Hello

[ruri]

Nice to meet y'all. I'm a relatively new Falcom fan; I've only played Zwei!!, the ED6 series, Gurumin, and Ys Origin. Right now, I'm trying to beat EDIII - V, Ark of Napishtim, and I'm also looking forward to Zwei II.

I got into Falcom by my brothers and friend. I first played ED6 FC, which was introduced to me by my brother. But, I had really crappy Japanese at the time, and I kinda gave up, because of the large amount of text. >>;; Around one year after, I saw a picture of Joshua on my friend's cellphone (he played the Chinese version), and it reminded me of the game, so I decided to give it another shot. Thankfully, my Japanese improved a bit, so I wasn't put off. I then continued clearing SC and the 3rd, non-stop. XD After, I started researching Falcom games and playing them.

Other games I really enjoy are the Tales series. I don't know if any of you here played them, but I enjoy them a lot. I've played nearly all of the mothership titles, with Tales of Rebirth being my favourite. There are a lot of games I like, but I'm too lazy to mention them. >>;;

I'm probably not as into the Ys series as most of the people on this board, as I rather like games with a lot of text, dialogue and character interaction. But I do enjoy the games because of its awesome gameplay.
Anyway, I won't bore you guys any longer, so again, nice to meet you.

[korzic]

Hello!

Sorry if I'm prying too much, but are you the same "Ruri" from the Tales Central forums? I don't post there (well, not anymore), but I still visit from time to time to see what's going on there these days, and I see your username pop up pretty frequently.

Anyway, if you like Ys VI: The Ark of Napishtim and Ys: Origin, you might want to give Ys: The Oath in Felghana for the PC a try. It's a remake of Ys III with the same basic engine as Ys VI and YsO. Or, you could try downloading Ys I and II Complete for the PC from Yahoo! Japan. They use the old-school Ys method of walking into enemies to defeat them (or via magic in Ys II), but it's still an oddly addictive combat style. XD

As for the Tales series, I haven't really enjoyed one of those games all that much since Symphonia, although I've only really tried Abyss and Legendia (Abyss having a nice battle system, but I couldn't stand the story). Phantasia (SFC version), Destiny, and Eternia I really like, particularly Eternia's battle system. I'm thinking of giving Vesperia a try, but I don't really want to buy an XBox 360 just for that, and maybe two other games.

[Red Hairdo]

Welcome ruri!

Even though this is an Ys board, it hosts many Falcom fans. So don't worry.

Jun 21, 2008 20:07:45 GMT -5 korzic said:

As for the Tales series, I haven't really enjoyed one of those games all that much since Symphonia, although I've only really tried Abyss and Legendia (Abyss having a nice battle system, but I couldn't stand the story).

I never liked the Tales games until August 2007. A friend recommended me TotAbyss, but I wasn't much interested, though I tried.
Anyway, the first impression I had was: This game is crap. The gameplay though was good enough, so I kept going on. Though I was really hating part of the story and most characters (mostly Luke) and all that, pretty much like you described. Though later on it really was worth that I stood the story, because later on the game's story became AWESOME, one of the best stories and story/character development I ever saw in any game ever. And from then on, it only kept getting better and better.

Did you, by any chance, stop playing Abyss before Luke cut his hair?
If so, then I highly suggest you try to play it a bit more, because this game is incredible. If it wasn't for it, I would still be despising the Tales of series.

[korzic]

Jun 21, 2008 22:07:38 GMT -5 Red Hairdo said:

Did you, by any chance, stop playing Abyss before Luke cut his hair?
If so, then I highly suggest you try to play it a bit more, because this game is incredible. If it wasn't for it, I would still be despising the Tales of series.

I completed the whole game. The first half was pretty enjoyable for me, but the second half was very difficult for me to get through. As I've talked about in the "They think the game *rules* but hey, you hate it!" thread in the "Video Games" sub-forum, this mostly has to do with how much they talk about free will (I don't believe it exists). It's an issue that I'm noticing exists in a lot of games (particularly RPG's), but Tales of the Abyss seemed to talk about it far too much for me. I can take it when a game decides to talk about it for a short time (again, seems quite often), but having much of the game's plot be linked to this idea was just too much for me.

Aside from that, the basic story didn't seem too bad, although it's not really my type. I should probably try and replay it sometime, just to make sure my feelings towards it are justified (I was going through some tough spiritual times then - still am - which may or may not have clouded my opinion of the game).

EDIT: Forgot to say I didn't really care for the characters that much either. They just felt too generic, or I just plain didn't like them. The exception is Jade, but even he got annoying after a while.

[Incog Neato]

ARGH! I always do this -- enter into a thread in this introduction forum and forget to actually say HI. :P So ... Hello Ruri! ^_____^ Welcome to the Ancient Land of Ys!

I'm sort of a Tales fan. ^^ I own all the main console versions of the games except Tales of Rebirth, SFC version of Tales of Phantasia, and the re-release/remake of Tales of Destiny (cuz I LOATHE ToD with a passion) or its Director's Cut. Oh, I also have Tales of Fandom Vol. 1. I'm not as much into the series as I used to so I skipped on ToF Vol. 2. :/

Hirm! I might look into ToR now that it's on the PSP though~! My favourite is and will always be Tales of Phantasia (PlayStation ver.).

Jun 21, 2008 23:07:55 GMT -5 korzic said:

I completed the whole game. The first half was pretty enjoyable for me, but the second half was very difficult for me to get through. As I've talked about in the "They think the game *rules* but hey, you hate it!" thread in the "Video Games" sub-forum, this mostly has to do with how much they talk about free will (I don't believe it exists).

I haven't gotten to that part but I know it's coming because they've been sort of .... wavering on the whole "following the Score" thing since Yulia City.

The one thing that's been ticking me off is repetitive dialogue, especially with Luke during his moping "It's my fault" time. I'm glad that Guy told him that it's annoying. :P

I miss the loud and obnoxious Luke. :( Though I actually sort of don't understand how he couldn't have been taught manners and such when he was young (well, post "kidnapping") considering he's an heir to the throne. :P

Anyway, I think a lot of writers have something against predestiny so it's a recurring theme all over the place -- not just in RPGs but in anime and manga as well. (HELLO CLAMP!)

[ruri]

Jun 21, 2008 20:07:45 GMT -5 korzic said:

Hello!

Sorry if I'm prying too much, but are you the same "Ruri" from the Tales Central forums? I don't post there (well, not anymore), but I still visit from time to time to see what's going on there these days, and I see your username pop up pretty frequently.

Wow, I didn't think someone would find out so quickly! Yes, that's me. Though I guess it's pretty obvious since I mentioned the Tales series. XD

Jun 21, 2008 20:07:45 GMT -5 Wyrdwad said:

Hello!

That icon looks awfully familiar! Did you get that from my LiveJournal? I mean, I know it's taken from a picture on Falcom's official Gurumin website, but it's framed and edited in EXACTLY the same spots as the icon I made a year or two ago.

Not that I mind, of course! I actually think it's really cool that someone else is using it. I love that icon. But mostly because I love Gurumin, and Parin is one of the greatest main characters ever!

I actually had no idea where this icon came from. I think I found it quite a long time ago. Sorry for using it without permission. D=

Jun 21, 2008 20:07:45 GMT -5 Incog Neato said:

Hello!
I'm sort of a Tales fan. ^^ I own all the main console versions of the games except Tales of Rebirth, SFC version of Tales of Phantasia, and the re-release/remake of Tales of Destiny (cuz I LOATHE ToD with a passion) or its Director's Cut. Oh, I also have Tales of Fandom Vol. 1. I'm not as much into the series as I used to so I skipped on ToF Vol. 2. :/

May I ask what you hated about ToD? I'm guessing it was the horrible battle system? The PS2 version sure fixed that, I can guarantee you. Or was it the characters and story?

As for ToA...It's my least favourite, probably. >> The battle system wasn't that fun for me, and the characters never grew on me, either.

[korzic]

Jun 22, 2008 8:47:26 GMT -5 Incog Neato said:

The one thing that's been ticking me off is repetitive dialogue, especially with Luke during his moping "It's my fault" time. I'm glad that Guy told him that it's annoying. :P

The way a lot of skits just kind of reiterated plot points got on my nerves after a while, too (I assume that's what you're referring to?). All that talk about fonons gets confusing after a while, as well. And, even though I don't much care for Luke, I couldn't stand the way the party scolds and lectures him all the time.

Anyway, I think a lot of writers have something against predestiny so it's a recurring theme all over the place -- not just in RPGs but in anime and manga as well. (HELLO CLAMP!)

Yeah, I've also noticed it in anime, even though I only have watched a few shows. What puzzles me is, why do so many writers talk about it? It seems to me that the idea that people choose their own path in life is almost considered to be a universal truth, though of course there are certain groups that don't believe this - usually in order to manipulate people or to make certain people (possibly themselves) feel more special. (This, by the way, is not why I believe as I do).

Jun 22, 2008 14:48:08 GMT -5 ruri said:

Jun 21, 2008 20:07:45 GMT -5 korzic said:

Hello!

Sorry if I'm prying too much, but are you the same "Ruri" from the Tales Central forums? I don't post there (well, not anymore), but I still visit from time to time to see what's going on there these days, and I see your username pop up pretty frequently.

Wow, I didn't think someone would find out so quickly! Yes, that's me. Though I guess it's pretty obvious since I mentioned the Tales series. XD

Even though I don't really know you (or many of the other current users at TC for that matter - those forums seem to go through so many revisions XD), it's still kind of surprising to see you here; I don't recall seeing anyone ever talk about Ys or Falcom there - or anywhere else I visit, besides here - while I was still posting (which I guess was 2003-2006).

May I ask what you hated about ToD? I'm guessing it was the horrible battle system? The PS2 version sure fixed that, I can guarantee you. Or was it the characters and story?

So, how is the PS2 version compared to the old one - specifically the story and dungeon content?

[Justin]

Hello and welcome to the board.

[Nalacakes]

Umm...welcome to the boards. ^^; I hope you have fun here. Of course I'm relatively new here as well, and really have no right to go welcoming new members just yet. But...my join date says I've been here since forever ago. So...I think a 'neener neener' is appropriate? ^_~

[FM-77AV]

Man, I just thought it was wyrdwad.

Welcome to the site, dood.

[ruri]

Heh, thanks everyone.

Jun 22, 2008 20:52:56 GMT -5 korzic said:

So, how is the PS2 version compared to the old one - specifically the story and dungeon content?

The story and characters are fleshed out much, much more than the original one, especially in Director's Cut where you can see the story from Leon's eyes, and find out what was going on behind the scenes. Though of course, the story is kind of lame compared to modern RPGs. XD They also managed to make the dungeons prettier and less annoying (specifically the dungeons in the Aethersphere), but sometimes the dungeons seem like bland, endless hallways.

[korzic]

Jun 23, 2008 14:25:27 GMT -5 ruri said:

The story and characters are fleshed out much, much more than the original one, especially in Director's Cut where you can see the story from Leon's eyes, and find out what was going on behind the scenes. Though of course, the story is kind of lame compared to modern RPGs. XD They also managed to make the dungeons prettier and less annoying (specifically the dungeons in the Aethersphere), but sometimes the dungeons seem like bland, endless hallways.

Oh yes, I remember reading about a "Leon mode" over at TC, but I think much of it was just speculation at the time, so I don't really know what it is exactly. Is it kind of like a replay of the normal story mode, only from Leon's perspective, or is it something else?

[Incog Neato]

Jun 22, 2008 14:48:08 GMT -5 ruri said:

May I ask what you hated about ToD? I'm guessing it was the horrible battle system? The PS2 version sure fixed that, I can guarantee you. Or was it the characters and story?

As for ToA...It's my least favourite, probably. >> The battle system wasn't that fun for me, and the characters never grew on me, either.

Well, the problem with me is that in order for me to enjoy a game, it has to be as an "entire package". If a chunk of the game pisses me off at any point, it just ruins the everything for me. :/

For ToD, I despised Leon, I hated the music, I hated the final dungeon (Aeropolis) and I'm pretty sure there was more hate in there somewhere but since I didn't like the game, I can't remember what other aspects drove me up the wall.

Oddly enough, I still own the game. ^^

I certainly don't mind the Linear Motion Battle System from ToP and its variations seen in ToD, ToE, ToD2, etc. In fact, I sort of prefer it. ^^ There just seems to be more much more to worry about when the system is like TotA where there's free movement involved.

[ruri]

Jun 23, 2008 15:38:35 GMT -5 korzic said:

Jun 23, 2008 14:25:27 GMT -5 ruri said:

The story and characters are fleshed out much, much more than the original one, especially in Director's Cut where you can see the story from Leon's eyes, and find out what was going on behind the scenes. Though of course, the story is kind of lame compared to modern RPGs. XD They also managed to make the dungeons prettier and less annoying (specifically the dungeons in the Aethersphere), but sometimes the dungeons seem like bland, endless hallways.

Oh yes, I remember reading about a "Leon mode" over at TC, but I think much of it was just speculation at the time, so I don't really know what it is exactly. Is it kind of like a replay of the normal story mode, only from Leon's perspective, or is it something else?

Leon basically takes on the role of the main character, and a lot of the events are different. It's basically a fanservice game for Leon fans, though. ::) Probably explains why I haven't beat it yet, since I don't like Leon that much. XD

[korzic]

From what little I remember about Tales of Destiny's story and characters, I didn't care for Leon all that much either. The others seemed to be fine, though. =p

Anyway, the remake sounds interesting, and I might try and pick it up, but just one more question. Given that I remember very little of the game's major plot points (something about the Ae'thers, the Er'thers, and the Eye of Atamoni - most everything leading up to that and how it all ties together, I forgot =p), and I don't know Japanese, how much trouble do you think I'd have getting through it?

[ruri]

I don't think you would have a lot of trouble with knowing where to go, because the map shows you where to go with this white flashing circle thing. But some dungeons might give you trouble, because they require some japanese knowledge. But there are walkthrough FAQs and system guides on GFaqs, so you could look at those if you're really having trouble.

[korzic]

That white flashing circle sure sounds convenient. Too bad about some of the dungeons, though, but I guess it can't be helped.

Anyway, I think I'll try and pick up this game sometime in the near future. Thank you for the information!