New Year, Same Winter

Alright, that was longer than I thought, again. I’ll try to make these more brief probably or just write them whenever I have spare time so I don’t forget.

Anyways, uh, things are starting to come into focus a bit more in terms of the game, but I imagine that’s still going to be a while even though it shouldn’t theoretically take that long and I’m just being lazy and why can’t I just make something for fun…

Ludological Logorrhea

Yuppie Psycho

Great little adventure, survival horror, puzzle, thing game. Gameplay-wise, it’s occasionally a bit confusing, but has some interesting puzzles here and there. I think the survival horror-esque item management did help to make things more tense, though I’m not sure if the limited saves actually affected things all too much. I honestly don’t have many games to which I can compare it, but I enjoyed it more than Metal Gear Solid 1 at least, I think. The art and music I think serve the game very well.

I have a couple gripes about the story. It has some ideas which feel underbaked, and some that actively work against the thematic cohesion. In particular I don’t really feel like a cliché caste-driven dystopia actually… adds anything to the story? It’s brought up here and there, but never does it feel like it actually accomplishes anything with its commentary that it couldn’t do more directly. Additionally I feel the initial endings are pretty lacklustre, though made up for by the additional endings. I do have to respect the game leaving certain details up to interpretation, though sometimes it does feel a tad wasteful. That said, I do think the game has some good humour and somewhat interesting commentary at points. I find that the game is at its strongest with its individual scenarios and the bits and pieces of satire therein.

Overall a fun time, worth checking out if you’re into these kinds of games.

Stuff (Other)

Shimeji Simulation

Such a wonderful manga. I had no idea what direction it would go from where I was during the last update. I remember at first being a little disappointed at how light-hearted it felt, opting not to really explore the whole hikikomori premise. But really, the light-hearted comedic tone of the early manga really just make it hit that much harder when things start to get more serious and thought-provoking and eventually a genuinely experimental approach to the medium. Really wanted to say more about this one, but I don’t think I can find the right words to express it right now. A witty, pretty, and surprisingly touching experience.

I also read Ashizuri Suizokukan after, and although I don’t really have a write-up on it right now, I would also highly recommend it. Some gorgeous art and very interesting little vignettes.

Azumanga Daioh

Didn’t go into this one expecting to finish it, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. After finishing Shimeji Simulation I guess was looking for something to fill that hole it left behind, and this did the job in some respects. Definitely more on the cute-girl-slice-of-life anime side of things, but it excels at being just that. I can myself just watching a random episode whenever I need to feel better. That said, its saccharine, somewhat formulaic nature does mean it can start to drag if you’re binging it, but I felt it was just the right length overall. I also think the more sentimental moments really helped round out the series without feeling out of place. That said I think it really says something that Raspberry Heaven managed to get me genuinely emotional in only the first few episodes when little in the show itself had happened to warrant it.

Now everyone loves Osaker, and for good reason, but I think the whole cast is pretty well rounded (save for Kimura obviously, but he wasn’t used *that* often thankfully). Sakaki is so relatable. Tomo’s kind of annoying to an off-putting degree at points, but she has some good moments and serves her role in the dynamic. Yomi is underrated as a key part of the dynamic, but I understand that she’s meant to be kind of understated for the most part. Still she has some amazing moments now and then when she acts outside her pre-established role. Chiyo is also great, I, too, am afraid of literally everything. Oh, and Kagura. Didn’t expect to like her as much as I did, but I think they did a great job of slowly integrating her into the group. Love how she’s also kind of a catalyst for Sakaki opening up more.

But yeah, such a silly light-hearted show has no reason to be this good. I can see myself coming back to this one whenever I need a pick-me-up. Oh, also I started reading Yotsuba&! immediately after, and I am greatly enjoying it.

Extra(neous) Thoughts

No thoughts... too tired...