I have never in my life seen a JRPG so rich, so well designed, so challenging, and so full of differing tactics. Throw in multiple endings, Luck that, for once, is Exactly What It Says On The Tin (instead of a simple critical hit modifier), and a unique press turn system that rewards good play while penalizing noobism, and you have a masterpiece.
For starters, stats actually matter in this game. Sure, they matter in all JRP Gs, but are pretty much an afterthought at best. Not so here, your stats mean something and if you have, say, low agility, you WILL feel the effects of that. However, while maxing out your stats is certainly possible, don't expect to do so and then run over the game like it is nothing. Even with all stats at 40 (the max), and level 99, you'll need to devise some strategy to get past the bosses. Of course, having such thing does make it much easier, but it won't win the game by itself like it does in other JRP Gs.
For the curious:
Strength - More physical damage. Unlike the magic stat, this is all it effects, however it has a stronger effect on physical damage than the magic stat does on magic.
Vitality - Higher max hit points, 6 hit points per point of vitality.
Magic - 3 magic (er, soul) points per point of magic, plus some effect on magic damage. (about half that which strength does on physical damage)
Agility - Hit/Dodge rate. It is not known if it effects critical hits or not.
Luck - Subverts the game's Fake Difficulty. Also effects the Lucky Find skill, drops, and the quality of drops and what Lucky Find will uncover. It is believed Lucky Find activates more often with a high luck stat, but unconfirmed.
Beyond this are things like bosses that can not be beat with a straightforward strategy, random encounters that rival boss fights of other games, and a challenge which would make Kayin shake in his boots.
400 words is not enough, but alas I must stop. Nocturne is a game that must be played to be believed.
The Best JRPG on the Planet, bar none.
I have never in my life seen a JRPG so rich, so well designed, so challenging, and so full of differing tactics. Throw in multiple endings, Luck that, for once, is Exactly What It Says On The Tin (instead of a simple critical hit modifier), and a unique press turn system that rewards good play while penalizing noobism, and you have a masterpiece.
For starters, stats actually matter in this game. Sure, they matter in all JRP Gs, but are pretty much an afterthought at best. Not so here, your stats mean something and if you have, say, low agility, you WILL feel the effects of that. However, while maxing out your stats is certainly possible, don't expect to do so and then run over the game like it is nothing. Even with all stats at 40 (the max), and level 99, you'll need to devise some strategy to get past the bosses. Of course, having such thing does make it much easier, but it won't win the game by itself like it does in other JRP Gs.
For the curious:
Strength - More physical damage. Unlike the magic stat, this is all it effects, however it has a stronger effect on physical damage than the magic stat does on magic.
Vitality - Higher max hit points, 6 hit points per point of vitality.
Magic - 3 magic (er, soul) points per point of magic, plus some effect on magic damage. (about half that which strength does on physical damage)
Agility - Hit/Dodge rate. It is not known if it effects critical hits or not.
Luck - Subverts the game's Fake Difficulty. Also effects the Lucky Find skill, drops, and the quality of drops and what Lucky Find will uncover. It is believed Lucky Find activates more often with a high luck stat, but unconfirmed.
Beyond this are things like bosses that can not be beat with a straightforward strategy, random encounters that rival boss fights of other games, and a challenge which would make Kayin shake in his boots.
400 words is not enough, but alas I must stop. Nocturne is a game that must be played to be believed.