Infernal Ramblings
Infernal Ramblings
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Видео

Good Series, Bad Sequels - A Gamedev's Perspective (Channel Q&A #1)Good Series, Bad Sequels - A Gamedev's Perspective (Channel Q&A #1)
Good Series, Bad Sequels - A Gamedev's Perspective (Channel Q&A #1)
Просмотров 4052 месяца назад
What's the worst game I've ever played? What were the best and worst game studios to work at? Am I a Satanist? Answers to these burning questions within... Ask me a question and get early access to uncensored, ad-free versions of videos like this by supporting me on Patreon: www.patreon.com/infernalramblings 00:00 Start / Worst game I ever played? 12:49 Social media presence? 15:30 Thoughts on ...
How Materia Was Born: The Game Design Evolution of Final FantasyHow Materia Was Born: The Game Design Evolution of Final Fantasy
How Materia Was Born: The Game Design Evolution of Final Fantasy
Просмотров 3233 месяца назад
Final Fantasy VII's Materia didn't come from nowhere. Let's examine the game design evolution of the series, and how its most intriguing and elegant system emerged... Support me on Patreon: www.patreon.com/infernalramblings Videos referenced: ruclips.net/video/HgngEQOFcWs/видео.html ruclips.net/video/7B-iw8qhZbQ/видео.html ruclips.net/video/G97lx7orMN8/видео.html Mass Effect 2/3 stills from Mas...
The Grim Prophecy of Final Fantasy VI - Story AnalysisThe Grim Prophecy of Final Fantasy VI - Story Analysis
The Grim Prophecy of Final Fantasy VI - Story Analysis
Просмотров 1,7 тыс.3 месяца назад
Final Fantasy VI tells one of the bleakest stories in all of video games. Unfortunately its world is not so different from our own... www.patreon.com/infernalramblings 00:00:00 Introduction 00:02:18 Chapter I - "Dread Destructive Force": Magic as hierarchy 00:26:13 Chapter II - Devil's Lab: The myth of "progress" 00:45:55 Chapter III - Dark World: How "ruin" is our future 00:52:07 Chapter IV - ...
2023: The Year of the Game2023: The Year of the Game
2023: The Year of the Game
Просмотров 7867 месяцев назад
Is 2023 the best year ever for video games? Let's take a look... 00:00 Introduction 03:01 Just Plain Good Games 10:06 Trailblazers & Curiosities 17:58 The Worst Game of 2023 (but not really) 22:42 The Ones That Got Away... 23:38 The Best of 2023 Playlist of videos referenced: ruclips.net/p/PLa30Jo-ni7KPpjXqsoE-B17bzEogB7GyK News articles referenced: GeekWire on ArenaNet layoffs: www.geekwire.co...
The Misunderstood Mischief of Mario Troll LevelsThe Misunderstood Mischief of Mario Troll Levels
The Misunderstood Mischief of Mario Troll Levels
Просмотров 446 тыс.11 месяцев назад
Troll levels are turning game design on its head. In this video, we delve into their history, explore their wily methods, converse with the brilliant folks who make and play them, and examine how they're already shaping the future of video games. Featuring: @FreakAndGeek, @TanukiDan, @Defender1031, @bannedwagonteam, @jneen, @stevo1922, MarbleKing Special Thanks to @CarlSagan42 for use of clips....
Mending the Elden Ring Discourse: A Western Gamedev's ResponseMending the Elden Ring Discourse: A Western Gamedev's Response
Mending the Elden Ring Discourse: A Western Gamedev's Response
Просмотров 26 тыс.Год назад
Hi, I'm a Western game dev, and apparently that means I hate Elden Ring for some reason! Let's dissect this nonsense narrative built upon gross exaggerations, sweeping generalizations, outright lies and just plain ol' bad faith. 00:00 Introduction 04:23 Breaking Down the Narrative 05:34 Different Games Are Different 10:34 Did Forbidden West Fail? 15:40 Yes, Elden Ring Kicks Ass 30:19 False Dich...
The Radical Politics of Valkyrie ProfileThe Radical Politics of Valkyrie Profile
The Radical Politics of Valkyrie Profile
Просмотров 1,9 тыс.Год назад
Valkyrie Profile combines its unique gameplay and structure with an unconventional storytelling approach to make bold statements about our world and the systems which govern it. Special thanks to guest voices: @Aranock, @djmuel, @FinntasticMrFox, @LostFutures1, @RealmW 0:00:00 Cold Open 0:02:25 Valkyrie Profile is Revolutionary 0:06:53 The Job of a Valkyrie 0:11:16 Punch-clock Banality: Ending ...
In Defense of NostalgiaIn Defense of Nostalgia
In Defense of Nostalgia
Просмотров 8062 года назад
Nostalgia is omnipresent in our popular entertainment landscape these days, and that's rightfully drawing some criticism. But it's not all cynical sequels, reactionary undertones, or hopelessness for the future. In this video I want to advance ways that our habit of revisiting old favorites can be used for productive and healthy ends. 00:00 Introduction: Maybe nostalgia just sucks? 03:01 Nostal...
The Antifascism of NieR:AutomataThe Antifascism of NieR:Automata
The Antifascism of NieR:Automata
Просмотров 2,9 тыс.2 года назад
Five years ago, NieR:Automata delivered one of the most emotionally stirring experiences ever seen in a video game. And at the heart of this experience, Automata articulates a scathing political satire as well as an inspiring appeal to our common humanity - both of which our world needs right now. 00:00 Preview & Introduction 03:57 YoRHa is a fascist state 16:12 Overview: How Automata satirizes...
How FF7 Reconstructs MasculinityHow FF7 Reconstructs Masculinity
How FF7 Reconstructs Masculinity
Просмотров 1,9 тыс.2 года назад
In this reading of Final Fantasy VII, we take a look at how Cloud's journey from unwanted boy to hero illustrates the harmful notions of patriarchy and how we can break free from them. 00:00 Disclaimer 00:51 Introduction 03:53 The Unwanted Boy: Cloud as a child 07:37 The Patriarchal Ideal: Sephiroth the SOLDIER 17:27 The Curse of Patriarchy: Cloud the impostor 23:40 Finding Yourself: Cloud the ...

Комментарии

  • @brianburkett3250
    @brianburkett3250 20 часов назад

    I miss Geek

  • @TheTolnoc
    @TheTolnoc 3 дня назад

    I didn't expect to recognize so many people in this video. Good stuff.

  • @timlor1789
    @timlor1789 6 дней назад

    This is reminds me of that south park episode where they write a book and everyone reads sooo deep into it. Simply put its just a game and take it for the fantasy it is instead of putting all these narratives into it.

  • @codacstarn5173
    @codacstarn5173 6 дней назад

    Let’s see how many people can get the references in this episode

  • @SierraGustafson
    @SierraGustafson 8 дней назад

    I was just a baby when this game first came out, and I never got into FFVI until I got the GBA remake of the game back when they were still out back then.

  • @LadyGoggles
    @LadyGoggles 21 день назад

    ff6 will always be my favorite for a variety of reasons, but - and hear me out with this - i really enjoy 10-2’s battle system! I liked the dress spheres and how they allowed for the player to switch jobs as needed despite the limited playable cast. the abilities were fun too. 10-2 is a weird game narratively, but the battle system always stood out as an interesting twist on mechanics.

    • @InfernalRamblings
      @InfernalRamblings 21 день назад

      It's been a while since I played 10-2, but I remember really enjoying the Dress Sphere system and how it was another stab at a III/V-like Job System. So yea, it's a perfectly good choice here. :)

  • @majora4prez543
    @majora4prez543 Месяц назад

    Identifying Sephiroth as a representative of hegemonic masculinity that young boys are encouraged to look up to has now given me the mental image of Sephiroth as a manosphere influencer.

  • @aqlcaramsm3907
    @aqlcaramsm3907 Месяц назад

    this is such an amazing video, good job!

  • @hjelsethak
    @hjelsethak Месяц назад

    My all-time favorite fan art is Geek in a clown car being attacked by those damn claws. 😂

  • @ZeroHourProductions407
    @ZeroHourProductions407 Месяц назад

    Yeah, no. I might be okay watching a youtube or twitch of someone playing a troll level, but I *hate* playing them.

  • @joshuajarret6907
    @joshuajarret6907 Месяц назад

    I’m surprised you didn’t bring up DGR lmao, as he’s a perfect example of how it is fun to look like an idiot

  • @num1shinfan
    @num1shinfan Месяц назад

    Real OGs know mario trolls started with jsmb2 lost levels

  • @legendcat8913
    @legendcat8913 Месяц назад

    6:01 neir replicant soundtrack right? Love it

  • @legendcat8913
    @legendcat8913 Месяц назад

    Beautiful game excellent analysis and I can’t believe I missed the amnesia side quest!!!!!

  • @majora4prez543
    @majora4prez543 Месяц назад

    Everything you said in your aside about ADHD was tremendously familiar. We're not alone in this world.

  • @fabblwaps
    @fabblwaps 2 месяца назад

    I was familiar with the concept of twice-twice before playing Elden Ring and it was delightful to see them in there. There's also a place that trolls you with a rolling ball i think.

  • @DracoGalboy
    @DracoGalboy 2 месяца назад

    Q1: unless what? What would possibly cause you to go back to Other M...

  • @Kenionatus
    @Kenionatus 2 месяца назад

    Damn, did they actually hire you as an "independent" contractor at 343 or is that shorthand for temporary employee? Because it sure sounds like employment to me if you work exclusively for them, in their office, using their toolchain under their direct management.

    • @InfernalRamblings
      @InfernalRamblings 2 месяца назад

      The way it worked was that Microsoft/343 used a bunch of contracting agencies, who would do the initial screening and handling of applicants. Once a candidate got past those initial steps they would interview with the 343 staff. And if they got the green light there the agency would hire them on. So, legally speaking, I was an employee of the agency that Microsoft/343 were outsourcing to. But you're on the mark about what this (de facto) is: temporary employment. Many of the stipulations in contracts like these are the exact same as a FTE (i.e. non-compete clauses and the like). I assume that this is still going on at many big studios in the business. I had a very similar arrangement when I worked for EA, for instance.

  • @user-rw3gj3un5r
    @user-rw3gj3un5r 2 месяца назад

    Mediocre. Lol. And this dude said he worked in game development. Sure thing.

    • @InfernalRamblings
      @InfernalRamblings 2 месяца назад

      Yup, and I still do. Thanks for the engagement!

  • @raphaeldagamer
    @raphaeldagamer 2 месяца назад

    1:40:00 "Anyone who plays games regularly has favorites that feature some janky behavior or other rough around the edges content." *looks at cars doing ballet in Forza Horizon series*

  • @pingpong5877
    @pingpong5877 2 месяца назад

    I was wondering. What are your thoughts on gamers from Western countries romanticizing East-Asian games and studios as the last bastion of "anti-woke" games? Is it okay to be anti-West and anti-woke for games?

    • @InfernalRamblings
      @InfernalRamblings 2 месяца назад

      It's a ridiculous notion from ridiculous people. ruclips.net/video/yO3BRGm7vyo/видео.html

  • @nekomansa
    @nekomansa 2 месяца назад

    Nice Q&A! I found it all interesting, but thank you especially for the insight into your time working at 343. What an absolute nightmare...

  • @InfernalRamblings
    @InfernalRamblings 2 месяца назад

    Hey folks, I just want to note that I unfortunately don’t have subtitles for this video on upload. Normally I consider them a first-class feature-I personally find accurate subtitles to be very helpful, and I know many of you out there do as well. Usually I can put my script into RUclips’s subtitle tools and things work out pretty well, but these answers were unscripted (as you can hear) so I would have to do a manual subtitle pass for this one. Please let me know if you want/need manual subtitles here by responding to this comment, and if there’s sufficient demand I’ll make time to do so. Also, again since these answers were unscripted, I want to clarify something I said at 46:43, where I said the company was staffing up “indiscriminately.” As I mention later on, I didn’t meet any fellow workers there that weren't good at what they do. In other words: I’m not saying that they hired “incompetent” people, and I want to make sure this comment doesn’t get misconstrued as such. What I mean by this is that the priorities were changing rapidly (due to the tight production timeline), and the staffing process couldn’t adjust at the same rate. This meant there were a number of contractors hired to do certain things but frequently they had to work on something completely different. (I witnessed this personally a few times.) Also another company is in the (initial) thumbnail for this video because I didn’t have a great time there either, but it certainly was less of a mess than what I mention here…

  • @DracoGalboy
    @DracoGalboy 2 месяца назад

    It would be so nice if my subscription feed actually showed me videos from channels I've subscribed to. I'm a bit late, but looking forward to sitting down with this.

  • @saf_Safira
    @saf_Safira 3 месяца назад

    This video singlehandedly inspired me to start making troll levels. For the past few months I've been creating trolls non stop and I've made 3 full levels already and am working on the fourth. I've found a sincere passion and creative outlet all thanks to this video

  • @archagenteverlasting1239
    @archagenteverlasting1239 3 месяца назад

    My favorite game mechanically in the series is Final Fantasy VIII, which is such a remarkable examination of Karl Marx's theory of space-time annihilation through ludic form. Definitely looking forward to writing something about that in more depth someday.

  • @Flanagax
    @Flanagax 3 месяца назад

    As someone replaying through the main series and just started 7, your timing is perfect! I appreciate that you touched on how the materia system high plasticity removes much of a character's identity beyond their weapons and limit breaks. Couple that with Cloud being a mandatory party member (for most of the game) and therefore always being over leveled compared to everyone else, and it felt like my party comp choices didn't really matter. I have a similar issue with 8, and I much prefer 6 and 10's mixture of rigidity/plasticity in their systems. Loving the past two vids! Can't believe I didn't sub after the last one!

  • @zenone9698
    @zenone9698 3 месяца назад

    You should analyze Xenoblade series.If you like final fantasy series.

  • @dexanth6316
    @dexanth6316 3 месяца назад

    It's been years since playing the game for me and yet when the ending E music came on it still brought me to (happy) tears. Ending E sits as my most powerful moment ever in over 30 years of gaming. Yoko Taro is one of the greatest auteurs working today

    • @dexanth6316
      @dexanth6316 3 месяца назад

      Anyhoo! Loved the video essay and wholly agree with all of it. One mini piece of critical feedback, I think it would have benefitted a bit from more explicitly highlighting the journey of the characters themselves here - I felt like there was a lot of 'see fascism bad because it only leads to death' and accepting that as all the argument needed, rather than connecting it a bit more strongly to 'And death and suffering are bad and we should reject that and fight.' You may still be crushed or killed by the fascist system - none of our protagonists make it out alive - but in doing so you may inspire others to carry on the legacy of what you stood for, and eventually even recreate all the good you once saw in the world. A2 being the best example of this, where on some level she chooses to die as a way to bring peace/closure to 9S; it's a sacrifice born from love instead of hate, and it paves the way for our support units to finally realize and claim their own hopes for the future.

  • @713x
    @713x 3 месяца назад

    Awesome video Infernal. Found your channel through the troll video and watched all of your content since. Was curious if you were aware of MyHouse.WAD, if you know nothing about it I recommend looking it up on modDB and playing it totally blind. It is an experience you'll never forget.

  • @joaogrrr
    @joaogrrr 3 месяца назад

    So you're telling me FFVI is a Communist game? As a Comunist, I call bullshit. While magic disappearing from the world of FFVI is arguably a good thing, Terra losing her powers is factually a bad thing. Since she always used them for good and she was pretty much the only non-evil Esper left. Magic disappearing doesn't level the playfield, as our very own world shows. People would just build weapons out of machines and rule with steel not sparkle. The problem isn't magic but people like Terra, who can wield such power beind so few and so reluctant to do so, and usually giving away or losing their powers. Now excuse me cause I got to go to a senate session and get stabbed by a dozen senators.

  • @Fauntleroy.
    @Fauntleroy. 3 месяца назад

    Kefka isn't the Joker. Kefka is Donald Trump. Authoritarian, self-important, takes delight in placing himself above others in some cosmic hierarchy, endorses collective punishment, uses the apparatus and trappings of the state to give his abuses a veneer of normalcy, lacks empathy utterly, sees the "weak" as deserving whatever happens to them, and pursues power despite no ideological mooring besides serving himself. Sorry if some don't like it, but this is the more apt comparison. So go be a Returner, not one of those goons cheering the Emperor on, who probably all marched to their demise by the end of the first half.

  • @TakeWalker
    @TakeWalker 3 месяца назад

    your ability to analyze video games remains as staggering as the analyses are fascinating :O

  • @plocky401
    @plocky401 3 месяца назад

    skip to 12:30

  • @zenone9698
    @zenone9698 3 месяца назад

    You should analyze Xenogears.

    • @InfernalRamblings
      @InfernalRamblings 3 месяца назад

      I'm not sure when, but I've been meaning to revisit it sometime soon. :)

  • @inybisinsulate
    @inybisinsulate 3 месяца назад

    I find repeating levels the top tier and bottom tier at once. When you make a level that loops into a different version once or multiple times where you forget the previous one when suddenly you are reset to the first layout again just to not do the entire run in the first place since a dev door was there to begin with previously locked off but an easy way to block yourself off from entering it if you're doing the first part (the section you've done the most) is done quickly without waiting. It's the perfect contraption.

  • @Enharmony1625
    @Enharmony1625 3 месяца назад

    What a great dive into the brilliant FF6! My favourite game of all time. I love what you had to say about Kefka. One thing I find quite interesting about Kefka and how he relates to the game, is this idea that *he* is the main character of FF6. The argument is that he drives most of the plot, and we're mostly reacting to what he sets in motion. It's an interesting idea, even though I can't find myself to be entirely on board with it.

    • @Aiaibori1
      @Aiaibori1 3 месяца назад

      I think it's very common for villains to be the active force behind the plot while the heroes react. It's why there are so many stories that go like "everything is well -> villains disturbs the force, putting the plot into motion -> heroes respond to villain's actions restoring the world as it was before"

  • @herrnarr3577
    @herrnarr3577 3 месяца назад

    Thank you so much. This game is really important for me, as I was motivated by it in many ways, it's a source for creativity and joy and a place of comfort for me at the same time. And I am happy that such analysis exists. I believe FFVI deserves it. I am writing something for the game (although only for myself and my friend), and it's a really big project where I want to really dive into characterisation and world-building, so I found your analysis. Not only you have voiced my thoughts, but also gave me new information to discover. I always will have a whole lot to learn. Yes, the video is long, but it doesn't drag & I hope that more people, including those who know and love FFVI, will watch it. You did a tremendous work (I think) and the finale was beautiful, answering my afterthoughts about this game. And as always, I apologise for any mistakes made.

  • @MrsRimavelle
    @MrsRimavelle 3 месяца назад

    I'm saving this for when I'm finally done with playing ffvi. Now I have even more motivation!

  • @StripedAssedApe
    @StripedAssedApe 3 месяца назад

    It's a little-known fact that John Locke would steal the clothes right off a merchant whenever the urge would strike him. I'm glad you touched on it 💯 Fun video too, I think you did a nice job on it; I'll have to check out the next one as well

  • @moonielivee4836
    @moonielivee4836 3 месяца назад

    Thanks

  • @leoseren3868
    @leoseren3868 3 месяца назад

    Really excellent video, I wish more people would see it! If everyone were willing to grapple with the themes and subject matter in their favorite games (and other artforms!) then the world would be well on its way to becoming a better place. I'll share this with everyone I know, at least!

  • @CosmicPotato
    @CosmicPotato 3 месяца назад

    When Loki started talking I was like, " I know that voice... Is that Bakura from YuGiOh?!" And apparently it is indeed the same voice actor haha Edit: when listening to more lines, it dawned on me that the Valkyrie's voice was familiar too and realized it was Mai from YuGiOh too. They should have done a crossover lol

  • @ax3l0lrat3r
    @ax3l0lrat3r 3 месяца назад

    oh thank god, the kefka and joker comparison always annoyed me but i couldn't figure out how to put it into words until you came along incredible work

  • @Giffsen
    @Giffsen 3 месяца назад

    FFVI was the reason I learned English by myself (and a pocket dictionary I asked my dad to buy for me in 97) so I could understand what was going on. Every other year I replay it myself, trying to make different challenges or just picking one of those hard mode hacks. But that's not the point of my comment. The story really takes a turn that even the pre-teen me felt it was "too real". Things don't always go as planned. Things can go wrong and we can't go back. It's still by far my favorite entry in the series, followed by Tactics, IV and IX and your video really brought me back that feeling of discovering, deciphering word by word and watch that isn't (at least for a big part) a happy story. Thank you for the upload, also I really like your voice too. Subscribed!

  • @johnnydaugherty11
    @johnnydaugherty11 3 месяца назад

    This deserves soooooo many more views.

  • @nicetightsize8jeans
    @nicetightsize8jeans 3 месяца назад

    Thank you explaining ecological collapse I wanted to know why they just died no understanding

  • @TheTateful
    @TheTateful 3 месяца назад

    This is a superb breakdown of the themes of VI in a saturated market of bad takes on the game. How is it only around 400 views?

  • @Haydenthemaker1000
    @Haydenthemaker1000 3 месяца назад

    Great video