![]() While some opponents have weaknesses in physical or magical defense, most offensive strategies focus on position. In fact, a character only learns about five spells over the course of the game. The problem is, supportive magic is few and far between, and some characters can only cast their scarce supportive spells on themselves (e.g. Perhaps in keeping with the game's relationship themes, these opposing elements are strongest in healing or supportive magic: Fire witch Althea is greatly healed by Tide witch Luna's water-based healing spells, for instance. The witches have elemental powers, but opposing elements like light and dark cancel each other out in both directions. Combat is simple, boring, and not all that strategic-which is ironic, considering that it's a strategy RPG. Roland's honesty allows problems to be solved and bonds to deepen.ĭespite its complexities in character development and relationship-building, Luminous Arc 2 has dropped the ball in regards to actual gameplay. In the game, as in life, we don't develop strong relationships by always telling people what we think they want to hear. To get one of Rina's Best Breaks, Roland should tell her that the dish she made is "ghastly," and that she used "too much salt." The object is to keep the conversation going as long as possible, which sometimes opens up arguments and misunderstandings. What makes these "Intermissions" interesting is that the answers leading to a "Best Break" which earns the most Philia points aren't always the most flattering ones. Roland's witch-powers aren't as strong as they are when witches use them (or as strong as his own), but they add elemental effects to his Flash Drive, which is the most powerful move someone in Luminous Arc 2 has.Īfter certain battles Roland can choose a member of his party to talk with that character's Philia (friendship) points increase depending on what Roland says. Each engagement is prefaced by a pan of the witch in a wedding gown. These bonds are literal marriages: the witches give him their rings, and in battle, players activate Roland's new powers by "engaging" the witch who gave them to him. He gains powers by entering into a bond with each witch in his party. Roland's relationships affect the skills he has as well. Rather than interruptions to the game I'm playing, these scenes feel like opportunities to learn about the people I'm playing as. Perhaps the power of these sequences comes from not having them forced on me. Yes, there's plenty of (literal) slapstick, petty arguments and fan service, but I also learn that priest-in-training Pip makes good tea and that as a child, Steiner's sister Rina had drawn a picture of herself, her brother, Roland and Rasche and put it in their time capsule so that they would stay friends forever. ![]() Many of these dialogue scenes are optional, but they let us get to know the characters as if they were real people. Throughout his journey, Roland talks to everyone from other knights to magic students to members of his own party. As for Fatima, is she really out to destroy the world, or is she trying to save it as much as Roland is?Ĭharacter development is essential to Luminous Arc 2, and not just the learning one's last spell at level 30 kind. The inventor is beyond peeved that his project chose someone other than himself. The brothers' friend Steiner is working on a mysterious device called a Runic Engine, which has chosen Roland by latching onto his hand. Roland's brother Rasche doesn't trust any witches at all. But it isn't long before we start to question what we see. Monsters known has "Beast Fiends" have descended on the kingdom, and the knights think that Fatima's actions have something to do with their appearance. Carnava is also home to witches and wizards one of them, the Shadow Frost Witch Fatima, is at war with the others. ![]() His is one of three Knight Squads that protect kingdom Carnava and its queen. The player controls a young knight-in-training named Roland. On the surface, the game's story sounds like standard RPG fare. But while its niche-ness gives Marvelous Interactive's strategy role-playing game (RPG) room to explore characterization in ways most games don't, its core mechanics-its strategy-are thin, repetitive and uninteresting. That's all right there's plenty of room for niche game titles, especially with publishers like Atlus to give them good homes. Luminous Arc 2 isn't a game for everybody, and doesn't try to be. WTF One of the witches our hero can be "engaged" to-complete with wedding gown-is 12 years old. LOW The lukewarm battle system that makes me feel like I'm watching a movie. HIGH The steady unfolding of plot and character development that makes me feel like I'm watching a movie. A friendship built on a rotten foundation
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |