I knew I was going to love this, but it surpassed my incredibly high expectations and had worked its way up to my #2 spot of all time. The story here is rich, well thought out with a few of the best arcs I've ever seen in all of gaming, among other mediums for one in particular. The gameplay is snappy, you have to find a rhythm, it is what I taught myself with the 2018 predecessor. This one adds even more to the flow. I was astonished throughout at the techniques I applied to battle. As a game about a war general this is essential. The bosses blew me away, the level structure was such a treat and the more open world sections had this linear feel because of the attention to detail and the additions across every corner. The side missions were great, with its relevance to the story enhancing the whole thing. Sindri's character was among my favourites but I can't say there was anyone I rolled my eyes at when I saw them, they all served their purposes. The villains too; had so much depth, there was one that was so unbelievably hatable and man oh man did they nail the writing even on that one. It's story made me tear up several times and the score kicked ass throughout but that last song, the very last one, the one they hinted toward throughout. That one gives me more than goosebumps, it gives me hoppy blood. The third act was the greatest treat, but the game never went for more than fifteen minutes without giving me something to drop my jaw in awe at. I love love loved it and can't wait to see what the team comes up with next.