ArrenSol
2020
Kinda crazy that Square Enix put out not one, but TWO remakes of JRPG classics not only in the same year, but in the same month.
Not gonna lie, I felt more for this one than FF7R; I grew up playing the original Trials of Mana back when the high seas and fan translation projects were one of the only ways to learn about cool games like it. Seeing it reborn as a fully-fledged 3D action RPG with a robust skill system and some satisfying new combat was a dream come true. I'll probably replay this down the line once I'm good and ready (and my backlog's cleared, haha).
Not gonna lie, I felt more for this one than FF7R; I grew up playing the original Trials of Mana back when the high seas and fan translation projects were one of the only ways to learn about cool games like it. Seeing it reborn as a fully-fledged 3D action RPG with a robust skill system and some satisfying new combat was a dream come true. I'll probably replay this down the line once I'm good and ready (and my backlog's cleared, haha).
2019
Cute little adventure packed into a solid 3-5 hours. Wholesome dialogue, very relaxing music, and that crunchy 3D style reminiscent of the DS era was an inspired choice. Highly recommended if you just want to chill for a little bit and maybe climb a mountain.
Counting this even though I didn't exactly play through it so much as backseat game alongside someone who did all the heavy lifting...but it counts! Somehow!
Ichi is a lovable hero for the series and his positivity is infectious; tonally, this seems like same old Yakuza but through the eyes of a fresh protagonist, which really feels like it gives the series new life.
Combat is a nice interactive turn-based affair, but some spots (especially later in the game) feel like they're gated behind level progression which can lead to a grueling grind just for that next story beat. Still, it's a solid first try at this RPG formula and hopefully future main series entries learn how to scale that back a bit.
Ichi is a lovable hero for the series and his positivity is infectious; tonally, this seems like same old Yakuza but through the eyes of a fresh protagonist, which really feels like it gives the series new life.
Combat is a nice interactive turn-based affair, but some spots (especially later in the game) feel like they're gated behind level progression which can lead to a grueling grind just for that next story beat. Still, it's a solid first try at this RPG formula and hopefully future main series entries learn how to scale that back a bit.
Both a solid reimagining and a daring new take on a VG classic.
The first time I played the original XBC on the Wii, I couldn't get it to stick and I dropped it fairly early. The second time, with newfound resolve, I discovered one of my all-time favorite JRPGs for real.
XCDE does all the same things, but better and prettier than its origin. I'm excited for what the future brings from Monolith.
XCDE does all the same things, but better and prettier than its origin. I'm excited for what the future brings from Monolith.
2020
Made it to the staff roll and credits sequence, probably not going for the epilogue.
Hades kept me coming back for more in ways that other Supergiant games just haven't. I still think Transistor is my favorite overall but Hades' surprisingly endearing story about mending a broken family against the backdrop of Greek mythology hit hard, cut deep, and left me a joyous, sobbing mess when it was all over.
Hades kept me coming back for more in ways that other Supergiant games just haven't. I still think Transistor is my favorite overall but Hades' surprisingly endearing story about mending a broken family against the backdrop of Greek mythology hit hard, cut deep, and left me a joyous, sobbing mess when it was all over.
I can't talk about this game quite the way I want to without spoiling it, but if you like sci-fi or adventure games, or both, then you absolutely owe it to yourself to play this. Vanillaware still absolutely killing it.
2014
I think I've played this through just the three times, but each time I catch little things I missed on the previous go-around. Every time I do, I'm inclined to try program combinations I might've neglected during the last run.
One of few games whose soundtrack has stuck with me so intently over the years. Darren Korb and Ashley Barrett are an unbeatable duo in game music at this point.
One of few games whose soundtrack has stuck with me so intently over the years. Darren Korb and Ashley Barrett are an unbeatable duo in game music at this point.
2021
Solid action-packed game and I was really digging the story, but I petered out and I don't think I'll be back to it any time soon.
2021
One of the first Battle Royale games I've played where I can hide my miserable aim.
2021
I'll be revisiting Rise throughout its update cycle, just like every other MH. I'd love to play with people!
2021
The first week or two when I was dunking on kids left and right was probably the best I've ever felt as any sort of competitor lmao
Let me be clear: I'm a fan of almost everything Suda51 and Grasshopper did with this game, except for the core gameplay. This IS essential reading for the series, but I wouldn't begrudge anyone who just tossed it for a quick wiki synopsis to get ready for NMH3.
A lot of cool concepts get thrown around in this game, which makes it a shame that the central part of the game just feels so washed out and clunky. Perhaps that's subversive beauty in and of itself.
I adored the adventure game vignettes between the larger stages.
A lot of cool concepts get thrown around in this game, which makes it a shame that the central part of the game just feels so washed out and clunky. Perhaps that's subversive beauty in and of itself.
I adored the adventure game vignettes between the larger stages.
Absolutely masterful in its genre and one of my favorite games all year. It's a little on the tough side, but the game expects you to die a bunch in order to incrementally beef up your trio of heroes.
Simple-but-solid narrative, soundtrack jam packed with earworms, a couple of different modes to make the game replayable and a couple of incredible a-ha twist discoveries that really defined what makes the metroidvania genre exciting and fun for me. Don't miss this if you're a fan.
Simple-but-solid narrative, soundtrack jam packed with earworms, a couple of different modes to make the game replayable and a couple of incredible a-ha twist discoveries that really defined what makes the metroidvania genre exciting and fun for me. Don't miss this if you're a fan.
Praising this game still almost feels controversial, but it really is one of my favorite tales in the Zelda series. Adding in a button control scheme made this feel a lot more accessible IMO.