Tag: Balance
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Is Death Note a Reflection of Our Own Extremes?
Read more: Is Death Note a Reflection of Our Own Extremes?Do extremes ever lead to true justice? Death Note is a Japanese manga series written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata, serialized from December 2003 to May 2006. The story follows Light Yagami, a high school student who discovers the “Death Note,” a mysterious book belonging to the shinigami Ryuk that grants its…
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How Can Final Fantasy Tactics Teach Us About Mastery and Self-Discovery?
Read more: How Can Final Fantasy Tactics Teach Us About Mastery and Self-Discovery?Final Fantasy Tactics is a 1997 tactical role-playing game by Square, released in 1997. This is the first installment of Final Fantasy as a tactical RPG, yet it has been cited as one of the greatest video games ever made. It is also the first entry set in the fictional world later known as Ivalice,…
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Hotel California by The Eagles: A Masterpiece with Timeless Reflections
Read more: Hotel California by The Eagles: A Masterpiece with Timeless ReflectionsReleased in 1977, the song “Hotel California” by the Eagles remains one of the most famous and enigmatic songs ever written. It is a musical masterpiece, concluding with an iconic 2-minute-and-12-second electric guitar solo performed by Felder and Joe Walsh. The two guitarists take turns playing the lead before harmonizing in a series of arpeggios,…
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Inside Out 2: Navigating the Emotional Rollercoaster of Puberty
Read more: Inside Out 2: Navigating the Emotional Rollercoaster of PubertyWe watched the sequel to Inside Out the next day with my wife, and as expected, following the conclusion of the first movie, the story centers on Riley, now 13 years old, as she begins her journey through puberty. With this pivotal life stage come new emotions—Anxiety, Envy, Embarrassment, and Ennui—joining the core cast of…
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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…
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Final Fantasy VII: Reflections on Environmentalism, Corporate Power, and Collective Change
Read more: Final Fantasy VII: Reflections on Environmentalism, Corporate Power, and Collective ChangeThe seventh installment of Final Fantasy, developed by Square Enix, is perhaps the most globally recognized entry in the series, having been widely released on the original PlayStation. Recently remade (Final Fantasy VII Remake and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth), the game has been acclaimed by both the gaming community and fans worldwide. One of the…
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The Struggles of Modern Life: Reflections on No Surprises by Radiohead
Read more: The Struggles of Modern Life: Reflections on No Surprises by RadioheadRadiohead, an iconic English band, is renowned for its hauntingly emotional lyrics, brought to life by lead singer Thom Yorke. His voice and the band’s unique sound create an experience that resonates deeply with listeners, particularly when addressing the darker aspects of modern life. One such song, No Surprises, from the album OK Computer (1997),…
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Lessons from “The Seven Deadly Sins”: A Reflection on Global Unity and Understanding
Read more: Lessons from “The Seven Deadly Sins”: A Reflection on Global Unity and UnderstandingThe Seven Deadly Sins, a popular manga by Nakaba Suzuki, masterfully blends traditional shonen elements with a medieval story rooted in the legend of King Arthur. It also draws inspiration from religious themes, particularly the concept of the seven deadly sins. In this fantastical world, humans coexist with other races, including giants, fairies, demons, and…
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Kefka and the Question of Meaning in Final Fantasy VI
Read more: Kefka and the Question of Meaning in Final Fantasy VIKefka, the main antagonist of Final Fantasy VI by Square Enix, stands out as one of the most memorable and chilling villains in gaming. His journey from being the first human experiment infused with magic to becoming a nihilistic psychopath is central to the story’s depth. He nearly succeeds in his vision of destruction, reshaping…
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Mastering Life: Lessons from Final Fantasy V’s Job System
Read more: Mastering Life: Lessons from Final Fantasy V’s Job SystemIn Final Fantasy V by Square Enix, players experience an RPG (Role Playing Game) built around a unique “job system.” This system lets you unlock various jobs by progressing through the story or completing side quests. Each job comes with its own abilities, strengths, and weaknesses, offering a fresh gameplay dynamic. The first jobs are…