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Post by Anon Mous on Oct 15, 2019 21:56:39 GMT -5
I remember a time in which we would have very nerdy conversations with interesting and creative logic. We're still nerdy, but it seems like some of the creativity has, sad to say, dwindled a bit. I have recently been watching the Cracked After Dark videos that have got me back thinking about this kind of thing. So, here are the rules: Be respectful, but if you feel that something wouldn't be a good idea, let us know why. Here's the topic. As you are right now, what game universe would you like to live in, and then what two would you like to visit as a vacation, and why? No realistic sports games universes or normal earth style games, like WWII shooters, which are only different in the events of what happened in the game, but the rest of the world is exactly the same as Earth. For once I don't want to be the one to start things off, but I may be the first to dispute .
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Post by Roas on Oct 15, 2019 23:01:24 GMT -5
I'll think about this.
I'd like to add an additional rule for consideration I'd like to call the Low Hanging Fruit Rule: You can't choose Lunar. Just too easy considering our community background.
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Post by Anon Mous on Oct 15, 2019 23:35:02 GMT -5
I'll think about this. I'd like to add an additional rule for consideration I'd like to call the Low Hanging Fruit Rule: You can't choose Lunar. Just too easy considering our community background. See, I don't agree with that one. I love Lunar, and it's a beautiful world, and it would be one of my vacation pics, but living there? Would you really want to live in a place where after 1000 years there has been essentially no major technological improvement of nearly any note? We have new notable improvements in 100. This is a society that had both Myght and Taben, and a whole town of inventors. Yet in Lunar 2 the only technology better than the first is Lemina's robot. You could also argue the Destiny, but that is at least as much magic as it is technology. In some ways they even regressed. Then there is the whole Althena's cult that basically had a stranglehold over the whole world. I'm not fond of all of the religion craziness of our world, let alone having to deal with people who are, for the most part, actually right. And this was the predominant organized body. There is nothing beyond a governor anywhere in the world. You can go from town to town and find slightly different laws and based on how much of a dick the person in charge is, you may or may not find yourself breaking a law in one town that wasn't in another. There is no check to the power, meaning you may not be able to go back to a town for no other reason that the one in charge doesn't like you, and they are close enough to your level that interaction to get to that point is possible. Alex and Hiro just walked right in and immediately got to talk to the people in charge. Not to mention, depending on which version you subscribe to, simply setting foot outside for a bit (I know you like Sega CD better) may get you attacked simply for walking. Heaven forbid you have a sick friend in another town that you want to go see, and no money for a bodyguard. I can swing around a weapon or aim a bow, but faced against real enemy monsters, I doubt I have the stomach to kill and am likely not making it out alive or very well off. Low Hanging Fruit, I think not. This would be a choice when I wanted to unplug for a vacation. I think small doses works for Lunar, but it is not my obvious choice and I have around 15 copies of Lunar titles.
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Post by Roas on Oct 16, 2019 1:30:40 GMT -5
Low Hanging Fruit, I think not. This would be a choice when I wanted to unplug for a vacation. I think small doses works for Lunar, but it is not my obvious choice and I have around 15 copies of Lunar titles. That's why I prefaced it as "for consideration." You've made your point as to why it's valid. After some consideration in these late hours before I go to bed, here is what I've come up with. Mind you, my choices are based off of one major criteria: avenues for adventure and life in a wide world. If I'm going to spend time in any of these worlds, I'm in them for what they thrive on. A place to live: I choose the world of Suikoden. First off, it's a vast world with rich lore and history. Five major titles grew and expanded that world, and at what has clearly been the conclusion with V, there was still lots of world to explore yet, especially Harmonia. And while it's a world that sees wars, these wars seemingly taking place over a collected period of years, starting in V, to I then II, and culminating with the events of III (I ignore IV because it was a prequal and it was terrible and has no bearing on the state with which we last left this world in III). At the end of III Harmonia is still a threat, but there was no open threat of true war on the horizon. In fact, if anything, there was probably going to be a civil war in Harmonia, leaving the other kingdoms, republic of Toran, and the city states in peace. To be able to live, travel, and have simple adventures in those realms would be fascinating. This is a world, and this is a common theme in my choices, where hard work and training can grant you strength. Yes, getting your hands on a powerful rune, or even a True Rune, can give you great power, but there are plenty of instances in this world where skill overcomes a great deal. And even then, it's not always the sword that wins in this world, but the mind. The world of Suikoden reminds us that the mind is as much a powerful weapon as the blade or magic. All the great leaders had brilliant tacticians and advisors behind them. That means this is also a world where knowledge is power and where knowledge is respected. It must also be noted as a world that respects craftsmen, engineers, and the like. This means to me, that if you choose to live in this world, you can have a fulfilling life no matter what path you choose. It's also a world where people gather together to make life better. One of the overriding themes of this series is how people come together to be stronger and create great things. You don't have to be a loner in this world. There are cities, communities, armies, and such things there for you to be a part of. I would choose this world because of its limitless opportunities for both life and adventure. Vacation 1: For my first vacation spot, I choose the universe of Mass Effect. The galaxy is filled with plenty to do. In the post ME3 Milky Way, there may be peace, but it's a time of rebuilding and unknowns with the threat of the Reapers gone once and for all. That means there are opportunities to see incredible sites and take part in incredible things. There are no major wars about to happen, which means the galaxy is wide open for fresh adventure, especially with Relays not around anymore. It really is an adventure to go out into space and find something. All you need is a good crew, good gear, and some luck. Yeah, it's still a dangerous galaxy out there with merc armies, gangsters, and probably a few surly Krogan warlords who still want to fight, but that's part of the charm. And who knows, maybe, just maybe, Shepard may just rise from the ashes one more time and have room for you as a crew member. Then you are guaranteed a good time. Vacation 2: I was going to choose Thedas (aka Dragon Age), because of how much time I've spent there as a player and loved it....but let's be honest. That world is a shit hole and only getting worse. I need more time, and sleep, to think of a better choice that isn't easy pickings.
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Post by Rune Lai on Oct 16, 2019 12:35:24 GMT -5
This is tough. Most places I wouldn't want to live because there are severe problems, which is why we have heroes in these game universes. I mean, I love reading about the world of Thedas in the Dragon Age series and it's fun playing in, but living there? No thanks. After some consideration though, I did come up with something. LivingI realized I would probably be happy living in Steel London from Code:Realize. It's a steam-powered alternate universe version of our London, and though it has problems like most game worlds, life doesn't seem to be incredibly dangerous for ordinary people. Moreover, the setting isn't on a routine cycle of almost ending every few hundred years due to prophecies, demons, wars, etc. Technology is constantly advancing and generally considered a positive that improves the quality of life for everyone, not just the elite. Most people are ultimately nice to each other (even the local mafia is really just running an underground herbal farm) and alchemy is real, which is cool. VacationProbably Motavia pre-collapse Phantasy Star II. It's a beautiful futuristic utopia where everyone's needs are provided for. Of course it's actually a dystopia run by Mother Brain, which plans on leading the world to destruction, but until that point? Life's pretty good. Pretty landscaping. A massive lake. Happy citizens. I'm sure it's a nice place to relax.
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Post by Solana on Oct 16, 2019 15:48:23 GMT -5
Ooh, my turn! Living: Atlantis, Ecco the Dolphin Surprise, surprise. It's surrounded by natural beauty (even working on the stitched screenshot didn't make me sick of it) and they had a library so important that a good chunk of it survived the Fall. They were in tune with dolphins and nature enough to leave behind message glyphs that a dolphin could understand. Their technology was advanced enough to have a time machine. I enjoy reading about Atlantis theories, and many of them claim that they were advanced healers. It would be nice to get rid of my illnesses. I also would love to live by the ocean, as living in the Midwest doesn't make visiting it easy. Vacation 1 Luxendarc from the 'Bravely' series. It would be amazing to study in Al-Khampis, visit the hot springs of Yunohana, check out Florem and its Temple of Water, and marvel at Anchiem. If Atlantis couldn't cure me, maybe the White Magic Cables in Eternia could do the job. It would also be cool to be able to visit its moon. Oh, and have Edea as a travel buddy to introduce me to treats. Vacation 2 Suiko. Suikoden V is one of my favorite games of all time. To check out Crystal Valley's libraries, take a river cruise of Falena on Raftfleet, visit the baths and get to know the mermaids in the Island Nations, and go riding in the Grasslands would be pretty cool. Maybe take some classes in Greenhill, too. I also brought this question up to my fellow nerds at work. The Pokémon homeworld was by far the fan favorite for living, (or Stardew Valley) with visiting in Kingdom Hearts.
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Post by Ambrienne on Oct 16, 2019 17:15:36 GMT -5
I know my own creativity has suffered due to life being... difficult to say the least. That's why I stopped doing the pun war stuff, because it's hard to keep it up on an ongoing basis. Anyway... on to the actual topic. To be honest, the whole 'as you are now' phrase makes it a bit challenging to make a good choice. I may have to explain my thought processes as I go on (both because there are so many reasons NOT to choose places and those reasons are, well, funny... mostly). Worlds NOT to choose: 1 bit/1beatHeart. Or, well, any other world made by Miwashiba really. His games are nice little stories (think twisted fairy tales for a few of them), but the problem with 1bitHeart is related to its bonus chapter/epilogue and the sequel. It is in those that you see what that world is really like and it's not a pretty sight. You really do not want to be in a world where someone has the ability to brainwash people with his voice, especially considering what the person in question does with it. I know; the two games are kind of riffing (simultaneously) Phoenix Wright, Persona (social link-wise), with a few elements of Meitantei Conan/Case Closed for good measure, but it's still not pleasant. Agarest - The whole series. Really, do I have to explain this one? Whether you're male or female, you still lose unless you're NOT chosen. Then, maybe you'll get to live out your natural life somewhere. Or maybe you vanish, too. Funny how that narrative works out. The Cook, Serve, Delicious world/series - I know, really, I DO know that the background stuff is kind of a post apocalyptic parody. I mean, several of the states have slipped underneath the ocean (I think Japan did, too; I don't remember), and the food history is not even close to real. It's a very amusing read and fun to play if you like typing as if you're a person possessed in order to get that coveted perfect day of cooking when your buzz goes so sky high that the toughest other restaurant challenge is a breeze by comparison. I'm under no illusions as to my own actual cooking ability (or lack thereof). I might like to take a mini vacation there to visit one of the restaurant setups I designed. I have a feeling that real life wise, customers would probably complain about the mismatch between the décor and the food, though. Cosmic Star Heroine - The world is messed up. Heavily so. Even after you defeat the Phantasy Star inspired type of evil with your gigantic Q-Tip (what do you mean that's NOT a Q-Tip? If it isn't, said makers of the product should sue) things are not magically made perfect. That's probably true for any type of world, but hey... Any truly hard-core Rogue-like: You lose, you die. What do you mean, 'that's just like real life'? Pshaw. The Danganronpa series: ...I'm trying to think of something funny to say about this, but... well... You guys might remember my rant over how much I hated what they did with the second game/the overall unlikeability of some of the characters. Even though I never played V3 (which should really be called L3 due to their sloppy attempt at using a roman numeral), what I heard about it makes me think the series got the ending it deserved. It doesn't matter whether the a certain character at the end was lying or not. Do you really want to be trapped in a Killing Game? The Disgaea series: Normal humans don't fare well in the Netherworlds. Just ask anybody from Adell's hometown. On the other hand, they do seem to be able to heal, well, pretty much everything... if say, you have enough money. And somebody that didn't die doesn't just run off with your money instead of reviving you. Do you think we could visit Celestia without getting into trouble? ...Probably not. Any Final Fantasy world (or even Chrono Trigger/Cross) - I wonder, has anyone ever thought about how much/many of these games seem fixated on aliens from another world wrecking things? It's almost like they're using the same plot over and... nah, too easy. ::coughs:: The Half Minute Hero worlds: Any of you guys good at sprinting? No? ...Then don't come here. Seriously. I'm pretty sure I'd never make it through even one round of the greedy Goddess' attentions. I'm starting to sound like Rincewind here. Run away. Run away. Invisible Inc. : A very nice tactical game with an appropriate, if stinky, ending. Nothing's quite as good a tourism killer as finding out you've been used all along and are now up the Ankh river without a boat let alone a paddle. The Phoenix Wright world: Really, do you want to live anywhere where the judges are so, er, dense that a client could still be found guilty even though you already proved there's no way said client could have done what they're being accused of simply because you haven't caught/exposed the real killer yet? ...Maybe I'd be safe in the audience at a trial, though. They've never pointed to anyone in the audience as a guilty party, have they? The StarCrawlers world: It reminds me a lot of the Firefly series... which is exactly why you wouldn't want to live there (I do recommend checking out the soundtrack, though). More accurately, it's because it seems like every single corporation is as corrupt as all get out/contributing to the overall problem that was the driving force of the plot. Yeah, I don't think I'd fare too well there even if I swiped a breathing mask from a Smuggler. Now that I've said all that, is there anything left? There must be. Oh, no. Don't tell me. I'm going to be stuck in Stardew Valley or one of the better Harvest Moon/Rune Factory games for the rest of my natural life. That's not TOO bad, I guess. Maybe. ::sighs:: How about as a world, I choose: The Quest for Glory series. Seriously, this is a world where an ordinary joe/jane can take a correspondence course in heroing and actually train themselves to succeed. Sure, you might have to muck out stables, climb trees, and other silly stuff but you will somehow become a more well-adjusted individual regardless of your starting stats. As long as you don't drink the Dragon's Breath. Ever. Vacation 1: Yes, I already mentioned wanting to vacation in Cook, Serve, Delicious' restaurant. As long as said restaurant is so busy that a robber can't even make it through the front door because they're so crowded. Vacation 2: Yeah, I probably would vacation either in Stardew Valley or one of the Rune Factory worlds. Overall, they are pretty peaceful.
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Post by Anon Mous on Oct 17, 2019 0:51:28 GMT -5
Aww. I'm glad everyone is responding, but half the fun is the dispute. Like this. A place to live: I choose the world of Suikoden. First off, it's a vast world with rich lore and history. Five major titles grew and expanded that world, and at what has clearly been the conclusion with V, there was still lots of world to explore yet, especially Harmonia. And while it's a world that sees wars, these wars seemingly taking place over a collected period of years, starting in V, to I then II, and culminating with the events of III (I ignore IV because it was a prequal and it was terrible and has no bearing on the state with which we last left this world in III). At the end of III Harmonia is still a threat, but there was no open threat of true war on the horizon. In fact, if anything, there was probably going to be a civil war in Harmonia, leaving the other kingdoms, republic of Toran, and the city states in peace. To be able to live, travel, and have simple adventures in those realms would be fascinating. Fascinating, maybe. But remember, this is not a what would you like to grow up in or what you wish yourself to be. It's as you are now. Would you have the skills to have those little adventures. I am decently in shape and can swing a bat with some strength, but I don't know that I could learn to use a fantasy weapon with much effectiveness, at least enough to go on adventures, before being over the hill. My background is in technology. This is a world, and this is a common theme in my choices, where hard work and training can grant you strength. Yes, getting your hands on a powerful rune, or even a True Rune, can give you great power, but there are plenty of instances in this world where skill overcomes a great deal. And even then, it's not always the sword that wins in this world, but the mind. The world of Suikoden reminds us that the mind is as much a powerful weapon as the blade or magic. All the great leaders had brilliant tacticians and advisors behind them. That means this is also a world where knowledge is power and where knowledge is respected. It must also be noted as a world that respects craftsmen, engineers, and the like. Is that something you can do then? If you can, more power to you. I don't know how I would make a living in a place like that. I'm smart, but I got a degree in computer science. I could work in a shop, but I wouldn't want to go back to retail. I need my computers, my video games, my TV (I like books, but sometimes you don't want to read), my air conditioning in the sweltering summer and heater in the cold winter. And Mass Effect? Think of the possible alien diseases, man. I can just see Roas catching something on another world, bringing it back to Suikoden and wiping out 80% of the world with some "unknown plague." No, I would go with something more close to our level of technology. Maybe a little more advanced. I would live in the Street Fighter universe. Very similar to ours, but those that can learn how to fight can learn to basically have super powers. Dan proves that anyone can do it. His fireball only goes about a foot, but it's still a fireball. And I guarantee nobody is looking down on Yoga studios if they are teaching fire breathing and teleportation. Not to mention you could just be walking around and all of a sudden you get to see an epic fight, that never seems to hit any of the civilians. I could keep my job/living, maybe learn to throw a fireball or two, and occasionally get to use an excuse of "Sorry I'm late. I was watching someone beat up a car." Sounds like fun to me. Vacations would start with Lunar, as I said before. I think after the events of Lunar 2, Meribia and Vane would probably have some good tourism boards. BTW Rune, I gotta call foul on your vacation spot. It's universes, not times. The events of the game would have already happened. The second would be the world in Mana Khemia. Here we have schools set up for the purpose of alchemy. Even if I didn't decide to take classes, I could probably buy some healing potions from the students then get back home and sell them to the Street Fighters who lost. Extra income. Okay, now I expect someone to punch some holes here. Roas, I am looking at you since I used you as an example. Let the punching begin, and not just about me. If you can dispute someone else's, go for it. I have some others I can do if nobody else thinks they can.
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Post by Ambrienne on Oct 17, 2019 11:07:37 GMT -5
I really like your excuse for being late to work, Anon. Seriously, if this had included book worlds as well, I would have used a similar excuse with R. J. Ross' Cape High world as my chosen living place. Only, you know, I'd be watching the superheroes and villains. We already live in the right part of the country to get the best shows there anyway (Since Central, aka the place with the best and the strongest is supposed to be in KC, MO). Plus, as an extra bonus, if they destroyed your car, house, etc., they've got a system in place that means said heroes/villains involved would have to replace it for you. Probably with something better. Solana, I know you'd like it there, too. Their healers are awesome.
Now, to poke a hole in the Street Fighter thing. Aren't you worried that, once you learned one of those fighting techniques, you might end up as a legitimate target/selected for the fighting contest? I admit, not having really played the series, I don't know if entering it is voluntary or not. Even if that's so (the voluntary thing, I mean), at least one of the major villains was head of some kind of crime ring. You may not catch the attention of the big hitters, but their henchpeople? Now that's something to be aware of. I'd imagine if you gain a rep for showing up with wonderful potion goodies to sell, someone might just decide to jump you and skip paying the fee.
As far as Lunar goes, no hole poking here. When talking about one's own skills, though, it's possible that I could make a living there. Consider the importance of singing/music to their culture. Now, while I can't do the actual playing of instruments, I can sing decently well and write lyrics. If I were traveling with a group like Jean's carnival, I'd have it made.
Now with Mana Khemia, I sure hope you choose a GOOD student to buy potions from. I don't even want to know what would happen if you chose someone with only a passing grade (perhaps the potion would taste like stinky shoes smell?) or a twisted sense of humor. Maybe it would heal you but turn you into a Smurf or something.
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Post by Solana on Oct 17, 2019 15:41:15 GMT -5
I like books, but sometimes you don't want to read Well, here's something I'd try to punch holes in. When talking about one's own skills, though, it's possible that I could make a living there. Consider the importance of singing/music to their culture. Now, while I can't do the actual playing of instruments, I can sing decently well and write lyrics. If I were traveling with a group like Jean's carnival, I'd have it made. I could join you. I can play the viola and some Irish music on violin, and I can bellydance. (Fans are actually my favorite prop.) Or maybe work in the library at Vane.
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Post by Solana on Oct 18, 2019 16:27:35 GMT -5
Aaaaaaaand my muse spent a lot of time figuring out how a Shriner's Carnival AU would work and who would do what while cleaning and popping mice into clean cages in Biohazard today.
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Post by northlander on Oct 19, 2019 6:24:44 GMT -5
I like how you all are fantasizing about living in worlds from videogames that are basically power fantasies, yet you keep your own aspirations realistic in them. I mean... if you're going to do this, why not just fantasize about what kind of person you would be in said worlds, or if you want to keep it realistic, fantasize about living in those worlds after our heroes are done saving them?
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Post by Anon Mous on Oct 22, 2019 20:53:31 GMT -5
Now, to poke a hole in the Street Fighter thing. Aren't you worried that, once you learned one of those fighting techniques, you might end up as a legitimate target/selected for the fighting contest? I admit, not having really played the series, I don't know if entering it is voluntary or not. Even if that's so (the voluntary thing, I mean), at least one of the major villains was head of some kind of crime ring. You may not catch the attention of the big hitters, but their henchpeople? Now that's something to be aware of. It is voluntary. The games actually is a street fighting tournament. Maybe not on that was planned out the best, money wise but . . . It was initially so Bison could prove he was the strongest and take over the world. Later it became about him stealing their powers, creating an army and then taking over the world. But he only wanted the strongest. Even if I learned some I wouldn't make the cut . . . purposfully. Dan proved that (a one foot fireball? ). They barely give him the time of day, even in his own ending. I'd imagine if you gain a rep for showing up with wonderful potion goodies to sell, someone might just decide to jump you and skip paying the fee. Never more than once. I just put out the word that if anyone wants to keep getting them, I am protected. Now with Mana Khemia, I sure hope you choose a GOOD student to buy potions from. I don't even want to know what would happen if you chose someone with only a passing grade (perhaps the potion would taste like stinky shoes smell?) or a twisted sense of humor. Maybe it would heal you but turn you into a Smurf or something. Oh yes. I forgot about that part. I like books, but sometimes you don't want to read Well, here's something I'd try to punch holes in. Oh yeah. Been meaning to ask. Isn't Atlantis under water? I mean I assume that you could live on the land around it, but did the games ever give us anything about the civilization living on the surface (I really don't know)? I like how you all are fantasizing about living in worlds from videogames that are basically power fantasies, yet you keep your own aspirations realistic in them. I mean... if you're going to do this, why not just fantasize about what kind of person you would be in said worlds, or if you want to keep it realistic, fantasize about living in those worlds after our heroes are done saving them? Where's the fun in that? It's all the same. We would literally all be the heroic better version of ourselves who saves the world or universe/gets the love interest/defeats the baddie. We have too many choices, and when literally anything is possible, too much is possible so we all go back to the same things rehashed over and over. Real creativity come out when you work within constraints. Sure, we have probably all dreamed ourselves into the role of the hero of a game or superhero of a comic. Hell most of us have written fanfics for years. I've found that my most creative works have come when I have been given a topic with harsh constraints and either embraced it and tried to find the little cracks in those constraints or did a complete 180, ignoring the part that was blocked off. Besides, as I said this was inspired by a video:
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Post by Solana on Oct 23, 2019 17:13:42 GMT -5
Well, here's something I'd try to punch holes in. Oh yeah. Been meaning to ask. Isn't Atlantis under water? I mean I assume that you could live on the land around it, but did the games ever give us anything about the civilization living on the surface (I really don't know)? The games gave us very minimal information, which is why I could play so much with it in the Saga. Basically we have the library, legends among the dolphins and Asterite, and the short story about the Atlanteans talking about needing to escape Atlantis but leaving behind help for dolphins. However... I did a lot of research on various sites when designing my version for the Saga, and I came across something very interesting. On a website called 'Dark Sea', there was a bit of information from an interview with one of the developers. At the end of Tides of Time, Ecco disobeyed the Asterite and used the time machine to go back in time to help the Atlanteans instead of destroying it. Would he make enough of a difference to protect the city from the Vortex Queen? A third game would have told us...
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Post by Rune Lai on Nov 14, 2019 16:40:17 GMT -5
BTW Rune, I gotta call foul on your vacation spot. It's universes, not times. The events of the game would have already happened. Been gone for a few weeks, so I didn't get to respond to this at the time, but I disagree, because the Phantasy Star series (unlike most) vastly changes from game to game. So if I don't get to pick a time, then I would be stuck with a specific game, which is not representative of what the series is like overall. I mean, I like PSIV, but this is the only game that uses post-collapse of civilization as a setting. PSII is far future high tech and outwardly everything is good, PSIII is medieval Europe with robots on a spaceship, and PSI is essentially Star Wars. The flavors of each game are very different, so the universe itself would change. If a PSV was ever made (since I don't think PSO or PSU are considered to be in the same continuity) it likely would be different as well, so it wouldn't be possible to even know what my vacation spot would look like if I just said "Algo Star System." When makes a difference and it does not seem fair to restrict it to only the last game in the series.
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