Full Games List
Featured Games
New Games
Reviews
Media
Images
Blogs
Game Updates
Images Feedback Summary
Game Design Highlights
Tutorials
Articles
Scripts
Utilities / Plugins
Resources
Engines
Engine Bulletins
What is Makerscore?
Past Events
Achievements
Misaos
Forums
Post History
Chat
New to RMN?
Full Store List
RMN Music Pack (free)
2021 GAMING DIARY
Posts
Marrend
View playlists
CloseFloppy Disk games first? Floppy Disk games first!
OATH by iddalai
Cannot open Actor2? I made a copy of "ch2.xyz" and renamed the copy as "Actor2.xyz" to fix that. I don't know if this game was one of the games that was being submitted in the last minute rush or not, and stuff like this can happen even to the best of us and without the additional pressure of a time limitation.
Geeze, the prince and princess do not hold back their contempt, do they? I stayed silent during their verbal assault, but, I suppose we will ultimately have to prove our worth.
I like this music, and the battlers are pretty awesome! The game, itself, it kinda hard for me to play. I'm not 100% sure if I can really put my finger on why, though?
Oh No, it's My Crazy Ex-Girlfriend! by CrazyBabi and Marmalade
There were more that a few jumps that were hard to pull off. I guess I was expecting the "dragon" to be slain with three hammers, rather than four.
Still, even after all the many frustrations, I enjoyed the humor the game had.
Detective WaKa, by Mirak, and Avee
The Zelda section and RPG sections I barely managed to complete without dying, and the platforming section was pretty much save-state-scummed through.
Even so, I can't help to love this game, and it's community factor.
Delsin7's Romance in Shaly by Delsin7
This was a funky little choose-your-own adventure game. So many bad ends and one "good" end. At least as far as I can tell.
Project Spaghettivase by lavendersiren
It would probably help me a lot if I was up-to-date with the lavendersiren's mythos. I'm familiar with Thoren, and even then, it's by name alone.
At first, I was kinda annoyed that the game was more on the "tell, don't show" side of the spectrum of storytelling. Perhaps that was done on purpose, and due to time limitations. Or, perhaps I was looking at the game in the wrong lens, as it is more of a VN/adventure game hybrid.
Spider Trek by MacShift
Was it silly of me to consider the possibility that this might have been some kind of pun-filled take on Star Trek?
Being a spider is terrifying! The choose-your-own-adventure style definitely fits.
Now the non-Floppy Disk games!
Suikoden 2
--Session 1--
With Gibert joining our cause, the next set of recruits won't be until after obtaining Dunan Castle. The end of this session saw me reunite with Viktor and Flik, so it might be a while yet.
--Session 2--
Neclord has retreated from North Window, but, we're not out of the woods yet. South Window has been taken by Highland, and it looks like North Window might be next, or soon after. To defeat them, we'll need a strategy, and Apple admits she's not up to the task. However, Shu, in Radat, might be just the person we need. It'll take some convincing, though.
Okami
--Session 1--
North Ryoshima coast is home to the Catwalk brush ability, plus a few upgrades/expansions to old brush techs. Power Slash 2 (can cut iron rocks), Cherry Bomb 2 (can have up to two bombs on the screen at once), and Hurricane (envelops Amaterasu in a field of wind, damage all that touches it).
I've teleported all the way back to Kamiki Village to take advantage of those abilities, plus whatever else I can do that I couldn't before. I'm not 100% sure if I can get Cherry Bomb 3 (can have up to three bombs on the screen at once), but, it'll be among the first things I'll check out.
--Session 2--
The Dragon Palace opens, and a new task is set upon me. To retrieve the Dragon Orb from the very belly of the Water Dragon!
Dynasty Warriors 8 Empires
--Session 1--
I'll admit that the #1 reason I wanted to get this game over Dynasty Warriors 8 Xtreme Legends is because of the ability to make my own officers. The customization options don't stop there, but, officers was the main draw.
I've generated three units. There's the "Matsu" unit, based on Matsumori Days, "Uchi" based on Uchioniko, and a "Baclyea" unit based on Baclyea Revolution.
My Empire Mode, which is now about in it's third in-game year, started with the "Matsu" unit/kingdom, with the ruler character being Masako.
--Session 2--
The Matsu Kingdom controls quite a bit of China now, but, certainly not all of it. I might want to consider asking other kingdoms to surrender, rather than raiding/conquering territories.
The game allows relationships, like marriage and sworn brotherhood/sisterhood. There is some kind of achievement if your kingdom comprises entirely of such relationships. While I might not shoot for that particular achievement, it tickles my fancy to have Masako be oath-sister to the Matsumori Days cast, and married to Goho.
--Session 3--
I'm must be on year seven or something now, and am pretty much at the end-game with maybe six territories not under my control.
If there is one thing in Dynasty Warriors 4 Empires that I appreciated, it was that taking the capital of a kingdom took all that kingdom's turf under your wing. This is still possible in this iteration. However, as the game progresses, the AI sets up Prefects in their territories, and seem to become rulers in their own right if the initial ruling kingdom gets conquered. I'm rolling my eyes at this, because the command that has you ask other nations to surrender has a chance of failure. The best success rate I've seen was, like, a little above 50%, but, that particular attempt succeeded.
I'm also not 100% sure if I appreciate the fatigue system. This is implemented by officers having their stats reduces as the participate in battles. There is a command you can use to recover fatigue either to a single person, or among the entire kingdom/group, and seems to be the main way to mitigate it. There is also a "Rest" command, though, I'm not, exactly sure if that actually reduces fatigue, and is a flavor for a "do nothing this month/turn" command.
--Session 4--
Finished Empire Mode with the title "Beneficial Ruler". Which certainly sounds like the kind of rule Masako would have, if she were ever in such a position.
I'm kinda curious to see how Empire Mode goes when you choose to be a free officer, rather than a ruler.
--Session 5--
My curiosity got the better of me, and started up Empire mode with Okiku as a Free Officer. She spend one year as a free officer before agreeing to join Diao Chan's kingdom as a Lieutenant. She eventually made Officer, but, the game loop is still pretty much the same for three of these stations.
When she became a Prefect, that station granted access to certain tasks, such as constructing buildings and diplomacy. Constructing, donations, and/or taxation was limited to within the territory Okiku was a Prefect of. It kinda looks like I can't launch an invasion from any territory outside of what is adjacent to the territory I'm a Prefect in either. However, I can join invasions that Diao Chan launches, or defensive battles wherever they may be.
--Session 6--
Okiku became Diao Chan's Marshall, and they eventually became sworn siblings. Being a kingdom's Marshall is similar to that of a ruler's position, except the ruler still dictates where the invasion is going to be. The position doesn't seem to allow me bonus to succeed in attempting to dictate terms of rule myself than being a Prefect, but, the options to donate and/or tax multiple territories, or recover multiple officers, are available.
You know, it is slowly occurring to me that the way I want to play this game is in the Ruler position. The classic Empires gameplay loop, as it were. Playing as a Free Officer, and having to scrounge/grind just for resources isn't the experience I'm looking for in this game.
Borderlands 2
(On hiatus)
OATH by iddalai
Cannot open Actor2? I made a copy of "ch2.xyz" and renamed the copy as "Actor2.xyz" to fix that. I don't know if this game was one of the games that was being submitted in the last minute rush or not, and stuff like this can happen even to the best of us and without the additional pressure of a time limitation.
Geeze, the prince and princess do not hold back their contempt, do they? I stayed silent during their verbal assault, but, I suppose we will ultimately have to prove our worth.
I like this music, and the battlers are pretty awesome! The game, itself, it kinda hard for me to play. I'm not 100% sure if I can really put my finger on why, though?
Oh No, it's My Crazy Ex-Girlfriend! by CrazyBabi and Marmalade
There were more that a few jumps that were hard to pull off. I guess I was expecting the "dragon" to be slain with three hammers, rather than four.
Still, even after all the many frustrations, I enjoyed the humor the game had.
Detective WaKa, by Mirak, and Avee
The Zelda section and RPG sections I barely managed to complete without dying, and the platforming section was pretty much save-state-scummed through.
Even so, I can't help to love this game, and it's community factor.
Delsin7's Romance in Shaly by Delsin7
This was a funky little choose-your-own adventure game. So many bad ends and one "good" end. At least as far as I can tell.
Project Spaghettivase by lavendersiren
It would probably help me a lot if I was up-to-date with the lavendersiren's mythos. I'm familiar with Thoren, and even then, it's by name alone.
At first, I was kinda annoyed that the game was more on the "tell, don't show" side of the spectrum of storytelling. Perhaps that was done on purpose, and due to time limitations. Or, perhaps I was looking at the game in the wrong lens, as it is more of a VN/adventure game hybrid.
Spider Trek by MacShift
Was it silly of me to consider the possibility that this might have been some kind of pun-filled take on Star Trek?
Being a spider is terrifying! The choose-your-own-adventure style definitely fits.
Now the non-Floppy Disk games!
Suikoden 2
--Session 1--
With Gibert joining our cause, the next set of recruits won't be until after obtaining Dunan Castle. The end of this session saw me reunite with Viktor and Flik, so it might be a while yet.
--Session 2--
Neclord has retreated from North Window, but, we're not out of the woods yet. South Window has been taken by Highland, and it looks like North Window might be next, or soon after. To defeat them, we'll need a strategy, and Apple admits she's not up to the task. However, Shu, in Radat, might be just the person we need. It'll take some convincing, though.
Okami
--Session 1--
North Ryoshima coast is home to the Catwalk brush ability, plus a few upgrades/expansions to old brush techs. Power Slash 2 (can cut iron rocks), Cherry Bomb 2 (can have up to two bombs on the screen at once), and Hurricane (envelops Amaterasu in a field of wind, damage all that touches it).
I've teleported all the way back to Kamiki Village to take advantage of those abilities, plus whatever else I can do that I couldn't before. I'm not 100% sure if I can get Cherry Bomb 3 (can have up to three bombs on the screen at once), but, it'll be among the first things I'll check out.
--Session 2--
The Dragon Palace opens, and a new task is set upon me. To retrieve the Dragon Orb from the very belly of the Water Dragon!
Dynasty Warriors 8 Empires
--Session 1--
I'll admit that the #1 reason I wanted to get this game over Dynasty Warriors 8 Xtreme Legends is because of the ability to make my own officers. The customization options don't stop there, but, officers was the main draw.
I've generated three units. There's the "Matsu" unit, based on Matsumori Days, "Uchi" based on Uchioniko, and a "Baclyea" unit based on Baclyea Revolution.
My Empire Mode, which is now about in it's third in-game year, started with the "Matsu" unit/kingdom, with the ruler character being Masako.
--Session 2--
The Matsu Kingdom controls quite a bit of China now, but, certainly not all of it. I might want to consider asking other kingdoms to surrender, rather than raiding/conquering territories.
The game allows relationships, like marriage and sworn brotherhood/sisterhood. There is some kind of achievement if your kingdom comprises entirely of such relationships. While I might not shoot for that particular achievement, it tickles my fancy to have Masako be oath-sister to the Matsumori Days cast, and married to Goho.
--Session 3--
I'm must be on year seven or something now, and am pretty much at the end-game with maybe six territories not under my control.
If there is one thing in Dynasty Warriors 4 Empires that I appreciated, it was that taking the capital of a kingdom took all that kingdom's turf under your wing. This is still possible in this iteration. However, as the game progresses, the AI sets up Prefects in their territories, and seem to become rulers in their own right if the initial ruling kingdom gets conquered. I'm rolling my eyes at this, because the command that has you ask other nations to surrender has a chance of failure. The best success rate I've seen was, like, a little above 50%, but, that particular attempt succeeded.
I'm also not 100% sure if I appreciate the fatigue system. This is implemented by officers having their stats reduces as the participate in battles. There is a command you can use to recover fatigue either to a single person, or among the entire kingdom/group, and seems to be the main way to mitigate it. There is also a "Rest" command, though, I'm not, exactly sure if that actually reduces fatigue, and is a flavor for a "do nothing this month/turn" command.
--Session 4--
Finished Empire Mode with the title "Beneficial Ruler". Which certainly sounds like the kind of rule Masako would have, if she were ever in such a position.
I'm kinda curious to see how Empire Mode goes when you choose to be a free officer, rather than a ruler.
--Session 5--
My curiosity got the better of me, and started up Empire mode with Okiku as a Free Officer. She spend one year as a free officer before agreeing to join Diao Chan's kingdom as a Lieutenant. She eventually made Officer, but, the game loop is still pretty much the same for three of these stations.
When she became a Prefect, that station granted access to certain tasks, such as constructing buildings and diplomacy. Constructing, donations, and/or taxation was limited to within the territory Okiku was a Prefect of. It kinda looks like I can't launch an invasion from any territory outside of what is adjacent to the territory I'm a Prefect in either. However, I can join invasions that Diao Chan launches, or defensive battles wherever they may be.
--Session 6--
Okiku became Diao Chan's Marshall, and they eventually became sworn siblings. Being a kingdom's Marshall is similar to that of a ruler's position, except the ruler still dictates where the invasion is going to be. The position doesn't seem to allow me bonus to succeed in attempting to dictate terms of rule myself than being a Prefect, but, the options to donate and/or tax multiple territories, or recover multiple officers, are available.
You know, it is slowly occurring to me that the way I want to play this game is in the Ruler position. The classic Empires gameplay loop, as it were. Playing as a Free Officer, and having to scrounge/grind just for resources isn't the experience I'm looking for in this game.
Borderlands 2
(On hiatus)
Delsin7
6029
There's 11 endings in my game I think.
Also making player interaction in Twine is a pain. If only Ren'py could make smol files.
1 good end, 1 'good' end, 1 patreon end *gimme 15 a month to unlock plz*, Dennis end, Dennis Friend end, and 6 bad ends. I think.
Also making player interaction in Twine is a pain. If only Ren'py could make smol files.
Final Fantasy Tactics
Started this up again the other day, and played a bit on stream. Am using a hack which swaps out the dialogue for that of the PSP translation. Currently I'd just cleared the fight in Dorter Trade City after the start of the 2nd Chapter. Like Dragon Quest 3 before it, I want to finally beat this beloved game at long last. The farthest I'd gotten was rescuing and recruiting TG Cid in the fourth act.
Now, why not play War of the Lions? Plenty of reasons. Unlocking jobs takes longer. I don't give a flying fuck about Luso or Balthier as cameo characters (same with Cloud TBH). I have no way to play the Melee or Rendezvous multiplayer challenges and don't care. The Dark Knight and Onion Knight aren't worth the huge amounts of grinding to unlock them. Patches for animation slowdown or not, the PSP version ISOs still have borked sound that no one has fixed. I can't stand mobile games, so I refuse to grab it on my Android.
As attempted last year, similar party comp for custom units. Raziya is a Monk, Jengo will be a Samurai, Maia will be Ninja/Oracle, and Nazreen will be Dancer/White Mage with polearms. I might experiment with Ramza beyond Squire/Chemist.
Cancelled Games
Three games are getting the axe. Fallout 4 and TES 5: Skyrim are being dropped for the same reasons -- needlessly long-winded Bethesda games with stories that I'll never see unfold. Thanks to its challenge and needing to look up a guide to make any progress, La-Mulana 2 is also off the list.
Going Forward
I'm still hesitating to finish Wasteland 3. Apparently their upcoming DLC adventure, Battle of Steeltown, will be released in early July. Unless they add the New Game+ they've considered, I won't be playing it. A "golden ending" does exist for WL3, but it's nigh-impossible and I hate the choice I feel I must make for the finale. That's the genre for you though -- in the apocalypse there are no heroes, only survivors. Even though the Desert-goddamn-Rangers are supposed to be.
I also have no clue if I'm going to bother with Dark Cloud, either. Digimon World 3 has the most potential, as the grinding and difficulty hasn't been as rough as I remembered it. That said I still need to use fast-forward to make it bearable. Maybe I'll reconsider when my emotions aren't haywire. Getting back on antidepressants can't happen soon enough.
Also ditched the 2021 bucket list because fuck it, I can't hold myself to anything. :v
Started this up again the other day, and played a bit on stream. Am using a hack which swaps out the dialogue for that of the PSP translation. Currently I'd just cleared the fight in Dorter Trade City after the start of the 2nd Chapter. Like Dragon Quest 3 before it, I want to finally beat this beloved game at long last. The farthest I'd gotten was rescuing and recruiting TG Cid in the fourth act.
Now, why not play War of the Lions? Plenty of reasons. Unlocking jobs takes longer. I don't give a flying fuck about Luso or Balthier as cameo characters (same with Cloud TBH). I have no way to play the Melee or Rendezvous multiplayer challenges and don't care. The Dark Knight and Onion Knight aren't worth the huge amounts of grinding to unlock them. Patches for animation slowdown or not, the PSP version ISOs still have borked sound that no one has fixed. I can't stand mobile games, so I refuse to grab it on my Android.
As attempted last year, similar party comp for custom units. Raziya is a Monk, Jengo will be a Samurai, Maia will be Ninja/Oracle, and Nazreen will be Dancer/White Mage with polearms. I might experiment with Ramza beyond Squire/Chemist.
Cancelled Games
Three games are getting the axe. Fallout 4 and TES 5: Skyrim are being dropped for the same reasons -- needlessly long-winded Bethesda games with stories that I'll never see unfold. Thanks to its challenge and needing to look up a guide to make any progress, La-Mulana 2 is also off the list.
Going Forward
I'm still hesitating to finish Wasteland 3. Apparently their upcoming DLC adventure, Battle of Steeltown, will be released in early July. Unless they add the New Game+ they've considered, I won't be playing it. A "golden ending" does exist for WL3, but it's nigh-impossible and I hate the choice I feel I must make for the finale. That's the genre for you though -- in the apocalypse there are no heroes, only survivors. Even though the Desert-goddamn-Rangers are supposed to be.
I also have no clue if I'm going to bother with Dark Cloud, either. Digimon World 3 has the most potential, as the grinding and difficulty hasn't been as rough as I remembered it. That said I still need to use fast-forward to make it bearable. Maybe I'll reconsider when my emotions aren't haywire. Getting back on antidepressants can't happen soon enough.
Also ditched the 2021 bucket list because fuck it, I can't hold myself to anything. :v
Darken
3952
Aight well I didn't start a log of games I wanted to complete but I've been pretty committed to playing Breath of Fire 2 lately so.
Breath of Fire 2
I am playing this game on the most convoluted setup possible. The game is kind of unplayable in its original state, localization is known to be flat, censored and sometimes just nonsensical. On top of that the game is also notorious for requiring lots of grinding and high power checks with a lot of characters/skills being very unbalanced/useless.
So I used the d4s/Ryusui translation patch AND the Maeson patch. Not only that but I'm also playing the double patched rom on a real SNES using an Everdrive which is hooked up to my HD tv using a RetroTink. On the one hand I'm playing a heavily modified software but I'm also using it on true hardware. I also have every translated SNES RPG on it and settled on BoF2 to test the whole setup out. So am I playing the best BoF2 version...? Well... the translation patch has a stupid anime opening intro and mucked up the system graphics using a background image as opposed to just a simple color background. This should have been optional as I didn't ask for this! If you're not a good graphic designer you probably shouldn't smoosh it together with your perfectly fine translation.
The translation itself is good, I played the near beginning of the USA BoF2 a few times before patching it and I can see the difference. There's a lot more charm in the character dialogue and there's a bit of fun to it. There's a lot of swearing though that I don't know fits the game, but other than that it works. The Maeson balance patch though, I think is the most comfortable way to play the game, it doesn't buff the monsters but rather buffs characters in such a way that you don't need to pass crazy thresholds in order to go toe to toe with bosses. The game now mostly focuses on resource management and target priority rather than constantly shimmying in and out of areas to see if you're strong enough. You still typically need the best equipment and preparation to survive some dungeons but it's basically fine tuned to what I'd come to expect from any oldschool RPG.
As for the actual game experience itself I'm at the frog palace bit and so far I'm somewhat surprised how conventional the game is yet not conventional it can be. What makes the game stand out is obviously the Capcom pedigree, the Megaman X guitars for its soundtrack, the highly polished animations with every enemy having at least an idle and unique attack animations, and the character designs that are as diverse as a megaman boss roster. Yet it follows the RPG formula very religiously, the initial intro with growing up with Bow I thought I was in for a fairly streamlined experience, but as the game goes on it suddenly becomes a blank slate character goes town dungeon town dungeon solve the problem/monster of the week thing. There is a neat town building thing that all the characters seem to naturally want to do unprovoked but it kinda doesn't elevate the storyline too much (so far).
I don't mind solving the occasional town problem but I guess I'm thrown for a loop when the game displays forward thinking things like health bars and neat counter attacks, yet also feels like it's sticking to NES conventions in a post FF4 era. This is also reinforced by having played a bit of BoF4 and realized the franchise is really adamant to sticking to the basic story formulas while going all out with art direction and animations. Though that gets contradicted by Dragon Quarter too. Despite all my nagging about the retro-gradeness of the game as I play it on an actual retro console I'm probably going to stick to this game as I sort of want to see what new characters and visuals there will be as it hasn't been lacking in that department. BoF as a franchise is something interesting to me as a case study so I intend to play the rest of the series eventually.
Breath of Fire 2
I am playing this game on the most convoluted setup possible. The game is kind of unplayable in its original state, localization is known to be flat, censored and sometimes just nonsensical. On top of that the game is also notorious for requiring lots of grinding and high power checks with a lot of characters/skills being very unbalanced/useless.
So I used the d4s/Ryusui translation patch AND the Maeson patch. Not only that but I'm also playing the double patched rom on a real SNES using an Everdrive which is hooked up to my HD tv using a RetroTink. On the one hand I'm playing a heavily modified software but I'm also using it on true hardware. I also have every translated SNES RPG on it and settled on BoF2 to test the whole setup out. So am I playing the best BoF2 version...? Well... the translation patch has a stupid anime opening intro and mucked up the system graphics using a background image as opposed to just a simple color background. This should have been optional as I didn't ask for this! If you're not a good graphic designer you probably shouldn't smoosh it together with your perfectly fine translation.
The translation itself is good, I played the near beginning of the USA BoF2 a few times before patching it and I can see the difference. There's a lot more charm in the character dialogue and there's a bit of fun to it. There's a lot of swearing though that I don't know fits the game, but other than that it works. The Maeson balance patch though, I think is the most comfortable way to play the game, it doesn't buff the monsters but rather buffs characters in such a way that you don't need to pass crazy thresholds in order to go toe to toe with bosses. The game now mostly focuses on resource management and target priority rather than constantly shimmying in and out of areas to see if you're strong enough. You still typically need the best equipment and preparation to survive some dungeons but it's basically fine tuned to what I'd come to expect from any oldschool RPG.
As for the actual game experience itself I'm at the frog palace bit and so far I'm somewhat surprised how conventional the game is yet not conventional it can be. What makes the game stand out is obviously the Capcom pedigree, the Megaman X guitars for its soundtrack, the highly polished animations with every enemy having at least an idle and unique attack animations, and the character designs that are as diverse as a megaman boss roster. Yet it follows the RPG formula very religiously, the initial intro with growing up with Bow I thought I was in for a fairly streamlined experience, but as the game goes on it suddenly becomes a blank slate character goes town dungeon town dungeon solve the problem/monster of the week thing. There is a neat town building thing that all the characters seem to naturally want to do unprovoked but it kinda doesn't elevate the storyline too much (so far).
I don't mind solving the occasional town problem but I guess I'm thrown for a loop when the game displays forward thinking things like health bars and neat counter attacks, yet also feels like it's sticking to NES conventions in a post FF4 era. This is also reinforced by having played a bit of BoF4 and realized the franchise is really adamant to sticking to the basic story formulas while going all out with art direction and animations. Though that gets contradicted by Dragon Quarter too. Despite all my nagging about the retro-gradeness of the game as I play it on an actual retro console I'm probably going to stick to this game as I sort of want to see what new characters and visuals there will be as it hasn't been lacking in that department. BoF as a franchise is something interesting to me as a case study so I intend to play the rest of the series eventually.
I keep making the mistake of "Haven't played this in a while..." and adding more games to my list, or buying a game on sale and adding to my pile of not-yet-started games.
Started up Final Fantasy XII and saw I last played back in 2017. Apparently they've added class change options and a New Game + since I stopped playing.
Started up Final Fantasy XII and saw I last played back in 2017. Apparently they've added class change options and a New Game + since I stopped playing.
We're on a roooooollll!
These homies died together, hand-with-pizza.
Vaccaria finds peaceful creatures just sleeping right in front of him. What is he gonna do?
Spoiler: He killed them with a satchel charge :^(
Huh, wait a minute. This isn't the Tower of Sauron now.
Far as I know, I've played Half-Life for about a dozen times now. Reasons why is more likely because I found it fun being able to outaim almost every single opponent in the game, and the more I become better at FPS games, the more these little opponents look so little to me. That or my ego inflated because of CS:GO/Valorant.
Black Mesa is a wonderful remake. If anything, I really thought I'm in a dream where Valve actually gave a piece of their mind to the games that they actually made, rather than just getting a quick buck from Steam publishing. If anything, I find it satisfying that there are more tidbits added in the game that uses its HD remake to its full advantage. There are little tidbits and places you can find, information you can scour about for the later parts, and more things that made me realize just how really stupid I am for not being able to recognize a headcrab right in front of me. I can spot a Terrorist in CS:GO for almost a mile, yet I can't find a headcrab right in front of me. ATt full brightness. To shame, Vaccaria. To shame.
These homies died together, hand-with-pizza.
One of the things I liked about Black Mesa is that it balanced some of the weaponry and even made some weapons stronger than usual. For once, I can finally cook the grenades to make some well-done soldiers... or me if I mistime my internal clock. The revolver is a satisfying weapon, though its low ammunition is a price to pay considering how deadly it is at all ranges, no matter the opponent. The Hive Hand is hands-down a good ammo life-saver, with its own gimmick of press-to-win at certain areas. The Tau gun actually is useful, and can be used as an actual, body-shot alternative to the pricey Revolver. But the Gluon Gun... hot damn.
If anything, it can evaporate ANYTHING in the game with ease. I didn't find the Gluon Gun useful in the first game with how it isn't cost-efficient with its ammo. But the Gluon Gun in Black Mesa is a reminder that if you want someone dead quickly, this gun is the perfect choice. Especially with... how overpowered the game allows it to be at the later segments in the game. Word of advice, devs. If you want to crank up the difficulty at the end, make sure you never give someone unlimited ammo with no recoil whatsoever, especially if said someone would at times hit his shots in competitive games. And if it turns out that your ranged weapons are well-suited more compared to the crowbar, to which I use more at the earlier stages of the game, then you've got a fine game overall.
Vaccaria finds peaceful creatures just sleeping right in front of him. What is he gonna do?
Spoiler: He killed them with a satchel charge :^(
There are times I actually got frustrated with the game, with how ANNOYING some bugs are. There are desktop crashes here and there, some framerate drops that are absolutely expected if you're only playing on a mobile GTX 1650 laptop, and... well, soft-locking yourself in the game because you can die when loading back in specific save spots. Oof.
If anything, I even find the game fun when I actually realized that there are enemy variations... in the later parts of the game. Still, it didn't make that Alien Grunt as overpowered compared to its Half-Life counterpart where its ammo can instantly autolock you and make your life miserable. There are genuine surprises here and there, especially with the Headcrab Zombies, the suicide-bombing-variation of the Hounddogs, and... okay, I hate the goddamn Controllers with shields. Who thought it was a good idea?!
But what made the experience better was how everything felt so fluid. The levels make you feel like you're actually in a catastrophe, not some 1998-graphic game. You can hear tidbits of what might soon come after. Levels actually look good and I spent more time admiring Xen more than I should've. If anything, how it was introduced made me wonder if I was really born to early for the space exploration age. Screenshots alone can show how cool Xen is. If you don't mind the annoying Hounddogs pushing you off the ledges.
Huh, wait a minute. This isn't the Tower of Sauron now.
There are sequences that I also like that are entirely new. Some that enhance how the game is setup, and even while preserving the aspects of the game that teaches its players certain stuff without holding their hands. And by hands, I mean sticking out their hands in a barnacle's mouth and then quick-loading immediately, therefore bypassing any trouble whatsoever. That's kinda stupid, not gonna lie.
I like this more than the original game, and I sure as well would love to play this again once I get a beefier PC... or laptop. Yeah, gotta love headshotting helpless soldiers in 4k60 FPS.
Anyway, gonna be playing a lot of games soon! I'm still trying to catchup with my schedule, sadly, but I'm trying here. I now have the entirety of the Senran Kagura franchise, thereby absolute giving me more arousing relapses that I don't need. I seriously need help with my addiction, I hate to stop—
Some people don’t have the Steam library to help them as they’re playing on the console. I hope that this can continue for people who are keeping track of releases that they’re looking forward to and some games that may be deemed as underrated or overlooked due to the lack of attention could be given what they want which is real attention.
Let's start things off with the Floppy Disk game commentary!
Thw Swamp by Racheal and MakioKuta
Another cute little choose-your-own adventure game!
Though, want interests me is how they pulled this game off within the data limit when Ace was generally considered outside the scope of the event. As it turns out, they deleted whatever database files they weren't using (such as classes, animations, and what-not), rather than having files with no items contained in them, yet still take up space. That's certainly one way to keep the game small!
Dungeon of the Naughty Lord by Fflo
At first, I thought I had to drag the mouse across the map, rather than the boarders.
I managed to find the sword, and the Bag of Infinite Potions, and found the way out. Fought two encounters along the way, but neither of them were the Naughty Lord. I'm kinda okay with that, though.
Villan by NotADev
Died three times to the archer on the second screen. I dunno, maybe if there was a checkpoint after the initial stage, I'd be okay, but, being forced to watch the opening got annoying.
Ultra Smug by Avee
This was an interesting take on the Pac-Man formula. I got as far as unlocking Hard Mode before noping out of here.
Temple Guardian by Dune
I probably should have looked at the README first. Like, when I first saw the game screen, I expected to be able to move with either the arrow keys, or WASD. Big mistake, there!
The README is more legible with WordPad than NotePad, which is it's own oddity. Either way, once I got my bearings, this is a kind of tower defense game. I think I might have screwed up quite a bit in regards to saving souls, but, I got as far as turn 30-ish before the demonic horde got to me.
A Vacation in Nebula by Frogge
The puzzle with the gears was a bit difficult, but, otherwise, this was a fairly relaxing stay. Though, I kinda kept expecting this game to turn into a nightmare because the author is a horror enthusiast.
The map transitions with the drapes where a neat touch to the game, and yes, some of these maps were utterly gorgeous.
Lily's Dream Land by Soulrain
This platformer might be slightly more forgiving than the others I've played so far. Can still be frustrating, but, it's certainly got a cute factor.
Keep on Smilin' by Garage
My screen might be a too small to display the entire game without scrollbars. This means the north/south warp points take the character off the screen entirely, and pressing the up or down arrow also scrolls the screen (as well as controllingPac-Man the Smiley).
However, as a straight-forward port of Pac-Man, I think it works well enough.
Rome Protector by Irog
I'm not sure if the game has an end, or if it's just a "kill as many enemies as possible before you perish" challenge. That aside, for what it is worth, I slew 124 enemiesof Rome.
Ruby Wolf by WolfCoder
The way the on-screen enemies only moved when the player does gave me Lufia 2 - Rise of the Sinistrals vibes. The action economy in battles also reminded be a bit of Helen's Mysterious Castle.
Onto the "everything else" category!
Dynasty Warriors 8 Empires
I'm definitely slowing down with how long I'm playing this in one session. An in-game year is beginning to feel about right. I also don't want to glut my feed with logs of this game. Still, I find myself playing this at least once, if not twice, this week.
Suikoden 2
--Session 1--
With Shu's plan, Solon Jhee's unit retreats from North Window. It's a victory, but, the State is in shambles. With Luca Blight's White Wolf unit still incredibly strong, the changes we have to stand against it is still very low. Let's get to recruiting people!
--Session 2--
While there was not an official request for help, we visit Two River. The cultural divide the town has is ripe for exploitation, and the Highland army makes use of that.
Okami
--Session 1--
Both Wada and Himiko have died. Otohime used the power of the Dragon Orb to become the Water Dragon to break the barrier on Oni Island, and may end up dead before the fight is over. So many sacrifices were made to allow Amaterasu exactly one chance to assault the Dark Lord. One chance, however, is all Amaterasu should need.
--Session 2--
The climb on Oni Island is slow, but steady. Racing with Tobi was a nice change of pace the first few times, but, kinda overstays it's welcome.
Borderlands 2
(On hiatus)
Thw Swamp by Racheal and MakioKuta
Another cute little choose-your-own adventure game!
Though, want interests me is how they pulled this game off within the data limit when Ace was generally considered outside the scope of the event. As it turns out, they deleted whatever database files they weren't using (such as classes, animations, and what-not), rather than having files with no items contained in them, yet still take up space. That's certainly one way to keep the game small!
Dungeon of the Naughty Lord by Fflo
At first, I thought I had to drag the mouse across the map, rather than the boarders.
I managed to find the sword, and the Bag of Infinite Potions, and found the way out. Fought two encounters along the way, but neither of them were the Naughty Lord. I'm kinda okay with that, though.
Villan by NotADev
Died three times to the archer on the second screen. I dunno, maybe if there was a checkpoint after the initial stage, I'd be okay, but, being forced to watch the opening got annoying.
Ultra Smug by Avee
This was an interesting take on the Pac-Man formula. I got as far as unlocking Hard Mode before noping out of here.
Temple Guardian by Dune
I probably should have looked at the README first. Like, when I first saw the game screen, I expected to be able to move with either the arrow keys, or WASD. Big mistake, there!
The README is more legible with WordPad than NotePad, which is it's own oddity. Either way, once I got my bearings, this is a kind of tower defense game. I think I might have screwed up quite a bit in regards to saving souls, but, I got as far as turn 30-ish before the demonic horde got to me.
A Vacation in Nebula by Frogge
The puzzle with the gears was a bit difficult, but, otherwise, this was a fairly relaxing stay. Though, I kinda kept expecting this game to turn into a nightmare because the author is a horror enthusiast.
The map transitions with the drapes where a neat touch to the game, and yes, some of these maps were utterly gorgeous.
Lily's Dream Land by Soulrain
This platformer might be slightly more forgiving than the others I've played so far. Can still be frustrating, but, it's certainly got a cute factor.
Keep on Smilin' by Garage
My screen might be a too small to display the entire game without scrollbars. This means the north/south warp points take the character off the screen entirely, and pressing the up or down arrow also scrolls the screen (as well as controlling
However, as a straight-forward port of Pac-Man, I think it works well enough.
Rome Protector by Irog
I'm not sure if the game has an end, or if it's just a "kill as many enemies as possible before you perish" challenge. That aside, for what it is worth, I slew 124 enemies
Ruby Wolf by WolfCoder
The way the on-screen enemies only moved when the player does gave me Lufia 2 - Rise of the Sinistrals vibes. The action economy in battles also reminded be a bit of Helen's Mysterious Castle.
Onto the "everything else" category!
Dynasty Warriors 8 Empires
I'm definitely slowing down with how long I'm playing this in one session. An in-game year is beginning to feel about right. I also don't want to glut my feed with logs of this game. Still, I find myself playing this at least once, if not twice, this week.
Suikoden 2
--Session 1--
With Shu's plan, Solon Jhee's unit retreats from North Window. It's a victory, but, the State is in shambles. With Luca Blight's White Wolf unit still incredibly strong, the changes we have to stand against it is still very low. Let's get to recruiting people!
--Session 2--
While there was not an official request for help, we visit Two River. The cultural divide the town has is ripe for exploitation, and the Highland army makes use of that.
Okami
--Session 1--
Both Wada and Himiko have died. Otohime used the power of the Dragon Orb to become the Water Dragon to break the barrier on Oni Island, and may end up dead before the fight is over. So many sacrifices were made to allow Amaterasu exactly one chance to assault the Dark Lord. One chance, however, is all Amaterasu should need.
--Session 2--
The climb on Oni Island is slow, but steady. Racing with Tobi was a nice change of pace the first few times, but, kinda overstays it's welcome.
Borderlands 2
(On hiatus)
Some news of my randomized Pokémon Pearl game: well, not too many actually. I didn't play a lot.
First battle against Cyrus. Didn't expect him to own a resistant LV43 Garchomp! Lucky for me, Gorebyss' Attract helped.
Visited the cave under the Cycling Road and helped Mira and her Cacturne getting out. Usually, you would explore that zone around the second badge. Noob Saibot used Dark Void as it couldn't harm either Gengar or Shedinja.
Manaphy tries to behave like Abomasnow and summons the hail. That Rayquaza clearly enjoys Kyogre more than Groudon by summoning the rain!
And thanks to the HM08 Rock Climb, I could backtrack and climb cliffs to get interesting and randomized items ; such as a TM with Roar of Time!
Levels: 46 for Gorebyss, 44 to 45 for the others. Next, I'll go to the top of Mt. Coronet and deal with Team Galactic once for all!
First battle against Cyrus. Didn't expect him to own a resistant LV43 Garchomp! Lucky for me, Gorebyss' Attract helped.
Visited the cave under the Cycling Road and helped Mira and her Cacturne getting out. Usually, you would explore that zone around the second badge. Noob Saibot used Dark Void as it couldn't harm either Gengar or Shedinja.
Manaphy tries to behave like Abomasnow and summons the hail. That Rayquaza clearly enjoys Kyogre more than Groudon by summoning the rain!
And thanks to the HM08 Rock Climb, I could backtrack and climb cliffs to get interesting and randomized items ; such as a TM with Roar of Time!
Levels: 46 for Gorebyss, 44 to 45 for the others. Next, I'll go to the top of Mt. Coronet and deal with Team Galactic once for all!
Suikoden 2
--Session 1--
The battle of Two River was won, thanks to a little cooperation from the Wingers, Kobolds, and some timely reinforcements from the Dunan Army. There seems to be something up that Shu is not telling us, but, we can take a short break from fighting Highland's armies for a small while, and recruit more people.
--Session 2--
Went all the way to Forest Village to see if I was in time for the Clive event. Apparently, I was. This is probably the furthest I've seen of this arc, but, I don't know if I can keep this up. I mean, if I'm really curious, I suppose I could use the code that sets the timer.
Aside from that note, this was what I would call a bulk recruit session. Only Tengaar and Hix are left from my list. After them will be Greenhill.
I will note I used Cheat Engine to hack the number of escapes for Stallion. When I first challenged him, I still needed somewhere around 35 escapes? Call me lazy, but, I wasn't inclined to waste my time running from all those battles. Though, for what it's worth, I got it down to 17 more escapes before I applied Cheat Engine?
Okami
--Session 1--
Ninetails has fallen, and the way to Kamui open. The twin demons of Lechku and Nechku are next on my hit-list, but it will be some time before we can tackle them.
--Session 2--
The village of Wep'ker was as cold as Kamui, itself, but, the village's elder has opened the place up. Naturally, he had a favor to ask in finding Lika, the only person capable of reciting the Volcanic Incantation in this weather.
Finding Lika will eventually mean fighting Orochi again, which I am not looking forward to. Truth be told, I'm not exactly looking forward to fighting it a third time in the Ark of Yamato either, but, that's quite further down the line from where I'm at.
--Session 3--
Orochi of the past has been slain, and with great haste have we brought Lika to Wep'ker. Lechku and Nechku are still to be dealt with, of course. Later! Later is good!
--Session 4--
Blizzard, the last Celestial Brush Technique, was obtained while climbing Wawku Shrine. Lechku and Nechku were not far behind, being felled by the combined efforts of Amaterasu and Oki.
The Ark of Yamato would be next, and last, area of the game. As such, I might want to make a few preparations first.
--Session 5--
Spend a bunch of Demon Fangs on Godly Charms and Traveler's Charms for a bit of damage control on the upcoming Bosses On ParadeTM. To say nothing of the final boss, which has, like, five forms ;_;
However, I've found a separate code entry for Demon Fangs that seems to apply after the code is off. The official CodeTwink code for Demon Fangs seems to be a temporary value, or something, as it reverts to whatever it was before the code was turned on. To say nothing of not changing the value when dealing with a Demon Fang merchant. Praise works kinda the same way, actually, and I would try to find a similarly working code for Praise. However, at this point in the game, there's no Praise left to get. Or, if there was, I'm not inclined to track it down.
Speaking of the Bosses On Parade, I feel like I cheesed it with not-judicious use of my Exorcism Slip L stockpile. To be honest, that's been my go-to weapon for regular fights, and even the last couple of boss fights. Definitely not feeling up to tackling Yami this session.
--Session 6--
I remember Yami being harder and/or longer to beat. I dunno, maybe because I lost my patience with this game and was spamming Exorcism Slip L like an idiot that made it seem faster. Either way, the game is complete, and I can put this it aside! \o/
Borderlands 2
--Session 1--
There were two side-quests I was in the middle of, but, one bugged out on me. Not terribly worried about it, I wanted to get on with the story missions anyway.
Of course, the area where the story mission is at also has two side-quests for me to do. I dunno, maybe I'll do 'em, maybe not.
--Session 2--
Did two side-quests this session out of the three that were available. Though, I did attempt the other one, and failed. At this point, I'm not as inclined to try that again, or any other mission I've failed.
--Session 1--
The battle of Two River was won, thanks to a little cooperation from the Wingers, Kobolds, and some timely reinforcements from the Dunan Army. There seems to be something up that Shu is not telling us, but, we can take a short break from fighting Highland's armies for a small while, and recruit more people.
--Session 2--
Went all the way to Forest Village to see if I was in time for the Clive event. Apparently, I was. This is probably the furthest I've seen of this arc, but, I don't know if I can keep this up. I mean, if I'm really curious, I suppose I could use the code that sets the timer.
Aside from that note, this was what I would call a bulk recruit session. Only Tengaar and Hix are left from my list. After them will be Greenhill.
I will note I used Cheat Engine to hack the number of escapes for Stallion. When I first challenged him, I still needed somewhere around 35 escapes? Call me lazy, but, I wasn't inclined to waste my time running from all those battles. Though, for what it's worth, I got it down to 17 more escapes before I applied Cheat Engine?
Okami
--Session 1--
Ninetails has fallen, and the way to Kamui open. The twin demons of Lechku and Nechku are next on my hit-list, but it will be some time before we can tackle them.
--Session 2--
The village of Wep'ker was as cold as Kamui, itself, but, the village's elder has opened the place up. Naturally, he had a favor to ask in finding Lika, the only person capable of reciting the Volcanic Incantation in this weather.
Finding Lika will eventually mean fighting Orochi again, which I am not looking forward to. Truth be told, I'm not exactly looking forward to fighting it a third time in the Ark of Yamato either, but, that's quite further down the line from where I'm at.
--Session 3--
Orochi of the past has been slain, and with great haste have we brought Lika to Wep'ker. Lechku and Nechku are still to be dealt with, of course. Later! Later is good!
--Session 4--
Blizzard, the last Celestial Brush Technique, was obtained while climbing Wawku Shrine. Lechku and Nechku were not far behind, being felled by the combined efforts of Amaterasu and Oki.
The Ark of Yamato would be next, and last, area of the game. As such, I might want to make a few preparations first.
--Session 5--
Spend a bunch of Demon Fangs on Godly Charms and Traveler's Charms for a bit of damage control on the upcoming Bosses On ParadeTM. To say nothing of the final boss, which has, like, five forms ;_;
However, I've found a separate code entry for Demon Fangs that seems to apply after the code is off. The official CodeTwink code for Demon Fangs seems to be a temporary value, or something, as it reverts to whatever it was before the code was turned on. To say nothing of not changing the value when dealing with a Demon Fang merchant. Praise works kinda the same way, actually, and I would try to find a similarly working code for Praise. However, at this point in the game, there's no Praise left to get. Or, if there was, I'm not inclined to track it down.
Speaking of the Bosses On Parade, I feel like I cheesed it with not-judicious use of my Exorcism Slip L stockpile. To be honest, that's been my go-to weapon for regular fights, and even the last couple of boss fights. Definitely not feeling up to tackling Yami this session.
--Session 6--
I remember Yami being harder and/or longer to beat. I dunno, maybe because I lost my patience with this game and was spamming Exorcism Slip L like an idiot that made it seem faster. Either way, the game is complete, and I can put this it aside! \o/
Borderlands 2
--Session 1--
There were two side-quests I was in the middle of, but, one bugged out on me. Not terribly worried about it, I wanted to get on with the story missions anyway.
Of course, the area where the story mission is at also has two side-quests for me to do. I dunno, maybe I'll do 'em, maybe not.
--Session 2--
Did two side-quests this session out of the three that were available. Though, I did attempt the other one, and failed. At this point, I'm not as inclined to try that again, or any other mission I've failed.
It's, uh, been a rough patch for me. Motivation to even play video games has been rough. But with that said, there are some updates.
Dark Cloud
Still getting by. Restored the shop among other places in Matataki Village, and I may just be able to afford the Owl Sword thingie this time around. Also building up to getting Goro as a teammate. I can't wait for the faux-Egyptian monk Ungaga, but I know Goro's single-hit swings with axes and mallets are brutal.
Heroic Tale VALUE!
I actually completed this one! It's great. I wrote a review about it! Very focused dungeon crawl with tight mechanics, Heroic Tale keeps you moving forward while challenging you, and the limited but useful movesets and items feel like playing chess in the best of ways. It was pretty inspiring for my own projects, really. A reassurance that no, you don't need a many-hours RM game with countless irrelevant items and spells and crap to make it really fun.
La-Mulana 2
May be resurrected from cancellation yet! It's a challenging game still, and I put up a cut-down fail reel of fifteen minute of pain in one spot. But if there is any game in the series that I could complete, it's this one. In some ways it's like an exploration-based Dark Souls (so, Hollow Knight?). The mechanics are usually fair, the game has a lot of quality of life, and you need to be observant and skillful to win. So... Dark Souls 3 I guess. Git gud.
Final Fantasy 14: A Realm Reborn
Illy has finally sucked me into this game. I'm still on the free trial and I'm only like Lv 9 as a Pugilist, not even a true Monk. That said it's been fun to play as Raziya, who has been a Mi'Qote. I'm pleasantly surprised that they have a lion tail as an option for that race!
FF14 is one of few MMOs I feel like I can have a fun time. There's still a breadcrumb trail of a campaign, and it'll be a while before I get to do dungeon raids and big boss fights. But Illy and Orc made it look awesome. I love how action-packed and movement-based the boss fights are, and I love that the Monk relies on that. Their main gimmick of hitting from behind and the sides with certain moves? It feels like FF Tactics positioning dialed up to 11, lawl. The game in general feels like a huge love letter to all that is Final Fantasy. Unlike a Bethesda title, I feel motivated to just follow the story and my jobs' quests to eventually get to the big-time adventures.
If I ever get far enough I could see myself playing White Mage and Dancer as well. Kinda stoked for the upcoming Sage in the new expansion -- barriers and magic floating weapons (they look like 'em anyway) on top of being a healer. But holy cow, there are so many DPS classes in this game. Seems legit from how FF does its combat in general, but still! O_o
Other Games?
Wasteland 3 is still burning a hole in my soul over the endgame, but I'll get to it. I'm so close and it's been a real joy. After I do, I may try to beat the original Fallout, let alone start up Wasteland 2 Director's Cut. Otherwise fussing with Final Fantasy Tactics here and there seems legit, I'd imagine.
Dark Cloud
Still getting by. Restored the shop among other places in Matataki Village, and I may just be able to afford the Owl Sword thingie this time around. Also building up to getting Goro as a teammate. I can't wait for the faux-Egyptian monk Ungaga, but I know Goro's single-hit swings with axes and mallets are brutal.
Heroic Tale VALUE!
I actually completed this one! It's great. I wrote a review about it! Very focused dungeon crawl with tight mechanics, Heroic Tale keeps you moving forward while challenging you, and the limited but useful movesets and items feel like playing chess in the best of ways. It was pretty inspiring for my own projects, really. A reassurance that no, you don't need a many-hours RM game with countless irrelevant items and spells and crap to make it really fun.
La-Mulana 2
May be resurrected from cancellation yet! It's a challenging game still, and I put up a cut-down fail reel of fifteen minute of pain in one spot. But if there is any game in the series that I could complete, it's this one. In some ways it's like an exploration-based Dark Souls (so, Hollow Knight?). The mechanics are usually fair, the game has a lot of quality of life, and you need to be observant and skillful to win. So... Dark Souls 3 I guess. Git gud.
Final Fantasy 14: A Realm Reborn
Illy has finally sucked me into this game. I'm still on the free trial and I'm only like Lv 9 as a Pugilist, not even a true Monk. That said it's been fun to play as Raziya, who has been a Mi'Qote. I'm pleasantly surprised that they have a lion tail as an option for that race!
FF14 is one of few MMOs I feel like I can have a fun time. There's still a breadcrumb trail of a campaign, and it'll be a while before I get to do dungeon raids and big boss fights. But Illy and Orc made it look awesome. I love how action-packed and movement-based the boss fights are, and I love that the Monk relies on that. Their main gimmick of hitting from behind and the sides with certain moves? It feels like FF Tactics positioning dialed up to 11, lawl. The game in general feels like a huge love letter to all that is Final Fantasy. Unlike a Bethesda title, I feel motivated to just follow the story and my jobs' quests to eventually get to the big-time adventures.
If I ever get far enough I could see myself playing White Mage and Dancer as well. Kinda stoked for the upcoming Sage in the new expansion -- barriers and magic floating weapons (they look like 'em anyway) on top of being a healer. But holy cow, there are so many DPS classes in this game. Seems legit from how FF does its combat in general, but still! O_o
Other Games?
Wasteland 3 is still burning a hole in my soul over the endgame, but I'll get to it. I'm so close and it's been a real joy. After I do, I may try to beat the original Fallout, let alone start up Wasteland 2 Director's Cut. Otherwise fussing with Final Fantasy Tactics here and there seems legit, I'd imagine.
Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon (1990)(Switch, Official English Translation)
Whelp, I finished another one. I honestly can't recommend it for anything other than its historical value, or nostalgia for those who were able to play the Japan-only original release. The item management is not great even for 1990, and the lack of a preview before attacking an enemy means you are largely going in blind unless you do the damage formula before each action, which is exhausting. The game is also painfully slow, and using the included speed-up function also accelerates the music, making it painful to listen to.
It feels like a cheap cash grab for Nintendo, since this is the only way to get the game in English, and was a limited time purchase. They pulled it at the end of March with Super Mario 3D All Stars. Looking up guides for the game is also a challenge, since most search results are for the superior Nintendo DS remake, which is still available on the Wii U eShop.
Whelp, I finished another one. I honestly can't recommend it for anything other than its historical value, or nostalgia for those who were able to play the Japan-only original release. The item management is not great even for 1990, and the lack of a preview before attacking an enemy means you are largely going in blind unless you do the damage formula before each action, which is exhausting. The game is also painfully slow, and using the included speed-up function also accelerates the music, making it painful to listen to.
It feels like a cheap cash grab for Nintendo, since this is the only way to get the game in English, and was a limited time purchase. They pulled it at the end of March with Super Mario 3D All Stars. Looking up guides for the game is also a challenge, since most search results are for the superior Nintendo DS remake, which is still available on the Wii U eShop.
Final Fantasy 14: A Realm Reborn
Still at it! I have made it to level 16, I believe. Unlocked leves and guildhests, and been playing those with Illy, his girlfriend Orc, and Delsin. Illy has also been helping me grind to get to them. This has been a ton of fun!
I'm getting the hang of Raziya shuffling about the enemy's flank and backside to paunch them into oblivion up-close. Leg Sweep apparently interrupts a normal enemy's AoE casting with its stun, I have a self-heal move, and Bloodbath steals some HP (maybe from a distance too). I also have a two-second guard thingy; it may affect stances for my basic moves? Basically using Bootshine, a flurry of punches to start, then shifting to True Strike at the enemy's backside, then Snap Punch in the ribs (so, their side-side). Or if the enemy's still focused on a tank (either Illy as a paladin or Orc as a warrior), I usually just use Bootshine and True Strike back and forth.
This game is great.
Final Fantasy Tactics
Still at it too! Just finished some Errands grinding at Goug and Warjilis. About to go rescue Agrias, and am taking my leisurely time customizing characters. I'm brave enough to enter story fights with jobs I'm still grinding for abilities with. Right now my team, save for the recently-rescued Mustadio that lacks abilities, are as follows.
Still at it! I have made it to level 16, I believe. Unlocked leves and guildhests, and been playing those with Illy, his girlfriend Orc, and Delsin. Illy has also been helping me grind to get to them. This has been a ton of fun!
I'm getting the hang of Raziya shuffling about the enemy's flank and backside to paunch them into oblivion up-close. Leg Sweep apparently interrupts a normal enemy's AoE casting with its stun, I have a self-heal move, and Bloodbath steals some HP (maybe from a distance too). I also have a two-second guard thingy; it may affect stances for my basic moves? Basically using Bootshine, a flurry of punches to start, then shifting to True Strike at the enemy's backside, then Snap Punch in the ribs (so, their side-side). Or if the enemy's still focused on a tank (either Illy as a paladin or Orc as a warrior), I usually just use Bootshine and True Strike back and forth.
This game is great.
Final Fantasy Tactics
Still at it too! Just finished some Errands grinding at Goug and Warjilis. About to go rescue Agrias, and am taking my leisurely time customizing characters. I'm brave enough to enter story fights with jobs I'm still grinding for abilities with. Right now my team, save for the recently-rescued Mustadio that lacks abilities, are as follows.
- Ramza, Squire: White Magicks, Absorb MP, Arcane Defense, Move +1. Accessory: Battle Boots.
- Raziya, Monk: Item / Black Magicks, Archer's Bane, JP Boost / Attack Boost, Move +1. Accessory: Power Gauntlet. Am grinding for Move +2.
- Jengo, Samurai: Item, Parry, JP Boost / Concentration, Move +1. Accessory: Protect Ring. I might grind for Swim and/or Doublehand?
- Maia, Oracle: Item / Throw, Parry / Counter Tackle, JP Boost, Move +2. Accessory: Battle Boots. Currently a Chemist to grind for Throw Item.
- Nazreen, White Mage: Steal, Parry, Equip Polearms, Jump +1. Accessory: Mage's Cloak. Currently a Geomancer to grind an unlock for Dancer job.
I'm unlikely to play more stuff this week. Sooooooooo update time!
Suikoden 2
--Session 1--
The "Curse of the Unicorn" may have been a hoax, but, the unicorn, itself, is not. With Tengaar and Hix joining the Dunan Army, we can focus our attention to Greenhill.
--Session 2--
Flik seems to think Shin might know where Teresa is at, but, the man is a hard person to follow, and keeps disappearing on us.
--Session 3--
Teresa was willing to give her own life for Greenhill, but the townsfolk were not willing to give her up to Highland so easily.
Liberating Greenhill will have to come later, though. Our military strength is still quite lacking. Perhaps if we allied with the knights of Matilda...
Borderlands 2
--Session 1--
I got as far as obtaining some voice samples of Handsome Jack, but, I cannot find where to upload them to Angel for the life of me. Might wanna look this up.
Though, if I really want to be honest with myself, I'm loosing interest in this game. Make no mistake, I had a decent amount of fun here! However, the difficulty curve is way out of whack for me. I'm not sure when it ramped beyond my humble skill level, and how I've played the game. However, having Cheat Engine running in the background so that I don't loose progress on respawn has been a requirement for the last several sessions, if not more.
Even if one disregards that factor, I simply feel the game has overstayed it's welcome. If I were LPing the game, I would be more inclined to see it through to the end. However, since I'm not, to the "cancelled" pile it goes!
Suikoden 2
--Session 1--
The "Curse of the Unicorn" may have been a hoax, but, the unicorn, itself, is not. With Tengaar and Hix joining the Dunan Army, we can focus our attention to Greenhill.
--Session 2--
Flik seems to think Shin might know where Teresa is at, but, the man is a hard person to follow, and keeps disappearing on us.
--Session 3--
Teresa was willing to give her own life for Greenhill, but the townsfolk were not willing to give her up to Highland so easily.
Liberating Greenhill will have to come later, though. Our military strength is still quite lacking. Perhaps if we allied with the knights of Matilda...
Borderlands 2
--Session 1--
I got as far as obtaining some voice samples of Handsome Jack, but, I cannot find where to upload them to Angel for the life of me. Might wanna look this up.
Though, if I really want to be honest with myself, I'm loosing interest in this game. Make no mistake, I had a decent amount of fun here! However, the difficulty curve is way out of whack for me. I'm not sure when it ramped beyond my humble skill level, and how I've played the game. However, having Cheat Engine running in the background so that I don't loose progress on respawn has been a requirement for the last several sessions, if not more.
Even if one disregards that factor, I simply feel the game has overstayed it's welcome. If I were LPing the game, I would be more inclined to see it through to the end. However, since I'm not, to the "cancelled" pile it goes!
Good to see some love for Heroic Tale!
Personally, I also find it difficult to find both time and motivation to play games these days. I'm often in mood to play for a while, but then I can't find any game I would like to play. I'm kind of split between picking up huge grandiose games and smaller ones. Maybe it's an ideal time to play an rpg.
Personally, I also find it difficult to find both time and motivation to play games these days. I'm often in mood to play for a while, but then I can't find any game I would like to play. I'm kind of split between picking up huge grandiose games and smaller ones. Maybe it's an ideal time to play an rpg.
It is slowly dawning on me that I'll eventually be looking to start something, and the current bout of playtesting I'm doing for Trail of the Interloper will be done soon. Time for another LP thread?
Alright, I'm back and with my main entry upgraded, because I finally realized that TABLES EXISTED. It looks better than just looking at a hidden list.
Of course, updaTESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSs
Half-Life 2 Series
What happens if you let a guy with preposterous aim play a casual FPS? Yeah, you don't need to talk a bit more about that.
Back when I was still that young, playing Half-Life 2 in a shitty comp that takes about 2-3 minutes to load to the next stage, I basically just suck. Most of the time, I find myself just spamming F6 like a madman until I get the perfect run. Now it's just a different feeling to see your enemies driven before you, having the ability to just mow down everyone. Oh, and maybe cheese some puzzles along the way. Maybe that also.
Half-Life has my heart for how intricate and complex it is. No matter how many times I get distracted by the gameplay, it really drives home how much environment and story can make a game more impactful without any of its game aspects disrupting one another. A really, really big nitpick for me for the past years when it comes to playing games.
After playing Black Mesa and this series, it made me want to just play Alyx and anticipate for whatever BS Valve is planning for E3 2021, if they ever have one. Considering their streak lately, I won't be surprised if they did actually make The Chalkeater's song age well. Hope it does.
Anything Else
I might start going to a frenzy one summer starts. I've been restricted lately with how much my college requirements are dumped every single week without rest. Though, I've taken the liberty to take on Resident Evil 7 and finish the rest of the Senran Kagura series before madness takes me.
Also Devil May Cry 4.
Also some stuff.
Okay bye.
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAa
Of course, updaTESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSs
Half-Life 2 Series
What happens if you let a guy with preposterous aim play a casual FPS? Yeah, you don't need to talk a bit more about that.
Back when I was still that young, playing Half-Life 2 in a shitty comp that takes about 2-3 minutes to load to the next stage, I basically just suck. Most of the time, I find myself just spamming F6 like a madman until I get the perfect run. Now it's just a different feeling to see your enemies driven before you, having the ability to just mow down everyone. Oh, and maybe cheese some puzzles along the way. Maybe that also.
Half-Life has my heart for how intricate and complex it is. No matter how many times I get distracted by the gameplay, it really drives home how much environment and story can make a game more impactful without any of its game aspects disrupting one another. A really, really big nitpick for me for the past years when it comes to playing games.
After playing Black Mesa and this series, it made me want to just play Alyx and anticipate for whatever BS Valve is planning for E3 2021, if they ever have one. Considering their streak lately, I won't be surprised if they did actually make The Chalkeater's song age well. Hope it does.
Anything Else
I might start going to a frenzy one summer starts. I've been restricted lately with how much my college requirements are dumped every single week without rest. Though, I've taken the liberty to take on Resident Evil 7 and finish the rest of the Senran Kagura series before madness takes me.
Also Devil May Cry 4.
Also some stuff.
Okay bye.
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAa
Update time!
Suikoden 2
--Session 1--
Our initial meeting with the Knights proved rather unhelpful. Miklotov is going alone to Muse for who-knows-why, and Camus asks us to look out for him.
We make a brief pit stop at Highway Village, on the presumption that the next Clive event, assuming I'm even in time for it, is here. There's three probelms with this. One, the event is in Rockaxe's inn. Not a huge issue, but, then we move onto the second problem. Which is that I forgot to bring Clive with me. That's kinda important to trigger this stuff! However, if that weren't enough, the last problem, is that the event only triggers with under 14 hours of playing, and my game-clock is about to hit 15 hours. I mean, this is still the furthest I've gotten into the side-story, but I just don't know if the payoff of seeing the side-story to it's completion is worth the payoff when the cost is either rushing the game like a madman, or doing the "push the statue" glitch at the Muse-Matilda border before Highland takes Muse.
--Session 2--
So, the Clive event in Rockaxe (yes, I temporarily hacked my game-time to get it) is merely another redirect. This time, it's back to Radat. I'm almost willing to put money on the possibility she goes to Banner Village after that. I guess we'll see.
--Session 3--
While not exactly the kind of allinace we were looking for, Kiklotov, Camus, and a number of their fellow knights have deserted Gorudo in disgust, and join the Dunan Army.
I don't 100% recall what is going to happen next, but, if my recruit notes are any indication, Kiba and Klaus will join us at Radat, and from there will be the alliance with the Toran Republic.
--Session 4--
Clive's event in Radat feels like the story should end right then and there. Like, Elzia got away again, and doesn't seem to leave behind any clues to her whereabouts. It would end as an unresolved story, as Clive is right back where he started from. However, sometimes, that's just how things go.
I ended up looking this up, just to make sure I wasn't missing any clues. I wasn't. The next event with Clive will be in Muse after revisiting Rockaxe, and possibly obtaining Forgiver Sign. While this event does not require game-time to be under a certain value, the next (and last) one will. We'll speak more of that when the time comes.
Aside from that mess, there is news that Highland has taken Radat. The company was lead by Kiba and Klaus, which we met previously in Two River. They are strong opponents, and firecly loyal to King Agares Blight.
--Session 5--
The battle at Radat was supposed to be a cakewalk, but, Ridley, and various Kobold units, retreated in a huff. Our forces couldn't lay a finger on Kiba's and the advancement of Rowd's units from the south compromised our position. The only option left is to retreat, and mull over what we can do to surmount Kiba's unit before he attacks Dunan Castle.
Grandia 2
--Session 1--
Ryudo is a mercenary, willing to take a job if the price is right. His latest client is a priest of Granis, who seeks his services as a bodyguard to escort a Songstress to Garmia Tower, and then to bring her back once some ritual has been completed.
The sisters who are already at the tower only say that the ritual will "take some time". Waiting is the hardest part of the job, and there is just something odd/foreboding about this tower. A scream is heard. Lightning flashes. Something is going on. While instructed to not enter the tower under any circumstances, Ryudo's reputation is on the line, and he's never botched a job yet. In he goes!
The ritual failed, and only Elena has survived the ordeal. She is naturally shocked at the news, and thankfully, the pair didn't come across any encounters on the way back to town. However, things could get complicated down the road.
--Session 2--
We know now the purpose behind the ritual: to uphold the seal on the Wings of Valmar. Of course, the ritual has failed, and the Wings has taken refuge in Elena's soul. If the priest is right, they will consume her soul, and seek out another host until enough power is gained, and a manifestation of Valmar comes to pass.
There may be a way to exorcise the Wings from Elena, but, it involves trecking to the Granas Cathedral, and getting an audience with the Pope. It won't be an easy journey, and the minions of Valmar are sure to do whatever they can to accelerate the resurrection of their master.
As Ryudo and the priest speak, a red-headed lady with black wings attacks the town, totally wrecking the place. She eventually attacks Ryudo, and paralyzes him before flying off, leaving him with her name: Millenia.
The attack makes Ryudo more inclined to accept the job of escorting Elena, even if it is a bit of a hike. But then, were it not for this journey, there would not be much of a game. XD
And now, our first episode of "Gradians Like Their Food"!
<---------->
-Elena
Um, when will we get to Granas Cathedral? Tomorrow? The day after tomorrow?
-Ryudo (facepalm)
Ha! Even if we both rode on Skye, we'd never make it THAT quick! Besides, Skye's only good at DROPPING people mid-flight.
-Skye
-YOU WERE HANGING FROM MY FEET! You try carrying someone 6 times your size and 50 times your weight. See how YOU do. Anyway, it is difficult to estimate when we will arrive.
-Elena (worried)
You do not know when we will get there? So, the time we are spending eating here might be a waste?
-Ryudo
No. It's no waste of time. When you get the chance to eat right, you take the chance to eat right. Pipe down and eat, will you?
-Elena (worried)
Huh? You mean you do not always eat regular meals?
-Ryudo (facepalm)
Princess, there aren't exactly a TON of restaurants in the middle of the wastelands or the untracked forest.
-Elena (worried)
So, this could be my last chance to eat regular meals like this?
-Ryudo (facepalm)
Hey, now! Don't go jinxing the rest of our meals! You're going to eat just fine during this trip.
-Ryudo
We'll surely visit some other towns along the way, but, we can't be sure as to WHEN we'll sit at a table, and have a meal.
-Elena (worried)
Traveling is quite the hardship, I see. I hope I can make it to Granas Cathedral.
-Ryudo
Uh, that's what we're hired for, remember? Your precious Granas knows you can't do it on your own. Come on. Eat up.
-Elena (annoyed)
Fine, then.
-Ryudo
Whew! Okay, then. Tomorrow, I start my babysitting job with the Princess. I'd better get my rest!
-Elena (annoyed)
WELL! I NEVER...!
<---------->
--Session 3--
Crossing Inor Mountains, the pair makes a stop a Agear Town. Well, calling it a "town" is incorrect. It is a ruins now, a mere shell of it's former glory. The locals say it became this way because of monster attacks, but, I've my doubts.
Either way, the road forward is blocked, and Elena has knocked herself out cold by going overboard with some local cuisine that has a side-effect similar to that of being drunk.
This would be Ryudo's cue to go out alone at cut a path forward. However, Millena has appeared, and has decided to tag along. She makes herself very blatent that she's attracted to Ryudo, but, the Geohound will have none of it.
--Session 4--
Durham Caves can be a bit tricky to navigate, due to a sluice gate mechanic. It could certainly be worse, though.
In any event, we find a boy, Roan, who absolutely insists on having us help him fetch his mother's heirloom from the monsters. Ryudo would prefer the kid to go home, and ignore the matter entirely. However, Millenia, being chaos incarnate that she is, has taken something of a liking to him, and eventually Ryudo agrees to have him tag along as well.
The boss fight is maybe a room after Roan joins, and the boy's medal is found on it's carcass. The job done, it's time to return back to the inn. As we leave the cave, Millenia bids us farewell for now, and a light surrounds her. When it dissipates, the figure of Elena is in her place.
Elena has no memories of "Millenia", but, Ryudo, Roan, and Skye relay what they can of her. It's enough to convince Elena that this "Milennia" is the physical manifestation of the Wings of Valmar, and it is using her as it's host body for that manifestation.
In a certain sense, Millenia is to Elena as Id is to Fei Fong Wong of Xenogears. Millennia is split personality that only takes over when the base personality of Elena is weakened. In the very first instance, Elena was resting. In this second instance, Elena had gotten herself into, basically, a drunken stupor, and was likely knocked unconscious because of it, thus allowing Millenia to gain control. We don't know if Millenia is aware of Elena's actions when she is in control (though, she might not care), but, it's obvious that Elena has no idea what Millenia is up to when she is on the stage.
However, perhaps the easier explanation of "magic" will suffice in regards to the Millenia/Elena conundrum. This game probably isn't going to be nearly as deep as Xenogears in this matter. So, to keep things lighthearted, the latest episode of "Grandians Like Their Food"!
<---------->
-Elena (happy)
Roan, you have such wonderful table manners. Who did you learn them from? Your mother?
-Roan
My mother? Oh, she passed away a long time ago. She was very ill her whole life.
-Elena (worried)
I-I am so very sorry, Roan. I did not know. I never would have asked...
-Roan (happy)
Do not worry, Miss Elena. I can hardly remember my mother. It was a very long time ago. I wish I could have known her better.
-Roan
I do not remember my mother too well. I don't know what it is about you that reminds me of her.
-Elena
Me? W-what do you mean?
-Roan
You are so... kind, yet strong. You are always putting others ahead of yourself. And you are so forgiving all the time.
-Roan (happy)
You are just so close to the way I have always imagined my mother. Of course, my image of her is of my own creation.
-Elena
I do not ever want to upset you, Roan. I think of you as... as my little brother.
-Ryudo (laughing)
Ha! That's perfect! They say that little brothers are more dependable that bigger sisters!
-Elena (annoyed)
Hey! Just what is THAT supposed to mean!?
-Roan (happy)
When you hugged me so tightly, I felt so secure. Maybe that is what reminded me of my mother after so long.
-Elena (shocked)
Hold on a second, Roan. "Hugged"? I have never hugged you before.
-Ryudo (laughing)
No, that was Millenia. She squeezed him REAL tight.
-Elena (nervious)
What!?
-Elena (worried)
The Wings of Valmar...
-Elena (sad prayer)
We must hurry and see His Holiness Zera to have him exorcise the Darkness. Or else.
-Ryudo
Hey! Whoa, now. Millenia didn't do anything... bad. Did she?
-Elena (worried)
Do not say that name any more! If you knew the horror of Valmar, you would realize the seriousness of the situation!
-Roan (worried)
Oh. I forgot. You have never met Miss Millenia. I apologize for bringing the whole situation up.
-Elena (happy)
It... it's okay, Roan.
-Elena (worried)
But just what exactly is going on between you two?
-Ryudo (laughing)
You get jealous because she HUGGED him? Sheeh, Elena. Ease up on the kid a little.
-Elena (worried)
Ryudo. That's not funny.
-Ryudo (laughing)
Man, Vyx sure can cook. Every time I see him, I end up eating too much. I really have to be careful about how I eat.
-Skye
Ah, a very admirable outlook, Ryudo.
-Ryudo (confident)
Well, a certain someone does constantly nag me about it. Besides, I should stay in shape if I want to stay a Geohound.
<---------->
Suikoden 2
--Session 1--
Our initial meeting with the Knights proved rather unhelpful. Miklotov is going alone to Muse for who-knows-why, and Camus asks us to look out for him.
We make a brief pit stop at Highway Village, on the presumption that the next Clive event, assuming I'm even in time for it, is here. There's three probelms with this. One, the event is in Rockaxe's inn. Not a huge issue, but, then we move onto the second problem. Which is that I forgot to bring Clive with me. That's kinda important to trigger this stuff! However, if that weren't enough, the last problem, is that the event only triggers with under 14 hours of playing, and my game-clock is about to hit 15 hours. I mean, this is still the furthest I've gotten into the side-story, but I just don't know if the payoff of seeing the side-story to it's completion is worth the payoff when the cost is either rushing the game like a madman, or doing the "push the statue" glitch at the Muse-Matilda border before Highland takes Muse.
--Session 2--
So, the Clive event in Rockaxe (yes, I temporarily hacked my game-time to get it) is merely another redirect. This time, it's back to Radat. I'm almost willing to put money on the possibility she goes to Banner Village after that. I guess we'll see.
--Session 3--
While not exactly the kind of allinace we were looking for, Kiklotov, Camus, and a number of their fellow knights have deserted Gorudo in disgust, and join the Dunan Army.
I don't 100% recall what is going to happen next, but, if my recruit notes are any indication, Kiba and Klaus will join us at Radat, and from there will be the alliance with the Toran Republic.
--Session 4--
Clive's event in Radat feels like the story should end right then and there. Like, Elzia got away again, and doesn't seem to leave behind any clues to her whereabouts. It would end as an unresolved story, as Clive is right back where he started from. However, sometimes, that's just how things go.
I ended up looking this up, just to make sure I wasn't missing any clues. I wasn't. The next event with Clive will be in Muse after revisiting Rockaxe, and possibly obtaining Forgiver Sign. While this event does not require game-time to be under a certain value, the next (and last) one will. We'll speak more of that when the time comes.
Aside from that mess, there is news that Highland has taken Radat. The company was lead by Kiba and Klaus, which we met previously in Two River. They are strong opponents, and firecly loyal to King Agares Blight.
--Session 5--
The battle at Radat was supposed to be a cakewalk, but, Ridley, and various Kobold units, retreated in a huff. Our forces couldn't lay a finger on Kiba's and the advancement of Rowd's units from the south compromised our position. The only option left is to retreat, and mull over what we can do to surmount Kiba's unit before he attacks Dunan Castle.
Grandia 2
--Session 1--
Ryudo is a mercenary, willing to take a job if the price is right. His latest client is a priest of Granis, who seeks his services as a bodyguard to escort a Songstress to Garmia Tower, and then to bring her back once some ritual has been completed.
The sisters who are already at the tower only say that the ritual will "take some time". Waiting is the hardest part of the job, and there is just something odd/foreboding about this tower. A scream is heard. Lightning flashes. Something is going on. While instructed to not enter the tower under any circumstances, Ryudo's reputation is on the line, and he's never botched a job yet. In he goes!
The ritual failed, and only Elena has survived the ordeal. She is naturally shocked at the news, and thankfully, the pair didn't come across any encounters on the way back to town. However, things could get complicated down the road.
--Session 2--
We know now the purpose behind the ritual: to uphold the seal on the Wings of Valmar. Of course, the ritual has failed, and the Wings has taken refuge in Elena's soul. If the priest is right, they will consume her soul, and seek out another host until enough power is gained, and a manifestation of Valmar comes to pass.
There may be a way to exorcise the Wings from Elena, but, it involves trecking to the Granas Cathedral, and getting an audience with the Pope. It won't be an easy journey, and the minions of Valmar are sure to do whatever they can to accelerate the resurrection of their master.
As Ryudo and the priest speak, a red-headed lady with black wings attacks the town, totally wrecking the place. She eventually attacks Ryudo, and paralyzes him before flying off, leaving him with her name: Millenia.
The attack makes Ryudo more inclined to accept the job of escorting Elena, even if it is a bit of a hike. But then, were it not for this journey, there would not be much of a game. XD
And now, our first episode of "Gradians Like Their Food"!
<---------->
-Elena
Um, when will we get to Granas Cathedral? Tomorrow? The day after tomorrow?
-Ryudo (facepalm)
Ha! Even if we both rode on Skye, we'd never make it THAT quick! Besides, Skye's only good at DROPPING people mid-flight.
-Skye
-YOU WERE HANGING FROM MY FEET! You try carrying someone 6 times your size and 50 times your weight. See how YOU do. Anyway, it is difficult to estimate when we will arrive.
-Elena (worried)
You do not know when we will get there? So, the time we are spending eating here might be a waste?
-Ryudo
No. It's no waste of time. When you get the chance to eat right, you take the chance to eat right. Pipe down and eat, will you?
-Elena (worried)
Huh? You mean you do not always eat regular meals?
-Ryudo (facepalm)
Princess, there aren't exactly a TON of restaurants in the middle of the wastelands or the untracked forest.
-Elena (worried)
So, this could be my last chance to eat regular meals like this?
-Ryudo (facepalm)
Hey, now! Don't go jinxing the rest of our meals! You're going to eat just fine during this trip.
-Ryudo
We'll surely visit some other towns along the way, but, we can't be sure as to WHEN we'll sit at a table, and have a meal.
-Elena (worried)
Traveling is quite the hardship, I see. I hope I can make it to Granas Cathedral.
-Ryudo
Uh, that's what we're hired for, remember? Your precious Granas knows you can't do it on your own. Come on. Eat up.
-Elena (annoyed)
Fine, then.
-Ryudo
Whew! Okay, then. Tomorrow, I start my babysitting job with the Princess. I'd better get my rest!
-Elena (annoyed)
WELL! I NEVER...!
<---------->
--Session 3--
Crossing Inor Mountains, the pair makes a stop a Agear Town. Well, calling it a "town" is incorrect. It is a ruins now, a mere shell of it's former glory. The locals say it became this way because of monster attacks, but, I've my doubts.
Either way, the road forward is blocked, and Elena has knocked herself out cold by going overboard with some local cuisine that has a side-effect similar to that of being drunk.
This would be Ryudo's cue to go out alone at cut a path forward. However, Millena has appeared, and has decided to tag along. She makes herself very blatent that she's attracted to Ryudo, but, the Geohound will have none of it.
--Session 4--
Durham Caves can be a bit tricky to navigate, due to a sluice gate mechanic. It could certainly be worse, though.
In any event, we find a boy, Roan, who absolutely insists on having us help him fetch his mother's heirloom from the monsters. Ryudo would prefer the kid to go home, and ignore the matter entirely. However, Millenia, being chaos incarnate that she is, has taken something of a liking to him, and eventually Ryudo agrees to have him tag along as well.
The boss fight is maybe a room after Roan joins, and the boy's medal is found on it's carcass. The job done, it's time to return back to the inn. As we leave the cave, Millenia bids us farewell for now, and a light surrounds her. When it dissipates, the figure of Elena is in her place.
Elena has no memories of "Millenia", but, Ryudo, Roan, and Skye relay what they can of her. It's enough to convince Elena that this "Milennia" is the physical manifestation of the Wings of Valmar, and it is using her as it's host body for that manifestation.
In a certain sense, Millenia is to Elena as Id is to Fei Fong Wong of Xenogears. Millennia is split personality that only takes over when the base personality of Elena is weakened. In the very first instance, Elena was resting. In this second instance, Elena had gotten herself into, basically, a drunken stupor, and was likely knocked unconscious because of it, thus allowing Millenia to gain control. We don't know if Millenia is aware of Elena's actions when she is in control (though, she might not care), but, it's obvious that Elena has no idea what Millenia is up to when she is on the stage.
However, perhaps the easier explanation of "magic" will suffice in regards to the Millenia/Elena conundrum. This game probably isn't going to be nearly as deep as Xenogears in this matter. So, to keep things lighthearted, the latest episode of "Grandians Like Their Food"!
<---------->
-Elena (happy)
Roan, you have such wonderful table manners. Who did you learn them from? Your mother?
-Roan
My mother? Oh, she passed away a long time ago. She was very ill her whole life.
-Elena (worried)
I-I am so very sorry, Roan. I did not know. I never would have asked...
-Roan (happy)
Do not worry, Miss Elena. I can hardly remember my mother. It was a very long time ago. I wish I could have known her better.
-Roan
I do not remember my mother too well. I don't know what it is about you that reminds me of her.
-Elena
Me? W-what do you mean?
-Roan
You are so... kind, yet strong. You are always putting others ahead of yourself. And you are so forgiving all the time.
-Roan (happy)
You are just so close to the way I have always imagined my mother. Of course, my image of her is of my own creation.
-Elena
I do not ever want to upset you, Roan. I think of you as... as my little brother.
-Ryudo (laughing)
Ha! That's perfect! They say that little brothers are more dependable that bigger sisters!
-Elena (annoyed)
Hey! Just what is THAT supposed to mean!?
-Roan (happy)
When you hugged me so tightly, I felt so secure. Maybe that is what reminded me of my mother after so long.
-Elena (shocked)
Hold on a second, Roan. "Hugged"? I have never hugged you before.
-Ryudo (laughing)
No, that was Millenia. She squeezed him REAL tight.
-Elena (nervious)
What!?
-Elena (worried)
The Wings of Valmar...
-Elena (sad prayer)
We must hurry and see His Holiness Zera to have him exorcise the Darkness. Or else.
-Ryudo
Hey! Whoa, now. Millenia didn't do anything... bad. Did she?
-Elena (worried)
Do not say that name any more! If you knew the horror of Valmar, you would realize the seriousness of the situation!
-Roan (worried)
Oh. I forgot. You have never met Miss Millenia. I apologize for bringing the whole situation up.
-Elena (happy)
It... it's okay, Roan.
-Elena (worried)
But just what exactly is going on between you two?
-Ryudo (laughing)
You get jealous because she HUGGED him? Sheeh, Elena. Ease up on the kid a little.
-Elena (worried)
Ryudo. That's not funny.
-Ryudo (laughing)
Man, Vyx sure can cook. Every time I see him, I end up eating too much. I really have to be careful about how I eat.
-Skye
Ah, a very admirable outlook, Ryudo.
-Ryudo (confident)
Well, a certain someone does constantly nag me about it. Besides, I should stay in shape if I want to stay a Geohound.
<---------->
Final Fantasy 14
Still keeping at it, but hadn't been playing much lately. Did get to Lv 26, and unlocked airship travel to other city-states. I did unlock the vanity system for old equipment, and dyes to alter existing gear colors. Getting through story stuff, unlocked dungeons and did my first romp through the beginning ones with Illy. I did surprisingly well, though he also played White Mage for both of them so uh... yeah.
Next time I play proper, shall do more Pugilist questing to get toward Monk, and may give Conjurer / White Mage a spin at some point. For my tank class, I will likely go Marauder / Warrior or Lancer / Dragoon. Blame it on the Axe of Whiterun in Skyrim being a one-handed axe, but Raziya wielding a battleaxe like a dervish sounds fun. With expansions I'd wanna dabble in Dancer, too.
Also it seems we're getting male Viera and female Hrothgar in the upcoming expansion! When I buy the game proper as it's on sale in a day or two, I may later get the potion that lets you swap race and appearance. But c'mon. Lion-girl Raziya is great. Much as I'd wanna make her a full-fledged furry and not a catgirl with a liom tail...
…how could you say no to this cutie? :3
The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion
You'd think I'd learned my lesson by now. Oblivion is still my favorite Elder Scrolls game though. I used up almost all of my healing potions getting Martin Septim the eff outta Kvatch and into Cloud Ruler Temple, and I still need to finish Kvatch and get that cool hauberk of chain mail that its guards wear.
For special gear, I did manage to enchant a ring with Willpower +7 from the sigil stone in the first Oblivion Gate. Also found a Robe of Deflection for that sick 5% armor rating, and unlike my leather cuirass it is indestructible. Also got a silver war axe (<3) and this cool shield from that one warrior's castle DLC outside Chorrol. Did some Arena fighting to get gold, and now... fussing around with quests I like. Right now the one with Thoronir and The Copious Coinpurse. That's what you do in an Elder Scrolls game -- ignore the main quest.
Raziya's stats so far are below.
Stats: Strength 51, Intelligence 42, Willpower 52 (45), Agility 52, Speed 47, Endurance 61, Personality 40, Luck 50.
Major Skills: Athletics 42, Block 38, Hand To Hand 48 (Dmg 3), Alchemy 30, Destruction 30, Restoration 30, Light Armor 35.
Minor Skills of Note: Acrobatics 19, Blunt 22, Heavy Armor 18.
Soul Calibur 6
Also been fussing with Ranked and Casual matches here! I've grown to love getting my ass kicked by better players, always trying to win at least a round per fight and having fun. No seriously, I'm glad I've grown to be a good sport and just have fun with it.
Casual has been scratching an itch, and I may delve into Libra of Souls with my OC sometime, IDK. I find my best three characters are probably Kilik, Raphael and Taki in that order; I often hold my own when playing them at the least, win or lose. Mitsurugi and Haohmaru are a ton of fun too. Might share some of my OCs remade here later?
Still keeping at it, but hadn't been playing much lately. Did get to Lv 26, and unlocked airship travel to other city-states. I did unlock the vanity system for old equipment, and dyes to alter existing gear colors. Getting through story stuff, unlocked dungeons and did my first romp through the beginning ones with Illy. I did surprisingly well, though he also played White Mage for both of them so uh... yeah.
Next time I play proper, shall do more Pugilist questing to get toward Monk, and may give Conjurer / White Mage a spin at some point. For my tank class, I will likely go Marauder / Warrior or Lancer / Dragoon. Blame it on the Axe of Whiterun in Skyrim being a one-handed axe, but Raziya wielding a battleaxe like a dervish sounds fun. With expansions I'd wanna dabble in Dancer, too.
Also it seems we're getting male Viera and female Hrothgar in the upcoming expansion! When I buy the game proper as it's on sale in a day or two, I may later get the potion that lets you swap race and appearance. But c'mon. Lion-girl Raziya is great. Much as I'd wanna make her a full-fledged furry and not a catgirl with a liom tail...
…how could you say no to this cutie? :3
The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion
You'd think I'd learned my lesson by now. Oblivion is still my favorite Elder Scrolls game though. I used up almost all of my healing potions getting Martin Septim the eff outta Kvatch and into Cloud Ruler Temple, and I still need to finish Kvatch and get that cool hauberk of chain mail that its guards wear.
For special gear, I did manage to enchant a ring with Willpower +7 from the sigil stone in the first Oblivion Gate. Also found a Robe of Deflection for that sick 5% armor rating, and unlike my leather cuirass it is indestructible. Also got a silver war axe (<3) and this cool shield from that one warrior's castle DLC outside Chorrol. Did some Arena fighting to get gold, and now... fussing around with quests I like. Right now the one with Thoronir and The Copious Coinpurse. That's what you do in an Elder Scrolls game -- ignore the main quest.
Raziya's stats so far are below.
Stats: Strength 51, Intelligence 42, Willpower 52 (45), Agility 52, Speed 47, Endurance 61, Personality 40, Luck 50.
Major Skills: Athletics 42, Block 38, Hand To Hand 48 (Dmg 3), Alchemy 30, Destruction 30, Restoration 30, Light Armor 35.
Minor Skills of Note: Acrobatics 19, Blunt 22, Heavy Armor 18.
Soul Calibur 6
Also been fussing with Ranked and Casual matches here! I've grown to love getting my ass kicked by better players, always trying to win at least a round per fight and having fun. No seriously, I'm glad I've grown to be a good sport and just have fun with it.
Casual has been scratching an itch, and I may delve into Libra of Souls with my OC sometime, IDK. I find my best three characters are probably Kilik, Raphael and Taki in that order; I often hold my own when playing them at the least, win or lose. Mitsurugi and Haohmaru are a ton of fun too. Might share some of my OCs remade here later?
My update for the week.
Suikoden 2
--Session 1--
The battle was practically at our doorstep, and we were within an inch of loosing. However, Ridley joined the battle with his contingent of Kobold warriors, his disatisfaction with the Dunan Army entirely made up. We would have been in more trouble if Rowd's company also engaged, but, they did not. They merely waited for the order to withdraw from the newly crowned King Luca.
While Kiba and Klaus were feircely loyal to King Agares, they have no love for Luca, and they know in their hearts that the future he will make for Highland will be one of death and ruin. While it is a dishonor to change masters, Kiba and Klaus will stomach that dishoner, and join the Dunan Army in order to stop the ambitions of Luca Blight.
--Session 2--
While we may have gained the support of Kiba and Klaus, Highland still has the upper hand when it comes to numbers. Tinto has closed itself off, we're still in no position to re-take Greenhill, and Matilda, proper, will not budge as long as Gorudo is in charge. What, then, can we turn to to muster our forces?
We ally with the Toran Republic, that's what! I don't know how much leverage we have if we bring Sheena with us, but, he is still President Lepant's son. Plus, he is coming with us volintarily. That's gotta count for something, right? Right?
To get to the Toran Republic, we must take a boat from Radat south to Banner Village. There's a forest path near the village that leads to the border. Varkas is there, and he escorts us to Gregminster.
Initially hesitant, Lepant eventually agrees to help. Within Lord Riou, Lepant is reminded of a person that should rightfully stand in the position of Presidency. They can delopy about 5,000 troops immediately, and gives us the choice of who would lead them. I usually choose Kasumi over Valeria because choosing Kasumi allows certain recruits to be obtained earlier. There is supposed to be a special scene with Valeria if you skip recuriting Anita at Muse, and recruit her at Banner Village instead, but, of course, I've never seen it, and I certainly can't see it this play-through. So, it will be Kasumi yet again. Maybe, one day, I will choose Valeria.
--Session 3--
I breifly return to Dunan Castle with Kasumi in tow. This might be a good time to recruit people. However, given that I still get chased out of Radat, perhaps I cannot recruit until after Luca's death? I'll at least see what happens when I attempt to recruit the ninja in Rokkakau. I have this particular feeling that I tried this very thing for my LP of the game as well. Still, as long as I've got a hard save in Banner Village with Kasumi in my party, what's the harm in checking it out?
Grandia 2
--Session 1--
Our next objective is to cross the Baked Plains, called so because the cliffs have hot gysers that can damage us if we're not careful.
The Baked Plains also houses one side of the Granacliffs, a deep scar that was carved into the earth as aftermath of the Battle Between Good and Evil, when Valmar and Granas fought against each other some centiries ago. We camp nearby, as we have traveled enough for today. This camp also houses our next episode of "Grandians Like Their Food".
<---------->
-Elena (surprised)
The Granacliffs are incredible!
-Elena (worried)
You must see the to believe them. The world is really in a pitiful state.
-Roan (annoyed)
It sure is a hassle that the world is splitin half by these Granacliffs.
-Roan
Now I remember! It was the Battle of Good and Evil that made these Granacliffs, right?
-Roan (happy)
Miss Elena, would you tell me about the Battle of Good and Evil?
-Elena
I don't really know much myself, but, they say, long ago, the people lived happily, bathed in the light of Lord Granas. Then, Valmar came and tried to take the light from the people. And so begain the Battle of Good and Evil. At the battle's end, Lord Granas' sword, which he raised to cut down Valmar, went right through Valmar into the earth, creating a huge fissure across the land. And that is how the Granacliffs came to be.
-Elena
But it cannot be helped. If Lord Granas had not defeated Valmar, hyst think what would come of the world?
-Roan
Now that you mention Valmar, the Devil of Darkness, can you feel Miss Millenia, Miss Elena?
-Elena
I cannot believe it! That Valmar is inside me. People must not be caught by Darkness. They will be able to live only in Darkness. They will no longer feel for other people. Darkness warps a person's soul. If someone is truly caught by Darkness, that person will have no future.
-Ryudo (thinking)
Hrm. Then, I guess I've no future either.
-Ryudo (thinking)
This is getting shadier by the moment. For some reason, I don't see sunshine and puppy dogs in the near future.
-Roan (annoyed)
Mister Ryudo, you are niether wicked, nor a Dark One. Darkness is something completely different.
-Ryudo
You say "Darkness", I say "whirling votex of doom". What's the difference?
-Elena (worried)
I do not understand it myself, but, Darkness makes people sad and lonely. I hate it.
<---------->
That night, Elena cannot sleep due to a nightmare, and screamed in her sleep. In it, she saw some kind of tounge wrapped around her, devouring her. The crickets stop chirping, and Ryudo goes on high alert. The party is the assualted by a beastman. After we win, he feels something is amiss, and backs off. We demand an explanation of for his attack, and he explains that Ryudo has a similar scent to a person he's after by the name of Melfice.
After the beastman leaves, Elena probes for more information. The only thing Ryudo admits is that Melfice is his brother, and he would prefer not to live the nightmare of his memory again.
We arrive in Liligue City the next day. Which would normally cue another episode of "Grandians Like Their Food" at the inn, but, I'm not in the mood to transcribe it. Maybe another session?
I'm not sure if I like this format anymore. While technically more accurate to what I actually do, I feel it hampers my interest in playing. Though, this insistence that I transcribe certain scenes in Grandia 2 is probably not helping the matter either.
Suikoden 2
--Session 1--
The battle was practically at our doorstep, and we were within an inch of loosing. However, Ridley joined the battle with his contingent of Kobold warriors, his disatisfaction with the Dunan Army entirely made up. We would have been in more trouble if Rowd's company also engaged, but, they did not. They merely waited for the order to withdraw from the newly crowned King Luca.
While Kiba and Klaus were feircely loyal to King Agares, they have no love for Luca, and they know in their hearts that the future he will make for Highland will be one of death and ruin. While it is a dishonor to change masters, Kiba and Klaus will stomach that dishoner, and join the Dunan Army in order to stop the ambitions of Luca Blight.
--Session 2--
While we may have gained the support of Kiba and Klaus, Highland still has the upper hand when it comes to numbers. Tinto has closed itself off, we're still in no position to re-take Greenhill, and Matilda, proper, will not budge as long as Gorudo is in charge. What, then, can we turn to to muster our forces?
We ally with the Toran Republic, that's what! I don't know how much leverage we have if we bring Sheena with us, but, he is still President Lepant's son. Plus, he is coming with us volintarily. That's gotta count for something, right? Right?
To get to the Toran Republic, we must take a boat from Radat south to Banner Village. There's a forest path near the village that leads to the border. Varkas is there, and he escorts us to Gregminster.
Initially hesitant, Lepant eventually agrees to help. Within Lord Riou, Lepant is reminded of a person that should rightfully stand in the position of Presidency. They can delopy about 5,000 troops immediately, and gives us the choice of who would lead them. I usually choose Kasumi over Valeria because choosing Kasumi allows certain recruits to be obtained earlier. There is supposed to be a special scene with Valeria if you skip recuriting Anita at Muse, and recruit her at Banner Village instead, but, of course, I've never seen it, and I certainly can't see it this play-through. So, it will be Kasumi yet again. Maybe, one day, I will choose Valeria.
--Session 3--
I breifly return to Dunan Castle with Kasumi in tow. This might be a good time to recruit people. However, given that I still get chased out of Radat, perhaps I cannot recruit until after Luca's death? I'll at least see what happens when I attempt to recruit the ninja in Rokkakau. I have this particular feeling that I tried this very thing for my LP of the game as well. Still, as long as I've got a hard save in Banner Village with Kasumi in my party, what's the harm in checking it out?
Grandia 2
--Session 1--
Our next objective is to cross the Baked Plains, called so because the cliffs have hot gysers that can damage us if we're not careful.
The Baked Plains also houses one side of the Granacliffs, a deep scar that was carved into the earth as aftermath of the Battle Between Good and Evil, when Valmar and Granas fought against each other some centiries ago. We camp nearby, as we have traveled enough for today. This camp also houses our next episode of "Grandians Like Their Food".
<---------->
-Elena (surprised)
The Granacliffs are incredible!
-Elena (worried)
You must see the to believe them. The world is really in a pitiful state.
-Roan (annoyed)
It sure is a hassle that the world is splitin half by these Granacliffs.
-Roan
Now I remember! It was the Battle of Good and Evil that made these Granacliffs, right?
-Roan (happy)
Miss Elena, would you tell me about the Battle of Good and Evil?
-Elena
I don't really know much myself, but, they say, long ago, the people lived happily, bathed in the light of Lord Granas. Then, Valmar came and tried to take the light from the people. And so begain the Battle of Good and Evil. At the battle's end, Lord Granas' sword, which he raised to cut down Valmar, went right through Valmar into the earth, creating a huge fissure across the land. And that is how the Granacliffs came to be.
-Elena
But it cannot be helped. If Lord Granas had not defeated Valmar, hyst think what would come of the world?
-Roan
Now that you mention Valmar, the Devil of Darkness, can you feel Miss Millenia, Miss Elena?
-Elena
I cannot believe it! That Valmar is inside me. People must not be caught by Darkness. They will be able to live only in Darkness. They will no longer feel for other people. Darkness warps a person's soul. If someone is truly caught by Darkness, that person will have no future.
-Ryudo (thinking)
Hrm. Then, I guess I've no future either.
-Ryudo (thinking)
This is getting shadier by the moment. For some reason, I don't see sunshine and puppy dogs in the near future.
-Roan (annoyed)
Mister Ryudo, you are niether wicked, nor a Dark One. Darkness is something completely different.
-Ryudo
You say "Darkness", I say "whirling votex of doom". What's the difference?
-Elena (worried)
I do not understand it myself, but, Darkness makes people sad and lonely. I hate it.
<---------->
That night, Elena cannot sleep due to a nightmare, and screamed in her sleep. In it, she saw some kind of tounge wrapped around her, devouring her. The crickets stop chirping, and Ryudo goes on high alert. The party is the assualted by a beastman. After we win, he feels something is amiss, and backs off. We demand an explanation of for his attack, and he explains that Ryudo has a similar scent to a person he's after by the name of Melfice.
After the beastman leaves, Elena probes for more information. The only thing Ryudo admits is that Melfice is his brother, and he would prefer not to live the nightmare of his memory again.
We arrive in Liligue City the next day. Which would normally cue another episode of "Grandians Like Their Food" at the inn, but, I'm not in the mood to transcribe it. Maybe another session?
I'm not sure if I like this format anymore. While technically more accurate to what I actually do, I feel it hampers my interest in playing. Though, this insistence that I transcribe certain scenes in Grandia 2 is probably not helping the matter either.
