Hand down peak of combat for the series. Balance changes alone were enough to solve most complaints about the base game's combat, and the extra challenges really sold the cake here.

For starters, we play through the end once again. But now through a new perspective. It feels a bit repetitive, especially if you start it as soon as you finish the base game. But it does wonders to your general understanding of the end. And having lasting consequences in the end was a good change of pace for the series.

Getting to play as so many beloved characters throughout these fights helps mitigate the repetitiveness factor. Nothing comes closer to finally seeing multiple Keyblade masters fighting in unison against a real threat, as the base game unfortunately failed to deliver. And Mickey finally beat the fraud allegations! But I can't express how much I loved everything related to Kairi here. God, I wanted to play as her for so long and, to my wonderful surprise, she's awesome! She steals the spotlight (as I always wished for her to do so) with a satisfying moveset and it feels so deserving.

And once you're done with replaying the story, things start getting really interesting. Limit Cut episode introduces 13 new bosses that put you through fire and flames in some of the best fights ever designed in the series. Team Osaka outdid themselves here by bringing elements from all other games (yeah, all of them) into each of the battles, making this an ultimate challenge for longtime fans.

Marluxia starts with a very CoM-inspired moveset, but seeing him suddenly whispering his silent doom words into Sora's ears is enthralling, nostalgic and chilling, all at the same time. All of that while we get a banger remix of his original theme playing in the background.

And that's only one example out of thirteen. Xemnas puts you through his iconic laser dome once again. Vanitas incorporates moves from his Remnant secret boss in BBS. Riku is once again dashing through the arena while mocking you just like in Hollow Bastion.Xion's moveset is a mix of her own moves, Sora's, Roxas' and even Kairi's(!). You just can't ask for more fanservice than that.

It could take hours to master each fight, especially when doing self-imposed challenges. But man it feels rewarding. It also gives you more reason to revisit older Keyblades, unlock some endgame content and learn more about the game's combat in a deeper level.

And if you did beat them all, you also get the true ultimate challenge. Following the series' tradition of introducing a to-be-important character as a superboss, Yozora enters the scene as a final enemy in your way. Fighting him is insane. More than insane. He breaks the game's systems just because he can, and may possibly make you break your controller in the process. And it's an entirely original fight, so while you may be prepared for things like unblockable attacks, a lot of time will be just you trying to figure out what killed you this time. Learning his dance takes time, but it never feels like a chore, incredibly.

All in all, this was the perfect update to the game, being able to turn people's opinions about the title in general. While base KH III is not a perfect game, its expansion unveils its true potential and refreshes my hopes for a bright future for the series. They don't necessarily need to top these fights, but I'm sure they can deliver us the same rush. And I'll take it any time.

I gotta say, I always had a soft spot for this one. I can't deny its flaws, the very suspicious (to say the least) level design choices and how atrocious certain bosses can be (Gate and High Max are just inexcusable), but also can't bring myself to hate this little mess of a game.

The ominous setting of a world where things aren't perfect even after all the sacrifices in X5 just clicks for me. I could say this might be a bit meta? Probably just a stretch, but I like to think it this way.

This premise alongside the gameplay changes I do enjoy (such as the saber for X, new Zero playstyle, parts customization, etc) and some OST bangers always push me through the bad stuff. Alternative stage routes is a great concept but poorly implemented. Character designs here are also some of my favorite in the series by far. I feel like they nailed it on the art side, even though all the rest had to suffer.

A lot of bullshit is always happening, no matter which stage you are. Terrible enemy placements, the Reploid rescue system and a horrible boss balancement (again, Gate makes no sense at all. What were they thinking?!) are very offputting, and I can't blame people for disliking it. The plot's resolution is also a bit disappointing, despite the initial good ideas.

With all of that, this is still my guilty pleasure in the series. Love it or hate it, I feel like they had some great ideas in here. Can't say it's the best in the series, but it's a close tie with X4 for the best in the PS1 era. At least for me, of course.

Not my first contact with the X series but one of my favorite entries nonetheless. It has that weird 90s energy where the secrets are either very clever or almost impossible to figure out, but it all contributes to its iconic identity as the game that started it all.

Bosses are enjoyable, and the way some levels interact with each other always mesmerized me. It's better implemented than in X6 and very creative, giving you some interesting choices when choosing the route you'll be doing (although we'll still choose Chill Penguin first 99% of the time).

I always find myself returning to it in one way or another as it works great as a comfort game. It's easy to forgive most of its flaws, as they give it part of its charm in a certain way. Having the Hadouken certainly gives it some extra points.

Not my favorite in the franchise, but it deserves respect. As the whole series deserved, in fact.

There’s a good reason fans are so passionate about this game. It doesn’t matter if you came for the cute art style or for the challenge. Hallownest drags all under its secrets and it’s hard to find a way out. But you love every second of it. Where else can you find insects fighting against God while vibing to the most freaking epic music pieces you’ve ever heard?

With one of the most incredibly confusing-but-addicting exploration systems I’ve ever seen, a myriad of tough and creative bosses, thousands of hidden lore secrets and some of the best Metroidvania action of the previous decade (which continues to inspire many developers to this day), Hollow Knight deserves the praise it gets. Man I wish Silksong was real.

One of the best surprises of the last few years. Mixing action, rhythm and a lot of heart, Hi-Fi Rush derails itself from the same old tendencies we see in most big titles nowadays, bringing an honest, stylish and awesome adventure alongside Chai and his crew.

The whole game (literally) vibrates with personality, always delivering those buildups it manages to construct so dearly. It makes you want to push through even when most normal encounters start becoming a slog. The show must go on, after all.

One of the few games that might just be close enough to perfection. It uses the inevitable roguelike death cycle as a plot point in a masterful way that really makes you want to keep going. Death is not the end, but only a small setback.

A run never feels the same, and the very vivid world itself evolves alongside you. Once you realize, you’ll be breezing through the final battle, dodging like you never thought you would. And there’s always a chance to do it even better next time. You’ll soon come to learn that. It’s in the blood, after all.