Gamingforce Interactive Forums
85240 35212

Go Back   Exploding Garrmondo Weiner Interactive Swiss Army Penis > Garrmondo Entertainment > Video Gaming
Register FAQ GFWiki Community Donate Arcade ChocoJournal Calendar

Notices

Welcome to the Exploding Garrmondo Weiner Interactive Swiss Army Penis.
GFF is a community of gaming and music enthusiasts. We have a team of dedicated moderators, constant member-organized activities, and plenty of custom features, including our unique journal system. If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ or our GFWiki. You will have to register before you can post. Membership is completely free (and gets rid of the pesky advertisement unit underneath this message).


[PS2] The Sword of Etheria (OZ)
Reply
 
Thread Tools
Final Fantasy Phoneteen
what


Member 119

Level 36.08

Mar 2006


Reply With Quote
Old Nov 20, 2006, 01:12 AM Local time: Nov 19, 2006, 11:12 PM #1 of 26
The Sword of Etheria (OZ)

This might actually count as an action-RPG but, since the game doesn't seem to use numbers of any kind for health or damage and the like, I'll say it's action.

Okay, so I imported this game from Europe (NTSC mode in a great game is fucking rad), and I'm wondering if any PAL-ites here have played it. It's an action game from the makers of Suikoden (the game shares a lot of staff from Suikoden III in particular) that has very loose references to the Wizard of Oz. The game's main draw and unique feature is its strong emphasis on juggling enemies to earn money, use special moves, and other stuff. It's boring and easy as hell if you simply run through by hacking guys to bits on the ground (the enemy AI's primary goal is to interrupt your juggling, and as such is fairly passive), so the comboing ends up being very rewarding because of the game's smart ally-AI and fancy effects.

The game's been out for almost a year in Europe so I can't imagine there being a lot of people who've played it lately, but still, I'm not very far and I'd like to hear the opinions of fans.

EDIT: Sort of vague, so I'll be adding in some images and such.







Jam it back in, in the dark.

Last edited by Final Fantasy Phoneteen; Nov 20, 2006 at 01:28 AM.
map car man words telling me to do things
find animals!


Member 16

Level 47.67

Feb 2006


Reply With Quote
Old Nov 20, 2006, 03:22 AM Local time: Nov 20, 2006, 11:22 AM #2 of 26
I remember Miles being all over the Japanese version and trying to get people to try it out. It never really caught my interest outside the neat character designs. The fact that they felt they need to redub it and rename it for Europe was kinda depressing as usual.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Final Fantasy Phoneteen
what


Member 119

Level 36.08

Mar 2006


Reply With Quote
Old Nov 20, 2006, 10:04 AM Local time: Nov 20, 2006, 08:04 AM #3 of 26
Really, the only thing unfaithful to the original is the title. All the characters still share their similarities with the Wizard of Oz (names, Lex appearances), but the game has always been about battling against the Gods. Unless you're talking about a literal redub, in which case it could be a lot worse-- I'm told there are some fairly well-known voice actors who lent their voices. Hopefully Miles will chime in, maybe tell me why I always fuck up juggles on the third go-around amongst the group.

It's kind of funny, since Konami came up with a different name for each region (OZ in Japan, Sword of Etheria in Europe, and Chains of Power in Korea).

How ya doing, buddy?
Haruhi
Border of Life


Member 6064

Level 3.62

May 2006


Reply With Quote
Old Nov 20, 2006, 11:43 AM #4 of 26
Heh, I've yet to take my time and obtain all of the endings, but this game is definately awesome! <3

Kickass stylish artworks and designs? check
Wicked musical score that fits the action perfectly? check
Fun team-based battle system with an AI-controlled party that isn't dumb? check and check!

I really like how fast the characters move between the fighting segments too.

On the negative side, methinks that it's the type of game that a lot of people would find repetitive and the graphics might not wow everyone.
That said, it's the finest 3D game from Konami that I've played. I don't know why they decided to release the console CastleVanias or Nanobreakerwhatever in the US instead.

... I'd link images, but I apparently can't post anything until I get my post count back up again... ah well.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?
Final Fantasy Phoneteen
what


Member 119

Level 36.08

Mar 2006


Reply With Quote
Old Nov 20, 2006, 12:53 PM Local time: Nov 20, 2006, 10:53 AM #5 of 26
That's sort of the weird thing, as I believe several people from the usual Castlevania development team were brought in for OZ. Considering how smart and stylish a game it is, you'd think Konami would want more of these joint-internal development studio games.

Seriously, a Castlevania with Suikoden influences would be ridiculously awesome.

I was speaking idiomatically.
Ashram
Syklis Green


Member 1056

Level 7.28

Mar 2006


Reply With Quote
Old Nov 20, 2006, 05:03 PM Local time: Nov 20, 2006, 11:03 PM #6 of 26
Played the game a few months ago and I initially liked it. But when I advanced further in the game, I found it ridiculously difficult to keep chaining enemies in the air because other enemies attacked me. Seriously, I was getting so frustrated in the end I eventually gave up.

Too bad though, because the game had potential. Shame that the 'cutscenes' were mostly textboxes.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?
Final Fantasy Phoneteen
what


Member 119

Level 36.08

Mar 2006


Reply With Quote
Old Nov 20, 2006, 05:14 PM Local time: Nov 20, 2006, 03:14 PM #7 of 26
You need to stop waiting around for the enemy to come back to you and either start guarding or start whacking the guys surrounding you.

FELIPE NO
Haruhi
Border of Life


Member 6064

Level 3.62

May 2006


Reply With Quote
Old Nov 20, 2006, 06:24 PM #8 of 26
Haha, in my case I only had trouble with the very first mission, since Feel/Fiel starts out alone o_o
It seemed to be getting easier from then on until the end, and chaining attacks made more and more sense.

In fact, even when restarting I kept finding the first mission a bit trickier to rank in well than the others!

If I remember correctly, you can switch around your main character eventually, and buy powerups which makes chaining much easier.

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?
Single Elbow
You have no dignity.


Member 707

Level 34.01

Mar 2006


Reply With Quote
Old Nov 20, 2006, 06:43 PM Local time: Nov 20, 2006, 04:43 PM #9 of 26
Over Zenith is one of the games I anticipated, along with Berserk Millennium Falcon Arc: Chapter of the Record of the Holy Demon War. But alas.

Hey, at least Etheria is out on Europe. Might as well import it.

Jam it back in, in the dark.
Final Fantasy Phoneteen
what


Member 119

Level 36.08

Mar 2006


Reply With Quote
Old Nov 22, 2006, 04:51 PM Local time: Nov 22, 2006, 02:51 PM #10 of 26
Holy shit, I just unlocked Bonus mode and played a stage with Leon. Encouraged by this, I checked out GameFAQs to see what other bonuses there are.

Seriously, best game to never come out in the US. Sin and Punishment my ass.

There's nowhere I can't reach.
TheXeno
Overlord


Member 13483

Level 8.29

Oct 2006


Reply With Quote
Old Nov 25, 2006, 12:55 AM Local time: Nov 25, 2006, 12:55 AM #11 of 26
I remember seeing previews for this a long time ago. I was quite pissed off when I read it wasn't coming over. /endrant\ Anyway we get Victorious Boxers 2 for $10.00 . It just came out yet is kinda rare I've heard good things about Victorious Boxers 2.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.
cubed
Knock knock who's there? Me! I keel you!


Member 858

Level 27.57

Mar 2006


Reply With Quote
Old Nov 26, 2006, 12:49 AM #12 of 26
Why this game didn't get any North America release ??

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

---------------{ Currently playing }--
... Nothing.... really.

-----------------------{ Last rips }--
Trauma Center New Blood (Wii)
Trauma Center Second Opinion (Wii)
Planet Puzzle League (DS)

---{ Currently in ripping progress }--
Dragoneer's Aria (PSP)
Professor Layton and the Curious Village (DS)

-----------{ Other stuffs about me }--
My VGM Collection
(last update: mar. 03, 2008)

--------------------------------------
Final Fantasy Phoneteen
what


Member 119

Level 36.08

Mar 2006


Reply With Quote
Old Dec 1, 2006, 10:22 PM Local time: Dec 1, 2006, 08:22 PM #13 of 26
Oh, didn't notice anyone post in this.

No one's really sure why, particularly when it's been released in every other region (Japan obviously, Asia, and most western European nations). There was a rumor back in the day that SCEA blocked it to prevent any competition for the then-upcoming release of Genji, which it was publishing. Who knows how legitimate that claim is.

I was speaking idiomatically.
B.K.
Chocobo


Member 974

Level 9.89

Mar 2006


Reply With Quote
Old Dec 8, 2006, 01:56 AM #14 of 26
I got the game a while ago, but I haven't played it yet. I have a question though.

Spoiler:
How do I unlock the Flame Champion as a playable character?


What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?
Final Fantasy Phoneteen
what


Member 119

Level 36.08

Mar 2006


Reply With Quote
Old Dec 8, 2006, 12:19 PM Local time: Dec 8, 2006, 10:19 AM #15 of 26
That's actually just an alternate costume for Fiel. In each stage there's a hidden item called "Fragment of Intelligence", and extras are unlocked by nabbing a certain amount through any one playthrough. I believe the costumes are obtained through this way.

FELIPE NO
No. Hard Pass.
Salty for Salt's Sake


Member 27

Level 61.14

Mar 2006


Reply With Quote
Old Dec 8, 2006, 12:24 PM Local time: Dec 8, 2006, 11:24 AM #16 of 26
Originally Posted by Generic Badass
(the game shares a lot of staff from Suikoden III in particular)
Wow, I just lost ANY interest in this game. Suiko III was a load of utter garbage.

Most amazing jew boots


John Mayer just asked me, personally, through an assistant, to sing backup on his new CD.

Final Fantasy Phoneteen
what


Member 119

Level 36.08

Mar 2006


Reply With Quote
Old Dec 8, 2006, 06:30 PM Local time: Dec 8, 2006, 04:30 PM #17 of 26
Because the RPG and Action genres are so markedly different, it's very likely the bulk of the Suikoden III staff present did not do any of the programming. More like art direction, music, etcetera.

The battle programmers are more than likely from the Castlevania team, which may or may not excite you, given their track record for three-dimensional titles in the series. Still, if you were actually in a position to buy and play it, you'd be missing out by not doing so.

Jam it back in, in the dark.
Bastion
Wark!


Member 16789

Level 1.86

Dec 2006


Reply With Quote
Old Dec 11, 2006, 08:33 AM Local time: Dec 11, 2006, 01:33 PM #18 of 26
Great game, picked it up the day it was released in Europe. It has some problems, such as the slowdown, but nothing that ruins play. I love the music and art style, and although the gameplay does get a bit repetitive after a while I had too much fun with the juggling for it to be a problem for me. Pity there was never a sequel, as if you sort out some of the technical issues, clean up the targeting and build on the fighting system it'd make for an amazing game.

There's nowhere I can't reach.
Kairi Li
Misuzu


Member 1088

Level 32.83

Mar 2006


Reply With Quote
Old Dec 12, 2006, 02:46 AM Local time: Dec 11, 2006, 11:46 PM #19 of 26
My god I had the JP import for this long and I just found out there's an English European version?!

Defintly slipped the radar on my end. Now I need to find out how to import it.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.


{ :: ~ Air - the 1000th Summer ~ :: }

:: That sea went on forever, into the blue distance ::
* That road went on forever, continuing straight ahead *

~ : Summer comes again, shining silver : ~
: When I close my eyes, suddenly I can see that day's blue sky :

Last edited by Kairi Li; Dec 12, 2006 at 02:49 AM.
Razikain
Flying Toaster


Member 16855

Level 4.68

Dec 2006


Reply With Quote
Old Dec 15, 2006, 08:13 AM Local time: Dec 15, 2006, 01:13 PM #20 of 26
Wow, I'm amazed anyone besides me actually played this game! Personally, I love it, so much that I have some of the promotional artwork up in my room.

The odd elements from Castlevania (Leon being an indirect reference to Leon Belmont, especially with his secret costume) and Silent Hill (the Bunny making an appearance as an alternate outfit), combined with the bizarre warped Wizard of Oz setting with the demon names taken from classical Greek and Latin...the whole thing sounds very bizarre in writing but somehow manages to work on screen. It also has a soundtrack by the fantastic Michiru Yamane, who I adore.

In some ways, it has similarities to Chaos Legion (especially in the Let's See How Many Enemies We Can Fit On The Screen mentality), but the addition of the two allies gives it an edge. The only thing I didn't like (beyond the slightly dodgy voice acting) was the fact that the chapters of the story mode were locked (a bit like DMC1) and even though there was an EX mode that allowed you to play previous chapters again, I would have preferred having the cutscenes included.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?
"Show...a little more respect...for faerie tales..."
Final Fantasy Phoneteen
what


Member 119

Level 36.08

Mar 2006


Reply With Quote
Old Dec 16, 2006, 04:06 PM Local time: Dec 16, 2006, 02:06 PM #21 of 26
Yeah, with just a few changes, it could've gone from an excellent game to near-perfect. I can always hope for a sequel, I guess, but I have no idea how well it sold.

I was speaking idiomatically.
B.K.
Chocobo


Member 974

Level 9.89

Mar 2006


Reply With Quote
Old Dec 29, 2006, 12:03 AM #22 of 26
(especially in the Let's See How Many Enemies We Can Fit On The Screen mentality
Speaking of that, what was the name of that PS2 game that was supposed to have 60,000+ enemies on screen at once?

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?
Radical
With a Twist of Lemon


Member 709

Level 13.94

Mar 2006


Reply With Quote
Old Dec 29, 2006, 12:14 AM #23 of 26
Speaking of that, what was the name of that PS2 game that was supposed to have 60,000+ enemies on screen at once?
Ikusagami. It's an awesome game.

FELIPE NO
B.K.
Chocobo


Member 974

Level 9.89

Mar 2006


Reply With Quote
Old Dec 29, 2006, 12:24 AM #24 of 26
I assume it's Japan only too? I always wanted to try it after I first read about it, but I forgot about it until recently. I couldn't remember the name.

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?
Hiku
Larry Oji, Super Moderator, Judge, "Dirge for the Follin" Project Director, VG Frequency Creator


Member 11803

Level 2.62

Aug 2006


Reply With Quote
Old Dec 29, 2006, 01:27 AM Local time: Dec 29, 2006, 07:27 AM #25 of 26
I tried it out a bit a few months ago since my friend has it, but I never got into the game much, and I haven't played itsince.
I saw that the main character can get an optional costume though, which is the Flame Champion outfit from Suikoden 3. Pretty cool for Suikoden fans. =p

Jam it back in, in the dark.
Reply


Exploding Garrmondo Weiner Interactive Swiss Army Penis > Garrmondo Entertainment > Video Gaming > [PS2] The Sword of Etheria (OZ)

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:55 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.9
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.