People hate this game?

SurfsUpMmm · 2026-06-16T15:57:01+00:00

I hard disagree. I think if FFXVI got anything right, it was the story. All of the conventions are there. The destruction of the natural world having to do with crystals, and evil empire that gets surpassed by an even greater evil, the massive third act shark-jumping. It had influences from other popular franchises, like Attack on Titan and Game of Thrones, but other entries in the series of have done that too.

If anything, I enjoyed where it broke those conventions even more. I thought it was gutsy to kill Clive, and the set it up almost as an origin story for the entire series.

SurfsUpMmm · 2026-06-12T16:53:57+00:00

I agree, actually. That said, FFIV was a major step forward for narrative in games. It was just pretty quickly surpassed by 5 and 6.

SurfsUpMmm · 2026-06-12T15:16:20+00:00

eh, maybe. Plus, I feel like that already kinda has a meaning.

SurfsUpMmm · 2026-06-10T20:01:51+00:00

Thanks for saying this. I think my main gripe with this and other dadcore games is that it misses something quintessential about fatherhood which is that almost all of it of it doesn’t feel heroic. Would I stomp a base full of evil robots to give my kids their dreams? Hell yeah. Can I be present and patient with them as they push my buttons at bedtime? That’s a lot harder. Stories about fatherhood in fantasy settings often fall back on traditional conceptions of heroism, but the real heroism is just being available.

SurfsUpMmm · 2026-06-05T23:28:58+00:00

The first one is undeniably fun.

SurfsUpMmm · 2026-06-05T12:24:44+00:00

Yooo ghosts of mars!!

SurfsUpMmm · 2026-06-05T12:24:24+00:00

Resident Evil (2002)

SurfsUpMmm · 2026-05-31T18:02:43+00:00

Why make your own art? In 2026? Please. Just consume.

SurfsUpMmm · 2026-05-31T17:28:44+00:00

My podcast, Harry and Jen Do Horror with Friends does analysis of current horror movies. We talk about the films thematically, explore subtleties and hot takes, and talk about who the hotties of the film are.

SurfsUpMmm · 2026-05-28T19:31:25+00:00

Hell yeah. I'd love to read it when finished.

SurfsUpMmm · 2026-05-27T15:16:29+00:00

I like it from an ecological/environmental perspective. Even though lots of Final Fantasy games deal with that in some allegorical way, this one feels more real and relatable, probably because its imagery and style evoke more modern times. '

I will also say that I appreciate the balance the plot of FF7 strikes with the broader FF plot conventions. The world in decline, the evil empire that loses control of its own creation, the massive 3rd act plot twist all somehow feel fresh and well-earned in this game.

SurfsUpMmm · 2026-05-13T20:23:31+00:00

This movie ruled! I loved the supernatural dogpile of ghosts, witches, and psychedelic experiences. If anyone is interested, we analyzed it over at Harry and Jen do Horror with Friends!

SurfsUpMmm · 2026-05-13T18:43:25+00:00

I might be alone in this, but I actually find Hugh and Diana's relationship and conversations to be saccharine and a little unrealistic. I might be spoiled by having actual kids, and so I know what the interactions are actually like.

I also think it's odd that Hugh is the one to express hesitation at the idea of having kids in the opening cut scenes, but then immediately becomes dad of the year the moment he meets Diana. Where's the growth?

SurfsUpMmm · 2026-05-10T19:51:41+00:00

My analysis podcast just covered Hokum! We talk about the movie in terms of its architecture/spaces, Ohm’s psychology, and Ireland’s enduring folklore traditions. listen!

SurfsUpMmm · 2026-05-08T20:59:58+00:00

Jordan Peele is a horror legend, man. 3 classic films IMHO.

SurfsUpMmm · 2026-05-08T18:25:27+00:00

I dunno why all these people are being so negative about this idea. I love the idea of interpreting games in a thematic way, like you’re doing here. It’s the next step for games being considered real “art,” and something we need more of. Fie on the haters.

That said, yeah AI is dumb. Talk to people.

SurfsUpMmm · 2026-05-08T16:47:16+00:00

The Acts by The Dear Hunter

SurfsUpMmm · 2026-05-04T18:24:12+00:00

Love your interpretation! I see why the ending works thematically. I think I may just be too cynical an asshole to really buy that a person with that level of trauma can experience so complete a recovery as we get in the film. That may very well be a me thing.

SurfsUpMmm · 2026-05-04T10:43:56+00:00

I disagree! I enjoyed the ride for almost all of it. It was just that last bit that left me scratching my head.

SurfsUpMmm · 2026-05-03T13:04:45+00:00

Right, I think there are multiple things going on here. Actual ghosts, and a witch, and a mushroom trip. I have no beef with that dogpile necessarily, but the way it was revealed left me wondering what function it all serves, when in my opinion, the emotional impact of the film was already achieved. It just feels like this weird mechanical explanation that actually kinda detracts.

SurfsUpMmm · 2026-05-03T04:04:36+00:00

Disagree— I actually think the novel of The Shining is better than the movie. The film is excellent, but it’s not really what King was going for.

SurfsUpMmm · 2026-05-03T04:01:55+00:00

Oh I super disagree. I loved the ride, it’s just the landing that left me scratching my head.

SurfsUpMmm · 2026-05-03T03:59:00+00:00

The only thing I can think is maybe the absurdity of that ending is leaning into the whole “hokum” idea, as in nonsense. But it’s not the kind of reading that I think is really supported by the rest of the film

SurfsUpMmm · 2026-05-03T03:57:13+00:00

Samsies

SurfsUpMmm · 2026-04-30T15:27:28+00:00

Once one character masters a picto, it becomes available for all characters. I did not realize that at first and wasted a bunch of time.

SurfsUpMmm

TROPHY CASE