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Selenephos
Jul 9, 2010

Xander77 posted:

It seemed like a huge departure from the series formula. And from the things that made it unique and fun. Having second thoughts about buying this (and I placed the game at the top of my steam wishlist the moment it came out)

This is the game which delves the deepest into the backstories of various characters including NPCs as well as lay the foundation for games like Zero, Ao and the Cold Steel games to capitalize on and there's a lot of optional content in the game. Just because the game is set in one dungeon, doesn't mean that it's nothing but a dungeon crawler.

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Hwurmp
May 20, 2005

Xander77 posted:

Oh. So you were serious about the entire game being one big dungeon?

I was exaggerating a bit there. The 3rd has all the stuff that makes a Trails game a Trails game, but it's structured in a very different way from FC/SC.

Epsilon Moonshade
Nov 22, 2016

Not an excellent host.

Xander77 posted:

It seemed like a huge departure from the series formula. And from the things that made it unique and fun. Having second thoughts about buying this (and I placed the game at the top of my steam wishlist the moment it came out)

I'd say not to worry. It is a departure from the formula, but not in a bad way. I mean, I admit I'd have played it anyway, but do you really want to explore the entirety of Liberl a third time? The dungeon is mostly a framing device for the character history sidequests (although it has its own story as well...)

As mentioned by others, the sidequests explore the history of various characters - either "what were they doing" or "what made them the way they are?" Some of them you play through, some of them have combat, some of them are basically little movies, some of them make for some really loving good speculation bait, and all of them are awesome.

Oh. And Even More OlivierTM.

Omobono
Feb 19, 2013

That's it! No more hiding in tomato crates! It's time to show that idiota Germany how a real nation fights!

For pasta~! CHARGE!

Epsilon Moonshade posted:

I'd say not to worry. It is a departure from the formula, but not in a bad way. I mean, I admit I'd have played it anyway, but do you really want to explore the entirety of Liberl a third time?

Yes :colbert:
(Ok, actually twice was more than enough)

Although I'm probably in the minority that enjoyed chapter 7 of SC (or was it 8) loving worms excluded.

Epsilon Moonshade posted:

Oh. And Even More OlivierTM.

They clearly know what we want. Can't wait for Reis to react to the greatness that is Olivier.

Epsilon Moonshade
Nov 22, 2016

Not an excellent host.

Omobono posted:

Yes :colbert:
(Ok, actually twice was more than enough)

Although I'm probably in the minority that enjoyed chapter 7 of SC (or was it 8) loving worms excluded.

Like I said, I'd have played a Liberl-based 3rd, if only to see what all my favorite NPCs were up to. I even enjoyed SC Ch. 7 as well because it let me slow down and talk to everyone - but I also thought the change of venue was nice for the 3rd.

Endorph
Jul 22, 2009

Xander77 posted:

It seemed like a huge departure from the series formula. And from the things that made it unique and fun. Having second thoughts about buying this (and I placed the game at the top of my steam wishlist the moment it came out)

maybe actually give the game a chance

Some Numbers
Sep 28, 2006

"LET'S GET DOWN TO WORK!!"
SC Chapter 7 is the four Towers which most people dislike.

Chapter 8 is the footrace around Liberl and is an amazing chapter.

AradoBalanga
Jan 3, 2013

Oh hey, didn't notice this earlier. Glad to see Really Pants soldier on with this franchise. That said, why does promotion to protagonist mean that Kevin gets the "dramatic coatless stance artwork"?

I am catching up on the Cold Steel thread (fell behind the start of Chapter 3 there, been slowly making my way through). It is interesting seeing the differences between the games side by side, even with all the similarities in terms of core gameplay.

Epsilon Moonshade
Nov 22, 2016

Not an excellent host.

AradoBalanga posted:

Oh hey, didn't notice this earlier. Glad to see Really Pants soldier on with this franchise. That said, why does promotion to protagonist mean that Kevin gets the "dramatic coatless stance artwork"?

Eh, plenty of new artwork in this game. Not that it's surprising, given the previous games.

AradoBalanga posted:

I am catching up on the Cold Steel thread (fell behind the start of Chapter 3 there, been slowly making my way through). It is interesting seeing the differences between the games side by side, even with all the similarities in terms of core gameplay.

I'm just waiting for someone to decide to do a SSLP of Cold Steel, since I can't devote the attention to VLPs (and hate people talking over a game besides.) Maybe once it comes out in English on PC.

... it's coming out in English for the PC, right? :ohdear:

Hwurmp
May 20, 2005

Epsilon Moonshade posted:

... it's coming out in English for the PC, right? :ohdear:

Sometime this summer, I think, with 5,000 extra voiced lines. :pcgaming:

Epsilon Moonshade
Nov 22, 2016

Not an excellent host.

Really Pants posted:

Sometime this summer, I think, with 5,000 extra voiced lines. :pcgaming:

welp.

Guess I'll have something else to play this summer.

Some Numbers
Sep 28, 2006

"LET'S GET DOWN TO WORK!!"
I'm posting No Commentary videos every update. :colbert:

I'm going to be replacing those with video from the PC version sometime this fall probably.

Hwurmp
May 20, 2005


Hwurmp fucked around with this message at 00:27 on Jun 9, 2017

Rabbi Raccoon
Mar 31, 2009

I stabbed you dude!
And there's the bug...if you start a New Game Plus all your carried over Quartz shatters right there too

Epsilon Moonshade
Nov 22, 2016

Not an excellent host.

Edited again: Let's just rewrite this, hmm?

I like this area. It's interesting despite the same-y colors, and is a good breather before you start dealing with monsters.

And this really did get me into the story. Here's an area we've never seen before (although we've seen something similar,) and obviously something weird is going on. I saw this and immediately wanted to start figuring out what was going on. :3:

Epsilon Moonshade fucked around with this message at 15:39 on Jun 1, 2017

vdate
Oct 25, 2010
After the first two LPs and the general mention of 3rd as sort of an afterthought (and I mean after the finale of 2nd I agreed, because that story seemed done and dusted), I didn't expect this game to actually get released in the West, much less get an LP.

That said, Really Pants, while I'm terribly grateful to you for doing this, the gif-heavy updates are making my browser on my home computer(and the terminals on campus) halt and catch fire every time there's more than one on a page. Is there much likelihood of you using the test poster for updates or using .webm files instead of animated gifs or something?

Junpei
Oct 4, 2015

Although next time, you would be wise to heed the ancient Japanese proverb... phone first!
You know, that "Enforcer trick" line might actually have a point. You all know that the enforcers are based on tarot cards, right? Well, one of the cards of the tarot is called "The Hermit". This place is called "Hermit's Garden".

Erpy
Jan 30, 2015
(insert title here)

Junpei posted:

You know, that "Enforcer trick" line might actually have a point. You all know that the enforcers are based on tarot cards, right? Well, one of the cards of the tarot is called "The Hermit". This place is called "Hermit's Garden".

I don't think that one applies in this case. "The Hermit" has already been revealed in one of the Trails games and I can't see any connection between this place and that person.

Junpei
Oct 4, 2015

Although next time, you would be wise to heed the ancient Japanese proverb... phone first!

Erpy posted:

I don't think that one applies in this case. "The Hermit" has already been revealed in one of the Trails games and I can't see any connection between this place and that person.

Oh, right, forgot about a certain Enforcer for whom revealing the identity of him/her would be a massive CS spoiler, but thanks for reminding me of that.

RegalStar
Jul 17, 2016
While Ries can be used as a physical attacker at the start of the game, her midgame and endgame role is solidly that of a caster's. Her orbment is fairly decent and she gets far more ATS from her weapons than any other character, while her melee crafts are pretty boring in terms of damage.

Hwurmp
May 20, 2005

vdate posted:

After the first two LPs and the general mention of 3rd as sort of an afterthought (and I mean after the finale of 2nd I agreed, because that story seemed done and dusted), I didn't expect this game to actually get released in the West, much less get an LP.

That said, Really Pants, while I'm terribly grateful to you for doing this, the gif-heavy updates are making my browser on my home computer(and the terminals on campus) halt and catch fire every time there's more than one on a page. Is there much likelihood of you using the test poster for updates or using .webm files instead of animated gifs or something?

I can give it a shot.

To hell with it! Not like we got any better options!

Xander77
Apr 6, 2009

Fuck it then. For another pit sandwich and some 'tater salad, I'll post a few more.



vdate posted:

That said, Really Pants, while I'm terribly grateful to you for doing this, the gif-heavy updates are making my browser on my home computer(and the terminals on campus) halt and catch fire every time there's more than one on a page. Is there much likelihood of you using the test poster for updates or using .webm files instead of animated gifs or something?
Are you using chrome, like a civilized human being?

Erpy
Jan 30, 2015
(insert title here)
There's no real need to "cheat" in order to get an Info quartz. It's literally in the first chest you run into and you're not fighting any unique monsters before that point, so this is the first Trails in the Sky game where you can potentially have a full monster book on your first playthrough. (though a bug still screws up one or two later entries)

RegalStar
Jul 17, 2016

Erpy posted:

There's no real need to "cheat" in order to get an Info quartz. It's literally in the first chest you run into and you're not fighting any unique monsters before that point, so this is the first Trails in the Sky game where you can potentially have a full monster book on your first playthrough. (though a bug still screws up one or two later entries)

It depends on what you mean by full anyways. You can record all the monsters sure, but if you want to light up all their drops...

:suicide:

vdate
Oct 25, 2010

Yer a hero, Really Pants.

And Ms. Argent brings up a valid question that I can't recall if it got answered in Trails 1 or 2 - how the hell did Kevin make Graalsritter? His piety is indeed questionable. I guess you don't really need to be a zealot to be a member of the Divine MiB, but I imagine the church would want its most faithful on the job to minimize likelihood of them going MIA with the ridiculously overpowered relics they're sent to recover.

Hwurmp
May 20, 2005

vdate posted:

And Ms. Argent brings up a valid question that I can't recall if it got answered in Trails 1 or 2 - how the hell did Kevin make Graalsritter? His piety is indeed questionable.

I'm sure Aidios, in Her infinite grace, will forgive a minor trespass. Or three.

Kevin didn't exist in FC, and SC never touched on the subject, but it'll be answered here.

Junpei
Oct 4, 2015

Although next time, you would be wise to heed the ancient Japanese proverb... phone first!
Question: What elemental locks are on Ries's Orbment?

Hwurmp
May 20, 2005

Mirage on the center slot.

Erpy
Jan 30, 2015
(insert title here)
Her orbment's the same as Joshua's, except with one elemental slot instead of two.

Alard
Sep 4, 2011

Come on Kevin, open up that copy of Isthmian Tales. I want to see just what gets a book banned by the church. Also I was wondering if they were actually going to let you keep those starting quartz, so when they shattered them I was sad to see that Haze quartz go.

Epsilon Moonshade
Nov 22, 2016

Not an excellent host.

I love how Kevin says "Holy Stregas." Of all the things he could pick up...

Alard posted:

Come on Kevin, open up that copy of Isthmian Tales. I want to see just what gets a book banned by the church. Also I was wondering if they were actually going to let you keep those starting quartz, so when they shattered them I was sad to see that Haze quartz go.

It's probably for the better. End level is around 140-ish I think, so it's better not to encourage you to avoid encounters then get curbstomped by the next boss.

RegalStar
Jul 17, 2016

Junpei posted:

Question: What elemental locks are on Ries's Orbment?

5-3; Mirage on center.

Hwurmp
May 20, 2005

Alard posted:

Come on Kevin, open up that copy of Isthmian Tales. I want to see just what gets a book banned by the church.

Two words: Pom porn. It genuinely is unspeakable.

You're a knight. Do your job.

cokerpilot
Apr 23, 2010

Battle Brothers! Stop coming to meetings drunk and trying to adopt Tevery Best!

Lord General! Stop standing on the table and making up stupid operation names!

Emperor, why do I put up with these people?
If this new development is going to be a trend for the future this could get rather amusing.

Rabbi Raccoon
Mar 31, 2009

I stabbed you dude!
Tita really is the most adorable thing ever. Try, just TRY to not love her. And there's exactly one textbox later in the game that solidifies her as the most adorable thing in the history of time and even before then.

Lynkericious
Nov 7, 2012

Super High-School Level Eating Machine
Ah poo poo, Kevin just accidentally started a war with Erika. I can practically hear her now.

: I can't believe the Septian Church stole my Tita just because they couldn't handle their nun being the cutest force in the universe! Don't worry Tita, mommy's building the biggest robot to rescue you with!

Erpy
Jan 30, 2015
(insert title here)
Kevin probably thought to himself at some point that escaping from this alien plane would require nothing less than the most powerful force in the universe. A few minutes later, Tita was summoned to their side. That monkey paw's still working well.

Aside from that, the conversation at the start of the Jade Corridor pointed out that the "higher elements" being in effect is a big frigging deal, especially all three at once. Even the Altered Space area where the Aureole was sealed was limited to the four lower elements. During the Cold Steel games, you come across several areas where the higher elements are active without having to step through a warp, making you wonder after this scene: "WTF is happening in Erebonia?"

Some Numbers
Sep 28, 2006

"LET'S GET DOWN TO WORK!!"

Erpy posted:

During the Cold Steel games, you come across several areas where the higher elements are active without having to step through a warp, making you wonder after this scene: "WTF is happening in Erebonia?"
Yeah, it's super interesting in retrospect that the Cold Steel cast treats that revelation with a "huh, okay, weird."

Maybe they don't know enough to realize that it's a big deal.

Erpy
Jan 30, 2015
(insert title here)
That'd be the same reaction the player who hasn't played 3rd would give. I suspect knowledge about this subject is mainly limited to the Septian Church, since members of the Intelligence Division and Bracer Guild don't really comment on it.

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Omobono
Feb 19, 2013

That's it! No more hiding in tomato crates! It's time to show that idiota Germany how a real nation fights!

For pasta~! CHARGE!

Some Numbers posted:

Yeah, it's super interesting in retrospect that the Cold Steel cast treats that revelation with a "huh, okay, weird."

Maybe they don't know enough to realize that it's a big deal.

I agree that it's probably that they don't know enough to make a proper deal out of it, and the only one that could possibly understand never shares information as a rule (:argh:).
Falcom loves to put in little details that the PCs have no context to properly understand, but can make a faithful player go "oh loving crap this isn't good".

However, in the name of the Goddes, what is happening in Erebonia during Cold Steel that there are multiple areas with the high elements active?
(Rethoric and spoilery question, noone actually answer please)

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