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.

The post Cyberpunk 2077 – From Bugged Launch to Top-Tier Redemption appeared first on Level Up With Dann.

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.

The post God of War (2018) – The Game That Hooked Me Hard appeared first on Level Up With Dann.

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.

The post Khazan: The First Berserker – A Great Soulslike You Haven’t Played Yet appeared first on Level Up With Dann.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Resident Evil Requiem pulls you straight into the darkness—and this time, you’re not walking it alone.

Capcom switches things up by letting you play as two characters: Grace and Leon. Two styles. Two mindsets. One nightmare. And honestly? That dual perspective is what makes this game stand out.

Gameplay – Strategy vs. Straight-Up Brutality

Playing as Grace feels tense.
You move slower, think more, and every corner feels like a trap waiting to snap. It’s all about patience, strategy, and surviving the next jump scare. And trust me—this game delivers on that. Some moments had me like: nah… I’m not opening that door.

Then there’s Leon. Complete opposite energy.
Leon is pure aggression. Heavy weapons, fast reactions, and that classic Resident Evil confidence. His arsenal is stacked, and once you get into the flow, you start dominating enemies instead of running from them.

That balance between fear and firepower? That’s where Requiem shines.

Weapons, Mechanics & Details

The weapon design in this game is

• The chainsaw? Crazy addition. The way you pick it up, the sound design—it hits.
• The shotgun became my go-to. Fully upgraded, it’s a monster.
• The Requiem gun is powerful too, but I didn’t use it much… yet. Infinite ammo run? Different story.

I also liked the crafting system—combining loot to create ammo instead of just buying it adds more tension and strategy. And that injection mechanic to blow up infected enemies? Super satisfying. I used that a lot with Grace.

Story & Atmosphere

The story is solid. Not as strong as Resident Evil Village, but still engaging enough to keep you pushing forward.

One moment that stood out was when Grace took care of Emily.
It slowed things down in a good way—almost like a survival “protector” mode. Gave the game a bit more emotional depth, which I didn’t expect.

I completed the good ending, and it felt rewarding—but I’m not done yet.
Now I’m curious to see how things play out with the bad ending, and I’m planning to run through some extra challenges as well. This game definitely has that replay pull if you’re into exploring different outcomes.

Boss Fights – Hit or Miss

Not everything lands.

• The spider boss? Annoying more than fun.
• And that final boss… yeah, that one didn’t sit right with me.

It felt more like Dead Space than Resident Evil. I was expecting something more grounded—maybe a second phase of Victor, more aggressive, more personal. Instead, it turned into a blob-type fight that just didn’t hit the same.

Graphics & Overall Experience

Visually, the game looks great.
Dark environments, detailed character models, and strong atmosphere all around. Capcom knows how to build tension—and it shows.

The puzzles were solid too. Not too easy, not frustrating—just enough to keep your brain working between all the chaos.

Verdict: 4 out of 5 stars

Resident Evil Requiem is a strong entry in the franchise. The dual-character gameplay, weapon variety, and intense atmosphere carry the experience, even if some boss fights miss the mark. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the series—this one is worth playing. Capcom did it again.

Want more Resident Evil? Check out my Resident Evil Village review on the site.

The post Resident Evil Requiem – Dual Perspectives, Brutal Survival appeared first on Level Up With Dann.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Let me start with this: Lies of P is a top-tier Korean horror-action Soulslike—but it didn’t start that way for me. The first time I picked it up, I got clapped by the intro boss outside Hotel Krat. I put the controller down and thought, “Maybe I’m not as good at Soulslikes as I thought.”

Fast forward 6 months, I came across some Reels and TikToks showing off the combat and boss fights, and I had to give it another shot. Glad I did.

First Boss Down – The Moment It Clicked

Coming back fresh, I finally beat that first boss—and man, it felt so satisfying. That was the turning point. From then on, I was all in. The combat is crisp, the weapon system is deep, and while some boss designs were kinda goofy, they somehow fit the tone and twisted vibe of the game. Others were absolute bangers—Laxasia, King of Puppets, and The Nameless Puppet were straight-up Soulslike greatness.

Combat, Progression & World Design – Souls DNA with a Twist

The combat feels like a perfect fusion of Bloodborne’s aggression and Sekiro’s precision. Timing, stamina, dodging—it all matters. Leveling up your vitality, weapons, and especially your combat rhythm is key. While it’s not fully open-world, the level design is tight and full of smart shortcuts, secret rooms, and lore tucked into every corner. It fits the vibe perfectly—dark, stylish, and full of tension.

And let’s talk graphics—next-gen stunning. The lighting, animation, and character detail? Chef’s kiss.

Replay Value – Platinum Worth the Grind

Once I beat the final boss (after several tries), I immediately started a second and third run—this time for the Platinum Trophy. Totally worth it.

• Some trophies are missable
  
• Some require New Game+
  
• And others depend on dialogue choices

Spoiler alert! The base game has 3 endings, and you’ll need to unlock all three to get that Platinum. Every run felt meaningful, and each ending added new layers to the story.

Post-Game – I Wasn’t Done Yet

Just a few days after grabbing Platinum, I caved and bought the Lies of P DLC. I saw some clips on IG and TikTok and was immediately hyped again. This game wasn’t finished with me. And I’ll say this carefully: Lies of P is a better Pinocchio than Disney’s Pinocchio.

Verdict: 5 out of 5 stars

Lies of P surprised me in the best way. From rage-quitting at the start to chasing down the Platinum Trophy and diving into DLC, it’s become one of my favorite Soulslike experiences.

5/5 Stars! If you love games like Bloodborne and Sekiro, this one needs to be on your list.

Did You Finish Lies of P?

What ending did you get first? Favorite boss? Or did Hotel Krat humble you too? Drop your journey in the comments.

The post Lies of P – A Soulslike Surprise Worth Mastering appeared first on Level Up With Dann.

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.

The post Ghost of Yotei – Beauty in the Blade, But Tsushima Still Reigns Supreme appeared first on Level Up With Dann.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

I’ve played Nioh 1 and Nioh 2, so jumping into Nioh 3 felt like coming home… but not fully. Something didn’t completely click for me this time. Don’t get me wrong—this is still a strong action RPG. But there are a few things that kept pulling me out of the experience.

Combat Still Hits Hard… But Not Always Clean

Let’s start with what Nioh does best: combat.
It’s still intense, fast, and rewarding. When everything clicks—perfect timing, clean combos, clutch dodges—it feels amazing.

But sometimes? The combos feel a bit off. Like they don’t fully flow the way you expect. And if you’re playing on controller, it can get frustrating real quick.

Inventory Management… A Full-Time Job

This might be my biggest issue with Nioh 3.

• Too much loot
• Too many weapon types
• Constant inventory management

Every few minutes, you’re back in menus sorting gear. It kills the momentum. Instead of staying locked into the action, you’re micromanaging your build non-stop. That part? Not it.

Open World Is a Fresh Move

One thing I did like is the shift to a more open-world structure.
It gives you more freedom to explore, take on missions your way, and just breathe a bit between fights.

Combined with the improved forging system—which is way more user-friendly now—it shows that the devs are trying to evolve the formula. And honestly? That part works.

Repetition Holds It Back

Here’s where it loses points for me.

A lot of the content feels reused from previous games. Same enemy types, similar encounters… it started to feel repetitive after a while. I expected more innovation, especially for a third entry.

Boss fights are a mix:

• Some are and super satisfying to beat
• Others feel repetitive or just annoying

There were moments where I was like: “Do I really have to beat this boss just to move on?”

Graphics & Overall Experience

Visually, the game stays consistent with the Nioh style.
Nothing groundbreaking, but it fits the series. Clean, dark, and focused on gameplay over flashy visuals.

Overall? I still enjoyed the game. It’s a solid experience. But compared to Nioh 2, it didn’t hit the same level for me.

Verdict: 4 out of 5 stars

Nioh 3 brings some solid upgrades with its open-world approach and refined systems, but it struggles with repetition and frustrating inventory management.

Still, if you’re into soulslike games, fast-paced combat, and challenging boss fights, this is definitely worth playing.

Will I go for NG+? Probably not.
But did I enjoy the ride? Yeah… I did.

The post Nioh 3 – Open World Upgrade, But… appeared first on Level Up With Dann.

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.

The post Why Stray (PS5) Deserved Best Indie Game – No Cap appeared first on Level Up With Dann.

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.

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.

The iconic solo pirate adventure returns. Sail the Caribbean as Edward Kenway during the Golden Age of Piracy in this faithfully enhanced remake featuring stunning visuals, upgraded gameplay, and new content. Release date July 9, 2026

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!

The post Sekiro: Shadows Die twice – A Timeless Masterpiece appeared first on Level Up With Dann.

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.

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