Grimbeard - Primal (PS2) - Review

[@GrimBeard]

twitter.com/grimebeard/status/1706008658608357718

[@freddiekruger3339]

Hell yea

[@spacecowboy1467]

Kickass

[@KneeCapHill]

Dude. You HAVE to do a video on Obscure

[@barneyfromblueshift]

In High School, I had this friend named Toby. It was the PS2 era, and our friendship was based entirely on our mutual love for basically any game we could get our hands on and habitual use of a rapidly legalizing substance. We spent countless nights in the one or the other's respective basements playing every game, start to finish. Finding every secret, trying every code, sharing what cool things we had found with the other. Toby would always have just the weirdest games, and Primal was one of them. I would borrow these strange games that no one else was ever talking about and I don't think I'd have ever played them if he hadn't somehow accrued them. The games I shared in return were much more mainstream - Silent Hill, Guilty Gear, Deus Ex. I don't know who did the other a greater favor. Like most folks as they grow older, we drifted apart. I moved away after school, and Toby got into more serious drugs. We grew up, and I forgot about a lot of those times we shared as this distance grew. I definitely forgot about Primal. Thank you for jogging this memory, Grim.

[@mikeamarilio]

"Rapidly legalizing" 😂

[@BottomBunkArt]

In a less than serious note: “high” school. In a more serious note: what happened to Toby?

[@diamomo]

These little personal stories are my favorite part of youtube's comments section. Thank you for sharing.

[@makeitthrough_]

​@@BottomBunkArt "He got really into the '60s and no one ever saw him again."

[@phant0mdummy]

We all have a "Toby". I had a Michael. We chilled at each others houses and played lost of NES, Genesis, etc. Fond memories of figuring out the complexities of the original Metroid with him.

[@sukamadik5983]

I'm incredibly happy to see you covering this little gem. You're the best abnormal gaming KZbinr out there.

[@solutionless123]

Abby...Normal?

[@sukamadik5983]

@@solutionless123 ... No

[@jonahbrown5669]

Abs... Norman... All?

[@sukamadik5983]

@@jonahbrown5669 I should have known I couldn't stop this.

[@llab3903]

@@sukamadik5983 antidisestablishmentarianism?

[@Flielnune]

There's something about the melancholic sardonicism only Grim could ever pull off that makes every video so unique. The evolving cold opens-now master classes in writing-the not-so-subtle self-hatred, and the ability to create parallels to art and media I would never have even thought of all come together creating that je ne sais quoi every other channel lacks. Keep on keeping on goth gamer. You already know what's up

[@we-must-live]

hell yeah - this guy mentioned fushigi - FUSHIGI!

[@eternalillusion]

Well said.

[@MisterPickle.]

"Political and gay. Like all good media." 😂

[@machine_stories]

In the vast dark ocean that is KZbin, this is far and away my favourite channel. Hope you’re still doing this 10, 20, 30 years from now (if that’s your bag). I’ll still be watching. Big thanks 🙏🏼

[@YaroslaffFedin]

in 30 years he'll be dead for 20 years

[@adamwest8711]

When Grim and Mandalore both upload on the same day, my nostalgia meter is filled with joy.

[@JacobT-1]

Yay! More Grim Beard! This channel has helped me cope with some dark times and continues to help. Each upload is a spike of excitement and happiness. Thank you Grim Beard. You're awesome. You literally make my life easier.

[@rhyspatterson679]

I cannot express how all in I am for this parapug storyline. And how you've weaved it into the videos. Even when he first appeared I fell in love with the voice and was praying it wouldn't be a one off thing. The cast of characters you have built in essence to pad out a video essay is astounding and makes me feel better about the world and less alone. Probably says too much about me but whatever. Thank you!!! Long live Parapug. May you never win but always keep trying!

[@retrorockerross]

I'm home for awhile after a medical procedure and can't do much. A friend recommended Grim Beard to me, and I must say, this channel is the most out there and enjoyable gaming content I've seen. I love the cold opens, the random riffs and off topic tangents, and yet everything is so precise and entertaining. I don't know how this man does it, but these videos are now highlights of my day.

[@immersivedesign6759]

Always a good day when a new Grimbeard review pops up

[@Mcleody9]

This was hands down my favourite game of the PS2 Era. I used to scribble Jen's tattoo on all my school books and EVERYWHERE. I'm always longing that Sony will bring this back. My only hope is when Legacy Of Kane comes back they'll think "boy, do we have a dark fantasy IP we could exploit?"

[@jonathansandusky7446]

Wouldn't be the same without Andreas Katsulas voicing Scree.

[@SnakeCraftIsMagic]

I want this so bad

[@alanjay479]

I was obsessed with this as a child. Spent hundreds of hours replaying it constantly. Cannot wait to watch this. Anything to make this game more known is a good thing.

[@JustFun-ho6qy]

Same here. But back then I was also insanely impressed by its production values. I'd never skip cut-scenes (if that was even possible) either. That said, my taste has pretty much flipped by a full 180 degrees over the last 2 decades. Nothing in games annoys me more than cinematic ambitions, forced walking and impressive production values in place of good game mechanics.

[@danteshollowedgrounds]

Same.

[@beck7607]

This is one of the games that needs a full remake. Imagine keeping this storyline and characters but expanding the puzzles, the world, side quests and combat... I love the game as is still and replay it a lot

[@Mankey619]

Primal is a good game and it still looks good even today. This really has that distinctive early 2000s look to it, with it tribal tattoo and edgy rock music. I seriously can’t believe that it’s 20yrs old.

[@U.F.O_0908]

This video is a blessing from the gaming Gods. One of my absolute favourite games on the PS2. The atmosphere, the environments, art style... So damn good. Many thanks Grim! Dinner time is sorted with this wonderful video.

[@534n4l3ts1r4m]

Dude these are amazing. Your content has skyrocketed since we were kids and yet still captures the charm of our adolescence. Cheers mate. Hope you’re doing well!

[@ijk9492]

actually obsessed with grimbeard videos. i sleep to these. i eat to these. comfort video when im feeling down. thank u grim

[@cristianpissai7563]

Goth daddy blesses us with his greatness once again! Perfect timing too, I will be finishing my drawing while watching this.

[@kadnhart6661]

The quote about players having to do the cool things vs cutscenes is why Shadow of the Colossus remains a beloved game. Despite all its jank, everything awesome I ever did in that game was something that *I* did and no one else. I still have fond memories of being flung off the head of the flying colossus and just barely catching onto the tip of the wing, saving me from certain death. That's something I did, and it was wonderful! Compare that to Uncharted, which was just a series of me holding forward as cool things happened AROUND me instead of TO me. Total snore.

[@Vanguard145]

7:55 Your ability to recount history in such an authentic and credible way is one of the reasons I keep coming back to this channel

[@Ohio.Gozaimasu]

What was the point of that whole segment, though? It barely has anything to do with the game.

[@dialecticcoma]

@@Ohio.Gozaimasu shhhhhhh

[@dirtfriend]

@@Ohio.Gozaimasu club

[@Ohio.Gozaimasu]

@@dirtfriend なに ?

[@ericrhodes5174]

@@Ohio.Gozaimasu I agree. It was insanely pretentious and unnecessary.

[@cpt_thunderthyz5672]

The intros that delve so deeply into a piece of history, or lore, only to smash cut into something else entirely that kinda relates are so jarring and I love it. It's like each one is a deeper dive into an information psychosis. Great video

[@user-ht2eh4pt7y]

F*** dude! Every time I see an hour-plus from you, I can't believe where you get the energy from. I've spent a dozen hours editing audio only, throwing video on top of it is next level commitment. Kudos.

[@Zaftikins]

A new Grim and Mandalore video on the same day? We are blessed

[@brocklewis7624]

I don’t even watch for the game reviews anymore. I keep coming back for that sweet sweet parapug lore.

[@Zavial28]

A gem of my childhood and one of the main reasons I love video games so much All of my created female characters are named after a certain character from the fire realm and I’m not planning to change that any time soon

[@DarkenedRedStar]

Thank you for this. I've never seen anyone acknowledge this game, let alone review it. You absolute legend.

[@luleelurah_]

Holy moly! I loved this game as a kid I played it the endlessly on those ps2 demo disks and bought the game years later, I've never met anyone who knows this game existed and I felt like I was amongst like 5 people in the world who still remembers. Thank you for this review!!

[@CampingTheDocks]

Every day is Christmas when Grimbeard uploads! Thanks Grimbo [:

[@BinaryGleam]

I enjoy a lot those new intros where it basically goes into any subject, has a detail that the begining of the game shares. And goes into that long story and explanation about paintings and stuff just to say the word bar and start the video. Basically taking a stab at essay videos I feel like hahaha

[@montyn1593]

I love your channel . Thank you for all of the days that you have helped get me through.

[@bugganutz3370]

Always love a grim upload. The dark undertone of you're reviews, juxtaposed with witty dark humour really stands out for me. Please don't change dude! Primal is something I never came across during the PS2 era, it's definitely something i would of played just because of the themes.

[@LeuvahkTrigger]

This was the sixth ps2 game I ever bought. I still have it, and occasionally pull it out to replay it. Its definitely not perfect, but I love it all the same.

[@Mordrevious]

Haven’t even watched it. I knew this day would come and I’ve been waiting .

[@HBu-y9v]

Holy shit that was a really good episode..Extremely happy I found your channel. Thanks for the content and the laughs my guy.

[@NapoleonBlownapartMMA]

Primal was one of those games I remember devouring every preview of in the OPSM magazine pre-launch. Then it launched to a wave of "meh" reviews, and I held off buying it. Even tho as a huge Buffy fan i really wanted to play it. I have still never played Primal, tho it does occupy this weird space in my brain where I was kinda obsessed with it, yet never bought it. I had no idea it even was popular enough to warrant those digital re-releases.

[@SweetPeteInTheBackSeat]

that jump cut from the explanations of art to "just like this game which starts in a bar" got me so good

[@Phumia]

Defining game of my childhood, thanks for covering this GB

[@ltaus9225]

Grim, baby. Love to see your content pop up. Never disappoints and this time with a game that I actually have a childhood connection to. You did this on purpose didn't you. I bet you did.

[@echotango4591]

Such an underrated game. I got it because it was one of the very few that had a female protagonist in those days, and I was very spoiled: played it many times. It was all my 13 year old hikkikomori girl gamer heart could have wanted- I was a massive Buffy fan as well so this scratched an itch nothing else has touched since…

[@maggiem6209]

Dammit, Grim. You're going to make me go dig out my PS2 and find a copy. This vibe was literally my childhood and I will _absolutely_ suffer through fiddly controls for a mediocre story in this setting. Thanks and also goddammit. Good to see the long-form videos again, buddy. They just keep getting better.

[@wusashicat1]

'Internet content for old babies!?' HEY I RESEMBLE THAT REMARK!

[@samuraishin1]

"BAFTA or BAFTER if you will" My god, you are so incredibly funny dude 😂😂😂

[@rickystumpp]

Grimbeard, Civvie, and Mandalore uploading on the same day? Lord have mercy

[@denismedvedev8214]

I discovered you in the beginning of this year. Now i have only 2 videos of you that I still need to watch. Can truly say you are one of the best reviewers on this platform. You go and post reviews with such commitment and bravado that I can only hope my ability to express my amazement and admiration for your work is enought to transmitt a fraction of what I really feel about it. I would have never even known of most of the games you reviewed, but I'm incredibly glad this exist, that you are here, and that you put yourself on the task of spreading your explored opinion about them. Thank you Grim. Hope you are good and doing fine. Give my salutations to the OG doug.

[@Nigel222]

I absolutely loved this game. I got it for my 13th birthday back in the day. the voice acting and atmosphere and the different abilities. Its a pity it never got a sequel. I know they had planned to do one that was set at the same time as the 1st game but you played as Lewis to see his side of the story.

[@letstryitout3240]

Hey man, I've been watching your videos pretty much since you started the longform gaming videos. Like all the classic point and click horror/adventure games I would of have never learned of before you. I eagerly await all your videos because you never cease to make me smile in the few years where it has been tough for me and extremely hard to smile. Keep doing what your doing man. You're funny. Insightful, clever and I love all your skits. Always. awesome . Your never actually know how many people you bring joy to and have a positive effect in someone's life. For me, you made me laugh, inspired me to try some things I'd like to do and just around give out good vibes. Keep being awesome my friend. You help so many more people than you know and Im one of em. Thank you.

[@ItsNNJA]

I saw this and immediately jumped to watch. I vividly remember playing this demo on the jampack series of discs over and over again, thanks for always bringing me back to my childhood Grim❤

[@fearjunkie]

Came here on Super Eyepatch Wolf's recommendation only to discover I've already watched this video. Well, guess I gotta watch it again.

[@Autistic_Pixel]

Own this on ps2, it feels like a Soul Reaver game that looks a little like Vampire The Masquerade. One of those forgotten ps2 games.

[@DonutSwordsman]

The mii joke actually happened to me and hit hard, crazy you said that. You are my one of my favorite youtubers, thanks for the best vibes

[@jango7889]

MEECHALANGELLO

[@TheLucafiore]

I always crack lol.

[@ababilashari9970]

this is what im here for

[@lopey5035]

Your channel is the best, man.

[@DarlingMissDarling]

Damn nearly 2hours of new Grim? Oh fuck yeah let's goooo Goth Gamer Nation! 🥀💀🤘🖤 Edit: Internet Content for Old Babies™ just made me giggle like a real gd goon over here.

[@Laezar1]

first video I see of you, only watched cause I remember playing primal as a teen and never really saw anyone talked about it, still haven't finished yet only 30 minutes in but amazing video so far, insightful analysis and very witty humor (without being mean spirited), just love the vibe. Really cool

[@lovecrafted3398]

Everytime I have a really crap day at work I find an upload for goth gamer nation. I wish I had the creativity you do. Don't ever change my dude.

[@willdunn8846]

No better Saturday morning hangover cure than new Grimbeard, Mandy and Civvie videos with a box of Vegimite Shapes.

[@AC-hj9tv]

The craic

[@viperking12387]

Love this game’s strangeness and seeing your crazy creative process interact with it is a perfect mix

[@subrussian]

aah, had this game back in the day, it really felt like next gen for me. I still remember the moment, I think in the 2nd realm, where you first get out from deep underwater to the surface with beautiful sunset, and there goes an effect of water washing off the camera lens - I swear did it like 10 times in a row, couldn't believe how awesome it looked! Visually this game is stunning, kinda reminds me of Soul Reaver. Gameplay-wise it wasn't that fun and I remember the big issue was the slow start. Lots of cutscenes, tutorials, not having any abilities etc. I think I actually felt like playing the game after 3-4 hours in it. Anyways it was a fun ride and thank you for covering it. Loving your reviews, waiting for Angel Of Darkness next :)

[@GoufinAround_]

I like your videos. I rarely go back to my collection of old games as I can't find enough time to get through. So when I see such thorough reviews of old games I get a lot out of it

[@JamesEdwardsism]

First time I played this game was in middle school at the house of some kid named Patrick or something who had just moved to town. He seemed alright for awhile until he started quoting Fox News all the time and made some racist remarks about my Black friends. We ended up getting into a fight near the end of the school year and I hit him with a PVC pipe... Anyway, great review Grim!

[@alexroy5854]

Typical Faux News watched lol

[@enricosanti7627]

As an Italian your pronunciation of Michelangelo gave me a great chuckle. Love your channel, keep up the amazing work!

[@Trevelyan2]

You know your content is good when you jump in 14 minutes after uploading a 1:43:00 long video and the comments are already in.

[@Someguyonline7732]

Yet you had nothing to say or contribute.

[@AathielVaDaath]

Can't believe it's been a year since this dropped... You've made a lot of great vids but this one is absolutely on point. Great job, GB.

[@desimarsh1743]

Seeing this just unlocked a childhood memory of mine. I remember playing the demo for this game as a kid on some demo compilations collection thing that also featured a playable demo of Silent Hill 3. I never played the full game but now I'm tempted :')

[@Kaceej]

I remember playing this on a demo disc also but mine had ratchet and clank and pro skater 4 so it might’ve been a different comp but totally worth the play thru!:)

[@SuperEliot10]

I think I had the same demo! Did it have a ninja game on it?

[@desimarsh1743]

@@SuperEliot10 I somehow managed to find the disc and got it to play. Mines is called Jampack Summer 2003. No ninja game though,with the closest being Jet Li's Rise to Honor, though that's more martial arts than ninja. Makes me wonder if there were multiple versions and if so, how many were there 🤔

[@ScowlieMeerkat]

Saturday night, supermarket sushi, old grimbeard video. It's a sad life but your excellent work makes it a bit brighter. Thank you.

[@joesharpe8072]

Glad I’m not the only person thinking about this game still. Found myself doing a lot of fan art for this game recently. Perhaps in an attempt to ignore the fact that I’m now in my mid 30s and go back to my teens!

[@marteronde]

why do i have a strong urge from that intro to wave my hands and shout "boys of the dwarf"?

[@torquetheprisoner]

one of my late best friend's favourite game's he played

[@georgekindred9680]

I'm so happy you covered this grim beard. This was one I thought you should cover for so long and I'm so glad you did. Thank you so much. GOOD/ 10

[@christopherjones9547]

Dude I gotta say, this might be your best video yet. The meta jokes, your presentation 'voice', the the a/v are all the best I've seen you put forward. Great work man. Thank you.

[@A.I.A.M.]

omg what’s the name of background music around 2:37 ~ PLEASE I NEED TO KNOW I’ll venmo u $10 👀

[@markusmellert5421]

the para-pug storyline is getting intense bro

[@LC-iw3ll]

I loved this video! You have a really great command over writing an engaging long-form script. Also your humor is on point.

[@dylanlondrigan4451]

Hell yeah, my monthly reason to go on living🖤

[@sukamadik5983]

It's adorable seeing you try to fit in at the beginning.

[@mr.miscman6790]

what is the music that starts playing in 2:35

[@Joshbnerevarine]

Thanks again for another fantastic video, the vibe and sense of humour running throughout your videos is like nothing else and seeing one come out is always a special time.

[@olo9127]

New Mandalore video AND new GrimBeard video on the same day?? We eating good.

[@canaryvomit]

There was a bandcamp this whole time!? Dude you're awesome, the music seriously solidifies this for me, the videos and tunes are exceptional . Love your output, much love

[@Bluehawk2008]

Big ups to Katsulas as G'Kar. He alone is almost worth taking the time to watch Babylon 5 if it's many other characters, themes and setting don't intrigue you. His character arc is probably the most complicated and nuanced of all the main cast and by the end he feels like the beating heart of the show. He goes from a mysterious villain to a disempowered exile, to a resistance fighter, to a slave, to a saint and martyr who learns to love his enemies and strives to redeem the people that wronged him. He also slays puss and likes to get high and kind of looks like a dinosaur.

[@magnenoalex2]

Well him and Londo

[@magnenoalex2]

My shoes are two tight and I have forgotten how to dance

[@magnenoalex2]

Isn't it strange Gkar when we first met I had no power and all the choice's I could ever want and now I have all the power I could ever want but no choices at all....... No choice at all

[@BanditKing094]

man i’ve wanted to see you cover this game for so long, holy crap

[@LegendaryPlank]

Wow, those reviews panning the game for long animations and it feeling 'dictating'. How things change. People seem to be practically blind to that shit these days.

[@6mangalover9]

Thank you! Haven't watched it yet but appreciate your hard work. Love your content.

[@startyde]

How are you not a 5 million sub Grim, you're basically the best reviewer in YT. This will be your year, by hook or crook!

[@jarroddonaldson1975]

What the hell dude. I remember this games commercials so I look up to see if there's a review and I find this absolute gem of a channel. Gonna watch them all.

[@FreeHectic]

Oh wow. As a very young kid I remember playing (or watching someone play idk) a random game at someones house. I remember it being a bit creepy but seemed super cool with a female proganist fighting demon things. Many years later I could never figure out what that game was, but I'm about 99% sure it was this game. Thank you for helping me understand that memory a bit better.

[@mayamayhemmusic]

Yo, Eisenfunk AND SynthAttack videos in the background? My man's got taste! (the same taste as 15 year old me, but hey, it's a taste lol)

[@GoalRival2]

Bro love these videos you’ve been putting out. Not gonna lie I’m grateful for the time stamps as I like getting straight into it. The breakdown review was my favorite I played that game back in the day and kept forgetting the name so I’d google “game where you can heal eating cheese burgers” and it would pop up

[@TheMadmanNorby]

I’m only at the opening skit, and I already love it. Your sense of humor is so good.

[@anmanarrative]

I am so happy right now. Primal is my favourite game of all time and I see very few people talking about it so I never really expected to see it get a big video review, let alone one nearly two hours long! It was great seeing you go through it and you've really nailed down a lot of the reasons why I adore the game, as well as giving a lot of background I didn't know about it. Never saw that sequel concept art before, and while the idea of a corrupted Mortalis is cool and would make for a great game I always wanted to return to Oblivion but see its realms restored to their prime. I also fully acknowledge that the gameplay itself can be weak at times and it can make recommending the game difficult, but the story, characters and setting are all so engaging that I just don't care. I love being in this universe and will never not enjoy revisiting it. Aetha was definitely the best written of all the world's and my favourite, in fact I think I've replayed Aetha on its own more times than I've replayed the whole game, especially the chateau segment (still think it's genius that the developers let you rewatch cutscenes you unlock then drop you right into that part of the game, great for replaying my favourite sections). Though that one helot in the dungeon still pisses me off as he showed up out of nowhere, hurt me more than any of the other enemies, kept getting in the way when I was trying to do things then had the nerve to just bugger off saying "You're on your own from here" as if he was doing us a massive favour by being utterly useless... but walking Jen to the ball in her dress more than makes up for him. This was incredible, thank you so much for covering Primal.

[@phantasmrain]

Just finished watching the video. Was ever so good, and glad to see you liked it too! Primal was such a memorable game, and am glad to know it has not been forgotten.

[@Anthrax_Add1ct]

I love your videos man, it makes me very happy seeing someone else who has played the same obscure games I have.

[@NoUseForAName06]

Never heard of this game and looked it up on Wikipedia just to find this gem of a quote: "in their September 2004 issue, Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine cited the game's protagonist as an underrated "hot chick" in comparison to Lara Croft, stating "She's smart. She's funny. She hangs out in biker bars. She's good in a fight. And she's got a really nice butt."

[@brandonmorel2658]

No wonder people hate gamers.

[@brettvv7475]

Okay, something needs to happen to get this man more subs! Commenting for the Great Algorithm. Please don’t stop doing what you’re doing.

[@Mad_Pretty]

Let's goooooo Thank you blessed Grimbeard for our unholy entertainment

[@goblintechies4396]

Playing and analyzing it for myself, I would call Primal a diamond in the rough. I would say the main thing holding back the game itself is three fold. 1) While you are told you can go anywhere in the nexus, you also are more on a linear story. Which can make later levels feel longer. 2) While the powers you get are interesting, the power system feels a tad bare bones like its missing something that lets the player progress. 3) The combat feels interesting at first. But with the aforementioned thing from the prior 2, your going to start noticing you hit the ceiling with a powerset rather quickly outside of learning how to use your powerset's moves to the best of their ability.

[@LazyrockTV]

Just incredible content dude, I hope you're recovering well

[@systemshocker2557]

A piece of advice: make your videos shorter. 1.5-2 hours videos are tiresome and no single f*g game in the world warrants an analysis that drags on for so long. Time is valuable and I highly doubt that many of us will watch this to the end. Take cues from mandalore or similar channels and trim down your videos' run time to 45-50 minutes max. Concise is better. My 2 cents.

[@Ohio.Gozaimasu]

I agree. I don't think it's absolutely necessary to explain every single detail of the plot. Also, I think those full reviews (not Grimpressions etc.) would get 150-300k views regardless of length.

[@FacelessGodPSN]

Always a treat anytime I see one of your videos pop up on my feed, thanks for covering another one of my favorite games.

[@planescaped]

I recognized Callisto the second you showed the voice actress. On a related note, how in the world has Xena not received a modern gritty reboot?

[@alexandervalexander8262]

Never stop making those videos PLEASE i finally found my jordan underneath vibe been following you for 2 years and youre growing so fast lets go❤

[@Snyperwolf91]

Thats why i love Grimbeard . That guy reviews obscure and old games that are still awesome with a Viewpoint that isnt in a default collectivistic state of simply "outdated" or "bad because design is too weird" . Like a Gravekeeper hidden in the thick cursed forest , who sees the value and personality behind every dead person while being inspired and respectful to them without any harsh or thoughtless conclusions.