The Video Game Thread - anything and everything...

[HeartBlade]

Not sure what Square is doing with this ip anymore. Some are hoping for a remake/remaster. I don't know. They are so busy with the FF7 remake stuff, and then theres still Kingdom Hearts 4, which who knows whats happening with that.
Chrono Trigger is so perfect already, any remake where they change or add too much stuff, and a lot of people, myself included, will be quite mad.
Just recently finished my 66th playthrough of the game on PS1, not including the SNES times.

Pretty sure the IP has been abandoned or closed like so many other great franchises (Dead Space, Shenmue, Klonoa, Spyro, etc.). The devs either feel the story has ended well and doesnt need a sequel (Miyazaki believes this which is why he hates sequels to games) or they want to prioritize their better selling franchises due to limited resources.

I kind of theorize that Square believes that the west doesnt care about turn-based RPGs (and its honestly kind of true imo). They are retaining turn-based with the Dragon Quest series but are shifting hard toward more action-focused games with Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts although recent final fantasy entries havent met expectations (FF16 has only sold 3.5M when compared to Ghost of Tsushima selling 13M or CoD MW2 selling 8M in the first week). Square also gauged interest in Chrono Trigger in the past by rereleasing Chrono Trigger on DS with added content in 2008 which only sold 800k sales (with close to 500k in Japan alone) and the recent remaster of Chrono Cross aparently not doing well either. There was the rumored Chrono Break back in the 2000s but was dropped in 2003 without amounting to anything. Despite the Chrono series ranking in the top ten sequels in demand in 2008 and 14th out of 50 in Famitsu for most wanted sequels in 2009, SE SVP Hashimoto remarked that "people should buy more" if they want a sequel.

I think SE sees the "demand" fans have for a sequel as just talk that wont turn into actual sales so dont see it as a priority compared to other options like FF7 remake (selling 3.5M in 3 days and 7M by Sep 2023).

Honestly, I feel Square's approach to game development and resulting sales targets needs to be changed but that arguably also affects their philosophy in game development so really am not sure how they need to tackle things in the future. I do think they continue to make some of the best games in the industry (beautiful games with great combat systems like KH2, Nier Automata, and FF7 remake) but they dont get rewarded with the sales.

 

[Paul Andrew]

Square has a habit of labeling lots of games as having not met expectations, and I think that has as much to do with where they're placing their expectations as anything.

I want my turn based battles back though. Octopath did a neat spin on the concept, and Expedition 33 is coming out soon too. If Expedition 33 hits maybe SE will think twice about taking FF away from turn based.

 

[Nth]

I dunno. Maybe Square Enix is more open to it nowadays when they recently tweeted the Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster set sold 5 million copies.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1900396747647754617

 

[JediMichael]

I'm one of the mods on a FF6 FB group, and know other mods and admin in other groups as well. (RPGs, Chrono Trigger)
We see tons and people asking about remakes and remasters almost daily.
A lot of people still do love turn base, myself included.
I think Square's problem is, they think they need to go so big and over the top, spending millions to make something, so if it doesn't make that back, they complain.
For Chrono Trigger, more people would just prefer a remaster, like the FF pixel remasters, then a huge remake like the FF7 remake style graphics.
Some people ask for that, but they are usually the younger crowd that ONLY sees graphics.
I don't mind the super nice graphics for 7 and making cities and areas feeling bigger and more lived in....for me, its been them changing parts of the story, and the battle system. While it works and all, I do still prefer turn based gameplay.
Chrono Trigger, with its anime style roots. Not even sure if that would come out so well in realistic graphics. Or Crono being silent. Works alright for a SNES game, might come off weird realistic.
Honestly, if Square DOES redo Chrono Trigger, but changes the story and battle system, I know I won't even waste my money, and I know a LOT who feel the same way.
I hope Square is aware of this.

I think their best choice for CT, is a version where it looks just like the SNES game, just in HD, but, with a quick menu option, switch to a Mario RPG remake style look, and maybe even a 3rd 2.5D look.
But that might be considered to much work for them. Not sure. Would also be nice to switch soundtracks, as well as translations. Mix and match.
That would be the most ideal option to make more people happy.
But definitely keep it turn based.

 

[HeartBlade]

I'm one of the mods on a FF6 FB group, and know other mods and admin in other groups as well. (RPGs, Chrono Trigger)
We see tons and people asking about remakes and remasters almost daily.
A lot of people still do love turn base, myself included.
I think Square's problem is, they think they need to go so big and over the top, spending millions to make something, so if it doesn't make that back, they complain.
For Chrono Trigger, more people would just prefer a remaster, like the FF pixel remasters, then a huge remake like the FF7 remake style graphics.
Some people ask for that, but they are usually the younger crowd that ONLY sees graphics.
I don't mind the super nice graphics for 7 and making cities and areas feeling bigger and more lived in....for me, its been them changing parts of the story, and the battle system. While it works and all, I do still prefer turn based gameplay.
Chrono Trigger, with its anime style roots. Not even sure if that would come out so well in realistic graphics. Or Crono being silent. Works alright for a SNES game, might come off weird realistic.
Honestly, if Square DOES redo Chrono Trigger, but changes the story and battle system, I know I won't even waste my money, and I know a LOT who feel the same way.
I hope Square is aware of this.

I think their best choice for CT, is a version where it looks just like the SNES game, just in HD, but, with a quick menu option, switch to a Mario RPG remake style look, and maybe even a 3rd 2.5D look.
But that might be considered to much work for them. Not sure. Would also be nice to switch soundtracks, as well as translations. Mix and match.
That would be the most ideal option to make more people happy.
But definitely keep it turn based.

While I completely agree, I think there are two big challenges.

One is one of Square's mottos is to "deliver unforgettable experiences" which they seem to want to do by offering outstanding graphics in video games. They have historically been one of the pioneers of better graphics in video games (see FF13 for PS3 whose CGI could pass off for PS4 quality and the impact of the movie spirits within on CGI despite flopping as a "movie.")

Purpose and Values｜About Square Enix Group｜SQUARE ENIX HOLDINGS CO., LTD.

Information on Purpose and Values

www.hd.square-enix.com

I do think this results in Square overspending and overinflating their budgets for games, especially flagships like Final Fantasy, which results in unrealistic expectations in terms of sales.

Second is something I want to look into more but I do suspect younger gamers spend more. Thanks to growing up in the "modern gaming" era where microtransactions and purchasing outfits is standard practice and not "exploitative," younger gamers seem more prone to spending bigger bucks for cosmetic stuff which is probably why live service games like GTA Online or Fortnite make bank every year. Unfortunately, the draw for these gamers is action-focused combat (flashy but not necessarily difficult or having depth), beautiful graphics, and brand name. I dont think younger gamers are really drawn to Final Fantasy, let alone Chrono Trigger so a Chrono remaster would really be something for the fans which Square may not think is worth enough to go for. Square is still struggling to attract the western audience imo (FFXVI is clearly targeted toward a western audience with Square's take on medival fantasy like Witcher 3 + flashy action combat like DMC and I dont really know why it didnt land well. Maybe the bad reception of FFXV hurt sales?)

I would have really liked a remaster or even just a package release of Chrono Trigger and Cross in one package with trophy support for modern consoles. Maybe add a little something like a hard mode or new secret boss like they did with the DS version to add some incentive but even just a straight port to PS4/5 in one package would have been good for me. I would ideally have liked a direct sequel to Chrono Trigger with the rumored Chrono Break (have theorized in the past how that story would go) but I dont think thats likely anymore. Great franchises can end and Chrono Trigger is still one of the best JRPGs ever made even today imo.

 

[JediMichael]

Found this game, Red Dead Redemption, in my brothers stuff. So for the last two weeks, been playing it, and the dlc, getting 100% with both.
Going to be 15 years old this year, and had never played any of it. Now can't wait to get some money and try the 2nd game eventually.

There was definitely some frustrating parts, with wonkey controls, or enemies spawning right behind you...or bears and cougars.

"Is this a holdup?" ...."it's a science experiment."

One of the last things I did in the main game, was for the trophy to get a bounty of $5000, and then pay it all off. So you had to kill a ton of guys to get it up there.

The dlc, Undead Nightmare, has so many weird crazy things, like all the zombies, Bigfoot, chupacabra, unicorns...

And the unicorn shoots rainbows from its butt...lol.

Well, that kept me entertained for these last two weeks...guess I need to really clean the house, and apply for more jobs, which I was doing, just probably not as much as I could have...but I was also really sick the whole time. Some weird two weeks cold/flu bug, or whatever.
Thankfully finally feeling better from that.

 

[firesprite]

I picked up three new games for my birthday yesterday:

• Lost Records: Boom and Rage
• Manor Lords
• and the preorder of South of Midnight.

I've really been enjoying Lost Records so far, but I've played several games from DON'T NOD and they never fail to be fantastic in terms of story and character.

I dabbled in Manor Lords a bit, but wanted story.

 

[HeartBlade]

Has anyone played the original Resident Evil 4 on PS3?

Ive recently accessed Resident Evil 4 (PS3) version through PS Plus and can play the game by streaming but aiming is quite difficult. Leon's laser site wobbles quite a bit so placing headshots is quite difficult despite being a key part of the game (very helpful to stun enemies for a follow up kick to conserve ammo). I had always played the game on the Nintendo Wii so was unsure what aiming was supposed to be like.

 

[The Terminator]

Found this game, Red Dead Redemption, in my brothers stuff. So for the last two weeks, been playing it, and the dlc, getting 100% with both.
Going to be 15 years old this year, and had never played any of it. Now can't wait to get some money and try the 2nd game eventually.
View attachment 1916647
There was definitely some frustrating parts, with wonkey controls, or enemies spawning right behind you...or bears and cougars.

"Is this a holdup?" ...."it's a science experiment."
View attachment 1916648

One of the last things I did in the main game, was for the trophy to get a bounty of $5000, and then pay it all off. So you had to kill a ton of guys to get it up there.
View attachment 1916649

The dlc, Undead Nightmare, has so many weird crazy things, like all the zombies, Bigfoot, chupacabra, unicorns...
View attachment 1916650
View attachment 1916651
View attachment 1916652
And the unicorn shoots rainbows from its butt...lol.
View attachment 1916653
Well, that kept me entertained for these last two weeks...guess I need to really clean the house, and apply for more jobs, which I was doing, just probably not as much as I could have...but I was also really sick the whole time. Some weird two weeks cold/flu bug, or whatever.
Thankfully finally feeling better from that.

The sequel hits hard, in a good way, and emotionally.

 

[JediMichael]

The sequel hits hard, in a good way, and emotionally.

I've read that, and can't wait to try it, just don't have the money right now.
I'm behind on so many games.

 

[The Terminator]

I've read that, and can't wait to try it, just don't have the money right now.
I'm behind on so many games.

It's worth the wait. At least in my opinion.

 

[JediMichael]

It's worth the wait. At least in my opinion.

A little bit ago, was just checking to see what current deals the Playstation store had, and RDR2 was on sale for $15, from the $60 dollar normal price.
I figured I better take advantage of that deal, so went ahead and got it.
Already had started a FInal Fantasy 6 playthrough, but should be done within a day or so, and then I'll start RDR2.
Wasn't actually expecting to play it already so soon.

 

[JediMichael]

So just finished that Final Fantasy 6 playthrough, and a few movie crossover ideas came to mind....so I made them real quick.

You boys better be getting out of the way if we get a bunch faster.

I'd listen to him if I were you. I hear he's got quite the attitude.

A new type airship for the millennium.

I know four guys you can call that can also help out.

 

[Nth]

Switch 2 looking like a day one for me, even for Mario Kart World alone.

June 5th release.

 

[HeartBlade]

Switch 2 does look cool but personally have some concerns.

1) Difference between Japanese/local version and international version. I wonder what the potential impact of this will be.

2) Denuvo being added to games. Adding denuvo to console games is stupid given that consoles are already a pretty closed system making them difficult to hack for free games, reduce game performance, and add another point for failure (if denuvo servers shut down, cannot play that game).

3) Higher games price point. This may have been inevitable but still am not happy about it.

4) Extra charge to play older games on Switch 2. Not sure if its basically a soft remaster of improving fps and graphics for older switch games at a lower price point but having to pay money to play switch 1 games on switch 2 doesnt sit well with me. If its you can play and there is a "Switch 2" version, then maybe but Im not a fan of paid upgrades without added content.

 

[Lord Boron]

Mario Kart is a fun game…..but it’s not $80 fun.

 

[JediMichael]

Been playing Red Dead Redemption 2. So much to do, and now having a job, don't get to play as much.
Also, this came to mind today, so had to make it.

Metal Gear Solid T-Rex.

 

[Nth]

Mario Kart Direct today.

 

[jkno]

Tempest Rising on Steam

Command distinct factions in a desperate struggle for power and resources in Tempest Rising - a classic RTS set on Earth after a nuclear war.

store.steampowered.com

 

[JediMichael]

So this Red Dead Redemption 2 is such a HUGE game. Three weeks straight, and I'm only like 55% done. I did get a job, so having to balance more time out of course, but still....speaking of a job, got my first paycheck, so already getting some things....like new speakers for my tv that are suppose to be THX certified. Only $120, but they do sound REALLY good.
Then, I found some more Chrono Trigger artwork, got it printed up, bought frames, and just hung that tonight.

I'm running out of space on the walls now.