This looks amazing. This is the only Xenoblade game I haven’t played yet, so I am very excited to check it out. The world looks gorgeous, and the mechs look like a real unique twist to the Xenoblade formula.
I’m still working my way through Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 and going for the plat. I went from convincing passerby’s I’m the Dark Lord to being nicknamed Sourdough. That isn’t a joke and I love it.
What is more shocking is how I’ve put 85 hours in the game and just now reached the second region. It feels like an entirely fresh play-through due to the variety of locales, side quests, and story beats.
I also decided to boot up my Nintendo Switch. Admittedly, it has been a while. I’ve been on a nostalgic kick and want to get lost in an (J)RPG of a lighter scale, so I purchased Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana and The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero. I’m looking forward to starting at least one of those games in earnest in the next couple of days.
I’m 50+ hours deep, haven’t even touched a single main quest, and yet I’ve become Henry the Lion-Heart, traveling the country side, speaking the language of dog, convincing villagers on the road that I’m the Dark Lord, getting drunk while saving drunks that have climbed up trees, sleeping in beds that aren’t mine, and stealing wreath’s from an opposing village up in qualms with another. I’m dirty, I’m clean, but I’m reliable and charismatic either way.
This weekend I’ll mainly be focusing on Kingdom Come Deliverance 2. I never played the first entry, but Warhorse posted a ten minute summary on their YouTube channel and it really helped me get a grasp on the story.
So far, I’m a couple of hours in, but I’m very impressed. The writing is absolutely top-notch, with incredible voice acting and animations that bring the characters to life. The cutscenes themselves are high quality. I don’t think I’ve ever said this about a video game before, but it has a movie-ish quality to it, from its cinematography and direction.
It might be the most immersive game I’ve ever played, with incredible RPG mechanics and dialogue choices that genuinely make me pause and think about my responses. I really can’t wait to dive deeper into this medieval adventure.
On a side note, earlier this week I finished Unicorn Overlord and got the platinum trophy. What a fantastic game, and easily my favorite Vanillaware title to date. I can’t wait to see what kind of game they follow up with.
I’ve also been on an independent horror kick. I saw through Steam that a game called Fears to Fathom: Ironbark Lookout got positive reviews. The trailer seemed interesting so I picked it up. In my opinion, it was quite mediocre. Tonally, the game was great, and it featured great atmosphere, but everything else was subpar. And the way the narrative unfolds seems to be directly ripped out of a “Let’s Not Meet” Reddit story. Nonetheless, I got the platinum and immediately uninstalled it.
I’ll also be chipping away at the Mafia Definitive Edition platinum. I’m playing on classic difficulty and currently on chapter 12/20. It’s been fantastic, but I strongly dislike the collectible system in the game. Technically, the game is considered “open world”, but you are never incentivized to explore your surroundings because the main story is structured very linearly. A lot of collectibles are story related and hard to miss, but some are inexplicably in obscure places that don’t make sense in its design, while subsequently having a “free roam” mode to have more hidden collectibles. I think it’s poorly designed and not implemented in a way that is logically sound.
This weekend I’m still playing Unicorn Overlord, and still completely enamored with it. I think I’m roughly 75% of the way to completion. My goal is to wrap up the platinum trophy within the next couple of days. The game does have you grind a bit, but thankfully you can “skip” battles — not experiencing the animations and battle scenes — and still get experience points. It helps save a ton of time because some of the battles can be time consuming, lasting anywhere between 30 minutes to an hour.
Meanwhile, I’ve set a New Year gaming resolution for myself (and trying to consistent with it) - browse the PSN, or any other digital store front where I play my games, and try out new games regardless of word of mouth or not. Doing so, I came across a game called Bloodwash. It’s a retro, PS1-era first person horror game. It’s essentially a video game form of a slasher film. I found it to be a pretty solid two hour experience and a nice palate cleanser. Moreover, I even got the platinum trophy, which I hadn’t expected.
This weekend I’ll be obsessively playing Unicorn Overlord. I bought it when it first came out and didn’t enjoy it because I wasn’t used to not actively controlling my party members in combat situations. However, the more I played the more I understood how the game operates.
It’s the sub stories within the main narrative that really gripped me, such as The Tormented Helm. It was excellent, and provided a very foreboding scene, along with great moment-to-moment character interactions and fun battle encounter. While the main story is good, it isn’t great. Essentially, it’s serviceable.
Furthermore, tinkering with your party compositions, equipment, and wandering the world - everything has a purpose. Side quests are meaningful, from a monetary perspective, along with characters being added to your party, and backstories. You get to learn more history between characters and it all feels organic. Additionally, the game is continually rewarding. There is a sense of progression even from the monotonous tasks, and creates a gameplay loop that makes you want to complete everything you stumble across.
The art style is some of the very best I’ve ever seen. Each backdrop is brimming with unique locales, from vibrant and lush forests, to shining palaces, and decrepit ruins. If there is fog or a sandstorm it is visible within the battlefield. The animations between combat, conversation and traversal are gorgeous, and with the game being almost entirely voice acted, it feels as if the stakes are higher and more emotion is seeped through to the characters.
All of that said, the game is quite overwhelming. The more you acquire party members, the more it can feel daunting when changing out equipment, leveling up certain characters that aren’t getting enough attention, unlocking more grid-base tiles and spaces on them. But that’s also the fun of it — figuring things out. And damn if it’s not satisfying when you discover a good composition of party members.
Unicorn Overlord is just incredible. It has its hooks in me. I’m thinking about this game while I’m at work, thinking of new party stratagems, managing my units with certain equipment, how I want their combat to play out with certain conditions. I’m head over heels for this game, and I don’t know why I had any doubt to begin with considering Vanillaware’s pedigree.
On a side note: I also got the platinum in Stalker: Shadow of Chernobyl and Stellar Blade in the last couple of weeks.
For the last week and a half I’ve been in a gaming slump and I wasn’t aware of it initially. It has been strange. Once I obtained the platinum trophy for Silent Hill 2 Remake, I subsequently dove head first into Metaphor ReFantazio. And then it hit me.
I was enjoying it, particularly its UI, combat, characters, story, setting, and political strifes. However, it wasn’t fully grasping my attention. I was feeling overwhelmed. I found this peculiar because P4G is my favorite RPG of all time, and P5R is exceptional. I’m accustomed to the calendar structure, knowing content will be missed by choosing to do one activity over another. It was bothering me immensely even though time management is a core game design.
This feeling carried over with the Archetype mechanics. I was I immensely engulfed by options and it was ruining my experience. It was difficult for me to switch up my vocation because I had certain archetypes maxed out, with great skills, but switching classes and starting from scratch felt counterintuitive because I’d have to change armor, weapons, and be underpowered. I appreciate the flexibility, but not when it’s almost essential.
My brain just couldn’t handle any of it. In fact, it’s odd because of my affection with Atlus games (not just Persona), and while I was liking the majority of aspects of the game, I just wasn’t having fun. Ultimately, I set the game aside and will come back to it another time.
I then scrolled through my cross-media bar on my PS5 and saw Kunitsi-Gami: Path of the Goddess. I’m a huge Capcom fan and love their odd side projects. The glowing reviews for this game definitely piqued my interest. I played for five hours and was enjoying it; but it wasn’t holding my attention as well.
This trend repeated itself two more times; once with Shadow of the Damned: Hella Remastered; and secondly Ys X: Nordics (my favorite RPG series). At this point, I decided to take a break from gaming altogether and decompress. Maybe the depressing nature of Silent Hill 2 Remake took more of a toll on me than anticipated.
And suddenly, something changed. Monday rolled around and the reviews for Dragon Age: The Veilguard went live. The positive reception the game has been receiving from critics (and definitely not random strangers on the internet who hadn’t played the game but want to hate on anyone who likes it; seriously, the vile things said all over YouTube channels—Eurogamer, IGN, and other mainstream outlets—is absolutely out of control and incredibly disheartening) brought back that sense of excitement for games.
I started Dragon Age: The Veilguard on release day and have put 15-hours in it. I’m having an absolute blast. I’m an Elven rogue, part of the Antivan Crows association, with a slight affection for Neve. I’m slowly swooning her, but unlike my organization I work for, I won’t be stabbing her in the back.
I finished my first playthrough in Silent Hill 2 Remake several days ago. I managed to get the “In Water” ending my first go-around. It was quite fantastic, and easily one of my favorite games of the year, if not my favorite. After I completed it, I subsequently reloaded my save and got the two additional mainline endings, which added a lot of context to a powerful story. I’m looking forward to getting the three remaining endings only obtainable by NG+, and hopefully get the platinum trophy while I’m at it.
I also just started Metaphor: Refantazio two days ago. I’m only seven hours in, reaching the completing the Nord Mines and even tested my mettle against the dragon—an optional boss fight—and won. I’m now met Hulkenberg and am trekking under the cathedral. With that said, being as I’m early on, I’m unable to give a proper review. However; I’m extremely impressed by nearly every aspect of this game.
The one thing that immediately stood out to me was its pacing—it doesn’t waste time throwing you into its world, characters, story and combat. I appreciate this approach more than Persona 5, a game I adore, but can never replay due to its long tutorial.
I also love how much artistic expression there is. In clever ways, too. The game has a ton of loading screens but you’re practically oblivious to it because each transitioning screen has cutscene elements that flow naturally with what you’re doing—combat encounters, walking into a new area, and even the pause menu. This might be the most stylish game I’ve ever played.
I’m looking forward to seeing the game evolve over time. This game is shaping up to be a special JRPG, and I believe Atlus is becoming the king of RPGs in the west. Bring on Persona 6, or whatever else they are cooking up; I’ll be here for the journey.
This weekend I’m playing the iconic Silent Hill 2 (Remake). This is my first foray into this franchise, despite owning the original on PS2 back when I was a kid. And I have a lot to say.
The beginning two hours were incredibly dull to me. However, once I got to explore the apartment complex—and having just completed Brookhaven Hospital—it quickly became a tour-de-force in the survival horror genre once I tasted what this game had to offer.
The game has a unique setting, where the town of Silent Hill is a character just as much as you are. One thing that stuck out to me was how there is quest log or an objective marker. This allows a sense of freedom in a relatively linear experience, yet vast at the same time, so there’s a sense of feeling confined and trapped, but always rewarding.
All of this is enhanced by its brilliant art direction and visuals. The fog surrounding the town makes each step feel purposeful. When you enter buildings, each location feels different but believable. Brookhaven Hospital—more or less a psychiatric ward—is a perfect example of this. There is a sense of dread and abandonment, and you can feel the anguish of those who resided there. It felt old-timey and unsanitary, providing an extra level of immersion. A lot of games I feel suffer from making you feel as if you’re truly in this fictional world, but this remake manages to capture that essence.
Furthermore, I really appreciate the approach of no jump scares. The horror comes from the tension of discovering the truth about what’s occurring in the town, the characters that inhabit it, and why. But it’s also the idea that something could happen. It plays with you psychologically. It masterfully teeters the line of reality and paranoia, particularly since enemies are humanoid in nature.
As for the story, it immediately compels you because the main protagonist, James Sunderland, is self aware of his situation and how absurd it is. However, he is still grieving the loss of his wife and those types of processes can make people do inexplicable things they otherwise wouldn’t. Regardless of the dire situation he is in, his calm demeanor draws you in. He has determination, and is willing to see his journey through to the end no matter the cost, all the while not going off in the deep end mentally. It’s a really interesting balance. He is casually dressed which also lends to his personality.
The moment to moment gameplay is also fantastic. Combat has a real crunch to it—but it never feels janky or unintuitive. You can feel the weight behind bludgeoning enemies with melee weapons, and you can even hear the exhaustion in James’ voice when he finishes enemies while they are squirming on the ground. You’re also never overwhelmed with enemies, so each encounter feels unique. It’s simple, but effective.
So far, I’m only halfway through the game but I’m very impressed, top to bottom. I’m deeply invested in the characters and unfolding story. In a space where there are a ton of survival horror games, this one stands out amongst the rest. I can see why the game received high praise in 2001, and I will now sing its praises for the first time in 2024. It might go down in my top 10 of all time.
This weekend I am planning to finish The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom. I’ve gotta say - this might be one of my favorite entries in this storied franchise. It’s not without its faults, but the things it does well is exceptional.
As of right now, I have a total of 16/20 hearts, acquired 115/127 echoes, 18/20 stamps, unlocked all five accessory slots, a handful of costumes, and completed five main dungeons, the last of which was the Lanayru Temple. I won’t lie - it was rather challenging. I’m now off to the Faron Wetlands and hoping I can get a 100% completion rate in the next couple of days.
I love how there is a blend of traditional top down design with influences from its modern counterparts, BoTW and ToTK respectively. It’s astounding how there is a new found sense of verticality and puzzle solving in a 2D—sort of 3D—space. Moreover, proper dungeons are back, but there are a plethora of ways to solve them, thus creating a sense of fulfillment when completing puzzles in inventive and creative ways. And yet, despite all of these tools, you can’t break the game (at least I don’t think you can) so it keeps things constructed linearly, with a priority on its narrative.
There are some areas where I think the game falters a bit, mainly regarding its extensive echo system. Similar to how you hold right on the D-Pad to select a handful of weapons in BoTW, you do the same with the echoes you obtain. And there are a lot of echoes. I mean A LOT (over a hundred). You can sort them by most used, but you have to use different ones in varying regions and sometimes infrequently, so they aren’t typically the first selection when you open up the menu. This ultimately breaks the immersion and slows down the gameplay to a screeching halt.
Another area I would like to see improved on is logging information about items obtained. I would prefer to have an overview of how many chests, hearts, and caves are in each particular region. That has always been my issue with TLoZ games. I hate missing things and yet it’s inevitable due to naturally playing the game and getting sidetracked by other activities. Granted, there is an option to see how many collectibles you have in totality, but it isn’t that resourceful.
Nonetheless, the complaints I have are minor compared to the overall experience. I’ve said this many times before, but Nintendo has a way of making you, the player, regardless of age—I’m 34-years-old—feel pure unadulterated joy, and feel like a kid discovering magic for the first time. I initially thought I wouldn’t enjoy Echoes of Wisdom, but has surpassed all of my expectations. I hope this is the beginning of a new foundation for future TLoZ games.
I agree wholeheartedly with this write-up. Perhaps nostalgia plays a role in my feelings, but there is something very satisfying with solving dungeons, backtracking, opening chests knowing there will be a key, and the jingle it makes, along with finally acquiring the Big Boss Key and fighting the boss and getting a new heart piece. It all feels so wholesome and there is no other game that provides that type of feeling you get, at least for me.
@Yoshi3 I did discover that! That was really helpful, thanks! I just wish there was a “5/10 chests collected in Gerudo region” type of thing. But nonetheless, thank you for highlighting that!
I already commented my opinion (I think the game is great), but I wish there was a log of some sorts. It’d be nice to know how many treasure chests and heart containers and/or secrets I have out of a certain total in each particular region. The same with echoes. Maybe there is a way and I haven’t discovered it yet, but that is my biggest gripe.
It has surpassed all of my expectations and then some. The sense of discovery, and the blend of old school Zelda with modern game mechanics from the last two entries make this a unique experience. There is a level of verticality that is superb, especially in this 2D, but somewhat 3D space. I absolutely love it, and my score is a 9/10.
Good to know about the rift dungeons and treasure chests! That was a concern of mine, so I’m glad you can return to them later. Out of curiosity - are there any heart containers in there? That will make me feel a bit more at ease if there aren’t.
I don’t have much to say other than I’m feeling accomplished for wrapping up Ys IX: Monstrum Nox and getting the platinum trophy. I can’t wait for Ys X to release next month.
I’ve now started The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom and it’s great. I’m not that far, but I have completed one main dungeon (yay, proper dungeons are back!), a handful of optional dungeons and side quests that are incredibly rewarding, and just reached the Zora region.
It’s what you expect from a Nintendo game—abysmal framerate rounded out by charm, creativity, fun gameplay, impeccable sound design, and a gorgeous Hyrule that beckons to be explored. The best thing about the game so far is how it blends old school LoZ design with its modern counterparts, allowing for a fantastic adventure ripe with creative puzzle solving, making you, the player feel intelligent when you solve a problem. Not many games can provide that sense of satisfaction, but this game does it in effortlessly.
@the_beaver I’m actually playing it on my PS5, but primarily the PS Portal and the performance is pretty solid. I haven’t had any dips or anything, but idk how that will translate to Nintendo Switch.
This weekend I’m playing Ys IX: Monstrum Nox. One month ago I played my first game in this series, Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana and fell in love with it, so much so I got the platinum trophy for it. This newfound appreciation for the franchise led me to explore other entries, starting with Ys: Memories of Celceta. I finished it yesterday and now I’m diving into New Game+ on Nightmare difficulty for another platinum run.
What immediately sets Ys IX apart is its self-awareness. The game cleverly plays with the familiar tropes found in JRPGs and earlier entries in the series, often adding a humorous touch to the darker tone of its narrative. In fact, it seems incredibly homogeneous to Dragon Quest XI regarding its opening hours—another RPG favorite of mine.
The setting itself is drastically different from its counterparts. You’re in this sprawling city known as Balduq, or rather Prison City. It functions as a living and breathing world, where people work, have their own homes, and is relatively modern. However, the world is rich with lore, with mysterious graffiti littered about that provides upgrades depending on your character, and from the very beginning, the game hooks you with collectibles you can't yet reach, igniting curiosity and anticipation for what's to come.
This culminates into one standout aspect in its refined gameplay, and that is traversal. Unlike prior games, this one focuses on verticality as a focus point of its level design, and it’s all the better for it. Whether it’s scaling walls or gliding across rooftops, these traversal abilities make the city of Balduq feel like a playground, filled with hidden treasures and unreachable areas that beg to be explored.
As for gameplay, most of the mechanics are familiar, maintaining its frenetic combat while introducing a plethora of character abilities that make combat more engaging. The game also bestows its traditional use of artifacts—now known as sacramentals—to enhance its already dynamic gameplay. This all leads to a new layer of freedom that keeps the gameplay fresh.
I’m only several hours in, but overall the game strikes a perfect balance between innovation and familiarity. It’s shaping up to be one of the best RPGs I’ve played in recent memory, and is quickly becoming my favorite in the series so far. My level up hype for the next installment is through the roof, and I’m glad I only have to wait a month for its release.
This weekend, I find myself diving deeper into Black Myth: Wukong—a game that’s captivated me more than any other title this year, even more than Dragon’s Dogma 2. Even after completing one full playthrough, I’m now embarking on New Game Plus, something I rarely do unless I’m truly hooked.
When I first started playing Black Myth: Wukong, I didn’t expect it to become my Game of the Year (GOTY), but now, I can’t imagine any other title taking the crown. The depth, boss encounters, and the incredible combat system have all made it a standout experience. I’ve already finished one playthrough, where I managed to unlock every secret area and boss fight—including a secret, God of War-style ending—without using a guide. I’m still amazed at how I managed that! Despite this, I’m looking forward to relying on a guide for my NG+ playthrough, as I aim for the coveted platinum trophy.
What sets Black Myth: Wukong apart for me is the sheer immersion. The world feels alive with mysteries waiting to be uncovered, and the combat constantly challenges me in the best way possible. One moment, in particular, that truly blew me away was stumbling upon the optional Yellow Loong boss fight. It was nighttime, and I found myself battling this massive creature on a ragged cliffside under the light of the moon. The way the lightning from Yellow Loong’s attacks lit up the sky created a thrilling, almost cinematic atmosphere. There are countless moments like this scattered throughout the game, especially if you take the time to explore.
At the same time, I’ve been alternating with Ys: Memories of Celceta on my trusty Vita, which has proven to be a delightful surprise. Having already played and platinumed Ys VIII, my first introduction into this storied franchise, I wasn’t expecting to enjoy Memories of Celceta more, but surprisingly, I do—especially in terms of the story and the characters. The game has a light-hearted charm that’s kept me smiling, and on more than one occasion, I’ve found myself laughing out loud at the dialogue and character interactions.
What really makes this game shine is its sense of adventure. The world feels vast, with lush forests, ancient ruins, and a rich, mystical atmosphere that makes exploration rewarding. Sure, there are a few frustrating mechanics like the limited fast travel early on, but by mid-game, this is resolved, and the flow of the game really picks up. I also found the upgrade system to be a bit clunky at times, but these minor issues don’t detract from the overall experience. I’m aiming for the platinum trophy in this one too, hopefully before Ys: Nordics drops next month.
Coming up, I’ll be diving into Space Marine 2, a game that looks absolutely stellar with its intense, action-packed battles in a futuristic setting. I’ve also picked up Astro Bot, which I’m excited to explore with my daughter once I’m done with my current adventures. This has been a sensational year for gaming.
This weekend I’m playing Black Myth: Wukong. Wow. What. A. Game. While it shares some superficial similarities with Soulslike games, I think it’s more accurately described as a modern boss-rush game with a structure akin to God of War. The focus seems to be on tightly designed levels, thrilling boss battles, and an emphasis on exploration and secrets, rather than the punishing difficulty found in FromSoftware titles.
As for difficulty, the game doesn't penalize you harshly for dying, which contrasts sharply with the traditional Soulslike experience. This makes it more accessible and possibly more enjoyable for players who appreciate a challenge but don't want to be frustrated by constant setbacks.
Speaking of accessibility, there is a robust combat system with different stances and upgradable abilities, all of which makes your playthrough unique in how you approach fighting enemies. The ability to defeat mini-bosses and acquire their spirits as abilities adds a strategic layer to combat, making each encounter feel meaningful.
For me, Chapter Two is where the game was elevated from good to great. Despite its linearity, there is a wide mix of side quests, secrets with additional areas to explore, and boss fights. This design from the developers created an engaging experience for me that is very memorable. The game's ability to balance linearity with exploration—offering secret areas and hidden bosses—adds to the sense of discovery. Let’s keep in mind, this is Game Sciences’ first foray into the console gaming space.
This leads me to presentation. When it comes to enemies, there is a large diversity in enemy design, particularly the boss fights like Tiger Vanguard, Whiteclad Noble, Kang-Jin Star, Cyan Loong, and Fuban to name a few, keeps the gameplay fresh and exciting, especially environmentally. In fact, some (optional) boss fights, if given time, can perform moves that will open up new areas to explore. But what I really want to praise is the artistic direction—for its minimalistic yet stylish approach. The stop-motion cutscenes, in particular, are a real highlight that I don’t often see spoken about enough.
There are areas where the game can improve, but it never hindered my experience. There are a lot of invisible walls. While this may be a detriment for some, I think the controlled exploration is a result of budget constraints. The trade off is worth it given the high production value in other facets. The absence of a map is another (mild) complaint. While the game is linear, and the sense of discovery is rewarding, a map would ensure that no hidden item or character is missed.
Ultimately, this game has impressed me significantly, and is this year’s Lies of P. It’s been a phenomenal experience, with rich cultural elements, and varied, vibrant environments. It’s a game that has successfully combined fictional storytelling with modern action-adventure mechanics, and is undoubtedly one of the best games of the year. Sorry, Dragon’s Dogma 2, I have a new GOTY.
First and foremost, I want to thank all of those last week that sent out their thoughts, prayers, and condolences regarding the passing of my father. I was really moved by the support you guys shown to a complete stranger. His funeral is this afternoon, so I’m sure my feelings will be running rampant.
As for the game I’m playing - I finally completed Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana and got the platinum trophy. Other than any Dragon Quest game, Ys might be the coziest RPG experience I’ve ever had. It certainly is one of the most well crafted action RPGs in recent memory.
To those that say the story isn’t great — I think that is a misrepresentation. The overarching plot is middling until the final chapter, but the heartbeat of this game is the characters and their personal journeys whilst being stranded on a mysterious island. You see each individual - 24, if you find them all - have their own personality, ambitions, and family. By doing their side quests, you’re rewarded with an enriching experience. Bonds are created, and watching relationships blossom in the midst of a dire situation is really inspiring.
In a way, Ys 8 is the perfect game for me at this particular juncture in my life. Similar to how these characters have their entire lives uprooted by unfortunate events, so have I. You’re able to see how each person grieves the loss of something, and it’s been oddly comforting as I mourn the loss of my father. In turn, this game reminds me of the simple pleasures that we take for granted. Sometimes, in life, the best moments are those spent with loved ones, grilling food or sharing stories. That’s what this game provides in spades. It’s a friendly reminder that life is beautiful.
Now I’m playing Black Myth Wukong. I’m a few hours in and it’s been great so far. It’s essentially a boss rush game, and I’m satisfied with that approach. Moreover, it’s purely an action game—it’s not a Souls-like by any stretch of the imagination. You won’t lose progress or experience if you die, and basic enemies are mainly an easy backdrop for the main focus: boss fights. If you’re a fan of combat focused action games with robust mechanics, with linear but beautiful environments, and thrilling boss fights, this game is a definite must play. I’ll share more of my thoughts next week.
My father passed away two days ago so I’m playing the game of regret(s) and funeral planning. Thankfully, I have a wife and work family that is incredibly supportive. But this game is hard, and I am trying to grieve with sarcasm and escapism.
As for what has been played before this unfortunate time, it has been Ys: VIII on the PlayStation Vita. I am near the end of my first play-through, on Nightmare mode, and should be achieving the true ending. It’s a very, very good game. It will hold a special place in my heart because not only is it a well crafted game, but it is comforting me at my most vulnerable, and obviously diverting my expectations in the most unexpected of ways.
I’m glad this franchise is evangelized by so many JRPG fans. It’s truly something special. I never thought with Ys VIII’s story on being stranded on an island would have me dealing with a wide array of problems, ranging from a serial killer, time travel, ghost ships, ancient civilizations, dinosaurs, evolution, farting, a wife of six tempted to cheat on her husband with me, and even a woman who unexpectedly goes into labor, gave birth, and if you do her side quests, lets you become the godfather and name the newborn. What the actual hell? But it works. And I love it.
TL;DR - My dad passed away. I’m heartbroken. Ys VIII is comforting me right now.
@ScalenePowers Glad to hear the games and praise for them are consistent throughout! I’m excited to try out other games in the franchise. I was looking up a trailer for Memories of Celceta and it looks awesome. In the trailer it shows a character you can control that wields a spear, and I have a weird affinity with spears in games. I’ll definitely be buying it once I wrap up Ys 8.
I’m still playing through Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana on the PlayStation Vita. I’ve currently reached chapter 5, and things are ramping up. This game is an absolute joy.
It reminds me a lot of Xenoblade Chronicles. It’s not as grand in scope, but it has a nearly seamless open world, with varying landmarks and locales populated by all forms of enemies that range in level. As you progress through the story and bring in more castaways to your village, new areas of exploration open up from prior locations. It’s a great design that keeps things fresh as you retread old ground.
Speaking of the narrative, I think it’s paced brilliantly, and it’s a testament to its unique approach to story telling. While it may be bare bones in terms of a grand epic, where there are evil kings and queens, trapped princesses in need of rescue, or some mysterious force plaguing the lands, it makes up for it by telling a relatively simple tale, with a few mysterious questions.
Your ship has crashed, and you washed ashore on a peculiar island. Your job is simple: find other survivors and escape. The more people you find stranded the more you can gather resources, acquire basic necessities, and build a safe haven as you explore the island and looking for an optimal approach to escape.
But, the more you explore the island, the more questions start to emerge. Why are there ancient beasts roaming around? Why are you discovering weird notes and journals? Is that really a city that housed an advanced civilization beyond the mountain range, and how did it come to be and why does it look abandoned? Who is this person I keep dreaming about when I make camp? It’s all simple but effective.
Side quests are spread out sparingly, and they are serviceable enough. They are fetch quests, but they make sense in regard to the overarching story, and most of them can be accomplished via the golden path. I’d say it’s quite smart.
There are new gameplay mechanics that are introduced throughout the story chapters, but it’s essentially crafting tools, cooking recipes, and upgrading gear. It’s not all thrown at you at once, so it never feels like a chore to keep maintained because all of it happens organically.
One of my complaints is the difficulty balance between enemies. There are some beasts that could have the same level as you, or maybe one or two above, and they are easy to destroy. Other times, there are enemies the same level as you are, maybe even lower, that pose a significant challenge and can kill you in one or two hits if you aren’t careful. Perhaps it’s due to my character composition and their gear that upgrades their stats, but I don’t think that’s the case because I’ve experimented twitch a lot of variations. To be fair, however, I am playing on Nightmare mode so that obviously plays a huge factor. And even on hard mode, I haven’t necessarily needed to grind, at least for very long, to get past a certain area or boss fight.
All in all, Ys VIII is a fantastic game. With it being my first venture into this franchise, I’m now excited to play other games in its historicity. In fact, Ys X: Nordics looks quite wonderful. Nihon Falcom is quickly becoming one of my all time favorite developers, and I’m ecstatic to hear they want to be quicker on releasing their games to Western audiences. And when they do, I’ll be there day one.
Mother Brain in Zero Mission is an annoying boss fight, in my opinion. It isn’t difficult in terms of the fight itself, but rather the environmental components working against you. Once you learn how to actually maneuver between the two blocks it becomes a lot more forgiving, but it’s also one of those situations where if you get hurt or fall into the lava it’s really hard to not continue making mistakes.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak. I’m 25 hours deep and it’s excellent. Van is the best protagonist this series has ever had. I’m looking forward to diving deeper into it once I get more free time.
I’ve been on vacation with my wife and daughter for the last seven days so I haven’t been gaming much. I think I needed a genuine break from working and gaming altogether. With that said, I did bring my Nintendo Switch to play on the off chance of downtime.
I finally beat Beyond Good and Evil. I did all of the optional content — collect all pearls, photograph all wildlife, and did the Volcanic Treasure and Map to the Past side quests. I can see why this game is hailed as a “masterpiece”, especially for 2003.
There is a minuscule part of me that hopes the sequel doesn’t come to fruition. I don’t think Ubisoft necessarily knows how to make minimalistic games any longer; granted, BG&E is large for its time, especially due to hardware limitations; but that’s what makes it special. I’m afraid they would over indulge and lose sight of what makes the first game so endearing.
I also decided to pick up The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero. I unfortunately never played Trails in the Sky. I do own a Vita and could buy the PSP versions, but I don’t feel compelled to do so. That said, I have played Trails of Cold Steel 1-4 and love those particular entries.
I’m glad I bought the game on Switch rather than PlayStation because I forgot how much banter there is. There is no way I would have been able to make significant progress on PS due to commuting to work, pausing the game during heavy dialogue moments and hoping my wife and daughter don’t turn off the light switch and ultimately the PS5. I also purchased The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak on the PlayStation.
Much to the dismay of some, I personally love the slow pacing of these game(s). There is an incredible sense of world building and character development that really keeps me invested. The long amounts of dialogue can become monotonous, but if you are patient it will pay off in the end. I’m also impressed by the fantastic voice acting and localization. And the soundtrack is top tier.
I’m not too far into the game to really give in-depth thoughts, but if it keeps up this pace then I have a feeling it’ll turn out to be a very special game. Hopefully, Trails in the Sky can get ported to modern consoles because this is a series every JRPG fan needs to experience.
I was wondering what that was — it was such a unique item that wasn’t able to be interacted with. I’m glad to see it is was used for something special.
I’m shocked that Crow’s Country isn’t on the platform. It’s an excellent game — one I platinumed on the PS5. As for games I would like to see, A Link Between Worlds would be awesome. I’d also want Metroid Prime 2 & 3, along with Windwaker, Twilight Princess, Lost Odyssey, Blue Dragon, Dragon Quest 7 & 8, and the Splinter Cell games.
I already mentioned I’m playing Beyond Good and Evil, but I’m saddened to see nobody else seemingly playing it aside from one other person. Once again, the sales are going to be bad. Lol.
This weekend I’m playing Beyond Good and Evil The 20th Anniversary Edition. I bought it for my PS5, but realized I’m going on vacation for a week so I decided to double-dip and pick it up on my Switch. I owned the game on the PS2 when it released in 2003, and even on my GameCube, but I never played it because I was too obsessed with other games. I’m earnestly giving this game a shot, and so far, I’m impressed.
This game reminds me of a time when Ubisoft still had creative chops and ideas. You can clearly see the early foundations of what is to come - but it’s less contaminated due to hardware limitations at the time and that’s strangely a positive. Back then, it was a revelation.
What’s really impressive is the constant engagement the game demands from the player, and everything ties back into its story and main protagonist, Jade. She isn’t a famed heroine or superhero - she’s running an orphanage and working as a photojournalist, caught between protecting her village and exposing the truth during the war against an invading alien species. It’s a unique perspective to explore.
This action adventure title has a level of meaningful depth that wasn’t entirely common back in 2003, unless you were playing an immersive sim or a deep RPG. It creates a sense of immersion that draws you into the world of Hyllis. You can speak to nearly every character, with dialogue options. The planet feels alive with an array of species to discover. There are hovercrafts flying about towns. And while the game is set in the far future, it’s grounded in realism. Inhabitants have problems that regular people in current times have — money issues, paying bills to keep electricity going, vehicle repairs, politics and government. It just feels believable.
As I touched upon earlier, BG&E knows how to keep you engaged with its activities. There is always something to do, to accomplish. Outside of its story driven “dungeons” and puzzles to solve, there are “hearts” to acquire to boost your maximum health, and items to enhance your character’s abilities. And then there are outfits to find for your characters, hovercraft races, animals and solar systems to photograph. All of this ties into the narrative, all the while creating a true sense of progression because each activity has benefits.
As for the combat, the game does show its age — it’s a product of its time. It plays similar to the Arkham games, with its free flowing mechanics. It’s not the most refined system, but it’s still serviceable and still holds up. But more than that, most of the gameplay elements are an extension of the story, and who Jade is as an individual. That is arguably the most significant detail to me, and ultimately makes her and the supporting cast very endearing and memorable.
At the end of the day, I love playing older games that I haven’t played before, particularly on modern hardware because I like to see how my view on games have changed all those years since. Looking back at BG&E, there are a lot of qualities that were ahead of the curve. It was very ambitious title, and I think it succeeded in a lot of ways. There is no wonder it’s considered a masterpiece by many. I don’t know if I’ll go that far, but it certainly is exceptional, and makes me reminisce on when Ubisoft was original and making groundbreaking games.
I want to like this game and maybe I will when I play it, but from the cover art and gameplay reveal it all seems so bland to me. I’ll definitely wait for reviews on this one.
This is an interesting order, but I do agree - Vengeance is the best in the series. I honestly would have never considered Tokyo Mirage Sessions, but that game is great as well. I would love to see IV/Apocalypse get remastered or ported to the Switch.
I’m not entirely sold on the combat, but everything else sounds pretty solid. I live the Cold Steel games, but haven’t played any of the others. I’m glad this is a good jumping in point. I’ll probably pick it up!
I’m glad to hear the Switch version is a good route to go! I picked it up on the PS5, but I also decided to buy it for the Switch. I’m going out of town for a week and a half for vacation, and I figured it’d be the perfect portable game.
I’m glad to see SMTV Vengeance doing well! This new edition is quite incredible, and improves on the original in every way. And it also helps that it’s on more platforms now.
I’m not playing much this weekend. For starters, I have to conduct inventory Saturday and Sunday at my job. On top of that, I’m a manager so it’s going to be a long and stressful couple of days/nights. Furthermore, there aren’t any games really holding my attention. Earlier this week, however, I got the platinum trophy for Tomb Raider Legend. It was a pretty solid game, with clever puzzles to acquire the gold rewards. I’m glad I finally got to play it.
As for what I’m trying to earnestly play right now, it’s Metroid Zero Mission — the remake of the first game in the series. The latest Nintendo Direct had me quite excited for the console, with Metroid Prime 4, despite being seven-years-old, so I decided to turn on my Switch for the first time in over six months.
I actually never finished this game as a kid on the GBA, so it’s basically a new experience for me. It’s quite sublime. I’ve beaten Kraid, acquired the Ice Beam, an ability to hang from ledges, and an “unknown” item because it isn’t compatible with my current suit.
I love this about Metroid games — the sense of discovery. You are never truly lost. Ever. There may be instances where you feel utterly lost, but if you pay close enough attention to your surroundings the answer will open up. There is a certain level of interactivity that requires you to use every tool at your disposal, along with using the entire map as your playground. You don’t see this often with modern games. And it’s so satisfying to hear the music that follows after getting a new item, similar to the jingle that plays when opening up a chest in The Legend of Zelda. Sometimes, Nintendo just does it best.
They can take as long as they want. Maybe it’ll give me enough time to actually beat the game. I’ve started it multiple times and quit because I kept getting lost, to the point it was incredibly frustrating. I hate using guides so I didn’t want to look anything up. The game is great, don’t get me wrong, but maybe not for me. I do want to give it another shot since it has received such high praise, and Silksong looks amazing.
@asmi8803 You should check out Metroid Prime Remastered on the Switch. It’ll probably give you a good taste of what type of game Metroid Prime 4 will be.
This was such a random surprise announcement, and now I’m patiently waiting for this game. I wonder if we will get to play as Link — perhaps in the latter half of the game. They seem to be taking a lot of inspirations from BoTW and ToTK, so a part of me thinks we will play as Link in an underground area or something. Either way, I cannot wait for this game.
Dragon’s Dogma 2. My maxed out Thief and trusty Sorcerer, Schemer, have just reached Battahl. I sneaked in by pretending to be a slave on a phantom oxcart. It was a good time. And now we are on the hunt for a Medusa’s head in order to petrify a griffin for a sculptor. This game is an all-timer for me.
I’m not sure what I want to play this weekend. I did finish my first playthrough of Stellar Blade. I got both endings (thank you, cloud saving). And those final boss fight(s), depending on the ending you choose, was superb. It took me approximately 65+ hours to do all side quests and collectibles. All I need to do now is NG+ and I’ll have the platinum trophy. With that said, I need a break. It’s a masterpiece of an action game, especially considering this is Shift Up’s first console game, but I’m ready for something different.
For a palette cleanser I earnestly started and completed Crow Country, obtaining the platinum trophy while I was at it. I needed a bite sized game and it only took five hours to beat. I have to say - this is one of the best survival horror games of the year, perhaps in the past half decade. It’s easily up there with Signalis, but I think it’s better due to its more grounded story that isn’t vague and full of questions.
There are some genuine unsettling moments, which is a hard accomplishment for me because I’m desensitized to a lot of horror themed stuff. Moreover, the atmosphere, tone, sound design (OST), and enemy designs are brilliant, only adding to the tension. And it’s excellently written. It has a compelling mystery that’s compounded with environmental story telling, newspaper clippings, journals, secrets, and ever evolving surroundings the more you progress the story. I strongly recommend this game.
Lastly, I decided to purchase Star Ocean: The Second Story R. I’ve been itching for a good JRPG, and everything about this remake looks superlative. I’m particularly keen on the science fiction aspect too. At the moment I’m two hours in, starting with Claude Kenny, and have beaten the first boss. My only complaint is that the game is relatively easy so I might have to adjust the difficulty setting to give myself more of a challenge.
I’m playing Stellar Blade this weekend. My goal is to wrap up my first play-through and start NG+ to obtain the platinum trophy. This game continues to impress, and gets better the more you progress rather than become stagnant like a lot of action games. I’m currently in the fourth region and the meaningful side quests and exploration has transcended my thoughts on this game in a positive light.
I also picked up Crow Country due to all the high praise it’s receiving. I’ve jump (scared) my way into this game last night and it’s fantastic, particularly playing it on my PlayStation Portal. It has that classic Resident Evil feel, with a touch of Twin Peaks, X-Files, and strangely, a low-polygon Final Fantasy 7. Every year there is a game that comes along that is relatively obscure but ends up making a splash, and this game falls into that category.
Comments 677
Re: New Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition Trailer Is Our Best Look Yet At The Upcoming Remaster
This looks amazing. This is the only Xenoblade game I haven’t played yet, so I am very excited to check it out. The world looks gorgeous, and the mechs look like a real unique twist to the Xenoblade formula.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (22nd February)
I’m still working my way through Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 and going for the plat. I went from convincing passerby’s I’m the Dark Lord to being nicknamed Sourdough. That isn’t a joke and I love it.
What is more shocking is how I’ve put 85 hours in the game and just now reached the second region. It feels like an entirely fresh play-through due to the variety of locales, side quests, and story beats.
I also decided to boot up my Nintendo Switch. Admittedly, it has been a while. I’ve been on a nostalgic kick and want to get lost in an (J)RPG of a lighter scale, so I purchased Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana and The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero. I’m looking forward to starting at least one of those games in earnest in the next couple of days.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (15th February)
Kingdom Come Deliverance 2
I’m 50+ hours deep, haven’t even touched a single main quest, and yet I’ve become Henry the Lion-Heart, traveling the country side, speaking the language of dog, convincing villagers on the road that I’m the Dark Lord, getting drunk while saving drunks that have climbed up trees, sleeping in beds that aren’t mine, and stealing wreath’s from an opposing village up in qualms with another. I’m dirty, I’m clean, but I’m reliable and charismatic either way.
I love this game.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (8th February)
This weekend I’ll mainly be focusing on Kingdom Come Deliverance 2. I never played the first entry, but Warhorse posted a ten minute summary on their YouTube channel and it really helped me get a grasp on the story.
So far, I’m a couple of hours in, but I’m very impressed. The writing is absolutely top-notch, with incredible voice acting and animations that bring the characters to life. The cutscenes themselves are high quality. I don’t think I’ve ever said this about a video game before, but it has a movie-ish quality to it, from its cinematography and direction.
It might be the most immersive game I’ve ever played, with incredible RPG mechanics and dialogue choices that genuinely make me pause and think about my responses. I really can’t wait to dive deeper into this medieval adventure.
On a side note, earlier this week I finished Unicorn Overlord and got the platinum trophy. What a fantastic game, and easily my favorite Vanillaware title to date. I can’t wait to see what kind of game they follow up with.
I’ve also been on an independent horror kick. I saw through Steam that a game called Fears to Fathom: Ironbark Lookout got positive reviews. The trailer seemed interesting so I picked it up. In my opinion, it was quite mediocre. Tonally, the game was great, and it featured great atmosphere, but everything else was subpar. And the way the narrative unfolds seems to be directly ripped out of a “Let’s Not Meet” Reddit story. Nonetheless, I got the platinum and immediately uninstalled it.
I’ll also be chipping away at the Mafia Definitive Edition platinum. I’m playing on classic difficulty and currently on chapter 12/20. It’s been fantastic, but I strongly dislike the collectible system in the game. Technically, the game is considered “open world”, but you are never incentivized to explore your surroundings because the main story is structured very linearly. A lot of collectibles are story related and hard to miss, but some are inexplicably in obscure places that don’t make sense in its design, while subsequently having a “free roam” mode to have more hidden collectibles. I think it’s poorly designed and not implemented in a way that is logically sound.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (1st February)
This weekend I’m still playing Unicorn Overlord, and still completely enamored with it. I think I’m roughly 75% of the way to completion. My goal is to wrap up the platinum trophy within the next couple of days. The game does have you grind a bit, but thankfully you can “skip” battles — not experiencing the animations and battle scenes — and still get experience points. It helps save a ton of time because some of the battles can be time consuming, lasting anywhere between 30 minutes to an hour.
Meanwhile, I’ve set a New Year gaming resolution for myself (and trying to consistent with it) - browse the PSN, or any other digital store front where I play my games, and try out new games regardless of word of mouth or not. Doing so, I came across a game called Bloodwash. It’s a retro, PS1-era first person horror game. It’s essentially a video game form of a slasher film. I found it to be a pretty solid two hour experience and a nice palate cleanser. Moreover, I even got the platinum trophy, which I hadn’t expected.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (25th January)
This weekend I’ll be obsessively playing Unicorn Overlord. I bought it when it first came out and didn’t enjoy it because I wasn’t used to not actively controlling my party members in combat situations. However, the more I played the more I understood how the game operates.
It’s the sub stories within the main narrative that really gripped me, such as The Tormented Helm. It was excellent, and provided a very foreboding scene, along with great moment-to-moment character interactions and fun battle encounter. While the main story is good, it isn’t great. Essentially, it’s serviceable.
Furthermore, tinkering with your party compositions, equipment, and wandering the world - everything has a purpose. Side quests are meaningful, from a monetary perspective, along with characters being added to your party, and backstories. You get to learn more history between characters and it all feels organic. Additionally, the game is continually rewarding. There is a sense of progression even from the monotonous tasks, and creates a gameplay loop that makes you want to complete everything you stumble across.
The art style is some of the very best I’ve ever seen. Each backdrop is brimming with unique locales, from vibrant and lush forests, to shining palaces, and decrepit ruins. If there is fog or a sandstorm it is visible within the battlefield. The animations between combat, conversation and traversal are gorgeous, and with the game being almost entirely voice acted, it feels as if the stakes are higher and more emotion is seeped through to the characters.
All of that said, the game is quite overwhelming. The more you acquire party members, the more it can feel daunting when changing out equipment, leveling up certain characters that aren’t getting enough attention, unlocking more grid-base tiles and spaces on them. But that’s also the fun of it — figuring things out. And damn if it’s not satisfying when you discover a good composition of party members.
Unicorn Overlord is just incredible. It has its hooks in me. I’m thinking about this game while I’m at work, thinking of new party stratagems, managing my units with certain equipment, how I want their combat to play out with certain conditions. I’m head over heels for this game, and I don’t know why I had any doubt to begin with considering Vanillaware’s pedigree.
On a side note: I also got the platinum in Stalker: Shadow of Chernobyl and Stellar Blade in the last couple of weeks.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (2nd November)
For the last week and a half I’ve been in a gaming slump and I wasn’t aware of it initially. It has been strange. Once I obtained the platinum trophy for Silent Hill 2 Remake, I subsequently dove head first into Metaphor ReFantazio. And then it hit me.
I was enjoying it, particularly its UI, combat, characters, story, setting, and political strifes. However, it wasn’t fully grasping my attention. I was feeling overwhelmed. I found this peculiar because P4G is my favorite RPG of all time, and P5R is exceptional. I’m accustomed to the calendar structure, knowing content will be missed by choosing to do one activity over another. It was bothering me immensely even though time management is a core game design.
This feeling carried over with the Archetype mechanics. I was I immensely engulfed by options and it was ruining my experience. It was difficult for me to switch up my vocation because I had certain archetypes maxed out, with great skills, but switching classes and starting from scratch felt counterintuitive because I’d have to change armor, weapons, and be underpowered. I appreciate the flexibility, but not when it’s almost essential.
My brain just couldn’t handle any of it. In fact, it’s odd because of my affection with Atlus games (not just Persona), and while I was liking the majority of aspects of the game, I just wasn’t having fun. Ultimately, I set the game aside and will come back to it another time.
I then scrolled through my cross-media bar on my PS5 and saw Kunitsi-Gami: Path of the Goddess. I’m a huge Capcom fan and love their odd side projects. The glowing reviews for this game definitely piqued my interest. I played for five hours and was enjoying it; but it wasn’t holding my attention as well.
This trend repeated itself two more times; once with Shadow of the Damned: Hella Remastered; and secondly Ys X: Nordics (my favorite RPG series). At this point, I decided to take a break from gaming altogether and decompress. Maybe the depressing nature of Silent Hill 2 Remake took more of a toll on me than anticipated.
And suddenly, something changed. Monday rolled around and the reviews for Dragon Age: The Veilguard went live. The positive reception the game has been receiving from critics (and definitely not random strangers on the internet who hadn’t played the game but want to hate on anyone who likes it; seriously, the vile things said all over YouTube channels—Eurogamer, IGN, and other mainstream outlets—is absolutely out of control and incredibly disheartening) brought back that sense of excitement for games.
I started Dragon Age: The Veilguard on release day and have put 15-hours in it. I’m having an absolute blast. I’m an Elven rogue, part of the Antivan Crows association, with a slight affection for Neve. I’m slowly swooning her, but unlike my organization I work for, I won’t be stabbing her in the back.
TL;DR - Gaming is fun again; thanks, Dragon Age.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (19th October)
I finished my first playthrough in Silent Hill 2 Remake several days ago. I managed to get the “In Water” ending my first go-around. It was quite fantastic, and easily one of my favorite games of the year, if not my favorite. After I completed it, I subsequently reloaded my save and got the two additional mainline endings, which added a lot of context to a powerful story. I’m looking forward to getting the three remaining endings only obtainable by NG+, and hopefully get the platinum trophy while I’m at it.
I also just started Metaphor: Refantazio two days ago. I’m only seven hours in, reaching the completing the Nord Mines and even tested my mettle against the dragon—an optional boss fight—and won. I’m now met Hulkenberg and am trekking under the cathedral. With that said, being as I’m early on, I’m unable to give a proper review. However; I’m extremely impressed by nearly every aspect of this game.
The one thing that immediately stood out to me was its pacing—it doesn’t waste time throwing you into its world, characters, story and combat. I appreciate this approach more than Persona 5, a game I adore, but can never replay due to its long tutorial.
I also love how much artistic expression there is. In clever ways, too. The game has a ton of loading screens but you’re practically oblivious to it because each transitioning screen has cutscene elements that flow naturally with what you’re doing—combat encounters, walking into a new area, and even the pause menu. This might be the most stylish game I’ve ever played.
I’m looking forward to seeing the game evolve over time. This game is shaping up to be a special JRPG, and I believe Atlus is becoming the king of RPGs in the west. Bring on Persona 6, or whatever else they are cooking up; I’ll be here for the journey.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (12th October)
This weekend I’m playing the iconic Silent Hill 2 (Remake). This is my first foray into this franchise, despite owning the original on PS2 back when I was a kid. And I have a lot to say.
The beginning two hours were incredibly dull to me. However, once I got to explore the apartment complex—and having just completed Brookhaven Hospital—it quickly became a tour-de-force in the survival horror genre once I tasted what this game had to offer.
The game has a unique setting, where the town of Silent Hill is a character just as much as you are. One thing that stuck out to me was how there is quest log or an objective marker. This allows a sense of freedom in a relatively linear experience, yet vast at the same time, so there’s a sense of feeling confined and trapped, but always rewarding.
All of this is enhanced by its brilliant art direction and visuals. The fog surrounding the town makes each step feel purposeful. When you enter buildings, each location feels different but believable. Brookhaven Hospital—more or less a psychiatric ward—is a perfect example of this. There is a sense of dread and abandonment, and you can feel the anguish of those who resided there. It felt old-timey and unsanitary, providing an extra level of immersion. A lot of games I feel suffer from making you feel as if you’re truly in this fictional world, but this remake manages to capture that essence.
Furthermore, I really appreciate the approach of no jump scares. The horror comes from the tension of discovering the truth about what’s occurring in the town, the characters that inhabit it, and why. But it’s also the idea that something could happen. It plays with you psychologically. It masterfully teeters the line of reality and paranoia, particularly since enemies are humanoid in nature.
As for the story, it immediately compels you because the main protagonist, James Sunderland, is self aware of his situation and how absurd it is. However, he is still grieving the loss of his wife and those types of processes can make people do inexplicable things they otherwise wouldn’t. Regardless of the dire situation he is in, his calm demeanor draws you in. He has determination, and is willing to see his journey through to the end no matter the cost, all the while not going off in the deep end mentally. It’s a really interesting balance. He is casually dressed which also lends to his personality.
The moment to moment gameplay is also fantastic. Combat has a real crunch to it—but it never feels janky or unintuitive. You can feel the weight behind bludgeoning enemies with melee weapons, and you can even hear the exhaustion in James’ voice when he finishes enemies while they are squirming on the ground. You’re also never overwhelmed with enemies, so each encounter feels unique. It’s simple, but effective.
So far, I’m only halfway through the game but I’m very impressed, top to bottom. I’m deeply invested in the characters and unfolding story. In a space where there are a ton of survival horror games, this one stands out amongst the rest. I can see why the game received high praise in 2001, and I will now sing its praises for the first time in 2024. It might go down in my top 10 of all time.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (5th October)
This weekend I am planning to finish The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom. I’ve gotta say - this might be one of my favorite entries in this storied franchise. It’s not without its faults, but the things it does well is exceptional.
As of right now, I have a total of 16/20 hearts, acquired 115/127 echoes, 18/20 stamps, unlocked all five accessory slots, a handful of costumes, and completed five main dungeons, the last of which was the Lanayru Temple. I won’t lie - it was rather challenging. I’m now off to the Faron Wetlands and hoping I can get a 100% completion rate in the next couple of days.
I love how there is a blend of traditional top down design with influences from its modern counterparts, BoTW and ToTK respectively. It’s astounding how there is a new found sense of verticality and puzzle solving in a 2D—sort of 3D—space. Moreover, proper dungeons are back, but there are a plethora of ways to solve them, thus creating a sense of fulfillment when completing puzzles in inventive and creative ways. And yet, despite all of these tools, you can’t break the game (at least I don’t think you can) so it keeps things constructed linearly, with a priority on its narrative.
There are some areas where I think the game falters a bit, mainly regarding its extensive echo system. Similar to how you hold right on the D-Pad to select a handful of weapons in BoTW, you do the same with the echoes you obtain. And there are a lot of echoes. I mean A LOT (over a hundred). You can sort them by most used, but you have to use different ones in varying regions and sometimes infrequently, so they aren’t typically the first selection when you open up the menu. This ultimately breaks the immersion and slows down the gameplay to a screeching halt.
Another area I would like to see improved on is logging information about items obtained. I would prefer to have an overview of how many chests, hearts, and caves are in each particular region. That has always been my issue with TLoZ games. I hate missing things and yet it’s inevitable due to naturally playing the game and getting sidetracked by other activities. Granted, there is an option to see how many collectibles you have in totality, but it isn’t that resourceful.
Nonetheless, the complaints I have are minor compared to the overall experience. I’ve said this many times before, but Nintendo has a way of making you, the player, regardless of age—I’m 34-years-old—feel pure unadulterated joy, and feel like a kid discovering magic for the first time. I initially thought I wouldn’t enjoy Echoes of Wisdom, but has surpassed all of my expectations. I hope this is the beginning of a new foundation for future TLoZ games.
Re: One Of The Best Horror Games In Recent Years Is Coming To Switch This Month
This is awesome news! I played it on PS5 and got the platinum trophy. I will probably double dip though! Great game.
Re: Opinion: I Didn't Realise How Much I'd Missed 'Traditional' Zelda Dungeons
I agree wholeheartedly with this write-up. Perhaps nostalgia plays a role in my feelings, but there is something very satisfying with solving dungeons, backtracking, opening chests knowing there will be a key, and the jingle it makes, along with finally acquiring the Big Boss Key and fighting the boss and getting a new heart piece. It all feels so wholesome and there is no other game that provides that type of feeling you get, at least for me.
Re: Castlevania Dev Steps Down From Bloodstained 2 After Cancer Diagnosis
I hope for a safe and speedy recovery. The most important thing is to take care of yourself; the games can wait.
Re: Poll: What Review Score Would You Give The Legend Of Zelda: Echoes Of Wisdom?
@Yoshi3 I did discover that! That was really helpful, thanks! I just wish there was a “5/10 chests collected in Gerudo region” type of thing. But nonetheless, thank you for highlighting that!
Re: Poll: What Review Score Would You Give The Legend Of Zelda: Echoes Of Wisdom?
I already commented my opinion (I think the game is great), but I wish there was a log of some sorts. It’d be nice to know how many treasure chests and heart containers and/or secrets I have out of a certain total in each particular region. The same with echoes. Maybe there is a way and I haven’t discovered it yet, but that is my biggest gripe.
Re: Poll: What Review Score Would You Give The Legend Of Zelda: Echoes Of Wisdom?
It has surpassed all of my expectations and then some. The sense of discovery, and the blend of old school Zelda with modern game mechanics from the last two entries make this a unique experience. There is a level of verticality that is superb, especially in this 2D, but somewhat 3D space. I absolutely love it, and my score is a 9/10.
Re: Zelda: Echoes Of Wisdom: 19 Tips To Get You Started
Good to know about the rift dungeons and treasure chests! That was a concern of mine, so I’m glad you can return to them later. Out of curiosity - are there any heart containers in there? That will make me feel a bit more at ease if there aren’t.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (28th September)
I don’t have much to say other than I’m feeling accomplished for wrapping up Ys IX: Monstrum Nox and getting the platinum trophy. I can’t wait for Ys X to release next month.
I’ve now started The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom and it’s great. I’m not that far, but I have completed one main dungeon (yay, proper dungeons are back!), a handful of optional dungeons and side quests that are incredibly rewarding, and just reached the Zora region.
It’s what you expect from a Nintendo game—abysmal framerate rounded out by charm, creativity, fun gameplay, impeccable sound design, and a gorgeous Hyrule that beckons to be explored. The best thing about the game so far is how it blends old school LoZ design with its modern counterparts, allowing for a fantastic adventure ripe with creative puzzle solving, making you, the player feel intelligent when you solve a problem. Not many games can provide that sense of satisfaction, but this game does it in effortlessly.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (14th September)
@the_beaver I’m actually playing it on my PS5, but primarily the PS Portal and the performance is pretty solid. I haven’t had any dips or anything, but idk how that will translate to Nintendo Switch.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (14th September)
This weekend I’m playing Ys IX: Monstrum Nox. One month ago I played my first game in this series, Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana and fell in love with it, so much so I got the platinum trophy for it. This newfound appreciation for the franchise led me to explore other entries, starting with Ys: Memories of Celceta. I finished it yesterday and now I’m diving into New Game+ on Nightmare difficulty for another platinum run.
What immediately sets Ys IX apart is its self-awareness. The game cleverly plays with the familiar tropes found in JRPGs and earlier entries in the series, often adding a humorous touch to the darker tone of its narrative. In fact, it seems incredibly homogeneous to Dragon Quest XI regarding its opening hours—another RPG favorite of mine.
The setting itself is drastically different from its counterparts. You’re in this sprawling city known as Balduq, or rather Prison City. It functions as a living and breathing world, where people work, have their own homes, and is relatively modern. However, the world is rich with lore, with mysterious graffiti littered about that provides upgrades depending on your character, and from the very beginning, the game hooks you with collectibles you can't yet reach, igniting curiosity and anticipation for what's to come.
This culminates into one standout aspect in its refined gameplay, and that is traversal. Unlike prior games, this one focuses on verticality as a focus point of its level design, and it’s all the better for it. Whether it’s scaling walls or gliding across rooftops, these traversal abilities make the city of Balduq feel like a playground, filled with hidden treasures and unreachable areas that beg to be explored.
As for gameplay, most of the mechanics are familiar, maintaining its frenetic combat while introducing a plethora of character abilities that make combat more engaging. The game also bestows its traditional use of artifacts—now known as sacramentals—to enhance its already dynamic gameplay. This all leads to a new layer of freedom that keeps the gameplay fresh.
I’m only several hours in, but overall the game strikes a perfect balance between innovation and familiarity. It’s shaping up to be one of the best RPGs I’ve played in recent memory, and is quickly becoming my favorite in the series so far. My level up hype for the next installment is through the roof, and I’m glad I only have to wait a month for its release.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (7th September)
This weekend, I find myself diving deeper into Black Myth: Wukong—a game that’s captivated me more than any other title this year, even more than Dragon’s Dogma 2. Even after completing one full playthrough, I’m now embarking on New Game Plus, something I rarely do unless I’m truly hooked.
When I first started playing Black Myth: Wukong, I didn’t expect it to become my Game of the Year (GOTY), but now, I can’t imagine any other title taking the crown. The depth, boss encounters, and the incredible combat system have all made it a standout experience. I’ve already finished one playthrough, where I managed to unlock every secret area and boss fight—including a secret, God of War-style ending—without using a guide. I’m still amazed at how I managed that! Despite this, I’m looking forward to relying on a guide for my NG+ playthrough, as I aim for the coveted platinum trophy.
What sets Black Myth: Wukong apart for me is the sheer immersion. The world feels alive with mysteries waiting to be uncovered, and the combat constantly challenges me in the best way possible. One moment, in particular, that truly blew me away was stumbling upon the optional Yellow Loong boss fight. It was nighttime, and I found myself battling this massive creature on a ragged cliffside under the light of the moon. The way the lightning from Yellow Loong’s attacks lit up the sky created a thrilling, almost cinematic atmosphere. There are countless moments like this scattered throughout the game, especially if you take the time to explore.
At the same time, I’ve been alternating with Ys: Memories of Celceta on my trusty Vita, which has proven to be a delightful surprise. Having already played and platinumed Ys VIII, my first introduction into this storied franchise, I wasn’t expecting to enjoy Memories of Celceta more, but surprisingly, I do—especially in terms of the story and the characters. The game has a light-hearted charm that’s kept me smiling, and on more than one occasion, I’ve found myself laughing out loud at the dialogue and character interactions.
What really makes this game shine is its sense of adventure. The world feels vast, with lush forests, ancient ruins, and a rich, mystical atmosphere that makes exploration rewarding. Sure, there are a few frustrating mechanics like the limited fast travel early on, but by mid-game, this is resolved, and the flow of the game really picks up. I also found the upgrade system to be a bit clunky at times, but these minor issues don’t detract from the overall experience. I’m aiming for the platinum trophy in this one too, hopefully before Ys: Nordics drops next month.
Coming up, I’ll be diving into Space Marine 2, a game that looks absolutely stellar with its intense, action-packed battles in a futuristic setting. I’ve also picked up Astro Bot, which I’m excited to explore with my daughter once I’m done with my current adventures. This has been a sensational year for gaming.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (31st August)
This weekend I’m playing Black Myth: Wukong. Wow. What. A. Game. While it shares some superficial similarities with Soulslike games, I think it’s more accurately described as a modern boss-rush game with a structure akin to God of War. The focus seems to be on tightly designed levels, thrilling boss battles, and an emphasis on exploration and secrets, rather than the punishing difficulty found in FromSoftware titles.
As for difficulty, the game doesn't penalize you harshly for dying, which contrasts sharply with the traditional Soulslike experience. This makes it more accessible and possibly more enjoyable for players who appreciate a challenge but don't want to be frustrated by constant setbacks.
Speaking of accessibility, there is a robust combat system with different stances and upgradable abilities, all of which makes your playthrough unique in how you approach fighting enemies. The ability to defeat mini-bosses and acquire their spirits as abilities adds a strategic layer to combat, making each encounter feel meaningful.
For me, Chapter Two is where the game was elevated from good to great. Despite its linearity, there is a wide mix of side quests, secrets with additional areas to explore, and boss fights. This design from the developers created an engaging experience for me that is very memorable. The game's ability to balance linearity with exploration—offering secret areas and hidden bosses—adds to the sense of discovery. Let’s keep in mind, this is Game Sciences’ first foray into the console gaming space.
This leads me to presentation. When it comes to enemies, there is a large diversity in enemy design, particularly the boss fights like Tiger Vanguard, Whiteclad Noble, Kang-Jin Star, Cyan Loong, and Fuban to name a few, keeps the gameplay fresh and exciting, especially environmentally. In fact, some (optional) boss fights, if given time, can perform moves that will open up new areas to explore. But what I really want to praise is the artistic direction—for its minimalistic yet stylish approach. The stop-motion cutscenes, in particular, are a real highlight that I don’t often see spoken about enough.
There are areas where the game can improve, but it never hindered my experience. There are a lot of invisible walls. While this may be a detriment for some, I think the controlled exploration is a result of budget constraints. The trade off is worth it given the high production value in other facets. The absence of a map is another (mild) complaint. While the game is linear, and the sense of discovery is rewarding, a map would ensure that no hidden item or character is missed.
Ultimately, this game has impressed me significantly, and is this year’s Lies of P. It’s been a phenomenal experience, with rich cultural elements, and varied, vibrant environments. It’s a game that has successfully combined fictional storytelling with modern action-adventure mechanics, and is undoubtedly one of the best games of the year. Sorry, Dragon’s Dogma 2, I have a new GOTY.
Re: Here's Your First Look At Sea Of Stars' Upcoming Free DLC 'Throes Of The Watchmaker'
I wish there was more footage, but it still looks pretty good. I’ll definitely check it out.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (24th August)
First and foremost, I want to thank all of those last week that sent out their thoughts, prayers, and condolences regarding the passing of my father. I was really moved by the support you guys shown to a complete stranger. His funeral is this afternoon, so I’m sure my feelings will be running rampant.
As for the game I’m playing - I finally completed Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana and got the platinum trophy. Other than any Dragon Quest game, Ys might be the coziest RPG experience I’ve ever had. It certainly is one of the most well crafted action RPGs in recent memory.
To those that say the story isn’t great — I think that is a misrepresentation. The overarching plot is middling until the final chapter, but the heartbeat of this game is the characters and their personal journeys whilst being stranded on a mysterious island. You see each individual - 24, if you find them all - have their own personality, ambitions, and family. By doing their side quests, you’re rewarded with an enriching experience. Bonds are created, and watching relationships blossom in the midst of a dire situation is really inspiring.
In a way, Ys 8 is the perfect game for me at this particular juncture in my life. Similar to how these characters have their entire lives uprooted by unfortunate events, so have I. You’re able to see how each person grieves the loss of something, and it’s been oddly comforting as I mourn the loss of my father. In turn, this game reminds me of the simple pleasures that we take for granted. Sometimes, in life, the best moments are those spent with loved ones, grilling food or sharing stories. That’s what this game provides in spades. It’s a friendly reminder that life is beautiful.
Now I’m playing Black Myth Wukong. I’m a few hours in and it’s been great so far. It’s essentially a boss rush game, and I’m satisfied with that approach. Moreover, it’s purely an action game—it’s not a Souls-like by any stretch of the imagination. You won’t lose progress or experience if you die, and basic enemies are mainly an easy backdrop for the main focus: boss fights. If you’re a fan of combat focused action games with robust mechanics, with linear but beautiful environments, and thrilling boss fights, this game is a definite must play. I’ll share more of my thoughts next week.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (17th August)
My father passed away two days ago so I’m playing the game of regret(s) and funeral planning. Thankfully, I have a wife and work family that is incredibly supportive. But this game is hard, and I am trying to grieve with sarcasm and escapism.
As for what has been played before this unfortunate time, it has been Ys: VIII on the PlayStation Vita. I am near the end of my first play-through, on Nightmare mode, and should be achieving the true ending. It’s a very, very good game. It will hold a special place in my heart because not only is it a well crafted game, but it is comforting me at my most vulnerable, and obviously diverting my expectations in the most unexpected of ways.
I’m glad this franchise is evangelized by so many JRPG fans. It’s truly something special. I never thought with Ys VIII’s story on being stranded on an island would have me dealing with a wide array of problems, ranging from a serial killer, time travel, ghost ships, ancient civilizations, dinosaurs, evolution, farting, a wife of six tempted to cheat on her husband with me, and even a woman who unexpectedly goes into labor, gave birth, and if you do her side quests, lets you become the godfather and name the newborn. What the actual hell? But it works. And I love it.
TL;DR - My dad passed away. I’m heartbroken. Ys VIII is comforting me right now.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (10th August)
@ScalenePowers Glad to hear the games and praise for them are consistent throughout! I’m excited to try out other games in the franchise. I was looking up a trailer for Memories of Celceta and it looks awesome. In the trailer it shows a character you can control that wields a spear, and I have a weird affinity with spears in games. I’ll definitely be buying it once I wrap up Ys 8.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (10th August)
I’m still playing through Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana on the PlayStation Vita. I’ve currently reached chapter 5, and things are ramping up. This game is an absolute joy.
It reminds me a lot of Xenoblade Chronicles. It’s not as grand in scope, but it has a nearly seamless open world, with varying landmarks and locales populated by all forms of enemies that range in level. As you progress through the story and bring in more castaways to your village, new areas of exploration open up from prior locations. It’s a great design that keeps things fresh as you retread old ground.
Speaking of the narrative, I think it’s paced brilliantly, and it’s a testament to its unique approach to story telling. While it may be bare bones in terms of a grand epic, where there are evil kings and queens, trapped princesses in need of rescue, or some mysterious force plaguing the lands, it makes up for it by telling a relatively simple tale, with a few mysterious questions.
Your ship has crashed, and you washed ashore on a peculiar island. Your job is simple: find other survivors and escape. The more people you find stranded the more you can gather resources, acquire basic necessities, and build a safe haven as you explore the island and looking for an optimal approach to escape.
But, the more you explore the island, the more questions start to emerge. Why are there ancient beasts roaming around? Why are you discovering weird notes and journals? Is that really a city that housed an advanced civilization beyond the mountain range, and how did it come to be and why does it look abandoned? Who is this person I keep dreaming about when I make camp? It’s all simple but effective.
Side quests are spread out sparingly, and they are serviceable enough. They are fetch quests, but they make sense in regard to the overarching story, and most of them can be accomplished via the golden path. I’d say it’s quite smart.
There are new gameplay mechanics that are introduced throughout the story chapters, but it’s essentially crafting tools, cooking recipes, and upgrading gear. It’s not all thrown at you at once, so it never feels like a chore to keep maintained because all of it happens organically.
One of my complaints is the difficulty balance between enemies. There are some beasts that could have the same level as you, or maybe one or two above, and they are easy to destroy. Other times, there are enemies the same level as you are, maybe even lower, that pose a significant challenge and can kill you in one or two hits if you aren’t careful. Perhaps it’s due to my character composition and their gear that upgrades their stats, but I don’t think that’s the case because I’ve experimented twitch a lot of variations. To be fair, however, I am playing on Nightmare mode so that obviously plays a huge factor. And even on hard mode, I haven’t necessarily needed to grind, at least for very long, to get past a certain area or boss fight.
All in all, Ys VIII is a fantastic game. With it being my first venture into this franchise, I’m now excited to play other games in its historicity. In fact, Ys X: Nordics looks quite wonderful. Nihon Falcom is quickly becoming one of my all time favorite developers, and I’m ecstatic to hear they want to be quicker on releasing their games to Western audiences. And when they do, I’ll be there day one.
Re: Soapbox: Metroid’s Mother Brain And The Rewind Dilemma
Mother Brain in Zero Mission is an annoying boss fight, in my opinion. It isn’t difficult in terms of the fight itself, but rather the environmental components working against you. Once you learn how to actually maneuver between the two blocks it becomes a lot more forgiving, but it’s also one of those situations where if you get hurt or fall into the lava it’s really hard to not continue making mistakes.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (13th July)
The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak. I’m 25 hours deep and it’s excellent. Van is the best protagonist this series has ever had. I’m looking forward to diving deeper into it once I get more free time.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (6th July)
I’ve been on vacation with my wife and daughter for the last seven days so I haven’t been gaming much. I think I needed a genuine break from working and gaming altogether. With that said, I did bring my Nintendo Switch to play on the off chance of downtime.
I finally beat Beyond Good and Evil. I did all of the optional content — collect all pearls, photograph all wildlife, and did the Volcanic Treasure and Map to the Past side quests. I can see why this game is hailed as a “masterpiece”, especially for 2003.
There is a minuscule part of me that hopes the sequel doesn’t come to fruition. I don’t think Ubisoft necessarily knows how to make minimalistic games any longer; granted, BG&E is large for its time, especially due to hardware limitations; but that’s what makes it special. I’m afraid they would over indulge and lose sight of what makes the first game so endearing.
I also decided to pick up The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero. I unfortunately never played Trails in the Sky. I do own a Vita and could buy the PSP versions, but I don’t feel compelled to do so. That said, I have played Trails of Cold Steel 1-4 and love those particular entries.
I’m glad I bought the game on Switch rather than PlayStation because I forgot how much banter there is. There is no way I would have been able to make significant progress on PS due to commuting to work, pausing the game during heavy dialogue moments and hoping my wife and daughter don’t turn off the light switch and ultimately the PS5. I also purchased The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak on the PlayStation.
Much to the dismay of some, I personally love the slow pacing of these game(s). There is an incredible sense of world building and character development that really keeps me invested. The long amounts of dialogue can become monotonous, but if you are patient it will pay off in the end. I’m also impressed by the fantastic voice acting and localization. And the soundtrack is top tier.
I’m not too far into the game to really give in-depth thoughts, but if it keeps up this pace then I have a feeling it’ll turn out to be a very special game. Hopefully, Trails in the Sky can get ported to modern consoles because this is a series every JRPG fan needs to experience.
Re: Beyond Good & Evil On Switch Contains Tribute To Sequel's Creative Director
I was wondering what that was — it was such a unique item that wasn’t able to be interacted with. I’m glad to see it is was used for something special.
Re: Feature: "It Is Both Exciting And A Bit Terrifying" - Nightdive Studios On Reviving 'The Thing'
Great interview! I really can’t wait for this. I have fond memories playing this game on the PS2, and everything Nightdive does is gold to me.
Re: Poll: What's Your Switch Game Of The Year Of 2024 So Far?
Prince of Persia The Lost Crown. I got the platinum on PS5 and double dipped on Switch.
That could change later this year with the new Zelda game, and I actually mean Zelda!
Re: Feature: 54 Switch Ports We'd Love To See Before The Generation's Out
I’m shocked that Crow’s Country isn’t on the platform. It’s an excellent game — one I platinumed on the PS5. As for games I would like to see, A Link Between Worlds would be awesome. I’d also want Metroid Prime 2 & 3, along with Windwaker, Twilight Princess, Lost Odyssey, Blue Dragon, Dragon Quest 7 & 8, and the Splinter Cell games.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (29th June)
I already mentioned I’m playing Beyond Good and Evil, but I’m saddened to see nobody else seemingly playing it aside from one other person. Once again, the sales are going to be bad. Lol.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (29th June)
This weekend I’m playing Beyond Good and Evil The 20th Anniversary Edition. I bought it for my PS5, but realized I’m going on vacation for a week so I decided to double-dip and pick it up on my Switch. I owned the game on the PS2 when it released in 2003, and even on my GameCube, but I never played it because I was too obsessed with other games. I’m earnestly giving this game a shot, and so far, I’m impressed.
This game reminds me of a time when Ubisoft still had creative chops and ideas. You can clearly see the early foundations of what is to come - but it’s less contaminated due to hardware limitations at the time and that’s strangely a positive. Back then, it was a revelation.
What’s really impressive is the constant engagement the game demands from the player, and everything ties back into its story and main protagonist, Jade. She isn’t a famed heroine or superhero - she’s running an orphanage and working as a photojournalist, caught between protecting her village and exposing the truth during the war against an invading alien species. It’s a unique perspective to explore.
This action adventure title has a level of meaningful depth that wasn’t entirely common back in 2003, unless you were playing an immersive sim or a deep RPG. It creates a sense of immersion that draws you into the world of Hyllis. You can speak to nearly every character, with dialogue options. The planet feels alive with an array of species to discover. There are hovercrafts flying about towns. And while the game is set in the far future, it’s grounded in realism. Inhabitants have problems that regular people in current times have — money issues, paying bills to keep electricity going, vehicle repairs, politics and government. It just feels believable.
As I touched upon earlier, BG&E knows how to keep you engaged with its activities. There is always something to do, to accomplish. Outside of its story driven “dungeons” and puzzles to solve, there are “hearts” to acquire to boost your maximum health, and items to enhance your character’s abilities. And then there are outfits to find for your characters, hovercraft races, animals and solar systems to photograph. All of this ties into the narrative, all the while creating a true sense of progression because each activity has benefits.
As for the combat, the game does show its age — it’s a product of its time. It plays similar to the Arkham games, with its free flowing mechanics. It’s not the most refined system, but it’s still serviceable and still holds up. But more than that, most of the gameplay elements are an extension of the story, and who Jade is as an individual. That is arguably the most significant detail to me, and ultimately makes her and the supporting cast very endearing and memorable.
At the end of the day, I love playing older games that I haven’t played before, particularly on modern hardware because I like to see how my view on games have changed all those years since. Looking back at BG&E, there are a lot of qualities that were ahead of the curve. It was very ambitious title, and I think it succeeded in a lot of ways. There is no wonder it’s considered a masterpiece by many. I don’t know if I’ll go that far, but it certainly is exceptional, and makes me reminisce on when Ubisoft was original and making groundbreaking games.
Re: Mario & Luigi: Brothership Box Art Has Been Officially Revealed For Switch
I want to like this game and maybe I will when I play it, but from the cover art and gameplay reveal it all seems so bland to me. I’ll definitely wait for reviews on this one.
Re: Best Shin Megami Tensei Games On Switch And Nintendo Systems
This is an interesting order, but I do agree - Vengeance is the best in the series. I honestly would have never considered Tokyo Mirage Sessions, but that game is great as well. I would love to see IV/Apocalypse get remastered or ported to the Switch.
Re: Review: The Legend Of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak (Switch) - A Strong Entry With Some Confusing Quirks
I’m not entirely sold on the combat, but everything else sounds pretty solid. I live the Cold Steel games, but haven’t played any of the others. I’m glad this is a good jumping in point. I’ll probably pick it up!
Re: Review: Beyond Good & Evil: 20th Anniversary Edition (Switch) - Beyond Good, Still
@larryisaman I wasn’t aware or that, but that’s awesome news! Thanks for the info!
Re: Review: Beyond Good & Evil: 20th Anniversary Edition (Switch) - Beyond Good, Still
I’m glad to hear the Switch version is a good route to go! I picked it up on the PS5, but I also decided to buy it for the Switch. I’m going out of town for a week and a half for vacation, and I figured it’d be the perfect portable game.
Re: Japanese Charts: Shin Megami Tensei V Drops As Elden Ring DLC Bundle Takes The Throne
I’m glad to see SMTV Vengeance doing well! This new edition is quite incredible, and improves on the original in every way. And it also helps that it’s on more platforms now.
Re: Talking Point: Is Shovel Knight Now A Retro Gaming Icon?
I would say yes. Him, and the overall game in general, has been a massive influence.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (22nd June)
I’m not playing much this weekend. For starters, I have to conduct inventory Saturday and Sunday at my job. On top of that, I’m a manager so it’s going to be a long and stressful couple of days/nights. Furthermore, there aren’t any games really holding my attention. Earlier this week, however, I got the platinum trophy for Tomb Raider Legend. It was a pretty solid game, with clever puzzles to acquire the gold rewards. I’m glad I finally got to play it.
As for what I’m trying to earnestly play right now, it’s Metroid Zero Mission — the remake of the first game in the series. The latest Nintendo Direct had me quite excited for the console, with Metroid Prime 4, despite being seven-years-old, so I decided to turn on my Switch for the first time in over six months.
I actually never finished this game as a kid on the GBA, so it’s basically a new experience for me. It’s quite sublime. I’ve beaten Kraid, acquired the Ice Beam, an ability to hang from ledges, and an “unknown” item because it isn’t compatible with my current suit.
I love this about Metroid games — the sense of discovery. You are never truly lost. Ever. There may be instances where you feel utterly lost, but if you pay close enough attention to your surroundings the answer will open up. There is a certain level of interactivity that requires you to use every tool at your disposal, along with using the entire map as your playground. You don’t see this often with modern games. And it’s so satisfying to hear the music that follows after getting a new item, similar to the jingle that plays when opening up a chest in The Legend of Zelda. Sometimes, Nintendo just does it best.
Re: Silksong Is "Not In Dev Hell" According To Playtester
They can take as long as they want. Maybe it’ll give me enough time to actually beat the game. I’ve started it multiple times and quit because I kept getting lost, to the point it was incredibly frustrating. I hate using guides so I didn’t want to look anything up. The game is great, don’t get me wrong, but maybe not for me. I do want to give it another shot since it has received such high praise, and Silksong looks amazing.
Re: Video: New Metroid Prime 4 Footage Spotted On Nintendo's Teaser Website
@asmi8803 You should check out Metroid Prime Remastered on the Switch. It’ll probably give you a good taste of what type of game Metroid Prime 4 will be.
Re: Feature: 25 Things You Might Have Missed In The Zelda: Echoes Of Wisdom Reveal Trailer
This was such a random surprise announcement, and now I’m patiently waiting for this game. I wonder if we will get to play as Link — perhaps in the latter half of the game. They seem to be taking a lot of inspirations from BoTW and ToTK, so a part of me thinks we will play as Link in an underground area or something. Either way, I cannot wait for this game.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (1st June)
Dragon’s Dogma 2. My maxed out Thief and trusty Sorcerer, Schemer, have just reached Battahl. I sneaked in by pretending to be a slave on a phantom oxcart. It was a good time. And now we are on the hunt for a Medusa’s head in order to petrify a griffin for a sculptor. This game is an all-timer for me.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (18th May)
I’m not sure what I want to play this weekend. I did finish my first playthrough of Stellar Blade. I got both endings (thank you, cloud saving). And those final boss fight(s), depending on the ending you choose, was superb. It took me approximately 65+ hours to do all side quests and collectibles. All I need to do now is NG+ and I’ll have the platinum trophy. With that said, I need a break. It’s a masterpiece of an action game, especially considering this is Shift Up’s first console game, but I’m ready for something different.
For a palette cleanser I earnestly started and completed Crow Country, obtaining the platinum trophy while I was at it. I needed a bite sized game and it only took five hours to beat. I have to say - this is one of the best survival horror games of the year, perhaps in the past half decade. It’s easily up there with Signalis, but I think it’s better due to its more grounded story that isn’t vague and full of questions.
There are some genuine unsettling moments, which is a hard accomplishment for me because I’m desensitized to a lot of horror themed stuff. Moreover, the atmosphere, tone, sound design (OST), and enemy designs are brilliant, only adding to the tension. And it’s excellently written. It has a compelling mystery that’s compounded with environmental story telling, newspaper clippings, journals, secrets, and ever evolving surroundings the more you progress the story. I strongly recommend this game.
Lastly, I decided to purchase Star Ocean: The Second Story R. I’ve been itching for a good JRPG, and everything about this remake looks superlative. I’m particularly keen on the science fiction aspect too. At the moment I’m two hours in, starting with Claude Kenny, and have beaten the first boss. My only complaint is that the game is relatively easy so I might have to adjust the difficulty setting to give myself more of a challenge.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (11th May)
I’m playing Stellar Blade this weekend. My goal is to wrap up my first play-through and start NG+ to obtain the platinum trophy. This game continues to impress, and gets better the more you progress rather than become stagnant like a lot of action games. I’m currently in the fourth region and the meaningful side quests and exploration has transcended my thoughts on this game in a positive light.
I also picked up Crow Country due to all the high praise it’s receiving. I’ve jump (scared) my way into this game last night and it’s fantastic, particularly playing it on my PlayStation Portal. It has that classic Resident Evil feel, with a touch of Twin Peaks, X-Files, and strangely, a low-polygon Final Fantasy 7. Every year there is a game that comes along that is relatively obscure but ends up making a splash, and this game falls into that category.