Needed to turn 40 to finish this classic during the holidays.

Incredibly entertaining, endless secrets and ways to play it. The vast exploration possibilities are stunning. No wonder that this game became a legend in a time before everyone had internet. Instead of the schoolyard I had Reddit threads and a friend, who could be on Retronauts, to ask questions ("what is up with this clock room?", "where is the Arcana Ring", "why's Richter so hard??" etc) to point me in right directions now and then. That pal also told me about Crissaegrim and such.

So I finished on 194 % the first time and immediately was told about the "best" ending, you need to have over 196 % for. And so I went back and uncovered some secret rooms, some skills I didn't know I had until then, just to finally finish it the third time that same day in order to see that ending. And yes it is the greatest, I got a bit emotional even. Oh Maria.

Even after my Hollow Knight playthrough, countless Dead Cells sessions I was able to fall deeply in love with this superb game, wonderfully drowned in its pixel blood and items galore.
Best over-the-top enemies and exciting genre defining gameplay. The background lore and save-point hopping felt a bit like a soulslike even. Played it on Vita. Sublime.

And guess what biggie's up next! FFVII mfs!!!!!