jessjustplay

[jessjustplay]

Currently Playing Final Fantasy XVI - 40 hours update (Part 2)

June 21, 2025

Read Part 1 update here!

You're not leaving me behind again. - Jill

Honestly, thank God. I like having Jill in battles with me!

What can I say? I am only human. And we are, all of us, sentimental animals at heart. - Vivian

More history lessons from Vivian who told us more about Waloed, which is the kingdom ruled by Barnabas and he is the Dominant of Odin. They are also called The Royalists.

We got to see more of Dion and met his lover, Terence. Joshua finally caught up to him and asked for help.

Okay Final Fantasy IV??? I see SO many previous Final Fantasy references in Final Fantasy XVI. I will make a post about it one day.

I had to choose between Gav or Otto for this side quest (part of the main story) and I went with Gav. He and Clive had a bro moment and it was nice. I didn't like Gav at first, but I'm glad he's still around.

This screenshot is so funny to me. I was walking around and saw this huge lizard, I was like "OMG?" Pretty sure it's a desert iguana and I followed it around to see where it would go. It randomly digs itself into the sand, it was lowkey startling.

Insane! The colors in this area are so pretty.

There was a side quest to help the baker's employee and I chose the option to "express yourself" so he ended up making these breads called the Drake's Barm that looked like what the Mothercrystal (Drake's Fang) looked like before. I thought that was actually really clever!

This how life should be. And it's how our lives will be, when our work is finally done. - Clive

For the next quest, I had to choose between Jill and Tarja and of course I chose Jill. They had a little picnic together with Torgal. So cute. Jill looks extra pretty here. Gotta love that golden hour lighting!

Everyone went to visit Cid's grave, except Mid who cleverly disappeared. I can't judge her for it, we all deal with our grief differently.

Gav mentions something about the Phoenix, saying that if he had been there instead of with Clive/Jill, maybe Cid or the others could have been saved. Clive makes an important note here that "not even the Phoenix can bring people back from the dead."

Life has a beginning, and an end. So we must live while we have the chance. - Clive

The Fallen. Is this the first time I hear about it? Idk why this NPC's dialogue caught my attention. Later there is a historian who talks about the Fallen too.

We learned a bit more about Otto. He had a son that was a bearer and he was killed by his own family. So sad. Isabelle says, "Besides Cid, I've never met a man more keen to bear his sorrows in stoic silence."

Cid ended up leaving the Royalist army (or whatever they're called) and I think this is when he decided to start helping Bearers and wanting to create a new world for them. Cid left Otto a letter that says he loves him and Otto wishes he had at least said it once. I think many people forget we have to say things to people that matter to us! Or we only think about ourselves and not how much it means to other people to know they are cared and loved.

I can't get over how beautiful this place is.

Final Fantasy X...

Some history here. It makes sense that Clive wouldn't see the Dominants as a curse because of how the Rosarian throne worked.

He's a little bit of history book nerd. That's cute.

So this little kid is now the Emperor? Weird. Dion also confronted his dad and asked if this is him talking or Ultima pulling the strings. That part, along with the window, reminded of me Final Fantasy IX.

And we met another cool lady. Eloise aka El.

And her brother. Theodore. :)

I'm done with all the side quests now and am finally heading into the Crystalline Dominion.

[jessjustplay]

Currently Playing Final Fantasy XVI - 40 hours update (Part 1)

June 21, 2025

So much has happened since the last update. We visited a completely new area and progressed the other plot lines for the story.

You can't live in the past, no matter how nice it might've been.

It was cool to see that the emperor dude uses astrologers. I have been reading some historical fiction by Philippa Gregory which are set in the English royal courts of the 1400s and 1500s so her books and this game have a similar time era. The kings and dukes in the books I read also used astrologers.

I've been doing more side quests now, ever since I got a chocobo I realized I need to be doing them all. This one gave more information about bearers and their brand.

"The brand is more than just ink on flesh. It's a death sentence - milk of the wyvern tail lurking below the surface of the skin. One ill-conceived incision - a single slip - and the poison fouls the patient's blood. Failure means death." (Tarja or Clive?)

"The day I decided that I would take Cid's name was the same day Tarja took my brand. He always led from the front..." - Clive talking about how he felt like he had to get rid of the brand if he was going to start using Cid's name.

"Since then, Bearers have only ever had two choices: court the crystals' curse in service of their masters, or defy the brand and suffer the wyvern's wrath..." - Tarja

SO THIS INTERESTING INFO! The brand is a mark of enslavement (which has been obvious so far, I know) but Tarja putting it in an "A or B" option really hits home how difficult it is to be a bearer.

Hello Final Fantasy XII?? Felt like I was in the Dalmasca desert. Interestingly enough, Final Fantasy XII has a kingdom called Rozarria... that's a discussion for another day.

Dalimil Inn. This location was beautiful.

Clive's uncle is SO annoying.

Finally found out her name is Jote. I like her.

Interesting character.

"You and I have more in common than you might think. Not only are we both masters of the blade - and devilishly handsome to boot - but we are both the second people to bear our respective names."

Okay I admit, this made me laugh and it was the only time I liked Clive's uncle. Cahoots is such a funny word.

Okay Final Fantasy XIII??? Also what language is that lol

I think this sums up Clive's main objective. To get rid of the Mothercrystals so that people stop depending on them so much. We see this play out later in the game when people are marching towards Bokad to get into the Crystalline Dominion because they "need" more crystals. Clive says it's "because they don't know how to live without their crystals blessings."

It's almost like an addictive drug. A reliance. It's giving wifi dependence tbh lol I can easily imagine people moving to different locations if their wifi service in their area disappeared.

This random NPC was actually bigger than Clive which I thought was funny.

The water was overheating and the culprit was a bunch of bombs. LOL

He said it, not me.

I fight to build a new world now. A better world, where men can live and die on their own terms. - Clive

I think this was after Clive's uncle said that he (Clive) could take back the Rosarian throne. But Clive doesn't want it.

The views in this location are incredible!

Kupka, you have a beautiful home.

Who is this again? lol I just remember he is the one who picked up Kupka from our first battle. And then he is seen later talking to Barnabas, King of Waloed.

He really fell for Benedikta, huh?

Let the flames burn within you! - Clive

Battle 1 - Ifrit vs. Titan

Battle 2 - Ifrit vs. Titan

Battle 3 - Ifrit vs. Titan

3 battles!? Back to back!? Are they crazy!? This was intense. The 1st and 3rd battles were pretty "normal", but the 2nd battle had a different angle that was weird at first but thankfully when Ifrit shot his the fireballs they were still reaching Titan. I would have been mad if they fell down and "missed." I ended up dying in the 3rd battle with a Game Over but THANKFULLY when I clicked the "retry" button (or whatever it says) it restarted me at the 3rd battle and I was all healed up with my 6 heals back.

And to anyone who thinks that's weird or "bad" of the game... are you dumb? I value my time so the fact I didn't have to redo the first 2 battles was such a relief!

We saw Ultima again after the fight.

"With every sip you take, you grow in strength. And soon you shall achieve perfection." - Ultima

WHAT PERFECTION?

"You will accept us, Mythos. It is inevitable. You were created for this purpose. And you shall serve it." - Ultima

The other dude from above also calls Clive "Mythos"... what's that about!

"We see now. Human will is so insubstantial, it cannot exist in isolation. You mitigate its weakness by interweaving it with your consciousness. We believed we had merely to purge you of your will to claim our vessel. It appears we first have to sever every thread of the consciousness that supports it." - Ultima

OUR VESSEL? So this "body" that we see is obviously not what Ultima really looks like? It must just be a physical form for Clive (and us) to see.

"No matter. The time to build a new world is not yet upon us. We will contemplate..." - Ultima

It feels like this game has 3 major plots:

1. Clive wanting to destroy the Mothercrystals to create a new world, mostly because it was Cid's goal and he is carrying that responsibility now. I count Jill and everyone at the Hideaway part of this plot.

2. Dion/Sanbreque/Empire trying to take over, Dion dealing with being part of the family but maybe possibly not agreeing with his father's goals. I think Barnabas/the Royalists/Waloed fit in this plot because I think they both want to control the land. And I guess shove the Dhalmekian Republic in here too.

3. Ultima trying to control Mythos, who is inside Clive? Phoenix/Joshua is part of this, mostly wanting to stop Ultima.

OKAY THIS LITTLE GIRL, WHO IS SHE? I have seen her so many times. She is always around, trying to sell medicine, dealing with the destruction or violence in the places she's at. It is such an interesting perspective shift and I like that they've consistently been showing her around. !!! WHAT IS HER NAME !!!?

Click here for Part 2 update.

[jessjustplay]

Final Fantasy Travel Guide

It's summer and I have travel and trips on my mind. Here are some cool JRPG places from various Final Fantasy worlds that would be fun to explore.

I chose one location from each Final Fantasy game listed but of course there are many more amazing and beautiful places in each game.

[jessjustplay]

Currently Playing Final Fantasy XVI - 29 hours update

June 11, 2025

I had my 2nd Game Over during the boss fight with Hugo Kupka so I went back to the Hideaway, completed the side quests, and leveled up! Actually, I think I could have beat him the first time if I had leveled up my abilities and Limit Break gauge, but it's fine.

Clive at his little desk.

*heart eyes* Aren't they just the cutest? They're so supportive and patient and caring with each other.

Okay so, rewind. At the end of the last update, we met back with Joshua who is struggling to keep Ultima inside him. He name drops Dion, Odin, and Bahamut. But that was it, it was a short scene.

I wondered if we would be seeing Clive's mom again, and he we have. She looks great, but there's this weird glossy look to her. She has a new son who she seems to love. Weird woman.

Can I say, I was so confused who Kupka was so I am glad they finally said his whole name.

I'm still confused who Barnabas is/was. Is that the emperor? I don't think we've seen him since that scene with Benedikta. I don't know and I don't want to Google it because spoilers. It's funny to be clueless about a Final Fantasy game.

I'm gonna say it. It's giving... Alexandria from Final Fantasy IX. During that one scene.

Torgal!

Poor Jill. You could tell how angry and worried Clive was during this.

Super Torgal!

I dunno, I find this whole Benedikta love thing... weird? I need to know if we learn more about her or not.

My hatred for you is unending, unyielding! - Hugo Kupka

That line is pretty great.

So this is where I died and went back to the Hideaway to do the side quests. We learned that Jill was taken as a ward so that her father could keep the peace with Rosaria.

I thought this was so sweet! Imagine naming a fruit tree after someone you cared about. That's really nice.

I had 3 side quests going on, all in the marshlands, and I LOVE that they all show up on the map. And highlighted green too. So convenient!

Earlier in the day before I saw this scene, I had found a white feather on the ground too! Strange, huh?

:-)

I am SO happy I went back to do this side quest. I admit I got emotional during this scene. It was very cute how Ambrosia and Torgal recognized each other. I'm glad she's still alive and riding on the chocobo is a lot of fun!

I called her at this other area and she came!

What a beautiful game.

Ok anyway, back to Hugo Kupka. I finally beat this dude and Clive chops his hands off?! I couldn't believe it. I think it was Dion who shows up and carries him away. Interesting??????

And so now, we have Earth power! All I can think about is Edna from Tales of Zestiria lol

So 3 more elements/summons are left? Maybe? I know Ice/Shiva has to be one. And probably Dion/Bahamut (non-elemental?). Which leaves... water? Leviathan? Odin has been mentioned, but wouldn't he be non-elemental too? WHO KNOWS.

And this pretty girl is apparently Cid's daughter! That's... so random. I love it though. Her name is Mid. They could have also gone with Sydney lol

Always so helpful.

And that's where I left off. I am running errands for Mid, who is really cool and smart btw. So next time I'll actually use my new Earth abilities and see how those feel.

[jessjustplay]

Currently Playing Final Fantasy XVI - 24 hours update

June 6, 2025

Visited the new Hideaway, learned more about the world, and saw Jill have an amazingly epic moment.

Met this cool lady. She's very pretty!

Found a botanical/garden room in the Hideaway. One of the NPCs says that it isn't the aether but the water that helps the plants grow. Something like that. Thought that was interesting.

Hush now. We all know there's no such thing as moogles. - Harpocrates

EXCUSE ME? Now that's an interesting bit of information. I guess in this game moogles really are fairies. (I remember in Final Fantasy IX, Eiko or Zidane say that moogles are fairies. Or maybe that was Mog.)

I love how much information can be learned from this huge encyclopedia of knowledge! The pixel art is cute too.

So they know Joshua was there at the first Mothercrystal. Clive holds a phoenix feather in the next scene. But they haven't actually seen him yet. I'm kinda confused about it.

Clive has a wall for his little trinkets and memories. So cute.

Random but I like that Vivian and Cole are darker skinned.

Ah, Clive! How I've missed that scowl! - Gav

Clive is becoming my favorite FF guy!

I liked this meeting and how it played out.

I will learn what madness drives her, and I will end it. - Clive

Sometimes I feel like Clive's mom is the main villain of the game.

Clive and Jill reunite with Clive's uncle. Who calls Clive out for being a bad liar. When Clive asks Jill if this is true, she says "it's not untrue" which I thought was hilarious. Oh Clive, being a bad liar is not a bad thing lol

"To live on my own terms." But before I can do that, I need to come to terms with my past. - Jill

This next chapter, Fire and Ice, was SOOOO good for Jill. It really focused on her, her past, her struggles, and her strength.

MY HEART

These two are so cute. They support each other and care for each other in a really deep way. Seeing the ugly and good in one another and still choosing to stand together. I love it.

We love water filtration.

More interesting information found at the Hideaway. The whole place is kinda confusing at first, but after getting lost a few times, you learn the layout.

It is nice to find people that understand us, I agree.

Clive!! The emotional intelligence is on fire.

Clive setting boundaries and respecting Jill. Love it.

I haven't done many side quests, but I did this one for the Blacksmith. He was feeling down and I thought it was cute that his friend noticed and cared.

Insane.

Jill helping us cross the bridge.

This whole dungeon was so hard! I kept using all my potions but thankfully the game leaves a lot of them on the ground for you to pick up.

But by the evil of men like you, who made me cloe my heart and drow in darkness, when I should have raged against it!

I will be your monster no more - nor will I suffer you to create another.

Now it is you who shall bow to me!

Shiva!

This was cool, seeing Jill give some ice power to Clive's sword.

Are you watching, Cid? We're one step closer to freedom. - Clive

I have killed the monster... and become an outlaw. May the Blessing of the Crystals go with you. - Jill

Oh Jill. What a badass chapter you had. Female rage!! I love it.

[jessjustplay]

Video Games I Played and Books I Read in May 🌼🌿

June 3, 2025

My favorite game of the month (and of the year so far) is Star Ocean: The Last Hope! Sci-fi fantasy/space exploration with a variety of personalities.

This Way Madness Lies was a cute, short, magical girl turn-based RPG.

The Lady of the Rivers was sooo good. Very magical and romantic. My favorite book of the month.

I watched The White Queen TV show last year (or the year before?) and I liked it. Glad I finally read the book! I'll continue the series later on, I need a break lol

Hope you have a nice and happy June!

[jessjustplay]

Currently Playing Final Fantasy XVI - 17 hours update

June 1, 2025

Who in their right mind is saying that this isn't a Final Fantasy game? Or that it doesn't "feel" like a Final Fantasy game? To them I say, disrespectfully and with full offense, what is wrong with you?

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful! This was a good place to level up.

If it means my deeds will be remembered, I'll glady play the role of villain. The world won't save itself. - Cid

Finally reunited with Jill and Cid but before that, we met a lady called Isabelle who helped us cross into the Oriflamme fields. Whatever they're called. I still don't know the names of places in this game.

Cid had some good info here. Dominants don't need the crystals to still have magic.

"In case you hadn't noticed, the godfearing people of this realm, and their pious leaders, are for but one thing - themselves. Whoever controls the crystals the realm. But our kind can wield magic without them."

But that's half the fun of it. Life's too short for perfect plans. Clive, my boy, even life's smallest challenges offer the opportunity to grow and to change! - Cid

This place was full of aether which affected the workers and monsters (I think?) inside, turning them into something Cid called Akashic.

Clive said that Isabelle thought the empire was planning to abandon the capital. Was that what the old white men meeting was about?

Okay, this is the part where I finally decided that I was wrong about Cid. He is pretty funny.

Finding the Mothercrystal. It was insanely beautiful.

This place reminded me of the place in Final Fantasy IX towards the end of the game, in Memoria. The gate to space?

I got my first (and unnecessary) Game Over here??? All because I am dumb and forgot to heal. I killed the dragon on my retry, which apparently gives you more potions and high potions.

The Inner Sanctum is so beautiful. I cannot get over how pretty everything is. Also, Clive had a silly "mine's bigger" moment that I just have to point out lol and he finally called for Ifrit, admitting he "can't do this" without him.

After that super freaky big monster came out, Clive got transported to... somewhere??

I guess it's name is Typhon. He is freaky looking. What follows was a bunch of cool music and battles!

This was just SOOOOOOOOOOOOO cool.

Freaky dude. Later, someone names him Ultima.

UGH. I was just starting to like him and this happens. I mean, I get it. Clive needs more of the elements, but it's still so sad.

So, Joshua comes back and he says that Ultima's goal is to get Clive's power. ???

The scene ends and then we go FIVE years later into the future. Clive looks a bit older and he now goes by the name Cid.

And then after a battle where we use our cool new Lightning abilities, we head back to the Hideaway which looks very different now!

It looks like there's room for 3 more elements?

[jessjustplay]

Currently Playing Final Fantasy XVI - 15 hours update

May 31, 2025

It seems like the main plot of the story is starting to reveal itself. We met Cid early on and knew he had some sort of dream/plan to help the Dominants and Bearers, but we learned more about this world's history and what his plan truly entails.

In my last update, we spent a bunch of time in the beautiful marshlands of Rosaria and finally headed to Eastpool with Jill.

I also found an accessary called Black Hawk Jess - that was super random and cool!

Torgal playing in the bushes.

Still not over how pretty this place in Rosaria is.

You came back to me. The heavens must have a plan for us. - Jill

In Eastpool, we met Lady Hanna who recognized Clive and Jill from when they were younger. She was nice. We also learned that Clive's mother married the emperor. Interesting.

Then, Jill and Clive had a really cute moment under the stars and moon. They both understand each other's pain. Jill was used to kill people and Clive is grappling with the truth of his past at Phoenix Gate.

Torgal and Clive's new gear. He looks great!

A black mage scarecrow.

Some interesting info. I keep forgetting that these active time lores are a thing.

It's really sad to see the lands that are affected by the Blight!

Damn it! He's like a bloody eel! - Clive

I don't know why this was hilarious to me, but it was.

It's giving... Macalania Temple Cloister of Trials from Final Fantasy X.

Bombs! A classic Final Fantasy enemy.

And also an Iron Giant!

Wall art that I'm sure tells me something that I don't see or understand yet.

I feared that by accepting it, I would lose what little was left of me. - Clive

No matter how bitter the truth that awaits me, I will press on. - Clive

I know the truth of it now. You are not Ifrit. I am. - Clive

Jill looks so pretty here. I like how Clive complimented her for never hiding from the truth.

I'm not sure who Thanos, I mean Titan, is talking about. Cid? He lets Cid run amok? He cried Benedikta's name while he hovered over the coffer/box. They had a moment at the very beginning of the game but I didn't expect him to actually care for her. Who knows.

Back with Clive and Jill, some dude was following them around in Eastpool. Clive's mother had the bearers there killed, including Lady Hanna. That was sad.

Limit Breaks are in this game. NICE. Clive's Limit Break is actually really cool. His HP recovers when you activate it, he looks bad-ass with the glowy yellow light around him, and his attacks are much stronger.

Forgiveness - and in turn, salvation - can only begin with acceptance. It's a path we must all walk, no matter how colorful our histories. - Cid

I do enjoy Cid's reiteration about how forgiveness and moving forward in life begins with acceptance. I agree with him completely.

With a sprinkle of fire and ice, this plan of mine might just work. - Cid

After Clive and Jill reunite with Cid, Clive tells Cid that he is indeed Ifrit. Cid tells him his theory that the Mothercrystals themselves are the cause behind the blight. Jill and Clive are both confused because they have always been told that the Mothercrystals and the aether it emits is a gift.

There was also a quick flashback to Oriflamme. What a beautiful view! The old white men (typical) were talking about conquering new lands. I think. One of the dudes said, ""Sanbreque is naught without her citizens. We are but their servants. "It is time we expanded our dominion."

So, Cid wants to break into the imperial capital and then destroy the Mothercrystals. He does says he's totally down to destroy the current world if it means creating a new one where bearers and dominants can be free to live. Clive and Jill are up for it, but I thought it was funny Clive said "I'm going to need more than few potions for this." (It would have been funny if the game had actually upped my Potion limit.)

[jessjustplay]

Currently Playing Final Fantasy XVI - 10 hours update

May 27, 2025

There is just so much to say since my first update! I am loving this game and am excited every time I sit down to play it.

I got the "You Can Pet the Dog" trophy which was funny. I LOVE that Torgal joins me in battles! His howl never gets old. I love it.

I'm starting to like Cid more. It helped seeing his past with Benedikta.

I really don't understand why there is such an emphasis on Gav and his ability to pick of scent. They really highlight that, and it's kind of awkward when they compliment him about it.

So this is Joshua grown up, right?

A moogle!! The sound effects remind me of the moogles from Final Fantasy IX.

Omg, Clive and Jill. They're so sweet! Also, I paused it at this part because Jill asked Clive:

"What happened, Clive? What happened at Phoenix Gate?"

And the screen goes black.

The screen actually goes black. Are you kidding me? That long flashback from the beginning of the game could have been put here! It's the perfect spot!!

Or like I had said in my initial post, shorten the flashback in the beginning with just enough info, and then show more of the past in later parts of the game. LIKE IN THIS MOMENT! It would have been perfect!!!

Jill is so beautiful.

OMG. The view! Them! Torgal! I love it so much.

The chocobos look great in this game. They kinda look similar to Final Fantasy X's chocobos, which are my favorite chocobo design.

The shadows and lighting of the game. This swampy area is beautiful.

This kid is using a crystal to keep the fish frozen. Later, we see Cid using a red crystal to light his cigarette. Interesting!

I tried to punch her but unfortunately I couldn't. I didn't like this part. Reminded me of the Earth Shrine in Tales of Zestiria.

Greagor seems to be the goddess in this world. I think I remember young Jill mentioning Metia? I'm curious about them.

Martha is really pretty. She made us go to the abbey and see the bearers that were being taken care of there. I think these bearers are being used cruelly and stripped of their magic, which causes some sort of petrification to run through their body. It reminded me of the Stone Disease in Star Ocean First Departure R and also Star Ocean The Last Hope.

Speaking of. Hello, Cid???

This scene helped me like Cid more. You can tell he really wanted to help Benedikta and continues to want to help other people. But he's aware of his own limitations.

And this is where I left off. Clive, Jill, and Torgal are heading to Eastpool. I think?

[jessjustplay]

I started playing Final Fantasy XVI! 7 hours update

May 25, 2025

Clive, a council meeting, and a long flashback. I don't know what the game devs were thinking, but the intro to this game could have been so much better with a shorter flashback or with those events broken down and sprinkled throughout the game.

But other than that, I love the game so far! The battles are beautiful and a lot of fun. The summons look amazing and it's cool seeing so many of them.

I normally play Story Mode but for some reason I decided to play Action Mode this time! I think choosing Standard/Normal mode in Star Ocean: The Last Hope gave me a boost of confidence lol

Shiva looking extraordinarily beautiful.

The game utilizes the strategy mentioned above by showing us scenes of Benedikta's past and it works perfectly. By bringing up the past when it's relevant to a current event, you're able to see exactly how the past affected the present. It feels important, which makes me care and pay attention.

Are we going to see her again???

Once you get back to the current timeline, the pace of the game picks up thanks to exploration and really cool battles. There are still a lot of cutscenes but I don't mind them. My complaint is only with the beginning flashback scene.

The summons in the game look amazing.

They're really cute together.

A beautiful crescent moon.

I'm having a really fun time playing this game. So far I've spent the most time getting to know Clive, Cid, and Benedikta. Jill was there for a moment, but I know she'll join later. I'm really curious what happens next!

Benedikta is an interesting character and definitely belongs on my Angry Women in JRPGs list. I am curious if her story is wrapped up or if something will happen later on with her.

I wasn't sure if I liked Cid or not. He gives off this "I think I'm so cool" vibe that doesn't always work for me. But sometimes it does. For example, it was hilarious what he yells "CLIVE!" at Lostwing and I admire his desire to help other Bearers and Dominants.

As for Clive, well he sure is mopey but with reason. He seems kind, loyal, duty-driven. He would definitely go fetch you some water if you asked. His mood feels sullen but I mean, understandably so. I want to see how (or if) his character develops.

She's so scary lol

There was something about seeing Hellfire in such HD glory that made me emotional lol

Ramuh! It's cool to see him again. (I feel like I only connect him with FF9 since we have to do his little scavenger hunt inside Pinnacle Rocks.)

I'm super bummed about this. I have to finish the game before I can talk about a possible pattern I've noticed.

Odin looking badass.

And Bahamut, who is a blondie dragoon named Dion. Which is interesting since Kaine from FF4 is also a blondie dragoon lol

Anyway, that's where I left off. After this scene, Clive is having a meltdown and needs clothes.

[jessjustplay]

I finished This Way Madness Lies!

May 21, 2025

Game: This Way Madness Lies First Time/Replaying: First Time Game Time: 8.5 hours Console: Nintendo Switch Started:  May 12, 2025 Finished: May 19, 2025

This was a short game based on Shakespeare's plays. The character portraits of the girls are really beautiful, they were my favorite part of the game. It's giving Sailor Moon magical girls + theater + turn-based RPG.

The battle system was a bit weird at first. "Attack" is usually a default option for all players, even mages, but not in this game. Each girl has her own abilities. It reminded me a bit of the jobs from Final Fantasy XIII.

This Way Madness Lies Character Abilities

Imogen - commando (attacker) and semi-medic (healer)

Viola - commando (attacker)

Beatrice - synergist (buffs) and saboteur (ailments)

Rosalind - ravager (magic) and medic (healer)

Paulina - medic (healer)

Miranda - I don't remember her skills exactly, but I think she was a synergist-type role (buffs)

Kate - I didn't use Kate at all, so I have no idea

The in-game graphics are really pretty. It's just a bunch of pixel art and sprites. The dungeons had a good variety of color, theme, and aesthetic.

There are no random encounters. The enemies are on the screen and once you fight them, they disappear. If you re-visit the same spot, the enemies are still gone so if you want to fight more to level up, there is an option in the main menu to get into a random battle. I didn't mind this set up at all, I think it's a great idea tbh!

Here are my endgame stats:

I got a game over during my first attempt with the final boss, so I leveled up from level 51 to level 54 and I was able to beat it. Imogen died and I didn't have the Revive item anymore, so I somehow beat the game with just Viola, Beatrice, and Rosalind.

Overall, the game was cute and fun but not something that screamed "this is amazing." But, if you want a really chill and short indie RPG, this is a great option!

[jessjustplay]

Angry Women in JRPGs - Myuria from Star Ocean: The Last Hope Character Analysis

Myuria is on the hunt for the man who killed her husband. She is angry and determined to avenge his death. When we meet Myuria, she join us out of convenience because she thinks Edge will lead her to her husband’s killer.

In a flashback, we see how Myuria was when her husband was alive. Her hair and outfit were modest and she had a warmth to her eyes, face, and voice. All of these things change, showing how her rage manifested physically, helping her become the vindictive woman she needed to be in order to exact revenge.

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Angry Women in JRPGs - Lightning from Final Fantasy XIII Character Analysis

Despite her naturally grumpy attitude, Lightning is caring and protective of the people she cares about, especially her sister. However, when Serah tells Lightning she’s become a l’Cie, Lightning doesn’t believe it and dismisses her. This remorse feeds her frustration, flaming her anger towards the Fal’Cie.

Lightning’s anger comes out as dry, snappy remarks and a hyper-independent attitude. It may be unwillingly at first, but she becomes the leader and uses her anger to save Cocoon.

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[jessjustplay]

I finished Star Ocean: The Last Hope!

May 11, 2025

I finished Star Ocean: The Last Hope yesterday and I LOVED it. What a great game! It's not entirely perfect, but it is pretty darn close. My only cons with the game are the handful of pervy moments and that you can't pause the cutscenes. Yup, that's it.

Game: Star Ocean: The Last Hope (Star Ocean 4) First Time/Replaying: First Time Game Time: 60 hours Console: PS4 Started:  March 21, 2025 Finished: May 10, 2025

I was a bit traumatized by the final boss of Star Ocean: Till the End of Time, so during this playthrough I made sure to level as much as possible. I chose Galaxy Level which is standard/normal difficulty. I told myself I would be better prepared for this Star Ocean adventure and thankfully my efforts paid off because I beat the final boss without any problems!

Here are my endgame stats:

In my last update, we had just left Roak and were heading back to Aeos. The hardest boss fight in the entire game happened here. It was the back-to-back Phantom fight. I DESPISED THIS BATTLE! I could not beat them but after leveling up for a few days and re-arranging my team, I finally got past them. The key was to switch Lymle out for Reimi. I had Lymle and Sarah in my team because I thought 2 healers was a good idea, but it wasn't. Reimi is incredible at blocking attacks and that's what helped me beat these annoying dudes.

After that fight, I feel like it was just smooth sailing until the end. Myuria got some info about her husband, we met up with Crowe, and Faize left us to help his Eldarian brethren. At first I thought Myuria was going to leave with Crowe but nope, we get Arumat in exchange for Faize.

En II was really cool. I like the shopping center with all the items and weapons easily available. I had so much money so I bought max quantity of everything I needed.

There was a scene where we meet the moon commander Kenny and he tells us they have to disband the SRF system (or whatever) but Edge refuses. And then at the end of the game, we see Kenny again debuting the later-famous UP3 that Fayt was so obsessed about in Star Ocean Till the End of Time (I admit, I laughed).

I actually laughed a lot in this game. The "skits" or "private actions" as they're officially called were really funny. Sarah and Meracle added so much humor to the story and I loved them so much.

As for the ending, all I can say is the end boss was a great choice and I loved how self-aware he was. I cried seeing Sarah almost-fly just to protect one of her friends and I cried when Reimi was losing her shit after Edge was taking too long to catch up. I cried when the camera pans out and we see them together. I got an ending for Meracle, Bacchus, Sarah, and Reimi... they were all great. I wonder if the other characters have endings too, I need to watch them!

I think I'd love to repay this game one day. I had a great time with it.

[jessjustplay]

Angry Women in JRPGs - Fang from Final Fantasy XIII Character Analysis

At her core, Fang is mad at the world. The war between Pulse and Cocoon causes Fang to lose her family but it also leads her to meeting Vanille, who she deeply cares about. Fang is angry at the Pulse deity for not protecting them but becomes determined to keep Vanille safe no matter what.

Fang’s anger comes out as dry sarcasm and a selfish, stubborn personality. Although physically strong, she doesn’t have a strong hold on her emotions so she can lose control out of desperation.

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Angry Women in JRPGs - Edna from Tales of Zestiria Character Analysis

Edna is an Earth seraph that joins Sorey’s journey. At first she doesn’t want to help because of her hatred for “stupid, simple humans.” Her resentment stems from her brother’s transformation into a dragon, which happens when a seraph absorbs too much malevolence from humans.

Even though her brother leaves Edna for her protection, she is left alone and grows resentful of his departure too. “Didn't he even think about how lonely I'd be with him?!” Her anger is expressed through a dry sense of humor and sharp insults.

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Angry Women in JRPGs - Velvet Crowe from Tales of Berseria Character Analysis

Velvet is driven by intense hatred and rage after someone she once trusted betrays her. The death of her brother catapults her into a story of ruthless revenge. Her self-serving needs are at the forefront and she doesn't care who or what stands in her way. Velvet's demeanor can be sharp and unforgiving, even cruel, but her aura still attracts others to join her cause.

Velvet is rage personified. She does not hide her disgust and hatred of others. Her anger can be seen as unhinged but some people are attracted to her dark personality and intrigued by her determination to seek revenge.

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