Obligatory "Games You Are Currently Playing" Thread

**Tim** · **Obligatory "Games You Are Currently Playing" Thread -** 06-29-2007, 10:44 AM

The forums just wouldn't be complete without a "Games you're currently playing" thread, so here it is. So, what games are currently occupying your time?

I haven't really played any games in about three months. I was too busy working on the arrangement archive and am now working on another large change to the site. Hopefully when I'm done, I'll have a little more free time.

When I do find some time though, I've been enjoying MLB '07 The Show for PS3. I'd like to pick up FFXII again (I haven't played for months and stopped around 1/4 of the way through the game). I also have God of War 2 and haven't even taken it out of the box.

**Nicol Armarfi** · 06-29-2007, 10:57 AM

I've been trying to finish FFXII 100%. I'm currently trying to level all my characters to 99, though it's a pain becuase Balthier, Fran and Penelo have been at about level 30 the entire game, while Ashe, Vaan and basch have been the highest the whole time.

Other than that, I've been trying to get through some of the "old school" Final Fantasy's, namely Mystic Quest and Final Fantasy III. I've also been playing alot of Metal Gear Ac!d, the card game aspect encourages alot more thinking, and proper positioning. Kind of like chess... But with guns and explosives.

**Kimberly Boman** · 06-29-2007, 01:56 PM

I just finished Kingdom Hearts 2 about a month ago. I want to go back on Proud Mode and try again. There was no way I could complete Jiminy's Journal on regular mode to see the secret ending. Those mini games are insanely difficult to complete! My husband, however, is more into the sports games (not my cup of tea, sorry Tim!). He's been playing some college football game for PS2 (can't remember the name). Every now and then I pull out Animal Crossing (my daughter's favorite) and play that. I'd love to get FFXII (which I haven't played at all yet) or Twilight Princess (which I've played about halfway) sometime. I've heard mixed reviews of FFXII. Nicol, since you seem to have played the game, what did you think of it?

**Nicol Armarfi** · 06-29-2007, 03:07 PM

Well, it's quite fantastic. Definetly the longest of the series, aswell. My file's currently clocked in around 130 hours. The combat system is alot like Kingdom Hearts, except: you can't jump, and you can command all your party members. It's also alot more difficult than the others if you don't think wisely - like tactics, this game involves alot more strategy than button mashing. You can't just keep attacking an enemy and hope they'll die soon, not unless you're over leveled.

That said, it's easy to overlevel, though, as you can gain insane amounts of gil by selling loot you earn from defeating monsters. But I'd say the selling point of the game would have to be sidequests and mini-games. The hunting system is one of my favourite side quests ever, and it provides you with hours of gameplay, pretty much forcing you to traverse the world twice or more.

But in the end, if I was to write a review... My score wouldn't be perfect. Probably an 8/10, due to the complexity of certain things, and the bad audio quality (you can hear alot of fuzz, especially in the music).

**Kimberly Boman** · 06-29-2007, 08:25 PM

Thanks for the insight on FFXII, Nicol. I'm sure I'll still play it, though it will probably take me forever to complete it if your file has 130 hours!

**Nicol Armarfi** · 06-29-2007, 09:06 PM

The 130 hours is because of my "MUST GET 100%!!1" idea. The actual story should only take around 60 hours to complete.

**Kimberly Boman** · 06-30-2007, 08:06 AM

I feel the same way about my playing. I really try to get 100%. Sometimes I just have to realize that it ain't gonna happen (Kingdom Hearts 2) and then I'll just finish the game. Though it always bugs be later that I didn't really finish the game.

Oh, well.

soapy · 06-30-2007, 11:48 AM

FFXII took me about 67 hours and I am the type to run through it. I normally start losing interest at the 20-30 hour mark but I thought FFXII was fun and it kept me going

You should definitely give it a try!

Meanwhile, I'm currently playing Tomb Raider Anniversary. I'm not sure why I like it, because it's so incredibly frustrating but I find myself compelled to get through it. I'm also playing Okami because everyone was raving about it. I don't know, I'm not that hooked on that one though. It's different, but maybe it's just not my thing. BEen playing Mario Party 8 when people are around... I still need to start Super Paper Mario and Twilight Princess since I've had them for awhile but haven't touched them yet...

06-30-2007, 02:23 PM

ooooo Kingdom Hearts II!! I finished this within 3 days!! wohooo!!

**Nicol Armarfi** · 06-30-2007, 06:01 PM

Now I've added Kingdom Hearts II to my list aswell, after so many people talking about it. I already finished the game on Proud mode a while ago - I'm currently trying to clear the journal 100%. Actually, after you beat Sephiroth it's not too hard to complete the journal. Though, I'ts a pain trying to clear all of the mini-games...

I've also started playing Nightshade, sequel to the 2002 game Shinobi. it's quite fun, and the battles involve an odd amount of strategy for an action game.