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Farland Saga 2: The Signposts of Time

Hot on the heels of the excellent reception garnered by Farland Saga 1, TGL cranked out this sequel and pulled out all of the stops, with a bunch of quality of life improvements in the gameplay. Unfortunately, while the plot still traces the usual "light hearted adventure escalating in stakes until the party punches out God" path, the jokey parts are far more , so if anime cliches are not your thing you might want to skip the videos.

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Speaking of which, this time the game starts out with a fully animated opening scene, with a girl in red on a boat.



Elsewhere, a girl is running away from a fancy looking house while her father freaks out upstairs. This is one of our playable characters, but we won't be meeting her (or most of the other playable characters, for that matter) in game just yet.



Alice (background text: "Runaway Girl")
Sex: Girl
Age: 17
Class: Healer
Likes: Pretty dresses
Dislikes: Snakes, frogs.



In a library, a winged girl falls off a ladder while trying to get a book from a bookcase, apparently forgetting that she can fly.



Radish (background text: "Optimism")
Sex: girl
Age: 39 (but appears to be around 20)
Class: Winged Humanoid
Likes: Reading
Dislikes: Songs



At the dock, a young man wrapped in rags contemplates a cat.



Al (background text: "Unfortunate")
Sex: Male
Age: 16(?)
ClasS: Swordsman
Likes: Karen
Dislikes: Magical creatures



In a bar, a girl with a red headband is surrounded by thugs.



Sarah (background text: "Fist")
Sex: Girl
Age: 16
Class: Monk
Likes: Strong people
Dislikes: Weak people



By a lake, a mother and child have a nice picnic.



Lulu
Sex: Girl
Age: 7
Class: Half-Elf
Likes: Mommy
Dislikes: Carrots



Sophia (background text: "Good Mother")
Sex: Female
Age: Uncertain
Class: Elf
Likes: Lulu
Dislikes: Men



The boat pulls into dock, and the girl in red steps onto the pier. If you haven't already figured it by now the game tells you: this is Karen, all grown up.



Karen (background text: "Lively")
Sex: Girl
Age: 16!
Class: Extremely Cute Magician
Likes: Shopping
Dislikes: Dark, narrow places

As the music swells heroically, she's knocked over by something behind her.



Karen: O-o-o-oww...
(As Karen gets up, she notices someone behind her.)
Karen: What are you doing...?
???: Oh...pardon me...
(The stranger reaches forward to help Karen.)
Karen: Eep! No! Pervert! Creep!
(She turns around and kicks the stranger so hard he goes flying off his feet, knocking him unconscious.)
???: Urk...
(Karen walks closer to the stranger.)
Karen: Huh? He's just a kid!



Karen looks at the stranger, then at his sword, and back.

Karen: This must be his sword...



Downstairs, a man in a nice suit is cleaning glasses behind the bar.

Karen: Sorry, boss-man, for giving you trouble so soon after we just met.
Barkeep: Don't say that. How can I refuse the request of such a cute girl [like you]?
Karen: Then, I leave things up to you!
Barkeep: Sure thing! Here's hoping you find a good job.
Karen: I've already decided on a career.
Barkeep: Oh? That "adventurer" thing you spoke of[, I take it]?
(The screen fades out as Karen walks off screen.)



Karen: First I need to register and report to the adventurer's guild.

Day 1: Please Give [Me] Work

Karen: If I want to move about the streets, all I need to do is click on the location where I want to go. If I don't know what my next destination is, clicking anywhere [on the map] will show the locations [that are open].



Something I consider to be an improvement: instead of automatically advancing the plot, there's now a hub world to act as a user interface. Saving, loading, shopping, and navigating to the next plot point all happens here. Right now, the only place we can get to is the guild, so in we go.



Gaston: Go home!
Karen: [Don't tell me] this is the way you greet people!
Gaston: Of course [it is]! What can a little girl like you accomplish?
Karen: Don't underestimate me; I've got eight years' worth of experience [under my belt]!
Gaston: Then you [of all people] should realize that a lone magician isn't very useful in actual battle.
Karen: Well, yeah...I know that...
Gaston: A magician needs a warrior to take point before they can fulfill their potential. Alone, you'll get cut down well before you can even finish a single incantation.
(Not true for our game engine, but Karen is a bit squishy and could use a tank to act as distraction.)
Karen: Urgh...I don't need an old guy like you bossing me around! HMPH!
(Karen runs offscreen and a door slam is heard.)
Gaston: What a terror...



Karen (walking into the scene): How dare he treat me like a mere child!
(She turns around.)
Karen: Grr...I can't take it any more! He's gone too far!
(The door of the building in front of Karen flies open and out tumbles T. T., ass over teakettle. A knife-wielding chef chases after him, causing him to break into a frantic run; not wanting to get involved, Karen backs off to watch the proceedings.)
Chef: Fils de putain! Trying to dine-and-dash? Not on my watch!
T. T.: Like I told you, I forgot my wallet!
Karen: H-hey, that's...!
Chef: Don't try to fool me! I know an argent rien trying to score a free meal when I see one! Confess already!
T. T.: Don't look down on me. I have enough wealth to buy the entire restaurant if I wanted to!
Chef (sarcastically): Oh, génial! Since you're so rich, then tell me, who are you? What do you do?
T. T.: W-well...how can one of noble bearing such as myself so easily let slip my identity?
Chef: Je ne comprend pas any of that! Keep blabbing and I'll chop you up for soup!
Karen (running forward): I have to help him!
(She stops in her tracks as T. T. falls to his knees, sad piano music begins playing, and a spotlight shines on him out of nowhere.)
T. T.: Oh...he won't believe me no matter what I say. (Dramatic piano chord.) I'd rather disappear than bear a spot on my reputation! Yes...disappear, like dew on a flower petal in sunshine!
(And T. T. indeed vanishes. The chef paces anxiously over the spot where he was.)
Chef: Mon Dieu!
(Karen runs off into the distance, as if noticing something.)

Dot's Footnote About Moon Runes
Fitting his archetype as a "Funny Foreigner", the chef drops bits of gratuitous English (complete with "FUCK!" as his opening line) into his beginner-level Japanese. To preserve the effect, I have "localized" him as being gratuitously French (by way of Google Translate) instead.



T. T.: Sigh...just my luck.
Karen (friendly): He~y, Mister!
T. T.: I'll send someone over [to cover the bill] later...
Karen (a bit more insistent): Hey, Mister!
T. T.: ......
Karen (enunciating slowly): HEY, MISTER! [I'M TALKING TO YOU HERE!]
T. T.: Listen, little lady, I'm not old enough to be a "mister" yet. If you must address me, call me "handsome", you hear?
Karen: But aren't you Mister T. T.?
T. T.: Didn't I tell you, I'm not a "mister"...huh? How did you know my name?
(The music changes as realization slowly dawns on the dim bulb.)
T. T.: Karen...you're Karen[, aren't you]?
Karen: You are T. T.!
T. T.: Oh, you've grown up so much! I can barely recognize you!
Karen: Heheheh!
T. T.: Don't just stand here, we're right next to a cafe, let's have our conversation there.
(One quick fade out and fade in later, T. T. and Karen are seated across from each other at a nearby table.)
T. T.: You really surprised me. All of a sudden, you've become this amazingly beautiful woman.
Karen: Heehee! Thanks! You haven't changed at all, T. T.! Your illusion abilities are as great as ever.
T. T.: Karen, a man's excellence doesn't fade with age.
Karen: Then, what will you be like in another ten years?
T. T.: From a ladykiller to a silver fox, of course! I'm still a ladykiller now, so don't call me "mister".
Karen: I-is that so?
(A waitress walks in from offscreen.)
Waitress: Welcome! [May I take your order?]
Karen: Okay! Give me a royal milk tea.
T. T.: And I'll have an extra-large strawberry parfait. Oh! By the way, this is my treat, so order whatever you like.
Karen: Didn't you forget your wallet?
(T. T. sweatdrops while the waitress pops a vein.)
Karen: ...I'll pay.
T. T.: How embarrassing...
(Another fade-out later, the two have their orders on the table.)
T. T.: I see...so [your] grandfather Brian has passed away...
Karen: Yeah...so I wanted to leave that island. Besides, I've always wanted to come to the mainland.
T. T.: This is a good place. I've lived here for eight years, I can guarantee it.
Karen: I can tell.
T. T.: But why is your face so downcast?
Karen: Well...it was like this...
(One exposition dump skipped later...)
T. T.: I see. But the guild's analysis wasn't wrong, either.
Karen: But, it might be too...
T. T.: I might be clearly aware of your abilities, but if you are to participate in battle, you definitely need a warrior. Don't you have any candidates for a partner?
(Flashback to Karen contemplating the stranger's sword.)
Karen (getting up): Sorry. I suddenly remembered something important. I'm heading off!
T. T.: Sure! [Don't forget to] keep those spirits up!
Karen: Thanks, Mister T. T.!
(As Karen runs off, the waitress re-enters.)
T. T.: Looks like I'll have to make a few arrangements as well.
Waitress: Sir, I beg your pardon, but here's the bill.
T. T. (turning to look at the waitress): Would it be alright for me to wash the dishes instead?
(Fade out as the waitress grows angry.)

Dot's Footnote About Moon Runes


Back at the bar, Karen runs in to speak to the barkeep.

Barkeep: Welcome back! Your boyfriend's woken up!
Karen: He's not my boyfriend!

In Al's room, he gets up as he sees her.

Al: Oh...you're back!
Karen: Are you okay? I have to apologize, I lashed out too hard.
Al: No, that was my fault.
Karen: By the way, what's your name? I'm Karen, [and] I'm from Endorichy Island.
Al: I'm...Al.
Karen: I see...nice to meet you, Al. So, where are you from?
Al: I don't know.
Karen: Huh?
Al: I don't remember anything about my past. I just woke up one day and discovered I was wandering alone all over the place for a long time. Then, I met you at the harbor.
Karen: Huh? Why[? Is there something unusual about] me?
Al: You seemed familiar...it's like I know you from somewhere. I thought maybe you might know something.
Karen: I see...but, I've only just met you myself.
Al: Oh? That explains a lot.
Karen: Sorry I can't be of much help.
(There's a slight pause.)
Karen: Oh, by the way!
Al: Yes?
Karen (walking over to Al's sword): This is your sword, right?
Al: Huh? Yeah...
Karen: Then you must be a swordsman?
Al: I don't like being called that...given that I'm just a wanderer, I have no right to such a title.
Karen (walking to the bed again): Say, if you don't have anywhere to go, would you mind forming a party with me?
Al: You sure?
Karen: Yeah. I happen to be a magician!
Al: Hm...okay!
Karen: Great! Now I can rub it in that guy's face!
Al: Um...what are you talking about?
Karen: Don't ask, never mind. Can you move?
Al: I guess.
Karen: If you don't mind, can you come with me? I'll wait for you outside.
(Without waiting for an answer, Karen leaves.)
Al: Wait...

Dot's Footnote About Moon Runes
This is what I get for not cross-checking the Japanese version; the island where FS1 takes place is actually "エントリヒ", which I have transliterated as "Endorichy". I have also updated my LP of FS1 to reflect this.

For whatever reason, Al follows Karen outside.

Al: Um...where are we going?
Karen: Don't worry about it, just follow me!

Briefly, the game hands control back to me, so I click to enter the guild.

Gaston: Oh, you again!
Karen: Of course! And this time I've got an excellent swordsman with me!
Gaston: He looks like a stiff wind could blow him over.
Al: Beg pardon...?
Karen: He's not a newbie! Don't judge a book by its cover! (turning to Al) And you, can't you stand up for yourself?
Al: I--I'm sorry!
Karen (facing Gaston again and pointing dramatically at him): Anyway, stop looking down on others!
Gaston: Hahaha, fine! Since you put it that way, then prove to me [your worth]!
Karen: Wh-what do you want?
Gaston: Don't be nervous, I just want to test you, and give you a mission to complete. If you can, I'll acknowledge you for sure.
Karen: ...fine. Whatcha got for me?
Gaston: Recently, some slime creatures have appeared on the streets. For adventurers, taking care of the problem is a piece of cake, but the merchants are helpless to do anything. Your task, then is to eliminate them. Do you accept this mission?
(A choice menu pops up. To get on with the plot, I click "Yes".)
Karen: It's a waste of my talents, but I accept [this challenge].
Gaston: It's a low-risk mission, perfect for your first mission. Hurry up and get on with it!

(Here's the dialogue you get for clicking "no" at this juncture.)

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Karen: C'mon, that's taking it too far! Have some restraint when it comes to jokes, will you?
Gaston: No matter what the quality, only we [guild members] can take on tasks such as this. If you don't like it, then go find work elsewhere!
Karen: F-fine, I'll do it.
Gaston: It's a low-risk mission, perfect for your first mission. Hurry up and get on with it!

(And then the game continues as if we'd said yes. Given the lack of meaningful choices in this game, I'm not surprised, but since I've always just mashed "yes" in the past I'm pleasantly surprised at the extra flavor text.)

Back in hub world, a new location has opened up: "to the wilderness". Because I was a derp who didn't check beforehand, this turns to start the actual battle.



Al: All we have to do is wipe them out!
Karen: No problem!
(The battle objective pops up automatically without us needing to check: eliminate all of the slime creatures!)

Link to full battle

Following the tradition laid down by Dragon Quest, our first outing in the sequel sees us facing some super weak slimes.



Having saved the world at the tender age of 8, Karen's slacked off in the intervening time and lost all of her goddess-like stats and abilities. Oh, well, time to build them back up again!



Al, meanwhile, is our Leon equivalent (though they don't share voice actors, they sound similar and use the same sort of grammar).



The animations run much more quickly this time around, something I appreciate because I like how they look but not how much time they take; however, the other major quality of life improvement is more significant--there's a graphic setting which allows me to see enemies hidden by the stage geometry, something that's caught me off guard a few times in FS1.

With the slimes only doing single digit damage, and our party able to score killing blows on their turns (though Karen has to take several turns twiddling her thumb while her MP recovers), it's not long before we end the fight.

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Karen: Just as I thought, we did it without breaking a sweat! Still, you were pretty good, too!
Al: Really? Thanks!
Karen: Then let's head back!
Al: *turns and gasps*



(The music changes to an omnious electric guitar theme as we face a monster we've never seen before, not even in FS1.)
Karen: I can't believe it! A hydra, here?
Al: Karen! Get back!
Karen (as Al puts himself between the hyrda and Karen): Al! Watch out!
(The hydra attacks Al four times, causing him to fall to his knees.)
Karen: AL!
Al: Karen...run...hurry...
Karen: No way! How could I ditch you and run off alone!
Al: Karen!!
(A man in white, with long blonde hair and pointed ears, runs in and calls down lightning on the creature, killing it. The music returns to the background theme that was present throughout this mission.)
Karen: Al, are you all right?
Al: Yeah...I'm fine!
Sorel: ......
Karen: Thanks so much for your help.
Sorel: I thought you were someone else.
Karen: Huh?
Sorel: I'm such a...sentimental fool.
(And Sorel walks off without another word.)
Al: Did you have any idea who that was?
Karen: Not a single one.

Dot's Footnote About Moon Runes
Sorel's name transliteration was a bit of a cheat, as "ソーン" sounds more like "sewn". But my decision will make sense, eventually.

(Back at the guild.)
Karen: WHAT DID YOU SAY!? "We had no idea that some monster might show up out of the blue like that"?
Gaston: My bad, my bad! I had bad info, don't be so mad!
Karen (pointing dramatically again): At any rate, you should compensate me for the danger I faced!
Gaston: But wasn't the one who actually defeated the creature that mysterious guy?
Karen: Well, yeah[, but]...
Gaston: Great, so if you can find him, tell him to come to the guild, and I'll reimburse him.
Karen: Not any of my business! HMPH!
Gaston: Hahaha! What a trip that was! Tomorrow, we'll officially hire you. After you get paid, be sure to rest well! Use the mouse to click on the long bar, and the experience amount [received] will automatically shift. Experience is usually distributed equally among party members.



On top of getting 200 gold, here we have what I think to be the best quality of life improvement: at the end of each mission, you get to distribute bonus exp to the party (I'm not sure if this is a set value or if it's based on the actions taken within that particular mission). You can slide the bar up and down as you wish, or use the two pre-set values in the buttons at the bottom: "distribute equally", which just divvies everything up according to the party average, or "distribute fairly", which gives whoever dished out more damage a larger share. For now, I'm going to feed everything to Al because depending on the choices made in game, he may have to fight a solo battle, and since I'm doing an LP I'll be showing off all of the decision paths.

Karen: So all I need to do is come back tomorrow?
Gaston: Yup.
Karen: Thanks! Looking forward to working with you in the future!
Gaston: Oh? Sure.

Having finished everything on day one, we return to the bar to spend the night.

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The hub world has split the store into a general supply shop and a weapons/armor shop. This is not as convenient as a one-stop store, but since we can now buy things betwen missions as we like, I'm willing to live with this change.



Shop Lady: Welcome!
(Now, there's a familiar face! As far as I know, though, there's nothing mysterious about this particular store clerk.)
Karen: This must be where the medicinal herbs are sold!

Currently, this store offers a 20 HP restorative for 30 gold each, antidotes for 40 gold each, an item that restores 40 HP and 10 MP for 60 gold each, a 60 HP restorative for 90 gold each, a 100 HP restorative for 150 gold each, an item that restores any status ailment for 50 gold each, an item that brings people back to life for 70 gold each, and an item that restores frozen allies along with 100 HP and "some" MP for 500 gold each.

Shop Lady: Thanks for stopping by!



Burly Store Owner: Welcome! We have all of the weapons you could possibly want!
Karen: What an energetic guy.

The store only offers stuff equippable by current party members, so other than the opening cinematic nothing has been spoiled. Since I only have 400g to my name, I think I'm going to hold off on buying stuff until I can afford the best available. I can always come back and do some shopping if this turns out to be a bad decision.

Burly Store Owner: Oh! We invite you to come back again [soon]!

Next time: More missions, more party members!

Characters introduced this update (in order of appearance):
Karen: The adorable fire mage from Farland Saga 1, who has gone from generic "cute child" to generic "feisty teenaged girl" in the eight years that has passed in the game's plot.
Barkeep: Owns the bar where the party lives, he treats them with a kindness that seems to go beyond professional curtesy.
Gaston: The apparent head of the adventurer's guild. Doesn't think Karen (even after she drags Al along) can cut it as an adventurer. No one patronizes weak-looking scrubs like Gaston!
T. T.: The playboy earth mage/illusionist from Farland Saga 1, he has since retired from adventuring. Somehow even more of a laughingstock this time around.
Al: A young swordsman with amnesia who believes that Karen somehow has the key to his identity, and is strong-armed into being her bodyguard so she can take jobs from the adventurer's guild.
General Store Clerk: A lovely young lady with twin blonde pigtails, she seems to be a mundane human being. Perhaps the shopkeep on Endorichy island was modeled after her, or is related.
Weapon/Armor Store Clerk: A bald, muscular man who perpetually flexes to show off his impressive build.
Sorel: A mysterious stranger who hangs out at the cemetary and rescues Karen and Al from a monster well above their current weight class.