Kor0sensei
2016
Played on the PS5, Royal edition, got the platinum trophy
I skipped this game for so long because it is:
1. Open world
2. Only 4 party system
3. Only boys
4. Action JRPG
I had very low expectation for this boy band simulator. Honestly, though, the game far exceeded anything I thought it’d be able to accomplish including me actually enjoying it.
There is a lot of complaints: time convenience stuff like climbing ladders takes 100 years, walking through dungeons is SO SLOW, combat fields are very easy to walk out of on accident, grading system is annoying and irrelevant for the most part, open world is fairly empty, etc.
Somehow none of that bothered by as much as it would any other game. I’m not married to Final Fantasy. I love a lot of them but it isn’t even in my top 10 franchises but there was something about this game that kept me going from beginning to end. The boys are great (iggy best boy) and they’re probably the biggest crutch of the entire game. They truly carry it with their fun back and forths, silly side quests, character moments, personal development and overall group development.
I always enjoyed the battle system. Felt really fun to warp strike, chain combo and even use magic. I enjoyed myself almost every fight. I could do without lvl 3 monsters trying to engage me when I’m level 81 but shrug
I honestly can’t truly explain why I enjoyed this game so much. I’ve played many games that shared one or many of these shared issues that I dropped like a hat because it can be frustrating. I’d rather play a game I have fun with vs trying to play the “don’t worry it gets good” games. Somehow though—this game clicked. Despite my complaints, it pulled through and came together to be a wonderful and unique experience.
Still though, Iggy is the best boy. Don’t @ me
I skipped this game for so long because it is:
1. Open world
2. Only 4 party system
3. Only boys
4. Action JRPG
I had very low expectation for this boy band simulator. Honestly, though, the game far exceeded anything I thought it’d be able to accomplish including me actually enjoying it.
There is a lot of complaints: time convenience stuff like climbing ladders takes 100 years, walking through dungeons is SO SLOW, combat fields are very easy to walk out of on accident, grading system is annoying and irrelevant for the most part, open world is fairly empty, etc.
Somehow none of that bothered by as much as it would any other game. I’m not married to Final Fantasy. I love a lot of them but it isn’t even in my top 10 franchises but there was something about this game that kept me going from beginning to end. The boys are great (iggy best boy) and they’re probably the biggest crutch of the entire game. They truly carry it with their fun back and forths, silly side quests, character moments, personal development and overall group development.
I always enjoyed the battle system. Felt really fun to warp strike, chain combo and even use magic. I enjoyed myself almost every fight. I could do without lvl 3 monsters trying to engage me when I’m level 81 but shrug
I honestly can’t truly explain why I enjoyed this game so much. I’ve played many games that shared one or many of these shared issues that I dropped like a hat because it can be frustrating. I’d rather play a game I have fun with vs trying to play the “don’t worry it gets good” games. Somehow though—this game clicked. Despite my complaints, it pulled through and came together to be a wonderful and unique experience.
Still though, Iggy is the best boy. Don’t @ me
2021
This review contains spoilers
Completed on Hard Mode
SMT V was something we learned about in 2017. I’ve been mad hyped for it like everyone else has been for years. The gameplay was worth waiting for. With the addition of Severe magic attacks, attack based magic, new physical attacks, there was so much stuff that feels so organic.
The combat is prime, the demons and side quests are fun and sometimes a bit silly, the overall movement and exploration is pure joy. The exploration of larger areas was my biggest concern out of all new features. Shockingly, it was actually one of my favorite parts. It’s so well done and I only missed 4/200 Mimen. Running around and looking for shit is just mad fun!
However, the biggest disappointment was the story. The gameplay and side quests did so much heavily lifting that their backs must’ve hurt by the end. It felt half baked. I just felt, by the end, why even have these “friends”/side characters? They served no real purpose and the game spends almost no time on them. There were three of them and I only remember one of their names. No seriously. The girl dying instantly, the only one I liked, I almost checked out completely in terms of the story. The two guys, the one I remember, Dazai, and that other kid, we’re just sidelined and boring. It isn’t like SMT IV and SMT IV or even SMT SJ where the most impactful characters are the ones who you spend tons of time with and get extremely close to. Especially with Wallace and Johnathon. It’s a huge disappointment. It puts a huge damper on every single good part of the game, which is many.
I’m very forgiving when it comes to JRPG’s plots. They’re usually so anime, uses the same tropes, etc. but this one does none of those, which I like. However, since it felt like it skipped too many steps to become a great story, I felt just so underwhelmed.
I wish it was better. It just wasn’t. I fully expect the next one to have a better story, this doesn’t take away from the fact I find SMT to be one of the most fascinating series I’ve ever played. This one was just underwhelming in the specific way I enjoyed the others I’ve played.
Regardless, it still stands on its own as one of the best JRPGs I’ve played in recent memory. I didn’t play many games that were released this year but this will definitely be one I think about for awhile (in a good way). If you’re looking for a challenge, SMT V has you covered in more ways than one.
SMT V was something we learned about in 2017. I’ve been mad hyped for it like everyone else has been for years. The gameplay was worth waiting for. With the addition of Severe magic attacks, attack based magic, new physical attacks, there was so much stuff that feels so organic.
The combat is prime, the demons and side quests are fun and sometimes a bit silly, the overall movement and exploration is pure joy. The exploration of larger areas was my biggest concern out of all new features. Shockingly, it was actually one of my favorite parts. It’s so well done and I only missed 4/200 Mimen. Running around and looking for shit is just mad fun!
However, the biggest disappointment was the story. The gameplay and side quests did so much heavily lifting that their backs must’ve hurt by the end. It felt half baked. I just felt, by the end, why even have these “friends”/side characters? They served no real purpose and the game spends almost no time on them. There were three of them and I only remember one of their names. No seriously. The girl dying instantly, the only one I liked, I almost checked out completely in terms of the story. The two guys, the one I remember, Dazai, and that other kid, we’re just sidelined and boring. It isn’t like SMT IV and SMT IV or even SMT SJ where the most impactful characters are the ones who you spend tons of time with and get extremely close to. Especially with Wallace and Johnathon. It’s a huge disappointment. It puts a huge damper on every single good part of the game, which is many.
I’m very forgiving when it comes to JRPG’s plots. They’re usually so anime, uses the same tropes, etc. but this one does none of those, which I like. However, since it felt like it skipped too many steps to become a great story, I felt just so underwhelmed.
I wish it was better. It just wasn’t. I fully expect the next one to have a better story, this doesn’t take away from the fact I find SMT to be one of the most fascinating series I’ve ever played. This one was just underwhelming in the specific way I enjoyed the others I’ve played.
Regardless, it still stands on its own as one of the best JRPGs I’ve played in recent memory. I didn’t play many games that were released this year but this will definitely be one I think about for awhile (in a good way). If you’re looking for a challenge, SMT V has you covered in more ways than one.
2019
Fun but replayability is lacking in comparison to others in the genre like Slay the Spire.
The maps are small and don’t offer much variety. Once you do enough runs, you know generally what to expect. The challenges are good but never kept me wanting more.
The characters are diverse and fun though!
The maps are small and don’t offer much variety. Once you do enough runs, you know generally what to expect. The challenges are good but never kept me wanting more.
The characters are diverse and fun though!
It has a small amount of song but the fact it’s included in Apple Arcade is hella rad. It’s more Taiko if you like Taiko!
2019
This game is wild. The story is very interesting and I’m always happy to see a cyberpunk story that doesn’t brand Japanese/Asian people as the antagonist. Really annoying.
Anyways, I’ll probably do more than one playthrough but it is just such a fascinating game. I’ll will probably recommend it to people. It’s quite unique.
Anyways, I’ll probably do more than one playthrough but it is just such a fascinating game. I’ll will probably recommend it to people. It’s quite unique.
2002
This review contains spoilers
Holy shit this game was so good y’all
The atmosphere, the use of music/sfx, the environment, the story
Holy moly.
The game was fantastic. The handful of bosses really upset me due to difficulty but even then, it didn’t deter me that much. It was a wonderfully crafted experience.
A government called Space Federation did something bad?!? WHAT?!? Stop! Once I learned the computer was named Adam, I didn’t trust it.
Anyways, glad my animals didn’t die.
The atmosphere, the use of music/sfx, the environment, the story
Holy moly.
The game was fantastic. The handful of bosses really upset me due to difficulty but even then, it didn’t deter me that much. It was a wonderfully crafted experience.
A government called Space Federation did something bad?!? WHAT?!? Stop! Once I learned the computer was named Adam, I didn’t trust it.
Anyways, glad my animals didn’t die.
Played on a Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite. 35 hours played, hit credits.
Story of Seasons is taking a ton of hints from the other games inspired by the franchise. They do a ton of new things in this game. Sadly, a lot of it is terribly unbalanced and I ended up becoming rich by the end of Summer.
Everything being unisex is awesome and allowing all customization options being available to each gender is wonderful, including voices. Allows players to really make the character they want.
Characters are fine. The town layout is easy to follow. No more Milker or sheers taking up a tool slot (there’s also a tool pouch). You can take photos of animals, people, whatever. I never feel like I have too little time, to be honest, I feel like I have too much time on occasion.
There’s a lot of good and bad with this game. I do enjoyed it plenty but the unbalances between money and progress is really noticeable. I didn’t even finish the first year and hit the credits. There’s a lot to do, nonetheless. If you like story of Seasons like I do, it’s a good bet you’ll enjoy it. If you’re not into the genre, you might want to skip it or grab it on sale. I’ve enjoyed my time with the game but it wasn’t Stardew or Friends of Mineral Town’s remake.
Story of Seasons is taking a ton of hints from the other games inspired by the franchise. They do a ton of new things in this game. Sadly, a lot of it is terribly unbalanced and I ended up becoming rich by the end of Summer.
Everything being unisex is awesome and allowing all customization options being available to each gender is wonderful, including voices. Allows players to really make the character they want.
Characters are fine. The town layout is easy to follow. No more Milker or sheers taking up a tool slot (there’s also a tool pouch). You can take photos of animals, people, whatever. I never feel like I have too little time, to be honest, I feel like I have too much time on occasion.
There’s a lot of good and bad with this game. I do enjoyed it plenty but the unbalances between money and progress is really noticeable. I didn’t even finish the first year and hit the credits. There’s a lot to do, nonetheless. If you like story of Seasons like I do, it’s a good bet you’ll enjoy it. If you’re not into the genre, you might want to skip it or grab it on sale. I’ve enjoyed my time with the game but it wasn’t Stardew or Friends of Mineral Town’s remake.
Absolutely stellar characters, gameplay, music, and art.
The characters drive it but everything surrounding it is amazing as well. It’s an amazing replacement for Phoenix Wright. Definitely recommend it and it’s really cheap for the amount of content, too.
The characters drive it but everything surrounding it is amazing as well. It’s an amazing replacement for Phoenix Wright. Definitely recommend it and it’s really cheap for the amount of content, too.
Combat is fine. Graphics are phenomenal. It just isn’t for me. I wasn’t in love with the original and I’m certainly not in love with this one. But seriously, absolutely beautiful.
2005
This review contains spoilers
One real long redemption arc. Does a decent job at World building but somehow the story reads on way too long despite being an average length JRPG. Jade and Tear are the best though.
FOF System wasn’t well explained and I had to have viewers on my stream to explain them to me on the regular. Once I had it nailed down it was fun and unique but I prefer the simplicity of Symphonia vs TotA.
Luke’s introduction leading up to him killing probably thousands of people took almost too long. If I wasn’t streaming it, I probably would’ve dropped it because of that. The redemption arc was honestly not bad. I’m glad they didn’t end on self sacrifice though it seemed that way at first. Luke still wanting to improve himself and not being deterred by criticism by late game is very touching. People need to be more like end game Luke.
FOF System wasn’t well explained and I had to have viewers on my stream to explain them to me on the regular. Once I had it nailed down it was fun and unique but I prefer the simplicity of Symphonia vs TotA.
Luke’s introduction leading up to him killing probably thousands of people took almost too long. If I wasn’t streaming it, I probably would’ve dropped it because of that. The redemption arc was honestly not bad. I’m glad they didn’t end on self sacrifice though it seemed that way at first. Luke still wanting to improve himself and not being deterred by criticism by late game is very touching. People need to be more like end game Luke.
2020
I love the characters and the concept but I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would.
Nothing wrong with the game really, I just didn't enjoy the way the game played. I like VNs for their... kind of... single player-ness. This VN was definitely mainly made for couch play. I knew that going in but was hoping for some mellow play on my own. I somehow still felt extremely stressed.
I do think this would still be a fun multiplayer game, I am just not that into it :(
Nothing wrong with the game really, I just didn't enjoy the way the game played. I like VNs for their... kind of... single player-ness. This VN was definitely mainly made for couch play. I knew that going in but was hoping for some mellow play on my own. I somehow still felt extremely stressed.
I do think this would still be a fun multiplayer game, I am just not that into it :(
I’ll be very bare minimum with my review.
I enjoyed the mystery/gameplay of this one but I enjoyed the characters and overall story of the Missing Heir.
Both masterful in their own ways. Despite some frustrations in gameplay (like have to ask a question 3 times sometimes with no real indicator to do that), it’s a really great story. I say this for The Girl Who Stands Behind and The Missing Heir.
The mystery in this one really got me. The mystery of The Missing Heir was fairly predictable (for me) but this one had me guessing beginning to end. I was also half right about the ending and that really tore me apart lmao
Anyways, if you don’t mind $20+ (USD) for a VN, definitely nab it. However, if you are a time = money person, the games are both 6ish hours which is considered very short for most people. If that isn’t your jam, might be worth waiting for a sale.
Regardless, I enjoyed both a ton.
I enjoyed the mystery/gameplay of this one but I enjoyed the characters and overall story of the Missing Heir.
Both masterful in their own ways. Despite some frustrations in gameplay (like have to ask a question 3 times sometimes with no real indicator to do that), it’s a really great story. I say this for The Girl Who Stands Behind and The Missing Heir.
The mystery in this one really got me. The mystery of The Missing Heir was fairly predictable (for me) but this one had me guessing beginning to end. I was also half right about the ending and that really tore me apart lmao
Anyways, if you don’t mind $20+ (USD) for a VN, definitely nab it. However, if you are a time = money person, the games are both 6ish hours which is considered very short for most people. If that isn’t your jam, might be worth waiting for a sale.
Regardless, I enjoyed both a ton.
2016
It's a game. Beautiful music, environment, meditative. Unfortunately for me, for some reason, the camera and movement made me dizzy but I pressed forward and it was pretty pleasant.
I really enjoyed this game a ton. You can see where games like Phoenix Wright originated.
They kept it very very true to the original which was extremely annoying at times. There isn’t always good hints and sometimes it feels like you’re hearing the same stuff over and over but the story and characters really save it.
Truly a wonderful score, art and story. I also excited a lot of the subtle animations as well. I will be getting the next game.
This was short but very good. Depending on your perception of value to price ratio, for me it’s worth it but the short length might make the price look daunting. Might want to get it in sale if you think the time should reflect price. If you’re looking for a good short story where price isn’t an issue, I’d say jump at it.
I really enjoyed the end despite me guessing it about halfway through.
It isn’t a bad game, it just sucks that they didn’t do many QOL improvements to gameplay.
They kept it very very true to the original which was extremely annoying at times. There isn’t always good hints and sometimes it feels like you’re hearing the same stuff over and over but the story and characters really save it.
Truly a wonderful score, art and story. I also excited a lot of the subtle animations as well. I will be getting the next game.
This was short but very good. Depending on your perception of value to price ratio, for me it’s worth it but the short length might make the price look daunting. Might want to get it in sale if you think the time should reflect price. If you’re looking for a good short story where price isn’t an issue, I’d say jump at it.
I really enjoyed the end despite me guessing it about halfway through.
It isn’t a bad game, it just sucks that they didn’t do many QOL improvements to gameplay.
Played on PS5, never played the original, beat all 16 colossi
I have so many issues ranging from lack of any useful UI, camera issues and lack of tutorials. I don’t want to bother elaborating because I foresee so many people disagreeing anyways. I had fun on some boss fights but the world being so empty and constant frustrations made this game so unlikable to me.
Agro is my best friend tho
I appreciate its place in gaming history. Playing the original when it came out must’ve been mind blowing beyond words. It clearly inspired a lot of devs.
I have so many issues ranging from lack of any useful UI, camera issues and lack of tutorials. I don’t want to bother elaborating because I foresee so many people disagreeing anyways. I had fun on some boss fights but the world being so empty and constant frustrations made this game so unlikable to me.
Agro is my best friend tho
I appreciate its place in gaming history. Playing the original when it came out must’ve been mind blowing beyond words. It clearly inspired a lot of devs.