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[preta]

Yeah, that's bad. That's really bad. Jesus Christ...

The Evo soundtracks aren't without their occasional standouts, but I wouldn't put a single one of them above the original version overall. Even a lot of the arrangements I do like still don't fit the context as well as the original, like this one or this one. (And let us not even speak of Ancient Pulsation or Demonic Drive.)

Ao Evo committed two musical crimes that were far worse than the quality of its arrangements (I consider it to be the best of the Evo soundtracks) - first, a new opening theme based off of the miniboss theme was added, pushing the old opening theme to the ending (with a fitting new arrangement) and cutting off over half of the incredible old ending theme. Second, where original Ao used six tracks from Zero's Super Arrange album, Ao Evo simply uses the Zero Evo versions, with one exception where there's a brand new arrangement.

 

[sorathecrow]

Usually I'm very frustrated when the west doesn't get something, like the Final Mixes for Kingdom Hearts for the longest time. But I haven't shed any tears over the Evos. The new art just utterly sucks out all of the personality from the characters and the music is terrible.

Just look at her:

She's dead, they killed her and replaced her with a suspiciously similar but more generic-looking synth.

 

[preta]

Usually I'm very frustrated when the west doesn't get something, like the Final Mixes for Kingdom Hearts for the longest time. But I haven't shed any tears over the Evos. The new art just utterly sucks out all of the personality from the characters and the music is terrible.

Just look at her:

She's dead, they killed her and replaced her with a suspiciously similar but more generic-looking synth.

Really, the only worthwhile thing from the Evos is the voice acting, which is very good for the most part. And it's been proven to be possible to patch that into the PC versions, though it'll be a lot of work and no complete patch is even close to existing yet.

 

[sorathecrow]

Really, the only worthwhile thing from the Evos is the voice acting, which is very good for the most part. And it's been proven to be possible to patch that into the PC versions, though it'll be a lot of work and no complete patch is even close to existing yet.

That's probably the most significant thing it brought to the table. But at this point I probably wouldn't even use it, since I've developed internal voices for all the characters anyway.

 

[Thud]

That's probably the most significant thing it brought to the table. But at this point I probably wouldn't even use it, since I've developed internal voices for all the characters anyway.

There are voiced lines inside and outside battle, just not fully voiced like in evo.

 

[sorathecrow]

There are voiced lines inside and outside battle, just not fully voiced like in evo.

Yeah, I know. I mean, aside from that I already developed my own "internal" voices for the characters just from reading their lines.

 

[PK Gaming]

Usually I'm very frustrated when the west doesn't get something, like the Final Mixes for Kingdom Hearts for the longest time. But I haven't shed any tears over the Evos. The new art just utterly sucks out all of the personality from the characters and the music is terrible.

Just look at her:

She's dead, they killed her and replaced her with a suspiciously similar but more generic-looking synth.

Yeah, you can almost feel the life being sucked out of her

Also shoutouts to this:

What an amazing thing they did to their star character. 10/10 remake

 

[BassForever]

My fear for a cs1/2 ps4 port is that falcom would add more gameplay/story content (visit to rean's hometown is playable) but not voice more of the game like xseed did leading to some weird dilemma over which version is better.

 

[RiouV]

I can't wait to hear the CS Evolution soundtrack!

 

[Squire]

My fear for a cs1/2 ps4 port is that falcom would add more gameplay/story content (visit to rean's hometown is playable) but not voice more of the game like xseed did leading to some weird dilemma over which version is better.

Since the PC port executable for CS is called "ed8", my guess is they would just take that code and run it on PS4 (and repeat the process for CS2, respectively.)

That said, would anyone really be remiss at missing playable hot springs stuff? I kinda think (CS1/2)

Spoiler

seeing Rean's hometown in the beginning of CS2

works better, plus (SC)

Spoiler

Bleublanc is the lamest enforce without even really thinking about it. If it wasn't for Sharon being as great as she is

, the Erebonia games would've really drawn the short stick in that regard, so far.

 

[sorathecrow]

Yeah, you can almost feel the life being sucked out of her

Also shoutouts to this:

What an amazing thing they did to their star character. 10/10 remake

I mean, that scene happens in the game, but making a CG for it takes it from being cute and surprisingly tame to being played unfortunately straight.

 

[ResourcefulStar]

I mean, that scene happens in the game, but making a CG for it takes it from being cute and surprisingly tame to being played unfortunately straight.

In the original, the focus is on Joshua's chest. Estelle is the point of view character after all.

 

[Scrooge McDuck]

That said, would anyone really be remiss at missing playable hot springs stuff? I kinda think (CS1/2)

Spoiler

seeing Rean's hometown in the beginning of CS2

works better, plus (SC)

Spoiler

Bleublanc is the lamest enforce without even really thinking about it. If it wasn't for Sharon being as great as she is

, the Erebonia games would've really drawn the short stick in that regard, so far.

[CS1]

Spoiler

I don't care about the hot spring stuff, but I think the conversation with Angelica, at least, deserves to be a cutscene instead of just narrated pictures. The visit to the Valframe Palace before the Ymir trip should also be explorable because what we got is really unsatisfactory.

Also, I am not the only one who need the Class VII concert to actually have singing, aren't I? I mean, I was really really excited by the prospect of hearing Jusis and Machias singing a duet. Then I was devastated.

 

[Palette Swap]

On the Evo games (at least Sora), I'd say they're worth playing if you've already experienced the game. The original music is available as DLC, so the sucky parts that remain are the maimed designs and the hilariously broken combat.

On the flipside, there are QoL improvements (although PC is now catching up with Turbo mode), a lot of voice acting, and a more visually pleasing (IMO) engine. They shouldn't be anyone's first exposure, but some story scenes are pretty cool.

I got the chapter 3 prologue scene the other day

Spoiler

where Agate and Loewe meet and fight for the first time, that was really nice.

 

[CrimsonFist]

CS2 spoilers: http://dengekionline.com/elem/000/001/572/1572228/ CS 3 previews showing

Spoiler

Azure Siegfried, Roselia, Vita and Rutger.

 

[Oreiller]

Also shoutouts to this:

What an amazing thing they did to their star character. 10/10 remake

Why would you do that to Bestelle? And to think it was one of the rare respectful scenes of its kind. Urgh.

____

In today's edition of "Let's pointlessly analyse some data that doesn't mean much", I've discovered the existence of Steamcharts which analyses the number of concurrent players for a particular game on Steam. One of its key feature is to provide the peak of concurrent players for a game, which I find way too fascinating for my own good.

Trails in the Sky FC has an all-time peak of 2,011 players, which occured shortly after its release. Its highest monthly average is of 609 concurrent players in the month after its release. Its average had a +182.38% increase in the month when SC released, and a +57.41% increase when The 3rd released.

Trails in the Sky SC has an all-time peak of 820 players. Its highest monthly average is of 326 concurrent players in the month of its release. Its average had a +58.28 increase when The 3rd released.
Those numbers are to be expected since it's a direct sequel but it's still a significant decrease overall.

Trails in the Sky: The Third has an all-time peak of 868 players. Its highest monthly average is of 287 concurrent players in the month of its release.
Its numbers are pretty similar to SC all things considered. Its monthly averages are lower than SC but then again, it's to be expected. Overall, those numbers don't paint a significant decrease compared to SC.

Trails of Cold Steel has an all-time peak of 1,601 concurrent players.
While it's too early to have a clear picture, it seems that Cold Steel is selling faster than both SC and The 3rd but slightly slower than FC. I dunno, there may be more factors at play.

 

[strifev1]

Since the PC port executable for CS is called "ed8", my guess is they would just take that code and run it on PS4 (and repeat the process for CS2, respectively.)

Xseed would have to reprogram the PC port since it runs on DX11 and the PS4 isn't compatible with DX11.
BUT since it's Falcom asking for feedback, I'd assume they'd make the ports (or get another Japanese dev port it) using the PS3 version of the game, then Xseed could use that PS4 port and inject their finished localization and added VO into it and publish in NA.

 

[Ascheroth]

Xseed would have to reprogram the PC port since it runs on DX11 and the PS4 isn't compatible with DX11.
BUT since it's Falcom asking for feedback, I'd assume they'd make the ports (or get another Japanese dev port it) using the PS3 version of the game, then Xseed could use that PS4 port and inject their finished localization and added VO into it and publish in NA.

So basically you'd have

with the PS4 version potentially having additional content/changes?
Or would the PS4 port more likely just be a straight port with some extra graphical bells and whistles?

Edit: and here I made a fancy ASCII graphic but posting broke it <.< Have a screenshot of it then...

 

[Mivey]

Xseed would have to reprogram the PC port since it runs on DX11 and the PS4 isn't compatible with DX11.
BUT since it's Falcom asking for feedback, I'd assume they'd make the ports (or get another Japanese dev port it) using the PS3 version of the game, then Xseed could use that PS4 port and inject their finished localization and added VO into it and publish in NA.

The game still has a functioning OpenGL renderer. That was the one Durante "replaced" with DX11, but the code is surely still around. If you cap it at 30 FPS, it would probably run quite okayish too. I think the bigger issue is that XSeed right now, has no one who has experience with PS4 ports, nor access to devkits. So they would have to hire someone and get registered as a PS4 dev ( which might cost quite a bit?)

 

[Marche90]

The game still has a functioning OpenGL renderer. That was the one Durante "replaced" with DX11, but the code is surely still around. If you cap it at 30 FPS, it would probably run quite okayish too. I think the bigger issue is that XSeed right now, has no one who has experience with PS4 ports, nor access to devkits. So they would have to hire someone and get registered as a PS4 dev ( which might cost quite a bit?)

Don't the CS games run on PhyreEngine? You know, the one made by Sony? Pretty sure it's bound to have a renderer made to run on PS4

 

[Eylos]

Which Engine they use for PS4? If its an updated version of this Engine maybe they can import?

 

[Oreiller]

Which Engine they use for PS4? If its an updated version of this Engine maybe they can import?

I think both versions of Tokyo Xanadu run on an updated Cold Steel engine but I don't think we have concrete info available on this.
Ys 8 runs on an updated version of the engine used for Celceta, according to an interview with Kondo from last year. At least, the Vita version does.

 

[sandpiper]

Sen 3 scans for this week's Dengeki are out and about.

Boy, that

Spoiler

Vita.

 

[Kalor]

Everytime it seems like we know the general scope of the game, another Dengeki issue comes out and blows a bunch of ideas out of the water.

 

[fuzaco]

If anything, it will be CS Evo with new art, music, fanservice and will never come out in english. I doubt Falcom has the manpower to work on a port inhouse.

 

[CrimsonFist]

We have a better idea of the structure now. Back to field trips, but with the entire campus coming along aboard the Derfflinger. Guess we don't know how often, if ever, they return to the main campus though.

 

[SatelliteOfLove]

In the original, the focus is on Joshua's chest. Estelle is the point of view character after all.

Another good point.

 

[Psxphile]

BUT since it's Falcom asking for feedback, I'd assume they'd make the ports (or get another Japanese dev port it) using the PS3 version of the game, then Xseed could use that PS4 port and inject their finished localization and added VO into it and publish in NA.

Per their relationship it'd still be Falcom who would have to do this. On the plus side they have license to take Xseed's english dub (and text I guess) and make any potential CSI+II remasters dual-audio affairs.

 

[Jiraiza]

What's with the change in artists between games, anyway? At this point, I think my favorite artist so far is the one who did the Crossbell games. Where did he go!?

 

[Nyoro SF]

What's with the change in artists between games, anyway? At this point, I think my favorite artist so far is the one who did the Crossbell games. Where did he go!?

Enami Katsumi.

No one knows why he was dropped. I agree that his art was the best. However I feel a bit sad that the characters in Crossbell don't have as many expressions as Sky characters did. I feel like Falcom forgot that highly expressive portraits were one of the hidden keys to Sky's enduring popularity.

 

[Aters]

Huh, so Ice Maiden is still in the game. Wonder how they are gonna handle her since her VA passed away.

 

[Thud]

I think the styles fit the arcs, but not all characters. Some character spoilers.

Estelle

Spoiler

Looks great in Tits and good in Zero-Azure.

Joshua

Spoiler

Great in tits, especially his newfound expressions. Looks like a total loser in Zero-Azure. I'm sorry, but something went wrong here.

Olivier

Spoiler

He looks amazing across all his featured games. My favorite would be from Cold Steel II.

 

[hosannainexcelsis]

Enami Katsumi.

No one knows why he was dropped. I agree that his art was the best. However I feel a bit sad that the characters in Crossbell don't have as many expressions as Sky characters did. I feel like Falcom forgot that highly expressive portraits were one of the hidden keys to Sky's enduring popularity.

Expressive character art can be more effective in conveying characterization than more technically polished but bland art. I like to point to the difference between Ryukishi07's clumsy but emotionally raw art for Umineko's original PC version and the much cleaner but less powerful art in Alchemist's PS3 Umineko port.

I would rather get multiple expressions, since as you say, there's no substitute for the power of an unexpected face, such as Joshua's expressions in the final scenes of FC.

 

[RiouV]

Personally I'm not a big fan of Enami Katsumi's art style. On its own, it's fine. But when compared to the works that came before, I felt it was a downgrade. I especially didn't like his take on Joshua and Kevin. He did the art for Ys Seven too I think, and I wasn't a big fan of that either. Anyway I thought the art for CS was a big improvement over the Crossbell games.

 

[Tonton]

Yeah Enami's art is great but Zero was lacking in portraits compared to Sky

Although since they don't even use portraits anymore I wouldn't mind Enami coming back

Personally I'm not a big fan of Enami Katsumi's art style. On its own, it's fine. But when compared to the works that came before, I felt it was a downgrade. I especially didn't like his take on Joshua and Kevin. He did the art for Ys Seven too I think, and I wasn't a big fan of that either. Anyway I thought the art for CS was a big improvement over the Crossbell games.

While I do quite like his style I gotta say I'm not a fan of his Estelle, Joshua or Dogi lol
They just feel very off

 

[Nabae]

Sen 3 scans for this week's Dengeki are out and about.

Can't tell if that's a single weird belt or actually multiple belts on

Spoiler

Crow(?)'s new design.

I don't dislike it though.

Wait.. why the hell am I still looking at these when I haven't even finished CS yet?

 

[Erheller]

Can't tell if that's a single weird belt or actually multiple belts on

Spoiler

Crow(?)'s new design.

I don't dislike it though.

Wait.. why the hell am I still looking at these when I haven't even finished CS yet?

Finish CS and CS2 you dweeb

 

[Oreiller]

Wait.. why the hell am I still looking at these when I haven't even finished CS yet?

I have finished both games and I'm wondering the same thing. I feel I won't be able to avoid being totally spoiled before it gets localized.

 

[Thud]

Yeah Kevin looked a bit too round in the Crossbell artstyle .

Still better than evo redesigns. What they did with fast crafts man is a sin.

 

[Dragoon En Regalia]

Enami's portraits in Seven are better and more expressive than what he drew for Zero, but I like his style overall and would prefer that to what we've gotten for Sen III/Tokyo Xanadu. But I'd love to see Minako Iwasaki or the older Sky portrait artists make a comeback if possible, let alone the Brandish TDR artist who's simply underrated (and unknown).

Please do not confuse the new character in Ao (done by Celceta's illustrator) with Enami.

 

[jb1234]

Fifteen hours into 3rd. I think this is my favorite Trails game so far. I was disappointed by the end of SC because the game was far longer than it needed to be (thanks to padding, rehash and HP sponge bosses). 3rd still has some of that but it's paced much better. And after three games, having all these people around really does feel like a big, warm fuzzy family (even the ones who dislike each other, haha).

(I also wasn't expecting the game to get as deep into character backstory and filling the gaps between SC and 3rd as much as the doors have. It's been great. I get to see the second half of Moon Door 1 tonight and I'm pretty excited about it. Poor Agate.)

 

[Thud]

Fifteen hours into 3rd. I think this is my favorite Trails game so far. I was disappointed by the end of SC because the game was far longer than it needed to be (thanks to padding, rehash and HP sponge bosses). 3rd still has some of that but it's paced much better. And after three games, having all these people around really does feel like a big, warm fuzzy family (even the ones who dislike each other, haha).

(I also wasn't expecting the game to get as deep into character backstory and filling the gaps between SC and 3rd as much as the doors have. It's been great. I get to see the second half of Moon Door 1 tonight and I'm pretty excited about it. Poor Agate.)

Erika is already planning the ultimate deathmachine for Agate's return after the events in Sen III.

This guy will never know what hit him.

 

[sorathecrow]

So I finally finished chapter 6 of SC. Man, I've been waiting for that moment for a long time.

EDIT: *Checks when this video was uploaded* About 9 years, in fact!

 

[SatelliteOfLove]

Enami Katsumi.

No one knows why he was dropped. I agree that his art was the best. However I feel a bit sad that the characters in Crossbell don't have as many expressions as Sky characters did. I feel like Falcom forgot that highly expressive portraits were one of the hidden keys to Sky's enduring popularity.

I wonder who did this:

I love the use of lines in this, cuz this has a ton of distinction and texture.

So I finally finished chapter 6 of SC. Man, I've been waiting for that moment for a long time.

EDIT: *Checks when this video was uploaded* About 9 years, in fact!

Bless that Tuber for putting those up (I think someone else from that time also has Kiseki music real high too).

 

[sorathecrow]

Bless that Tuber for putting those up (I think someone else from that time also has Kiseki music real high too).

Indeed, because of that I was more familiar with the soundtrack of the series than the actual series itself. In fact, I didn't even realize FC had been released until a year or two after it came out in the West.

 

[Jiraiza]

So I finally finished chapter 6 of SC. Man, I've been waiting for that moment for a long time.

EDIT: *Checks when this video was uploaded* About 9 years, in fact!

The song that kicks in when people stop holding back.

 

[DXLelouch153]

how fast do NG+ runs go for Zero No Kiseki?
on final chapter and not having max DP for Ao transfer angers me

 

[Shake Appeal]

So, massive Trails 3rd spoilers:

Spoiler

I had long since guessed who the Lord of Phantasma was, and I assumed Kevin was responsible for everything that was happening, but holy heck that got dark in a hurry.

 

[Pellegri Testament]

So, massive Trails 3rd spoilers:

Spoiler

I had long since guessed who the Lord of Phantasma was, and I assumed Kevin was responsible for everything that was happening, but holy heck that got dark in a hurry.

Yep, 3rd does not screw around with dark scenes. The entire

Spoiler

Lord of Phantasma reveal/Gehenna is dark and then there's Star door 15, which well....buckle up, because it's probably the darkest scene I've seen in a game.

 

[PK Gaming]

Oh oh God I wish these were translated

I fee like i'm missing an integral part of Cold Steel