the best way to play a game is strictly up to the player

This is always the right answer. There are very real, tangible benefits to using a CRT that isn’t just nostalgia - but anyone saying it’s the “only” way to game is just gatekeeping. I say this as someone who owns like 10 CRTs and moderates CRTs@kbin.social.

I do the best of both worlds, a component-input CRT paired with a hombrewed Wii to emulate retro games in their original resolution with minimal lag. If your setup keeps you happy, then that’s all that matters.

The term that’s stuck for this subgenre (for better or worse) is “Character Action”. It’s not particularly descriptive - I agree with Kamiya in that it ought to make clear that it’s in reference to the Japanese school of action game design, which is very distinct from western sensibilities.

That said, I’d consider the best western take on the genre is the indie game Furi.

You know that Kamiya is the creator of DMC and a founder of PlatinumGames, right?

I’ll always go to bat for Gunstar Super Heroes. It’s a full on sequel to the Genesis game - hardly anyone seems to talk about it, which is a shame because it’s incredible. Easily one of the best action games on GBA, if not the best. Absolutely deserves a spot in any top GBA list, right alongside Astro Boy Omega Factor.