This Old Neon Forum

I've been making my updates via edits in my original post and then making monthly update summaries in a new post in the thread, to remind people that I'm still playing games silently in the background.

August was another vacation month, but I did spend some time keeping the gaming flame alive by completely replaying Final Fantasy XVI from start to finish in New Game + "Final Fantasy Mode" (essentially hard mode). Instead of just rocketing through it, I couldn't help myself but complete every quest and hunt again, essentially 100%ing the game back to back. Good game. Fun. Platinum.

2023 PROGRESS

FINISHED:

01-15 - Final Fantasy XIV: Heavensward (PS5)
01-20 - Firewatch (PS4 via PS5)
01-22 - TOEM: A Photo Adventure (PS5)
01-25 - Wandersong (PS4 via PS5)
01-30 - Adventures of Pip (PS4 via PS5)
02-03 - Doki-Doki Universe (PS4 via PS5)
02-05 - Flower (PS4 via PS5)
02-10 - Pic-a-Pix Color (PS4 via PS5)
02-15 - Puyo Puyo Tetris (PS4 via PS5)
02-18 - Valiant Hearts: The Great War (PS4 via PS5)
02-21 - マリオのスーパーピクロス (SFC via Switch)
03-07 - Gris (PS5)
03-08 - A Short Hike (PS4 via PS5)
03-15 - Tembo the Badass Elephant (PS4 via PS5)
03-19 - Pokémon Blue Version (GB via Analogue Pocket)
03-22 - Super Mario Land (GB via Analogue Pocket)
03-28 - Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins (GB via NSO)
04-05 - Kirby's Dream Land (GB via NSO)
04-06 - Baba Is You (Switch)
05-05 - Picross S Genesis & Master System Edition (Switch)
07-14 - Final Fantasy XVI (PS5)

COMPLETE:

01-20 - Firewatch (PS5)
01-22 - TOEM: A Photo Adventure (PS5)
01-25 - Wandersong (PS4 via PS5)
01-30 - Adventures of Pip (PS4 via PS5)
02-03 - Doki-Doki Universe (PS4 via PS5)
02-05 - Flower (PS4 via PS5)
02-10 - Pic-a-Pix Color (PS4 via PS5)
02-15 - Puyo Puyo Tetris (PS4 via PS5)
02-18 - Valiant Hearts: The Great War (PS4 via PS5)
03-07 - マリオのスーパーピクロス (SFC via Switch)
03-07 - Gris (PS5)
03-08 - A Short Hike (PS4 via PS5)
03-15 - Tembo the Badass Elephant (PS4 via PS5)
03-21 - Pokémon Blue Version (GB via Analogue Pocket)
03-22 - Super Mario Land (GB via Analogue Pocket)
03-28 - Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins (GB via NSO)
04-05 - Kirby's Dream Land (GB via NSO)
05-17 - Picross S Genesis & Master System Edition (Switch)
09-07 - Final Fantasy XVI (PS5)

MASTERED:

03-07 - マリオのスーパーピクロス (SFC via Switch)
05-17 - Picross S Genesis & Master System Edition (Switch)

PLATINUM:

01-22 - TOEM: A Photo Adventure (PS5)
02-10 - Pic-a-Pix Color (PS4 via PS5)
02-16 - Puyo Puyo Tetris (PS4 via PS5)
03-07 - Gris (PS5)
03-08 - A Short Hike (PS4 via PS5)
09-07 - Final Fantasy XVI (PS5)

PROGRESS   2020   2021   2022   2023
Finished     10      2     10     21
Complete      3      1      8     19
Mastered      1      1      1      2
Platinum      2      0      2      6

PREVIOUS   2010   2011   2012   2013   2014   2015   2016   2017   2018   2019
Finished     36     59     57     96     58      7     14     17     17     11
Complete     12     27     27     46     28      7     10      9     11     10
Mastered      1      0      1      3      2      1      0      4      2      1
Platinum      5      3      2     13      8      3      4      5      5      4

Finished:
Jan 29. Splatoon 3
Feb 12. Mario Kart Super Circuit (NSO GBA)
Feb 12. Kirby Super Star (NSO SNES)
Feb 12. Kirby's Dream Land (NSO GB)
Mar 08. Mario Strikers: Battle League (Switch)
Mar 11. Persona 5 Royal (Switch)
Mar 12. New Super Mario Bros. (DS)
Mar 13. Mario Kart DS
Mar 14. Mario Vs. Donkey Kong Mini-Land Mayhem (DS)
Mar 23. Kirby: Squeak Squad (DS)
Mar 25. Kirby: Mass Attack (DS)
Mar 27. Hogwarts Legacy (PS5)
Mar 28. Super Mario 64 DS
Mar 30. Kirby's Dream Land 3 (NSO SNES)
Apr 13. Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3 (NSO GBA)
Apr 27. Fire Emblem Engage (Switch)
Apr 29. Cadence of Hyrule (Switch)
May 07. Super Mario Galaxy 2 (Wii U)
Jun 24. Pikmin 1 (Switch)
July 07. Pikmin 2 (Switch)
July 30. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Aug 12. Pikmin 4 (Switch)
Aug 24. Metroid Prime Remastered (Switch)
Sep 14. F-Zero X (NSO N64)
Sep 15. Xenoblade Chronicles 3: Future Redeemed (Switch)

Completes:
Aug 17. Pikmin 4 (Switch)

XC3 DLC was really great. It was like a brand new Xenoblade game told in 30 hours (I very nearly went for 100%). Story played a lot into the three Xenoblade games so it was all great to experience as a fan of the series.

Outlast II (Nightmare mode) - PS4
Life is Strange: True Colors - PS5
Raider V: Director’s Cut - PS5
Adventure - Atari 2600 via PS5
A Matter of Principle - PS5
Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster - PS4
Final Fantasy II Pixel Remaster - PS4
Final Fantasy III Pixel Remaster - PS4
A Plague Tale: Requiem - PS5
Inner Ashes - PS5
Castlevania: Rondo of Blood - PC Engine via PS5
Final Fantasy IV Pixel Remaster - PS4
Bare Knuckles 3 - Mega Drive via PS5
Streets of Rage 3 - Genesis via PS5

+ The Callisto Protocol - PS5

2023 total games beaten = 15 (12 new)
2022 total games beaten = 35 (26 new)
2021 total games beaten = 18 (12 new)
2020 total games beaten = 26 (16 new)
2019 total games beaten = 28 (20 new)
2018 total games beaten = 29 (16 new)
2017 total games beaten = 25 (22 new)
2016 total games beaten = 38 (21 new)
2015 total games beaten = 25
2014 total games beaten = 35
2013 total games beaten = 17
2012 total games beaten = 37
2011 total games beaten = 35

Finished:
Jan 29. Splatoon 3
Feb 12. Mario Kart Super Circuit (NSO GBA)
Feb 12. Kirby Super Star (NSO SNES)
Feb 12. Kirby's Dream Land (NSO GB)
Mar 08. Mario Strikers: Battle League (Switch)
Mar 11. Persona 5 Royal (Switch)
Mar 12. New Super Mario Bros. (DS)
Mar 13. Mario Kart DS
Mar 14. Mario Vs. Donkey Kong Mini-Land Mayhem (DS)
Mar 23. Kirby: Squeak Squad (DS)
Mar 25. Kirby: Mass Attack (DS)
Mar 27. Hogwarts Legacy (PS5)
Mar 28. Super Mario 64 DS
Mar 30. Kirby's Dream Land 3 (NSO SNES)
Apr 13. Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3 (NSO GBA)
Apr 27. Fire Emblem Engage (Switch)
Apr 29. Cadence of Hyrule (Switch)
May 07. Super Mario Galaxy 2 (Wii U)
Jun 24. Pikmin 1 (Switch)
July 07. Pikmin 2 (Switch)
July 30. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Aug 12. Pikmin 4 (Switch)
Aug 24. Metroid Prime Remastered (Switch)
Sep 14. F-Zero X (NSO N64)
Sep 15. Xenoblade Chronicles 3: Future Redeemed (Switch)
Sep 18. Final Fantasy VII Remake (PS5)

Complete:
Aug 17. Pikmin 4 (Switch)

Finally finished up FFVII remake after not touching it for about a year and a half. Overall, I enjoyed it. But, I felt it was bogged up with a lot of filler content and frustratingly slow moments - cinematic moments where you have to walk slow, duck under obstacles, slip through cracks ect. The visuals and performances were all really well done and I was really just playing to move along the story.

Finished:
Jan 29. Splatoon 3
Feb 12. Mario Kart Super Circuit (NSO GBA)
Feb 12. Kirby Super Star (NSO SNES)
Feb 12. Kirby's Dream Land (NSO GB)
Mar 08. Mario Strikers: Battle League (Switch)
Mar 11. Persona 5 Royal (Switch)
Mar 12. New Super Mario Bros. (DS)
Mar 13. Mario Kart DS
Mar 14. Mario Vs. Donkey Kong Mini-Land Mayhem (DS)
Mar 23. Kirby: Squeak Squad (DS)
Mar 25. Kirby: Mass Attack (DS)
Mar 27. Hogwarts Legacy (PS5)
Mar 28. Super Mario 64 DS
Mar 30. Kirby's Dream Land 3 (NSO SNES)
Apr 13. Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3 (NSO GBA)
Apr 27. Fire Emblem Engage (Switch)
Apr 29. Cadence of Hyrule (Switch)
May 07. Super Mario Galaxy 2 (Wii U)
Jun 24. Pikmin 1 (Switch)
July 07. Pikmin 2 (Switch)
July 30. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Aug 12. Pikmin 4 (Switch)
Aug 24. Metroid Prime Remastered (Switch)
Sep 14. F-Zero X (NSO N64)
Sep 15. Xenoblade Chronicles 3: Future Redeemed (Switch)
Sep 18. Final Fantasy VII Remake (PS5)
Sep 22. Portal 2 (Switch)
Sep 24. Kirby's Dream Land 2 (NSO GB)

Complete:
Aug 17. Pikmin 4 (Switch)

Finally got to Portal 2. At first, I didn't think it was going to top the original, but then the game shifts about half way through and it's such a joy till the end. Really great game.

Outlast II (Nightmare mode) - PS4
Life is Strange: True Colors - PS5
Raider V: Director’s Cut - PS5
Adventure - Atari 2600 via PS5
A Matter of Principle - PS5
Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster - PS4
Final Fantasy II Pixel Remaster - PS4
Final Fantasy III Pixel Remaster - PS4
A Plague Tale: Requiem - PS5
Inner Ashes - PS5
Castlevania: Rondo of Blood - PC Engine via PS5
Final Fantasy IV Pixel Remaster - PS4
Bare Knuckles 3 - Mega Drive via PS5
Streets of Rage 3 - Genesis via PS5
The Callisto Protocol - PS5

+ Castlevania - NES via PS4

2023 total games beaten = 16 (12 new)
2022 total games beaten = 35 (26 new)
2021 total games beaten = 18 (12 new)
2020 total games beaten = 26 (16 new)
2019 total games beaten = 28 (20 new)
2018 total games beaten = 29 (16 new)
2017 total games beaten = 25 (22 new)
2016 total games beaten = 38 (21 new)
2015 total games beaten = 25
2014 total games beaten = 35
2013 total games beaten = 17
2012 total games beaten = 37
2011 total games beaten = 35

Finished:
Jan 29. Splatoon 3
Feb 12. Mario Kart Super Circuit (NSO GBA)
Feb 12. Kirby Super Star (NSO SNES)
Feb 12. Kirby's Dream Land (NSO GB)
Mar 08. Mario Strikers: Battle League (Switch)
Mar 11. Persona 5 Royal (Switch)
Mar 12. New Super Mario Bros. (DS)
Mar 13. Mario Kart DS
Mar 14. Mario Vs. Donkey Kong Mini-Land Mayhem (DS)
Mar 23. Kirby: Squeak Squad (DS)
Mar 25. Kirby: Mass Attack (DS)
Mar 27. Hogwarts Legacy (PS5)
Mar 28. Super Mario 64 DS
Mar 30. Kirby's Dream Land 3 (NSO SNES)
Apr 13. Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3 (NSO GBA)
Apr 27. Fire Emblem Engage (Switch)
Apr 29. Cadence of Hyrule (Switch)
May 07. Super Mario Galaxy 2 (Wii U)
Jun 24. Pikmin 1 (Switch)
July 07. Pikmin 2 (Switch)
July 30. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Aug 12. Pikmin 4 (Switch)
Aug 24. Metroid Prime Remastered (Switch)
Sep 14. F-Zero X (NSO N64)
Sep 15. Xenoblade Chronicles 3: Future Redeemed (Switch)
Sep 18. Final Fantasy VII Remake (PS5)
Sep 22. Portal 2 (Switch)
Sep 24. Kirby's Dream Land 2 (NSO GB)
Sep 27. Kirby's Return to Dreamland Deluxe (Switch)

Complete:
Aug 17. Pikmin 4 (Switch)

Never played the original return to dreamland on Wii, but I've played all the mainline Korby's since. I always heard this one was a bit basic, but I had a lot for fun with it. I think it helps that the remaster is beautiful and adds a lot of content. It's also just an awesome casual co-op game, played the main mode all the way through with my girlfriend. We also got a lot of enjoyment out of the mini game mode which had a lot of missions and rewards.

The actual level themes are a bit basic (grass, desert, ice, lava), and the main gimmick (hyper abilities) isn't as interesting as gimmicks seen in later games, but it still all comes together as a lovely package, particularly for multiplayer.

I should also note that I beat the main mode and mini games mode, but I haven't even touched the new epilogue campaign they added to the game. That should be fun to play.

Here's my post-September monthly update! It was largely a cleanup month. It started with me putting the finishing touches on Final Fantasy XVI hard mode for completion and the platinum trophy. Then I finished off multiple runs of Langrisser on the newest remake collection, and finally went back to Final Fantasy VII: Remake to clear the final chapters on hard mode for the platinum. I also installed the upgraded Intergrade PS5 version which popped another platinum trophy for me, although I need to complete the intermission chapters to really be done with the game.

Three new platinum trophies puts 2023 at a tie for 2nd place all-time (with 2014), and two away from becoming only the second double-digit platinum haul after the 2013 13.


2023 PROGRESS

FINISHED:

01-15 - Final Fantasy XIV: Heavensward (PS5)
01-20 - Firewatch (PS4 via PS5)
01-22 - TOEM: A Photo Adventure (PS5)
01-25 - Wandersong (PS4 via PS5)
01-30 - Adventures of Pip (PS4 via PS5)
02-03 - Doki-Doki Universe (PS4 via PS5)
02-05 - Flower (PS4 via PS5)
02-10 - Pic-a-Pix Color (PS4 via PS5)
02-15 - Puyo Puyo Tetris (PS4 via PS5)
02-18 - Valiant Hearts: The Great War (PS4 via PS5)
02-21 - マリオのスーパーピクロス (SFC via Switch)
03-07 - Gris (PS5)
03-08 - A Short Hike (PS4 via PS5)
03-15 - Tembo the Badass Elephant (PS4 via PS5)
03-19 - Pokémon Blue Version (GB via Analogue Pocket)
03-22 - Super Mario Land (GB via Analogue Pocket)
03-28 - Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins (GB via NSO)
04-05 - Kirby's Dream Land (GB via NSO)
04-06 - Baba Is You (Switch)
05-05 - Picross S Genesis & Master System Edition (Switch)
07-14 - Final Fantasy XVI (PS5)
09-11 - Langrisser I (PS4 via PS5)
09-12 - Langrisser I (PS4 via PS5)
09-16 - Final Fantasy VII: Remake (PS4 via PS5) - Hard Mode

COMPLETE:

01-20 - Firewatch (PS5)
01-22 - TOEM: A Photo Adventure (PS5)
01-25 - Wandersong (PS4 via PS5)
01-30 - Adventures of Pip (PS4 via PS5)
02-03 - Doki-Doki Universe (PS4 via PS5)
02-05 - Flower (PS4 via PS5)
02-10 - Pic-a-Pix Color (PS4 via PS5)
02-15 - Puyo Puyo Tetris (PS4 via PS5)
02-18 - Valiant Hearts: The Great War (PS4 via PS5)
03-07 - マリオのスーパーピクロス (SFC via Switch)
03-07 - Gris (PS5)
03-08 - A Short Hike (PS4 via PS5)
03-15 - Tembo the Badass Elephant (PS4 via PS5)
03-21 - Pokémon Blue Version (GB via Analogue Pocket)
03-22 - Super Mario Land (GB via Analogue Pocket)
03-28 - Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins (GB via NSO)
04-05 - Kirby's Dream Land (GB via NSO)
05-17 - Picross S Genesis & Master System Edition (Switch)
09-07 - Final Fantasy XVI (PS5)
09-14 - Langrisser I (PS4 via PS5)
09-16 - Final Fantasy VII: Remake (PS4 via PS5)

MASTERED:

03-07 - マリオのスーパーピクロス (SFC via Switch)
05-17 - Picross S Genesis & Master System Edition (Switch)

PLATINUM:

01-22 - TOEM: A Photo Adventure (PS5)
02-10 - Pic-a-Pix Color (PS4 via PS5)
02-16 - Puyo Puyo Tetris (PS4 via PS5)
03-07 - Gris (PS5)
03-08 - A Short Hike (PS4 via PS5)
09-07 - Final Fantasy XVI (PS5)
09-16 - Final Fantasy VII: Remake (PS4 via PS5)
09-17 - Final Fantasy VII: Remake Intergrade (PS5)

PROGRESS   2020   2021   2022   2023
Finished     10      2     10     24
Complete      3      1      8     21
Mastered      1      1      1      2
Platinum      2      0      2      8

PREVIOUS   2010   2011   2012   2013   2014   2015   2016   2017   2018   2019
Finished     36     59     57     96     58      7     14     17     17     11
Complete     12     27     27     46     28      7     10      9     11     10
Mastered      1      0      1      3      2      1      0      4      2      1
Platinum      5      3      2     13      8      3      4      5      5      4

2023-09-11 - Langrisser from Langrisser I & II (PS4 via PS5) - Unfortunately it's a really poor reflection of how good the first two original games are. I'm sure there are a lot of people who picked up the remake and thought "oh, so Langrisser was a series of generic brown tactics games."

2023-09-16 - Final Fantasy VII: Remake (PS4 via PS5) - It was really nice to get back to this one after being intimidated into shelving it for 3 years due to a particularly annoying sequence at the end of the game. The only trophy I needed to finish it was the hard mode clear, and I was sitting on the last chapter. Well, that sequence was still as shitty as ever, but I got it done and now I don't have it looming over me anymore. The impetus for finally finishing this off was the impending release of Rebirth, as well as a PSN deal where you can get the PS5 version of Remake with the DLC for free if you pre-order the sequel. That means I still have some stuff to check out when I install the upgraded version.

Outlast II (Nightmare mode) - PS4
Life is Strange: True Colors - PS5
Raider V: Director’s Cut - PS5
Adventure - Atari 2600 via PS5
A Matter of Principle - PS5
Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster - PS4
Final Fantasy II Pixel Remaster - PS4
Final Fantasy III Pixel Remaster - PS4
A Plague Tale: Requiem - PS5
Inner Ashes - PS5
Castlevania: Rondo of Blood - PC Engine via PS5
Final Fantasy IV Pixel Remaster - PS4
Bare Knuckles 3 - Mega Drive via PS5
Streets of Rage 3 - Genesis via PS5
The Callisto Protocol - PS5
Castlevania - NES via PS4

+ The Expanse: A Telltale Series - PS4

2023 total games beaten = 1y (13 new)
2022 total games beaten = 35 (26 new)
2021 total games beaten = 18 (12 new)
2020 total games beaten = 26 (16 new)
2019 total games beaten = 28 (20 new)
2018 total games beaten = 29 (16 new)
2017 total games beaten = 25 (22 new)
2016 total games beaten = 38 (21 new)
2015 total games beaten = 25
2014 total games beaten = 35
2013 total games beaten = 17
2012 total games beaten = 37
2011 total games beaten = 35

Outlast II (Nightmare mode) - PS4
Life is Strange: True Colors - PS5
Raider V: Director’s Cut - PS5
Adventure - Atari 2600 via PS5
A Matter of Principle - PS5
Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster - PS4
Final Fantasy II Pixel Remaster - PS4
Final Fantasy III Pixel Remaster - PS4
A Plague Tale: Requiem - PS5
Inner Ashes - PS5
Castlevania: Rondo of Blood - PC Engine via PS5
Final Fantasy IV Pixel Remaster - PS4
Bare Knuckles 3 - Mega Drive via PS5
Streets of Rage 3 - Genesis via PS5
The Callisto Protocol - PS5
Castlevania - NES via PS4
The Expanse: A Telltale Series - PS4

+ Castlevania: Symphony of the Night - PS1 via PS5

2023 total games beaten = 18 (14 new)
2022 total games beaten = 35 (26 new)
2021 total games beaten = 18 (12 new)
2020 total games beaten = 26 (16 new)
2019 total games beaten = 28 (20 new)
2018 total games beaten = 29 (16 new)
2017 total games beaten = 25 (22 new)
2016 total games beaten = 38 (21 new)
2015 total games beaten = 25
2014 total games beaten = 35
2013 total games beaten = 17
2012 total games beaten = 37
2011 total games beaten = 35