RustySteiner
2023
The Remake for one of the most influential and generational games of all time... is a masterpiece
What a surprise. I usually write a long review detailing my experience but I gotta play it again ASAP and aim for S rank. Hasta luego!
22 hours and 200 "¡Un forastero!" later, I give Resident Evil 4 Remake a 5/5
What a surprise. I usually write a long review detailing my experience but I gotta play it again ASAP and aim for S rank. Hasta luego!
22 hours and 200 "¡Un forastero!" later, I give Resident Evil 4 Remake a 5/5
A Fantasy About Love, Succession, Fate... and TRIPLE TRIAD
Final Fantasy VIII Remastered is a fun school romp about the best-looking guy in Balamb Garden named Squall. He suffers from childhood trauma, is anti-social, very lonely... and has a sick habit of taking valuable cards. The game is a heavily contentious title among the fandom and I'm here to give my honest thoughts and feelings after finishing the game in 2023
Pros:
+ Story... well requires a lot of paying attention and it can easily derail your understanding of the narrative. I love that about FF8. It gets convoluted for sure, but there's just a ton of subtext and ambiguity that once you think about or notice, can explain some of the characters' decisions, how it relates to the overall theme/message or events that came out of nowhere/hard to understand. It can be a double-edged sword for sure but I appreciate having to piece out the mysteries and the payoff was cathartic, especially the ending.
+ Junction, Draw, and Card Mod is broken af. It scratches that itch to collect everything and it's fun to feel powerful throughout the game.
+ Characters are charming as hell and feels alive. Talking to the NPCs are fun, they're very animated and I took all their cards. The same can be said about our main party. They all have an interesting backstory (IYKYK) which puts focus on in-the-moment interaction and reaction for character development. It works in making them feel like a real group of friends. Lastly, Laguna. That's enough of a reason to make this journey worth it. How can a fictional character be so likable?!
+ The humor is on point. Zell and his hotdog arc, Laguna getting the cramps, Rinoa's handmade train model, Squall's serious tone in contrast to every hijinks going around him, (... ya know) etc. So many memorable moments that made me laugh and enjoy the vibe of the game.
+ OST is, as always, amazing. Nobuo Uematsu doesn't miss.
+ TRIPLE TRIAD. More than half of my playtime is burnt on Triple Triad. I collected everything and grinded for the good items. This is just Tetra Master w/o the bs RNG. 10/10. I'm so glad I played this game.
+ Boosters actually helps tremendously with the slog of the Draw system (and a certain airship being way too slow). Without the boosters, I would probably hate the combat because collecting magic is a huge part of the junction. Also, I always lose HP when switching junctions so the God Mode booster is a God send.
Cons:
- Some of the convoluted plot and world-building are hinged on talking to the right NPCs and reading the "tutorials" section. I wish they're implemented on the plot rather than around it. Thankfully I enjoy talking to everybody but also not knowing which is important muddles the info.
- Summons and Magic are kinda useless for most of the game. With the right junction, you can just hold the attack button and watch Squall one-hit 90% of the enemies. Using Magic reduces the stat as well so there's barely any use for it in my playthrough outside of something like Aura or Meltdown. Summons, I personally just use for status effects like reflect/triple etc. Most cases, junctioning elem/stat-atk beats summoning.
- Character dynamic seems to take a backseat due to the plot and focuses more on Squall and Rinoa's relationship. A bit SaaaD because I love Quistis in the first disc and Irvine has potential with his relationship to Edea and us. But nah he's just the plot guy. After he served his role to the story, there's nothing outside of generic lines when they're in the party during scenes. His relationship with Selphie is an afterthought as well. We barely saw development outside of the Festival and the credits iirc.
- Oh Garden is being attacked and many are dying? B-but Rinoa needs to get together with Squall guys! Rinoa is unconscious? Let's joke around each other etc. Those moments just bothered me a bit and makes the tone all over the place in some big story moments.
- The reason why it took me this long to play the game was the fact that people say "grinding is bad and will mess you up". I love grinding in RPGs. Well, It wasn't THAT bad but for most of the game I was tiptoeing around because Squall doesn't leave your party, making grinding a hassle for other underleveled party members. I'm just the type that gets bothered when someone is 5 levels ahead or something so this is on me.
- HP doesn't adjust when junctioning. Using Auto will fuck you over sometimes. Just in general navigating through the magic/junction/item is a hassle especially in a game where there's a lot of items/magic being made.
- World Map and its traversal pre-Ragnarok is pretty disappointing. There's barely anything interesting on the world map. I guess it makes sense lore-wise but I wish there's more to do and places to go.
- I wish we delve more into Ultimecia as a character. Sure we can assume her tragic story of being ostracized as a sorceress and her effort to break away from her fate from the lore, her dialog, and through the sorceresses by proxy but wish we got some actual scenes from her time. Her final scene at the orphanage would've hit more.
- I wish the story was segmented better. I don't mind the convoluted story as much but I wish we get more of the school and mission-based stuff on the first disc. I just enjoy the unique vibe of it and being graded at the end. Also more Laguna sections. There's some confusion for me at the start with his timeline because most of it gets skipped around.
All in all, I think Final Fantasy VIII is an excellent RPG and Final Fantasy game. It has its ups and downs but overall, a positive experience. It helps that I play each title and look at them as a separate entity rather than a sequel/prequel to this and that. I think Final Fantasy VIII deserves a second look and consider me a new fan.
82 hours (40+ of which was spent playing Triple Triad) and 100% Achievement later, I giveTriple Triad Final Fantasy VII Remastered a 4/5
Final Fantasy VIII Remastered is a fun school romp about the best-looking guy in Balamb Garden named Squall. He suffers from childhood trauma, is anti-social, very lonely... and has a sick habit of taking valuable cards. The game is a heavily contentious title among the fandom and I'm here to give my honest thoughts and feelings after finishing the game in 2023
Pros:
+ Story... well requires a lot of paying attention and it can easily derail your understanding of the narrative. I love that about FF8. It gets convoluted for sure, but there's just a ton of subtext and ambiguity that once you think about or notice, can explain some of the characters' decisions, how it relates to the overall theme/message or events that came out of nowhere/hard to understand. It can be a double-edged sword for sure but I appreciate having to piece out the mysteries and the payoff was cathartic, especially the ending.
+ Junction, Draw, and Card Mod is broken af. It scratches that itch to collect everything and it's fun to feel powerful throughout the game.
+ Characters are charming as hell and feels alive. Talking to the NPCs are fun, they're very animated and I took all their cards. The same can be said about our main party. They all have an interesting backstory (IYKYK) which puts focus on in-the-moment interaction and reaction for character development. It works in making them feel like a real group of friends. Lastly, Laguna. That's enough of a reason to make this journey worth it. How can a fictional character be so likable?!
+ The humor is on point. Zell and his hotdog arc, Laguna getting the cramps, Rinoa's handmade train model, Squall's serious tone in contrast to every hijinks going around him, (... ya know) etc. So many memorable moments that made me laugh and enjoy the vibe of the game.
+ OST is, as always, amazing. Nobuo Uematsu doesn't miss.
+ TRIPLE TRIAD. More than half of my playtime is burnt on Triple Triad. I collected everything and grinded for the good items. This is just Tetra Master w/o the bs RNG. 10/10. I'm so glad I played this game.
+ Boosters actually helps tremendously with the slog of the Draw system (and a certain airship being way too slow). Without the boosters, I would probably hate the combat because collecting magic is a huge part of the junction. Also, I always lose HP when switching junctions so the God Mode booster is a God send.
Cons:
- Some of the convoluted plot and world-building are hinged on talking to the right NPCs and reading the "tutorials" section. I wish they're implemented on the plot rather than around it. Thankfully I enjoy talking to everybody but also not knowing which is important muddles the info.
- Summons and Magic are kinda useless for most of the game. With the right junction, you can just hold the attack button and watch Squall one-hit 90% of the enemies. Using Magic reduces the stat as well so there's barely any use for it in my playthrough outside of something like Aura or Meltdown. Summons, I personally just use for status effects like reflect/triple etc. Most cases, junctioning elem/stat-atk beats summoning.
- Character dynamic seems to take a backseat due to the plot and focuses more on Squall and Rinoa's relationship. A bit SaaaD because I love Quistis in the first disc and Irvine has potential with his relationship to Edea and us. But nah he's just the plot guy. After he served his role to the story, there's nothing outside of generic lines when they're in the party during scenes. His relationship with Selphie is an afterthought as well. We barely saw development outside of the Festival and the credits iirc.
- Oh Garden is being attacked and many are dying? B-but Rinoa needs to get together with Squall guys! Rinoa is unconscious? Let's joke around each other etc. Those moments just bothered me a bit and makes the tone all over the place in some big story moments.
- The reason why it took me this long to play the game was the fact that people say "grinding is bad and will mess you up". I love grinding in RPGs. Well, It wasn't THAT bad but for most of the game I was tiptoeing around because Squall doesn't leave your party, making grinding a hassle for other underleveled party members. I'm just the type that gets bothered when someone is 5 levels ahead or something so this is on me.
- HP doesn't adjust when junctioning. Using Auto will fuck you over sometimes. Just in general navigating through the magic/junction/item is a hassle especially in a game where there's a lot of items/magic being made.
- World Map and its traversal pre-Ragnarok is pretty disappointing. There's barely anything interesting on the world map. I guess it makes sense lore-wise but I wish there's more to do and places to go.
- I wish we delve more into Ultimecia as a character. Sure we can assume her tragic story of being ostracized as a sorceress and her effort to break away from her fate from the lore, her dialog, and through the sorceresses by proxy but wish we got some actual scenes from her time. Her final scene at the orphanage would've hit more.
- I wish the story was segmented better. I don't mind the convoluted story as much but I wish we get more of the school and mission-based stuff on the first disc. I just enjoy the unique vibe of it and being graded at the end. Also more Laguna sections. There's some confusion for me at the start with his timeline because most of it gets skipped around.
All in all, I think Final Fantasy VIII is an excellent RPG and Final Fantasy game. It has its ups and downs but overall, a positive experience. It helps that I play each title and look at them as a separate entity rather than a sequel/prequel to this and that. I think Final Fantasy VIII deserves a second look and consider me a new fan.
82 hours (40+ of which was spent playing Triple Triad) and 100% Achievement later, I give
2023
This review contains spoilers
TRANSMISSION STARTS
Dead Space Remake is genuinely one of the best horror experience I've had in gaming. Here are my rambly, Marker-induced thoughts.
Disclaimer: Never played the original so I can't compare it
USG Ishimura is iconic. I can't put the controller down despite the chill-inducing atmosphere, alien level design, and tragic environmental lore and story. It's as if the ship is alive and a character that underwent various changes throughout. It also has SPACE BASKETBALL. What else can I say? I also like that every area is used to its maximum effect. Nothing is over/underutilized. By the end, I was intimately familiar with everything, vents included and I felt a sense of melancholy by the end. I will never forget the USG Ishimura!
The enemy variety is astounding. The Necromorphs are some of the most haunting enemies in gaming due to their grotesque design and unbreakable focus to hunt you down. Dead Space Remake is really good at balancing them as well. You don't get an unfair combination and their placement doesn't feel random during the critical story path. I love how the Necromorphs evolve throughout the game and FUCK THEM NECRO-TICKS OR WHATEVER I HATE THEM.
Isaac is one badass motherfucker for surviving throughout the game through sheer will to find his loved one and ingenious ENGINEERING. No joke. Dude kept building weapons and improving his armor from scraps and tools. I don't know if I'm reading this right but he's just a regular guy that happens to be resourceful and crafty. His way of fighting the bosses were unique, the weapons he use are all improvised, every time something goes wrong he has a quick and often impromptu solution to, and HE GETS SCARED. In most survival horror games of its era, the protagonist is this perfect action hero. Isaac is neither in that his sanity is constantly waning. He mirrors the player so well through his reactions, haggard breathing... and the stomp... oh man the stomp is simply iconic. It conveys Isaac and our emotion towards fighting necromorphs, and hints at an underlying anger issue that's perhaps a result of his upbringing through his mom and Unitology. Last thing I wanna say is Ishimura and Isaac complement each other. I can't believe the dynamic between a character and a ship would go this hard. These two make Dead Space whole... again.
A short ramble about the cast. Hammond is awesome. Sorry I doubted the man. He just wants to save his crew despite not being equipped to deal with necromorphs. Daniels is a conflicting one. Surprised how she was revealed to be an antagonist but her motive makes sense to her character and circumstance. She's a great and complex character. I wish we get to know her more though. Nicole is great as well. One of the good ones in Ishimura. She resisted the Unitology to the bitter end. Its tragic she's stuck alone, away from Isaac throughout all of this. Marcus... well damn I dunno. I like his role but his end was pretty abrupt and dissatisfying after all he's done. Overall, great cast of characters. (I'm starting to get conscious at the length of this "review")
Story is a bit convoluted and ngl I zoned out a bit halfway through all the convergence talks. All I'll say is, the idea of an alien artifact getting into the hands of a fully-indoctrinated and extremist religion is terrifying af and not far from reality if given the same circumstance.
The rest of my compliments: Diegetic UI is cool af, all weapons are cool and useful, Zero-G is a bit nauseating but a unique and fun gameplay mechanic, item scarcity adds a ton to the survival horror element, almost no loading sections, side missions adds a lot to the lore and Ishimura development, puzzles are fun.
No masterpiece is perfect. I do have some gripes with it. Game lags a bit tho not too immersion-breaking, lost a bunch of items and throwables because they kept falling through the floor, keeping track of side missions one at a time was kinda annoying. Wish there's a separate waypoint when pressing R3, waypoint is busted on Zero-G sections at times, and I get waaay too many ammo for weapons I don't use and at times too much '100 credits' that makes ammo scarcity feel a bit artificial, and lastly a personal gripe is there's no Photo Mode. Wish I could see the necromorphs and the environment in full detail. These are all small gripes on my end though and barely affects the overall enjoyment.
I have so much more to say but it's getting long. I'll just say this - Dead Space Remake is genuinely one of the best horror experience I've had in gaming. Here are my rambly, Marker-induced thoughts. Disclaimer: Never played the original so I can't compare it USG Ishimura is ico-
TRANSMISSION ENDS
21 hours and 1000 limbs dismembered later, I give Dead Space Remake a 4.5/5
Dead Space Remake is genuinely one of the best horror experience I've had in gaming. Here are my rambly, Marker-induced thoughts.
Disclaimer: Never played the original so I can't compare it
USG Ishimura is iconic. I can't put the controller down despite the chill-inducing atmosphere, alien level design, and tragic environmental lore and story. It's as if the ship is alive and a character that underwent various changes throughout. It also has SPACE BASKETBALL. What else can I say? I also like that every area is used to its maximum effect. Nothing is over/underutilized. By the end, I was intimately familiar with everything, vents included and I felt a sense of melancholy by the end. I will never forget the USG Ishimura!
The enemy variety is astounding. The Necromorphs are some of the most haunting enemies in gaming due to their grotesque design and unbreakable focus to hunt you down. Dead Space Remake is really good at balancing them as well. You don't get an unfair combination and their placement doesn't feel random during the critical story path. I love how the Necromorphs evolve throughout the game and FUCK THEM NECRO-TICKS OR WHATEVER I HATE THEM.
Isaac is one badass motherfucker for surviving throughout the game through sheer will to find his loved one and ingenious ENGINEERING. No joke. Dude kept building weapons and improving his armor from scraps and tools. I don't know if I'm reading this right but he's just a regular guy that happens to be resourceful and crafty. His way of fighting the bosses were unique, the weapons he use are all improvised, every time something goes wrong he has a quick and often impromptu solution to, and HE GETS SCARED. In most survival horror games of its era, the protagonist is this perfect action hero. Isaac is neither in that his sanity is constantly waning. He mirrors the player so well through his reactions, haggard breathing... and the stomp... oh man the stomp is simply iconic. It conveys Isaac and our emotion towards fighting necromorphs, and hints at an underlying anger issue that's perhaps a result of his upbringing through his mom and Unitology. Last thing I wanna say is Ishimura and Isaac complement each other. I can't believe the dynamic between a character and a ship would go this hard. These two make Dead Space whole... again.
A short ramble about the cast. Hammond is awesome. Sorry I doubted the man. He just wants to save his crew despite not being equipped to deal with necromorphs. Daniels is a conflicting one. Surprised how she was revealed to be an antagonist but her motive makes sense to her character and circumstance. She's a great and complex character. I wish we get to know her more though. Nicole is great as well. One of the good ones in Ishimura. She resisted the Unitology to the bitter end. Its tragic she's stuck alone, away from Isaac throughout all of this. Marcus... well damn I dunno. I like his role but his end was pretty abrupt and dissatisfying after all he's done. Overall, great cast of characters. (I'm starting to get conscious at the length of this "review")
Story is a bit convoluted and ngl I zoned out a bit halfway through all the convergence talks. All I'll say is, the idea of an alien artifact getting into the hands of a fully-indoctrinated and extremist religion is terrifying af and not far from reality if given the same circumstance.
The rest of my compliments: Diegetic UI is cool af, all weapons are cool and useful, Zero-G is a bit nauseating but a unique and fun gameplay mechanic, item scarcity adds a ton to the survival horror element, almost no loading sections, side missions adds a lot to the lore and Ishimura development, puzzles are fun.
No masterpiece is perfect. I do have some gripes with it. Game lags a bit tho not too immersion-breaking, lost a bunch of items and throwables because they kept falling through the floor, keeping track of side missions one at a time was kinda annoying. Wish there's a separate waypoint when pressing R3, waypoint is busted on Zero-G sections at times, and I get waaay too many ammo for weapons I don't use and at times too much '100 credits' that makes ammo scarcity feel a bit artificial, and lastly a personal gripe is there's no Photo Mode. Wish I could see the necromorphs and the environment in full detail. These are all small gripes on my end though and barely affects the overall enjoyment.
I have so much more to say but it's getting long. I'll just say this - Dead Space Remake is genuinely one of the best horror experience I've had in gaming. Here are my rambly, Marker-induced thoughts. Disclaimer: Never played the original so I can't compare it USG Ishimura is ico-
TRANSMISSION ENDS
21 hours and 1000 limbs dismembered later, I give Dead Space Remake a 4.5/5