Menu Close

Ben’s Week In Review: August 2

We're less than one month away from Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain . Anyone excited?

I've missed Dragon Quest

When I heard Dragon Quest XI would be available on PlayStation 4 , it got me reminiscing about Dragon Quest VIII on PS2 and just how great that game was.

I remember it being very long; I think it would probably take at least 50 hours just to finish the main campaign, and that doesn't include doing any extra stuff. I think I ended up putting around 120 hours into it – did everything, including that trial at the end – and it became one of my all-time favorites. And actually, I think it's a perfect example of a game that could exist today, if the entire world wasn't convinced that a turn-based mechanic is simply inferior. If you will recall, the world of DQVIII was actually huge; it wasn't exactly a sandbox but it was definitely open-world. You could explore almost to your heart's content and the progression was perfect.

If you wanted to update it for modern consumption, you could just take out the random encounters and use the system from Final Fantasy XII (and other RPGs), where you'd see the enemies in real-time in the battlefield, but engaging them would be a semi-separate event. I just wonder if it's too "Japanese" for the Western world these days. If DQXI wants to help rejuvenate a declining genre , it's going to have to walk the tightrope between satisfying hardcore fans and appealing to new Western gamers. That'll be a challenge.

"Dramatic changes" is really all we need to know, isn't it?

I guess everyone is still anxiously awaiting gameplay of the Final Fantasy VII Remake but I've sort of stopped caring. The more I think about it, the more I'm convinced they'll ruin it. They can say they "won't turn it into a shooter" but honestly, the fact that they even made such a comment shows just how out-of-touch that company is. Nobody thinks they're going to turn FFVII into a shooter. It's a joke. The reason people might say it as a joke is because they know Square Enix is almost inevitably going to make a true classic faster and dumber. Faster and dumber is the calling card of most entertainment these days, and you just know that's the sort of treatment FFVII is going to get. They say we can expect "dramatic changes" and that's all I need to know, right there.

I get that it's a remake and not a remaster. But let's face it; the only people who are going to buy this are the lifelong FFVII fans. You might get a few interested stragglers but the overwhelming majority of those who will buy the Remake have been fans of FFVII for years and years. You say you're going to implement "dramatic changes" and yet, the game will still be recognizable. That doesn't make much sense, Square Enixm and on top of which…nobody believes you, anyway.

Personal gaming update

The Zombie Army Trilogy was mostly a waste of time, but I did complete another play-through of Journey , which will be my last for a while. There's nothing left to do in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt , as everything is done. I'm Lv. 37 with the full set of Mastercrafted Wolven Armor and the Mastercrafted Wolven Silver and Steel Swords, and all the quests and question marks are done (with the exception of the Gwent stuff, which I just didn't like). Even that Lv. 42 Archgriffin in Skellige is dead. Guess all I can do now is wait for the expansions, and for a patch so I can finish the remaining two side missions that are still bugged.

I should have a review for Q.U.B.E.: Director's Cut early this week. That might be good. And I'll be starting Rogue Galaxy .

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
34 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
FM23
FM23
8 years ago

Why does faster have to be paralleled with dumb? Turn base is just a very old concept that some love and some don't care for. Doesn't mean it's a smarter gaming mechanic because it involves more "brain power". Games have just become more accessible which isn't a bad thing.

And you are right. The remake is pointless for new comers as they don't care. Remake or remaster, this game isn't on my radar.

Damn, playing the Witcher 3 feels like it will never end and you're already dine. Kudos!

Bio
Bio
8 years ago

I agree. I've never understood this argument that JRPGs require more strategy or intelligence just because they are turn based. Having a million years to decide between a very limited selection of options doesn't require more strategy or intelligence; if anything it requires less. There are very, very few battles in turn based JRPGs that truly come down to strategy, and can't be plowed through with simple level grinding, if you even need that. There is a lot more strategy to the battle systems in FFXII and XIII, where you're setting up and managing complex AI routines to act independently in combat, and having to switch strategies in real time, etc., than being able to take forever and a day to make each individual choice in linear fashion.

They're an archaic, obsolete system. There's nothing wrong with enjoying them, because I still play old turn based JRPGs all the time (just recently went back through Chrono Cross, FFIX and then VIII this summer), but let's not pretend it's chess when it's checkers.

FM23
FM23
8 years ago

Exactly

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
8 years ago

Level grinding and being physically tough can win you a lot but it won't beat a Weapon. You're basically trying to get around the way the game works. Which is one way to play, but less satisfactory. And there is never a more limited number of things to do than in a live action fight. Jrpgs always offer dozens if not hundreds of actions within their menu sets.

Of course they require more brain power and strategy. You are dealing with matters in battle like status effects, element complement or clash, position, kinds of attacks (which are plentiful and cannot be squeezed into the face buttons.)

The enemy has plans too, so you are moving and thinking sometimes 3-5 moves ahead. You outwit and kill your enemies based on your own strategies which are birthed by how you develop your characters. Yes you can be an Ox and crush everyone but all RPGs have that.

There's so much more going on, including the drama of the scenes. Are Cloud or Aeris' limit break moves going to look as impressive without the field and fancy camera angles?

It's chess instead of checkers every time.

Bio
Bio
8 years ago

Status effects, element complements, positioning… none of these are unique to turn based games, and all of them are eaiser to manage in a turn based setting. And using Weapons, which you'll never even find let alone beat without a guide, as an example really just illustrates the weakness of your position. You had to jump right to the toughest possible battles a JRPG offers, and even then I'd disagree, as even they are more about having the right gear and levels. A level 100 Squall throwing down Lionheart for 250,000 damage 4 times in a row makes mincemeat of Omega Weapon's 1,000,000 hit points in less than a minute.

STRATEGY!

Bio
Bio
8 years ago

"Weakness of your position" was poor wording on my part, and I can't seem to edit from my phone. My apologies if it came off dickish.

Ben Dutka PSXE
Ben Dutka PSXE
8 years ago

I never said turn-based requires more intelligence or strategy.

Corvo
Corvo
8 years ago

FF7 will sell well, IF FFXV doesn't bomb. After playing some more Bloodborne this week along with KH2.5 I've learned something. Games have to evolve but they also have to have soul. FFX HD sold very well, and its turn based. New and some old comers came and bought it. X has soul and its turned based.

If FF7 Remakes gameplay is a button mashing borefest, of course its not going to get anyone buying it. But I have a good feeling Nomura won't blow it. They already took away his XV and I doubt he'll let them take away 7.

Nerull
Nerull
8 years ago

Sometimes I wish more turn-based games would come out.
Even though I like the idea of the Total War series, the turn-based design of Civilization makes it way more fun to me (despite that series also having its own share of flaws).

PGU: I'm just heading into the last quarter of AC Unity. Other than the stupid Helix credits being tied to the completely unnecessary mobile app, and my strong dislike of the French, it's not a bad game.

I hope all AC games moving forward will keep the sneak button, since it should have been there from the start, and the climbing down button.
It makes so much more sense than frantically looking for a hay-cart like I have a fetish for straw.

It still annoys me that AC Rogue never got ported to current gen.


Last edited by Nerull on 8/2/2015 12:05:32 AM

CrusaderForever
CrusaderForever
8 years ago

Loved, loved ACUnity!! Syndicate is one of my most anticipated releases! Can't wait!

FM23
FM23
8 years ago

Yes keep Unity's control set up. Never understood either how the "crouch" button was never implemented. I mean it's a stealth game. I mean GTA had it a long time ago. That should have been a critical critique since day one! 😉

Rachet_JC_FTW
Rachet_JC_FTW
8 years ago

well less than a month away from MGS5 thats exciting isn't it for sure.

then Dragon Quest which i never played myself but i'm sure it was great.

then yeah FFVII hope that goes well with the "Dramatic changes" hope they are for the better but anyway.

anto the PGU more daily sessions of BO2 zombies during the week and then i tried out this new ANNO build an empire on my phone today to see what its like compared to the PC versions can't say its as easy to follow but hey its a mobile app can't really expect that much from it.

and as always hope you guys have a great week and,

happy gaming


Last edited by Rachet_JC_FTW on 8/2/2015 8:33:44 AM

CrusaderForever
CrusaderForever
8 years ago

Yeah, very cool MGS5 is releasing soon. However that will be something I pick up later on. I have to finish the last quarter of MGS4. Also going to buy Mad Max first!

CrusaderForever
CrusaderForever
8 years ago

Yeah, that's a bummer I kept hoping the game play wouldn't change for FFVII. I guess it was to much to hope for. I hope again that what they change it to is fun as well.

PGU:

I finished FFXIVARR's main campaign last night. It was an epic end. However I still have 50 or so quests to finish up before my griffin can fly in the new Heavansward Ishgard content. Looking forward to learning the new Machinist job so I can have some turret fun. Also Galak-Z is out in a few days!!! So excited for its release! Have a good week everyone.

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
8 years ago

Final Fantasy XII's composer is talking a remake for that game. Dunno if it's a proper one or just an HD updated. Probably the latter.

I still have faith there will be something reminiscent of turn based battles in VII. Drastic changes could mean anything from prerendered background to 3D areas, no more chibi characters, dramatized cut scenes (where they usually just stood and talked to each other top down on the map). Mustn't give up hope yet. We screamed for this game to come and now it's coming so be upbeat gamers aboot it!

ROGUE GALAXY is awesome fun for an Action JRPG. Probably better than a Star Ocean. The only drawback is sometimes the areas are HUGE and the grinding is LONG and very dangerous in places where there's no health to find.

campat
campat
8 years ago

Worlds End thank you for the positive thoughts on FF VII. I have a good feeling about it. I wonder if when they say drastic changes means turned based fully rendered action sequences when you make your attack or defend?

Solid Fantasy
Solid Fantasy
8 years ago

Has anyone found a pre-order of the collectors edition of Phantom Paine? I want to give you more money Konami. Shouldn't you be facilitating this?

FM23
FM23
8 years ago

Why does faster have to be paralleled with dumb? Turn base is just a very old concept that some love and some don&#39t care for. Doesn&#39t mean it&#39s a smarter gaming mechanic because it involves more "brain power". Games have just become more accessible which isn&#39t a bad thing.

And you are right. The remake is pointless for new comers as they don&#39t care. Remake or remaster, this game isn&#39t on my radar.

Damn, playing the Witcher 3 feels like it will never end and you&#39re already dine. Kudos!

Bio
Bio
5 years ago

Status effects, element complements, positioning… none of these are unique to turn based games, and all of them are eaiser to manage in a turn based setting. And using Weapons, which you&#39ll never even find let alone beat without a guide, as an example really just illustrates the weakness of your position. You had to jump right to the toughest possible battles a JRPG offers, and even then I&#39d disagree, as even they are more about having the right gear and levels. A level 100 Squall throwing down Lionheart for 250,000 damage 4 times in a row makes mincemeat of Omega Weapon&#39s 1,000,000 hit points in less than a minute.

STRATEGY!

Bio
Bio
5 years ago

"Weakness of your position" was poor wording on my part, and I can&#39t seem to edit from my phone. My apologies if it came off dickish.

CrusaderForever
CrusaderForever
5 years ago

Yeah, very cool MGS5 is releasing soon. However that will be something I pick up later on. I have to finish the last quarter of MGS4. Also going to buy Mad Max first!

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
5 years ago

Level grinding and being physically tough can win you a lot but it won&#39t beat a Weapon. You&#39re basically trying to get around the way the game works. Which is one way to play, but less satisfactory. And there is never a more limited number of things to do than in a live action fight. Jrpgs always offer dozens if not hundreds of actions within their menu sets.

Of course they require more brain power and strategy. You are dealing with matters in battle like status effects, element complement or clash, position, kinds of attacks (which are plentiful and cannot be squeezed into the face buttons.)

The enemy has plans too, so you are moving and thinking sometimes 3-5 moves ahead. You outwit and kill your enemies based on your own strategies which are birthed by how you develop your characters. Yes you can be an Ox and crush everyone but all RPGs have that.

There&#39s so much more going on, including the drama of the scenes. Are Cloud or Aeris&#39 limit break moves going to look as impressive without the field and fancy camera angles?

It&#39s chess instead of checkers every time.

Nerull
Nerull
5 years ago

Sometimes I wish more turn-based games would come out.
Even though I like the idea of the Total War series, the turn-based design of Civilization makes it way more fun to me (despite that series also having its own share of flaws).

PGU: I&#39m just heading into the last quarter of AC Unity. Other than the stupid Helix credits being tied to the completely unnecessary mobile app, and my strong dislike of the French, it&#39s not a bad game.

I hope all AC games moving forward will keep the sneak button, since it should have been there from the start, and the climbing down button.
It makes so much more sense than frantically looking for a hay-cart like I have a fetish for straw.

It still annoys me that AC Rogue never got ported to current gen.

Last edited by Nerull on 8/2/2015 12:05:32 AM

FM23
FM23
5 years ago

Exactly

Corvo
Corvo
5 years ago

FF7 will sell well, IF FFXV doesn&#39t bomb. After playing some more Bloodborne this week along with KH2.5 I&#39ve learned something. Games have to evolve but they also have to have soul. FFX HD sold very well, and its turn based. New and some old comers came and bought it. X has soul and its turned based.

If FF7 Remakes gameplay is a button mashing borefest, of course its not going to get anyone buying it. But I have a good feeling Nomura won&#39t blow it. They already took away his XV and I doubt he&#39ll let them take away 7.

campat
campat
5 years ago

Worlds End thank you for the positive thoughts on FF VII. I have a good feeling about it. I wonder if when they say drastic changes means turned based fully rendered action sequences when you make your attack or defend?

Solid Fantasy
Solid Fantasy
5 years ago

Has anyone found a pre-order of the collectors edition of Phantom Paine? I want to give you more money Konami. Shouldn&#39t you be facilitating this?

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
5 years ago

Final Fantasy XII&#39s composer is talking a remake for that game. Dunno if it&#39s a proper one or just an HD updated. Probably the latter.

I still have faith there will be something reminiscent of turn based battles in VII. Drastic changes could mean anything from prerendered background to 3D areas, no more chibi characters, dramatized cut scenes (where they usually just stood and talked to each other top down on the map). Mustn&#39t give up hope yet. We screamed for this game to come and now it&#39s coming so be upbeat gamers aboot it!

ROGUE GALAXY is awesome fun for an Action JRPG. Probably better than a Star Ocean. The only drawback is sometimes the areas are HUGE and the grinding is LONG and very dangerous in places where there&#39s no health to find.

Ben Dutka PSXE
Ben Dutka PSXE
5 years ago

I never said turn-based requires more intelligence or strategy.

FM23
FM23
5 years ago

Yes keep Unity&#39s control set up. Never understood either how the "crouch" button was never implemented. I mean it&#39s a stealth game. I mean GTA had it a long time ago. That should have been a critical critique since day one! 😉

CrusaderForever
CrusaderForever
5 years ago

Loved, loved ACUnity!! Syndicate is one of my most anticipated releases! Can&#39t wait!

CrusaderForever
CrusaderForever
5 years ago

Yeah, that&#39s a bummer I kept hoping the game play wouldn&#39t change for FFVII. I guess it was to much to hope for. I hope again that what they change it to is fun as well.

PGU:

I finished FFXIVARR&#39s main campaign last night. It was an epic end. However I still have 50 or so quests to finish up before my griffin can fly in the new Heavansward Ishgard content. Looking forward to learning the new Machinist job so I can have some turret fun. Also Galak-Z is out in a few days!!! So excited for its release! Have a good week everyone.

Bio
Bio
5 years ago

I agree. I&#39ve never understood this argument that JRPGs require more strategy or intelligence just because they are turn based. Having a million years to decide between a very limited selection of options doesn&#39t require more strategy or intelligence; if anything it requires less. There are very, very few battles in turn based JRPGs that truly come down to strategy, and can&#39t be plowed through with simple level grinding, if you even need that. There is a lot more strategy to the battle systems in FFXII and XIII, where you&#39re setting up and managing complex AI routines to act independently in combat, and having to switch strategies in real time, etc., than being able to take forever and a day to make each individual choice in linear fashion.

They&#39re an archaic, obsolete system. There&#39s nothing wrong with enjoying them, because I still play old turn based JRPGs all the time (just recently went back through Chrono Cross, FFIX and then VIII this summer), but let&#39s not pretend it&#39s chess when it&#39s checkers.

Rachet_JC_FTW
Rachet_JC_FTW
5 years ago

well less than a month away from MGS5 thats exciting isn&#39t it for sure.

then Dragon Quest which i never played myself but i&#39m sure it was great.

then yeah FFVII hope that goes well with the "Dramatic changes" hope they are for the better but anyway.

anto the PGU more daily sessions of BO2 zombies during the week and then i tried out this new ANNO build an empire on my phone today to see what its like compared to the PC versions can&#39t say its as easy to follow but hey its a mobile app can&#39t really expect that much from it.

and as always hope you guys have a great week and,

happy gaming

Last edited by Rachet_JC_FTW on 8/2/2015 8:33:44 AM

34
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x