What RPG are you playing right now?

[Xeogred]

That was more a specific issue with Xenogears itself. I'd look at the compatibility charts that float around for games. It also helps that the game is officially supported now, so Sony should have already ironed out the quirks if you roll with the PSN version. (Ninja'd by Exhum!)

Tales of Destiny was the first Tales game I finished. That random battle rate is something else.

That and the overworld map was like Mode 7 on mushrooms or something.

I wanted to like ToD, but yeah couldn't stomach much of that encounter rate.

[pierrot]

The SFC version really isn't any better (just more in line with SMT/if...), and in a number of ways, it could be described as worse, so I'm happy to be playing it on the FC.

How is it worse? I was under the impression the SFC version had improved graphics and audio, as well as some streamlining to make things a bit less grindy.

"Improved" graphics and audio, sure. It's potentially subjective, but I prefer the look of the original, and I think it would be hard to call the audio of the SFC version "better," since the FC version uses the Namco 163 audio chip. It's a higher fidelity, but not as dynamic--I don't care for the SNES' sound to begin with, but it's not an uncommon opinion that the game sounds better on the FC.

I know that there are a couple small tweaks in the beginning to lighten the stress of the early game, slightly, but character growth rates, and monster negotiation are the same, and all the hidden stats are still hidden. There's auto mapping in the SFC version, but I get by without it. The one real leg up that I think the SFC version has is the use of kanji in text, which makes things a bit easier to read.

The bad is that the SFC version removes a lot of little bits of charm from the game, like the 'nee,' text when talking to monsters, and 'namu,' when a character dies. The check-man save points are replaced by computer terminals. Movement and pace of battles are slower. The three levels of critical hits (x2, x3, and x4) are replaced with a standard x2 crit only, making some monsters less appealing. There's a neat bug in most of the cartridges that ties the flags of treasure chests in the beginning of the game, with ones later in the game; so for treasure hunters, most of the treasure chests in the latter half of the game are empty. The beginning of the game is a little weird, as well, for reasons that would take me a little too long to explain. There's a fairly detailed break down of all the changes here. A pass through google translate might make it readable.

I like Kyuuyaku for the update to Megami Tensei, at the very least, as that one benefits greatly from the overhaul--to call the FC version of the first megaten archaic would be an understatement-- but I've seen the compilation called a kuso game on le internets, and that's probably because of the bugs, and 'mistreatment' of the sequel.

[Exhuminator]

There's a neat bug in most of the cartridges that ties the flags of treasure chests in the beginning of the game, with ones later in the game; so for treasure hunters, most of the treasure chests in the latter half of the game are empty.

Are you saying that's in the SFC version or the FC version?

I appreciate the breakdown you explained above. I'd probably give the FC version of MT2 a chance if it were translated. The first MT on FC has an English translation, but the sequel on FC does not. However, the SFC compilation/remake of both games does have an English translation, and that's why I'm interested in it. I plan to play through it, along with SMT1&2, as those SFC games also got English translations.

I love reading your playthroughs of these more obscure games, especially ones which are still exclusively in Japanese. From what I've read about MT2, I think I would love it just as much as you do. Atlus doesn't make MT like this anymore. I think SMT3 (or perhaps Strange Journey) was the last true MT game.

Anyway I've got to go find the MT2 FC OST right now, you've got me intrigued to hear it.

Edit:

After listening to the FC and SFC versions of MT2's OST, you're right, the FC version is superior to the SFC version, no doubt.

[pierrot]

There's a neat bug in most of the cartridges that ties the flags of treasure chests in the beginning of the game, with ones later in the game; so for treasure hunters, most of the treasure chests in the latter half of the game are empty.

Are you saying that's in the SFC version or the FC version?

Super Famicom.


I kind of knew about the translation for the MT remakes, so I had assumed there was one for MT II on the Famicom, too. I turned to the original release out of what I'll call "necessity," but if I had been able to play through the remake, I doubt I would have been too fussed about it. I'm really happy to be playing the FC version, for the audio alone, but most of the other differences between the two are fairly niggling trade-offs. The final thoughts on the SFC version, from the website that I linked, were that people who are new to the games, or have played the first couple SMTs, probably won't notice anything off about it, but those who have experienced the FC version probably won't take kindly to the remake of MT II. You would just want to make sure you play the late revision, as it should have fixed the treasure chest bug.

I certainly think it's one of the most quality RPGs on the NES/Famicom, but it can be really punishing with the random battles, and it's a little like the first Dragon Quest in terms of being able to save. The "dungeons" can't compare, graphically, to Phantasy Star, but they're better than something like Ganbare Goemon, anyway. Gallivanting around a post apocalyptic Tokyo with a bunch of mythical creatures is a pretty big draw for me, and the story is good in general, even if it seems like it's basically the same thing as SMT, with less nuance. I last went through what was probably Sunshine 60 in Ikebukuro--at least, that's what it was in SMT, and it's an actual building in Ikebukuro, that's part of Sunshine City--where I was afflicted with a status effect I've never seen in an RPG before (and I hesitate to reveal, since it's sort of story related). I've also been struck with the palsy a few times, which is apparently paralysis.

So, I'd recommend it in whatever form, but it's definitely still an old school RPG.

[ElkinFencer10]

I started Trails of Cold Steel last night. I'm only on Chapter 1 - I was hella tired and didn't play too long - and while it feels really slow to start, I think I'm going to like it a lot once I get into the meat of the game.

[BoneSnapDeez]

I still don't have either one of those. I just got part V which is one of the pricier entries in the series (along with the first game, assuming you want 'em both in English). I'd like to work through the older entries before hitting the some of these later ones.

TitS starts off really slow too and then gets good.

[MrPopo]

TitS starts off really slow too and then gets good.

That's because you need to work on your technique.

[TSTR]

an gentle caress of teh nipple

[marurun]

TitS starts off really slow too and then gets good.

That first bit has not been my experience at all.

[Exhuminator]

kind of knew about the translation for the MT remakes, so I had assumed there was one for MT II on the Famicom, too

I do wish there was an English translation for it.

You would just want to make sure you play the late revision, as it should have fixed the treasure chest bug.

Thanks for the protip, I'll remember that.

Gallivanting around a post apocalyptic Tokyo with a bunch of mythical creatures is a pretty big draw for me

Reminds me of SMT: Nocturne, good times. I've never been to Japan but I recognized some of the landmarks in that game, like the Tokyo Tower of course. I imagine if you lived in Japan, it'd be really immersive and surreal.