Summer Games Challenge 2017 - Begin when ready!

[alienjesus]

I think I was closer to 50 hours when I finished it.

I did get a little tired of it towards the end when it keeps making you backtrack through areas you've already beaten, but I enjoyed the game for the most part!

[BogusMeatFactory]

I think I was closer to 50 hours when I finished it.

I did get a little tired of it towards the end when it keeps making you backtrack through areas you've already beaten, but I enjoyed the game for the most part!

Yeah the last leg gets a little drawn out but not too bad. I did just rush through that stuff.

[marurun]

Started Grandia on PS1 tonight, about two hours in, and I'm pretty impressed. For an early PS1 RPG, you can really see a lot of SNES elements, from the music to the sprites. The blocky-3D buildings and maps that the era is known for is in full force, but the story and characters are interesting and endearing, and the battles are great. Leveling up with different weapons really reminds me of the ring system in Secret of Mana, and the battle system is very similar too. The voice-acting and cinematics look taken right out of a late-80s anime, so you really can't go wrong.

I'm only two hours in to what I'm sure will be a long game, but I'm looking forward to it.

This doesn't help you much, but this is one of those ports that's better in its original form on the Saturn. The Saturn version just runs more smoothly. Also, I understand the US translation is supposed to be weak in places. The original Japanese is actually well-acted (comparatively, anyway) and maintains a great sense of tone. And even with these drawbacks, the PS1 version manages to still be a great game, because the base game is just that awesome.

[o.pwuaioc]

Started Grandia on PS1 tonight, about two hours in, and I'm pretty impressed. For an early PS1 RPG, you can really see a lot of SNES elements, from the music to the sprites. The blocky-3D buildings and maps that the era is known for is in full force, but the story and characters are interesting and endearing, and the battles are great. Leveling up with different weapons really reminds me of the ring system in Secret of Mana, and the battle system is very similar too. The voice-acting and cinematics look taken right out of a late-80s anime, so you really can't go wrong.

I'm only two hours in to what I'm sure will be a long game, but I'm looking forward to it.

This doesn't help you much, but this is one of those ports that's better in its original form on the Saturn. The Saturn version just runs more smoothly. Also, I understand the US translation is supposed to be weak in places. The original Japanese is actually well-acted (comparatively, anyway) and maintains a great sense of tone. And even with these drawbacks, the PS1 version manages to still be a great game, because the base game is just that awesome.

I don't think the Saturn version has ever been translated though, right? I lobbied for it a few years back, but no team wants to do it because the PS1 version already exists.

[marurun]

This is also true, I think.

[Sarge]

Yeah, I remember reading even back in the day about how much better the Saturn version was... but getting it, even in compromised form, on PSX in English was awesome. I thought the localization was pretty solid, except for the voices, but even those can be cheesily endearing.

"Gadwin's secret move! Dragon King Slice!!"

[BoneSnapDeez]

I have Grandia on both Saturn and PSX. I really don't think the Saturn version is that much better - it's a solid experience either way. The game's probably the best straightforward turn-based "JPRG" of the generation. The graphics and camera drive me bonkers though, had the game been done in the same style as the Saturn/PSX Lunar titles it would be a solid 10/10.

JUSTIN'S MOM IS HOT

I've totally stalled out when it comes to this challenge. I say this every year, but "scheduling" games doesn't work for me. It starts to feel like an obligation and then I end up bailing. Maybe I'll hit up one or two more games, maybe not. Either way, regardless of what I end up doing this thread is sure a fun read.

[prfsnl_gmr]

I continue to work through Banjo Kazooie. I am convinced, however, that the camera and slippery controls are the primary antagonists. Hopefully, I can beat this one before I head to Maine at the end of the month. At that point, I will make another run at Ecco the Dolphin.

[MrPopo]

Hopefully, I can beat this one before I head to Maine at the end of the month.

Are you going to Bone's house to play Ys?

[prfsnl_gmr]

Nope. We're going to play PSO.