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I'm just sad that they haven't released the Wii version of Tales of Graces, I don't own any other home console. But they made the effort to release Graces f for the PS3 (and for Europe too, yay!) so that makes me happy.
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Sep 3, 2012 23:16
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I might not play sidequests on my own when I do RPGs, but I like watching others play them to see what I miss. And as someone who came into this LP with no knowledge of any Tales game beyond a few character names, it's nice to know that the difficulty curve in them isn't too horrible should I ever want to play an older one down the road.
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Sep 3, 2012 23:21
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Estelle is back! And she even brings some new equipment with her, the stuff she had in that battle against her: Guardian: Reduces damage taken by allies when they are guarding.  Defend 3: Increases physical defense by 15%. Increase due to equipment not affected. Resist 3: Increases magic defense by 15%. Increase due to equipment not affected. Stepping onto the world map, this skit immediately triggers:       Skit: The Meaning of Monsters We sure have fought a lot of monsters. Yes, I thought by now they might be more scarce, but... Heh heh... That sounds like something you'd think, Estelle. If we could wipe out all the monsters ourselves, we wouldn't need anything like barriers anymore. But why are there monsters, anyway...? So that people can defeat them, of course! I think that's a little extreme... Well that's the only thing they're good for. I wonder... It seems there would be some good reason why they exist... There's no use thinkin' too hard about it. Get started on that train of thought, and you'll soon be askin' yerself why humans exist. Yes... That's a good question, too... There you go. Making things more complicated old man. I was tryin' ta get ya ta stop thinkin' about these things, not think about 'em more...Alright, now it's sidequesting time! Our first stop is over at Mt. Temza.  Watch the cutscene!  ...Bad memories of the Great War? Yeah, there're those too... Ah... What are you...? I mentioned I had a friend that liked this flower, right? My friend is here. Why would you have a friend here...? You mean a friend from the Knights...?  ...Your friend died in the Great War. Yeah. Humans...what a sad bunch. Oh, I didn't realize... Way better knight than me. Always used the family's famed bow. Man...such a brave knight... Never did find out what happened ta that bow... Maybe it's still somewhere here in this field...? Could be. Findin' it would be pretty tough, though. *Sigh*... Thought maybe if I just bummed around, Casey'd get mad enough to come back, but... Heh. That's so sad... ...Hey hey hey. Don't go gettin' all gloomy on me. What are you talking about? You're the one who started this sob-fest. I, uh...sorry. Anyway... Rest well, Casey. I know you're in a better place.  Hey, something's falling out of the sky. Huh...?Raven catches it. Wh-what is it...? Oh, you gotta be kiddin'... So what is it?  But how...? The ghost of your friend must be watching over you. Ghost...?! That's impossible! It was just a coincidence! You call this a coincidence? Like maybe a bird picked it up, and then dropped it by mistake! Yeah, that's gotta be it! So...was this Casey friend of yours a woman? Woman? What? Ooooh, a lady from the old man's past? Now, Rita, remember your blood pressure... Oh come on, I want all the juicy details. Sorry, there ain't much. For starters, another guy already had his heart set on her. A tale of unrequited love, then? A love on war's fickle sea... A lady gone too soon... Oh, such a tragedy... Okay, that's enough... You guys go ahead and think what ya like, though. Next, a skit about Rita's Mystic Arte triggers: Skit: Th-thanks... Rita, that magic you used was amazing! Wh-what do you mean... That wasn't really anything special! Are you kidding? It was special! That was really, really cool! E-enough already. It seriously was not anything special! ...Compared to you... Oh... I was thinking how lucky I am to have a friend who's so gifted with magic... R-really...? Yes, really! Th-thanks...Estelle technically hasn't even seen Rita use Ancient Catastrophe. The game kinda doesn't check that when it comes to battle-related skits. The next event is pretty evil, I believe you have until entering Zaude to get it (a rather short timeframe!), and it's required to unlock the bonus dungeon in the postgame. They fixed that in the PS3 version by, from what I remember, leaving it available for the rest of the game.  It's over in Phaeroh's Crag. Watch the cutscene!  So why are we here, again? Don't we have other stuff to do? Well, we've come this far. It wouldn't hurt to just go and say hello to Phaeroh. I'm hoping he won't be around...I like how even the characters can't think of a reason why we would check here. Well, let's go forward... Watch the cutscene!  It's like a hole just opened up in the sky... Oh that... It is a phantom rift. Phaeroh made it. What the hell is a phantom rift? Yormgen, the town where we met Duke, was an illusion that Phaeroh made. There wasn't anything left but ruins that second time we went there... It kinda makes sense if what we saw in Yormgen was from the same time as the ghost ship. Besides Duke, that is. Yeah, that's probably what happened. And you say Phaeroh made this thing...? Yes. It seems like...Phaeroh's not around here anywhere... ...He's not responding to my calls, either.  No!  That stupid kid!   I-I'm okay. That was crazy... Or, the illusion of it that Phaeroh made. There's no one around...? Could Phaeroh be here? Perhaps. Let's have a look around. Yormgen is, indeed, pretty empty. There's no one here, not even in the shop or inn. Skit: Money Goes 'Round Money seems to disappear before you know it... No. It disappears because you use it. Sure, but if you only use a little at a time, you don't realize how much you're spending. I guess we've been spending a little too much... What do you mean? We need to spend more! Really? But why...? The more Gald we spend, the more it comes back to us...and it brings its friends, too! R-really? How interesting! Huh...? Rita, your name's on this money... Exactly. I've been writing my name on our Gald so we'll know when it comes back to us. And when it does comes back, I bet it'll have doubled, at least. So go on! Use it! Heh. What a lovely little fairy tale. There's someone in the sage's house though! Watch the cutscene!   We're just travelers passing through. I'm sorry, but there is no longer an inn or any shops in this town. Are you here alone? Yes. It's just me. ...You wouldn't happen to be the sage, would you? The humans of this town once called me that.  Shh... This is an illusion Phaeroh made, right...? So that would mean this is actually the Yormgen of a thousand years ago... Yeah. I wonder if the lack of a barrier blastia is the reason everyone else took off. The Children of the Full Moon should never have signed the pact with the Entelexeia. Pact? They agreed to bury most of the blastia, with the Children standing watch over the rest. In order to protect against the Adephagos. Well, I thought you were perceptive, but now I see you actually know nothing. Wh-what...? Supervising the use of blastia... Doesn't that remind you of the empire today? Well, Estelle is a Child of the Full Moon, not to mention one of the heirs to the throne. Wait...! So then, the Children of the Full Moon must have founded the empire... Please, there's no need to speak in hushed tones. The pact will surely be forsaken. Unless, that is, all blastia can be done away with for good. But people couldn't live like they do now without blastia. A certain type of life can be led, even without blastia. Yeah, the inconvenient type. So it has always been. They come to depend on anything that eases the burdens of life. Yet even knowing that, you helped the people of this town to build a barrier blastia? I, too, was poisoned by the desire for greater things. I couldn't ignore the convenience. Now what kind of a sage does that? To be a sage means only to be rich in knowledge. I too belong to the society of people. Being a saint isn't a prerequisite for leadership, then, huh...? Well put. And the Children of the Full Moon are no different. The role of supervisor will turn into one of absolute authority before long. Wh-what does that mean? It's pretty clear if you look at what the Empire's become. You are welcome to stay the night, if you don't mind the ramblings of an old man. Thanks.We'll of course accept that offer. But first, a skit. Skit: Grown-up Kids Hey, do you mind if I have a gel? Karol, I don't really think you should eat those unless you need them. But I can't stop thinking about how good they taste, or the smooshy way they feel between my teeth! I noticed we've had fewer gels lately... You've been snacking on them, haven't you? I want them so badly I can't sleep! And here you've been eating them while we weren't looking?! I haven't been doing anything like that! ...Wait, Rita, you were losing sleep over gels...? ...N-no! Of course not! Ah hah, wh-what are you talking about...? They're not snacks, ya know. They might be small, but they're pretty expensive. I can't say I like their taste or texture very much... Perhaps they're not too pleasing to a princess's palate. No, that's not it. I don't think they're that good either. I'm addicted to their simple taste. You just don't get it... ...Gels were made sweet and soft so they'd appeal ta children, after all. ...Are you saying my sense of taste is...childish? What's the matter with that? You ARE both children...Resting here just fades the screen to black, then puts us back outside. Watch the cutscene!   I feel kinda dizzy... I can't believe he kept us up all night tellin' those stories... This is a reference to Lilith from Tales of Destiny, by the way. ...Estelle, it sounds like you want to hear even more stories. Yeah, well you can count me out... Anyway, this is quite impressive for something that's just an illusion. It's so weird... It's an illusion, but we can talk with people, and everything feels so real... Perhaps it's because these things really did exist at one point in the past. Humans could never give up blastia completely... Which has brought us to where we are today... The empire was only meant to monitor the blastia, but they started digging them up and studying them. The Entelexeia despised the blastia, but humans just can't let them go.We can go back in to talk to the sage again.  What have you been doing in this town since all of its people left? As my fellow Krityans left for their new home in the sky, I too needed a place of refuge. You didn't go with them? I got left behind in the commotion. Didn't that happen to you, too, young lady? It must be so lonely, being here all by yourself... On the contrary, a pleasing calm settled over this place after everyone had moved on.Alright, that's all we can do here.  No, we can't actually rest again. I'm not entirely sure which parts of this whole thing are required to unlock the bonus dungeon later, but it's another sidequest dick move by the developers. Some interesting information in there at least. Let's go back to our ship.  Skit: Estelle Comes Back So now we've got the gang back together. I'm so glad to be with you all again. Same here. You must take care not to strain yourself. Ya know, one step at a time. Woof! I... Huh? What's up? I think Repede just welcomed me back! ...No, Repede's already off over there. ...Should've seen that coming. Skit: Ba'ul Is Back It looks like Ba'ul is back to his old self. There's plenty of aer for him to absorb. He seems to have used it to heal his wounds. For all the trouble Alexei's caused, he's helpin' us out in some unexpected ways. That's not gonna get him off the hook, though. He can go wherever he likes. With Ba'ul to help us, there's no place we can't follow. Next stop: Mantaic. Remember that weird cow kid and the ant lion man? Yeah.    Ah, you're back again, again! You just can't get me off your mind, eh? I'm getting tired of hearing your rambling... What's got your britches in a bunch, Flatty? Okay, I've had about enough of your crap. You trying to start something? Hey, lay off, Rita. I don't much feel like seein' a catfight break out between a coupla kids. A kid? Who's a kid? I'm grown up and glorious! Uhhh...you sure about that? You look like a kid to me. You're tiny! You're one to talk, you swooshy-haired midget. Ahh ha ha! Swooshy-haired midget... *Snicker* Now, for the main event! Today's item du jour is... Dadum dadum dadummm... DUM! Why's it up to three items all of the sudden? Mmmm... Why don't you keep your nosy questions to yourself, Little Miss Innocent? Little Miss Innocent? What does that mean? Ignorance is bliss, honey, and what you don't know won't hurt you. So then, whenever's convenient for you, feel free to hand them over! ♥ You'll give up somethin' nice in exchange, right? ♥ Sure, sure, don't worry about it! Thanks!  Here ya go!Ant Lion Man: Oh me, oh my! Thankee, again! Oh ho heh heh heh.   I don't know if I'll ever get used to seeing that thing pop out of there. I don't blame you. That's just messed up. So, we gave ya three things... Now what'll ya give us? Ah, right. Today I'm going to give you... Humina jumina...  Th-three of the same thing? Isn't that enough? You want me to give you more? Who'd want a buncha copies of the same thing? R-really...?! B-but I thought that they'd come in handy out in the desert... Yeeesss! Yay! We're so happy! Right, Karol? Right? Oh, yeah, yeah! I'm so happy! Oh boy, too happy for words. Still pointless stuff, but believe me, there is a payoff for this. Skit: Don't Mess With Zaude When someone as strong as Phaeroh tells ya not ta go messin' with Zaude, it makes ya wonder. I wish he'd use regular words when he talked, though. Definitely. If it's really all that dangerous you'd think he'd want to make himself clear. Maybe it was something Phaeroh had difficulty expressing, in his own way. He did take the time to warn us. That shows at least some concern for our well-being. Right? You mean that maybe he's warmed up to us a bit. Yes.Next, a skit about Judith's Mystic Arte: Skit: Let's Go All Out I didn't know you could fight like that. Yeah, neither did I, actually. That was my first time. Really? You sure put on a good show. *Woof!* Heh. I thought it might be better to go all out, you know? *Howl* Ba'ul agrees. Hah hah, I'm sure he does. We're counting on you, Judith. And I'm counting on you.I kinda have the feeling they didn't really think about when you actually get those mystic artes when making this and Rita's skit. Oh well. Next stop: Myorzo. Unlike what the game wants you to believe when you first go there, Myorzo isn't always near Egothor Forest. Instead, it randomly floats around the world map. It's marked on the map though, so it's not exactly hard to find again.  Our destination is the elder's house. Watch the cutscene!    Oh, you've returned! Look what I found when I was cleaning my dresser. You had a sword in your dresser...? This isn't just any old sword... It looks like...you know. Yeah. No kiddin'. Not so much the shape...but the vibe it's givin' off. Just what kind of sword is this? You mean the weapons spawned by the 14-headed monster from the fairy tales? Hmph, I don't know how the story is told below, but here the legend is as follows: At the height of the ancient blastia civilization, an attempt was made to produce special weapons. Eventually, this led to the creation of armaments of untold power, seven in total. So these weapons're a legacy of the ancients... Well, Dein Nomos is real. Maybe this story is too. Is Dein Nomos one of these fell arms, then? I'd say it's possible if what the Elder said is true. But if this really is one of the fell arms,... I can't remember for the life of me. It's been decades since I've cleaned this thing out. ...If these weapons are really as powerful as they sound, it might be a good idea for us to get a hold of them before they fall into the wrong hands. Yeah... There've been quite a few sets of wrong hands out there, lately, too. Might we take this with us, Elder? Huh? Oh, fine by me. You're giving it to us just like that? To tell the truth, I'm glad it turned up, but I'd been wondering what I'd do with it. I've got no real use for it. Besides, it would be a shame to just leave something like this lying around. I figure you are just the ones to put it to proper use. Do you know anything about the other fell arms? Let me see here... According to the legend, the seven weapons share a common bond. But Dein Nomos hasn't reacted at all. Hmm... Then perhaps it isn't a fell arm after all. Then how are we supposed to find them...? Well, there's no point thinking it to death. So long as we have one of them, the bad guys won't be able to get them all, right? Maybe that's good enough. I agree. All right then, Elder. We'll take it off your hands. Thanks. Ho ho. No Skills Well, this is a Team Symphonia Tales game, so of course there's a set of 'evil' weapons, one per party member, to collect. One down, six to go! And yes, in the PS3 version, there's nine of them instead of seven. Sidenote, this event has some alternate lines, suggesting that you can do this without Estelle, but with Raven. I have no idea what point in the game that would be though, you lose Estelle and Raven at the same time and once you get Raven back you're locked out from your airship until you get Estelle back. Unused content, maybe? The alternate lines are voiced, too. I think that's enough for now. Next time: More sidequesting! Admiral H. Curtiss fucked around with this message at 23:00 on Oct 9, 2016 |
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Sep 3, 2012 23:36
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wdarkk posted:If I do decide I can do this LP, would you be willing to fire me off a dump of the skit portraits and the game's text? Sure, I can do that. Prototypical posted:And as someone who came into this LP with no knowledge of any Tales game beyond a few character names, it's nice to know that the difficulty curve in them isn't too horrible should I ever want to play an older one down the road. You might not want to go *too* far back though, Phantasia and Destiny's battle systems are kinda rough. Unless you go for the remakes, anyway, I fully recommend the PS2 version of Destiny once someone releases an English patch. Admiral H. Curtiss fucked around with this message at 23:45 on Sep 3, 2012 |
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Sep 3, 2012 23:43
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Dang, it's taking this long to get the evil weapons going? They at least have decent attack power for how late you get them, right?
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Sep 4, 2012 01:40
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Glazius posted:Dang, it's taking this long to get the evil weapons going? They at least have decent attack power for how late you get them, right? ...not entirely. The Fell Arms are nigh useless until unlocked by the final boss' true form, upon which, post game, and in New Game Plus, they gain a point on their attack stat for every enemy killed with that character, regardless of weapon. 360 version resets with every NG+, but the PS3 version added in the unlock of carrying weapon levels over.
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Sep 4, 2012 02:25
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So I checked this, compared with Dein Nomos. Dein Nomos gives a bunch of extra stats, but Abyssion gives higher raw power. So it's not the best thing but it's perfectly usable. In other news, here's some photos from the European Tales of Graces f box. Art book is nothing special, but they have the skit cut-ins which is cute, and for something you basically get for free for buying the game day 1 it's very nice. Wrapped box compared with the US version Unpacked box They changed the cover art? Game case contents 1 Game case contents 2 Artbook shot Artbook shot Game content :p Admiral H. Curtiss fucked around with this message at 18:04 on Sep 6, 2012 |
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Sep 6, 2012 17:57
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Those cut-ins really helped the skits. IMO the best I've seen.
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Sep 6, 2012 18:03
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Admiral H. Curtiss posted:So I checked this, compared with Dein Nomos
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Sep 6, 2012 18:33
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Some Numbers posted:Why is Yuri's Agility so high? That's a good question! Honestly, not sure, that's from my PS3 playalong save where I transferred pretty much everything via the Grade Shop so maybe that has something to do with it.
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Sep 6, 2012 18:48
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Hmmm... Is there a reason the EUR Sys (Systems?) Directory is bigger than the US one? Also, how the map 0R, map 01 and root R files are also bigger than the US ones while the EUR EBOOT is ever so slightly smaller than the US version's? Curiosity is all. Even though I know nothing of programming. Now to wait for someone to scan the Art Book for all the Skit Cut-Ins in good quality.
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Sep 7, 2012 11:07
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I haven't checked the specifics, but the European version has English, French and German text while the US version only has English (and some Japanese leftovers). The EBOOT.BINs (main executable) are encrypted with >3.55 keys so no idea about those.
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Sep 7, 2012 11:45
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Next stop: Capua Nor!  Oh hey there Duke. Watch the cutscene!    You allowed that to rise again. You cannot be trusted with Dein Nomos. Do you know what that thing is? The legacy of the ancients... A giant blastia that could save the world from impending doom. All things must be returned to their proper places. Begin by returning that sword to me. Wait. If this should be returned to its proper place, wouldn't that mean giving it to Estelle? ...Nothing would be more fruitless than giving it to one who cannot use it properly. For us, Dein Nomos was never anything more than proof of imperial lineage. So, perhaps you are better suited to wield it. ... ...So, if you don't mind, could you let me keep it a little longer?  ...I will come again to claim the sword. Okay. ...Let's go.You'd think after like seven optional scenes with him we'd have some idea of what his agenda is, but the game's not really giving us much information to go on. Oh well. Next stop: Capua Torim!    Ciaaao! Th-that voice...! This is all you, old man. Why does it always hafta be me? That barca that's tied up in the port... Is she yours? Oh, the...boat? Yes, it's ours. It used to belong to Miss Kaufman, but... I was wondering... Is okay I upgrade it? You want to upgrade it...? N-no way! What if you mess it up and it stops working? Upgrade it, ya say... What do ya wanna do to it, anyway? I won't do anything bad to it! You have my word. You think we're just going to let you do who-knows-what to our ship...? ...Hey, Yuri. Ya think we might just let 'im do it and see what happens? ...Do you know something I don't, old man? Mmmm... Nah, not really. Jus' thought we might give 'im a chance. ...Okay. ...Go ahead and do it. But if it doesn't work when you're through... We're going to tie you to the hull and give you a paddle. Sure! Okay! Grazie!  There's...something attached to the ship... What did ya do?  With this, you can collect treasures in the sea! What do you think, Rita? ...It's been placed very well. The weight distribution and hull balance have been taken into account, too... This is just too perfect... W-wow... Hey, how'd ya do all this? Oh, I've just been interested in le barche lately, is all. Wow, what a strange guy...   Huh? You know that guy?Man: Of course! They call him the Shining Star of Core Engineering! There's no one in the world who's better at manipulating blastia cores! Wow, that's amazing. Rita, you haven't heard of him? No, I haven't. Blastia research has many subfields. I always researched how to use blastia to produce magical effects. But some blastia engineers develop new applications for cores and their effects. That's a totally different area of research. Wow... Blastia engineers, eh? I'll bet the architects' guild would love to get their hands on someone like him.Man: That's right! The architects' guild is working frantically to find Professor Sicily and get his help! This sounds like information Kaufman would be interested in... That sounds about right... Ha ha. Let's go see just how useful that professor's eccentricity can be. Yeah! Let's see what that salvage arm can do!Sadly, it can't do a whole lot. All you can get is a couple synthesizing materials that are hard or impossible to get otherwise. And I don't think the other ability is ever actually useful for anything.  I mean, sure, you could go around in darker water now, but what's the point? We can fly! As for the crane, there's two kinds of search points:   These whirlpool-y things with seagulls flying above them, they're pretty easy to spot and usually don't have interesting items.   And these impossible to spot tiny things, which usually have some worthwhile stuff. Honestly, I'd ignore both until the postgame, and then just look them up in a guide or something. Next stop: Nordopolica!  To be specific, we want to be back near the Duce's chambers, because there's a warehouse there.   Yes, we are! That Brave Vesperia is who we are!Man: Our warehouse is flooded with new shipments, and we haven't been able to tidy it up. We heard tidying up warehouses is your specialty. Can you help us out? Umm... Sure! We'll take care of it!Man: All right, then. I'm counting on you.    ...Yeah, these are annoying as always. Let's just skip over that.  x3 x3  2000 Gald! Thank you! Brave Vesperia is at your service! Hey, you did say, "that" Brave Vesperia just now, did you not? Just what is, "that" supposed to mean? Well, it's whatever ya like for it to mean? I thought so... I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing...I don't quite get that dialogue, to be honest. It also seems like they changed this somewhere along the line for the European version, as it's slightly different in my text rip from the US version. And yet it still doesn't really make sense. On my way out, I noticed a conversation with Natz I apparently missed earlier. Thankfully it was still available!   Whenever I see your faces, I can't help but remember Belius. Yeah, I still feel bad about that... No, don't. I've got more good memories than bad ones. Like when I first met her, or when I joined Palestralle. I remember it like it was yesterday... I shivered with anticipation. It was a monster I've never seen before! If I beat it, I'd be famous! Y-you're saying that you challenged Belius? Well, I was pretty foolhardy back then. And much to my surprise, I got my butt handed to me. When I came to, I was in the Coliseum, lying on a bed. You fought Belius and lived...that's pretty impressive in and of itself. Ahh, so she let you live? When I asked her why she spared my life, she told me this: "There's nothing to be gained by making a short life even shorter." ...That sounds like something only an age-old Entelexeia could say. I'm sure she's seen thousands of humans come and go in her lifetime. Even if they became her friends, or her subordinates, she'd eventually outlive all of them. I can't even imagine how lonely that must be. But when she passed away, she was finally freed from that terrible loneliness. That's why I think...that what happened wasn't such a bad thing at all. Hmmm...maybe you're right. No, I don't mind at all. I feel like I understand Belius a little better now.And that's all in Nordopolica for now. Well, technically there's still the coliseum, but I'm saving that until we can actually do the 100 man melee. Next stop: Heliord!   Oh, Pauly! How are you doing? I'm good! How's your doggy? Wooo... Wow, Repede's being nice to someone... Repede loves playing with kids who like dogs. Really?! What about me, then? Look, Repede! I like you thiiiiis much! Woof!  Hey. I thought you left this place for good. My kid likes this place. We come back from time to time. I see. That's great. All right Pauly, it's time to say bye bye now. Everyone, good seeing you all again. Bye bye! It was nice to see them so happy. Woo...woof! What is it?! Repede...! Pauly was kidnapped by a monster...! A monster inside the barrier...? Repede ran after them! We should go too...! Bandit: Now, I wonder how much I'll be able to get for this little brat...  Woo...woof woof woof woof woof! Grrrr... I thought it was strange that a monster would be inside the barrier. A companion of yours, I see. Give back the kid.Bandit: You think I'll hand him over that easily? Grrrr... Woof woof woof! This fight is incredibly easy as those are local world map enemies, which means they pose no threat whatsoever at this point in the game.  Woooo, woof woof! Good job, Repede!Bandit: D-drat it... I won't forget this...  Leave him. For now, the important thing is to get Pauly back to his parents. You helped us so many times... I don't know how I could possibly thank you enough. Think nothin' of it. It's all in a day's work! I don't remember you doing all that much to help them, old man. Your doggy saved me! Woof! Repede's not the sort of pooch who'd ignore a dog-loving kid in distress! Thanks, Mr. Dog. Woof! I still wonder...why would anyone want to take Pauly? Woof woof woof! It looks like he was just trying to make a quick buck. Ugh... I guess we have to be on our guard, even inside the barrier... ...What do you have there, Pauly? That guy dropped something, so I picked it up! The bandit did? Not that a dumb monster could ever learn to use a technique like this. Woof woof woof! What? Is this what you want? Woof! There's nothing Repede can't use... ...Oh, alright, I'll read it to you. Woof! Woof woof! The doggy got stronger again! Woof!This gives us Repede's Special skill, which means we now have Repede's Mystic Arte! Only one left is Estelle. Let's check that out.  Over here seems like a good place. This is in the northwest of the world map, on the continent west of Dahngrest, and also our next sidequesting location. It's pretty visible from the sky too with that pattern in the forest.  Watch the mystic arte!            Pretty nice, but no name? Hm. Skit: The Christening *Arooooo* Did you see that arte he did? It was like a Whooooosh Attack! Uh, Karol? No. It's actually more of a...Mercurial Laceration! Lame! Sounds like an old man thought it up. An old man did, and it sounds drat good! Will you two shut up?! It was a cut, right, so just call it "Slash!" *WOOF!* All right. Done.And with that, it's now actually called Slash!. I kinda liked Raven's suggestion better, but oh well.  Anyway, let's enter this place.  Well this is a weird building in the middle of nowhere. Seems pretty nice though.  It's a Hot Spring!  Hey, what is this place?Owner: Sir, you have arrived at Yumanju Hot Spring Spa, home of the finest open-air baths that Terca Lumireis has to offer! The Yumanju springs are famous the world over. What's an open-air bath? It's a hot spring where you go outside to take a bath and relax. Take a bath outside? I've never heard of anything like it.Owner: I think you'll find that it feels quite nice, and liberating, too! I just get in the bathtub and hop right out as soon as I'm clean. Who cares how "nice" it is? Yuri, it's best for your body if you soak for a while and relax. Open-air baths, huh? Sounds like quite a sight to see. I wonder what it feels like to sit in them. Oh wow, this sounds great! I want to go in! ♪ I think it sounds like quite a sight to see, too! If you know what I mean. *Wink* ... Owner: Unfortunately, you cannot! You cannot! Whaaaat!! Why can't we go in? You big meanie!Owner: I assure you, I am not a "meanie." The baths are simply being cleaned right now. Seriously? What a tease! Let's come back the next time we get a chance.Owner: I am terribly sorry! We look forward to your next visit! Aw, that's too bad. There's another reason to come here though. This place has what is probably the best shop for consumable items in the entire game.   It stocks all buyable gel types, including the incredibly cheap Lottery Gels. These things are random. I don't think they can actually hurt you, but the amount of HP and/or TP they restore is randomized. Which is kinda risky, but for 10 Gald, they're pretty nice. They also stock a nice sortiment of cooking ingredients. I also use this opportunity to synth a shitload of stuff.  Combo Plus 2: Adds 2 more hits to a regular attack combo. Combo Force: Mitigates damage from a basic combo attack. Evade 3: Increases agility by 15%. Increase due to equipment not affected.  FS Bonus: Recovers HP every time a Fatal Strike hits an enemy. FS Bonus 2: Recovers TP every time a Fatal Strike hits an enemy. Defend 2: Increases physical defense by 10%. Increase due to equipment not affected.  Alembic: Altered Arte Skill. Status Guard: Reduces the effect of magical ailments. Defend 3: Increases physical defense by 15%. Increase due to equipment not affected.  Gale: Altered Arte Skill. Condition Guard: Reduces the effects of certain physical ailments. Resist 3: Increases magic defense by 15%. Increase due to equipment not affected.  Dispersion: Altered Arte Skill. Great Deluge: Altered Arte Skill. Mental Up: Occasionally increases Max TP after a battle.  Super Chain 5: Able to link altered to arcane artes. OVL Bonus: Occasionally fully restores HP during Over Limit. Void Attack: Occasionally prevents staggering when receiving a physical attack.  Super Chain 5: Able to link altered to arcane artes. OVL Bonus 2: Occasionally fully restores TP during Over Limit. Void Magic: Occasionally prevents staggering when receiving a magic attack.  Medical Boost: Strength of cure spell proportional to remaining HP. Strength increases by 1.5 times with Max HP. Healing Artes: Elemental: Occasionally increases effect of a physical attack with elemental attributes.  Medical Boost: Strength of cure spell proportional to remaining HP. Strength increases by 1.5 times with Max HP. Lovely Dog: All stats increase with Repede in the active party. Anti Element: Occasionally decreases damage from an elemental attack by half.  Athenor: Altered Arte Skill. Condition Guard: Reduces the effects of certain physical ailments. Extend Guard: Gradually recovers HP during guard.  Over Cast 2: Hold the arte button after casting to increase the effect of an intermediate spell while consuming TP. Guard Artes: Cancel guard motion and perform an arte. Invincible to attacks for a short period of time. Spirit Absorb: Occasionally recovers the same amount of TP used to cast a spell when hit by a spell attack.  Special: Mystic Arte Skill. Spirits 2: Increases Max TP by 50. Spell End: Able to move immediately after casting a spell.  Magic Combo: No casting time required when casting an altered arte immediately following the base spell. Chain: Altered Arte Skill. Elemental: Occasionally increases effect of a physical attack with elemental attributes.  Magic Combo: No casting time required when casting an altered arte immediately following the base spell. Hell Fire: Altered Arte Skill. Anti Element: Occasionally decreases damage from an elemental attack by half.  Quick Arrow: Shortens the amount of time needed to fire an arrow for normal attacks, but decreases power. Cross Counter: Damage increases when an attack hits an attacking enemy. Revenge Arrow: Release an arrow as the attack button is pressed while staggering.  Steal Plus: Increase the success rate of Thievery. Rebirth: Gradually recover HP equal to half the amount of the last damage received. Status Guard: Reduces the effect of magical ailments.  Lucky Soul: Occasionally recover TP when knocked to the ground. Spirits 2: Increases Max TP by 50.  Elemental: Occasionally increases effect of a physical attack with elemental attributes. Encounter Bonus: Encounter an enemy symbol from the rear to occasionally recover the entire party's TP upon entering a battle.  Happiness: Occasionally increase EXP earned. Happiness 2: Occasionally increase LP earned. Happiness 3: Occasionally increase Gald earned.  Spell Charge 3: Hold the Arte button after casting an advanced spell to move freely while delaying the spell. Elemental Effect: Weather and climate will have a greater effect on spells.  Status Guard: Reduces the effect of magical ailments. Condition Guard: Reduces the effects of certain physical ailments. Technical Half: Receive extra TP by not taking damage in a battle. However, all stats are reduced to half. Sheesh, that's a lot. Some of these have really nice skills, too. And that's it for the sidequests! ...Well, for the 360 ones, anyway. Next time we'll do the PS3 exclusive ones, and after that we'll go to Zaude! Admiral H. Curtiss fucked around with this message at 23:02 on Oct 9, 2016 |
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Sep 7, 2012 14:19
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Goddamn, we're stepping up to the last dungeon and Duke Whitehair still isn't throwing us a plot bone?
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Sep 7, 2012 17:17
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Man, how did I forget about Sicily? Dude's pretty great.
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Sep 7, 2012 23:20
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 Okay, so, PS3 exclusive sidequests. They are a very mixed bag if you ask me. Some of them are kinda interesting, like this one in Mantaic:    The two men assume battle position. Boy: Aah!   Fade to black and back in.  Boy: Yes, thank you very much! Hehe, I'm happy I got saved by a knight. I wanna be just like you! Man, this town is full of reckless kids. Right. You know, if we didn't happen to pass by here, you would have been done for.Boy: But I couldn't just let him get away with that.  He's got a strong sense of justice. ...Boy: I'm going to be a knight when I grow up! That means I can't let evildoers go free!  It isn't easy being a knight. Just because you want to be one, doesn't mean you will.Boy: Huh? What do you mean? You just tried to take on two adult men unarmed. You do understand what would have happened if we hadn't saved you, correct?Boy: ... B-but Flynn... You have to be aware of your own limits. If you're up against an impossible situation, you'll need to ask for assistance. A knight can't afford to falter if there's someone he needs to protect.Boy: But... Asking for help is uncool.Boy: Y-yeah!  You can't worry about if what you're doing is cool or not. If you want to be a knight because you think it's cool, you're underestimating the value of a knight's role.Boy: ... However, what you did takes a lot of courage. Even grown men would hesitate in that situation. As long as you work hard and don't become overconfident, I'm sure the path to knighthood will open to you.Boy: Really? Yeah.Boy: I'll work really hard! Work hard, and join the knights! Thank you, Sir Knight!   Phew, that was nerve-wracking. I kind of feel like I just saw a reflection of myself. Yeah... When we first started travelling together, you were kinda like that. The way you were talking, I thought you were going to smash his dream into smithereens. You were pretty tough on him... I wanted to give him some realistic advice. As a knight, I feel your advice was very appropriate, Flynn. Well, it's not like you said anything that wasn't true, and everything turned out fine in the end.Some are useful by actually giving a good reward, like this one, triggered by resting on the world map:   Okay, you're the lookout tonight, Yuri. All right. Thanks. Good night. Night.     Oh, sorry to interrupt. I don't mind. Did I wake you up? Nah. I'm up because I wanted to do some training, too. In that case, want to join me? Really!? All right! But, I'm surprised. Even though you're so strong, you're using time meant for sleep to train.   I still have lots to work to do in order to achieve my goal of changing the empire. I need to improve myself. I want my strength to be unwavering in my goals. You mean you need more than just skill with the sword? Yeah. Both physical and spiritual strength are important. While tempering one's skill with the sword, it's important to also temper one's beliefs. Power without conviction only brings violence. Yeah, you're right. If you believe in something enough, you can stand against violence any day. Woof! Repede, are you here to help us train? Woof! May as well get these old bones movin' as well. I would be most pleased to spar with you, Raven. I believe knights often fight in groups. Perhaps you'd enjoy some company to practice some group tactics? Aye! The bad guys aren't going to let you fight one on one! Judith and Patty too? Can we join in as well? That's fine, but why? Me? Well, I've wanted to try going up against you at least once. The best way to take down a commander is to aim for the horse! W-well I guess that was to be expected... Haha. I don't mind what your reasons are. Thanks. My, what an interesting fellow. There's no need to thank us. We just happened to have the same goal in mind. You're right. Well then, let's get started. Guess that's where I come in. Hey, you should all be sleeping. ...That goes for you, too.This gives Flynn the Cyclone Beam arte:  I already showed it off back when Flynn joined before Baction. Some sidequests are funny, like this one in Dahngrest:  It's getting pretty late. How about we stay the night here in Dahngrest? You're right. It has been pretty hectic lately. Some rest will be good for us. I'm planning on patrolling the town tonight, so I'm going to the Union to ask for permission. I may be away from my troops, but I still have a duty to act as a knight. Why do you want to patrol Dahngrest? That's the Union's job. I doubt the Union has been functioning properly since the Don passed away. Even the knights have caught wind of the crumbling public order here. There has been growing friction between the guilds since the Don passed away. The Union really has to get their act together and deal with them. Right. But, until then, I figure I should do my part as a knight and keep a look out. Man, Flynn, you're so uptight! It's relaxin' time! We should take a load off and enjoy ourselves! Life's too short to pass up. Flynn doesn't really know how to change gears. Perhaps you should take a look in the mirror, Yuri. Leave it ta me! I'll take ya somewhere real nice, trust me! It's fine. I'm going to go on patrol so-- Stick with me, kid. Let me tell ya, every experience's a life lesson!  W-Whoa, Raven! You think this is a good idea? This is the old man we're talking about. I'm sure you can imagine what kind of place he'll take Flynn. Flynn could use a lesson on being a little less stiff. I'm willing to take my chances. Woman A: You like playing dress up? You better be careful! If you keep dressing like a knight, a real one might arrest you! Woman B: Every knight I've met has been a big headed idiot! You're just way to cute to be a real knight! Teeheehee! ☆ Woman C: Do the girls crawl all over you at the capital when you call yourself a knight? Aw, but too bad! This is Dahngrest.  No, uh...Woman D: You don't have to be so nervous. If you're not sure of something, I'll be sure to help you out personally. Woman A: I really can't believe that someone like you is here with Raven. Um...Woman B: You're only having juice? You're such a child! But that just makes you all the more cute. ♥ Um, I...Woman C: Come on, relax. ♥ Tonight, we'll have fun together all night. ♪   Good morning! Good morning. Did I keep you waiting? No, you didn't. Wait, were you two out all night? It was dawn before I knew it. I've stayed up all night a number of times as a knight, so there's no need to worry. It won't interfere with my performance in battle. Sounds like you had a lot of fun. I did. Thanks to Raven, my time was very well spent. Really now? Raven must have wanted to be as close to you as Yuri is. Yeah. It would have been great if Yuri had come too. Flynn's totally the worst wingman! I'm never gonna go on a night on the town with him again. He's too strong of a chick magnet. The girls ignore everything else when he's around. Yeah, it's always been like that. He's pretty used to women hitting on him. Nothing. So you had fun? Yeah. I got to hear plenty of stories that don't normally reach a knight's ears. I've learned that it's sometimes necessary to let loose and listen to what the people have to say. I doubt your own objectives were that admirable, old man. Well, looks like you learned your lesson. No kidding. Skit: Commander's Dignity You know, Flynn, whenever I look at you, I can't help but think you totally look the part of an imperial knight captain. Unlike Raven. Even when he was in his knight captain get-up, he didn't look like it at all. It wouldn't matter what he wore, that old man would look shady either way. Oh? He may just be using that "shadiness" of his to cover up his real, knightly self. Yeah, right. There's no way I'd believe that! *Whine* Captain Schwann was a dignified and wonderful person. He was such a good knight that he was always trusted with top-secret missions. There wasn't a single knight who did not know his name. In fact, he fulfilled his missions with such dignity and loyalty that many knights admired him. Are you serious? On top of that, despite his solemn disposition, he treated his troops well, so the trust between them ran very deep. That's true. From the three we've seen, it's obvious they were quite smitten with him. The more you talk about Schwann, the less he sounds like the old man. Like I've been sayin', I'm not Schwann. Wah! When did you get here?! Geez, I turn around for one second and yer all runnin' yer mouths! But, at times, I think I can hear a little bit of Captain Schwann in what you say. I'm sure you're still secretly carrying around a little piece of him inside. Come on, give me a break.Some sidequests are just kinda pointless, like this one in Capua Torim featuring a very angry Rita for a reason I don't know:  What's wrong? Someone you know, Patty? Nope. I just felt sorry for him after I heard him sigh like that. Hey now. Are you worried about something? He's probably just down in the dumps because his store is doing badly. Rita! That's rude!Shopkeeper: No, she's quite right. Oh! Could it be? Do you want to buy something?! Not really.Shopkeeper: I see... *Sigh* What sort of shop is this?Shopkeeper: It's a juice stand. Juice? Why not fish? I mean, this is Torim, the best place to get fresh fish around. It's weird you're not selling it. Yeah. Torim's famous for its delicious fish.Is it just me or is this line of thinking Patty has here very bizarre? I mean, if everyone's selling fish, wouldn't that just lead to oversaturation? Shouldn't shops also sell other stuff? Great, so how about you start selling fish juice. Are we done here? Don't get ahead of yourself. You'll only draw in cats. Yeah, a normal person would consider someone selling fish juice pretty fishy. Fish juice is out, but we can do something with Torim's fish. Rather than explain, I'll show you first hand. Leave the menu to me!Shopkeeper: R-really?! My word is my bond. Hey, don't just get everyone involved on a whim. I think she's got a thing for fish juice. She probably sees this as a challenge. Everyone, here's a list of ingredients we need to gather! Don't drag me into this mess! I think it's too late for that now. We should give it a try. It sounds like fun, and the shopkeeper is delighted. Besides, Rita, you're the one who brought up fish juice in the first place. Ugh... What do we need to get? I need one of each of the following: Cabbage, tofu, kelp, scallops, salmon, squid, and shrimp. All right. Once we've got everything, we'll come back here and prepare it.Shopkeeper: I'm counting on you! All of these are common cooking ingredients, so you'll probably have them on hand. Shopkeeper: Welcome back, everyone!  First, we need to cut up the fish. Could you lend us a fillet knife?Shopkeeper: I don't have one.  You don't?Shopkeeper: Sorry. This shop's is a juice stand, after all. Why don't you just use that apple peeling knife over there? Uh, Rita, I don't think yer gonna get far usin' a fruit knife on fish.  Huh? I've got a kitchen knife if you need one. It has to be a fillet knife. Freshness is the very life of seafood! In order to preserve that freshness, we need a knife that can quickly and nimbly fillet the fish. The fishies will cry if they're not cut up in a way to make them most delicious! Indeed, I couldn't agree more. But where are we gonna get a knife like that? Couldn't a blacksmith guild make one? Don'tcha think the best place ta find a guild for that would be the Union? I guess this'll be the first time we put a request in rather than fulfil one. How about we ask around at the bar in Dahngrest? I guess that does sound faster than finding a blacksmith guild directly. Yeah, we can contact someone from the Union at the bar. We should get the ingredients before we make the request. A Sharp Blade and a Flare Stone are needed for making a knife. A Sharp Blade and a Flare Stone? We can probably get those somewhere. After we get everything, let's head for Dahngrest. Sound like a plan? A quick flight to Dahngrest, and entering the western bar there...  Barkeeper: Hello, Mr. Raven. What will it be? This young lady has a job for you. I'd like you to make a fillet knife out of these materials.Barkeeper: A fillet knife? That might take some time to have made. We don't really have time to waste. Is there anything you can do for us?Barkeeper: Hm... I know. How about we trade you our shop's knife for your materials? I'm sure one of your knives will do the job.Barkeeper: Here you go, then.  What is it, Patty? What an amazing all-purpose knife! Aye, this knife is sure to make any dish delicious. Are you sure we can have this?Barkeeper: I'm more than capable of cooking with or without that knife! Besides, I can always ask the Soul Smiths to make me another. You gave me the materials, after all. Somehow, I don't think this a good trade for the barkeeper! But alright, whatever. Thank you! How nice. Aye. This knife increases the success of cooking. In the 360 version you can just synth it, but in the PS3 version you'll have to get it from here. I'm pretty sure we synthed it quite a while ago in the 360 version in this LP, actually. Guess we should head back to Torim now.Guess we should indeed.  Shopkeeper: So you got a knife? Which means it's time to take care of the ingredients. So, what exactly is on the menu anyway? A favorite at sea, Seafood Stew. Stew? I don't have a lot of experience with that... It's a secret recipe of fishermen everywhere. They often eat it at sea. Goes great with sake. Yes, the broth has a pleasant, savory taste. It really capitalizes on the taste of the fish. I think it's a great idea. Stew? Not a bad idea. All you have to do is toss the ingredients in a pot, boil it, season it and you're done. Got it? Good. We'll leave it to you! Don't make light of stew! Stew is a profound dish that varies with the slightest change in the order in which you add ingredients. Rita, are you familiar with the phrase, "Kicking the hornet's nest"? Shut up! The old man and Karol will be in charge of vegetables. Judy, I'll count on you for the broth. You're assigning positions? I thought you were going to take care of everything yourself. I said I would teach you all the true meaning of stew! Ugh, Rita... Rita, you're on dish washing duty. Estelle, take care of the rice. Yuri, you cut the fish. Looks like I got the lead role. Then, I'll take care of the seasoning... Flynn, you're with me. There's a lot of fish to cut up. Okay. I'll do the seasoning.  It's done! Miss Kaufman! I've heard the whole story. Looks like an all new menu. Mind if I have a bowl as well? Please. Thanks. I'll help myself. Tantalizing! It's bold, with no wasted flavor. A magnificent dish. Do you think it's fit for the new menu? Yes. This place will make a name for itself in Torim. That's the spirit. Good luck! If this stew becomes famous, I'm sure Torim's tourism business will boom, and we'll all see an increase in profit. I see your game. Shrewd as ever. Thank you for the compliment. Well, it's my Seafood Stew! I'm sure it'll do well. If it doesn't bring a grin to a customer's face, I'll eat my hat! Completing this gives us the Seafood Stew recipe, one of the few new recipes in the PS3 version. Skit: As Schwann Mr. Raven... Hm? What is it, youngin'? I'd like to ask you something as a fellow knight, even though you may not want to talk about it. Lemme guess. Why did Schwann obey Alexei? Captain Schwann, of all people, was in the best position to see through Alexei's actions. You're overestimating Schwann. The thought never crossed his mind. His head was completely empty. It didn't matter to Schwann whether he was being used as a pawn or not. All he did was carry out his mission. The real Schwann died 10 years ago.  You still felt that way, even with the situation at the time? Well, I didn't expect that huge blastia to just appear. But, even if I did, I might have still followed Alexei to the end. Honestly, I don't even know anymore. Are you trying to settle things now because you decided to live as Raven? Well, there's a bunch of folks lookin' out for me right now. I couldn't die even if I wanted to. If I'm gonna live, I better take care of what Schwann started, right? It looks like you were fortunate enough to meet people that changed you. Heh. I'm telling you, it's no big deal.And lastly, some sidequests are just dumb, like this one we start in Capua Nor:   Zarashawn: I'm from the fortune telling guild, Softboiled Pons. Zarashawn, at your service. I will foretell your worries. Yes, stay still, just like that... Hm?Zarashawn: Woo woo woo... There!  Oh, amazing! You're right!Zarashawn: And if you want that love to succeed... woo woo... You yourself must practice what you preach! You mean the Sea Doctrines? What are those? They're the doctrines Aifread based his motto upon. So, by going by those doctrines, you think her wish will be granted?Zarashawn: Only if she herself practices them!  What? There's a fee?Zarashawn: Hey, nothing's free in the world. This kinda feels like we're being swindled. I mean, she just spoke to us as we were walking by, and now she wants money? Yeah... We actually get a choice here, but to proceed the sidequest, we have to pay. Pretty bullshit but it's not like 1000 Gald is a lot by this point. Zarashawn: Thank you for your patronage! As reward, I'll tell you one last thing before you go. The item that will bring you the most fortune is one you must drag up from the depths of the ocean. From the depths of the ocean? Yeah, that'll be easy to find.Zarashawn: That's all I can see. Farewell. I wish you the best in your love life.  Hey, I've still got all my marbles. An item at the bottom of the ocean... Perhaps we need to use the salvage crane? Sea Doctrine No. 18! "There are many perils on the sea. But do not fear encountering the unknown!" Huh? Love is like the sea: a domain full of unknowns. But I won't hold back. I will salvage your heart! ...Yeah, all right. Whatever floats your boat.To continue, we have to search this search point, roughly south of Dahngrest and Heliord.        Huh? Oh, you mean that item the woman from the fortune telling guild was talking about? But, you know, it doesn't really look like anything special. It's special because it was brought up from the sea! I'll steal Yuri's heart by making him home made food! What kind? Oden! Wait, Patty. It would be unbecoming to prepare something so manly. Sea Doctrine No. 24! "Face a tough adversary in your own domain." I think you need to show a more feminine side to win him over. A feminine side?  Sweets? I just got a great idea! I pulled out all the stops and made you something sweet! Something sweet? Tadaaa! Uh... What is that? It's an oden cake! An oden... Aye. The batter is composed of shredded radish and oden broth, all covered in sweet chocolate. A lovely medley of flavor! Now then, go ahead and eat up! Um... I think I'll pass for now. Oh? Don't you know it's dangerous to spur a girl's love? It's dangerous. Judy, this is your handy-work. Don't lead people in the wrong direction. Give it a try! Karol, I'll leave the rest to you.     Aw, he got away from me. I guess oden doesn't mesh very well with sweets. Hmm, how could the Sea Doctrines lead me astray?I suppose the spread is not actually that different from the original 360 cutscenes, but I still don't like Patty's personality, and most of the new scenes kinda center on her and Flynn. And that's it for PS3 exclusive sidequests available at the moment. Next time, we'll actually go to Zaude.  Admiral H. Curtiss fucked around with this message at 23:03 on Oct 9, 2016 |
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Sep 11, 2012 18:58
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Oh, boy, sidequests. Especially in Tales game they seem to run together. I thought the part where Flynn and Yuri were lecturing the boy together was rather touching, though. Also, Judith is an excellent troll.
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Sep 11, 2012 19:34
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Flynn at the bar was hilarious and adorable. Poor Raven, I bet that he didn't have a good time all night long because he had a strong competitor sitting right across from him.
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Sep 11, 2012 19:37
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Admiral H. Curtiss posted:Some sidequests are just kinda pointless, like this one in Capua Torim featuring a very angry Rita for a reason I don't know That side-quest is actually required to beat the last cooking competition: without the knife, there's no way to win (and I believe, the more recipes you master, the higher the odds success).
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Sep 11, 2012 21:41
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HelloWinter posted:Flynn at the bar was hilarious and adorable. Poor Raven, I bet that he didn't have a good time all night long because he had a strong competitor sitting right across from him. And Flynn spends the entire time gathering information. Dude is married to his job.
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Sep 11, 2012 23:47
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So... Patty makes Yuri a hideous abomination at Judith's suggestion, and Yuri ninjas out and throws Karol under the bus. Yep, that sounds about right...
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Sep 12, 2012 00:58
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Yeah, for how anime Patty is, Judith McTrollster and Yuri using Karol as a human shield are hilarious and totally make up for it.
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Sep 12, 2012 01:12
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(Graces skit spoiler) http://lpix.org/835278/GROU_P01.png Extracted images, don't have the text rip yet but that should be easy (except for some menu stuff that's stored in the executable).
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Sep 13, 2012 05:00
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And finally, it's time for Zaude! First off, have a skit from the masses of items I sythesized in the last 360 update. Skit: Still a Ways to Go Hmm hmm hmm hmm hmmmmm... Huh? What are you writing? Item names? Yes. I'm working on the Collector's Book. Look how many items we have already! Wow, you've filled in a lot! It must be fun since you like books so much. Well, keep up the good-- No. From what I can see... Yes, it looks like it's only about halfway complete. What?! H-halfway?! Keep on working on it, and come back when you've made some real progress! A-argh... I'll fill this book up all the way, and then I'll make you eat your words! ...Didn't this use to be your book, Rita? As we get close to Zaude, we get a cutscene. Watch the cutscene!  It's sort of shaped like a ring. Anybody with fingers big enough for that wouldn't have any trouble taking over the world. I wonder if we'll get in without being seen. Whoa, look! Over there! Phaeroh...                    But Phaeroh's one of the strongest Entelexeia... And even he couldn't do anything to it. What'd we get ourselves into? It reconstituted itself by manipulating the aer. ...What processing speed... Let's go in from below.  Phaeroh...thank you. Skit: Fighting Alexei I'd like to know one thing before we begin this battle. Just how strong is this Commandant? I heard he earned his knighthood when he won a royal tournament during the previous emperor's reign. I got to cross swords with him once, and I didn't last more than three minutes. So then he's really, really strong... And don't forget he's surrounded by his Royal Guard. None of this sounds very promising... Hey, we've got Dein Nomos, don't we? Woof, woof! Besides, we've been through all kinds of stuff together on this journey. Yeah. We're tighter than any kind of guard, royal or not. All right, so say we handle the Royal Guard. It's still a coin toss, in the end. I guess we'll never be too prepared when it comes to facing Alexei. Right. We'll have to give it everything we've got. Watch the cutscene!    Is this really one big blastia?! There's no way... It must possess unimaginable power. Could it be Flynn? Nah, I'd bet it's the Royal Guard. Which means...Raven runs closer to the entrance to scout.   There aren't that many. We could blow 'em away before they knew what hit them. Easy. We're not here to get noticed. Let's see if there isn't some other way in. The game doesn't allow us to enter via the main entrance, so the other way it is.  You'd think they would also guard such an obvious side entrance. Watch the cutscene!  Leave it to me! Please, I-I'm not worried. You clearly are. Oh, shut up! Hurry up and get that thing open! You're the only one shouting. Got it! Wonderful, let's take a look. Skit: Still a Lot to Learn Synthesis artisans are amazing. They produce such lovely items in such a short time! Yes, it really is an art. The quality is always second to none, too. And the same artisan is always sneaking into the cities we visit just before we get there. What?! Really?! What?! Are you serious?! Oh yeah. I wish I had half the vitality he has. We're nothing compared ta how much he gets around. Yeah, right, okay. There's no way he could do that... Really? Do you think it's more likely that the world's full of such skilled artisans? Y-you too, Judith?! Y-you really believe that?? And he must have great instincts, too. We should see about getting him to join Brave Vesperia. R-really...? K-Karol, the next time we meet him, let's see if he'll join. R-right! Okay!Estelle and Karol leave. Whoa... I think those two actually fell for all that. The princess and the kid still have a lot ta learn. I hear they're actually using blastia to do the synthesis. You know, maybe we got a little carried away...Love that skit.  Zaude is a nice dungeon. Very atmospheric, and actually has some clever puzzles!  The path to the back right is broken, as the the way up the stairs to the left, and the device in the middle is inactive, so the back left path is the only way to go for now.    Here's a ton of chests. Some nice stuff in there, but what we actually want is in the center one.  Not that RPG treasure chests make sense in general, but if it fell off a pedestal -- rather than being removed intentionally -- why is it in here? Anyway, let's carry that back to the thing we saw in the middle before. Skit: Phaeroh's Help So Phaeroh's been absorbing aer, too. Is he trying to restabilize it? We owe him one for keepin' the fight up this long. No, I don't think that's it. My guess is he's taking in all that aer to disable Zaude's power source. That way he'll be able to mess with Alexei's plans, right? Right. ...Right, Judith? ...Who, me? What was the question? ...Never mind. It'll be easy if we can just get inside. We'll stop everything in one shot. Wish it were that easy, kid. But we'll be up to our ears in traps and royal guards. Gotta admire his confidence. ...Do you really mean that? ...Phaeroh... Please be okay... Skit: Unexpected Flynn, you've been fighting all this time. Aren't you tired? This is nothing. Is it just me, or does he actually seem more alive the more he fights? Just like some other people I know. Like who? Who could that be? I haven't been able to get on the front lines as much as I'd like to since I was promoted to captain. It's good practice. Call it what you want, it still doesn't change the fact that you're a battle maniac, just like them. I-I'm a battle maniac? That's a first. *Sigh* I thought at least Flynn would be a normal person. I guess we aren't considered normal. I'm so hurt. Rita, what kind of person did you think I was until now? Huh? Why are you asking that all of a sudden? Well, I'm just surprised to hear that you'd consider a friend of Yuri's normal. ... ...You and Yuri really are the same. Both of you are being really rude to me...  Put in the orb...  Shoot it with the Sorcerer's Ring...  Oh hey.  Raising the water level allows us to access some of the areas we previously couldn't. It also spawns in some water enemies.  Skit: Geraios Technology We've seen plenty of blastia so far, but this one's in a different class altogether. If this was made at the end of the Geraios civilization, it may contain clues to all their technology. Chances are pretty good, if the building we saw in that relief in Myorzo is actually Zaude. So is there a connection between the cataclysm and the Adephagos? If it is does come from the end of the Geraios civilization, maybe it can turn back the Adephagos. I wonder if that's why they carved the relief. It all adds up, but I keep going back to Phaeroh's words. About disturbin' Zaude? Thinkin' about it isn't likely ta get us anywhere. We just have ta go on. The side/back path here is actually optional and just has some treasure.    Judith learns Luna Crush. It's fairly self-explanatory. Skit: Yuri and Flynn's Artes Hey, Yuri. What's up, Karol? You and Flynn both use similar artes, but yours seem kind of different. That's because Yuri learned those artes when he was still a knight. But since he never took his training very seriously, they're not quite... Hey, what do you mean by that? If I did Dragon Swarm like you do, the enemy would get away! That doesn't mean you can just throw some kicks in there! You've turned the arte into Dragon Kick! And then there's your Tiger Blade... I didn't even learn that one when I was a knight! I don't see why you punch during that arte. I like it better that way. Well it isn't! These artes have been passed down for generations, you can't just-- Now now, no need ta fight! Isn't puttin' yer own personal touch inta things all the rage these days? So Flynn can honor tradition, and Yuri can create new waves! Oh, to be young! Arooo!One of my favorite new PS3 skits.  To continue further, we need to go up here.  What? How come the Royal Guard is so loyal to Alexei? Well, did you know that most of the Imperial Knights are taken as apprentices from the nobility? Yeah, I wish I could forget. Well, the Royal Guard protects the emperor, and they're made up of the finest soldiers in the Imperial Knights. Hasn't it been several years since we've had an emperor, though? It doesn't seem like that'd be enough to turn them into such little lapdogs, though. Well, the ideals he offered them were attractive in their own ways. "Lead our empire to prosperity!" and what have ya. I'll bet there were a lot of idealists in their ranks. ...Like Flynn, you mean? It'd be nice if all of them could've figured out the truth on their own like that one... ...   Of course, sneaking in through the side entrance wasn't really all that useful, as we come out pretty close to the main entrance. We get another new arte here.  Oh man.   Hell yes. Tidal Wave is possibly the best spell in the game due to various reasons. It covers the entire battlefield, staggers enemies it hits, and hits each enemy eight times on one cast. In addition, it is the spell when it comes to getting Grade for a New Game+, but we'll get to that later.  Continuing through the door here...  Leviathan's Claw?  We make quick work of them.  So with Leviathan's Claw here, who's behind this door? Find out next time! Notable Loot so far:   Super Chain 5: Able to link altered to arcane artes. Item Pro: Decreases the amount of time a character is unable to move after using items.     Admiral H. Curtiss fucked around with this message at 23:05 on Oct 9, 2016 |
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Sep 16, 2012 16:57
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Admiral H. Curtiss posted:PS3 Artes Skit Oh my god. I'm dying here. Seriously, this is amazing - why was the PS3 version never released outside of Japan?
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Sep 16, 2012 17:10
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Wait... that's only half the stuff? I didn't think this was the final dungeon.
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Sep 16, 2012 18:01
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Half the what?
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Sep 16, 2012 18:16
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Admiral H. Curtiss posted:So with Leviathan's Claw here, who's behind this door? Find out next time! I bet it's a boss with a really exciting Secret Mission!
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Sep 16, 2012 18:16
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Fedule posted:I bet it's a boss with a really exciting Secret Mission! Ahahahahaha in order to do that mission I eventually equipped my whole party with Minimum Damage weapons. Kept missing and killing the fucker.
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Sep 16, 2012 18:24
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Fedule posted:I bet it's a boss with a really exciting Secret Mission! Ahahahahaha yes Seriously, once I figured out what the hell the trick was, I've never actually had a problem doing it. But really, how are you supposed to figure out that trick. How. Admiral H. Curtiss posted:
Also, this is incredibly meta.
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Sep 16, 2012 18:37
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I don't see why you punch during that arte.
I like it better that way.
Well it isn't!
These artes have been passed down for generations, you can't just--
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Admiral H. Curtiss posted:Half the what? The collectors book things. If this WAS the last dungeon, we should be farther along than that.
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Sep 16, 2012 19:04
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^^^See, this, right here, is indicative of many things. 1) The awesomeness of single disk or downloadable games. Remember when games tried to pull this poo poo while you were still "on disk one"? No amount of escalation, tension and impending closure could ever convince anyone that we were coming up on the endgame. 2) How dumb it is that all the developers have gotten it into their heads that they should have all this completionist poo poo that it should repeatedly hammer into your head and hold you accountable for. Witness how it's this poo poo, and not the plot or setting or other narrative cues, that gave away that this was not actually the final dungeon.
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Sep 16, 2012 19:09
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Oh man that skit. Yuri and Flynn arguing about their artes. I love it.
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Sep 16, 2012 19:16
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Stabbey_the_Clown posted:The collectors book things. If this WAS the last dungeon, we should be farther along than that. Ah. Yes, I suppose so, although this game does have a ton of items, most of which are synthesizable things.
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Sep 16, 2012 19:20
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Fedule posted:2) How dumb it is that all the developers have gotten it into their heads that they should have all this completionist poo poo that it should repeatedly hammer into your head and hold you accountable for. Witness how it's this poo poo, and not the plot or setting or other narrative cues, that gave away that this was not actually the final dungeon. You say that as though no items are ever hidden away in postgame content, and no tales game has had hidden materials that unlock a huge amount of things to craft. Come on now. Collector's book not being full has pretty much no bearing on whether something is the final dungeon or not.
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Sep 16, 2012 19:27
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Fedule posted:Witness how it's this poo poo, and not the plot or setting or other narrative cues, that gave away that this was not actually the final dungeon. Actually, it wasn't that. I had a gut feeling that this wasn't the final dungeon as soon as it showed up. It might have looked like a final dungeon, but it didn't feel like one. Maybe that was because there were still plot threads dangling, like the Krytian assistant to Alexi who first showed up here, was ambiguous, then left.
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Sep 16, 2012 19:40
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Adelheid Stark posted:You say that as though no items are ever hidden away in postgame content, and no tales game has had hidden materials that unlock a huge amount of things to craft. I would generally agree if this was a normal person's play through or whatever, but Curtiss is incredibly thorough and there's been a tremendous amount of items and weapons posted in basically every update. If it was me, I could easily assume that yeah, I just missed that much stuff, but I mean this is a guy who is playing the PS3 Version that he went into and modified the game disk to make the location banners readable in English. It seems likely he has literally everything he could possibly get.
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Sep 16, 2012 20:07
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The stakes haven't been raised high enough yet, I think. Alexi looks like he wants to take over the world when usually the bad guys want to completely destroy it. We also haven't gotten extra costumes yet, which generally happens right before the final dungeons. Or in Symphonia's case, right at the very end of the final dungeon, if you turn around and leave.
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Sep 16, 2012 20:18
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I am not lying here when i say that this dungeon leads up to the final battle with the main villain of the game.
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Sep 16, 2012 20:24
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Flare_knight posted:It seems likely he has literally everything he could possibly get. Probably not! I could certainly get more stuff by systematically going to every single search point on the world map and farming until I get every rare material from them. But yeah, it's safe to assume that I have more than the average player would have.
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Sep 16, 2012 20:25
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