Nothing here works, it seems like this was created just to show off all the fancy new things they could do on the SNES. The directional whip makes the enemies useless as actual obstacles. That combined with the newly added fall control makes it so that you barely have to think about your actions. Most of the difficulty comes from stupid shit coming out of nowhere and knocking you into a pit and in general the level design is either bland or annoying. I know it's a new direction for the series or whatever but it's not properly designed around the less restrictive control. Obviously it looks great, the music is solid, and it at least feels decent to play. Maybe I'm being a little harsh, but I really really do not like this entry.

Very few games manage to capture the sense of scale, the sense of awe at the world around you as the first Xenoblade Chronicles. It just feels good to exist in this world with its gorgeous environments and roaming monsters, especially with that absolutely iconic ost in the background. The combat and character building systems are just deep enough to feel rewarding but don't go completely fucking overboard like 2 and 3. A fun, although trope filled, cast of characters and voice acting that I am fully sold on make this such an incredible adventure. Honestly not sure what the fuck was happening towards the end, the story gets kinda stupid but it's pretty fun for the first half of of the game.

jesus fucking christ i can't believe i played persona 5 twice there are so many better things i could've done with my time. i never want to see, hear, or think about anything related to this game ever again especially not the music, the music gives me war flashbacks i stg.

That aside, this and the original do hold a special place in my heart. The atmosphere of the Tokyo streets are so lively and just an absolute joy to walk through. I also love a lot of the characters. The confidant stories, as ridiculous or simplistic as some of them can be, are pretty effective (ignore the extremely inappropriate romances hahahahahaha!!!!!!). Plus the abilities you get from them help make combat more interesting. The combat is quite fun and satisfying, but unfortunately the game is too long for it to stay engaging, but at least the palaces are pretty creative and do a lot for the game. The story as a whole is a fucking disaster and I refuse to touch it with a 1000 foot pole, It's gonna give me a migraine. I just have so many conflicting feelings on this game why can't things just be fully good or fully bad, I cannot bare this inner turmoil any longer this game sucks I love it I hate it what were they thinking aAAaaAAAAAaaaaAAAaaAAAaaaaaaAAAAaaAAa

In my experience no game feels as good to play as Celeste, period. Pure kinetic jubilation every step of the way, where a simple yet satisfying set of mechanics lead to a hidden depth of movement that is beautiful to both watch and perform. The levels themselves are a testament to just how far a single idea can be used to it's maximum potential. Each new element introduced within a level remains relevant and uniquely implemented throughout the entire game, including the wealth of side content. Celeste is also quite a difficult game the first time around, and its overall message ties into this difficulty so well.

Madeline's story hits really hard. The metaphor here is almost comically overt (both with the mountain and Part of Me), but it's very upfront with it's themes of depression and anxiety in a really refreshing and honest way that works to its advantage. Madeline has set this challenge out for herself, not because she wants to, but because she has to. And no matter how difficult or impossible it may seem (and no matter how may times you die!), just breathe, you can do this. Celeste in unequivocally perfect.

In conclusion, trans rights!