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| Star Ocean: The Last Hope Review; Score: 8.9/10 | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Jul 24 2009, 03:55 PM (2,000 Views) | |
| Fayt | Jul 24 2009, 03:55 PM Post #1 |
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Easy wins have never been my style
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Full Name: Star Ocean: The Last Hope Genre: Action RPG Developer/Publisher: tri-Ace/Square Enix Platform: Xbox 360 Players: 1 Release Dates: JP - 19 February 09 | US - 24 January 09 | EU - 5 June 09 Official Sites: Japan | North America | Europe Star Ocean: The Last Hope is the forth main title in series, and is a prequel to every title released before it. The Last Hope in fact takes place 36 years prior any events witnessed so far in the series. Proceedings begin at space date 10 (SD10), where man are exploring the vast Star Ocean for a new home, as years prior mankind made its biggest mistake in Earth’s history, World War III. The result has caused massive devastation right throughout, making the surface near inhabitable. Many lives have been lost, and those that remain have been forced to move underground for survival. A peace treaty was made just two short weeks after the war had begun, but the damage had been done. Thus a group of earthlings have embarked on a new adventure, as the Space Reconnaissance Force (SRF) to investigate the Star Ocean in a bid to locate habitable planets to hopefully call one their new home. Having already established a Moonbase and recently succeeded in the creation of warp technology the SRF both confidently, and cautiously enter the unknown to write a completely new chapter in their lives. But anyone who has played a Star Ocean title before know all too well that won’t happen, at least without a few significant hiccups along the way. Your story begins upon landing on an unknown planet known as Aeos where you play as Edge Maverick, a young, self confident man who is excited about the opportunity to help find his fellow Earthlings a new home. He is closely followed by his childhood friend Reimi, who tends to keep an eye on Edge so he doesn’t do anything stupid. As events unfold throughout the game you’ll encounter various races, such as the Eldarians, visit some completely new planets (such as Aeos), and also re-visit Roak where the majority of the events from Star Ocean: First Departure took place. And of course much more. General navigation takes place where you control Edge at all times between towns, through dungeons etc. Much akin to Till the End of Time potential battles are always (well 99% of the time bar some story events of course) within viewing range, you can see what the type of enemy is and if you are quick enough you should be able to avoid most battles. Although there would be no fun in that, nor would you be strong enough to defeat bosses without the experience! Battles will take place as soon as you contact the enemy, or vise-versa. Should you be able to sneak up on the enemy from behind you’ll enter a Pre-emptive attack phase, where the enemy will have their back’s towards you and be temporarily off guard. Of course, this works both ways and the enemy can also attack you from behind to enter a Surprise attack phase, which leaves you surrounded, and even gives the opponent a Rush bonus (that I’ll cover later on). But most of the time you’ll engage on mutual terms. One the battle starts you’ll enter a localised battle environment, like all Star Ocean titles to date. Here you can compete with up to four characters in an effort to defeat your opponents, of course if things become too difficult you have the option to run away, but that should always be a last resort. Your standard attacks include attacking with your weapon, using a special skill (depending on what you have assigned), jumping, charging your rush gauge, casting Symbology, using an item and more. The Rush gauge is one of the newest additions to the series, if you take damage from the enemy, land attacks of your own or simply charge you can increase your gauge. (Somewhat similar to a Musou gauge in Dynasty Warriors). When the gauge hits 100 you have the option of entering a Rush phase, here you will near invincible to knock down attacks, and you’ll also have a chance to critically hit your opponent with any of your attacks. Giving you a handy boost in battle, but again the enemy can also activate this, be mindful of when the enemy is in Rush phase as sometimes even your best knockdown attacks will leave them standing and charging right at you. Alternatively you can enter a unique Rush combination phase, when your gauge is at 100 you can deplete it instantly to effectively get in some free hit special attacks. Here your character will perform their special attack and you’ll have to quickly press the button shown on screen for ‘Success’, this means an ally can then join in and also perform an additional attack of their own. With the tome Chain Combo levelled up you can link up to 7 special attacks at once. This can clearly offer you a massive advantage against stronger opponents. Another unique skill is Blindside, if the opponent you have targeted is also targeting you this can be achieved by moving left, or right while in a charge state. If executed correctly you can swiftly position yourself behind the opponent leaving them completely confused and open to critical hits until they recover. Both Rush and Blindsides are valuable assets in battle, although for better, or worse you can only really cater for one at a time (effectively that is, both are always available, but you’ll see what I mean). Also new is a ‘Battle Exalted Action Type’, or BEAT system in place. For your characters you can elect to have a Strike type, or a Burst type. A Strike setup supports more melee type characters with HIT, INT & ATK parameter boosts. But also further support factors, such as increased damage to Blindsided enemies. While a Burst setup supports other characters with HP, DEF & GRD parameter boosts. Including boosts such as an increased chance of critical hits during Rush mode. After several battles, the BEAT type can also gain level ups to be even more effective at either Rush or Blindside. Alternatively you can setup a Neutral setup, which combines the parameter boosts of both of the above, however it drops the additional factors, such as critical hit bonuses, nor can it level up. If you plan on using Neutral I’d advise making it a short term thing only. You can change this as often as you like, but I find you’ll benefit more from sticking with one of Strike of Burst for any given character, select wisely for the greatest assistance in battle. The battle system is quite advanced and alone a fascinating part of the game, and I haven’t even mentioned the ability to switch characters in battle (yes, even in real time you can switch). Whether one character just isn’t working for you, or another is KO’d, just switch them out for a reserve at your leisure. The battle bonus gauge from Till the End of Time has also returned in a more advanced fashion, here you can gain one of 4 different bonuses, such as additional experience in up to 14 slots. By stacking a group of similar bonuses the benefit will not only increase, but also allow you to protect half of your gauge if it gets broken by taking a critical hit in battle. Item Creation, a staple of the series has of course returned, this time Welch – yes Welch yet again is your Item Creation hostess much like Till the End of Time. This time she comes with even more sarcasm and stunts for some entertainment along the way. To create items simply visit the Item Creation terminal in the Calnus (that’s right, you have your own spaceship, the Calnus!) and hit up Welch. Here you can try inventing new recipes or making items from any recipes you currently have. Later on in the game you’ll also be able to synthesize equipment, not just Weapons! Some pieces of equipment can allow for several additions as well, good luck figuring out the best combinations for post game or tougher difficulties. For collectors there is more than enough to be occupied by as well, as always there are a bunch of Private Actions available – which can affect the endings you view. The Battle Trophies are also back, this time each character has their own set of 100 to achieve, good luck getting all of them! There is also spaceship data, monster data and more to try collecting as well. Breakdown: Story: While the story won’t break too many RPG clichés is still quite an enjoyable ride, I believe Edge makes a well balanced and enjoyable lead character. The support cast of characters also work well together with their own personalities and differences, addition of Private Actions along the way really help in this area, don’t fall asleep while traveling on the Calnus or your just ruining the game for yourself, really. Unless you really cut corners you should be spending at least 40-50 hours to finish it, and quite possibly much more if you take your time and enjoy some of the quests along the way. 8/10 Gameplay: No doubt the best part of the game, the battles are both exciting and challenging, some battles can take you a good 20 minutes to complete as well to keep you on your toes. The new Rush and Blindside initiatives really liven up the battlefield to a whole new level as well, just outstanding overall really. 10/10 Graphics: Great looking game, the standard detail of the game alone is of a high enough standard itself, just stand on the shore of Roak overlooking the sea for example, the detail and thought into it is superb. The movie like sequences throughout is even better. Although if there is something to criticize it would be the occasional use of 2D backgrounds for space itself, just look at the title menu for example. Other then the odd distant 2D background for space though it’s excellent, particularly considering the Xbox 360’s limitations as opposed to PS3. 8.5/10 Music/Sound: Another beautiful soundtrack on offer, which mind you nothing less is expected of the series. The voice acting is also of a sufficient standard, English voice acting often gets bashed I know, and there is no Japanese voice acting option either. But I believe it’s certainly good enough to do the job, even Lymle’s voice acting is quite good (while designed to be a little irritating, kay.) 8.5/10 Replay Factor: There is every possibility to get hundreds of hours of game time out of The Last Hope, the regular story alone can last a while. Add in the numerous Quests, Collectibles and post game events there will be plenty more available if you want more. Then of course you could try it all over again on a tougher difficulty if you still can’t get enough. If you enjoy it, it will take quite a while before you can achieve everything it has to offer. 9/10 Final Thoughts: Even if you aren’t a Star Ocean fan this should be on the must get list for any RPG fan with an Xbox 360. Since the game is indeed a prologue there is no real need to know the past titles either (although it certainly helps for greater appreciation of some of the finer points). The battle system is state of the art and should be engrossing for any action RPG fan. At the very least be sure to hire if you are still unsure. But for any Star Ocean fan, if you haven’t purchased it yet, why not! Rating: 8.9/10 *This review is based on my personal opinions from my own experiences with the game, which is an English PAL version. |
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| Gumdrop | Jun 17 2010, 09:29 PM Post #2 |
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Cute Snugglepuffs
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I've been thinking of getting this for months and months, even before the PS3 version came out. You give it a higher score than some of the others I notice. The main thing that put me off now are the fact the style is a bit on the sickening side to me..the eyes on some characters especially look REALLY scary ![]() But on the other hand I'm sure its like you say, a lot of reply value for my £20. Its nice to know that this one has private actions though, I always adored those. |
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| Violentassault | Jun 17 2010, 09:53 PM Post #3 |
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ETHEREAL BLAAAAST!
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You must buy it, pikked mine up for a tenna at a CEX store ![]() brilliant, thebattles are a bit chaotic at times, private actions... there are alot of em, especcially with myuria and edge ![]() Story wise its quite good. I enjoyed playing it through till the end (3 discs to install on my hard drive) one of the best titles on the new gen consoles atm if you want my opinion. Word of advice, dont waste time with faize. you lose him!! unless its your second time round. Its a must have, personally I would rate it at 9/10
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| Gumdrop | Jun 17 2010, 10:02 PM Post #4 |
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Cute Snugglepuffs
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Hehe, another English person? Oh, good. The more the merrier with PA I say! I'll be buying the PS3 copy to a void the disc swapping and dubbing, heh. I think for the PS3 game you can also give it the original menus? Yeah I'm so fussy that, that's important to me xD So you get to keep him second playthrough? Nice that you get extras second time around, defiantly makes me want to buy it more. Nice tip, cheers ![]() |
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| Violentassault | Jun 17 2010, 10:15 PM Post #5 |
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ETHEREAL BLAAAAST!
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Yeah, you can choose to keep faize, but not effect the story. instead, you lose arumat... So I decided against that. All in all, worth every penny. you wont be trading it in any time soon ahaa. And yeah, British for the win (Y)
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| Gumdrop | Jun 17 2010, 10:37 PM Post #6 |
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Cute Snugglepuffs
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Right. Decided to stop thinking and just go for it. I was happy to see it dropped a quid in price, but then I looked down and noticed something weird ![]() Spoiler: click to toggle
Edited by Gumdrop, Jun 17 2010, 10:37 PM.
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| Violentassault | Jun 17 2010, 10:43 PM Post #7 |
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ETHEREAL BLAAAAST!
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OOOO? go into a shop and buuy it, dont be lazy ![]() agghhh not game though! I hate game so much they ruin my life constantly,I got Id'd for resident evil 5... Im 21 FFS lmao. |
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| Gumdrop | Jun 17 2010, 10:51 PM Post #8 |
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Cute Snugglepuffs
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I'd be surprised if I saw it in a shop at this point ![]() Grr..just thought to look on Gamestation and they have it for a quid cheaper still ![]() Funny thing is though they did the same thing for the X-Box version. Game are the devil's child, but I think so becuase their customer service is terrible and slow rather than for getting ID'd
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| Violentassault | Jun 17 2010, 11:02 PM Post #9 |
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ETHEREAL BLAAAAST!
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Hahaha, the game where im from is staffed with really fat nerd dudes. and I swear they look related ahaa, They ID'd my mate for a 15 :S and ever since that... I hate them, not to mention they charge waaay too much XD. CeX all the way
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| Gumdrop | Jun 17 2010, 11:15 PM Post #10 |
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Cute Snugglepuffs
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![]() We tend to get very normal looking people in our Game stores, maybe that's why I never get asked for ID at Game even though I look like a kid. Seriously? Their almost always the cheapest up here :s I'd not even heard of CeX. Seems Gamestation had SO4 for a whole penny cheaper ![]() Friggen play.com are still trying to sell it for £30..usually their cheap but not day it seems. Edited by Gumdrop, Jun 17 2010, 11:17 PM.
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| Violentassault | Jun 17 2010, 11:21 PM Post #11 |
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ETHEREAL BLAAAAST!
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Ohhh, you muust be a northerner ![]() Cex or webuy.com, I think they started as a trade in online store but they opened up right next door to gamestation here and undercut allthe prices. when tekken 5 came out at 39.99 in gamestation CeX sold it for 33.99. gamestation got all the customers stolen off them. I had a copy of SO4 but my brother sold it :S So i picked up another one for 10quid like I said lol. |
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| Gumdrop | Jun 17 2010, 11:31 PM Post #12 |
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Cute Snugglepuffs
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Yeah, but I don't have the horrible accent so don't worry ![]() Hah, good on them. Gee..nice brother you got there :s That's a damn good price for it. I wish the PS3 version was as cheap, still it's pretty cheap anyways, heh. And I do think the extra money is worth it, I just read the international version gets more characters on top of the other appealing differences <3 |
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| Violentassault | Jun 17 2010, 11:39 PM Post #13 |
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ETHEREAL BLAAAAST!
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bahh, problem being. I am an Xbox man :S Bt The other SO titles... have all been on sony consoles. apart from first depature cause I have that on a SNES emulator. agghh, northerners >.> We are totally spamming up this topic O.o Edited by Violentassault, Jun 17 2010, 11:41 PM.
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| Gumdrop | Jun 17 2010, 11:45 PM Post #14 |
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Cute Snugglepuffs
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Gah, you gotta see past that and try star ocean 2 and 3! I think SO: the second story is one of the top games in creation. And just think of all the nice extras in SO: Last Hope's case. I hate northerners too.. ![]() the accents are horrible.. the people are usually charvs.. Their idea of a good time up here is getting smashed.. Ugh. Nah, it has actually been SO4 related for the most part, I made sure to keep mentioning it even when on about prices so I didn't feel like a dirty spammer
Edited by Gumdrop, Jun 17 2010, 11:46 PM.
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| Violentassault | Jun 17 2010, 11:51 PM Post #15 |
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ETHEREAL BLAAAAST!
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Thats just chavs in general dont worry, I get called an "Emo" constantly. which is complete crap. Im nearly on the final floor of the wandering dungeon atm. but lent my copy to my best mate as he jst got an Xbox... and stopped using his failstation 3 ![]() I do envy the ps3 for taking SO4 and making it better :S bastards... |
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| Fayt | Jun 18 2010, 02:05 PM Post #16 |
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Easy wins have never been my style
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That is so cheap, can't complain with that. Funny though how when the price of the new product goes down the second hand one doesn't, and turns out more expensive. Certainly not the first time I've seen that. I hope you like it, I have a feeling your one that will not like the voice acting, but I guess that can't be helped. I'd be surprised if you didn't enjoy the battle system though, I loved it! |
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| Gumdrop | Jun 18 2010, 06:40 PM Post #17 |
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Cute Snugglepuffs
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Aye I guess it would be like £2 if they sold it cheaper than the new game, he he. That would almost have made a second hand game tempting.Heh, thank you I went for the PS3 copy and I think the Japanese voice acting is pretty standard on it so should be safe. I liked the other SO battle systems so I should like this one.Its almost a shame though oddly. I kind associate SO with bad voice acting, I actually loved the SO2 dub becuase it made me laugh, but the clips of the SO4 dub that I heard was just painful :/ Edit: WHOA! I ordered it yesterday afternoon and it just came through the post this morning :S So shopping at Gamestation more often! Shame I can't play it much cuz my brothers coming over, but still well chuffed about that. I'm impressed by the manual. That might sound strange but I swear people are getting super lazy with manuals over here, but this ones a good size, I flicked through it and it was only in one language too ![]() I don't like it when they look bit but really its just several languages. Edited by Gumdrop, Jun 18 2010, 06:54 PM.
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| Violentassault | Jun 18 2010, 07:35 PM Post #18 |
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ETHEREAL BLAAAAST!
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WTF, speed ordering O.o It looks like the world wants yo to play SO4. I likd the voice acting,inSO3 they had anoying pauses every sentence ![]() But, If ya need any help. I shall be happy to oblige
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| Gumdrop | Jun 18 2010, 07:40 PM Post #19 |
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Cute Snugglepuffs
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Yeah, I'm super impressed. I selected the free/slow postage too ![]() Ha ha, it does look that way! Thank you for your offer.
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| Violentassault | Jun 18 2010, 07:42 PM Post #20 |
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ETHEREAL BLAAAAST!
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Mustve been based nearby O.o Whenever Ive ordered something. it takes a millenia ![]() Have you started playing yet? |
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| Gumdrop | Jun 19 2010, 06:31 PM Post #21 |
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Cute Snugglepuffs
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Yeah, there's one about an hour away. I actually applied for a manager job there but I don't think I was in time xD Yes, I've played an hour ![]() Thoughts; Love the music as always. The graphics seem a bit odd to me but they're good. Why did people complain so much about this into? It seems like a good length to me! If they wanted an action game why did they buy an RPG. And who cares about the length if its written well enough to keep us reading. Leave us alone, We've done nothing immature, yet! You on the other hand.. We already hate Welch. ![]() Your hair is so nice. <3 We already hate this nasty big fat guy (but obviously you are meant to) Ooh..this world is pretty! I feel at peace here. Combat is interesting, still Star Ocean-esk but a step up and fun. I hope we meet some more likeable characters soon. At least my guy seems like a decent sort of chap. Shiny green stuff! Gathering skills? Okay by me. I like you, shiny anime pictures. OH MY GOD! That Platinum Trophy will be a long time in the making me thinks ![]() Wasn't the list different on the site? Oh well. |
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| Violentassault | Jun 20 2010, 05:17 AM Post #22 |
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ETHEREAL BLAAAAST!
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hahaha, that was... interesting ![]() So far so good yet? Ive moved onto playing Fallout again :S. Who's hair? edge? and shiny green stuff....? wtf
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| Gumdrop | Jun 20 2010, 05:29 AM Post #23 |
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Cute Snugglepuffs
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Yeah I'm liking this game ![]() I'm finding it much harder than the other SO games but still good. No, Reimi's hair..its soooo beautiful *drools* Yeah, the harvesting stuff. Some more thoughts since you said they were interesting; oh! A cave back here. Hmm..short cave is short. Rainbow crab!! Ouch..rainbow crap hit me when I was behind him.. Pff..sure. I bet there were other options than murder. Who the heck are you? You look like a man but sound like a boy. Oh, so you're the one I need to reject. Gotcha! Your ship sucks, kid. Wow..this guy seems like he could be cool I can't wait to recruit him! |
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| Violentassault | Jun 20 2010, 09:31 AM Post #24 |
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ETHEREAL BLAAAAST!
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the seeming to be cool... thats deffo arumat? AAHHH. he makes me feel gay :O It is tre'brilliant. more people need toplay SO so they can get the money to make more... >> on A side note. Ima open a diff thread, we have officially spammed trhis one and its full of spoilers O.oGimme a bit
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| Gumdrop | Jun 20 2010, 09:37 AM Post #25 |
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Cute Snugglepuffs
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Yeah, arumat. Can't wait to get him
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they ruin my life constantly,I got Id'd for resident evil 5... Im 21 FFS lmao.


12:26 AM Jul 12