Adoruu
2022
Apparently, it is only made by one person. Which doesn't seem that way in most of my playthrough, but I will take that into account.
I don't typically play side-scroller, but I will say that the combat is really engaging and fun. It has a complex system, which can get pretty formulaic late in the game, but I guess it's a given, considering how broken you can get later on.
The soundtrack is actually incredibly hype.
The story is where it's at. You started off playing as a hero with a bird looking for someone dear to him and you get this feeling that something is.. off. It's nothing special or unique at first glance, but this game is the epitome of going from 0 to 100. Never in a million years would I have ever guess the game's final sequence of moments or even the hours leading up to it judging from how it starts. There are a lot of plot twists that you won't expect and fortunately it's quite well done. It does get pretty "anime" at times, not in a bad way mostly, I would say it's part of the game's charm.
The characters, especially the main cast, have a soul and personality and not just there to push the MC. They all have their own goals and role to play.
My only complaint for this game is that, it does get slightly dragged near the end. There are new elements but some things are also recycled. Since, it is made just by one person, I will let that slide. Though at this point you're probably too invested for this to make you lose interest anyways.
Overall, this is hands down one of the best Indie games I've played, especially in terms of narrative. KEIZO really poured his soul into this, and I hope to see more of his work.
I don't typically play side-scroller, but I will say that the combat is really engaging and fun. It has a complex system, which can get pretty formulaic late in the game, but I guess it's a given, considering how broken you can get later on.
The soundtrack is actually incredibly hype.
The story is where it's at. You started off playing as a hero with a bird looking for someone dear to him and you get this feeling that something is.. off. It's nothing special or unique at first glance, but this game is the epitome of going from 0 to 100. Never in a million years would I have ever guess the game's final sequence of moments or even the hours leading up to it judging from how it starts. There are a lot of plot twists that you won't expect and fortunately it's quite well done. It does get pretty "anime" at times, not in a bad way mostly, I would say it's part of the game's charm.
The characters, especially the main cast, have a soul and personality and not just there to push the MC. They all have their own goals and role to play.
My only complaint for this game is that, it does get slightly dragged near the end. There are new elements but some things are also recycled. Since, it is made just by one person, I will let that slide. Though at this point you're probably too invested for this to make you lose interest anyways.
Overall, this is hands down one of the best Indie games I've played, especially in terms of narrative. KEIZO really poured his soul into this, and I hope to see more of his work.
I liked it, but I do have mixed thoughts regarding this game.
For one, the controls are pretty unique and cool at first glance, until it doesn't work as well as it could. It will not be responsive at times, and when it does it may not respond instantaneously which could be fatal. It also won't definitely be precise. When it does work, it's pretty cool. When it doesn't (which it will multiple times), it will be frustrating.
The story is alright, it's definitely more story driven than most other Zelda games, but it still follows the traditional formula of the games as well. The overworld looks really nice, and isn't just an empty wasteland. I find both the bosses and dungeons good, some more than others. Though they're not as consistent as in TP but none is bad. The final boss fight, in particular is incredible.
My biggest gripe with this game is the blatant bloat throughout the storyline. Zelda games always follow the formula of collecting multiple items through sections like dungeons, this can happen once or twice more. Skyward sword does this, but took it 3 steps further. At the very least in other Zelda games, the items you collect as "fillers" for the main items are usually important, though it is also true at times for this game, it is also not for most of it. This doesn't stop until the end. Multiple times in the storyline, assuming you need to retrieve 3 items, each may need you doing filler quests like fetch quests or collecting multiple other useless items or backtracking. For example. even near the end of the story, you need to collect 17 different items (which doesn't do anything) as a form of "test" in an area to get 1 out of 3 of the main items you actually need. The game will throw excuses like "it's a test" a lot, and though it makes sense in the beginning, they still throw you that near the end of the game after you've already done 10 other "tests" and got your "upgraded" gears. I personally don't mind this formula as long as it's executed well, which it doesn't in this game and just ends up as blatant padding.
However, aside from that and some gripes with the controls, everything else is done well and I still have fun playing this game. Though, I definitely won't be giving this a replay any time in the near future.
For one, the controls are pretty unique and cool at first glance, until it doesn't work as well as it could. It will not be responsive at times, and when it does it may not respond instantaneously which could be fatal. It also won't definitely be precise. When it does work, it's pretty cool. When it doesn't (which it will multiple times), it will be frustrating.
The story is alright, it's definitely more story driven than most other Zelda games, but it still follows the traditional formula of the games as well. The overworld looks really nice, and isn't just an empty wasteland. I find both the bosses and dungeons good, some more than others. Though they're not as consistent as in TP but none is bad. The final boss fight, in particular is incredible.
My biggest gripe with this game is the blatant bloat throughout the storyline. Zelda games always follow the formula of collecting multiple items through sections like dungeons, this can happen once or twice more. Skyward sword does this, but took it 3 steps further. At the very least in other Zelda games, the items you collect as "fillers" for the main items are usually important, though it is also true at times for this game, it is also not for most of it. This doesn't stop until the end. Multiple times in the storyline, assuming you need to retrieve 3 items, each may need you doing filler quests like fetch quests or collecting multiple other useless items or backtracking. For example. even near the end of the story, you need to collect 17 different items (which doesn't do anything) as a form of "test" in an area to get 1 out of 3 of the main items you actually need. The game will throw excuses like "it's a test" a lot, and though it makes sense in the beginning, they still throw you that near the end of the game after you've already done 10 other "tests" and got your "upgraded" gears. I personally don't mind this formula as long as it's executed well, which it doesn't in this game and just ends up as blatant padding.
However, aside from that and some gripes with the controls, everything else is done well and I still have fun playing this game. Though, I definitely won't be giving this a replay any time in the near future.
10/10 Peak Characters, World Building, Story and the perfect RPG Journey.
Now I can finally enjoy other games this year without the temptation bugging me to replay the whole trilogy again for the 4th time
(Will happen again next year)
Now I can finally enjoy other games this year without the temptation bugging me to replay the whole trilogy again for the 4th time
(Will happen again next year)
Opus Echo of Starsong is an emotional journey. It doesn't have the best narrative by far, but it focuses the storytelling on each character's growth and relationship. The gameplay is nothing special, and the puzzles are something an eight year old could do, the hard part is just finding the object to interact with.
The game is short (7-10hrs) and the good thing out of this, is that things rarely slows down for a long time, it can go from 1 to 100 in the span of a chapter or even half of it. The bad thing out of it is that the game is very lore heavy. There are so much lore surrounding the whole place that you need to process in the short span of the game.
Character developments also plays a huge part in this game, however only Eda was somewhat "stated" to grow by the end of the story (despite her actions proving otherwise so...). Whereas Jun is still the same person throughout, obsessing over "honor" and his "clan" from the beginning to the end, the only development he got is being infatuated with Eda as the story continues. Remi, as well stays the same for most of the story, she did soften up to Jun near the end and even becomes his close friend after a certain part, however their reconciliation just happens. She suddenly feels guilty towards Jun. It feels too fast, and it's just resolved after. Though, unlike Jun, I do like Remi and find her character tragic. Unfortunately, the character developments are not handled well.
The length also affects other character's relationship, as at times, things are developing too quick. Bones and Jun for example, although he did save Bone's life, he was the one that placed his life in danger in the first place, and somehow after writing him letters, they became close buddies? This is one of those they tried to explained as one of the "things" that just happens during the time skip (which happens a few times), so it feels out of nowhere.
The biggest emphasis of the problem are also on Jun and Eda's relationship (The biggest driving point of the game) which feels underdeveloped. You will get one or two major scene/s between them every chapter and the rest of it is mostly implications of their relationship developing, and the funny part is, a lot of it are actually from other characters, while other times it's merely little things like worrying about each other. Jun's feelings toward Eda however does come from a place of love, although not said explicitly, but he stated that meeting her is one of the best things that happened in his life. Though Eda does feel the same way, it is only implied, it is also apparent that she cares for Jun's wellbeing a lot. She tends to have a "tsun" attitude toward Jun whenever he's doing or saying something with romantic connotation, sometimes showing discomfort and even keeps dismissing his sincerity as "jokes" or not acknowledging it much, this never really change till the end, especially her choice at the end. It feels like they are trying to write a blooming love story while at the same time, trying their best not to make it apparent, and so the clear imbalance of what is said and implied makes it so that, in the short span of the game, not enough development between them is seen to be built. It's a very big reason why I think the game should've been longer. The ending between them didn't hit me as much as I thought it would.
MAJOR SPOILER WARNING
A good storytelling method for me, would be one that stood somewhere between "exposition" and "implication". If a story loves doing expositions, then I might as well be watching Dora the Explorer. If a story goes full implication, then nothing might as well happened. A narrative that does more implications (foreshadowing/underlying meaning) can be executed well if the payoffs are expositions (big twist/reveal), this game however pays off implications with more implications, which some may like, but not me personally. This brings me to the ending scene in which Eda planted the flowers for Jun. In this scene, it's supposed to be the culmination of their relationship throughout the game, however their relationship is still underdeveloped due to not much has been explicitly established, and so it doesn't really hit me as much as I thought it would. Eda planting the flower, could also be seen as a lot of things, I've seen a few took it as her "declaration of love" to Jun, although it might be, among other things, it just feels out of character for her. I see it more as her keeping her promise to him as well as atonement for leaving him and Remi behind. But again, it could really be any or all of these. They also seem to reunite in their young selves somehow? even though it's only explained that emotions and thoughts are the only thing that can travel through time, unless it is in the afterlife, it doesn't seem clear as it just cuts off which is why I'm disappointed as the culmination of their relationship growing being insinuated before this is even more insinuation. It's not a terrible sequence, but I am just more in awe than I am emotional.
Overall, It's still a journey, and though I've mostly mention the flaws, it's more coming from a place of wasted potential. The story is nothing grand and doesn't evolve beyond what it already is, but it'll still pull your heart strings regardless.
The game is short (7-10hrs) and the good thing out of this, is that things rarely slows down for a long time, it can go from 1 to 100 in the span of a chapter or even half of it. The bad thing out of it is that the game is very lore heavy. There are so much lore surrounding the whole place that you need to process in the short span of the game.
Character developments also plays a huge part in this game, however only Eda was somewhat "stated" to grow by the end of the story (despite her actions proving otherwise so...). Whereas Jun is still the same person throughout, obsessing over "honor" and his "clan" from the beginning to the end, the only development he got is being infatuated with Eda as the story continues. Remi, as well stays the same for most of the story, she did soften up to Jun near the end and even becomes his close friend after a certain part, however their reconciliation just happens. She suddenly feels guilty towards Jun. It feels too fast, and it's just resolved after. Though, unlike Jun, I do like Remi and find her character tragic. Unfortunately, the character developments are not handled well.
The length also affects other character's relationship, as at times, things are developing too quick. Bones and Jun for example, although he did save Bone's life, he was the one that placed his life in danger in the first place, and somehow after writing him letters, they became close buddies? This is one of those they tried to explained as one of the "things" that just happens during the time skip (which happens a few times), so it feels out of nowhere.
The biggest emphasis of the problem are also on Jun and Eda's relationship (The biggest driving point of the game) which feels underdeveloped. You will get one or two major scene/s between them every chapter and the rest of it is mostly implications of their relationship developing, and the funny part is, a lot of it are actually from other characters, while other times it's merely little things like worrying about each other. Jun's feelings toward Eda however does come from a place of love, although not said explicitly, but he stated that meeting her is one of the best things that happened in his life. Though Eda does feel the same way, it is only implied, it is also apparent that she cares for Jun's wellbeing a lot. She tends to have a "tsun" attitude toward Jun whenever he's doing or saying something with romantic connotation, sometimes showing discomfort and even keeps dismissing his sincerity as "jokes" or not acknowledging it much, this never really change till the end, especially her choice at the end. It feels like they are trying to write a blooming love story while at the same time, trying their best not to make it apparent, and so the clear imbalance of what is said and implied makes it so that, in the short span of the game, not enough development between them is seen to be built. It's a very big reason why I think the game should've been longer. The ending between them didn't hit me as much as I thought it would.
MAJOR SPOILER WARNING
A good storytelling method for me, would be one that stood somewhere between "exposition" and "implication". If a story loves doing expositions, then I might as well be watching Dora the Explorer. If a story goes full implication, then nothing might as well happened. A narrative that does more implications (foreshadowing/underlying meaning) can be executed well if the payoffs are expositions (big twist/reveal), this game however pays off implications with more implications, which some may like, but not me personally. This brings me to the ending scene in which Eda planted the flowers for Jun. In this scene, it's supposed to be the culmination of their relationship throughout the game, however their relationship is still underdeveloped due to not much has been explicitly established, and so it doesn't really hit me as much as I thought it would. Eda planting the flower, could also be seen as a lot of things, I've seen a few took it as her "declaration of love" to Jun, although it might be, among other things, it just feels out of character for her. I see it more as her keeping her promise to him as well as atonement for leaving him and Remi behind. But again, it could really be any or all of these. They also seem to reunite in their young selves somehow? even though it's only explained that emotions and thoughts are the only thing that can travel through time, unless it is in the afterlife, it doesn't seem clear as it just cuts off which is why I'm disappointed as the culmination of their relationship growing being insinuated before this is even more insinuation. It's not a terrible sequence, but I am just more in awe than I am emotional.
Overall, It's still a journey, and though I've mostly mention the flaws, it's more coming from a place of wasted potential. The story is nothing grand and doesn't evolve beyond what it already is, but it'll still pull your heart strings regardless.
I didn't expect much coming to this game knowing it's just a bridge to a new arc, but I was soo wrong. For a closing arc, this game has one of the best character development I've seen. The characters as well, though some played a more passive role for the sake of putting the new ones on the spotlight, they were all still great, especially the new additions. With daydreams, one of the best features of this game, old characters are given the stage to show how much they've grown, with my favourite being Ash, watching his daydream really makes me realize how much have actually changed since the past games. Having gone from a "troublemaker" to being a more soft and reliable person for those around him. Other characters that has a romance sub-plot like Olivier and Scherazard are also given a really wholesome, romantic moment through daydream and not just put aside.
The story itself is fantastic, not the best in the world, but still quite peak, mostly by how the 3 routes works together. C's Route is very well written and the most well written one in the game, it's where the character development shines the brightest, making me change my perspective of "C" a full 180 after playing through it. The new character added also really shows actual substance and development, not just a soulless filler given form. Rean's route was really cool, it has a lot of peak moments especially when it intersects with C's, it plays quite like an action movie. Lloyd's route was the weakest for me, but still good nonetheless, it has its peak moments as well, just not as deep as C's route or as consistent as Rean's.
This game, though supposed to be the shortest compared to the Cold Steel series, took me the longest to complete. With the addition of the Reverie corridor and those that comes along with it. Everything is made bigger and better. They went full throttle on peak moments and payoffs.
Hands down, the best game in the series for me. Trails through Daybreak soon.
The story itself is fantastic, not the best in the world, but still quite peak, mostly by how the 3 routes works together. C's Route is very well written and the most well written one in the game, it's where the character development shines the brightest, making me change my perspective of "C" a full 180 after playing through it. The new character added also really shows actual substance and development, not just a soulless filler given form. Rean's route was really cool, it has a lot of peak moments especially when it intersects with C's, it plays quite like an action movie. Lloyd's route was the weakest for me, but still good nonetheless, it has its peak moments as well, just not as deep as C's route or as consistent as Rean's.
This game, though supposed to be the shortest compared to the Cold Steel series, took me the longest to complete. With the addition of the Reverie corridor and those that comes along with it. Everything is made bigger and better. They went full throttle on peak moments and payoffs.
Hands down, the best game in the series for me. Trails through Daybreak soon.
This is one of those rare games where you'll feel like you're in for an incredible once in a long while experience right from the beginning, and 40+ hours later, I still want to see more of the casts.
The story might be one of the most ambitious story I've ever experienced. It is really convoluted and layered. The problem with convoluted stories is that it needs an explanation similar with it's complexity, and I feel like it is done pretty well here, with a great concept by having you experience the story of different characters (13 in total) with each side giving you different answers and explanations to your questions, there are also a lot of moments where character storylines intersect with one another, filling in the gap. I did however notice that a lot of the explanations comes in "Data Logs" which is a convenient tool to info dump the players and makes perfect sense in the context, however at times it feels "too convenient"
This might also be the most convoluted romance plotline I've ever seen. If someone were to make a relationship chart for this game, the lines would create a whole new shape entirely. I also feel like a few character storylines feels too romance driven at times, I do like romance in a great story, but some story moments for like two characters, they would just be simping for someone. While some other pairs don't really get much romantic moments, especially the "time traveling criminal" and the "nurse", I'd love to see more of their time in the past the most, considering that their relationship have arguably the most bearing on the story.
I do love the casts of this game, their designs, voices, personalities, they're all special and unique. I also love the concept of each character storyline, some more than others, like Nenji Ogata's "repetition", even though simple, it feels cool in a way. While some storylines may feel a little stale in the beginning, they do catch up quick. The English voice acting is also top tier.
The tower defense part of the game is really solid, though I find it very easy on normal, apart from the final mission and one or two leading up to it, to get an S rank. It can also get pretty grindy depending on how you tackle this part.
Also, the game's art design, from the environment and the characters are masterfully done. One of the most beautiful I've seen. The music is also pretty good.
Overall, It is a uniquely incredible journey that ties itself up pretty well in the end. It may have its flaws, but I always feel like I'm in for something special throughout the whole game. I regret not playing this sooner.
The story might be one of the most ambitious story I've ever experienced. It is really convoluted and layered. The problem with convoluted stories is that it needs an explanation similar with it's complexity, and I feel like it is done pretty well here, with a great concept by having you experience the story of different characters (13 in total) with each side giving you different answers and explanations to your questions, there are also a lot of moments where character storylines intersect with one another, filling in the gap. I did however notice that a lot of the explanations comes in "Data Logs" which is a convenient tool to info dump the players and makes perfect sense in the context, however at times it feels "too convenient"
This might also be the most convoluted romance plotline I've ever seen. If someone were to make a relationship chart for this game, the lines would create a whole new shape entirely. I also feel like a few character storylines feels too romance driven at times, I do like romance in a great story, but some story moments for like two characters, they would just be simping for someone. While some other pairs don't really get much romantic moments, especially the "time traveling criminal" and the "nurse", I'd love to see more of their time in the past the most, considering that their relationship have arguably the most bearing on the story.
I do love the casts of this game, their designs, voices, personalities, they're all special and unique. I also love the concept of each character storyline, some more than others, like Nenji Ogata's "repetition", even though simple, it feels cool in a way. While some storylines may feel a little stale in the beginning, they do catch up quick. The English voice acting is also top tier.
The tower defense part of the game is really solid, though I find it very easy on normal, apart from the final mission and one or two leading up to it, to get an S rank. It can also get pretty grindy depending on how you tackle this part.
Also, the game's art design, from the environment and the characters are masterfully done. One of the most beautiful I've seen. The music is also pretty good.
Overall, It is a uniquely incredible journey that ties itself up pretty well in the end. It may have its flaws, but I always feel like I'm in for something special throughout the whole game. I regret not playing this sooner.
This is one of the most masterfully crafted game design I've ever seen. It's shorter than the others, but it's as short as it needs to be. Definitely one of the more impressive game in the series.
Bravely Second is great.
It feels like a complete upgrade from Default in most things such as combat/jobs and other QoL mechanics while also removing all annoying parts of Default. You can also be even more broken in this game with the addition of new jobs. However enemies are also somewhat buffed to not just be fodders.
The story is... different, to say the least. Unlike the innovation on the WoL/4 Crystal tale of Default. This one follows on a more original storyline. I don't really consider one better than the other narratively. They're both really good. Though I'll say Default has a deeper story but Second has a really fun story and bigger as well, with double the amount of locations.
BUT what I am sure of is that Second handles their story MUCH better than Default did. Though Default has a really unique/deep storyline, it is overshadowed by how horrid the 4 worlds repetitions are, even though the payoff is rewarding. There is also something similar here in Second, however it is handled PERFECTLY, not only was it really epic but also doesn't keep repeating itself. It has an epic conclusion sequence as well, though not as huge a scale as Default did.
What I find lacking in the story is the fact that, though Chapter 5 was epic all the way through, it does feel like it ties itself too neatly in the end. Like the "Kaiser" plot somewhat feels too convenient in the way it ended. But it's nothing really bothersome, it's just something tugging in the back of my head reaching that part.
Spoilers
My second complaint is that the build-up to the "True" Final Boss of the game feels too short, though it is hinted at in the previous chapters through a sub-plot, it's not exactly done enough with only Chapter 6 hinting at it repeatedly. This is probably somewhat the opposite of my complaint for Default's story. The true main villain is hinted a lot of the times and the hints are shoved to your face, but there is little acknowledgement from the party members. But here, it's not done enough where the build up to the True Evil feels sufficient. It does however managed to turn a not-so subtle sub plot of a certain "5th" party member to hint at or connect to the existence and purpose of the True Villain in the end which do feel pretty cool.
Another thing I love about this game is the characters. Villains and heroes alike. All antagonists here are not just some random weirdos the big bad found on the streets (except maybe 2 people), they are all prominent figures of a huge event which happened predating the events of the first game that changes the course of the world, an event which was even mentioned back at default and what jumpstarted the events of the series. So they're all huge deals and have a valid reason for their purpose as a villain.
As for the main party, as much as I love Ringabel, I honestly prefer this game's cast than Default's. Mostly because they act more like friends here and they don't take things too seriously.
First of all, there's 2 returning cast, Edea and Tiz. Edea is more mature in this game, instead of confusing things as just black and white, she feels more certain of herself but also kept her usual Edea personality as always. This is pretty much her character in the best possible version.
Tiz, which was a blank slate in the first game turned to an absolute Chad.
Yew, the new "main" character is really fun. I think he embodies the tone of the game really well. Quirky, fun, doesn't take things too seriously, has a lot of weaknesses and fears like a normal person but also embodies a sense of heroism like Tiz and Duty like Edea. The character development he got was also done really well. Because unlike Tiz in the first game who was pretty much just a blank canvas and feels really shallow and empty. Yew really feels like a junior hero with weaknesses and doubts.
Lastly, Magnolia. She is a very unique character, and probably the most interesting one. She's like the final piece of the puzzle that fits perfectly to the board. Without her, I feel like the party would feel "stiff". She gives off a similar tone as Yew. Quirky, charming and also being really likeable.
There's not a single dull person in the party anymore, if anything the opposite is true.
All in all, they don't feel as duty-bound as the Normandy Crew or bound by being misfits like Berseria. They feel more like genuine friendship above all. With optional camp conversations, you can watch and see that in their down time and on the field they really are just best friends who jokes with or picks on one another. The romance between Magnolia and Yew do feel a bit forced at the very beginning but do get natural development after a certain part.
As for the music, I'll just say that the lack of Revo is noticeable.
All in all, what started as me pondering for hours whether I should start the series or not due to the infamous part of the first game turned to a gem of a series for me. With one of the most endearing casts and the sweetest ending I've ever seen in a JRPG. I'm glad I decided to try the series out and see for myself. I will miss this game and I really do hope that there will be a Bravely third, after all this time. This series is a must play for JRPG fans. I do plan on playing BD2 sooner or later, even though I heard it's pretty divisive.
It feels like a complete upgrade from Default in most things such as combat/jobs and other QoL mechanics while also removing all annoying parts of Default. You can also be even more broken in this game with the addition of new jobs. However enemies are also somewhat buffed to not just be fodders.
The story is... different, to say the least. Unlike the innovation on the WoL/4 Crystal tale of Default. This one follows on a more original storyline. I don't really consider one better than the other narratively. They're both really good. Though I'll say Default has a deeper story but Second has a really fun story and bigger as well, with double the amount of locations.
BUT what I am sure of is that Second handles their story MUCH better than Default did. Though Default has a really unique/deep storyline, it is overshadowed by how horrid the 4 worlds repetitions are, even though the payoff is rewarding. There is also something similar here in Second, however it is handled PERFECTLY, not only was it really epic but also doesn't keep repeating itself. It has an epic conclusion sequence as well, though not as huge a scale as Default did.
What I find lacking in the story is the fact that, though Chapter 5 was epic all the way through, it does feel like it ties itself too neatly in the end. Like the "Kaiser" plot somewhat feels too convenient in the way it ended. But it's nothing really bothersome, it's just something tugging in the back of my head reaching that part.
Spoilers
My second complaint is that the build-up to the "True" Final Boss of the game feels too short, though it is hinted at in the previous chapters through a sub-plot, it's not exactly done enough with only Chapter 6 hinting at it repeatedly. This is probably somewhat the opposite of my complaint for Default's story. The true main villain is hinted a lot of the times and the hints are shoved to your face, but there is little acknowledgement from the party members. But here, it's not done enough where the build up to the True Evil feels sufficient. It does however managed to turn a not-so subtle sub plot of a certain "5th" party member to hint at or connect to the existence and purpose of the True Villain in the end which do feel pretty cool.
Another thing I love about this game is the characters. Villains and heroes alike. All antagonists here are not just some random weirdos the big bad found on the streets (except maybe 2 people), they are all prominent figures of a huge event which happened predating the events of the first game that changes the course of the world, an event which was even mentioned back at default and what jumpstarted the events of the series. So they're all huge deals and have a valid reason for their purpose as a villain.
As for the main party, as much as I love Ringabel, I honestly prefer this game's cast than Default's. Mostly because they act more like friends here and they don't take things too seriously.
First of all, there's 2 returning cast, Edea and Tiz. Edea is more mature in this game, instead of confusing things as just black and white, she feels more certain of herself but also kept her usual Edea personality as always. This is pretty much her character in the best possible version.
Tiz, which was a blank slate in the first game turned to an absolute Chad.
Yew, the new "main" character is really fun. I think he embodies the tone of the game really well. Quirky, fun, doesn't take things too seriously, has a lot of weaknesses and fears like a normal person but also embodies a sense of heroism like Tiz and Duty like Edea. The character development he got was also done really well. Because unlike Tiz in the first game who was pretty much just a blank canvas and feels really shallow and empty. Yew really feels like a junior hero with weaknesses and doubts.
Lastly, Magnolia. She is a very unique character, and probably the most interesting one. She's like the final piece of the puzzle that fits perfectly to the board. Without her, I feel like the party would feel "stiff". She gives off a similar tone as Yew. Quirky, charming and also being really likeable.
There's not a single dull person in the party anymore, if anything the opposite is true.
All in all, they don't feel as duty-bound as the Normandy Crew or bound by being misfits like Berseria. They feel more like genuine friendship above all. With optional camp conversations, you can watch and see that in their down time and on the field they really are just best friends who jokes with or picks on one another. The romance between Magnolia and Yew do feel a bit forced at the very beginning but do get natural development after a certain part.
As for the music, I'll just say that the lack of Revo is noticeable.
All in all, what started as me pondering for hours whether I should start the series or not due to the infamous part of the first game turned to a gem of a series for me. With one of the most endearing casts and the sweetest ending I've ever seen in a JRPG. I'm glad I decided to try the series out and see for myself. I will miss this game and I really do hope that there will be a Bravely third, after all this time. This series is a must play for JRPG fans. I do plan on playing BD2 sooner or later, even though I heard it's pretty divisive.
2013
Decided to play this game to scratch a JRPG itch I had after playing Zelda. However, despite putting 60+ hours on this game, it still took me a longer while to actually sit down and finish it. Though it's not a bad game by any means. Before playing I decided to check what people thought of it, and nearly everyone mentioned a terrible "Endless 8" moment in the game that really drags it down. Despite this I decided to try out the game anyways to see for myself, if it is as bad as they say.
Firstly, I find the gameplay really unique, and a really nice change of pace from a slower turn based RPG. The brave system rewards "High Risk" gameplay and I absolutely loved it the most for the first couple of chapters. Later on though, when you've grown strong enough with a semi-/broken build, you'll find yourselves braving 4x every encounter for an instant win, which makes random encounters pretty weak. This also works with bosses early on, but later bosses will punish you for braving recklessly which is good unless you're running 3/4 DK with drain, then nothing's changed.
The story is where it's really at. It has one of, if not the best iteration of the "Warrior of Light/4 Crystal" storyline in any FF type games. It managed to turn a generic tale as old as time to a dark/epic/multiversal storyline. I thought it has a really fantastic start to it, with OK pacing, until I've reached the beginning of CH.5.
I do understand the need for the repetition plotline, In fact if done right It would've made the game incredibly good.
Though in defense of the game, I find people's complain about CH.5-8 somewhat exaggerated. Firstly, it's not exactly the same, with CH.6 and CH.7 lore dumping you with a really major revelation about the story. And secondly, it's not that long, especially if you don't play the side quests (which is mostly the same sidequests as the previous chapters, just slightly altered), CH.5-8 can be done in 45-50 min each, if you go straight to each objectives every time. Upon reaching CH.5 you're already around 70% of the game.
SPOILERS
My problem with this part lies in the fact that we can already know or at least have a clue of the major plot twist about the game as early as CH.4 If we've done the vampire subquest (which I did), and was later hinted more in CH.6 and outright shoved to your face in CH.7 even the title screen literally changed to spell it out for you. This means that as early as CH.4 you can already tell that what you've been doing is a mistake. But unfortunately, what has been lore dumped to your party fell to deaf ears, apart from their discussion when they're being lore dumped, it's not really acknowledged by the party at all outside of it. Even after reaching CH.7 Where the game outright tells you, that what you've been doing all this time is bad and one of you is a traitor, even Ringabel outright said who the traitor is, our objective (that would doom the whole multiverse) is still the same with little mention of doubt as we are awakening the crystals. I think the whole party has only acknowledged their mistake once outside of being lore dumped in the end of CH.7 where Agnes apologizes and the whole party said that they must "tough it out to reveal the true evil", at this point I thought "Finally, they do acknowledge it" and due to this, I also thought that the reason they still continued to follow the traitor's scheme is to root out the real evil in the end. Then CH.9 comes rolling and when the traitor finally outright betrayed them, they've all got the "surprised Pikachu face" reaction. As if the thought never once crossed their mind. In the end, they really outdid the whole repetition plotline, I feel like the only reason CH.8 even exist is so the numbers of crystal you've awakened is rounded up to the nearest ten (20), this is the part where there's nothing new in the story and the plot would still be the same regardless if it exists.
Nevertheless, I feel like the True Final Chapter somewhat made up for it. The whole chapter, apart from the mid dungeon, is fantastic. Especially the True Final Boss Fight. I love how crazy and epic the whole sequence is. Not to mention, upon getting the true ending, you're rewarded with an actually important and touching end credit scenes accompanied by a masterpiece of a song. If it weren't for the well done finale, I would've gave this game a way lower score.
Overall, Characters are alright, Ringabel and Edea is my favourite. Music is definitely top tier, and I don't mean this lightly. It was a fantastic journey in the beginning with a really steep landslide in the middle but managed to come back in it's full glory in the end. This was a rollercoaster of storytelling.
Firstly, I find the gameplay really unique, and a really nice change of pace from a slower turn based RPG. The brave system rewards "High Risk" gameplay and I absolutely loved it the most for the first couple of chapters. Later on though, when you've grown strong enough with a semi-/broken build, you'll find yourselves braving 4x every encounter for an instant win, which makes random encounters pretty weak. This also works with bosses early on, but later bosses will punish you for braving recklessly which is good unless you're running 3/4 DK with drain, then nothing's changed.
The story is where it's really at. It has one of, if not the best iteration of the "Warrior of Light/4 Crystal" storyline in any FF type games. It managed to turn a generic tale as old as time to a dark/epic/multiversal storyline. I thought it has a really fantastic start to it, with OK pacing, until I've reached the beginning of CH.5.
I do understand the need for the repetition plotline, In fact if done right It would've made the game incredibly good.
Though in defense of the game, I find people's complain about CH.5-8 somewhat exaggerated. Firstly, it's not exactly the same, with CH.6 and CH.7 lore dumping you with a really major revelation about the story. And secondly, it's not that long, especially if you don't play the side quests (which is mostly the same sidequests as the previous chapters, just slightly altered), CH.5-8 can be done in 45-50 min each, if you go straight to each objectives every time. Upon reaching CH.5 you're already around 70% of the game.
SPOILERS
My problem with this part lies in the fact that we can already know or at least have a clue of the major plot twist about the game as early as CH.4 If we've done the vampire subquest (which I did), and was later hinted more in CH.6 and outright shoved to your face in CH.7 even the title screen literally changed to spell it out for you. This means that as early as CH.4 you can already tell that what you've been doing is a mistake. But unfortunately, what has been lore dumped to your party fell to deaf ears, apart from their discussion when they're being lore dumped, it's not really acknowledged by the party at all outside of it. Even after reaching CH.7 Where the game outright tells you, that what you've been doing all this time is bad and one of you is a traitor, even Ringabel outright said who the traitor is, our objective (that would doom the whole multiverse) is still the same with little mention of doubt as we are awakening the crystals. I think the whole party has only acknowledged their mistake once outside of being lore dumped in the end of CH.7 where Agnes apologizes and the whole party said that they must "tough it out to reveal the true evil", at this point I thought "Finally, they do acknowledge it" and due to this, I also thought that the reason they still continued to follow the traitor's scheme is to root out the real evil in the end. Then CH.9 comes rolling and when the traitor finally outright betrayed them, they've all got the "surprised Pikachu face" reaction. As if the thought never once crossed their mind. In the end, they really outdid the whole repetition plotline, I feel like the only reason CH.8 even exist is so the numbers of crystal you've awakened is rounded up to the nearest ten (20), this is the part where there's nothing new in the story and the plot would still be the same regardless if it exists.
Nevertheless, I feel like the True Final Chapter somewhat made up for it. The whole chapter, apart from the mid dungeon, is fantastic. Especially the True Final Boss Fight. I love how crazy and epic the whole sequence is. Not to mention, upon getting the true ending, you're rewarded with an actually important and touching end credit scenes accompanied by a masterpiece of a song. If it weren't for the well done finale, I would've gave this game a way lower score.
Overall, Characters are alright, Ringabel and Edea is my favourite. Music is definitely top tier, and I don't mean this lightly. It was a fantastic journey in the beginning with a really steep landslide in the middle but managed to come back in it's full glory in the end. This was a rollercoaster of storytelling.
Despite the usual "Collect these 4 things" plot repeating a couple of times, I really enjoyed playing it. It has one of the best overworld, tone, dungeons and bosses. I also love how Link and Zelda looks in this game, it's for sure one of their best designs. So far, this is definitely among the highest in the series for me.
The embodiment of a Flawed Masterpiece. But at the same time, it also reminds me why I love gaming so much.
On it's own, it has soo many flaws but as a whole saga it's a really incredible, one of a kind journey and I have no regrets spending HUNDREDS of hours on them and watching every arc unfold to reach this epic finale. The experience as a whole made this very special.
2019
Played this a while ago and it blew me away, everything added in Royal exceed my expectations. Replaying it once again and I still enjoyed it as much if not more than the first time I've played it.
The game is definitely not perfect but it is one of those few games which I've sunk easily 100+ hours on again and stiIl wish I'd see more of the casts. Easily one of my favourites.
The game is definitely not perfect but it is one of those few games which I've sunk easily 100+ hours on again and stiIl wish I'd see more of the casts. Easily one of my favourites.
Decided to try out this game after hearing everyone praising it endlessly. Turns out, it's now one of the best stories I've experienced.
For a story from a game more than a decade old, it defies every expectation. There's little to no clichés, and all in all just a deep meaningful story that is unique even until now. Definitely one of Matsuno's Magnum Opus.
It also has probably one of the most complex but methodical gameplay mechanic for an SRPG. It's undoubtedly very challenging but it's also satisfying once you get the hang of it. It is also possible to break the game, as I did with my DK Ramza.
Overall, as it is an old game, it's obviously not without flaws but it's also really that good.
For a story from a game more than a decade old, it defies every expectation. There's little to no clichés, and all in all just a deep meaningful story that is unique even until now. Definitely one of Matsuno's Magnum Opus.
It also has probably one of the most complex but methodical gameplay mechanic for an SRPG. It's undoubtedly very challenging but it's also satisfying once you get the hang of it. It is also possible to break the game, as I did with my DK Ramza.
Overall, as it is an old game, it's obviously not without flaws but it's also really that good.
2019
Definitely one of the more okay ones for me.
A big Improvement in pretty much everything from Yakuza 3. The combat is still far from perfect and is still very frustrating at times, but it's also much more smoother than 3, so I'll take what I can get. The story by itself is very interesting and engaging, at the very least when everything is still shrouded in mystery, however when you reach the plot-twists it all comes crumbling down. I saw a lot of people complain about that as well and I do get it now, the twists are either the same thing repeatedly or just dumb and at times even both, I think some of it aren't even necessary at all, like it's just there for the shock factor.
The final chapter actually feels like the peak of the story, though it slows down a bit to info dump you, but the climax of this game and the boss fight gauntlet are one of the most epic moments in the whole series. Definitely a certified "Me and the boys" moment. So I'll give them that.
Another thing I really love in this game is the characters, I went in thinking I'll probably like them just a bit, at least not as much as I like Kiryu, but now I honestly find them more interesting than Kiryu (At least in this game), Akiyama and Tanimura especially. The new main characters and their interactions are definitely the strongest point of this game for me.
A big Improvement in pretty much everything from Yakuza 3. The combat is still far from perfect and is still very frustrating at times, but it's also much more smoother than 3, so I'll take what I can get. The story by itself is very interesting and engaging, at the very least when everything is still shrouded in mystery, however when you reach the plot-twists it all comes crumbling down. I saw a lot of people complain about that as well and I do get it now, the twists are either the same thing repeatedly or just dumb and at times even both, I think some of it aren't even necessary at all, like it's just there for the shock factor.
The final chapter actually feels like the peak of the story, though it slows down a bit to info dump you, but the climax of this game and the boss fight gauntlet are one of the most epic moments in the whole series. Definitely a certified "Me and the boys" moment. So I'll give them that.
Another thing I really love in this game is the characters, I went in thinking I'll probably like them just a bit, at least not as much as I like Kiryu, but now I honestly find them more interesting than Kiryu (At least in this game), Akiyama and Tanimura especially. The new main characters and their interactions are definitely the strongest point of this game for me.