Skies of Arcadia: which version is best?

[Skykid]

Thinking about picking this up, but which version is best - DC or GC?

I may be remembering this wrong, but didn't the Japanese DC version have an english language option or something?

[BulletMagnet]

The GC version has a few extra battles and sidequests and such in it (nothing TOO earth-shattering, but not bad), although the DC version's supposedly slightly superior when it comes to presentation (I'm not exactly sure how). The GC port was supposedly rebalanced (less frequent enemy encounters, most notably) but having played both I didn't notice much difference - also, if it matters to you, the DC port has the VMU minigame on it, which you can use to get extra money/items in the main game, but it's nothing essential. No idea about the language options in the JP version.

If you like RPGs I'd definitely recommend getting one version or the other - it's not perfect, but its setup has a straightforward, earnest simplicity to it (no FF-esque uber-convoluted backstories or excessive angst) - sort of like an old-time Errol Flynn movie or some such thing.

(Shameless Plug - I currently have the DC version for sale.)

[Rob]

Unplayable without beeping VMU cham-hunt.

[E. Randy Dupre]

the DC version's supposedly slightly superior when it comes to presentation (I'm not exactly sure how).

Sound is better quality. The visuals are slightly sharper too, apparently - I can't remember this being the case, but others say it is - which makes everything that little bit more colourful. However, detail on the character models was upped in the Cube version, so it's swings and roundabouts.

For me, the extra content on the Cube version makes it the one to go for.

[Jockel]

For me, the painful ingame loading times on the DC let me prefer the GCN Version.
Plus i can play the GCN one on the Wii with nice Component output, whereas my DC is just connected via RGB. But of course a VGA adapter evens that out.

[jpj]

there are some points, like the middle third of the game, where all the random dungeons every 5 seconds of the DC version really started to wind me up

great game though - sega should do more RPG's

[Skykid]

Thanks guys, that's helpful! It sounds like the GC one is the one to go for really as I'm not too in love with really frequent random battles. If they're toned down a bit that'd be best.

Still, the JP one is uncensored - did anyone know about that english lang thing, or am I dreaming?

[Koa Zo]

Unplayable without beeping VMU cham-hunt.

man!, I forgot about that. Good ol' VMU

there are some points, like the middle third of the game, where all the random dungeons every 5 seconds of the DC version really started to wind me up

great game though - sega should do more RPG's

Skies is ripe for a sequel.

I'm hungry for a genuine new Sega RPG also.
Magic Box reported Whirlwind Stories was recently trademarked by Sega Japan. Sure sounds like a name of a new RPG.

And as for sequels: Camelot and Sonic Team need to get together for a Shining Holy Ark follow-up on Wii.

[Rupert H]

DC version has better music, proper 480p output through VGA and the VMU mini-games. The VMU is not necessary for the Cham hunt however, as the VMU bleep is replaced with the rumble on the GC pad. I'm also pretty sure that you won't be able to download any of the online extras that are all included on the GC disc as standard.

The CG version can only output 480i (no progressive scan), slightly (and I mean slightly) better graphics and a wealth of extra content including the moonfish quest, extra discoveries, characters, items and bosses. The resolution thing really isn't a big deal as the clean-cut visual design of the game looks beautiful through any output.

Overall I would go for the GC version. The random battle frequency makes for a much tighter experience, and you get a whole lot more content. It's an incredible game either way. Even though I have long since given up on JRPGs, Skies has that wonderfully simple and enchanting design that reminds me of Phantasy Star.