Upcoming Content – October

Well, here we are at the end of another month. We had a bit of a lighter month for content, with me being in between playthrough journals, and creating many “The Five” lists just to keep content flowing.

For October, I have some interesting plans, though. Find out what below

The Five – Interesting Combat Systems – Hybrid

Welcome to the final chapter of my “The Five” series on combat systems. So far, we’ve talked about turn-based, action, and Strategy RPG combat systems. What happens, though, when the lines are blurred and a combat system can’t be defined in one of these three categories perfectly? What you get is one of the more interesting combat systems in RPG gaming so far. By combining elements of multiple systems, you get a more complex and fun battle experience.  This week, we are going to end the series with five of the best hybrid combat systems in RPG gaming.

Review – Digimon World Data Squad

Publisher: Bandai Namco
Genre: Turn-Based RPG
Platform: PlayStation 2
Release Date: September 18th, 2007

Premise

Based on the Digimon Savers/Digimon Data Squad anime series, we follow Marcus Daimon and his Agumon on a mission to stop a rogue Digimon. During his mission, he is defeated by a powerful Digimon, known as Creepymon. While Marcus vows revenge against him, his vendetta is postponed when DATS learns of a group of missing children and its relation to a place in the Digital World known as the Dark Area. What is the connection between this terrifying area of digital space, and is it connected to Creepymon?

The Five – Interesting Methods of Travel

When we think about travelling around in RPG games, traditionally you and your party spend a lot of time on foot. But there can be more than one way to get around from point A to Point B, C, and so on. Here are some of the more interesting methods of travel used in RPGs.

The Five – Interesting Combat Systems – Strategy

We’ve had an interesting two weeks so far talking about Action RPG combat systems and traditional turn-based combat, and this week we get to shift focuses to the Strategy RPG. Traditionally, Strategy RPG combat is done with two actions per character: Move and Action. The action is typically to attack, use a skill, or use an item. This week, we look at five games that spice this system up to the point that makes them stand out from others.

Let’s take a look, shall we?

The Five – RPG Mini-Games

When an RPG provides side content to expand its playability, it comes in many forms. Sometimes they are quests with more powerful bosses, and sometimes they are bonus dungeons with extra special gear. On some occasions, there are also some mini-games that are not necessarily relevant to plot, but can still provide some interesting rewards. The following are some of the more interesting Mini-games out there.

XenoCard – Xenosaga Episode 1: Der Wille Zur Macht

XenoCard is essentially a trading card game built into the Xenosaga game. You build a deck of cards, play character cards, equipment cards, and event cards during different phases of the game, and battle it out. Each point of damage you take discards a card from the top of your deck. The goal is to empty your opponents deck. Direct attacks can happen if there are no opposing characters on the field, or if certain attack conditions are met. Like many TCGs out there, it’s highly addictive. I found myself playing it more and more than I enjoyed the game itself. It’s only a shame that they didn’t keep it in the sequels.

Crimson Vs. – .Hack//G.U.

Crimson Vs. is a side game for The World: R2. When you play, you build a deck with three cards: A General, and two other characters. The key to victory is to have a set of three that combo off of each other in order to gain advantage. Matches are very quick when you watch them, but you don’t even have to. Matches are played every minute or two automatically while you are in-game. You can view results, and replay any matches whenever you want. Your goal is to rise to the top rank and take on the current reigning champion…whom you happen to know.

Chinchirorin – Suikoden

Next up we have a silly little dice gambling game. You roll three dice and try to get a higher roll score than your opponent. Certain combos can also reward you with double or even triple your winnings. Be careful though, as you have to aim where the dice land. If they don’t land in the cup, you automatically lose.

With so many ways to win, and a slightly broken odds system in game, this is a fun and easy way to get rich quick.

Insectron – Rogue Galaxy

During your adventures in the Willherser System, Jaster and his band of pirates will have the ability to lay out bug traps to capture Insectors. The purpose is to raise them, breed them, and compete with them in the Insectron tournament.

Using five of your Insectors, you play a chess-like game with an opponent. Each Insector has a special ability that can only be used three times per match. They also have an HP score, so it also has a bit of an SRPG feel to its gameplay. It’s pure fun and so addictive, that Level-5 built a system to allow you to play with another player if they have their memory card with them.

Poffin Making – Pokemon Diamond/Pearl

This is probably the most mindless mini-game on this list, but I couldn’t help finding it incredibly fun to do. Poffins are a special treat for your Pokemon. To make them, you need a berry mixer. With it, you would use your Nintendo DS Stylus to stir the pot of berries. If you mix too gently, it could burn. If you mix too fast, it’ll spill. The overall quality of the poffin will always depend on the care you take in making it, as well as the types of berries used.

The Five – Interesting Combat Systems – Action

Continuing September’s theme, this week I’m going to share with you my list of
interesting combat systems in an Action RPG. In order to have qualified for this list, all combat must have been done in real time, with the only exception of pauses to access skill or item menus. And with that, here are some great examples of this combat system.

The Five – Interesting Combat Systems – Turn-Based

Welcome to the start of my 4-Part series on Combat systems in RPGs. These will be a set of “The Five” lists that highlight some of the games that show how interesting each combat method can be. For the first list, we will go with the traditional turn-based combat systems. The games I have listed involve simple command inputs that have little to no reflexive requirements. This list highlights some of the games that go above and beyond by having a system built in to keep the combat gameplay interactive and interesting. Without further ado…

Playthrough Journal – Digimon World Data Squad – Finale

Final Play Time: 15 Hours, 23 minutes
Average Party Level: 45

Conclusion

After pushing through the Dark Area, DATS locates Lucemon and the final battle begins. During the fight, Lucemon summons his true power and transforms into the Dark Lord. After a long and hard for his crimes. The team is then called back to DATS with their mission completed.