Blue Dragon Review (Xbox 360)

[fitbabits]

Finally, an English-language review of one of Microsoft's most anticipated titles - Blue Dragon. The review comes courtesy of Computer & Video Games (http://www.computerandvideogames.com) and you can read it right here (http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=151265?cid=OTC-RSS&attr=CVG-General-RSS).

Blue Dragon finds the perfect balance between linearity and excessive freedom - it doesn't embarrass you by holding your hand, and yet it doesn't just leave you alone crying in the supermarket. Hironobu Sakaguchi (the FF creator and Blue Dragon mastermind) is as good a parent as Shigeru Miyamoto.

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Blue Dragon runs in 1080p (if you have the pricey kit), but even in 720p (the not-quite-so-pricey kit we're playing on) it looks good enough to give our retinas an anatomy-defying orgasm. There are huge wilderness areas with lovely elemental effects on show, contrasting with intricately designed villages, towns, and bulbous spaceships. It's a world full of rich colour - but more importantly, it has a consistency that's rarely seen outside of Nintendo's finest Zelda games.
Is this the first game to run in 1080p on the Xbox 360? And the references to Zelda bode well.

[Heretic Machine]

Sounds good to me, this looks to be a great year for the 360. Blue Dragon, Halo 3, Mass Effect... any of those three could be a GOTY, from the looks of things.

[Serapth]

There is an irony that the first 1080p game, came from Microsoft and not Sony :D

Glad to hear Blue Dragon is doing well, I personally dont have much interest in the title, but I know how important it is to the Xbox 360's future. Glad it isnt a stinker.

On a side note, atleast im not a hypocrit. Tons of people that dumped on PS2 JRPGs are probrably going to praise this game since its on Xbox. Atleast I am staying consistant in my hatred of this genre!

[Odyzen]

Now I'm all curious about the battle mechanics. It sounds really interesting. I might just have to pickup a 360 when Blue Dragon is released over here.

[Borthcollective]

EBGames says it releases First week of January in the US. Anyone confirm a January release for this?

[Gorvi]

On a side note, atleast im not a hypocrit. Tons of people that dumped on PS2 JRPGs are probrably going to praise this game since its on Xbox. Atleast I am staying consistant in my hatred of this genre!

QFT.

Also, it's nice to see an English review up, but could that have been filled with more fluff? After you get past the pretty visuals (a given for a 360 game you'd expect) the review doesn't really go into the actual gameplay all that much. How long is the game? What are the systems used for gaining skills/abilities/spells/etc...? Hell, it doesn't even say whether it's turn based, based on a stat (ex: Agility, Speed, etc...) or free moving like Star Ocean or Grandia.

Anyone else notice this :
Blue Dragon isn't merely an endless succession of battles, though. There's actually a great amount of stuff to see and do - three full DVDs' worth, no less.

Maybe an indication that a larger disc format would actually be beneficial? ;)

[Captain Awesome]

This is good news, waiting to see other reviews of it aswell.

[Nighthold]

Shame it couldnt be out before x-mas for the states. May have given MS that extra oomph.

You know. Dialed their holiday sells up to 11.

[disc]

Serapth: That's a bit of a lie isn't it considering Ridge Racer 7 is in 1080p.

[Wyrm]

I'm actually stoked about this one now. Just reading that little (I wouldn't call that a review, more like a preview) blurb makes me pretty excited. I'll definitely be looking out for this one in the future.

[Serapth]

Serapth: That's a bit of a lie isn't it considering Ridge Racer 7 is in 1080p.


Was it? I had read every game, except downloadables, released sofar was 720? I dont really care either way. Nobody gave a shit ( well, less then 1/4% of the population ) gave a shit about 1080p until Sony used it as a marketing point and labeled it "True HD". Way to go jackasses... slow down the adoption of HD even more. Stupid fucks.

Yes, im bitter. Yes, im horribly off topic. Yes, I dont care.

[Morangie]

Maybe an indication that a larger disc format would actually be beneficial? ;)
If you think not swapping a disc twice is worth $200 extra, sure. ;)

[Nighthold]

Was it? I had read every game, except downloadables, released sofar was 720? I dont really care either way. Nobody gave a shit ( well, less then 1/4% of the population ) gave a shit about 1080p until Sony used it as a marketing point and labeled it "True HD". Way to go jackasses... slow down the adoption of HD even more. Stupid fucks.

Yes, im bitter. Yes, im horribly off topic. Yes, I dont care.


*reads* ............


k.

[Tricky Thumb]

I doubt the game will come out anytime soon over here, though I'd love to see that happen. No, I suspect we'll see a release sometime in spring-summer to keep up sales alongside Mass Effect.

[Serapth]

Maybe an indication that a larger disc format would actually be beneficial? ;)


Or that it is a game, that for some screwed up reason in this day and age, contains gigs and gigs of full motion video, when graphics capabilities of the console make that redundant.

[Spigot]

Assuming this ends up being as amazing as they claim, I'll add it to the ever-so-slowly growing list of games worth getting a 360 for. I think I'll reach my tipping point and have to get a 360 when there are 5 must-have games for the system.

Nice to see a really good JRPG on the system though.

[bapenguin]

The NBA game on the PS3 was in 1080p as well.

[Serapth]

The NBA game on the PS3 was in 1080p as well.


OK OK... I retract the whole 1080p thing, I was wrongly informed.

BTW, they had that game on the first ( and only ) demo PS3 unit Ive seen yet. WHY OH WHY ARE THEY DOING THAT!!! It looked like garbage. One of those games that increasing the resolution actually causes the flaws to stand out even more. Stiff animations, creepy player texturing, the whole eyes staring off into space thing. This is not a title I would choose for selling a game at a kiosk! Hell, throw Genji in there, even if the gameplay is ass, it is beautiful...

[Grifter]

For those of you who want a little more info on Blue Dragon Blimblim over at XBOXYDE (http://www.xboxyde.com/index_en.html) was nice enough to make a direct feed video of the first 30 or so minutes of the game (cut into three, ten+ minute parts) in all it's high def JRPG glory, check it out HERE (http://www.xboxyde.com/news_3873_en.html) and a couple much shorter but just as pretty videos HERE (http://www.xboxyde.com/news_3878_en.html)

[Goronmon]

Wow, what a worthless "review". The two "negatives" mentioned pretty much scream "Man, we got lots of money for writing this glorified preview!".

[phantomhitman]

is this game really 1080p or just upconverted by the 360?

[Gorvi]

Wow, what a worthless "review". The two "negatives" mentioned pretty much scream "Man, we got lots of money for writing this glorified preview!".

There's a pretty decent first impressions article over at 1UP (http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3155787) . They do mention that it seems to be very easy and that there are some framerate issues. Otherwise it sounds like a pretty average JRPG.

[Goronmon]

There's a pretty decent first impressions article over at 1UP (http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3155787) . They do mention that it seems to be very easy and that there are some framerate issues. Otherwise it sounds like a pretty average JRPG.Thanks, that was much more useful for actually figuring out what the game plays like.

[Nighthold]

There's a pretty decent first impressions article over at 1UP (http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3155787) . They do mention that it seems to be very easy and that there are some framerate issues. Otherwise it sounds like a pretty average JRPG.

Average as in quality or average as in "nothing particularly new, albeit extremely well executed"?

Everything I have seen, heard, and read about this indicates that it is no less than the dogs balls, or the cats ass. Depending.

[Gorvi]

Average as in quality or average as in "nothing particularly new, albeit extremely well executed"?

Everything I have seen, heard, and read about this indicates that it is no less than the dogs balls, or the cats ass. Depending.

Average as in nothing new and it does it about as well as your 'average' JRPG. Other than the nice graphics, the gameplay seems pretty dry. In other words, this isn't a 'drop your Final Fantasy XII and go import this' kind of game, it's more of a 'it could be a solid if nothing spectacular RPG to pick up if you need an RPG' kind of game. Similiar to what Enchanted Arms was, just better graphics.

[Nighthold]

Average as in nothing new and it does it about as well as your 'average' JRPG. Other than the nice graphics, the gameplay seems pretty dry. In other words, this isn't a 'drop your Final Fantasy XII and go import this' kind of game, it's more of a 'it could be a solid if nothing spectacular RPG to pick up if you need an RPG' kind of game. Similiar to what Enchanted Arms was, just better graphics.

We shall *not* speak of Enchanted Arms again.

Baaaad memories.

[Norse]

Average as in nothing new and it does it about as well as your 'average' JRPG. Other than the nice graphics, the gameplay seems pretty dry. In other words, this isn't a 'drop your Final Fantasy XII and go import this' kind of game, it's more of a 'it could be a solid if nothing spectacular RPG to pick up if you need an RPG' kind of game. Similiar to what Enchanted Arms was, just better graphics.

The preview sounded a bit more positive than that IMHO.

[gzsfrk]

The preview sounded a bit more positive than that IMHO.

Consider the source of the comment to which you're responding. Gorvi is expected to downplay any positive news for the 360. It's his evolutionary role in the EvAv forum ecosystem.

[Gorvi]

Consider the source of the comment to which you're responding. Gorvi is expected to downplay any positive news for the 360. It's his evolutionary role in the EvAv forum ecosystem.

I guess I've built up my rep pretty well. :rolleyes:

Anyway, I was actually hoping this would be a really good game, it would push me in the direction of actually purchasing a 360. I can't justify it to myself as the console doesn't have a lot that caters to my personal tastes and this would have been one game that does. I'm actually dissappointed as I've played enough JRPG's that I really don't need another not very challenging run of the mill JRPG. Maybe I'm more critical because I was looking at Blue Dragon as a possible system seller for me and it seems to have turned out to be something that's not all that special. I'll still keep my eye on it when it comes out over here, though.

[absolut taco]

What do they mean by "runs in 1080p (if you have the pricey kit)"? Premium 360? VGA cable?

[Morangie]

What do they mean by "runs in 1080p (if you have the pricey kit)"? Premium 360? VGA cable?
A 1080p television.

[J Arcane]

Average as in nothing new and it does it about as well as your 'average' JRPG. Other than the nice graphics, the gameplay seems pretty dry. In other words, this isn't a 'drop your Final Fantasy XII and go import this' kind of game, it's more of a 'it could be a solid if nothing spectacular RPG to pick up if you need an RPG' kind of game. Similiar to what Enchanted Arms was, just better graphics.
In other words, it's no better or worse than the FF games, but because it doesn't have the name FF on it, I don't like it. Also it's not on the PS2.

I really couldn't care less about the game. Dragon Quest is the only JRPG series I've ever cared that much about, and apparently the next iteration is a crappy action-RPG.

I'm actually a bit peeved at the influx of JRPGs to the 360, as I'm concerned it's going to crowd out more PC-esque titles like KOTOR and such. And that would make me very sad.

[Gorvi]

In other words, it's no better or worse than the FF games, but because it doesn't have the name FF on it, I don't like it. Also it's not on the PS2.

Yeah, because that's exactly what I said. Would you like to tell me what else I'm thinking or are you going to pull your head out of your ass? There are plenty of RPG's that aren't anything special (many of which are on the PS2) and this, from what I've seen, happens to be one of them. The fact that it happens to be on the 360 though must cloud my vision I guess. I'm sorry, does that not conform to some preconceived notion of bias you seem to see in me?

[Psykoboy2]

I thought Splinter Cell: DA was the first 360 game to go 1080p.

[Hagetaka]

Maybe an indication that a larger disc format would actually be beneficial?

Im sure you skipped out on games such as FF7, 8 and 9 because of this, right?

That's a cheapshot Gorvi. And as for above, there is no "preconceived notion" of your bias. It is pretty much bleeds from your remarks. But at least, you dont troll about it.

/Edit: I messed up your name, Gorvi. I need some coffee.

[Gorvi]

Im sure you skipped out on games such as FF7, 8 and 9 because of this, right?

That's a cheapshot Gorvi. And as for above, there is no "preconceived notion" of your bias. It is pretty much bleeds from your remarks. But at least, you dont troll about it.

/Edit: I messed up your name, Gorvi. I need some coffee.

Eh, that was more of a tounge in cheek remark as opposed to a cheapshot.

And as far as bias, maybe I don't see it since I'm saying it, but I don't see it that way. I don't own a 360 (yet) as I'm not seeing any compelling software that I personally care about. Dead Rising looks really good, but I wouldn't buy a new console for it. Games that may make me really want to buy a 360 would be Mass Effect, BioShock, Lost Planet, Alan Wake and games of that nature. I was considering it for Oblivion, but since that was announced for the PS3, I'm not counting that (I'll get into that in a sec). The 360 definately has it's merits if you enjoy shooters and playing them online, and MS has done a very good job making LIVE a robust service that many people now see as an integral part of their gaming experience.

I give the Wii a hard time simply because I think Nintendo is in a way screwing it's customers with the Wii and everyone's taking it with a huge smile. The Wii seems to essentially be a GC with a new controller that they're charging $250 for, which is just ridiculous. But, since the PS3 and 360 are so damn expensive, people are applauding the Wii for being so 'cheap'. Until nearly summer '07, I don't see a ton of games coming out for the console that aren't collections of minigames. There are some promising games on the horizon but they seem to be a while off.

The PS3 I'm planning on picking up solely because FFXIII and MGS4 are (as of now) exclusives for the system. Oblivion is certianly a draw, as is Heavenly Sword and a few other franchises I've become accustomed to playing on my PS2. That being said, if it weren't for FFXIII and MGS4, I would probably have picked up a 360 already as I could care less about specific hardware, it's the games that draw me to purchasing a console.

Honestly, you could scream bias at nearly everyone posting on EvAv at some point or another. Hopefully if people do see bias in the things that I post they at least don't see it as mindless trolling.

Ok, nothing more to see here, everyone back on topic. ;)

[Xerxes]

Gorvi your japan love is eerie, the way it works.

[Dag-Sabot]

I was reading through the review and I wonder: Why are most RPG's set in the fanatasy world? Would it be possible to make a really good one set in the future or even present? (Something other than the sims and freelancer, please.)
The reason Im throwing this out is that i dont really get the "fantasy world" but would like to get out and try an rpg. But everytime i see an elf, [troll] or dragon, I laugh and power down the console. I know i have a problem.
-Can you help?
This looks immersive but well ...

[Gorvi]

I was reading through the review and I wonder: Why are most RPG's set in the fanatasy world? Would it be possible to make a really good one set in the future or even present? (Something other than the sims and freelancer, please.)
The reason Im throwing this out is that i dont really get the "fantasy world" but would like to get out and try an rpg. But everytime i see an elf, [troll] or dragon, I laugh and power down the console. I know i have a problem.
-Can you help?
This looks immersive but well ...

Try Shadow Hearts, it's set around World War I in Europe/Asia. Good stuff. :)

Gorvi your japan love is eerie, the way it works.

Um... thanks? I enjoy games from Japan, I wasn't aware that was eerie among gamers, but ok. :p

[Hagetaka]

It's all good. Im not exactly calling you out, more of pointing out where your interest lies. Also, I share your sentiments for the Wii. I have seen alot of my friends drooling over the Wii, and with only a small ration of reason. Yes, Wii sports is fun, but hardly a gem worth investing my hard earned dollar for. That is not to say however, that it wont prove its worth as time progresses.

As to Blue Dragon ( as I seem to be getting off track ) I am not certain that im excited, yet. I have played my fairshare of RPG's (JRPG's being my poison of choice) and this just doesnt seem to cater to my preferences; which I guess is fine, since it seems to be a more of a japaneese oriented market. Non-random battles? What is this, that kiddie version of Final Fantasy (I forget the name, "mist" something or another i think). It is a bit too early to tell, and im not going to hang it yet, but I am definately skeptical.

[Xerxes]

/points Dag-Sabot to Mass Effect

[DoubleUranium]

I was reading through the review and I wonder: Why are most RPG's set in the fanatasy world? Would it be possible to make a really good one set in the future or even present?

Because there are no tentacled monsters in the real world :D

[Hagetaka]

Because there are no tentacled monsters in the real world :D

I don't think I should comment further, but hey -- you made me chuckle.

/I tip my hat to you sir.

[wezlypipz]

Awesome, this is def. on the top of my 2007 release list.

Expreriencing an old school rpg game on a next-gen console, does life get any better?

[Gorvi]

It's all good. Im not exactly calling you out, more of pointing out where your interest lies. Also, I share your sentiments for the Wii. I have seen alot of my friends drooling over the Wii, and with only a small ration of reason. Yes, Wii sports is fun, but hardly a gem worth investing my hard earned dollar for. That is not to say however, that it wont prove its worth as time progresses.

As to Blue Dragon ( as I seem to be getting off track ) I am not certain that im excited, yet. I have played my fairshare of RPG's (JRPG's being my poison of choice) and this just doesnt seem to cater to my preferences; which I guess is fine, since it seems to be a more of a japaneese oriented market. Non-random battles? What is this, that kiddie version of Final Fantasy (I forget the name, "mist" something or another i think). It is a bit too early to tell, and im not going to hang it yet, but I am definately skeptical.

Well, a lot of RPG's have gone the non random battle route and done fine (BoF : DQ, Xenosaga, Chrono Trigger, Lunar, etc..) so that's not really a bad thing. I wouldn't write off Blue Dragon for that.

[Dag-Sabot]

/points Dag-Sabot to Mass EffectWow! Thats exactly what I was looking for. Thanks!

[Morangie]

The PS3 I'm planning on picking up solely because FFXIII and MGS4 are (as of now) exclusives for the system. Oblivion is certianly a draw, as is Heavenly Sword and a few other franchises I've become accustomed to playing on my PS2. That being said, if it weren't for FFXIII and MGS4, I would probably have picked up a 360 already as I could care less about specific hardware, it's the games that draw me to purchasing a console.
If you won't buy a 360 for games already released, why are you planning to get a PS3 for games which haven't been released and may not even remain exclusive?

[Gorvi]

If you won't buy a 360 for games already released, why are you planning to get a PS3 for games which haven't been released and may not even remain exclusive?

I'm not sure I really understand your question. It's not like the games that are already out on the 360 are the same as the announced games for the PS3 (other than Oblivion and R6 : Vegas). FFXIII will definately remain an exclusive if nothing else. But really, nothing on the 360 currently really compels me to buy the console. There are PS3 games (DMC4, Mercanaries 2, White Knight Story) that I am very much looking forward to. I'm not trying to downplay the 360 in any way, it has it's market and caters to it well. I just don't happen to be part of it, it's really not a big deal.

[JimmyDanger]

If you won't buy a 360 for games already released, why are you planning to get a PS3 for games which haven't been released and may not even remain exclusive?

Because there's other games he wants to wait for.

And he seriously believes that most of PS2's exclusives will remain PS3 exclusive.

And he's due that promotion in the SDF after 5 more posts...

Seriously though - he's Sony's dream mark.

Can't really afford to go next gen - and won't for a couple of years anyway, but is always there on every other major next gen release thread saying "well, close, but it's not really my thing - I'ma wait for PS3!" or "It's good? Well I'm not convinced it'll be better than title x, y and z coming out in 2009 for the ps3!"

Carry on.

[Exodus]

:\
That review really underwhelmed me about this game, I mean sure it's a jrpg, that means I'll buy it anyway, but, there's just, nothing for me to look forward to in the game from what it sounds like other than eye candy and a run of the mill save the world story. I mean honestly, omg guys we have 500+ treasure chests! and you can press the x/a interaction button on all of them 500 times omfg!, I mean honestly do you read about an rpg game where it says that?

what about cool monsters, cool magic, some super moves, fighting system, I mean jeez -_-

/rant

[Gorvi]

Because there's other games he wants to wait for.

And he seriously believes that most of PS2's exclusives will remain PS3 exclusive.

And he's due that promotion in the SDF after 5 more posts...

Seriously though - he's Sony's dream mark.

Can't really afford to go next gen - and won't for a couple of years anyway, but is always there on every other major next gen release thread saying "well, close, but it's not really my thing - I'ma wait for PS3!" or "It's good? Well I'm not convinced it'll be better than title x, y and z coming out in 2009 for the ps3!"

Carry on.

Ya know, the posts thinking they can just describe a person down to a T really need to stop. You come off with a real air of arrogance that you really know what's best and others just don't get it. Seriously, try getting off of your pedestal and realizing that just because someone doesn't worship the almighty 360 doesn't mean they're part of this fucking "SDF" people love to refer to. If the PS3 didn't have franchises I was interested in, I could give a shit about it. If the 360 had more things I was interested in, I'd buy it in a heartbeat. I really could give a flying fuck who the hell manufactures the consoles I buy as long as the games are there. This shit really needs to stop.

[rainbowblack]

What I would really like to know about Blue Dragon is this..

The story, does it hold up over all 3 disks?
the characters, are they memorable?

To me those are the two biggest things I would like to know about this game. The fact that it's a JRPG means we all knew what this game would play like the day they unveiled it. I see no reason to complain over the JRPG aspect. we all knew what that meant so why complain now?

[Achilles]

I’d rather play something that plays like a regular old turn-based, DQ style Japanese RPG than what FF:XII turned into. It worked for KotOR, but that style of play loses a lot of what I liked about the old FF style gameplay. I also hate the camera in FFXII with a bruning passion.

The thing I'm looking forward to most in Blue Dragon is having a 5 man party oddly enough.

[JimmyDanger]

Ya know, the posts thinking they can just describe a person down to a T really need to stop. You come off with a real air of arrogance that you really know what's best and others just don't get it. Seriously, try getting off of your pedestal and realizing that just because someone doesn't worship the almighty 360 doesn't mean they're part of this fucking "SDF" people love to refer to. If the PS3 didn't have franchises I was interested in, I could give a shit about it. If the 360 had more things I was interested in, I'd buy it in a heartbeat. I really could give a flying fuck who the hell manufactures the consoles I buy as long as the games are there. This shit really needs to stop.

Dude. Settle the fuck down.

I really couldn't care what the fuck console you get, but I have noticed a common theme among 360 threads - Gorvi throws in his 2 cents about how FFXII is teh roxorz , and if this game was just a little better he may just buy a 360, but til then - he's getting a PS3 in 2 years time. Dude - save it. By now, I think we all know.

I own a Wii, a 360, PS2 - so fucking what? Was I in the FFXII threads talking about how - while it's good surely - has become a soulless, cookiecut franchise series ? No? Why? Because I don't fucking care enough to bother.

But obviously you do - otherwise you wouldn't be here.

Was it you who - in a thread about Blue Dragon trying to point out the 3 discs as being some kind of BluRay justification - then reacted all "don't judge me" when people pointed out you were being, well quite frankly, and for lack of a better term - a bit of a nob?

So is not owning a 360 enough to make you part of the SDF? No. But trolling the Sony Love/360 FUD in most every 360 thread you pop up in does.

And I don't "worship" the almighty (your choice of words - but seemingly true) 360, but regard it as the best all round console in my collection at the moment. And most pundits rate it the best all round console on the market at the moment.

[Exodus]

Ya know, the posts thinking they can just describe a person down to a T really need to stop. You come off with a real air of arrogance that you really know what's best and others just don't get it. Seriously, try getting off of your pedestal and realizing that just because someone doesn't worship the almighty 360 doesn't mean they're part of this fucking "SDF" people love to refer to. If the PS3 didn't have franchises I was interested in, I could give a shit about it. If the 360 had more things I was interested in, I'd buy it in a heartbeat. I really could give a flying fuck who the hell manufactures the consoles I buy as long as the games are there. This shit really needs to stop.

Calm down dude, it's the internet and this is a gaming forum, if all it takes is a few uninformed but too much to say posts to get under your skin that you actually have to go out of your way to respond, you need to thicken your skin. ;\

[Gorvi]

Dude. Settle the fuck down.

I really couldn't care what the fuck console you get, but I have noticed a common theme among 360 threads - Gorvi throws in his 2 cents about how FFXII is teh roxorz , and if this game was just a little better he may just buy a 360, but til then - he's getting a PS3 in 2 years time. Dude - save it. By now, I think we all know.

I own a Wii, a 360, PS2 - so fucking what? Was I in the FFXII threads talking about how - while it's good surely - has become a soulless, cookiecut franchise series ? No? Why? Because I don't fucking care enough to bother.

But obviously you do - otherwise you wouldn't be here.

Was it you who - in a thread about Blue Dragon trying to point out the 3 discs as being some kind of BluRay justification - then reacted all "don't judge me" when people pointed out you were being, well quite frankly, and for lack of a better term - a bit of a nob?

So is not owning a 360 enough to make you part of the SDF? No. But trolling the Sony Love/360 FUD in most every 360 thread you pop up in does.

And I don't "worship" the almighty (your choice of words - but seemingly true) 360, but regard it as the best all round console in my collection at the moment. And most pundits rate it the best all round console on the market at the moment.

Do you think maybe that could be because I want a reason to buy a 360? I get dissappointed when games that are billed to be the next big thing turn out not to be. Did that thought ever enter your head? Did you bother to see that when Alan Wake was rumored to be delayed I actually expressed dissappointment? Nope, it's just easier to add someone to your little SDF list and move on. They've got some interesting ideas and LIVE has it's appeal. What's wrong with me voicing my opinion on things? For me, it was a mistake to buy an XBOX last gen, it just sat there and collected dust the majority of the time. I don't want to make that mistake again and buy a console for one promising game (KOTOR) and not have anything else that really interests me.

And the 3 disc thing was a fucking joke. I agree with the majority of people on here that Blu-Ray means absolutely nothing for gaming. I agree that ingame engines look good enough on the next gen platforms that costly FMV is a total waste.

I don't take kindly to being called a troll or part of this moronic SDF when the 360 trolling around here is to a ridiculous degree. Why not try to add something to a discussion instead of thowing out trolling accusations?

[TheFlyingOrc]

Maybe an indication that a larger disc format would actually be beneficial? ;)

To whom, Gorvi?

[Gorvi]

To whom, Gorvi?

Mostly to Sony for selling it to you and lazy developers. ;)

Well, ok, and for actual HD movies, but that's not what we were talking about.

[TheFlyingOrc]

I was reading through the review and I wonder: Why are most RPG's set in the fanatasy world? Would it be possible to make a really good one set in the future or even present? (Something other than the sims and freelancer, please.)
The reason Im throwing this out is that i dont really get the "fantasy world" but would like to get out and try an rpg. But everytime i see an elf, [troll] or dragon, I laugh and power down the console. I know i have a problem.
-Can you help?
This looks immersive but well ...

Part of the problem is that it's hard to make thousands of random battles with just robots or people, so you pretty much need a huge selection of monsters.

[TheFlyingOrc]

Mostly to Sony for selling it to you and lazy developers. ;)

Well, ok, and for actual HD movies, but that's not what we were talking about.

Well, I don't really care what benefits Sony, I want to know how Blu-Ray benefits ME. :)

[gzsfrk]

Well, a lot of RPG's have gone the non random battle route and done fine (BoF : DQ, Xenosaga, Chrono Trigger, Lunar, etc..) so that's not really a bad thing. I wouldn't write off Blue Dragon for that.

I'm sorry... are you saying that Chrono Trigger didn't have random battles? Did you ever even PLAY the game?

Don't get me wrong--Chrono Trigger is hands down my favorite console RPG of all time. But to list it as an example of a game that didn't have random battles is flat-out incorrect.

[Gorvi]

I'm sorry... are you saying that Chrono Trigger didn't have random battles? Did you ever even PLAY the game?

Don't get me wrong--Chrono Trigger is hands down my favorite console RPG of all time. But to list it as an example of a game that didn't have random battles is flat-out incorrect.

Are we thinking of the same game? I seem to remember running into enemies in Chrono Trigger, not the (annoying) old FF/DQ tradition of screen blur --> lineup battle.

[J Arcane]

Enemy encounters in CT weren't random, they were all prescripted, and all battles were played out on the normal screen.

There were frequent instances of fights where the enemies just sort of jumped onto the screen out of nowhere, but they were all pre-set points. You step here, guys jump out.

[Major Dan]

If you think not swapping a disc twice is worth $200 extra, sure. ;)
I am no sure. I remember swapping floppy disks that were double sided to play Ultima 3, man that was a pain in the ass. The towns were all on on side of disk and I had to pop it out every time I entered or exited a town. Then CD's came along and wow, no more disk swapping, then sure enough games started to come out on multiple CDs and I was happy to see DVDs but sure as rain, now we are going to multiple DVD's. That is the way it goes. But I don't have like it though.

[Major Dan]

If you think not swapping a disc twice is worth $200 extra, sure. ;)
I am not sure. I remember swapping floppy disks that were double sided to play Ultima 3, man that was a pain in the ass. The towns were all on onea side of a disk and I had to pop it out every time I entered or exited a town. Then CD's came along and wow, no more disk swapping, then sure enough games started to come out on multiple CDs and I was happy to see DVDs but sure as rain, now we are going to multiple DVD's. That is the way it goes. But I don't have like it though.

[drakkarim]

Is this the first game to run in 1080p on the Xbox 360? And the references to Zelda bode well.

speaking of 1080p, can someone clarify for me whether the consoles perform the same as pc's when it comes to resolutions? I mean in terms of resolution affecting performance? I MEAN... will a game running at 720 on a 360 perform exactly (FPS wise) as the same game running at 1080p? or will there be more chances for stutter/etc.?

curious, never read anything about that. but i'm guessing most console games don't touch 1080 for that specific reason?

that aside, these types of games are what's going to get me to buy the 360 eventually (as soon as the first price drop happens anyway). i'm glad to see that they're expanding their horizons from the simple racing/fps games.

[gzsfrk]

Enemy encounters in CT weren't random, they were all prescripted, and all battles were played out on the normal screen.

There were frequent instances of fights where the enemies just sort of jumped onto the screen out of nowhere, but they were all pre-set points. You step here, guys jump out.

Let me clarify, I can only speak for the SNES version. But I remember for a fact that in the forest leading up to the castle at the start of the game, you could keep walking around, triggering encounters forever if you wanted to.

Perhaps this was different in the PS1 release that came out a few years ago?

[Bugsplatter]

It's all good. Im not exactly calling you out, more of pointing out where your interest lies. Also, I share your sentiments for the Wii. I have seen alot of my friends drooling over the Wii, and with only a small ration of reason. Yes, Wii sports is fun, but hardly a gem worth investing my hard earned dollar for. That is not to say however, that it wont prove its worth as time progresses.

As to Blue Dragon ( as I seem to be getting off track ) I am not certain that im excited, yet. I have played my fairshare of RPG's (JRPG's being my poison of choice) and this just doesnt seem to cater to my preferences; which I guess is fine, since it seems to be a more of a japaneese oriented market. Non-random battles? What is this, that kiddie version of Final Fantasy (I forget the name, "mist" something or another i think). It is a bit too early to tell, and im not going to hang it yet, but I am definately skeptical.

Having started playing through the Xenosaga series, my tolerance for random battles has hit zero. This was great news to me. I simply find no suspense any longer in limping back to town praying i don't encounter another mob because i'm out of supplies and haven't saved in an hour.

[KamaItachi]

Really, that review didn't tell us that much. It looks pretty, no random battles, lots of treasure chests, a few twists to the gameplay, they understood some of the Japanese dialogue. Full marks.

I've still got high hopes for the game, but this really didn't tell me much other than skimming the surface of what I expected to hear. They spent the first 3 paragraphs (of a one page review) faffing on about background.

[Nate Graves]

Let me clarify, I can only speak for the SNES version. But I remember for a fact that in the forest leading up to the castle at the start of the game, you could keep walking around, triggering encounters forever if you wanted to.

Perhaps this was different in the PS1 release that came out a few years ago?

I think the point they're trying to make is that you could avoid these battles if you wanted. Thus, the battles were not random, you knew where the enemies were, and it was your choice to fight them or not fight them as often as you liked.

You could trigger battles forever and level up as much as you like (I was like...level 94 when I finished the game), but that doesn't make the battle system random.

[51|RandoM]

If you think not swapping a disc twice is worth $200 extra, sure. ;)


Because obviously, the only thing you get from $200 extra is just saving a few disc swaps...

[Kefkataran]

Wow, this is looking even better than expected. Looking forward to checking it out, especially if the Zelda comparisons are serious.

[Morangie]

Because obviously, the only thing you get from $200 extra is just saving a few disc swaps...
Settle down there and notice the ;). Anyway, shouldn't you be making bad rap videos asking for a PSP? That seems to be what Sony "fans" are up to these days.

[JimmyDanger]

Anyway, shouldn't you be making bad rap videos asking for a PSP?

I completely missed that reference....

Linkage? (hopefully to hilarious bad rap video of rapper asking for a PSP)...

"I heard it has like, the amazing graphics.."

[KamaItachi]

I completely missed that reference....

Linkage? (hopefully to hilarious bad rap video of rapper asking for a PSP)...

"I heard it has like, the amazing graphics.."

Ask and ye shall recieve! (http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/11/sony-marketers-are-horrible-liars-pretend-to-run-fansite/)

[51|RandoM]

Settle down there and notice the ;). Anyway, shouldn't you be making bad rap videos asking for a PSP? That seems to be what Sony "fans" are up to these days.


Winking doesn't make your statement any more accurate/applicable/pertinant. Feel free to deflect from that to the viral site mentioned in another story. I'm sure you've done the research to prove that is actually a Sony-sponsored viral advertising site, right?

[Exodus]

Hey, I know this is totally unrelated, but what is that game coming out for the 360 that has one player who is a good guy and a another main character who is a psycho maniac or something, I can't remember the name :(

apologies for the hijack :(

[Serapth]

Sounds like Kane and Lynch, but there both bad guys... one is just badder.

[JimmyDanger]

Ask and ye shall recieve! (http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/11/sony-marketers-are-horrible-liars-pretend-to-run-fansite/)

Wow. I don't know whether to thank you - or gouge my eyes out..

Is that shit for real?

EDIT - Now that I think about it - didn't they just close Sony Urban? That guy could have had a great future there. Cleaning toilets.

[Morangie]

Winking doesn't make your statement any more accurate/applicable/pertinant.
No, it makes it a joke, in response to Gorvi's joke regarding Blue Dragon taking up three discs. You remember what a joke is right? Heres a hint, it costs $600. ;)

Feel free to deflect from that to the viral site mentioned in another story.
Whats to deflect from? I made a joke about the added price of bluray, you got upset for some reason. I brought up that lovely PSP rap because its funny. $600 funny. ;)

I'm sure you've done the research to prove that is actually a Sony-sponsored viral advertising site, right?
Not personally, no. Joystiq (http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/11/sony-marketers-are-horrible-liars-pretend-to-run-fansite/) looked into it though. Maybe you do your Sony marketing work for free, I doubt an actual advertising company does.

(To save me another reply, yes, Zipatoni are not Sony. Who else would hire someone to advertise the PSP? Unless the fans all chipped in, it was Sony.)

[Kelegacy]

I'm buying this game at launch, for sure. Can't wait.

3 discs is a bit discouraging though. Hello 1997?

[Ph00p]

I'm buying this game at launch, for sure. Can't wait.

3 discs is a bit discouraging though. Hello 1997?

*Nasally Jerry Seinfeld voice*
Blue Dragon for Xbox 360 will have more discs than the planet Saturn! I mean come on, people! Come on!

**rimshot**

[Kefkataran]

3 discs is a bit discouraging though. Hello 1997?

Whoa, didn't notice that bit! That's a bit annoying and sort of speaks to the positive of Blu-Ray, I suppose, but it's also sort of exciting. Must mean this is a pretty massive game, so I'm down.

[Serapth]

Whoa, didn't notice that bit! That's a bit annoying and sort of speaks to the positive of Blu-Ray, I suppose, but it's also sort of exciting. Must mean this is a pretty massive game, so I'm down.


GGGAAAARRRRRGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH


Being 3 discs long does not make it a massive game. I gaurantee you, Oblivion is more "massive". What it means is, its loaded with full motion video. If you do, or dont think thats a good thing is a different conversation all together.

[Kefkataran]

Being 3 discs long does not make it a massive game. I gaurantee you, Oblivion is more "massive". What it means is, its loaded with full motion video. If you do, or dont think thats a good thing is a different conversation all together.

I'm willing to be it still ends up being pretty massive. Maybe I'm wrong, but I'm willing to wait and see until I actually, you know, get my hands on the thing.

[Serapth]

I'm willing to be it still ends up being pretty massive. Maybe I'm wrong, but I'm willing to wait and see until I actually, you know, get my hands on the thing.

Oh I bet it is too.

I just dont think the number of disks its distributed on is the deciding factor :)

[Kefkataran]

I didn't say it was, but it's definitely a big clue. We're still at least talking CD vs. DVD here. PS1 games used multiple CDs in large part because of FMV, but you still need a LOT more of that to fill a DVD, so I'm betting that while the game likely will have a lot of FMV, 3 discs is still a good sign that ti's a pretty huge game. Admittedly, I could be way off, but I'm willing to risk it. :)

[Serapth]

I didn't say it was, but it's definitely a big clue. We're still at least talking CD vs. DVD here. PS1 games used multiple CDs in large part because of FMV, but you still need a LOT more of that to fill a DVD, so I'm betting that while the game likely will have a lot of FMV, 3 discs is still a good sign that ti's a pretty huge game. Admittedly, I could be way off, but I'm willing to risk it. :)


Think about it though. Lets say PS1 games render out at roughly 640x480 at 16 bit color. That means, uncompressed you are looking at 614,400 bytes per frame, or 18,432,000 bytes per minute at 30 FPS. Now, in HD land, at 1280x720x32bit color, you are looking at 3,686,400 bytes per frame or 110,592,000 per minute.

Granted, nobody plays uncompressed video, but it gives you relatives to work with before compression. HD video has 5x the space requirements that SD video did. That said... in this age of HD graphics, its simply silly that a company is using FMV in the first place... but thats a different conversation.

Just saying, regardless to the shift in media, when it comes to video, the space difference is comprable to the requirements differences.

[Kefkataran]

If Blue Dragon comes out and obviously only has the 3 discs because of FMV/is not suitably large in terms of game world/gameplay, I'll buy you a drink. :)

[Serapth]

If Blue Dragon comes out and obviously only has the 3 discs because of FMV/is not suitably large in terms of game world/gameplay, I'll buy you a drink. :)


EXCELLENT! Do you deliver? ;) Im sure I can show you a good time in the friggid north!

[J Arcane]

Let me clarify, I can only speak for the SNES version. But I remember for a fact that in the forest leading up to the castle at the start of the game, you could keep walking around, triggering encounters forever if you wanted to.

Perhaps this was different in the PS1 release that came out a few years ago?
The PS1 version is just the SNES version running on a crappy emulator. They're the same game.

And you can keep repeating battles because the pre-scripted spawn points reset everytime you change maps.

[Spigot]

gzsfrk is 100% WRONG about Chrono Trigger having random battles, at least in the way that the term is commonly used.

J Arcane basically pointed everything out to that effect, but having just sat down and played through most of the SNES version again this past summer, I just wanted to reinforce the point.

Random Battles in JRPG's tend to mean that you can't see the enemy on the field screen. If you can, and can avoid them (or at least try to), then it's not a random battle. Something like your average Final Fantasy, where you wander about and do the warp to a battle screen, that is a random battle.

[rahvii]

speaking of 1080p, can someone clarify for me whether the consoles perform the same as pc's when it comes to resolutions? I mean in terms of resolution affecting performance? I MEAN... will a game running at 720 on a 360 perform exactly (FPS wise) as the same game running at 1080p? or will there be more chances for stutter/etc

A game that runs on 1080p is designed to do so, and the developers made the engine to support that resolution without drop in frame rates. In theory, you can switch the same game to a 720p tv and it will go exactly the same but in lower rez.

Now, this all depends on the developers and how they treat the game. Obviously, a game can run with better frame rates at lower rez, but only if the developers want it do it. When you make PC games you leave the frame rate at variable states, but on consoles you try to keep it solid and standar.

[drakkarim]

A game that runs on 1080p is designed to do so, and the developers made the engine to support that resolution without drop in frame rates. In theory, you can switch the same game to a 720p tv and it will go exactly the same but in lower rez.

Now, this all depends on the developers and how they treat the game. Obviously, a game can run with better frame rates at lower rez, but only if the developers want it do it. When you make PC games you leave the frame rate at variable states, but on consoles you try to keep it solid and standar.

thanks, i think that helps. although i would assume that when a game is developed for 1080, it has to make optimizations for that resolution/cpu limitations that they perhaps wouldn't have had to if they were designing it for 720?

i mean the 360 and ps3 have finite resources, so i would think that a game 'maxed' out (the finite resources) for 720 would look nicer then if it was maxed out for the same resources at 1080 wouldn't it?

there'd have to be cuts SOMEwhere?

say at 1080 they'd have to drop bump mapping to keep the framerates and at 720 they wouldn't have to...

am i just going in a circle with my question? :)

[gzsfrk]

The PS1 version is just the SNES version running on a crappy emulator. They're the same game.

And you can keep repeating battles because the pre-scripted spawn points reset everytime you change maps.

Ahh... I apologize. I apparently had a misunderstanding about what was implied by the term "random battles". I suppose a better way to refer to the encounters I was referring to in CT is "filler battles".

Now I know, and knowing is half the battle! :)

[Spigot]

Ahh... I apologize. I apparently had a misunderstanding about what was implied by the term "random battles". I suppose a better way to refer to the encounters I was referring to in CT is "filler battles".

Now I know, and knowing is half the battle! :)
Oh, CT has a lot of filler battles... it's just that you usually can avoid most of them.

About the only game I know that is exclusively boss battles is Shadow of the Colossus. Crafting a JRPG where you only fight the bosses would be neat, though very different.