Have you ever wondered what would happen if you could change the past with a text? What if you discovered this power could lead to the greatest conspiracy in the world? What if you fell in love with someone who could have been destined to not exist in your timeline?

These are questions that Steins;Gate explores in its thrilling emotional roller-coaster of a story, which I can proudly say is the deepest and most intimate narrative I've seen in gaming.

The characters in Steins;Gate are one of its strongest qualities. They are all well-developed, realistic, and likable characters, each with their own personality, idiosyncrasies, and past. They become a close-knit group of friends who support each other through thick and thin, making the plot more fascinating and relatable. Okabe, the primary character, is a multifaceted and dynamic character who grows and develops throughout the story. He begins as an eccentric and egotistical individual who enjoys pretending to be a mad scientist and frequently upsets his pals with his delusions and jokes. As the story unfolds, however, he grows more serious and mature as he confronts the hard reality and repercussions of his actions. He also demonstrates great courage, commitment, and compassion by risking all to protect those he cares about.

One of the people he loves is Kurisu Makise, the main heroine of the story. In my opinion, she is one of the best female characters ever written. She is a clever and skilled scientist, as well as a kind, humorous, and charming person. She embraces the tsundere stereotype, but does it in such a lovable way that it's difficult not to admire her for it, especially when Okabe makes her aware of her cliches. She and Okabe have a lot of energy and banter, and their relationship is one of the most realistic and endearing I've ever witnessed. It's incredibly heartwarming and moving to see how she develops to care for Okabe during the game, and how she's always there for him. It's very cute how they peck each other's lips over and over like little lovebirds during their kiss moment. And the staircase scene... oh, that was such a wonderful and serene moment that I enjoy rewatching it. The slow burn romance is so brilliantly done that I found myself crying tears of joy for them at the conclusion.

I'd want to use this chance to boast about another character. Mayuri is the heart and spirit of Steins;Gate. Her "tutturu" greeting is adorable, and it always makes me grin when she sings it. I like how she always has an empty head, always thinking about what to eat or what cosplays to make for others. Then there's her very sensitive and brilliant side, revealing a hidden genius in her brain that works so well with her supportive nature. Throughout the game, I adored and grew in love with her character. Then there was Chapter 6. It was the most shocking thing I'd ever seen in a game, and I didn't care if I dropped my controller on the hard-wood floor. I was dumbfounded and felt lifeless and empty on the inside. It came out of nowhere and established the tone for the rest of the game, and I was still processing this awful fate at moments later on.

And this is the unavoidable conversation starter regarding Steins;Gate and its exquisite anguish. The numerous deaths that occur to her are a fantastic example of how manipulating the universe and time itself has absolutely no mercy, and how critical it is to keep the chronology moving steadily. The most heartbreaking aspect of this story is that it ultimately boils down to a choice between Mayuri and Kurisu, with the worldline implying that Okabe is doomed to lose a lady he adores. It's so awful, and when I recognized it, it felt like the game's writer stabbed me in the gut.

Of course, I can't leave out the other characters, who are all unique and vital to the plot. Daru, Okabe's best buddy and fellow hacka, is a perverse and amusing otaku who gives much comic relief and technical assistance. Moeka is a mysterious and silent woman who is preoccupied with her phone and has a horrible past. Luka is a bashful and feminine boy who has a crush on Okabe and wishes he could be a girl. Faris, a cute and lively maid who is the daughter of a wealthy family and has a secret identity, is also the best catgirl ever. Mr. Braun, the landlord of Okabe's laboratory and proprietor of a CRT TV store, is a gruff and strict man with a soft place for his daughter Nae and even Suzuha. And Suzuha, man, she's great.

I like seeing her true nature as John Titor emerge, and how she had to cope with her loneliness and isolation before opening out to Okabe and company and finding inspiration along the road. I was heartbroken when she traveled to 1975 only to die of disease or to forget memories, remember them, and then murder herself. That was another moment that slammed me like a freight train and made me feel nauseous. But I can't say I didn't appreciate the writing. It was so daring and original that I couldn't help but respect it. All of these characters have their own story roles and arcs that, no matter how little, all contribute significantly to the main plot and theme of Steins;Gate.

Steins;Gate is not perfect in some cases, however. It has some flaws that might deter some readers, such as the slow and confusing start, the heavy use of scientific and otaku jargon, the occasional fan-service and cliches, and the multiple endings that require a lot of replaying and skipping without a proper guide beforehand. However, I think that these flaws are minor compared to the strengths of the visual novel, and that they do not diminish its overall quality and impact. Steins;Gate is a masterpiece that deserves all the praise and recognition it has received, and more.

Steins;Gate is a visual novel that will make you laugh, cry, think, and feel. It will test your thinking, touch your emotions, and transform your viewpoint. It will take you on a voyage that you will never forget and that you will desire to repeat with your memories erased. Steins;Gate is more than simply a game; it is a phenomenon. It is a timeless narrative that will stay with you forever. This game is a must-read for anyone who wants their brain tickled, or in this instance, thoroughly elevated to grasp that this is the most deserving of the term "peak fiction." It is my literary magnum opus. I can't see myself ever forgetting my time spent with this game, and I am grateful to those who pushed me to play it.

El Psy Kongroo.

As a big fan of the original Oxenfree, I was thrilled to dive into the much-anticipated sequel, Oxenfree II: Lost Signals. My expectations were high, and while the game certainly had its moments, it ended up being a mixed bag for me.

One of the aspects that stood out to me was the improved character development. The protagonists, Riley and Jacob, had a chemistry that far exceeded the connections in the first game. Their interactions felt genuine, and I found myself emotionally invested in their journey, which was a refreshing change from my experiences with Alex and her friends in the previous installment. Jacob is a very compelling character and I think he and Riley bounce off of each other so well, and I always appreciated his endless chatter and attempts to lighten the mood.

The ambiance of Lost Signals had its ups and downs. On one hand, it managed to create an atmosphere where I felt genuinely alone, battling evil forces alongside Jacob. However, it lacked the intense creepiness that had set the tone for the original Oxenfree. The horror elements felt more scattered and absent, and it was something I took notice on. This slight departure from the abundance of the first game's horror elements left me somewhat yearning for the spine-chilling experiences of the past. The pacing in Lost Signals admittedly was spot on, though. The game didn't drag on, and the final confrontation felt appropriately climactic. The length of the game was just right, making it a worthy purchase for the price.

Despite the positive aspects, the story took an unfortunate turn for me around 3 AM. There was a moment of excitement with a reveal for the main villain, but when the true antagonist was revealed, I couldn't help but feel disappointed at this fakeout that could have been something truly special. The plot lacked the creativity and impact that I had hoped for, and it did not match the intrigue of its predecessor. The conclusion felt lackluster in comparison, and I couldn't help but compare the two, finding the original game's ending far more resonant with me.

Another of my major gripes with Lost Signals was its flawed gameplay and technical issues. Despite my efforts to be nice and intimate with Jacob throughout the entire 7-hour playthrough, the game claimed that I had alienated him due to a single dialogue option. This inconsistency shattered the illusion of my choices truly mattering, and it felt inauthentic for a game centered around human connections. Moreover, the game's technical performance on the PS5 was less than satisfactory. Frequent crashes and framerate drops disrupted my immersion, and the loading screens were far from instant, which seemed baffling given the game's modest map size and graphics for this generation. There really is no excuse for this game to perform as it does.

Lost Signals took me on a rollercoaster of emotions. While the improved character development and pacing were commendable, the lackluster story and atmosphere fell short of my expectations. The disappointing ending, flawed gameplay mechanics, and technical issues left me feeling that the game had not lived up to its full potential. Nevertheless, I don't regret playing it, as it still offered some enjoyable moments, but it simply didn't deliver the same magic as its predecessor. I can only hope that if there's another installment in the series (which I seriously doubt there will be) it will recapture the essence that made the original Oxenfree so unforgettable.

Spider-Man 2 is an absolute triumph and masterpiece for me in the world of gaming. It's a masterful amalgamation of various Spider-Man narratives, expertly woven together to create what I genuinely believe to be the quintessential Spider-Man story. This game is a finely tuned masterpiece, crafted with an abundance of love and soul. Even a week after completing it, I'm still captivated by its brilliance. Insomniac has gifted us a heartfelt love letter, and they've earned every ounce of our admiration. Spider-Man 1 was already a top-tier game for me, defying all expectations when I had lost hope in Spider-Man games. Spider-Man 2 takes that foundation and elevates it to unparalleled heights.

This game showcases my favorite portrayals of Peter and Miles. While the Spider-verse films deserve credit, these two characters shine brighter, move faster, and hit harder than any other medium. The abilities you acquire in this game are absolutely amazing. You can feel the impact of every punch and kick not only in your DualSense controller but coursing through your veins. Pinning enemies against walls and shattering their ribs with a flurry of kicks, hurling chains of lightning, or employing symbiote tendrils to lift a dozen foes into the air before slamming them down – it's addicting and seriously badass. The gameplay remains endlessly engaging, even when facing challenging foes. Not once did frustration overtake me despite dying more times than I can count. With each boss, I embraced the learning curve, meticulously dissecting their attacks and ultimately reveling in their defeat while hardly upgrading my health and damage.

Yet it's not just the gameplay that astounds; it's the story. In just under 20 hours, Spider-Man 2 delivers a rich, detailed narrative laden with lengthy, cinematic cutscenes. Each cutscene draws you in, akin to watching the perfect Spider-Man movie, evoking nostalgia and wonder. I never wanted this story to end. Without delving into spoilers, rest assured, the story caters to Spider-Man enthusiasts. If the first game left you less invested in the narrative, Spider-Man 2 won't drastically change that, as Insomniac tailored it to a specific audience. Peter, Miles, MJ, Harry, and other characters are faithfully and expertly written, making them arguably the best adaptations. Even a character like MJ, who was "okay" in the previous game, shines as a favorite adaptation in this installment. The overall narrative is exceptionally well-crafted, raising the bar for the MCU's portrayal of Spider-Man.

I also briefly need to discuss Venom without spoilers. I had high expectations, and this iteration did not disappoint. He is a formidable presence on screen, with a scale that dwarfs the Spider-Men, impressively bringing justice to the character. This version of Venom stands in stark contrast to the Tom Hardy version I've been familiarized with, making it difficult to appreciate the latter. The distinction in design, personality, and sheer raw power is remarkable. And with Venom in the picture, I absolutely must mention the symbiote in general. Avoiding spoilers, this game excels in portraying Peter Parker's gradual descent into aggression, jealousy, and hatred, outshining Maguire's version in Spider-Man 3 without any close contest. Yuri Lowenthal's performance as Peter's darker side is nothing short of exceptional, further solidifying him as my favorite voice actor.

Spider-Man 2 doesn't stop at fantastic gameplay and storytelling. It boasts an electrifying soundtrack, particularly the main theme, jaw-dropping setpieces, and an exceptional traversal system that outshines all previous Spider-Man games. The web wings in particular pleasantly surprised me, as I initially had low expectations for this mechanic and expected something half-baked. I found myself frequently using it while swinging through New York, more-so than I'd like to admit, and it definitely added a huge new layer of fun to the experience.

Insomniac Games has created what might be my favorite gameplay in any video game with Spider-Man 2's combat and web swinging. Playing Ultimate Spider-Man after this will be a tough act to follow, but my gaming appetite will have to adapt. Earth-1048 represents the quintessential Spider-Man experience, and I'm immensely grateful for this top-tier celebration of my favorite superhero. Thank you, Insomniac Games, for delivering one of the finest games I've ever played.

DOOM 2016 is a tour-de-force in the first-person shooter genre, boasting some of the most exhilarating and intense gameplay I've ever experienced. The game starts off with a bang, throwing you straight into the thick of the action as you take on demonic foes with nothing but a measly pistol and a really bone-chilling atmosphere. It's an adrenaline-fueled ride from the very beginning, and things only get crazier once you get your hands on the game's armor and weaponry.

I can honestly say that I've never felt more powerful in a game than I did when playing DOOM '16. The game's speed and intensity are off the charts, and I found myself running and gunning through its winding corridors and open areas, taking out hordes of demons brutally with ease. The shotgun became my go-to weapon of choice, and I relished in the satisfaction of blasting enemies into bloody stumps.

But it's not just the shooting that makes DOOM '16 so great - it's the game's innovative "glory kill" mechanic. These brutal finishing moves are not only incredibly satisfying to pull off, but they also reward you with much-needed health and ammo, making them a crucial part of the gameplay.

Of course, all of this frenzied action wouldn't be complete without a few challenges, and DOOM '16 certainly doesn't disappoint in that regard. The game's enemies are some of the toughest and most fearsome I've ever faced, and I found myself constantly on my toes as I dodged bullets and maneuvered around their attacks.

While the story in DOOM '16 is serviceable at best, it's the gameplay that truly shines. The game is a masterclass in first-person shooter design, and it's worth every penny of its frequently on-sale asking price. If you're looking for an addictively fun and incredibly satisfying gaming experience, look no further than this one. DOOM Eternal, here I come.

Kena is a love letter to the adventure games of our past. When playing it, you can see plenty of inspirations from classic PS2-era games, but the most obvious inspiration is The Legend of Zelda. This game takes many notes from various Zelda titles, especially Skyward Sword and Breath of the Wild.
The semi open world is gorgeous and breathtaking, and feels open enough to where you can feel the freedom in exploring without being totally lost. Combat can be iffy at times and the camera sometimes will fight you in specific bosses, but overall it was a fun treat, especially once you unlock all abilities. The story structure is very similar to BOTW but with a deeper narrative thrown in your face rather than told by world building NPCs.
The soundtrack and graphics are the biggest things to highlight. The soundtrack is mesmerizing and relaxing, while not being afraid to amp up the intensity for some of the most epic vocals I've heard in some time. The graphics... well, you know about those Pixar-like animations.
Kena is a game worth playing, especially if you go in blind. It's one of the best indie games ever made and should absolutely be experienced on the PS5. I would love a sequel.