As with many players, my introduction to the franchise was through Persona 5. During the pandemic, I played the game, and it quickly became my favorite of all time. It was somewhat amusing because I'm not typically into JRPGs or Japanese culture, but Persona has something truly unique about it. That's why Persona 3 Reload was my most anticipated game of the year, despite being a remake of an older title.

It's nearly impossible to review Persona 3 Reload without comparing it to Persona 5. Since its announcement, Persona 3 Reload seemed like the kind of remake that the Pokémon Company used to do with its older games. And I was right: Persona 3 Reload takes everything developed for Persona 5 and creates a true and good remake.

Persona 3 Reload is a classic Persona game that divides into two parts: your normal life as a student, and a hero's journey to save the world. In the first part, you attend school to study and interact with friends, while in the second part, you face enemies called shadows.

The social aspect of the game is particularly enjoyable. In addition to your duties as a student, you'll need to socialize with various characters from the school and rest of the world. Each character has a unique story, and you'll need to meet them multiple times to complete their storylines. This mechanic is called social links. Compared to Persona 5, I found these stories even more engaging.

The "hero part" is a turn-based RPG. I know that many people don't enjoy games of this style, but Persona games offer dynamic combat. Personally, I'm not usually a fan of turn-based games, but Persona takes the genre to another level.

Despite the game being split into two parts, they converge seamlessly. The interactions you have with friends will make you stronger to face enemies. The game operates on a calendar system, allowing you to decide when to hang out with friends, study, battle against enemies, or improve your social attributes.

The main story of the game starts strong, slows down a bit in the middle, and finishes perfectly. While I still prefer Persona 5's story, it's incredible how Atlus is able to create such incredible characters that are truly charismatic and make you care deeply about them. I enjoyed learning about their lives and backgrounds while also worrying about their futures.

I do think that Persona 3 Reload has some minor issues, such as poorly placed activities in the calendar system. There are moments where you have nothing to do for a few days, followed by days where you're overwhelmed with tasks. This became a problem near the end when I had enough money and maxed out all my social attributes. Additionally, I didn't appreciate how much time it took to start social links with party members, and that it was limited to just the female characters.

Another thing that is truly incredible in this franchise, and it holds true here as well, is the soundtrack. Persona 3 Reload boasts one of the best soundtracks ever in the gaming industry.

It took me 75 hours to finish my first playthrough, and I almost completed everything that could be done.

In conclusion, Persona 3 Reload is one of the best games we've had in recent years, but I still prefer Persona 5. If you enjoy JRPGs or Japanese culture, it's a must-play game. Even if you don't, I recommend giving it a chance, as I promise you won't be disappointed.

This game and this expac changed my life. Like there's a certain experience that just cant be found anywhere else than in mmos. Playing this on release and seeing discussion revolving different parts of the story, talking about things with friends, travelling the journey with new friends you've made along the way; its just magical. All of the memories you make, the challenges you overcome, and the growth you have, on top of just having a fantastic game overall is amazing. Endwalker specifically really feels like the culmination of the entire final fantasy franchises lifespan come into appreciation of its players. Will probably forever remain my favorite game.

Very good slow burn horror. I haven't had this much trouble putting down something I was reading for ages.

Definitely play it with the 07th expansion, voice acting and the original sprites add so much. It wouldn't be the same if the characters just looked like your run of the mill anime girls. Some people might find Ryukishi's artwork ugly, and so did I at first, but it has an undeniable charm that you shouldn't miss out on. Maybe you'll come around to enjoy it like I did.

Chapter 1 is free and short. No reason not to read it. If you want you can also pirate it. But why would you pirate a free game? Why did he do that??? I still do not know. God bless.

I'm looking forward to reading more.

A weaker opening act than chapter 1, because it feels like it needlessly reintroduces some elements. But a stronger closing act due to the ability for a second chapter to pick a more central character/focus. Though I prefer chapter 1 more as it can serve as a standalone narrative. Whereas this chapter definitely leaves some stuff that will probably be tackled later. I will probably put my overall thoughts down in my review for the final chapter.

Unless I'm mistaken, I don't believe Gear and Fascism were in chapter 1 though. And those are wonderfully crafted songs. Without this soundtrack as its backdrop, some of the scenes would not evoke the emotion it would have otherwise. I'm curious to see if and how the soundtrack expands in the future.

Despite being a shorter “bonus” chapter, there is still a lot to like here.

Having a point of view mostly disconnected from the usual cast and setting allows the reader to experience Hinamizawa from a refreshing new angle. Having the story structured this way might make the reader question different aspects of the narrative, and come up with new answers for previous questions.

The cop procedure is a very fun read, seeing a properly executed action scene was enjoyable. I also quite liked the Mahjong scene, obviously.

The new song Dancers #5 is a very good detective tune. Whilst plenty of other new songs awaken their own emotion. From the mysterious “days of children #3” to the panicked and tense “meditation”. Lots of good stuff here.

Even if it might feel very disconnected, it still manages to weave a strong ending using the reader's pre-existing knowledge.

If Yakuza 3 has a million of fans I am one of them.

If Yakuza 3 has ten fans I am one of them.

If Yakuza 3 has only one fan that is me.

If Yakuza 3 has no fans, that means I am no longer on earth.

If the world is against Yakuza 3, I am against the world.

Dragon's Dogmeh

I feel like I've been collectively gaslit by the gaming world for the better part of a decade after finally getting to play Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen. Throughout the past eleven years post release, I'd heard of Dragon's Dogma as this legendary cult classic from Capcom that championed a great game filled with the Western approach to wizardry and fantasy. A process unlike myself, I bought DD before really looking into anything about how it played or what made people so excited for its incoming sequel. I figured that as a fan of Capcom's marquee titles and RPG's rich in scope and lore in general that I would take to it, but I did not. It's like ordering a Whopper because you thought you were going to get a succulent juicy hamburger like in the photo, but instead you got two patties enveloped in year old mayonnaise and someone's Burger King Foot Lettuce.

This is genuinely one of the worst looking games I've played, and I will go as far to say that playing Metal Gear Solid (a 1998 release) for the first time a year or two ago, I'd rather look at the four polygons that make up Otacon's face than half the characters in DD. Everyone looks so... off, a far cry from how great Capcom's facial and character design would look a few years down the line. In terms of the character elements of DD, the VA is real real real bad, which is unfortunate because there are some recognizable names, most notably David Lodge, but the title simply feels bad to listen to.

The narrative is... boring, effectively not existing until the latter half of the second act, and then materializing moreso in the third. Nothing really inspires you to care about this drab and boring world. Even Shadow of the Colossus, a game I absolutely despised at least looked more interesting and had more intrigue into its boneless landscape, Dragon's Dogma's world and capital city of Grandsys just kinda feel like Diet Water. For how much you have to run in this game, which is a lot, the world does little to nothing to engage with the player. Recycled enemies placed in locations just simply because the devs felt like they needed enemies, which breaks the rhythm of travel, made traversal feel worse than it already did. Because the devs don't believe in fast travel, something ultimately too convenient and useful, you have to run from point A to point B and then back to point A every time. This feels awful the first time you do it, and then the second time, and then the third time, and so on and so forth. Add into the mix that you're operating off of a scant stamina bar outside of hub worlds and your perception of getting anywhere in a reasonable amount of time crumbles to dust.

My real favorite part about Dragon's Dogma is how the damage is calculated. In most RPG's, and many games outside of the genre, you have a clear progression route for weapons and gear. You start weak and then upgrade your way to bigger and better items. In a game like Dark Souls for example, you have clear points in which you realize you should probably be levelling up your weapons, it's those moments where you're conceivably doing less damage to enemies and bosses than you feel like you should. You can still conquer any foe, but you have to put in more and more work when the world becomes stronger and your weapons relatively become weaker. In DD, your weapons at a certain point simply do not hurt the enemy. This concept is so laughably flawed that I found myself doing the Jackie Chan meme face from like fifteen years ago at my computer screen on multiple occasions. I get having a sign of "maybe you should upgrade your weapons" but getting into it with a group of bandits or goblins and slapping Sauron with a literal wet noodle that didn't even touch the health bar was incredibly bad game design.

I'm adding another miscellaneous complaint here about silent protagonism. I love having this emotional and lore heavy moment going on and my character is just standing there, mouth agape like she was waiting for a bowl of Golden Grahams with a little itty bitty scoop of milk included. For a game that relies upon the actions of your character and how they shape the entire world at large for the infinite future, there is a resounding lack of feeling important in Dragon's Dogma.

I can't recommend this game for anyone, and it solely (along with dev comments about fast travel) made me take any interest in the sequel away. It's ugly, it plays ugly, it's dated, it's Dragon's Dogmeh.

Stardew Valley feels like coming home.

I can't remember which playthrough I'm on, which is a rarity for me. I've revisited childhood favorites like Zelda and Mario countless times, cherishing each experience. However, as an adult, this happens less frequently. Maybe it's because modern games don't resonate with me as deeply, or maybe my gaming habits have simply changed over time. Yet, whenever I boot up Stardew Valley, it hits all the right notes. Whether I've talked with the residents of Pelican Town dozens of times or played through its events repeatedly, the game retains its magical allure. It feels like a nostalgic return to childhood gaming, a comforting experience I can enjoy every time of the year.

What's truly remarkable is the developer's commitment to continually expanding the game with substantial updates and expansions, all provided for free. Stardew Valley brims with passion and love. Despite its status as one of the most successful indie games of all time, the developer continues to pour his heart into it, enriching the experience for players. I deeply respect and appreciate this dedication, which unfortunately is no longer a given in today's gaming industry.

I could honestly ramble endlessly about this masterpiece of a game. Nearly a decade after my first playthrough, it still holds a special place in my heart and it probably always will.

dreams are big, and subtext is for cowards

have you ever wanted to be a taxi driver? what about a bear hunter? what about an idol? what about a guy who has money?? what about a ex baseball pro??? well guess what! with yakuza 5, your dreams (wink) canm come true!!!!!!

yakuza 5 does have some littol flaws that keep it from being a 5/5 for me, such as the encounter rate which made me want to have an encounter with falling off the side of a cliff :3 there's some plot issues but tbh they are not so bad that they bring down the game much, if at all, for me.

the new characters make me ascend higher than the highest highs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! takasugi and shinada 4 lyfe <333333 i think also this game in the series is one of the first to really dig deep into self reflection, and using dreams (wink) to showcase characters flaws and goals in such a beautiful way oh my god, very good very well done rgg i love u

i also think the antags are very good and i'm so happy that yakuza 5 did not fall into the same tropes that have been going on for 4 games in a row. good job yakuza 5

yakuza 5's themes are dreamlike (wink), i think they really do well at weaving the protagonists stories together, and make the finale section of the game genuinely superb writing. there's something so special about these larger than life characters, who often times literally and metaphorically explode off the screen, have wishes that are so human. dreams (wink) are so big and huge, yet the humans wanting them are so small, but can still be a constant inspiration for those around them

yume think i'm exaggerating, but i wouldn't dream of it, this game is sheer peak, and i cannot wait for more of the story to come <3

Jin was already one of my favorite characters in Xenoblade 2, but this game adds a ton to him. On top of that, it gives characterization to Adam and Lora, builds onto Mythra's backstory in a great way, and fleshes out Brighid and Haze. The core story isn't as strong as base game 2, but it's a great backstory, and really gives you a new appreciation for the events of the base game.

A lot of the issues with base 2 are smoothed out, and there are some great QOL improvements here (especially with the tutorials). Combat's also really fun and streamlines 2's ideas really well, although I do prefer the base game's simply because it gives you a lot more options. Having less does work for a game Torna's length, but it's not necessarily my preference. In terms of level design, Torna itself is fantastic while Gormott is really just a lesser version of the base game's Gormott Province (which isn't saying much because I adore Gormott Province). I actually don't mind the Community requirements because I think the sidequests integrate really well with the story. Plus, it's how I play Xenoblade anyway, although I can see it being an annoyance for other people.

Overall, a fantastic DLC, even if it's not quite on the same level as the base game. I heard someone say (I think it was about Witcher 3's DLC) "If all DLC was this good, EA would be my favorite company." And yeah, that about sums it up.