Oninaki

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Wasted potential is something that I see a lot of in video games, and it never fails to disappoint and annoy me in equal measure. This is especially true when the video game in question is developed by Square Enix, who have a history of making fantastic RPGs…or HAD, should I say, because playing a Square Enix game these days is very much like playing Russian Roulette…with no bullets. And often, no gun either. It’s safe, but damn if it isn’t boring and utterly pointless.

Oninaki was another one of THOSE Square Enix games.

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Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana

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Since Xenoblade Chronicles happened in 2011, it’s been harder and harder for me to find games that really stick with me…in fact, I think there have been two: Tales of Berseria, and this. Now, this is not to say that I haven’t played some amazing games between now and then, but I know a game has left a mark on me when I’m sad it ends, and I regularly want to replay it.

I’ve been thinking about replaying Ys VIII for two years since I finished it the first time, and I’m already thinking about replaying it now.

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Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX

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I LOVE the Pokemon Mystery Dungeon series. This is perhaps the one part of my love for the Pokemon franchise that has not been ruined as time has gone by. The gameplay is vastly superior to the core titles, there is an actual narrative, the soundtrack is better, the visuals are better, and you can actually recruit everything without trading or other stupid nonsense. What’s not to like? Of all the games, Blue Rescue Team is my favourite, and when I saw that it was getting a remake, I was excited.

I should really learn to stop being excited for things.

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Dragon Quest

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I used to hate Dragon Quest. I started off with IX on the DS when it was released, and I was so excited – I’d heard so much about this series. Growing up without a PS2 I didn’t have the chance to play VIII, and this was to be my first foray. It was something of a disaster. I didn’t care for the art style, I didn’t like how aimless it was, and the music…my god, the music. It was like Pokemon Ruby all over again.

But after watching Dragonball and getting used to Toriyama’s art style, and playing my through Dragon Quest IV, and then V, then XI on the Switch last year, I’ve definitely re-appraised my stance on the series. Tastes change, I guess!

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Megaman X2

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So I caved. I told myself that I was going to leave more time between Megaman games, but the more I thought about it, the more I wanted to play the next one…partially because I now have the Zero collection and feel like I should probably play the X games first (I’m conveniently ignoring the originals until I have significantly more patience or masochism) but also because I actually really enjoyed the original and wanted more of the same.

It’s nice when I get what I actually want.

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Life is Strange 2

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I don’t know how I feel about politics in video games. On one hand, I think it’s a good thing…hell, an unavoidable thing: art often mirrors life, and it’s not difficult to draw themes, whether intended or otherwise, from a narrative, or a character.

But…well, I play video games to escape reality. I have my own opinions and views (I voted Remain in the 2016 Referendum and I did not vote for Boris Johnson, for anyone reading this who happens to be curious) and I don’t appreciate having someone else’s forced on me in my spare time. And with political stories, and characters…well, if they don’t align with your views, or you can’t sympathise with their circumstances, you’re not going to get much out of it.

Life is Strange 2 is a game I played that was clearly meant for somebody else.

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DOOM

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Wolfenstein 3D was one of my favourite games growing up, mostly because it was the most violent thing I had at the time. But I was never allowed to have Doom on the Gameboy Advance – apparently shooting demons is bad, but shooting Nazis is A-OK?

I’ve always been curious, but I’ve never had the time to really give Doom a try. I’m really glad I made time now.

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RemiLore

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I buy a fair number of video games in sales. This is mostly because if I bought everything I wanted to try at full price I’d probably bankrupt myself, and I know what I’m *really* interested in a lot of the time. But sometimes I wonder if I have a sixth sense of sorts – like I know something is going to be bad, but I can’t quite believe it, so I’ll wait for a sale to confirm it. That way, when my suspicions are confirmed, I won’t feel too bad for wasting money on it.

…doesn’t really work though. I still feel bad for wasting money and time on this.

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Cave Story+

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This is one of those games that has been on my radar for years but one I have never gotten around to, mostly because of the asking price and there being other things I would rather spend my money on. I mean, I love a sprite-based Metroidvania as much as the next person who grew up with them, but…well, they’re a dime a dozen these days.

But Cave Story is critically acclaimed! One of the best indie games of all time!

…why, though?

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