Apr 03 2009
Does Experience Affect Random Combat?
As you all have heard me yammer about for the last few weeks of posts, I’m in the middle of sidequesting in Lost Odyssey. Part of this includes traversing to areas I have already been through to search for chests I missed, complete optional tasks I forced Kaim to agree to (although I’m quite sure he could have cared less about performing any of them), and unlock more of Kaim’s dreams. While roaming through these lands, I still encounter random battles like I did the first time through, but I’ve noticed a huge difference in these battles, and I don’t mean their level of difficulty.
The first time I run through any area, I seem to get HAMMERED with battles. I don’t know if it’s because I’m exploring more, or if I’m more hesitant in walking through because I’m unfamiliar with the terrain, but I get hammered. I usually greatly appreciate the onslaught, because it prepares me for the boss waiting for me at the end. But after defeating the boss and running back through the region, hardly any enemies will approach me.
I’ve noticed this with most RPGs I’ve played, whether they’re action-based or not. I think the only exception I’ve seen so far is in Kingdom Hearts, because if you enter a certain part of a room, it will almost always trigger a battle. So I’m rather curious if the enemies have a level radar — if you’re over a certain level, they don’t bother with you. I’ve walked through an entire area without triggering even ONE battle during this sidequesting bit. It’s a little frustrating, because I’d like to use this opportunity to level up a little bit as well. Not that it seems to matter in Lost Odyssey, because apparently I’m too strong to gain any experience from these now weaker foes.
Well, at least the infrequent battles haven’t dragged out my treasure hunting exploits. I’ll just rely on new areas to level me up and beat my ass at the same time.
