Apsup Empty

At the start of the year, I decided to start putting down games I finished, to make a little list I can look at the end of the year. I probably forgot to update it couple times, and it doesn’t have anything I didn’t “finish”, which means no matter how much I played Granblue Versus, it ain’t on the list. Ultimately it was something meant just for me, and now I’m using it to make Top 5 list. Bit late to the GOTY party, but that’s because everyone else is early, December still counts. Not an ordered list, I’m not comparing these to each others.

1. Trails Through Daybreak

I’m Trails fan, there was a new one, it’s really good. Loved the cast, and am looking forward to the sequel in few months. While I didn’t dislike the combat, I don’t think it was strongest combat in the series, and thankfully apparently next game improves on that.

2. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

I’m Like a Dragon fan, there was a new one, it’s really good. While not at good as the previous game, 7 was the best in the series, no shame falling short of that. And this game introduced Yukata Yamai, whom I liked and hope he could stick around in some form.

3. Sakura Wars

The fact that this doesn’t have official translation and western release is a shame, a disappointment, a crime. Cute girls and mechs, (quite simple) tactical combat, power scaling based on how much the girls like you, anime opening at start of every chapter, “in the next episode” -sections at end of every chapter. Sakura Wars is good and deserves more.

4. Ace Combat 3

I wrote a whole post trying to convey the impact of this game hitting my face, I’m not repeating that here. Ace Combat 3 is amazing. Every Ace Combat fan should play it, and anyone who isn’t Ace Combat fan, should fix that.

5. Demons Roots

I’ve seen people call Demons Roots the best written jrpg in last decade or something like that, and I don’t think it’s quite that. But it’s good enough that I understand some people getting that far in their praise. It’s just not “good for rpg-maker eroge”, it’s genuinely good. I do recommend it, just be an adult and know what you are getting into, it’s still rpg-maker eroge.

Bonus: Deadlock

I was all in when one of the first advice had bit of “The information you give is never as clear as you would want.” It’s kinda obvious but it’s still good thing to remind people from time to time, ttrpgs are all about talking and good communication can be hard.

And generally the book’s philosophy for GM;ing is something I generally agree with. GM should have plans, make preparations and think ahead, but be willing to pivot and react to what happens on the table. And while I say I agree with the idea, it’s also something I at time struggle with in play.