My Thoughts on EN Character Changes [Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent]

[@16SF]

I would love if your reviews highlight the differences (if any) between characters and whether it's nice buff or meh. My prediction is that people who really care about meta still won't be pulling for these units (Square said buffs, not magically turning Lionel into Richard-level of busted) but everyone else will be happy to pull some characters whose aesthetic/personality is attractive but their usability was trash.

[@Ryan-sj2rl]

I agree with highlighting the differences, you could also give ideas about what buffs you would have given the character and if the buffs make a big difference

[@thecatcat4404]

I'd much rather have accurate insights into these characters strengths and weaknesses regardless of whether the background images match or if it's two days later.

[@IndividualEleven3ABV]

Here here!

[@MrKenpachi28]

100% this. You are EN's COTC guru--we don't pull the trigger unless Shizu-sama says so!

[@dblock5one4]

Agreed

[@TwinBladeFury]

Getting the guides out is no rush, I'm happy to wait an extra day or two for them. And I'm also fine with the background content being of JP, I mainly look at the that content to see what the character and their skills look like in action, and the JP footage is still good for that. It'll be nice if the new guides feature comparisons of the characters in EN and JP, so we can see just how drastic the buffs for that unit are.

[@dandito8169]

I really hope they buff Olberic, at least a little bit, so he can be less niche than he is in JP. Olberic has always been my favorite of the OG 8 but especially because he's a standard banner unit I couldn't justify spending rubies for him when he comes out on EN unless he gets changed

[@yunxiliu4252]

Don't worry about the background footage. I usually just listen to your words.

[@sygg5547]

Even if people don't actively chase these travelers and stick to the shiny ones like Cyrus, it should still boost player morale just to know that fewer travelers will feel like dead weight in the standard pool. Like, I was thrilled to get Eliza on an Agnès pull last week, and I imagine I'll feel the same about Lionel when it's his time.

[@shine8574]

Hey Shizukatz! Been watching your videos since summer, and I've been enjoying your well articulated commentary on the game. I believe you can still use the JP as the base, and review the unit accordingly. Not every unit will be buffed anyway, so you can use the base info to talk about how good it is and say stuff like it will probably get a buff or something. Take care!

[@DreamblitzX]

I don't mind sticking to the same footage at all - for these kinds of reviews I'm purely paying attention to the overlays and the voicing. I think the one area that it might be tricky for is the arena example fights though. For getting people to spend more I do have to wonder how much it'll work though - when it takes so long to save up enough for a pity and sources of random/free pulls seem very minimal, it kinda feels like it doesn't matter whether a character is bad or solid, you really have to try hold out for the best of the best if you're trying to play somewhat 'optimally' as F2P (which yeah, isn't required, but still incentivised because everyone wants to feel strong and clear content). Maybe this'll primarily just improve returns from midrange spender 'dolphin' players though.

[@corrinleivan]

As a person who rarely pulls for meta units in gacha games, even when gamebreakingly so (the main example that comes to mind for me was Grace in Dragalia Lost), this personally doesn't affect me too much. I'll be saving for when Therion/Alfyn come around, currently a bit over halfway to a spark. I like watching your reviews so I know what the characters are like and get an idea of how you would generally use them. I don't mind you using JP footage at all, it definitely makes things easier for you & you don't need to worry about pulling the units every week.

[@elhugo13]

Use JP footage, it's fine.

[@losersbecomewinners2043]

I’m appreciate all your videos, and i hope you don’t feel too much pressure! As for what i hope to see, as mentioned by others, please highlight some differences between JP/EN, and still use the character in the back! I enjoy that actually! Edit: i’m still trying to pull Cordona… i want her so bad, since i need an AOE spear.

[@Kipper_Flipper]

Using the footage from JP is completely fine. For as much as it would be nice to have the perfectly accurate character in the background footage it doesn't overly change how the video format works since the information you're supplying will still be the same regardless

[@StopHim]

Honestly you could play stock footage of a beach and I’d still listen to your entire video. Like Nikki said, your opinion on the changes would be cool.

[@DragonsVnm]

I was waiting for you to post on this. I do feel you have a unique perspective with your experience on JP. I would happily wait to get your opinion over random people who don’t have that background.

[@rmachado1987]

1: I for one rolled for Cardona. She looks amazing and super interesting kit ingame. Sadly, failed miserably at the acquiring the unit part =p 2: I personally do not mind using JP footage. As long as the content you are analizing is up to date server wise - like EN version for EN, I think the visuals are just a side bonus in this case. Keep up doing the good work o7

[@156892]

I'd still like the information on the OG ver. of the Characters, things like voice actor/actress information, meta placement, I think I'd still enjoy your content, I DO request a focus on the differences of the newer/older ver. differences and what you think of them.

[@SilentVolt]

I definitely don't mind if you use the JP footage, but I think like people mentioned, a short segment highlighting the any buffs/nerfs/changes would be really nice. Also totally don't mind if future videos are delayed.

[@ghaithnouh424]

You can use whatever footage you like, I am here for your excellent info, and I think useful characters should have two videos, one before release and one after release, as for usual characters, one video should be enough

[@ok-ue4ub]

I'm fine with whatever you do, your channel has been very helpful for me so far.

[@allyrose9494]

No need to rush the guides, so long as they're out before the banner is over and they're accurate Idm the wait or the footage you use. keep up the good work!

[@mb6071]

Hey there! Thanks for all your hard work, I immediately thought about you when I heard those "improvements" to future characters, good for us but damn it must be tough for your vids/schedule... Anyway, I don't mind waiting for your opinion a couple of days, and don't really care about JP footage, only your thoughts are important to me, about abilities, role, uniqueness/usefulness I wouldn't see myself, etc. Thanks again for your work!

[@chernoalpha3445]

I appreciate your measured attitude, and especially the experience of having played other games with inconsistent buffs/nerfs across formats or sometimes individual cards/toons

[@empressfrozentoes5285]

regarding the question posed at around 6 minutes 30 seconds in, I posted a poll to the cotc subreddit and out of a sample size of just under 770 people a solid 6% (51) said that they'd actually roll for lionel, while the other 94% (717) weren't interested at all, so when given his buffed presumably 4-5 star skills, people still wanted the pip pop cheerio scholar man himself or some other unit, so for now at least it doesn't look like it's enough to incentivize people to abandon hope for better units. the most cited reason for not rolling lionel was a mix between the buffs not being substantial enough or already having one or more of the 5 ssr warriors or sofia, which is also my reason

[@Protoman20xx99]

Great candid video! Keep using your footage...I just watch for Pia!

[@peterfabell154]

I'd be willing to spend more on characters if it was easier to get full teams up to level 100. As it stands, the biggest impediments to spending money on new banner units are: 1) the lack of new 3-star and 4-star units that would also be great additions to teams 2) the time investment in getting units to max level (and therefore be usable in creative teams) - for example, there are many 4-star units that are just stuck at lower levels because of the time it gets to level a single unit, but if those 4-star units could be put into teams, 5-star units wouldn't be relied on quite so much in team compositions and new 5-star units with unique abilities would be more interesting to try and get for gameplay reasons 3) the insanity of how 5-star units are priced and the lack of weekly or monthly deals for rubies or units SE seems to be making the same mistakes with CotC that they made with FFBE. Even though the gacha is way worse, I still prefer Another Eden, purely because: 1) every 3 or 4 months they release their star encounter (which lets you pick any unit from the entire lineup for around $25) and 2) any unit you pull doesn't require extra copies to be at full power. There is a system where extra copies over time power up a unit, but you can also do events to get items which do the same thing albeit at a slower and more limited rate. It's disappointing knowing how FFBE ended for me (couldn't play the game because of too many units - literally thousands that were just sitting there, because I just ran out of time to manage my unit inventory), and every new update basically erased the usefulness of entire lineups that used to be amazing. It's a dumb tactic (Another Eden doesn't have this problem - even OG units they have managed to keep usable in the form of manifest weapons). It may be unfair to constantly compare CotC with AE, but to me the games are so incredibly similar (both 2.5D worlds, side-scrolling battles, row swapping with special abilities activated upon row swap, healing in the back row, individual unit quests alongside main world quests, and single-player experiences with free 5-star units being persistently always available if strong enough).

[@cameronrumrill9513]

I really don’t think you need to change anything in regards to your videos playing behind your character breakdowns. I mostly just watch to entertain as I digest what you’re saying. Obviously what is playing is different what I’m experiencing at the time as you’re far ahead in JP anyways, so it doesn’t matter much. Just keep up the great content- I look forward to it every release!

[@marcea01]

I said this before, your review characters are the best. If you need to take a bit more time, it's okay for me. Also, the background gameplay I personally think there's no problem about using JP version gameplay. So, I just wish you the best and keep up with such great videos!! 😄

[@aleczahn-hess2705]

Personally I think even with this character change I believe the depth and quality of your overviews would benefit greatly, especially since now you can compare side to side the EN version of the character and the JP version. It would definitely make a more interesting video just to see the differences in stats, abilities and utility.

[@drumnbass1536]

Very excited to see this myself, as I'm sad to see units being dead on arrival, since we got foresight compared to JP. That being said, I decided to do the Lionel stepup and dude I GOT SO LUCKY, so no regrets on that!

[@gtx21]

Most people are broke with their Rubies because of the Bravely Default collab. I talk to some whales, they only reason they pulled so much for Adelle, Edea, Agnes because they are not joining standard pulls plus it's a good deal for Rubies wise. Lionel pretty much would be "dead on arrvial" same for JP If wasn't for the buffs but i do think that will not make him a desired unit more appealing for new players joining the game. People are waiting for Cyrus, Olphilia, A2, Cecily etc. because they know how good they are.

[@TrollOmnipotence]

Well you called it on one of your first Videos I think the Tressa Overview, you will have to deliver video's reactively, SQEX doubled down on that. I think this change is great, what I would hope is that JP gets the unit revamps as well. ( that way , you can probably get the footage you need.)

[@dr.phillyjoel3289]

I certainly don't mind the idea of buffs to weaker units, but we're drowning in 5 star warriors lol.

[@MayW15663]

This is definitely the main reason nobody is pulling for him lol. I already have 3 5 star warriors.

[@SquircleYT]

Based on the little we have seen, which is not much tbh, it’s not enough. They would have to buff a unit to the point of being stupid to get me to abandon saving for my planned pulls. However, we could pull these units off banner anyway and them being more balanced would be a win/win for EN. As for the footage you use, keep using your JP footage. It’s no bother. Sometimes I watch the video footage but I always listen to your thoughts and opinions.

[@lunam6941]

Hello, and thank you for your videos, Shizukatz. For my opinion, I'd be for saying differences, and if the buffs are good enough to change the value of the character. Also, for the footage, I really like those as your JP version fights, as I appreciate seeing how you fared during those (But maybe I am a little special for that 😊 ), so please keep those if possible.

[@SteamedSam]

You can use your JP Footage. We'll fill in the blanks with your words and our imagination.

[@viviblue7277]

Watch them wait until the anniversary to release Cyrus.

[@myst1741]

While I don't play JP. I do hope they see the buffs as well. And that we see buffs for other characters like Elvis.

[@magikot]

I hope these buffs are given to those who play on JP. We on EN raged with the changes to the bravely colab and it was changed, let's do the same here so square stops trying to make 2 different games

[@silverroxas358]

I mean honestly just screenshots are fine and you could probably just take footage from the official release trailer (if that's allowed) because those are certainly going to show any new/buffed skills more than likely. I'll drop screencaps of lionels lvl 100 stats and new skillset right at reset in the morning in your discord for you either way

[@ChrisZ901]

too bad there will be no chance for h'annit to see some improvements since she has already been released. She was my favorite character from the original game (along with Primrose and Therion)

[@CronosZxMkII]

Imagine if they buffed my man Millard. Although Square would never because that would mean less $ from people pulling for new powercrept clerics.

[@tollnag]

Lionel EN version sounds interesting, will definitely jump a few rubies. Especially in relation to the upcoming Varkyn Cup.There are some interesting possibilities here in combination with Glossom to efficiently maintain debuff on opponent SP wise. Regarding the character changes in the EN version, I see the possibility here of making the so called Low tier character more interesting. Overall learning from the mistakes of the JP version. I also found your example of Cardona is on Point.

[@dragon297]

I think most people would agree that you having the same character even if it's a different skill set in the JP version in the background is completely fine. For my thoughts on the change announcement, I really think it's the straw that's breaking the camel's back for me. I've been less and less invested in the game over the past few weeks and this kinda became the last step as a deal breaker. Overall I agree that this is probably a good change from the overall standpoint, because it allows any non-target spooks that you roll to have a stronger power level. But it's very bad for a low spender because they'll keep releasing units that are stronger and stronger without a resting break in between. Considering for most gacha games the western audience tends to be lower spenders, the future sight available for Global versions tend to really help the players out. They already threw a wrench in that with the mixed up release schedule. But now with kits becoming completely different, it's fully 100% a different game and any future sight is useless. I know there were a lot of people in the discord that were quite pleased with this change, so I hope that it works out for them. But for my personal play and spending I can't see it as anything other than a negative for me.

[@jaychase1408]

Thanks Shizukatz, great video, no you don't have to use borrow video's. To me the knowledge of CotC is why I subscribe to your channel.

[@yehhou1076]

The info Is what matters, feel fine to use jp footage

[@andymci3246]

shizukatz could it also be some game balance, cos GL got awakening so soon? ( and 4* spend way too much time dragging unconscious 5*s to the back row) think stat changes are fine, but rolls are still rolls:)

[@tuskeralex]

Keep using your JP footage, it doesn't really change that much and I'd rather have your videos sooner than later :)

[@0zRevolution]

Hi,could you recommend budget characters (4*) for farming Supreme Nuts from memoirs Including the easiest of the 3 bosses

[@jaxster99]

Thank you for this (and everything!) Also...we will totally survive if content is delayed :) Even without SQEX toying with things! I got shafted on Odette, lost 3k rubies. So I'm just saving until the next blaze banner, or some other limited time that I can spark on if needed. I'm not the target demo for spending $ on random banners, and almost back to 3k but not yet cuz it be slow. I can't see me rolling on a Lionel, or even someone OP like Cyrus (assuming not nerfed) unless rubies become more generous, banners slow down, pity becomes easier..anything. I'll take my chances getting from regular pool eventually until then

[@romanflis]

I think using the JP footage is fine, and that is the footage you have from your account. If you were wanting to borrow footage from EN, maybe do a mix of both your footage and just show the EN changes from borrowed footage. That would also show the differences in how the characters changed for reference as well.

[@tokiarukamaka8063]

honestly if they just adjusted the prices for the rubies or give more ways of acquiring free rubies would be more helpful than buffing new characters.

[@tuskeralex]

I don't understand why they didn't release Cyrus with the cup. If they wanted money, well a lot of people have spent all their rubies on the collab and would maybe pay to pull Cyrus. Others like me who have enough to pity him still won't pull for Lionel regardless of the buff

[@kitakkful]

Use JP footage and note the differences between versions.

[@jrod7929]

I think the change is awesome. Doesn't make sense to not buff low tier characters. Doesn't help us if we pull them, Doesn't help SQEX because no one will want them. Mutually beneficial.

[@DogiTheWallcrusher]

I'm curious if SE would give you access to a media account or at least early info for videos. Hoyoverse eventually did that for their content creators so that everyone had time before release to get a video ready instead of busting their ass pulling and building a unit in one day for content. That said I personally don't see SE doing it, but it might be worth trying to contact them.

[@driesverhaag8955]

Use any footage you want, I usually get enough out of just listening to your videos Day 91 of playing COTC without Cyrus...

[@goenawanarief4027]

WELL, I don't care though since I am F2P and I use and try to use any character that I have. so skipping char is a must for me. saving for CYRUS since he has 3 element and I really need a good nuker. after that it will be just my fasting period again. 4,8k and 1,2k more for sure fire cyrus. all in all I think you can make a video of before and after buff, and I do hope SE will buff the char in JP too when they buff the char in EN. nice video as always :D

[@AlvinAdrianto]

In my personal opinion, your reviews by itself are already abundant for us who mostly know nothing about the upcoming characters. I personally don't care with the background as I only pay attention to the EN stuffs (because JP will be irrelevant to me especially after the announcement). For uploading one day after character release is still good enough, banner stays for at least one week long. One group of people who save their rubies cares most about character longevity, I think what we'd (yes, I'm one of them) like to see is that is it worth it to pull the characters by weighing the changed stats and how far they can be used. One suggestion is that maybe you can give a rating? after however the character changed, like your own personal tier list. Be it in general tier list or job type specific tier list (tanking, healing, buffing & de-buffing, attacking, etc) That way people who believes your expert opinion can weigh whether it's worth the pull or not. I have my thoughts on your channel as soon as the announcement came but I'm glad that you didn't bail out because of this, because I realize the impact to the channel. Keep up the good work dude 😁

[@ch1psahoy250]

Its still fine doing videos using jp references just add things that like what will make that char. viable to en or something

[@williamromero5784]

keep doing what you are doing, ask for a small sample of the EN change if any as part of the review. for me the problem is that the game is too pricey, it really expensive for a 10 pull and not worth pulling a unit if you know a better one will be coming soon or a collab

[@dardo105]

Keep the good work

[@不只是谁所无名找小二]

Shizu doesn't sound very enthuasistic in this one, probably cuz it was so sudden Also JP background footage is good, but if it's a showcase like dmg or something else, maybe consider borrowing some if it's convenient

[@davidmejia5740]

Do you think the buffs might also go to some new unreleased 4* characters like Narr and Lolo?

[@Flareboxx]

I would definitely prefer to see the same attacks you’re discussing instead of seeing the different JP ones. If possible at least! Borrowed footage is totally fine

[@Valarasha]

Your sentiment about Cardona in the middle of the video kind of just highlights the core issue with the EN version of the game: the banner release schedule. The ruby income just is not adequate and the paid ruby bundles are too expensive. Maybe SE would make more money off of these banners if they offered reasonable options for low spenders.

[@edwardjabar3141]

Some people have been very adamant that due to them buffing weaker units that they will most likely nerf stronger/OP units. What is your perspective on that? Do you think that’s something plausible? Personally I don’t see any logical reasoning for them doing this since this is a single player game, so a nerf would be helping no one as there is no PvP or anything of the sort.

[@jn3319]

I do appreciate the buffs however I hope they don't clump copy skills from other characters because the new 3 ice looks exactly like Sofias 3 ice. I'd prefer some sort of unique identity for all 5*s. Also nooooo, all your hard work on your spreadsheet.

[@thedisciplinedweeb3569]

Agreed. I value unique mechanics/gimmicks from character a lot. That's why even if cyrus is broken i doubt i'll pull him because in the end, he is just a fire,mage,elec with no particulary "thoughts provoking" actions unlike lynette's buff on swap etc ...

[@TheGreatSammyJack]

Honestly, the "gameplay" for the video is not too important, as I enjoy looking at the future content like the bosses you're fighting in this video. Yeah I would hate making a second account just to capture footage and would not expect any content creator to do the same.

[@jjjsong0]

Yes, they should just release Cyrus asap so people won't just be saving and not spending.

[@dilebrix1671]

What are these orange bars above the chars? And when will we get them or how

[@Bufudit]

They are specials, and we won't be getting them for awhile.

[@huehuehue0425]

Wish Agnes gets buffs in the future

[@yayan5263]

I hope they will change leeto

[@sebastianphilipps1754]

If they buff all arena champions i wouldn't complain

[@jonathancook1731]

Use JP footage. You play JP. We know that and appreciate that.

[@ShadowXemnas13]

Honestly, I wouldn't mind seeing the JP versions of the kits with a disclaimer that some skills may be changed for EN, if that makes it easier on you. Using JP footage is fine in general, no issues here. As for my feelings on the change itself, I'm not surprised that SE would make changes to EN to try and get people to spend more. The problem though is the cost-to-pity ratio, especially given the literal drip-feed of rubies, makes it undesirable to spend on random banners unless you're a whale. And especially these days...I don't think as many people are whaling in general, though I could be wrong. Plus, as great as the stories in CotC are, OT is more niche in general compared to even some other SE IPs. It's not gonna make as much as FFBE or DFFOO period, let alone some of the really popular non-SE gachas. And given the sheer number of Gachas SE has with more on the way...I do feel like they're going about trying to incentivize spending wrong. Not saying buffs aren't good, but the Cost of Rupies vs how much you need to guarantee a character is just...egregious. $100 for just 1/6 of a pity AND free rubies come in slowly outside of the first month for a new player? Doesn't get me to want to spend...only time I grabbed packs was during a special Google Play promotion where I could use Play Points that I accrued spending on other games in the past to cover the cost (kinda like Nintendo's Gold Points), so I was able to get them effectively for free. Would not have grabbed any otherwise. Heck, CotC doesn't even have a Weekly/Monthly value pack that gives the player goodies over time, which is the kind of thing I DO spend on elsewhere. All that to say I get why they did this, but it does nothing to address the real problems keeping people from spending more on the app. I feel like companies forgot the word "Microtransaction" starts with "Micro." SE is definitely no exception.

[@dontknoww8939]

Personally I don’t care if the background footage of whatever character you are reviewing is from the JP version so long as the actual information in the video is accurate to the EN version. Would be kind of ridiculous to have to start playing EN/rerolling EN accounts just to get background footage

[@agi5522]

Cyrus? Cyrus.

[@jackyha9445]

Who cares, let's continue to simp for Cyrus I don't care if Lionel now has a 3hit single sword and 3hit single ice in global version, still waiting on Cyrus Wasn't gonna pull Lionel anyway, now it's just cooler if I get him on a random pull, so all in all, global version is just gonna be a buff, The issue is if they nerf my planned character pulls

[@vev1672]

Even if Lionel was more powerful than cyrus, i still wouldn't roll lmao, i just dont like the guy lmao Will be saving for cyrus a2 for comfort and auguste will be the main target

[@Over-mh3wr]

What's funny is that he is still a very easy skip imo. 3x hit that decreases defense? Sorry Viola covers any defense shred I need and even a bunch of 4 star warriors have 3 hit sword skills. 3x hit ice? Probably won't do good damage anyway because he is a sword unit but is good for shield breaking. I'll have to see his full kit to see if he is worth a damn. Maybe there's more good stuff in his kit but he'll always be held back by the over saturation of sword units already. This is 100% being done to try and push more enticing characters to pull so they can gain more $$$$. EDIT: I'm fine with you using footage of the jp version of the character even if they end up being different on global. I just really like the fact that you always have gameplay running in the background to supplement your review, info and commentary.

[@lucastsen]

these JP/EN changes shows that the game isn't doing too well with JP foresight influence. Need to see the analytics on this game, loads of people probably hoarding. Personally I quit the game because the gacha is just so hostile to f2p. I might clear my data and start again in 6months, given the game is still alive that is..

[@FateTearsStudios]

I'm guessing the revenue for Global isn't going good and they're trying to get people to pull on other banners. I'm fearing they might nerf the Nier units since they likely know that everyone will be saving for them. Especially with how the stepup banners are being handled

[@viviblue7277]

On one hand buffing characters is a blatant cash grab. On another hand it could make the game better…or worse. I’m not a fan. I like transparency and predictability. This is just further from that.

[@adamtoy3152]

definitely use JP footage!

[@hydyr123]

Use JP footage

[@edgarwen]

If they know that we are saving for those high profile characters, just release then already ffs!!!

[@EastBurningRed]

automata is pronounced 'ought-TOM-atta'

[@EastBurningRed]

also Weiss Schwarz would be pronounced something like "vice shvarz" in German, but since nobody calls Volkswagen "Folks Vagen", it makes sense to pronounce it the way you do.

[@zenkichihitoyoshi9513]

Instead of creating good and balanced characters, they went with the route of "different games lmao" You can bet most of the changes will make the units extremely similar. Btw, Lionel is yet another warrior. We need fire users, dark users, more lightning users, apothecaries that aren't Theo but no Here's your warrior Ffs SE Anyway; could we send you footage maybe? If you need/want to, I mean. Upload an unlisted video here and give you the link