When BOTW released and I got my switch for the release of that game, the hype was real. And I loved playing the game, even though I took breaks here and there and it took me a while to fully complete it. I loved playing the game a lot, but it didn't feel like the best game i've ever played. I saw all of it's strengths and it felt revolutionary in many ways, not because it invented many new things, but because it stripped the game of things that I expected in an open world game and it because it stitched aspects together so well, that made other similar games enjoyable.
The moment I started really diving into TOTK however, there was only one question popping up in my head over and over again: Is this the best game ever made?
After spending so many hours almost entirely completing all the game had to offer and almost the same amount of time spent in BOTW, I can say that I never felt as close to being sure I know the answer to that question.
I feel like i don't need to really say a lot more about the game. The Switch Zelda Games are a phenomenon talked about at length everywhere and unless you lived under a rock the last couple of years, you probably know all you need to know about the games. Instead, I rummaged through my notes and want to just leave a couple of bullet points here, that describe points in the game that pushed me more and more towards knowing the answer to the question, whether this is the best game ever made or not.

- That moment when you climb up to one of the highest points in the game and watch the sunset. The minimalist soundtrack and visuals are absolutely singular and the sense of freedom I felt right at that moment, is something i barely ever felt in a game.
- From a technical standpoint it's still unbelievable the game runs on the switch hardware. Somtetimes I wondered what the devs would be able to achieve with a much more capable machine, but I think the result would be something entirely different. I think the limitations actually led to the beauty of this game. it's timeless and unique and i'm sure it will feel the same way in 20 years.
- It's a game that makes you feel smart and gives you all the power you crave as a protagonist in an open world
- TOTK is testament to the devs understanding what the community loved about BOTW and why they kept on playing. The way they doubled down on the sandbox freedom and the glitch-culture by implementing that into the gameplay loop, is one of the best iterations on a videogame formula i've seen, period.

I mean, there is no novelty in the gameplay anymore and I think it worked better with catching Pokemon in general. Even though the fighting here is good enough, it pretty much feels barebones, there is rarely any monster variety (at least until the point where I'm at currently) and it's so insultingly grindy, that you're doing pretty much the same over and over again after an hour or so. I guess the game has potential, but for now I'll retire it because I realized how mindlessly I was opening it to do some idle shit and I don't wanna do this anymore :D

As someone who has never set foot in the bustling streets of New York City, it might seem strange to express a desire to visit after immersing myself in the vibrant, fictionalized version of the city that Spider-Man 2 offers. Yet, it's a testament to the game's ability to capture the essence of NYC's progressive and diverse culture. Beyond the fast-paced action of a triple-A superhero title, Spider-Man 2 encapsulates the rich history and cultural tapestry of NYC. It's also the only game of this magnitude I remember, that gives characters with disabilities a meaningful place within it's story.

Spider-Man 2 isn't just another sequel; it's a remarkable evolution of the series. It stands as a culmination of the fantastic ideas and characters laid out in its predecessors, and it's the epitome of what Sony's first-party exclusives represent – a flawless blend of smooth gameplay and polish. While the core gameplay remains consistent, it's the ingenious additions that truly shine.
The introduction of web wings in Spider-Man 2 transforms traversal into an exhilarating experience. These wings allow you to glide through the city's urban canyons effortlessly, adding an incredible sense of speed and grace to your web-slinging adventures. The traversal feels so satisfying that it makes the technical marvel of fast travel feel almost unnecessary.

The combat in Spider-Man 2 maintains the high standard set by its predecessors. It's as thrilling and dynamic as ever, but after experiencing it across three entries in the series, it can start to feel somewhat repetitive. This begs the question of whether future installments can continue down this path without feeling like they've overstayed their welcome. Insomniac Games faces the challenge of keeping the franchise fresh while preserving what makes it great.

Spider-Man 2's narrative isn't just about heroic exploits; it's about the intricate relationships that define Peter and Miles lives. Amidst the breathtaking action sequences, there's a wealth of cinematic storytelling that draws players closer to its well-crafted characters. This depth allows you to connect with the game on a personal level, making it more than just a superhero romp.

While I remain a big fan of Sony's first party studio games, I think it's about time they changed things up a bit more bravely. I'm very curious where insomniac will go from here.

Inside is one of my favorite games of all time, because of how intense its atmosphere is and how well it conveys feelings without a single word uttered throughout its playtime. Of course I was expecting Cocoon to be a good game and it surely was. It's probably one of the most intricately and beautifully designed puzzle games of recent years and I really love how it made me feel smart, instead of feeling stupid, like so many other puzzle games usually make me feel. What I really missed here is a similar dark and gritty atmosphere and the art style, while of course being presented in great fashion, wasn't really my jam. Big recommendation still.

Starfield is easily the most disappointing release of 2023 and while I was already skeptical because of the at best mediocre Fallout 4, it is hard to believe how they could release a game in this state and which feels so unfathomably dated, but I just should have known better. Skyrim felt dated when it was released, even though it was a very good game. Fallout 4 also felt dated and it was hard to overlook how it compared to contemporary games. Fallout 76 I guess I don't really need to mention and with Starfield I expected them to do right by us, to finally make a game that feels fresh and new and as awe -inspiring as their earlier games. But none of that happened. I will give this game a second chance, when modders hopefully did their thing and bethesda itself did some fixing. But with all these releases left and right showing the current state of videogames to be nothing short of spectacular, it's not a good look for a studio that was once up there. I guess the game award nominations this year speak loud and clear. Bethesda, just as Blizzard, won't create any hype for me personally anymore.