SPOILER WARNING for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

After finally defeating Renoir in Expedition 33, I thought the hardest part was over—until I had to make the choice. Maelle or Verso. Two characters I grew deeply attached to throughout the journey. And now I had to pick one?

The Moment That Hit Hard

As Verso steps into the canvas and meets the spirit of the young painter, he quietly asks, “Are you tired of painting?” That hit different. You could feel the weight in his voice. Then Maelle arrives—desperate to stop him. Two souls, both lost in their own pain, fighting for two completely different visions of what’s right.

It wasn’t just about saving one of them. It was about choosing between reality and illusion… between healing and holding on.

Why I Chose Verso

I sat with that choice for a while. I even looked it up on Reddit because I didn’t want to make the “wrong” decision. But the truth? There is no right choice—only what felt right for me.

Maelle had one of the strongest backstories in the game. I felt for her deeply. But I couldn’t fully understand her final decision. Choosing her path meant staying in a painted fantasy, living in denial, no matter how beautiful it looked. She even admits she’s addicted to it—she knows it’s not healthy, but still chooses to stay.

In contrast, Verso’s ending felt like closure. Painful, yes—but honest. With his choice, Maelle learns to let go. She confronts grief and starts to heal. She faces the real world, and somehow… finds peace. That felt more powerful to me than preserving a fantasy.

A Powerful Narrative Choice

This decision will stay with me for a long time. Expedition 33 doesn’t force a “good” or “bad” ending on you—it forces you to reflect on what kind of person you are.

• Do you choose comfort, beauty, and illusion?
• Or do you face the harsh truth, even if it hurts?

I chose reality. I chose Verso.
And even though it hurt, I believe Maelle would thank me for it—one day.

If you’re struggling with this choice too, I get it. It’s not just about game mechanics—it’s about you. Your values. Your emotional journey. That’s what makes Expedition 33 such a masterpiece.

NG+ Here I Come…

But I’m not done yet.

I’m jumping into New Game+ soon to explore Maelle’s ending. I want to see it through her eyes. I want to understand what peace means to her, even if it’s a different path than mine. I feel like this story deserves both perspectives.

Still deciding between Maelle and Verso?
Check out my full Expedition 33 review here: Read the full breakdown

Gaming is for everyone.
And it’s about time people started realizing it.

For decades, mainstream gaming culture made it seem like video games were just for guys. But that’s changing fast—and not just in who’s picking up the controller, but also in how we’re starting to understand the real impact of gaming on the brain, body, and beyond.

Gaming Is Not Rotting Your Brain

Let’s get this myth out of the way—video games are not killing your brain cells. In fact, games are now being used as real tools in therapy and recovery for things like brain cancer, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and even stroke rehabilitation.

Companies like DeepWell DTx are creating something called immersive medicine—basically combining gameplay with health benefits. Think: rhythm games that use breath work or movement to stimulate your vagus nerve (which helps control stress and mood).

So no—gaming isn’t a waste of time. Sometimes, it’s literally healing people.

Tapping Into Dopamine the Smart Way

Ever wonder why gaming feels so good? It’s science.
The mesolimbic system (your brain’s reward center) drops dopamine every time you pull off a clean combo, beat a tough boss, or just get in the zone.

That dopamine not only makes you feel great—it boosts attention, focus, and even learning. It’s why gaming can be so immersive… and yeah, a little addicting if you don’t balance it. But in moderation? Gaming is basically a natural high with mental perks.

Women Gamers Are Done Staying Quiet

Stats don’t lie—young women are gaming just as much as men now. But scroll through Twitch or esports tournaments, and it’s still mostly male audiences, especially around blockbuster titles like FIFA or Call of Duty.

Why? A lot of it comes down to how games have been marketed for decades—targeted towards guys, wrapped in “gamer bro” culture, and gatekept from the start.

But that’s changing. eSports presenter Frankie Ward said it best:

“In the past, gaming has kind of been this protected identity that men have held on to very strongly. But women are being a lot more vocal about the fact that they’re gamers, and they’re becoming a lot prouder to say so.”

And honestly, I’m here for it.
Whether you’re grinding ranked in Valorant, unlocking every shrine in Zelda, or casually building in Animal Crossing, gaming has no gender.

Powerful Female Leads = More Representation That Matters

The rise of female protagonists in gaming has played a massive role in inspiring a new generation of gamers—especially women and girls who finally see themselves in the main role.

From the fearless Aloy in Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West to the legendary Lara Croft in Tomb Raider, these characters show that power, resilience, and leadership aren’t reserved for male leads.

And let’s not forget Amicia in A Plague Tale: Innocence and Requiem—a young woman navigating war, trauma, and survival while protecting her little brother. These stories aren’t just epic—they’re emotional, human, and relatable.

Seeing strong female characters lead the charge isn’t just inspiring—it’s a reminder that gaming is evolving. And the more diverse the heroes, the more people feel like they belong in this space.

Final Thought

Gaming isn’t just a hobby—it’s culture, therapy, community, art, and connection.
And the more inclusive it becomes, the better it gets for all of us. Whether you’re grinding through a boss fight, chilling with a co-op game, or breaking into esports—you belong here, no matter your gender.

So shoutout to the women, the nonbinary gamers, and everyone smashing stereotypes with a controller in hand. This space is for you too.

 This article was written by my sister, Fauzii.

She’s not just family, but also my favorite co-op buddy (even if she rage quits sometimes ). We grew up gaming together, and she’s been part of my gaming journey since day one. From late-night boss fights to debating who’s the better character — she brings a unique perspective, especially when it comes to female representation in games.

She’s been hyped about writing this piece, and I’m proud to share her voice on Level Up With Dann.

This list might ruffle some feathers. I know a lot of long-time fans of the Assassin’s Creed franchise swear by the classics—Ezio, Altair, the OG stealth-first roots of the series. But for me, it all started later.

My first ever AC game was Assassin’s Creed Odyssey on PS4—and it hooked me from the start. The open-world, the Greek mythology, the freedom to fight or sneak—I was sold. I later found out that Odyssey is one of the most divisive titles in the AC community. It’s very different from the early games. But hey, it was my intro to the franchise, and I don’t regret it.

After Odyssey, I went back and tried a few of the older titles—AC Origins, Unity, and AC2. While Unity and AC2 had better historical realism and more traditional stealth gameplay, the combat felt too slow for my taste. I finished them, but they didn’t pull me in enough to chase trophies or do another run.

Then came Valhalla, and yeah—it was massive. A bit too long, and yes, the missions could feel repetitive, but the combat and visuals made it worthwhile. Mirage? Also solid, but felt like a side mission compared to the other recent entries.

Anyway, here are the three AC games that really stuck with me—my personal top-tier picks:

1. Assassin’s Creed Origins (Played on PS4)

The game that truly made me appreciate the series.

• From Bayek’s story to the way ancient Egypt is brought to life—this game is pure immersion.
  
• The combat system feels smooth, the world is rich with detail, and the story hits hard.
  
• It’s a perfect blend of modern AC mechanics and that Assassin’s vibe.
  To me, this was AC at its most polished.
  

2. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey (Played on PS4)

My first AC—and the one that pulled me into this universe.

• I’ve always been into Greek mythology, so exploring ancient Greece as Kassandra (or Alexios) felt epic.
  
• The combat, dialogue choices, and even the naval battles were all fire.
  
• I know it’s not “classic AC,” but it gave me that open-world RPG freedom I love. Still one of my favorite AC experiences to date.

3. Assassin’s Creed Shadows (Played on PS5)

Say what you want—I actually enjoyed AC Shadows.

• Yes, it’s not perfect. But being able to switch between a samurai and a shinobi? That alone had me locked in.
  
• The combat mechanics are clean, the Japanese setting is beautiful, and I love how Ubisoft tried something different.
  
• If you’re a fan of feudal Japan, you’ll find plenty to appreciate here—even if it’s not everyone’s favorite.

Bonus Mention: Assassin’s Creed Mirage

Mirage was fun and visually stunning, but it felt more like an expansion than a full game. Stealth felt tight, but it ended way too soon. Hoping for a solid DLC to expand that experience. Read my full review on Assassin’s Creed Mirage here.

Whether you’re team Ezio or team RPG-style AC, every Assassin’s Creed fan has their favorites—and these are mine. If you’re new to the series and wondering where to start, honestly? Origins or Odyssey is a solid entry point. Which Assassin’s Creed game is your favorite? Are you old-school or new-school AC? Drop your top 3 in the comments—let’s compare!

One of the biggest reasons I love open-world games?
The maps.

Not just because they’re huge, but because they feel alive.
You get to explore at your own pace—looting, fighting, discovering hidden quests, or sometimes just stopping to admire the view. There’s something about walking through a virtual world that makes you forget about objectives for a while.

Whether it’s snow-covered peaks, cyberpunk alleyways, or ancient ruins, each world tells its own story—even when you’re not doing the main mission. So here are my top 5 open-world maps that really stayed with me.

1. Red Dead Redemption 2 (PS5)

Map size: ~75–78 km²

If you’ve played RDR2, you already know—this map is insanely detailed.
It’s not just big for the sake of it. Every inch feels handcrafted.

You’ve got dense forests, snow-capped mountains, lonely towns, and wild terrain that changes with the weather. Sometimes I’d just hop on my horse, set a custom waypoint, and ride with no destination—just vibing with the world.

The sceneries in this game? Easily some of the best I’ve seen.

2. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey (PS5)

Map size: ~256 km² (130 km² land)

This one surprised me. Ancient Greece? Massive.
There’s land, sea, and a ton of islands—all packed with quests, loot, and stunning views.

The world is dense, full of unique cities, mythical ruins, and NPCs that make the world feel lived in. The moment I stepped into Odyssey, I knew I wouldn’t just rush the story.
Instead, I took my time:
Cleared forts
Explored islands
Climbed statues just to take in the view

It’s one of those maps where you want to get lost.

3. Cyberpunk 2077 (PS5)

Map size: ~24 km²

Smaller than the others on this list, but don’t let the numbers fool you.
Night City hits different.

What it lacks in surface area, it makes up in vertical design.
You’re not just exploring streets—you’re climbing buildings, sneaking through rooftops, diving into underground markets. It’s layered, dense, and full of side gigs and stories around every corner.

Sometimes I’d stop at a food stall, scan a crowd, or cruise through at night just to see the lights. It’s chaotic in the best way.

4. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (PS5)

Map size: ~135 km²

If we’re talking legendary open-worlds, The Witcher 3 still sets the bar.
It’s been years since it dropped, and it still feels timeless.

The map is broken into regions—each with its own vibe. From Velen’s grim war-torn villages to Skellige’s windswept cliffs, the world feels massive but never empty.

I could spend hours just picking herbs, fighting drowners, or taking on contracts before even thinking about the main quest.
It’s the kind of game where you accidentally level up by exploring—and that’s the best kind of leveling.

5. Starfield (Xbox Series X|S)

Explorable planets: 1,000+ across 100+ star systems

Now this one’s different.
It’s not a traditional open-world—it’s open-galaxy.

Starfield’s world is technically endless, with procedural planets mixed with handcrafted ones. While some areas feel more like “resource zones,” others are packed with hand-built cities, missions, and insane landscapes.

It’s not the same kind of map as the others—but in terms of scale and ambition, it’s on another level.
Sometimes I just fly around, land on a random moon, and chill under an alien sky.

Why Exploration Still Feels So Good

I don’t usually speed through the main story. I like to take it slow, absorb the world, and unlock gear or XP through side quests or just raw curiosity.

Some of the best items or quests I’ve found?
Totally by accident—just by wandering.
Whether it’s a legendary sword in a cave or a hidden NPC storyline, those moments hit harder when you discover them yourself.And yeah, there are other games I still want to try—GTA V, Skyrim, Elden Ring.
But what I’ve learned is this:
Sometimes just walking through an open-world map, no goal in mind, is the best part of the game.
It’s meditative. It’s immersive. It’s why I keep playing.