copyleft
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Jet Set Radio Future
2002
UNDERSTAND- UNDERSTAND, THE CONCEPT OF LOVE
Jet Set Radio Future is a game that just oozes style and attitude that I really don't see many other games pull off. Especially not to the degree of JSRF. It keeps the spirit of the original Dreamcast title intact while expanding on the formula as a whole. It isn't without it's issues, but this is truly a unique experience.
First, like I mentioned is the style of this game. It absolutely wears it's early 2000's atmosphere with pride and I love it for that. The cel-shaded graphics really pop against the lower poly models, giving the game a hugely charming look. Not to mention all the mo-capped dancing that the player and NPC's do, it's awesome. A huge part of the style also comes from the music, mainly composed by the same man as the first game: Hideki Naganuma. This man never misses with his tracks and delivers some truly stellar music, even remixing some of the tracks from the first game. Not to mention there is some licensed music here too, just like the first game and they all generally fit the vibe too.
Now arguably the most important part of any game is the actual gameplay, and for releasing in 2002, I think JSRF delivers pretty well. The main goal of most stages is to roller blade, rail grind, and cover up graffiti as stylishly as possibly; and for 90% of the time, it's awesome. Chaining together tricks and flips while jumping from rail to rail as you blast around the map is incredibly satisfying. Although it isn't without it's shortcoming. There are a good amount of times where it feels like the controls are almost working against you, as they can occasionally show their jank/age. This is especially true when you're doing the tighter platforming that requires split second reactions. But as mentioned this is more of a rarity than a constant.
Story definitely takes more of a backseat in both Jet Set games. But that's not to say that it isn't there. It's a fun story of self expression and the battle against oppression, which it tells in the least subtle way possible and I wouldn't have it any other way. DJ Professor K will every once in awhile pop in to tell you what the Rokkaku Police are up to and how you gotta stop em. It's fun stuff, and a good amount of it is voiced too. The voice acting can be a bit of a mixed bag, although -Minor Spoilers- Gouji Rokkaku has an amazing voice over done by Charles Martinet. He absolutely stole the show towards the end.
If you haven't played Jet Set Radio Future (or the original) yet, do yourself a favor and give them a shot. They offer some of the most unique gaming experiences out there, with some of the best soundtracks in arguably all of gaming. They aren't without a little bit of jank, but honestly it kinda adds to the charm. I loved JSRF, and I'm extremely excited to see what the reboot of the franchise will be like, let's hope Sega is cooking something good.
Jet Set Radio Future is a game that just oozes style and attitude that I really don't see many other games pull off. Especially not to the degree of JSRF. It keeps the spirit of the original Dreamcast title intact while expanding on the formula as a whole. It isn't without it's issues, but this is truly a unique experience.
First, like I mentioned is the style of this game. It absolutely wears it's early 2000's atmosphere with pride and I love it for that. The cel-shaded graphics really pop against the lower poly models, giving the game a hugely charming look. Not to mention all the mo-capped dancing that the player and NPC's do, it's awesome. A huge part of the style also comes from the music, mainly composed by the same man as the first game: Hideki Naganuma. This man never misses with his tracks and delivers some truly stellar music, even remixing some of the tracks from the first game. Not to mention there is some licensed music here too, just like the first game and they all generally fit the vibe too.
Now arguably the most important part of any game is the actual gameplay, and for releasing in 2002, I think JSRF delivers pretty well. The main goal of most stages is to roller blade, rail grind, and cover up graffiti as stylishly as possibly; and for 90% of the time, it's awesome. Chaining together tricks and flips while jumping from rail to rail as you blast around the map is incredibly satisfying. Although it isn't without it's shortcoming. There are a good amount of times where it feels like the controls are almost working against you, as they can occasionally show their jank/age. This is especially true when you're doing the tighter platforming that requires split second reactions. But as mentioned this is more of a rarity than a constant.
Story definitely takes more of a backseat in both Jet Set games. But that's not to say that it isn't there. It's a fun story of self expression and the battle against oppression, which it tells in the least subtle way possible and I wouldn't have it any other way. DJ Professor K will every once in awhile pop in to tell you what the Rokkaku Police are up to and how you gotta stop em. It's fun stuff, and a good amount of it is voiced too. The voice acting can be a bit of a mixed bag, although -Minor Spoilers- Gouji Rokkaku has an amazing voice over done by Charles Martinet. He absolutely stole the show towards the end.
If you haven't played Jet Set Radio Future (or the original) yet, do yourself a favor and give them a shot. They offer some of the most unique gaming experiences out there, with some of the best soundtracks in arguably all of gaming. They aren't without a little bit of jank, but honestly it kinda adds to the charm. I loved JSRF, and I'm extremely excited to see what the reboot of the franchise will be like, let's hope Sega is cooking something good.
Persona 3 Reload
2024
This review contains spoilers
No soul, robust, all dust, we bust, justice to the man with no life.
Persona 3 Reload doesn't feel real, in the sense that it's hard to believe that we actually got a Persona 3 remake. And for the most part, it nails the feel of the original and expands the characters in some much needed story additions. But that isn't to say it isn't without fault, with some areas of the game feeling very toned down, or just losing the intensity the original had. But let's get into it...
Let's start with the aesthetics', art direction, and graphical fidelity of the game. Persona 3 on PS2 had a very unique atmosphere to it, it felt dark, drab, and a little depressing at times. But that was in contrast to the upbeat music and memorable happier moments of the story, it created this amazing atmosphere of dread. Reload captures "part" of this. While looking very graphically pretty, I think the atmosphere lost a bit of it's edge. This is apparent with the very saturated environments, and loss of the more drab colors the original had. I will say it doesn't look bad by any means, but I prefer the atmosphere of the original. Tartarus on the other hand had a great visual overhaul, each block is mesmerizing and has some truly stellar visuals. If I were to critique it at all, I would tone down the green light that seems to shine through everything whenever it's during the Dark Hour. Again, Reload doesn't have bad art direction, it just looses the atmosphere of the original by a bit.
Gameplay wise, this will probably be the best way to play this game for the majority of people. While I personally don't have an issue, and even liked the ai party members of FES. The more Persona 5-like combat is certainly satisfying. It doesn't feel as overpowered as P5, as Shifting (Baton Passing) doesn't provide buffs and only passes the turn. The biggest thing added to the battles are the Theurgy attacks. These are essentially just Super Attacks, and while flashy and cool. They tend to make harder encounters a cake walk, which makes me wish they were just a bit less powerful. Each character was also given a bit of a rebalance, and of the most part I welcome these changes. Because of these changes, characters like Ken or Koromaru are much more viable in combat. But that isn't the case for every character, as with Akihiko, losing his debuff skills makes his kit a lot less viable compared to others. Overall the gameplay changes feel great, and are pretty satisfying, with my only gripe being that the game is a bit on the easier side now.
Now for the thing I was most looking forward to. Seeing how the story and characters were going to be portrayed in this remake. I feel as for the most part, Reload does these characters justice, and for a couple of them actually make me appreciate them more. All of the story beats and major events play out the same as you remember them. Every major event in the story still hits incredibly hard, and the new voice cast really does sell these moments. The only hindrance is the way these scenes are shown. Some events that were 2D animations are now in engine cutscenes, and some scenes that are still animated have a much different direction. For the most part, they often feel less intense, and feel like they lost a bit of their edge. Whether it be because the sound design isn't as intense, or the animation just doesn't have the same punch as the original. Again the new scenes aren't bad, and still get the story across just fine.
Overall, Persona 3 Reload is a great way to experience the amazing story of this game. While I believe the atmosphere and some moments were done better in FES. I can't understate how good Reload was, it was a blast from start to finish, and if you're interested in Persona 3 at all. I highly recommend it.
Persona 3 Reload doesn't feel real, in the sense that it's hard to believe that we actually got a Persona 3 remake. And for the most part, it nails the feel of the original and expands the characters in some much needed story additions. But that isn't to say it isn't without fault, with some areas of the game feeling very toned down, or just losing the intensity the original had. But let's get into it...
Let's start with the aesthetics', art direction, and graphical fidelity of the game. Persona 3 on PS2 had a very unique atmosphere to it, it felt dark, drab, and a little depressing at times. But that was in contrast to the upbeat music and memorable happier moments of the story, it created this amazing atmosphere of dread. Reload captures "part" of this. While looking very graphically pretty, I think the atmosphere lost a bit of it's edge. This is apparent with the very saturated environments, and loss of the more drab colors the original had. I will say it doesn't look bad by any means, but I prefer the atmosphere of the original. Tartarus on the other hand had a great visual overhaul, each block is mesmerizing and has some truly stellar visuals. If I were to critique it at all, I would tone down the green light that seems to shine through everything whenever it's during the Dark Hour. Again, Reload doesn't have bad art direction, it just looses the atmosphere of the original by a bit.
Gameplay wise, this will probably be the best way to play this game for the majority of people. While I personally don't have an issue, and even liked the ai party members of FES. The more Persona 5-like combat is certainly satisfying. It doesn't feel as overpowered as P5, as Shifting (Baton Passing) doesn't provide buffs and only passes the turn. The biggest thing added to the battles are the Theurgy attacks. These are essentially just Super Attacks, and while flashy and cool. They tend to make harder encounters a cake walk, which makes me wish they were just a bit less powerful. Each character was also given a bit of a rebalance, and of the most part I welcome these changes. Because of these changes, characters like Ken or Koromaru are much more viable in combat. But that isn't the case for every character, as with Akihiko, losing his debuff skills makes his kit a lot less viable compared to others. Overall the gameplay changes feel great, and are pretty satisfying, with my only gripe being that the game is a bit on the easier side now.
Now for the thing I was most looking forward to. Seeing how the story and characters were going to be portrayed in this remake. I feel as for the most part, Reload does these characters justice, and for a couple of them actually make me appreciate them more. All of the story beats and major events play out the same as you remember them. Every major event in the story still hits incredibly hard, and the new voice cast really does sell these moments. The only hindrance is the way these scenes are shown. Some events that were 2D animations are now in engine cutscenes, and some scenes that are still animated have a much different direction. For the most part, they often feel less intense, and feel like they lost a bit of their edge. Whether it be because the sound design isn't as intense, or the animation just doesn't have the same punch as the original. Again the new scenes aren't bad, and still get the story across just fine.
Overall, Persona 3 Reload is a great way to experience the amazing story of this game. While I believe the atmosphere and some moments were done better in FES. I can't understate how good Reload was, it was a blast from start to finish, and if you're interested in Persona 3 at all. I highly recommend it.