Ranting about Video Games – Page 2 – Fishing for Metaphors

Halsdoll Gaming Rant: Dark Souls II Photo Shoots

February 2, 2022September 30, 2022HalsdollLeave a comment

There are hundreds of games. So many games and so many options sort of paralyzed me from picking a game and finishing it thoroughly. I look at the pile of games and thought, there’s no way to beat all these games in a year, and setting a goal to beat them is not my thing despite the fact I feel tempted to sit down and make a list right now to put things into perspective by creating some sort of checklist to help ease the feeling that I have a lot on my plate. Whom am I kidding? The thought of it always excites me. But following it through is a different story.

I do like to make list for mundane stuff. Checking off the to-do list helps me get over unpleasant tasks…but games?

Sometimes that enthusiasm wears out and I just rather play something that I’m used to or not play at all. I’m no cheerleader for all video games…no way…

Halsdoll playing in dark souls 2 — Where are you going, Halsdoll?

So, I went back to my PS3 and played Dragon Age Origin, which I never finished and I was like wow…so laggy, but the cutscenes and the music is great. I am digging it. Then I revert to my pile of games and saw that maybe I should play Sakura Wars and then I got annoyed with the main character for having to flirt with girls. The concept of a rooster surrounded by several romantic prospects is a new territory for me to explore. It’s a curiosity more than anything which is why I picked up the game. And yet in my mind, I kept thinking…let’s go back to DARK SOULS 2??!! Dominating the world is more appealing than idle pointless chit-chat. But oh, there’s more to Sakura Wars…why don’t I give it a shot? I guess when I feel like flirting with girls but I don’t know when the time will come around because as much as girls are cool, I’m pretty darn straight. All I just want to do is take photo shoots.

I had fun gathering the pictures for this blog post. They were taken from Crown of the Ivory King DLC. I managed to defeat two bosses out of three. One more to go in the cold blizzard… I think I ran out of patience. Dark Souls II is a great game, but the DS II: Scholar of First Sin edition, might not be so much. The game was intended for people who play for difficulty’s sake. It’s not that cool. For the most part, I got what I want from the DLCs. It’s all about adventure, shiny objects, pretty cool weapons, armor, and exploration. I can platinum the game, but for now, I decided to move on to Skyrim.

Check out my other posts for Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin:

I will try not to write so much about this game. Other games deserve some attention too. And that is it for video game updates. Until next time, bye~

Halsdoll’s New Year Rant: Harry Potter, Scarlet Nexus & DS2 Scholar of the First Sin

January 10, 2022October 1, 2022HalsdollLeave a comment

New Year and a new start are never the cases for me. I never wait around when I want to achieve a new goal. My New Year Resolution started in December after my fiancé gave me my birthday present. This year. I want to make more time for books. It doesn’t matter if it’s a children’s book as long it got some depth, which is how I got started with the adventure to Hogwarts. Me being the curious cat picked up the book and started reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone despite being unimpressed with the movie’s adaptation many years ago. That experience was also my first introduction to the title. Now, I’m more than halfway on book 3, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. I intend to finish the entire series because I’m addicted to J.K. Rowling’s imagination and writing style. It made me smile a lot that I couldn’t put the book down, which explains my long absence from this blog. Perhaps, I might write each summary for each book as a writing exercise since that is what has been occupying my thoughts. I’m just so impressed with how well organized J.K. Rowling’s mind is to create such a genuine and humorous but serious world mixed with humility. Somehow the movies failed to capture it, which is why I was never a fan of the Harry Potter franchise until now. I see why all of my good friends were obsessed with it.

When it comes to games, I find that playing game back-to-back can be quite a chore. Forcing myself to conquer my backlog is not fun. Since beating Tales of Xillia, I haven’t been eager to jump into a new game and I thought I would play Tales of Vesperia, but I changed my mind. I played a little bit of Scarlet Nexus instead. The concept of the story and gameplay is promising but feels a little bit too hip and young for my taste. I’m not feeling the characters at the moment or maybe it’s the fact the English voice dub failed to capture the character’s personality. Just not a fan of hearing people read scripts in manga-style cutscenes. Well, I didn’t mind so much in Folklore but it just seems like a lazy tactic in storytelling. Despite all of that, it may have a good story. It’s BANDAI NAMCO Studios, Tose after all. I can see some cool things with this game but so far it tries too hard to be cool and deep. Well, I will put it aside. I may play it. Maybe in 7 years when I decided to turn into a teenager again.

For now, I find myself going back to Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin. Yes, I finally beat all the bosses in the Sunken Crown King DLC. This time around, I just needed to step back from the game to have a fresh mindset. So here is what I learn: When playing a difficult game that required some sort of quick reflex, you have to talk mean to your opponent. “Get your ass down here! “Is the magic phrase I used in defeating the Sinh, the Slumbering Dragon, and with a little help from the NPCs. At this point, I just want to complete the DLC without caring how well I kill it. Thank goodness this game does not grade me on my performance.

Telling the dragon to get its ass down here — Sinh, the Slumbering Dragon

I suppose, you just have to be a little angry to play this sort of game at the same time be calm and collected. It’s all about balance and perhaps that is why I keep coming back to the soul games. I have two more DLCs to go: Crown of the Old Iron King, and Crown of the Ivory King. I’m not kidding when I said I keep coming back to this game which I bought it back in 2015. This will be the second time I play this game. I already played it on the PS3 version which honestly, I prefer than the PS4 version which included all three DLCs. I even have the PC version (wow I didn’t know I like the game that much!). I may go into details at a later time if I feel up for it. So far, I have already clocked in over 200 hours. Talking about great gameplay value. Why would I even bother with other games at this rate? I like to see games surpass the Dark Souls franchise. It’s unlikely. As I mentioned before, once you give your soul to the game, there’s no coming back. All other games will appear lacking or petty in comparison. Souls’ game is just that rewarding and addictingly fun. Or perhaps, I just have fallen under its spell. It’s like playing inside an adventurous book and who can ask for more, especially for folks like me who love books and games? It’s the greatest combo.

I stop to read in video games…ooooh if only school was this fun, I would have paid more attention in class once upon a time…

Well, that is it for now. I will leave you folks with a tip. Being a barrel doesn’t hurt if you are trying to reach the next bonfire! Whatever it takes to stay alive. Until next time~

Dark Souls 2 Scholar of the First Sin Rant: Crown of the Sunken King (Part II)

October 11, 2021September 24, 2022Halsdoll1 Comment

The boss fight in this DLC is shit. I said it and I’m not polite about it. In fact, the DLC is not mage friendly. I had to reallocate my stats to equip the right weapon to defeat Elana the Squalid Queen. Finally beat her after pulling a few hair strands from my head (don’t worry it will grow back. I hope!).

What was my tactic? Well, I farmed at Lair of the Imperfect bonfire for Petrified Dragon Bone to upgrade the Drakeblood Greatsword to +5. The beasts down there drop about 1700 souls. However, equipping Covetous Silver Serpent Ring will yield more souls. I used the extra souls to level up STR (strength) and DEX (dexterity). Summoned 2 NPCs for the boss fight. One died in the name of being a tank. Equipped gear with high dark magic defense. Regardless, no easy battle, and we did it! I mean me and my imaginary friends. But I sure feel like a noob in this area.

Was Squalid a fair fight? Can't Say — We did it!

My character is currently level 157. Yes, way too high (haven’t beat the game yet). Got side tracked tinkering things around. Then I realized I’m not making progress. I learned it’s not so much about strategy or timing at this level. The enemies just have high defense. There is a mob of them purposely gaining up on you and mind you better have high resistance to poison. This DLC is purposely hard for hard sake and I don’t really like it.

Trying to get to the Cave of the Dead Bosses Fight — Trying to get down to the boss fight

If you have played Dark Souls II on PS3 and did not purchase the DLC, I would just leave it as it is when the credits start rolling unless you are into the lore and playing for difficulty’s sake. I like to make progress and not get stalled and mainly play this game for artistic exploration. You know like opening an adventure book and reading it except my imagination is limited so I need real visuals to appreciate the fantasy. Dark Souls franchise hit the spot for me. Sadly, I am going to put this game aside even though I have two more DLCs to clear. But then…the ice levels are always my favorite in video games. I can’t just move on. Just look how cool it is. My inner child is beckoning me to come to play with her. So, I just can’t say GOODBYE!!!

Dark Souls II Rant: Rings and the Test of Patience

August 9, 2021September 24, 2022Halsdoll4 Comments

The title to this post sounds as if I’m a nagging, impatient girlfriend who is expecting a ring on her finger but her boyfriend is too busy playing games. Well, I’m not talking about the relationship between two human beings. I’m talking about my relationship with Dark Souls II Scholar of the First Sin, the game I keep going back to unwind. It’s the perfect melancholic companion who’s a bit difficult to get through but very rewarding once you explore all its treacherous paths, including the hidden rooms behind the walls. They are the best because we know treasures lie ahead! As choppy as it feels compared to the first, it’s definitely not seamlessly integrated as Dark Souls in terms of the stage design, but the ambiance atmosphere is strangely therapeutic and I sort of prefer it over the first. It does wonder to the senses with its fairytale-like atmosphere. After all, don’t we girls just love fairytales?

I’m beginning to sound like an undead to call the soul’s universe an alluringly safe place to unwind. No wonder people called us DARK SOULS lovers machoistic. At the moment, I am currently hunting down and testing out rings because I want to be with my abusive lover (Dark Souls II) forever. No, I’m just being sarcastic. So far, Ring of Life Protection is my favorite because I like to remain in human form.

You can equip 4 rings, but would it have made more sense with 5. Weren’t we all born with 5 fingers?

Let me get you some backstory as to why I keep going back to my abusive lover, Dark Souls II. Not too long ago I defeated Dragon Quest XI, which is a big accomplishment for me considering that it takes me ages to play games I purchased on a whim. As I was working on clearing my backlog, I went back to Silver Case but got annoyed fast with its dark theme. Unlike Souls games, it’s hopelessly depressing with no warmth in sight. Plus, too much swearing doesn’t make characters appear tough; they just seem stupid. There was also a hint of misogyny which ruined the entire experience for me.

Halsdoll Playin — If I am going to be a piece of dead meat then I’m going to go to do it in the Souls universe not in *Silver Case* (*thanks Nairdalex for the photo edit*).

Now I have been playing Dark Souls II without caring too much about beating it in a timely matter so I can move on to the next game on my list. Despite what people say, it’s the perfect game for me to unwind. I like the quietness. Music in a video game is unnecessary. Listening to my character’s footsteps echoing in the hallway and the sound of crashing and clinking of my weapons sounds more relaxing, oddly. I can hear the wind so I think I feel the wind touching my skin. I hear the waves splashing onto the shore and that makes me feel calm. I just like exploring its universe in the comfort of my home.

Currently, as I am writing this post, I am at Huntsman’s Copse, preparing for a boss fight against the Executioner’s Chariot. Even though it’s optional, I still want to clear the area just for the sake of it. I walked the same path over and over multiple times by now and it feels less dangerous.

Annoying sadists crossing my path to the Executioner's Chariot — Annoying sadists preventing me from defeating its boss, the Executioner’s Chariot

I am progressively becoming better each time I enter the boss fight because of familiarity. I learned where to spot the annoying Necromancer black mages that keep spawning skeletons. Keep calm and focus and with a little luck, I won’t feel so overwhelmed by a mob of skeletons. Once I clear them away, the boss is not difficult at all. It is just the environment and the circumstance that is making it difficult. And that is what keeps me coming back to Dark Souls II. It’s hard but achievable.

P.S

I beat the Executioner Chariot! Persistence and patience on top of learning where enemies spawn and timing helped me defeat this optional boss! Now I can boast, I did it!

The Argument Against Books as a Form of Superior Medium to Video Games

March 15, 2021October 5, 2022Halsdoll3 Comments

I have been meaning to make more time to read, but sometimes I get discouraged from reading one bad book after the next which are supposedly bestsellers (keep in mind, it’s a matter of taste). Hence, it’s why the book department in my blog is rather bleak and lonely. I have only reviewed one book so far: Handmaid’s Tale and quite frankly, I didn’t enjoy it all that much. I am not completely ruling out books for this blog because I am the poetry huntress. My passion is very particular in that essence. But I struggle to find a good book to read or maybe it’s just that I struggle to find a genuine book to read. So, I’m in a bit of a dilemma.

I used to read a lot as a kid. I fell in love with books before I even started playing games. There’s something about the written word that makes it an intimate experience between the author and the reader. So, it’s hard not to fall in love with books. But games consume most of my time nowadays so I started wondering why I play more than I read, knowing that books are great ways to formulate new ideas and open more dialogues.

And so, I begin to ponder…

There are several films adaptation inspired by books. So, it’s not hard to pay tribute to books as the superior medium. And many video games are inspired by films. Did you notice a pattern here? The video game is a baby learning to walk on its legs, wanting to be recognized by its older siblings. Part of my maternal instinct is I want to see the baby grow. This brings me to conclude why I don’t read as much as I should nowadays: If people read purely for entertainment and the artistic aesthetic, then I want to argue that video games are just as good as books. And perhaps even better than some books in terms of delivering meaningful content that adds value to our lives. Partially this is why I still hunt down to play a good game and why I rather invest in playing games than reading. Out of love for the medium, I want to see it grow into something respectable in the creative community.

Every time, I think about why I created my original blog back in 2016, I kept circling to the same idea: I’m writing to advocate and educate the creative community. I write as a creative outlet because my soul depends on it and I want to share with the rest of the world what I enjoy. Video games can be great companions for those of us who are on the shy side. And on a personal level, video games gave me the inspiration to write most of my songs as mentioned in one of my posts. It’s like we are all connected. Books inspired films. Films inspired video games, and video games inspired me to write songs.

With this whole pandemic thing–isolation is not normal behavior even for an introvert myself. Some alone time is good, but too much is detrimental. I think video games have comforted some of us in some ways to help us cope with mental stress. So, let’s give some respect to video games because self-help books aren’t for everyone. Sometimes the bottled-up emotions just have to go somewhere and for me, it’s shooting virtual scary dogs. Well, I guess it’s time to go shoot some skags in Borderlands 3 now!

If you are just stopping by this blog and haven’t already, please check out some of my blog posts on games that I think are better than books in some ways. Until next time, see you later!

Rambling on Why My Video Games Backlog is Small

January 10, 2021February 24, 2023Halsdoll4 Comments

Did you take advantage of the holiday sale? When I buy games I feel as if I am putting more debt on my list of things to complete and then I feel paralyzed that I ended up not playing games at all. I am here to tell you my secret on why my gaming backlog is small. Of course, I am not here to lecture you and make you feel bad if you are the type who can’t resist a good sale. I always get a shocked hearing from other gamers that they still have their games unopened, still in shrink-wrap. I wonder if you will ever play the game? Or are you just trying to show off your gaming collection? Would you lend me your games so I don’t have to spend money on it? HAHA J.K J.K (not really lol).

The good thing about buying video games one at a time is that you don’t feel pressured to conquer your backlog. In fact, it’s more fun to take the time to enjoy it slowly. The same thing can be said about food. But I think my guilt stems from the fact my mom used to scold me at how I can’t eat video games after she found out I used up all my saved allowance to buy games instead of food. Back then, my mom wanted to teach us responsibility but also give us the freedom to make purchases of things we want. Was it a good idea? I believe so.

Of course, I am no angel. I have a bad habit of buying games to complete a game series I enjoyed in the past. Then I realized I get burnt out easily, playing games back to back. I have tried making a list of games and I have finished the game only to be left disappointed. Why force yourself to play a game you don’t like? What is there to prove?????????!!!!!!!!!! Okay, in life we can’t always win. That’s a fact. I confess and now my stress level has decreased which means I can concentrate on one game at a time. Or if I feel overwhelmed with my backlogs, I’ll just hand over the controller to my gaming assistant: Halsdoll’s teddy bear.

Yes, in the picture, it’s Dark Souls‘ case that you are seeing. Halsdoll’s teddy bear is a very skilled gamer.

Well that’s it for now. Enjoy your game at your own pace. Until next time, bye bye.

My Top 3 Best Video Game Soundtracks

December 10, 2020September 25, 2022HalsdollLeave a comment

If I don’t put “My” in the title, people will get upset, not realizing my opinion is not a fact. What is the irony in that? Unfortunately, many people are quick to speak than think. You can argue with me all you want on what is the best video game soundtrack because it will go from one ear to the next and then into thin air. My top 3, how subjective can that be? Yep, I am back with my list of three.

[By the way, I hope you enjoy the introduction. I feel like rhyming :)]

I love music generally, so it’s no surprise I love listening to video game music even after I am done with a game. It makes me feel hopelessly in love. There is a romantic side to me. After all, I’m only human.

In the summer of 2010, I had one of the most memorable summers playing a game called Nier Gestalt; it blew my mind away in terms of storytelling. Back then, I was a pennilessstudent. I couldn’t afford to go on a vacation. So there wasn’t much to do for summer break. It is one of those games where it will stick with you long after you complete it because the music is so hauntingly good that I was under its spell for a long time. In my opinion, Nier Automata failed to capture that very same magic. The only thing it has going is smooth gameplay. If you didn’t get a chance to play the first installment, you will! There is a new version in the making. I just hope the sound effects and music don’t deviate much from the original! I don’t think anyone can argue that it doesn’t have one of the best video game soundtracks ever!

upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/d1/Trinity_...

Next up. It may not seem like it since I don’t cover many western media, but I actually love western literature, especially Greek drama. Oedipus Rex is one of my favorite plays. I can tell Trinity Souls of Zill O’ll was inspired by the play. But what made me love this game is how immersive and artistic the game is. It is like looking at a painting! And good music composition only alleviates the player’s experience. If you are a fan of JRPG, this is a hidden gem and a must-play. I have two copies of the game. I love it that much if it weren’t for the music.

Final but not least, El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron. Another artsy game that looks pretty good on the Xbox 360. It is also available for the PS3. The gameplay is clean and highly addictive. The stages are unique from one another so monotone is not in its vocabulary. However, the only weak point is the story: it’s difficult to follow. Like Nier OST, I listened to the soundtrack long after I beat it. It’s good music for studying, working or just for plain background noise. It has a heavenly sound to it. If you feel the need to escape somewhere peaceful, I recommend this soundtrack.

Honorable mention: Shenmue. No surprise there as it is my favorite game.

I hope you enjoy my list and found something you like. Let me know what your favorite soundtracks are. I am always looking for new music. Until next time, bye-bye.

My Video Games Shopping List (Part III): Bright Colored Games for Mental Health

November 28, 2020September 26, 2022Halsdoll4 Comments

If you are worried about talking into the void and it makes you feel invisible, unworthy, neglected, or unlovable, it’s okay. I am used to talking to myself and I am quite proud of it. I don’t care how introverted you are but humans are made to talk! So, talk to the void if you need to release mental stress! There is no shame to it. I promise it will make you feel better. Isn’t that why people confess to the preacher? Well, I hope your sins are not too big.

I need to talk and I must talk! If you are new to my blog, I like to make a list of three recommendations. This time it’s video games instead of movies. I did this shopping list a few years ago on my old blog when I was still a bit timid about online exposure. You can check them out here:

My Shopping List–Casual Games are Great!

My Video Games Shopping List (Part II)

In the upcoming winter days, I prefer playing bright-colored games. It’s good for mental health if you are feeling a little down from all the gloomy weather and the Dark Cloud (do you like the pun? I still have yet to beat the game, hehe).

Sakuna of Rice of Ruin

I live in the city and city life has its pros and cons, but these days it’s more cons ever since the pandemic hit. If you can work remotely, there is no point in living in the city. Transportation was the main factor why there are city dwellers like me. But on the plus side, things have been quiet in the city except during certain nights I can hear homeless people shouting. It’s really sad because some are suffering from mental illness. It really is a societal issue. Even before the pandemic, I often dreamed of going into the mountains or somewhere far from civilization so I can breathe nature. I think I found the perfect game: I can play as a farm girl. Yeah, I want to be a country girl for a change! It looks fun and its popping bright colors will surely lift anyone’s mood in the upcoming winter days.

2) Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of An Elusive Age – Definitive Edition

I need to escape from reality ASAP, did I mention I am stranded in the city? I played the demo and really like how immersive the game is. I feel transported into a different world that is less chaotic. I think this is the game I am going to play on my birthday! Some people hate being born close to Christmas, but not me, I am sure the only present I need for Christmas and birthday combined is a good game. Bright-colored games= instant happiness.

3) Cuphead

I normally purchased pc games that are story-driven and that is where I play most of the indie titles. They can be quite relaxing to play before bedtime. For Cuphead, I am still debating whether I should purchase this on Steam or on the PlayStation store. The illustration looks great and I am always up for an adventure so Cuphead made it to my list for the winter days!

I hope you enjoy my recommendations even though I haven’t played them yet! I guess I am just so excited I have to make a list. Hopefully, you found something you like on the list as well and it will add a little sunshine to your life. Well, that is it for now, bye-bye.

Ranting about the Demon’s Souls Remake Trailer

November 1, 2020October 26, 2022HalsdollLeave a comment

Woke up to the sound of idiots racing down the streets. Normally after a few minutes, it follows a blasting sound coming from the cop siren, but not this time. I hope no homeless person camping out on the side of the street got hit. We live in a strange time and I know I’m overdue for a post. I hope my introduction didn’t leave you perplexed. It’s kind of hard not to feel on the edge when chaos is slowly taking control of the world. But I feel like I have prepared myself for this insanity a few years ago. What better way to prepare it by sharpening your mental agility than by playing Demon’s Souls, a game praised for its difficulty, released in 2009 for the PlayStation 3? It’s good for brain exercise and will make you feel alive if you are the type who likes a fair challenge. Quite frankly, I am not too hasty about playing the remake as I’m not in the rush to purchase PS5 and it may be a year down the road that I might pick it up. But what really turns me off is how bright the game is. I originally played the game for its dark dreamy, fairytale-like atmosphere but the remake just looks too sharp and polished. There’s also too much noise coming from the character’s footsteps and his clunky armor. It’s too loud. In the original Demon’s Souls it’s quieter and more subtle and the more you die, it becomes quieter as quiet as the sound of a feather falling down. The only reason why I would only consider picking up the remake it’s because it’s one of the few co-op games that I actually enjoyed. Unless the remake has the ability to use a mic–then that will surely destroy the atmosphere. From what I remember, the game is immersive and fun. It feels as if I was transported into a different world–thanks to the soundtrack and its beautiful world creation. If I can recall, players can rate people as well on their gameplay performance. Some people are nice and will give you a good score, some are just plain assholes. Nonetheless, there aren’t many games that made me feel so attached to a world. It’s one hellish adventure, but a strange one that I can’t pinpoint. I guess that’s the power of immersion. This is one of the games I am proud to say I own the Deluxe Edition. It comes with the original soundtrack, artbook, and official guide. It’s my treasure and I am not going to sell it unless I’m desperate for money or I am on my deathbed and I need to pass it on to a passionate gamer so my soul will depart the earth peacefully without care. Okay, I am dramatic. I know. That’s how much I love the game and that’s why I am wary of the remake.

Great Story-Driven Horror Games for Halloween

October 15, 2020September 26, 2022Halsdoll1 Comment

I’ll be honest, I am not much of a routine type of gal. It drives me nuts, but they say– a good blogger must be consistent, so here I am again with my three lists of recommendations. Why three you may wonder? Because “One is the loneliest number that you’ll ever do. Two can be as bad as one. It’s the loneliest number since the number one” I quote the classic song to whom I don’t know who the artist is haha (let me know if you know!) Yeah, I like three because it’s not lonely! So, three it is!

Since I am number one in my universe (I have no one to love so I love myself), the first game on my list I introduce to you folks today is Cat Lady.

If you never heard anything about this game, you would think about a lone suicidal woman who lives by herself (ouch that hurts! I am single, but not suicidal). Well technically there is some partial truth to it, but it’s more of a comedy than horror. Sometimes I get horror mixed up with comedy. Let’s just say I have a morbid sense of humor, it can’t be helped! The game is well thought out, poetic, and flows really well. I bought it on Steam for $1.99. Currently, it is $9.99. Wait for it to go on sale, it sure beats a cup of coffee at Starbucks any time! If you are suffering from depression, it will make you come out stronger. I love the message.

Now number 2 goes to Detention!

This is one from Redcandlegames, a Taiwanese developer. If you like Silent Hill 2 sort atmosphere then this is the game–even though it’s a point and click. The illustration is very nice and the monsters are scary and cute. One thing I liked about this game is how realistic the protagonist is as a female character. She is realistically feminine and therefore, relatable. Should check it out if you haven’t already.

Now final but not least! Death Mark!

This is a visual novel game that I really enjoyed. The soundtrack and the illustration are pretty good. It’s really like reading a horror novel. It is suspenseful and the story is intriguing enough to keep me on my toes. I love it so much I played the sequel: Spirit Hunter NG. Rest assured, if you are the type who gets scared easily, it will not make you pee in your pants or die from shock as we see in House on Haunted Hill (1999). I am referring to the amusement park scene. In my opinion, the Japanese are masters at telling horror stories. That’s why I am so addicted to the genre. If you are more curious about this game click on the title above for my review.