Good morrow to you, sexy-bad beasties! *pops her neck* You know, I was thinking about that last image I posted and the journal I just wrote and thought that maybe I might be giving off the wrong impression about a change in direction for the show here towards the depressing and snuff-porn, so I think maybe we need some lighter fare...

Let's talk about some games, then! ...and peeing. *snerks*

Very few would deny that the PS2 had a humongous library and because it had such a Gigantor library of titles to choose from, there were a huge amount of both absolutely stellar, groundbreaking and genre-defining titles and a surprising number of over-looked gems. For my money, one of the latter was definitely "Okage: The Shadow King".

A wonderful little JRPG, generally best known for it's unusual visual style, I've discovered over the years that I'm not alone in my appreciation of this title. For my money, the game has the best qualities I want in an RPG, or any game for that matter- First and foremost, a good story that keeps me intrigued from beginning to end with an ending that I still recall fondly for the bittersweet feeling of a story completed being a story finished. The little bit of romance didn't hurt... *sighs dreamily* The game's collection of quirky characters and off-beat humour still keep it on my top-ten list for PS2, if not my all-time "Every-So-Often" list.

About the only complaint I have would be that although there are a good number of characters to play with by the final chapter, the number of actions available to each feels limited and combat can get repetitive, especially when you get to the inevitable "Grind to Survive" portions of the game. *groans a little* I suppose some of the characters fall into the "trope" categories but... with the nature of the narrative -which I WILL not spoil for anyone who hasn't played it yet- that kiiiind of has a reason to it.

Still, Okage will always be one of those games I think back on fondly from time to time, like a good book. I recall every little spoiler and plot twist but I still have to blow off the dust and pop it back into the system so I can experience the struggle of Ari, Stanley Trinidad Hi-hat The XIIIth and their friends all over again. Highly recommended.

And to those of you shouting from the stands "But Ashe, you latex-coated goat-fetishist, there IS a HD remake on PS4!" I do realize that. I, however, do not have a PS4.... also, to my knowledge, that remake is download-only and I'm one of those weirdos who demands a physical copy of the media I "own".


So, stop your moaning that all games are the same these days and get a copy of "Okage: The Shadow King", slap that sucker in your PS2 or 3 or... whatever and go nuts. You have my personal guarantee that it'll definitely be better than anything you catch hanging out in an alleyway for the weekend. *titters* No, seriously, it's fun. Play the damned game. *bows and kisses your hand* One World and One Love, you gaming ghoulies...