Joel
@jbarnettqed.bsky.social
Two math degrees, pursuer of games and knowledge. (he/him)
I didn't find out about this until years after I moved away from Winston-Salem, but I can still contribute a bit.
November 15, 2025 at 1:26 AM
I didn't find out about this until years after I moved away from Winston-Salem, but I can still contribute a bit.
On to deal with the guy that is totally the mastermind behind it all, right?
In any case, been playing some proper catch up with my array of Personas. I think I'm just about ready to make meaningful headway in this next dungeon.
In any case, been playing some proper catch up with my array of Personas. I think I'm just about ready to make meaningful headway in this next dungeon.
November 15, 2025 at 12:36 AM
On to deal with the guy that is totally the mastermind behind it all, right?
In any case, been playing some proper catch up with my array of Personas. I think I'm just about ready to make meaningful headway in this next dungeon.
In any case, been playing some proper catch up with my array of Personas. I think I'm just about ready to make meaningful headway in this next dungeon.
IRL Teddie? IRL...er Teddie?
Sub-buttle! I really like the little bits like this that are just silly and funny to break up the otherwise serious narrative.
Dealt with the Momentary Child. Just a big ol' sack of hit points.
Sub-buttle! I really like the little bits like this that are just silly and funny to break up the otherwise serious narrative.
Dealt with the Momentary Child. Just a big ol' sack of hit points.
November 15, 2025 at 12:36 AM
IRL Teddie? IRL...er Teddie?
Sub-buttle! I really like the little bits like this that are just silly and funny to break up the otherwise serious narrative.
Dealt with the Momentary Child. Just a big ol' sack of hit points.
Sub-buttle! I really like the little bits like this that are just silly and funny to break up the otherwise serious narrative.
Dealt with the Momentary Child. Just a big ol' sack of hit points.
... and while I'm sure there's likely to be more to this relationship, it starts off on quite a foot.
Not to mention how, even before allowing me to start the S-Link, Rise is also pretty aggressive. So she can be incredibly flirty, but it's a bit early for a proper conversation?
Not to mention how, even before allowing me to start the S-Link, Rise is also pretty aggressive. So she can be incredibly flirty, but it's a bit early for a proper conversation?
November 15, 2025 at 12:36 AM
... and while I'm sure there's likely to be more to this relationship, it starts off on quite a foot.
Not to mention how, even before allowing me to start the S-Link, Rise is also pretty aggressive. So she can be incredibly flirty, but it's a bit early for a proper conversation?
Not to mention how, even before allowing me to start the S-Link, Rise is also pretty aggressive. So she can be incredibly flirty, but it's a bit early for a proper conversation?
Oh no, not Morooka. Anyone but him. Please, game, why must you be so cruel? His school replacement is definitely something else, though.
Speaking of something else, this nurse is incredibly aggressive. I know the series has had a fascination with teenager/adult relationships...
Speaking of something else, this nurse is incredibly aggressive. I know the series has had a fascination with teenager/adult relationships...
November 15, 2025 at 12:36 AM
Oh no, not Morooka. Anyone but him. Please, game, why must you be so cruel? His school replacement is definitely something else, though.
Speaking of something else, this nurse is incredibly aggressive. I know the series has had a fascination with teenager/adult relationships...
Speaking of something else, this nurse is incredibly aggressive. I know the series has had a fascination with teenager/adult relationships...
Z is for Zero the Kamikaze Squirrel.
Verdict: 3 - Zero the Kamikaze Squirrel is a cute, albeit flawed little platformer. A lot of the movement options and combat interactions don’t gel as well as they really needed to.
Verdict: 3 - Zero the Kamikaze Squirrel is a cute, albeit flawed little platformer. A lot of the movement options and combat interactions don’t gel as well as they really needed to.
November 14, 2025 at 1:07 AM
Z is for Zero the Kamikaze Squirrel.
Verdict: 3 - Zero the Kamikaze Squirrel is a cute, albeit flawed little platformer. A lot of the movement options and combat interactions don’t gel as well as they really needed to.
Verdict: 3 - Zero the Kamikaze Squirrel is a cute, albeit flawed little platformer. A lot of the movement options and combat interactions don’t gel as well as they really needed to.
And just like in P3, the analyst moves onto the team when the new one joins the team. Curious what his skill theme will be. Also, I should go look to see if Sam Riegel did the shadow's voice as well under the distortion. Time for more around-the-town productivity!
November 12, 2025 at 3:26 AM
And just like in P3, the analyst moves onto the team when the new one joins the team. Curious what his skill theme will be. Also, I should go look to see if Sam Riegel did the shadow's voice as well under the distortion. Time for more around-the-town productivity!
Flat Teddie! His dialogue portrait as such is comedy gold.
Shadow Teddie!? Not too bad a fight. A couple of close calls when I brain-farted (walked into Marakunda/Heat Wave). Was there some chance that ultra-charged Nihil Swipe could've actually done something?
Shadow Teddie!? Not too bad a fight. A couple of close calls when I brain-farted (walked into Marakunda/Heat Wave). Was there some chance that ultra-charged Nihil Swipe could've actually done something?
November 12, 2025 at 3:26 AM
Flat Teddie! His dialogue portrait as such is comedy gold.
Shadow Teddie!? Not too bad a fight. A couple of close calls when I brain-farted (walked into Marakunda/Heat Wave). Was there some chance that ultra-charged Nihil Swipe could've actually done something?
Shadow Teddie!? Not too bad a fight. A couple of close calls when I brain-farted (walked into Marakunda/Heat Wave). Was there some chance that ultra-charged Nihil Swipe could've actually done something?
As a random aside, it took me a couple of times hearing it to realize Chie's "Woo!" in combat wasn't a siren.
Oh hey, this Shadow Rise fight isn't all that bad. Way too many skills, but reasonable. What's her skillset going to be? Oh, she's the analyst.
Oh hey, this Shadow Rise fight isn't all that bad. Way too many skills, but reasonable. What's her skillset going to be? Oh, she's the analyst.
November 12, 2025 at 3:26 AM
As a random aside, it took me a couple of times hearing it to realize Chie's "Woo!" in combat wasn't a siren.
Oh hey, this Shadow Rise fight isn't all that bad. Way too many skills, but reasonable. What's her skillset going to be? Oh, she's the analyst.
Oh hey, this Shadow Rise fight isn't all that bad. Way too many skills, but reasonable. What's her skillset going to be? Oh, she's the analyst.
Of course, even as a palette swap from P3, Amorous Snake was thematic. Even got to make use of the Firecracker supply I'd managed to build up. Would've been easier if I'd had Yukiko in the active party, though.
Need to farm Cups, then onward and upward.
Need to farm Cups, then onward and upward.
November 10, 2025 at 6:11 AM
Of course, even as a palette swap from P3, Amorous Snake was thematic. Even got to make use of the Firecracker supply I'd managed to build up. Would've been easier if I'd had Yukiko in the active party, though.
Need to farm Cups, then onward and upward.
Need to farm Cups, then onward and upward.
It seems pretty clear what the ultimate conflict will be with Rise (at least the realistic non-exaggerated version), but this lead-up is something else. Curious to see how far it goes and how it's handled.
November 10, 2025 at 6:11 AM
It seems pretty clear what the ultimate conflict will be with Rise (at least the realistic non-exaggerated version), but this lead-up is something else. Curious to see how far it goes and how it's handled.
Grinding a bit and collecting the second dungeon quest drops. Felled the Intolerant Officer. Another slog of a fight, but not too bad.
Kanji's casting animation is fun.
Finally pulled a Magician in shuffle time. That's quite an effect.
Kanji's casting animation is fun.
Finally pulled a Magician in shuffle time. That's quite an effect.
November 10, 2025 at 6:11 AM
Grinding a bit and collecting the second dungeon quest drops. Felled the Intolerant Officer. Another slog of a fight, but not too bad.
Kanji's casting animation is fun.
Finally pulled a Magician in shuffle time. That's quite an effect.
Kanji's casting animation is fun.
Finally pulled a Magician in shuffle time. That's quite an effect.
Y is for Ys III - Wanderers from Ys.
Verdict: 4 - Ys III is a decent little action RPG with fast pacing and a fun soundtrack. Much of the experience is hampered by some regular technical issues.
Verdict: 4 - Ys III is a decent little action RPG with fast pacing and a fun soundtrack. Much of the experience is hampered by some regular technical issues.
November 8, 2025 at 2:29 AM
Y is for Ys III - Wanderers from Ys.
Verdict: 4 - Ys III is a decent little action RPG with fast pacing and a fun soundtrack. Much of the experience is hampered by some regular technical issues.
Verdict: 4 - Ys III is a decent little action RPG with fast pacing and a fun soundtrack. Much of the experience is hampered by some regular technical issues.
X is for X-Men: Mutant Apocalypse.
Verdict: 5 - X-Men: Mutant Apocalypse is a pretty great beat 'em up with a solid foundation and fun mechanics. Better progression balancing and input design would’ve made this one truly special.
Verdict: 5 - X-Men: Mutant Apocalypse is a pretty great beat 'em up with a solid foundation and fun mechanics. Better progression balancing and input design would’ve made this one truly special.
November 8, 2025 at 2:29 AM
X is for X-Men: Mutant Apocalypse.
Verdict: 5 - X-Men: Mutant Apocalypse is a pretty great beat 'em up with a solid foundation and fun mechanics. Better progression balancing and input design would’ve made this one truly special.
Verdict: 5 - X-Men: Mutant Apocalypse is a pretty great beat 'em up with a solid foundation and fun mechanics. Better progression balancing and input design would’ve made this one truly special.
W is for Wheel of Fortune - Deluxe Edition.
Verdict: 3 - Wheel of Fortune DX is a rough approximation of the game show. It’s fine enough if you really want to experience it on the SNES.
Verdict: 3 - Wheel of Fortune DX is a rough approximation of the game show. It’s fine enough if you really want to experience it on the SNES.
November 8, 2025 at 2:29 AM
W is for Wheel of Fortune - Deluxe Edition.
Verdict: 3 - Wheel of Fortune DX is a rough approximation of the game show. It’s fine enough if you really want to experience it on the SNES.
Verdict: 3 - Wheel of Fortune DX is a rough approximation of the game show. It’s fine enough if you really want to experience it on the SNES.
V is for Vegas Stakes.
Verdict: 2 - Vegas Stakes is a functional faux-gambling game. NPC interaction is an interesting mechanic, but unless you’re really into the included games, the repetition and grind will be hurdles to enjoyment.
Verdict: 2 - Vegas Stakes is a functional faux-gambling game. NPC interaction is an interesting mechanic, but unless you’re really into the included games, the repetition and grind will be hurdles to enjoyment.
November 8, 2025 at 2:29 AM
V is for Vegas Stakes.
Verdict: 2 - Vegas Stakes is a functional faux-gambling game. NPC interaction is an interesting mechanic, but unless you’re really into the included games, the repetition and grind will be hurdles to enjoyment.
Verdict: 2 - Vegas Stakes is a functional faux-gambling game. NPC interaction is an interesting mechanic, but unless you’re really into the included games, the repetition and grind will be hurdles to enjoyment.
Adachi's been amusing comic relief. As such, I suspect he's the big bad (even if he is an S-Link). Also, Dojima has suspicions!
Kanji is a fun character so far, but I don't entirely like some of the scenes with him and Yosuke. I hope it'll be an opportunity for growth, but I'm not optimistic.
Kanji is a fun character so far, but I don't entirely like some of the scenes with him and Yosuke. I hope it'll be an opportunity for growth, but I'm not optimistic.
November 6, 2025 at 7:54 AM
Adachi's been amusing comic relief. As such, I suspect he's the big bad (even if he is an S-Link). Also, Dojima has suspicions!
Kanji is a fun character so far, but I don't entirely like some of the scenes with him and Yosuke. I hope it'll be an opportunity for growth, but I'm not optimistic.
Kanji is a fun character so far, but I don't entirely like some of the scenes with him and Yosuke. I hope it'll be an opportunity for growth, but I'm not optimistic.
Dealt with the mini-boss. It ran out of SP. No more buffs for you.
Design for the Kanji shadow was interesting. I'm not sure I'm totally sold on how all of it played out. I'm hoping this thread gets addressed in the social link over time.
Also, I'm intrigued at who they chose for Justice.
Design for the Kanji shadow was interesting. I'm not sure I'm totally sold on how all of it played out. I'm hoping this thread gets addressed in the social link over time.
Also, I'm intrigued at who they chose for Justice.
November 2, 2025 at 6:02 AM
Dealt with the mini-boss. It ran out of SP. No more buffs for you.
Design for the Kanji shadow was interesting. I'm not sure I'm totally sold on how all of it played out. I'm hoping this thread gets addressed in the social link over time.
Also, I'm intrigued at who they chose for Justice.
Design for the Kanji shadow was interesting. I'm not sure I'm totally sold on how all of it played out. I'm hoping this thread gets addressed in the social link over time.
Also, I'm intrigued at who they chose for Justice.
Actually, that guy hits like a truck. Maybe later.
Also, I know the cards are available, but I'm not sure I like that you all but can't sneak up on shadows.
Not sure I've seen the Jester arcana before. Anyways, time for a little grinding.
Also, I know the cards are available, but I'm not sure I like that you all but can't sneak up on shadows.
Not sure I've seen the Jester arcana before. Anyways, time for a little grinding.
October 27, 2025 at 7:17 AM
Actually, that guy hits like a truck. Maybe later.
Also, I know the cards are available, but I'm not sure I like that you all but can't sneak up on shadows.
Not sure I've seen the Jester arcana before. Anyways, time for a little grinding.
Also, I know the cards are available, but I'm not sure I like that you all but can't sneak up on shadows.
Not sure I've seen the Jester arcana before. Anyways, time for a little grinding.
The Kanji show sure was something. I think I see where his bit is going, and it'll be interesting to see how it plays out.
Definitely appreciate Chie's enthusiasm. And LOL @ "Galactic Punt." And double follow up attacks?
Thinking about this apparent replacement boss in the first area...
Definitely appreciate Chie's enthusiasm. And LOL @ "Galactic Punt." And double follow up attacks?
Thinking about this apparent replacement boss in the first area...
October 27, 2025 at 7:17 AM
The Kanji show sure was something. I think I see where his bit is going, and it'll be interesting to see how it plays out.
Definitely appreciate Chie's enthusiasm. And LOL @ "Galactic Punt." And double follow up attacks?
Thinking about this apparent replacement boss in the first area...
Definitely appreciate Chie's enthusiasm. And LOL @ "Galactic Punt." And double follow up attacks?
Thinking about this apparent replacement boss in the first area...
Boy, I wonder if this second victim is the exact silhouette of the character from the title screen that was just discussed. Who can say?
The team of four trying to be stealthy is so delightfully silly. Literally Looney Tunes.
The team of four trying to be stealthy is so delightfully silly. Literally Looney Tunes.
October 27, 2025 at 7:17 AM
Boy, I wonder if this second victim is the exact silhouette of the character from the title screen that was just discussed. Who can say?
The team of four trying to be stealthy is so delightfully silly. Literally Looney Tunes.
The team of four trying to be stealthy is so delightfully silly. Literally Looney Tunes.
Developing stats and relationships. Looks like it's about time to start the second chapter of the game soon. Now, if I could just figure out where Yukiko hides so I can start her Link...
October 25, 2025 at 5:48 AM
Developing stats and relationships. Looks like it's about time to start the second chapter of the game soon. Now, if I could just figure out where Yukiko hides so I can start her Link...
The cutscene skip functionality and styling is cute. I appreciate their commitment to the aesthetic.
Also, fusion search! I miss having reverse compendium fusion from SMTV, but this is a welcome step forward from P3P.
Also, fusion search! I miss having reverse compendium fusion from SMTV, but this is a welcome step forward from P3P.
October 23, 2025 at 4:19 AM
The cutscene skip functionality and styling is cute. I appreciate their commitment to the aesthetic.
Also, fusion search! I miss having reverse compendium fusion from SMTV, but this is a welcome step forward from P3P.
Also, fusion search! I miss having reverse compendium fusion from SMTV, but this is a welcome step forward from P3P.
Never mind. With a couple of better personas in the lineup, knocking it out on the first visit was sufficient, especially being able to just jump straight to the boss floor from home base. Now I assume I wait until whatever the deadline would've been for the story to progress.
October 23, 2025 at 4:19 AM
Never mind. With a couple of better personas in the lineup, knocking it out on the first visit was sufficient, especially being able to just jump straight to the boss floor from home base. Now I assume I wait until whatever the deadline would've been for the story to progress.
U is for U.N. Squadron.
Verdict: 5 - U.N. Squadron is a fun shmup, mostly marred by a viciously difficult boss.
Verdict: 5 - U.N. Squadron is a fun shmup, mostly marred by a viciously difficult boss.
October 22, 2025 at 6:18 AM
U is for U.N. Squadron.
Verdict: 5 - U.N. Squadron is a fun shmup, mostly marred by a viciously difficult boss.
Verdict: 5 - U.N. Squadron is a fun shmup, mostly marred by a viciously difficult boss.