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About Hermit Talks Games

Games are more than entertainment.

Hermit Talks Games is a personal game review and research site dedicated to Japanese games, storytelling, craftsmanship, challenge, and the meaning we find through play. This site was built on a simple belief: games can stay with us. They can challenge us, comfort us, frustrate us, inspire us, and sometimes even help us see the world a little differently.

For me, Japanese games, anime, manga and culture have always held a special place. From the quiet beauty of emotional storytelling to the discipline of difficult combat systems, from the strange worlds of JRPGs to the unforgiving lessons of Soulslike games, Japanese creators have shaped the way I think about creativity, perseverance and personal growth.

Hermit Talks Games is my way of sharing that passion with others.

About Me

Hi, I'm Joshua, the creator of Hermit Talks Games.

I've been fascinated by Japanese games and anime for as long as I can remember. What began as a hobby gradually became a deeper interest in understanding how games are designed, why they resonate with players, and what makes certain experiences stay with us long after the credits roll. I graduated with a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Computer Science, which strengthened my appreciation for technology, problem-solving and interactive media.

Alongside running Hermit Talks Games, I'm currently studying Japanese online with Akamonkai Japanese Language School, working towards the JLPT N5/N4 level, with the long-term goal of achieving JLPT N2. Learning Japanese has become an extension of my love for Japanese games. Every lesson helps me better understand the language, culture, traditions and creative influences behind the worlds I enjoy exploring.

While I'm still learning, I hope that journey brings an extra layer of understanding to the reviews, articles and guides you'll find here.

What this site covers

Hermit Talks Games focuses primarily on Japanese and Japanese-inspired games, including:

  • Action RPGs
  • Soulslikes
  • JRPGs
  • Character action games
  • Visual novels
  • Anime-inspired games
  • Classic Japanese titles
  • Modern PlayStation, Nintendo Switch and PC releases
  • Games with exceptional storytelling, atmosphere, difficulty or cultural identity

The goal is not simply to tell you whether a game is good or bad.

The goal is to ask better questions.

  • Is this game worth your time?
  • Is it worth your money?
  • Is it worth mastering?
  • Does it respect the player?
  • Does it have heart?
  • What kind of player will connect with it most?
  • What does it teach through its design, world or story?

Every review is written with honesty, care and transparency.
Where possible, I include details such as total playtime, platform, completion status, difficulty, performance mode, controller used, and whether I completed, platinumed or mastered the game before writing my review.

Looking Beyond the Review

Hermit Talks Games isn't only about reviewing what's new.

It's about exploring the wider world that surrounds Japanese games.

I enjoy researching the people behind the games, the development studios, artistic influences, gameplay systems and cultural themes that shape each experience. Every review is supported by research because I believe understanding why a game was created can be just as fascinating as playing it.

As the site grows, you'll also find articles exploring Japanese gaming history, developer retrospectives, industry trends, physical game collecting and the culture that continues to inspire some of the world's most memorable games.

Why Japan?

Japanese games inspired me to look beyond the screen.

Learning the language has become part of that journey. Studying Japanese has helped me develop a greater appreciation for the culture, traditions and design philosophies that influence the games I love.

From subtle cultural references to storytelling techniques and artistic direction, understanding more about Japan adds another dimension to every game I experience.
Hermit Talks Games celebrates not only Japanese games, but also the creativity and culture that makes them so distinctive.

Why "Hermit"?

The name Hermit Talks Games reflects the kind of space I wanted to create.
Quiet.
Thoughtful.
Honest.
A little removed from the constant noise of the internet.

In a world driven by algorithms, outrage and endless hype cycles, I wanted this site to feel slower and more reflective. A place where games are given the time and respect they deserve.

The hermit isn't someone who hides from the world. It's someone who steps back to observe carefully, study deeply and speak sincerely. That is the spirit of this site.

A Personal Reason

Hermit Talks Games also comes from a deeply personal place.

Games and anime have been a constant source of inspiration, challenge and comfort throughout my life. They've encouraged curiosity, perseverance and a deeper appreciation for storytelling and creative design.

I don't believe games solve life's problems.
They don't replace real people, genuine support or meaningful relationships.
But I do believe they matter.
A game can introduce us to unforgettable worlds.
A story can stay with us for years.
A difficult boss can remind us that persistence often leads to growth.
A memorable soundtrack can instantly transport us back to a moment in our lives.

If even one review, guide or recommendation helps someone discover a game that becomes meaningful to them, then Hermit Talks Games has achieved something worthwhile.

The Review Philosophy

Hermit Talks Games is built around sincerity.

I don't review games purely as products.

I review them as carefully crafted experiences created by artists, designers, writers, composers, animators and developers who have poured their creativity into their work.

That doesn't mean every game deserves praise.

Weak design, poor optimisation, repetitive gameplay or disappointing monetisation should be discussed honestly.

Constructive criticism is important. But criticism should always come from a place of fairness and respect.

Some games are masterpieces.
Some are flawed but unforgettable.
Some are technically average but filled with heart.
Some simply aren't for everyone, yet become life-changing experiences for the right player.

Hermit Talks Games exists to explore those differences with honesty and thoughtful analysis.

Transparency

Trust matters.
If I ever receive review copies, early access or other material from publishers or developers, this will always be clearly disclosed within the review.

Regardless of how a game is obtained, every opinion published on Hermit Talks Games is entirely my own.
Honesty with readers will always come before hype.

Craft, Mastery and Completion

One of the themes you'll often see throughout this site is mastery.

I enjoy learning game systems, overcoming difficult bosses and, where appropriate, earning Platinum trophies or achieving full completion.
That said, I don't believe every game needs to be completed to 100% before its strengths and weaknesses can be discussed.

Some games are worth mastering.
Some are worth finishing once.
Some are worth returning to years later.
Some are best experienced slowly, without pressure.
The goal isn't perfection.
It's understanding what each game asks of the player, and whether that journey is worthwhile.

Current Interests

At the moment you'll usually find me exploring one (or several) of the following:

  • JRPGs
  • Soulslikes
  • Action RPGs
  • Japanese language study
  • Physical game collecting
  • Story-rich adventures
  • PlayStation trophy hunting
  • Japanese gaming history and culture

What I Hope Hermit Talks Games Becomes

Hermit Talks Games is still growing, but my long-term ambition is to build a trusted home for Japanese game reviews, recommendations, thoughtful criticism and research.
In time, I'd love the site to expand into developer features, interviews, retrospectives, buying guides, collecting resources and deeper explorations of Japanese gaming culture.

Most importantly, I want Hermit Talks Games to become a place for players who appreciate meaningful stories, rewarding challenges, beautiful craftsmanship and games that stay with them long after they've finished playing.

Whether you're searching for your next JRPG, wondering if a Soulslike is worth your time, deciding whether to chase that Platinum trophy, or simply looking for someone who shares your appreciation for Japanese games, I hope you'll find something here that speaks to you.

Thank you for visiting Hermit Talks Games.
Play deeply. Think honestly. Keep going.

ありがとうございました。
Arigatō gozaimashita. Thanks for being here.