn't run around as my drive forms. I love the drives... Final is fun, Master is dull, Wisdom needs levels, Valor is overlevelled but kicks ass, and that crazy black one is just sweet.

Also, when I saved, they would come back. Anyone have a GameShark? I want to hack it so that instead of Donald and Goofy, I have Cloud and Tifa. Dude. Kickass much?
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Shadow D. Darkman on January 24, 2009, 01:40:39 pm
you could always kill donald and goofy off and solo as Sora.

You can't. They're part of the plot. Best you can do is replace whichever one is worse to you with the Resident Party Member.

@ Tea

Crazy black one is Anti-Form, and you're right, it is sweet. Think of all the combos you can pull off in that form!
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: idioticidioms on January 24, 2009, 01:41:49 pm
well, if you don't want to kill them off, you can always go with option B, which is to go into your menu and change it so they don't use items and magic that often, or not at all.

And I tend to disagree. You can sit there and let them die and not help them and not revive them, but like tea said, they come back.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Acacia Sgt on January 24, 2009, 01:45:16 pm
If you find them a use, use it. There must be something they can be useful for.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: idioticidioms on January 24, 2009, 01:47:02 pm
they make pretty good distractions to the enemy while you're kicking ass.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Acacia Sgt on January 24, 2009, 01:48:17 pm
It's all about strategy. Without Goofy, I may not have been able to defeat the Phantom in the first Kingdom Hearts.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: teaflower on January 24, 2009, 01:50:35 pm
Anti-Form kicks ass. I hate Master because even if you hit Square, he doesn't bounce back from a hit. He's not very useful... yet my pet Sora here, complete with his broken arm, is dressed in his Master clothes. I would've preferred a little Roxas.

Roxas > Sora.

Hey, how come there are no CT/CC characters in KH? There's loads of Final Fantasy (hell, Setzer shows up!), but no CT or Ergheiz or anything else.

In my opinion, I would enjoy KH a lot more if there was less Disney. The story is strong and it doesn't need Disney to make it better. If anything, I'm less likely to play it because I must keep two of them with me at all times. My favorite part was in Hollow Bastion/Radiant Garden when Goofy almost dies or something and Sora is one his own. He's running around, then all of a sudden the FF characters show up and kick ass with him.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Acacia Sgt on January 24, 2009, 01:55:08 pm
I believe it's because Nomura didn't wanted to use characters he didn't create, which is why there was only from VII onwards.

But for KHII, he made a few exceptions.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Boo the Gentleman Caller on January 24, 2009, 01:59:33 pm
I think the Disney aspect is what MAKES Kingdom Hearts.  I mean, if it didn't have the Disney it would just be another Final Fantasy.  Then they would take some cheesy tag-on line calling it, "Final Fantasy: Pectus Vesica" or something.

As for why Square hasn't added any Chronoverse characters to the Kingdom Hearts series... it's the same reason why we don't have any Secret of Mana, The Bouncer, Romancing Saga, Front Mission, Bushido Blade, Xenogears, Parasite Eve, etc. characters in Kingdom Hearts.  Final Fantasy is the heart and soul of Square Enix, sadly.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: teaflower on January 24, 2009, 02:08:50 pm
Screw Final Fantasy, then.

I believe that if KH were to lack Disney, it would not become just another Final Fantasy. The characters would be more fun to play as. I mean, the whole story is very strong and lacks a lot of Disney to it, if you ask me. I mean, Kairi is a Disney princess (wtf?!), but... still, pretty cool.

If I were to suggest something to Square for the next KH, I would suggest they cut the Disney crap and have Sora run around with Riku and Kairi.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Acacia Sgt on January 24, 2009, 02:18:08 pm
Keyblade-less Sora...

I wonder how will he fight, since I'm sure he would loose most of the key-chains that way. Although some may still remain.

Although, I once found a fanfiction where instead of Disney, it was Nintendo instead, would you give it a chance?
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: idioticidioms on January 24, 2009, 02:21:18 pm
I dunno. I liked the Disney touch to the games, myself. Sure, it made them more kid-like, in some areas, but sometimes, people just want to be a kid again, so it's a nice touch, because it allows you to do so while still playing with a somewhat mature story line.

As for Final Fantasy being the heart and soul of Square Enix, you have to understand that it's because of the game series that they're even still around today. If not for the release of Final Fantasy 1 when it came out, they probably would have went under and we'd be shit out of luck on a lot of other damned good games. The Final Fantasy series saved their asses. Well, Square's anyway. Enix wasn't a part of that at the time, obviously.

The mixture of the two aspects, disney and final fantasy is what makes those games, and I think if you took either one of those aspects out, it would lack considerably. You could try to fill the void with something else, but it wouldn't feel right.

Of course, that's not to say that these games are for everyone. Tastes differ. I personally enjoyed all the KH games thoroughly and anxiously await one on the ps3
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: teaflower on January 24, 2009, 02:22:11 pm
Yes. If you ask me, Square and Nintendo should get back together and have wonderful little game-babies.

You know what's worse than a Keyblade-less Sora? Armless Sora. My little Master Form Sora Action Figure (he's so cute!) has problems with his right arm. It falls out of its socket frequently.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: idioticidioms on January 24, 2009, 02:24:13 pm
lol, crazy glue could fix that.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: teaflower on January 24, 2009, 02:26:49 pm
NEVER POST AGAIN YOU ARE LEVEL 100!~

Ahem.

Then he couldn't swing his other keyblade! He came with two. Circle of Life and... that one you get from Auron.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: idioticidioms on January 24, 2009, 02:32:22 pm
is there a thread or something where all the different things for the posting is? I mean where each one is explained, like Porrean, Iokan, Earthbound, Level ** (100), etc.

oh look, there goes my level 100. oops. thats something I'll never get back. Oh well.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Shadow D. Darkman on January 24, 2009, 02:40:48 pm
Delete your extra posts and make a new account.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: idioticidioms on January 24, 2009, 02:45:34 pm
pffft. As if I care that much. I would rather be active and lose it than to get it again and forever hold my peace. I'm not good at holding my peace.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Shadow D. Darkman on January 24, 2009, 02:54:05 pm
Like I said, make a new account so you can preserve the glory of it all.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: V_Translanka on January 24, 2009, 03:16:47 pm
Hey, how come there are no CT/CC characters in KH? There's loads of Final Fantasy (hell, Setzer shows up!)...

Yeah, the lameass Setzer that nobody likes...wtf? No facial scars? A sword?? At least he didn't ruin Shadow while he was at it...V_V

pffft. As if I care that much.

You rule.

Like I said, make a new account so you can preserve the glory of it all.

You do not.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: KebreI on January 24, 2009, 03:19:57 pm
You don't hate me for what I did do you V? Please say it isn't so.... :(
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: V_Translanka on January 24, 2009, 03:28:45 pm
Hate would be a strong word (especially for something that, in the end is completely trivial), but I don't think it was cool at all, no.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Shadow D. Darkman on January 24, 2009, 03:32:28 pm
At least he didn't ruin Shadow while he was at it...V_V

Why would he think to ruin me? (Kidding, I know who you really meant.)
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: KebreI on January 24, 2009, 03:43:25 pm
I am still working of Persona 4 but I am now putting Planescape: Torment back on my schedule. Just a few week ago or so a Man going by the name Qwinn released a series of Patches and Mods to update the game. One fixes tons of bugs and typos, the other finishes all of the unfinished or dropped quests and items in the game, and the last adds a few mods to it such as :Banter Accelerator, Stackable Rings, Charms, Bracelets, Scrolls, Leprechaun Annah, and Easter egg Morte, as well as many others.

LINK (http://www.shsforums.net/index.php?showtopic=38180)
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: dream of the shore on January 24, 2009, 06:26:17 pm
Chrono Trigger DS
On my fourth playthrough. I could have gotten all the endings in two playthroughs, but I decided to start over at a few points, one of which being the wonderful wall glitch in the End of Time before I knew how to get out of it.

I'm not stopping until every character is Level **, I've completed the Beastiary and Item Lists, I've gotten every ending, and I have defeated the Red Nu Spekkio.

Chrono Cross
My first playthrough! I have been wanting to get the game for a while, and I finally got off my ass and ordered it after watching the opening cinematic every day for a week, and downloading the soundtrack. I'm not terribly far into it, just saved Kid from the Hydra Venom because I have a conscience (Glenn can wait for the second playthrough). I am eagerly awaiting finishing it, as I am a hopeless Kirge fan and I need to get a better insight into some elements of the story that reading spoilers won't give me. So far I am thoroughly enjoying this game, and I think every Cross hater needs to have their brains examined.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Practicing with Mr. G&W every day against level 9 CPUs. Not concerned about trophies.

Rayman: Raving Rabbids
I got myself a Wii and this was a gift. It's a kind of fun game, but it's nonsensical and obnoxious. Some of the minigames are more annoying then fun. I don't recommend it to most people.

Final Fantasy X
My third time playing it through. NO GUIDES NO CHEATING. The game is a million times easier to play when you frequently shift characters instead of playing favorites. I realized that I really HATE Yuna and I would rather Tidus get with Rikku. I have a thing for blonde thief girls I guess.

Radical Dreamers ~ Le Trésor Interdit
Unlocked three endings so far. Been picking at it lately. I fell MADLY in love with this game, and it's what made me decide that I had to get the Chrono Cross soundtrack, and at some point Chrono Cross itself. I use this game as a basis for Serge's character every time I picture the way he is in my head, and when I read/write fanfiction. It's so choice compared to the Silent Protagonist approach.

World of Warcraft
On and off. My interest has been waning in it. Undead Rogue, Horde, Azgalor, name is Slavery. I'm not level 80 yet because I'd rather play Chrono Cross.


Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: teaflower on January 24, 2009, 07:53:03 pm
So, I just beat KH2 on Normal mode. Favorite thing about my battle report?

"Most used summon:
Chicken Little: 0 times"

Summons in that game suck.

I may go for Proud mode next, but I doubt it. The intro is annoying. I hate Sanctuary... Passion is so much better, just like Hikari kicks Simple and Clean's ass.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Shadow D. Darkman on January 24, 2009, 08:06:15 pm
So in your opinion they're better b/c they're in Japanese, or were the lyrics, just better, and the fact that they're in Japanese just semantics?
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: teaflower on January 24, 2009, 08:13:57 pm
They sounded better, actually. The girl who did Simple and Clean sucks compared to Utada Hikaru and when she did Sanctuary, it didn't fit right with the other things. The lyrics played a big part in my decision, but mostly it was the sound. The beats and rhythms in Passion/Sanctuary worked so much better with the feel of the song in Japanese.

In fact, I feel the same way about Real Emotion. The girl who did Real Emotion in English sucked compared to her Japanese counterpart. I think they should've pulled an FF10 with it. In FF10, when they did Suteki Da Ne, no matter what version, you got the Japanese singer. I've always hated Eyes on Me (RINOA SHUT UP BEFORE I KILL YOU) and Melodies of Life was too long (dammit, Dagger, shut the hell up!).

Um... I'm thinking of Chrono Cross next. I didn't watch the full Time Devourer ending and I'm fuzzy on some of the details.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Shadow D. Darkman on January 24, 2009, 08:25:12 pm
Passion, Simple and Clean, Sanctuary, and Hikari were all done by Utada Hikaru. She speaks English as well as she does Japanese.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: teaflower on January 24, 2009, 08:27:19 pm
She did Sanctuary, Passion, and Hikari, but not Simple and Clean. They had someone else do it. Which pisses me off.

I'm glad they didn't hire some sucky American singer to do Radical Dreamers for CC. Or worse, what they did for Melodies of Life. They hired a Chinese girl to do both versions of that.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: HyperNerd on January 24, 2009, 08:34:20 pm
I beat KHII in expert mode before I joined the Compendium. Now for Re:Chain Of Memories...
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: teaflower on January 24, 2009, 08:37:28 pm
Still kind of new to the whole thing. You know where to get Oricalchum + or however you spell it? Need those if I want Ultima Weapon.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Shadow D. Darkman on January 24, 2009, 08:39:52 pm
She did Sanctuary, Passion, and Hikari, but not Simple and Clean. They had someone else do it.

Who did do it, then, since in the credits they said she did it.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: HyperNerd on January 24, 2009, 08:42:36 pm
Shadow, while You're here remove the Godamn Mother 3 spoiler. Please.

Now then... I honestly can't remember. It's been a while...
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Shadow D. Darkman on January 24, 2009, 08:44:04 pm
My response, Nerd.

REMOVE THAT BEFORE I HAVE TO SPEAR YOU.

Very well then...

*draws sword*

Come, if it is death you seek!

I tagged it. Not enough for ya? Go somewhere else. I did my part and tagged it.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: HyperNerd on January 24, 2009, 08:48:28 pm
Dude, YOU go somewhere else. Please add something about how spoilerific it is. C'mon, you're being a total asshole.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Shadow D. Darkman on January 24, 2009, 08:51:32 pm
I tagged it. That is all I will do. My compassion for spoiler-haters at least go far enough that I tag spoilers. Don't like it? Leave. As I said, I've done my part.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: chrono eric on January 24, 2009, 08:57:54 pm
OK both of you shut the fuck up.

In Shadow's defense - he shouldn't have to do anything else besides marking it as a spoiler

But in Nerd's defense - everyone scans ahead when they read. You pick out and recognize key words in sentences. When the spoiler tags tag an entire paragraph, you can easily block it out and choose to ignore it, but when they tag a short sentence - it is hard not to notice things. So yes, Shadow was being slightly dickish. But there's really nothing anyone can do about it.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: HyperNerd on January 24, 2009, 09:02:39 pm
Well apparently this was a retarded misunderstanding. On this new computer I'm on, it appears that he actually Highlighted it. So... It's my fault.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: chrono eric on January 24, 2009, 09:08:13 pm
Hmm that's interesting. I never thought that that might be an issue. Maybe we should try to make spoiler tags in a different way?

EDIT: Tried doing it in a different way but it didn't work too well.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: V_Translanka on January 28, 2009, 08:15:46 pm
Sam & Max: Hit the Road - Apparently wasn't getting enough point & click comedic fun so I started up Sam & Max: Hit the Road, which is an absolutely great oldschool (think DOS) game from Lucas Arts (I think this is prior Adventure On Monkey Island even) about a talking dog in a suit and a psychotic bunny who solve crimes...w/o a FAQ I would be completely lost at several points. I forgot how hilarious Sam & Max were (used to LOVE the cartoon). I just got the Mood Ring. If you haven't tried this out, you SHOULD! Funny as all get out.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: KebreI on January 28, 2009, 08:36:35 pm
Love that one! The monkey island series, Loom, Sam & Max, and Beneath the Steel Skies all play the same and I recommend them all. Day of the Tentacle also is in the genre but I never found it as fun.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: teaflower on January 28, 2009, 08:38:40 pm
I think I played Adventure on Monkey Island. Is that the one where some kid runs really funny and has some sword, with which he kills evil monkeys?
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: KebreI on January 28, 2009, 08:46:01 pm
No thats some other game.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: teaflower on January 28, 2009, 08:47:48 pm
Ah. Okay. Then I've never played it. I hated that game I described. It was really weird...
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Jutty on January 28, 2009, 09:30:45 pm
(http://image.mycolours.com.au/medium/674124.jpg)
Skate 2: I missed out playing the first one and picked the second up as per a friends recommendation, and I can not put the game down. I am absolutely awful at the game as of now, but the amount of tricks that you can pull off is just amazing. Also the city New San Vanelona is massive. Everything is perfect for skating, but still has a feel of a real city. I also enjoyed being able to push almost any object I wanted to anywhere I wanted in the city with no restrictions. I definitely recommend this game to anyone. I am not really into skate boarding at all and this game has totally drawn me to it.

Cons: The game feels as if it is framing from time to time. The career mode left a lot to be desired and the graphics didn't exactly feel next gen, but was perfectly playable. Moving objects feels awkward when moving the character. I wish I could put the camera a bit farther from my skater.

Overall Rating: 9/10
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Phillies64 on January 28, 2009, 09:43:26 pm
I think I played Adventure on Monkey Island. Is that the one where some kid runs really funny and has some sword, with which he kills evil monkeys?

Ape Escape?
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: teaflower on January 28, 2009, 09:44:37 pm
Yes! That's it! Thank you!

... I hate Ape Escape.

Still playing KH2. Nothing else.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: HyperNerd on January 28, 2009, 09:58:34 pm
I used to love that game for no apparent reason. Yes, Ape Escape. Yes, Laugh. I liked it when I was like, six.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Shadow D. Darkman on January 29, 2009, 12:56:14 am
Castlevania: Order Of Ecclesia. I can't beat Drac, dammit! :evil:
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Phillies64 on January 29, 2009, 10:30:54 am
I used to love that game for no apparent reason. Yes, Ape Escape. Yes, Laugh. I liked it when I was like, six.

I remember loving the game. I thought the controls were great. I'll have to fire it up again to see if it holds up.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Thought on January 29, 2009, 02:04:38 pm
Star Tropics: Quite possibly one of my favorite NES games of all time. Craptacular controls aside (I need to get a classic controller rather than using the wiimote), its still a fun game. And I had forgotten that old games actually tended to have a high level of challenge, particularly compared to modern games.

also

Civ4: The Civ games are eternal favorites, ranking up there with X-Com for those things I pull out ever year or so and play. But unlike X-Com, the Civ series keeps releasing new versions, which is nice. There is something fun about sending tanks against a civilization that has just developed Knights. Maybe its the meglomaniac in me. Bwahahahaha!
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: KebreI on January 29, 2009, 02:11:09 pm
Hold on Thought, I am so sorry if I just misunderstood your post. It sounded like, once again not an insult on your character, that you do consider the Civilization series on par or even better then X-com. I'll give you the benifit of the doubt, but buddy don't be caught saying things like that...people may hear you.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Thought on January 29, 2009, 05:55:24 pm
Good lord, no!

Thanks for catching that, Kebrel, I'll try to be more careful in the future.

Though Civ does have one benefit over X-Com right now... I can play it on my computer. At least until I can get rid my widescreen monitor and get something sufficiently blocky.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Radical_Dreamer on January 29, 2009, 09:11:12 pm
Startropics is a wonderful game. I was very excited when it was released on the Virtual Console. I'd worried that Nintendo had forgotten about it.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Acacia Sgt on January 29, 2009, 09:23:58 pm
Fire Emblem.

I'm not giving a name, since it doesn't have. It's that hack that Faust found that has Cross characters. It is finished, or at least, Eliwood's mode is finished, so I decided to try it, despite that I have to play it all over again.

I don't mind that I have to, considering I have done it with other games. Currently on Chapter 5.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Shadow D. Darkman on January 29, 2009, 09:29:14 pm
I wish they made another StarTropics game. I have the first game, and saw the second on YouTube, and both are win.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Thought on February 12, 2009, 06:27:57 pm
Can't say I got into Star Tropics II much, but I'll be giving it another chance when I have some free gaming time.

Throwing... well, not yoyo's was slightly disappointing to me. Though maybe it had to do with me not playing it as a child and so I don't have the same nostalgia.

Current on the Gaming Block:

Chrono Trigger DS
Secret of Mana
Wii Fit
Civ 4

In that order to. Finally getting around to playing through CTDS; must say I generally like the translations more, though Fiendlord is "blah" and I miss the Knights of the Square Table (totally an artifact of the NA translation, I know, but I was amused). I am quite glad they kept most character names (Ozzie, Flea, and Slash, for example), but the changes in item names have been confusing me.

SoM has been my favorite RPG since I first played it. Seriously, I was addicted to it like crack cocaine. I dreamed about it. I was... around 12 I think. Never owned the game until Virtual Consol, but I rented the hell out of it. Now I am getting to introduce my wife to the garishly colored pleasures of the game. And someday, I hope to introduce my child to it, and it will be good.

... okay, that just sounds creepy now.

Wii Fit, I got this last weekend and tried it out last night. Looks promising and fun.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Katie Skyye on February 12, 2009, 07:39:45 pm
Too many games...

Paper Mario and Paper Mario II:  I never beat PM II, so I bought it in order to have another go at it. It put me in the mood to play the first installment, as well. THe battle system gets annoying after a while, but the humor is good, in my opinion. I'm at the final boss in PMII, I lost, so I left to level up, and there I stopped and procrastinated by playing...

Chrono Cross: Finally bought it. I didn't want to play it, at first because Crono and co. die, but then I thought, you know, it looks really good...
It's not bad, so far. I'm really liking it--though the battle music is ANNOYING. I take breaks from CC to play...

Pokémon Leafgreen: going for all 150, and also as a refresher for my Pokémon fan idea...I need to get a feel for Kanto again.

CTDS: Still haven't beaten it, because I am a slacker. I'm currently rattling around the Lost Sanctuary, which is a fun diversion.

Also, games that I've picked up and played through and am meaning to finish them someday: Odin Sphere, Sonic Unleashed, Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts, Jak II, and Kingdom Hearts II (stuck on the WTNW boss that snipes at you)
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Shadow D. Darkman on February 13, 2009, 10:57:31 am
I'm at the final boss in PMII, I lost, so I left to level up, and there I stopped and procrastinated by playing...

Which phase (out of 3) are you stuck on?

...Kingdom Hearts II (stuck on the WTNW boss that snipes at you)

That would be Xigbar, and he was also the furthest I ever got on a KH2 run. Annoying as hell, especially since I really want to take on Final Xemnas in the World of Nothing. Methinks that would be kickass (never played it myself, though I've seen vids).
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Phillies64 on February 13, 2009, 11:34:46 am
Has anyone played Overlord: Raising Hell? It looks very fun so I'm intrigued.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: placidchap on February 13, 2009, 11:46:56 am
Yea, I played it this past fall.  It was pretty fun for awhile.  I stopped playing a little while after rescuing all of the different coloured gremlin things.  Its best to play it with a dual analog controller akin to the PS2/3 type.  The PC controls are cumbersome.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Phillies64 on February 13, 2009, 01:18:24 pm
Yea, I played it this past fall.  It was pretty fun for awhile.  I stopped playing a little while after rescuing all of the different coloured gremlin things.  Its best to play it with a dual analog controller akin to the PS2/3 type.  The PC controls are cumbersome.

Cool. They're selling it for pretty cheap by me, so I'm gonna try it out. I love the premise...like a twisted version of Pikmin. It should hold me over until Street Fighter 4.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Katie Skyye on February 14, 2009, 01:15:39 pm

Which phase (out of 3) are you stuck on?



That would be Xigbar, and he was also the furthest I ever got on a KH2 run. Annoying as hell, especially since I really want to take on Final Xemnas in the World of Nothing. Methinks that would be kickass (never played it myself, though I've seen vids).

Stuck on the final form, actually! I just didn't have enough ultra shrooms, basically.

Lost of my friends are stuck on Xigbar...except for Lynn, who thought he was ridiculously easy. O_o
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Acacia Sgt on February 14, 2009, 01:19:44 pm
I too had problems with Xigbar before, until I decided that instead of dodging the bullets, I used Reflega instead.

Problem solved, and on the fifth or so try too.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: HyperNerd on February 14, 2009, 02:19:31 pm
I Had very much trouble with Xigbar. Either you find him ridiculously easy or incredibly hard. I lucked out by getting Final Form, and one time, Mickey Mouse to save my ass.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Shadow D. Darkman on February 14, 2009, 02:44:59 pm
Hmm... Reflect... I'll keep that in mind.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: teaflower on February 15, 2009, 11:50:27 am
I've gone on a new kick, as the PS2 is no longer in my room.

The Simpsons: Hit and Run From what I see, it's GTA but no guns and less blood. It's a fun game and I've gone through 2 chapters already. So far, my favorite vehicle has to be the Honor Roller (Bart's car) and my favorite thing to do is kick stuff. I hope that Marge slaps stuff instead of kicking stuff... slapping is fun. Sometimes it looks really really weird, but... it's a nice game.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: HyperNerd on February 15, 2009, 01:58:03 pm
 Hit and Run becomes very repetitive if I remember correctly. It's still really fun. I'm currently playing...

That new Kirby Game.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: teaflower on February 15, 2009, 02:35:15 pm
It's repetitive when you can't get through this one mission. Because your equipment sucks. Either the controller dies before I can save or the Gyube (as we affectionately call our Gamecube) gets an error.

Ugh.

I'm also playing Edit the Novel. It's slow work and I'm finding many an error. Enough to make me think, "Did I actually write this?" I cut the scene where Seren is writing weaknesses as it couldn't work too well, and I'm finding that Alex is a bit too much of a Stu for my tastes. He's brilliant and smart and has a million and a half powers, but with a tragic past.

Must tweak.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: KebreI on February 15, 2009, 03:37:40 pm
Well I just finished Persona 4 with out spoiling it, I can say I was a little disappointed with the ending. The again the whole game was so interesting and going at such a great pace it would be hard to wrap it up. Next game up, Homeworld 2 and continue FFTA2.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Boo the Gentleman Caller on February 15, 2009, 04:04:30 pm
I'm still working on FFTA2... I have been since November.  I only get to play on my lunch breaks, really...  Or when I'm dropping a 2 bomb.

I finished the Half-Life series last Wednesday, so I think I'm going to go back and FINISH Final Fantasy X... I was working on that before I got sidetracked with the Half Life series...
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Phillies64 on February 17, 2009, 10:22:54 am
I'm loving Overlord on the PS3. The controls work well. The premise is great, and its actually quite funny.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: ONSLAUGHT on February 17, 2009, 11:31:21 am
I finally got a Game Craze in my town(which I will most likely be getting a job at)and so I'm playing old favorites or oldies I never got to try.

Killer Instinct is a really fun fighter game that I'm still trying to get the hang of(must say, Thunder is extremely cheap. His combos allow you to win with incredible ease no matter the difficulty).

Rocket knight Adventures I had always heard great things about so i decided to try that out. It's amazing, one of the greatest and most fun games I've ever played! Perfect difficulty level, and I love blasting off with the rocket to take down multiple opponents at once!  :mrgreen:

Legacy Of Kain Soul Reaver seems okay. Kinda disappointed, but then again, I'm not that far in it yet. From what I've read, it picks up once I get some item called the Soul Reaver.

Croc 2 is an oldie I grew to love. Yeah, it has a great number of flaws, but it's still a good enjoyable game for the most part (along with a large number of old platformers that should totally be brought back).
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: V_Translanka on February 17, 2009, 03:56:54 pm
Killer Instinct is a really fun fighter game that I'm still trying to get the hang of(must say, Thunder is extremely cheap. His combos allow you to win with incredible ease no matter the difficulty).

My bro was insanely good with Jade. I liked Saberwolf, myself. I have the soundtrack still! lol
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: ONSLAUGHT on February 17, 2009, 04:19:12 pm
I prefer Sabrewolf and Glacius as my favorites to play as. My best though is Jago, he's crazy with his Ryu moves!
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: idioticidioms on February 17, 2009, 07:39:17 pm
have you figured out any of the 50+ move combos, yet?
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: ONSLAUGHT on February 18, 2009, 12:36:42 am
Yeah, took me some practice though. I thought the limit would be like 20 or something. But, sure enough, Thunder has endless combos that go on and on and on and on and on and on and on... I find him incredibly cheap :D.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: idioticidioms on February 18, 2009, 12:45:21 am
Jago's is pretty badass if you can pull it off. My uncle used to use it on me all the time when I was a kid.

"hold still, I want to try something out"
"what?"
"you'll see"
50 HIT COMBO!!!
"...you suck"
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Phillies64 on February 18, 2009, 10:23:49 am
Well I got Street Fighter IV yesterday, and it certainly lives up to the hype. The game has a lot of tweaks and nuances that I've yet to learn. Like most SF games, it's very easy to pick up and play, but pretty difficult to master. I'm looking forward to putting in a lot of hours to try and improve my game.

I highly suggest this to any fighting game fans.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: KebreI on February 19, 2009, 02:47:42 am
I am in the midst of installing the Shin Megami Tensei Online MMO right now. I have know Idea if its any good there aren't any reviews out at all.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Radical_Dreamer on February 19, 2009, 01:35:21 pm
I am in the midst of installing the Shin Megami Tensei Online MMO right now. I have know Idea if its any good there aren't any reviews out at all.

Isn't that still in beta?
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Romana on February 19, 2009, 04:15:15 pm
It's open beta, yeah.

I'm enjoying that MMO so far, but it's difficult as all hell; take some time to train/recruit some decent demons before you start exploring too far. Also try to get into a guild or have a friend with you when heading to other areas, enemies are crapshoots and you get slaughtered quickly. Good thing is you can revive on the spot (usually without penalties I think), and you're given a lot of healing items off the bat.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Shee on February 21, 2009, 08:33:54 pm
NCAA Hoops 2k8

So I started playing again the other day in an effort to relax.  Took Sacramento State back to the Big Dance and bombed in the first round.  So I left and got hired at Greighton.  Yaaay for better coaching job!  I have a much better team now, and while it took a minute to get over the program I built in Sacramento, my staff and I were ready for bigger and better things.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Acacia Sgt on March 23, 2009, 02:19:23 am
Fire Emblem - Genealogy of the Holy War

What an awesome game.

I'm currently on Chapter 2, finally going to conquer the last castle. But I don't like how the big maps are structured, especially this chapter's. Starting in the southeast corner, moving to the northwestern one, only to now go to the northeast one, but having to go back south then east since there are cliffs forcing me to go around. If it wasn't for that Warp and Return Staffs and the music...

But the rest I have no problem with. Though I will hate the big maps more if they give me more situations like the one above.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Alcyone on March 23, 2009, 04:02:29 am
Disgaea 2. I played it for about 26 hours straight the other day. .__.;; It's the only thing keeping me from going insane while trying to save up for a PS3 so I can get Disgaea 3.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: FouCapitan on March 23, 2009, 04:05:21 am
Disgaea 2. I played it for about 26 hours straight the other day. .__.;; It's the only thing keeping me from going insane while trying to save up for a PS3 so I can get Disgaea 3.
The only PS3 exclusive that I have any interest in really.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Jutty on March 23, 2009, 06:04:42 am
Disgaea 2. I played it for about 26 hours straight the other day. .__.;; It's the only thing keeping me from going insane while trying to save up for a PS3 so I can get Disgaea 3.
The only PS3 exclusive that I have any interest in really.

MGS4 makes me want to get one. Killzone 2 almost got me, but I'm pretty sure GoW3 will confirm my purchase.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: MagilsugaM on March 26, 2009, 04:50:01 am
Final Fantasy Verrsus XIII is looking better than XIII. I hope that GoW3 will dome this year....

I am playing some Burnout Paradise, I don't have any RPG's for the PS3 at the moment... All the good ones are for 360 right now. Valkyrie chronicles is pretty good though.
I need to get some freaking money to buy at least one game......
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Boo the Gentleman Caller on March 26, 2009, 10:57:42 am
For the past month I have been playing Legends of Dragoon...

It's going to take forever, seeing as how I am now on a "only one day of video games" per week routine.

It's actually quite nice!  I'm more productive!
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: idioticidioms on March 30, 2009, 02:49:39 am
Bahamut Lagoon has been on my itinerary lately, but I don't seem to be playing too much anymore. Some thing called 'Love' keeps interfering. Odd.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: V_Translanka on April 05, 2009, 10:08:46 am
Bahamut Lagoon totally loses something for me after a while...I blame dragon raising...I hate raising Pokémon outside of Pokémon games...speaking of which...

Pokémon: Platinum Version - I had tried the DDP series previously, but other games got in the way and then I figured to play Yellow, Crystal & Emerald first (since they all play faster on my lame lappy than the DS series)...I got through Yellow & Emerald (I forget why I went to Emerald...probably impatience)...I think I'll be okay, but I forgot too soon how much of a Berry whore I become...omg and the effing Honey on the trees too...Hello Pokémon: Harvest Moon Version! V_V I've currently got 3 Badges and just sorta puttering around the little side areas...

Etrian Odyssey - This is a pretty great game. It reminds me somewhat of turn-based RPGs of old...maybe it's the 1st person battles...maybe it's the level-heaviness...idk...In the beginning you start a clan, rustle up a party of a handful of various available classes (standard knight, archer, priest, wizard, paladin, buffer & debuffer...with two other classes you get to unlock later...which I haven't gotten yet)...Anyways, each level you get a point to spend on a variety of skills and junk and it's fun in that regard (reminds me of FFT)...I'm currently past the first real boss and doing some leveling...Oh and you sorta make your own maps in-game as you go along, but idk how important or necessary it is, really most of the time...Just a thing they tacked on...

Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords - Do ya like Bejeweled? Do you like RPGs? Then you're in luck! This has all of the flare of both in one great little medieval package! If you're looking for something more sci-fi, there's Puzzle Quest: Galatrix! It's actually pretty fun & extremely addictive.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Acacia Sgt on April 06, 2009, 01:56:53 am
Fire Emblem - Sacred Stones

I decided to give myself a challenge while playing this (that is, making the enemies stronger, with the only help for the characters being higher stat growths). So far until Chapter 7, it has been fine.

Chapter 5x was a nightmare, though. I never expected Level 7-9 enemies with a Level 12 boss to be a bad choice for that one.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: neo-fusion on April 07, 2009, 03:39:24 am
Call of Duty 4 Modern Warfare

I like the online play a lot. Oh and a quick tip... don't ever play on an HD TV unless you have either an hdmi or the hd cables... Without the hd cables/hdmi I had a .53 K/D ratio, with the cords... I now have a 1.55 K/D.

Anyway, the realisticness of the game is just plain SWEET.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Acacia Sgt on April 07, 2009, 03:58:41 am
So I was either brave, or crazy, or both.

Fighting Level 15-16 enemies with Level 7-9 units wasn't such a good idea after all. And then Tirado... if it wasn't for Ephraim I would have lost some units there.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: placidchap on April 08, 2009, 08:46:54 am
Without the hd cables/hdmi I had a .53 K/D ratio, with the cords... I now have a 1.55 K/D.

I'm getting old... :(
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: V_Translanka on April 09, 2009, 12:19:33 pm
Maybe you just realize the futility of keeping a high nerd quotient.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: skylark on April 11, 2009, 03:14:59 pm
I am currently playing Guilty Gear Accent Core +, which I got yesterday.

My fourth favorite series after Chrono, Lunar, and Dynasty/Samurai Warriors. A steadily evolving and complex fighting system, impressive for the PS2 2D graphics (for the fighting games anyway, GG2 is a whole different can of beans altogether), a memorial cast of characters (can't forget some of them even if you want to... I'm looking at you, Faust...), and an ongoing story filled with enough plot twists and loose ends to make even Masato Kato's head spin (and that's quite an achievement). At least in my personal opinion. :P

Of course, most story related material can only be found through Japan-only supplementary merchandise (Drama CDs and novels and all that.), but I digress.

Favorite thing in this game... Dizzy finally... FINALLY has an IK (Instant Kill) move. Downside is that it's a bitch-and-a-half to pull off... >_<

Enjoying every minute of it.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Radical_Dreamer on April 11, 2009, 05:39:30 pm
I am currently playing Guilty Gear Accent Core +, which I got yesterday.

That game is fantastic. I've been a regular Guilty Gear player since XX. Who do you play? My main is Testament.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: skylark on April 12, 2009, 12:48:57 am
I am currently playing Guilty Gear Accent Core +, which I got yesterday.

That game is fantastic. I've been a regular Guilty Gear player since XX. Who do you play? My main is Testament.

I'm just a casual player, I'm not big on the whole tournament/tier thing. My faves, though, are Anji, Baiken, and Ky. Howerver, Robo-Ky is just awesome enough to warrant 4th place, cause he pretty much tells it like it is. :P
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: V_Translanka on April 12, 2009, 02:55:22 am
That's cool, I've really only played GGX (Japanese version) on DC and thought it was pretty spectacular.

Anyways, in lieu of playing NDS or even regular GBA games, a state of which I'm not entirely sure is the case, I started up a few GBC games...

Alone In the Dark: The New Nightmare - I've never played an Alone In the Dark game, but I got to sleep through most of the movie...! lol Anyways...It's fairly impressive for a GBC game, but otherwise would look like shit. It's an isometric game with a sort of top-down battle system that's as fun to try to target enemies to shoot as the oldschool GTA games...

Dragon Warrior II - It's packed with I, but I've already played all the way through the NES version of DWI and don't feel like going through it again currently...But I never completed II and this updated version is actually pretty sweet.

Dragon Warrior III - The other NES DW I wasn't able to complete, though I got right up to the end my last try...Hey! New classes! Wicked new intro! Personality system straight outta Pokemon (or maybe it was the other way around?)! I'm going with an all-girl squad this time around...Gen, the Hero main character who's personality is "Macho" (I basically answered all of the beginning questions like your average hero would I guess)...Dusk, my "Fearless" Thief (damn right better be fearless!)...Silk, my "Romantic" (how much romance is she gonna get with a group full of girls? KINKY!) Cleric...and Red, my "Alert" Mage taking up the rear. THIS is the game the ol' NES FFIII wishes it was...well, before FFIII DS came out, I guess...>_>

Megaman Xtreme - Such a stupid name that I renamed it to more closely resemble the Japanese name: Megaman X: Cyber Mission (Xtreme 2 is X2: Soul Eraser, but I haven't started that one yet)...I haven't gotten very far, just went through the first level which is amazingly the exact same as the first stage in most of this era of Megaman games, I think...at least it was the same in Zero & ZX I think...possibly X too...Anyways, nice Megaman action like always...although I guess I'm going to go into a computer and do what basically comes down to virus busting...>_>

Pokémon: Crystal Version - I started up my old save and saw that I'm just leveling for the Elite 4, I think...I might have to look around to see if there are any sidequest things I can do beforehand though (I can already Fly up to them)...

I also started a new game of DQV the other day, but I think that'll probably go right back on the backburner...the DS one being available kind of makes me sad that I'm just playing the 16-Bit version...*sigh* One of these days my computer won't suck and I'll be able to play any DS ROM I want w/o fear of slowdown! Or, y'know, maybe I'll actually get the system & games...*shrugs* Whichever comes first...lol
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: teaflower on April 12, 2009, 09:04:13 am
After many years (by years I mean days), I have finally conquered the internet. And copyright laws.

VOCALOID 2: Hatsune Miku is my current game of choice. I had to go through so much shit to get it, though. But now... I have the installation disc (kill it and DIE), the program, and a crack for it. The crack hasn't been implemented. I figure that it'll make the menus in English. Or, more likely, Engrish. With this software, I'm really working my music reading skills (b is apparently flat...) as well as my patience. Why can't I just have her sing LA? It must be RA! ... fun all the same.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Radical_Dreamer on April 12, 2009, 01:31:49 pm
I am currently playing Guilty Gear Accent Core +, which I got yesterday.

That game is fantastic. I've been a regular Guilty Gear player since XX. Who do you play? My main is Testament.

I'm just a casual player, I'm not big on the whole tournament/tier thing. My faves, though, are Anji, Baiken, and Ky. Howerver, Robo-Ky is just awesome enough to warrant 4th place, cause he pretty much tells it like it is. :P

"This is the power of machines!"

Robo-Ky is fun, but I usually just goof around with him, and see how much I can do with jD over and over again.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: chrono eric on April 12, 2009, 07:05:39 pm
Star Ocean 4 is pretty good so far. I'll post a more elaborate review when I finish the game, but so far my only true complaints are that in an attempt to relate the plot to some of the games later in the series, it gives the feeling that they are actually recycling old storylines which takes away from the main adventure. Some of the voice acting is just horrendous as well. But the planets and landscapes are beautiful and the game itself is massive. 40 hours in and I just got to the second disc (out of three). Item Creation is refined to be way more enjoyable, and a greater emphasis on space-travel and general sci-fi-ness makes it feel unique from the previous Star Oceans.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: placidchap on April 13, 2009, 10:32:53 am
Still playing FXII.  Balthier and Basch are probably the most memorable FF characters of all time, at least for me.  The game probably has some of the best voices I have heard in video games.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: chrono eric on April 13, 2009, 02:07:49 pm
Balthier definitely is for me. FF XII just gave off such a strong feeling of Tactics / FF VI. I loved that game, although I felt it was a bit too short. I would have loved to be able to cross the Jagd into the other part of Ivalice where Tactics took place.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Phillies64 on April 16, 2009, 11:02:50 am
I am currently playing Guilty Gear Accent Core +, which I got yesterday.

That game is fantastic. I've been a regular Guilty Gear player since XX. Who do you play? My main is Testament.

I'm just a casual player, I'm not big on the whole tournament/tier thing. My faves, though, are Anji, Baiken, and Ky. Howerver, Robo-Ky is just awesome enough to warrant 4th place, cause he pretty much tells it like it is. :P

I always wanted to get into the Guilty Gear series, but fighting games are so much work! I always take them too seriously. I've been playing SFIV nonstop since it came out, trying to master one or two characters. If I took on another fighting game my head would explode...although KOFXII looks tempting.

Anyway I love the graphics on Guilty Gear. Have you seen BlazBlue yet? Also looks very pretty. 
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Radical_Dreamer on April 16, 2009, 02:41:44 pm
I have been playing BlazBlu actually. Mostly as Ragna until console comes out and I can play more regularly. A lot of my knowledge from Guilty Gear transfers over; similar systems, and Ragna is the Sol of BlazBlu. If you liked Guilty Gear XX, you'll like BlazBlu.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: ZaichikArky on April 16, 2009, 06:46:16 pm
I'm playing Red Alert 2 and The World Ends With You

RA2 is probably the manliest game I've ever played, but on that note it's also one of the funniest games I've ever played. I'm doing the Soviet Side and the cut scenes are so ridiculous and cheesy, it's GREAT. The difficulty isn't so bad, not like the latest C & C game( jeez >_>) and other than some battles taking over half an hour, it's pretty fun. There is a lot of variety in the missions, so it's not always just build up enough units to storm a base... fail, try again over and over, so I like it : ).

TWEWY is the most creative RPG I've ever played. It's really fun and the way you fight your enemies is very engaging. I have a problem where I keep running out of money and have to do a ton of battles to get more money, and also I seem to often run around aimlessly, but other than that the game is a great experience. The music is great, the characterization is well-developed, as is the plot. I'm glad I finally found this game because I guess they didn't make so many copies of it. It's really one of the DS's best.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Radical_Dreamer on April 17, 2009, 02:57:25 pm
How do you manage the top screen partner in The World Ends With You? I tried to do both at once; in fact, I bought the game to play it in that style.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: ZaichikArky on April 17, 2009, 03:20:23 pm
Somehow, I never got Shiki's mode, though I did understand Joshua's (even though it's supposedly more difficult). If you're playing with Shiki, there are some combinations you can do to guess which symbol she needs to get a star. The 3 posibilities are: (R=right on the D pad, U=up, D=down)

RURRRRR
RDRRRRR
RRRRRRR

I'm kind of guessing how many times you tap the right arrow. You can also do the same thing for the buttons on the right side of the DS if that's more comfortable to you. Usually, I don't bother with any of that other than just taping RRRRR all the time because it's too hard to concentrate on what's going on with the top AND the bottoms screen and Neku is always more powerful. I would just suggest always eating food to boost up your sync rate and then constantly taping R.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Shee on April 17, 2009, 07:18:03 pm
Man...I don't know like.....98% of these games.  I see something BlazBlu and someone named VERY closedly to being a "Ranga" which caught me off guard and made me laugh.  Anyway, I just started playing Earthbound again.  Damn hilarious.  This is a REAL callback to my youth, lots of stories with taht one.  And yeah I'm still playing College Hoops 2k8...don't hate...don't hate.

Ranga explanation: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLvpzzjs-NE
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Romana on April 17, 2009, 08:08:17 pm
Playing Persona 4 and Persona 3 FES (Episode Aigis/The Answer). Also Pokémon Platinum every now and then. Kinda lost my interest in P4 after dying in the last dungeon after going down 6 floors and beating a mini-boss, only to die to a really cheap random enemy. Happens enough to get used to, but I was running sooo damn well and now I've lost a ton of great items (not to mention levels). The Answer's filling in for it till I feel like picking it up again.

How do you manage the top screen partner in The World Ends With You? I tried to do both at once; in fact, I bought the game to play it in that style.

It's generally pretty hard to handle unless you're using Joshua. I'd set it to the instant CPU control takeover option thing, and just have them jump and block a lot. Shiki's pattern is easy to manage, Josh's is ridiculous easy to build up, but Beat's makes the last stretch of the game a nightmare.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Clovis15 on April 22, 2009, 03:48:58 am
I am currently whacking away at Sigma Star Saga. This game from WayForward Games, now better known for Contra 4 and their upcoming remake of A Boy and His Blob, saw few purchases back in the day because it got reamed by the review circuit. That said, despite the fact the game has a few rough edges - that admittedly might be called jagged - it really is a stellar well produced gem. If this game had come out in the SNES era, it probably would have been universally revered.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: FouCapitan on April 22, 2009, 06:08:16 am
Resident Evil 5:  Playing this one off and on, keeping it co-op with my roomate since 1 player alone is a pain in the ass.  So far it's pretty damn good.  I can't compare it to any earlier RE games though since I've never played any of them.  Unfortunately games like Tomb Raider and Fear Effect (ugh) turned me off to the 3rd person shooter genre back in the PSX days.  Not without its faults, but it's pretty fun in the co-op mode.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: V_Translanka on April 22, 2009, 06:49:14 am
Fou, duuuuuuuude, RE4 is a must-play. Either Gamecube or PS2 versions were brilliant Game of the Year-class games. Totally reinvented the series and made it a lot more assessable (the older sloppy camera angles, while they added atmosphere, also added too much sloppiness to the controls) too...
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: MagilsugaM on April 22, 2009, 08:00:39 am
Dead Space controls are so much better! I am a serious RE fanboy but I didn't like 5. They kept the same control system the stop and aim thing... While in Dead Space is an way improved RE4 control system. I don't consider RE5 a bad game.... But the gameplay could been done better.  In DeadSpace you can walk and shoot at same time.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Jutty on April 22, 2009, 09:22:48 am
I played RE5 it was fun, but I'm pretty much refusing to play them anymore until I can move and shoot.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: teaflower on April 22, 2009, 12:23:16 pm
Now that my NES is finally working, I'm going back and forth between Duck Hunt and Hogan's Alley. Basically, I need to shoot stuff right now, so...
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: HyperNerd on April 22, 2009, 12:25:17 pm
I tried playing a game where you blow shit up with Asafigow yesterday, and the only game  I really have that lets you do that is Star Wars Battlefront II....
I couldn't find it when he was there, but it seems my brother broke it!
Wonderful.
I fucking hate that jackass.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Jutty on April 22, 2009, 12:57:22 pm
I'm probably gonna start playing WoW on free servers soon if anyone wants to start a char with me. http://www.neverendless-wow.com/
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: placidchap on April 23, 2009, 08:05:57 am
until I can move and shoot.

That is a part of their charm.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Jutty on April 23, 2009, 09:12:15 am
If they are going to add another player ruining the whole survival horror aspect they might as well not make me move like I'm a tank. You don't need to save your ammo and such because enemies drop extra ammo. You can buy as much first aid spray as you want. Now it's just a bad arcadey zombie game. Also if Chris can punch someone and knock them a mile it's not too much of a stretch that he can move and shoot. Or at least move and knife. Also versus mode is hilarious watching people run up to each other stop and take turns shooting each other. The fact that they needed to add a.i. opponents show that they pretty much admit defeat.

Proof: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RTiOsoDyQ4&feature=related
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: KebreI on April 23, 2009, 01:16:41 pm
Sorry Jutty, but that video didn't look too bad to me at all.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: skylark on April 23, 2009, 04:53:41 pm
Just got Dynasty Warriors Gundam yesterday. *dodges bricks*

Just about everything they could improve, they have improved immensely, and a much more comprehensive Official Mode featuring more key characters. There are only four characters for Official, but they can't all be winners. The real meat is in the Mission Mode (which pretty much replaces Original Mode from the last game).

It feels nice pwning Big Zam or Devil Gundam with Puru, and that's all I will say.

If I don't come back here for a while, this is why. :P
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Jutty on April 23, 2009, 08:28:03 pm
Sorry Jutty, but that video didn't look too bad to me at all.

Versus mode is supposed to be you vs another player. Not killing a.i. until you happen to cross another player to fight.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: KebreI on April 24, 2009, 01:11:21 am
Sorry Jutty, but that video didn't look too bad to me at all.

Versus mode is supposed to be you vs another player. Not killing a.i. until you happen to cross another player to fight.
In a lot of games yes, but not in all. In fact back in the ol' days you never even fought each other you just took turns and the compared your scores.

More games need to have a score...
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: V_Translanka on April 24, 2009, 01:37:41 am
Headshots=The New High Score
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: KebreI on April 24, 2009, 04:40:58 am
Nonononono, I mean the little number in the corner that goes up the better you do. Not just headshots, kneeshots, frags, accomplished goals. It shouldn't be limited to Arcade games or shooters either, ever game could implement it.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: MagilsugaM on April 26, 2009, 05:13:52 am
Resident evil 5 Failed!!! I was so dissapointing..... is just like 4 nothing new. Is like having Ashley next to you but this time she actually does something useful... But u still have to save her all the time. If you want some RE like go to Dead Space. I just want my run and shoot... RE5 needs patch!
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Radical_Dreamer on April 26, 2009, 02:29:57 pm
Resident evil 5 Failed!!! I was so dissapointing..... is just like 4 nothing new. Is like having Ashley next to you but this time she actually does something useful... But u still have to save her all the time. If you want some RE like go to Dead Space. I just want my run and shoot... RE5 needs patch!

Don't play it alone.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: RedNeckJiuJitsu on April 26, 2009, 08:24:15 pm
I'm currently playing

Chrono Trigger Coliseum ROM hack: as I wait for CTDS to get here... Haven't actually gotten to the Coliseum yet, as I just started last night and only made it to Masa & Mune.
Also did a little on CT+ (cool, but hard as hell, can't even beat the Hetakes at the start), Prophet's Guile (taking Melchoir up Mt Woe), and the Crimson Echoes demo (although I'm stuck on it...).

Legend of Zelda - Parallel Worlds ROM hack: sort of playing it... I can't even figure out how to get to the guardhouse at the beginning of the game... Grrr...

Ninja Gaiden: on the xBox. working my way all the way through, since I still haven't beaten it yet. I'm just about to the first fight with Alma.

Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword: started it, but now I'm gonna wait 'til I beat NG before I go through it... It's definitely an adjustment learning to attack with the stylus.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: chrono eric on April 27, 2009, 12:38:39 am
Oh man, in Star Ocean 4 I just synthesized EXP+20% four times on laser weapons, and EXP+15% three times on neck and wrist accessories for all four party characters, netting a whopping total of EXP + 680% because apparently it is additive in this game. Then I went and whupped some Metal Scumbag ass in one of the post-game dungeons and received over 2 million EXP per battle  :shock:! In a half hour I went from level 116 to level 255. I do believe this is the greatest levelling up trick in any RPG that I've ever discovered.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Acacia Sgt on April 27, 2009, 12:48:10 am
Two... million? Then again, the fact level 100 isn't the limit doesn't make it too surprising.

Anyway, finally I have passed Genealogy of the Holy War. The final chapter was very annoying in terms of the enemy armies (Edda's and Freege's mainly), but at least it was straightforward unlike some of the earlier ones.

Now to begin with Thracia 776...

...probably.

Great, small glitch or bug in the ending. Not anything to care considering it only affects a little the ending sequence, but still...
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Phillies64 on April 27, 2009, 01:38:16 pm
Since I pretty much have done everything I could with CTDS, my DS was getting dusty. So I ordered a bunch of DS/GBA stuff from ebay. Mario Kart SC, Mario Kart DS, Final Fantasy III, IV, V advance, and VI advance. (I only paid 40 bucks plus shipping for the whole lot!)

Both Kart games are awesome. Highly suggest them to any fans of the MK series. Haven't got into the FF's yet, but I'm really looking forward to it, since I haven't played them in years.

I'm also starting to really improve with Street Fighter IV. Now that I have a joystick, I'm learning a lot.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: chrono eric on April 27, 2009, 08:41:29 pm
Two... million? Then again, the fact level 100 isn't the limit doesn't make it too surprising.

I believe the number was more like 2,600,000 or so. And you have to unblock the level cap at lv 99 by gathering enough battle trophies. I don't know if you've played other Star Ocean games, but you could do similar tricks in the other ones - but they took an insane amount of time to prepare for because the Item Creation system wasn't as user friendly and you would have to reset the game hundreds of times just to get what you want. Well, in Star Ocean 4 you can't fail at Item Creation, so it is incredibly easy (too easy in fact) to do a trick like this. It took me only about 2 hours to gather the things that I needed and even then I wasn't sure if it would be additive or not. I'm pretty sure in Star Ocean 3 that the EXP + effects were only additive to a certain point, and beyond that it had no effect. Not so here.

Now that I think about it it is kind of a shame actually, because it just made the post-game dungeons laughably easy. I think I'm going to leave half my party with crap levels just to give me a challenge now.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Acacia Sgt on April 27, 2009, 08:49:11 pm
I see. I have only played the first Star Ocean, and even so, the game kept freezing near the beginning.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: chrono eric on April 27, 2009, 10:39:27 pm
Ah bummer, seems like it was a crappy ROM then. That's too bad because SO1 is one of the greatest games on the SNES. I dare say it is equal in greatness to Chrono Trigger (gasp!). I think you would really like it if you had a chance to play it. There are some good ROMs out there, and then there is that Star Ocean: First Departure remake for the PSP too.

The thing about that though is that they completely remade the game to make it just like SO2, and from what I've seen on Youtube videos I have to say that I definitely think that the remake in design erases some of the charm and beauty of the SNES original. The first Star Ocean was literally the most beautiful 2D game I've ever seen on the SNES, which is one of the reasons why the graphics patches for the ROM took forever to make.

Dejap.com has the completed graphics and translation patches, so you just need a quality ROM and you are good to go. I highly recommend playing it if you are an RPG fan and especially a fan of SNES rpgs.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Acacia Sgt on April 27, 2009, 10:55:22 pm
So that's why. Well, thanks for that.

So, Star Ocean it is. Thracia 776 will have to wait.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: chrono eric on April 28, 2009, 12:59:34 am
Let me know what you think of it  :D. It's personally one of my favorite series. I hold it to equal standing with the Chrono and Xeno series personally.

Also, have you played Tales of Phantasia? Expect the battle system in SO to be very similar to that game if you have, because some of the same developers of Tales of Phantasia made Star Ocean.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Acacia Sgt on April 28, 2009, 01:51:48 am
Already beaten that one. It's my most favorite among the Tales series, though I have only played the Aselia games.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: IAmSerge on April 28, 2009, 01:56:58 am
Phantasy Star online is what i am playing.

On the Schthack server.

Tis enjoyable, I just wish I knew more of the story...

...and now THIS time its my Ms that are messing up... UGH.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: V_Translanka on April 28, 2009, 06:38:12 am
Yeah, I'll back chrono eric's saying that the original Star Ocean is about on-par with Chrono Trigger (I'd also throw in FFVI)...I hadn't even played very much of it and already loved it. The character branches had me playing 3 separate games because sometimes I got like that (totally destroys my ability to actually get through a game though >_<) for a while with various games (Sword of Mana & Seiken Densetsu III also fell to similar fates)...I'll probably d/l it again sometime (maybe after I'm done with this stupid Universe mode SO3 playthrough)...Though from what I've heard from everyone SO2 is the best in the series, so I can't imagine why First Departure being more like that would be a bad thing...

Oh, and PSOnline totally ruined the series for me...Phantasy Star IV: End of the Millennium was another game in the same era of Chrono Trigger that deserves as much accolades and then then just ran the entire series into the ground by turning it into a blech MMO...I wonder if PS0 (zer0) will be any good (I guess it's out in Japan)...looks more like the MMO versions, but I haven't read up on it...*sigh* RIP PS series...
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: ZaichikArky on April 28, 2009, 07:25:05 am
Wahoo I finally beat Red Alert 2!! Well, Soviet Side anyway :p. Man the second to last mission was SO hard. I redid it about 30 times >_>. I can't believe I managed to beat it. I guess I'll have to play "Yuri's Revenge" next... and then I'll get Red Alert 3! I hope it can run alright on my computer. I have more than a gig of ram... it says that's what's required.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: chrono eric on April 28, 2009, 09:44:43 pm
Though from what I've heard from everyone SO2 is the best in the series, so I can't imagine why First Departure being more like that would be a bad thing...

Universe mode in SO3? Are you planning on beating the post-game dungeons that way? Good luck...that'll be a challenge.

But imagine if they remade Trigger to be just like Cross in design. While certainly appealing to a wider audience, would it not take away from some of the charm of the original game? I definitely think it would. That's sort of what I meant with the Star Ocean remake. Although I must admit that they fleshed out some of the story a bit further, especially later in the game, and reading some things about that has got me almost interested enough to buy a PSP.

Most people like SO2 the best in the series, but it is really tough to judge because all the games are so great (yes, I even think SO3 is, despite its obvious flaws). I really did love the story of SO3 even if some of the characters were incredibly annoying, and the expansive dictionary really gave a feeling of deep history to the Pangalactic Federation and the planet Elicoor. I think it was, all things considered, well done.

But as far as well-rounded RPG's go, SO2 is probably the best for sure. I can't imagine any RPG fan being dissatisfied with that game, while I can see many people dissatisfied with SO3.

I recently beat SO4 and I have to say that it was a little bit of a letdown. I'll post a review once I'm finished beating the post-game dungeons. It suffered from horrible plot-pacing and abandoned storylines. It felt hastily and poorly done - definitely not up to the bar that the previous games raised. And then there was the limited character development and annoying characters present. The character Lymle is particularly annoying. Imagine a more annoying version of Roger from SO3 that you have no choice but to accept into your party for the duration of the game.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: V_Translanka on April 28, 2009, 10:40:37 pm
I'm just going through Universe to go through it again, really...I have no plans on doing the bonus dungeon at all...maybe I'll think about it in a 3rd game if it ever comes to that...I just want this playthrough to be non-Peppita, non-Roger (maybe non-Adray as well) and hopefully that will make me feel somewhat better about the game...

And, did you quote the wrong part or put my quote in the wrong part of your post or something? Seems like that quote was meant to be after that first comment...

Anyways, what do you mean the design of Cross...? If you mean they changed the character designer away from Toriyama then, yes, I agree whole-heartedly...but if you just mean they made it 3D, then no, not at all...It would be spectacular! 2D wasn't a real stylistic choice in order to convey a certain feeling back then, it was more of a necessity...If they can remake it in 3D well (and Toriyama's style has already proven itself well in such realm) then I think that would be best.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Acacia Sgt on April 30, 2009, 02:06:30 pm
So, I decided yesterday to try the Pit of 100 Trials in Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door for the first time.

Defeated at Floor 81, and very close to leveling up.

Tried again this morning, and did it this time. I got VERY lucky in the last floors, managed to level up four times.

And as for Bonetail, Piercing Blow all the way, healing when needed.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: IAmSerge on April 30, 2009, 06:09:21 pm
grats bro


Try to keep such nothing posts ("Thanks!", "Good job!", "Agreed!" etc) to PMs.
                                                                                               ~V_Translanka



Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: chrono eric on May 01, 2009, 12:07:00 am
I'm just going through Universe to go through it again, really...I have no plans on doing the bonus dungeon at all...maybe I'll think about it in a 3rd game if it ever comes to that...I just want this playthrough to be non-Peppita, non-Roger (maybe non-Adray as well) and hopefully that will make me feel somewhat better about the game...

I'm assuming you've beaten the post-game dungeons already? If not, they are very fun and challenging. It's one of the things I look forward to in Star Ocean games. Few RPG's that I can think of offer a true challenge like that.

And, did you quote the wrong part or put my quote in the wrong part of your post or something? Seems like that quote was meant to be after that first comment...

Yeah, I did. I noticed it after I posted too, but I was honestly too lazy to go back and change it.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: idioticidioms on May 26, 2009, 03:30:31 pm
Playing through FFXII again. Good game, but definitely is more about side quests than the main storyline, seeing as how most of your really hardcore boss fights will occur outside of the main storyline in a side quest that spans the whole game.

Also playing through The Bard's Tale for PS2. A pretty funny game with a sarcastic, quick-witted Bard as your main Hero. Save the Princess, rawr.

Arc the Lad: Twilight of Spirits for PS2, not a bad little RPG, and not a bad story to go with it. Has two races pretty much at war in it, the Humans and the Deimos, which are pretty much just demons and two people with the blood of both Deimos and human running through their veins are supposed to bring peace back to a troubled time.

Devil May Cry 3 is a really good game that I'm in the middle of helping a friend beat. Dante and his Brother Vergil, both carrying the demon blood of their Father and the human blood of their Mother, meet again in this game for a kind of twisted family reunion as Vergil tries to reopen the gate between the Demon World and the Human World which their Father had sealed a few thousand years before and Dante tries to stop him at every turn, along with a mysterious female Demon Hunter. Reminiscent of the fighting style in God of War and God of War 2, while still retaining much of it's own personality.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: KebreI on May 26, 2009, 05:26:06 pm
Reminiscent of the fighting style in God of War and God of War 2, while still retaining much of it's own personality.
It's the other way around buddy.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: idioticidioms on May 29, 2009, 04:34:17 pm
yes, well. I played the God of War games first, so to me it's the way I typed it. I didn't care enough to do research on the games before posting.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Katie Skyye on June 03, 2009, 11:46:24 pm
Sadly, I've been playing a lot of Pokémon. I finally got all 150 in Leafgreen, and I'm breeding my online team on Platinum right now.

Also, I've been re-playing Banjo-Tooie, and trying to get 100%. It's my second all-time favorite game!

I'll probably re-start Chrono Cross and just go with my instincts instead of going -- "If I do this, then THIS will happen, therefore I should do THIS instead!" Because I've read all the discussion on this game I already know what will happeeeeennn. I probably know more about CC than some people who have actually played it...
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Shee on June 04, 2009, 05:41:10 am
I tried to play Rise Of The Phoenix (snes) last night for aobut 15 minutes.  Then my head began to erupt so I started over with Demo mode.  Even using the Zsnes fast forward jam it was VERY long and I still didn't understand much of what in the hell was going on.  Apparently  I wasn't made out to be a Chinese general, even though the events take place before "China" existed.  I'm not the one to be asking.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: MagilsugaM on June 06, 2009, 05:18:31 am
I am playing Devil May Cry 1 and 4 at the moment. I only started with 3 when I got my hands on a ps2. So I never played 1 and it has 8 years already and I can't believe how awesome still is.  The gameplay of the game still in early stages not as good as in 3 but still awesome and is way harder than 3 and 4 but Easy mode is way too easy.
DMC 4 is good too. I am looking forward to Bayonneta which is a game made by one of the creators of DMC.

Yeah God of war gameplay is similar to Devil May Cry but it's way better. And is different and more epic, Devil May Cry is way harder but Ninja Gaiden Sigma is even harder I still haven't finish the game.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Brink-of-Time on June 07, 2009, 08:58:22 pm
I am now playing Front Mission 3. Never played it before, but I heard it's damn good.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: VidKid369 on August 12, 2020, 09:24:52 pm
Hey, guys! I just got through Chrono Trigger (SNES), so... I thought I'd say what I'm playing next!

I started up a brand new file for Star Ocean The Second Story (PSX) yesterday, and I went with Claude's storyline, lol... I just want to get lost in the Item Creation and food battling. I've also never beaten Rena's scenario.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: froodo on August 12, 2020, 11:39:53 pm
I'm currently playing Minecraft: Java Edition and occasionally some emulated games, mainly PS1 ones (testing Duckstation, a new emulator. Really like it).

I tried to play Steam's Chrono Trigger port not long ago for livestream, but got dizzy. I dont know but something in the image (framerate, idk) isnt right on that port.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Kodokami on August 13, 2020, 12:49:24 am
With the new patch that dropped yesterday, FFXIV. Also some Animal Crossing New Horizons with my mom and Minecraft with my brothers on occasion, but those are more of relaxing "time wasters" more than anything.

I actually find it really difficult to finish games anymore. :?
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Sheiken on August 13, 2020, 07:27:18 am
Currently my main focus is Paper Mario Origami King, Animal Crossing New Horizons, and I am 10 hours into Last of Us 2.  Animal Crossing gets most of my time while I chip away at Paper Mario over the weekend.  Last of Us 2 I will beat eventually, but I find it hard to motivate myself to play it right now.  The gameplay is solid, but the plot leaves much to be desired so far.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Mauron on August 13, 2020, 02:46:54 pm
Just finished FF7R, and the first Professor Layton game.

Currently playing Flowers (3): Autumn, with breaks for Knack II.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Boo the Gentleman Caller on August 13, 2020, 05:30:52 pm
How was FF7R? I am crossing my fingers it comes to PC so I can play it (I don't have a PS4).

I am currently playing Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, as that seems to be a go-to when I want to stop and go play. Save anywhere, lots of quests, open world... there's a lot to love with this game, even after nearly a decade. Plus I have it modded to the max (like 800 mods total) and it looks fabulous. Only took 100s of hours to set up over the course of like six months, haha...

I'm also playing Final Fantasy Brave Exvius: War of the Lions on my cell phone. It's a Final Fantasy Tactics knockoff free-to-play gatcha, but I am enjoying it. I'm not sinking tons of time into it (which it requires), but enough to enjoy the story and not get too caught up in everything else.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Mauron on August 13, 2020, 06:03:40 pm
FF7R felt like an expanded Midgar except when they went into nonsense of who knows what, then got back on track. At the moment, I'd recommend it if you liked the original FF7.

I'm also glad for the sudden influx of AriTifa fanart it inspired.

They made a FFT version of FFBE? Neat. Also probably awful, because gacha.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Toreadore on August 14, 2020, 10:28:23 am
The Professor Layton series is great. IMO it can get a bit drunk on its own puzzle theme at times, but overall, plenty enjoyable if you're a fan of puzzles and mysteries. Definitely pulls you in a bit more with each game.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Boo the Gentleman Caller on August 14, 2020, 12:18:06 pm
Quote
FF7R felt like an expanded Midgar except when they went into nonsense of who knows what, then got back on track. At the moment, I'd recommend it if you liked the original FF7.

I did like it! If it comes to PC I will play it ASAP. Or if I end up getting a PS5. I generally play like 70% PC, 25% Nintendo Switch, and 5% PS3/Nintendo Wii U. I am behind a generation when it comes to consoles. :/

Quote
They made a FFT version of FFBE? Neat. Also probably awful, because gacha.

Yeah, the gatcha element ruins the experience overall. As it does with anything it touches. I hate gatcha as a general rule; the only exception that has done it okay has been Another Eden.

The story is decent enough. It is actually a prequel to FFBE (which I never played), although I'm not sure how the two are connected. The gameplay is excellent - a smaller field but similar to your normal tactics game. Characters have three predefined jobs, so there's no job switching outside of those three, unfortunately.

The negatives are primarily the gatcha elements to acquire new characters, as well as how grindy it is to level up said characters. It often takes months of effort and grinding to get a character to level 99, so even when you get a shiny new character to play with, it takes far too long to get them to max power (there are approximately 20 different types of grinding items needed to level up entirely, which is absurd). In fact, this is probably the most selfish gatcha I've ever played in this regard.

Unfortunately I remain playing because I am liking the story, as all over the place as it is.

Quote
The Professor Layton series is great. IMO it can get a bit drunk on its own puzzle theme at times, but overall, plenty enjoyable if you're a fan of puzzles and mysteries. Definitely pulls you in a bit more with each game.

This series has always looked super fun to me. I love the art style and the gameplay has always looked fun. In fact, I think a collection of games was recently ported to PC / Steam, but I haven't pulled the trigger yet.

EDIT: Never mind. It wasn't Professor Layon that was ported, it was Ace Attorney.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Mauron on August 14, 2020, 07:03:09 pm
You might need a PS5 by the time the rest of FF7R comes out. No clue how many parts it will be at this point.

I do like FFT, so I might give the FFBE version a try.

I'm only one game into Professor Layton so far.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: VidKid369 on August 15, 2020, 05:30:10 am
Oh wow, I'm definitely looking to get to play Final Fantasy VII: Remake but I'll have to wait until I get a PlayStation 4 for that one, I too am behind at least a console generation, when it comes to new RPGs lol. I've always wanted to re-play FFVII but I lost the first disc for my PSX-copy, lol I do have it downloaded on my PSP Go though. I kinda wanna play the original again before I play the remake though.

Also I've always wanted to play the Ace Attorney games! Everyone always tells me, "John, if you love RPGs you have to get a Nintendo DS," lol!
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Kodokami on August 15, 2020, 10:04:46 am
I am currently playing Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, as that seems to be a go-to when I want to stop and go play. Save anywhere, lots of quests, open world... there's a lot to love with this game, even after nearly a decade. Plus I have it modded to the max (like 800 mods total) and it looks fabulous. Only took 100s of hours to set up over the course of like six months, haha...

What mods are your favorite, Boo? Once I get around to actually upgrading my computer, I plan on doing this too (though maybe not 800 mods, wow, that's a lot!). I remember my favorites were those that added to the story and places I could explore: Beyond Bruma, The Forgotten City, and Inigo.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Boo the Gentleman Caller on August 15, 2020, 11:02:20 am
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What mods are your favorite, Boo? Once I get around to actually upgrading my computer, I plan on doing this too (though maybe not 800 mods, wow, that's a lot!). I remember my favorites were those that added to the story and places I could explore: Beyond Bruma, The Forgotten City, and Inigo.

I am big on graphic overhauls, and I am using Cathedral Weathers for the first time. It's amazing and not only adds new weathers, but also adds various shaders and filters in them. ELFX is also a staple on my load order.

But yeah, I have all the major quests/lands included as well: Falskaar, Beyond Skyrim Bruma, Wyrmstooth, Legacy of the Dragonborn, The Forgotten City. M'rissi and Inigo are also included as companions with good quest lines. :)

I use Morrowloot Ultimate, OMEGA, Campfire, and Frostfall as well, although I generally leave Frostfall turned off -- it's too unforgiving for me on top of everything else.

I actually use a guide to install - Lexy's Legacy of the Dragonborn mod guide. It gives me a super stable base, and then I add a bunch of mods on top of it. I also merge like crazy. This most recently installation has approximately 800 active mods (some of which are .ESP-less graphic changes) and I have only had one crash so far.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: tushantin on August 25, 2020, 08:15:31 am
Trails in the Sky was BOSS. That said, I haven't been able to play anything recently -- still, my memories for the trilogy still remains fresh.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nb29Ks5HEe8
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Mauron on August 25, 2020, 01:29:57 pm
When dealing with certain people, it's time for UL-TRA VI-OL-EN-CE!
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: VidKid369 on October 14, 2020, 08:19:49 pm
Hey, guys! I finished Claude's game for Star Ocean: The Second Story (PSX)!

I started up The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (N64) I'm at 21:00 and I just finished the Forest Temple.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Toreadore on October 15, 2020, 09:47:06 am
Been playing Vanguard Bandits/Epica Stella. you'd think that wouldn't be a surprise given my avatar, but I actually haven't played it in a good decade or so! I finally finished the ruin branch but haven't decided if I want to finish the variations of the other two branches so that I can fully unlock the bloopers.

I was also playing a little of Super Mario 64 since I kept seeing people go on about the music of Dire, Dire Docks. (The song's good, but I just hadn't had an urge to play SM64 in years)
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Mauron on October 15, 2020, 04:27:01 pm
Multitasking through a bunch of games.

Genshin Impact: Paimon is wonderful. We need more Paimon.
Horizon: Zero Dawn: Genshin Impact with less Paimon, but an overall better game.
.hack//Infection: At the end of Part 1, hopefully moving on to part 2 today!
Hyrule Warriors Legends: No one is a match for the Legendary Hero, Linkle! At the end of the main storyline.
Maitetsu: Because train girls. Why not? Also because they have an anime this season.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: VidKid369 on October 29, 2020, 08:24:52 pm
Vanguard Bandits is great! All of the games Working Designs did are excellent! I still haven't completed all the branches, either.

.hack//Infection I played and is very good but it kinda almost gives me a seizure sometimes. I really want to get more games in the series.

So I finished The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (N64) and now I'm playing Breath of Fire for Super NES. This game makes me feel really nostalgic and homesick particularily.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Mauron on October 30, 2020, 02:48:45 pm
I finished .hack//Infection, then .hack//Mutation, and recently started .hack//Outbreak. I might actually finish the games this time!
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: VidKid369 on November 21, 2020, 04:55:48 am
I actually beat Breath of Fire for, I think, the very first time last night. I debated what to start today and I went ahead and popped-in Breath of Fire II since I've been aching to play that one. Both of them for SNES, btw!

Edit: I beat Breath of Fire II!

I'm taking a break from my backlog and going to start a re-play of a game I always enjoy, LUNAR: Silver Star Story Complete (PSX), does anyone else here really like that RPG? It's my absolute favorite and I always play it come Christmas-time.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Boo the Gentleman Caller on December 16, 2020, 12:48:45 pm
Finally putting Skyrim to rest after a 600-hour modded playthrough. At least for a while. I still need to complete the Dark Brotherhood and Thieves Guild factions, and there were several mod questlines I didn't complete (Inigo, Vigilant, and Project AHO), but I'm feeling ready to move on, at least for now.

I did pre-order Cyberpunk 2077 and intend on playing it, but like any new release I like to wait a month or two for all the major bugs to get squashed.

Since I've been reading the Witcher books (and loving them), I'm playing a modded playthrough of the first Witcher game, and will probably play through the series. I have such a softspot for early/mid-2000s dark PC RPGs. I love them but often struggle to complete them (although I have played the Witcher before and finished it).

I'm also playing Resident Evil Revalations for the first time on the Switch. It's been better than I expected, although the Episode-format has been an interesting twist for the series. It's much more action-oriented, and the twist half-way through the game was actually really cool (spoiler: two of your characters are trapped on an infected cruise-liner-turned-terrorist-base-turned-viral-outbreak, and two of their allies are sent to retrieve them. You follow both sets of heroes, and it turns out they're on two identical sister-ships, not the same ship).
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Mauron on December 18, 2020, 04:38:32 am
I finally finished off .hack//IMOQ. It wasn't spectacular, but it was nice to finally finish it.

I'm continuing my Kingdom Hearts run, most recently with Birth By Sleep. Aqua is a woman who gets to do stuff, which is unusual for Kingdom Hearts. Master Spock and Master Skywalker provide excellent voice acting.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Boo the Gentleman Caller on December 18, 2020, 10:52:06 am
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Aqua is a woman who gets to do stuff, which is unusual for Kingdom Hearts.

Poor Kairi. But yeah, KH tends to be a boy's club. I've played every Kingdom Hearts game except for KHIII, and this is too true. Even Namie didn't get into the action all that much (unless you consider drawing and memory manipulation action).

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Master Spock and Master Skywalker provide excellent voice acting.

Lol.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Mauron on December 18, 2020, 02:30:25 pm
I've been going through the PS4 collection. I got stuck partway through Re:Chain of Memories, and bored during 358/2 Days (watched the movie instead).

The first game introduced the Seven Damsels in Distress, and the games haven't improved much in that area since.

Most of the important women are non-combatants, or stuck to one world.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: VidKid369 on January 09, 2021, 11:25:40 pm
I 100% completed LUNAR: Silver Star Story Complete (PS) got all 13 Bromides and saw all four scenes at Althena's Springs. It sure felt good!

Now I want to 100% do everything possible for Final Fantasy VI. (Anthology, PS) I'm gonna try to get all the Rages/Lores and see all the scenes with Shadow and such, and do every side quest, teach everyone all the magic, etc.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Boo the Gentleman Caller on January 11, 2021, 10:34:50 am
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I 100% completed LUNAR: Silver Star Story Complete (PS) got all 13 Bromides and saw all four scenes at Althena's Springs. It sure felt good!

Good ol' SSSC -- the pinnacle of the LUNAR series and one of the best games of its generation. I keep hoping for a LUNAR 3, but alas...

I'm still (slowly) playing through Final Fantasy X HD on my Switch, and on the PC I'm alternating between a modded playthrough of the first Witcher game and Horizon Zero Dawn.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Mauron on January 11, 2021, 04:06:25 pm
I finished Birth By Sleep. Aqua was the best character (obviously).

Currently playing Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth. I like being able to flirt with the girls, and make my Digimon Digivolve.

I went through Horizon Zero Dawn not too long ago. Fun game. How far are you?
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Boo the Gentleman Caller on January 11, 2021, 04:14:55 pm
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I went through Horizon Zero Dawn not too long ago. Fun game. How far are you?

Not too far. Still in the Nora lands, although I just found the war party that went missing and I am about to tackle the (what I assume is one of multiple) Cauldrons. I also just took back the first bandit camp and gave it to some Outcasts.

I have yet to make it to the Carja/desert lands, although I'm on my way.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Mauron on January 11, 2021, 07:28:14 pm
Ah, yes, the Cauldron quest. That will be interesting.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: VidKid369 on January 12, 2021, 07:10:06 am
Good ol' SSSC -- the pinnacle of the LUNAR series and one of the best games of its generation. I keep hoping for a LUNAR 3, but alas...
Ah, SSSC is one of my favorite RPGs, ever!!! I need to get my Sega CD fixed so I can play the originals, but I've always had a soft spot for the PlayStation version. I took my time this time, and I logged in at 103:20. I managed to do everything perfect, I think... It just felt really good to take my time and really let everything sink in for once. Always a great experience, whenever I play it.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Boo the Gentleman Caller on January 12, 2021, 09:27:01 am
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Ah, SSSC is one of my favorite RPGs, ever!!! I need to get my Sega CD fixed so I can play the originals, but I've always had a soft spot for the PlayStation version. I took my time this time, and I logged in at 103:20. I managed to do everything perfect, I think... It just felt really good to take my time and really let everything sink in for once. Always a great experience, whenever I play it.

I don't think I ever got every single bromide. Every time I tend to mess something up, haha...

Have you played either the original or Complete version of Eternal Blue?
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: VidKid369 on January 12, 2021, 03:55:41 pm
If you ever need any help collecting all of the bromides, I can help you with that anytime!

Yes, I have both the Sega CD and PlayStation version of Eternal Blue. I think both are fantastic. Unfortunately, my Sega CD isn't working right now otherwise I'd be playing it but I think the original is great! Eternal Blue Complete is really good, too! I usually play a LUNAR game every year for Christmas so I might be playing Eternal Blue Complete later on at the end of this year... If I get my Sega CD fixed, I might play the original. Either version is good to play. :)
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Mauron on January 12, 2021, 06:12:29 pm
I've only played Lunar: Silver Star Harmony.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: VidKid369 on January 12, 2021, 11:41:48 pm
I have Silver Star Harmony for PSP Go, but I've only played maybe five minutes of it I stay pretty true to the PlayStation Working Designs translation as I love it but I've heard that Victor Ireland (Pres. of Working Designs) actually got a lot of the original voice actors back to reprise their roles for the SSH incarnation, which's pretty neat. And I hear Jenny Stigile (the singing voice of Luna) actually did a new song for that as well. I've meant to go through, play through SSH but I just haven't had the time with me trying to clear my RPG backlog, but I love the LUNAR series so I will probably play it soon!
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Boo the Gentleman Caller on January 13, 2021, 09:35:30 am
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I have Silver Star Harmony for PSP Go, but I've only played maybe five minutes of it I stay pretty true to the PlayStation Working Designs translation as I love it but I've heard that Victor Ireland (Pres. of Working Designs) actually got a lot of the original voice actors back to reprise their roles for the SSH incarnation, which's pretty neat. And I hear Jenny Stigile (the singing voice of Luna) actually did a new song for that as well. I've meant to go through, play through SSH but I just haven't had the time with me trying to clear my RPG backlog, but I love the LUNAR series so I will probably play it soon!

I actually love SSH -- if it wasn't for nostalgia, I'd probably like it as much as SSSC. Some of the same voice actors did come back, although some are different, and their new voices threw me for a loop on my first playthrough -- namely Kyle, Ghaleon, and Nall.

(For the record, Nall's voice is better is SSH; it's no longer just a lady with her voice pitched up to squeaky levels. I also like Ghaleon's new voice actor better. It has the same regality without being a nasally mess.)

I loved the re-worked soundtrack, although some of the original songs have new lyrics, which don't have the punch as the SSSC versions.

SSH also had a little bit of new content, mainly in the way of expanding on Laike and what happened with the original Four Heroes. The new additions showing more of what happened with them actually adds to the story and motivations a bit better.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: VidKid369 on January 14, 2021, 07:03:22 pm
I actually bought Silver Star Harmony on PSN back when I first got a PSP Go, I was surprised to see it for sale online and I bought it immediately on a whim. I've always been meaning to give it a whirl since I am a huge LUNAR series fan. Now I definitely have to give it a playthrough.

Oh cool! It's nice to see they made a few new changes. I'm kind of guardedly optimistic about playing it though since I'm so used to the PlayStation version, I just wonder if I'll like it haha. I quite like and have grown fond of what Working Designs did so I'm just a little hesitant.

The only thing I'm looking forward to is finding out more backstory on the Four Heroes I'm glad they expanded their storyline for sure. Like I'm interested in Lemia's backstory a lot and how she came to be the leader of the Magic Guild.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Mauron on January 14, 2021, 11:55:01 pm
I remember this one boss fight in SSH. It was an epic battle! I fought with everything I had, drained my items, and finally gave in. I let the boss destroy me and take me to the sweet release of the game over screen. Then... the plot continued.

I wasn't supposed to win that one.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: VidKid369 on January 15, 2021, 03:51:48 am
Lol, don't you love those?

I always fight with everything I have anyway, defending or trying to run away over and over seems kinda boring to me lol.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Mauron on January 15, 2021, 02:16:49 pm
I prefer when they can nuke me in a turn or two. :P
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Boo the Gentleman Caller on January 15, 2021, 02:23:48 pm
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I remember this one boss fight in SSH. It was an epic battle! I fought with everything I had, drained my items, and finally gave in. I let the boss destroy me and take me to the sweet release of the game over screen. Then... the plot continued.

I wasn't supposed to win that one.

Which would be jRPG trope #182.

Then you have the similar alternate to 'impossible to win battle' -- jRPG trope #183, the 'battle versus cutscene loss'. The characters are awesome in the battle and beat the villain, but then in an cutscene get their arses handed to them (so hard they'll kiss the moon).
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: VidKid369 on January 16, 2021, 12:17:17 am
Lol, I always get a little shuddered when the battle wipes me out in the first two turns cause I start thinking, "Maybe I'm underleveled or something?" while I wait for hopefully a continuation of the scene instead of a Game Over. Haha.

'Whether you win or lose/It doesn't matter' battles can be pretty annoying, especially if you want to read both the victory and defeated lines. *eye roll*

It's pretty funny when you get a super beefy guest character at lv. 99 with 9999 HP and he gets killed in a cutscene. It's just like. Um.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Acacia Sgt on January 16, 2021, 12:36:49 am
I can agree on the "winning the battle meant nothing" being annoying. The impossible battles not so much, at least when it's fast to tell when it's a thing. That said, figuring out if it's one where winning does change something but losing isn't a Game Over anyway...
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Boo the Gentleman Caller on January 16, 2021, 01:44:56 am
So let it be known... I love the Xenoblade Chronicles games. The first one has a lot of anime / jRPG tropes, but the second one leans in so heavily into the tropes it hurts. I kid you not, I think I won a battle and then lost in a cutscene like half a dozen times. I'm pretty sure it sets the record for doing that in a video game, haha.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Acacia Sgt on January 16, 2021, 02:57:08 am
Oh, haha, I know quite a few people who are fans of the XC games. Haven't seen them complain much over such things. At least definitely not over battle/cutscene discrepancies.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Toreadore on January 16, 2021, 01:12:37 pm
Xenoblade is pretty great. One day I'll work up the nerve to finish the first since I managed to mess up the skills system and screwed myself near the end, haha. I still need to play the second one on Switch.

My hyperfixation has been Undertale (PC, not Switch) for the last month and a half. I'm glad that a game that's solid due to its story and gameplay (and music), even if the graphics aren't what's popular for the time, can still be so well-received in this day and age (okay, 5-6 years ago, but still).
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Kodokami on January 16, 2021, 01:30:40 pm
I've been playing Dragon Quest XI a lot. I love it. There's sooo much to do. I'm 90 hours in the game and finally "finished", only to realize there's an entire third story arc.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Mauron on January 16, 2021, 02:49:08 pm
Still going through Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth on my end. I'm getting closer to the end now, but I'm not sure how close.

I played Xenoblade partway back in the day. I got distracted while wandering around somewhere.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Acacia Sgt on January 16, 2021, 04:50:43 pm
The only Xenoblade game I have is Chronicles X. Only did the first chapters, started doing the Red Lobster sidequest... then pretty much haven't continued since.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: VidKid369 on January 16, 2021, 07:18:11 pm
Ooo, I've heard about the Xenoblade games do they have anything to do with Xenogears or Xenosaga? Because Xenogears is on my list of RPGs I still have yet to beat and I've beaten Xenosaga part 1 like twice but I haven't started part 2 yet. I don't have part 3 but I heard it's really hard to find these days and it could be pretty expensive if you do.

Right now, I'm still playing Final Fantasy VI for PS, I'm on the Veldt after going to Zozo for the first time to collect a few more Rages. Usually, I totally ignore Gau and his rages but I'm trying to do 100% completion and it actually is pretty fun going on the Veldt. I feel like it elongates the game a bit more, cause everytime I play the game feels super short.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Acacia Sgt on January 16, 2021, 10:30:18 pm
Well, back when Xenogears came out there was like this planned overarching six-part grand storyline. Those plans were scrapped, but signs of them still shine through. Like, Xenogears was Episode V, Xenosaga is episodes I through III, and the Torna DLC of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 has elements of what would've been Episode IV. Something like that, been long since I last looked up about the original Xeno plans.

Anyway, the connections between each part of the Xeno series are faint, but supposedly it's all interconnected still. Who knows. This probably should be answered by someone more knowledgeable with the Xeno franchise.

Oooh, Gau and his rages. That's gonna take a while to fill up, haha.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: VidKid369 on January 17, 2021, 04:43:31 am
Ooh, excellent. I've been meaning to dive back into the Xeno games. I was really into Xenogears back when I was younger but the only one I've ever finished was Xenosaga Episode 1 lol.

Yeah, I was on the Veldt the whole, entire day today mmh. I dunno why but ever since I got a Backloggery I've been obsessing with going back through each one of the RPGs in my collection and just re-playing them cause they have these little statistics that note which games you've "100% completed" and such. I have a really bad memory when it comes to which of my RPGs I've finished so I'm just gonna re-play them all just for fun and as a little challenge while everything's going on right now. *pant*

To be honest, everytime I play Final Fantasy VI, I always just ignore Gau and his stupid little rages cause I never much use him anyway but now I think he's almost kinda cool to use. I'm a little confused as to what's really the difference between Gau and his Rages, and Strago and his Lores--they seem almost kinda the same to me anyway haha. But I'm doing it just for fun, to see if I can even do it and to just finally note that I've done everything in the game, just for personal reasons.

Also, since we are at a Chrono site I've totally been meaning to go through Chrono Cross and try to get all the characters this time! I don't think I've ever done that, like for example I've always wanted to see Janice in action but everytime I play I can never get her. I also wanna finally give New Game + a shot for Chrono Trigger and get another ending. I really want to just perfect all of my Super Nintendo RPGs and put that console away.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Acacia Sgt on January 17, 2021, 03:36:21 pm
When it comes to Gau and his Rages, it comes down to what Rages are ideal for any given situation. The big difference between him and Strago and his Lores is that Rages actually turn Gau into the monster he's copying when it comes to the gameplay. If the monster absorbs fire attacks, then Gau will absorb them too. If the monster flies, then he gains the Float status. And so on and so on. Lores are just one more spell list, but one you can use freely and is versatile, since Gau becomes uncontrollable when he's using a Rage, as well only having access to a single special attack. You can cheese the game with Gau, as it were. The hassle is getting the required Rages for easy strategies.

Haha, me neither. I've yet to get a full roster in Cross. This reminds me I still need to finish my NG+ of Trigger. Which I'm doing so to get the Achievements in the Steam version, mostly for completion's sake as well.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: VidKid369 on January 17, 2021, 05:12:59 pm
Oh, I see. See, I've loved Final Fantasy VI to death I always catch myself re-playing it usually to just enjoy the story but I've never really done a 100% complete playthrough,--I dunno why. This time I really wanted to enjoy the game as well as just try to get and do everything just so I can finally put the game away for the time being haha. I always find myself going back to FFVI for some reason or another but I have so many other RPGs to get through I can't afford to spend more time with it because well I can't forget my other games.

Yeah, I always read that you can demolish the game with Gau if you know how to use him right in that he can be a formidable ally. I always ignored him as a kid cause I hated how you can't control him anymore once you pick a rage to use but now I'm just trying to see what's up with him! Collecting all the rages is actually kinda pretty fun too hehe. Mostly on the World of Balance, I catch myself using Stray Cat a lot. It used to BUG me all the time how Gau would wind up with the float status after a battle and I couldn't figure out how to get rid of it so I avoid using flying rages now lol. So, Strago is more like Quina from Final Fantasy IX? I forget if they're called red or blue mages?

I've been into Chrono Trigger a lot too since I was little, which's why I came to this site but that game is hard to consider complete since you have so many endings to get. I've yet to touch on the New Game + feature as of yet but I want to sometime soon just to check it out. As for Chrono Cross, I just want to complete that game as well but it seems pretty hard. I think I can manage to do it eventually though.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Acacia Sgt on January 17, 2021, 06:16:44 pm
I've been meaning to play through FFVI myself. Though I've yet to do so, haha.

Well, it's not like it's a bad thing to have Float. Unless you run with Gaia Gears, being immune to Earth attacks is more often a boon than a weakness. Stray Cat is a good Rage for Gau, at least during the WoB. Since the special attack, Cat Scratch, is a decent powered non-elemental physical attack. Those are Blue Mages. The ones that can use enemy abilities, or Blue Magic. Or Lores, as VI named them. Red Mages are those who can wield both White and Black Magic and also can deal physical attacks decently enough. Jack-of-all-Traders Masters-of-None, basically.

True. Though all you need is a single run through NG+ to get them all, so it's not that complicated.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: VidKid369 on January 17, 2021, 11:57:51 pm
You should definitely do a quick run of Final Fantasy VI if you have the time! I never feel bad when I get the itch to play it since it's definitely a house favorite!

I actually really do love Final Fantasy VI ever since I was a little kid. I just find it so romantic,--I dunno why!! I think because it uses a lot of sepia-tones, and there's always little things in the background like flowered vases and things like that that your eye can't help but catch every now-and-then. I also love the setting I dunno how to describe it, but I've heard it called 'steampunk', many times all over. It seems kinda modern to me but also old-fashioned in a way. Like it's not as modern as say the Persona series but it still seems classical in a way.

I pretty much already know the game by heart and I know exactly what to do and exactly where to go. I just need to collect all the Rages this time and try not to miss any of Strago's Lores. I also know how to get all the Espers. Although for the esper Ragnarok I am debating right now whether to get the magicite for a complete Esper list or opt for the sword which I very rarely seldom do, maybe once. I heard you can always teach Ultima using the Paladin's Shield (Cursed Shield) from Narshe in order to have a complete magic list. Any input on what I should do, haha?

I'm kinda odd and just don't want float on Gau lol. I guess you are right float isn't necessarily a bad thing I guess I need to just get over it. Ok, so Strago and Quina are Blue Mages, got it.

Ok, I want to do another run-through of Chrono Trigger using New Game + feature sometime soon, I never knew that Ayla got upgraded fists when she reached level 99, so that was news to me! Oh, I always thought you had to run through the game multiple times to get all the endings. *scratches head*
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Acacia Sgt on January 18, 2021, 01:20:52 am
Hmm, maybe I will. Though I have other priorities in my gaming backlog as it is. Currently I want to finish my current Crusader Kings II playthrough... but I keep getting distracted.

I like the game too. Though my most favorite is IV. Yes, it's steampunk. Even if a good deal of the punk is magiteck, hehe.

Ahaha, I see. Well, what version are you playing again? Usually for the SNES and PSX versions, people recommend getting the sword. Yeah, you can get Ultima from the Paladin Shield. For the GBA version and beyond, since you can keep playing after beating Kefka, you can get the Ragnarok by stealing it from the final battle, so it's better to get the Esper. It depends if you really plan to use the sword often. Or if you want to go straight for Lightbringer. Personally, for completion's sake I'd say go for the Esper... but if it's in any pre Soul Shrine version, then yeah, go for the sword.

Ah, no no, there's no need. Since the endings depend on when you beat Lavos. You know, since you can fight it pretty much at any time once you reach the End of Time. And through the Telepod before that.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: VidKid369 on January 18, 2021, 08:11:19 am
Hey! Sorry if my posting times seem a little off, to where you're at I actually live in a totally different timezone lol.

Oh no worries, ever since I decided to tackle my extensive RPG backlog I worry too sometimes about whether I'm going about it the right way. After taking a really long hiatus from gaming altogether I actually started playing games again with Chrono Cross which's partially why I came to this site recently, I mean, I've always visited for a long time just never did post. But, I'll never forget that Chrono Cross was the one game I decided to pick up and get me back into gaming again.

I don't know what strategy you use in order to beat your backlog sometimes when I finish an RPG I don't know which to play next usually it's a random decision just whatever's on my mind but sometimes I have trouble. One site I regularly use is The Backloggery--I dunno if you've heard of it but it's where players can catalog their collection and keep track of their progress for example if they've only just beaten it and watched the credits roll or if they've 100% completed it, they even have a special statistic for speed-runs and things like that. Anyway, since I've started using it I went on a huge roll of beating multiple RPGs and making an actual dent. You should try checking it out if you have time! They don't have active forums, I found out I actually like posting online with my friends or just other fans of RPGs I get a huge motivation from the good cheer and comraderie!

You're kidding! I go back-and-forth on whether IV or VI is my favorite all the time! IV is actually really special to me since my very first girlfriend let me borrow the game from her older brother back when I was much younger, haha, so it's definitely a personal favorite. I was thinking about it today, and isn't 100% completing it actually kind of easy I think all you really have to do is get all of Rydia's summons, right? After I'm done with VI I was totally thinking of going back and playing IV. (Final Fantasy Tactics is also on my mind, haha.)

I'm actually playing it on Final Fantasy Anthology - so PS version ok, thanks for the advice I'll opt for getting the sword this time and I can just teach Ultima by way of the Paladin Shield. Phew, good thing I asked around.

Ah, gotcha. Ever since I found out about multiple endings for Chrono Trigger it's been eating at me. Good to know you can just run through it once and see all of them I'll definitely have to check it out sometime.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Acacia Sgt on January 18, 2021, 04:17:45 pm
It's no problem, heh.

I don't use a site like that. Simply being aware what I've beaten or not. Plus whatever I may want to play through again or so.

Though I like both games a lot in terms like story, music, characters, etc, what gives IV the edge for me is the gameplay. Sometimes, I just like the simplicity of defined character roles. I sometimes feel overwhelmed when characters are mostly blank slates you can customize, since then building up a defined team is more of a hassle. Unless you have it all planned out beforehand, that is. So yeah.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: VidKid369 on January 18, 2021, 07:53:46 pm
Yah, I used to be able to think I can mentally keep note of which games I've beaten but some of those were from when I was really young and I just plain don't remember since it was such a long time ago. Like, for example, I thought I had finished the Breath of Fire series but looking back on it I just wound up not being sure so I re-played 1 and 2 recently. My friends tell me to just write a list, ...but, I kinda wanna try using Excel or something, lol.

I feel you. FFVI has the Espers so I always used to think every character wound up being the same as the others by the end cause everyone knows all the magics. I didn't really like that. FFIV is pretty cool, because like you said, each one of the characters seems more unique like Rosa is more of a healer, etc. I'm really feeling like I may want to give IV a shot after I'm done playing VI. I still have it for Super Nintendo which's pretty neat.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Boo the Gentleman Caller on February 02, 2021, 09:58:54 am
I'm struggling to find a game I want to play.

I have been playing Horizon Zero Dawn on PC and really enjoying it, but I find myself being bored by it sometimes. Although I want to finish it (and will), I feel like having another game or two to balance it out would be great. I tend to explore explore explore with open world games, and upon exploring the world and filling my map, go into the main quest. Maybe I should do the main quest more to keep me engaged.

I started another play through of the first Witcher game a while back, and I don't have the motivation to continue playing right now. I am reading the books and love playing the games, but I dunno, maybe I am Witcher'd out. The first Witcher game is also, although good, really rough around the edges.

I have also been playing Final Fantasy X again on the Switch since, like, October. I just can't get pulled into the plot with this playthrough, and playing Blitzball feels like such a royal chore. I'm at Guadosalam and I just... I dunno, I think I'm ready to take a prolonged break with this game. I have played through it three times and have never finished it, so I really need to wrap it up. I normally suffer from sidequest fatigue by the end of the game and never reach the final boss.

Urgh.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: VidKid369 on February 08, 2021, 05:57:07 am
I need to re-play Final Fantasy X, too, myself. And, I still haven't gotten around to beating X-2. I remember I quite liked Blitzball lol but I hated Kimahri (sp?).

Also,--well I did it! I finished Final Fantasy VI (PS) earlier this afternoon. I learned all of the Lores, collected all of the possible Rages and I taught every character every single Magic spell. It sure felt really good doing that, finally, after all these years! lol I hated Gau and I hated the rages when I was a kid.

I have no idea what to play next... I'm kinda leaning toward Final Fantasy Tactics the original on PS cause I'm in an FF-mood.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Boo the Gentleman Caller on February 08, 2021, 09:52:39 am
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I need to re-play Final Fantasy X, too, myself. And, I still haven't gotten around to beating X-2. I remember I quite liked Blitzball lol but I hated Kimahri (sp?).

I got to the very end of FFX-2... and then didn't beat it. I think I was under-leveled with the final level, and rather than grind I moved on. I can't say I'm a fan of grinding. If I ever beat FFX this round (which I fully intend to), I definitely want to go on to FFX-2 and play it as well.

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I have no idea what to play next... I'm kinda leaning toward Final Fantasy Tactics the original on PS cause I'm in an FF-mood.

Do it! FFT is a great game and one of the best sRPG out there! And the PS version is quality -- the additions are very fitting (such as the new animated cutscenes). This is another game that I never quite beat. I have attempted twice...

My first attempt was not long after the game had just come out. The enemies level with you, and I had gotten to a point in the story where I could not beat a level full of mages and archers. Even with grinding my levels and job skills, the enemies continued to grow with me and I eventually rage quit. I was a kid, after all...

I played it again about ten years ago and loved it. I finally got past the above level that had stumped me in the 1990's, and I got pretty far into the game (and even recruited the Thunder God). But I remember encountering several battles in a row in which I could not win, and I got burnt out and frustrated. I set it aside with the intent of coming back, but alas, I never did return to finish the game.

I HAVE played both of the Tactics Advance games and loved them both. I also beat them both with 100% completion! They aren't as serious and dark as Tactics, but I love the various races and jobs that are tied to them. They also sort of connected to FFXII in cool ways, especially FFTA2.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: VidKid369 on February 08, 2021, 07:11:38 pm
From what little I played of it I remember I liked Final Fantasy X-2 a lot like I liked all of the dress spheres and stuff, haha, lol. I think I have the strategy guide for it somewhere, too...

Yup! I remember I beat Final Fantasy Tactics as a kid all I did was follow the strategy guide exactly. I really am attempting to go back to it with the intent on 100% completion this game has been nagging at me for a long time and I really just want to spend a couple of weeks with it just trying to perfect it somewhat. Do you have any tips? Since the enemies level with you should I even bother to grind and overlevel at all? My main objective, I think, is to just get all of the Propositions.

Yes, I have Tactics Advance somewhere too and I remembered it was quite different, but the original FFT holds a special place in my heart. Haha, I remember as a kid, I re-named all of my soldiers after my friends I went to school with and I beat the game like that lol.

I have this one friend who's a huge Final Fantasy fan we would talk about all the old school FF games like even Final Fantasy II for Super NES, but he's NEVER HEARD of Final Fantasy Tactics. I always thought that was a little weird.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Boo the Gentleman Caller on February 09, 2021, 09:35:15 am
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Yup! I remember I beat Final Fantasy Tactics as a kid all I did was follow the strategy guide exactly. I really am attempting to go back to it with the intent on 100% completion this game has been nagging at me for a long time and I really just want to spend a couple of weeks with it just trying to perfect it somewhat. Do you have any tips? Since the enemies level with you should I even bother to grind and overlevel at all? My main objective, I think, is to just get all of the Propositions.

Grinding has it's up and downs. I had a friend who actually did a level 100 run right out of the gate, and just use random battles to get to 100 before the first mission (not counting the introductory battles).

Enemies level with you, but if you manage your team and jobs appropriately, it's never an issue. I remember I kept running into a random battle of all ninja's and I just couldn't beat them for the life of me. I think that was what was killing my momentum when I played most recently. But if you actually go into it smarter than I did, I bet you'll be fine.

The plus side is that even with the early leveling opportunities, you can master jobs faster and gain more access to the skills and attacks. So even if the enemies level with you, you likely have a better pool of abilities to take them down with.

But take all that with a grain of salt, as I never beat the game! :D

Of course, once you get the Thunder God, the game gets a bit easier, haha... Cidolfus is such an amazing character. He's probably my favorite Cid in the entire series (tied with Cid Highwind of VII fame).
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Kodokami on February 09, 2021, 02:01:05 pm
I haven't played FF Tactics yet (I got into Tactics Ogre first), but Cidolfus is probably my favorite boss fight in all of FFXIV, in the Ivalice raids.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Mauron on February 09, 2021, 03:41:50 pm
Tactics strategy guide: Remember Boco from Final Fantasy V?
US gamers at the time: Remember who from what?

Biggest advice I can give for FFT is if the game asks if you want to save, you say yes IN A DIFFERENT SLOT.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9Z4933yBaU

Also expect a fight in every new city. If you arrive in one and they don't start a fight, assume it will happen on the way out.

I'm currently finishing up Dragon Quest Heroes II. The final boss is just beyond the next door.

Also getting near the end of Adventure Bar Story. Time to find more ingredients for cooking!
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Razig on February 09, 2021, 05:02:18 pm
Biggest advice I can give for FFT is if the game asks if you want to save, you say yes IN A DIFFERENT SLOT.
This. So much this.

The one and only time I finally managed to beat the horrendous Slums of Dorter map, I made it a bit farther into the game; a castle or cathedral or something, with a ridiculous insta-fail condition of not letting some absurdly weak NPC die. I just could not keep that person alive, no matter what I did. So I decided to backtrack and grind for a bit to get stronger... NOPE. Once you reach that map, you're not allowed to leave. If you can't beat it and you don't have an earlier save, you're simply screwed. Reset and start the entire game over from the beginning.

I've never attempted FFT again. It's a shame, since the gameplay is right up my alley, but I hate playing with guides and I feel like that game absolutely requires one.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Mauron on February 09, 2021, 05:32:04 pm
Slums of Dorter was the reason for my second point. In my first attempt, I sent some of my party members on a job before leaving, and couldn't get them back in time.

Protect DUMB AND WEAK NPC missions were always annoying. Even after multiple playthroughs, I choose the kill everyone option when given the choice.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: VidKid369 on February 09, 2021, 08:17:45 pm
I contacted a friend of mine who has been playing Final Fantasy Tactics for 7 years and has accumulated over 1,000 hours and she's been giving me some advice on how to 100% the game. Basically, she said to dump the beginning characters they give you, sell all their equipment and hire new soldiers with matching zodiac compatibility. (I literally never pay attention to that stuff when I play.) She also said, to hire at least one female cause they wind up being better characters toward the end because they can equip some female-only accessories. So, I was only 20 minutes in but I'm about to restart a new save file and do all this... Wish me luck, heh!
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Boo the Gentleman Caller on February 10, 2021, 10:00:06 am
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Slums of Dorter was the reason for my second point. In my first attempt, I sent some of my party members on a job before leaving, and couldn't get them back in time.

YES! This is what got me on my first playthrough. Thanks for helping me remember! There's an archer (or two) and wizard that just annihilated me every round, not to mention the weak NPC (was it Alma?).

Now I remember it clearly -- I had saved right before the battle and simply could not beat the game, and at this point I was already hours and hours in and didn't want to restart, so I gave up.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Mauron on February 10, 2021, 04:50:12 pm
Slums of Dorter had Mustadio in a particularly unhelpful setup.

Archers and Wizards that battle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8wLBOlCKPU

It took me at least three attempts to beat that game. Kid me got stuck in various ways.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: VidKid369 on February 10, 2021, 10:55:53 pm
Yeah,--there were a lot of storyline battles that frustrated me a lot as a kid, too. Especially the ones where you had to fight 2-3 battles in a row. Those were hard, y'all.

Anyway, I was strategizing to myself a little bit and I was thinking. You guys had mentioned running into random battles with a bunch of ninjas at one point and it was difficult to proceed, well, I was thinking if it was a random battle on the map you can just save beforehand and hopefully a battle won't initiate when you pass through the dot. You can always soft reset the game and try passing through again until it gives you no battle. 🙂 Also, I was thinking about how the enemies level up with you (and only the monsters in storyline sequences) so it shouldn't be that hard if you're above a few levels in story battles cause their levels seem to be set in those instances.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: VidKid369 on March 01, 2021, 12:59:06 am
Hey, guys--I managed to beat Final Fantasy Tactics earlier this morning pretty fun game I liked the story a lot. Seemed kind of a easy towards the end especially after you go through the Deep Dungeon cause you level up like crazy in there. I would recommend this game to anyone it's a LOT easier than some people say. I did all the extras like the doing all the propositions/bonus dungeon and I clocked in at a measly 53 hours. Super short RPG, but it's a great entry/title in the Final Fantasy series.

I'm so excited to pick a, the, my next RPG and clear out my backlog some. Have no idea which though. . .?
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Boo the Gentleman Caller on March 01, 2021, 10:33:12 am
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I'm so excited to pick a, the, my next RPG and clear out my backlog some. Have no idea which though. . .?

How recent are you considering? I think I'm about to start Bravely Default II. I loved the first two, so it only makes sense to keep playing the series! :D

Or, you could even play the game that inspired the Bravely series, which I think is an under-rated and often forgotten classic for the DS: Final Fantasy: Four Heroes of Light.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Toreadore on March 01, 2021, 01:40:40 pm
Decided to hop on board the Valheim train in its early stages. It's not my usual thing, and I was worried the building/gathering/foraging aspects would run too long and bore me quickly, but it's been over a week and I'm still enjoying myself. The world is damn gorgeous too. Now I just need to get better with bows... and I guess make better arrows too.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: VidKid369 on March 01, 2021, 07:09:04 pm
Unfortunately, my PS3 is broken so I can't play any PS3 games (which're the most recent games I own). But, I have decided to play Alundra I even have the official strategy guide for it. I'm a huge Working Designs nut and I own a bunch of their games but I haven't played through all of them as of yet. Have any of you guys played this one? I heard it's one of the best Zelda-clones so... I'm really looking forward to and excited to play it.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Boo the Gentleman Caller on March 01, 2021, 11:10:51 pm
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Decided to hop on board the Valheim train in its early stages.

I'm always super hesitant to play alpha/beta/non-gold games, but I hear nothing but great things about Valheim. Are you playing single player or with friends?

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Unfortunately, my PS3 is broken so I can't play any PS3 games (which're the most recent games I own).

Final Fantasy: 4 Heroes of Light is on the Nintendo DS! And Bravely Default and Bravely Second are both on the Nintendo 3DS! :D

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But, I have decided to play Alundra ...


Definitely a solid game. And definitely a Zelda-like, but still a great PS1 game. Just be aware that they made a sequel, Alundra 2, which is a 3D action RPG and, quite frankly, isn't very good. I gave up on it as a kid and never finished it, and I don't think I ever want to! Hahaha!

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I'm a huge Working Designs nut and I own a bunch of their games but I haven't played through all of them as of yet.

I agree. I loved Working Designs (RIP) and they are such a hallmark of the PS1-era for me. The Lunar series, Vanguard Bandits, Arc the Lad, etc. Speaking of which, I wish both Lunar and the Arc the Lad series were revived...
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Toreadore on March 02, 2021, 12:20:52 am
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Decided to hop on board the Valheim train in its early stages.

I'm always super hesitant to play alpha/beta/non-gold games, but I hear nothing but great things about Valheim. Are you playing single player or with friends?

Single player. It runs mostly smoothly on my PC but sometimes the auto-save will freeze the screen for like a nanosecond. I hope that doesn't get to be a problem with more people in the same game. I haven't tried with friends just yet... mostly because they're more into other games at the moment and they're still trying to get me into one of them, lol. (I'm not opposed to it at this point but I wish my timing wasn't crap.)
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: VidKid369 on March 02, 2021, 12:37:45 am
There's actually talk of a possible LUNAR 3 revival right now.

I don't have a DS but everyone tells me to get one cause I love RPGs. I have Final Fantasy II for SNES, though.

Lol, nice I started up Alundra this morning and I already like it a lot so far. My game is in perfect shape there's the map included it looks brand new and the disc has no scratches on it looks brand new.

Yeah, I would see Alundra 2 on store shelfs a lot but I never bought it cause I never finished Alundra.

Yeah, I think people sleep on WD a lot their games have always been good to me. They're my favorite company but I haven't finished most of their games though I have many of them. It's all gonna change now though cause I'm going through my RPG library one by one and killing every game.

You ever play Growlanser? I need to play that for PS2. I also have heard a lot of good things about Dragon Force I have it for the Saturn but ya I haven't played it for more than 5 mins.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Boo the Gentleman Caller on March 02, 2021, 11:47:17 am
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Yeah, I think people sleep on WD a lot their games have always been good to me. They're my favorite company but I haven't finished most of their games though I have many of them. It's all gonna change now though cause I'm going through my RPG library one by one and killing every game.

They also had a few shooters with RPG elements, but I never played those.

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You ever play Growlanser? I need to play that for PS2. I also have heard a lot of good things about Dragon Force I have it for the Saturn but ya I haven't played it for more than 5 mins.

I played the first one for the PSX like 20 years ago, haha. I remember liking it. Only the first one is on the PSX, though; the rest are PS2.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Mauron on March 02, 2021, 12:44:24 pm
I have FF:4HOL in my giant backlog.

I'm currently going through HyperDimension Neptunia (PS3) because I wanted to play more Neptunia games. Speaking of, I'm going to pick up Neptunia Virtual Stars sometime today.

Also playing Tokyo Tattoo Girls on the Vita. Kind of a simple game, but should be an easy Platinum. Kayako's story involved seducing all her rivals.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: VidKid369 on March 02, 2021, 09:48:23 pm
Yes, WD is fond of shooters like I've always wanted to try out Elemental Gearbolt and Silhouette Mirage cause I heard they're good but I just never have. I'm gonna try to get them one day though. And I remember when the PS2 first came out I kept on seeing Silpheed and Gungriffon Blaze but again I just never got it.

Oh, I didn't know there was a Growlanser game on PS1, is it the Japanese version? I always confuse Growlanser with like Sakura Wars or something.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Boo the Gentleman Caller on March 05, 2021, 09:57:16 am
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Oh, I didn't know there was a Growlanser game on PS1, is it the Japanese version? I always confuse Growlanser with like Sakura Wars or something.

Yeah, I had to look it up. Apparently the first one is JP only, so I was mistaken in having played it. I had to do some research regarding what game I was thinking of, and turns out I was mixing it up with Azure Dreams, which isn't even a WD localization. My bad!

Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: VidKid369 on March 06, 2021, 04:55:29 am
Lol! It's all good. I remember having had played Azure Dreams but I never beat it. I need to pick it up again sometime soon. 🙂
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Acacia Sgt on March 09, 2021, 10:14:47 pm
So yesterday I picked up again a game I had not played in years: Crash Bandicoot The Wrath of Cortex.

I guess with It's About Time still being out of my reach for now, this is the Crash 4 I'll play in the meantime, hehe. Still, as a big Crash fan, the game's quite enjoyable. The game, of course, not including stuff like the loading times, haha. Soundtrack is also quite great, too. Stopped after finishing level 11 (just collecting crystals and gems for now, not aiming for relics until I get the standard ending). Been a fun ride so far.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Boo the Gentleman Caller on March 10, 2021, 10:01:25 am
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So yesterday I picked up again a game I had not played in years: Crash Bandicoot The Wrath of Cortex.

I was a latecomer to the PSX and the few games I did get to play were jRPGs. The Crash series any good? I remember trying the first one ages ago and the vantage threw me off; the kid version of me wasn't ready to get away from 2D side-scrolling Mario, haha...
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: VidKid369 on March 10, 2021, 06:38:12 pm
I was there when the PlayStation first came out and I remember having had played Crash Bandicoot a lot along with Final Fantasy VII and Star Gladiator. Good times... I usually only play RPGs these days but those types of games are fun too. I, myself, prefer Abe's Oddysee haha I loved that game! 🙂
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Acacia Sgt on March 11, 2021, 01:41:43 am
Crash was the first video game I ever played. Ah, such good times...

I was a latecomer to the PSX and the few games I did get to play were jRPGs. The Crash series any good? I remember trying the first one ages ago and the vantage threw me off; the kid version of me wasn't ready to get away from 2D side-scrolling Mario, haha...

Oh, certainly. Fun platformers. Though Wrath of Cortex, already made in the PS2/NGC/Xbox era, isn't regarded as good. Crash suffers, or is perceive to suffer, from pretty much "Only the creator does it right" for the most part. After the games made by original developer Naughty Dog, the series has fluctuated in popularity, though at some point it kinda went dormant, until the original trilogy was remade, and now the series is back on its feet. And with It's About Time also being successful, it seems Crash's future is bright again.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: VidKid369 on March 18, 2021, 07:51:23 pm
Hey, guys - I 100% completed Alundra yesterday I'm pretty sure I got everything including all the Gilded Falcons. Pretty fun game overall makes me want to play Zelda lol. All of Working Designs's games are pretty good.

Next on the list not too sure was thinking of starting: Xenogears, Tales of Destiny or Suikoden? But my mind could change once I go to my pile lol?
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Acacia Sgt on March 18, 2021, 11:17:30 pm
Maybe it's because I hang out with Xenoblade fans in another site... but I'd recommend going for Xenogears, heh. That or Suikoden.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: VidKid369 on March 19, 2021, 03:47:21 am
Oh! Funny enough, I was leaning towards playing Xenogears. I played it before and made it all the way to the final boss but I just never finished it for whatever reason, lol.

Also, I have a funny story. I let one of my friends borrow the game and the strategy guide, a couple months go by and I ask if he beat the game yet and he said he sold it to "pay his rent." I was like mortified, but he got me a game and some artbooks from Asia to make up for it.

I don't have the guide anymore but I think I can make it through w/o it. I enjoyed Xenosaga a lot I played the first one twice and I have the second one but only played 5 mins. I don't have the third one at all and I heard it's really hard to find now. I have no idea what's up with Xenoblade but I heard it's really good...
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Post by: Boo the Gentleman Caller on March 19, 2021, 10:14:54 am
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Oh! Funny enough, I was leaning towards playing Xenogears.

I'd have to agree with this. Great game, although it suffers from the same Chrono Cross disease called "rushed second disk with too much exposition." Har har!

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Also, I have a funny story. I let one of my friends borrow the game and the strategy guide, a couple months go by and I ask if he beat the game yet and he said he sold it to "pay his rent." I was like mortified, but he got me a game and some artbooks from Asia to make up for it.

Pretty much the same thing happened to me! I had a SNES cartridge of Chrono Trigger, including the original SNES box and internal guide book (which had a mini walkthrough to get up to the defeat of Yakra), and I lent it to a friend back in college. About a month later I asked him about it and he said he 'accidentally' sold it on eBay. Later on he changed his story and said that his place was robbed. He wouldn't reimburse me or replace it, and our friendship was severely weakened as a result. Damn you, Brett!

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I don't have the guide anymore but I think I can make it through w/o it.

There's always Gamefaqs or other free websites!

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I enjoyed Xenosaga a lot I played the first one twice and I have the second one but only played 5 mins. I don't have the third one at all and I heard it's really hard to find now. I have no idea what's up with Xenoblade but I heard it's really good...

I adore the Xenoblade Chronicles series. Great gameplay, the world design is stellar, and the story is engaging. It leans really heavy into anime tropes, though, but that's not something I mind. I also get 100+ hours of gameplay on each game, so I always feel like I'm getting my money's worth. Xenoblade I and II easily make it into my top 10 jRPG lists, and in all honesty, I think I enjoy them the most out of the Xeno series. They are very different tonally than Xenogears or Xenosaga, though.

Xenoblade Chronicles X is also excellent, although I have yet to finish it, so I don't feel as engaged by it as I do 1 and 2.
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Post by: VidKid369 on March 19, 2021, 08:42:53 pm
I actually like Xenogears a lot. In middle school my friends and I would rush to a friend's house afterschool and we'd watch the intro and play a little bit of the beginning over and over lol. I dunno why we'd always do that... haha. I actually prefer when the characters fight outside of their gears though I was never really that into fighting inside of giant mechas all that much.

Ya, I constantly hear that the second disc was when they lost much of their budget and had to rush the game and that's why it's mostly pure storyline and lots of reading? Kinda sucks, I woulda loved to see what the full-blown game would have been like. 🙂

Lol, I'm still kind of mortified about that happening to me. He gave me Dirge of Cerberus for PS2 and a Final Fantasy IX artbook he got from a trip to China to make up for what he had done, but after thinking about it I still wasn't satisfied/I pretty much wanted the game + strategy guide replaced, so I just stopped the friendship and stopped hanging out with that group of friends. That wasn't the only reason to cut off all ties, but I feel much better now after doing it.

I still remember most of what you have to do like aren't most of the missable stuff in the beginning in Lahan? Like all the badges and Midori's Ring?

Nice! I def. have to check out the Xenoblade series then. I kinda fell off the wagon around Xenosaga Episode II cause I hated what they did with cute little MOMO and for some reason they changed the battle system around and I couldn't figure it out ha!
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Post by: Mauron on March 24, 2021, 06:31:03 pm
I got distracted from Xenosaga in ...late episode 2? I plan to get back to it eventually. I mostly complained about Shion's design change, but Momo's was more drastic.

I'm going through Neptunia Virtual Stars at the moment. I'll probably beat it today, then continue for the Platinum soon-ish.
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Post by: VidKid369 on April 03, 2021, 06:57:21 pm
Same. I have Xenosaga Episode II and I didn't play more than 5 mins. of it cause they changed the battle system around and I couldn't understand it. And I, too, hated what they did with MOMO's character design and they changed her weapon too! She went from a super cute magical rod-user to like an archer. Meh!!!!
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Post by: Mauron on April 04, 2021, 01:04:01 pm
I've moved on to Blue Reflection. It's Persona with Magical lesbians Girls.

It doesn't have the very specific time frame of Persona, so it'll be easy to platinum.

Also it's getting an anime and sequel game, which is cool.
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Post by: Boo the Gentleman Caller on April 05, 2021, 01:24:52 am
Same. I have Xenosaga Episode II and I didn't play more than 5 mins. of it cause they changed the battle system around and I couldn't understand it.

I keep hoping for a remaster that combines all three games into one cartridge. I beat the first one and never played the second two. I keep saying I'll emulate them and just play on PC, but alas, it has yet to happen.

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I've moved on to Blue Reflection. It's Persona with Magical lesbians Girls.

This game looks super fun to me! I love the idea of these slice of life RPGs. But...

Like, on paper I think I'd love the Atelier series, but when it comes down to it, I struggle to get into them. I need a really engaging story to pull me in, and often-times they seem to be slower and more about character relationships and the sim-aspects than an intense story.
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Post by: Mauron on April 05, 2021, 03:31:30 am
I've been slowly working my way through the Atelier series. I played Mana Khemia ages ago, and recently went through the first two Arland games.

Blue Reflection has the nice feature of not requiring time management. You can max all your social links bonds in a single playthrough even if you choose all the worst options.
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Post by: Acacia Sgt on April 06, 2021, 01:04:26 am
So, thanks to now being on Steam, I finally picked up Another Eden to try to play for the long haul. Finally reached the End of T... I mean, the Spacetime Rift,  :lol:, and went over to unlock fishing. Since there's also a bunch of character side-quests that unlocked at this point (finishing Chapter 11), I think I'm gonna spent quite a while before continuing with the main story, heh.
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Post by: Toreadore on April 06, 2021, 01:27:41 am
Another Eden is fun when you're not stuck at areas without the proper people and equipment... sigh. I'm still in the first part of the Goddess of Time, and can't quite beat the boss in the latest chapter of the Clarte episode.

I don't mean to complain. I know I just need to learn how to not suck at this game. The episodes are great, but I still haven't unlocked Cyrus or Riica 5-star because I can't strategize for beans.

Anyway, in addition to AE, I'm also chugging along in Valheim (finally brave enough to venture into the plains and kill deathsquitos, but not strong enough to face fulings head on... still have to hit them with a bow), and decided to finally get the South Park games. Just finished a Canada segment and quest in The Stick of Truth.
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Post by: Acacia Sgt on April 11, 2021, 04:38:46 pm
An update to my AE run.

I've done with Chapter 13, having beaten the Beast King. The attack on Miglance Castle gave me Fall of Guardia vibes, heh, though this kingdom didn't fell. The Beastmen so far to me look like a mix between the Mystics and Dragonians. The whole "evolved with Prisma" certainly harken back to living/evolving with nature as the Dragonians did. And the big war with humanity is totally Mystic-inspired. Complete with main stronghold in a castle in an island across the human continent, heh.

And I went back to doing sidequests and stuff. I think I'll go over the Persona 5 collaboration campaign next...
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Post by: Toreadore on April 11, 2021, 10:50:04 pm
Oh yeah, so many Easter eggs and parallels to the Chrono series. (sorta spoiler?) Even Clarte reminds me of Magus for some reason... well, after Magus loses his memory at the end of CTDS, assuming he becomes nice but is still mysterious and distant.

I just got AS Ewan and finished his quest and. oh. my. wow. yes. :wink:
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Post by: V_Translanka on April 12, 2021, 05:18:11 pm
I essentially came back right now to complain about FFXII. For starters, I only just started it sometime last year and last I recall not-Setzer & Bunny Girl just officially joined my party, so I'm not through much. I really wanted to give it a chance even though I largely dislike arpgs, I heard there was a way to essentially make it turn-based...but gods I didn't realize how drastic the change would be to relatively benign aspects of the game. Most glaring is dungeon design. I have similar reservations with DQXI, which while still classic turn-based battles occur all enemy spawn locations are on the field. I've never understood gamers' fascination with this concept. It turns every map from a cool D&D campaign design to every shitty open world MMO map you've ever seen...I also tried XV...🤮🤮🤮

I'll eventually go back (to XII, not XV! lol), but for now I've got the HD remasters of VII~X-2 and I am absolutely *SWOONING* over Octopath Traveler! Eff VIIR, this is how V & VI's remakes (how dare they skip!) should look! 😅
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Post by: Boo the Gentleman Caller on April 13, 2021, 12:34:06 am
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I essentially came back right now to complain about ...

I think you came to gloat about how you blatantly ignore messages regarding admin support over on Discord. You ignore messages on the Compendium, on Xbox Live, and on Discord.
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Post by: Mauron on April 13, 2021, 04:20:35 am
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Eff VIIR

I thought this was about Neptunia at first, and I was worried.

Currently occupying myself with Gal*Gun: Double Peace because I am a pervy girl that likes pervy girls.
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Post by: V_Translanka on April 13, 2021, 04:48:39 am
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I essentially came back right now to complain about ...

I think you came to gloat about how you blatantly ignore messages regarding admin support over on Discord. You ignore messages on the Compendium, on Xbox Live, and on Discord.

I haven't had a computer with Discord access since I moved 3 years ago or so. Haven't been on it since, sorry for not replying. Just seemed pointless to say, "Oh...idk?". 🤷‍♂️
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Post by: Boo the Gentleman Caller on April 13, 2021, 09:37:31 am
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I haven't had a computer with Discord access since I moved 3 years ago or so. Haven't been on it since, sorry for not replying. Just seemed pointless to say, "Oh...idk?"

Yeah, yeah... :P

Can you make Zeality and I admin on the Chrono Compendium server on Discord?

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Currently occupying myself with Gal*Gun: Double Peace because I am a pervy girl that likes pervy girls.

I am playing a gacha game called Exos Heroes, which is surprisingly good and the devs are very generous with free pulling currency. I am F2P and have every hero, although not every heroes alternate version from parallel timelines.

Anyway, they are doing a collaboration with Is it Wrong to Pick up Girls in a Dungeon 3 and I admit, I find myself wanting to play a harem game like the pig I am. Pervy girls for pervy boys, I guess?

Also, finally beat Alan Wake on nightmare mode and finished it with 100% (a rarity for me), and have moved on to Alan Wake's American Nightmare. Surprisingly better than the first Alan Wake game, and I'm now 100% ready for the Remedy shared universe. Gonna have to play Control next.
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Post by: VidKid369 on April 15, 2021, 10:41:03 am
Oh, God!!! I, too, absolutely hated Final Fantasy XII. I recently just played the PS2 original version and I thought it was so awful. It seemed so MMO'ish, and I hated how the treasure chests were absolutely random that really annoyed me. It's easily my least-favorite Final Fantasy.

I don't know if I already mentioned it but I'm playing Xenogears right now and I'm trudging at a slow pace I just finished the events at the 'Ethos' H.Q. and Billy just joined my party, and the plot thickened a little bit. I've been pretty into the game so far for a few days I was grinding for G to buy EtherDoublers they really help make Elly really useful both in and out her gear.

I usually enjoy this game whenever I pick it up but I forgot how fun it was.
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Post by: Acacia Sgt on April 17, 2021, 02:34:25 am
Ah, one of my greatest nemesis: RNG.

I've been doing Another Dungeon runs in Another Eden to get the tome I want to upgrade a character... and no such luck. At this point I'm just about to try out in another dungeon where the tome also can drop. Maybe I'll have better luck there.

In the meantime, I'm now doing the Tales collaboration story. Compared to the Persona 5 one, this one really incorporated more elements from its home series. It's kinda neat.
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Post by: Mauron on April 17, 2021, 01:19:14 pm
I started up Digimon Story CyberSleuth: Hacker's Memory. It's very Digimon, much Digivolving. Wow.

As a hacker, I think Erika is great.
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Post by: Acacia Sgt on April 21, 2021, 01:28:31 am
Okay, in Another Eden I'm now doing the IDA School Episode. Well, the first part of it. Hah, imagine if the Chrono series had done a School setting.

That said, I'm so liking the vibes of the dungeon. The chilly atmosphere (pun-intended  :lol:), the somber music, the fact there's no battle theme. I love it!
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Post by: Toreadore on April 21, 2021, 09:54:41 am
Okay, in Another Eden I'm now doing the IDA School Episode. Well, the first part of it. Hah, imagine if the Chrono series had done a School setting.

That said, I'm so liking the vibes of the dungeon. The chilly atmosphere (pun-intended  :lol:), the somber music, the fact there's no battle theme. I love it!

I absolutely LOVE the first IDA school quest, and I dig that dungeon theme too. (I think I maxed out the scores rewards pretty quickly in AD, lol.) I also enjoy the story in the second quest, and parts of the third quest (where you get a minigame).
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Post by: Acacia Sgt on April 22, 2021, 02:18:41 am
Alright, finished IDA Part 1. Man, the boss was a pain to take down. Admittedly, I've been running pretty much the same team since game start (Aldo, Miyu, Ciel, Bivette), so... certainly I'm not optimally prepared for everything that's not weak to Fire or Slash, haha. And it showed with fighting the boss. Although it has made me start to play creatively, moving my units into the Reserve to let them recover and what-not. Its AoE attack was a pain until I realized Ciel had a Type Resistance AoE buff himself.

After this I think I'll continue with the 1000 Year Ark Episode next. I only unlocked fishing, but now I'll go through more of it. Or maybe actually advance through the main storyline. I've done just about paltry progress there since Ch13.  :lol: Well, not quite. Did Ch14 as I did IDA Part 1. Hmm, well, I'll decide on what to do first some other time.
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Post by: VidKid369 on April 28, 2021, 02:02:55 am
Hey, guys. I just finished Xenogears last night - pretty confused about it all still but I enjoyed the game. I was musing to myself that I thought the game reminded me a lot of Chrono Trigger with things like the necklace swinging, a floating city high above the Earth, humans on earth being referred to as surface dwellers and the Three Wisemen. I dunno if these are all just coincidences though? Anyway I enjoyed the game immensely.

For my next game, I thought I'd take it easy and go with something I already know by heart so I'm gonna play Suikoden 1 + 2 next. Used to play these two RPGs all the time in highschool so it's kinda like a refresher course for me. I also wanted to go with something light after playing such a deep game. lol
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Post by: Toreadore on April 28, 2021, 09:59:00 am
Hey, guys. I just finished Xenogears last night - pretty confused about it all still but I enjoyed the game. I was musing to myself that I thought the game reminded me a lot of Chrono Trigger with things like the necklace swinging, a floating city high above the Earth, humans on earth being referred to as surface dwellers and the Three Wisemen. I dunno if these are all just coincidences though? Anyway I enjoyed the game immensely.

Definitely not coincidences. Xenogears also started out as CT2 but became something else.

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For my next game, I thought I'd take it easy and go with something I already know by heart so I'm gonna play Suikoden 1 + 2 next. Used to play these two RPGs all the time in highschool so it's kinda like a refresher course for me. I also wanted to go with something light after playing such a deep game. lol

Haha. I suppose next to Xenogears, the storylines in Suikoden are definitely less complex. Not sure I'd use the term 'light' though, IMO they hit you hard in a different way. :)
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Post by: Acacia Sgt on April 28, 2021, 12:20:39 pm
These last days I actually made progress in AE's main story. Got the Riftbreaker and... pft, haha. I can't help but find it amusing. It's like if they had put the time travel device on the Blackbird and gave you that to fly instead of the Epoch. Like, real subtle trying to hide the fact you're time traveling if you have that huge ship flying around on a clear day.  :lol:

Well now, I think I'll be back to doing side-content now. Did the first chapter of Ciel's Other Tale, and might do Part 2 of the Persona 5 collab next...
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Post by: VidKid369 on April 28, 2021, 08:40:15 pm
Oh, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean what I said to come off like I had thought compared to other RPGs that Suikoden was in any way generic or bland. I just seem to recall that it deals with the topic of friendship a lot, not saying that those themes are not complex or anything. Whenever I look back on it, I always see Suikoden as being very fun to play and I guess - just very comforting to play for me I guess. ^^;
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Post by: Toreadore on April 29, 2021, 01:32:20 am
Oh, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean what I said to come off like I had thought compared to other RPGs that Suikoden was in any way generic or bland. I just seem to recall that it deals with the topic of friendship a lot, not saying that those themes are not complex or anything. Whenever I look back on it, I always see Suikoden as being very fun to play and I guess - just very comforting to play for me I guess. ^^;

Oh, no offense taken or anything. Actually, I've been watching someone stream the Suikoden games and even though they're fun, I'd forgotten about several dark or heartfelt moments. And then, there they are. :)
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Post by: V_Translanka on April 29, 2021, 05:12:56 pm
Also, finally beat Alan Wake on nightmare mode and finished it with 100% (a rarity for me), and have moved on to Alan Wake's American Nightmare. Surprisingly better than the first Alan Wake game, and I'm now 100% ready for the Remedy shared universe. Gonna have to play Control next.

Big Alan Wake fan. Still hope they make AW2: Barry Wheeler's Revenge or something. Control is definitely a must. Pretty much Alan Wake with some funky super powers and instead of a spooky forest town it's a spooky government installation. I still haven't beaten it, but mainly because Game Pass has been KILLING IT with all the great titles available.

Which brings me to the other 3rd Person shooter with superpowers I've been playing, Outriders. It scratches that Mass Effect/The Division-meets-Destiny itch pretty well. I gave up on Destiny because it just felt like bungle-after-bungle from Bungie. The abilities in Outriders feel satisfying and the crafting system is on point. The only thing I have against it is the impossibility bad map screen, which is all but useless.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Mauron on April 30, 2021, 02:30:50 pm
Finishing off Digimon Story Cyber Sleuth: Hacker's Memory at the moment. I might tackle a PS5 game next.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Boo the Gentleman Caller on April 30, 2021, 06:53:00 pm
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Big Alan Wake fan. Still hope they make AW2: Barry Wheeler's Revenge or something. Control is definitely a must. Pretty much Alan Wake with some funky super powers and instead of a spooky forest town it's a spooky government installation. I still haven't beaten it, but mainly because Game Pass has been KILLING IT with all the great titles available.

I'm still (slowly) playing through American Nightmare and loving it. The whole route 66 desert ambiance is a great fit, and the game is actually easier. I'm playing on nightmare difficulty and finding it much easier than Nightmare difficulty from the first game. Or maybe I've just gotten better at playing, haha...

I am going to play Control and the AWE expansion that supposedly ties it all together. I can't wait! I was going to go straight into Control after finishing American Wasteland, but now that the Nier Replicant remake is out, I think I have to play that first.
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Post by: Acacia Sgt on May 04, 2021, 03:16:16 pm
On a change of pace for a, well, change, I started playing Vestaria Saga. Have done the Prologue and Chapter 1 already and... haha, I so missed playing an SRPG. I have a current playthrough of Fire Emblem Shadows of Valencia that's been weeks since I last touched it. Cheeky RNG, where even a 95% chance to hit is a miss, hehe.
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Post by: Boo the Gentleman Caller on May 05, 2021, 10:56:13 am
Finally finished Alan Wake's American Nightmare. Great game. Rumor has it that Remedy is making Alan Wake 2, so I'm crossing my fingers. I need a break from the uber-Old Gods type darkness, so I started Nier Replicant. I hear that it has a pretty insane storyline that requires multiple playthroughs, so crossing my fingers.

The music is great and thus far I'm really engaged with the characters and the story. Although the 1000+ year time jump threw me off, and I'm still trying to figure out how we went from A to B, but I know that will be part of the story. Still, I like it!

I admit, though, I'm a little disappointed in the graphics. The character models are great, the draw distance and world is very pretty, but many of the textures (dirt, brick buildings, etc) are lo-res by modern standards. Also, much of the color is very washed out (which I'm sure is intentional), but it makes things look a little... drab.

Granted, this is a 10+ year old game that has gotten a face lift, so this is more a remaster than a remake, but still... darn blurry textures. I may have to install a ReShade to add some saturation and texture sharpening.
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Post by: Acacia Sgt on May 07, 2021, 02:41:45 am
Well, now started the Time Mine Episode of Another Eden.

Gotta say, I love these "building/developing a town/base/settlement/etc" scenarios in games. Even when it's minor like your base in Suikoden Games growing and gaining more facilities as you recruit the 108 stars.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Boo the Gentleman Caller on May 07, 2021, 10:23:54 am
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Well, now started the Time Mine Episode of Another Eden.

Get ready to grind like there's no tomorrow! And make sure to use your units that are foragers/miners for thus (Ewan, Melina, Nonold, Riica, etc) so you can cut your grinding time down. Building the town is fun, and the story line is pretty darn good.
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Post by: Toreadore on May 07, 2021, 10:51:19 am
Yeah, as much grinding as there was, it was still less of a pain the ass as the undersea palace one. (Though in my case, it absolutely refused to let me have Nagi. I kept putting it off, hoping I'd roll for her. Nope. So I finally finished it, and a few months later, wouldn't you know it... Nagi.)
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Acacia Sgt on May 07, 2021, 12:48:26 pm
Oh, I've certainly not have that good luck with rolls for me, haha.

On the flip side, my first two runs of the Ocean Palace had the three turtles spawn, so I guess I got compensated there. Still, I don't see me getting the 50 black pearls before the million points for the regular rewards.

---

Alright, now I'm at the point where it's time to fight my way through the Fiendlord Beast King's Castle.
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Post by: VidKid369 on May 16, 2021, 07:49:18 am
Hey, everyone I managed to beat Suikoden (PS) today. Got all 108 Stars of Destiny, and did everything for the save transfer to Suikoden II. Decided to play a PS2 RPG this time:

Shadow Hearts, Digital Devil Saga, Persona 3, Star Ocean Till the End of Time.

Anyone have any recommendations between these titles?
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Acacia Sgt on May 16, 2021, 12:09:13 pm
Hmm, I'm torn between Persona 3 or Star Ocean.

Go for the latter, I'd say.
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Post by: VidKid369 on May 16, 2021, 10:45:57 pm
That's what I was honestly leaning towards the most so I'll probably get started on it today. I really enjoyed Star Ocean 2 so I hope this title delivers. For the most part, what I enjoyed the most from the series was the item creation and from what I know I don't think this one has any, but oh well.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Boo the Gentleman Caller on May 17, 2021, 10:36:49 am
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That's what I was honestly leaning towards the most so I'll probably get started on it today. I really enjoyed Star Ocean 2 so I hope this title delivers. For the most part, what I enjoyed the most from the series was the item creation and from what I know I don't think this one has any, but oh well.

Star Ocean: Till the End of Time is solid, but not as good as Star Ocean: The Second Story. In my personal opinion, anyway. SO2 is the pinnacle of the Star Ocean series.
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Post by: Acacia Sgt on May 17, 2021, 12:28:34 pm
I've been wanting to play other SO games, as I only own TtEoT. I know the fourth one is on Steam, but haven't gotten the chance to try that one yet. I'd wish they added the other ones to PC as well...
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Post by: Boo the Gentleman Caller on May 17, 2021, 12:45:10 pm
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I've been wanting to play other SO games, as I only own TtEoT. I know the fourth one is on Steam, but haven't gotten the chance to try that one yet. I'd wish they added the other ones to PC as well...

I picked up the 4k version that was released on PC and started it in summer 2019. I didn't finish it. It wasn't bad per se, just painfully mediocre. The plot wasn't very engaging, and some of the characters were just outlandishly bad.

I still need to finish it, though.
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Post by: Acacia Sgt on May 17, 2021, 01:02:27 pm
I have heard it didn't do as well as previous entries, yes. Hmm...

Still, I wish they rerelease the others. Specially with the PSP store closing down, getting the first two games will become just about harder. Whether remake or original, though I think SO2 original is in the PSN, I think.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Boo the Gentleman Caller on May 17, 2021, 11:51:50 pm
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Still, I wish they rerelease the others. Specially with the PSP store closing down, getting the first two games will become just about harder. Whether remake or original, though I think SO2 original is in the PSN, I think.

I have them both on the PSP in hard disk version. First Departure, a remake of the SNES-era SO1 in the engine of PS1's SO2, was recently ported to the Switch with a few additional art enhancements called First Departure R. I picked it up on sale for $10USD but haven't been able to play it yet.

I hope Second Departure, the PSP enhanced port of SO2, gets the same treatment.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Acacia Sgt on May 18, 2021, 01:55:25 am
Oh, it did? *looks it up* Interesting. And even for PS4 it was.

Well, hopefully they also port it and SO2 to PC as well. I have neither a PS4 or Switch.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: VidKid369 on May 18, 2021, 07:40:31 am
I agree, The Second Story was so much fun to play and is one of my favorite RPGs on the PS1. I still have to go back and beat Rena's scenario sometime, as I always choose Claude whenever I re-play the game...

So, I started Till the End of Time yesterday, about 7 hours in, and I think it's pretty fun so far. I'm doing it on easy mode so I can hopefully not care about battles that much and just enjoy the story and beat the game. Then I'll go back and play it on a harder difficulty to win Battle Trophies (they're locked on easy mode). Apparently, I was mistaken about item creation in this game as it has cooking unfortunately I still haven't been able to do it yet.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Acacia Sgt on May 18, 2021, 11:54:07 am
I'd say, I could never really get the hang of item crafting in that game, heh. I mostly ignored it whenever I played. Only like one time I did tried to put some effort on it, but even then it was quite minimal.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: VidKid369 on May 19, 2021, 07:51:22 am
I've come to find out that, lol, I love items in RPGs. Especially food-related items. I dunno, I just find it kinda interesting. If I'm being honest I only played Star Ocean: The Second Story and Suikoden II solely for the cooking mini-games. I just think it's so unique! I'm looking forward to cooking in Till the End of Time (I think I'm getting close?) hopefully it lives up to its predecessor.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Acacia Sgt on May 27, 2021, 11:11:30 pm
I swear, AE seems to have something against me finishing the Time Mine episode, heh.

I have to build the Carpenter's house, but Clay drops seemed to have become quite uncommon for some reason. Most egregious is when I get the monster formation with two Dark Slugs and an Alshy, but I only get the Refined Quartz drop. Or when I get the varied formation and I get all drops except the Clay one. So yeah.

At least I'm only five Bricks away from building the house, so I can put that to rest.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: VidKid369 on June 01, 2021, 11:49:05 pm
Hey, guys!! I just beat Star Ocean Till the End of Time (PS2) yesterday. I thought it was kinda 'meh' to be honest, I found myself skipping most of the dialogue towards the very end cause I wound up just not caring. I just wanted to mash through the game and move on to another RPG...

So, I went back to the good 'ol PS1 days and I started Tales of Destiny just now. I want to get through this one and play Tales of Destiny 2 cause I've always wanted to get through that one.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Acacia Sgt on June 02, 2021, 01:07:05 am
Maybe since that one was the first, and still only (not counting the brief time I tried out the mobile game), SO game I've played... I wasn't that bothered with the late game story. Unlike... well, most people, since the plot twist was... well, I still get it. The story certainly took a sharp turn there.

Oh, you took up the original? Not the PS2 remake? And I take it by Tales of Destiny 2 you do mean Destiny 2 or Eternia, since that one got first localized as Destiny II... for some reason.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: VidKid369 on June 02, 2021, 01:35:27 am
I didn't mind the plot twist at all, in fact I thought it was kind of funny. I definitely prefer Star Ocean: The Second Story though for some reason I just liked it better. I didn't like some of the characters in Till the End of Time. I sort of prefer the SO2 characters. I did like Sophia a lot, though. What I did *love* though was the cooking... I just love seeing food items being used in an RPG it's the only realistic element I find in games that can be applicable to real life, so I did enjoy that. I also enjoyed the song they kept on playing that was in Japanese.

Yes, I'm playing the PlayStation 1 version. Yes I do mean Eternia. I always wanted to play that one through but I have to beat the first one first lol.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Boo the Gentleman Caller on June 02, 2021, 09:24:54 am
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I didn't mind the plot twist at all, in fact I thought it was kind of funny.

I felt it was just... awkward. No foreshadowing, just a random sharp turn plot-wise. And you can tell the writers haven't been sure what to do with the series since; I feel like each game since has floundered story-wise and refuses to explore any farther down the timeline. Instead we get prequels and interquels that, after the plot twist of TtEoT, feel sort of insignificant to me.

Quote
I definitely prefer Star Ocean: The Second Story though for some reason I just liked it better.


By far the best SO game, IMO. Most solid characters, most solid story, best pacing, etc. And I love the early game cheats (thanks to Pickpocketing).

Quote
I didn't like some of the characters in Till the End of Time.


Right?!?! They weren't bland, but yet somehow they were bland. I think it's because they really leaned away from jRPG tropes in TtEoT and starting embracing the anime tropes. So all the characters both looked and felt like one-dimensional anime stereotypes. I played the game years ago, and I can barely even remember the characters, they're just so forgettable. I just remember Roger(?) and Albel, the mouthy villain-turned-ally. And there was the blue-haired gun girl with ties to Fayt, and despite being cool didn't join until fairly late game.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Sheiken on June 02, 2021, 10:00:53 am
Currently playing Shin Megami Tensei 3: Nocturne on Switch.  I love the post apocalyptic focus and the general theme of the game.  Has me very hyped for SMTV later this year.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: VidKid369 on June 02, 2021, 08:14:34 pm
Lol, I thought the plot twist was almost kind of ...like I saw it coming. I had heard before playing the game has a random *plot twist* so I was expecting something...

The Second Story will always have a special place in my heart I played that game so much when I was in Middle School. And yeah Pickpocketing was the best!! I still liked Cooking a lot too though!!

OMG, you're right, Boo. I was trying to figure out what I didn't like about the characters and yeah you're right they were pretty bland. Like, Nel, Maria especially were both like the cold, tomboyish types. Thank God I liked Fayt and Sophia because if not for those two I probably would have wanted to strangle the rest of the characters. Peppita was ok too I just never used her. And Mirage joins so late into the game I just ignored her when she finally joined the cause.

I was thinking compared to the SO2 characters I definitely preferred Second Story. There were some pretty neat characters like Celine and Bowman. And I always liked Chisato for some reason.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Acacia Sgt on June 02, 2021, 10:38:14 pm
I'd like to play some of the other SO's. Well, perhaps one day. Heh, now I'm reminded how by the end of TtEoT I was pretty much just cheesing with Side-Kick.  :lol:

Anyway... oh man, I just finished the First Knight episode in Another Eden and... man, the story was really something. Overall the whole Parallel Time Layer was cool. Really shows they also took cues from Cross, and not just Trigger, haha.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: VidKid369 on June 06, 2021, 02:40:15 am
I can relate; I'd love to play more of the Star Ocean series. I wouldn't necessarily call Till the End of Time a bad game it just didn't hold my interest up to the very end. I can see myself going back and re-playing just to get everything like all the Battle Trophies (since I played on Easy Mode). I have Star Ocean The Last Hope -International- for PS3 I need to play it once I get the system fixed. I did love the item creation though, for some reason I thought they nixed the item creation for Till the End of Time but I was pleasantly surprised they had kept it in cause that was one of the reasons I had loved SO2 so much. Lol, I didn't touch any of the special attacks at all in my playthrough I just stuck with Dash on Fayt and kept getting cancel combos that way.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Acacia Sgt on June 06, 2021, 11:01:35 pm
Ah, that reminds me. While I've beaten the main game, I've yet to fully 100% TtEoT. Still missing quite a few trophies and barely started going through the bonus dungeons. But well, perhaps one day, heh.

Meanwhile... finally, at last, I'll finish the story portion of the Time Mine episode in Another Eden. So many runs through the mines, hehe. If I had better luck in the Gacha pulls, I might've gotten that character that gives +4 to mining bonus. But oh well. And I still have a long grind ahead to fully open them up.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Boo the Gentleman Caller on June 06, 2021, 11:05:24 pm
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Meanwhile... finally, at last, I'll finish the story portion of the Time Mine episode in Another Eden. So many runs through the mines, hehe.

Make sure, once you're finished, that you get the optional post-quest character. I won't spoil anything here unless you ask me too, but it took me a while to figure out how to find and recruit said character.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Acacia Sgt on June 07, 2021, 11:48:32 am
Good Macky? Oh, yes, got him after beating Visus Echo. I had long gotten him to move into the village as soon as that unlocked, so the sidequest unlocked pretty much immediately after.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Boo the Gentleman Caller on June 08, 2021, 09:42:53 am
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Good Macky? Oh, yes, got him after beating Visus Echo. I had long gotten him to move into the village as soon as that unlocked, so the sidequest unlocked pretty much immediately after.

Yup! I actually didn't know about it until well after the quest, and even once he joined the village it took me a day or two to figure out how to recruit him. It was a surprise for me, as I had no idea that he'd join Aldo!
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Post by: Mauron on June 08, 2021, 05:05:37 pm
Playing Digimon Adventure for the PSP right now. Interesting to see some of the original names of Digimon. A few sound better that way.

New Neptunia game bought. Waiting for PS5 jokes.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Acacia Sgt on June 08, 2021, 06:13:42 pm
At last, I finally reached the end of the first arc of the story, beating Chronos Menas.

I'd say, it moved me. It's a good story. But man, that was Chapter 25 of like over 70 the game is at now? I know some details already of what is to come next, but I have yet to largely look it up. Will be fun to see what lies in store next... after I do some more side content first, haha.

... ha ha... still far from getting Levia...

---

Once again I'm withholding continuing the main story, not starting Ogre Wars yet. Instead I began doing some of the newly unlocked content. Like the Theatre (sadly don't have all teh characters for the perfect performances), the Sword and Wings Mythos (made it to the Winged Ones village, aka finished up to Chapter 3 so far), and... the cat stuff.

Oh my God, the cat stuff... this is great.  :lol:

Also, I don't know when this happened, but Lucca Ashtear finally has a character portrait:

(https://i.imgur.com/QWvyfAN.png)

That's neat.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: VidKid369 on June 16, 2021, 08:06:49 am
Hey, everyone!! I beat Tales of Destiny (PS) earlier today, thought it was kinda meh I just mashed through pretty much all of it. Decided to stick to PS1 titles, so I might check out Persona 2: Eternal Punishment next!
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: VidKid369 on June 27, 2021, 08:13:08 pm
Hey, guys! I beat Suikoden IV. (PS2) Another RPG down, during my quest to finish my backlog. Ever since I got a Backloggery, I have come to find out that other gamers like to 100% complete their RPGs, too so I might try speedrunning Suikoden I next. I've always wanted to run through the Suikoden series and do everything.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Boo the Gentleman Caller on June 27, 2021, 10:58:05 pm
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Hey, guys! I beat Suikoden IV.

Nice! I'm impressed you did that in only 10 days or so, haha! Seems like a completionist run takes ~45 hours or so.

Suikoden 1 here VidKid comes!

I recently beat Oceanhorn 2... Been playing a lot of low-budget indie games on the Nintendo Switch. It's a sort of Legend of Zelda knockoff, but I have really enjoyed both of the games a lot.

I picked up Decay of Logos the other day on sale and have been playing it -- it's a Souls-like game, which I tend to not like. I don't enjoy difficult games all that much, although the Souls games definitely have EXCELLENT world building (which requires a lot of exploration and interpretation to piece together) and level design. I generally play them on the PC with an infinite life cheat (ha) but this game is on Switch, so I am just going with it.

I've had to put the game down out of frustration several times, but I am definitely enjoying the exploration elements of the game.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Acacia Sgt on June 29, 2021, 12:12:26 am
Alright, been going through Ogre Wars Part 1 in AE. I'm off to fight the Dragon God, hehe. I also did the first chapters of the Mythos. Finished Chapter 4 and... I'm not gonna get that Luring Shadow drop in time, considering the opportunity window ends in two days. Oh well...
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: VidKid369 on June 29, 2021, 07:43:55 pm
Haha. :) I went into Suikoden IV blind so I didn't get everything, not even close but I enjoyed the game for the most part compared to how a lot of others felt. I'm sure I'll go back to it soon and get all 108 Stars.

I finished my speedrun of Suikoden I and ended my time at 8:49. Suikoden II here I come! I figure I'll try to complete the series up to the third for now before I lose my save transfer.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Acacia Sgt on July 09, 2021, 12:40:24 am
Well, been doing more progress in AE. By this I'm done with Ogre Wars as a whole, did Azure Rebel, and I'm just about done with IDA Part 3.

But man... this last one...  :cry:

The bosses were such a pain. The fight against Mother Brain was quite brutal. Took me several tries. I was quite stubborn in wanting to deal with it now, but I managed. Thankfully, I had a zone setter in order to weaken her attacks. Combined with the episode's own free character having a skill that further diminishes the Intelligence stat, plus a Regen skill, I managed to live long enough to whittle down her HP. The invincibility unless beating one of the accompanying bits that regenerate in two turns was... also a pain. Despite having an almost full party already at level 80 or almost there and with Lv60 equipment. Thankfully most were Slash users and the Zone Setter was also Slash. So it helped me to at least fill up the Another Force gauge. Then wiped both bits to unleash her frenzy attack pattern but remove the HP stoppers, and then just AF to victory.

But well, that's that. I need to farm Treatises soon enough, as it is. Not enough Five-star characters... Also do the Chance Encounters to unlock some of those boards. And unlock Garulea. But well, that's all for some other day, haha.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Toreadore on July 09, 2021, 10:00:03 am
Well, been doing more progress in AE. By this I'm done with Ogre Wars as a whole, did Azure Rebel, and I'm just about done with IDA Part 3.

But man... this last one...  :cry:

The bosses were such a pain. The fight against Mother Brain was quite brutal. Took me several tries. I was quite stubborn in wanting to deal with it now, but I managed. Thankfully, I had a zone setter in order to weaken her attacks. Combined with the episode's own free character having a skill that further diminishes the Intelligence stat, plus a Regen skill, I managed to live long enough to whittle down her HP. The invincibility unless beating one of the accompanying bits that regenerate in two turns was... also a pain. Despite having an almost full party already at level 80 or almost there and with Lv60 equipment. Thankfully most were Slash users and the Zone Setter was also Slash. So it helped me to at least fill up the Another Force gauge. Then wiped both bits to unleash her frenzy attack pattern but remove the HP stoppers, and then just AF to victory.

But well, that's that. I need to farm Treatises soon enough, as it is. Not enough Five-star characters... Also do the Chance Encounters to unlock some of those boards. And unlock Garulea. But well, that's all for some other day, haha.

I feel that, except for me it's the 2nd part of the Garulea story, and not being able to pass the boss in the 5th or 6th part of Mythos. Just frustrating. Went back to the fishing game, but at level 27, it's just incredibly boring. :?
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Acacia Sgt on July 09, 2021, 03:41:59 pm
I suppose sooner or later my usual strategy was going to start falling behind. My usual team is Shion, Joker, Anabel, and Claude. Using the reserve spots for grinding. It carried me for long enough, but this is certainly the sign that I need to branch out. Not just against Mother. The boss of Joker's path in VH-Mementos was the first I had to actually do things different. Putting Dierdre and Mariel (who is sadly still a four-star) on the reserves and switch them in and out when needed. Same for Mythos Ch6, and now both it and with Mother I had to actually rely on Zone Setting. From my understanding once I unlock Garulea it'll be now grinding for Grasta, but perhaps I can now make things easier for myself then, heh.

Ah, fishing. My rod is still Lv15. So I'm still far from getting Levia. But we're gonna get an update that makes fishing less of a grind soon enough, so here's to hoping it does help, haha. In the meantime I'll gonna actually train up a Zone Setter. It's a good thing Cress is free for a Slash ZS. I have enough Slash users for this to be viable, heh.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: VidKid369 on July 18, 2021, 03:23:05 am
I got all 108 Stars of Destiny and the best ending for Suikoden II (PS) earlier today, lol. I was planning on going through the entire Suikoden series, which means Suikoden III next but I'm all Suikoden-ed out. I figure now's the best time to go through it with my save transfer, in case I lose it (again). I know I should be concentrating on RPGs I haven't beaten at all but I really want to 100% complete some games that are just sitting around. I'm just happy/glad I seem to be on a good roll. ^_^
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Toreadore on July 18, 2021, 11:16:44 am
Congrats on Suikoden 2. Great game, recently watched a friend stream it and got hit with all the feels. Just a damn good storyline with great characters.

I know I should be concentrating on RPGs I haven't beaten at all but I really want to 100% complete some games that are just sitting around.

Damn, that hits hard. I just finished a replay of Xenosaga 3, despite the Xenoblades asking me why I haven't finished/played them yet.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Acacia Sgt on July 18, 2021, 08:51:03 pm
Welp, my lack of enough fully trained 5-stars is really starting to become a liability in Another Eden. I just finished Goddess of Time Part 1, and it's clear I can barely get through a dungeon without having to at least go back to a town once to restock on food. Well, I'm getting there to do at least a full main party switch to avoid having to use food or go back, sort of. I don't think I want to tackle the Present Garulea AD, so in the meantime I'm continuing Mythos. Just finished Chapter 7. Too late to get that Shadow Drop, and I doubt I'll get the one offered for starting Chapter 10. But well, I'm getting there to do all story-related stuff released so far, until my time in the game is dedicated to the grinding parts, heh.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: VidKid369 on July 18, 2021, 10:19:13 pm
Congrats on Suikoden 2. Great game, recently watched a friend stream it and got hit with all the feels. Just a damn good storyline with great characters.

I know I should be concentrating on RPGs I haven't beaten at all but I really want to 100% complete some games that are just sitting around.

Damn, that hits hard. I just finished a replay of Xenosaga 3, despite the Xenoblades asking me why I haven't finished/played them yet.

Suikoden II is always a banger for me. I was rushing through it this time because I wanted to get to other games, but whenever I have the time to go through it all relaxed it definitely hits all the right buttons for me. Sometimes I wonder why the game itself is so rare and at a high price but whenever I play it it makes sense why that is. It's probably one of my favorite RPGs on the PS1. (I have a ton of favorites though for that system.) Usually I don't like very political/strategic warfare type storylines but Suikoden II does it well. I just love the message it delivers about friendship and family being important.

Lol. If I'm being honest here's what happens. So ever since I got a Backloggery I marked off all the games I've beaten before right? For some RPGs I truly can't remember since it's been so long. I know I should focus on games I haven't beaten at all but I love 100% completing games and then checking it off. To be honest, I just can't remember anymore if I beat the game when I was a teenager so I play it again now, hehe. ^_^
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Acacia Sgt on July 23, 2021, 01:48:13 am
Well, I made it to the final boss of the Mythos. First part is easy, second part... not so much. I don't think I can prepare a team suitable enough with what I currently have. Not without some serious investment... and a more generous RNG during Gacha pulls. Oh well, I guess I'm not getting that other Luring Shadow Drop either. I doubt for even in two months to get it... maybe.

Guess it's back to GoT Part II then...
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: VidKid369 on August 07, 2021, 11:04:25 pm
Whoo!! I 100% completed Suikoden III (PS2) last night! Got all 108 Stars of Destiny. The game makes much more sense when you collect everyone and it's more rewarding.

Next, I'll probably tackle Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King or Growlanser Generations (I'm such a bad Working Designs fan).
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Acacia Sgt on August 08, 2021, 12:04:16 am
Never thought I'd actually reach the end of the current storyline in Another Eden. I'm already aware the end of the Goddess of Time storyline is near, but actually reaching the current endpoint before the next storyline update... well, was feeling I might've cut it close. For a moment I got worried there was a timer on the boss battle of Chapter 74... until it became weak to Slash after its HP stopper. Since I mostly use a Slash team...  :twisted: Also...

Paradoxical Dreamers... really subtle there Kato.  :lol:

Anyway, now that I don't feel as rushed, I can finally focus back on doing all the sub-quest content I've yet to finish. Mostly the reward lists for the various AD runs, but also... well, just about almost everything, heh. At least until Global gets the next storyline update.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: etbandung on September 27, 2021, 04:41:53 am
i prefer open world like GTA or Need For Speed where we could have talk with the homies
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: V_Translanka on September 27, 2021, 05:27:26 am
I think I mentioned playing Control back when it came out on Game Pass, but recently got the Ultimate Edition for the Alan Wake content DLC. I really enjoy the boss fights or more precisely I like that the difficulty seems mostly self-imposed in that any time I've felt any frustration all I've had to do is shift around some equipment bonuses...

Kind of looking forward to the Alan Wake Remaster. RIP Verizon in-game ads!
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Toreadore on September 27, 2021, 09:31:17 am
Pretty much gave up on Another Eden (I quit logging in a while back). Tired of having no way to advance, of not having the proper resources no matter how much grinding I do, of never rolling people I need, of never coming up with a good enough strategy for basically anything.

Played the new chapter of Deltarune (full of laughs though I'm just not quite used to that gameplay anymore). Since the Hearth & Home update finally dropped in Valheim, I've been back on that too.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Boo the Gentleman Caller on September 27, 2021, 04:47:29 pm
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I think I mentioned playing Control back when it came out on Game Pass, but recently got the Ultimate Edition for the Alan Wake content DLC. I really enjoy the boss fights or more precisely I like that the difficulty seems mostly self-imposed in that any time I've felt any frustration all I've had to do is shift around some equipment bonuses...

Kind of looking forward to the Alan Wake Remaster. RIP Verizon in-game ads!

I actually played through Alan Wake and American Nightmare earlier this year for the very first time. I needed a break before playing Quantum Break and Control, though I plan to play through the entire Remedy backlog in prep of their shared universe efforts... Which I love the idea of.

Quote
Pretty much gave up on Another Eden (I quit logging in a while back). Tired of having no way to advance, of not having the proper resources no matter how much grinding I do, of never rolling people I need, of never coming up with a good enough strategy for basically anything.

Similar experience here. I haven't played since the Time Mine episode, although I still log in daily to collect those sweet, sweet gems. My intent is to come back to it eventually, although who knows. I hear that the developer, WFS, is about to release a Mana gacha, which means that Another Eden might be nearing end-of-life.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Acacia Sgt on September 27, 2021, 06:48:32 pm
It's a shame to read that. Meanwhile I'm still having a blast. Sure, the RNG of the gacha pulls could be better, but many of the hurdles I've faced were still beat with what the game hands you for free. Well, almost all the stuff I've used.

I hear that the developer, WFS, is about to release a Mana gacha, which means that Another Eden might be nearing end-of-life.

Considering they have stated there will be a Part 3 to the main storyline, I doubt it. It's not like the entire AE development team will shift to the Mana one.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: VidKid369 on October 25, 2021, 10:06:08 pm
Hey, guys it's been awhile since I posted! Since I posted last I've managed to beat Growlanser II: The Sense of Justice (PS2) and Tales of Destiny II (PS1). Both were really good games.

Right now I'm playing Grandia II for the PS2 and I'm enjoying it quite a bit. Cheers!!
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Mauron on October 27, 2021, 06:01:28 pm
Been playing some action games myself lately. Went through Senran Kagura Burst Re:Newal, got the platinum. That game has way too good a plot for a strip combat series.

Then played Attack on Titan (PS4) and beat the game.

Just started on Neptunia x Senran Kagura NINJA WARS. It's Neptunia levels of silly.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Acacia Sgt on October 28, 2021, 01:55:07 am
Started playing SRW 30, which got released today.

Oh man... OH MAN. As a big fan of SRW, it's just so awesome that a mainline game was actually officially sold worldline. Played the first scenarios of the Earth route before calling it a day. It was great. I absolutely loved that they brought back to using the anime clips when introducing certain mechas (the series used to do it, before switching to CGI movies, then just dropping it altogether). All the callbacks to previous games, the roster, the animations, the character interactions, I was having the time of my life!
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: VidKid369 on November 10, 2021, 11:38:22 pm
Done w/ Grandia II for PS2. Loved everything about it.

Stupefied as to what to play next. Maybe Xenosaga 2 or Shadow Hearts 3?
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Boo the Gentleman Caller on November 11, 2021, 03:42:15 pm
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Done w/ Grandia II for PS2. Loved everything about it.

I played Grandia II not long after it came out, and it was one of the first jRPGs I was able to finish from end-to-end. One of the things I remember most is that all the spells of that one character being body-part specific, and even then I was mildly amused by it.

Overall, I remember it being a great game. I definitely need to pick up the remaster at some point soon and revisit the game.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: VidKid369 on November 11, 2021, 11:48:06 pm
^ Millenia's spells were great. I liked how it'd cut to an anime cutscene right in the middle of battle, I thought that was pretty tight. Yes! I played it right when it first came out too for the Dreamcast and beat it, but this one is the PS2 version. The one for DC was a burned copy my friend gave me and I always felt a little guilty owning that. 😛

I really want to get Grandia III now. I know I've played it before cause I remember the mother & son but I dunno what happened to it.

I popped in Vagrant Story. It's one of the handful of RPGs I need to beat to finish off my PS1 collection for my backlog journey, and it's going pretty great so far.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Acacia Sgt on December 06, 2021, 03:04:23 am
In preparations to the eventual collaboration, I've decided to tie up some loose ends on the stuff in Another Eden I've yet to do. Currently doing: fighting the superbosses of Present Garulea. Pft, I have so much stuff that was released after Goddess of Time Volume 1, I'm pretty much just obliterating these guys. :lol:

Well, one of them is still a bit out of my reach, due to requiring a Water Magic team, which I don't quite have enough characters for. But the rest are just falling with little to no problem.

Don't remember if I've stated this, but I'm also playing through Fallout 3. Funny, I got this game years ago, yet only now I'm finally finishing it (started a new playthrough a month or two ago). Main story done, going through the DLC, which I'm already halfway done with it too. I reckon I could finish before the year ends, if I dedicate myself to it.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: VidKid369 on April 03, 2022, 08:33:40 am
^ I remember I enjoyed Fallout 3 for PS3 when I first played it.

Hey, guys! It's been awhile since I last posted. I took a break after the new year but I'm back in my gaming routine again. Now I'm playing Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King. (PS2) It's going swimmingly.

I'm also playing Suikoden V (PS2) on the side.

I never got to beat Vagrant Story cause we had a blackout and the save file corrupted but that was on PS2 I'll try it again on PS3.

Cheers!
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Boo the Gentleman Caller on April 03, 2022, 03:45:52 pm
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Hey, guys! It's been awhile since I last posted.

Welcome back, friend! I enjoy reading your gaming backlog journey - I live vicariously through you! I'm curious to hear your DQVIII thoughts. I started the 3DS version and loved it, but never go around to finishing it. For some reason, I always lose steam rapidly with the DQ series.

:D

I haven't been playing anything, recently. I recently (finally) finished Xenoblade Chronicles II and it's prequel DLC, Torna: The Golden Country. Both have new content in NG+, which I'd lack to tackle at some point, but I've invested 250 hours into the game on a single playthrough and don't think I can go back into that game any time soon. Amazing game, I highly recommend it. One of the best jRPG of this generation.

I recently watched the new Batman film (greatly enjoyed it) and want to try the Arkham game series. I played about 30 minutes of the first game (Batman: Arkham Asylum), and it definitely looked dated by modern standards, so I downloaded several mods and a ReShade and will install as soon as work slows down long enough for me to do so. I've been stuck working 11 to 12 hour days the past three weeks due to multiple major projects all hitting critical milestones at the same time.

I also started Earthbound: Beginnings yesterday and played for maybe 30 minutes. The game holds up SURPRISINGLY well considering it's from 1989/1990 NES. I always wanted to play it, and now that it's on Nintendo Switch Online, I'm glad to get a chance to play it. The game is definitely an old school jRPG, though, in that grinding is absolutely necessary to even walk more than a few steps into the first "dungeon" (in this case a graveyard on the overworld). The encounter rate is also bonkers.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Acacia Sgt on April 03, 2022, 04:48:39 pm
Been a while since I gave an update here, heh.

I'm still with Another Eden, but since the year began I started playing The Legend of Heroes - Trails in the Sky First Chapter. I've had the game since 2015, but didn't played far back then. Now I'm actually playing to finish the game. Though lately it's been put on hold. Still in the middle-ish of Chapter 1, as it were.

Recently I also acquired the Special edition of Rune Factory 4, for Steam. I actually got the game for a specific purpose, which I wouldn't be able to do with the 3DS version which I also own, but let's just say things didn't pan out, so I'm just playing for the fun of it, heh. I'm close to ending Act 1 and... geez, I'd forgotten how annoying was dealing with the Town Events system, hahaha.  :?
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: VidKid369 on April 04, 2022, 02:03:10 am
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Hey, guys! It's been awhile since I last posted.

Welcome back, friend! I enjoy reading your gaming backlog journey - I live vicariously through you! I'm curious to hear your DQVIII thoughts.
Omg, hearing you say that makes me life, friendo! Yeah, usually I play LUNAR for Christmas but I didn't this year so that messed me up I was just watching a whole buncha Survivor until I realized whoa I need to do something.

This's actually my third attempt at trying to beat DQ8 I always stop around the time you get the sabrecat but I'm so intent on beating it this time I just grind and grind on Neos island for money from the Gold Golems I've literally only been doing just that for the last 3 days. I'm just waiting for Angelo to learn Multiheal then I'll move on to the Dark Ruins.

I actually like DQ8 it's not hard for me to play it I loved Dragon Warrior VII (PS1) and this game reminds me so much of it so that's motivation to finish the game.

Tbh, before I didn't feel right even playing DQ8 knowing I had DW7 and hadn't beat it.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Boo the Gentleman Caller on April 04, 2022, 11:34:05 pm
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Omg, hearing you say that makes me life, friendo! Yeah, usually I play LUNAR for Christmas but I didn't this year so that messed me up I was just watching a whole buncha Survivor until I realized whoa I need to do something.

No lie, I will do a LUNAR playthrough with you this winter! We can sync up offline or here or whatever and make it a fun little event. You may play quicker than I do, but I'll totally do it! We've chatted about it before and LUNAR is one of my absolute favorite games of all time. To me it's the ultimate comfort food of jRPGs.

What, for you, is the penultimate version of Silver Star? The OG? Complete? Harmony? The Legend GBA remake?! INQUIRING MINDS MUST KNOW!
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: VidKid369 on April 05, 2022, 09:17:48 am

No lie, I will do a LUNAR playthrough with you this winter! We can sync up offline or here or whatever and make it a fun little event. You may play quicker than I do, but I'll totally do it! We've chatted about it before and LUNAR is one of my absolute favorite games of all time. To me it's the ultimate comfort food of jRPGs.

What, for you, is the penultimate version of Silver Star? The OG? Complete? Harmony? The Legend GBA remake?! INQUIRING MINDS MUST KNOW!
Ok. Done deal. I'd love it if we can start a thread and just post our thoughts in there, we can also chat about it on Discord! 🙂

TBH, whenever I think "LUNAR" I automatically, my mind automatically goes to LUNAR: Silver Star Story Complete (PS1) but, if I had my Sega CD working I'd be playing LUNAR: The Silver Star all day-right now. Whenever other gamers wanna talk about Lunar I just bring up SSSC.

Oh, don't worry about whether or not you can keep up I like to do longplays of my favorite RPG games aka trying to roll the clock into 100 hours I love reading the text from all of Working Designs' RPGs just over and over and analyzing and memorizing it and discussing it. I was planning on doing some sorta FAQ on it or just doing something with the text of L:SSSC.

I'll try to look up online how to fix the Sega CD and if I can just do it myself. Also, I have Silver Star Harmony but I've never played it so we can do something with that too if you want as well.

Since you wanna do a joint with me for Lunar, I'll play an RPG of your liking with you if you want as well like Chrono Trigger? Chrono Cross? Anything, it doesn't matter.

When we do- do it I think as long as we can get a thread started we won't have to worry about the time difference. I'm on Discord too as well so just hit me up. Don't ditch me cause I'm really not a flake when people wanna do plans! :)
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Boo the Gentleman Caller on April 05, 2022, 11:46:23 pm
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TBH, whenever I think "LUNAR" I automatically, my mind automatically goes to LUNAR: Silver Star Story Complete (PS1) but, if I had my Sega CD working I'd be playing LUNAR: The Silver Star all day-right now.

Truth be told, I've never played the original The Silver Star! I went straight into SSSC and it's been my default version of the game, although I've played both Lunar Legend and Silver Star Harmony.

I actually really liked Harmony -- there's a cool prologue where you play as the Four Heroes during their final battle, and it actually fleshes out who they were truly fighting and why. I can't remember if any of that is covered in Eternal Blue at all, but it's at least new content for Silver Star Story. I played it when it was first released, so it's been about twelve years or so. I can't remember any other additional content. One thing I did miss was an explorable world map - you can't walk on the map and instead it was just point and click for each location. Booooooo...

As for whatever version we play, I'm fine with anything, I'm fine with any version. SSSC or SSH are easier for me only on account of being able to play on the go and that will triple the amount of time I have available to play (since I can play it while sitting with the kids and stuff). I could always emulate it on my PSP -- I'm pretty sure that there's a Sega CD emulator for the PSP, although I've never tried. Either way, I'm super chill both here and real life, so I don't care what version, because...

...I'm legit excited to play through it with a friend. I tend to shy away from multiplayer games and do enjoy my 1990s jRPGs far too much. There's a nostalgia and almost comfort food-like quality to that era of gaming. Terranigma, Secret of Mana, Lunar: SSSC, and Chrono Trigger are all era-favorites. But jRPGs are also sort of lonely experiences on account of being purely single-played, immersive story-based games (and I don't have any friends IRL that are into that genre of gaming).

It will be a pleasant experience to be able to actually play through what is probably the most feel-good, wholesome game of all time, with a friend roughly in tandem, and to be able talk about the story beats at the same time -- CAN'T WAIT. I don't even know anyone who has played it before, although I know there are a handful of us. Maybe others will want to join (all are more than welcome), but for all I care, the two of us can cut up and have a good time. I'm so excited I just told my wife; she isn't a gamer and doesn't get them, but she's excited for us on my behalf, haha!

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When we do- do it I think as long as we can get a thread started we won't have to worry about the time difference. I'm on Discord too as well so just hit me up.

Good idea. Maybe a thread here and we can sync up on Discord here, too. In fact, I just sent you a friend request on Discord.

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Don't ditch me cause I'm really not a flake when people wanna do plans!


You have my word as a gentleman (caller), I'm committed to playing it with you this winter. I was actually thinking about re-playing SSSC or SSH a week ago (right after finishing Xenoblade Chronicles II); this puts the game on my "to do" list and makes it an experience I'm legitimately excited for.

Get pumped up! https://youtu.be/YNsGfTzF5zQ?list=PLA39731C4C523C6AF (https://youtu.be/YNsGfTzF5zQ?list=PLA39731C4C523C6AF)
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: VidKid369 on April 06, 2022, 01:11:49 am
Hey! I actually never think about gaming with other people I have to be the one to do everything and I have to be the one with the controller in my hand. I like to do everything myself. Playing only RPGs is a good reason for me to be by myself. Whenever other people wanna game with me I always say I’m only into RPGs and I only have one controller.

I’m only interested in the text (I can do without the gameplay) and I like to pretend I’m sort of an amateur, at home researcher.

But yeah I think Silver Star Story Complete will be just fine. I always start Christmas morning around 8:00 A.M. but sometimes I do start a few days earlier depending on my mood. It’s a very Christmas RPG. It’s been a Christmas tradition at the house for as long as I remember ever since I was a teenager. TBH, if you’re burned out from playing RPGs all year long it’s a really nice way to “reset” or refresh your brain. I’ll be playing the PS1 version on PlayStation 3.

You should definitely try to play The Silver Star I think you’ll like it more than the PS1 version.

Yeah, I heard Silver Star Harmony was actually a decent remake, I have it for PSP. No, they never fleshed out the Four Heroes only through mention from various NPCs talking about which one was their favorite or what-not. The only big deal about Ghaleon was that he was one of the Four Heroes.

I like to play in front of a T.V. I only play portable in my car sometimes before work or something.

I’m looking forward to this project as well. As I am doing backlog, I do sometimes go back and re-play an RPG I really enjoyed or is just due for a re-play.

I’ll pencil this into my schedule this year. Looking forward to it, man!

This makes me excited all the time: https://youtu.be/YiLLN5U9w2U
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Kodokami on April 06, 2022, 07:30:08 am
It will be a pleasant experience to be able to actually play through what is probably the most feel-good, wholesome game of all time

I've never played any of the Lunar games, but this alone makes me want to play. Color me interested.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Toreadore on April 06, 2022, 10:13:55 am
Truth be told, I've never played the original The Silver Star! I went straight into SSSC and it's been my default version of the game, although I've played both Lunar Legend and Silver Star Harmony.

SSSC is my first exposure to the series as well; I did see a 9 hour playthrough of the original Sega CD version. It was interesting, but SSSC holds a special place in my heart.

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I actually really liked Harmony -- there's a cool prologue where you play as the Four Heroes during their final battle, and it actually fleshes out who they were truly fighting and why. I can't remember if any of that is covered in Eternal Blue at all, but it's at least new content for Silver Star Story. I played it when it was first released, so it's been about twelve years or so. I can't remember any other additional content. One thing I did miss was an explorable world map - you can't walk on the map and instead it was just point and click for each location. Booooooo...

I'd heard about that prologue. Would love to see an entire prequel game with those four, to be honest.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Ema on April 06, 2022, 04:53:41 pm
Reporting here to say I'm also a huge fan of the Lunar games. The first one I played was Lunar 2 on the Sega CD (we had lunar 1 as well but I only saw my brother play it). And then I got to enjoy the remakes on the PS1 as they were released (still got my collectors edition boxes and the sega cd CIB of Lunar 2) which were and still are amazing games that I still replay to this day.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: VidKid369 on April 07, 2022, 11:59:00 pm
Wonderful! It warms my heart to read that so many other gamers out there are fans of the Lunar series as well! Boo is right, it really is such a feel-good series he seems to have a better idea of the kind of game it truly is I just always play it at least once-a-year! (either L:SSSC or L:EBC)

I've gotten to know Boo a little better on Discord and I'm touched that fans of the Chrono series/games are so nice... I tended to be a little skittish and shy away from video game messageboards when I was younger so meeting people as an adult and finding out they are so nice makes me glad I reached out.

Have a nice day y'all! :)
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Boo the Gentleman Caller on April 11, 2022, 12:57:18 am
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I've never played any of the Lunar games, but this alone makes me want to play. Color me interested.

The story is pretty straight-forward, and there are only a few sidequests. It is very much a character-oriented story. All of the characters are memorable and likable, with clear, meaningful arcs. Most importantly, the game is an innocent love story at heart -- that sort of young love blossoming that is wholesome and pure. Every time I play it I just gush over how it makes me feel *good* and happy and a thousand positive emotions.

The sequel is also very, very good... but not as good as the first game. :D

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I'd heard about that prologue. Would love to see an entire prequel game with those four, to be honest.

SAME. They easily could have gone the Lufia 1 / Lufia 2 route. There's so much to explore on that adventure, and in reality, we know very little of what the Four Heroes endured.

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I've gotten to know Boo a little better on Discord and I'm touched that fans of the Chrono series/games are so nice... I tended to be a little skittish and shy away from video game messageboards when I was younger so meeting people as an adult and finding out they are so nice makes me glad I reached out.

I can't speak for any one else, but I'm similar. I am not involved in social media beyond Reddit, Discord and here, and even then I'm not very active. But the Chrono series really does have a great fanbase for the most part - especially here on the Compendium. This is a place that is sort of internet comfort food; a lot of the same faces year in and year out, and everyone is just so flippin' cool. We have little to no drama these days, and we're just a little corner of the old school forum type of internet that was so prevalent in the late 1990s / early 2000s. I love it.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: VidKid369 on April 16, 2022, 11:58:30 am
I just beat Dragon Quest 8. Um pretty epic stuff. It almost was overwhelming, but I'm glad I pulled through. Moving onto something else probably Suikoden V?
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Boo the Gentleman Caller on May 29, 2022, 09:34:46 pm
I finally picked up I am Setsuna for the Nintendo Switch. My expectations were low, as I had always heard luke-warm things about the game (plus, the older I get, the harder it is for me to pick up some old-school jRPGs).

I'm about 6-8 hours in and absolutely loving it. I've had a hard time putting it down.

Pro's:

Cons:

That's it. That's all I have for now.

I've also picked up The Outer Worlds again, which I haven't played since February or so. I'm almost done with the game and hellbent on finishing it, even if I'm not feeling super into it anymore. I was hoping it would be a proper Fallout replacement, but it hasn't scratched that itch as I'd like.

I think the whole hyper-capitalistic society in the game hits too close to home. I know it's largely parody, but it sort of brings me down and makes me too reflective of my own suffering in a society that thrives on human exploitation and class warfare.

My first 20 hours or so of the game were excellent, but I'm not sure, at this point it feels like a slog to wrap up.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: VidKid369 on May 30, 2022, 09:15:53 pm
I just beat Breath of Fire III. (PS1 version on PS3) Really good game. I would definitely recommend it to any RPG player out there for a good time. Really brought me back to the days when I was still a kid and shopping at the mall going to Electronics Boutique. 1997, y'all.

I'll probably just continue with the series now and boot up Breath of Fire IV since I'm not really doing anything else. Have always loved the BoF series.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: VidKid369 on June 27, 2022, 02:00:20 am
Hey sorry for the dbl post.

I just beat Breath of Fire IV. 38:54. (again, PS1 on PS3) It felt good to finally knock this one out as it’s always been nagging at me to finish it for so so many years now. I’ve always liked the Breath of Fire series it’s constantly-consistently been there with me as a kid. Overall I enjoyed II and III the most although 4 was really fun too.

Right now, I guess I’ll try popping in BoF: Dragon Quarter and see how I like it. Cheers everyone!!
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Toreadore on July 01, 2022, 04:03:54 pm
Finished Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising (aka a spiritual successor to the Genso Suikoden series). It's a short-to-medium length prequel game to Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, which is coming out next year. I wasn't a fan of the combat system at first (I am not so good with the in-real-time combat and the fast reflexes) but I think it's starting to grow on me. Which probably doesn't mean much since it looks like the combat system will be different in Hundred Heroes.

The story works for a prequel, nothing too deep, a nice preview of what is to come. I enjoyed the characters and their interactions. The soundtrack is wonderful of course. The quests... well, I'm mixed on them. I'm just tired of way too many quests in games in general. On the one hand, some of the quests can get repetitive, but on the other hand, the quests do stop after a while AND there is a way to make them go faster: Hit Start to access your quest, mark it as active, then go to the location. Once you're at the location, hit Start to access your map. If the quest is active, it'll show where you actually need to go. (The only exception is if you're gathering generic materials like lumber or ore, since those are scattered across dungeons.)

Forgot to mention I also finished Xenoblade Chronicles 2 and its prequel game Torna ahead of Xenoblade 3. The blade system was interesting, but I wish they didn't make certain access points dependable on the blades you rolled for. And I know some people like Tiger Tiger but that was a hard pass from me. The combat system was mostly the same in Torna with the exception of switching between blade and driver, but I liked it better in Torna. I did enjoy the story in both games. I know we know what happens between Torna and the main game, but I do wish we had gotten to see a little more post-battle with the, ah, blade eater and random ambushes I will not mention.

I was thinking of trying the FF7 remake next, or at least the part that's available now. (I do have other games in the backlog, but when has that ever stopped me?  :? )
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: VidKid369 on July 12, 2022, 06:50:15 pm
Hullo. I beat Breath of Fire: Dragon Quarter. It was a really short game I was surprised. Overall, I really enjoyed it. Combat was cool and the story was decent-ok. I liked the ending. Apparently it seems the game is so short cause they want you to re-play it but once is good enough for me right now. Officially I have finished the Breath of Fire series yay!

I actually dunno what I’m gonna play next. I’ll have to rummage through my PS1-PS2 collection. Probably something like Suikoden V or Growlanser III.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Boo the Gentleman Caller on July 18, 2022, 12:09:26 pm
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I beat Breath of Fire: Dragon Quarter. ... Officially I have finished the Breath of Fire series yay!

Dang! That's awesome. I remember when Dragon Quarter came out thinking it looked awesome -- unique industrial setting and a unique twist on the series as a whole. I still need to go back and play BoF 3/4/DQ. One of these days... They're in my growing, never-ending backlog.

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I actually dunno what I’m gonna play next. I’ll have to rummage through my PS1-PS2 collection. Probably something like Suikoden V or Growlanser III.

I keep eying Growlanser Generations....... What did you end up landing on?

I've been playing Dragon's Dogma on the Switch. About 6 or 7 years ago I played through it on PC, got about 75% through, and then quit. Haha. It's a common problem for me -- I get to the late-game content in RPGs and it tends to get grind-y, so I get bored and end up losing steam.

It's one of the reasons I love Lunar so much -- the series doesn't give me too much to do, and the plot keeps moving until the very end. The only bad part of those type of games is that there is often missable content (ie bromides), which for a collector like me can be frustrating.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Mr Bekkler on July 18, 2022, 02:09:19 pm
I've been playing PC games mostly these days, and some VR. I'm hungry for a JRPG in VR and coincidentally one came out called Ruins Magus. I tried the demo, will probably buy it on sale.

I don't know why but Rocket League has become one of my staples. Something about how the car controls feels so good and intuitive to me. Have also dipped my toes into competitive multiplayer shooters, tried a few but settled on Apex Legends. I play with a friend mostly. And I'll tell you what, I am not good at Apex Legends.

Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: VidKid369 on July 22, 2022, 03:32:42 am
I keep eying Growlanser Generations....... What did you end up landing on?

You should definitely check out Growlanser Generations I know it took me years to pick it out of my collection and actually play it. I finished Growlanser II and it was really short so if you're looking for a quick romp around it should be up your alley. I have to go back someday and do all the character branches! I'm 8 hours into Growlanser III just mindlessly grinding.

I'm actually doing a bit of something right now. So I got a new Sony Bravia T.V. which's 4k and my god! games look so nice on it. The previous T.V. I had been using I kinda pressed down too hard on while I was cleaning it and it kinda I think broke the screen so it had this fuzziness on it it didn't deter me from playing games but it was nice to replace it with a brand-new one. I dunno too much about hardware how-to's but this 4k T.V. looks really nice when playing even older games on it!

So right now I'm playing Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch for PS3. It's suuuper fun so far, I was kinda hesitant about using monsters in battle but it's not even an issue it's fun. It reminds me of Lufia 2 how you can feed items to your capsule monsters to help them grow stronger. Totally cool!

I ordered a PS2toHDMI converter which I'm waiting on the delivery on this afternoon cause the new T.V. doesn't have the composite switches for the PS2 - I was looking to hook that up as well and maybe play some games on it.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Boo the Gentleman Caller on July 22, 2022, 10:19:27 am
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So I got a new Sony Bravia T.V. which's 4k and my god! games look so nice on it. The previous T.V.

Congrats on the new television! I haven't made the 4k transition yet, but I know it's in the near future for me. Now that we no longer have satellite internet, I don't have to throttle our data with 360p and 720p streaming.

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So right now I'm playing Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch for PS3.
Oh man, great game. I played through about 1/4 of the game two or three years ago and when we moved I put it on hold and never picked it back up. I really need to; I liked the story and the world and I'm a big fan of Ghibli and Level 5, so it was a match made in heaven for me. I actually just picked up the Nintendo Switch version so I can play it on the go and will restart it!

I have put I am Setsuna on hold briefly and am playing Dragon's Dogma. Yet another RPG I started but never beat. I actually really like the Souls series, even if they're too hard for me, but Dragon's Dogma is more my speed -- large monsters, open world, fun class system. With the announcement of Dragon's Dogma 2, I decided it's time I finish the first one. :)

I'm also still playing Final Fantasy 7 Remake, but can only play it on PC, and my time for console and PC gaming is very limited (compared to on-the-go gaming).
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: VidKid369 on August 13, 2022, 01:09:24 am
@Boo the Gentleman Caller Hey duuude! I just beat Ni no Kuni. It was really fun. I'm doing post game right now and trying to collect more trophies.

But I really wanted to tell you that - I was so excited about playing Lunar this Christmas that I'm playing The Silver Star right now on my laptop I had laying around. I decided to try it out and go for it, not much of a PC gamer, since my Sega CD hasn't been working for years and hey I bought and own the game already! I got it to work and watched the intro yesterday and it got me so excited! Lunar has always been my favorite game and I haven't played the Sega CD versions in years!

Hope you're doing good man! Just thought you'd enjoy a little update on what I have been doing. :)
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Toreadore on August 15, 2022, 12:41:57 am
Currently playing through Xenoblade Chronicles 3 (I suspect I am either at the end dungeon or the dungeon before the end dungeon, but at this point, I'm doing so many hero/side quests and exploring that I can't really tell). I know spoilers might be hard to avoid, but if you're interested in playing anytime soon, I would greatly recommend avoiding the hell out of spoilers.

All I can say is that I appreciate the sheer amount of work that has obviously gone into this game. I haven't enjoyed a JRPG this thoroughly since maybe Xenosaga Episode 3 (and not just because it has "Xeno" in the title). It has consumed every minute of my free time these last couple of weeks, and will until I've beaten the game, and I am good with that.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Boo the Gentleman Caller on August 16, 2022, 05:34:18 pm
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But I really wanted to tell you that - I was so excited about playing Lunar this Christmas that I'm playing The Silver Star right now on my laptop I had laying around.

I'm ready, too, man! I'm excited. I've had a hankering to play it several times since we first talked about it.

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I just beat Ni no Kuni. It was really fun. I'm doing post game right now and trying to collect more trophies.

Dang it, I never beat it. I put maybe 20 hours in but didn't get super far. I really need to go back and play it, especially now that I have a version of it for the Switch. Maybe after Dragon's Dogma and I am Setsuna.

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Currently playing through Xenoblade Chronicles 3

I loved the first two, and I bought XC3 on day one. I just wish I could have nabbed a Collector's Edition! I'm waiting a while to play it, though. I generally like to play a game after all the patches and mainline DLC have released. For example, I didn't play XC2 until after Torna came out.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Lennis on August 27, 2022, 02:16:17 am
I am currently playing through the Star Ocean series.  I beat Second Story many years back, when the PS1 was in its heyday, but had neglected the series since then.  With the recent announcement of Star Ocean: The Divine Force, I decided the time had finally come to play through 'Till the End of Time, The Last Hope, and Integrity and Faithlessness to get caught up with the series and the underlying lore of its universe.

To avoid spoilers for those who haven't played these games, I'll just say that 'Till the End of Time has a rather... interesting plot twist that casts the entire series in a strange light that generates controversy to the present day.  I also found Star Ocean 3, as it's otherwise known, to be remarkably unfriendly to the player in the way the game is structured.  Most aspects of the game, outside of the excellent combat, seem almost tailor made to frustrate the player and waste his or her time.  There are no quick travel options from region to region, and the crafting system is an RNG nightmare that practically demands a strategy guide to make any meaningful progress.  As a whole package, I liked the game more than I disliked it, but 230 hours of investment made me painfully aware of the PS2 game's shortcomings and questionable design choices.

The Last Hope really upped the presentation values, as you would expect from a PS3 generation game, and the combat was perhaps even better than in Star Ocean 3.  I also liked the fact that TLH was more grounded in science fiction, and didn't just rehash the spaceman crash lands on primitive world and saves the day trope.  Unfortunately, avoiding that trope didn't prevent the game from taking other tropes into overdrive and creating some truly cringe-inducing moments with its colorful cast of characters.  More than once I questioned how the MC ever became a military officer after the way he dealt with a certain mid-game crisis, to say nothing about how the game's main healer (which you get very late in the story) is written to be as air-headed as possible.  I like lighthearted moments as well as the next guy, but this girl is little more than a trope on two legs, she is so dumb.  The story was a bit hit and miss, starting strong, straying into some existential issues in the mid-game that are never adequately explained, and then evolving into almost predictable metaphysical preaching at a blistering pace near the game's end.  The ending itself is pretty strong, but I felt the whole narrative to be a bit disjointed.  The Last Hope is a decent enough game, but not something I would consider top-tier among JRPGs.  I spent roughly a hundred hours on it.

Integrity and Faithlessness (PS4) is considered by many to be the worst game in the Star Ocean series, and I was always curious as to why it got such bad word of mouth among fans.  Having just started the game, being about fifteen hours in, I'm kind of getting an inkling.  The combat feels like it has taken a step down from the often glorious carnage we saw in The Last Hope, and you generally feel less formidable than the previous casts of characters.  More ominously, the story starts slow, and the characters are presented in a less cinematic way than in the previous two games.  Though it's still early, I'm much less emotionally invested in this group of characters than I was with the previous group at the same point of the story.  Never a good sign.  I'm also wary of the crafting system.  You can increase your skill easily enough, but you never seem to be able to find the materials you need to make even low-level equipment, let alone things that make you feel like you have gear suitable to your level.  You gain levels fast in this game, and that is because enemies seem to scale to your level of strength, sometimes banishing a particular enemy you need for material drops in favor of something that can last more than five seconds against you.  Maybe the overall experience will get better, but the early signs are not promising.

Anyone else have an opinion on the Star Ocean series of games?
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Boo the Gentleman Caller on August 27, 2022, 05:54:01 pm
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I am currently playing through the Star Ocean series.  I beat Second Story many years back, when the PS1 was in its heyday ...

Great series! I did the same. Caught SO2 when it was released for the PS1, then went and played SO1 (hacked ROM translation) on an emulator. Played 'Till the End of Time on day one, then the SO1 and SO2 re-releases when they came to the PSP. I didn't play SO4 until a few years ago and have yet to play SO5.

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I'll just say that 'Till the End of Time has a rather... interesting plot twist that casts the entire series in a strange light that generates controversy to the present day.


I have such a love-hate relationship with SO3, for all the reasons you mentioned.

The plot was great until about 2/3 and then divetails into some weird territory -- especially the spoiler you mentioned -- and I both admire their guts to go so existentially depressing, but also hate it, as it somehow cheapens the entire series for me. I think this could easily be redeemed with a new game further in the timeline after that, showing perhaps more about the 3D versus 4D realities and ultimately rectifying the controversy without taking it back.

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I also found Star Ocean 3, as it's otherwise known, to be remarkably unfriendly to the player in the way the game is structured.  Most aspects of the game, outside of the excellent combat, seem almost tailor made to frustrate the player and waste his or her time.  There are no quick travel options from region to region, and the crafting system is an RNG nightmare that practically demands a strategy guide to make any meaningful progress.

Yes yes yes yes yes! The combat felt good, but the whole '0 MP = game over' and crafting system was probably the weakest of the entire series. So frustrating.

SO3 also had some really bad difficulty spikes. At least for me. I got really discouraged and had to put the game down for a while more than once.

I literally don't think I could play SO3 again for all of the reasons you've mentioned. There are much better games waiting to be played out there.

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The Last Hope really upped the presentation values, as you would expect from a PS3 generation game, and the combat was perhaps even better than in Star Ocean 3.  I also liked the fact that TLH was more grounded in science fiction, and didn't just rehash the spaceman crash lands on primitive world and saves the day trope.  Unfortunately, avoiding that trope didn't prevent the game from taking other tropes into overdrive and creating some truly cringe-inducing moments with its colorful cast of characters.

Yes yes yes yes yes! Great worldbuilding and character design (although I thought the time travel / parallel universe was sort of cheap), but the hard lean into anime tropes were pretty abysmal. Welch is an abomination in this game, and some of the voice acting just thrust me out of and away from the story rather than pull me. All in all it was a good game, but man, they made some really weird choices when they put this one together.

Like SO3, I also don't think I'd be interested to play it again.

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Integrity and Faithlessness (PS4) is considered by many to be the worst game in the Star Ocean series ...

I haven't played SO4 and would love to, but I stopped the console wars with the PS3, so I no longer play unless it's on Switch of PC. I've heard the same complaints, though. I hope SO5 ends up on the PC; if so, I'll definitely be playing it.

Did you play Star Ocean: Anamnesis? I did for a while out of respect for the series, but ultimately got frustrated and quit -- gacha games are not for me.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Lennis on September 06, 2022, 03:50:51 am
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Did you play Star Ocean: Anamnesis? I did for a while out of respect for the series, but ultimately got frustrated and quit -- gacha games are not for me.

I only just heard of Anamnesis the other day.  Gacha games don't interest me in the least.  I already spend too much time and money on the few MMOs I'm invested in.

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I haven't played SO4 and would love to, but I stopped the console wars with the PS3, so I no longer play unless it's on Switch or PC. I've heard the same complaints, though. I hope SO5 ends up on the PC; if so, I'll definitely be playing it.

It's actually Star Ocean 6, not 5.  Five was Integrity and Faithlessness.  Yes it is coming to Steam, as well as PS5, PS4, and XBox.  October 27th is the release date.  I can understand not wanting to have the higher-end consoles if you already have a decent computer that will get most of the console games eventually.  The drawback is that the games are often not optimized for PC on release and cause numerous crashes before patches come out.  I don't have the patience to fix broken games with my limited programming knowledge, and I prefer consoles for action-based games anyway.  Much better controllers.

As for Integrity and Faithlessness, you really aren't missing much.  I finished it yesterday and the experience was disappointing to say the least.  It was inferior to The Last Hope in almost every way, and it was obvious the game was made on a shoestring budget on account of Square-Enix having other priorities for their development dollars.  (A sadly familiar tale, isn't it?)  The story in particular was a letdown, both in the core plot and in the boring way it was presented.  It's a shame, because the characters had an interesting visual design that felt (mostly) more grounded than the cast from The Last Hope.  If you need to catch up with Star Ocean lore, just look for YouTube playthroughs on the game.  It's unlikely SO5 will ever get a PC release unless it's part of a compilation.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Redline57 on October 25, 2023, 01:14:11 am
I finished Terranigma (or Terrigama as its sometimes called) a month or so ago.

I understand this was never released in America. Knowing nothing about it, I was told after I beat it that it was like 2 of 3 in a series. The ending was open ended, and it didnt start as a typical RPG, it started with another world, which was different but also cool, but again very very different. I can see how some people didnt vote for it to get sold in America, but had some extremely unique and to this day, still rare and original things about it. The physical gameplay was somehow lacking with the moves, so its an action game like Zelda far more than an RPG like Chrono Trigger. It has its flaws, and they are big ones, but they make it memorable. Difficulty was I'm sure pretty high for its time, making it tricky by modern standards, but aggrivating if you were a novice in the 90s, especially if you didn't have the internet to help you. Its best feature was the soundtrack, different, but on par with Chrono Trigger at times, yes its that good. The oddball stuff was it references...the whole world. but not entirely right. You have the basic continents, labeled Australia and North America and such. Some cities are analogous like when you go to South America and end up in Rio (called Carnival I believe) and yet in America you have a destiniation simply called Colorado.

The other interesting plot point is how in many games you collect items to get a special one, in this game you travel around the world and the actual goal is promoting global free-trade via your learned knowledge of economics and capitalism. Interesting plot for a 90s game huh? at one point you meet someone studying a new thing called Electricity, the man's name is "Eddy", a reference to Eddy lines (if your not in the electrical field, just look it up). And another time you help the invention of the camera, go to other cities and take pictures and spread em around to encourage vacationing. As a result, cities actually grow, buildings get bigger, like you go back to an old city, but on the map now its two buildings instead of one, and when you walk in, the entire city map is twice the size and nothing is in the same place.

Very different and unusual game, but I liked it.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Boo the Gentleman Caller on October 29, 2023, 04:28:30 pm
Terranigma is one of the GOATs. Along with Secret of Mana and Chrono Trigger.

I thought it was a complete package: the graphics, soundtrack, and especially the plot (which was dark and more mature than most of it's contemporaries). It was the first video game to make me really emotional, as I actually cried during the end credits.

Glad you got to experience this one, Redline! What's next for you?
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Redline57 on November 01, 2023, 02:13:52 am
either Chrono Trigger or Mario 3, leaning toward Mario 3.

However you tell me. If you know of the prequel or sequel to Terranigma lemme know. I for one was confused at the end. The whole final parts of the game got confusing, as there were two 'girls' and i kept forgetting by hair color who was suppose to be "your" girl from the underworld verse the one above from Stockholm. The end I THINK was suppose to mean a lead in to something unfinished, so I didnt consider it a tragedy. if i got more drawn into it, i suppose the overall plot was horrendously sad, one of those 'it was all a dream'....sort of. again, confusing for me still. im looking forward to someday replaying it.

What got me was how it had one of its "memorable moments". Chrono Trigger has several, that depressing feeling when you arrive in 2300AD, the first time you hear Chrono's Theme, time when you know your lost as crap. the horrible music of Zozo from FF6, that stuff. In Terrinigma for me, the "aw shit" moment for me when i play it again will be Lahran (or was it Louran?) due to the game's annoying physics, I was in that nightmare in the desert for hours (and given how little i play during the day...weeks) trying to figure out where the hell to go before realizing that one enemy walked into a crevice in the wall. That is going to be a song for me along with level 3 of marble madness which will dwell up in me an "oh crap not this again, the horror!" thought. Its like that moment when a boss jumps out at you and your out of everything and those most awful thought hits you "when was the last time I saved" which is the worst thing you can think.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Boo the Gentleman Caller on November 01, 2023, 05:18:14 pm
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either Chrono Trigger or Mario 3, leaning toward Mario 3.

Go for SM3. It's a great game and it will help changes things up. It won't be as much of a time sink, and if you still want to play Chrono Trigger after, you can.

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If you know of the prequel or sequel to Terranigma lemme know.

Soul Blazer and Illusion of Gaia are the other two, but they aren't true sequels or prequels - just more thematically similar games where the hero has to face off against an incarnation of Satan/evil. There's definitely some heaven/hell vibes to the series. Terranigma is the last of the three and by far my favorite.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Redline57 on January 13, 2024, 02:17:23 am
I finished Mario 3 a few days ago, holidays are hard for me. Anyhow, I got 3 whistles but didnt use em. did every level. I got the N spade house like a dozen times, but didnt find the white ship.

Now I started Super Mario World, 96* here I come!

Up next week will be Mario World Yoshi's Island. I hated the kiddy graphics as a kid, but I've gotten past em and enjoy the game.
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Boo the Gentleman Caller on January 15, 2024, 12:02:37 pm
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Now I started Super Mario World, 96* here I come!

Yeah! And you know you have to get to the secret bonus levels at the end of the game. I think it was all for the Star Road, and it has funny level names like "Groovy" and stuff.

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Up next week will be Mario World Yoshi's Island. I hated the kiddy graphics as a kid, but I've gotten past em and enjoy the game.

I always heard this game was fantastic, and even better than the first Super Mario World. Unfortunately, it was late in the SNES lifecycle, so I never got to play it outside of demo's at the store. Let me know how it is!
Title: Re: What Are You Currently Playing? (Do NOT Just Make a List)
Post by: Redline57 on January 24, 2024, 12:43:17 am
I guess I'm still technically new here, but if theres any videogame you want to play on emulator from 1980 to 2002, ive got absolutly every ROM, id be happy to email you a copy.

I'm playin Yoshi's Island, woo! I'm in snow land for now, so far got perfect scores for the first 4 worlds. Saving the bonus levels for the end.

Up next...I'm thinking of playing Seiken Densetsu 3 or Final Fantasy Tactics