I saw this was getting pretty "average" reviews, so I was somewhat hesitant to buy it. Yet, I remembered that despite scores, I tend to enjoy whatever Atlus bothers to publish in the US. I figured this would be no exception, so I picked it up (along with Metal Saga). Personally, I've not been disappointed.
Basically, it involves a guy named Vanilla and his adventures within a country that uses vehicles known as Trotmobiles. They're basically simplified mechs that can take on a variety of tasks: battle, farming, digging, travel, etc. You can read about it pretty much anywhere and get the idea.
What I've liked about the game is that I feel like I can do what I want, when I want. The main mission is not dangled over your head to the point that it's overwhelming, but at the same time it's always nearby enough that you can do it as you please. Most of my time is spent pretty much doing whatever, though.
Buying and developing parts for your Trotmobile to go new places and do new things is surprisingly entertaining. I have a good time finding good places to trade items to get the most money to buy all sorts of things such as new outfits (which show up in-game, unlike most titles), gifts for potential girlfriends, new instruments, etc. There's a few dungeons in the title you can make your way through for rare treasures as well.
The game puts a lot of emphasis on music. Vanilla can travel around with a band and play alongside them if he wishes. There's a variety of instruments, all of which are controlled in different, interesting ways. I particularly like playing the trumpet... I find the accordian to be especially troublesome.
Anyway, did anyone else pick this up?
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Logged Tony has 485 Posts (+10/-0 Karma) |
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It is quite the interesting game, and all the low review scores have generally made me sad.
I really love all the decision making you can do in the game, like with literally every event. It really helps to get into character, even if it's just something minor. This game is actually what I've been playing most recently, while waiting for new MegaTen games, and Super Robot Taisen.
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Logged Eddy Gein has 7 Posts (+10/-0 Karma) |
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Yeah, the little things make an impression. Characters reacting to your new outfits or hairstyles might be a tiny thing, but I feel like it helps pull you into the world moreso than would otherwise be possible.
My only complaint, I guess, is that I wish the game didn't force you to reload a save when you die. I'd rather just be able to continue with some sort of penalty. Sure, save points are plenty, but I'm constantly just into what I'm doing... sometimes, albeit rarely, I wind up being unprepared for sudden things that happen. They call this is "relaxing non-linear adventure" on the title screen, but it's not relaxing to replay two hours of stuff lol.
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Logged Tony has 485 Posts (+10/-0 Karma) |
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Yeah, that's a good point. The fact that you can save any time you get in or out of your Trot is nice though. Also, a quicker way to get around town would be nice as well... I caught myself doing other things while waiting to walk all the way across larger towns like Happy Garland.
All things considered though, I thought it was great, and really original.
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Logged Eddy Gein has 7 Posts (+10/-0 Karma) |
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