pretty fire world design and ost, I actually started with the original but then saw this on sale and just bought it, worth the visual upgrade. I miss this era of games, and the setting here is very evocative. I've been wanting to eventually play the much acclaimed Panzer Dragoon Saga so going through the series right now, but it really reminds me of like the sort of atmosphere of like a team ico game at times. This first game, however, my main critiques just come from annoyances due to the game mechanics and arcade-like progression. This remake does alleviate some of that but it still feels like a concept that was still being improved on and I expect the sequels will refine the shooting/difficulty more.

played this over the winter break, what a comfort this game was. It has this perfect blend of just allowing you to explore the island to your content while giving little tidbits of progression with each interaction you make, and that warmth of connection and kinship is what this game is all about. I see the influences, everything from Animal Crossing and Zelda to more recent titles that encourage environmental storytelling.
I think this is also just very accessible to anyone who wants a nice and short experience that you can finish in one or two sittings, lowkey therapeutic

there is something so special about the atmosphere this game creates, an infectiously energetic lofi aesthetic that makes this just stand out even more
as a seminal precursor to many popular rhythm games. the original ost is so vibrant and happy that replaying those six levels to beat my high score was something I looked forward to. the songs were like electropop with a touch of plunderphonics and fishmans-like psychedelia at times. It's really great and a short play that I'd recommend it anyone to check out

Beautiful, epic story, it truly feels like you're gaining just a glimpse into another world full of eons of history, lost civilization and tragedy right when the game begins. This is my first Team Ico game, I spent a lot of time wandering around the map trying to get as many fruits and lizard tails as possible, it was a very atmospheric experience and I think I went quite a big longer than the average playtime. Of course, the setup is quite simple but the defeat of each colossus is a mini-movie in itself and strategizing to figure out the unique weaknesses kept it refreshing each time.

I will say, my only issues were technical ones, some unresponsive and frustrating controls (the camera is wonky too), or glitches where Wander got stuck or spun in motion and I had to reload. It's a shame about those, because my largest challenge in battles always tended to be related to that aspect. Nevertheless, it didn't deter me enough to give up, and the payoff at the end is immense.
This game leaves you with a lot to ponder in its ambiguity, and there's universal themes that relate to fables, prophecies, acts of love, that made the emotional engagement so strong. I'm planning to play Ico next, because I heard that takes place in the same world, even if it's not an exact sequel/prequel. I crave the type of storytelling that leaves enough to your imagination to be filled with wonder about what's beyond the perspective you're playing in, this captures that perfectly.

I loved the format of this one, accessing the database and having the freedom in watching videos in order and at random, the keyword mechanic made it feel satisfying to click into place context of the clips. I found the story to be intriguing, but I'm still pondering the revelations that come towards the end and whether they're exactly satisfying to me. I dunno, I felt like I was more compelled earlier on, when I thought it was heading in a completely different direction. After everything is revealed, it does make sense... but I think the strength of the writing is a bit more muddled.

This does a pretty job at nailing the feel and look of early 2000's instant messaging, the anticipation of someone's next message, and awkward small talk.
I played two runs to see how different the dialogue would be if you were nice vs being a dick, there's some funny outcomes but I wish for even more variety. Maybe I just wanted more details about the main character and Emily's life, or the chance to talk to your other friends. It seems the sequel builds on and adds more content like that, so I'll probably like it better.

This game had me so emotionally invested, I thought every party member was interesting and well-explored (lots of optional dialogue that REALLY adds to the lore and background info), but especially, both Tidus and Yuna and their relationship is amazingly developed. I know there's plenty of criticism towards the voice acting and some of the animations, but I was honestly quite charmed by it, something like the laughing scene really worked well for me, both for offering great lighthearted character moments but also because these scenes end up being so poignant in retrospect. I think there's also something about that "early 2000's ps2 game" atmosphere that I really vibe with.

I was surprised at some of the darker undercurrents in the story, the themes that follow religious order and questioning faith, the way that Spira feels so ethereal and centers around spirituality. It all just really came together for me, it made me wish this was one of those games I grew up with, but I'm also glad I played it now because it has a lot of mature introspective moments that I wouldn't have caught back then. It all ends up being an engrossing experience. the linearity and focus on the pilgrimage was something I loved to keep me on track, with some occasional diversion in minigames to lighten up the mood at points.
Towards the endgame portion, I was just stalling by trying to complete a bunch of optional tasks, I really didn't want the game to end. But of course, I did reach there and wow, probably one of the most beautiful endings to a story I've seen in general. What's most evident is that this game has heart and soul, it's earnest in the best way and they made the most of the ps2 when it came out. Also, the OST is so good and those cg cutscenes look great even today. This was my first full Final Fantasy experience and I'm eager to check out more entries. I know there's X-2, it's part of the bundle I bought, but I sorta just want the ending of this game to linger with me for a bit.

Such a charming game, I went and completed the true ending and it's so great how the characters develop and form friendships that feel fully explored and genuine. I only dabbled a bit into Persona 3 (portable) before playing 4, so my experience was rather fresh, but the theme here is certainly more upbeat and positive in its outlook. There's a heavy emphasis on pursuing the truth no matter the challenges in your way, forming connections and helping others grow as people too.

That theme is consistent throughout the game and forms the heart of it, so to speak. If I had any general criticisms, it would be that some of the pacing for sections between dungeons is a bit too slow for my liking, and please Teddie, just chill out a bit. Nevertheless, I'm not a huge fan of anime tropes but this game didn't really annoy me that much, because the dialogue was actually good and the characters get serious when they need to. The social links also offer a lot of insightful moments where I feel anyone can find at least one character to relate to. I also felt like the romance options were well done, and even if the other characters don't directly acknowledge your relationship, there's enough little dialogue hints and teases that allow you to form a headcanon which fits your choices. I'm going to miss Inaba and the investigation team, but at least there's the anime and numerous spinoffs to check out if there's ever a desire for more.