Hresvelg の最近のレビュー

I'm so glad indie games are as prevalent as they are now. Without them, we wouldn’t have short, relaxing gems like A Short Hike. The game is just as charming and endearing as it looks—you run around, meet friends, have fun, and work toward whatever goals you set for yourself. It’s all about getting outside, experiencing nature, clearing your head, and just enjoying the moment. It’s basically “go outside and touch grass”—the game, and it’s genuinely beautiful.

If you're like me and sometimes hit a bit of a "gaming slump" after spending so much time on long RPGs, A Short Hike is the perfect palette cleanser between bigger games. It’s a cozy little escape that helps you relax and take it easy, and honestly, I can’t think of a better way to start the new year.

Gothic II is everything a sequel should strive to be. It builds on everything I loved about the first game, refining it while adding even more depth and brilliance.

I know I already gushed about the atmosphere in my review of the first game, but I can’t stress enough how exceptional it is. While the oppressive tone of the prequel has been slightly dialed back—you're no longer a prisoner trapped inside a magical barrier—the sequel brilliantly evolves this atmosphere to match the world’s shifting circumstances.

The moment you step outside the confines of the barrier, it hits you: the war with the orcs has ravaged the land, farmers are rebelling, and the townsfolk hang on the edge of defeat. The tension is palpable. Gothic II doesn’t just show you a world in turmoil—it immerses you in it.

The world feels alive, brimming with believable characters whose struggles pull you in. Quests feel urgent and grounded, each carrying weight and consequence. Every interaction, every corner of the world, reinforces the sense that this is a living, breathing place. Simply put, there’s nothing else quite like the atmosphere of Gothic I & II. I love how the world dynamically adapts to the events after each chapter. NPCs visibly react to changes, which makes the immersion all the more powerful. New enemies appear, not only hunting you but also being noticed by the NPCs—whether through dialogue or their behavior.

And of course, with dragons now playing a major role in the sequel, an epic dragon hunt unfolds. At some point, dragon hunters begin to appear—some offering their aid, while others become obstacles in your quest. It perfectly captures the feeling of a living, breathing world. It was simply fantastic.

Among RPG fans, there are those who hail Gothic I & II as the pinnacle of the genre—and you know what? I totally get it now. I'm glad I finally found the time to play these games and experience something truly special.

Over the past couple of years, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for a wider variety of games. This has led me to uncover some truly remarkable games, ultimately leading me to Gothic—a discovery for which I couldn’t be more grateful.

The world of Gothic is a dark and unforgiving one, marked by a gritty and oppressive atmosphere. Combined with the direct and blunt way the characters interact, it paints a vivid picture of a world where there is no room for flowery speech. Everyone—from hardened mercenaries to scholarly mages—talks to each other like regulars at a dockside tavern. Despite the presence of orcs and dragons, this approach creates a grounded, low fantasy atmosphere.
The music Is diverse and plays a crucial role in shaping the atmosphere the right way.

I think the big elephant in the room is the so-called eurojank. Yeah, the game is janky as hell and I can’t count the times I got stuck in random places and had to reload my save file (seriously, I had to save as many times as possible, just like in Oblivion lol). But I would be lying if I said the jank doesn’t contribute to the overall charm of the game. Though the game is not unplayable by any means. The occasional jank doesn’t distract from the love and passion put into it. And all the other fantastic aspects of the game certainly made up for it. I suppose another reason people might shy away from this game is because of its dated graphics. It’s not pretty, but for me the graphics are far from the deciding factor in my enjoyment.

Despite the clunkiness the world feels remarkably alive, packed with distinctive locations, secrets, and encounters. This is further deepened by the fact that every NPC follows their own daily routine, reacting when you walk through their hut or rummage through their belongings. The mine colony also never feels empty. This is mainly because the world is cleverly segmented by natural obstacles that blend seamlessly into the landscape.

The gameplay is very much something you need to get used to. In the first 20 minutes, I didn’t even know how to pick up items or equip a weapon to fight. The design seems confusing at first, almost like the devs wanted to be different for the sake of it. But after over 30 hours with the game, I can say they clearly put a lot of thought into it. Whether you like it or not, every step, every movement you have to consciously make adds to the immersion. Could it have been done better? Oh definitely. But over time, the gameplay has really grown on me.

However, the aspect I loved most about this game is how the MC is treated. You're pretty much dogmeat early on, and fighting multiple enemies at the start is almost guaranteed suicide. What I love about Gothic is that the MC isn’t the typical chosen one, nor does he get much help. He's completely on his own. You can choose which faction to join, but no one will take you in with open arms—quite the opposite, in fact. The story begins with you having to prove your worth just to be accepted into a guild, and that process takes time. You must earn the respect of several characters, showing you’re more than just a disposable peasant forced to pay protection money. This makes the MC’s struggle all the more real, and the sense of progression feels even more earned and satisfying.

Whether you’re getting a new weapon or finally acquiring your first suit of armor—nothing comes easy. Yes, the game is somewhat difficult in the early stages and that's why I like it. You're a nobody who gets beaten from the outset, continually threatened and attacked, but you rise up from that to get to the top. And let me tell you, when you finally get the chance to put those ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ in their place, or better yet, take them down... there’s truly no feeling more divine.

I also really appreciate how the MC isn't afraid to speak up and throw some shade. Sure, it often results in him getting beaten up and having his belongings stolen, but it still feels worth it in the end. Just like the other characters, he doesn’t hold back or sugarcoat his words, which enhances the immersion and, most importantly, my enjoyment of the game. The MC’s fearless attitude, combined with how he is treated, is truly a breath of fresh air.

Another thing I have to mention is the In Extremo “live concert” I had the pleasure of witnessing. Yeah, that was a certified peak gaming moment right there that’s definitely going to stay with me for a long time.

Gothic remains a timeless RPG. If you can look past all the jank, you're rewarded with an unforgettable experience. It was one of the best RPGs of its time and continues to be one of the best today. Many modern titles could learn a lot from it in terms of crafting a well-structured RPG and creating a truly immersive atmosphere.

There’s something deeply cathartic about spending a quiet, rainy fall evening with a hot cup of coffee or tea, sinking into the atmosphere of a game like Coffee Talk. Much like in Episode 1, you’re just there, in the soft glow of the coffee shop, surrounded by the gentle hum of lofi music, making drinks for regulars and newcomers alike, listening to their everyday stories. It’s a beautifully simple experience. Sometimes all you need is a warm space where you can relax and breathe. And that’s exactly what this game offers: a comforting retreat that lets you slow down and savor the moment.

As someone who dearly enjoys a good slow burn, I find Oblivion to be a perfect example of how patience and immersion can yield rich rewards. It can be hard to get into initially, as it requires full engagement with its world, cities, and NPCs to truly click. Personally, I wasn’t hooked right away either. But the turning point for me came when I stumbled into a small village, only to realize that everyone had turned invisible. It was a moment of unexpected wonder that completely drew me into the game.

I think Oblivion is the perfect example of “don’t judge a book by its cover.” Sure, the graphics may be dated by today’s standards, but that’s arguably the only downside. The game’s world is vast, deep, and immersive. Although riding a horse can be quite atrocious (seriously, just install a mod), the soothing and beautiful music makes traversing the classic high fantasy landscapes a deeply relaxing experience, occasionally even feeling like a lullaby under the night sky.

The NPCs feel varied and human with dialogue that ranges from serious and dramatic to funny or just plain weird. Even if some might seem nonsensical, they contribute to a living, breathing world where people appear to carry on with their lives independent of your presence. You can be walking down the streets of the Imperial City and overhear hilarious conversations and then a few minutes later walk through a Khajit torture chamber.

The cities are rich and inviting and each have their unique charm and distinct character. The Imperial City resembles Rome, Skingrad is akin to a medieval castle, Anvil evokes a Mediterranean coast, and Bruma feels like a mountain town. They all have their own style and backgrounds that add to the game significantly. The way stories interweaves between locations makes the world feel even more connected and alive.

The game also frequently features quests with more complex objectives than the standard "go X, do Y, come back." Instead of just fetching items or killing NPCs, you might need to investigate or find ways to talk or bribe your way through challenges. And it's just an all around fun sandbox game, because you can trick enemies into setting off traps, watch them fall to their deaths, or enlist the help of guards and random citizens. It also handles minor details in a realistic way, such as making you wait a day for information to pass between NPCs.

There was a point when my character slowly transformed into a vampire. I only realized this when I started losing HP in the sunlight and NPCs began commenting on my pale, sickly appearance or expressing concern for my health. It’s really the little details that Oblivion excels at, subtle touches that can easily go unnoticed but greatly enhance the experience.

Despite its flaws, such as repetitive Oblivion gates and somewhat monotonous dungeons due to their similar design, Oblivion has a warmth and charm that’s truly endearing. The game’s grand scale, including the repetitive yet grand battles against the forces of hell, may become tedious over time, but these elements contribute to a unique experience.

It’s an old game that clearly shows its age, but for me, it has become a great comfort game and has earned a spot among my favorite games

There's something truly magical about the moment you start a game and are greeted with a stunning soundtrack and an intro that feels like it's been tailored just for you.

Xanadu Next is one of those hidden gems among old school JRPGs that caught me off guard and utterly absorbed me right from the beginning. Games like these just have a special way of making me feel like a kid again. The nostalgia hit me quite hard and for that reason alone this game deserves so much more recognition.

Xanadu Next may be an old game and it certainly feels like it, perhaps even older than it actually is. Yet something about it really captivated me. It's one of the few JRPGs that embodies a true sense of adventure in its design, with Falcom trying out various ideas. As a player, I felt the game trusted me to explore and uncover the island's secrets on my own and it worked wonderfully.

If I had to describe the game in one word, it would definitely be atmosphere. The dark fantasy vibe hit the mark perfectly, with a map that loops back on itself, revealing new shortcuts to the main hub. The island is packed with secrets, lore fragments and weapons to discover, making each find deeply rewarding.

I love the mystery and how the only way to progress is through exploration and discovery. Piecing things together on my own was really a joy. The island's eerie, desolate and lost to time feel is beautifully conveyed through the atmospheric, memorable music and the environments. I just love how the game makes you feel lonely when you're out exploring, but there's a comforting warmth when you return to the village.

All these aspects made me fall in love with the game, but they also make me wish that more grounded and darker toned JRPGs weren't so underrated and overlooked in favor of flashier, more over the top ones filled with bad anime tropes that just no longer appeal to me. Don't get me wrong, I know there are still a few new JRPGs that try to be more grounded and darker in tone, but it's not nearly enough. Considering Falcom's current lineup and general game design trends, I'm not very optimistic. I’m not saying their latest games are bad—I'm actually interested in trying out the latest Ys game—but for me, none of them can compare to Xanadu Next or Ys I & II and The Oath in Felghana. I guess I'll just have to continue cherishing these old school gems.

Control is another incredibly unique experience from Remedy. From its gripping start that left me wanting more, to plenty of secrets and rich lore waiting to be uncovered, it's a game that pulls you in and keeps you hooked. The intriguing storyline, the immersive atmosphere, the amazing sound design, and the sheer thrill and fun of hurling all kinds of objects at otherworldly beings all contribute to its unique charm.

But as the hours passed, the gameplay loop of navigating the same environments, fighting the Hiss, and cleansing the control points started to feel a bit too repetitive. While the storytelling remained creative and engaging, the lack of variation in enemies and scenery became a noticeable drawback. This honestly slowed me down quite a bit as my play sessions became less and less frequent. As much as I love narrative-driven games, the gameplay loop just didn't click with me as much as I wish it did. Which is a shame, because the actual gameplay with all the fun physics and abilities is buttery smooth.

Overall, I'm glad that I finally got the time to play Control and experience something special. Just like Alan Wake, Control stands as a fantastic testament to creative storytelling. It's a perfect example of how narrative-driven games can unfold in innovative ways.

And the Ashtray Maze was just freaking awesome. Ahti has great taste in music.

Ok, listen. As an adult lesbian, I was genuinely excited when I heard about this VN, mainly because the Yuri genre tends to be saturated with innocent and wholesome schoolgirl fluff, and honestly, I'm just tired of it. I was thrilled to see someone finally tackling the relatively unexplored realm of Yuri omegaverse. Unlike the hugely popular BL omegaverse genre, larger-scale Yuri omegaverse projects are practically non-existent.

But the VN left me with mixed feelings - it was both disappointing and great at the same time. The pacing was breakneck, rushing to introduce players to its vision of an omegaverse setting, which felt pretty basic compared to other omegaverse works. It seemed like ideas were thrown around and plot points were set up, only to either remain unresolved or fall flat upon execution. Despite this, the writing was still very enjoyable and refreshing.

However, the biggest letdown was the VN's length. It was incredibly short, much shorter than their previous games. I finished it in about 1.5h, leaving me feeling like the game ended just as it was getting started. Which is frustrating, because I really liked the relationship between the two leads.

Overall, it's a great Yuri VN with excellent artwork and character design that tries to stand out from generic schoolgirl-themed ones, but is soured by its short length.

Stardew Valley feels like coming home.

I can't remember which playthrough I'm on, which is a rarity for me. I've revisited childhood favorites like Zelda and Mario countless times, cherishing each experience. However, as an adult, this happens less frequently. Maybe it's because modern games don't resonate with me as deeply, or maybe my gaming habits have simply changed over time. Yet, whenever I boot up Stardew Valley, it hits all the right notes. Whether I've talked with the residents of Pelican Town dozens of times or played through its events repeatedly, the game retains its magical allure. It feels like a nostalgic return to childhood gaming, a comforting experience I can enjoy every time of the year.

What's truly remarkable is the developer's commitment to continually expanding the game with substantial updates and expansions, all provided for free. Stardew Valley brims with passion and love. Despite its status as one of the most successful indie games of all time, the developer continues to pour his heart into it, enriching the experience for players. I deeply respect and appreciate this dedication, which unfortunately is no longer a given in today's gaming industry.

And after all these years, I've finally reached the summit ❤.

Coffee Talk is the kind of game I needed to take a break from my normal video game routine and also try to alleviate some of my gaming fatigue. Sometimes, I just need a relaxing game to get me through the night after a stressful day. During my playthrough, I felt like I was curling up with a good book under a blanket, sipping a warm beverage, zen mode activated. It's been a while since I've felt so at ease while playing a game, so I really appreciated my time with it!