SephirothCereal
Poor Sumio must've been starving this entire game
2003
I'm not sure if I could trust anyone that actually likes this visual novel if I'm being real. I honestly only played this because I had "Saya's Song" stuck in my head for like a week and thought to myself at 1 AM today to finally give the stupid VN a go (knowing I wasn't going to like it). Anyways I did manage to play it through in like 3 sittings since it was short but Jesus Christ was it actually awful. I also got every ending so before any dudebro with nonce particles inside them gets rowdy thinking I only got one ending or something, CALM DOWN.
I liked certain concepts of the game such as Saya being a sort of "idol" to Fuminori, but I genuinely wished the game didn't try cramming down stupid unnecessary sex scenes down our throats like "heh... isn't this EVIL and DARKSIDED? take a glimpse at Urobuchi's DARK and TWISTED mind... heh". Like great, thanks Urobuchi I don't like you. Everyone and their grandma is like nnooo nooo these sexual scenes are supposed to cement how far gone Fuminori is and how he's losing his humanity and like it's to show how he and Saya are the only lonely people in each other's worlds and- BLAH BLAH BLAH I DONT CARE. IT SUCKS. If I'm being real the sex scenes with Fuminori feel like an excuse for men to find a way to feel aroused during these scenes because clearly they were trying to hit some sort of erotic points for the reader. There are so many things that could have been done better to still prove that Fuminori is a horrible human being without it resorting to sex. I had to keep skipping the h scenes and their dialogue because why would any sane person want to see a grown ass man doing all of that to someone who looks like a ten year old. If I had a nickel for how many times I saw the word manhood as a replacement for the word penis I'd have enough money to fly to Japan and drop an anvil on Urobuchi's head.
Anyways, I just don't appreciate how pessimistic and misanthropic this visual novel is, and I guess I'm glad I finally played through this myself so I can mentally throw rocks and strike people with psychic beams anytime I see someone praise this horrendous piece of slop.
I liked certain concepts of the game such as Saya being a sort of "idol" to Fuminori, but I genuinely wished the game didn't try cramming down stupid unnecessary sex scenes down our throats like "heh... isn't this EVIL and DARKSIDED? take a glimpse at Urobuchi's DARK and TWISTED mind... heh". Like great, thanks Urobuchi I don't like you. Everyone and their grandma is like nnooo nooo these sexual scenes are supposed to cement how far gone Fuminori is and how he's losing his humanity and like it's to show how he and Saya are the only lonely people in each other's worlds and- BLAH BLAH BLAH I DONT CARE. IT SUCKS. If I'm being real the sex scenes with Fuminori feel like an excuse for men to find a way to feel aroused during these scenes because clearly they were trying to hit some sort of erotic points for the reader. There are so many things that could have been done better to still prove that Fuminori is a horrible human being without it resorting to sex. I had to keep skipping the h scenes and their dialogue because why would any sane person want to see a grown ass man doing all of that to someone who looks like a ten year old. If I had a nickel for how many times I saw the word manhood as a replacement for the word penis I'd have enough money to fly to Japan and drop an anvil on Urobuchi's head.
Anyways, I just don't appreciate how pessimistic and misanthropic this visual novel is, and I guess I'm glad I finally played through this myself so I can mentally throw rocks and strike people with psychic beams anytime I see someone praise this horrendous piece of slop.
2018
Yakuza 3 is really good you guys are just mean
2023
My favorite part was when Margaret Thatcher blew up
I’m not even gonna lie, I was so hyped for this game, but I really think overall this was such a mid experience. It literally took me like 45 hours (chapter 10) to realize that this game wasn’t fun.
There were some really awesome moments and it was so sweet seeing old faces like Mine and Nishiki again but that alone isn’t enough to make up for how annoying the combat was and how boring the story was…
Also man oh man changing some important character models to people from Yakuza 0 and 7 was such a lame move. This game made me feel sour towards the series for some reason… which is awful because I LOVE this franchise. I think it’s just because I went in with high expectations… but I hope my love will explode (in the good way) again once I play Lost Judgment, and hopefully whenever Yakuza Gaiden and Yakuza 8 come out.
Also hearing “For Whose Sake” in the game made me cry real bad
There were some really awesome moments and it was so sweet seeing old faces like Mine and Nishiki again but that alone isn’t enough to make up for how annoying the combat was and how boring the story was…
Also man oh man changing some important character models to people from Yakuza 0 and 7 was such a lame move. This game made me feel sour towards the series for some reason… which is awful because I LOVE this franchise. I think it’s just because I went in with high expectations… but I hope my love will explode (in the good way) again once I play Lost Judgment, and hopefully whenever Yakuza Gaiden and Yakuza 8 come out.
Also hearing “For Whose Sake” in the game made me cry real bad
1995
Satan epic moments
Good game but compared to the first one it was lacking alot... Honestly pushed through just for Henry and the soundtrack. Didn't like the ending that much and I wish Shinobu showed up some more. Also what was with all those Sylvia scenes where it just zoomed in on her body?
Yakuza 7 is easily THE MOST important piece of fiction I have ever consumed and has genuinely moved me like nothing I've ever experienced before.
I beat this game January 2021 so it's been almost 3 years since I've played it, and there seriously hasn't been a day where I haven't thought about it. First of all its a real nice breath of fresh air having a new protagonist for this series. Kiryu passing the baton off to someone who parallels him thematically but personality wise is the complete opposite of him was such a good fucking choice. I think this game EXCELS at showing a man go through the worst shit of his life and coming out from rock bottom while not losing hope in humanity… Yakuza 7 to me is a heartwarming and heartbreaking story of friendship, finding family and forgiveness, and finding your own light in what feels like a dark world.
While Yakuza 7 isn't the most perfect turn based RPG (combat wise) in the world, I think it was the perfect choice for someone like Ichiban Kasuga, because his worldview and comparing certain aspects of life to Dragon Quest helped him become the person he is. I think it's really interesting that the game (whether or intentional or not) hints at him being schizophrenic since everything combat wise is just his imagination amplifying the moment. I just started laughing because imagine fighting some guy and he lets you take turns hitting him back.
Anyways, I love how Ichiban is someone who is so optimistic and just so eager to learn more about life even as a full grown middled aged guy; he's always ecstatic to level up (audience laugh track), as horrendously cheesy as that may sound. It's very charming for someone like Ichiban though, because he's just so full of love and life, and everything he tries to do is for the sake of his loved ones. He treats his party like family, an awesome inseparable bond forged from unfortunate circumstances.
Yakuza 7 really touching upon betrayal and NOT making Ichiban an insane revenge seeking lunatic was such a great idea man. I love how anytime Ichiban gets kicked to the ground he just get's back up and tries to find the least harmful solution to every problem. Ichiban as a character is very naive and tries to look at the brightest side of a person, despite their flaws, especially when it's directed at people he's grown up with. He's constantly trying to seek approval and guidance from people like his father figure/Patriarch Masumi Arakawa, and just watching Ichiban learn that not everything is sunshine and rainbows with the people he's grown up with is so god damn heartbreaking man like oh my god
Everything from the party talk, OST, characters, cutscenes, voice acting, combat animations, minigames, YOU NAME IT! was wrapped into a perfect fun package and I just have no complaints. I'm really sitting here scratching my ass trying to think of what to complain about and the ONLY thing I can think of is a story plot point involving that stupid ass guy named mirror face, but it didn't really sour the experience for me. But that's it really
It's a feat that Yakuza 7 has stayed so special to my heart these past few years, and I hope more people experience the wonders of playing as Ichiban and his crew... It honestly makes me so happy that Yakuza 7 is the only media I've ever experienced that had an ending that made me sob my eyes out for an entire hour while doing the dishes. Only a REAL gamer cries more over a video game ending than when her grandma died. Anyways I love this game so bad and I'd do anything to like dump my brain out to experience it all over again
I beat this game January 2021 so it's been almost 3 years since I've played it, and there seriously hasn't been a day where I haven't thought about it. First of all its a real nice breath of fresh air having a new protagonist for this series. Kiryu passing the baton off to someone who parallels him thematically but personality wise is the complete opposite of him was such a good fucking choice. I think this game EXCELS at showing a man go through the worst shit of his life and coming out from rock bottom while not losing hope in humanity… Yakuza 7 to me is a heartwarming and heartbreaking story of friendship, finding family and forgiveness, and finding your own light in what feels like a dark world.
While Yakuza 7 isn't the most perfect turn based RPG (combat wise) in the world, I think it was the perfect choice for someone like Ichiban Kasuga, because his worldview and comparing certain aspects of life to Dragon Quest helped him become the person he is. I think it's really interesting that the game (whether or intentional or not) hints at him being schizophrenic since everything combat wise is just his imagination amplifying the moment. I just started laughing because imagine fighting some guy and he lets you take turns hitting him back.
Anyways, I love how Ichiban is someone who is so optimistic and just so eager to learn more about life even as a full grown middled aged guy; he's always ecstatic to level up (audience laugh track), as horrendously cheesy as that may sound. It's very charming for someone like Ichiban though, because he's just so full of love and life, and everything he tries to do is for the sake of his loved ones. He treats his party like family, an awesome inseparable bond forged from unfortunate circumstances.
Yakuza 7 really touching upon betrayal and NOT making Ichiban an insane revenge seeking lunatic was such a great idea man. I love how anytime Ichiban gets kicked to the ground he just get's back up and tries to find the least harmful solution to every problem. Ichiban as a character is very naive and tries to look at the brightest side of a person, despite their flaws, especially when it's directed at people he's grown up with. He's constantly trying to seek approval and guidance from people like his father figure/Patriarch Masumi Arakawa, and just watching Ichiban learn that not everything is sunshine and rainbows with the people he's grown up with is so god damn heartbreaking man like oh my god
Everything from the party talk, OST, characters, cutscenes, voice acting, combat animations, minigames, YOU NAME IT! was wrapped into a perfect fun package and I just have no complaints. I'm really sitting here scratching my ass trying to think of what to complain about and the ONLY thing I can think of is a story plot point involving that stupid ass guy named mirror face, but it didn't really sour the experience for me. But that's it really
It's a feat that Yakuza 7 has stayed so special to my heart these past few years, and I hope more people experience the wonders of playing as Ichiban and his crew... It honestly makes me so happy that Yakuza 7 is the only media I've ever experienced that had an ending that made me sob my eyes out for an entire hour while doing the dishes. Only a REAL gamer cries more over a video game ending than when her grandma died. Anyways I love this game so bad and I'd do anything to like dump my brain out to experience it all over again
2019
The narrative in this game was pretty hard to understand, especially for a 50 hour playthrough in the span of a month, but besides that, I genuinely believe this game might have the best character writing in the franchise.
Even now, two years after beating this, I still think about Kiryu's extremely unhealthy mental state in this game. I think RGG studios did a wonderful job building up Kiryu's character with each game, and making him crash and burn (emotionally) naturally in this. He just can't ever catch a break man... :(
I loved the minigames, I adored how there's mandatory rhythm game sections, how you can play Taiko, the 5 main characters, and the soundtrack.
Like I said earlier, I do have my issues with the narrative and well... lets just say a specific section with a bear... But honestly, I'm thankful for how everything turns out in the end, so I probably wouldn't change a thing.
Even now, two years after beating this, I still think about Kiryu's extremely unhealthy mental state in this game. I think RGG studios did a wonderful job building up Kiryu's character with each game, and making him crash and burn (emotionally) naturally in this. He just can't ever catch a break man... :(
I loved the minigames, I adored how there's mandatory rhythm game sections, how you can play Taiko, the 5 main characters, and the soundtrack.
Like I said earlier, I do have my issues with the narrative and well... lets just say a specific section with a bear... But honestly, I'm thankful for how everything turns out in the end, so I probably wouldn't change a thing.
2007
The bosses were pretty memorable compared to the second game, and the soundtrack was pretty nice. Looking back I actually kind of liked how repetitive the combat was, even if it made me mostly angry at the time.
In conclusion, the best thing about the game is Henry Cooldown
In conclusion, the best thing about the game is Henry Cooldown
I just don't know how its possible for a video game to make me just so extremely miserable....
I've been holding off from writing a review for months since I finished the game, but I think I can finally sit down now and gather some of my thoughts.
I think even now, Silent Hill 2 holds up for being an incredible narrative with a wonderful atmosphere and soundtrack. I wouldn't change a single thing about this game.
The voice acting in this game is just so amazingly awkward in the best way possible. Guy Cihi may not be a great guy but he's the best voice for James Sunderland and I'll die on that hill (haha get it.....)
From the very beginning of Silent Hill 2 to the very end I was immersed in it's atmosphere. The ambient noises are so so eerie, and some of the storytelling through actions and interacting with items was very fun. The only gripe I really had with the gameplay was the camera angle, but I quickly got used to it after 30 minutes or so.
The best thing about this game, however, by far is the main protagonist James Sunderland. He just feels so real... his actions and thoughts and his inner turmoil as he tries to find his wife in Silent Hill is so gut wrenching. I felt like I was watching this dude go through a mental illness simulator and all I could do was sit back and feel awful.
I remember for MONTHS after finishing Silent Hill 2 I literally couldn't listen to the soundtrack or think about any of the characters without tearing up... Which is a problem especially if you're walking around in public.
I know a lot of people may find this game overrated, but I don't think I'll ever find a video game that tackles serious subjects in such and interesting and heartbreaking way again.
I'd do anything to replay this game completely blind.
I've been holding off from writing a review for months since I finished the game, but I think I can finally sit down now and gather some of my thoughts.
I think even now, Silent Hill 2 holds up for being an incredible narrative with a wonderful atmosphere and soundtrack. I wouldn't change a single thing about this game.
The voice acting in this game is just so amazingly awkward in the best way possible. Guy Cihi may not be a great guy but he's the best voice for James Sunderland and I'll die on that hill (haha get it.....)
From the very beginning of Silent Hill 2 to the very end I was immersed in it's atmosphere. The ambient noises are so so eerie, and some of the storytelling through actions and interacting with items was very fun. The only gripe I really had with the gameplay was the camera angle, but I quickly got used to it after 30 minutes or so.
The best thing about this game, however, by far is the main protagonist James Sunderland. He just feels so real... his actions and thoughts and his inner turmoil as he tries to find his wife in Silent Hill is so gut wrenching. I felt like I was watching this dude go through a mental illness simulator and all I could do was sit back and feel awful.
I remember for MONTHS after finishing Silent Hill 2 I literally couldn't listen to the soundtrack or think about any of the characters without tearing up... Which is a problem especially if you're walking around in public.
I know a lot of people may find this game overrated, but I don't think I'll ever find a video game that tackles serious subjects in such and interesting and heartbreaking way again.
I'd do anything to replay this game completely blind.
2009
This review contains spoilers
Pretty awesome game that succeeded at making me feel lonely the entire time. I think its message is beautiful but I couldn't help but want more out of all the characters... I mean they're all fleshed out, but there were some characters like Shinjiro and Ryoji that I thought would have more screen time, which isn't a HUGE issue, but it surprised me.
Some things about the game such as the lack of actual animated cut scenes and important scenes confined to a VN without unique CGs made me feel a little sour, and especially towards the ending. I'm glad the Nyx egg scene at the end had a 3D cutscene at least.
Social links were mostly fine and made me cry a few times but uh... the fact you couldn't improve your social link with your SEES buddies during the summer made me want to melt it felt like such a stupid setback.
Idk it was a fun game but I have my issues and complaints it was a really soul-sucking experience but it was worth it I'd say. I still wish I went into this game completely blind but unfortunately, I practically had the entire story spoiled so...
ALSO. I HAD THE MISFORTUNE of realizing 35 hours into the game that I messed up Akihiko's romance S-link with the FEMC by screwing up ONE. SINGLE. dialogue option during one of his early S-link ranks and it haunted me until I finished the game. I was genuinely considering restarting the game because of that it was a nightmare man... ANYWAYS #AKIHIKOSWEEP
Some things about the game such as the lack of actual animated cut scenes and important scenes confined to a VN without unique CGs made me feel a little sour, and especially towards the ending. I'm glad the Nyx egg scene at the end had a 3D cutscene at least.
Social links were mostly fine and made me cry a few times but uh... the fact you couldn't improve your social link with your SEES buddies during the summer made me want to melt it felt like such a stupid setback.
Idk it was a fun game but I have my issues and complaints it was a really soul-sucking experience but it was worth it I'd say. I still wish I went into this game completely blind but unfortunately, I practically had the entire story spoiled so...
ALSO. I HAD THE MISFORTUNE of realizing 35 hours into the game that I messed up Akihiko's romance S-link with the FEMC by screwing up ONE. SINGLE. dialogue option during one of his early S-link ranks and it haunted me until I finished the game. I was genuinely considering restarting the game because of that it was a nightmare man... ANYWAYS #AKIHIKOSWEEP
2021
This review contains spoilers
(TLDR at the very bottom)
I love No More Heroes, I’m so in love with the series and all the uniqueness put into it. But to be honest here, this game was kind of underwhelming (but of course still fun).
MAJOR Spoiler warning
Okay I’m going to put it out of the way quickly and say that I absolutely ADORED Travis in this game.
Alright now into the actual review:
I genuinely enjoyed the combat and the silly overwhelming amount of references in this game, but gosh the story was just as lacking as No More Heroes 2 in my opinion. I couldn’t get invested into any of the new characters except maybe Sonic Juice and Fu.
I understand the games’ stories aren’t really supposed to get taken seriously... but man there was so much more that could’ve been added to make the game better.
The overworld was very empty but looked super gorgeous.
Also, while I loved the enemy variety for the battles outside of the boss fights, I really wish we could’ve fought through mobs to get to bosses like the first game.
I think the best part of the game was the Henry and Travis fight/cutscenes. I’m still surprised myself but I cried when Travis “killed” Henry. Not a waterfall of tears but quite a few. I thought they’d dive more into Henry being a cult leader... but instead we got like two cutscenes of the guy and that’s it. I was so interested in the flashback Henry mentioned... I really wish we got to see more of him.
I’m pretty sure this is the final game, but the post credits little chibi animation thing kind of makes me hope that there’ll be a sequel or side game someday.
Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed the game, but it just didn’t feel like a proper final send off to Travis and his friends. It felt like a side game more than something mainline. It didn't really add much too much to anyone's character, if anything it just made it clear that Travis' arc was complete in Travis Strikes Again. Nonetheless, I’m still very glad we got a sequel to Travis Strikes Again, and appreciate the work Suda and his team put out to make one.
TLDR pros and cons
Pros:
-Very fun combat and great enemy types
-looks very good in my opinion, I loved the shades and the character models. I thought the overworld was very pretty.
-I appreciated Kimmy’s Howell’s return, and her rap battle with Travis was a blast.
-Seeing NT Kamui and Midori Midorikawa was pretty cool.
-Music is great as always
-Travis is as cool as always
-old characters show up
-the alien designs are very nice
-voice acting is great
-final boss was fun
Cons:
-The story felt underwhelming
-Damon felt like just some guy
-Henry was severely underused, and his cult should have been expanded upon even more
-Shinobu and Badgirl barely showed up
-Sylvia was rather annoying this game... I miss her longer exchanges with Travis
-Overworld is sadly empty, barely any NPCs around
I love No More Heroes, I’m so in love with the series and all the uniqueness put into it. But to be honest here, this game was kind of underwhelming (but of course still fun).
MAJOR Spoiler warning
Okay I’m going to put it out of the way quickly and say that I absolutely ADORED Travis in this game.
Alright now into the actual review:
I genuinely enjoyed the combat and the silly overwhelming amount of references in this game, but gosh the story was just as lacking as No More Heroes 2 in my opinion. I couldn’t get invested into any of the new characters except maybe Sonic Juice and Fu.
I understand the games’ stories aren’t really supposed to get taken seriously... but man there was so much more that could’ve been added to make the game better.
The overworld was very empty but looked super gorgeous.
Also, while I loved the enemy variety for the battles outside of the boss fights, I really wish we could’ve fought through mobs to get to bosses like the first game.
I think the best part of the game was the Henry and Travis fight/cutscenes. I’m still surprised myself but I cried when Travis “killed” Henry. Not a waterfall of tears but quite a few. I thought they’d dive more into Henry being a cult leader... but instead we got like two cutscenes of the guy and that’s it. I was so interested in the flashback Henry mentioned... I really wish we got to see more of him.
I’m pretty sure this is the final game, but the post credits little chibi animation thing kind of makes me hope that there’ll be a sequel or side game someday.
Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed the game, but it just didn’t feel like a proper final send off to Travis and his friends. It felt like a side game more than something mainline. It didn't really add much too much to anyone's character, if anything it just made it clear that Travis' arc was complete in Travis Strikes Again. Nonetheless, I’m still very glad we got a sequel to Travis Strikes Again, and appreciate the work Suda and his team put out to make one.
TLDR pros and cons
Pros:
-Very fun combat and great enemy types
-looks very good in my opinion, I loved the shades and the character models. I thought the overworld was very pretty.
-I appreciated Kimmy’s Howell’s return, and her rap battle with Travis was a blast.
-Seeing NT Kamui and Midori Midorikawa was pretty cool.
-Music is great as always
-Travis is as cool as always
-old characters show up
-the alien designs are very nice
-voice acting is great
-final boss was fun
Cons:
-The story felt underwhelming
-Damon felt like just some guy
-Henry was severely underused, and his cult should have been expanded upon even more
-Shinobu and Badgirl barely showed up
-Sylvia was rather annoying this game... I miss her longer exchanges with Travis
-Overworld is sadly empty, barely any NPCs around
2005
This review contains spoilers
Garcian sure killered that 7
There was a period of time where like for 3 weeks I was way too hooked with this game and it genuinely somehow ruined my sleep schedule WAY MORE than it already was. Like I couldn't make it passed 10 minutes every day without having the violent urge to check this game and collect whatever gold was waiting for me it was an actual nightmare
This was like last year though and I got over the addiction after realizing during week 3 of me being chained to this game that it was literally ruining my life so please clap and cheer for me guys
This was like last year though and I got over the addiction after realizing during week 3 of me being chained to this game that it was literally ruining my life so please clap and cheer for me guys