Phoebused

08/12/2023

Streaming Spider-Man 2 on Twitch 🕷️🕸️

Spidey 2 ✌️🕸️

24/09/2023

left 4 dead 2 patayan

07/09/2023

Hello!

I decided to expand this page's content by introducing to share with you film recommendations as I review some of them.

For the month of August, I'm sharing 15 films I had watched in chronological order (not that anyone asked). But here you go!

For transparency, I'll be retaining my 1-5⭐rating with no .5's in between, as I do with my game reviews. I have a personal rubric (0 or 1, yay or nay, in 5 elements) as I rate the films, so I will be rating them according to (1) audiovisual integrity, (2) storytelling, (3) character, (4) continuity, and (5) originality.

5⭐. Giving a perfect store to Oppenheimer [2023], Marry My Dead Body [2022], Catch Me If You Can [2002], and Stand By Me [1986].

The latter two being cult classics, this is a no-brainer five. And I'm still standing by my decision that Stand By Me is the best Stephen King story to film adaptation.

Riding in on the Nolan hype, Oppenheimer delivered and set new standards for the biopic genre. I often get bored with the genre so I had doubts when I watched it on cinema (unfortunately, not on Imax) and it was a literal blast. Still having to compare with Tenet [2020] which I had watched a month before, this is a big step for Nolan's storytelling coherence and visual development. I thought it deserves the hype it got and a must watch, but still, it's still hard to decipher some dialogue because of the mumbling-core throughout.

If I would pick my best film for the month, it would be Marry My Dead Body -- it had the right amount of comedy and action-drama, while the Taiwanese flick remained campy enough for something just plainly enjoyable to watch on Netflix on a normal day.

4⭐. Runner-ups would be Past Lives [2023] and The Moon [2023] which were showing in cinemas the past month as well.

Past Lives was overhyped but still A24 enough for a good visual spectacle (shot on 35mm film too!) and a good story, but I thought it just missed out on opportunities to discuss much important Asian-American diasporic issues much like how Minari [2020] and Blue Bayou [2021] did.

On another hand, The Moon [2023] was something I did not expect to be good, but Korean cinema has gotten tech-upped these past few years to deliver good scenes for a space drama. It was the correct blend of melodrama and space action, with commendable audio mix of space mashing and ship exploding.

Go watch!

04/09/2023

viper clutch 👁️👄👁️

31/08/2023

Daily reminder to get some movement in for the day despite the gloomy weather these past few days!

17/08/2023

Game Review!
Final Fantasy XVI (2023) [PS5]

Pros:
• Beautiful world building and environment
• Compelling story
• Friendly game for non-JRPG fans
• King orchestra music
• Game of Thrones meets Attack on Titan

Cons:
• Unstable 60 fps when in towns
• One man adventure
• Elements don't matter (e.g. weakness types)

***

Synopsis:

FFXVI follows Clive as he survived while his own family was murdered and kingdom burned between the political disputes and war over the land and great gods called Eikons (summons in previous FF games) in the world of Valisthea. In highly-inspired Game of Thrones fashion, nations are houses seeking to colonize for resources and power, all while the blight spreads throughout the lands. The game follows Clive as he seeks to destroy the crystals, the source of magic as in all Final Fantasy games, to save the world from the blight.

**

Heart of Final Fantasies

Final Fantasy 16 is a return to the early medieval settings of Final Fantasy, with the crystals once again becoming the core and source of magic - which in this game, a bane and a boon at the same time, as magic-users (called bearers) eventually petrify the users in overuse as the continued use of crystals and magic seep the life-force (called aether) that surrounds us, hence, blight is spreading, the black land creeping that disables any beings to grow and magic muted.

To compare this game to the old FF masterpieces such as FF7 or FF9 or just any common "J"-RPG is blasphemy. Why?
• FF16 is an ARPG, taking into account Western gamers who despise the turn-based mechanic and tedious slow pacing.
• There is a balance between the elements that should make up an RPG game (heavy equipment choosing and crafting, skill trees, planning ahead) and its being a hack-and-slash action game.
• Clive as the only controllable character is justified as the story sets out. His character background and motives make sense as party companions are only AI-set and uncontrollable throughout the game.
• FF16 wanted to make use of the PS5's abilities, hence, the quickness of everything while allowing the story to spread out. (Despite that, my 64 hour gameplay felt enough as I completed all side missions and enjoyed the main story).
• It's ever more story-rich and plot-driven rather than sentiment-focused. It treated other mainline FF games not as predecessors and standards but as inspiration to take a certain common element among the FF games (in this case, the summons) into a standalone story of its own without the jitter of excessive DLCs and incompleteness (e.g. FF15).

There is a common love as I write this review with many of the fans who played the series before. This, of course, is biased as I write since I've played the mainline games since I was a kid. But objectively, and as much as I force other people and friends to try out FF (and usually, they never continue on after the intro), this is a good entry point as FF16 is easier, friendlier to those new to the series, or to those who just want a good story with the added gameplay complexity of successful hits and combos. Also, I'll just add that this orchestra soundtrack is peak epic and beautifully made for the game.

I can only highly recommend this to anyone who just wants a good main hero (sometimes comedic) trying to save the world one part of the map at a time. Please play!

***
Gameplay Time: 64 hours

***
Rating: 5/5

13/08/2023

Finished playing Final Fantasy XVI. 😖😭

That was too good! Sulit 3500 for the 50 hour gameplay! Will post my review soon 😭

05/08/2023

Daily reminder to touch some grass this weekend!

21/07/2023

New keycaps! ☠️🫣

05/07/2023

streaming FF XVI until 9:30 pm tonight 👋🏼☺️

twitch.tv/phoebused

22/06/2023

Let’s go!!! Streaming FF XVI tonight on my Twitch!!

twitch.tv/phoebused

22/06/2023

Game Review!
The Quarry (2022) [PS5]

Pros:
• Master graphics
• As good as Until Dawn
• Great voice acting and mocap
Cons:
• 30 fps walking, forced cinematic resolution

***
Synopsis:

Nine camp counselors try to survive their last night at the summer camp 'Hackett's Quarry' while making the right choices and exploring the whole Hackett estate -- a full homage to Friday the 13th and similar slasher films.

**

What's Left of the CYOA Genre

Each character is a trope from a teenage horror slasher film. With a total of 186 endings, this game has invested all its choice-based interactive genre to a full blown graphical showcase in its simple but interlaced plot. I will rank this 2nd best graphics in this current generation next to Forbidden West.

My only issue is the 30 fps cinematic take during the walking part. I got so used to the 60 fps performance mode and my eyes hurt with slow walking and low refresh rates. A preference, yes, but an option like most PS5 titles to have graphics or performance mode, wouldn't hurt a good, visually appealing game. As I review further, I'm straying away from talking about the game itself, because a little bit more into the story and it's all gonna be spoilers. So let's talk about the genre.

I have always believed that Until Dawn has set the standard for the really good interactive horror genre, with Supermassive continuing creating sub-par (relative to Until Dawn at least) titles of the Dark Anthology games franchise -- which I have also played by the way -- such as Man of Medan, Little Hope, Devil in Me, and my favorite House of Ashes. The Dark Anthology games always seemed a little lacking compared to its efforts to its main games like this.

I wrote the title 'What's Left of the CYOA (Create-Your-Own-Adventure) Genre' because of the lack of similar choice-based games nowadays. Gone are the glory days of Mass Effect, Walking Dead, and Wolf Among Us, among other masterpieces in the past.

Most games nowadays (AAA games at least) are first and foremost, the hack-and-slash and open-world fantasies. I'd like to think of it as an issue of the market: of developers thinking that consumers spending Php 4000 should make most of it by playing at least 50 hours of exploring and side-questing. With the rising prices of tech parts and materials, game development costs, and an economic crisis, games have shifted to a delineated storytelling and a quick consumption mechanism. Take this scenario: you get home from work and sit on the couch, you don't want to immerse yet in a story but engage in short quests just to log a few feel good hormones in, then you're done. Save the main quest for Sunday, I guess. That's it. The consumer gamer wants the avialable, the long term, especially if its something new and unfamiliar -- which is actually the risk taking nowadays for game developers.

Secondly, the big titles are sequels and remakes. Take TLOU2, GOWR, Final Fantasy and RE remakes, and even Horizon Forbidden West--some of these games are bundled with the PS5. How can this invite new players? This led me to believe that the current-gen wants to keep the elite market. It is unfriendly to the new, and uninviting to the younger age group.

Going back, the CYOA genre should be enjoyed more or at least given a chance by gamers. It's relaxing to do a couch game, with QTEs for the adrenaline and actual gameplay. The Quarry is such a good example of that. It is a visual treat with a satisfying plot. Go for it, give it a chance! And relive the PS3 light gaming days and the just-for-fun-and-story vibes.

***
Gameplay Time: 10 hours

***
Rating: 4/5

18/06/2023

streaming Spiderman: Miles Morales on Twitch! (since wala ako capability to stream to FB pag PS5)

Watch here:

Spidey: Miles Morales

18/06/2023

Game Review!
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order (2019) [PS5]

Pros:
• Souls-like for beginners
• Friendly to non-Star Warriors
• Great graphics
• Perfect gameplay length

Cons:
• Lack of enemy variations (e.g. excessive stormtroopers)

***

Synopsis:

Set after the 3rd episode of Star Wars where all Jedi were hunted, the game follows Cal Kestis, a surviving Jedi, on his way to rebuild the Jedi Order across the galaxy slashing through the Empire while overcoming his traumas across worlds.

**

The Souls-lightsaber Genre

Let me start off by saying I was not a Star Wars-fan. But this game sparked interest enough for me to rewatch the whole Eps 1-6 movies, Rogue One, and even binge on some of the modern series like The Mandalorian and Andor.

Secondly, I hate (abhor, actually) souls-like games. I never finished any souls-like game, always dropping them halfway after a long rage. I think I have cried enough out of frustration in being killed by game bosses to literally obtain a genre trauma. But, Fallen Order is a bit forgiving and had a linear hook to a story.
Not to compare with games by FromSoftware, but most of their games lack a story bite to me; everything is fantasy-heavy and ominous, whispering in medieval riddles and threats, and a lack of background music to my JRPG-bias disappointment.

Fallen Order is easily fun and interesting with outstanding graphics. Always too smooth in 4k and a steady 60 fps, and with an okay camera POV at most times! Playing the game in 16 hours is fun enough even after dying countless times. Some days I breathe the rage away and continue the boss another day.

Great, great game for a souls-like experience for the "gamer" gatekeeper. Got me interested in really finishing a Souls game someday, maybe after my backlogs!

***
Gameplay Time: 16 hours

***
Rating: 5/5

11/06/2023

Game Review!
Resident Evil 4 Remake (2023) [PS5]

Pros:
• Action-horror masterpiece
• Perfect pacing and gameplay length
• Better visuals, character models
Cons:
• Macho Leon

***
Synopsis:

Six years after the events in RE2 and 3, then-rookie Leon Kennedy is now a badass government agent sent out to rescue the President's daughter, Ashley, in a remote village in Spain. There: a cult following the Las Plagas virus, now with axe-swinging zombies.

**
Recreating Village Horrors

Leaving the survival horror genre, Resident Evil 4 Remake is the entryway of the franchise to the action scene while still retaining the survival mechanics of saving up ammunition and herbs for the big boss ahead. To be clear, I was not able to play the original RE4 - that is why delving into this game head-on is such a blind, fun ride. And I enjoyed it so much, I can confidently say that as of this writing, this is my Game of the Year 2023 contender.

When playing horror games, the lore is as important as the jump scares and action. RE4 had an ample amount of readable content as well as required storytelling to make the story complete. It is a game with a good replay value but also a good amount of gameplay length to let you enjoy just the first run, which I really did! The game sustained enough of the horror element to keep you reeling in hard to your controller, rotating the camera to find the monster right behind you while still keeping the hero action elements of somersault dodging and melee kicking once the enemy's staggered enough.

I'm keeping this review short since there is not much to be said anymore about an already-great game and now remade to still match its charm throughout the generations. Must play, for real!

***
Gameplay Time: 13 hours

***
Rating: 5/5

02/04/2023

Game Review!
Resident Evil 2 Remake (2019) [PS5]

Pros:
• Faithful remake of original
• Modern-gen classic survival horror
• Great puzzles
• Decent jump scares
Cons:
• Flat character build up
• An excess of blue herbs
***
Synopsis:
Following from the original title, Leon and Claire arrive at the zombie-run Raccoon City. Choosing to play either as Leon or Claire (and getting to run through the other's journey as a 'new game' with varying puzzles and segments), you continue to discover the origins of the T-virus that caused the apocalypse through the big pharma giant Umbrella Corporation and its experiments. You will go through the puzzle-filled police station, formerly an art museum, and Umbrella's underground facility to uncover truths behind the dystopia.
**
Reimagining City Horror
Resident Evil 2 Remake is the hallmark example of how horror games should be remade. And a reminder to modern horror games that the survival horror genre is very much kicking and alive. As expected from one of the best reviewed in the RE franchise, RE2 Remake is not an exception. If you are looking for a good action-puzzle genre-defying horror, RE2 would be the go-to recommendation to any new gamer around.

I thought it was the wisest decision to give up the classic tank-style POV of the original games until RE3 since this would not fit well with the modern gamers anymore. The Remake made use of the POV of RE4 onwards, utilizing over-the-shoulder POVs still prevalent in modern-gen video games since PS2.

RE2 Remake had the perfect amount of setting to set up a classic survival horror and the correct amount of gameplay time enough to fantasize ourselves during those nights in September 1998. A museum turned police station, an orphanage, a secret underground facility -- each place was a personality of its own.

One of the few issues that I had playing the game was that 4k60fps (on HDR mode) in the PS5 was not too smooth. There are frame drops every now and then, as I have compared RE Engine on PC by playing through RE7 and RE3 Remake (playing as of the moment) in 165 frame goodness in PC. I was able to play RE8 on PS4 back then and it felt okay, but eventually, the frame drops became negligible. It is something to note especially if you're the picky kind who prefers the best and smoothest 165 hz gameplay, I'd suggest get the PC version instead, RE Engine works well there.

I would easily give this a perfect score (5/5) if it weren't for something that I give importance to: character build up. And I get that this is a remake but it is an opportunity to fill in some plot holes and add origin to the mysteries or lack thereof - which I thought Capcom would and could have addressed.

Anyway, firstly: I found Claire to be a very flat character. A college student, her motivation to get to Raccoon City was to find her brother Chris, who was very absent the whole game. So she had no conflict when she realized he was not there. [Spoiler alert] She was so fixated after finding the lost girl Sherry, who by the time, had parents, but she continued pursuing. She just had to risk her life for Sherry and went out of the apocalypse to save the little one. I found it weird though, what was her motivation, when originally it was not her goal. Did she have a sister, daughter, or anyone in the past that made her skip her original plan and just focus on saving Sherry right in the middle of the apocalypse? I also found Annette, her mother, to be too un-concerned for her daughter throughout the entire game. A little too flat of the doctor-mother persona if you ask me. Another peeve, I just thought plant-zombies are NOT scary.

In general, it was a perfect remake but it was not a perfect game. Enjoyable, scary, and gripping, but at times, uninteresting. Still, I thought that it built up on the original version's glory and it could have been better. However, it is still a great remake enough to call Resident Evil one of the famous good horror-action games out there.

***
Gameplay Time: 8 hours
***
Rating: 4/5

24/03/2023

Game Review!
Horizon Forbidden West (2022) [PS5]

Pros:
• Visual showcase
• Masterclass in world-expanding
• Improved melee combat system
• Great voice acting

Cons:
• Complicated pouch/bag system
• An excess of game mechanics and lore readables
• Unfriendly to those who did not play the first game
• Mid story, but still a satisfying sequel

***
Synopsis:

Kicking off from the ending of the first game, Horizon Zero Dawn, the game continues to follow the main protagonist Aloy as she traverses the Forbidden West (post-apocalypse USA) to resolve the source of the mysterious plague as well as rebuilding Earth while encountering new tribes and deadlier machines. She forms a band (a la Avengers) of companions from each tribe as she re-builds her base and defends Earth.

**
The Modern Dystopiagenda

Horizon Forbidden West (HFW) might as well be the paramount open-world sci-fi RPG of the post-apocalypse video game trope. Building on the dangers of technology and the future, HFW carries on with the correct formula of making sequels: enriching worlds and creating larger conflicts. As from the HZD game objective of saving a city, HFW takes the reins of the gamer to saving Earth now.

Let me start off by saying that the game should and should not have been bundled with the PS5 console. First, to answer why it is being showcased a PS5 game bundle. It is apt because the visual treat this open world has created is a masterpiece. No loading times, snappy menu transitions, clean cutscenes, connective combat. I sit a few more inches away from the TV screen because each element is detailed. I could say that for the first time, I appreciated the power of 4k60fps tech. On the other hand, I thought that it should not have been bundled because just like God of War: Ragnarok, this is also a sequel--one that heavily relies on the PS4 game and not just that, you needed to have a refresher of the story and game mechanics since the tutorial portion of HFW takes it lightly as if you've just finished HZD a few weeks ago, and not for me who played the game back in 2018. I had to watch a YouTube video of HZD summary just to catch up with the heavy Black Mirror-esque tech plot of HFW.

Minor continuity issues aside, I could not help but compare it to the first game which had a beautiful plot because of the revelations by the end of the game. This game felt like an expansion, a whole game DLC for the completionists. The main story, at least, was unappealing for me and the side quests a little too excess.

It boils down again to the argument of story > gameplay or gameplay > story? This game is the latter. Gameplay is just majestic. I was literally standing up while fighting Thunderjaws just to get a good aim at its machine guns that I have to de-attach by bow and arrow. I shout and rage when I get hit by its tail (instant KO). I loot each component on the way and hunt for the right parts and materials just to upgrade my bow. Every RPG puzzle piece fit right in.

I also have to give props to how HFW expanded the battle mechanics by adding melee combos and skills aside from Aloy being an archer. Battling tribe warriors is satisfying, exploring their homes always a visual treat. And Aloy talking to keep the dead air and learning about the story while hacking and slashing away at rebels. Everything was smooth and spontaneous. Every voice actor is experienced and un-awkward. For a time, I was immersed and really enjoying.

Then came the issues, which of course were negligible, but still worth the warning. The pouch system (limited traps and potions while in combat) is annoying. And weapons have skills now, but they are too many and overwhelming. Additionally, if you're a lore kind of person who reads everything, well you'll enjoy, but I thought this game just had too much data going on.

Spoilers aside, it was a great sequel, with an okay story. I also found the length of the main quests perfect, however the lackluster of it being flabbergasting was there... So it was no TLOU ending or GoW speechless revelation ending, it was just the correct formula. Still a highly recommendable game because of it being a visually impactful and smooth game paired with outstanding combat system and real open-world map approach with a manageable size. A for effort, A for Aloy! Will be playing the 3rd game when it comes out!

***
Gameplay Time: 28 hours

***
Rating: 4/5

26/01/2023

Game Review!
Ghost of Tsushima (2020) [PS5]

Pros:
• Foxy samurai combat
• Best side quest plots
• Masterful storytelling
• Anti-fragile masculine MC

Cons:
• Repetitive world explorations
• Unskippable dialogue

***

Ghost of Tsushima is an action-adventure game, spanning the popular genre of open-world RPGs that dominate the console world nowadays. In Ghost of Tsushima, you play as Jin Sakai, lone member of Clan Sakai and nephew to the jito (appointed local island governor) of Tsushima.

However, as a samurai, Jin is faced with the main conflict: Does he battle with honor, like a true samurai, despite the lives lost? Or embrace being the "Ghost", engaging in stealth combat, poison, and sneak maneouvres unbecoming of an honorable warrior?

Synopsis:

Set in 1200s medieval Japan, the game kicks off when Mongolians invade the island of Tsushima. Tragedy falls upon the samurai and Jin survives. In a series of chapters that span his journey up north, Jin reconciles and makes friends, old and new, to gain allies - a band of unlikely companions: a thief, a blacksmith, an old warrior Lady, archer sensei, merchant and con artist, and a warrior monk in his journey to fight off the invaders.

**

The Ironies of Invasion

Aside from the main quest of Jin, the player is given the liberty to engage in side quests. During my time exploring the stories of random islanders, often in tragedy, I find myself playing these not primarily for loot and equipment advancement, but for the engaging stories and tales of Jin's companions.

Gameplay reviewing aside, I thought that the writing of Ghost of Tsushima captures well the tragedies and miseries of war. It has captured the ironies of colonization in the decisions that the noblemen and Jin (as almost a samurai jito prince) had to make.

The storytelling makes a valiant attempt to fictionalize the what-if's and maybe's that could have happened during the invasion. However, it has placed a certain premium on the glorified warrior samurais of the era and planted the question of the ethics of violence, medieval politics, and democracy.

Without spoiling the last moments of the game, the jito and Jin engage in a dialogue on the kinds of leadership that they must choose, and how it must be chosen well to see fit the island. I thought that this was a beautiful conversation unexpectedly to find in a game so marketed as action. Even in a small Japanese island like Tsushima, it served a microcosm in today's capitalist war situation. I believe these are the kinds of conflicts and questions that game creators should be putting emphasis in their obra nowadays, rather than demon-slashing and world-saving plots that run redundant in every major title.

As my first full PS5 game to play, I have enjoyed immersing and thoroughly riding my horse with the stunning graphics and overall visual smoothness of the environment and battles. Most of the cons I have written are honestly nitpicked because game dialogues unlike those in Horizon and Witcher to name a similar few, are skippable by the line. I also thought that world exploration for a time felt like a chore at some point and felt like an appeal to most Platinum trophy completionist gamers. In its silver lining, the exploration and collection of artifacts, flags, crickets, and exploring hidden spots and content like fox dens, hot springs, and haiku locations are just well conceptualized.

Two major combat systems are used in the game, which are beautifully well-justified in conflict as the MC is a samurai. First combat system was using various samurai stances and facing the enemies head-on and in duels. The latter combat system makes use of sinister stealth and poison tactics that the samurai frown upon because it lacks honor. The main argument being Jin as a utilitarian, he did not want to risk warrior lives by facing battles head-on when other tactics could be used since they were just protecting their land and more innocent lives are just lost by 'letting the enemy conquer' the land of common folk.

As a game that capitalized on the real, the Mongol artifacts are well-researched and historical. And to cap the exploration review, Jin creating haiku in fixed locations is powerful testament on the appreciation and production of arts despite the ravaging climate of colonization. I remember reading somewhere online that when basic needs are met and people did not have to work to survive, people would choose to create and consume art. I think that as Jin Sakai had the privilege of being exposed to poetry as a nobleman, sneaked moments of relaxing and meditating throughout his journey. Reflection is something not given to main characters in many games nowadays and it is a refreshing scene to interact.

This game is zen. I believe that Ghost of Tsushima was released at a time when many games were hyping themselves too much. I thoroughly enjoyed this and highly compared it to Witcher 3, which had the freedom of Skyrim tactics and magic and all that European medieval whim, but I thought that Witcher lacked identity and antifragile masculinity. However, Ghost of Tsushima reminded us of a powerful Asian main character and victim of colonization, rather than a vengeful chosen one or just a strong protagonist. This is a great game for the time's genre and will withstand the test of time even for the next console generation.

***
Gameplay Time: 30 hours

***
Rating: 5/5

24/11/2022

Game Review!
Scarlet Nexus (2021) [PC]
Pros:
• Great combat system
• Convincing sci-fi plot
• Good enemy design
Cons:
• Bad side quests
• Force grind in the last few missions
***
Scarlet Nexus is an action RPG. You will be choosing between two protagonists, similar to Persona 3 Portable options, with different teams and gameplay, at least for majority of the game until the end missions. Eventually, even if you choose Kasane or Yuito, both stories will be laid out and no missing points to sought over again after finishing the game.

As someone who recently played Bandai’s Tales of Arise, I thought that the dialogue, visual novel scenes were rehashed. These may have been good during the light, candid moments throughout the game but when it was used to skip action scenes, the adventure of the climax felt lacking because it felt like reading a manga when I was holding a controller ready to enjoy the action.

During standby phases, the main characters form bonds and relationships with the platoon members by talking to them or giving them gifts (which weirdly you can buy from the store, removing the thrill of hunting for these specific novelties). This relationship system is similar to Persona’s sim situation, albeit less enthusiastic and dramatic. As they reveal each other’s stories and motives, they level up until 5 with new abilities and passive support systems unlocked. However, this could have been a good reliever from all the stress but it felt like a chore at some point because of poorly written and uninvested squad members' backgrounds. Side quests also felt empty, introduced during the beginning of the game, then disappears almost lazily.

The combat system is where the game shines. Unlike typical JRPG styles of slow ATB systems and turn-based strategic moves (which I'm not complaining on), this game will appeal to a Western gamer because of its hack-and-slash fast-paced, Devil May Cry-styled attacking and dodging.

The main character employs the skill of telekinesis, flinging lampposts and cars toward the enemy, who are beautifully designed by the way in the cirque de soleil rhythm of Persona’s Shadows. Squad members are uncontrollable, however you can equip their skills and mix them together with your telekinesis abilties. This is where strategy will be employed as eventually the four squad members will become nine by the end of the game. I found it struggling to shift between double-tapping R1 (to switch UI) and clicking each of the buttons just to activate all maximum four skills at the same time just to defeat the large bosses.

This game, however promising and full of potential, felt short of the gameplay time. 19 hours felt short if there were more side quests and the sim system was perfected and invested on. The story, however a good unfolding and world building, was cheesy in the sort of [I could’ve removed some filler OVA episodes out and focused on the main ones] kind of way. Other parts of the main story could have been a DLC or side quest. I was convinced however in the brain technology system and time travel initiative explained in the game – something this game could have used as a strong suit and focused the story more, in retrospect.

All in all, this game is a good and refreshing one from Bandai; a good rest from all the repetitive franchise of JRPGs in the market. I will definitely play another one of something similar to these, when they make better and complete ones in the future.

***
Gameplay Time: 19 hours
***
Rating: 3/5