Uchikoshi’s done it again :/ If you’ve played the original AI: The Somnium Files, then it’s worth noting before you go in that there’s a spoiler clause to this game and thus none of the returning characters get treated as well as they should. Narratively, the game truly isn’t bad- it’s simply not as good as the original- but it’s somehow so, so much more tasteless than the original that I struggle to recommend it. The Somniums themselves are so fun, and the twist, although controversial, was enjoyable for me. If I were to replay AITSF, however, would I also replay this? I’m not sure. Please be warned of how much 18-year-old high school girls are gawked over in this game. It’s uncomfortable.

Uchikoshi has done it again! The game has a fascinating, captivating narrative that is masterfully told in a format only achievable in video games. The game’s presentation is gorgeous, and its themes are delivered in the wildest, most batshit ways possible that I think are beautiful. The emotional highs are HIGH and most everything else is enjoyable. However, uh, obligatory warning regarding the horniness. It can be fun (for a lack of better words), but can also end up delving into the tasteless from time to time. You’ll need a stomach for this sort of stuff to truly enjoy the game, I think, which is unfortunate.

The game is super unique in terms of gameplay and very, very fun and interactive. The accessibility is fantastic as well in a way that I recommend all games take note of. And I really do like the narrative aspects of the game; however, the dialogue is so… stilted, perhaps, in a way that is hard to ignore. All too often does it feel as though the characters are treating each other like therapists, and there is no subtlety in the slightest as to how they’re feeling and what the themes of the games are. And I do NOT want to imply that these themes are inherently corny, because they’re not. I quite like them, and the characters are enjoyable and well-written regardless. It’s simply awkward, sometimes, in its portrayal. That all said, the game is fantastic, and I would recommend it to anyone reading this. Oh, and it’s best played with a mouse, in case that weren’t obvious.

The start is super slow, but it really picks up. The plot can best be described as a coming of age story featuring Pokémon and some really, really weird shit going on in the final act. Anyway, the game looks good, and I enjoyed its take on the PMD job and recruitment system, for as different as it is. The characters are enjoyable and the partner is one of the best in the franchise, in my opinion. I even liked the ending twist, even if it wasn’t foreshadowed very well. All in all, if you haven’t played a PMD game before, this isn’t a bad place to start.

A vast improvement from the original Octopath in terms of narrative with some fun new gimmicks and a shit ton of content. I haven’t beaten the true final boss yet, but I’ll get back to you on that. In true Octopath fashion, the gameplay is great if you’re a fan of RPGs and the presentation- say what you will about the HD-2D- is wonderful. It’s hard to talk about the story with how it’s formatted, but if you want my 100% correct and objective opinion: Agnea > Castti > Partitio > Tenemos = Throné > Ochette > Hikari > Osvald.

A good story with some great characters. The music is wonderful, although, in hindsight, the dungeons it accompanies are a bit lacking compared to others in the game. Patches 3.1-3.3 are the best parts, narratively. The emotional highs work very well and the Dravanians have to be one of my favorite fantasy races of all time with how in-depth they are. I know this all sounds cold and disconnected, but it’s hard to talk about what I loved about Heavensward without delving into spoiler territory. Similarly, it’s hard to review an MMO in chunks, I’m discovering. Anyway, you can play Heavensward for free, so you should, given you choose to stick with FFXIV for long enough. I promise it’s worth it.