Final Fantasy Type 0 was a game from the very early days of the PS4/X-Box One. In fact, it came in a package with the excellent Bloodborne with the PS4 console. Set in the Final Fantasy world, it follows a class of magic users (class 0) as they defend their nation from a mechanical nation that invades them.
This is the very definition of an early game in the consoles life, being more a tech demo. Many of the ideas presented here were refined and done better in Final Fantasy 15. From the real-time map-based combat to the overworld movement that lacks details or a map to tell you locations, all these elements have been refined down the line.
Add to this is the long wait times between areas. Rather than seamlessly moving between areas or minimising your transitions, there is an annoying number of loading screens as you move room to room or area to area. This makes the gameplay feel exceptionally slow and ponderous, which isn't helped by the random encounters and repetitive combat encounters.
When you also consider that the story is over-convoluted and not very engaging, this game unfortunately should be a pass. If you want a game done similar, Final Fantasy 15 is the obvious candidate for a replacement. It feels a little harsh as it is a bit of a product of the time, but that didn't stop Bloodborne being excellent.
1.5 out of 5 final stars.
Thursday 20 June 2019
Sunday 9 June 2019
BOARD GAME REVIEW: HERBACEOUS
Herbaceous by Pencil First Games appears to be a pleasant little game. Themed around collecting different herbs for your collection. In order to complete this, you have 4 single-use containers. You fill these up by mixing herbs from your private garden and the community garden.
Herbaceous has an interesting way of building up the gardens. Each turn, you draw a card and then decide to put it in a communal area or your private area. You then draw and place a second card in the one you didn't choose. This gives the game a nice amount of interaction and means you need to watch what everyone else is building up.
This is where the game shows its teeth. You are trying to build up your 4 containers to be large scorers. Each scores differently, however. One rewards multiples, one rewards different pairs, one rewards different, and one just rewards special numbered herbs but is limited to 3 (and you can score bonus points if you get 3 different special herbs). And for all of these, you need to constantly pace yourself with the game timer, other players, and what is available in the communal garden.
Herbaceous doesn't have many rules and is a small footprint. But the communal garden you are constantly forced to gives other players opportunities. It is a game of pacing, timing, and sometimes pushing your luck. It isn't going to light the world on fire, with games playing out similarly game-to-game (but there is a mini expansion that can help with that), but it is always enjoyable.
4.5 out of 5 smelly waffles.
Herbaceous has an interesting way of building up the gardens. Each turn, you draw a card and then decide to put it in a communal area or your private area. You then draw and place a second card in the one you didn't choose. This gives the game a nice amount of interaction and means you need to watch what everyone else is building up.
This is where the game shows its teeth. You are trying to build up your 4 containers to be large scorers. Each scores differently, however. One rewards multiples, one rewards different pairs, one rewards different, and one just rewards special numbered herbs but is limited to 3 (and you can score bonus points if you get 3 different special herbs). And for all of these, you need to constantly pace yourself with the game timer, other players, and what is available in the communal garden.
Herbaceous doesn't have many rules and is a small footprint. But the communal garden you are constantly forced to gives other players opportunities. It is a game of pacing, timing, and sometimes pushing your luck. It isn't going to light the world on fire, with games playing out similarly game-to-game (but there is a mini expansion that can help with that), but it is always enjoyable.
4.5 out of 5 smelly waffles.
Thursday 30 May 2019
MOVIE REVIEW: DETECTIVE PIKACHU (2019)
Detective Pikachu is a live action Pokemon movie that is based on a spin-off Pokemon game from a few years ago. Starring Ryan Reynolds as the voice of Pikachu, the movie is set in a world where Pokemon exist and occupy the world alongside human protagonists.
The movie follows Tim, an insurance broker. He gets a call telling him that his father is dead. Travelling to Ryme City, he meets Lucy (a reporter) and a Pikachu (who he can understand) who has amnesia and used to be Harry's partner. They then try to unravel the mystery surrounding what happened with Harry.
For the most part, this movie works. It is a joy to watch the Pokemon walking around and interacting with the world. The plot-device that is Ryme City (where there are no battles or pokeballs) means that there is a reason for the Pokemon not to be constantly in battles or pokeballs and lets them interact with the characters allot more.
The downsides are few, but significant. The first is that this is a children's movie (or for those familiar with Pokemon), which means that those who are not familiar (i.e. parents) will find limited enjoyment. Also as a product of this is the plot is fairly predictable, with twists that can be seen coming a mile away.
Perhaps more significant is that the main characters don't really work. Tim and Lucy often feel like they are under-acting allot of scenes that should be emotional. They just don't feel like they really quite have the range to jump between all the tones the movie tries to touch on and make it feel natural.
But more significant is Pikachu (Ryan Reynolds). They simply made the character too snarky. The character is too much like Deadpool, making meta jokes when the situation is trying to be dramatic. Cracking jokes about climate change while they are struggling for their lives completely breaks the mood. It feels like most of these were studio-mandated jokes because, hey Deadpool made money.
So that is it overall. A nice movie but it keeps being brought short by the characters and plot. But if you like Pokemon, you will enjoy seeing them in live action.
2 out of 5 detective waffles.
The movie follows Tim, an insurance broker. He gets a call telling him that his father is dead. Travelling to Ryme City, he meets Lucy (a reporter) and a Pikachu (who he can understand) who has amnesia and used to be Harry's partner. They then try to unravel the mystery surrounding what happened with Harry.
For the most part, this movie works. It is a joy to watch the Pokemon walking around and interacting with the world. The plot-device that is Ryme City (where there are no battles or pokeballs) means that there is a reason for the Pokemon not to be constantly in battles or pokeballs and lets them interact with the characters allot more.
The downsides are few, but significant. The first is that this is a children's movie (or for those familiar with Pokemon), which means that those who are not familiar (i.e. parents) will find limited enjoyment. Also as a product of this is the plot is fairly predictable, with twists that can be seen coming a mile away.
Perhaps more significant is that the main characters don't really work. Tim and Lucy often feel like they are under-acting allot of scenes that should be emotional. They just don't feel like they really quite have the range to jump between all the tones the movie tries to touch on and make it feel natural.
But more significant is Pikachu (Ryan Reynolds). They simply made the character too snarky. The character is too much like Deadpool, making meta jokes when the situation is trying to be dramatic. Cracking jokes about climate change while they are struggling for their lives completely breaks the mood. It feels like most of these were studio-mandated jokes because, hey Deadpool made money.
So that is it overall. A nice movie but it keeps being brought short by the characters and plot. But if you like Pokemon, you will enjoy seeing them in live action.
2 out of 5 detective waffles.
Tuesday 28 May 2019
BOOK REVIEW: ALL MY FRIENDS ARE SUPERHEROES
This book (All My Friends Are Superheroes by Andrew Kauffman) starts off interesting enough. There are superheroes everywhere with different powers. Some are Perfectionists, some are Hypnotists, some can breathe underwater, some are simply always nervous. Some powers seem useful, some not. There are no supervillains per se.
However, one hero makes the girl he has a crush on believe her husband is invisible (by hypnotising). Oh, and he used to date her after he hypnotised her to essentially rape her for 3 months. But somehow he is still not a villain. And the book tries to play this off as "well, the Perfectionist had the best sex of her life with Hypno which is what he hypnotised her to believe, so it is okay." But no-one steps up to challenge this demented Deus-Ex character just to advance the plot more.
Overall, though (if you ignore this bit of writing stupidity), the book is humorous with its unique view of superhero powers. It is also short. But they are big things to overlook, so ultimately a big thumbs down.
1 out of 5 super waffles.
However, one hero makes the girl he has a crush on believe her husband is invisible (by hypnotising). Oh, and he used to date her after he hypnotised her to essentially rape her for 3 months. But somehow he is still not a villain. And the book tries to play this off as "well, the Perfectionist had the best sex of her life with Hypno which is what he hypnotised her to believe, so it is okay." But no-one steps up to challenge this demented Deus-Ex character just to advance the plot more.
Overall, though (if you ignore this bit of writing stupidity), the book is humorous with its unique view of superhero powers. It is also short. But they are big things to overlook, so ultimately a big thumbs down.
1 out of 5 super waffles.
Wednesday 22 May 2019
INITIAL IMPRESSIONS: KICKSTARTER ARRIVALS
So I just thought I would give some initial impressions of some Kickstarter arrivals that I have unpacked, purely based on the contents and the rulebook:
Mysthea- Looks really good. Storing it back in the trays is a bit of a pain. The game looks good. The standard miniatures look like they lost a bit of detail a they are quite small. The game looks quite fun. I am very happy I got the language pack for cards with text.
Neta Tanka- The deluxe edition had allot in it. The KS exclusives didn't quite fit well into the storage boxes. It looks very interesting but also looks like it has allot in it. Hopefully it won't be too complex.
Batman- That was allot of stuff. I doubt I will go with the new Kickstarter in June as there is allot here. The miniature bases and lack of player aides with a poor rulebook is very annoying.
Clash of Rage- Looks really fun. However, the boxes have heaps of unused space around molds. I think I can pack in all the stuff in the base game.
Wreck Raiders- The dice are a bit clunky, which affects how much they can roll compared to rolling them in the box. Looks like a nice small set-collection game. The component quality is okay, but looks like it plays quite fun.
Mysthea- Looks really good. Storing it back in the trays is a bit of a pain. The game looks good. The standard miniatures look like they lost a bit of detail a they are quite small. The game looks quite fun. I am very happy I got the language pack for cards with text.
Neta Tanka- The deluxe edition had allot in it. The KS exclusives didn't quite fit well into the storage boxes. It looks very interesting but also looks like it has allot in it. Hopefully it won't be too complex.
Batman- That was allot of stuff. I doubt I will go with the new Kickstarter in June as there is allot here. The miniature bases and lack of player aides with a poor rulebook is very annoying.
Clash of Rage- Looks really fun. However, the boxes have heaps of unused space around molds. I think I can pack in all the stuff in the base game.
Wreck Raiders- The dice are a bit clunky, which affects how much they can roll compared to rolling them in the box. Looks like a nice small set-collection game. The component quality is okay, but looks like it plays quite fun.
Wednesday 15 May 2019
MOVIE REVIEW: CREED 2
Creed 2 is the follow-up to Creed. This in itself was a sort-of sequel to the Rocky series, where Rocky comes back in the role of a trainer rather than a fighter. The main character, Adonis Creed, is now the heavyweight champion. However, the past is going to try catching up to him.
The main rival here is Viktor Drago, the son of Ivan Drago. After being shamed in his country for losing to Rocky, Ivan has decided to try and regain the glory that was taken from him by putting Viktor against Adonis.
Creed 2 feels at once both familiar and also fresh. Adonis has to contend with issues both inside and outside the ring as he aims to overcome the challenge to his title. It follows several of the familiar Rocky beats (including the training montage), and how it plays out isn't really exceptionally surprising.
However, not every movie needs to be filled with twists and turns. There are a few surprises on how things play out, but what this movie does, it does well. The story gets you emotionally invested and the characters are well realised. In particular, both sides are given plenty of motivations that are believable.
The only downside is that perhaps it is time for Rocky to step out of the series. He does serve as the known emotional bedrock of the series with history, but I would be interested in perhaps a new or different character moving into that role. This would probably be the final step to prove that Creed can truly stand on its own as a series.
5 out of 5 boxing waffles.
The main rival here is Viktor Drago, the son of Ivan Drago. After being shamed in his country for losing to Rocky, Ivan has decided to try and regain the glory that was taken from him by putting Viktor against Adonis.
Creed 2 feels at once both familiar and also fresh. Adonis has to contend with issues both inside and outside the ring as he aims to overcome the challenge to his title. It follows several of the familiar Rocky beats (including the training montage), and how it plays out isn't really exceptionally surprising.
However, not every movie needs to be filled with twists and turns. There are a few surprises on how things play out, but what this movie does, it does well. The story gets you emotionally invested and the characters are well realised. In particular, both sides are given plenty of motivations that are believable.
The only downside is that perhaps it is time for Rocky to step out of the series. He does serve as the known emotional bedrock of the series with history, but I would be interested in perhaps a new or different character moving into that role. This would probably be the final step to prove that Creed can truly stand on its own as a series.
5 out of 5 boxing waffles.
Thursday 9 May 2019
MOVIE REVIEW: ONCE UPON A DEADPOOL (2018)
Once Upon a Deadpool is a non-R rated remake of Deadpool 2. It effectively just dials back the blood and gore and swearing and instead changes its premise a bit. Instead of just a straight up movie, it is instead set akin to the Princess Bride, with Deadpool telling it to Fred Savage.
Deadpool 2 is the story of Cable, coming back through time. He wants to kill a kid (Russell) who will grow up to kill his family. Along the way, he runs into Deadpool who wants to protect the kid. Despite Deadpool treating allot of things like a joke, he never comes across as a joke. In addition, they are able to play with the new storytelling device to insert extra humour in areas.
Once Upon a Deadpool is as entertaining to watch as Deadpool 2. The acting and the jokes are great, the reveals are good, and it is a good superhero story. That being said, if you have watched Deadpool 2 then it doesn't add enough new things to make it worthwhile to watch again (unless you want to see Deadpool 2 again, in which case having things slightly different makes it feel a bit fresher).
That is probably the biggest criticism of Once Upon a Deadpool. Its reasons for existing are questionable. If people weren't going to watch it because of the tone and vulgarity, it doesn't remove enough of that to make it worthwhile. Otherwise you have already seen it. However, taken in vacuum, it is still a very good movie.
4 out of 5 bloody waffles.
Deadpool 2 is the story of Cable, coming back through time. He wants to kill a kid (Russell) who will grow up to kill his family. Along the way, he runs into Deadpool who wants to protect the kid. Despite Deadpool treating allot of things like a joke, he never comes across as a joke. In addition, they are able to play with the new storytelling device to insert extra humour in areas.
Once Upon a Deadpool is as entertaining to watch as Deadpool 2. The acting and the jokes are great, the reveals are good, and it is a good superhero story. That being said, if you have watched Deadpool 2 then it doesn't add enough new things to make it worthwhile to watch again (unless you want to see Deadpool 2 again, in which case having things slightly different makes it feel a bit fresher).
That is probably the biggest criticism of Once Upon a Deadpool. Its reasons for existing are questionable. If people weren't going to watch it because of the tone and vulgarity, it doesn't remove enough of that to make it worthwhile. Otherwise you have already seen it. However, taken in vacuum, it is still a very good movie.
4 out of 5 bloody waffles.
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