Ghost of Tsushima

SO....

Some KEY things to pay attention here:
Ghost. Ronin. Samurai. Some DiD. Tragedy. Katana. Open World. People who were responsible for Infamous. PS4. 

This game has my apparition all over it! SO GETTING THIS!

I never quite realized...

Credit to this artist

"I never quite realized how beautiful this world is..."

A game that came out in March. Came out of nowhere. Something that could easily be passed off as fanservice, or just another contrived story....

In a world filled with 14 junkyards of MMOs, CoDs, and repulsive Halos, we get this out of nowhere.  It's not a perfect game, but it's my perfect game. Despite my (lack of) time, I'm going to do a review on this. This game was designed to just pass off as another 'whatever', but came out monumentally the best game for me since Mass Effect Trilogy's conclusion. 

Some Thoughts on: Odin Sphere

I'm not going to go in all out details because I probably won't ever do a video game review, but I do want to touch on some points with this game because it was a pretty out-of-nowhere game that struck a good few notes. It's a good game. Truly is.

Character designs are great and the graphics, despite it being mostly 2D sprites, was really good. The five playable characters are all vibrantly designed. While their gameplay mechanics remains the same, how they are used have a unique twist to each. Gwendolyn and Cornelius are your most basic characters, hack and slash and all but even they have their own style that sets them apart from each other. Oswald may just be your typical sword slasher, but he comes with a berserk mode. Then there's the long rangers: Mercedes and Velvet; both bring something to new to the table. And I haven't even touch on the part that they all move through the stage in their own way(Gwendolyn and Mercedes have wings, Velvet uses her chains to swing through the stag, etc). It's a simple enough gameplay too; classic side scrolling arcade game with a bit of rpg elements. It has enough quirks to it to deter it from getting stale. Like I said, each character is different enough without straying away from familiar mechanics.

 

Their personalities are distinct and each have something to offer to the story. And said story can be a bit confusing with how the timeline goes, but it does come together in the end, and the end... each character really shine. Even my least favorite character, Mercedes( the Fairy with the crossbow) had a pretty strong finish.

And this game doesn't shy away from fan service. It is subtle and kind of mute compared to other games, but it's enough. Velvet is the fan service. Don't believe me? Look at that outfit.

And that isn't the only time that happens either.

The story is dark, heart wrenching at times, told in a rich and different way, and despite the vibrant sprites and level/land designs(most levels; there's "Hel, which is the land of the undead; we know how that can go) it really has an ominous feel to it. It does a good job meshing warm and cold themes together.

Great vibe. Awesome set of characters. A tragic and dark story. And it kept my attention. This game has a lot to offer for sure! I had lots of fun and it was simple enough that it allowed me to get into it off and on with how erratic my schedule is. Gaming is hard to find time for and games like Odin Sphere with its simple but genius layout is something I can really appreciate. 

ME Andromeda: The N7 Pathfinder!

There is something about having N7 gear all over my Pathfinder that gives this game more kudos! And this game definitely needs as much booster as it can to save it from all the online ranting! The one thing it has going against for me is that it has a lot to live up to. The Mass Effect Trilogy despite its flaws remains to be one of my favorite games. The characteres made it and I am having a hard time adjusting to these new ones.

Luckily Andromeda is fun as hell.

I barely have touched some of its potential and I'm already digging what you can do. I'm a bit reckless though and I need to learn to be grounded a bit more. But I am an N7 once more and that is liberating! 

Gaming

I hope to decorate this blog with a few more things; more interesting things once the 'change' happens. But since I touched based on the three things that are usually on my blog, might as well poke at a few things that are possibly coming up:

Gaming:

Mass Effect Andromeda

So far, it's fun. The pace for story is a bit slow and some of the interaction feels a bit forced. Maybe I'm just missing the old crew too much. Reminds me of Dragon Age Inquisition, though the roster are a bit more interesting in Mass Effect Andromeda. Some old VAs make a return and some of the characters are interesting enough (currently interested in Peebee and Javik's new character; don't know his name by heart yet since I obviously just met him). Have to give it a shot since the battle system is intensely fun and a lot of modifying to do!

Disgaea 5: Alliance of Vengeance

Now this game I'm still putting in some hours despite having Mass Effect in front of me. That should come to no surprise since I have been a long-time fan of the series since its first installment. There is only one Disgeae that I didn't really like (Disgaea 3), but even that one I played like heck. With Disgaea 5 retaining what makes the Disgaea series fantastic for me (humor, gameplay, customization, fan service, and parodies), it also enhances some of it and it is a gorgeous game for what it is. I don't think I'm half way into the story and I already have over MORE than enough hours to claim I have time that I claim I have.

FFX-2: Remaster

I bought FFX/X2 Remaster on my ps3 but I thought getting it for my PS4 won't hurt and it sure doesn't. While I'm on a slow pace playing this one due to it not being my priority, I do take my steps to getting where I was when I first played this on ps2. There is a bonus version to this that I am going to try and play as well: FFX-2 Last Mission. I wonder if Tara Strong reprises her role as Rikku for that segment? Anyways, I am getting reacquainted with Rikku's famous Dresspheres(and I have a purpose for some of them too!).

FFXV

While my gaming with FFX-2 is sparse, FFXV's existence in my gaming time is maybe once a month, but I am still in it for the sake of just getting some more missions I didn't get before. I do know that the other 3 are getting their own episodes; I'm going to wait to get those DLCs when they are on a bundle for cheaper. Still hoping that Iris will get to be a playable character!

Nights of Azure

This is a hack and slash adventure/JRPG. To the fullest. If there was ever a time that I needed a JRPG break, this would be it. While it has a repetitive gameplay and a very JRPG theme(not a bad thing, just not my usual dosage these days), it's a fun and entertaining; and it ALSO has a few tweaks to it to set it apart from games like Samurai Warriors. It's aesthetic and downright cheesy, but in the increments I played it, I enjoyed it!


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Clearly as one can see I am a busy gamer in a life where there isn't much time to game. But I try to keep my mind sane by engaging myself in a world where I -for the most part- am in control of what is around me. Keep in mind the list will grow as the months roll by and there is a myriad of other games I want in my collection, but I am a very different breed of a gamer nowadays. I have to be conservative of what I buy because I won't have that luxury to play them as much.

Mass Effect Andromeda: Trailers and Gameply

I was a big fan of the series as you all know and this game shows promise. The gameplay looks amazing and definitely still has a Mass Effect feel but with a lot of updates. Good. Story seems interesting. It seems to have some distant relation to the Trilogy's story. As to WHEN this is, I don't know and I can't wait to find out.

So far I see Turians, Salarians, Asari, Krogan, and there are some alien races I have yet to recognize. Please include Quarians here! 

FFXV: Versus what it could have been....

Like a lot of people, I'm very interested in how this could have been. There was a very dark tone and the idea that Noctis was a protagonist and we were seeing things from a bad guy's point of view. Stella looks hott and Noctis' outfit! 

I will echo a few comments I have read and wish that they release FFXIII versus idea as a movie. I am very compelled to see where this could have gone. This would have been a better project on FF's history than the abortion that we received: FFXI and FFXIV. 

Here's to hoping that FFXIII-Versus sees some light of day. In the mean time, enjoy this. 

Seriously, FFXV?!

Are you serious right now, FFXV?! Seriously? Okay, maybe I need to take it back a notch or two here but this is my main qualms with Final Fantasy XV right now: ONLY FOUR CHARACTERS. Sure, sure, there are guests, but overall it's only Noctis, Ignis, Gladious, and Prompto and everyone else are just guests. As you all know, I am a huge fan of the "Rikku" type of gals so when I heard there are only four characters and all males, I was slightly taken back, but I will accept any changes as long as it is a TRUE Final Fantasy game.

I had the same reaction when I found out, Rikku.

So only a good 20 hrs in the game(okay, I'm totally not a true Final Fantasy fan as of late! I have RL keeping me away from playing Noctis' role, okay?), I get enamored with FFXV's gameplay, world, I'm so-so with the characters; liking Noctis, but I don't have that 'background' with the four yet. They're close friends but I don't feel the weight other than 'we're bros'. The story is unfolding and I don't have a good grasp of the world yet but I am side swiped when I get introduced to:

Iris! The cute, scantily clad, hyper-go-spunk sister of Gladious! She is this:

((Shame there is no real this character type in FFVI. I also intentionally didn't mention a few FFs for a reason)). She's literally the reincarnation of these character types! I mean COME ON!

From where I'm at, there seems to be some implication that there is something between Noct and this gal. I'd totally pair her up with Noct over Luna. From what I've seen of Luna in Kingsglaive, she is useless even for a damsel in distress category! Speaking of, there might be a chance that Iris will be joining as a guest with Noctis and the crew. Surely hoping so though! I'm smitten, yes!

So with that said, what the hell is up with that, Final Fantasy XV? Your main flaw so far is taking away the joy of "PHS"! And these adorable characters that fill the roster! But she is always a good attention for fanfics and.... DiD attention!

I mean how can she NOT be when....

She's standing like that in the menu screen OBVIOUSLY wanting to BE tied up. 

Spoils of 2016

HOLY crack addict, Batman, that's freaking POPPIN! So yes, I am now officially a POP hoarder. A lot of these spoils are my OWN Christmas present to myself(mostly the POPs), but I was blessed this year and I got some awesome things. The reviews on some of these things will probably trickle down over the next few months, depending on my time. I might just do some POPs of the year for 2017 at this rate!

Things to review:

-Festive Asuka and Rei
-Miles Spidey
-POPS
-DuDs
-Spider-Gwen mini statue
-Harley Quinn statue (BTAS)
-Spider-Woman Tsum Tsum
-Figures of 2016

I'm going to be VERY busy in 2017... I can already see it.

Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite Gameplay Trailer

It's actually happening! No More X-Men apparently. There goes that side of town again. This game will focus on Marvel's cinematic Universe characters.

Can we get a Spider-Woman, PLEASE?! 

Gaming: Mass Effect Andromeda and Final Fantasy XV

It was N7 day yesterday, and a trailer with some gameplay of Mass Effect Andromeda was shown. I'm excited for this game in all honesty. Mass Effect is up there as one of my favorite game along with the Elder Scroll Series, Disgeae, and Final Fantasy games. 

There are some interesting and very major changes in this new Final Fantasy that I'm not 100% on board. I do believe that taking out MP, the level up moment, and some other aspect does take away from that 'Final Fantasy' feel. But there is one more thing that everyone must know before they purchase this Final Fantasy: It's not FFXI and FFXIV. Those two are the abortion of Final Fantasy games. I'm HIGHLY excited for this freaking game, for sure! 

Gaming Endeavors

Time for a break from the figures review and talk about another Hobby that I haven't been as fervent since a few years ago. 

I may not have announced it but I did get a Ps4 QUITE recently; within the last 2 months to be exact. As the pics above shows, I'm currently playing Skyrim Remastered and Batman Arkham Knight. Great games. Now, I won't be going into reviews like I used to, but once in a while I will probably be sharing some things (Mods on Skyrim perhaps?). But here are some other prospects I have that are all mostly eastern themed games. I have some others like Injustice, the new Spider-Man game, Horizon, Mass Effect, etc. This list may repeat one or two, but most of these games are already released and obscure games. SO....

FFXV: This is a no brainer. I believe that this will be the next milestone of Final Fantasy. With FFXIII not quite hitting that mark for me and with FFXIV being a total waste of time, I do believe we need a brand new Final Fantasy that can truly hit that nostalgia as well as give us a new breath of fresh air!

Disgaea V Allegiance of Vengeance: I have always been a big fan of Disgaea. With Disgaea IV and II being my top favorite, I believe it's time for a new out of this world and hours and hours of fun with a brand new tactical JRPG. Besides this quote: "I will never forget. Vengeance is the only thing that keeps me going", I have a feeling the new main and I will get along just fine!

Onechanbara: Nothing to really say but.... we all need some sexualized zombie-slaying, mindless, hack and slash gaming time in our life! I played the one for X360 way back when and enjoyed it. I'm sure this will deliver to its (low) expectation.

Nights of Azure: Something about this game. As I was talking about hack and slash just a moment ago, this one has some flesh to it that will probably go beyond what Onechanbara will offer! It has potential for sure!

Street Fighter V: What's a new console without a new Street Fighter? Yeah, I won't be the champion or an avid player like I used to be, but I know for sure that I will at least have this so that I can play as Ryu and Ken or even Juri once more! 

Final Fantasy XV: Reclaim Your Throne (trailer)

THIS. THIS (and Elder Scrolls 6) is what I will buy a PS4 for!

Final Fantasy is not an MMO (neither is Elder Scroll) for me. I cannot fathom playing a Final Fantasy (looking at you FFXI and FFXIV) and have a bunch of nobodies try to take my quest with me. I don't care how much 'fan service' or 'story' an MMO has but leave Final Fantasy out of it for me! From what I know, WoW is the king of MMO anyways so Square, abandon FFXIV already and start working on your other Final Fantasies as a single player entity!

Now when I saw the FFXIII trailer some time ago, I had a feeling it was going to be good; but that feeling leaned on the graphics, battle system, and just the overall looks. I was right with the graphics and the beauty of it, but I didn't put my bet on the story and the chemistry. FFXIII, while it held some good things, was a total debacle to the lot of Final Fantasy fans. Well, I feel something good about the story of this game. I feel some kind of chemistry and the battle sequences might very well be what Final Fantasy needs to truly put it back on its mark (wonder how FFVII remake will do?).

Regardless, I am afraid that having only four main characters might take away from the game. Final Fantasy and its 'generic' and always fun 'personality reoccurrence' characters were the bread and butter of characters (A Rikku, Yuffie, Vanille, etc and the other personalities).

But, I will be getting a PS4 on September-ish. Here we go! Preparing to reclaim my damn throne!

"...No I won't be afraid.... just as long.... as you stand... Stand by me..."

FINAL FANTASY XV TGS 2014 TRAILER

Been waiting for this. I can't wait until this comes out! 

Official Batman: Arkham Knight Announce Trailer - "Father to Son"

Ps4 anyone?! I might have that reason to save up for one now. 

E3: Teaser 2

Final Fantasy XV

We need a redemption on the Final Fantasy series. This might be it. "MIGHT". 

E3: Teasers

Dragon Age III Trailer

It has begun.

Arkham Origins

From the Origin.