Skies of Arcadia is damn frustrating. [Archive]

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NoahsMyBro

01-03-2005, 12:45 AM

So I decided I wanted to spend some time this weekend finishing Skies of Arcadia, a game I bought 2 or 3 years ago, and never finished.

I've spent a lot of time this weekend on the game, watched zero football today, and am now very frustrated.

I'm pretty sure I'm at the end of the game. 3 or 4 hours ago I encountered the evil villain of the game, and became embroiled in an epic battle that I thought would be the game ender. When I finally defeated the guy, after a very long, draining battle, he conveniently escaped in his craft. I had to chase him down and fight him again.

Next, re-run the same basic sequence. After defeating him this time, his henchman/assistant gets pissed, and I have to involve myself in yet another epic battle defeating him.

Finally I beat him and think it's finally over.
NOPE.
This guy, after losing, kills himself and triggers some death star-like thing that I now have to battle.

Throughout this whole sequence I think I've had one opportunity to save. If I shut off the DC I need to go through all of it again, since the last save about 2.5 hours ago. If I leave the DC running until tomorrow evening, i have no doubt I'll kill the drive.

And now, after several hours of this, the Death Star just defeated me. I was given the opportunity to retry the battle, but I'm pretty sure I don't get back all of the healing/repair consumables I used during the previous battle.

The game wasn't bad, though it's not my cup of tea (first RPG I've palyed), until this stupidly tedious end sequence. Now it's just an ordeal to trudge through until the end. And considering the way people often rave about ending sequences, I dont' want to quit now. Especially considering I've got nearly 100 hours logged on this so far.

Just had to vent. Now I need to go back to the grindstone and get this over with.

Dahne

01-03-2005, 01:16 AM

Well, it's standard procedure for an RPG to have several boss fights at the end. Usually it's just the one boss changing forms a half-dozen times. Heck, the last boss of Dragon Warrior VII progresses through four stages of melting.

Joelius

01-03-2005, 01:24 AM

oh jeepers, now ya ruined the endings in both games for me...but in all honesty, welcome to the standard RPG realm endings.

Melf

01-03-2005, 01:42 AM

Yeah, that last battle sequence pissed me off. I spent about 2 more hourse leveling up and got through it. I love me some Skies of Arcadia but I'm not too keen on doing that battle again.

NoahsMyBro

01-03-2005, 02:34 AM

Well, finally, at nearly 2:30am I've finished SoA, and watched the ending credits.

Whoopee. Yay.

Yawn.

For many years I didn't understand the fuss regarding RPGs. Then my roommate got FF7 on the Playstation, and I watched him play occasionally. I didn't get the point, or understand what made the game fun, but the visuals were certainly pretty.

So when SoA came out and was as hyped as it was, I resolved to finally give the genre a chance. After all, there had to be some reason so many people liked them, right? And this was one with so much praise, it was probably a good one to try.

Well, now I know. I just don't really like the genre. But I've palyed it through to the end, and just like some other one-time experiences in my life, I'm glad I did it, but I won't do it again.

Blech.

SoulBlazer

01-03-2005, 03:10 AM

Just not the best game to try to get hooked on RPG's with. :D

I bought Skies of Arcadia Legends for the GC when it came out, got bored with it, sold it....never finished it.

If you want a game like that, check out Star Ocean 3 for the PS2 or Baten Kaitos for the GC.

AB Positive

01-03-2005, 09:12 AM

Ick... Skies is not good on the GCN. You miss out on all the VMU goodness and other such stuff, I know they added some stuff on the gamecube it still didn't feel right to me.

If you didn't enjoy SoA, which is one of my top three RPG games ever, then I would venture a guess that RPGs aren't for you. I might suggest the Nippon Ichi games (disgaea/La Pucelle/Phantom Brave) to see if maybe the strategy-RPG mix would work for you, but otherwise it's probably just not your thing. *shrugs*

-AG

vulcanjedi

01-03-2005, 09:50 AM

Greetings programs.

Skies has been the only game I have finished on the DC and that ending sequence was really tough. After putting 78 hours into the game I wasn't about to give up. But for me the end took nearly 3 and a half hours and all without a save spot.

I think there was only 2 other places in the entire game where it was almost 2 hours between save spots.

Seems like there was something missing. Like I never really got into the ship crew building and all that. The VMU stuff was kind of cool though.

Worth it though. It was the most emotional game I had played since Panzer Dragoon Saga. There was another thread a few weeks back about games that made you cry and I had totally forgotten about this one.

:)
VJ

Sylentwulf

01-03-2005, 11:09 AM

Lady Jaye

01-03-2005, 11:43 AM

I do think that you may want to try the strategy RPG... give a try to, say, FF Tactics... maybe you'll like that better.

Then again, it depends. Ever played WarCraft/StarCraft? If you don't like either (or suck at them), then strategy RPGs aren't likely to be your cup of tea either (tactical RPGs are like a cross between traditional RPGs and RTS).

NoahsMyBro

01-03-2005, 12:25 PM

I haven't tried any of the above. I did try MOO2, and thoguht it looked terrific, but I never found the time to give it a fair try.

My problems with RPGs, as I see it, are that there's no real incentive or motivation to succeed. It's pretty hard to die, and if you die, you just resume, with no real penalty.

The whole thing feels like just pressing buttons to slog through a story. If the story is the point, why bother with a superficial game overlaid on top? Just get Dreamworks or Pixar to animate the thing and throw it on a DVD.

Clearly I don't 'get it'.

Are the tactical RPGs substantially different than what I describe here?

Lady Jaye

01-03-2005, 12:36 PM

Tactical RPGs are closer in spirit to real-time strategy games (RTS) in that you usually command bigger parties and that more emphasis in put in fights than in traditional RPGs.

I suggest that you find the ROM for Ogre Battle for the SNES, perhaps the most famous tactical RPG out there, and give it a try.

And among the RPGs, you have to remember that computer RPGs are closer to the traditional D&D spirit than console RPGs. You may very well dislike console RPGs and yet love games like Baldur's Gate and Neverwinter Nights.

Daria

01-03-2005, 01:14 PM

My problems with RPGs, as I see it, are that there's no real incentive or motivation to succeed. It's pretty hard to die, and if you die, you just resume, with no real penalty.

Are the tactical RPGs substantially different than what I describe here?

Well depends on the game. In Shining Force you can easily ressurect your party should you die, and dying yourself only reduces your gold stah and never results in game over. In fact since you keep your experience in tacked sometimes it's just easier to "let yourself die" should you decide you want to replay the battle at the last moment.

Somethings like Tactics Ogre however, dying becomes a bitch and an event that's hard to avoid. Troops killed are gone forever unless you have a priest or something with you at the time. And you don't get one of those until later into the game. The games hard and it might be just what you're looking for in an RPG.

Also if you feel traditional RPGs are lacking in the gameplay department you may want to stick to Action RPGs and, as been sugested, tactical. Since these games tend to revolve around their battle systems rather then a complex storyline (not that they can't have one) they tend to be more fun to play.

Alundra's supposed to be very hard with engaging puzzles.

Also I wouldn't let your experiences with Skies and Final Fantasy 7 sour your taste for RPGs. As much as I like Skies the only innovative feature of the game is it's ship battles, and the storyline's, while acted out by a likable and charming cast, isn't something you don't see often. And of course FF7 is nothing if not mediocre.

If you're not oppsed to the 8-bit era of gaming you might actually want to look into some old NES RPGs to get you started. It's much easier to find a really hard NES RPG and of course, they couldn't exactly focus completely on story at the time.

Something like Star Tropics, Crystalis, or Dragon Warrior 4 maybe.

NoahsMyBro

01-03-2005, 01:27 PM

Actually I never played FF7, just watched, without even understanding the play mechanics. My only exposure to it is that it looked really nice.

As for 8-bit gaming, that's all good too.

I'll defnitely consider the suggestions you guys have offered. Feel free to throw out others if you think of them.

slip81

01-03-2005, 02:29 PM

Alundra's supposed to be very hard with engaging puzzles.

You got that right. Actually it's not all that hard, some of the puzzles can be fairly hard, but not frustraiting, which is good. Alundra is definately a thinking man's action/RPG.

Try out FFIII on the SNES or one one of the PSX compileations, definately one of the best RPG's IMO, and it's got a great balance, not too hard, not too easy, and the gameplay is great, yeah you can get through a lot of the battles with simple button pressing, but you can work through them strategically as well if you choose, and the story is really good.

Also you might want to try Chrono Trigger, as it's more of an action/RPG like Zelda.

Xenogears is good, and the battles are interesting because they are not simple "press x button and forget" affairs, you can impliment multiple button presses to pull off combos, and fight with giant mechs, but some of the automated sequences tend to be failry long and drag.

-hellvin-

01-03-2005, 02:41 PM

Well, I don't think you picked the best starting rpg ever. From what I've heard it is kinda frustrating with a LOT of random battles. I still want to try it some day though. I remember watching my friend Nez do the final battle against that guy and then the deathstar....almost fell asleep during the whole thing. Now, Shadow Hearts: Covenant, there's an amazing rpg. Best ps2 rpg I've played easily. Funny, quite entertaining, great combo system, and sometimes fairly challanging but not absurdly.

DynastyLawyer

01-03-2005, 03:42 PM

The game wasn't bad, though it's not my cup of tea (first RPG I've palyed), until this stupidly tedious end sequence. Now it's just an ordeal to trudge through until the end. And considering the way people often rave about ending sequences, I dont' want to quit now. Especially considering I've got nearly 100 hours logged on this so far.

You picked one killer of an RPG to start on. I'd argue the entire "gameplay" of the game was tedious. If the ending was your breaking point, so be it. I think mine was flying through whirlwinds and getting into a million random battles. Still, hopefully you found the story worthwhile, as the game had a good one, and don't let that be considered the barometer for all RPGs. If you're looking for another game in that neighborhood, I'd say Grandia II, but the common theme of all these replies is: "Don't Judge RPGs based on THAT game."

izret101

01-03-2005, 03:48 PM

I kinda forgot i was in the middle of this game. I don't thnk it is that bad i have played much worse RPGs but final bosses are usually a pain in the ass.

I was still on the first disc though. I should play that again this weekend.
Thanks for the reminder! :D

Dahne

01-03-2005, 03:50 PM

You might consider something with more action-y battles, like the Tales series (of Destiny, of Symphonia, of Eternia, etc.) or the aforementioned Star Ocean.

kainemaxwell

01-03-2005, 03:55 PM

Lord Contaminous

01-03-2005, 04:30 PM

I literally fell asleep on Skies of Arcadia. That's all I gotta say.

Sylentwulf

01-03-2005, 04:52 PM

Alundra's supposed to be very hard with engaging puzzles.

You got that right. Actually it's not all that hard, some of the puzzles can be fairly hard, but not frustraiting, which is good. Alundra is definately a thinking man's action/RPG.

Alundra = Only RPG I've ever returned
If you consider horrible jumping onto tiny platforms with no control a thinking mans RPG..... well..... I dunno...... you shouldn't.....

izret101

01-03-2005, 05:06 PM

You might consider something with more action-y battles, like the Tales series (of Destiny, of Symphonia, of Eternia, etc.) or the aforementioned Star Ocean.

Tales of Symphonia is fun too. Battles are not turnbased and it is almost fighter style. I liked it.

izret101

01-03-2005, 05:07 PM

I literally fell asleep on Skies of Arcadia. That's all I gotta say.
I have fallen asleep during many a gaming sesion. RPGs Shooters Fighters anything. Just depends on how late i have been up :D

SoulBlazer

01-03-2005, 05:18 PM

Hey, I LOVE RPG's and play almost all of them -- but Skies bored me to tears. But it's also a matter of personal taste. Still, I agree that Skies is not the best game to start with a RPG. I'd pick one of the 'easier' games like a Final Fantasy, Xenosaga, or a Wild Arms.

Morrowind for the PC and XBox is also a wonderfully rich and detailed game with tons to do and a real challenge.

jdc

01-03-2005, 05:43 PM

Skies isn't exactly the greatest RPG to cut your teeth on. You need something more basic without the extra stuff like ship battles.

Give another one a go.

Lord Contaminous

01-03-2005, 06:22 PM

Something just clicked....

I'm surprised no one's mentioned Lufia 2: Rise of the Sinistrals.

That RPG creates brain hemmorages.

izret101

01-03-2005, 06:28 PM

Something just clicked....

I'm surprised no one's mentioned Lufia 2: Rise of the Sinistrals.

That RPG creates brain hemmorages.

How so?
I loved it.
I don't want to hear anyone say it is hard either i was like 9 the first time i beat it.
I will always remember that tile puzzle though. It took my probably 30 min- 1 hour to figure it out.
But once i did i couldn't believe how simple it really was.

Daria

01-03-2005, 11:01 PM

Alundra's supposed to be very hard with engaging puzzles.

You got that right. Actually it's not all that hard, some of the puzzles can be fairly hard, but not frustraiting, which is good. Alundra is definately a thinking man's action/RPG.

Alundra = Only RPG I've ever returned
If you consider horrible jumping onto tiny platforms with no control a thinking mans RPG..... well..... I dunno...... you shouldn't.....

Well don't you just suck.

(:

Seriously though it's the puzzles that required thought not the jumping, which were a lot easier then the isometric leaps of faith from LandStalker.

Anyway it's on of my favorite RPGs. So yeah. It's good and stuff. :P

drewbrim

01-03-2005, 11:16 PM

I'm suprised by the number of people on here that disliked SOA. It's personally one of my favorites, especially of the newer systems. Turn based rpg with a little strategy rpg mixed in, what's not to love?

I admit some of the ship battles took to long, but I can't recall any part of the game being to difficult to the point of frustration. Also I only logged like 55 hours beating the game and I only missed 5-10 discoveries so it's not like I was flying (no pun intended) through it.

But an earlier post said it best "it's all about preference" plus in addition to strategy rpg's you might enjoy more of an action rpg like Kingdom Hearts.

hezeuschrist

01-04-2005, 02:08 AM

The best advice i can offer is to start on any well known and highly respected SNES RPG. They are the golden age of RPG's, where most of us got our start (and where the genre really started to take off). Pickup FF Chronicles for PSOne and try either game on it, they're #1 and 2 on my all time favorite games ever.

Final Fantasy IV
Chrono Trigger

If you play through either of those games and don't enjoy it, then RPG's just aren't for you.