grantwardo
2022
Copied from Steam review:
Without exaggerating too much, I think this may be one of the greatest video games ever made. Elden Ring takes the best components from From Software's previous titles, and smashes them together into one GIANT and DENSE package. It's an open world that exudes curiosity in the player, has some of the deepest RPG systems you can find in a 3rd person action-adventure, and houses an absolutely stunning world with impeccable level design.
This game is exemplary in every possible manor. There's no other way to say it.
Even if you've never played a From Software game, or have been reluctant to try one out, this is the best place to start. And if you're worried about difficulty, you have the freedom to make this as easy or challenging as you'd like. Just go at your own speed and find what playstyle calls to you the most. Ignore what anyone says online, play your way and have fun!
For those that have played previous souls-likes, this is an evolution in form on every account. The open world is like Breath of the Wild on steroids. You'll be peeking around every tree, rock, and bush, finding secrets left and right. A new sword, hidden boss, armor set, or steps for another questline; no time or space is wasted. If you're a fan of the linear and interwoven levels from Dark Soul's past, those are still here and are just as good! Nay, better than ever before!
Never has there been a From Software game with this deep of combat. Everything is viable, and man is there variety. From the classic sword and shield, to duel wielding anything, to pure magic builds. Any path you choose will have countless options that all are fun and powerful. Respec-ing is also much more accessible so you can try out multiple play-styles in one playthrough without needing to make dozens of different characters.
AND THE ART, OH THE ART. MY GOD IS THIS GAME BEAUTIFUL.
From Software's team of employees have perfected their craft. I'm at the point where I'm starting to consider this whole thing high art.
Just buy this game already.
Without exaggerating too much, I think this may be one of the greatest video games ever made. Elden Ring takes the best components from From Software's previous titles, and smashes them together into one GIANT and DENSE package. It's an open world that exudes curiosity in the player, has some of the deepest RPG systems you can find in a 3rd person action-adventure, and houses an absolutely stunning world with impeccable level design.
This game is exemplary in every possible manor. There's no other way to say it.
Even if you've never played a From Software game, or have been reluctant to try one out, this is the best place to start. And if you're worried about difficulty, you have the freedom to make this as easy or challenging as you'd like. Just go at your own speed and find what playstyle calls to you the most. Ignore what anyone says online, play your way and have fun!
For those that have played previous souls-likes, this is an evolution in form on every account. The open world is like Breath of the Wild on steroids. You'll be peeking around every tree, rock, and bush, finding secrets left and right. A new sword, hidden boss, armor set, or steps for another questline; no time or space is wasted. If you're a fan of the linear and interwoven levels from Dark Soul's past, those are still here and are just as good! Nay, better than ever before!
Never has there been a From Software game with this deep of combat. Everything is viable, and man is there variety. From the classic sword and shield, to duel wielding anything, to pure magic builds. Any path you choose will have countless options that all are fun and powerful. Respec-ing is also much more accessible so you can try out multiple play-styles in one playthrough without needing to make dozens of different characters.
AND THE ART, OH THE ART. MY GOD IS THIS GAME BEAUTIFUL.
From Software's team of employees have perfected their craft. I'm at the point where I'm starting to consider this whole thing high art.
Just buy this game already.
2018
Easy to learn, hard to put down. One of the best strategy games out there. Perfect for long flights or nights of insomnia.
Too much to write about so I'll have to come back later, but damn was this expansion great! Easily my favorite one of the series. A campaign worthy enough to pick up this DLC alone. Bungie's narrative is working in full force, really loving how this game has almost turned into a television series where each week I can log in to discover interesting and engaging narrative story arcs. Fun seasonal activities, a spectacular raid, 2 moody and immersive dungeons, the return of the King, and some stellar loot!
Also damn did that season finale hit HARD. Stoked for Lightfall!
Also damn did that season finale hit HARD. Stoked for Lightfall!
2010
Such a tragic and touching campaign. As much as I love all the Halos, this one holds a special place in my heart <3
As a personal bonus, this was my first ever online multiplayer game! And boy did I love every second of it.
As a personal bonus, this was my first ever online multiplayer game! And boy did I love every second of it.
Nothing feeds me with more nostalgia than this game. But man does it hold up! Some pretty sweet squad mechanics for a game from 2005, and DAMN does the art design, music, sound design, and voice acting just hit it out of the park! This gritty boots-on-the-ground/band of brothers perspective in the Star Wars universe is such a sweet experience to get immersed in.
Plus shout out to those bonus bts featurettes you unlock through playing the game! This game taught me what foley, concept art, and other aspects of game/film/television development include. Wish more games did this!
Plus shout out to those bonus bts featurettes you unlock through playing the game! This game taught me what foley, concept art, and other aspects of game/film/television development include. Wish more games did this!
2019
One of the greatest games ever made, and THE best game I've ever played. It's a breakthrough in game design, a marvel of world-building, storytelling, immersion, and just so expertly pieced together. My first time playing through was such a cherished experience, I hope anyone who owns a gaming rig will have the pleasure of picking this work of art up.
DO NOT SPOIL THIS FOR YOURSELF. READ NO REVIEWS, DO NOT WATCH ANY VIDEOS. Please, go into this as blind as you can and you will walk out with an experience you'll continuously look back on.
This game is a treasure and truly worth your time.
Outer Wilds is a puzzle, but to solve the mysteries of this galaxy, you're not following any waypoints, guides, or map markers. You're following your curiosity, using your brain, and are rewarded with knowledge (which you'll then use to solve the next puzzle).
The worlds you'll inhabit will feel as cozy as a fireplace on a rainy day, or as scary as the dark trenches of the pacific ocean. One moment you'll be humming along to the nostalgic melody of your friends' instruments, and the next you'll feel suffocated by the vast cold emptiness of space.
I could go on and on about my love for this game. Words cannot describe how special of an experience this is. Just please, give it a shot and I promise you won't regret it.
As for the DLC, WOW did it blow me away. The formula of curiosity-driven puzzle-solving is just so good. And man is each mystery exciting. Overall felt more like a sequel than a DLC. The way Echos of the Eye kept the themes of the main game, yet foils them in almost every regard, just.... wow. Almost 3 years since I played this game and I still can't stop thinking about it.
DO NOT SPOIL THIS FOR YOURSELF. READ NO REVIEWS, DO NOT WATCH ANY VIDEOS. Please, go into this as blind as you can and you will walk out with an experience you'll continuously look back on.
This game is a treasure and truly worth your time.
Outer Wilds is a puzzle, but to solve the mysteries of this galaxy, you're not following any waypoints, guides, or map markers. You're following your curiosity, using your brain, and are rewarded with knowledge (which you'll then use to solve the next puzzle).
The worlds you'll inhabit will feel as cozy as a fireplace on a rainy day, or as scary as the dark trenches of the pacific ocean. One moment you'll be humming along to the nostalgic melody of your friends' instruments, and the next you'll feel suffocated by the vast cold emptiness of space.
I could go on and on about my love for this game. Words cannot describe how special of an experience this is. Just please, give it a shot and I promise you won't regret it.
As for the DLC, WOW did it blow me away. The formula of curiosity-driven puzzle-solving is just so good. And man is each mystery exciting. Overall felt more like a sequel than a DLC. The way Echos of the Eye kept the themes of the main game, yet foils them in almost every regard, just.... wow. Almost 3 years since I played this game and I still can't stop thinking about it.
2018
Game so good it inspired my choice to pursue the career I have today. This will always and forever hold a special place in my heart. Practically a perfect game and stunning work of art.