SaGa Series Discussion

[zwanzig_zwoelf]

There's only one thing I can see really causing this, and it's not researching in the right kind of healing spells.

Eh, it's not just that -- certain spells (or lack thereof) can make or break certain battles and the final boss will put everything you've accomplished and learned to the test.

It is truly remarkable how you can blow through multiple campaigns of these games in a row like you do. I get burnt out after a single lengthy one and have to take a long break between playthroughs usually. Emerald Beyond is a little different, but I've got nearly 20 hours into Siugnas' campagin, still have at least 3 main quest worlds to get through, and can't imagine wanting to dive right into another having explored the majority of the 17 worlds in this playthrough. This will be a 25-30 hour playthrough, at least.

I enjoy it a lot and it's a very smooth ride for me, partially due to my experience with prior games.

The campaigns are generally shorter on the first run, but I wonder how the second will differ in all of them, plus I keep encountering new worlds as I poke around with new characters.

There are also fewer moments where the game becomes a drag compared to Scarlet Grace. As much as I don't like the Delta Base on subsequent runs, certain provinces and scenarios in SG dragged like crazy.

 

[Jinn]

Eh, it's not just that -- certain spells (or lack thereof) can make or break certain battles and the final boss will put everything you've accomplished and learned to the test.

I mean, yeah, when it really comes down to it, smart and efficient spell research is kind of what will make or break a run, but not until the final battle. But while you can end up pretty naturally with most offensive spells you'll need to deal with certain situations, healing is really what you'll need, especially in those final battles. I would say any JRPG worth its salt is going to throw an incredibly difficult final battle at you, but the difference in RS2 is that you can't grind your way out of the situation if you fuck up essential spell research throughout the game. I would say most everything else in a given playthrough - while challenging at times - is surmountable besides that final battle, keeping all this in mind.

 

[n0wh3r3]

So: should I buy Emerald Beyond?

 

[zwanzig_zwoelf]

Finished one run per each character. The game gets progressively easier since equipment carries over along with stats and skill levels, but you can tweak that or avoid using powerful equipment if you want more challenge.

Started a second run as Ameya Aisling with BR carryover to up the challenge. Judging by Kawazu's tweets, BR carryover is recommended on second runs per character if you want a challenge.

Overall? Easily my GOTY 2024.

Eager to check how the second runs are going to differ from each other.

So: should I buy Emerald Beyond?

I'd say yes. This game is a massive improvement over Scarlet Grace in terms of gameplay, but the exploration can get pretty linear within each world. On the bright side, usually, you have a choice on which world to tackle.

 

[zwanzig_zwoelf]

OK, this is interesting.

Started a second loop as Ameya Aisling and encountered the following:

1. The game skips most of the intro.
2. You get access to more worlds as soon as you enter the Junction.
3. I entered a world I never encountered during my first playthroughs as 5 characters.

 

[n0wh3r3]

Finished one run per each character. The game gets progressively easier since equipment carries over along with stats and skill levels, but you can tweak that or avoid using powerful equipment if you want more challenge.

Started a second run as Ameya Aisling with BR carryover to up the challenge. Judging by Kawazu's tweets, BR carryover is recommended on second runs per character if you want a challenge.

Overall? Easily my GOTY 2024.

Eager to check how the second runs are going to differ from each other.

So: should I buy Emerald Beyond?

I'd say yes. This game is a massive improvement over Scarlet Grace in terms of gameplay, but the exploration can get pretty linear within each world. On the bright side, usually, you have a choice on which world to tackle.

I'll be sure to get it soon then.

In the meantime I'm starting a run on Romancing Saga 1 for the SNES (the original Minstrel Song). Has anyone played it?

 

[wolfbane]

In the meantime I'm starting a run on Romancing Saga 1 for the SNES (the original Minstrel Song). Has anyone played it?

Yes, I posted about it just a few posts up. But basically I really enjoyed what I played (which was admittedly limited). Apparently there’s some game breaking bugs near the end? That’s what I recall hearing but when I tried googling it recently, I didn’t find anything.

It’s a very charming game though.