Breath of Fire series

[BoneSnapDeez]

Well, I really don't want to fiddle around with this damn card tournament, so I'm shelfing it and officially starting on Breath of Fire. Does anyone remember how long these are?

There's no in game clock. I would guess 30-35 hours for the first game if you've never played it.

[Ack]

I have played the first BoF extensively and beaten BoFIII, which stands out to me as one of the best rpgs on the PS1, outshining many other top contenders due to its music, its mixture of 2D characters in a 3D world which allow for its graphics to still look good years later, its fun cast of characters (Ryu, Rei, and Garr was my final party), and for its entertaining education system, where you learn new battle skills from various hidden teachers. The plot can be generic at times, but its combat system is entertaining, especially with the number of dragon transformations and character abilities. Overall, BoFIII beats titles like FFVII, Legend of Dragoon, Xenogears, Wild Arms, and many other great PS1 rpgs for me. I need to track down a new copy.

[mobiusclimber]

The one thing that really ruins BoFIII for me, and it's almost a minor point but not really, is that they did away with the overworld map. Now you just click spots on a map and warp there (while still having to trudge through fairly linear forests and stuff to get from one town to the next). I missed the feeling of exploration the first two games had, especially all the hidden places in BoFII.

Personally I like BoF2 the most, tho I didn't get too far into IV and haven't played Dragon Quarter. I think BoF2 doesn't really do a lot that you haven't seen in other RPGs, but it does all of it in the same game. Build a town? Sure, and who you choose to design it determines what sort of minigame you get in his house. Stock the town with people? yeah, but some people won't join if others have. Fish? Hunt? Yes and yes. Arena? Check. Hidden areas, characters and items? All over the dang place! Alternate endings? Yup, tho the alternate one is kinda cheap, it's also a big shock when you find it. Do your choices determine major outcomes in the game? A couple do. What about special abilities? Every character has two: one you use during battle and one you use outside of battle! Seriously, the game has it all in spades. It is one of the most fun RPGs I've ever played.

[Xeogred]

I have played the first BoF extensively and beaten BoFIII, which stands out to me as one of the best rpgs on the PS1, outshining many other top contenders due to its music, its mixture of 2D characters in a 3D world which allow for its graphics to still look good years later, its fun cast of characters (Ryu, Rei, and Garr was my final party), and for its entertaining education system, where you learn new battle skills from various hidden teachers. The plot can be generic at times, but its combat system is entertaining, especially with the number of dragon transformations and character abilities. Overall, BoFIII beats titles like FFVII, Legend of Dragoon, Xenogears, Wild Arms, and many other great PS1 rpgs for me. I need to track down a new copy.

I always say it, but I wish Xenogears looked more like BoFIII-IV. Those games were gorgeous. Xenogears kind of had that sprite look going on, but had some true 3D polygons and stuff too I'm pretty sure. Looked a lot rougher.

[Valkyrie-Favor]

Think I'm gonna play Breath Of Fire II sometime. Is the fan translation much better than the official one?

[BoneSnapDeez]

No! You need to see the original English translation. It's amazing.

[MrPopo]

Think I'm gonna play Breath Of Fire II sometime. Is the fan translation much better than the official one?

Yes, it's much better than the official one, but you should experience the original one first.

[Randyretro]

Technically speaking there is no Breath of Fire V. Dragon Quarter is the fifth installment but they didn't put the V in the title. Which is good because now I can consider it a branch off and never have to own it in my collection(owned it but as bad shape as the game itself so just threw it out). I guess they didn't put the V in because it is nothing like any BoF game or RPG game in general. Sure it has Ryu, Nina, and Dragon, but play it and you will know what I mean within 5 hours or so of gameplay. My favorite by far would have to be III. A complete classic JRPG. I,II,IV I enjoyed equally, all good solid games in their own right.

[o.pwuaioc]

I own it but haven't played it yet. What's so bad/different about it?

[Randyretro]

I own it but haven't played it yet. What's so bad/different about it?

Well when start with the game will make you start over and over and over again and let you keep your items. Way different battle system(battle system isn't that bad to be honest) When you use your dragon the countdown to a game over begins and you will have to start over with your items before the timer runs out. Sounds rediculous but it's the truth. So you will have to save up your items, keep starting over until you have enough items to get you through (didn't bother finishing it cause after starting over 5 times I realized I was just wasting my time. Even the graphics are hard to look at for a PS2 title. I don't usually hate RPG's since I love them but this was a mockery to such a great series in my opinion.