I'm still not sure when I would get a PS5. I'm sure the companies need sales for new systems, but the bump in graphics hasn't been worth it for me.

I can vouch for the SFC Final Fantasy games being pretty inexpensive on eBay. You'd have to find a translation file and and a Retron for the legit experience, but it was worth it to me for the original Dragon Quest games! Otherwise, I get it. I like collecting on original hardware when possible. I think the price of everything has changed a lot about how I feel toward game collecting (particularly with retro games).

Yeah, we have a few outbreaks right now as we speak. It's coming and going in waves, but nowhere near the intensity we received at first. Still! It was a highly stressful time, to say the very least... I'm glad we're finally making momentum in responding to cases.

I think Stray is on PC. I might try that! I saw a video clip in stores, and it looks absolutely gorgeous. Do PS4 games run quicker on PS5? I noticed games such as Assassin's Creed Valhalla are quite slow to load. Nothing I can't deal with, but it seems the new system should be quite powerful by comparison, yeah? That's at least something to look forward to, and I'm quite happy about the backwards compatibility!

I want to get through more FF games but I'm waiting for NSO to possibly get Pixel Remaster, too. I think I still have 5, 6, and 8 to go! I can confirm the NDS version of 4 was really challenging, and I think that's still the only option for 3 (NDS or PC). I might personally go with the GBA games for most of them. I have a retron HD in case I want physical copies of games so it helped cut down a lot of console accumulation. Worth it if you have the space!

That's a valid point. As games increase in price, it's hard to want to dedicate time and money to all of them. I need to at least walk away knowing money is well spent, too.

That's good to hear about PS5. I'm hoping to get one when the new Final Fantasy game drops. I'm a sucker for that series and will likely buy a console just for it, but it sounds like some new interesting games are coming out! I'm glad to see some normality after the horrible pandemic. Just working in healthcare during that period has been really tough.. Need some enjoyment!

I'm really appreciating the emergence of retro games combined with portability. Like... how cute is it to lay in bed and play an RPG on a great screen? X3

Yeah, the prices are so bad. I would just as soon see ports to new systems than to go back and try to rebuy stuff like Fatal Frame or Suikoden. Fortunately, companies are seeing how they can make an easy cash grab. For me, even just minor touch ups are worth it!!!

How hard is it to get a PS5? I'm surprised when I know anybody who has one.

I can vibe that. My job is so nuts that sometimes all I can tolerate is a really slow-paced game or book. I accredit Stardew Valley for getting me into sims! It's amazing how peaceful a low pressure game can be at the end of the day. And yes, it sounds like the perfect Direct for you! You got a variety of sims to try out. I'm just happy that more games are coming to Switch. I really love this system. Plus the OLED coming out looks fabulous.

Yeah, I had a feeling Nintendo would eventually port all of the Wii U games, but I kept mine in case I ever wanted to go back and get Wii U/Wii games back into my collection (I had to sell almost all of my stuff to cover rent during the pandemic, ugh). I'm surprised what games we are getting. I think more companies are realizing: hey, this is easy money street. I hope that catch on. I have a feeling that, with the OLED, we'll see another wave of games that haven't been brought over yet. Fingers crossed!

State of Play only showed 11 games, but they were all major titles and a few interesting JRPGs I hadn't heard of. I don't think anybody has shown anything that hasn't already been announced. I'm just happy many of the PS5 games are coming out on PS4 still. I've yet to jump on the current gen stuff with everything being still so limited.

Yeah, I was surprised with the pixel remasters and still surprised they haven't been released for console yet. I think they're holding off until they've made sure plenty of people have sinked money into the Steam version, maybe.

Sooooo many farm sims. They're cute, but I think the only one I've played and will continue to play is Stardew Valley. I'm nowhere near done with my farm! Haha.

I think the only thing that really caught my attention was Fire Emblem, and.... yeahhh.... I could have lived without aesthetic. It's stating their point a little too obviously when they could have gone with purple hair or something not so... IDK. Although I was convinced we'd hear about Twilight Princess and Wind Waker ports, it was nice to get a definitive release date for Tears of the Kingdom. There was a few interesting titles I saw at other game conferences, e.g. Rise of the Ronin and Wo Long look slick!!!!

I hear ya! There's give and take with any job. I hope you find the balance you need. I'm working on that myself with work these days.

Hey, did you see the Nintendo Direct? Toooons of JRPGs!

Aw, I'm so sad that people are forced back to offices. I feel like I can get so much more done when I'm comfortable in my home. Leaving because I have to actively do in-home therapy is fine, but I think I'm in the only field of my profession where you can bring work home and it doesn't actually consume extra hours. It's so hard to find that, and I really need it, personally.

I believe you. I have like a hiking bag full of therapy equipment that goes with me everywhere.

It's odd because my m-f work week is actually 32 hours. So, when I feel like I can handle 40 hours... That's when I work Saturdays. The flexibility is super helpful. But generally speaking, I don't think 8 hours 6 days/week would be super sustainable. I totally hear you about conserving mental energy though. That's usually my biggest struggle, but I'm fortunately able to WFH in the AM and work with clients from 10-2 which...makes a huge difference. It's all about defining your version of work-life balance. Otherwise, you'll burnout and have no joy for the things you like to do with your freetime.

Oh gosh yeah, the money does indeed buy considerable happiness for me. It's the sense of security that gives me hope. Haha, ngl. I started the year working overtime every week and dialed it down. Never realized there was a world outside of six days/week. It was nice but so is slowing down to enjoy life.