Kasumi Yoshizawa’s story is a case study on how to carefully and respectfully navigate mental health issues in popular culture
Many people believe fiction has the power to influence real life. This idea is tied to mental health — a topic that has gained much more attention in recent times given the ongoing struggles due to COVID-19. According to Checkpoint.org, an overwhelming majority of gamers believe video games can help mental health. Games like Stardew Valley, Animal Crossing, and even Destiny all help people maintain healthy minds through virtual escapes. Persona is no stranger to helping those in need — the characters of these lengthy JRPGs are written to reflect real-world issues.
Part of why video games, or media in general, can help people feel understood is based on the relatability of the characters. To achieve a relatable character, an accurate portrayal of real-life problems needs to be reflected in the fiction in question. When the developers of games hold up this congenial mirror, it makes us feel understood and even less alone. …
We’re finally getting a glance at what’s ‘beneath the mask’ of the highly-anticipated sequel
In about a month’s time, the Phantom Thieves will once again be heading out on a crusade to pillage some hearts. After playing through the masterful Persona 5 Royal last year, I needed my fill on more Persona. The fourth game, Persona 4 Golden, was rereleased on Steam later that year; I got my fix, but it still wasn’t enough. It was then my friend introduced me to the formerly known Persona 5 Scramble a few months before the announcement of the western localization. With much anticipation, I waited. And I waited. …
It seems that a new Star Wars game isn’t far, far away
Lucasfilm Games’ recent announcement is more than welcome among Star Wars fans. In a newly released blog post, the Star Wars website discussed this news in detail and what it means for the future of games in the popular science fantasy series.
The new title announced by Lucasfilm Games is being published by Ubisoft and is set to be a story-driven, open-world game. This marks the end of a long-drawn-out partnership between Disney and EA for the exclusive development and publication of Star Wars games. For many fans, this news is uplifting.
EA’s exclusive rights to Star Wars games was an oppressive hold on the Star Wars property. While there were a few games released within the eight-year period of exclusivity, most of them were met with the above-average fan response we’re used to with EA’s titles. On top of that, games like Star Wars: Battlefront II didn’t come without their own share of controversy, ultimately souring fan reception of their games. …
An incessant mind bent on productivity will cause more problems than it solves, so change it.
If there’s one thing I see propagated all over, it’s that we need to make the most of the time we have. To a certain extent, I agree with said message. Yet, I found that forcing myself to think like a robot fixated on effective usage of free time was as infectious as it was productive.
There are lots of causes for my personal productivity anxiety. Living in a competitive, capitalist society is by far the biggest offender for causing me to live in a constant self-surveillance. It goes smaller than that, though, like being told to “make the most of my free-time”. …
Taking an eager peak at four upcoming releases I’m itching to play
The clock just struck twelve at the time of writing this and the year 2021 has materialized. 2020 will soon be a bygone fever dream, a year of conflicting feelings. On one hand, there was a horrific pandemic that took a massive toll on everyone and everything. On the other? Video games. Lots and lots of video games, many of which stole my heart (quite literally, with the case of Persona 5 Royal). 2021 has just begun and there’s no better way to look forward to an amazing year on this planet than more video games! …
“The Chalk Prince and The Dragon” event breathes a hopeful future into the popular gacha game
Success is a better motivator than any, which is surely the case when it comes to Genshin Impact as the game’s profits continue to fuel new content. miHoYo, the China-based developer, has been hard at work keeping players entertained and engrossed by the large wealth of things to do in Genshin Impact. These efforts have potent effects because after the recent update, I’m hooked.
The newest update for Genshin Impact, 1.2, includes enough content to fill a mountain (pun intended). “The Chalk Prince and The Dragon” event has surprised me, as my expectations for the game’s future were all but dim near launch. …
Dark Souls III’s first DLC was the holiday surprise I was looking for
My gaming guilty pleasure is winter themed levels. Worlds like the Snow Kingdom in Super Mario Odyssey fill me with joy and are, without a doubt, best played during the holidays. Shawn Laib beat me to the punch with his article on Christmas-themed video game levels, so if you’re interested in more I recommend checking his piece out.
This year, I was deprived of my annual tradition of playing through winter worlds in video games — or at least I thought I was before I played the Ashes of Ariandel DLC in Dark Souls III. …
Despite all its technical flaws, the ‘punk manages to provide a thought-provoking conclusion on cloning
Has technology gone too far? CD Projekt Red may have dropped the ball when it came to the performance of Cyberpunk 2077, but Night City is rich with juxtaposed sci-fi social issues that may hint at a future that could come to fruition. When I completed Cyberpunk, I felt hollow, like I made a bad decision and the world would be a worse place because of it. This article will be full of Cyberpunk 2077 spoilers, so readers take caution going forward.
A brief look at modern FromSoftware titles brings light to ancient systems and the evolution of Souls games
Roll, slash, roll, slash, heal, repeat. The bosses may differ from time to time, but the original Demon’s Souls formula remains strong. FromSoftware, the team behind the legendary Souls series, has used the same recipe for a majority of the titles following the release of this cult classic. The reveal of a next-generation Demon’s Souls remake had fans marking their calendars and getting ready to pre-order a new console just to get tickets to this nostalgia powered roller-coaster.
But what about those who hadn’t played the original Demon’s Souls?
Persona’s favorite little sister reminded me to put on a smile and be strong during trying times
Nothing puts a bigger smile on my face than hearing Nanako say “Welcome home Big Bro!” as I return to the Dojima household in Persona 4 Golden. Chasing the truth by infiltrating dungeons and diving through TVs to rescue my high school friends is tiring, but coming home to the adorable Nanako and spending time with her and her father Dojima is always a bonus to the day. For a game about seeking the truth and saving your friends from being murdered, Nanako’s innocent childishness is refreshing, but the depth of her character doesn’t wane despite her youthfulness. …
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