BlackStarGaben
2015
A Weird But Engaging 4X
Thea: The Shattering is a strange 4X that does things differently, acting more as a hybrid that is 4X x Choose Your Own Adventure x Roguelike
It has its quirks (only one settlement) and its issues (lack of map screen can mean trying to locate/re-find something a pain) but there is something addictive about this game, with the scenarios amusing and making your party stronger gradually to take on tougher challenges making Thea: The Shattering have that "one more go" quality to it.
It's rough around the edges, it takes a while to get use to, but this a 4X that should be given a chance too.
Rating: 7/10
Thea: The Shattering is a strange 4X that does things differently, acting more as a hybrid that is 4X x Choose Your Own Adventure x Roguelike
It has its quirks (only one settlement) and its issues (lack of map screen can mean trying to locate/re-find something a pain) but there is something addictive about this game, with the scenarios amusing and making your party stronger gradually to take on tougher challenges making Thea: The Shattering have that "one more go" quality to it.
It's rough around the edges, it takes a while to get use to, but this a 4X that should be given a chance too.
Rating: 7/10
2018
An Engaging, If Uneven, Entry In The Ryu Ga Gotoku Franchise
With Kiryu having concluded his story (well until you get to a certain recent game) in Yakuza 6 but fans still wanting the same Ryu Ga Gotoku goodness, it was time for a new story to take the mantle. Enter Yagami, former lawyer turned detective, he becomes embroiled in a conspiracy that will bring past events back to haunt him.
While Judgment is its own game, its really hard to not compare it to the previous series and this shows that Judgment isn't quite the step forward one might hope.
For one, the energy is lacking, at least compared to the Yakuza series that followed before it. And the sub-stories, while still very good, aren't nearly on the level of past games with many outcomes feeling forced. The new mini-games aren't as fun and the combat isn't as thrilling, especially with an annoying mechanic introduced involving gangs and the level up being simplified.
That said, the graphics, once you get past this weird noir tint it seems to have, are excellent with character animations and facial responses no longer looking wooden (though there is still some derp here and there), the final chapter is really fantastic, with some awesome fight choreography, capping off a thrilling story. This is helped by a really engaging main cast and a cool, captivating antagonist. And while it may present more of a series face, there is still the odd goofy moments that you can't help but smile at.
At the end of the day, this is still a very good game and is still very much worth playing for those wanting more adventure from Kamurocho, the city that never sleeps while still providing trouble and eating the weak.
Rating: 8/10
With Kiryu having concluded his story (well until you get to a certain recent game) in Yakuza 6 but fans still wanting the same Ryu Ga Gotoku goodness, it was time for a new story to take the mantle. Enter Yagami, former lawyer turned detective, he becomes embroiled in a conspiracy that will bring past events back to haunt him.
While Judgment is its own game, its really hard to not compare it to the previous series and this shows that Judgment isn't quite the step forward one might hope.
For one, the energy is lacking, at least compared to the Yakuza series that followed before it. And the sub-stories, while still very good, aren't nearly on the level of past games with many outcomes feeling forced. The new mini-games aren't as fun and the combat isn't as thrilling, especially with an annoying mechanic introduced involving gangs and the level up being simplified.
That said, the graphics, once you get past this weird noir tint it seems to have, are excellent with character animations and facial responses no longer looking wooden (though there is still some derp here and there), the final chapter is really fantastic, with some awesome fight choreography, capping off a thrilling story. This is helped by a really engaging main cast and a cool, captivating antagonist. And while it may present more of a series face, there is still the odd goofy moments that you can't help but smile at.
At the end of the day, this is still a very good game and is still very much worth playing for those wanting more adventure from Kamurocho, the city that never sleeps while still providing trouble and eating the weak.
Rating: 8/10
A.k.a Shin Megami Like A Dragon Quest Tensei
And now for something completely different. With Judgment having been wrapped up and Ryu Ga Gotoku team still not ready to bring back Kiryu, they needed a new hero with a new story. But clearly they felt this was the perfect time to try something different for the franchise. And boy was it different.
Yakuza: Like A Dragon is a turn-based JRPG. The reason being is that Ichiban, a former Yakuza who becomes a problem solving hero, sees life as a video game. Not literally (well, not always) but rather he sees life's issues and solutions as ode's to a favourite game of his (which is alluded to be Dragon Quest and indeed the game has many shout-outs to that franchise.) Thus as he unravels a Yakuza plot wrapped around politics and corruption via power, we bust heads not with timed combos and sidestepping but onscreen commands that see Ichiban and co due abilities, cast "magic" and summons.
This leads to an over-the-top presentation that would be out of place in any other Yakuza game (even with its known goofiness) but here, fits YLAD very well. The visual flair is fantastic and while the animation can be janky and we still have issue, where non-essential character models can look plastic and/or uncanny and even essential characters can have a wooden or derpy look depending on the emotions they are meant to be having. Yakuza games tend to have, it's overshadowed by just how cool and flashy everything is.
While we have brief stops in familar location Kamurocho and Sotenbori, the main crux of the story takes place in Yokohama (Isezaki Ijincho), a place that soon becomes very known in the mind, aside from some weird visual issues such as grass pop-up, retains the vibrant presentation that the Like a Dragon series has shown throughout its games.
Of course, how does the gameplay fare? Very solid. Combat is fun and there is a semi-experimentation vibe due to everyone being able to switch classes (or rather "jobs") and its cool to see how the new attacks look, see what are the most effective for a situation/different enemies and assign favourite ones. Since this is the first implementation of a JRPG system in a Yakuza game though, it's not all clear sailing and it has a element of roughness, as some skills can be RNG due to the ways enemies don't stand still, so lining them up can be due to being ultra quick, lucky that they are in position or waiting an absurd amount of time, meaning some area of effect attacks are wasted.
Also as this is a JRPG AND a Yakuza game, you're going to find its very grindy in places, especially if you want certain items/equipment. The past Yakuza games already required dedication to achieve or gain certain stuff and this being a JRPG just adds to it. While this doesn't affect the main story and substories difficulty too much, aside from a few nasty battles, this can mean you will need to sink an ungodly huge amount of time if you're one of those who seek 100% or even get most stuff.
Still its worthwhile and a lot of fun to experience a Yakuza game as a JRPG and YLAD pulls it off well.
Story wise, its another engaging banger with a great cast of characters (Ichiban easily solidifies himself as a great main character) and a plot that is not just interesting but with some good twists too. Yes its goofy, a lot of the times and there is a lot of great fanservice for those who have played the past games. But its also not afraid to gut punch you many times through it's playthrough, with some hard-hitting scenes. Of course, it has many uplifting wholesome moments as well, mainly in the sub-stories which are, as always, great to go out of your way to see.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon is rough around the edges but its a hugely successful twist on the Yakuza series and one that can't help but leave a smile on your face.
Rating: 9/10
And now for something completely different. With Judgment having been wrapped up and Ryu Ga Gotoku team still not ready to bring back Kiryu, they needed a new hero with a new story. But clearly they felt this was the perfect time to try something different for the franchise. And boy was it different.
Yakuza: Like A Dragon is a turn-based JRPG. The reason being is that Ichiban, a former Yakuza who becomes a problem solving hero, sees life as a video game. Not literally (well, not always) but rather he sees life's issues and solutions as ode's to a favourite game of his (which is alluded to be Dragon Quest and indeed the game has many shout-outs to that franchise.) Thus as he unravels a Yakuza plot wrapped around politics and corruption via power, we bust heads not with timed combos and sidestepping but onscreen commands that see Ichiban and co due abilities, cast "magic" and summons.
This leads to an over-the-top presentation that would be out of place in any other Yakuza game (even with its known goofiness) but here, fits YLAD very well. The visual flair is fantastic and while the animation can be janky and we still have issue, where non-essential character models can look plastic and/or uncanny and even essential characters can have a wooden or derpy look depending on the emotions they are meant to be having. Yakuza games tend to have, it's overshadowed by just how cool and flashy everything is.
While we have brief stops in familar location Kamurocho and Sotenbori, the main crux of the story takes place in Yokohama (Isezaki Ijincho), a place that soon becomes very known in the mind, aside from some weird visual issues such as grass pop-up, retains the vibrant presentation that the Like a Dragon series has shown throughout its games.
Of course, how does the gameplay fare? Very solid. Combat is fun and there is a semi-experimentation vibe due to everyone being able to switch classes (or rather "jobs") and its cool to see how the new attacks look, see what are the most effective for a situation/different enemies and assign favourite ones. Since this is the first implementation of a JRPG system in a Yakuza game though, it's not all clear sailing and it has a element of roughness, as some skills can be RNG due to the ways enemies don't stand still, so lining them up can be due to being ultra quick, lucky that they are in position or waiting an absurd amount of time, meaning some area of effect attacks are wasted.
Also as this is a JRPG AND a Yakuza game, you're going to find its very grindy in places, especially if you want certain items/equipment. The past Yakuza games already required dedication to achieve or gain certain stuff and this being a JRPG just adds to it. While this doesn't affect the main story and substories difficulty too much, aside from a few nasty battles, this can mean you will need to sink an ungodly huge amount of time if you're one of those who seek 100% or even get most stuff.
Still its worthwhile and a lot of fun to experience a Yakuza game as a JRPG and YLAD pulls it off well.
Story wise, its another engaging banger with a great cast of characters (Ichiban easily solidifies himself as a great main character) and a plot that is not just interesting but with some good twists too. Yes its goofy, a lot of the times and there is a lot of great fanservice for those who have played the past games. But its also not afraid to gut punch you many times through it's playthrough, with some hard-hitting scenes. Of course, it has many uplifting wholesome moments as well, mainly in the sub-stories which are, as always, great to go out of your way to see.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon is rough around the edges but its a hugely successful twist on the Yakuza series and one that can't help but leave a smile on your face.
Rating: 9/10
2022
A True Masterpiece Of Gaming
When it comes to video game awards, more often than not, they feel meaningless. Plenty of games have been awarded "Best of show" and achieved "WINNER OF 50 AWARDS!" only to be released and, at best, merely be very good and, at worst, not that good.
Elden Ring deserves all the praise it gets. It is an absolute modern masterpiece and one that will age like fine wine.
This is a souls-like game refined with an open world approach that in no way is bloated but instead uses it to its advantage. Take the visuals. The world of Elden Ring is lovely and bleak. Beautiful and sorrow. Its a testament to FromSoftware that they have done a grand job of world building, lore and visually. There is a minor blemishes but nothing to ever take away that fantasy immersion of sheer wonder and terror that Elden Ring provides. The audio is just fantastic from is orchestral score to the ambience being done to perfection.
This leads to how exploration is implemented. One one hand Elden Ring is all about exploring and taking your time in getting more powerful and skillful, knowing when you can push through and when to retreat and come back to an area/boss when you're more powerful/capable. Rushing or just being stubborn will just see you get your ass handed to you again and again with very little, if any progress. Therefore exploring is highly encouraged but instead of it just being a chore, it becomes a thrill. Not just in curiosity sake (you may find something that makes you more powerful or becomes a vital aid, you may find an area that is too tough which then serves as a goal) but in different kind of environments you can find. Elden Ring is so visually diverse that just finding a new area is a reward in itself.
And boy does Elden Ring make you work for it. If you're not familiar with Dark Souls type of gameplay, lets just say its punishing gameplay that pushes trial and error to the forefront, making you memorize enemies and environment hazards well enough to overcome them. Yes, you will get frustrated, angry and stressed in places. But this is part of the beauty of these types of games. They build up, knowing that, if you keep trying and learn, you will eventually overcome what is causing such pain and those emotions turn into feelings of relief and satisfaction, which make it very gratifying. And to Elden Ring's credit, its not as harsh as past FromSoftware games like Dark Souls trilogy, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice or other well known "Souls-Like" such as Nioh.
This is mainly because Elden Ring also expects you to be smart rather then overcome via 100% skill and hard work. Yes, it's all well and good being able to dodge roll and exploit openings from your enemies. But sometimes, you can take advantage of the level design, hiding in a room and cheesing the enemy with a bow while it thrashes around, doing its powerful attacks in futility. Or using a summon to distract the enemy and use hit and run attacks. it's all about "work smarter, not harder" Make no mistake, you will be working hard but you'll also find ways to make the burden less so.
Even its issues can be a blessing? A Boss exhibiting dumb AI? Enemies falling to their deaths? In most games, that lessens the experience. In Elden Ring? That's a reprieve. A "thank god it's happening" moment. You don't scoff at the small mercies Elden Ring provides, you breath a sigh of relief. And in terms of actual issues, its really hard to fault the game. Maybe you can poke at the lack of lore? Well welcome to a FromSoftware game. It can feel longer than a usual souls-like game but that's just the nature of it being an Open-world game.
In reality, the only reason to not give Elden Ring a chance is because you don't like Action-Adventure and/or Open-World games. Otherwise, you owe it to yourself to play Elden Ring. Beautiful, fantastic gameplay with a ton of replayability. It's the kind of game to make you have faith in AAA games. It's a masterpiece.
Rating: 10/10
When it comes to video game awards, more often than not, they feel meaningless. Plenty of games have been awarded "Best of show" and achieved "WINNER OF 50 AWARDS!" only to be released and, at best, merely be very good and, at worst, not that good.
Elden Ring deserves all the praise it gets. It is an absolute modern masterpiece and one that will age like fine wine.
This is a souls-like game refined with an open world approach that in no way is bloated but instead uses it to its advantage. Take the visuals. The world of Elden Ring is lovely and bleak. Beautiful and sorrow. Its a testament to FromSoftware that they have done a grand job of world building, lore and visually. There is a minor blemishes but nothing to ever take away that fantasy immersion of sheer wonder and terror that Elden Ring provides. The audio is just fantastic from is orchestral score to the ambience being done to perfection.
This leads to how exploration is implemented. One one hand Elden Ring is all about exploring and taking your time in getting more powerful and skillful, knowing when you can push through and when to retreat and come back to an area/boss when you're more powerful/capable. Rushing or just being stubborn will just see you get your ass handed to you again and again with very little, if any progress. Therefore exploring is highly encouraged but instead of it just being a chore, it becomes a thrill. Not just in curiosity sake (you may find something that makes you more powerful or becomes a vital aid, you may find an area that is too tough which then serves as a goal) but in different kind of environments you can find. Elden Ring is so visually diverse that just finding a new area is a reward in itself.
And boy does Elden Ring make you work for it. If you're not familiar with Dark Souls type of gameplay, lets just say its punishing gameplay that pushes trial and error to the forefront, making you memorize enemies and environment hazards well enough to overcome them. Yes, you will get frustrated, angry and stressed in places. But this is part of the beauty of these types of games. They build up, knowing that, if you keep trying and learn, you will eventually overcome what is causing such pain and those emotions turn into feelings of relief and satisfaction, which make it very gratifying. And to Elden Ring's credit, its not as harsh as past FromSoftware games like Dark Souls trilogy, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice or other well known "Souls-Like" such as Nioh.
This is mainly because Elden Ring also expects you to be smart rather then overcome via 100% skill and hard work. Yes, it's all well and good being able to dodge roll and exploit openings from your enemies. But sometimes, you can take advantage of the level design, hiding in a room and cheesing the enemy with a bow while it thrashes around, doing its powerful attacks in futility. Or using a summon to distract the enemy and use hit and run attacks. it's all about "work smarter, not harder" Make no mistake, you will be working hard but you'll also find ways to make the burden less so.
Even its issues can be a blessing? A Boss exhibiting dumb AI? Enemies falling to their deaths? In most games, that lessens the experience. In Elden Ring? That's a reprieve. A "thank god it's happening" moment. You don't scoff at the small mercies Elden Ring provides, you breath a sigh of relief. And in terms of actual issues, its really hard to fault the game. Maybe you can poke at the lack of lore? Well welcome to a FromSoftware game. It can feel longer than a usual souls-like game but that's just the nature of it being an Open-world game.
In reality, the only reason to not give Elden Ring a chance is because you don't like Action-Adventure and/or Open-World games. Otherwise, you owe it to yourself to play Elden Ring. Beautiful, fantastic gameplay with a ton of replayability. It's the kind of game to make you have faith in AAA games. It's a masterpiece.
Rating: 10/10