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Post by Lestaroth on Oct 16, 2017 6:22:24 GMT -6
...Prepare yourself! Special Art! Ice Strike!!
V4_llpVr1-20 1-6 1-20·1-6
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Lestaroth
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Post by Lestaroth on Oct 16, 2017 6:17:25 GMT -6
I agree about plot being 2nd to gameplay in previous IGA games, however in Bloodstained I have good reason to believe that the plot will be much more robust. We have an all star voice acting cast involved, and I think IGA's biggest contribution to the game will be the writing. We can't expect in the wildest dreams what can happen, indeed. I also don't believe that the non-playable characters besides the villains, will only get a few spoken lines, that would be disappointing. Let's hope for the best. Only the future will tell. I want to know but I don't want to be spoiled, so I eagerly am waiting for the day the final product takes form.
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Post by Lestaroth on Oct 14, 2017 21:50:05 GMT -6
The second assault has begun. *Takes two handfuls of throwing knives and launches them at Bloodless* IBFxOyc01-20 1-6 1-20·1-6
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Lestaroth
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Post by Lestaroth on Oct 14, 2017 18:34:44 GMT -6
Well Enk (@enkeriagin), I am sure that Master Iga is fully focused on the 'stained project, trying to see what he could do best to please us players. If you remember well, he said that if he would encounter a game that is not pleasing to him, it probably wouldn't be for the others... it is because he puts himself in our shoes (while knowing he cannot replicate this feeling fully) and it is not something that producers do often. He also has to mix his own vision of the game and consider what would please us, some sort of good compromise. I then hope he takes the best of our suggestions, the realistic and easier to implement ones. As for the past games, yes, I still want to say they were just extras. There is still so much possible to do. I hope we get the best of it, as in really fleshed out characters... (I recently heard that Miriam was the most human-like character he ever created. This brings lots of hope for the character personality-wise!) You went to talk about the art that Mana did. Renewed praises aside, I shall try to decrypt it a little. Yes, the placement and expression of each character matters. Miriam is in the front, she is the lead character and she got a nice smile. Sadly I won't talk about her further, since she is not the core of this topic. Zangetsu is placed in an clear space, away from the others, showing his solitude and focused vengeance. His glowing ofuda (talisman) he is preparing... I want to call him 'stained's Gambit now. XD Anne and Dominique are placed at the same plane as Zangetsu's. The warm smiles show that they are allies. Anne is placed at the front and one could joke that she is playable (hey, who knows, though), but I believe that since she is smaller, she is more at the front. Johannes is behind them, not with a warm smile (well, too much of something isn't good anyway) but he is instead sideways (red flag), with a strangely plotting expression (red flag 2), while holding some journal/small diary (red flag 3)... what's more, the next one, the one behind him (with whom I would even dare say he got a family link) is... ...Alfred, an old man that literally shows coldness, if not calm ruthlessness. The expression he has in this picture is typical of an enemy with an unfathomable level of power. Does it inspire the words "final boss" or "penultimate boss" to you? It does to me. As for the final one, Gebel, he has a lot of available space, just enough to strike an epic pose of "come at me if you dare", showing how ready he is (and Zangetsu won't relent on trying to stop him). Will he be the final boss? I doubt it. It would be too simple and uninspired. And then there is a strange bat in the corner. The Mysterious Man? Could it be... Alucard? No, it's not possible. XD
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Lestaroth
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Post by Lestaroth on Oct 14, 2017 18:06:31 GMT -6
Bloodless. This is quite the peculiar name you have. You challenged us all. Now is my turn... I am here to see you fall. Without hesitation, I rush forward, dodging the deadly red liquid launched at me and slash at her with my deceptively plain-looking swordcane (which served me all over these years) in an all or nothing move...
Decisive quick-slash!
5TeORKH81-20 1-6 1-20·1-6
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Post by Lestaroth on Oct 5, 2017 0:04:41 GMT -6
Hiya Pure Miriam, Like I said before, the identity of the additional characters has been fascinating me for so long. It is like witnessing a musical chairs round (except that there are two winners). Who would it be? The solitary buff samurai hellbent on revenge? The curve-tastic motherly yet extremely competent exorcist of the Church? The friendly alchemist who gave up on his task because he felt that something awful was afoot? The rebellious, curse-corrupted orphan that is like a brother to the heroine? The strange old man that barely anything is known about? The little girl that want to do her best to pay homage to her parents? I do feel that yes, the extra characters should be unlocked after finishing the game and not by codes or accomplishing requirements. Codes would destroy any sense of accomplishment, except if the game detects you finished it prior. Accomplishing some tasks (like steps to reach a certain ending) would be a bit annoying. People would be compelled to favor one unique route (or a couple) to reach a character, then might dismiss the rest. Replayability would be at stake there. I do feel though that they should have their little plot, since that would justify their existence in the game, as well as interactions with other key characters. As for their ways of progressing, I am in favor of them having the usual exp system. The best for me would be for them to be unlocked in both original and classic mode (aka Classic Castlevania-styled gameplay). I was quite annoyed that Richter and the two variants of Maria were only playable in classic mode in CSOTN, but it was only normal given the ties with the original Castlevania games. That said, them to be unable to complete the castle at 200.6% annoyed me deeply. Them also having every skill available from the start was cool, but it also implied that there would be about nothing to be found, besides life ups and hearts up. The rest being hearts gave no incentives to explore,besides map completion and bragging rights. No menu -> no items, relics, equipment or spells either. The librarian refused to help them... It's only natural but frustrating at the same time to see that money is worth nothing (it's not even possible to see how much you got anyway) In sum, it felt more like a destroy 'em all-a-thon with optional speedrunning than anything else. Another point is that CSOTN PS1 was rushed. There was so much more possible content, that we regrettably will never be able to see (besides the extras of the the Saturn version, that were removed in the subsequent releases, sadly too). The other igavanias were on portable consoles, ...and then Harmony of Despair is a cooperative castle-looting and monster-slaughtering game. You don't exactly take your happy time exploring, collecting and saving the way you want to like in the solo games. In sum, there is a wiiiiiiiiiiiiiide margin between the past games and 'stained, especially because the latter is a new IP. Every dream is permitted. So many things can be possibly made, of course including features we could never imagine about.
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Lestaroth
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Post by Lestaroth on Oct 3, 2017 16:08:38 GMT -6
Hi puri, I am glad you asked the question. By the way, for me, the main reason I wanted to participate to this thread was to recall on these lost fun times and to share it with everyone, but also prove my passion for the 'stained project.
My CSOTN's story runs deep actually, way before the game itself. I began my videogames quest with the NES, where the roots of some of the most known legendary series lie. Megaman, The Super Mario games and of course Castlevania (the 1st and Simon's Quest, back then I couldn't try CV III). My Golden Age was during the SNES and PS1 eras though, a time when companies developed all sorts of games with fresh concepts. The stories were more developed too and of course in a graphical and sound perspective, they were better. Super CV IV no matter how old it can be, still has a special place in my heart, as well as Castlevania Chronicles, Castlevania II: Belmont's Revenge and of course the igavanias.
I also always have been an adventure/RPG fan. How did my passion for Castlevania begin? The idea of having all sorts of mythological monsters in a series fascinated me (and it sure still does!). A game with tight gameplay (without it being unfair or sadistic) and immersive ambience I can only be a sucker for. I am one of those who enjoy that gothic atmosphere, playing as a character representing a ray of hope, progressing in a huge castle full of traps and malevolent creatures.
When I began CSOTN, I could feel how immense the castle would be. The music, sound effects and richness in details were truly entrancing. The game is fluid as well. There is a RPG aspect, with level ups, tons of equipment, spells and so on. I always preferred 2D to 3D, too. It also had a link with Rondo of Blood, a game that countless ones had to give up on since it was on the PC Engine back then.
You never knew where a corridor would lead, what you'd find next. Would you be safe trying to progress further? Would you rather grind a little more to ensure that you are strong enough? How worthy that new piece of equipment compared to the ones you already own? These are RPG questions set in a platform-rich game. Isn't it strange, isn't it cool? For me it was a superb blend. Add Alucard's tragic family story, a Belmont that goes weird and a female stalker, a charismatic vampire, his two allies, one female demon, a glimpse of the past... and you have a lot to discover in the end.
Needless to say that Michiru Yamane's performance on this game transcended time. I still deeply love these pieces, they truly convey emotions... Lost Painting, Crystal Teardrops and Waltz of Pearls (Dance of Pales) are still my favorites. I don't mind listening to them for hours.* Ayami Kojima's art is splendid as well. So detailed, so rich in colors, so fitting the ambience. Real pieces of art.
To this day, old PS1 players still remember and make fun of iconic lines like "Die monster, you don't belong in this world!", "What is a man? a miserable little pile of secrets! But enough talk, have at you!", or "I'm interested in this", yes, even in our little Bloodstained Discord. Come pay us a visit! *grins* My favorite among them is Dracula's voice actor (as well as Alucard's). It is like he is singing. I wish he were back as one of the 'stained cast members. ...That and the silly details, like the peanuts or the familiars' reactions...
My favorite weapons in the game? The Heaven Sword and the Rune Sword. They're fun and so much spammable. Great for destroying walls, too (I wonder if I became a wall mac hunter because of it. Nah, maybe not). The duplicator... Yes, I keep all of the one use-only items to spam them when getting this nifty accessory.
I discovered that CSOTN was rushed in the end. Imagine if they could have implemented all that was planned! It was already memorable as is, but still!
Now to return to more recent times, I bought the Dracula X Chronicles when the game was still fresh. CSOTN as unlockable? Rondo of Blood in both original and remade form? Instant purchase! The redub of CSOTN has good lines, but I prefer the voice actors of the PS1 version and these oh so beautiful cheesy dialogues.
I slacker-backed Bloodstained in December of 2016... It was my first online transaction too. I was genuinely admiring the 'stained trailer as well as the "design a boss" video. Master Iga's struggle touched me as well. I also couldn't believe how a company would fall from grace that much and that badly. He was free from the corporate shackles, though, to bring to us more of his talent, to deliver a game that no usual company would put trust in. I am so happy that fans like me responded massively to his call. We are the Army of the Night!
On top of that, it was a game that would be the successor of the Castlevania games with that hybrid genre... In 2.5D, too, meaning you got perspective and special effects in animation! A fresh start, a compelling story, a new setting, tons of new music, sound effects, a brand new bestiary and weapons, characters that aren't tied to anything before, game events linked to reality (that eruption), crafting, game modes, surely a tons of fun details and so on... I can't fathom to which range the game can go in content.
I wish with all my heart that the game succeeds. Every time I hear that nothing is cut and that the pacing is great, I feel at ease. Thanks, Angel-Corlux! Oh and I have met some wonderful people since I joined this community. It is like we knew each other for longer than that. I dedicate this post to them, too. There is so much more to discover about it still and I am ready for it. I will definitely wait. For the best game ever can be created, with the input of everyone.
Thank you, Master Iga, for choosing that path. We trust you, we will follow you in your quest. Also a big thanks to the grand names that accompany him towards his goal.
Thanks for reading! Take care.
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Lestaroth
Wall Mac Hunter
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Post by Lestaroth on Oct 2, 2017 19:49:23 GMT -6
What a question. Of course I agree.
That said, I share the exact words that Yugosalkins uttered. Dismissing Natsume's work like it never existed would be a terrible move. But yes, Mana's work to be put under the spotlight would bring something unprecedented (especially for the nostalgia-filled gamers that are still hesitant about the Bloodstained project).
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Post by Lestaroth on Oct 2, 2017 16:05:18 GMT -6
FINISH HIM!
*Finishes the dog off, hopefully*
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Post by Lestaroth on Oct 2, 2017 16:03:32 GMT -6
Ah, lucky souls~
(I did follow today's announcement)
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Post by Lestaroth on Oct 2, 2017 16:00:38 GMT -6
@mana Wonderfully done! I am sure you were thrilled when you were commissioned to do that fine piece of art. It is obviously now an official product. I certainly hope you'll get a place in the in-game gallery. Angel-Corlux-Corlux Thanks again! Someone relaying our wishes (at least the reasonable, realistic ones) is essential and we are truly happy to have you around. To both: Keep up the good job! Let's have Bloodstained made into one of the best games ever! Take care!
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Post by Lestaroth on Sept 30, 2017 23:44:14 GMT -6
*Munches wall mac in front of the Dullahammer*
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Post by Lestaroth on Sept 30, 2017 21:08:14 GMT -6
Die monster! You don't belong in this world!
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Post by Lestaroth on Sept 22, 2017 19:58:54 GMT -6
I don't think it was actually published in Le Monde but LM Pixel. But it's still awesome Thank's for sharing! ♥ Well, they may be special extra pages, but for the newspaper to even just focus on videogames, I would never have expected that. Normally it is just about books, sometimes movies and TV, but videogames? *baffled*
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Post by Lestaroth on Sept 22, 2017 19:53:56 GMT -6
It seems to be fixed. Here, though, for posterity!
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Post by Lestaroth on Sept 22, 2017 19:50:06 GMT -6
I still feel that if being a completionist in Bloodstained will only grant the Corrupted Miriam path (and thus a bad end), it is more of a punishment than a perk, unless if of course, progress is saved... but how and why?
Still, thanks for the brainstorming. These are great thoughts.
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Post by Lestaroth on Sept 20, 2017 19:45:24 GMT -6
As of now, I'll go for the GOG/Steam (digital) and Vita (physical) versions. I still am conflicted on whether of the Steam or GOG versions I would want to have, since the GOG one doesn't require any internet connection (even if Steam can go offline), offers multiple versions of the game and still allows mods, if the game offers it. The Steam version has cards, achievements and maybe the workshop. That said, relying too much on the Steam client is annoying. I still wonder about a game box, disc and booklet for these. I was told that there would be, but I'm still not reassured on this.
As for the Vita, I chose it because I'd want to not rely on the computer too much, have a collector's edition for myself and probably play on the go (though I would never bring a handheld console on my travels). I also do not want to invest in a current generation console... my videogames quest was supposed to end long ago, but I still continue it. That said, the Vita could have a price drop in used form in the near future, who knows?
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Post by Lestaroth on Sept 20, 2017 19:18:11 GMT -6
gunlord500 absolutely. That said, I would love for it to be much more elaborate, if not different from what we got in Aria of Sorrow. This would be tied to the story progression... How will Miriam counter the curse, will she be able to? Would she go insane after succumbing to the curse and go against the rest of the good guys/the great evil or would she die outright? (bad endings) Will Gebel be able (yes, pun time) to be saved? Will he sacrifice himself? Etc. Pure MiriamThanks for the CSOTN info! I never heard of such things and I am sad it never came to fruition. Imagine otherwise! Corruption via abuse would make me a bit sad, but it would make much sense, as Miriam would be tapping into demonic powers. That said, relying on too much shard power due to habit would make the game unwinnable in terms of good ending... unless the treshold is really high. I still wish for three Miriam states: - The normal one, which is her current;
- The dark/corrupted one, involving the fact that she is beyond purification (and the subject of this very thread);
- The purified one, which would make her not rely on shards but be much stronger. Saved by the Church and removed of all demon influence.
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Post by Lestaroth on Sept 19, 2017 20:22:26 GMT -6
I wished to see that discussion for a while.
I would like for this to signify a bad end (bad choice route)... That said, it would mean that Miriam would be impossible to save.
Would she be an alternate rival boss or final one?
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Post by Lestaroth on Sept 19, 2017 9:25:00 GMT -6
Angel-Corlux Thank you for the update, you rock! Always remember that the Army of the Night's biggest weakness is to remain in doubt for too long. It's important for troops to retain high morale, yes? You have cleared up a TON of stuff in one post, this is what countless ones had sought for. You also know that the update wouldn't please everyone. We are grateful for it. (I guess that corporate BS drove some insane... and I can easily understand that) Nothing this September. Well, I shall resume my little mundane life and look forward for October if not more... Who knows what the future has in stock for us. But again, if all that was promised is maintained so far and the best has to come, there is absolutely nothing for me to fear. And yes, Non Disclosure Agreements... It's a legal pain, but I understand it. True professionalism involves such obligations. I'll support you to the very end and everyone in the Army of the Night ought to do the same. Thanks again, keep up the good job and see you in the discord!
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