The Gaming Diary: Chapter 3

Been a while since I've checked in again so I'll mention some highlights:

The Legend of Heroes: Trails From Zero - These games always have slow starts, and this one kept a slow pace most of the way through. It really picked up toward the end though, and really left me intrigued for checking out the sequel sometime.

Earthbound - Finally got around to this for the SNES challenge and enjoyed it overall. Kind of a mixed bag overall for me, but some cool ideas and mechanics for sure. Definitely want to check out Mother 3 at some point.

The Messenger - Really enjoyed this!

BioShock Infinite - I love the first two BioShock games, but this one was kind of a slog for me to get through. Really feels like they dumbed down the overall formula a bit and went for more of a straightforward action FPS approach. It was alright, but really felt like a shallow successor to the first two.

Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii - You all know how much I love the Yakuza series, but this is probably my least favorite entry. It was fun and has its moments, but it's so off-the-wall bizarre that it sort of feels more like a glorified Yakuza substory than a full game, and it really doesn't do anything for the overall series' narrative.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - Easy GOTY for me.

FF 1-4 Pixel Remasters - As a big lifelong FF fan, I guess it was about time I played some of these Pixel Remasters. I always enjoy 1 and 4. This was my first time playing 3, and it was ok. 2 still sucks no matter which version you play.

Persona 4 Golden - One of my all time favorite games, and my first time revisiting it since first playing it back in 2013. Even if P5 improved on the formula in many ways, I still love this one too. I do think it runs on a bit too long and probably could have done without the whole 'Golden' storyline addition at the end, but still had a great time with it.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 - Played through this with a friend, and it was alright. I felt like it started off pretty strong with the first mission, then just became pretty repetitive. Overall fun gameplay but could have used a bit more variety.

RoboCop: Rogue City - Fun game, but the AA production values really show at times. Kind of reminds me of something like Deus Ex at times.

Elden Ring: Nightreign - Fun to play with a friend or two. I try to do a solo run occasionally but I'm not really good enough to tackle it on my own. Interesting take on the Souls formula though, although I prefer the typical design to the roguelike structure.

Split Fiction - Played this with a friend and really enjoyed it. None of Hazelight's games hit as much for me as A Way Out, I think just because I like the more grounded crime-driven story, but there was an impressive amount of variety in this game. Definitely check it out if you've got a co-op partner.

Donkey Kong Bananza - Probably about 2/3 of the way through this one, and it's been a bit of a slog. The core gameplay is fun, but I felt like it got old pretty fast. Probably something like 90% of the game is just running and punching things, with the odd diversion thrown in here and there. 3D platformers are always pretty hit and miss for me, and I think this one just ended up being more of a miss, but it's really making me want to go back and play DKC Returns or Tropical Freeze, both of which I missed out on before.

Chibi-Robo - Been playing this online with a friend via the Switch 2 GC emulation. I didn't know what to expect with this one, but it's a fun and interesting game. Kinda jank but I'm enjoying it.

Pony Island - Weird little indie survival horror game made by the creator of Inscryption. I enjoyed it, but it had some annoying sections. Some really cool 4th wall breaking ideas though.

Heartworm - Little indie survival horror game that came out recently. Kind of a mixed bag, but I enjoyed it.

Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster - I've always really enjoyed the first two DR games and like to revisit them from time to time, but man does the first game have some annoying elements. The Deluxe Remaster is pretty much the exact same game but with some much appreciated QOL improvements. Survivor AI is slightly less dumb now which is nice, and autosaves feel like a godsend. Highly recommend this version.

Mafia: The Old Country - I've also always really enjoyed the Mafia series, and this one didn't disappoint. Kind of has a lower budget, almost AA, feel to it, but no biggie.

Alan Wake II - Currently playing this since it was recently added to PS+ and really enjoying it so far.

The Thing: Remastered - I've always been intrigued by this game but I'm pretty sure I've always heard that it wasn't very good.... but I'm really enjoying it! Not sure if they ironed out some of the rough spots with the remaster or I just heard some bad takes before, but I went into this with very low expectations and have been pleasantly surprised by it.

Silent Hill f - Haven't gotten very far into this one yet, and I'm not sure if I really like it yet or not. I do like the atmosphere and puzzle elements so far, but I'm not sure if I'm loving the combat. We'll see how it goes.