turnaboutlies
2024
Unicorn Overlord has that gameplay loop which totally absorbs me in and I can't stop. The idea to create an unstoppable team with the variety of items you can purchase, liberate towns, clear tough battles, and get stronger while fighting back against what seems a nigh impossible situation is truly fun. The experience is phenomenal to me and I could yap how much I love the classes and the cool shit you can probably do with it if you dig deep with it, but it'd probably be long. SO why is it a 3.5/5 stars? Simply because the story. The story is pretty generic, and you have to go through a 100+ hours of this. Sure, i love consuming my rpg games like its a king-class meal and some of the characters, but they don't have much depth to them. I do like the character-specific interactions though! Yet, this is not enough. If you're gonna make me sit through a plot like this you might as well should try make it interesting, and it fails at that for me. Well, at least the voice acting performance makes for it; they did an excellent job with it.
Unicorn Overlord is not a bad game, it just has a grasping flaw with the story. It has that classic fantasy rpg spirit and inspiration from a game like Final Fantasy Tactics, but doesn't sell much on it with the story. I seriously would've considered giving this a 4.5/5 stars for how good that gameplay was, but the story kind of nags at me because I wish it was good. I love a good rpg with good gameplay, but somethings can just disappoint you greatly more than others. Still, I'd love to replay again in the future for how enjoyable the gameplay is.
Unicorn Overlord is not a bad game, it just has a grasping flaw with the story. It has that classic fantasy rpg spirit and inspiration from a game like Final Fantasy Tactics, but doesn't sell much on it with the story. I seriously would've considered giving this a 4.5/5 stars for how good that gameplay was, but the story kind of nags at me because I wish it was good. I love a good rpg with good gameplay, but somethings can just disappoint you greatly more than others. Still, I'd love to replay again in the future for how enjoyable the gameplay is.
2024
The year is 2018. I just started playing Persona 3 FES on my Playstation 2 and I like the game. Sure, no direct party control is weird but it's not hard as long as you know how to use the AI command functions. However, fusion mechanics are god awful as I had to sit there for almost 30 minutes, maybe even almost an hour, trying to get the right passives and skills I want on my persona. Regardless, I soldiered on through and enjoyed what it had to offer until past a certain point in Feburary 2019 my PS2 suddenly cannot read the disc! How? I don't know! Probably internal problems or the disc is scratched to all hell, but this made me unmotivated to continue it since it was hours of progress down the drain that was left at in September. For 5 to 6 years I avoided this game with emulation or the official portable port since I heard they even fucked up that port somehow until this year when the remake was announced so it got me pretty excited. This was also the first time I've decided to play a Persona game on the hardest difficulty setting (Merciless) cause I craved a challenge. I was excited because I'm practically getting to experience that classic RPG that was considered the best in its franchise. However, is this game superior or inferior to the others versions? Well...
Persona 3 Reload improves much upon on the original obviously with QoL. The stuff I didn't like about it that I mentioned in FES was replaced such as being able to have manual persona skill selection, more refined controls, and other changes. In addition, there are more game mechanics that are added and/or borrowed like 'Shift' which is just baton pass from Persona 5 but doesn't have the attack and heal boost. Theurgy, characteristics, monad doors, and greedy hands are said added game mechanics that I'm not sure how to feel about. Theurgy is strategic especially in late game, sure, but they just made the game too easy even on the hardest difficulty. A prime example is Fuuka's Theurgy that has a chance to give the party heat riser, charge + focus, or a full heal for both HP and SP. This ruins the dungeon crawling vibe as you don't feel really pressured on using valuable SP recovery items as her theurgy will mostly do the work for you if it activates. Of course even outside of it if you know what you're doing, like with most SMT games, the game is hard at first but becomes easy. I died several times, but that count lowered till late game and I had fun. Monad doors are just defeating a mini boss, getting gems and models, and being rewarded with 2 floors of a fully charted map. Greedy hands are just RNG based, but late game you can spend MP to trivialize this for a ton of rewards. One thing I do appreciate about the remake's features however is the great clock that allows standby or active party members to catch up quickly in levels for that slice of party synchronization that is also included in shuffle time; speaking of, shuffle time got a massive overhaul in the remake I like. Much like Persona Golden, it involves the major arcanas that add passives and persona stat increases that affects future shuffle times, dungeon crawling, xp, etc. to make your dungeon crawling efforts fruitful. The culmination of these mechanics has some good, some questionable, and some not-good at most. Well, at least I'm not going into the fucking velvet room persona skill roulette mines in FES so I'm glad.
The story I have a lot to talk about. Yeah, I'm told it's just the same as the original, but maybe having this remake harbor the original's story is fine because this is actually a (modern) persona game with a good story. The cast is great and I love the theming of [ we're all going to die some day because we're mortal, but that's ok because as long as we enjoy life, experiences, and rely on friends then everything is all right ]. The voice acting on top of socials links and story beats gave those moments the oomphs it deserved and genuinely made me cry for how much game's story is a timeless classic among one of the icons of the Playstation 2 era's game library.
Other gripes I have with the game is the expansion pass that includes FES's The Answer (which I have not experienced through) for $35 totaling this game to a $105 USD cost. Like I said in my Yakuza 8: Infinite Wealth review, if you think that the it should be rated lower because of this then that is 100% fair. I think it is kinda unfair too. At least, I don't want to buy an expansion pass for it.
Now then, should you play the other versions of Persona 3 over this one? Well, it depends. Do you prefer the clunky, old-school style that has AI-controlled party members that grow to add the narrative they trust you more (side note: they get more commands after defeating major bosses)? Then play FES. Portable recommendation feels disingenuous as that game doesn't have as much as a budget than FES that are presenting like it's some visual novel. If you want to play it though then go ahead; it's got a female protagonist option. If you were discouraged by the either FES or Portable, then Reload is just right for you excluding price. Overall, I really enjoyed Reload despite some of the issues mainly for the story that I haven't got to experience with the original.
Persona 3 Reload improves much upon on the original obviously with QoL. The stuff I didn't like about it that I mentioned in FES was replaced such as being able to have manual persona skill selection, more refined controls, and other changes. In addition, there are more game mechanics that are added and/or borrowed like 'Shift' which is just baton pass from Persona 5 but doesn't have the attack and heal boost. Theurgy, characteristics, monad doors, and greedy hands are said added game mechanics that I'm not sure how to feel about. Theurgy is strategic especially in late game, sure, but they just made the game too easy even on the hardest difficulty. A prime example is Fuuka's Theurgy that has a chance to give the party heat riser, charge + focus, or a full heal for both HP and SP. This ruins the dungeon crawling vibe as you don't feel really pressured on using valuable SP recovery items as her theurgy will mostly do the work for you if it activates. Of course even outside of it if you know what you're doing, like with most SMT games, the game is hard at first but becomes easy. I died several times, but that count lowered till late game and I had fun. Monad doors are just defeating a mini boss, getting gems and models, and being rewarded with 2 floors of a fully charted map. Greedy hands are just RNG based, but late game you can spend MP to trivialize this for a ton of rewards. One thing I do appreciate about the remake's features however is the great clock that allows standby or active party members to catch up quickly in levels for that slice of party synchronization that is also included in shuffle time; speaking of, shuffle time got a massive overhaul in the remake I like. Much like Persona Golden, it involves the major arcanas that add passives and persona stat increases that affects future shuffle times, dungeon crawling, xp, etc. to make your dungeon crawling efforts fruitful. The culmination of these mechanics has some good, some questionable, and some not-good at most. Well, at least I'm not going into the fucking velvet room persona skill roulette mines in FES so I'm glad.
The story I have a lot to talk about. Yeah, I'm told it's just the same as the original, but maybe having this remake harbor the original's story is fine because this is actually a (modern) persona game with a good story. The cast is great and I love the theming of [ we're all going to die some day because we're mortal, but that's ok because as long as we enjoy life, experiences, and rely on friends then everything is all right ]. The voice acting on top of socials links and story beats gave those moments the oomphs it deserved and genuinely made me cry for how much game's story is a timeless classic among one of the icons of the Playstation 2 era's game library.
Other gripes I have with the game is the expansion pass that includes FES's The Answer (which I have not experienced through) for $35 totaling this game to a $105 USD cost. Like I said in my Yakuza 8: Infinite Wealth review, if you think that the it should be rated lower because of this then that is 100% fair. I think it is kinda unfair too. At least, I don't want to buy an expansion pass for it.
Now then, should you play the other versions of Persona 3 over this one? Well, it depends. Do you prefer the clunky, old-school style that has AI-controlled party members that grow to add the narrative they trust you more (side note: they get more commands after defeating major bosses)? Then play FES. Portable recommendation feels disingenuous as that game doesn't have as much as a budget than FES that are presenting like it's some visual novel. If you want to play it though then go ahead; it's got a female protagonist option. If you were discouraged by the either FES or Portable, then Reload is just right for you excluding price. Overall, I really enjoyed Reload despite some of the issues mainly for the story that I haven't got to experience with the original.
2007
idk if im ever gonna finish this persona game because either my ps2 slim just refuses to work or my disk is all fucked to hell so I'm leaving this review here just in case.
I quite enjoyed this game and learning new commands for the AI party members as it is a satisfying reward as your team trusts you more and more, but not sure to feel about mechanics like when you just suddenly feel tired. Learning the tricks of what each commands gives you an edge in battle but I can see why some people hate it, just wasn't a problem for me is all. Cutscenes and artstyle is great and gives that atmosphere like none other when hitting that dark hour. Last time my game croaked was on September so I never got to see what's up with October and I feel too lazy to catch up back to that point in the game. A beloved, jank game. I'll see if I prefer Reload over this or the opposite soon.
I quite enjoyed this game and learning new commands for the AI party members as it is a satisfying reward as your team trusts you more and more, but not sure to feel about mechanics like when you just suddenly feel tired. Learning the tricks of what each commands gives you an edge in battle but I can see why some people hate it, just wasn't a problem for me is all. Cutscenes and artstyle is great and gives that atmosphere like none other when hitting that dark hour. Last time my game croaked was on September so I never got to see what's up with October and I feel too lazy to catch up back to that point in the game. A beloved, jank game. I'll see if I prefer Reload over this or the opposite soon.
Penny's Big Breakaway is a good game I can say this. Like I enjoy zooming through levels and chain combos so you can rack up a ton of points. From the team of Sonic Mania comes a well-polished game that plays like smooth butter. However, the game suffers from bugs and glitches that can ruin the experience and/or fun some. Like, I got that emotional high when I racked up huge combos only to either be stuck in on some platform's edge/slope because Penny is in a falling animation, or straight up fall through the floor and break the combo; it's just a headache, is all. Regardless, ripping this game open is fun to truly become an expert at the movement for reaching that skill ceiling is satisfying and I love it.
If you love the game, then that's awesome. Just didn't really connect with me compared to other platformers like Pizza Tower.
If you love the game, then that's awesome. Just didn't really connect with me compared to other platformers like Pizza Tower.
I became the infinite wealth
As someone who is juggling both the gacha and the fighting game occasionally I have to say this game is a perfect point if you'd like to be invested in Granblue Fantasy and its world. If you are not good or interested in fighting games in general to not play versus then this is a good substitute for those people. It has that fate episode style for every character that cygames games have if you like a certain character and want to invest in them to make them stronger too. The fate episodes are pretty good if you like reading as they summarize the available characters' backstories while exploring new ways they can expand on said characters'. Aside that that game's graphics, world, and writing just feel like I've been sucked into the Granblue Fantasy void again having nailed that vision of 'what if Granblue Fantasy was an actual game besides a gacha that you can invest time in if interested'.
Besides the praises I have to say for the writing and characters there's the gameplay and story which I gotta say are solid. The gameplay I love the most since it's a simple action game on the surface but peep in it and you will see the deep, fucked up intricacies of min-maxing your damage n shit once you get to late game; some even say that this damage system is quite similar to the gacha granblue pit from what I've heard. Anyways, action gameplay good but why I LOVE love about this game are the boss fights. Every boss fight feels intense, dangerous, and fun with their own little mechanics that are fair to deal with where the objective is more or less survive first, deal damage second when bosses get pissed--kinda reminds me of a certain gacha game called Dragalia Lost which is cool. Sidenote: that third primeval god fight you battle just shook me for how much effort they put into bosses... it's just so good. Lastly, every character is fun to play with their gimmicks and skills they can use. Frankly, I haven't played ALL of them but the simplicity of the gameplay helps in just about making me warm up to any crewmate's playstyle with a little practice.
Main Story's also nice, short, and sweet. Rolan, Id, and the other side characters are great with some of their respective boss fights but the real game begins once you beat the main story, and by the time of this writing I just started it. No comments on the online, but I will get it to it when I do it. Only complaint I have to throw out there is that GBF:Relink's PC port has some minor issues like strange audio cutout, but that could be just on my end.
TL;DR game fun and do the post game for the core of it if you like it a lot. i recommend this game to anyone who likes to get invested in granblue fantasy
Besides the praises I have to say for the writing and characters there's the gameplay and story which I gotta say are solid. The gameplay I love the most since it's a simple action game on the surface but peep in it and you will see the deep, fucked up intricacies of min-maxing your damage n shit once you get to late game; some even say that this damage system is quite similar to the gacha granblue pit from what I've heard. Anyways, action gameplay good but why I LOVE love about this game are the boss fights. Every boss fight feels intense, dangerous, and fun with their own little mechanics that are fair to deal with where the objective is more or less survive first, deal damage second when bosses get pissed--kinda reminds me of a certain gacha game called Dragalia Lost which is cool. Sidenote: that third primeval god fight you battle just shook me for how much effort they put into bosses... it's just so good. Lastly, every character is fun to play with their gimmicks and skills they can use. Frankly, I haven't played ALL of them but the simplicity of the gameplay helps in just about making me warm up to any crewmate's playstyle with a little practice.
Main Story's also nice, short, and sweet. Rolan, Id, and the other side characters are great with some of their respective boss fights but the real game begins once you beat the main story, and by the time of this writing I just started it. No comments on the online, but I will get it to it when I do it. Only complaint I have to throw out there is that GBF:Relink's PC port has some minor issues like strange audio cutout, but that could be just on my end.
TL;DR game fun and do the post game for the core of it if you like it a lot. i recommend this game to anyone who likes to get invested in granblue fantasy
This review contains spoilers
"Me? I'll take on the yakuza's past."
But you... I want you to handle their future."
My thoughts are quite loaded with this point in the series where we officially have a second round with Ichiban's game as Ichiban and this franchise has become quite popular to the point where SEGA deems the infamous "NG+ dlc" worldwide as they did with the last game. Is this game worthy enough to be a banger like the last game in the series? Well, as you have seen the review rating, I think that this game is one of THE best in the series--better than Yakuza/Like a Dragon 0 and 7 which is a high monument in my book making something special to me. It continues the story of one protagonist while wrapping the long-winding story of another.
First off, the gameplay has significantly improved with immense QoL features and battle mechanics that makes fighting games in the turn-based combat really fun. Like a Dragon 7 has that bit of strategy in it where position is kind of crucial to maximize damage, but this sequel officially takes that into accounts. Weapon attacks, proximity bonuses, and back attacks are some new, some old mechanics that have been polished on and refine the combat. Every buff, attack, and essence move that are categorized as AoEs with their own marker either a as line, circle, or cone (if I forget some things about LaD7 combat you can tell me it has been a while since I played it last time). There will be some times where not everyone in the party a buff or a heal, which I like as you need to consider where you are and what can you in this situation that is best. In addition, you have the hype mechanic where you perform special attacks that provide buffs and/or attacks, more-so interesting when you play as Kiryu. You get to fully control him just as if you were playing his games that not only sets the mood that he can't go "all-out" as much anymore due to cancer and old age which ties well for both story and gameplay on a deeper level; he also has access to style switching which for his exclusive job as Dragon of Dojima which is really cool to see implemented and meshes well with the turn-based RPG format. New jobs are pretty fun too like the female-only kunoichi job that has a skill that's just a free turn pass to another ally (and is pretty busted ngl).
Aside from the combat, the exploration outside of that also presents QoL with a music player, something that I believe that hasn't been present since Like a Dragon 7 which is great to listen to other video game track from SEGA IPs when running around Hawaii. The segway is another added feature that is a pleasure to have along with the fast travel if you prefer to travel on foot for a faster destination. Specking of Hawaii, it is another great sandbox to play minigames and do various content in such as Hawaiian Haunt, Crazy Eats, Sujimon Battles, and more. In fact, the content is so huge that I enjoyed every part of it. None of the minigames were frustrating and are short, simple, and sweet aside except for maybe the Sujimon minigames sometimes unless you're using the DLC Sujimon. There is also Dondoko island--a BEAST of side content that has similarities to animal crossing and the goal is to just have enough visitors come to island while satisfying them enough for a lot of money. I have several problems with as it can get a little boring a times and grinding money from it is not really worth it and time consuming, but frankly that they somehow worked something like THAT into a Like a Dragon game is impressive. Generally speaking the content in this game is huge to put it straight. There is so much to do that you will never be bored along with the great substories involved too. One of those substories even made me cry if I'm being blunt with the amazing voice acting they put into it.
Now we have the most important aspect of both being an RGG game slash RPG game: story and writing. I honestly did not see anything wrong with the story through my time playing it. This well-crafted and emotional colossus of a story was the best thing I've ever experienced in the franchise. Ichiban, who wants a future for the yakuza to integrate back into society and Kiryu that wants to confront the past of not just his life but the yakuza was so perfect. Ichiban continues to be a great protagonist that pushes the series forward with his powerful and kind outlook that gives others hope even when it is at its most bleak. His interactions with Tomizawa and Chitose are just phenomenal as to why people still continue to love this guy till this day. Hawaii being a playground for Ichiban with his confirmed native Hawaiian heritage was just right with the other subtle themes too. Ichiban getting the chance to meet Akane and offer Arakawa's ashes to his actual mom was genuinely the sweetest moment ever for him and made me weep. Said subtle theme I mentioned is one who sees the kindness in Palekana and that there are genuinely nice people in it, while Bryce usurps the title of sage through evil means and wants to use it as a tool for his own ends. Genuinely terrifying to see stuff like him using kahus as a firing squad and using ritualistic combat to make the faithful even more faithful like a modern cult. After this we get one of the best ending cutscene sequence in a Yakuza game by far for both Ichiban and Kiryu.
On the other hand, Kiryu secludes behind his prison that is with the Daidoji Faction until he realizes he doesn't have to take all of it on his own, and when he understands that his time his short he planned to make most of it by visiting past characters in the franchise with Date or to remind himself that he isn't just some legend of Kamurocho--he is a hero that has saved others and made them happy. The bucket list and memoirs are a perfect note to invite those past characters to remind Kiryu that he is genuinely an amazing guy who has done so much for others and that they're willing to stick their necks out for him even if it was chaotic at the time due to him. Every moment when you got to play as Kiryu was genuinely a powerful experience to me as I've been apart of this series for 6 whole damn years ever since seeing a cool little game called Yakuza 0 on the GameStop shelf. The conclusion that wraps up, fighting Ebina who hates the yakuza to the bitter end and wants every one of them to suffer who clashes with that someone who will carry the sins of every yakuza on their back made me break down. It was drama put into the crime drama. The past of yakuza that will come and go to a powerful ending for an iconic character that regained his name.
Every character was fun, had charm, and had great endings that tied up nicely. As someone who did every drink link and friendship bingo with the walk & talks Chitose and Tomizawa were amazing, fresh additions to the party and the writing for them was always the best. Tomizawa is tragic and Chistose is shackled to a rich family name, but finding that hope in spending time with Ichiban and resolving their problems made me quick to love these character the mode I spent time with them and their interactions. Seonhee is also added as an official party member, and to not repeat myself she is also great! It's cute to see the side of her that fangirls over Kiryu and knowing her casual side other than just being the calculated leader of the Geomijul.
Simply put, as I have I said, this is just the best RGG game I've ever played. Sure, there's the problem of the DLC bullshit and that stuff, but I cannot deny my heart from how much I love everything about this game (not that I'm trying to excuse that $20 for ng+ and hard mode is good or fair, if you rate its quality lower because of that then it is fine). From start to finish this has been all highs and positives for me and the story, as you can say, has me getting infinite thoughts about it. RGG has managed to push the series into a big boom of potential possibilities and has made this entry wildly successful. It's fucking kino and it deserves it.
But you... I want you to handle their future."
My thoughts are quite loaded with this point in the series where we officially have a second round with Ichiban's game as Ichiban and this franchise has become quite popular to the point where SEGA deems the infamous "NG+ dlc" worldwide as they did with the last game. Is this game worthy enough to be a banger like the last game in the series? Well, as you have seen the review rating, I think that this game is one of THE best in the series--better than Yakuza/Like a Dragon 0 and 7 which is a high monument in my book making something special to me. It continues the story of one protagonist while wrapping the long-winding story of another.
First off, the gameplay has significantly improved with immense QoL features and battle mechanics that makes fighting games in the turn-based combat really fun. Like a Dragon 7 has that bit of strategy in it where position is kind of crucial to maximize damage, but this sequel officially takes that into accounts. Weapon attacks, proximity bonuses, and back attacks are some new, some old mechanics that have been polished on and refine the combat. Every buff, attack, and essence move that are categorized as AoEs with their own marker either a as line, circle, or cone (if I forget some things about LaD7 combat you can tell me it has been a while since I played it last time). There will be some times where not everyone in the party a buff or a heal, which I like as you need to consider where you are and what can you in this situation that is best. In addition, you have the hype mechanic where you perform special attacks that provide buffs and/or attacks, more-so interesting when you play as Kiryu. You get to fully control him just as if you were playing his games that not only sets the mood that he can't go "all-out" as much anymore due to cancer and old age which ties well for both story and gameplay on a deeper level; he also has access to style switching which for his exclusive job as Dragon of Dojima which is really cool to see implemented and meshes well with the turn-based RPG format. New jobs are pretty fun too like the female-only kunoichi job that has a skill that's just a free turn pass to another ally (and is pretty busted ngl).
Aside from the combat, the exploration outside of that also presents QoL with a music player, something that I believe that hasn't been present since Like a Dragon 7 which is great to listen to other video game track from SEGA IPs when running around Hawaii. The segway is another added feature that is a pleasure to have along with the fast travel if you prefer to travel on foot for a faster destination. Specking of Hawaii, it is another great sandbox to play minigames and do various content in such as Hawaiian Haunt, Crazy Eats, Sujimon Battles, and more. In fact, the content is so huge that I enjoyed every part of it. None of the minigames were frustrating and are short, simple, and sweet aside except for maybe the Sujimon minigames sometimes unless you're using the DLC Sujimon. There is also Dondoko island--a BEAST of side content that has similarities to animal crossing and the goal is to just have enough visitors come to island while satisfying them enough for a lot of money. I have several problems with as it can get a little boring a times and grinding money from it is not really worth it and time consuming, but frankly that they somehow worked something like THAT into a Like a Dragon game is impressive. Generally speaking the content in this game is huge to put it straight. There is so much to do that you will never be bored along with the great substories involved too. One of those substories even made me cry if I'm being blunt with the amazing voice acting they put into it.
Now we have the most important aspect of both being an RGG game slash RPG game: story and writing. I honestly did not see anything wrong with the story through my time playing it. This well-crafted and emotional colossus of a story was the best thing I've ever experienced in the franchise. Ichiban, who wants a future for the yakuza to integrate back into society and Kiryu that wants to confront the past of not just his life but the yakuza was so perfect. Ichiban continues to be a great protagonist that pushes the series forward with his powerful and kind outlook that gives others hope even when it is at its most bleak. His interactions with Tomizawa and Chitose are just phenomenal as to why people still continue to love this guy till this day. Hawaii being a playground for Ichiban with his confirmed native Hawaiian heritage was just right with the other subtle themes too. Ichiban getting the chance to meet Akane and offer Arakawa's ashes to his actual mom was genuinely the sweetest moment ever for him and made me weep. Said subtle theme I mentioned is one who sees the kindness in Palekana and that there are genuinely nice people in it, while Bryce usurps the title of sage through evil means and wants to use it as a tool for his own ends. Genuinely terrifying to see stuff like him using kahus as a firing squad and using ritualistic combat to make the faithful even more faithful like a modern cult. After this we get one of the best ending cutscene sequence in a Yakuza game by far for both Ichiban and Kiryu.
On the other hand, Kiryu secludes behind his prison that is with the Daidoji Faction until he realizes he doesn't have to take all of it on his own, and when he understands that his time his short he planned to make most of it by visiting past characters in the franchise with Date or to remind himself that he isn't just some legend of Kamurocho--he is a hero that has saved others and made them happy. The bucket list and memoirs are a perfect note to invite those past characters to remind Kiryu that he is genuinely an amazing guy who has done so much for others and that they're willing to stick their necks out for him even if it was chaotic at the time due to him. Every moment when you got to play as Kiryu was genuinely a powerful experience to me as I've been apart of this series for 6 whole damn years ever since seeing a cool little game called Yakuza 0 on the GameStop shelf. The conclusion that wraps up, fighting Ebina who hates the yakuza to the bitter end and wants every one of them to suffer who clashes with that someone who will carry the sins of every yakuza on their back made me break down. It was drama put into the crime drama. The past of yakuza that will come and go to a powerful ending for an iconic character that regained his name.
Every character was fun, had charm, and had great endings that tied up nicely. As someone who did every drink link and friendship bingo with the walk & talks Chitose and Tomizawa were amazing, fresh additions to the party and the writing for them was always the best. Tomizawa is tragic and Chistose is shackled to a rich family name, but finding that hope in spending time with Ichiban and resolving their problems made me quick to love these character the mode I spent time with them and their interactions. Seonhee is also added as an official party member, and to not repeat myself she is also great! It's cute to see the side of her that fangirls over Kiryu and knowing her casual side other than just being the calculated leader of the Geomijul.
Simply put, as I have I said, this is just the best RGG game I've ever played. Sure, there's the problem of the DLC bullshit and that stuff, but I cannot deny my heart from how much I love everything about this game (not that I'm trying to excuse that $20 for ng+ and hard mode is good or fair, if you rate its quality lower because of that then it is fine). From start to finish this has been all highs and positives for me and the story, as you can say, has me getting infinite thoughts about it. RGG has managed to push the series into a big boom of potential possibilities and has made this entry wildly successful. It's fucking kino and it deserves it.
As someone who finished the original I'm not sure what to feel about this game. Like I think the ideas are pretty solid with the story but have some stuff shoved in that I think don't really mesh well with me compared to the original. At the same time, however, I think those said flaws with the story and execution make me question: is this execution something worth it? Well, obviously we don't the answer to that yet but I trust the plan slightly. The positives I love about this game are the characters. They did so well writing them up and making them very expressful. Barret's love for his only-child as a parent, the Avalanche resistance team having those wonderful moments in the spotlight with their interaction for Cloud, Aerith having that vibe about that reminds me of her from the original, and more! All of this is great and I would love to see much of that in the sequel. In addition, the environments do well to emanate this atmosphere of Midgar where the top is neat and pretty and the slums are so cramped and dreary (for better or for worse). Problem is, that mentioned 'for worse' are those environments which kinda bothered me with those forced closed gaps shimmy sections in the game as they just got too frequent especially roaming in the slums; regardless, it's pretty stuff to look at with the amazing soundtrack playing. A major issue I have is the combat. It's an action rpg where you got that turn-based ATB bar and you use that to sling spells or weapon abilities. I don't really vibe with it for the most part since some bosses in the game are notoriously annoying or just frustrating to deal with and it becomes a problem. The fun materia system is still there of course which is a nice sight to see. My final complaint among this is that it makes me worried how very wild this remake is taking its direction in all of this, considering it is a game with multiple parts to emulate the OG. But by god I will this say: they better nail that landing in the end because it is very ballsy with what they're doing with the story of this game as a whole. Only time and the team's dedication for this will tell if this will be the biggest success or biggest flop ever.
Now that Granblue Fantasy Versus Rising is out I have to say that lookinf back on this game was very unfortunate, especially for me during COVID times.
I knew next to nothing about GBF and I wanted to give this game a try as well as the purpose of finding that fighting game that was my "true fighting game" that I would love to play. I did, but the results were not very satisfying. Bad networking and other things in life made me push away from this game, but every end comes a new beginning (sometimes). Bless GBVSR.
I knew next to nothing about GBF and I wanted to give this game a try as well as the purpose of finding that fighting game that was my "true fighting game" that I would love to play. I did, but the results were not very satisfying. Bad networking and other things in life made me push away from this game, but every end comes a new beginning (sometimes). Bless GBVSR.
I barely touched the original game even though I was very excited to play it. However, my motivation was waning to pick it up again and try it out but for some good reasons. Thankfully, this "updated" version of the game is miles better than the original. It actually makes me motivated to start practicing and getting into the genre of fighting games aside from some of the cracked balancing the game has I hear from time to time (and how bad the journal comments get). Definitely will love to play more of it casually and practice while playing the added Grand Bruise mode. They really did so much for this game and I love it. The ideas are very fun and they're not afraid to execute it along with a strong online networking that further benefits the game. Again, my definitive fighting game that will truly get me into the genre.
2017
it's alright. fun to play on the occasion. idk that's all i really have to say about it.
Compared to OG Doom Eternal, something I loved, the balancing felt off in this content. They added new enemies, but the new enemies are not very good and don't mesh well with the flow of combat. Especially the spirits, fuck the spirits. Hate having to rely on one weapon mod to just kill them; it being apart of the final boss's mechanics did not help on my opinion on them. Story was alright, Doom Eternal combat is good as it always is, but man the some parts of the levels were frustrating.
2020
A sequel to the DOOM 2016 game that does everything BETTER than what the last modern doom does. It has that arcade-y, fast-paced combat that doom always does proudly while improving on the playstyle with new tools that add so much how you interact with enemies especially with the new variety. The other addition of dashes makes movement smoother and catching enemies to do glory kills easier plus some platforming sections. Speaking of enemies, the bosses in this game are... actually good? Compared to 2016, it blows it out of the water and they managed to make them flow well into the combat of modern DOOM that increased my enjoyment of the game tenfold. There's also more collectibles and a bigger story which is nice if they liked that side of DOOM 2016 and its storytelling. This is my most favorite DOOM game ever it's so perfect with the flow of combat and cool, satisfying shit you can do.
2016
a very wonderful rpgmaker game that makes me appreciate how great rpgmaker games are. it has creative puzzles with nice music, but my only complaint is that i wanted a little more out of the story since it goes by so fast to feel much more about that ending. however, it is undeniable it has great charm and impact to me even if the game is small.
2014
character designs, writing, and the world is awesome but jesus christ the game mechanics deep down are horrifying