Octopus Overlords

Posted: **Thu May 27, 2021 8:02 am**

This is really fun, but the camera can lead to frustration. Up to the player to decide whether or not it's a fatal flaw.

This releases at 12 EDT today, but I'm not sure if that's for everyone or just early backers. I'm looking forward to starting over with what I've learned from my first playthrough.

Note, while there are fun roleplaying elements, the major fun here is combat tactics. Overall, I think folks looking to see what role their characters play would ultimately be disappointed by that aspect of things. Folks who enjoy the "TOEE" turn-based combat aspects mimicking the tabletop combat simulations are going to be in their glory.

Posted: **Thu May 27, 2021 8:36 am**

The Meal wrote: Thu May 27, 2021 8:02 am Note, while there are fun roleplaying elements, the major fun here is combat tactics.

Watched a couple reviews last night, and have put it on my "wait for sale" list rather than an insta-buy for exactly this reason.

Posted: **Thu May 27, 2021 9:38 am**

The Meal wrote: Thu May 27, 2021 8:02 am This is really fun, but the camera can lead to frustration. Up to the player to decide whether or not it's a fatal flaw.

This releases at 12 EDT today, but I'm not sure if that's for everyone or just early backers. I'm looking forward to starting over with what I've learned from my first playthrough.

Note, while there are fun roleplaying elements, the major fun here is combat tactics. Overall, I think folks looking to see what role their characters play would ultimately be disappointed by that aspect of things. Folks who enjoy the "TOEE" turn-based combat aspects mimicking the tabletop combat simulations are going to be in their glory.

Love combat tactics. Looking forward to playing it on Game Pass.

Posted: **Thu May 27, 2021 11:16 am**

Finished the game. Really enjoyed it but it did get a bit too easy by the end. I hit max level/10 about 3/4 through playing all the sidequests. It kind of took the wind out of my desire to improve my characters so I just main quested until the end. Don't abuse your character stats at creation like i because then it becomes way too easy. I would have used the point buy system if I did it again. The only thing i tweaked in the setings was no inventory weight because I just dont like it as a mechanic. There is a common stash if you don't want to mess with the weight system.

Pay attention to light as a resource. There are tons of lighting options and a few fights make having light access mandatory. Although you can also use the environment when necessary. Also have a mage with a teleport eventually can be useful for hard to reach spaces. I also bought a pair of spider slippers from a Faction vendor which was hysterical when my characters were wall running like the Matrix.

Edit: I'll just leave this here:
Solasta: Crown of the Magister review – DnD with a dash of XCOM

Solasta: Crown of the Magister stands stoically at the cross section of several game worlds. From a distance, the isometric RPG dungeon diving evokes old Infinity Engine games like Baldur’s Gate. Combat scenarios play out like an XCOM skirmish with a few more bells and whistles. Character moments and conversations remind me of Dungeons and Dragons, complete with stat checks and dice rolls. And yet, perhaps surprisingly, Solasta feels more like a tactical RPG than a DnD alternative, but is a delightful package nonetheless.

Posted: **Thu May 27, 2021 4:52 pm**

I haven't quite finished, but I found it comical in the endgame where your party members, who started as lowly adventurers, suddenly start spouting knowledge of powerful faction rivalries like courtiers. Show don't tell!

Posted: **Thu May 27, 2021 8:56 pm**

Downloaded the upgraded to 1.0 and trying a new game/party.

It's an all dwarven Cleric, Paladin, Rogue, Wizard.

I did keep one save from my pre-release, traditional party but decided to try a new party first.

Posted: **Thu May 27, 2021 9:05 pm**

Should I go with the authentic difficulty setting? Or bump it up? I know some are complaining about an easy late game.

Posted: **Thu May 27, 2021 10:15 pm**

Honestly? I'd go Authentic as the first few "real" battles will test your understanding of the ruleset.

Posted: **Thu May 27, 2021 10:46 pm**

Excellent, thanks!

Posted: **Thu May 27, 2021 11:07 pm**

At nearly 18 gigs and as slow as my internet (only on my computer for some reason) I may have to wait to go on vacation before downloading it.

Posted: **Thu May 27, 2021 11:53 pm**

hepcat wrote: Thu May 27, 2021 9:05 pm Should I go with the authentic difficulty setting? Or bump it up? I know some are complaining about an easy late game.

I made it through the whole game on authentic. My party seemed optimal with:
Fighter
Ranger
Thief
Wizard

Posted: **Fri May 28, 2021 7:28 am**

I’m going rogue, Wizard, cleric and fighter.

Posted: **Fri May 28, 2021 8:32 am**

hepcat wrote: Thu May 27, 2021 9:05 pm Should I go with the authentic difficulty setting? Or bump it up? I know some are complaining about an easy late game.

You can change everything on the fly. Early game presents the best challenge.

Posted: **Fri May 28, 2021 10:52 am**

Oh nice, thanks to you too!

Posted: **Fri May 28, 2021 12:02 pm**

Jag wrote: Tue May 18, 2021 2:30 pm Solasta is coming to Gamepass PC on 5/27. That's amazing. No reason to sleep on this now.

That did not happen as far as I can tell. It's not even in the store.

Posted: **Fri May 28, 2021 12:21 pm**

Lorini wrote: Fri May 28, 2021 12:02 pm
Jag wrote: Tue May 18, 2021 2:30 pm Solasta is coming to Gamepass PC on 5/27. That's amazing. No reason to sleep on this now.
That did not happen as far as I can tell. It's not even in the store.

Gamepass PC? I'm showing it as available.

Posted: **Fri May 28, 2021 1:24 pm**

I'm an idiot, I only have console game pass. Sorry!

Posted: **Fri May 28, 2021 1:42 pm**

Lorini wrote: Thu May 27, 2021 11:07 pm At nearly 18 gigs and as slow as my internet (only on my computer for some reason) I may have to wait to go on vacation before downloading it.

Can't you start downloading and let it run overnight?

Posted: **Fri May 28, 2021 2:07 pm**

Shame its tactical combat instead of real time with pause like the old Infinity Engine games. No buy from me.

Posted: **Fri May 28, 2021 2:09 pm**

The Meal wrote: Thu May 27, 2021 8:02 am This is really fun, but the camera can lead to frustration. Up to the player to decide whether or not it's a fatal flaw.

I remapped the camera rotate to 'Q' & 'E' to go along with my WASD movement. Have the same setup with BG3. Still off-putting, though, to zero in on a specific spot or enemy especially when they are on a different level.

Posted: **Fri May 28, 2021 5:58 pm**

Jaymann wrote: Fri May 28, 2021 1:42 pm
Lorini wrote: Thu May 27, 2021 11:07 pm At nearly 18 gigs and as slow as my internet (only on my computer for some reason) I may have to wait to go on vacation before downloading it.
Can't you start downloading and let it run overnight?

Yeah that's what I ended up doing. Super busy weekend but I will get to it.

Posted: **Fri May 28, 2021 6:17 pm**

Jolor wrote: Fri May 28, 2021 2:09 pm
The Meal wrote: Thu May 27, 2021 8:02 am This is really fun, but the camera can lead to frustration. Up to the player to decide whether or not it's a fatal flaw.
I remapped the camera rotate to 'Q' & 'E' to go along with my WASD movement. Have the same setup with BG3. Still off-putting, though, to zero in on a specific spot or enemy especially when they are on a different level.

You did not need to remap those keys. They're already rotate. My issue is with the zooming and especially when stuff's going on in the z-plane.

My pre-party was Palidin (Human), Wizard (High Elf), Cleric (Snow Dwarf), Rogue (Swamp Halfling). The party I rolled this morning and got through the tutorial is Paladin (High Elf), Wizard (High Elf), Cleric (Half Elf), Ranger (Sylvan Elf). No more worrying about light sources for this gamer.

Posted: **Fri May 28, 2021 6:32 pm**

For my second run through I went with:

Ranger (Sylvan Elf)
Paladin (Hill Dwarf)
Wizard (Human)
Fighter (Island Hafling)

Wizard is a must. Ranger can handle locks and light healing. Pally also light healing. I want a fighter for the two-handers.

The question will be:

Spoiler:

Posted: **Sat May 29, 2021 7:47 pm**

Daehawk wrote: Fri May 28, 2021 2:07 pm Shame its tactical combat instead of real time with pause like the old Infinity Engine games. No buy from me.

I much prefer the xcom style tactical combat in this and the Divinity series. It’s just annoying to me to have to hit a pause button every 3 milliseconds to change my orders around because some monster went right instead of left or something. I rarely finish crpg’s with real time combat.

Posted: **Sat May 29, 2021 10:19 pm**

Just started this today since it came out on GamePass. I had never even heard of it.

Anyways, even though the character models are a bit dodgy, having a good time with it. I don't mind if it's easy - it's tough enough for me to finish an RPG as it is, so I'm good with simple. Went with a classic Fighter, Cleric, Rogue, Wizard setup.

Posted: **Sun May 30, 2021 12:15 am**

Paladins get Smite, which is an amazing finishing move. Who knew?

Posted: **Sun May 30, 2021 1:49 am**

hepcat wrote: Sat May 29, 2021 7:47 pm I much prefer the xcom style tactical combat in this and the Divinity series. It’s just annoying to me to have to hit a pause button every 3 milliseconds to change my orders around because some monster went right instead of left or something. I rarely finish crpg’s with real time combat.

RTwP is fine when the game is tuned for a first count of spells and then a melee of basic weapon attacks with perhaps an occasional pause to drink a potion or move a character to face a new threat. If the combat is going to take constant thought I with you in wanting with more control.

Posted: **Sun May 30, 2021 2:39 pm**

I think I'm going to start over with a team of all Halfling rogues. I'll call them Steal Team 3.

Posted: **Sun May 30, 2021 2:54 pm**

hepcat wrote: Sun May 30, 2021 2:39 pm I think I'm going to start over with a team of all Halfling rogues. I'll call them Steal Team 3.

Posted: **Sun May 30, 2021 7:03 pm**

Maybe it's the simple things like the visible die rolls, but this game has hit me harder with D&D feels than any RPG in recent memory. I've barely scratched the surface of the game, and I've already grown very attached to my party. Particularly my grey-haired, ex-spy halfling rogue, Gibney Butterburr.

Posted: **Sun May 30, 2021 7:58 pm**

Yeah, I’m really enjoying it as well. The only two things I’m not fond of are the way they handle height differences in the game, and the lack of any real variety in weapons/armor. That latter one though is more a D&D thing.

Posted: **Sun May 30, 2021 11:51 pm**

hepcat wrote: Sun May 30, 2021 7:58 pm Yeah, I’m really enjoying it as well. The only two things I’m not fond of are the way they handle height differences in the game, and the lack of any real variety in weapons/armor. That latter one though is more a D&D thing.

Yeah like how "magnificent" armor has a better look but the same stats as regular.

I have found on the replay I am getting very different side quests. Not sure if is different races and backgrounds or randomization. Either way makes a case for replayability.

Posted: **Mon May 31, 2021 10:02 am**

Jaymann wrote: Sun May 30, 2021 11:51 pm
hepcat wrote: Sun May 30, 2021 7:58 pm Yeah, I’m really enjoying it as well. The only two things I’m not fond of are the way they handle height differences in the game, and the lack of any real variety in weapons/armor. That latter one though is more a D&D thing.
Yeah like how "magnificent" armor has a better look but the same stats as regular.

You know that you should be using the Detect Magic ritual? This will show everything in your entire inventory that has magic properties. They will have a mini ? on them after detection. You then need to do a second ritual of Identify for each item. I'm pretty sure the Magnificent Armor is a magic item. The only other indication something is magical is it may have a name that is different from the regular.

You can also do this at merchants, but it's pricey and gold isn't that plentiful once you start buying from Faction vendors.

Posted: **Mon May 31, 2021 10:11 am**

First patch is out.

Magnificent items are

Spoiler:

Patch notes:

Spoiler:

Posted: **Mon May 31, 2021 10:35 am**

Jag wrote: Mon May 31, 2021 10:02 am
Jaymann wrote: Sun May 30, 2021 11:51 pm
hepcat wrote: Sun May 30, 2021 7:58 pm Yeah, I’m really enjoying it as well. The only two things I’m not fond of are the way they handle height differences in the game, and the lack of any real variety in weapons/armor. That latter one though is more a D&D thing.
Yeah like how "magnificent" armor has a better look but the same stats as regular.

You know that you should be using the Detect Magic ritual? This will show everything in your entire inventory that has magic properties. They will have a mini ? on them after detection. You then need to do a second ritual of Identify for each item. I'm pretty sure the Magnificent Armor is a magic item. The only other indication something is magical is it may have a name that is different from the regular.

You can also do this at merchants, but it's pricey and gold isn't that plentiful once you start buying from Faction vendors.

That is very helpful. I wonder if you benefit from the stats before you do this.

Posted: **Mon May 31, 2021 4:06 pm**

There is one side quest that I don't like.

Spoiler:

Posted: **Tue Jun 01, 2021 10:37 am**

Jag wrote: Mon May 31, 2021 10:02 am
Jaymann wrote: Sun May 30, 2021 11:51 pm
hepcat wrote: Sun May 30, 2021 7:58 pm Yeah, I’m really enjoying it as well. The only two things I’m not fond of are the way they handle height differences in the game, and the lack of any real variety in weapons/armor. That latter one though is more a D&D thing.
Yeah like how "magnificent" armor has a better look but the same stats as regular.

You know that you should be using the Detect Magic ritual? This will show everything in your entire inventory that has magic properties. They will have a mini ? on them after detection. You then need to do a second ritual of Identify for each item. I'm pretty sure the Magnificent Armor is a magic item. The only other indication something is magical is it may have a name that is different from the regular.

Well crap, i just sold a set of magnificent armor as i thought it wasn't worth anything beyond gold. Thanks for the heads up!

I really hope this becomes a franchise with more campaigns. When I look forward to the combat in a game, you know it's a winner for me.

Posted: **Tue Jun 01, 2021 11:16 am**

It's only a matter of time before it ends up being published for the tabletop.

Posted: **Tue Jun 01, 2021 11:29 am**

Where I won't play it. I want this to be a CRPG franchise first and foremost.

Posted: **Tue Jun 01, 2021 1:08 pm**

hepcat wrote: Tue Jun 01, 2021 11:29 am Where I won't play it. I want this to be a CRPG franchise first and foremost.

Same.

Octopus Overlords

Solasta: Crown of the Magister (D&D SRD 5.1 CRPG)

Re: Solasta: Crown of the Magister (D&D SRD 5.1 CRPG)

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Re: Solasta: Crown of the Magister (D&D SRD 5.1 CRPG)

Re: Solasta: Crown of the Magister (D&D SRD 5.1 CRPG)

Re: Solasta: Crown of the Magister (D&D SRD 5.1 CRPG)

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Re: Solasta: Crown of the Magister (D&D SRD 5.1 CRPG)

Re: Solasta: Crown of the Magister (D&D SRD 5.1 CRPG)

Re: Solasta: Crown of the Magister (D&D SRD 5.1 CRPG)

Re: Solasta: Crown of the Magister (D&D SRD 5.1 CRPG)

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Re: Solasta: Crown of the Magister (D&D SRD 5.1 CRPG)

Re: Solasta: Crown of the Magister (D&D SRD 5.1 CRPG)

Re: Solasta: Crown of the Magister (D&D SRD 5.1 CRPG)

Re: Solasta: Crown of the Magister (D&D SRD 5.1 CRPG)

Re: Solasta: Crown of the Magister (D&D SRD 5.1 CRPG)

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Re: Solasta: Crown of the Magister (D&D SRD 5.1 CRPG)

Re: Solasta: Crown of the Magister (D&D SRD 5.1 CRPG)

Re: Solasta: Crown of the Magister (D&D SRD 5.1 CRPG)

Re: Solasta: Crown of the Magister (D&D SRD 5.1 CRPG)

Re: Solasta: Crown of the Magister (D&D SRD 5.1 CRPG)