Matt Demers - 18:35 EST

MY COUSIN IS GETTING MARRIED! Thus, I'm heading home tomorrow, and leaving good old Q&A in the hands of RPGamer. I'll be back next week, of course; I could never just abandon this place entirely.

Final Fantasy XII and Arc the Lad: Collection have both been claimed in the contest. Congratulations to Boojum (who else?), and thanks to the nearly 200-strong out there who have participated in my game. I won't make a secret of it: I'm more than a bit depressed to see it wind down already, but the conclusion was inevitable. There are, however, a few other prizes remaining, and as many co-hosting positions as I can dole out, but the last day of the Spectacular Ongoing Contest of Knowledge will be November 10th, 2006. If there's a good side to the whole thing, perhaps it's that these darn columns won't take me as long to do, and we'll be able to concentrate on discussing all of the great newsworthy things that are set to happen over the next little bit. After all, here we stand, just a few weeks away from two of the most anticipated console launches of the decade.

The future is bright, and onward we march!

Hey there, Matt!

I have a rather off-beat idea: jigsaw puzzles in RPGs. Maybe 250 pieces, so that the player doesn't feel too overwhelmed with a 1000 piece puzzle. Make it a side-quest to track down all the pieces, and when they're all in place... I don't know. Maybe some added bonuses? Like, if you find certain pieces and put them in place, you'll gain more stats, better spells, etc. I guess it sounds like the Sphere Grid system from Final Fantasy X, except you're not limited to where you start from.

Of course, the most powerful pieces would go in the middle of the puzzle (so the player could work from the edges, and gradually move inward), and would be hidden away in the far corners of the world. And, so that players don't get too disappointed, each piece would probably have some sort of bonus associated with them, even if it's only +10 HP, or +1 Strength. Later on in the game, the player might have common pieces that say +30 HP or +3 Magic Defense, etc. Maybe each of the corners could be starting points, being already present. Or the entire frame, or something like that.

Now that I think about it, it would have to be part of the main quest to get the majority of the pieces, and the most powerful spells would be part of the side quest (like maybe the most powerful of each elemental spell, and some super powerful non-elemental spells). As well as pieces that give huge stat bonuses. +150 HP, +50 MP, +10 Agility, etc.

I guess I should add this to my CW's RPG Idea Vault, for if I ever get off my tail and start to create one.
-CW

What a positively wonderful idea, CW!

It would work fantastically, too, from a "customization" approach; you could have certain regions of the puzzle dedicated to white magic, black magic, physical skill, or other types of abilities that change gradually as you work your way around. Perhaps those border pieces could make up a roster of basic abilities accessible to every single character. How interesting; that sort of idea could be especially neat if applied to a tactical RPG too, don't you think?

I guess this just goes to show you exactly how many different and creative ideas there are out there. The next time I hear someone say something about how "everything has already been done by this point in RPGs," I'll just have to give them a swift kick in the derrière.

As you might know, CW, coming up with theoretical skill systems is one of my favourite bored-during-class pastimes, so it's neat to hear from someone like yourself, with your own ideas swirling around in your mind.

Thanks for sharing!

Hey Matt, long time reader/lurker first time poster. Just thought I'd share my views on the RPG world and hopefully get some of your own back too. I apologise if you've answered many of these before :) You'll be pleased to hear that I have "no opinion" on the FFXII action RPG debate.

I started Xenosaga 3 a couple of weeks back (after forcing myself through part 2.) I played the first few minutes and stopped - now it's been pushed back to my Christmas backlog of games to clear. Why? I was so impressed with what an improvement over XS2 it¢s been within the first few minutes - it's like being back in XS1 but with music! It was the same return to form that was witnessed in the Suikoden IV to V transition. I feel I can only devote myself to this game fully during my Christmas hols (3 weeks off); the game simply "feels" too good to be wasted on evening and weekend "slots" when I can find time. I'm hoping for ending that actually makes you think like "gears" did back then.

The only small I found was as you said, battles end abruptly - but compared to Episode 2's loading farce, I'm not complaining. Have you ever deliberately put off playing a game through anticipation and wanting to give yourself enough time to be fully immersed in the game world?

A similar thing has happened with Valkyrie Profile 2- I've put it off till my week off work in late October simply because I've been looking forward to the sequel to VP for such a long time (and also looking forward to seeing Hrist again!) Sorry to hear you've never played the original, any chance you'd look into getting it in the near future?

Well, as it stands the Christmas Backlog List comprises of the following must-complete games in this order within 3 weeks:

XS3

Lunar 2 - started it twice, completed and loved the original many times -it¢s going to be completed this time!

Tales of the Abyss

Dragon Quest VIII (Heard a lot of good things about it)

Devil Summoner

Fire Emblem: PoR - (2nd playthrough)

Disgaea 2 has been crushed; hopefully you've done the same by now. I had to complete that 1st or I'd have spent my entire 3 week holiday levelling up - it's so addictive. After a tedious weekend I've finally acquired all the damn treasure maps and have reached the Land of Carnage 80 hours in- and what a difficulty hike!

Enemies in CoO4 have now gone up 5000 levels! Anyway, the only things left to do now are the various incarnations of Baal, which require some more levelling (Adell is level 4000~ Rozy, Etna and the rest of the crew are 1000-1500.) I know I should really max the specialists and what not but I simply don't have the time, so D2 post-game stuff is now on the backburner. What did you think of the ending - assuming you got the "normal/good" ending, and how do you think the endings and the game as a whole compared to its predecessor?

I'm currently waiting for my copies of Tales of the Abyss and SMT: Devil Summoner to make their way to the UK to join my backlog, are you excited about either of these titles and have you played the previous titles in either series.

Onto Fire Emblem I guess - I've began the series with the Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance, which I loved. I was like a throwback to the good old days of Shining Force 2, but more mature - those were the days! So looking back and being somewhat of a FE connoisseur, which other Fire Emblem games would you recommend on the previous formats?

Moving onto Final Fantasy, I've enjoyed reading peoples opinions on the remakes but have to admit I am a little bit concerned with the trend and would prefer new, fresh titles myself after being let down by Wild ARMs:ACF. I initially wrote off the DS remake of FF3 as I thought it was just another port ala FF1/2/4/5/6 on the PS. However on closer inspection I've now become quite interested in the game and may well add it to my DS collection.

On the subject of the future of FF though I'd made my decision long ago that FFXII would probably be my last purchase of the series if things didn't improve. Sure FF games were a cut above graphically but in comparison to other games I really thought the stories and characters were just being reused - Ashe (that was her name when I last checked) nearly looked exactly like Yuna the last time I checked - I'm really struggling not to prejudge the game before it comes out and I really hope that series will return to form in this outing. Final Fantasy Tactics remains the best as I see it and a merging of that and Tactics Ogre's plot branching system would make for the ultimate TRPG.

I'm going to end there as I am starting to rant, lol. No time to round things off nicely so I¢ll just say keep up the good work; your columns are always an interesting read.

TerraBreaker

Thank you, Terrabreaker! It's good to hear from you.

Hey Matt,

I was listening to a tune from Crono Trigger, and it made me wonder...why hasn't Crono gotten remade? I mean yeah...it was remade onto the PSOne, but look at Final Fantasy. FF1-FF6 are all getting remade on the GBA, and they're all already on the PSOne. Why can't Crono be on the DS...or the PSP...or the PS3...or somethin'? I personally think the game deserves it. What are your thoughts on this, my main slime man? I'll catch you later.

Lavos drakens skies
Friends fight fiercely for their fates
Epoch fords time's stream

~Donovan

You know, people used to stir about that idea more than they did about the possibility for a Final Fantasy VII remake, but the tide shifted somewhere along the way. A -full- remake of Chrono Trigger hasn't come close to being done. That pathetic excuse for a game on the PS1 was nothing more than a cheap port designed to generate some quick bucks, as far as I'm concerned.

With updated graphics, music, and a few extra features thrown in for good measure, you and I both know that there is huge potential here. Doesn't it seem, though, that Square Enix holds the Chrono series much, much closer itself than the Final Fantasy series? I'm 100% sure that we'll have more Chrono sometime in the future, because it's too big, too popular of a franchise not to. I think that like Final Fantasy VII, a remake of Chrono Trigger is inevitable, but far off: This is completely speculation, but perhaps once Square Enix decides to produce an actual sequel to the series, they'll follow it up with one. What are your thoughts, everyone?

Matt...help...me...

Ok, everyone's going to be asking this, so I have to know. 271,812 points in a day? How? Impressive, but inconceivable.

But back to gaming. I've notice Pokémon Diamond/Pearl on your "to play" list. I've never really played or even wanted to play any of the prior Pokémon games, but the fact that this one is going to have WiFi is awesome. Heh, I just said this "one" even though there are two games. I'm a Pokémon noob and am not afraid to admit it. Why in the world would I want to buy both versions? Just to "catch 'em all"? Screw that? Do players have an idea of what version offers what before you buy em? I know nothing about these, so please enlighten me.

Any Pokémon game out right now that are must haves? I own Pokémon Snap and my wife loves it, but that's it.

- Macstorm

Well, it's a difficult thing to say, right? Pokémon-crazed-people out there will be quick to tell you to play Pokémon XD for the Gamecube, but I've never felt much of an attraction to that; I'm too fond of the original formula. If you've never played a Pokémon game, I'd direct you towards (one of) Pokémon Ruby or Sapphire. They're quite substantial games in their own right, and I think they'd be a decent introduction to the series. Gold and Silver had some "niftier" features, though, and some of those are set to return in the next sequel for the DS, Diamond/Pearl. If you're not in any rush, I'd tell you to wait for those. If you're bored and looking for something new right now, then go blow the $30 or $40 on the GBA incarnations. I hope you won't be disappointed, either way!

My big sister had her birthday yesterday, so I'd like to announce it right here. Yes, she just turned... oh, that would be mean, wouldn't it? Happy birthday, Danielle!!

#348:
>Anti-Popularity contest<
For fun, I thought I'd go about doing this question, since all sorts of people wanted it, and well, the contest is ending soon anyway. Which of the following options will arbitrarily be chosen LEAST often? (Your answers will determine the correct response!) (1,600 points)

a) Espers
b) Materia
c) Junctioning
d) Crystal Points
e) Sphere Grid

There we art.

I've had an awful lot of people who seem disappointed at the idea of having this competition come to a close, but look on the bright side. Starting anew will give all sorts of new people a brand new chance to get involved. Isn't it nice to start with a clean slate now and then? Ouro's looking for new Thong players, too, if anyone is interested, though I know many of you play his game already. ;)

I've already started to brainstorm ideas for the Second Sock, and there will certainly be many small changes in store, mostly to try and balance things a bit. However, rest assured that much will be familiar as well! Watch for it, sometime early next year. I'll likely provide you all with the first details on November 10.

STRAGGLERS:
(people who I love, but who still need to check their e-mail or somehow get in touch with me because they have unclaimed items- if you fall off the list after a week, it's TOO LATE FOR YOU! Check your spam/trash folders for my messages if you're not getting them, and I'll check mine, too!)

• none to speak of!

It's been a quick week for me, but I have no choice in the matter. Now is the time that I fly, fly, fly, to the land of hot peppers and mom! And hopefully, a little bit of quality RPGaming somewhere in there (should I bring my DS to the wedding reception? Probably not, eh?)

Have a great week with whoever takes command, and be sure to fill their inboxes with more of your best questions and answers! Ah, and I almost forgot: When I return, DMJewelle will be at my side as the next cohost. Please send her a good deal of mail, since she really deserves a chance to strut her stuff!

Thanks for reading, everybody!