Looks like a knockoff and mashup of other western open world RPGs, from the mechanics down to creature designs. Does not inspire confidence but would love for it to turn out decent.
Lumping Dragon Quest 11 with One Piece Odyssey and this game as a ILCA game seems ingenuine. DQ11 is game developed and published by Square Enix. I could only find a few vague notes online about ILCA contributing to the game. Granted all 3 games look visually similar, but all 3 are going very much for a manga inspired look, with Toriyama being directly behind 2 of the 3.
All that to say, I think this looks like it could be quite good.
While I have little faith in it, I am nonetheless still excited for this game's eventual release.
Dragon Age is a special series that started with so much heart put into it. A return to form would be great to see and even better to play through. The game releasing in a state similar to the train wreck that was Mass Effect Andromeda would also be hilarious. I think I'd be fine with either.
@Sam_ATLUS Lunar New Year is a major holiday in Asia. Releasing big Japanese games in February is akin to Western games releasing right around Black Friday and Christmas. This has historically worked out well in the West too, as by the time February and March come around even the Westerner's wallets have recovered enough. And if you were fortunate enough to get a new console, you may be ready for the latest hot new game a few months later in late Winter.
At the risk of sounding too political, as income inequality continues to grow in nearly every developed country in the world, it will become harder to nickel and dime consumers successfully. So, I think we are heading for a fallout for these live service type games, if we aren't there already.
There aren't enough high spending players for all these games to be successful long-term. As others have pointed out, we are seeing many games which focus on online multiplayer have support dropped in a few years or less, which is absurd.
It's not even that I'm opposed to these types of games, I just realistically don't see a market that can support many co-existing. The only way I can see the majority of these games being successful is if they're more traditional single-player games, with an added multiplayer component, or a live-service type model that adds events or content regularly.
Despite not owning the game, I'm glad Square has seemingly not given up on this IP. After initial shaky impressions, the more I see of this, the better it looks. Gameplay looks solid, even if the premise seems cringey.
Unfortunately, there will always be people who dislike it purely for other reasons...
I really hope Disgaea 7 has some legs. I love the series too much to see it wither away and die, especially on what seems to be a quality release. The low numbers are somewhat baffling given the explicit Japan theming of this entry.
In the West at least, marketing for the game has been slim so far. I don't think this is something they can afford to slack on.
In any case, it's a game I'm massively looking forward to for an international release. Been far too long for the next proper Disgaea. D5 was nearly 8 years ago.
@nomither6 The best I can gather from all that is you're a lifelong Sonic fan and don't want him in an open world game.
Sonic Frontiers doesn't need to be coddled to be considered a good game. It isn't my favorite 3D Sonic game, but I also don't see Adventure 1 & 2, Heroes, Unleashed, Generations, and Colors as being on a much higher level. In fact, I'd rate several of those lower than Frontiers.
The constant irrational hatred and meme-ing of Sonic is just exhausting at this point.
Sonic Frontiers is a good, solid, and fun game with a unique spin on open world design. That's more than a lot of games that released in 2022 can say.
It definitely deserves it place in a top 10 of 2022 list. The fact that any write-up on it has to effectively walk on eggshells and mention for the upteenth time that the game isn't perfect and Sonic team has had serious blunders in the past is cringeworthy. Just let the game exist.
People keep saying JRPGs have become niche without expanding on why though...
Many of them, especially during the PS3 era, were low budget, low effort, and low fun.
FF7 had a huge part in catapulting JRPGs to success in the West.
How? It had great production value, and a huge marketing campaign showing how it was the coolest game in recent memory.
Even when Sony did put out good Japanese content, too often did they squander it or hide it. Gravity Rush 2 is a great example of an incredible, open world, action game. Anyone that liked the new Spider Man games would probably enjoy Gravity Rush.
But whereas Western games get big ad campaigns, Gravity Rush 2 was kept hidden, and the online features were axed incredibly soon.
Point being, it isn't enough to make good content. You have to support it, and believe in it, and perhaps most important, you have to be proud of it. The last point is what I feel went first.
Sony doesn't want to show their Japanese roots. They don't want to be the "weebstation".
Why isn't there an option for "Outrageous, even though I don't play CoD?".
This is anti-consumer, there's no other way to slice it. I'd have the same opinion if Sony were to suddenly acquire Square Enix, even though that would have much less of an immediate impact just going by console demographics.
Microsoft buying a huge company in a market they are already competing in is a step towards monopoly. The only reason we are still even having these discussions is because of blatant corruption and bribery in the legal system. Nothing new, but still a shame to see.
@TheDudeElDuderino That's kind of an oversimplification of the economics though. For one, physically manufacturing games is cheaper than 30 years ago. Not every game has a huge budget for development either.
People are free to spend their money on whatever they think is worth it, but the notion that video games are so expensive to make that companies can't survive on just selling $60 copies is a complete lie.
Will not get this, probably ever. It is a baffling decision that can only be explained as a way to nickel and dime the biggest fans. The level of enchancements for the PS5 version don't warrant a purchase. It should be a free version for all P5 Royal owners. DLC licenses from P5R ps4 should just carry over as well.
I'd like to imagine that goodwill would have helped sell the game to anyone who skipped Royal originally. But oh well...
@IonMagi Sony has decided to put all of their resources towards western blockbusters. Realistic graphics, (supposedly) dramatic stories, and gameplay for the lowest common denominator. The intro to in-house Sony games mimicking the intro to a Marvel studios movies tells you all you need to know.
Despite their success, I don't think this is a good long term strategy. Good investments come from a diverse portfolio. If the current genres go out of style, they will be ill-equipped to easily pivot to newer trends.
They are dead to me for leaving Indivisible unfinished and not honoring the stretch goals that were funded.
Yeah, the developers Lab Zero imploded following controversy, but the team essentially made their own independent studio separate from the head executive. As publisher, 505 should have the ability to still get the remaining content finished. I can't see it as anything other than them taking an easy out to renege on promises.
I continue to find the lukewarm reception to this game on pushsquare interesting. Graphics were a point of contention in the review yet I don't see how it looks substantially worse than Elden Ring, which has been a huge hit. Obviously not on the same system, but it's miles better than Legends Arceus...
Anyways, it looks like a fine game. Something I'll pick up later after playing some other games or on a sale, whichever happens first.
What grinds my gears is publishing reviews written by people who clearly didn't even want to play the game. It happened with Zero Dawn and it's happening with Forbidden West.
Not even saying this as a Horizon fanboy. I got Zero Dawn day one and liked it but I'm waiting for a sale for Forbidden West.
Was mildly interested, then watched a review on youtube by an SMT content creator who tore it to pieces and basically said it wasn't worth playing.
Now we have another source mirroring that sentiment. Looks like an easy pass...
@Squanch Pardon the ignorance, but what does Nippon Icchi Software have to do with this game? Unless you're just comparing a game criticized for being grindy to something like Disgaea, which prides itself on grinding as an option...
@QBGaming12 Remaking or at least remastering Origins + Awakening is absolutely what they should, but won't, do to build up hype and customer faith in DA4 while they continue to work on it for the next (checks how many directors have left the game mid development) 7 years...
Entrapment is when law enforcement tries to make someone commit a crime. Despite the name, it doesn't have anything to do with law enforcement or other agencies setting up bait to catch opportunistic crimes. Those do actually hold up.
About dang time for the long promised expansion. Unfortunately I have low hopes at this point, but would love to be proven wrong. This IP certainly deserves better.
Close to 40 platinums now. Getting trophies is fun, and I like to get the ones I can, and get all of the trophies for games I really like. If they aren't fun to get or too difficult I don't bother. Getting digital trophies I can show off to friends and other players that show I've done things like beat every level in Little Big Planet without taking damage is neat.
That said though, trophy levels were ruined when Sony changed the scaling. What does level 300, or 400, or 500 mean? And you level up so fast that when you are actually playing new games you can't remember what you were a month ago, much less where your friends were.
DLC done right is wonderful. If a game I like a lot ends up offering new content later on, I'll most likely support it. I don't buy DLC to fix a game though, or offer a more complete experience.
I think by now it should be easy for most people to spot the difference.
I'm not really sure what the point of this short write up is. It is such a barebones "review" that barely talks about the new additions from Maxima.
While I'm loving the DLC upgrade, I'd only recommend it to fans who are very attached to the base game. For those who haven't played it at all, Maxima is the best way to play.
While not really an "expansion", Maxima adds a bunch of small things that go a long way to improving the game. Being able to play as the champions, new mirages, a new Humanoid (non-chibi) playable character, a new high level dungeon, more super bosses, new game plus (with a higher difficulty specifically made for this) and some more small things like added lore books and quality of life changes makes a good DLC package in my book.
Comments 85
Re: Open World Action RPG Tainted Grail Is Adventuring to PS5 Next Year
Looks like a knockoff and mashup of other western open world RPGs, from the mechanics down to creature designs. Does not inspire confidence but would love for it to turn out decent.
Re: Sand Land Story Trailer Sets the Scene For an Unlikely Adventure on PS5, PS4
Lumping Dragon Quest 11 with One Piece Odyssey and this game as a ILCA game seems ingenuine. DQ11 is game developed and published by Square Enix. I could only find a few vague notes online about ILCA contributing to the game. Granted all 3 games look visually similar, but all 3 are going very much for a manga inspired look, with Toriyama being directly behind 2 of the 3.
All that to say, I think this looks like it could be quite good.
Re: Rumour: Dragon Age: Dreadwolf Targeting Summer 2024 Release at the Earliest
While I have little faith in it, I am nonetheless still excited for this game's eventual release.
Dragon Age is a special series that started with so much heart put into it. A return to form would be great to see and even better to play through. The game releasing in a state similar to the train wreck that was Mass Effect Andromeda would also be hilarious. I think I'd be fine with either.
Re: Granblue Fantasy: Relink Release Date Finally Set for February 2024 on PS5, PS4
@Sam_ATLUS Lunar New Year is a major holiday in Asia. Releasing big Japanese games in February is akin to Western games releasing right around Black Friday and Christmas. This has historically worked out well in the West too, as by the time February and March come around even the Westerner's wallets have recovered enough. And if you were fortunate enough to get a new console, you may be ready for the latest hot new game a few months later in late Winter.
Re: Reaction: Sony's PS5, PC Live Service Strategy Won't Work If It's All Samey Shooters
At the risk of sounding too political, as income inequality continues to grow in nearly every developed country in the world, it will become harder to nickel and dime consumers successfully. So, I think we are heading for a fallout for these live service type games, if we aren't there already.
There aren't enough high spending players for all these games to be successful long-term. As others have pointed out, we are seeing many games which focus on online multiplayer have support dropped in a few years or less, which is absurd.
It's not even that I'm opposed to these types of games, I just realistically don't see a market that can support many co-existing. The only way I can see the majority of these games being successful is if they're more traditional single-player games, with an added multiplayer component, or a live-service type model that adds events or content regularly.
Re: Forspoken: In Tanta We Trust (PS5) - Better Than the Main Game
Despite not owning the game, I'm glad Square has seemingly not given up on this IP. After initial shaky impressions, the more I see of this, the better it looks. Gameplay looks solid, even if the premise seems cringey.
Unfortunately, there will always be people who dislike it purely for other reasons...
Re: Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections Confirms New Characters, 'Special' Story Mode
I certainly wouldn't be opposed to more Storm content, but a 10th new Naruto and Sasuke is not compelling enough reason to buy these games again.
Playable Anko and Kurenai should be the starting point. They've been asked for by fans for over a decade.
I would like to see each of the seven mist swordsman realized, with interesting movesets like the sound 4 received.
Re: PS5 Finally Takes Control of Japanese Charts, As Forspoken Flops
I really hope Disgaea 7 has some legs. I love the series too much to see it wither away and die, especially on what seems to be a quality release. The low numbers are somewhat baffling given the explicit Japan theming of this entry.
In the West at least, marketing for the game has been slim so far. I don't think this is something they can afford to slack on.
In any case, it's a game I'm massively looking forward to for an international release. Been far too long for the next proper Disgaea. D5 was nearly 8 years ago.
Re: Game of the Year: #7 - Sonic Frontiers
@nomither6 The best I can gather from all that is you're a lifelong Sonic fan and don't want him in an open world game.
Sonic Frontiers doesn't need to be coddled to be considered a good game. It isn't my favorite 3D Sonic game, but I also don't see Adventure 1 & 2, Heroes, Unleashed, Generations, and Colors as being on a much higher level. In fact, I'd rate several of those lower than Frontiers.
Re: Game of the Year: #7 - Sonic Frontiers
The constant irrational hatred and meme-ing of Sonic is just exhausting at this point.
Sonic Frontiers is a good, solid, and fun game with a unique spin on open world design. That's more than a lot of games that released in 2022 can say.
It definitely deserves it place in a top 10 of 2022 list. The fact that any write-up on it has to effectively walk on eggshells and mention for the upteenth time that the game isn't perfect and Sonic team has had serious blunders in the past is cringeworthy. Just let the game exist.
Re: Soapbox: Help Me! I'm Hooked on Genshin Impact
It's a legitimately good game.
The best experience is enjoying the story and world at your own pace, and playing online with other players.
It is entirely possible to ignore the gacha/gambling and micro-transactions. Of course, getting new characters helps the game stay fresh.
Re: Mini Review: Persona 5 Royal (PS5) - Still One of the Best JRPGs Ever Made, Despite PS4 Disrespect
It's a fantastic game, and while it is mentioned in the review, I feel like the point isn't driven home enough:
Persona 5 Royal is already playable on PS5 via the PS4 version.
What does this version of the game actually give you that is meaningful?
Even for someone who has yet to experience this game at all, just buy P5R for PS4 on sale with all the DLC for around $20.
This version is a 1/10.
Re: Cyberpunk 2077 Just Smashed The Witcher 3's All-Time Concurrent Player Record
Something else to consider though is The Witcher 3 has a separate listing for the game of year edition on Steam...
Re: Sony Wasn't Interested in New JRPG from Ex-Wild Arms Devs
People keep saying JRPGs have become niche without expanding on why though...
Many of them, especially during the PS3 era, were low budget, low effort, and low fun.
FF7 had a huge part in catapulting JRPGs to success in the West.
How? It had great production value, and a huge marketing campaign showing how it was the coolest game in recent memory.
Even when Sony did put out good Japanese content, too often did they squander it or hide it. Gravity Rush 2 is a great example of an incredible, open world, action game. Anyone that liked the new Spider Man games would probably enjoy Gravity Rush.
But whereas Western games get big ad campaigns, Gravity Rush 2 was kept hidden, and the online features were axed incredibly soon.
Point being, it isn't enough to make good content. You have to support it, and believe in it, and perhaps most important, you have to be proud of it. The last point is what I feel went first.
Sony doesn't want to show their Japanese roots. They don't want to be the "weebstation".
Re: Talking Point: What Do You Make of Microsoft and Sony's Call of Duty Quarrel?
Why isn't there an option for "Outrageous, even though I don't play CoD?".
This is anti-consumer, there's no other way to slice it. I'd have the same opinion if Sony were to suddenly acquire Square Enix, even though that would have much less of an immediate impact just going by console demographics.
Microsoft buying a huge company in a market they are already competing in is a step towards monopoly. The only reason we are still even having these discussions is because of blatant corruption and bribery in the legal system. Nothing new, but still a shame to see.
Re: Assassin's Creed Mirage Sneaks to PS5, PS4 in 2023, Priced at $50
@TheDudeElDuderino That's kind of an oversimplification of the economics though. For one, physically manufacturing games is cheaper than 30 years ago. Not every game has a huge budget for development either.
People are free to spend their money on whatever they think is worth it, but the notion that video games are so expensive to make that companies can't survive on just selling $60 copies is a complete lie.
Re: Quirky Dungeon Crawler Monster Menu Gets Cooking on PS5, PS4 Next Year
Always love Nippon Icchi art, and I want them to have creative freedom and try new things.
But I really just want Disgaea on a more regular basis, or more of the older games remade in D5's engine like D1.
Re: Gravity Rush Also Getting a Movie, It's Claimed
Kat could very easily pass as a Marvel super hero.
Out of all Sony's IPs, Gravity Rush is one I think could translate to film very easily.
Re: Soul Hackers 2 (PS5) - SMT on a Budget
Glad combat remains fun but the rest of that review is pretty scathing. Surprised to see a 7/10 at the end, it read more like a 5/10.
This is something I was looking forward to, but now I think I'll wait a while.
Re: Soapbox: No Free PS5 Upgrade for Persona 5 Royal Is an Insult to Fans and the Game Itself
Got the original P5 day one. Loved it.
Got P5 Royal day one. Loved it.
Will not get this, probably ever. It is a baffling decision that can only be explained as a way to nickel and dime the biggest fans.
The level of enchancements for the PS5 version don't warrant a purchase. It should be a free version for all P5 Royal owners. DLC licenses from P5R ps4 should just carry over as well.
I'd like to imagine that goodwill would have helped sell the game to anyone who skipped Royal originally. But oh well...
Re: No inFAMOUS or Sly Cooper Games in Development, Sucker Punch Confirms
@IonMagi Sony has decided to put all of their resources towards western blockbusters. Realistic graphics, (supposedly) dramatic stories, and gameplay for the lowest common denominator. The intro to in-house Sony games mimicking the intro to a Marvel studios movies tells you all you need to know.
Despite their success, I don't think this is a good long term strategy. Good investments come from a diverse portfolio.
If the current genres go out of style, they will be ill-equipped to easily pivot to newer trends.
Re: Sonic Frontiers Debuts First Open World Gameplay in New Video
It looks fine. I want it to be good, but we all know Sonic's track record. I think that is clouding most people's judgement.
I say this as someone that hasn't enjoyed a sonic game since Adventure 2. Yes, that includes Generations, Colors, and whatever else (Rush?).
Re: Upcoming PS5, PS4 Games for June and July 2022
Was happy to see D6 coming to Playstation finally.
But coming a year and a half later, and at $70, has me more inclined to wait for a sale.
Re: 505 Games Plotting Spring Showcase for New and Announced Games
They are dead to me for leaving Indivisible unfinished and not honoring the stretch goals that were funded.
Yeah, the developers Lab Zero imploded following controversy, but the team essentially made their own independent studio separate from the head executive. As publisher, 505 should have the ability to still get the remaining content finished. I can't see it as anything other than them taking an easy out to renege on promises.
Re: Poll: Did You Buy Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin?
I continue to find the lukewarm reception to this game on pushsquare interesting. Graphics were a point of contention in the review yet I don't see how it looks substantially worse than Elden Ring, which has been a huge hit. Obviously not on the same system, but it's miles better than Legends Arceus...
Anyways, it looks like a fine game. Something I'll pick up later after playing some other games or on a sale, whichever happens first.
Re: Soapbox: It's Okay to Enjoy Elden Ring and Horizon Forbidden West
It's fine to enjoy either, both, or neither.
What grinds my gears is publishing reviews written by people who clearly didn't even want to play the game. It happened with Zero Dawn and it's happening with Forbidden West.
Not even saying this as a Horizon fanboy. I got Zero Dawn day one and liked it but I'm waiting for a sale for Forbidden West.
Re: Poll: Are You Happy With Your PS Plus Games for March 2022?
Team Sonic Racing is great. At least, it was nearly 3 years ago. Wouldn't be surprised if online multiplayer is dead.
Re: Monark (PS5) - Tedious JRPG Grinds to a Halt
Was mildly interested, then watched a review on youtube by an SMT content creator who tore it to pieces and basically said it wasn't worth playing.
Now we have another source mirroring that sentiment. Looks like an easy pass...
@Squanch Pardon the ignorance, but what does Nippon Icchi Software have to do with this game? Unless you're just comparing a game criticized for being grindy to something like Disgaea, which prides itself on grinding as an option...
Re: BioWare Is 'Still Hard at Work' Making Dragon Age 4
@QBGaming12
Remaking or at least remastering Origins + Awakening is absolutely what they should, but won't, do to build up hype and customer faith in DA4 while they continue to work on it for the next (checks how many directors have left the game mid development) 7 years...
Re: PlayStation Executive Fired After Unsavoury Allegations Emerge
@Fight_Teza_Fight
Entrapment is when law enforcement tries to make someone commit a crime. Despite the name, it doesn't have anything to do with law enforcement or other agencies setting up bait to catch opportunistic crimes. Those do actually hold up.
Re: Kingdoms of Amalur Re-Reckoning's Fatesworn Expansion Releases This Month
Great game, decent remaster.
About dang time for the long promised expansion. Unfortunately I have low hopes at this point, but would love to be proven wrong. This IP certainly deserves better.
Re: Soapbox: I Think I'm Over Trophies
Close to 40 platinums now. Getting trophies is fun, and I like to get the ones I can, and get all of the trophies for games I really like. If they aren't fun to get or too difficult I don't bother.
Getting digital trophies I can show off to friends and other players that show I've done things like beat every level in Little Big Planet without taking damage is neat.
That said though, trophy levels were ruined when Sony changed the scaling. What does level 300, or 400, or 500 mean? And you level up so fast that when you are actually playing new games you can't remember what you were a month ago, much less where your friends were.
Re: Best PS4 Superhero Games
Gravity Rush 2 not being on here makes me wanna cry...
Re: Poll: Do You Buy and Play Single Player Story DLC?
DLC done right is wonderful. If a game I like a lot ends up offering new content later on, I'll most likely support it. I don't buy DLC to fix a game though, or offer a more complete experience.
I think by now it should be easy for most people to spot the difference.
Re: World of Final Fantasy Maxima - Square Enix Continues Series Celebration with Hearty Expansion
I'm not really sure what the point of this short write up is. It is such a barebones "review" that barely talks about the new additions from Maxima.
While I'm loving the DLC upgrade, I'd only recommend it to fans who are very attached to the base game. For those who haven't played it at all, Maxima is the best way to play.
While not really an "expansion", Maxima adds a bunch of small things that go a long way to improving the game. Being able to play as the champions, new mirages, a new Humanoid (non-chibi) playable character, a new high level dungeon, more super bosses, new game plus (with a higher difficulty specifically made for this) and some more small things like added lore books and quality of life changes makes a good DLC package in my book.