One of the best implementations of an open world RPG to date. Between the large variety of weapons and play styles, a memorable cast of mysterious characters, and the stellar music and art direction, Elden Ring creates a journey that truly feels like an adventure into the unknown. My one complaint is that some boss repeats were a little overused. Usually the only variation would be either adding mobs to the fight or simply putting two bosses in one space, leading to some fights feeling more annoying than fun. Otherwise, Elden Ring manages to further expand and improve upon the Souls-like formula while establishing its own identity among Fromsoft's other titles.

Xenogears is an odd beast to describe. It is a game that was incredibly ambitious for its time, and honestly even ambitious by today's standards. Originally conceived as a single episode of a much larger overarching story, it ultimately wouldn't get the level of support that original vision would have required, resulting in Xenogears's rather infamously truncated second disc. Even despite this, Xenogears is perhaps one of the most impactful gaming experiences that I have ever had the pleasure of playing. Its plot, characters, and themes are genuinely thought provoking, drawing from a number of different religious and philosophical sources. The battle system is easily one of the most unique among its peers, combining the combos of a fighting game with turn based combat. Combat and exploration are even more fleshed out when you add in the game's mechs. The music and art design are also just as memorable. Xenogears is by no means a perfect game. It is noticeably unpolished and is at times frustrating. Despite these frustrations though, it holds a special place as one of a select few JRPGs that have enriched me as a person. If one is willing to put up with its quirks and discomforts, it is a game that I truly think is a must play for all fans of the genre.