Minority Mindset

As a dedicated fan, I’ve always appreciated Showtaro Morikubo for his exceptional work as Yosuke Hanamura in Persona. However, his recent artistic decision has stirred quite a debate among fans. At the heart of this controversy is Morikubo’s involvement in a reading that spotlights the human rights violations faced by Uyghurs in China. This piece directly challenges a regime perceived as oppressive, and predictably, the response from Chinese fans and organizations has been swift, with calls for a boycott of Morikubo’s voice performances in various games, even those developed in China.

The backlash is palpable on social media, with comments like, “How dare he criticize our ethnic cleansing!” reflecting the intense emotions this issue has sparked. While some fans applaud his stance on human rights, others worry that such activism could negatively impact his career and the titles he’s associated with. I, for one, respect his decision to stand up for what he believes in, even if it means facing potential consequences.

A frequent topic arises in discussions about Persona, as shown by user Altruistic-Use5937’s comment: “they can’t just pick and choose like other character games.” This observation reflects the dilemma of morality in Persona, a series where adolescent characters often find themselves in critical situations that necessitate combat. This trope is common in anime, with viewers expected to overlook certain ethical issues for the sake of enjoyment. However, Altruistic-Use5937’s post brings up a valid question: how much can we ignore reality before we must confront the uncomfortable aspects? The presence of child soldiers, particularly within a context that critiques youth exploitation, remains a sensitive issue for many gamers.

In terms of the discussion regarding the ranking of Persona protagonists, it appears that Naoya from the initial game has been generally considered the least powerful. Although his in-game stats are decent, they don’t elevate him to a position of dominance or awe. Users have commented that while Naoya’s abilities in the game are acceptable, they aren’t particularly extraordinary or awe-inspiring. As one user put it, “His gameplay feats are alright, but nothing groundbreaking.” Compared to later characters like Yu Narukami or Makoto Yuki, Naoya’s persona doesn’t have the same impact or influence. Many Redditors noted that unlike other protagonists who exhibit moments of great strength, Naoya lacks a dramatic, jaw-dropping reveal that showcases his powers in an impressive manner. Comments suggest that in a universe where characters are becoming increasingly powerful, it becomes difficult to claim, “Naoya is my favorite.” Unless new information surfaces revealing something remarkable about him, the general consensus seems to be that he’s the least strong among the protagonists.

In the initial phase of play, you’ll control just Naoe, with Yasuke becoming available later during the single-player segment. Each character excels in distinct areas. The youthful shinobi, Naoe, is more adept at stealth and scaling structures. Conversely, Yasuke, embodying the samurai spirit, favors a head-on approach and is proficient in combat. Therefore, can you get by with playing only one character, or is there an option to do so?

The CEO’s comments suggest a substantial gap between the developers’ intended vision for the Saints Row reboot and the final product, which was created following a methodical checklist approach. This led to a misunderstanding of the game’s core essence, with some players expressing that it felt more like a rigid adherence to a list of features rather than creative freedom. One player even described it as if an out-of-touch executive or two were checking off items on a checklist instead of allowing creativity to lead the way. This viewpoint was shared by many, indicating that players are seeking relatable characters and compelling storylines, not just impressive graphics or unique gameplay mechanics. While games can be exhilarating and action-packed, if the characters seem hastily assembled during a lunch break, it’s challenging for players to fully immerse themselves in the narrative.

The conversation started with a passionate introduction of timeless games, as crno123 highlighted both “The Witcher 3” and “Hell Let Loose”. These games brought back fond memories for numerous gamers, causing enthusiastic reactions from others who joined in with their own favorites. One participant, Imhrail, expressed an enduring affection for the entire Civilization series, demonstrating how these strategic masterpieces captivated minds and weekends for decades. “I’m old,” he joked, suggesting the large amount of time he’s invested over the years. There’s a special appeal in talking about games that trigger spontaneous nostalgia. It’s not just about playing; it’s about revisiting epic fights, captivating narratives, and the excitement of strategy on various levels, which often means investing countless hours. The classics remain relevant, and they unite gamers across generations.

Ever since its initial release, Stoic has been revamping Towerborne with the Class Mastery Update set to launch on April 29. This update coincides with the Xbox Series console version and includes crossplay functionality. The update introduces a more intricate Class Mastery system, a redesigned world map, and numerous additional features. At present, you can pre-install Towerborne’s Game Preview edition from this link. Upon release, it will be accessible on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Xbox Game Pass for Console, and PC Game Pass. For those uncertain about the differences between the Game Pass tiers, click here to learn more. Meanwhile, the Steam version will receive the update and crossplay capabilities on the same day that the console version enters Game Preview.