Pokémon Legends: Z-A (NS2)

While I understand the criticisms, I must say I found this game to be incredibly fun. The real time combat worked really well and was a nice change. Additionally, the Wild Zone/Battle Zone mechanic was super addictive. This is the most I’ve enjoyed Pokémon in a long time!

Ghost of Yōtei (PS5)

You could argue Yōtei plays things too safe or is a bit derivative from the previous game. But as someone who adored GoT, I’m actually happy to just get more of that. It’s an extremely refined version of what I loved, with improvements across the board. Can’t ask for much more!

PAC-MAN World Re-PAC (PS5)

Finally got this out of the backlog and I’m so glad I did. What a fun game! Really liked how all the collectibles/items in each level would lead into one another. I also found the sound effects to be super satisfying. I just love platformers so much man

RoboCop: Rogue City (PS5)

Been meaning to check this one out for a while. Overall, I thought it was decent… not the greatest game I’ve ever played, but still enjoyable. I’m sure it hits a lot harder if you grew up watching these movies. I did really like how it never took itself too seriously!

Jusant (PS5)

After nearly 100 hours to platinum Death Stranding 2, I was somehow still in the mood for more physics based walking/climbing simulation.
(I might be sick in the head)
Jusant scratched that itch! Pretty cool game. The way the character moved/controlled gave me Team Ico vibes. Fun time

Sword of the Sea (PS5)

Super cool game. Beautiful music and visuals, a true work of art. The typical floaty movement you get from this dev combined with the surfboard mechanic was a genius idea. I will say, $30 seems pretty steep for this. But I played it through PS Plus so I can’t complain there!

Gears of War: Reloaded (PS5)

Honestly the main reason I bought this is just for how insane it is to see Gears as a physical PS5 game. Wild times we’re living in!! But it was also fun to play through this classic again! I still wish it was a full collection though, or at least the original trilogy.

Chibi-Robo! Plug Into Adventure! (GC/NS2)

I have heard so much about this game, and finally got to play it through NSO! I really enjoyed it. The day/night cycle with different storylines/events for each was very addictive. Writing was funny and the story got surprising heavy at times. Super unique!

Mafia: The Old Country (PS5)

A perfect 7/10 game, and I mean that as a legitimate compliment. I still very much enjoy a nice linear game like this! It’s a Mafia game that brings exactly what Mafia fans would want - great story/performances and fun gameplay. For just $50, how can I complain?

Is This Seat Taken? (PC)

Really cute indie puzzle game! I usually don't play puzzle games (i'm stupid) but this one was able to make you think without ever being so difficult you need to look up a guide. I was able to perfect everything on my own! Short, but appropriately priced. I recommend it

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound (PS5)

This one came out of nowhere for me and was a really pleasant surprise! Great retro style game that keeps the difficulty you expect without feeling too frustrating.
My only complaint is it’s too short. Not bc I didn’t get my money’s worth, I just didn’t want it to end!

Donkey Kong Bananza (NS2)

100% Complete! My favorite game Nintendo has made in many many years. So fun, so satisfying, and so joyous to play. Switch clock says I played it for 40 hours and man did that fly by. A true system seller, and another top game contender in what is becoming a STACKED year!

Death Stranding 2: On The Beach (PS5)

Kojima does it again. Incredible game. So much to say but I don’t want to dare spoil anything for anyone. Similar to the first, it’s an entrancing experience that will stick with me for a long time. Probably going to keep playing and go for the Platinum as well

Dead Island 2 (PS5)

Considering the dev cycle this game went through, it’s a miracle it turned out as good as it did.
Pretty fun! Great variety of weapons and mission types. I was kind of tired of it by the end of the main story tbh but maybe I’ll go back later for more of the side content

Sonic Frontiers (PS5)

Randomly decided to play my first Sonic game in 10+ years.
Overall I feel mixed about it. Some parts were incredible like the music and boss fights. Other elements like the map design almost drove me insane.
But I liked it enough to get the Platinum, so there’s that!

A Short Hike (PS4)

Was looking for a game I could finish in a day before I’m gone for a few. This cute indie game did the trick! Just a fun, simple little adventure of climbing up a mountain. Relaxing gameplay with a lot of Animal Crossing references. Dialogue was good too! Definitely check it out

Onimusha: Warlords (PS4)

My first time playing this classic game, and had a lot of fun!
I enjoyed the combat a lot and it had just that right amount of nostalgic PS2 jank.
Puzzles did a good job toeing the line of not being overly confusing, while still making you think.
Will check out sequels fs

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (PS5)

My journey has finally come to an end, and what an incredible journey it was.
Truly one of the most exceptional games I have played in my life. Not much can be said that hasn’t already, but it def lived up to my every expectation. Also, maybe best modern OST ever?

I can not believe how good Expedition 33’s OST is

GRIS (PS5)

Been meaning to check this one out ever since I played Neva from the same developers last year.
Very beautiful game with amazing art and music. Great time all around.
Really enjoying my current pattern of jumping into these quicker games in between the longer experiences!

Returnal (PS5)

My 2nd time playing this one. I absolutely love this game! Unfortunately, when it first launched the trophies were buggy and I got screwed over. I had to restart the whole game but it’s so difficult I couldn’t bring myself to.
Years later, finally went back for my 75th plat milestone

Tales of Kenzera: Zau (PS5)

Been meaning to check this one out. Noticed it was leaving PS Plus soon, so no better time than now!
Pretty good Metroidvania. Highlight for me was the two mask combat/ability system. A short and sweet 8 hour game like this was just what I needed after Death Stranding.

Death Stranding Director’s Cut (PS5)

Finally gave this game a shot and I’m so glad I did. Truly one of the most incredible gaming experiences I’ve had. Nothing you do in the game is “fun”, and yet it’s somehow extremely fun the whole way through. Story and visuals are beautiful. Bring on DS2!!!

Tried that new shooter Fragpunk.
Decently fun game but I struggle to see it lasting long term. This is primarily because it has absolutely no identity of its own. Every mechanic here is just taking from something else. Doesn’t help that characters and cosmetics are lifeless (including AI content)

Monster Hunter Wilds (PS5)

This one will be getting played for many more hours but the credits rolled so I’m listing it here.

My first MH game! !I absolutely fell in love, I can’t remember the last time I was this enamored with a game. My early GOTY for sure, it’s going to take a lot to surpass it

Alan Wake Remastered (PS5)

For some reason I always thought this was one of those ‘cult classic’ games that would be janky or have a lot of problems. But I was thankfully proven very wrong! This was an amazing game, loved the combat system and story. A horror game that was both scary and fun!

Rift of the NecroDancer (PC)

An absolutely phenomenal game. If you love rhythm games like I do, this is a total MUST PLAY. Do not sleep on it!
I’m calling this complete since I finished Story Mode, but I’ll definitely be playing this one for many more hours thanks to all the extra content available

inFamous: Second Son (PS4)

This was the game that made me want a PS4 back in the day! But then I never even finished it…
I changed that now + got the platinum! Very good experience overall. The writing is shockingly bad but the gameplay is so fun it doesn’t even matter. Glad I went back to this one

Shadow of the Tomb Raider (PC)

Didn’t really enjoy this one. The focus on exploration and the more classic TR feel was nice, but it was sorely missing the action. Long stretches with no gun fights at all. Made it kind of boring. But I finished the trilogy! Retrospective vid coming soon…

Rift of the NecroDancer home screen

Guys this game is like insanely good.
If you enjoy Crypt of the NecroDancer, Guitar Hero, or Rhythm Heaven please check this one out. As a huge fun of all the things I just mentioned, I am genuinely in love!!!!!!