The Last Story

[TheLastBlade]

12 media outlets gave it a review score of 90 or higher. It has an aggregate score of 80 on Metacritic, out of 47 reviews.
And the solitary "bad" review was, surprise surprise, from Destructoid.


Review scores aren't the be-all end-all, sure. But it's certainly something to go by when most of the reviews are in fact positive.

Regardless, I'm still excited for it.

I always refuse to listen to reviewers. Plus, destructoid gave games like mw3, brink, operation raccoon city, dead island, skyrim, and other games 7.5 to 10 scores and gives games like witcher 2, Mario kart 7, last story and more 4 to 6 scores.

Off the subject on destructoid, you know you can't trust game informer when they gave games like resident evil 5 and final fantasy 13 over 9 out of 10 scores and ending the review by calling it "revolutionary".

[KingBroly]

Game Informer gave it a 6.5 I think. I recall it not talking about the gameplay much though, and just harping on the story.

- Graphics are pretty good
- Music is okay
- Camera control is...terrible. It's a physical camera, so it gets hung up on things >_<

The game also has this tendency to tell you things once, and never tell you again. There's literally no way to get a hint a second time from what I've played so far, and it was only 30 minutes.

And Game Informer didn't give Final Fantasy 13 a 9/10. They did for RE5 though, but every journalist is so smitten with Resident Evil, they eat up every numbered Resident Evil game.

[Devil_Rising]

Game Informer gave it a 6.5 I think. I recall it not talking about the gameplay much though, and just harping on the story.

- Graphics are pretty good
- Music is okay
- Camera control is...terrible. It's a physical camera, so it gets hung up on things >_<

The game also has this tendency to tell you things once, and never tell you again. There's literally no way to get a hint a second time from what I've played so far, and it was only 30 minutes.

And Game Informer didn't give Final Fantasy 13 a 9/10. They did for RE5 though, but every journalist is so smitten with Resident Evil, they eat up every numbered Resident Evil game.

Do keep in mind that Game Informer has always ever been anything BUT "fair and balanced" in their coverage of most games to hit any NIntendo platform, let alone the "casual and childish" Wii.


However:
Vandal Online - 92
Nintendojo - 91
Nintendo Power - 91
Gamespot - 90
Eurogamer (various countries) - 90
Cubed3 - 90
XGN - 90
Official Nintendo Magazine UK - 86
IGN - 85
NZGamer - 84
Joystiq - 80
Edge Magazine - 80
EGM - 70


Point being, with only 8 pro reviews that register under a score of 76, three of them being EGM, GI and Dtoid, as well as the fact that out of the 48 total reviews registered, that nearly 40 of those (about 37) were scores of 80 or above.

Considering how harsh, in general, gaming media usually is on Wii games, I'd consider that a pretty strong consensus that while the game isn't "perfect", that it is a really good game, worth owning or at least playing. Pro reviews are not something to put TOO much stock into, true, but when SO many outlets all give a game positive marks (and you know many of them are not being bought like some of the mainstream publications likely are for games like Halo, CoD, etc), I'd say it's a safe bet that they can't all be full of it.


So I'll trust that Sakaguchi still has that old magic. And considering I have never owned an Xbox, I was unable to play his first post-Square games. This game I've been stoked for since I first heard about it, and considering it's made by the man who made my fav. rpgs of all time on SNES (FF IV-VI, Chrono Trigger), I'll give him the benefit of the doubt.


I think part of the few negative reviewers' problem, is that Sakaguchi stated that he set out to try something very different with this game, I believe his exact words were that he "wanted to create a new type of rpg". So with that comes experimentation, and I think perhaps there are some gamers who would have rather that he just do what the FF series has done, and stick to the same basic old formula (that Sakaguchi himself started long ago).

[MoldyClay]

Game Informer apparently rates games based on how they expect their readers will feel, as opposed to actual feelings. I don't know what that means, though.

Anyway, most of the reviews are positive. Not sure what there is to worry about. Obviously it comes down to the player, and positives don't always mean anything but I generally take Wii games with positive reviews everywhere as a good sign.

And Game Informer didn't give Final Fantasy 13 a 9/10. They did for RE5 though, but every journalist is so smitten with Resident Evil, they eat up every numbered Resident Evil game.

You say this like RE5 was a bad game. It was basically just a reskinned RE4 with co-op which was ignorable (I would give Sheva one healing item, and a cattle prod; Take everything else from her and she was no longer a problem). RE5 is also generally better when you actually play co-op apparently, but I did not. The only thing it really lacked was "mood".

[KingBroly]

Resident Evil 5 was a bad Resident Evil game. It also had very bad things in it.

- AI partner was ridiculously stupid, always following insanely close, getting in the way of shots and wasting ammo/supplies
- Co-Op ruined the atmosphere and scariness of past Resident Evil games
- The game had no depth like Resident Evil 4
- Equip System was terrible
- Boulder Punching
- Quick Time Events
- Zero Suit Jill
- And so on

The Last Story already has better AI and more Combat depth than that. It also doesn't look too shabby, either. Get back on topic guys. If you want an RE bashing thread, make one in General Gaming.

[Eternal Rain]

I got an automated message from GameStop yesterday telling me it'll be here today in the afternoon. Didn't say when in the afternoon, but I have to drop something off for my dad later today so I may as well stop by GS around 1 or 2 and hope I can get it. Meanwhile I've got Dark Souls to hold me over (and yes it is just as hard as everyone makes it out to be; without getting too off topic the one thing I'll say about Dark Souls so far is that it feels like the game is trying to make me hate it [it has a lot of the same problems I had with Zelda II], but yet I can't stop playing it [plus the game's far from terrible in any way, though I really wish From Software could have at least given us difficulty settings]).

[Steel Diver]

I went to GameStop this morning and they had the game! So far I'm liking it, not as good as Xenoblade Chronicles, but then again what is?

[MoldyClay]

Got all excited when I got an e-mail this morning saying YOUR ITEM HAS SHIPPED then realized it was Rayman Origins.

Still excited, but not The Last Story. Haha.

[Eternal Rain]

(quick off topic thing @Moldyclay, I just got Rayman Origins recently and am at the 7th world now, trust me dude you are going to LOVE this game, it's easily the best 2D sidescroller this gen next to DKC: Returns)

Finally got the game today, and best of all since I pre-ordered I got the "collector's edition" first run print with the art book and "book like" casing (reminds me of the Final Fantasy XIII-2 collector's edition which I got earlier this year), and the soundtrack with seven songs on it (yeah not as great as getting an entire soundtrack [again, Final Fantasy XIII-2 included it with the collector's edition], but still neat). Unlike FFXIII-2's similar casing, you do get the regular game box within, which is good (I admit that was one of my gripes with FFXIII-2's otherwise beautiful collector's edition box).

Only up to chapter 2, so hardly far enough to leave really in depth impressions, but I'll try. So far the battle system is pretty neat. Normal attacks are done just by getting up close to enemies and pushing the control stick their way (note I'm using Classic Controller Pro, the game has no motion or IR controls so I decided to sick with the controller I used for Xenoblade), while "special moves" are something I have yet to learn (though the manual says I'll learn them eventually, and even then it seems like I may only learn about two anyway, but they seem simple to pull off). Blocking is simply holding the R or ZR shoulder buttons, resetting camera is ZL (just like Xenoblade), and L is used for the "Gathering" ability, in which enemies now only target Zael (the main character you control), leaving your weapon using party members free to attack enemies up close, and mages to cast spells without interruption.

I first controlled Dungran (or however you spell his name) for a brief moment, but it seems that Zael is the one you're really playing as the whole game since he's the one who gains the Gathering ability early on. I don't know if this means maybe you switch characters as the story requires, but I'll see as it goes along (this does make me wonder how I'll control a mage, if I can, since they must charge their magic and be uninterrupted). Swords are pretty standard RPG weapons, but you do have a crossbow. Normal arrows are infinite, but I have found at least one extra type of arrow that's limited (an arrow that works best against magic using enemies). The "scan" system is kinda interesting so far (hope it gets put to good use as I go on), and the crossbow is useful for attacking enemies from a distance (and as the devs themselves admitted, the cover system does have a "Gears of War" like feel to it). Dodging is also pretty easy to do (if you've played Kingdom Hearts or Dark Souls you should already know how this works), so not much else to be said there.

Anyway, I'm not expecting the game to be Xenoblade-level great, but I am at least expecting a nice JRPG with fun combat (it's good so far), some nice depth, and a story with nice twists and turns with characters that I get attached to. Only real hiccup right now is the framerate, it is noticeably choppy when things with high levels of detail or lots of effects are on screen, but it's not terrible, and if you played lots of older 3D games on the PS1 or N64 you'll probably be able to put up with it. So far so good, and I do hope to see Mistwalker and Nintendo working together again in the future, whether it's a sequel to The Last Story or a new IP.

[CorusFace]

mine is out for delivery as we speak! thank you, amazon!

[beaus27]

I got my LS today!!! Special box set and soundtrack. I can't to play it when I get home tonight!

[MoldyClay]

(quick off topic thing @Moldyclay, I just got Rayman Origins recently and am at the 7th world now, trust me dude you are going to LOVE this game, it's easily the best 2D sidescroller this gen next to DKC: Returns)

Finally got the game today, and best of all since I pre-ordered I got the "collector's edition" first run print with the art book and "book like" casing (reminds me of the Final Fantasy XIII-2 collector's edition which I got earlier this year), and the soundtrack with seven songs on it (yeah not as great as getting an entire soundtrack [again, Final Fantasy XIII-2 included it with the collector's edition], but still neat). Unlike FFXIII-2's similar casing, you do get the regular game box within, which is good (I admit that was one of my gripes with FFXIII-2's otherwise beautiful collector's edition box).

Only up to chapter 2, so hardly far enough to leave really in depth impressions, but I'll try. So far the battle system is pretty neat. Normal attacks are done just by getting up close to enemies and pushing the control stick their way (note I'm using Classic Controller Pro, the game has no motion or IR controls so I decided to sick with the controller I used for Xenoblade), while "special moves" are something I have yet to learn (though the manual says I'll learn them eventually, and even then it seems like I may only learn about two anyway, but they seem simple to pull off). Blocking is simply holding the R or ZR shoulder buttons, resetting camera is ZL (just like Xenoblade), and L is used for the "Gathering" ability, in which enemies now only target Zael (the main character you control), leaving your weapon using party members free to attack enemies up close, and mages to cast spells without interruption.

I first controlled Dungran (or however you spell his name) for a brief moment, but it seems that Zael is the one you're really playing as the whole game since he's the one who gains the Gathering ability early on. I don't know if this means maybe you switch characters as the story requires, but I'll see as it goes along (this does make me wonder how I'll control a mage, if I can, since they must charge their magic and be uninterrupted). Swords are pretty standard RPG weapons, but you do have a crossbow. Normal arrows are infinite, but I have found at least one extra type of arrow that's limited (an arrow that works best against magic using enemies). The "scan" system is kinda interesting so far (hope it gets put to good use as I go on), and the crossbow is useful for attacking enemies from a distance (and as the devs themselves admitted, the cover system does have a "Gears of War" like feel to it). Dodging is also pretty easy to do (if you've played Kingdom Hearts or Dark Souls you should already know how this works), so not much else to be said there.

Anyway, I'm not expecting the game to be Xenoblade-level great, but I am at least expecting a nice JRPG with fun combat (it's good so far), some nice depth, and a story with nice twists and turns with characters that I get attached to. Only real hiccup right now is the framerate, it is noticeably choppy when things with high levels of detail or lots of effects are on screen, but it's not terrible, and if you played lots of older 3D games on the PS1 or N64 you'll probably be able to put up with it. So far so good, and I do hope to see Mistwalker and Nintendo working together again in the future, whether it's a sequel to The Last Story or a new IP.

Ohhhh man you just got me super pumped.

I was excited anyway, but the things that have, leading into the game coming out, finally been getting me excited have been (no order):

1. That post right there.
2. Twilight Princess Ganondorf's long lost brother: http://wildgames.es/wp-content/uploads/ ... -story.jpg
3. Prank Banana: http://media.nintendo-gamer.net/wp-cont ... shot-2.jpg
4. The OST (which I downloaded the *full* one after looking for it forever).
5. Customization

FFFFFF...

[Also, off-topic reply: Yeah, I ordered it from BestBuy earlier this week for $10. I had originally wanted it on 360 but it's broken right now and I figured this would match my inevitable purchase of Legends. Loved the 360 demo.

And considering I -loved- DKCR, that's great to hear! Easily one of my favorite games this gen, so I'm excited for something anywhere near that quality.]

[Berrix]

Just got mine at Gamestop today. Came with a book-shaped case (awesome) with a mini-artbook (more awesome) and the game. Though is it me or will anyone else feel slightly miffed you cannot register this game in Club Nintendo? I was totally ready for a "Look Nintendo at how many people wanted this!" action from myself as I registered mine and my friend registering his (and so on).

Ah well, got the one game I desired out of the three, so now I am happy to give this game, and my Wii, the last good run before the new console.

[TheLastBlade]

Having fun so far with last story.... Waaaaay better than ff13.

I think I'm a total noob at this because I just died a few times... Also the camera and frame rate isn't as bad as people say is, but it does take time to get used to it.

[MoldyClay]

Just got mine at Gamestop today. Came with a book-shaped case (awesome) with a mini-artbook (more awesome) and the game. Though is it me or will anyone else feel slightly miffed you cannot register this game in Club Nintendo? I was totally ready for a "Look Nintendo at how many people wanted this!" action from myself as I registered mine and my friend registering his (and so on).

Ah well, got the one game I desired out of the three, so now I am happy to give this game, and my Wii, the last good run before the new console.

I actually assumed this was going to happen. Nintendo didn't release the game, so it is technically not theirs over here, and apparently they have no desire to move the "3rd parties too" thing to Wii. Just 3DS. So I was annoyed when made the assumption and not surprised when it happened.

The one I wanted out of the 3 was Pandora's Tower, but I wound up being surprised by how awesome Xenoblade was and I am pumped for Last Story when it arrives from Amazon.

[Lex_Informer]

Random thoughts:

- This game has the shell of a classic RPG in terms of plot, equipment/shops, and NPCs, but in terms of the actual game structure and delivery it's basically nothing like a classic RPG. Neither good nor bad, just something to keep in mind.

- I actually rather like the plot. My only real problem with the storytelling is that the real-time dialogue gets cut off way too often just by moving forward at a normal pace. Important NPC interactions are well-scripted and interesting. The game is kind of strung along, but not nearly as ridiculously as FFXIII (even though I'd say it's just as linear).

- Throw any delusions about an exploration-driven approach or an overworld out the window immediately. Lazilus City is as close as it gets. Everything else is more or less a dungeon that the plot carries you to at some point. There are some decent secrets, but so far I haven't really seen anything worth writing home about.

- I feel as though there are too few enemy encounters, but at the same time I can't see how they would include more while keeping up a decent level of variety. A good compromise would have been to make summon circles appear after every battle, letting you replay the fight.

- Occasionally I get really awful framerate drops - and even lag sometimes. The worst part? It often happens in the middle of a cutscene. -_-

- Outside of boss battles, I don't feel like "strategy" really matters that much. Then again, this is pretty standard for RPGs these days.

- I'm about 10 hours in, and equipment options still seem too limited.

- The battle system is fun when the game throws a challenge at you that really rewards you for understanding the game mechanics, but is a little chaotic and confusing otherwise. I find it particularly difficult to keep track of party members and smaller enemies. Gathering, Magic Circles, and the various diffusing moves, as well as the use of cover, are the big highlights. "Directing allies", however, rarely feels natural, nor does picking off ranged and magic-wielding enemies in the heat of battle using the crossbow.

I'm feeling pretty positive about it, just not sure whether it's 7/10 good or more of an 8 or 9 yet.

[TheLastBlade]

I'd go so far as to give it a 8.5-9.0. The fact that its so british it's awesome.

[KingBroly]

Hey, The Last Story has that face-tech that LA Noire did, or at least imitates it very well. And it's only a fourth of the resolution.

[TheLastBlade]

THAT'S BECAUSE IT'S SO BRITISH IT'S AWESOME.

[Berrix]

I'd go so far as to give it a 8.5-9.0. The fact that its so british it's awesome.

I honestly think because of the British overtones have given this game (and Xenoblade) such a different character to it that otherwise wouldn't be as charming if redone. The first discussion you have with Syrenne in the tavern pretty much makes my point.

"Lying chaps, cheating chaps, mean chaps... And I know one handsome chap that's all three."

That is probably a thousand times better with that phrasing than using "man" each time.

5 hours in and I'm noticing no overworld, shame that. Not a deal breaker but would have loved the ability to revisit dungeons you've been through.

[TheLastBlade]

I'd go so far as to give it a 8.5-9.0. The fact that its so british it's awesome.

I honestly think because of the British overtones have given this game (and Xenoblade) such a different character to it that otherwise wouldn't be as charming if redone. The first discussion you have with Syrenne in the tavern pretty much makes my point.

"Lying chaps, cheating chaps, mean chaps... And I know one handsome chap that's all three."

That is probably a thousand times better with that phrasing than using "man" each time.

5 hours in and I'm noticing no overworld, shame that. Not a deal breaker but would have loved the ability to revisit dungeons you've been through.

I personally think that because it has british characteristics, it brings together the story, design, music, and gameplay.

I heard there was, but I'm not too sure.

[Berrix]

I can see why you'd think that, feels more fantasy-directed with the simple accents like that.

Though I can only imagine people in EU right now talking about how the VA could been a ton better.

[TheLastBlade]

I can see why you'd think that, feels more fantasy-directed with the simple accents like that.

Though I can only imagine people in EU right now talking about how the VA could been a ton better.

They be smoking' crack.

[KingBroly]

The writing so far seems like it was written for adults with how the writing is. The plot...haven't encountered it yet.

Spoiler:

"I only like Women." *Smacked to hell

[FadedAreWii]

Just picked it up but already played through some of it at a friends. Pretty awesome game. I'm loving it just as much as Xenoblade.

Gamestop just lost my money, too. Walked in to buy it, their last copy, they started getting it out, I'm like, "nope, never mind, don't want it, i don't pay full price for opened games." Went to Best Buy and they got my money.