MajuularFrom the crowded University of Illinois computer labs to the visionaries at home on their Apple II computers, the mid to late 1970's were a formative time for the RPG video game genre. In this video, we'll take a look at one such focal point: The life of Richard Garriott, and the creation of his "Ultima" series - a work of imagination whose influence can still be easily felt today.
Thanks to: vilsonpistori (Table & Chair models) Klaas Nienhuis (Bicycle model) maypassamon (Pizza box model) Richard Garriott (For making Ultima) Ultima Codex, Matt Barton, Andrea Contato (For cataloguing so much valuable history)
Music Used: Queen of the Harpies - Uncle Willy (Original Video Music) Giorgio Moroder - Chase (Cover by Rones) Shadowgate 64 OST - Lakmir's Tower Garriott's Theme - Uncle Willy (Original Video Music) Fable OST - Summer Fields Metal Gear Solid 2 OST - VR Intermission Evil Islands OST - Kania Kingdom Come Deliverance OST - Town Atmosphere (Various) Chrono Cross OST - Earth Dragon Isle Runescape 2007 OST - Baroque Runescape 2007 OST - Book of Spells Fate OST - Town (Various) Starfox 64 OST - Menu Panzer Dragoon Saga OST - Rest Walking Away - Uncle Willy (Original Video Music)
00:00 - Introduction 2:12 - The Beginning of the CRPG 5:00 - Enter Lord British 11:00 - Akalabeth 24:40 - Everything Changes 28:16 - Ultima 46:37 - The Triumph of Ultima 50:20 - Credits
Akalabeth & Ultima I Retrospective | The First Age of DarknessMajuular2023-11-15 | From the crowded University of Illinois computer labs to the visionaries at home on their Apple II computers, the mid to late 1970's were a formative time for the RPG video game genre. In this video, we'll take a look at one such focal point: The life of Richard Garriott, and the creation of his "Ultima" series - a work of imagination whose influence can still be easily felt today.
Thanks to: vilsonpistori (Table & Chair models) Klaas Nienhuis (Bicycle model) maypassamon (Pizza box model) Richard Garriott (For making Ultima) Ultima Codex, Matt Barton, Andrea Contato (For cataloguing so much valuable history)
Music Used: Queen of the Harpies - Uncle Willy (Original Video Music) Giorgio Moroder - Chase (Cover by Rones) Shadowgate 64 OST - Lakmir's Tower Garriott's Theme - Uncle Willy (Original Video Music) Fable OST - Summer Fields Metal Gear Solid 2 OST - VR Intermission Evil Islands OST - Kania Kingdom Come Deliverance OST - Town Atmosphere (Various) Chrono Cross OST - Earth Dragon Isle Runescape 2007 OST - Baroque Runescape 2007 OST - Book of Spells Fate OST - Town (Various) Starfox 64 OST - Menu Panzer Dragoon Saga OST - Rest Walking Away - Uncle Willy (Original Video Music)
00:00 - Introduction 2:12 - The Beginning of the CRPG 5:00 - Enter Lord British 11:00 - Akalabeth 24:40 - Everything Changes 28:16 - Ultima 46:37 - The Triumph of Ultima 50:20 - CreditsUltima VI: The False Prophet Retrospective | The Devil You KnowMajuular2024-09-13 | Throughout the 1980s, Ultima had been a series of iteration. The developers at Origin Systems would expand on old ideas and experiment with new ones, but the roots of the series' identity stretched deep underground.
The 1990s marked a period of dramatic change in the technology sector. Graphics, sound, computing power - quality standards were changing every day, and Ultima would have to change with them. In the process, Origin would learn hard lessons, celebrate numerous victories, and establish the career of (yet another) industry legend.
Thanks to Treeky for lending his voice to this video. Treeky's channel can be found here: youtube.com/c/Treekyboi And thanks to Xe Dragon for hosting the High-Res Ultima Map Project, whose map scans were helpful in producing a section in this video. Various clips were sourced with permission from Longplay Archive. Their channel can be found here: youtube.com/@longplayarchive
00:00 - PC Wins 5:55 - Branching Out 9:12 - Paging Dr. Spector 14:45 - A Look Inside Ultima VI 18:56 - Ports & Oddities 20:11 - Introduction to Ultima VI 24:36 - Reaching Towards Realism 35:50 - Sights & Sounds 49:06 - Retracing Steps 52:46 - The Value of Recycling 54:11 - Hunting for Runes 1:01:43 - Dungeon Differences 1:04:54 - Changing Combat 1:13:10 - Exploration 1:21:26 - Armageddon 1:25:14 - Hunt for the Map 1:28:30 - The Inventory System 1:33:12 - Fulfilling the Prophecy 1:40:14 - Far Reaching Consequences 1:45:02 - Receiving the Sacred Quest 1:53:34 - Learning to Share 1:57:50 - Reflecting on Ultima VI 2:04:43 - Fan Projects 2:06:28 - Origin Saves Itself 2:10:01 - Industry Entropy 2:13:07 - CreditsThe Weird World of Saturn RPGsMajuular2024-07-27 | The console wars of the 1990s may not have been kind to the Sega Saturn, but time certainly has. Over the years, the console's oft-overlooked software library has gained a level of appreciation it never had in its heyday. Still, many of its best (and strangest) games remain celebrated by a relatively small group of enthusiasts.
Looking at an RPG library is a great way to get a sense of a console's personality. With an RPG, there's nowhere to hide. Today, we'll take a look at that RPG library - the good, the bad, and the truly strange. Who knows what buried treasures await?
Shining Force III game covers used in the 3D models by EnigmaCustoms. Various clips of longplays used from GameCenter HD and World of Longplays.
The games in this video were played on a Saturn modded with a Fenrir ODE, and recorded with a Retrotink 5x scaler.
Games shown in intro (in order of appearance): Bulk Slash PowerSlave Radiant Silvergun Legend of Oasis Dungeon Master Nexus Zelda: Ocarina of Time Pebble Beach Golf Links Panzer Dragoon Saga Linda3 Kanzenban Moon Cradle Panzer Dragoon Saga Airs Adventure Cyber Doll Dragon Force BaroquePlaying some Prey (2017)Majuular2024-06-17 | Pre-stream music medley features tunes from Jazz Jackrabbit 2 & Deus Ex
Twitter.com/majuular Patreon.com/majuularUltima V Retrospective | The Tyranny of VirtueMajuular2024-05-28 | With Ultima IV's ambiguous goal of mastering the eight virtues, the game was a slow-paced and meditative experience. The Avatar's trial wasn't overcome with the defeat of a big bad villain, but through self-reflection. Rather than continuing down this path of optimism & philanthropy, Ultima V asks the question: what happens when virtue is made mandatory?
In this episode of the Ultima Retrospective, we take a look at Origin System's late 1980's growing pains, their competition, and of course, Ultima V: Warriors of Destiny.
00:00 - Origin Splits 4:12 - Personnel 11:09 - Brainstorming 14:53 - Ultima V: Introduction 20:50 - Cruel New World 30:44 - Music 33:12 - The Quest 38:50 - Old Friends, New Foes 50:45 - Exploring Britannia 55:13 - Presentation 58:55 - The Sceptre 1:02:28 - Subverting the Virtues 1:05:58 - The Crown & The Shrines 1:11:45 - The Underworld 1:19:47 - The Dungeons 1:23:36 - The Child Room 1:28:38 - The Shadowlords & Doom 1:35:27 - Ultima V: Conclusion 1:41:27 - Fierce Competition 1:46:30 - Huge in Japan 1:54:05 - CreditsUltima IV: Quest of the Avatar Retrospective | Reimagining the RPGMajuular2024-04-21 | After the release of Ultima III: Exodus, the members of Origin Systems would pack up and move across the country to the chilly town of North Andover, Massachusetts. Here, they would buckle down and create the follow-up to the much lauded Exodus. Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar would represent a sea change in the trajectory of both the Ultima series, and CRPGs in general. This video chronicles the story of Ultima IV's development, while also taking a close look at what makes the game so enduringly special.
This is the 4th video in my Ultima Retrospective series. Watching earlier parts isn't necessary to enjoy this video, but it is recommended. They can be found here: Akalabeth & Ultima I: youtu.be/wIWyHd3FFFU Ultima II: youtu.be/SCpkK25wfvw Ultima III: youtu.be/N_m3u9MZ8NU
Thank you to Lazarus De Lis for creating the landscape used in the thumbnail! You can find Laz here: twitter.com/LazarusDeLis
00:00 - A Fresh Start 6:27 - Reimagining Ultima 9:50 - Collaborators & Concerns 13:50 - Ports & Preamble 16:16 - A Whole New World 22:27 - Character Creation 25:10 - Conversations 28:24 - Embodying the Avatar 32:05 - Halting the Minmax 34:26 - Virtues & Principles 39:34 - The Problem With Virtue 42:48 - Exploration 49:01 - Magic 53:01 - Companions 56:43 - Combat 1:00:34 - Runes, Mantras & Shrines 1:09:34 - Dungeons & Stones 1:20:08 - The Final Treasures 1:25:00 - The Stygian Abyss 1:27:19 - The Codex of Ultimate Wisdom 1:36:28 - The Impact of Ultima IV 1:39:48 - A Changing Industry 1:45:31 - Credits
Various Credits: Hand Model - scribbletoad Rose Model - Artem Low Poly Sword - Fermin Morales Key Sprites - BizmasterStudios Large Key Sprite - CarmenMCSA Dark Journey Through Shadow Tower | Series RetrospectiveMajuular2024-03-15 | Quietly standing in the shadow of King's Field are the Shadow Tower games. Their sales were low and they didn't find much love with the critics. Yet Shadow Tower's menacing dark ambience, wholly different from that of it's brethren, has become more potent - and more interesting - with age. In this video, we'll look into the history of these games, their mechanics, and dig into their hopelessly Stygian atmosphere.
THUMBNAIL BY: Yuri Chuchmay - The Shadow Tower itself Lazarus De Lis - The Text and background fill in twitter.com/LazarusDeLis
Thanks to @AvalancheReviews for lending his voice to the video!
CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Introduction 3:12 - Shadow Tower - Story 7:20 - Shadow Tower - Overview 13:17 - Survival Horror & Mechanics 20:57 - Shadow Tower - Combat 29:29 - Shadow Tower - Navigation 35:41 - Shadow Tower - Exploration & Atmosphere 37:42 - Shadow Tower - Sound 42:44 - Shadow Tower - Levels & Enemies 1:07:45 - Shadow Tower - MULTIPLAYER? 1:09:13 - Shadow Tower - Conclusion 1:13:08 - Abyss - Development 1:18:12 - Abyss - Introduction & Story 1:25:41 - Abyss - Overview 1:29:09 - Abyss - Ranged Combat 1:34:13 - Abyss - Shrines 1:37:51 - Abyss - Melee Combat 1:40:21 - Abyss - Atmosphere 1:49:21 - Abyss - Levels & Enemies Pt 2 2:12:00 - Abyss - Conclusion 2:15:14 - Conclusion 2:16:11 - CreditsUltima III Retrospective | Origins & ExodusesMajuular2024-02-09 | In 1983 the Garriott brothers, dissatisfied with the state of the industry, took matters into their own hands, forming the now legendary Origin Systems. Within a year, the developer released Ultima III: Exodus - a game regarded as foundational not only within its own series, but for RPGs in general. This video chronicles the story of Richard Garriott's exodus from Sierra, and the origin of Origin Systems.
This is the 3rd video in my Ultima Retrospective series. Watching earlier parts isn't necessary to enjoy this video, but it is recommended. They can be found here: Akalabeth & Ultima I: youtu.be/wIWyHd3FFFU Ultima II: youtu.be/SCpkK25wfvw
00:00 - Introduction 5:13 - Release & Backlash 8:07 - Ports & Preamble 15:25 - Character Creation & Combat 27:08 - Humble Beginnings 33:28 - Exploration 38:06 - Ambrosia 42:34 - Dungeon Crawling 47:02 - Mythologizing Ultima 50:35 - Storming the Castle 54:45 - Ultima III Conclusion 57:14 - Origin After Exodus 1:01:22 - Credits + Q&AUltima II: The Revenge of the Enchantress Retrospective | Spacetime & SierraMajuular2024-01-17 | After the release of Ultima, Richard Garriott found himself looking for a publisher. In spite of his unique demands, he'd find a willing partner in Sierra On-Line. This video chronicles the story of Sierra up until (and including) their association with Richard Garriott, and Ultima II: The Revenge of the Enchantress.
This is the 2nd video in my Ultima Retrospective series. Watching Part 1 isn't necessary to enjoy this video, but it is recommended. It can be found here: youtu.be/wIWyHd3FFFU
I'd like to thank DanBlueDeer for allowing me to use his instrumental cover of Crosby, Stills & Nash's "Guinnevere" for this video. His channel can be found here: youtube.com/@danbluedeer
00:00 - Introduction 7:50 - Sierra Strikes Gold 10:34 - Lord British & Sierra 14:26 - Assembling a Sequel 17:54 - Ports & Preamble 20:59 - Introduction to Ultima II 24:34 - Time Travel & Exploration 28:03 - Sequel Differences 33:26 - Structure & Quests 40:10 - Post-Apocalyptic Communist Space Travel 43:30 - Ultima II Finale 46:06 - Ultima II Conclusion 48:49 - A Post-Ultima II World 51:31 - The Origin of Something Great 53:56 - CreditsLost Odyssey | Review & RetrospectiveMajuular2023-12-15 | Lost Odyssey is one of the Xbox 360's most beloved JRPGs... but in the grand scheme of things, that hasn't amounted to much. Trapped on a console that isn't known for it's selection of Japanese titles, its relevance in the world of RPGs has never exceeded the small number of devoted fans who sing it's praises. How did the concept for Lost Odyssey come about? How does it compare to contemporaries? Most importantly, does it *truly* stack up, or is the love for Lost Odyssey the product of rose-colored glasses? Please enjoy this review & retrospective where I attempt to answer these questions and many more.
00:00 - Introduction 2:40 - Sakaguchi & Mistwalker 10:42 - Disc 1: Introduction 17:38 - Graphics 20:33 - Combat & Skills 29:45 - Bosses & Bogimoray 32:26 - Jank & Jansen 37:09 - Kaim's Character 43:09 - 1000 Years of Dreams 50:38 - Funerals & Foul Play 53:38 - Dungeons & Grinding 57:56 - Closure 59:28 - Disc 2: Introduction 1:02:19 - Seth's Character 1:05:33 - Finding Sarah 1:09:36 - Confronting Gongora 1:14:29 - Music 1:19:15 - Disc 3: Plots Upon Plots 1:26:24 - Presentation & Influence 1:28:52 - The Plot(s) Thicken(s) 1:34:01 - Breathing Room 1:37:58 - Lost Odyssey & War 1:40:54 - Side Content 1:43:58 - Ming's Character 1:46:52 - Gongora's Character 1:50:07 - Final Confrontations 1:53:34 - Ending 1:59:55 - Conclusion 2:02:11 - Credits & Q&AAre You Afraid of the Dork? | A Dark Seed Series AdventureMajuular2023-10-19 | Dark Seed is often remembered for it's visual design, plucked straight from the canvas of H.R. Giger. Underneath it's grim exterior is something darker, more sinister, and far more grotesque than any biomechanical dreamscape: the mind of resident lunkhead - Mike Dawson.
00:00 - Introduction 2:38 - Dark Seed 28:06 - Dark Seed II
Thank you to Uncle Willy for the sitcom introduction music!A Dark Journey Through Kings Field | Series RetrospectiveMajuular2023-09-27 | King's Field has earned distant respect from many FromSoftware fans - a series that the studio cut their teeth on. Yet, due to it's chunky polygonal graphics and esoteric gameplay systems, many find the games unapproachable. What stories can be unearthed in these Stygian worlds? And just how did one man on (and off) a motorcycle result in the phenomenon that is the "Soulslike" subgenre?
Join me as we dig deep into the history of FromSoftware, and examine each game in their King's Field series. How do they differ? What makes them special? How have they influenced the games we play today?
Special Thanks to Jon Turcotte for making the thumbnail!
Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 6:53 - King's Field I 47:14 - King's Field II 1:33:51 - King's Field III 2:19:39 - FromSoftware Expands 2:24:14 - King's Field IV 3:09:12 - A Post-King's Field World 3:13:28 - Conclusion 3:18:07 - Credits
Music Used: Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall OST - Various Tracks Dark Souls OST - Souls of Fire Dark Souls II OST - Majula ActRaiser OST - Birth of the People Demon's Souls OST - Souls of Mist Lost Odyssey OST - Saman, Town of Merchants Eye of the Beholder (SNES) OST - Various Tracks Vagrant Story OST - Remembrance Sword of the Berserk OST - Menu Theme King's Field I - IV - Various Tracks King's Field Additional - Various Tracks
PSP 3D Model by Ilya Ostrovsky Moonlight Greatsword 3D Model by Christopher . camposShadow Hearts: Covenant Retrospective | A Little Weird, A Lot WonderfulMajuular2023-08-17 | Shadow Hearts: Covenant is a beloved PS2 RPG, and an entry that defines the Shadow Hearts saga for many. Mixing it's core JRPG gameplay with horror & comedy elements, the game is nothing if not unique. In this video, I explore Covenant's vast weirdness, analyzing the plot & seeing how the game stands the test of time.
Background music used is from Shadow Hearts 1 & 2, as well as original music by Majuular house composer 'Uncle Willy'!
00:00 - Introduction 5:07 - Story Prologue 12:33 - Cutscenes 17:30 - Combat 25:52 - Designs & Vibe 30:32 - Aesthetic 32:56 - Story Cont'd (Part 1) 43:18 - Humor 46:14 - Story Cont'd (Part 2) 51:00 - Music 54:54 - Story Cont'd (Part 3) 58:59 - Characters & Mechanics 1:15:05 - Story Cont'd (Part 4) 1:30:25 - Side Quests 1:40:43 - Story Cont'd (Part 5 [ENDING]) 1:48:43 - ConclusionGolden Sun | Dawn of a Beloved Series (Retrospective)Majuular2023-06-27 | Golden Sun & its sequel are fondly remembered as terrific RPGs for the Game Boy Advance. In this video, I'll take a look at the first game in the series and see how it holds up to an outsider's scrutiny.
If you enjoyed this video and want to support the channel, please consider pledging to my Patreon: patreon.com/majuular
00:00 - Introduction 6:29 - Prologue & Premise 13:15 - Visuals 17:46 - The Adventure Begins 21:57 - Djinns 25:52 - Ivan & Psynergy 32:51 - Music 35:54 - Progression & Mercury Lighthouse 41:40 - Pursuing Saturos & Menardi 47:17 - Gondowan & Colosso 52:17 - Various Gripes 55:33 - Crossbone Isle 58:10 - Mercury Lighthouse 1:01:00 - Story Finale 1:04:11 - Final Thoughts 1:06:29 - Credits
Music used in this video ---Shining Force 3 OST--- The Bustling Wilderness Main Theme Main Menu City Theme Sorrow Flowing River, Light of the Moon World of Mysteries A Slightly Drunken Mood
---Shining The Holy Ark OST--- Desire Village
---Golden Sun OST--- Lunpa's Hideout Vale & Vault The Sanctums Prox In Trouble Sol Sanctum Lama Temple Babi's Lighthouse Venus Lighthouse Babi's Theme Lighthouse Theme Colosso Tolbi-Bound Ship Deserts Contigo
---Various Other Tracks--- Metal Gear Solid OST - Warhead Storage PREY - Everything Is Going To Be Okay Various Original Tracks (Incl. Venus Lighthouse Cover) Thanks to my brother for composing tracks for this video!An Honest Review of the CD-i Zelda GamesMajuular2023-05-27 | The video you've all been waiting for... will have to wait, because I decided to make a video on the CD-i Zelda games instead. If, like me, you've always wondered just what kind of games Wand of Gamelon, Faces of Evil & Zelda's Adventure are - wonder no longer!
Special Thanks to Orian who allowed me to use his Deadmau5 Remix 'I Remember (Orian Chillout Mix)'. Orian's work can be found here: https://linktr.ee/callmeorian
...and also Jess for making me the King costume. I'll be looking for excuses to wear it for the rest of my life.
Music Used: Chrono Trigger OST - Robo Gang Johnny Age of Empires OST - Gamelan Ocarina of Time OST - Shadow Temple Rugrats Theme Song Mischief Makers OST - Esperance Deadmau5 - I Remember (Orian Chillout Mix) Symphony of Evangelion A Link to the Past OST - Fortune Teller Quest 64 OST - Melrode Quest 64 OST - Melrode Monastery Quest 64 OST - Holy Plains Donkey Kong 64 OST - Crystal Caves (Igloo) Donkey Kong 64 OST - Banana Fairy Isle Castlevania 64 OST - Castle Center Shining The Holy Ark OST - Enrich WellKoudelka and Shadow Hearts | Two Flavors of Horror RPG (Retrospective)Majuular2023-04-28 | Same studio, VERY different games - Koudelka and Shadow Hearts have developed their own (largely independent) fanbases over the years. How does this late PSX RPG stack up against it's PS2 sequel? Join me and find out!
Special thanks to Jon Turc for the Gigachad picture of me.
Music used: Castlevania 64 - Castle Center Kings Field IV - City Ruins Secret of Mana - Into the Thick of it Shining The Holy Ark - Enrich Well Dungeon Diddy Kong Racing - Walrus Cove Orlandus Lassus Lagrimi Di San Pietro - Giovane Donna Il Suo Bel Volto In SpecchioI Played Every RPG on the 3DOMajuular2023-03-17 | For those intrepid enough to explore the depths of the 3DO Interactive Multiplayer, MANY wild adventures await. Let's explore those depths.
00:00 - Intro 5:00 - Immercenary 14:12 - Battle Blues 20:17 - Oukoku No Grand Chef 24:10 - AD&D: Slayer 28:42 - AD&D: DeathKeep 36:23 - Blue Forest Story 40:44 - Robinson's Requiem 48:09 - Seal of the Pharaoh 56:21 - Guardian War 1:03:31 - Dragon Lore 1:13:52 - Neo Organic Bioform 1:18:05 - Kurokishi no Kamen 1:22:17 - Lucienne's Quest 1:28:17 - Dragon Tycoon Edge 1:35:30 - Conclusion
MUSIC USED: Mischief Makers OST - Esperance, Hurry, Volcanic Legend of Dragoon OST - City of Commerce Chrono Trigger OST - Underground Sewer Final Fantasy VI OST - The Phantom Forest Toy Story 2: Buzz Lightyear to the Rescue OST - Construction Yard
FOOTAGE FROM: Grooveraider - 3DO 1995 Press Conference DigitalNeohuman - 3DO Booth 1993 Summer CESSkies of Arcadia | Review & RetrospectiveMajuular2023-02-10 | Released on the Dreamcast in 2000, Skies of Arcadia is the definition of 'cult classic'. A 2003 GameCube re-release failed to expand the game's popularity outside of a small but loyal fanbase - and 'loyal' is the operative word here. Decades may have passed, but Skies of Arcadia is still considered to be an underappreciated treasure by many. Let's dive in and see how it stacks up.
This video was recorded on the Dolphin & Redream emulators at close to native settings as possible for the sake of visual & audio clarity. Any time objective statements are made in regards to video/audio, said statements were verified by me on the authentic hardware. I've played through the intro to this game about 10 times in order to catch the differences and make comparisons. If I even SUSPECTED a difference in quality was the result of emulator-related imperfections, I chose to not include it in my script.
00:00 - A Brief History of the Dreamcast 4:00 - A Brief History of Arcadia 9:53 - Version Differences 15:27 - Introduction to Arcadia 23:59 - World & Characters 33:36 - Exploration 40:36 - Combat & Dungeons 55:52 - Presentation 1:01:45 - SPOILER SECTION BEGINS 1:02:11 - Marooned 1:09:24 - Home Base, Crew & Side Activities 1:21:58 - Facing the Unknown 1:34:02 - Countdown to Extinction 1:44:43 - Conclusion 1:46:37 - Credits/Patron Q&AYakuza 5 Review | A Jack of All TradesMajuular2022-12-31 | This video contains SPOILERS for Yakuza 1 - 5.
Yakuza 5 is often seen as the series' most ambitious title. Let's explore the heart of this weird, wonderful, chaotic mess of a game from beginning to end.
Special thanks to @AvalancheReviews for his voice work & FenrirLives (twitter.com/fenrir_lives) for the awesome thumbnail!
MUSIC USED: Yakuza 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 OST - Various (mostly unnamed bar tracks) Ocarina of Time OST - Shadow Temple 1080 Snowboarding OST - Work Your Body ExciteBike 64 OST - Mountain Quarry Karoshi 2 Theme ReVolt OST - Out of Control Strapping Young Lad - AAA Sonatine OST - VariousReviewing a Bunch of RPG Maker GamesMajuular2022-11-24 | Join me as I take a look at 10 different games made with RPG Maker. From cult classics like Yume Nikki, to surprise hits like OneShot, and even some modern takes on the classic RPG formula, like Lawmage Academy, let's see what these developers can do!
NOTE: Due to a copyright claim, there's a weird hard-cut in the Space Funeral section. I knew I was playing with fire including 5 seconds of a licensed song. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Special thanks to Jon Turcotte for the awesome thumbnail!
00:00 - Introduction 4:00 - Yume Nikki 9:25 - Hylics 15:18 - Lawmage Academy (Demo) 22:42 - Toilet in Wonderland 29:06 - OneShot 35:46 - Suits: A Business RPG 40:33 - Fear & Hunger 48:28 - Space Funeral 54:29 - To The Moon 59:56 - The Witch's House MV 1:07:30 - ConclusionThe Evil Within 2 | Can Open-World Survival Horror Work?Majuular2022-10-22 | As a survival horror game with an emphasis on semi-open-world exploration, The Evil Within 2 is in a unique position among it's peers. Yet, with so many of the survival horror genre's qualities depending on linear or heavily scripted level design, the question is: does it work? Join me as I explore that question and more!
All music is from The Evil Within 1 + 2 Soundtracks. Footage used from 'World of Longplays': The Evil Within - played by Spazbo4 Resident Evil 4 - played by Spazbo4 Resident Evil 3 Nemesis - played by Spazbo4Xenogears Review | You Dont Mess with the ZoharMajuular2022-10-03 | Xenogears is a Japanese role-playing game in which God wakes up in some loser's basement and arranges a ride home. Please enjoy this review/analysis/retrospective/whatever this ultimately became, and be sure to like/subscribe for more videos!
SPOILERY THINGS (in the 'Digging Deeper' section): - 2001: A Space Odyssey - Soylent Green - (obviously) Xenogears
Songs Used: Xenogears OST - Various Xenosaga OST - Opening Xenosaga III OST - Abel's Ark Wiz Khalifa - Never Been Creid - Creid, Babel Chrono Cross OST - ChronopolisGloomwood (Early Access) Review | MajuularcadeMajuular2022-09-10 | Gloomwood has been teased as the lovechild of immersive sim & survival horror for years now. Well, the early access build is finally upon us - how does it stack up? Watch this (a)rousing episode of Majuularcade and find out!
All background music used in this video was from either the Deus Ex or Thief 1/2 Original Soundtracks.Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World Review | YES ACTUALLY IT IS THAT BADMajuular2022-08-13 | Join me in this analysis of Tales of Symphonia's ill-fated sequel, as I recount my miserable experience. Great game, BAD sequel.
00:00 - Introduction 05:55 - Story Premise 10:00 - Visuals 13:25 - Game Structure 18:35 - Battle System 26:12 - Towns 31:17 - Music 36:13 - Dungeons 39:45 - Monsters 42:37 - Minigames 44:03 - Side Quests 47:22 - Main Story/CharactersVanquish | Earning AdrenalineMajuular2022-07-22 | Join me on an extended ramble as I talk about Vanquish, it's relationship to other fast-paced games such as Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance and Doom: Eternal, and what makes for that adrenaline-pumping "cool" feeling one gets from action games.
Majuularcade videos are shorter form content than I usually produce, meant to focus on games that aren't as suitable for long videos & analysis. If you have any suggestions that might fit the bill, share them with me in the comments!
twitter.com/home patreon.com/majuularTales of Symphonia Review | Local Pinhead Saves World(s)Majuular2022-07-09 | Tales of Symphonia was an introduction to the Tales series for many of us - myself included. It's considered by most to be a classic, but does it still hold up after all these years? Join me as we find out just what it is about this game that managed to kickstart the Tales series popularity!
00:00 - Introduction 5:47 - Sylverant - Part 1 24:45 - Sylverant - Part 2 53:12 - Tethe'alla - Part 1 1:08:36 - Tethe'alla - Part 2 1:32:50 - Saving Colette - Part 1 1:42:35 - Saving Colette - Part 2 1:46:47 - Final Stretch - Part 1 2:02:15 - Final Stretch - Part 1.5 (Side Content) 2:12:21 - Final Stretch - Part 2 2:17:40 - ConclusionHarvester Review | The Wacky Adventures of Sigma SteveMajuular2022-06-13 | Harvester is a strange relic of video game history. This bizarre point-and-click horror adventure was released to controversy and has developed quite a reputation since then. How does it hold up after all of these years? Let's find out!
00:00 - Introduction/Premise 4:27 - Graphics 6:30 - Gameplay/Story Overview 11:35 - Sound/Music 14:08 - Chapter 1: Applying to the Lodge 20:17 - Chapter 2: Lodge Pranks 33:20 - Chapter 3: Into the Lodge 38:43 - Ending/Truman Show Comparison 42:20 - ConclusionThe Legend of Dragoon Review | its basically a playable 90s animeMajuular2022-06-01 | The Legend of Dragoon is a beloved RPG classic among a small but dedicated group of fans. It isn't obvious why the game was denied mainstream success, but I hope you enjoy this review/analysis of the game where I do my best to find out.
00:00 - Introduction 3:00 - Chapter 1 33:00 - Chapter 2 47:00 - Chapter 3 1:03:00 - Chapter 4 1:17:50 - Ending/ConclusionThief Gold Review | High IQ Stealth for Sneaky BoyzMajuular2022-05-13 | With EIDOS leaving the cold, unfeeling grasp of Square Enix, I figured it was a good time to make a review/analysis for Thief: The Dark Project. Please enjoy this look back at one of the all-time greats!
00:00 - Introduction 2:40 - Premise/Narrative Style 9:28 - Presentation 12:50 - Gameplay 26:41 - Level By Level: Bafford's Manor 28:30 - Level By Level: Break from Cragscleft Prison 32:00 - Level By Level: Down in the Bonehoard 34:33 - Level By Level: Assassins 36:35 - Level By Level: Thieve's Guild 38:37 - Level By Level: The Sword 41:30 - Level By Level: The Haunted Cathedral 43:58 - Level By Level: The Mage Towers 47:13 - Level By Level: The Lost City 49:38 - Level By Level: Song of the Caverns 52:02 - Level By Level: Undercover 54:24 - Level By Level: Return to the Cathedral 57:35 - Level By Level: Escape 58:55 - Level By Level: Strange Bedfellows 1:01:28 - Level By Level: The Maw of Chaos 1:02:44 - ConclusionA Quick, Light Review of The Long DarkMajuular2022-05-02 | Thanks for checking out this review/analysis of The Long Dark! If you enjoyed this video and want to support further work, liking/subscribing goes a long way. You can also follow me here: twitter.com/majuular patreon.com/majuular instagram.com/majuular
If you're interested in purchasing The Long Dark on PC, you can do so through Steam or the Epic Games Store.
00:00 - Introduction 3:09 - Survival Mode/Core Gameplay 17:03 - Atmosphere/Presentation 23:13 - Survival Mode Conclusion 23:55 - Story Mode (POTENTIAL SPOILERS) 48:12 - Story Mode ConclusionTribute to Comfy Video GamesMajuular2022-04-19 | A tribute to those games that exude pleasantness. What's your comfy game??
00:00 - Introduction 2:17 - Act I 9:10 - Presentation 14:35 - Act II (pt 1) 18:24 - Combat Explanation/Critique 23:52 - Act II (pt 2) 27:25 - Characters 35:36 - Act II (pt 3) 42:37 - Act III/Trying to make sense of the story 56:19 - Story Conclusion 58:20 - Epilogue 58:57 - Critique of the Remaster
I can be found at twitter.com/majuular instagram.com/majuularRadical Dreamers - Full Game & True Ending (Chrono Cross: Radical Dreamers Edition) [1080p]Majuular2022-04-11 | A full playthrough of Radical Dreamers with the included version from Chrono Cross: Radical Dreamers Edition with no commentary.
I plan on doing a full, comprehensive review of Chrono Cross as well as Radical Dreamers. If this interests you, please check my channel for updates and consider subscribing!
00:00 - Introduction 1:26 - Outside The Manor 5:27 - Attacked By Wildcats 9:48 - On The Terrace 11:16 - Inside The Manor 13:02 - Lady Riddel's Room 17:15 - Lynx's Room/The Spirit Mirror 22:40 - The Study 31:11 - The Clocktower/Meeting The Crone 39:27 - The Execution Chamber 44:40 - Lynx's Room Pt. 2 47:43 - The Key In The Study 50:05 - The Treasure Room/Frozen Flame? 56:49 - Goblin Gang 1:01:53 - The Gargoyle Hall 1:04:49 - The Bearded Sculpture 1:11:28 - The Bookworm Goblin 1:17:53 - The Rat In The Kitchen 1:24:03 - The Traumatized Prisoner 1:29:46 - Meeting Riddel 1:36:31 - Finding The Einlanzer 1:38:34 - Return To The Execution Chamber 1:42:10 - The Grand Hall 1:46:50 - The Prisoner's Secret 1:50:51 - Death Of The Mirror (Optional Scene) 1:56:04 - The Grand Hall Descends/Kid Opens Up 2:00:45 - Kid's Motives 2:03:18 - The Magic Snare 2:06:00 - The Frozen Flame/Lynx's Reveal 2:09:05 - Battle With Lynx 2:16:53 - Near Death Experience 2:20:13 - Kid Awakens/The Crone Returns 2:23:18 - Escape From The Manor 2:26:24 - Conclusion 2:28:05 - CreditsWeird West ReviewMajuular2022-04-06 | Thanks for watching this review. Consider liking &/or subscribing for further delectable content. You will NOT regret it!
This is a review of the PC version.A Nice Review Of Star Wars: Shadows Of The Empire (N64, PC)Majuular2022-04-01 | How useful is a sincere critique of a 25 year old game? Not very, so have a largerly insincere one instead.