LEN
2012
This review contains spoilers
Artists everywhere will say that limitations/restrictions are what bring about the most creative inspiration. This game is a grand example.
The lack of clear communication with the other player who plays the game with you is off-putting at first, but illustrates a simultaneously primitive and intriguing type of human interaction. Without speech or gesture, I found the player beside me showing me different scarf upgrades, how to navigate certain areas, etc. etc.
The system isn't without its caveats, though. The game doesn't provide nearly enough depth to truly explore this unique cooperative gameplay style. In the grand scope, it is very linear and unless one is already aware of the second player's existence, this element of the game is lost entirely.
The visuals and sound/music design of the game are splendid, but the gameplay falls short due to some unfortunate oversights.
The lack of clear communication with the other player who plays the game with you is off-putting at first, but illustrates a simultaneously primitive and intriguing type of human interaction. Without speech or gesture, I found the player beside me showing me different scarf upgrades, how to navigate certain areas, etc. etc.
The system isn't without its caveats, though. The game doesn't provide nearly enough depth to truly explore this unique cooperative gameplay style. In the grand scope, it is very linear and unless one is already aware of the second player's existence, this element of the game is lost entirely.
The visuals and sound/music design of the game are splendid, but the gameplay falls short due to some unfortunate oversights.
2018
I really wanted to like this one, but despite its quirks it is greatly outclassed by other games of its genre (namely Monster Hunter)
Play this game right now.
2019
Charming but a bit of a slog after a while.
Solid game, especially for its time. Its indisputable charm is sure to appeal to many types of players, even those unfamiliar with the deckbuilder genre or the Final Fantasy franchise
2021
This review contains spoilers
That first act ruled. The rest of it left a lot to be desired. I don't know why the developers and designers crafted such a haunting yet mesmerizing aesthetic and gameplay style in that first act, only to completely abandon it for the rest of the game
2020
Breathtaking soundtrack, nice art and design direction, and a surprisingly compelling story. The gacha system is highly predatory, and that's a real shame, but the content of the game itself is splendid.
In its early stages, the game stood out from competition as a rich open-world action game on mobile devices (that also supported cross-play AND cross-save!). I feel the excitement has tapered considerably over the year(s), though.
In its early stages, the game stood out from competition as a rich open-world action game on mobile devices (that also supported cross-play AND cross-save!). I feel the excitement has tapered considerably over the year(s), though.
Undeniably groundbreaking. Some QoL oversights here and there, but Pokémon Legends Arceus is a blast to play and experience. It has the charm and familiarity of a mainline game, but with a whole new flavor. I enjoyed it.
(Shame they patched that shiny hunting method, though...)
(Shame they patched that shiny hunting method, though...)
Got through a solid 70% of the game before I had to put it aside for work stuff. Grand storytelling experience, even if it does fall into a few classic fantasy clichés. There weren't any outstanding improvements to the fluidity of the game or the battle system, but the story was lovely and I felt an attachment to each character.
Solid title with beautiful art and nice music. The story leaves a bit to be desired, especially if you're a fan of Yoko Taro's work. It's not a card game, though. Just an RPG with slight D&D elements slapped together with card-like graphics.
The art style, soundtrack, and general atmosphere of this game are absolutely haunting. I enjoy the combat system, particularly how customizable my character's loadout can be. Very enjoyable and unique game all around
I have yet to finish the game, but I still listen to the OST all the time.
I have yet to finish the game, but I still listen to the OST all the time.
2020
Solid game. Meets expectations and delivers well. I am a fan of the art style and the coffee minigame, but I wish there was a bit more! Looking forward to the sequel.
Can't speak for the single-player experience, but co-op was a blast.
2017
Don't go into this game expecting a deep world with detailed lore and backstories. There are other visual novels for that. This game was made to give people a nice warm feeling and a sense of familiarity.
That being said, this was a lovely kinetic novel about four girls who play baseball, and how their identities and personalities intersect with each other and play into other parts of their lives. It is a love letter to young lesbians and bisexual girls of all backgrounds, and a beautiful one at that.
That being said, this was a lovely kinetic novel about four girls who play baseball, and how their identities and personalities intersect with each other and play into other parts of their lives. It is a love letter to young lesbians and bisexual girls of all backgrounds, and a beautiful one at that.
As a game? Splendid. As the Bravely Default sequel? A slight step down, honestly.
The characterization of the protagonists in this game felt artificial and awkward. Sure, there's nothing wrong with a romance subplot here and there, but I felt this game really took it to the max.
Ryo was a fantastic composer, but Revo's tracks in the original Bravely Default were a big part of what built the game's identity. Bravely Second felt slightly foreign without that.
The job system was upgraded very nicely from the last game. Spellcrafting was a nice touch. I enjoyed playing through the new story with new jobs. A satisfying sequel, all things considered.
The characterization of the protagonists in this game felt artificial and awkward. Sure, there's nothing wrong with a romance subplot here and there, but I felt this game really took it to the max.
Ryo was a fantastic composer, but Revo's tracks in the original Bravely Default were a big part of what built the game's identity. Bravely Second felt slightly foreign without that.
The job system was upgraded very nicely from the last game. Spellcrafting was a nice touch. I enjoyed playing through the new story with new jobs. A satisfying sequel, all things considered.