Rune Factory 4 – Started it only to discover that my 3DS keys are in even worse shape than I’d thought. There’s definitely something wrong with the L and Y buttons, and X and R are suspicious as well. It’s not something you notice much playing a point-and-click game like Spirit of Justice, but in an ARPG, keys that randomly stick and unstick themselves and don’t respond when you need them spell disaster. I bumbled my way into the first dungeon with the butterfly boss. Okay Frey, attack her. Attack, I said, don’t just stand there! Okay now dodge. DODGE!! Arrgh! Heal! Heal! Eat that herb! Why are you throwing it away?! Aaaahhh!!
Long story short, I got my bottom handed to me by the very first boss in the game. Oh, the shame! Me, losing to a level 2 monster. How possible? I wouldn’t even dare show my face around here again if the controls hadn’t been responsible (that’s my story and I’m sticking to it). It’s such a shame because I really like everything about RF4 so far. The music, the sound effects, the character designs, the items, the whole game feels so… Rune Factoryish. Love the mood. And Doug looks like a fine romantic prospect so we’re good to go on that front as well. I’m a bit iffy on the Princess Points and Orders and Licenses, but it’s early days yet. If I could just fix these controls somehow.
Until I can work that out, Rune Factory 4 is shelved again for what, the 20th time this year? Maybe I’m just not meant to play it. I’m thinking of trying something turn-based or at least less free-roaming. Either that or just scrap the 3DS for good. Buying a new one is not on the cards at the moment, I’d much rather get a VITA/PS TV if it came to that.
Summon Night 5 – Since RF4 was not working out, off went the 3DS and on came the PSP. I didn’t die in the very first battle this time, I waited till the second ^^;; Serves me right for ignoring the instructions and just assuming it would be okay to let one or two characters die. Because of the way EXP works in Summon Night games, I usually play them pretty recklessly. I’ve been more cautious since then and things are working out okay. Chapter 2 right now.
And since it’s such early days, I will refrain from commenting too much, but I’m not really liking this game. It’s rubbing me the wrong way somehow. It doesn’t FEEL like Summon Night. It’s too pretty, too polished, too… fussy. It’s just… wrong. All wrong. The worst part is the moving character portraits when I’m used to them being static. And Arca is too ‘cutesy’ with her little rabbit teeth. I don’t like her. I don’t like Yeng-hua. I don’t like anybody. I was going to say their mannerisms remind me of the girls from Agarest Senki Mariage but I googled around and whaddya know, same developer. You know you’ve been playing too many games when…
But at least the gameplay is sound so far, nothing too complicated. I miss having to experiment with various objects in battle to get new summons, though. The mini-games haven’t unlocked yet, looking forward to those plus the fishing game. Dunno how to feel about skills. They broke Summon Night 4 in half like a cheap pencil and they add a layer of fussiness I don’t usually like in my SRPGS. You know what, let me just shut up and give the game some more time to develop. There will be plenty of time for complaining later.
“I’m thinking of trying something turn-based or at least less free-roaming”
7th Dragon III mayheps?
Regarding Rune Factory, I never quite clicked with the series, yet I played all three DS games in hope they’ll do. I like RPGs, I like Harvest Moon, I like having an easy time through a game, yet somehow something about them always makes me go “eh… ‘t was ok I guess”.
First thing I thought of. It involves some running through corridors and headquarters but nothing that can’t be managed, I hope. The other option is Legend of Legacy since the turn-based battle system sounds rather intriguing.
Re: Rune Factory, I’ve played all of them and they all have the same “feel” so if one doesn’t work out for you, it’s safe to say they all won’t work out and just save your money. For my part they’ve spoiled me to the extent that I can’t go back to playing ‘regular’ Harvest Moon any more so I’m really disappointed I can’t play 4 right now.
Well, i found Rune Factory fun but overwhelming so i shelved it too. Judging by your posts, you have a more suited mindset to deal with the cheer amount of content better then i do so i was looking forward to a review ;o. Are you hyped about the Ateliers ports on steam? There is also the next SMT4F which (ppl say) improves on SMT4 in every way and its far more entertaining. Is Summon Night 5 as “pron” heavy as Agarest Marriage?
Superhyped for Atelier on Steam, plus moderately interested in Nights of Azure too. I’ll probably play Atelier Rorona on the 3DS before then, though.
Is this SMT4F that “Apocalypse” spin-off that came out a while ago or is just a remake of SMT4 (kinda like FES to Persona 3)? I didn’t dislike SM4 per se, but nothing could get me to replay it so that’s that.
Summon Night 5 is clean and largely worksafe – so far, at least. I dunno… it just doesn’t sit well with me for some reason. Kinda forcing myself to play it right now, but hopefully it will pick up soon.
Yeah, SMT4F is Apocalypse, because the Japanese subtitle is “Final”.
That one I’m interested in and would definitely like to play.