I seem to be in an rpg fix as of late. But while I sink in countless hours into games that I will never finish I want to talk about leveling or level grinding for this blog. Rpg's usually follow the staple of the highest level being 99. This is usually the case in games like Final Fantasy or Dragon Quest. It's the golden number. The one you hope to achieve. Often though you will get games that buck that trend.
If we go by a few examples, even in regards to loose definitions of rpg's Pokemon allows you to grind your way to level 100. This is a small difference so it's not a truly drastic significance, but it's enough of a change that I have to list it. But Pokemon isn't just one game that strays from the beaten path.
Take for instance Tales of Graces F...a game that allows you to level well up to 200. That is astounding to me. I mean I think that is a little overkill to be honest...and who has that sort of time on their hands? I mean yes I know that people have done it. I've watched playthroughs where I have seen the gentlemen battle...if you aren't at level 200 for it you're screwed.
Even Mario hasn't followed the staple level system. If you look at Super Mario RPG/ Paper Mario the max level you can reach is an astonishing 30. Yeah, you'd be suprised at just how leveling is taken. Because there are games where you get say 5000 experience and gain a level....Mario just made that two zeroes shorter whittling down to 50 for a level gain. So it's a very unique and different take.
Or let's say you buy a game like Disgaea or Phantom Brave. These games allow you to power level obscenely high. How high might you ask? Why over 9000!!!! But to allow for such a mechanic to be put in place to achieve a 999 level or even level 9999....is astounding. I have seen strategies and walkthroughs when this has happened. I for one have a hard time achieving such a gargantuan feat myself. How someone can sink well over thousands of hours to dedicate themselves in such a way....I give kudos and props to.
Now I like to think I'm a pretty good gamer. I try to do as many sidequests as possible, try to unlock everything that I can, beat extra challenging post game/new game + dungeons, but I cannot for the life of me even attempt to do a level 999 or even a level 99 run these days. I'm just happy beating the main game now. There was a time when I did thos things long ago, but now not so much. But perhaps you have your own accomplishments. Has any of my fellow pixlbit readers achieved that 100% perfectionist feat? Comments are always greatly appreciated!
The only time I ever hit 99 with everybody was in Final Fantasy 6. I was obsessed with that game and wanted to do everything possible. I ain't got time for that sort of thing anymore. I'll grind if I need to, or am having fun with the battle system, but that's about it.
Yeah I think I did the same with Final Fantasy VII and IX. I played them up to 100% completion doing everything I could. Now it's like I have no time for this! *skips cutscene*
I hit level 9999 in Disgaea D2 with 6 different characters.
It wasn't that bad whenever I added XP boosters to my equipment. The worst part though in their leveling system is the fact that 9999 isn't the max level really, it's 9999 x 255 since you have to factor in reincarnating a character to reach max capacity for stats.
Yeah, I'm not that hardcore.
You are hardcore enough to get 6 character to level 9999. I don't even know if I could do one character lol. So kudos to you. You are better than I am lol.
I haven't hit level 99 in many games.
One that stick in my head is Star Ocean: Second Story and that is because I couldn't beat the final 7 bosses even at that level. Mainly because I suck at action RPGs and my healer couldn't heal my party fast enough before she got killed.
Yeah I think there was once where I had maxed out and couldn't beat the final boss. I was like why!? I then gave up and have been meaning to go back to it.
I usually just try to level up normaly (maybe without going too overpowered) and simply enjoy the other things in the game when it comes to RPGs.
Yeah it really depends. I enjoy things like extra dungeons or side bosses. There is always something to explore around for.
Yeah I found the level cap in Disgaea especially intimidating. One of the reasons I gave up after a while. I just didn't get it I guess
Yeah I mean it's just so out there. I mean I just don't have that kind of patience ya know?
I honestly think the only time where I'd sink time into getting above 9000 would be if you could attain power levels by exercising like in Dragonball Z in real life.
If only in real life. Rpg's have so many things I could use like black magic, phoenix downs, etc. I would love to be a Dragonball super saiyan
I wish there were dollar bills in forested areas like in Zelda with the rupees ...
Even when I played Persona 3 and Persona 4 my characters were at around level 60 when I beat both games. Keep in mind I "loved" those games too! I think with Persona 3 Fes I actually did start a +game" but I cannot remember clearly.
Yeah Persona can be just as brutal if you're going for that 100%. I loved them too, just not that much lol.
It just depends on how much I enjoy the rpg. If I fall in love with the game, then I will do all I can in it. If its bland, I'll beat and then move on. Sometimes I want to get everything possible then other times I don't. My gaming is very rooted in how I feel so I guess if I need a overly sense of accomplishment then that's when I'll go competitionist.
Yeah I think the reasons I stuck around and completed everything I could in a game like Final Fantasy was that satisfaction of getting everything and exploring everything lol. But I admit like you there are games I'm just like "End already!"