It’s time to wrap up one other 12 months of everybody’s favourite month-to-month gameathon. #JRPGJuly was created as a group game-along by Anne Lee @ Stylish Pixel, and hosted by MDi. As soon as once more the RPGamer staff is exhibiting their help for the occasion by taking part in some JRPGs. If you happen to’ve participated ensure to make use of #JRPGJuly or share your emotions over on the RPGamer Discord server.
What number of staffers managed to finish their targets for the month? Learn on to seek out out!
Sam Wachter
Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King
I’ve formally defeated Dhoulmagus. Nevertheless, poor King Trode and Princess Medea have nonetheless not recovered from the curse. I’ve to confess, I in all probability did a number of hours of grinding simply to make sure that my celebration members have been not less than degree 30, and thank goodness for Omniheal and Multiheal, which helped towards the triple assaults that Dhoulmagus threw at me.
With Dhoulmagus defeated, we’ve by some means misplaced Jessica. I’ve since discovered her, however she is possessed, so I needed to go discover some jewels which required me to climb not one, however two towers. At this level I’m roughly forty hours in, and based mostly on all of the walkthroughs I’ve checked out, it seems I undoubtedly have much more sport to go. I’m clearly not ending Dragon Quest VIII throughout #JRPGJuly, however I’m so glad I gave this sport a second probability.
Siiiigh. I simply need to save Jessica and punch this man within the enamel for calling her a bimbo. #jrpgjuly pic.twitter.com/lRwnbKNYb9
— Sam Wachter (@merrygodown) July 27, 2022
Joshua Carpenter
Remaining Fantasy VI Pixel Remaster
One other #JRPGJuly has come to a detailed and whereas I’ll not have completed Remaining Fantasy VI, my continued enjoyment is reshaping my perceptions in regards to the collection. For years I felt that Remaining Fantasy X, the entry that stands out as certainly one of my favourite RPGs, was an outlier as a result of I didn’t click on with so most of the different video games within the collection. I anxious that as a result of my reminiscences of that sport are intricately linked to taking part in it with my school associates, the inevitable rosy nostaliga that comes from these kinds of associations was skewing my judgment since so a lot of my different dalliences with the collection have resulted in forgettable experiences.
Remaining Fantasy VI has been a delight all through with charming characters and enjoyable fight. Whereas the dialogue could also be a bit over-the-top, particularly Kefka’s, it nonetheless works in distinction to this pixelized presentation. The extremes in expression enable the characters to return throughout in an period earlier than photo-realistic graphics and voice performing existed to convey the story and feelings to the participant. Actually, I don’t know that I’d need to see Remaining Fantasy VI get a contemporary remake; it’s a wonderfully produced product of its time. I can’t wait to complete off Act II and see how the heroes take down Kefka.
Um, gross #FFVI #JRPGJULY pic.twitter.com/cqn9Qn2a02
— Joshua Carpenter (@jscarpe) July 25, 2022
Ryan Costa
Progress got here quick and livid this week in Persona 4 Golden, on account of charging into the third dungeon and whipping the sub-boss with out concern. Nevertheless, I ended up getting chilly ft on the remaining flooring, escaping to improve my tools. I’ve discovered from painful classes up to now to enter boss battles totally ready. Based mostly on how the sport has felt extra balanced lately, I’m deducing that tools performed a giant position in that, so I retooled and conquered. I didn’t find yourself focusing that a lot on upgrading Social Hyperlinks, and that makes me assume I have to have a extra balanced playthrough on that entrance.
#JRPGJuly could also be winding down, and with it, so does my free time for added video games. Persona 4 Golden has struck a chord with me, and I can’t wait to ultimately beat this sport. That point could also be far down the street, however between the colorful solid, nice fight, pleasant visuals, and wonderful soundtrack, I’ll undoubtedly be diving in for extra. I haven’t talked about the soundtrack up to now a lot however each week I had a brand new tune caught in my head that introduced a smile to my face. It’s that type of response that serves as a reminder that there are such a lot of nice video games on the market that I hope to have an opportunity to expertise. One private hope for this function is that the camaraderie and pleasure of sharing our experiences means extra players do the identical and all of us discover new methods to understand an outdated basic or uncover a hidden gem to share with everybody.
Jervon Perkins
Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Version
On condition that Nintendo Swap doesn’t have a trophy system, I needed to make my very own completion standards. Finally, after doing a number of quests to get my fight group their finest weapons, I went to the ultimate boss able to get my butt handed to me. It has been the way in which of taking part in since I first received the sport, however to my shock, I steamrolled the enigmatic entity. I discovered a giant lesson for taking part in Xenoblade video games sooner or later: do NOT rush by way of them. This time round, Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Version was way more satisfying, understanding that I received by way of the journey with loads of reminiscences connected to it. The tip, whereas at all times nice, actually felt earned this time. I couldn’t assist however cry because the credit rolled. The youthful me who performed the Xenosaga collection could be so pleased with me now. And now that Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is out, I’ve began my journey in the easiest way doable — with endurance, diligence, and thoughtfulness.
What an ideal method to wrap up #jrpgjuly as I completed Xenoblade Chronicles DE a day earlier than beginning my Xenoblade Chronicles 3 journey! pic.twitter.com/efF2uHlKJa
— Jervon (@QueerShapedLife) July 29, 2022
Anna Marie Privitere
Fireplace Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes
A month in the past, after I wrote out my plans for #JRPGJuly, I anticipated to complete three video games all through the month. As a substitute I ended up ending the identical sport twice, with a 3rd playthrough practically wrapped up. I do respect that Fireplace Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes is a full expertise irrespective of which route you are taking, although the sport rewards you in varied methods for searching for out all three paths. I’m additionally very completely satisfied I made a decision to maintain the Blue Lions’ route for final — with the most important solid of characters, and essentially the most quantity of intermingled story, I ponder how totally different it will have felt had I performed it first.
I additionally respect how all the characters really feel basically the identical from the unique sport, with sufficient modifications to maintain issues fascinating. Dorothea not being obsessive about marrying up, and Sylvain not being an absolute horndog each prime my listing as appreciated character shifts. Ignatz and Lorenz each having slight character tweaks additionally made Golden Deer have a a lot richer solid, and so they stay my favorite home. I anticipate to wrap up my third route at round 130 hours performed, and as a lot as I’ve completely adored my time with it, I’ll be trying ahead to shifting to extra sedate gameplay mechanics. Maybe in per week or two I’ll fireplace up an motion RPG for ARPGAugust? Who is aware of!
He’s blessedly totally different in Three Hopes #JRPGJuly #FireEmblem #NintendoSwitch pic.twitter.com/K3KKQP4svB
— Anna Marie Privitere (@pawsrpg) July 30, 2022
Jon Jansen
I cannot consider how a lot I like Tales of Zestiria. Whereas the story nonetheless isn’t something spectacular, the character interactions are fantastic. Additionally, the fight continues to get higher and higher. It’s a disgrace Tales of Berseria took a step again when it comes to fight. Each are very related however Berseria feels so plain in comparison with all the nice choices Zestiria has. Is Zestiria dated? Completely, nevertheless, it’s a pleasure to play and don’t consider it deserves to be referred to as one of many worst Tales of video games. I can’t wait to proceed this journey with Zestiria. Like all good journeys although, we’ve come to the top. It was my first #JRPGJuly and it’s been incredible. Cherished studying everybody’s ideas on quite a lot of video games and seeing tweets as nicely. Already trying ahead to the subsequent one!
Paul Shkreli
Nicely, one other #JRPGJuly is coming to a detailed and I’ve made it to the end line – form of! Whereas I’ve not completed Tales of Symphonia, I’m making important progress. My earlier irritation with a number of the sport mechanics described a number of weeks in the past has given method to some enduring appeal. Because the relationships between the solid members deepen, a number of late additions to the celebration roster make for some nice moments of humor and emotion. After in regards to the midway level, the story actually begins to take-off in sudden instructions as nicely. I actually have loved my time with Tales of Symphonia, and and even considering trying out the sequel after I end.
Nicely, that’s a wrap on #jrpgjuly for me with #TalesOfSymphonia on the #SteamDeck. The story undoubtedly picks up, and an awesome late additions spherical up an exquisite solid. Like I beforehand mentioned, an awesome entry level for collection newbies. pic.twitter.com/799U7IXxqp
— Paul (@paulwall217) July 30, 2022
Ryan Radcliff
So, I’m going to be trustworthy, The Final Story isn’t what I used to be anticipating. I keep in mind listening to that Sakaguchi and Uematsu teamed up once more to create this sport. I ought to have identified that it was going to have that annoying Wii jank that each sport on the system appears to jam down participant’s throats. Fortunately, the Basic controller is an possibility for individuals who hate the entire movement controls gimmick. I used to be anticipating one thing turn-based, I suppose? This sport is an motion RPG in nearly each sense, however there some neat sections that assist sluggish battles down. You too can conceal your self behind objects which permits for hiding, sneak assaults, and different choices. I additionally simply unlocked a capability that pauses the combat and lets me fly in the direction of a pal or foe which creates varied added results.
I additionally like that the city appears to have a by no means ending provide of hidden gadgets, which is principally a RNG slot machine for stats. It appears just like the chapters are flying by on this sport too, as I’m nonetheless fairly early on, however I simply reached chapter 13 after commandeering a ship. Contemplating that is the final week of #JRPGJuly, I’m planning to proceed this sport nicely after this excellent month has completed. It might not be what I imagined, however I discovered a enjoyable sport regardless. Yearly I look ahead to this collaboration. This time we performed God whereas fusing demons, we jumped again into Ivalice, and we began a model new journey on a retro system. I’d say it was fairly a profitable affair!
Robert Sinclair
Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age
This final week has been very attempting. Between COVID and a few treatment points, #JRPGJuly practically got here to a untimely finish for me. Nevertheless, I ended up leaping again into Dragon Quest XI S on my Swap simply to play one thing much less miserable than the apocalyptic hellscape that’s the vortex world in Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne. I completed up all of the quests I might, then proceeded into Act III. It was a nice method to move the time throughout an disagreeable week. I’ll get again to Nocturne, however I’m glad I ended #JRPGJuly nonetheless taking part in JRPGs. It has been enjoyable.
Erik van Asselt
Over the last week of #JRPGJuly I began to truly get pleasure from my time with Arc the Lad II. Regardless that I used to be a bit disenchanted by the primary few hours, it quickly modified after I found the job system. Our protagonist in Arc the Lad II is Elc and he’s a hunter, which suggests he can decide up jobs on the guild to earn extra money. Usually when you concentrate on these sorts of jobs, you concentrate on quests like “Please get me ten bear pelts”, however surprisingly each job had a small story. Throughout my playthrough Elc has handled a ghost downside, discovered a lacking canine, was pressured to maintain the canine, helped a wealthy particular person to cleanse his mansion of monsters, helped that very same wealthy particular person to defend the mansion from thieves, and brought on many extra foolish missions.
The pacing of the sport is actually totally different from the primary Arc the Lad sport and it takes a bit to get used to it. Nevertheless, now I’m trying ahead to see the remainder of the sport by way of which I’ll carry on doing throughout my streams on the RPGamer’s Twitch channel. If you wish to see how my journey unfolds, then don’t be shy and take part on the enjoyable.
Michael Baker
I’m not 100% positive what’s going on in Oreshika: Tainted Bloodlines, however the storyline scenes have damaged my mind each single time one comes up. The problem curve is ramping up, nevertheless, and the necessity to stability the time for demon-slaying (for enjoyable and revenue) towards guaranteeing that the subsequent technology truly comes into existence requires some robust choices. The truth that I’m parsing my approach by way of some high-level Japanese grammar and vocabulary isn’t serving to, although not less than the final dungeon crawling doesn’t throw too many curveballs to understanding.
Because it stands, I in all probability gained’t proceed this one previous the top of July, simply because I want a break from time crunches and plot oddities. Will I come again to it? In some unspecified time in the future, undoubtedly. Perhaps I’ll even decide it up subsequent #JRPGJuly.
Cassandra Ramos
Welp, this #JRPGJuly ends in a little bit of a whimper for me. Once more, I couldn’t put in additional than a handful of hours this previous week into Skies of Arcadia Legends. At this level within the sport, I accomplished the whole lot in Ixa’taka and took a quick go to to the positioning of the subsequent Moon Crystal, the Maw of Tartas in Valua. There the celebration learns that Rhaknam, the huge Archwhale that Drachma has been chasing is close by. From what I recall, this encounter won’t finish nicely for all concerned. I used to be actually hoping to succeed in the a part of the story the place the celebration fights one of many Valuan Empire’s admirals, Vigoro. That’s as a result of his English voice is none apart from Charles Martinet, Mario himself (and Luigi, Wario, and Waluigi). Oh nicely; not less than I can look ahead to evaluating Vigoro’s voice clips to Mario’s vocals.
It was undoubtedly a superb and principally satisfying expertise to revisit Skies of Arcadia Legends. This sport doesn’t respect my time, however it possible wasn’t developed with overtired working adults in thoughts. This sport performed an necessary half in my growing my love of RPGs, significantly turn-based JRPGs. It’s such a enjoyable, participating world with a loveable solid of characters. Whereas Skies of Arcadia might significantly profit from a remaster or perhaps a remake, I’m glad I made a decision to replay this sport. I intend to complete it as nicely.
This sport was the primary time I got here throughout the title Grendel. I believed it was neat after I first learn Beowulf in English class.#JRPGJuly pic.twitter.com/v69gXjnc2k
— Cassandra Ramos (@BerryEggs) July 26, 2022
Sarah McGarr
Woo! What a journey. I began with trudging by way of Remaining Fantasy XIV: Stormblood, solely to not need to cease taking part in. The story has actually gotten good! It’s like the primary season of a present bombing, solely to have the second season be spectacular. So many issues occurred — I defeated a Primal, unlocked the Reaper job (which I’m now actually fascinated about taking part in), noticed so many action-packed cutscenes, by chance turned pleasant with the Vira beast tribe, and interrupted a beetle orgy — all in about three or 4 hours.
The Primal combat was troublesome; we wiped twice earlier than profitable however that was partially my fault. I didn’t notice the GIANT BUTTON on my display screen was to forestall me from getting one-shotted, or pushed off the sting. The celebration was fairly cool about it since I grabbed principally mentors. Fairly positive randoms would’ve kicked me out after the primary time, however they informed me in regards to the mechanic and we gained, plus I received a commendation. The music was the very best half, although. If you happen to’ve by no means heard the battle music for Sri Lakshmi, I’d advocate giving it a pay attention.
In one of many later cutscenes, I’m left once more screaming, “BUT I’M A WHITE MAGE! I’M A WHITE MAAAAGGGEEEE!” at a personality being mortally wounded. I do know there’s no approach round this entire factor story-wise, however it’s nonetheless a pet peeve of mine. I’ve screamed this on a number of ocassions in previous expansions.
i’ve unlocked reaper, and that i’m surprisingly intrigued by it. #ffxiv #jrpgjuly pic.twitter.com/DKVgkGAfP1
— noodle (@yournoodleface) July 29, 2022
BUT I’M A WHITE MAGE! *cries* BUT I’M A WHITE MAAAAGGGEEEEEE #ffxiv #stormblood #jrpgjuly pic.twitter.com/BZtNnexNOQ
— noodle (@yournoodleface) July 29, 2022
Ryan McCarthy
Reflecting on the final month, it was undoubtedly silly of me to assume that I’d be capable to end Xenoblade Chronicles 2 earlier than the top of #JRPGJuly. Nevertheless, I nonetheless have made a superb quantity of progress within the sport with 50 hours of time sunk into it. I’m presently on Chapter 6, the place the celebration have simply barely prevented Jin from making the stress between Uraya and Mor Ardain even worse than it already was, however not with out a main sacrifice within the course of.
Whereas I’m not utterly offered on the connection between Rex and Pyra/Mythra, I do respect that the stakes of the grander plot at the moment are loud and clear because the celebration study of Malos’ plan to regain his full energy, which is able to probably trigger a disaster much like the Aegis Conflict from 500 years in the past. Not that that may cease me from going off the overwhelmed path to partake in facet quests. Even because the month is coming to a detailed, I do intend on ending the sport in addition to taking part in the Torna DLC in order that I can ultimately play the just-released third sport within the collection.
Mythra actually doesn’t respect that insinuation #JRPGJuly #XenobladeChronicles2 #NintendoSwitch pic.twitter.com/hEifm36xz4
— Ryan McCarthy (@LastZimOnEarth) July 29, 2022
That’s all for #JRPGJuly this 12 months. We hope you loved studying about our quests by way of JRPGs this month and share your experiences and ideas within the feedback.
