Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

I hadn’t even heard of Khazan until TikTok and Twitch hit me with some gameplay clips. The combat?
The art style? Dark, unique, gritty—with this stylized, painterly edge that’s rare in today’s action RPGs. It gave me “soulslike-meets-artbook” vibes, and that’s what made me pick it up. No regrets.

From the first boss fight, I was locked in.

Combat Carries This Game

Let’s keep it real—this game isn’t easy, but you can choose to change the game difficulty any time.
Parrying feels tight—like, blink-and-you-miss-it timing. The parry window is so small you’ll rage at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s one of the most satisfying parts of the game. And it feels heavy—every clash, every counterattack, every execution.

The weapon variety and skill system are solid too. You’ve got real freedom to build your own berserker, and it only gets better with time. I’m even planning to run it back in NG+ just to unlock more skills and upgrade my setup. Platinum trophy, though? I’m not built for that grind this time.

Visual Style & Story

Some folks might call the graphics “dated” or “weird,” but I actually dig the art direction.
It’s stylized, raw, and fits perfectly with the tone of the world. It doesn’t try to be ultra-realistic—it focuses on atmosphere. And honestly? It works.

Where it stumbles a bit is in the story.
The narrative has potential, but it gave me Final Fantasy XVI energy—ambitious, dramatic, but sometimes hard to follow. It doesn’t fully land emotionally, but it’s good enough to keep you pushing through the chaos.

Bonus Missions & Endgame

The bonus content is fun, though a bit short.
Still, it’s a decent way to get new gear and get in some extra fights if you’re not ready to end your journey just yet. Perfect for a warm-up run before diving into NG+.

Verdict: 4 out of 5 stars

Khazan: The First Berserker might not be a perfect 10, but it’s a stylish, brutal action RPG with deep combat and killer vibes. If you’re into precise parries, unique visual design, and that gritty underdog energy, this one deserves a slot in your library.

The Koreans did it again. Respect.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

When I first saw the trailer for Ghost of Yotei, I was all in. As a massive fan of Ghost of Tsushima—platinum trophy and all—I had high hopes. The trailer hit hard: clean visuals, cinematic swordplay, and a mysterious new vibe. I was hyped.

And then the usual noise started online.
“Woke this, woke that…” because the main protagonist is a woman? Come on. That take is lazy. The female lead actually made the story feel fresh. And let’s be real—this kind of representation can only pull more gamers into the world we love. Nothing wrong with that.

Visually? A Next-Level Feudal Dream

Let’s start with the visuals: Ghost of Yotei looks stunning.
It builds on the beauty of Tsushima and takes it even further—lush forests, misty mountain temples, golden leaves in slow motion. The scenery alone made me stop mid-mission just to soak it all in. The team clearly pushed the PS5 to its limits.

Combat: Sharp, But Not As Fluid

Combat was solid, but it didn’t hit quite like the original.
Sure, they introduced new weapons and flashy abilities—and that bo staff moment? But something about the combat system felt stiffer. I missed the stance-switching from Tsushima—it felt like a step back in terms of flow. If they blended the old stance system with these new weapons? That would’ve been chef’s kiss.

Story & Progression

The narrative was good, but not as gripping as Jin’s tale in Tsushima.
I wasn’t rushing to complete side quests this time around. The main story carried enough weight to finish the first playthrough, but it didn’t pull me back in for a New Game+ like Tsushima did. I’ll probably return to it later and give it another shot—might hit different on the second round.

Verdict: 4 out of 5 stars

Still a strong entry in the series. Visually stunning, emotionally grounded, and bold in its choice of lead. I just wish the combat had a bit more bite and the story a little more pull. If you’re into samurai stories, gorgeous open-world design, and cinematic sword fights, Ghost of Yotei is worth the ride.

And who knows… maybe NG+ will hit different.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

When I first got my PS5, I told myself I’d only play next-gen titles—you know, games built for this console generation. But then God of War (2018) popped up everywhere—clips on social, review breakdowns, people saying it’s a must-play even if it’s not technically a next-gen release.

I gave it a shot. And I’m glad I did. It was my first time stepping into the world of Kratos and Atreus, and from the very first swing of the Leviathan Axe, I knew I was in for something different.

Not a Next-Gen Game, But It Feels Like One

Even though this game dropped before the PS5 era, it plays so smooth on the newer hardware.
The combat feels weighty and responsive. The visuals—especially with the updated resolution and framerate boost—still hold up incredibly well.

From the way Kratos grunts mid-fight to the heavy thud of his axe returning, everything feels crafted with intention. It didn’t matter that it wasn’t labeled “next-gen”—it played like one.

Combat, Story & Boss Fights That Stick With You

What really locked me in was the combat system—clean, satisfying, and layered.
Once you start unlocking new skills and weapons, it becomes a whole other beast.

The Blades of Chaos were an instant favorite—especially for crowd control.
Atreus actually felt helpful in battle, not just a side character.
The valkyrie fights? Next level. Brutal. Precise. Especially the Queen Valkyrie, who gave me serious trouble.

You can’t just spam your way through those encounters. You gotta git gud—learn patterns, time your dodges, use your runic attacks wisely. By the end, it felt more like a duel of discipline than a boss fight.

How I Got Into It (and Why It’s Worth a Try)

I didn’t grow up with the earlier God of War games. I came into it fresh.
No nostalgia. Just curiosity.

I saw people online sharing clips, praising the father-son dynamic, and comparing it to some of the best action RPGs out there. I still had doubts—it wasn’t a new release, and I was trying to fill my PS5 with “only the latest.” But God of War showed me that great games don’t have an expiration date.

Platinum Hunting and That Final Push

Yes—I platinumed this game. And let me tell you, it felt so rewarding.

The final Valkyrie fight tested every mechanic I had learned. It wasn’t just about gear or stats—it was about skill and flow.
You need to unlock all the right abilities, maximize your cooldowns, and stay calm when things get chaotic.

Same with God of War Ragnarök—I went in fully committed and loved every second of it. But this first one? It made me a fan for life.

Verdict: 5 out of 5 stars

If you’re holding off on God of War (2018) because it’s not a PS5 title, don’t.
It may not scream “next-gen” on paper, but it feels like one where it matters—in gameplay, in story, and in emotional impact.

From throwing the Leviathan Axe for the first time to finally taking down the Queen Valkyrie, God of War delivers one of the most complete, satisfying action RPG experiences I’ve had.

Whether you’re here for the story, the combat, or just to test your skills—this one’s worth the grind.
I give it 5 stars, no doubt.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

When this game was first revealed, I was hyped beyond words. Futuristic setting, crazy detail, neon lights, gritty city vibes—it was giving Tokyo and Hong Kong in another timeline. And since I actually lived in both cities, that aesthetic felt personal. No joke: Cyberpunk 2077 was one of the main reasons I got a PS5. Might be a controversial take, but I’m glad I made that move.

That Messy Launch… Yeah, I Waited

I watched all the trailers, soaked up the hype, but when the game dropped? Bugs everywhere. I saw the early gameplay and said, “Yeah, nah—I’ll wait.” The concept was , but the execution flopped at launch. It felt like the devs rushed to drop something that clearly needed more time. So I shelved the idea… for a while.

Fast-forward a year later. I started seeing patched-up gameplay clips on TikTok and Twitch, and the game looked way more polished. So I caved. Picked it up, loaded it in—and man, I should’ve jumped in sooner.

Night City Is ALIVE

My first run? Corpo route. Second run? Street Kid. Both were insane in their own way. The mechanics are smooth, and the worldbuilding? On another level. Night City isn’t just big—it’s alive. Every block has something happening. Random encounters, side quests, weird convos, flashy ads—it’s like a city that never shuts up.

Even the driving—usually not my thing in games—was cool here. You’ve got futuristic rides, street bikes, and actual in-game radio stations. Add in the fact that your apartment, outfits, cyberware, and weapons all feel personalized… it’s easy to get lost in this world.

Storylines, Combat & That Final Boss

I loved the branching storylines based on your chosen background. Even though they all eventually merge into the same main story, the beginning paths offer cool perspectives. Dialogue is sharp, voice acting is solid, and yeah—Keanu is in it, so there’s that.

The combat? Clean. Hacking, melee, stealth, long-range—you can build your playstyle however you want. Guns feel weighty, the upgrades are meaningful, and boss fights (well… most of them) are dope. Only thing? The final boss was kind of mid. It needed more tension, more challenge—but hey, everything else made up for it.

Verdict: 5 out of 5 stars

Cyberpunk 2077 went from one of the biggest flops in gaming to one of the cleanest redemption arcs ever. This game is pure cyberpunk fantasy with next-gen quality. And with the Phantom Liberty DLC added in? Even better. You can check out my DLC review [here].

If you haven’t played this yet, now’s the time.
I’d recommend this game to any open-world RPG fan who wants immersion, choice, and chaos in neon.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

When I first saw the trailer for Stray, I was like “yo… what is this?” A game where you play as a cat? Kinda weird. But after seeing a few gameplay clips on TikTok and Twitch, the curiosity kicked in. Plus, it’s an indie game—and I’m always down to support the underdogs (or in this case, undercats).

Turns out… this game? Fire.

A Cat’s-Eye View of a Broken World

You play as a stray cat trying to survive in a dystopian city filled with creepy alien creatures and lonely robots. There’s no real talking—just robotic mumbling from NPCs during quests. But that silence? It works. It adds to the mystery, the loneliness, the immersion.

And yo… the graphics are stunning. Every alleyway, neon light, and rusted rooftop is dripping with atmosphere. It’s like stepping into a cyberpunk postcard—just from 10 inches off the ground.

No Claws, No Guns, Just Smart Moves

Here’s the twist—you don’t fight like a normal action game. No clawing enemies or cat-fu takedowns. Instead, you use strategy, stealth, and puzzles to outsmart your enemies and navigate the world. It’s super creative, and the PS5 haptics? On point. You feel every little paw step, jump, and meow through the controller.

The mission designs are tight, and one part in particular almost broke me: the trophy challenge where you have to sprint through enemies without getting caught. Still haven’t done it… but I’m coming back for that Platinum, mark my words.

The Vibes Hit Hard

What really caught me off guard was the emotional depth. The story is sad. Like really sad. It explores loneliness, memory, and survival in a world where humanity is long gone. And even without words, it says a lot.

It’s the kind of game that doesn’t just stick because of gameplay—it sticks because of how it makes you feel.

Verdict: 4 out of 5 stars

Stray is hands down one of the most original indie games I’ve played in years. It fully deserved that Best Indie Game of 2022 award. If you’re into cats, post-apocalyptic worlds, or just want something that hits different—play this game.

It’s not about saving the world… it’s about surviving it. As a cat.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

At first, I wasn’t sure if Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice was for me. Developed by FromSoftware, and I only picked it up two years after launch. I had my doubts—wasn’t a big fan of the graphics at first, and I kept hearing about how brutally difficult it was. But then, I started watching short clips on YouTube and TikTok, and something just clicked. The sound of the katana slashes, the intense combat—it looked too good to ignore.

So I gave it a shot. And wow. What. A. Game.

Mastering the Combat – Sekiro’s Greatest Strength

The first run? Painful. I had zero skills—every boss destroyed me, and I quickly realized this wasn’t like any other action RPG. In Sekiro, you don’t just level up your character—you level up yourself. You have to memorize enemy attacks, time your parries perfectly, and counter at the right moment.

By my second run, something changed. I had mastered the mechanics, and suddenly, Sekiro became one of my all-time favorite games. That feeling when you deflect an enemy’s final strike and land the perfect counter? It’s unmatched.

Platinum Trophy & NG+ – Pushing My Limits

I didn’t stop at just beating the game. I completed all four endings, collected every item, and earned the Platinum Trophy on PS5. But that wasn’t enough—I played Sekiro again on Xbox Series X|S and even finished New Game+. There’s something about this game that keeps pulling me back, no matter how many times I’ve beaten it.

Defeating a Sekiro boss is satisfying—but earning the Platinum Trophy? Next level. This game makes you work for every victory, and that’s what makes it so rewarding. For a different kind of samurai experience, here’s my take on Ghost of Tsushima.

Play Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora From the Ashes Edition. Get the game now!

Visuals & Atmosphere – A Work of Art in Motion

At first, I wasn’t sure about Sekiro’s graphics, but they grew on me. The more I played, the more I realized this isn’t just a game—it’s like a moving piece of Japanese fine art. The world feels alive, the environments are stunning, and every area tells a visual story.

Now, I’m even considering playing Sekiro on my Lenovo Steam Deck. If you play a game on every platform, you know you really love that game. That’s exactly how I feel about Sekiro.

Verdict: 5 out of 5 stars

Even after six years, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice remains an absolute masterpiece. The combat is perfect, the challenge is brutal but fair, and the satisfaction of beating a tough boss is unlike any other game. Sekiro easily gets 5/5 stars from me! If you haven’t played it yet, I 100% recommend it.

What About You?

Have you played Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice? How many runs did it take before you mastered it? Let me know in the comments!

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

When I first saw the trailer for Assassin’s Creed Mirage, I was instantly hyped. Assassins operating in the ancient Arab world? The word “assassin” literally comes from Arabic origins, so this setting just makes sense—and it makes the whole vibe way cooler.

This game dives back into what Assassin’s Creed is all about—stealth, brotherhood, shadows, and secrets. If you’re new to the franchise or started with games like Valhalla or Odyssey, Mirage gives you a crash course on what it truly means to be an assassin.

A City That Breathes – Welcome to 9th Century Baghdad

One thing Mirage absolutely nails is the setting. Baghdad feels alive. The city is buzzing with people, merchants, guards—and if you mess up a kill in public, expect to see your face on wanted posters real quick. Civilians actually react to what you do, which adds to the realism.

It’s a gorgeous homage to Arabic culture, from the architecture to the ambient music. It’s the little things that make it immersive.

Basim – From Mysterious Rogue to Selfless Hero

If you’ve played AC Valhalla, you probably remember Basim as that shady guy with hidden motives. But in Mirage, we see a completely different side of him. Young Basim is relatable, loyal, and driven by something more than personal gain.

His growth throughout the story actually made me like him more than I expected. Mirage gives him depth—and that’s something I appreciate in an AC game.

Stealth, Parkour, and Combat – Back to Basics

Mirage brings the series back to its roots. It’s a pure stealth game at heart. If you’re hoping for the combat depth of Ghost of Tsushima or Witcher 3, you won’t find that here. But what you do get is the thrill of sneaking, blending in, stalking your target, and striking like a true assassin.

The parkour feels way smoother than Valhalla. And even though I missed having a wide range of combat styles or weapon loadouts, Mirage kept me entertained by letting me play it smart instead of loud.

Bugs, Graphics, and the Short Campaign

Not gonna lie—the character models could use some love, and I did run into a few bugs here and there. Nothing game-breaking, just a little janky sometimes. Also, the game felt a bit short—I was left wanting more missions, more skills, and more gear to mess around with.

But still… I had a good time. Sneaking around, pulling off perfect assassinations, and exploring the city scratched that itch I’ve had for old-school AC.

Verdict: 4 out of 5 stars

Assassin’s Creed Mirage is a solid return to the series’ roots. It’s not as grand or packed as Odyssey or Origins, but it captures the essence of being a stealthy, sharp-robed killer in a living, breathing world.

If you want flashy combat, this might not be your game. But if you’re here for the assassin fantasy? Mirage delivers.

Still not sure which AC game to dive into first? Check out my Assassin’s Creed Odyssey review.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

One word? Masterpiece.

The Lies of P DLC took everything I loved from the base game and turned it up. From the storyline to the boss design, this expansion feels like a true extension—not just bonus content. And honestly? Some of the DLC bosses hit harder (and better) than the base game.

Boss Fights – Brutal in the Best Way

Let’s get straight to it—the bosses in the DLC are beasts. Fast, intense, and beautifully designed. The first boss? Fire. The final boss? Peak soulslike energy. Both had me locked in.

Now… (SPOILER ALERT)
That croc boss though? Meh. Not terrible, just didn’t match the energy of the rest. Kind of felt like filler. But hey, every story needs a mid-tier miniboss, right?

Story – Seamlessly Connected to the Base Game

The DLC’s storyline flows perfectly from the original game. No weird disconnect, no random plot points. It feels like it belongs—and it deepens the lore without overcomplicating it.

What really blew my mind was seeing Hotel Krat and its surroundings in a different timeline. Same place, new atmosphere. The sense of familiarity mixed with decay and change was surreal in the best way.

New Enemies – Fresh Nightmares

New enemy types? Brilliant. They’re well-balanced, unpredictable, and force you to tweak your playstyle. These aren’t just reskins—they’re legit additions that expand the world and make combat even more exciting.

Verdict: 5 out of 5 stars

This is what DLC should be. Lies of P’s DLC doesn’t just add content—it elevates the entire experience. With killer bosses, tight storytelling, and a darker twist on familiar zones, it’s a no-brainer if you enjoyed the base game. Easily one of the best DLCs I’ve played in a long time.

Tried the Lies of P DLC Yet?

What was your favorite boss? Did the story hit like it did for me? Drop your thoughts and builds in the comments.

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  Khazan: The First Berserker – A Great Soulslike You Haven’t Played Yet

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Final Fantasy XVI was my first real dive into the franchise. I’ve always heard about FF from other gamers—legendary status, right? But I never actually played one… until now.
I saw the trailer and thought, “Okay, this looks epic.” And honestly? The gameplay is what sold me. This ain’t your old-school turn-based RPG. Nope—this game is all about action. Fast-paced swordplay, insane Eikon abilities, and some of the smoothest combat I’ve played in a while. You’re basically out here pulling off anime fights in real-time. Combat definitely carried the game.

Combat – Flashy, Fast, and Addictive

Let’s start with what this game does best: combat. You get all kinds of slick combos, cinematic finishers, and wild Eikon powers that level the whole battlefield. It’s smooth, it’s flashy, and most of all—it’s fun. If you like action-heavy RPGs, you’re gonna love how Final Fantasy XVI handles its fights.

Story – Chaotic but Ambitious

Alright, time for real talk—the story kinda lost me. There’s a lot going on: betrayals, gods, politics, timelines… You name it. Maybe it hits harder if you’ve played other Final Fantasy games, but for me? It felt like too much crammed into one game. Still, I kept going because the world was dope, and the boss fights?

Graphics & Presentation – Next-Gen Flex

This game is a visual showcase.
Bosses are massive. Environments are detailed. Cutscenes feel like you’re watching a movie.
The only downside? No real character progression. It’s a bit too linear in that sense. I wanted to switch characters, mix up classes or builds, but nah—you’re locked into one path. Not a dealbreaker, but something to note.

Final Thoughts – Worth Playing for the Action

Would I replay it? Not right now.
But I don’t regret the playthrough at all. If you want a game that looks amazing, plays like a dream, and lets you blast through enemies with giant Eikon powers, this is it.

Verdict: 4 out of 5 stars

Not perfect—but definitely a solid entry if you’re new to the Final Fantasy world.
The combat alone makes it worth it, even if the story’s a bit of a mess.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

This was my first time diving into the Dragon’s Dogma franchise, and I’ll be real—it didn’t click with me right away. The combat felt kinda clunky at first and I wasn’t sure if this was my kind of action RPG. But instead of dropping it, I did what any gamer does when they feel under-leveled… I explored. And that’s where the magic of this game started to grow on me.

Gameplay – A Strategic Grind That Rewards You Later

At the beginning, the combat felt exhausting, especially coming from smoother games like Ghost of Tsushima or Lies of P. But once I got into the rhythm, upgraded my build, and started testing different classes and combos—it got good.

Fighting mythical creatures like cyclops, chimeras and dragons wasn’t just button-mashing, it was all about strategy. If your party isn’t built right, you’re gonna get wiped. It forces you to think, adapt, and build smarter. It’s a whole other level of gameplay.

Oh, and the final boss? Absolute chaos. But if you plan your skills and setup properly—you can beat it. And it feels damn satisfying when you do.

Story & Dialogue – Rich Worldbuilding

One thing I didn’t expect: the dialogues and NPC interactions are actually fire. Every side quest feels like it belongs to someone’s story, and if you’re not paying attention, you’ll miss some plot points entirely. Some missions are a bit dull, but others pull you right in.

The world feels alive, and even though the story moves slowly at first, it pays off with emotional weight toward the end.

Graphics & World Design

Visually, it’s not the best I’ve ever seen. But honestly? It fits. The gritty fantasy setting, weather changes, torch-lit caves—it brings that old-school RPG vibe in a modern shell. Could it be prettier? Sure. But does it deliver the atmosphere? Definitely.

Verdict: 4 out of 5 stars  

Dragon’s Dogma 2 is a slow starter, but once you level up your character and adjust to the combat, it really shines. It’s not my preferred combat style—but the story, dialogue, boss fights, and creature design make it worth playing.

If you’re into deep RPGs with strategy-heavy combat and a world that rewards patience, this one’s for you. I give it 4/5 stars – and yeah, I do recommend it.

Want to read more RPG reviews? Check out my full breakdowns of Lies of P, Horizon Forbidden West, and Sekiro on the blog #LevelUpWithDann