The GWJ JRPG Club 2.0

If it's any help, FFXII has a fast-forward feature which may make some of the more monotonous sections tolerable for you.

I also feel like it's a more mechanically driven game than it is a story game, but that could just be me. The world is interesting and bustling, but the plot is very odd (and dare I say a little sloppy?). I'm not sure if that pushes you towards one side of the fence or the other, but that's my two cents

A_Unicycle wrote:

If it's any help, FFXII has a fast-forward feature which may make some of the more monotonous sections tolerable for you.

I also feel like it's a more mechanically driven game than it is a story game, but that could just be me. The world is interesting and bustling, but the plot is very odd (and dare I say a little sloppy?). I'm not sure if that pushes you towards one side of the fence or the other, but that's my two cents

I personally found the plot to be decent, and more importantly not about soppy JRPG teen heroes in love (despite Vaan and Penelo) but rather a more political set of issues. It's not greatly implemented, no, but it was a nice shift from the usual FF main series fare.

The game itself is definitely more about exploring the world and getting good at it mechanically than it is about the plot, on that I agree completely.

I'm hapy to dive back into it.

I appreciated the political themes of the game, but felt like it wasn't implemented well. It starts off as a typical JRPG adventure with Vaan and Penelo, then totally shifts gears. It was really odd! Especially how those two are set up as the main characters, but end up being really weird side-characters with minimal background and development.

However, since maturing (and having played other games set in Ivalice), I'm really interested in re-experiencing the story and seeing if I change my mind.

Off the top of my head, (Captain) Basch was meant to be the lead originally but it was changed partway through development to fit FF tropes more closely.

ClockworkHouse wrote:

I'm tempted to get a copy so I can join in, but my track record with Final Fantasy games isn't great, to say the least.

But this one plays like an MMO and the MMO is the one you like!

ccesarano wrote:
ClockworkHouse wrote:

I'm tempted to get a copy so I can join in, but my track record with Final Fantasy games isn't great, to say the least.

But this one plays like an MMO and the MMO is the one you like!

FFXII is the “weird” one, right?

Be back in 3 months. Have yourselves some FFFun.

A_Unicycle wrote:

I appreciated the political themes of the game, but felt like it wasn't implemented well. It starts off as a typical JRPG adventure with Vaan and Penelo, then totally shifts gears. It was really odd! Especially how those two are set up as the main characters, but end up being really weird side-characters with minimal background and development.

However, since maturing (and having played other games set in Ivalice), I'm really interested in re-experiencing the story and seeing if I change my mind.

Well, precisely, what happened was...

Mr GT Chris wrote:

Off the top of my head, (Captain) Basch was meant to be the lead originally but it was changed partway through development to fit FF tropes more closely.

What Mr GT Chris said. The devs were pressured somehow into shoehorning Vaan and Penelo so that traditional FF audiences wouldn't feel alienated by the more political and mature theme.

The game still came out being a pretty decent FF title that broke the mold in many ways - precisely why I like it so much and consider it my favorite in the series.

I played this last year already - but love it so I'll play it again. Maybe my second favorite of the series.

steinkrug wrote:

FFXII is the “weird” one, right? :)

You're thinking of II. You know, that other Final Fantasy Kawauzu had a major hand in.

True, II probably deserves that designation that most.

brokenclavicle wrote:

Well, precisely, what happened was...

Mr GT Chris wrote:

Off the top of my head, (Captain) Basch was meant to be the lead originally but it was changed partway through development to fit FF tropes more closely.

What Mr GT Chris said. The devs were pressured somehow into shoehorning Vaan and Penelo so that traditional FF audiences wouldn't feel alienated by the more political and mature theme.

There's also a fun mainline quest that is a bit of a shout out by the devs to this situation. You'll know it when you get there :).

I nominate Persona 5 for Q2 (non-Japan release was 4/4/17).

sometimesdee wrote:

I nominate Persona 5 for Q2 (non-Japan release was 4/4/17).

Noted! I suppose if that wins I could use it as an excuse to NG+.

If we're onto nominations already, I'd like to suggest a non-Persona Megaten game. I really love the series, but after playing 3,4, and most of 5, I can't wait to see what the rest of the franchise is like. I know there's a bit of a divide between "real" megaten fans and Persona fans (writing that makes me groan).

Any suggestions? My gut says Shin Megami Tensei 4 would be the easiest for people to get their hands on. I've tried to play it a few times but that first dungeon is INSANELY hard.

Otherwise, I know Nocturne is popular, and Digital Devil Saga was cool from the 4 hours I played close to 10 years ago.

A_Unicycle wrote:

If we're onto nominations already,

You’re welcome to, though we won’t be voting on Q2 until later in March, just FYI so you’ve got time to think about it.

A_Unicycle wrote:

My gut says Shin Megami Tensei 4 would be the easiest for people to get their hands on. I've tried to play it a few times but that first dungeon is INSANELY hard.

Otherwise, I know Nocturne is popular

If people are likely to bounce off SMT IV's difficulty then they're guaranteed to bounce off Nocturne.

FWIW, I found SMTIV to get easier after that initial hurdle of the first dungeon. But, yeah, things I have heard about Nocturne jive with what shoptroll said.

Let's see... there's it's sequel, SMTIV Apocalypse. Also Strange Journey, the remake of which is coming west sometime this year.

A lot of RPG seem to get easier after the first dungeon

shoptroll wrote:

A lot of RPG seem to get easier after the first dungeon ;)

True, true. Though this felt particularly pronounced in SMTIV. For me, anyway.

I would love an excuse to dive back into Nocturne or Digital Devil Saga.

The encounter rate in both games is bananas, however. Easily the biggest hurdle to going back in time in the SMT-verse, IMO.

steinkrug wrote:

FWIW, I found SMTIV to get easier after that initial hurdle of the first dungeon. But, yeah, things I have heard about Nocturne jive with what shoptroll said.

Let's see... there's it's sequel, SMTIV Apocalypse. Also Strange Journey, the remake of which is coming west sometime this year.

So I've heard. I've tried to play through the first dungeon a few times now, each ending in failure. Everyone says it gets a lot better after than initial hurdle.

Edit: Alright, throw in a nomination for SMTIV for me, please

I'll make myself popular and nominate Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII.

ClockworkHouse wrote:

I'll make myself popular and nominate Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII.

I liked that game... better than XIII-2, anyway. However, since I'm a selfish person, I nominate games in my pile.

That is precisely what I'm doing, but you already beat me to Persona 5.

ClockworkHouse wrote:

I'll make myself popular and nominate Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII.

That’s been on my shelf for a while. I’m quite intrigued by it.

Lightning Returns is incredible. It's a shame it was attached to FFXIII, because most people disregarded it based on their experience with the first game. It honestly has some of the most forward-thinking JRPG mechanics, and if you can get over the time limits (I loved 'em), you'll find some very interesting stuff going on.

I mean, how many other let you actually grind a species to extinction? Gosh I love that game! My only real criticism is the story got very weird, and the focus on skimpy attire was a bit offensive given Lightning's strong character.

I dare say Lightning Returns will get my vote next quarter. Always wanted to go back for the platinum trophy. I adored it!

I'll abstain from making any nominations until March, once the next quarter approaches and I have a clear view of what I have on my Pile that could do with a New Game. Lightning Returns sounds enticing, though, and it is on my Pile...

I’m pretty new to this game club and I love the concept. It’s a great excuse to dive back into FFXII this year.

Are there any particular guidelines for newbies like me? Is any JRPG fair game or is it less socially acceptable to pick older or more obscure titles? Should I factor price or scarcity into any nomination so that some folks don’t feel left out?