Random thoughts on whatever JRPG you're currently playing?

[Bigg Boss]

That I cannot argue with. If there were more battle types it would be fine but grinding through trash units to capture ONE GOLEM or FAIRY is killing me.

 

[somerandomdude]

That I cannot argue with. If there were more battle types it would be fine but grinding through trash units to capture ONE GOLEM or FAIRY is killing me.

There's a cheat engine table that has a 100% chance to recruit option. It even works on monster types you can't normally recruit.

 

[DakaSha]

Disgaea 5: More like dis-gaya

 

[ChaDargo]

Disgaea 5: More like dis-gaya

Best in the series imo. At least it's not the horrific nightmare that was Disgaea 6...

 

[DakaSha]

Disgaea 5: More like dis-gaya

Best in the series imo. At least it's not the horrific nightmare that was Disgaea 6...

Mechanically it seems to be fun. But everything else is megagay.
I havent played it far yet, but is it true that once i unlock the cheat shop i can make it much more difficult?

 

[ChaDargo]

Disgaea 5: More like dis-gaya

Best in the series imo. At least it's not the horrific nightmare that was Disgaea 6...

Mechanically it seems to be fun. But everything else is megagay.
I havent played it far yet, but is it true that once i unlock the cheat shop i can make it much more difficult?

I've never really enjoyed the story of a Disgaea game (I guess 1 and 2 were okay if cheesy as fuck animu shit). I don't mind the whacky characters and enemy design, kinda like that about it. But yeah, it's gay and weird artistically and thematically lol

The cheat shop will let you change how much xp/gold/mana you get (decrease one and get more points to increase the others). It also lets you change the difficulty of enemies. You can go from the base 1 star all the way to 10 stars of difficulty. And I think it's exponential, not just 10x growth in enemy stats--but it is just increasing enemy stats. I'd say the most fun in terms of strategy is getting all the way through an item's Item World. Tons of variety of levels and little things to get to improve the item as you go.

Really the game is about navigating the item world and finding good spots to grind until you have insane items and insanely leveled characters and dish out insane damage. The campaign has some difficulty spikes, particularly if you don't grind. Some are more like puzzles, which can be a fun change of pace.

Personally, I really enjoy the Item World and stat management aspects of all 5 games more than the campaign. Unlocking secret shit after you beat the campaign is fun too. I've yet to beat the actual final boss of any game... I just don't think I have the requisite autism lol

One more thing, keep in mind that you can turn off all animations. This is particularly useful in terms of mitigating the typical JRPG, overlong spell animations and for avoiding the animu homosexuality. Good for grinding and good for staying straight.

 

[Derringer]

Disgaea 5: More like dis-gaya

Best in the series imo. At least it's not the horrific nightmare that was Disgaea 6...

Mechanically it seems to be fun. But everything else is megagay.
I havent played it far yet, but is it true that once i unlock the cheat shop i can make it much more difficult?

It's alright from what I played of it, it's just the same game updated in HD with a worse scenario like every other Disgaea sequel.

 

[ChaDargo]

Disgaea 5: More like dis-gaya

Best in the series imo. At least it's not the horrific nightmare that was Disgaea 6...

Mechanically it seems to be fun. But everything else is megagay.
I havent played it far yet, but is it true that once i unlock the cheat shop i can make it much more difficult?

It's alright from what I played of it, it's just the same game updated in HD with a worse scenario like every other Disgaea sequel.

Disgaea 6 is basically automated in terms of grinding and leveling up. And the ridiculous numbers are exaggerated to levels that make no fucking sense.

You're probably talking about the campaign. If someone plays Disgaea games for the campaign, that's cool, and I'm sure 6 isn't too bad for that kinda player... But the genius of Disgaea is the management systems. 6 gutted those to try to appeal to a broader audience.

 

[Brimruk]

What are your (aka anyone reading this) thoughts on which Disgaea to play first (or as the only one)? I’m thinking of getting into the series on Switch so I’m curious.

From what I’ve read previously it sounds like the series has gotten more complex, in terms of the gameplay systems, but has maybe lost some of the charm with subsequent installments?

 

[Bigg Boss]

That I cannot argue with. If there were more battle types it would be fine but grinding through trash units to capture ONE GOLEM or FAIRY is killing me.

There's a cheat engine table that has a 100% chance to recruit option. It even works on monster types you can't normally recruit.

That is way too much cheat for me. If I am enjoying the game too much I feel like something is wrong.

 

[Brimruk]

Started playing the SMT III remake on Switch, reached the Specter boss early on (when you first go into the Amala Network).

First time through I didn't buff/debuff and he absolutely demolished me; I was doing pitiful damage and struggling to stay alive (had a full party wipe about 10-15 rounds in).

Second time through I debuffed the fuck out of him and it was over in about 5 rounds. I realize that's the name of the game for the SMT series (make sure you use buffs/debuffs) but goddamn that was a satisfying feeling!

I know I continue shitting up this thread but goddamn if this isn’t a satisfying game!

Reached Matador, was absolutely wrecked the first time through. Thought I had to grind to even have a chance, ended up just switching my party around so that I had an agility buffer, two force-nulls and a dedicated healer. Beat him with MC 15, Bicorn 15, Sudama 13 and High Pixie 12. He ended up wasting both turns on Mazan and when he did hit anyone it was one character and Pixie easily healed them back up

I’m sure I’ll have to grind later on but for now it’s very fulfilling just taking a step back and doing some fusions instead

 

[Lincolnberry]

Started playing the SMT III remake on Switch, reached the Specter boss early on (when you first go into the Amala Network).

First time through I didn't buff/debuff and he absolutely demolished me; I was doing pitiful damage and struggling to stay alive (had a full party wipe about 10-15 rounds in).

Second time through I debuffed the fuck out of him and it was over in about 5 rounds. I realize that's the name of the game for the SMT series (make sure you use buffs/debuffs) but goddamn that was a satisfying feeling!

I know I continue shitting up this thread but goddamn if this isn’t a satisfying game!

Reached Matador, was absolutely wrecked the first time through. Thought I had to grind to even have a chance, ended up just switching my party around so that I had an agility buffer, two force-nulls and a dedicated healer. Beat him with MC 15, Bicorn 15, Sudama 13 and High Pixie 12. He ended up wasting both turns on Mazan and when he did hit anyone it was one character and Pixie easily healed them back up

I’m sure I’ll have to grind later on but for now it’s very fulfilling just taking a step back and doing some fusions instead

SMT 3 definitely felt more puzzle-like in the boss fights than the more recent entries to me. Almost like the scripting of the boss moves was pretty set in stone and could therefore be manipulated. Still a very tough game (at least on hard) though.

 

[GhostCow]

It's alright from what I played of it, it's just the same game updated in HD with a worse scenario like every other Disgaea sequel.

Disgaea 6 is basically automated in terms of grinding and leveling up. And the ridiculous numbers are exaggerated to levels that make no fucking sense.

You're probably talking about the campaign. If someone plays Disgaea games for the campaign, that's cool, and I'm sure 6 isn't too bad for that kinda player... But the genius of Disgaea is the management systems. 6 gutted those to try to appeal to a broader audience.

I play Disgaea for the campaign as much as anything else and I thought 6 was shit. Everything about it was bad. I literally can't think of a single good thing to say about it. 7 looks even worse. 2 was the best game in the series as far as story and characters goes.

 

[Brimruk]

Started playing the SMT III remake on Switch, reached the Specter boss early on (when you first go into the Amala Network).

First time through I didn't buff/debuff and he absolutely demolished me; I was doing pitiful damage and struggling to stay alive (had a full party wipe about 10-15 rounds in).

Second time through I debuffed the fuck out of him and it was over in about 5 rounds. I realize that's the name of the game for the SMT series (make sure you use buffs/debuffs) but goddamn that was a satisfying feeling!

I know I continue shitting up this thread but goddamn if this isn’t a satisfying game!

Reached Matador, was absolutely wrecked the first time through. Thought I had to grind to even have a chance, ended up just switching my party around so that I had an agility buffer, two force-nulls and a dedicated healer. Beat him with MC 15, Bicorn 15, Sudama 13 and High Pixie 12. He ended up wasting both turns on Mazan and when he did hit anyone it was one character and Pixie easily healed them back up

I’m sure I’ll have to grind later on but for now it’s very fulfilling just taking a step back and doing some fusions instead

SMT 3 definitely felt more puzzle-like in the boss fights than the more recent entries to me. Almost like the scripting of the boss moves was pretty set in stone and could therefore be manipulated. Still a very tough game (at least on hard) though.

I’ve got V in the backlog as well so it’ll be interesting to compare and contrast the two

EDIT: I’m a newbie to the series so I’m definitely playing on Normal for now hah. I am glad to hear the bosses are more puzzle-like because I’m not the biggest fan of just having to grind up bigger numbers so being able to solve things, again at least for now, through fusions is very welcome

 

[ChaDargo]

What are your (aka anyone reading this) thoughts on which Disgaea to play first (or as the only one)? I’m thinking of getting into the series on Switch so I’m curious.

From what I’ve read previously it sounds like the series has gotten more complex, in terms of the gameplay systems, but has maybe lost some of the charm with subsequent installments?

1/2 for story, 4/5 for everything else. 5 doesn't add that many systems. It's more about it being streamlined and having QoL features.

 

[Emmanuel2]

I just got done with Etrian Odyssey Untold 1 and 2 including their postgames on Expert Classic.

As a break from the Etrian Odyssey marathon, I decided to play through Astlibra Revision.
And I have to say, despite my initial "judge it by the cover" thoughts, this was one of the best games I've played.


I thought the gameplay would be clunky but it's probably some of the smoothest action RPG platformer, up there with Dust: An Elysian Tail.
I thought the artstyle would be jarring, but it works and has a certain charm to them.
I thought the story would be bad but I was personally surprised with the twists and was genuinely touched at times.
I thought the game balancing would be wack when I chose the hardest difficulty (Impossible), but it felt fairly decent to play through.
Some of the music choice is outright great/fitting too.

My only complaint is that you get a tad too powerful by the end of both content segments (base game and postscript) regardless of the difficulty chosen; but I guess it makes sense lore-wise.

 

[ChaDargo]

About to start SMT: Nocturne. Any tips/advice for a newb to the series? Well, I played Persona 3 FES a long time ago and the high school shit made me want to die, but the combat was great (even if the dungeons were bland as fuck). Am I looking at the same sort of systems?

 

[Lincolnberry]

You probably know this but SMT isn't like Persona (3-5). Way less story focus, way more fighting/gameplay.

Nocturne feels pretty close to an old school dungeon crawler, but in 3D. You're supposed to be ground down. If you're new, I'd probably not recommend the highest difficulty out of the gate. Even on Normal, I imagine you'll get occasionally cleaned out.

Save often. Bosses are usually more like puzzles than brute strength. Use and prioritize your buffs/debuffs. I'd also recommend ignoring the Menorah stuff on the first playthru if you're doing it blind but others will probably disagree.

 

[Puukko]

About to start SMT: Nocturne. Any tips/advice for a newb to the series? Well, I played Persona 3 FES a long time ago and the high school shit made me want to die, but the combat was great (even if the dungeons were bland as fuck). Am I looking at the same sort of systems?

Use buffs. Build demon lineages, all the bonus XP from sacrificial fusions carries over repeatedly.

Hard disagree on ignoring Maniax content. It has some of the better boss fights and the true final boss, and the kalpas are pretty fun. I've never even considered going for anything other than true demon ending.

 

[GhostCow]

About to start SMT: Nocturne. Any tips/advice for a newb to the series? Well, I played Persona 3 FES a long time ago and the high school shit made me want to die, but the combat was great (even if the dungeons were bland as fuck). Am I looking at the same sort of systems?

Never use the first demon you get, the pixie, as a sacrifice. You can always tell which demon was originally the pixie as that one will always be at the top of your list.

 

[SerratedBiz]

My advice for playing SMT III is don't spoil it and don't expect to finish it on your first playthrough. Otherwise, enjoy one of the finest games of its era.

 

[dreughjiggers]

I have about six hours in Undernauts, and after Strikers its the most fun I've had on the switch. My party must have very high acc, because I never miss. Any other good wiz games for switch?

 

[Brimruk]

My advice for playing SMT III is don't spoil it and don't expect to finish it on your first playthrough. Otherwise, enjoy one of the finest games of its era.

As someone playing for the first time, I agree to keep spoilers to a minimum! Except for one of the boss battles I've gone in completely blind and it's been great (I'm about 20 hours in so probably nowhere close to finishing)!

Something I will share, keeping spoilers to a minimum - if you run into a boss that just seems impossibly tedious, remember the advice about fighting bosses during the full moon

I have about six hours in Undernauts, and after Strikers its the most fun I've had on the switch. My party must have very high acc, because I never miss. Any other good wiz games for switch?

I am also curious about this - I've bought SMT 3 and 5 and Undernauts so far, so definitely looking to expand the wiz game library!

 

[Abu Antar]

I have about six hours in Undernauts, and after Strikers its the most fun I've had on the switch. My party must have very high acc, because I never miss. Any other good wiz games for switch?

May I ask how Undernauts performs on Switch? I have had my eyes on it.

 

[coldcrow]

About to start SMT: Nocturne. Any tips/advice for a newb to the series? Well, I played Persona 3 FES a long time ago and the high school shit made me want to die, but the combat was great (even if the dungeons were bland as fuck). Am I looking at the same sort of systems?

Never use the first demon you get, the pixie, as a sacrifice. You can always tell which demon was originally the pixie as that one will always be at the top of your list.

It really doesn't matter. The reward for keeping pixie comes at the end of the game. So it's that or an early free ankh magatama, which is quite valuable on hard difficulty.