Recent reviews by merc

First off I'd like to say that this is one of my favorite STORM games. I used to play it a lot when I was a wee lad back when it came out on the Xbox 360. Having to replay it after all these years didn't feel like a chore at all, and this is mainly due to the fact that this game has the most fleshed out and enjoyable Ultimate Adventure mode out of all the STORM games in my opinion. It continues where STORM 2 left off and ends during the 4th Great Shinobi War. The story is recorded in a thing called the Ninja Timeline, where you can choose to retroactively go back and replay missions and key moments as you see fit. During exploration you can find collectibles scattered along many locations which will unlock key moments from Part 1/Early Shippuden which you can play as well. I wasn't a huge fan of the game exclusive ending but what can you do when the ending of it wasn't present in the anime at the time. Everything feels like an upgrade from the previous iteration, be it the combat, overall movement, inclusion of secret actions and fantastic boss battles although the traversal during the story is still a bit sluggish but it still feels better than having to backtrack back and forth like STORM 2. All in all, it's a must play for any Naruto/STORM fan or anyone looking for a fun arena fighter with a great story.

While I'm glad this got a HD touch up, in my honest opinion this is still one of the weakest games out of the entire STORM lineup. Clashes are still a fun mechanic but apart from that the story is virtually non-existent, although I didn't play a lot (only like an hour before I got fed up), I was stuck just exploring Konoha which got stale really fast and every mission you unlock is essentially a side quest mini-game.

A one of a kind experience. The cast are a wonderful set of characters that all had to deal with their own shares of trauma and coming to terms with loss. However to truly deal with a loss, you have to accept and let go, and that's what this visual novel is about. Great characters, beautiful pixel art, fantastic OST and a spectacular story that pulls at a lot of heart strings.

But hey, the world hasn't ended yet...

My honest thoughts on Final Fantasy 16 go as follows...

Positives:
- Great characters
- Engaging combat
- Amazing set pieces
- Apart from some fetch quests, the side quests provide plenty of world building and character development
- Great OST (find the flame and ascension come to mind for me) Thank you Soken, my goat

Negatives:
- Game doesn't really know its identity, it doesn't lean into the action nor the RPG type (a standout game that mixed the both well was FF7R)
- Would be way better if they leaned in all the way into the action, as in my opinion the action and set pieces are some of the best we've had in a hot minute
- The amount of side quest pop ups can break the pacing during the main story quest, personally I didn't mind it as much but I understand others that got frustrated
- NPCs take way too long to say whatever they want to say, makes waiting for the next line feel like a drag

In conclusion:
Despite the flaws I thoroughly enjoyed my time with XVI, however I do not want another one of its kind. I'm hoping that the next FF goes into another experimental format and shows us something new for the franchise.

What to say...I have to admit that I do feel that the story in Ryza 1 was a bit better than in 2, however 2 did have its great moments. However the game itself is a big improvement on the formula that Ryza had. Must play for any fan of comfy, crafting oriented jrpg lovers!

My first venture into the atelier series. It's a great coming of age adventure story, with a heavy focus on crafting/gathering. Definitely recommend if you're looking for a comfy game.

A quick and sweet puzzle game that shows you what it's like to manage your OCD while owning a mischievous cat.

A great modern view into one of the best Resident Evil games of all time. Definitely recommend playing it!

Good game, however after playing through Resident Evil 2 Remake it feels like a bit of a let down. Abundance of ammunition, lack of details (unable to sever zombie limbs), bodies of zombies exploding to disappear quicker, Nemesis not being as much of an existing threat as Mr. X, and also the game is very short with a lack of a 2nd run. Still recommend tho.

Kept ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ myself the whole way through, great remake of an already classic survival horror game!