Kraven

@ShogunRok Yeah, that’s the area. It did drag for me too. I also didn’t like some of the characters that were introduced, even if you’re not meant to like some of them, and that also halted my progression.

I need to finish the first one. I got halfway through chapter 3 and was getting burned out. I’m a “completionist” in the sense that I have to talk to everyone, do all side quests, and what have you, before I move on to the next story beat. By the time I got halfway through chapter 3, I was 85 hours deep. And there were still 3 more chapters to go. I had to take a break and play a few other games. Perhaps in the next month or two I’ll hop back into the game. It really is a special game, and one of the finer RPGs in recent memory.

This will be a day one purchase for me so I’ll hold off on the demo. I got the platinum for Ys VIII and IX and love them both — so I’m definitely looking forward to this next installment. It should be an interesting change in pace regarding character swapping, so I’m curious about the trophies since a lot of previous entries were combat related.

Kinda strange that Rebirth isn’t on the list, but nevertheless, this just shows that there were many great games released this year. There have actually been two games for my tastes personally that have become all-timers for me - Dragon’s Dogma 2 and Silent Hill 2 Remake.

@mac_da_man Terminator Resistance rules, man. I was super impressed with the game, and the platinum was fun to get. You should check out RoboCop Rogue City from the same developer, if you haven’t already. It’s an easy platinum as well.

This weekend I’m playing the iconic Silent Hill 2 (Remake). This is my first foray into this franchise, despite owning the original on PS2 back when I was a kid. And I have a lot to say.

The beginning two hours were incredibly dull to me. However, once I got to explore the apartment complex—and having just completed Brookhaven Hospital—it quickly became a tour-de-force in the survival horror genre once I tasted what this game had to offer.

The game has a unique setting, where the town of Silent Hill is a character just as much as you are. One thing that stuck out to me was how there is quest log or an objective marker. This allows a sense of freedom in a relatively linear experience, yet vast at the same time, so there’s a sense of feeling confined and trapped, but always rewarding.

All of this is enhanced by its brilliant art direction and visuals. The fog surrounding the town makes each step feel purposeful. When you enter buildings, each location feels different but believable. Brookhaven Hospital—more or less a psychiatric ward—is a perfect example of this. There is a sense of dread and abandonment, and you can feel the anguish of those who resided there. It felt old-timey and unsanitary, providing an extra level of immersion. A lot of games I feel suffer from making you feel as if you’re truly in this fictional world, but this remake manages to capture that essence.

Furthermore, I really appreciate the approach of no jump scares. The horror comes from the tension of discovering the truth about what’s occurring in the town, the characters that inhabit it, and why. But it’s also the idea that something could happen. It plays with you psychologically. It masterfully teeters the line of reality and paranoia, particularly since enemies are humanoid in nature.

As for the story, it immediately compels you because the main protagonist, James Sunderland, is self aware of his situation and how absurd it is. However, he is still grieving the loss of his wife and those types of processes can make people do inexplicable things they otherwise wouldn’t. Regardless of the dire situation he is in, his calm demeanor draws you in. He has determination, and is willing to see his journey through to the end no matter the cost, all the while not going off in the deep end mentally. It’s a really interesting balance. He is casually dressed which also lends to his personality.

The moment to moment gameplay is also fantastic. Combat has a real crunch to it—but it never feels janky or unintuitive. You can feel the weight behind bludgeoning enemies with melee weapons, and you can even hear the exhaustion in James’ voice when he finishes them while they are squirming on the ground. You’re also never overwhelmed with enemies, so each encounter feels unique. It’s simple, but effective.

So far, I’m only halfway through the game but I’m very impressed, top to bottom. I’m deeply invested in the characters and unfolding story. In a space where there are a ton of survival horror games, this one stands out amongst the rest. I can see why the game received high praise in 2001, and I will now sing its praises for the first time in 2024. It might go down in my top 10 of all time.

It’s great to see Dead Island 2 added to the list! I’ve been tempted to buy it but never pulled the trigger. I originally played the game when it first released on my Series X, but I’d love to replay it with the subsequent DLC and get the platinum trophy. Great month for me, even though I’m swimming in the deep end with games right now.

Yeah, I’m playing it. So far it’s pretty solid. I just got past the Blue Creek Apartments and had a terrifying encounter with the iconic Pyramid Head. I’m glad I finally get to experience this game for the very first time.

This was a very memorable game for me, even if it had all the trappings of “in your face” stuff from David Cage. It was my favorite out of the three games from him.

Amazing news. This is one of the very, very few survival horror games that genuinely scared me. There were many times my heart was racing and I was legitimately sweating due to nerves. The ending dragged on a little too long, but everything else was sublime. I can’t wait for this sequel - I never thought this day would come.

All of the reviews so far have been incredible. Man, this has low key been a monster year for games. I can’t wait to dive deep into this RPG. Also, I want to apologize in advance - I didn’t read the review because I want to go in blind, but I’m sure it’s great as always!

I’m looking forward to starting this game after work tonight. It will be my first venture into this series, so I’m excited to see why people regard this game so highly.

@DrVenture69 I played it on Switch originally and it’s really good. How are the trophies on PlayStation? I’ve been thinking of replaying it, but I’ve yet to find any proper trophy guides, and how many play-throughs it takes to get the platinum.

This weekend I am planning to finish The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom. I’ve gotta say - this might be one of my favorite entries in this storied franchise. It’s not without its faults, but the things it does well is exceptional.

As of right now, I have a total of 16/20 hearts, acquired 115/127 echoes, 18/20 stamps, unlocked all five accessory slots, a handful of costumes, and completed five main dungeons, the last of which was the Lanayru Temple. I won’t lie - it was rather challenging. I’m now off to the Faron Wetlands and hoping I can get a 100% completion rate in the next couple of days.

I love how there is a blend of traditional top down design with influences from its modern counterparts, BoTW and ToTK respectively. It’s astounding how there is a new found sense of verticality and puzzle solving in a 2D—sort of 3D—space. Moreover, proper dungeons are back, but there are a plethora of ways to solve them, thus creating a sense of fulfillment when completing puzzles in inventive and creative ways. And yet, despite all of these tools, you can’t break the game (at least I don’t think you can) so it keeps things constructed linearly, with a priority on its narrative.

There are some areas where I think the game falters a bit, mainly regarding its extensive echo system. Similar to how you hold right on the D-Pad to select a handful of weapons in BoTW, you do the same with the echoes you obtain. And there are a lot of echoes. I mean A LOT (over a hundred). You can sort them by most used, but you have to use different ones in varying regions and sometimes infrequently, so they aren’t typically the first selection when you open up the menu. This ultimately breaks the immersion and slows down the gameplay to a screeching halt.

Another area I would like to see improved on is logging information about items obtained. I would prefer to have an overview of how many chests, hearts, and caves are in each particular region. That has always been my issue with TLoZ games. I hate missing things and yet it’s inevitable due to naturally playing the game and getting sidetracked by other activities. Granted, there is an option to see how many collectibles you have in totality, but it isn’t that resourceful.

Nonetheless, the complaints I have are minor compared to the overall experience. I’ve said this many times before, but Nintendo has a way of making you, the player, regardless of age—I’m 34-years-old—feel pure unadulterated joy, and feel like a kid discovering magic for the first time. I initially thought I wouldn’t enjoy Echoes of Wisdom, but has surpassed all of my expectations. I hope this is the beginning of a new foundation for future TLoZ games.

I also have Silent Hill 2 Remake preordered and ready to go for tomorrow evening when I get off work. I can’t wait - it will be my first time playing one of these iconic games.

Oh. My. Lawwwd. The reviews for this game are good everywhere! I am honestly shocked and excited all at once. I can’t wait to get my hands on this game. Also, apologies in advance — I didn’t read the review because I was to go into this game totally blind.

I forgot this game releases tomorrow. I’ll definitely be picking it up, and I’m interested to see how the new ending(s) could hint at a sequel.

I won’t lie, I caved and preordered the deluxe edition for Silent Hill 2. Do I trust Bloober Team much? Not necessarily. However, I find this remake to be incredibly compelling and I’m excited to try it out, and with the preorder you get two days early access.

@tameshiyaku I played the game exclusively on my PlayStation Portal and it was the best way to experience it for me. These types of games are better suited via handheld or an old box television, at least in my opinion—but maybe that’s my nostalgic kicking in.

Awesome game! I got the platinum trophy for it. As another user mentioned already, some of the puzzles are obtuse, and that is my biggest issue with most survival horror games. Nonetheless, I highly recommend it.

I found the side activities in Ghost of Tsushima a breath of fresh air, to be honest. Sure, it had your typical trappings for an open world game — raiding camps, specifically — but it also introduced quiet moments that really resonated with me. Following foxes, coming up with haikus, one-on-one sword fights, and sword training with bamboo felt personal and genuinely relaxing. Additionally, the side quests were fantastic, and I loved seeing the side characters get their spotlight all throughout the game. I have no doubt Ghost of Yotei will have just as great moments throughout the game, even if they perhaps fail to create less repetitive activities, it will still be a step up from a lot of other developers. I’m very excited for this one.

Wow, this is a hefty update. I’ll probably check it out because I’ve been wanting to replay it to get the platinum trophy. I found the game a little too long, and it dragged on at the end, and I became burned out on it. But this seems like a pretty good excuse to check the game out again.

@RatmCky I think you can find enjoyment in many different gameplay styles — walking sim, action-combat, first and third person shooting, turn base RPG, puzzle solving, and so forth. It’s all about whether or not you’re willing to give something different a chance and expand your horizons. I never thought I’d like Death Stranding because the gameplay appeared boring to me. I was pleasantly surprised when it surpassed my expectations, and introduced new mechanics that I haven’t seen produced in a game before, and made them addicting.

I don’t have much to say other than I’m feeling accomplished for wrapping up Ys IX: Monstrum Nox and getting the platinum trophy. I can’t wait for Ys X to release next month.

I’ve now started The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom and it’s great. I’m not that far, but I have completed one main dungeon (yay, proper dungeons are back!), a handful of optional dungeons and side quests that are incredibly rewarding, and just reached the Zora region.

It’s what you expect from a Nintendo game—abysmal framerate rounded out by charm, creativity, fun gameplay, impeccable sound design, and a gorgeous Hyrule that beckons to be explored. The best thing about the game so far is how it blends old school LoZ design with its modern counterparts, allowing for a fantastic adventure ripe with creative puzzle solving, making you, the player feel intelligent when you solve a problem. Not many games can provide that sense of satisfaction, but this game does it in effortlessly.

My goodness, this looks absolutely jaw dropping. Dragon Quest 8 and XI are some of my favorite RPGs of all time, and this looks like it will be joining the list. I really can’t wait for November.

I really don’t understand people. I, for one, am excited for this new protagonist. I have a feeling there are going to be story elements that relate to Jin in some way—blood relation, or what-have-you, but I’m fine with the approach. There is nothing wrong with female leads, and those that believe so must be very insecure with themselves.

I think it was pretty great, all things considered. It had a mix of games for all sorts of people. The new Ghost of Yotei looks incredible, and I’m excited for the Stellar Blade x Nier DLC.

@colonelkilgore Oh yeah, it’s the sequel, right? 😬

Let’s hope El Paso, Elsewhere actually releases on the 27th. The last two times the game was meant to release on PS it was delayed, and with a lack of communication. It will definitely be a good Portal game during football season.

The first Blasphemous is one of my favorite games. I played a little of the second but got distracted by life. I think I’ll go back to it once I’m finished with the games I’m playing. This will be a perfect October game.

I give it an 8/10. I wish the combat, which there is a lot of, was a bit smoother. I also think the parry system is questionable to say the least. Other than that, it’s great and harkens back to the classic 360 era of gaming.

@PuppetMaster I’m playing through IX as well and I love it. It has surpassed VIII for me. But my real question is - how did you beat the game in 30 some odd hours? Did you do any side quests or anything? I am about 80 hours in (Nightmare mode) and on the 8th chapter. Lol.

I’m near the finish line for Ys IX: Monstrum Nox. It’s been an incredibly journey, and I think it’s a masterclass in RPG design. I shared a more in-depth analysis as to why on a forum, but it’s just special. I’m hoping to get the platinum soon, and then I’ll properly jump into Astro Bot.

I’m actually not opposed to this idea. I played Days Gone about two years after it released and was pleasantly surprised by it. Yes, it had its issues, but I consider it an underrated gem. I wouldn’t mind getting a remaster—and if so, and it sells well, get a proper sequel.

What a bizarre and random announcement, but a highly good one. I remember spending so many hours with this game on the Vita. I was so close to platinuming the game before my Vita officially died. I would love to replay it, and will do so on my Portal — the home where it belongs.

Holy moly, that headline is confusing. That said, I need to give this series a go. I remember playing the first one when it released and I got stuck at a part and couldn’t figure out how to get past it so I never played it again. I need to remedy that.

@Quintumply That sounds like the perfect length! Thanks for the heads up regarding collectibles. It’s a shame you can’t go back and clean up, but that’s okay, I’ll just be more aware of things!

This sounds wonderful. I’m not thrown off by the basic combat—it’s the setting and unique art design that will keep me engaged. There wasn’t any mention of it in the review, but how long is the game, and how difficult is the platinum trophy?

I got 9/10, which ain’t bad! The Pac-Man question is what got me.

This weekend I’m playing Ys IX: Monstrum Nox. One month ago I played my first game in this series, Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana and fell in love with it, so much so I got the platinum trophy for it. This newfound appreciation for the franchise led me to explore other entries, starting with Ys: Memories of Celceta. I finished it yesterday and now I’m diving into New Game+ on Nightmare difficulty for another platinum run.

What immediately sets Ys IX apart is its self-awareness. The game cleverly plays with the familiar tropes found in JRPGs and earlier entries in the series, often adding a humorous touch to the darker tone of its narrative. In fact, it seems incredibly homogeneous to Dragon Quest XI regarding its opening hours—another RPG favorite of mine.

The setting itself is drastically different from its counterparts. You’re in this sprawling city known as Balduq, or rather Prison City. It functions as a living and breathing world, where people work, have their own homes, and is relatively modern. However, the world is rich with lore, with mysterious graffiti littered about that provides upgrades depending on your character, and from the very beginning, the game hooks you with collectibles you can't yet reach, igniting curiosity and anticipation for what's to come.

This culminates into one standout aspect in its refined gameplay, and that is traversal. Unlike prior games, this one focuses on verticality as a focus point of its level design, and it’s all the better for it. Whether it’s scaling walls or gliding across rooftops, these traversal abilities make the city of Balduq feel like a playground, filled with hidden treasures and unreachable areas that beg to be explored.

As for gameplay, most of the mechanics are familiar, maintaining its frenetic combat while introducing a plethora of character abilities that make combat more engaging. The game also bestows its traditional use of artifacts—now known as sacramentals—to enhance its already dynamic gameplay. This all leads to a new layer of freedom that keeps the gameplay fresh.

I’m only several hours in, but overall the game strikes a perfect balance between innovation and familiarity. It’s shaping up to be one of the best RPGs I’ve played in recent memory, and is quickly becoming my favorite in the series so far. My level up hype for the next installment is through the roof, and I’m glad I only have to wait a month for its release.

This looks absolutely stunning. The artistic expression is really prominent, and shows how much love the developers have for the 8-bit era of classic RPGs. I will definitely be checking this one out.

The Plucky Squire and Far Cry 5 are excellent additions. I’m very curious to see how The Plucky Squire turns out critically because it looks so unique, creative, and downright fun.

I appreciate the support for praising FF VIII, but nah, this ain’t the one.

I’ve been playing the single player campaign (solo) for a couple of hours. I like it, but the game feels really stiff and I’m not a fan of the controls, though they can be tweaked. Aside from that, it’s been a fun experience. I’ll probably dive much deeper into the game once I feel fully satisfied completing the games I’m currently playing (I don’t like playing more than one game at a time).

This weekend, I find myself diving deeper into Black Myth: Wukong—a game that’s captivated me more than any other title this year, even more than Dragon’s Dogma 2. Even after completing one full playthrough, I’m now embarking on New Game Plus, something I rarely do unless I’m truly hooked.

When I first started playing Black Myth: Wukong, I didn’t expect it to become my Game of the Year (GOTY), but now, I can’t imagine any other title taking the crown. The depth, boss encounters, and the incredible combat system have all made it a standout experience. I’ve already finished one playthrough, where I managed to unlock every secret area and boss fight—including a secret, God of War-style ending—without using a guide. I’m still amazed at how I managed that! Despite this, I’m looking forward to relying on a guide for my NG+ playthrough, as I aim for the coveted platinum trophy.

What sets Black Myth: Wukong apart for me is the sheer immersion. The world feels alive with mysteries waiting to be uncovered, and the combat constantly challenges me in the best way possible. One moment, in particular, that truly blew me away was stumbling upon the optional Yellow Loong boss fight. It was nighttime, and I found myself battling this massive creature on a ragged cliffside under the light of the moon. The way the lightning from Yellow Loong’s attacks lit up the sky created a thrilling, almost cinematic atmosphere. There are countless moments like this scattered throughout the game, especially if you take the time to explore.

At the same time, I’ve been alternating with Ys: Memories of Celceta on my trusty Vita, which has proven to be a delightful surprise. Having already played and platinumed Ys VIII, my first introduction into this storied franchise, I wasn’t expecting to enjoy Memories of Celceta more, but surprisingly, I do—especially in terms of the story and the characters. The game has a light-hearted charm that’s kept me smiling, and on more than one occasion, I’ve found myself laughing out loud at the dialogue and character interactions.

What really makes this game shine is its sense of adventure. The world feels vast, with lush forests, ancient ruins, and a rich, mystical atmosphere that makes exploration rewarding. Sure, there are a few frustrating mechanics like the limited fast travel early on, but by mid-game, this is resolved, and the flow of the game really picks up. I also found the upgrade system to be a bit clunky at times, but these minor issues don’t detract from the overall experience. I’m aiming for the platinum trophy in this one too, hopefully before Ys: Nordics drops next month.

Coming up, I’ll be diving into Space Marine 2, a game that looks absolutely stellar with its intense, action-packed battles in a futuristic setting. I’ve also picked up Astro Bot, which I’m excited to explore with my daughter once I’m done with my current adventures. This has been a sensational year for gaming.

@Loamy I’m gonna pick it up! How are the trophies? Are there some based on multiplayer and or cooperative play?

I’ve grown out of platformers as I’ve aged, but this looks to bring me back! I think I’ll actually buy the game now because it seems absolutely wonderful.

Great review, and nice to see that it’s very accessible for solo play. I’ll probably be checking this one out.

This is absolutely embarrassing.

@mac_da_man Glad to hear you enjoyed Stellar Blade! It’s a great game. I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts on Astro Bot.

This weekend I’m playing Black Myth: Wukong. Wow. What. A. Game. While it shares some superficial similarities with Soulslike games, I think it’s more accurately described as a modern boss-rush game with a structure akin to God of War. The focus seems to be on tightly designed levels, thrilling boss battles, and an emphasis on exploration and secrets, rather than the punishing difficulty found in FromSoftware titles.

As for difficulty, the game doesn't penalize you harshly for dying, which contrasts sharply with the traditional Soulslike experience. This makes it more accessible and possibly more enjoyable for players who appreciate a challenge but don't want to be frustrated by constant setbacks.

Speaking of accessibility, there is a robust combat system with different stances and upgradable abilities, all of which makes your playthrough unique in how you approach fighting enemies. The ability to defeat mini-bosses and acquire their spirits as abilities adds a strategic layer to combat, making each encounter feel meaningful.

For me, Chapter Two is where the game was elevated from good to great. Despite its linearity, there is a wide mix of side quests, secrets with additional areas to explore, and boss fights. This design from the developers created an engaging experience for me that is very memorable. The game's ability to balance linearity with exploration—offering secret areas and hidden bosses—adds to the sense of discovery. Let’s keep in mind, this is Game Sciences’ first foray into the console gaming space.

This leads me to presentation. When it comes to enemies, there is a large diversity in enemy design, particularly the boss fights like Tiger Vanguard, Whiteclad Noble, Kang-Jin Star, Cyan Loong, and Fuban to name a few, keeps the gameplay fresh and exciting, especially environmentally. In fact, some (optional) boss fights, if given time, can perform moves that will open up new areas to explore. But what I really want to praise is the artistic direction—for its minimalistic yet stylish approach. The stop-motion cutscenes, in particular, are a real highlight that I don’t often see spoken about enough.

There are areas where the game can improve, but it never hindered my experience. There are a lot of invisible walls. While this may be a detriment for some, I think the controlled exploration is a result of budget constraints. The trade off is worth it given the high production value in other facets. The absence of a map is another (mild) complaint. While the game is linear, and the sense of discovery is rewarding, a map would ensure that no hidden item or character is missed.

Ultimately, this game has impressed me significantly, and is this year’s Lies of P. It’s been a phenomenal experience, with rich cultural elements, and varied, vibrant environments. It’s a game that has successfully combined fictional storytelling with modern action-adventure mechanics, and is undoubtedly one of the best games of the year. Sorry, Dragon’s Dogma 2, I have a new GOTY.