Panzer Dragoon Saga Question(s)

[marurun]

It did do things right and unique enough to be considered better than most of the cookie cutter RPGs of that time (Wild Arms, Grandia, Legend of Dragoon etc)

I'm not sure I could agree that Grandia was a cookie cutter RPG at the time it came out. No single RPG element present in the game was all that unique, individually, but the combination was rather artful, and the characters were all fantastic (especially in the JPN release). It does drag out a little bit, but the combat system is varied enough, without being unnecessarily complicated, so that combat doesn't drag quite as much as it does in many of its peer games.

In fact, I am always disappointed at how many people hold up FFVII as some kind of godlike RPG. I was disappointed with the game at almost every turn. The game was depressing, but also stupidly silly. The enemies were all nonsensical (a problem I had with FFVI as well). And the combat system was, well, a bit dull. My personal opinion is that PDS and Grandia both decidedly top the Final Fantasy games of the time, if for different reasons.

[o.pwuaioc]

In fact, I am always disappointed at how many people hold up FFVII as some kind of godlike RPG. I was disappointed with the game at almost every turn. The game was depressing, but also stupidly silly. The enemies were all nonsensical (a problem I had with FFVI as well). And the combat system was, well, a bit dull. My personal opinion is that PDS and Grandia both decidedly top the Final Fantasy games of the time, if for different reasons.

Dozens of FFVII's peers are better than it, although to be fair most of them came after FFVII. I'm not sure how many preceded it besides Suikoden and Wild Arms. Then again, FVII doesn't really compare to the best SNES RPGs.

[Violent By Design]

I've always found that cookie cutter statement odd, because why wouldn't Final Fantasy be put under there? FF is about as cookie cutter as you can get.

[BogusMeatFactory]

I've always found that cookie cutter statement odd, because why wouldn't Final Fantasy be put under there? FF is about as cookie cutter as you can get.

I wouldn't say that totally. The active time battle system was decidedly Final Fantasy and did add some variety from the run of the mill turn based stuff like Dragon Warrior/Quest. Add to it a lot of the mini-games that were much more fun than the game itself (hello FF VIII). What kills it for me is the manic pacing of the game and lame character design. Characters tend to be incredibly brooding and depressed for juvenile reasons (VII, VIII, X). That was why I enjoyed IX as much as I did was that it didn't have these characters that were constantly moping around. The world was colorful and the characters were as well. It didn't take itself too seriously and the pacing was much more consistent, funny when it should be and serious when it should be.

With mechanics, like I said, you can't really say they are cookie cutter, but character design....oh yes....coookie cutter as all get out.

[marurun]

With mechanics, like I said, you can't really say they are cookie cutter, but character design....oh yes....coookie cutter as all get out.

Active Time Battle was somewhat unique when it was new, but it became old news as soon as it was re-used, within the FF series, and then Chrono Trigger, and then by so many other series. No other Final Fantasy combat element has really been all that impressive. Limits didn't do much to enhance gameplay and materia and the like added limited customization but actually hurt FFVI by letting every character potentially know every spell, thus making them LESS distinct in combat. When it comes down to it, it's still mostly you on the right, enemies on the left, hit a few buttons to repeatedly use a few key attacks and spells. Since most FF enemies were utter nonsense it could be very difficult to discern their weakness, as they didn't really offer much for clues. (What is a GreaseMonk's elemental weakness?)

Frankly, Square's best contribution to RPG combat was the Chrono Trigger combat system. Grandia ripped that off some and added in some neat additional tactical elements.

Truth told, I haven't played an FF that had interesting enough combat to make me want to grind since the second one (on the Famicom).

[Violent By Design]

I've always found that cookie cutter statement odd, because why wouldn't Final Fantasy be put under there? FF is about as cookie cutter as you can get.

I wouldn't say that totally. The active time battle system was decidedly Final Fantasy and did add some variety from the run of the mill turn based stuff like Dragon Warrior/Quest. Add to it a lot of the mini-games that were much more fun than the game itself (hello FF VIII). What kills it for me is the manic pacing of the game and lame character design. Characters tend to be incredibly brooding and depressed for juvenile reasons (VII, VIII, X). That was why I enjoyed IX as much as I did was that it didn't have these characters that were constantly moping around. The world was colorful and the characters were as well. It didn't take itself too seriously and the pacing was much more consistent, funny when it should be and serious when it should be.

With mechanics, like I said, you can't really say they are cookie cutter, but character design....oh yes....coookie cutter as all get out.

Wasn't that time stuff in FF6 though? I'm assuming we're comparing to other 5th generation games. FF7-9 didn't do anything too spectacular or unique. Dont have anything against the games, but they can just as easily be seen as generic as Grandia is, only difference is they were more popular.

[marurun]

Active Time Battle was introduced in Final Fantasy IV, I believe. Final Fantasy has always presented great polish, but it has only occasionally been innovative. It is the poster child of generic, in that is takes traditional elements and simply puts a thick layer of sheen and polish on it. Presentation is key.

I still think Grandia was anything but generic.

[Mad_Hatter]

I tried playing this game, but it is weird (Panzer Dragoon Saga). I don't understand what the hell I am doing.

It is a good game from what I heard, so I would like to give it another go.

Are there any prequels I should play first?

And is there a good and concise read to get a better understanding and feel for this game?

I skipped over the battle system tooltip and I don't know where to see it again.

Sent from my Windows Phone

[Soldier Blue]

I tried playing this game, but it is weird (Panzer Dragoon Saga). I don't understand what the hell I am doing.

It is a good game from what I heard, so I would like to give it another go.

Are there any prequels I should play first?

And is there a good and concise read to get a better understanding and feel for this game?

I skipped over the battle system tooltip and I don't know where to see it again.

Sent from my Windows Phone

It's pretty simple really. In the beginning you are controlling the dragon in order to get to the destination marked on the map. You can break breakables to gain items and save with ancient recording device. Random battles are eminent when the radar flashes red.

For the combat in the game. The A button shoots your gun at one enemy choosen by you. The B button will immediately shoot the dragon laser attack attacking all enemies. The C button brings up the menu to MANUALLY choose to do this or to issue a berserk (special attack) or to use items. You have to have 1 bar of energy to attack, but you may move around the enemy at any part of the gauge. If I remember correctly berserk specials take a least 2 gauges out of a total of 3.

The combat gauge (bottom right) will tell you where you are in relation to the enemy. When it is red they can do extra damage. Try to move around the enemy with the D-pad to find their weak spot! The quicker you defeat an enemy the better the rank, exp, loot and money you will receive.

There are prequels to the game, but they are on the rail shooters as oppossed to an rpg. Different combat.

[Xeogred]

Truth told, I haven't played an FF that had interesting enough combat to make me want to grind since the second one (on the Famicom).

FFV? Awesome flexibility in that one.