GothamInGray
Delightful writing, beautiful visuals—Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising is a wonderful, bite-sized game.
The gameplay isn't terribly deep, but I found myself far more invested in the characters than anticipated by the end.
The gameplay isn't terribly deep, but I found myself far more invested in the characters than anticipated by the end.
Bigger, better, and mechanically deeper in every way, Jedi Survivor is exactly what a sequel should be.
It's a great game and—even better—a wonderful Star Wars story. Between Jedi Survivor and its predecessor, this series has secured itself as one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the Star Wars universe.
I experienced frequent (but minor) visual bugs throughout the game, but 98% of my playthrough was otherwise perfectly smooth.
It's a great game and—even better—a wonderful Star Wars story. Between Jedi Survivor and its predecessor, this series has secured itself as one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the Star Wars universe.
I experienced frequent (but minor) visual bugs throughout the game, but 98% of my playthrough was otherwise perfectly smooth.
2021
![NieR Re[in]carnation](https://images.igdb.com/igdb/image/upload/t_cover_big/co7bm4.jpg)
Mobile game trappings aside, the art, music, and story of Nier Reincarnation is incredible and extremely valuable if you're a fan of this franchise overall.
For all intents and purposes, Reincarnation is Nier 3, and if you can't experience the end of the story before it shuts down, find somewhere to watch it because it rules.
For all intents and purposes, Reincarnation is Nier 3, and if you can't experience the end of the story before it shuts down, find somewhere to watch it because it rules.
2016
In the 4 years since I first played Final Fantasy IX, I've played (and enjoyed) almost every other game in the series.
And revisiting it now? Yeah, it's still the best one.
And revisiting it now? Yeah, it's still the best one.
2023
Diablo IV—with its excellent voice performances and stellar art direction—absolutely nails the dark fantasy vibe and aesthetic in ways that only Castlevania and Fromsoft titles exceed.
At times, the narrative is really interesting. At others, plot contrivances and coincidences are nearly distracting.
The gameplay loop is simple and satisfying, but it isn't nearly thrilling enough to encourage me to engage with side content.
Overall: a fun (if flawed) experience that's more than worth checking out on Game Pass.
At times, the narrative is really interesting. At others, plot contrivances and coincidences are nearly distracting.
The gameplay loop is simple and satisfying, but it isn't nearly thrilling enough to encourage me to engage with side content.
Overall: a fun (if flawed) experience that's more than worth checking out on Game Pass.
2024
I don't know what to say—it's a perfect game.
I understand why some people are disappointed with certain aspects of Persona 3 Reload, but I cannot be counted among them.
As a remake, this did everything I could have asked for and then some: the new voice cast in unbelievable, the new music is perfect, the new and expanded characters moments are literally game-changing, and the gameplay is modernized expertly.
I couldn't be happier.
I understand why some people are disappointed with certain aspects of Persona 3 Reload, but I cannot be counted among them.
As a remake, this did everything I could have asked for and then some: the new voice cast in unbelievable, the new music is perfect, the new and expanded characters moments are literally game-changing, and the gameplay is modernized expertly.
I couldn't be happier.
I can't believe I Was A Teenage Exocolonist and Citizen Sleeper came out in the same year. What a time for tabletop-inspired visual novels.
This game is so cool. The art is unreal, the writing is some of the most natural I've ever seen, and the mechanics are streamlined perfectly.
Everyone should play this.
This game is so cool. The art is unreal, the writing is some of the most natural I've ever seen, and the mechanics are streamlined perfectly.
Everyone should play this.
2020
This review contains spoilers
I loved this game, it deserved all the GOTY wins in 2023, but it is far, far from perfect.
Baldur's Gate 3 does so many cool, interesting things that I love, but it takes very few of those things far enough to be truly incredible.
For example:
-The combat is super refined compared to Divinity Original Sin 2, which was often too chaotic, but the combat arenas are, mostly, circles with various inclines. There were only a handful of encounters where the environments lent themselves to the verticality and creativity that is possible with the systems at play.
- The party companions are exceptionally well-written and beautifully acted with interesting stories unto themselves, but they have very few meaningful interactions with each other after Act 1, which can make the experience feel pretty shallow at times.
- The setups and questions presented in the main plot are, more often than not, extremely intriguing and full of potential, but the reveals and surprises are usually the most predictable possibilities on offer (the Emperor reveal, for instance).
Additionally, there were some aspects that I just found frustrating overall:
- The romance, when actually moving and going somewhere, felt nice, but it's paced out terribly, which often means it won't progress at all for dozens of hours. Especially when compared to other RPGs with a major romance focus—Persona or Dragon Age, for instance—Baldur's Gate just doesn't seem to care about it enough to warrant it being there in the first place. Act 3 has some moments where the game remembers you've forged a relationship, but for the most part, that entire aspect of the game is done and dusted by the end of Act 2, which is disappointing to say the least.
- The autosaves in this game are needlessly harsh, especially for a game made in 2023. I know you can change the frequency of them in the options, but honestly, no one should have to do that in the first place.
- Act 3, while it has a lot of offer in terms of content, really collapses under its own weight with everything it tries to wrap up in the narrative. This game needed another act to straighten out the pacing, and if that meant it needed another year of development to cook, I think they should have done so.
Now, I understand this all seems pretty negative so far, but I have things I loved with no caveats as well:
- The freedom of role-playing, as well as how much of it the game accounts for, is genuinely incredible. The number of options based entirely on how you built your character is awe-inspiring.
- Baldur's Gate 3 is beautiful: the characters are expressive, and the environments are gorgeous and varied.
Most of all: I had a great time playing all 120 hours of so of Baldur's Gate 3. It had some things that frustrated me, certainly, and I definitely don't think it accomplishes the same things that other classic Western RPGs have—not yet, anyway—but Larian is well on their way to being a legendary studio, and they've made a game I'm destined to play on-and-off forever.
NOTE: I have started a second playthrough (Dark Urge), so I have not experienced everything on offer.
Baldur's Gate 3 does so many cool, interesting things that I love, but it takes very few of those things far enough to be truly incredible.
For example:
-The combat is super refined compared to Divinity Original Sin 2, which was often too chaotic, but the combat arenas are, mostly, circles with various inclines. There were only a handful of encounters where the environments lent themselves to the verticality and creativity that is possible with the systems at play.
- The party companions are exceptionally well-written and beautifully acted with interesting stories unto themselves, but they have very few meaningful interactions with each other after Act 1, which can make the experience feel pretty shallow at times.
- The setups and questions presented in the main plot are, more often than not, extremely intriguing and full of potential, but the reveals and surprises are usually the most predictable possibilities on offer (the Emperor reveal, for instance).
Additionally, there were some aspects that I just found frustrating overall:
- The romance, when actually moving and going somewhere, felt nice, but it's paced out terribly, which often means it won't progress at all for dozens of hours. Especially when compared to other RPGs with a major romance focus—Persona or Dragon Age, for instance—Baldur's Gate just doesn't seem to care about it enough to warrant it being there in the first place. Act 3 has some moments where the game remembers you've forged a relationship, but for the most part, that entire aspect of the game is done and dusted by the end of Act 2, which is disappointing to say the least.
- The autosaves in this game are needlessly harsh, especially for a game made in 2023. I know you can change the frequency of them in the options, but honestly, no one should have to do that in the first place.
- Act 3, while it has a lot of offer in terms of content, really collapses under its own weight with everything it tries to wrap up in the narrative. This game needed another act to straighten out the pacing, and if that meant it needed another year of development to cook, I think they should have done so.
Now, I understand this all seems pretty negative so far, but I have things I loved with no caveats as well:
- The freedom of role-playing, as well as how much of it the game accounts for, is genuinely incredible. The number of options based entirely on how you built your character is awe-inspiring.
- Baldur's Gate 3 is beautiful: the characters are expressive, and the environments are gorgeous and varied.
Most of all: I had a great time playing all 120 hours of so of Baldur's Gate 3. It had some things that frustrated me, certainly, and I definitely don't think it accomplishes the same things that other classic Western RPGs have—not yet, anyway—but Larian is well on their way to being a legendary studio, and they've made a game I'm destined to play on-and-off forever.
NOTE: I have started a second playthrough (Dark Urge), so I have not experienced everything on offer.
As ever with Scarlet/Violet, the characters are the stars here.
The side/end content included is a bit of a grind if you're playing single-player, but the pay-off is extremely solid and allows for significant creativity if you habitually create new teams like I do.
I can't wait for the Epilogue in a few weeks. Let me hang out with this cast forever, Game Freak.
The side/end content included is a bit of a grind if you're playing single-player, but the pay-off is extremely solid and allows for significant creativity if you habitually create new teams like I do.
I can't wait for the Epilogue in a few weeks. Let me hang out with this cast forever, Game Freak.
2021
Final Fantasy V is a collection of extremely high highs and several very irritating lows. In the same way that FFIV perfected what FFII tried, FFV is the full realization of everything FFI and FFIII attempted.
The story is simple—with a charismatic villain and a lovable cast—and the Job system from FFIII finally comes into its own, allowing you to build up your party in a thousand different ways.
The script is also incredible, heartfelt, and—at times—genuinely hilarious. It helps push the identity of this franchise even further into its own.
The main issue I have with this game is the difficulty curve: Right around the time you fight (minor spoiler) Atomos, the difficulty of encounters takes a massive jump. From that point on, many enemies have insta-kill gimmicks or other frustrating tactics that can make some dungeons pretty painful to get through.
Overall, I don't think FFV reaches the highs of its predecessor, but it's still an excellent experience that I'd recommend with little hesitation.
The story is simple—with a charismatic villain and a lovable cast—and the Job system from FFIII finally comes into its own, allowing you to build up your party in a thousand different ways.
The script is also incredible, heartfelt, and—at times—genuinely hilarious. It helps push the identity of this franchise even further into its own.
The main issue I have with this game is the difficulty curve: Right around the time you fight (minor spoiler) Atomos, the difficulty of encounters takes a massive jump. From that point on, many enemies have insta-kill gimmicks or other frustrating tactics that can make some dungeons pretty painful to get through.
Overall, I don't think FFV reaches the highs of its predecessor, but it's still an excellent experience that I'd recommend with little hesitation.
2021
This is The One. Final Fantasy IV is the moment the entire franchise finds its footing. It fully commits to a mature narrative, a fresh new battle system, and an eclectic, lovable ensemble cast.
Everything about this game absolutely rules. My only criticism is that the difficulty spike for the final boss is a little harsh, but the whole game is perfectly paced up until then.
Everything about this game absolutely rules. My only criticism is that the difficulty spike for the final boss is a little harsh, but the whole game is perfectly paced up until then.
2021
On one hand, Final Fantasy III is a return to form after the risks of its predecessor.
On the other hand, it completely loses interest in the narrative complexity and pacing for which Final Fantasy II is memorable.
In short, Square over-corrected with Final Fantasy III. For the most part, it's attempting to recapture the magic of the first game with some new mechanical additions and mixed results.
The narrative is lacking commitment. The pacing (in both story and difficulty curve) is extremely rough for the first two-thirds of the game. The job system is interesting, but the game doesn't do much to explain why you should be interested in changing jobs in the first place.
All that said, there are things about FF3 that I like: The music absolutely bangs from the very first moment, the spritework (especially enemy sprites) is wonderful, and there are a few narrative moments near the end of the game that were clearly influential on other RPG franchises I love (i.e., Persona).
Final Fantasy III isn't bad. It just also doesn't do much especially well, and in the opening hours, when you have to use Toad or Mini on your whole party just to open a door, you're definitely going to find yourself missing the first two games in the series.
My advice? Use the Pixel Remaster EXP and Gil boosts in the early game to avoid the grind and difficulty spikes. Then, you can turn them off in the second half and have a much better time.
On the other hand, it completely loses interest in the narrative complexity and pacing for which Final Fantasy II is memorable.
In short, Square over-corrected with Final Fantasy III. For the most part, it's attempting to recapture the magic of the first game with some new mechanical additions and mixed results.
The narrative is lacking commitment. The pacing (in both story and difficulty curve) is extremely rough for the first two-thirds of the game. The job system is interesting, but the game doesn't do much to explain why you should be interested in changing jobs in the first place.
All that said, there are things about FF3 that I like: The music absolutely bangs from the very first moment, the spritework (especially enemy sprites) is wonderful, and there are a few narrative moments near the end of the game that were clearly influential on other RPG franchises I love (i.e., Persona).
Final Fantasy III isn't bad. It just also doesn't do much especially well, and in the opening hours, when you have to use Toad or Mini on your whole party just to open a door, you're definitely going to find yourself missing the first two games in the series.
My advice? Use the Pixel Remaster EXP and Gil boosts in the early game to avoid the grind and difficulty spikes. Then, you can turn them off in the second half and have a much better time.
2021
Final Fantasy II is good, actually.
I can't help but respect the huge swings it takes after the first game. Obviously, not all of those things worked (like the leveling system) and, rightfully, never made a comeback. However, Final Fantasy II is so much more narratively ambitious than both its predecessor and its sequel, really laying the groundwork for Final Fantasy IV to eventually establish the series' tone and pacing.
As someone who could never make it past the opening hours when playing Dawn of Souls as a kid, I'm genuinely so impressed by this game. Look up some minor hints before you start and enjoy the ride.
I can't help but respect the huge swings it takes after the first game. Obviously, not all of those things worked (like the leveling system) and, rightfully, never made a comeback. However, Final Fantasy II is so much more narratively ambitious than both its predecessor and its sequel, really laying the groundwork for Final Fantasy IV to eventually establish the series' tone and pacing.
As someone who could never make it past the opening hours when playing Dawn of Souls as a kid, I'm genuinely so impressed by this game. Look up some minor hints before you start and enjoy the ride.
2021
This game still rules. It's such a strong start to this franchise, and going back to it was so beautiful and nostalgic.
The updated OST breathes so much life into this experience. I really think FF1 is a much better—albeit simple—experience than it's given credit for.
The updated OST breathes so much life into this experience. I really think FF1 is a much better—albeit simple—experience than it's given credit for.
A heartwarming little story, joyous characters, and a cool new area.
Unfortunately, it's a little small and short, especially compared to both Sword and Shield DLCs, but the cliffhanger has me extremely jazzed for part 2.
Unfortunately, it's a little small and short, especially compared to both Sword and Shield DLCs, but the cliffhanger has me extremely jazzed for part 2.