Persona Archives

AppWizard

April 24, 2025

Metaphor: ReFantazio smashed Atlus’ expectations on PC – another reminder that PC gamers really want more JRPGs and Japanese games

ReFantazio has achieved unexpected success on PC, indicating a growing interest among PC gamers for Japanese titles. Katsura Hashino, the creative director known for the Persona series, noted that the percentage of PC players engaging with Atlus games is increasing annually, with long-term data supporting this trend. Major industry players like Square Enix are also moving away from console exclusivity, as seen with the successful PC port of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. Hashino emphasized the importance of allowing players to enjoy games in their preferred environments. Additionally, the lead UI designer of Metaphor: ReFantazio referenced a lesser-known PS2 title from 25 years ago, highlighting the ongoing influence of older games on modern design.

AppWizard

April 23, 2025

10 tips to conquer the continent in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a French JRPG-style game featuring real-time combat mechanics similar to rhythm games. Players engage in exploration, which reveals lore, powerful items, optional bosses, and quests. The game includes a lumina mechanic that enhances combat effectiveness by activating additional pictos. Combat features an elemental weakness system, requiring players to adapt their strategies based on enemy vulnerabilities. Quicktime dodging, jumping, and parrying are essential skills, and Gustave's gun offers versatile combat options, including targeting weak points and dismantling enemy shields. Many exploration upgrades are optional and require engaging in side quests. Building relationships with expedition team members unlocks new abilities, and managing action points effectively is crucial for maximizing damage output. Each character has a unique playstyle, encouraging players to experiment with combinations for optimal effectiveness in battles.

AppWizard

April 17, 2025

A pair of Armored Core games are being freed from their 2000s Japanese mobile phone prison with an upcoming PC port

Armored Core, a series from FromSoftware, has gained popularity since its debut on the PlayStation 1. PC players recently accessed the franchise with Armored Core 6, and two more titles are on the way, though they will not have English language options. Developer G-Mode is set to release Armored Core Mobile Mission and its sequel, Mobile Mission 2, on Steam, with the first installment launching on April 30th. The original Mobile Mission offers a top-down shooter experience with mech customization, while the sequel aims for a more immersive gameplay experience. G-Mode is also porting Shin Megami Tensei titles, Tokyo Requiem and 20XX, to modern platforms, although release dates for these are not confirmed.

AppWizard

April 12, 2025

‘A Minecraft Movie’: Three Zoomers Dissect How They Really Feel About the Blockbuster

The film "A Minecraft Movie" debuted as a box office success, achieving the largest domestic opening of 2025 and marking a significant milestone for video game adaptations. It has a mixed critical reception, with a 2.8 average rating on Letterboxd and a 48% score on Rotten Tomatoes, contrasted by an 87% audience score. The performances of Jack Black and Jason Momoa were highlighted for their comedic delivery, while the film was criticized for its predictable plot, underutilized talent, and lack of creativity in showcasing Minecraft's crafting elements. Despite its shortcomings, the film has been noted for its entertainment value and ability to engage audiences, particularly through meme culture and nostalgic references to the game.

AppWizard

April 10, 2025

Review: Riding high on memes: ‘A Minecraft Movie’ brings silly, blocky chaos

The author reflects on their childhood connection to Minecraft and their recent experience watching "A Minecraft Movie." The film features animation that showcases the game's elements, although it has some minor issues. The storyline is somewhat disjointed but introduces characters in a way that mirrors a novice player's experience. Jack Black voices a character, and the film includes humorous moments and nostalgic references, such as iconic music and cameos. The author enjoyed the film despite mixed reviews and regrets not attending the opening night screening.

AppWizard

March 31, 2025

Elon Musk’s estranged daughter weighs in on his pro gamer claims: ‘He was a Bronze Torbjörn main. He was f*ing dogsht’

Vivian Jenna Wilson, the estranged daughter of Elon Musk, discussed her father's gaming skills on Hasan Piker's Twitch channel, recalling that when she was 12, Musk was Bronze in Overwatch while she and her twin were not. She suggested he wanted them to play ranked with him to help him win. Musk has admitted to using paid account boosting in games like Diablo 4 and Path of Exile 2, which has raised questions about his gaming credibility. Wilson has criticized Musk's political views, particularly his support for anti-trans extremism, and described him as "cold" and "narcissistic," alleging he pressured her to appear more masculine. Musk has referred to Wilson, who is transgender, as "dead" and continues to use her birth name, complicating their relationship.

AppWizard

March 21, 2025

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s director was ‘starving for new turn-based RPGs,’ and figured if he wanted them, there would be others out there who’d want to play his game

During the 2025 Game Developers Conference, François Meurisse, producer of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and COO of Sandfall Interactive, discussed the game's development, which began in early 2019 as a passion project by creative director Guillaume Broche. The game features a parry system and allows players to aim freely with ranged weapons. Broche's inspirations include FromSoftware titles like Sekiro and classic JRPGs such as Final Fantasy and Lost Odyssey, while Meurisse draws from Paper Mario and EarthBound. Meurisse described Expedition 33 as an homage to classic JRPGs rather than a groundbreaking innovator. The game is set to release on April 23, and players can wishlist it on Steam.

AppWizard

March 10, 2025

March Madness 2! Robocop, Sonic, Minecraft, Persona 3 & More!

Several leading companies are committing to sustainability initiatives aimed at reducing their carbon footprints, with tech giants and manufacturing leaders pledging to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030. These commitments involve substantial investments in renewable energy sources, innovative technologies like carbon capture and storage, and sustainable practices in operations. Companies are collaborating with non-profit organizations, governments, and other stakeholders to enhance their sustainability efforts. Additionally, as consumer awareness of environmental issues grows, businesses are aligning their practices with customer values, promoting transparency, engaging customers in sustainability initiatives, and educating them about the importance of sustainability.

AppWizard

March 5, 2025

Fanatical Spring Game Sale – Get Capcom, Sega, And More AAA Games For Cheap

The Fanatical Spring Sale 2025 has started, offering many PC games at reduced prices, primarily as Steam keys. Customers spending over a certain amount will receive a Spring Bonus Drop, which includes a free game or discount voucher. Key discounts include Dragon's Dogma 2 at .99 (originally .99), Devil May Cry HD Collection for .54 (down from .99), and Ace Attorney Anthology for .59 (previously .99). Resident Evil titles are heavily discounted, with Village at .99 (was .99), Resident Evil 4 for .19 (was .99), and Resident Evil HD for .29 (was .99). Dead Island 2 is priced at .49 (down from .99). Street Fighter 6 is over 50% off, Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection is .79 (was .99), and Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective is .89 (was .99). Monster Hunter Wilds is .39 (was .99). Sega RPGs include Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance for .39 and Persona 3 remake for .49 (was .99). Like a Dragon titles have discounts, with Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth at .49 and Like a Dragon: Ishin at .49. Metaphor: ReFantazio is available for .89 (was .99). The sale runs until March 16, with daily flash deals available for 24 hours starting at 8 AM PT / 11 AM ET.

AppWizard

February 28, 2025

A Minecraft Movie

Alec Baldwin had a heated exchange with comedian Jason Scoop, who made a provocative joke about the shooting incident on the set of "Rust." Scoop mockingly offered Baldwin a "pardon" for "murdering that woman," which led Baldwin to threaten him, stating, "If this camera wasn’t here, I’d break your f**ing neck." Baldwin's legal troubles from the 2021 shooting were initially charged with manslaughter but were dismissed in July 2024.