Words cannot do this game justice... this is everything I ever wanted and more... my favorite game of all time given such treatment is special beyond words. I wish everyone could experience having their favorite piece of fiction shown such adoration and respect.
They nailed every character (major and minor), their interactions and dialogue were perfect, the world and its expanded lore magnificent, all of the mini-games, the unbelievable soundtrack, the perfect marriage of action & turn-based combat, some of the best towns in gaming history, etc. Literally everything about this game felt like such a personal and heartfelt gift to my 8-year-old self.
It made me laugh out loud on multiple occasions, smile, and cry in equal measure. They somehow struck that perfect balance that the original so brilliantly displayed between lighthearted and more serious, dark moments.
Here I sit a couple weeks after completing it, and it still takes up residence in the back of my brain. I just cannot stop thinking about it. Like, I cannot believe this game is actually real after damn near 2 decades of hoping and praying for a remake. They did it... they really did...
What I would have thought impossible to achieve only half a decade ago, they were able to realize in such an incredibly short amount of time (like how did they make this in only 3 years!?).
I love this world and these characters so, so much. FFVII is and always will remain my favorite game of all time, and this Re-trilogy is just solidifying the reason why.
A true masterpiece and easily one of my favorite games of all time. This trilogy has the potential to go down as the LOTR of videogames when the 3rd title releases in 2027. I am eagerly anticipating the conclusion to this amazing story and the catharsis that is going to come from all of the character's conclusions. I have no doubt they will deliver something extraordinary.
For more of my Final Fantasy VII reviews and thoughts, please see below:
PlayStation 1 Review
PC Review
PS4 Review
Remake Review
Crisis Core PSP Review
They nailed every character (major and minor), their interactions and dialogue were perfect, the world and its expanded lore magnificent, all of the mini-games, the unbelievable soundtrack, the perfect marriage of action & turn-based combat, some of the best towns in gaming history, etc. Literally everything about this game felt like such a personal and heartfelt gift to my 8-year-old self.
It made me laugh out loud on multiple occasions, smile, and cry in equal measure. They somehow struck that perfect balance that the original so brilliantly displayed between lighthearted and more serious, dark moments.
Here I sit a couple weeks after completing it, and it still takes up residence in the back of my brain. I just cannot stop thinking about it. Like, I cannot believe this game is actually real after damn near 2 decades of hoping and praying for a remake. They did it... they really did...
What I would have thought impossible to achieve only half a decade ago, they were able to realize in such an incredibly short amount of time (like how did they make this in only 3 years!?).
I love this world and these characters so, so much. FFVII is and always will remain my favorite game of all time, and this Re-trilogy is just solidifying the reason why.
A true masterpiece and easily one of my favorite games of all time. This trilogy has the potential to go down as the LOTR of videogames when the 3rd title releases in 2027. I am eagerly anticipating the conclusion to this amazing story and the catharsis that is going to come from all of the character's conclusions. I have no doubt they will deliver something extraordinary.
For more of my Final Fantasy VII reviews and thoughts, please see below:
PlayStation 1 Review
PC Review
PS4 Review
Remake Review
Crisis Core PSP Review
2020
REmake 2 but worse in every conceivable way: a shorter campaign length, cut content from the original RE3, worse level design, less horror elements, inability to shoot off zombie limbs, etc.
Also, and I never thought I'd say this, but Nemesis was outdone by Mr. X in the previous title... and this is coming from someone who always had a soft spot for the original RE3 on the PS1.
I've always considered ol' Nemmy to be one of the greatest horror icons up there with the likes of Pyramid Head or the Alien Xenomorph, so to see him in a more scripted and "action role" had me sorely disappointed. He should have had me "shitting my pants" in terror like Mr. X did...
Alas, it isn't all bad though. The game is still overall enjoyable, as it mostly keeps the same gameplay/engine from RE2 Remake. So, it is still a fun horror/action game that I didn't regret playing... I had a decent enough time with it anyway, but if I ever want to return to Raccoon City, you can bet this won't be the game I'll be pulling out first (or second, or third, or fourth)...
I just wish they gave us more time in Raccoon City proper - I think the beginning section of the game was by far its best part. They just needed to dedicate a little more time to it and expand it out.
This game gives me the feeling, being released only a year after REmake 2, that it was rushed out the door. Tis a damn shame... Jill deserved better than this.
Also, and I never thought I'd say this, but Nemesis was outdone by Mr. X in the previous title... and this is coming from someone who always had a soft spot for the original RE3 on the PS1.
I've always considered ol' Nemmy to be one of the greatest horror icons up there with the likes of Pyramid Head or the Alien Xenomorph, so to see him in a more scripted and "action role" had me sorely disappointed. He should have had me "shitting my pants" in terror like Mr. X did...
Alas, it isn't all bad though. The game is still overall enjoyable, as it mostly keeps the same gameplay/engine from RE2 Remake. So, it is still a fun horror/action game that I didn't regret playing... I had a decent enough time with it anyway, but if I ever want to return to Raccoon City, you can bet this won't be the game I'll be pulling out first (or second, or third, or fourth)...
I just wish they gave us more time in Raccoon City proper - I think the beginning section of the game was by far its best part. They just needed to dedicate a little more time to it and expand it out.
This game gives me the feeling, being released only a year after REmake 2, that it was rushed out the door. Tis a damn shame... Jill deserved better than this.
2019
I never really considered the Resident Evil franchise to be incredibly frightening when I played the original RE1-5 back in the day. It wasn't until I played REmake on the GameCube, where I saw RE's true potential to achieve its survival "horror" label.
Forgetting the abysmal RE6 for a moment, RE7 is where I felt Capcom best unified its action, puzzle, survival, and horror game concepts into a perfect marriage... and then the Resident Evil 2 Remake carried that torch forward in a more traditional 3rd-person, classic RE style.
This game on Hardcore is truly a tense, anxiety-ridden experience. I loved every second of it. :) Only true survival horror fans need sign-up for this experience!
This was the first game in a very long time where I felt that a single zombie was both formidable and horrifying. And that's not mentioning the fearsome Lickers that truly test your courage not to run in terror...
Then there is what I consider "horror made manifest"... the dreadful Mr. X. His footsteps of doom still haunt my dreams all these years later. He brings to life all of those unkillable horror icons like Freddy, Jason, or Michael Myers that are nigh unstoppable... you can try your best to run, but they'll still catch-up to you regardless.
However, unlike any horror movie, where you only happen to be a passive observer to the events on screen... the active participation of being thrust into the position of the protagonists, makes this proposition so much scarier...
They captured the feeling of being alone, and woefully ill-prepared to go against this indestructible "boogey-man" brilliantly.
The gameplay shines here as some of the best the series has to offer - the gunplay is exceptional and a real standout. Similar to RE4, but with a greater focus on realism and less "hokey" cheese (Leon isn't going to be shouting out any one-liners or blocking a chainsaw with his knife in this one). No... you better respect every zombie here, lest you'll quickly face the "You Are Dead" screen on the harder difficulties.
You can feel the impact of every bullet and the blood and gore is hauntingly realistic. The grotesque amounts of detail, along with the game's sound design is utterly fantastic - turn out the lights, put your headset on, and experience REmake 2 in the best possible way.
Lastly, the reimagined music is beyond excellent. One of my favorite tracks comes near the end of Leon's route... and in all honesty, when a certain section plays, it is one of my all-time favorite gaming moments/memories (it plays around 1:31 in the following musical track: Collapse/Leon Escape From the Lab).
This is one of the best RE titles along with the original RE2, REmake 1, RE7, and RE4. A modern-day survival horror masterpiece.
Forgetting the abysmal RE6 for a moment, RE7 is where I felt Capcom best unified its action, puzzle, survival, and horror game concepts into a perfect marriage... and then the Resident Evil 2 Remake carried that torch forward in a more traditional 3rd-person, classic RE style.
This game on Hardcore is truly a tense, anxiety-ridden experience. I loved every second of it. :) Only true survival horror fans need sign-up for this experience!
This was the first game in a very long time where I felt that a single zombie was both formidable and horrifying. And that's not mentioning the fearsome Lickers that truly test your courage not to run in terror...
Then there is what I consider "horror made manifest"... the dreadful Mr. X. His footsteps of doom still haunt my dreams all these years later. He brings to life all of those unkillable horror icons like Freddy, Jason, or Michael Myers that are nigh unstoppable... you can try your best to run, but they'll still catch-up to you regardless.
However, unlike any horror movie, where you only happen to be a passive observer to the events on screen... the active participation of being thrust into the position of the protagonists, makes this proposition so much scarier...
They captured the feeling of being alone, and woefully ill-prepared to go against this indestructible "boogey-man" brilliantly.
The gameplay shines here as some of the best the series has to offer - the gunplay is exceptional and a real standout. Similar to RE4, but with a greater focus on realism and less "hokey" cheese (Leon isn't going to be shouting out any one-liners or blocking a chainsaw with his knife in this one). No... you better respect every zombie here, lest you'll quickly face the "You Are Dead" screen on the harder difficulties.
You can feel the impact of every bullet and the blood and gore is hauntingly realistic. The grotesque amounts of detail, along with the game's sound design is utterly fantastic - turn out the lights, put your headset on, and experience REmake 2 in the best possible way.
Lastly, the reimagined music is beyond excellent. One of my favorite tracks comes near the end of Leon's route... and in all honesty, when a certain section plays, it is one of my all-time favorite gaming moments/memories (it plays around 1:31 in the following musical track: Collapse/Leon Escape From the Lab).
This is one of the best RE titles along with the original RE2, REmake 1, RE7, and RE4. A modern-day survival horror masterpiece.
My first real experience with an MMORPG - yes, I've had brief stints with Everquest, Runescape, Phantasy Star Online, Final Fantasy XI, Star Wars the Old Republic, Destiny 2, and Guild Wars 2 back in the day... but I don't really count those as I either:
A. Didn't enjoy them
OR
B. Never stuck with them too long and my playtime was minimal
FFXIV is the first one that I really gave an honest attempt to learn the mechanics of, and I've been trying my best to learn its lingo (I still feel intimidated and a bit of an old man when playing though, especially when partied up with others)... The entire experience thus far has been really enjoyable.
There are so many things to do in this game, and I find myself losing myself in almost all of them: the MSQ, different jobs, fishing/crafting, Gold Saucer, Triple Triad, dungeons/raids, etc. And it is great that I can pace myself, so I don't burn myself out... it is probably gonna take me years to catch up though.
All of it together makes me understand why this game has such a hold on people - it is essentially the videogame version of "crack".
I still haven't found why people talk up the game's story so much yet, but am excited to find out as I continue playing... I've really enjoyed the characters and the lore/world building - it is very much a slow, slow burn, but I like games that do that (as long as they build up to something and there is a payoff).
Being a fan of the Final Fantasy series for damn near 30 years, makes this whole experience feel like a "Final Fantasy amusement park". All the references and callbacks to other games in the series, turn this game into a wonderful love letter to the entire FF series, and a treasure trove of fun for its fanbase. I am excited to continue playing after completing A Realm Reborn.
A. Didn't enjoy them
OR
B. Never stuck with them too long and my playtime was minimal
FFXIV is the first one that I really gave an honest attempt to learn the mechanics of, and I've been trying my best to learn its lingo (I still feel intimidated and a bit of an old man when playing though, especially when partied up with others)... The entire experience thus far has been really enjoyable.
There are so many things to do in this game, and I find myself losing myself in almost all of them: the MSQ, different jobs, fishing/crafting, Gold Saucer, Triple Triad, dungeons/raids, etc. And it is great that I can pace myself, so I don't burn myself out... it is probably gonna take me years to catch up though.
All of it together makes me understand why this game has such a hold on people - it is essentially the videogame version of "crack".
I still haven't found why people talk up the game's story so much yet, but am excited to find out as I continue playing... I've really enjoyed the characters and the lore/world building - it is very much a slow, slow burn, but I like games that do that (as long as they build up to something and there is a payoff).
Being a fan of the Final Fantasy series for damn near 30 years, makes this whole experience feel like a "Final Fantasy amusement park". All the references and callbacks to other games in the series, turn this game into a wonderful love letter to the entire FF series, and a treasure trove of fun for its fanbase. I am excited to continue playing after completing A Realm Reborn.
2022
Saw it on the front page and looked into it. Was a fun little distraction and it felt great being able to guess the name of a game with the first non-descriptive screenshot.
Current stats: 30 Played | 24 Won | 80% Win Percentage | 12 Max Streak
Current stats: 30 Played | 24 Won | 80% Win Percentage | 12 Max Streak
2022
I love what this game attempted to do... I really do. For what was originally a SNES title, this game was incredibly ambitious for its day. I was shocked at the mature storytelling and themes it tackled as I progressed through its lengthy campaign...
The many different characters and their motivations, political history, and the game's world can be fascinating, albeit a bit overwhelming, especially at the beginning. I was consistently referring to the game's Warren Report - which is essentially an encyclopedia of events, history, important plot points, characters, and lore just to keep up with all the names & places being mentioned.
Combine that with multiple different choices/paths, recruitable characters, and endings, I am a bit shocked at how much I just didn't like it by the end... and even now, I sit at the end dungeon in Chapter 4, a handful of hours from the game's conclusion, but I just don't really have the fortitude to continue on to the game's ending. I just feel kind of done with it. And this makes me incredibly sad...
I appreciate what was attempted here, and being a huge fan of Final Fantasy Tactics, I can still respect Tactics Ogre as being a cornerstone in paving the way for the tactical RPG genre... but unfortunately, there were just too many things that bothered me to truly enjoy this title.
Firstly, let's start with the characters and story. Some of the character motivations are head-scratching at best... I couldn't get over a certain decision made at the end of Chapter 1 and the lack of impact it had... I think with the appropriate build-up, this could have been an incredibly groundbreaking moment, but instead it felt forced and a bit silly. Some actions just didn't feel believable to me, especially with the game presenting it as a choice for our main "hero". And don't get me started on the two "childhood friends": Catiua and Vyse. I absolutely despised these 2, almost from the very beginning... and as the game wore on, they just kept getting worse and worse. They never once felt like "friends" and the decisions some of these characters make and the choices presented were infuriating and/or laughable at times.
I feel that they just didn't work well, and that Matsuno re-attempted it (in a much more believable way, and with greater success) in Final Fantasy Tactics with the character, Delita Hyral. In each and every way, whether it be story, characters or gameplay, I just couldn't shake the feeling that this game was a rough draft, beta version, and an overall inferior product to FFT.
All in all, the game's plot, characters, and themes were so very close to being great... I loved the localization and dialogue presented, but I feel it was a bit overly ambitious and just couldn't reach those legendary heights at which it aspired to reach.
But even saying all of this, I could still have loved this game if only I enjoyed the gameplay... but I don't... in fact, this is where I surprisingly had the most problems with the game. There are so many little things that bothered me where I just found the entire experience unenjoyable. I'll summarize a handful of my issues with the gameplay below:
1. There are too many characters allowed into a battle - I enjoy the party mechanics of having only 4-6 party members in battle like in FFT, but anytime I saw 10+ in this game, rather than feel like it was going to be some epic fight, I braced myself for I knew it was going to be a long, arduous, and boring slog... those 12 party fights were a true pain in the ass to get through. They felt like they took forever... and there are just far too many of them.
2. The first 2-3 turns in combat... they are literally just rushing or waiting to get close to the enemy so you could actually perform actions... dragging the combat out even further.
3. Too much health - Jesus Christ, why does it take so many hits to down an enemy. This shit was ridiculous... nothing ever dies quickly. Neither your team, nor the enemy. With this many characters, at least let them go down fast, I mean goddamn.
4. The level cap mechanic - I understand trying to keep the game challenging and strategic, but there were so many battles where it felt like an enormous waste of time with me getting into 30+ minute fights with no real reward. When fights feel like they're wasting a player's valuable time, I start trying to rush through them.
5. It is all a bit basic - if it wasn't for the other issues, this wouldn't be much of a problem for me, but the intricacies of the combat, and the lack of character abilities/customization, compounded some of the issues I had with it...
I didn't expect to dislike this game as much as a I did... the more I think about it, the more problems I have with it... I'll leave it shelved for now, as I know I'm right at the end. Maybe I'll bump it a half a point if the ending makes it feel like the journey was all worth it, but unfortunately, I doubt it.
The many different characters and their motivations, political history, and the game's world can be fascinating, albeit a bit overwhelming, especially at the beginning. I was consistently referring to the game's Warren Report - which is essentially an encyclopedia of events, history, important plot points, characters, and lore just to keep up with all the names & places being mentioned.
Combine that with multiple different choices/paths, recruitable characters, and endings, I am a bit shocked at how much I just didn't like it by the end... and even now, I sit at the end dungeon in Chapter 4, a handful of hours from the game's conclusion, but I just don't really have the fortitude to continue on to the game's ending. I just feel kind of done with it. And this makes me incredibly sad...
I appreciate what was attempted here, and being a huge fan of Final Fantasy Tactics, I can still respect Tactics Ogre as being a cornerstone in paving the way for the tactical RPG genre... but unfortunately, there were just too many things that bothered me to truly enjoy this title.
Firstly, let's start with the characters and story. Some of the character motivations are head-scratching at best... I couldn't get over a certain decision made at the end of Chapter 1 and the lack of impact it had... I think with the appropriate build-up, this could have been an incredibly groundbreaking moment, but instead it felt forced and a bit silly. Some actions just didn't feel believable to me, especially with the game presenting it as a choice for our main "hero". And don't get me started on the two "childhood friends": Catiua and Vyse. I absolutely despised these 2, almost from the very beginning... and as the game wore on, they just kept getting worse and worse. They never once felt like "friends" and the decisions some of these characters make and the choices presented were infuriating and/or laughable at times.
I feel that they just didn't work well, and that Matsuno re-attempted it (in a much more believable way, and with greater success) in Final Fantasy Tactics with the character, Delita Hyral. In each and every way, whether it be story, characters or gameplay, I just couldn't shake the feeling that this game was a rough draft, beta version, and an overall inferior product to FFT.
All in all, the game's plot, characters, and themes were so very close to being great... I loved the localization and dialogue presented, but I feel it was a bit overly ambitious and just couldn't reach those legendary heights at which it aspired to reach.
But even saying all of this, I could still have loved this game if only I enjoyed the gameplay... but I don't... in fact, this is where I surprisingly had the most problems with the game. There are so many little things that bothered me where I just found the entire experience unenjoyable. I'll summarize a handful of my issues with the gameplay below:
1. There are too many characters allowed into a battle - I enjoy the party mechanics of having only 4-6 party members in battle like in FFT, but anytime I saw 10+ in this game, rather than feel like it was going to be some epic fight, I braced myself for I knew it was going to be a long, arduous, and boring slog... those 12 party fights were a true pain in the ass to get through. They felt like they took forever... and there are just far too many of them.
2. The first 2-3 turns in combat... they are literally just rushing or waiting to get close to the enemy so you could actually perform actions... dragging the combat out even further.
3. Too much health - Jesus Christ, why does it take so many hits to down an enemy. This shit was ridiculous... nothing ever dies quickly. Neither your team, nor the enemy. With this many characters, at least let them go down fast, I mean goddamn.
4. The level cap mechanic - I understand trying to keep the game challenging and strategic, but there were so many battles where it felt like an enormous waste of time with me getting into 30+ minute fights with no real reward. When fights feel like they're wasting a player's valuable time, I start trying to rush through them.
5. It is all a bit basic - if it wasn't for the other issues, this wouldn't be much of a problem for me, but the intricacies of the combat, and the lack of character abilities/customization, compounded some of the issues I had with it...
I didn't expect to dislike this game as much as a I did... the more I think about it, the more problems I have with it... I'll leave it shelved for now, as I know I'm right at the end. Maybe I'll bump it a half a point if the ending makes it feel like the journey was all worth it, but unfortunately, I doubt it.
"Just you left, is it?"
"Yeah... just me."
Let me just get this out of the way immediately: this is the greatest open world game I've ever played, bar none! In comparison to other open world games, it isn't even a fair fight; this is easily the finest crafted in the entire "open world/sandbox" genre. Rockstar is just on another level when compared to other developers, which is why I'll always be there Day 1 whenever they release a new title.
RDR2 improved upon the 1st in every conceivable way. An incredible amount of detail was put into this work of art to create a massive, living, breathing world... the realism on display here is utterly unbelievable. When I played this, I was completely immersed into the setting and never got tired of playing it throughout its lengthy campaign. All in all, there is so much to see and so much to do in this game, that I know even after putting over 100+ hours into it, I still am not even close to seeing everything.
Starting with the characters - the Van der Linde gang has an amazing assortment of personalities: some you love, others you love to hate... it truly feels like a family at the beginning that slowly begins to unravel and decline. The personal journeys, their character arcs, and the direction the storyline heads in is Rockstar at its absolute best. This is peak storytelling, world building, and character development in a video game.
Dutch van der Linde, the de facto leader of the group, has such charisma and personality, that he'll even convince (more like manipulate) some players that "he has a plan" and that he'd be a good person to follow. He's a fascinating character here unlike what little you see of him in RDR1. Also, I loved seeing a younger John Marston... it gave me a bit of nostalgic feelings, but also at the same time, made me wonder (and dread) how the events were going to unfold to get to where we end up in the 1st game.
And then there is the lead, Arthur Morgan - it didn't take long for me to no longer miss playing as John, and absolutely fall in love with him. His character journey I think may even outshine John's from the 1st game. The scene with Sister Calderon is seered into my memory - a very powerful moment. How great the voice acting and facial animations are in this game are really on display during this pivotal scene. Saying all of that though, I still love John Marston. Both him and Arthur are the 2 greatest protagonists that Rockstar has ever created.
Even with God of War coming out in 2018, this was my personal GoTY that year. If you loved the spaghetti westerns of old, such as "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly" - just imagine if you could play it... That is what it feels like with this game. It's an epic, legendary masterpiece, with a storyline and conclusion that will leave you feeling all sorts of different emotions... combine that with some of the best music that feels perfectly in line with the late, great Ennio Morricone, and you have one of the easiest 5/5 scores I could ever give out. An absolute must play, and Rockstar's greatest game.
Oh, and I almost forgot to mention - RDR2 has probably the greatest epilogue in all of video games. The epilogue alone is as long as most full AAA games in terms of how much story there still is to play out, and it is fan service done to perfection! I've never been more hyped hearing certain musical tracks and experiencing character/story moments. An experience I'll never forget.
"Yeah... just me."
Let me just get this out of the way immediately: this is the greatest open world game I've ever played, bar none! In comparison to other open world games, it isn't even a fair fight; this is easily the finest crafted in the entire "open world/sandbox" genre. Rockstar is just on another level when compared to other developers, which is why I'll always be there Day 1 whenever they release a new title.
RDR2 improved upon the 1st in every conceivable way. An incredible amount of detail was put into this work of art to create a massive, living, breathing world... the realism on display here is utterly unbelievable. When I played this, I was completely immersed into the setting and never got tired of playing it throughout its lengthy campaign. All in all, there is so much to see and so much to do in this game, that I know even after putting over 100+ hours into it, I still am not even close to seeing everything.
Starting with the characters - the Van der Linde gang has an amazing assortment of personalities: some you love, others you love to hate... it truly feels like a family at the beginning that slowly begins to unravel and decline. The personal journeys, their character arcs, and the direction the storyline heads in is Rockstar at its absolute best. This is peak storytelling, world building, and character development in a video game.
Dutch van der Linde, the de facto leader of the group, has such charisma and personality, that he'll even convince (more like manipulate) some players that "he has a plan" and that he'd be a good person to follow. He's a fascinating character here unlike what little you see of him in RDR1. Also, I loved seeing a younger John Marston... it gave me a bit of nostalgic feelings, but also at the same time, made me wonder (and dread) how the events were going to unfold to get to where we end up in the 1st game.
And then there is the lead, Arthur Morgan - it didn't take long for me to no longer miss playing as John, and absolutely fall in love with him. His character journey I think may even outshine John's from the 1st game. The scene with Sister Calderon is seered into my memory - a very powerful moment. How great the voice acting and facial animations are in this game are really on display during this pivotal scene. Saying all of that though, I still love John Marston. Both him and Arthur are the 2 greatest protagonists that Rockstar has ever created.
Even with God of War coming out in 2018, this was my personal GoTY that year. If you loved the spaghetti westerns of old, such as "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly" - just imagine if you could play it... That is what it feels like with this game. It's an epic, legendary masterpiece, with a storyline and conclusion that will leave you feeling all sorts of different emotions... combine that with some of the best music that feels perfectly in line with the late, great Ennio Morricone, and you have one of the easiest 5/5 scores I could ever give out. An absolute must play, and Rockstar's greatest game.
Oh, and I almost forgot to mention - RDR2 has probably the greatest epilogue in all of video games. The epilogue alone is as long as most full AAA games in terms of how much story there still is to play out, and it is fan service done to perfection! I've never been more hyped hearing certain musical tracks and experiencing character/story moments. An experience I'll never forget.
2023
"First Law: All puppets must obey their Creator's commands.
Second Law: A puppet may not harm humans.
Third Law: A puppet protects and serves humans and the city of Krat.
Fourth Law: A puppet cannot lie.
Fifth Law: You MUST play this game!"
Is it too late to take back my Game of the Year vote? After just completing Lies of P, I think this may overtake everything else I've played in 2023... I may need some time for it truly sink in, as I don't want to fall victim to recency bias, but coming off the excellent ending, it leaves me wanting more, and eagerly anticipating another game from Neowiz Games.
I was initially apprehensive when I first saw this game get announced... and even after playing the demo, I wasn't fully sold on this game. My impressions were that it was a full-on clone of Bloodborne...and somewhat embarassingly so... because of this, I didn't really have much of an interest of playing it beyond surface level of it being another "Souls-like".
It wasn't until I played the full game did I start seeing the game stand on its own terms, and appreciated the interesting new ideas it had.
The gameplay was tons of fun, the music hauntingly beautiful, the story was excellent and I had a great time exploring its world. I also loved how much more digestible and understandable the story was than any From Software game - I love not missing NPC interactions, missing item descriptions, or having to go to VaatiVidya to provide a comprehensive college course on understanding the game's lore. Much appreciated.
Lastly, I'll just mention that this was the next "Souls game" I played after beating Elden Ring from a couple years ago, and I absolutely adored this game's linear and tight game design. It was the absolute perfect length, coming in at around 30 hours, which makes it highly replayable. I literally booted up a 2nd playthrough for New Game+ immediately afterwards, and tried out a different weapon/playstyle. I miss games like this that don't overstay their welcome and feel like they are padding content out and wasting the player's time.
One of the best games I played in an absolutely stacked year!
Below contain some of my favorite songs from the game:
Feel - my favorite record song in the game.
Krat Hotel - perfect ambiance for a place that is the main hub of the game.
Trinity Sanctum - I love how mysterious this sounds.
Someday - another excellent record that I played in the hotel throughout the game.
Second Law: A puppet may not harm humans.
Third Law: A puppet protects and serves humans and the city of Krat.
Fourth Law: A puppet cannot lie.
Fifth Law: You MUST play this game!"
Is it too late to take back my Game of the Year vote? After just completing Lies of P, I think this may overtake everything else I've played in 2023... I may need some time for it truly sink in, as I don't want to fall victim to recency bias, but coming off the excellent ending, it leaves me wanting more, and eagerly anticipating another game from Neowiz Games.
I was initially apprehensive when I first saw this game get announced... and even after playing the demo, I wasn't fully sold on this game. My impressions were that it was a full-on clone of Bloodborne...and somewhat embarassingly so... because of this, I didn't really have much of an interest of playing it beyond surface level of it being another "Souls-like".
It wasn't until I played the full game did I start seeing the game stand on its own terms, and appreciated the interesting new ideas it had.
The gameplay was tons of fun, the music hauntingly beautiful, the story was excellent and I had a great time exploring its world. I also loved how much more digestible and understandable the story was than any From Software game - I love not missing NPC interactions, missing item descriptions, or having to go to VaatiVidya to provide a comprehensive college course on understanding the game's lore. Much appreciated.
Lastly, I'll just mention that this was the next "Souls game" I played after beating Elden Ring from a couple years ago, and I absolutely adored this game's linear and tight game design. It was the absolute perfect length, coming in at around 30 hours, which makes it highly replayable. I literally booted up a 2nd playthrough for New Game+ immediately afterwards, and tried out a different weapon/playstyle. I miss games like this that don't overstay their welcome and feel like they are padding content out and wasting the player's time.
One of the best games I played in an absolutely stacked year!
Below contain some of my favorite songs from the game:
Feel - my favorite record song in the game.
Krat Hotel - perfect ambiance for a place that is the main hub of the game.
Trinity Sanctum - I love how mysterious this sounds.
Someday - another excellent record that I played in the hotel throughout the game.
Excellent collection of some of the best games the visual novel genre has to offer. Over-the-top, silly, hilarious, hype, and fun. I really enjoyed re-experiencing the story of the first 3 Phoenix Wright games in one package. Can't wait until the Apollo trilogy comes out in 2024, as I've never played those ones before.
For more of my thoughts on each game, please see my individual reviews on them below.
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - 4.5/5
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Justice for All - 3.5/5
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Trials and Tribulations - 5/5
For more of my thoughts on each game, please see my individual reviews on them below.
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - 4.5/5
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Justice for All - 3.5/5
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Trials and Tribulations - 5/5
Marking as Retired as I've completed the PS5 remake.
Easily the best Star Ocean game, and there really isn't even a close 2nd place. If Star Ocean wants to succeed in the future, I feel they need to go back to making them like they used to, and preferably with this art style. This game is absolutely gorgeous and a visual marvel to look at. I was swept away in how beautiful some of the game's locations looked...
I feel that they had so many unique ideas in Star Ocean 2, and for a game originally released in the 90's, it all culminates in one of the more impressive JRPGs of its era. I played the original game on the PS1 briefly, and really enjoyed it back then, but never actually beat it... I was glad to finally rectify that with this re-release.
The game offers you 2 main protagonists that you can select at the beginning of your adventure, multiple different characters you can recruit on your journey, an unheard of number of abilities and customization (within a JRPG especially), an old-school JRPG staple: a World Map, and a fun gameplay/battle system.
The story/characters were pretty standard fare - very much a 90's RPG, and I couldn't help but chuckle a little when I started hearing the names Metatron, Gabriel, and Lucifer being dropped in the 2nd half of the game. I enjoy those types of religious nods though. Overall, the game's story was serviceable. Voice acting could be pretty hit or miss, but the ability to change voice acting between English/Japanese, turn off the voices entirely, or switch between the different voice actors on a per character basis, makes this a non-issue. The customization here was pretty insane.
I loved the Remastered music throughout the game too. There are some seriously fantastic tracks that I will highlight at the end of my review (had to mix in some originals due to the lack of the remixed soundtrack being on YouTube, which is a damn shame). The ability to switch to the original songs is an incredible addition and should always be included in these types of remakes.
You can tell a lot of love and care went into this title. Here's hoping we get more PS1 era remakes in the future with this level of care and attention to detail. If you ever wanted to play a Star Ocean game, make it this one!
Stab the Sword of Justice - Battle theme
The Venerable Forest
Field of Expel
Lose One's Illusions
Theme of Rena
White the Heart
I feel that they had so many unique ideas in Star Ocean 2, and for a game originally released in the 90's, it all culminates in one of the more impressive JRPGs of its era. I played the original game on the PS1 briefly, and really enjoyed it back then, but never actually beat it... I was glad to finally rectify that with this re-release.
The game offers you 2 main protagonists that you can select at the beginning of your adventure, multiple different characters you can recruit on your journey, an unheard of number of abilities and customization (within a JRPG especially), an old-school JRPG staple: a World Map, and a fun gameplay/battle system.
The story/characters were pretty standard fare - very much a 90's RPG, and I couldn't help but chuckle a little when I started hearing the names Metatron, Gabriel, and Lucifer being dropped in the 2nd half of the game. I enjoy those types of religious nods though. Overall, the game's story was serviceable. Voice acting could be pretty hit or miss, but the ability to change voice acting between English/Japanese, turn off the voices entirely, or switch between the different voice actors on a per character basis, makes this a non-issue. The customization here was pretty insane.
I loved the Remastered music throughout the game too. There are some seriously fantastic tracks that I will highlight at the end of my review (had to mix in some originals due to the lack of the remixed soundtrack being on YouTube, which is a damn shame). The ability to switch to the original songs is an incredible addition and should always be included in these types of remakes.
You can tell a lot of love and care went into this title. Here's hoping we get more PS1 era remakes in the future with this level of care and attention to detail. If you ever wanted to play a Star Ocean game, make it this one!
Stab the Sword of Justice - Battle theme
The Venerable Forest
Field of Expel
Lose One's Illusions
Theme of Rena
White the Heart
2020
While I greatly prefer the original's turn-based JRPG gameplay over this game's "Dynasty Warrior", hack-and-slash combat, this game still oozes quality - the storyline, characters, music, etc. demonstrates that a lot of love and care was put into this Persona 5 spin-off. It truly feels like a worthy sequel to the original, and I enjoyed going on another journey with these characters. Summer vacation has never been so much fun!
I was glad to see some of the characters finally get their chance to shine (shout-out to the adorable Haru, who unfortunately joins the Phantom Thieves too late in the original game, but is done justice here). Also, some of the newer characters this game introduces are great - in particular I truly loved Zenkichi and Akane, and their unique dynamic with the team. This game may also have my favorite Persona awakening of all the games... spectacular!
Lastly, Persona 5 has some of my favorite music in any game, and the original songs/remixes in Strikers continue the tradition of excellence. Many of these songs are badass; I loved the heavier, rock versions played in this game. Its OST is pure flames! Persona just NEVER misses with their soundtracks.
You Are Stronger - Persona openings are always great...even their spin-offs are no exception to the rule.
Daredevil - excellent battle theme that starts things off with a bang!
Welcome To The Jail - any and all iterations of this theme slaps!
Blooming Villain - hell yes! Headbanging goodness is brought back from the original!
Axe to Grind - Haru's unofficial theme song...
Last Surprise - the best version of Last Surprise... yes, I said it!
Rivers in the Desert - one of my favorite tracks returns, and it is as badass as it has ever been!
Counter Strike - this soundtrack is just on another level...
It was yet another glorious adventure Phantom Thieves... but it is time for me to let go, and for you to "throw away your masks" and rest! I am ready for Persona 6 now! Let's get it Atlus!
I was glad to see some of the characters finally get their chance to shine (shout-out to the adorable Haru, who unfortunately joins the Phantom Thieves too late in the original game, but is done justice here). Also, some of the newer characters this game introduces are great - in particular I truly loved Zenkichi and Akane, and their unique dynamic with the team. This game may also have my favorite Persona awakening of all the games... spectacular!
Lastly, Persona 5 has some of my favorite music in any game, and the original songs/remixes in Strikers continue the tradition of excellence. Many of these songs are badass; I loved the heavier, rock versions played in this game. Its OST is pure flames! Persona just NEVER misses with their soundtracks.
You Are Stronger - Persona openings are always great...even their spin-offs are no exception to the rule.
Daredevil - excellent battle theme that starts things off with a bang!
Welcome To The Jail - any and all iterations of this theme slaps!
Blooming Villain - hell yes! Headbanging goodness is brought back from the original!
Axe to Grind - Haru's unofficial theme song...
Last Surprise - the best version of Last Surprise... yes, I said it!
Rivers in the Desert - one of my favorite tracks returns, and it is as badass as it has ever been!
Counter Strike - this soundtrack is just on another level...
It was yet another glorious adventure Phantom Thieves... but it is time for me to let go, and for you to "throw away your masks" and rest! I am ready for Persona 6 now! Let's get it Atlus!
2019
"You can throw your mask away, no more pretending.
You've been tied down for the longest of the time, be free
You deserve better - you should forever be"
Like the evolution from base Persona 4 to Persona 4 Golden that preceded it, Persona 5 Royal goes above and beyond the original work and crafts the perfected vision of everything it had set out to do originally. It is the "completed work"; the "definitive edition", in every sense of the word. And make no mistake, this is not a criticism of the original game at all. That would be an utterly false conclusion to draw here - P5 was anything but an incomplete or half-finished work of art... My 200+ hours spent within that world alone, would prove otherwise!
If you would have asked me back in 2017, after rolling credits for the first time, I would have gladly given the original P5 a 10/10. It is one of the greatest games I've ever played (see my review of P5 here for more of my thoughts on that version and my pre-release anticipation and hype). P5R is just better in every conceivable way.
So how does one improve one of the greatest JRPGs of all time!? You add new characters, scenarios, a 3rd semester, additions to the dungeons - both the game's many Palaces and to the procedurally generated: Mementos, new boss mechanics, expansion of Tokyo and its locations you can visit, tons of extras - mini-games (I played the Tycoon card game for HOURS, even teaching the rules to family/friends to play with a real deck of cards), artwork, music, etc. and many other quality of life improvements that elevates the game to a whole other level. What this game does with its characters, in particular Akechi, Kasumi, and Maruki as part of the additional content, really adds another layer of depth and complexity to a story that made me think long and hard about it after reaching its conclusion.
Character motivations are strong and really make you think about your own set of values and personal beliefs - at least it did with me... I don't want to go too deep here, as I'll start diving into spoiler territory... but I'll just end this section of my review with this - this game, in its final chapters, presents an interesting philosophical dilemma. It brings forth a challenging retrospection into what really would constitute a perfect society. The paradise we all crave - a utopia free from conflict... with none of the issues that ail our world today? Do we really want such a thing? Do we even deserve it?
This along with the additional music presented in the final moments of the game are beyond spectacular! Persona 5 already had a killer soundtrack, but now you add these bangers to it!? Absolute perfection!
Colors Flying High - it is impossible for me to hear this song without picturing the Phantom Thieves taking the fight back at society - literally smashing up Tokyo with baseball bats, as if the buildings are made of nothing but legos... well, that and the elegant Kasumi dance mid-way through.
Take Over - might be sacrilegious to say this, but I think I prefer this to "Last Surprise". It is just too damn catchy.
Prison Labor - criminally underutilized. Has that dark SMT vibe to it.
Mementos - Lower Layer - those mad lads did it! They fixed the sole issue with the original game... the horrendous Mementos music... It was ingenious for them to turn Mementos essentially into Tartarus from P3, wherein the music changes as you dive further and further in.
Gentle Madman - The Whims of Fate has some competition for best Palace theme now... this song has some definite weight to it. Amazing.
Out of Kindness - this is it... no turning back now, Phantom Thieves...
I Believe - the sequel we didn't know we needed to Life Will Change. I look at this as the Phantom Thieves response to the below song...
Keep Your Faith / Throw Away Your Mask - an antagonist's perspective... I fully empathize with it.
And if it hasn't already been known, Atlus has in my opinion, supplanted itself as king of the JRPG. Gone are the days of the original titans of the industry: Squaresoft or Enix, when Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest reigned supreme - Atlus with its Persona and SMT series have long since taken the mantle, and these recent titles only confirm that fact.
I adore their commitment and overall vision of still creating these epic experiences. All the while, improving upon the turn-based combat formula without fully losing their core identity... and yet, at the same time, not becoming stale and stagnant. I just selfishly wish they made a couple less spin-offs, and we were able to get a couple more mainline entries a bit more often... it is hard for me to believe that we still haven't seen anything on Persona 6 yet as the end of 2023 approaches... but I know that when they finally unveil it, they will blow me away again. Hell, that is if Persona 3 Reload and Metaphor: ReFantazio don't knock my socks off first! Those look incredible based on the short amount I've seen of them thus far.
I just know, that Atlus has earned my respect, and I will continue to support them if they keep producing experiences like this.
In summary, one of the greatest compliments I can give this game, is that it was the title I thought the original game already was: a masterpiece! I didn't know I needed it, but after reaching its ending, I am at a loss at how I could have done without it to begin with. If you haven't jumped on the Persona bandwagon already, you MUST play this game!
Persona 5 Royal is tied with Persona 4 Golden for me (I really cannot choose one over the other - a true 5A/5B situation) as my 5th favorite video game of all time.
You've been tied down for the longest of the time, be free
You deserve better - you should forever be"
Like the evolution from base Persona 4 to Persona 4 Golden that preceded it, Persona 5 Royal goes above and beyond the original work and crafts the perfected vision of everything it had set out to do originally. It is the "completed work"; the "definitive edition", in every sense of the word. And make no mistake, this is not a criticism of the original game at all. That would be an utterly false conclusion to draw here - P5 was anything but an incomplete or half-finished work of art... My 200+ hours spent within that world alone, would prove otherwise!
If you would have asked me back in 2017, after rolling credits for the first time, I would have gladly given the original P5 a 10/10. It is one of the greatest games I've ever played (see my review of P5 here for more of my thoughts on that version and my pre-release anticipation and hype). P5R is just better in every conceivable way.
So how does one improve one of the greatest JRPGs of all time!? You add new characters, scenarios, a 3rd semester, additions to the dungeons - both the game's many Palaces and to the procedurally generated: Mementos, new boss mechanics, expansion of Tokyo and its locations you can visit, tons of extras - mini-games (I played the Tycoon card game for HOURS, even teaching the rules to family/friends to play with a real deck of cards), artwork, music, etc. and many other quality of life improvements that elevates the game to a whole other level. What this game does with its characters, in particular Akechi, Kasumi, and Maruki as part of the additional content, really adds another layer of depth and complexity to a story that made me think long and hard about it after reaching its conclusion.
Character motivations are strong and really make you think about your own set of values and personal beliefs - at least it did with me... I don't want to go too deep here, as I'll start diving into spoiler territory... but I'll just end this section of my review with this - this game, in its final chapters, presents an interesting philosophical dilemma. It brings forth a challenging retrospection into what really would constitute a perfect society. The paradise we all crave - a utopia free from conflict... with none of the issues that ail our world today? Do we really want such a thing? Do we even deserve it?
This along with the additional music presented in the final moments of the game are beyond spectacular! Persona 5 already had a killer soundtrack, but now you add these bangers to it!? Absolute perfection!
Colors Flying High - it is impossible for me to hear this song without picturing the Phantom Thieves taking the fight back at society - literally smashing up Tokyo with baseball bats, as if the buildings are made of nothing but legos... well, that and the elegant Kasumi dance mid-way through.
Take Over - might be sacrilegious to say this, but I think I prefer this to "Last Surprise". It is just too damn catchy.
Prison Labor - criminally underutilized. Has that dark SMT vibe to it.
Mementos - Lower Layer - those mad lads did it! They fixed the sole issue with the original game... the horrendous Mementos music... It was ingenious for them to turn Mementos essentially into Tartarus from P3, wherein the music changes as you dive further and further in.
Gentle Madman - The Whims of Fate has some competition for best Palace theme now... this song has some definite weight to it. Amazing.
Out of Kindness - this is it... no turning back now, Phantom Thieves...
I Believe - the sequel we didn't know we needed to Life Will Change. I look at this as the Phantom Thieves response to the below song...
Keep Your Faith / Throw Away Your Mask - an antagonist's perspective... I fully empathize with it.
And if it hasn't already been known, Atlus has in my opinion, supplanted itself as king of the JRPG. Gone are the days of the original titans of the industry: Squaresoft or Enix, when Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest reigned supreme - Atlus with its Persona and SMT series have long since taken the mantle, and these recent titles only confirm that fact.
I adore their commitment and overall vision of still creating these epic experiences. All the while, improving upon the turn-based combat formula without fully losing their core identity... and yet, at the same time, not becoming stale and stagnant. I just selfishly wish they made a couple less spin-offs, and we were able to get a couple more mainline entries a bit more often... it is hard for me to believe that we still haven't seen anything on Persona 6 yet as the end of 2023 approaches... but I know that when they finally unveil it, they will blow me away again. Hell, that is if Persona 3 Reload and Metaphor: ReFantazio don't knock my socks off first! Those look incredible based on the short amount I've seen of them thus far.
I just know, that Atlus has earned my respect, and I will continue to support them if they keep producing experiences like this.
In summary, one of the greatest compliments I can give this game, is that it was the title I thought the original game already was: a masterpiece! I didn't know I needed it, but after reaching its ending, I am at a loss at how I could have done without it to begin with. If you haven't jumped on the Persona bandwagon already, you MUST play this game!
Persona 5 Royal is tied with Persona 4 Golden for me (I really cannot choose one over the other - a true 5A/5B situation) as my 5th favorite video game of all time.
2016
"I expected one of the greatest JRPGs of all time...and what I got was one of the greatest games of all time." - Me
I'm going to do the same thing I did with my P4 vs P4G reviews and save my full review of Persona 5 when I review the Royal edition. However, I will share a handful of things specific to this version of the game within this review. I will focus primarily on my pre-release anticipation and initial thoughts of the base version of Persona 5.
And just like before with P4/P4G, this SHOULD be a 5/5 game, but because P5 Royal exists, and is somehow an even better and more complete game than the vanilla version, that has to drop it just a little to differentiate between the two games.
First things first - this was the first Persona game I had to WAIT to experience and play. I was one of the lucky ones when it came to P3 and P4... I got into the series late when both were already released, purchased them from GameStop at the same time, and was able to essentially play both of those behemoth JRPGs back to back... it was a glorious time!
Seeing how quickly their turnaround was between the 2 titles also gave me hope that I didn't have to wait long for Persona 5... surely, I'd have a PS3 copy in hands before too long... but that, unfortunately, did not turn out to be the case... this may very well have been the most agonizing wait for me for any game ever. :(
There haven't been many games, especially in adulthood, that have truly garnered such anticipation than this one... usually, I can wait with no problems... I have PLENTY of games on the backlog to play anyway, so usually it isn't a problem for me... In fact, if I had to name off the games since I turned 20+ that had me salivating at the mouth like a rapid dog, re-watching their trailers a bajillion times (seriously, I think I played the P5 trailers 100+ times... even just to listen to the glorious music accompanying them), this would have been near the top of my list.
My Most Anticipated Games Ever
-- Persona 5 - first it was this damn teaser image...but then as 2014 came and went, I knew it was being delayed. However, my excitement for the game increased tenfold once I saw this trailer.
-- Final Fantasy VII Remake - seeing that release date in that trailer... tears dreams do come true!
-- Grand Theft Auto V - this was the trailer I had playing on a loop. Radio Ga Ga + Michael from GTA V = CAN'T WAIT!
-- Mass Effect 2 - one of the greatest game trailers ever made.
^^ These 4 games were on another level entirely! It was like I was an addict needing my fix, counting down the days to the release date... and for Persona 5, with all of its "unmet release date windows" and it constantly getting pushed back, I was in a state of withdrawal. Each bit of small news that came out, I was there!
But things didn't truly get bad for me until I saw this trailer... my anticipation levels were off the charts. "11/10 - give me this damn game now!!!" If I had a time machine, I would have used it...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xtw4W0H7SbE
So with an insane level of anticipation, and a borderline unhealthy obsession, that meant that my expectations were SKY fucking HIGH for this game... I was expecting a 10/10 and one of the greatest JRPGs of all time - anything less would have disappointed me...
And so my biggest compliment for this game is that it did it! It met my lofty, unrealistic expectations for it - even going as far as surpassing them in other ways: it became one of the greatest games of all time.
This is a 100+ hour masterpiece (I spent 200+ with it), with the most fluid, fast-paced battle system ever in a turn based RPG, the coolest menus/transitions ever crafted, amazing music, characters, story, etc. I can go on and on. The game just oozes quality and will win over anyone, even non-JRPG/turn-based players, who play it.
An absolute MUST PLAY game, but you'll want to pick up the superior Royal version as it somehow makes it even better!
Below I'm going to include some bullet-points from my original P5 experience:
-- Graphics/art style are some of the best in its class. It literally looks like you are playing an anime. I prefer this style even over more realistic titles.
-- The opening of the game - unlike P3/P4, which start off really slow, P5 brings you right into the action immediately. I love how this introduction starts in media res: it's exciting, the casino setting is gorgeous, and the music is amazing. Loved it!
-- Greatest... menus... of all time! When you have people cosplaying it, you know it has to be the GOAT.
-- One thing that I think goes underappreciated is how much I felt connected to the Main Character in P5. Unlike P3/P4, where it feels like your popularity knows no bounds (P4 especially - everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, loves you in that one), P5 you are the outcast. The underdog...shunned from most of society and the school. I truly felt like I was in Joker's corner from the very beginning. Joining the ragtag gang of other social pariahs made it even better.
-- The Phantom Thieves and how they tie into the core themes of the game... each and every awakening of their Personas were beyond spectacular and badass!
-- If you held me up, and told me that I had to pick my favorite Persona soundtrack, while it's such a difficult decision, I think I have to lean P5's way. It is just beyond special. Every damn song is a banger! I'll list out some of my absolute favorites below:
Wake Up, Get Up, Get Out There - hearing this for the first time in the actual game and not just a trailer was special.
Life Will Change - I return to the entrance of the Palace each and every time to let this theme play out. It'd be a damn shame not to.
Awakening - why is every Persona awakening so damn cool!? "I am thou. Thou art I..."
Will Power - so badass... Ann's was my personal favorite Persona power moment!
Last Surprise - "You'll never see it comiiiiing!"
Blooming Villain - now this shit is fire! Hell of a boss battle theme!
Beneath the Mask / rain version - when the lyrics come on for the first time. Pure bliss and serenity!
Price - why is this so damn funky. Loved this palace theme!
Keeper of Lust - this game's soundtrack has too many bangers.. seriously!
The Days When My Mother Was There - now this is a vibe... with a hint of sadness and melancholy.
Restlessness - underrated track - really feels like the mystery is unraveling and you are figuring things out as a team.
The Whims of Fate - my favorite Palace theme bar none... hell, might be my favorite track in the game, period! This shit goes hard!
Ark - reaching the end now...
Rivers In the Desert - if Whims of Fate isn't my favorite track, it is this one! The situation in where this plays, the lyrics - it all culminates perfectly in an epic climax. It had me doing this.
Jaldabaoth / Our Beginning - final boss..."Begone!"
-- Many JRPGs should take the battle interface introduced in P5 where each button is mapped to a corresponding action. Makes the battles quick, snappy, and a hell of a lot of fun.
This is one of my favorite games of all time! P5 Royal actually cracks into my personal Top 5 list and as of November 2023 it sits at the #5 spot.
I'm going to do the same thing I did with my P4 vs P4G reviews and save my full review of Persona 5 when I review the Royal edition. However, I will share a handful of things specific to this version of the game within this review. I will focus primarily on my pre-release anticipation and initial thoughts of the base version of Persona 5.
And just like before with P4/P4G, this SHOULD be a 5/5 game, but because P5 Royal exists, and is somehow an even better and more complete game than the vanilla version, that has to drop it just a little to differentiate between the two games.
First things first - this was the first Persona game I had to WAIT to experience and play. I was one of the lucky ones when it came to P3 and P4... I got into the series late when both were already released, purchased them from GameStop at the same time, and was able to essentially play both of those behemoth JRPGs back to back... it was a glorious time!
Seeing how quickly their turnaround was between the 2 titles also gave me hope that I didn't have to wait long for Persona 5... surely, I'd have a PS3 copy in hands before too long... but that, unfortunately, did not turn out to be the case... this may very well have been the most agonizing wait for me for any game ever. :(
There haven't been many games, especially in adulthood, that have truly garnered such anticipation than this one... usually, I can wait with no problems... I have PLENTY of games on the backlog to play anyway, so usually it isn't a problem for me... In fact, if I had to name off the games since I turned 20+ that had me salivating at the mouth like a rapid dog, re-watching their trailers a bajillion times (seriously, I think I played the P5 trailers 100+ times... even just to listen to the glorious music accompanying them), this would have been near the top of my list.
My Most Anticipated Games Ever
-- Persona 5 - first it was this damn teaser image...but then as 2014 came and went, I knew it was being delayed. However, my excitement for the game increased tenfold once I saw this trailer.
-- Final Fantasy VII Remake - seeing that release date in that trailer... tears dreams do come true!
-- Grand Theft Auto V - this was the trailer I had playing on a loop. Radio Ga Ga + Michael from GTA V = CAN'T WAIT!
-- Mass Effect 2 - one of the greatest game trailers ever made.
^^ These 4 games were on another level entirely! It was like I was an addict needing my fix, counting down the days to the release date... and for Persona 5, with all of its "unmet release date windows" and it constantly getting pushed back, I was in a state of withdrawal. Each bit of small news that came out, I was there!
But things didn't truly get bad for me until I saw this trailer... my anticipation levels were off the charts. "11/10 - give me this damn game now!!!" If I had a time machine, I would have used it...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xtw4W0H7SbE
So with an insane level of anticipation, and a borderline unhealthy obsession, that meant that my expectations were SKY fucking HIGH for this game... I was expecting a 10/10 and one of the greatest JRPGs of all time - anything less would have disappointed me...
And so my biggest compliment for this game is that it did it! It met my lofty, unrealistic expectations for it - even going as far as surpassing them in other ways: it became one of the greatest games of all time.
This is a 100+ hour masterpiece (I spent 200+ with it), with the most fluid, fast-paced battle system ever in a turn based RPG, the coolest menus/transitions ever crafted, amazing music, characters, story, etc. I can go on and on. The game just oozes quality and will win over anyone, even non-JRPG/turn-based players, who play it.
An absolute MUST PLAY game, but you'll want to pick up the superior Royal version as it somehow makes it even better!
Below I'm going to include some bullet-points from my original P5 experience:
-- Graphics/art style are some of the best in its class. It literally looks like you are playing an anime. I prefer this style even over more realistic titles.
-- The opening of the game - unlike P3/P4, which start off really slow, P5 brings you right into the action immediately. I love how this introduction starts in media res: it's exciting, the casino setting is gorgeous, and the music is amazing. Loved it!
-- Greatest... menus... of all time! When you have people cosplaying it, you know it has to be the GOAT.
-- One thing that I think goes underappreciated is how much I felt connected to the Main Character in P5. Unlike P3/P4, where it feels like your popularity knows no bounds (P4 especially - everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, loves you in that one), P5 you are the outcast. The underdog...shunned from most of society and the school. I truly felt like I was in Joker's corner from the very beginning. Joining the ragtag gang of other social pariahs made it even better.
-- The Phantom Thieves and how they tie into the core themes of the game... each and every awakening of their Personas were beyond spectacular and badass!
-- If you held me up, and told me that I had to pick my favorite Persona soundtrack, while it's such a difficult decision, I think I have to lean P5's way. It is just beyond special. Every damn song is a banger! I'll list out some of my absolute favorites below:
Wake Up, Get Up, Get Out There - hearing this for the first time in the actual game and not just a trailer was special.
Life Will Change - I return to the entrance of the Palace each and every time to let this theme play out. It'd be a damn shame not to.
Awakening - why is every Persona awakening so damn cool!? "I am thou. Thou art I..."
Will Power - so badass... Ann's was my personal favorite Persona power moment!
Last Surprise - "You'll never see it comiiiiing!"
Blooming Villain - now this shit is fire! Hell of a boss battle theme!
Beneath the Mask / rain version - when the lyrics come on for the first time. Pure bliss and serenity!
Price - why is this so damn funky. Loved this palace theme!
Keeper of Lust - this game's soundtrack has too many bangers.. seriously!
The Days When My Mother Was There - now this is a vibe... with a hint of sadness and melancholy.
Restlessness - underrated track - really feels like the mystery is unraveling and you are figuring things out as a team.
The Whims of Fate - my favorite Palace theme bar none... hell, might be my favorite track in the game, period! This shit goes hard!
Ark - reaching the end now...
Rivers In the Desert - if Whims of Fate isn't my favorite track, it is this one! The situation in where this plays, the lyrics - it all culminates perfectly in an epic climax. It had me doing this.
Jaldabaoth / Our Beginning - final boss..."Begone!"
-- Many JRPGs should take the battle interface introduced in P5 where each button is mapped to a corresponding action. Makes the battles quick, snappy, and a hell of a lot of fun.
This is one of my favorite games of all time! P5 Royal actually cracks into my personal Top 5 list and as of November 2023 it sits at the #5 spot.
Jumping back into the Persona 4 world with its charming cast of characters was delightful. Has an incredible soundtrack with some awesome remixes too.
I mean, listen to this fire remix and get lost in Elvis Teddie's dance choreography!
That's one thing that probably is downplayed the most in this trilogy of games too, but I must emphasize that the dance choreography in all of these 3 Persona games is really well done...
One only needs to watch someone take the dances from the games, and replicate them in real life, while cosplaying as the characters, to really appreciate it... and boy do they fit each character perfectly. And I happened to find a YouTuber that demonstrated that (see below) as I got lost in their videos:
CystAAHHL YouTuber - Persona Dancing videos
Dance with Nanako cover - my personal favorite from her list and the most adorable one that she performed... but saying that, her entire playlist is pretty damn incredible, even coming from a "non-dancer". I can appreciate her talent and dedication to the cosplay craft.
But anyways, getting back on track - this is easily the best of the Persona Dancing games, even if only because it has a legitimate visual novel / story mode.
I mean, listen to this fire remix and get lost in Elvis Teddie's dance choreography!
That's one thing that probably is downplayed the most in this trilogy of games too, but I must emphasize that the dance choreography in all of these 3 Persona games is really well done...
One only needs to watch someone take the dances from the games, and replicate them in real life, while cosplaying as the characters, to really appreciate it... and boy do they fit each character perfectly. And I happened to find a YouTuber that demonstrated that (see below) as I got lost in their videos:
CystAAHHL YouTuber - Persona Dancing videos
Dance with Nanako cover - my personal favorite from her list and the most adorable one that she performed... but saying that, her entire playlist is pretty damn incredible, even coming from a "non-dancer". I can appreciate her talent and dedication to the cosplay craft.
But anyways, getting back on track - this is easily the best of the Persona Dancing games, even if only because it has a legitimate visual novel / story mode.