Grimbeard - Vagrant Story (PS) - Review

[@GrimBeard]

Note: Apparently there is a SECOND cut-scene that you can easily miss that plays after the first one you can easily miss, that displays a title card that spoils the death of a character late in the game, but I've never seen that in my damn life, so I dunno what to do with this information. Seems poorly implemented. Thats what I'm going to tell myself to cope about getting something wrong. I'm sure I'll wind up remaking this a year from now or whatever.

[@onearmedbandit84]

Hey, who did you get to voice the characters in the cutscenes?

[@CoolToMmO1995]

What a blunder, 2 hours of my life gone.

[@JimPanzeeEsq]

Oh good, I thought I was hallucinating that sequence.

[@zhhsshhhd5949]

Look algorithm im engaging! Wooo

[@zackeryparkerson]

I played and beat this game for the first time last year, and this is the first time I’m learning of this second intro cutscene. Seems dumb as HELL.

[@BackwoodSpiritAnimal]

Keeping the dramatic Toshiba section energy leading into Randy dropping his USB at a medieval themed restaurant made me scream "FUCK YOU" out loud. That's good shit dude.

[@allennevermore7234]

Every time someone low key takes a shot at Randy, a Civvie gets it's wings.

[@RomanvonUngernSternbergnrmfvus]

@@allennevermore7234 #freecivvie

[@pobbityboppity1110]

Strong same

[@krzysztofdre3294]

greasy bastard

[@mathewkane5634]

I was way too high for that shit.

[@mrbeanbeany]

The Toshiba flash drive bit was absolutely fantastic. It was also educational. You sir, have a gift.

[@onearmedbandit84]

Someone should really make a compilation video of all the nonsensical tangents that abruptly transition cut to talking about the game's story.

[@cpt_thunderthyz5672]

They're honestly my favorite bit that he's started doing. Next to the rat roundup

[@zackeryparkerson]

Pulling that train of thought and information that all the way to Pitchford was magical to see unfold.

[@hemangchauhan2864]

Source for music track in that segment?

[@zhhsshhhd5949]

ITS A RRRRATT ROUNDUP!

[@athyrra]

over the past half year or so i've found a lot of comfort rewatching your videos, and seeing a new one pop up always puts me in a good mood. keep on keeping on grimbo

[@soraskingdom2388]

literally same

[@VaunaKiller]

Yes, great for falling asleep (I mean it as a compliment 😅)

[@thisidforsjit]

A great Cosy evening channel 🤗

[@flamingogas]

I like the Disco Elysium and Planescape Torment ones

[@rebelliousgrayfox]

He now needs to change his channel name to "Grimbo." We have no proof of said "beard" in "Grimbeard"

[@salokin3087]

It's rare seeing a channel

[@АлексейЛогинов-ж1ц]

What spiraling madness, makes total sense to me

[@RetroDeathReviews666]

He def feels like a +100k subs channel, always has

[@SweetKingTanner]

Stop commenting

[@jonnyeldritch]

THERE ARE SPIRALS IN YOUR EARS

[@French_injectionTV]

​@@SweetKingTanner and at the tip of your fingers ! Be careful !

[@TRAMP-oline]

You are still at the top of the game. Not just your game. The whole youtube retrospective game. You're better than everyone else.

[@ProjektBurn]

I 2nd this

[@ToyotaSPRINTERTRUENO1986kouki]

This is literally true

[@DarlingMissDarling]

I 3rd this.

[@Sobachkaspike]

yeah

[@jjman51]

I double yeah this

[@santerihuida4215]

Two hours holy moly Video game video essays are now higher quality than Hollywood movies

[@storm6661]

"It's.. it's fine, it's whatever" Killing it already

[@jonnyeldritch]

I love that Grim is so goth having to talk over a murder of crows becomes a legitimate concern.

[@AuspexAO]

God only knows what they're saying to him between videos.

[@ChristopherSadlowski]

​@@AuspexAOdark things. Whispers only the oldest of the gods can bear to hear. Sinister tongues a mortal mind can't possibly comprehend.

[@TheIcarusFalls]

@@AuspexAO "Destroy the child! Corrupt them all!"

[@Lemon_Chicken_Yo]

I am SO glad you covered this game. It is my second favorite PSX game of all time. I would honestly take a remake of this over any MGS title as I think many gamers today would resonate with the story, the world, and the game play. Not to get too personal in a KZbin comment, but life has been tough for the last couple weeks and that situation was resolved today. To then have a Grim Beard video covering MF'ing 'Vagrant Story' to welcome me back to normal life... I can't thank you enough. Keep up the EXCELLENT work!

[@marcosdheleno]

i would love a remake of vagrant story, but in all honesty, mgs 1 deserves one more, if not only for being a massive influence in the industry, but for the simple fact that mgs 1 aged much MUCH worse than vagrant story. vagrant already is a complete package, the most they can add is optmization and voice acting(aside from the obvious visual overhaul of course). mgs 1 on the other hand, would require a complete remake, and even though im not a twin snakes hater, i do feel like it did not offer the experience the original did. as for vagrant story, i trully belive it can do with a remaster more than a remake. if any psx game were to get a remake though, i would vote the original parasite eve.

[@ChristopherSadlowski]

I always wonder why they call the PlayStation the PSX. I call the first one "PlayStation" and track on the numbers for the specific console after that I'm talking about. But I am a very weird person so...not surprising? Guess I found my rabbit hole to fall down for the night...

[@Milorae]

You are so underrated, it's not even funny. Your channel is my favorite and always puts me in a great mood with new video. I hope you will continue what you're doing, you're super talented and deserve huge recognition

[@ekstrajohn]

nice to see you normies finally joining :p i've been saying the same thing for YEARS ! :D

[@MoogieSRO]

I just legit don't understand how he has under 100k subs. How is that even POSSIBLE. Is it because he doesn't pander to the algorithm? But even still, you'd think, after all these years... under 100k? Seriously? Like... *seriously* though?

[@AllfatherBlack]

Grim Beard vids are no shit the only thing i go out of my way to stay updated on.

[@xBINARYGODx]

oh palease, he has tones of videos with well north of 100K or 200K views. subs are not everything, I have seen dozens of channels with hundreds of thousands of subs but view never break 50K 99% of the time.

[@mcgibs]

I STILL can't get over the art direction. The blending of a highly grounded pixel art style with low poly characters, I've never seen it done quite like this ever since. Every eye movement, every blink, every facial expression, each with different angles and even light sources and lighting conditions being made specifically for every scene. 20:50 like jfc just look at that. Absolutely bonkers.

[@j.s.t.6515]

Early Monster Hunter, dude. Play Freedom United in the Psp emulator, crank the resolution, put a color filter, and the graphics are just outstanding

[@yuukicyan]

I swear, the whole toshiba intro, music that felt 65 days of static, was like a trip and a trance. You are awesome. And grim. I thank you.

[@TempestRequiem0]

Holy shit. More proof art direction is worth its weight in gold. Game still looks fantastic 23 years later.

[@bartisreallykewl]

Thank you Grim. I think it’s cringey for fans to wax poetic about stuff like “your content saved/changed my life.” But I was in a dark place when I found this channel and I’m not the type of guy who has many friends. I’m doing better now and making moves to start my own channel. So thanks I guess. I’d offer to buy you a drink but I bet you live someplace weird like Arizona or something.

[@AC-hj9tv]

Not cringe. Grimbeard is life

[@AllfatherBlack]

i get ya bruh its a vibe or whatever people who arent old say

[@AC-hj9tv]

​@@AllfatherBlackthat's what we say fr no cap on god fam

[@ChristopherSadlowski]

Jesus, I hope they don't live in Arizona! That place is literal hell. Even an eldritch goth god couldn't possibly exist there for long.

[@JKavanagh-tq8rp]

Pretty cringe comment.

[@Darsade]

Love your work Dude, looking forward for re-watching this review several times as the others

[@auto_mata]

Ah, yes, Vagrant Story. The game whose skill names made me never forget words like vermillion and mistral. I know I've still got the original in a box somewhere around here. 1:37:30 Note that ankle shot of Mullenkamp, that's actually something you can obtain in the game called the "Beaded Anklet", whose description also comments on her being the head priestess of ancient Kiltia.

[@tumest]

Damn man these preambles are getting too good. As much as I am impressed by veteran creators on here that have had a consistent presentation and voice from the beginning (lookin at you Internet Shaquille), I am also absolutely blown away by your sort of tonal seasons as you consistently evolve into new framing devices and rhythms.

[@SepSyn]

Ashley Riot has decided to use his scene name, and I respect that 😂 As always, well done! Lotta fun

[@brianmoya6616]

Really good video. Regarding Niesa and Tieger, I remember rading an interview stating they where first designed to be the party members at some point. That idea and their story was probably scrapped when so much of the planned content had to be cut. I'm really amazed by all your research and preparation in doing the game justice. Nice content man!

[@kraeutrpolizei]

I just found out because of this essay that the game was supposed to be bigger and now I'm heartbroken

[@Ekklo]

That was quite possibly the most INSANE intro to the story section I have ever seen. Bravo, sir. Bravo.

[@holysparkbatman]

I can’t believe we’re awake together this early good morning cupcake.

[@dieselshotfinalcut1628]

Good morning sugar plum 🌄

[@VitorBrauer]

Im a brazilian musician that makes a lot of tours around here. Your videos kept me awake while driving and put me into a much deserved sleep when lying in far away beds. Never stop making videos, man. You have a duty to me and to my bands.

[@nagihoko]

Muito bem

[@cesarhoffmann5181]

Estamos aqui assistindo também man

[@PedroKing19]

Vem pra Brasília meu chapa

[@VitorBrauer]

@@PedroKing19 de 6 em 6 meses tô aí, fica de olho

[@DezuKiwami]

Fun fact: this game is only 70MB in size. Pretty amazing.

[@xcidgafhamas]

Dang

[@parzibalamblin1890]

715MB

[@Ghostie.]

Just finished the Q&A and now we get 2 more hours of Grim! What a treat

[@Trevelyan2]

The goth gods bless us again with another Grim Beard video. I need it to fall asleep and dream of giant centipedes. 😊

[@Langtw]

I need the sleepy bird voice for my rest

[@Fengalion]

I loved Vagrant Story and almost never hear folks talking about it. Also that flash drive non sequitur went in a direction I didn't expect but very much enjoyed. Always glad to see a new video of yours!

[@brain.in.a.body.]

That Toshiba/flash memory/randy pitchford/medieval times montage in the lead up to the backstory was delicious. i need you to know i appreciate that extra, unnecessary effort in the service of a bit

[@Spikethe3rd12]

I'm with everyone else, I watch each new episode every night to sleep to for the whole month until the next one drops. I owe you my life Grim!

[@cccPKR3W]

Absolutely incredible and neck breaking change from usb Randy shenanigans to main story.

[@HandsomeAl]

Brother, you never disappoint with the videos. Nobody does it quite the same, and rare is it they're so rewatchable too

[@Izolus]

Oh fuck yes, can't wait to watch this, watch it again to fall asleep to and then watch it in full again a week later. Thanks Grim

[@cosumone2]

You keep coming out with these awesome videos one right after another. While I really enjoy the amount of content I hope you are getting the rest you need in between videos.

[@executiveassistantkettleshiner]

I think Vagrant Story offered a pretty unique gameplay experience : that of scrounging around for weapons and knowledge, scavenging out an efficient arsenal out of scattered bits. Meta-knowledge is heavily rewarded, so when you use the right tricks to create a weapon of a superior material early, or continuously upgrade a blade upwards, preserving the stats you grinded on it, and they demolish the opposition, it feels great. Getting a new weapon is exciting, you wonder about what you're going to be able to do with it. Learning that a certain enemy has a chance to drop a powerful weapon for the stage of the game they're in, is cool, and even cooler still that enemies that wield weapons use the actual model of the weapons, that they are actually using, and that they can actually drop. And since there is some randomness in what equipment-wearing enemies wear, the same lich can oneshot you one time, and barely tickle you the next, just because its staff is different ! Not that mastering it doesn't require guides, like, for example, how else would you learn that in the damage calculations, enemy type counts for far less than element and blade type, etc, or that shield defense applies to your entire body, cutting aoe damage dramatically, or that your three main stats pull double duty as both offensive and defensive stats, or that the final boss equally resists each damage type and element, except for light and dark, making him essentially a test of how high you can stack a single element of your choice, etc.

[@stefanopl3]

Amazing storytelling, the flash drive, parapug, the demon, etc. You are a truly hidden gem, kinda how Caddicarus used to be and hopefully you can have a similar success! Thank you so much for the effort you put in your videos!

[@silviacarli5863]

I love this game so much, it has such a fascinating atmosphere that until now only demon's souls managed to capture, at least for me.

[@cubivores]

grimbeard saying “dont laugh” is guaranteed to always make me laugh

[@Archeris]

Hahaha same. I think i've watched this video like 3 times and that part always make me laugh.

[@fernandogaragnani]

You work keeps surprising, man. I was not expecting Vagrant Story in a Tuesday. Thanks!

[@EwertonVongola]

2 hours of Vangrant Story, what a treat

[@gilium5039]

It's always great to see a niche and excellent JRPG like this to get a 2 hour review,i haven't even watched video yet,but you earned a subscriber

[@eyestonedaniel]

Haven't watched it yet and I already love the review.

[@adamcope6890]

Your documentary style is sooo good, man. Really enjoy your stuff.

[@thebuddhasmiles]

Grim and Marsh are the only 2 people on this site that make me genuine happy when they upload.

[@starlightxfury1256]

I spot a fellow Nakajima enjoyer

[@xBINARYGODx]

@@starlightxfury1256 anus

[@dohertyaaron]

Every time a new Grim longform vid pops up in my feed it legit feels like Christmas.

[@jordanetherington1922]

Man this was one of my fave PSX games and definitely one of my fave games of all time. I rented it so often as a kid. I would love a remake so much. God, the cutscenes are so fucking well-directed.

[@marcosdheleno]

to this day vagrant story remains in my top 10 games of all time. its an amazing gem from a time when square went balls to the wall with experimental stuff. and while the majority was trash, vagrant still remain as proof that their decision to do so was not unwarranted.

[@lukew9396]

one thing i love about your videos is that you add a lot of context about why this is a game worth covering or what makes it interesting enough to talk about. That goes a long way to me trusting that they'll be worth my time (and they always are)

[@tonyalmodovar7629]

I have never been so invested in a story about flash drives... like it came and went so quickly. 😢

[@jeffreypeters5578]

This is one of the best gaming/darker content channels out here PERIOD! SO UNDERRATED

[@lukesguywalker]

i'm sure a bunch of people have said the same, but these videos are such a lifeline. thank you for your hard work

[@zeoxTV]

The sync with the in-game subtitles with your narration at 16:32 was just amazing. Chefs kiss!

[@Neverbomb]

Thank you sincerely for the effort you put in these videos. I wish you all the best for future endeavours 👍

[@rikimaru5423]

Not eloquent enough to get across why I love your videos, I just do. Never stop making them please.

[@dieselshotfinalcut1628]

This is crazy I've been on a huge Grim Beard tear and was interested in more Vagrant Story content o-o

[@kadnhart6661]

I genuinely loved the flash drive sequence, you didn't have to go all out like that for a bit but you did and I appreciate it.

[@Maartwo]

Babe, Grim just dropped another banger.

[@Exigentable]

Fantastic work, Grim. Quality as always. I always look forward to your uploads.

[@Vrindlevine]

Ah yes the game that crosses tattoos, bdsm and skin flaying (and a couple homoerotic overtones) with a rpg and horror mechanics. That's like all my favorite things.

[@daltongarrett3393]

Only a couple homoerotic overtones?the main protagonist and villain are both remarkably hot gender nonconforming dudes wearing less clothing than a high level female character in an MMORPG, and every time they share a scene you could cut the sexual tension with a knife. I adore it

[@AC-hj9tv]

@@daltongarrett3393 bonerization complete

[@xBINARYGODx]

The female character who mostly doesn't nothing through the plot feels like a case of the not-gays.

[@Panomosh]

What mean you

[@Prohxyy]

Holy shit I did not expect this channel to review one of my favorites of all time. Grim really delivering coverage on something special yet again.

[@muto7825]

Vagrant Story has always seemed like a really interesting game--thanks for doing a dive into it! love your humor

[@Hirogawa]

I love your content, bro. You're literally my current favorite content creator with long form review/essays like that. Good stuff.

[@Omgsarge]

Really cool to see you cover this gem of a game. Vagrant Story really just wants to make you think. About the story, the complex crafting system, the environment, why my spirit - attunted dagger does 0 damage to the Fire Djinn grilling my exposed ass... By far definently one of my favorites. Like you said, it needs a rerelease because the gaming audience has gotten so much more diverese and accepting...it could have a second life...23 fucking years later. Damn. Dungeon crawling through Iron Maiden with the help of Guides from GameFAQs. Good times.

[@MrRudeG]

So Damn Happy we Got a Grim Video today! I just finished the physical and mental shit show that was me working 3 weeks straight. Thank you I needed this!!!

[@Ooklathemok3]

This is the game that I want an HD release of. If I ever were to hit the lotto, I'd drop a bag on square to make it happen, Bring the whole gang back to do it

[@friendlylich1077]

Bro when I understood where you were going with the flash drive + medieval times talk I had to pause cause I was choking on my own saliva 😂 I love this channel so much

[@SmittyDealio]

I'm gay and this game rules

[@aronbrown7286]

God, so much of this makes me so happy, but especially the continuation of the meditative essayist bit aka the Toshiba montage. It's fantastic, funny, and wonderfully bizarre, and I cannot wait for more of your videos!

[@SuperCoolvideoBro]

Just finished watching the entirety of your channel's videos

[@copperbadge1]

The story chapter came out of nowhere and the moment you mentioned *the* location, I died.

[@thejohnkaufman]

I would never skip the parts where you're talking to a robot dog. They're so silly, I love them.

[@mirfalltnixein.1]

No Mr Beard my watch later list is already bloated lately please have mercy.

[@GregDaniel78]

Holy fark you are getting good at this Grimmy boy. I fell asleep on my first play within *minutes* ...And the subsequent replay was excellent.

[@TheArbiter1999]

The "nice ass" transition at 1:25:58 might be the hardest I've ever laughed watching your videos, keep up the great work my guy!

[@noneofyourbuisness2539]

Fantastic! Your comedic abilities are astounding. Every video of yours I see is great. In awe.

[@JJW410]

Grim, I've got nothing to add to your video but wanna drop a comment to show my appreciation. You're easily the best Patreon account I've put money towards, your style is all it's own, your work ethic is off the charts, and your use of Homer Simpson AI voice synthesisation is inpspiring a new wave of absurdist comedy in me. Thanks for the good shit my man ♥

[@makeitthrough_]

I know Guildenstern is named after a Shakespeare character and that this obviously came out first, but that name only ever conjures up images of that science demon from Onimusha for me

[@loganross1861]

That build up with the history of Toshiba and the flash drive and then Medieval Times and all just 👌

[@superjew6176]

Loves to see another grim beard upload before bed😍

[@InessentialMotionPictures]

oh look my best friend Grim uploaded. glad we can hang out again, bud

[@dogzilla1749]

These vids are so well done, still my fav goth gamer reviewer man

[@JKavanagh-tq8rp]

Not sure if anyone's mentioned this already but the mentions of the Church are absent in the UK version, half of the story here doesn't exist in the version I played at the time.

[@Qwarky]

Wonderful video on a wonderful game, you absolutely nailed it Grim. I had such a good time playing the game and finding more of the story and just absolutely eating up the atmosphere and little bits of world building and narrative everywhere. I was surprised and kinda heartbroken to see years later people mostly say how they never got into it or how "you need a guide to play it" as a reason to not play it. I went through the whole game without a guide, so this confused me so much. This is such a good week. New Zelda, the AMA video going public and an awesome VS video. Treats!

[@nannonana]

Dude I love your videos so much, this is def one of my top favorite gaming commentary channels. Keep up the great work!

[@JC-hf7zt]

I love you so much grim. Like everyone always says, its always a surprise that you arent bigger, you deserve the world. That being said, i do like feeling like im part of some super secret goth gamer club

[@yowlrdubz]

Im so glad the algorithm led me back here. Amazing content, as always.

[@sting7789]

Just started playing this on my Ps3 and it's awesome. They give you sooo much customization and I love the gameplay, story, music, art.

[@the_real_Kurt_Yarish]

The fact that this game is subtitled "The Phantom Pain" while the creator just happened to have corresponded with Kojima wherein they espoused their admiration for each other's work, decades before MGSV released; just... can't be a coincidence.

[@JetJenkins]

Vagrant Story is one of my favorite games on the sony playstay. I'm so happy Grim covered it. Loved the cloned voice gags and the history segment was insightful. I'm also glad we're done with the bitter recompense segment.

[@MatteBlacke]

Nice vid, bro. Nice crow too. Caw. That explanation of what a flash drive is put it all into perspective.

[@renatoleko]

An upload from Grim always makes me happy!

[@ondrejsakaci8905]

20 minutes in and I have found a great amusement in your new way of reviewing. It's great!

[@bloodysnday]

I can't express how much I love your videos.

[@theJiveMind]

I was just wondering about you. seeing this pop up made my day ♥️

[@bluebigbus5895]

I love Grimbeard releases, each one is like an event to look forward to

[@gameroutoftime117]

I said it before and I will say it again. Vagrant Story is a MASTERPIECE. Great review on the timeless classic, Grim Beard.

[@nes8462]

Grim upgraded to Monster Energy Drink. He deserves it.

[@o5-693]

I just found your channel and honestly man I love your style. Definitely subbing.

[@NightRogue77]

Dude that transition from wtf story back to the game was gd brilliant 👏🏻

[@cartervaill3043]

I came to watch a video about a videogame ive never heard of, just watched a flash drive documentary, i love every second of grimbeards videos

[@VaunaKiller]

Finally, more goodness to digest. Before being back to rewatching older vids for the mood every so often. More like, each day 😂

[@AC-hj9tv]

Same

[@djblaklite]

8:30 i fucking LOVE these new "obscure-subjects-loosely-strung-together-then-barely-connected-to-the-games-plot-story-intros" things. this is my new favourite thing. seriously.