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Thank you so much! So glad you enjoyed it and learned something new. That’s been one of the most enjoyable things about this channel for me: experiencing familiar games in a different way that teaches me something new about them. This video was a blast to make for that reason!

Thanks for sharing! I totally hear where you’re coming from; there really is something so nice about the simplicity of the original game. The mechanics are more punishing, but it rewards real skill without giving you an easy way out like later games. I first experienced SMB and the Lost Levels after I had played 3 and World, so those sequels have much more nostalgia for me than the originals. 😂 I’m also a suck for good worldbuilding, so aside from the gameplay mechanics themselves, I have always been enamored by the way World especially just draws you in to this expansive, fantastical world. All in all, though, classic Mario is one of the touchstones that got me into gaming, so I will always have such a special place in my heart for all of them. Appreciate your thoughts; thanks for watching!

@@GamesAreCreative Thank you also for the videos, I understand them quite well. I’m not always a fan of gameplay taking precedence over worldbuilding-I love soundtracks, drawings, maps, stories... these are also things I value immensely. But it depends a bit on the game. In the case of Mario, I end up appreciating it. Sometimes it almost feels like you can just run through the level because the map is more horizontal, unlike Sonic, Donkey Kong Country, or other Mario games. I love those games too-just hearing Stickerbush Symphony or seeing Sonic's maps makes me happy. In terms of difficulty, I even find the first one easier, but maybe that's because I'm used to it. Your channel actually came up for me through the Dragon Quest 4 video, which I’m playing now. I watched some videos about it, and the algorithm recommended yours. I didn’t watch it all to avoid spoilers, but I ended up exploring your other videos. I quickly checked out Pokémon, Castlevania, Super Mario-some of my favorites-and immediately stopped at the title Video Games Are Works of Art, something I also often say when explaining games to others. Listen that you never finished Undertale because you could never kill your friends like me make me smile. Have you played Nier: Automata? I started playing DQ4 because I decided to start from the beginning and play RPGs in chronological order. For now, DQ 1, 2, 3, Final Fantasy 1, 2, and Phantasy Star. There’s still so much I’d like to try, but I’ve been alternating with other games and ended up spending a year and a half without returning to this goal. For now, I’m really enjoying the storytelling and the different approach compared to the previous ones.

@ that’s so awesome, I’m grateful you’ve enjoyed the channel so far! I’ve actually been on a similar journey through classic RPGs recently, as well, and my current progress on DQ and FF is reflected in my videos on the channel. I haven’t played Nier yet, but it’s definitely on my list. I totally agree; there’s just so much to play and not enough time to experience it all!

Totally, the 90’s were such an incredible time for RPGs! Xenogears specifically has been on my list for a while, but I haven’t gotten to it yet. I didn’t grow up with a ton of RPGs, so it’s been fun to dive into them as an adult. I really enjoyed this video since VII carries a lot of nostalgia for my brothers and me, as well.

Thanks Levi! Merry Christmas, man!

Thank you so much! Couldn’t agree more on DQV, as well. It’s on the docket and is coming soon; can’t wait!

Thanks, me too! Life has been a lot busier this year, so I haven’t had as much time to dedicate to the channel. I’m starting to wrap things up on the next video though, so my goal is to release it later this month!

So glad you’ve been enjoying the channel! Sadly, I haven’t yet experienced Chrono Trigger, but it’s on my list to tackle soon!! Would you recommend playing the SNES or DS version?

@GamesAreCreative honestly on the Ds, they added a lot of futures, but the original is great as well, and I own it on the Ps1 it's probably my favorite game ever

Crazy to see how it’s grown since then!

Man, what a throwback! If I had a nickel for every time I BEGGED my mom to take me to Best Buy, just so I could play the demos they had… For me, MK64 always makes me think of my orthodontist’s office! 😂 He always had a 64 with this game and a PS1 with Frogger, so it was an easy choice. Haha great memories!

So wait chapter 1 is DQ1 and chapter 2 is DQ 2 i love it

That’s so awesome! I’m relatively new to the series, as well, and it’s been so cool seeing how DQ’s influence has bled into so many RPG’s I’ve grown up loving. Hope you enjoyed the video!

Thanks Brendan! That means a lot. Glad you enjoyed the video! And yes, I have heard of Eclipse, although I haven’t played it yet! Looks awesome, though. I want to check it out soon!

Sorry for the late response, but thanks so much for sharing! I totally agree; Dragon Quest has been slept on for too long here in the west, and I’m guilty of that, too! My journey with the series has looked pretty similar to yours, and I find myself now wondering why it took me so long! There’s this whimsical simplicity about the games that is so refreshing considering how bloated and self-serious so many modern RPG’s can be. I love it. Can’t wait for HD-2D!!!

@@GamesAreCreative the main thing that makes dragon quest better than final fantasy is final fantasy always wants to change a battle system that didnt need to be changed that much, force dumb gimmicks on the player, and force a dumb minigame on the player every other battle. dragon quest is the super mario of RPGs. final fantasy is the sonic the hedgehog of RPGs.

@OmegaChase1002 haha that’s fair! I honestly love both, but I do agree that, for everything I love about FF, it can feel a bit exhausting to always learn these new systems, whereas DQ feels like slipping on a comfortable, familiar pair of shoes. I do appreciate the innovative spirit of the FF series, but DQ also just knows what works and leans into that! Love it!

@@OmegaChase1002 to me the biggest difference is Dragon Quest's focus on having interesting and unique towns, dungeons, and continents to explore. Secrets in dragon quest do not rely on walking into invisible walls or entering a random tile on the overworld screen. Instead they rely on exploration, observation of the environment, and talking to people to get clues. Dragon Quest also has a sense of "chill" that Final Fantasy doesnt. I love walking around towns, talking to people, and exploring the overworld. I love seeing the cool/cute designs of the enemies and gambling in the casinos. Final Fantasy is so focused on the dramatic elements of its stories and trying to create a seemingly complex battle system that it loses sight of everything in-between. Dragon Quest is absolutely Super Mario. Final Fantasy is absolutely Sonic the Hedgehog.

Appreciate you! I’ve made it through VI at this point but have gotten sidetracked on other things a bit. Absolutely loving the journey though, and planning on covering V for the channel soon!

Thank you so much! That means a lot. I only got into the series a few years ago, and while I really enjoyed 3, 4 was on another level. Glad you enjoyed the video! What’s your other Top 2 game?

@@GamesAreCreative Dragon Quest XI haha!

@dukey03 that’s awesome! I haven’t gotten to XI yet but it’s definitely on my list. Looks incredible!

Yeah I hear ya! I played em all on Switch, too, and while I and II did feel a little rough around the edges visually, I actually thought III looked amazing, as well. I also loved seeing those Toriyama designs in all their glory! So stoked for the HD-2D remake when it EVENTUALLY comes out. 😂

Thanks so much, Emmanuel! I couldn’t agree more; IV and V were such special experiences that remind me of the unique power video game experiences can have. The way both games immerse you in these relatable, down-to-earth experiences while also facing you with crazy, outlandish adventures is just amazing. I experienced both on DS, too, and would be stoked for a re-release on console! Glad you enjoyed the video! Planning to tackle V in a video real soon!

Of course! Glad you enjoyed it! I had a great time returning to Sunshine. Let me know how the replay goes when you return to it!

Haha that’s funny! I can relate; who among us hasn’t had a boss that’s reminded them of a supervillain?

Thanks for sharing! I agree; the simplicity of DQ feels so refreshing when every game now feels bloated with too much content. Love the confidence of the devs to give just the right amount of content to players!

I know. The demand is reaching a fever pitch. I’ll grab it on Switch soon and exclusively capture all my footage on that version.

Thanks so much! I agree, and it’s one of the reasons I love gaming. I’m fascinated with the personal immersion that comes with putting the player in the driver’s seat, and I feel like it makes experiences like this so much more valuable. Thanks so much for sharing!

Thanks for the heads up! Pronunciation always feels like a toss up when a game doesn’t have voice acting. 😂

​@@GamesAreCreative true enough, look at final fantasy and ket chi (cait sith)

If you look at how it's spelled in Japanese, it's clear the P is supposed to be pronounced. Pi-Sa-Ro.

That’s awesome! I agree, the unapologetic sense of self this game has really makes it super unique. There’s nothing else in the series quite like it!

I hear ya! The world and main levels themselves are amazing, but the secret stages are ridiculous. Like between the chuckster, the pachinko machine, and lily pad level, it’s a crowded field of contenders for “most frustrating Mario level.” Great game though!

@@GamesAreCreative this is super unrelated but have you played A Link Between Worlds, it’s one of my favorites and I was wondering if you would ever consider making a video about it one day.

I love ALBW! I don’t know if I’ll be able to get to it for a while, but I would love to do an episode on it. The open-ended design is really cool, especially since it was before even BotW. Definitely more Zelda coming soon!

Thanks so much! That means a lot, and I’m glad you’re enjoying the content. Would love to hear your thoughts as you’re watching them, and let me know what games you’d like to see me cover next!

Me too! It’s been a blast to work on!

"...or do I carry an atmosphere of insecurity and pride?" I've been intentional about tackling pride for the past couple of years. It may sound sanctimonious but for the past two years, I've been wearing a burlap band around my wrist for the coming month. Sort of a "sackcloth and ashes" daily reminder of humility during my culture's celebration of hubris. Everybody who sees this video is going to be subjected to the culturally gauche idea that pride carries a negative connotation and THAT is building culture. Great video.

Thanks Levi! It really is so easy for me to be influenced by how the culture says I should think and feel, so I need reminders like this of the type of man I want to be. It’s cool to hear what that’s looked like for you too! Appreciate you man!

Thank you so much! DQ really is a special franchise, and for me, 3 and 4 were the ones that really captured me first. I’m relatively new to the series, as well, but I’ve loved my journey with the games thus far! Each one holds such a unique identity while also feeling right at home with the others. The simple but deep gameplay, the art style, and the MUSIC - there has been at least one moment in each game where a moment with a specific song has brought me to tears. Love it, and excited to share the experience with you! Thanks for sharing!

I’m right there with you. So bummed that I didn’t experience this game earlier in life, but it was a real treat regardless! I totally get why people can be initially put off by the leveling system, but once I figured out how to properly engage with it, I found it to be a great time! Thanks for your thoughts! Hope you enjoyed the video!

@@GamesAreCreative I did enjoy the video, thank you.

Agreed! DQIII is still one of the purest RPG experiences I’ve ever had, and I think it’s honestly due in part to what you just said. Pacing is everything, and I love the way these games expertly parcel out the experience. DQIV, in that regard, is an absolute masterclass, as well, since it takes such a wide cast and does a deep dive on each character, all while digging a little deeper into the overall narrative thread of the story! Appreciate your thoughts! Hope you enjoyed the video!

Thanks so much for your support, David! Glad you enjoy the content!

Thank you so much for your support! So glad you enjoyed the video!

Agreed! Definitely in my top few Zelda games, and I think the honesty with which it confronts darkness and death is really what sells the experience for me. People always talk about how weird and dark Majora’s Mask is, but I agree with you; darkness for the sake of darkness is just depressing. What I love about Majora’s Mask is how hopeful it actually feels! What you said is so true; that hope is only able to truly shine when the darkness is shown for what it really is. Appreciate your support and thoughts, Adam! My favorite games are the ones that push me to grow as a person, and Majora’s Mask is definitely up there among the best in that regard. Your thoughts always push me to engage more deeply with these games, as well, so thank you!

@@GamesAreCreative No problem, I'm just another person that likes to engage with and craft deep stories. I usually like the stories and characters that inspire or motivate me. Majora's Mask and most Zelda games do that to some degree. It's kind of built in when your main character's defining trait is that he's courageous though.

Thanks so much for your support! That means a lot, and I’m glad you’ve enjoyed my content. I’m not going to pretend to know how TH-cam’s algorithm works, but at the end of the day, I really enjoy creating these videos regardless. It’s a lifegiving hobby, and I’m grateful I get to do it, even if it doesn’t get a ton of views. Thankful for everyone I get to connect with on this channel, though, so thank you so much for watching and your encouragement!

Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it!

100%! It holds such a different place in my mind from the rest of the series, but in so many ways, I think it’s legacy actually transcends the Zelda name. And I say that as a Zelda fan! Such a special game. Honestly, That’s one of the reasons why this video took so long to make! It took a while to dial things in to create something that truly did the game justice. Hope you enjoyed, Charles!

I hear ya man! I definitely don’t love a lot of the changes MM3D made, because they change a bit too much about what made the original great. That’s honestly why I love the Project Restoration mod I used for this playthrough, though. I feel like it does a great job of capturing the original’s strengths while also celebrating the remake’s visual updates. But when it comes to playing without mods, I totally agree. N64 version all the way!

Also, you should totally check out Nerrel’s TH-cam content. He’s been a big part of the MM modding community and is generally just really insightful about game preservation. He’s pretty dry but honestly super funny. Great content!

@@GamesAreCreative I've watched some of his videos over the years and his name comes up when i mod Nintendo consoles. I've got three modded 3DS', I need to grab the restoration mod. Thanks for the tip! Also, I am a big fan of the restrictions (time, saves) in Majora's Mask. I think they really make the game. MM3D changing those hurt the remake. And I know the screen real estate is limited but they scrapped the clock and dropped in a "time line"! The clock was wonderful and they should have found a way to keep it. And the boss eyes! Twinmold! Zora swimming! Bah, I don't need to complain, Zelda's done me right for the most part. I know I mentioned it to you before but just know I look forward to when you run out of other Zelda games and are forced to do Four Swords Adventures because I will represent that game till the day I die. Thank you so much for the video, I really look forward to these.

Thanks for the encouragement, Levi! Appreciate you! And yeah, it was a bummer to have so much hype going into MM3D after years of begging for it, only for it to not stick the landing. I agree though; it’s tough to be too mad about anything with Zelda!

Thanks so much! Appreciate your encouragement!

For sure, I agree with you there. At the time, I was still learning which version of each FF game is optimal, and the Pixel Remasters hadn’t all been released quite yet. I’ve got them on my backlog now that they’re out, though, and I’m looking forward to playing through them!

Sorry for the late response, but thanks so much for your support! DQIV is such a special game, so I’m glad you enjoyed the video!

Thank you so much! Appreciate your support!

@@GamesAreCreative Peace be with you!