RGT Nostalgia Society #2 - Vagrant Story

[ThatOneLum ThatOneLum]

 

[DanCalibur]

Made some progress today, explored most of the limestone quarry and got my first damascus weapon. Let's see how long it takes for me to get stuck again

 

[ThatOneLum ThatOneLum]

Honestly I just live for @DanCalibur 's comittment to this game.

Kudos dude. I hope you get though it and have a good time to boot.

 

[DanCalibur]

Honestly I just live for @DanCalibur 's comittment to this game.

Kudos dude. I hope you get though it and have a good time to boot.

Maybe i'll be done by christmas

 

[ThatOneLum ThatOneLum]

Maybe i'll be done by christmas

Tbf this game was rock solid. If I hadn't literally spent 90% of my time carrying it around in my pocket with me i doubt I'd have finished it when I did.

I originally planned on copying my save data over to my real PS1 memory card but after the ordeal of playing it I just finished it via emulation lmao

 

[RRR213]

All of the things the devs did in order to get the cinematography in the cutscenes of this game should be studied.

But I remember this game being entirely too difficult for my young brain to play at the time. Way too many systems going on.

 

[diapered]

But I remember this game being entirely too difficult for my young brain to play at the time. Way too many systems going on.

That's initially what frustrated me. The issue isn't there are too many, but a lot is either not represented on screen intuitively in the menus or is not explained correct at all. For example, the manual makes it seem like DP is only a factor when it reaches 0 which is not true, any decrease will affect your damage, you want it as full as you can at all times.

For those thinking about playing, and want quick tips. I think some of this was already posted, but want to throw in my opinion from my experience.

1) Only blades worth anything imo are axe, mace, sword, rapier and knife. I found they all have identical (if not very similar) chain timing: this makes it easier to grind up your chain skills. Also, these are all one handed and you can use a shield. A gem'd up shield is the difference between getting one shot by a boss and brushing it off like nothing. Two handed weapons are useless as you cannot use a shield.
2) Class is irrelevant, ignore it; all that matters is type and affinity. Keep at least one blunt, edge, piercing at all times on you to exploit it. Keep your affinity gems on you AT ALL TIMES: these are crucial for getting big damage (I think braveheart is the only other gem worth it). Speaking of affinity, keep a light affinity blade (your rapier or knife) on you at all times: the most annoying enemies are weak to it, and it will power up your light magic spells which you will need.
3) Speaking of magic, only the buff/debuff spells are useful. Degenerate you will use a lot. Just use your weapons and exploit affinity to kill anything else. However, I did need the offensive light spells from time to time, have your light rapier/knife equipped!
3) Keep PP and DP maxed at all times. Kill things for PP (doesn't take a lot, so no excuse not to fill) and use the temper chain ability to keep DP topped up. Do not keep weapon out, as this drains DP.
4) Only chains I needed/used were temper, heavy shot and raging ache. Once you get raging ache, this will be your chain setup for the rest of the game.
5) Break arts are useless, didn't use them once.
6) Unless you find a weapon you immediately need, just disassemble anything you find. Again, you are looking for affinity gems and grips that match the type of your best blades and add gem slots.

As far as crafting (this I don't entirely understand), Bronze + Iron makes Hagane, so do that upgrade when you can, but ONLY for identical blades/equipment: don't bother trying to mix. I think that is the only relevant application of crafting, at least for a first playthrough...