Caladrius - Xbox 360 shmup from MOSS

[HydrogLox]

Am I the only one that feels like your weapons are way underpowered in [vanilla] Caladrius? I can't get over it, it's like I might as well not have secondary weapons at all.

My take is that MOSS was experimenting with a "limited ammo" STG, i.e. your primary shot is a weapon of last resort (it doesn't help your multiplier anyway) or used to regenerate/save your secondary weapon banks for an upcoming encounter. The secondary weapons start under-powered as it is up to you to (1) earn as many ether chips as you can during each stage and then (2) "wisely" allocate those ether chips to power up your secondary weapons. Each secondary weapon type has its strengths and weaknesses so it is up to you to deploy them to maximum effect against the enemies that are most vulnerable to them. Furthermore a particular secondary weapon may seem useless at first but could prove absolutely essential once powered up in later stages of the game.

So just the typical STG dodge-shoot-bomb gameplay will tend to only end in frustration in Caladrius if it comes at the expense of competent "secondary weapon management".

What causes that exactly? Can you turn it off?

Options > Game Setting > Illust
there are 4 settings:

• All
• Side Only
• Game Only
• None (i.e. this turns it off)

What I meant to the point is that the English release doesn't have the "lewd" Shame Breaks and the Results Screens, as they are taken from the AC art. I am not sure if the JP 360 version retains this, even after the 1.10 update.

Note that "Options > Game Setting > Game Version: 1.10" should be treated as a Novice mode. I have no idea whether setting the game version back to 1.0 restores the "original lewdness" as the game did get a PEGI 12 rating (sexual images and/or sexual innuendo) and an ESRB Teen (partial nudity) rating.

[NeoStrayCat]

What I meant to the point is that the English release doesn't have the "lewd" Shame Breaks and the Results Screens, as they are taken from the AC art. I am not sure if the JP 360 version retains this, even after the 1.10 update.

Note that "Options > Game Setting > Game Version: 1.10" should be treated as a Novice mode. I have no idea whether setting the game version back to 1.0 restores the "original lewdness" as the game did get a PEGI 12 rating (sexual images and/or sexual innuendo) and an ESRB Teen (partial nudity) rating.

Yeah, but it doesn't really mean jack squat, but yes, the rating descriptors does actually apply, but really really partial (to AC art), as changing the version balance doesn't do a thing on the English version (I tried and the images are still the same.) And I even tried to see if I can change the game text to JP, but that doesn't work from the Language settings on the 360, despite the game mentioning that it supports English (text) and Japanese (battle voices).

Also, the English release has a filesize of 769.23 MB, while the JP release has a filesize of 801.73 MB, so yeah, the English release cut some corners out. (Even though it shares Achs/Leaderboards/etc.)

Anyways, already got the 1K, got some score updates into that, and also waiting on the DLC characters and other add-ons if and when they decide to add it to the English release, lol.

I was wondering about that. Obviously nobody here knows anything either way, but I would hope they wouldn't just leave the DLC menu empty.

Maybe they need more time to make cuts to the DLC as with the base game.

Nah, not really, the DLC characters, as I've heard before on this thread, are already in the game, as they are "unlock keys", so yeah...the 8bit BGM arrangement however, is a little more in the MB scale. Then there's also some gamerpics too. Other than that, another week here, still nothing, ugh...>_>

Dunno if its best to ask Moss if the DLC will come overseas anytime soon, as the JP version has them for a long while, and would seem to be compatible for the English Release (kinda in a way like from Wartech:Senko no Ronde) since its the same game either way.

[ACSeraph]

I was watching some playthroughs...I had forgotten about the clothes flying off.

What causes that exactly? Can you turn it off?

I've heard its either have 30 medals collected or have a rate multiplier of 3.00, and yes, you can turn them off in the options, though as I said, the English (digital) release uses the AC/Arcade art (Shame Breaks and Gallery Pics), I'm not sure if the JP release retains the original uncensored art (or unless they patched that out from the 1.10 update.). (Though Caladrius Blaze has both either way, lol.)

It's definitely your pre-death medal count that causes break status, the multiplier is unrelated. I don't know the exact number you need though, just that it's relatively low. About the only situations where you won't break are deaths right at the beginning of a stage and chain deaths.

Am I the only one that feels like your weapons are way underpowered in [vanilla] Caladrius? I can't get over it, it's like I might as well not have secondary weapons at all. Or am I just trippin?

It's definitely true the main shots are weak in Vanilla, and their damage is increased in the other versions. But the secondary weapons, particularly S1 weapons, aren't really intended so much for damage output. Their primary purpose is building the multiplier for score by killing popcorn. Initially you may want to use them for attacking large enemies, but this is the wrong way to approach the game; save them for popcorn and use your main or S2 for big enemies. In general the S2 weapons fire your main shot at the same time leading to good damage but low multiplier build (without some creativity), and the S3 weapons also tend to deal big damage when used at close range offensively. S1 really only becomes powerful in the endgame, and even then you should be conserving it for score.

A tip I can give you on this front is that you really shouldn't be leveling S1 at all, until maxing out S3 and 2. Focus on S3 or S2 depending on your character and survival confidence.

How many stages did they add, to the Blaze version? I recall the XBox version being mentioned as "too short" a lot.

As mentioned, 9 if you count the two bonus stages. I can't imagine anyone calling Vanilla too short though. At a healthy 6 stages it's pretty average length for a shmup. Only non-STG players would consider it short. In fact if you are talking content, the hugely different approach each character has to use for scoreplay makes playing different characters almost a totally different game. If anything there's even more content here than something like Raiden.

the English release doesn't have the "lewd" Shame Breaks and the Results Screens, as they are taken from the AC art. I am not sure if the JP 360 version retains this, even after the 1.10 update.

I may have just not been paying attention, but I'm pretty sure JP 1.10 uses the original ero-art. Actually I wish there was an option to use the AC art, as I prefer it. It'd be great if you could switch between the two in the Illustration option, rather then the all or nothing approach.

[NeoStrayCat]

the English release doesn't have the "lewd" Shame Breaks and the Results Screens, as they are taken from the AC art. I am not sure if the JP 360 version retains this, even after the 1.10 update.

I may have just not been paying attention, but I'm pretty sure JP 1.10 uses the original ero-art. Actually I wish there was an option to use the AC art, as I prefer it. It'd be great if you could switch between the two in the Illustration option, rather then the all or nothing approach.

I see, well, there's no option for it anywhere, its only there in the English release for the AC art. (No final shame breaks for the main characters either, lol.) As you say, the JP release still keeps its lewd art, lol.

[Lawfer]

Is the text during the story scene sequences translated in english or did they just leave it in Japanese like they did with the Games on Demand "western version" of Deathsmiles 2?

[NeoStrayCat]

Is the text during the story scene sequences translated in English or did they just leave it in Japanese like they did with the Games on Demand "western version" of Deathsmiles 2?

As I've mentioned before, the game is in full English, Menus and Story text, however, the JP story voices are not in the English digital release for some odd reason. (This also effects the intro too, which also has English text on the background, but the song is instrumental, sheesh, even the title screen announcer doesn't say "Caladrius" for crying out loud.)

[Lawfer]

As I've mentioned before, the game is in full English, Menus and Story text

Thank you.

the JP story voices are not in the English digital release for some odd reason. (This also effects the intro too, which also has English text on the background, but the song is instrumental, sheesh, even the title screen announcer doesn't say "Caladrius" for crying out loud.)

It must have to do with them wanting to save money by not paying royalties for the overseas licensing costs on voices. I don't suppose there is any workarounds?

[evil_ash_xero]

I'm attempting to "try this out", since I have an RGH system now. But the seeds are awful.

[NeoStrayCat]

As I've mentioned before, the game is in full English, Menus and Story text

Thank you.

the JP story voices are not in the English digital release for some odd reason. (This also effects the intro too, which also has English text on the background, but the song is instrumental, sheesh, even the title screen announcer doesn't say "Caladrius" for crying out loud.)

It must have to do with them wanting to save money by not paying royalties for the overseas licensing costs on voices. I don't suppose there is any workarounds?

No problem, and yeah, I guess it might be licensing fees or some other BS reason, the only way to get through this workaround its to get either the JP 360 version or the PS3 version of Caladrius Blaze to listen to the JP voices in story mode.

[Lawfer]

the only way to get through this workaround its to get either the JP 360 version or the PS3 version of Caladrius Blaze to listen to the JP voices in story mode.

Thats what I thought, aside from voices and a few cuts, is there any differences with the japanese version of Caladrius?

[NeoStrayCat]

the only way to get through this workaround its to get either the JP 360 version or the PS3 version of Caladrius Blaze to listen to the JP voices in story mode.

Thats what I thought, aside from voices and a few cuts, is there any differences with the japanese version of Caladrius?

Other than Shame Break and Stage Results art (and Lilith's "Outfit") changed to its AC/Arcade art for the English 360 release, the JP 360/PS3 versions retain their lewd art though, I wouldn't say this is censorship, just a last minute change. The same with the voice thing. Other than that, the game is entirely the same. (Gameplay and everything else.)

[Lawfer]

the only way to get through this workaround its to get either the JP 360 version or the PS3 version of Caladrius Blaze to listen to the JP voices in story mode.

Thats what I thought, aside from voices and a few cuts, is there any differences with the japanese version of Caladrius?

Other than Shame Break and Stage Results art (and Lilith's "Outfit") changed to its AC/Arcade art for the English 360 release, the JP 360/PS3 versions retain their lewd art though, I wouldn't say this is censorship, just a last minute change. The same with the voice thing. Other than that, the game is entirely the same. (Gameplay and everything else.)

Thanks, guess Ill get the US Xbox 360 Caladrius version and Blaze on PS3.

[KAI]

PC port?

[HydrogLox]

Certainly looks that way (for Caladrius Blaze, rather than vanilla) - PS4 port for December 2015 (at least in Korea) and PC sometime in 2016 (TBD).

I don't know whats going on at H2 Interactive. Somebody with some clout there must have a soft spot for MOSS because I find it hard to believe that Raiden III and Raiden IV Overkill PC releases are selling at a high enough volume to justify further (rapid) acquisition of licenses for other properties AND immediately committing resources to exploit them - especially as they have much higher profile releases on their plate.

Though it might mean that Raiden V might have a chance to come to PS4 (and PC) via H2 Interactive.

[Oniros]

PC port?

Based H2. Porting all of MOSS and Arc System Works catalogue to Steam. I really hope they port Shikigami No Shiro III next, as it is the only shmup ever ported by ASW and the X360 version is region-locked.

[HydrogLox]

Porting all of MOSS and Arc System Works catalogue to Steam. I really hope they port Shikigami No Shiro III next, as it is the only shmup ever ported by ASW and the X360 version is region-locked.

I have probably spent more time with MiniCopter: Adventure Flight (Puchi Copter Wii) than with Castle of Shikigami III for Wii/Jpn360 combined. Are you even sure it is worth all this excitement? Some years ago I remember having to dig through oodles of new "Castle of Shikigami III for Wii" for $9.99 in Walmart's bargain bins. So it shouldn't be that hard to score a used $10 copy nowadays to find out if you even find the game play that compelling (even if you find the Wii graphics stomach churning).

Even more off topic: Petit Copter for Xbox works on a Jpn360 through Xbox backward compatibility.

[NeoStrayCat]

PC port?

Based H2. Porting all of MOSS and Arc System Works catalogue to Steam. I really hope they port Shikigami No Shiro III next, as it is the only shmup ever ported by ASW and the X360 version is region-locked.

Not only that, but a certain ASW figher is also coming around that time soon, wink wink, lol.

Anyways, since Raiden IV: OK did get on steam, I'd wonder if and when Caladrius might hit up PC's one day, and lo and behold, there it is. Now to see if they'll localize the Blaze version soon in English. (Which no doubt it will, hopefully no cuts from the 360 English release, and everything is retained.)

Also...Paging ACSeraph, lol. X3
---
Lastly, being the curious person I am, I tried getting the 8bit sound pack DLC from the JP XB store and see if it works in the English release...It doesn't (it just doesn't period, there's no option for it despite it being installed), lol. Only the DLC characters however, lol. So yeah, the sound pack DLC seems to only work in the JP version, that's yet another cut corner, lol. (Of course you can put the tracks on the 360 music player, lol.)

[evil_ash_xero]

I've been playing the 360 version of this.

This is actually pretty good (softcore porn, aside...and luckily, you can turn that off). I definitely prefer it to the recent Raiden games (IV isn't bad though...but this is better). If not only because it's not so "meat and potatoes". You actually have a lot of attack options. The graphics are pretty good (I thought it was going to look like Shikigami no Shiro III, from the YT vids).
The music definitely sounds like DeathSmiles.
I wish you could turn the voices off, as a couple of bosses make me want to kill someone.

I think the game seems a little short, and I have seen the extra stuff for the PS3 version. It looks just right.
I have that version ordered, actually.
That would be my main problem with the game, is that it seems a bit short. So, I am glad for the "Blaze" version.

Can you access the extra stages, in anything other than "Evolution Mode"? Or is that where they reside?

Definitely one of the better "non CAVE/Treasure" shmups, I have played in a while. Most stuff has been pretty half assed, for the last batch of years. This seems like they put a good bit of effort into it.

[ACSeraph]

Nice to see the game finally get a little recognition

The two bonus stages are also in Caladrius AC but External stage is Evolution only. But trust me on one thing, Evolution is THE definitive mode for this game, and it's what you will want to be playing when you get Blaze.

[evil_ash_xero]

Glad to hear it.

Here's one more question...did they censor the U.S. XBox version? From the YT vids I've seen, it look way....more risque, than the version I'm playing.

[cave hermit]

They did apparently: some of the art has been replaced with their less revealing arcade version counterparts.

[ACSeraph]

Yeah they did, the US version's artwork is based on AC. The JP version is essentially a softcore eroge shmup. I think the AC art is preferable, but I'm also genuinely against censorship of any kind. I guess I have mixed feelings on it, since I think the ero hurts the games reputation and shows a lack of faith in the games ability to stand on its own two legs. I actually don't have a thing against fanservice, in fact I like fanservicey games, but it doesn't fit everything, and it doesn't fit the setting or plot of Caladrius. When I first bought the game I expected mediocrity plus some t&a, so I was a bit shocked to see such a deep game had been marketed that way.

It could be argued that the US version isn't censored so much as it's just an alternative. The AC art is totally unavailable in JP Vanilla. The more significant loss for the US version is the lack of voice work in the cutscenes and opening.

[DestroyTheCore]

Maybe this question has already been answered. Is it worth getting the cheaper asian version of Blaze? Are there any differences with the japanese version and is it import-friendly (language-wise)?

[BulletMagnet]

I haven't played the Asian version specifically, but I did import the JP version of Blaze and it's pretty easy to find your way through - you'll obviously miss the story if you can't read Japanese, but most of the important stuff should be covered in ACSeraph's ST if you need a hand there.

[silvergunner]

Question for caladrius 360: There is an marketplace option that shows over 800 MB for 2700 Yen. Is that a new mode? Maybe a " Blaze "-Upgrade ?

[Astro City II]

Where are you seeing that?

It doesn't seem to be an option on the website:

http://marketplace.xbox.com/ja-JP/Searc ... =caladrius

[Kiken]

Question for caladrius 360: There is an marketplace option that shows over 800 MB for 2700 Yen. Is that a new mode? Maybe a " Blaze "-Upgrade ?

That would be the GoD release of the game itself.

http://marketplace.xbox.com/ja-JP/Searc ... =caladrius

See the first item at the link above.

[evil_ash_xero]

???

Does this upgrade add in new stages?

Also, I am STILL waiting, for my copy of Blaze to come in. It's been over two weeks.

[silvergunner]

Bought this game six month ago and my first impression was gameplay it`s not for me.
Yesterday I spend a lot of hours to play and I fell in love. Today I ordered a copy of "Blaze"

[NeoStrayCat]

???

Does this upgrade add in new stages?

Also, I am STILL waiting, for my copy of Blaze to come in. It's been over two weeks.

Just to remind people that there's no upgrade/blaze version on 360, its just a balance option. Either to make the game harder or easier if you want to. (1.00/1.10 version settings in options.)

Other than that, the PS3 version of Blaze (and the hopeful upcoming PS4/PC versions), does have 3 extra stages, 2 being "Missions" (simply destroy all enemies in your way.), and 1 being an "external" stage where you get to fight some kind of horse/unicorn/etc? as the stage boss. (Not only that, 2 additional playable characters/ships as well, totaling the cast to 8.)