This topic is for the discussion of various future projects that I'm considering. I have a few questions I'd like to discuss.

1) Next main LP: Final Fantasy 12 or Final Fantasy X? This is not a vote, but regarding when to test them.

Before the HD announcement of Final Fantasy X, I was going to go with Final Fantasy 12. However, this presents a unique opportunity where I can do test runs on a game before it is released. I can essentially harness the hype behind the re-release of the game, while still having everything prepared for a very thorough LP. On the other hand, there is no release date set for FFXHD, so I have no idea when the LP would start. However, I think I would like to have at least one test run in the books before it is announced, so I have plenty of time to fine tune my notes.

Without a release date, I would say to start testing with FF12. Obviously, nothing is going to happen in the next 6 months. After my first test run of FF12, I could then do a first test run for FFX. By that point, we should either have some word on it, or I can probably assume that I can begin another FF12 test run.

2) What do you think about when to LP FF4: The Interlude? Originally, I was going to attach it to The After Years LP. I would play The Interlude like a tale from TAY, before starting that LP. However, now that I think about it, might it be better to show The Interlude after TAY? The Interlude is meant to explain a detail in TAY. It would make sense without having played TAY first. Also, I wouldn't be able to reflect on TAY in The Interlude LP, so it would kind of seem pointless.

3) What can we do to mix up and better streamline the next SD3 LP? In the first LP, I wanted to show everything I could to be as thorough as possible. Obviously, to maintain the interest of the audience for the next LP, we'll have to do things different. Changing the classes and party around will help. However, from the first LP, the content up to the first class change is half the LP, which is a lot more than I thought it would be. Although, we will have Angela's magic fairly early on. We can also mix it up by doing things in different orders, like buying the Gunpowder, going to Undine first, and fighting the God Beasts in different orders.

I'll probably skip talking to most redundant NPCs, since you guys have already seen it, unless I feel it will give better background to the plot. Also, since magic casting will add significant time to the LP, I'll probably avoid all the dead ends, even though I'll have to do more grinding, as a result, to compensate.

Thanks for the discussion.

1) I don't think Square has mentioned anything about this, but there's a good chance that the FFX HD re release might have the international version on it too, so the extra bosses and different sphere grid and the other minor differences. Might have to think about test running that or something.

2) I'd say after TAY, although it would be a slow Finale to FF4CC in all its glory.

1 - i would say prepare for ff10 but lp12 first unless ff10 will be announced to come out before you can finish a 12 lp

2 - do interlude after the after years

I could get the International version of FFX to test that content, as well.

The Interlude would certainly be attached to The After Years LP, not the original FF4. It's simply a matter of whether it should be before or after.

The point I was making about Interlude is that as an ending to TAY LP, it's pretty lackluster. You save the world in TAY, have an epic boss battle...then you go to Interlude. Kind of destroys a great ending to an LP.

Oh, okay. I didn't think about that. It just seems like how The Interlude explains why the Maenads all look like Rydia wouldn't be fully appreciated until the end of The After Years when the Creator explains how the Crystals all work.

FFXII is going to take you longer to test, plan, and LP then FFX. Final Fantasy X is pretty straight forward compared to FFXII. Since you basically did FFI-FFIX in order, you might as well do FFX-XIII backwards (minus XI obviously).

Actually he didn't do them in order

hmm, I favour the idea of testing FF12 for now, and planning towards it because without a release date you really don't have anything to go on with the HD release. I suppose -one- test run just to get basic notes wouldn't hurt but any effort beyond that is potentially quite wasted if theirs a cancelation, or its pushed back a long time.

As to when to do da interlude, Dunno, never played it but i'd just assume in chronological order would of storyline would be best?

SD3, you should keep something in mind, while we do enjoy your detail and effort into making your walkthrough's proper, the commentary is the primary entertainment for most people. Yes, the footage isn't 100% new with a second SD3 run, but unless your telling the -exact- same quibs with your brother the entire time, you'll still have something fresh for peeps to focus on. And it will be shorter anyway, as you'll be able to skip lotsa stuff as repeat content. :>

And finally, one last thing..Bailly, between this topic and your other i'm wondering, are you getting bored of LPing, looking for something more? I'm seeing alot of questions about expanding, or altering the normal setup you use, and it makes me wonder :/

Quite the contrary, Nosgard. I want to do MORE with LPs and my videos. Ultimately, it would be a dream for me to not have to work any more, just play video games, and talk my gums off. That's one reason why I was thinking of leaving my business. I just thought that making three LPs at a time would be too much for all of us, and adding different content might be a good way to spice things up.

well, it may be to much for YOU, but I don't think you comprehend just how much video games I play and study footage of on a daily basis...

but thats good, I was getting worried :D. Well, one idea..if you didn't only Play RPG's, was you could set up ways to play with your members..besides MMO's I mean. And I still think that live stream idea would work for what you want. :(

But alas, you don't really play the kind of games (besides WoW) you can play wiff ya viewers..so I unno.

You could try witching up the style you LP at during SD3 in one of your runs. You're usually a sarcastic LPer that likes to kill the mood. Perhaps you could try something different. Of course, this might mesh with the way your brother commentates.

Your post also reminds me of a few days ago that I got an email from Youtube for an invitation to earn revenue for my videos. I was thinking about doing it or not. It would be nice to earn money from them...but 95% of my videos go against their guidelines. I'm not sure why I was offered.

I definitely feel a FFX LP would be more popular than a XII LP. Not only because of the HD FFX around the corner but FFX seemed to be better received all around than XII.

Possibly a stupid question, HC, but if you do either would you be recording gameplay off a PS2/Older PS3 or would you be using a PS2 emulator for them?

Final Fantasy X HD would be better honestly.

Yeah, I got that offer in the past too, Taku. Hate to burst your bubble, but they do have a lot of requirements and fine print for that sort of thing, like you said. It's probably just an automated message, purely based on the number of views the video generated.

I would be playing the Final Fantasy games directly from the console. I'm starting to prefer this method, whenever possible, as it avoids some of the nagging problems that I have with Camstudio and emulators. It also gives me a sense of realism and forces me to play a tighter game, as opposed to having ready save states.

What about some Minecraft videos? I have no idea what I could do with that, though. I have nothing that I would really care to build, though the new Creation mode sounds interesting.

I would prefer 12. I just can't 100% that game by myself...

About the next SD3 LP...judging by your Oracle of Seasons LP, I will assume these will follow along the same lines and will make assumption that your audience has NOT seen the previous LP, correct? I mean, I'm sure you'll reference it from time to time, though.

Also, I think your next LP will automatically be different. Know why? Because even after doing eight test runs of the game, it seems there were still a few things--here and there--that you didn't know for this LP, and forgot. As a result, your YouTube audience reminded you in comments. I'm sure this kind of thing has happened for a LOT of your LP's. With most of those, you'd probably think "D'oh! I wish I could turn back time and correct that mistake!". Well, now you can with SD3. You can take note of the feedback and suggestions given by the comments for this past LP and implement those changes next time.

In terms of specifics, I'm not sure. Given that you have less offensive potential and no healer, I think the next LP will automatically be more entertaining because it will be harder, and thus you'll suffer more...which is always fun. :D I'm not sure if you're up for this idea, but maybe you could grind at different points in the game, for instance, just to show how REALLY hard the Seashore Cave can be.

You know, I said FFX a second ago but thinking about it I wonder if a FFXII LP would be more popular just because people haven't played it as much as FFX O_o

I have no idea what people would want, though. It's all up to HC. I would say my vote would go towards whichever game has more side quests and cool stuff to show.

That's what made me love the FFVIII LP so much; all the side quests and Triple Triad "secrets" and game-breaking exploits (Triples Junctioned to STR on disc 1, anyone) :D

you've reached the point where minecraft is only about building unless you'll join a server (which makes minecraft 90 times as fun) or you can try mods and adventure maps which are also a lot of fun

Someone needs to make HC a Final Fantasy themed minecraft adventure map...include stuff from all the games :D

or im just thinking out loud and realize thats a massive undertaking to build

maybe that can be something new for his channel
we can all make an ff world that takes stuff from all ffs together and make it into an adventure map server

that would be so cool

Dsilink?

*Gibs slaps Dsilink*

You do realize the more you egg that on, the closer I come to GOING OUT OF BUSINESS! I make Minecraft maps, it's what I do. And Final Fantasy Replicas are on the top priority list for that. <_<

oh right
i forgot you make those

in that case an original adventure map

I would like to see XII more than X. I like XII and I don't care what anybody says :P
BUT, I prefer X before XII ONLY because I like to see things in order. Im OCD like that...
Saying that, how about X-2?


Idk about the Prelude, 'cause I have no idea what it's about


As for SD3, can't you go the same thing like what you did with Chrono Cross? Just start at a point where the game really changes depending on your party and stuff?
I mean, we don't have to see EVERY little thing in the game right? And if I remember correctly, you skipped a few things in other games too, so it's not a big deal if you skip some minor stuff.
Anyone who really wants to see everything, go play the game for yourselfs amiright?

I agree with Taku on the Interlude before TAY thing. Sure, it'll spoil one little detail in TAY, but it would give you a greater Finale for the FFIV Saga overall.

You could create it for him to maybe promote your map thing skills.

I suppose JB could do a solo episode for SD3 (under strict supervision of course! :P)

Actually an interesting idea for any later lps would be to bring your bro in [and maybe your fiancé if she were willing to amuse the internet] because according to TV Tropes, he is really loved amongst the youtube commentators. And us of course.
But yeah, FFX first because I want to see the destruction of obviously evil bishop character #666.

I dun mind him, but he dosen't have bailly's sense of humor. and its youtube commentators, the vast majority of em are screaming anything positive in a desperate attempt to increase E-penis size by getting the #1 comment, and we both know it.

Nos prefers to get his jollies in the forum, where only the die-hards hang out. :)

Luckily for me i've already started creating a kingdom of hcbailly mod (name subject to change). All it does is add witty banter and randomly build big sculptures of games hes played. Although It's still a work in progress, i'll send you guys an alpha version when its not super buggy. Regard FFX and FFXII, I would say that you just go ahead with finally fantasy 12. But here is the BIG QUESTION. Would you be willing to spend countless ours of excruciating frustration, annoying, and pain trying to get the tournesol. For lp purposes i mean. Overall both games are OK to test run at this point. It won't make too much of a difference.

So HCBailly, you're definitely going to LP the PS3 FFX?

Very well. Here is what I think I'll do.

After finishing the FF4 test run, I'll begin testing FF12 first. Until I hear anything on FFX, I'll probably wait before testing that. Obviously, they're going to announce a release date more than a month in advance, so that should give me plenty of time to prepare an LP. I see no reason not to wait for the HD version. Speaking of FF12, I have no knowledge of the Tournesol. If I decide to check it out, but feel that it's too time-consuming to get for an LP, I'll at least have a ready save file to show it off.

As for SD3, I'll include the tutorial episode from the first LP in the playlist of the second LP. To an extent, I'll have to go over battle mechanics from scratch, like Oracle of Seasons, but I don't think it will be too redundant. Especially since I'll be going over attack magic, which will be relatively new for the LP, and spell learning requirements in more detail. I think that enough will be different to make it interesting.

I think you guys are right about The Interlude. I'll attach it to just before The After Years LP. I do have a few questions about that and other subjects.

4) What is explained in The Interlude? I heard that it explained a couple things that were not in The After Years. From my recollection, I think they kind of explained why the Maenads look like Rydia, but I'm not sure about that. Is there anything else? When I make the LP, I want to make things as clear as possible for the viewers, without spoiling the plot, of course. It also seems that The Creator was well aware of us during The Interlude. Why did he take a coffee break for 17 years, then?

5) Does anyone here have any experience with Fraps? I'm thinking of trying a new screen capture program. An annoying problem with Camstudio is that whenever I record files over 2 GB, it become corrupted and unusable, which forces me to record in 5-10 minute segments. This is a result of using the Lagarith Lossless codec, which does no compression. The idea was to reduce the system load on my computer when using a codec that compresses during the recording process, to eliminate the slowdown that I experienced in the FF7 LP. It was suggested to me to use Fraps. However, I can't get it to record anything, let alone SNES9x or ZSNES. Any suggestions?

6) Do you have a suggestion for a microphone that would better suit recording for my brother and I? While our current solution functioned for the LP, it was certainly not optimal. Currently, I use a $20 microphone that I bought at Radio Shack. With the advertising revenue, I'm now looking to invest some serious money into a professional microphone. Someone suggested to me a bidirectional microphone, though I have no idea what the difference between that and my current one would be. Where would I buy a professional microphone? Obviously, an electronics store (ie: Radio Shack, Best Buy) probably isn't the best place.

Thanks a lot for your help.

I used FRAPS a lot to record MMO gameplay. It's always worked great for me. The only problem I found is if you set it to record the gameplay audio it records all incoming audio on the system so if you have a mic hooked up to the computer it would record your mic and the game at the same time. (I don't know if you record your game and voice over separately).

If that's a problem there's probably an easy work-around but I never got too in depth with it because I wanted to record the mic and game at the same time.

I record my microphone on a separate computer, so that's not an issue. I just can't get it to record at all.

as to which kind of mic to buy I really can't help Bailly, but I can tell you a good website I use for PC parts, they have mic's and nice selection in general.

Check out Newegg.com they sell everything from cheap and easy to very sexy and expensive. May find what you want there :)

I think I've figured out the recording problem, and it's not limited to Camstudio or Fraps. The .avi format doesn't allow file sizes over 2 GB. Fraps simply creates multiple files when you go over the limit. However, Fraps only works with programs that run on DirectX, which neither of my emulators do, apparently. Even with Fraps, there's going to be a little hiccup between two files that got split up. It would appear that the best solution is to simply do what I've been doing, record in 5-10 minute segments. The only other option would be to use a codec that has compression, but that would create slowdown, which is unacceptable to me.

I wasn't aware of the DirectX issue with Fraps :( I did see that it automatically splits up the files when they reach a certain size.

Although I can say I've never seen any hiccup in between the segments. The way I had it set up was the output location for the Fraps recordings was a hard drive with NOTHING on it except the raw Fraps recordings.

Someone recommended to me to never record gameplay to a hard drive that's being used and you'll see better performance. I would record 10-15 minute raid bosses in WoW, throw all the clips into a Premiere Pro timeline side by side and never saw any skipping.

In SNES9x if you go into Options -> Display Configuration, you can set the output method to Direct 3D, and that will allow you to record the emulator with Fraps. As far as "hiccups" between joined segments, I haven't seen any such thing. Fraps is actually really good about this.

The 2GB limit on the Audio Video Interleave (AVI) container is annoying, but in actually is just evidence on how dated the format is. I'm honestly surprised that more recording software hasn't moved to the now-universal MPEG-4 Part 14 (.mp4, .m4a, .m4b, etc) container format. It supports more and better video and audio compression formats. :(

It's almost to the point where Fraps would be better off writing raw video and audio streams and leaving it up to the user to multiplex them into a container of their choice.

(As a side note, AVI is a Microsoft-proprietary container format based on RIFF, while MPEG-4 is an industry standard.)

oh dear god is it time-consuming
you got frustrated and quit building the Ultima Blade, right?
yeah, that's nothing compared to the Sunflower. we're talking about 2 or 3x as much time. not very LP-friendly lol


one more question:
what about International Zodiac job system?
have you considered doing an LP of that or at least playing it before the FF12 LP?

emulation would be the easiest solution, assuming your PC is strong enough