What I’m Playing As 2008 Ends
Instead of competing with the vast variety of yearend lists, I’ve decided to comment on some of the games I’m playing during this holiday glut. The games aren’t necessarily new or even released in 2008.
I wanted to start with Persona 3, but I had a Best Buy gift certificate and decided to go ahead and grab the new one. My brother, wife and I have all been playing the game together (though my wife just watches). I probably would have avoided this game like the plague without the recommendations for it, since I usually avoid JRPG’s altogether because of the amount of time it takes to complete one. I actually don’t think I’ve ever completed one before, so hopefully I can end that trend with Persona. The fact that it has anime-style characters would usually be another strike against it as well, since I tend to associate that art style in games with mediocrity (this is my ignorance, not a fact).
What draws me in about the game is the relatively contained story. Since it focuses on a murder mystery instead of an epic, world-altering and completely asinine hero quest, the game feels unique and compelling. The high school simulation element is also refreshing, since I’ve never experienced anything like it. The plot and setting also intrigue my wife. She initially laughed at my brother and I for playing it, but was soon sitting on the couch watching intently. Now she begs us to play the game instead of Gears of War or whatever other high def monstrosity we happen to be fascinated with.
The only thing that puts me off a little about the game is the complexity of the Personas. I’m not really interested in learning the in and outs of combining the things, and would rather be able to focus on a single Persona for the main character and develop it in a unique fashion. Having to consider the day of the week, the weather, relationship bonuses, etc. in order to fuse Personas into more powerful entities is tedious for me. I’m not sure how important this aspect of the game is, but I hope I’m not shooting my Persona-playing collective in the foot by ignoring the entire thing.
I got Fieldrunners on the iTouch based on review scores and it has sucked away many hours of my time. It’s the first Tower Defense game I’ve ever played, but I completely understand the addictiveness of the “genre” now. Figuring out the best way to construct a maze of firepower to annilate a never-ending onslaught of enemies is immensely satisfying. The second map included in the game, “Crossroads,” threw me a curve when I realized I was defending two bases and had to completely rethink my strategy.
Fable 2
I’ve just started Fable 2, but I can see myself spending a lot of time on the game. My character just got married and had her first child, and I have to admit, I’m already considering divorce. My town crier husband is a bit of a jerk with his demands for sex and I’m unhappy that he sits at home draining my coffers. On top of that, immediately after giving birth (which is a remarkably easy process, I’m not sure what the big deal is), he gave me a stove, which I can only imagine is truly a gift for himself, since I don’t plan on being at home much.
Passage
Bought this on the iTouch and found it emotionally effective. If it hasn’t been recommended to you previously, I do so now. It’s free for the PC.
Rock Band 2
Still haven’t managed to tear myself away from this one. As a cooperative experience, it’s second to none. It’s also the best “casual gaming” experience I’ve had. Anyone that enters our home can pick up the instruments or mic and enjoy the game. I’ve never “practiced,” so I haven’t made it any further than Hard on any of the songs, but I’ve continually enjoyed playing it. I imagine our New Year’s Eve celebration will include numerous hours of rock.
Everything Else
I’ve purchase way too many games recently, and except for Persona 4, they’ve all been 15 dollars or less. Stalker, Rolando, Darwinia/Multiwinia, Contact, Amateur Surgeon, N+. The downloadable game is a curse, I’ve decided, worse than the lottery. I can see a point in my future when I’ll have to limit myself to games I can buy with cash. On the bright side, however, I think I now have enough gameplay in my library to last several years (and I wish I could convince myself to utilize it all).
I wish everyone a happy New Year and I hope all of your New Year’s resolutions are achieved.
PS: Braid is my favorite game of the year. Sorry haters! 
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Twitter Updates
I’m glad you are enjoying the new Persona game, but I guess when it comes to utilizing Persona Fusion system, you will either love it or hate it.
Personally, I love it! Of course, this sentiment is probably due to my affection to monster-related RPG games, ranging from Pokemon to Monster Hunter games. The fusion system quickly became addicting and made me commit an effort on establishing as many S.Links as I possibly can. With that being said, I do testify that it gets extremely tedious sometimes, especially when it comes to inheriting specific, desirable skills from the other Personas used in the fusion.
Based on your impressions though, I say you are more like a “Digital Devil Saga” kinda guy than a Persona guy, considering the former only has one “Persona” (although it is not called that in the game) and gives you a complete freedom in fashioning your creature as you see fit. In end, I still think this fusion prospect shouldn’t prevent you from playing the game to completion. There are many surprising twists coming up that should keep you intrigued till the very end.
Oh and happy new year and kudos on choosing Braid as your favorite game of the year. It definitely deserves it
Reply to Angelo: Pardon My EnglishI’m actually really enjoying putting the Personas together now, Angelo. I guess I spoke too quickly! It is a little nerve-wracking though, trying to figure out which ones to combine, but I appreciate the feeling that I can always find another Persona of the same type.
I’ve never played Digital Devil Saga but I’ll look it up.
Reply to Travis MegillGlad you’re enjoying Persona 4. I have yet to dip my hands into the new entry cause I’m still working on P3 on my end. It’s great that you mention how it is a relatively isolated story. Upon my personal research, apparently all of the Persona games are connected and there are references in each game that mention characters and events from past games. But because each game was translated by a different team at Atlus through out the years, these connections are usually lost on us. A very interesting element in looking at JRPGs and their journey to our Western shores.
I haven’t gotten around to Fable 2 yet, but close friends of my have had…shall we say…unimpressive impressions towards the game. Eventually, I’ll give it a shot. I mean, I loved Black & White back in the day despite its ambitious faults.
Look forward to seeing what you have to say in 2009 and keep up the great writing.
Reply to Graduate School GamerDefinitely can’t comment on any connections since I don’t speak Japanese and also haven’t played P3 yet, but that’s interesting. I like sequels that do something different but have neat connections. There are already too many games that copy their original almost completely.
I’m still not sure what my impression of Fable 2 is, but I can say that I’ve barely played it since I’ve gotten involved with Persona 4. I’ll have to return to it a little later.
Thanks for visiting my blog, I’m pretty sure it doesn’t qualify as “great writing,” but I really appreciate the compliment. Same to you!
Reply to Travis Megill