Mental Health

Making a Checklist for Books & Games

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Have you ever had a hard time deciding whether you like something or not? I have had many experiences playing games and reading books. Sometimes I cannot pinpoint why I don’t enjoy something as much as I should. So, I like to write out my thoughts in the form of a review. Unfortunately, these days, I don’t have that luxury anymore. The truth is, my work (apart from my health) has been so demanding that all of my hobbies were at a standstill. It’s already close to the middle of the year. I have only completed three games: Spirit of the North, developed by Infuse Studio; Xanadu Next, developed by Nihon Falcom; and the Bookwalker, developed by Do My Best. No time for mental health and recreation is not good. So here I am back with one of my favorite pastime activities: making a list. I have always found it therapeutic to make a list of books and games because it helps me clear my mind and stay focused.

Out of the three games I’ve played this year, the one I enjoyed the most is Xanadu Next. The game design is superb, however, the game is buggy. I had to restart a boss fight three times! If you enjoy a soul-like game, then this game is a treat. Well, I believe this game came before the souls franchise. Playing this game made me realized how much I enjoy treasure hunting, good level design and challenging games.

Bride wearing black vein
The Black Bride from Xanadu Next

Which brings me to the next game I will be playing. Spontaneously, I decided I needed something more relaxing and casual. I dipped my foot into Skyrim Definitive Edition and Oblivion Remastered because I want to transport myself into a fantasy world that’s not too brutal. So far, I have been enjoying these two games. Then I realized I have Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, which I started last year, but never completed. At the time, anything that required a big time investment, I shied away. Now that things are settling down a bit, I can sit down and relax with a good RPG. Recruiting heroes is fun. But so far, I enjoy the cooking challenge the most and have found collecting recipes to be just as fun as recruiting interesting characters. This game is my ideal game of what I call relaxing.

Currently, I don’t have a recipe that will beat my opponent. His ramen is delicious.

As for my reading list, I only have a handful of unread books. I created a list of books I would eventually love to read, but do not have a set time to complete them. If you are reading for pleasure, why set a goal? These pastime activities should be a form of relaxation. I have been quite satisfied with what I have read so far. I completed Beast Warriors  Beast Player by Nahoko Uehashi and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Brontë. Currently reading The Hunch Back of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo. I enjoy the books mainly for their beautiful metaphors.

When I was researching ways to organize my reading and gaming list, I came across other apps and sites that help with just that, but I adore my blog. Why abandon it for something else like Notion? I can simply use WordPress tools to organize a list and create a separate page for my blog so I can go back to check off my reading list. Notion, Steam, Instagram, Goodreads, Amazon, and Google have a good section for reviewing items, but I think I am perfectly fine with my scattered notes and images here on this blog until WordPress decides to shut down.

So, do you have a way of organizing your books and games or other media you consume? I am extremely curious. Perhaps you can share 1 or 2 tips.

Credits: the images on this blog post are taken from Xanadu Next and Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes

Making a List Is Therapeutic for the Creative Soul

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Around this time of year, I tend to make a list of upcoming games and books I plan to play and/or read. I wonder why. Back in the days when I was a teen, I would have played anything that was given to me, including free games on the PC; and I would have read anything in front of me.   Now these days, I am more picky—really picky to the point of relying heavily on reviews, trailers, and word of mouth to determine a purchase.

For instance, looking at my Wishlist, I have been debating whether to pick  Remothered: Broken Porcelain after reading several negative reviews stating the same thing over and over about how buggy the game is.  Still, a part of me wants to go ahead and purchase the game since it’s on sale but I have been on the fence with this game for almost two years now! I am pretty sure the game is not as bad as reviewers make it out to be— but I don’t think it’s worth the time to play unpolished games regardless of its potential. Plus, I recently purchased Song of Horror and Tormented Soul. Games that are supposed to have the old school, survival horror third-person view aesthetic. They are next in line of games to play-but I do need a break from horror. As much as I enjoy horror for the adrenaline rush, too much of it is not good. So, I have been playing Strange Horticulture and Divinity Original Soul Enhanced Edition instead. I am 36 hours into Divinity! I found myself in the middle of the night playing before bedtime, trying to figure things out. Time sure flies when you are having fun. I like the game-play. It’s a turned based game that involves some strategy. Some people described the game as pen and paper experience, which unfortunately I have never played a tabletop game. But what I like most about the game is its lightheartedness on the seriousness of the plot: I am a source hunter; I hunt down evil sorcerers. The diverse voice acting makes the tone of the game theatrical and entertaining. One character sounds Russian the other sounds Southern and yes there is even an English accent thrown in the mix. It’s dramatic. Even the animals are voice dubbed by real humans which only add more charm to the game. Overall, it has good vibes with relaxing original soundtracks.

Halloween Scarecrow
I thought it was cool that there was a pumpkin scarecrow in the game. 

Looking back at my older post toward the end of 2022, I made a list of games to complete for the upcoming year. I accomplished some. Not all. I have completed Soma, Eyuiden Rising, Elden Ring, AI: Sominum Files, and Whisper of Machines. I also picked a game to play randomly this year: The Last Guardian, Fatal Frame IV, Zero Time Dilemma and Final Fantasy XII. I enjoyed all of them, but I am feeling a little burnt out from gaming in general. I find myself wanting to do other activities that are good for my mental health such as reading a good book or painting. Actually, I am currently reading Charlotte’s Web by E.B White. This book was on my reading list from one of my blog’s posts:Three Films that Make Me Want to Read the Book. 

Fern holding Wilbur
I appreciate Charlotte’s Web so much more than I did when I was in elementary school! 

Making a list type blog post and sharing it with the world feels like a form of commitment. I want to set bigger goals next year so that means I will scale back from gaming a bit. Sometimes by the time I finish a game, I don’t have the mental energy to write a review because behind the “writing scene”, there’s a lot of writing, revising, and editing. After all the hard work, I still find minor errors (*sighs*). As they say a second set of eyes are better than one. Over the years, I have learned that there is a lot of work behind maintaining a blog, and what drives me is my love for writing and creating content. When I look back at what I have written, I am amazed at my dedication. It’s something I would have never recognized if I didn’t put in the work. Most of all, I learned that I am always evolving. Sure, the blog doesn’t pay the bills, but it pays to keep me sane. So, I suppose everything balances itself out for the time being.

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

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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!

Picture credits

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!

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

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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).

  1. 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

Cuphead [Online Game Code]

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.

Mushi-Shi Review: A Fine Cup of Medicine for the Mind

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Do you know what Forest Bathing is? When you are stuck in a city like me, you naturally want to reconnect with all things green because greenery is life. That’s why many people like to go to the woods where I am from. Unfortunately, since I am a loner, it’s not safe for a woman as petite as me to go out in the woods alone. So what is the solution? I watched Mushi-shi and perfected avocado smoothie during my staycation! I feel mentally recharged and happy.

By now, I don’t know how many times I have watched Mushi-shi which was initially aired in Japan in 2005. It’s my to-go anime when I want to clear my mind. It has a calming effect like tea. The animation is stunningly beautiful. I always feel as if I am hiking my way towards the mountains and then into the lush green forest with Ginko, the protagonist. But it’s not just the scenery that I like so much, it’s how well each episode tells its story surrounding the mysterious supernatural-like creatures called Mushi. There are 26 episodes and each episode is 24 minutes long. I like how short each episode is compared to some T.V shows that have 50-minute long episodes. Let’s just say I like to take frequent breaks.

If you are not familiar with the series by now, I am happy to tell you what it’s all about. Mushi is the closes thing to life itself. They come in different shapes and forms. Some are visible and some are not. Their existence is the cause of many humans ailment. Not everyone can see Mushi. Only certain people can. Ginko is one of them. Because of exposure to a particular type of Mushi, a fish-like creature with one eye missing, Ginko can’t stay in one place for long without attracting supernatural-like creatures. As a result, he is fated for a lone nomadic life, visiting different villages to help educate people on the nature of the Mushi and its effect on the mysterious sickness that one has inflicted by the supernatural creature. He is like a researcher/scientist, but more like a medical doctor as he finds successful solutions to protect both humans and Mushi without destroying either one so that one can live. In fact, this is a recurring theme throughout the series.

One thing that I really like about this anime is the message it wants to convey to the audience: When you understand your “enemy” you become less afraid of them. It is better to accept their mere existence as part of the ecosystem. They are neither good nor bad. One episode titled Cotton Changeling proves that Mushi just wants to live just as much as humans when it was given the ability to speak. It is an eerie episode in fact.

All of the episodes are resolved by Ginko’s ethical, scientific approach whereas other like him take on a more brutal approach towards the Mushi by killing them all, which ironically killed human life. As I mentioned earlier, Mushi is the closes thing to life itself. Ginko’s way of handling Mushi is very human and modern. When I say humanly, I mean he uses his God-given intelligence to solve problems rather than react out of primitive fear. This explains why he is dressed in western attire rather than traditional Japanese clothes. To dress like a foreigner gives him the impression of an outsider. His outsider perspective helps him make scientific decisions rather than rely on archaic customs. His western approach to Mushi is a sign of forwarding thinking.

What I learned from this anime is that ignorance is not bliss. Knowledge is a powerful tool to harmonize the universe. Seek to understand the world around us because it can kill unnecessary superstition that does more harm than good. More importantly, it can save lives. Ginko saved lives like a true doctor. His compassion for all living things is admirable. I think that is why I like this show so much. Every time I watch it, it’s like having a fine cup of tea. Try it for yourself, you might enjoy the solitude walk in the forest.