A truly great experience. It's not often that everything about a game is so uniquely good and on theme. It's easily one of if not the best game to come out in the last few years.
This has to be some of the worst follow-up content that I've forced myself to play in quite some time. I couldn't imagine making slop like this and thinking it's worth money. I actually received the code for this DLC in my base game, which is where this content actually belonged, because the base game basically leaves you on a cliffhanger. This had the most annoying gameplay, mixed with the bad story. Easy pass on this content if you didn't receive the code, likely pass even if you did.
Occasionally, a title emerges that surpasses expectations within its genre, and Dispatch exemplifies this for episodic, narrative-driven games. Its storytelling is compelling, with player choices that produce tangible and meaningful consequences throughout the experience. As one of the standout releases of 2025, Dispatch delivers impressive narrative depth and value, making it an exceptional offering at its price point.
It's a Pokémon game, so it has that going for it. Other than that, Gamefreak has somehow managed to take away the parts of Arceus that were good and cram you into a single city for the entire game. I was expecting a lot more from this game for the amount of time we waited. Arceus was unique and clearly different from mainline entries. This feels like it's closer to Scarlet and Violet than it does Arceus.
A unique entry into the series, Silent Hill boasts beautiful scenes, but the story is a little disjointed at times and overall falls short of the series' stronger titles. Like other Silent Hill games, this one has multiple endings, and unfortunately, I didn't feel like Silent Hill was worth it.
Ghost of Tsushima is without a doubt punching way above its weight class as a PS4 game. It holds up extremely well, even when compared to modern-day PS5 games. The story and combat are amazing in this game, and it's ready for you to sink 50+ hours in right from the start. If you enjoy samurai games, then look no further; no one does it better than **** Punch.
Ghost of Yotei was truly an amazing experience. The great storytelling that we're used to from Ghost of Tsushima remains, and we gain a few different ways to fight our new enemies. I spent about 50 hours on this game and loved every minute of it. I will be quietly waiting for any DLC that comes later. No one does samurai-style games like **** Punch.
I'm reviewing this title many years after release and holding firm with my score. Even if this was released in 2007, are we going to pretend like this is some sort of masterpiece? The controls are not great, the story is average. To put my views in perspective, Metal Gear Solid 4 came out in 2008. A game that looks better, controls better, and has a better story. I realize this is the first Uncharted game but it feels like "We have Indiana Jones at home".
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is often considered one of the most refined entries in the series from a gameplay perspective, second only to Delta. The game is expansive and rich in story content, but its narrative delivery differs from its predecessors. While the cinematic cutscenes that are included are visually stunning and highly engaging, they occur far less frequently than in earlier titles. Instead, much of the storytelling is presented through audio tapes, which may feel less compelling to some players. Despite this shift, The Phantom Pain remains an outstanding game and one that is easy to recommend.
Following my previous reflections on Metal Gear Solid 3, I’m pleased to say the remake has fully met my expectations. Visually, it’s stunning—delivering a cinematic experience that honors the original while elevating it with modern graphical fidelity. Concerns about framerate issues proved unfounded in my experience, and seeing my favorite game reimagined with such care was genuinely moving. I sincerely hope Konami continues this momentum by remaking Metal Gear Solid 4, liberating it from its PlayStation 3 exclusivity and making it accessible to a broader audience. Metal Gear Solid 3 stands, in my view, as the pinnacle of the series. For many players, it marked their first encounter with a survival-lite system that required active management of hunger, injuries, and environmental conditions—adding a layer of realism that set it apart. Among the franchise’s entries, it remains one of the most grounded in reality, while still embracing the signature science fiction elements and intricate conspiracies that define the Metal Gear universe. Hideo Kojima once again delivered a masterclass in game design and storytelling, and for me, this title will always represent the apex of interactive narrative and gameplay excellence.
Metal Gear Solid 3 stands, in my view, as the pinnacle of the series. For many players, it marked their first encounter with a survival-lite system that required active management of hunger, injuries, and environmental conditions—adding a layer of realism that set it apart. Among the franchise’s entries, it remains one of the most grounded in reality, while still embracing the signature science fiction elements and intricate conspiracies that define the Metal Gear universe. Hideo Kojima once again delivered a masterclass in game design and storytelling, and for me, this title will always represent the apex of interactive narrative and gameplay excellence.
I’m usually not a fan of Assassin’s Creed, but Ubisoft absolutely nailed it with this one. Despite the criticism the studio often faces, this title delivers in a big way. The setting alone is exactly what I’ve been craving—samurai-era Japan is finally getting its moment, and I’m all in.Surprisingly, I found myself gravitating toward Naoe more than Yasuke. I expected to enjoy Yasuke’s storyline most, but the classic Assassin’s Creed mechanics really shine through Naoe’s gameplay. Her utility and versatility made her segments feel essential, and I genuinely missed that dynamic whenever I wasn’t playing as **** game held my attention for a full fifty hours, and not once did I feel disengaged. It’s a rare case where a franchise I typically overlook managed to pull me in and keep me invested from start to finish.
Stellar Blade feels like a textbook case of style over substance. While visually striking, the gameplay quickly becomes repetitive, and the story fails to deliver anything compelling—it’s derivative at best, and outright incoherent at worst. There’s a noticeable lack of innovation, which makes the experience feel hollow despite its flashy presentation. I’ll admit, some moments were fun, but that enjoyment faded fast. Around the halfway mark, the fatigue set in as I realized every major plot beat was just a recycled version of something I’d already done. Boss fights were serviceable—decent, but far from **** the end, Stellar Blade lands squarely in average territory. It’s not offensively bad, but it’s hard to recommend unless you’re in it purely for the aesthetics.
Peace Walker stands out not just within the handheld gaming space but as a strong entry in the Metal Gear Solid series overall. What’s most impressive is how it maintains the franchise’s signature cinematic quality without sacrificing depth or polish, despite the limitations of portable hardware. It’s genuinely surprising how nothing feels compromised. This might be a hot take, but I believe Metal Gear Solid truly hits its stride as its control schemes evolve. For me, Peace Walker marks that pivotal moment where the gameplay begins to feel modern, intuitive, and fluid. If you haven't played Peace Walker, I would strongly suggest giving it a shot.
Metal Gear Solid 2 stands as a benchmark for what a sequel can achieve. Building upon its predecessor, the game introduces refined controls, enhanced visuals, and another compelling narrative that captivates from start to finish. The storytelling is executed with remarkable precision—a testament to Hideo Kojima’s signature craftsmanship. Whether experienced on the original PlayStation 2 or as part of the Master Collection, this title remains a defining piece of gaming history, crafted by one of the industry's true visionaries.
Split Fiction offers a refreshing take on local cooperative gameplay—something increasingly rare in today’s market. The mandatory co-op design, complemented by a friend pass, makes it easy to share the experience with a partner. From the start, the game delivers unfiltered fun, steering clear of excessive difficulty or unnecessary side missions. Its streamlined, story-driven format is perfect for enjoying alongside a friend or family member. The tone remains lighthearted, supported by imaginative environments and inventive mechanics that keep the experience fresh. Fans of cooperative games, particularly those drawn to sci-fi or fantasy themes, will find plenty to appreciate here.
Red Dead Redemption stands above the Grand Theft Auto series in my view. There’s something profoundly immersive about the franchise that continues to resonate. The sense of freedom, the rich selection of weapons, the evocative storytelling, and the atmospheric world—combined with the romanticism of living as an outlaw in a bygone era—create a compelling experience. The narrative is exceptional, and like many Rockstar titles, the game has aged remarkably well.
Metal Gear Solid served as an introduction to the series for many players. Although the controls now feel outdated and, in my view, quite challenging, it is important to consider that they were likely more acceptable at the time of the game's release. Setting aside these control issues, the narrative remains exceptional—truly a 10 out of 10. I believe everyone should experience the Metal Gear series at least once in their lifetime.
Democracy 3 offers an engaging, if simplified, introduction to political systems, exploring how politicians might respond to various issues in a controlled, hypothetical setting. While it provides some insight into the mechanics of governance, it falls short of realism—primarily because it assumes all voters act in their own best interest, which, as we know, isn’t always the case.
The Alters is an irresistibly addicting sci-fi blend of resource management and emotional juggling. Through the prologue and Act 1, I was completely hooked—it grabbed me fast, and I’d even say the story wrapped up Act 1 on a pretty strong note. However, one recurring frustration kept pulling me out of the experience: rebellions. I lost count of how many in-game weeks I had to replay because an alter, who by all accounts seemed content, suddenly turned on me and killed me. It felt arbitrary and, worse, **** lack of a fail-safe mechanic compounds this. Even when there's clearly no viable path to completion, the game offers no relief, no reset point—just a quiet, creeping failure. A perfect example: during my first run of Act 3, I completed a major event I assumed would serve as the finale. Two in-game days remained. I went to sleep in-game, woke up… and realized I didn’t have enough time to finish. No warning, no explanation of where I’d lost time. Just… failure. After replaying Act 3, things went smoothly, and I genuinely appreciated how the story wrapped up. But by that point, my enthusiasm had dimmed. What started as a game I was excited to replay ended as an uninstall. Without a New Game Plus mode or more meaningful alter diversity, the replayability just isn’t there.
Marvel Rivals might just be the biggest challenge Overwatch 2 has ever faced. By bringing the hero shooter genre into the Marvel Universe, it delivers a thrilling experience with a full roster of iconic superheroes to play as. The game makes a strong effort to stay true to its comic book roots, successfully crafting a unique and engaging experience for players. Since its release, I haven’t been able to put it down. Initially, I picked it up as a backup title for when Overwatch lost its spark, but it’s completely flipped my expectations—there’s something strangely addictive about it. The developers prioritize fun over rigid meta compositions, which significantly enhances the game’s playability and keeps things fresh.
South of Midnight is a fantastic experience, elevated by its mesmerizing soundtrack. The stop-motion effect adds a unique artistic touch that I personally find enjoyable. For those who might struggle with motion sickness, the option to disable it in the settings is a thoughtful addition. Every moment of the game kept me engaged, and the boss fights—paired with the music—created some of the most thrilling, pulse-pounding experiences I’ve ever had in gaming.
Pokémon Ultra Moon stands out for its unique introduction of a new game mechanic centered around completing island challenges. These challenges provide an engaging way to progress and unlock unique abilities for your Pokémon roster, adding a fresh layer of strategy. While I thoroughly enjoyed tackling the island challenges, a few of them could feel a bit frustrating, depending on the starter Pokémon you chose. The main story is relatively concise, taking around 30 hours to complete, which feels reasonable for a Pokémon game. After finishing the story, the typical endgame content kicks in—collecting all the Pokémon and facing the Elite Four again, this time with a slightly higher difficulty. While I wouldn’t say Ultra Moon is my all-time favorite Pokémon game, it’s definitely a solid entry in the series and one I enjoyed immensely.
