Fire Emblem: Awakening
What should an FE FAQ consist of?
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Hi everyone! I don't post on the boards much, but thought I should ask for some opinions regarding FAQs particularly to Fire Emblem (^o^)/ Was thinking of getting started on a FAQ/Walkthrough for this game, I bring it up here though cause I've never really written one for a Fire Emblem game before, as much as I've wanted to since Fuuin no Tsurugi XD so when looking at examples of FAQs others have done in the past to see what sorts of things put in, I noticed a lot seem to carry the writer's opinion, is that expected? I was intending on probably writing a more objective based one, just saying "Here's a unit, this is their class, this is what they become, etc" rather than saying if they worked out well for me or not XD You know, leave it to the player to decide sort of thing... So do readers generally want those opinions to be included? For maps, describing the amount of enemy units and maybe providing a grid remake of the map was a possibility too, give some starting positions here, points of interest (such as the maps contributed to 7 and 8), but that'd be difficult for more randomized skirmishes, neh? Secondly, do players who would be reading a FAQ care much for the story? I usually try to keep mine Spoiler-Free, there are some limitations on that of course, simply by saying Player X goes on to become such and such, as well as listing possible supports already does that...though I think that can be handled by putting a section after the walk-through, maybe, with a spoiler warning... Related to the above, should a story summary before the chapter be included at all? I was thinking of putting it in as I am a bilingual Japanese/English speaker, but then when I spoke to some of my western friends who played it, they seem to understand what's going on in the story even if they do not speak the language (or I assumed they don't) XD... so yeah was wondering about that? Regarding Japanese characters, I was thinking of including the vital ones, such as attack, magic, , class, etc. Though I assume veterans of the series can simply know what they are by the order they appear in and the class by appearance and weapons used, but this would be with newcomers in mind, or those who would want to know anyway... I know there are some FAQs that include the Japanese characters in them, I'll have to look into the details of what sort of file format has to be submitted though for characters to appear on the FAQ on this site, if anyone knows the specifics, please let me know! Lastly, character names, I would write them out as they are in character (the main lord being Kuromu), for instance), but all my western friends refer to them by more romanized names, (Krom), so I assume I should put both, though how does one agree upon what the foreign (western) version is? I look forward to hearing from you all! Looking at the spell check preview, it displays the Japanese characters in code...hopefully they don't appear that way on the final post XD... EDIT: And yeah they didn't appear...so I had to edit them out. --- Badger GET!!! | |
Generally, in the first part of the FAQ, you should have all the Japanese characters for things like Str/Spd/Skl and put an English translation next to them. Also, do the same for items and the skills. Next, list character names in Japanese and also in English. Third, map grids if possible, using the convention of A-Z for left right and 1-0 for up down. Fourth, have FUN making this. --- 285/300 BTs! After a year's worth of trying, finally got FAM! Awaiting Resident Evil 6 and Zelda 3DS. | |
Kind of a random point to pick out, but I always love reading through Character FAQS, especially ones that give personal experiences and explanations of the character. We can get the growth rates if we want, but a little blurb about why or why not you should use a character is always nice. Whether it's join time, supports, he looks cool, etc. --- Xbox GT: Ian Bits | |
VentusXII: That makes sense, to get the translational stuff out of the way in the opening, and available characters and such. Maybe on the mission/story point someone is recruited will their details be shown, or something, then the full list afterward? Gridmaps I was thinking of using X ** and Y ** coordinates, just in case it happens to go over 26 characters horizontally, though I think lower case/upper case is fine too (A-Z, then a-z), but the concept is the same, I hope to be able to get that in there though, I'm used to FE mapmaking but the 72 character limit for gameFAQs to display the FAQ properly in notepad can be limiting. Of course I'll have fun! I have fun making FAQs for games I like! \(^o^)/ XD Thanks a lot for the tips and replying! BTzz: Oh? That's helpful then, because I was assuming that people usually don't want to hear other's opinions (and some I've seen go and disagree with them which is fine but start slandering about how Person A is so and so for using Character C XD...) I'll make it clear it's just in my experience then... as for growth rates, I usually just use who I like/if they work well (...super casual? XD) but I think I will include those for the people who want to look that sort of thing up. Though in that case I may need help, so I may seek it out when the time comes... Thanks for the reply! --- Badger GET!!! | |
MKaykitkats posted... , I'm used to FE mapmaking but the 72 character limit for gameFAQs to display the FAQ properly in notepad can be limiting. It's actually 79 characters. I'm not sure if that was just a mistake or not, just making sure you know. Hmm, I'd include Japanese names (you know how to format in JIS I assume) and then a westernised version of the name. It doesn't matter too much if it's 100% correct or not, just go through everything again and correct what you have to when it's released in the US. You could always just list all the names in romaji for english-speakers anyway, if you don't want to include westernised versions of the names until you're 100% what they are. I'd definitely include information on charaters, with your own opinions. Growth rates are also kind of a must. I personally think most people would like to hear the author's opinion on characters, as well as their thoughts on a good party build. Even if they don't, they can just skip over that part. I kind of see maps and points of interest as a must. You shouldn't need to list enemies as they should be shown on the map. Obviously don't worry about it for randomized skirmishes, although you might like to give general strategies for those. Story is sort of optional. I would advise against putting it at the beginning of each chapter though, because of possible spoilers. Are you definitely going to write for the game? If so, you shall have some competition. ;) I don't have the money to buy myself a Japanese 3DS and import Kakusei, so I have to wait for it to be released in Australia before I can get my hands on it though. --- Major Upcoming FAQ Projects: Paper Mario 3DS, New Super Mario Bros. 2, Fire Emblem: Kakusei | |
RedIsPoetic: XD my mistake, yes 79! I forgot the actual limit since I have a template I've been using that stops at the 79 point. Yep, I read up on the JIS formatting earlier and got the proper tools to get started on that, so hopefully that won't be a problem! I was going to include Romaji. For western names, my western friends seem to use the names listed on Serenesforest.net as their westernized equivalents, so I'll figure something out... Indeed when/if the US/EU Version comes out I'll either import it or maybe just see what the names came over as on a website or something, then I can go through and edit them in. I wonder if I should keep the translations at that point too, I guess some people will still be playing the Japanese one neh? Hmm alright I'll likely use outside sources for the growth rates and be sure to credit them accordingly! As well as provide opinions, though I saw for previous games I use people others don't seem to like too much. XD I guess that will give for interesting perspective :3 As for maps, I'll likely follow a similar format to my Fire Emblem 7/8 maps that I contributed, but minus the units, as the player can see that for themselves! However reinforcements places and turns they appear on would be helpful to the player I think. Chests, droppable items, etc, stuff like that! Yes, I was more worried about story too since it's not out overseas so less people would know about it, so for those interested I may have to make a separate section at the end of the level, meaning it will be things they already saw, I hope! I am hoping to really write this guy, yes. XD After the work load comes down a little, so hopefully within the next two weeks I'll have the basic guide with translations up there, and then begin the Walkthrough (probably Hard mode first, then Maniac, etc, then go back and include Easy for those who need it,) I'm not the competitive sort, so you'll definitely win whatever competition there may be XD Thanks for replying! I look forward to your guide as well! --- Badger GET!!! | |
Enormous ASCII art that takes up three pages. --- Devil: DEBATING VIDEO GAMES IS NOT AN ISSUE THAT ADMITS SHADES OF GREY THINGS ARE EITHER TOTALLY AWESOME OR INCREDIBLY TERRIBLE | |
Yes, I'm good at that. XD... --- Badger GET!!! | |
MKaykitkats posted... I was going to include Romaji. For western names, my western friends seem to use the names listed on Serenesforest.net as their westernized equivalents, so I'll figure something out... Yes, Sereneforest.net is an amazing site, I'm using it for my BS Fire Emblem guides. Hmm alright I'll likely use outside sources for the growth rates and be sure to credit them accordingly! As well as provide opinions, though I saw for previous games I use people others don't seem to like too much. XD I guess that will give for interesting perspective :3 As long as you justify your reasons, I don't see anything wrong with having different choices. XD As for maps, I'll likely follow a similar format to my Fire Emblem 7/8 maps that I contributed, but minus the units, as the player can see that for themselves! However reinforcements places and turns they appear on would be helpful to the player I think. Chests, droppable items, etc, stuff like that! Your choice I guess. I'd personally include units so that someone can easily get a nice overview of the map without having to scroll around the in-game map. Do you plan to include maps within your actual guide or are you submitting them separately? Yes, I was more worried about story too since it's not out overseas so less people would know about it, so for those interested I may have to make a separate section at the end of the level, meaning it will be things they already saw, I hope! That sounds like a good idea, just include a spoiler warning for those things just in case, I'd say. I am hoping to really write this guy, yes. XD After the work load comes down a little, so hopefully within the next two weeks I'll have the basic guide with translations up there, and then begin the Walkthrough (probably Hard mode first, then Maniac, etc, then go back and include Easy for those who need it,) Just don't burn yourself out writing for each difficulty level. I don't know how experienced you are with FAQ writing, but just make sure you realise how much effort something like this would take. I'm not the competitive sort, so you'll definitely win whatever competition there may be XD Thanks for replying! I look forward to your guide as well! Not necessarily, we'll just have to see though. No worries, feel free to PM me about any queries you might have on the guide. :) --- Major Upcoming FAQ Projects: Paper Mario 3DS, New Super Mario Bros. 2, Fire Emblem: Kakusei | |
RedIsPoetic: I'll probably start with including maps in the guide itself, and then later move on to maybe separately... XD so will see about that! I guess if people want the starting units in there then it's all good :3 The issue with in guide maps is usually the 79 character limit when I draw out a grid XD but will look for a way around this for sure! I've written mostly in depth FAQs (if you check my contributor page), and have done a few larger ones, and a few full length ones, so I think I'll be okay, though I'm not in a rush or anything, so progress may be a little slow at first until I get some free time later on! I want to at least get some of the important translations out there, and will likely start the hard/normal guide first, and come back to do Maniac later just for good pacing. I get carried away with drawing ASCII pictures too XD as you may see in the other contributions...silly habit! Alright! I'll keep that in mind, and if you have any questions for some reason feel free to email/PM me too! Thanks again! (^o^)/ --- Badger GET!!! |
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