Recent reviews by sparkymoog

This all started because I wanted to try Elden Ring, but the completionist in me demanded that I play FromSoftware's previous titles first. For my first attempt at Dark Souls two years ago, I didn't look anything up and went as far as I could on my own, since the fanbase insists that it's much better that way. However, I felt so burned out after nearly 15 hours of bumbling through the early areas that when I finally beat Taurus Demon, I put the game down and didn't come back. The game asks a lot of you on all sides, with complexity to every aspect of its design. If you are a less experienced or skilled gamer, or not in the headspace to struggle for fun, it may prove overwhelming to you without any assistance at all.

For my second attempt, after a couple more years of practice with simpler third-person action games, I decided not to be stubborn and allow myself to use the internet. I am thankful to all the players who came before for helping me through this game. Dark Souls trolls you hard sometimes: useless stat options with no respec, cruelly hidden bonfires, unrelenting environmental hazards and status effects, easily missable items and areas, those archers in Anor Londo, whatever Bed of Chaos was... but with a little guidance and commiseration, it's SO FUN. For all your suffering, you feel doubly rewarded when you reach that gorgeous view, unlock that new shortcut, beat that tough boss, and watch your character grow from a prisoner in rags to an absolute unit (I ended up with Zweihander and Havel's armor set!). Along with the satisfaction of completing this game, I feel really excited to put all my newly acquired knowledge to the test in the next one :) I'll make it to Elden Ring eventually lol

Non-linear storytelling that keeps you engaged and full of questions about the plot and setting. Compelling high concept sci-fi with a very intense, grounded emotional core. Tackles heavy themes such as abuse, generational trauma, and the immigrant experience. Could also fall under the category of "pandemic fiction."

1000xRESIST is *all* dialogue with some running around and occasional "platforming" of sorts. Don't expect any complex gameplay, as the story is the main focus. This is an indie game without the best graphics, but even within these constraints there are many beautiful and evocative visual moments. The voice acting and soundtrack are great.

If you are interested in learning more about Hong Kong because of this game, I encourage you to learn more about how colonization and imperialism have impacted the region's history and current events.

I wish occultist librarian was a real job :(

So I don't last long in most crafting games because I get bored of the repetition and tedium, but Book of Hours hits different?! Compared to activities like farming or base building, which have never held much appeal for me, cataloguing books of eldritch lore in a mysterious mansion feels much more interesting. While reasonably pacing myself, the process hasn't felt too grindy (yet), with satisfying art and sound design to accompany it.

Upon starting, I felt equal parts intrigue and overwhelm. It's one of thooose games that don't like to explain much directly. Somehow, the atmosphere of Hush House helped to quell my anxiety and trust the process of learning its language. There was a period of aimlessly unlocking rooms and shuffling books around with little understanding of my actions, trying to keep the faith that soul cards and aspects and memories and mysteries and wisdoms would reveal their meaning in time. Gradually, I am figuring out what all this ♥♥♥♥ means, how it needs organized, and how I can use it. I expect there is much, much more to learn.

If you like the idea of being engrossed in your Excel spreadsheet as much as the game itself, welcome. Thanks for the fake employment!

AGAIN! AGAIN! AGAIN!

shoot and loot and shoot and loot and

i didn't expect to get emotionally attached to the characters, i didn't expect the cursed body horror, i didn't expect to rage over a scoopy banoopy. but here we are.

so addictive. perfect game.

everyone is so hot <3

breath of the wild for babies (i'm baby)

satisfying card game, creative storytelling, unique art style. i really enjoy the sound design.