VC Forums Monthly Gaming Club: March-April 2010

[enigmaopoeia]

This thread will be used for ongoing discussions, questions, and help about March 2010's game, Landstalker: The Treasures of King Nole. Click here for the main Gaming Club thread (maintained by Betagam7).

VC Forums Monthly Gaming Club
March 2010's Pick: enigmaopoeia

Title: Landstalker: The Treasures of King Nole
System: Genesis / Mega Drive
Cost: 800 Nintendo Points
Genre: Action Adventure
Supported Controllers: Wii Remote, Classic Controller, and GameCube Controller



Comment: We've been playing the hero, pigging out on sweets, fighting off hordes of evil, super soaking, practicing our ninjutsu, and flying planes.
Now it's time to do some treasure hunting! But who will get to it first? This game also had some interesting changes and censorship.
Especially when the ending is slightly different from the North American version to the European version!

Reasons:
1.) I never grew up with a Genesis system, so I want to expose myself to the games I have missed.
2.) I heard a lot of good reviews about this game. Also I heard it's along the same lines as the Zelda series, but more puzzle oriented.
3.) Dark Savior for the Saturn was considered Landstalker's spiritual successor and also one of the games I had growing up, so I would love to know its roots.
4.) Not a lot of people have this game on this listing, so it'll be a new experience for all of us!

Participants: Ausden, Betagam7, enigmaopoeia, hansolo350, Kiwi the Tortoise, PoisonRamune, Radretrogamer, Refa, SKTTR, Yossarian, and wii-c-kid.
[Please let me know if your name is not on this list or you are not a participant!]

A NOTE ON SPOILERS: Please try to avoid spoilers as much as you can, use spoiler tags wherever it may be appropriate.
They're used the same as any other code on this forum, with the word "spoiler" enclosed in square brackets.

[Trapster]

This had better be on my Ultimate Sega Megadrive Collection for PS3 because I refuse to play some ****ty 50Hz conversion.

[enigmaopoeia]

Unfortunately Landstalker does not appear in any of the Sega Collections games.

[Trapster]

Originally Posted by enigmaopoeia

Unfortunately Landstalker does not appear in any of the Sega Collections games.

****! Do I have to resort to downloading it?

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

Drats, I thought I might get away with having this on the PS3 disc as well, alas.

[wii-c-kid]

Hey guys, it's not so bad on VC. I can't remember who sent it me (I think it was Shortay), but I got this as a Secret Santa gift and I quite enjoyed playing it although I never finished it. Well worth the 800 points and a game I'll enjoy playing again. If I remember rightly, this game plays a lot better using the analogue stick stick on the classic controller rather than the cross pad on the Wiimote.

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

March is officially Month of Bankruptcy, but I'll see what I can do if there's an off week in there somewhere (i.e. a week where I'm only getting 1-2 games).

Interesting pick, enig!

[Kiwi the Tortoise]

Originally Posted by enigmaopoeia

VC Forums Monthly Gaming Club
March 2010's Pick: enigmaopoeia

Sadly my Genesis & original cart of Landstaker is stored away on an attic quite distant from my current location.
But I already have it on my VC. I already finished that game three times, but i'm eager to beat it once more.

As for the reception, the game usually causes one of two different reactions on the players.
Group A: Really enjoys the game.
Group B: Dislikes it & usually get annoyed. There are just some people that can't deal with precise jumping in an isometric perspective.

Great choice imo

[Betagam7]

This is great choice. It's a pity it involves supporting Sega's 50hz policy but of all the games least likely to suffer from that then an action RPG is probably one of them.

Putting all that aside, I think this is a really exciting pick for a couple of reasons.

Firstly I already own Dark Saviour on the Saturn but have never really gotten into it. I've little doubt that playing and beating this will motivate me to play and beat its sequel.

Secondly I've always loved games with an isometric perspective. From my first go of classic 8 bit titles like Head over Heels, through 16 bit masterpieces like Eqinox (another one I still need to beat on SNES) and Shadowrun. The graphics in this game also look quite awesome, especially as I'm not usually impressed by the Megadrive.

Thirdly, this is yet another unique pick for the gaming club that's not like anything else we've yet played and is therefore a very exciting prospect for me. Well done to everyone who's picked so far for keeping the club so fresh and interesting.

I'll be in England all next week and Wii-less but will download and start playing when I get back. I would think that with its RPG nature then their will be a lot to discuss this month.

EDIT: Maybe I should try to pick up the SNES sequel Ladystalker when I'm over in Japan

[hansolo350]

I highly suggest using the Classic Controller for this game since using a d-pad can be very awkward in the game's isometric perspective.

[PoisonRamune]

I'm in, I need to reup points anyhow, since I owe HanSolo Double Dribble.

[Betagam7]

Originally Posted by hansolo350

I highly suggest using the Classic Controller for this game since using a d-pad can be very awkward in the game's isometric perspective.

Yeah, from the quick trial I gave it on the DS the controls are quite odd.

left, right, up, down all just move you up or down and diagonals move you in diagonals. Its an unusual setup for an isometric game where you usually have the option of either diagonals only or horizontal/vertical only.

CC analogue control will definately improve things, although you do get used to the controls after a while with a D-pad I think I'll stick to the CC once I get back to the Wii and download it.

[Ausden]

This is a great pick, got this game when it first showed up on the VC. Haven't played more than 2 hours into it, so this is a great incentive to get on the ball and complete it. Great pick Enig!

[enigmaopoeia]

Alrighty, I'm about to play Landstalker and I got a quick question since I know ZILCH about this game. So I'm asking to those who have already beaten it.

Is this a game where if I miss out on getting one item or something; are there missables? Or am I able to obtain everything and pretty much play at my own pace. Because I'm such a stickler for getting everything and beating it 100%.

[Trapster]

I'll have to be shameful and play it on an emulator.

[Refa]

This game will be awesome. I'll get this and retroactively pick up last GotM, Pilotwings (can't believe I missed that). Surprised noone mentioned that this game is made by the same people who made Shining Force who are also the people who made Alundra, Avalon Code, and those FF DS remakes.

[Diebythesword]

Been wanting to get this game, Id see if I can get a card for this

[Refa]

Just some gameplay videos for those who are knew to the "Stalker" franchise (including me, haven't played any except the first). They were all made by Climax, who helped make Shining In The Darkness & Shining Force (their games do share similar aesthetics), and some members of Climax moved on to form Matrix, known for Alundra, the FF DS remakes, and Avalon Code.

Land Stalker- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkh-F...eature=related

Lady Stalker- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9iLMAxDUGo

Dark Savior- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJ1vmViBH2w

Time Stalkers- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88G4g...om=PL&index=34

Steal Princess- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSqRshi5bQ0

Land Stalker is a pretty good action RPG as far as I can tell from the 30 minutes I've played of it a long time before. Lady Stalker looks pretty similar, Dark Savior looks kinda wierd (anyone care to explain how it is?), Time Stalkers is like a turn based game (from what I can tell), and Steal Princess is a pretty good puzzle platfomer (although not officially part of the Land Stalker series, it does share a similar view, has gameplay inspired by Land Stalker, and looks similar to LS).

[SKTTR]

I have downloaded it a few days ago, but haven't started it until yesterday.

The game seems promising, graphics and music are nice for the Mega Drive.
Although I only had time to play an hour, this seems different and cooler than many other action/adventure/RPG's. The story is straight forward without the overblown crap of Final Fantasy caliber.
The graphics, characters, towns etc. are nice, but how - after seeing the intro and realising you and all the other objects have no shadow - are you supposed to make good jumps in a semi-3D isometric environment without shadows of any kind? And the bad controls don't help at all.
Hmmm... this is not a final statement but just a little fear.
I think I can get used to the odd controls, and maybe there's just some little try&error at later jump sections instead of frustrating game design flaws.

Anyway, I already like the game. I like the atmosphere. But these odd controls in isometric games... we had that not long ago and I thought it was great, you know I'm talking about Last Ninja 2. In Landstalker though... it's just different and not as smooth.. well, maybe it gets better with a little more time spending on it, but if there's some options were I can change the control scheme please tell. And I'm playing with Wiimote only.

Another thing I thought was odd is the title screen.
First I realized, the EU-German Wii Shop got the UK version instead of the German version. You might not know, but our German Wii Shop often releases the German PAL versions of games like Secret of Mana, Zelda 3, ActRaiser, Harvest Moon, Phoenix Wright etc. For me it's really not a problem. I'm confident with English PAL versions. And I think I smell a pattern in SEGA- and NES-games always being released in their "international" PAL version which is often English or multi-language while SNES and N64 games get a different treatment in the EU region....
No, wait wasn't there a French version of Kirby's Adventure in the France Wii Shop? hmm.. crazy sucking randomness.

This is the German version title screen:



And well, back to the point. I saw two different title screens
and this is the one of the VC version I have:


And then I saw this one here,
With a slightly different undertitle and with a much better font.
Is this the American version?



Just curious...

[Kiwi the Tortoise]

Originally Posted by enigmaopoeia

Is this a game where if I miss out on getting one item or something; are there missables? Or am I able to obtain everything and pretty much play at my own pace. Because I'm such a stickler for getting everything and beating it 100%.

You can get all Items in your own pace.
Only the famous Bare-Butt-Medal is missing in the Eu/Na-Versions.
(Other "nasty" Items have been changed into something less problematic)

[enigmaopoeia]

Originally Posted by Refa

Dark Savior looks kinda wierd (anyone care to explain how it is?)

Dark Savior is a hybrid Action Adventure and with a slight dash of a Fighter included. Basically you play the role of Garian, a bounty hunter who was given the task of escorting a body-snatching monster to Jailor's Island. Of course, the monster escapes and kills everyone the ship. But it seems that maybe this was all a dream or some reoccurring nightmare, it kinda leads you along like groundhog day.

It's not for everyone. Even when I first played it, I hated this game and regretted owning it. [The first part of the game is timed and this will determine your ending, so I was none too happy about that part. ] But when I took the time to slow down and understand the game, I grew to appreciate and enjoyed it. I still hate the parts where I have to time my jumps, so frustrating!!

Originally Posted by SKTTR

after seeing the intro and realising you and all the other objects have no shadow - are you supposed to make good jumps in a semi-3D isometric environment without shadows of any kind? And the bad controls don't help at all.

I agree, I'm a little scared as well for this, but I'll see how it plays out in the end. I haven't got too far, just trying to reach Gumi now and I had to detour to a cave. I find playing it with the Classic Controller works better when you're using the analog sticks, and later I have to try out a GameCube controller.

Originally Posted by SKTTR

Is this the American version?

I downloaded a ROM of the game and I got that title screen too, but the game we got in North America's Virtual Console is the middle screen with the large text similar to the German version. Huh.

Originally Posted by Kiwi the Tortoise

You can get all Items in your own pace.
Only the famous Bare-Butt-Medal is missing in the Eu/Na-Versions.
(Other "nasty" Items have been changed into something less problematic)

HAHAH, Bare-Butt-Medal, how awesome! But that's great that I can get things at my own pace. I'm already miffed by missing a treasure chest when I had to run like Indy from that boulder in the beginning.

[Ausden]

Well from the 2 or so hours I put into this game, I can tell you its one of those games every RPG fan should play at least 3 times. The only problem I've seen so far(which is actually a big problem) is the jumping.
There are times you need to reach certain items and find yourself taking 30 minutes to make 3 jumps. Though don't let that deter you from experincing a wonderful game.

[Kiwi the Tortoise]

Originally Posted by enigmaopoeia

HAHAH, Bare-Butt-Medal, how awesome! But that's great that I can get things at my own pace. I'm already miffed by missing a treasure chest when I had to run like Indy from that boulder in the beginning.

I just did some research on that.
The Item with the bare-butt on it might still be in the NA/EU Version.
According to Wikipedia the Item called "Spell Book" was originally an erotic magazine.
I can't locate a pic of it though. I only saw it in a feature on Landstaker in a Video Game magazine back in 1993.

[PoisonRamune]

You know I like complaining about all the game club games... And this time I gotta say, why didn't anyone tell me that the intro to this game is so long? I went out to shave and smoke and when I got back the intro text was still going on about if I would be ready to control the player character.

When I finally did get to do something, it seemed like a pretty fun game. It feels very Soltice-esque, except this actually seems like it's going to be more RPGish as I did make my way to some sort of town.

After that I decided to play Mega Man 10 and drink some beers, so I don't really remember my Ladstalking experience beyond that.

[SKTTR]

Originally Posted by enigmaopoeia

I'm already miffed by missing a treasure chest when I had to run like Indy from that boulder in the beginning.

Same here. And I actually restarted because of this.
I jumped at the last moment but still couldn't reach it.
It's blocked by an invisible wall or something.
Seems to me that you ought to get back to this dungeon later in the game.

...

So, there are no missable items in this game? ...like in Zelda where you can always get back and find everything to complete it 100%, yeah?
That's great!! I couldn't cope right now if it wasn't!
..so soon after beating Fire Emblem and being in the middle of Little King's Story.
If Landstalker had such consuming mechanics, I couldn't play it now and needed to beat Little King's Story first.

[Kiwi the Tortoise]

Originally Posted by SKTTR

So, there are no missable items in this game? ...l

I my research I stumbled upon one Item that can be missed, but its also free of any purpose.

[enigmaopoeia]

Originally Posted by Kiwi the Tortoise

I my research I stumbled upon one Item that can be missed, but its also free of any purpose.

Ooh, know of its location? So I know where exactly to start searching carefully.

[Kiwi the Tortoise]

Originally Posted by enigmaopoeia

Ooh, know of its location? So I know where exactly to start searching carefully.

Warning: Spoiler Below.

You need to check the castle walls during a specific time span

[Radretrogamer]

count me in! ive been meaning to get back into this game

[Ausden]

I forgot how horrible the controls were, especially when it came to precise jumping.

For instance, where I am now, there is a certain item I'm trying to get, but it requires a precise jump on a switch then a dash up stairs before a door closes. I can't for the life of me make it in time.

[PoisonRamune]

How/where do I save? I know the game has the suspend feature... But I would like to back up my progress somewhere...

[Kiwi the Tortoise]

Originally Posted by PoisonRamune

How/where do I save? I know the game has the suspend feature... But I would like to back up my progress somewhere...

Put the save book on the church altar to save.

[SKTTR]

Rather empty thread here..
for an action/adventure with lots of stuff to talk about...
and one week is almost over.

So, who did download this anyway?
Looking at the "What VC games did you buy?" thread, I'm the only one who downloaded this game within the the start of enigma's March pick.
Must be a game that most of you got earlier.


I think a little bit spoiler-less progress log and talking about the first few dungeons would be neat now.

I just finished the 2nd dungeon and obtained the **Red Jewel**. Up to this point I was able to rise my energy meter up to 15 hearts.
I'm pretty sure I got every chest there was too, at least I got every chest I saw.

If you need help for the beginning and the first two dungeons **waterfall shrine and swamp dungeon**, I'd like to help, though they shouldn't be too hard for many.

Now, EkeEke is a revive herb/potion, like a fairy in Zelda. That's pretty nice. Makes the game supereasy. And it only costs 15 gold. AND enemies often carry those around.

Is there any reason for being able to go into that big tree?
Now... just to find out what the **Red Jewel** is for.

And I got used to play this game with the Wiimote.
It's just that you have to press really hard in the diagonal directions to make it work like you want. Yeah it's terrible compared to the smooth Light Crusader and the somewhat tricky Last Ninja but Landstalker is all managable as long as I stick to it and don't play another game.

[Yossarian]

Haven't downloaded this yet. Busy with work, house legal stuff and Silent Hill. Once I get back from my training course I'll download this game and get started.

I played it moons ago and got reasonably far before getting annoyed with a jumpy jumpy sequence. I think the classic controller will be best for the isometric nature of the game.

[Ausden]

I'm in the third dungeon now trying to grab an item which wont matter to the completion of the game, but it does something pretty awesome.

Up to 18-19 hearts, with 9 Ekeeke to spare and the jewel is one of several which need to be placed somewhere.

Good luck to everyone involved!

[SKTTR]

Warning Spoilers ahead up to the central city. (After dungeon no. 3)

**Got a better sword and then I completed the 3rd dungeon!
Now the puzzles got more challenging and fun. Coooool game!

Have 24 hearts now. Got some new items as well.. some antidote.
And a golden und silver statue, what are they for? I also got a pass to get into the central city. Where's that missable item??

Found the house of the witch but she had nothing for me.
Then I bought a better armor in the city for 480golds and tried to get into the castle.. but no way in.

I visited the harbor but all paths were blocked.
When I roamed the west part of the island I couldn't get into a cave. It was guarded by some whirlwind magic. I found a restauration as well. What's that for?

However, despite it's minor flaws I already like this game. I just can't get over the damn black borders that kill half of the screen. This game would look so much better in fullscreen. How come this has so big bad borders?

And can someone give me a hint what's up with those big trees? Or will I find out later? **

[Kiwi the Tortoise]

To answer one of SKTTR's question:

Warning: Spoiler Below.

The Trees: There is an optional dungeon in one of them. If you solve it you get the abillity to teleport between them.

[PoisonRamune]

This game has dungeons?! Crap, I've just been milling around treating this game like Solstice...

[Betagam7]

I have been away from my Wii for the first week, but I'll be picking it up and giving it a few hours tomorrow after giving it a brief try out on emulator but not wanting to play too much till I can start the VC version.

[Betagam7]

Downloaded it this morning. Initial impressions are good. From a PAL perspective the usual borders actually arn't noticable due to the way the screen display is largely surrounded in black meaning they actually blend in. The music seems about the same speed as the emulated version I played and doesn't seem noticibly slower.

Control-wise I've been using the classic controller and havn't found any problems with perspective or controls so far after having familiarised myself with them already on the DS. Unlike Equinox the game doesn't seem to be reliant on Escheresque platform negotiating and I havn't seen any of the annoying foreground/background confusion that often plagues isometric titles.

Graphics and Sound are both nice. I've just made it to the second village after finding what I presume was the "waterfall oracle" who appeared to be called Prospero? Is this the right guy?

Now I guess I'll be off to the next shrine as that seems to be where the person I'm supposed to be rescuing has gone. I'm not really sure if I'm following the story so far, for example who the fairy is meant to be but perhaps it will get a little more involved once I've played past the first hour.

Work deadlines and starting later than the rest of you might mean I might not have a lot of time to beat this one this month but I'll try and get a session in with it where and when I can.