Wednesday 25 December 2013

Grandia ReDux Complete Demo Release

Merry Christmas! While ReDux Complete is still being finished in some areas, I have decided to release an earlier demo as I’m sure many people would like something to play for the time being! Not only that, but this is a good opportunity to gather feedback outside of previous testers. Feel free to fill in the feedback Q&A and post it either here in the comments or by email (cwdluna@hotmail.co.uk). Preferably the latter, but it doesn't matter too much.

Here is the rundown for the demo:
- This demo goes up to the Serpent boss fight in the Typhoon Tower. The Lama Mountains will be unavailable afterwards (it’ll still be on the map, but the game will not allow you to proceed).
The demo is set to normal difficulty.
Otherwise the demo is (mostly) complete. Some rare drops are inaccessible (either because they are locked to hard mode, or certain item types aren't enabled yet – offhand poisons being one of them, which is exclusively rare). Some descriptions on items/equipment may or may not be complete either or be inconsistent.
For those who have been testing previously, spell/item balance will be a couple patches behind (Because yes, Tremor/Quake are still broken and I’m a bad person).
Remember to patch an original version of the game (Disc 1) as always. Keep an original backup etc etc…
Save files made for this demo will be perfectly usable for the full game. Some character equipment/stats may be slightly tweaked for the full game but not enough to require a restart.

KNOWN BUGS
Camping Tent currently does not work (buy Resurrection Salves instead).
If a character’s MOVE is exactly 30 during the Squid King or Ganymede boss fights, then that character will freeze/bug out during ‘Suck In’ (This bug is also present in the original game, so fixing this will be tricky).

Q&A for the demo:

GENERAL

1)   What’s your favorite improvement/change to ReDux Complete?
2)   What do you think still needs improving?
3)   Any new aspect you dislike or should be reverted?
4)   Overall thoughts on the demo?

 SPELLS/SKILLS

1)   Thoughts on the new SP system?
2)   Do you feel invoke is useful and does it better balance MP constraints?
3)   Any overpowered spells or skills you feel exist?
4)   Any underpowered spells or skills you feel exist?
5)   What’s your opinion on the new spells or specific ones?
6)   Could spell availability be tweaked for certain characters (Should X character have X spell for instance?)

ITEMS/EQUIPMENT

1)   General thoughts on the item/equipment revamp?
2)   Any over/underpowered items/equipment that could use tweaking?
3)   Any equipment niches/types you feel could be added (or needs removing perhaps)?
4)   Any item slot you feel could use a bit more variety still (for certain characters specifically)?
5)   Your thoughts on the movement stat changes?

ENEMIES/DIFFICULTY

1)   Overall thoughts on difficulty and enemy balance?
2)   Any specific enemies you feel could use tweaks?
3)   Which bosses you feel could use improvements (in terms of balance/strategy factor)?

Feel free to answer those questions (no matter how brief!). Your opinions matter!

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DEMO IS HERE!

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Enjoy!

49 comments:

  1. Merry Christmas!
    I'm downloading it right now. Can't wait to play it.
    I will give my opinion about the changes later. ;)

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  2. Fantastic news! About to boot it up. I'll definitely come back to fill out the Q&A once I get a fair ways through it.

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  3. Wooohooo! At last at last! Gonna download it after work and absolutely leave a Q&A after testing, thanks :-)

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  4. Downloaded, playing now. I'll report back soon.

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  5. Having started playing it yet, but do any of you know if the implementation of the weapon types are in? I remember him saying something about daggers hitting 3 times, and aces lowering defense. Is that in yet?

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    Replies
    1. Of course -- this demo, aside from a few missing items, is essentially complete (aside from feedback changes in the future, or balance updates).

      Delete
  6. Dunal, why don't you post your modification on insane difficulty forums?
    Sure it is plenty of players like us there, who can help up with testing issues and Q&A :-)

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  7. Maybe it's a stupid question but: Does the ReDux update also work with the german version of the game??

    Thanks for an answer! :)

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    Replies
    1. Unlikely. Text will be modified based on the original game so at best the outcome would come out quite strange, assuming it actually works.

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    2. Plus, the german translation is pretty mashed up... Too many errors and discrepancies... Sometimes, the said things are completely out of context, too. You're better off with the english version, believe me ;)

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  8. That's a pity... There should be a way to patch only the gameplay and leave the corrections of the text out so that it would be compatible to the PAL and the japanese version!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Except those 'corrections' are needed because almost every spell/item has changed descriptions and stats. Otherwise you'd be left with text descriptions which make zero sense. Or no descriptions at all, since there are so many new items/abilities.

      You'd have to manually translate the new descriptions for anything to make sense.

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    2. Can't be that hard to translate new abilities and items. How can I do that?

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    3. It wouldn't be that hard, just very time consuming. It's likely you would have to transfer all the data across to the PAL version and then translate as well.

      Delete
  9. Ok, is there a way to convert my german savegame (mcr-format from epsxe) to one compatible with the english version? Otherwise I would have to start from the beginning :(

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    Replies
    1. Um, I don't think you understand the whole point of ReDux. You can't simply continue a save from the original game (assuming that's what you mean). Everything would be screwed up.

      Character base stats, items, skills, spells, enemies etc... Are very, very different from the original game. You're going to need to start a new game regardless. That said, it's so different from the original game that aside from story/areas, it won't feel like you're repeating the same thing. And it's kinda meant to be played from the start (If loading an old save -somehow- worked, your progression/knowledge would be completely off-kilter).

      Also, this is a demo. The whole point is that you play through it from the start.

      This isn't the exact same game with only a few tweaks. This is quite a drastic overhaul. I'd actually suggest playing through the original game if you haven't done so already and then try ReDux later on (unless you dislike the original's difficulty or something).

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    2. Sure. I think you don't understand. ;)
      I would like to use my old samegame from the PAL version on the english version to try the ReDux mod.

      Delete
  10. So this is just a demo and doesn't cover the whole game?
    It's really hard to get information. Your FAQ isn't that big. ;)

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  11. I'll just wait for the complete version

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  12. Hi there!
    Is there an estimated date when the complete version with the 3 difficulties will be released?

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  13. GENERAL

    1)   What’s your favorite improvement/change to ReDux Complete?
    Favorite improvement is the equips that provide flexible benefits whenever they're needed to suit the situation.
    2)   What do you think still needs improving?
    Perhaps allowing Invoke to slowly gain stars? I know it's slow to balance it out, but in the heat of a boss battle, it's an extreme hindrance, not a help.
    3)   Any new aspect you dislike or should be reverted?
    The move was, and still is, wonky. I know you already know this, but having my characters bump into each other and run to the End of the World every time is obnoxious.
    4)   Overall thoughts on the demo?
    Fun and even more challenging that 3.o! Strategy and items must be carefully used!

     SPELLS/SKILLS

    1)   Thoughts on the new SP system?
    It's nice, reminds me of G3's system. Pretty well balanced.
    2)   Do you feel invoke is useful and does it better balance MP constraints?
    Yes, invoke is too slow, but overall, the skill keeps me able to train in the midst of dungeons and areas without Save Points.
    3)   Any overpowered spells or skills you feel exist?
    Crackle may be a tad overpowered. It puts all the other single target spells to shame, even strong stuff like Howlspin.
    4)   Any underpowered spells or skills you feel exist?
    Puffy Gas doesn't often work on random enemies as well as other spells do. Do enemies have high plague resistance?
    5)   What’s your opinion on the new spells or specific ones?
    The new spells work well in general. Everything can be worked around by properly training spells for all the characters.
    6)   Could spell availability be tweaked for certain characters (Should X character have X spell for instance?)
    Feena should really have Diggin'. Her support would be even better with it, give Sue Aegis instead! Maybe Justin can get a status spell or two as well, huh? He's all about attack, attack, attack right now.

    ITEMS/EQUIPMENT

    1)   General thoughts on the item/equipment revamp?
    Love it, things have been varied and interesting since the game started! Definitely my favorite part of Complete.
    2)   Any over/underpowered items/equipment that could use tweaking?
    Maybe the boomerang could simply provide no strength bonus instead of minus ten? Also, Feena could use a Fury weapon or two.
    3)   Any equipment niches/types you feel could be added (or needs removing perhaps)?
    Justin with a Volley technique
    Feena with a Fury
    Sue could use a Might Hammer
    Gadwin needs a sword without Might attached; his MOV is too low for him to get to the foes, even without that cumbersome armor.
    4)   Any item slot you feel could use a bit more variety still (for certain characters specifically)?
    More spells on the weapons. Being able to cast more magic from equipped items would cut down on wasting outside resources.
    5)   Your thoughts on the movement stat changes?
    Ugh, I hate the MOV stat with a passion. It's a major pain and what I dislike most.

    ENEMIES/DIFFICULTY

    1)   Overall thoughts on difficulty and enemy balance?
    Enemies are hard as hell, that's for sure. You've done a great job creating tough enemies. The drops have been the driving reason for fighting every battle in my way so far.
    2)   Any specific enemies you feel could use tweaks?
    The Klepp Rider enemies sucked, they always attacked and nearly always killed off someone not named Gadwin every battle. Could you tone them down a tad?
    3)   Which bosses you feel could use improvements (in terms of balance/strategy factor)?
    The Serpent can burn in hell for all I care, he's perfect the way he is. The only battle I had a lot of disappointment in was the Ganymede battle. One part needs to be extremely fast to even post a proper challenge.

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  14. I had a couple of questions/suggestions. Is it possible to implement more movement on the battle field? The movement in the game is quite limited, and it's simply not possible to move to certain parts of the battle field. Is it also possible to change how items are used on party members? Instead of it just being used no matter where the party member is, that the character has to move to where the party member is to use the item on them?

    ReplyDelete
  15. Would it also be possible to add friendly fire? Your partymembers getting hit if they are within the range of an area of effect spell?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. For the love of Puffy, please, please, PLEASE don't.

      Friendly fire has its place in e.g. SPRGs where you can
      freely maneuver your characters and plan for it,
      but in a game where characters run around after attacks
      more or less at their own whims (plus no clearly visible AoEs)?

      Suikoden 3 was massively un-fun to me thanks to that "feature"
      so I really don't see it enhancing this great game / hack.

      Anyway, looking forward to the full release!

      Delete
    2. But you can move around in Grandia (albeit limitedly). Having friendly fire would add a much-needed layer of strategy to the use of a lot of spells. You should also read it in conjunction with my above comment about increasing the number of 'movement hotspots' on the battle field.

      Delete
  16. Yea, no friendly fire, please!!!

    But hey, is this blog even alive?

    ReplyDelete
  17. Just killed Ganyemede at Dom Ruins and im really enjoying this game. My main concern was the abuse of water healing spells - this has became not as easy to do which I am glad to discover. Main problem for me is the characters running to attack enemies. Sometimes im using SP moves instead of combo/critical simply because of the running problem - and I could easily at other times have reached the enemy. Other than that, the items, stats of enemies and characters have definitely improved I am enjoying this ALOT as a Grandia fan since I was 13 ( 25 I am now :) ) I am so glad you are still making changes to this game to keep our interest going. Very very very grateful for what you are doing here!

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    Replies
    1. Im still playing and enjoying the demo so far, I REALLY enjoy fighting Sunhawk that was unexpected to come across whilst on way to safety - really had to watch that "mini boss" safe to say? Please could you give more information about monsters/mini bosses like Sunhawks? Why this was added? I am pleased to see it I just didn't see any mention about this sort of change :) Im not saying too much don't want to spoil it for the others.

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    2. Once crossed the wall - wow u really see what a party you have developed once all four are together. Im just in heaven with this - nearly at the end of demo :( Cant wait to see more of your work

      Delete
  18. Hi there
    Just finished playing the demo and it was really great.
    Some general thoughts i have to make for the game would be starting with the customisation of the characters with the particular items and finding a way to perfectly balance them out would be the most appealing change in the redux along with the excitement/challenge of the bosses, knowing none of them are going to be easy in any way especially the hydra in mt Typhoon.

    The movement change is good, and does actually make me want more agility from those wind levels but sometimes its unbearable just watching the characters run the opposite direction of the enemy.

    The new SP system works well, and really works with the drawn out fights against bosses. Invoke works pretty well, though i find i would almost prioritise using SP for invoke unless it was an emergency/boss fight and I almost found it almost unusable in the hydra boss fight due to the inability to spare/use SP and use of a turn attached. This is good, because it makes items all that much more valuable when required in a pinch and you start to run out of resources.

    Concering the balance when fighting the hydra though, i noticed the debuffs on my characters and they caused issues. I found little way to work around these debuffs while trying to keep up with the dps and healing making it a ticking time bomb with the debuffs stacking up, though did manage to barely defeat it on first try. So balance i'd say is great assuming people fight almost all the fights available in each area.

    Overall, really good improvement on redux 3.0 and can't wait for more.

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  19. Thanks for all the feedback guys. I wanted to gather as much as possible before finalizing things. I'll post an update soon about the changes being made.

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  20. Hey, it is alive! :) The blog I mean. Great, thanks!

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  21. Really excited for this. Hopefully a new version soon?!

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  22. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  23. Wow, kinda silent here without news.
    Wonder if it's silence before storm, and hope for it :-)
    Btw, just lurking around, don't mind.

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  24. PLEACE make the full version <3333

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  25. ET ES ALIVE! No wait its not xD

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    Replies
    1. I literally check in every week or so, I just wished Luna would give some indication that it's never coming so I can just forget about it =(

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    2. True. But why investing so much time and never releasing it? I don't get it.

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    3. I E-Mailed him ages back giving my in-depth view on the changes. I offered to play test (and just straight up asked for the unfinished patch) and he declined saying 'only when everything is fixed and ready' or some such. So I think it's a perfectionist thing. He doesn't want to give the mod a bad name by releasing it unfinished maybe.

      Plus it's likely real life has taken over, so he hasn't gotten round to making the changes he would have liked and has shelved this project. I don't like it, but i can understand it.

      Delete
  26. Even Thou he cant give you specific *when* , he is working hard on redux and has not forgotten it or given it up.
    I am allowed to tell you that he is planning something really big in regards to redux and is working daily on it.

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    Replies
    1. This is all i needed, i dont need the redux if its not finished, just confirmation that its not forgotten =).

      Delete
  27. It should probably be noted for new users that the patch only works with the NTSC USA version of the game and doesn't work with PAL or Japanese version or with any other patches. Including Redub.

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  28. All the links are down. Are there any working sources available?

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    Replies
    1. Hey! Another user answered your question before :)

      "Hey, i'll upload it for you since it seems this is all lost.
      https://www.dropbox.com/s/3gccrrg8m77vint/Grandia%20ReDux%20-%20Disc%201%20-%203.1.ppf?dl=0
      https://www.dropbox.com/s/n7aw0f4rnhg5l2e/Grandia%20ReDux%20-%20Disc%202%20-%203.0.ppf?dl=0

      those are the newest versions and probably the last versions we will see."

      Delete
  29. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  30. anyone have grandia redux complete download link? not the 3.1 and 3.0 version..

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  31. Unfortunately it has never been finished which is a shame...

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    ReplyDelete