Honestly, I would say Draco (so far) is the most interesting and funny. I found Loren might be cool for a 2nd play through but I really want to know about Draco's story and mysterious nature. That and the fact that he acts just like I did when I was about 9-16. So basically I want to find out how I will play out
KevralynJul 11, 2013
Was reading through your post Valorus, and umming back and forth. I think I wanted the tables to turn a little bit and for Elenor to be more dominant with Amukiki. That in turn though made me think that there's precious few relationships where she feels like she has the upper hand, or is more dominant. Perhaps my memory is fading already? Mesphit is as close as I remember to Elenor driving the relationship. Although the times when you turn the tables on Chambara is cool (like with being able to syphon dark magic so easily).
As an side, following a thought through... Hmm... I wonder if there'll be new abilities based on your romance? Learn some dark magic from Chambara, become better with combat due to duels with Amukiki...
at-a-glanceJul 11, 2013
Was reading through your post Valorus, and umming back and forth. I think I wanted the tables to turn a little bit and for Elenor to be more dominant with Amukiki. That in turn though made me think that there's precious few relationships where she feels like she has the upper hand, or is more dominant. Perhaps my memory is fading already? Mesphit is as close as I remember to Elenor driving the relationship. Although the times when you turn the tables on Chambara is cool (like with being able to syphon dark magic so easily).
Both Saren and Elenor are pretty submissive, even with Forceful.
Valorous_RolandJul 11, 2013
I guess it sorta makes sense that they are, considering that were slaves. I only chose the "Forceful" option once, though, and that was a mistake (Joking/Friendly Elenor is my favorite).
I think the one where Elenor is the most dominate has to be with Chambara in the magic scene, but... Besides that, your right. In most all of her relationships, she's not very dominate.
Although I don't think she was too submissive in particular with Amukiki. They are the only romance (I think at least) with a battle! I think it kinda balances itself out. They start out hating each other, rivals for Loren, and Elenor still fights for herself against, well, a gladiator that's twice her size.
I kinda do think, though, it becomes a bit more obviously submissive when the romance peaks in Chapter 4. When it actually becomes, well, romantic, she is a bit more submissive, but, leading up to that, it's pretty even.
There's also the scene where, when they're fighting, Elenor manages to disarm him. And he uses that same trick against (if I'm not mistaken) Krul.
KevralynJul 11, 2013
Yep, good memory, that's how I remember it too. I agree it makes sense from their background as slaves, so I never minded too much. Hope they are a little more confident and assertive in some of their Loren 2 romances though ^^
Valorous_RolandJul 11, 2013
Haha, considering I beat the game two days ago, and I started it... Three days ago ... It hasn't been that long since I saw the scene! Very few games grabbed my attention and didn't let me go like this one (Hexyz Force comes to mine, as does Strange Journey (my all time favorite game, but it's like 70 hours!)), where I couldn't put it down.
I'm interested to see how romances go on into Loren 2, especially Rei (who I wan't crazy about, but I wonder what he'd act like, after being in a committed relationship) and Mesphit (finally feeling accepted and loved). I think they'll be really interesting!
Fallen AngelAug 01, 2013
I voted Draco, a charming character. He Saren had such a sweet romance!
Mesphit & Saren came a close second, as I really liked Mesphit's character and backstory.
ChokladNov 15, 2013
I thought I'd posted in this topic, but I can't seem to find my post. Perhaps I just voted and left? Anyway, I'm a total Draco fangirl. He's on my top ten list of favorite characters, in any computer game, ever. Granted, he's a bit clueless and socially awkward, but that's part of his charm. As well as being a complicated character with some deep-seated issues, he's also a kick-ass mage, he's utterly loyal and self-sacrificing (even if you're not romancing him), he's brave when it counts, he's sweet, he's funny, he's got a heart of gold... And then there's the blond hair and brown eyes. *swoons* I'd choose a cute, sweet guy over a bad boy anyday.
The thing is, I like romances that make my character more awesome, not less.
It helps that Saren gets to be a bit protective and be the cool guy in the Draco romance, whereas with Amukiki both Saren and Elenor are jealous, childish and clumsy. I just replayed some of the Amukiki romance as Saren and liked it a bit more than the Elenor version. I can not believe Elenor hurts her foot and has bo be carried back to camp, while in the same scene Saren protects Amukiki by throwing himself onto a crocodile. A freaking crocodile! Why didn't Elenor get to be that cool? Sure, she's not as strong as Saren, but in that scene he uses a dagger, which is traditionally a rogue weapon. As soon as I saw that I promised myself I'd go on the forum and rant about it.
The only part of the Draco romance epilogue that I didn't like was that
both he and Saren end up doing things that aren't really the best way to put their talents to use. Draco's an amazing mage, Saren's a warrior and a very skilled healer. It doesn't bother me that they're doing what they want rather than what they "should" be doing with their lives. That part's rather in character for them. It's just that their talents go to waste. I think they should at least take apprentices and pass their skills on. Since they can't have children of their own, that'd have the added benefit of giving them a chance to have a family.
AleemaNov 15, 2013
I really wish I hadn't written Elenor to be so weak in certain scenes. I fell into a common pitfall and I want to avoid it in the next game.
nullzeroNov 16, 2013
I really wish I hadn't written Elenor to be so weak in certain scenes. I fell into a common pitfall and I want to avoid it in the next game.
Can you elaborate without spoilers? I actually never played with her, I'm waiting for the game to hit steam first to hunt for the achievements.
jack1974Nov 17, 2013
There are the scene mentioned by Choklad, I can remember some with Rei as well when she was afraid of falling down, or with Mesphit.
Overall I don't think she was "so weak", maybe more "uncertain" and not sure about her strength in some scenes (remember that she started as a slave). The Amukiki scene as far as I can remember is the "worst" one. I don't think is a problem though if there are A FEW scenes in which a character (be it male or female) shows some weaknesses. The real problem is that in 99% of games you're used to see weak females, so whenever you see it in my games you think "ah! weak female!" then the fact that there are other characters in the story like a super killing machine like Loren, a seductive/witty/cocky witch like Chambara and so on seems that doesn't matter anymore.
What I'm trying to say is that is OK to have some weak moment, everyone has them (again, be them male or female, doesn't matter)
And nullzero yes please wait to replay because next month might have Loren Steam beta to test and need some help
Lonestar51Nov 17, 2013
Elenor did not seem that weak for me. Not where it did matter.
Maybe there were a few "weak scenes"; also she backed down against Loren, one being the slave and the other being the princess. And the annoying choices: Does Loren say it nice, jokingly or forceful? But no way to say "keep him" or "ditch him". (N'Mar is a lot better than the base game in that regard.) This not being allowed to choose does not make Elenor seem stronger either.
But seeing as she killed and maimed her way though Aravorn, "weak" really does not fit her. Staring down Fost - not weak. Keeping both elves and humans in line - maybe you get the idea
AleemaNov 17, 2013
I don't consider her a weak character, which is why it felt so jarring in certain romance scenes for her to regress into a sexist stereotype. I'm going to monitor how I write her better.
nullzeroNov 17, 2013
And nullzero yes please wait to replay because next month might have Loren Steam beta to test and need some help
Take your time. I'll be ready and waiting.
ChokladNov 21, 2013
There are the scene mentioned by Choklad, I can remember some with Rei as well when she was afraid of falling down, or with Mesphit.
Overall I don't think she was "so weak", maybe more "uncertain" and not sure about her strength in some scenes (remember that she started as a slave). The Amukiki scene as far as I can remember is the "worst" one. I don't think is a problem though if there are A FEW scenes in which a character (be it male or female) shows some weaknesses. The real problem is that in 99% of games you're used to see weak females, so whenever you see it in my games you think "ah! weak female!" then the fact that there are other characters in the story like a super killing machine like Loren, a seductive/witty/cocky witch like Chambara and so on seems that doesn't matter anymore.
What I'm trying to say is that is OK to have some weak moment, everyone has them (again, be them male or female, doesn't matter)
And nullzero yes please wait to replay because next month might have Loren Steam beta to test and need some help
Oh, I loved all the cool female characters. <3 And I don't have anything against uncertain female characters per se. (Or male ones - Draco rocks!) But I don't want to play as them, especially not in a romance. Definitely not in a romance where a lot of the content is handled through cutscenes, where I can't control how my character is acting.
I don't consider her a weak character, which is why it felt so jarring in certain romance scenes for her to regress into a sexist stereotype.
Exactly! some scenes were frustrating because I generally consider Elenor kind of badass, but suddenly the game took her out of my control and made her make a fool of herself in a few particular scenes.
I'm happy to hear you'll keep the issue in mind when writing for Loren 2, Aleema!
P_TigrasNov 21, 2013
There are the scene mentioned by Choklad, I can remember some with Rei as well when she was afraid of falling down, or with Mesphit.
Overall I don't think she was "so weak", maybe more "uncertain" and not sure about her strength in some scenes (remember that she started as a slave). The Amukiki scene as far as I can remember is the "worst" one. I don't think is a problem though if there are A FEW scenes in which a character (be it male or female) shows some weaknesses. The real problem is that in 99% of games you're used to see weak females, so whenever you see it in my games you think "ah! weak female!" then the fact that there are other characters in the story like a super killing machine like Loren, a seductive/witty/cocky witch like Chambara and so on seems that doesn't matter anymore.
My issue with the Amukiki scene wasn't what happened, but the way it happened. It would have been much more fun, and a lot less of a stretch, if the player had been given a choice to fake the fall and the injury in order to stir his protective instinct and get him to carry her in his strong arms, instead of suddenly turning into a klutz just to advance the storyline, regardless of her stats or her skills.
What I'm trying to say is that is OK to have some weak moment, everyone has them (again, be them male or female, doesn't matter)
Agreed. That isn't really the issue. The issue is forcing the character to behave in a way that may be out of character to advance the romance plot. The fact that it fit an outdated stereotype makes it more noticeable, and for some, adds insult to injury.
And nullzero yes please wait to replay because next month might have Loren Steam beta to test and need some help
I'm looking forward to it.
ill_intentJan 19, 2014
The best love interest in my opinion, was not chosen based on my own personal taste in women/men. Nor even from the point of view of the hero/heroine and their personality....but from the point of view of the person chosen:
Karen.
This is why:
First, she has to give up throne and ever seeing her friends, her people or even her own daughter ever again (as well as accepting the shame of betraying her very way of life) to be with someone she loves.
Then she suffers the shame of being unable to protect him or herself and ends up captured.
Then she finds herself rescued while her lover died (massive survivor's guilt)...on top of this, the rescuer is her own daughter who now gets to witness her shame.
Then she finds herself being shown forgiveness and compassion by (and even being attracted to) someone new (who is not even of the same race) before the embers of her lover's funeral pyre are even cold.
Then Elenor--this new source or longing and torment-- saves her from taking her own life and rob her of the one honourable escape she has left.
Then she has to deal with the fact that Elenor shows signs that she feels the same attraction to her.
Then she had to deal with the fact that (if you go that story path) her own daughter not only also cares about Elenor, but owes much of how she's grown as a person and a leader to being with her.
Then a war breaks out and Karen can't even get any distance from either of them and is forced to be around both of them constantly.
THEN (I know, it just keeps going) after betraying her daughter once by abandoning her, must now betray her again by having her feelings for Elenor be realized by Loren. (worse still as Elenor chooses Karen over Lauren)
And finally, (again, if you go this way) to have to live with the knowledge that her daughter (whom she tried to sacrifice so much for) may now have to give up her life in order to save the world.
....leaving Karen alive.....with the person she now loves and who loves her....."happy".......forever haunted by a shadow that will constantly be whispering to her that she deserves none of it.
I have no idea if her story line was originally intended to go down such a dark road, but I thank everyone involved in creating it. It was a refreshing joy to play.
jack1974Jan 19, 2014
Thanks. However, if you play the DLC the road becomes less dark, in particular the final stages (no one has to die!)
