Hi, I'm Shingo Suzuki, also known as Suzushin.
After announcing my no-spending challenge for Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent, I've started playing.
I've cleared Chapter 1 of Master of Wealth, so I'd like to record my honest first impressions.
Master of Wealth: Herminia's greed is wonderfully excessive
First, Herminia, the character at the center of the story, made an impression.
Her greed for money is so extreme that it's almost satisfying! Including her vicious personality, she feels distinctive in a good way.
The controls feel a little cumbersome—but perhaps I'll get used to them
Honestly, the menus have so many options that using the interface sometimes feels awkward.
But that may simply be because I've just started a new game. I suspect it's a matter of familiarity and won't bother me once I've spent more time with it.
The first boss was a wake-up call
The first boss of Chapter 1 left the strongest impression.
I took more damage than expected and felt quite panicked. For a moment, I wondered whether playing without paying would be too difficult. But Gilderoy, a fairly defensive character I'd summoned, helped me manage with his Provoke skill, drawing attacks onto himself.
Enemies generally feel very tough. Breaking their shields efficiently and dealing heavy damage during that opening seems likely to be central to progressing. I'll have to learn how through trial and error.
Playing slowly, Chapter 1 took me about an hour. That might be a comfortable amount for advancing in spare moments.
How I honestly feel so far
So far, it seems manageable. But the pace of combat does concern me a little.
I haven't got the hang of battles yet, so I expect a period of experimentation. Honestly, I still don't know whether the game will really hook me.
It's only the beginning
I've only cleared the first chapter. I'm still right at the entrance.
Where will the no-spending restriction start to matter? Will I get stuck somewhere? I really can't picture it yet.
I'll keep writing when I make progress, including both what works and what doesn't.