The Curse of the Blackened Eye is a mythical tale that has been passed down through generations. It tells the story of a cursed individual who is marked by a blackened eye that brings misfortune and tragedy wherever they go. According to the legend, the curse is said to have been placed upon a wicked sorcerer who practiced dark magic. It is said that the sorcerer's eye became blackened after a powerful spell went awry, and he was unable to reverse the curse. From that day on, anyone who looked into the sorcerer's blackened eye would be afflicted with the curse. This curse is said to bring about a string of bad luck and unfortunate events, causing chaos, destruction, and even death to those who come into contact with the cursed individual.
This problem is exacerbated by limited save points in dungeons (although the world map allows saving at any time). If you die before reaching a save point, you’re transported back to the dungeon’s entrance, grinding through the same enemies again. When you perish, Ni No Kuni also fines you 10 percent of your money to keep earned XP. Death is a possibility in every battle, keeping you constantly alert and forcing you to learn the battle system. Initially, that’s what I liked the most, but the aforementioned issues made this process almost unbearable.
The story, afflicted though it is with plot holes, a little creep of a protagonist who says Jeepers and Neato without a trace of irony, and some of the most passive-aggressive villains in videogame history, is actually quite good. While sharing many similarities with the likes of Tales , Pokémon , and Persona , White Witch reminds me most evocatively of Dragon Quest VIII Journey of the Cursed King , a comparison I mean as one of the highest possible compliments.
This curse is said to bring about a string of bad luck and unfortunate events, causing chaos, destruction, and even death to those who come into contact with the cursed individual. Those who believe in the Curse of the Blackened Eye warn others to stay away from anyone with a blackened eye, as they are seen as a bearer of misfortune. It is said that the curse carries a heavy burden, causing the cursed individual to suffer from isolation and loneliness as others fear and avoid them.
Ni No Kuni: Wrath Of The White Witch Review
When Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch was announced as a collaboration between the famed Studio Ghibli and respected developer Level-5, my eyes lit up. Level-5’s hits take classic gameplay systems and turn them inside out, while Studio Ghibli’s films journey through fantastical lands with breathtaking visuals and deep life lessons. For months now, my imagination has been overflowing with Ni No Kuni’s possibilities – but the reality doesn’t match up to its potential. Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch is a respectable experience, but it’s far from a Ghibli or Level-5 masterpiece.
Ni No Kuni transports you between a real world and a fantastical one, the heart and soul of the game. It has childlike wonder around every bend – mushrooms grow as staircases, animals rule kingdoms, and Ghibli-inspired monsters meld creativity into every encounter. The vast environments have stunning visuals, and you’re rewarded with a ship for sea exploration and eventually your very own dragon to control.
Sadly, the story and characters don’t have the same allure as the world. Because Studio Ghibli’s name is attached to it, I was expecting strong characterization and narrative. Unfortunately, characters have a dearth of personality and exist only to help the main character, Oliver. The one stand-out is Mr. Drippy, Oliver’s stuffed-toy-turned-sidekick, who has a quip for every occasion. Even he starts to feel like a one-trick pony, though, as the narrative depends too much on him to keep it afloat. Oliver’s journey to give his mother life again should be an emotional one, yet it doesn’t tackle the complexity of the situation in any profound way. Instead, the dialogue is as cheesy and predictable as an after school special.
Above: check out our Test Chamber covering Ni No Kuni
Ni No Kuni features many battles, but most trying is the player’s struggle against old-school mechanics. First off, every area contains an absurd amount of random encounters, and while enemies are visible on the field, they charge instantly once spotting you. Avoiding them is next to impossible, even after upgrading Oliver’s speed.
This problem is exacerbated by limited save points in dungeons (although the world map allows saving at any time). If you die before reaching a save point, you’re transported back to the dungeon’s entrance, grinding through the same enemies again. When you perish, Ni No Kuni also fines you 10 percent of your money to keep earned XP. Death is a possibility in every battle, keeping you constantly alert and forcing you to learn the battle system. Initially, that’s what I liked the most, but the aforementioned issues made this process almost unbearable.
Most actions by characters or recruited familiars execute on a cooldown. The traditional battles aren’t purely spamming “attack,” because you need to strike at the right time to cancel enemy actions or counter attacks. These tactics, along with defending, are vital in every encounter. Use the battle system correctly and you’re more likely to see “glims” on the battlefield, which restore health and magic power and occasionally unleash special attacks.
Despite the adrenaline-pumping intensity, the battle system has its frustrations. Sometimes the window to defend passes far too quickly. Not only must you select defend for your character, you must also order the sub-par AI companions to protect themselves as well. Other times, aggressive tactics are required to cancel a special attack, but the consequences for missing are too dire, forcing you to turtle.
Ni No Kuni is a mercurial experience. One minute I was exploring the world with adoration, and the next I was cursing a cheap boss battle. The journey can be fun; I liked collecting and growing familiars and watching the breathtaking world before me, but Ni No Kuni doesn’t come without frustration. Enter for the beauty, but know it comes with a price.
The aforementioned cel-shading alone is enough to draw accolades, and any review not dedicating at least a paragraph to its beauty would be performing a disservice. Featuring artwork from the beloved Studio Ghibli, Ni no Kuni is an absolute treasure for the eyes, with fluid animations, amazing creature designs, and some of the most gorgeous, colorful environments you could hope to see in a game. While many games have been praised for looking like an actual cartoon, few titles can hope to come as close as this. It really does feel like you’re wandering around in a living, breathing cartoon, and even thirty hours into the adventure, I was still having my breath taken away by its visual splendor.
However, there are those who view the curse in a different light. Some believe that the Curse of the Blackened Eye can also serve as a lesson in empathy and compassion. They argue that instead of shunning the cursed individual, society should embrace them and help bring about their redemption. In popular culture, the Curse of the Blackened Eye has inspired numerous stories, films, and other forms of media. These adaptations often explore the moral implications of the curse and delve into the complexities of human nature. Whether seen as a cautionary tale or a call for empathy, the Curse of the Blackened Eye remains a captivating legend that continues to intrigue and captivate audiences. It serves as a reminder that our actions have consequences and that redemption is possible even in the face of curses and hardships..
Reviews for "Breaking the Curse: My Journey to Lift the Blackened Eye's Spell"
1. John - 1 star
"Curse of the blackened eye" was a complete disappointment. The storyline was confusing and poorly developed, leaving me feeling detached from the characters. The writing style was also underwhelming, lacking descriptive language and failing to create any atmospheric tension. Overall, I found the book to be uninteresting and a struggle to finish.
2. Emily - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "Curse of the blackened eye," but unfortunately, it fell flat. The pacing was incredibly slow, and the author seemed more focused on secondary plotlines rather than the main one. The characters lacked depth and their motivations were unclear, which made it difficult to connect with any of them. The book had potential, but the execution fell short.
3. Mike - 1 star
As a fan of mystery novels, I was truly disappointed by "Curse of the blackened eye." The plot twists were predictable, leaving no surprises for the reader. The dialogue was cliché and lacked authenticity, making the characters come across as one-dimensional. In addition, the ending felt rushed and unsatisfying, leaving several loose ends. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a compelling mystery.
4. Sarah - 2 stars
"Curse of the blackened eye" failed to capture my attention. The pacing was slow, and the story lacked a cohesive structure, jumping between different time periods without clear transitions. The characters were forgettable, and their actions often seemed illogical. The author's attempt at incorporating supernatural elements into the narrative felt forced and out of place. Overall, this book was a disappointment and not worth the read.
5. David - 1 star
I found "Curse of the blackened eye" to be a tedious read. The plot was convoluted and confusing, with unnecessary subplots that added nothing to the story. The writing style was dry and lacked any emotion, making it difficult to engage with the characters or care about their fates. The book was filled with clichés and lacked originality. I would not recommend wasting your time on this book.