Please add a Pause button! (can Atlus make changes?)

[blammo]

Dear god- please add a pause button! Think of the folks that have kids! For all that is holy....

On another note- I wonder to what extent Atlus can make changes; such as the pause button.

[Macstorm]

They can't, but they can ask the devs to do so. Also, quicksave please. (I'm just assuming this doesn't have it, because so many JRPGs don't.)

[Gen Eric Gui]

They can't, but they can ask the devs to do so. Also, quicksave please. (I'm just assuming this doesn't have it, because so many JRPGs don't.)

Isn't this basically an online RPG? Most of what you do is uploaded online, if I understand correctly. I'm pretty sure you CAN'T do quicksaves if that is the case.

[Nimbus]

In my opinion, pause buttons should not be a luxury but a necessity. Even most old NES games had pause buttons, so I'm always shocked when I play a new game that just doesn't have that feature. What's even worse is when you press start to pause during a cutscene, only to find out that is actually the skip button... Argh!

[Umbasa]

If you quit while in a level you will resume in the same position when you load the game. You can do that in lieu of pausing if you need to leave the game. I'm not sure if it works during a boss fight though.

I don't think it needs a pause button. Since every button is already used for something they'd have to make it so it pauses while you access the menu, but then you'd be able to change your equipment at your leisure while you're surrounded by enemies and it'd lose that sense of pressure. And they'd have to disable it during online play anyway since you can't very well tell other people you're playing with or the black phantom who has invaded the game to pause with you.

[blammo]

I was thinking about the online implications last night. But man.... when you have kids a pause button is a necessity.

Maybe when you pause while online (not PvP only if someone happens to come into your game) you could still be vulnerable to attacks from other players but not in game baddies? Of course when your ‘online’ playing pvp or co-op no pause is the norm.

[diosisback]

I don´t think it is possible, since it would bring lots pf trouble with other players and you can always turn off the system/exit the game if you want to stop (you will start in the same spot, the monsters you killed will stay dead and you get to keep your souls).

Using that trick when you die is cheating and removes the fun of the game, though.

[Donovan]

If you quit while in a level you will resume in the same position when you load the game. You can do that in lieu of pausing if you need to leave the game. I'm not sure if it works during a boss fight though.

I don't think it needs a pause button. Since every button is already used for something they'd have to make it so it pauses while you access the menu, but then you'd be able to change your equipment at your leisure while you're surrounded by enemies and it'd lose that sense of pressure. And they'd have to disable it during online play anyway since you can't very well tell other people you're playing with or the black phantom who has invaded the game to pause with you.

Yea it helps to exit the game. That is a great feature that you can load where you were.

This game feels really hardcore...I have the import version...and I hope they don't make it care bear for the US market

[Foobar]

I can't pause my online RPGs, while would a single-player game that behaves like a persistent online world be any sort of exception?

Kids causing trouble? Log off. Problem solved.

Some online games even log you out after a set period of idle time. That would be a reasonable feature to add, but pausing could be abused in a number of game-breaking ways for an online title.

[GamerSam]

Dear god- please add a pause button! Think of the folks that have kids! For all that is holy....

On another note- I wonder to what extent Atlus can make changes; such as the pause button.

This would not work, because the game is always online.

I have played the game, and I would say that pause and quicksaves would just break and ruin it. Quicksaves would make it too easy (and opens up lots of possibilities for cheating). Pausing would break the online portion (easy to abuse also, say you get invaded by another player, just pause the game and wait for them to go away..).

The game does not need any of this, because
- when you quit, it saves the game (and you resume exactly where you left)
- there are spells that teleport you back to the nexus (that is a safe spot in the game).

[ReaperX30]

You guys saying the game is always online. What about if you're not online, you can't play the game or what?

I just got a router to get online with my 360, PS3, etc so I'm ok but not everyone I know has internet access for their systems.

[GamerSam]

You guys saying the game is always online. What about if you're not online, you can't play the game or what?

I just got a router to get online with my 360, PS3, etc so I'm ok but not everyone I know has internet access for their systems.

You can play it offline too, though the game is better if you have an online connection (because otherwise you will miss out on the messages/hints, viewing death replays, and all the other usual online features). So even if you don't care about co-op and such, it is still always more fun to play it single online :)

[ReaperX30]

Yeah that's what I was thinking. I'll play online for sure. My friend is now considering getting internet so he'll be ready when the game hits the stores.

For the pause button, well if the game saves the point you are when you exit then I don't see the point. Of course it's annoying to have to quit but I guess you get used to it. If you have kids you can always chain them to the couch while you're playing. :) No seriously I don't have any so I'm ok but I can understand that for people who have some, playing a game is not always an easy thing.

[Mounce]

They can't, but they can ask the devs to do so. Also, quicksave please. (I'm just assuming this doesn't have it, because so many JRPGs don't.)

Screewww that! Quicksave will pussify it! Quicksaves would give it too much easiness, if Ghouls and Ghosts didn't have quicksaves, neither should this! :devil: UNFORGIVING! For a good reason!

As for pause button? I like having none, the sense of danger! It's like Dead Space! Fully immersive, don't stop for a break unless you 'KNOW' you're safe

Also, you can't pause because you're integrated into the network, what if a PvP moment happens? It's online, not offline, offline games have a 'Pause'.....but not online (So that basically sums up why there is no pause button) :\

[ShadyNook]

Dear god- please add a pause button! Think of the folks that have kids! For all that is holy....

On another note- I wonder to what extent Atlus can make changes; such as the pause button.

but how can my unholy self invade your world as a black phantom and destroy your character and steal your souls if you pause the game? :devil:

your child is more important than the souls you'll collect, just accept defeat and let an invader claim the goods...or play offline and find a safe place to hide.

[blammo]

Dear god- please add a pause button! Think of the folks that have kids! For all that is holy....

On another note- I wonder to what extent Atlus can make changes; such as the pause button.

but how can my unholy self invade your world as a black phantom and destroy your character and steal your souls if you pause the game? :devil:



Heartless.... heartless I tell you!
To think you would steal my souls while I am rushing to stick a pacifier in my daughters mouth... ohhhh the humanity.

[sarshelyam]

Ehhh...I wish I could sympathize with you but that really isn't the point of this game. Before you say I'm not in the same boat, I assure you, I have a 3-year-old and organize my personal time around them. Tell ya what, wait til they're down for a nap or arrange your gaming later in the evening. A pause option would destroy the mechanic of the game...you must ALWAYS be on guard.

I'm on New Game +++ on my Asian import and will be picking this up again in NA. In fact, I spent a good hour at the ATLUS booth at E3 playing it all over again.

[sotanaht1]

So long as you are in soul form an not in the patrol path of an enemy (most are stationary anyway), you can drop the game wherever you are and you will be fine. In body form you will need to return the the nexus first, else you will eventually be invaded and killed in PvP. Alternatively, you can just quit, which should put you near wherever you were with most enemys you killed staying dead.

Saving is 100% automatic and near continuous. You cannot move or copy your save, except when you backup the entire drive. It is done this way to prevent cheating and to preserve the difficulty. Nothing else can be done while keeping the game intact.

[Ademisk]

You people are like needy children. The game doesn't need a pause button. Here's your pause button: Go back to an area without monsters. From what I've seen, enemies do not randomly come and find you, if you're in an area which has no immediate threats, you're basically paused. Congrats!

[psychoneko]

^
I'm in agreement with Ademisk. Just go to an area that you've cleared of enemies and just let go of the controller.

With regards to exiting the current play and going back to the Title Screen and whatnot, I highly recommend that you do that only in ArchStone areas or over at the Nexus. The enemies will be respawned when you load your game, even if you've already cleared the area of all enemies.

[Silent_gig]

This thread annoys me, dont you guys want the original experience that makes the game great. Adding a pause button will change the dymaic of the game entirely since this game is a immersive single player experience (with its online functions) if players could just pause it would make the game easier and debase its original intentions.

A pause button wouldnt work anyways since your actions are tracked online, i dont think it could work.

Atlus, wont change anything but the text that needs improving.

[ralph1628]

When mom calls (your wife tries to had you the phone). I had to tell my mom....
"I can't...I'm slaying a Deeeamon." When my pastor called sunday.."I was not at church today....I'm slaying Deeeamons. but when your two year old tries to sit on you PS3 because of the warm air......OMG where's the pause button!

I though the game was broke.

[Myron]

Having a pause button is nice but, I would just go to a safe place where there are no monsters or anything to attack me. And shame on you those who like kill other players when they are helpless.

[Mounce]

When mom calls (your wife tries to had you the phone). I had to tell my mom....
"I can't...I'm slaying a Deeeamon." When my pastor called sunday.."I was not at church today....I'm slaying Deeeamons. but when your two year old tries to sit on you PS3 because of the warm air......OMG where's the pause button!

I though the game was broke.

OH JEEZ......I am scared now ;\ *Notes down when has kids, to keep consoles on a HIGH and unreachable area....* ..... Hearing a little kid want to sit on it, makes me want to punch them.......if it were someone elses kid course, since I'd never be stupid enough to have my console IN DANGER OF LITTTTLE ONES....Nor the fact I would hit 'My own' kid, LOL .....

Having a pause button is nice but, I would just go to a safe place where there are no monsters or anything to attack me. And shame on you those who like kill other players when they are helpless.

*tries hard not to grin.......* .... *writes down your name as possibly-helpless victims to murder relentlessly*....

[Cold_Drake]

Dear god- please add a pause button! Think of the folks that have kids! For all that is holy....


well... i do have kids... when they need my attention, if i am at a safe spot. i just leave the game there.

if not, i just cast "Evacuate" to return to the Nexus.

piece of cake.

[Crow T. Robot]

Unless ATLUS/SOFTWARE decide to make it an optional thing in the localized version. I don't think that should be a problem.

[sarshelyam]

Exactly...as much as ATLUS caters to the fans, they cater to the core mechanic of the game first! PAUSE features would simply break the game.

[piratedrunk]

Agreed.
A pause would ruin some of the best aspects of the intended gameplay

[Alex]

Why is this such a big issue? I do not understand. Is it because the save system is totally akward? Or are there no areas where you character can take a break? :question:

[Mounce]

Why is this such a big issue? I do not understand. Is it because the save system is totally akward? Or are there no areas where you character can take a break? :question:

Nexus is your safe-haven! Everywhere else is EVIL!!!!!!

EVIL!!

[Crow T. Robot]

Why is this such a big issue? I do not understand. Is it because the save system is totally akward? Or are there no areas where you character can take a break? :question:

Nexus is your safe-haven! Everywhere else is EVIL!!!!!!

EVIL!!
Thank you, I'll remember that when I get it
: D

[Mounce]

Why is this such a big issue? I do not understand. Is it because the save system is totally akward? Or are there no areas where you character can take a break? :question:

Nexus is your safe-haven! Everywhere else is EVIL!!!!!!

EVIL!!
Thank you, I'll remember that when I get it
: D

Not a problem!

2nd step - If you see 'Mounce', RUN.

Hahaha....:devil:

[Intrigue]

since Demon's souls is an online play oriented game a pause button would make the game choppy.

Best thing to do is try and find a safe lil'corner and take care of what you need to take care of quickly.

[Crow T. Robot]

Why is this such a big issue? I do not understand. Is it because the save system is totally akward? Or are there no areas where you character can take a break? :question:

Nexus is your safe-haven! Everywhere else is EVIL!!!!!!

EVIL!!
Thank you, I'll remember that when I get it
: D

Not a problem!

2nd step - If you see 'Mounce', RUN.

Hahaha....:devil:
*inpersonates guy from Family Guy that says 'oh nooooo'*

[Mounce]

Why is this such a big issue? I do not understand. Is it because the save system is totally akward? Or are there no areas where you character can take a break? :question:

Nexus is your safe-haven! Everywhere else is EVIL!!!!!!

EVIL!!
Thank you, I'll remember that when I get it
: D

Not a problem!

2nd step - If you see 'Mounce', RUN.

Hahaha....:devil:
*inpersonates guy from Family Guy that says 'oh nooooo'*

*doesn't know what guy you spoke of because he barely watches family guy*

[sarshelyam]

Family Guy's Bruce...the "Oh No Guy"... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXIJz7_MDMo)

[Mounce]

Family Guy's Bruce...the "Oh No Guy"... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXIJz7_MDMo)

Lol, that voice....Meh

I never seen that Bee before though, lol

[DH321]

If you want/HAVE to AFK, a pause button would be nice... But I guess the purpose of the game is to show how things aren't that easy. You can't pause IRL. Or can you...

The question of adding a pause button or not really takes a hit when the argument of NEEDING to pause comes in... Which pits against the argument of pausing while online which can really piss your comrades/invaders off.

If there comes no pause button, just hope that when you need to afk (like when I'm robbing your house and you gotta go get that shotgun under your bed) your teammates will wait patiently.

[Alex]

The pause is not really necessary. Because you can 'quit' from the system-menu. The game saves that moment and will start on the exact spot where you quitted.

Also you can buy the 'evaluate ring'. That makes it possible to go to the Nexus while you keep al your souls.

[deny_everything]

The pause is not really necessary. Because you can 'quit' from the system-menu. The game saves that moment and will start on the exact spot where you quitted.

Also you can buy the 'evaluate ring'. That makes it possible to go to the Nexus while you keep al your souls.

http://demonssouls.wikidot.com/tips

If you find the game too hard or frustrating, and if you absolutely must, you're given an easy way to cheat. This game auto-saves everything, by merely pressing the "PS" button and hitting "Quit Game" you can prevent the game saving a bad event result and restart close to where you died if you do it quick enough.

While its not much different from wRPGs like Oblivion, where you can save anywhere, before engaging in enemies or bosses, and quickly do things over - it's still considered a bit like cheating in this game.

BUT… you have to 'quit game' immediately after you die. Most of the time there's no point since you can usually go back to a boss quickly. Personally used it only couple of times so I wouldn't know if it damages your saved file or not. According to some people on the Japanese boards it doesn't.

Doing this trick may damage your saves, even if you only do it a few times. I did it five, and now my third and fourth save slots auto-delete anything put in them! I'm lucky my first two even work. DO NOT DO THIS.

Note: the above is probably good advice, however I have used this quit method about 50 times or so, sadly, on my current save and no problems yet. This is on the Korean version and NOT signed-in online.

Was the damage to auto-saves just an aberration, or has anyone else experienced this?

[Umbasa]

Quitting out of the game while it's saving can damage your save file. Since the game saves immediately after you die I'd recommend not trying to cheat the game that way. The game also saves periodically while you play so try not to quit while the saving indicator is on the corner of the screen.

I'd recommend quitting to the title screen from within the game before quitting the game or turning off the console, just to be safe.

[spazmatron]

Also you can buy the 'evaluate ring'. That makes it possible to go to the Nexus while you keep al your souls.

i think it's actually one of the miracles (priest spells) .. i don't recall there being a ring for it ;) but you can also use a splinter of keystone, which are consumable items with the same effect. you'll probably be finding keystones well before you get the spell.

[Alex]

Also you can buy the 'evaluate ring'. That makes it possible to go to the Nexus while you keep al your souls.

i think it's actually one of the miracles (priest spells) .. i don't recall there being a ring for it ;) but you can also use a splinter of keystone, which are consumable items with the same effect. you'll probably be finding keystones well before you get the spell.

True. It's a spell.

[ZomDizae]

Why is this such a big issue? I do not understand. Is it because the save system is totally akward? Or are there no areas where you character can take a break? :question:
It's because technically the game is always online and always ready for the signs/invasions/summoning. You can't put a pause function where the online component has to be ready all the time. If FROM would want to integrate a pause system, they'd need to change the whole game concept...

[Alex]

Why is this such a big issue? I do not understand. Is it because the save system is totally akward? Or are there no areas where you character can take a break? :question:
It's because technically the game is always online and always ready for the signs/invasions/summoning. You can't put a pause function where the online component has to be ready all the time. If FROM would want to integrate a pause system, they'd need to change the whole game concept...
I meant it the other way. Why is it a big issue for people?

I play the game for a few weeks now and I do not miss the pause button at all. :)

[Mounce]

Why is this such a big issue? I do not understand. Is it because the save system is totally akward? Or are there no areas where you character can take a break? :question:
It's because technically the game is always online and always ready for the signs/invasions/summoning. You can't put a pause function where the online component has to be ready all the time. If FROM would want to integrate a pause system, they'd need to change the whole game concept...
I meant it the other way. Why is it a big issue for people?

I play the game for a few weeks now and I do not miss the pause button at all. :)

Some people whine if they don't have the 'normal' amount of regular-features in games. Because they feel as if something was taken away that could be used, or helpful in an advantageous way so they don't die as much. (though some people DO have good reasons why it'd be good with them, if having a kid who's doing something stupid or something weird and important comes up that requires IMMEDIATE attention.....but, just sucks to be them, lol)

I was perfectly fine with Dead Space, it had no pause, an inventory would come up but it was in-game :D

[Foobar]

After so many P2P RPGs and MMORPGs, I'm pretty much used to not having a pause button anyway. You just find a safe place to idle or go to the nearest city or player hub if you're worried about getting slain by monsters while attending to other duties.

Monster Hunter Freedom United is yet another recent example. It can't be paused.

[SpiritThief]

So to put all the pieces together.

No pause.
If you need to afk, Find a safe spot and pray
Or quit to title screen and you don't lose anything and nothing respawns. Appear in same spot.

Am I correct?

[ZomDizae]

So to put all the pieces together.

No pause.
If you need to afk, Find a safe spot and pray
Or quit to title screen and you don't lose anything and nothing respawns. Appear in same spot.

Am I correct?
You don't even need to pray because a safe spot is and stays safe, unless...

...unless you're in body form and haven't defeated that particular area's boss yet. If that's the case, a BP player could invade anytime. There's still a somewhat viable way to avoid this: Equip the thief's & graverobber's rings and find a nice hiding place.

Or best thing to do; just go back to the nexus - no invasions, no enemies. No need to quit out to title screen.

[Gen Eric Gui]

Why is this such a big issue? I do not understand. Is it because the save system is totally akward? Or are there no areas where you character can take a break? :question:
It's because technically the game is always online and always ready for the signs/invasions/summoning. You can't put a pause function where the online component has to be ready all the time. If FROM would want to integrate a pause system, they'd need to change the whole game concept...
I meant it the other way. Why is it a big issue for people?

I play the game for a few weeks now and I do not miss the pause button at all. :)

Some people whine if they don't have the 'normal' amount of regular-features in games. Because they feel as if something was taken away that could be used, or helpful in an advantageous way so they don't die as much. (though some people DO have good reasons why it'd be good with them, if having a kid who's doing something stupid or something weird and important comes up that requires IMMEDIATE attention.....but, just sucks to be them, lol)

I was perfectly fine with Dead Space, it had no pause, an inventory would come up but it was in-game :D

Dead Space can be paused. They were GOING to make it un-pausable, but decided not to after a bunch of people complained.

[triplehz_rulez]

I hate it when people whine and complain I love games like this where they are challenging sometimes a pause button is good...i like sacred 2 and it doesn't have a pause button players beware if I don't like you I will invade your game and kill you!!!!

[Mounce]

Why is this such a big issue? I do not understand. Is it because the save system is totally akward? Or are there no areas where you character can take a break? :question:
It's because technically the game is always online and always ready for the signs/invasions/summoning. You can't put a pause function where the online component has to be ready all the time. If FROM would want to integrate a pause system, they'd need to change the whole game concept...
I meant it the other way. Why is it a big issue for people?

I play the game for a few weeks now and I do not miss the pause button at all. :)

Some people whine if they don't have the 'normal' amount of regular-features in games. Because they feel as if something was taken away that could be used, or helpful in an advantageous way so they don't die as much. (though some people DO have good reasons why it'd be good with them, if having a kid who's doing something stupid or something weird and important comes up that requires IMMEDIATE attention.....but, just sucks to be them, lol)

I was perfectly fine with Dead Space, it had no pause, an inventory would come up but it was in-game :D

Dead Space can be paused. They were GOING to make it un-pausable, but decided not to after a bunch of people complained.

REALLY? I must have horrible memory skills! Like, Jeez! I beat the game 3 times and got 100% trophies in 3 days straight!....I guess so, the inventory WAS basically the pause? but then the Pause came anyways due to the complaining, but that's bull....Inventory, weapon swapping and all that still was ingame though...

[Jorlen]

When you start Demon's Souls offline, it warns you that you'll be in offline mode and skips all the "connecting to server" stuff.

This is where a pause button should kick in.

Obviously it's function should be removed online.

Sacred 2 should have been the same, but it wasn't.

[fame_Mcswagg]

I'm not sure if this would be a problem or not... I'll let you guys know when I get it. I pause the game a lot though, there always seems to be something that needs my attention.

[Karkarov]

This game is about being hardcore in that it wants you to feel like you are a lone warrior in a hostile environment and everyone wants to kill you. If the whole goal is atmosphere and challenge from the beginning (in Demon's Souls that is exactly what the goal is) then a pause feature if anything should be discouraged. With the online component it definitely can not be included.

The fact that you can turn off the game by logging and then later restart at the exact same place with no respawn or loss of progress sort of makes the whole argument moot. Be adult about it, if you really have twenty things going on and can't find a solid hour to play without interruption then Demon's Souls probably is not the game you want to be playing that evening.

Official word is already in the blog that Atlus doesn't want to tone down the challenge and to that I say kudos, job well done!

[pram12]

I'm assuming when you hit the PS button the game stops right? I mean, all PS3 games have it now amirite? I hated it in Folklore where even if you press the PS button, it doesn't pause and you still get hit.

[Alex]

I'm assuming when you hit the PS button the game stops right?
The game will not stop. Fortunately. :exclaim:

Really a pause button is unnessecary. You can quit the game and it will save automatically or you can use the 'Evacuate' miracle. And offcourse you can always stay/hide at a safe spot. It is really not a big problem.

[lostsoul]

Hello, this is my very first post. I have decided to sign in simply to request the introduction of a PAUSE action. Truth be told, I have died no less than three times during boss battles and plenty of other times while navigating through different levels due to the unacceptable lack of a PAUSE action. Routine actions such as answering my telephone, opening my home door, going to the bathroom or even having a quick fresh drink cannot be possible without having to quit the game. A PAUSE button is an addition that must be introduced in the nearest future. Thanks.

[Hahalo]

PAUSE Option! I AGREE! I freaking hate it, when your wacking the goddamn boss and someone calls.

[MetalSlugIV]

I just don't answer my phone. I don't have an children and I don't plan on it. My fiancee and I have already agreed on NO CHILDREN! If she ever gets it in her head that she wants kids we go to Wal-Mart and listen to some brats kicking and screaming in the checkout line. Problem sovled.

[Jerry-Boyle]

Doubt this can/will be done since From Software decided not to put in a pause to make their game a bit more difficult. Just be sure to kill everything around you/flying above you and just stand there. You shouldn't die unless a black phantom invades you, play offline if this happens. The game was designed around there being no pause so they can't just add it in there in a patch, would be so outta place. Also no PS button doesn't pause the game, it's still going on behind that screen.