Trash0599
Establishing a prequel and backstory to the most iconic game and protagonist, may be the most difficult hurdle this game faces, yet it jumps that hurdle with great confidence. After hearing that the game had a cringy story and boring ameplay loop, I was suprised to find that I had fun with both.
Explording the region and fighting bosses as Zack was a delight, a fun protagonist that stands out in a crowd of boring RPG main characters. Filling Cloud's role would be a difficult task, but making Zack a goofy and kind hearted character, really contrasts with the narrative and tone of this universe, yet this works well, as by the end I was on the brim of tearing up when experiencing the absolute tragedy of his story. This game acts as a perfect addition to the FF7 world, as instead of padding the world full of useless content, it instead strives to be its own unique experience, whilst setting up depth for the later story.
Zack, Cloud, Sephiroph, and all new characters, feel complex and alive in this game, further expanding on main game in ways that makes you appreciate the world more. Though the story can be confusing at times, and the combat feeling stiff after a slog of battles, I'm glad I played this game and I can't wait to explore more of this universe. Society yearns for anime boys with big swords.
Explording the region and fighting bosses as Zack was a delight, a fun protagonist that stands out in a crowd of boring RPG main characters. Filling Cloud's role would be a difficult task, but making Zack a goofy and kind hearted character, really contrasts with the narrative and tone of this universe, yet this works well, as by the end I was on the brim of tearing up when experiencing the absolute tragedy of his story. This game acts as a perfect addition to the FF7 world, as instead of padding the world full of useless content, it instead strives to be its own unique experience, whilst setting up depth for the later story.
Zack, Cloud, Sephiroph, and all new characters, feel complex and alive in this game, further expanding on main game in ways that makes you appreciate the world more. Though the story can be confusing at times, and the combat feeling stiff after a slog of battles, I'm glad I played this game and I can't wait to explore more of this universe. Society yearns for anime boys with big swords.
Though a heartwarming (seemingly) departure for the protagonist, Y6 lacks the innovation and confidence of previous entries, ultimately ending in an incredibly anticlimactic narrative. Though the more relaxed and serene setting set a great tone for the story, the overall narrative felt very stale with no leaps of faith. This would have been terrible as Kiryu’s final entry, so I’m glad it doesn’t serve that purpose. Though keeping with the fun and joy of the franchises’ weird and experimental styles of gameplay, I felt that this game could have accomplished more.
The Teal Mask brings back the joy of discovering myths and legends in the Pokémon games, a feeling that has been lost in recent entries. Providing a new map full of culture and variety, this DLC offered a few hours of wonder and excitement. However upon completion, there was a sense of dread, that this experience was torn from the main game and slapped months later with a price tag. It all feels so depressing.
An absolute improvement on the previous game. Although suffering from a slow start with an unnecessary amount of tutorials, Blazing Blade tightly knits a powerful story featuring some of the most memorable characters in the franchise. Huge improvement in gameplays, from important units to great map design, this game makes the previous entry completely insignificant. A definitive Fire Emblem game that welcomes anyone into the franchise.
A daring departure that feels like an evolution in a stale series, something that I was happily surprised with. Completing changing the gameplay, protagonist and overall tone, this is a welcoming change that I’m excited to see the future for. A fun and exciting experience that left me in tears. Whilst sticking with its core roots, Y:LAD is a journey accessible to anyone.
Mario is back baybeeee. After many fumbles within the 2D style of games, Wonder feels like a fantastical breath of fresh ideas and concepts, culminating in a joyous experience that pushes the gameplay to its peak. Mario once again feels like a cartoony explosion that embraces a psychedelic fever dream, which is exactly the vision of the franchise that I felt it desperately needed.
Absolute perfection. This feels like 10 games in 1, and all feel so polished and engaging, whilst still embracing the wackiness of the franchise. Aside from a few story fumbles that felt frustrating, this is an incredible game that everyone should experience.
Though my many gripes with the story and character development, SM2 exceeds many executions of the original, placing itself as the definitive superhero experience. Pushing the gameplay even more, whilst developing an intriguing story that kept me on my toes, Insomniac swing and hit in this freeing sequel. Though there is room for further experimentation in the formula, I’m glad the quality remains consistent.
2023
A gorgeous throwback to older JRPGS, yet fulfilling a greater purpose than just a stream of nostalgia, as it feels like a timeless classic for a whole new generation. The immediate response to the genre nowadays is to subvert and reflect, yet Sabotage instead embrace and celebrate the games of old. A triumph in music, visuals and combat, Sea of Stars sets itself from the rest, glowing in an industry full of tasteless ideas.
It’s hard to fumble Mario Kart. Fun and thriving settings along with catchy music is an immediate sell, and this DLC absolutely accomplishes this. Fumbling a few courses along the way, the overall result was enough to revive the game, keeping me engaged for many months.
Whilst in a current confusing state, the franchise stays strong with its resilience to embrace the horror genre through a unique lens. Though I’m not particularly interested in Ethan’s story, the narrative forcing him into a gothic nightmare with tension, stake, and a personal goal, I was gripped the entire game. This was a highlight in the franchise, and gives me hope the team will further embrace the supernatural and uncanny in later entries.
2020
An unexpected surprise, but a welcome one. I had zero interest in BG3 as it entered the hype cycle, as a fantasy, medieval, D&D RPG, was not something that I would ever feel interest in, however I was blown away from the scale and magnitude of this story. A gripping story full of creative and meaningful choices led me down a road of intrigue, fully sucking me into this vast world where I felt I needed to explore every single inch with a complete sense of discovery. A game where every decision kept me on the edge of my seat, and attracts me to attempt different approaches on my next run. Can’t wait to revisit this world. Minthara best girl btw.
As a character that feels completely irrelevant to the main story of RE4, Ada stills remains worthless as this side story offers nothing new. A fine extension of the game, that like the remake it accompanies, doesn’t attempt much new upon remaking the original, and so falls flat as just passive DLC.
Very mixed feelings. Though the heart of FF7 is imbued in the game, I feel like it’s missing the soul. Taking the introduction to a masterpiece and filling it with padded sequences, boring side quests and additional content that doesn’t live up to the original, ultimately makes this remake feel unnecessary. As a remake, it intends to flesh the world and characters out more, as a sequel, it intends to develop the story with a new twist, however it doesn't succeed too well at either.
None of the original cast feel any richer than their original counterparts, and whilst I appreciate the added context and new moments of fanservice, nothing satisfactory was accomplished. All new characters feel stale and uninspired, latched onto the story with no nuance, they feel like inserts used to bloat the runtime. Nothing new of substance is actually added, with all extended sections and side story content standing out like a sore thumb in a much greater narrative.
Though I admire the daring steps this game takes to deconstruct the original, with an attempt to achieve new story beats, the game has no climactic conclusion, and instead leaves me curious yet frustrated. Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed the last few chapters, and am looking forward to the future of the new story now that it is taking its own path, this game felt like filler, a waste of time that should have remained as a short introduction to a greater story. Combat is fire tho.
None of the original cast feel any richer than their original counterparts, and whilst I appreciate the added context and new moments of fanservice, nothing satisfactory was accomplished. All new characters feel stale and uninspired, latched onto the story with no nuance, they feel like inserts used to bloat the runtime. Nothing new of substance is actually added, with all extended sections and side story content standing out like a sore thumb in a much greater narrative.
Though I admire the daring steps this game takes to deconstruct the original, with an attempt to achieve new story beats, the game has no climactic conclusion, and instead leaves me curious yet frustrated. Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed the last few chapters, and am looking forward to the future of the new story now that it is taking its own path, this game felt like filler, a waste of time that should have remained as a short introduction to a greater story. Combat is fire tho.
Man what a ride. Though I have many mixed feelings, but the game is filled with so much joy and fun that I can ignore its many faults. Worried that the game may fall into the current open world trends of endless checklists with no real substance, I was pleasently suprised by the great exploration that the world offers. Side quests, mini games and characters really flesh out the world and pushes the game back to its more fantastical and surreal roots. I completed every single thing the game offers so my engagement was clear and lasting.
Whilst the side content of 'Remake' felt conditional and dull, 'Rebirth' immediately grips you into its enviroment with a plethora of content that always kept me engaged. This is most evident with the characterisation and development of the main cast, as they are fully explored through many means of storytelling, to the point where they feel so much more fleshed out than their original counterparts. This is the most successful aspect of Rebirth as an adaptation.
Unfortunately, whilst I loved the story and characters, I honestly feel like there were many aspects that lacked development and conclusion. Though I am happy for Nomura to experiment with storytelling that subverts the original and includes the many potential worlds within this universe, I feel that none of this pays off and still leaves me wondering what was the point of this trilogy. The biggest victim is Zack, my favourite Final Fantasy character, who whilst gets his place in the spotlight, feels completely irrelevent and exists for the purpose of fanservice. I'm excited to his future potential role in the trilogy, though I was unsatisfied with his role within this game. Man was on the box cover and got no major involvement. Cringe. The conclusion to the story also felt very confusing and complicated, but I am hopeful that the final game recontextualises the entire trilogy. A lot of hope that may never pay off, but I am optimistic.
Overall, you can really feel the love that the developers imbued into the game, and I feel that Rebirth symbolises what video game remakes should strive to be, not a one-to-one adaptation, but to improve and enhance the original. I love this game and can't wait for part 3.
Also Queen's Blood is fucking based.
Whilst the side content of 'Remake' felt conditional and dull, 'Rebirth' immediately grips you into its enviroment with a plethora of content that always kept me engaged. This is most evident with the characterisation and development of the main cast, as they are fully explored through many means of storytelling, to the point where they feel so much more fleshed out than their original counterparts. This is the most successful aspect of Rebirth as an adaptation.
Unfortunately, whilst I loved the story and characters, I honestly feel like there were many aspects that lacked development and conclusion. Though I am happy for Nomura to experiment with storytelling that subverts the original and includes the many potential worlds within this universe, I feel that none of this pays off and still leaves me wondering what was the point of this trilogy. The biggest victim is Zack, my favourite Final Fantasy character, who whilst gets his place in the spotlight, feels completely irrelevent and exists for the purpose of fanservice. I'm excited to his future potential role in the trilogy, though I was unsatisfied with his role within this game. Man was on the box cover and got no major involvement. Cringe. The conclusion to the story also felt very confusing and complicated, but I am hopeful that the final game recontextualises the entire trilogy. A lot of hope that may never pay off, but I am optimistic.
Overall, you can really feel the love that the developers imbued into the game, and I feel that Rebirth symbolises what video game remakes should strive to be, not a one-to-one adaptation, but to improve and enhance the original. I love this game and can't wait for part 3.
Also Queen's Blood is fucking based.