radiantdreamer
Member
Lain said:
Oh that's good news!
Hey, does anyone wanna buy my JP version of the first artbook?
-
Hey, guest user. Hope you're enjoying NeoGAF! Have you considered registering for an account? Come join us and add your take to the daily discourse.
Valkyria Chronicles II |OT| Grind to get school credits which won't get anyone a job!
- Thread starter Giolon
- Start date
Oh that's good news!
Hey, does anyone wanna buy my JP version of the first artbook?
sixteen-bit
Member
Ugh, that UDON book has been delayed so many times it's ridiculous.
RatskyWatsky
Hunky Nostradamus
I've been playing this for the last few weeks. I'm in August. The gameplay is still pretty great, although a bit restricted by the 6 character limit. I use two Scout Veterans, mainly. Sometimes I'll use Shocktroopers and Lancers, but I can usually get by with only two Scout Veterans, so it feels quite easy. Grinding for credits takes forever though! I only have one advanced class so far: Joachim as a Fencer Elite. His armor looks amazing.
Are Engineers ever useful? I haven't used them seriously; just for grinding out character missions.
Also, unlike the first game, there doesn't seem to be any reward for leveling classes...?
Are Engineers ever useful? I haven't used them seriously; just for grinding out character missions.
Also, unlike the first game, there doesn't seem to be any reward for leveling classes...?
Giolon
Member
Ever run over a landmine w/ your tank on accident? Or drive your APC through hostile territory and get it shot up? Or have your lancers need more than 3 shots each (particularly the ones that have Tank Killer-type abilities)? Scouts need another grenade? The uses for Engineers are huge. Not to mention the sheer OP-ness of Medic's ability to ressurrect a unit from range.RatskyWatsky said:
I can't remember what the exact benefit was in VC2, but it certainly wasn't worthless.RatskyWatsky said:
RatskyWatsky
Hunky Nostradamus
Giolon said:
Honestly...no. To all of those. I pretty much have the mission completed within 2 turns, so I never really need to heal tanks or restock ammo. Although the resurrect ability with the Medic sounds useful.
RatskyWatsky
Hunky Nostradamus
Giolon said:
Now, now. It's not that I'm awesome. It's just that, so far, the game is far too easy. I used Medics and Engineers plenty in the first game, but in this one there's no need. (so far)
radiantdreamer
Member
RatskyWatsky said:
I have to agree with RatskyWatsky. I didn't really find engineers/medics all that useful in VC2 either. And I thought they lost the ability to disable land minds - those are for the tech class now, which made more sense, since disabling mines usually means going out to get shot at.
The one benefit of engineers I've found is that they actually have huge firepower. More than Scouts, I believe. The amount of damage they do per shot is quite significant.
RatskyWatsky
Hunky Nostradamus
Giolon said:
I'm almost done with August. The Flamethrower APC is pretty awesome. Grinding for credits is so awful. I just need a Marchll X for one character, and after several hours of grinding the same map, nothing! Argh!
Giolon
Member
@RadiantDreamer: You're right on the landmines - repairs though from after driving over them XD Sometimes it's worth it.
This is the thing that truly holds this game back for me. Random assignment of credits necessitating grinding is an inane design decision. I would have enjoyed this game a lot more had it not been for that.
RatskyWatsky said:
Grinding for credits is so awful. I just need a Marchll X for one character, and after several hours of grinding the same map, nothing! Argh!
This is the thing that truly holds this game back for me. Random assignment of credits necessitating grinding is an inane design decision. I would have enjoyed this game a lot more had it not been for that.
mjemirzian
Banned
Grinding is optional in this game.Giolon said:
RatskyWatsky
Hunky Nostradamus
mjemirzian said:
While you can get through the game using the lower level classes, which doesn't require grinding, it shouldn't take forever to grind -random- credits to unlock the higher level ones. Getting to the higher level classes was exciting in the first game; in this one it's a horrible chore.
Giolon
Member
If you don't want to be able to use the more advanced classes, sure it's optional, but who goes in and says "nah, you know what? screw all those cool sounding advanced classes like Snipers and Fencers. Base classes are good enough for me!" If you want to use them, you may have to grind depending on your luck.mjemirzian said:
Grinding out something deterministic is one thing. If I grind X missions, I will get Y experience - good! I can play this for 30 minutes or an hour and make measurable progress!
Grinding against a random number generator is another. If I grind X missions, I will get a random assortment of Ys and Zs, but what I really want are only Ys and hey look they gave me 4 Zs! Ok I 'll do it again - 2 more Zs. Ok one more time, look 3 more Zs. Where the *@&# are the Ys? - bad! Multiply that out across 18 different credit types and 30-ish different characters and you have one hell of a worthless time sink, even if you're only trying to upgrade a core set of 5-10 chars. You can play for eternity and not get what you need to improve your characters. No amount of skill or actions that the player takes can change that.
Not everybody is a fan of putting their time into something that's a complete gamble.
Manos: The Hans of Fate
Banned
Been playing this and 3rd Birthday (dear god what a joy and also a loopy B-Movie that is) during my commute again (which is now about an hour with no transfers as opposed to 35 minutes with 2 or 3 transfers). I have to say while the gameplay is fun and solid. The story can be really...ehh, maybe when you're 28 you just can't relate to what it was like to be in the military as a teen fighting against nobles! lol That said I have to say the extra functions and things it allowed to be introduced is cool.
I'm not terribly far or so I think (VIP Protect Mission), it can just be hard to decide if I should start a mission depending on how far along I am on my commute. One disadvantage to being on the go is while the missions are fun. It feels like trying to scan all the squad data is a bit overwhelming. I like the data available, but I feel like I tend to make a ah screw it just deploy these people choice.
Still enjoyable strategy on the go, even if the story is a bit mehish.
I'm not terribly far or so I think (VIP Protect Mission), it can just be hard to decide if I should start a mission depending on how far along I am on my commute. One disadvantage to being on the go is while the missions are fun. It feels like trying to scan all the squad data is a bit overwhelming. I like the data available, but I feel like I tend to make a ah screw it just deploy these people choice.
Still enjoyable strategy on the go, even if the story is a bit mehish.
radiantdreamer
Member
Woo-Fu said:
Read my comment carefully. I'm fully aware of the Engineer's purpose. And did you play VC1? Engineers were the ones that risked getting killed to disable land mines.
Giolon: The simple answer - don't step on land mines.
When you're driving a tank, you've got all the time in the world, so you just tread carefully.I've had engineers escorting tanks and such, but I've rarely ever had to use them.
RatskyWatsky
Hunky Nostradamus
Giolon said:
Well said. I was grinding for a few hours last night again, and the credits I'm looking for still aren't appearing. It feels like such a waste of time. Did they fix that for 3? (which I know probably won't be released in America
)mjemirzian
Banned
Giolon said:
You can promote a large number of characters to advanced classes without ever grinding by earning credits for 15+ characters per mission. This makes it more or less a statistical certainty that you'll be able to promote a lot of the cast. I've done it myself and my run was far from 'lucky'. Earning credits for 15+ units per mission takes a higher amount of skill and strategy and is thus an unpopular option. Most people on this forum instead choose to grind while complaining about it.
The only thing you can't do without grinding is try to promote a specific character to a specific class, or try to promote every single character.
I think one of the main reasons I loved this game was because I didn't have to go through the frustration of grinding.
For the most part I simply changed classes when I got credits from doing missions and that's about it. Did some grinding in the beginning but it was more out of habit than anything else.
Once I realized I could play the game just fine without grinding at all it was all smooth sailing from there. By the end of the game my team had two or three tier-3 characters and the rest were tier-2 in their classes, finished/enjoyed the game no prob.
For the most part I simply changed classes when I got credits from doing missions and that's about it. Did some grinding in the beginning but it was more out of habit than anything else.
Once I realized I could play the game just fine without grinding at all it was all smooth sailing from there. By the end of the game my team had two or three tier-3 characters and the rest were tier-2 in their classes, finished/enjoyed the game no prob.
Onion_Relish
Member
While it has already been stated that grinding is not mandatory, it is heavily implied throughout the game that you should be doing it. Once again, this is not because you need to, but you get some of the credits, some of the diplomas, some of the certificates, then an enemy unit shows up and you think, boy you know, i really wish i had THAT unit. And if you get a new team member who is level 1 while you have level 3's, its a kind of ego blow that necessitates grinding. Thats how i felt anyways. By the end, i think every party member that i used was a level 3 and im not proud of it thats for sure...
I was just discussing with a friend who's playing through the game right now. She loved the first game just as much as I did, and she's also thoroughly enjoying II.
Sometimes, I feel like II is judged based too much on the fact that it's a sequel to the first game. Personally, I thought the first game was pretty much flawless. Sure, it could be easily broken, but that's only if you abuse it I guess! I never really did myself but yeah... But really, did anyone expect Valkyria Chronicles II to be as good as the first one? Especially since they decided to put it on the PSP instead of the PS3. I actually really thought that the original really didn't need a sequel! But I figure more Valkyria can't be a bad thing right?
I don't know, YMMV, but I personally was surprised at how good VCII was compared to the first. Lots more customization, tons more missions and content, actual side-character quests (which I absolutely adored), etc. The only thing really holding it back being the random credit distribution and the lack of large maps in terms of technical stuff. The story isn't as good/touching (although, it does have it's moments:
) and the main characters aren't as likable and unique as the first's, but I do truly think the game is a good sequel to the first game. At least the side characters got expanded upon much more than the first game's and there really is a lot more to do in II than in the original! But yes, I actually do really love this as much as the first one!
Sorry for the random rant, just kind of wanted to get my thoughts out there (I had a few more thoughts I wanted to throw out there, but they slipped my mind as I was typing. :V)!
Sometimes, I feel like II is judged based too much on the fact that it's a sequel to the first game. Personally, I thought the first game was pretty much flawless. Sure, it could be easily broken, but that's only if you abuse it I guess! I never really did myself but yeah... But really, did anyone expect Valkyria Chronicles II to be as good as the first one? Especially since they decided to put it on the PSP instead of the PS3. I actually really thought that the original really didn't need a sequel! But I figure more Valkyria can't be a bad thing right?
I don't know, YMMV, but I personally was surprised at how good VCII was compared to the first. Lots more customization, tons more missions and content, actual side-character quests (which I absolutely adored), etc. The only thing really holding it back being the random credit distribution and the lack of large maps in terms of technical stuff. The story isn't as good/touching (although, it does have it's moments:
Juliana's death really got to me
Sorry for the random rant, just kind of wanted to get my thoughts out there (I had a few more thoughts I wanted to throw out there, but they slipped my mind as I was typing. :V)!
I don't like this game compared to the first. I would think the extra customization of units would keep me interested, but honestly it just drives me away. I do enjoy the extra missions and such. I liked how simple yet complex the first was. All the extra customization just annoys my already shitty attention span. Not only that, I have never liked SRPGs. VC is the first I have ever liked, so I would assume I would like the sequels. I only made it to April and I am already thinking about just shelving the game. I don't want to give up on attempting to like SRPGs though, I will attempt to play Jeanne D' Arc soon.
radiantdreamer
Member
*sigh* I just want VC3 localized...
Augemitbutter
Member
we all want!
PSP emulation in HD isn't really a hot topic compared to PS2 and GC/Wii (maybe because of the compatibility of the emulator ?), but I think people would watch this.
VC2 in 720p.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-spJ5NJGDA&feature=player_embedded
Gives you a nice idea of what a PSP remaster of the game would look like. And I think it looks good. Not on par with VC1, but still good.
And the framerate is definitely better.
VC2 in 720p.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-spJ5NJGDA&feature=player_embedded
Gives you a nice idea of what a PSP remaster of the game would look like. And I think it looks good. Not on par with VC1, but still good.
And the framerate is definitely better.
News from the translated-artbook front:
As long as it eventually comes out!
I've got the Japanese original, and it doesn't measure up to the first book, but it's still fun to have. I just hope they translate the third book. That would be a godsend to people with iffy Japanese but who are putting forth their best effort to get through the never-translated VC3.
Amazon's e-mail said:
As long as it eventually comes out!
I've got the Japanese original, and it doesn't measure up to the first book, but it's still fun to have. I just hope they translate the third book. That would be a godsend to people with iffy Japanese but who are putting forth their best effort to get through the never-translated VC3.
OccamsBlender
Member
A version of VC3 with a bunch of DLC bundled in got published not too terribly long ago, hopefully that version will get localized.
Hella late to the party but I picked up this last week:
http://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/404727738X/
Hella late to the party but I picked up this last week:
http://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/404727738X/
Still holding out hope for VC3, might end up importing it though. Even though I can't speak jpn.
radiantdreamer
Member
I heard the VC2 artbook will be localized.
Giolon
Member
Udon announced it months ago and it's been up for pre-order on Amazon since at least Aug 6, which is when I pre-ordered it. It just got delayed (VC1 art book all over again) to April 12 this week.
I told myself I just wanted to run through the main story but completing all missions and getting good ranks is far more addicting than I needed right now. Currently in July, and the only missions I REALLY dislike doing are the "guiding the APC" ones, ugh. Did anyone even use techs/engineers? I feel like I dominate everyone with my shocktroppers/gunners, along with scouts, lancers and my tank.
Giolon
Member
According to other GAFers, even though VC2 isn't listed on the PS Vita compatibility list and Sony won't let you download it directly from the PSN Store, apparently you can transfer this game onto a Vita from a PS3, and it'll run fine.
mjemirzian
Banned
There are a few (optional) late game missions where you can only use techs/engineers.
My copy has finally been dispatched! I'll believe it when I finally have it in my hands though, lord knows its been delayed enough times already...
Wow, dispatched already? I thought it didn't come out until May 6th?
I have no idea, it was in flux that long that I had neglected to keep up to date with it all. Whatever the case may be though, it was delivered this morning!
I'm usually not one for artbooks of any kind, but VC's style just appeals to me. Even if VC2 did step backwards in terms of its overall story line and presentation, its art is still up there. The early design documents are so good; I don't care too much for the promotional artwork they put upfront however, its kind of jarring in relation to everything else.
Mine was too.
I honestly forgot about it with all the delays. I was surprised to see the email.
SerArthurDayne
Member
Received my order of the VC2 World Artworks today.
Ensenda outperforming UPS, what? 1 day delivery can't be beat, though.
A refreshing change from my last package sent by them never showing up.
Just about to open and check it out.
Ensenda outperforming UPS, what? 1 day delivery can't be beat, though.
A refreshing change from my last package sent by them never showing up.
Just about to open and check it out.
More great news here too:
Your Shipment Details
Amazon.com items (Sold by Amazon.com LLC):
Valkyria Chronicles 2: World Artworks
$29.40
--------------------------------------------------------------------
(I won't be back at the old family homestead to pick this up until August, but...)
I suppose there's no hope of the third artbook ever being translated, since the game never was -- I'd be happy to take that job if it were offered!
Your Shipment Details
Amazon.com items (Sold by Amazon.com LLC):
Valkyria Chronicles 2: World Artworks
$29.40
--------------------------------------------------------------------
(I won't be back at the old family homestead to pick this up until August, but...)
I suppose there's no hope of the third artbook ever being translated, since the game never was -- I'd be happy to take that job if it were offered!
I finally got some time to go through my copy.
I heard this wasn't as good as the first one but I disagree. I think I like this art book better than the first one. There's more art and more character stuff. It completely surpassed my expectations. I think this may be my favourite art book in my pretty big collection. I love it.
I heard this wasn't as good as the first one but I disagree. I think I like this art book better than the first one. There's more art and more character stuff. It completely surpassed my expectations. I think this may be my favourite art book in my pretty big collection. I love it.
Nocturnowl
Member
Got my art book here in the UK, earlier than expected considering the proposed release date.
It's really damn good if I say so myself, full of information. (including a surprising amount about women's bust sizes, who knew there were so many factors going into such decisions?)
For all the complaints thrown at this game and the school setting I really liked it, characters specifically actually have much more...well character, it's good to see the artbook focuses a fair bit on the side characters. The staff interview was a good read as well
.
Now the only problem is the pain of no VC3 localization is stinging once again, I can't take this! It's like i'm being denied an awesome game, soundtrack and artbook.
It's really damn good if I say so myself, full of information. (including a surprising amount about women's bust sizes, who knew there were so many factors going into such decisions?)
For all the complaints thrown at this game and the school setting I really liked it, characters specifically actually have much more...well character, it's good to see the artbook focuses a fair bit on the side characters. The staff interview was a good read as well
nice to see that they acknowledged Avan shooting himself as silly and that Alicia as well as scouts in general being pretty overpowered in the first game
Now the only problem is the pain of no VC3 localization is stinging once again, I can't take this! It's like i'm being denied an awesome game, soundtrack and artbook.