I had to reload because I was expected to get an Auto-Crossbow by default...and had to grind a bit for a BioBlaster to pair with it. Didn't take the Exp. Eggs available to me right off the bat either. I haven't had to actually think while playing this game until tonight...looking forward to it getting somewhat challenging. Edgar should have 259 HP upon joining at Figaro Castle and that number is reduced by at least half. Combined with the random trash counter attacking along with multi-target Fire spells doing exponentially less damage, I'm looking forward to actually struggling my way through this game.

So far at Mt. Koltz, the increased difficulty is a nice change of pace.