Derek Ex Machina

May 31

May 31 Yakuza 4 Review: An Insightful Examination of Loyalty in a Leap Forward for the Series

Yakuza 4 is a textbook example of what a sequel should be - it takes the foundation of what the previous game established and builds upon and improves what was there. Yakuza 4 simply feels a lot more fun to play and tells a story that, through its more stylized structure, is one that feels more dramatic, emotional, and impactful. While it still doesn’t quite reach the heights of later entries, Yakuza 4 is clearly a stepping stone that transitions the series from an awkward, transitionary phase to a greater, more polished experience.

Apr 26

Apr 26 Grandia Review: A Whimsical JRPG that Captures the Spirit of Adventure

Derek L.H.

Game Review

Especially in an era where RPGs are leaning towards telling more complex, adult stories, it was incredibly refreshing to visit the world of Grandia. The battle mechanics are satisfying and strategic, but the true magic of Grandia lies in its ostensible charm in its storytelling, worldbuilding, and characters. Grandia invites players to give in to their natural senses of adventure, wonder, and curiosity, and it gloriously succeeds in doing so.

Apr 9

Apr 9 5 Easily Accessible, Beginner Friendly, and Must-Play JRPGs for Genre Newcomers

Derek L.H.

Talking Point

The JRPG genre is not as hard to get into as some may think. The games discussed here are proof that the genre is capable of being welcoming to newcomers. Regardless of which JRPG you start with, know that the genre is beloved for a reason. They transport players to other worlds to explore, offer various characters to talk to, and deliver gameplay experiences that can be strategic, stylish, and satisfying.

Mar 8

Mar 8 Ys IX: Monstrum Nox Review - A Thrilling, Mysterious Action RPG Worth Uncovering

Derek L.H.

Game Review

Ys IX is an Action RPG that I can easily recommend to just about anyone interested in the genre, as it effectively nails almost everything it tries to do. From the game’s fast-paced, exciting combat that has a high skill ceiling for players to master to the game’s wonderfully told story and its engaging, rewarding side content, Ys IX: Monstrum Nox stands as one of the genuinely best Action RPGs in recent memory.

Jan 25

Jan 25 Yakuza 3 Review: A Powerful (if Unrefined) Tale of Kindness and Empathy

Derek L.H.

Game Review, Analysis

There’s very much a strong core to Yakuza 3. There’s nothing explicitly bad or unenjoyable at the game - it just feels like a victim of a series that naturally improved its execution of its ideas over time. Later games refining what Yakuza 3 brings to the table isn’t the fault of Yakuza 3, but it does highlight how unpolished and unrefined Yakuza 3 is as a result.

May 5

May 5 Celeste and the Symbiotic Relationship of Difficulty and Narrative

Derek L.H.

Essay, Analysis

Everyone who plays Celeste will learn about how to learn and and get through hardship, which, in so doing, teaches its audience about mental health and illness, a topic that many pieces of media struggle to effectively talk about, and how it can be coped with. It is for teaching that lesson to its players that Celeste’s management of its difficulty and narrative serves can only be considered as masterful.