ELIMINATOR'S PROFILE

Anybody have any version of Notes on the Second Mellynd War?

Anyone have Naufragar Crimson? The link on this thread (from almost a decade ago) does not work.

Well, I find the default DBS fun when I actually have lots of customization available for the characters, which SU did not lack. During the latter parts of the game I mostly enjoyed teaching new spells and equipping different perks on each of the three party members, buffing them up with stat increases, and then killing everything that stood in my path.

Lots of RM games with the DBS turn me off because the battles generally take forever and there are some serious balancing issues (dodge dodge dodge, or ABS meter filling at a snail's pace) where even grinding won't help. IMO, boss battles for example should consist of figuring out the proper strategy (the best way to hurt him/her/it) while surviving their attacks. Boss battles should never take longer than needed, and I shouldn't have to repeat the same strategy over, and over, and over, unless the boss changes their own patterns/forms. Yet many designers find it necessary to give the boss loads and loads of HP. Same with most regular encounters. Random encounters + enemies that take forever to kill = boring.

In any case, SU's DBS felt smooth and never tedious. The puzzles were rather frustrating, however...

First post should go to this thread:

Not in any particular order:

1) Exit Fate - Caught me by surprise. I was expecting some generic crap but got a complete, quality RPG. Could use some more balancing...

2) Last Scenario - I really don't know which one is better, this or Exit Fate. EF had more of a Suikoden feel while LS has the Final Fantasy/Dragon Quest feel. I played this only recently, and like EF I wasn't expecting much, really. Cliched as hell start, and plenty of plot holes and issues, but the game is polished and well-made.

3) Everlong - Cliche, cookie cutter RPG that goes on forever..long..hehehe... probably the longest RM2K/3 game I've played. The dialogue is very, very cheesy and it becomes a dungeon crawler near the end, but it contains plenty of polish and has a distinct, "complete" feel to it. Also it's constantly updated unlike many RM games (I believe the creator just released a new version).

4) A Blurred Line - Heh I actually haven't played this in forever. Can't really comment on much other than the plot and characters, as it left me wanting more and more. One of those games that get you addicted just because of the amazing story.

5) Notes of the Second Mellynd War - I play RPG Maker primarily for the story, unless they have some sort of custom gameplay mechanic that works wonders. NotSMW has some of the best characters and writing I've ever seen. Nothing much other than that, but like ABL I could not let go of this interactive story as I kept wanting to see what would happen next. Most excellent.

6) Starless Umbra - On the other side of the spectrum, this game has a weak storyline... sure there are lots of interesting events but NOTHING gets answered by how far it's been going, and I get the feeling I'm more than halfway through at the end of the most recent release. However it makes up for it with some of the best gameplay and custom systems I've seen in an RM game. Even the DBS was fun.

7) Naufragar Crimson - I just liked the style and setting, as it was very visually pleasing (had that tropical feel similar to Chrono Cross and FFX). Didn't care for the story, but whatever, it had me hooked.

8) Legion Saga II - Short but sweet. Lots of problems here and there but it was great at the time. LS3 was also nice, but too hyped up for its own good.

9) Shichimenchouken - One of those games that was just odd. I probably would have stopped playing it right away but I had nothing else to do so I kept playing it. I liked the trading and battlefield systems, even if they were nothing much. Lots of great ideas and original characters/setting, too bad we will never see anything on this again.

10) The Way - ALMOST great, well-written, lots of plot development. Then it all falls off and dies at the end of Episode 5 (literally too). Episode 6 was terrible and ruined everything. Now I can't replay this game because when I get to Episode 5 I just start to realize how much better the story could've been... Best episode: 4.


Honorable Mentions

Balmung Cycle
Final Fantasy Endless Nova
Exile
Kindred Saga
Aurora Wing
Legend of the Philosopher's Stone (overhyped, will never get finished, could care less, but it had me hooked. Loved the battle system)
Easy Mac


Games I Could Never Get Into

Demon Legacy - one day I will, it just seems too generic for my tastes
Hero's Realm - too much effort to play through, I need more story
Alter Aila - I don't know what the fuss is all about. I do like the new side scroller though