Friday, May 31, 2013

Day #21 Recap (FF II)

Current Game: Final Fantasy II
Total Play Time: 39:25
Total Game Overs: 3

Where I Currently Am: Salamand
Bosses Killed Today: None

Current Setup:

Firion -
HP:1691 MP:107
Str: 21 Spr: 19 Int: 15 Sta:31 Agi: 41 Mag: 18
Sword: Lv 8 Shield: Lv 8
Cure: Lv 8, Berserk Lv 6, Teleport Lv 1, Life Lv 1, Esuna Lv 6
Equipment: Mythril Sword, Mythril Shield, Mythril Helm, Mythril Armor, Mythril Gloves

Maria -
HP: 1116 MP: 704
Str: 10 Spr: 15 Int: 57 Sta: 23 Agi: 16 Mag: 39
Bow: Lv 7
Fire: Lv 8 Cure: Lv 6 Blink Lv: 4 Esuna: Lv 1, Aura Lv 5, Toad Lv 16
Equipment: Flame Bow, Mythril Helm, Silver Cuirass, Mythril Gloves

Guy -
HP: 2015 Mp: 63
Str: 25 Spr: 10 Int: 13 Sta: 42 Agi: 26 Mag: 10
Axe: Lv 8 Shield Lv: 8
Cure: Lv 4, Berserk Lv 5, Aura Lv 6
Equipment: Mythril Axe, Mythril Shield, Mythril Helm, Mythril Armor, Mythril Gloves

Josef-
HP: 945 MP: 5
Str: 55 Spr: 10: Int: 10 Sta: 40 Agi: 60 Mag: 10
Fist Lv 2 Knife Lv 7 Shield Lv 7
Equipment: Dragon Claws, Bronze Shield, Bronze Helm, Copper Cuirass, Bronze Gloves

Current Gil - 19082

Status + Notes

Very not much to report today. Lot of RL stuff came up, so I got very little play time, and was basically only able to get my Toad up to 16. However, I'm parked at the snowfield ready to get my equipment and then hit the arcane lab, and then on with the plot! Which should now go extremely fast.

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Day #20 Recap (FF II)

Current Game: Final Fantasy II
Total Play Time: 38:42
Total Game Overs: 3

Where I Currently Am: Salamand
Bosses Killed Today: None

Current Setup:

Firion -
HP:1660 MP:107
Str: 21 Spr: 19 Int: 15 Sta:31 Agi: 38 Mag: 18
Sword: Lv 8 Shield: Lv 8
Cure: Lv 8, Berserk Lv 6, Teleport Lv 1, Life Lv 1, Esuna Lv 5
Equipment: Mythril Sword, Mythril Shield, Mythril Helm, Mythril Armor, Mythril Gloves

Maria -
HP: 1093 MP: 456
Str: 10 Spr: 15 Int: 48 Sta: 23 Agi: 16 Mag: 33
Bow: Lv 7
Fire: Lv 8 Cure: Lv 6 Blink Lv: 4 Esuna: Lv 1, Aura Lv 5, Toad Lv 12
Equipment: Flame Bow, Mythril Helm, Silver Cuirass, Mythril Gloves

Guy -
HP: 1973 Mp: 63
Str: 25 Spr: 10 Int: 13 Sta: 42 Agi: 24 Mag: 10
Axe: Lv 8 Shield Lv: 8
Cure: Lv 4, Berserk Lv 5, Aura Lv 6
Equipment: Mythril Axe, Mythril Shield, Mythril Helm, Mythril Armor, Mythril Gloves

Josef-
HP: 905 MP: 5
Str: 55 Spr: 10: Int: 10 Sta: 40 Agi: 59 Mag: 10
Fist Lv 2 Knife Lv 7 Shield Lv 7
Equipment: Dragon Claws, Bronze Shield, Bronze Helm, Copper Cuirass, Bronze Gloves

Current Gil - 22482

Status + Notes

Not much to report today. Still on track to do the snowmobile game and a third trip through the Arcane Lab/Sanc. Forgot to do the snowmobile game though you needed to get toad to level 16. Oh well. Almost there.

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Day #19 Recap (FF II)


Current Game: Final Fantasy II
Total Play Time: 36:49
Total Game Overs: 3

Where I Currently Am: Arcane Sanctuary
Bosses Killed Today: Sergeant

Current Setup:

Firion -
HP:1356 MP:57
Str: 20 Spr: 13 Int: 10 Sta:30 Agi: 34 Mag: 14
Sword: Lv 8 Shield: Lv 8
Cure: Lv 8, Berserk Lv 1, Teleport Lv 1, Life Lv 1
Equipment: Mythril Sword, Mythril Shield, Mythril Helm, Mythril Armor, Mythril Gloves

Maria -
HP: 955 MP: 145
Str: 10 Spr: 15 Int: 30 Sta: 23 Agi: 16 Mag: 20
Bow: Lv 7
Fire: Lv 7 Cure: Lv 5 Blink Lv: 4 Esuna: Lv 1, Aura Lv 5
Equipment: Mythril Bow, Mythril Helm, Silver Cuirass, Mythril Gloves

Guy -
HP: 1722 Mp: 63
Str: 25 Spr: 10 Int: 11 Sta: 41 Agi: 20 Mag: 10
Axe: Lv 8 Shield Lv: 8
Cure: Lv 4, Berserk Lv 5, Aura Lv 1
Equipment: Mythril Axe, Mythril Shield, Mythril Helm, Mythril Armor, Mythril Gloves

Josef-
HP: 404 MP: 5
Str: 55 Spr: 10: Int: 10 Sta: 32 Agi: 54 Mag: 10
Fist Lv 2 Knife Lv 6 Shield Lv 6
Equipment: Dragon Claws, Bronze Shield, Bronze Helm, Copper Cuirass, Bronze Gloves

Current Gil - 20522

Status + Notes

So, yeah, second trip through the arcane lab/sanctuary prolly tooka bout 35 mins. Not bad. Will be making third run through today so I can be prepped for Gordon. Having one really good weapon really makes this trivial... well that and all the grinding I'm doing. However, I'd like to not have to grind when I get to the postgame, and so that is why I am taking all this time now to do so. Also, today, I may be grinding out the snowmobile stuff... prolly won't actually use all of it, but as per experiencing all of the games content and tips/tricks... why not. That will certainly eat up some time. So I don't know if I'm going to get any actual plot done today, but heck, the side stuff is certainly more interesting.

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Day #18 Recap (FF II)


Current Game: Final Fantasy II
Total Play Time: 34:28
Total Game Overs: 3

Where I Currently Am: Arcane Sanctuary
Bosses Killed Today: Phreykos

Current Setup:

Firion -
HP:921 MP:46
Str: 15 Spr: 11 Int: 10 Sta:29 Agi: 27 Mag: 11
Sword: Lv 8 Shield: Lv 8
Cure: Lv 6
Equipment: Longsword, Mythril Shield, Leather Cap, Copper Cuirass, Leather Gloves

Maria -
HP: 495 MP: 145
Str: 9 Spr: 14 Int: 24 Sta: 23 Agi: 16 Mag: 18
Bow: Lv 6
Fire: Lv 7 Cure: Lv 4 Blink Lv: 4 Esuna: Lv 1
Equipment: Longbow, Leather Cap, Clothes, Leather Gloves

Guy -
HP: 1126 Mp: 27
Str: 22 Spr: 10 Int: 10 Sta: 39 Agi: 10 Mag: 6
Axe: Lv 7 Shield Lv: 7
Cure: Lv 3
Equipment: Mythril Axe, Bronze Shield, Leather Cap, Leather Armor, Leather Gloves

Minwu -
HP: 1258 MP: 143
Str: 16 Spr: 99: Int: 71 Sta: 38 Agi: 73 Mag: 94
Staff: Lv 7 Shield Lv: 7
Cure: Lv 9 Life: Lv 7 Basuna: Lv 6 Esuna: Lv 4 Barrier: Lv 8 Blink: Lv 6 Protect: Lv 5
Shell: Lv 7 Wall: Lv 6 Dispel: Lv 4 Silence: Lv 5 Sap: Lv 4 Blizzard: Lv 6 Swap: Lv 3
Teleport: Lv 1
Equipment: Staff of Light, Bronze Shield, Leather Cap, Copper Cuirass, Leather Gloves

Current Gil - 11570

Status + Notes

Lot of notes today. First, yes, I have had my first 3 game overs of this trek, and they were ALL to the same thing. The wizard floor of the arcane laboratory is amazingly annoying when you are going through it at the beginning of the game. First of all, the magicians almost always ambush you, and if you run into a sorcerer they cast death on your whole party, and it has a pretty good chance of killing you. That's what happened 3 times to me. Let me say this though, as long as I am trying something challenging, such as completing Arcane lab runs early in the game, I will wear my game overs as a badge of honor. I also can safely say, I can sympathize with HCBailly's hatred of Cockatrices... since its basically the same thing.

So, now I will start my run through the whole of the game, basically stopping to unlock the terms and weapons of people whenever I can. So next will be Josef when I get him... the runs will be a ton quicker now, though. Probably about 30 mins to get a weapon from start to finish if I don't have to unlock any words in the playthrough.

I still say though, the final fantasy i extra content was much better. If you were just trying this late in the game, it would be laughable. And I say that even realizing that there will be some tougher maps later in the game.


Monday, May 27, 2013

Day #17 Recap (FF II)

Current Game: Final Fantasy II
Total Play Time: 33:07
Total Game Overs: 0

Where I Currently Am: Salamand
Bosses Killed Today: None

Current Setup:

Firion -
HP:675 MP:46
Str: 15 Spr: 11 Int: 10 Sta:27 Agi: 20 Mag: 11
Sword: Lv 6 Shield: Lv 6
Cure: Lv 5
Equipment: Longsword, Mythril Shield, Leather Cap, Copper Cuirass, Leather Gloves

Maria -
HP:495 MP: 145
Str: 8 Spr: 14 Int: 22 Sta: 23 Agi: 16 Mag: 17
Bow: Lv 4
Fire: Lv 6 Cure: Lv 3 Blink Lv: 4
Equipment: Longbow, Leather Cap, Clothes, Leather Gloves

Guy -
HP: 807 Mp: 27
Str: 20 Spr: 10 Int: 10 Sta: 35 Agi: 8 Mag: 6
Axe: Lv 5 Shield Lv: 5
Cure: Lv 3
Equipment:  Battle Axe, Bronze Shield, Leather Cap, Leather Armor, Leather Gloves

Minwu -
HP: 314 MP: 143
Str: 14 Spr: 52: Int: 20 Sta: 37 Agi: 22 Mag: 44
Staff: Lv 4 Shield Lv: 4
Cure: Lv 9 Life: Lv 7 Basuna: Lv 6 Esuna: Lv 4 Barrier: Lv 7 Blink: Lv 6 Protect: Lv 5
Shell: Lv 6 Wall: Lv 5 Dispel: Lv 4 Silence: Lv 5 Sap: Lv 4 Blizzard: Lv 5 Swap: Lv 3
Teleport: Lv 1
Equipment: Staff, Bronze Shield, Leather Cap, Copper Cuirass, Leather Gloves

Current Gil - 4241

Status + Notes

So, yeah did my first run through of Arcane Laboratory... the short dungeon at least. And I am far less impressed with it then the bonus content from FF I. Plus, it is really weird to be able to run bonus content and basically the very beginning of the game. Anyway, I do plan on finishing the arcane lab today for Minwu, and probably run Semitt Falls. At the very least once you unlock the words, all you have to do is run to the exit the following times. So, that's quick.

Sunday, May 26, 2013

Day #16 Recap (FF II)

Current Game: Final Fantasy II
Total Play Time: 31:43
Total Game Overs: 0

Where I Currently Am: Salamand
Bosses Killed Today: None

Current Setup:

Firion -
HP:257 MP:26
Str: 12 Spr: 11 Int: 10 Sta:10 Agi: 12 Mag: 9
Sword: Lv 5 Shield: Lv 5
Cure: Lv 4
Equipment: Longsword, Bronze Shield, Leather Cap, Copper Cuirass, Leather Gloves

Maria -
HP:212 MP: 53
Str: 7 Spr: 11 Int: 17 Sta: 16 Agi: 15 Mag: 13
Bow: Lv 4
Fire: Lv 4 Cure: Lv 1 Blink Lv: 2
Equipment: Longbow, Leather Cap, Clothes, Leather Gloves

Guy -
HP: 314 Mp: 15
Str: 16 Spr: 10 Int: 10 Sta: 23 Agi: 5 Mag: 6
Axe: Lv 3 Shield Lv: 3
Cure: Lv 2
Equipment: Axe, Battle Axe, Bronze Shield, Leather Cap, Leather Armor, Leather Gloves

Minwu -
HP: 314 MP: 143
Str: 10 Spr: 49: Int: 18 Sta: 25 Agi: 20 Mag: 40
Staff: Lv 3 Shield Lv: 3
Cure: Lv 8 Life: Lv 7 Basuna: Lv 6 Esuna: Lv 3 Barrier: Lv 7 Blink: Lv 5 Protect: Lv 5
Shell: Lv 6 Wall: Lv 5 Dispel: Lv 4 Silence: Lv 5 Sap: Lv 4 Blizzard: Lv 3 Swap: Lv 3
Teleport: Lv 1
Equipment: Staff, Bronze Shield, Leather Cap, Copper Cuirass, Leather Gloves

Current Gil - 1291

Status + Notes

Final Fantasy II. The oddest and most broken system there ever was. What's the best way to train? Ignore the enemies and beat each other up! Yes, I am doing a lot of grinding early in the game so I don't have to later, plus I want to do some early Arcane Lab runs to get some of the weapons. I actually want to do one before I even head to Semitt Falls, so I may do another day of grinding so I can accomplish that.

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Day #15 Recap (FF II)

Current Game: Final Fantasy II
Total Play Time: 30:14
Total Game Overs: 0

Where I Currently Am: Altair
Bosses Killed Today:
FFI: Chronodia(#201, #202, #203), Tiamat, Chaos
FFII: None

Current Setup:

Firion -
HP:30 MP:10
Str: 10 Spr: 10 Int: 10 Sta:10 Agi: 10 Mag: 5
Sword: Lv 2 Shield: Lv 2
Cure: Lv 1
Equipment: Broadsword, Buckler, Leather Armor

Maria -
HP:20 MP: 10
Str: 5 Spr: 10 Int: 15 Sta: 5 Agi: 15 Mag: 5
Bow: Lv 1
Fire: Lv 1
Equipment: Bow, Clothes

Guy -
HP: 40 MP: 10
Str: 15 Spr: 10 Int: 10 Sta: 15 Agi: 5 Mag: 5
Axe: Lv 2 Shield Lv: 2
Equipment: Axe, Buckler, Leather Armor

Current Gil -94

Status + Notes

So... 1 down, 26 to go! Finished Final Fantasy I yesterday, and while I can't technically call them game overs, I did have two kind of game over moments as I was trying for specific versions of chronodia. Both times I failed the dragon fighting area of the labyrinth of time... once by about 4 seconds. Ouch. But anyway, I did complete it and then quickly cleared out the final dungeon and watched the ending. So onto Final Fantasy II, which I literally just got out of the initial cutscenes just so I could get my template for daily updates set. I will make no bones that this is my least favorite of the Final Fantasy games... at least that I've played, and so I'm looking forward to getting through this as quickly as possible. Though I am looking forward to seeing what the Arcane Laboratory adds in to the gameplay experience

Final Fantasy I Completion Stats

Play Time: 30:03
Game Overs: 0

Final Setup:

Knight - Level 86
Equipment - Barbarian Sword, Master Shield, Genji Helm, Maximillian, Genji Gloves
Stats:
Str 92, Agi 52, Int 27, Sta 77, Luck 38
Attack 171, Acc 255, Def 92, Eva 192

Ninja - Level 79
Equipment - Masamune, Hero's Shield, Shadow Mask, Survival Vest, Genji Gloves
Stats:
Str 41, Agi 98, Int 28, Sta 44, Luck 66
Attack 76, Acc 255, Def 73, Eva 246

Red Wizard - Level 79
Equipment - Ultima Weapon, Zephyr Cape, Wizard's Hat, Red Jacket, Protect Ring
Stats:
Str 40, Agi 39, Int 54, Sta 36, Luck 38
Attack 120, Acc 255, Def 40, Eva 124

White Wizard - Level 79
Equipment - Golden Staff, Elven Cloak, Sage's Mitre, Lordly Robes, Protect Ring
Stats:
Str 35, Agi 36, Int 99, Sta 36, Luck 31
Attack 47, Acc 207, Def 59, Eva 117

Gil -999k

Final Review:

 This is a game you really have to look at from two points of view. From the point of view of a game that was really one of the first of its kind. Its really a pretty amazing game. The class system was pretty well implemented, the dungeons are well layed out and provide a huge amount of upgrades. The exploration is fun and challenging. The magic system is, well, horrible, but obviously drew huge from the AD&D system. The bosses are well designed, but due to some broken mechanics, rediculously easy. From a modern point of view, this game does not hold the test of time, the changes to the magic system were really pointless. 99% of the spells you cast, you cast using items. It doesn't matter if you have spell charges or MP. Sure, maybe you can cast Healaga a bit more liberally than you normally would, but really it doesn't change much. Also, the items in the added dungeons completely make an entire class unnecessary. I dare you to find a good reason to have a black wizard in your party in this game. Seriously. There are no real exclusive spells that the Black Wizard gets... except for a few instant-death spells which are pretty pointless anyway, and because you can pretty much cast any spell from an item, the white wizard is just as good of an offensive caster and can cast healaga on top of it!

Anyway, the other changes from the modern sense are the new dungeons. These I liked. The 4 bonus dungeons in both the PSP and GBA versions, are interesting. The first time I played through, I really only played them for the bonus bosses and their drops. Which are interesting upgrades. It was only in this playthrough I learned about the added feature of the level generation and how you get some of the rare items. Which really is unnecessary but a cute little OCD bonus... though again, they messed up by making at least 1 item impossible to get.

The Labyrinth of time is extremely well done. The puzzles are really interesting for the most point. And the challenge continues to grow as you get better at completing some of the earlier puzzles. The seal mechanic is kind of interesting, though since you can flee from pretty much everything, it kind of marginalizes this whole mechanic, except for maybe creating your own challenge level. I would've like some more differences between the different versions of chronodia... There seemed to be some slight differences in the AI, plus the later versions took slightly longer to kill... but as with everything, stacking Invis and Temper pretty much does the trick.

I also have to mention the upgraded music and graphics. The music is really exceptional, being completely redone, and I really enjoyed almost every track. Also, the cutscenes were few, but a nice little addition. Overall, this is certainly not my favorite Final Fantasy game. Not very challenging, with the exception of the labyrinth of time, no story whatsoever, and a mix of unrefined mechanics, which they've tried to fix... but really there was no fixing them.


Friday, May 24, 2013

Day #14 Recap (FF I)

Current Game: Final Fantasy I
Play Time: 27:21
Game Overs: 0

Where I Currently Am: Outside Labyrinth of Time
Bosses Killed Today: Chronodia(#199, #200)
Current Setup:

Knight - Level 79
Equipment - Ultima Weapon, Master Shield, Genji Helm, Maximillian, Genji Gloves
Stats:
Str 70, Agi 48,Int 25, Sta 63, Luck 37
Attack 135, Acc 255, Def 92, Eva 184

Ninja - Level 79
Equipment - Murasame, Hero's Shield, Shadow Mask, Black Garb, Genji Gloves
Stats:
Str 44, Agi 85, Int 31, Sta 32, Luck 61
Attack 72, Acc 255, Def 68, Eva 255

Red Wizard - Level 79
Equipment - Lightbringer, Zephyr Cape, Wizard's Hat, Red Jacket, Protect Ring
Stats:
Str 46, Agi 43, Int 59, Sta 43, Luck 36
Attack 71, Acc 255, Def 40, Eva 175

White Wizard - Level 79
Equipment - Golden Staff, Elven Cloak, Sage's Mitre, Diamond Armlet, Protect Ring
Stats:
Str 33, Agi 35 Int 78, Sta 35, Luck 29
Attack 46, Acc 192, Def 56, Eva 110

Current Gil -999k (back to cap)
Status + Notes

My first real big oops of this endeavor... Accidentally did Chronodia #200 twice... so that was a good hour of play time wasted. Anywho, 3 more chronodia runs left, followed by chaos, and game number 1 is in the books! I really hope to finish FF I today, and we'll see about getting to start FF II. I doubt it, probably tomorrow, but we'll see.

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Day #13 Recap (FF I)


Current Game: Final Fantasy I
Play Time: 24:28
Game Overs: 0

Where I Currently Am: Outside Labyrinth of Time
Bosses Killed Today: Chronodia(#196, #197, #198)
Current Setup:

Knight - Level 75
Equipment - Ultima Weapon, Aegis Shield, Genji Helm, Maximillian, Genji Gloves
Stats:
Str 67, Agi 45,Int 23, Sta 62, Luck 36
Attack 133, Acc 255, Def 89, Eva 149

Ninja - Level 75
Equipment - Murasame, Hero's Shield, Genji Helm, Black Garb, Genji Gloves
Stats:
Str 42, Agi 53, Int 33, Sta 31, Luck 57
Attack 71, Acc 255, Def 74, Eva 243

Red Wizard - Level 75
Equipment - Lightbringer, Zephyr Cape, Wizard's Hat, Red Jacket, Protect Ring
Stats:
Str 45, Agi 43, Int 58, Sta 43, Luck 35
Attack 70, Acc 255, Def 40, Eva 175

White Wizard - Level 75
Equipment - Golden Staff, Elven Cloak, Sage's Mitre, Diamond Armlet, Protect Ring
Stats:
Str 31, Agi 33, Int 75, Sta 34, Luck 29
Attack 45, Acc 182, Def 56, Eva 106

Current Gil -999k (back to cap)
Status + Notes

Hey, progress. Really enjoying the labyrinth of time... 3 of 8 different chronodia forms down.

Small note, went with Golden Staff over Masamune because at this point with the bonus int, Flare and Holy will basically match the damage of the attack for the white wizard, and also we need the best possible Healagas. Will probably be finishing Labyrinth before I start FF II

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Day #12 Recap (FF I)


Current Game: Final Fantasy I
Play Time: 21:35
Game Overs: 0

Where I Currently Am: Outside Labyrinth of Time
Bosses Killed Today: None
Current Setup:

Knight - Level 71
Equipment - Ultima Weapon, Aegis Shield, Genji Helm, Crystal Mail, Genji Gloves
Stats:
Str 59, Agi 42,Int 25, Sta 51, Luck 35
Attack 129, Acc 255, Def 78, Eva 144

Ninja - Level 71
Equipment - Murasame, Hero's Shield, Genji Helm, Black Garb, Genji Gloves
Stats:
Str 41, Agi 51, Int 32, Sta 30, Luck 54
Attack 70, Acc 255, Def 74, Eva 239

Red Wizard - Level 71
Equipment - Lightbringer, Zephyr Cape, Ribbon, Red Jacket, Protect Ring
Stats:
Str 43, Agi 42, Int 52, Sta 42, Luck 33
Attack 69, Acc 255, Def 37, Eva 173

White Wizard - Level 71
Equipment - Masamune, Elven Cloak, Sage's Mitre, Diamond Armlet, Protect Ring
Stats:
Str 30, Agi 32, Int 52, Sta 31, Luck 28
Attack 71, Acc 193, Def 56, Eva 104

Current Gil -999k (back to cap)
Status + Notes

Took me 2:45 to spawn the correct configuration of Whisperwind Cove to get the Red Jacket... lots of fun. So, all I had time for was to complete said run. I am now up to Labyrinth of Time. As for what I'm planning to do. I'm planning on trying to kill each incarnation of Chronodia once. However, due to the time restriction... not being able to save inside. After I kill him the first time, I may go kill Chaos once and begin FF II, and do Labyrinth runs when I have large chunks of time to devote to them.

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Day #11 Recap (FF I)


Current Game: Final Fantasy I
Play Time: 19:54
Game Overs: 0

Where I Currently Am: Outside Whisperwind Cove
Bosses Killed Today: Typhon, Ultros, Phantom Train, Doom Gaze
Current Setup:

Knight - Level 68
Equipment - Ultima Weapon, Aegis Shield, Genji Helm, Crystal Mail, Genji Gloves
Stats:
Str 52, Agi 40,Int 25, Sta 46, Luck 35
Attack 126, Acc 255, Def 78, Eva 140

Ninja - Level 68
Equipment - Murasame, Hero's Shield, Genji Helm, Black Garb, Genji Gloves
Stats:
Str 39, Agi 49, Int 32, Sta 29, Luck 53
Attack 69, Acc 255, Def 74, Eva 235

Red Wizard - Level 68
Equipment - Lightbringer, Zephyr Cape, Ribbon, Diamond Armlet, Protect Ring
Stats:
Str 37, Agi 40, Int 50, Sta 37, Luck 31
Attack 66, Acc 255, Def 47, Eva 172

White Wizard - Level 68
Equipment - Masamune, Elven Cloak, Sage's Mitre, White Robe, Protect Ring
Stats:
Str 29, Agi 32, Int 50, Sta 31, Luck 27
Attack 70, Acc 187, Def 46, Eva 103

Current Gil -849k (hey, I bought some stuff)
Status + Notes

Completed my first 2 Whisperwind Cove runs. Going to run through one more time, taking the time to make sure I get a Red Jacket. After that, its off to the Labyrinth of Time.

Started posting stats, since level and such doesn't mean as much with all the stat boosting items you get in the bonus dungeons. Plus, I'm going to need a more comprehensive tracker for FF II soon.

Monday, May 20, 2013

Day #10 Recap (FF I)



Current Game: Final Fantasy I
Play Time: 18:10
Game Overs: 0

Where I Currently Am: Whisperwind Cove(B8)
Bosses Killed Today: Omega

Current Setup:

Knight - Level 67
Equipment - Ragnarok, Aegis Shield, Ribbon, Dragon Mail, Genji Gloves

Ninja - Level 67
Equipment - Murasame, Hero's Shield, Ribbon, Flame Mail, Genji Gloves

Red Wizard - Level 67
Equipment - Masamune, Zephyr Cape, Ribbon, Diamond Armlet, Protect Ring

White Wizard - Level 67
Equipment - Thor's Hammer, Zephyr Cape, Ribbon, White Robe, Protect Ring

Current Gil - 999,999 (cap)
Status + Notes

Completed Lifespring Grotto. Currently have Whisperwind Cove set up for Black Garb for Ninja... took about 40 minutes to get the correct configuration.

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Day #9 Recap (FF I)


Current Game: Final Fantasy I
Play Time: 16:25
Game Overs: 0

Where I Currently Am: Lifespring Grotto
Bosses Killed Today: Death Eye, Lich, Marilith, Kraken, Gilgamesh, Atomos, Shinryu(woot!)

Current Setup:

Knight - Level 64
Equipment - Ragnarok, Aegis Shield, Ribbon, Dragon Mail, Protect Ring

Ninja - Level 64
Equipment - Masamune, Hero's Shield, Ribbon, Flame Mail, Genji Gloves

Red Wizard - Level 64
Equipment - Kikuichimonji, Zephyr Cape(rare drop), Ribbon, Diamond Armlet, Protect Ring

White Wizard - Level 64
Equipment - Thor's Hammer, Protect Cloak, Ribbon, White Robe, Protect Ring

Current Gil - 999,999 (cap)
Status + Notes

Completed initial run through of Chaos Temple, and 1 runthrough of Lifespring Grotto... next runthrough #2 for Omega, and initial runthrough of Whisperwind Cove... then we'll see about getting some rare chests...

Day #8 Recap (FF I)


Current Game: Final Fantasy I
Play Time: 14:30
Game Overs: 0

Where I Currently Am: Hellfire Chasm
Bosses Killed Today: Scarmiglione, Rubicante

Current Setup:

Knight - Level 58
Equipment - Excalibur, Aegis Shield, Diamond Helm, Dragon Mail, Protect Ring

Ninja - Level 58
Equipment - Kikuichimonji, Flame Shield, Ribbon, Flame Mail, Protect Ring

Red Wizard - Level 58
Equipment - Sun Blade, Buckler, Ribbon, Diamond Armlet, Protect Ring

White Wizard - Level 58
Equipment - Thor's Hammer, Protect Cloak, Ribbon, White Robe, Protect Ring

Current Gil - 999,999 (cap)
Status + Notes

Completed 2nd run of Hellfire Chasm... unfortunately not able to get as much play time as I would've liked...

Friday, May 17, 2013

Day #7 Recap (FF I)

Current Game: Final Fantasy I
Play Time: 13:50
Game Overs: 0

Where I Currently Am: Hellfire Chasm
Bosses Killed Today: Tiamat, Cerebus, Two-Headed Dragon, Echidna, Ahriman, Cagnazzo, Barbariccia

Current Setup:

Knight - Level 58
Equipment - Excalibur, Aegis Shield, Diamond Helm, Dragon Mail, Protect Ring

Ninja - Level 58
Equipment - Sasuke's Blade, Flame Shield, Ribbon, Flame Mail, Protect Ring

Red Wizard - Level 58
Equipment - Sun Blade, Buckler, Ribbon, Diamond Armlet, Protect Ring

White Wizard - Level 58
Equipment - Thor's Hammer, Protect Cloak, Ribbon, White Robe, Protect Ring

Current Gil - 999,999 (cap)
Status + Notes

Completed Earthspring Grotto and 1 runthrough of Hellfire Chasm. Will do a 2nd runthrough of hellfire chasm to finish off the bosses there, then I will go through Chaos Temple to get the Masamune and exit out before completing Lifespring Grotto and Whisperwind Cove.

May do some extra runs through them to get Black Garb, Red Cap, Red Jacket, and perhaps some Crystal Gear.

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Day #6 Recap (FF I)

Current Game: Final Fantasy I
Play Time: 11:33
Game Overs: 0

Where I Currently Am: Flying Fortress 5F
Bosses Killed Today: Kraken, Warmech

Current Setup:

Knight - Level 55
Equipment - Sun Blade, Aegis Shield, Diamond Helm, Dragon Mail, Protect Ring

Ninja - Level 55
Equipment - Sasuke's Blade, Flame Shield, Ribbon, Flame Mail, Protect Ring

Red Wizard - Level 55
Equipment - Defender, Buckler, Ribbon, Ruby Armlet, Protect Ring

White Wizard - Level 55
Equipment - Thor's Hammer, Protect Cloak, Ribbon, Diamond Armlet, Protect Ring

Current Gil - 999,999(cap)
Status + Notes - Ah yes, Warmech... the true tough part of this boss, is having the patience for him to show up. Took me a little over an hour... and he died in 3 turns... Saber + Haste + Temper = broken.

After I beat Tiamat today, I am going to start going through the bonus dungeons. I may be going out of my way to get a particular couple items. Will keep you updated here

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Day #5 Recap (FF I)

Current Game: Final Fantasy I
Play Time: 8:50
Game Overs: 0

Where I Currently Am: Gaia - Post Upper Water Shrine
Bosses Killed Today: Zombie Dragon
Other Important Tasks Completed Today: Received Rosetta Stone, Received Warp Cube, Received Chime

Current Setup:
Knight - Level 40
Equipment: Defender, Diamond Shield, Diamond Helm, Ice Armor, Protect Ring
Magic:
Lv 1 - Cure, Protect, Blink
Lv 2 - Invis, Blindna, Silence
Lv 3 - NulBlaze, Cura

Ninja - Level 40
Equipment: Ice Brand, Flame Shield, Mythril Helm, Flame Mail, Protect Ring
Magic:
Lv 1 - Sleep, Focus, Fire
Lv 2 - Temper, Slow, Dark
Lv 3 - Focara, Hold, Thundara
Lv 4 - Haste, Confuse, Sleepra

Red Wizard - Level 40
Equipment: Ice Brand, Buckler, Leather Cap, Ruby Armlet, Protect Ring
Magic(Final):
Lv 1 - Cure, Thunder, Sleep
Lv 2 - Temper, Blizzard, Silence
Lv 3 - Fira, Thundara, Cura
Lv 4 - Haste, Blizzara, Vox
Lv 5 - Firaga, Curaga, Teleport
Lv 6 - Exit, Thundaga, Protera
Lv 7 - Blizzaga, NulDeath

White Wizard - Level 40
Equipment: Mythril Hammer, Ribbon, Diamond Armlet, Protect Ring
Magic(Final):
Lv 1 - Cure, Protect, Dia
Lv 2 - NulShock, Silence, Invis
Lv 3 - Cura, NulBlaze, Diara
Lv 4 - Poisona,  NulFrost, Vox
Lv 5 - Curaga, Life, Healara
Lv 6 - Stona, Protera, Invisira
Lv 7 - Healaga, Curaja, Diaja
Lv 8 - Full-Life, Holy, NulAll

Current Gil - 74.7k
Status - Man... this version of the game sure is easy. Anywho... might take a side run into some of the Bonus Dungeons soon... But, otherwise off to the final dungeon gauntlet!


Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Day #4 Recap (FF I)

Current Game: Final Fantasy I
Play Time: 6:39
Game Overs: 0

Where I Currently Am: Cavern of Ice
Bosses Killed Today: Lich, Marilith, Evil Eye

Current Setup:
Warrior: Lv 31
Equipment: Ice Brand, Ice Shield, Mythril Helm, Ice Armor, Mythril Gloves

Thief: Lv 31
Equipment: Coral Sword, Buckler, Leather Cap, Silver Armlet, Leather Gloves

Red Mage: Lv 31
Equipment: Flame Sword, Buckler, Leather Cap, Mythril Mail, Leather Gloves
New Magic:
None

White Mage: Lv 31
Equipment: Mythril Hammer, Leather Cap, Silver Armlet, Leather Gloves
New Magic:
Lv 6: Stona, Protera, Invisira

Current Gold: 249.4k
Fun Fact of the Day: Made it through the entire Cavern of Ice without getting stoned once. HCBailly must be extremely jealous

Monday, May 13, 2013

Day #3 Recap (FF I)

Current Game: Final Fantasy I
Play Time: 5:01
Game Overs: 0

Where I Currently Am: Cavern of Earth
Bosses Killed Today: Vampire

Current Setup:
Warrior: Lv 24
Equipment: Mythril Axe, Mythril Shield, Mythril Helm, Knight's Armor, Mythril Gloves

Thief: Lv 24
Equipment: Coral Sword, Buckler, Leather Cap, Silver Armlet, Leather Gloves

Red Mage: Lv 24
Equipment: Mythril Sword, Buckler, Leather Cap, Mythril Mail, Leather Gloves
New Magic:
Lv 5: Firaga, Slowra, Curaga

White Mage: Lv 24
Equipment: Mythril Hammer, Leather Cap, Silver Armlet, Leather Gloves
New Magic:
Lv 5: Curaga, Life, Healara

Current Gold: 23.1k
Status: Not my most productive day, made my first run through the cavern of earth, spent some time at the corridor of giants grinding, and got the vampire, and then made the trip through the giant's tunnel to Sarda's cave to get the rod. Now, on to start killing some fiends!!!

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Day #2 Recap (FF I)

Current Game: Final Fantasy I
Play Time: 3:31
Game Overs: 0

Where I currently am: Cavern of Earth
Bosses Killed Today: Piscodemons, Astos

Current Setup:
Warrior - Level 18
Equipment - Werebuster, Iron Shield, Great Helm, Iron Armor, Steel Gloves

Thief - Level 18
Equipment - Falchion, Leather Cap, Silver Armlet, Leather Gloves

Red Mage - Level 18
Equipment - Rune Blade, Leather Cap, Chain Mail, Leather Gloves
New Magic
Lv4 - Haste, Blizzara

White Mage - Level 18
Equipment - Mythril Hammer, Leather Cap, Silver Armlet, Leather Gloves
New Magic
Lv4  - Poisona, NulFrost, Vox

Current Gold - 18.2k
Status - Through the item delivery section of the game... on to the Four Fiends!!!

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Day #1 Recap (FF I)

Game: Final Fantasy I
Play Time: 1:38
Game Overs: 0

Where am I currently: Elfheim
Bosses Killed Today: Garland, Pravoka Pirates

Current Setup:
Warrior - Level 13
Equipment - Broadsword, Iron Shield, Helm, Iron Armor, Leather Gloves

Thief - Level 13
Equipment - Scimitar, Leather Cap, Leather Armor, Leather Gloves

Red Mage - Level 13
Equipment - Broadsword, Leather Cap, Chain Mail, Leather Gloves
Magic -
Lv1 - Cure, Thunder, Sleep
Lv2 - Temper, Blizzard, Silence
Lv3 - Fira, Thundara, Cura

White Mage - Level 13
Equipment - Hammer, Leather Cap, Clothes, Leather Gloves
Magic -
Lv1 - Cure, Protect, Dia
Lv2 - NulShock, Silence, Invis
Lv3 - Cura, NulBlaze, Diara

Current Gold - 5.3k

Status - In the awful pre Marsh Cave money/exp grind.

Friday, May 10, 2013

Day #1

So, today will mark the day that I begin my long journey through the Final Fantasy multiverse. 27 games nd hopefully some really good times. Starting tomorrow I will be giving daily(as long as I've played the previous day) updates with my progress. You will see fairly quickly what kind of information I will be giving.

Rise of the RPG on the NES

In the Mid 80s Action and Adventure games ruled the day. Platforming and jumping were all the rage. The best swordplay around was found in Hyrule. Then one day Nintendo decided to publish a game in America that was quite popular in Japan, and to market it they put a package deal out.

Buy a 1-year subscription to a little magazine called Nintendo Power, and receive a free game. That free game was Dragon Warrior. Better known as Dragon Quest in Japan, this was the most basic of RPGs. One-on-one battles, a rudimentary magic system, long grinds to advance through the map. It did have great exploration, especially the dungeons, though. It was an appetizer into graphical RPGs. Soon after, as one of the first issues of Nintendo Power players who took advantage of this deal would receive would be the Player's Guide to Final Fantasy.

Nintendo Power was ahead of the time. Today, there's gamefaqs.com as well as published guides to almost any popular game out there. In the 80s you had Nintendo Power which would write small articles to help guide you through small sections of games. For a few games, however, they would put out full guides. And if you had enjoyed Dragon Warrior, this guide truly showed what an RPG could be. A multitude of spells, a class system, a large amount of monsters to fight, a large world to explore. I spent hours pouring over the pages of that strategy guide.

Unfortunately, the game itself did not do too well in America. It was difficult to find, and the sales were so poor that the first two sequels were not translated and brought over from the Famicom to the NES. In a world without the internet, this fact would be largely ignored and unnoticed in the US.

The NES would eventually give way to the SNES, giving way to games with better graphics and music. And one day, that magazine would herald the coming of a game, promising a huge world and a great story....

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Last of the FAQ

Q: Have you played all these games before?

A: Most. But not all. Here's the list of games I have not played

Dimensions, Final Fantasy IV(DS), Final Fantasy: The After Years, Final Fantasy XI, Final Fantasy XIII, Final Fantasy XIII-2, Lightning Returns(obviously), Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn(obviously), Final Fantasy Tactics, Duodecim: Dissidia, Crisis Core

Also, here's the list of partial gameplay that I've not played previously

Final Fantasy II(Soul of Rebirth), Final Fantasy V(post-game), Final Fantasy VI(post-game), Final Fantasy X(international only stuff), Final Fantasy X-2(international only stuff), Final Fantasy XII(zodiac only stuff)

Q: What aids will you be using in your gameplay?

A: I'll be using walkthroughs, I'll have links to all that I use. Also, I will be taking tips from HCBailly's let's plays of the games that he's done.

Q: Will you be doing speed runs or 100% runs?

A: In a strict sense, neither, though closer to 100% runs. I'm going to play in a normal style, going for all sidequests and the like. But I'm not going out of my to complete Bestiarys or Get every rare item or anything like that. If there's ever an instance of something I'm not doing, I'll be certain to point it out in my daily review post.

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Inclusions and Exclusions pt. 2

Q: You do realize you have Final Fantasy IV in your game list twice, right?

A: Yes, I do. Final Fantasy IV has been remade many many times, and the best of those remakes is certainly the PSP version with a small bit of exclusive content as well as the sequel in The After Years. However, the DS remake contains a completely different style of gameplay. Far more difficult than any of the other versions with some unique elements.

Q: No Crystal Chronicles?

A: The Crystal Chronicles games may bear the Final Fantasy name, but I consider it to really be separate from the core series. The original was an experiment in multiplayer gameplay that contained a few Final Fantasy tropes, though for the most part the game did not feel like a true Final Fantasy game. The series has continued on in various games and sidegames on the Nintendo consoles.

Q: Why the MMOs.

A: You could certainly make a case for why these should be excluded. However, I feel if they were important enough for Square to number them, they should be included. Plus, I feel they have good gameplay, and manage to incorporate the true feel of the Final Fantasy games though in a different package.

Q: Why the Zodiac version of FF XII?

A: FF: XII is one of my favorites of the series. Though, my one complaint was that the license system kind of  made all the characters seem very similar in their gameplay. I'll admit, I have not tried the zodiac job system, but I am excited to see if this makes for some interesting gameplay choices.

Sunday, May 5, 2013

Inclusions and Exclusions

Q: Really? Theatrythm and Dissidia?

A: Yes, I know, these are certainly the 3 games that are the biggest stretch outside of the core Final Fantasy multiverse. However, I feel that there is enough RPG elements within Dissidia, as well as some very interesting gameplay mechanics to warrant its inclusion.

As for Theatrythm, if you can't celebrate the music of Final Fantasy, then you're missing one of the most defining characteristics and standout elements of the series. Plus, I just really love rhythm games.

Q: If Type-0 were to come out in the US would you include it in the list?

A: Yes

Q: Where are the Game Boy Final Fantasies?

A: They're not actually Final Fantasies... Final Fantasy Legend I, II, and III are actually the first 3 games in the SaGa franchise. While Final Fantasy Adventure is the prequel to Secret of Mana.

Q: No Dirge of Cerebus?

A: I've struggled with this one, and I feel that while the story is certainly part of the FFVII universe, the gameplay is too far outside the core of Final Fantasy. Though if for some reason, I am way ahead of schedule after Crisis Core, I would certainly consider adding it in.

Q: Final Fantasy Mystic Quest?

A: Heh, another interesting game. The only Final Fantasy game to not have its initial release in Japan, it was made as an easy mode game for us stupid Americans. A quick easy game to be sure, but with some certainly memorable elements. I'd be hard-pressed not to mention Doom Castle as one of the best songs in all of Final Fantasy. Again, a game that I will consider playing if I find myself ahead of schedule, probably after Final Fantasy Dimensions.

Q: What is this schedule you speak of

A: I've scheduled the beginning of my play time to try and time it so that I get to FF X, around the time that the HD remaster comes out. I do realize that my schedule is wildly ambitious to begin with, but I'd rather not leave myself waiting. Also, I originally was going to begin on July 2nd to coincide with the end of the marathon being done by the Speed Gamers. However, since then, I've redone the list a couple of time, and now there I have a greater number of games to play before I get to FF X, so I will beginning in the next couple of weeks.

Friday, May 3, 2013

The Game List

5/5 Edit: Added in Final Fantasy Dimensions and Lightning Returns: FFXIII to the list

Q: What games will you be playing in this thesis?

A: I will be playing in this order...
1. Final Fantasy I (PSP)
2. Final Fantasty II(PSP)
3. Final Fantasy III(PSP)
4. Final Fantasy Dimensions (Android)
5. Final Fantasy IV: The Complete Collection(PSP)
6. Final Fantasy IV(DS)
7. Final Fantasy V:Advance (GBA)
8. Final Fantasy VI: Advance(GBA)
9. Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of The Lions(PSP)
10. Final Fantasy VII (PSX)
11. Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core(PSP)
12. Final Fantasy VIII (PSX)
13. Final Fantasy IX(PSX)
14. Final Fantasy Tactics Advance (GBA)
15. Final Fantasy X: HD Remaster(PS3)
16. Dissidia: Final Fantasy (PSP)
17. Final Fantasy X-2: HD Remaster(PS3)
18. Final Fantasy XI (PC)
19. Final Fantasy XII: International Zodiac Job System (PS2)
20. Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings (DS)
21. Final Fantasy Tactics A2 (DS)
22. Dissidia 012: Duodecim Final Fantasy (PSP)
23. Final Fantasy XIII (PS3)
24. Theatrythm: Final Fantasy (3DS)
25. Final Fantasy XIII-2 (PS3)
26. Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII (PS3)
27. Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn

Tomorrow I'll go over inclusions and exclusions in more detail.

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Introduction

Welcome,

Here is where I will keep track of a long journey that I will be undertaking where I will be playing all relevant Final Fantasy games in the series. That's right, over 25 games. I will start July 2nd, and will continue until I'm finished. In this blog, I will post daily updates including my current status, important milestones I've reached in the games, as well as posts involving my overall thoughts and interesting facts related to the games and series. In the coming weeks before I begin playing, I will discuss which games I will be including and excluding as well as some introductory information about the series in general as well as the rise in popularity of RPGs starting on the NES.