What are you playing?

[Bebpo]

Romancing Saga 2 Remake is pretty dope.

All SaGa is dope 

[Himu]

Romancing Saga 2 Remake is pretty dope.

Game looks great

[Joe Molotov]

This is basically the first Saga game that I've played (at least since Final Fantasy Legends II on the GB lol). I'm just taking it easy and playing on Normal difficulty (not Classic) and not stressing myself about min-maxing or missing quests, and I'm having a great time. After a story-heavy game like Metaphor, I'm enjoying playing a more gameplay focused JRPG, and the pace of having a lot of dungeons and quests that you can do in just 20-30 minutes, means it's constant dopamine hits of progression. 

[demi]

Back to Saturn gaming, I'm almost done!

These are the games I have left:

- Albert Odyssey
- Dungeon Master Nexus (translation, this game is exclusive to Saturn)
- Valhollian (translation)
- Panzer Dragoon Saga
- Shining Force 3 (all 3 episodes...)
- Dragon Force 2 (translation)

But I finished one last night: Magic Knight Rayearth

This game is about $800 CIB, and as well all know, these games are never worth that much. Magic Knight Rayearth is no exception. It's a simple Zelda-like that's pretty on-rails. You can swap between each girl, with Fuu being the best of course since she has a homing bow - and - a heal spell.

Mixed in with some voice acting and anime clips (I've never seen this anime, anime is for babies of course). It has some nice music, though what is there repeats often. The difficulty is hardly there, again Fuu negates like everything in this game. I finished it in about 9 hours across two streams. There's not really much secrets, but if you find all the collectables, you unlock outtakes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqtmIf336RU&list=PL88C2E05CBCA72AB3

[Himu]

Never played it before but super monkey ball is crack. Got Banana Mania and it’s fiyah

Edit: I can’t get over how good this game is

[Samson Manhug]

Someone tell me why playing Super Puzzle Fighter II on my Xbox shows up on my friend's Discord as "Hentai Puzzle." 

[Svejk]

Never played it before but super monkey ball is crack. Got Banana Mania and it’s fiyah

Edit: I can’t get over how good this game is

Are you playing the original GC one? I played the piss outta it myself when it came out.  Couldn't put it down.  Couldn't get into the 2nd one though for some reason.

[Himu]

Never played it before but super monkey ball is crack. Got Banana Mania and it’s fiyah

Edit: I can’t get over how good this game is

Are you playing the original GC one? I played the piss outta it myself when it came out.  Couldn't put it down.  Couldn't get into the 2nd one though for some reason.

On switch. 1, 2, and deluxe are on a collection called Banana mania

[demi]

I played through the Piglet game that's having a viral moment on twitter right now for being "scary for kids"

https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2299500434

Besides Eeyore's entire section (which is where most people are focusing) and an early track in Pooh's area, the game is pretty standard kid's game. It also glitched out on me like 5 times at the end.

[tiesto]

Opoona - it's frutiger aero in a nutshell. A bit simplistic but fun RPG that I think is one "HIDDEN GEMMMMMM" video from becoming a sensation.

[demi]

Quick Saturn Update:

Played some games to see if they clicked for me

Valhollian

This is a simple SRPG with some... fine graphics. When you attack, you are treated to a pretty useless 3D animation. Thankfully you can turn this off.



I made it about a few maps in before I had to tap out. This game is very brutal, lots of reload/resetting. If the main character dies = game over. Enemies scale up terribly, and practically one shot you. Maps are filled with enemies, while you get like... 6 characters. Damage is pitiful on enemies, unless you do a "combo" attack, which uses up multiple characters per turn. When you end your turn you have to wait for - every - single - enemy - to end their turn. Now repeat this for hours on end. If you like Super Robot Wars I guess this is normal? It wasnt fun for me, so I bailed.

Dungeon Master Nexus

An exclusive version of Dungeon Master on Sega Saturn. I'm not really familiar with this series, but I went in with an open mind, I like dungeon crawlers to a degree! Unfortunately I didn't get much into this. I tried to follow whatever information was out there, but it was in broken french, broken japanese, broken english, so going in blind was just me clicking buttons trying to navigate the awkward controls. If you love this shit, you'll probably find more than me here.



Dragon Force 2

https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2300408770

Finally some good food. This game takes place 500 years after the first game, so a lot of the world and characters are different, but plenty of mentions and references to  at. Dragon Force 2 is more Dragon Force but with some changes. Some of these changes include:

- Being able to make split teams (e.g. 50 Cavalry + 50 Dragons) instead of just singular teams (you can still do this)
- Castles being searched automatically at the end of a round
- Being able to see compatibility for units before a battle
- Adding Caverns to allow you to level up or earn "awards" and items
- A fast mode for world travel

The graphics unfortunately got kind of a downgrade - everything is more drab and dark. Overall though the visuals are upgraded as well. Here's a quick shot between the two:



Overall I'm excited to play more and finish the campaign I went with. More Dragon Force!

[Polident Hive]

Opoona - it's frutiger aero in a nutshell. A bit simplistic but fun RPG that I think is one "HIDDEN GEMMMMMM" video from becoming a sensation.

Bought this at release and never played it. At the time it was described as an intro JRPG you could play with one hand.

That whole era was the expendable income time where I bought more games than necessary. The other day I was reminded of the Crystal Bearers Wii game. I finished it and can’t remember what it’s like. And nobody on YouTube really reviewed it.

[Himu]

DQIII hd is so good

[Let's Cyber]

Demi, did you enjoy Unicorn Overlord?

[demi]

Never played it, but I want to try Ogre Battle again at some point. I havent bought Unicorn but I'm kind of feeling the same way with that

[Himu]

I have a DQIII pre order promo code from Amazon for switch. Anyone that wants it dm me. It's a bunch of seeds (wisdom, strength;etc.) and I don't want to break the game with this.

[Svejk]

Been mostly playing Stellar Blade of late.  About half way through.  Game is pretty rad, although I feel it still hasn't reached the mind-fuckery levels of Nier: Automata... at least not yet.

And speaking of, pretty good timing of playing it since this is releasing this week...



Also still making my way through MGS2.  The recent update finally offers an upscaling option, so my timing of playing this is paying off as well.

And making baby steps through Dead Space remake.  It's starting to get it's claws in me as well.  It hasn't hit any levels of freakiness as the RE games so far, but it's still fun and atmospheric.  Only like 2-3 hours in.

Backlogging on and on...  2024 is GOATED.

[Samson Manhug]

The new Frostline DLC for DayZ is wonderful. It's amazing that this sensation of an Arma 2 mod from over a decade ago released as a standalone title to pretty much dismal reactions and yet has been continued to be developed all this time. I started playing during the pandemic because it was on Xbox Gamepass and since then I bought my first PC since the year 2001 to play it properly.

It's recently reached its peak player count 11 years after release. There's no Battlepasses, no in-game store, no microtransactions. The developers have said they don't even have plans for a DayZ 2 at the moment—they don't see a reason to abandon DayZ yet. What a treasure.

[demi]

Recent gaming:

- Ys IX: Monstrum Nox

Decided to play the latest Ys game (in my library) and played through this on Nightmare mode. Nightmare mode in these latest releases might as well be normal mode. This game is not as good as Dana (which is PEAK imo). The music alone does not compare to Dana. I still overall enjoyed it -- its fuckin Ys, man. I got the platinum.

- Dragon Force 2

I finished this, at least one campaign anyway. I think I prefer the first game, but this one is still a good time.

- Albert Odyssey: Legend of Eldean

The most traditional ass JRPG to ever grace the Sega Saturn. Game looks pretty as a 2D JRPG, but it is very, very basic. Not very difficult either so far. Also FULL of Working Designs-isms, yes including the Ebonics lines I posted somewhere else. I also discovered this game has some... what the fuck files sitting on the disc that are unused.

https://tcrf.net/Albert_Odyssey:_Legend_of_Eldean#Unused_Sounds



- Star Ocean: Integrity and Faithlesness (or SO5)

Time to play the next Star Ocean! I only briefly started it, but I will probably focus more on Albert Odyssey

[Svejk]

Spent an embarrassing amount of time taking selfies in Stellar Blade.    There's apparently 2-3 recently new quests that if you go around the Wastelands and Great Desert, you look for images of some little graffiti pics plastered in random places scattered about you're suppose to take a selfie with.  It's pretty dumb, but finding 12 of each lands you a new outfit.  To get the Nier Gear, you have to find these other random scattered items (Stellar Tears) to purchase the Neir stuff.  The collect-a-thon is driving me nuts, but I'll be content once I get the A2 outfit. 

Tried the Dynasty Warriors Origins demo.  It was much more overwhelming than the likes of Hyrule Warriors, which is probably the last musou game I've played.  Seems pretty cool, but nothing I would want to jump on day 1 or anything.

Dragons Dogma 2 - Jumping back in this makes me second guess whether this or Astrobot is my GOTY.  Sweet jeebus it's fucking tight.. It sucked me right back in.  About to take on the Sphinx riddles again tomorrow.  Also downloaded grabbed the custom music pack for it.  Didn't know it was a stand alone.  It's neat having the title music and sound effects of DD:DA.

[tiesto]

Recent gaming:

- Ys IX: Monstrum Nox

Decided to play the latest Ys game (in my library) and played through this on Nightmare mode. Nightmare mode in these latest releases might as well be normal mode. This game is not as good as Dana (which is PEAK imo). The music alone does not compare to Dana. I still overall enjoyed it -- its fuckin Ys, man. I got the platinum.

- Dragon Force 2

I finished this, at least one campaign anyway. I think I prefer the first game, but this one is still a good time.

- Albert Odyssey: Legend of Eldean

The most traditional ass JRPG to ever grace the Sega Saturn. Game looks pretty as a 2D JRPG, but it is very, very basic. Not very difficult either so far. Also FULL of Working Designs-isms, yes including the Ebonics lines I posted somewhere else. I also discovered this game has some... what the fuck files sitting on the disc that are unused.

https://tcrf.net/Albert_Odyssey:_Legend_of_Eldean#Unused_Sounds



- Star Ocean: Integrity and Faithlesness (or SO5)

Time to play the next Star Ocean! I only briefly started it, but I will probably focus more on Albert Odyssey

Oh god, SO5. I'm a SO series apologist but even I can't defend that trash. Curious about your thoughts once you make a bit more progress. And curious as to what you think of the torturous final dungeon in Albert Odyssey, that game was like a 6/10 for me up to that point, where it suddenly became a 4/10.

[demi]

I finished Albert Odyssey. Game was pretty mid, and it was weird how they basically jacked up the XP of the last few bosses lol. I took a bunch of screengrabs from the goofy Working Design translation.

https://imgur.com/a/QN0hNR4

[Svejk]

Still chugging away at Stellar Blade.  The amount of filler fetch quests in the Wasteland and Great Desert are only tolerable due to watching Eve move and her combat.  The “story” tidbits and so forth you find in digital pads and notes, are painfully uninspired.  Nothing like Nier Automata, or Horizon even.  Needless to say, I’m starting to b-line the game.  I got most moves and the outfits and accessories I like unlocked, so the fomo is gone.  So far, it’s been a soft 8/10 game.  The old school PS2 design standpoint is great, but the modern open hub/world-ish quests feels a bit forced and unnecessary… especially when the story doesn’t really branch off in any way. 

Slowly making progress in Dragon’s Dogma 2 trophy hunting.  Trying to trigger a cyclopsian bridge when you’re OP, makes it a bit challenging.  Also realized that I never came across a Dulahan in my initial playthrough.  Moving the regular quests along to get to another quest that can supposedly lead to one.  At least these open world side quests are more engaging and feel appropriate for the game.

Lords of the Fallen – I loaded up and tried this game again for like the 4th time.. It still just does not click with me.  It’s not sparking any Souls feels for some reason.  Just feels unusually off, and I can’t pinpoint why.  The wise thing would be for me to pick up Dark Souls 1 Remastered, as I never played it.

Contra: Operation Galuga – Picked this back up to do more Arcade runs; to unlock more characters and upgrades.  Unlocked Sheena from Contra:HC.  She has unique gun fire, similar to what she had in HC, which is pretty cool.  Getting Spread will give her her  “>>>>” shot, but holding it down charges one giant “>” shot.  She even has unique animations; like ducking for example, she’ll lay on her back instead along with different stage complete poses.  Nice little touches.  Working on unlocking Browny next.  It’s not the end all, be all Contra… Far from it, but it’s easily right up there with Contra 4 goodness. 

[Joe Molotov]

Just started Stellar Blade. I'm only a few hours in, still in the first area. It's pretty sweet.

[tiesto]

I just beat Opoona. Super charming game, though there are certainly clunky and dated elements to it. Really like the art direction in the game, everything has that mid 2000s futuristic "Frutiger Aero" look. Warm neon colors, futuristic minimalist signage, sleek metallic environments. Though the last third of the game falls back into some traditional RPG territory. The soundtrack is (mostly) phenomenal, though some of the objectives for the "licenses" you get aren't super clear, area layouts are very confusing too (though you eventually get the "structure" of how things are laid out), and some of the jobs feel kinda like rote busywork. The one-handed control scheme (only using the Wii nunchuck) is also innovative. This game feels like something that would be appreciated much more nowadays.

Also beat Metroid Prime 2 Echoes. Very punishing and oppressive game to play, especially in the dark world. The fact the dark world is constantly draining your health, dissuading you of exploration, I feel misses the whole point of a Metroid. Never at any time did I feel powerful, still relying on charge shots and trying to remember what monsters have which weaknesses. Some of the environments were insanely cool, especially the Torvus Bog and the Sanctuary Fortress.

Currently working on Ys X (very good though the setting and graphics feel kinda drab) and Mega Man Network Transmission (extremely clunky at first - i.e. it takes 10 regular shots just to kill an enemy, but more manageable once you get some powerups). Also, about to leave for the DR for a destination wedding, will bring my Analogue Pocket along with FFL2 and Kirby and the Amazing Mirror. I made it really far into FFL2 as a kid but could never beat it, so now it's time.

[Svejk]

I just beat Opoona. Super charming game, though there are certainly clunky and dated elements to it. Really like the art direction in the game, everything has that mid 2000s futuristic "Frutiger Aero" look. Warm neon colors, futuristic minimalist signage, sleek metallic environments. Though the last third of the game falls back into some traditional RPG territory. The soundtrack is (mostly) phenomenal, though some of the objectives for the "licenses" you get aren't super clear, area layouts are very confusing too (though you eventually get the "structure" of how things are laid out), and some of the jobs feel kinda like rote busywork. The one-handed control scheme (only using the Wii nunchuck) is also innovative. This game feels like something that would be appreciated much more nowadays.

Also beat Metroid Prime 2 Echoes. Very punishing and oppressive game to play, especially in the dark world. The fact the dark world is constantly draining your health, dissuading you of exploration, I feel misses the whole point of a Metroid. Never at any time did I feel powerful, still relying on charge shots and trying to remember what monsters have which weaknesses. Some of the environments were insanely cool, especially the Torvus Bog and the Sanctuary Fortress.

Currently working on Ys X (very good though the setting and graphics feel kinda drab) and Mega Man Network Transmission (extremely clunky at first - i.e. it takes 10 regular shots just to kill an enemy, but more manageable once you get some powerups). Also, about to leave for the DR for a destination wedding, will bring my Analogue Pocket along with FFL2 and Kirby and the Amazing Mirror. I made it really far into FFL2 as a kid but could never beat it, so now it's time.

MP2 was definitely a slog. I remember just wanting to get it over with back then. Great music though.

[Polident Hive]

I don’t think I ever finished MP2. Originally released at an unfortunate time. In that same month as Halo 2, Half-Life 2, and MGS3. Bought it, gravitated towards the other games. Tried again years later with the Wii trilogy. Then I might’ve just gotten bored and stopped.

[Joe Molotov]

Finished the second area of Stellar Blade. The open world zone wasn't as good as the linear first zone. They probably could have made a really awesome 15 hour game if they just left out all the extra guff and stuck to tight, linear stages. Oh well, it's still good. I need to farm up some Stellar Tears now so I can be 2B (only reason I bought this game ).

[Svejk]

Finished the second area of Stellar Blade. The open world zone wasn't as good as the linear first zone. They probably could have made a really awesome 15 hour game if they just left out all the extra guff and stuck to tight, linear stages. Oh well, it's still good. I need to farm up some Stellar Tears now so I can be 2B (only reason I bought this game ).

Agreed.  The open hub Wasteland and Great Desert parts really fizzled out the momentum for me... I too had to Stellar Tear it up till I got my fav combo of A2 outfit, with B2's hair and blindfold.     With that, I'm more than content with the look now. Pretty cool they added some music tracks from Neir: A, too.  Fishing; did once and was good to not do that again.   You'll blow by where I'm at though I'm sure, as I'm slow AF.  I just hope it gains some serious momentum in this second half.

[Joe Molotov]

Finished the Great Desert, this area was so anus lol. This is some unfinished/cut content they accidentally left in the game. I have a few side quests left, but it’s just so bad, I’ve gotta get out of there. Most of the side quests are terrible anyway and the rewards are like “here’s 3000 gold and 4 health packs” uhh thanks. It’s mostly just the bulletin board filler quests that I didn’t do, I did all the “story” quests (they’re pretty bad too).

Also, it’s kinda crazy that it takes this long to unlock fishing. If I’d unlocked it earlier, I probably would’ve done more of it, but at this point I don’t even care anymore. It’s actually pretty well designed imo.

[Svejk]

Finished the Great Desert, this area was so anus lol. This is some unfinished/cut content they accidentally left in the game. I have a few side quests left, but it’s just so bad, I’ve gotta get out of there. Most of the side quests are terrible anyway and the rewards are like “here’s 3000 gold and 4 health packs” uhh thanks. It’s mostly just the bulletin board filler quests that I didn’t do, I did all the “story” quests (they’re pretty bad too).

Also, it’s kinda crazy that it takes this long to unlock fishing. If I’d unlocked it earlier, I probably would’ve done more of it, but at this point I don’t even care anymore. It’s actually pretty well designed imo.

Yep. Absolute horrible pacing.  Extreme time wasting filler quests.  Only one that was pseudo interesting was getting the Xion's bar singer's legs/body back.  Also agree on fishing... Once I did it, I was already burnt out from the area, I just wanted to move on.

Here's the last screenshot I took when I had to stop last sesh..

[bork]

Finished the second area of Stellar Blade. The open world zone wasn't as good as the linear first zone. They probably could have made a really awesome 15 hour game if they just left out all the extra guff and stuck to tight, linear stages. Oh well, it's still good. I need to farm up some Stellar Tears now so I can be 2B (only reason I bought this game ).

[Joe Molotov]

Finished the second area of Stellar Blade. The open world zone wasn't as good as the linear first zone. They probably could have made a really awesome 15 hour game if they just left out all the extra guff and stuck to tight, linear stages. Oh well, it's still good. I need to farm up some Stellar Tears now so I can be 2B (only reason I bought this game ).

[tiesto]

Flew out to the Dominican Republic for a wedding last week and played a bunch of SaGa 2/FFL2 on the flight down, and while relaxing at the beach. I played a ton of this as a kid, but never did finish it. Venus always stopped me in my tracks. My first time playing FFL2 was renting it at a Phar-Mor while visiting my snowbird grandparents in Florida, so playing in a tropical setting brought up fond nostalgic memories. I'm a bit further than Venus now, as I have 33 more years of RPGs under my belt since then. Up to Sengoku-era world now. I fucking love the SaGa games, though have only beat 1 (back in the day) and 3 (first time completed was a few years ago). The variety of environments and the interesting, abstract character building mechanics are always cool... this reminds me I gotta play the RS2 remake too, as I haven't really delved very much into the 3 RS games. SaGa2 and Frontier are my series favorites so far, due to their wild settings and fantastic soundtracks.