[quote name='Chacrana']I was level 45 at the very end of the game and I almost killed the boss....[/QUOTE]
Well, I just beat the game tonight at level 46, first try on the final boss. I found him to be much less challenging than some of the previous ones. Hell, even the corridor leading up to the final battle was much tougher - I got wiped out there a few times. Because of how tough those monsters right before the final boss were, I ALMOST backed all the way out of the final area to go level up and get all my spellcasters to level 10 magic, equip some better spells, work on all the skills, etc. But I thought I'd give it one try first, and damn if I didn't beat him. I didn't even have the orb available because I used it just previously to beat 3 of those Lucky Minks (which by itself levelled me from 44 to 46).
What I don't get is that some of the reviews say it is such a short game - as in 25-30 hours. I was at about 45, and of couse that's just in-game time and doesn't count all the times I had to replay certain parts. Since there's so little in the way of sidequests I can't imagine how you could get through it much faster. Sure, I take the time to hit every treasure chest, but that's not too hard in this game (unlike, in say, Dragonquest VIII). Also, I talked to many of the NPC's (though by no means all of them).
I'll definitely pick up Grandia II - I tried to bid on one the other day but it went just out of my price range. I can be patient though - WAY too many other games to play.
So, next, do I start Suikoden V (or III), FF X, Xenosaga, Star Ocean, Tales of Legendia, Shadow Hearts, Magna Carta, Stella Deus, Atelier Iris, La Pucelle, Phantom Brave, Makai Kingdom, or Disgaea? All are sitting here not yet played by me (let alone any of their direct sequels)
Or I could catch up on Gamecube games - still haven't played Baten Kaitos or Skies of Arcadia Legends.
Any suggestions for someone who recently beat Dragonquest VIII, Fire Emblem Path of Radiance, and Grandia III and enjoyed all three? I know what to expect from Legendia (as I've played Tales of Symphonia) but I really don't know much about the rest.