The Black Mage Village (Final Fantasy)

[MrConeman]

I have this feeling that Crisis Core is going to go by un-appreciated, because Dirge of Cerberus was so completely average. Crisis Core is anything but so far, really good game.

[fingers mccoy]

hell yeh

currently doing the last tonberry mission

for some reason i havent had a single modulation phase for the entire tonberry saga

but it's awesome cause i pretty much never take any hits and i now have barrier so even if i do the max damage they do is about 150, a tenth of my hp

i bet there are people who dont ever roll who play this

rolling is the greatest thing ever, especially considering how ****ing long it takes to kill stuff

edit: oh **** i didnt know it took up AP

[Echleon]

Crisis Core was an excellent game, probably the best i've played this year but I had two major problems.

1) It was so damn short. I completed it in 10 hours, and that was even doing some of the extra missions. Once I completed the main story, I had no desire to do all of the extra missions and what-not.

2) The DMW was pretty dire, especially as you couldn't skip the damn cut-scenes that seemed to happen every 5 seconds.

[fingers mccoy]

that's why you do the extra missions at the beginning

because it makes you feel like a huge badass and i think the game is structured in such a way that it helps you keep the difficulty curve uniform

i mean don't do all of them at the beginning but i'm pretty sure the game doesn't let you do that

like, doing the first chapter of the wutai missions at the beginning made me very good at combat, so that i very very rarely take hits from enemies that i encounter more than once

[Anglachel]

I got FFTA2 :)

Its pretty easy so far

[MrConeman]

I was watching my friend playing today, whoever mentioned the lack of rolling is correct, I dodge all the time, watching him fighting actually put me in physical pain because he just wouldnt roll.


2) The DMW was pretty dire, especially as you couldn't skip the damn cut-scenes that seemed to happen every 5 seconds.
It's annoying that it's so random, and happens with battles when you could kill the enemy in one attack, but I was able to skip the cutscenes :confused:

[lordi]

hmm .. i have bought all the final fantasys for the ps1/ps2
got from 6-12 .. and 11 for the pc, but i didn't have a good enough graphics card so that was a bummer :(
but yeah .. diehard fan .. not been on this in 2 and a half years :)
gona come on it alot more often .. i had a main account called 'andyhainey' but i forgot the password for it :(
hope to talk to yous all more about this

FF7 & FF10 = The best :-D

[Anglachel]

I've got 25 hours on FFTA2 and i'm not even a quarter done

[Chrysostom]

30 hours into FFXII. I've just killed the Garuda outside Raithwall's tomb and am about to go in. I have to say the licence board isn't as clean cut a system for specializing your characters as I had hoped, but I guess I'll have to live with it. I still want to marry this game, it's so awesome.

[lordi]

yeah its a superb game - i dont really like raithwalls tomb - its annoying - too many god damn bats !! arghh

[fatbandit]

FFXII was a HUGE letdown. Although the combat system worked, and the graphics were great, it just didn't sit right for me.

I got to the end, and the story was just so dire. And that's the best bit of an FF game to me. I can't explain why, it just didn't grab me like the other games.

On the other hand... Ashe (y)

It was pretty easy to abuse the combat system too I thought.

You could tell it was done by the same guy who did Vagrant Story. Which to me did make it a lot cooler :p

[spitfirejunky]

I didn't think it was a huge letdown, but combining VS and FF was admittedly a bad idea.

Vagrant Story was an absolutely amazing game in its own right.

[fatbandit]

I always kick myself for never finishing VS. I just got hugely stuck. Which is a pity because it was awesome up until the point I got stuck at!

I dunno, I enjoyed playing the game, and I got into it while I was playing. But I got to the end and thought... weffle. That had poopty story and it was pretty bland.

I'd just be disappointed if FFXIII was more of the same as XII. It was too much of a departure from the other FF games I think. Infact, I think that's the problem. If it wasn't an FF, it would have been a masterpiece - but it was lacking in FF-ness that other games had.

[MAthiAS]

I always kick myself for never finishing VS. I just got hugely stuck. Which is a pity because it was awesome up until the point I got stuck at!

I dunno, I enjoyed playing the game, and I got into it while I was playing. But I got to the end and thought... weffle. That had poopty story and it was pretty bland.

I'd just be disappointed if FFXIII was more of the same as XII. It was too much of a departure from the other FF games I think. Infact, I think that's the problem. If it wasn't an FF, it would have been a masterpiece - but it was lacking in FF-ness that other games had.
No if it wasn't FF it would have been just another crap RPG that noone bought.

[Timm]

No if it wasn't FF it would have been just another crap RPG that noone bought.

this

I started two games in FFXII and both times I just forgot to play it after about 10-15 hours. The graphics are nice and I really digg the combat system tbqh but I just didn't care about the characters, stories or scenery. I wrote several posts on this in this thread, it was such a big let down. The game really feels like someone sucked out all its life

[spitfirejunky]

Maybe outside of Japan. The game received insane ratings, and not because it was a FF.

[lordi]

i agree guys - the graphics and stuff were top notch, but the story lacked..it didnt make me belive that it was an FF ..

FF7 , FF8 & FF10 On the other hand - Best story lines .. of all time ? :) x

[fatbandit]

I have a mad urge to play FFIX again, but have no idea where my copy is :(

VI or VII for best story though IMO.

On another note, I kind of listened to the new BM album today... I like the Bombing Mission piano sound ^_^ And that singing...? No.

[Anglachel]

I don't like VIII :)

[fatbandit]

I played through VIII again recently, but got bored at the beginning of disc 4. Stopped right before Ultimecia. It is way too easy. Good game though, but goddamn Squall is a whiney bitch.

[spitfirejunky]

Aw crap, it's like we're complete opposites or something.

VIII remains my favorite.

[Smokey D]

I think 8 kinda fell flat by pulling a bait and switch with the villain. Edea was much more badass than Ultemecia.

Final Fantasy story lines tend to be very repetitive, at least as far as I've played (only til 9).

[fatbandit]

Yeah... They are. I think having FFVIII on the PC killed it for me. It sucks hard on the PC.

And I think that's perhaps why everyone likes FFVII's story most... because the stories are nearly always very similar, the first one people play sticks out as being the most original. And most people seem to have played VII first because it was on the Playstation. Hey, it's a theory.

[Happy]

They're not all that similar, I can think of worse.

[Mister_Che]

I think 8 kinda fell flat by pulling a bait and switch with the villain. Edea was much more badass than Ultemecia.

In all fairness though, since Edea was being possessed by Ultimecia, you've been fighting Ultimecia this whole time.

[Happy]

Ultimecia was badass but it would've been better if she had appeared as herself more prominently in the game.

[Anglachel]

Aw crap, it's like we're complete opposites or something.

VIII remains my favorite.
I just didnt have as much fun on it as others :[

[spitfirejunky]

I think 8 kinda fell flat by pulling a bait and switch with the villain. Edea was much more badass than Ultemecia.

Final Fantasy story lines tend to be very repetitive, at least as far as I've played (only til 9).

In all fairness though, since Edea was being possessed by Ultimecia, you've been fighting Ultimecia this whole time.

Exactly. My problem with FFVIII was the terrible dialogue. The only people who didn't sound plastic when they spoke were Laguna and his crew.

The plot was great though.

[Mister_Che]

And Biggs and Wedge.

[spitfirejunky]

I always kick myself for never finishing VS. I just got hugely stuck. Which is a pity because it was awesome up until the point I got stuck at!

I dunno, I enjoyed playing the game, and I got into it while I was playing. But I got to the end and thought... weffle. That had poopty story and it was pretty bland.

What didn't you like about the story exactly? Not trying to bait you into an argument I'm just curious.

I particularly liked the way they played out the concept of darkness. I didn't get the whole try-to-imitate-Shakespeare thing, I think it would have been just as good without it.

[spitfirejunky]

And Biggs and Wedge.

Well to be honest there are many exceptions. We can agree that Zell was a fag (not gay, just fag).

[fatbandit]

Haha, I actually liked Zell. He was the only one who I actually believed to be the age he was supposed to be. And his limit was pretty awesome.

What didn't I like about XII's story? You know, I'm not sure. I can't put my finger on it. I just didn't connect with it. The sidequests didn't seem to add anything to the main story arc, they just seemed to be there to get special items. Wasn't very epic. 'Stop a war' doesn't do it for me :/ It just seemed like the story took a proper back seat to the gameplay I think too. I can't fault the gameplay much though. Like I say, I enjoyed playing it, but didn't feel satisfied when I'd finished it.

[MrConeman]

What I didnt like about XII's story is that it didn't actually have one, I looked.

[Anglachel]

Also page 420 (40 ppp) >.>

Yeah, the only characters i liked in VIII were Laguna and his crew

Zell annoyed the **** out of me
Squall was a baby
etc.etc.

[JerrySanders]

I really hope XIII is gonna be great but I'm not sure if they can make memorable characters and a good story without Hironobu Sakaguchi and I heard XIII isn't gonna have Nobuo Uematsu composing the music.

[spitfirejunky]

Aw crap, the Fathers have left gaming.

[Happy]

What I didnt like about XII's story is that it didn't actually have one, I looked.

It didn't, it was like GO DO THIS FOR 40 HOURS YOU WIN.

I really hope XIII is gonna be great but I'm not sure if they can make memorable characters and a good story without Hironobu Sakaguchi and I heard XIII isn't gonna have Nobuo Uematsu composing the music.
You know, I read a GameFAQ's top 10 list of game music and out of everything he chose FFXII. FFXII's music was the worst ever and his reason was because Nobuo didn't do it.

/rage.

[Kingofdudes]

What I didnt like about XII's story is that it didn't actually have one, I looked.

That's just retarded

[bringonthebreakdown]

i know this has probably been said about 6000 times, but ff7 ftmfw.

[JerrySanders]

Final Fantasy X ftw! I've been thinking about ordering a copy of X and buying another ps2 to play since I sold my old ps2. I might do it.

[fatbandit]

So Quina was actually an awesome character! Discuss.

Auto Life + Limit Glove = win.

[JerrySanders]

I'm downloading the Black Mages three albums right now woot.

[Happy]

So Quina was actually an awesome character! Discuss.

Auto Life + Limit Glove = win.

She was alright. I don't see why everyone hated her but she wasn't good to have in the party at all times.

[lordi]

i didn't like her simply because she looked like a giant marshamallow/chef/beast - i mean .. ftw ? and i dislike all this blabering about how the story in FFXII wasnt that great - but i mean come on ? .. its not as if its the worst - my fav story line would have to be FFX - but X-2 ? i mean omfg - S**test story line ever ? ..
it was a real disappointment - i almost ruined FFX for me.

[fatbandit]

Never played X-2. Don't think I ever will :p

[Anglachel]

I only found X to be good around the time you get to Zanarkand and after.

[Phalanx]

That's just retarded

It did have a story, it just felt that the characters you controlled played very little part in it.

[lordi]

yeah i know, its not really as if the story has one main character - they all play big roles in the game which kinda ruined it, whereas
FF7 - Cloud
FF8 - Squall
FF9 - Zidane
FF10 - Tidus

if y'know what i mean. :)

[Anglachel]

I havent played 12, but RW definitely has Vaan as the head character and Vaan and Penelo are in FFTA2 (im not far enough to know if anyone else is)

Also I wonder if spell names in CTDS will get name changes to do away with 1s, 2s and 3s

[fatbandit]

I prefer Fire3 to Firaga :/

[Phalanx]

I prefer Fire3 to Firaga :/

That's cos ur a faget

yeah i know, its not really as if the story has one main character - they all play big roles in the game which kinda ruined it, whereas
FF7 - Cloud
FF8 - Squall
FF9 - Zidane
FF10 - Tidus

Yeah, and we all loved those games because we knew which character we had to care about and roleplay with. In FF12, it got all up its own *** in the political **** in Ivalice (much like in the original FFT i guess) and as such, i just couldn't really engage with the plot.

[Anglachel]

Who did you 'roleplay' as in 6 then

[fatbandit]

Neither of them mentioned 6. I think Terra was really the main one in 6, but I always felt like the 'leader' was Edgar or Sabin in my party.

In other news, just started a new game of 7. Not really sure why. Maybe I should try a challenge. I did a solo character, no materia, initial equip challenge a while back, but got totally stuck at Carry Armor :/

[Phalanx]

Neither of them mentioned 6. I think Terra was really the main one in 6, but I always felt like the 'leader' was Edgar or Sabin in my party.

Hell yes I always was RPing Edgar. He was awesome.

[Anglachel]

My party leaders were always Edgar, Locke and Mog or Shadow

[fatbandit]

Meh. Shadow never felt like a leader. Neither did Mog. Locke, I can see.

[Anglachel]

My parties were usually
Edgar
Sabin
Terra
Setzer

Locke
Celes
Cyan
Gau

Shadow
Relm
Strago
Mog

[Chrysostom]

I don't think I've died in any FF as much as I have been doing in FFXII. This game can really get quite hard.

[Mister_Che]

FFXIII confirmed for Xbox 360.

[Happy]

I thought there was going to be a different version on each console anyway?

[Mister_Che]

XIII and VS. were both going to be on PS3. Not no mores, but I don't think anything official has been announced concerning VS.

[Timm]

I don't think I've died in any FF as much as I have been doing in FFXII. This game can really get quite hard.

FFXII was kinda low-medium difficulty-wise compared to most other rpg's imo. but for a FF it was pretty hard sometimes. I only played the first 15 hours though :p

[Mister_Che]

FFXIII VS. confirmed to be PS3 exclusive.

[Timm]

ok...




what's the difference between XIII and XIII VS @_@

[Mister_Che]

Not really sure. :I

[Timm]

Off to Wikipedia!

:supermanflyingpose:

ok, now I'm even more confuzzled =(

also;
A blond, bandanna-wearing male who has been shown riding Shiva in her motorcycle form, wielding a gun. He is a big character, capable of running while carrying two people around.[11] He was nicknamed "Mr 33 cm" by the staff of Final Fantasy XIII because of his shoe size.[16] He has been described as "cowboy like", and his relationship with Lightning as "unusual"
O_o

I have a feeling this game is going to incredibly awesome or really terrible =|

[Anglachel]

lol@FFV13 wiki article

"realistic" characters and world

D:

[spitfirejunky]

A blond, bandanna-wearing male who has been shown riding Shiva in her motorcycle form, wielding a gun. He is a big character, capable of running while carrying two people around.[11] He was nicknamed "Mr 33 cm" by the staff of Final Fantasy XIII because of his shoe size.[16] He has been described as "cowboy like", and his relationship with Lightning as "unusual"

lolwut

GF Transformers!

[Anglachel]

How the hell is a motorcycle supposed to have any connection to ice?

[Phalanx]

lol FFXIII - confirmed for X360.

[Phill]

I am a bit excited about the news of it coming to Xbox

Finally I will be able to play a new Final Fantasy without buying a new console :D

[Happy]

From what you guys have told me about Shiva being a motorcyle and the guy being a cowboy, I am probably going to hate this game.

[Phalanx]

Ok, I think I'm actually addicted to FFTA2 now.

[fatbandit]

These games should come with difficulty settings. I love FF7, but I'm dicking all over it :/

[FakePlasticTrees]

Sony fan boys are weeping right now.

[spitfirejunky]

It was bound to happen. PS3 is still too slow in picking up sales.

[Anglachel]

Ok, I think I'm actually addicted to FFTA2 now.
yesyesyes
I've got 53 hours and 134 missions completed

From what you guys have told me about Shiva being a motorcyle and the guy being a cowboy, I am probably going to hate this game.

me2 :(

Wiki said when Shiva isnt a motorcycle, shes twins.
wat

[Phalanx]

Sony fan boys are weeping right now.

Yeah, the PS3 is finished now. And to think I was going to buy a PS3 just for Final Fantasy XIII.

[MrConeman]

I have to say it's going to take alot between now and FFXIII's release to convince me to actually buy it, seems dire, though you can't really *not* improve on XII :/
But yeah who actually cares that it's going to Xbox? It's not like they've taken it off PS3.
The PS3 is certainly not finished. FF may be a very strong selling title, but it hasn't been a strong quality one since the 90's.

[Anglachel]

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=k-uTnqYHZ-I


oh god his voice

[fatbandit]

No, MGS4 and FFXIII were the only things keeping the PS3 afloat as far as I can see ;p

That guy is awesome btw.

[MAthiAS]

MGS4 and FFXIII were the only things keeping the PS3 afloat as far as I can see
This.

[Liberi Fatali]

Look at the sales for Final Fantasy X & XII. They sold 3 million and 2.4 million in Japan alone. PS3 has an installed base of about 2.25million in Japan. PS3 still should benefit from the release of Final Fantasy XIII.

Then looking outside Japan, we see that Versus XIII is still PS3 exclusive (I'd imagine there is still a chance of it swinging though).

Then you look at the game itself, and realise that they will not begin developing the Xbox 360 port till after releasing it in Japan. As far as I'm aware porting a game and localising it would take longer than just localising it, so the 360 version should be released after the PS3 version. I don't see why gamers will say hey I'm going to get a port of FFXIII later on with a 360 than say hey I'm going to get FFXIII with a PS3. Sure less 360 owners will buy a PS3, but that aint a huge blow.

I'm annoyed about the news, but as long as I get my XIII on my PS3 I'm still happy. :)

And as for the PS3 dying, that is retarded. The PS3 is finally building up steam. It's sales are on par for what the PS2 was at in its life cycle and it sold over 100 million and is still selling!

[Happy]

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=k-uTnqYHZ-I


oh god his voice

"I don't know if you know much about Japanese culture, but I'm an expert."

Well, that's a given.

[spitfirejunky]

I stopped at about 0:06.

[Anglachel]

You should see all of it

"Here is a toast to you" (or something like that)

/holds up wine glass full of milk

[JerrySanders]

Seeing Final Fantasy 13 at the Microsoft E3 conference was incredible. First Microsoft makes surprised when they announce Star Ocean 4 as an exclusive or timed exclusive then they announce that they are getting Final Fantasy 13, it's ****ing great but it's a shame how we wont hear Uematsus music in XIII.

[Happy]

I don't know why that guy was so pissed off, it doesn't even sound good so far.

[MAthiAS]

I think everyone is just hoping against hope that they can recapture some of the greatness of the PSX/SNES FFs.

So... I'm replaying Myst right now. How good is this game, seriously this is amazing.

I also want to play that old Square RPG Saga Frontier. Man that game had the coolest cover but I never did end up buying it.

[Kingofdudes]

The SaGa games are great, I have both of them as ISO's. The second one's art is outstanding

[Chrysostom]

I think everyone is just hoping against hope that they can recapture some of the greatness of the PSX/SNES FFs.

What do you guys think has actually gone wrong with FF titles since the run of high quality titles from VI - IX?

[Happy]

Storylines have gone way downhill, stupid characters and voice acting was a mistake. In X everyone was American which annoyed me, XII improved but they need to do away with that kind of voice for the lead.


Amongst other things.

[fatbandit]

I don't mind the voice acting toooo much.

And I thought they cast Cloud spot on with Steve Burton as soon as I heard him in Kingdom Hearts. I could have easily listened to that all the way through FF7 and not thought it was bad.

[Anglachel]

Storylines have gone way downhill, stupid characters and voice acting was a mistake. In X everyone was American which annoyed me, XII improved but they need to do away with that kind of voice for the lead.


Amongst other things.

Sometimes I think of how VI could have been ruined if they did this (if VI were to have voices)

You can't expect Edgar and Cyan to have similar accents.


Also voices in FFIV remake...

[MAthiAS]

Storylines have gone way downhill, stupid characters and voice acting was a mistake. In X everyone was American which annoyed me, XII improved but they need to do away with that kind of voice for the lead.


Amongst other things.
Ya pretty much.

Lack of world map also bad but not major.

[Happy]

I don't mind the voice acting toooo much.

And I thought they cast Cloud spot on with Steve Burton as soon as I heard him in Kingdom Hearts. I could have easily listened to that all the way through FF7 and not thought it was bad.

That's one thing they got right, although Sephiroth was voiced by a member of N-Sync in that game, he didn't have a lot to say though :)

[fingers mccoy]

What do you guys think has actually gone wrong with FF titles since the run of high quality titles from VI - IX?

nothing, really. X and XII are some of the best final fantasy games. The idea that VI or IX had a particularly good storyline is laughable, although in those games characterisation was extremely bold, whereas in the later games the characters have tended towards androgyny and homogeneity.

[Timm]

you don't like zero punctuation. your opinion is invalid :p

jk


I like how every FF is like omg-kill-super-villain at first and then omg-super-villain-is-actually-a-pretty nice guy/puppet-under-the-influence-of-the-ULTRAVILLAIN and still they entertain me :)

And I find it funny how most people don't see that Jenova is the root of all evil in VII

[Chrysostom]

Storylines have gone way downhill, stupid characters and voice acting was a mistake. In X everyone was American which annoyed me, XII improved but they need to do away with that kind of voice for the lead.


Amongst other things.

It annoys me intensely that, despite it being a Japanese made game, in XII all the good guys are American and the evil Archadian characters are British. It's like they've fallen back on the equally annoying "valiant America vs. the tyrannical British Empire" symbolism from all those "sword-and-sandals" classical epics that Hollywood churned out in the 50s and 60s - the underdog hero was always some handsome, courageous American and the evil Roman emperor was always English.

[Happy]

Yeah, that is pretty annoying but at least in XII Balthier was English.

[Jim]

balthier ftw

[Chrysostom]

Yeah, that is pretty annoying but at least in XII Balthier was English.

Yeah, that's true. And so was Fran for that matter. But they picked the wrong guy for voicing Balthier. He's meant to be 22, but the actor is in his 30s, and it sounds that way too.

balthier ftw

That's also true. One of the best characters in the game. Alongside Basch. He's my main fighting machine.

By the way, anyone know if you get anything good for defeating Ba'gaman and his crew in the Lhusu Mines? Because I took Balthier's advice and ran away from him, yet he's entered in my clan primer as a completed boss fight. Do I not get to fight him again then? Because I've just finished the Henne Mines and I haven't fought him again since Lhusu, and I don't want to have missed something good.

[Happy]

Yeah, that's true. And so was Fran for that matter. But they picked the wrong guy for voicing Balthier. He's meant to be 22, but the actor is in his 30s, and it sounds that way too.

By the way, anyone know if you get anything good for defeating Ba'gaman and his crew in the Lhusu Mines? Because I took Balthier's advice and ran away from him, yet he's entered in my clan primer as a completed boss fight. Do I not get to fight him again then? Because I've just finished the Henne Mines and I haven't fought him again since Lhusu, and I don't want to have missed something good.

I didn't know that, he sounded far older than 22, I thought 40's. He didn't look young either.
Fran's voice was awesome, I love it.

And I ran from that boss fight, far too difficult for me. I don't know if they turn up again because I haven't played it in so long.

[fatbandit]

Running is what you're supposed to do. Unless you're totally totally overpowered for that section, I don't think you would have an easy time defeating them.

I really didn't like Balthier myself. The only characters I liked were Ashe (kind of) and Basch to be honest.

[MAthiAS]

Balthier, Fran, Ashe, and Basch were all okay characters IMO.

[Phalanx]

I really didn't like Balthier myself. The only characters I liked were Ashe (kind of) and Basch to be honest.

Exactly the same for me, I can appreciate that Balthier was a likeable character but Basch reminded me of Solid Snake so I just HAD to use him.

[Anglachel]

Haven't played XII, but once I got Basch in RW he quickly replaced Vaan as my melee fighter.


Also were Tactics and Tactics Advance endings good, and did Advance's ending alter the more missions you did?

Because I finished FFTA2s main story and the ending was bleh

[MAthiAS]

If you haven't played Tactics you need to do so right now but I don't really remember the ending haha.

[Kingofdudes]

Tactics had a good ending, Tactics advanced 1 sucked

[Anglachel]

I hope it gets better the more missions I complete
I havent recruiter Al-Cid or Montblanc yet so...

I was emulating Tactics but its ****ing hard

[Phalanx]

nothing, really. X and XII are some of the best final fantasy games.

:lol:

[Happy]

I'd be laughing more at X tbh.

[fingers mccoy]

both x and xii were better rpgs than the majority of ffs

ix and vii are still my favourite

[Matt?]

i'm playing ff IV at the moment. it's the first final fantasy i've played. kinda not that into it. it sucks not being able to run from the countless battles.

[MAthiAS]

I'd be laughing more at X tbh.
Same.

both x and xii were better rpgs than the majority of ffs
Which do you think they were better than?

[Anglachel]

i'm playing ff IV at the moment. it's the first final fantasy i've played. kinda not that into it. it sucks not being able to run from the countless battles.
IV was the first I played. I ran from so many battles that it took me months to finally beat Zeromus. Also losing gil when you ran :|


Also the remake for DS is supposed to be released in NA today

[spitfirejunky]

I think fingersmccoy was referring to the fact that they consistently rated much higher than those games. Maybe not so much X but XII was off the charts.

[Happy]

I know, XII got great reviews. Obviously they didn't have enough time to play it.

[Kingofdudes]

I think a lot of people in this thread just fear change a bit too much. Nobody seems to be happy with any FF game since IX

[fatbandit]

I really enjoyed X except those bloody Trials D:

And I enjoyed playing through XII, but I just felt disappointed when I finished it :/

[MrConeman]

I liked X a good bit, just the voice acting was pathetic other than Auron. XII was just urgh, I'm pretty sure I'm finished with FF it's the least consistent series there is. Suikoden ftw.

[fatbandit]

Each character should have had their own licence board I reckon ¬_¬

My copy of FF7 crashed in the FMV in Rocket Town. I'm not happy :( I hope it doesn't happen next time, or I'm gonna have to take it to a game shop to get it cleaned :/

[Anglachel]

10 was boring because I knew how it was going to work out from the beginning (no research)

The only nice twist was learning that Tidus was going to disappear and his Zanarkand was a dream.

[Happy]

Each character should have had their own licence board I reckon ¬_¬

My copy of FF7 crashed in the FMV in Rocket Town. I'm not happy :( I hope it doesn't happen next time, or I'm gonna have to take it to a game shop to get it cleaned :/

I know mine's not gonna hold out any longer, which is a real shame because I know its pretty much impossible to find new copies these days.

[Echleon]

So i've played abit of the FFIV remake for DS. It's pretty good so far - some nice graphics, but the touch screen really isn't utilised well in battle.

[fingers mccoy]

ok my list of favs

ix
vii
iv
xii
x
vi
viii
v
iii
ii
i

i only like iv in particular because it's so funny, and the original version is so hard.

i used to hate x and xii, but replayed them and realised how well designed they are.

[Timm]

VII's story, materia system and places + XII's battle system and free roaming would be so awesome

[Happy]

XII's battle system made things extremely easy I think.

[Echleon]

The battle system in XII is horrible, the game literaly plays itself.

[Happy]

I played without gambits, I couldn't stand them.

[Chrysostom]

I played without gambits, I couldn't stand them.

Frankly the gambit system is one of the best inventions ever. Not having to tell my team to attack every time is truly awesome. And the fact that you can overrule the gambits at any time allows for a great fight experience.

I think a lot of people in this thread just fear change a bit too much.

That's what it sounds like to me. Where FF is deteriorating is in characterization. But I would argue that there were inklings of that decline as far back as IX. Most (though not all, as in X and XII) characters seemed flat to me. I didn't care for them much and their back stories were pretty weak I thought.

[MAthiAS]

Gambits were fine and it was nice not having random battles. The thing that really sucked in XII as far as the battle system goes was the limit breaks. Man were those things tedious.

Where FF is deteriorating is in characterization. But I would argue that there were inklings of that decline as far back as IX. Most (though not all, as in X and XII) characters seemed flat to me. I didn't care for them much and their back stories were pretty weak I thought.
This is very true.

My main complaint about X's story was how predictable it was. And in XII I just didn't care about the story at all.

[fingers mccoy]

The battle system in XII is horrible, the game literaly plays itself.

:lol:

extremely clueless

[Timm]

XII battle system is the best ever tbqh. it made grinding comfortable yet it was possible to take total control whenever needed. I'd say the bosses were a bit too easy but then again I only played 15 hours into it ever. because the rest of the game is incedibly bland. at least in the first 15 hours. and in my opinion.

and no fcuking random encounters. I hated when I was walking around on the world map for a bloody minute without getting a fight when I wanted to level and getting one every few steps when I wanted to fcuking go somewhere :mad:

[fingers mccoy]

who here used negalmuur to level up like crazy overnight

[Echleon]

:lol:

extremely clueless

Not really, if I wanted a game where I would run around picking my fights and attacking in real time I would play WoW or something.

Final Fantasy has always been about random encounters and turn-based combat, I don't see why they felt the need to change a formula that had worked so well for many years. ATB is returning in XIII and I for one cannot wait.

Not having to tell my team to attack every time is truly awesome.

But then you're not really playing the game are you? I just don't see the fun in having the party auto-heal each other when they get below or certain amount of HP, or having a character constantly attack the nearest enemy without having to do anything.

[Phalanx]

Not really, if I wanted a game where I would run around picking my fights and attacking in real time I would play WoW or something.

Final Fantasy has always been about random encounters and turn-based combat, I don't see why they felt the need to change a formula that had worked so well for many years. ATB is returning in XIII and I for one cannot wait.



But then you're not really playing the game are you? I just don't see the fun in having the party auto-heal each other when they get below or certain amount of HP, or having a character constantly attack the nearest enemy without having to do anything.

this

[Kingofdudes]

Not really, if I wanted a game where I would run around picking my fights and attacking in real time I would play WoW or something.

Final Fantasy has always been about random encounters and turn-based combat, I don't see why they felt the need to change a formula that had worked so well for many years. ATB is returning in XIII and I for one cannot wait.


My point proven, go ahead and just play your old games over and over and circle jerk about the good old days. Things change, companies aren't going to keep releasing the same crap again and again.

You sound like one of those retarded classic rock fans that don't think anything good has been released since 1989

[Phalanx]

Things change

In case of Final Fantasy XIII, the development team plans a more speedy take on the good old ATB system, which will include a traditional input scheme for commands. The battle system will also include new effects, such as slowing down the flow of time.

companies aren't going to keep releasing the same crap again and again.

http://blogs.columbiatribune.com/gameover/Nintendo-logo-741774.jpg

[fatbandit]

TBH, Kingdom Hearts had a Gambit system, near enough. And I loved that game. Even though the gameplay was basically 'run in circles, hit R1, batter X'. So the Gambits in FFXII aren't THAT bad, y'know? I just prefer the old system. BUT if they were to have used that in a real time game, it would suck. So I see exactly why that system is there. And I have no qualms with it. I just would have preferred a better all round game.

In short... Kingdom Hearts > FFXII.

[Anglachel]

I hated when I was walking around on the world map for a bloody minute without getting a fight when I wanted to level and getting one every few steps when I wanted to fcuking go somewhere

it only feels that way. Makes me wish FF had a sort of Sweet Water/Foul Water item from Lufia

[Smokey D]

That's what it sounds like to me. Where FF is deteriorating is in characterization. But I would argue that there were inklings of that decline as far back as IX. Most (though not all, as in X and XII) characters seemed flat to me. I didn't care for them much and their back stories were pretty weak I thought.

Characterisation declines soon after you play more than 2 of the games because you begin to realise that all the characters fit the same basic archetypes and the way in which they're fleshed out is virtually always the same.

Which is why I think so many people like 7 and 8.

[Jim]

perhaps there's truth to your theory. my first two FF games were IX and X respectively, and they are both my favourites. VI and VII were fantastic but kind of predictable when i played them. and i'm completely indifferent to VIII and XII.

this was the order i played them in.

[Phalanx]

perhaps there's truth to your theory. my first two FF games were IX and X respectively, and they are both my favourites. VI and VII were fantastic but kind of predictable when i played them. and i'm completely indifferent to VIII and XII.

this was the order i played them in.

I think that pretty much settles it.

The only game which in my eyes stands out for its characters (maybe not plural) is FFVIII and that's simply because Squall was such an emo at the beginning.

[Jim]

lol. squall was a miserable sap wasn't he?

[Timm]

actaully squall was grunge and not emo ;)

[Happy]

I think he was just a loner. I doubt grunge and emo exist in the FF world lol.

[Echleon]

My point proven, go ahead and just play your old games over and over and circle jerk about the good old days. Things change, companies aren't going to keep releasing the same crap again and again.

You sound like one of those retarded classic rock fans that don't think anything good has been released since 1989

My point proven, they are bringing back ATB in XIII, which means that the battle system in XII couldn't have been as great as you make out.

Of course things need to change, I have no problems with franchises and companies changing, the problem I have is when they change things for the worse. I find a battle system where you can get to the point where you don't even have to control any of the characters, and let the game play itself very unfun and not to my tastes.

I'm sorry if my opinion differs to yours, better called the internet police on me bro.

[Anglachel]

You guys know its not the same ATB right?

Sure, theres a bar that helps determine what you do, but it doesnt need to be full to work. It just needs to load to a certain point to use certain moves. Its not good ol' Final Fantasy.

EDIT: Final Fantasy isnt the only series using the same kind of people for heroes, I'm sure every RPG has the same kind of people in it, so I never bother about the characters. I'm sure if I was a bit more awake I'd come up with some nice comparisons.

My qualms are always with the story and gameplay. Sometimes a character pisses me off (Tidus, Squall) for just being stupid but I wont let it bug me too much because almost every RPG has the same people.


EDIT2: I'm sure of a lot of things eh?
I'm sure.

[Phalanx]

You guys know its not the same ATB right?

Sure, theres a bar that helps determine what you do, but it doesnt need to be full to work. It just needs to load to a certain point to use certain moves. Its not good ol' Final Fantasy.



Oh wow, that's cool. I think (in fact, i'm almost certain) i've played an RPG with a similar system.

As in, the longer you wait, the more powerful and numerous the skills available to you are. I just can't remember the said game.

[Anglachel]

Oh wow, that's cool. I think (in fact, i'm almost certain) i've played an RPG with a similar system.

As in, the longer you wait, the more powerful and numerous the skills available to you are. I just can't remember the said game.
I'm pretty sure I have too :-\

In keeping with command-based battles, players input commands by selection through a reel on the bottom-left hand side of the screen. Each command has an ATB cost, which reduces the total ATB bar. Selected commands are placed on a row of upcoming moves, above the bar. As characters fight, each command is used in turn, with the current command in use turning yellow. Commands can be chained together for certain effects. The environment also plays a role in battle; for instance, Lightning has been seen sending a soldier into a light, electrocuting him and multiplying the damage.

[Mister_Che]

Sure, theres a bar that helps determine what you do, but it doesnt need to be full to work. It just needs to load to a certain point to use certain moves.

That sound really freaking cool.

[Echleon]

You guys know its not the same ATB right?

Sure, theres a bar that helps determine what you do, but it doesnt need to be full to work. It just needs to load to a certain point to use certain moves. Its not good ol' Final Fantasy.

Yeah I read that it was a combination between ATB and RTB - they were aiming to make the battles like Advent Children or something.

[AA-12]

FFIV DS is raping me right now

[MAthiAS]

I think that pretty much settles it.

The only game which in my eyes stands out for its characters (maybe not plural) is FFVIII and that's simply because Squall was such an emo at the beginning.
I thought VIII was actually lacking as far as characters go, besides Squall and Rinoa. I mean all of them having the same backstory was different but a bit lame.

[Mister_Che]

I wish they had expanded on them as much as they did in VII.

[Phalanx]

I thought VIII was actually lacking as far as characters go, besides Squall and Rinoa. I mean all of them having the same backstory was different but a bit lame.

yeah, as I was writing that post I actually started thinking about it.

I still think Squall was quite a radical departure from the stereotypical RPG main character though.

[MAthiAS]

I still think Squall was quite a radical departure from the stereotypical RPG main character though.
I suppose, in a good way IMO.

[fatbandit]

Hmm, the only thing I've played that has an ATB system like that is...

FFVI. Hah. Cyan's SwordTech.

Anyone else play the LotR: The Two Towers game? My folks bought it for me a while back. Besides being pants, and about 5 hours long, the gameplay is 100% identical to FFX.

[Anglachel]

uh the one I have on the ps2 is nothing like ffx

[AA-12]

yeah wtf, that game is nothing like FFX

[fatbandit]

LOL

Maybe I'm imagining it o_O Oh wait, it was a LotR game I played on Xbox actually o_O Can't remember which one. I shall endeavour to find out!

EDIT: Lord of the Rings: The Third Age. That's the ticket. I r nub. Continue ^_^

[Happy]

I can't stand LotR anyway :)

[spitfirejunky]

LotRO is great. :)

[Happy]

You missed out a "not"

[Chrysostom]

Characterisation declines soon after you play more than 2 of the games because you begin to realise that all the characters fit the same basic archetypes and the way in which they're fleshed out is virtually always the same.

Which is why I think so many people like 7 and 8.

Not sure I agree with that. I can't think of any characters in IX - XII, be they main or supporting who were like cloud or squall. And they were different from each other. Nor can I think of a later equivalent of Vincent. Hmm, maybe Auron.
Even Vaan and Tidus aren't really alike. Vaan is considerably less annoying for a start.

[Smokey D]

Maybe I was too harsh but they all have the main (semi bushonen) character, the love interest (usually with a secondary love interest), the gruff tough guy who's heart is warmed by the innocent guy, the lone wolf with a bitter past and the annoying novelty character. And then there's the obligatory bishonen bad guy.

[Happy]

I think Vaan is both the main and annoying novelty character in XII.

[Chrysostom]

Haven't played XII, but once I got Basch in RW he quickly replaced Vaan as my melee fighter.

Basch is my main tank in XII proper. I love it that he's an axe and hammer specialist.

Anyone else notice that most of Balthier's guns are total crap compared to any other form of weapon you care to give him? I mean, he's equipped with the bowgun right now which pumps his attack power to 41, but the strongest gun I have in my inventory (the Sirius I think), takes it down to 14.

Maybe I was too harsh but they all have the main (semi bushonen) character, the love interest (usually with a secondary love interest), the gruff tough guy who's heart is warmed by the innocent guy, the lone wolf with a bitter past and the annoying novelty character. And then there's the obligatory bishonen bad guy.

OK, you're spot on with the bushonen main character. Certainly that's a recurring motif. I can't detect anyone having a love interest in XII yet and I'm 55 hours in. But perhaps that'll come later, I don't know. Gruff guy is also true I guess - Basch, Auron, Vincent. There wasn't one in VIII though.

[Happy]

I noticed that.

[Meatplow]

So working my way (very slowly) through FFX, some thoughts -

- the story is reasonably good but the dramatic angle is kind of silly to me regardless and the dubbing ruins it somewhat
- for how old it is the CGI at times has me in awe
- the sphere grid is awesome, however I can see myself completely ****ing it up
- blitzball is incredibly addictive once you get into the swing of it
- it's possibly my least favourite later generation FF game still

I'm up to, Mushroom rock aftermath I think? Where you first get involved with Seymour and he joins your party (at least for a battle) and you fight Sin-spawn twice.

[Anglachel]

Basch is my main tank in XII proper. I love it that he's an axe and hammer specialist.

Anyone else notice that most of Balthier's guns are total crap compared to any other form of weapon you care to give him? I mean, he's equipped with the bowgun right now which pumps his attack power to 41, but the strongest gun I have in my inventory (the Sirius I think), takes it down to 14.



OK, you're spot on with the bushonen main character. Certainly that's a recurring motif. I can't detect anyone having a love interest in XII yet and I'm 55 hours in. But perhaps that'll come later, I don't know. Gruff guy is also true I guess - Basch, Auron, Vincent. There wasn't one in VIII though.
Vaan and Penelo?

I don't know if this is in XII but they're the starting characters in RW and they join your clan together in FFTA2

[MAthiAS]

So working my way (very slowly) through FFX, some thoughts -

- the story is reasonably good but the dramatic angle is kind of silly to me regardless and the dubbing ruins it somewhat
- for how old it is the CGI at times has me in awe
- the sphere grid is awesome, however I can see myself completely ****ing it up
- blitzball is incredibly addictive once you get into the swing of it
- it's possibly my least favourite later generation FF game still

I'm up to, Mushroom rock aftermath I think? Where you first get involved with Seymour and he joins your party (at least for a battle) and you fight Sin-spawn twice.
That reminds me, I hated blitzball. It gets incredibly boring.

FFVIII card game is where its at.

[fatbandit]

kldfjgn zchjbvb vbj Triple Triad out in space against Ellone = weffle. I could never do it.

And I tried finding the cave where you get Alexander in VII today and completely couldn't remember where it was. I blanked out in the cold twice, so gave up and went to wail on Schizo instead. Man, this game is STILL too easy :(

[Smokey D]

OK, you're spot on with the bushonen main character. Certainly that's a recurring motif. I can't detect anyone having a love interest in XII yet and I'm 55 hours in. But perhaps that'll come later, I don't know. Gruff guy is also true I guess - Basch, Auron, Vincent. There wasn't one in VIII though.

Laguna, sort of.

Maybe Seifer. But yeah, 8 was less obvious.

[Chrysostom]

Laguna, sort of.

Maybe Seifer. But yeah, 8 was less obvious.

Seifer perhaps, but not Laguna. He was VIII's (semi-)novelty character, at least far as all his "hilarious" overblown gestures and "comedic" failings with the ladies was concerned.

Incidentally, the black guy with the knives was a badass.

[Meatplow]

That reminds me, I hated blitzball. It gets incredibly boring.

FFVIII card game is where its at.

That was a great mini-game, nice and simple. From what I remember I prefer the one in IX however, it was a lot more challenging with the ability to level up card stats etc.... I managed to get a complete collection of cards in VIII but IX was much more tricky.

[fatbandit]

All I remember about IX, is beating Cid, and using his Oglop cards to pwn everyone :/

[-Listy-]

i hated the card game in IX.

triple triad ruled however.

[Jim]

loved the IX card game tbh. collected all hundred too

blitzball was mighty awkward for me at first, but jesus i couldn't stop playing it at one stage

[Phalanx]

loved the IX card game tbh. collected all hundred too

blitzball was mighty awkward for me at first, but jesus i couldn't stop playing it at one stage

I remember when I first played Final Fantasy X, I cringed at the idea of Blitzball, it was like underwater football (soccer for you yanks) but for some reason scare decided to make it turn based (which makes things **** - like Fallout 3). Anyways, I did that tournament you had to do fairly early on in the game and never touched it.
A few weeks later I went round my OCD friend's house and he had grinded blitzball constantly, he was getting all the good players (Brother if I remember was one badass Midfield player, there was also that Al Bhed goalkeeper which was almost impossible to get) and the idea of getting better players on your team and creating a better team in general became very appealling - that's when I got hooked.

In fact, to be perfectly honest, I have absolutely no idea why some of you guys didn't like X. I actually it's probably one of the best RPGs ever, I wouldn't say it's one of the best FF games but it's definately a very good RPG.
I know there are a few problems though, like how the Sphere Grid means that very late in the game, every single character becomes identical (only overdrives will make you choose your characters, in my case - Tidus, Wakka and Auron <3 ). The last boss (Sin - not penance) was a push over and the plot is a tad cliched (Seymour bein' a fag and all). But still, it was a very refined Final Fantasy game and I wracked several hundred hours on it.

[Jim]

A few weeks later I went round my OCD friend's house and he had grinded blitzball constantly, he was getting all the good players (Brother if I remember was one badass Midfield player, there was also that Al Bhed goalkeeper which was almost impossible to get) and the idea of getting better players on your team and creating a better team in general became very appealling - that's when I got hooked.that's what got me hooked - amassing the most kick arse team in the league. i had a trick too, you win a rare prize if one of your players tops the goal tally for the season. if you have multiple players that all finish equal first, you win multiple prizes!

i would have 5 players top every season and get 5 of whatever was on offer ;) i must have wasted countless hours of my life on that game :(

[Meatplow]

In fact, to be perfectly honest, I have absolutely no idea why some of you guys didn't like X. I actually it's probably one of the best RPGs ever, I wouldn't say it's one of the best FF games but it's definately a very good RPG.
I know there are a few problems though, like how the Sphere Grid means that very late in the game, every single character becomes identical (only overdrives will make you choose your characters, in my case - Tidus, Wakka and Auron <3 ). The last boss (Sin - not penance) was a push over and the plot is a tad cliched (Seymour bein' a fag and all). But still, it was a very refined Final Fantasy game and I wracked several hundred hours on it.

I honestly don't like it as much as i'd hoped I would. Theres something about the linear nature of it (so far, at least) and overall gameplay that I haven't warmed up to fully 20 hours in. The battles are fine, but I don't find any of the enemies, bosses or characters interesting enough to engage me fully into it. The story sequences are somewhat painful to sit through because of the horrible english dubbing and wonder years style drama poop. I am somewhat interested in the idea of Sin but overall it seems so cheesy.

[Chrysostom]

Vaan and Penelo?

Really? I detect nothing there. Seems to me that Vaan and Ashe are more likely.

[Collis]

Really? I detect nothing there. Seems to me that Vaan and Ashe are more likely.

The age difference must be something else.

[Anglachel]

Really? I detect nothing there. Seems to me that Vaan and Ashe are more likely.
I wouldnt know about 12 specifically, but in RW and FFTA2 theyre always travelling together

[Happy]

I thought that was cause they were best friends.

[fatbandit]

I never got the impression Vaan and Ashe would have a thing. Ashe seemed very much in love with Rasler throughout to me. I kind of always thought that Vaan and Penelo were just very good friends, but there could totally be some room for a little more ^_^

[Chrysostom]

So it's an FF without a love story? Well damn me. I never thought I'd see the day.

[HighandDriving]

Did anyone play Dirge of Cerebius(sp?) and is it worth playing?

[Czech Yourself]

It's alright.

I liked it.

Oh and I saw screenshots from the remake of Final Fantasy IV and am impressed.

[Anglachel]

I got its for mah birthday (yesterday)


I didnt expect them to get such a deep voice for Kain

[Czech Yourself]

Woo, I didn't even know it was out yet. That's awesome man.

Is it good?

Happy birthday btw

[Anglachel]

Yes it is good

I forgot how hard the waterway to Damcyan can be with a weak Rydia

[Happy]

Did anyone play Dirge of Cerebius(sp?) and is it worth playing?

Its not a bad game but it is not up to FFVII's standard at all. I found it a bit meh to be honest but still quite enjoyable.

[FlyingPaul_83]

Theres somewhat of a love story in XII, but none of you ever finished the game so...

[Phalanx]

Theres somewhat of a love story in XII, but none of you ever finished the game so...

doesn't effect the plot.

[MrConeman]

Nothing affected the plot in that game.

Did anyone play Dirge of Cerebius(sp?) and is it worth playing?
It's playable, just don't expect VII worthy goodness, it's great for nostalgia. But the best spin-off is Crisis Core, that's an awesome game.

[Happy]

I need to get CC so bad.

[Bread and Faxes]

I'm playing Final Fantasy IV on DS now and I'm right at where I have to fight Scarminglone to become a Paladin. He's a lot harder then I remember ha.

It's a very cool game though. I'm quite pleased.

[Anglachel]

FF4 DS actually made me miss having Edward

getting the Bardsong ability was nice later but idk who to put it on

maybe ill throw it on Kain so he has something to do during those battles where attacking is bad

i.e. vs Rubicante when he's countering everything

[Bread and Faxes]

I really didn't use many peoples abilities much in the Original. But I see now that Rosa's "Pray" ability. And Edwards "Bardsong" abilities can be extremely useful. As for Parom's "cry" ability.

Cecil is just a massive powerhouse. Which I love.

[Anglachel]

I took away Cecils white magic and gave him Draw Attacks, Counter and Auto-Potion \m/

[Phalanx]

stop talking about FFIV DS

I can't beat the second boss :(

[fatbandit]

We have a DS we gave my mum for mother's day last year and she hasn't used it yet. I might commandeer it and buy some FFIV for me ^_^ Though I couldn't get on with it on the Playstation port I had... Is it any better on DS?

[Phalanx]

We have a DS we gave my mum for mother's day last year and she hasn't used it yet. I might commandeer it and buy some FFIV for me ^_^ Though I couldn't get on with it on the Playstation port I had... Is it any better on DS?

Well, the graphics are nice and definately do justice to the story - but god dang is it hard.

Just bought Lost Odyssey. Gonna play it now :)

[Anglachel]

isnt second boss octomammoth?

i thought i had a hermes sandals then and hasted cecil + darkness once octomammoth had 2 tentacles left

all his attacks are crits then :(

Also every time someone gets in the party theyre always 10 levels lower than Cecil :(

I can just imagine him thinking "****ING AMATEURS UGHHHHHH"

[Chrysostom]

Did anyone play Dirge of Cerebius(sp?) and is it worth playing?

The FMV sequences are awesome. It's a flawed game in several ways and is really only for completists/FF geeks (like me) who want to flesh out the Final Fantasy VII universe a bit more and find out about Vincent and his past. It's a little flat, and doesn't leave you fully satisfied at the end, but it's solid enough and I enjoyed it as far as it went. 7/10 would be a reasonable score to give it.

Make your mind up from that.

[fatbandit]

Is FFIV the kind of game where you need to know exactly what you're doing from the outset? I seem to remember playing it once and just getting to a point where I felt like my party was just incapable of beating the boss at the point I was at. It was hard... I gave up and played V instead, which I really liked, but my save file got destroyed, and I've never had the will to play through 4/5ths of the game again to get to the same point :/

[Phalanx]

Is FFIV the kind of game where you need to know exactly what you're doing from the outset? I seem to remember playing it once and just getting to a point where I felt like my party was just incapable of beating the boss at the point I was at. It was hard... I gave up and played V instead, which I really liked, but my save file got destroyed, and I've never had the will to play through 4/5ths of the game again to get to the same point :/

Apparently the trick is a lot of extra-curricular grinding. Which I cba doing.

[fatbandit]

I seem to remember finding even grinding in the early stages of the game a challenge! Random encounter difficulty levels seem to have dropped since FFIV in later FFs I think.

[Phalanx]

well there's that infamous sand worm early in the game which if you're unfortunate to encounter will one hit your party.

I mean, that's just ridiculous.

[Anglachel]

Grinding was a huge thing in IV, but they fixed that up some in the DS version

Seriously, you start the game and you're cruisin along with Kain and he's suddenly replace by Rydia, who's half your (and Kains) level (maybe less than half? I cant remember what she starts at).

The difference in monsters between levels though seems fairly large because its absolutely ****ing miserable trying to keep Rydia alive. So if you decide "I'll fix this once I get Tellah instead" you get your butt raped going to get Tellah because Rydias dead and nobody is healing you in battle.

Once you get Tellah you think "oh hey this is a nice bonus" but then you're afraid to level him because his Stamina, Speed and Strength all decrease as you level him (once Cecil is a paladin you can have him Cover Tellah all the time but then every other turn is him healing Cecil)

I liked how when you get Palom and Porom theyre level 10 when my Cecil is 25

Rosa doesn't level outside of my party at all

When I got Edge he was five levels lower than Rosa

Getting adult Rydia is awesome though

EDIT: lol yes, Rydia + Cecil vs. Sand Worm

the silver apples it drops are awesome at that point in the game though, and are probably why I kept Rydia alive at all early on

EDIT2: Despite all this its still one of my favourite FFs :)

[Anglachel]

new game + bosses are tough

[Chrysostom]

Whoa, I was afeared this thread had died.

Anyone care to indulge in some wild speculation about whether FFXIII and Vs. XIII will be any good?

[Kingofdudes]

Whats the difference between the two?

[Phalanx]

Whats the difference between the two?

They're actually completely different games.

From what I've read, this is the case:

Final Fantasy XIII is the real deal. This is the true sequel to Final Fantasy XII and is an archetypal JRPG. The main character in this game is a woman called Lightning who Nomura made to look like Cloud. It is going to be released on Xbox360 and PS3

Final Fantasy Versus XIII is a spin off of XIII and is an Action RPG. The main character in this game is some emo who has no name as of yet. As of now, it is a PS3 exclusive.

There's another game called Final Fantasy Agito XIII. Which is a PSP game which therefore means it'll be pirated to death. I don't think there's much known about this game.

These 3 games make up the pretentiously named "Fabula Nova Crystallis Final Fantasy XIII" compilation.

[Happy]

Sounds like they're milking it to me.

[Chrysostom]

Sounds like they're milking it to me.

They are planning on having the FFXIII franchise run for much longer than the FFVII compilation which itself won't be finished until 2017, the 20th anniversary of FFVII.

[Anglachel]

thats ridiculous tbqh

[Phalanx]

They are planning on having the FFXIII franchise run for much longer than the FFVII compilation which itself won't be finished until 2017, the 20th anniversary of FFVII.

oh jesus.

[Anglachel]

I want to play through 2 again so i can play Soul of Rebirth without my terrible Minwu (I wasnt sure if I could remove spells to put them on other people :()

[Bread and Faxes]

I can't find my Final Fantasy IV on DS :((

[Anglachel]

you lost it? D:

[Bread and Faxes]

My friend was playing Pokemon Fire Red on my DS and he took it out and put it in the cupholder of his car and can't find it :(

[Anglachel]

wait why would he take the ds game out to play the GBA game

unless you have it on auto-load

[Bread and Faxes]

He's an idiot.

[Anglachel]

have you beat it yet

im on the final playthrough per file and cant ****ing kill the extra bosses

also remember to steal dark matter from zeromus or else you cant face one of them

[Phalanx]

have you beat it yet

im on the final playthrough per file and cant ****ing kill the extra bosses

also remember to steal dark matter from zeromus or else you cant face one of them

Jesus, you're actually "The Final Fantasy Guy" aren't you?

You love Final Fantasy more than your mother yes?

[Bread and Faxes]

have you beat it yet

im on the final playthrough per file and cant ****ing kill the extra bosses

also remember to steal dark matter from zeromus or else you cant face one of them

I'm only on the Tower Of Zot.

Those ****in ice hound things destroy me.

[Anglachel]

Jesus, you're actually "The Final Fantasy Guy" aren't you?

You love Final Fantasy more than your mother yes?
No I just have no life

[Bread and Faxes]

That's okay. I spent 10 years of my life playing Final Fantasy VII over and over and over.

[MrConeman]

Yeah, been there, and you know what? Those were great times sitting playing FF for a good portion of the day/night, thinking about it all the time until I beat it. Wouldn't change those memories for the world.

Unfortunately I got a life, I work, and when I'm not working I'm almost always out with friends, be it casually hanging with a few beer, or partying. I genuinely miss having loads of time to just get lost in a game. MGS4 is the first game in years worthy of that sort of dedication and since getting it on release I've beaten it once, I'd have done literally everything by now if this were a few years ago.

I miss games :( especially great ones, I just wish they'd release just ONE more amazing FF game, I'd probably appreciate the first play more than any before due to being older and wiser. Just one more amazing game the likes of which could go on par with 6/7/8.

[Chrysostom]

oh jesus.

thats ridiculous tbqh

I'm reserving judgement. There's nothing wrong with spinning a game out as long as they do it right. And I think they got it right with VII: the original game was amazing, Dirge of Cerberus was a good game, Advent Children was a good film and by all accounts Crisis Core is excellent too.

Although, the fact that the FFVII Compilation isn't finished yet makes me wonder what they'll do with it next.

In other news, I hate finding out that I've messed up getting the Zodiac Spear the easy way in FFXII. I am, however, prepared to slog through the Henne Mines to get it, however long that takes.

[fatbandit]

In other news, I hate finding out that I've messed up getting the Zodiac Spear the easy way in FFXII. I am, however, prepared to slog through the Henne Mines to get it, however long that takes.

I wasn't prepared to do that. Sucks I missed it, but there are plenty of other very winful weapons around. The game didn't really inspire me to do everything in it. It was gorgeous, but I just wanted to finish it, not go and find every Summon, complete everyone's licences (though I did that on a few characters) and beat all the optional bosses etc. I guess that's the difference between that and a game like VII, which I'm playing now for the umpteenth time, and I'm still not wanting it to finish, I'm spinning it out by training my party to levels of pwn that are totally unnecessary.

Infact, I don't like the optional bosses on some of these games at all :p I know some gamers want them, but I don't fancy training for 150 hours on FFX just to defeat Penance, and things like that :/

[fingers mccoy]

yeh, penance is long

i think the optional stuff on xii is ok it's just annoying they leave chests up to chance because i don't see the point

the most exhilarating parts of these games are never the optional bosses, because usually one ends up devising a method that exploits their attack pattern and so works on a pattern basis that is sustainable, so the battles just settle into a rhythm. It's tedious.

[Happy]

The thing with the Zodiac Spear and the chests was stupid.

[Phalanx]

I'm reserving judgement. There's nothing wrong with spinning a game out as long as they do it right. And I think they got it right with VII: the original game was amazing, Dirge of Cerberus was a good game, Advent Children was a good film and by all accounts Crisis Core is excellent too.

I think the complete opposite. Final Fantasy VII was a damn near perfect game by itself. Yet they completely changed a lot of the plots (the ending to FFVII doesn't mean **** anymore) for the sake of pleasing the fans (making money) has destroyed a lot of FFVII's worth for me.

Don't get me wrong, Crisis Core was a very good prequel to FFVII, it definately makes Zack a much more important character and Dirge of Cerberus also buffs up a character which had very little depth in VII.

But Advent Children and the anime (forgot what it's called) were for a lack of a better expression: "total ****ing gash".

[Brew]

'sup guys

If anyone is interested I'll have my copies of FF Anthology (FFIV and V) and FFVI up on ebay soon. They'll work on a PAL Playstation/Playstation 2. I'll post the link in here when they're up.

Oh the joy of being skint and needed to get rid off stuff. That and I'm planning on getting FFIV DS whenever it comes out over here (unless its already out...?)

[Phalanx]

'sup guys

If anyone is interested I'll have my copies of FF Anthology (FFIV and V) and FFVI up on ebay soon. They'll work on a PAL Playstation/Playstation 2. I'll post the link in here when they're up.

Oh the joy of being skint and needed to get rid off stuff. That and I'm planning on getting FFIV DS whenever it comes out over here (unless its already out...?)

Bah, I have the PAL version of FFVI for the PSX. The loading times for the menus were atrocious :(

Still, might snatch up the anthology just to say I have it :)

[Brew]

Bah, I have the PAL version of FFVI for the PSX. The loading times for the menus were atrocious :(

Still, might snatch up the anthology just to say I have it :)

One reason for selling, I've never been able to get into the games due to those damned load times.

I'll remember to put them in seperate auctions then so you don't get landed with two copies of FFVI :p

[Chrysostom]

I wasn't prepared to do that.

Now that I think on it, neither am I. There's a 1/1000 chance I'll get it, and that's with a Diamond Armlet equipped.

It's something like a 10% chance the chest will be there, 10% chance it'll have an item and not gil in it and then a 10% chance the item is the Zodiac Spear and not an elixir. Balls to that.

[MrConeman]

I just beat Crisis Core. Wow. (spoilery stuff for anyone who hasn't played VII... which is no one) The whole last section was really amazing, from escaping Shinra manor to the very last line, which was like gut wrenching. I mean everyone knew how that game was ending, but holy crap they portrayed it perfectly, more heroic a death scene than Boromir!

I think I like Zack more than Cloud they filled out his character so well. Well it's a toss up at least.

Didn't the after credits scene pretty much confirm an updated version of FFVII at some stage?

I can't wait to get back on my PC (PS3 right now) to download the soundtrack too.

[fatbandit]

Isn't the after credits scene just the PS3 tech demo? Which in no way leads directly to a remake. IDK, that's what I heard - I haven't played/finished CC.

[MAthiAS]

Man I really want to play CC now... too bad I have no PSP and no money.

[Meatplow]

been hammering FFX, i'm up to the thunder plains

guadosalam had an awesome visual design

[MrConeman]

Isn't the after credits scene just the PS3 tech demo? Which in no way leads directly to a remake. IDK, that's what I heard - I haven't played/finished CC.

Nope, it's not the tech demo though similar. And what I think confirmed a remake is that while the train speeds toward the reactor the screen fades to black and says "To be continued in FFVII." Note that it didn't say "continued in FFVII", leading to my conclusion.

[fingers mccoy]

hmmm tenuous

[Happy]

I hope they remake it, but will they be able to fit it on a single disc :p

[fingers mccoy]

it's funny how the only reason they should consider a remake at all is because of the excessive pressure from fans

i dont really see what it'd gain, but i'd buy it i'm sure