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Post by Xeogred on Jun 28, 2021 18:45:26 GMT -5
Yes, the map system is great. But this dungeon TOOK ALMOST 3 HOURS! Thankfully you didn't have to backtrack all the way out.
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Post by Ex on Jun 28, 2021 19:25:21 GMT -5
I do actually remember that dungeon, 'cause that map looks awfully familiar, even all these years later. I remember it as well. So it must be in the Normal mode path. But this dungeon TOOK ALMOST 3 HOURS! I can't wait till you play Brandish. It's "oops all dungeons".
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Post by Xeogred on Jun 28, 2021 19:42:48 GMT -5
You two probably remember this goofy guy. The voice acting can be SO unfitting sometimes, lol.
Anyways, I'm all for Oops all Dungeons. But this dungeon was so dang boring with all the elevators and the map got annoying to navigate. Not a single save point anywhere in between either.
There's still things I like enough to keep going, but yeah...
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Post by paulofthewest on Jun 29, 2021 13:40:46 GMT -5
I did start Crystalis, but then found out my battery doesn't save. So, I'll have to one-shot it as I don't have a replacement. I will be interested to see how your replay of Crystalis turns out. That game's combat system is the primary reason I dropped it. I am curious, what you did you not like? I agree it could be considered antiquated, but the different force powers of the swords I thought added a fun element. Granted changing swords is a PITA in some parts. I won't be offended if you call it trash. I've already noticed things my rosy glasses covered up.
I definitely recommend not using the normal sword attacks. The only time I use normal attacks are on the bats.
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Post by Sarge on Jun 29, 2021 14:05:44 GMT -5
EM-U-LATE! EM-U-LATE! I ended up making my run on the MiSTer. If I hadn't done that, I might have used the NES Classic, or my PC, or the EverDrive N8... what I'm saying is that I have lots and lots of options. Speaking of the MiSTer, I made mine a little classier with these cool top and bottom plates: retrofrog.net/products/mister-case-top-and-bottom-plateNot mine, but it gives you an idea what it looks like now.
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Post by Ex on Jun 29, 2021 15:49:32 GMT -5
I am curious, what you did you not like? Your melee sword strike is pitifully short and incredibly brief. Combine those aspects with iffy hit boxes, and it makes stabbing enemies a crapshoot at best. Also enemies take a LOT of stabs to kill. Your sword blast only charges if you hold still. So you have to constantly run away from enemies, hide, charge, then reposition yourself to fire. This turns your sword into a crappy gun which only reloads if you're not moving. And each charge bar loads independently as well, further increasing the wait time. Plus because enemies take multiple hits, you have to do this hide/load/aim/fire routine multiple times per enemy. And there are usually many enemies per screen, exacerbating this process. Shots kill enemies faster than stabs, but even a simple slime can take three shots to die. Some enemies are only vulnerable to certain sword types. So you have to pause the game, go into your inventory screen, choose the other sword, then unpause, before you can even attack them. The game mixes multiple vulnerability types of enemies into one screen often, so it's a constant juggle between the inventory screen and attacking. This interface is non-ideal for an action-RPG. You add all that up together, and you've got yourself a less than ideal, I daresay annoying, combat system. But the combat system is just one of a litany of issues I had with Crystalis.
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Post by paulofthewest on Jun 29, 2021 21:09:16 GMT -5
I do agree the changing swords is really annoying. Especially once you have to use the balls and you must select the sword AND the ball. Although I don't know what they would have done instead, the controller is out of buttons =(
The game does have a different strategy to it. I made sure the charge shot would push the enemies far enough off for the next charge. That and I positioned the enemies into groups so the shot would hit all. During my replay I noticed I had the muscle memory down of when level 1 was charged just enough to let loose. I'm not saying everyone should like that, of course.
I'll get to the review, but since I played straight through I clocked myself at just under 4:30. This one will probably be a 6.5, even though it is still my 2nd favorite game.
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Post by Ex on Jun 29, 2021 21:32:29 GMT -5
Although I don't know what they would have done instead, the controller is out of buttons The Select and Start buttons both go to different menus, which are connected from a central menu. The Start menu should have been dedicated to the menus. The Select button should have changed swords. Orbs could have been preset in a menu, and automatically changed based on the Sword being used. Wow. I put three hours in and hadn't even cleared the snow mountains/ice cave section yet. Pays to pre-know what to do, obviously.
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Post by Sarge on Jun 29, 2021 23:23:25 GMT -5
That was faster than my run - I estimated it took me six hours ballpark. And that's exactly what happened with the charge shots, too. Charge just enough to hit that level one and unleash, and I tend to like seeing just how well I can optimize that timing.
The sword-swapping is annoying when you just have the ball, but it's less annoying once you get the bracelets, since leaving them unequipped gives you a L2 shot at max, and generally you want to save your MP for healing or the barrier spell.
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Post by paulofthewest on Jun 30, 2021 17:58:16 GMT -5
The Start menu should have been dedicated to the menus. The Select button should have changed swords. Ah, yes I see what you're saying. If the controller had L/R buttons for the swords that would be even better because then you would have to release your thumb from the control pad. Charge just enough to hit that level one and unleash, and I tend to like seeing just how well I can optimize that timing. There is something pleasing about releasing the bolt before the charge aura forms. As for speed, yes knowing where to go is huge as sometimes the clues are flat out misleading.
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