Loved the game. Would have gone for it earlier, but its minimum specs technically exceed mine, so I was hesitant without a demo. Well aware they probably just listed the oldest setup they had tested it on, but still. Only when Dragon Quest XI S did a demo and I saw that runs just fine did I dare to go for it.

I'm enjoying it, but I've had a very difficult time adjusting to the interface, which is noticeably more dated than the more recent remakes/remasters. I struggle with the tiny map, for instance. I'm sure I'll get used to it, though. It just feels like this awkward step back.

Having also finished Sekiro recently, I feel like I can definitely say it's a lot harder than Dark Souls II, but the distribution of difficulty is different. Despite the punishing difficulty, checkpoints are very reasonable and there's always a good answer to every level hazard you come across. Lots of poison in the area? Mottled Green Gourd. Having issues with terror buildup? Mottled Purple Gourd. Also, if you study the enemies in the area and get good at deflecting them, you'll take little to no damage--and even heal when you deathblow them, depending on your skill setup. At that point, it's just learning how to beat the boss, which is generally a fun thing to do.

So far, in Dark Souls II, bosses aren't even the hard part. They've actually been quite easy. I'm just experiencing a lot of fatigue from silly ambushes, enemy hoards, and snipers. There's very little mechanical difficulty. It feels more like the game is just stacked against you unfairly. Dodge rolls are slower, chugging potions pretty much can't be done mid-combat at all because it's so slow, the health reduction thing from Demon's Souls returns... I dislike the kind of difficulty increase that makes you weaker instead of making enemies stronger.

I love Nioh 2, but it's basically Nioh 1.5. A lot of maps are reused from the first game. I think people who are new to the series should play Nioh 1 first, because there are so many confusing systems and menus at play in the sequel that it would be overwhelming to newcomers, but if you're already familiar with the first game and just want more of the same, Nioh 2 will be right up your alley.

I was also really surprised Astral Chain was structured the way it was so I felt really disgruntled at first. Interesting approach though, and interesting comparison with Yakuza. I hadn't played any Yakuza games at the time and now I've played a bunch so I could see it.

Now that you mention it, sucking up the corruption in Astral Chain kind of reminds me of how you have to pick up coins and items in Sekiro, which I also don't love. I'd rather just get that stuff automatically...

But yeah, for some reason Guardian Ape seemed way more insurmountable possibly because the first phase is arguably the harder of the two? I got Genichiro's first phase down to a science but sometimes even when I got into a rhythm, Ape would still sometimes randomly one-shot me before I got anywhere.

Astral Chain's controls take some getting used to, as I recall, but it ends up feeling really satisfying and unique. I quite enjoyed it by the end.

What up, yo. Long time no talk. Hope you're doing well these days. Take it easy, dude.

I absolutely get the puzzle dreams too. I had a bunch of Puyo Puyo dreams when I was trying to do the Puyo Puyo objectives in Judgement.
I liked the game overall, but I usually like a decent Tetris/Puyo Puyo game. I can't say anything about the story because I skipped through all of it, but I liked the variety of modes. Swap mode especially worked in my favor because while I suck at Puyo Puyo, I'm good enough at Tetris to compensate. Apparently the sequel is supposed to have RPG mechanics added in, so I'll probably get it to see what that's like. I might wait until it's on sale before I do, though.
What do you think about it so far?

Turns out I did get a PS5 and Demon's Souls. I still remember you, myself and Waluigicubed co-op'd that back in like 2012 or something.

! I've been well overall. I figured since I got things to a more or less stable place finally, it was time to get back to the quest for s. I hope you've also been well.

Hellz yeah I'm getting the hell outta that Demon's Souls remake. As for the PS5, haven't really decided if I'm gonna get it at launch. Honestly I was leaning towards yes before the COVID19 outbreak started, and now I'm leaning towards no.

you getting Demon's Souls PS5????

IT'S SO GOOD.

Hey I like the stah waws too

You're currently playing literally three of my favorite games of all time.

You have excellent taste.

It's basically Symphony of the Night 2 featuring Aria of Sorrow and Order of Ecclesia.

In other words I'm in love with it. Highly highly highly recommended.

A lot of games have me experiencing the "I'm ready for it to be over" bit before the actual ending is reached, nowadays. But playing the same kind of game several times in a row can't help. This is your third Assassin's Creed back to back? It may be good to go for something completely different next, recharge your battery for this style of game. For my part, I just went through Danganronpa, added Danganronpa 2 to my Steam wishlist, boom, 60% off right now. I still won't do it, I need to play something different now, and this won't be the last time it goes on sale.

I appreciate that take! I think that's pretty much what I'd expect and since I am interested in the historical aspects of it, I think I'll still find things to enjoy. Good to hear about Black Flag too.

Would you say it was worth going back to ACIII after Odyssey or was it ultimately pretty underwhelming?

Metroid: Samus Returns did get a little harder towards the end. Probably around Area 5? The enemies got a little tougher, but I never really had any issues with the bosses surprisingly... Usually, I get stuck because I miss a breakable block and can not progress the game!

Never played Metroid Prime... There’s a new Metroid Prime coming out for the Switch, or something, isn’t there? Maybe I’ll have to try it out. I have really only played and finished the hand held titles when it comes to the series and then the first two back on NES/SNES.