Ever since the release of “The Last of Us” in 2013, there have been new benchmarks in storytelling blockbusters. In 2016, it was “Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End,” and in 2018, it was “Red Dead Redemption 2.” Now, “God of War: Ragnarök” has set a new benchmark in not only having a fantastic story but being very entertaining to play.
It’s a marvel how far video game technology has advanced over the years. “God of War: Ragnarök” may not have won my game of the year vote, but it won my vote as a new benchmark in entertainment and as a storytelling blockbuster.

Full review:
https://usishield.com/38413/features/god-of-war-ragnarok-is-the-next-big-step-for-video-game-blockbusters/

A game that defined 2022 and re-sparked my love of video games. Elden Ring reminded me why I fell in love with video games and presented me with a fun, challenging experience while allowing me to experiment with different ideas until something worked. Endgame areas are tuned a bit weird, but it is still and excellent experience.

Full review:

https://usishield.com/37789/features/elden-ring-rekindled-my-faith-in-the-video-game-industry/

I wrote a longer review, but here is my general thoughts:

“Dead Space” (2023) may not be high art, but is the perfected version of a horror classic that has stood the test of time and held up against its competition. This is one of the best remakes I’ve experienced as it keeps the soul of the original game but improves it so much that it stands apart from its predecessor. The graphics updates are nice and substantial, but pales in comparison to the gameplay, story and setting updates that really push this remake above others.

https://usishield.com/38829/features/dead-space-2023-modernizes-a-survival-horror-classic/

I wrote a longer review, but here is my main point:

Any fun or enjoyment that I got out of “Forspoken” was immediately swatted away due to outdated game design choices, poor PC optimization, and a main character that is annoying and unlikable.

https://usishield.com/38495/showcase/forspokens-fun-is-ruined-by-technical-issues-frustrating-game-design-character-writing/

I wrote a longer review, but here are my general thoughts:

The legacy of “Dark Souls” gets muddled as the years go on. Everyone knows about the game’s difficulty, but that’s it. Even though the game is difficult, the amount of depth and creativity in the world and level designs as well as the satisfaction of overcoming incredible challenges is the true legacy of “Dark Souls.”

https://usishield.com/39106/showcase/the-complex-legacy-of-dark-souls/

I wrote a longer review of this game, but here is the main point of it:

The boundary-pushing legacy of “The Last of Us” is its dedication to characters over the plot. This approach has influenced other fantastic games released in the past decade, such as “God of War (2018),” “Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End” and “Red Dead Redemption 2.” This new age of gaming that mixes story and gameplay is a form of art that can only be experienced by playing video games, and it wouldn’t be this way without “The Last of Us.”

https://usishield.com/38302/showcase/celebrating-the-last-of-us-10-years-later/

I wrote a longer review, but here is the main idea of it:

“Bloodborne” proved to me that FromSoftware’s games aren’t popular because of their difficulty. It is because the developers truly realize and commit to their artistic vision with each game they make, with this game being their crown jewel.

https://usishield.com/39208/features/bloodborne-is-a-masterpiece-in-gameplay-worldbuilding-and-horror/