11-07-2026, 10:48 PM
Okay, it's been a long while since last check in. Let's see...
I ended up quitting Fire Emblem, the gameplay structure just doesn't gel with me. At least I finished Lyn's section.
Next I played Disco Elysium which I got for free from a giveaway. It's basically a visual novel with RPG elements. There are 24 voices in your head, and the more you level them, the more they influence your thoughts and actions. You play as a detective who got so drunk he lost his memory, so the story is about figuring out who you are while solving a murder, while trying to convince your crime-fighting partner that you're not a loser. I got really bummed out partway through because I got locked out of a sidequest that I really wanted to do, but I got surprised by another sidequest that I wasn't expecting to lead anywhere paying off at the end, and even serving to explain a potential plot hole that would've been there otherwise. I even managed to get the good ending.
Next was The Messenger. It is an 8-bit style ninja platformer. But then it switches to 16-bit. And then switches back and forth between the two styles. The difficulty was somehow right at my skill level, but it may be too hard for others. It has some silly meta jokes, and it also has one of my favorite songs for an opening level.
Next was Final Fantasy XI. Yes, one of the MMOs. I was interested in it because many in the fandom consider it the mysterious mainline game that no one can figure out how to play or even enjoy it. If it wasn't a mainline numbered game I probably wouldn't have given it a shot. I ended up going with a private server, which has anti-grind and QoL features, in addition to letting my bypass the need to pay for a subscription (or the game, as the free trial lets you download everything). Gameplay wise, it feels like a mix of I, II and III, except the combat takes place in real time rather than being turn based. I only beat one of the questlines that came with the base game, but since the server has everything unlocked, I might go back and do more. It took me eight hours to install and set everything up, though.
Then, Doom, also from a giveaway. It has aged really well. I got the sequel bundled with it, so I'll get to that one eventually.
Finally, A Short Hike, a game I got on sale. It is a short game about a hike. Very chill vibe.
I ended up quitting Fire Emblem, the gameplay structure just doesn't gel with me. At least I finished Lyn's section.
Next I played Disco Elysium which I got for free from a giveaway. It's basically a visual novel with RPG elements. There are 24 voices in your head, and the more you level them, the more they influence your thoughts and actions. You play as a detective who got so drunk he lost his memory, so the story is about figuring out who you are while solving a murder, while trying to convince your crime-fighting partner that you're not a loser. I got really bummed out partway through because I got locked out of a sidequest that I really wanted to do, but I got surprised by another sidequest that I wasn't expecting to lead anywhere paying off at the end, and even serving to explain a potential plot hole that would've been there otherwise. I even managed to get the good ending.
Next was The Messenger. It is an 8-bit style ninja platformer. But then it switches to 16-bit. And then switches back and forth between the two styles. The difficulty was somehow right at my skill level, but it may be too hard for others. It has some silly meta jokes, and it also has one of my favorite songs for an opening level.
Next was Final Fantasy XI. Yes, one of the MMOs. I was interested in it because many in the fandom consider it the mysterious mainline game that no one can figure out how to play or even enjoy it. If it wasn't a mainline numbered game I probably wouldn't have given it a shot. I ended up going with a private server, which has anti-grind and QoL features, in addition to letting my bypass the need to pay for a subscription (or the game, as the free trial lets you download everything). Gameplay wise, it feels like a mix of I, II and III, except the combat takes place in real time rather than being turn based. I only beat one of the questlines that came with the base game, but since the server has everything unlocked, I might go back and do more. It took me eight hours to install and set everything up, though.
Then, Doom, also from a giveaway. It has aged really well. I got the sequel bundled with it, so I'll get to that one eventually.
Finally, A Short Hike, a game I got on sale. It is a short game about a hike. Very chill vibe.