Kraven

This weekend, I find myself diving deeper into Black Myth: Wukong—a game that’s captivated me more than any other title this year, even more than Dragon’s Dogma 2. Even after completing one full playthrough, I’m now embarking on New Game Plus, something I rarely do unless I’m truly hooked.

When I first started playing Black Myth: Wukong, I didn’t expect it to become my Game of the Year (GOTY), but now, I can’t imagine any other title taking the crown. The depth, boss encounters, and the incredible combat system have all made it a standout experience. I’ve already finished one playthrough, where I managed to unlock every secret area and boss fight—including a secret, God of War-style ending—without using a guide. I’m still amazed at how I managed that! Despite this, I’m looking forward to relying on a guide for my NG+ playthrough, as I aim for the coveted platinum trophy.

What sets Black Myth: Wukong apart for me is the sheer immersion. The world feels alive with mysteries waiting to be uncovered, and the combat constantly challenges me in the best way possible. One moment, in particular, that truly blew me away was stumbling upon the optional Yellow Loong boss fight. It was nighttime, and I found myself battling this massive creature on a ragged cliffside under the light of the moon. The way the lightning from Yellow Loong’s attacks lit up the sky created a thrilling, almost cinematic atmosphere. There are countless moments like this scattered throughout the game, especially if you take the time to explore.

At the same time, I’ve been alternating with Ys: Memories of Celceta on my trusty Vita, which has proven to be a delightful surprise. Having already played and platinumed Ys VIII, my first introduction into this storied franchise, I wasn’t expecting to enjoy Memories of Celceta more, but surprisingly, I do—especially in terms of the story and the characters. The game has a light-hearted charm that’s kept me smiling, and on more than one occasion, I’ve found myself laughing out loud at the dialogue and character interactions.

What really makes this game shine is its sense of adventure. The world feels vast, with lush forests, ancient ruins, and a rich, mystical atmosphere that makes exploration rewarding. Sure, there are a few frustrating mechanics like the limited fast travel early on, but by mid-game, this is resolved, and the flow of the game really picks up. I also found the upgrade system to be a bit clunky at times, but these minor issues don’t detract from the overall experience. I’m aiming for the platinum trophy in this one too, hopefully before Ys: Nordics drops next month.

Coming up, I’ll be diving into Space Marine 2, a game that looks absolutely stellar with its intense, action-packed battles in a futuristic setting. I’ve also picked up Astro Bot, which I’m excited to explore with my daughter once I’m done with my current adventures. This has been a sensational year for gaming.

This weekend I’m playing Black Myth: Wukong. Wow. What. A. Game. While it shares some superficial similarities with Soulslike games, I think it’s more accurately described as a modern boss-rush game with a structure akin to God of War. The focus seems to be on tightly designed levels, thrilling boss battles, and an emphasis on exploration and secrets, rather than the punishing difficulty found in FromSoftware titles.

As for difficulty, the game doesn't penalize you harshly for dying, which contrasts sharply with the traditional Soulslike experience. This makes it more accessible and possibly more enjoyable for players who appreciate a challenge but don't want to be frustrated by constant setbacks.

Speaking of accessibility, there is a robust combat system with different stances and upgradable abilities, all of which makes your playthrough unique in how you approach fighting enemies. The ability to defeat mini-bosses and acquire their spirits as abilities adds a strategic layer to combat, making each encounter feel meaningful.

For me, Chapter Two is where the game was elevated from good to great. Despite its linearity, there is a wide mix of side quests, secrets with additional areas to explore, and boss fights. This design from the developers created an engaging experience for me that is very memorable. The game's ability to balance linearity with exploration—offering secret areas and hidden bosses—adds to the sense of discovery. Let’s keep in mind, this is Game Sciences’ first foray into the console gaming space.

This leads me to presentation. When it comes to enemies, there is a large diversity in enemy design, particularly the boss fights like Tiger Vanguard, Whiteclad Noble, Kang-Jin Star, Cyan Loong, and Fuban to name a few, keeps the gameplay fresh and exciting, especially environmentally. In fact, some (optional) boss fights, if given time, can perform moves that will open up new areas to explore. But what I really want to praise is the artistic direction—for its minimalistic yet stylish approach. The stop-motion cutscenes, in particular, are a real highlight that I don’t often see spoken about enough.

There are areas where the game can improve, but it never hindered my experience. There are a lot of invisible walls. While this may be a detriment for some, I think the controlled exploration is a result of budget constraints. The trade off is worth it given the high production value in other facets. The absence of a map is another (mild) complaint. While the game is linear, and the sense of discovery is rewarding, a map would ensure that no hidden item or character is missed.

Ultimately, this game has impressed me significantly, and is this year’s Lies of P. It’s been a phenomenal experience, with rich cultural elements, and varied, vibrant environments. It’s a game that has successfully combined fictional storytelling with modern action-adventure mechanics, and is undoubtedly one of the best games of the year. Sorry, Dragon’s Dogma 2, I have a new GOTY.

I wish there was more footage, but it still looks pretty good. I’ll definitely check it out.

First and foremost, I want to thank all of those last week that sent out their thoughts, prayers, and condolences regarding the passing of my father. I was really moved by the support you guys shown to a complete stranger. His funeral is this afternoon, so I’m sure my feelings will be running rampant.

As for the game I’m playing - I finally completed Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana and got the platinum trophy. Other than any Dragon Quest game, Ys might be the coziest RPG experience I’ve ever had. It certainly is one of the most well crafted action RPGs in recent memory.

To those that say the story isn’t great — I think that is a misrepresentation. The overarching plot is middling until the final chapter, but the heartbeat of this game is the characters and their personal journeys whilst being stranded on a mysterious island. You see each individual - 24, if you find them all - have their own personality, ambitions, and family. By doing their side quests, you’re rewarded with an enriching experience. Bonds are created, and watching relationships blossom in the midst of a dire situation is really inspiring.

In a way, Ys 8 is the perfect game for me at this particular juncture in my life. Similar to how these characters have their entire lives uprooted by unfortunate events, so have I. You’re able to see how each person grieves the loss of something, and it’s been oddly comforting as I mourn the loss of my father. In turn, this game reminds me of the simple pleasures that we take for granted. Sometimes, in life, the best moments are those spent with loved ones, grilling food or sharing stories. That’s what this game provides in spades. It’s a friendly reminder that life is beautiful.

Now I’m playing Black Myth Wukong. I’m a few hours in and it’s been great so far. It’s essentially a boss rush game, and I’m satisfied with that approach. Moreover, it’s purely an action game—it’s not a Souls-like by any stretch of the imagination. You won’t lose progress or experience if you die, and basic enemies are mainly an easy backdrop for the main focus: boss fights. If you’re a fan of combat focused action games with robust mechanics, with linear but beautiful environments, and thrilling boss fights, this game is a definite must play. I’ll share more of my thoughts next week.

My father passed away two days ago so I’m playing the game of regret(s) and funeral planning. Thankfully, I have a wife and work family that is incredibly supportive. But this game is hard, and I am trying to grieve with sarcasm and escapism.

As for what has been played before this unfortunate time, it has been Ys: VIII on the PlayStation Vita. I am near the end of my first play-through, on Nightmare mode, and should be achieving the true ending. It’s a very, very good game. It will hold a special place in my heart because not only is it a well crafted game, but it is comforting me at my most vulnerable, and obviously diverting my expectations in the most unexpected of ways.

I’m glad this franchise is evangelized by so many JRPG fans. It’s truly something special. I never thought with Ys VIII’s story on being stranded on an island would have me dealing with a wide array of problems, ranging from a serial killer, time travel, ghost ships, ancient civilizations, dinosaurs, evolution, farting, a wife of six tempted to cheat on her husband with me, and even a woman who unexpectedly goes into labor, gave birth, and if you do her side quests, lets you become the godfather and name the newborn. What the actual hell? But it works. And I love it.

TL;DR - My dad passed away. I’m heartbroken. Ys VIII is comforting me right now.

@ScalenePowers Glad to hear the games and praise for them are consistent throughout! I’m excited to try out other games in the franchise. I was looking up a trailer for Memories of Celceta and it looks awesome. In the trailer it shows a character you can control that wields a spear, and I have a weird affinity with spears in games. I’ll definitely be buying it once I wrap up Ys 8.

I’m still playing through Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana on the PlayStation Vita. I’ve currently reached chapter 5, and things are ramping up. This game is an absolute joy.

It reminds me a lot of Xenoblade Chronicles. It’s not as grand in scope, but it has a nearly seamless open world, with varying landmarks and locales populated by all forms of enemies that range in level. As you progress through the story and bring in more castaways to your village, new areas of exploration open up from prior locations. It’s a great design that keeps things fresh as you retread old ground.

Speaking of the narrative, I think it’s paced brilliantly, and it’s a testament to its unique approach to story telling. While it may be bare bones in terms of a grand epic, where there are evil kings and queens, trapped princesses in need of rescue, or some mysterious force plaguing the lands, it makes up for it by telling a relatively simple tale, with a few mysterious questions.

Your ship has crashed, and you washed ashore on a peculiar island. Your job is simple: find other survivors and escape. The more people you find stranded the more you can gather resources, acquire basic necessities, and build a safe haven as you explore the island and looking for an optimal approach to escape.

But, the more you explore the island, the more questions start to emerge. Why are there ancient beasts roaming around? Why are you discovering weird notes and journals? Is that really a city that housed an advanced civilization beyond the mountain range, and how did it come to be and why does it look abandoned? Who is this person I keep dreaming about when I make camp? It’s all simple but effective.

Side quests are spread out sparingly, and they are serviceable enough. They are fetch quests, but they make sense in regard to the overarching story, and most of them can be accomplished via the golden path. I’d say it’s quite smart.

There are new gameplay mechanics that are introduced throughout the story chapters, but it’s essentially crafting tools, cooking recipes, and upgrading gear. It’s not all thrown at you at once, so it never feels like a chore to keep maintained because all of it happens organically.

One of my complaints is the difficulty balance between enemies. There are some beasts that could have the same level as you, or maybe one or two above, and they are easy to destroy. Other times, there are enemies the same level as you are, maybe even lower, that pose a significant challenge and can kill you in one or two hits if you aren’t careful. Perhaps it’s due to my character composition and their gear that upgrades their stats, but I don’t think that’s the case because I’ve experimented twitch a lot of variations. To be fair, however, I am playing on Nightmare mode so that obviously plays a huge factor. And even on hard mode, I haven’t necessarily needed to grind, at least for very long, to get past a certain area or boss fight.

All in all, Ys VIII is a fantastic game. With it being my first venture into this franchise, I’m now excited to play other games in its historicity. In fact, Ys X: Nordics looks quite wonderful. Nihon Falcom is quickly becoming one of my all time favorite developers, and I’m ecstatic to hear they want to be quicker on releasing their games to Western audiences. And when they do, I’ll be there day one.

Mother Brain in Zero Mission is an annoying boss fight, in my opinion. It isn’t difficult in terms of the fight itself, but rather the environmental components working against you. Once you learn how to actually maneuver between the two blocks it becomes a lot more forgiving, but it’s also one of those situations where if you get hurt or fall into the lava it’s really hard to not continue making mistakes.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak. I’m 25 hours deep and it’s excellent. Van is the best protagonist this series has ever had. I’m looking forward to diving deeper into it once I get more free time.

I’ve been on vacation with my wife and daughter for the last seven days so I haven’t been gaming much. I think I needed a genuine break from working and gaming altogether. With that said, I did bring my Nintendo Switch to play on the off chance of downtime.

I finally beat Beyond Good and Evil. I did all of the optional content — collect all pearls, photograph all wildlife, and did the Volcanic Treasure and Map to the Past side quests. I can see why this game is hailed as a “masterpiece”, especially for 2003.

There is a minuscule part of me that hopes the sequel doesn’t come to fruition. I don’t think Ubisoft necessarily knows how to make minimalistic games any longer; granted, BG&E is large for its time, especially due to hardware limitations; but that’s what makes it special. I’m afraid they would over indulge and lose sight of what makes the first game so endearing.

I also decided to pick up The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero. I unfortunately never played Trails in the Sky. I do own a Vita and could buy the PSP versions, but I don’t feel compelled to do so. That said, I have played Trails of Cold Steel 1-4 and love those particular entries.

I’m glad I bought the game on Switch rather than PlayStation because I forgot how much banter there is. There is no way I would have been able to make significant progress on PS due to commuting to work, pausing the game during heavy dialogue moments and hoping my wife and daughter don’t turn off the light switch and ultimately the PS5. I also purchased The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak on the PlayStation.

Much to the dismay of some, I personally love the slow pacing of these game(s). There is an incredible sense of world building and character development that really keeps me invested. The long amounts of dialogue can become monotonous, but if you are patient it will pay off in the end. I’m also impressed by the fantastic voice acting and localization. And the soundtrack is top tier.

I’m not too far into the game to really give in-depth thoughts, but if it keeps up this pace then I have a feeling it’ll turn out to be a very special game. Hopefully, Trails in the Sky can get ported to modern consoles because this is a series every JRPG fan needs to experience.

I was wondering what that was — it was such a unique item that wasn’t able to be interacted with. I’m glad to see it is was used for something special.

Great interview! I really can’t wait for this. I have fond memories playing this game on the PS2, and everything Nightdive does is gold to me.

Prince of Persia The Lost Crown. I got the platinum on PS5 and double dipped on Switch.

That could change later this year with the new Zelda game, and I actually mean Zelda!

I’m shocked that Crow’s Country isn’t on the platform. It’s an excellent game — one I platinumed on the PS5. As for games I would like to see, A Link Between Worlds would be awesome. I’d also want Metroid Prime 2 & 3, along with Windwaker, Twilight Princess, Lost Odyssey, Blue Dragon, Dragon Quest 7 & 8, and the Splinter Cell games.

I already mentioned I’m playing Beyond Good and Evil, but I’m saddened to see nobody else seemingly playing it aside from one other person. Once again, the sales are going to be bad. Lol.

This weekend I’m playing Beyond Good and Evil The 20th Anniversary Edition. I bought it for my PS5, but realized I’m going on vacation for a week so I decided to double-dip and pick it up on my Switch. I owned the game on the PS2 when it released in 2003, and even on my GameCube, but I never played it because I was too obsessed with other games. I’m earnestly giving this game a shot, and so far, I’m impressed.

This game reminds me of a time when Ubisoft still had creative chops and ideas. You can clearly see the early foundations of what is to come - but it’s less contaminated due to hardware limitations at the time and that’s strangely a positive. Back then, it was a revelation.

What’s really impressive is the constant engagement the game demands from the player, and everything ties back into its story and main protagonist, Jade. She isn’t a famed heroine or superhero - she’s running an orphanage and working as a photojournalist, caught between protecting her village and exposing the truth during the war against an invading alien species. It’s a unique perspective to explore.

This action adventure title has a level of meaningful depth that wasn’t entirely common back in 2003, unless you were playing an immersive sim or a deep RPG. It creates a sense of immersion that draws you into the world of Hyllis. You can speak to nearly every character, with dialogue options. The planet feels alive with an array of species to discover. There are hovercrafts flying about towns. And while the game is set in the far future, it’s grounded in realism. Inhabitants have problems that regular people in current times have — money issues, paying bills to keep electricity going, vehicle repairs, politics and government. It just feels believable.

As I touched upon earlier, BG&E knows how to keep you engaged with its activities. There is always something to do, to accomplish. Outside of its story driven “dungeons” and puzzles to solve, there are “hearts” to acquire to boost your maximum health, and items to enhance your character’s abilities. And then there are outfits to find for your characters, hovercraft races, animals and solar systems to photograph. All of this ties into the narrative, all the while creating a true sense of progression because each activity has benefits.

As for the combat, the game does show its age — it’s a product of its time. It plays similar to the Arkham games, with its free flowing mechanics. It’s not the most refined system, but it’s still serviceable and still holds up. But more than that, most of the gameplay elements are an extension of the story, and who Jade is as an individual. That is arguably the most significant detail to me, and ultimately makes her and the supporting cast very endearing and memorable.

At the end of the day, I love playing older games that I haven’t played before, particularly on modern hardware because I like to see how my view on games have changed all those years since. Looking back at BG&E, there are a lot of qualities that were ahead of the curve. It was very ambitious title, and I think it succeeded in a lot of ways. There is no wonder it’s considered a masterpiece by many. I don’t know if I’ll go that far, but it certainly is exceptional, and makes me reminisce on when Ubisoft was original and making groundbreaking games.

I want to like this game and maybe I will when I play it, but from the cover art and gameplay reveal it all seems so bland to me. I’ll definitely wait for reviews on this one.

This is an interesting order, but I do agree - Vengeance is the best in the series. I honestly would have never considered Tokyo Mirage Sessions, but that game is great as well. I would love to see IV/Apocalypse get remastered or ported to the Switch.

I’m not entirely sold on the combat, but everything else sounds pretty solid. I live the Cold Steel games, but haven’t played any of the others. I’m glad this is a good jumping in point. I’ll probably pick it up!

@larryisaman I wasn’t aware or that, but that’s awesome news! Thanks for the info!

I’m glad to hear the Switch version is a good route to go! I picked it up on the PS5, but I also decided to buy it for the Switch. I’m going out of town for a week and a half for vacation, and I figured it’d be the perfect portable game.

I’m glad to see SMTV Vengeance doing well! This new edition is quite incredible, and improves on the original in every way. And it also helps that it’s on more platforms now.

I would say yes. Him, and the overall game in general, has been a massive influence.

I’m not playing much this weekend. For starters, I have to conduct inventory Saturday and Sunday at my job. On top of that, I’m a manager so it’s going to be a long and stressful couple of days/nights. Furthermore, there aren’t any games really holding my attention. Earlier this week, however, I got the platinum trophy for Tomb Raider Legend. It was a pretty solid game, with clever puzzles to acquire the gold rewards. I’m glad I finally got to play it.

As for what I’m trying to earnestly play right now, it’s Metroid Zero Mission — the remake of the first game in the series. The latest Nintendo Direct had me quite excited for the console, with Metroid Prime 4, despite being seven-years-old, so I decided to turn on my Switch for the first time in over six months.

I actually never finished this game as a kid on the GBA, so it’s basically a new experience for me. It’s quite sublime. I’ve beaten Kraid, acquired the Ice Beam, an ability to hang from ledges, and an “unknown” item because it isn’t compatible with my current suit.

I love this about Metroid games — the sense of discovery. You are never truly lost. Ever. There may be instances where you feel utterly lost, but if you pay close enough attention to your surroundings the answer will open up. There is a certain level of interactivity that requires you to use every tool at your disposal, along with using the entire map as your playground. You don’t see this often with modern games. And it’s so satisfying to hear the music that follows after getting a new item, similar to the jingle that plays when opening up a chest in The Legend of Zelda. Sometimes, Nintendo just does it best.

They can take as long as they want. Maybe it’ll give me enough time to actually beat the game. I’ve started it multiple times and quit because I kept getting lost, to the point it was incredibly frustrating. I hate using guides so I didn’t want to look anything up. The game is great, don’t get me wrong, but maybe not for me. I do want to give it another shot since it has received such high praise, and Silksong looks amazing.

@asmi8803 You should check out Metroid Prime Remastered on the Switch. It’ll probably give you a good taste of what type of game Metroid Prime 4 will be.

This was such a random surprise announcement, and now I’m patiently waiting for this game. I wonder if we will get to play as Link — perhaps in the latter half of the game. They seem to be taking a lot of inspirations from BoTW and ToTK, so a part of me thinks we will play as Link in an underground area or something. Either way, I cannot wait for this game.

Dragon’s Dogma 2. My maxed out Thief and trusty Sorcerer, Schemer, have just reached Battahl. I sneaked in by pretending to be a slave on a phantom oxcart. It was a good time. And now we are on the hunt for a Medusa’s head in order to petrify a griffin for a sculptor. This game is an all-timer for me.

I’m not sure what I want to play this weekend. I did finish my first playthrough of Stellar Blade. I got both endings (thank you, cloud saving). And those final boss fight(s), depending on the ending you choose, was superb. It took me approximately 65+ hours to do all side quests and collectibles. All I need to do now is NG+ and I’ll have the platinum trophy. With that said, I need a break. It’s a masterpiece of an action game, especially considering this is Shift Up’s first console game, but I’m ready for something different.

For a palette cleanser I earnestly started and completed Crow Country, obtaining the platinum trophy while I was at it. I needed a bite sized game and it only took five hours to beat. I have to say - this is one of the best survival horror games of the year, perhaps in the past half decade. It’s easily up there with Signalis, but I think it’s better due to its more grounded story that isn’t vague and full of questions.

There are some genuine unsettling moments, which is a hard accomplishment for me because I’m desensitized to a lot of horror themed stuff. Moreover, the atmosphere, tone, sound design (OST), and enemy designs are brilliant, only adding to the tension. And it’s excellently written. It has a compelling mystery that’s compounded with environmental story telling, newspaper clippings, journals, secrets, and ever evolving surroundings the more you progress the story. I strongly recommend this game.

Lastly, I decided to purchase Star Ocean: The Second Story R. I’ve been itching for a good JRPG, and everything about this remake looks superlative. I’m particularly keen on the science fiction aspect too. At the moment I’m two hours in, starting with Claude Kenny, and have beaten the first boss. My only complaint is that the game is relatively easy so I might have to adjust the difficulty setting to give myself more of a challenge.

I’m playing Stellar Blade this weekend. My goal is to wrap up my first play-through and start NG+ to obtain the platinum trophy. This game continues to impress, and gets better the more you progress rather than become stagnant like a lot of action games. I’m currently in the fourth region and the meaningful side quests and exploration has transcended my thoughts on this game in a positive light.

I also picked up Crow Country due to all the high praise it’s receiving. I’ve jump (scared) my way into this game last night and it’s fantastic, particularly playing it on my PlayStation Portal. It has that classic Resident Evil feel, with a touch of Twin Peaks, X-Files, and strangely, a low-polygon Final Fantasy 7. Every year there is a game that comes along that is relatively obscure but ends up making a splash, and this game falls into that category.

This weekend I intended to dedicate time to Stellar Blade, but after getting the platinum trophy for Rise of the Ronin last weekend, I was trying to find a game that wouldn’t be too long. This lead me to look through my backlog and settle for I Am Setsuna. I needed that cozy, comfortable (J)RPG. I’m currently 90% through and it’s pretty good, despite its handful of flaws.

The first thing that stood out is its minimalistic approach. This was refreshing. The game tells a linear, character driven story that is simple, but compelling. Every party member you acquire has their own unique personality and it’s fun seeing their bond development over time. I don’t think every RPG needs to be this sprawling adventure with a myriad of side quests and mini games. Don’t get me wrong — those things have their place, but it’s nice to have a game that knows what it wants to say and does it in their own fashion.

As I mentioned, there are flaws, or rather pros and cons to several of its mechanics. First of all is the combat. While it is your traditional turn based RPG, it has a sense of depth and customization to it that is fun to toy around with, from varying talisman and abilities you can equip, to team composition that can change the tide in fascinating ways.

Unfortunately, combat is unbalanced. The enemies can move around the battlefield yet you cannot. There isn’t a lot of enemy variety either, so you’ll generally encounter enemies that can self destruct and damage you once they do. And since you’re unable to move out of the way you can’t necessarily defend yourself.

Furthermore, the game does a poor job explaining how its combat systems work. It’s great there’s a lot of variety, but not having a solid foundation in its tutorial system and how things interact with each other can make things overwhelming.

Additionally, one thing that is bothersome is its archaic design in leveling up. You can only have three party members at a time (out of seven). The characters in the background don’t get experience points if they aren’t in combat, so there will always be characters under-leveled. What makes matters worse is that some characters become inactive due to story reasons, and thus there’s an imbalance to management.

As an aside: I’m grinding right now. There is something so trite but relaxing about the grind. All of my characters are at level 45. I’m going to get all party members to level 50 at minimum before doing end-game side quests and tackling the true final boss.

When it comes to the overall map, the environments and dungeon design is one dimensional throughout the entire journey, and very uninspired. Everything is snowy terrain with iced layer dungeons that don’t offer any real thought or puzzle challenges (there is a very charming secret location that actually talks about all of this, in a meta sort of way, and it’s amazing!).

There is also no map markers or quest logs, or if there is, I haven’t encountered it yet during my playthrough. You have to make a mental note where certain locations are at but this isn’t necessarily too hard since the game doesn’t boast numerous side quests, locations and NPCs, and the game provides a fun way to travel later in the game.

Ultimately, while I may be quite critical of the game, it does feature endearing characters and a strong narrative that overwrites its faults. Combat is great and flexible, albeit confusing. There may be a lack of inspiration in its overall game world, but I’m okay with the minimal approach. I’ll definitely be getting the platinum trophy for this one.

I’ve worked seven straight days, but I’m taking this weekend and the subsequent Monday and Tuesday off to celebrate my birthday. I won’t be playing much due to family gatherings and what-have-you, but I did manage to platinum Rise of the Ronin yesterday.

I have to retract my statement from last week — I no longer think it’s Team Ninja’s best game (but it is a great game, nonetheless). The story is extremely convoluted, and the RPG elements, particularly with dialogue choices and story decision(s) have no true meaning. With that said, I did enjoy its open world and activities. Similarly to NiOh 2, the game is way too long. I wish there was a more tighter experience, but I think this trend is going to continue on if the ending to RoTN is any indication.

As of now, I’ll either take a break from gaming until Stellar Blade releases, or I will try Dave The Diver on my PS5. With the acclaim it has received over the last year, I’m tempted to give it a try because it seems cozy and the perfect game to unwind with on my PlayStation Portal. Plus, it’s something different and that’s something I need since I essentially played 200+ hours of third person action RPGs over the course of the last three games (Final Fantasy 7 Remake/Rebirth and RoTR).

I also finished the book series Shogun by James Clavell. A part of me feels empty now — the characters and world building were so well realized that it’s difficult to think these are fictional characters. I’ve grown attached to many of the interconnected stories within, and it’s hard to let them go. It’s such an incredible story, and might go down as my favorite book(s) of all time.

I haven’t played much this week due to work and family visiting from out of state. Unfortunately, I won’t have much time this weekend, either. If I manage to squeeze in some gaming sessions, I’ll be attempting to finish Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth.

I’m currently on the last chapter and it has been an evocative experience. I’ve put in roughly 105 hours into the game, with all side quests and world region activities completed. In a way, I’m excited to see the end of the journey, but sad as well, as I’ve grown even more attached to these characters than I did in the PS1 original version.

Once I finish Rebirth I plan on starting Rise of the Ronin. Everything I have read about this game seems to be exactly what I enjoy about Team Ninja games, but expanded upon in ways I’m thrilled to experience. I’ve also been reading James Clavell’s Shogun. I finished part one a few days ago — nearly 700 pages, and I’m a quarter of the way through part two — so my mindset is honed in on this era of history that should be a good time to delve into.

After several days off work, a break from gaming, and a relaxing vacation with my wife, I’m back to playing Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. I didn’t think I’d have much to say since I’ve spoken about the game for the past two weeks, but alas, I do.

According to my PS5 clock, I have 80 hours logged into this game and I have no desire to slow down. I’m currently on chapter 11. Rebirth seems to hits its prime starting in chapter 9 and onward, from gameplay, map design, and story perspective. It’s as if there was a newfound confidence in the development where they discovered the perfect balance between juggling open world activities and the main story.

I’m absorbed in the characters and world. I’ve completed all possible tasks per each region. The best thing about these side quests and activities is that if you do them, such as finding the protorelics or play Queen’s Blood, you’ll obtain rich backstories that really expand on your party members. I’m compelled to invest my time because the game respects it. There are a plethora of intimate moments between all of your characters. It’s truly remarkable how much depth is in this game. And it never stops being mogical, ahem, I mean magical

That’s not to say there aren’t faults in the game — there certainly is. In later regions traversal can be infuriating because it forces you to use the chocobo to reach differing locations that are mandatory. It doesn’t feel organic. I appreciate how the game incorporates fresh ways to explore via chocobo, so there is always a new mechanic to keep you engaged.

The regions themselves are gorgeous and fun to explore, however. Each location feels genuinely distinct from one another, and this is strengthened by its exemplary soundtrack that feels compatible with the environment. It’s easily one of the best OSTs for a Final Fantasy game I’ve ever heard.

Another criticism I have is the bloat. There is an over abundance of activities and mini-games to do. Some of the content could be trimmed, but thankfully the majority of it is optional. But less is more. Later in the game when you get to explore the Nibelheim region, my feelings is that it has the perfect amount of content. The map isn’t too large and everything is condensed in a small package. With all that said, these flaws don’t diminish the genius of this game. I’d rather have too much of Final Fantasy 7 than not enough, and the bloat isn’t a mandatory component.

I haven’t even scratched the surface of what I’d like to discuss about this game (story, materia builds, combat, and the little nuances), but my write-up is already long enough so I’ll end it here for now. Perhaps I should start up my own website to have deeper discussions without a character limit. Nevertheless, I will say this: Rebirth is just that — a game favored by nostalgia, but can stand on its own as a brand new experience that, to me, outshines the original in many ways.

I haven’t played much since last weekend. My work schedule has been hectic, and my wife and I took a mini vacation during the weekday(s). She surprised me with NBA tickets to my favorite team, so we spent several days out of town relaxing. But it’s healthy to take a break from gaming once in a while.

If I do find time this weekend, I’ll be spending it playing Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. I am currently in the infamous Gold Saucer area and it has been a magical experience so far. My feelings on the game have only grown deeper — this is an amazing reimagining of an all-time classic. I’m really looking forward to seeing how the story unfolds.

This weekend I’m playing Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. I’m seven chapters deep, and I’ve 100%’ed each region. I’m taking my time and really absorbing this sprawling world. It can feel a little too bloated at times, but the story (which I won’t discuss due to spoilers) and moment to moment gameplay is a genuine blast.

So far, the game is living up to my lofty expectations. The combat is a lot more balanced than its predecessor, and more dynamic too. It might be my favorite battle system in an RPG ever. It’s a wonderful mix between exhilarating action and classic turn-based decisions. It’s an impressive feat that keeps you constantly engaged.

One thing I really appreciate is how everything has a purpose. Mini-games such as Queen’s Blood and Fort Condor (and more) have their own mysterious yet compelling storylines, and are worth experience. Side stories are somewhat bland from a design perspective, but feature brilliant character development.

I’ll try and be as spoiler free as possible — there are two quests I’ve been involved in that expound on the characters. The first one revolves around Barret’s relationship with Marlene, and how he expresses his love for her and is worried about her future. The second relates to Cloud’s incentive on his asking price of 2,000 gil for his mercenary work. It becomes an inside joke within the party which is heartwarming in and of itself, but there is also a backstory to that particular price that has emotional weight behind it.

While there may be a Far Cry-esque nature to its open world, nothing feels like wasted space. The game simply respects your time. I can’t wait to explore further into some iconic locations from the PS1 original, and even though I know what is to come, I still find myself curious as to how things will unfold. To me, that is a sign of a masterful game that respects its legacy and modern audience.

I also purchased Vanillaware’s Unicorn Overlord. I’ve only put two hours in. Initially, it was a little jarring, not being able to strategically choose your actions like your typical turn based (S)RPGs, but once I came to terms with it and found enjoyment in unit management, the game really started to become special. This is shaping up to be a brilliant ride.

Earlier in the week I finished up Resistance: Retribution and got the platinum trophy. It was a solid game, but makes me yearn for a remastered trilogy that I know more than likely won’t happen.

With that said, my main focus this weekend will be Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. I don’t often find myself genuinely excited about upcoming games, but I’ve been antsy for a while regarding this sequel, and my wife has been getting quite annoyed with my excitement (ha-ha). I’ve finished the first two chapters and it’s been an unexpected magical experience. Perhaps that’s the nostalgia speaking, but I’m enamored.

From what I’ve played so far, the game seems brilliantly paced. There have also been compelling story moments that provide genuine intrigue, and a heartfelt cast that I’m happy to see again. This is bolstered by an exemplary soundtrack that hits all of the right notes and exactly the right times.

In terms of gameplay, the combat is more refined, with the difficulty seemingly more balanced than its predecessor. There are so many added layers that enhance the action in brilliant ways. Sometimes it can be hard to manage all of the possibilities, but once things click then it’s an extraordinary battle system that just may be my favorite in an RPG.

I also love seeing the PS1 classic come to life in full force — the scope of this game is staggering. Unfortunately, much like any sequel that wants to expand on the original’s idea(s), but also become an open world game, the experience can feel daunting and overwhelming. There are a ton of systems and mechanics at work, and they all have their own leveling system. But the variety to customize your play style is really awesome and adds a lot of depth to how you approach the game.

My only complaint at the moment is the slow movement. Similar to the first game, when the game forces you to walk slowly in certain parts of the story, that mechanic is back. Sadly, those moments are intertwined with gameplay, such as climbing up yellow painted rocks, or more interactive story beats.

There isn’t much left to say since I’m not that far, but I’m highly impressed. Sure, the game could crumble beneath its feet, but if it can keep up this momentum then I think we are in for something incredibly special. I can’t wait to see how it ultimately turns out.

Throughout the week I beat Final Fantasy 7 Remake and it was absolutely phenomenal. I had a rocky history with this remake. To provide some context - I played the game when it originally came out in 2020, and I got to chapter 14 before the game bricked my PS4. I lost all desire to replay the game until recently.

During my replay, especially the last third of the game — the point I was at years ago — was incredibly strong, and the emotional beats were perfect, with foreboding visions yet to come to fruition. There was a scene where Cloud said, “Bring it on, B****!” and it gave me chills. There is no way I’ll attempt to platinum this game because I find the combat way too difficult. I really can’t wait to play Rebirth, and I’m glad to see the reviews for the game are immensely positive.

As for what I’m playing this weekend, I’ll be focusing on Resistance: Retribution. The platinum trophy is pretty easy to obtain too, so that, along with it being a short enough experience to play through before Rebirth comes out makes it a good palette cleanser. Furthermore, it’s just a great game. I wish this franchise would make a return, particularly the first game, and with trophy support. Why there isn’t a remastered trilogy on current generation consoles is beyond me. The entire premise is tantalizing, with an awesome setting, compelling characters, and varied weapons that’s bolstered by fun gameplay.

I also purchased Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden on the PS5. I’m not very far — an hour or two at most, but so far it’s pretty interesting. It definitely has that AA quality feel, similar to A Plague Tale, which is quite satisfactory to me. The combat is also reminiscent of the modern God of War games. And the characters seem to be well written and acted, too. I think this could be one of those sleeper hit gems, but unfortunately it’s releasing at a time when a lot of big games and news are taking over the media outlets.

This weekend I’m playing Final Fantasy 7 Remake. The PS1 title is a seminal experience that I felt was fine the way it is. Somehow, the remake managed to subvert my expectations and really expand on what made the original so whimsical.

First and foremost, Cloud Strife really is a great character. I love his stoic personality. His past is ominous and you can tell he has been through a lot that has affected him because when it comes down to business at hand he is steadfast and ready to go. He is quipped with one-liners that shows how hardened he is as an Ex-SOLDIER, but the supporting characters around him essentially force him to soften his shell, albeit unwillingly at times.

As for other characters, they all have unique personalities with interpersonal stories that have you invested immediately through story missions that focus on them personally. And you can feel their motivations and comradery—they feel like a real team. One thing that stands out are the unique personality traits of the female protagonists.

Jessie, for example, is energetic and bubbly. She seemingly won’t take no for an answer, and is an act first, think later type of woman. And she’s good at using her appealing magnetism to benefit her necessities. Tifa is an optimist but also grounded. She battles between what’s right and wrong, but remains diligent in her decisions. She has a sense of maturity that the other characters don’t. And then there is Aerith, whom has this nonchalant attitude, with humorous jokes and an irresistible disposition and innocence that makes you want to protect her, even though she can clearly handle herself.

The story is fantastic, too. It balances telling two stories at once. The remake takes place in a small section of the original - Midgar - and it tells the story of how a ragtag crew of eco-terrorists are trying to stop a mega-corporation from draining the world of its essence in order to to use its energy source as a form of profit. That’s the basis of the game, and yet the remake manages to tell this portion of the story in a full blown game that feels complete even though this section is a minor fraction of the main game.

My only quibble is the combat. The action is fun, snappy and responsive, but I have a difficult time managing several party members, their health, abilities, and positioning. It seems to me the combat is unbalanced because the game essentially forces you to be on the offensive in order to use your ATB — this also includes abilities, magic, and items such a health potions, phoenix downs, etc.; so it’s easy to get overwhelmed with a ton of enemies while trying to manage defense simultaneously.

Thankfully, this remake is sublime. It stays true to its roots and keeps the spirit of the original FF7 in tact, but includes smart, yet subtle changes that only enhance the modern experience. I didn’t appreciate the remake as much when I first played it back in 2020, but now I see the game through a much different lens. I could say a lot more because I’ve only scratched the surface, and the character limit won’t allow me to say much more. I’ll end my diatribe with this: FF7R is a prodigious game, and is a must if you’re a fan of the franchise. Bring on Rebirth.

I have been playing Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, and I beat the game a few days ago and got the platinum trophy. My thoughts have only grown deeper — it’s going to go down as one of my top 10-20 games of all time. This game resonated with me in a way I wasn’t expecting.

The next main game I’m delving into is Final Fantasy 7 Remake before Rebirth releases. As a kid, I remember buying the PS1 original one summer with my chore money at the local Blockbuster. I spent 100+ hours playing the game, had all characters at max level, and was astonished at the final boss fight. I have many fond memories, along with a negative one: I never acquired Vincent Valentine and I was so disappointed when I realized I overlooked him.

In terms of the remake, the last time I played the game it left a sour taste in my mouth. Don’t get me wrong - the game is fantastic, but I got to chapter 14 and suddenly the game bricked my PS4. Once this happened I couldn’t bring myself to replay the game once I managed to get a new console. I also wasn’t in the right headspace mentally due to life situations, so the game would relentlessly trigger negative emotions every time I attempted to start a fresh play-through, thus I haven’t properly touched it since its release.

I am determined to play the game from start to finish. Physically and mentally I’m in a much healthier frame of mind. At the moment of writing this, I’m playing the game on the PlayStation Portal and have beaten three chapters. I’m unclear of the reason, but this game is hitting differently emotionally — and in a good way too. I’m picking up on subtle nuances that are resonating with me, and the mysterious backstory between Cloud and Sephiroth is superb. I forgot how powerful the impact of these characters had on me when I was younger. I’ve already experienced goosebumps in a couple of scenes.

Hopefully, I can have the FF7 Remake scratched off my list of games I feel I need to complete. I was also browsing the trophy list and the platinum trophy doesn’t seem too unbearable to obtain (but we will see) so I might set that out as a goal for myself.

This weekend I’m playing Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown exclusively on my PlayStation Portal. I don’t typically like Metroidvania’s but this one surprised me quite a bit due to its QoL implementations. I have a lot of to say about this gem.

Graphically, harkens back to the PoP of old, before it went to the 3D realm. I’m a big fan of the side-scrolling adventures, and with the nature of the game(s) featuring challenging platforming sections, intricate traps and puzzles, and a fantastical setting, the Metroidvania genre seems to be a perfect culmination. I’m surprised it wasn’t done before.

In terms of the overall world - the map is huge, but also not too deliberately overwhelming for the sake of being so. Thankfully, there are QoL touches that separate it from other Metroidvania’s, and in a positive way too. To be honest, I’ve never been a fan of this genre due to constantly getting lost. With PoP, there’s a remedy for that, in a small but impactful way.

There are accessibility options you can choose from: Exploration and Guided mode. If you choose exploration, purists of the Metroidvania genre have the option to play that way. Guided mode is great because there will be a marker on the map telling you, “This is your objective”, but in typical fashion of the genre it’s up to you to discover how to get there, ultimately staying true to its roots.

This leads me to the exploration. It’s always rewarding going off the beaten path. You’ll never know if you’re going to come across upgrades, shortcuts, side quests, or even optional boss fights — there is always something waiting for you. And there are a diverse amount of biomes to uncover with unique characteristics and enemies.

Unlike a lot of Metroidvania’s that I’ve played, which generally relies on gameplay, PoP has a middling story, but features environmental story telling that draws you deep into its world. There are murals and notes to read that explain its setting, why there are traps and who built them, characters to talk to that give you more of an idea of what transpired in each biome, and side quests that will allow you to get a better understanding of the world.

The combat is also a highlight for me. If you take the time to do the training you’ll come to find that there is a plethora of actions you can perform. That’s not including the myriad of abilities you begin to unlock that elevates the experience.

To add to the combat, there is an amulet system — similar to Hollow Knight — where you can customize your play style in various ways. It’s tough to choose which ones you want to equip because they are all genuinely beneficial. Sometimes, a quick change between amulets is all you need to have a different result when it comes to boss fights. Speaking of, the best thing about the boss fights is that if you die you immediately respawn in the fight; there is no backtracking and going through a tedious grind to get back to the same spot.

I know some people might scoff at this, but Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown might go down in my top 10 or 20 games of all time. It brings back great memories of old Prince of Persia, all the while carving a new path. And when a game subverts my expectations and has me captivated in a genre that I don’t typically gel with then I consider it very special.

Throughout the week I finished my “Insanity” playthrough in Mass Effect (Legendary Edition) and got the platinum trophy. There were a few difficult moments but I managed to scrape by with my Adept Shepard. This trilogy is peak science fiction. What I like most all, particularly with the first game, is that it’s a compact 25-30 hour RPG experience. I more than likely won’t start Mass Effect 2 for a while due to other games releasing soon, and risking burnout, but I will absolutely platinum the entire trilogy. And to keep me absorbed in this world, I’m reading Drew Karpyshyn’s Mass Effect: Revelation and it’s excellent.

On a side tangent — most of my playtime was on the PlayStation Portal. This machine has been an absolute game changer for me. It has given me the desire to play certain games that I prefer to play handheld such as old school PS1 games, particularly JRPGs (Wild Arms), or even PS2 gems like the GTA trilogy. I may go as far to suggest the upcoming Persona 3 Reload is ostensibly better in this format. For me, these types of games are better suited in a smaller screen. Maybe that’s my nostalgia kicking in since I used to play these games up close with a small boxed television.

I’m also starting up Dead Space Remake. The original is a classic, and it’s been nearly fifteen years since I played it, so it should feel like a fresh new captivating experience. What I remember vividly is how the USG Ishimura felt like a living character rather than a story setting. There aren’t too many games that feature a location that feels just as intertwined with the main protagonist as it does as its own separate entity. I’m really looking forward to this journey again.

Lately, I’ve been in a gaming slump — nothing in the current zeitgeist has been holding my attention (and I’ve already played the majority of high quality releases from 2023). However; the big news for me this weekend is that I managed to snag a PlayStation Portal at my local GameStop! They had one left, which was very shocking. Online it said they had zero stock, but I called them and got a different response, so maybe that’s a good tip for those still trying to find one.

The PP is essentially going to be my RPG machine, especially while I watch the NBA and NFL. For me, it’s a niche product that is very suitable to my needs. As I stated earlier, I’ve been in a slump, with modern games not really keeping me entertained. Currently, I’m playing Mass Effect (The Legendary Edition) for the billionth time — this go around I’m doing an “Insanity” playthrough. It feels like a dream playing this franchise on a handheld device. And playing ME again reminds me how special this franchise is, and how even to this day there hasn’t been anything to replicate its space faring opera. Hopefully, I can obtain the platinum trophy.

Regarding my experience with the Portal — it has been fantastic. The device itself feels comfortable, and really durable. I have tested out a few games to see how it runs and I’ve had hardly zero issues, from Star Wars: Jedi Survivor to even Remnant 2. There are a few framerate dips here and there, but nothing too distracting. I did have one issue where my remote play kept on disconnecting, and the resolution dropped significantly. It turned out to be due to downloading and updating a game. Other than that, it performs better than expected.

This weekend I’m playing Remnant 2. I know word of mouth has been incredibly positive, and a couple of my coworkers were discussing it a couple of days ago which sold me on it. For some reason I wasn’t sure what to expect from this game — I thought it was more of a rougelike, or similar to Returnal, or even a live service game, but I was wrong. It’s essentially Dark Souls but with guns, and it is awesome.

I’m only a few hours in and I’m enjoying it thoroughly. In case others don’t know, everyone’s experience is different — your starting location may be different than mine. I was put into Seeker’s Rest. So far, I’ve beaten three bosses, a side dungeon, and currently killed a world boss to progress the main campaign. All solo, by the way. It’s great fun.

I’m also still playing Kingdoms of Amalur Re-Reckoning. I fizzled out on it after 60+ odd hours, so I needed a break. I’m roughly 60% through the main campaign and I’ve hardly touched the faction quests. More than likely I’ll jump back into the game fully head on in about a week or two. I love the game, and it hits all the right notes for me in terms of a fantasy RPG. My goal is to get the Platinum trophy for it before The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered releases.

This weekend I’m playing Kingdoms of Amular: Re-Reckoning (the remastered version). Somehow, I managed to overlook the original when it released back in 2012 — I was probably consumed by Skyrim. Who wasn’t? But I’m here now and that’s all that matters.

This game is just phenomenal, and may be one of the best RPGs ever made (for me personally). Currently, I got wrapped up in The Teeth of Naros DLC, and it’s been great. I didn’t realize it was downloadable content and I’m not even a quarter of the way through the base game.

Now, don’t get me wrong - as a remaster it’s poorly done, but as a video game it’s very special. Some people might complain that it’s dated, but if you look at its developmental history, which was taking place probably back in 2008 or 2009, it is quite the achievement.

The story is your typical trite in terms of RPGs, but it’s the over-world that’s plastered with environmental stories that brings the world to life. And the game is very dialogue heavy — a typical component in any well realized RPG — and is all fully voiced, adding more texture to it all.

I like how all towns have their own personal stories and hardships they are going through. There are certain conflicts within the confines of their town and it makes it worthwhile to learn about them. Sometimes, it can be daunting maintaining who is who and what is what, but it’s not entirely overwhelming. That brings me to the adventure itself.

I’m thoroughly enjoying the quests. The side stories, although they typically end in the same fashion, are written beautifully. There is a plethora of quests that have made me genuinely laugh and subvert my expectations. And if you like to get the most out of your RPGs, there are several factions that you can join - i.e.; Thieves Guild; Warsworn; Mage, and so forth. It’s designed like Skyrim in that regard.

However, where the game shines brightest is its combat. My goodness; what a system that is under-utilized in not only modern ARPGs, but action games in general. It plays like the original God of War trilogy and Dragon’s Dogma, all the while forging its own identity.

There is so much build variety with weapons, armor, and classes. You are not bogged down by a weight limit or stamina meter, or even a particular class. The game is all about experimentation. Want to be a warrior? Check. Want to be a rogue? Go for it. How about a mage? Absolutely. Better yet, how about being all three? The world is at your oyster and you can play however you like regardless of your skill level.

My only two complaints are: Inventory and density. The game has a loot system similarly to Diablo — you’re constantly picking up new weapons, armors and items, but your backpack can only carry 70 things. Trying to balance everything is a pain. You can upgrade your inventory but it has a minimal effect.

As for density, the game features a myriad of side quests in close proximity to every location you’re at. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it can become cumbersome when you’re trying to focus on a single quest and get side tracked by talking to NPCs — but that could be my OCD kicking in.

This weekend I’ll be out of town. Last Sunday was my one year anniversary with my wife, and even though we celebrated, my gift is taking place this weekend. I have a surprise Christmas oriented trip for us planned.

As for what I’ve played throughout the week, I completed my New Game run in Lies of P and got the “best” ending. I’m currently working on NG+ and should get the platinum trophy.

Surprisingly, I’m still enthralled just as much as I was from the beginning. And since I never replay games unless it’s years down the line, I think that says something. I also don’t have to fight the Nameless Puppet anymore, so that’s a huge plus. Overall, LoP has solidified itself as my GOTY.

I also purchased RoboCop: Rogue City, and it’s definitely AA at its finest. It’s arcade-y, totally late 80s, features a plethora of quirky one-liners, and actually not half bad. It’s the epitome of a 6-7/10 game. The game is a total fan service, and if you’re not a fan of the franchise I wouldn’t recommend it. Personally, I’m enjoying the game so much I decided to buy Terminator Resistance since the enhanced edition is on sale.

The game operates best when you’re in tight spaces and corridors, primarily because Old Detroit seems more alive. There are buildings overrun by “criminal scum”, and walls littered with graffiti and bullet holes. It reminds me of Fallout 3, with its color palette and moment to moment gunplay which is quite visceral.

I was hoping to have the game beaten before leaving on my trip, but that didn’t pan out. I tend to play games very slow and diligently — searching every nook and cranny, and not sprinting to objective after objective, so the game is taking me longer than your average person. With that being said, all I have to do is finish the main story and I’ll get the platinum trophy.

I won’t be gaming much this weekend. My one year anniversary with my wife is Sunday, so we are going to enjoy the weekend together alone since our kiddo is gone. Next weekend I have a surprise trip planned for us, so that’s should be a blast.

Whenever I get the chance I’ll probably be playing Octopath Traveler II. It’s one of my favorite games released this year. Originally, I played it on the Switch and finished every story except for two characters. I picked it up on the PS5 because it was on sale. My goal is to play it to completion and earn the platinum trophy.

I also completed Lies of P — an absolute masterpiece, in my opinion. The final (optional) boss, Nameless Puppet, was a pain in my rear end for a hot minute. I readjusted my level(s) and killed him on the first attempt. I said it last week, but I think it stands toe to toe with Bloodborne.

Right now, I’m chipping away at NG+. I’m halfway through my second play through and I restarted it yesterday. I never immediately replay a game after I beat it, so that’s a testament to how much I adore LoP. I’m hoping to get the Platinum trophy on my third playthrough (I’m dreading the final boss fight already). I had one trophy glitch(?) on me only because I performed a very minimal task correctly, but out of order.

And I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but that post credits scene was fantastic. I’m definitely excited for the future of this franchise, which is undoubtedly getting a sequel. The stories available to tell are endless.

This weekend I’m still playing the brilliant Lies of P. I’m going to challenge myself and get the platinum trophy. If I had to give an estimate, I’d say 90% through the game. So far, I’ve completed all available side quests, hunted down all trinity key(s) and locations, as well as the collectibles.

To be honest, I might even consider this an “all-timer” — even going so far as having it stand shoulder to shoulder to Bloodborne. It takes the best elements from Bloodborne and Sekiro, and creates its own identity. Sure, FromSoftware might have invented, or at least perfected the genre, particularly with its gameplay that feels tightly focused, but Lies of P has the best of both worlds.

Meanwhile, it tells a coherent story that’s full of intrigue, but not obscure. To tell a lie or truth to certain characters really add a fascinating depth to its overall narrative. And with its story, there’s a fully rich world that’s interconnected similarly to its admirations, and it’s executed very well.

This game is just exceptional. The 1 million copies sold is well deserved, too. I know I’m not finished with it, but I’m already excited for its upcoming DLC. And I don’t typically do NG+, but I simply need more of this game.

@mikegamer Agreed — the same with RE4 and Dead Space.

Awesome review! I wasn’t expecting this game to suffer in the slightest. The lack of difficulty is a bit of a turnoff, but it’s expected — it’s Mario, after all, and the original wasn’t that hard. Friday can’t come soon enough!