"These are our lives here, they aren't just some toys you can play with!"
After almost ten years, and two disappointing follow-ups, Xenoblade 3 manages to succeed as a proper sequel to the original Xenoblade Chronicles. It uses the more powerful console and many lessons learned from development to bring a deeply rich experience. The combat system is flexible, yet not overly cumbersome, taking queues from both mainline games before it. The cast is as thoroughly characterized as anything in the genre period. The incredible scope and music that has always been present, show up once again with absolute splendor. This game almost transcends and overtakes its predecessors in almost every single category from visual fidelity to side quest depth. The world of Aionisis is rich with lore, history, and struggle, and all of it sets a bleak yet riveting tone from the initial moments of the narrative's start.
Unfortunately, the only thing this game does not manage to stick to is the landing at the very end. After a tremendous build-up that capitalizes on every core component, the story then stumbles and never quite finds a solution to this. Mostly at fault are two things of note. The first is the exposition required to truly grasp all the missing details from key story characters you work so hard to reach. Their moments are brief, almost for cameo's sake rather than blissful fusion of everything into one incredible sweeping motion. The latter problem is the ending takes away what is the hope of the players. It may give back the future to its denizens but it takes away the time invested into this world, the people we came to so closely align ourselves with, and all of those cherished memories built through those relationships. I love this game in most regards and would say it manages to do almost everything correctly, and the ending while it doesn't betray the themes and ideas presented beforehand, just leaves a notion of regret onto me. If you've ever seen the series Crash Landing onto You, this reminds me heavily of that journey. An uncertain beginning that forms into a spectacular ride, that leaves me absolutely gobsmacked by conflicted feelings as the credits roll.
I can say with certainty this game is utterly engrossing with a dense massive world of interest and charming characters that feel so real you want to be friends with them yourself. I can't quite ignore my own struggle with the lasting effect the final choices made and how they left me at three in the morning feeling troubled. I shan't forget my time, and will look forward to what the future holds with this series, the DLC, and of course my own path that I will decide upon.
We hereby award: Platinum Seal of Transcendence
After almost ten years, and two disappointing follow-ups, Xenoblade 3 manages to succeed as a proper sequel to the original Xenoblade Chronicles. It uses the more powerful console and many lessons learned from development to bring a deeply rich experience. The combat system is flexible, yet not overly cumbersome, taking queues from both mainline games before it. The cast is as thoroughly characterized as anything in the genre period. The incredible scope and music that has always been present, show up once again with absolute splendor. This game almost transcends and overtakes its predecessors in almost every single category from visual fidelity to side quest depth. The world of Aionisis is rich with lore, history, and struggle, and all of it sets a bleak yet riveting tone from the initial moments of the narrative's start.
Unfortunately, the only thing this game does not manage to stick to is the landing at the very end. After a tremendous build-up that capitalizes on every core component, the story then stumbles and never quite finds a solution to this. Mostly at fault are two things of note. The first is the exposition required to truly grasp all the missing details from key story characters you work so hard to reach. Their moments are brief, almost for cameo's sake rather than blissful fusion of everything into one incredible sweeping motion. The latter problem is the ending takes away what is the hope of the players. It may give back the future to its denizens but it takes away the time invested into this world, the people we came to so closely align ourselves with, and all of those cherished memories built through those relationships. I love this game in most regards and would say it manages to do almost everything correctly, and the ending while it doesn't betray the themes and ideas presented beforehand, just leaves a notion of regret onto me. If you've ever seen the series Crash Landing onto You, this reminds me heavily of that journey. An uncertain beginning that forms into a spectacular ride, that leaves me absolutely gobsmacked by conflicted feelings as the credits roll.
I can say with certainty this game is utterly engrossing with a dense massive world of interest and charming characters that feel so real you want to be friends with them yourself. I can't quite ignore my own struggle with the lasting effect the final choices made and how they left me at three in the morning feeling troubled. I shan't forget my time, and will look forward to what the future holds with this series, the DLC, and of course my own path that I will decide upon.
We hereby award: Platinum Seal of Transcendence
2022
"You can't buy happiness, but you can buy doughnuts, and that's sort of the same thing."
Simple, sweet, and irresistible fun in a package perfectly suited for a dozen of your favorite offerings. Freshly Frosted is that puzzle game hardly anyone will go out of their way to talk about, but those who take on the order, and help sort the infinite loop of doughnut factories within our head are bound to be pleased. An oh so pleasant narration kickstarts every level as you come across the toughest of conundrums. Do I still play this game or leave my house to get a nice pastry? It's the little things in life that bring the most joy, and this game takes all the time it can to relax you into a void of pure relaxation and comfort. Now excuse me as I curiously wonder to myself what venue will be my next target for an order of their finest delicious baked doughnuts.
We hereby award: The Silver Seal of Merit
Simple, sweet, and irresistible fun in a package perfectly suited for a dozen of your favorite offerings. Freshly Frosted is that puzzle game hardly anyone will go out of their way to talk about, but those who take on the order, and help sort the infinite loop of doughnut factories within our head are bound to be pleased. An oh so pleasant narration kickstarts every level as you come across the toughest of conundrums. Do I still play this game or leave my house to get a nice pastry? It's the little things in life that bring the most joy, and this game takes all the time it can to relax you into a void of pure relaxation and comfort. Now excuse me as I curiously wonder to myself what venue will be my next target for an order of their finest delicious baked doughnuts.
We hereby award: The Silver Seal of Merit
2020
"Live in Your World. Play in Ours"
Astro's Playroom is a new-age tech demo that memorializes the history of PlayStation. Just like the games that defined the first home video console, it is a collect-a-thon platformer with an infectiously adorable mascot and style. While it could have been a simple 20 minutes demo showcasing the ways the dual sense functions, it instead transcends that to make a full game experience. It is about as long in length as a classic PS1 title, yet basks the player in new inventive ideas like adaptive triggers and audio/visual haptic feedback. It's a charming take on a freebie bundled in-game that manages to be a marriage of everything you could ask for. It has something new, something old, and something borrowed. From the rich futuristic features in the gamepad, to hundreds of references to characters and electronics that defined the previous four generations, to the classic try and true genre that kickstarted it all. A well-rounded and realized experience is here for all players who get this new console, utterly delightful in all of its ideas and implementations. This could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
We hereby award: The Silver Seal of Merit
Astro's Playroom is a new-age tech demo that memorializes the history of PlayStation. Just like the games that defined the first home video console, it is a collect-a-thon platformer with an infectiously adorable mascot and style. While it could have been a simple 20 minutes demo showcasing the ways the dual sense functions, it instead transcends that to make a full game experience. It is about as long in length as a classic PS1 title, yet basks the player in new inventive ideas like adaptive triggers and audio/visual haptic feedback. It's a charming take on a freebie bundled in-game that manages to be a marriage of everything you could ask for. It has something new, something old, and something borrowed. From the rich futuristic features in the gamepad, to hundreds of references to characters and electronics that defined the previous four generations, to the classic try and true genre that kickstarted it all. A well-rounded and realized experience is here for all players who get this new console, utterly delightful in all of its ideas and implementations. This could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
We hereby award: The Silver Seal of Merit
"I often wonder if we are growing as a people... or in fact, regressing"
A clean summation of my feelings about this game would be a failed reconciliation. For every conceptual idea we have presented we have a mismatch in implementation. The battle between ambition versus execution is a prevalent issue sprinkled all throughout the framework. We are given a world dense with history, that creates sprawling awe-inspired environments to invest the player into deeply. Yet, the characters and events lending themselves to this lore are plagued with static arcs and an inability to rise to the stakes presented as the drama peaks. A complex battle system with thorough magic combinations and massively rewarding tactical planning when done right, that unleashes brutally satisfying team attacks. On the other hand, it is almost required to even dispatch the weakest of opponents, even ones two dozen levels beneath you, creating tedium in standard encounters. A vast array of endless options for team composition to meet your preferences and needs. Conversely, the majority of the best choices are locked behind a gatcha RNG system that requires patience, luck, and hope to get something useful outside the clearly superior story options. Everything here lends itself to a payoff that is excellent, although the struggle of meeting the line between points A and B is exceedingly noticeable. When it works, it manages to capture all the allure of the genre with a sense of brilliance and wonder. When it fails, it awkwardly crashes into the ground digging a hole so deep, that you wonder to yourself how it could escape from such plight. For all the wonderful music, scope, and ideas this game is held back by flimsy scripting and needlessly complicated systems that make the most mundane activities a chore. This game is a rollercoaster of highs and lows, and depending on your feelings towards those extremes, your experience is bound to majorly differ. Godbless Poppi α for existing.
We hereby award: The Bronze Seal of Recognition
A clean summation of my feelings about this game would be a failed reconciliation. For every conceptual idea we have presented we have a mismatch in implementation. The battle between ambition versus execution is a prevalent issue sprinkled all throughout the framework. We are given a world dense with history, that creates sprawling awe-inspired environments to invest the player into deeply. Yet, the characters and events lending themselves to this lore are plagued with static arcs and an inability to rise to the stakes presented as the drama peaks. A complex battle system with thorough magic combinations and massively rewarding tactical planning when done right, that unleashes brutally satisfying team attacks. On the other hand, it is almost required to even dispatch the weakest of opponents, even ones two dozen levels beneath you, creating tedium in standard encounters. A vast array of endless options for team composition to meet your preferences and needs. Conversely, the majority of the best choices are locked behind a gatcha RNG system that requires patience, luck, and hope to get something useful outside the clearly superior story options. Everything here lends itself to a payoff that is excellent, although the struggle of meeting the line between points A and B is exceedingly noticeable. When it works, it manages to capture all the allure of the genre with a sense of brilliance and wonder. When it fails, it awkwardly crashes into the ground digging a hole so deep, that you wonder to yourself how it could escape from such plight. For all the wonderful music, scope, and ideas this game is held back by flimsy scripting and needlessly complicated systems that make the most mundane activities a chore. This game is a rollercoaster of highs and lows, and depending on your feelings towards those extremes, your experience is bound to majorly differ. Godbless Poppi α for existing.
We hereby award: The Bronze Seal of Recognition
"Nothing's ever been as fun as baseball."
The final iteration of the glorious romp before it quickly tumbled downhill, Backyard Baseball 2003 was also the best of the bunch. After several years of not only making other games centered around the likes of soccer, football, and basketball, the final hurrah of this franchise was with the same sport that kickstarted it all. With a larger cast of MLB superstars, and the classic group of neighborhood ruffians returning as the usual suspects, 2003 was the tightest the series ever was. A smarter A.I. balancing, more accurate batting and pitching mechanics, and just nicer looking U.I., in general, made it the definitive Backyard experience. While it didn't innovate or change up the formula all that much, it tightened the bolts around the frame and made it as crisp as you could desire. It was truly possible to have a competitive little league franchise mode with the size of the roster and better-designed backend components to challenge us kids as we started to mature. And in the end, nothing beats the pure satisfaction of trying to strike out 21 opponents in a single game and hit for the cycle with the legend that is Pablo Sanchez. The greatest kid to ever play the game.
We hereby award: The Bronze Seal of Recognition
The final iteration of the glorious romp before it quickly tumbled downhill, Backyard Baseball 2003 was also the best of the bunch. After several years of not only making other games centered around the likes of soccer, football, and basketball, the final hurrah of this franchise was with the same sport that kickstarted it all. With a larger cast of MLB superstars, and the classic group of neighborhood ruffians returning as the usual suspects, 2003 was the tightest the series ever was. A smarter A.I. balancing, more accurate batting and pitching mechanics, and just nicer looking U.I., in general, made it the definitive Backyard experience. While it didn't innovate or change up the formula all that much, it tightened the bolts around the frame and made it as crisp as you could desire. It was truly possible to have a competitive little league franchise mode with the size of the roster and better-designed backend components to challenge us kids as we started to mature. And in the end, nothing beats the pure satisfaction of trying to strike out 21 opponents in a single game and hit for the cycle with the legend that is Pablo Sanchez. The greatest kid to ever play the game.
We hereby award: The Bronze Seal of Recognition
"You could be a kid for as long as you want when you play baseball."
Ever since I first stepped upon the sandy diamond, squared my feet, and make contact with the ball, I've loved baseball. As a kid, we played video games, watched live games, and even did pick-up games on the sandlot. Always wondering what it would be like if you could play with the pros when they were young like you are. Backyard sports was a wish-fulfillment of sorts. It allowed you to play America's greatest pastime with pro players at your age. Mix that with a diverse and charming group of other potential players and you have yourself one of the most enjoyable pc experiences for a young baseball fan. Whether you built your team around rockin' Achmed or mini Babe Ruth in the making Pablo Sanchez, you had an eclectic club of super children to play baseball with. Backyard Baseball was the start of a love affair between the sporting world and our imaginations. No other depiction of the world of baseball was as colorful and delightful as the one crafted here by Humongous Entertainment. It wasn't the best of the genre, but it was the one that most closely resembled what it felt like to play the game at that age. You can't relive your childhood, but sometimes when I boot this up to play 9 innings with my favorite groups, it almost feels like I am.
We hereby award: The bronze seal of recognition
Ever since I first stepped upon the sandy diamond, squared my feet, and make contact with the ball, I've loved baseball. As a kid, we played video games, watched live games, and even did pick-up games on the sandlot. Always wondering what it would be like if you could play with the pros when they were young like you are. Backyard sports was a wish-fulfillment of sorts. It allowed you to play America's greatest pastime with pro players at your age. Mix that with a diverse and charming group of other potential players and you have yourself one of the most enjoyable pc experiences for a young baseball fan. Whether you built your team around rockin' Achmed or mini Babe Ruth in the making Pablo Sanchez, you had an eclectic club of super children to play baseball with. Backyard Baseball was the start of a love affair between the sporting world and our imaginations. No other depiction of the world of baseball was as colorful and delightful as the one crafted here by Humongous Entertainment. It wasn't the best of the genre, but it was the one that most closely resembled what it felt like to play the game at that age. You can't relive your childhood, but sometimes when I boot this up to play 9 innings with my favorite groups, it almost feels like I am.
We hereby award: The bronze seal of recognition
"Beliefless power... has no meaning."
Despite the excellent sprite work, and snappy controls, Azure Gunvolt trends into being a lifeless clone of the Blue Bomber. Stages filled with brain-dead enemies, characters who are basic archetypes, and a repetitive core mechanic all but wash away the high points of this adventure. A tragedy almost, as the framework it is all squeezed into isn't necessarily faulty on delivery. A colorful designed cast, and reliable action-styled gameplay should be a winning formula. Yet, when you forget what makes the inspiration you draw from so memorable you become substandard in turn. Nothing drives you forward unless you are magically endeared to saving amnesiac robot girls for a living. The trepidation of lacking originality becomes reality, as you wish upon a star for a new dream. The indelible stages leading up to bosses are naught to be found. Instead plain and dull set pieces carry you towards vacuous encounters one after another. It manages to be one of the greatest sins a game can achieve. Neither broken nor terrible, Azure Gunvolt is a messy myriad of tropes that bores the player into submission. I can recall clearly to this day after almost ten years most paths that lead to Robot Masters, yet I can neither picture the visuals nor moves of the enemies I prevailed over in Azure. It just doesn't leave an imprint.
We hereby award: The Black Seal of Malcontent
Despite the excellent sprite work, and snappy controls, Azure Gunvolt trends into being a lifeless clone of the Blue Bomber. Stages filled with brain-dead enemies, characters who are basic archetypes, and a repetitive core mechanic all but wash away the high points of this adventure. A tragedy almost, as the framework it is all squeezed into isn't necessarily faulty on delivery. A colorful designed cast, and reliable action-styled gameplay should be a winning formula. Yet, when you forget what makes the inspiration you draw from so memorable you become substandard in turn. Nothing drives you forward unless you are magically endeared to saving amnesiac robot girls for a living. The trepidation of lacking originality becomes reality, as you wish upon a star for a new dream. The indelible stages leading up to bosses are naught to be found. Instead plain and dull set pieces carry you towards vacuous encounters one after another. It manages to be one of the greatest sins a game can achieve. Neither broken nor terrible, Azure Gunvolt is a messy myriad of tropes that bores the player into submission. I can recall clearly to this day after almost ten years most paths that lead to Robot Masters, yet I can neither picture the visuals nor moves of the enemies I prevailed over in Azure. It just doesn't leave an imprint.
We hereby award: The Black Seal of Malcontent
"What didja expect, a waffle?"
After a decently prepared and surprising breakfast, the Life is Strange universe gave us a snack. While I do fervently enjoy a midday consumption, it does always lack the same sort of gravitas of a proper meal. You can see the appeal, hell you knowingly chose the snack not expecting to be filled up, but you still find yourself forgetting about it soon thereafter. It is just fluff content for the main course, and now you just can't wait til your next breakfast. A satisfaction level that you know could be replicated if you actually fully fleshed out everything you enjoyed last time you ate. No special sauce to elevate a unique feature, or complexity to make you savor it even after it is consumed. Just a light appetizer that doesn't fill the same spot in your stomach. Would I eat it again? Sure, I guess I would, I mean it wasn't all bad, I liked the idea of it at least, and it didn't cost me anything but a little bit of my time. But geez, I really just want some proper waffles with syrup drizzled all over it even more. The hunger grows within me, and a snack just isn't enough. I'm a growing boy you know?
No seal awarded.
After a decently prepared and surprising breakfast, the Life is Strange universe gave us a snack. While I do fervently enjoy a midday consumption, it does always lack the same sort of gravitas of a proper meal. You can see the appeal, hell you knowingly chose the snack not expecting to be filled up, but you still find yourself forgetting about it soon thereafter. It is just fluff content for the main course, and now you just can't wait til your next breakfast. A satisfaction level that you know could be replicated if you actually fully fleshed out everything you enjoyed last time you ate. No special sauce to elevate a unique feature, or complexity to make you savor it even after it is consumed. Just a light appetizer that doesn't fill the same spot in your stomach. Would I eat it again? Sure, I guess I would, I mean it wasn't all bad, I liked the idea of it at least, and it didn't cost me anything but a little bit of my time. But geez, I really just want some proper waffles with syrup drizzled all over it even more. The hunger grows within me, and a snack just isn't enough. I'm a growing boy you know?
No seal awarded.
2008
"Surfing is very much like making love. It always feels good, no matter how many times you’ve done it."
Radical in idea, ostentatious in visuals, Audio Surf is an attack on the senses. A corner of the room where you enter your flow state and let the rhythm take control. Whether it is with popular uploaded tracks or the sounds from your very PC files, Audio Surf lets you ride the ways your way. You can try and be the Big Kahuna, and assert your dominance with high scores and pitch-perfect deft accuracy. Or you can vibe out, lay out your playlist, and just have some time to turn off your old brain. The choice is all yours. I opt in relaxation mode personally. Never creating a strenuous moment, and rather just giving a semi-active musical moment. It never eclipses the best beats of the genre, despite the endless freedom of choice. I'd say that is alright though, why not just enjoy it for whatever you make your own reason. That holds out as meaningful in its own way. Music is life, and life is all about joy, so bring the joy to your ears, and play the way you want to. Whether that is the full soundtrack of Chrono Trigger or the latest podcast of Earbiscuits. As long as you have a good time, you are doing it right.
We hereby award: The Bronze Seal of Recognition
Radical in idea, ostentatious in visuals, Audio Surf is an attack on the senses. A corner of the room where you enter your flow state and let the rhythm take control. Whether it is with popular uploaded tracks or the sounds from your very PC files, Audio Surf lets you ride the ways your way. You can try and be the Big Kahuna, and assert your dominance with high scores and pitch-perfect deft accuracy. Or you can vibe out, lay out your playlist, and just have some time to turn off your old brain. The choice is all yours. I opt in relaxation mode personally. Never creating a strenuous moment, and rather just giving a semi-active musical moment. It never eclipses the best beats of the genre, despite the endless freedom of choice. I'd say that is alright though, why not just enjoy it for whatever you make your own reason. That holds out as meaningful in its own way. Music is life, and life is all about joy, so bring the joy to your ears, and play the way you want to. Whether that is the full soundtrack of Chrono Trigger or the latest podcast of Earbiscuits. As long as you have a good time, you are doing it right.
We hereby award: The Bronze Seal of Recognition
2016
“Our world, with its rules of causality, has trained us to be miserly with forgiveness. By forgiving too readily, we can be badly hurt."
There are a rare number of games that manage to make me feel ultimately conflicted. The Witness manages this throughout the duration of its playtime. It is somehow flirting between being simultaneously creative and frustrating. Is it brilliance or pretention? Who can say really, all I know is this game was equally both with its various challenges and ideas. While I laud the ability to use a single concept in such a multi-faceted manner as to make hundreds of possible puzzles out of, I must say it comes with a drawback as well. A simplicity that can be boiled down to it being the same idea over and over just repackaged. Combined with inadequate conveyance of the rules, or clearly interfering with the rules to just make things complicated, asinine, and more tedious than clever. This Witness struggles to stay consistent. For every A-hah moment you have, you will be trumped by nonsensical clues that take far longer to work out yourself than is enjoyable. While I wholly respect the intention, I felt the execution wasn't up to snuff. The thread of your experience will hinge on these purposeful choices. I found it to be a headache from a logical design aspect, and normally when I came to what conclusion was the correct one, I just felt bitter. The beauty of simplicity is lost when you decisively overcomplicate it for needless padding and roadblocks. For every solution only more, and more and more. No great reward lies beyond it all, unless the answer is your greatest satisfaction.
We hereby award: The Bronze Seal of Recognition
There are a rare number of games that manage to make me feel ultimately conflicted. The Witness manages this throughout the duration of its playtime. It is somehow flirting between being simultaneously creative and frustrating. Is it brilliance or pretention? Who can say really, all I know is this game was equally both with its various challenges and ideas. While I laud the ability to use a single concept in such a multi-faceted manner as to make hundreds of possible puzzles out of, I must say it comes with a drawback as well. A simplicity that can be boiled down to it being the same idea over and over just repackaged. Combined with inadequate conveyance of the rules, or clearly interfering with the rules to just make things complicated, asinine, and more tedious than clever. This Witness struggles to stay consistent. For every A-hah moment you have, you will be trumped by nonsensical clues that take far longer to work out yourself than is enjoyable. While I wholly respect the intention, I felt the execution wasn't up to snuff. The thread of your experience will hinge on these purposeful choices. I found it to be a headache from a logical design aspect, and normally when I came to what conclusion was the correct one, I just felt bitter. The beauty of simplicity is lost when you decisively overcomplicate it for needless padding and roadblocks. For every solution only more, and more and more. No great reward lies beyond it all, unless the answer is your greatest satisfaction.
We hereby award: The Bronze Seal of Recognition
"What is it saying? Hmm, I can't seem to understand its crazy pie language..."
In all of my hobbies, there is a rare phenomenon that I am always on the lookout for. One of the greatest pleasures in life for me is to feel a true sense of comfort. Sometimes that can be as simple as cuddling up in my bed and being wrapped around my blanket like I am Shimarin during a cold evening. Other times it could be consuming a dish made by my mother that tastes like home in each and every bite. In actual media though, the sensation is ultimately quite rare, often fleeting, and hard to describe what is at the source of giving me said emotion. In the world of video games, I would say Atelier Rorona is one of those few titles that give me this heartwarming and transcendental experience. If I had to pinpoint what factors play in the greatest part of this, I'm actually rather unsure what that would be. The adorable and charming characters are certainly major players in it though. Their funny banter between one another, the running gags that define their relationships, their heartfelt and real dialogue, all of it gives me a joyous feeling. Even with the time-sensitive goals, and gameplay battle mechanics present, my overwhelming feeling during my playthrough of Rorona was comfort. Knocking out small tasks, meeting wonderful people, learning about the colorful universe before me, all of it brought relaxation and a pleasant mellowness out of me. It is something I won't ever be able to willingly recreate, and I am at peace with that. It created a foundation of interest and love for this series in a single game. Even if they don't match the same heights for my soulful recuperation, they will give me their own slice of comfort to relish in. And for me, that is one of the single most enjoyable reasons to play video games as a whole. To get an enjoyment like none other, because the game gave you something you longed for.
We hereby award: The Gold Seal of Excellence
In all of my hobbies, there is a rare phenomenon that I am always on the lookout for. One of the greatest pleasures in life for me is to feel a true sense of comfort. Sometimes that can be as simple as cuddling up in my bed and being wrapped around my blanket like I am Shimarin during a cold evening. Other times it could be consuming a dish made by my mother that tastes like home in each and every bite. In actual media though, the sensation is ultimately quite rare, often fleeting, and hard to describe what is at the source of giving me said emotion. In the world of video games, I would say Atelier Rorona is one of those few titles that give me this heartwarming and transcendental experience. If I had to pinpoint what factors play in the greatest part of this, I'm actually rather unsure what that would be. The adorable and charming characters are certainly major players in it though. Their funny banter between one another, the running gags that define their relationships, their heartfelt and real dialogue, all of it gives me a joyous feeling. Even with the time-sensitive goals, and gameplay battle mechanics present, my overwhelming feeling during my playthrough of Rorona was comfort. Knocking out small tasks, meeting wonderful people, learning about the colorful universe before me, all of it brought relaxation and a pleasant mellowness out of me. It is something I won't ever be able to willingly recreate, and I am at peace with that. It created a foundation of interest and love for this series in a single game. Even if they don't match the same heights for my soulful recuperation, they will give me their own slice of comfort to relish in. And for me, that is one of the single most enjoyable reasons to play video games as a whole. To get an enjoyment like none other, because the game gave you something you longed for.
We hereby award: The Gold Seal of Excellence
"There are so many things I don't understand, but I have to get started!"
The Dusk Trilogy begins dripping in fantastical wonder. A young girl named Ayesha goes on an adventure to solve the mystery of her sister who was spirited away. Presumed to be dead, Ayesha only has her will, and those who believe in her to find her before it is too late. In standard Atelier fashion, this game is a mix of two key components. You are tasked with adventuring, and producing useful items through the power that is alchemy. Unlike many other Atelier stories, this game's time limit is built upon a very serious, and driving force. With the backdrop of the mystical dark fantasy world all around you, Ayesha gives off the presentation of a far more investing narrative. However, all the classic tropes of comfortable characters, and silly hijinks remain between the key story moments. It creates a balance between a serene yet terrifying world behind the veil and just that same old everyday slapstick goodness that makes the series so charming. Like the majority of the franchise, the star of the show is the main cast though. The reason anyone loves these games generally comes down to the lovable characters, all with their own sense of flair and worthwhile storylines to pursue. It allows you to craft an experience that is all your own. The harmony of implementing a timed calendar system to create tension, yet allowing players freedom of choice on how they spend it. While this could be a stressful idea to some, I find it one of the greatest skills of the franchise. Weight to your decisions allows a massive amount of gratification as progression naturally occurs through playtime. This makes it feel like yours, and yours alone. And when I traveled through the mysterious world of Ayesha, solving the conundrums before me, laughing with my friends, basking in the gorgeous score, and finally seeing it all through to the end, I came out with a satisfaction. A blissful sentiment of happiness and fulfillment.
We hereby award: The Silver Seal of Merit
The Dusk Trilogy begins dripping in fantastical wonder. A young girl named Ayesha goes on an adventure to solve the mystery of her sister who was spirited away. Presumed to be dead, Ayesha only has her will, and those who believe in her to find her before it is too late. In standard Atelier fashion, this game is a mix of two key components. You are tasked with adventuring, and producing useful items through the power that is alchemy. Unlike many other Atelier stories, this game's time limit is built upon a very serious, and driving force. With the backdrop of the mystical dark fantasy world all around you, Ayesha gives off the presentation of a far more investing narrative. However, all the classic tropes of comfortable characters, and silly hijinks remain between the key story moments. It creates a balance between a serene yet terrifying world behind the veil and just that same old everyday slapstick goodness that makes the series so charming. Like the majority of the franchise, the star of the show is the main cast though. The reason anyone loves these games generally comes down to the lovable characters, all with their own sense of flair and worthwhile storylines to pursue. It allows you to craft an experience that is all your own. The harmony of implementing a timed calendar system to create tension, yet allowing players freedom of choice on how they spend it. While this could be a stressful idea to some, I find it one of the greatest skills of the franchise. Weight to your decisions allows a massive amount of gratification as progression naturally occurs through playtime. This makes it feel like yours, and yours alone. And when I traveled through the mysterious world of Ayesha, solving the conundrums before me, laughing with my friends, basking in the gorgeous score, and finally seeing it all through to the end, I came out with a satisfaction. A blissful sentiment of happiness and fulfillment.
We hereby award: The Silver Seal of Merit
"Atari is a very sad story."
The only thing advanced about this collection, is the amount of misery brought upon classic arcade titles. We once again have a port of many cabinet titles that are at this point decades old, and somehow made worse on more advanced and capable technology. It is a crying shame in actuality to even have to try and conceptualization the possibility of something so simple, archaic, and wonderfully easy to enjoy, and somehow making it a lesser experience for people more than twenty years afterward. The most insulting prospect of all is easily the fact that they are inherently broken either. It's not a broken game, it just takes away the charm and approachability of games that barely need selling, to begin with. It may be harsh, but my solemn recommendation is to avoid most collection ports of arcade games, and just play their original formatted versions.
No seal awarded
The only thing advanced about this collection, is the amount of misery brought upon classic arcade titles. We once again have a port of many cabinet titles that are at this point decades old, and somehow made worse on more advanced and capable technology. It is a crying shame in actuality to even have to try and conceptualization the possibility of something so simple, archaic, and wonderfully easy to enjoy, and somehow making it a lesser experience for people more than twenty years afterward. The most insulting prospect of all is easily the fact that they are inherently broken either. It's not a broken game, it just takes away the charm and approachability of games that barely need selling, to begin with. It may be harsh, but my solemn recommendation is to avoid most collection ports of arcade games, and just play their original formatted versions.
No seal awarded
" No more crying. Smile. My wrath...is finally.."
A fraction of my pain subsides whilst venturing through this DLC package. It contains three critical ingredients to make itself enjoyable. Two of these are extras, just fun battle missions against Ryu and Akuma from the Street Fighter franchise. Bombastically frantic, as it fills the hype gauges of my soul. These brief interactions gobsmack me across my face and bring a grin, something I thought was lost into the nexus. The most crucial portion of this DLC though is a mixed bag. The proper ending of the game sold as extra content, neither washes away those previous sins nor feels satisfying enough to be worth that hallowing price. The closure I sought was given, yet the wounds inflicted do not so simply heal. Forevermore, I limp from the blind-sighted attack on my goodwill and love for games. The greatest salvation of all? Maximillion's boss rage to remind me laughter can exist in my puny mortal world. A consolation if anything.
No seal awarded
A fraction of my pain subsides whilst venturing through this DLC package. It contains three critical ingredients to make itself enjoyable. Two of these are extras, just fun battle missions against Ryu and Akuma from the Street Fighter franchise. Bombastically frantic, as it fills the hype gauges of my soul. These brief interactions gobsmack me across my face and bring a grin, something I thought was lost into the nexus. The most crucial portion of this DLC though is a mixed bag. The proper ending of the game sold as extra content, neither washes away those previous sins nor feels satisfying enough to be worth that hallowing price. The closure I sought was given, yet the wounds inflicted do not so simply heal. Forevermore, I limp from the blind-sighted attack on my goodwill and love for games. The greatest salvation of all? Maximillion's boss rage to remind me laughter can exist in my puny mortal world. A consolation if anything.
No seal awarded
2012
"I WILL HAVE MY VENGEANCE!!"
On very few occasions does this happen, but for Asura's Wrath my anger boils at a furious temperature. It is almost ready to melt the foundations of my train of thought because of this. What should have been ten billion percent exhilarating, instead, left me blindsided with disappointment and absolute peak rage. A single moment defining the entirety of my experience. What had been a short, yet thoroughly rousing ride, was spat upon. While the glorified hype nature in many ways made up for the lack of proper solid gameplay, and engaging narrative, a true finale would at least make the show worth it in the end. Too bad, that despite everything it threw at the wall, hoping some of the wildness would stick, ripping the true ending of the game and packaging it as DLC can't salvage those few high points. Imagine a world where all you want to see is how some vengeful god is going to get his, only to be told first, you need to replay chunks of the game better. You go to do this very task, only to find that you are gated by a paywall. The disrespect to itself, the player, and the industry at large put on display here forever soured any positive lingering emotions I could have shared with others about this. Now, all I am left with is a desire to destroy. Not for pleasure, but for closure, as I know nothing can bring back what has been taken from me.
We hereby award: The Black Seal of Malcontent
On very few occasions does this happen, but for Asura's Wrath my anger boils at a furious temperature. It is almost ready to melt the foundations of my train of thought because of this. What should have been ten billion percent exhilarating, instead, left me blindsided with disappointment and absolute peak rage. A single moment defining the entirety of my experience. What had been a short, yet thoroughly rousing ride, was spat upon. While the glorified hype nature in many ways made up for the lack of proper solid gameplay, and engaging narrative, a true finale would at least make the show worth it in the end. Too bad, that despite everything it threw at the wall, hoping some of the wildness would stick, ripping the true ending of the game and packaging it as DLC can't salvage those few high points. Imagine a world where all you want to see is how some vengeful god is going to get his, only to be told first, you need to replay chunks of the game better. You go to do this very task, only to find that you are gated by a paywall. The disrespect to itself, the player, and the industry at large put on display here forever soured any positive lingering emotions I could have shared with others about this. Now, all I am left with is a desire to destroy. Not for pleasure, but for closure, as I know nothing can bring back what has been taken from me.
We hereby award: The Black Seal of Malcontent