Reviewing anime, manga, games, and more
Thinking back on 2018, the Japanese indie game scene has been somewhat mute for me. In fact, the only noteworthy title I can remember would be the sandbox action-rpg Hakoniwa Explorer Plus by Suxa (suxamethonium). Looking forward to getting my hands on something just as charming and crazy, pixel puzzle platformer Agartha (and Agartha-S for the Nintendo Switch) seems to be as close to the description as I could get. Hopefully, I won’t be wrong in that assessment…?
Even with the lack of support, high cost accessories, and performance issues, the PlayStation Vita managed to have something of an impressive lifespan and equally impressive library of titles. Still being no match for the Nintendo DS family or even its own predecessor, PlayStation Portable (PSP), having multi-platform entries and even its own exclusives, some going on later to become ports is something of a highlight. Developed by Aquria, The Caligula Effect, an RPG spawned from the mind of Tadashi Satomi (writer for the first 3 games in the Persona franchise), is a perfect example as it highlights a group of disenfranchised characters trapped in the idyllic world of Mobius, with the main character and the “Go-Home Club” seeking a way back to reality while clashing with their own inner demons and opposition from the creator “μ” and Ostinato Musician group that wants to protect the existence of Mobius. However, thanks to some performance issues and game itself seeming rather short-sighted in scope, it didn’t get the best results when came to exposure nor reception from those that stumbled upon it. Getting a major overhaul and released in May 18, 2018 for Japan, The Caligula Effect: Overdose was aimed to rectify most of the glaring problems. However, with the Nintendo Switch added to the list of platforms alongside the PlayStation 4 for the English release, does it manage to do enough and then some to gain it a place of worth?
Continue reading “[Video Game Review] The Caligula Effect: Overdose”
Can’t say that March has come in like a lion yet, but guess the same can be applied to my own progress. After dealing with the month of February, the month where everyone decides to get sick and pass germs like the plague, I am finding myself slowly recovering from my own bout with a less than forgiving cold. Nonetheless, feeling back up to speed and ready to get down to business, it seems like this will be a pretty busy month in more ways than one.
Ever since the launch of Compile Heart/Idea Factory’s “Galapagos” RPG project, it has certainly morphed and developed into a curious undertaking. From receiving fantastic titles like Fairy Fencer F to others of varying quality like Omega Quintet, the concepts and ideas that arrive within each entry commands attention, but hard to say that they exactly hit the mark of taking them from anomalous to astounding. Then again, with such productions like Death end re;Quest, the fourth release in the project lineup, while still not hitting a complete home-run, solidifies itself as a decent RPG – even when it appears to be going against its own best efforts.
From the developers behind Anime Studio Simulator and Ascendant Hearts, grab your sword and shield for a classic fantasy adventure. Join Celeste in her journey to become a true knight in the JRPG inspired Eternal Radiance. Want to learn more? Full details due after the jump in this first edition of the “Creator Corner Spotlight”.
Continue reading “Creator Corner Spotlight: Eternal Radiance”
From the days of borrowing disc from friends to challenging them and complete strangers to virtual matches of luck and skill, video games and gaming as a whole seems to be a formative experience most individuals tend not to forget. Running the gamut from competition to cooperation and able to enjoy them both alone or with others, it holds a certain type of magic most interactive media formats fail to capture and the reason it has risen in the ranks to become a commercial industry juggernaut. However, with such an entertainment medium precariously balancing the past and future, it does seem to be one all about fostering connections – even with people from all walks of life. I am not sure if that was the idea that High Score Girl, the Summer 2018 anime romantic-comedy was going for, but is something of a celebration to the magic of gaming and building relationships.
As difficult as it is to admit, we are now entering the 2nd month of the year: February! After weeks of battling cold early mornings and late sleepless nights, I finally gotten a better command of my schedule and what to expect going forward. Having made a few prospective projects for January that I couldn’t keep (or at least tried to), coming into this month with a clear mind and better time management under my belt, I think this round should be more doable. Time to show a glimpse of what I have on the docket this month after the jump.
The talent to sing is nothing short of a gift from the divine spirits above, but for those that can master the arcane secrets of musical instruments are nothing short of exceptional. Too much praise in that one sentence? Well, as someone that has learned and use to play 3 different types of instruments over the years, there is something admirable about those that can easily pickup man-made devices and make them produce sound that no mere words can accurately describe. Having only performed once in a orchestral arrangement during my high school years, it really did color my experience and appreciation of what music is and can be. For that reason, this 3rd edition of Anime Alcove List Tuesday will be something of an “ode to joy” to the best anime openings and endings (mainly openings) that really put instrumental skills on display. Yes, feel free to praise me for that clever reference….or don’t.
A new season of anime is fast approaching. Hardly giving me any time recovery from last season, I am very much looking forward to what titles are on the lineup for Winter 2019. What titles have caught my eye this time? Allow me to share that unsolicited information in the 2nd edition of Anime Alcove List Tuesday.
Continue reading “Anime Alcove List Tuesday 01.08.2019: Top 5 Anticipated Anime Of Winter 2019”
Time to let the hairballs fly as some very aerodynamic cats take to the skies.
Continue reading “[Video Game Review] Neko Navy: Daydream Edition”
