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.

Let’s be real—gaming today isn’t just about smooth gameplay, mind-blowing graphics, or killer boss fights. Music matters. A lot. The right soundtrack turns a good game into a masterpiece. Whether you’re blasting these soundtracks on a Samsung QLED with a full home theater setup, or zoned in with over-ear headphones (btw, here’s my take on the best gaming headphones), this list is all about that next-level immersion.
Here’s my personal top list of best music from video games—based on games I’ve actually played—plus a few honorable mentions that deserve a listen.

1. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Composer: Lorien Testard

I know, I know—this one’s an obvious first pick if you’ve played it. But Lorien Testard absolutely delivered here. Every fight, every cutscene, every emotional scene had the perfect score behind it. Boss fights feel intense not just because of the gameplay, but because the violins, piano, and orchestra hit right in the soul.
Even the vibe of each character feels scored uniquely. It’s cinematic, powerful, and honestly? Worth adding to your Spotify playlist. This isn’t just music—it’s an emotional rollercoaster in orchestral form. Read full game review here

2. Lies of P

Composer: Yeakun Yoo

This soulslike gem doesn’t just win for its gameplay—it’s the soundtrack that elevates it. Simon Chylinski blends gothic, haunting melodies with dramatic strings and piano to match the twisted world of Krat.
The music in boss fights like Laxasia and the Nameless Puppet hits different. That mix of Victorian darkness and raw emotion just works. You feel the tension. You become the tension. Read full game review here

3. God of War (2018)

Composer: Bear McCreary

You can’t talk video game music without shouting out Bear McCreary. That deep, thunderous main theme? Iconic. From the moment Kratos grunts and that low bass kicks in, you know you’re in for a god-tier journey.
This soundtrack bleeds Norse mythology. Choirs, drums, strings—it’s pure cinematic power that makes you feel like you’re walking with gods. Read full game review here

4. Super Mario Bros. (Franchise)

Composer: Koji Kondo

Old-school vibes, but forever timeless. Koji Kondo created one of the most recognizable themes in video game history. Even today, that bouncy beat still puts a smile on your face. It’s not just nostalgic—it’s foundational.
Whether you’re speed-running or casually platforming, this music is the heart of the Mario universe.

5. Final Fantasy Series

Main Composer: Nobuo Uematsu (classic titles), Masashi Hamauzu & Others (recent titles)

The Final Fantasy franchise is known for its deep lore and emotional storytelling, but let’s not forget the epic soundtracks. From battle anthems to tearjerking piano pieces, these games have some of the most dynamic scores ever.
Boss fights hit harder when the music swells, and those emotional story beats? Chef’s kiss.

Honorable Mentions

• Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 
• Uncharted series
• Journey
  
• Black Myth: Wukong – This one I have played, and the use of traditional Chinese instruments is insane. Every boss theme feels like it’s ripped straight from folklore. It’s cultural. It’s mystical. It slaps.
  

Great music can turn a game into a memory. It pulls you in, sets the tone, and keeps you coming back. Whether it’s violin-heavy boss fights or nostalgic platforming beats, these soundtracks prove that gaming is an audio-visual experience—on par with movies and beyond.

Let me know what your favorite gaming soundtrack is. And if you haven’t played Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 yet, I highly recommend it. That game changed the way I experience in-game music forever.

Let’s be real—gaming without good sound is like playing blindfolded. Whether I’m deep in a boss fight or just vibing with some lo-fi beats in the background, a full sound experience on PS5 is a must. Here’s my personal take on the best headphones for PlayStation 5 right now.

Skullcandy Crusher® Evo – Bass You Can Feel

Currently my go-to headset. Why? Because the bass slider is a game changer. I can literally adjust how hard I want it to hit depending on the game or mood. It’s foldable, comfy, and the over-ear fit is solid for long gaming sessions.

Downsides? It’s wired—you connect directly to your DualSense controller. And noise cancelling? Meh, not its strongest feature. Still, for that booming audio and deep immersion, it gets the job done.

Skullcandy PLYR – Built for Gamers

Let’s not forget Skullcandy’s dedicated gaming headset: the Skullcandy PLYR. Designed specifically for gamers, this one brings low-latency wireless audio, clear mic quality, and adjustable EQ settings through Skullcandy’s app. Plus, it supports both Bluetooth and wired connections, so you’re covered no matter your setup. If you want the Skullcandy sound with gamer features, this is the one to check out.

Skullcandy ANC Series – Noise Cancelling on Point

If you’re looking for serious noise cancelling, I’ve heard Skullcandy’s ANC (Active Noise Cancelling) lineup delivers. Haven’t tested it personally (yet), but word on the street is that it cuts out the background and lets you focus on the game, the grind, or the groove.

PULSE ELITE Wireless Headset – Made for PS5

This one’s tailor-made for PS5. It’s wireless, sleek AF, and built to sync with the console’s audio features. I’ve seen solid reviews, and honestly, it looks so clean I might just toss it in my cart soon. If you want that native PS5 integration with no wires, this is a solid pick.

Bose QuietComfort Series – Premium Silence, Premium Price

These headphones are on my radar too. The comfort looks next-level, and they dominate in the noise cancelling game. I’ve read they’re working on even better wireless gaming compatibility, so definitely one to watch if you want pro-tier audio with total isolation.

Final Take

Everyone games differently—some want earth-shaking bass, others want dead silence so they can focus. For me, it’s a mix of both. I want to feel the action, but also chill with music if I want.

If you’re on the hunt for the best PS5 headphones, start with what fits your playstyle:

• Bass + feel? Skullcandy Crusher Evo
• Silence + focus? Skullcandy ANC or Bose QC
• Wireless PS5 flow? PULSE ELITE
• Gaming-ready hybrid? Skullcandy PLYR
  

Whichever you choose—don’t game in silence. Let the sound carry you.

• 
  Cyberpunk 2077 – From Bugged Launch to Top-Tier Redemption
• 
  Why Stray (PS5) Deserved Best Indie Game – No Cap
• 
  Sekiro: Shadows Die twice – A Timeless Masterpiece
• 
  Assassin’s Creed Mirage – Back to Old-School Stealth Mode 

Whether you’re grinding in Stardew Valley, sniping in PUBG, or catching shinies in Pokémon GO—mobile gaming has leveled up. And guess what? These four phones are killing it in the mobile gaming scene right now.

These devices aren’t just for scrolling and snapping pics—they’re legit portable gaming consoles that fit in your pocket. You can play anywhere, whether you’re chilling at home, waiting at the airport, or vibing at your favorite coffee spot. Let’s run through some of the phones that are making waves in 2025 for mobile gamers.

Galaxy S25 Ultra – Big Screen, Big Wins

I’ve been gaming on the Galaxy S25 Ultra for a few months now—switched over from another brand and I’m not looking back. The screen? Massive. The graphics? Clean. And the battery? Handles long sessions like a beast.

Games like AFK Journey look stunning here—seriously, the visuals and story hit different on this display. I also rotate between Shadow Fight 4, Call of Duty Mobile, Genshin Impact (it runs smooth and looks amazing), Mobile Legends, Pokémon Unite, Balatro, and of course, PUBG. No lag, no overheating, just pure mobile gaming joy.

Perfect for anyone who wants console vibes in their hands.

Galaxy Z Fold7 – For the Serious Scrollers & Strategic Players

If you like a big screen, the Galaxy Z Fold7 is next level. Unfold it and boom—you’ve got a mini tablet ready for action. Games that benefit from more screen real estate? This one eats them up.

Play titles like Metal Storm, Mech Arena, War Robots, Conflict of Nations: WW3, X-Com 2, Vampire Survivors, Territorial.io, OpenTTD, Warships Mobile, PUBG, and War Thunder Mobile. Strategy games, fighter jets, or shooters—this phone brings them all to life.

It’s like having a dual-screen gaming setup in your pocket. Wild.

Xiaomi 15T & Xiaomi 15T Pro – Light but Mighty

They’re still fresh on the market, but the Xiaomi 15T and 15T Pro are already getting a lot of love for mobile gaming. Lightweight, sleek, and surprisingly powerful.

Great for casual games like Hero Wars, Stardew Valley, Clash of Clans, and Pokémon GO. And of course, they can handle more intense games like PUBG or Call of Duty Mobile just fine. These are solid picks for gamers who want performance without the bulk.

Easy to carry, easy to game on, easy to love.

Experience the Power of Innovation – The Xiaomi 15T Series is here, fusing Leica-grade photography, HyperOS 3 performance, and ultra-fast connectivity in one sleek design. Discover here

Final Take – Game Anywhere, Anytime

Mobile gaming isn’t just for killing time anymore—it’s a legit way to unwind, compete, and even grind through full-blown RPGs. And with phones like the Galaxy S25 Ultra, Z Fold7, and the new Xiaomi 15T series, you’re carrying a portable console everywhere you go.

Whether you’re into shooters, strategy, farming sims, or monster battles, these phones got you covered.

So the next time someone says “it’s just a phone,” show them your leaderboard.

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.

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

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.

5/5 Ups! 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.

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.