throwmeaname

16, because I know Yoshi P will deliver.

I'm happy to play and cry to this game again.

I had zero expectations going into Cold Steel 1. I thought it was a persona rip-off (a game I didn't finished), and the past JRPGs that I've played never enthralled me like they used to. But one of Tark's review on YT piqued my interest, as this game apparently has a lot of political elements weaved into its narratives.

Intrigued, I bought the game full price on PSN and jumped right in. The opening intro lit up, and my curiosity about the game - with its banging music and interesting character designs - grew. The prologue didn't quite capture me as I expected, but what made me a fan of the series, is the moment I landed in Trista.

The music, the direction, the way this game has such a WHOLESOME and chill vibe - truly cemented me as a fan. In most games, there is always something at stake: the protagonists has to go on a grand adventure to save the world, and they must follow an ancient prophecy to prevent apocalypse. But the pacing in the first few hours of Trails is a stark contrast to many of the games I played. It took its time. It introduced you to the people, to the country, and ESPECIALLY its culture. The game fleshed out the world of the Empire so well, I fell in love with its people.

Similar to a tourists being shown around to a new country - I felt like I was in a game that feels familiar, yet foreign at the same time. Like traveling from North America to Europe. There's familiarity in the atmosphere yet distinctly different and unique. And as you get to know more about the country and its people, the more you fell in love with it. The reason why I consider the Trails series as one of the greatest for me, is the WORLD that Falcom created. And I am happy that I have taken that plunge into Zemuria.

I like the part where the digimon has a digi-volution tree which can seemingly be switched on the fly.

The combat reminds of the Utawarerumono series, another great VN for those interested.

@RainbowGazelle I think it's safe to play Cold Steel 1-2 while you wait for Zero to come out

I might actually just do that.

@GorosBat I have not played Donganronpa, but the way you described the game makes me want to play it.

If you enjoyed mind-****ery and piecing stories together, I would recommend 13 Sentinels on your next to play. 13 Sentinels has an amazing story, meshed together with stunning visual art. One of the best modern VN I've ever read. I'd even say it's better than Steins Gate! Anyway - enjoy your play!

Odin Sphere on the PS4. I deeply enjoyed 13 Sentinels which I bought day one. Ever since then, I've been keeping an eye out on Odin Sphere, waiting for it to go on sale. This week, I bought it for $20 CAD.

Odin Sphere's story telling is very similar to 13 Sentinels, in that there are many flawed perspectives which makes up a broader narrative. It's up to the player - and with the guiding hand of the developers - to piece it this narrative together. I'm 1.5hrs in, and I'm having a great time! There are already hints of a greater conspiracy and characters with their own motivations. Can't wait to see how it all comes together.

Also - if none of you else have done it; I recommend playing 13 Sentinels. One of the best VN in recent time!

I'm excited for this new and fresh arc to the KH series.

In the years ahead, we'll piece together the mystery behind the enigmatic Masters of Masters.

I wonder if ND is developing a Destiny-like multiplayer set in the TLOU world.

The Suikoden series.

Looks good, it's not bad. Definitely not worth ***** on.

They'll buy Square Enix and stop them from their NFT BS.

Real excited for this!

Nathan Drake isn't suppose to be a "cool" guy. He's not supposed to be a Mark Wahlberg. He's akin more to Peter Parker than a stoic personality. Nathan is funny, he makes mistakes. He laughs at himself and the ***** situations he find himself in. And he falls into A LOT of cliffs, stumbling through as he tries to recover.

If Nathan comes off as this uber stoic badass - then I think they failed to portray Nathan correctly. And that's not on Tom Holland - more on the direction he's asked to play.

Not looking good, IMO.

If anyone’s played KH union x, it’s probably going to have a similar business model.

Hamaguchi had a big hand in FF13, which was considered linear as hell and possibly the most controversial mainline title since... well FF7R lol.

Cautiously optimistic about all this.

My first platinum trophy. Never was a big fan of visual novels. But it’s elevator pitch in the first 5mins got me hooked. While the endearing characters and beautiful art maintained my curiosity to see the story through until the end.

Perfect balance of intrigue, and memorable characters - presented in beautiful 2D.

Highly recommend!

I am not into visual novels, so I took a risk with 13 sentinels.

After dozens of hours in, I am proud to say that 13 sentinels is my first platinum in the years I had my PS4. Amazing game.

13 Sentinels.

The best game you've never played.

Lot of concerns to be skeptical.

Anthem. Nuff said.

Reminds me of Dragon's Dogma.

If you've never played - you owe it to yourself to experience this hidden gem.

Indeed a rip off. One thing it fails to emulate is Mr Kojima’s signature pretentiousness.

One of the coolest and stylized game. Looking forward to seeing more

Dragon Dogma was a hidden gem.

Given FF7Rs gameplay, and inspiration from Dragon’s Dogma - this is a game to look forward to.

Outward.

It’s a pain for the first couple hours. I left the game frustrated a week ago and regretted the purchase despite it being on sale. But if you can let go of your ego and actually look at guides online, there’s a lot to be said for its exploration and immersive world.

This is a hidden gem. I recommend reading a beginners guide somewhere to fully enjoy the game.

SE has a track record of delayed games, excuses and a whole bunch of promises. If this was announced a few months ago - I’d have rolled my eyes and said; “typical Square.”

After playing the behemoth that is FF7R, I feel that my interest in the brand has been restored.

Square, if you need time, go for it!

@TheFatPonyo I would also like to see your attempt at this.

Glad I stayed away from all the trailers!

Big FF7 fan here. I beat the game and I understand why you folks here gave it an 8.

I wasn’t too pleased with how the game ended. But after the initial knee jerk reaction and some time to reconcile my own feelings, I began to appreciate the devs decisions.

I also watched a lot of YT analysis, and re-watched advent children and crisis core to get to where I am. And after much research, I feel a lot better with the way the game ended - and quite excited for the next instalments.

I’ll also give the game an 8. Id give this game a solid 9 if it wasn’t for my initial “WTF” moment - but otherwise, this game is great!

I propose this be flagged as “News” rather than “Random”.

Guys, remember how the PS1 controller was white?

Every since PS2, the PlayStations had been black.

PS5 is a big milestone and a designing the controller white is likely a homage to the PS1 classic.

@ShogunRok I really appreciate that. I have a lot of concerns for the remake, but our candid discussion really assuage many of my reservations.

I’m really glad I can turn to PushSquare for a fellow fan’s feedback.

Thanks! Now I’m really looking forward to the remake!!

@ShogunRok thanks for the reply!

I guess I’m just being a toxic fanboy. I need to check myself, be humble, and just enjoy the game for what it is. If I go in looking for something to hate, then that’s exactly what I’ll find.

If anything, FF7 music will always bring me positive vibes.

Great job again with the review!

Looking forward to getting this!

@ShogunRok thanks for the review!

My main concern is FF7R turning a simple “save the world” adventure game to a convoluted Kingdom Heart-esque story plot.

Is this something that stuck out to you in your play through?

This game looks beautiful!

Any “broken” characters that stick out? I’ve seen some gameplay vids, and it seems Metera would zone you to death.

I have a catalogue of PS4 games sitting in my library waiting to be played.

As exciting as PS5 is, I’m fairly content and don’t need a new console right away.

Trails of Cold Steel 1 re-release was my fave game of 2019, but at least I know it’s not GOTY material.

@LiamCroft less about our fave game not winning and more about the idea that there are more deserved titles that should have won.

The wilting flower scene really resonated with me; it conveys the idea that plant life is unsustainable in an industrial city of Midgard. Yet in some parts of the city, there is life (eg, the church and Aerith’s home).

We see a duality in this opening scene; on the one hand, machines and man have transformed the land barren; and on the other - life has found a way to persevere despite the bleak environment.

It’s a message of hope, and is relevant to the misguided Avalanche group who appears to be hopeful in making changes.

Kiwami was free to download for PSN sometime last year. After playing the game, I was hooked and proceeded to buy Kiwami 2. I will be getting this entire set.

Given my schedule though, it’ll probably take me an entire year to complete the entire series. And that’s alright with me.

Looking forward to Kazuma’s zany adventure!

To me, “Activision Blizzard” is synonymous with corporate greed and a complete disregard for its consumers.

I love you, Crash. But I’m gonna pass.

First game made me cry. Twice. Looking forward to this movie.

Netflix dropping a lot of gaming-related-series on their platform. If this keeps up, they will successfully differentiate themselves and maintain their crown as king of streaming services.

I don’t understand MS’ strategy of selling two of the same console to compete against the PS5 (“Xbox consumer vs superior models”).

If the superior Xbox is the same price as the PS5, (with an option of a cheaper, inferior, Xbox model), then I guess it would make sense from a consumer friendly standpoint.

But, if the superior Xbox cost more than the PS5, or if the consumer Xbox cost the same as the PS5, then I’ll have to disagree with this direction.

I’m always disappointed when games get delayed, even if it’s a game I have no plans on buying.

I think CD Projekt Red’s method of not releasing an estimated time, unless 100% confident it will pull through, is the best approach.

Hate to say, but SE has a history of delaying games. I think they should take a page out of CDprojekt Red.

@NYJetsfan123 I agree!

@NYJetsfan123 it just means Sony has the lead. PS4 won the console war this gen, but let’s be reminded that Sony wasn’t strong in the PS3 era. It’s too early to say if PS5 will dominate.

As a PlayStation fan, I’m hoping that Xbox can compete. Competition ensures that companies do not get complacent and get fat off of their greed. I hope there’s a healthy competition in the coming console gen. Its better for gamers.

@Porco it’s a shame the sub model is a barrier to most. And I understand why you’d be reluctant to try it.

TBH, after being frustrated with FF15’s base story and my lukewarm impression of kingdom hearts 3, like you, I started to lose hope in SE.

But the recent release of FF14’s Shadowbringer rekindled my hope for the company. There’s a lot of talent and creativity unrecognized in SE, and IMO - all the good developers have migrated to the FF14 project to make it one of the best final fantasy game to date. The fact that it’s an MMO, imo, is just a byproduct of that success.

Trust me when I say, FF14 is final fantasy at its core. And it’s one of the best.

If anyone is interested in playing FF14, just know that it’s a final fantasy game first, before it’s an MMO.

Don’t go thinking it’s like WoW, or any other MMO, where you grind to max level. No. You have to pace yourself for the long adventure and learn to love the story.

And if you’re a fan of big epics, like the Trails series. Then you’ll love FF14. Because IMO, FF14 is the best final fantasy that came out since X on the PS2.

@Porco yeah, FF15 left a sour taste in my mouth. The original release felt half baked, with subsequent patches created to fix the game after. Paid DLCs didn’t help its case either.

There is a silver lining though.

FF14 Shadowbringer is, absolutely - without a doubt - the best FF game released since X. It was faithful to the FF formula, and it was a very refreshing experience that felt like FF of old.

So despite my concern, I am hopeful. But I won’t hype myself up only to be disappointed. If FF7 feels like a true final fantasy, then I’m on board.

My biggest concern is taking the original FF7 - which is a simple story of Cloud and friends saving the world - inflated to a 3 part series, with bigger casts and a much more convoluted story line.

I don’t want this game to become the next Kingdom Hearts, where plot threads are muddled by unnecessary complexities. Nor do I want it to become like FF15, where the entire story is locked behind paid DLCs.

RE2 was faithful to the original. While creative licence is great, let’s respect what made FF7 amazing.