The RPGClassics Agora http://agora.rpgclassics.com/ Discussion forum in conjunction with RPGClassics.com en Sat, 21 Nov 2009 16:51:46 GMT vBulletin 60 http://agora.rpgclassics.com/images/misc/rss.jpg The RPGClassics Agora http://agora.rpgclassics.com/ <![CDATA[Your favorite "cheap" game (as in price)]]> http://agora.rpgclassics.com/showthread.php?t=31429&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:40:31 GMT Admit it. We all have a soft spot for at least one game that either got it's price reduced to $20 or below or got shoved in the bargain bins. The reviews more than likely sucked. Annually released sports titles would fetch a higher return price than your favorite el cheap-o. But still you luvs it and keep coming back for more. Either that, or rant and rave to your friends about it, whom block your stream of praise after ten seconds when their brain tells them "That game? Isn't that the one that's wedged between 'Unlimited Saga' and 'Budokai 2' at Gamestop?"



My favorite scrapped puppy was "Future Tactics."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Future_Tactics



Gameplay was pretty unique. Hard to explain as far as mechanics go, but basically it was Humans vs. Aliens, terrain tactical shooter. Voice acting was so terrible it was hilarious in some situations. Story was so-so, not really that engaging. Gameplay was fun as hell, albeit fusturating at times. The replay value was great; in type A, your team goes first, then the opponent. In type B, unlockable after you finish the game, each individual character alternates turn (i.e., one of your characters, enemy, your next character, your next enemy). Also, a mass majority of the terrain could be blasted apart, away, through, etc, any preposition you can think of. Using your mortar-launcher character, you could blast craters in the ground for your team to take cover in.

I bought it brand new long time ago for $5. I still play on it a little bit every year. ]]> Video Games Forum Kagato Toujou http://agora.rpgclassics.com/showthread.php?t=31429 Who knows where to download XRumer 5.0 Palla http://agora.rpgclassics.com/showthread.php?t=31428&goto=newpost Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:53:55 GMT Who knows where to download XRumer 5.0 Palladium? Help, please. All recommend this program to effectively advertise on the Internet, this is the best program! Who knows where to download XRumer 5.0 Palladium?
Help, please. All recommend this program to effectively advertise on the Internet, this is the best program! ]]> Technical Support Forum Valerysam http://agora.rpgclassics.com/showthread.php?t=31428 Streaming Playlists? http://agora.rpgclassics.com/showthread.php?t=31420&goto=newpost Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:34:15 GMT So, I'm pretty bored at work and I need something to listen to. I don't have an iPod or anything. Any place where you can stream like...video game music? ]]> RPGC Main Forum theOtherGuy http://agora.rpgclassics.com/showthread.php?t=31420 <![CDATA[Hie I'm new]]> http://agora.rpgclassics.com/showthread.php?t=31419&goto=newpost Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:20:41 GMT Thought I'd sign up for this message board, great walkthroughs on this site.
Anyway I'm a huge fan of old school FF's and rpgs in general there's not a classic rpg I haven't played at least halfway.

I love the smiles on this board to. ]]> RPGC Main Forum OldSkoolFF http://agora.rpgclassics.com/showthread.php?t=31419 Worst FF games? http://agora.rpgclassics.com/showthread.php?t=31418&goto=newpost Sun, 15 Nov 2009 05:28:40 GMT FFX-2
FFIX
FF XII

I can't count FFI,just because if what it was trying to do for the time, even if it hasn't aged well at all. ]]> The FFCompendium Forum Dragons Revenge http://agora.rpgclassics.com/showthread.php?t=31418 Phantasy Star 0 http://agora.rpgclassics.com/showthread.php?t=31417&goto=newpost Sat, 14 Nov 2009 23:17:22 GMT Normally, I'd elaborate on whatever game I'm talking about, but I'd rather not right now. So if you have a DS, and like playing Wi-Fi games without lag, go get it. Get it now (or sometime). Best Wi-Fi action this side of somewhere. ]]> Video Games Forum Ultratech87 http://agora.rpgclassics.com/showthread.php?t=31417 WHY AM I BANNED? http://agora.rpgclassics.com/showthread.php?t=31416&goto=newpost Sat, 14 Nov 2009 11:32:50 GMT nt nt ]]> The Chat Room Forum Charlemagne http://agora.rpgclassics.com/showthread.php?t=31416 Ah, fun fun...just one more week. http://agora.rpgclassics.com/showthread.php?t=31414&goto=newpost Sat, 14 Nov 2009 03:55:35 GMT Well, it's that time again. Time for me to deploy. This time I'm going to Iraq (my unit is one of the last combat units to go to Iraq). I leave Friday to Kuwait and should be in Iraq by the end of the year. It's gonna be a long year. ]]> RPGC Main Forum Infonick http://agora.rpgclassics.com/showthread.php?t=31414 Perdon, donde esta el bano? http://agora.rpgclassics.com/showthread.php?t=31413&goto=newpost Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:06:36 GMT CNN's reporting they found water on the moon? Nasa crashed a satellite into the dark side of a crater and sent a rocket trough the debris cloud and it found water. ]]> RPGC Main Forum Sorcerer http://agora.rpgclassics.com/showthread.php?t=31413 New Super Mario Bros Wii http://agora.rpgclassics.com/showthread.php?t=31412&goto=newpost Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:40:51 GMT Is coming out on Sunday. I'm pretty sure this never had it's own thread before now, so here it is.

I've been anticipating this one more and more in the past month, and seeing the game in action is sweet. I'll have my copy whenever Amazon gets to ship it to me.

1Up recently held a Game Night with it that runs for about half an hour where they showcase a few levels, how the multiplayer looks, and how players can be total dicks to each other. Part 1, Part 2. Also read Parish's encouraging review, while keeping in mind that he was someone not entirely impressed with the previous game on DS.

From everything I've gathered, the game has two primary flaws that I wish Nintendo could've addressed. One, the two Toads. With a plethora of other Mario characters to choose from I'm still baffled as to why players 3 and 4 are forced to use these screeching idiots when characters like Wario, Princess Daisy, even Waluigi would've been better. My only guess is that this was a Miyamoto game and it seems like he traditionally isn't comfortable using Mario universe characters from games he wasn't involved in. But still, the two Toads are a big 'meh' point.

Second issue is the brief pause that happens when another player dies. It seems like something you really have to be paying attention to, as it could really screw up your timing if one of your buddies dies as you were running towards a pit to make a jump. Shouldn't be too bad if you're on your game though.

However the game, from all reports, seems more challenging than the previous DS entry, it features a load of nostalgic throwbacks that even appear to rival Galaxy's nods and winks, and you don't fight freaking Bowser Jr. in every goddamn Tower level.

So is anyone else besides me looking forward to it, or are you all gonna make Bowser cry again? :bowser: ]]> Video Games Forum SpoonyBard http://agora.rpgclassics.com/showthread.php?t=31412 Akihabara http://agora.rpgclassics.com/showthread.php?t=31411&goto=newpost Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:39:45 GMT Went to Akihabara today. Guess how many dildos I saw ALL OF THEM! Went to Akihabara today. Guess how many dildos I saw

Spoiler: ALL OF THEM! ]]> RPGC Main Forum Charlemagne http://agora.rpgclassics.com/showthread.php?t=31411 New Lufia game in the works http://agora.rpgclassics.com/showthread.php?t=31409&goto=newpost Thu, 12 Nov 2009 21:56:29 GMT http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/12/square-enix-announces-new-lufia-game-platforms-unknown/ Somehow,it happened,it really happened a new Lufia game is coming,please I beg you please be as good as Lufia 2 at least in the music department. http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/12/sq...forms-unknown/

Somehow,it happened,it really happened a new Lufia game is coming,please I beg you please be as good as Lufia 2 at least in the music department. ]]> Video Games Forum Mastermune http://agora.rpgclassics.com/showthread.php?t=31409 Paper Mario review. http://agora.rpgclassics.com/showthread.php?t=31408&goto=newpost Thu, 12 Nov 2009 06:03:11 GMT Grrr. So a few days ago, I had meant to FINALLY start Vandal Hearts 2. But the day I was going to start it, my girlfriend needed to use my computer for a few hours. I started playing Paper Mario to pass the time, and as it happens, everyone I was gonna hang out with bailed on me, and all other... Grrr. So a few days ago, I had meant to FINALLY start Vandal Hearts 2. But the day I was going to start it, my girlfriend needed to use my computer for a few hours. I started playing Paper Mario to pass the time, and as it happens, everyone I was gonna hang out with bailed on me, and all other plans I tried to make fell through, so I played Paper Mario for an unhealthy amount of time. So, I thought "Hmm, why not just finish it?" And I did.

But, Vandal Hearts 2 is next. For reals this time. But here's a review on Paper Mario.

------------------

I have a confession to make: I am not the hugest fan of Super Mario RPG. Don't get me wrong, I don't dislike the game by any stretch; it had an excellent aesthetic, a neat concept for combat, and was altogether a really excellent game for a younger crowd. I do remember enjoying immensely when I first played it. However, if you didn't play it when you were young, I don't personally see the draw to it that other people do.

On the other hand, we have the Paper Mario series, which does a lot more to make an experience that's truly memorable. It also has a unique aesthetic, while taking the combat of SMRPG to new heights. On top of that, the story and dialogue, while not epic or anything, is at least fun, humourous, and entertaining even if you're an adult.

The story premise is even pretty minimal: as usual, Bowser kidnaps Princess Peach, but this time, he has stolen an artifact called the Star Rod which makes him invincible. Thus, Mario has to go find the seven star spirits which, with their powers together, can help Mario fight against the power of the Star Rod and save the princess.

The first thing you'll notice about Paper Mario is the graphical style; it's done entirely in 3D, however the character models are paper thin, with the flat sides displaying 2D drawings on them. The result is that all the characters look like paper cut-outs. It works out really well, because the first consoles to to full 3D games - Nintendo 64 included - were not capable of making very attractive character models in 3D. 2D sprites (or rather, the guise of 2D sprites) juxtaposed on 3D environments created many of the most visually breathtaking games of that era, in my opinion.

Obviously, the paper graphics look a little funny, and it's even hammed up a little bit (try staying at an inn and see how Mario hops into bed). This sets the tone for the entire game, which sort of pokes fun at itself and generally doesn't take itself too seriously. This is the main reason why Paper Mario is easier for me to enjoy as I grow older than Super Mario RPG, which had a story that was hardly more remarkable, yet at the same time regarded itself with such importance.

Otherwise, though, Paper Mario is an excellent game, and I certainly wish more developers would follow it's lead. You will send Mario through 3D environments with enemies littered throughout. You can jump and swing a hammer on the field to cross gaps or break obstructions, but you can also use them to hit enemies that approach you. Making any contact with them starts a battle; if you hit them, you get the first strike, and if they hit you, they will get the first strike.

At a glance, combat seems pretty threadbare; there are experience points and levels, but hardly any stats whatsoever - HP, MP (called Flower Points, of FP), and Badge Points (BP). In fact, when you level up, you can only increase one of your three stats, and that's it. Badges are the only type of equipment in the game, and they allow you to raise attack, defense, and grant special attacks which use FP. Any badge you find requires a certain number of BP to be equipped, and you can equip as many badges as your max BP allows. Attacks at the start of the game deal an underwhelming 1 point of damage, and the only way to increase your damage is to find Badges or special key items that increase the strength of Mario's Jump and Hammer attacks.

Lastly, Mario can take one companion into battle. Mario's friends don't have any stats, and usually are not targetted in combat. There are rare enemy attacks that are aimed at your friends, which will render them unable to act for the amount of turns equal to the damage dealt. Keep in mind, though, that attack damage is shown in very low numbers - I've never had a companion incapacitated for longer than three turns. Mario's friends level up by finding special powerup blocks, which increase their damage, in addition to giving them a new ability.

Though the combat sounds like it's lacking in complexity, it's successful because it really forces you to strategize. Each different type of attack you do has a different little mini-game that allows you to deal extra damage with it. For example, if you perform a jump attack with Mario, you can press 'A' at a certain time to make him do a second jump, doubling the damage. There are different ones for almost every attack that Mario and his companions have. Learning to perform these skillfully is key, since they tend to make a significant difference in the overall damage you inflict in combat. Just as well, you are able to press a button at a certain time to reduce damage from enemy's attacks, which is equally important, as HP is pretty scarce for a while.

Your many different characters have different types of attacks, and they shine at different times. Certain enemies some enemies will actually harm you for attempting certain types of attacks. So, for example, you can't use Goombario, who only uses jump attacks, against an enemy with spikes on their head. Enemies who are on fire need to be attacked with long-range moves. Enemies you carry their weapons in front can't be approached from the ground. These are all things to consider when fighting enemies in battle.

Since the leveling system only allows you to level up one of three attributes, you're forced to decide what you value in a character. Choosing more HP will let take more hits, but your attack options will be limited. More FP will allow your friends to use their special attacks more often, but you won't have many to use yourself without BP. Choosing more BP will give you a ton of offensive and defensive options, but you'll lack survivability. The only real trouble with this is that, if you are really good, emphasing BP in your character build will easily be the best option.

Perhaps the way I talk about the game sounds kind of like an instruction manual, but think about all these things I've mentioned; how many RPGs have combat that really forces you to (and rewards you for) be aware of what's happening at all times, instead of just the attack button? Sure, you could say that SMRPG did that to an extent, but the rewards for doing the timed hits and timed blocks was not as significant, and you couldn't even perform a timed hit/block with or against certain attacks.

How many RPGs have you played with a leveling system that forces you to think hard about how you want to build your character? Sure, there are games which allow you to customize your character in specific ways as you level up. In those games, however, you're still leveling up other stats simultaneously, and a few games like that even allow you to redistribute the points you spend if you dislike your current build. Paper Mario forces you to always think about what you need, because if you make a rash decision, it could be quite a while before you level up again.

This is the brilliance of Paper Mario's gameplay. It's fast, engaging, varied, and rewards you for making smart decisions - something that is ironically missing from most games in the RPG genre. It wouldn't be until the second Paper Mario game that the humourous element of the game would be in full swing, but the entire package is more than enough to entertain someone for its relatively short length (about 20 hours).

The Sony Playstation had Final Fantasy 7, and the Sega Saturn had Panzer Dragoon Saga. Both were excellent examples of storytelling in the genre, and were innovative in the gameplay department - particularly PDS. What did the Nintendo 64 have? It had Paper Mario: a fine example of what you can do with the RPG genre if you throw out all the tiresome tropes and try to do something original for a change. It's easily the Nintendo 64's most brilliant RPG, and one of the most brilliant RPGs of its console generation, not to mention a strong start for an excellent RPG series. ]]> Video Games Forum http://agora.rpgclassics.com/showthread.php?t=31408 Wiki Table Help http://agora.rpgclassics.com/showthread.php?t=31407&goto=newpost Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:45:14 GMT So I was trying to figure out how to make a Wiki table. ---Quote--- {table-plus:sortColumn=1} ||Column 1||Column 2||Column 3|| |A|1|a| |Z|2|b| |B|3|c| {table-plus} So I was trying to figure out how to make a Wiki table.

Quote:
{table-plus:sortColumn=1}
||Column 1||Column 2||Column 3||
|A|1|a|
|Z|2|b|
|B|3|c|
{table-plus}
Adding a {center} to a row, only works for that cell...
Quote:
{table-plus:sortColumn=1}
||Column 1||Column 2||Column 3||
|A|{center}1{center}|a|
|Z|2|b|
|B|3|c|
{table-plus}
So my question is, how can I center all of a certain column (like column 2) without needed to put {center} around every piece of text?

(the table-plus is what I used to auto-sort the column) ]]> Technical Support Forum theOtherGuy http://agora.rpgclassics.com/showthread.php?t=31407 Minor question regarding USA/British educational systems http://agora.rpgclassics.com/showthread.php?t=31406&goto=newpost Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:46:06 GMT Running so very late for my partial tests, I'm kind of swamped doing research for my translation courses, since I need a vague grasp of how the educational systems in both Britain and USA are structured. On the upside, I finally figured out what the bloody hell your A, B, C, D, E, F grades and your GPA actually mean. That had been bugging me for years.

Anyhow, my question is simple: Headmaster, Principal and Dean. I need at least an idea of what each title means and what are the differences between them. Like, is one above the other, a synonym, a British/American equivelent of the other and so on. ]]> RPGC Main Forum Seraphim Ephyon http://agora.rpgclassics.com/showthread.php?t=31406