Forums > Contributor Zone > RotW // 29th November -- 5th December //

THIRD - Be The King [IOS] Honestgamer

Historically accurate Jason’s game may not be, but it’s a lot of other things. They’re just things you’re probably all aware of already. Jason’s cleverly points out early that the majority of people have at least some experience with this very common mobile game archetype; do some busywork until your stamina depletes then either wait patiently for it to replenish or spend real world money to unlock a bunch of stuff you’d otherwise have to wait an age to obtain. I think because we’re all very familiar with this type of game, reviewing them could feel like a bit of a chore, but Jason avoids that very well by making his review more personable. Talking just as much about his experiences within the game than he does just about the game itself.

It’s probably the single best direction to take. Tackling the game as is would make it sound like just another mobile game because, well, that’s what it is, and this is not shied away from. Clever use of subject matter, Jason.

SECOND - Legends of Amberland [Switch] Dagoss

I suspect a lot of us will feel the opening lines of this review, right in our old, creaking bones. I thought juxtaposing this against a sprawling time sponge like M&M3 was an effective idea because, even though we’ll rebel against the reality of the situation, a lot of us simply do not have the time to emerge ourselves in something that vast anymore. I also thought the line about how challenging it can be to gain re-entry into these older games was particularly apt. (Mainly because I still own a decade plus old laptop specifically to play forgotten adventure games on. It’s hard work!)

Building that context is important, because it’s the foundation of the review. Amberland works because it’s an abridged CRPG that finds modern ways to create shortcuts through some of the heaviest demands on your time. The examples used throughout were well selected, but the game’s own unique touches are not forgotten. Good find on a game I wasn’t aware existed, and good review to make it relevant to my interests.

FIRST - Phantasy Star III [GEN] Overdrive

Two wins in a row I’ve given you. I must not want that crown.

I’ve always felt a bit sorry for PSIII. As far as I was concerned, PSII was more or less the perfect 16bit JRPG, and how the hell do you follow that up? I appreciate the idea behind III’s generation system, and the ambition behind SEGA’s design choices. They had to bring something new and exciting to the table to compete, and the worst thing about being the first to try something is that, sometimes, it just means you’re the first to find out that something doesn’t really work.

I’m going to have to try really hard at this point now to stop talking about Phantasy Star so I can talk about Rob’s review instead.

So, Rob and I agree on a lot when it comes to this game; it not only doesn’t really stack up when compared to the rest of the Best RPG Series Generation 2 Has, it struggles to stand up on its own merits. Sometimes because it tries so hard to be something it can’t be, but, sometimes, it only has itself to blame. Early on, the game is brutal, and Rob’s right to not only point that out, but to then compare it to the rest of the game which is significantly easier. I think it’s hard to give the dues it deserves for its ambition and the things it does right, while still maintaining it mostly doesn’t work, and that’s exactly what this review accomplishes.

For us. For them. For you.

Thank you for your kind comments, EmP. I am stunned--stunned, I say--that I didn't take first place this week, given my brilliant treatment of a mobile game. But at least I ranked in the top three, so I can find solace in that!

"Too often we enjoy the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought." - John F. Kennedy on reality

"What if everything you see is more than what you see--the person next to you is a warrior and the space that appears empty is a secret door to another world? What if something appears that shouldn't? You either dismiss it, or you accept that there is much more to the world than you think. Perhaps it really is a doorway, and if you choose to go inside, you'll find many unexpected things." - Shigeru Miyamoto on secret doors to another world2

Thanks for the win! One day, I'll have to get back into PS2. I was making good progress via emulation (up to the dungeon with Neifirst) and the computer I was using flat-out died on me. And the game is grueling enough that I haven't had the emotional energy to give it another go since then.

But I am kind of working through Genny RPGs, since I have tended to ignored them for the SNES ones. Early stages of Shining in the Darkness now (as in, just got my full three-person party after what seemed to be hours of running up and down corridors to get XP and equipment so I could beat up a crab) and I'm a bit more fired up to play PS4 than start 2 again, but it should happen some day!

I'm not afraid to die because I am invincible
Viva la muerte, that's my goddamn principle