Review: NEO: The World Ends With You serves addictive action in a fashionable style

This review contains spoilers.

I played the original The World Ends With You (TWEWY) on the Nintendo DS way back ago. The game certainly was one of the more unique and fun games on the system. The battle system got me hooked in playing the game non-stop. The plot and characters were easy to invest in and had me focus on nothing else during those windows of playthroughs. 

In the next years, Square Enix would keep the few fans of the game in the dark regarding a possible sequel. There had been attempts to bring the game to a larger market. TWEWY was ported numerous times to other platforms, including mobile.

Then, the magic happened. NEO: The World Ends With You (NEO:TWEWY) was announced during a Nintendo Direct for the Nintendo Switch. Which Direct, you may ask? It doesn't matter which Direct because it was the Direct. The trailer in the Direct showed of a new cast of characters selected for a Reaper's Game in Shibuya.

Launching on a new platform with only one screen, the sequel tweaks the rhythmic battle mechanics of the first game and dishes out a new control system. Characters still use pins when in battle, but they now fight on the same screen and stage. Oh, and there are hundreds of pins to collect. Fun! The sequel also introduced a social-network mechanic and abilities during exploration of the Underground.

A new Reaper's Game at a new location (i.e., Shibuya) signifies new characters. NEO:TWEWY introduces a new round of colorful characters to brighten the drab Underground. A lot of times, the game does a good handling of characterizing them, but stumbles in meaningfully developing some of them. A bunch of characters from the original game return. However, their presence often outshine the new characters.

In the pacing of the game's both plot and gameplay, the middle part is too drawn out. Certain story elements repeat themselves, and the gameplay simply becomes button mashing. The game offers little incentive to the players to try different decks of pins. Don't fret because the climax and conclusion almost make up for the long-drawn parts. Although the loose ends are tied nicely, there are some questionable story choices at the end.

NEO: The World Ends With You is a strong recommendation to the fans of the original game. Curious, prospective newcomers may want to try the demo on the Nintendo eShop first.

Checking up on myself frequently tunes my thoughts, emotions, and actions

Take a day of your week just to ask yourself this question, "How am I doing?" I'm serious! Even have a notebook and pen or your phone within arm's reach for taking down notes. In my case, taking time on checking up on myself does wonders on my happiness and productivity.

It is necessary that we listen to the tune of our body and mind. The person is the conductor, and whatever music is playing should be handled by him; the conductor is the one in control. If also needed, then the conductor can simply bring back the music on track.

Being in control of your actions and responses give a sense of empowerment to a person. This sense can be utilized to be happier and more productive.

Qucik review: Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon and the Blade of Light

Explore a classic RPG revived from the past in Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon and the Blade of Light. See the roots of the currently, extremely popular Fire Emblem franchise.

 

Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon & the Blade of Light - Launch Trailer from Nintendo

The game offers the same mechanics as offered in the "Classic Mode" of current Fire Emblem games. So, it is darn hard.

 

Resistance bands for exercise

Exercise provides too many benefits to list here. There are physical, mental, and emotional benefits in mindful exercising.

I've always been a follower of calisthenics or bodyweight training. While adjustments can be made to make exercises of this kind harder -- by introducing less contact with the ground, providing a less stable contact, and applying plyometrics -- resistance bands offer a good alternative.

Resistance bands come in two forms. One is looped, while the other is a straight band with ends attached to handles. Both are good and can serve whichever goal the user has. Resistance bands offer external resistance -- or force that is exponentially applied -- to the user. They even open up new kinds of exercise. They are definitely good for progression in conjunction with the traditional methods.