Well, I finally beat the game a couple of days ago. It's a very good game, but some of the design choices are questionable (like that encounter rate...I mean, I can deal with lots of encounters, back to back, but toward the end of the game the encounters were such that it felt like the designers intentionally made the enemies stronger to whittle down your party, bit by bit, and this despite the fact that everyone in my party was at max level). Yeah, I've read about the "no encounter" cheat code, but sometimes cheat codes can adversely affect the game, so I avoid all cheats while testing games. There's still a few questions left unanswered (for me), so I'll probably plug in that code later
The dual-party system was interesting and very well done. The only thing I didn't like was the fact that the designers actually HID necessary switches/doors BEHIND graphics. I was stuck the first time, wondering why the door wouldn't open when I was standing on both switches, then I realized almost an hour later that the corresponding switch was behind some graphics...grr. Aside from that, it's a refreshing change, as it's different from most rpg's of that time.
There's also a lot to do in the game (like the town you can customize), and there's quite a few hidden surprises in the game as well (like that barrel in Port Marinela...must check it later), and the Time Ruins. While on the subject of the Time Ruins, it wasn't until I made it to the middle of the game that I figured out HOW to actually enter the Ruins: you have to press 'A'. My mistake was that I was simply following the directions, as stated, but that's not enough (you HAVE to press 'A' or nothing happens). The Time Ruins were a nice side-quest, and, thankfully, they didn't overdo it. I was hoping it didn't turn into another 'Animal Crossing'. Don't get me wrong...I love 'Animal Crossing'. What I don't like is the fact that too many things in 'Animal Crossing' take place at very specific times, and only for a limited time, so if you don't play the game at the right time, you end up missing out. In the end, I ended up doing what's known as "time travelling" in AC (Animal Crossing), but that's mainly because SO MANY things require that you play at specific times, including the holidays. I mean, can you picture that? My family and friends are gathered for X-mas, and I say, "Excuse me for a bit, I have to play AC to unlock the Santa outfit." I...don't think so. Anyway, here there were only a handful of time-specific side-quests, so it was perfect (except for that last one, you'll have to read my to-be-uploaded-soon final report for that one).
Overall, it was fun playing this game, so thanks, Dynamic Designs! Even though it may not be a perfect release, it's very much playable without any major problems. While on that subject, I did find a few minor issues, which I'll be uploading a little later (life's been really hectic lately, what with work and the pandemic). There's probably, oh, two or three additional reports, and I should be able to get those done in the next few days. Well, off to work...just wanted to post an update.
Very interesting and helpful update! If you did not encounter garbled text and did not use cheats or save-states, looks like you just answered a burning question. Anyway, you are the first to report finishing the game. Thanks again!
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