Year of Alvin

[@JustSamu]

Happy new year 2024! That said, this is likely the last of these yearly summary videos. Like I mentioned, I've not worked on anything after finishing Alvin. I'd like to clarify or rather, expand upon the statement I made at the end of the description. I still have interest for this type of content but at least right now I'm pretty burnt out. At some point this turned into feeling more like a job than a fun hobby, and at times it feels like a waste of time to work on a video that I might just scrap if I feel it doesn't meet the standard I want to reach. In addition to that the only games in which I feel like I can meet said standard are the Xillia duology, and to some extent Graces. I'm interested in other games but the combination of drastic file preparation and the time it would take me to get on an acceptable skill level is something I'm just not willing to do in this state of burnout. Now I don't mean to end the year with such a gloomy mindset, as I already well stated in the video description I'm very happy with the runs I put up this year. I really think the X1 Alvin run is my peak and I genuinely had fun throughout the majority of the game. I suppose that's about all I had to say, so yeah I'll wrap up the year here! Special thanks to @ZekeBelforma for providing quality thumbnails for the runs, refining the title cards used in this video, as well as helping with video editing and generally keeping me sane throughout the year! And last but not the least, thanks everyone for another year! Whether it comes to viewers or other creators, I know I don't always respond or comment a lot but I love reading the feedback and experiencing everyone else's content!

[@Muggshotter]

No harm in taking a break. The effort you've put into the Alvin runs is commendable, but what's even more important than that is maintaining a healthy relationship with the game(s). We can continue to enjoy all the backsteps, Majin Senkoudans and AI manipulation that's on display while you take a load off and think about the next step. It's been great seeing your Alvin gameplay like this, so thanks for showcasing what he can do!

[@JustSamu]

@@Muggshotter Yeah I guess the grind needs to come to an end every now and then 🚑 Thanks for your support!

[@frubam]

You made quite the commitment with Alvin and it definitely shows. I am especially in awe of your X1 run with him; really aggressive and dominant gameplay made the fights extremely enjoyable to watch =03! I tend to look for this aggression in Tales gameplay nowadays, as well as optimization between enemy attacks, and your X1 run exemplifies this concept. When you can just keep attacking without a single sec of idle time, you've reached the pinnacle, which shows in spades here. When speaking of how playing Alvin in X2 got you a bit more acclimated with him for the return of X1, kinda makes me want to do the same; esp since I never returned to X1 after X2; to see what improvements I can make as a player compared to my past self. Also feel you in X2 being boring. I was probably more reluctant to say this before for 'reasons', but really I dislike the combo system. That's why I did a no PC2/3 run. Once you start a power combo, it really feels like every boss is the same. It can get boring after a while, but strangely you'll still see something fresh combo-wise every now and again. Might be strange to say this, but its the counters that MAKE the boss a challenge to conquer, and I think learning how to use your tools to get around it not only improves your versatility of the character you're playing, but trains you to be more reactive as well. Nonetheless, I also enjoyed your style with Alvin in the videos I watched. I specifically like your aerial play with Al; it's really second to none. it has a certain elegance that I just haven't seen other players(what few existed) be able to match.

[@JustSamu]

Thanks frubam, I'm glad to hear you enjoyed the runs, really appreciate the feedback and I'm relieved to see that the finer details of the gameplay didn't go unseen! It would be interesting to see what you can come up with these days if you ever decide to come back to the game as well, although your Leia speedrun is already a blast to watch and I go back to it every now and then. And yeah, that describes my feelings about X2 (well, X1 too!) as well, but in any case it's good to hear even that run was enjoyable! >:3

[@HorangiTiger]

You've been playing these games for so long and optimized them to such an elite level, so I don't blame you at all for being burnt out. What I can say is that your Alvin runs are genuinely masterpieces. Your understanding of the game and your execution are near perfect. Thank you for everything you did in 2023 and I hope you have a nice 2024!

[@JustSamu]

Yeah Alvin's definitely one of the characters with the most potential on both games and I'm glad to hear my content seems to live up to that expectation! Happy new year I'll see ya 'Leia' 🎆😎

[@TailsGt1]

Happy New Year, Samu! Been following you on and off since Xillia 2 duos (I believe it was Gaius/Muzet). You're a fantastic player with a great understanding on these style of games (Heavily respect it) Been loving the Alvin stuff and has made me more curious about X1 these days (Maybe give it a proper shake again). Here's hoping your 2024 brings you nothing but great things! :D

[@JustSamu]

Happy new year, let's see that 2024 brings us more stuns and crits on command! Thanks for your kind words, it's been a long road and eventually there'll be more to come 🎇

[@AbstractReplayer]

EVERY YEAR IS XILLIA YEAR!! I wanna thank you for all the great content and info dump you provided us (maybe also sometimes against our will but let's not talk about that). Really enjoyed watching these and loved reading the details. You take your break and don't forget to eat and sleep properly. I need you in 2030 when Xillia 3 drops.

[@JustSamu]

Thanks for the continued support! I'll be sure to take that break and I'll be back to uploading in 2030 ඞ

[@Muctales]

Happy New Year Samu! I can relate with that feeling of burn out, especially when it comes to improve the same fight over and over but at least i can safely say that your work paid off. While I'm not the biggest Xillia fan, your X1 Alvin run is definitely a step further anything I've seen and I still enjoy watching you dance and fight around the enemies with so much confidence

[@JustSamu]

Happy new year Muc! Despite the fact it's been a wild ride, in the end I'm glad I put up with this bs and finished these runs that I can actually be proud of. Watching especially your new Cheria and Philia runs throughout the year motivated me to keep going as well and I'm glad to hear I managed to bring X1 some new life! 🥳🎉

[@NinetyNineNo]

Happy new year! Your runs have been a joy to watch throughout. If you ever decide to start consistently uploading stuff again I'll remain in the front row. Till then, ggs!

[@JustSamu]

Happy new year! I'm glad you've enjoyed everything I've uploaded (even the silly things 💀), until next time!

[@RinKiriTales]

I stumbled upon this a bit late. I wasn't going to say anything outside of giving props, but I was a little bothered by this line. "These along with the endless amount of Musee redos made my channel a joke" I'm not sure if you said this is in jest, but your channel was never a "joke." We joked about Waterfall Phantom sure, but your effort and commitment was always applauded, I know I joked about moving onto the next boss though here and there. Either way, anyone with sense saw your potential and I'm glad you did move on and let it flourish. Either way, like I told Muc when he dipped, your work and effort was magnificent and as long as I'm still around I will keep your name alive breh. You can rest easy now.

[@JustSamu]

Yeah I meant to say that in a more playful manner at first but I have a bad habit of getting carried away and over-exaggerating lol, even though my earliest days definitely ring some truth to that statement. I appreciate the heartening words, thanks clip 🫡

[@garyjgames]

Why is Alvin so daddy?

[@JustSamu]

Not as daddy as Gaius tbh 🔥