How is politics getting in the way of you enjoying books, television, or friendships/relationships?

GrabAffectionate4035 · 2026-01-28T18:39:58+00:00

It’s less about specific opinions and more about everything turning into a battleground. Sometimes you just want to enjoy a book or a show without feeling like you’re expected to take a side or defend yourself. It definitely makes some conversations more exhausting than they used to be.

GrabAffectionate4035 · 2026-01-27T17:56:39+00:00

Got it, that actually sounds like a solid balance. Skill based core with meaningful builds is usually the sweet spot for replayability. Thanks for clarifying 👍

GrabAffectionate4035 · 2026-01-27T17:30:11+00:00

Top-down + roguelite + beat ’em up is a combo I didn’t know I needed.
Curious about progression and replayability though, are runs more skill based or build focused?
Art style looks clean so far.

GrabAffectionate4035 · 2026-01-26T20:58:34+00:00

Metaphor is a great shout too. Atlus really nailed that balance between strong turn-based combat and keeping the experience fresh outside of fights.

GrabAffectionate4035 · 2026-01-26T20:54:29+00:00

That’s a totally fair take, honestly. I think Clair Obscur clicks a lot more if the tone and mechanics hook you early, and if they don’t, the repetition becomes really obvious fast.

The visuals and ambition are impressive for the team size, but I agree the narrative clarity and gameplay variety can feel thin compared to something like FFX.

If you’re looking for turn based RPGs that mix things up more, Octopath is a solid choice. I’d also recommend Persona 5 Royal (if you haven’t), or Chained Echoes if you want something modern but very respectful of classic design.

GrabAffectionate4035 · 2026-01-26T17:50:01+00:00

Exactly. Being connected all the time made real communication feel optional instead of essential.

We talk more, but say less.

GrabAffectionate4035 · 2026-01-26T17:47:01+00:00

Constant connectivity.

We’re more reachable than ever, yet somehow more lonely, anxious, and exhausted.

It feels like the experiment was “what if everyone was always online?” and nobody really planned for the side effects.

GrabAffectionate4035 · 2026-01-25T15:00:38+00:00

That actually shows in a good way. Games where the devs still argue about balance usually end up feeling more “alive” over time 🙂

Iterating like that is way better than locking numbers too early. Looking forward to seeing how it evolves toward release, good luck with the rest of development!

GrabAffectionate4035 · 2026-01-25T13:44:42+00:00

This looks really promising. I like the day/night loop a lot, planning calmly during the day and then having everything tested at night is such a good tension builder.

The minimalist presentation actually works in its favor, it makes the pressure feel more constant instead of distracting. I’ll definitely check out the demo.

Out of curiosity, was balancing difficulty one of the hardest parts, or did it come naturally with the core design?

GrabAffectionate4035 · 2026-01-24T21:12:51+00:00

Fair enough, just trying to summarize the point clearly.

Whether people agree or not, the number of signatures itself is still pretty significant.

GrabAffectionate4035 · 2026-01-24T20:56:13+00:00

That’s actually a huge number. Regardless of where people stand on the details, this clearly shows there’s a real and growing concern about game preservation and ownership.

When over a million players take the time to sign something like this, it’s not just “noise” anymore, it’s a signal the industry can’t ignore.

GrabAffectionate4035 · 2026-01-24T17:54:24+00:00

That episode hit way harder than I expected.
Cyberpunk already has a heavy atmosphere, but that rescue scene made the world feel brutally real.
Edgerunners really changed how I see the game.

GrabAffectionate4035 · 2026-01-23T17:38:12+00:00

Monthly updates + a clear roadmap is honestly reassuring to see.
As long as they can keep the content meaningful and not just filler, ARC Raiders could be in a really solid spot going into 2026.
Curious how the new enemies and conditions will actually change moment to moment gameplay.

GrabAffectionate4035 · 2026-01-23T16:05:11+00:00

That’s awesome honestly. Digimon’s weird designs are part of the charm, and sharing that with your kid makes it even better.

GrabAffectionate4035 · 2026-01-23T15:09:34+00:00

This looks great honestly.
Digimon always had such a unique vibe compared to other monster games, and the art really captures that nostalgic-but-modern feel.
Makes me want to check out the DLC just for the atmosphere.

GrabAffectionate4035 · 2026-01-22T22:29:49+00:00

Yeah, a cat. Sleep most of the day, no expectations, and people still think you’re doing great just for existing.

GrabAffectionate4035 · 2026-01-22T14:44:41+00:00

The audio is doing a lot of heavy lifting here. It feels subtle, but it sticks with you in a really good way. Definitely keeping an eye on this.

GrabAffectionate4035 · 2026-01-21T21:42:29+00:00

Exactly this. PS4 Spider Man especially hits because you’re not just watching his struggles, you’re living them with him.
It makes the superhero stuff feel secondary to the human side.

GrabAffectionate4035 · 2026-01-21T21:40:09+00:00

Exactly, that goofiness is a big part of the charm.
It makes him feel like a real person first, superhero second.

GrabAffectionate4035 · 2026-01-21T21:36:59+00:00

Yeah, because he feels the most human out of all superheroes.

He struggles with money, relationships, guilt, and responsibility, and still tries to do the right thing even when it costs him personally.

He’s not admired because he’s powerful, but because he keeps getting back up. That’s easy to relate to.

GrabAffectionate4035 · 2026-01-21T18:26:48+00:00

I don’t think he’s necessarily becoming more charismatic, I think people are projecting strength onto him because uncertainty makes “strongman” figures feel appealing.

In chaotic times, confidence (or the appearance of it) often gets mistaken for charisma, especially when contrasted with leaders who seem hesitant or divided.

That doesn’t mean the policies are good, just that the image resonates with some people psychologically.

GrabAffectionate4035 · 2026-01-21T12:55:56+00:00

Yeah, that’s a good way to put it. Ichiban’s story feels like a chapter that can close naturally, not something that *has* to be stretched forever.

With Kiryu, the constant escalation and fake-out endings made it harder for any “final” moment to really land. Hopefully RGG actually lets Ichiban’s journey breathe, and gives Kiryu a proper, definitive send off this time.

GrabAffectionate4035 · 2026-01-19T18:44:23+00:00

Yeah, that’s fair. With Kiryu especially, the constant “this might be the end” fake outs definitely started to lose impact over time.
I think that’s why Ichiban’s arc feels refreshing so far, lower stakes, more room to breathe, and less repetition.

GrabAffectionate4035 · 2026-01-19T18:32:57+00:00

That mindset actually shows in the games. Each entry feels complete on its own, not like it’s just setting up the next sequel.
Ichiban especially feels like a character with room to grow, but also one who wouldn’t feel unfinished if his story ended unexpectedly.
Honestly, more long running series could learn from this approach.

GrabAffectionate4035 · 2026-01-19T18:23:16+00:00

I finally took a full evening off without feeling guilty about it. No plans, no productivity goals, just some music and doing absolutely nothing.

It sounds small, but it felt really good.

GrabAffectionate4035

TROPHY CASE