Otogi: Myth of Demons **Official**

Otogi really is that good, and deserves all the positive press it gets. The camera has rarely, if ever, been a problem. The control is perfect. The soundtrack is a perfect fit and the narration is top caliber. Even the story is worth paying attention to. It's the most beautiful game I've ever seen - perhaps not the most technically brilliant, but definitely the most beautiful. The gameplay more than matches it too - it's not a button-masher. The various objectives give it a lot of diverse replay value, beyond just the experience of going through the motions in the 29 levels.

But at the same time, it's got a certain quality that is totally riveting. It's very hard to explain. It has a seamless flow to it that's kind of poetic. For me, the overall effect of controlling Raiko through the levels is satisfying on a level deeper than just going from point A to point B destroying everything in your path. Maybe it's just the inspired attention to detail and care From Software obviously put into the game, but it's as if they've tapped into some kind of interactive vein that few games have, in my experience.

I don't want to use terms like classic, but Otogi is without a doubt a stand-out title that I wouldn't hesitate to describe as a work of art.

When you start up the game and get classic Japanese artwork with the logo surromounted on top and cherry blossom petals gently falling in the background... already you know this isn't going to be a bland experience. From beginning to end this game is stylisticly perfect. So much so that I'm really looking forward to the second ending.

I'm playing through the replay with the dub and subtitles off. I think Sega US did a really good job with the dub, in fact I think I like the game better this way now.

Though man is the Priest level a bitch with the hydra sword. If he doesn't get you with a fireball, he'll knock you into something or one of his skeletal minions will tag you. I can only manage to get two solid hits on him so far, but the whole challenge of it all is too much fun to give up. :)

I think if I replay yet again, I'll stick to using only magic and never hit an enemy with a phsyical attack if I can avoid it. I don't use magic nearly enough as I probably should.

A few more tidbits:

The Needle of Fury definitely locks out magic. Why, look, it even says so in the deatiled description. Doh!

Magic is worthless against the Stage 9 boss (centipede). Why, look, the Princess even says so during the level. Doh!

The Stage 9 boss can be dodged until he runs off, or killed (say, with Hammer). Either way, the Stage is completed, although you do get the Sutra of Agression for the kill, as noted.

The Hammer kicks ass on just about everything through the first 10 stages. Really.

This game owns.

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Originally Posted by Prince Planet

A few more tidbits:
The Stage 9 boss can be dodged until he runs off, or killed (say, with Hammer). Either way, the Stage is completed, although you do get the Sutra of Agression for the kill, as noted.

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I was wondering about that. I accidently hit A when the Worm starting saying shit and *boom* I won. I didn't question it; just went straight to Save.

Last night I went through & started going for 100% Spirits on all the stages. I have 100% on stages 1-5 & 7-10. Stage 6 still eludes me, I need to go back & find Ammandeau's post outlining where the spirits. I'm now on level 20, & it really does feel great to go back to stages that were previously tough, and just obliterating all those enemies that you had to avoid before. I love the golden dragon. :D

JM

Ok, Spend some more time with Otogi last night, not mostly playing it myself(dj was handling the playing duties before), and first going through early few stages getting my hands on controls and attacks and trying to get all the things we missed in the first time through. As it was said by many here before me, visiting old stages and witnessing the destruction you caused before, and then adding some more never gets old :) Also leveled up for a bit, and now we are Level 11.

Water Tower level was pretty fun, and seeing that grand tower surrounded with crystals and huge columns, with tons of flying demons assaulting you with their green fireballs, while you rush from column to column in the race against time was great :) I was running out of both life and magic at the end, so it was a mad rush to get to the last column, but it just cool. And then it all came crumbling down.

The Giant Insect Demon encounter was a neat boss battle. Very impressive visually, and hard at first, but then with some good dodging and constant movements around the area, dj scored few good hits on the demon, so it ran away. I will be visiting it later, to finish the business though :lol:

Next 2 forest levels we also cool, and the change in environment theme was done very nicely.

Hunted for another Mercy orb, and those are fast buggers, so you end up chasing it if you hit it too hard, and it flies away. Easy to loose them, when under attack from bunch of demons :lol:

Found the set of Mountain Axes, those are pretty cool, and I love how they look in combat :)

Loving this game, but I SERIOUSLY need to get S type pad for Xbox, since original starts hurting my hands after some play time :(

POW! Beat that punk Michizane!

During my item fetching, I got my mitts on the Dragon Staff, and noticed it increased the House of Shoryu. Equipping it, I discovered it maxed out my magic. "Hmmm.....think I'll give that final boss another go....." Used the staff, energy magic level 3, and the Bell of Cleansing (to ward off his damn draining dark attack). As usual, I beat his first two forms pretty easily, then on his third, I opened up with a barrage of charged magic, while dashing to stay the hell away from him. I took him out in probably twenty seconds. My previous battles turned out to have some benefit after all, I suppose. :)

Cleared with Raiko at level 26 in 12:59. I was using a second save file, so I'm still planning to go back for 100% and all items before starting 2nd play - I'm very much looking forward to both. I want that second ending!

The weapons all use the same combos and stuff, but each looks and sounds very different. Yet another great touch.

You guys think the game could have benefitted by Raiko having the ability to block melee attacks? Being able to reflect enemies' magic certainly helps, especially on the last boss, but I don't think a block would improve the game.

What do we know about the sequel so far? Looks very different at first glance.

Yes, Ability to block would definately be nice. Many times you get caugh between enemy shots/hits and without guard ability you get hurt quite a bit. While those hits not very damaging, with enough of them, your life can go down rather fast.

No, I wouldn't want a block, that would slow down the pace of the fights. The only addition I want would have your boost dash track your currently locked enem, als Shinobi. That would make the game damn near perfect.

JM

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Originally Posted by JM

No, I wouldn't want a block, that would slow down the pace of the fights. The only addition I want would have your boost dash track your currently locked enem, als Shinobi. That would make the game damn near perfect.

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Agreed. The ability to block attacks would interrupt the flow of combat. I don't like getting hit, but I wouldn't trade the smooth gameplay for any more defensive moves. Reflecting magic attacks is pretty cool, however, and notice how it does not change the combat pace at all.

There are so many slick touches in this game, repeatedly demonstrating From's commitment to a quality title. Highly detailed 2D artwork, complete with poetic decriptions, for EVERY weapon, spell, accessory, and enemy -- it's close to astounding. Random, cryptic speeches from the Princess for purely atmospheric effect. Beautiful game-engine cut-scenes, both before and after each Stage to set the mood. And so on.

Anyone notice how your presently equipped weapon AND accessory are displayed during the cut-scenes? Very, very nice touch.

The only thing I kinda dont like, is the way Princess delivers her speeches. She says half of sentense, and then its 5 second pause, and then she says more and then again - pause. Makes you want to skip it, or at least I fight dj from doing that, since I want to hear mission objectives.

Yeah, that's another great touch, Prince. Reminded me instantly of the chest keys on Maximo's belt. Halo always bugged me a little because MC always had the assault rifle in cutscenes.

I also love the musings of the bosses. Level 12's King Raven says something like "I was not meant to fly with these wings" after you beat him, but something totally different if he kills you.

Everything about the game is drenched with a shabby, dignified melancholy, perfectly reflected in the soundtrack (which I would buy in a heartbeat if one ever appeared).

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Originally Posted by BioMechanic

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I also love the musings of the bosses. Level 12's King Raven says something like "I was not meant to fly with these wings" after you beat him, but something totally different if he kills you.

Everything about the game is drenched with a shabby, dignified melancholy, perfectly reflected in the soundtrack (which I would buy in a heartbeat if one ever appeared).

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This is one of the things im loving about it too, the atmosphere is what takes this game to the next level(no pun) you forgive raikoh's hair,and the odd dialogue, because it plays like areally good anime,everything just feels cool. And yeah, i would get the soundtrack too, it reminds me of the creepy but cool tangrine dream soundtrack for legend,odd but effective choices for instruments, they reinforce the atmosphere. Plus it dosent hurt that raikoh moves so fluidly and gracefully,the twin swords, the staves, they all just flow so well. i am fighting the centepede now, and so far every element has clicked for me.

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Originally Posted by Despair

The only thing I kinda dont like, is the way Princess delivers her speeches. She says half of sentense, and then its 5 second pause, and then she says more and then again - pause. Makes you want to skip it, or at least I fight dj from doing that, since I want to hear mission objectives.

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Its weird, but i actually like the delivery, they feel like she is hesitating, like she dosent really trust you, and is choosing her words carefully. But I agree that after charging in and ripping up a group of tengu, waiting for her can be a bit of a bump in the adrenaline.

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Originally Posted by JM

No, I wouldn't want a block, that would slow down the pace of the fights. The only addition I want would have your boost dash track your currently locked enem, als Shinobi. That would make the game damn near perfect.

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It already tracks to some degree and I think it's enough. Instead I'd rather have some sort of indicator that tells me where a locked on screen enemy is in relation to me. The less the game does for me the better.

BTW, I just remembered in stage 6 the first stone island you pass on the right has a path cut through it. The mast you can see on the other side of the path has one of the souls.

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Originally Posted by Despair

The only thing I kinda dont like, is the way Princess delivers her speeches. She says half of sentense, and then its 5 second pause, and then she says more and then again - pause. Makes you want to skip it, or at least I fight dj from doing that, since I want to hear mission objectives.

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Yeah, that's a little annoying. I wish most of her talking was during the level as you're playing like they do sometimes. It adds to the atmosphere of the game for me.

My favorite moment of the game so far is the first ending. It was just utterly perfect. I don't know how the second one can be better, but I'm going to find out. :)

Does the needle of fury let you wreck big things with weak attack? If not, then both the hydra and thunder swords have that ability, which makes Thunder just too cool for words. I was tearing down the golden palace like I was the tasmanian devil or something. :evil:

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Originally Posted by Ammadeau

It already tracks to some degree and I think it's enough. Instead I'd rather have some sort of indicator that tells me where a locked on screen enemy is in relation to me.
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Amen!

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Originally Posted by Despair

The only thing I kinda dont like, is the way Princess delivers her speeches. She says half of sentense, and then its 5 second pause, and then she says more and then again - pause. Makes you want to skip it, or at least I fight dj from doing that, since I want to hear mission objectives.

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Yeah, that's a little annoying. I wish most of her talking was during the level as you're playing like they do sometimes. It adds to the atmosphere of the game for me.

But in situations where I don't know where the enemy is, I do the turbo+great attack thing where he does that slashing sommersault thing into the sky, until I get my bearings.

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Originally Posted by Ammadeau

BTW, I just remembered in stage 6 the first stone island you pass on the right has a path cut through it. The mast you can see on the other side of the path has one of the souls.

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Thank you very much.

JM

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Originally Posted by Brisco Bold

But in situations where I don't know where the enemy is, I do the turbo+great attack thing where he does that slashing sommersault thing into the sky, until I get my bearings.

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I only do that if I know the enemy is right about me someplace. Normally I just dash backwards and circle a bit.

Alright, so I abuse that move a lot. Sue me.

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Originally Posted by Brisco Bold

Alright, so I abuse that move a lot. Sue me.

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Some weapons have the airflip as the weak attack instead of hard and the hydra doesn't have the airflip for either so you can't count on it. :p

re: The Moonlit Sword, that's always the most powerful weapon in each King's Field game. Wonder if the model is similar to any of the KF Moonlit blades. Pretty cool homage to one of my favorite series ;)

and yes, this game rules. Centipede is chewing my ass right now :/ I hit him in the face a few times, and then I get blasted by lightning, or just run out of health from hits. Bleh.

Keep constantly moving, and lightning wont be a problem, and always watch out for its tail, especially when going in for a front attack, because after successful hit, it will increase its speed and will try to smash you with its tail.

I agree that indicator that would show you position of your current target would have been very helpful. Many times in the heat of the battle you might get lost of the location of your target, and I also use Hard Attack Flip to move around. I need to get hang of centering camera, since many times I end up moving in the direction I cant see.

Tried my new S-type controller last night, and now it makes playing much easier, but button layout little different, so I have get used to new one now :)

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Originally Posted by Despair

...but button layout little different, so I have get used to new one now :)

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That was a problem for me, too, but as soon as you're used to it it's like buttah!

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Originally Posted by Ammadeau

My favorite moment of the game so far is the first ending. It was just utterly perfect.

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Hell. Yes. But I suspect the 2nd ending is going to be something special too.

Hey Ammadeau, are you still missing an accessory? I have all ten. The last one I got (totally by accident) was the Jeweled Goblet on level 18 (Eternal Night - the level 4 in reverse). About halfway through, when the path veers sharply to the left, straight ahead in the distance is a single torch lantern on a thin rock platform. To the right next to the cliff is a kind of stone bridge which you can run up to get enough distance & elevation to reach the platform. Smash the lantern and you'll get the Goblet (which increases the amount of gold you get when equipped).

Raiko becomes an absolute monster when you level up. I went to try and kill the flying centipede, equipping the Golden Dragon club and the Needle of Pain, and my jaw dropped when I killed him in one hit. I cleared the level in something like nine seconds. :D

Just need a couple more 100% freed spirits, five weapons, and one spell.

I have never enjoyed an action game as much as Otogi. Since starting it last week, I haven't played anything else, and have barely thought about playing anything else. A masterpiece!

I've been replaying level 5 Palace of Gold last night, trying to get all 100% Spirits released, and I just cant seem to find where last 40% are, since I pretty much destroyed everything that can be destroyed and not returns in the replays.

Our Raiko is not strong enough yet to kill Water Demon in Stage 6 fast enough.

Despair, did you check that sealed room down the hallway with the lanterns hanging from the ceiling? After the Crimson King awakens, he opens the door. I think there's at least one soul in there.

Hmm, I think we were in that room first time through(you pick up mystic beads there, right?), but I will check again. Thanks :)

No, not that room - the one I mean is on the right side of the large main room, close to where the three skull-spawning mirrors on the wall were. It's kind of easy to miss because it the hallway entrance is really narrow. There's also another of those blue lion sentries around one of the hall's sharp corners, so watch out! :p The huge door is sealed at the beginning of the level, so you can't get in until after you encounter him.

Ok, I will look for that door tonight :)

Still have plenty of other levels to replay to completion, since dj now care about beating the level, and leaves the exploration and leveling to me.

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Originally Posted by Victrix

Centipede is chewing my ass right now :/ I hit him in the face a few times, and then I get blasted by lightning, or just run out of health from hits. Bleh.

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If you have the Hammer, use it, and kiss his segmented ass goodbye. If not, well, run around a lot and try not to heave your controller.

I got to the 2nd Forest Stage -- that wind and storm effect is completely out of hand. The effect of fighting those bird demons in the air while being tossed about in the storm is incredible. It's From gone mad, I tell ya.

Edit: Sorry. 3rd Forest Stage it is.

I agree about 3rd ;) Forest Stage. Those winds combined with ton of flying demons is definately something else lol

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Originally Posted by BioMechanic

Hell. Yes. But I suspect the 2nd ending is going to be something special too.

Hey Ammadeau, are you still missing an accessory? I have all ten. The last one I got (totally by accident) was the Jeweled Goblet on level 18 (Eternal Night - the level 4 in reverse). About halfway through, when the path veers sharply to the left, straight ahead in the distance is a single torch lantern on a thin rock platform. To the right next to the cliff is a kind of stone bridge which you can run up to get enough distance & elevation to reach the platform. Smash the lantern and you'll get the Goblet (which increases the amount of gold you get when equipped).

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Heh, like you're reading my mind. I just found out that this was the accessory I'm missing and was wondering how to get it. :p

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Raiko becomes an absolute monster when you level up. I went to try and kill the flying centipede, equipping the Golden Dragon club and the Needle of Pain, and my jaw dropped when I killed him in one hit. I cleared the level in something like nine seconds. :D

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He's got more life and does double damage in the replay. Took me a couple tries to beat him and even with attack maxed out I needed the attack booster to kill him in one hit.

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I have never enjoyed an action game as much as Otogi. Since starting it last week, I haven't played anything else, and have barely thought about playing anything else. A masterpiece!

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I started playing La Pucelle again as well, but probably only because it's about as different from Otogi as you can get. I don't think I'll need to get another action game for a very long time.

Since the sequel is already in development, what would people like to see in it? I'd personally like a greater emphasis on comboing. The combo system is good, but the levels need to make you use it more often. Some levels I clear with a combo rating of 4. That's plain silly.

Victrix, if you head straight from where you start on the Centipede level, past the middle clearing, under the bridge there's an attack increase power-up which might help. It's a tough getting the timing down to hit his mouth, especially since he's charging straight at you, but once you get it, defeating him becomes a lot easier. Don't stand still! Good luck.

That Untamed Winds level has got to be one of my favorite sequences in any game. The environmental effects are unreal.

edit: Amm, did you take out Mr. Centipede with the hydra sword too? ;)

For the sequel, I'd like some more exploration aspects. It was always great to find hidden rooms or items. Mutiple paths through levels would be a really nice addition.

Maybe additional melee moves could be learned/purchased as you progress. More emphasis on combos would be cool too, like an extra bonus something if you smashed creatures into buildings.

I also think some of the RPG aspects were kind of under-utilized as well, like Raiko's whole weight thing and the opposing magic. Maybe those could be fleshed out too. Perhaps several diverse playable characters, as long as the game's style and atmosphere is kept intact.

I just hope the sequel gets released in the States!

Believe me, I never stood still. I'd often get blasted by lightning right after doing a hard slash at his head, which was really cheap and irritating.

I beat him a bit earlier though, and it was smooth sailing after that. Got a 565 hit combo on the forest, probably could have gone longer too... a Training Sword was my reward.

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Originally Posted by Victrix

Got a 565 hit combo on the forest, probably could have gone longer too...

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Damn! Nice work. I've only gotten about 175. Need to work in some more Genbu magic I suppose.

Just wanted to say best of luck to everyone with further progression! I am going on vacation next week and won't be near any PCs. During that time I am hoping to collect everything and finish 2nd play. After that I may have to start a new game from scratch. :)

Ok, Bio. Have fun on your vacation :)

Is Training sword worth all that trouble getting 300 hit combo?

Dunno, curiously, it seems to be a magic oriented weapon. Very low attack, enhances your magic. It's a wooden sword ;)

As for getting the 300 hit combo, that's dead easy. Butterfly Staff + Butterfly magic = gojillions of hits. Just keep up a constant magic combo and it won't end until you stop it. It's important to stay in the air the entire time though, so intersperse dash-b attacks to gain altitude occasionally.

I'm up to 17 now, and I have to say, there are some absolutely phenomenal levels in this game. The snowy bamboo forest and the rainswept plateau are amazing.

579 combo on Forest 2. I flubbed the end of the combo, but I don't think you can get much more than high 600s, or just maybe low 700s if you are in total Zen-Nirvana-Rez mode. Glad to be proven wrong, of course.

I got spanked on the flaming Holy Arches by spending too much time trying to smash stuff. Calling it a night.

I'm pretty sure you can go way past that, I was at mid 500s only about half way through the rush of enemies... I wonder if there's any substantial bonus for a 1000 hit combo?

Forrest Windy level was pretty good, but Boss battle was tough, at least when fighting him armed with Hammer. Damn wind kept pushing me back, and demon was shotting those purple arrow fireballs. But with the sword, dj got him easily.

We also went back to Water Bridge level, and after several tries, scored Needle accessory with 46 second finish. Pretty cool item, especially when combined with Sword of Binding.

Tested that combo on Flying Insect boss, and after few unsuccessful tries(if he hits you, you get damaged HARD), dj did it. It only takes 2 strong hits to kill him.

Which weapon did you guys used for those long combos?

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Originally Posted by Despair

We also went back to Water Bridge level, and after several tries, scored Needle accessory with 46 second finish.

Which weapon did you guys used for those long combos?

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Nice work on the bridge!

As Victrix (I think) suggested, I went with the Butterfly Staff and did nonstop combos with Genbu (Butterfly) magic ----> slash, slash, slash, spell. Although, somewhat different than Victrix's method, I stayed on the ground the whole time.

I just have to say, I just got this game on the 5th (my birthday) and am having a BLAST playing through it. I love the whole RPG aspects (leveling up, purchacing weapons, spells and accessories, etc.) and going through levels again. After first seeing this game mentioned, and reading some mediocre japanese reviews, I was a little discouraged, but I still perservered. And I'm glad I didn't let those reviews get to me.

The second game can't come soon enough.

Oh and thanks everybody for posting all the unlockables. I was searching at Game FAQ's and I didn't see anything. I'm gonna get to reading after some F-Zero play time.

Beat the Crimson King. Anyone notice how his voice sounds a bit like Mojo Jojo? "It is I, the Crimson King, that is I who am both King AND Crimson, and I have a diabolical plan, whereby I, the CRIMSON KING will rule everything! HAHAHAHAH!"

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Originally Posted by Prince Planet

Nice work on the bridge!

As Victrix (I think) suggested, I went with the Butterfly Staff and did nonstop combos with Genbu (Butterfly) magic ----> slash, slash, slash, spell. Although, somewhat different than Victrix's method, I stayed on the ground the whole time.

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We dont have that weapon yet, but I'm sure that it will pick it up on the way, since we still less than half through the game, and currently on Fire Cave level.

I hate escort missions. Hate hate hate. Argh :(

Not too hard it looks like, but man. Going back and trying to get full destruction or 100% souls will be a joy also :/

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Originally Posted by Prince Planet

Beat the Crimson King. Anyone notice how his voice sounds a bit like Mojo Jojo? "It is I, the Crimson King, that is I who is both King AND Crimson, and I have a diabolical plan, whereby I, the CRIMSON KING will rule everything! HAHAHAHAH!"

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That was an awesome Mojo. :)

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Originally Posted by Victrix

I hate escort missions. Hate hate hate. Argh :(

Not too hard it looks like, but man. Going back and trying to get full destruction or 100% souls will be a joy also :/

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I got 100% on one try (didn't get any when I cleared it). If you have all the mercy orbs, your life will deplete so slowly that leaving the spirit behind won't matter. Most of the souls are in the bridges, btw.

I'm only missing the training stick now. I just can't do the combo. Maybe it's because my level is maxed and I obliterate anything with one hit most of the time. The invisible wolves gave me more trouble the second time than they did the first though. They do double damage and they turn invisible again almost right after you stop hitting them.

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Originally Posted by Victrix

I hate escort missions. Hate hate hate. Argh :(

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Just got there. Ugh. I'd be happy to never play an escort/protect level ever again.

I am on the Fire level where you have to rush through, because the invisible demons are sucking out your magic. Damn, but I keep dying, since I either get my magic drained, or when I get further into it, I end up fighting thos big demons, and slip into lava, or get set on fire :(

Don't fight anything. Rush through the level.

Same for that irritating escort mission actually Prince. If you run waaaaay up ahead, the fox won't get attacked, and you can wait for it to get close while you bash everyone nearby. Your health should hold out, as long as you keep killing people to regain magic when it fades, and pick up the lotus blossoms as needed.

Arg! I need ONE more soul for 100% total - the last one on the hydra level. I cannot get that one for some reason. I think I know where it is - in the candle on the ceiling near the level's end? - but I am totally unable to get it. Any tips please? I want the Moonlight! I don't think I'll get the Training Sword ever, but beyond those two and the hydra sword, I have everything else.

I am using a second save to go through second play, but I haven't played it much because I've been distracted by the excellence of PN03. But I am enjoying the challenge immensely.

What a lovely game. Seems to take elements from DMC, Shinobi, ZOE, Ico, and the art of Yoshitaka Amano. Glad I got it.

For the candle on the roof, just keep jumping up after the cut scene and slashing where you know it'll appear at. I think the hydra took it out for me when I did this, actually.

Beat the game a second time. The second ending was a little disappointing since it was only a slight change. Still didn't get the training stick. Maybe when I play it through from scratch in the distant future, probably as a warm up to the sequel.

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Originally Posted by Victrix

Don't fight anything. Rush through the level.

Same for that irritating escort mission actually Prince. If you run waaaaay up ahead, the fox won't get attacked, and you can wait for it to get close while you bash everyone nearby. Your health should hold out, as long as you keep killing people to regain magic when it fades, and pick up the lotus blossoms as needed.

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Got through rather the basic mission easily, actually. But I will definitely go with your suggestion when trying for the last couple of souls/destruction.

Does it matter when you get all of the souls (i.e., on the first play through, or second, etc.)? I don't want to know what the reward is, just whether I need to clean house before I go for the last 3 stages on my first play-through, or whether I can simply go ahead and get whatever ending there is for the 1st play, and then go on to reap whatever reward there is for 100% soul collection. Gracias.

Edit: A few other thoughts. First, the re-mix of earlier stages doesn't bother me in the least. It's actually kind of cool to revisit old levels with new themes and goals -- they're made over enough to keep it fresh. Second, working my way through the end of the game, the mix of level design/creatures/missions over 29 stages is really impressive. Incredible variety for a what amounts to a (very fancy) beat-em up Standout: that fire level with decreased gravity -- 100% death-dealing-air-ballet. Awesome.

One complaint that has gone unmentioned, I believe. What the fuck is with the mandatory use of the "back" button after pausing the game? I'm so used to hitting pause again to go back to a game that I've had to restart a level on several occasions. Nitpicking, I know, but for some reason that button mapping bugs the shit out of me.

I haven't pressed the 'back' button once. B works just fine.

On your second run you start back at zero souls, so it's a good idea to get them all now unless you want to do it completely over, which you probably won't want to. I bascially blew through my second play. They made things a little tougher, but with max level it didn't make much of a difference. In fact, I think you hit Max level too easily and wish that had been reset to 1 for the second play.

PS - Don't worry if you don't get everything in second play. You can continue on that save file just as the first, though I doubt there's a third ending.

Fan of doom! More pics of part two-
http://www.the-magicbox.com/game091203f.htm

Thanks for sharing, Green.

I'm gonna feel like I'm playing Sai the whole game... :wtf:

Bonus points to anyone who catches that nerdball reference.

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Originally Posted by Ammadeau

For the candle on the roof, just keep jumping up after the cut scene and slashing where you know it'll appear at. I think the hydra took it out for me when I did this, actually.

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OK, thanks, I'll give it another go.

I also wish that it took longer to level up all the way - 2nd play is pretty easy, especially since I'm not really bothering to free all the souls. It's still hella fun though.

I started playing a completely new game back at level one and it's a lot more fun than the second play was. Being high level does sort of ruin the experience it seems.

The Damn Fire Level with Depleting Magic is PISSING ME OFF. I really hate the damn place. I tried like 30 times today and I keep on dying.

I get to the middle of the level, but then my magic either runs out, or I just keep falling into lava pits.

In the Golden Firefly level early on, is there some hidden soul? I'm stuck at 80% souls and have broken everything I can find over and over again. What am I missing?

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Originally Posted by Despair

The Damn Fire Level with Depleting Magic is PISSING ME OFF. I really hate the damn place. I tried like 30 times today and I keep on dying.

I get to the middle of the level, but then my magic either runs out, or I just keep falling into lava pits.

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Yeah, that level sucks. Not as much as those goddamn winds did, but it's still annoying. Your best bet is to just dash your ass off and you should be fine for most of the level. Don't fight anything, don't stop to destroy anything, just run. During the beginning where you loop around and have to do an almost 90 degree jump to continue, to your right in the wall there's a path with a LF inside. When you get to the lava platforms filled with glowing rocks (so you can't land) toss magic at them to break the rocks (if you try a jumping Heavy you'll fly right into the lava as I'm sure you've found).

I haven't gotten all the souls in that level yet because I'm doing it in pieces. Go through, destroy a bunch, rush to the end. Start again, start breaking where I left off before, rush to the end. And so on.

Mech...if you hold the dash button and preform a heavy slash, you won't fly into the lava...just so you know.

Speaking off piss-off levels, the Imperial Palace battle against the four guardians sucks a giant wang :/ Replaying it repeatedly is just no fun, since its so long compared to most other levels, and little room for messing around, just succeed or die

Leaning tower freaking ruled, I had noticed it in the background of a few earlier levels and was thinking "wouldn't it be cool if?"

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Originally Posted by Victrix

Speaking off piss-off levels, the...

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I didn't have too much trouble with that one. Probably because I spent so much time replaying previous levels that my Raikoh was at a higher level than the game expected when I reached that point. I'm at the last level now. I've been having trouble with it, but I imagine I'll get it eventually.

So I'm pretty much at the end, but I still only have level 3 magic in one school of magic - Chimera. Which levels give you the other level 3 spells, and what do you have to do to get them?

Chimera sucks the goat nuts. ;)

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Originally Posted by Captain Vegetable

Chimera sucks the goat nuts. ;)

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Yeah...so how the hell do I get level three Butterfly and the others? I checked gamefaqs but the guy's instructions were wrong, I think.

Would you believe I don't know?

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Originally Posted by MechDeus

In the Golden Firefly level early on, is there some hidden soul? I'm stuck at 80% souls and have broken everything I can find over and over again.

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Some columns that are up against the walls can be destroyed and they're in sections, so just because you knocked the bottom the top might still be there. An annoying level since things regenerate even in the destroyed version.

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I haven't gotten all the souls in that level yet because I'm doing it in pieces. Go through, destroy a bunch, rush to the end. Start again, start breaking where I left off before, rush to the end. And so on.

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The very last arch before the end of the level has a soul in it. This one is really easy to miss. The other souls are in the non-powered arches and in big rocks, I think.

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Originally Posted by Victrix

Speaking off piss-off levels, the Imperial Palace battle against the four guardians sucks a giant wang :/ Replaying it repeatedly is just no fun, since its so long compared to most other levels, and little room for messing around, just succeed or die

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Finished this level with all but one of life orbs full so I'd say there's plenty of room for error. Once you get it down, it's one of the quicker levels too. Much quicker than the slow boat mission or killing all the big fire giants.

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Originally Posted by Captain Vegetable

Chimera sucks the goat nuts. ;)

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Actually, it's the best spell in the game. Not only does the charged version do big area damage, but it boosts your stats more than any other magic.

You get one of the level 3 magics for being the invisible wolves in like two minutes. I'm blanking on the other though.

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Originally Posted by Captain Vegetable

Would you believe I don't know?

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Sure, I'll go ahead and believe you.

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Originally Posted by Ammadeau

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You get one of the level 3 magics for being the invisible wolves in like two minutes. I'm blanking on the other though.

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Oh, okay, I should be able to do that. Blasting them with Chimera works pretty well.

I just need to find the souls on the stupic boat level. My Raikoh is level 30, all orbs, and I still have a hard time finding them. I wanna get all 100% souls before I beat the boss (whom I already tried to beat, and was hard as hell). Anyone have any tips.

BTW, this game rules.

Damn I want to play this so bad, does anyone know if it is selling well? (I got mine :))... I want that sequel really badly to be released here... no reason in particular ;) :D

Werewolf, unfortunately I don't think the game is selling very well. A shame.

Sonofdon, getting all souls on the boat level is just a matter of replaying it a few times. As I recall, there are a couple souls in those crystals on the rock islands, one on the large island you pass on the right and another on the left. I also think there's one inside a sunken boat mast......leave your boat, smash stuff, get back to knock the blobs off, go smash some more stuff, and eventually you'll get em all.

It sold out in my area, SE Philadeldhia/suburbs, but I don't know how it's doing nationally.

I hope we get the sequel, too.

Bio, I dont like that boat ride level much. Its forces you constantly staying with the boat to protect it from sinking, and you barely have any time to explore around, plus some of the islands are rather far from the course that boat takes, and while you spend time reaching those, the ship gets alot of damage from those damn purple sinkers.

Still on Lava Rush level, and hating it with a passion.

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Originally Posted by Captain Vegetable

It sold out in my area, SE Philadeldhia/suburbs, but I don't know how it's doing nationally.

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I live in Philly too.

Hey Despair, just dash through that lava level without fighting any enemies or breaking any structures. You can always come back to it later for the souls, when you level up - it gets much easier. Same thing for the boat mission.

Beating Canyon of Death in less than a minute yields Level 3 Butterfly magic (which stomps all kinds of ass btw).

Trashinhg those damnable Wind Slashers in Windy Forest in under a minute yields Level 3 Dragon magic.

I was using the Moonlight sword in both cases so I killed everything pretty fast. I still don't know where the Phoenix magic is though.

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Originally Posted by Master of 7s

Beating Canyon of Death in less than a minute yields Level 3 Butterfly magic (which stomps all kinds of ass btw).

Trashinhg those damnable Wind Slashers in Windy Forest in under a minute yields Level 3 Dragon magic.

I was using the Moonlight sword in both cases so I killed everything pretty fast. I still don't know where the Phoenix magic is though.

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Oh okay, I was thinking it was 2 minutes - that's why I wasn't getting it I guess.

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Originally Posted by Despair

The Damn Fire Level with Depleting Magic is PISSING ME OFF. I really hate the damn place. I tried like 30 times today and I keep on dying.

I get to the middle of the level, but then my magic either runs out, or I just keep falling into lava pits.

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It's easy. Start the level off holding the R trigger and jamming on the B button. Float yourself over to the top section of the first area. Dash through the short tunnel. Entering the next area (with the big baddies) you can see a shortcut ahead and above, jump and R + B up there.

Take those two shortcuts and you should be fine.

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Originally Posted by CountZero

I live in Philly too.

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What's you name? Maybe we know eachother. I'm Jim Bacon.

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Originally Posted by Captain Vegetable

What's you name? Maybe we know eachother. I'm Jim Bacon.

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I'm Jake Fried. I live in South Philly.

I've got everything but Level 3 Phoenix. Anybody know what I need to do to get it?

Ok, Got through that level. Finally :)

Next 2 levels were pretty cool, and I love the fight against Red Guardian. Very stylish.

Now in demon world, and damn, but the first level is too dark.

I totally loved it. Seeing all the flames burning in the distance was way cool.

Its a cool level, I agree, but playing it during the day time, is not all the great. At least in my case.

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Originally Posted by BioMechanic

Werewolf, unfortunately I don't think the game is selling very well. A shame.

Sonofdon, getting all souls on the boat level is just a matter of replaying it a few times. As I recall, there are a couple souls in those crystals on the rock islands, one on the large island you pass on the right and another on the left. I also think there's one inside a sunken boat mast......leave your boat, smash stuff, get back to knock the blobs off, go smash some more stuff, and eventually you'll get em all.

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BioMechanic, thanks for the suggestions, but I actually already did it.

I'm now up to the protect mission 2nd play. God, sometimes this level sucks so much :curse:. Plus, the fact that you can actually HIT the stupid thing, with the Moonlight sword.......... you get the idea.

Yeah, I need both the Phoenix level 3 and Butterfly level 3, and I think three weapons (there are supposed to be thirty total, right?) and I'm done.

Man, it felt so good to kill the Hydra in one hit, let me tell you........

IYO, what's the best weapon to use against Michizane?

So far this and P.N.03 are tied for my game of the year...and I never pick a game of the year!

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Originally Posted by CountZero

IYO, what's the best weapon to use against Michizane?

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Drop a couple buildings on his head. Or beat on him with Canada.

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Originally Posted by MechDeus

Drop a couple buildings on his head. Or beat on him with Canada.

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You serious? Are there actually buildings in that level to drop on him? I'm talking about the last level, "Into the Heavens" or whatever. Isn't it just islands in the sky with some trees and stuff. Got him down to about 1 or 2 more hits on his third phase (after he goes "I am death!" and stuff), but then I died.

Oh yeah, and what's Canada? Heh.

No, I'm not serious. :) I'm still a couple levels away from that anyway.

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Originally Posted by MechDeus

No, I'm not serious. :) I'm still a couple levels away from that anyway.

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Ah. Well I'm glad I immediately saw through that little subterfuge... er...heh...cough.
:p

I went with Lev 3 dragon and the dragon staff on the last boss. It made for a big light show. Don't forget the bell of cleansing too.

Spoiler tag that stuff guys, you owned me :(

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Originally Posted by Victrix

Spoiler tag that stuff guys, you owned me :(

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Sorry man, I wasn't thinking. :(

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Originally Posted by SonofdonCD

Yeah, I need both the Phoenix level 3 and Butterfly level 3, and I think three weapons (there are supposed to be thirty total, right?) and I'm done.

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33 Weapons total.

You can beat the final guy in a couple of ways:
1 - Moonlit sword (easy)
2 - 3 Level magic (dragon is best, but all work) (medium)
3 - equip the needle and a fast weapon. slash him to death while making sure he doesn't hit you (hard, but fun)

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Originally Posted by Ammadeau

33 Weapons total.

You can beat the final guy in a couple of ways:
1 - Moonlit sword (easy)
2 - 3 Level magic (dragon is best, but all work) (medium)
3 - equip the needle and a fast weapon. slash him to death while making sure he doesn't hit you (hard, but fun)

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Thanks.

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Originally Posted by Captain Vegetable

So far this and P.N.03 are tied for my game of the year...and I never pick a game of the year!

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Same here..although I've got a three-way tie between Otogi, P.N.03, and VF4:Evo. They're all so different.....and one for each system.