Metroid Prime was done by Retro Sudios, a full subsidiary with their studio in Austin, Texas (so, essentially it's not really third-party since they're a full subsidiary, but it's a western studio). They are also responsible for the recent Wii/Wii U Donkey Kong Country games and are an incredibly talented studio.

I do it with my thumb...

True that, and at least we can blame him for not stopping whoever started that deepish crap :)

Well, it still had a menu based battle system. Tales battle system is more like a fighter/beat-em-up.

Metroid Prime series was done by a western team.

It is really only relevant for bosses. On regular encounters there is a certain chance you get a "first turn" or the enemy gets a "first turn" anyway.

Battle order is determined by Agility. Though I guess it would be user-friendly to show the order on the side (I kinda miss that too). So it's a bit of guesswork/luck, though after the first turn you should know the order.

Japanese names vs english localized.

That's really fun actually. Look for the "Videogame name generator" on google, I spend hours on that thing laughing my ass off for the weird but strangely appealing names it came up with.

Casual players who turn the encounter rate off will probably get their ass handed to them at those boss battles at key points. Some of them really need certain strategies/job setups, and you only get those abilities by gaining JP in battle.

I couldnt get into Ni no Kuni either yet, despite me really liking its magnificent art style (and Im generally a Ghibli fan).

pic not worky.

Publishers usually have a lot of say in the development of the game, its direction, etc. Basically everything has to be approved by the publisher, and most publishers do influence a lot.

Nomura is not a writer. Therefore he isn't really directly responsible for that, although he might have influenced the creative direction in some games.

If the game is more satisfying to you on hard, then that is all the reward you need.

Tried it yesterday, and it isn't as bad as everyone claimed it would be. It's not much of a game, but what's there is somewhat polished and fluid. Also difficult as heck.

Ok, so when a poor non-white guy says those viewpoints, you think they're feeling entitled, but when rich white guys say the same correct things, it's hypocrisy?

Can't wait for the 2382793487zillion Flappy Bird clones that will come out after the original Flappy Bird is removed...

About turn manipulation: I think the new thing here is that you can "in advance" use up your Brave Points (and then stay defenseless for a few turns). Other than that, "action point stocking" systems have been in many games before (like Xenogears or Xenosaga).

Not all elements though. There is no Cid and no Chocobos.