Heyo! Been a bit, hasn’t it? Some re-introductions are in order. Good evening and welcome to the RGT Newsletter! This site’s very own magazine style newsletter series of mini-articles, managed (pretty much entirely) by yours truly until more writers volunteer or I approach one of the mods for assistance (Waffles? Anyone?), but that aside, my writing gears have begun turning lately. Not sure what caused it. Traveling? Lack of traveling? My dad being sick? Need for isolation? Too much isolation? Or y’know, probably waking up on the right side of the bed. Do you have any clue how wonderful a new bed mattress could feel? It’s the stuff of heavens for sure.
But moving along, I’m writing this in a shockingly noisy Costa cafe, which is a death sentence to any self-respecting writer, but my laziness overpowers my annoyance, so here we are now. We’ve got a pretty light feature today as I don’t want to overly exert myself today. It’s really fun writing this while listening to P3 Reload’s excellent OST on Spotify. Definitely my best decision this week. But I totally need noise cancellation headphones next time.
Favorite #1: Persona 3 Reload
Waoh, waoh, waoh, you mean to tell me the Persona fan likes the new Persona game? Why, that’s simply unthinkable! Dramatics aside, it’s crazy how much of a perfect package Reload really is, as well as its accompanying DLC. But seriously, this game is awesome. Fantastic soundtrack? Check. Addicting combat? Double check. Fantastic environments? Cozy atmosphere? Great cast and story? Triple-y check. I’m rather excited for Persona 4: Revival (still can’t believe it’s not “Rewind”), if that ever manifests beyond a trailer of a walking animation. (No really).
Excited for #1: Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter
Trails 1 getting a remake! Wowzers, am I right? But seriously, trails remains the one major RPG franchise I’ve yet to give a proper shake, amongst the SRPG and turn-based variety anyhows. I think this is an excellent opportunity, especially given how close this game’s release as of the time I’m writing this. Actually, it comes out literally 12 days away from this article’s publication date. Wild, isn’t it? One of my good friends really loves trails, actually a lot of my friends do! Pressure, I love pressure! But no joke, playing this with the thought that it’d make my friends happy is enough to make me happy. So that’s great enough already.
Favorite #2: Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake
Waoh, the DQ fan likes- okay, we did this bit already, so I’ll lend you a slightly different perspective this time. DQ3 is possibly my all-time favorite RPG. The sheer customizability of it lends you what I feel is still one of the most authentic D&D-like experiences, even if slightly anime-ized. Nothing wrong with that, there’s actually some Japanese fantasy tropes I prefer over the western counterparts, and they all tie back to this wonderful little game. DQ3 has healthily and positively influenced my tastes in numerous ways, so it’s quite the delight to still see it being celebrated.
So what's up with my initial tone? Well, let’s just say playing a bit more of DQ4-6, 9 and 11 and giving them a proper shake had given me a newfound perspective, especially after my friends sold me so well on it. Now I’m feeling a little uncertain, should DQ3 have been remade at all? What about the others? Well, obvious answer is yes, because out of all the really good DQ games, 3 had the most potential for improvement, but I can only pray this doesn’t quite overshadow the remainder of this otherwise phenomenal RPG franchise.
Excited for #2: Pac-Man World Repac 2
Who could’ve foreseen the return of potentially the most overlooked 6th gen platforming masterpiece? Frankly, it was easy to tell that Repac 1 was Bamco’s own way of gauging interest in a new Pac-Man platformer and I’m super happy sales told the story it needed, cuz the world is most certainly itching for a new World game (pun not intended, I promise!).
But it makes sense, Repac 1 clearly had a small budget, but a passion to carry it forward and this will be no exception to that, given that Martin T. Sherman is reprising his role as Pac-Man all the way back from World 3 twenty-something years ago! The reimagined levels do admittedly leave something to be desired, but I’ll hold my breath till this comes out. No point in doomposting about a game that isn’t out yet, after all.
Favorite #3: The Hundred Line - Last Defense Academy
Wow, everyone! The person with the Eito Aotsuki really loves Hundred Line! Everyone stop what you’re doing and check this out! But yeah sarcasm aside, it’s not too big of a surprise that this was right up my alley. SRPG? Visual Novel? 200 hours long? Soundtrack by Masafumi Takada? This was practically made for me.
That’s not all, the story beats were so powerful that this quickly rose into my third favorite game of all time, right behind GTA IV and Persona 5, of course. It’s a bit of a shame if this still doesn’t lend Too Kyo Games the sales needed to stay afloat as it’s such an excellent adventure.
LOVE AND PEACE.
Excited for #3: Digimon Story: Time Stranger
How can any Digimon fan look at this and not feel hyped? But seriously, Media.Vision have always knocked it out of the park with these games, and now they’re making a third? Wowie! It’s also quite appropriate that this comes out so closely to Hundred Line, another Media.Vision masterpiece. They’re really working themselves to the bone which is impressive for a rather niche JP dev.
But seriously, you owe it to yourself to give this one a crack if you’ve the tiniest interest in Digimon. Cyber Sleuth got a great OST and a stellar lineup of colorful digital creatures, so there’s no doubt this will hit the mark.
What have you played this decade that quickly rose into your favorites? Anything new you’re excited for? Feel free to share your thoughts below! Till next time.
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