Messages

16

Modern Video Games / Re: Palworld.

« on: January 30, 2024, 01:50:53 pm »

I haven't because at it's core it is a Survival game which just seems like needless busy work to me. If they update it in time and add an interesting story around it I could be interested.

If anything, I hope this causes GameFreak to step up their game. We've all wanted to see a proper Triple-A Pokemon game to the scale of the recent Zelda games and it just hasn't happened. Now that this PalWorld game has presented a different game but on much bigger scale the demand will be there and I don't think they can get away with such a medicore offering like last time.

17

Video Game Database Discussion / Re: Developer/Publisher Requests

« on: January 22, 2024, 02:45:21 pm »

Developer - Toge Productions
https://www.togeproductions.com/

Publisher - Serenity Forge
https://serenityforge.com/games

18

General / Re: 52 Games Challenge 2024!!!!!

« on: January 18, 2024, 06:27:56 pm »

02. Star Ocean: Till the End of Time (PS4 on PS5) - 18/01/2024
This is a really big deal for me as I have never beaten this game before due to rage quitting time and time again! The problem is late-game, enemies start to attack your MP & if you reach 0 MP your character dies... I still hate the concept! But I told myself I need to do this once & for all after being fresh off beat S.O. Second Story R.

So, how was it? Very good! Overall i like the story, I know there is much controversy to a few of the narrative points in this game but I like where it goes. I found the story engaging from start to finish and really valued the games decent production value (For the time).

Combat was a mixed bag, I already mentioned the MP snag but I also had a lot of problem with hit detection - Say if an enemy is getting back from being knocked on the ground it will be invulnerable until it reaches its upright stance. The game also has a bonus bar which you build up from attacking enemies & get bonuses like 300% EXP or 200% Money but sadly once hit can shattered the perk which is infuriating!

The game has one of the most convoluted set of customisation mechanics I've ever seen. In summary you need to recruit NPC's by gathering items for them. Once you have done so they will appear in one of your workshops, there you can form a team to work on Alchemy or Crafting or Cooking etc. BUT you can't even figure out what they're going to make, you have to cycle through a set of cost figures and hope it is what you want - or look up a guide. The game requires very precise combinations to which I had to often look online to figure out for a lot of this - Honestly, I feel like I have been studying a degree with the complexity of all these systems. It's something you have to figure out too or late-game enemies will trash you up!

One thing I have noticed about Star Ocean in general is it's 1-dimensional villains. They often don't get much attention thoughtful the story and the villain in this game was very underwhelming. That said, I did find the cast of characters charming and they're involvement into the on-going narrative relevant - Apart from 1, who I read up you can get earlier but I got him later without a choice and his story didn't make much sense.

The games dungeon areas are very maze like and frustrating. A guide is needed for most of them as it is really easy to get lost. The game also introduces features like breakable walls too so there is a lot going on. I like the games art direction and enjoyed the variety of locations.

Overall I packed a good 70+ hours into the game, there is post game content to dabble with which I may consider if the crafting isn't too much of a time sink. I've beat all S.O. games but The Last Hope now. Time is tight before Final Fantasy VII Rebirth though and I want to replay FF7R beforehand. But despite the problems I had with this game it does offer that true sense of adventure which I love from the genre and I had a lot of fun with it.

19

General / Re: A Year in Review - 2023

« on: December 30, 2023, 04:55:32 am »

Favourite 2023 Release: Star Ocean Second Story R
I wasn't sure about the new visual style but after 5 or so minutes I was hooked! The game features tons of quality of life improvements making the Private Actions feature actually accessible! I played through the campaign as Claude but eager to see if there is more to the story with Rena as I felt the later section of the games story was weaker, still with how accessible the game is now I am keen to find out more!

Least Favorite 2023 Release: Final Fantasy XVI / Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Vol.1
My summary of Final Fantasy XVI is that it is a decent story trapped within a bad game. The games combat requires no effort, it doesn't even feature any elemental attacks. But the games structure is what bothered me the most. The world felt divided into levels, you can't traverse from one place to another, once you reach the end of an area, you're presented with a map to select a new location - this broke all immersion I had with the game as the sense of adventure was lost. Also, despite saying the game was complete and there was no plans for DLC, we now had DLC which will lead to a new ending... I regret playing this now.

Also, I can't pass without mentioning my destain for the botched job on the Metal Gear Solid 'Master' Collection. It simply has nothing to offer, I'll stick to the 360 version of the HD Collection & play MGS1... elsewhere.

Favorite Game Played in 2023: In Sound Mind
This game really surprised me! It's hardly Triple-A but it does enough with it's budget to be convincing. You play as a psychiatrist who gets trapped in his office building and has to navigate through surreal portals which explore his patients traumas. It's a creative and fun first person horror game that I highly recommend!

Least Favorite Game Played in 2023: Final Fantasy XVI
It was either this or Ghostwire: Tokyo but FF16's onslaught of generic sidequests have ruined the prospect for other games now, I genuinely can't be bothered anymore.

Sleeper Hit of 2023: Bramble: The Mountain King
This is an interesting game in a similar style to Little Nightmare but arguably better! You play as a boy in a fantasy tale looking for his sister. The sweet setting turns sour very quickly and can be quite horrific! There's a lot of atmospheric set pieces along the way. The game doesn't have much replay value but if it is still on Gamepass it's worth a try!

Favorite Gaming Moment in 2023: Coffee Talk
I can't dive into spoilers but the game really presents it's characters well and the is a moment late in the game where one... I don't want to spoil it but it was very exciting and a lot of fun. I'm now playing the second game and already looking forward to seeing what comes next!

Proudest Collection Accomplishment of 2023: Shenmue 3 Kickstarter Signed Art Print by Yu Suzuki
Nothing outrageous this year, I'm pleased to get an imported version of Like a Dragon Gaiden, as i was annoyed at the lack of a world wide physical release. But the most unique Item I got was a signed art print from Yu Suzuki from the Shenmue III Kickstarter campaign - I opted for multiple copies of the game instead of increasing my initial pledge so I didn't get higher tier items. I always regretted not getting the a signed print and have been hunting on eBay the last few years, well I finally got one this year!

20

General / Re: 52 Games Challenge 2024!!!!!

« on: December 26, 2023, 07:47:42 am »

Completed:
01. Soma (PS4 on PS5) - 15/01/2024
02. Star Ocean: Till the End of Time (PS2 on PS4 on PS5) - 18/01/2024
03. Mortal Kombat 9: Komplete Edition (Xbox 360 on Xbox One X) - 20/01/2024
04. Resident Evil Village + Shadow of Rose DLC (PS5) - 23/01/2024
05. Mortal Kombat XL (PS4 on PS5) - 26/01/2024
06. Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate + Aftermath DLC (PS5) - 27/01/2024
07. Silent Hill: A Short Message (PS5) - 01/02/2024
08. Disney Speed Storm: Season 5 - Let It Go! (PS5) - 08/02/2024
09. Final Fantasy VII Remake + Intermission DLC (PS5) - 29/02/2024 (Platinum)
10. Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly (PS5) - 03/03/2024 (Platinum)
11. Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core Reunion (PS5) - ??/03/2024
12. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (PS5) - 15/04/2024
13. South of the Circle (PS5) - 16/04/2024
14. Disney Speed Storm: Season 6 - Under The Sea! (PS5) - 17/04/2024
15. Like A Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name (PS5) - 30/04/2024
16. Abzu (PS5) - 01/05/2024
17. We Happy Few + DLC (PS4 on PS5) - 13/05/2024
18. Last Stop (PS5) - 13/05/2024 (Platinum)
19. Yakuza 7: Like A Dragon (PS5) - 27/05/2024
20. Disney Speed Storm: Season 7 - Wreck It Ralph (PS5) - ??/05/2024
21. Little Kitty Big City (Xbox Series X) 21/06/2024
22. Open Roads (Xbox Series X) 22/06/2024
23. Somerville (Xbox Series X) 23/06/2024
24. Mortal Kombat 1 (Xbox Series X) 24/06/2024
25. Gris (Xbox Series X) 25/06/2024
26. Thirsty Suitors (Xbox Series X) 26/06/2024
27. Jusant (Xbox Series X) 28/06/2024
28. Harold Halibut (Xbox Series X) 30/06/2024
29. Dordogne (Xbox Series X) 01/07/2024
30. The Callisto Protocol + Final Transmission DLC (PS5) 15/07/2024

Now Playing:
Yakuza 8: Like A Dragon - Infinite Wealth
Resident Evil 4 Remake + Seperate Ways

Backlog:
Ghost Trick
Lost Judgment
Sonic Superstars
Time Hollow
Max Payne

Abandoned:
Disney Speed Storm: Season 8 - Monetization made in unpleasant.
X-Com: Enemy Within - Too little story
Immortals of Aveum - Broken & horrible motion blue made it unbearable!

21

Video Game Database Discussion / Re: Duplicate List 2023

« on: December 14, 2023, 03:51:27 am »

Dupe by THE
OG - https://vgcollect.com/item/49
Dupe - https://vgcollect.com/item/258498

22

Modern Video Games / Re: The Game Awards 2023

« on: December 08, 2023, 03:43:24 am »

It was a good show but boy am I pissed! Final Fantasy XVI was meant to be a complete experience at launch and now we have DLC set within the games story... I've already beat the damn game! These parts midway through the story should haev been there in the first place. It;s the same crap the previous game pulled and I'm sick of it.

At least Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is looking amazing! It's changing the story & getting very meta' but still it's proving to be a real Triple-A experience! Despite bringing the game to a modern era there still keeping a lot of the silliness & charm in the original which I really appreciate - I can't wait to see Gold Saucer brought to life!

Interested in the SEGA revival titles, they look a little low budget but hoping I can be proven wrong.

Very interested in Lost Records: Bloom & Rage, seems very similar to IT in structure.

Visions of Mana is finally stepping beyond Remake territory and bring a NEW game. Looks decent, hoping it doesn't have a silent protagonist.

Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden is a title I am interested in, would like to see some raw gameplay footage but releasing the game in-between Yakuza 8 & Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is a problem...

23

General / Re: November 2023 - Recently Added to Collection/Recently Purchased New

« on: November 29, 2023, 06:43:06 am »

Odd bits here and there, I did get some Black Friday stuffs but a lot of that is for gifts for next month

PS5:
The Callisto Protocol
Forspoken
Werewolf: The Apocalypse - Earthblood

PS4:
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain (Day One Edition)
Prototype Remaster (Digital)
Prototype 2 Remaster (Digital)

PS2:
Wipeout Fusion

Xbox One:
Resident Evil Remake HD (Digital)
Resident Evil 0 HD (Digital)

Xbox 360:
Fable Anniversary (Promo Version)

24

Video Game Database Discussion / Re: Duplicate List 2023

« on: November 08, 2023, 03:01:54 am »

Already listed - MY BAD!
https://vgcollect.com/item/256480

25

Video Game Database Discussion / Re: Duplicate List 2023

« on: October 22, 2023, 02:30:01 pm »

Someones now startign to put Xbox Enhanced games as a listing...?:
Dupe - https://vgcollect.com/item/255862
Actual lisiting - https://vgcollect.com/item/162259

Dupe -https://vgcollect.com/item/255861
Actual Listing - https://vgcollect.com/item/170673

Can they be changed to digital versions?

26

Video Game Database Discussion / Re: Developer/Publisher Requests

« on: October 21, 2023, 05:05:58 am »

There isn't a publisher listing for Playstation Studios, I needed it for the recent release of Hoirzon Forbidden West Complete Edition.

27

Video Game Database Discussion / Re: Duplicate List 2023

« on: October 21, 2023, 05:02:59 am »

Saw this just listed, we already have multiple listings for this in different EU regions. This listing doesn't state ANY region or details to identify it so I'm not sure it is needed:

Dupe - https://vgcollect.com/item/255824
Search showing multiple versions - https://vgcollect.com/search/sly%20trilogy

28

Video Game Database Discussion / Re: Duplicate List 2023

« on: October 15, 2023, 04:39:03 am »

Think this was double listed as an Error:
Real - https://vgcollect.com/item/255570
Dupe - https://vgcollect.com/item/255569

29

General / Re: October 2023 - Recently Added to Collection/Recently Purchased New

« on: October 08, 2023, 05:24:36 am »

I've been a way in the USA for a month, so catching up with the games I purchased overthere 1st:

PS2:
Final Fantasy XII Collector's Edition (Steelbook) x2
Kingdom Hearts Re-Chain of Memories
Shadow of Destiny

PS1:
Chrono Cross
Final Fantasy VIII
Wild Arms 2

Xbox One:
World of Final Fantasy MAXIMA!

Very happy to get some of these releases we never got in the UK!

Upon returning in the Post I had:

PS4:
Psychonauts 2 - Motherlobe Edition

Soundtrack:
Final Fantasy XVI Ultimate Edition - With Bonus case & Eraser

Movies:
Resident Evil Degeneration Blu-Ray

Misc:
Shenmue 3 Kickstarter Signed Print by Yu Suzuki

Probably be holding out for this month as Black Friday is just around the corner!

30

General / Re: Warning!!! (do not toss or sell your OG Xbox Consoles)

« on: October 07, 2023, 02:44:33 pm »

Just tested my Xbox 360, there was no update. I ran Dead Or Alive 2 Ulimtate and it worked fine.