BloodyTears92
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Post by BloodyTears92 on Aug 13, 2019 18:22:51 GMT -6
I think its unfair to say people are picking Miriam because she's sexy, especially since I think I was the only one who even mentioned the sex appeal was me specifically to note I dont care. Especially since well, lets be honest, focusing on the "cool" factor is about as shallow as the "sexy" factor, I feel. I specifically noted I prefer her personality. And even a cool design with cool powers needs a personality to seal the deal.
I mean lets look at Dante, everyone's favorite half demon, half human monster hunter. He looks cool with that red coat and white hair, he pulls off all kinds of crazy stunts with his powers, but what do people REALLY like abut Dante? The sass, the swagger, the spider-man esque taunting of his enemies. His character is the most endearing part about him, not the fact that he's half human/half demon or the fact he regenerates so fast he makes wolverine jealous. He's going to style all over you and tell you how lame you are while he does it.
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BloodyTears92
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Post by BloodyTears92 on Aug 13, 2019 6:22:00 GMT -6
So I do feel like sharing some thoughts in response to some points. Not everything, I havent beaten the game on hard nor have I hit a perfect 100% completion in either game.
1) In regards to size, the only thing I want to note is that while I absolutely agree the Den of Behemoths feels pretty lazy, I greatly prefer haviing one single castle with a wider variety of levels than SOTN'sinverted castle. yes it was a great trick 20 years ago and yes it was a clever way to reuse assets, I would much rather have rotn's type of design where instead we get an oriental lab and a spooky garden. As much as it was a stretch goal, the size of the castle is not as important to me as having a wider variety of locales, and I'm gonna give it to Ritual here thanks to having areas outside the castle and within the castle itself to shake the visuals up more. (To note, Order of Ecclesia, Portrait of Ruin and Curse of Darkness also rank high with me due in large part to the variety of environments.)
2) Music is really a personal preference here. I understand why people love Symphony's music. Its dark, its ambient, its atmspheric. And thats why, outside a handful of tracks like Dracula's Castle, Tragic Prince, Lost Painting and Wandering Ghosts, SOTN has one of my least favorite ost's of the IGA games. I massively prefer the catchier, more melodic soundracks from games like Curse, Lament, Eccleisa and Portrait. This likely stems from the fact I also LOVE the pre-Yamane music from games like rondo, Bloodlines, SCIV and the NES era.I prefer the catchy beats with gothic elements to the grim mood music of SOTN in most cases (but yeah SOTN has some freaking great music, Im not trying to say it doesnt. I do own the ost.)
3) Tying into the above, SOTN feels like an outlier to me not just for IGA's games, but the entire franchise for being so dark and moody. Baring little things like the infamous holy snorkle, or Dracula's castle having a collection of food to span the breadth of time, SOTN takes itself too seriously for my taste, in a franchise that has skeleton bikers, demon maids, bunnygirl ninjas and lest we forget, Hector destroying the minions of evil with an electric guitar, and to be honest, I was s happy when I saw Bloodstained going for the sillier stuff instead of trying to be so dark.
4) The protagonist. I dont even know how to say this gently but, Alucard bores me. He has a great design, some cool weapons and powers, but his personality? What personality? He's brooding and somber an just...ugh. I'm likely going to get keelhauled for this but actually greatly prefer Mercurysteam's interpretation excellently voiced by Richard Madden, whom I felt also worked the tragic brooding guy angle but also had moments of humor and sass at just the right times; and I'll take the upbeat, plucky teasing Miriam over either of them. As much as Ecclesia is my favorite Castlevania game, and i love Shanoa's gameplay and visual design, ripping out her emotions was such a bad decision, it always is. I was terrified when Miriam's initial description described her as slightly amnesiac and being a woman of few words that we were getting Shanoa again, I'm so glad we didn't, I find Miriam to be quite endearing.
5) I dont want to get into the fanservice argument to much, but honestly, all of IGA's games have fanservice in them, even SOTN had to be censored because the sexy corseted succubus was topless at one point, and you dont have to look far to find comments about how much people drool over sotn's design of an older Maria Renard. Sure I noticed when Miriam got noticeably bustier as time went on but at the risk of sounding a bit iffy, I just expect this stuff from Japanese games. As long as it doesnt go full on EROTIC VIOLENCE it just doesn't bug me anymore.
At the end of all this, I enjoy Ritual of the Night more than Symphony of the night, but thats because i prefer what this game is doing and I dislike the more unique elements of Symphony that other people love. I prefer the more energetic protagonist, the catchier music, the brighter art style, the cheese.
(Also worth noting I'm pretty sure SOTN employs a level scaling system to where eventually every enemy only gives you 1 exp, so hitting 99 in that is so much more of a chore than anything in ROTN unless Im SERIOUSLY mistaken but even now my file is sitting in like the mid 40's because nothing gives me exp anymore.)
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BloodyTears92
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[TI1]It is time for darkness. It is a blood banquet.
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Post by BloodyTears92 on Jul 17, 2019 6:15:02 GMT -6
Alright so this is a complicated issue with many considerations:
1. Even though it is a fact that artists working on cosmetics has nothing to do with the programmers working on the Switch port, the average gamer either doesnt know that or will just ignore you and call you an apologist. The mere mention of paid DLC while there is a port in need of fixing and other content that needs to be added will create bad publicity, period.
2. In addition to point one are the people who will fan the flames of that publicity. Just for one example: I've followed Jim Sterling for years, I know his habits, the man WILL make a video calling Bloodstained out for adding paid dlc to the game at this point in time, and if he considers it microtransactions (which people are already calling this because anything that isnt a proper expansion is now a microtrnsaction) he will make a point of saying it no longer qualifies for his "game of the year" awards because he bans all games with microtransactions from consideration regardless of how good they are.
Now obviously Jim Sterling is just one person, but he wont be the ONLY one who jumps on this if it moves forward.
3. People are going to rip into the game asking for money to fund the free DLC even though the game had a successful KS and is selling like crack. The multiple recent piles of crap from Shenmue 3 are only making things worse and worse for ANYTHING related to Kickstarter. At this point that game might end up having such a negative effect on the platform it may never recover.
Now me? I wouldnt ind kicking the game a couple bucks for a sweet Vampire Miriam set of gear, as Im assuming this would work exactly like the Valkyrie set in the game now. But I think even putting this poll out at this point in time was a bad move, they shouldnt have even MENTIONED paid DLC when the Switch port is in such dire straights AND console backers are still waiting on their IGA boss fight and swordwhip. Nevermind there are still backers who flat out dont even have their game yet still.
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BloodyTears92
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[TI1]It is time for darkness. It is a blood banquet.
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Post by BloodyTears92 on Jun 30, 2019 18:07:42 GMT -6
For the most part I stick with Welcome Company but sometimes I like to use a fun one like the Dragon Summon or Hellhound Summon. Otherwise Piling on damage with Welcome Company and the Werewolf Jojo Stand is so strong XD
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BloodyTears92
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[TI1]It is time for darkness. It is a blood banquet.
Posts: 342
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BloodyTears92
[TI1]It is time for darkness. It is a blood banquet.
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Post by BloodyTears92 on Jun 29, 2019 16:55:17 GMT -6
I used Inferno Breath for ages, but now I use Void Ray. Granted I dont have Tis Rozain yet. But void ray got me like
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BloodyTears92
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[TI1]It is time for darkness. It is a blood banquet.
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Post by BloodyTears92 on Jun 28, 2019 6:31:54 GMT -6
According to the Kickstarter page, Virt will be composing two of the themes for Classic Mode, with Yamane and Yamada composing 2 each as well, but I dont know if that is still the plan since Inti isnt part of BS anymore
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BloodyTears92
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[TI1]It is time for darkness. It is a blood banquet.
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Post by BloodyTears92 on Jun 26, 2019 7:19:58 GMT -6
Whip is one of my most used weapons, the only major stretch f the game I wasnt using a whip was when I made the Durandal which was a LOT stronger than the best whip I had. Then I started upgrading and the only weapons I use close to as much as the whips are guns or swords (I have the Blue Rose and of course I will use the weapon from the box.)
heck, the Ambivalence is probably my favorite weapon in the game, likely will be until the DLC hits PS4 and I can finally fight IGA for the swordwhip.
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BloodyTears92
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[TI1]It is time for darkness. It is a blood banquet.
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Post by BloodyTears92 on Jun 23, 2019 21:38:30 GMT -6
I have to agree, I really dislike the DoB. Just giant sized prior enemies? At least the level after it is visually interesting.
On a side note, the sword on the cover is reaally good XD I love it.
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BloodyTears92
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[TI1]It is time for darkness. It is a blood banquet.
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Post by BloodyTears92 on Jun 23, 2019 5:21:33 GMT -6
Currently on the final boss, who is currently repeatedly smearing the walls with my blood.
With over 30 hours under my belt Im at 95.40% map completion But only 34% weapon completion and 66% shard completion with less than half the quests done and not even 10% of the techniques used.
I will say I want to get more shards because my strategy the whole game on every late game boss was mostly "Spam Inferno breath to rack up hundreds of DPS until I win" and my best weapon for now is by FAR the Durandal.
As far as other aspects of the game:
This is a top notch IGA game, and while I want more time with it, I can safely put it above many of his previous games too. Weapon and power variety is astounding with my only niggle being the lack of a weapon upgrade system because I REALLY like the Flying Edge but the damage is so poor at this point...alas. Im really happy with the Familiar system too.
I also adore the fact there are "Builds" in this game, I REALLY want to get a better gun than the Culverin and a better whip than the Beast Tamer. Guns in particular have become a favorite of mine with the amazing variety in ammunition, so different from any other Iga-Castlvania.
Boss fights are great all around, with the "human" fights like Zangetsu and other spoiler-ey ones being the highlights. The fact one of the bosses is a dead ringer for, of all things, Shin Godzilla really made me smile, if also wonder why its here. The Jojo memes make more sense since IGA loves Jojo and has been referencing it for decades at this point. As much as I cant say the final boss has a viable reason for being who it is, I CAN say the fight is a friggin blast.
The story....well the story was never a big highlight in these games but I do feel I agree it feels a bit nonsensical the direction certain characters take. But with one character I really like is Miriam herself. She looks and evokes Shanoa s much, and early descriptions of her describe her as aloof which TERRIFIED me we'd get another stoic, cardboard character with a great design but Miriam has a lot of charm and playfullness to her that eliminated those fears. Zangetsu is also great and I cant wait to unlock him.
Im also extremely pleased with the wide array of locales in the game now that ive seen it all, from the ship to the castle to the oriental research lap and beyond, Im thrilled to say my fear of a big stale castle with no other environmental variation was tossed aside brilliantly.
For now, Im giving up on the final boss, Im only level 41 and phase 2 is just eating me alive, I want to collect more shards and weapons. And I need money, christ Ive never had more than like 20K on me at a time. I cant buy all the fun ammo for the guns I want to use :3
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BloodyTears92
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[TI1]It is time for darkness. It is a blood banquet.
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Post by BloodyTears92 on Jun 19, 2019 7:13:46 GMT -6
I hate to be negative when the game is so good...but losing nearly 12 hours of progress to this chest bug really sucks....
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BloodyTears92
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[TI1]It is time for darkness. It is a blood banquet.
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Post by BloodyTears92 on Jun 19, 2019 6:34:59 GMT -6
All my chests are refilled and all the stat-boost items are back too. granted I'm still running aroun trying to figure out where to go after killing Craftwork but I'll see if this is unbeatable
EDIT: Yep, my file got buggered, I have to restart the game.
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BloodyTears92
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[TI1]It is time for darkness. It is a blood banquet.
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Post by BloodyTears92 on Jun 19, 2019 5:38:12 GMT -6
So one thing I was really worried about (And I can just hear/read good 'ole Castledan, if he's still around? getting mad about what Im about to say) was the fact that the game was castle-based would mean a lack of variety in the locales. Because an entrance, a cathedral and a clock tower arent quite what I was meaning.
Thankfully this worry is soooo taken care of. I'm still only 10 hours in, Craftwork was the last boss I killed, and already between the Minerva, the Villiage, the underground tunnels and especially the Garden, this game is bursting with environment variation.
Im especially happy with the Garden of Silence since I specifically said I hoped there was a more outdoorsy/vegitative area like a garden or greenhouse and I got it boy howdy.
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BloodyTears92
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[TI1]It is time for darkness. It is a blood banquet.
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Post by BloodyTears92 on Jun 18, 2019 5:57:10 GMT -6
I'd probably back again, but not for as much. Even if the campaign had gone off perfectly that would be the case though, this was a one-time-only money dump for me. The game is a major success and shouldnt need KS again anyway.
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BloodyTears92
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[TI1]It is time for darkness. It is a blood banquet.
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Post by BloodyTears92 on Jun 17, 2019 18:47:05 GMT -6
Arsenical I've gotta believe its on purpose then, I sure hope so. EDIT: Also, thanks to some exploring I found an 8-bit Coin and bought the Ambivalence, a Whip that alternates between light and dark with a charge mechanic. I am in LOVE with it!
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BloodyTears92
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[TI1]It is time for darkness. It is a blood banquet.
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Post by BloodyTears92 on Jun 17, 2019 18:15:10 GMT -6
Im very much digging the game, the music is amazing as expected and the environments look stunning! And barely 2 hours in with so many weapons, powers and crafting goodies!
There's still some visual hiccups. Character Models for some characters, espeially the villiagers, can look pretty rough. And in the Garden of Silence there's this room with a blood tint and a big blood moon. I thought it was gorgeous...until I noticed the moon was in the wrong layer of the background and covered up the spires in the back that probably should be in *front* of the moon.
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BloodyTears92
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[TI1]It is time for darkness. It is a blood banquet.
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Post by BloodyTears92 on Jun 17, 2019 16:15:31 GMT -6
Got mine in the mail today as well!
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BloodyTears92
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[TI1]It is time for darkness. It is a blood banquet.
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Post by BloodyTears92 on Jun 14, 2019 6:05:32 GMT -6
So last night at work I realized her piece here reminded me a lot of the art for Dracula X Chronicles, in terms of image composition. Not a bad thing of course, but it had been bugging me why I thought the layout looked familiar XD
EDIT: Though one thing I think should be brought up since it has been mentioned, for people like me who backed at $300+, and our games are being signed, I'm *fairly* certain an update stated that Kojima's art would be separate "packaging" from the backer slipcase, and that IGA's signature would be located on the backer slipcase.
So for people who are conflicted, I dont believe IGA's signature will be on Kojima's art, but the foil-design backer slipcase. Unless I'm mis-remembering this?
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BloodyTears92
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[TI1]It is time for darkness. It is a blood banquet.
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Post by BloodyTears92 on Jun 12, 2019 5:12:27 GMT -6
I remember not that long ago the entire World of Light for Smash 5 was leaked weeks in advance of the game's street release because people got it early from retailers that chose not to honor their deal with Nintendo.
This happens all the time. They have to make sure retailers have stock on hand so people can buy the game on launch day. There's also no way to stop them from breaking street date and selling it early. The only thing to be done is to come down on those individual businesses.
Yeah, it makes me miffed that there are sleazy people out there that either tricked a retailer into giving them a copy early or they know someone and got a copy early and they got the game before me, but until videogames go totally digital, there's just no way to stop this from happening. There's always going to be that local game store that says "screw it, people are asking, so Im selling now". There's always gonna be "My uncle works at EB Games, he'll get me a copy early."
And because this is the digital/social media age, there will be people throwing up stuff and not caring about spoilers. Even a simple youtube search I just did showed a couple small channels uploading videos and streams of the game. Might be fake, but I wasnt about to check and see.
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BloodyTears92
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Post by BloodyTears92 on Jun 11, 2019 5:31:04 GMT -6
Im not surprised. Stores break street days all the time. This has nothing to do with 505 for once, they do have to get copies into the stores to make sure its available on release day after all, so the fact that retailers have the necessary stock is not a problem on its own. The actual problem is that you cant stop every dime-a-dozen corner electronics store in the world from breaking street dates and embargoes just to get that sweet profit a little earlier. I simply advise a lot of caution in this final week, there WILL be leaks, there WILL be spoilers, its unavoidable. I would also say its reasonable to think that major review sites like IGN and Destructoid have the game, or at least review code, so really, expecting backers to get the game before EVERYONE is a little silly. 505 is gonna make sure Gamespot gets their copy so their reviews can go up. Granted thus far "The Public" was specified so Im not calling anyone here out specifically, but I know there will be asinine outrage that backers didnt get the game before "literally" everyone else in other communities. mobilevil the game itself is shipping ahead of the other backer rewards to make sure, to the best of the team's capabilities, the game arrives on release day to avoid the Curse of the Moon debacle where the public got to buy the game days before we got our codes. That's the goal, but obviously once they ship it, its up to your regional mail services to get it to you in a timely fashion. As for the Day 1 Patch, as much as they annoy me, I expect its the various backer modes like Boss Rush Mode that were promised on day 1. In fact, wasnt it only a couple updates ago we were told those modes would be a day 1 download?
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BloodyTears92
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[TI1]It is time for darkness. It is a blood banquet.
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Post by BloodyTears92 on Jun 7, 2019 5:20:31 GMT -6
I really like the slipcase. The more mininalistic art style with the foil/holographic flair is great and I love the back saying "Campaign Backer". I absolutely consider that worth the extra $10 that just buying the game an DLC covers.
The shirt is also quite nice, black on red is always a good color scheme and using Gremory was neat.
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