Minority Mindset

2023 was akin to waking up on Christmas morning for Sega enthusiasts, with the added twist of unwrapping stylish JRPGs and bursting with imaginative brilliance at every turn! The praise heaped on Sega’s studios from this Reddit thread is quite substantial. A user named Shining_Commander was particularly enthused, noting that Sega had an “amazing streak” with games such as Persona 3 Reload and SMTV Vengeance, suggesting these titles could have been strong contenders for Game of the Year. It seems Atlus, a part of Sega, has showcased its creative prowess more than ever before. With Metaphor now in the mix, it feels like they’re not just meeting expectations but shattering them into pieces! The flurry of games released in quick succession has left players floating on cloud nine.

Bam Margera is known for a controversial past, and while he was popular in skateboarding circles during the early 2000s, more recent occurrences have tarnished his legacy. One Reddit user stated, “He wasn’t on the poster for THUG 2 despite being part of THP1+2, so it’s not surprising. He might have burned that bridge a long time ago.” It appears Margera’s relationship with the franchise has been rocky, and fans understand that things weren’t ideal before this announcement. The community generally sympathizes with Bam, as they miss the old days but recognize that, considering his previous actions, perhaps it’s best for him to be absent.

The latest job cuts at PlayStation aren’t just an isolated incident; they’re part of a larger pattern affecting the gaming industry as a whole, leaving players bewildered about the fortunes of such a major player. The question on everyone’s lips is: how can a titan like PlayStation be facing significant staff reductions? With whispers of mismanagement swirling like colorful confetti at a carnival, one user, BitingArtist, wasn’t holding back their thoughts, asserting, “This is the result of a company renowned for narrative games pouring a billion dollars into 12 live service games. The incompetence is astounding.” Although this perspective might seem overly critical, many are scrutinizing the financial decisions to uncover what appears to be a questionable investment strategy leading to this unfortunate turn of events.

The declaration from Sega has sparked a variety of feelings among its followers. Some supporters are outright unhappy, such as the user ‘Preform_Perform,’ who expressed disappointment, “That’s disappointing. Sega has a wealth of unused intellectual properties not centered around a speedy blue mascot.” There is an underlying sentiment that while Sonic is renowned, Sega’s extensive history hides many other valuable treasures worthy of resurrection. This suggests the frustration among fans who think that the company should also invest in franchises that have been overlooked for years. It seems as though there’s a hidden trove of gaming history waiting to be rediscovered and restored. On the other hand, others have expressed excitement about the possibility of a concentrated effort, arguing that fewer releases could mean higher-quality games that fans will truly appreciate.

One user humorously conveys the illogical nature of gaming through a reference from Final Fantasy: “If only Cloud’s friends who launched him into space to fight Bahamut Sin in Advent Children were here to help him overcome this enormous obstacle.” This statement is amusing because it highlights how game characters often have extraordinary abilities, yet encounter challenges that appear too mundane given their capabilities. Another user, GreenSlayer0603, simply states “Video game logic will always be present,” acknowledging a common sentiment among gamers who appreciate the peculiarities, even though they are aware these inconsistencies will persist. It’s almost as if the more irrational the rules, the more enjoyable the gaming experience becomes. Who wouldn’t love a masked hero wielding a sword bigger than himself, searching for keys that could easily be bypassed?

Players find that the additional content in “Gotham Knights” often feels like mundane tasks rather than engaging activities. User Slow_Cheesecake_2889 pointed out the monotony of the side quests, arguing that despite other positive aspects of the game, the main gameplay loop becomes repetitive. Many gamers would prefer an exciting narrative journey instead of simply completing tasks on a to-do list. Vitrio85 was more direct, saying “No, side quests have no story.” While this view is valid, it may detract from the potential enjoyment of these smaller adventures.

After taking a break, SirMikeTheSexy was excited to resume playing Suicide Squad with Episodes 5 and 6. But when he tried to switch episodes, his efforts were unsuccessful, sending him to Episode 8 instead. This unexpected detour led him to express his concerns, which sparked similar sentiments from other players. A user named Membership-Bitter clarified the issue, explaining that it’s impossible to revert to the open world map of older episodes. The confusion surrounding this simple action has turned into a complex puzzle for players, leaving them wondering about the clarity of the developers’ instructions on how these episodes should operate. For some, their delightful memories of the game have turned into feelings of bewilderment and disenchantment as they struggle to navigate back to their favorite part of the game.

The impressive floating temple constructed by TryHard-Rune has left players in awe and filled with genuine appreciation for its inventiveness. This magnificent structure, set against the stunning backdrops of Enshrouded, has attracted widespread attention, with many expressing their admiration as “epic.” User Sarcasm_and_Coffee couldn’t hide their excitement about the project, exclaiming, “It’s AWESOME!” Other players elaborated on the concept, discussing the possibility of floating structures impacting gameplay in addition to their visual appeal. The humor factor is evident as some users joke about the absurdity of the floating structures, reminiscent of a beloved family movie like Shrek. As the artistic vision is admired, TryHard-Rune also faces the common challenge shared by all builders: the task of gathering materials. This topic is often discussed within the community.

It’s evident from the discussions among Enshrouded gamers that the Ring of Burning Light has turned into a topic of conversation, with numerous users expressing their anticipation for it as a game-enhancing item. As one user, Sintinall, noted, “Given the loss of a ring slot, the Ring of Burning Light should at least be as bright as carrying a torch.” Indeed, this seems accurate. Players invest resources to wear this accessory, yet they find themselves struggling to see clearly, as if reading a fuzzy book. The unsteady light source leaves players in a state of disillusionment and irritation; rather than illuminating their journeys, it’s casting them into the dark.