Grand Theft Auto V is not only important in my life, but it has also had a huge impact on the world of gaming. Everything changed after the release of this game. I still remember my younger self playing it on the PS3 back in 2013, and I was absolutely blown away! It was my first experience with an actual next-gen game, and I fell in love with it. Unfortunately, I lost my PS3 before completing the game, but now, 10 years later, I finally decided to play it properly and beat it.

To be honest, I was afraid that revisiting this game would diminish the nostalgia I had for it, but thank goodness, this game is still a masterpiece to this day. The gameplay is excellent and does an amazing job of keeping you engaged. Most missions are incredibly fun, and even the classic shooting sessions have a fun twist. The storytelling in this game is also top-notch. The characters are incredible, and I found myself laughing a lot at their dialogue. Not to mention the extensive customization options, the perfect map the game takes place and the fact that there's a fucking online mode that is completely free since the release date. It was a different time, man. While I love GTA San Andreas, I can confidently say that GTA V is the best one yet. By the way, if you're wondering what i picked at the end. My bad, Homie. I picked "C", ain't that a Bitch?

I can't recommend this game enough. Honestly, I can't even imagine how Rockstar will surpass this with GTA VI. But, not expecting what they will do it's part of the fun.

The best game no one can play.

Jet Set Radio Future improves on the original in every single way imaginable. For all the iconic traits of the first game, this game has an even more unforgettable art style, a godlike soundtrack that'll stick to you for the rest of your life, awesome character designs that at times simply top the previous game's, a super-slick presentation very few games have done good on matching, and an even crazier and more in-your-face version of the first game's story and themes (which of course, who can say no to punching cops's teeth in and destroying big business to save art and music as a concept?)

But as you may notice from my JSR review, those are all things JSR already did pretty well. What about the gameplay and level design? The first game kind of flounders on those things. Fortunately, JSRF defies the original and ascends past it as one of the best platformer / extreme sports games out there.

Movement, while still somewhat clunky in that "I'm skating around on rollerblades" way, is far faster, smoother and easier to maneuver than the original (no more "hold RT forever" shit!). RT has been cleared to make room for tagging, which means LT is free to only center your camera (thank god). Tagging itself has been simplified to not be as involved (maybe a downer to some, it was to me at first), but the way the levels are built around the new system is so much smarter and more fluid in execution. Tricks are easier to do and way faster, with a combo system that while simple to execute has a hidden depth worth exploring and learning how to maximize. You can now do a "boost" which rockets you at max speed and smashes through enemies/obstacles if you have 10 spare spray-cans on you; which lets you choose whether to use a boost to clear jumps / attack cops and risk running out of cans, or have enough cans to tag everywhere but risk your safety in more treacherous areas that could use a boost. It's not absolutely perfect or meeting it's fullest potential, but it's absolutely on it's way, and it intertwines it's gameplay elements very well.

But no, despite my praises, that's not the true spectacle of JSRF that I'm talking about... It's the LEVEL DESIGN.

This game's maps are, unlike the original, all interconnected in a sandbox-esque format, with their own sets of missions in each area. While the original game suggested a full world to explore and navigate just around the corners of the maps they provided, it ultimately had a smaller scale and held back it's players with timers. This game actually delivers on JSR's promises and gives you Tokyo-to straight up in all of it's glory. Rails, pathways, ramps and pipes all interweave up, down, around and through each other, creating labyrinthine courses out of multiple linear tracks that loop back around to centerpoints or open stretches. The streets are filled with crowds of people that duck, weave, and topple over as you blast by them. Cops come rushing in, ushering them out as they pull out their guns and battering rams, and your objective is to ram into them with your new boost and then spray em til there's nothing left. Objectives feel much more like they connect to a story, and DJ Professor K plays a bigger part in helping guide you from area to area with new objectives and funny anecdotes. The world feels alive, free, and insane, filled with shit that's either going to make you laugh out loud from the absurdity or jaw-drop from the sheer spectacle. Every bit of the game design is brilliant, and if it ever comes off frustrating, it's less on the level and more on your lack of experience with it. Once you master each area, the world becomes your playground you can just ride through forever.

It's an absolutely fucking excellent title on all accounts. And because it was on the original Xbox, most of the audience that would've played it didn't. And since the game has tons of music held at gunpoint by certain record labels (coughLatchBrothersCOUGH) you will never see it rereleased. So your best bet is to have a computer good enough to play an OG Xbox emulator, and pop this bad boy in.

You have to play it. At least to know what it's like. Even if the gameplay doesn't click for you like it did for me, you'll get SOMETHING good out of it. Promise.

It is the best Zelda game in my opinion, they made the most of the tight development time they were given (to the point of turning it into the game's main idea) and instead of making just the same thing once again they recontextualized everything in meaningful and clever ways. They just poured their souls into this title and turned it into one of the greatest masterpieces this medium has given us. If that's not enough, Majora's Mask features not only two genius main mechanics and some of the best secondary missions I've ever played, but the best dungeon lineup in the series.

"I was out of the frying pan...and into the fryer"

Final Fantasy X stands as a monumental achievement in the RPG genre, delivering a captivating world, deeply emotional storytelling, and a combat system that strikes a perfect balance between strategy and excitement. As a longtime fan of the series, I can confidently say that this entry has left an indelible mark on my gaming journey.

One of the game's most remarkable strengths lies in its narrative. From the very beginning, Final Fantasy X subverts expectations, immersing players in a world plagued by the enigmatic Sin and a complex, evolving religion. The journey of Tidus and his companions becomes more than just a quest to defeat a powerful adversary; it transforms into an exploration of faith, sacrifice, and existential questions that resonate on a profound level. The plot's intricate layers are masterfully woven, ensuring that players remain invested in every twist and turn.

Voice acting, which was relatively novel at the time of release, brought a new level of immersion to the game. While some may criticize the delivery, I found that the voices added depth and personality to the characters, making them feel more real and relatable. The emotional range conveyed through these performances lent additional weight to the heart-wrenching moments that define the game.

The Sphere Grid, a unique take on character progression, is a brilliant departure from traditional leveling systems. The customization it offers allows players to tailor their characters' growth to their preferred playstyle. While it might seem overwhelming at first, I found the Sphere Grid to be a rewarding and satisfying aspect of the game that encouraged strategic thinking and experimentation.

The world of Spira, with its diverse landscapes and meticulously designed cities, is a visual marvel. From the sun-drenched Besaid Island to the haunting Zanarkand Ruins, each location exudes a sense of wonder and discovery. This world-building adds a layer of realism that enhances the overall immersion and drives players to explore every nook and cranny.

Final Fantasy X's mini-games and side quests offer a delightful diversion from the main story. Whether it's blitzball, chocobo racing, or the lightning-dodging challenge, these activities showcase the game's versatility and depth, providing hours of entertainment beyond the main plot.

Above all, the relationship between Tidus and Yuna is the emotional core of the game. Their love story, while complex and at times tragic, is beautifully portrayed. Witnessing their growth, both individually and together, tugs at the heartstrings and adds a layer of authenticity to the game's themes of love and sacrifice.

In conclusion, Final Fantasy X is a masterwork that captures the essence of storytelling in gaming. Its narrative depth, memorable characters, stunning visuals, and innovative mechanics combine to create an unforgettable experience that has left an indelible mark on the RPG genre. As a fan, I am grateful for the impact this game has had on my gaming journey and its lasting place in the pantheon of gaming classics.