Shadow Hearts: Covenant NTSC - Godslayer v7.4

[zedorfed66 36]

On 13.7.2021 at 8:12 PM, SirShaggy said:

Thank you so much Zed, and happy very belated birthday man! I will definitely start the Covenant streams up again very soon with this new "grind-free" version of the mod.

Hi again Shaggy. Give it a go when you feel like it. I'm just happy people are giving my mods a go  and thanks. I didn't plan to release it on my bday it just happened to go right.

[itsRaddas 0]

Hey! I was to say Thanks for the SH1 mod. I played through it and enjoyed the hell out of it. Even though it made me stress a lil bit LOL. I'm playing through this one as well. People on twitch asked me why I put myself through this LMFAO

[zedorfed66 36]

17 hours ago, itsRaddas said:

Hey! I was to say Thanks for the SH1 mod. I played through it and enjoyed the hell out of it. Even though it made me stress a lil bit LOL. I'm playing through this one as well. People on twitch asked me why I put myself through this LMFAO

I'm glad you've found enjoyment amidst all the brutality. I still need to make a peace with my Shadow Hearts demons before I can rest in peace. I now focus on my SH1 mod again while pending help for my ff8 project on another forum. Hope you like my new SH:C edition too btw. Haven't gotten any comments on it yet so I don't know what people think about it.

[SirShaggy 21]

I'll be sure to leave some feedback as soon as I can Zed! New semester at college just started so things are really hectic at the moment. To be honest, I might replay through the game if grinding is no longer necessary. It's been a long time since I've streamed it and I think switching to the newest version now would leave me kind of overpowered... Ah well, can never get enough Shadow Hearts, honestly.

Edited August 28, 2021 by SirShaggy

[zedorfed66 36]

5 hours ago, SirShaggy said:

I'll be sure to leave some feedback as soon as I can Zed! New semester at college just started so things are really hectic at the moment. To be honest, I might replay through the game if grinding is no longer necessary. It's been a long time since I've streamed it and I think switching to the newest version now would leave me kind of overpowered... Ah well, can never get enough Shadow Hearts, honestly.

Hey Shaggy, hope things will go right for you with the studies. There will be extra grinding required at the optional dungeons, but it's still way less than in v5.0 since the dungeons give 3x the exp instead of 2x. Manmariana Island enemies give 3x exp so getting 3 levels there should go pretty well with the exploring. I hope you like the new changes I made and that you enjoy the mod more overall.

[elltacko 2]

Oh wow, it's very exciting to see that there's a new update, Zed! It amazes me that you're still able to improve the mod! I'll definitely play it when I have time -- Shadow Hearts 2 + this mod is still my favorite combat system.

I was sort of surprised that you upped the EXP in general -- it seemed like from the last feedback, you were against it. As for seals, I used them to compensate for being lower level, which I thought was fun in itself because it was one of the few ways to permanently "customize" your party members towards a build. Of course, putting them (and especially the agility ones) on Yuri is the most powerful choice, but I think it's also fun to non-optimally put them on other characters, especially to compensate for other challenges/playstyles.

In terms of having a more consistent difficulty curve for players, it makes sense to remove it (especially with the increase of EXP), but it does sadden me a bit to see it go because it comes at the cost of player expressiveness. (Of course, they're still usable by loading up vanilla, but it feels significantly more "cheaty" to do so.) I like your philosophy on Technical Ring, in which if you want to use it to make the mod easier, it's all good, but it's not required to win. The mod was still definitely difficult enough even with using everything available to me. 

When I play the newest version, is there any specific feedback you would want? Was it useful for me to document my levels before the bosses? Should I document random encounter "one shots," like how you lowered the damage of Rhondda Mines so Blanca doesn't get one shotted? See if I can still get Libertis before Disk 2 if I use everything available to me? I'm still thinking of playing it without Yuri and Keys (to limit physical damage stacking, big fusion into 3 combo, and Dark Seraphim, all things that are out of scope for a mod to do) but on new game plus, just for extra copies of the AOE buffs that Yuri would otherwise have.

Also, out of curiosity, what team do you use? And how far do you buff stack for damage? Do you just stop at Rage? Or do you go all the way with Keys + Energy Charge + Mind's Eye? I ask because that makes a huuuuggggeeeee difference in damage output.

[zedorfed66 36]

On 11.9.2021 at 8:59 AM, elltacko said:

Oh wow, it's very exciting to see that there's a new update, Zed! It amazes me that you're still able to improve the mod! I'll definitely play it when I have time -- Shadow Hearts 2 + this mod is still my favorite combat system.

I was sort of surprised that you upped the EXP in general -- it seemed like from the last feedback, you were against it. As for seals, I used them to compensate for being lower level, which I thought was fun in itself because it was one of the few ways to permanently "customize" your party members towards a build. Of course, putting them (and especially the agility ones) on Yuri is the most powerful choice, but I think it's also fun to non-optimally put them on other characters, especially to compensate for other challenges/playstyles.

In terms of having a more consistent difficulty curve for players, it makes sense to remove it (especially with the increase of EXP), but it does sadden me a bit to see it go because it comes at the cost of player expressiveness. (Of course, they're still usable by loading up vanilla, but it feels significantly more "cheaty" to do so.) I like your philosophy on Technical Ring, in which if you want to use it to make the mod easier, it's all good, but it's not required to win. The mod was still definitely difficult enough even with using everything available to me. 

When I play the newest version, is there any specific feedback you would want? Was it useful for me to document my levels before the bosses? Should I document random encounter "one shots," like how you lowered the damage of Rhondda Mines so Blanca doesn't get one shotted? See if I can still get Libertis before Disk 2 if I use everything available to me? I'm still thinking of playing it without Yuri and Keys (to limit physical damage stacking, big fusion into 3 combo, and Dark Seraphim, all things that are out of scope for a mod to do) but on new game plus, just for extra copies of the AOE buffs that Yuri would otherwise have.

Also, out of curiosity, what team do you use? And how far do you buff stack for damage? Do you just stop at Rage? Or do you go all the way with Keys + Energy Charge + Mind's Eye? I ask because that makes a huuuuggggeeeee difference in damage output.

Well yeah I replayed the mod again and felt it was too grindy this time around and took the advice. This version of the mod is basically the best version with everything better and more together. Characters have their pros and cons and using Seals just removes that balance. Of course I can understand those who want to use them, it was just my decision to remove their effect. Having the best Fusions before the end of disc 1 is way overkill for this mod imo. You can still do that but not while my mod is on.

You can leave feedback on the mod if you want. I'm not really expecting anything though. Just have fun xd. In bosses I use the party members best suitable for them (with everyone equally leveled). I use all the buffs that work well for the bosses. Gale, Shield, Barrier, Rage is the basic deal for many bosses. In wolf bouts I often use Gale and Shield. As for the bosses that use Energy Charge I only use Gale and Rage. Using Energy Charge can be a waste unless you're sure you are able to attack on next turn. Basically I use that only on the pit fights since they're easier and I can destroy fast. I don't use Mind's Eye since I like seeing the strike areas. And Keys take turns away so you gotta be careful not to overdo it. I think I started using 3rd Keys in King Solomon and the bosses after that.

[macanu 0]

On 9/11/2021 at 1:59 AM, elltacko said:

In terms of having a more consistent difficulty curve for players, it makes sense to remove it (especially with the increase of EXP), but it does sadden me a bit to see it go because it comes at the cost of player expressiveness. (Of course, they're still usable by loading up vanilla, but it feels significantly more "cheaty" to do so.) 

Wait, does this mean you can switch between Vanilla and Godslayer on one save? I was thinking about playing this mod, but having to restart the game was going to be disheartening. On top of not being sure what the difficulty was going to be like.

[zedorfed66 36]

On 26/09/2022 at 10:01 AM, macanu said:

Wait, does this mean you can switch between Vanilla and Godslayer on one save? I was thinking about playing this mod, but having to restart the game was going to be disheartening. On top of not being sure what the difficulty was going to be like.

I believe everything i've changed are the type of changes that get rechecked and changed immediately when loading a memcard save. savestates are different though. I think even the Asmodeus Crest price gets rechecked whenever loading a save. I'm not entirely sure about that though and if you find something opposite i wish you could inform on it here. Have fun!

[macanu 0]

On 9/27/2022 at 11:03 AM, zedorfed66 said:

I believe everything i've changed are the type of changes that get rechecked and changed immediately when loading a memcard save. savestates are different though. I think even the Asmodeus Crest price gets rechecked whenever loading a save. I'm not entirely sure about that though and if you find something opposite i wish you could inform on it here. Have fun!

Thank you, does this info apply to your Shadow Hearts 3 mod too?

[zedorfed66 36]

On 30/09/2022 at 6:05 AM, macanu said:

Thank you, does this info apply to your Shadow Hearts 3 mod too?

Yes since that mod is even more simple than Covenant one. I simply altered enemy stats in that one. I'm terribly sorry about the stop to my modding efforts. There's room for improvements in these. Competitive online games keep taking all my freetime right now. I'd like to get back to modding again at some point.

[zedorfed66 36]

This is somewhat important announcement from me:

I'll be getting back to modding after being sucked into the toxic soup that is the popular online games. I'll not be stopping them or anything but I'll be putting at least 1 hour everyday for my modding efforts from now on. It really wakes me up after looking up my mediafire stats. You guys are really downloading my mods. I feel like I have responsibility to perfect them as long as I'm still interested in the games and I still can. Thanks for all the interest you've shown in my creations over the years. I'll start working on my Shadow Hearts 1 improvement mod and then get to SH: FtNW.

[zedorfed66 36]

I take back my previous statement. My life's not in the state where I can assure I'll be able to keep up the pace with regular modding and testing. Therefore regardless how I see my mods pique interest I'll not be able to assure their progress. I'm very sorry but my life's in that kinda state without going into details.

[zedorfed66 36]

Well I was working on new version afterall. And got it finished too! v6.50 is important quality of life update to my Covenant mod. Here's roughly what was changed:

- Tanky random encounter enemies (the ones that would take 3-4 turns to finish) have gained extra 25 agility, making them formidable monsters that're not simply health sponges anymore. This change makes sense since these enemies take space from 3 squishier enemies.

- With the change to tank foes The Mutant Apes have gained some stats. It also serves to show the player that these guys are serious. This change takes place after beating Terada and playing through the training lab section.

- Now dungeons from 'Wine Cellar' to 'Otherworld' give 2x exp, soul and cash and 'Nihonbashi' to 'Vessel' 3x. In previous versions there were some places in between that gave more but that's not the case anymore.

- Quality of life changes to enemy stats to make them better overall (random encounter enemies and bosses).

- The recommended level for the Paris Subway Tunnel boss is back to 8. I feel it's better this way to gain more cash to buy some items before the boss.

- Seals are back! I felt it was a bit rough choice to disable them. However the game balance may be broken if they're farmed and used too much. However it's player's choice entirely.

 

That's about it. I hope you enjoy this new version people!

Edited May 8, 2023 by zedorfed66

[zedorfed66 36]

Hello NG+. I have started working on better version of this Covenant mod that will have improvements that should make the mod even better. Here are some things I'm gonna change:

- Add more health and agility to the "semi tank" random encounter enemies. This is kinda the same treatment I made to the full tank enemies in previous update. They won't have as high health and agility as full tanks since there can be 3 of them in battle max where the limit for full tanks is 2. Semi tanks and full tanks will give 1.5 x more cash and a bit more soul power. On disc 1 you'll be able to level fusions more thanks to the soul increase. On disc 2 all enemies will give slightly less soul power so you'll end up with less soul than before in endgame.

- Make wolf bout foes more personalized with stats based on their background. Idk why I made all wolves follow the same formula all these years. But this will change in the coming patch.

There might be other changes too but these are on my mind atm. I know I'm slow and I apologize for that. But I'm trying to make these mods as good as I can. I'll continue with the rest of Shadow Hearts 3 after I've finished with Covenant. I have no estimate on when I get this released. I got hard times in life here and there but I try to focus on this whenever I can. Thanks for playing through my mods btw, that means a lot to me!

[zedorfed66 36]

Hello there, big update here.

v7.0 has lots of changes that make this mod better. I try to summarize in nutshell:

- Semi-tank random encounter enemies gain hp and agility due to there being max 3 of them in battle. I did the same thing to the full tank enemies in previous update. With this change full tanks still have more health and agility thanks to there being max 2 of them in battle at the same time.

- Soul power gains rebalanced with disc 1 enemies generally granting more while disc 2 foes much less. With this change you will have more soul power at the end of disc 1 than before and less in endgame.

- Wolf Bout enemies are now different from one another based on their personality and background. So different buffs work better in different fights.

- Exp and cash amounts rebalanced. Now all dungeons from Wine Cellar to Queen's Garden go with 2x exp. Optional dungeons give exponentially more exp with the right order to do them being Tiffauges Castle -> Dollhouse -> Black Forest -> Dog Shrine -> Neam Ruins Underground. Final dungeon goes with 4x exp and increased soul power. All semi and full tanks give 1.5x the exp multiplier amount of cash. So if exp is 2x the cash amount is x3.

- Bosses and wolves hp increased a bit so they don't go down too fast. Also random encounter enemies agility increased by some on disc 2.

- The accidental sell prevention of unpurchasable weapons, armors, items and accessories is better now with only hit area and strike area expands being sellable.

I'm confident with this working out that's why I'm releasing this now even though I haven't tested all the way yet. I'll make possible changes in the future as I go along with my playthrough.

[zedorfed66 36]

v7.1 is smol update that will make the wolves in St. Marguerite stronger (random encounter wolves and the 2 bosses). That is a special dungeon where I had to set the strength of enemies lower cause dev had set them higher than usual for some reason. I also had lowered the wolves stats which wasn't necessary so this is a fix to that.

[zedorfed66 36]

v7.15 is another mini update that ups St. Marguerite Island foes hp a bit to compensate for going with slightly lower strength multiplier. Wolf random encounters hp remains the same cause their str multiplier is a bit higher.

[zedorfed66 36]

I'm sorry for bombarding with these patches but the island needs a lot of attention and I gotta get this right cause there probably won't be new updates in a while. v7.2 simply lowers Stray Wolf's magic to same multiplier as the other enemies. There! It's done.

[zedorfed66 36]

Back again with small update. v7.25 decreases Petrograd's alien wolf's speed since I thought it was a bit too fast and also increases its attack and magic cause I tested the wolf with worse armor instead of that one you get from Goreme Valley. Dumb me. Another change is that Great Gama 2 is meant to be done after collecting Cure Plus magic from Goreme. His speed goes down but strength goes up to create slightly different experience from the 1st fight. I need to work my way to Gama 3 cause in my save I don't have Cure All and there's no way to go back at that point. It's no biggie though cause he also goes with the stats he has rn.

[zedorfed66 36]

Wrestling update. This should be last one in a while. Great Question goes with slightly higher str and bit slower agl. Great Gama 3 str down and agl up. So the 3rd fight is a speedy boi. He's meant to be done after the Koshoki and Shoki ordeals in Nihonbashi when also Eleanor bout becomes available. This should complete the Gama saga for the time being.

[zedorfed66 36]

I guess Amon needed a slight reform afterall. v7.35 lowers Amon's magic so it hits for less than half health with The End if Barrier is in place. To compensate the lowering he gains a bit more speed. Most things should be right in this mod but there might be some little changes here and there and I'm gonna always upload new version of the mod right away since my life is uncertain right now.

Edited Monday at 06:00 AM by zedorfed66

[zedorfed66 36]

v7.4 lowers Peryton enemy's hp and ups the agility some. I had set its health higher and agility down cause there's always only that enemy type in the Hermitage dungeon. However these enemies cast defense spells so they go well with the default health multiplier for the story enemies. With this change they're insta'd with perfect Bright Crimes when their Barrier is up.