shikis-game-reactions-blog

[shikis-game-reactions-blog]

So it’s been a week...

Believe it or not, I’m not actually doing a 100+ pages review of Undertale. Sure I COULD, I mean it’s UNDERTALE guys, it’s a game made with so many great details that I would surely react to everything – but then that would take forever to write. So what I’m planning to do (yeah I haven’t started it yet look at how responsible I am) is to write about only the Main Characters and the plots of the three Routes instead.

Anyway, the real reason I haven’t posted in a week is because this past week, a special school event was held... the midterms.

*insert horror music*

So yeah, it’s the time all students have been dreading. Of course like any normal student, I did what any sane person would do in the week of the exams –

Play Pokemon in my phone.

…

Okay, so it’s not exactly what a normal student would do. What a normal student would do when an important exam is coming is to not play games, but write reviewers, read your books; that stuff.

I just played a little bit because it helps me to unwind you know… relax my brain to ready it for the hard lessons I’m going to review – oh who am I kidding I know I’m not fooling anybody.

(Pro Tip: Don’t be like this girl.)

(Pro Tip 2: Also, don’t depend too much on ROMS. Support our wonderful creators, okay?)

(Pro Tip 2.5: So, yeah, don’t be me.)

POKEMON BLACK NUZLOCKE

First thing’s first – what’s a nuzlocke? Basically, it’s a self-implemented “Hard Mode” for Pokemon Games made by the fans to make the game harder and more challenging.

As far as I know, there are three original rules: the only Pokemon you’re allowed to catch is the first Pokemon you encounter in a route or a city, and nothing else. If you failed to catch it, well, tough luck. The second is that if a Pokemon faints, it “dies” – you cannot use it anymore. The player can either release it to the wild or store it in the PC and leave it there permanently. The third is to nickname all your Pokemon, since this challenge generally teaches you to cherish your Pokemon more.

Since this is a self-implemented hard mode, many variations have been made by the players, making the game harder. The only additional rule I did was to not catch a wild Pokemon that I already have caught, or is the same evolution line of one of the Pokemon that I already have.

My team as of Opelucid City. Hope nobody dies against Drayden... 

(also I have discovered how strong Cinccino is. SERIOUSLY SHE I-HIT-KOs POKEMON WITH HER TAIL SLAP LIKE WOAH [sure it’s not exactly 1 hit but whatever])

This challenge seriously made the game more exciting. I mean, Pokemon is already fun itself, but applying this rule just raised the stakes a whole lot higher. Countless of times I have experienced heart attacks from crits that put my beloved Pokemon’s health into the red zone (and nearly killing them). I had also many heartbreaks throughout the playthrough when my Pokemon did die. It feels as if it’s my fault, you know? (It actually is, since I’m the one controlling them…)

But more importantly, it made the game more challenging (obviously). I mean, every time I play a game, I always plan my whole team right from the start – except for Sun, which I played blind. But even at that game, I still made my team to be varied; all with different types so they would cover each other’s weaknesses. But with the Nuzlocke challenge, you don’t have a choice – you use what you get. It tests you luck and skills at the same time.

Another thing is the deaths. Here, every move you make must be planned. The last time I played while I was distracted (I was eating), one of my Pokemon died. You can’t just take risks, since there’s a chance that the risk might fail and your Pokemon will faint. One risk I took (and thoroughly failed) was when I still attacked even though my Pokemon is confused. I hoped that she will ignore her confusion and attack the opponent (who is already on the red zone), but she attacked herself. Add to that the critical hit move from the opponent, and she fainted. And to think she was one of my main battlers… (RIP Ema the Tranquil).

Throughout the game, I found out that I have an incredibly bad luck when it comes to catching new Pokemon. Either they I already caught their specie, or is the evolved form of my Pokemon, or my Pokemon accidentally made them faint. I think from Driftveil to Iccirus, I wasn’t able to caught any new Pokemon. Add the fact that some of my Pokemon died, there was a point in the game that I have more Pokemon in my RIP box than my party! (Six to four, before Twist Mountain)

Final Remarks:

If you find Pokemon too easy and want to make your gaming experience harder and more exciting, then you should do this! You could also search and apply different and harder rules, or even make one! Just expect many heart attacks. Hope you don’t get too depressed when one of your Pokemon dies~ (like me…)

Final Notes: Review for the actual Pokemon Black/White will come. Probably. I mean, it’s my favorite generation so - *gets hit by genwunners* (but really, its plot is so wonderful I definitely will not be able to resist writing about it)

[shikis-game-reactions-blog]

A preview of the next game I’m reacting to – Undertale

*at the end of the reaction*

FINAL NOTES: I’M SORRY IF I MISSED ANYTHING. What I wrote here are the things that really stood out to me. My aim is not to review everything about the game, but to write what I remember the most and what my reaction to it. If I did react to the whole game, it would take about 250 or so pages or so in MS word. (This is 108 pages, btw)

[shikis-game-reactions-blog]

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Spirit of Justice

WARNING: I AM NOT A PROFESSIONAL GAME REVIEWER, GAME CRITIC, OR WRITER. The following is just purely my opinion and reaction to the game. Also, ENGLISH IS NOT MY FIRST LANGUAGE. So, yeah, I’m sure there will be a grammar mistake somewhere there. Please don’t be a grammar nazi. Lastly, THIS WILL NOT BE AN ENTIRELY SERIOUS REVIEW. Yay. *insert cute puppy face*

DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN ANYTHING. The games I am reviewing belong to their respective owner(s). I DON’T GAIN ANY PROFIT FROM THIS, EITHER.

seeing your previous player character on the other side of the courtroom would make anyone scream

Okay, first, let me lay down some rationale for this game. The Ace Attorney franchise is really, really close to my heart. If Pokemon holds my past and my childhood, the Ace Attorney holds the key to my future – as dramatic as it sounds. The Ace Attorney is what pushed me to take the path of being a lawyer. Of course, it’s not the whole reason (I’m not too keen on putting my whole life and future over a single game, after all), the other is the desire to change all the stupid things that is happening around me. But still, it is what introduced me to the greatness of law, the importance of finding the truth, and the great feeling of satisfaction you get once you have found it.

note to self: don’t fangirl too much and read the important details. seriously.

CHARACTERS:

The Legend, Phoenix Wright

Let me say one thing, it’s really, really weird facing Phoenix in a courtroom battle. For five games, I’ve played as him, and then suddenly we’re battling against him as Apollo in a civil case!? I mean, we all anticipated it ever since we briefly controlled Edgeworth in Trials and Tribulations and acted as a Defense Attorney, but seeing the legendary Phoenix Wright on the other side of the courtroom is still surprising.

And scary. Definitely scary. Seeing Phoenix frown seriously, smirk and do a complete turnabout (which, normally is a good thing for us since we’re normally him) made Apollo (and us, the player) really quake in his boots. It’s like he’s getting back for all the abuse he received for being the butt monkey of the courtroom for the past 4 games!

Other than the very memorable Case 4, Phoenix goes back to being on our side again for the rest of the cases. I especially love the fact that even though 8 or so years has passed; Phoenix’s protectiveness over Maya has never failed. He went to another freaking country just because of a phone call for her! He fought on the wrong side of the truth (which is basically the opposite of his whole values) for her! He knowingly risked his life over her (though then again, this part’s nothing new)!

Every girl needs a Phoenix in her life, man. (NaruMayo ship: *sails*)

serious!Phoenix would make anyone tremble

Courtroom Revolutionaire, Apollo Justice

Okay, first of all, let me clarify; I KNOW THAT THIS TITLE BELONGS TO ATHENA. But it just fits, you know? (Also, I don’t know how to spell.)

I don’t care that the title of the game says Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney; Apollo is the real star of this game (it’s like the reversed version of Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney, where the real conflict is about Phoenix.). I believe in the wandering fan theory that this last three games (Apollo Justice: AA, AA: Dual Destinies, and AA: Spirit of Justice) is about Apollo, similar to how the first three games (Phoenix Wright: AA, AA: Justice for All and AA: Trials and Tribulations) is about Phoenix.

And man, how those three games did a wonderful job building up Apollo into the brave little bird he is now. AJ shows how he starts as a rookie defense attorney, DD shows his high school-college past (aka Clay MY GOD *eternal crying*), and lastly, SoJ shows his childhood and ends in how he starts being a professional defense attorney (thus, making a complete, albeit reversed, circle).

Spirit of Justice shows a lot of tearjerker, heart-pulling and gasp-inducing scenes for Apollo that at this point in time I don’t know how he managed to not break down. Oh wait, he did break down, he even have a new, special animation for it. And my god that scene… I didn’t shed a single tear at that point, because I was just so horrified and overwhelmed and whatishappeningisthisreallyhappening. Yeah, that feeling. (I did cry, a lot, but at the later point of the game since it took time for my mind to acknowledge that ohmyggoditreallyhappenedhuuuHUHUHUHU-)

So yeah. Apollo really received his most-deserved characterization and development in this game.

The Funeral Prosecutor, Nahyuta Sahdmadhi

Nahyuta. Nahyuta… Is my baby. Because, really, he’s just so cute and naiive in some of the things! I mean sure, he’s really nasty, but so are the other prosecutors and you don’t see me hating on them (in fact Franziska is totally my role model). But we can’t all deny the fact that he’s really kind and gentle on other people, look at Ema for instance (it’s clear that he likes her btw, I just can’t decide if it’s platonic or romantic, since my KlEma heart’s really against it).

And just like any main prosecutors in any games, Nahyuta receives wonderful characterization and character development as the game progresses. Similar to Apollo, a lot of tearjerker scenes is about him, especially when you discover how much has he sacrificed for his family…

And Nahyuta’s totally an overprotective brother to Rayfa. I can’t wait to see the next game just to see their post-game interactions.  

look at this two original assistant babies turning to mature babies

The Ace Assistant, Maya Fey

MAYA. SHE’S BACK. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-

Ace Attorney fans have fully risen from the dead the moment the trailer showed Maya returning for this game. It’s what we have been wishing for in these past two games! Our beloved Ace Assistant is back! And partnered with Phoenix no less! Sarcastic conversations! Funny interactions! Ladders vs. Stepladders!

Our original Ace Attorney duo is back! AAAAAAAAA-

But still, of course 8 years have passed, so it’s inevitable for Maya to change. Even though most of the time she’s still childish and funny, there are still many scenes scattered all around the game that shows her all grown up that you can’t help but remember her older sister, Mia. The game shows Mature Maya, the Leader of the Kurain Village.

Also, the Spirit Channeling scene is very, very beautiful. I’m glad that we actually saw it for the first time.

lil’ princess is just so cute!

The Priestess, Rayfa Padma Khura’in

Princess Rayfa is a cinnamon roll. A tsundere cinnamon roll, and that what makes her a very cute and wonderful and funny assistant.

Serious talk though, Rayfa is the youngest (except for Ahlbi) character to be introduced in this game, and it shows. Although she acts all high-and-mighty and incredibly mature due to her status as a priestess, there are times that her childishness shows true. And I think it’s completely okay – and Phoenix and Maya does to. She tries too hard to immediately grow up , but what she doesn’t know is that being true to your age gives you wonders too.

And, oh god, the pressure given to her by her mother… I can totally relate.

That scene when she was asked to show her (adoptive) father’s death in a Divination Séance… it made me cry for Rayfa [seriously, this game made me cry a lot]. Sure, we’ve seen her faint a lot of the times, but it’s only for dramatics; to show how horrified she was that we beat her. But that scene… is the real deal. We actually saw Rayfa going pale, gasping for air, eyes wide… and faints. It’s – just – so heartbreaking…

can we all just cry

The Dragon, Dhurke Sahdmadhi

Oh my gosh, where do I even start.

*cries*

My first impression of Dhurke during the trailer was he’s the typical rebel antagonist in a game. And it continued on as we first got a glance on him at the end of the second trial.

Oh boy am I glad to be wrong.

I admit – Dhurke has not been a particularly good father to Apollo. Sure he’s got his reasons, being busy with the rebellion and all, but imagining a little Apollo hoping for his father to show up, pick him up and get him out of his misery – yet incredibly devastated as later, he will know that no one will show up, really broke my heart. Apollo did not deserve that. No child deserves that.

But oh man, he still loves Apollo. He loves Nahyuta. He loves Rayfa. He loves his children – anyone playing the game can see that. He just shows it in a different way, but every action he takes – it’s for the sake of his family. (Nahyuta really is similar to his father)

SPOILER

Too bad he’s not even alive. I can’t believe all the time we’ve spent with him as Apollo is… not exactly a lie, the interactions with him is the truth – he loves Apollo. But… you know.

Imagining his thought process while he was being spirit channeled by Maya and spending time with his son he had only seen now for the past two decades… is very depressing.

The Childhood Duo, Athena Cykes and Simon Blackquill

I admit, I am disappointed with these two. Well, not these two exactly, they’re perfect just the way they are (I MEAN CAN YOU BELIEVE IT SIMON AND ATHENA TEAMING UP. THE PSYCHOLOGY CHILDHOOD FRIENDS, DEFENSE-PROSECUTOR DUO IS TEAMING UP AAAAAA-), but I’m more sad in the roles they are given. More specifically, the wasted potential of their roles.

The theme of the whole game is inheritance. Inheritance from parent to child, and inheritance from teacher to student. And Athena and Simon’s ace – Psychology – is literally that, an inheritance from Metis Cykes!

They don’t need to create a whole batch of other characters. I’m not saying the Rakugo case sucks – it’s very new considering we have another Japanese culture-themed case; and the fact that a psychological disease (the multiple personalities stuff) is the main turning point of this case makes it a perfect case for Simon and Athena – but maybe they should have used it for the next game?

Athena and Simon were only introduced in the last game – so I’m definitely hungry for more backstory and deeper characterization for these two wonderful characters. And what better way for us to get to know more about theme more intimately than to get to know these two’s most important person, Metis Cykes, and her gift to them?

But hey – I’m complaining but I’m not particularly shunning these two and Case 3. As I said, Case 3 is a wonderful and genius case (but what would you expect from Ace Attorney, right?). It’s just that, the potential…

The Game

So far, this game has the largest amount of ‘gimmicks’ or ‘powers’ featured. Phoenix’s Magatama, Apollo’s bracelet, Athena’s Widget, Ema’s Forensic stuff, and the newly introduced Rayfa’s Divination Séance. I think the only missing power is Edgeworth’s Logic Chess, and we have the complete set!

Each of them is unique and special in their own way, and they definitely made the game much more exciting and enjoyable. OF course, the traditional courtroom battle is as hard, mysterious and exciting as ever!  I cannot even predict who the culprit was in the start of the case, and if it was obvious who did it (like, it was showed in the initial cutscene or was directly implied), I can’t figure out how he/she did it without the help of the character I’m acting as. Which is a new thing for me, since in the past games, I already know who the real culprit is even before the player character knows. Well, most of the time, at least.

And the plot, oh the plot was absolutely complicated and mind blowing it’s wonderful. The family drama is as – if not more – dramatic than the T&T one. And that’s saying something, considering that the Fey clan’s story is really complicated too. And as I mentioned earlier, this game gave meat for the characterization of several characters.

Also, it made me cry probably around ten times.

 FINAL REMARKS

DO I EVEN HAVE TO? GO PLAY IT. Though if you still haven’t play the previous games yet, do that first THEN PLAY THIS. THE STORY IS GOOD. THE GAMEPLAY IS AWESOME. THE CHARACTERS ARE WONDERFUL. *eternal scream*

 FINAL NOTES: I’M SORRY IF I MISSED ANYTHING. What I wrote here are the things that really stood out to me. My aim is not to review everything about the game, but to write what I remember the most and what my reaction to it. If I did react to the whole game, it would take about 20 pages or so in MS word. (This is 4 pages, btw)

[shikis-game-reactions-blog]

A preview of the next game I’m reacting to – Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Spirit of Justice

Characters:

The Legend, Phoenix Wright

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA---

Courtroom Revolutionaire, Apollo Justice

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA---

The Funeral Prosecutor, Nahyuta Sahdmadhi

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA---

The Ace Assistant, Maya Fey

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA---

The Dragon, Dhurke Sahdmadhi

AAAAAAAAAH *sniff**cries**sniff* AAAAAAAA---

The Childhood Duo, Athena Cykes and Simon Blackquill

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA---

The Chief Prosecutor, Miles Edgeworth

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA---

The Plot

*deep breath*

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA---

[shikis-game-reactions-blog]

POKEMON SUN AND MOON

WARNING: I AM NOT A PROFESSIONAL GAME REVIEWER, GAME CRITIC, OR WRITER. The following is just purely my opinion and reaction to the game. Also, ENGLISH IS NOT MY FIRST LANGUAGE. So, yeah, I’m sure there will be a grammar mistake somewhere there. Please don’t be a grammar nazi. Lastly, THIS WILL NOT BE AN ENTIRELY SERIOUS REVIEW. Yay. *insert cute puppy face*

DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN ANYTHING. The games I am reviewing belong to their respective owner(s). I DON’T GAIN ANY PROFIT FROM THIS, EITHER.

look at this emotional child

Being the latest Pokemon game Nintendo released – Pokemon Sun and Moon introduces us to the seventh generation of Pokemon, dragging along brand new creatures and adventures with it. It was released worldwide on November 18, 2016. 81 new Pokemon was in the game, along with 18 variants of the previous Pokemon, known as the Alolan forms.

The first time i saw the three starters, I fell in love with Rowlet. seriously, it’s a freaking ball of fluff - who wouldn’t want it?

I was ecstatic when the new game was announced – which is the norm for me every time Nintendo does it. But why wouldn’t I? Pokemon has been a part of my life ever since I was a little kid, and has stayed with me ever since. Playing and finishing Pokemon games have always been a big achievement to me – the happiness and triumph I felt is similar to passing my periodical examination, or even finishing a grade.

Back to the game though, I was jumping with joy when Pokemon Sun and Moon was announced. I then made a split decision to stop waiting for further announcements, since I don’t want to spoil myself; thus, making my gameplay of Pokemon Moon the first gameplay I went in completely blind. (well, except for the knowledge of the Alolan Forms, most especially Alolan Exeggutor, who was basically a meme of the game).

It was my first time pre-ordering anything, so I guess I was pretty excited

SETTING: The Region of Alola

Alola region is beautiful. The tropical look makes it unique with the other games, and makes me feel at home since it’s so similar to my own country.  I especially love how there are different cultures in different islands, which you could see with the designs of the city. I especially love Konikoni City and Malie City’s Chinatown and Japan-inspired design (respectively). It’s just so different from the expected tropical, Hawaii look that I actually felt culture-shocked when I first entered these cities, but at the same time, awed by the beauty of the architectures.

look at this excited little kid

CHARACTERS:

The Regional Professor, Kukui

Probably the most laid-back Professor I have seen. He’s funny, and cool. He’s especially cooler when he turned serious on the Champion battle – which I totally expected, you know, ever since it was hinted in the game that he was a great Trainer in the Kanto region.

The Rival, Hau

Hau is a complete cinnamon roll. He’s my baby boy. He’s so sweet, and earnest, and – oh I would spend a whole hour talking about how cute he is. I don’t feel a bit of irritation whenever I encounter him since he’s such a sweet kid. Though a bit too easy-going considering the serious, dark tune of the plot, but hey, at least he’s learning, right?

Lily (g o i n t h e b a g, n e b b y)

Oh, I love this girl. When I first seen her in the Mahalo Trail, I thought she was like N. I mean, plot-wise she is, being the rebelling daughter of the main antagonist, but what I meant was her attitude. Mysterious and slightly antagonistic. But what I got was an innocent young girl – who eventually turned into a beautiful, strong young woman as a close friend. And her character development, Arceus, wow.

(Also, the fact that she (along with her best friend nebby) brought a brand new meme in the internet is glorious. I spent an hour or so just watching all those videos in youtube.  I don’t regret it one bit)

(Also called the fact that she’s Lusamine daughter, fyi. Those blonde locks are beautiful)

Silver 2.0, Gladion

So about this charact – OW! What poked me – oh, it’s just Gladion with his edginess *is shot*

Jokes aside though, I really like Gladion (i love everything about this game actually lol). He’s so… dark, and emo that I found him really funny. Other than that though, he’s really cool during the climax of the plot. And he’s totally protective of his lil sis Lily.

(wake me up, wake me up inside)

(i totally ship him with the player character shhhh)

The Antagonists, Team Skull and Aether Foundation

I totally called Team Skull not being the main antagonist group in the game. I mean, to me they’re too… direct? Too obvious? I have trust in Game Freak to not make such a straightforward villain team, since they’re normally the place holders of the plot. Not that I don’t like Team Skull, or anything, I swear. They have their positives too. Like being badass in their own way.

It’s very obvious that Aether Foundation will be a villain group. I mean, it’s right there in the beginning! Totally cool headquarters though, would really fit in Soul Society *is shot*

Main Boss, Lusamine

S h e’s a w e s o m e.

First of all, she’s the first the first female main villain boss. Second, she’s a yandere. But not just an ordinary yandere, but a yandere mom. Oh my Arceus. And then, that transformation of hers… it’s totally like she’s a mahou shoujo arc villain, which is really cool!

look at this excited little kid finishing her pokemon moon adventure

The Plot

Nintendo makes the best family problems stories. There’s Silver and Giovanni (my headcanon, after reading Pokemon Special manga, is that game!Giovanni also created Team Rocket for Silver’s sake, similar to manga!Giovanni) from Gold, Silver, Crystal, Heartgold and Soulsilver,  and then N and Ghetsis from Black, White, and their respective sequels (which is my favorite generation ever, I just love the plot, oma)

They did wonderful in this game too, featuring Lusamine, Lily and Gladion. Lily wants to overcome her mother’s shadow that is always over her, but she still loves her mother enough that she’s willing to do anything to heal her. I see Gladion is the same as Lily, but during the game, he already did that by leaving home.

On to another topic; the island trials… I love that it deviates from the original gym challenges. My favorite trial was the one with Acerola, the Mimikyu one (after I got over the fright it gave me after that Mimikyu jumpscare – I play at night and is easily scared damn it!)

The aftergame… I didn’t get the chance to play it – since my brother is excited in playing the game himself (he only borrows 3DS games from me since he doesn’t want to spend money in buying it himself, that jerk). I watched some post game videos though, and my Arceus – they really brought Red and Green back! *pterodactyl screech*

Final Remarks

Go play it. Go. Go. It’s good, it’s great, it’s awesome. Nintendo really did great in this one, and I have high hopes for the next game (which I hope isn’t exclusive for Nintendo Switch, my savings are already crying thank you very much). Maybe a direct sequel like Pokemon Stars, or a SInnoh remake? Please?

 FINAL NOTES: I’M SORRY IF I MISSED ANYTHING. What I wrote here are the things that really stood out to me. My aim is not to review everything about the game, but to write what I remember the most and what my reaction to it. If I did react to the whole game, it would take about 20 pages or so in MS word. (This is 3 pages, btw)