Something in mind

[冬狐ニャ]

After playing this game for 20+ hours I bought Treasure Hunter Claire as well because of the funny "adverstisement" in BAC. Both games sharing a fascinating HJRPG experience with really strong points. But, both games sharing weak spots as well.

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TL;DR
more classic JRPG + H-Game = maybe better

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!Wall of text inc:
(I'm a bit paranoid when it comes to censoring, that means that some few spelling errors are intentional - if you find some other errors, I apologize in advance)


Imho the greatest weakness is the lack of "real" (J)RPG content, and with it the balancing. The numerous side quests are great, especially the ones with some "extras" (and I really love the unique quest instructions), but none with some challenge, with only one exception: (Personally I hate picture puzzles, so I won't count them in :p) The extra stage/map in BAC was really nice at the beginning, the mobs far stronger than the previous ones without being unfair. But after obtaining the new weapons it was more a hack'n'slay than a JRPG. And this experience is the reason btw to write all this here.

(I'm fully aware this is a HJRPG and that the focus is somewhere else, and this is good at it's own, so please don't get me wong, I'll not criticize any of the H-content because I really like the Art, the amount and the presentation (and this from someone who don't like rap(e) content in general, but both games having a very special style with this topic))

How to fix this?

• More Maps
  I really like the current world map style, if it's not possible to add more maps to the world map just work with sub maps. That means that the "main map" has to be far larger with several entries to the sub (or sub-sub) maps/dungeons that can be later accessed throught the world map directly. With more maps the monsters can be more different, and the difficulty is more gradually. You can even work with special sub maps for mid-/endgame content. Difficulty jumps like in BAC with the insect cave are really annoying (but it was the only one tbf).
  Another advantage of this method is that you can be more variant then it comes to side quests. Instead of running x times to the same location you can create some small maps fitting to the quest like in Claire, but instead of shutting it down, it will be unlocked for further exploration.
  
  
• Damage, Exp, Level Balancing
  In BAC when you enter a new map the output/input damage is fine, sometimes the input is quite high, but no one-shot experience. The problem is that the player is to strong in a to short amount of time. To flaten these spikes more weapons are needed (one other reason for more maps) and level ups should only increase HP/MP with a good amount. Pdmg, Mdmg and Agi based on the character with a far fewer value. If you want to one-shot the monsters: grind.
  For example (BAC): Aisha - +2 Agi, +1 Pdmg, +1 Mdmg per lvl | Rebecca +3 Pdmg, +1 Agi per lvl, +1 Mdmg per 2 lvl. Keeping the values low helps a lot with balancing, and it's (in my experience) easier to implement really strong, challenging and fair monsters (like boss and rare/quest monsters) that need more tactics than gear. But tbf: The difference between Claire and BAC is quite nice, BAC is a really good improvement to Claire in this case as long as you dont use "easy mode" (see below).
  Stats should be also just a base to work with, it's more interesting to really use and need skills like sleep, silence, buffs and debuffs. In the current state of BAC these skills are just some text to click through to select the dmg-skills, and honestly, this hurts a lot.
  
  The exp gain and exp needed for a lvl up is ok as it is. The system with manual up leveling is a good idea and a fine compromise if some one won't use specific party members to let them gain exp just because you need this unwanted member for a quest. [Personaly, in BAC I like all characters, yes, even Lyle, Goro and Chris - but my favs are Colette, Emelly and Aisha <3]
  But it's a bit sad that with hitting lvl30 that it's almost over. There is no need to go higher than that. I would implement lvl40-45 as "highest needed" lvl for endgame, so that the monsters in this section are relativly tough but doable without real stress as long as you don't sleep or doing a brainless "1-Hand session". Also, this level marks a "softcap"; going any further result in a massive exp need, but with a reward if you do so. This can be the unlocking of really special, maybe just some fun skills (xSkills/normal) or unique Quests and/or events. All optional.
  
  
• Sex Skill Balancing
  First of: I love this system and the skills, but it needs an overhaul. Let MP be MP and decouple the xSkills from this ressource. The whole idea with MP (and the resulting defeat if it drops 0) is charming, but an obstacle for real tactical uses. Atm: Use Spring Breeze/Mating Season (or another AoE xSkill) -> kill mobs within 3(4) turns without resistance. This is fine for a HGame, but only for a few times; in a really short amount of time it gets boring. Additionaly it comes with the problem that mages are in a disadvantage because they really need the MP to do dmg. I understand the intention behind this: The decision between "should I do damage, or using a xSkill for collecting/stunning?" seems like a tactical decision, but in my eyes a pseudo/cheap one, sry. Just because you can simply use a potion afterwards or infight if needed, and in mid-game you get plenty of them.
  
  A new ressource should come in place: Stamina. All skills (not only xSkills) need stamina, physical more than magical (pSkills are cheaper in MP); but all combat skills are cheap in Stamina in general. The xSkills are far more expensive. To make it special it's not ordinary like HP/MP, it's a fixed stat to represent a characters physical fitness and can only be raised by doing "special training" (quests/events; no grind or items). Stamina is regenerating automaticly after every fight, and a small amount infight every turn, and if you choose "defend" a bit more. If this stat drops 0 the same effect like now with MP will come in effect and making the Character wide open for rap attacks (like an invitation). Additionaly Lust is needed to do some of the skills, not as ressource rather to temporaly unlock xSkills. More effective skills need more Lust, and some (like seduce) are only avaible in perv-mode. Getting Lust infight leaves the same, with one exeption: "Infight-orga$m" should reduce it by the same amount as with the use of proposal :p
  
  For the skills itself: Arousing skills should only be arousing (by adding points to a base stat (see below), almost no stamina dmg or collecting "white stuff"), but can come with a debuff at stamina regeneration. Aroused Monsters are still active, but with focus on groping/rap attacks (on the character who used the skill, others can still be victim, but with less chance). Stamina reducing xSkills (Hand/as$ Job, etc.) dropping enemy stamina on a smaller scale, but more effective skills may "one shot" as before. But not for 3-4 turns, 1-2 should be enough, but this "KO" can be depending on the skill (and the type-level) as well*. Extreme effective xSkills like "Mating Season" may even knockout the user (max stamina cost) and giving her an fine pleasure...
  *to make it more complex it can even depend on the monster itself. A KO-Regeneration is done when stamina is reaching 50+ again, Goblins may regenerate 10-15/turn, Ogres 20-25/turn and magical beasts are fit again after only 1 turn...
  
  Another thing is that - in my point of view - the xSkills are far to effective for collecting "manly love juice". Gameplay wise letting a rap attack going through makes no sense, it's a waste of time. Suggestion: The stamina draining xSkills still are a viable option for collecting, but with a far much less amount. You can explain it with "something got lost in the heat of the battle". On the other hand, letting a rap attack go through till the end will result in a plenty amount of white stuff. To take it to the peak, there may be an option that in perv-mode the sex will not end after the first shot. It goes on and on, but with much less stuff after every shot to not abuse this for collecting. It's more an idea to force a player to free the victim (or should I say "victim" :p).
  
  
• Costume Balancing
  I know why the "birthday suit" is the strongest, and why more skimpy is more effective. And basicly I don't have a problem with it, on the contrary: I enjoy it to play with a naked Aisha or Melly :p But we all know: It makes no sense. To bring a bit more balancing I would suggest a hidden stat that determinate a "base arousement" for monsters. More skimpy means this base stat is higher, making the chance higher to get attacked with groping instead of real damage. Miniskirt and no panties (<3 Claire undergarment system) may result in a very high chance for getting a direct rap attack or landing a critical xSkill for example. But this comes with a disadvantage in armor, that means that a real attack will hurt more. By wearing real armor you increase your PDef (and/or MDef) but decreasing Agi. More Skimpy = more agi :3 Real armor may even result in not be able to use certain xSkills... - but on the other hand, you are a tank :p
  This allows some interesting setups, for example: Main Char (normal clothes) for dmg + tanky cleric as a backup + a skimpy girl for xSkills :3
  (And yes, this requires a few more costumes for companions, a lot more work for the artist(s). But I think its worth it. And not every char needs all variants of armor.)
  
  P/Mdmg should only be affected through accessory and weapons, not with armor unless it's a special rare/magic one. High damage early on will result in off-balance and boring fights.
  
  The point is: I really want to play Colette, Emillia, Aisha or others in their "Eva-Style-Costume", especially if one of them is in perv mode, for me it's some sort of comedy. But if you do it you enable a free win / Easy mode; and that's a thing I won't play with. A dillemma. This easy mode switch just should be optional, I want to enjoy a funny perv mode, but not by ruining the whole game with it. Think about games like Breath of Fire II (imo one of the best JRPG's ever made), it is sometimes very hard, you need to grind early on - a bit annoying yes, but it stops for a longer time after gaining Rinpu (Katt) for your Party. And imagine this game had such an easy mode switch; I bet that BoF II wouldn't be so good remembered as it is.
  To really earn something feels so much better. But not with stupid endless grind rather with overcoming challenges. In a HJRPG like Claire or Colette a reward for such a thing may be an unique event, a fun skill or some customisation options (skin/hair color, loli-mode, etc) that aren't avaible for the normal player. If he/she wants it, the player must choose the hard route.

The last thing has nothing to do with balancing, and think of it as a simple comment, because I guess the reason is caused by cultural differences.

Karma System
Call me dumb but I don't get it. For me, Karma is something that can be good or bad. For this reason I was collecting Karma like crazy in my first few hours of gameplay until someone said me that this is a bad thing to do. Yeah, I was a little bit shocked.
Second thing I dont get: Imo good Karma should be depend on the good deeds in mind and vice versa. But why is Karma in this game, with this very special world in it, sometimes, in H-Stuff cases related to Real Life society morals? I mean, in this world it's not a scandal to have sex in the open, in bright daylight. It's the contrary: Doing so is an invitation for others - regardless of gender - to play along. Some horny girls going into the woods for a good fk with monsters, and the only thing others care about is "don't get hurt/lost". Or in short: This world is extremly liberal when it comes to "reproducing activities". A very nice thing I would say, but why do you get a penalty ((bad) karma) if you help someone with a delicate wish? In this world you should get good Karma for helping, nothing if you don't want. And bad Karma for hitting/badmouthing this poor guy/girl (wishlist: some FxF action for the next game <3). And yes I know, high Karma is not a big deal if it doesn't get too high until you reach a certain point in the story. It's just a weird feeling.
But like I said, call me dumb for not getting it :p


- 終わり -


I know this is much, please keep in mind that these are only some personal opinions trying to help to make the upcoming games even better. Because imho if you can combine a real and solid (J)RPG with H-Content you can create something really special as "just another Erogame to grab some quick money" (and no, Claire and Colette aren't in this category, at least not for me). I'd be very happy if one of the devs read this and discuss at least one point in their team :3

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Edit: Decensoring