Category: Game
-
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night — What Lessons Can We Learn From This Iconic Game?
Read more: Castlevania: Symphony of the Night — What Lessons Can We Learn From This Iconic Game?Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, released by Konami in 1997 on the first PlayStation console and Sega Saturn, is widely regarded as one of the most acclaimed video games of all time. Despite its now-iconic status, the game initially sold poorly upon release, only gaining recognition over time. It pioneered the Metroidvania genre—named after the…
-
Chrono Trigger: A Timeless Masterpiece and a Lesson for Humanity
Read more: Chrono Trigger: A Timeless Masterpiece and a Lesson for HumanityReleased in 1995 for the Super Nintendo platform by Square (now Square Enix), Chrono Trigger was the first JRPG I ever played. Borrowing my brother’s Super Nintendo, I immersed myself in the game on Saturday afternoons when I could enjoy playing alone, using the family TV in the living room. My brother had bought the…
-
Puzzle and Dragons: Breaking Free from the Gacha Grip
Read more: Puzzle and Dragons: Breaking Free from the Gacha GripI started playing Puzzle and Dragons in 2014, during my first year in Japan on a working holiday visa. While I’ve genuinely enjoyed the game for years, I recently decided it was time to stop. After reflecting on my habits, I realized I could better use my time—even just a few minutes daily—for more meaningful…
-
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater – A Ladder Climb That Resonates Beyond Gaming
Read more: Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater – A Ladder Climb That Resonates Beyond GamingWriting my recent posts about climbing, and today reflecting on a game, I couldn’t help but be reminded of the iconic ladder scene in Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. This unforgettable moment features what is arguably the longest ladder climb in gaming history. As the scene unfolds, a hauntingly beautiful song begins to play,…
-
The Power of Dreams: From Warcraft 3 to Global Unity
Read more: The Power of Dreams: From Warcraft 3 to Global UnityDreams, often overlooked as mere byproducts of sleep, hold remarkable potential for creativity and self-discovery. Over the past few months, I’ve immersed myself in self-help literature and podcasts, particularly those focusing on sleep, such as Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker. Many of these resources highlight the benefits of maintaining a dream diary, especially for…
-
Resident Evil 5: A Controversial Journey and a Call for Unity
Read more: Resident Evil 5: A Controversial Journey and a Call for UnityReleased in 2009, Resident Evil 5 stands as a significant entry in the iconic horror series that first captivated audiences in 1993. Known for its gripping storylines and terrifying gameplay, the series has become a classic in the zombie-horror genre. This installment, however, sparked heated debates due to its setting and cultural implications. Set in…
-
Lessons from Starcraft: Balance, Unity, and the Power of Shared Values
Read more: Lessons from Starcraft: Balance, Unity, and the Power of Shared ValuesI first played the game Starcraft while visiting my family on Reunion Island. A cousin, who shared my love for games, introduced me to it. Back then, the Internet was still emerging, and we used old Windows operating systems like Windows 98, Windows 2000, or Millennium. Thinking about that time feels nostalgic. If you’re fortunate…
-
The Hidden Costs of Addiction: My Journey with Final Fantasy XIV
Read more: The Hidden Costs of Addiction: My Journey with Final Fantasy XIVIt’s not easy to write about Final Fantasy XIV—a game I’ve undoubtedly spent the most time on. When I decided to take a break, I captured a screenshot to reflect on my gaming hours. Written in Japanese, it recorded 218 days, 9 hours, and 3 minutes—a staggering total of 5232 hours. I accumulated this within…
-
The Power of Connection and Support: Reflections on Final Fantasy IX
Read more: The Power of Connection and Support: Reflections on Final Fantasy IXFinal Fantasy IX, released by Square Enix in 2000, stands as the ninth opus of this beloved RPG series. This installment not only marked a nostalgic return to a “super-deformed” (SD) character design, reminiscent of earlier games, but also showcased the team’s refined experience on the PlayStation platform. The results were spectacular, delivering a captivating…
-
Embracing Change and Growth in Final Fantasy VIII
Read more: Embracing Change and Growth in Final Fantasy VIIIThe 8th installment of Final Fantasy by Square Enix has been both celebrated and criticized, primarily for its romantic storyline featuring Squall Leonhart, a “SeeD” from Balamb Garden, and Rinoa Heartilly, a member of a resistance group against Galbadian forces. This game marked a major shift in the series, from the character design featuring realistic…