Congrats!! I'm sure you've heard this a million times, but as the father of 3 kids I can assure you that your life is about to completely change!
A Vita is a dad's best friend! Congrats!
thanks guys. Fully prepared for the change haha.
I suggested a Vita to my brother who has 2 kids and he loves the thing. He gets to game on his commute to and from work.
I always expect drop rates to be horrible for good items. I just find the game frightfully dull without having a group to play with consistently. Solo, the game is too monotonous with little to no pay off.
I really don't care for the leveling system, or lack there of, that they decided to use in this game. For magic user at least, you're pretty much stuck with 2 combos. No reason to use anymore than that.
Well the non leveling up is pretty common with these types of games. Its the same with Monster Hunter and God Eater (heck even EDF although thats a bit different).
Either way im enjoying it quite a lot. Its not amazing but I like it. I also find the combo system pretty interesting.
Why you only find 2 mage skills useful?
I pretty much air cast them all for casting speeds sake bar the ice one and earth one which is depended on the situation.
Fireball - quick hit on distance targets
Jupiters thunder - is a great single target multi hit spell
The earth spell is a good fast to cast (in the air) AOE knock back on lvls with lots of weaker enemies. The ground version also has gravity ball which is a good AOE Multihit spell.
Ice is a great AOE multihit spell for the same as above where you can get away with longer to cast it.
Also you don't have to do a full combo. There are spells / moves mid combo which are good that you can stop on if you need to move quickly.
Each person seems to have a similar variation of skills that works pretty well.
My only issue is that I dont see there being much end game as you cant do a new game + with higher difficulties (no difficulty options). A bit like PSO or Diablo where you play throogh on harder and harder to get better loot.
However the extra missions should be fun for online and trying to get a good set for each job.
The card system allows some decent customisation as well. Similar to how Items effect you in GEB.
I guess its just not for you which is fine but I would give the combat system a lot more credit that you are giving it.
For non grindy rpg Ys series would probably be good.