Prince of Persias Final Games @KBash

KBash out of time ⌛

Prince of Persia's one of those rare series that exudes quality, consideration, and charm. It's rough to see something that started, or rather, was rebooted from an older game lose fragments of itself over time. Sometimes those fragments rooted out in new directions that were, on the whole, worthwhile. Sometimes those fragments burned up. Stay awhile and listen to another snide game critic have a go with an old favorite.

*also acknowledgement that forgotten sands (the normal one) was timed to be a movie tie-in, but isn't in the way that most movie games are. It doesn't retell the movie, or even have naming similarities, it's separate, but was, in fact, intended to be released jointly, it seems

part 1 of this series is here: youtu.be/EbB6Hj6KDFY

To support the show, hit me up at patreon.com/kbash?fan_landing=true

Battles of Prince of Persia footage via DeShelly, at youtube.com/channel/UCjpJvQLXleInaX_TVk3aOZQ

0:00 Intro
1:17 PoP 2008
13:39 Forgotten Sands (Wii)
18:41 Forgotten Sands
25:18 Everything Else

#kbash #princeofpersia #retrospective

updated 2 years ago

Prince of Persias Final Games

KBash 2022-02-28 | out of time ⌛

Prince of Persia's one of those rare series that exudes quality, consideration, and charm. It's rough to see something that started, or rather, was rebooted from an older game lose fragments of itself over time. Sometimes those fragments rooted out in new directions that were, on the whole, worthwhile. Sometimes those fragments burned up. Stay awhile and listen to another snide game critic have a go with an old favorite.

*also acknowledgement that forgotten sands (the normal one) was timed to be a movie tie-in, but isn't in the way that most movie games are. It doesn't retell the movie, or even have naming similarities, it's separate, but was, in fact, intended to be released jointly, it seems

part 1 of this series is here: youtu.be/EbB6Hj6KDFY

To support the show, hit me up at patreon.com/kbash?fan_landing=true

Battles of Prince of Persia footage via DeShelly, at youtube.com/channel/UCjpJvQLXleInaX_TVk3aOZQ

0:00 Intro
1:17 PoP 2008
13:39 Forgotten Sands (Wii)
18:41 Forgotten Sands
25:18 Everything Else

#kbash #princeofpersia #retrospective

A Sane & Realistic Look at Valkyrie Elysium | KBash Game Reviews

KBash 2022-12-31 | apoplexy is bad actually

Welcome to a sane and realistic look at Valkyrie Elysium, courtesy of a human being who has yet to become a corn cob. The game is fun. It suffers in the obvious places from a rocky development and a sub-AAA budget. We all know the song, whatcha gonna dooo~

But it's clear that the devs attempted to be respectful to the original games, regardless of any crap you read online. To be fair, if you ever hear the word "lazy" applied to devs, you can be pretty sure you're dealing with a painfully unserious person. Game dev is hard. And frankly, plenty of the design, and specifically the combat, shows a fair bit of consideration - it just takes wrapping your head around if you're not used to B games. Believe me, the lack of a true and useful cancel bothers me too, but it's a hurdle, not a landmine.

I use the other games as points of comparison throughout the video, which isn't particularly fair - it wasn't published with the "Profile" title, but since it sidles up to the legacy, swipes from Ninja Gaiden and other games, well, I point out what I can, where I can. On with the review

If you'd like to see the uncensored version or support me otherwise, find me on patreon here: patreon.com/kbash

I recently did Bayonetta - they're both stylish games, why not check it out? youtu.be/xzakSQcOv40

0:00 ELYSIUM
1:43 the slow burn
12:30 The Good
18:50 spoilerinos + story breakdown
25:01 Conclusion + Credits

#kbash #valkyrieprofile #valkyrieelysium

A Gungrave Trilogy Review [CENSORSHIP EDITION]

KBash 2022-12-26 | the original video is in the KBash collections playlist - youtube killed 2 weeks of work which is why i guess its good i upload biweekly lmao, see yall next time

I saw KBash there, out on the banks, river stretched into the horizon.
"Why do you bother, anyway?" I asked. He simply stared.
"It's all I know." He rasped. He'd been shouting, or crying - something silly, anyway.
"You could've kept up with teaching - you know that, right? Or picked up a trade."
"I know." An admission. I caught a tear rolling down his cheek.
"So why? You still can, you're not settled, you have time!" He glanced at me and then the river.
"I want to exist."
I had no idea what that meant. 'Exist.' You're standing right there, idiot.
"And YouTube's the answer? Gungrave's the answer?"
He hung his head a moment and his lips bunched up. He turned to me, eyes red, and looked again to the river.
"No. But it's where I am. And it's what I've got. It's what I made." His words died on his lips and he shook with pain. I backed away.
"I'd say 'you got this,' but I think that's something you're gonna have to decide on your own."
He nodded. Always nodding. Every damn time.

This is the really kind of offensively censored version of this video, a Gungrave Trilogy review. The other one was also censored. I like this platform, but I like this platform better when its doing its best to work with creators and provide a transparent environment for the people it leeches from. I mean it's a parasitic relationship inherently, but they could at least be honest where possible.

If you'd like to see the uncensored version or support me otherwise, find me on patreon here: patreon.com/kbash

I recently did Bayonetta - they're both stylish games, why not check it out? youtu.be/xzakSQcOv40

Affiliate link:
Check out Total Play, a gaming retailer near me @ totalplay.ca/discount/KBASH
Enter Discount " KBASH " at checkout for 10% your order. Good until December 2022!

0:00 gUHNgUHRAVE
1:10 Gungrave (timestamp for seinfeld haters)
6:20 OVERDOOOSE
12:50 a brief word on VR
13:23 G.O.R.E

#kbash #gungrave #retrospective #trilogy

The Edgiest SRPG - Valkyrie Profile: Covenant of the Plume | KBash Game Reviews

KBash 2022-11-30 | "a plume drenched in blood to pen the course of history"

omg he did a video on an old srpg some number of people played brooooo
Covenant of the Plume is weird for a few reasons. Firstly, nixing the Valkyrie main character thing, but sure, Wylfred's viable. Second, trying to transpose traditional VP gameplay onto an srpg framework, which does well, it's not awful, but it comes with a lot of little quirks.

For example, most units are melee-exclusive, and don't get the ability to initiate combat at range (all combat is to be initiated, you're not just dropping single attacks, but trying to land squad-strikes) and so many characters lack the utility of, say, FFT with it's classes. No melee unit has a ranged attack, everyone has access to the same pool of utility options via skills, it's WEIRD.

But I'm not gonna get too nerdy, and instead look at the game in sum. A lot of those micro-points are cool, but it's hard to even get people invested in the thing enough to care, so here's my attempt at making Coom seem interesting. Check it.

Here's my latest video on Elysium: youtu.be/oPGE6pIFhQ8

If you'd like to help support the show, check me out here:
patreon.com/kbash?fan_landing=true

Affiliate link:
Check out Total Play, a gaming retailer near me @ totalplay.ca/discount/KBASH
Enter Discount " KBASH " at checkout for 10% your order. Good until December 2022!

#kbash #valkyrieprofile

Reviewing Every Souls Game // KBash Dark Souls Retrospective Supercut

KBash 2022-11-23 | now in "work day" format

This is a supercut of the two souls videos I made. I did this last year with Persona, and I'm doing it again. The year isn't over for me - I have more stuff planned as usual, and Xenoblade Chronicles (per patron reward) is coming in February. Dropping this now because the two vids have finally chilled out.

These ones were fun to make. I can't believe I started playing them in like, April or something. Half my year feels like it involved Souls. I love these games, even the rough ones. It's not the best video on the subject, depending on your tastes and preferences, but it's the only KBash video set on souls, so I'm proud to say it's done.

This is my rough, mildly refined meditation on the games. They're among the best things I wrote about this year, alongside TWEWY, Valkyrie Profile 1, and Prince of Persia, among others. Stiff competition. You'll find, if you give them the time, that they're actually very forgiving and inspiring to play, more than some difficult games. Oh yeah, and I'm doing Nioh in 2023. Correctly, this time.

"Please talk about Berserk" actually I love Berserk, but don't see the inherent critical importance in informing the audience about something they already know. I try to crop where I can!

"Please talk about Midir/x/y/z" more like Mid-ir, amirite? Hah. Hoooooo

"Please talk about Patches" actually you can totally miss the guy in most games, so it seems more loving to the series to not spoil every bit of magic in each game. Games like these thrive on discovery, no? I actually fell for his trap in bloodborne for the first time ever doing that video lmao

I did Valkyrie Profile and Elysium recently: youtu.be/oPGE6pIFhQ8

If you'd like to see the uncensored version or support me otherwise, find me on patreon here: patreon.com/kbash

Affiliate link:
Check out Total Play, a gaming retailer near me @ totalplay.ca/discount/KBASH
Enter Discount " KBASH " at checkout for 10% your order. Good until December 2022!

0:00 PREMISE
2:32 gigabrain game
30:56 memelord
57:59 m̶i̶y̶a̶z̶a̶k̶i̶'̶s̶ trick
1:22:45 soft retirement
1:46:09 Bloodborne, my love
2:18:04 Sekiro - Harassment
2:19:32 Sekiro - Flirting
2:49:36 World of Warcraft

#darksouls #bloodborne #sekiro #eldenring #demonssouls #soulsborne #kbash #supercut #retrospective

A Very Campy Bayonetta Trilogy Review

KBash 2022-11-18 | kuntenservenbash

Welcome to another funning episode of this *mario sound effect*
MIDLEVEL SPOILERS FOR ALL GAMES, but not everything is shown

Bayonetta put me off for years, so it's time to come clean - I'm really stupid. These games are a joy, even when they're obnoxious. It's more complicated than a simple shot at a highly-functional DMC-style action game; if anything, Bayonetta has a little more in common with Viewtiful Joe. Developer lineages, whatcha gonna do.

Some people love camp and some people live camp - Bayonetta's the latter. It manages to coexist in a highly competitive environment alongside genre titans like Ninja Gaiden and Devil May Cry with a unique spin on the hardcore character action genre, and further than that, Bayonetta's extremely easy to pick up and play. I mean maybe not the first game, but the others won't send you blasting off again like Ninja Gaiden can.

SO, for action game enthusiasts, or people who just think Bayonetta looks kind of neat 😊here's my rollercoaster take on this incredible trilogy. Oh and tl;dw Bayo 3's good, it's fun. Play it twice though, that's basically the theme of the vid. Except 2 unless you really dig it, in which case have fun, love that for you, look at how good you look damn, damn,, da

My latest on Gungrave!
youtu.be/2HX-tecRlYY

If you'd like to help support the show, check me out here:
patreon.com/kbash?fan_landing=true

Affiliate link:
Check out Total Play, a gaming retailer near me @ totalplay.ca/discount/KBASH
Enter Discount " KBASH " at checkout for 10% your order. Good until December 2022!

0:00 "Let's Dance Boys"
1:42 Bayonetta
12:40 Bayo 2
21:33 Bayo Threequel

#kbash #bayonetta #bayonetta3

A Chaotic God of War Trilogy Review

KBash 2022-10-31 | "let's burn this mf down"

Welcome to a highly censored look at the God of War Trilogy - sorry, I need my crumbs. Spoilers for all 3 games

With the forthcoming release of Ragnarok, I bring you the classics. God of War is something I've avoided for most of my life - I never liked what Kratos looked like - I'm a wispy creachur after all, and I never owned Playstation consoles. But looking into the trilogy today, I realize that Kratos is a symbol of gaming greatness for a reason. Now I like what he stands for visually, and the games are fun enough.

I've covered action adventures before - mostly Darksiders and Lords of Shadow. Full disclosure - I think the Darksiders vid is funny, but it's also outdated. I've changed a lot since, and probably wouldn't get so weird about those games now. The Lords of Shadow vid is fairly recent, thankfully, but both series were trying to capitalize on what God of War established. It's weird to finally go back to the progenitor and go, "yeah, actually, this is good."

*I'll cover the others if this does well enough, but I'm having a hard time imagining the video doing well ⚰️
**edit: lmao

If you'd like to see the uncensored version or support me otherwise, find me on patreon here: patreon.com/kbash

Here's my latest on Gungrave: youtu.be/2HX-tecRlYY

Affiliate link:
Check out Total Play, a gaming retailer near me @ totalplay.ca/discount/KBASH
Enter Discount " KBASH " at checkout for 10% your order. Good until December 2022!

0:00 SCREAM TIME
1:49 GoW 1
12:48 GoW 2
22:32 GoW 3
35:44 TRILOGY SPOILERS

#kbash #godofwar #gow

The Strangest Sequel? - Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria | KBash Game Reviews

KBash 2022-10-13 | sequel, prequel, freakquel

Welcome back to the second episode of Valkyrie Profile, this time featuring the weirdest sequel ever. I mean sure, Dept Heaven has a leg up on the competition strictly speaking, but this is NOT how I'd go about following up one of the greatest PSX JRPGs. Not that I hate the thing - it's fun enough, it's cool and interesting, but it shifts the design framework in such incredible ways you have to wonder why.

Instead of bashing wherever hurts most with the big-sad-mallet every twenty minutes, Valkyrie Profile 2 opts to send the player into the wilderness to grind offscreen for 6 hours. Not always, but it happens. It's a tough nut to crack, nothing like my usual bedtime escapades, so it's a buyer-beware experience.

I pulled cutscene footage and some miscellaneous bits from around the web because multiple video files corrupted. It's a notoriously obnoxious game to get up and running well, accounting for community support, so buying a good quality PS2 copy is probably the best play. Thing's gorgeous, so, I mean, why not?

Here's the latest episode: youtu.be/oPGE6pIFhQ8

If you'd like to help support the show, check me out here:
patreon.com/kbash?fan_landing=true

Affiliate link:
Check out Total Play, a gaming retailer near me @ totalplay.ca/discount/KBASH
Enter Discount " KBASH " at checkout for 10% your order. Good until December 2022!

0:00 what is this
05:43 game's weird bro
16:35 full story and spoilers

#kbash #valkyrieprofile #review

Obliterating my Sanity with Bloodborne, Sekiro and Elden Ring | Reviewing Every Dark Souls Spinoff

KBash 2022-09-30 | hello darkness, my old friend...?

*SPOILERS FOR ALL GAMES BTW*

FromSoft developed 3 spinoff titles that pushed the boundaries of the Dark Souls framework. Each of them bring interesting innovations to traditional souls gameplay, and get creative with the aesthetics too. This is part 2 of my patron-backed look at the Dark Souls series.

Final verdict? I like every souls game, period. It took a while to get there for more than one, however, and I finally took the time to figure out my own biases and latent frustrations with Bloodborne. Sekiro was fascinating and rewarding, but that controller definitely cost at least $20. Elden Ring is incredible and the hype is deserved - even if only for the aesthetics, though I really enjoy the additions to gameplay. Making me enjoy an open world isn't some small feat.

I won't tier these because it's sliiightly tacky? Like not really, but I'd rather you all draw your own conclusions and love/hate what you do regardless of me. It's worth mentioning that every title across the series struck down almost everything else I've played for a long time - they're just fun games, and I love customizability and character building, fantasy, etc.

Q: KBash you forgot to mention Patches!
A: YOOO Patches thooooo-- *is shot dead immediately at ten paces*

Q: KBash you forgot to mention Berserk!
A: YOOOOO I *mario hoo sound* LOVE BERSE-- *is thrown shrieking under a stump grinder*

Here's my latest main channel video: youtu.be/2HX-tecRlYY

Affiliate link:
Check out Total Play, a gaming retailer near me @ totalplay.ca/discount/KBASH
Enter Discount " KBASH " at checkout for 10% your order. Good until December 2022!

If you'd like to help support the show, here's my thingy: patreon.com/kbash?fan_landing=true
I still have polls posted - they're looking mostly decided, but I don't wanna make assumptions. Looking pretty JRPG heavy.

Here's the first part: youtu.be/myD-QeWMnJM

0:00 Premise
2:02 Bloodborne
33:56 Sekiro: Act 1
35:24 Sekiro: Act 2
1:05:28 Elden Ring

Special thanks to Ryan "Mori" Brooks for helping with Sekiro and Elden Ring, and for creating the pickle pizza. Uncontested legend, you live in our hearts from today onward.

MUSIC IN ORDER

Intro

Into the Woods - I Am Setsuna

BB

Intro - Bloodborne
Ganado I - Resident Evil 4
Hubris - Soulcalibur 2
Eversong Worlds - World of Warcraft
They Know My Name - Call of Cthulhu, Dark Corners of the Earth
Cleric Beast - Bloodborne
Lullaby for Mergo - Bloodborne
Isamat Urbur - Lost Kingdoms 2
Outtake 1 - Diablo 2
The Atrium II - Styx
Desperados 3 - Troublemakers in Flagstone
Bowerstone - Fable
Warcraft 3 - Carrion Waves
Beast Hunt - Gothic 1
Riku - Kingdom Hearts
Tristram - Diablo 1
Amygdala - Bloodborne
Blood Starved Beast - Bloodborne
Bloodborne - Bloodborne

Sekiro

Sekiro's soundtrack was varied enough to use in sum.
Also I use Fable's Summer Fields early, along with Climb Up! And Grab the Last Chance! From F-Zero.

ER

Tal Tal Heights - Link's Awakening
High Seas Moment - World of Warcraft
Colony 9 - Xenoblade Chronicles
Omega Ruins - FFX
Title Theme - Final Fantasy Tactics
Among Stately Peaks - Octopath Traveler
Showdown - Tactics Ogre
Road to Gran Soren - Dragon's Dogma
Bluemoon Tower - Dragon's Dogma
Desert Lands - Final Fantasy Tactics
Impregnable Defense - Tactics Ogre
No Turning Back - I Am Setsuna
Abandoned Mines - Vagrant Story
Under the Stars - FFT
The Brotherhood Escapes - Assassin's Creed Brotherhood
Gilgamesh Boss Fight - FFXV
Alien Manifestation - Nier Automata
Forest of Myth - Nier
Path of Redemption - I Am Setsuna

#bloodborne #sekiro #eldenring #kbash #retrospective

A Needlessly Historical Look at Sword of Mana

KBash 2022-09-01 | "Where did ya come from, where did ya go?"

Sword of Mana is a really interesting game in the Seiken Densetsu lineage, specifically for learning from its predecessors, trying new things, and functioning more than adequately as a GBA action rpg. Its aesthetics, gameplay, and story are all relevant to the Mana series writ-large, so we're inquiring further, more than I usually do, into the history of Mana. Also I talk about Hiro Isono, Romantic era art and other fun stuff.

I never really got over Mana, and way back when I covered the games I totally ignored Sword of Mana. It fell through the cracks, so I dredged the thing back up. This is a much more "mature" and "sensible" look at the Mana games for the crymads that hate when I take my pitch up a notch and have a giggle. Try screaming sometime, you know, Patrick said it best and he was right. No need to tearfully whine about "thuh yoochewber" when you're having a bad day, take that crap to league of legends. You know who you are.

If you'd like to help support the show, find me at this link: patreon.com/kbash?fan_landing=true

Affiliate link:
Check out Total Play, a gaming retailer near me @ totalplay.ca/discount/KBASH
Enter Discount " KBASH " at checkout for 10% your order. Good until December 2022!

*note that I'm not changing my thumbnail structure, I just couldn't make my style work with what I was trying to convey about the video being different, so I experimented with something more conventional. Back on my usual grind soon - see ya then

0:00 Historicizing About Mana
09:34 Intro to Sword
13:12 Mana's Aesthetics
19:38 Talkin' Gameplay
27:07 Sword Story
41:44 Finisher

#seikendensetsu #mana #kbash

The Most Depressing JRPG? - Valkyrie Profile | KBash Game Reviews

KBash 2022-08-15 | livin the scream

Valkyrie Profile is an incredible JRPG from tri-Ace, the Star Ocean team. It's a classic PSX title, and really, none of these little factoids matter because the game is bigger than any of that. It's exactly the kind of thing I, and all fans of bizarre JRPGs everywhere, can appreciate. But hey, I got through Dept Heaven, so maybe I'm immune to insanity.

I mean how many other games hand you a pile of recruitable characters, show you every one of them dying horrendous, tragic deaths, and just move along like nothing happened. This game, man. And it's more than that - I don't wanna oversell the depressing bits. Valkyrie Profile knows how to hit a payoff, but I'll save it for the video.

Here's the Elysium video: youtu.be/oPGE6pIFhQ8

If you'd like to help support the show, check me out here:
patreon.com/kbash?fan_landing=true

Affiliate link:
Check out Total Play, a gaming retailer near me @ totalplay.ca/discount/KBASH
Enter Discount " KBASH " at checkout for 10% your order. Good until December 2022!

0:00 Valkyrie Profile Brooo
20:48 BIG SPOILER SECTION

#kbash #valkyrieprofile #review

Obliterating My Humanity with the Dark Souls Trilogy | Reviewing Every Mainline Souls Game

KBash 2022-07-31 | do longhairs have souls

For hitting ANOTHER (WOW) patreon milestone, I'm back with the Dark Souls video. Well the first half, anyway. Here's my look at Demon's Souls and the Dark Souls Trilogy.

FromSoft's Souls games are thought of as difficult, and they are, but it's deeper than that. Lots of games are hard, but not many reach the level of critical success and general meme status that these games did. They have genuine cultural penetration, and I think that for all their flaws, they managed to be subversive in a time of great conformity. Oh, and they're incredible for gameplay people, literally let you skip all the story you want and cut right to the rpg-character-building stuff - there's a lot to like.

I haven't listened to too many souls opinions - what I value most in them is the character building, aesthetics second, and everything else is tertiary. If you're wondering where the section on patches is, or how many characters have exposed feet for example, I'm probably saving it for part 2!

It's back to business as usual until September when I cover Bloodborne, Sekiro, and Elden Ring - need a bit of a break from souls stuff for 30 days, you know.

Here's my latest: youtu.be/2HX-tecRlYY

Affiliate link:
Check out Total Play, a gaming retailer near me @ totalplay.ca/discount/KBASH
Enter Discount " KBASH " at checkout for 10% your order. Good until December 2022!

If you'd like to help support the show, here's my thingy: patreon.com/kbash?fan_landing=true
The next goal is a tossup between Monster Hunter and Xenoblade Chronicles (as voted by patrons). Yes, I've chosen death.

0:00 PREMISE
2:33 Demon's Souls
30:57 Dark Souls
58:00 DS2
1:22:46 Dark Souls 3

Thanks to Ryan "Mori" Brooks for guiding me through DS2 and others!

Songs, in order of appearance:
Skit Songs
Ico - Castle in the Mist
Fable - Bowerstone

Demon's Souls Songs
Tactics Ogre - Harvest Dance
Legend of Mana - Earth Painting
急げ!! - FFX
FFCC - Tida
Diablo - Tristram
Folklore - Endless Battlefield
FFCC - Mag Mell
World of Warcraft - Eversong Woods
Super Mario Bros
Fable - Darkwood
Fable - Oakvale
Adventures of Mana - Endless Carnage
Tactics Ogre - Krypton
Nier Automata - Birth of a Wish
Folklore - The Netherworld
Prince of Persia 2008

Dark Souls Songs
Smash Ultimate - Climb Up! And Get the Last Chance
Dragon Age - The Dalish Elves Encampment
Nier - Song of the Ancients
Octopath Traveler - Tressa's Theme + Decisive Battle
World of Warcraft - Ashenvale
Diablo 2 - Rogue Encampment
Age of Mythology - Eat Your Potatoes
Legend of Mana - Picturesque
Nier - The Incomplete Stone
Dark Souls - Nameless Song
Metal Gear Solid - Encounter
Legend of Mana - Pain in the Universe
Dark Souls - Firelink Shrine
Dark Souls - Gwyn, Lord of Cinder
Nier Automata - City Ruins

DS2 Songs
Chrono Cross - Time's Scar
Octopath Traveler - My Quiet Forest Home
Legend of Mana - The Excitement of Both of Us
Dark Souls 2 Majula
Dragon Age - The Dwarves of Orzammar Suite
Banjo-Kazooie - Gruntilda's Lair
Age of Mythology - Eat Your Potatoes
Legend of Mana - Pain in the Universe
Nier - City of Commerce
Metroid Prime - Phendrana Drifts
FFT - Battle on the Bridge
Dark Souls 2 - Remains

DS3 Songs
FFT - Hero's Theme
Ninja Gaiden 3 - A Hero Unmasked
Diablo 3 - New Tristram
FFCC - Departure
Dishonored 2 - Theme
FFT - Trisection
FFTA - Amber Valley
Legend of Mana - The Wind Sings for the Journey
Nier Automata - Bipolar Nightmare
Nier Automata - Simone
Octopath Traveler - Decisive Battle 3
Octopath Traveler - The One They Call Daughter of Dark God
Dark Souls 3 - Epilogue

#kbash #darksouls #review

A Deranged Review of The World Ends With You and TWEWY NEO - Game Storytelling Perfected

KBash 2022-07-01 | TWEWY and Hot Dog Water Tea

major spoilers marked with chapters

It had to happen eventually. I've been talking up the first game for years, because it's one of the best. It's not even controversial, TWEWY's my #1 DS game and for good reason. People've been talking about ludonarrative dissonance for years, but the harmonies brother, the HARMONIES

TWEWY, or The World Ends With You, or It's a Wonderful World is one of the strangest, most innovative, most well-designed games and well-told game stories, and that all applies to the second entry as well. TWEWY NEO is a slower experience than the first, but arguably hits higher highs, and certainly if you're willing to dig into the writing. TWEWY 1 is a masterclass in packaging an experience for video games, TWEWY NEO is a power-40-hours, I guess, for people who want to put the pieces together.

These games are also perfect for discussing storytelling in games, because they, unlike many others in the genre, make use of EVERY element of design to sell the narrative. It's wild. Check it out!

If you'd like to help support the show, I'm here! patreon.com/kbash?fan_landing=true

Here's more longform video stuff: youtu.be/tGvJ94cUdzw

0:00 TWEWY THE GOAT
16:20 light twewy spoilers
26:14 TWEWY NEO
41:42 light neo spoilers

#twewy #theworldendswithyou #kbash

Criminal Rurouni Kenshin Games

KBash 2022-06-15 | get it lmao

A long time ago I did Shonen Jump games and a few people took me to task over the whole Nobuhiro Watsuki joke I made at the start. But I mean, you can read the deposition, and it ain't pretty.

Rurouni Kenshin was a fun series to watch/read/play anyway. It's a highly moralistic work, and more complex than I expected, especially with it's exploration of power, purpose, the past, etc. I think it's enjoyable enough to get into. Good samurai anime isn't exactly lacking, and this one takes a while to get rolling, but it pays off pretty well in season 2.

Also the games are the main focus today, but they're mostly pretty rough. I like games as stepping-stones to anime/manga. It's how I got into One Piece back in the day, and Bleach as well.

I recently covered TWEWY as well... youtu.be/uV6UbxLnx84

If you'd like to support the show, here's my page! patreon.com/kbash?fan_landing=true

#rurounikenshin #kbash #animefighters #anime #samuraix

A Deeply Disturbed No More Heroes Complete Series Review

KBash 2022-06-01 | STRAWBERRY ON THE SHORTCAKE

*spoilers for all games present*

Well, this was a trip. I started with 0 expectations, and walked away pretty impressed and sympathetic, but it didn't come easy. The games are fun enough, that's not the issue - it's being a regular game guy and having to grapple with subtext and symbolism that's powdered up beyond recognition. It's a series that makes you care, and it can piss you off when your expectations aren't immediately met by the games. But being from Grasshopper, Suda51, coming from artists in the industry, they're worth paying attention to, looking past the paint.

I played the Switch versions, which are admittedly less frustrating overall (more people dislike motion controls than not, I think) so the games were probably the cleanest versions of themselves. Normal mode as usual. I shriek a couple times. We have fun here. Also I censored a ton of stuff and missed some and it sucks but man I'm on render 4 and I'm gonna headbutt someone - the best version of this video is on my (b)atreon.

I've been informed that I accidentally referred to Henry as Sylvia's wife. After reviewing the material, the internal review team has concluded that this statement is accurate.

If you'd like to help support the show, hit me up at: patreon.com/kbash?fan_landing=true

I sampled some gameplay of Henry, found here: youtube.com/watch?v=muzAMK_nIYI

Check out my GoW video: youtu.be/gYyl6PnaOE4

0:00 SUDA51 & NMH
2:07 No More Heroes 1
17:35 No More Heroes 2
29:56 Travis Strikes Again!
39:13 No More Heroes 3

#NMH #Suda51 #KBash #NoMoreHeroes

Power Stone Deserved Better

KBash 2022-05-13 | power stone more like POWER BONE

World Warrior Games are cool. But throw "brawlers" into the mix? I've talked about Barbarian (like 4 years ago), I've talked about One Piece Grand Adventure, but I've never talked about the progenitor, the Capcom classic Power Stone. It's a legendary 3D brawler duology that was ROBBED, first of all, and never hit competitive status.

And fair enough, other games filled that spot better, but I'm demented enough to have a look at everything the series did right and wrong! Join me as I reminisce about the arcades, something a whole generation of gaming kids will likely never experience. It's notable for being a Dreamcast title as well, something I never touch on.

If you'd like to help support the show, check me out here: patreon.com/kbash?fan_landing=true

I did Mega Man Legends too: youtube.com/watch?v=z-9cCnjPbzE

0:00 Power Stone!!
8:04 Power Stone 2!!

#powerstone #kbash #capcom

An Unhinged Review of the Mega Man Legends Series

KBash 2022-04-30 | ah yes, goopless at last

Today we're looking at Mega Man Legends, The Misadventures of Tron Bonne, and Legends 2 - talking design, 'avin a giggle, not dredging up the third game, keeping it real. I've been dealing with too many heavy projects and I needed something lighter for the warmer days, connect with the roots, you know?

I'm gonna pre-empt any "will you cover the other mega man subseries" with yeah, I would, but I don't know how much interest there is and video views are my best indicator, so feel free to curse your groupchat with my shrieking.

Idk I think too many people complain about controls in games in general. Thing feels fine - like there's an adjustment period, but it works. And for putting up with it, you get this positive, dramatic PS1 classic that really bleeds personality. A lot of games struggle with this - not Capcom's stuff, mind, but in general Legends does a great job of roping players and fans in with raw charm. I'm not about to join the legends discord, but I recommend trying out the first at least.

If you'd like to help support the show, I'm over here!! patreon.com/kbash?fan_landing=true

I did No More Heroes recently too: youtu.be/tGvJ94cUdzw

The beat used is listed here: youtube.com/watch?v=P5lU88-jVdQ

#kbash #megamanlegends #tronbonne

0:00 Mega Man Legends 1
7:05 The Misadventures of Tron Bonne
12:16 Mega Man Legends 2

Shining in the Darkness and Shining The Holy Ark - The Origins of Shining AND Golden Sun

KBash 2022-04-16 | in the beginning

Today we're finally looking back at the Shining series' roots. I covered Shining Soul expecting exactly zero interest, but I was wrong. I don't think people are as interested in Shining as like, GBA rpgs in general, but I found something interesting after playing the first Shining game - Shining in the Darkness - which is that the indirect sequel, Shining the Holy Ark, is the precursor to Golden Sun in almost every way. So we're heading back to the Genesis and Sega Saturn to see what's up.

So join me as I dredge up a ton of unwanted discourse and explore the early years of Camelot and Shining, then give up on making a video and drop 10 minutes of story analysis. What could possibly go wrong? The good news is, this one probably won't do that well so I ain't gotta worry about covering Shining Force 3. Load off my mind, lemme tell ya.

If you'd like to help support the show, here's the link: patreon.com/kbash?fan_landing=true

I also covered Shining Soul here: youtu.be/-s44nTrofyo

0:00 Shining and Camelot
1:44 Shining in the Darkness
7:48 The Holy Ark
16:38 Story Breakdown
25:59 The Golden Sun Connection

#Shining #KBash #GoldenSun #Retrospective

A Cursed Critique of the Castlevania: Lords of Shadow Series

KBash 2022-03-31 | perfectly balanced between light and shadow

So I'm not an enormous Castlevania fan - I've played the original, Circle of the Moon, Dawn of Sorrow, Portrait of Ruin, Judgement, and Order of Ecclesia. These were easily less enjoyable than MOST of those games, but there was something that pulled me forward. Find out if it was "the light," satan calling me towards hell, or the chain of capital pulling me towards making my bottom line. In any case, here's Lords of Shadow in critique.

In this video, we take an extremely brief look at the history of Castlevania and the circumstances in which the Lords of Shadow series was developed, analyze the gameplay patterns with respect to other action games from a similar lineage, highlight unique issues and successes, and helpheplp help help hel lp help

These were played on PC and on Normal mode. Both my computer and my recording software worked together to make the footage as vile as possible, genuinely sorry for that - I'll try to upgrade my visuals when I finally get another workstation -_-"

If you'd like to support the show, you can find me here: patreon.com/kbash?fan_landing=true

Here's my latest vide: youtu.be/gYyl6PnaOE4

0:00 Intro
1:17 Lords of Shadow
14:52 Mirror of Fate
19:21 LoS 2

#castlevania #lordsofshadow #kbash #retrospective

KBash and the Gigantenormous Q & A Video (and patreon update)

KBash 2022-03-15 | I am here to answer some questions.

Apologies to KBash-patreon-discord-questioners, I'll be answering those soon via patreon b/c wow, this thing annihilated a work day on its own -_-

Anyway we're doing well, we can do better. Same story, but the people supporting me are helping to alleviate the pressure - I'll be able to take a break or slow down slightly some time and not take it on the jaw too hard aha. For now I'll stay the course, but you know.

Sorry if I missed your question, I recorded all the ones that would load yesterday and I'm already back on tha grind - tbf I got several of the same question so most of it was covered

0:00 Patreon Year 3
4:23 The Q & A

The Wildest Fighting Game Duology // Persona Arena + Ultimax in Review

KBash 2022-03-14 | big olllllllllll' shmeat

*spoilers for p3, p4, and these games* *arachnophobia warning*

Persona Arena and the sequel, Ultimax, are fantastic. At least as a pair of fighting games. With the Persona veneer I expected slightly more outta the story more, but we still had a fun time. Mostly because of the camp. And the vore. That won't stop me from being mildly uncharitable to the story and other modes on offer, but jazzed by the mechanics.

This is releasing in preparation for the remaster, which is coming out this very week. I should clarify that the story of Arena is available in the Ultimax remaster, no DLC or anything, all that bonus content for Ultimax is there. And it's based off a specific patch which has prety heavy gameplay ramifications, but I figured it was out of the scope of the vid - a light newcomer's take.

If you'd like to support the show, hit me up here: patreon.com/kbash?fan_landing=true

I've done other fighting game videos but they're pretty old. I guess there's Darkstalkers from last year: youtu.be/VCJeiBqyG9E

Clips of specific content creators come from Moopoke, for the Naoto clip, found here:
youtube.com/watch?v=5Wg-T77Tjzw
And from AnimeIlluminati for the shadow Chie clip, found here:
youtube.com/channel/UClQVIpFHy14FehFeEXdOKwQ

0:00 INTRO
1:52 Persona Arena
12:46 ULTIMAX

#ultimax #persona #kbash

The Mega Man Zero Disaster Review

KBash 2022-02-15 | 6 games 1 brain cell

I played the Mega Man Zero collection and all I got was some early onset carpal tunnel. And a bunch of footage to make a game review with, I guess.

A lightweight review of the Mega Man Zero/ZX collection for the nintendo switch, and an inquiry into my format itself. Watch as your host verbally pummels himself while generally having a rough go, ensuring that nobody is happy.

DEATH TO PERFECTIONISM. LONG LIVE HUMANITY.

If you'd like to help support the show, get uncensored videos, or beat me up via DM, hit me up at my page: patreon.com/kbash?fan_landing=true

AND we just covered Mega Man Legends: youtu.be/z-9cCnjPbzE

0:00 "The Disaster Review"
1:05 Zero 1
8:22 Zero 2
17:01 Zero 3
22:03 Zero 4
29:46 ZX and Advent

#kbash #mmz #retrospective

2D Fighters and the Rough Transition to 3D

KBash 2022-01-31 | prolly shoulda put Sonic the Fighters in this one huh

In a generation lost to rapidly shifting tech, one genre - the 2D fighter - found itself challenged directly by trends and market changes. Street Fighter, King of Fighters, Mortal Kombat even - all of them needed an answer to Virtua Fighter, Soulcalibur, and Tekken. They were visually impressive, they pushed boundaries, and for some reason people didn't care all that much about exceptional spritework anymore. A new wave was crashing.

I know someone's gonna ask, but no that wasn't a dunk on eventhubs, I've been going there every day for 9 years lol.

If you'd like to help support the show, check out my page here: patreon.com/kbash?fan_landing=true

The closest things I've done to this semi-recently are Bloody Roar and Darkstalkers, linked here:
youtu.be/VCJeiBqyG9E darkstalkers
youtu.be/3Kin1gFpDkU blood roar

0:00 Intro
1:44 The Abridged History
4:02 Designing for 3D
6:28 3D Done Well
10:59 3D Done Funny
15:39 3D Done Bad...?

Songs in order of appearance:
HOME - Pyxis
Robots GBA - Intro Movie
Departure - Kaze no Notam
Fatal Fury 3 - Hon Fu Theme
Street Fighter EX3 - Strange Sunset
SSF4 - Theme of Dan
KoF2000 - Team Fatal Fury Theme
Samurai Shodown Edge of Destiny - Another Feast

#kbash #fightinggames #retrospective

A Chaotic Prince of Persia Trilogy Review

KBash 2022-01-17 | back on my (mario sound effect)

Prince of Persia's one of those foundational series, at least to me - I remember playing Two Thrones at like 14-15 on my Gamecube thinking "dang, this is pretty good." Turns out it was. Coming straight outta Canada, and (unfortunately) Ubisoft, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time spun a huge fanbase and greenlit a trilogy - it's that good. So for once I wasn't spiking my controller mid playthrough as one is wont to do. At least when you marathon stuff like me. This is only part 1, but the sequel's coming sometime next month.

If you'd like to help support the show, and take the censors off, I'm at patreon.com/kbash?fan_landing=true

Here's my latest: youtu.be/xzakSQcOv40

0:00 Intro
1:23 Sands of Time
10:03 Warrior Within
19:53 Two Thrones

#SandsofTime #WarriorWithin #TwoThrones #kbash

An Unhinged Look at Shining Soul - the GBAs Diablo

KBash 2021-12-31 | name a dumber youtuber tbh

Sometimes it's not about the views. Sometimes you farm up a bunch unexpectedly from a Persona compilation and need an inbetweener so your next project goes smoothly. Sometimes you play Shining Soul 1 + 2 over like 4-5 days and need to talk about it.

Shining is a series that's not happening, so don't ask, all 3 of you. Unless...? This pair of spinoffs are GBA action rpgs, more or less the gameboy's Diablo. I just wanted to cover the second game because it was one of the original games I attempted to record for the show 6 years ago. Shining Soul 2 finally gets its day.

If you'd like to help me out, here's the link: patreon.com/kbash?fan_landing=true

Here's the next Shining video: youtu.be/xGTdqpwk0vA

0:00 Intro to Shining
1:55 The Ice Half
8:06 The Fire Half

#kbash #shining #jrpg #retrospective

Reviewing Every Persona Game // KBash Persona Retrospective Supercut

KBash 2021-12-21 | The collected shworks.

Weighed releasing this months later or now. All I know is the channel's in a downswing, it's christmas, and persona's the only thing getting consistent viewership. So here's the supercut, because some people like long videos.

This series was brutal. Not bad, they're all playable to a point - just time consuming. When I look at other jrpg series, they seem impossible to cover purely by length of time required. It's a one (occasionally 2) person show, and it's hard enough recording full series. I already dislike having one franchise or series linger too long on my channel, I like engaging with new material frequently.

Sorry it dragged out so long, or that I didn't drip-feed it, or whatever, I just wanted to get my work-mountain done. Good learning experience anyway, provided it doesn't cost me the channel lol. Hoping for the best next year - I've got a great lineup.

Here's my latest video on Valkyrie Elysium: youtu.be/oPGE6pIFhQ8

If you wanna support the channel you know where to find me, bless you for reading this far.

0:00 Persona 1 + 2
27:33 Persona 3 (FES)
1:09:07 Persona 4 (Golden)
1:56:58 Persona 5 (Royal)

#persona #retrospective #kbash #supercut

The Shockingly Hardcore Viewtiful Joe Series

KBash 2021-12-15 | what that tongue do?

Viewtiful Joe, one of the Capcom 5, a creative and bizarre Hideki Kamiya original - it's time to take a look at the series, from the first to the sequel to the spinoffs. A franchise that exploded onto store shelves and burned up in 2 years.

It's been a while since we covered a hardcore action game. Viewtiful Joe's a bit odd because, being remembered as a Nintendo game, there's all kinds of opinions about Joe's difficulty. I can confirm it's hard, but the context for difficulty is what's interesting: it's a game that requires the player memorize the controls, develop muscle memory and execution. It has similarities to fighters in that regard. And fair enough, Joe's been in his fair share of fighters, from MvC3 to Tatsunoko vs Capcom.

0:00 Intro
1:12 Viewtiful Joe 1
15:01 Viewtiful Joe 2
24:38 Spinoffs, "The Franchise"

If you'd like to help support the show, and get uncensored episodes, follow the link here: patreon.com/kbash?fan_landing=true

For other nostalgic Capcom properties, I did Darkstalkers last year: youtu.be/VCJeiBqyG9E

**Trying out auto-generated closed captions with premiere, so if they're funny, and I know they are, that's why. I don't put a lot of stock into opinions about increasing engagement on this site, so if it works I'll be taking an extra workday every cycle to transcribe captions. Please understand as well that the only reason they aren't always present is time and effort. My schedule's packed and I don't take days off. That's all.

#viewtifuljoe #kbash #retrospective

Axes in Games

KBash 2021-11-30 | i am going to axe you a question

Axes are the subject of this video. I don't know what compelled me to make this. It's not a top 10, just a broad look at the implementation of axes in video games. We hit most of the greats, but I'm sure you've got plenty of things I missed, so hit me with them, and why they're good below, if you're so inclined.

To help me survive the winter: patreon.com/kbash?fan_landing=true

I don't do "concept" videos often, but here's the one about SRPGs: youtu.be/5C1cgDzRP3w

#kbash #axes #soulcalibur #fireemblem #persona5

A Critique of Persona 5

KBash 2021-11-21 | You'd see it coming more often if you took your Adderall

0:00 Intro
7:31 Tokyo Days
14:06 Everything Social
23:27 Palaces and Combat
33:42 The Party
40:19 The Story (spoilers)
49:24 Royal (spoilers)

This is the last look at a Persona game for a good while - I know Strikers buffs the story here, but man I need space from the thing. Persona's been my life for about 4 months, and I'm starting to see social link points in my daily conversations.

I think this game is extremely high-quality, very aspirational, and reaches a little too close to the sun in places. Let's talk Persona 5, or rather it's expanded version: P5 Royal.

Special thanks to my patrons and longtime viewers for funding this series.
patreon.com/kbash?fan_landing=true

For my other Persona videos, they go in this order:
1+2 - youtu.be/vdcNCGArE64
3 - youtu.be/6Uzkb7FTXgE
4 - youtu.be/tGI7LEcUsbg

#p5 #persona5royal #kbash #retrospective #critique

A Wizard of Oz Action Game?? - Sword of Etheria | KBash Game Reviews

KBash 2021-10-31 | wherein dorothy explodes

Been a minute since we covered one of them "nostalgic for about 7 people" games. Sword of Etheria, also known as "Chains of Power" in South Korea, and "OZ" in Japan, is a game that copped the Wizard of Oz's conceptual elements for the sake of salability, or something. I feel like Konami's done something like this before...

If you'd like to support the show, I'm here! patreon.com/kbash?
fan_landing=true

If you want more like this, why not try the Munchkin game, Kingdoms of Amalur: youtu.be/7Pa7-_l7ik4

#kbash #swordofetheria #wizardofoz

A Critique of Persona 4

KBash 2021-10-21 | LET'S BE MERMAAAIDS

Wherein I talk about Korea, compare to Persona 3, and get real sad. Persona 4's a real good-like video game. But it pushed a lot of its own parameters far enough to expose a few interesting vulnerabilities in the design. Let's talk about this morbidly interesting video game for 50 minutes.

**some of the footage varies in quality b/c of a hard drive crash, sorry!

0:00 Intro Section
6:10 Inaba and Aesthetics
13:53 Progression/Social Systems
27:54 Dungeons and Combat
36:28 I just like inaba man
38:04 The Story and The End

To help support the show, find me here: patreon.com/kbash?fan_landing=true

Here's the Persona 3 video: youtu.be/6Uzkb7FTXgE

Here's the Persona 1, 2, and 2.5 video: youtu.be/vdcNCGArE64

#persona4 #kbash #p4g

The Sad State of Medabots Games

KBash 2021-09-30 | MEDABOOOOOOOOTS

Taking a quick look at the western Medabots titles. They're pretty rough! There's 2 psuedo-fighters and a jrpg. I get the impression that Medabots, or Medarot in Japan, never really had a shot in the west, even though it totally should have. Those designs are peak toy-shonen stuff, and the merchandise was cool. Even the anime was oddly characteristic and well-produced. So let's look at the games and get sad.

To help support the show, my page is here: patreon.com/kbash?fan_landing=true

Want more? Try my newest video: youtu.be/8yUlO99UGrE

#medabots #kbash

A Critique of Persona 3

KBash 2021-09-18 | personally i think i am the chariot arcana b/c i move v fast

We're tackling all of Persona's mainline games - you might've seen the first video on 1, Innocent Sin, and Eternal Punishment. After being locked in bad media experiencer jail for not immediately classing EP as "peak fiction" I was tasked with covering the rest of the games. Turns out Persona 3's pretty fun - they really made an effort, and boy howdy it shows. Had a lot of fun writing about this one, even if I had a few criticisms, because it was a journey like no other.

Support future content if you can!
patreon.com/kbash?fan_landing=true

Persona 1+2 video: youtu.be/vdcNCGArE64

0:00 Intro to P3
8:18 Everything Social
17:44 Aesthetics
22:17 JRPG + Combat
28:59 Characters
33:47 Plot Talk
37:32 Ending + FES

#Persona #KBash #retrospective #critique

The Worst Monster Rancher Games

KBash 2021-08-31 | all the monster rancher spinoffs

Took a break between Persona videos to touch on another cool series from childhood. Apparently they're bringing some Monster Rancher games to switch, which will likely be leveraged against the series when sales are fairly low. I want to say that's inaccurate, but I don't know what hope feels like anymore.

So here's all the Monster Rancher spinoff games from the gameboy color to the PS2 - yee my haw partner.

If you'd like to support the show, check out my page here: patreon.com/kbash?fan_landing=true

If you're looking for similar content, uhhhh, the Beyblade video is closest, I think: youtu.be/B1wqsP5iOVI

But I mean, regardless of subject matter I usually handle games in a range from "silly" to "more critical," but it's the same guy, you know?

Anyway happy fall chumblos

#monsterrancher #kbash

The Most Punishing Persona Games

KBash 2021-08-18 | i am gonna become the joker

0:00 Intro
1:24 Persona 1
11:43 Persona 2 (Innocent Sin)
20:50 Persona 2 (Eternal Punishment)

My mental's great, what are you even saying right now. Persona was kind of enjoyable, actually, though I wouldn't recommend uhhh running them back-to-back in a single month, it's not conducive to maintaining quality gut flora.

Persona is an SMT spinoff and the third!! major content goal hit by patrons for the channel. So I'm covering them all, starting hot with Persona 1, Persona 2: Innocent Sin, and Persona 2: Eternal Punishment. I have nothing to say for myself except yeah I made this video, could you tell? Notably we played through the PSP versions of 1 and Innocent Sin - I'm aware of the differences, but I tend to cover the most "up-to-date" version of a game that someone is likely to pick up, or that fans tend to recommend.

If you'd like to help support the show, you can help me out here: patreon.com/kbash?fan_landing=true

Other stuff is coming, but if you like JRPGs, I've covered a good number since January: youtu.be/-oFNEIm7IJ4

#Persona #KBash #oldsona

The Fall of Metal Gear Solid

KBash 2021-07-31 | metal gear goes nuts

*full spoiler potential, but I curbed a lot of the context
0:00 - Intro
1:34 - MGS4
11:36 - SPOILER SEGMENT
14:03 - Peace Walker
17:55 - MGSV

This is part 2 of my look at Metal Gear Solid, first part's here: youtu.be/-3ur0Ip874s

We also did Metal Gear Rising: youtu.be/YL1VBrSvXNo

We're putting a wrap on Metal Gear Solid with the final 3 mainline titles: MGS4, Peace Walker, and MGS5. Having left a lot of my schedule to patrons since January, and considering Kingdom Hearts, I've covered a lot of things I never would have touched without prompt, and come to love a lot of old series. I'm still a Snake Eater stan, but thoroughly enjoyed 2+5, and would gladly try Peace Walker and 1 again. 4 as well, if I skipped the cutscenes

If you'd like to help support the show, check out my page: patreon.com/kbash?fan_landing=true

Love ya, be well, see you next time!

#kbash #mgs #retrospective

The Rise of Metal Gear Solid

KBash 2021-07-16 | drowning in piss

0:00 Intro
1:47 MGS1
10:47 Twin Snakes
14:55 MGS2
23:07 Snake Eater

Metal Gear Solid (dodged the NES titles like with Ninja Gaiden) was fun to play through. Once I broke in, I found out why the community is as active on twitter as it is. Quality mechanics, narrative-gameplay integration, general antics, ya love ta see it.

I found that playing through the titles back to back left me enjoying each one more than the last. I mean not counting Twin Snakes, and exclusively referring to the first 3 here, though I can see why people really enjoy the first. Here's the story of Metal Gear Solid's rise.

If you'd like to help support the show, I'm over on the patronus website: patreon.com/kbash?fan_landing=true

I just covered Metal Gear Rising, so I'll link it here: youtu.be/YL1VBrSvXNo

#kbash #metalgearsolid #mgs

ACTION FOR CHADS - Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance | KBash Game Reviews

KBash 2021-06-30 | Don't let your memes be dreams 👏

Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance was my intro to Metal Gear. Thankfully I didn't hit my head too many times, and the story isn't as confusing to jump into as I was told. Lots of nouns, lots of named events, but in Rising, action's the focus - so let's talk big revengeance.

Rising is very good - yeah it's a screamer, it's got all kinds of annoying little bits, but they're annoying in the moment. It's the kind of game, like Ninja Gaiden, that'll make you want to do better. It's called self-care sweetie, and it starts with the parry button.

If you'd like to support the show, check out my page here: patreon.com/kbash?fan_landing=true

I do lots of action games. Check out my Ninja Gaiden videos if you haven't: youtu.be/wNTEJOad0I4

Anyway, love you all - this was really fun to make. I'm sure it's gonna some folks off, but that's how we do. Beautiful thumbnail though, right? Thanks to Erika for doing these ones, they look awesome.

#mgr #kbash #REVENGEANCE

Awful Beyblade Games

KBash 2021-06-15 | was beyblade banned at your school or did your childhood rule

Sometimes I do absolutely filthy videos like this. Behold, a series of english Beyblade games that everybody definitely remembers and DEFINITELY cares about. Watch in wonder as tops spin... Not a great pitch but idc I'm tired and writing garbage

Beyblade meant a lot to me when I was a lot younger, and to see it linger in pop culture for decades is kind of insane. I guess it bespeaks the top's nature: alluring in its simplicity.

The Wii game and the one DS game were actually pretty good, I'd recommend for a laugh.

If you'd like to help support the show, check out my page here: patreon.com/kbash?fan_landing=true

For more funnies: youtu.be/DQ6hKGYNjJ4

#beyblade #kbash

The Ninja Gaiden Sigma Experience

KBash 2021-05-31 | shrigma

As a verified Sigma Male, I enjoy playing games that reflect my alternative, but extremely enticing lifestyle. Some of the things I do include: eat, stress, be alive, "play" video game, and so on

Last year we covered the modern Itagaki Ninja Gaiden trilogy, and specifically the "best of" as decided by some long-time fans. Those included Ninja Gaiden: Black, vanilla Ninja Gaiden 2, and Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge.

In this video we cover the Sigma remasters: 1+2. Of course this is pre-empting the Switch "Ninja Gaiden Master Collection" which includes both games featured today, and the aforementioned Razor's Edge. Will Nintendo earn your money? Maybe!

If you'd like to help support the show, check out my page: patreon.com/kbash?fan_landing=true

The original video is here: youtube.com/watch?v=VsktM4kqNPA

Check out my latest release: youtu.be/YL1VBrSvXNo

I do action games, RPGs, almost anything. Come on down for more screeches, or find my twitter and tell me to just stop - you have the power and I have to suffer with the weight of my decisions.

#ninjagaiden #kbash

Dark Chronicle (Dark Cloud 2) | KBash Game Reviews

KBash 2021-05-16 | OINKA OINKA

I love going back to older games - look, I could spend my bank account on a "new release" or play something almost 20 years old and get three-four times the hours for a fraction of the price. Now that's a smart investment. Play old games.

Dark Cloud surprised me a few months ago, and Dark Chronicle builds on just about everything the first established. Minus the smooth 60 fps Dark Cloud had on PS4. Whatever, we're cool - there's plenty to build, plenty to invent, but the core loop itself is much more challenging. We love a good challenge here at the KBash show.

If you'd like to support my ongoing mental destabilizing effort, check out my (b)atreon: patreon.com/kbash?fan_landing=true

Here's my newest video: youtu.be/wNTEJOad0I4

See ya'll next time, when we hopefully do something smart again. Every game takes a toll and I hope this adequately illustrates what I went through.

#darkcloud #darkchronicle #kbash

Rebooting My Mental Health with NieR (Gestalt + Automata)

KBash 2021-04-30 | "Do you admit that there is no meaning to this world?"

0:00 Intro
1:09 NieR Gestalt
14:34 NieR Automata

*spoiler warnings generally given in video, most things presented without context*
From the corpse sprouts a flower, birthed in blood, but bathed in light. So a crazy good thing came from whatever Drakengard was. You get to sit through my writing hackery and like it.

This is the end of the DrakeNier full series retrospective/review. I understand some folks want me to head back to Replicant, and while it IS different in certain small-but-significant ways, I don't want to complete that particular game twice.

If you'd like to support the show, and get (bonus) content alongside UNCENSORED videos (mario haters) check out my page: patreon.com/kbash?fan_landing=true

The Drakengard link is here: youtu.be/DQ6hKGYNjJ4

While uploading this, I realize someone, somewhere is going to ask about the inhuman line in the NieR segment, and that's entirely related to the Gestalt Project and Weiss being a book, in case it needed clarification.

#nier #KBash #drakengard

Obliterating My Mental Health with Drakengard

KBash 2021-04-15 | listen here taro you've yee'd yer last haw

0:00 Intro
1:35 Drakengard 1
11:18 Drakengard 2
18:04 Drakengard 3

Ending B: youtu.be/pW7BjKklSWI

Drakengard is a game that I was effectively paid to review. I enjoyed parts of my time with Drakengard, much the way one enjoys forcibly gripping the cactus, crushing it within one's fist, and lightly lapping the creamy milk that spills from its sundered husk. Also I'm bleeding now.

Nier is coming up next, which I'm a little more excited to talk about. I mean, believe me, I had plenty of excitement this time. It's just that the Nier games can be played by humans and understood as entertainment, you see. *update, here it is youtu.be/-oFNEIm7IJ4

If you'd like to support more mental breakdowns and "HOO" (trademark I guess), please consider donating to my (B)atreon: patreon.com/kbash?fan_landing=true
Uncensored videos, vlogs, me tearing apart my old work - it's all there

This absolute legend destroyed the final Drakengard boss without pausing, and it's the clip I sampled: youtube.com/watch?v=JyPgGeMwBE4

I feel my No More Heroes vid is closest to this one: youtu.be/tGvJ94cUdzw

Apologies for removing Mario bleeps this time - I can't believe I wrote that sentence. There were too many yt unapproved words & it would've gotten old quick - I rely partially on ad revenue to live. Thank you for your understanding.

#drakengard #kbash

Final Fantasy Tactics: A Full Series Critique

KBash 2021-03-31 | Can you kill a legend?

*Full spoilers incoming, but not fully contextualized*
0:00 Intro
1:14 FFT
15:20 FFTA
24:24 FFTA2

Final Fantasy Tactics is a series of incredible tactical rpgs. I hear you - Tactics Ogre needs love too. One day. Until then we're looking at the game that really popularized tactics, a famous piece of software that morphed over decades into a bizarre new form. The Advance games are still FFT games, and while they're not the original, they hold up in surprising ways while dropping the ball in others.

Anyway I'm pretty sure someone's gonna lecture me on this or that, but you know, I went from FFTA enthusiast to FFT boomer in a few short years. Please don't watch my older video on it though, I'm begging you, PLEASE

The musician who remastered the FFTA OST is here - I used some tracks in that segment: youtube.com/watch?v=rWD6_E-Jo3c&list=PLtluGaz2_O6QImd7WPhuAyatttcAV8BN0

Patrons voted this one in - very grateful to do it!
If you'd like to help support the show, my page is here: patreon.com/kbash?fan_landing=true

I also covered Gungnir, another game like FFT: youtu.be/OY0flDHjC6s

OH and I whined about the dearth of SRPG/TRPG stories here: youtu.be/5C1cgDzRP3w

That's all for today - please play square games

#finalfantasytactics #ffta #kbash

KBash Survives the Algorithm and Celebrates a Patreon Anniversary

KBash 2021-03-15 | like it says

It's been a year. Thank you all for being here T_T

Zac Frazier's interview: youtube.com/watch?v=yxonATIP3vE
Stumblebee's Anime Fighters Video: youtube.com/watch?v=jU6z3SYKec4
Cvit's Yakuza video: youtube.com/watch?v=1Q_Kq5mOUd0
Codex Entry's Pathologic video: youtube.com/watch?v=1w-r21nDfb0

Lastly, here's my page: patreon.com/kbash?fan_landing=true

DARK CLOUD | KBash Game Reviews

KBash 2021-03-15 | OOGA BOOGA 2 ELECTRIC OOGA BOOGALOO

Hey ya'll, you know me, ,,, ... Anyway some pedant's gonna be pissed I used punctuation like that and you've gotta understand it's not about how you use the systems, it's not about being a perfectionist - it's about planting your sovereign chaos flag. And I can school any pedant up and down their garbage school blindfolded lol, eat my dust posers

So Dark Cloud's really fun, actually, which is weird because half the stuff I play on here sucks, or it's aggressively mediocre. But no, Dark Cloud's both fun AND funny - do you know,, how rare that is?? It's great - and hey, you can play this roguelike-esque-ish action rpg-ish-esque thing on PS4 today.

Also patrons voted for this one, and if you'd like to support the show, or vote when I throw up another poll, head on down! patreon.com/kbash?fan_landing=true

Here's my latest piece of classic game coverage: youtu.be/9yoCaQQsu9Y

I'm gonna do part 2, of course, but it'll be a while. Always making fun stuff though, so feel free to check out my videos (or use the secret strat: play at 0.25 speed and muted while you do other stuff, I love a mean penny my guy)

*turns out the algo didn't like my previous title WHOOPS

Chrono Trigger // Chrono Cross

KBash 2021-02-28 | maybe the highest concentration of "ooga booga" in any series

0:00 Intro + Chrono Trigger
11:03 Chrono Cross
20:30 Major Spoiler Section

Love going back to things I gave the cold shoulder to, only to look like a total hat of the rear variety (yt doesn't let me say bad things, punished KBash etc., etc.) Chrono Trigger is great, Chrono Cross is fascinating. Let's take a look at this Square pair apparent in Chrono Trigger // Chrono Cross - a comparative analysis.

Supporters voted for this, and if you'd like to influence my future coverage, and get uncensored videos, check me out on my page: patreon.com/kbash?fan_landing=true

Here's my latest piece of classic game coverage: youtu.be/9yoCaQQsu9Y

If you're into SNES stuff, classic jrpg business, you might like my Secret of Mana videos: youtu.be/G3Cwv_nNP44

Otherwise I usually scream. This is pretty tame for my channel. Even with the emission vomit comment.

#kbash #chronotrigger #chronocross

Terrible Shonen Jump Fighters

KBash 2021-02-15 | goku, naruto, and ichigo walk into a bar

Shonen Jump has a pile of video games, specifically terrible shonen jump crossover fighters (brawlers is probably a better word tbh), and most of them are just the worst. At least the DS games are pretty good. Jump Force had some potential, but idk, I think there's more than a few reasons it's not hitting the tourny stage. So join me on my adventure to discover the principles of Victory, Effort, and Friendship.

If you'd like to support the show, become a patron today! Work is my defining character trait! patreon.com/kbash?fan_landing=true

For more funnies: youtu.be/DQ6hKGYNjJ4

#kbash #anime #hoo

Talking Kingdom Hearts Story

KBash 2021-02-07 | All spoilers allowed - if you don't like 'em, beat it!

Okay, marathon's done, so here's my short piece collecting my thoughts on the broader Kingdom Hearts plot, or more specifically, the optics of the franchise, the delivery of the plot, and miscellaneous ideas regarding the online discourse of Kingdom Hearts.

This features stuff from X, and a bit from Re:Mind and Melody of Memory - no the spoilers aren't awful and pervasive, and I'm not that into talking actual plot points (see video), but I have to stress that they're present if you really wanna dive in.

I actually don't like releasing videos with minimal, uh, curation, like this one (I mean it was rigged together in less than a week) but I hope it's entertaining regardless!

Patrons funded this series here: patreon.com/kbash?fan_landing=true

Other videos in the series:
1, Chain, 2: youtu.be/_X___sw4MTs
358, Coded, BBS: youtu.be/cj7kr7no7cI
DDD, 0.2, 3: youtu.be/dEOkYJljHf0

#khstory #khretrospective #kbash

Kingdom Hearts: The Fated Finale

KBash 2021-01-31 | see ya'll on twitter

0:00 KH Marathon II.9
01:23 Dream Drop Distance
09:52 Fragmentary Passage
14:20 KH3
26:44 Major Spoiler Section to Finish

Well, now that the KBash Kingdom Hearts marathon II.9 is complete, I will present my findings in video form. Kingdom Hearts was awesome. I don't think there'll be another series quite like it.

Dream Drop surprised me, 0.2 served its purpose, and 3 got me. Still hoping for Drive Forms in KH4, but I'll take what we got in KH3. I've got a little more to cover, but you'll see it soon enough.

**about the 0.2 not delving into Xehanort - I know Union X exists, I just wanted it to be more, uhh, grandiose maybe? a little more comprehensive and elegant at showing how Xehanort got to be the big bad? and maybe not locked on mobile...

If you'd like to support me AND have uncensored early content, check me out on patreon.com/kbash?fan_landing=true

The other episodes are here:
1: youtu.be/_X___sw4MTs
2: youtu.be/cj7kr7no7cI

#kbash #kingdomhearts #retrospective