CRPG Question of the Day: How do you feel about... - Brooks Bishop

FriendFeed is the easiest way to share online. Learn more »

CRPG Question of the Day: How do you feel about losing a character permanently? Shadow of FF6 could be left behind if you didn't wait for him, Luna of Lunar ended up the villain, and who can forget Aeris'. Should that never happen, or is it ok as long as the plot requires it?

August 14, 2008 - Comment - Like - Share

Steve Butowick and Geoff Schultz liked this

For more on my CRPG QotD, see my blog http://www.wastedbrilliance.com/2008... - Brooks Bishop

Oh man I never finished Lunar you bastard. It is a powerful plot device, use it but don't abuse it. Also, don't be all Dr. Who or Star Trek about it. You know exactly who is going to get frelled within the first 5min of the away mission. - Geoff Schultz

Personally, I don't have so much of a problem with losing a character as *when* you lose them. Aeris gets it before a lot of the remainder of the game, whereas Tellah (of FF4) and Luna don't leave until nearer the end. FF4 seems the worst offender, as you lose Yang, Palom and Porom relatively quickly, although it's not all bad since they come back for the finale. - Brooks Bishop

I hated losing Aeris. She was my defacto healer. But it made the final battle all the more meaningful (save the world? Bah! Avenge healer girlfriend? Darn right! >_>). Maybe consider using mechanics similar to games like Baldur's Gate? You got Minsc but could lose him if you didn't do his quest in time. Or you could acquire another character only if you tried something different (that petrified character in the 1st and the birdie girl in BG2 for example). - Arlan Koizumi

I think Aeris was lost too soon, but generally it's okay to lose a character. Case by case basis though really. - Steve Butowick