After my recent 2018 replay, it was guaranteed I was going to touch upon Miles Morales again. With a fresh perspective and a hungry eye for detail, I found myself pleasantly surprised by this game on revisit and had arguably even more fun than the first time I played. Although the game's story stumbles in early pacing and borrows familiar elements, Miles Morales ultimately triumphs with its addictive combat mechanics and a tantalizing glimpse of what's to come in Marvel's Spider-Man 2.

Upon revisiting Miles Morales, I quickly realized that my initial impressions didn't do justice to the game's true potential. While the first couple of hours might feel a bit rough, the story gradually finds its footing, unraveling a narrative that, contrary to popular opinion, deserves recognition. Yes, some elements may seem borrowed from the first game, but they are utilized in a way that enriches Miles Morales' personal journey, giving it a sense of continuity and growth. It's also a type of narrative that fits perfectly in a coming-of-age startup story for a superhero, especially when you consider this is probably written with a smaller team while the bigger ones work on Spider-Man 2.

One of the standout aspects of Miles Morales lies in the exhilarating combat mechanics. The introduction of Venom powers adds a whole new dimension to the web-slinging superhero's abilities. The seamless integration of these powers makes combat addictive and electrifying, as players unleash devastating attacks that showcase Miles' unique skill set. The fluidity and sheer satisfaction of chaining together electrifying combos make every encounter a joy to experience. I couldn't quite get over the particle effects from each Venom punch and tackle, especially on my QLED TV where colors are brought to life. This game was a treat for the eyes.

While Miles Morales' combat is undeniably thrilling, it doesn't render the combat of the 2018 Spider-Man game completely inferior. Rather, it complements it. The arsenal of gadgets in the first game remains an essential component, offering a different tactical approach to combat situations. Although there is a very small scale approach to the gadget arsenal in this game, I think once Spider-Man 2 comes around, it's going to be expanded upon in detail, and the difference between Miles and Peter playstyles will be full of depth and variety.

My replay of Spider-Man Miles Morales provided me with a renewed appreciation for the game's improvements and its often-underestimated storytelling prowess. While it stumbles in its initial hours and occasionally borrows elements from its predecessor, the addictive combat fueled by Venom powers and the seamless integration with 2018's gameplay make it a captivating experience. Even though 2018 is much better in most departments, I have to give props for Miles Morales giving the character a great condensed adventure on the big screen. It is undeniable there was some inspiration from Into The Spider-Verse in many ways, and I'm glad it was done this way. With the imminent release of Marvel's Spider-Man 2, the future looks incredibly bright for the franchise, leaving me absolutely buzzing with anticipation.

NEEDY STREAMER OVERLOAD is a dark and disturbing visual novel that delves deep into the complexities of mental illness, addiction, and the pursuit of social media fame. The game follows Ame, an aspiring streamer known as Kangel, who grapples with a range of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and Borderline Personality Disorder. As Kangel's popularity soars, Ame's mental well-being deteriorates, leading her down a path of erratic and self-destructive behavior.

Playing as P-chan, Ame's boyfriend, you take on the responsibility of navigating her journey. The choices you make directly impact Ame's mental state and determine the game's outcome, with a staggering total of 25 different endings. Each ending offers a unique glimpse into Ame's psyche, some tinged with dark humor while others leave a deeply unsettling impression. As P-chan, you witness Ame's duality from the cheerful and energetic Kangel persona to the vulnerable and tormented girl behind the webcam.

NEEDY STREAMER OVERLOAD presents a nonlinear narrative with multiple endings that are completely up to your decisions, including two arguably definitive endings. Ame's journey as she climbs the ranks of streaming while grappling with her mental health issues is a riveting and intense experience.

The game's art style is simple yet effective, featuring expressive character sprites and detailed, colorful backgrounds. Complementing the visuals, the game's soundtrack is exceptional, blending upbeat electronic music with haunting ambient tracks. It even incorporates microgenres like Breakcore and heavy DnB, which add a distinct flavor to the experience.

NEEDY STREAMER OVERLOAD is an emotionally taxing game that tackles heavy themes head-on. It is not for the faint of heart, but its impeccable craftsmanship, compelling story, and memorable characters make it a highly recommended experience. Whether you seek a thought-provoking and challenging game or one that forces you to question your own assumptions, NEEDY STREAMER OVERLOAD is an indie gem that demands attention.

Exploring the game's various endings is a deeply personal and dynamic experience, contingent upon managing Ame's Stress, Affection, and Mental Darkness levels. While there are some lighthearted joke endings, such as Ame becoming a nymphomaniac or leaving you forever if you neglect her messages, it is the unsettling and horrifying conclusions that truly leave an impact. One ending in particular, INTERNET OVERDOSE, shook me to the core and left me feeling profoundly uncomfortable. While some other endings left a negative taste, they further reinforced the game's exploration of mental illness themes.

NEEDY STREAMER OVERLOAD is a game that is best experienced without prior knowledge. This game is an indie gem that captivates players with its unique narrative, which has been proven with its recent 1,000,000 units in sales after a year of release. If you get it on sale for the $7.99 that I paid for it, there will be several hours of enjoyment for the bucks. Completing a standard ending typically takes 2-4 hours on the initial run, but to fully explore everything the game has to offer, it took me a breezy 11.5 hours. Ame and Kangel's captivating characters ensure the game never feels dragged out or wasteful of your time. Witnessing Ame's mind deteriorate into despair and darkness is a profoundly unprecedented experience, making NEEDY STREAMER OVERLOAD a must-play for those able to handle its exploration of mental illness themes.

One of the worst "sequels" ever made. I hate this game with most of my being. Every match I play further strips me of any joy I can have with this game, even if I take breaks for days or weeks on end. I only play it because it's one of the few multiplayer games some of my friends play. Every day I try to steer them elsewhere. Maybe some day I can ditch this dumpster fire! Also imagine making this game for PvE and then cancelling that feature. Why does exist then? Slightly better lighting and a bigger filesize?

Marvel's Spider-Man stands as a remarkable achievement even five years after its release, capturing the essence of Spider-Man as a character and delivering a compelling narrative centered around the destructive nature of revenge. With its exhilarating and powerful web-slinging mechanics, captivating narrative, and top-tier action combat, this exceptional and immersive superhero game surpasses expectations, and stands firm in being the standard for the superhero genre.

Firstly I need to talk about arguably the most important aspect that continues to impress today: the web swinging. Despite the passage of time, the thrill of swinging through the city never wanes. I found myself continuously pushing the boundaries of my web-slinging abilities, executing daring dives from towering buildings and seamlessly transitioning between parkour-like wall runs and swift web maneuvers. The numerous outposts scattered throughout New York, where I was able to engage in intense combat against hordes of enemies, also remains as satisfying as ever. Additionally, the inclusion of activities like collecting backpacks and capturing snapshots of landmarks during swinging sessions adds enjoyable pit stops along the way. Even the spontaneous crimes that arise, allowing me to swiftly intervene and then move on, reinforce the feeling of being the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. The game's focus on being a local hero, protecting one's own city, rather than jetting off to far-flung locations for various missions, further solidifies this sense of grounded heroism. In this regard, it evokes a similar feeling to that of Arkham Knight, where the game centers around defending the streets of Gotham City.

It also goes without saying that Marvel's Spider-Man is a visual and auditory delight all these years later. The attention to detail in the character models, animations, and environmental design is remarkable. The city of New York is a vibrant and living backdrop, complemented by stunning lighting and weather effects that further enhance the immersion. The musical score, composed by the talented John Paesano, perfectly captures the essence of Spider-Man, evoking a sense of adventure, heroism, and emotional resonance, especially when it comes to the main theme.

Another standout feature of Marvel's Spider-Man, however, lies in its captivating storytelling. I believe it surpasses most of the movies in terms of crafting an engaging narrative that feels fresh and innovative. Witnessing the transformation of Otto Octavius into the legendary Doc Ock throughout the course of the game is heartbreaking and deep. Uncovering the tragic backstory of Martin Li intertwining with his alter ego, Mr. Negative, is just something you can't help but feel empathy towards. These two characters showcase the complex nature and destructive power of their revenge-driven motivation.

Another shoutout goes to the game's exceptional portrayal of beloved characters like Peter Parker, MJ, and Miles Morales. The writing and voice acting bring these characters to life, showcasing their distinct personalities, strengths, and vulnerabilities. The relationships between the characters are explored with care and nuance, adding emotional depth to the narrative. The inclusion of Miles Morales as a central figure is a welcome addition, as his unique abilities and perspective provide a fresh dynamic to the gameplay and story. Despite some minor shortcomings in the missions involving MJ and Miles, they do not detract significantly from the overall experience, and I found myself fully invested in the journey and development of these iconic characters.

When it comes to the actual combat, I couldn't get enough of the satisfying combos. It is absolutely peak action. The fluidity and responsiveness of the controls make it a joy to execute sequences like a devastating punch followed by a graceful dodge, an uppercut from behind, a quick two-hit combo, a swing kick, and finally, a web toss to dispatch another enemy. This level of versatility in Spider-Man's attacks and gadgets truly rivals the combat mechanics of the Arkhamverse, which undoubtedly served as a significant inspiration for this creative decision. In fact, I found myself enjoying the combat in this game even more than in Miles Morales' standalone title, especially once the upgrades for Spider-Man's gadgets are unlocked, resulting in truly exhilarating battles. Another thing to give props to is the stealth. Despite my general disinterest in stealth mechanics in games, this title manages to infuse enjoyable elements of stealth, allowing me to creatively incapacitate enemies with webbing or perform powerful kicks to the head for swift takedowns. Experimenting with gadgets like impact webs and trip mines adds another layer of strategy, and it allowed me to maintain distance while having fun effectively neutralizing adversaries.

Marvel's Spider-Man represents the quintessential superhero game, a remarkable and effective ending of the hit-or-miss Spider-Man titles of the past that were often tied to movie releases. Yuri Lowenthal's portrayal of Spider-Man is, in my opinion, the definitive interpretation of the character to date, imbuing him with both terrifying strength and combat reflexes that rival those of Batman in the Arkhamverse. I even find myself reading the actual comics with his voice in my mind, because it's just so perfectly fitting. The exceptional musical score, top-tier voice acting, and seamless controls further enhance the overall experience. Without a doubt, this game has secured its position as my favorite superhero title and one of my all-time favorite games, leaving me eagerly anticipating the release of its sequel.

Ristar is a delightful game that took me on a 2.5 hour journey filled with vibrant vibes and captivating gameplay. The outstanding soundtrack was one feature that really stuck out to me. Tomoko Sasaki killed it with her musical style and it felt like a type of music I had never heard before. The music suited the gameplay beautifully and had me bopping. Ristar's artstyle has aged like fine wine, just like other games developed by the Sonic Team. The visuals were really charming and visually appealing to me and I vibed with the colorful environments and character designs. Gameplay is solid and holds up decently for a 1995 title, and for my first non-Sonic game by the Team, it was a nice change of pace for sure. This is definitely an underrated gem and needs more attention. Don't have too much more to say about this one but it was certainly worth my time!

It's difficult to review Tears of the Kingdom without acknowledging my bias. After playing Breath of the Wild for several years and completing multiple playthroughs, I started feeling a sense of exhaustion with the game. Having explored everything and completed all the shrines, the magic of Breath of the Wild had faded. Sadly, I experienced a similar feeling around the 93-hour mark in Tears of the Kingdom, which left me somewhat disheartened.

Tears of the Kingdom offers an abundance of content, but this is where the game falls short for me. While the sandbox mechanics allow for inventive and absurd creations, they are not enough to carry the overall gameplay. Unlike many others on Twitter, I didn't find myself engrossed in making outlandish inventions to bother Koroks or obliterate enemy civilizations. Instead, I spent most of my time re-exploring a map that felt around 80% the same, excluding the Depths. The exploration in Tears of the Kingdom lacked the magical feeling of discovery I had cherished in Breath of the Wild. Very few locations brought about that exhilarating moment of stumbling upon something extraordinary. Hateno Village was overrun with mushrooms, Kakariko Village had ring ruins, and Hyrule Castle was elevated. Most locations remained largely unchanged, leading to accusations of the game being a DLC asset flip, and unfortunately, it did little to refute those claims.

Additionally, I found the Depths to be quite underwhelming. Initially, the concept of a creepy, pitch-dark world that was mostly optional and provided rewards seemed intriguing. However, the layout quickly became frustrating. Even with the aid of Brightbloom Seeds, I frequently encountered massive walls and blockages that appeared impassable unless I took a detour through a completely different chasm. I recall a specific scenario recently where I was attempting to head west from a northern lightroot I activated, only to be confronted by the seemingly endless expanse of the Forest Coliseum. It felt like a dead end, so I gave up and redirected my path to a lightroot south of my intended destination. While the Depths had an impressive aesthetic, exploring them often felt like a chore.

It's important to note that these criticisms might stem from my recent fatigue with Breath of the Wild. I should have anticipated that this game might not resonate as strongly with me. Nevertheless, there were positive aspects worth acknowledging. The soundtrack in Tears of the Kingdom, already a strong suit in Breath of the Wild, is phenomenal. It significantly enhanced the otherwise dull moments of the game. The finale boasts some of the best music I've heard in 2023 thus far. I particularly enjoyed the tracks featuring reversed vocals, which were not only eerie but also progressively intensified. Furthermore, considering that this game runs on a Nintendo Switch, with areas like the Depths essentially constituting two maps, it pushes the console's limits. It leaves me wondering how it would perform on a more powerful system.

Despite the lackluster exploration, I appreciated some aspects even by the end of the game. This included the memories found in the Tears, as well as the new abilities that replaced those in Breath of the Wild, especially the weapon fusing mechanic. This fuse feature genuinely astonished me, such as the ability to turn any weapon into a makeshift katana using Lizalfo horns or transform a weapon into a fire-blade with a fire horn. It significantly alleviated the tedium of combat compared to Breath of the Wild.

The game's writing initially showed promise. However, after completing the first main objective of resolving the phenomena, the writing lost its potential and became overly simplistic, similar to Breath of the Wild. The cutscenes when encountering new sages were redundant, with each one repeating the same information. By the time I reached the third and fourth sages, I found myself rolling my eyes. These cutscenes explaining the Demon King's story felt superfluous if one had already watched all the Tears cutscenes. This sense of pointlessness permeated various aspects of the game. While the dungeons did show improvement, they were not exceptional, except for the Wind Temple. The Spirit Temple, in particular, proved tedious and unengaging, making me contemplate abandoning the game. Fortunately, the game concluded shortly after. The final boss fight was captivating, particularly during the dragon encounter, but the battle against Ganondorf beforehand was frustrating and tedious due to the agonizing flurry rush face off.

It saddens me that Tears of the Kingdom initially felt like a masterpiece during the first half of my 93-hour playthrough, only to lose its charm around the 50-60 hour mark. Everything seemed to overstay its welcome, and even the side quests failed to maintain the game's magic. Despite completing around 30 side quests, none of them left a significant impact as I pushed through the main story. However, the ending was undeniably incredible, with the final cutscenes evoking intense emotions and leaving a lasting impression. While I ultimately consider this game to be decent, it falls short of being a masterpiece and is plagued by issues inherited from Breath of the Wild, which are even more apparent in this 70-hour experience. I sincerely hope the next Zelda game deviates from this formula and remains a duology, as I can't envision myself purchasing a third game built upon Breath of the Wild's foundation. With that said, I acknowledge that many people will view this game as perfect, but for me, it stands as one of the biggest letdowns in recent years.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

"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.

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.

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.