InThe Ugly MonsterbyMichelle KwanThe Mythologies Behind ‘Persona 3’The Setting, The Plot, The Characters, & The PersonasFeb 1112Feb 1112
InBootcampbyMichelle KwanThe Meaning Behind Metaphor: ReFantazio’s UI& How the Atlus Team Shaped its Successful UI to Blend into a New ThemeJan 9Jan 9
InILLUMINATION GamingbyMichelle KwanA Love Letter to Persona 3 Reload’s UIIam back from my long hiatus (I was travelling for two weeks) to rant (again) about the Persona series.Aug 10, 2024Aug 10, 2024
InThe Ugly MonsterbyMichelle KwanThe Replayability of HadesWho doesn’t love a challenge?Jul 17, 20244Jul 17, 20244
InCrossplaybyMichelle KwanTurnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion Conveys Narrative in a Subtle WayDespite its light-hearted gameplayJun 2, 20243Jun 2, 20243
InCrossplaybyMichelle KwanHow ‘Gris’ Uses Gameplay Mechanics to Aid its StorytellingTwo weeks ago, I explored the captivating use of colours in the video game Gris, which masterfully portrays the five stages of grief…May 5, 20245May 5, 20245
InThe Ugly MonsterbyMichelle KwanDo You Kill? How Games Craft Emotional Narratives through Moral DilemmasMechanics that force players to make difficult trade-offs create an emotional burdenMay 20, 20249May 20, 20249
InThe Ugly MonsterbyMichelle KwanThe Chinese Cultural and Mythological Roots of Xianzhou Luofu in ‘Honkai: Star Rail’The Xianzhou Luofu region of Honkai: Star Rail is rich with Chinese cultural and mythical influencesApr 21, 20247Apr 21, 20247
InThe Ugly MonsterbyMichelle KwanHow ‘Gris’ Paints a Profound Psychological Experience Through ColoursColour associations are deeply ingrained in the human experienceApr 14, 20246Apr 14, 20246
InThe Ugly MonsterbyMichelle KwanCan Persona 5’s UI be Justified by its Style?The Decision to Sacrifice Functionality for Punk AestheticsMar 12, 20249Mar 12, 20249
InCrossplaybyMichelle KwanThe Telling Nature of Second ChancesHow Beacon Pines Manages to Use the Charms Mechanics to Aid Their NarrativeMar 3, 20242Mar 3, 20242
InBootcampbyMichelle KwanIs Persona 5’s UI a Hit or a Miss?Analysing Persona 5 with the 5 UI/UX PrinciplesFeb 24, 20243Feb 24, 20243
Michelle KwanMy Fascination with Reluctant Heroes in Gamesand How They Make Us Journey with ThemJan 22, 20243Jan 22, 20243
Michelle KwanThe Brilliance That is the Social Link System of The Persona SeriesThe meshing of a relationship-building system with skill-building is a craft perfected by the Persona series. I still remember the first…Jan 2, 20241Jan 2, 20241
Michelle KwanNPCs Do More Than Give QuestsThey Give Your Game Substance TooDec 22, 202311Dec 22, 202311
InThe Ugly MonsterbyMichelle KwanHow Persona 5 Creates Immersive PalacesThe Persona series is heavily based on Jungian PsychologyDec 20, 20235Dec 20, 20235
Michelle KwanThe Witty Skits in Tales of Vesperia& why do they feel the need to add banter to the series?Dec 18, 2023Dec 18, 2023
InBootcampbyMichelle KwanInformation Overload: Why are Chinese MMORPGs’ UI So Complex?The other day I was scrolling through Reddit when I saw a post from three years ago. It says, “I’m glad it (Genshin Impact) is not like the…Dec 15, 20233Dec 15, 20233
Michelle KwanVisual Storytelling with Colours: Exploring Relationship Dynamics in the Video Game FlorenceAs a writer, it could be hard to wrap our heads around the idea of visual storytelling. Yet, there is so much that can be said without…Dec 6, 20234Dec 6, 20234
Michelle KwanWhy are We Willing to Grind in GamesI took part in my fair share of mobile games. While I do enjoy the occasional Honkai: Star Rail session on the road, I find myself visiting…Dec 4, 20232Dec 4, 20232
