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I was sent an early translation patch to review it for Retro Gamer, and though not too far into it, I have to say it is quite possibly both the best, and most difficult indie homebrew game I've ever played.

Not difficult in terms of a tough enemy, or crappy controls, just tough in that there's so much to do, with no real clues, and only riddles; even though I've been using a mapped guide, the sheer size and complexity is quite daunting.

Actually, I lie. It might not be the best, that title still belongs to Cave Story, but it's a close second.

Truth be told, I think it's a lot like Symphony of the Night, except more complicated, and with greater depth. It's very much an Insert Credit game. Or Select Button game, even...

There's a much greater complexity, since you need to collect and combine MSX cartridges, and also solve really wierd riddles and puzzles, involving invisible floors, walls, secrets passages, switches, and other insane puzzles which even involve having to pause the game at certain areas and waiting for the character to fall asleep, while holding a certain item(!).

It's like proper old fashioned gaming where the solution is something convoluted and seeped in archaic game logic. Reminds me of Tower of Druaga a bit, in that sense. But much better.


So yeah, grab it when the patch is out.


EDIT:
It is so TOTALLY an Icebergvania game. I doubt most people will ever see half of what it offers.

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You realise, there are decent maps online?

Those are what I've been using, and they don't make the game any easier. If anything, they make it more difficult, since I keep trying to reach places I shouldn't, and the game is stupidly massive. It might even be bigger than Super Metroid. It mean, it's HUGE.

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I don't feel like reading this entire thread (and I'm about to go cook), but has anyone else posted the trick to get 30 coins very easily, in about 2 minutes, and then repeat the process?

And has anyone posted a detailed explanation on cracking the sun, moon, star puzzle in the lower reaches of the second big dungeon? I haven't worked it out yet, but I've got a big page of interesting notes.

If no one has posted these things, I shall do so on my return later tonight.

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I was just assuming someone might have posted, like, a mathematical code to guaranteeing a certain trio coming up. I still haven't managed to get three suns. I also don't notice any changes with three moons and three stars. Do I need to set it to three and then leave the room and search, or once it's been set to three, will it stay like that forever and I can search at leisure?

Otherwise, EASY MONEY CHEAT:
[Once you've got the gail, reach the endless corridor and check the pedestal so you can warp back there.

The endless corridor can be found by going to the dungeon of giants, and heading downwards and to the left. It's fairly easy to reach. The endless corridor itself is also fairly easy to navigate.

There should be three pots with 10 coins in each, so a total of 30 coins. But only in the top row of rooms. Bust up each pot and collect all the coins.

Warp back to the village.

Save.

Reload the game using the CONTINUE option in the opions menu.

Warp back to the endless corridor.

Bust up the three pots, collect 30 gold.

Repeat.

I don't consider it cheating since the game expects you to think outside the box anyway, and it doesn't actually make the game any easier. Only less frustrating, which is a good thing.]