I did not think I would enjoy Neon White as much as I did. Playing it in the beginning was a little boring because the mechanics were pretty simple, but as I got more abilities, the levels became a lot more fun. My favorite is definitely the power at the end of the game since it completely changes how you play and it was absolutely amazing to mess around with it. I have always wanted to speedrun some of my favorite games but never had the time and commitment, but Neon White provided a unique way of making me feel like I was an actual speedrunner. I also played and competed with a friend in this game which definitely made the experience 100x more fun. We always tried to beat each others score, and I managed to get a top 50 score in one of the levels. It was really fun trying to find the most optimized routes and I want to bring more friends to play it so I can compete with them. Overall I would give Neon White a 4/5. A really great game and design.

Initially skeptical, "Into the Breach" surprisingly captivated me, challenging my preferences with its tactical turn-based gameplay and roguelike elements. Despite a rough start, unable to advance past the first island, my perseverance paid off, revealing a unique sense of progression similar to the personal skill development experienced in "Sekiro." This game shines in its squad design, offering diverse and distinct playstyles that genuinely require adapting to their unique mechanics, a rarity in games where different classes often feel too similar. The Bombermechs and Mist Eaters stood out with their compelling gameplay. Additionally, learning about the developers' approach to AI, designing enemies to avoid the most optimal path for a balanced challenge, showcased the game's intricate design. My foray into achievement hunting added an enjoyable layer to the experience, reinforcing the game's appeal. While tactical games usually aren't my go-to, "Into the Breach" earned a solid 4/5 for its ingenious design and engaging gameplay.

I played "Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance" because it was one of my friend's favorite games. He accompanied my playthrough with a lot of memes which enhanced my enjoyment of the game. The gameplay, particularly Blade Mode was the standout mechanic in the game. The gameplay loop of attacking weak points, and resetting blade mode was insanely fun. While some boss fights like Monsoon were irritating, others like Jetstream Sam with his trigger blade was really cool. The movement felt slightly clunky, likely due to the game's age, but it barely affected the overall experience. The story had a lot of wild moments and the final boss, Senator Armstrong, combines humor with difficulty, and is a great final boss the game. Overall, the game earns a 4/5 rating for its engaging mechanics, story, and characters.

"L4D2" shines as a straightforward, accessible multiplayer experience, offering particular enjoyment when teamed up with friends. The simplicity of its gameplay, coupled with thoughtfully designed zombies that introduce various tactical challenges, and a balanced difficulty on the 'Hard' setting, underpin its enduring appeal. While its core mechanics might seem somewhat basic compared to modern offerings, and solo play may not provide the same enjoyment as group sessions, its nuanced enemy and weapon design ensure engagement across varied playstyles. Even though aspects feel a bit dated, the experience, especially with friends, merits a solid 3/5 rating.

What Remains of Edith Finch" offered an immersive dive into visual storytelling, weaving deeply emotional and intricately detailed narratives, despite an explorative gameplay style that diverged from my action-game preference. While the Finch family tales ranged from clear to perplexing, each imparted a unique sadness and atmospheric eeriness, compellingly executed by the developers. Ultimately, the game seemed to underscore a message about acknowledging and learning from the past, exemplified through Edith’s differing approach to their tragic history. While its emotional and creative richness is apparent, and exploration was delightfully engaging, my personal gameplay preferences nudge my rating to a respectful 3/5.

"Elden Ring" captivated me with its stellar visuals and rich, intricate lore, prompting extensive exploration and deep dives into its complex narratives. The meticulously crafted environments and engaging combat system, albeit familiar and souls-like, offered a rewarding, albeit occasionally forgiving, challenge, particularly during memorable boss fights like the 11-hour battle with Malenia. While the exploration and accessibility catered notably to newcomers, it sometimes allowed for unintended overleveling, and the recurrence of certain bosses felt somewhat repetitive. Despite minor, subjective reservations, the immense joy derived from exploring and interacting within this expansive world earns "Elden Ring" a well-deserved 5/5, standing as an undeniable masterpiece in my gaming experiences.

Embarking on a journey through "Hades," I found its visual artistry and diverse dialogues to be standout features, offering a fresh and engaging experience even with repeated playthroughs and NPCs interactions. While the combat mechanics provided fluidity, variability in weapons, and a sense of progression with upgrades, my connection to the roguelike genre impacted my overall engagement. The reliance on RNG, despite allowing experimentation, sometimes hindered the enjoyment, as obtaining desired boons or recreating powerful builds often felt like an elusive goal. Striving for 100% completion was largely enjoyable, though certain prophecies occasionally felt grind-like, particularly when dependent on luck with NPC encounters or dialogue choices. Ultimately, "Hades" earns a 3.5/5; it possesses undeniable charm and enjoyment, yet left me wishing for slightly more consistency in gameplay, and leaves me eager yet tentative about the sequel, "Hades 2."

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is one of the best games I have ever played. The combat in the game is extremely fluid and makes you feel like you are improving throughout the game paralleling yourself with the protagonist of the story who is also getting stronger. At first, it was a little hard to start where I died multiple times to even the easiest enemies, but as I played it more and understood the mechanics, the game got a lot more fun. There is a very clear difficulty curve throughout the game and each boss will teach you to perfect certain mechanics to use in the future. All of this will culminate with the final boss of the game that is definitely one of the greatest final bosses in any game I have played. I highly recommend this game to anyone even though it may be a little frustrating at first, just give it some practice and you will always want to come back and play again. :D