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Remembering what was Lost: My Dragalia Lost Experience
My time with Dragalia Lost wasn't as long as I wished it could be. I knew about the game since its launch, but my low quality phone at the time made it almost impossible to play. It felt like a tragedy since the concept of forging bonds with dragons pulled me in like everyone else. It wasn't until the fall of last year I played the game consistently after upgrading my phone. For a while, it seemed like I found my daily routine. I'd login every day for daily challenges, linger on the main menu to hear my units chat it up, fall in love with adventurer stories, and bob my head to epic boss music. All was going well until news of the end of service struck the community.
To say we were all shocked is a huge understatement. An important part of our lives was about to join the graveyard of forever lost video games. With news of Dl's impending doom, I was forced to reflect on my experience with the title and came to a surprising conclusion: Dragalia Lost is easily one of my favourite games of all time.
I don't usually talk about video games on this blog, but Dragalia Lost holds a special place in my heart for being the most fun I've had with a mobile game. It hit all of that boxes that other gacha games struggle to keep up with.
It's impossible to talk about DL Without mentioning Daoko. Whether players are chilling on the home screen, slaying a deadly boss or summoning beloved units, Daoko's pop vocals are bound to be heard. Even some of the instrumental tracks are remixes of her other songs. Her songs fit the game perfectly as they invoke the feeling of a light-hearted and fun-filled adventure. The pop score helps DL stand out from other games which usually use European orchestral music. It gives the game an oddly fitting contemporary atmosphere. Ryusei Toshi and CRASHER remain iconic tunes that gets players into the thrill of a good ol' boss battle.
While on the topic of the sound department, the English voice acting deserves special mention. Ocean Productions was in charge of the voices and that makes DL an incredibly rare case of a Canadian dubbed anime game. Each voice was a breath of fresh air that fit the characters like a glove. Special mention goes to Brian Drummond as Zhu Baije, Tabitha St Germain as Althemia, Richard Ian cox as Ranzal, and Mark Oliver as Hawk.
My only complaint is that the English audio lacks fully voiced dialogue. That could've gone a long way to making the game more immersive.
Pokemon TCG artist Naoki Saito brought his A game with the art design. Most of the characters have highly rememberable designs done in a vibrant pop art style. Character portraits were always a delight to look at due to how much they popped out on the screen. Each adventurer has a unique appearance highly distinct from each other and full of personality. The fun expressive style really added to the Saturday morning cartoon feel of the game. The user interface also has a nice sleek look to it that made navigating menus anything but a chore. While the chibi graphics can seem overly minimalistic at first, that simplicity prevents the game from feeling dated and instead gave it everlasting appeal.
It may seem disingenuous to review a game without mentioning gameplay but there's not much I can say in that department. DL's isometric action RPG style made it stand out from other games on the market even with its very limited attack system. It wasn't the most immersive combat system I've experienced, but it always kept me back for more and never left me bored.
The implementation of skip tickets and auto-loop was a godsend for grinding and made it overall stress-free. I didn't have to waste hours of time just to upgrade a single character. Just hit the auto button and step away from the phone for a while. Seriously, more games need to follow this method instead of making maxing out units so tiresome. The Co-op raid battles also deserve special mention since it was so fun seeing strangers come together to beat a particularly arduous boss. There were several times I relied on Co-op to clear stages because the difficulty is no joke at times. This was especially true for the MARVELOUS final boss Xenos which can easily last half an hour. Now that's how you go out with a bang.
Last but certainly not least is the story. It starts off simple enough with Euden performing his princely duty of forming a dragonpact; the main draw of the game. Then the game added layers of complexity with Zethia's dark doppelganger and the King's sudden evil disposition. The carefree prince now has to save his kingdom from his treacherous family with an even greater threat looming in the background. The beginning of rbe story was a bit slow at first, but there were enough plot twists and burning questions to keep me fully invested. I so was not prepared for the time travel shenanigans and social commentary on classism/privilege the mid-game story brought.
And that's only what the main campaign brings to the table. Dragalia has several event stories that heavily build on the robust lore and characterization players love so much. Certain events like Faith Forsaken, Fractured Futures and Advent of the Origin even serve as epilogues to plot points made in the main story. I will admit that there were FAR too many beach themed events for my liking. This game had great slice-of-life moments but it'll be too soon if I ever see another beach adventure in a mobile game.
Finally, it would be irremissible of me not to mention the vocabularian localization provided by 8-4. Character dialogue is stuffed to the gills with personality and colloquialisms you wouldn't expect from this game at first glance. It's guaranteed you learned a few new vocab words after playing the game. Seriously, some of these characters talk like they eat thesaurus' for breakfast. That's when they're too busy spouting meme worthy dialogue at least.
Dragalia may be lost, but I'll never forget the incredible memories I made along the way.
Yoshi-p and Xenophobia in gaming
Ff16 is causing a buzz online due to its producer Naoki Yoshida defending the game's lack of diversity under the guise of " Historical realism ". Ah yes, the game where you can summon mythical beasts and cast magic spells is so deeply trenched in realism. Naoki's statements are outright xenophobic even if he didn't intend them to be as such. He's reinforcing the idea that people of color have no place in fantasy worlds and that their existence is somehow more esoteric than literal dragons. I never knew we were so special that we outshine all manner of Mythical Gods and monsters just by breathing.
Even if you want to but into the historical accuracy nonsense, various articles online provide proof of Africans living in medieval England so there's no need to have such a vanilla white cast. Perhaps Naoki should do his research before making outrageous claims. Black people have existed in Europe for while now. We've been here and yet he acts as if we don't exist. Don't y'all ever get tired of making all white fantasy games anyway? A little melanin here and there never killed anyone. Well, except for Mihoyo because they avoid the color brown like its poison. It's crazy how they made two regions based on South Asia and the Middle East with no dark skin characters in sight. And no, using the absolute lightest shade of brown possible doesn't count as representation. Even real life white people have darker tans than the Genshin Impact cast.
It's gotten to the point that a small number of fans are boycotting ff16 in the name of diversity. Similar to Hogwarts Legacy, I don't believe it's a good idea to boycott a game simply because of a disagreeable opinion from the staff. Boycotting won't change anything or inspire Naoki to do better. The best thing to do is to call out Naoki's Ideology and state why diversity is so important in media. Developers and Producers need to be made aware of how their actions affect their fans, particularly fans of color. POC have every right to exist in the world of fantasy.
That indie jrpg moment when your close friends battle the personification of an inner demon of composure you have which is secretly leaking your true essence.
HIM
I actually only started making this to try to get better at limiting palattes but i grew an attachment to him
So like the entity himself is called DRAMEDY but the two mask have their own corresponding names (COMEDY and TRAGEDY )
He is going to be the antagonist of the Second portion of the game
Honestly, I was talking to my brother and got another idea for a game. Especially after Princess Peach Showtime.
I'll preface this by saying PPS is the perfect game for girls and women imo. Female main character, outfit changes, aesthetic color scheme--everything about the game gave me nostalgia and it isn't even out! I'll be looking forward to playing it (if I have the money 😷) because it makes me actually feel like a female without the color pink as the only color or horrible gameplay attached to it.
But it's sad as hell that it takes so long for something like this to come out. I got Super Princess Peach a few years after it came out and as a little girl, that was the most enjoyment I got out of a game that didn't have hot male characters keeping my attention.
Obviously, the main issue is men game developers. I'm not gonna be all "video games are men's fantasies and bla bla" I don't care because all I want is for some games to be a woman's fantasy ☺
If I knew a female game developer, I would help her in a heartbeat to make a game that actually caters to what women look for in games. Men can keep Cammy being literally butt naked if I also can get Lee Chalon in more swimwear 😌.
I understand the sentiment of girl gamers and that if games didn't have "heterosexual man juice" sprayed all over it, things would be better for us; but it's not gonna change and I wouldn't want it to because I grew up with games that had big breasted women and useless damsels I had to save, and I love some of those games *cough*DMC*cough*. I just want there to be more on both ends of the spectrum.
So, honestly, that's my TED talk, but I at least wanted to show the kinds of ideas we could be getting alongside our usual games.
~Read on if your interested~
Speaking of usual, where is the Huniepop with male characters 😤
Like, do people not realize that a game full of hot dudes with the main point being to engage sexually with them would be the first thing I'll throw $20 at?
Anyways 😀
My first real idea is a collectathon for house items, clothes/outfits, and other accesories.
Imagine Mario Oddessy, but just with the clothes. Instead of collecting the moons, you'd collect various items of clothing you could dress your character up in. A sofa for the house you live in or an accessory to style an outfit with.
I think, just maybe, there's a correlation with Animal Crossing and The Sims being popular with a female audience.
Personally, I don't like the current climate of ignoring a woman's natural interest in fashion and things that look good. I get that it's a stereotype, but all stereotypes are based in reality.
It's bad that girls are being shunned away from wearing a pretty outfit just because that's seen as "girly", but guys are "cool" when they have a good fit and even get praised if they "break gender roles" [insert sigh here]. I even think about how much this would help trans girls to discovery themselves more.
And it doesn't have to be something stereotypically female either. I'd never wear a skirt or dress, but you best believe if a flowy jacket or cute sweater came my way, I'm wearing that shit and I'd love to play games that allowed it, if they weren't unplayable and unbearable.
I usually hate platformers, but I'd love one if my objective was to get clothes and other designing items for a house or my character.
Next Idea
Obviously, VNs are usually the games associated with women, but I'd enjoy one that had gameplay on the side. You know, scratch the itch that Obey me! just doesn't.
Obey Me! Is perfect having guys who are likable without forcing random female hate as "conflicts". However, there's nothing to the gameplay so I'm usually pretty bored after a while.
And even if there is some kind of gameplay, you usually are forced to be romantic and there's no platonic options. Like, I was reading a post by Hamilton Hour and a review said exactly how I feel, they said this:
A lot of the time, I feel like romance games often push you into pursuing a relationship with someone, and when you don’t, the character will get sad and then you feel awful about it.
Original Post here
And no truer words have been spoken!
Seriously, what is with games doing that? Why not give us more content in the game and make all three if you want. Like Stardew Valley, there's options to be an asshole, to be platonic and options to be weird/overtly romantic. It makes it interesting to replay the game and see different choices.
I got off track though, back to the VNs with no gameplay. I really mean for there to be more romance oriented VNs with male characters that have gameplay. Like, Phoenix Wright, Danganropa, or Professor Layton but with romance lol.
I say this because there's tons of dating sims where the primary objective is to date women and they're always super good. Again, if anyone needs help I'd be willing to work on creating a story. Just ask.
Next idea
This isn't really an idea, but just something I wanted to say.
I super want more fighting games with male options that don't look like they were made for no one to love. I just think it's so convenient that female characters who are made to be "unattractive" are still the prettiest things on the planet.
Also, has anyone ever noticed that male characters in fighting games that are attractive are always married or devoted to another? However, most women aren't. Like Mortal Kombat for example. Now, I don't play this franchise so I could be wrong, but I have seen it and try and keep with the latest releases.
And I just happened to notice that the human characters who are male are usually married or dating someone.
On the opposite end, females in Mortal Kombat are either widowed, single with someone who has just a crush on them, or so butch they don't care for romantic relationships.
You can't be more blatant than that.
Street Fighter takes the design approach to turn away women. Seriously, name one male character from SF who's traditionally attractive then name a female, I guarantee you, you'll run out of men.
Then there's Tekken, my favorite.
Tekken is my fav for that very reason. There's a wide range of characters who have no romantic involvement, but they look human and *gasp* they're attractive?? What kind of sorcery...
Lee Chaolan
Hwoarang
Jin
Leo (ik they're essentially non-binary, but all that means is both get a victory)
Shaheen
Miguel
Hell even Paula and Law fit this imo.
And my personal fav, ❤ Dragunov ❤
I know he doesn't (sometimes) fit the traditionally attractive group, but bro have you seen some of his renders?
Idk I just find him pretty
Bite me any day sir *rawr xD*
Yeah he's 27, and looks about 40, but someone likes that irl (aka me) and I ain't special. So I know others would probably appreciate the older looking gentlemen type and not just the baby faced hottie (dilf come on).
Any-fucking-way
Next Idea
The last thing is more related to writing than an actual game idea.
You know how in Zelda you're saving... Zelda?
Well, why the hell isn't there a game where I'm saving Link (and no, the CDi games DO NOT count).
I mean in general, I'd love a game where you play as a heroine and you're saving a male character. Don't even get me started on the many ways that could work.
A god is wounded and it's up to her to save him
A prince is captured while on enemy lines, no one else is capable of infiltrating but her.
Needing a vessel, your childhood friend's body is snatched
Afflicted by a curse, she knows where to find the remedy
Like come on, is it that hard to make a male in need? No it's not, dudes are human too and sometimes they need help. Enough with this solo shit, if men could be alone than why the hell do they all want girlfriends or need wives make it make sense
All this is to say, female coders, developers, writers, we need ya'll 🗣🔊
And as I've said throughout this, I would not be opposed to helping someone create the story of a game they're developing.
Thanks for reading, if you got to this point, be sure to take care of your self, drink some water if you haven't or get some sleep if it's late 🍂
~Buh-bye now~
I love Sweet Home!! Absolutely fascinating movie and game, historically. The game (produced by Juzo Itami, the legendary director of Tampopo who also produced the film) was conceived at the same time and released roughly the same time as the Kiyoshi Kurosawa (best known for Cure and Pulse) directed film. It was arguably the first of its kind-- a survival horror RPG-- and would later go on to inspire Resident Evil.
Sweet Home (Capcom - NES - 1989)
Tenra Bansho Zero
[English first, poi in italiano]
This game of high octane action, intrigue, honour and all-around kickassery is a beast of a thing. Some of its mechanics might feel the weight of its age, but I was surprised by the modernity of so many of its dynamics. It's not a simple game, and, some might argue, it's a bit broken here and there, but its mood and tone have always brought the table together in just enjoying it. The fascinating setting in a world inspired by feudal Japan, but with many sci-fi trappings, is vast and vibrant, detailing only a few of its areas, while giving just hints about the rest, but the timeline is what makes the difference. You can feel the world's history behind the characters and the situation, giving context to players and GMs alike. Its "every defense is a counterattack" system, and the wonderful Emotion Matrix (that determines the first impression you get when you meet a new, relevant character, is one of the most effective storytelling tools I've seen in a rpg, yet) really bring out the game's animesque mood, while the "no-self phase" where you manage your character motivations and the karma they accrued, gives it a mystical feeling that only highlights further its tone.
Questo gioco di azione sfrenata, intrighi, onore e generale spaccaculaggine è un piccolo mostro. Mentre alcune meccaniche risentono un po' della sua età, mi ha sorpreso quanto moderne siano molte sue dinamiche. Non è un gioco semplice ed alcuni potrebbero giustamente asserire che è un po' rotto, ma ha un tono e spirito tali che ha sempre portato i tavoli sulla stessa lunghezza d'onda, facendoli semplicemente divertire. La sua incantevole ambientazione ispirata al Giappone feudale, ma con anche elementi fantascientifici, è vasta e vibrante. Solo alcune aree vengono dettagliate, dando giusto delle tracce sul resto del mondo, ma quello che fa la differenza è la sua cronologia. Si riesce a sentire la storia del mondo dietro ogni personaggio e situazione, dando contesto tanto ai giocatori quanto al master. Il suo sistema per cui "ogni difesa è un contrattacco" e la sua meravigliosa Matrice delle Emozioni (che definisce la prima impressione di quando vengono introdotti nuovi personaggi rilevanti ed è uno degli strumenti narrativi più efficaci che abbia visto finora) tirano davvero fuori il suo spirito "animesco", mentre la "fase di non-io" in cui si gestiscono le motivazioni e il karma accumulato dai personaggi, gli conferisce un tono mistico che lo evidenzia ulteriormente.
Tenra Bansho Zero.
hee ho!
Some art from 2023 I did of Earthbound characters! This is from my Earthbound Angel series from 2022-2023! Originally posted on instagram, I decided to post them here because I just love them so much. I will be posting some more of my archived art soon.
Paula is my favorite one!
EARTHBOUND X DRAGONQUEST (II)
Hello, here is some new art I did of the original Earthbound Beginnings/ Mother 1 as Dragon Quest characters!
Yes, Gigue/ Giygas looks like Frieza because DQ characters were designed by Akira Toriyama and I couldn't help myself LMAO
I think my favrotie one is probably Ninten or Teddie, but Lloyd's design is always gonna do it for me!
First Archive day! Here are some adorbs scenes from my favorite game ever!!! I drew these back in 2021!
Tanetane Island needle & The jealous bass battle!
They still hold up super well in my opinion! I was planning on doing so many of these, but time escaped me (I'm lazy). I will have to revisit these soon! Those sketches are laying untouched in my google drive! Get ready for a Magicallydeclined renaissance!
ao oni (the creature not the game) genuinely disturbs me. istg my hand was TREMBLING when i was making his head
Hey! I saw your Disgaea post and looked through your profile a bit but it looks like cool designs from some of my favorite pieces of media from the 00s isn't really your focus... Could you please post more about your rpg interest? Not enough people are talking about these lovely games with their interesting, artist lead design decisions. P.S. I know it's not an rpg, but Carl Clover from Blazblue is near and dear to my heart as well, from this era! I wonder if you have thoughts of him?
Omg, my first non-bot ask on Tumblr!
Tbh, I’ve only just started this blog, so I’m a little all over the place. And while I’m not a huge fan of being told what to post, I can definitely post more about RPGs I like!
Also I haven’t played Blazblue, but I looked up Carl Clover and I *love* him! So cute!
