Hollow
3 reviews liked by Hollow
Currently replaying (again) so I can experience CQM for the first time, see what all the fuss is about.
I will go ahead and say this is an excellent, immersive game brimming with moody, gothic, creepy (and often darkly comedic) atmosphere and strong writing (well... for the most part anyway), bogged down somewhat by its obviously unfinished vanilla state and alpha!Source Engine/wonky physics jank. The absolute necessity of the Unofficial Patch prevents me from rating this a 5/5, but the hard work and lengths the Bloodlines community have gone to to fix glaring bugs, restore cut content and breathe new life (or "unlife" I suppose) into this flawed gem cannot be overstated.
If you like vampires, good RPGs, compelling characters (not to mention some of the excellent voice talent behind them!), and don't mind gameplay that's a little rough around the edges, I can't recommend this game enough. Pick it up on a sale, install the Unofficial Patch (I prefer UP+ but Basic is good enough if all you want is just a vanilla experience with all the bug fixes), and have yourself a time.
Oh, and despite what some of the larger community have to say on the matter, just play whatever clan you want first time around. You might find a deeper appreciation for some of the Malk dialogue if you save them for a second or third playthrough, but it's not as big a deal as some folks make it out to be. You're the one playing, not them, so just do what you want ^_^
I will go ahead and say this is an excellent, immersive game brimming with moody, gothic, creepy (and often darkly comedic) atmosphere and strong writing (well... for the most part anyway), bogged down somewhat by its obviously unfinished vanilla state and alpha!Source Engine/wonky physics jank. The absolute necessity of the Unofficial Patch prevents me from rating this a 5/5, but the hard work and lengths the Bloodlines community have gone to to fix glaring bugs, restore cut content and breathe new life (or "unlife" I suppose) into this flawed gem cannot be overstated.
If you like vampires, good RPGs, compelling characters (not to mention some of the excellent voice talent behind them!), and don't mind gameplay that's a little rough around the edges, I can't recommend this game enough. Pick it up on a sale, install the Unofficial Patch (I prefer UP+ but Basic is good enough if all you want is just a vanilla experience with all the bug fixes), and have yourself a time.
Oh, and despite what some of the larger community have to say on the matter, just play whatever clan you want first time around. You might find a deeper appreciation for some of the Malk dialogue if you save them for a second or third playthrough, but it's not as big a deal as some folks make it out to be. You're the one playing, not them, so just do what you want ^_^
Bloodborne
2015
Back in Junior High, I had this duo of friends who would not stop talking about Dark Souls whenever we were at our table at lunch. Dark Souls 2 had just come out and they were obsessed with it. This is the first time I ever even heard of Dark Souls, and with them always nerding out about it, it did intrigue me a bit. Fast forward to March 2017, I had just gotten a PS4 a couple months prior and I was itching to get into all these types of games I never did before. On a whim I decided to pickup both Dark Souls III and Bloodborne. Boy was that timing perfect, because the next day it snowed big time and it wouldn't let up for like an entire week so I was playing Dark Souls III nonstop. A couple weeks later I then moved on to Bloodborne. I love Dark Souls III, as you know from my reviews of that, but Bloodborne especially really captivated me. I ended up beating it months later during my thanksgiving break I think (sadly getting the bad ending and missing out on the final boss) and thought it was really great. Fast forward again to like March 2019 I think? I on a whim felt like playing Bloodborne again. I really sucked at first, struggling immensely with Gascoigne, but once I got the hang of it again, I honestly had an absolute blast and knew it would be one of my favorite games ever. The platinum and several playthroughs later, here we are and yeah it's back in my top 5 again.
The very first thing the drew me into the game, and I honestly think it's hands down the best aspect, is the Gothic-Horror Lovecraftian aesthetic and the art design as a whole. It's my absolute favorite aesthetic in any game next to Automata's post-apocalyptic world. That's like one of the main reason's I rate this game so highly tbh, it carry's so hard imo. From Central Yharnam, to Cathedral Ward and even something like Nightmare Frontier, I don't dislike any area's aesthetic. Cainhurst is the absolute highlight, just exploring a creepy gothic castle while it's snowing outside...hoo baby. Like even something like Byrgenwerth, which is absolutely tiny, is an area I like going to everytime because of the seaside aesthetics. Plus it's really lore important which is rad.
Speaking of lore and the story of the game, it's the absolute best in the Soulsborne series imo. It just makes the whole world feel so alive, first starting off with basic stuff like the hunt and then eventually delving into cosmic horror by the end. I was never too into Dark Souls lore ever but this game? Yeah I'm totally into it, the horror aspect just intrigues me way more.
Next in the combat and yeah it's a total blast. Instead of hiding behind a shield like in Dark Souls, you're totally defenseless and can only rely on your dodging skills. That may seem like it's tougher, and yeah it is but it rewards you for being super aggressive. The rally system allows you to get some HP back for a short time after being hit which means you can be more risky when fighting enemies. I just find this combat system way more fun than the souls games personally and is another reason why this is my favorite. To go along with the combat, you of course have the weapons. Unlike the souls games, Bloodborne has a much smaller batch of them but I think that's much in the games favor. Every weapon is viable and every weapon is memorable. That paired with the transformation mechanic, where if you press L1 you essentially have two weapons in one, just make these weapons the best ever imo. I usually use the kirk hammer, then Ludwig's Holy Blade and then maybe I switch it out for one of the DLC's weapons and yeah this playthrough was no different.
As I said, I really love the look of every area and that's not all, the actual areas are quite good for the most part. The beginning areas like Central Yharnam or Cathedral Ward are simply some of the best level-design wish because they're so interconnected with other areas. It's not quite Dark Souls 1 level of interconnectivity but it's really a nice change from something like Dark Souls 2 or even 3. By the end it does get more linear, but since the first half is well connected, I didn't have much of an issue with it. I think one of the most memorable moments is when you're all the way into the forbidden woods. You find this path down into a poison cave, you climb up a ladder and you end up at the very beginning of
central yharnam. You unlock the first gate you ever see when playing and I just think that's so cool. The game has several moments like this, like Yahar'Gul connecting to Old Yarhnam after you defeat Darkbeast Paarl, but no moment will be as good as the aformentioned Forbidden Woods interconnectivity.
Now on to the bosses, I think they're generally pretty great. Early game definitely has the more consistently good bosses, tho endgame definitely has some bangers like Gehrman and Martyr Logarius. The mid to end game definitely does have some not great bosses gameplay-wise, but some of them do have other aspects that make me not hate them. Witches of Hemwick is pathetically easy but the especially creepy atmosphere and semi-interesting way to defeat her, I really enjoyed. Plus she had one of my favorite songs in the game. Rom is somewhat annoying but at least has a beautiful area to fight her in. The one reborn is really easy too but I like the callback to Tower Knight. Celestial Emissary is um, yeah I can't really defend this one but it sure is a goofy boss. Micolash was probably my least favorite in the game before, and even tho I had a much better time with him this time, he still isn't great. What really makes up for it tho is he has hands down my favorite dialogue in the game, god it's so entertaining and goddamn whoever voiced him is amazing. The rest of the bosses I either like or love, and again even some of these I do like because of certain other aspects. I know a lot of the bosses aren't perfect but I'm surprised I never outright hated any of them, can't say the same for something like Bed of Chaos or Dragon God lole.
Don't really have much to say about the OST besides the fact it's great like most other souls games. My favorite tracks were the aforementioned Witches of Hemwick theme, the Cleric Beast theme, Micolash's theme, the hunter's dream theme and Gehrman's theme. Those were definitely the standout songs.
My take on the Chalice dungeons are they're a nice distraction from the base game but I probably won't play them again on future replay's. I only dived into them on that playthrough in 2019, and while they were cool they do get tedious if you're going for them all. It is nice how they have unique bosses in them, but yeah not super keen on them. Tho I never hated them like other people and I don't think they detract from the game because it feels more like a side thing which I'm fine with.
Before I end of my review, I just wanted to list off a couple issues with the game. Blood vials are obviously a big point of contention for some people and yeah it is annoying how you might have to eventually grind them if you run out, I never really had an issue with this personally. It's really easy to get them naturally and there's a really good early grinding spot right next to the first lamp in the game lol. Speaking of lamps, I guess people find it annoying how you have to warp back to the Hunter's Dream every time and then warp to another place from there? I guess it's a minor convenience but it never bothered me ever. Now this being 30 FPS is definitely jarring when going from games like Dark Souls III or Sekiro (I know I was taken aback when I came back to this after DS3) and while it would be so awesome if a remaster came out (please no remake dear god) I again never had a major issue with it. People saying it makes the game unplayable, I don't get you lol.
Anywho, this was another long ass review from me but I just absolutely adore this game despite some small flaws. It just gets even better with the DLC which I also beat this time around. Look out for that review very soon!
The very first thing the drew me into the game, and I honestly think it's hands down the best aspect, is the Gothic-Horror Lovecraftian aesthetic and the art design as a whole. It's my absolute favorite aesthetic in any game next to Automata's post-apocalyptic world. That's like one of the main reason's I rate this game so highly tbh, it carry's so hard imo. From Central Yharnam, to Cathedral Ward and even something like Nightmare Frontier, I don't dislike any area's aesthetic. Cainhurst is the absolute highlight, just exploring a creepy gothic castle while it's snowing outside...hoo baby. Like even something like Byrgenwerth, which is absolutely tiny, is an area I like going to everytime because of the seaside aesthetics. Plus it's really lore important which is rad.
Speaking of lore and the story of the game, it's the absolute best in the Soulsborne series imo. It just makes the whole world feel so alive, first starting off with basic stuff like the hunt and then eventually delving into cosmic horror by the end. I was never too into Dark Souls lore ever but this game? Yeah I'm totally into it, the horror aspect just intrigues me way more.
Next in the combat and yeah it's a total blast. Instead of hiding behind a shield like in Dark Souls, you're totally defenseless and can only rely on your dodging skills. That may seem like it's tougher, and yeah it is but it rewards you for being super aggressive. The rally system allows you to get some HP back for a short time after being hit which means you can be more risky when fighting enemies. I just find this combat system way more fun than the souls games personally and is another reason why this is my favorite. To go along with the combat, you of course have the weapons. Unlike the souls games, Bloodborne has a much smaller batch of them but I think that's much in the games favor. Every weapon is viable and every weapon is memorable. That paired with the transformation mechanic, where if you press L1 you essentially have two weapons in one, just make these weapons the best ever imo. I usually use the kirk hammer, then Ludwig's Holy Blade and then maybe I switch it out for one of the DLC's weapons and yeah this playthrough was no different.
As I said, I really love the look of every area and that's not all, the actual areas are quite good for the most part. The beginning areas like Central Yharnam or Cathedral Ward are simply some of the best level-design wish because they're so interconnected with other areas. It's not quite Dark Souls 1 level of interconnectivity but it's really a nice change from something like Dark Souls 2 or even 3. By the end it does get more linear, but since the first half is well connected, I didn't have much of an issue with it. I think one of the most memorable moments is when you're all the way into the forbidden woods. You find this path down into a poison cave, you climb up a ladder and you end up at the very beginning of
central yharnam. You unlock the first gate you ever see when playing and I just think that's so cool. The game has several moments like this, like Yahar'Gul connecting to Old Yarhnam after you defeat Darkbeast Paarl, but no moment will be as good as the aformentioned Forbidden Woods interconnectivity.
Now on to the bosses, I think they're generally pretty great. Early game definitely has the more consistently good bosses, tho endgame definitely has some bangers like Gehrman and Martyr Logarius. The mid to end game definitely does have some not great bosses gameplay-wise, but some of them do have other aspects that make me not hate them. Witches of Hemwick is pathetically easy but the especially creepy atmosphere and semi-interesting way to defeat her, I really enjoyed. Plus she had one of my favorite songs in the game. Rom is somewhat annoying but at least has a beautiful area to fight her in. The one reborn is really easy too but I like the callback to Tower Knight. Celestial Emissary is um, yeah I can't really defend this one but it sure is a goofy boss. Micolash was probably my least favorite in the game before, and even tho I had a much better time with him this time, he still isn't great. What really makes up for it tho is he has hands down my favorite dialogue in the game, god it's so entertaining and goddamn whoever voiced him is amazing. The rest of the bosses I either like or love, and again even some of these I do like because of certain other aspects. I know a lot of the bosses aren't perfect but I'm surprised I never outright hated any of them, can't say the same for something like Bed of Chaos or Dragon God lole.
Don't really have much to say about the OST besides the fact it's great like most other souls games. My favorite tracks were the aforementioned Witches of Hemwick theme, the Cleric Beast theme, Micolash's theme, the hunter's dream theme and Gehrman's theme. Those were definitely the standout songs.
My take on the Chalice dungeons are they're a nice distraction from the base game but I probably won't play them again on future replay's. I only dived into them on that playthrough in 2019, and while they were cool they do get tedious if you're going for them all. It is nice how they have unique bosses in them, but yeah not super keen on them. Tho I never hated them like other people and I don't think they detract from the game because it feels more like a side thing which I'm fine with.
Before I end of my review, I just wanted to list off a couple issues with the game. Blood vials are obviously a big point of contention for some people and yeah it is annoying how you might have to eventually grind them if you run out, I never really had an issue with this personally. It's really easy to get them naturally and there's a really good early grinding spot right next to the first lamp in the game lol. Speaking of lamps, I guess people find it annoying how you have to warp back to the Hunter's Dream every time and then warp to another place from there? I guess it's a minor convenience but it never bothered me ever. Now this being 30 FPS is definitely jarring when going from games like Dark Souls III or Sekiro (I know I was taken aback when I came back to this after DS3) and while it would be so awesome if a remaster came out (please no remake dear god) I again never had a major issue with it. People saying it makes the game unplayable, I don't get you lol.
Anywho, this was another long ass review from me but I just absolutely adore this game despite some small flaws. It just gets even better with the DLC which I also beat this time around. Look out for that review very soon!
Gothic
2001
This review contains spoilers
here's what I think of this game
You’re that “Nothing” when people ask me what I’m thinking about.
You look great today.
You’re a smart cookie.
I bet you make babies smile.
You have impeccable manners.
I like your style.
You have the best laugh.
I appreciate you.
You are the most perfect you there is.
Our system of inside jokes is so advanced that only you and I get it. And I like that.
You’re strong.
Your perspective is refreshing.
You’re an awesome friend.
You light up the room.
You deserve a hug right now.
You should be proud of yourself.
You’re more helpful than you realize.
You have a great sense of humor.
You’ve got all the right moves!
Is that your picture next to “charming” in the dictionary?
Your kindness is a balm to all who encounter it.
You’re all that and a super-size bag of chips.
On a scale from 1 to 10, you’re an 11.
You are brave.
You’re even more beautiful on the inside than you are on the outside.
You have the courage of your convictions.
Aside from food. You’re my favorite.
If cartoon bluebirds were real, a bunch of them would be sitting on your shoulders singing right now.
You are making a difference.
You’re like sunshine on a rainy day.
You bring out the best in other people.
Your ability to recall random factoids at just the right time is impressive.
You’re a great listener.
How is it that you always look great, even in sweatpants?
Everything would be better if more people were like you!
I bet you sweat glitter.
You were cool way before hipsters were cool.
That color is perfect on you.
Hanging out with you is always a blast.
You always know — and say — exactly what I need to hear when I need to hear it.
You smell really good.
You may dance like no one’s watching, but everyone’s watching because you’re an amazing dancer!
Being around you makes everything better!
When you say, “I meant to do that,” I totally believe you.
When you’re not afraid to be yourself is when you’re most incredible.
Colors seem brighter when you’re around.
You’re more fun than a ball pit filled with candy. (And seriously, what could be more fun than that?)
That thing you don’t like about yourself is what makes you so interesting.
You’re wonderful.
Everyday is just BLAH when I don’t see you For reals! (awesome – you are halfway through the list. You’re awesome!)
Jokes are funnier when you tell them.
You’re better than a triple-scoop ice cream cone. With sprinkles.
Your bellybutton is kind of adorable.
Your hair looks stunning.
You’re one of a kind!
You’re inspiring.
If you were a box of crayons, you’d be the giant name-brand one with the built-in sharpener.
You should be thanked more often. So thank you!!
Our community is better because you’re in it.
Someone is getting through something hard right now because you’ve got their back.
You have the best ideas.
You always know how to find that silver lining.
Everyone gets knocked down sometimes, but you always get back up and keep going.
You’re a candle in the darkness.
You’re a great example to others.
Being around you is like being on a happy little vacation.
You always know just what to say.
You’re always learning new things and trying to better yourself, which is awesome.
If someone based an Internet meme on you, it would have impeccable grammar.
You could survive a Zombie apocalypse.
You’re more fun than bubble wrap.
When you make a mistake, you fix it.
Who raised you? They deserve a medal for a job well done.
You’re great at figuring stuff out.
Your voice is magnificent.
The people you love are lucky to have you in their lives.
You’re like a breath of fresh air.
You’re gorgeous — and that’s the least interesting thing about you, too.
You’re so thoughtful.
Your creative potential seems limitless.
You’re the coolest person I know. And I consider myself bet friends with like all celebrities, so. . . .
You’re irresistible when you blush.
Actions speak louder than words, and yours tell an incredible story.
Somehow you make time stop and fly at the same time.
When you make up your mind about something, nothing stands in your way.
You seem to really know who you are.
Any team would be lucky to have you on it.
In high school I bet you were voted “most likely to keep being awesome.”
I bet you do the crossword puzzle in ink.
Babies and small animals probably love you.
If you were a scented candle they’d call it Perfectly Imperfect (and it would smell like summer).
There’s ordinary, and then there’s you.
You’re someone’s reason to smile.
You’re even better than a unicorn, because you’re real.
How do you keep being so funny and making everyone laugh?
You have a good head on your shoulders.
Has anyone ever told you that you have great posture?
The way you treasure your loved ones is incredible.
You’re really something special.
You’re a gift to those around you.
You’re that “Nothing” when people ask me what I’m thinking about.
You look great today.
You’re a smart cookie.
I bet you make babies smile.
You have impeccable manners.
I like your style.
You have the best laugh.
I appreciate you.
You are the most perfect you there is.
Our system of inside jokes is so advanced that only you and I get it. And I like that.
You’re strong.
Your perspective is refreshing.
You’re an awesome friend.
You light up the room.
You deserve a hug right now.
You should be proud of yourself.
You’re more helpful than you realize.
You have a great sense of humor.
You’ve got all the right moves!
Is that your picture next to “charming” in the dictionary?
Your kindness is a balm to all who encounter it.
You’re all that and a super-size bag of chips.
On a scale from 1 to 10, you’re an 11.
You are brave.
You’re even more beautiful on the inside than you are on the outside.
You have the courage of your convictions.
Aside from food. You’re my favorite.
If cartoon bluebirds were real, a bunch of them would be sitting on your shoulders singing right now.
You are making a difference.
You’re like sunshine on a rainy day.
You bring out the best in other people.
Your ability to recall random factoids at just the right time is impressive.
You’re a great listener.
How is it that you always look great, even in sweatpants?
Everything would be better if more people were like you!
I bet you sweat glitter.
You were cool way before hipsters were cool.
That color is perfect on you.
Hanging out with you is always a blast.
You always know — and say — exactly what I need to hear when I need to hear it.
You smell really good.
You may dance like no one’s watching, but everyone’s watching because you’re an amazing dancer!
Being around you makes everything better!
When you say, “I meant to do that,” I totally believe you.
When you’re not afraid to be yourself is when you’re most incredible.
Colors seem brighter when you’re around.
You’re more fun than a ball pit filled with candy. (And seriously, what could be more fun than that?)
That thing you don’t like about yourself is what makes you so interesting.
You’re wonderful.
Everyday is just BLAH when I don’t see you For reals! (awesome – you are halfway through the list. You’re awesome!)
Jokes are funnier when you tell them.
You’re better than a triple-scoop ice cream cone. With sprinkles.
Your bellybutton is kind of adorable.
Your hair looks stunning.
You’re one of a kind!
You’re inspiring.
If you were a box of crayons, you’d be the giant name-brand one with the built-in sharpener.
You should be thanked more often. So thank you!!
Our community is better because you’re in it.
Someone is getting through something hard right now because you’ve got their back.
You have the best ideas.
You always know how to find that silver lining.
Everyone gets knocked down sometimes, but you always get back up and keep going.
You’re a candle in the darkness.
You’re a great example to others.
Being around you is like being on a happy little vacation.
You always know just what to say.
You’re always learning new things and trying to better yourself, which is awesome.
If someone based an Internet meme on you, it would have impeccable grammar.
You could survive a Zombie apocalypse.
You’re more fun than bubble wrap.
When you make a mistake, you fix it.
Who raised you? They deserve a medal for a job well done.
You’re great at figuring stuff out.
Your voice is magnificent.
The people you love are lucky to have you in their lives.
You’re like a breath of fresh air.
You’re gorgeous — and that’s the least interesting thing about you, too.
You’re so thoughtful.
Your creative potential seems limitless.
You’re the coolest person I know. And I consider myself bet friends with like all celebrities, so. . . .
You’re irresistible when you blush.
Actions speak louder than words, and yours tell an incredible story.
Somehow you make time stop and fly at the same time.
When you make up your mind about something, nothing stands in your way.
You seem to really know who you are.
Any team would be lucky to have you on it.
In high school I bet you were voted “most likely to keep being awesome.”
I bet you do the crossword puzzle in ink.
Babies and small animals probably love you.
If you were a scented candle they’d call it Perfectly Imperfect (and it would smell like summer).
There’s ordinary, and then there’s you.
You’re someone’s reason to smile.
You’re even better than a unicorn, because you’re real.
How do you keep being so funny and making everyone laugh?
You have a good head on your shoulders.
Has anyone ever told you that you have great posture?
The way you treasure your loved ones is incredible.
You’re really something special.
You’re a gift to those around you.