Bryan
@neomassicot.bsky.social
I contribute things to @RPGSite.net. I host the Tetracast.
21. Dark Deity 2
Way better gameplay than the first. Maps have interesting objectives / fog / etc. Ability/ring systems give some cool sense of progression. A better general narrative.
But, trying not to be hyperbolic, one of the worst protags ever. Sucked a huge chunk of my enjoyment out of it
Way better gameplay than the first. Maps have interesting objectives / fog / etc. Ability/ring systems give some cool sense of progression. A better general narrative.
But, trying not to be hyperbolic, one of the worst protags ever. Sucked a huge chunk of my enjoyment out of it
October 12, 2025 at 4:43 PM
21. Dark Deity 2
Way better gameplay than the first. Maps have interesting objectives / fog / etc. Ability/ring systems give some cool sense of progression. A better general narrative.
But, trying not to be hyperbolic, one of the worst protags ever. Sucked a huge chunk of my enjoyment out of it
Way better gameplay than the first. Maps have interesting objectives / fog / etc. Ability/ring systems give some cool sense of progression. A better general narrative.
But, trying not to be hyperbolic, one of the worst protags ever. Sucked a huge chunk of my enjoyment out of it
20. Dark Deity
This game was just 'ok'. The story was fine if a little bland, the maps are open without a lot of intricacies. The weapon token system was a bit strange. The bones of a ok game are there, but it feels more like a prototype than anything. Best thing going for it was the character art.
This game was just 'ok'. The story was fine if a little bland, the maps are open without a lot of intricacies. The weapon token system was a bit strange. The bones of a ok game are there, but it feels more like a prototype than anything. Best thing going for it was the character art.
October 12, 2025 at 4:36 PM
20. Dark Deity
This game was just 'ok'. The story was fine if a little bland, the maps are open without a lot of intricacies. The weapon token system was a bit strange. The bones of a ok game are there, but it feels more like a prototype than anything. Best thing going for it was the character art.
This game was just 'ok'. The story was fine if a little bland, the maps are open without a lot of intricacies. The weapon token system was a bit strange. The bones of a ok game are there, but it feels more like a prototype than anything. Best thing going for it was the character art.
Hung out with three huskies (?) At the dog park and now relaxing on nearby restaurant patio
September 28, 2025 at 7:34 PM
Hung out with three huskies (?) At the dog park and now relaxing on nearby restaurant patio
19. Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter
Not sure what can be said that hasn't already been said widely... Falcom could have easily compromised a Sky FC remake in so many ways, but they didn't, they nailed it. It felt faithful to the original such that it felt like I had already played it, in a good way!
Not sure what can be said that hasn't already been said widely... Falcom could have easily compromised a Sky FC remake in so many ways, but they didn't, they nailed it. It felt faithful to the original such that it felt like I had already played it, in a good way!
September 27, 2025 at 12:14 AM
19. Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter
Not sure what can be said that hasn't already been said widely... Falcom could have easily compromised a Sky FC remake in so many ways, but they didn't, they nailed it. It felt faithful to the original such that it felt like I had already played it, in a good way!
Not sure what can be said that hasn't already been said widely... Falcom could have easily compromised a Sky FC remake in so many ways, but they didn't, they nailed it. It felt faithful to the original such that it felt like I had already played it, in a good way!
18. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered
Filled in a big gap in my play history by completing Oblivion for the first time! Enjoyed my time with it, but I can definitely see the "scaling" criticisms from 20 years ago. Lots of very-samey locations, and I wasn't feeling the expansion area at all.
Filled in a big gap in my play history by completing Oblivion for the first time! Enjoyed my time with it, but I can definitely see the "scaling" criticisms from 20 years ago. Lots of very-samey locations, and I wasn't feeling the expansion area at all.
September 13, 2025 at 3:39 AM
18. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered
Filled in a big gap in my play history by completing Oblivion for the first time! Enjoyed my time with it, but I can definitely see the "scaling" criticisms from 20 years ago. Lots of very-samey locations, and I wasn't feeling the expansion area at all.
Filled in a big gap in my play history by completing Oblivion for the first time! Enjoyed my time with it, but I can definitely see the "scaling" criticisms from 20 years ago. Lots of very-samey locations, and I wasn't feeling the expansion area at all.
17. Drova: Forsaken Kin
Tried this on strong word of mouth...it has a lot going for it! Seen it compared to Morrowind/Gothic...only comparison I have is Elex, but I see it. Fun quest design, unforgiving but rewarding world, story hiccups are the only things holding it back from being a no-doubter.
Tried this on strong word of mouth...it has a lot going for it! Seen it compared to Morrowind/Gothic...only comparison I have is Elex, but I see it. Fun quest design, unforgiving but rewarding world, story hiccups are the only things holding it back from being a no-doubter.
September 13, 2025 at 3:26 AM
17. Drova: Forsaken Kin
Tried this on strong word of mouth...it has a lot going for it! Seen it compared to Morrowind/Gothic...only comparison I have is Elex, but I see it. Fun quest design, unforgiving but rewarding world, story hiccups are the only things holding it back from being a no-doubter.
Tried this on strong word of mouth...it has a lot going for it! Seen it compared to Morrowind/Gothic...only comparison I have is Elex, but I see it. Fun quest design, unforgiving but rewarding world, story hiccups are the only things holding it back from being a no-doubter.
16. The First Berserker: Khazan
I'm proud of this one! I managed to beat it on Expert with no summons. I looked up every guide on the internet and overleveled for the final boss... but still! Excellent bosses, kinda mid everything else. It's a pretty self-confident game, the best kind of "7/10".
I'm proud of this one! I managed to beat it on Expert with no summons. I looked up every guide on the internet and overleveled for the final boss... but still! Excellent bosses, kinda mid everything else. It's a pretty self-confident game, the best kind of "7/10".
August 14, 2025 at 3:10 AM
16. The First Berserker: Khazan
I'm proud of this one! I managed to beat it on Expert with no summons. I looked up every guide on the internet and overleveled for the final boss... but still! Excellent bosses, kinda mid everything else. It's a pretty self-confident game, the best kind of "7/10".
I'm proud of this one! I managed to beat it on Expert with no summons. I looked up every guide on the internet and overleveled for the final boss... but still! Excellent bosses, kinda mid everything else. It's a pretty self-confident game, the best kind of "7/10".
15. Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time
I respect this game a lot. It's endlessly surprising and feels like 3 games in one with how much is packed in. However, I ended up bouncing off of it (though I did finish it). It's a bit of a "fill the bars" experience that I didn't gel with at the time.
I respect this game a lot. It's endlessly surprising and feels like 3 games in one with how much is packed in. However, I ended up bouncing off of it (though I did finish it). It's a bit of a "fill the bars" experience that I didn't gel with at the time.
August 14, 2025 at 2:51 AM
15. Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time
I respect this game a lot. It's endlessly surprising and feels like 3 games in one with how much is packed in. However, I ended up bouncing off of it (though I did finish it). It's a bit of a "fill the bars" experience that I didn't gel with at the time.
I respect this game a lot. It's endlessly surprising and feels like 3 games in one with how much is packed in. However, I ended up bouncing off of it (though I did finish it). It's a bit of a "fill the bars" experience that I didn't gel with at the time.
14. System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster
I'm glad I set aside a small amount of time for this. Easy to see how this game was one that inspired so many others that came after it. Seems highly replayable in a way that similar games today often aren't. I should play more immersive sims..
I'm glad I set aside a small amount of time for this. Easy to see how this game was one that inspired so many others that came after it. Seems highly replayable in a way that similar games today often aren't. I should play more immersive sims..
August 14, 2025 at 2:47 AM
14. System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster
I'm glad I set aside a small amount of time for this. Easy to see how this game was one that inspired so many others that came after it. Seems highly replayable in a way that similar games today often aren't. I should play more immersive sims..
I'm glad I set aside a small amount of time for this. Easy to see how this game was one that inspired so many others that came after it. Seems highly replayable in a way that similar games today often aren't. I should play more immersive sims..
13. Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon
An ambitious but rough game. I was not expecting to vibe with the alternate-Arthurian mythos at all, but I came around to like it a lot! The UI underwent a major change and a lot of voice acting was added mid-playthrough, which made it feel very early-access.
An ambitious but rough game. I was not expecting to vibe with the alternate-Arthurian mythos at all, but I came around to like it a lot! The UI underwent a major change and a lot of voice acting was added mid-playthrough, which made it feel very early-access.
August 14, 2025 at 2:31 AM
13. Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon
An ambitious but rough game. I was not expecting to vibe with the alternate-Arthurian mythos at all, but I came around to like it a lot! The UI underwent a major change and a lot of voice acting was added mid-playthrough, which made it feel very early-access.
An ambitious but rough game. I was not expecting to vibe with the alternate-Arthurian mythos at all, but I came around to like it a lot! The UI underwent a major change and a lot of voice acting was added mid-playthrough, which made it feel very early-access.
Unsurprisingly, E33 has a pretty strong presence in artist alley. And a Metaphor sighting! Also, Hazbin Hotel is everywhere...
July 4, 2025 at 12:21 AM
Unsurprisingly, E33 has a pretty strong presence in artist alley. And a Metaphor sighting! Also, Hazbin Hotel is everywhere...
I've made the yearly pilgrimage!
July 3, 2025 at 5:31 PM
I've made the yearly pilgrimage!
Staying a road trip to Denver, I am happily a passenger princess for this one.
July 2, 2025 at 4:37 PM
Staying a road trip to Denver, I am happily a passenger princess for this one.
12. Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army
A perfectly adequate game, the definition of "It's fine." I wish it leaned into the investigative angle more. The first few chapters give just a hint of it and then it falls off a bit. Though I was not expecting the story to go where it goes!
A perfectly adequate game, the definition of "It's fine." I wish it leaned into the investigative angle more. The first few chapters give just a hint of it and then it falls off a bit. Though I was not expecting the story to go where it goes!
June 25, 2025 at 1:07 AM
12. Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army
A perfectly adequate game, the definition of "It's fine." I wish it leaned into the investigative angle more. The first few chapters give just a hint of it and then it falls off a bit. Though I was not expecting the story to go where it goes!
A perfectly adequate game, the definition of "It's fine." I wish it leaned into the investigative angle more. The first few chapters give just a hint of it and then it falls off a bit. Though I was not expecting the story to go where it goes!
11. Kingdom Come Deliverance II
Really enjoyed this one, and it took me all month to play. A serious step up from the original technically, and still a relatively low-stakes story (but escalating!) A fair bit easier than the first game too. Excellent script, good characters, many good distractions.
Really enjoyed this one, and it took me all month to play. A serious step up from the original technically, and still a relatively low-stakes story (but escalating!) A fair bit easier than the first game too. Excellent script, good characters, many good distractions.
June 13, 2025 at 7:50 PM
11. Kingdom Come Deliverance II
Really enjoyed this one, and it took me all month to play. A serious step up from the original technically, and still a relatively low-stakes story (but escalating!) A fair bit easier than the first game too. Excellent script, good characters, many good distractions.
Really enjoyed this one, and it took me all month to play. A serious step up from the original technically, and still a relatively low-stakes story (but escalating!) A fair bit easier than the first game too. Excellent script, good characters, many good distractions.
10. Lunar Remastered Collection
This year I've played a handful of remastered RPGs that I missed when I was young (Saga, Suikoden, now Lunar). While I probably enjoyed Lunar 1/2 the least of the three, I still enjoyed it a lot. Also Lunar 2 was legitimately challenging at times, which surprised me.
This year I've played a handful of remastered RPGs that I missed when I was young (Saga, Suikoden, now Lunar). While I probably enjoyed Lunar 1/2 the least of the three, I still enjoyed it a lot. Also Lunar 2 was legitimately challenging at times, which surprised me.
May 21, 2025 at 1:03 PM
10. Lunar Remastered Collection
This year I've played a handful of remastered RPGs that I missed when I was young (Saga, Suikoden, now Lunar). While I probably enjoyed Lunar 1/2 the least of the three, I still enjoyed it a lot. Also Lunar 2 was legitimately challenging at times, which surprised me.
This year I've played a handful of remastered RPGs that I missed when I was young (Saga, Suikoden, now Lunar). While I probably enjoyed Lunar 1/2 the least of the three, I still enjoyed it a lot. Also Lunar 2 was legitimately challenging at times, which surprised me.
9. Monster Hunter Wilds
I didn't really feel this one. Part of it is the game and part of it was me. I put so much time into World/Rise that I think Wilds was not different enough to hold my attention. Also the repetition between low and high rank really surprised me. Not bad, just bored me a bit.
I didn't really feel this one. Part of it is the game and part of it was me. I put so much time into World/Rise that I think Wilds was not different enough to hold my attention. Also the repetition between low and high rank really surprised me. Not bad, just bored me a bit.
May 21, 2025 at 12:59 PM
9. Monster Hunter Wilds
I didn't really feel this one. Part of it is the game and part of it was me. I put so much time into World/Rise that I think Wilds was not different enough to hold my attention. Also the repetition between low and high rank really surprised me. Not bad, just bored me a bit.
I didn't really feel this one. Part of it is the game and part of it was me. I put so much time into World/Rise that I think Wilds was not different enough to hold my attention. Also the repetition between low and high rank really surprised me. Not bad, just bored me a bit.
Oop, I haven't been doing well keeping this up to date..
8. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Any incredibly impressive debut title. Not perfect (Lumina UI/UX) but I'm not sure there's another title this year that I would recommend as highly. I probably would have scored it a 10 if I had reviewed it.
8. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Any incredibly impressive debut title. Not perfect (Lumina UI/UX) but I'm not sure there's another title this year that I would recommend as highly. I probably would have scored it a 10 if I had reviewed it.
May 21, 2025 at 12:55 PM
Oop, I haven't been doing well keeping this up to date..
8. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Any incredibly impressive debut title. Not perfect (Lumina UI/UX) but I'm not sure there's another title this year that I would recommend as highly. I probably would have scored it a 10 if I had reviewed it.
8. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Any incredibly impressive debut title. Not perfect (Lumina UI/UX) but I'm not sure there's another title this year that I would recommend as highly. I probably would have scored it a 10 if I had reviewed it.
7. Saga Frontier 2 Remastered
Once I put a few hours into this...I actually enjoyed it a heck of a lot? Maybe my second favorite SaGa game? I loved the generations-spanning interweaving storylines, it's formatted so much differently from other titles in the series. It's a perfect handheld game too.
Once I put a few hours into this...I actually enjoyed it a heck of a lot? Maybe my second favorite SaGa game? I loved the generations-spanning interweaving storylines, it's formatted so much differently from other titles in the series. It's a perfect handheld game too.
April 25, 2025 at 4:54 AM
7. Saga Frontier 2 Remastered
Once I put a few hours into this...I actually enjoyed it a heck of a lot? Maybe my second favorite SaGa game? I loved the generations-spanning interweaving storylines, it's formatted so much differently from other titles in the series. It's a perfect handheld game too.
Once I put a few hours into this...I actually enjoyed it a heck of a lot? Maybe my second favorite SaGa game? I loved the generations-spanning interweaving storylines, it's formatted so much differently from other titles in the series. It's a perfect handheld game too.
6. Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition
I'm mixed on this one. I think I see what others see, but being honest, by the end I felt a bit burnt out, but I enjoyed how it focused on different things than a "main" trilogy game. I can definitely see why it was divisive when it first released.
I'm mixed on this one. I think I see what others see, but being honest, by the end I felt a bit burnt out, but I enjoyed how it focused on different things than a "main" trilogy game. I can definitely see why it was divisive when it first released.
April 25, 2025 at 4:50 AM
6. Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition
I'm mixed on this one. I think I see what others see, but being honest, by the end I felt a bit burnt out, but I enjoyed how it focused on different things than a "main" trilogy game. I can definitely see why it was divisive when it first released.
I'm mixed on this one. I think I see what others see, but being honest, by the end I felt a bit burnt out, but I enjoyed how it focused on different things than a "main" trilogy game. I can definitely see why it was divisive when it first released.
5. Suikoden I&II HD Remaster
My first time playing any Suikoden. Really cool to play these back to back to see how rapidly it evolved in the sequel. While some of the side stuff is a bit trivial, I really enjoyed my time in both games. Also, the pixel animations in II are some of the best ever?
My first time playing any Suikoden. Really cool to play these back to back to see how rapidly it evolved in the sequel. While some of the side stuff is a bit trivial, I really enjoyed my time in both games. Also, the pixel animations in II are some of the best ever?
March 29, 2025 at 4:51 AM
5. Suikoden I&II HD Remaster
My first time playing any Suikoden. Really cool to play these back to back to see how rapidly it evolved in the sequel. While some of the side stuff is a bit trivial, I really enjoyed my time in both games. Also, the pixel animations in II are some of the best ever?
My first time playing any Suikoden. Really cool to play these back to back to see how rapidly it evolved in the sequel. While some of the side stuff is a bit trivial, I really enjoyed my time in both games. Also, the pixel animations in II are some of the best ever?
4. Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii
Didn't really hook me, though I am glad RGG is still able to mix in the brawler-style games alongside the main series. Did a small amount of the side content, but it didn't really compel me enough to really do a lot of it. Potentially just a small amount of series burnout
Didn't really hook me, though I am glad RGG is still able to mix in the brawler-style games alongside the main series. Did a small amount of the side content, but it didn't really compel me enough to really do a lot of it. Potentially just a small amount of series burnout
March 4, 2025 at 4:05 AM
4. Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii
Didn't really hook me, though I am glad RGG is still able to mix in the brawler-style games alongside the main series. Did a small amount of the side content, but it didn't really compel me enough to really do a lot of it. Potentially just a small amount of series burnout
Didn't really hook me, though I am glad RGG is still able to mix in the brawler-style games alongside the main series. Did a small amount of the side content, but it didn't really compel me enough to really do a lot of it. Potentially just a small amount of series burnout
3. Trails through Daybreak II
I heard the muted reception to this when it originally released, but I tried to go in with an open mind. The opening acts were honestly decent worldbuilding, and I am even more endeared to Swin and Nadia. Act 3 has its reputation for a reason, though. Still enjoyed it.
I heard the muted reception to this when it originally released, but I tried to go in with an open mind. The opening acts were honestly decent worldbuilding, and I am even more endeared to Swin and Nadia. Act 3 has its reputation for a reason, though. Still enjoyed it.
February 23, 2025 at 6:32 AM
3. Trails through Daybreak II
I heard the muted reception to this when it originally released, but I tried to go in with an open mind. The opening acts were honestly decent worldbuilding, and I am even more endeared to Swin and Nadia. Act 3 has its reputation for a reason, though. Still enjoyed it.
I heard the muted reception to this when it originally released, but I tried to go in with an open mind. The opening acts were honestly decent worldbuilding, and I am even more endeared to Swin and Nadia. Act 3 has its reputation for a reason, though. Still enjoyed it.