Lurker > discodancer77

In my experience even with using special moves liberally I only used like 3 or 4 syrups the whole game

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Patient Gamer

FortuneCookie posted...

How do you patch a cartridge game?

technically you can softpatch with Retron5 but thats not how I played it

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Patient Gamer

Not gonna make a playthrough topic for any of them (maybe FFIV), but my current plan looks something like:

Densetsu No Stafy (Legendary Starfy 1 for gba)
Professor Layton Unwound Future
Super Metroid
Final Fantasy IV (psp version)
Ghost Trick Phantom Detective

all of those would be my first time with the games. Im probably going to change my mind halfway, though.

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Patient Gamer

yusiko posted...

breath of fire 2 is good but it has a notoriously bad english translation and it better played with the fanmade english patch

agreed

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Patient Gamer

Breath of Fire 2 is one of my favourites now. Highly recommended to anyone. BoF1 on the other hand... is not very good. Its basically Generic JRPG: The Game. So is Dragon Quest 3, but thats an actually good game

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Patient Gamer

nfearurspecimn posted...

What game will you play next? I enjoy you playing games I've played and enjoying it vicariously. Can you @ me for your next game?

im not super sure yet. Usually I pick a group of like 4-5 games Im interested in and make a poll on CE. I think Id only make a playthrough topic if Im playing like an rpg or something, but I try to drop some review-type posts on everything. I posted my thoughts on Mega Man X and also Breath of Fire 2 on the SNES boards, you can search those up if you want to hear my thoughts on those. @nfearurspecimn

https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/916396-super-nintendo/78846795

https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/916396-super-nintendo/78457611


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Patient Gamer

https://youtu.be/k_q9y5vSIrw

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Patient Gamer

had a great time with the game, dont get me wrong

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Patient Gamer

I just want to list off some ideas I had to add some dialogue, etc

-Have Bowser call Mallow a creampuff throughout the game, and call him out for being a crybaby. Later on, either give Mallow a moment where he stands up to Valentina and saves his dad, OR simply just throw in a scene where Mallow is done with bowsers namecalling and stands up to him, earning bowsers respect. Demonstrates character growth and relationship building

-once Mallow figures out hes a prince, have like a 2 or 3-line conversation with Peach. Mallow has self-doubt about being a good prince, and wonders if he deserves it. Peach can offer some advice as royalty and say something like just be yourself! Something really minor, but wouldve gone a long way in making the party feel like a team. Maybe Bowser can muse to himself about kidnapping Prince Mallow instead of Princess Peach.

-After peach gets recruited and the gang goes back to mushroom castle, make Bowser being there more of a big deal...

-give Geno more screen time. Star Road is obviously the best example of where this can be done, but maybe in Monstro Town people can mistake his being a possessed doll as some sort of monster.

-like I wrote earlier, make Geno the unofficial leader/compass of the team, doing stuff like recapping the next objective and leading the way. Makes sense considering hes a guardian of the stars, or whatever

I think the biggest weakness of this game was it having to limit itself by making sure it was accessible to new players. I can respect that and in a historical context, Im sure there was no other way this game couldve been expected to succeed. Even so, they couldve added some more meat to this game and still have had it be a simple clean experience, but it wouldve been enhanced a lot. I can appreciate a game that respects a players patience, but I think this game did that too much. The game shouldve given itself a bit more room to relax and not just rush point to point as quick as it did, wouldve done wonders for the characters and the world building in particular. Sometime you just got to slow down and stop and smell the roses. This game does it in some places, but needs to do it more, and it doesnt do it in the places that would benefit from that the most, imo. I give this game an 8.5/10. For reference, Id give Superstar Saga a 9.5, Partners in Time a 7.5, and Bowsers Inside Story a 9.

Basically other than lack of characterization and flavour text, theres nothing I would really consider bad about this game at all. Its great! Its just that, out of what it did great, there just wasnt enough of. Some slight tweaks here and there, and some added content would raise the score easily

thanks for following along in this playthrough. I thoroughly enjoyed the game, and the discussion we all shared

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Patient Gamer

Music was decent, but there were some standout tracks that were really really good. Those felt like only a handful that were truly GREAT, but every song was pretty consistently good

World building was very well-done, really felt like we were seeing the mushroom kingdom in a brand new way. Interconnectedness of the world, on the other hand, couldve used some work. Everything progressed more or less in a straight line, and one area didnt really feel very heavily connected to the ones before or after it. Near endgame this is fixed a little bit by having side quests and whatnot in older towns to have a reason to revisit them, but other than that, once youre done with the story segment of an area you can just forget about it and never look back. I think a few branching paths, possibly optional areas and more backtracking (the way the world map is designed wouldnt make this tedious at all). For example, tweak the story here and there, and possibly follow Booster back to his tower, or maybe at a certain point you need to talk to Frogfucious and he tells you about a macguffin you need to find in a new section of Kero section that opens up. Just some examples of how this couldve been implemented.

some small things like having a battle system that allows for all 5 members in a battle wouldve been nice, but its obvious why they didnt do that

The humour in the game is just as good as the other Mario rpgs Ive played (M&L 1-3). I mentioned before, but those games have much more dynamic cutscenes in regards to animations, character actions, and music especially. Im sure system limitations is part of that, and although I think the game wouldve been enhanced with more music and animations, the game is definitely self-aware when it comes to that, and plays it up for laughs. A lot of people mentioned Mario and co miming what happens, and thats a funny bit that can only really be done in SMRPG, specifically because of its limitations and its awareness of them. I especially love each characters pose where they look up to the sky and raise their hands with open mouths. So cute!

One thing that really bothered me was how little our party felt like an actual party. Outside of interacting with Mario, the other 4 party members barely interact with each other at all, and thats something I think everyone playing wouldve looked forward to. A lot of RPGs fix this by dedicating a segment of the game to a certain character for an episode of sorts. Mallows was obviously in the beginning until getting to Tadpole Pond, and then later in the Clouds. SMRPG does a good job establishing who Mallow is quickly and also giving him an episode later on, but Id say no other character gets that. Im guessing the developers expected kids playing at the time to not be interested in reading text, so they tried to make everything as brief as possible. Even when theres potential for some interesting dialogue or interactions, the game would rather just zip its mouth and move on.

Mallow was the party member that was easily given the most love, Im not counting but Id say he has the most lines of dialogue in the team, and shows up most often. Right from the start its shown what kind of character he his, and I think by the Cloud portion everyone was expecting him to have a (however small) character moment of him becoming more assertive, less of a crybaby, etc. doesnt really happen all that much and he stays pretty much the same throughout. Now Im not crazy, Im not expecting some crazy earth-shattering character development from a Mario rpg made for kids new to the genre, but they shouldve introduced the concept of characters growing up, and Mallow was the perfect choice, it seemed set up that way. Besides that though, Mallow definitely feels like a part of the crew and has a good friendship-bond with Mario. I think Mario interacts with Mallow the most out of all the other party members.

Geno.... I have no idea why anyone would want him in smash brothers. He has like, absolutely no character. The biggest example of something unique that struck me about him is how he says Yo like once or twice through the whole game. His intro episode is the coolest, and had an air of mystery to it, but nothing was done with it. And after that little intro episode in the forest and Rose town, he never does anything of note ever again. If he wasnt an active party member for being such a good unit, I wouldve forgotten he was even in the team. And thats all he is, a unit. Not a character. Hes set up as this stoic badass dutiful type, but no not really. Hes also set up as the one character who actually knows the backstory about whats going on with the plot, and can be used to explain certain key story elements to Mario/The Player, but he doesnt do that either. Hes... such a nothing character. Even him leaving at the end of the game felt hollow. Star Road definitely shouldve had some sort of conflict that was personal to Geno. Or at the very least, get him to make some comments about the area, seeing as its literally the area hes trying to save! I dont even think he comes out to make a single comment about Star Road at all. A lot of people have already said it felt empty, so it wouldve been a perfect spot to give Geno an episode.

Bowser was the other standout in regards to character. They did a really good job especially since before this in games like SMB3 and SMW he was just a generic baddie. The route they took with his character was really fun to see and every other Mario rpg follows it, clearly. I love seeing him as this sort of dumb self-centered jock with a heart of gold (for his troops etc) who totally lacks self-awareness. SMRPG and BiS nail that feel. They definitely should have had more moments with him. Especially when he first got recruited, I was fully expecting him to have a scene arguing with Booster, and he has surprisingly few interactions with the princess. No one bats an eye when hes in the mushroom kingdom, etc. more of this Bowser wouldve been welcomed.

Not really much to say about Toadstool/Peach, she was fine, pretty much what I wouldve expected. No issues or complaints, other than the same thing for all characters, in that they dont have enough character moments/highlights, and not enough interactions in the party.

If we couldve had just one more fight with Croco, one more instance of him being an asshat, I think he wouldve been better than Popple. Maybe on the sunken ship searching for treasure and screwing with you? Idk. Him just absolutely insulting the player was great. Couldve been truly great but again, we just didnt get enough exposure to him. Johnny was another cool dude, same thing. I wouldve liked some more material with him. Maybe a sequence after his fight but before the Yardiovich fight, where you have to... idk help his sister or find some lost item of his, which earns you his respect and him saying he owes you a favour. Booster was absolute gold. Insane troll logic.

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Patient Gamer

Really liked Smithys character design and the design of the fight itself. The ending sequence was really good too. Booster running from Valentina, Croco racing at Yoshis island and Bowser helping the troops repair the castle were cute. Ill post my thoughts of the game as a whole soon

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Patient Gamer

Countdown just used an attack called Corona

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Patient Gamer

Mallows more of a red mage than a black mage, tbh. Overall hes not as bad as people say its just that the other 3 overshadow him a lot.

Mario is the standard damage dealer, on both ends of the spectrum. Someone really early on in this topic said to focus on Pow, and that special was redundant. As the game progressed I ending up agreeing more and more, but thats most RPGs. I know plenty of games where Physical outclasses magic but very few where its the opposite

Peach is an outstanding white mage who also has respectable damage output

Bowser is the bulky damage dealer, but doesnt bring much utility outside of that. Anything he can do, Mario and Geno can do just as well or even better.

Geno is also an offensive character, but I love the utility he has with Geno Boost (increases a characters attack) and his 2 Hit-All attacks. The fact that his magic attacks arent made redundant by his physical potential puts him way above Bowser and Mario

in terms of characterization/likability, it goes Bowser>Mallow>the rest

ill make a write up on my thoughts on the game once I finish, but thats definitely something I want to address

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Patient Gamer

Almost done the game.

just beat Exor but I think Ill have to put it down for now. Dont think Ill have time to finish it until tomorrow

also. This whole time I thought the giant sword at the castle (Exor) WAS Smithy

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Patient Gamer

Went back to Booster Tower to get the casino card thing. Saw the scene with Booster and Valentina

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Patient Gamer

No bickering. This is a serious topic about Mario. Happy birthday btw

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Patient Gamer

Ok so I had left off after beating the Axem Rangers last night. I wont have much time to play today but my plan is to find the casino and whatnot, then try my hand at Jinx and Culex before continuing the plot

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Patient Gamer

NeonOctopus posted...

The timing is hitting Y right before the stars disappear.

Yes, she is very OP >_> Did you get the Lazy Shells and Frying Pan?

lazy shells yes, frying pan no, but I am aware of where to get it, Ill do that now. Also, when can I / should I fight the secret boss in Monstro town? And what about Jinx? I lost to him the second time around when I had first visited Monstro Town

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Patient Gamer

Just beat the axem rangers. I was about to say, the star kinda just sitting there after the dragon fight felt lame, before the rangers came in. The couple of empty rooms for the chase sequence was VERY necessary. If the fight just happened right then and there it wouldnt have felt as fun/funny. Seeing them running just ahead of you was a great touch.

also: I cant seem to time Peachs healing spells well, but they heal so much anyway that it doesnt even matter, lol. The fact that she can basically heal the whole party to full for only 4FP is kinda op

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Patient Gamer

Eab1990 posted...

You need to backtrack and climb up a different vine to reach those chests.

Also, back in Nimbus Land, run along the southeast section of the wall.

its like winning the lottery without taxes!

also: hey look, an arwing, the Blue Falcon and Samurai Gorohs machine! The only FZero game I have played is GP Legend for the GBA. I thought it was great and I can still go back to it, but apparently its a weak entry according to fans

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Patient Gamer

at the end of the cloud castle, I tried jumping off at different angles but I keep falling through the clouds, I cant get those item boxes that are teased. I assume theyd somehow be available now

@NeonOctopus
@yusiko

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Patient Gamer

Damn, splitting up the battle into 2 fields is a cool idea, wish the game did more of that. Wouldve been a way to have all 5 characters feel like active members of the adventure.
Final Fantasy VII did something similar for its final battle, but it was pretty poorly done there too, tbh.
FFV had a few moments in the game where the party would split into 2, most notably at the 2 towers where you were banned from either using magic or physical attacks.

also, Valentina is obviously designed to be a character you hate. Whenever something like that comes up, I always think of Wendy Oldbag from the Ace Attorney games. Just everything about her is absolutely detestable, the creators behind her are geniuses

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Patient Gamer

Just got to the cloud city, please no spoilers. This scenario reminds me of Tapetas little introductory episode in Breath of Fire 2. Absolutely loved that game. Feels like an anime that undergoes a tonal shift halfway through, like Gurren Lagaan. Highly recommend both, lol. Play the SNES retranslation.

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Patient Gamer

All the chest monsters have been pretty strong

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Patient Gamer

https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/top10/2937-the-top-10-silent-protagonists-in-rpgs-spoilers

all great games on this list from what Ive played, and #9 is topical

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Patient Gamer

spanky1 posted...

So I just got bowser and as of booster's tower hes WAY better than geno. At what point does geno become better?

I feel like everyone was a valid option until after the sunken ship. Peach has been on the team long enough to have gained some bulk and Geno gets the Hand Gun, plus he shouldve probably got Geno Blast around that time. At that point its pretty clear-cut whos just better

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Patient Gamer

Between BiS and this game, I like Bowsers relationship with his troops. He was cool for giving his blessings to the troops in Monstro Town.

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Patient Gamer

After getting Geno the Hang Gun and learning Geno Blast (the one that hits everyone), he destroys groups of enemies easily. Now that Peach has gotten better equipment and gained a few levels so her hp isnt so low, her one downside of being fragile is pretty much gone. Mario Geno Peach is definitely the most practical team but Ill be switching it up now and then.

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Patient Gamer

Just got back to town. I liked Johnnys little code of honour thing he pulled. As for Yardiovich, his AoE attack hit hard and Peach was basically healing almost every turn. Wouldve been tough without her. A couple of his attacks get totally nullified by the Safety Badge, which is nice

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Patient Gamer

I bought the Work Pants back in like Rose Town I think and theyre still the best armour for most of the characters tbh. The big boosts to atk and spatk and hp outweigh the few points of defense Id lose out on with newer armour

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Patient Gamer

5 stars down, 2 to go. Just under a third of the map that has not been visited yet. Im guessing Im about 60-70% done the game

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Patient Gamer

I googled the hint for the 3D puzzle and got spoiled on the answer. I... dont think I wouldve been able to figure it out. Granted I didnt whip out a pen and paper and write down the letters and stuff, which may have been fun and may have led to me getting the answer. But just doing the work in my head, no I dont think I wouldve gotten it

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Patient Gamer

Ive only done 3 of the puzzles so far but

its found in the sea floor
its 6 letters
4 consonants

i think its fossil

that 3D puzzle box thing was too hard for me btw lol

edit: nvm lol.

also, Bowsers Mario Toss attack... is him using the real Mario just a sometimes thing or is it part of the timed hit mechanic? Cuz it seems to happen at random


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Patient Gamer

I had kept a couple of those Pure Waters from the Kero Sewers all the time but I definitely wish I had more. My dudes are lv 10-12 at this point in the game

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Patient Gamer

Spent all of my money above ground so I couldnt get any of the armor from that sailor dude in the sea >_>

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Patient Gamer

yusiko posted...

i mentioned it earlier but the sunken ship is the one area that always stopped me when i was younger
stupid password

im sure Ill be able to figure it out lol but Ive always got you guys if I get stumped lol

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Patient Gamer

NeonOctopus posted...

Since you're about to go to the Sunken Ship, either spend all your money on new equipment and/or buy stuff (preferably at the juice bar in tadpole pond if you've been upgrading, it since you can buy items closer to their selling price there) and buy random shit to sell back later.

You're gonna get a bunch of money if you look for every treasure chest in the sunken ship and it's easy to max out your coins there >_>

nice, thanks for the heads up, Ill be sure to spend all my cash

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Patient Gamer

Yeah star hill definitely felt like a breather episode.

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Patient Gamer

I wanna be a great plumber like my brother Mario

;_;

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Patient Gamer

The gang all together at the Castle, expositions motivations and histories recapped for all the characters, nice and clear

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Patient Gamer

judasmaiden15 posted...

TC there's an easter egg in booster's tower, there's a curtain close to the top and if you go behind it you emerge as smb1 mario but it only works once

yeah that was unexpected lol.

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Patient Gamer

NeonOctopus posted...

btw, did you hide from Booster or did you have to fight him?

purposely got caught to see what would happen

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Patient Gamer

Are you... leaking?! It tastes SALTY!

MarioxBowserxBoosterr kiss

Theres a 70% chance the object youre standing on is a CAKE!

... I say we BOIL IT!

I didnt take any notes as I was playing that whole wedding portion, but there were a bunch more great moments

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Patient Gamer

Bumping to keep topic alive. Im saved in Marrymore, or whatever that wedding chapel town is called, all I did was spend some dough at the luxury hotel

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Patient Gamer

Age of War
Electric Man 2
Raft Wars
Bloons TD 4
Fancy Pants Adventure 2
Snow Bros

just off the top of my head

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Patient Gamer

Oh man this music is funky!
Also I hate how Wario and Waluigi never get acknowledged in the rpgs. So many missed opportunities. Booster looks exactly like Wario so I hope he at least gets referenced. The only Wario/Waluigi representation in an rpg I can think of is Mario&Sonic at the Vancouver Winter Olympics for DS, the story mode (which I really enjoyed tbh)

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Patient Gamer

In front of Booster Tower. Between this and M&L, I love how much character the RPGs give to Bowser. Havent played a paper Mario game but I cant wait to get into those too

Joined the Koopa Troop! Pretty funny how uneventful/nonchalant Bowser joining the team felt

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Patient Gamer

Cant wait to pick up dat 8bitdo Pro+
basically a DualShock layout but for Nintendo

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Patient Gamer

I found Toadstools ??? on the chair in her room, not the fireplace

maybe the sprite is just like that

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Patient Gamer

That minecart minigame was absolute cancer. I hope it never comes up again

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Patient Gamer