How would you improve this game?

[Ghaleon]

regardless, I have to agree the soundtrack is rather uninspiring.

Regarding the garterbelt thing, I know, but I still think the ribbons on the tops of her boots would look uber cute if they weren't painted on. I was just tossing examples of things that are obviously all texture no model, and it was the first thing that popped into my head >=)

edit: Ahh yes, forgot another thing... Break mode shouldn't be real-time. It's silly the player is basically forced to use frameskip even if they don't want to to take advantage of it.

[Dark Hope]

this is very true about guard break, never really though about it much

[Seventh]

- I... actually really like the soundtrack! My only complaint is that it could have been more varied (like some of the dungeons), but the content itself (like the dungeons) was REALLY GOOD in my opinion. There just could have been more of it.

- I get the thing about the Goddesses not being playable, I really do, but in the game itself, it wouldn't make much sense... But that kind of goes to the game's concept, to an extent. When you make a game about the console wars, most people are going to think of the one that's Nintendo vs Sony vs Microsoft. They aren't going to think of the magical one of Sega's dreams where Sega reigns supreme over everyone else, so playing a game based off of that might... not be that fun for them. I mean, Neptune is great and all, but the total lack of interaction between the other three Goddesses in the early game (assuming this even gets fixed later on at all) is just insulting to a game supposedly about the "Console Wars". Even "The Console Wars Fight Piracy" - this kind of completely misses that too, given that getting the three of them is optional for the main plot and all. Really? I wanted to see some Nintendo vs Sony! Sony vs Microsoft! Not Sony REALLY REALLY wants to jump Sega's bones but is in denial and Nintendo hates Sega 4ever!lol!1!!!!

Not that the end result wasn't good, but it really wasn't what I was expecting initially. Even knowing the main character was Sega's Neptune, I... still wasn't expecting the story to revolve around her like this. It's a good thing Neptune is such a likeable character, else I'd fine it REALLY hard not to call out Sega on what they've done here.

- In the context of the game itself, though? I AM actually okay with the Goddesses not being playable right of the bat. You would have to redo a lot for them to be, after all. That said, uh... Given how the "switch" function is sold to you early on, when you physically CAN'T use it until the post-game unless you bought DLC, not to mention how the gameplay is supposedly allll about customization and all, at least one or two other party members somewhat earlier might have been nice. Or, you know, just Nisa and Gust not being DLC.

- I'd say, as far as the battle system goes, just give the players a lot of skills. Even if they're not GOOD skills, having a lot of them would let players want to use combos and things. Give them access to more, you know?




... Also, I want some spinoffs of this! The concept/world is actually really fun and awesome, and I'd be sad to see it die out here. I'd improve it by leaving lots of openings for that, I guess. Leave little openings for Gust/NIS to take over the idea and make their own games based off of it for a huge crazy universe to be built off of the idea.

[vampko]

- I... actually really like the soundtrack! My only complaint is that it could have been more varied (like some of the dungeons), but the content itself (like the dungeons) was REALLY GOOD in my opinion. There just could have been more of it.

- I get the thing about the Goddesses not being playable, I really do, but in the game itself, it wouldn't make much sense... But that kind of goes to the game's concept, to an extent. When you make a game about the console wars, most people are going to think of the one that's Nintendo vs Sony vs Microsoft. They aren't going to think of the magical one of Sega's dreams where Sega reigns supreme over everyone else, so playing a game based off of that might... not be that fun for them. I mean, Neptune is great and all, but the total lack of interaction between the other three Goddesses in the early game (assuming this even gets fixed later on at all) is just insulting to a game supposedly about the "Console Wars". Even "The Console Wars Fight Piracy" - this kind of completely misses that too, given that getting the three of them is optional for the main plot and all. Really? I wanted to see some Nintendo vs Sony! Sony vs Microsoft! Not Sony REALLY REALLY wants to jump Sega's bones but is in denial and Nintendo hates Sega 4ever!lol!1!!!!

Not that the end result wasn't good, but it really wasn't what I was expecting initially. Even knowing the main character was Sega's Neptune, I... still wasn't expecting the story to revolve around her like this. It's a good thing Neptune is such a likeable character, else I'd fine it REALLY hard not to call out Sega on what they've done here.

- In the context of the game itself, though? I AM actually okay with the Goddesses not being playable right of the bat. You would have to redo a lot for them to be, after all. That said, uh... Given how the "switch" function is sold to you early on, when you physically CAN'T use it until the post-game unless you bought DLC, not to mention how the gameplay is supposedly allll about customization and all, at least one or two other party members somewhat earlier might have been nice. Or, you know, just Nisa and Gust not being DLC.

- I'd say, as far as the battle system goes, just give the players a lot of skills. Even if they're not GOOD skills, having a lot of them would let players want to use combos and things. Give them access to more, you know?




... Also, I want some spinoffs of this! The concept/world is actually really fun and awesome, and I'd be sad to see it die out here. I'd improve it by leaving lots of openings for that, I guess. Leave little openings for Gust/NIS to take over the idea and make their own games based off of it for a huge crazy universe to be built off of the idea.

Actually you can use the switch command. You just have to rearrange your party order so that someone's in vanguard. It's only possible to put one character in the vanguard until you get more characters, but it still actually IS possible.

I understand the story and everything, but they should have given IF and Compa Limit's, since they're two of the three main characters in the game. And made them overall better than they are. But, they didn't. Plus, the main problem is how the game was advertised. If they had advertised it more as Neptune dealing with the political struggles between everyone, while the evil Arfoire looms in the distance, then I doubt they'd get this many people to complain.

[Seventh]

Actually you can use the switch command. You just have to rearrange your party order so that someone's in vanguard. It's only possible to put one character in the vanguard until you get more characters, but it still actually IS possible.

I understand the story and everything, but they should have given IF and Compa Limit's, since they're two of the three main characters in the game. And made them overall better than they are. But, they didn't. Plus, the main problem is how the game was advertised. If they had advertised it more as Neptune dealing with the political struggles between everyone, while the evil Arfoire looms in the distance, then I doubt they'd get this many people to complain.

Oh, I know you can use the Switch command, but really-- I'd think having one less member out at once to use it is still... pretty bad in comparison.

Agreed on both of those points. Really, the story as it is? It's still good - but a lot of people were expecting a "console war" game and that's simply not what this is, which can and likely will detract from their enjoyment of what is, regardless of how good it is. As opposed to a war, it's more like a console harem + self insert on Sega's part.

[Justin iZ Here]

it's more like a console harem + self insert on Sega's part.

nuff said

and oh the innuendo xD

[Ghaleon]

Yeah, I'm not sure how I knew, but I kinda knew all along that the game wasn't really about console wars, so I wasn't disappointed in that regard. But I can definitely see where you're coming from.

[Seventh]

it's more like a console harem + self insert on Sega's part.

nuff said

Nuff said... until you're left wanting heavy interaction between the consoles that still actually exist, that is.

[Ghaleon]

Just recalled another minor gripe...
Why is punching and kicking (the circle button I mean) more powerful than using a sword, spear, axe, whatever? Kinda looks silly how every goddess in goddess form pretty much hold their weapons around like they are simply decoration =p.

[Seventh]

Just some things that are bugging me:

- Why is it that Neptune's default outfit doesn't really... match the other three Goddesses'? They all seem to have ones that are, overall, very similar. I mean, she doesn't even have a "Goddess Neptune/Purple Heart!" outfit change from what I can tell for when she gets her memories back.

- To that point-- Back on the concept, now that I'm towards the end-game here... This isn't even the console wars OR the consoles fight piracy, which is how it was marketed (or at least how I heard about it) - it's Sega either fighting piracy alone or getting the other companies to do it. ... Okay??? That's kind of... odd. It really is just Sega getting a harem.

It is a REALLY GOOD THING that Neptune is such a likeable character, or I expect this game might be getting some serious feedback for this - but maybe that's just me.

[vampko]

Just some things that are bugging me:

- Why is it that Neptune's default outfit doesn't really... match the other three Goddesses'? They all seem to have ones that are, overall, very similar. I mean, she doesn't even have a "Goddess Neptune/Purple Heart!" outfit change from what I can tell for when she gets her memories back.

- To that point-- Back on the concept, now that I'm towards the end-game here... This isn't even the console wars OR the consoles fight piracy, which is how it was marketed (or at least how I heard about it) - it's Sega either fighting piracy alone or getting the other companies to do it. ... Okay??? That's kind of... odd. It really is just Sega getting a harem.

It is a REALLY GOOD THING that Neptune is such a likeable character, or I expect this game might be getting some serious feedback for this - but maybe that's just me.

Yeah, they mis-marketed the game really badly

[Bishamon-ten]

1) Manual Healing Control - Seriously, I hated the idea of not being able to control characters in the Star Ocean series, and in this game the computer decides when to WASTE... err... use your precious healing resources? I am fine with manually controlling when I believe it is proper to use healing & recovery items, and believe I can do a better job of recognizing when is the most effective time to use them than some stupid AI based on a random percentage chance! Also, why is there such an abundance of one single synth material dropped when there are four DIFFERENT ones? I already have 999 of the first one, and less than 200 of each of the others!

2) Dungeon Balancing - As others have said, sometimes the monsters have been significantly harder than the end boss! Also, suggested level for dungeons is sometimes blatantly out of synch - I am on a dungeon in Lastation which claims a level 30 recommendation, yet I can't even get past the random monster groups without dying, and all my characters are level 33! I can't increase their stats any higher, and yet they keep getting killed because their HP and defense is apparently not high enough to withstand attacks due to another complaint I have with the battle system...

3) Non-Cheap Monster Attacks - Why do all monsters get the ability to attack twice? This seems an incredibly cheap way to increase the difficulty, along with the frustration level. I should not have the outlook of needing to grind for 5 or more levels above the dungeon level recommendation because the monsters are not only ridiculously strong, but also get to hit two different characters, one character twice, or even the entire party twice!

4) A Complete Manual - With a full explanation of all the game mechanics, systems, and stats. If it is shown in the game (share info, for instance), it should be explained in the manual!

5) A Full, Complete Game on Disc - I don't appreciate being baited with Gust and NISA as "guests" - either don't put them in my party at all and then give me quests to obtain them if I wish, or make them playable from the get-go! I have no intention of purchasing DLC after being used like a horse with a carrot dangling in front of its nose!

I used to unconditionally recommend buying NIS games to everyone who asked or was interested, but after this whole bit with the DLC-baiting "guest" characters and seeing what was done with Disgaea 2 PSP (taking out Hanako and making her DLC when she originally joined as part of the story in D2 on PS2), I can no longer stand behind this company. If this practice of seeing the consumer as a blank checkbook does not stop, I will refuse to purchase any other games and will warn everyone about the "bait & hook" tactics which it seems NIS is embracing...

NIS, I am thoroughly disappoint...

[Ghaleon]

NIS didn't make the game, they just localized it.

Also the purpose of this thread is to point ou gripes in a way for possible improvements via constructive criticism (kinda) not to bash anybody, so please don't do that further, at least not in this topic. I was hoping for something that let people critique the game in a positive tone.

[Bishamon-ten]

NIS didn't make the game, they just localized it.

Which game are you referring? I listed two of them. I am going to guess you're talking about HDN, because I find it hard to believe they don't make their flagship series Disgaea.

Whether they produced the game or simply localized it, NIS & NISA published it, put their logo's upon it, the box art, and the manual, so therefore any gripes with the game are deservedly going to be sent their way. NISA was the one responsible for the manual and documentation - I do not see a link / redirect for forums of the company that made it to air grievances, do you?

Also the purpose of this thread is to point ou gripes in a way for possible improvements via constructive criticism (kinda) not to bash anybody, so please don't do that further, at least not in this topic. I was hoping for something that let people critique the game in a positive tone.

As someone who's been playing RPGs for over 3 decades, both good and bad, I believe my "gripes" are valid and appropriate. For the last week or so since I have gotten the game, I have noticed annoyances that, little by little, have built up to become a huge frustration when playing a game I so want to love - this has led me to voice my criticism in such as way as to attempt to make someone within the game company aware of my displeasure with their product.

If you do not like my tone of criticism, then you need to remember that there are those of us out there who are serious about a good video game experience, and half-hearted releases from companies we deeply respect disappoint us just as deeply.

Did you think everyone in this thread was going to be like "OMG, it was pretty cool, but it would be SOOOOOOOO much BETTAR if they added [x] feature! Teehee!"?

[Ghaleon]

I merely stated the purpose of this topic and asked kindly to try and maintain it. Did you REALLY need that last comment? This game is appreciated and enjoyed by many people. If NISA decided not to localize it, I'm sure many of their fans would be less happy than they are now. So regardless of your Problems of this game, I think they are trying to, and are succeeding at pleasing their customers.

So even if your complaints are valid (and I never said you didnt) I think the whole "I have to tell my friends to ignore NIS/NISA products now" comment is something worth disputing.

Disagree if you like, but please try to refrain from turning this into an insultfest with more innuendos towards my supposed ditsy behavior.