[Hobbun]

Well, played for a couple hours tonight. Made it to level 4.

Actually really enjoying the game and find it quite addicting. You are right Labadal, I have had to grind a lot to where I can combat relatively well enough, but I'm ok with that. I have liked the added difficulty in starting out, bare-boned (no equipment). Makes it challenging and gives me something to work towards.

Although I will say that drops, and money (Rainbow coins) are very hard to come by. Unlike pretty much every other SRPG I've played, you don't get a set amount of coin after every battle, it comes very sporadically. I can go 4-5 combats without any money.

It makes it hard to heal up, and pretty much impossible to save up for equipment. And to top it off, having to give yourself sustenance (food and water) drains your funds even more so.

As for drops, it took me all four levels just to get 3 Imp wings to complete a quest, which was probably a good 25-30 imps that I killed. And from what I understand, the Imp wing is the more common drop. I don't think I'll ever get the Imp horn for another quest.

I'm not complaining, as I am enjoying the game, but I feel it is going to be a slow, uphill battle. I hope there is something that allows drops/money to happen more often in the near future.

[toythatkills]

One thing I noticed fairly late on is that if you leave bags on the battlefield, you DO NOT get what's in those bags. I had thought it was just giving me all the items at the end of the battle but I'm now 99.9% certain that's not the case, so if you make an effort to collect them when you're playing then you'll have loads more money and sellable items.

[Hobbun]

Actually, I've made a point of picking up the bags during combat since the beginning. It was more just picking one up in the first place, and I figured since the list of loot popped up right then and allowed me to take what I wanted, I assumed it was something I needed to manually do (pick up the bags).

I also did read on the official forums last night that you 'can' get treasure if you leave the bags, but it's a random chance (instead of guaranteed one if you pick it up) and the treasure will most likely be less, as well.

So, I'll let you know when I start getting to that point of loads of more money and items. :)

[Hobbun]

I've played for about another hour or so, and money is coming more easily now due to I am killing the monsters without having to run to the healer after every battle.

I fought a 'boss' bee, when handing some alchemy items and it tore me a new one. Is there a way to look at a creatures level/hp's? On the world map and in battle?

I know you have the 'Analyze' skill for in combat, but it takes a magic point to use and right now only gives the name and hp's of the creature.

In FFT, you could check the status on all the creatures on the battlefield. Their level, hp's, magic, etc. Is there any way to do that here? Or to see the level of a creature before engaging them?

[toythatkills]

It does tell you what levels the enemies are in random encounters, and the field battles are the same every time so if you fight it once it'll have the same enemies every time.

[krae_man]

I don't have any problem with food draining my money supply. I have the opposite problem. My food was always maxed and maxing out my inventory. I kept having to destroy something to make room for a non food item that takes a slot in the same inventory tab. It's a completely pointless extra thing.

I'm only about 3 hours in and I did get a check enemy status skill. It takes 1mp and doesn't use a sub turn. Its completely worthless in the beginning however. It tells you nothing at the start and you can only do one enemy at a time and it has a limited range.

It basically told me "yep that's a bee. Level this skill some more and maybe it will tell you something useful".

[Hobbun]

It does tell you what levels the enemies are in random encounters, and the field battles are the same every time so if you fight it once it'll have the same enemies every time.

Yes, I forgot that the game does tell you the level of the creature when running around on the adventure map. Although it can be misleading, as the monster may show to be a bee, there could be other (stronger) enemies grouped with it.

However, I was wondering if there was a way to see the information of enemies (highlight over them) like you can in Final Fantasy Tactics. Although I suppose if that was possible, it would make the analyze enemy skill pretty useless.

I'm about 5 hours in now and in the mine. At first it was pretty challenging, but I have almost all my stats maxed for my level, so it isn't too bad. However, I just died from 5 Wannabee Adventurers. Each hit isn't so bad, but they hit a shitload of times.

I'm not having the issue of not having enough Rainbow coins or items anymore. In fact, was starting to run out of room until I got some of the Expanded scrolls.

This game is so damn addicting, loving it so far.

[krae_man]

God dammit, I just lost about an hour of gameplay because the game froze on me. I went into a new dungeon and hit triangle to see if the map would display where I needed to go and I got a "You need a map item to view the map here" message. Okay fine, problem is it would not let me close the message.

Edit: Okay the game freezing on me ended up being a good thing. Turns out I walked right past my first new party member without realizing it. You'd think they would put an exclamation mark over their head or something.

Skill leveling is weird. Some level up after 2 or 3 uses and others take forever. I've also noticed you can't max your stats without buying pearls. You'll level up thus increasing the cap before you can max everything.

[PuppetSlave]

My crew is now level 32. Been playing for 35+ hours according to game clock, though I have left the game on paused a few times.

I have not bought any DLC and don't really see any reason so far to do so. A big fight right now can get me 11k experience(a more normal one 3-6k).(one level up now needs 50k) No real need to grind beyond any map critters, just push on and play smart, winning fights that are fairly hard.

I think this game is really great, amazing value for the money. A shame most seem to be skipping it.

[LOVE & TRUTH]

What are the skill points for? I see my characters getting them sometimes on the level up, but have no idea what they do.

I've also noticed you can't max your stats without buying pearls. You'll level up thus increasing the cap before you can max everything.

You don't have to max all your stats (although it helps). In particular, the HP/MP upgrades are not that needed until post-game - at least, that was the developers' explanation on the official forums. And getting the pearls in post-game is reportedly much easier.

[PuppetSlave]

What are the skill points for? I see my characters getting them sometimes on the level up, but have no idea what they do.

Skill points are used to equip passive skills. Passive skills can be bought later on in the game, I think it was in the first major city Orden or something similar to that name.

[LOVE & TRUTH]

Skill points are used to equip passive skills. Passive skills can be bought later on in the game, I think it was in the first major city Orden or something similar to that name.

Aha, yes, I've seen some passive skills in the shop but didn't understand how to deal with them. I'll try to buy one and see what it does.

[Hobbun]

I’m about 10 hours in now, both of my characters are at level 7. I am able to fill out my stats well enough while leveling (besides HP & MP), but rainbow coins are becoming an issue again. For the longest time I was at ~10 and just had barely enough to keep myself healed up after a couple of combats. I assaulted the Theives Citadel and it was the first time in an RPG that I found myself coming out of a dungeon with less money than going in.

I just find that enemies do not drop enough cash in general. I did some repeatable quests and built up the coins by another 15-20, so I think I am going to need start doing quests more often to get items and then sell them off.

There are a few scrolls I would like to buy, but I just don’t have the coins to buy them at the moment.

That said, I absolutely love the game. Extremely addicting and very fun combat system. Looking forward to putting more time into tonight.

[PuppetSlave]

Are you selling materials that you don't need though? I save rare ones just in case they are needed in some optional quest later on but I sell common ones to drum up cash when needed.

Also you know that you get better drops if you pick up treasure bags while in combat compared to after it's finished?

[jamesgriggs]

All games with DLC like this are an instant pass for me. Too bad, because I normally like SRPGs.

Also, I don't buy any argument that suggests that you can either spend the time grinding or the money.

I'd rather see fine-tuned games that don't make me think about their business models.

[Impeccable]

My only complaint about this game was how SLOW it was in the beginning, once you get more than one character and more sub-turns it actually gets good.

I could see how people can get turned off until that point. Money isn't too much of an issue for me, I'm 13(?) hours in on Normal and Adventurer Mode at Gorodo's Basement getting his equipment bag before he joins me and I'm a bit underleveled and should power level to at least 18-19, but I'm at 16-17 and can win most battles with relative ease, it just takes a bit.

The game is gaining momentum in terms of addictiveness as I unlock more characters and sub-turns, so I'm very optimistic about the rest of the game and me most likely chasing the Platinum Trophy down.


Edit:

All games with DLC like this are an instant pass for me. Too bad, because I normally like SRPGs. Also, I don't buy any argument that suggests that you can either spend the time grinding or the money. I'd rather see fine-tuned games that don't make me think about their business models.

People who say you need the DLC or it's obvious the game is "built around it" aren't very long into the game in my opinion, I personally haven't had to grind for cash or pearls yet and it hasn't even been a fleeting thought. It to me, is an overreaction to the early hours of the game or is by people who probably haven't spent any time with the game and assume because the DLC is an option that it in any way compromises the game itself. If you like sRPGs you're only hurting yourself if you skip this game for this price.

(I'm not even that huge a sRPG guy either and I'm loving the game.)

[Hobbun]

Are you selling materials that you don't need though? I save rare ones just in case they are needed in some optional quest later on but I sell common ones to drum up cash when needed. Also you know that you get better drops if you pick up treasure bags while in combat compared to after it's finished?

Yeah, I thought about doing that too, but I always have that concern “Am I going to need that material?” for crafting, or I don’t know what other quests may utilize ‘x’ material.

Like for example, the white crystal, the description says “Merchants would pay well for this.” (or something similar). But then I’ve read online that the white crystal is something you should hold onto for later on.

As you are in your early 30’s now, are there certain materials that you feel are safe to sell? I use the Imp Wings and Sheer Wings for quests to complete, but I also have Iron Ore, one Imp Horn and a couple Colorful Stingers (although these are good crafting components).

And yes, did know about picking up the treasure bags in combat. I have never waited on picking those up, or at least never waited until combat was over (with the exception of when killing the last enemy, where you don’t have any choice).

[bomb_jack]

Someone has racked up 160 hours of game time already.

http://www.rainbowmoongame.com/userr...id=1537&view=1

[Impeccable]

Hobbun, I'm not as far as others here but if you need money, just sell everything. Even if a sub-quest pops up down the line you can always go back when you're overpowered and get them really easily. Plus, from what I've briefly read is that if a sub-quest requests something, generally the item drops nearby the location or is dropped during those parts of the main quest. So while you can get White Crystals now, take the cash and if there is a quest later for them... I can almost promise you'll get them really easy by being overpowered or they'll drop where the quest is.

Another tip, I have is don't be too loose with your mana spending. The herbs are expensive so if you're dropping cash on those it almost a waste. I only use them on long dungeons between merchant spawns.

Oh; and defend more... it reduces the damage you take hugely so you won't have to heal as often.

[Hobbun]

My only complaint about this game was how SLOW it was in the beginning, once you get more than one character and more sub-turns it actually gets good. I could see how people can get turned off until that point. Money isn't too much of an issue for me, I'm 13(?) hours in on Normal and Adventurer Mode at Gorodo's Basement getting his equipment bag before he joins me and I'm a bit underleveled and should power level to at least 18-19, but I'm at 16-17 and can win most battles with relative ease, it just takes a bit. The game is gaining momentum in terms of addictiveness as I unlock more characters and sub-turns, so I'm very optimistic about the rest of the game and me most likely chasing the Platinum Trophy down.

In a sense, I kind of like that it ‘did’ start slow. It made it more challenging and when you go to the point of getting your first piece of armor or you began to kill the Imps with some regularity, it was satisfying.

I remember when starting out I ran out of visible “1 enemy” Imps and I still couldn’t kill two of them well enough in combat, so I had to hope to see “1 Imp” pop up in the random battles. And had to build myself enough with the random “1 Imp” battles to where I could take on multiple Imps.

I know some do not like that, they just want to go from combat to combat without any battling (grinding) but I am ok with it. And I just love building up my skill levels and the system of collecting pearls to raise my stats. It’s not new by any means, but have always enjoyed similar set ups. Like the Sphere Grid from FF X is one of my all time favorites character development.

Hobbun, I'm not as far as others here but if you need money, just sell everything. Even if a sub-quest pops up down the line you can always go back when you're overpowered and get them really easily. Plus, from what I've briefly read is that if a sub-quest requests something, generally the item drops nearby the location or is dropped during those parts of the main quest. So while you can get White Crystals now, take the cash and if there is a quest later for them... I can almost promise you'll get them really easy by being overpowered or they'll drop where the quest is. Another tip, I have is don't be too loose with your mana spending. The herbs are expensive so if you're dropping cash on those it almost a waste. I only use them on long dungeons between merchant spawns. Oh; and defend more... it reduces the damage you take hugely so you won't have to heal as often.

Maybe I will need to sell everything, at least everything not crafting related. I would still like to hold onto items I can craft with. I think it would be more worthwhile to use those items towards future weapons or armor than to get quick cash now. But I will sell the white crystal probably as I can’t use that for crafting.

I actually can’t even buy the mana herbs (the green leaf) right now. I’ve only found them in chests. So believe me, I am pretty stingy when using them. It’s only been in a boss fight, or one difficult enough to be considered as such.

I will keep in mind defending more often. What I’ve actually been doing lately in battles is having Beldran defend for the battle and Trisha do all the kills. But now that they are pretty much even, that’s probably going to change now.

Oh, and in regards to “needing the DLC to play the game”, I just don’t understand that. I look at what you get for the DLC and can only shake my head.

I know I’ve been expressing issues with coins, but I am still doing alright. And I would never download any DLC to give me money (not sure if any of it does) or download any of them for the pearls, especially with how many there are.

To me, part of playing the game is having the challenge of building up those pearls/coins. It’s very similar to those who buy money for gold/platinum in MMOs. Just something I can’t wrap my head around. So I passed on all the DLC and have no plans on buying any.

[PuppetSlave]

Later on, money stops being that big of a concern. Defending is key for survival, I agree.

Since you do level up skills by using them though I don't know if holding back there is all that good. But it has been a while since I could not just spend the cash to load up on new mana. So I guess in the beginning it could be prudent to not blast everything until cash becomes more prevalent.

[Impeccable]

I liked the slow start, maybe I phrased it wrong. I didn't like how slow the battles were in the beginning. One turn, one sub-turn, one character... I think maybe you should have started out with two characters or something. I just felt really bored and had to push myself to keep going, I wasn't sure it was going to get better. Luckily, I got my second sub-turn on the main guy just when I was about to hit breaking point.

And for me, when it comes to the crafting items, I pick a stat for all my characters that I want to buff the hell out of and focus on those. So for main guy, I focus on Defense and HP, Trisha, STR and luck. And the third guy, ALL speed.

If a craft item doesn't help those out or helps those out like +1, they are sell fodder to me.

[Hobbun]

Later on, money stops being that big of a concern. Defending is key for survival, I agree. Since you do level up skills by using them though I don't know if holding back there is all that good. But it has been a while since I could not just spend the cash to load up on new mana. So I guess in the beginning it could be prudent to not blast everything until cash becomes more prevalent.

I agree with this, and meant to address this in my post.

I don’t hold back on using skills in combat, as I want to build up my skill levels. But because of that, I do find myself having to visit the healer after every 1-2 combats and therefore spending my money on healing.

If I’m knocked pretty far down in HP and MP, it usually takes about 9 RC to fill up. A lot of times it’s not that much, but since I’m usually only getting 5-6 RC a combat, I find myself slowly draining funds.

But I just opened up a new area in attaining the raft. So hopefully funds will be a little more plentiful.

I liked the slow start, maybe I phrased it wrong. I didn't like how slow the battles were in the beginning. One turn, one sub-turn, one character... I think maybe you should have started out with two characters or something. I just felt really bored and had to push myself to keep going, I wasn't sure it was going to get better. Luckily, I got my second sub-turn on the main guy just when I was about to hit breaking point. And for me, when it comes to the crafting items, I pick a stat for all my characters that I want to buff the hell out of and focus on those. So for main guy, I focus on Defense and HP, Trisha, STR and luck. And the third guy, ALL speed. If a craft item doesn't help those out or helps those out like +1, they are sell fodder to me.

Yes I understand.

See, with me, I was ok with it. I just found the combats so fun and addicting it didn’t seem slow (for me). And since I was enjoying it so much, I came to expect (the one turn), so when I got another sub-turn, I was like “Wow, that’s great!” But each person is different.

That’s a good idea on the crafting, although I’ve always wanted my cake and eat it. I want all of my characters to have good stats. For example, with Trisha, her Defense and HP are way down, so when we get permanent stat boosting items, they go straight to her. Same with strength for my hero (I was surprised to find out Trisha has a higher strength than the hero, even at a level lower). Yes, maybe they won’t be as focused, or as strong, in their respective stats if I try to spread out the stats more, but that’s just always been my playstyle.

[Labadal]

I just got 750 Coins as a reward for starting with nothing.

[Hobbun]

Yeah, I heard about receiving that reward. I started on Hard and with nothing (although they do give you a Toy Sword). However, I haven’t gotten to that point in receiving the RC.

[barrin87]

I just started this game last night and am liking it at 20-30 minutes in. I started on Normal Adventurous. Does the game offer anything more for playing on Hard like more experience?

[krae_man]

What are the skill points for? I see my characters getting them sometimes on the level up, but have no idea what they do. You don't have to max all your stats (although it helps). In particular, the HP/MP upgrades are not that needed until post-game - at least, that was the developers' explanation on the official forums. And getting the pearls in post-game is reportedly much easier.

Good, those are the stats I'm leveling last. They seem to have the worst ROI anyway.


The thieves bailing is a total crock. Come back here with my pearl dammit!

[bryehn]

Love SRPGs, but having a tough time getting into this, it's just not very fun. Or strategic for that matter.

[Hobbun]

The thieves bailing is a total crock. Come back here with my pearl dammit!

Yeah, that was annoying the thieves running away. I lost a couple like that. Although it wasn’t too bad in regards to pearls, as I was only earning one from them. It was the xp, though, that I really lost quite a bit of.

I think the amount of pearls you receive is based on level. If the character who kills the enemy is lower level, I believe you get more. Otherwise, I believe it’s only one. Although I could be wrong on that.

Probably my biggest annoyance is enemies who target one character and only that character. They will chase them to the ends of the earth. It got to the point where I just had Trisha pulling the golem around the map while my hero killed ended up killing him.

[krae_man]

Yeah, that was annoying the thieves running away. I lost a couple like that. Although it wasn’t too bad in regards to pearls, as I was only earning one from them. It was the xp, though, that I really lost quite a bit of. I think the amount of pearls you receive is based on level. If the character who kills the enemy is lower level, I believe you get more. Otherwise, I believe it’s only one. Although I could be wrong on that. Probably my biggest annoyance is enemies who target one character and only that character. They will chase them to the ends of the earth. It got to the point where I just had Trisha pulling the golem around the map while my hero killed ended up killing him.

Yeah I have noticed that some of the enemies go right after the Archer. That was getting annoying for a while since she has such a limited attack range. I bought a knockback skill for her which knocks enemies back one square when they are right beside you and it only takes 1mp and it helps tremendously. You always seem to have to endure a bit of crap before you get a skill or ability to help with it.

[Neuromancer]

What's better this or Vandal Hearts: Flames of Judgement? Or are they not comparable?

[Hobbun]

Yeah I have noticed that some of the enemies go right after the Archer. That was getting annoying for a while since she has such a limited attack range. I bought a knockback skill for her which knocks enemies back one square when they are right beside you and it only takes 1mp and it helps tremendously. You always seem to have to endure a bit of crap before you get a skill or ability to help with it.

Oh yes, I saw that skill available. However, I didn’t have the funds to purchase it (still don’t). But I will pick it up eventually.

Does the skill take up a sub-turn? The reason I ask is because, unless I am backed against a wall, I can move one space back and achieve the same thing, and it's for free, I wouldn’t have to use the knockback skill. But if it doesn’t take up a sub-turn, it is definitely worthwhile as I can still get two shots off, or get one shot and defend, etc.

[krae_man]

Oh yes, I saw that skill available. However, I didn’t have the funds to purchase it (still don’t). But I will pick it up eventually. Does the skill take up a sub-turn? The reason I ask is because, unless I am backed against a wall, I can move one space back and achieve the same thing, and it's for free, I wouldn’t have to use the knockback skill. But if it doesn’t take up a sub-turn, it is definitely worthwhile as I can still get two shots off, or get one shot and defend, etc.

It does take up a sub turn, but it also hurts them more then a normal attack. So basically you can use the knock back and walk back one square if you want giving you the same separation as walking back two square while also getting one hit in. Or depending on the health of the enemy, you might be able to kill them with your second sub turn.

Also, make sure to walk into every dead end corner you see and press X. They all seem to have a few Rainbow Coins in them.

Edit: To the people complaining earlier that they can't see the stats of enemies. Upgrade the Xray skill. I used it till my MP was completely depleted a few times and leveled it up a ton and now I can see Enemy Level, Hit Points, Mana Points, Strength, and Defence.

[Hobbun]

Oh, ok, so it does do damage when you knock them back. From the impression I had at first, it just pushed them back. With that, it does make it worthwhile. Once I get the money for it, I will make sure to purchase the skill for Trisha.

Yes, I’ve tried searching all the nooks and corners on the map, and I agree, you can find your share of treasure at the dead ends.

[krae_man]

Only downside is the space behind them must be vacant in order to use it. Other then that it's a very handy spell.

[Hobbun]

I think that is a minor drawback (in the space having to be vacant) for how useful it does sound. What would be nice is if it crashed into the other enemy and they both got knocked back and took damage. :)

[toythatkills]

Yes, I’ve tried searching all the nooks and corners on the map, and I agree, you can find your share of treasure at the dead ends.

I've started so many random battles by mistake because I've been hugging the wall and a chime has played so I've pressed X before realising it was a battle and not a treasure

[Hobbun]

Yes, I’ve done that once. It’s why I always wait to see the question mark pop first before hitting the ‘X’ button.

[krae_man]

Some of the random battles disappear too quickly. It's like they only have a one pixel area.

[toythatkills]

Some of the random battles disappear too quickly. It's like they only have a one pixel area.

They disappear if another prompt overrides it, so if you walk near a person or a sign or a chest/bag or something.

[Labadal]

What's better this or Vandal Hearts: Flames of Judgement? Or are they not comparable?

They're very different, but I'd recommend VH: FoJ despite its awful graphical design.

[Hobbun]

Read a blog post (on Playstation.com) from one of the developers (SideQuest Studios). I will spoiler it as it could be info some may not want to know. Be forewarned, this could be considered a big spoiler in regards to end game content. So please highlight at your own risk:


for the main story, the level is capped to 80, but after defeating the final boss, you can level up to 150. But that’s not all, by doing endgame quests, you can raise your level cap up to 999! But be warned, an optional end game monster with unbelievable strength awaits you…:)

Ok, sounds like it has a LOT to do at the end. At least I hope so, as I don't want to just grind levels that long for the optional end boss.

[krae_man]

If you look at the trophies you can tell there's a crap ton of grinding. There's one for 100 hours of playtime and another for leveling your character to level 500.

[Hobbun]

Right, but I hope it isn’t just getting into battle after battle and truly grinding to get to max level. I hope there is also endgame content to do so. Extra dungeons, more quests, multiple bosses, etc. And it’s not 500, but 999.

[krae_man]

So where is everyone going first after you can leave the first island?

I went around and collected some items you could see while on the island but couldn't get to and found an island to the east with just a cave and a town. I'm going to check out this area first. The first enemy is level 10 so I'm grinding a little bit first. The battles are giving me more XP now finally so it feels like I'm accomplishing something.

[Hobbun]

That is right where I am at, as well. I just got my raft and was exploring the surrounding area outside of the beginning island and saw the island to the east.

I only landed, saved, and shut off the game. Haven’t had the opportunity to explore the island as of yet.

How many pearls are the enemies dropping in this area?

Both of my characters are 7th level.

[toythatkills]

How many pearls are the enemies dropping in this area?

Enemies pretty much drop one or two each for the entire game.

What's the biggest battle people have had? I had a random encounter pop up with 38 enemies, I was like, "er, no."

[Hobbun]

Ugh, was hoping more dropped later on. Oh well.

As for your question, the most I’ve ever had in combat was 17. 38? Wow. So is basically every square filled with an enemy?

[krae_man]

Enemies pretty much drop one or two each for the entire game. What's the biggest battle people have had? I had a random encounter pop up with 38 enemies, I was like, "er, no."

If they were mostly imps or other characters that can only move one space, It would be worth it for the pearls.

Edit: Is it just me or is experience even? My archer was 3 levels behind my main guy when I got her and I can't seem to catch her up. She's slowly gaining ground, but that's only because the amount of XP required to level keeps growing.

[toythatkills]

Ugh, was hoping more dropped later on. Oh well. As for your question, the most I’ve ever had in combat was 17. 38? Wow. So is basically every square filled with an enemy?

Pretty much the entire opposition half, yeah. I didn't fight the 38 but I fought a 36 (to get to a chest behind it) and it took ages :lol

The contents of the chest were NOT worth it.

If they were mostly imps or other characters that can only move one space, It would be worth it for the pearls.

Nah, this was pretty late on, so everything was quite strong.