I actually prefer text over voice acting. Mostly because it's easier for me to read something than listen to (usually) annoying, crappy english voice actors. Especially where Atlus is concerned lol. Sounds like a cool game. I'm gonna see if my brother has it.
Ys 7: First Impressions!
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 On 05/29/2013 at 04:14 PM by BrokenH See More From This User » |
If asked to describe Ys 7 I’d say “It’s Secret Of Mana on turbo!”. While that statement is not 100% accurate it does at least embody the fast action combat and very impressive boss fights. (Which usually require some amount of strategy to win)
I’ve often described Ys story-telling as stereotypical yet oddly endearing. Aka, the series uses many clichés yet the characters are memorable and lovable. This just goes to show a generic fantasy plot can be good in its’ own right. Not everything tale to be “cutting edge” in order to evoke emotion and to weave metaphors relatable to the human condition. Put simply, if you don’t let out an “awww” around Maya or get a chuckle out of Dogi’s comically over-eager run animation you don’t have a soul!
"Maya will steal your heart! So adorable! Cuteness is over 9,000!"
There’s surprisingly a lot going on in Altago. Though ruled by a good king, the continent has been at war with the Romuns (slang for Romans?) and only recently established a peaceful alliance. Even as the king strives to be fair and compassionate, a couple of his advisors are war mongering greedy narcissists. Aka, right off the bat you see political corruption and a certain knight who is abusing his authority over the towns-folk. If that were not enough, a mysterious illness is going around. It’s ironic then that Dogi and Adol are asked to investigate ancient shrines tied to the land’s dragon gods. I don’t know what that has to do with illnesses or bureaucratic douche-baggery but I’m sure those plot threads tie together further on in! (Er, at least I hope so?)
Regardless, you soon get to what makes the game so enjoyable! (Aka, exploration and monster busting) All of the creatures you encounter have different weaknesses. Some take more damage from blunt attacks and others take more damage from piercing or slashing attacks. As such, you’ll be switching between the members in your party quite often. (Thankfully, this is very easy) Each protagonist has a unique set of special attacks and charge moves. Additionally, an evasion button allows you to gracefully roll around and dash out of the way of incoming projectiles or bum rushes. This becomes especially helpful during more intense boss fights.
"Aisha pwns nubs with her archery skillz!"
As monsters are vanquished materials are collected. When using the synthesis option at shops these random parts can craft more powerful armor, weapons, and enchanted gear. The system is simple enough to understand and adds additional incentives to explore Altago while grinding and farming.
The only thing lacking thus far is the side missions. For example, one girl asked me to collect flowers for her and a fisherman asked me to bring back various types of wood for him so he could make more fishing poles. (sighs) Really? Really? (My lame Miz impression) It just seems as if boring fetch quests are outdated so I cannot comprehend why modern rpgs use them to this day! C’mon guys, it’s possible to come up with better filler material than this!
"I decree you fight this two-headed dragon turtle while listening to a power-metal ballad!"
Par usual the soundtrack in Ys 7 is awesome-sauce and comes at you with a mix of medieval minstrel tunes and other tracks that are hard rock and true power metal. The more intense electric guitar riffs especially lend to the tension of the epic boss battles. Some gamers may take issue with the fact there’s no voice acting but the dialogue is so well written it was not difficult for me to imagine what each person would sound like if they were talking to me face to face. It is possible to project personalities and emotions with words alone and falcom has always been exceptional at pulling this off. Yes, a game doesn’t need famous celebrity voice talent to carry it to success! Let that be a lesson to publishers and developers whom blow huge budgets on the most ridiculous of frills!
Thus far my only complaint has been the boring fetch quests and frankly, that’s a small insignificant qualm. Though I’m not that far into Ys 7, it is shaping up to be a great rpg. Not that I’m surprised or anything. Falcom & X-seed haven’t disappointed me yet!
"Ha! Ha! Ha! SOTN reference for the win! I'm such a hopeless geek."
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