Author Topic: Valkyrie Profile 2 - First Impressions - Jawesome  (Read 3146 times)

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MrAngryFace

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Valkyrie Profile 2 - First Impressions - Jawesome
« on: September 28, 2006, 10:55:28 AM »
I had heard a lot of mixed opinions regarding this title. There is a strange sort of mysticism created by the shortage of the first, and its somewhat rare originality in a console library that by sheer volume ran into so many copy-cats.

So when a sequel comes out and things are CHANGED, people can get upset. First off, there really isnt that much character exposition compared to the original. The story centers around the princess thus far and throws you into the action immediately. The larger changes:

*The Combat System - Retains the same system at attack, even switches to a 2D field. HOWEVER, the overall battle is in 3D, which means the system in VP2 is more about movement within the field.

You are supplied with a mini-map in each battle that shows each enemy as well as their attack range and arc. If you stay out of these as much as possible, and attack the sides and backs of enemies, the battles in between boss fights are cake.

There ARE situations where you can start in a battle in a tough spot, which is a pickle, I admit. However the DASH move, the cornerstone of the new combat system (IMO) will get you out of this pickle if youre fast enough. Dash consumes AP, the same AP your attacks use. So in the event you spend all your AP attacking one enemy and another is behind you, there is a chance you wont have enough AP to dash out of the remaining enemies attack range/arc.

So it comes down to this odd sort of balance. Dash too much and you dont have enough AP to attack, attack too much on small enemies and larger groups might overwhelm you. Speaking of groups, each group has a LEADER, the leader generally drops the items if you do a really big attack. Additionally you can end a battle immediately by going straight for the leader, this is called a DIRECT ATTACK. A big time saver or a way out when you dont wanna flee.

There IS a way to charge AP in a battle, so if you plan things right, AP isnt a big problem.

VP2 also has a TEAM system, where you split your party of 4 into 2 teams that can roam the battle independently. First off, the camera while roaming in a battle is a little wonky, so the team thing, for this reason doesnt really pan out that often. As I understand it a few of the bosses can be cheesed with the team system but it is clear the TEAM system was created for the 2P experience. That's right, two people can operate in a battle.

I dont suspect its split screen because honestly the POINT of splitting up the team is to surround one enemy, not attack enemies one on one.

*You dont materialize items anymore, there is a shopkeeper in town that can MAKE items. You do get more 'items' during battles depending on your successful attacks on a leader. I havent had much of a chance to see if the shopkeeper can make anything valuable.

*No more Periods, thank god. That's right, FUCK ODIN! I love VP, but I hate time constraints.

*Again, no more character exposition. The characters in the game are stored within the princess, so they are already in her service. However, their souls have decayed which means they cant exist outside of the valkyrie. As you level them up they get stronger and eventually can exist outside the big V. I suspect once they are fully materialized their stories will be explained through cutscenes.

*OMG 3D graphics. Those aren't jaggies, thats shimmering, and there's a lot of it. Blame the ps2. That aside the game is visually stunning. It might actually be in a persons best interest to play it through composite tho, the shimmering is pretty bad I suspect with good video definition. I have it running on an LCD with a native res higher than a normal tv, so it adds a very subtle blur to all my PS2 games, which really cuts down on the obvious video flaws of the aging ps2 hardware.

*Voice work is MUCH improved. Leagues better.

*The big V can still create crystals, however along with jumping on top of them, trapping enemies, you can also use them to teleport. Hit it once it freezes, hit it twice you switch spots with it. This is the cornerstone of the first dungeon's 'puzzles'.

Thats it for now, I only got 2 hours in, had to go to bed. :(
« Last Edit: September 28, 2006, 10:59:03 AM by MrAngryFace »
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Himu

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Re: Valkyrie Profile 2 - First Impressions - Jawesome
« Reply #1 on: September 28, 2006, 11:38:36 AM »
The original is a classic but I'm positive the prequel won't live up to it. Still though, I'm interested. Just not able to get it soon because I'm getting Devil Summoner and FFXII. Possibly Bully.
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Van Cruncheon

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Re: Valkyrie Profile 2 - First Impressions - Jawesome
« Reply #2 on: September 28, 2006, 12:06:26 PM »
I'm really groovin' on it. At first the battle camera pissed me off -- it wouldn't be a tri-Ace game without something wonky -- but now that I've gotten used to using the map in conjunction I've been really creamin' the enemies, and am really diggin' it. Would it have killed them to let the player control the camera with the right analog, though?

Good GOD this game is gorgeous -- the environments are so stupidly detailed. I wish someone would make a 2D fighting game with backgrounds like this. The character modelling is incredible. It's sad to know that Nintendo's Wii will never get a game that looks as good.

EDIT: I just found out that there's a way to set the battle camera to a FREE (non-fixed) mode in options. Wish I'd bothered to check that menu. LOLZ ME.

« Last Edit: September 28, 2006, 12:32:04 PM by Drinky Crow »
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MrAngryFace

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Re: Valkyrie Profile 2 - First Impressions - Jawesome
« Reply #3 on: September 28, 2006, 12:09:47 PM »
Himu:

Nothing can defeat gamers who are victims of their own hype and nostalgia. There were many things about the original I didnt like, but it was a good game.

VP2 is better than the original in many aspects, I am sure the original is better than this prequel in others. In the end a good game is a good game, there's no shame in owning and enjoying both.

Drinky:

Yeah, if there wasnt a mini-map I think the camera being as wonky as it is would have been more of a problem. Honestly tho the mini-map is a better representation of attack ranges and arcs. The camera's only real purpose is aiming your dashes accordingly.
« Last Edit: September 28, 2006, 12:11:43 PM by MrAngryFace »
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Himu

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Re: Valkyrie Profile 2 - First Impressions - Jawesome
« Reply #4 on: September 28, 2006, 12:12:39 PM »
Quote
Nothing can defeat a gamers who are victims of their own hype and nostalgia. There were many things about the original I didnt like, but it was a good game.

I completely agree, but I liked a lot of what VP set out to do, and that it had a non conventional take on the genre. It just disappointments me that VP:S is more traditional is all. I expecting more evolution of what was created in VP, and you already knocked those out in your first post.

For example, one of my favorite features in VP was the back story of all the characters, i really liked the story and characters because it was so tragic. It didn't feel like any other rpg story I had experienced at the time. For them to completely get rid of that it disappointing, but far from a deal breaker.

But at the same time, I'm actually glad that it's different from the original because I'll be able to appreciate both on their own merits.
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MrAngryFace

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Re: Valkyrie Profile 2 - First Impressions - Jawesome
« Reply #5 on: September 28, 2006, 12:15:54 PM »
I dunno, VP was such a downer I dont know if i'd want another emo ride. Having something thats more epic and less personal might be a nice contrast in the end. Thats ultimately for each gamer to decide but I already know where I stand ;)
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Himu

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Re: Valkyrie Profile 2 - First Impressions - Jawesome
« Reply #6 on: September 28, 2006, 12:17:00 PM »
It was a downer, but it was a lot better than typical animu rpg take where it's like WE'RE ALL HAPPY AND SING SONGS bullshit like in Tales or Kingdom Hearts games. I know that's an exaggeration, but I liked that it was different from the typical jrpg plot. The fact it was based on Norse mythology made it already 1000 x more awesome.
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demi

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Re: Valkyrie Profile 2 - First Impressions - Jawesome
« Reply #7 on: September 28, 2006, 12:19:06 PM »
beat it, sucks
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MrAngryFace

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Re: Valkyrie Profile 2 - First Impressions - Jawesome
« Reply #8 on: September 28, 2006, 12:21:05 PM »
Well it WAS different, and not Xenogears which ended up Soylent Green is people lolz 2nd Disc Fuck You MAF! LOLLLZ. Plus I fucked my gear builds right before the last boss and painted myself in the corner. Call me bitter, whatever.

While the downer/emo stuff was novel when it first came out, we've certainly had our share of them at this point, another VP downer story would be called 'boring' cause its not about ANDROIDS THAT CAN CRY or whatever lolz.

So far VP2 has more of an Epic or Dire kinda story. Where stuffs really important, stakes are high, everything is delivered straight. Determination and all that. Those kinda things you dont find in too many RPGs THESE days ;)

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Himu

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Re: Valkyrie Profile 2 - First Impressions - Jawesome
« Reply #9 on: September 28, 2006, 12:24:16 PM »
It was badass actually BEING a god in an rpg instead of having to FIGHT them, but since this is VP I bet it'll still be awesome and not throw a bunch of philosophies down your throat a la Xenosagagagaga.
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MrAngryFace

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Re: Valkyrie Profile 2 - First Impressions - Jawesome
« Reply #10 on: September 28, 2006, 12:28:16 PM »
No its not really that philosophical, just sorta tragic at times. The princess is sorta drug around by the Valkyrie, abandoned by her parents at a young age and locked in a castle, and is now hunted down by Odin and his crew.

Apparently there's a free camera mode in the options in VP2 ACCORDING TO MY SOURCES. So my camera bitching may be premature.
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Himu

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Re: Valkyrie Profile 2 - First Impressions - Jawesome
« Reply #11 on: September 28, 2006, 12:29:20 PM »
The battle system looks amazing. On a video I saw, the team CUT OFF A BOSSES TAIL and continued to own him. Jesus that looks so badass.
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MrAngryFace

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Re: Valkyrie Profile 2 - First Impressions - Jawesome
« Reply #12 on: September 28, 2006, 12:32:57 PM »
Yeah its pretty fun, and once you get the hang of it not too difficult. Had more problem in a Dungeon last night cause I had trouble finding my way out, the boss was the easy part haha.
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Himu

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Re: Valkyrie Profile 2 - First Impressions - Jawesome
« Reply #13 on: September 28, 2006, 12:57:07 PM »
How are the dungeons?
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Van Cruncheon

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Re: Valkyrie Profile 2 - First Impressions - Jawesome
« Reply #14 on: September 28, 2006, 01:07:23 PM »
they're very Valkyrie Profile -- they're 2D mazes.
duc

The Fake Shemp

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Re: Valkyrie Profile 2 - First Impressions - Jawesome
« Reply #15 on: September 28, 2006, 01:08:06 PM »
If it's not for the Nintendo DS - I ain't buying it!
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Mondain

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Re: Valkyrie Profile 2 - First Impressions - Jawesome
« Reply #16 on: September 28, 2006, 01:16:06 PM »
the sole thing I didn't like about this game so far is that the characters and overall plot are all pretty cold and devoid of emotion, otherwise it's superb

morphix

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Re: Valkyrie Profile 2 - First Impressions - Jawesome
« Reply #17 on: September 28, 2006, 01:17:01 PM »
where do you find the time to play all these games?  Don't you have a job?

 :D
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Himu

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Re: Valkyrie Profile 2 - First Impressions - Jawesome
« Reply #18 on: September 28, 2006, 01:21:51 PM »
they're very Valkyrie Profile -- they're 2D mazes.

AWESOME.
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TVC15

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Re: Valkyrie Profile 2 - First Impressions - Jawesome
« Reply #19 on: September 28, 2006, 01:44:46 PM »
I don't like this game.  I think the combat is awful.
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MrAngryFace

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Re: Valkyrie Profile 2 - First Impressions - Jawesome
« Reply #20 on: September 28, 2006, 01:47:31 PM »
Morphix: Have a job, friends, three other hobbies. I just pack my day with stuff. I dont think I am EVER sitting around bored.
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morphix

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Re: Valkyrie Profile 2 - First Impressions - Jawesome
« Reply #21 on: September 28, 2006, 02:48:57 PM »
Do you have to finish the 1st borefest to like this one?

I didn't get more than 2hrs into the PSP game.
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MrAngryFace

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Re: Valkyrie Profile 2 - First Impressions - Jawesome
« Reply #22 on: September 28, 2006, 03:58:02 PM »
No its stand-alone. Furthermore its a prequel.
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