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’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.

Let’s get one thing out of the way: the Nintendo Switch 2 is a beast.
It’s bigger, smoother, and way more powerful than the OG Switch. The bigger screen, sharper visuals, and smarter Joy-Con controllers really give you that next-gen handheld feel. Yeah, the battery life is a bit shorter—but honestly, I’m not putting it down long enough to care.

If you don’t have the Switch 2 yet, definitely grab the Mario Kart World bundle via the Nintendo store—worth it, especially if you’re into racing and want a solid start.

So besides Mario Kart World, here are some other Switch titles I think you should definitely check out. Whether you’re into platformers, fighting games, or just straight-up vibes, these all hit different on Switch 2.

Kirby Air Riders

Float, fly, and fight in this chaotic racer starring everyone’s favorite pink vacuum. Kirby Air Riders feels like Mario Kart’s dreamier, weirder cousin—and on the bigger Switch 2 screen? The speed hits harder and cuteness overload is real.

Donkey Kong Bonanza

The king is back! Classic jungle chaos meets new-gen action. Bonanza brings fast-paced side-scrolling, wild boss fights, and pure DK nostalgia with upgraded visuals. Bananas were collected. Barrels were thrown. Vibes were unmatched.

Street Fighter 6

Big fights. Bigger characters. Street Fighter 6 plays surprisingly smooth on Switch 2—fluid combos, tight parries, and a visual style that pops hard in handheld. Whether you’re casual or sweaty, this one’s a must for fighting game fans.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – S2 Edition

Let’s be real—Tears of the Kingdom already felt like a next-gen title. But the Switch 2 edition? On another level. Crisper graphics, better draw distance, and smooth performance in Hyrule’s wildest sandbox yet. Endless exploration. Endless creativity.

Drag x Drive

If you like futuristic racers, Drag x Drive is a hidden gem. Slick tracks, crazy custom cars, and gameplay that’s all about drift timing and insane speed. This game makes full use of the Switch 2’s improved motion and haptics.

Legends Pokémon: Z-A – S2 Edition

Return to Lumiose City with the Legends Z-A rework. A darker, futuristic take on Pokémon with a more mature vibe. New Pokémon, new region mechanics, and that storytelling we always wanted. On the Switch 2? It’s wild. Even the lighting feels cinematic.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re into platformers, fighters, or open-world epics, the Nintendo Switch 2 has the power to elevate your experience. These are just a few games that really show what the new hardware can do. And trust me—you’ll feel the upgrade right away.

If you’re rocking a Switch 2 and playing something else that slaps, drop a comment or DM me on Insta—always down to discover new favorites

The post Best Switch Games to Play on Your Nintendo Switch 2 appeared first on Level Up With Dann.

Gaming often gets a bad rap—“waste of time,” “brain rot,” “bad for kids”—but new research says otherwise. A recent study shows that playing video games can actually boost mental health and improve life satisfaction, especially when done in moderation.

Yeah, you heard that right—gaming can be good for your mind.

Gaming = Stress Relief + Mood Boosting + Social Connection

Contrary to what your non-gamer aunt might think, video games aren’t just mindless fun. The study found that purposeful and moderate gaming can:

• Reduce stress
• Enhance your mood
• Strengthen social bonds—especially in multiplayer and co-op games

That sense of achievement, challenge, and community you get from completing a mission or clutching a win with your squad? That’s not just a dopamine rush—it’s legit emotional regulation and personal growth in action.

Gaming is Good for Your Brain—No Cap

Forget the outdated “games ruin your brain” narrative. Research now shows that gamers often outperform non-gamers in areas like attention span, focus, and visuospatial skills.

Visuospatial skills are what help you in real life with things like:

• Driving
• Playing sports
• Even dancing (yes, seriously)
  

Gaming can also boost brain efficiency, especially in the regions responsible for decision-making and multitasking—skills that transfer to work, school, and everyday life.

Balance is Everything – Don’t Let It Take Over

That said, it’s all about balance.
Gaming too much? You risk:

• Burnout
• Relationship issues
• Dropping the ball at work or school
• Even repetitive stress injuries (wrist, thumb, or hand pain is real!)
  

Gaming addiction is no joke. Chasing that dopamine hit can make you lose interest in everything else. So take breaks, stretch your hands, and don’t forget to step outside once in a while.

Final Thoughts – Game Smart, Live Smarter

The takeaway?
Gaming is powerful.
It can actually make your brain stronger and your mood better.
But it only works when it’s part of a balanced lifestyle.

So play your games, beat your bosses, grind your platinum trophies—but also get some fresh air, hit the gym, hang out with friends, and keep your daily life in check.

Gaming is great. Just don’t forget to live, too!

The post How Video Games Boost Mental Health appeared first on Level Up With Dann.

When I jump into an open-world game, I usually activate the main mission first—just to know what the overarching goal is. But after that? I take my time.
I farm XP, test combat mechanics, and explore side content—all before charging head-first into the main story.

Step 1: Don’t Rush the Main Campaign

I know some players like to power through the main quest first, but to me, that misses the point.
Open-world RPGs are built for immersion. For wandering. For leveling up your character and your playstyle.

So while the main campaign is active in the background, I’ll:

• Take down regular NPCs and mini-bosses
  
• Clear out camps or dungeons
  
• Experiment with weapons, magic, or stealth
  
• Farm XP for new skills or stat boosts

It’s like sharpening your blade before stepping into a duel—you don’t have to, but it feels way better when you do.

Step 2: Use Side Quests to Power Up

Side quests are where the real gems hide.
Sometimes it’s extra XP. Sometimes it’s legendary gear or secret abilities. And sometimes it’s just a beautiful detour with great writing and unexpected story beats.

But here’s something I always do:
Check the quest title or dialogue carefully. Not all side quests are meant to be accepted immediately. Some can alter your main story or lock you out of future events. So I play it smart—if something feels off, I’ll save it for later.

Step 3: Understand the Game’s Progression System

Not every game is about raw XP or leveling up your health bar.
In games like Sekiro, you don’t grind to boost your stats. You git gud—learn how to parry, dodge, and counter. Same goes for Elden Ring or Bloodborne, where skill often matters more than stats.

So part of leveling up means understanding:

• What rewards the game actually gives you
  
• Whether you need XP, gear, or just mastery
  
• When to train, when to upgrade, and when to challenge yourself

Step 4: Explore First, Finish Later

Personally, I find it boring to rush through the main quest and leave the rest of the map untouched. Unless I’m on a deadline for a game review, I’ll take my time.
I explore early. I learn the map. I experiment with mechanics.
And the moment I do hit the main storyline, I come in stronger—mentally and mechanically.

It’s not just about padding your stats—it’s about becoming part of the world.

Final Thoughts: The Journey Is the Power-Up

Open-world RPGs are meant to be played your way.
Whether you’re chasing XP, collecting gear, or perfecting your parry timing, the goal is always the same:
Level up—with intention.

You don’t need to grind mindlessly. Just stay sharp, explore freely, and enjoy the story as it unfolds.

Because when it comes to these games, the real final boss is how well you know yourself—and how far you’re willing to go to master the world around you.

The post How to Level Up in Open-World RPGs … appeared first on Level Up With Dann.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

While scrolling through the PlayStation Store, I came across this cute little robot called Astro and thought, “Looks fun—why not?” Glad I trusted the instinct, because Astro’s Playroom is a surprising gem. It’s not just a platformer—it’s a celebration of PlayStation itself.

Gameplay – Light, Smooth, and Fun to Explore

Astro’s Playroom drops you right into the world inside your PS5, where the console’s hardware and software come to life. You explore different zones that represent components of the PlayStation, and along the way, you fight off quirky bugs and viruses that act like mini-villains.

The gameplay is super smooth, and the DualSense controller shines here with haptic feedback that makes every step, jump, and glide feel so responsive. It’s the kind of game that’s fun to chill with—no stress, just pure enjoyment.

Nostalgia & Artifacts – A PlayStation Time Capsule

What makes this game really stand out is the nostalgia factor. As you play, you collect artifacts like the PlayStation 2 console, old accessories, and other throwbacks. It’s like going through a museum of PlayStation history, and for fans of the brand, it hits the heart.

Each level is packed with little Easter eggs, playful animations, and references that make it feel alive and full of charm. You don’t need to be a hardcore gamer to enjoy this one—it’s wholesome, accessible, and just a feel-good experience.

Visuals & Vibe – Colorful and Clean

The graphics are surprisingly good, with bright, polished visuals that make each zone feel fun and futuristic. Everything moves seamlessly, and the world is packed with detail, giving it a Pixar-like energy.

It’s the perfect blend of fun gameplay, console tribute, and creative design.

Final Verdict – 4 out of 5 stars

Astro’s Playroom is a must-play for anyone with a PS5. Whether you want to relax, explore PlayStation’s legacy, or just vibe with a cute robot—this one delivers.

Wholesome, smooth, and full of love for gaming.

Did You Play Astro Yet?

What artifact made you the most nostalgic? Drop your favorite PlayStation memory in the comments!

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