Comments 526

Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (11th January)

BodkinDQ

I am overloading my unicorn playing Unicorn Overlord. Very, very glad I gave this game a second chance. Legitimately cannot put this game down. I've already mapped over 60% of the game and I've not skipped over any fights. Liberated to completion about 3 full regions. Combat is fun, nice and strategic just the way I like it. Story is good, definitely a very solid presentation. Pretty art style/graphics too.

Re: Best Of 2024: Evolving With Pokémon: How The Games Helped Me Navigate A Confused Childhood

BodkinDQ

Pokemon was my gateway drug into RPGs in general and what a wonderful floodgate it's been since.

I started with Pokemon Red back in the day. Yes, I'm old AF. I had so much fun and spent hundreds of hours in the all of the first 3 generations of games. Eventually I got gen 4, but before I finished Pearl/Diamond, somebody stole my fricken DS! I suspect it was my cousin who was living with us at the time. Dead beat without a job, yet somehow paid mom rent. Hmm. I went through that "too cool for Pokemon" phase after that, but I kept going back anyways to the first 3 gens. Finally, I caved and realized my love for Pokemon never went away. I have my gripes with gen 7 & 9, but overall these games have been not only a source of genuine fun entertainment, but also catharsis. Can't tell you how many times I've wanted to seek oblivion, but video games in general, but most definitely Pokemon have kept me distracted long enough until the good times were back to go again. Pokemon is one of my 3 personal favorite series and all of which have been a part of an incredible journey in fun, mental health relief, and self discovery.

Re: Best Nintendo Switch Games Of 2024

BodkinDQ

@Zaruboggan I seem to remember you being my fellow FE Tellius fan, so I'm more apt to listen to your point of view. Thanks! I've got a few games I'm tackling right now, but I redownloaded Unicorn Overlord and I'll give the demo another try to see if it's works for me or not.

Re: Best Nintendo Switch Games Of 2024

BodkinDQ

Ya know, this encouraged me to give Unicorn Overlord a second chance. I'm a hardcore SRPG enthusiast, but I didn't initially like the forced auto battle system the game does. Games like Fire Emblem, Final Fantasy Tactics, Shin Megami Tensei Devil Survivor, Redemption Reapers, Banner of the Maid, etc etc most if not all of these games you manually select on characters where to move and attack. Auto battle is optional. Unicorn Overlord has gotten so much hype and praises which I've largely ignored, but seeing it at #1? Maybe I'll give it another go, cos SRPGs outside of FE and FFT don't usually get this kind of enthusiasm.

Then again, I've also seen people praise games to high heavens that were painfully mid for me. I'll give it another go and see what I truly think.

Re: Feature: Game Of The Year 2024 - Nintendo Life Staff Awards

BodkinDQ

Dragon Quest III 2D-HD was definitely my favorite game released this year, but Paper Mario TTYD gave it a run for the money. If remakes/remasters don't count, well it'll be a toss up between Balatro(which I got on Switch AND mobile. It's that good) and One Piece Odyssey. DQ III HD-2D is one helluva game though. Has the perfect blend of iconic and modern and gets more and more involved battle and story wise as the game progresses. Charming feels like an understatement.

I recently picked up Prince of Persia: the Lost Crown for $15, so I'm gonna check out the hype with that soon.

Re: Feature: Nintendo Switch Year In Review 2024 - Our Most Played Games

BodkinDQ

My top 3 most played switch games this year were all games released before this year:

1. Fire Emblem Engage
2. Persona 4G
3. Pokemon Shield

My most played new release of this year was probably Dragon Quest III 2D-HD. Definitely my favorite game that got released this year. Only games that caught my attention this year was DQ III, Paper Mario TTYD, One Piece Odyssey, and Balatro. Felt like 2022-23 wouldn't stop releasing games I wanted to play and loved, but this year didn't have many new releases that interested me.

Re: Your 'Nintendo Switch Year In Review 2024' Stats Are Available Now

BodkinDQ

Most played games:
Fire Emblem Engage
Persona 4G
Pokemon Shield

This was a slow year compared to the last 2 years, but I'm amazed at my Engage playtime. Cool to see it the most played game 2 years in a row.

Played 400 less hours this year compared to last year. Played 1084 hours this year.

Most played game each year for me:
2021 Dragon Quest XI S
2022 Pokemon Legends Arceus
2023 Fire Emblem Engage
2024 Fire Emblem Engage

Can't remember the earlier years, think I remember Smash Ultimate getting most played at one point.

Re: Indie RPG Hit 'Chained Echoes' Announces Ashes Of Elrant DLC

BodkinDQ

I really enjoyed this game, but I beat it a loooooooong time ago. At this late point I probably won't play the DLC, but I do highly recommend this game for turn based fiends like myself. Was a very fun game. The very beginning of the game has hands down one of my favorite introductions of all time.

Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (7th December)

BodkinDQ

I beat the main game and the post game of Dragon Quest III 2D-HD and resurrected a certain spoiler character. Can honestly say the game was an absolute joyride. It's one of those magical games that the further you get in the more involved and fun the game becomes. Combat really evolves past simplicity into well thought out battles and boss battles are a treat to strategize against. When the world opens up seemingly infinite possibilities hit all at once and it's so easy to get distracted by your nose over exploring every nook and cranny. I really, genuinely enjoyed going through this adventure again, but with modern QoL improvements.

As for now I'm between games. I'm getting the new Goblin Slayer game on the 13th as a physical copy. I'm debating on eventually starting another Atelier series game or Tactics Ogre. As for now, I've been under the weather and just playing a little bit of Tony Hawks Pro Skater 1-2.

Re: Rate Your Favourite Switch Games Of The Year 2024

BodkinDQ

So far my favorites are remakes/remasters with Dragon Quest III 2D-HD and Paper Mario the Thousand Year Door. If remade games don't count, I'm leaning on Balatro at the moment, but I'm gonna have to deep dive into this list before I pick one.

My favorite though this year was definitely DQ III.

Re: Soapbox: How Nintendo Unexpectedly Taught Me To Love Gacha Games

BodkinDQ

Yeah no. I played gacha games and got addicted to it. I was f2p for about 2 years, but eventually I subscribed to services I simply felt I couldn't live without, which opened the flood gates to spending more actual money on the gambling side. I went down a cost sunk fallacy hole and to keep up the grind I played almost non stop. I stopped playing real games and the time sink was taking time away from my relationships. After I quit I went from maybe beating one game a year to beating a game or 2 every month and managed to make time for my relationships.

I ask people don't go down the rabbit hole I did. I started out healthy and in control, but eventually I sold my f2p card, my soul, and my life.

Re: Poll: What Review Score Would You Give Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake?

BodkinDQ

Bit early for this being as the game just came out.

I'm about 10 hrs into the game and have made solid headway. The original DW/DQ III is a bonafide JRPG classic- and a perfect game. It's essentially the same game, but with beautiful updated graphics and modern quality of life improvements. Love the monster wrangling addition. Glorious turn based combat and simple, but effective concepts. 10/10.

Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (26th October)

BodkinDQ

Persona 3 Portable. So far it's been fun. Seems more difficult than 4 or 5 which I love, but the story is definitely slow to get going. So far I've reached the 3rd block in Tartarus. Love the gameplay and atmosphere. Feels like the story will eventually heat up, so I think it'll be good. As usual not a fan of social links and downtime, but as a hardcore SMT fan I play all mainline and spin-off games I can get my hands on regardless.

Re: Review: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutants Unleashed (Switch) - Pleasingly Ambitious But Bloated

BodkinDQ

Downtime is literally the worst thing it could've taken from Persona... I like the more adult theme, dark story telling Persona does, but the downtime stuff is such a drag. You can make a strong narrative without a calendar system and social sim. Hate so many games are being influenced by that aspect now.

TMNT broke out big again with Shredder's Revenge. If it ain't broke don't fix it.

Re: Talking Point: Just How Damaging Is This Big Pokémon Leak?

BodkinDQ

I really don't understand leak culture whatsoever. Trailers are exciting for snippets, but for the most part I'd rather be surprised as I'm playing by what's in a game rather than know the whole damn thing before it's even released. If people wouldn't eat this stuff up things like this would be less likely to happen.

Re: Random: A Brand New Game Boy Cartridge Is Launching... From Green Day?

BodkinDQ

@jake1421 Already heard them and like em. Used to listen to Mary Ramones's punk rock blitzkrieg on Sirius XM Faction and he plays both popular and deep cuts alike from all sorts of punk bands. Dead Boys I feel are underrated from the OG scene. X and Reagan Youth are some of my other favorite underrated punk bands. Sex Pistols are still my favorite though. Rocked hard, candid, and took no prisoners! 🤘

Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (5th October)

BodkinDQ

I beat 2 quick games this week: Mario Kart Double Dash!! on the GameCube and Fragrant Story and Papaya's Path on Switch. Mario Kart me and the wife had a blast playing together. I turtle shelled my way to victory. Fragrant Story and Papaya's Path was quite the fun little SRPG. Got it for free and gave it a whirl. Only about 10 hrs long, story was bad, but the gameplay was surprisingly fun.

Should have a friend over today, not a clue what we'll play, maybe Mario Kart. Let's see where my nose leads me~

Re: Dragon Quest Creator Chimes In On Characters Showing Less Skin In Upcoming HD-2D Remake

BodkinDQ

I never cared for sexy fan service myself. Even if a person does like sexy fan service I don't see HD-2D being the way to go for er... eye candy. Eh, whatever floats your boat I guess, who am I to judge? Apathetic is me.

As for the type 1 & 2 type A & B America (politically) ridiculous bit? Yeah, I'm not biting the hook here, Nintendolife ain't the place to air this out.

...As for a much more pleasant topic Seeds of Salvation is one of my favorite old school JRPGs. Love that is perfected the DW/DQ formula that is still being used to this day. Great game and looking forward to the remake.