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Pespy
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 Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2006 11:47 pm Post subject: Memoirs of a PAL RPG gamer. (News/releases/etc) |
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This topic is for all the desperate PAL RPG gamers out there. Intended for total RPG talk, news, announcements, releases, collections, currently playings, anything really. But I thought I'd start this off with a few release dates and news...
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REALEASES / INFO
ATELIER IRIS: ETERNAL MANA (PS2)
"The art of alchemy, can be so deadly"
A beautiful fantasy 2D RPG being published by Koei from Gust.
PAL release: 17th March, 2006.
source: http://www.koei.co.uk & http://www.tacticalrpg.com
ELDER SCROLLS IV: OBLIVION (PC/X360)
Another destined classic game from the Elder Scrolls series of free-roaming western RPGs by Bethesda Softworks.
PC specs released: http://www.elderscrolls.com/games/oblivion_faq.htm
PAL release: TBC March 23rd, 2006 (assuming a X360 launch game)
DRAGON QUEST: THE JOURNEY OF THE CURSED KING (PS2)
Developed and published by Squre-Enix, the next big installment (and first PAL release) of the Dragon Quest series.
"The game will feature updated British voice-overs, a full orchestral soundtrack, a completely renovated menu system, new battle abilities, and improved animations."
It is also said that this game has optimized 50Hz instead of a 60Hz option, also that the FFXII demo may not be included.
PAL release: April, 2006.
source: http://www.dragonquest.eu.com/en/ and our very own PALGN.
MAGNA CARTA: TEARS OF BLOOD (PS2)
Developed by Softmax, published by ???
A love or hate RPG by Korean developers, with a unique battle system and beautiful visuals.
PAL release: 7th April, 2006
source: http://www.gamesindustry.biz/press_release.php?aid=14739
SHIN MEGAMI TENSEI: DIGITAL DEVIL SAGA (PS2)
Developed by Atlus, published by Ghostlight.
The name may ring a few bells from Ghostlights previous PAL release from the Megaten series; Shin Megami Tensei: Lucifer's Call (which featured Dante from DMC).
Digital Devil Saga (DDS) is not related to Lucifer's Call (LC). DDS is infact it's own mini-series, with a sequel already made and hopefully on it's way to PAL regions.
PAL release: 30th June, 2006.
source: http://www.ghostlight.uk.com
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Most recent RPG releases include:
Tales of Eternia (PSP)... Is that all for PAL? 
Grandia III (PS2) - NTSC - Gamerankings Avg. 81% (14 rankings)
Tales of Legendia (PS2) - NTSC - Gamerankings Avg. 74% (12 rankings)
Latest Famitsu (#898) scores, Japans leading gaming magazine:
Monster Kingdom PSP - 9/9/8/9 - (35/40)
Disgaea 2 PS2 - 9/9/8/8 - (34/40)
Baten Kaitos 2 GC - 8/9/8/9 - (34/40)
Suikoden 5 PS2 - 8/7/9/8 - (32/40)
...Of course we can only hope for some of the above to get PAL releases. A few more things here, just random media or paraphenalia:
- Xenosaga Episode III gameplay video: http://tinyurl.com/aor6s (youtube)
- Kingdom Hearts II trailer (shows the many characters & gameplay): http://tinyurl.com/coxl6 (youtube)
- Final Fantasy XII official website (incs trailers): http://www.ff12.com/
***warning: Youtube contains many videos of these games (particularly KH2) which can be very rich with spoilers, venture to other videos there at your own risk***
THAT'S IT FOR NEWS... For now at least. Feel free to add anything I've missed or your collections/wishlists/news/trailers/media/anything as long as it's RPG related.
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Quin
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| Posted: Fri Feb 17, 2006 12:13 am Post subject: |
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I have KHII, feel free to ask questions. Will spoil storyline for spare cash.
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Nick
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| Posted: Fri Feb 17, 2006 8:54 am Post subject: |
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I'll be getting KHII and DQVIII as soon as they come out, as well as picking up Monster Kingdom once I get a PSP...and it comes out.
I'm also really looking forward to Rogue Galaxy (Game made by the same people that did Dragon Quest VIII - not a Star Wars game) and Tales of the Abyss - of course, we may never see that game, but still.
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Quin
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| Posted: Fri Feb 17, 2006 10:37 am Post subject: |
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| Nick wrote: | I'll be getting KHII and DQVIII as soon as they come out, as well as picking up Monster Kingdom once I get a PSP...and it comes out.
I'm also really looking forward to Rogue Galaxy (Game made by the same people that did Dragon Quest VIII - not a Star Wars game) and Tales of the Abyss - of course, we may never see that game, but still. |
I wanted to get Rogue Galaxy to satisfy my Sci-fi RPG thirst (After Star Ocean 3 anyway), but I ran out of Yen while in Japan and settled for KHII and Tales of the Abyss (Along with some others). I'll either wait for a PAL release, or import the JP version.
Tales of the Abyss = very good
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admeister
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| Posted: Fri Feb 17, 2006 11:01 am Post subject: . |
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Sounds like some great stuff there. I like the Tales series.
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ZNMS
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| Posted: Fri Feb 17, 2006 4:11 pm Post subject: |
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Baten Kaitos 2 is already out in Japan? That was quick, as there was talk somewhere about the game being delayed for a few months.
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Dare
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| Posted: Fri Feb 17, 2006 5:20 pm Post subject: |
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After seeing that Kingdom Hearts Trailer, my erge to buy & play that game & the first one is rising. The games look great, and an added bonus is how cheap Kingdom Hearts is now that its Platnium. Also, that FFXII trailer has whet my appetite for more (I really have to get started on playing RPG's again, the last one I played was FFX about a year ago), when is FFXII & KH2 going to come out in PAL regions?
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Pespy
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| Posted: Fri Feb 17, 2006 7:28 pm Post subject: |
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Absolutely no word on a PAL release of either so far >___>
But I wouldn't expect KH2 before Q3 and FFXII before Q4 of this year. Personally I would love to know about Xenosaga III's release, it looks amazing to me (especially after playing XS2). Also I've been replaying through Disgaea and I'm really, REALLY wanting to get my hands on Disgaea 2.
Also, first Baten Kaitos 2 battle footage:
http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ngc/gk4j/battle/5/index.html
Keep clicking the arrow to scroll through the battle images until the movie loads.
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Pespy
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NismoR34
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| Posted: Sat Feb 18, 2006 12:52 am Post subject: |
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I am expecting Kingdom Hearts 2 to release in November over here to be honest. The sooner the better naturally but November just seems the most likely. Well, whenever it releases I will get it at launch. At the moment I plan on buying both Kingdom Hearts games together. Although now that I have a job that plan could very well change.
As for Final Fantasy XII, well, I would like it to be released here this year sometime but to be honest I don't expect to see it until next year...
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Pespy
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Quin
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| Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2006 11:43 pm Post subject: |
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Finshed Tales of the Abyss on Saturday night, 64 hours total, but there are a lot of subquests that I still need to do.
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Chrono Blue
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| Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2006 1:52 pm Post subject: |
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To be honest, I try not to get excited about things that are not on the immediate horizon.
I will pick up Dragon Quest VIII and Tales of Phantasia on release.
I have been playing FFIV on GBA extensively - imported. It's a great version and generally a seminal RPG.
I'll skip Mario and Luigi, but will get a PSP (at last) to play Tales.
Looking like a pretty good year for RPG gamers.
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MrAndyPuppy
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| Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2006 4:29 pm Post subject: |
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You missed Breath of Fire III for PSP as well - got released in the same week as Tales of Eternia.
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Pespy
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| Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2006 9:48 pm Post subject: |
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| Quinsisdos wrote: | | Finshed Tales of the Abyss on Saturday night, 64 hours total, but there are a lot of subquests that I still need to do. |
Could you post some impressions/mini review of it or something? I'd really like to know how it was, especially considering it took you 64 hours.
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Quin
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| Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2006 2:28 am Post subject: |
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I'll post some stuff about it when I get home from work this evening.
Quin's pointless rambling about: Tales of the Abyss (JP PS2)
It's probably rather unfair, but i'm going to do it anyway. I'm going to compare TotA to Tales of Symphonia, as anyone who has played ToS (Or for that matter, any other Tales Of games, but I know ToA best out of the series) will be right at home here, and will enjoy the storyline, and the new quircks in the system that seperate TotA from its brothers.
Charaters
Luke Von Fabre: Luke, meet Zelos, Zelos, meet Luke. The main swordwielder in TotA starts the game with that kind of air of irritation that Zelos had about him, except Luke doesn't have the First Aid spell. Even the visible resemblance is uncannny. That is until he cuts his hair short quite early in the game, and starts being...well, less of an ass.
A departure for Dual-wielding swords, Luke just uses a single sword without any kind of shield. A couple of his techs will seem familiar to techs used by Zelos and Lloyd in ToS.
Overlimit attack: Radiant Howl
Extra Overlimit (2nd Playthrough+): Lost Fon Drive
Tear Grants: Tear, finally some sense. She is special in much the same way Collete was special in ToS, but without that sort of ditzy cuteness. Tear will gradually learn Tone Songs, which have similar effects to Collete's Angel magic, Holy Song makes a welcome return. She also learns the less powerful of the healing spells, and some nice light based attack magic (Holy Lance, Judgement, etc...).
Overlimit attack: Innocent Shine
Extra Overlimit: Fortune Ark
Jade Curtiss: At 35, Jade (at least by RPG terms) is a crumbly senile old git, but redeems himself by being the primary offensive spellcaster, and looking kickass while doing so. Come on, the guy keeps his hands in his pockets even during raging combat. That is, unless his weapon is involved, which involves him suddenly popping a spear out of thin air and dissolving it again whenever he isn't attacking. An interesting idea, but Jade is best kept back to toss the magic around.
Overlimit attack: Mystic Cage
Extra Overlimit: Indignation
Anise Tatlin: Hello Comic Relief. Anise is probably the youngest character at 13, and yes, she has a really, REALLY irritating voice to go with that (Well, in the Japanese version, anyway). Of course, we can't have someone like this fighting normally, no. Instead, Anise travels around with a puppet on her back, which she enlarges in battle and smacks stuff with it. Well, sanity...easy come, easy go...
Anise does also get some minor magic, mostly light/dark based attack spells. And a large hammer spell, oh yes.
Overlimit attack: Satsugeki Bukouken (殺劇舞荒拳)
Extra Overlimit(s): Juurokuya Tenbu (十六夜天舞) / Fever Time
Guy Cecil: Woah, Anti-Zelos. Guy, surprisingly enough, is perpetually afraid of women, which is a little odd. Guy is cares a lot for Luke, and consequently is also a very skilled swordsman. Guy seems faster than Luke, but is weaker. Luke and Guy share some techs. I don't use Guy much.
Overlimit attack: Houou Tenshouku (鳳凰天翔駆)
Natalia Luzu Kimuelasca Lanvaldear: Typical RPG princess, I think the only thing that stops Luke going for her is the fact that they're related, Guy is scared of her, and Jade knows no love. She also uses a ranged weapon, the shock, the horror. Natalia knows the other half of the game's cure spells, as well as the attack+/- and defence+/- spells.
Overlimit attack: Astral Rain
Battle System
I'm still rambling, can you tell i'm bored yet?
Freerun: About damn time. After learning the freerun skill, you can hold R2 to run anywhere you want in the battlefield, rather than the fixed horizontal line enforced in ToS. The side effect is that you cannot attack while freerunning, but as spells are now all Area of Effect spells in one way or another, it does make damage avoidance much easier.
Field of Fonim (FOF): The replacement for the unison system. Elemental attacks/spells will produce magical circles on the battle field. Active circles (Created after 4 attack skills, 2 magic spells or one strong magic spell) can be used to change attacks to make them more powerful. Most non-combo attacks, and most spells can be used inside a certain elemental circle to produce a FOF effect. Melee attacks used in the right circle will activate immediatly, while spells will "use up" the circle, but fire off the FOF when the person finishes casting. If a mage has used a circle, but is interrupted, the circle is lost, so you have to be careful.
Each spell/melee attack only has one correct FOF element.
The well loved spell "Photon" can be cast by using Jade's "Energy Burst" in a Wind FOF circle. It takes some getting used to, but you can have lots of fun with it.
Overlimits: Now given a gauge, and can be activated with a button press. An overlimit attack can be used by each character while they are in overlimit (Wheras, only Shihna had anything special to offer in ToS while in Overlimit).
Other changes: Titles no longer confer stats bonuses on level up. This is handled by the C-Core system. Attacks/Spells can also have certain gems attached to them to increase spells, and the skill system from ToS is done away with and replaced with the AD Skills system, where characters just learn skills on level up.
Other Stuff
Story: Good stuff, although a little hard to understand at times. Moral overtone is probably to do with cloning (While ToS's was racism).
Ok, I need to stop writing, and stop rambling x.x
'tis a very good game >.>;
*Almost regrets writing the above*
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Pespy
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| Posted: Mon Feb 27, 2006 4:50 pm Post subject: |
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I guess there aren't as many RPG fans here as I first thought. Oh well... Some Xenosaga III news!
http://rpgfan.com/news/2006/1107.html
Namco has revealed some more details regarding its PlayStation 2 RPG Xenosaga Episode III: Also Sprach Zarathustra (Thus Spoke Zarathustra). In addition to Shion, KOS-MOS, Jr., MOMO, Chaos and Ziggy, U.R.T.V. creator Dimitri Yuriev, U-TIC scientist Sellers, the Godwin sisters Shelly and Mary and the white-clad member of Testament have been confirmed to make returing appearances in Epiosde III.
Among the new locations the protagonists will venture to, is a strange splitter of land that has suddenly appeared in outer space. To investigate this strange floating structure, Yuri Mizrahi is sending Jr. and company. The floating structure however is guarded by an unknown E.S. To make things worse, when the party tries to reach the structure, it starts emitting a glowing light. Other dramatic scenes will take place aboard the Durandal, as Dimtri invades the ship and releases the Zohar emulators. Dimitri is apparently conspiring with his former colleague and current U-TIC scientist Sellers. Furthermore, judging from screenshots released today, Episode III will follow the example of its prequels in being heavy on flashbacks. The main means of transportation, the spaceship Elsa, has also been confirmed to return in Episode III. Its enlarged hangar now offers space for up to four E.S. units.
System-wise, Jr. will come equipped with a new special technique known as Red Dragon. Related to Jr.'s history as an U.R.T.V., this move is said to be the most powerful special technique in the entire game.
The development team at Monolith Soft decided to bring back the good old E.V.S. simulators, dungeon traps and Segment Addresses. Traps however can now be set where ever the player wishes. If an enemy gets caught in a trap, he will not only be at a disadvantage at the beginning of the battle, but your party will also be treated to a boost bonus. When a party member approaches a NPC in a city or town, a conversation window will automatically open.
In response to criticism directed at Episode II, the development has also significantly increased the size of the game's scenario. After being left out of Episode II, shops allowing for the purchase of weapons, accessories and healing items will be implemented in Episode III. In addition to shops located in cities and towns, many shops will also be accessible from plates standing next to yellow-colored savespots.
Xenosaga Episode III: Also sprach Zarathustra has yet to receive an official release date.
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EvilHayama
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| Posted: Mon Feb 27, 2006 6:37 pm Post subject: |
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I'm a big RPG fan, and I'm reading this thread! I am however between RPGs at the moment so I haven't got much to say ^^;
This week I should be getting Radiata Stories and Grandia 3, I can post impressions if anyone's interested
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Bitchacho
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| Posted: Mon Feb 27, 2006 8:12 pm Post subject: |
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I have Batman steering wheel and seat belt covers. I like to Role Play in my "Batmobile". Does that count?
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NismoR34
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| Posted: Tue Feb 28, 2006 1:01 am Post subject: |
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Interesting news in regards to XenoSaga III.
I am still yet to get my copy of XenoSaga II actually (yes I am slack), is it still available in this country? I wonder whether III will see a release here too?
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Capoeira
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| Posted: Tue Feb 28, 2006 1:06 am Post subject: |
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I wouldn't mind hearing impressions about Grandia III EvilH.
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Mark
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| Posted: Tue Feb 28, 2006 10:48 am Post subject: |
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The XenoIII news is pretty promising, but I don't know if they can fix such a dry series. The story and battle system is fantastic in my opinion, but the good awful dry personalities and mindirection of the main characters is heart breaking. Xenosaga II was a pretty average RPG because of how dry the characters were. Xenosaga is just one of those games you'd like to do well because it pretty much has everything going for it to be an excellent series.
Interested in Grandia 3 impressions also. A game I'm almost likely to purchase, despite the game's average reviews that keep showing up.
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Wet Jimmy
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| Posted: Tue Feb 28, 2006 2:56 pm Post subject: Tales of Eternia |
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I recently bought Tales of Eternia for the PSP. Though I'm not particularly a fan of Japanese RPG's, I was feeling like something different.
Thus far it's been enjoyable. The general gameplay areas and combat look nice, though the 3D world map look like it was lifted from an early PS1 game and it pretty hard on the eyes. I suppose the care put into the 2D environments makes up for this.
The story is your typical anime-ish rubbish with the usual generic, sexually ambiguous characters and mannerisms, but the combat keeps it fun and the speed of progression seems about right.
I was tossing up between this and BoF3, but as I read that ToE had a nicer English translation, that's where I went.
I guess if you're a hardcore JAP-RPG nut, you'll find a lot to like.
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Quin
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| Posted: Tue Feb 28, 2006 4:55 pm Post subject: Re: Tales of Eternia |
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| Wet Jimmy wrote: | | lifted from an early PS1 game |
Well you know...Tales of Eternia -is- a PS1 port...
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