MassKezEffect
16 Reviews liked by MassKezEffect
What a disappoinment. I liked the first game, it was a surprisingly good narrative experience, visually stunning for it's time, with some chunks of combat and simple puzzles, exploring the themes of love, loss, grief, peace, etc, on a short destination journey through the struggling mind of a mentally ill protagonist, delivered by a small team of 20 people. It was great for what it was - a short indie game.
The sequel, on the other hand.. Much bigger budget, much bigger team, 6 years of development, and... we get LESS of the same. Getting the obvious out of the way - the game does look amazing, but that's about it. I didn't want to play an Unreal Engine 5 tech-demo.
I don't have a problem with the game being a walking simulator, sometimes I'm in the mood for an "interactive movie-game", but GOD.. I do have a problem with the story. It's awful. Basically non-existent. I couldn't care less about it, about the characters, about the "emotions", which just felt forced.
The voices, that were a cool addition for some banter and a character growth in the first game, became a constant annoying chatter that doesn't say anything at all. They just cycle 2 types of sentences about "light" or "darkness", and it's getting old really quick.
The whole "schizophrenia" stuff of the first game that the devs were so proud to show and represent in the game, loses it's point once tons of characters appear and participate in the fantasy plot.
The game is 5-6 hours long, and you spend half of it slowly crawling in a dark CAVE holding "forward", I'm not kidding. But honestly, I wouldn't mind crawling even more, just give me an ENGAGING STORY, it's your ONLY job with a game like that. Did they really spend 5 years photoscanning Iceland to deliver a realistic environment, and the most realistic and detailed cave I've seen in a videogame..? I mean, cool, I guess.. was it worth it, though.
The sequel, on the other hand.. Much bigger budget, much bigger team, 6 years of development, and... we get LESS of the same. Getting the obvious out of the way - the game does look amazing, but that's about it. I didn't want to play an Unreal Engine 5 tech-demo.
I don't have a problem with the game being a walking simulator, sometimes I'm in the mood for an "interactive movie-game", but GOD.. I do have a problem with the story. It's awful. Basically non-existent. I couldn't care less about it, about the characters, about the "emotions", which just felt forced.
The voices, that were a cool addition for some banter and a character growth in the first game, became a constant annoying chatter that doesn't say anything at all. They just cycle 2 types of sentences about "light" or "darkness", and it's getting old really quick.
The whole "schizophrenia" stuff of the first game that the devs were so proud to show and represent in the game, loses it's point once tons of characters appear and participate in the fantasy plot.
The game is 5-6 hours long, and you spend half of it slowly crawling in a dark CAVE holding "forward", I'm not kidding. But honestly, I wouldn't mind crawling even more, just give me an ENGAGING STORY, it's your ONLY job with a game like that. Did they really spend 5 years photoscanning Iceland to deliver a realistic environment, and the most realistic and detailed cave I've seen in a videogame..? I mean, cool, I guess.. was it worth it, though.
I'm going to be brief and resist saying things that are generally mean because as someone who's played games for over 25 years, I don't think this "game" is for me.
I'll start with one of the only positives in that Team Ninja, for a team their size, has achieved a very high level of both mo-cap and general graphical fidelity. However, the fact that they force you to experience this world through a letterbox smeared in vaseline is a crying shame to all the artists who worked on this game's visuals. Using the game's photo-mode to blow open your view of this game's landscapes is a truly baffling experience.
TN's use of binaural audio is also impressive. Having voices or footsteps surround you during certain parts of the game can be very immersive. However, having some of the dullest dialogue recited to you ad-nauseum is a complete waste of the technology. "ChatGPT, please write me 20 sentences about dark, light, blood, pain, shadows with 10 being self-affirmations and 10 being negative self-talk".
I'll leave it there. I think the less said about the combat the better. All the characters are mostly forgettable and the game does little to build on Senua's personality or goals from the first game beyond shedding feelings of guilt and doubt.
I applaud TN for sticking to a goal during development for so long, especially during a clearly tumultuous time for Microsoft 1st Party but I do wonder what made this story (or even franchise) need to be a video-game.
I'll start with one of the only positives in that Team Ninja, for a team their size, has achieved a very high level of both mo-cap and general graphical fidelity. However, the fact that they force you to experience this world through a letterbox smeared in vaseline is a crying shame to all the artists who worked on this game's visuals. Using the game's photo-mode to blow open your view of this game's landscapes is a truly baffling experience.
TN's use of binaural audio is also impressive. Having voices or footsteps surround you during certain parts of the game can be very immersive. However, having some of the dullest dialogue recited to you ad-nauseum is a complete waste of the technology. "ChatGPT, please write me 20 sentences about dark, light, blood, pain, shadows with 10 being self-affirmations and 10 being negative self-talk".
I'll leave it there. I think the less said about the combat the better. All the characters are mostly forgettable and the game does little to build on Senua's personality or goals from the first game beyond shedding feelings of guilt and doubt.
I applaud TN for sticking to a goal during development for so long, especially during a clearly tumultuous time for Microsoft 1st Party but I do wonder what made this story (or even franchise) need to be a video-game.
Man, last year I had a blast with fortnite´s battle pass, it felt easy to level up, and the dopamine rush from the fast level ups was great.
While the gameplay is kinda improving, I think I am already tired of it, the dopamine rush is what holds this game together to me, it seems, which I don't think is a good thing at all.
Since the introduction of the other modes, br leveling seems to be glacial, being forced to play lego or festival to have a decent daily level up. I dislike it.
The only reason I got this bp was for Korra, so I don't think I will be coming back to the br mode and might just play Festival, though the last has such an expensive model that I don't see myself purchasing anything.
I think Fortnite is cannibalizing itself.
While the gameplay is kinda improving, I think I am already tired of it, the dopamine rush is what holds this game together to me, it seems, which I don't think is a good thing at all.
Since the introduction of the other modes, br leveling seems to be glacial, being forced to play lego or festival to have a decent daily level up. I dislike it.
The only reason I got this bp was for Korra, so I don't think I will be coming back to the br mode and might just play Festival, though the last has such an expensive model that I don't see myself purchasing anything.
I think Fortnite is cannibalizing itself.
This review contains spoilers
The Yakuza franchise is one which I have a strong attachment to, having played Yakuza 0 for the first time 5 years ago at a turning point in my life, (and having played approx. 2 hours of Kiwami 2 months prior) then went on to finish out the series along with Kiryu's story the year prior after the Yakuza Remastered Collection finally launched, so it was no secret that I was looking forward to this game quite a bit.
Back in 2022, when it was first announced that Kiryu was making a return as a main character, I was befuddled. "How would they make this work well?" Yet, I trusted in RGG due to their insane track record from Yakuza 5 beyond. I'm happy to say that trust was not misplaced in the slightest. This along with Yakuza: Like A Dragon may equate to my favorite video game duology of all time, if you'd elect to refer to them as such. [Trilogy, including Gaiden(?)]
Anyway, let me start off with the premise. A Yakuza game taking place.... overseas? I was ecstatic, the series was finally crossing borders, and the end result was something incredible. Not only does the locale feel alive thanks to Aloha-Links and Sujimon, it also feels complete. Every area feels well accounted for and feels like it serves a significant purpose despite the overall size of the map.
Then.... the GAMEPLAY. It turns out all RGG had to do in order to make it 10x better was add the ability to walk. Insane. Of course, yes, walking is great and all, but what else can you do...? Strategically position yourself in order to inflict the most damage possible. And although this game follows in the tradition of higher level=instawin, it manages to feel fresh and new every new road tread, and thanks to the sheer amount of jobs available at your disposal, it never feels worn down or boring.
THE MUSIC... holy shit. 132 tracks and they're all bangers, I thank Chihiro Aoki and her cohorts every day for blessings like "The Four", "Kooky", even down to the main Kiryu Yokohama battle theme. Long battle after long battle... straight jammin', they kept coming out with better and better themes each and every time until that crescendo at the end. Looking at you in particular, The Four.
And finally... what would a Yakuza game be without its story? My feelings on this aspect are complicated, because the only part of the story I couldn't fully comprehend at first was the ending. All throughout, learning more and more about Kiryu's illness and the gangs of Hawaii kept my interest tight, yet without Chitose and Tomizawa, some scenes would definitely be left wanting. They bring so much life to the gang, so seeing their personalities unravel throughout the runtime was one of the simplest joys. On Ichiban's part... the voice direction and acting was as incredible as ever. (I used the Japanese dub throughout so I can't speak for the English version). Ichiban truly is metamorphosing into everything Nishiki could've been had the stresses not piled up on him, or his way down the dark path he tread wasn't set in stone. Him finally meeting his mom and giving her Masumi's ashes was one of those moments where you just know he's a keeper, what a LAD. (literally, lmao)
On Kiryu's side of the story... during the last 6 chapters, he seemed to take a noticeable priority over Ichiban, and I can't help but feel Ichi didn't get to shine in the spotlight enough for my personal tastes when all was said and done, but... this was where this game truly began to feel like a celebration of the series and its legacy. The memoirs, the life links... taking one last trip down memory lane for Kiryu's sake made the ending fall into place SO much more than it normally would have. The game pulls a large paradigm shift if you weren't expecting it, especially towards the end. As the story began to wind down, it became crystal clear to me that this came wasn't meant to put Kiryu Kazuma to rest once (eighth?) and for all. It was meant to allow him to naturally find a reason to live. After Ebina was bested, Kiryu says it clearly... there was so much more he could've done. As for the role of Fourth Chairman, he feels certain that he failed the Tojo Clan, allowing exceptions like Ebina to be born. Those who languish all the Yakuza have done, those whose lives have been irreversibly impacted by their deeds. Kiryu was more than willing to throw away his life for the sake of stopping this man as well as rescuing Lani, a little girl who when she came to mind, he couldn't help hut envision only Haruka and her parallel struggles. No, this game was never meant to spell out the final scrawlings on Kiryu's tombstone... but to renew his life. It was meant to start Kiryu on the path to a peaceful life, one in which he can live as Kiryu Kazuma, hopefully overcome cancer, and find peace. I just think that's kinda beautiful.
If there's a swan song to be had, I hope it'll come next game in the form of Kiryu living contentedly with his family, and perhaps working to rehabilitate those whose whole lives were made in the Yakuza, just as Ichiban wishes.
Finally, I can't write a review without mentioning the final Eiji scene. 10/10. I can't even bring myself to CARE that it felt to abrupt, or about the fact that proper build-up was somewhat lacking. It was heartful and heartbreaking all at once. Only Ichiban could promise so easily that which Arakawa couldn't do for him in one scene so earnestly and manage to be believable. This was undoubtedly RGG's way of making up for Masatos's untimely death. I couldn't be happier with it.
Back in 2022, when it was first announced that Kiryu was making a return as a main character, I was befuddled. "How would they make this work well?" Yet, I trusted in RGG due to their insane track record from Yakuza 5 beyond. I'm happy to say that trust was not misplaced in the slightest. This along with Yakuza: Like A Dragon may equate to my favorite video game duology of all time, if you'd elect to refer to them as such. [Trilogy, including Gaiden(?)]
Anyway, let me start off with the premise. A Yakuza game taking place.... overseas? I was ecstatic, the series was finally crossing borders, and the end result was something incredible. Not only does the locale feel alive thanks to Aloha-Links and Sujimon, it also feels complete. Every area feels well accounted for and feels like it serves a significant purpose despite the overall size of the map.
Then.... the GAMEPLAY. It turns out all RGG had to do in order to make it 10x better was add the ability to walk. Insane. Of course, yes, walking is great and all, but what else can you do...? Strategically position yourself in order to inflict the most damage possible. And although this game follows in the tradition of higher level=instawin, it manages to feel fresh and new every new road tread, and thanks to the sheer amount of jobs available at your disposal, it never feels worn down or boring.
THE MUSIC... holy shit. 132 tracks and they're all bangers, I thank Chihiro Aoki and her cohorts every day for blessings like "The Four", "Kooky", even down to the main Kiryu Yokohama battle theme. Long battle after long battle... straight jammin', they kept coming out with better and better themes each and every time until that crescendo at the end. Looking at you in particular, The Four.
And finally... what would a Yakuza game be without its story? My feelings on this aspect are complicated, because the only part of the story I couldn't fully comprehend at first was the ending. All throughout, learning more and more about Kiryu's illness and the gangs of Hawaii kept my interest tight, yet without Chitose and Tomizawa, some scenes would definitely be left wanting. They bring so much life to the gang, so seeing their personalities unravel throughout the runtime was one of the simplest joys. On Ichiban's part... the voice direction and acting was as incredible as ever. (I used the Japanese dub throughout so I can't speak for the English version). Ichiban truly is metamorphosing into everything Nishiki could've been had the stresses not piled up on him, or his way down the dark path he tread wasn't set in stone. Him finally meeting his mom and giving her Masumi's ashes was one of those moments where you just know he's a keeper, what a LAD. (literally, lmao)
On Kiryu's side of the story... during the last 6 chapters, he seemed to take a noticeable priority over Ichiban, and I can't help but feel Ichi didn't get to shine in the spotlight enough for my personal tastes when all was said and done, but... this was where this game truly began to feel like a celebration of the series and its legacy. The memoirs, the life links... taking one last trip down memory lane for Kiryu's sake made the ending fall into place SO much more than it normally would have. The game pulls a large paradigm shift if you weren't expecting it, especially towards the end. As the story began to wind down, it became crystal clear to me that this came wasn't meant to put Kiryu Kazuma to rest once (eighth?) and for all. It was meant to allow him to naturally find a reason to live. After Ebina was bested, Kiryu says it clearly... there was so much more he could've done. As for the role of Fourth Chairman, he feels certain that he failed the Tojo Clan, allowing exceptions like Ebina to be born. Those who languish all the Yakuza have done, those whose lives have been irreversibly impacted by their deeds. Kiryu was more than willing to throw away his life for the sake of stopping this man as well as rescuing Lani, a little girl who when she came to mind, he couldn't help hut envision only Haruka and her parallel struggles. No, this game was never meant to spell out the final scrawlings on Kiryu's tombstone... but to renew his life. It was meant to start Kiryu on the path to a peaceful life, one in which he can live as Kiryu Kazuma, hopefully overcome cancer, and find peace. I just think that's kinda beautiful.
If there's a swan song to be had, I hope it'll come next game in the form of Kiryu living contentedly with his family, and perhaps working to rehabilitate those whose whole lives were made in the Yakuza, just as Ichiban wishes.
Finally, I can't write a review without mentioning the final Eiji scene. 10/10. I can't even bring myself to CARE that it felt to abrupt, or about the fact that proper build-up was somewhat lacking. It was heartful and heartbreaking all at once. Only Ichiban could promise so easily that which Arakawa couldn't do for him in one scene so earnestly and manage to be believable. This was undoubtedly RGG's way of making up for Masatos's untimely death. I couldn't be happier with it.
Final Fantasy XVI
2023
This is sadly one of those games that gets worse the longer you play it. The beginning is unbelievably good. It hooks you from the very beginning and it's incredibly difficult to put down. Sadly the game doesn't maintain that level of quality for very long.
Big story moments are cut up by incredibly draining, monotonous, boring segments where all you do is just, walk and talk. This normally wouldn't be a big deal, its a JRPG, that's kind of the deal. This DOES however, become an issue when the big moments and action stages are so incredible, so high budget, so well done, that the low budget filler sections stand out like a sore thumb.
The gameplay is fantastic, the story is amazing at its best, and a little bland at its worst. I personally would have preferred if they kept the story and villain more low fantasy, like the rest of the game. The final encounter is cool and all, but the story would have been much more effective with a more down to earth and grounded villain.
I still think its a fantastic game, just one with some issues that will hopefully be ironed out in the team's next endeavor.
Big story moments are cut up by incredibly draining, monotonous, boring segments where all you do is just, walk and talk. This normally wouldn't be a big deal, its a JRPG, that's kind of the deal. This DOES however, become an issue when the big moments and action stages are so incredible, so high budget, so well done, that the low budget filler sections stand out like a sore thumb.
The gameplay is fantastic, the story is amazing at its best, and a little bland at its worst. I personally would have preferred if they kept the story and villain more low fantasy, like the rest of the game. The final encounter is cool and all, but the story would have been much more effective with a more down to earth and grounded villain.
I still think its a fantastic game, just one with some issues that will hopefully be ironed out in the team's next endeavor.
Halo: Combat Evolved
2001
I used to think this was one of the least compelling halo games, until I just let everything else I knew go, and just allowed myself to enjoy it. Despite everything, this game captures the imagination and wonder that so much of modern sci-fi neglects.
A surprise to many, Black Flag was the AC2 to 3's AC1, aka it took a gameplay aspect from the previous game (ship combat) and refined it into a iconic and enjoyable experience. The meta-commentary on game development served up by the story is refreshing (and particularly ironic given the state of Ubisoft at the time), while the focus on the piratical aesthetic is somehow not incredibly corny. In that light, it functions remarkably well as a standalone game outside of the AC series.
Hyper Light Drifter
2016
the dynamic music and look of this game are both amazing, and i honestly recommend playing it even if you don't usually play games like this, just for the scenery and ost alone. the only real issues i have with this game are with the gameplay and how ridiculous some of the rooms in the late game can get.
This game has so much life and charm poured into it and I love it very, very much. The protagonists all have excellent chemistry and work off of each other really, really well, and they’re easily the highlight of the game. The gameplay itself, however, is also very good; the combat is well-designed and the bosses especially feel good to fight against and that’s ESPECIALLY if you’re playing on hard mode (which you should if you can, by the way). The game looks and feels great and has so, so much to interact with and so much to do and I really can’t recommend it enough.
Fortnite Zero Build
2023
genuinely dont get how people can build in this game. insane multi tasking is the reason i could never get into fortnite. thanks to this mode, for the first time in my life ive felt like mike from breaking bad
Hi-Fi Rush
2023
My personal GOTY for 2023. So much personality, so much charm, with phenomenal gameplay. The game basically turns the whole action game genre on its head with its rhythm mechanics. Controls are tight, precise and fluid, combo and special move executions literally always feel rewarding. The game is always keeping itself fresh by rewarding the player with exciting boss fights, a consistent flow of new mechanics that add to the game's superb action-rhythm gameplay, and charming characters. Lastly (and almost the most important part), the game has an excellent soundtrack. Play this game!!!
Not sure if this is the best entry point into the series, but even as a standalone game, Like A Dragon is pretty damn good. A JRPG that manages to show you a serious crime drama while also being completely ridiculous (in a good way) in side stories. A game that takes gameplay inspiration from every famous JRPG there is and manages to serve it as a very engaging turn-based battle system. And the music is top-notch too.
I'm considering learning shogi and koi-koi just so I can 100% this game.
I'm considering learning shogi and koi-koi just so I can 100% this game.
Hours of time spent in the sandbox mode, throwing around enemies. Using all the powers. Being amazed at the ragdoll physics!
Yakuza 4 Remastered
2019
It sounds like the story for Y4 gets a bad rap by a lot of people, but I found it to be the most enjoyable story since Y0. Really only focused on story stuff since the remastered games have very little minigame appeal compared to the more modern titles, but the story is well worth it imo.
The story is definitely A Lot and requires you to pay a ton of attention, but it's clear that it was a step in the right direction after Y3.
The story is definitely A Lot and requires you to pay a ton of attention, but it's clear that it was a step in the right direction after Y3.
The Oracle games are some of the only Zelda games I haven't beaten before. The reason being I thought they were mid and boring, but giving it a much fairer shake this time, I actually really enjoyed it. Every single dungeon is good to great, with some great puzzles and fantastic navigation, plus a few really unique dungeon items used in creative ways. It makes me really excited for Ages, since I hear that game focuses more on the puzzles.
The overworld exploration is also extremely fun with the season switching, and is perfectly nonlinear without ever dipping into "what the fuck do I do" territory like Link's Awakening does at times. Overall, not an amazing game or anything, especially right after finishing two of my favorite games of all time, but I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would.
The overworld exploration is also extremely fun with the season switching, and is perfectly nonlinear without ever dipping into "what the fuck do I do" territory like Link's Awakening does at times. Overall, not an amazing game or anything, especially right after finishing two of my favorite games of all time, but I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would.