AnimeSuki Forums

Kaioshin Sama · 2007-08-27, 01:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shinova

I can totally see the first two happening. The later ones are true for everything so no need to comment on them.

EDIT: Indeed they probably went into Little Busters expecting something a lot like Kanon, Air, or Clannad. My current volume of knowledge suggests Little Busters is very different from the two previous games.

It can be hard for one to get into a game like Little Busters without feeling the immediate urge to compare it to previous Key games. Especially since fans have come to associate Key with the "Cute girls that die in tragic, tear-jerking stories," meme. It can be hard to judge Little Busters independently without that bias.

I think I'm fortunate in that aspect in that I haven't actually played the other Key games, only watched their anime versions, and can more readily approach Little Busters with an independent perspective.

In reality, as a slightly unrelated personal perspective, you can approach any piece of art or entertainment with one of two intentions: to see how good it is, or to see what it's about.

Hardcore Key game fans want to maintain an untarnished impression of the company and would most likely play Little Busters with the intent to see whether it lives up to Key's reputation, and when they find something that deviates from their expectations, they may come to feel betrayed by Key. It's a tiny fault, but betrayal is a strong emotion so it can contaminate the rest of their perception of the game.

Little Busters, as far as I've played it so far, is good for its own reasons.

I'm the opposite of this, I like seeing companies branching out and trying new ideas more. I know this is most definitely not how it works in Japan though. I've read that Japanese gamers like a sense of familiarity between games of the same franchise, which is probably attested to in Dragon Quest's unchanging base design and consistant uncontestable success more than any other product. With this I can see why a lukewarm Japanese response might be likely, but I also know it's not so different from past Key games as some people think, but I will not discuss why as it's a spoiler.

boggart · 2007-08-27, 02:56

And thus I can clearly see why people have said the Refrain plot of the story redeems the game...

Spoiler:

roan · 2007-08-27, 03:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaioshin_Sama

I'm the opposite of this, I like seeing companies branching out and trying new ideas more. I know this is most definitely not how it works in Japan though. I've read that Japanese gamers like a sense of familiarity between games of the same franchise, which is probably attested to in Dragon Quest's unchanging base design and consistant uncontestable success more than any other product. With this I can see why a lukewarm Japanese response might be likely, but I also know it's not so different from past Key games as some people think, but I will not discuss why as it's a spoiler.

buh? i don't get what you're even saying since you're getting all the facts wrong?
the only games where maeda jun pulled off a "........................." ending are tomoyo after and air.

Kaioshin Sama · 2007-08-27, 03:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by boggart

And thus I can clearly see why people have said the Refrain plot of the story redeems the game...

Spoiler:

I think you are probably right. It's a bit of a different world in Japan, they really seem to prefer the familiar plot elements. I think it provides a sense of comfort, to the degree it's like when they are playing the game it's like a possession to treasure or like it's always been a part of them. Something's that aren't popular at a certain time because they are unfamiliar and fail to find an audience, also become popular later though, like with Mobile Suit Gundam, so who knows how this game will be looked back on 5 years down the line.

Man it's so not like me to try and get all philosophical and deep about what others might be thinking and feeling. It's pretty cool, I need to look into this area some more.

boggart · 2007-08-27, 04:05

LOL... Kaioshin_Sama... are you becoming more philosophical these days??

But yeah, I think as humans we like things to remain the same - changes mean adaptation, which means effort exerted... I mean I could probably see myself swearing my head off if Kyoto Animation's art and animation quality changed completely and did a 180. But after all the dust settles, I'd look back and consider how everything is in the new light.

Little Busters! has only been released for a month (today!), so after all the initial response to the dramatic change in gameplay and plot "weaknesses" have subsided, maybe people will see how the game stands on its own two feet.

Honey_and_Cleaver · 2007-08-27, 04:38

Why cant Kyosuke Natsume be the hero. Why is he the brother of Rin, like they set up the stage for Riki Made to couple with her, what shit. Its better Kyosuke get her, damn it. This game sucks. Im fed up with Riki Made types becoming protagonist, he should die or he should couple with Haruka Saigusa. This game sucks.

Newprimus · 2007-08-27, 14:32

Interestingly I was a little surprised to see what kind of guy Rikki is. The funny thing is, every male protagonist in every other game I've played in has been the manly, straightforward, cool type as opposed to the nearly feminine Rikki, so in a strange twist of things, Rikki's the refreshing change not the other way around.

K3cT · 2007-08-28, 21:23

As far as I know, this is the only Key game that scored a sub-80 score in Erogamescape. Even then, anything above 75 is supposedly pretty good already in that chart. I guess they put too much hype in the game (this is Key, what do you expect?) and when LB! turned out not to meet expectation, the backlash happened even if it's actually a decent game.

I don't think LB! is radically different than previous Key games either. The execution may be different but it's still the same-old "Mono no Aware" and melodrama. As far as diversity is concerned, Nitro+ and Type-Moon have Key beat in this aspect.

cyw1988 · 2007-08-30, 11:24

Completed the game a couple of days ago... I thought it was pretty alright. Personally I felt that the true end would probably be Rin's End... as in the one after Refrain.

Spoiler for Do not click unless u really wanna get spoiled:

Overall, I would reccommend LB to someone who has a good grasp of the Japanese language and hopefully not a hardcore key fanatic. Someone new to key would also enjoy the story in this game imo. With that said, next up... seinaru kana!!

Leo_Otaku · 2007-09-02, 00:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by K3cT

As far as I know, this is the only Key game that scored a sub-80 score in Erogamescape. Even then, anything above 75 is supposedly pretty good already in that chart. I guess they put too much hype in the game (this is Key, what do you expect?) and when LB! turned out not to meet expectation, the backlash happened even if it's actually a decent game.

I don't think LB! is radically different than previous Key games either. The execution may be different but it's still the same-old "Mono no Aware" and melodrama. As far as diversity is concerned, Nitro+ and Type-Moon have Key beat in this aspect.

Yeah well Type Moon needs to get over Fate stay/night and do something new. They have gone after the story and now before with zero. They need to work on something new >.> for a change... Unless they are and I haven't heard.

boggart · 2007-09-04, 18:37

Just to let you guys know that the soundtrack will be available for purchase to the general public on the 28th of Septemeber.

http://key.soundslabel.com/discography.htm

Newprimus · 2007-09-15, 04:20

Uuunnghh..... *nosebleed explosion*

NSFW:

http: //akibakko.net/115445

http: //akibakko.net/114950

(reattach links then copy-paste)

Key's first attempt at a super-sexy bishoujo heroine??? An overwhelming success at any rate.

boggart · 2007-09-17, 22:53

LOL... I was wondering when high quality scans/vectors of those images would pop up! Good find Shinova!

haruruejutah · 2007-10-17, 07:46

I know this may seem stupid... But whenever I run my game (even with applocale), the font comes out funny... All it shows are random hiragana, katakana and alphabets. Is there a specific font I need to use?

innominate · 2007-11-16, 08:59

Stumbled upon these fanarts... Do they belong here? =)

Edit:

< is this clannad or little busters or a cross or something? D:

Newprimus · 2007-11-16, 13:14

Notice how much fanart there is of Rikki crossdressing.

boggart · 2007-11-17, 07:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shinova

Notice how much fanart there is of Rikki crossdressing.

I noticed and am deeply disturbed by that mere fact...

Meanwhile, some of these fanart aren't half-bad actually.

EDIT:

I just completed the game, however two CGs are missing from the Gallery... T_T... I dunno how to get them either.

Sushi-Y · 2007-12-06, 21:47

Now that I made it through the fall semester alive, I finally made time to finish this game. After 2 whole days of playing, I finally managed to get to the end. Yay... *pats self on back*

In terms of comments... well, there's really no argument to be made here about anything, so I'll just say what I liked and disliked.

First of all, in terms of individual scenarios...

Spoiler:

Now, in terms of Rin's scenario and Refrain...

Spoiler:

Rin's scenario didn't really feel like it was going anywhere until, of course, near the end, when it was revealed the Kyousuke was behind everything. The emotional drive behind this scenario was really simple when you think about it - making you play though everyone else's scenario first before Rin's and Refrain had the effect of making you think that the core members of Little Busters would always be on your side. And to smash that assumption would certainly stir up your emotions, which made it easier for you to become affected by additional emotional contents.

Having said that, I'll admit that Rin's scenario sucked me in. From Rin's desperate phone messages, to Riki's eventual escape, I had to find out what happens next. It was also here when I realized the message of the story. Because once I looked at Riki and Rin's naiveness, even I too knew what Kyousuke was trying to do.

Refrain felt like a CLANNAD x Higurashi hybrid to me. In that sense, it didn't feel as original as it probably could be. Then again, similar plot device has been seen in almost all Key games, so I wasn't too surprised.

I really, really enjoyed each character's episode, although I will admit that I was just as confused: is there going to be a proper explanation for all this?

Luckily, there was (Key scenario-wise). I wasn't expecting Maeda-san to use "death" as a weapon at this point, so I got hit pretty bad (by the time they finished their last ball game, I was already all teary-eyed, and stayed that way all the way until the end

)

The epilogue and the final rescue was nice, although it didn't feel as complete as it should. Even when everything was over, I still don't know what everyone felt about the events that happened in the "imaginary" world (or if anyone even remembers). Although I suppose, when you look at everything as a whole in the end, it doesn't really matter.

Ultimately, the game was excellent. The level of completion, from the scenarios to the gameplay to the graphic to the musics are all up to par with past Key games. Although I will admit that even when the game finally ended for good, I was still left expecting for more.

The good thing is, romantic love doesn't seem to be as big of an issue in this game, so Kyoani shouldn't have too much problem making this into an anime.

boggart · 2007-12-20, 23:26

From the What Ero-games are your favorites at the moment? thread:

Quote:

Originally Posted by MakubeX2

http://d.hatena.ne.jp/moonphase/20071220

Key to release 18 kin version of Little Busters.

Iceing on the cake or a desperate attempt to improve sales ?

Continue your discussion and speculations!

Sushi-Y · 2007-12-22, 14:33

A quick report on the reactions of the Kagikko community to the 18+ Little Busters announcement:
http://www.i-love-key.net/archives/2...usters_18.html

Interestingly, the public poll on "do you think there should be an 18+ version?" showed a neat 3-way split between "agree", "disagree", and "not sure yet".

If I had to join a party, I'd be the 俺の理樹が○○に汚されるのは許せないよ派 (I won't let my Riki get violated by XX party) under the unwelcoming side.

2007-08-27, 02:56	Link #142
boggart 渡辺曜のお兄さん Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Australia	And thus I can clearly see why people have said the Refrain plot of the story redeems the game... Spoiler: "Typical Key ending"

2007-08-27, 14:32	Link #147
Newprimus NO ESCAPE FROM NYAAA Artist Join Date: Jan 2004	Interestingly I was a little surprised to see what kind of guy Rikki is. The funny thing is, every male protagonist in every other game I've played in has been the manly, straightforward, cool type as opposed to the nearly feminine Rikki, so in a strange twist of things, Rikki's the refreshing change not the other way around. __________________ NYAA-CEPTION

2007-08-30, 11:24	Link #149
cyw1988 Japaholic Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: I don't know... T_T	Completed the game a couple of days ago... I thought it was pretty alright. Personally I felt that the true end would probably be Rin's End... as in the one after Refrain. Spoiler for Do not click unless u really wanna get spoiled: Spoiler for I warned you...: I thought it was pretty sweet though. Rikki proposing to Rin and all. If there was gonna be an anime I think this will be the route it will go down. The other end where Rikki manages to save everyone is probably sort of an alternate end. A bonus from the producers i would say. Overall, I would reccommend LB to someone who has a good grasp of the Japanese language and hopefully not a hardcore key fanatic. Someone new to key would also enjoy the story in this game imo. With that said, next up... seinaru kana!!

2007-09-15, 04:20	Link #152
Newprimus NO ESCAPE FROM NYAAA Artist Join Date: Jan 2004	Uuunnghh..... nosebleed explosion NSFW: http: //akibakko.net/115445 http: //akibakko.net/114950 (reattach links then copy-paste) Key's first attempt at a super-sexy bishoujo heroine??? An overwhelming success at any rate. __________________ NYAA-CEPTION

2007-11-16, 08:59	Link #155
innominate hiatus almost permanent Join Date: Apr 2007	Stumbled upon these fanarts... Do they belong here? =) Edit: < is this clannad or little busters or a cross or something? D: Last edited by innominate; 2007-11-16 at 09:24.

2007-08-27, 04:05	Link #145
boggart 渡辺曜のお兄さん Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Australia	LOL... Kaioshin_Sama... are you becoming more philosophical these days?? But yeah, I think as humans we like things to remain the same - changes mean adaptation, which means effort exerted... I mean I could probably see myself swearing my head off if Kyoto Animation's art and animation quality changed completely and did a 180. But after all the dust settles, I'd look back and consider how everything is in the new light. Little Busters! has only been released for a month (today!), so after all the initial response to the dramatic change in gameplay and plot "weaknesses" have subsided, maybe people will see how the game stands on its own two feet.

2007-08-27, 04:38	Link #146
Honey_and_Cleaver Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006	Why cant Kyosuke Natsume be the hero. Why is he the brother of Rin, like they set up the stage for Riki Made to couple with her, what shit. Its better Kyosuke get her, damn it. This game sucks. Im fed up with Riki Made types becoming protagonist, he should die or he should couple with Haruka Saigusa. This game sucks.

2007-08-28, 21:23	Link #148
K3cT Arcadia of My Youth Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Singapore	As far as I know, this is the only Key game that scored a sub-80 score in Erogamescape. Even then, anything above 75 is supposedly pretty good already in that chart. I guess they put too much hype in the game (this is Key, what do you expect?) and when LB! turned out not to meet expectation, the backlash happened even if it's actually a decent game. I don't think LB! is radically different than previous Key games either. The execution may be different but it's still the same-old "Mono no Aware" and melodrama. As far as diversity is concerned, Nitro+ and Type-Moon have Key beat in this aspect.

2007-09-04, 18:37	Link #151
boggart 渡辺曜のお兄さん Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Australia	Just to let you guys know that the soundtrack will be available for purchase to the general public on the 28th of Septemeber. http://key.soundslabel.com/discography.htm

2007-09-17, 22:53	Link #153
boggart 渡辺曜のお兄さん Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Australia	LOL... I was wondering when high quality scans/vectors of those images would pop up! Good find Shinova!

2007-10-17, 07:46	Link #154
haruruejutah Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2007	I know this may seem stupid... But whenever I run my game (even with applocale), the font comes out funny... All it shows are random hiragana, katakana and alphabets. Is there a specific font I need to use?

2007-11-16, 13:14	Link #156
Newprimus NO ESCAPE FROM NYAAA Artist Join Date: Jan 2004	Notice how much fanart there is of Rikki crossdressing. __________________ NYAA-CEPTION

2007-12-06, 21:47	Link #158
Sushi-Y 湯音カワユス~ Scanlator Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Canada Age: 38	Now that I made it through the fall semester alive, I finally made time to finish this game. After 2 whole days of playing, I finally managed to get to the end. Yay... pats self on back In terms of comments... well, there's really no argument to be made here about anything, so I'll just say what I liked and disliked. First of all, in terms of individual scenarios... Spoiler: Komari's scenario stroke a good note with me, especially the part about her brother and grandfather. But her yandere mode freaked me out a little. Mio's scenario didn't make much sense to me. To be honest, I actually liked Midori more than Mio. Even for a Key game, the "fantasy" element in Mio's scenario was a little bit over the top. The overlap with CLANNAD's Fuuko scenario was also disturbing. Kudo's scenario was the first one I finished, and I still think it's one of the better ones. I really enjoyed every scene in Kudo's scenario. I guess it's because Kudo was the only character I couldn't imagine being involved in a serious dramatic story that I liked her scenario so much. Yuiko's scenario was... confusing. I couldn't figure out what was the "conflict" until the very end. The ending had a good feel to it though. Haruka's scenario was my favorite out of all scenarios. The tension in this scenario from Kanata was the highest I have ever felt from a game like this (Kudos to Suzuki Keiko for an excellent acting job for both Haruka and Kanata). I actually felt a genuine urge to find out what was going on. I found myself incredibly attached to the conflict between Haruka and Kanata, and really hoping for a good explanation for everything. The climax and the resolution was, I think, one of the best ones in the game. At the very least, I find myself able to accept the logics behind the scenario. Overall, I would say that Haruka's scenario was the most engaging and therefore the most enjoyable for me. Now, in terms of Rin's scenario and Refrain... Spoiler: Rin's scenario didn't really feel like it was going anywhere until, of course, near the end, when it was revealed the Kyousuke was behind everything. The emotional drive behind this scenario was really simple when you think about it - making you play though everyone else's scenario first before Rin's and Refrain had the effect of making you think that the core members of Little Busters would always be on your side. And to smash that assumption would certainly stir up your emotions, which made it easier for you to become affected by additional emotional contents. Having said that, I'll admit that Rin's scenario sucked me in. From Rin's desperate phone messages, to Riki's eventual escape, I had to find out what happens next. It was also here when I realized the message of the story. Because once I looked at Riki and Rin's naiveness, even I too knew what Kyousuke was trying to do. Refrain felt like a CLANNAD x Higurashi hybrid to me. In that sense, it didn't feel as original as it probably could be. Then again, similar plot device has been seen in almost all Key games, so I wasn't too surprised. I really, really enjoyed each character's episode, although I will admit that I was just as confused: is there going to be a proper explanation for all this? Luckily, there was (Key scenario-wise). I wasn't expecting Maeda-san to use "death" as a weapon at this point, so I got hit pretty bad (by the time they finished their last ball game, I was already all teary-eyed, and stayed that way all the way until the end ) The epilogue and the final rescue was nice, although it didn't feel as complete as it should. Even when everything was over, I still don't know what everyone felt about the events that happened in the "imaginary" world (or if anyone even remembers). Although I suppose, when you look at everything as a whole in the end, it doesn't really matter. Ultimately, the game was excellent. The level of completion, from the scenarios to the gameplay to the graphic to the musics are all up to par with past Key games. Although I will admit that even when the game finally ended for good, I was still left expecting for more. The good thing is, romantic love doesn't seem to be as big of an issue in this game, so Kyoani shouldn't have too much problem making this into an anime.

2007-12-22, 14:33	Link #160
Sushi-Y 湯音カワユス~ Scanlator Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Canada Age: 38	A quick report on the reactions of the Kagikko community to the 18+ Little Busters announcement: http://www.i-love-key.net/archives/2...usters_18.html Interestingly, the public poll on "do you think there should be an 18+ version?" showed a neat 3-way split between "agree", "disagree", and "not sure yet". If I had to join a party, I'd be the 俺の理樹が○○に汚されるのは許せないよ派 (I won't let my Riki get violated by XX party) under the unwelcoming side.