When I play a game, my primary focus is on gameplay, simply how it feels. If I want to be emotionally affected, I'll listen to music or watch a series, but the point is I'm not a story-based game kind of guy. But, wow, Explorers of Sky really is making me question that, what a powerfully simple game. It's lightning in a bottle. I can't figure out why exactly this game has emotionally resonated with me so much, but it simply does.

I've played some really amazing games in this past year as I've been trying to catch up on some classics, but I don't think any of them have really helped me in the way that Explorers of Sky has done. It's so funny how a narrative about fictional creatures, how something with Bidoof in it, can tell such a human tale, but it does. This game has made my heart feel a certain way that video games haven't in some time, and it's a little uncomfortable to be honest. I never played Explorers of Sky as a kid, but to be an adult, playing such an inherently nostalgic game with a story that anyone can resonate with, it's a really strange and moving feeling. A game about little critters to heal the soul regarding loss, loneliness, friendship, community, geez man. It's too much.

There were plenty of moments where I wouldn't have given this game a 5/5 score, mostly due to some problems I had with the gameplay. But I simply don't care. I will be thinking about Pokémon Mystery Dungeon for a really long time, it's just so...much. Definitely adding this game to the list of things to look forward to if I get Alzheimer one day. To experience all of its beautiful qualities all over again would be everything.

The soundtrack will wrap you in this floating sensation of warmth and comfort. I can't understate just how powerful it is. Prepare for infectious smiles, for tears, for just feeling like you are kind of not on Earth. The premise of the game is equally adventurous and self-reflective. It juggles multiple aspects of the story very well and creates a singular storyline that hits so many unique emotional beats. The characters are so lovable and pleasant to be around. You will instantly love every single character yes, because they are adorable, but also because they feel dynamic in how they're written. The visuals take a simple world and make it vibrant with how detailed and intentional the design feels. Beautiful sprite work, character portraits, and overworld design paint a lovely little world to be in. All of this it to say that Explorers of Sky is able to transport you to this place of harmony within seconds, and to make it even stronger, it's smashed into pieces every now and then. Anyone could play and appreciate it, I guarantee that anyone could feel some strong emotions well up.

If you've played this game, you know. If you haven't, you really owe it to yourself. I definitely 100% played this game legally and didn't download an incredibly easy to use emulator to my underpowered laptop to play it no I mean it'd be so easy to do that and for anyone to do that but I didn't. Point is, game is good. Haven't cried this many times from one game probably ever, what a manly ass game.