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[wyrdwad]

Shame about Shion though. I fucking hate Shion so much I'm even surprised myself how much I can despise a completely fictional character. But otherwise it's a fantastic game.

I really like her in Episode I. I've never played Episodes II and III, though, and I've been assured that if I do, I'll probably hate her.

...Which is part of why I haven't played them yet. Because after only the first game, she's easily one of my favorite female protagonists in RPG history. She reminds me of a good friend of mine.

-Tom

 

[Wenger'sBakedBaguettes]

Is there any advantage in buying this version considering I bought It for my PSP when it came out? I'm not talking about things like full HD or such but more like gameplay content things (for example does the psp version have full voice acting in battles?)

 

[wyrdwad]

Is there any advantage in buying this version considering I bought It for my PSP when it came out? I'm not talking about things like full HD or such but more like gameplay content things (for example does the psp version have full voice acting in battles?)

Gameplay-wise, they're pretty much identical. The only real differences are cosmetic, plus a small handful of fixed translations here and there (nothing major, and most of it wouldn't matter for another 3 or 4 games anyway).

-Tom

 

[BassForever]

Gameplay-wise, they're pretty much identical. The only real differences are cosmetic, plus a small handful of fixed translations here and there (nothing major, and most of it wouldn't matter for another 3 or 4 games anyway).

-Tom

Going to read waaaaay too much into this and take that as confirmation you plan to localize the next 3-4 games in the series which makes me very excited

Seriously though I'll buy 2-3 copies of each game as they're released if that's what I need to do to get more of the series in the US. Already bought Trails 1 as a steam gift for someone along with my own copy

 

[SatelliteOfLove]

Touche on that.



Oh, no, I totally agree. And the battle system has only improved over time -- the additions made to it throughout the Sora trilogy, into Zero and Ao and then into Sen and Sen 2 are exactly what you'd expect/hope for. Falcom is very good at iterating on good ideas and making them better and better over time.



Ehhh. I don't remember ever being too annoyed by anything enemies did in that game, but I'll take your word for it.

Xenosaga Episode I was still an amazing game, though. One of my absolute favorite titles on the PS2.

-Tom

I remember having to largely ignore that during the last part of the game. I just have no tolerance for games establishing ground rules and mechanics, then breaking those rules, and that game was real blatant about that one.

But then, Falcom took that, and Grandia and Lunar, and mixed it together in a fun, easy breezy package, and there's better on the way! There's a happy end after all!

 

[Eusis]

I don't get what's with dissing battle system constantly. It's plenty complex, and original, nothing like Grandia too.
I mean we have strategic movement on combat field as we have directional area attacks in this game, magic, s-crafts, s-busts, lots of depth to play with and plan ahead.
I'll never understand this.

It really is like a cross between Lunar and Grandia's systems though. Turn based, grid based, but positioning matters and you can interrupt attacks. Albeit with a few extra twists thrown in such as how Orbments work and the turn bonuses.

 

[tokkun]

I don't get what's with dissing battle system constantly. It's plenty complex, and original, nothing like Grandia too.
I mean we have strategic movement on combat field as we have directional area attacks in this game, magic, s-crafts, s-busts, lots of depth to play with and plan ahead.
I'll never understand this.

My comparison to the first Grandia was about how both games are largely driven by the character dialog, not about the specific combat mechanics.

To me, Trails combat is pretty unremarkable. That's not necessarily a bad thing. It's competent enough that it doesn't get in the way of the storytelling - unlike the combat in Xenosaga Ep. 1, which we are now comparing it to. But if you try to stack its combat up against some recent RPGs like Divinity, Bravely Default, or Ys, I don't think it can really compete. The combat in those games is what keeps you coming back for more. The combat in Trails is good enough to serve its purpose in the game, but it does not steal the show.

 

[wyrdwad]

My comparison to the first Grandia was about how both games are largely driven by the character dialog, not about the specific combat mechanics.

To me, Trails combat is pretty unremarkable. That's not necessarily a bad thing. It's competent enough that it doesn't get in the way of the storytelling - unlike the combat in Xenosaga Ep. 1, which we are now comparing it to. But if you try to stack its combat up against some recent RPGs like Divinity, Bravely Default, or Ys, I don't think it can really compete. The combat in those games is what keeps you coming back for more. The combat in Trails is good enough to serve its purpose in the game, but it does not steal the show.

I would agree with that assessment entirely, yeah. But remember, this is a game from 10 years ago, so it didn't have a lot of these modern titles to contend with at the time. Sen no Kiseki is the modern Kiseki game, and the battle system there is far improved -- it takes what worked in Sora no Kiseki and iterates upon it, crafting something a lot faster and more streamlined but with more options built in and more variety. Falcom essentially took Sora no Kiseki, sped it up, added multi-character combo attacks a la Chrono Trigger, the ability to attack enemies on the map to stun them in order to get a greater advantage in battle a la Xenosaga (once again), the ability to auto-win easy battles a la Earthbound, and threw in a bunch more original options for good measure.

So if you're playing Sora no Kiseki, you're seeing the start of something really cool -- the first attempt at a brand new battle system for the Legend of Heroes series (which had more or less been using an RTS-style battle system for over 10 years at that point) that would later be changed and improved upon with each installment, much as every new Ys engine is changed and improved upon with every new installment that utilizes it.

That is the Falcom way. And it's part of what makes them such an amazing developer.

...My point is, if you play Trails for the first time, do bear in mind that you're playing a 10-year-old game with what was at the time a brand new, entirely untested battle system, so you're not going to get absolute perfection right off the bat. But if you appreciate it for what it is, it's actually pretty impressive, and shows how much of a chance Falcom was willing to take with the newest entry in what was then their secondary flagship series (and is now unquestionably their main flagship).

-Tom

 

[Wenger'sBakedBaguettes]

Gameplay-wise, they're pretty much identical. The only real differences are cosmetic, plus a small handful of fixed translations here and there (nothing major, and most of it wouldn't matter for another 3 or 4 games anyway).

-Tom

Thanks!

 

[chaosblade]

I've heard the Sen games also took some steps backwards though. Like they actually simplified the quartz and now they are basically Materia, instead of having to combine different elements to get different abilities.

 

[Arthea]

It really is like a cross between Lunar and Grandia's systems though. Turn based, grid based, but positioning matters and you can interrupt attacks. Albeit with a few extra twists thrown in such as how Orbments work and the turn bonuses.

but that makes all the difference and depth. For example do you use s-burst now or wait for turn bonus to get most of it, or interrupt attack of enemy if it gets bonus, etc.
It's very nice battle system in my eyes.

My comparison to the first Grandia was about how both games are largely driven by the character dialog, not about the specific combat mechanics.

To me, Trails combat is pretty unremarkable. That's not necessarily a bad thing. It's competent enough that it doesn't get in the way of the storytelling - unlike the combat in Xenosaga Ep. 1, which we are now comparing it to. But if you try to stack its combat up against some recent RPGs like Divinity, Bravely Default, or Ys, I don't think it can really compete. The combat in those games is what keeps you coming back for more. The combat in Trails is good enough to serve its purpose in the game, but it does not steal the show.

well, I'm not saying everybody has to like it, I don't understand why so many people try to belittle it.
And why would you compare it with recent games, Trails is old already, that doesn't seem fair. And Ys? seriously?

 

[Elaugaufein]

Any news on when GOG is going to get the last Steam patch? Or any news on how the Monster Book / rest of the HD assets is coming along ?

I finished Disgaea 4 Vita to my satisfaction last night so I'm deciding if this should be next game.

 

[tokkun]

well, I'm not saying everybody has to like it, I don't understand why so many people try to belittle it.
And why would you compare it with recent games, Trails is old already, that doesn't seem fair. And Ys? seriously?

When you start making the argument "It's not fair to judge it by today's standards, judge it by decade-old standards," you are pretty much admitting that even you don't think it holds up to modern games.

The fact that the dialog is still very good by modern standards is a credit to the original writing and localization and a solid reason for people to play this game today. But if someone is looking for outstanding RPG combat, there are just a lot of better options out there, regardless of whether you want traditional, strategic, or action-oriented mechanics.

 

[wyrdwad]

I've heard the Sen games also took some steps backwards though. Like they actually simplified the quartz and now they are basically Materia, instead of having to combine different elements to get different abilities.

I can't entirely confirm that from what I've played (which isn't a lot, mind you, since I don't have much time for long RPGs these days), but even if that is the case, I'm absolutely fine with it. It seems like it's gone full Materia in every way, as quartz also now grant passive effects in addition to spells (which I guess they always did, but the passive effects now seem a lot more specific and complex). And I like that a lot. Being able to chain quartz together is neat, I guess, but ultimately still comes down to "I want this effect, so I'm equipping this quartz." Doesn't really seem like a big loss to me, nor even that big of a difference.

Any news on when GOG is going to get the last Steam patch? Or any news on how the Monster Book / rest of the HD assets is coming along ?

'Fraid not. Sara works on her own schedule with stuff like that -- she's like a beast that cannot be chained down by timeframes. But I'll do some gentle prodding and see where she's at with those.

When you start making the argument "It's not fair to judge it by today's standards, judge it by decade-old standards," you are pretty much admitting that even you don't think it holds up to modern games.

The fact that the dialog is still very good by modern standards is a credit to the original writing and localization and a solid reason for people to play this game today. But if someone is looking for outstanding RPG combat, there are just a lot of better options out there, regardless of whether you want traditional, strategic, or action-oriented mechanics.

I think the bottom line is indeed that if you're playing Trails for the gameplay, you're kind of in the minority. And while it's great that you appreciate the gameplay, and I don't think anyone DISlikes it, the real reason to play Trails is for the story and characters. That's where the game shines, and why I -- and I'd say most people -- recommend it.

-Tom

 

[Elaugaufein]

'Fraid not. Sara works on her own schedule with stuff like that -- she's like a beast that cannot be chained down by timeframes. But I'll do some gentle prodding and see where she's at with those.

Thank you

 

[Gu4n]

I think the bottom line is indeed that if you're playing Trails for the gameplay, you're kind of in the minority. And while it's great that you appreciate the gameplay, and I don't think anyone DISlikes it, the real reason to play Trails is for the story and characters. That's where the game shines, and why I -- and I'd say most people -- recommend it.

Although I agree, I'd like to add that the battle system gets significantly more interesting with each subsequent instalment. SC subtly refines the battle system and The 3rd further improves it, making it highly enjoyable. By the time you reach Zero, you're not only fighting your battles as efficiently as possible, but you're also trying to actively manipulate the flow of battle through various means.

The downside of these improvements is that, despite the gorgeous visuals, going back to FC is rather tough. I've got to admit that I have yet to save Luke and Pat in the Steam version, Tom.

 

[chaosblade]

I can't entirely confirm that from what I've played (which isn't a lot, mind you, since I don't have much time for long RPGs these days), but even if that is the case, I'm absolutely fine with it. It seems like it's gone full Materia in every way, as quartz also now grant passive effects in addition to spells (which I guess they always did, but the passive effects now seem a lot more specific and complex). And I like that a lot. Being able to chain quartz together is neat, I guess, but ultimately still comes down to "I want this effect, so I'm equipping this quartz." Doesn't really seem like a big loss to me, nor even that big of a difference.

I'd have rather seen them make the system deeper with more tradeoffs and options rather than just stripping it of it's (potential) depth and going with something that seems a lot more simple and barebones. I don't know how or if the system changed at all in other games, but I think that was the wrong direction to go.

Then again, they are trying to expand the series and target a bigger audience so simpler and easier is usually better in that case.

 

[wyrdwad]

I'd have rather seen them make the system deeper with more tradeoffs and options rather than just stripping it of it's (potential) depth and going with something that seems a lot more simple and barebones. I don't know how or if the system changed at all in other games, but I think that was the wrong direction to go.

Then again, they are trying to expand the series and target a bigger audience so simpler and easier is usually better in that case.

Honestly, I'm a fan of simpler and easier in general. When battle systems get too complex and feature too many systems you need to learn, I find them off-putting. The best games are the ones you can figure out with absolutely no tutorials whatsoever if you need to. And to Sen's credit, the entire opening of the game is presented in media res, with no tutorials and no real direction, letting you play around with its various systems and teach yourself about all its cool features. After a certain cutscene, the story then jumps back in time three months and you're given the actual beginning of the tale, complete with brief tutorial screens in case you missed something -- but I think the fact that the game was able to just shove you right into the action at all, and know that virtually any player would be able to make it through unguided, is a testament to how intuitive the battle system is.

-Tom

 

[SatelliteOfLove]

When you start making the argument "It's not fair to judge it by today's standards, judge it by decade-old standards," you are pretty much admitting that even you don't think it holds up to modern games.

The fact that the dialog is still very good by modern standards is a credit to the original writing and localization and a solid reason for people to play this game today. But if someone is looking for outstanding RPG combat, there are just a lot of better options out there, regardless of whether you want traditional, strategic, or action-oriented mechanics.

Game design isn't always linear, and not all evolution is improvement...

Honestly, I'm a fan of simpler and easier in general. When battle systems get too complex and feature too many systems you need to learn, I find them off-putting. The best games are the ones you can figure out with absolutely no tutorials whatsoever if you need to. And to Sen's credit, the entire opening of the game is presented in media res, with no tutorials and no real direction, letting you play around with its various systems and teach yourself about all its cool features. After a certain cutscene, the story then jumps back in time three months and you're given the actual beginning of the tale, complete with brief tutorial screens in case you missed something -- but I think the fact that the game was able to just shove you right into the action at all, and know that virtually any player would be able to make it through unguided, is a testament to how intuitive the battle system is.

-Tom

And I like butt-clenchingly complex systems as well as this, so I defend TitS' mellow honest simplicity. I don't like populist pulls in either direction. It makes gaming weaker.

 

[Barrylocke]

So I figured I'd ask here. Do any of you have Trails in the Sky cards you're willing to trade? I have doubles of A Beautiful Sky and Hot Springs Hostage, along with other cards from other games that I'm willing to give up.

As for the game itself, I just made it to the port town after checking out the orphanage. Things are still going at a light pace, but I haven't made it to the Bracers Guild in Town so I imagine we'll move things along later. Estelle has unlocked all of her orbment slots too, which is nice. I can actually cast a couple of AoE moves now.

 

[SatelliteOfLove]

So I figured I'd ask here. Do any of you have Trails in the Sky cards you're willing to trade? I have doubles of A Beautiful Sky and Hot Springs Hostage, along with other cards from other games that I'm willing to give up.

As for the game itself, I just made it to the port town after checking out the orphanage. Things are still going at a light pace, but I haven't made it to the Bracers Guild in Town so I imagine we'll move things along later. Estelle has unlocked all of her orbment slots too, which is nice. I can actually cast a couple of AoE moves now.

I have...

Hot Springs Hostage (Foil)
Zeiss' Favorite Apprentice
Precious Memory
A Warm Smile
Home for the Heart
Jenis Royal Academy

I'm always down to trade or sell cards.

 

[ActStriker]

Just beat the game. I need SC now.

Story was engrossing, although slow. It was a nice build up to the end. The battle system was simple and nice.

Final chapter spoilers

Spoiler

I got into a nice groove using a party of Joshua, Estelle, Zane, and Olivier. Zane as a tank that could survive things was pretty nice, especially with his Crafts.

I think the Patient Plunderer achievement bugged on me, because I'm pretty sure I hit every chest but my counter is stuck. Probably have to go back to some early game chests that I opened pre-patches. Maybe I'll replay closer to SC's release.

 

[Dice//]

Zane is the best. Deal ok damage, but he became key for some of the later fights (plus that Earth skill that meant you could make yourself invincible was pretty good too)

 

[Nerokis]

I started playing a couple days ago, and I'm already in love. The characterization really does stand out. I'm ~4 hours in, I think, and the last thing I did was the job on the farm. It's been awhile since I found an instance of character development so sweet as the little moment that took place there.

 

[Shouta]

I'd have rather seen them make the system deeper with more tradeoffs and options rather than just stripping it of it's (potential) depth and going with something that seems a lot more simple and barebones. I don't know how or if the system changed at all in other games, but I think that was the wrong direction to go.

Then again, they are trying to expand the series and target a bigger audience so simpler and easier is usually better in that case.

Sen's systems are largely an improvement with very little loss. It still existed in Zero/Ao but with that game's additions, it became apparent how limited it was from a customization standpoint. Sen certainly lacks that quartz juggling but it gives you far more freed om to do fun stuff.

 

[è£ ç”²æ‚ªé¬¼æ‘æ­£]

Sen's systems are largely an improvement with very little loss. It still existed in Zero/Ao but with that game's additions, it became apparent how limited it was from a customization standpoint. Sen certainly lacks that quartz juggling but it gives you far more freed om to do fun stuff.

Yeah, I'd say there is more Quartz-juggling with the system in the Sen-games though (which is good). With the previous games you basically decided that this character is going to focus on time and mirage arts so all you did was just replace the usual stat quartz with their upgraded versions and bam, by the end of the game that character could cast all the time and mirage stuff.
Compared to Sen II where my Orbment setup for Laura meant that except for one Lost Art (got to use that EP-bar for something) she couldn't cast any magic at all, I focused everything on Craft/melee upgrades. Way more flexible and more customization options for your characters.

 

[Marow]

No news about when the Monster Guide will be added?

 

[Chaos17]

THAT ENDING :O !!!!!

PART 2 NAO XSEED PLZ

This

 

[Basileus777]

No news about when the Monster Guide will be added?

It's been long enough that I'm wondering if XSeed is still planning on putting this in.

 

[Psxphile]

It's been long enough that I'm wondering if XSeed is still planning on putting this in.

It's been long enough that I'm wondering if they ran into some kind of major snag getting it working. It's basically being done from scratch, after all. And having to quash all those bugs that didn't show up in during their initial play tests before release must have slowed things down considerably.

Y'know, not that we actually NEED the Monster Book or anything. It's a nice extra but basically irrelevant, I feel.

 

[wyrdwad]

It's been long enough that I'm wondering if they ran into some kind of major snag getting it working. It's basically being done from scratch, after all. And having to quash all those bugs that didn't show up in during their initial play tests before release must have slowed things down considerably.

Y'know, not that we actually NEED the Monster Book or anything. It's a nice extra but basically irrelevant, I feel.

I can check on it tomorrow, and see what progress has been made. I think the real holdup has been Corpse Party PC -- Sara's been focusing on getting that done, and we've essentially prioritized that over the monster guide because of how long we've been keeping people waiting for it, so I believe the monster guide has been at least temporarily shelved.

But I don't think the monster guide is far from completion, so it's possible it'll still be coming really soon. I'll see what I can dig up for you guys.

-Tom

 

[Arthea]

What about SC? Is translation work going on? Any ideas about when it'll be released.

 

[chaosblade]

What about SC? Is translation work going on? Any ideas about when it'll be released.

I don't remember seeing any updates on status recently but it's probably coming out (hopefully early?) next year.

 

[Basileus777]

What about SC? Is translation work going on? Any ideas about when it'll be released.

It was canceled so SpaceDrake could spend more time with FFXIV.

 

[Knurek]

It was canceled so SpaceDrake could spend more time with FFXIV.

Or maybe, maybe, Square Enix Japan subcontracted Carpe Fulgur to bugfix FFXIII's PC port?

 

[Arthea]

Or maybe, maybe, Square Enix Japan subcontracted Carpe Fulgur to bugfix FFXIII's PC port?

or hell froze over?

 

[wyrdwad]

What about SC? Is translation work going on? Any ideas about when it'll be released.

Editing is the big issue at this point -- translation is either complete or near-complete, but there's a loooooot of editing left to do. It's still on track, though, and progress is being made at a rapid pace... but I couldn't really give you a release window since we still have to deal with programming, both for the PC and PSP versions, before we can figure out exactly when it'll drop.

It is still on track, though! Fear not!

-Tom

 

[outunderthestars]

Editing is the big issue at this point -- translation is either complete or near-complete, but there's a loooooot of editing left to do. It's still on track, though, and progress is being made at a rapid pace... but I couldn't really give you a release window since we still have to deal with programming, both for the PC and PSP versions, before we can figure out exactly when it'll drop.

It is still on track, though! Fear not!

-Tom

How have the Steam releases been for the company?

 

[wyrdwad]

How have the Steam releases been for the company?

All of our Steam games have been pretty well-received, though I obviously can't give any numbers.

But I think your primary question is whether or not the games have done well for us on Steam, and the answer to that is definitely a yes. I mean, we announced after seeing our first-week sales for Trails in the Sky that it was our best Steam launch to date, and that wasn't meant as a "well, it's good FOR STEAM" statement or anything -- those were good numbers.

-Tom

 

[Arthea]

Editing is the big issue at this point -- translation is either complete or near-complete, but there's a loooooot of editing left to do. It's still on track, though, and progress is being made at a rapid pace... but I couldn't really give you a release window since we still have to deal with programming, both for the PC and PSP versions, before we can figure out exactly when it'll drop.

It is still on track, though! Fear not!

-Tom

thanks, it's good to know that things move forward. I can't wait for release date, please keep us informed.

edited wrong quote (><)

 

[Knurek]

All of our Steam games have been pretty well-received, though I obviously can't give any numbers.
-Tom

Tom, I don't think anyone's expecting you to give any specific data, we fully understand you or Marvelous not wanting to disclose it.
Nevertheless, seeing things like "we're extremely happy with sales" or "we hope other products we strive to bring to Steam in the future will sell as well" are generally well received. Especially by people waiting for SC after that cliffhanger ending.

 

[outunderthestars]

All of our Steam games have been pretty well-received, though I obviously can't give any numbers.

But I think your primary question is whether or not the games have done well for us on Steam, and the answer to that is definitely a yes. I mean, we announced after seeing our first-week sales for Trails in the Sky that it was our best Steam launch to date, and that wasn't meant as a "well, it's good FOR STEAM" statement or anything -- those were good numbers.

-Tom

That is all the info I need. I just hope that you will continue to support Steam with future releases.

Any Sales in the wings?

 

[Barrylocke]

Spoiler

Princess

Joshua has arrived. I'm sure the number of fans he has went up by a good deal once this scene happened.

 

[Barrylocke]

I just got to before the Martial Art Tournament Finals. I feel like things are finally starting to click into place plotwise. Knowing that there's a sequel coming really makes me appreciate the slow burn that this games been and realizing that it's all going to start heating up very soon.

Also, a few more songs have been sticking out in a good way. As much as I love the chill tunes like Sophisticated Fight and To Be Suggestive, I'm excited to see the musics tension ramp up along with the plots tension.

 

[Slashlen]

Also, a few more songs have been sticking out in a good way. As much as I love the chill tunes like Sophisticated Fight and To Be Suggestive, I'm excited to see the musics tension ramp up along with the plots tension.

No Silver Will? For shame.

 

[Barrylocke]

I know Silver Will is popular but I haven't actually gotten far enough in the game to hear it, and I usually prefer to not hear songs in OSTs until I've heard it ingame. Although I have heard Fate of the Fairies and Fight with Assailant from SC.

 

[Psxphile]

and I usually prefer to not hear songs in OSTs until I've heard it ingame.

I'm pretty much the same way. Sometimes I just can't appreciate how good a track is unless I've experienced it in the game.

 

[SatelliteOfLove]

Should be a few days at most and Barry will be in The Thirst. The magic is at work already.

It's coming...

 

[demidar]

No Silver Will? For shame.

I could've sworn Silver Will was an Ys track. it sounded very familiar but I think I might've heard it while going through an Ys playlist that included Ys vs. Kiseki?

 

[chaosblade]

I hope SC's soundtrack is better. FC's was okay but didn't have many standout tracks, they were mostly forgettable and not songs I care to listen to outside the game. Complete opposite of most Ys games, I have a ton of Ys music just on my phone for example.