This weekend I intended to dedicate time to Stellar Blade, but after getting the platinum trophy for Rise of the Ronin last weekend, I was trying to find a game that wouldn’t be too long. This lead me to look through my backlog and settle for I Am Setsuna. I needed that cozy, comfortable (J)RPG. I’m currently 90% through and it’s pretty good, despite its handful of flaws.
The first thing that stood out is its minimalistic approach. This was refreshing. The game tells a linear, character driven story that is simple, but compelling. Every party member you acquire has their own unique personality and it’s fun seeing their bond development over time. I don’t think every RPG needs to be this sprawling adventure with a myriad of side quests and mini games. Don’t get me wrong — those things have their place, but it’s nice to have a game that knows what it wants to say and does it in their own fashion.
As I mentioned, there are flaws, or rather pros and cons to several of its mechanics. First of all is the combat. While it is your traditional turn based RPG, it has a sense of depth and customization to it that is fun to toy around with, from varying talisman and abilities you can equip, to team composition that can change the tide in fascinating ways.
Unfortunately, combat is unbalanced. The enemies can move around the battlefield yet you cannot. There isn’t a lot of enemy variety either, so you’ll generally encounter enemies that can self destruct and damage you once they do. And since you’re unable to move out of the way you can’t necessarily defend yourself.
Furthermore, the game does a poor job explaining how its combat systems work. It’s great there’s a lot of variety, but not having a solid foundation in its tutorial system and how things interact with each other can make things overwhelming.
Additionally, one thing that is bothersome is its archaic design in leveling up. You can only have three party members at a time (out of seven). The characters in the background don’t get experience points if they aren’t in combat, so there will always be characters under-leveled. What makes matters worse is that some characters become inactive due to story reasons, and thus there’s an imbalance to management.
As an aside: I’m grinding right now. There is something so trite but relaxing about the grind. All of my characters are at level 45. I’m going to get all party members to level 50 at minimum before doing end-game side quests and tackling the true final boss.
When it comes to the overall map, the environments and dungeon design is one dimensional throughout the entire journey, and very uninspired. Everything is snowy terrain with iced layer dungeons that don’t offer any real thought or puzzle challenges (there is a very charming secret location that actually talks about all of this, in a meta sort of way, and it’s amazing!).
There is also no map markers or quest logs, or if there is, I haven’t encountered it yet during my playthrough. You have to make a mental note where certain locations are at but this isn’t necessarily too hard since the game doesn’t boast numerous side quests, locations and NPCs, and the game provides a fun way to travel later in the game.
Ultimately, while I may be quite critical of the game, it does feature endearing characters and a strong narrative that overwrites its faults. Combat is great and flexible, albeit confusing. There may be a lack of inspiration in its overall game world, but I’m okay with the minimal approach. I’ll definitely be getting the platinum trophy for this one.
I’ve worked seven straight days, but I’m taking this weekend and the subsequent Monday and Tuesday off to celebrate my birthday. I won’t be playing much due to family gatherings and what-have-you, but I did manage to platinum Rise of the Ronin yesterday.
I have to retract my statement from last week — I no longer think it’s Team Ninja’s best game (but it is a great game, nonetheless). The story is extremely convoluted, and the RPG elements, particularly with dialogue choices and story decision(s) have no true meaning. With that said, I did enjoy its open world and activities. Similarly to NiOh 2, the game is way too long. I wish there was a more tighter experience, but I think this trend is going to continue on if the ending to RoTN is any indication.
As of now, I’ll either take a break from gaming until Stellar Blade releases, or I will try Dave The Diver on my PS5. With the acclaim it has received over the last year, I’m tempted to give it a try because it seems cozy and the perfect game to unwind with on my PlayStation Portal. Plus, it’s something different and that’s something I need since I essentially played 200+ hours of third person action RPGs over the course of the last three games (Final Fantasy 7 Remake/Rebirth and RoTR).
I also finished the book series Shogun by James Clavell. A part of me feels empty now — the characters and world building were so well realized that it’s difficult to think these are fictional characters. I’ve grown attached to many of the interconnected stories within, and it’s hard to let them go. It’s such an incredible story, and might go down as my favorite book(s) of all time.
I haven’t played much this week due to work and family visiting from out of state. Unfortunately, I won’t have much time this weekend, either. If I manage to squeeze in some gaming sessions, I’ll be attempting to finish Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth.
I’m currently on the last chapter and it has been an evocative experience. I’ve put in roughly 105 hours into the game, with all side quests and world region activities completed. In a way, I’m excited to see the end of the journey, but sad as well, as I’ve grown even more attached to these characters than I did in the PS1 original version.
Once I finish Rebirth I plan on starting Rise of the Ronin. Everything I have read about this game seems to be exactly what I enjoy about Team Ninja games, but expanded upon in ways I’m thrilled to experience. I’ve also been reading James Clavell’s Shogun. I finished part one a few days ago — nearly 700 pages, and I’m a quarter of the way through part two — so my mindset is honed in on this era of history that should be a good time to delve into.
After several days off work, a break from gaming, and a relaxing vacation with my wife, I’m back to playing Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. I didn’t think I’d have much to say since I’ve spoken about the game for the past two weeks, but alas, I do.
According to my PS5 clock, I have 80 hours logged into this game and I have no desire to slow down. I’m currently on chapter 11. Rebirth seems to hits its prime starting in chapter 9 and onward, from gameplay, map design, and story perspective. It’s as if there was a newfound confidence in the development where they discovered the perfect balance between juggling open world activities and the main story.
I’m absorbed in the characters and world. I’ve completed all possible tasks per each region. The best thing about these side quests and activities is that if you do them, such as finding the protorelics or play Queen’s Blood, you’ll obtain rich backstories that really expand on your party members. I’m compelled to invest my time because the game respects it. There are a plethora of intimate moments between all of your characters. It’s truly remarkable how much depth is in this game. And it never stops being mogical, ahem, I mean magical
That’s not to say there aren’t faults in the game — there certainly is. In later regions traversal can be infuriating because it forces you to use the chocobo to reach differing locations that are mandatory. It doesn’t feel organic. I appreciate how the game incorporates fresh ways to explore via chocobo, so there is always a new mechanic to keep you engaged.
The regions themselves are gorgeous and fun to explore, however. Each location feels genuinely distinct from one another, and this is strengthened by its exemplary soundtrack that feels compatible with the environment. It’s easily one of the best OSTs for a Final Fantasy game I’ve ever heard.
Another criticism I have is the bloat. There is an over abundance of activities and mini-games to do. Some of the content could be trimmed, but thankfully the majority of it is optional. But less is more. Later in the game when you get to explore the Nibelheim region, my feelings is that it has the perfect amount of content. The map isn’t too large and everything is condensed in a small package. With all that said, these flaws don’t diminish the genius of this game. I’d rather have too much of Final Fantasy 7 than not enough, and the bloat isn’t a mandatory component.
I haven’t even scratched the surface of what I’d like to discuss about this game (story, materia builds, combat, and the little nuances), but my write-up is already long enough so I’ll end it here for now. Perhaps I should start up my own website to have deeper discussions without a character limit. Nevertheless, I will say this: Rebirth is just that — a game favored by nostalgia, but can stand on its own as a brand new experience that, to me, outshines the original in many ways.
I haven’t played much since last weekend. My work schedule has been hectic, and my wife and I took a mini vacation during the weekday(s). She surprised me with NBA tickets to my favorite team, so we spent several days out of town relaxing. But it’s healthy to take a break from gaming once in a while.
If I do find time this weekend, I’ll be spending it playing Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. I am currently in the infamous Gold Saucer area and it has been a magical experience so far. My feelings on the game have only grown deeper — this is an amazing reimagining of an all-time classic. I’m really looking forward to seeing how the story unfolds.
This weekend I’m playing Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. I’m seven chapters deep, and I’ve 100%’ed each region. I’m taking my time and really absorbing this sprawling world. It can feel a little too bloated at times, but the story (which I won’t discuss due to spoilers) and moment to moment gameplay is a genuine blast.
So far, the game is living up to my lofty expectations. The combat is a lot more balanced than its predecessor, and more dynamic too. It might be my favorite battle system in an RPG ever. It’s a wonderful mix between exhilarating action and classic turn-based decisions. It’s an impressive feat that keeps you constantly engaged.
One thing I really appreciate is how everything has a purpose. Mini-games such as Queen’s Blood and Fort Condor (and more) have their own mysterious yet compelling storylines, and are worth experience. Side stories are somewhat bland from a design perspective, but feature brilliant character development.
I’ll try and be as spoiler free as possible — there are two quests I’ve been involved in that expound on the characters. The first one revolves around Barret’s relationship with Marlene, and how he expresses his love for her and is worried about her future. The second relates to Cloud’s incentive on his asking price of 2,000 gil for his mercenary work. It becomes an inside joke within the party which is heartwarming in and of itself, but there is also a backstory to that particular price that has emotional weight behind it.
While there may be a Far Cry-esque nature to its open world, nothing feels like wasted space. The game simply respects your time. I can’t wait to explore further into some iconic locations from the PS1 original, and even though I know what is to come, I still find myself curious as to how things will unfold. To me, that is a sign of a masterful game that respects its legacy and modern audience.
I also purchased Vanillaware’s Unicorn Overlord. I’ve only put two hours in. Initially, it was a little jarring, not being able to strategically choose your actions like your typical turn based (S)RPGs, but once I came to terms with it and found enjoyment in unit management, the game really started to become special. This is shaping up to be a brilliant ride.
Earlier in the week I finished up Resistance: Retribution and got the platinum trophy. It was a solid game, but makes me yearn for a remastered trilogy that I know more than likely won’t happen.
With that said, my main focus this weekend will be Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. I don’t often find myself genuinely excited about upcoming games, but I’ve been antsy for a while regarding this sequel, and my wife has been getting quite annoyed with my excitement (ha-ha). I’ve finished the first two chapters and it’s been an unexpected magical experience. Perhaps that’s the nostalgia speaking, but I’m enamored.
From what I’ve played so far, the game seems brilliantly paced. There have also been compelling story moments that provide genuine intrigue, and a heartfelt cast that I’m happy to see again. This is bolstered by an exemplary soundtrack that hits all of the right notes and exactly the right times.
In terms of gameplay, the combat is more refined, with the difficulty seemingly more balanced than its predecessor. There are so many added layers that enhance the action in brilliant ways. Sometimes it can be hard to manage all of the possibilities, but once things click then it’s an extraordinary battle system that just may be my favorite in an RPG.
I also love seeing the PS1 classic come to life in full force — the scope of this game is staggering. Unfortunately, much like any sequel that wants to expand on the original’s idea(s), but also become an open world game, the experience can feel daunting and overwhelming. There are a ton of systems and mechanics at work, and they all have their own leveling system. But the variety to customize your play style is really awesome and adds a lot of depth to how you approach the game.
My only complaint at the moment is the slow movement. Similar to the first game, when the game forces you to walk slowly in certain parts of the story, that mechanic is back. Sadly, those moments are intertwined with gameplay, such as climbing up yellow painted rocks, or more interactive story beats.
There isn’t much left to say since I’m not that far, but I’m highly impressed. Sure, the game could crumble beneath its feet, but if it can keep up this momentum then I think we are in for something incredibly special. I can’t wait to see how it ultimately turns out.
Throughout the week I beat Final Fantasy 7 Remake and it was absolutely phenomenal. I had a rocky history with this remake. To provide some context - I played the game when it originally came out in 2020, and I got to chapter 14 before the game bricked my PS4. I lost all desire to replay the game until recently.
During my replay, especially the last third of the game — the point I was at years ago — was incredibly strong, and the emotional beats were perfect, with foreboding visions yet to come to fruition. There was a scene where Cloud said, “Bring it on, B****!” and it gave me chills. There is no way I’ll attempt to platinum this game because I find the combat way too difficult. I really can’t wait to play Rebirth, and I’m glad to see the reviews for the game are immensely positive.
As for what I’m playing this weekend, I’ll be focusing on Resistance: Retribution. The platinum trophy is pretty easy to obtain too, so that, along with it being a short enough experience to play through before Rebirth comes out makes it a good palette cleanser. Furthermore, it’s just a great game. I wish this franchise would make a return, particularly the first game, and with trophy support. Why there isn’t a remastered trilogy on current generation consoles is beyond me. The entire premise is tantalizing, with an awesome setting, compelling characters, and varied weapons that’s bolstered by fun gameplay.
I also purchased Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden on the PS5. I’m not very far — an hour or two at most, but so far it’s pretty interesting. It definitely has that AA quality feel, similar to A Plague Tale, which is quite satisfactory to me. The combat is also reminiscent of the modern God of War games. And the characters seem to be well written and acted, too. I think this could be one of those sleeper hit gems, but unfortunately it’s releasing at a time when a lot of big games and news are taking over the media outlets.
This weekend I’m playing Final Fantasy 7 Remake. The PS1 title is a seminal experience that I felt was fine the way it is. Somehow, the remake managed to subvert my expectations and really expand on what made the original so whimsical.
First and foremost, Cloud Strife really is a great character. I love his stoic personality. His past is ominous and you can tell he has been through a lot that has affected him because when it comes down to business at hand he is steadfast and ready to go. He is quipped with one-liners that shows how hardened he is as an Ex-SOLDIER, but the supporting characters around him essentially force him to soften his shell, albeit unwillingly at times.
As for other characters, they all have unique personalities with interpersonal stories that have you invested immediately through story missions that focus on them personally. And you can feel their motivations and comradery—they feel like a real team. One thing that stands out are the unique personality traits of the female protagonists.
Jessie, for example, is energetic and bubbly. She seemingly won’t take no for an answer, and is an act first, think later type of woman. And she’s good at using her appealing magnetism to benefit her necessities. Tifa is an optimist but also grounded. She battles between what’s right and wrong, but remains diligent in her decisions. She has a sense of maturity that the other characters don’t. And then there is Aerith, whom has this nonchalant attitude, with humorous jokes and an irresistible disposition and innocence that makes you want to protect her, even though she can clearly handle herself.
The story is fantastic, too. It balances telling two stories at once. The remake takes place in a small section of the original - Midgar - and it tells the story of how a ragtag crew of eco-terrorists are trying to stop a mega-corporation from draining the world of its essence in order to to use its energy source as a form of profit. That’s the basis of the game, and yet the remake manages to tell this portion of the story in a full blown game that feels complete even though this section is a minor fraction of the main game.
My only quibble is the combat. The action is fun, snappy and responsive, but I have a difficult time managing several party members, their health, abilities, and positioning. It seems to me the combat is unbalanced because the game essentially forces you to be on the offensive in order to use your ATB — this also includes abilities, magic, and items such a health potions, phoenix downs, etc.; so it’s easy to get overwhelmed with a ton of enemies while trying to manage defense simultaneously.
Thankfully, this remake is sublime. It stays true to its roots and keeps the spirit of the original FF7 in tact, but includes smart, yet subtle changes that only enhance the modern experience. I didn’t appreciate the remake as much when I first played it back in 2020, but now I see the game through a much different lens. I could say a lot more because I’ve only scratched the surface, and the character limit won’t allow me to say much more. I’ll end my diatribe with this: FF7R is a prodigious game, and is a must if you’re a fan of the franchise. Bring on Rebirth.
I have been playing Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, and I beat the game a few days ago and got the platinum trophy. My thoughts have only grown deeper — it’s going to go down as one of my top 10-20 games of all time. This game resonated with me in a way I wasn’t expecting.
The next main game I’m delving into is Final Fantasy 7 Remake before Rebirth releases. As a kid, I remember buying the PS1 original one summer with my chore money at the local Blockbuster. I spent 100+ hours playing the game, had all characters at max level, and was astonished at the final boss fight. I have many fond memories, along with a negative one: I never acquired Vincent Valentine and I was so disappointed when I realized I overlooked him.
In terms of the remake, the last time I played the game it left a sour taste in my mouth. Don’t get me wrong - the game is fantastic, but I got to chapter 14 and suddenly the game bricked my PS4. Once this happened I couldn’t bring myself to replay the game once I managed to get a new console. I also wasn’t in the right headspace mentally due to life situations, so the game would relentlessly trigger negative emotions every time I attempted to start a fresh play-through, thus I haven’t properly touched it since its release.
I am determined to play the game from start to finish. Physically and mentally I’m in a much healthier frame of mind. At the moment of writing this, I’m playing the game on the PlayStation Portal and have beaten three chapters. I’m unclear of the reason, but this game is hitting differently emotionally — and in a good way too. I’m picking up on subtle nuances that are resonating with me, and the mysterious backstory between Cloud and Sephiroth is superb. I forgot how powerful the impact of these characters had on me when I was younger. I’ve already experienced goosebumps in a couple of scenes.
Hopefully, I can have the FF7 Remake scratched off my list of games I feel I need to complete. I was also browsing the trophy list and the platinum trophy doesn’t seem too unbearable to obtain (but we will see) so I might set that out as a goal for myself.
This weekend I’m playing Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown exclusively on my PlayStation Portal. I don’t typically like Metroidvania’s but this one surprised me quite a bit due to its QoL implementations. I have a lot of to say about this gem.
Graphically, harkens back to the PoP of old, before it went to the 3D realm. I’m a big fan of the side-scrolling adventures, and with the nature of the game(s) featuring challenging platforming sections, intricate traps and puzzles, and a fantastical setting, the Metroidvania genre seems to be a perfect culmination. I’m surprised it wasn’t done before.
In terms of the overall world - the map is huge, but also not too deliberately overwhelming for the sake of being so. Thankfully, there are QoL touches that separate it from other Metroidvania’s, and in a positive way too. To be honest, I’ve never been a fan of this genre due to constantly getting lost. With PoP, there’s a remedy for that, in a small but impactful way.
There are accessibility options you can choose from: Exploration and Guided mode. If you choose exploration, purists of the Metroidvania genre have the option to play that way. Guided mode is great because there will be a marker on the map telling you, “This is your objective”, but in typical fashion of the genre it’s up to you to discover how to get there, ultimately staying true to its roots.
This leads me to the exploration. It’s always rewarding going off the beaten path. You’ll never know if you’re going to come across upgrades, shortcuts, side quests, or even optional boss fights — there is always something waiting for you. And there are a diverse amount of biomes to uncover with unique characteristics and enemies.
Unlike a lot of Metroidvania’s that I’ve played, which generally relies on gameplay, PoP has a middling story, but features environmental story telling that draws you deep into its world. There are murals and notes to read that explain its setting, why there are traps and who built them, characters to talk to that give you more of an idea of what transpired in each biome, and side quests that will allow you to get a better understanding of the world.
The combat is also a highlight for me. If you take the time to do the training you’ll come to find that there is a plethora of actions you can perform. That’s not including the myriad of abilities you begin to unlock that elevates the experience.
To add to the combat, there is an amulet system — similar to Hollow Knight — where you can customize your play style in various ways. It’s tough to choose which ones you want to equip because they are all genuinely beneficial. Sometimes, a quick change between amulets is all you need to have a different result when it comes to boss fights. Speaking of, the best thing about the boss fights is that if you die you immediately respawn in the fight; there is no backtracking and going through a tedious grind to get back to the same spot.
I know some people might scoff at this, but Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown might go down in my top 10 or 20 games of all time. It brings back great memories of old Prince of Persia, all the while carving a new path. And when a game subverts my expectations and has me captivated in a genre that I don’t typically gel with then I consider it very special.
Throughout the week I finished my “Insanity” playthrough in Mass Effect (Legendary Edition) and got the platinum trophy. There were a few difficult moments but I managed to scrape by with my Adept Shepard. This trilogy is peak science fiction. What I like most all, particularly with the first game, is that it’s a compact 25-30 hour RPG experience. I more than likely won’t start Mass Effect 2 for a while due to other games releasing soon, and risking burnout, but I will absolutely platinum the entire trilogy. And to keep me absorbed in this world, I’m reading Drew Karpyshyn’s Mass Effect: Revelation and it’s excellent.
On a side tangent — most of my playtime was on the PlayStation Portal. This machine has been an absolute game changer for me. It has given me the desire to play certain games that I prefer to play handheld such as old school PS1 games, particularly JRPGs (Wild Arms), or even PS2 gems like the GTA trilogy. I may go as far to suggest the upcoming Persona 3 Reload is ostensibly better in this format. For me, these types of games are better suited in a smaller screen. Maybe that’s my nostalgia kicking in since I used to play these games up close with a small boxed television.
I’m also starting up Dead Space Remake. The original is a classic, and it’s been nearly fifteen years since I played it, so it should feel like a fresh new captivating experience. What I remember vividly is how the USG Ishimura felt like a living character rather than a story setting. There aren’t too many games that feature a location that feels just as intertwined with the main protagonist as it does as its own separate entity. I’m really looking forward to this journey again.
Lately, I’ve been in a gaming slump — nothing in the current zeitgeist has been holding my attention (and I’ve already played the majority of high quality releases from 2023). However; the big news for me this weekend is that I managed to snag a PlayStation Portal at my local GameStop! They had one left, which was very shocking. Online it said they had zero stock, but I called them and got a different response, so maybe that’s a good tip for those still trying to find one.
The PP is essentially going to be my RPG machine, especially while I watch the NBA and NFL. For me, it’s a niche product that is very suitable to my needs. As I stated earlier, I’ve been in a slump, with modern games not really keeping me entertained. Currently, I’m playing Mass Effect (The Legendary Edition) for the billionth time — this go around I’m doing an “Insanity” playthrough. It feels like a dream playing this franchise on a handheld device. And playing ME again reminds me how special this franchise is, and how even to this day there hasn’t been anything to replicate its space faring opera. Hopefully, I can obtain the platinum trophy.
Regarding my experience with the Portal — it has been fantastic. The device itself feels comfortable, and really durable. I have tested out a few games to see how it runs and I’ve had hardly zero issues, from Star Wars: Jedi Survivor to even Remnant 2. There are a few framerate dips here and there, but nothing too distracting. I did have one issue where my remote play kept on disconnecting, and the resolution dropped significantly. It turned out to be due to downloading and updating a game. Other than that, it performs better than expected.
This weekend I’m playing Remnant 2. I know word of mouth has been incredibly positive, and a couple of my coworkers were discussing it a couple of days ago which sold me on it. For some reason I wasn’t sure what to expect from this game — I thought it was more of a rougelike, or similar to Returnal, or even a live service game, but I was wrong. It’s essentially Dark Souls but with guns, and it is awesome.
I’m only a few hours in and I’m enjoying it thoroughly. In case others don’t know, everyone’s experience is different — your starting location may be different than mine. I was put into Seeker’s Rest. So far, I’ve beaten three bosses, a side dungeon, and currently killed a world boss to progress the main campaign. All solo, by the way. It’s great fun.
I’m also still playing Kingdoms of Amalur Re-Reckoning. I fizzled out on it after 60+ odd hours, so I needed a break. I’m roughly 60% through the main campaign and I’ve hardly touched the faction quests. More than likely I’ll jump back into the game fully head on in about a week or two. I love the game, and it hits all the right notes for me in terms of a fantasy RPG. My goal is to get the Platinum trophy for it before The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered releases.
This weekend I’m playing Kingdoms of Amular: Re-Reckoning (the remastered version). Somehow, I managed to overlook the original when it released back in 2012 — I was probably consumed by Skyrim. Who wasn’t? But I’m here now and that’s all that matters.
This game is just phenomenal, and may be one of the best RPGs ever made (for me personally). Currently, I got wrapped up in The Teeth of Naros DLC, and it’s been great. I didn’t realize it was downloadable content and I’m not even a quarter of the way through the base game.
Now, don’t get me wrong - as a remaster it’s poorly done, but as a video game it’s very special. Some people might complain that it’s dated, but if you look at its developmental history, which was taking place probably back in 2008 or 2009, it is quite the achievement.
The story is your typical trite in terms of RPGs, but it’s the over-world that’s plastered with environmental stories that brings the world to life. And the game is very dialogue heavy — a typical component in any well realized RPG — and is all fully voiced, adding more texture to it all.
I like how all towns have their own personal stories and hardships they are going through. There are certain conflicts within the confines of their town and it makes it worthwhile to learn about them. Sometimes, it can be daunting maintaining who is who and what is what, but it’s not entirely overwhelming. That brings me to the adventure itself.
I’m thoroughly enjoying the quests. The side stories, although they typically end in the same fashion, are written beautifully. There is a plethora of quests that have made me genuinely laugh and subvert my expectations. And if you like to get the most out of your RPGs, there are several factions that you can join - i.e.; Thieves Guild; Warsworn; Mage, and so forth. It’s designed like Skyrim in that regard.
However, where the game shines brightest is its combat. My goodness; what a system that is under-utilized in not only modern ARPGs, but action games in general. It plays like the original God of War trilogy and Dragon’s Dogma, all the while forging its own identity.
There is so much build variety with weapons, armor, and classes. You are not bogged down by a weight limit or stamina meter, or even a particular class. The game is all about experimentation. Want to be a warrior? Check. Want to be a rogue? Go for it. How about a mage? Absolutely. Better yet, how about being all three? The world is at your oyster and you can play however you like regardless of your skill level.
My only two complaints are: Inventory and density. The game has a loot system similarly to Diablo — you’re constantly picking up new weapons, armors and items, but your backpack can only carry 70 things. Trying to balance everything is a pain. You can upgrade your inventory but it has a minimal effect.
As for density, the game features a myriad of side quests in close proximity to every location you’re at. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it can become cumbersome when you’re trying to focus on a single quest and get side tracked by talking to NPCs — but that could be my OCD kicking in.
This weekend I’ll be out of town. Last Sunday was my one year anniversary with my wife, and even though we celebrated, my gift is taking place this weekend. I have a surprise Christmas oriented trip for us planned.
As for what I’ve played throughout the week, I completed my New Game run in Lies of P and got the “best” ending. I’m currently working on NG+ and should get the platinum trophy.
Surprisingly, I’m still enthralled just as much as I was from the beginning. And since I never replay games unless it’s years down the line, I think that says something. I also don’t have to fight the Nameless Puppet anymore, so that’s a huge plus. Overall, LoP has solidified itself as my GOTY.
I also purchased RoboCop: Rogue City, and it’s definitely AA at its finest. It’s arcade-y, totally late 80s, features a plethora of quirky one-liners, and actually not half bad. It’s the epitome of a 6-7/10 game. The game is a total fan service, and if you’re not a fan of the franchise I wouldn’t recommend it. Personally, I’m enjoying the game so much I decided to buy Terminator Resistance since the enhanced edition is on sale.
The game operates best when you’re in tight spaces and corridors, primarily because Old Detroit seems more alive. There are buildings overrun by “criminal scum”, and walls littered with graffiti and bullet holes. It reminds me of Fallout 3, with its color palette and moment to moment gunplay which is quite visceral.
I was hoping to have the game beaten before leaving on my trip, but that didn’t pan out. I tend to play games very slow and diligently — searching every nook and cranny, and not sprinting to objective after objective, so the game is taking me longer than your average person. With that being said, all I have to do is finish the main story and I’ll get the platinum trophy.
I won’t be gaming much this weekend. My one year anniversary with my wife is Sunday, so we are going to enjoy the weekend together alone since our kiddo is gone. Next weekend I have a surprise trip planned for us, so that’s should be a blast.
Whenever I get the chance I’ll probably be playing Octopath Traveler II. It’s one of my favorite games released this year. Originally, I played it on the Switch and finished every story except for two characters. I picked it up on the PS5 because it was on sale. My goal is to play it to completion and earn the platinum trophy.
I also completed Lies of P — an absolute masterpiece, in my opinion. The final (optional) boss, Nameless Puppet, was a pain in my rear end for a hot minute. I readjusted my level(s) and killed him on the first attempt. I said it last week, but I think it stands toe to toe with Bloodborne.
Right now, I’m chipping away at NG+. I’m halfway through my second play through and I restarted it yesterday. I never immediately replay a game after I beat it, so that’s a testament to how much I adore LoP. I’m hoping to get the Platinum trophy on my third playthrough (I’m dreading the final boss fight already). I had one trophy glitch(?) on me only because I performed a very minimal task correctly, but out of order.
And I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but that post credits scene was fantastic. I’m definitely excited for the future of this franchise, which is undoubtedly getting a sequel. The stories available to tell are endless.
This weekend I’m still playing the brilliant Lies of P. I’m going to challenge myself and get the platinum trophy. If I had to give an estimate, I’d say 90% through the game. So far, I’ve completed all available side quests, hunted down all trinity key(s) and locations, as well as the collectibles.
To be honest, I might even consider this an “all-timer” — even going so far as having it stand shoulder to shoulder to Bloodborne. It takes the best elements from Bloodborne and Sekiro, and creates its own identity. Sure, FromSoftware might have invented, or at least perfected the genre, particularly with its gameplay that feels tightly focused, but Lies of P has the best of both worlds.
Meanwhile, it tells a coherent story that’s full of intrigue, but not obscure. To tell a lie or truth to certain characters really add a fascinating depth to its overall narrative. And with its story, there’s a fully rich world that’s interconnected similarly to its admirations, and it’s executed very well.
This game is just exceptional. The 1 million copies sold is well deserved, too. I know I’m not finished with it, but I’m already excited for its upcoming DLC. And I don’t typically do NG+, but I simply need more of this game.
Awesome review! I wasn’t expecting this game to suffer in the slightest. The lack of difficulty is a bit of a turnoff, but it’s expected — it’s Mario, after all, and the original wasn’t that hard. Friday can’t come soon enough!
I don’t even care what the reviews are for this game — I’ve preordered it and have it ready to go for Friday morning. I’m looking forward to playing a classic in a reimagined form.
For me, ToTK is one of the best games ever made. I never managed to enjoy BoTW — I didn’t find the exploration rewarding like many other people did. However, ToTK genuinely shocked me by how much there was to discover. The caves, puzzles, genuine mystery, the depths, and much, much more. I typically don’t replay games, especially if they were released recently, but even after beating the game, doing a ton of shrines and side quests, I’ve been craving this game world again. I may have to jump back in very soon.
This weekend I’m finishing up Alan Wake 2 for the PS5. I’m on my way to the platinum trophy, with all collectibles obtained. My focus now is leisurely completing the main story and I should be set.
As of right now it’s my GOTY. I believe it’s in a league of its own and has officially stamped Remedy into legendary status. I would compare them to Naughty Dog (to me) and Kojima in that regard. They should have free rein to do whatever they want because of their creativity.
And just when I think games can’t shake things up in originality, Remedy comes along to remind me that it’s still possible. How they are able to pump out consistent titles at a frequent volume is astonishing. The best way to describe it is simply Nintendo-esque.
Speaking of Nintendo, I’m slowly chipping away in Super Mario Bros. Wonder. I’m presently on the 5th world, and have managed to procure all Wonder Seeds minus a small handful. I’ve also unlocked secret locations that provide really fun challenges. I love how there are secrets everywhere — not just in the actual levels themselves, but in the over world as well. Wonder definitely harkens back to my favorite Mario game, Super Mario World.
Next up on my list: Super Mario RPG. I can’t wait for its release next Friday.
@thesilverbrick To be fair, there really isn’t much releasing the rest of the year that sticks out, other than Super Mario RPG, and I highly doubt it will be GOTY.
It’s nice to see Baldur’s Gate 3 win overall, but also obvious to see ToTK win Nintendo’s GOTY. I personally love the game which is shocking since I did not like BoTW whatsoever.
This weekend I’m playing Super Mario Bros. Wonder. It’s been an absolute joy so far. I’m not that far, but I just beat W3. The level of creativity and imagination in every stage is mind-boggling. The platforming is also precise, and the powers are all fun to use. I’m really enjoying my time with this one, and it’s up there with Super Mario World for my favorite 2D game in the series. I can’t wait for Super Mario RPG.
The main game I’m focusing on, however, is Alan Wake 2. It has been absolutely sublime, in more ways than one. Remedy creates incredible game worlds that are full of rich, environmental details that draw you into the atmosphere. It oozes in style, and is easily their most stylish game to date.
One thing I find great is how methodical the game presents itself. It knows the story it wants to tell and it goes at its own pace with unbelievable confidence. It trusts you to be patient and let it unfold naturally. And there is a story to everything - even upgrading your weapons. If you pay attention, there are references to Control during this aspect.
The characters are great, too. Saga Anderson is a fresh, unique character that is very memorable. I like how enthusiastic she is despite being an FBI agent; she loves a great mystery. I think her character taps into the modernism of true crime fans today (something I’m a big buff of myself), but with a touch of Twin Peaks.
I am also pleased with the exploration. There is almost an Metroidvania element to it. I don’t want to provide spoilers, but you’ll understand what I mean if you are playing the game. In the first Alan Wake you weren’t rewarded for exploring due to hardware limitations. While that’s still present here, with new technology the world feels more alive. Nothing feels out of place. Some of the best moments are optional side areas that provide environmental storytelling.
At the end of the day, I’m extremely impressed. Remedy knocks it out of the park once again, and despite their larger budget they stay true to their roots. This game does things that I’ve never seen in a game before and I can’t wait to see what’s next for them.
This weekend my goal is to complete and platinum Spider-Man 2. How people are achieving this in a matter of days is beyond me. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a long game — but I played for almost 6 hours straight two days in a row (thanks to my supportive wife) and still only managed to get 15-20% more completion rate, with it currently being 70% after 25 hours.
With all of the trifling aside, I was initially lukewarm on the game because I felt the game wasn’t providing enough. And then I realized I was playing the game wrong. My approach to Spider-Man how I do most open worlds - do all side content before I tackle the main story. What I didn’t realize is that the world, common crime activities, and the gameplay evolves as you progress the storyline, and even gets more challenging.
From gameplay perspective, it has the best traversal in any game I’ve ever played. The swinging feels incredible, and the web suit is such a fun tool to use. As for combat, it’s quick and snappy, with a ton of tools to use at your disposal that are all equally valuable. The web-line alone is a phenomenal tweak that makes the game standout, and offer diverse ways of completing missions. And the powers you get — good lord, are they a blast. They amplify the gameplay significantly, and animations for them are so full of painstaking detail, it’s hard to grasp how it’s possible.
In terms of story, find the game expertly paced. I do have two complaints, though. For starters, the developers sprinkle out really intriguing concepts that you hope will continue throughout the game but only seem to offer a one-and-done situation. Not overstaying your welcome is a positive in some respects, but it’s a shame because they are excellent additions. Lastly, I feel like some of the story beats are undercooked. Without providing any spoilers, some of the character developments and revelations seem a bit rushed. Thus, the emotional impact wasn’t there with some of the cutscenes. That said, when the story beats are good, they are extremely good. High highs and low lows.
Ultimately, despite my grievances, Spider-Man 2 is amazing. In my opinion, Insomniac is Sony’s best and most consistent developer in terms of quantity and quality. I can’t wait to see how they handle Wolverine, especially with its violence and more grittier tone.
I’m having a much deserved weekend getaway with my wife so I won’t be playing much until late Sunday evening. However, I do have Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 waiting for me - preordered, downloaded, and ready to go - when I get back.
Throughout the week, I managed to beat and get the platinum trophy for Cyberpunk 2077 (the base game). It was a phenomenal experience, even after 100+hours. I’ve yet to touch Phantom Liberty, but I plan on setting that expansion to the side until I beat Spider Man 2 and Alan Wake 2.
I don’t want to risk burnout on what’s critically considered an incredible addition to what is now one of my all time favorite games. Near the end of base 2077, I felt myself not reading archived conversations, looking at my phone while some dialogue conversations played out, and simply running and gunning throughout some gigs. Clearly, I need(ed) a break, and I don’t want to do Phantom Liberty a disservice.
This weekend I’m still playing Cyberpunk 2077. Last week, I praised this game immensely and my thoughts have only grown fonder, so much so I put it in my top 10 of all time. I’m near the end of the base game, and I’m trying to finish up all of the “romance” questlines that I can before I head into Dog Town.
My goal is to beat and platinum Cyberpunk before Spider-Man 2 releases. Unfortunately, I’m having issues unlocking a couple of trophies. First is “Two Heads, One Bullet” - my sniper rifle refuses to kill two people at once despite having a high tier 5+ rifle. The other, although it can be multiple, is finishing all gigs and NCPD missions in a district. Hopefully, this isn’t a bug or, if it is, it gets patched relatively soon.
When I’m not gaming, I’m getting back into reading — a hobby that I’ve sadly put on the wayside for too long. A coworker suggested I start reading books set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. I started with The Horus Heresy - Horus Rising. So far, it’s pretty good, and overwhelming. The lore is fantastic, though. I have a feeling I’ll be getting lost in this world for a long time to come.
This weekend I’m playing Cyberpunk 2077 and its DLC, Phantom Liberty. I have put 40hrs in with a completion rate of 38%. It took me a while to adjust to an open world game, particularly an RPG, that focuses on verticality because I don’t recall another game similar. Now that I’m accustomed to it, I’ll just cut to the chase — this game rules.
I now want to go on a rant about one aspect of the game that some people (still) consider flawed despite the 2.0 update being a drastic and much needed overhaul of the game. And that is meaningful choices.
I’ve seen a lot of criticism over dialogue choices not having an impact on the outcome of the mission. I do understand this since Cyberpunk is technically an RPG, and The Witcher had so many varying threads throughout conversations that effected other side and main missions. However; for me, I’m not always looking for that when I play this genre.
I just got off the heels of playing the massive undertaking Baldur’s Gate 3. The choices you are dealt have a genuine impact either immediately, ten hours down the road, or the overall ending — whether it’s environmental or the characters and your party members themselves. That is incredible.
With that said, I don’t feel like making those types of choices immediately after. Instead, as soon as I booted up the game I immediately wanted to get lost in Night City — a different aspect in an RPG setting that often gets ignored. And for me, when I want to lose myself in a game world, I’m. It looking for dialogue choices that change my outcome; instead, I’m wanting to learn more about the world and its inhabitants.
This is why I love the blue dialogue options — it expands on the characters, their motivations, and gives you a taste of how life currently is when living in Night City. I care more about that than I do making tough decisions that could ultimately leave me unhappy (like Baldur’s Gate 3). Granted, there are choices that do have consequences so that also shouldn’t be ignored. Give me a relatively linear narrative with amazing character interactions, and a game world that genuinely feels as if it’s living and breathing any day of the week and twice on Sunday.
Speaking on the world of Night City - this might be one of the best settings in any game. The vibe and portrayal of a dystopian world is really great. I was born in 1990, but grew up watching the likes of Blade Runner, Demolition Man, Twelve Monkeys, and even early Batman movies with Michael Keaton. I remember the world those movies were set in, and Cyberpunk nails that aesthetic to a T and then some.
One mission titled “Down on the Street” really drives this point home. I’ll try and keep it spoiler free. There is no gunplay involved, but how things unfold, whether it’s the lighting, mysterious meet ups, traveling in a car with neon lights flashing around every corner while jazz music is playing on the radio, is amazing. When a game can captivate you even without much action involved, that is a sign of something special to me.
Overall, the game has engrossing characters and a captivating world. When you mix that with fun gameplay, cools weapons and abilities, and a gritty Blade Runner aesthetic, you come across a game that hasn’t ever been done like this before.
My life is being consumed by Baldur’s Gate 3. This game is so damn good. I’ve been playing it for 45+ hours now (this is not including 20hrs playing before starting a fresh new character).
I decided to go the Underdark route and did as many side quests as I could, including the Adamantine Forge, which included a relatively tough boss fight. Afterward, I back tracked and decided to go through the Mountain Pass to try and absorb as much as I can during my first play through.
I’m now officially in Act II and exploring the Shadow Cursed Lands which is unsettling, but it’s not that difficult to traverse. What is difficult is discussing my experience because it’s very spoiler heavy.
I’m really starting to feel the weight of my choices. Some of outcomes are good, while others have had serious implications. I’m interested in some of my recent decisions because I’m genuinely torn as to whether or not they were good moves, particularly with Lae’zel and Shadowheart’sstory line. I haven’t been nervous for an outcome in an RPG like this in quite some time.
Speaking of Shadowheart, I think I’m on the verge of finding Nightsong for her. The whole quest line has been phenomenal, especially the optional areas that lead to really fun exploration experiences. And the characters and choices along the way (of this particular companion quest) have been interesting. I can see the ripple effects from my decisions in Act 1 which is a sign of excellent writing.
This game is going to go down as one of my favorite games of all time. And in the RPG space, it’s in my top 3. What a year for 2023 — arguably the greatest year of all time in terms of video games.
I finally beat Sea of Stars and it was absolutely wonderful. I’ve been raving about the game for the past couple of weeks, so I’ll spare you all another rant about the game. All I’ll say is: Go play it.
I’m now playing Baulder’s Gate 3 on the PS5. I’m not sure how long I’ll dabble with the game, but so far it’s quite a masterclass in writing, world-building, and RPG mechanics. I’m also not entirely overwhelmed which is even more astonishing. I thought the onboarding would be a difficult process, but it hasn’t been bad. That said, I still don’t understand a lot of its systems, but I’ve yet to feel punished by them.
So far, I’m not sure what I’m even doing narrative wise. I know the arc, but I’m just walking around, chatting with people, intervening various situations that lead to fun side quests, and most importantly, letting things play out with my choices which is something I never do often. I like being the good guy, and I’ll typically reload a save just to make the right decision — but the writing is so good that I’m fine with how things play out. In fact, I’ve had one party member kill another already, and I’m not even mad about it. I will say, I recommend camping as much as possible. You’ll get some of the best character interactions and overall development that I’ve ever seen in a video game, particularly in this magnitude.
I do have one complaint though — the density. You never seem to have a moment to breathe. You’re always in conversations, or doing some kind of quest, and then another before finishing the prior one and the trend continues. Everything then becomes jumbled and [I] you feel like you’re not having significant meaning behind what you’re doing because you forget about the situation you were last in. I do not like that.
With that said, I did decide to start a completely new play-through yesterday despite having 20+ hrs logged, and halfway through Act 1. I had the house to myself and I was able to truly focus on the characters and environmental storytelling without being interrupted by my wife and child (we have been sick with Covid). I took things at my own pace. Things are now clicking together and I can’t get enough of the game.
BG3 is a new benchmark for CRPGs, or any RPG for that matter. The writing is exquisite, and your choices have genuine consequences that pay off — good or bad. And the level of consistent polish is mind blowing considering the scope of this game. This is quite easily one of the best CRPGs of all time, and may just earn the status as GOAT and GOTY.
I’m unfortunately sick with Covid, so I don’t know how much energy I have for gaming, but I am solely playing Sea of Stars on the PS5. I thought the hype of Starfield and Baulder’s Gate 3 would sway me to put it aside, but alas, the game has its daggers hooked in me quite deep.
It amazes me how the game continues to evolve and get better every hour of playtime. It’s hard not to be charmed due to the engaging characters (Garl, ftw!), and there are so many surprises, particularly with the gameplay and story. The game is expertly paced. You’re constantly doing something new, and nothing outstays its welcome. And then, there are specific references to The Messenger that has me grinning from ear to ear.
Let’s not forget the soundtrack, which is superb. Even my wife, who doesn’t play video games and always wants me to use a headset, was captivated by the score. That says a lot.
I find this game to be an utter masterpiece. This feeling is bolstered by the incredible sales the game has reached — 250k — despite being on PS Plus and Xbox Game Pass. It goes to show that if you make a really solid game, people will buy it. This is what the industry needs.
This week I finished up Red Dead Redemption on the PS5. It took me about 40 hours to get a 90% completion rate. I’ll more than likely take a break and come back and collect the remaining outfits and treasures I’ve missed along my journey. People can call this a barebones port all they want — the game still looks gorgeous, runs fantastic, and is such a fantastic game narratively. It holds up incredibly well, especially in tone and atmosphere. It’s a masterpiece, and I can’t wait to see where the franchise inevitably goes from here.
My main source of gaming will be focused on Sea of Stars for the PS5. So far, the game is excellent and hits all the right notes for a nostalgic 16-Bit RPG experience, similarly to Chained Echoes last year. Thankfully, this game lives up to my own lofty expectations. It features some of the best pixel art I’ve seen in a game and gorgeous cinematics that is bolstered even more by its charming characters and world. And the soundtrack; my god, it’s amazing. My only real complaint is the lack of a map early on, which is minuscule to begin with. This will be my main priority as I wait for Starfield to release, although I’m tempted to obtain early access by buying the premium addition after reading the rave reviews.
This weekend I am playing Red Dead Redemption on the PS5. I shamefully bought it, but I have gotta say—it looks and runs fantastic. I haven’t played the game since it first released back in 2010. And honestly, it’s nice being back in this world again. It feels like a fresh new experience. The game is also fundamentally better after experiencing its prequel, RDR2. In fact, I think it enhances the overall brilliance because there is more context and history between various characters. It’s safe to say, the game is still a stone cold masterpiece.
This weekend I’m chipping away at the Uncharted Golden Abyss platinum trophy. I did my first play through without a guide and managed to get all weapon related trophies, and half of the treasures. I’m now going to focus on mopping up the rest of what I’ve missed via a guide and complete the game on crushing mode.
The main game I’m playing, however, is Unit 13 on the Vita. It’s the perfect pick up and play type of game, especially when portable. Missions are only a few minutes long, so you always feel like you’re accomplishing something. There’s a ton of replay value too — getting better rankings, unlocking new weapons and attachments, and there is variety between missions. I’ve been playing the game when on my fifteen minute break or my lunch. It’s very addicting.
I’m now eagerly waiting for Blasphemous 2 and Sea of Stars. I don’t know about anyone else - but I’m going to be eating quite well for the next couple of months!
This weekend I’m keeping my gaming pretty light due to work obligations. That said - I’m working my way through Uncharted: Golden Abyss for the first time on the PlayStation Vita. I have the Platinum trophies for Uncharted 1-4, but never got the chance to play this game.
I have to say - I find this game quite remarkable. For starters, the pacing is top notch. Secondly, I’m surprised by how well the controls are, and how the touchscreen isn’t mandatory for the basics - jumping, shooting, and so forth.
Overall, it’s nice to jump back into this universe, particularly when Nolan North is at the helm. Nathan Drake is such a great character. And most importantly, it still feels like an Uncharted game, with its quirky dialog and humor, despite being developed by another studio (Bend).
I’m hoping this game, along with multiple play throughs to get the platinum trophy, will hold me over until Sea of Stars comes out in a couple of weeks.
I’m in Las Vegas on vacation with my wife —we arrived yesterday morning — so I have my PlayStation Vita with me. Obviously, I won’t be playing a ton of stuff, but I am slowly chipping away at The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel II. It’s a slow burn, but it’s an excellent game. I’m really excited to get to Act II to see the story pick up its pace.
I’ll be heading to Vegas soon for vacation so for my flight I decided to bust out my PlayStation Vita this weekend and get a good start on The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel II. I played the first one years ago and loved it, but I accidentally broke my handheld but never got around to playing the rest of the series despite owning a PS4 and now PS5.
I also picked up Gravity Circuit for the PS5. This game is rad. It’s essentially an ode to Mega Man X, only with this your combat is melee based rather than long range weaponry. It’s tough as nails, and I’m not entirely sold on the controls, but if you like 2D action platformers, this is a must play.
I haven’t played much of anything this week since I was on vacation (Blink-182 was amazing live!) and subsequently worked once I got back; however, I finally beat Final Fantasy 16.
I did absolutely everything you can do - all hunts, trials, side quests, and so forth. Personally, I find it the best PS5 exclusive by a quarter mile and I don’t think I’ll ever forget this experience.
As for what I’ll be playing this weekend - I briefly started Killzone: Liberation on the PSP. I’ve been in an old school mood, and I have had this game in my backlog for a long time. So far, it’s fun. It’s definitely a good palate cleanser from the heavy narrative in FFXVI.
Edit: I decided to buy The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel II. I loved and beat the first game many years ago, and then I accidentally broke my PS Vita and never got around to playing the rest of the series even though I owned a PS4 and now a PS5. I considered the game(s) the perfect handheld JRPG experience - but I am getting another PS Vita soon, and I need another game to tide me over until Starfield releases.
I’m not playing anything this weekend because I’m in Nashville, TN with my wife. I surprised her with Blink-182 tickets for her birthday, so we are both excited to celebrate the occasion.
With that said, I’ve still been playing Final Fantasy 16. Unfortunately, I was unable to beat the game before heading out of town, but I am 92% of the way complete, with 64hrs played according to my PSN stats, and 41/50 trophies. I’m taking my time with the game and doing every side quest that comes along.
My thoughts have stayed the same - this game is absolutely incredible. It continues to get better and better as the story progresses, and the side quests - if you do them all as they present themselves - really tell a compelling story towards the end.
The amount of optional cutscenes is fantastic, especially during: Trading Places II; Rekindling the Flame II; Blacksmith Blue’s IV — the side quests that provide signboards to you for the trophy. This, along with the missives that are back at the hideaway provide world-building and character development with fulfilling payoffs.
I’m really looking forward to completing this journey even though I don’t want to end. The last few boss fights and everything leading up to it is phenomenal and I want more. And the soundtrack in its entirety, particularly near the endgame — just wow. Here’s hoping for that potential DLC!
This weekend I’m playing Final Fantasy 16 on the PS5. According to the PSN, I’m 70% through the game clocking in at 44hrs. If that’s the case, it has been some of the best forty hours I’ve experienced in this current generation.
It’s crazy how good FFXVI is, at least to me. There are obvious flaws in the game - level design, the lack of proper RPG elements, and not the greatest of side quests - but I can’t stop thinking about the game. The story is absolutely gripping, with memorable characters and excellent voice acting. And the combat is really damn fun.
Now that I’m over halfway through the game, it has opened up a lot more in terms of content, story, quests, and it truly does get better and better as you progress through the game. I really like the structure of the game. Unlike most RPGs (I’m looking at you, Xenoblade Chronicles) you are never bogged down by a list of mundane side quests and conventions. It’s nice to have only two or three side quests available after a main quest. Some of these side quests may be fetch quests, but they are meaningful with the rewards. And these rewards aren’t just items acquired - it’s the character(s) development and world building.
I’ve heard complaints that say this game is “empty”, and I don’t understand that. We are talking about a linear, narrative driven game. Not every game needs to be this massive open world that has bustling towns and cities, with NPCs that you’ll never remember, and quests that are essentially meaningless.
When I hear people say this game is empty, I am confounded because the locations you visit - and I would classify them more as “levels” - do have some sort of life to them. However, these places are simply a serviceable open playground to fight monsters, go on hunts, and get experience. It’s essentially a means to an end to reach the next story beat. And this is fine because, as I stated earlier, FFXVI is a story driven and linear game, focusing on a handful of characters in order to make it feel more of a personal journey.
Honestly, this may be my favorite FF title. It’s easily my favorite PS5 exclusive at the moment. I’m hoping I can beat the game before I head to Nashville, TN next weekend. Regardless, I’m definitely going to do a NG+ in order to get the Platinum trophy, which is something I rarely do.
There are so many games midway through the year, but similarly to everyone else, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is my current GOTY. It’s quite possibly my favorite game of all time, which is crazy considering I didn’t like BoTW at all.
Runners up:
Octopath Traveler II Resident Evil 4 Remake Dead Space Remake Hi-Fi Rush Metroid Prime Remastered Final Fantasy 16 Diablo IV
Possible contenders in the future:
Starfield Super Mario Bros. Wonder Super Mario RPG Spider-Man 2 Sea of Stars
Interesting that all of the possible contenders start with the letter S.
This weekend I’m taking a break from Diablo IV and putting in some quality hours in Final Fantasy XVI on the PS5.
So far, the game is excellent. The voice acting is top notch and brings the characters to life. Clive Rosfield and Cid are genuinely deep characters and some of the best in the entire series. And the story is fantastic as well, and well told. It’s dark and twisted, but people seem to forget that FFIV and FFVI are quite similar in nature.
At the moment, I have a love hate relationship with the action. This is certainly a proper FF game through and through with “random” enemy encounters, albeit not turn based. Combat is fast, kinetic, but also as monotone or deep as you want it to be, which is great. With that said, sometimes it’s hard to actually see what’s happening - the vibrant colors overcrowd the screen and it’s hard for me to grasp what’s happening until it’s too late.
Keeping in line with RPGs, I downloaded and purchased Rogue Galaxy. It’s a game I sadly never got the chance to play in the PS2 era even though I’ve always wanted to. I’ve heard nothing but positive things about the game, so I’m looking forward to diving into that this weekend.
I’m still playing Diablo 4 on my XSX. I don’t have much new to say - the game is still fantastic. I’m currently in Act IV, received a mount (finally), and reached level 50. From here on out, I’m gonna focus on the main story so I can start some new characters to tackle more dungeons and side quests. Oh, and trying not to die by The Butcher for the third time.
I also decided to buy Final Fantasy XVI for the PS5. Let me preface this by saying I did not play the demo, and I avoided all spoilers or discussion regarding it. I haven’t played much, but I did beat the prologue. Holy smokes. The production value alone is mind blowing; but ending of the introduction had me in genuine shock and awe. That stuff was dark as hell, and I love it. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
This weekend I’m playing Diablo 4. This game is an absolute blast. I convinced my best friend to buy the game, and now he can’t put it down. This is the first time in years that we have played a game cooperatively, whether with each other or someone else. It’s been really fun, too. We have just reached Act II, as we take our time and do everything we possibly can before venturing off into the main quest.
I chose the Barbarian class. I’m currently working on a crowd control build, and let me tell you - it’s absolutely sensational. My best friend is also playing as a Barbarian, and it’s interesting to see how drastic our builds are; it’s almost as if we are two different classes altogether.
With all of that said - I do have a secondary character that is a Rogue, and I’ll occasionally use him to play cooperatively. This is primarily due to having somewhat of a variety when playing together.
I also find the (side) quests to be fantastic. One in particular stood out titled Malady of the Soul. It turns out to be a lengthy 3-parter that has a good narrative with memorable characters. Another quest that is unforgettable for me is called “Cries of Innocence” (Black Asylum). It is a very twisted story involving a father and son, and it has left a lasting impression.
Overall, the grind and addiction is real. The dopamine I receive from this game is on another level. I can’t wait to play more once I’m off work tonight.
This weekend I’m playing Diablo IV (Xbox Series X). I finally beat The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom after 120+ hours, and it has gone down as my favorite game of all time. I obviously haven’t done everything in the game - but I’ll come back to it after a well deserved break.
As for Diablo IV - this is such a great game. I’m surprised by how well it functions right out of the gate. It seems quite balanced in its current state, so I’m interested in seeing how future patches and updates tinker that.
I’m really liking the darker and grittier tone of this game more than I did in Diablo 3, all the while keeping 3’s combat in this game. It’s the best of both worlds. I’m currently playing as a Rogue, and I’m pleased by how fun this class can be. It has such an insane amount of options for the build of your preference. I enjoy being able to attack from a distance, or be up close and personal. If you choose the right skill abilities from the start, you will never be at a disadvantage regardless of your play style.
Overall, I’ve been eating good the past month. Diablo IV will no doubt keep my entertained for months to come. So, bring on Hell, baby.
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Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (27th April)
This weekend I intended to dedicate time to Stellar Blade, but after getting the platinum trophy for Rise of the Ronin last weekend, I was trying to find a game that wouldn’t be too long. This lead me to look through my backlog and settle for I Am Setsuna. I needed that cozy, comfortable (J)RPG. I’m currently 90% through and it’s pretty good, despite its handful of flaws.
The first thing that stood out is its minimalistic approach. This was refreshing. The game tells a linear, character driven story that is simple, but compelling. Every party member you acquire has their own unique personality and it’s fun seeing their bond development over time. I don’t think every RPG needs to be this sprawling adventure with a myriad of side quests and mini games. Don’t get me wrong — those things have their place, but it’s nice to have a game that knows what it wants to say and does it in their own fashion.
As I mentioned, there are flaws, or rather pros and cons to several of its mechanics. First of all is the combat. While it is your traditional turn based RPG, it has a sense of depth and customization to it that is fun to toy around with, from varying talisman and abilities you can equip, to team composition that can change the tide in fascinating ways.
Unfortunately, combat is unbalanced. The enemies can move around the battlefield yet you cannot. There isn’t a lot of enemy variety either, so you’ll generally encounter enemies that can self destruct and damage you once they do. And since you’re unable to move out of the way you can’t necessarily defend yourself.
Furthermore, the game does a poor job explaining how its combat systems work. It’s great there’s a lot of variety, but not having a solid foundation in its tutorial system and how things interact with each other can make things overwhelming.
Additionally, one thing that is bothersome is its archaic design in leveling up. You can only have three party members at a time (out of seven). The characters in the background don’t get experience points if they aren’t in combat, so there will always be characters under-leveled. What makes matters worse is that some characters become inactive due to story reasons, and thus there’s an imbalance to management.
As an aside: I’m grinding right now. There is something so trite but relaxing about the grind. All of my characters are at level 45. I’m going to get all party members to level 50 at minimum before doing end-game side quests and tackling the true final boss.
When it comes to the overall map, the environments and dungeon design is one dimensional throughout the entire journey, and very uninspired. Everything is snowy terrain with iced layer dungeons that don’t offer any real thought or puzzle challenges (there is a very charming secret location that actually talks about all of this, in a meta sort of way, and it’s amazing!).
There is also no map markers or quest logs, or if there is, I haven’t encountered it yet during my playthrough. You have to make a mental note where certain locations are at but this isn’t necessarily too hard since the game doesn’t boast numerous side quests, locations and NPCs, and the game provides a fun way to travel later in the game.
Ultimately, while I may be quite critical of the game, it does feature endearing characters and a strong narrative that overwrites its faults. Combat is great and flexible, albeit confusing. There may be a lack of inspiration in its overall game world, but I’m okay with the minimal approach. I’ll definitely be getting the platinum trophy for this one.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (20th April)
I’ve worked seven straight days, but I’m taking this weekend and the subsequent Monday and Tuesday off to celebrate my birthday. I won’t be playing much due to family gatherings and what-have-you, but I did manage to platinum Rise of the Ronin yesterday.
I have to retract my statement from last week — I no longer think it’s Team Ninja’s best game (but it is a great game, nonetheless). The story is extremely convoluted, and the RPG elements, particularly with dialogue choices and story decision(s) have no true meaning. With that said, I did enjoy its open world and activities. Similarly to NiOh 2, the game is way too long. I wish there was a more tighter experience, but I think this trend is going to continue on if the ending to RoTN is any indication.
As of now, I’ll either take a break from gaming until Stellar Blade releases, or I will try Dave The Diver on my PS5. With the acclaim it has received over the last year, I’m tempted to give it a try because it seems cozy and the perfect game to unwind with on my PlayStation Portal. Plus, it’s something different and that’s something I need since I essentially played 200+ hours of third person action RPGs over the course of the last three games (Final Fantasy 7 Remake/Rebirth and RoTR).
I also finished the book series Shogun by James Clavell. A part of me feels empty now — the characters and world building were so well realized that it’s difficult to think these are fictional characters. I’ve grown attached to many of the interconnected stories within, and it’s hard to let them go. It’s such an incredible story, and might go down as my favorite book(s) of all time.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (30th March)
I haven’t played much this week due to work and family visiting from out of state. Unfortunately, I won’t have much time this weekend, either. If I manage to squeeze in some gaming sessions, I’ll be attempting to finish Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth.
I’m currently on the last chapter and it has been an evocative experience. I’ve put in roughly 105 hours into the game, with all side quests and world region activities completed. In a way, I’m excited to see the end of the journey, but sad as well, as I’ve grown even more attached to these characters than I did in the PS1 original version.
Once I finish Rebirth I plan on starting Rise of the Ronin. Everything I have read about this game seems to be exactly what I enjoy about Team Ninja games, but expanded upon in ways I’m thrilled to experience. I’ve also been reading James Clavell’s Shogun. I finished part one a few days ago — nearly 700 pages, and I’m a quarter of the way through part two — so my mindset is honed in on this era of history that should be a good time to delve into.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (23rd March)
After several days off work, a break from gaming, and a relaxing vacation with my wife, I’m back to playing Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. I didn’t think I’d have much to say since I’ve spoken about the game for the past two weeks, but alas, I do.
According to my PS5 clock, I have 80 hours logged into this game and I have no desire to slow down. I’m currently on chapter 11. Rebirth seems to hits its prime starting in chapter 9 and onward, from gameplay, map design, and story perspective. It’s as if there was a newfound confidence in the development where they discovered the perfect balance between juggling open world activities and the main story.
I’m absorbed in the characters and world. I’ve completed all possible tasks per each region. The best thing about these side quests and activities is that if you do them, such as finding the protorelics or play Queen’s Blood, you’ll obtain rich backstories that really expand on your party members. I’m compelled to invest my time because the game respects it. There are a plethora of intimate moments between all of your characters. It’s truly remarkable how much depth is in this game. And it never stops being mogical, ahem, I mean magical
That’s not to say there aren’t faults in the game — there certainly is. In later regions traversal can be infuriating because it forces you to use the chocobo to reach differing locations that are mandatory. It doesn’t feel organic. I appreciate how the game incorporates fresh ways to explore via chocobo, so there is always a new mechanic to keep you engaged.
The regions themselves are gorgeous and fun to explore, however. Each location feels genuinely distinct from one another, and this is strengthened by its exemplary soundtrack that feels compatible with the environment. It’s easily one of the best OSTs for a Final Fantasy game I’ve ever heard.
Another criticism I have is the bloat. There is an over abundance of activities and mini-games to do. Some of the content could be trimmed, but thankfully the majority of it is optional. But less is more. Later in the game when you get to explore the Nibelheim region, my feelings is that it has the perfect amount of content. The map isn’t too large and everything is condensed in a small package. With all that said, these flaws don’t diminish the genius of this game. I’d rather have too much of Final Fantasy 7 than not enough, and the bloat isn’t a mandatory component.
I haven’t even scratched the surface of what I’d like to discuss about this game (story, materia builds, combat, and the little nuances), but my write-up is already long enough so I’ll end it here for now. Perhaps I should start up my own website to have deeper discussions without a character limit. Nevertheless, I will say this: Rebirth is just that — a game favored by nostalgia, but can stand on its own as a brand new experience that, to me, outshines the original in many ways.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (16th March)
I haven’t played much since last weekend. My work schedule has been hectic, and my wife and I took a mini vacation during the weekday(s). She surprised me with NBA tickets to my favorite team, so we spent several days out of town relaxing. But it’s healthy to take a break from gaming once in a while.
If I do find time this weekend, I’ll be spending it playing Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. I am currently in the infamous Gold Saucer area and it has been a magical experience so far. My feelings on the game have only grown deeper — this is an amazing reimagining of an all-time classic. I’m really looking forward to seeing how the story unfolds.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (March 9th)
This weekend I’m playing Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. I’m seven chapters deep, and I’ve 100%’ed each region. I’m taking my time and really absorbing this sprawling world. It can feel a little too bloated at times, but the story (which I won’t discuss due to spoilers) and moment to moment gameplay is a genuine blast.
So far, the game is living up to my lofty expectations. The combat is a lot more balanced than its predecessor, and more dynamic too. It might be my favorite battle system in an RPG ever. It’s a wonderful mix between exhilarating action and classic turn-based decisions. It’s an impressive feat that keeps you constantly engaged.
One thing I really appreciate is how everything has a purpose. Mini-games such as Queen’s Blood and Fort Condor (and more) have their own mysterious yet compelling storylines, and are worth experience. Side stories are somewhat bland from a design perspective, but feature brilliant character development.
I’ll try and be as spoiler free as possible — there are two quests I’ve been involved in that expound on the characters. The first one revolves around Barret’s relationship with Marlene, and how he expresses his love for her and is worried about her future. The second relates to Cloud’s incentive on his asking price of 2,000 gil for his mercenary work. It becomes an inside joke within the party which is heartwarming in and of itself, but there is also a backstory to that particular price that has emotional weight behind it.
While there may be a Far Cry-esque nature to its open world, nothing feels like wasted space. The game simply respects your time. I can’t wait to explore further into some iconic locations from the PS1 original, and even though I know what is to come, I still find myself curious as to how things will unfold. To me, that is a sign of a masterful game that respects its legacy and modern audience.
I also purchased Vanillaware’s Unicorn Overlord. I’ve only put two hours in. Initially, it was a little jarring, not being able to strategically choose your actions like your typical turn based (S)RPGs, but once I came to terms with it and found enjoyment in unit management, the game really started to become special. This is shaping up to be a brilliant ride.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (March 2nd)
Earlier in the week I finished up Resistance: Retribution and got the platinum trophy. It was a solid game, but makes me yearn for a remastered trilogy that I know more than likely won’t happen.
With that said, my main focus this weekend will be Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. I don’t often find myself genuinely excited about upcoming games, but I’ve been antsy for a while regarding this sequel, and my wife has been getting quite annoyed with my excitement (ha-ha). I’ve finished the first two chapters and it’s been an unexpected magical experience. Perhaps that’s the nostalgia speaking, but I’m enamored.
From what I’ve played so far, the game seems brilliantly paced. There have also been compelling story moments that provide genuine intrigue, and a heartfelt cast that I’m happy to see again. This is bolstered by an exemplary soundtrack that hits all of the right notes and exactly the right times.
In terms of gameplay, the combat is more refined, with the difficulty seemingly more balanced than its predecessor. There are so many added layers that enhance the action in brilliant ways. Sometimes it can be hard to manage all of the possibilities, but once things click then it’s an extraordinary battle system that just may be my favorite in an RPG.
I also love seeing the PS1 classic come to life in full force — the scope of this game is staggering. Unfortunately, much like any sequel that wants to expand on the original’s idea(s), but also become an open world game, the experience can feel daunting and overwhelming. There are a ton of systems and mechanics at work, and they all have their own leveling system. But the variety to customize your play style is really awesome and adds a lot of depth to how you approach the game.
My only complaint at the moment is the slow movement. Similar to the first game, when the game forces you to walk slowly in certain parts of the story, that mechanic is back. Sadly, those moments are intertwined with gameplay, such as climbing up yellow painted rocks, or more interactive story beats.
There isn’t much left to say since I’m not that far, but I’m highly impressed. Sure, the game could crumble beneath its feet, but if it can keep up this momentum then I think we are in for something incredibly special. I can’t wait to see how it ultimately turns out.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (February 24th)
Throughout the week I beat Final Fantasy 7 Remake and it was absolutely phenomenal. I had a rocky history with this remake. To provide some context - I played the game when it originally came out in 2020, and I got to chapter 14 before the game bricked my PS4. I lost all desire to replay the game until recently.
During my replay, especially the last third of the game — the point I was at years ago — was incredibly strong, and the emotional beats were perfect, with foreboding visions yet to come to fruition. There was a scene where Cloud said, “Bring it on, B****!” and it gave me chills. There is no way I’ll attempt to platinum this game because I find the combat way too difficult. I really can’t wait to play Rebirth, and I’m glad to see the reviews for the game are immensely positive.
As for what I’m playing this weekend, I’ll be focusing on Resistance: Retribution. The platinum trophy is pretty easy to obtain too, so that, along with it being a short enough experience to play through before Rebirth comes out makes it a good palette cleanser. Furthermore, it’s just a great game. I wish this franchise would make a return, particularly the first game, and with trophy support. Why there isn’t a remastered trilogy on current generation consoles is beyond me. The entire premise is tantalizing, with an awesome setting, compelling characters, and varied weapons that’s bolstered by fun gameplay.
I also purchased Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden on the PS5. I’m not very far — an hour or two at most, but so far it’s pretty interesting. It definitely has that AA quality feel, similar to A Plague Tale, which is quite satisfactory to me. The combat is also reminiscent of the modern God of War games. And the characters seem to be well written and acted, too. I think this could be one of those sleeper hit gems, but unfortunately it’s releasing at a time when a lot of big games and news are taking over the media outlets.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (February 17th)
This weekend I’m playing Final Fantasy 7 Remake. The PS1 title is a seminal experience that I felt was fine the way it is. Somehow, the remake managed to subvert my expectations and really expand on what made the original so whimsical.
First and foremost, Cloud Strife really is a great character. I love his stoic personality. His past is ominous and you can tell he has been through a lot that has affected him because when it comes down to business at hand he is steadfast and ready to go. He is quipped with one-liners that shows how hardened he is as an Ex-SOLDIER, but the supporting characters around him essentially force him to soften his shell, albeit unwillingly at times.
As for other characters, they all have unique personalities with interpersonal stories that have you invested immediately through story missions that focus on them personally. And you can feel their motivations and comradery—they feel like a real team. One thing that stands out are the unique personality traits of the female protagonists.
Jessie, for example, is energetic and bubbly. She seemingly won’t take no for an answer, and is an act first, think later type of woman. And she’s good at using her appealing magnetism to benefit her necessities. Tifa is an optimist but also grounded. She battles between what’s right and wrong, but remains diligent in her decisions. She has a sense of maturity that the other characters don’t. And then there is Aerith, whom has this nonchalant attitude, with humorous jokes and an irresistible disposition and innocence that makes you want to protect her, even though she can clearly handle herself.
The story is fantastic, too. It balances telling two stories at once. The remake takes place in a small section of the original - Midgar - and it tells the story of how a ragtag crew of eco-terrorists are trying to stop a mega-corporation from draining the world of its essence in order to to use its energy source as a form of profit. That’s the basis of the game, and yet the remake manages to tell this portion of the story in a full blown game that feels complete even though this section is a minor fraction of the main game.
My only quibble is the combat. The action is fun, snappy and responsive, but I have a difficult time managing several party members, their health, abilities, and positioning. It seems to me the combat is unbalanced because the game essentially forces you to be on the offensive in order to use your ATB — this also includes abilities, magic, and items such a health potions, phoenix downs, etc.; so it’s easy to get overwhelmed with a ton of enemies while trying to manage defense simultaneously.
Thankfully, this remake is sublime. It stays true to its roots and keeps the spirit of the original FF7 in tact, but includes smart, yet subtle changes that only enhance the modern experience. I didn’t appreciate the remake as much when I first played it back in 2020, but now I see the game through a much different lens. I could say a lot more because I’ve only scratched the surface, and the character limit won’t allow me to say much more. I’ll end my diatribe with this: FF7R is a prodigious game, and is a must if you’re a fan of the franchise. Bring on Rebirth.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (February 10th)
I have been playing Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, and I beat the game a few days ago and got the platinum trophy. My thoughts have only grown deeper — it’s going to go down as one of my top 10-20 games of all time. This game resonated with me in a way I wasn’t expecting.
The next main game I’m delving into is Final Fantasy 7 Remake before Rebirth releases. As a kid, I remember buying the PS1 original one summer with my chore money at the local Blockbuster. I spent 100+ hours playing the game, had all characters at max level, and was astonished at the final boss fight. I have many fond memories, along with a negative one: I never acquired Vincent Valentine and I was so disappointed when I realized I overlooked him.
In terms of the remake, the last time I played the game it left a sour taste in my mouth. Don’t get me wrong - the game is fantastic, but I got to chapter 14 and suddenly the game bricked my PS4. Once this happened I couldn’t bring myself to replay the game once I managed to get a new console. I also wasn’t in the right headspace mentally due to life situations, so the game would relentlessly trigger negative emotions every time I attempted to start a fresh play-through, thus I haven’t properly touched it since its release.
I am determined to play the game from start to finish. Physically and mentally I’m in a much healthier frame of mind. At the moment of writing this, I’m playing the game on the PlayStation Portal and have beaten three chapters. I’m unclear of the reason, but this game is hitting differently emotionally — and in a good way too. I’m picking up on subtle nuances that are resonating with me, and the mysterious backstory between Cloud and Sephiroth is superb. I forgot how powerful the impact of these characters had on me when I was younger. I’ve already experienced goosebumps in a couple of scenes.
Hopefully, I can have the FF7 Remake scratched off my list of games I feel I need to complete. I was also browsing the trophy list and the platinum trophy doesn’t seem too unbearable to obtain (but we will see) so I might set that out as a goal for myself.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (February 3rd)
This weekend I’m playing Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown exclusively on my PlayStation Portal. I don’t typically like Metroidvania’s but this one surprised me quite a bit due to its QoL implementations. I have a lot of to say about this gem.
Graphically, harkens back to the PoP of old, before it went to the 3D realm. I’m a big fan of the side-scrolling adventures, and with the nature of the game(s) featuring challenging platforming sections, intricate traps and puzzles, and a fantastical setting, the Metroidvania genre seems to be a perfect culmination. I’m surprised it wasn’t done before.
In terms of the overall world - the map is huge, but also not too deliberately overwhelming for the sake of being so. Thankfully, there are QoL touches that separate it from other Metroidvania’s, and in a positive way too. To be honest, I’ve never been a fan of this genre due to constantly getting lost. With PoP, there’s a remedy for that, in a small but impactful way.
There are accessibility options you can choose from: Exploration and Guided mode. If you choose exploration, purists of the Metroidvania genre have the option to play that way. Guided mode is great because there will be a marker on the map telling you, “This is your objective”, but in typical fashion of the genre it’s up to you to discover how to get there, ultimately staying true to its roots.
This leads me to the exploration. It’s always rewarding going off the beaten path. You’ll never know if you’re going to come across upgrades, shortcuts, side quests, or even optional boss fights — there is always something waiting for you. And there are a diverse amount of biomes to uncover with unique characteristics and enemies.
Unlike a lot of Metroidvania’s that I’ve played, which generally relies on gameplay, PoP has a middling story, but features environmental story telling that draws you deep into its world. There are murals and notes to read that explain its setting, why there are traps and who built them, characters to talk to that give you more of an idea of what transpired in each biome, and side quests that will allow you to get a better understanding of the world.
The combat is also a highlight for me. If you take the time to do the training you’ll come to find that there is a plethora of actions you can perform. That’s not including the myriad of abilities you begin to unlock that elevates the experience.
To add to the combat, there is an amulet system — similar to Hollow Knight — where you can customize your play style in various ways. It’s tough to choose which ones you want to equip because they are all genuinely beneficial. Sometimes, a quick change between amulets is all you need to have a different result when it comes to boss fights. Speaking of, the best thing about the boss fights is that if you die you immediately respawn in the fight; there is no backtracking and going through a tedious grind to get back to the same spot.
I know some people might scoff at this, but Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown might go down in my top 10 or 20 games of all time. It brings back great memories of old Prince of Persia, all the while carving a new path. And when a game subverts my expectations and has me captivated in a genre that I don’t typically gel with then I consider it very special.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (January 13th)
Throughout the week I finished my “Insanity” playthrough in Mass Effect (Legendary Edition) and got the platinum trophy. There were a few difficult moments but I managed to scrape by with my Adept Shepard. This trilogy is peak science fiction. What I like most all, particularly with the first game, is that it’s a compact 25-30 hour RPG experience. I more than likely won’t start Mass Effect 2 for a while due to other games releasing soon, and risking burnout, but I will absolutely platinum the entire trilogy. And to keep me absorbed in this world, I’m reading Drew Karpyshyn’s Mass Effect: Revelation and it’s excellent.
On a side tangent — most of my playtime was on the PlayStation Portal. This machine has been an absolute game changer for me. It has given me the desire to play certain games that I prefer to play handheld such as old school PS1 games, particularly JRPGs (Wild Arms), or even PS2 gems like the GTA trilogy. I may go as far to suggest the upcoming Persona 3 Reload is ostensibly better in this format. For me, these types of games are better suited in a smaller screen. Maybe that’s my nostalgia kicking in since I used to play these games up close with a small boxed television.
I’m also starting up Dead Space Remake. The original is a classic, and it’s been nearly fifteen years since I played it, so it should feel like a fresh new captivating experience. What I remember vividly is how the USG Ishimura felt like a living character rather than a story setting. There aren’t too many games that feature a location that feels just as intertwined with the main protagonist as it does as its own separate entity. I’m really looking forward to this journey again.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (January 6th)
Lately, I’ve been in a gaming slump — nothing in the current zeitgeist has been holding my attention (and I’ve already played the majority of high quality releases from 2023). However; the big news for me this weekend is that I managed to snag a PlayStation Portal at my local GameStop! They had one left, which was very shocking. Online it said they had zero stock, but I called them and got a different response, so maybe that’s a good tip for those still trying to find one.
The PP is essentially going to be my RPG machine, especially while I watch the NBA and NFL. For me, it’s a niche product that is very suitable to my needs. As I stated earlier, I’ve been in a slump, with modern games not really keeping me entertained. Currently, I’m playing Mass Effect (The Legendary Edition) for the billionth time — this go around I’m doing an “Insanity” playthrough. It feels like a dream playing this franchise on a handheld device. And playing ME again reminds me how special this franchise is, and how even to this day there hasn’t been anything to replicate its space faring opera. Hopefully, I can obtain the platinum trophy.
Regarding my experience with the Portal — it has been fantastic. The device itself feels comfortable, and really durable. I have tested out a few games to see how it runs and I’ve had hardly zero issues, from Star Wars: Jedi Survivor to even Remnant 2. There are a few framerate dips here and there, but nothing too distracting. I did have one issue where my remote play kept on disconnecting, and the resolution dropped significantly. It turned out to be due to downloading and updating a game. Other than that, it performs better than expected.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (December 30th)
This weekend I’m playing Remnant 2. I know word of mouth has been incredibly positive, and a couple of my coworkers were discussing it a couple of days ago which sold me on it. For some reason I wasn’t sure what to expect from this game — I thought it was more of a rougelike, or similar to Returnal, or even a live service game, but I was wrong. It’s essentially Dark Souls but with guns, and it is awesome.
I’m only a few hours in and I’m enjoying it thoroughly. In case others don’t know, everyone’s experience is different — your starting location may be different than mine. I was put into Seeker’s Rest. So far, I’ve beaten three bosses, a side dungeon, and currently killed a world boss to progress the main campaign. All solo, by the way. It’s great fun.
I’m also still playing Kingdoms of Amalur Re-Reckoning. I fizzled out on it after 60+ odd hours, so I needed a break. I’m roughly 60% through the main campaign and I’ve hardly touched the faction quests. More than likely I’ll jump back into the game fully head on in about a week or two. I love the game, and it hits all the right notes for me in terms of a fantasy RPG. My goal is to get the Platinum trophy for it before The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered releases.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (Christmas 2023 Edition)
This weekend I’m playing Kingdoms of Amular: Re-Reckoning (the remastered version). Somehow, I managed to overlook the original when it released back in 2012 — I was probably consumed by Skyrim. Who wasn’t? But I’m here now and that’s all that matters.
This game is just phenomenal, and may be one of the best RPGs ever made (for me personally). Currently, I got wrapped up in The Teeth of Naros DLC, and it’s been great. I didn’t realize it was downloadable content and I’m not even a quarter of the way through the base game.
Now, don’t get me wrong - as a remaster it’s poorly done, but as a video game it’s very special. Some people might complain that it’s dated, but if you look at its developmental history, which was taking place probably back in 2008 or 2009, it is quite the achievement.
The story is your typical trite in terms of RPGs, but it’s the over-world that’s plastered with environmental stories that brings the world to life. And the game is very dialogue heavy — a typical component in any well realized RPG — and is all fully voiced, adding more texture to it all.
I like how all towns have their own personal stories and hardships they are going through. There are certain conflicts within the confines of their town and it makes it worthwhile to learn about them. Sometimes, it can be daunting maintaining who is who and what is what, but it’s not entirely overwhelming. That brings me to the adventure itself.
I’m thoroughly enjoying the quests. The side stories, although they typically end in the same fashion, are written beautifully. There is a plethora of quests that have made me genuinely laugh and subvert my expectations. And if you like to get the most out of your RPGs, there are several factions that you can join - i.e.; Thieves Guild; Warsworn; Mage, and so forth. It’s designed like Skyrim in that regard.
However, where the game shines brightest is its combat. My goodness; what a system that is under-utilized in not only modern ARPGs, but action games in general. It plays like the original God of War trilogy and Dragon’s Dogma, all the while forging its own identity.
There is so much build variety with weapons, armor, and classes. You are not bogged down by a weight limit or stamina meter, or even a particular class. The game is all about experimentation. Want to be a warrior? Check. Want to be a rogue? Go for it. How about a mage? Absolutely. Better yet, how about being all three? The world is at your oyster and you can play however you like regardless of your skill level.
My only two complaints are: Inventory and density. The game has a loot system similarly to Diablo — you’re constantly picking up new weapons, armors and items, but your backpack can only carry 70 things. Trying to balance everything is a pain. You can upgrade your inventory but it has a minimal effect.
As for density, the game features a myriad of side quests in close proximity to every location you’re at. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it can become cumbersome when you’re trying to focus on a single quest and get side tracked by talking to NPCs — but that could be my OCD kicking in.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (December 9th)
This weekend I’ll be out of town. Last Sunday was my one year anniversary with my wife, and even though we celebrated, my gift is taking place this weekend. I have a surprise Christmas oriented trip for us planned.
As for what I’ve played throughout the week, I completed my New Game run in Lies of P and got the “best” ending. I’m currently working on NG+ and should get the platinum trophy.
Surprisingly, I’m still enthralled just as much as I was from the beginning. And since I never replay games unless it’s years down the line, I think that says something. I also don’t have to fight the Nameless Puppet anymore, so that’s a huge plus. Overall, LoP has solidified itself as my GOTY.
I also purchased RoboCop: Rogue City, and it’s definitely AA at its finest. It’s arcade-y, totally late 80s, features a plethora of quirky one-liners, and actually not half bad. It’s the epitome of a 6-7/10 game. The game is a total fan service, and if you’re not a fan of the franchise I wouldn’t recommend it. Personally, I’m enjoying the game so much I decided to buy Terminator Resistance since the enhanced edition is on sale.
The game operates best when you’re in tight spaces and corridors, primarily because Old Detroit seems more alive. There are buildings overrun by “criminal scum”, and walls littered with graffiti and bullet holes. It reminds me of Fallout 3, with its color palette and moment to moment gunplay which is quite visceral.
I was hoping to have the game beaten before leaving on my trip, but that didn’t pan out. I tend to play games very slow and diligently — searching every nook and cranny, and not sprinting to objective after objective, so the game is taking me longer than your average person. With that being said, all I have to do is finish the main story and I’ll get the platinum trophy.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (December 2nd)
I won’t be gaming much this weekend. My one year anniversary with my wife is Sunday, so we are going to enjoy the weekend together alone since our kiddo is gone. Next weekend I have a surprise trip planned for us, so that’s should be a blast.
Whenever I get the chance I’ll probably be playing Octopath Traveler II. It’s one of my favorite games released this year. Originally, I played it on the Switch and finished every story except for two characters. I picked it up on the PS5 because it was on sale. My goal is to play it to completion and earn the platinum trophy.
I also completed Lies of P — an absolute masterpiece, in my opinion. The final (optional) boss, Nameless Puppet, was a pain in my rear end for a hot minute. I readjusted my level(s) and killed him on the first attempt. I said it last week, but I think it stands toe to toe with Bloodborne.
Right now, I’m chipping away at NG+. I’m halfway through my second play through and I restarted it yesterday. I never immediately replay a game after I beat it, so that’s a testament to how much I adore LoP. I’m hoping to get the Platinum trophy on my third playthrough (I’m dreading the final boss fight already). I had one trophy glitch(?) on me only because I performed a very minimal task correctly, but out of order.
And I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but that post credits scene was fantastic. I’m definitely excited for the future of this franchise, which is undoubtedly getting a sequel. The stories available to tell are endless.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (November 25th)
This weekend I’m still playing the brilliant Lies of P. I’m going to challenge myself and get the platinum trophy. If I had to give an estimate, I’d say 90% through the game. So far, I’ve completed all available side quests, hunted down all trinity key(s) and locations, as well as the collectibles.
To be honest, I might even consider this an “all-timer” — even going so far as having it stand shoulder to shoulder to Bloodborne. It takes the best elements from Bloodborne and Sekiro, and creates its own identity. Sure, FromSoftware might have invented, or at least perfected the genre, particularly with its gameplay that feels tightly focused, but Lies of P has the best of both worlds.
Meanwhile, it tells a coherent story that’s full of intrigue, but not obscure. To tell a lie or truth to certain characters really add a fascinating depth to its overall narrative. And with its story, there’s a fully rich world that’s interconnected similarly to its admirations, and it’s executed very well.
This game is just exceptional. The 1 million copies sold is well deserved, too. I know I’m not finished with it, but I’m already excited for its upcoming DLC. And I don’t typically do NG+, but I simply need more of this game.
Re: Review: Super Mario RPG - A Timeless Classic Returns In A Remake Done Right
@mikegamer Agreed — the same with RE4 and Dead Space.
Re: Review: Super Mario RPG - A Timeless Classic Returns In A Remake Done Right
Awesome review! I wasn’t expecting this game to suffer in the slightest. The lack of difficulty is a bit of a turnoff, but it’s expected — it’s Mario, after all, and the original wasn’t that hard. Friday can’t come soon enough!
Re: The First Review For Super Mario RPG On Switch Is In
I don’t even care what the reviews are for this game — I’ve preordered it and have it ready to go for Friday morning. I’m looking forward to playing a classic in a reimagined form.
Re: Soapbox: Six Months Later, Tears Of The Kingdom's Sense Of Wonder Is Still Unmatched
For me, ToTK is one of the best games ever made. I never managed to enjoy BoTW — I didn’t find the exploration rewarding like many other people did. However, ToTK genuinely shocked me by how much there was to discover. The caves, puzzles, genuine mystery, the depths, and much, much more. I typically don’t replay games, especially if they were released recently, but even after beating the game, doing a ton of shrines and side quests, I’ve been craving this game world again. I may have to jump back in very soon.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (November 11th)
This weekend I’m finishing up Alan Wake 2 for the PS5. I’m on my way to the platinum trophy, with all collectibles obtained. My focus now is leisurely completing the main story and I should be set.
As of right now it’s my GOTY. I believe it’s in a league of its own and has officially stamped Remedy into legendary status. I would compare them to Naughty Dog (to me) and Kojima in that regard. They should have free rein to do whatever they want because of their creativity.
And just when I think games can’t shake things up in originality, Remedy comes along to remind me that it’s still possible. How they are able to pump out consistent titles at a frequent volume is astonishing. The best way to describe it is simply Nintendo-esque.
Speaking of Nintendo, I’m slowly chipping away in Super Mario Bros. Wonder. I’m presently on the 5th world, and have managed to procure all Wonder Seeds minus a small handful. I’ve also unlocked secret locations that provide really fun challenges. I love how there are secrets everywhere — not just in the actual levels themselves, but in the over world as well. Wonder definitely harkens back to my favorite Mario game, Super Mario World.
Next up on my list: Super Mario RPG. I can’t wait for its release next Friday.
Re: Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom Wins Nintendo GOTY At Golden Joystick Awards 2023
@thesilverbrick To be fair, there really isn’t much releasing the rest of the year that sticks out, other than Super Mario RPG, and I highly doubt it will be GOTY.
Re: Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom Wins Nintendo GOTY At Golden Joystick Awards 2023
It’s nice to see Baldur’s Gate 3 win overall, but also obvious to see ToTK win Nintendo’s GOTY. I personally love the game which is shocking since I did not like BoTW whatsoever.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (November 4th)
This weekend I’m playing Super Mario Bros. Wonder. It’s been an absolute joy so far. I’m not that far, but I just beat W3. The level of creativity and imagination in every stage is mind-boggling. The platforming is also precise, and the powers are all fun to use. I’m really enjoying my time with this one, and it’s up there with Super Mario World for my favorite 2D game in the series. I can’t wait for Super Mario RPG.
The main game I’m focusing on, however, is Alan Wake 2. It has been absolutely sublime, in more ways than one. Remedy creates incredible game worlds that are full of rich, environmental details that draw you into the atmosphere. It oozes in style, and is easily their most stylish game to date.
One thing I find great is how methodical the game presents itself. It knows the story it wants to tell and it goes at its own pace with unbelievable confidence. It trusts you to be patient and let it unfold naturally. And there is a story to everything - even upgrading your weapons. If you pay attention, there are references to Control during this aspect.
The characters are great, too. Saga Anderson is a fresh, unique character that is very memorable. I like how enthusiastic she is despite being an FBI agent; she loves a great mystery. I think her character taps into the modernism of true crime fans today (something I’m a big buff of myself), but with a touch of Twin Peaks.
I am also pleased with the exploration. There is almost an Metroidvania element to it. I don’t want to provide spoilers, but you’ll understand what I mean if you are playing the game. In the first Alan Wake you weren’t rewarded for exploring due to hardware limitations. While that’s still present here, with new technology the world feels more alive. Nothing feels out of place. Some of the best moments are optional side areas that provide environmental storytelling.
At the end of the day, I’m extremely impressed. Remedy knocks it out of the park once again, and despite their larger budget they stay true to their roots. This game does things that I’ve never seen in a game before and I can’t wait to see what’s next for them.
Re: Hands On: Super Mario RPG Is The Most Faithful Remake We've Ever Played
I’m really looking forward to this. It sounds like a perfect game for the holiday/Thanksgiving season.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (October 28th)
This weekend my goal is to complete and platinum Spider-Man 2. How people are achieving this in a matter of days is beyond me. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a long game — but I played for almost 6 hours straight two days in a row (thanks to my supportive wife) and still only managed to get 15-20% more completion rate, with it currently being 70% after 25 hours.
With all of the trifling aside, I was initially lukewarm on the game because I felt the game wasn’t providing enough. And then I realized I was playing the game wrong. My approach to Spider-Man how I do most open worlds - do all side content before I tackle the main story. What I didn’t realize is that the world, common crime activities, and the gameplay evolves as you progress the storyline, and even gets more challenging.
From gameplay perspective, it has the best traversal in any game I’ve ever played. The swinging feels incredible, and the web suit is such a fun tool to use. As for combat, it’s quick and snappy, with a ton of tools to use at your disposal that are all equally valuable. The web-line alone is a phenomenal tweak that makes the game standout, and offer diverse ways of completing missions. And the powers you get — good lord, are they a blast. They amplify the gameplay significantly, and animations for them are so full of painstaking detail, it’s hard to grasp how it’s possible.
In terms of story, find the game expertly paced. I do have two complaints, though. For starters, the developers sprinkle out really intriguing concepts that you hope will continue throughout the game but only seem to offer a one-and-done situation. Not overstaying your welcome is a positive in some respects, but it’s a shame because they are excellent additions. Lastly, I feel like some of the story beats are undercooked. Without providing any spoilers, some of the character developments and revelations seem a bit rushed. Thus, the emotional impact wasn’t there with some of the cutscenes. That said, when the story beats are good, they are extremely good. High highs and low lows.
Ultimately, despite my grievances, Spider-Man 2 is amazing. In my opinion, Insomniac is Sony’s best and most consistent developer in terms of quantity and quality. I can’t wait to see how they handle Wolverine, especially with its violence and more grittier tone.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (October 21st)
I’m having a much deserved weekend getaway with my wife so I won’t be playing much until late Sunday evening. However, I do have Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 waiting for me - preordered, downloaded, and ready to go - when I get back.
Throughout the week, I managed to beat and get the platinum trophy for Cyberpunk 2077 (the base game). It was a phenomenal experience, even after 100+hours. I’ve yet to touch Phantom Liberty, but I plan on setting that expansion to the side until I beat Spider Man 2 and Alan Wake 2.
I don’t want to risk burnout on what’s critically considered an incredible addition to what is now one of my all time favorite games. Near the end of base 2077, I felt myself not reading archived conversations, looking at my phone while some dialogue conversations played out, and simply running and gunning throughout some gigs. Clearly, I need(ed) a break, and I don’t want to do Phantom Liberty a disservice.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (October 14th)
This weekend I’m still playing Cyberpunk 2077. Last week, I praised this game immensely and my thoughts have only grown fonder, so much so I put it in my top 10 of all time. I’m near the end of the base game, and I’m trying to finish up all of the “romance” questlines that I can before I head into Dog Town.
My goal is to beat and platinum Cyberpunk before Spider-Man 2 releases. Unfortunately, I’m having issues unlocking a couple of trophies. First is “Two Heads, One Bullet” - my sniper rifle refuses to kill two people at once despite having a high tier 5+ rifle. The other, although it can be multiple, is finishing all gigs and NCPD missions in a district. Hopefully, this isn’t a bug or, if it is, it gets patched relatively soon.
When I’m not gaming, I’m getting back into reading — a hobby that I’ve sadly put on the wayside for too long. A coworker suggested I start reading books set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. I started with The Horus Heresy - Horus Rising. So far, it’s pretty good, and overwhelming. The lore is fantastic, though. I have a feeling I’ll be getting lost in this world for a long time to come.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (October 7th)
This weekend I’m playing Cyberpunk 2077 and its DLC, Phantom Liberty. I have put 40hrs in with a completion rate of 38%. It took me a while to adjust to an open world game, particularly an RPG, that focuses on verticality because I don’t recall another game similar. Now that I’m accustomed to it, I’ll just cut to the chase — this game rules.
I now want to go on a rant about one aspect of the game that some people (still) consider flawed despite the 2.0 update being a drastic and much needed overhaul of the game. And that is meaningful choices.
I’ve seen a lot of criticism over dialogue choices not having an impact on the outcome of the mission. I do understand this since Cyberpunk is technically an RPG, and The Witcher had so many varying threads throughout conversations that effected other side and main missions. However; for me, I’m not always looking for that when I play this genre.
I just got off the heels of playing the massive undertaking Baldur’s Gate 3. The choices you are dealt have a genuine impact either immediately, ten hours down the road, or the overall ending — whether it’s environmental or the characters and your party members themselves. That is incredible.
With that said, I don’t feel like making those types of choices immediately after. Instead, as soon as I booted up the game I immediately wanted to get lost in Night City — a different aspect in an RPG setting that often gets ignored. And for me, when I want to lose myself in a game world, I’m. It looking for dialogue choices that change my outcome; instead, I’m wanting to learn more about the world and its inhabitants.
This is why I love the blue dialogue options — it expands on the characters, their motivations, and gives you a taste of how life currently is when living in Night City. I care more about that than I do making tough decisions that could ultimately leave me unhappy (like Baldur’s Gate 3). Granted, there are choices that do have consequences so that also shouldn’t be ignored. Give me a relatively linear narrative with amazing character interactions, and a game world that genuinely feels as if it’s living and breathing any day of the week and twice on Sunday.
Speaking on the world of Night City - this might be one of the best settings in any game. The vibe and portrayal of a dystopian world is really great. I was born in 1990, but grew up watching the likes of Blade Runner, Demolition Man, Twelve Monkeys, and even early Batman movies with Michael Keaton. I remember the world those movies were set in, and Cyberpunk nails that aesthetic to a T and then some.
One mission titled “Down on the Street” really drives this point home. I’ll try and keep it spoiler free. There is no gunplay involved, but how things unfold, whether it’s the lighting, mysterious meet ups, traveling in a car with neon lights flashing around every corner while jazz music is playing on the radio, is amazing. When a game can captivate you even without much action involved, that is a sign of something special to me.
Overall, the game has engrossing characters and a captivating world. When you mix that with fun gameplay, cools weapons and abilities, and a gritty Blade Runner aesthetic, you come across a game that hasn’t ever been done like this before.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (September 23rd)
My life is being consumed by Baldur’s Gate 3. This game is so damn good. I’ve been playing it for 45+ hours now (this is not including 20hrs playing before starting a fresh new character).
I decided to go the Underdark route and did as many side quests as I could, including the Adamantine Forge, which included a relatively tough boss fight. Afterward, I back tracked and decided to go through the Mountain Pass to try and absorb as much as I can during my first play through.
I’m now officially in Act II and exploring the Shadow Cursed Lands which is unsettling, but it’s not that difficult to traverse. What is difficult is discussing my experience because it’s very spoiler heavy.
I’m really starting to feel the weight of my choices. Some of outcomes are good, while others have had serious implications. I’m interested in some of my recent decisions because I’m genuinely torn as to whether or not they were good moves, particularly with Lae’zel and Shadowheart’sstory line. I haven’t been nervous for an outcome in an RPG like this in quite some time.
Speaking of Shadowheart, I think I’m on the verge of finding Nightsong for her. The whole quest line has been phenomenal, especially the optional areas that lead to really fun exploration experiences. And the characters and choices along the way (of this particular companion quest) have been interesting. I can see the ripple effects from my decisions in Act 1 which is a sign of excellent writing.
This game is going to go down as one of my favorite games of all time. And in the RPG space, it’s in my top 3. What a year for 2023 — arguably the greatest year of all time in terms of video games.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (September 16th)
I finally beat Sea of Stars and it was absolutely wonderful. I’ve been raving about the game for the past couple of weeks, so I’ll spare you all another rant about the game. All I’ll say is: Go play it.
I’m now playing Baulder’s Gate 3 on the PS5. I’m not sure how long I’ll dabble with the game, but so far it’s quite a masterclass in writing, world-building, and RPG mechanics. I’m also not entirely overwhelmed which is even more astonishing. I thought the onboarding would be a difficult process, but it hasn’t been bad. That said, I still don’t understand a lot of its systems, but I’ve yet to feel punished by them.
So far, I’m not sure what I’m even doing narrative wise. I know the arc, but I’m just walking around, chatting with people, intervening various situations that lead to fun side quests, and most importantly, letting things play out with my choices which is something I never do often. I like being the good guy, and I’ll typically reload a save just to make the right decision — but the writing is so good that I’m fine with how things play out. In fact, I’ve had one party member kill another already, and I’m not even mad about it. I will say, I recommend camping as much as possible. You’ll get some of the best character interactions and overall development that I’ve ever seen in a video game, particularly in this magnitude.
I do have one complaint though — the density. You never seem to have a moment to breathe. You’re always in conversations, or doing some kind of quest, and then another before finishing the prior one and the trend continues. Everything then becomes jumbled and [I] you feel like you’re not having significant meaning behind what you’re doing because you forget about the situation you were last in. I do not like that.
With that said, I did decide to start a completely new play-through yesterday despite having 20+ hrs logged, and halfway through Act 1. I had the house to myself and I was able to truly focus on the characters and environmental storytelling without being interrupted by my wife and child (we have been sick with Covid). I took things at my own pace. Things are now clicking together and I can’t get enough of the game.
BG3 is a new benchmark for CRPGs, or any RPG for that matter. The writing is exquisite, and your choices have genuine consequences that pay off — good or bad. And the level of consistent polish is mind blowing considering the scope of this game. This is quite easily one of the best CRPGs of all time, and may just earn the status as GOAT and GOTY.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (September 9th)
I’m unfortunately sick with Covid, so I don’t know how much energy I have for gaming, but I am solely playing Sea of Stars on the PS5. I thought the hype of Starfield and Baulder’s Gate 3 would sway me to put it aside, but alas, the game has its daggers hooked in me quite deep.
It amazes me how the game continues to evolve and get better every hour of playtime. It’s hard not to be charmed due to the engaging characters (Garl, ftw!), and there are so many surprises, particularly with the gameplay and story. The game is expertly paced. You’re constantly doing something new, and nothing outstays its welcome. And then, there are specific references to The Messenger that has me grinning from ear to ear.
Let’s not forget the soundtrack, which is superb. Even my wife, who doesn’t play video games and always wants me to use a headset, was captivated by the score. That says a lot.
I find this game to be an utter masterpiece. This feeling is bolstered by the incredible sales the game has reached — 250k — despite being on PS Plus and Xbox Game Pass. It goes to show that if you make a really solid game, people will buy it. This is what the industry needs.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (September 2nd)
This week I finished up Red Dead Redemption on the PS5. It took me about 40 hours to get a 90% completion rate. I’ll more than likely take a break and come back and collect the remaining outfits and treasures I’ve missed along my journey. People can call this a barebones port all they want — the game still looks gorgeous, runs fantastic, and is such a fantastic game narratively. It holds up incredibly well, especially in tone and atmosphere. It’s a masterpiece, and I can’t wait to see where the franchise inevitably goes from here.
My main source of gaming will be focused on Sea of Stars for the PS5. So far, the game is excellent and hits all the right notes for a nostalgic 16-Bit RPG experience, similarly to Chained Echoes last year. Thankfully, this game lives up to my own lofty expectations. It features some of the best pixel art I’ve seen in a game and gorgeous cinematics that is bolstered even more by its charming characters and world. And the soundtrack; my god, it’s amazing. My only real complaint is the lack of a map early on, which is minuscule to begin with. This will be my main priority as I wait for Starfield to release, although I’m tempted to obtain early access by buying the premium addition after reading the rave reviews.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (August 26th)
This weekend I am playing Red Dead Redemption on the PS5. I shamefully bought it, but I have gotta say—it looks and runs fantastic. I haven’t played the game since it first released back in 2010. And honestly, it’s nice being back in this world again. It feels like a fresh new experience. The game is also fundamentally better after experiencing its prequel, RDR2. In fact, I think it enhances the overall brilliance because there is more context and history between various characters. It’s safe to say, the game is still a stone cold masterpiece.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (August 19th)
This weekend I’m chipping away at the Uncharted Golden Abyss platinum trophy. I did my first play through without a guide and managed to get all weapon related trophies, and half of the treasures. I’m now going to focus on mopping up the rest of what I’ve missed via a guide and complete the game on crushing mode.
The main game I’m playing, however, is Unit 13 on the Vita. It’s the perfect pick up and play type of game, especially when portable. Missions are only a few minutes long, so you always feel like you’re accomplishing something. There’s a ton of replay value too — getting better rankings, unlocking new weapons and attachments, and there is variety between missions. I’ve been playing the game when on my fifteen minute break or my lunch. It’s very addicting.
I’m now eagerly waiting for Blasphemous 2 and Sea of Stars. I don’t know about anyone else - but I’m going to be eating quite well for the next couple of months!
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (August 12th)
This weekend I’m keeping my gaming pretty light due to work obligations. That said - I’m working my way through Uncharted: Golden Abyss for the first time on the PlayStation Vita. I have the Platinum trophies for Uncharted 1-4, but never got the chance to play this game.
I have to say - I find this game quite remarkable. For starters, the pacing is top notch. Secondly, I’m surprised by how well the controls are, and how the touchscreen isn’t mandatory for the basics - jumping, shooting, and so forth.
Overall, it’s nice to jump back into this universe, particularly when Nolan North is at the helm. Nathan Drake is such a great character. And most importantly, it still feels like an Uncharted game, with its quirky dialog and humor, despite being developed by another studio (Bend).
I’m hoping this game, along with multiple play throughs to get the platinum trophy, will hold me over until Sea of Stars comes out in a couple of weeks.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (August 5th)
I’m in Las Vegas on vacation with my wife —we arrived yesterday morning — so I have my PlayStation Vita with me. Obviously, I won’t be playing a ton of stuff, but I am slowly chipping away at The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel II. It’s a slow burn, but it’s an excellent game. I’m really excited to get to Act II to see the story pick up its pace.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (July 29th)
I’ll be heading to Vegas soon for vacation so for my flight I decided to bust out my PlayStation Vita this weekend and get a good start on The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel II. I played the first one years ago and loved it, but I accidentally broke my handheld but never got around to playing the rest of the series despite owning a PS4 and now PS5.
I also picked up Gravity Circuit for the PS5. This game is rad. It’s essentially an ode to Mega Man X, only with this your combat is melee based rather than long range weaponry. It’s tough as nails, and I’m not entirely sold on the controls, but if you like 2D action platformers, this is a must play.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (July 22nd)
I haven’t played much of anything this week since I was on vacation (Blink-182 was amazing live!) and subsequently worked once I got back; however, I finally beat Final Fantasy 16.
I did absolutely everything you can do - all hunts, trials, side quests, and so forth. Personally, I find it the best PS5 exclusive by a quarter mile and I don’t think I’ll ever forget this experience.
As for what I’ll be playing this weekend - I briefly started Killzone: Liberation on the PSP. I’ve been in an old school mood, and I have had this game in my backlog for a long time. So far, it’s fun. It’s definitely a good palate cleanser from the heavy narrative in FFXVI.
Edit: I decided to buy The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel II. I loved and beat the first game many years ago, and then I accidentally broke my PS Vita and never got around to playing the rest of the series even though I owned a PS4 and now a PS5. I considered the game(s) the perfect handheld JRPG experience - but I am getting another PS Vita soon, and I need another game to tide me over until Starfield releases.
Re: Poll: Which Dormant Nintendo Franchise Would You Most Like To See Return?
If the answer isn’t Golden Sun then you are wrong. Lol.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (July 15th)
I’m not playing anything this weekend because I’m in Nashville, TN with my wife. I surprised her with Blink-182 tickets for her birthday, so we are both excited to celebrate the occasion.
With that said, I’ve still been playing Final Fantasy 16. Unfortunately, I was unable to beat the game before heading out of town, but I am 92% of the way complete, with 64hrs played according to my PSN stats, and 41/50 trophies. I’m taking my time with the game and doing every side quest that comes along.
My thoughts have stayed the same - this game is absolutely incredible. It continues to get better and better as the story progresses, and the side quests - if you do them all as they present themselves - really tell a compelling story towards the end.
The amount of optional cutscenes is fantastic, especially during: Trading Places II; Rekindling the Flame II; Blacksmith Blue’s IV — the side quests that provide signboards to you for the trophy. This, along with the missives that are back at the hideaway provide world-building and character development with fulfilling payoffs.
I’m really looking forward to completing this journey even though I don’t want to end. The last few boss fights and everything leading up to it is phenomenal and I want more. And the soundtrack in its entirety, particularly near the endgame — just wow. Here’s hoping for that potential DLC!
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (July 8th)
This weekend I’m playing Final Fantasy 16 on the PS5. According to the PSN, I’m 70% through the game clocking in at 44hrs. If that’s the case, it has been some of the best forty hours I’ve experienced in this current generation.
It’s crazy how good FFXVI is, at least to me. There are obvious flaws in the game - level design, the lack of proper RPG elements, and not the greatest of side quests - but I can’t stop thinking about the game. The story is absolutely gripping, with memorable characters and excellent voice acting. And the combat is really damn fun.
Now that I’m over halfway through the game, it has opened up a lot more in terms of content, story, quests, and it truly does get better and better as you progress through the game. I really like the structure of the game. Unlike most RPGs (I’m looking at you, Xenoblade Chronicles) you are never bogged down by a list of mundane side quests and conventions. It’s nice to have only two or three side quests available after a main quest. Some of these side quests may be fetch quests, but they are meaningful with the rewards. And these rewards aren’t just items acquired - it’s the character(s) development and world building.
I’ve heard complaints that say this game is “empty”, and I don’t understand that. We are talking about a linear, narrative driven game. Not every game needs to be this massive open world that has bustling towns and cities, with NPCs that you’ll never remember, and quests that are essentially meaningless.
When I hear people say this game is empty, I am confounded because the locations you visit - and I would classify them more as “levels” - do have some sort of life to them. However, these places are simply a serviceable open playground to fight monsters, go on hunts, and get experience. It’s essentially a means to an end to reach the next story beat. And this is fine because, as I stated earlier, FFXVI is a story driven and linear game, focusing on a handful of characters in order to make it feel more of a personal journey.
Honestly, this may be my favorite FF title. It’s easily my favorite PS5 exclusive at the moment. I’m hoping I can beat the game before I head to Nashville, TN next weekend. Regardless, I’m definitely going to do a NG+ in order to get the Platinum trophy, which is something I rarely do.
Re: Poll: What's Your Game Of The Year Of 2023 So Far?
There are so many games midway through the year, but similarly to everyone else, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is my current GOTY. It’s quite possibly my favorite game of all time, which is crazy considering I didn’t like BoTW at all.
Runners up:
Octopath Traveler II
Resident Evil 4 Remake
Dead Space Remake
Hi-Fi Rush
Metroid Prime Remastered
Final Fantasy 16
Diablo IV
Possible contenders in the future:
Starfield
Super Mario Bros. Wonder
Super Mario RPG
Spider-Man 2
Sea of Stars
Interesting that all of the possible contenders start with the letter S.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (July 1st)
This weekend I’m taking a break from Diablo IV and putting in some quality hours in Final Fantasy XVI on the PS5.
So far, the game is excellent. The voice acting is top notch and brings the characters to life. Clive Rosfield and Cid are genuinely deep characters and some of the best in the entire series. And the story is fantastic as well, and well told. It’s dark and twisted, but people seem to forget that FFIV and FFVI are quite similar in nature.
At the moment, I have a love hate relationship with the action. This is certainly a proper FF game through and through with “random” enemy encounters, albeit not turn based. Combat is fast, kinetic, but also as monotone or deep as you want it to be, which is great. With that said, sometimes it’s hard to actually see what’s happening - the vibrant colors overcrowd the screen and it’s hard for me to grasp what’s happening until it’s too late.
Keeping in line with RPGs, I downloaded and purchased Rogue Galaxy. It’s a game I sadly never got the chance to play in the PS2 era even though I’ve always wanted to. I’ve heard nothing but positive things about the game, so I’m looking forward to diving into that this weekend.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (June 24th)
I’m still playing Diablo 4 on my XSX. I don’t have much new to say - the game is still fantastic. I’m currently in Act IV, received a mount (finally), and reached level 50. From here on out, I’m gonna focus on the main story so I can start some new characters to tackle more dungeons and side quests. Oh, and trying not to die by The Butcher for the third time.
I also decided to buy Final Fantasy XVI for the PS5. Let me preface this by saying I did not play the demo, and I avoided all spoilers or discussion regarding it. I haven’t played much, but I did beat the prologue. Holy smokes. The production value alone is mind blowing; but ending of the introduction had me in genuine shock and awe. That stuff was dark as hell, and I love it. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Re: Nintendo Direct Showcase Confirmed For Tomorrow, 21st June
Will they finally give us Windwaker and Twilight Princess? I can only hope; but I doubt it will happen.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (June 17th)
This weekend I’m playing Diablo 4. This game is an absolute blast. I convinced my best friend to buy the game, and now he can’t put it down. This is the first time in years that we have played a game cooperatively, whether with each other or someone else. It’s been really fun, too. We have just reached Act II, as we take our time and do everything we possibly can before venturing off into the main quest.
I chose the Barbarian class. I’m currently working on a crowd control build, and let me tell you - it’s absolutely sensational. My best friend is also playing as a Barbarian, and it’s interesting to see how drastic our builds are; it’s almost as if we are two different classes altogether.
With all of that said - I do have a secondary character that is a Rogue, and I’ll occasionally use him to play cooperatively. This is primarily due to having somewhat of a variety when playing together.
I also find the (side) quests to be fantastic. One in particular stood out titled Malady of the Soul. It turns out to be a lengthy 3-parter that has a good narrative with memorable characters. Another quest that is unforgettable for me is called “Cries of Innocence” (Black Asylum). It is a very twisted story involving a father and son, and it has left a lasting impression.
Overall, the grind and addiction is real. The dopamine I receive from this game is on another level. I can’t wait to play more once I’m off work tonight.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (June 10th)
This weekend I’m playing Diablo IV (Xbox Series X). I finally beat The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom after 120+ hours, and it has gone down as my favorite game of all time. I obviously haven’t done everything in the game - but I’ll come back to it after a well deserved break.
As for Diablo IV - this is such a great game. I’m surprised by how well it functions right out of the gate. It seems quite balanced in its current state, so I’m interested in seeing how future patches and updates tinker that.
I’m really liking the darker and grittier tone of this game more than I did in Diablo 3, all the while keeping 3’s combat in this game. It’s the best of both worlds. I’m currently playing as a Rogue, and I’m pleased by how fun this class can be. It has such an insane amount of options for the build of your preference. I enjoy being able to attack from a distance, or be up close and personal. If you choose the right skill abilities from the start, you will never be at a disadvantage regardless of your play style.
Overall, I’ve been eating good the past month. Diablo IV will no doubt keep my entertained for months to come. So, bring on Hell, baby.