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.

Final Verdict – 5/5 UPS

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.

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.

Final Verdict: 4/5 UPS

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.

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.

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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.

Final Verdict – 5/5 Ups!

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 Ups 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!

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.

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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.

Final Verdict – 4/5 UPS!

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.

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.

Final Verdict – 5/5 Ups!

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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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.

Final Verdict: 4/5 UPS!

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.

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.

Final Verdict – 4/5 Ups! 

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 Ups – 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

I’ll be real—when I first saw Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 popping up on TikTok and Twitch, I scrolled past like, “Nah, turn-based ain’t for me.” I’ve never really vibed with the traditional turn-based combat style. But the algorithm did its thing (as always), and before I knew it, I was knee-deep in gameplay clips, fan theories, and character breakdowns. Curiosity got the better of me—and I’m glad it did.

From Skeptic to Superfan

I decided to give it a shot. I mean, the visuals looked , and everyone was raving about the story. Plus, I read about the dev team’s vision and the personal story behind the game’s creation, and that kinda pulled me in even deeper.

The beginning was a bit of a learning curve—I didn’t fully get the mechanics or pacing. But after watching some Twitch streamers break down their playthroughs, things started to click. And once it clicked? I was hooked.

Gameplay, Graphics & Grit

Let’s talk aesthetics first: this game is stunning. The art direction is unique, the characters are beautifully designed, and the casting? Perfect. Every voice actor felt like they were born to play their roles—accents, tone, attitude… all on point.

Combat-wise, it’s not your average turn-based setup. It blends real-time tension with strategy and style. I still miss the occasional parry or dodge, and yeah, it’s frustrating—but that’s part of the git gud journey, right?

A Story That Stays With You

The emotional core of the game hit hard. Maelle and Verso’s journey, the lore, and the different regions of the map—every piece felt like it had purpose. One thing I found super refreshing? No fast travel between continents. Instead, you gotta swim, fly, and actually explore. And trust me, the random mini-bosses and side quests along the way are worth it.

Then came that ending… SPOILER (not really): You’re forced to choose between two characters, and man, it’s not an easy decision. I literally paused and sat there for a while. Even went to Reddit to see what other players chose (don’t judge me). My final choice? You can read it here.

Final Verdict: 5/5 UPS!

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 isn’t just a game—it’s a full-on cultural experience in a beautifully strange dimension. It challenged my expectations, surprised me at every corner, and left a mark.

I’m going for the platinum on this one. No cap.

When Ubisoft dropped the Claws of Awaji DLC trailer, I was hyped. A Japan-based expansion with new gear and some fresh lore? Say less. I’m into martial arts, Japanese storylines, and stealthy vibes—so this had my attention from the jump.

Nowaki Was Fire – But the Story Felt Meh

Let’s start with the good. That boss fight with Nowaki the Ambusher? Easily the best part of this DLC. Add in the vanguard fight and some cool new island areas to explore, and it had moments that pulled me in. The Bo staff was also a huge win—clean animations, smooth combos, and just a dope weapon to wield. Ubisoft definitely nailed that one.

But story-wise… it felt off. I thought we’d get to play as Tsuyu (Naoe’s mother), and that would’ve been sick. A proper flashback arc where you play both Tsuyu and Naoe could’ve added emotional depth and tied things together. But nope—we missed that opportunity.

The Final Boss Fight… a Big Miss

Now, let’s talk about the final boss. Honestly? Worst final boss experience I’ve had in the Assassin’s Creed series. And that’s saying something. I liked her as a character, but the fight mechanics were broken. I played it on Expert and even switched to Story Mode, and I still ran into bugs.

Dodging didn’t feel responsive, and parrying felt completely off. At one point, I got stuck mid-fight in some weird glitch—wasn’t even near a corner or anything. And when I tried to dodge, it just pulled me into her attack instead of away. That’s not a skill issue. That’s just bad design or a bug.

Final Verdict: 3/5 UPS

This DLC had potential. I loved the Bo staff, enjoyed fighting Nowaki, and the island setting was solid. But everything else? Repetitive. And that final boss fight was straight-up frustrating. For a game that’s all about precision and stealth, this just didn’t land right.

Still, if you’re deep into Assassin’s Creed Shadows, it might be worth grabbing for the gear and the vibes—but manage your expectations.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows DLC – Claws of Awaji now available. Buy now!

Let’s be real—Assassin’s Creed Odyssey was my first-ever AC game, and honestly? It made me a fan.I know the internet can be harsh on the “new wave” Assassin’s Creed games. I’ve seen all the debates: “It’s not like Black Flag!”, “It’s not real AC unless it’s stealth-only!”—but for someone who didn’t grow up on the classics like AC III or Brotherhood, this game was a wild ride in the best way possible.

Odyssey Introduced Me to the Creed

The second I dropped into ancient Greece, I was hooked.

• Greek mythology + open-world RPG = my kind of game
  
• You can go stealth or go full Spartan warrior, and that freedom is what makes it so fun
  
• Whether you’re sniping from rooftops or charging into a fight, the mechanics allow for both playstyles
  

Combat isn’t perfect—but it’s smooth, engaging, and always feels rewarding. That Spartan Kick? Legendary. Never gets old launching someone off a cliff.

Graphics, Story & Immersion

For a PS4-era game, the graphics are still top-notch. The landscapes, ancient architecture, and character detail are super immersive. I genuinely felt like I was exploring real Greek islands—complete with ruins, statues, and war-torn cities.

The story is also pretty good. It’s not a true story, but it pulls from historical events and mythology in a way that made me want to look things up after playing. Some of it was actually accurate, which made it even cooler.

Freedom to Explore – And It’s Massive

This game is huge. You could spend hours just roaming around, doing side quests, hunting cultists, or looting treasure from sunken ships. The map is massive, and the world actually rewards exploration.

From sailing the Aegean Sea to discovering mythical beasts—there’s always something to do.

Odyssey vs Origins

After finishing Odyssey, I played Assassin’s Creed Origins too—and loved that one as well. 

• Origins has the Egyptian mystique. Read the full review on Assassin’s Creed Origins here.
  
• Odyssey brings in the Greek gods and war culture. Both games are fire, but Odyssey holds a special place because it was my first dive into the franchise.

Final Verdict – 4/5 Ups!

I didn’t Platinum Odyssey (some of the trophies made no sense—lol), but I still spent countless hours in the game and don’t regret a second. For anyone who’s curious about Assassin’s Creed RPGs, this is a perfect starting point.

4/5 Ups! Highly recommended if you’re into mythology, open-world action, and don’t mind launching people off cliffs for fun. Up for the challenge? Purchase Assassin’s Creed Odyssey.

Thinking of Starting Odyssey?

If you love Greek mythology, open-world freedom, and RPG-style gameplay, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey might just be your next obsession. Already played it? Let me know your favorite mythical creature fight or the wildest cliff kick you landed.