They're at the mercy of the OEM, a lot of whom continued to use 32-bit Windows (especially on lower-end models) long past every computer being made supported 64-bit.
It's not surprising at all with a game whose system requirements are so low to run into this.
No Trails game is complete without Phantom Thief B shenanigans, and this is probably my favorite one so far. I surprised Bleublanc got a partial dub for such a pointless side quest. Loggins channeling some Red Forman on the 4th floor was also amusing to see.
The biggest surprise of CS2 so far is that Osborne was a big softy all along:
I want to believe that he personally went out to buy it for her.
It was definitely looking like this launch was rockier than with the first game.
Normal users don't have a choice.
They're at the mercy of the OEM, a lot of whom continued to use 32-bit Windows (especially on lower-end models) long past every computer being made supported 64-bit.
It's not surprising at all with a game whose system requirements are so low to run into this.
The only Squaresoft influence in Zwei!! (at best) is the soundtrack, and that's assuming Sound Team jdk couldn't have found many other acoustic influences. IIRC Mitsuda's not one of the influences Wataru Ishibashi listed on his homepage later on. Xanadu Next actually started as a spiritual successor to Brandish VT/4, which is where the isometric shifting view comes from, and old Brandish definitely has similar kinds of puzzles and methodical combat.
Xenogears influencing Trails makes a lot of sense by comparison, and the connections start at home since Takahashi used to work at Falcom. They're probably still in contact at some level.
I'm running into a weird issue where the game will occasionally drop from ~100 FPS to 24, but only in the field. Menus are fine. It tends to happen after I fast forward a lot, particularly through cutscenes. Sometimes the framerate drop will last for a while, sometimes it goes away a few seconds later. It always runs perfectly if I quit the game and restart it.
I have a 1440p 144hz G-Sync monitor and I have the game configured to run with no framerate limit. In-game vsync is off, global vsync is on at driver level.
edit: And the game occasionally won't shut down normally. It hangs until Windows notices and asks me if I want to kill the task.
edit^2: The crash on shutdown may be my computer's fault. Something to do with a new USB speaker setup that's glitching out.
System requirements of 64-bit Windows have been added.
A couple of reviews have been added to the review section.
New HD texture pack mod info has been added.
There are a few of more reviews to add but I ran into character limit again, so I'll list it here for the time being. Will see what I can do about that.
The only Squaresoft influence in Zwei!! (at best) is the soundtrack, and that's assuming Sound Team jdk couldn't have found many other acoustic influences. IIRC Mitsuda's not one of the influences Wataru Ishibashi listed on his homepage later on. Xanadu Next actually started as a spiritual successor to Brandish VT/4, which is where the isometric shifting view comes from, and old Brandish definitely has similar kinds of puzzles and methodical combat.
Xenogears influencing Trails makes a lot of sense by comparison, and the connections start at home since Takahashi used to work at Falcom. They're probably still in contact at some level.
It's that soundtrack. It and Divinity Original Sin 1 are the only soundtracks that sound anywhere near its Gentle Power (plus like showed before it sounds influenced by Mitsuda's golden period; little snippets from CT and Xgears keep popping up).
It's great cuz it shows those connections; bringing back to the OP, I kept getting reminded of that late Gen5/early Gen6 era while I played CS2 (it's "denser" than most JRPGs I've played in the last 5-odd years or so activities-wise). Everything I've seen of Xenoblade 2 gives off that same impression. Note: FF XV and Persona 5 on the other hand look and feel "modern" (not that the above feel "antiquated" just...like they were using the same 15yo molds). That feeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeel.
But seriously, I do want to talk about that song. It's the purest example of audio storytelling I've experienced in an RPG since... ever? Even if you aren't invested in Rean or Crow's character, even if you think shonen fights are dumb, there's no denying that this song has a an strength to it. And this is why CS fights are so much better than the previous games. Even if the balance goes tits up, the music and context gives an energy to them.
I specifically love Blue Destination syncs up with the game when it first plays. Intermission spoilers:
After the multiple curbstompings that Crow gave you, after multiple scenes where Rean's power proved to be a liability or ineffective, things change. You're no longer constrained by the "rules" set by the setting, which means getting one over those obnoxious ouroboros tryhards that heavily subscribe to power levels. And then you fight Crow and it's like... Damn. You just beat his ass, no strings attached. No "I was holding back" no, "you caught me by surprise", no "I was at 50% power." It's the first "real" victory Rean experiences against a notable opponent in the series, and it's against Crow of all people! And Spirit Unification isn't just some bland power up either; the skills you were using transform into these unbelievably powerful monster skills (Wait a sec, Arcane Gale? That sounds familiar...). Anyway, that segment was just really great from the ground up and definitely one of CS2's high points. (Chef Kiss)
Bug: If you are on a ladder when an auto save hits and you try and load that auto save, you'll load on the ladder but won't be in climbing mode and you'll just be stuck. You can't move and can't open up the book menu to quick the game.
reached final chapter. I'm 30 something hours in with using turbo mode and 50 something in-game timer.
I expect I'll end up closer to 40-45 hours real time as I can't imagine there is much in the finale game seems pretty dead set on finishing not too far from here.
I called it a version of Decisive Collision a couple of days ago because I didn't know it by name, but it really is an incredible track. Is it bad that
I haven't used Spirit Unification since then? Almost forgot I even had it.
Just had my first crash Durante
After reuniting with Alisa I wanted to check out the costumes, and as soon as I selected Class VII Uniform -> crash.
Second try: I could choose Class VII Uniform, but when unequipping -> crash
Third try: Equipping Stage Outfit works, unequipping -> crash
Fourth try: Equipped Lacrosse outfit, switched through some others (Class VII -> Swimsuit -> Bathing -> Stage -> crash)
Ooh boy I'm pretty sure Millium is replacing Laura after she learned her new S craft.
It does more damage than hers, has more range, her crafts in general are just better and the lack of self damage buffs can be made up for with items and teammates. Plus she only needs to hit things once in the overworld for her stun.
汝 is what gives it the very archaic vibe in sen1 and given the visual cues i'd argue it is a natural translation. From my understanding of the Xeno lore it is pretty obvious that Falcom took inspiration from it either way with certain things anyway.
Ooh boy I'm pretty sure Millium is replacing Laura after she learned her new S craft.
It does more damage than hers, has more range, her crafts in general are just better and the lack of self damage buffs can be made up for with items and teammates. Plus she only needs to hit things once in the overworld for her stun.
Millenium ewww I keep her char as far away as possible. Running rean, Laura, Emma and Sara. Laura with the master quartz and the quartz that deals double damage on the first attack of each battle is so good. Can put bosses at 40% health if she uses scraft as soon as the battle starts.
Is this a common opinion? Because I find Millium incredibly endearing, I would even say she's my favorite Class VII character. She's no Duvalie but she's not that far off.
But again, I'm one of the weirdos that think Rean is likeable and compelling, so I wouldn't be surprised if I have another opinion not shared by many.
Is this a common opinion? Because I find Millium incredibly endearing, I would even say she's my favorite Class VII character. She's no Duvalie but she's not that far off.
But again, I'm one of the weirdos that think Rean is likeable and compelling, so I wouldn't be surprised if I have another opinion not shared by many.
I liked Rean but wasn't a big fan of Millium would have kind of preferred it if she stayed a side character only appearing in random situations (like Altina). Now Altina she would have made a great addition to the main cast. Preferably with a standard Class VII uniform.
Is this a common opinion? Because I find Millium incredibly endearing, I would even say she's my favorite Class VII character. She's no Duvalie but she's not that far off.
But again, I'm one of the weirdos that think Rean is likeable and compelling, so I wouldn't be surprised if I have another opinion not shared by many.
I like Millium a lot actually. So I'm with you on that one. She's going to be a lock on my team as soon as I get her (Just like in endgame CS1).
I really dislike Rean in general though, but I imagined I was in the minority on that. I've only gotten started on Cold Steel 2's First Act, so jury could still be out on either.
My team will likely be Rean, Fie, Millium, (Free Space).
Like it's always been unless Millium got severely nerfed. Not sure whether it will be a new or old character taking up the free slot so I'm excited to see who comes up!
Is this a common opinion? Because I find Millium incredibly endearing, I would even say she's my favorite Class VII character. She's no Duvalie but she's not that far off.
But again, I'm one of the weirdos that think Rean is likeable and compelling, so I wouldn't be surprised if I have another opinion not shared by many.
Is this a common opinion? Because I find Millium incredibly endearing, I would even say she's my favorite Class VII character. She's no Duvalie but she's not that far off.
But again, I'm one of the weirdos that think Rean is likeable and compelling, so I wouldn't be surprised if I have another opinion not shared by many.
Is this a common opinion? Because I find Millium incredibly endearing, I would even say she's my favorite Class VII character. She's no Duvalie but she's not that far off.
But again, I'm one of the weirdos that think Rean is likeable and compelling, so I wouldn't be surprised if I have another opinion not shared by many.
Jusis and Millium's relationship are one of the more, if not the most, endearing relationships in Cold Steel, I feel. If their interactions in CS1 and CS2, and CS3 are anything to go by, Falcom totally knows what they were going for with these two. They're also very much reminiscent of the good kind of banter between characters that don't involve the MC that was more prominent in the Sky and Crossbell games.
Is this a common opinion? Because I find Millium incredibly endearing, I would even say she's my favorite Class VII character. She's no Duvalie but she's not that far off.
But again, I'm one of the weirdos that think Rean is likeable and compelling, so I wouldn't be surprised if I have another opinion not shared by many.
I reckon both are not weird opinions. Millium is written as a hyper positive child that blurts out what she wants even if she shouldn't. She also really cares a lot about the people she interacts with. Then there's the regular antics with Jusis and all the anime faces she makes. I wasn't that keen on Millium in the first game for the most part, but I came to like her a lot in this one. Gameplay wise I didn't use her that much. I'm the type that gives everyone a whirl and then chose what sticks best.
Rean is clearly written as a likeable character. Falcom gave him lots of features and lines. Almost everything he does, he does well. Coming with the greatest anime speeches. Awkward around romance. Lloyd and Estelle are not that different in execution. Most of the rpg mechanics and plot revolve around the main character after all. Of course that's a surface level analysis, as there are plently of differences between them. With Estelle and Lloyd for example the player sees their weaknesses very early in the game. What makes Rean even more endearing is Sean Chiplock voicing him, which makes even the dull events more entertaining at least.
How that rubs off on people is a different matter I believe. If you don't like child characters in your anime game, the odds are you won't like Millium. If you don't like how most of the games revolve around Rean fixing stuff, odds are you won't like him. Personally it's a bit of mix for me. I would've liked it if Rean had more flaws and less agency in the plot. It's what it is and I've accepted it a lot better now than after finishing CSII last year. Then again my expectations weren't that high given the complaints about Rean online, it's just sometimes I've had the urge to kick him.
Which felt great, albeit temporarily.
No idea what CS III has in store for the boy that lived.
Rean reminds me of a certain character from the Fate franchise. He's pretty boring on the surface, but I see the potential for him to become genuinely intriguing. Falcom hasn't let me down with Trails protagonists yet, so I have high expectations for him.
No idea. I didn't try it. Just was a bit sad that i had to revert to another auto save further back since I had a freeze and had to exit which is why I tried the autosave first.
you would think that Rean was trying to make a harem in my game because my whole team is Rean, Alisa, Laura, Sara, Emma and Fie. But it just happens they're who I consider the best party members.
I've noticed this too. She was a mainstay in my party especially with Domination but she doesn't really have obnoxiously high damage this time around and it was really all she excelled at imo.
Rean reminds me of a certain character from the Fate franchise. He's pretty boring on the surface, but I see the potential for him to become genuinely intriguing. Falcom hasn't let me down with Trails protagonists yet, so I have high expectations for him.
Fie's just too good. She's not got a base 65% chance to dodge, the Wrath quartz that guarantees crits on counterattack and the Tauros Master Quartz which doubles her damage but delays her attacks by 50% (which is actually a good thing because it means insight buffs last longer as you turns come up slower, but the Tauros double damage buff applies to dodge counterattacks). Even better that Fie's counter range has been drastically increased in CS2. Fie's been dealing out 4,000 to 11,000 damage crits that proc follow-ups.
Anyway, I've finally passed Act 2-3. Wew finally some story development.
If my Fie has a weakness it could definitely be that she's too damn fast. She bleeds through buffs ridiculously fast. Laura and Alisa are sitting there with 4 more turns of 50% strength and Fie is like "I'm on my last one, gimmie that buff!"
It's amazing how just character introductions or certain characters meeting each other can be so hype and have me giggling like an idiot.
When Sharon appears after the fight with Bleublanc and saves your ass. 2 Ouroboros Enforcers facing off on different sides. That dialog, phew.
Possible descendant of the Nord Warriors following Emperor Dreichels. Then a practitioner of both the Vander AND Arseid schools of the sword (What the hell). Talk about hyping up the enemy side.
Also I'm fairly certain that 'peculiar girl' in the hotel is that Duvalie from the intro/prolog. Lol, what an effective disguise.
Fie is so broken it's hilarious.
Laura was in my main party in CS1, I haven't really used her at all so far here...
Just got the formal introduction to McBurn and Duvalie.Omg, she's hilarious.
Gotta say though, I hate Falcom for putting an unwinnable boss fight right after a longer scene including a battle without being able to save before, starting the battle without your usual party setup and having possible bonus AP in that fight if you're good enough. Urgh. At least let me start with my regular party setup. But then again, once you know it comes up and know what to do, it's pretty easy. S-Craft spam always works, lol.
I always thought she was related to the jaegers because she had a Jaeger lover or something like that or because she was a Bracer, not that SHE was a former Jaeger. Now this makes sense from CS1: Comrade: She becomes a little sentimental on the anniversary of a comrade's death, but it doesn't seem that they were a bracer...
