Drakengard 2: Urick vs. Yaha (Extra Battle)

[HouseLyrander]

God this game was such a drain on the soul. And this fight quite accurately simulated the sensation of getting gang raped by midgets. I loved Yaha's dialogue though. And Uricks dialogue throughout the game. And playing as Urick. Fuck, I'd say that if this game just had Urick instead of the other playable dimwits-pretending-to-be-chara­cters, it might actually be FUN.

[TwilitSwordmaster]

Urick's character was already developed. Although, the game may have been interesting if he took the spotlight. Expanding on that thought - they could have made an entirely new game which takes place between Drakengard 1 and 2.

[HouseLyrander]

@TwilitSwordmaster Or just make Drakengard 2 not soul crushingly awful. I know Cavia could've done it. Nier was one of the best hack-n-slash games ever with the most beautifully melancholy story ever in a video game I've ever seen. It was also a biting subversion of typical results of video game hero actions ever, as well as JRPG tropes. The final ending was one of the hardest hitting endings ever. So why did Drakengard 2, Drakengard's other sequel, have to suck so bad?

[TwilitSwordmaster]

Drakengard 2 wasn't actually as terrible as most Drakengard-Nier fans make it to be. It's just the simple fact that Drakengard 2 was made as a classic RPG as opposed to a Yoko Taro RPG. That being said, Yoko Taro had little to no influence on Drakengard 2, hence the change in tone.

[HouseLyrander]

@TwilitSwordmaster I will admit, the combat against trash mobs wasn't bad, just kinda dull until you get to a part where you can slaughter ground troops as either Urick or Legna. However, the level design was annoying, Nowe was an eyesore, boss fights flew in the face of game design 101, most "bonus" missions felt like punishment, and the plot was worse than Daikatana's. It may not have been as bad as people say, but it was still harmful to the player's sanity.

[TwilitSwordmaster]

Most hack 'n' slash combat becomes dull with repetition (if you aren''t doing much else). If you look at the original Drakengard, this level of combat is a pretty great improvement. Note that flocks of enemies on the ground can be taken out with ease using anyone - given the proper weapons. The level design on the other hand was much like a graphically improved version of the original Drakengard.

[TwilitSwordmaster]

While boss fights didn't cater to anything like Kingdom Hearts of The Last Story, they were definitely more of plot items as opposed to anything else. To this extent, they performed rather well, especially given Caim's fight. Notably most of the expeditions were for optional grinding and obtaining weapons; only a select few actually gave the story much more depth (such as the encounter with Oror). Whether you see the game as bad or good depends on if you want to see the good points or not.

[HouseLyrander]

@TwilitSwordmaster Keep in mind, 1 had pretty bad level design. The combat was improved from 1, but not by much. As for the bosses, they DID serve their function for moving the Idiot Plot along, but the Caim fight was the only fun one (and even then, only on Normal difficulty) and the Seed fight was the worst boss fight since Mishima from Daikatana. Yes, I know I keep making the Daikatana comparison, but it's the only thing that really captures how bad the worst of 2 is.

[TwilitSwordmaster]

It depends what you would consider bad level design. The original Drakengard shifted between aerial and ground combat between missions (and within the same mission, if you so chose). This was pretty innovative. Aside from that, there was also the scope of the map which was presented - most maps were massive. I can't really call it bad level design. Concerning boss fights, some were rather quite imaginative; however, I admit, they could have done a much better job in incorporating a duo system.

[TwilitSwordmaster]

Concerning the seed - I would call is absolutely terrible. Yes, it was rather straightforward and short, but it was more of a preparatory battle for the one which ensues. Besides, it was plot driven and quite unique in terms of presentation. I don't think I've played such a battle like it, ever. I concede to the argument that the game could have been much better, and that it is the ugly duckling of the Dragon Sphere series, but the music was absolutely amazing.

[HouseLyrander]

@TwilitSwordmaster Just a quick aside, while I may throw a lot of bile at Drakengard 2, I want to make sure that you know that I hold no ill will towards you. You've responded intelligently and politely to all of my comments, you've brought up legitimately good points, and not once have you made any attempt to make this debate into an argument or a personal attack. I'm very glad to have this discussion with you. Even if it's limited to 500 characters per statement. :3

[TwilitSwordmaster]

It's fine, think nothing of it. (When I said argument, I was using it in the philosophical sense of bringing up a point and discussing-supporting it). Indeed, this discussion has been a good way for me to vent my frustrations with the game without having to do so myself. Besides, I enjoy talking about the series I've become so fond of. Although these clarifications probably weren't needed, they were indeed pleasant to see - thank you.

[686868lucas]

how do I release the extra battle?

[TwilitSwordmaster]

To my knowledge, collect all the weapon.

[TwilitSwordmaster]

Side note: This post made very little grammatical sense... *weapons.

[hanzo661]

That elf is absolutely faboo.

[LxRaito14]

I'm going to agree with you on that. I was unaware of the existence of that artbook for quite a while, and I still haven't gotten my hands on it. But I will search for it and I'll be sure to check that page from it. Thanks!

You're welcome. :)

[TwilitSwordmaster]

Check your inbox.

[LxRaito14]

I don't know if I really love this battle or hate it. I absolutely love all of Yaha's comments, but I hate killing him....

By the way, you were really amazing using Urick to do that! I still consider myself an amateur at the game, despite playing for 3 years.... Yeah, that's pretty amazing, anyways. As sad as it is to kill Yaha.

[TwilitSwordmaster]

Indeed, this battle was rather unique in many ways. However, I think I'll edge towards the belief that this battle was more of a cold tragedy than anything. If you've ever read up on the background between Urick and Yaha you'll get the feeling that this battle was "a shame". For reference - refer to the Drakengard 2 artbook: the page of the old Oror and his old captains. (It also shows an amusing scene between Eris and Nowe as children.)

Thanks for the compliments, too.

[imwanabethebest]

ive just compled the game no damege and all wepons evryone and evryone and evry wepons max on expert did not use action reply til my 1st ply throgh dis was on my 4th and i used no CHETS

[ibecrazy08]

that is really a woman, she has to dress as a man because beauty is her sin....

[TwilitSwordmaster]

@ibecrazy08 I can't tell if you're serious or just joking. Rest assure, if you were to get into bed with this person, you WILL feel something unpleasant poking you. Did I mention that it's been everything but official that Yaha is a homosexual? On another note, he has some cool pictures in the artbook.

[mane101970]

Please where did you get that weapon??

[TwilitSwordmaster]

@mane101970 On the fourth bout of the Courtyard of the Grand Shrine, I'm pretty sure it's in the chest that appears after you complete it. However, I can't quite recall when that expedition becomes available - possibly on the second playthrough.

[DarkSuperRunChao]

@mane101970 The weapon is called Broken Iron. You can get all weapons following my guide, if you want it just send me a message :)

[DarkSuperRunChao]

Well, that was some good gameplay. Urick's one of the hardest to use in that battle, being manah the easier and Nowe the second. I can do it with no damage with manah in the same difficulty, but using Urick deserves my respect, I haven't managed to do it even once. Nice job, dude.

[TwilitSwordmaster]

@DarkSuperRunChao Thanks. You do have a point, though. The major dangers in this battle are being swarmed and the rock spires (the magic attacks). The spires themselves are auto-kills. In any case, I'm sure you already know this. Thanks for the comment.

[Chrisfurrylover]

there is a 4th gmaeplay @~@ ooooh poop....im haviing toroubles witht the 3rd game play

[TwilitSwordmaster]

@Chrisfurrylover Yep. Although, the fourth playthrough is just a victory lap. To be honest, I'm not sure if it's just me or things are just incredibly hard to begin with. There may not be a difference in difficulty between third and fourth playthroughs, but I know the battle selector is a tad bit harder than normal, in the very least.

[Chrisfurrylover]

@TwilitSwordmaster I just beat Caim @~@ now im at the frekkin twilight thing when do you get Caims sword?? and where at D8

[TwilitSwordmaster]

@Chrisfurrylover If memory serves... it is obtained during a free expedition in the Castle of the Goddess - you know from the first game.

[Chrisfurrylover]

@TwilitSwordmaster oooh okay thank you :) is it Rly strong?

[TwilitSwordmaster]

@Chrisfurrylover Not-so-much strong as useful.

[slydragon34]

thanks....you just gave me a reason to beat the grand shrine for the finial time cause I'm at 97%

[TwilitSwordmaster]

@slydragon34 No problem, good luck with it.

Also, as a note from older-to-younger, should you really be playing a game like this at your age? (Although, I can't recall if the second one was rate R like the first...)

[slydragon34]

@TwilitSwordmaster No worries I'm 17 going to turn 18 in September and I've had this since I was though I played Devil May Cry 1 and 3 at 15

[TwilitSwordmaster]

@slydragon34 Tsk, tsk tsk. Don't get caught kiddo. On another note, you shouldn't have let yourself become aware of such taboos. Personally, way to go outside boundaries - I give you my seal of approval/thumbs up.

[slydragon34]

um is this a feature in the game because I'm on chapter 12 in Extreme for a Second time.....

[TwilitSwordmaster]

@slydragon34 Yep, just collect every weapon. Remember to get the ones that only show up for a limited time (ie. plot missions/battles)

[joebert423]

"You must have known that I saw you as more than just a friend"...

GAY???

[TwilitSwordmaster]

@joebert423 Yes, it is implied. What of it?

[joebert423]

@TwilitSwordmaster I'm just surprised that they put yet another controversial thing in this game

[TwilitSwordmaster]

@joebert423 Homosexuality is hardly a controversial topic in comparison to the other themes, especially in the first Drakengard.

[MsSniper98]

I´ve beaten yaha now i buyed that axe u had in the vid and did exactly as you i beaten him in the third try xD.

BTW it´s sad in the end when u must kill Legna)=

[TwilitSwordmaster]

That's awesome to hear. Congrats. Persistence pays off, no?

Regarding Legna and Nowe's fate, it is sad in many ways, but it must remain a respectful secret for those who have not finished the game yet. Alrighty?

If you need help or would like to discuss anything, feel free to pm me or talk to me via msn.

Also, I suppose I'll upload a few more fights, then.

[MsSniper98]

I have done like 5 missions now. Who´s the next boss after Yaha

[TwilitSwordmaster]

To be honest, I forget; however, I have a slight idea. His name starts with a C.

[TwilitSwordmaster]

Scratch that, his name starts with a G.

[MsSniper98]

I cant beat that tree monster its too difficult)= nice vid btw ur a great player

[TwilitSwordmaster]

Heh, that reminds me of all the time I spent on Yaha when I first started playing the game - oh the hours I spent trying to beat the gnomes...

A good tactic would be the hit 'n' run with Urick - I find that you do more damage when you hit its head/spike. As for when it start spamming magic mines; if you're having trouble surviving them, just concentrate on dodging.

Anyways, I won't ramble on much longer; thank you for the compliment.

[TwilitSwordmaster]

Although I really must question what kids these days are doing with such a... ethically controversial game. Don't get me wrong, it's an amazing game because of the controversy and people should be exposed to it at some point - but aren't you a little young?

Speaking of which, I probably shouldn't have let my brother play it...

[ZeldaWolf16]

damn if you call that rusty i never got into shape on this game i havent even passed the third playthrough so maybe i really never DID get into shape

[TwilitSwordmaster]

Hah, don't worry about it too much. The only reason I might've been 'good' in the past is because I played it rather obsessively for a week or two. Continuous gaming warps the mind. This game may warp your morals. Anyways, I'm sure the third time around will be a piece of cake since you've already done your second! (Or it can be complete hell if you skipped out on leveling like me...)

[ZeldaWolf16]

Oh.. thats nice to know since i barely leveled.

[TwilitSwordmaster]

Pro Tip: Train in the Courtyard of the Grand Shrine.

(I always wanted to "give a 'pro tip'").