Star Ocean 4

[Xanafalgue]

Star Ocean 4: First on 360
Producer says PS3 version may or may not be released.

by John Tanaka

US, June 10, 2008 - Star Ocean 4 was announced today as being in development for the Xbox 360. But as we specified during our blog from Microsoft's big RPG press conference in Japan, the game wasn't strictly referred to as an Xbox 360 exclusive title.

So is the game coming to the PS3 as well?

Square Enix producer Yoshinori Yamagishi cleared things up during a roundtable interview session that followed the press conference. Asked if the game is 360-only, he said, "We cannot announce anything on that. We can say that it will be released first [on the Xbox 360]. Whether we'll release it on the PS3 is undecided. We may release it, we may not."

Looks like, as with Last Remnant, 360 owners get this Square Enix epic first, but PS3 owners may get their own version in the future as well!

How excitement

[Xanafalgue]

Star Ocean 4 Trailer (http://www.strategyinformer.com/news/q1316/star-ocean-the-last-hope-trailer)

[Tonez]

How excitement

Just downloaded the trailer from the Marketplace. Looks like an interesting story.

[Xanafalgue]

Just downloaded the trailer from the Marketplace. Looks like an interesting story.

Yeah that what I was thinking too, good premise, I hope they pull through.

[Xanafalgue]

Some in-game screens:

http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/game/docs/20080610/so4_04.jpg

http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/game/docs/20080610/so4_09.jpg

Fantastic!

[Saxby]

Trailer didn't work me me -

http://www.gametrailers.com/player/usermovies/220849.html

Looks sextacular.

[Tonez]

Square Enix are also doing another RPG for the 360 called The Last Remnant. Trailer is also up on Marketplace.

[Xanafalgue]

Yeah, timed exclusive for the 360 isn't it ?

[Xanafalgue]

http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/9996/staroceanivthelasthoperoo9.jpg

[Lex]

this looks AWESOME

[Nic Xtreme]

This looks lovely, but for some Star Ocean 3 failed to grab me, probably due to its long-winded dialog... Star Ocean 1 & 2 appeal to me much more.

That said, this looks brilliant. Here's hoping it comes to PS3...

[Antwandemarco]

Weren't the previous Star Ocean's pretty crappy?

[Kingsob]

I liked it. I've so far liked all but 2 for me is the best.

[concrete donkey]

Weren't the previous Star Ocean's pretty crappy?

i found star ocean 2 boring, but star ocean 3: till the end of time was great.

[Xanafalgue]

Weren't the previous Star Ocean's pretty crappy?

1 & 2 are held in high regard, while the 3rd game is seen as the black sheep, kinda like the Phantasy Star series (and if it is anything like that, the new game will be the best of the lot).

[Dax]

tri-Ace never disappoint. They're one of only three developers (the others being Nippon Ichi and Level 5) who truly understand the JRPG and aren't afraid to take a few risks.

Personally, I'd prefer a proper, console, Valkyrie Profile 3...but Star Ocean 4 will do fine :)

[Xanafalgue]

The new trailer featuring in-game scenes is amazing, looking to have some of the best viduals on the 360.

[Xanafalgue]

^viduals FTW.

I forgot to post the gameplay trailer along with that post, for those who haven't seen it already: http://www.xbox360fanboy.com/2008/07/14/e308-star-ocean-the-last-hope-gameplay-trailer/

Perhaps this thread should just be called the 360 JRPG thread, lol, here are some E3 impressions of Infinite Undiscovery:


E3 08: Hands-on with Infinite Undiscovery
by Colette Bennett on 07.17.2008




First impressions are very, very important. Case in point: despite my love of Square-Enix games, when I heard about Infinite Undiscovery last September, all I could think was "That is the stupidest *****ing name for an RPG I have ever head in my life." It's the latter half I can't handle. Making up a word is certainly ok, but butchering a preexisting one just violates the rules of grammar in a way that messes up my tailfeathers.

Because of this initial impression, I walked up to the game on the E3 show floor this morning with no expectations whatsoever and little knowledge of what I would actually get to play. All I knew was that the screenshots were pretty, the battle system was real time, and I was still really mad about the stupid name.

Hit the jump to read how my hands-on time with Infinite Undiscovery turned my first impression into something else entirely.

First off, you may think you have an idea of this from the screenshots, but let me say it again because I can -- this game is absolutely gorgeous in person. The crisp surroundings and character renderings jumped out at me as the first two memorable elements. Square-Enix is pretty fail-safe when it comes to delivering a graphically polished product, and Infinite Undiscovery definitely holds the standard firmly in place.

The demo starts with Capell, the game's main character, trapped in a prison operated by a group called the Order. They call him the "Liberator", a name which he has no understanding of whatsoever. I played through the scene where he meets Aya, a young archer that will join your party, and she helps to break him out. Later, you find out Aya is a part of a small group of warriors trying to rebel against the Order.



As per their usual modus operandi, the game has tons of cutscenes, which you may view as either good or bad. The ones I saw were not too long, which was a relief as I get antsy waiting too long to actually control my character. I noticed that all the facial expressions and body movements looked incredibly natural, which leads me to think Square may have used motion capture to get the characters looking so fluid.

The way you handle battle is interesting, and this is where Infinite Undiscovery really started to win me over. I love being able to play RPGs that innovate the act of grinding, and the real time approach sits very favorably with me (I loved the system used in Final Fantasy XII). Infinite Undiscovery introduces the Connect Ability, which allows you to use the abilities of the other people traveling in your party. You can't actually play them in the game, but you can switch control to them to accomplish actions and use their special abilities.

The only thing I noticed right off the bat about the Connect Ability is that it can be a little overwhelming the first time you try to use it. I doubt it will come off this way in the real game as you will likely work up to using it with multiple characters, but since I was playing an E3 build, I started with the scene with Capell and Aya breaking out of the jail and then the girl at the booth switched me to a part of the game where I had a party of three in tow and was exploring a jungle. As soon I was was attacked, I noticed you have to carefully balance out when you switch to other party members to use an ability as the enemy can use that vulnerable moment to attack you. It's not a bad thing, but I think it may take some getting used to.

In fact, the use of real time goes even further than that -- just like an MMO, opening your menu does not stop the game's time and you are still vulnerable to enemy attack. I like that Square chose to implement this in a straightforward RPG title, as it definitely shakes up the formula and the genre could always use a bit of that.

To walk up to a game feeling unenthusiastic and walk away really excited is almost more special for me than playing a game I was already excited about, and that's exactly how I felt about Infinite Undiscovery. It looks and feels like a rich offering for RPG fans, and I definitely found it refreshing to stand outside the Final Fantasy universe and see what else Square can do.

Sounds great!

[AyatollaofRocknRolla]

The new trailer is great. I like the vibrant artstyle.

[topaz]

http://xbox360.ign.com/dor/objects/903309/star-ocean-4/videos/SO4_111408.html

This game looks pretty. I want it.

[ireadtabloids]

I disliked Star Ocean on SNES. Bad characters, dumb customizable level up system. Impossible to see the parts of the game you want to see.
And all that Ouija just freaked me out!

[FF Freak]

I can't wait for SO4. while SO3 was my first foray into the universe it wasn't a game that I particularly liked. However I went back and played SO1 on snes (and even now am playing it on PSP) and absolutely enjoyed it in comparison. I have to say I'm thrilled that this is one of those JRPGs that is guaranteed a release in PAL regions, I'm still crying over the lack of news regarding a confirmation or outright dismissal of a PAL release for Tales of Vesperia.

[klee123]

I seriously hope SO4 turns out to be good. I really disliked IU and SO4's graphics already look unappealing to me due to the character models looking like porcelain dolls.

Whoever is responsible for the in game models for both IU and SO4 should get fired.

[ireadtabloids]

Yeah, I knew a compulsive buyer who bought Star Ocean 3, played about ten minutes and dumped it just because the characters didn't appeal.

I think those character models had a lot to do with it.

We want maturely written characters with color and a bit of roughness in the face.

[PrinceCaspian]

Star Ocean 3 was an incredible experience for me. I loved the characters, I loved the gameplay, the music, the setting and the story.

I cannot wait for Star Ocean 4. I imagine I'll lose many, many hours of my life to it (I still replay SO 3 in spurts).

[Jay]

You still do what when you replay SO3? I mean, it's a decent game but... :p

I find the balancing act SE seem to have to do between the two major manufacturers endlessly entertaining. Just release for both systems at the same time and let us decide where we want to play it. But MS seem to love throwing cash at them for timed exclusives...

[PrinceCaspian]

You still do what when you replay SO3? I mean, it's a decent game but... :p



The exact same thing I did the previous time I played the game. Much like how I must have replayed Final Fantasy 1 20 times now. I just enjoy going through them again.

[Dunnahroth]

I seriously hope SO4 turns out to be good. I really disliked IU and SO4's graphics already look unappealing to me due to the character models looking like porcelain dolls.

Whoever is responsible for the in game models for both IU and SO4 should get fired.


I can tell you now, this game is incredibly awesome. I pretty much picked it up as an impulse buy, and I was blown away.

I have never played any other Star Ocean game at all and I really enjoyed the hell out of this game.

The story, the locations, the cutscenes. all fantastic.

(voice acting is quite good aswell, several of the non main characters are piss poor, but for the most part it's excellent)

I'll agree the character models look a little odd at first, but you get used to it pretty quickly :)

my first play through I ended up pumping about 70 hours into it. still didn't end up doing all the little subquests. I would have put more time into it of course, but my TV died. not happy Jan.

Anyway I highly recommend this game!



Prince' where can I buy your avatar/display Pic? :P

[Tonez]

I can tell you now, this game is incredibly awesome. I pretty much picked it up as an impulse buy, and I was blown away.

I have never played any other Star Ocean game at all and I really enjoyed the hell out of this game.

The story, the locations, the cutscenes. all fantastic.

(voice acting is quite good aswell, several of the non main characters are piss poor, but for the most part it's excellent)

I'll agree the character models look a little odd at first, but you get used to it pretty quickly :)

my first play through I ended up pumping about 70 hours into it. still didn't end up doing all the little subquests. I would have put more time into it of course, but my TV died. not happy Jan.

Anyway I highly recommend this game!



Prince' where can I buy your avatar/display Pic? :P

Where did you get it from? I didn't realise it was out in Australia yet.

[Dunnahroth]

Where did you get it from? I didn't realise it was out in Australia yet.

shit. sorry guys, forgot to mention that I'm over in the States at the moment.
Sorry about that Tonez. Thought I would give you guys some good news about it from someone who's played through it already :)

/thumbsup!

[Xanafalgue]

Oh... for a moment I thought Dunnahroth got it here :(

Almost pissed myself for nothing.

[Pai Mel]

The trailer looks good. As per usual only female characters are in the game.

[Xanafalgue]

Hehe, females from the uncanny valley!

I just wish this and ToV would get a release here already!

[Xanafalgue]

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51iIJoRDJZL._SL500_AA280_.jpg

Finally coming out later this month :D

[Pai Mel]

You mean next month.

[Xanafalgue]

You mean next month.

Really? I read today that it's due the end of May (thats the PAL box art) and ToV was for the end of June...?

HMPH.

[FF Freak]

4th of June is the date for Star Ocean 4.

[Manny M]

Gives me time to finish up Eternal Sonata.

Don't know much about this, but i've got JRPG fever again.

[FF Freak]

Pre-odered the limited edition version today. it's probably not worth the extra $20 but I'm a sucker for collector's stuff. (also pre-ordered ToV).

[Crypt]

I'm after the Limited Edition, anyone know is it's pre-order only or should I be able to find it in stores?

[FF Freak]

jb's getting it in so it seems that it will be on the shelf. just noticed though that pre-ordering online has the limited edition as $99 from Jb hi-fi. which is $10 less than the standard game at Eb and $30 less than the limited edition.

I might have to check if that's also available at their stores and see about cancelling my EB pre-order if it is.

[Xanafalgue]

Tempted to get the LE.

[Crypt]

You can get the collector's edition for $49.95 if you trade in one eligible title at GAME. Pretty good deal I reckon, too bad I already pre-ordered from JB.

[FF Freak]

Just picked up my pre-order from EB. Now to find some spare time to play it.

[Xanafalgue]

ITS OUT? Ugh... I just don't have the TIME :(

[FF Freak]

I think I may have got mine early because of my pre-order. The official date on all the websites says thursday 4th for release and EB didn't have any copies on the shelf when I picked up mine. I was surprised when I got the call this morning.

So far it seems this game is going to be massive. The planets are massive. It took me 4.5 hours to get off the first planet and I'm only level 11. The new crafting system is awesome as is the new blindside and rush aspects of battle. Also the ability to rack up bonuses are great and adds an aspect of strategy or luck as seeing the bonus meter crumble from a lucky crit from an enemy is quite daunting.

The new system for skills is also good as you're not faced with characters being able to gain every skill but rather they have their own specialties.

[Clift]

Picking up my Limited Edition tomorrow ^_^

Never played a Star Ocean game before, but I've heard good reports all 'round so far. :)

[Spazzallo]

Man I'm off the first planet and now getting owned by penguins cause I'm only level 4 :(.

[Pai Mel]

Does it matter if you've never played a Star Ocean game before? Is it a continuation of the story?

Penguins in space sound cool.

[Spazzallo]

This is my first game and I understand it so far. I think this is a prequel anyway. Very enjoyable :).

[FF Freak]

This is a prequel to the whole series. While you don't have to have played any of the Star Ocean games to play this one I'm finding that from about midway through the third planet and in big chunks on the 5th planet are references to the 1st Star Ocean game. I'm actually enjoying the fact that I understand the references since I picked up the 1st 2 remakes on the PSP, though it more sets it up for the original SO so it's not necessary to have played 1.

I'm currently 31 hours in, part way through disc 2 and my highest level character is 47. I might actually try to hit the level cap for once. It's so much easier to level in this game compared to SO3 and it's not necessary to grind as much. In this one compared to the previous games the level cap is only 200, at least until you've obtained 50% of battles trophies for a character then that character can hit level 255.

[Spazzallo]

Up to the third planet and level 21. I CANNOT wait until I can sub Faize out of my group. His quotes when he levels up makes me want to punch something ;(.

[Jay]

Why is it so hard for RPGs to have dialogue that doesn't make you want to vomit?

[Xanafalgue]

Why is it so hard for RPGs to have dialogue that doesn't make you want to vomit?

Because the child easy understand the stun wow action and rudimentary speak.

[Xanafalgue]

*giggle*

[Xanafalgue]

*bats eyelids*

[Xanafalgue]

*saves the world with the power of friendship*

[Xanafalgue]

*is bored*

[FF Freak]

This is actually the first star ocean game where I've actually enjoyed swapping in and out various characters and levelling them evenly. In all 3 of the previous ones I've had a set team of four and stuck with that. In this my lowest character is 45 (sarah) and my highest few are 50. Just finished a side quest dungeon on the 5th planet before moving on with the story but still on disc 2. It still annoys me though that half the time when I get a new character they're like 10+ levels below the rest of the party.

[Dunnahroth]

Oh god, I hated Sarah so much, but turns out she's one hell of a good character to have in your group :P

[Spazzallo]

Is she worse then Faize? =X Or the little girl who just says KAY KAY KAY?! all the time?

[Sweating Bullets]

Just watched a review for this and I am thinking of getting it.

[FF Freak]

Sarah's basically a ditzy blonde type character however she learns some of the best healing spells.

[concrete donkey]

**** i would love a japanese voice acting option.

[concrete donkey]

is it just my tv or does anyone else find the graphics really bright? or bloomy?

[Clift]

Finally got a chance to have a good session of play, really enjoying it so far! :D

Although, I've only just met Lymle and she's already starting to irritate me... Hopefully I get to swap her out soon. :p

[FF Freak]

I don't find Lymle all that bad. She's nowhere near as annoying as Faize's one line quotes at the end of battles and when he levels, or Sarah's airhead voice/nature. Though I must say that my favourite character would have to be Arumat.

Just started disc 3 and up to the 6th new planet. Highest characters are 54.

As for graphics I'm finding that on my TV there are times when it seems the graphics are really really bright, but then I play other games and it looks fine so I think it's just this game.

[concrete donkey]

I don't find Lymle all that bad. She's nowhere near as annoying as Faize's one line quotes at the end of battles and when he levels, or Sarah's airhead voice/nature. Though I must say that my favourite character would have to be Arumat.

Just started disc 3 and up to the 6th new planet. Highest characters are 54.

As for graphics I'm finding that on my TV there are times when it seems the graphics are really really bright, but then I play other games and it looks fine so I think it's just this game.

ok, thanks for that. all of my other games are fine too.

[FF Freak]

Finished the game today. Level 73-75 were my characters and I got all the PA endings (though I'll admit I used a guide for that because I didn't want to worry about it when I start on higher difficulties). I'm a bit dubious about saying that it's the best Star Ocean, but only because I love the first and I'm still working towards finishing the second. It did however have a great story and had some real improvements on the old systems. I can't remember SO3 skill system because it's been so long since I've played it and I stupidly traded in my old copy.

I'm interested now in seeing what the next Star Ocean game will be. We've had the beginning, the end, and two stories that come in the middle but their are still some things that would be interesting to see. I mean SO3 gave all that background in the glossary that could have potential story, and even with planet Roak there is more to that planet's story. Would also be interested in knowing more about 1 particular character from this game after the events that transpired.

ah well...onto the secret dungeons and the harder difficulty.

[concrete donkey]

im 7 hours in and im really struggling to stay awake while playing. does the story (what little there is) get better? star ocean 3 was a fantastic game and very disapointed with this so far. its just so.. childish an boring.

[Nic Xtreme]

im 7 hours in and im really struggling to stay awake while playing. does the story (what little there is) get better? star ocean 3 was a fantastic game and very disapointed with this so far. its just so.. childish an boring.

Jeez, that's how I felt about Star Ocean 3. Sounds like #4 is not for me >_>

[concrete donkey]

Jeez, that's how I felt about Star Ocean 3. Sounds like #4 is not for me >_>

the game feels like a step backwards. its just so average. the characters are boring, the story is boring, the dungeons are boring. sigh i shouldve bought this from EB so i could return it.

[FF Freak]

im 7 hours in and im really struggling to stay awake while playing. does the story (what little there is) get better? star ocean 3 was a fantastic game and very disapointed with this so far. its just so.. childish an boring.

Depends...how far are you're through after playing 7 hours? For me I was still only on the second planet after only 7 hours so hadn't really progressed at all in the story. However the story does break out of the planetary exploration aspect that they keep emphasizing early on, though I'll agree that the story is a little childish with their constant reflection on friendship.

The only thing that I could have a gripe with is that unlike the previous three games you end up with all the characters no matter what. It's not like the other games where you have up to 4 set characters and the rest are your choice via sidequests or various paths, instead the 9 characters are kinda handed to you as you go. Though for me I didn't find the characters all that boring or annoying (except maybe Sarah as I'm not fond of the blonde bimbo type) simply because I've seen worse characters.

I wasn't actually too big a fan of SO3, mainly since to actually get anywhere I had to do a mass amount of grinding, but this game took out the grinding factor with the bonus board. It almost killed Star Ocean for me until I went and played the original. And yet for some reason now after playing 4 I want to go back and play it again.

Ah well according to EB Tales of Vesperia comes out in a few weeks so you might be able to trade it in for that.

[Xanafalgue]

I'm going to start this tonight.

Just thought you'd like to know.

O_O

[concrete donkey]

i'd be interested to hear your thoughts on the game, re. the story, characters etc. or lack of story. anyone want this game? message me and we can talk a deal.

[FF Freak]

I'm interested in hearing where you're actually up to Concrete simply because the story is a little slow to start off with.

[Spazzallo]

So am I. I'm up to the 5th world and it has really picked up. The 4th world is particularly interesting.

[concrete donkey]

I'm interested in hearing where you're actually up to Concrete simply because the story is a little slow to start off with.

well, ive just got the fire ring and im melting stuff, and ive just found that spaceship and watched the video etc. its a bit more interesting now.

[Xanafalgue]

So I started playing this last night and IT PUT ME TO SLEEP. I woke up about 30 mins ago next to a save point :D

I'm up to the second world, just got the loli with the rattle and am running around the big, empty environments wondering why they didn't streamline the maps more because it is SUCH a waste of time trying to get from A to B... shades of Infinite Undiscovery.

I usually give JRPG's 5 hours before I come to any sort of conclusion as to whether the game is good or not, but SO4 has now gone 15 minutes into overtime and I'm still not having fun. It just lacks polish; the cutscenes are stock-standard embarrassments and the music, though nice, is forgettable. Also, the graphics range from 'great' to 'PS2', beautiful character models though.

The story so far is absolutely diabolical, they've already forced me to sit through 4 separate conversations about 'friendship' and 'believing in yourself' and if I have to see a character say


Edge...


again I shall shit my pants in protest. Next to this, Lost Odyssey looks like a literary masterpiece. The pacing is horrendous and the writing is even worse.

The battle system, however, is sooo good :D Very fun and addictive as is the item creation! (that **** with the pink hair though...).

In a nutshell, I've spent the 5+ hours playing it wishing I was playing Phantasy Star 5 instead.

[concrete donkey]

So I started playing this last night and IT PUT ME TO SLEEP. I woke up about 30 mins ago next to a save point :D

I'm up to the second world, just got the loli with the rattle and am running around the big, empty environments wondering why they didn't streamline the maps more because it is SUCH a waste of time trying to get from A to B... shades of Infinite Undiscovery.

I usually give JRPG's 5 hours before I come to any sort of conclusion as to whether the game is good or not, but SO4 has now gone 15 minutes into overtime and I'm still not having fun. It just lacks polish; the cutscenes are stock-standard embarrassments and the music, though nice, is forgettable. Also, the graphics range from 'great' to 'PS2', beautiful character models though.

The story so far is absolutely diabolical, they've already forced me to sit through 4 separate conversations about 'friendship' and 'believing in yourself' and if I have to see a character say



again I shall shit my pants in protest. Next to this, Lost Odyssey looks like a literary masterpiece. The pacing is horrendous and the writing is even worse.

The battle system, however, is sooo good :D Very fun and addictive as is the item creation! (that **** with the pink hair though...).

In a nutshell, I've spent the 5+ hours playing it wishing I was playing Phantasy Star 5 instead.

you sound unhappy 'kay? you dont like the game 'kay? i just saw granpa turned to stone 'kay? im glad hes dead 'kay? im leaving the first planet 'kay? im on level 22 'kay? im going to find out the source of turning people to stone 'kay? this is a really great story line that took 3 years to make 'kay? WHY DO I KEEP SAYING 'KAY, 'KAY? 'KAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAY'

WHAT IS WRONG WITH SQUEENIX 'KAY?

[Spazzallo]

You do get used to it -_- but i feel your pain haha.

[Xanafalgue]

you sound unhappy 'kay? you dont like the game 'kay? i just saw granpa turned to stone 'kay? im glad hes dead 'kay? im leaving the first planet 'kay? im on level 22 'kay? im going to find out the source of turning people to stone 'kay? this is a really great story line that took 3 years to make 'kay? WHY DO I KEEP SAYING 'KAY, 'KAY? 'KAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAY'

WHAT IS WRONG WITH SQUEENIX 'KAY?




concrete donkey...

[concrete donkey]

concrete donkey...

'kay?

[FF Freak]

WHAT IS WRONG WITH SQUEENIX 'KAY?

Answer being it's Squeenix. Even though I enjoyed the game (and it's the first RPG I've actually finished on the 360, partly thanks to the battle system) I'm still under the impression that they haven't made a truly great game since they released FF9. Which reminds me I should go back to finishing Lost Odyssey since it's story is infinitely superior overall. SO4's was good from 4th planet onwards and I found most of that because I was enjoying the references to the first game.

[Pai Mel]

So I started playing this last night and IT PUT ME TO SLEEP. I woke up about 30 mins ago next to a save point :D


Would you say it's a sleeper hit?

[Xanafalgue]

Answer being it's Squeenix. Even though I enjoyed the game (and it's the first RPG I've actually finished on the 360, partly thanks to the battle system) I'm still under the impression that they haven't made a truly great game since they released FF9. Which reminds me I should go back to finishing Lost Odyssey since it's story is infinitely superior overall. SO4's was good from 4th planet onwards and I found most of that because I was enjoying the references to the first game.

I'll probably force my way through SO4 until I hit the sweet spot, but playing it thus far has made me realise what a great and streamlined experience Lost Odyssey was. I think the overly large environments put me off a bit in SO4. I've also yet to play a JRPG this gen which looks as polished as Blue Dragon.

[Xanafalgue]

Would you say it's a sleeper hit?

Peptacular.

[concrete donkey]

Answer being it's Squeenix. Even though I enjoyed the game (and it's the first RPG I've actually finished on the 360, partly thanks to the battle system) I'm still under the impression that they haven't made a truly great game since they released FF9. Which reminds me I should go back to finishing Lost Odyssey since it's story is infinitely superior overall. SO4's was good from 4th planet onwards and I found most of that because I was enjoying the references to the first game.

i loved lost odyssey. such a great game. easily the best jrpg on 360.

[Xanafalgue]

Ok so its getting a little better, 8.5 hours in, lvl 20, just left the second planet.

[Xanafalgue]

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd8/nanoklik/largeAnimePaperscans_Star-Ocean--4.jpg

This feels pretty good, 'kay?































http://assets.knowyourmeme.com/i/38/original/pedobear.jpg

[FF Freak]

scary thing is she's supposed to be 15 according to the manual and in game "Dictionary".

[Xanafalgue]

scary thing is she's supposed to be 15 according to the manual and in game "Dictionary".

15, in what, dog years? Jayzuz.

[FF Freak]

who knows....apparently the demon world really screws people up when they visit it. Since Lymle did pre-story...so stunted growth maybe.

[Xanafalgue]

Was That A Spoiler? :)

[FF Freak]

only if you can be bothered doing one very out of the way quest near the end of the game. It's so easily missable it's not funny.

[concrete donkey]

only if you can be bothered doing one very out of the way quest near the end of the game. It's so easily missable it's not funny.

im struggling to keep my interest in this game. im heading to the army base. *yawn* its just so boring and 'been there, done that'. i mean come on, a cat-girl? pfft. give me something i can use.

[Spazzallo]

I'm getting the feeling JRPG's aren't for you >_>.

[FF Freak]

I take it he hasn't played Star Ocean 1 either.

[concrete donkey]

i think ive just played TOO many of them.

[FF Freak]

I'll stick with my Star Ocean 1 comment since there were plenty of cat girls or just people with tails in that.

Currently working through the Seven Stars dungeon which is the first of the post-game dungeons. I'm two floors down (and basically 5 bosses) and it makes the rest of the game look like a cake-walk. Only 2 floors and I went through all my fresh Sages and found a reason to finally get irritated at the Ai of party members (wish there were more options for designation). It wasn't noticeable till I hit the post-game stuff how awkward it could be. I'm going to hate to see how hard the second of the secret dungeons is.

[concrete donkey]

how many hours have you spent on star ocean 4?

[Xanafalgue]

What level were people on near the end of the (seemingly endless) Cardinon Mothership? I'm up to level 29. I really want to get off this thing. Bacchus rocks.

[concrete donkey]

What level were people on near the end of the (seemingly endless) Cardinon Mothership? I'm up to level 29. I really want to get off this thing. Bacchus rocks.

i was 26

[FF Freak]

how many hours have you spent on star ocean 4?

I think I'm up to 60 hours now but I was stuffing around with quests and crafting for a while. Taking a short break since I picked up Assassin's Creed at the Eb sale.

[concrete donkey]

ive got today off, so im going to try and get stuck into the game, try and finish it so i can trade it in

[concrete donkey]

oh dear, sarah jerand? terrible terrible terrible. the game gets worse.

[Pai Mel]

I've swap you for my Beijing 2008 game . :p

[FF Freak]

did I not say Sarah was imo the most annoying character?

[concrete donkey]

did I not say Sarah was imo the most annoying character?

annoying? how about embaressing! i hope no one sees me playing this game :(

[Xanafalgue]

I just landed on Roke, I'm really enjoying it now :D

The last 'planet' was a nice addition.

[FF Freak]

The planet before Roak is where the story begins to pick up, too bad it's half way through disc 1. I loved Roak though because we got to see the original SO world in full 3D splendor. Too bad it's barely one continent out of the planet.

[Xanafalgue]

The planet before Roak is where the story begins to pick up, too bad it's half way through disc 1. I loved Roak though because we got to see the original SO world in full 3D splendor. Too bad it's barely one continent out of the planet.

Ahh its Roak! I thought the name sounded familiar.

[FF Freak]

Here's a little secret:

If you get to number 2 of the Colosseum in either team or solo you can get to fight a young Ashley Bernbeldt (one of the optional characters from SO1) before he fought in the war against the demons and Asmodeus.

I haven't put the time into the Colosseum yet though.

[concrete donkey]

I've swap you for my Beijing 2008 game . :p

hmmm.. a shit game for another shit game... DEAL

[Xanafalgue]

Aww, c'mon, lets be positive 'kay.

SO:TLH might not be the best JRPG but its entertaining 'kay.

[FF Freak]

this is how you turn a statement into a question, 'kay?

[concrete donkey]

haha. im up to the part where you work you way thru the pergatorium. im struggling. i want to finish it.. but its so boring.

[FF Freak]

The way you're working through STar Ocean sounds like the way I'm working through Last Remnant. The Battle System in that game just kills me (not in the game) and I'm progressing slow as hell.

[Xanafalgue]

Finally got the **** OFF OF ROAK. Jesus. 21 hrs, lvl. 40.

[Xanafalgue]

Did anyone actually finish this? I'm still at the same place I was on my last post >_>

[FF Freak]

Finished it ages ago...actually rushed through it originally because Tales of Vesperia was supposed to be out 2 weeks after originally. I still think that the last character you get is the best but that's because I like characters with scythes. he also replaces Faize, so that's one less annoying character.

[Xanafalgue]

scythes. he also replaces Faize, so that's one less annoying character.

Oh good! I might just rush through this so I can start on ToV. I feel dirty rushing through RPG's though :o

[Clift]

I know FF Freak did, and I'm not far off, just hard finding the time to play it (Or anything else for that matter :P ). Might try and get around to it this weekend...

[Xanafalgue]

How the HELL do you defeat those phantom ****s on Aeos ?!?!?! They were taking off 1000+ with one attack and my characters are around lvl 40.

[FF Freak]

You're gonna hate me for saying this but even though I don't remember what level i was at that stage, level 40 seems a bit low.

[Xanafalgue]

You're gonna hate me for saying this but even though I don't remember what level i was at that stage, level 40 seems a bit low.

NNNNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO .

Ugh, grinding it is then.

[FF Freak]

once you finish that fight though...

No more faize

[Pai Mel]

This versus Tales of Vesperia, which is the more enjoyable game?

[Spazzallo]

Tales by a mile.

[Xanafalgue]

This versus Tales of Vesperia, which is the more enjoyable game?

I don't think I'm even half-way through SO4. I don't think I'll ever finish it and I haven't bought Tales of Vesperia because of it. I really can't afford to waste time on something I'll just end up hating half-way through and 25 hours later.

I'll be waiting for Lost Odyssey 2 :p

[Pai Mel]

I just ordered this:

£56.98 Star Ocean: The Last Hope - Limited Collector's Edition x 2


It's the Limited Collector's Edition. I don't think the CC has been charged yet though so I can prob. cancel. But it seemed like a good price. That's like AUD $53 per copy.

[Pai Mel]

Tales is still around $75 - $82.

[FF Freak]

is that per copy or for both copies together? if that's both then that's awesome.

[Pai Mel]

http://www.dvd.co.uk/images/standard/SQUAREENIXSE.jpg

http://www.dvd.co.uk/Games/Star-Ocean-The-Last-Hope-Limited-Collectors-Edition-Xbox-360/SQUAREENIXSE/product.htm

£26.49 + £2 postage.

[FF Freak]

damn that's awesome considering it cost me 120 for the collector's edition before the trade-ins I did.

[Creedy]

Was only a matter of time right? May as well move to general.

http://release.square-enix.com/na/2009/09/16.html

[FF Freak]

I'll have to check but I'm sure the PAL release didn't have Japanese voice's on it. Damn American's get everything...and so do PS3 owners.

[AranchineD]

In addition to English and Japanese voice options, this PlayStation 3 system version will include six language options in English, French, Italian, German, Spanish and Japanese for STAR OCEAN fans around the world to enjoy.

WOW THAT'S A LOT OF VOICE OPTIONS

On a related note, that makes me think it's bullshit that because FFXIII is coming to 360 as well that Square-Enix can't POSSIBLY devote the time to having both English and Japanese audio tracks in either version of the game as a result.

[Xanafalgue]

Was only a matter of time right? May as well move to general.

http://release.square-enix.com/na/2009/09/16.html

What, this post? :rolleyes: