Topic: Arc Rise Fantasia!

[NinGurl69 *huggles]

I just love how this industry works.

Crash, already.  Please.

[KDR_11k]

They're already flying as fast as they can but the ground is still pretty far away. Give them some time to reach it.

[BeautifulShy]

So did anybody pick this up?
Came out a few days ago. I need to grab this still.

[vudu]

I haven't seen a single review.  I didn't even know it was out yet.

[Ymeegod]

NP did their review --7.5, Gameradar has one online--6.5, but that's about it so far.   Nothing different from the Japanese other than crappy english voice over, not sure why developers just don't use subtitiles. 

Still going end up renting it and see for myself.

 

[Sarail]

I'm planning on picking it up for sure.  Looks like a fun battle system.

[Mannypon]

There are a handfull of reviews trickling out but I'm half way out the door right now so I'll just throw out what I've heard so far about it. 
 
Most reviews and user feedback state that the game is playable with no fatal flaws or crashes but it all comes across too generic.  Its been described as a low budget Tales game. The voice acting is ridiculous to put it lightly and the writing is not far behind (from what I've seen).  The graphics have been a mixed bag from what I hear.  Some areas look brilliant while others not so much.  The overworld and towns do look sweet though but one weird thing that I've noticed is that you can't really explore the inside of buildings which, for some strange reason, I'm finding a little tough to swallow lol.  Whenever you enter a building you get a still backdrop and character portraits similar to a SRPG.  The only time you see the interior in 3d is for cutscenes. 
 
Another complaint I've seen is that the game has some sudden spikes in difficulty and at times may require serious grinding.  All in all, this sounds like a really old school jrpg.  I was debating on buying this game but after hearing the feedback and watching some footage on youtube, I might just pass and continue my adventuring in DQ9 till the new DS FF game drops in Oct.  I've also been thinking of picking Little King's Story up as I've been hearing that's a hidden gem. 

[cubist]

I hate to say this...but I'm enjoying the sh*t out of this game!  Voice acting aside, this game really is the best RPG on Wii right now in the U.S. (until rain falls here hopefully!).

[Mannypon]

Thanks for bringing this game back from the dead, I forgot all about it.  I might give this game a shot after I'm done with xenoblade. 

You care to share what aspects of the game your really enjoying?

[Caterkiller]

Yeah Cubist, your testimony will have me decide to go out and get it or not.

[ejamer]

I'm another fence-dweller for this game. Wanted it, but initial reviews weren't very positive so it moved onto my "wait and see" list... where it was promptly forgotten.  Maybe if a bunch of people are all interested in the game it should be nominated for a NWR playthrough. Even if it's not retro, it would be fun.

[Mop it up]

Add me to the list of people who took the wait-and-see approach. I haven't yet come across a price I'm willing to pay.

[Ymeegod]

Ending up playing this a few months back--can't really recommend this one to anyone.  The voices are pretty damn bad and I figured I'll just turn the sound off and use subtitles but the battles require you to have the sound on--the characters shout stuff like "I'm having a bad feeling about this" for example which means the enemy's about to release an major attack.  You wouldn't be able to surive without their callouts.  And no the callouts didn't have subtitles like the cutscenes--and there's wasn't an Japanese language option neither.

The overall game wasn't anything special--you're better off just importing Xenoblade, don't be an idiot and wait for the NA release because it's not coming and if you don't order now the game is just going become scarce later on. 

[cubist]

Ending up playing this a few months back--can't really recommend this one to anyone.  The voices are pretty damn bad and I figured I'll just turn the sound off and use subtitles but the battles require you to have the sound on--the characters shout stuff like "I'm having a bad feeling about this" for example which means the enemy's about to release an major attack.  You wouldn't be able to surive without their callouts.  And no the callouts didn't have subtitles like the cutscenes--and there's wasn't an Japanese language option neither.

The overall game wasn't anything special--you're better off just importing Xenoblade, don't be an idiot and wait for the NA release because it's not coming and if you don't order now the game is just going become scarce later on. 

Well, I like old school JRPG's.  I'm one of those RPG gamers that will pick a fight until I've leveled up enough to kick ass before a dungeon comes up.  I guess I'm just weird that way.

If you enjoyed Tales of Symphonia on the GCN, this is actually a step up.  There was some serious effort placed in this one.  The battle system is a different than any other game.  There are no random battles.  The graphics are decent.  The town designs are very artsy and sometimes epic depending on your location.  About 10 hours in, you won't notice the crappy voice acting...and you'll find that a lot of work was put in to the story itself. 

The game takes the elements from Final Fantasy IV, VII, Tales of Symphonia, and Skies of Arcadia, but has enough uniqueness to stand on its own.  The spells and magic in the game aren't too shabby either.

Again, I agree with Ymeegod about the voice acting.  It really does suck some serious ass.  The warning calls during boss battles do kind of hint toward a big attack, but it just won't matter as you progress.  Either you're character has leveled up enough to be badass...or he's going to get his ass handed to him.  I also agree that the game could turn you off at first glance.  I'd give it a couple of towns and dungeons and then make your final call.  I'm now about 50 hours in...and it's been a great distraction so far. 

My recommendation: don't pay more than $20 for this game...and get over the first couple of towns to get into the meat of the game.