Chibi characters: Welcome to Lodoss Island! And now for what you've all been waiting for...
Me, every time: The second part!

Also do they have to constantly say "soul crystal ball"?

Banana!

Also, you're not just "giving the information": presenting information requires framing, and you prefer framing the story as "Analogue is screwed" as opposed "warmonger's company is worming its way into retro game circles."