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I picked up and then quickly dropped Divinity:Original Sin, and now have moved to pillars of eternity. Fun, though load times can get grating. Not very far in, but I am enjoying it.

Really trying to decide what to get next. I'm feeling shorter, arcadey games. Maybe some shmups or Housemarque stuff, IDK.

Playing through the original Shining Force game. Man, I'm really impressed. I played probably 3 or 4 hours 10 years ago or so before moving on. I was in a "test all my games" mode back then. I really missed out. Im currently in battle 12 (of 30). Around the 5 hour mark your party is growing and the story is moving along.

I dig the standard JRPG town elements between SRPG battles. There's 5 or so secret characters you can unlock from talking with NPCs, bringing folks items, etc. This is missing from many SRPGs that are just one battle screen after another.

The visuals are great. I was so impressed with the battle animations I took several screen shots I will eventually post here or in the games beaten thread.

The gameplay is very solid of course. It lives up the reputation. It could have more depth regarding a weapons triangle, character relationships, etc but you to remember when this came out.

I wanted to play SF 1-3 in order and I was basically playing this one as the entry title, while really looking forward to 2 & 3. Those get all the praise, but I can say this one shouldn't be skipped!

Add: Can't believe I didn't mention the music which I'm listening to outside of the game as well.

The Shining Force series is absolutely amazing. I just beat Shining Force 2 in February and that game was absolutely unbelievable. And the first one is just as fantastic.

The only complaint and just a warning for you, you can promote characters at Level 20. When your characters get close to that level, the experience points just drop. So, if you are near that level and find a battle that drops good experience, take your time to promote everybody.

For example, you fight on the map in the ocean on a boat. That is a fantastic level to promote your characters as the next boss is incredibly hard!

Here is the full soundtrack for anyone wanting to check it out or have some background music at work.

https://youtu.be/4Rc2_6uWOhE

@markie, thanks! So I have to get them to the level, egress, then promote from the priest, correct? Essentially using egress spell as a way to grind on that map.

III is the best in the Force series and maybe the best in all of the Shining series as well.

Yeah egress is how to grind in these games.

Jagosaurus wrote:Here is the full soundtrack for anyone wanting to check it out or have some background music at work.

https://youtu.be/4Rc2_6uWOhE

@markie, thanks! So I have to get them to the level, egress, then promote from the priest, correct? Essentially using egress spell as a way to grind on that map.

Yep, Exactly.

Egress is how you grind in that game. At any time, have the Hero cast it and you will be spent back to the priest with all of your experience points. You don't have to promote at Level 20, but that is your first opportunity to and only pros spend the horrendous amount of hours to grind to Level 40 for better stats.

Especially in the first game, some of the weapon stores will stop selling weapons to unpromoted classes. You won't be able to buy better weapons until you Promote, so it's nearly impossible to do it. Just find a good place to grind, egress and play that map a hundred times.

Nioh is blowing my mind. I can see how some fans don't like the comparisons to Souls with what I've played, because there's an obvious overdose of Ninja Gaiden in there too. But it personally gives me awesome Onimusha vibes I've craved for years. It's an insane combination of amazing things that is completely up my alley, the combat is ridiculously deep. Basically knew I was going to love this game and I'm glad to finally get around to it.

It's been a long time since I've played King's Field, so today I decided to go back and play King's Field: The Ancient City... again. I put an hour into it, and you know what? I'm just not feeling it anymore. The graphics are terrible. The movement is like swimming in molasses. It takes forever to turn around. I couldn't hit any enemy to save my life. Then I fell in lava and just died. I was having a miserable time! I have no idea how I ever enjoyed this trash. Stockholm syndrome I guess? I regret ever playing through this series, and I regret ever suggesting others play it even more. King's Field is terrible, worthless garbage.

Why do I even waste my limited lifespan on this old crap? Honestly I'm tired of yesteryear pixelated elderly games in general. I think I'm going to just stick to playing modern games for now on. Screw it. I'm selling all my old consoles and handhelds, and I'm buying a Switch, PS4, and building a new PC. It's time to go modern for now on. If a game's older than two weeks, forget that crusty junk. I want my pixels bleeding edge, period.

Got it. Thanks for the tips Bone & markie. I remember the debate of double leveling or promotion in Fire Emblem. It's a cool layer of depth, but I'm always worried I just screwed myself when I promote . What level do you recommend pulling the trigger on promoting in SF?