The Playstation Vita Catch-All

EverythingsTentative wrote:

Dragon's Crown review are coming in, and it looks like I may have more evidence to not go to Polygon for reviews.

Out of curiosity, is it because of the score, the video, the written review, or all of the above?

SuperDave wrote:
EverythingsTentative wrote:

Dragon's Crown review are coming in, and it looks like I may have more evidence to not go to Polygon for reviews.

Out of curiosity, is it because of the score, the video, the written review, or all of the above?

It's not just this review, for example, they game Bioshock Infinite a 10 and The Last of Us a 7.5. Two other reviews I don't agree with. This review in particular, the reviewer was really offended by the design of the women. I don't think I'll have the same problem.

ClockworkHouse wrote:

What was wrong with Polygon's review?

Nothing. They just have a tendency to not agree with me.

EverythingsTentative wrote:

Nothing. They just have a tendency to not agree with me. :)

Best reason to go elsewhere for reviews. It's the reason I stopped going to IGN. As always, reviews are simply one opinion and must be taken as such.

Now to go read Dragon's Crown reviews!

EDIT: Wow, impressive scores being thrown around. 4.5 stars from Joystiq, a Yes! from Kotaku, and 9.5 from Destructoid. 83% Metacritic average.

EDIT 2: I'm glad I decided to go physical, 'cause I can't wait to get that art book!

EverythingsTentative wrote:

This review in particular, the reviewer was really offended by the design of the women. I don't think I'll have the same problem.

She was, but that was hardly her main complaint about the game. I felt the main substance of her criticism was that the game was incredibly repetitious and padded-out. Having had the same complaint myself about Muramasa, and having heard the same about Odinsphere, I wasn't surprised to see it come up again.

Oh! It's Vanillaware who did Murumasa. I still need to finish that on Vita, but I'll have to check out Dragon's Crown once I can get it on sale or something next year.

I’m not sure if this applies to the context of the conversation, but one of the things that I’ve liked about Polygon’s review process is that the reviewer is not the person that decides on the score. Instead, a small internal group picks the score based on what they've read.

ahrezmendi wrote:

art book!

Well, I may have to get it from Game Stop now.

ClockworkHouse wrote:
EverythingsTentative wrote:

This review in particular, the reviewer was really offended by the design of the women. I don't think I'll have the same problem.

She was, but that was hardly her main complaint about the game. I felt the main substance of her criticism was that the game was incredibly repetitious and padded-out. Having had the same complaint myself about Muramasa, and having heard the same about Odinsphere, I wasn't surprised to see it come up again.

I also don't think repetition is ever a fair criticism. I'm rarely doing very different things at the end of a game, when compared to the beginning.

ClockworkHouse wrote:
EverythingsTentative wrote:

This review in particular, the reviewer was really offended by the design of the women. I don't think I'll have the same problem.

She was, but that was hardly her main complaint about the game. I felt the main substance of her criticism was that the game was incredibly repetitious and padded-out. Having had the same complaint myself about Muramasa, and having heard the same about Odinsphere, I wasn't surprised to see it come up again.

From what I'm reading, this is spot on. This is very much a spiritual successor to the D&D arcade games (it's even the same director), so if you're not a fan of repetitive beat-em-up games then definitely save your money. It also sounds like the Vita version is the superior version (albeit probably a smaller multiplayer pool), so folks who don't have a Vita yet but plan to get one may want to wait.

I'm a HUGE fan of beat-em-up games. I poured hundreds of hours into Castle Crashers, and even slogged through all of Code of Princess, so I'm really excited about this game. I'm a bit sad that the multiplayer component is locked out until you get a few hours in, but I can push through that on my commute train.

EDIT: The Kotaku reviewer says he was getting bored with the game, and it was the multiplayer that revived it for him. Worth considering for folks who don't play multiplayer, sounds like that's where the meat of this game lies.

EDIT 2: No cross-buy makes me sad, but that was never announced so I assumed it wouldn't be the case. The game does have cross-saves (ala Guacamelee) so that's pretty cool for those who double-dip.

I had no idea the D&D director did this too! Having done the Chronicles of Mystara collection for Retro Flashback (and loving it still), that instantly piques my interest even more. I pre-ordered this super cheap on a special E3 deal with the intent of cancelling it if it wasn't good but it looks like I'll be keeping it which makes me very happy as my Vita is my main lunch hour machine. So, if you buy physical, do you just get like a little art book that fits inside that tiny Vita case or something else? It was a physical copy I pre-ordered.

ahrezmendi wrote:
ClockworkHouse wrote:
EverythingsTentative wrote:

This review in particular, the reviewer was really offended by the design of the women. I don't think I'll have the same problem.

She was, but that was hardly her main complaint about the game. I felt the main substance of her criticism was that the game was incredibly repetitious and padded-out. Having had the same complaint myself about Muramasa, and having heard the same about Odinsphere, I wasn't surprised to see it come up again.

From what I'm reading, this is spot on. This is very much a spiritual successor to the D&D arcade games (it's even the same director), so if you're not a fan of repetitive beat-em-up games then definitely save your money. It also sounds like the Vita version is the superior version (albeit probably a smaller multiplayer pool), so folks who don't have a Vita yet but plan to get one may want to wait.

I'm a HUGE fan of beat-em-up games. I poured hundreds of hours into Castle Crashers, and even slogged through all of Code of Princess, so I'm really excited about this game. I'm a bit sad that the multiplayer component is locked out until you get a few hours in, but I can push through that on my commute train.

EDIT: The Kotaku reviewer says he was getting bored with the game, and it was the multiplayer that revived it for him. Worth considering for folks who don't play multiplayer, sounds like that's where the meat of this game lies.

EDIT 2: No cross-buy makes me sad, but that was never announced so I assumed it wouldn't be the case. The game does have cross-saves (ala Guacamelee) so that's pretty cool for those who double-dip.

Oh that comparison to castle crashers interests me. Because the idea of grinding through level's didn't sound appealing, but if the combat is really that good then I might have to check it out. I have to say though, the imagery of the nun spread eagle was just a bit too much for me .

thinkklinck wrote:

Oh that comparison to castle crashers interests me. Because the idea of grinding through level's didn't sound appealing, but if the combat is really that good then I might have to check it out. I have to say though, the imagery of the nun spread eagle was just a bit too much for me .

In the reviews I have read everyone has commented on how satisfying the combat is. I can definitely see how some people could be offended; I'm just not easily offended, by anything. I have mastered the ability to not give any ****s.

EverythingsTentative wrote:

I have mastered the ability to not give any ****s.

Pants? Pints? Stars? Forks? Hands? Hairs? Carps? Clips? Forms? Users?

I need to know what you don't give before I ask any favors.

EverythingsTentative wrote:
thinkklinck wrote:

Oh that comparison to castle crashers interests me. Because the idea of grinding through level's didn't sound appealing, but if the combat is really that good then I might have to check it out. I have to say though, the imagery of the nun spread eagle was just a bit too much for me .

In the reviews I have read everyone has commented on how satisfying the combat is. I can definitely see how some people could be offended; I'm just not easily offended, by anything. I have mastered the ability to not give any ****s.

Yeah I would say i could overlook and ignore most stuff for good gameplay, I'm just worried about playing it on the bus to work and the looks I could get lol

ClockworkHouse wrote:
EverythingsTentative wrote:

I have mastered the ability to not give any ****s.

Pants? Pints? Stars? Forks? Hands? Hairs? Carps? Clips? Forms? Users?

I need to know what you don't give before I ask any favors. ;)

Well played.

So I'm about maybe 5 hours into Persona 4 Golden, and holy sh*t this game is amazing. This, I think, is my first JRPG, so while I was hesitant going in, I've just totally clicked with all the stuff that's going on. It all just flows so well together.

Veloxi wrote:

So I'm about maybe 5 hours into Persona 4 Golden, and holy sh*t this game is amazing. This, I think, is my first JRPG, so while I was hesitant going in, I've just totally clicked with all the stuff that's going on. It all just flows so well together.

If you love this, you'll probably really like P3P - it's got as good a (maybe a better) story, if slightly worse gameplay/graphics/sound.

Veloxi wrote:

So I'm about maybe 5 hours into Persona 4 Golden, and holy sh*t this game is amazing. This, I think, is my first JRPG, so while I was hesitant going in, I've just totally clicked with all the stuff that's going on. It all just flows so well together.

Yep. For some perspective it's only the 3rd semi-traditional JRPG I've ever finished. I finished 1 Pokemon game, Golden Sun and FF 1.

Otherwise I've completed SRPGs, Western RPGs and stuff like Mario and Luigi, but I don't generally finish JRPGs. I start many (FF IV, Dragon Quest IX, etc.), but I always get bored of them.

Would it be terrible of me to go by Gamestop tomorrow, pick up my copy of Dragons Crown and the art book, pocket the art book, immediately return the game, then go download the game?

EverythingsTentative wrote:

Would it be terrible of me to go by Gamestop tomorrow, pick up my copy of Dragons Crown and the art book, pocket the art book, immediately return the game, then go download the game?

No; not one bit

EverythingsTentative wrote:

Would it be terrible of me to go by Gamestop tomorrow, pick up my copy of Dragons Crown and the art book, pocket the art book, immediately return the game, then go download the game?

No, it wouldn't. I did this with P4 Golden when I wasn't able to pick up my physical copy on a Friday, and there was no way in hell that I was going to go a whole weekend not playing it. I'm even considering doing it with my Dragon's Crown from Amazon.

EDIT: I've been playing SMT 4, so my Vita has lain dormant for about 3 weeks now. I just downloaded the new system update, and I really like some of these changes! Plus access at the game launch page? Heck yeah, so much easier than via Content Manager. Turning on/off system features via the PS menu? Also heck yeah, don't even have to boot Settings now to turn off WiFi if I want to save battery.

Now I'm all set for Dragon's Crown later today. I'm psyched.

So I've been playing Dragon's Crown, and I have to say it's pretty awesome. I didn't expect this from this game, but it made me ponder the after life...I think. Spoiler tagged just in case...

Spoiler:

As you are journeying thorough the game you pick the bones of deceased warriors. It is told that they are warriors that died trying to do the same missions that you are attempting. That's the not the important part though. Once you pick up these bones you can take them to the temple, and there you are given a choice. You can resurrect the warrior with the bones, or you can bury the bones, forever trapping the deceased in the after life. At first I just immediately resurrected all the warriors, because by resurrecting them the warrior can help you on your journeys. I did this until I got bones of a warrior whose level was half as low as mine, and I didn't think that person would be useful. So, I opted to bury, but before I did I realized that person may want to be resurrected, and if I don't they are dead forever. Then it made me think back to a previous warrior who I resurrected, who was less than thrilled that I brought him back. I can't remember what he said exactly, but it was something along the lines of, "Not again". I ultimately decided to bury the low level warrior, but I have felt bad every since. Maybe she wanted to come back to life, maybe not. The fact that the game hasn't given me any information on the religion at the temple, and because I have no information about the dead warrior, or his "salvation", it is going to make me really ponder or avoid the temple all together.

I hope that makes sense, sorry for my terrible writing skills.

Tanglebones wrote:
Veloxi wrote:

So I'm about maybe 5 hours into Persona 4 Golden, and holy sh*t this game is amazing. This, I think, is my first JRPG, so while I was hesitant going in, I've just totally clicked with all the stuff that's going on. It all just flows so well together.

If you love this, you'll probably really like P3P - it's got as good a (maybe a better) story, if slightly worse gameplay/graphics/sound.

Glad you're liking it, Brian!

I really liked P3P, but I personally disagree with Tanglebones - IMHO 4 is an across-the-board improvement over 3. I prefer P4's story (30hrs into the PS2 version) to P3's - 3 suffers from the tension between its big, serious, plot and the fact that the protagonists are a bunch of superpowered teenagers. 4 has a more self-aware, "you meddling kids!" feel that I prefer.

Mind you, P3 will definitely be worth a look if you still want a Persona fix after finishing 4... but you have a lot of 4 left to go.

Ohhh, this could be awesome if true.

http://gamepolitics.com/2013/08/09/t...

According to a leaked Target sales flyer posted on Bluray Forums (registration required), all PlayStation Vita systems will be marked down to $199 at Target beginning August 18 through August 24. Target has not confirmed the validity of this ad.

My younger brother just got a Vita on my recommendation. He hasn't put it down for the past week and all his co-workers now want one. It's the handheld that people don't know they want until they see it. Hopefully a price drop will bring more people into the fold.

Sony seems pretty set on not dropping the price, though. I think they're hoping the PS4 integration will garner some momentum for the Vita, or they're okay with it being... let's call it "boutique."

Personally, I wish I liked it half so much as you all do. I have never sold a piece of hardware during its lifecycle and I won't be selling my Vita, but it's a little tempting. Tearaway is the only game I'm even slightly interested in for the rest of the year, and considering I couldn't stand LBP I am treading carefully.

If I end up buying one full priced game in a calendar year (Soul Sacrifice), I feel pretty justified in my disdain for a platform.

If you have never played it, I suggest taking a look at Puzzle Quest. It's an amazing fit for the Vita or PSP. I hadn't given the game any thought in years past, but decided to pick it up on a whim. It's owned my Vita time since. I had no idea how many systems that had in the game. The spells, items, mounts, etc. make the match 3 play a ton of fun. Then you can fight enemies, beseige cities, recruit allies, capture foes, mounts, research spells, hunt runes and craft items....there's a lot to do. The story's even pretty well written. You could do a lot worse for yourself. There's a PS3 version, but this seems perfect for the Vita in my opinion...plus it's $5 cheaper!

I got sick of Puzzle Quest's cheating AI back on the DS

Oh god that last boss. The ending was very cool though.
I can't find the trope on tvtropes.org, but the one where the final boss is a completely different kind of battle than anything you've fought before? Yeah, that's him.
There was a lot more story than I remember, but I only played through once, I am unlikely to play through again with a different class. Good time value for the dollar.

Blind_Evil wrote:

I got sick of Puzzle Quest's cheating AI back on the DS :P

That was my problem too. I love the game and the idea but the AI doesn't even try to hide the fact that it's rigging the game in its favour.

This should make most Vita owners happy.

PS Vita Game Sale Celebrates Japanese Developers

Game - Regular Price / Sale Price / Plus Price

August 13th – 19th
Soul Sacrifice - $35.99 / $24.99 / $17.49
Gravity Rush - $35.99 / $24.99 / Free
Street Fighter X Tekken - $39.99 / $27.99 /$19.59
Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 Plus - $39.99 / $27.99 / $19.59
Guilty Gear Accent XX Core + R - $14.99 / $10.49 / $7.34
Atelier Totori Plus - $39.99 / $27.99 / $19.59
Silent Hill Book of Memories - $29.99 / $14.99 / $7.50
Touch My Katamari - $14.99 / $7.49 / $3.75
Ridge Racer - $24.99 / $12.49 / $6.25

August 20th – 26th
Muramasa Rebirth - $34.99 / $27.99 / $20.99
Metal Gear Solid HD Collection - $29.99 / $20.99 / $14.69
New Little Kings Story - $19.99 / $13.99 / $9.79
Dead or Alive 5 Plus - $39.99 / $19.99 / $10.00
Ragnarok Odyssey - $29.99 / $20.99 / $14.69
Dynasty Warriors Next - $34.99 / $17.49 / $8.75
Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3 - $39.99 / $19.99 / $10.00
Super Monkey Ball - $29.99 / $20.99 / $14.69