PSX Longplay [143] Vagrant Story (Part 1 of 4)
2,722http://www.longplays.org
Played by: Connor
I finally got a working setup to record this excellent game! It was released
back in 2000 by Square. Despite some questionable gameplay-mechanics (can you
say 'equipment-juggling'?), the graphics, audio and story put it well above
average. It actually ties with Parasite Eve as my favourite game of the PS1
(yes, above FF).
The story centers on Ashley Riot, an elite agent sent to investigate the
mystery of a city known as Leá Monde. During his short travel, he meets
several people, all with their own stake in the city and it's dark power.
The main gameplay focuses on beating up opponents, like any other RPG, but
does it slightly different in that there is no real levelling, only small
stat-increases when defeating bosses. There are no shops either, any
equipment needs to be found, or created/modified by Ashley.
The game was rather ground-breaking for the PS1, using the in-game engine for
cutscenes and dynamically mixing the audio to fit with what happens in the
game. Even things that you manipulate while controlling Ashley (such as open
chests) keep their appearance in cutscenes. This gives it an excellent
atmosphere, especially combined with the rather intricate story. The combat
system is also rather complicated, basing damage done rather heavily on
"affinities" either to classes or elements. The elemental affinities are the
most powerful, but it's kind of hard to keep track of which enemies are
vulnerable to what, so I mostly use the class-based ones instead.
There are several issues with the emulation, mostly with the audio. It seems
especially bad when fighting dragons and in the Snowfly Forest. I've tried to
edit as much as possible out. This actually meant that Ashley is using the
wrong weapon in some cutscenes (because I re-recorded on the second run
through the game), see if you can spot them. :)
After the game is completed, the normal RPG-cliche "New Game+" is available,
which actually opens up some of the world. That, and some other bonus content,
is shown in the bonus-video. -
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