Code Vein critique -- Spaghetti Mage

 

 

Code Vein is a Souls-type game set in a strong anime visual theatre (including big……battles…..).  If you like the Souls-type games, but you’re looking for something new because you’ve beaten the Cleric Beast or the Asylum Demon 5000 times, this is worth playing.

I think there were things Code Vein did well, and other aspects where the game flopped.  One of the areas the game flopped was the levels themselves.  Many games from the Souls series (Bloodborne included) provide levels where you pop out at a very scenic view, and can often times actually see features of the world you are traveling through.  It’s a facet of exploring that the Souls series pulls off very well.  Code Vein’s levels are very maze-like, and often a chore to navigate.  The Cathedral of Sacred Blood in particular was extremely painful.  I must have used over 100 chemical lights to try and keep my bearings.

The storyline is actually compelling, and the way you learn more about each character, their background and their situation, by traversing their memories is done well.  The characterization is pretty good; I felt like I actually knew the characters by the end of the game.  The Souls series is kind of the opposite of this, done on purpose, to provide a feeling of vague mystery, so it was nice to see a Souls-type game with a little more clarification as to where the plot is heading and who the main players are.

I also liked the different blood codes in the game.  There are lots and lots of different blood codes; I really didn’t get a chance to try them all.  It adds a lot of flexibility and replayability to the game.  On my first play through, I gravitated towards the ISIS blood code with a maxed out Nagimukuro Fortification +10 weapon and Imperial Raiment +10 armor.  The sword packed a punch.

Overall, I enjoyed Code Vein.  The story and play were enough to keep pushing through the maze-like levels.  I think the story is set up well for a sequel too.  What ARE the monsters that the red mist was keeping away?  There is definitely more to the mystery, and I would gladly play a Code Vein 2 if it came out in the future.

Thoughts on Bloodborne -- Spaghetti Mage

 

“The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown.” -- H.P. Lovecraft

So…I faced off with Gehrman, refused to sacrifice myself, fought and defeated him, and got hugged by the Moon Presence just before I defeated it.  Afterwards I am assuming I ascended and turned into a cute squid for the doll lady! Very exciting!

Once you dive deep into the Souls series and explore the games out there as I have, coming late to the party, you see a continual progression of games.  Demon’s Souls lead to Dark Souls, which spawned two more games, Dark Souls 2 and 3.  However, you spot one game, Bloodborne, that sticks out as an oddity.  It’s a sidestreet to the Souls series that takes you to a new gothic world of the Great Ones, where hunters roam the streets in a waking nightmare.

I can see why many people think this game is the best of the Souls games. The world is encapsulating, not that the other Souls game are lacking, but there is something special about Bloodborne.  The HP Lovecraftian vibe and feel throughout the game is very enriching; the game sucks you in to the bloody darkness around every corner. 

The boss fights aren’t simply boss fights, they are art, where you engage the bizarre accompanied by incredible music that enhances the dreadfulness or mystery of the experience.  When you first drop down to fight Rom the Vacuous Spider, it is such a bizarre experience that is visually stunning and incredible; I will never ever forget this boss fight.  It is ingrained in my memory.  Chasing Micolash (which is actually one of the easiest bosses in the Souls games) through foggy corridors while distorted insane piano music is playing is amazing.

If you have played Souls games and rely on blocking with a shield, this game breaks you of that habit; it teaches you to parry.  I like the concept of the trick weapons too; it creates a lot of versatility in fighting.  My preference for my first playthrough was Ludwig's Holy Blade. 

My one complaint about Bloodborne is I feel the player doesn’t get enough cool weapons till later in the game.  I feel like they chose to remedy this in the DLC: The Old Hunters.

The storyline is mysterious, but a little vague and can leave you a little confused as to what’s going on.  I actually searched youtube to find a good synopsis of the story.  This guy does a good job at putting it all together:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjWOy6ioVHI

Overall, I really really hope FromSoftware and Hidetaka Miyazaki decide to keep exploring further in this world of Yharnam and the Great Ones.  Bloodborne is by far one of the best Souls games and might be the best of the Souls genre.  Give us more Bloodborne!!!

 

Thoughts on Dragon Age: Origins -- Spaghetti Mage

 

So there I was…fightin darkspawn on my way to the archdemon.  I called in my troops from Redcliffe, and within minutes, 50 men dead.

I started playing Dragon Age: Origins soon after beating Dragon Age: Inquisition.  I’d seen a few videos talking about how great Dragon Age: Origins was, and how the series went down hill after that.  I disagree with this viewpoint.  Dragon Age: Inquisition was an awesome game in its own right.  And I think this love for Dragon Age: Origins is very nostalgic in nature.  Of course, I’m playing the series in backwards order, close to a decade after the original game was released. 

Nevertheless, I enjoyed Dragon Age: Origins, despite clunky gameplay.  The first thing I noticed is how magical the world of Dragon Age: Origins is.  The feel and atmosphere is much closer to a Lord of the Rings-esque game.  I didn’t get that feeling in Dragon Age: Inquisition.  In fact, much of the storyline in DA: I was much more political in nature, with factions like the Red Templars, and the Orlais court. 

I chose to play as a female Dalish Elf. The magic spells in the game are plentiful, and there are specializations for each class that are interesting.  However, I didn't learn to give gifts till later in the game, and failed to develop any romantic options for my character.

The decision-making process is more critical in DA: O as well.  After the plot is set in motion with Loghain abandoning the initial battle and blaming the Grey Wardens, it becomes clear you must begin building an army by solving each area’s problems, stopping the demon child in Redcliffe, solving the werewolf problem for the Dalish elves, saving the mages circle from demons, and conquering the Deep Roads for the dwarves.  There was a clear path towards a goal, and more and more people joined my party.  And then everything went haywire at the Landsmeet.   

 

 Before I knew it, Loghain, my mortal enemy, had become a grey warden and joined the party, Alistair was leaving, and Anora was calling for Alistair’s head.  Anora herself had turned into an angry war general, having her own Braveheart moment.  Loghain had lost in battle to my champion (I picked Morgana to fight him), and later would have a midnight tryst with the very person that beat him battle to birth a child.  I certainly didn’t see all that coming.

While Dragon Age: Origins wasn’t one of the best games I’ve ever played, if you’re arriving at the Dragon Age party late as I have, it is a must play.  It is a magical journey where the lore of Dragon Age is born.