Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn is an exceptional MMO that immerses players in one of the most breathtaking and engrossing game worlds in recent memory. Despite a relatively weak main story that feels stretched thin, the game excels in almost every other aspect, including its captivating lore, dynamic gameplay, intuitive social systems, and gorgeous artstyle.

The game's post-patch quests, particularly Before the Fall Part 1 and Part 2, go a long way in making up for the main game's subpar writing. These quests are expertly crafted and provide a level of depth and nuance that is missing from the main story, as well as a new of very interesting characters.

Overall, A Realm Reborn is a triumph of game design that sets the stage for even more engaging content in its subsequent expansions. I'm excited to dive into Heavensward and see where the story goes from here, as Before the Fall ended on such a shocking and attention-grabbing twist.

Doom Eternal is a true masterpiece that sets a new standard for FPS games. This game has everything that a gamer could ask for, from its deep and complex combat system to its enthralling and confidence-boosting soundtrack, and its stunningly artistic world design. It is a game that not only outclasses any other single FPS game ever created but also manages to surpass its predecessor in every possible way.

One of the standout features of Doom Eternal is its fast-paced combat system that keeps the players engaged and on their toes. The game definitely encourages you to be always on the move with the addition of dashing. This new mechanic is a total game-changer that makes the combat even more intense and dynamic. Once
I started getting the hang out the two dashes, I was constantly mobile in the air while shooting down enemies from above, and that was just total joy. The game rewards players who take advantage of the mechanics by providing them with interesting combos and escape methods, making the gameplay experience even more satisfying.

The music in Doom Eternal is nothing short of phenomenal, and it perfectly complements the high-octane combat. The tracks are so good that they inspire confidence and determination in the player, making them feel like they can take on any enemy that comes their way. "The Only Thing They Fear Is You" is one of the most insane videogame tracks ever created and is sure to get your blood pumping. Other notable tracks, such as "Meathook" and "Cultist Base", add to the adrenaline-filled intensity of some of the game's toughest fights.

The combat system in Doom Eternal is a true work of art, with so many different enemy types that every encounter feels fresh and exciting. The game designers have done an excellent job of creating unique fight scenarios that keep the players engaged throughout the game. The closed spaces in the game easily surround the player with a wide variety of enemies, making the gameplay experience even more challenging and intense.

Playing Doom Eternal is an experience that is truly unmatched. It is a game that will make you laugh out loud in disbelief as you pull off combat finishers and unintentional combos that are both satisfying and entertaining. I know that my journey with this game is far from over with the release of Ancient Gods, and I know that I can expect even more mind-blowing experiences from this masterpiece.

If you are remotely interested in a non-casual videogame experience, then you are missing out on one of the best gaming experiences of all time by not playing Doom Eternal. Its deep and complex combat, enthralling soundtrack, and stunning world design make it a must-play for all FPS fans. It is a game that will leave you breathless and eager for more, and it will undoubtedly set a new standard for FPS games for years to come.

"The Murder of..." is an exceptional visual novel that surpassed my expectations for an April Fools' Day gift. This game's ingenuity lies in how it successfully integrates everyone into the murder mystery, especially the player avatar, without anyone overstaying their welcome or breaking their character cores. Kudos to the development team for delivering amusing writing for characters like Espio and Shadow, a must needed treat for their fans. The quality of the writing, art direction, and challenging gameplay segments is top-notch, making it feel like a premium game worth at least $10.

While traditional Sonic gameplay is absent, the game provides a fresh experience with gameplay elements similar to 3D Blast, and copious amounts of text clicking. Despite this, the game is true to the characters' personalities and history, showcasing SEGA's expertise with the Sonic universe. The music is even notable among Sonic's greatest hits, as I often found myself taking pauses to jam out to the OST.

If you are a true Sonic fan, you won't want to miss out on this delightful evening entertainment. If you're a fan of Danganronpa, you'll find familiar elements in this creatively written dinner party made for Amy. You absolutely won't regret spending a couple of hours with this game.

I don't have a lot to say about Tetris Effect: Connected. It's essentially a re-release of the original Tetris Effect with some bonus modes added and new platform availability. If you haven't experienced either versions of this game, it's worth giving it a shot for the first level alone, which will either hook you, or turn you off immediately. The OST is breathtaking and perfectly compliments the unbelievable amount of particle details flowing around on the screen. Tetris Effect was my introduction to the ever-evolving genre of Tetris games, and I don't regret any second I spent in this game. It's a captivating experience when you find the right mood and time of the day to sink into it, as it's definitely a dopamine supplier.

Trails in the Sky is an underrated JRPG that needs to be hailed and recognized for its outstanding story and compelling characters. One of the game's strongest substances is the relationship between Estelle and Joshua. It's uncommon to witness such strong rapport between two mostly alone characters in a genre that favors ensemble casts with several characters. Their interactions are authentic and realistic, allowing you to feel their affection grow deeper as the game continues. The writers behind this game clearly put a lot of work into crafting the detailed dialogue and it shows.

In a genre dominated by male heroes, Estelle is a breath of fresh air. She embarks on her journey as an impressionable young woman with little life experience, but as she crosses the nation and interacts with new people, she learns priceless lessons about accountability, selflessness, and the value of family. She doesn't hesitate to face challenging circumstances, and many around her are motivated by her bravery. Her bond with Joshua is undoubtedly at the heart of the plot, and it's a joy to watch them interact with each other. Her progress and evolution throughout the game make her adventure all the more enjoyable, and she's certainly become my new favorite protagonist in a videogame.

The music score is also worth addressing in greater detail. The OST was composed by Falcom Sound Team jdk and is a testament to their widely praised brilliance. The music is eclectic and covers a wide range of tones and themes, from energetic fight tracks to somber piano compositions. Each track fits wonderfully in its own scene, and they're all memorable in their own way. The game's opening theme, "Sora no Kiseki," is very catchy and sets the tone for the game, and Factory City Zeiss is one of the most vibe-filled bops I've heard in a JRPG.

The combat system in the game is turn-based, similar to that of most classic JRPGs. While it isn't extremely unique it is serviceable and takes some strategic thought. You can customize your party members' abilities and equipment, and there are a range of foes with varying strengths and weaknesses. However, it can feel repetitive at times, especially since most battles boil down to using the same tactics over and over again.

While the graphics may not be up to modern standards, it's crucial to remember that this is a 2004 game. So, while it is a flaw, it is not surprising, and the game's aesthetic more than compensates. It's also worth noting that, despite the presentation being filled with chibi models, the actual dialogue box artwork for each character is so visually appealing that it's heartbreaking to see the Evolution version of the game replace these images. They have an incredible appeal that should have been preserved.

Despite the previous points, the most significant flaw is the story's unbelievably sluggish pacing. And this is not stated lightly. Over half of the game is mainly focused on introducing the world and its characters, and it honestly can feel like nothing is really happening. I found myself often asking "Where's the plot?" several times, or "when does it get juicy" all the way to the end of Chapter 2. Despite these criticisms, the pacing is justifiable, as the immersion in this game's world and its characters is essential for later context near the end of the game's story. The narrative is captivating and dramatic once it gets to the point and it does not slow down at all. The story addresses challenging topics like political corruption and familial ties, and it tackles these topics with maturity and complexity. The finale is satisfying and enthralling, and allows the perfect amount of room for the second chapter to follow. If you stay around for the entire journey, which I almost didn't, it's a good payoff.

Trails in the Sky is an absolute must-play for JRPG enthusiasts. Its strong characters, outstanding musical score, and incredibly relevant themes more than compensate for its weaknesses such as the rough pacing and hardly serviceable combat. It's an excellent introduction to the Trails series. Just tackle the slow start with patience and you'll be rewarded with a fascinating trip filled with some of the most diverse and colorful characters and world-building you'll ever see.

A fascinating interdimensional journey, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart offers players a superb gaming experience with engaging action, lovable characters, and top-notch humorous writing. I had only played A Crack in Time before to this, so I am now excited to play more of the series after finishing it.

Rift Apart's extensive arsenal of weaponry is one of the game's most notable qualities. The sheer range and creativity of the weaponry at my disposal attracted me as soon as I began my adventure. I found myself using every weapon in my armory since each one seemed distinct and had a distinct function. The Lightning Rod stood out as my particular favorite among all. It was easy to make foes and bosses submit to my will due to to its powerful rate of fire and ability to obstruct enemy movements.

Speaking of combat, Rift Apart has excellent level design. The game successfully balances difficult confrontations with expertly designed locations. Combat is given an additional degree of strategy by the placement of objects like the red boxes that explode, keeping confrontations from getting simple and dull. Since it enables players to approach each encounter in their own special way, the game is kept engaging and fresh throughout.

One of the game's biggest highlights is the introduction of Rivet, a fascinating and lovable character who serves as a parallel version of Ratchet. It was a lot of fun exploring her character. A unique dynamic between the two playable characters was formed and gave the story more depth by allowing viewers to see this other version of Ratchet with plenty of screentime together. Kit's presence as Clank's counterpart also enhanced the added depth and comedy, all in all making for an excellent cast of characters that kept me interested in their journey.

Rift Apart's narrative may not be ground-breaking, but it still succeeds in engrossing players in an exciting multiverse adventure. The game tackles the idea of numerous realities effectively and weaves it into an exciting narrative. It provides a far more enjoyable and interesting experience than most multiverse stories in media, more specifically with MCU movies. The ideal duration of the narrative ensures that it doesn't drag on unnecessarily while yet providing a rewarding and pleasant experience.

Ratchet and Clank Rift Apart is a game that shines in its focus on detail and capacity to build an engrossing universe. An excellent gameplay experience is provided by its enormous selection of weaponry, memorable characters like Rivet and Kit, and skillfully designed level layout. The graphics are also absolutely riveting. It definitely takes advantage of PS5 hardware, and it makes me happy that Insomniac didn't settle for a cross-gen game. It is also worth praising how this game is understandable to newcomers like me, as I wasn't confused about anything happening. Rift Apart is a must-play that will leave you itching for more adventures in the Ratchet & Clank universe, whether you've been a longtime fan of the series or a beginner like myself.

I've always felt rather intimidated by Dark Souls. I was nervous about my abilities as an unfamiliar player due to the game's difficulty reputation. My time playing, however, turned out to be an engrossing adventure that disproved my assumptions.

The extensive mythology concealed within Dark Souls' expansive realm is one of games most interesting features. I discovered tidbits of an engrossing story as I immersed myself further into the game, navigating its complex locations, and conversing with enigmatic NPCs. Throughout the globe, the game deftly scatters tidbits of mythology, luring players to piece everything together to understand the world's origins and past. The already intense gameplay experience is enhanced by this subtle storytelling technique by adding a new level of curiosity.

In terms of gaming locales, Anor Londo is a genuine gem. An unparalleled immersive experience is produced by its breathtaking architecture and ethereal atmosphere. The city's plethora of (mostly) 1v1 battling possibilities with adversaries intensifies the sense of challenge and fulfillment. This area is a true test of skills learned throughout the first half of the game, and it forced me to ensure I knew how to parry and dodge like an expert. Anor Londo's precisely planned layout encourages exploration and provides stunning panoramas that make an impact.

Among the countless intense battles, the one that stood out the most (obviously) was Gwyn, the final boss. The boss theme that accompanied it turned out to be a stunning orchestral composition that both brought the fight's intensity to a new level and gave me a sense of serenity after my adventure with moving piano notes. I was astounded by the game's attention to detail and the positive effects it had on my experience as the evocative composition complemented the pivotal fight flawlessly.

Without a doubt, Dark Souls cements its place as one of the most important turning points in gaming history. It raises the bar for immersive gaming experiences with its significant influence on worldbuilding and environmental narrative. Additionally, the game is raised to the status of a real masterpiece by the mesmerizing musical soundtrack, which was painstakingly created with amazing attention to detail. This score deepens the emotional impact and ambiance of each scene. I'm glad I finally put aside my fears and gave this game a fair shot, as should any gamer. Don't let this one scare you away!

A Space for the Unbound is an incredible blend of Omori and Inception that creates a deep and thought-provoking experience. The game goes deeply into how loss, grief, despair, and self-acceptance affect people, and explores these issues in fascinating and varied ways. I was initially intrigued by the trailers and the idea of a love story entwined with an imminent apocalypse, but I wasn't expecting the complexity and shocks that would be waiting.

I won't go into detail because doing so would ruin the amazing conclusion. Suffice it to say, the culmination of the narrative hits the player with an emotional force like a train. By the end of the story, I found myself wholeheartedly invested in the journey of Atma and Raya, their struggles resonating deeply within me and ultimately leading to genuine tears and unabated sobbing.

Few games have been able to stir up such strong feelings in me. In reality, I can name only a few of works that have had such a big impact on me. A Space for the Unbound expertly combines ambient elements and narrative expertise, a combination that is evocative of games like Omori. Similar to Omori, this game masterfully creates an atmosphere throughout each of its dynamic environments, leaving a lasting impression on the player's mind. The background music readily infiltrates your mind; its melodies turn into earworms that won't go away.

ASFTU's production quality and length for its $20 price point also surprised me. This game radiates an artistic quality that goes beyond the bounds of simple enjoyment and manifests as a genuine work of art. The painstakingly created pixel art displays astounding detail, outstripping the graphic prowess of other pixel art games.

When you take into account that the development team only consisted of 12–14 people, it is even more incredible. The game's creative and committed creators deserve high appreciation for their incredible effort, which manifested a world of complex beauty and maintained consistently excellent writing throughout. The soundtrack is an additional noteworthy portion of the game that also bears some similarities to Omori. It's a cute, deep, and emotional soundtrack that compliments every scene it's apart of. There are even times in the game where completely vocalized songs embellish the experience, providing an auditory treat best appreciated with headphones. 

ASFTU is infused with heart, soul, and a profound connection to human emotions. It should be warned that there are traumatic moments to be experienced, making it inappropriate for individuals who are easily upset. The voyage through these experiences is rewarded, though, with an extraordinarily wonderful conclusion that will live on in my memory forever. ASFTU is a unique find that is overlooked and merits more exposure. I strongly beg anyone reading this review to play the game because it is one of the most moving stories I have ever read in a game.