I’ve played and finished the original before, but I’ve never finished the expansion, so I’ve decided to give it a try. Since I didn’t back up my saves last time, I’ve got to finish the original again first. I’ve just arrived to Egypt. I’m using a combination of Warfare and Hunting masteries, which grants me the Slayer class. I’m using the spear.
Tropico – Mucho Macho Edition (PC)
I realized I’ve never installed this even though I have it for ages. Basically it’s Tropico, Paradise Island and a few more scenarios. I went through the tutorial and I’ve finished the first mission of the original game. Then I tried the second one, but I lost. I’ll probably play this every now and then, but not exclusively
River King – Mystic Valley (DS), Part 2
I’ve collected a bunch of cards, got a new fishing pole (which I can’t use in any of the current areas) and have increased my fishing level by two. I started as Beginner, got trough Amateur and now I’m an Intermediate.
I’ve helped a girl named Ayaha to find her brother Ren. Ren is also fishing for the River King, so we agreed to help each other out. Later on, I’ve helped Ayaha to send a monster child down river (cause that’s where it wanted to go). Ren helped me do this, but not before I got him a White-Spotted Trout card. After helping the monster, it unlocked a new area, and joined me as a new pet
In the new area, I’ve met another fisherman who thinks he’s the best. To prove I’m just as good, I have to catch an 8 inch Ayu and show it to him.
EDIT: I’ve increased my level further. Now I’m an Expert fisherman. I also evolved my pet a few steps. Now he can crush rocks which opened up some other fishing spots on the existing areas. I also got a bunch of new cards and I’ve got an upgraded fishing rod. Now those big fishies aren’t such a problem anymore.
I got the Ayu fish for that fisherman and now he wants to be my rival. He got me in to a contest with him and Ren which I naturally won. All I got was a lame snack as a prize.
Afterwards, I bought a bigger fish basket. Now I can fit 30 fishes inside which means it will be easier to collect cards. I also got a bunch of insect and flower cards.
In the third area, I competed with an old man in washing beans. I won and that opened the fourth area downstream. There I met a monster that was picking on a monster baby. The baby ran away, and shortly after, so did the monster.
River King – Mystic Valley (DS), Part 1
I’ve started to play this game before the blog, but since I didn’t get far, I decided to restart, so that I could follow the story better. The plot is really simple for now. The protagonist’s sister can’t wake up, and the local science chick says it’s probably got something to do with the spirits and monsters in the forest around the village. Anyway, it’s a fishing game. You catch fish, use the points to get better rods and baits, and then catch bigger fish.
You can also have pets. I got my first one by feeding him fish. Now he’s growing as I feed him (evolving). He’s already pretty developed. He can heal me, and catch a fish instead of me sometimes. When I got him, it opened a new area where I talked to a tree. The tree said that to cure my sister, I need the scales of the River King, the biggest fish in the forest. So I guess now I know what my goal in the game is.
I know people mostly don’t like fishing games, but this isn’t a standard fishing simulation. There are RPG and Pokémon elements, and all in all, it’s pretty fun.
Stronghold (PC) (COMPLETED)
I’ve gotten through all of the military missions, and I’ve finished the economy campaign. The Pig and The Wolf are dead, so my father is avenged. It’s a really great game, although not your standard RTS (which is what I like about it).
The last mission wasn’t too hard. It was one of those where I’m the one attacking, but since I could build trebuchets and catapults, I could easily destroy most of the enemies’ fortifications before they could do any harm. Since I was aware of traps this time, I lost just a few of my guys while triggering them. My swordsmen and knights took care of the leftovers. I do have the crusader expansion, but I don’t think I will play it right away, since I have other games to finish.
Stronghold (PC), Part 3
The Rat and The Snake have been disposed of, so I’m currently fighting The Pig. I believe I’m on mission 13 of the military campaign and it seems I’m done with about half of the missions. I’ve also completed the first three missions of the economic campaign. The game is starting to get tough.
One of the economic missions really pissed me off. The mission is to produce 12 Bows and 8 Swords before the time runs out. I’m about to complete it (I even have some swords and bows in surplus), but then bandit macemen attack me and, since I only have archers, go directly to the armory and destroy it. Mission failed!
Castlevania – Portrait of Ruin (DS) (COMPLETED)
I’ve defeated all but the final boss (Dracula). Braunner was pretty tough, but nothing I couldn’t handle. I’ve also solved most of the quests from Wind. One of the quests unlocked the Nest of Evil, which is an optional area filled with tough enemies and bosses. Another quest asks me to kill one of the bosses with the Blank Book which is one of the weakest weapons in the game. I’ve managed to defeat the first three bosses in the Nest of Evil.
One of the new enemies there (Gold Skeleton) drops Gold Rings which increase the amount of money I get from candles, etc. I got two of these rings and put them on Charlotte. Then I cast Speed Up and started running up and down the staircase in front of Dracula’s throne. There’s a bunch of torches there, and since most of them now drop either 500 or 1000 gold, I got allot of money fast. This allowed me to buy two Master Rings which increase the amount of skill points I gain from enemies. Right now, I’m mastering most of my skills. Jonathan actually has three skills missing from his list so I’ll have to look for them. Charlotte has a bunch of spells missing to.
I have 5 quests left and the Nest of Evil to clear, and then I’ll fight Dracula and complete the game. I hope this unlocks a bunch of stuff like in other Castlevania games.
This game is not without its problems though. It constantly freezes when I switch an area (the music changes) or when I try to activate a teleport or open the menu. It doesn’t do that every time, but it’s quite often. I’m sure it’s not my DS because I tried other games and I have no problems at all.
EDIT: Notice the change in the title? Yup, the game is completed. Not a 100% but pretty close. I got 1000% on the map, all of the skills, all of the enemies, and most of the items. I also solved all of the quests and got the best ending (I think). I’m not sure what’s unlocked, but there’s time for that later. Right now I have other games to play.
Stronghold (PC), Part 2
I’ve completed most of The Rat missions, with only one of his counties left. I’m really having fun with this game. I’ve never been very aggressive in strategy games, and this one fits my play style perfectly.
Castlevania – Portrait of Ruin (DS), Part 2
I’ve completed three paintings, including one where I’ve fought Legion. I really think they should make this boss harder. I think he’s been the easiest one for me in most Castlevania games. I’ve also fought one of the vampire’s daughters, and then found out they are actually Wind’s daughters (the guy that’s helping me. Right now, I’ve found and entered the fourth painting.
EDIT: I’ve cleared the fourth painting and explored most of the castle. I’ve encountered and defeated Death, and then managed to heal the vampire’s (actually Wind’s daughters) using sanctuary. After healing them, they told me that the vampire (Braunner) is painting a painting that can destroy the world. In order to get to him, I have to clear four other paintings in the next room.
Castlevania – Portrait of Ruin (DS), Part 1
I love Castlevania games, and I haven’t played this one yet, so I decided to try it out. It’s great just like any Castlevania game. This time you control two characters – Jonathan and Charlotte. I’ve already fought three of four bosses, and have encountered Death. I’ve cleared one of the paintings (City of Haze), and I’m currently in the Sandy Grave painting. My character got killed by a rolling boulder, so I decided to take a break.