Natural Doctrine Review Thread

I really, REALLY wanted to get into this one, but the mechanics still just don't click with me. I've read Parakeetman's thread and still couldn't get into it.

Guess I'll have to write my review based on the 15 hours I've stuck through.
 
Can't wait to get this -- have it preordered. It seems like everything most reviewers hate are things I'll love. I don't mind difficulty, and the combat system looks fantastic if a bit complicated.
 
I had to pass with all the other games releasing around the same day...

Hope I can grab it on sale someday. It does look like exactly the kind of niche game I could appreciate.
 
I don't imagine how this would review well, as in, it's not the type of game the average game journalist has time or patience for. So I guess I'll have to try for myself.
 
I'm not that opposed to punishing srpgs but my understanding from the other thread is not only was it hard, but there were no stores so you needed to make sure you grab every chest from the map to keep your equipment current. Probably a tad to much for me
 
I'm still interested because I like the idea of an obscenely hard SRPG... but I guess it wouldn't hurt to wait for the price to come down.
 
The difficulty level was what attracted me to it in the first place. Getting it for $40 with a $10 Amazon GC was icing on the cake.
 
I'm still interested because I like the idea of an obscenely hard SRPG... but I guess it wouldn't hurt to wait for the price to come down.

With my backlog I could wait, but this game sounds so perfect for me I want to buy it Day1 just to support Vita localizations like this.
 
Have a Amazon pre-order for $46, PS4 version. Was going to cancel but if anyone is interested in it let me know.
 
Just for the people saying they're excited for a really hard SRPG:

GAF/import impressions said the game was extremely cheap and unbalanced rather than having "good" difficulty. So I'd be wary of that before buying, or take a look at the import thread.
 
Just for the people saying they're excited for a really hard SRPG:

GAF/import impressions said the game was extremely cheap and unbalanced rather than having "good" difficulty. So I'd be vary of that before buying, or take a look at the import thread.

I saw a clip where this girl got here character trapped between 2 lizards folk and the must have attacked about 20 times none stop between them before both their turns ended
 
I saw a clip where this girl got here character trapped between 2 lizards folk and the must have attacked about 20 times none stop between them before both their turns ended

Sounds about right. When you attack, some of your moves will hit 2-5 times, so Lizard A started his attack which caused Lizard B to chain in. Next turn, Lizard B attached which caused Lizard A to attack again.
 
IIRC Japan destroyed this game because too complex and hard(cheap)... well i want it no matter the scores!
But i'll probably wait for a sale.
 
Got the PS4 version pre-ordered for $40 with a $10 credit, so I won't be too upset if I end up not liking it very much.
 
Waste of a good cover.

put-that-evil-on-me.gif



The easiest Difficulty is what I'll be playing and even that is supposedly still difficult yet manageable, I have a feeling its going to have a very strong fanbase and become a sort of cult hit, I look forward to sinking my teeth into.
 
I know this may be in chords of the recent course of NeoGaf. Yet, please consider that not every difficult game is a rare and hidden gem. That's a very dangerous assumption.

There are good difficult games and cheap ones.
 
From what I hear, it has a battle system that is comparable to Resonance of Fate's: the game works in an unintuitive way, but once you grasp how it actually works, it is really, really fun. Like many difficult RPGs over the years, it might be the sort of game that impatient reviewers tend to unfairly blast because they are unwilling to take the time to actually master it.

BTW, the RPGamer score is 4/5, not 80. That site doesn't use the typical 78->100 scale, so a 4/5 is actually a strong recommendation. The review is actually really positive about the battle system and gameplay, and mostly criticizes the story and world building.
 
I'm not that opposed to punishing srpgs but my understanding from the other thread is not only was it hard, but there were no stores so you needed to make sure you grab every chest from the map to keep your equipment current. Probably a tad to much for me
But can you grind xp?
 
When I heard about that difficulty all was lost until a sale for me.
That's kinda how I feel. It looks interesting enough, but I have enough trouble seriously getting into SRPGs so high difficulty = no thanks. Will probably wait on a sale then play it on the lowest difficulty.
 
I don't imagine how this would review well, as in, it's not the type of game the average game journalist has time or patience for. So I guess I'll have to try for myself.

Have you read the reviews linked in the OP? Because they seem to me quite detailed about the game and the descibed issues. Don't fall in the "lazy reviewers" trap/meme.
 
I saw a clip where this girl got here character trapped between 2 lizards folk and the must have attacked about 20 times none stop between them before both their turns ended

Even so I want this game. This is the kind of B-tier game that we desperately need more of, and I am always down for turn based RPGs even if they are the cheap kind of hard. The mechanics and battle system looked pretty damn fun from all the footage I've watched.
 
Still totally buying it. I love this kind of game. It's definitely not a game for everyone, but it is certainly a game for me.
 
Pretty bad reviews. Very curious to see user impressions, the game's been on the edge of my radar for awhile now and I might pick it up sooner or later.

The difficulty factor might also be interesting.
 
Not surprised at all at the reviews. Im expecting it to get even worse ones from other outlets. Still at least from my perspective, its a game Im very glad I got. Its a game with issues but for me its been one of the best unique experiences Ive played this year. Then again I'm weird with what games I like. I love the challenge even though it really is too punishing and downright unfair at times. I hope those that try it enjoy it like I have, but Im expecting lots of backlash against it. The games issues will keep people away and for many just anger them.
 
I have this pre-ordered on the PS3 for $40 with a $10 gift card, and given the unique nature of the title, I'm willing to take the loss if it ends up sucking. Honestly though I think it is the kind of game I will have to try for myself if I really want to know whether I'll love it or hate it.
 
On the one hand, confidently difficult, complicated games should be celebrated in the modern era.

On the other, it seems from some trusted sources that part of the complication comes from contrived mechanics, and arbitrary attacks on the player's safety.

I need more research before I dive in first; I don't want another Unlimited Saga or Berwick Saga.
 
Im surprised RPGamer gave it an 80. They're usually insanely harsh on games.

Of course people also flipped on Romancing SaGa PS2, and that game is awesome.
 
i'll pick it up down the line. too many better reviewed games coming out soon so not a lot of money to spend on more risky games like this.
 
What exactly makes the game difficult? Is it legitimately unfair or is it difficult in a weird, SaGa esqe way because of bizarre mechanics? Really itching for a new game in the genre, although it's annoying the PS4 version is 60 while the PS3/Vita are 40.
 
What exactly makes the game difficult? Is it legitimately unfair or is it difficult in a weird, SaGa esqe way because of bizarre mechanics? Really itching for a new game in the genre, although it's annoying the PS4 version is 60 while the PS3/Vita are 40.

It's straddling a fine line between strategy and BS tactics. If you move your units one square too far before the game wants you to, be prepared to be mobbed by a group of enemy units all chaining off of each other and destroying one of your enemy units outright. Even on the optional missions that you can do for exp/items, this happens fairly frequently (typically without a checkpoint on that level)
 
From what I've heard the game is both hard and different. Specifically...

there's a chain system that allows both the player & enemies to get multiple turns. Think the SMT Press Turn system on steroids.

you can redo your skill chain between battles so if you get stuck, you should try different character/party setups instead of just repeating the same strategy over and over again.

there's a shared MP system that you'll probably need to do a bit of grinding to keep maxed between battles.

Personally, I can't wait to play the game, but if a lot of reviewers thought Wild Arms XF was too hard and complicated, I'd be shocked if they'll stand much of a chance at this. I'm expecting a very low average score.
 
The idea of a press turn system in a in a trpg like this is appealing, although the limited line definitely sounds like it could be frustrating.

Is the PS4 version 60 FPS?
 
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