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Post by Ex on Oct 1, 2021 1:55:59 GMT -5
I've got 20 hours in Digital Devil Saga now. I'm very glad I resumed my play of this, because it just keeps getting better the deeper in I go. I have even gained access to a consumable (inexpensive) item that reduces the encounter frequency temporarily, so that's now under my control. DDS is a hardcore JRPG, in some ways it's harder than SMT3. By that I mean that I die (party wipe) more often than I did in SMT3. However, this is mitigated by frequent save spots, so I rarely lose much time. And DDS even bothers to warn you when you're about to encounter a boss. Regardless, DDS is still in the top 5 hardest turn-based JRPGs I've played. But I appreciate that about it. I respect games that respect the player's intelligence and capability. Moreover the futuristic techno-dystopia-apocalyptic atmosphere of DDS is very unique. It even reminds me of Blade Runner at times, yet incorporates a Hindu aesthetic amongst the cybernetic deterioration. This is a really interesting game.
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Post by Xeogred on Oct 1, 2021 8:59:49 GMT -5
Ex : Do you have characters/units that have field abilities too? If it's anything like SMT3, there were items that would stop or increase encounters, and they were also abilities some monsters had. It was helpful having one monster on hand like that just as a utility unit. Either way it's cool you were able to mitigate your biggest issue here. SMT3 gave you friendly warnings for bosses all the time too, haha. Usually behind a door. Easy way to know to turn around and go save, or further explore the dungeon if needed.
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Post by Ex on Oct 1, 2021 9:52:43 GMT -5
there were items that would stop or increase encounters, and they were also abilities some monsters had I haven't seen any items that will stop encounters whatsoever, but I have seen an item that will increase the encounter rate further. I can only see someone doing that, if they were trying to devour a lot of demons quickly, in order to master a new skill set faster. "Devouring" is a special technique that gains skill points rapidly, but it's not guaranteed to work, so fighting a lot in a short span of time would behoove that goal. DDS also does the "there's a boss behind this door" thing. I haven't seen any field abilities for characters yet, other than magic regain. As in as you walk, the character gains magic back. There are encounter abilities such as "first strike" which raises your chances of attacking first in a new battle. And "quick escape" which raises your chance of escaping when attempting a retreat. The thing is each character has a limited amount of ability slots, so you can't have everything you want. Forces you to be strategic with how you setup each party member's ability set.
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Post by Xeogred on Oct 1, 2021 10:18:40 GMT -5
Interesting. Sounds like some different abilities compared to SMT3 here and there. I also caught someone streaming Raidou Devil Summoner yesterday too actually, looked pretty cool. I guess it's a hybrid real-time action system...
In SMT3 with my fusions obsession, I grinded in Yogai Park 2 a few times so the item/ability to increase the encounter rate came in handy hehe. With that activated, it seemed like it would also boost the chances of you getting into multiple mobs per battle, sometimes even 5+. It was super easy to grind in that game that way (Titania gave a ton of exp). Went back there a few times even, some later enemies/mobs gave higher exp, but Yogai Park 2 seemed like the fastest way to me.
I'm actually happy to hear DDS isn't a pushover either, hah.
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Post by Ex on Oct 1, 2021 10:31:28 GMT -5
Unless something ridiculous happens in the final third of the game, I'm sure DDS will be a hit for you. I'm about 2/3rds through now, so we'll see.
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Post by bonesnapdeez on Oct 4, 2021 11:07:40 GMT -5
Been playing Mushihimesama, Steam version. A truly fascinating shmup. I even bought the DLC for V1.5. You know how many times I've purchased DLC in my life? Maybe five. Mandatory for anyone who's into bullet hell.
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Post by Ex on Oct 4, 2021 11:25:33 GMT -5
I think it was you that convinced me to buy the 360 version a few years ago. I've not played it yet, of course. Someday!
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Post by bonesnapdeez on Oct 4, 2021 11:33:05 GMT -5
That's the sequel!!!
The original is region-locked on 360, which is pretty lame.
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Post by Ex on Oct 4, 2021 11:39:56 GMT -5
Ah, okay, got them confused. Pretty sure the original is playable via MAME then. I definitely admire the aesthetic theme and graphic design of both games.
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Post by Xeogred on Oct 4, 2021 12:29:13 GMT -5
My favorite shmup next to Thunder Force 4 and Gradius V.
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