Does the game open up at some point?

[spaceweezle]

Is the game just a series of cramped linear locations? Does it ever open up to give you a more fulfilling and less on-rails sense of exploration?

I don't watch anime but I really dig the art style and visuals. The music is great and the combat feels pretty good. And what's not to like about a placid big-boobed simpleton who for some reason assigned you as her protectorate and herself as your hopelessly devoted soulmate and designated leg-pillow.

I'm superficial enough to get behind that. But then I can't see myself enjoying the game if the level and world design continues to suffocate me like it did in the starting area.

[Xengre]

It is ultimately linear the entire way.

You might be more interested in something like Ys Lacrimosa or Ys 9. They're both open world type designs with a somewhat similar aesthetic and action based gameplay.

You might also like Zone of the Enders 2nd Runner depending on your taste in the art style and the very good combat. Music is superb and story is great. Game is very short, mind you, but if its something you end up liking I'd easily say its one of those rare sheer quality over quantity type games.

[spaceweezle]

Originally posted by Xengre:

It is ultimately linear the entire way.

You might be more interested in something like Ys Lacrimosa or Ys 9. They're both open world type designs with a somewhat similar aesthetic and action based gameplay.

You might also like Zone of the Enders 2nd Runner depending on your taste in the art style and the very good combat. Music is superb and story is great. Game is very short, mind you, but if its something you end up liking I'd easily say its one of those rare sheer quality over quantity type games.

Aww! That's very sad to hear.

I guess there was bound to be some shortcomings given the apparent focus on character development and character driven lore and relationships. It's almost like a complete inverse of what they attributed in the Dark souls series.

I hope CV2 ends up being more open-world. Only just arrived at the homebase area in the demo. Was hoping for some more open-ended exploration/adventure.

Appreciate the heads-up and recommendations. :)

[Xengre]

Originally posted by spaceweezle:

Originally posted by Xengre:

It is ultimately linear the entire way.

You might be more interested in something like Ys Lacrimosa or Ys 9. They're both open world type designs with a somewhat similar aesthetic and action based gameplay.

You might also like Zone of the Enders 2nd Runner depending on your taste in the art style and the very good combat. Music is superb and story is great. Game is very short, mind you, but if its something you end up liking I'd easily say its one of those rare sheer quality over quantity type games.

Aww! That's very sad to hear.

I guess there was bound to be some shortcomings given the apparent focus on character development and character driven lore and relationships. It's almost like a complete inverse of what they attributed in the Dark souls series.

I hope CV2 ends up being more open-world. Only just arrived at the homebase area in the demo. Was hoping for some more open-ended exploration/adventure.

Appreciate the heads-up and recommendations. :)

No problem. There are some maps that are slightly open or have 1-2 paths, but yeah ultimately its very linear and definitely not like Dark Souls level design. In terms of openness the first few maps are basically the strongest and then it gets more linear from after the Cathedral map (there is a desert map that is more open late on but its the only one you might appreciate for this, if the maps various design elements don't tick you off like its very intentional gacha's, specific mini-boss + map sand mechanics, and the sand...).

[WhiteLezard]

To be fair Dark Souls and Elden Ring are the only Souls-likes that are non-lineal.

[Dis Lexic]

Honestly, I dont really see the issue with the levels being linier. Yes, its nice to have some exploration options, but not every game has to be like that. And the levels are still large and complicated enough to get lost in on occasion. DAMN YOU CATHEDRAL!

[Turtle / Eli]

Indeed, it may be linear, but doesn't mean you still can't have fun. Can get frustrating with exploration at times and finding the vestiges, especially when you reach the cathedral in which everything looks identical making which paths you walked confusing at times. More exploration options and enemy varieties would be great. One of the nice things about CV, forgive me for going off a little, is being able to experiment with builds. A CV2 would be nice, but I doubt it'll happen even though one of the people involved in developing CV said that he wants to make a sequel. Heck, one of the monsters from the God Eater games makes a cameo in CV, would be nice to see Bandai connecting the games together.

[Sabaithal]

Be careful what you wish for. Its the Cathedral of Blood you are asking for and that place is hell...

[Xengre]

Originally posted by Sabaithal:

Be careful what you wish for. Its the Cathedral of Blood you are asking for and that place is hell...

If you are Zoro at least, jk. Yeah, some people hate Cathedral while some of us don't mind it. Probably will depend on how good you are with spatial awareness and avoid getting lost/confused. It is definitely one of the locations that many dread due to its maze-like samey routes and intentional aesthetic.

[Sabaithal]

Originally posted by Xengre:

If you are Zoro at least, jk. Yeah, some people hate Cathedral while some of us don't mind it. Probably will depend on how good you are with spatial awareness and avoid getting lost/confused. It is definitely one of the locations that many dread due to its maze-like samey routes and intentional aesthetic.

Its the damn color honestly. Too bloody bright. It hurts my eyes after a while...

[Xengre]

Originally posted by Sabaithal:

Originally posted by Xengre:

If you are Zoro at least, jk. Yeah, some people hate Cathedral while some of us don't mind it. Probably will depend on how good you are with spatial awareness and avoid getting lost/confused. It is definitely one of the locations that many dread due to its maze-like samey routes and intentional aesthetic.

Its the damn color honestly. Too bloody bright. It hurts my eyes after a while...

Fair enough lol