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.

Final Verdict – 5/5 Ups!

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 Ups! 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.

Spider-Man: Miles Morales on PS5 was the first Spider-Man game I played, and it instantly pulled me into the world. The graphics are stunning, the map is wide and alive, and the combat is smooth, stylish, and addictive. From the first swing through Harlem to the final boss fight, it felt like I was in a true Marvel story.

Gameplay – Fast, Fluid, and Satisfying

The combat mechanics are seriously on point. Between Venom abilities, slick dodging, and a solid lineup of gadgets, there’s never a dull fight. I played this game three times—not because I had to, but because I wanted that Platinum Trophy, and it was worth every second.

Even on the highest difficulty, I handled myself well, but I was expecting the final boss to put up a bit more of a fight. Still, the journey there was packed with hype moments, clean combos, and enemy encounters that kept the pace exciting.

Atmosphere – Harlem With Heart

What really set Miles Morales apart was its vibe. The Latin culture, the music, the winter setting, the energy in the streets—it all felt real. The way they blended community warmth with superhero action gave the game a different kind of soul.

You’re not just swinging through a city—you’re swinging through Miles’ neighborhood, and that makes every mission feel personal.

Final Verdict – 5/5 Ups!

Spider-Man: Miles Morales is a full-fledged superhero game that brings heart, heat, and high-flying action. It stands tall on its own and still left me wanting more—which is why I jumped into Spider-Man 2 right after.

5/5 Ups! A game that looks great, feels amazing, and stays with you long after the credits roll.

Did You Start Your Spidey Journey with Miles Too?

Which suit did you rock the most? And how many tries did your Platinum run take? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

One of the biggest reasons I love open-world games?
The maps.

Not just because they’re huge, but because they feel alive.
You get to explore at your own pace—looting, fighting, discovering hidden quests, or sometimes just stopping to admire the view. There’s something about walking through a virtual world that makes you forget about objectives for a while.

Whether it’s snow-covered peaks, cyberpunk alleyways, or ancient ruins, each world tells its own story—even when you’re not doing the main mission. So here are my top 5 open-world maps that really stayed with me.

1. Red Dead Redemption 2 (PS5)

Map size: ~75–78 km²

If you’ve played RDR2, you already know—this map is insanely detailed.
It’s not just big for the sake of it. Every inch feels handcrafted.

You’ve got dense forests, snow-capped mountains, lonely towns, and wild terrain that changes with the weather. Sometimes I’d just hop on my horse, set a custom waypoint, and ride with no destination—just vibing with the world.

The sceneries in this game? Easily some of the best I’ve seen.

2. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey (PS5)

Map size: ~256 km² (130 km² land)

This one surprised me. Ancient Greece? Massive.
There’s land, sea, and a ton of islands—all packed with quests, loot, and stunning views.

The world is dense, full of unique cities, mythical ruins, and NPCs that make the world feel lived in. The moment I stepped into Odyssey, I knew I wouldn’t just rush the story.
Instead, I took my time:
Cleared forts
Explored islands
Climbed statues just to take in the view

It’s one of those maps where you want to get lost.

3. Cyberpunk 2077 (PS5)

Map size: ~24 km²

Smaller than the others on this list, but don’t let the numbers fool you.
Night City hits different.

What it lacks in surface area, it makes up in vertical design.
You’re not just exploring streets—you’re climbing buildings, sneaking through rooftops, diving into underground markets. It’s layered, dense, and full of side gigs and stories around every corner.

Sometimes I’d stop at a food stall, scan a crowd, or cruise through at night just to see the lights. It’s chaotic in the best way.

4. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (PS5)

Map size: ~135 km²

If we’re talking legendary open-worlds, The Witcher 3 still sets the bar.
It’s been years since it dropped, and it still feels timeless.

The map is broken into regions—each with its own vibe. From Velen’s grim war-torn villages to Skellige’s windswept cliffs, the world feels massive but never empty.

I could spend hours just picking herbs, fighting drowners, or taking on contracts before even thinking about the main quest.
It’s the kind of game where you accidentally level up by exploring—and that’s the best kind of leveling.

5. Starfield (Xbox Series X|S)

Explorable planets: 1,000+ across 100+ star systems

Now this one’s different.
It’s not a traditional open-world—it’s open-galaxy.

Starfield’s world is technically endless, with procedural planets mixed with handcrafted ones. While some areas feel more like “resource zones,” others are packed with hand-built cities, missions, and insane landscapes.

It’s not the same kind of map as the others—but in terms of scale and ambition, it’s on another level.
Sometimes I just fly around, land on a random moon, and chill under an alien sky.

Why Exploration Still Feels So Good

I don’t usually speed through the main story. I like to take it slow, absorb the world, and unlock gear or XP through side quests or just raw curiosity.

Some of the best items or quests I’ve found?
Totally by accident—just by wandering.
Whether it’s a legendary sword in a cave or a hidden NPC storyline, those moments hit harder when you discover them yourself.And yeah, there are other games I still want to try—GTA V, Skyrim, Elden Ring.
But what I’ve learned is this:
Sometimes just walking through an open-world map, no goal in mind, is the best part of the game.
It’s meditative. It’s immersive. It’s why I keep playing.

I’ve been into the Assassin’s Creed franchise ever since Odyssey. Stealth kills, fluid combat, deep lore, and that perfect mix of fiction with real history? I’m all in. So when Assassin’s Creed Shadows got announced, I was curious—a shinobi and a samurai in one game? Set in feudal Japan? Say less.

Gameplay – Stealth, Steel, and Switching Styles

The big win for AC Shadows is being able to play as both a shinobi and a samurai. Two fighting styles. Two mindsets. One massive world to sneak, slice, or smash your way through. Whether you’re slipping into shadows or rushing into battle with your katana drawn, the combat stays sharp and responsive.

The gear system and abilities let you fine-tune your playstyle, and while some side quests felt repetitive, I used them as a chance to test combos and git gud.

But here’s the thing—I was expecting more from the boss fights. A few were solid, but overall they felt a bit too easy, especially later in the game. I wanted more tension, more challenge.

World & Atmosphere – A Gorgeous Take on Feudal Japan

As someone who loves Japan-based games, Assassin’s Creed Shadows hits different. From serene temples to muddy battlefields, the visuals are stunning. The outfits and weapon designs are beautiful and feel authentic to the era. The map? Absolutely massive, with tons to explore. Curious how AC Shadows compares to other open world games? I rounded up the best open world maps in this article

I played the full game in Japanese audio, and that boosted the immersion big time. From ambient sounds to character interactions—it made everything feel richer and more cinematic.

Story – A Risk That Mostly Paid Off

I’ll admit it—I was skeptical when Ubisoft announced a Black samurai as one of the leads. But after digging in, I realized it’s loosely based on Yasuke, a real figure from Japanese history. The game doesn’t aim for 100% accuracy, but it weaves in enough real-world influence to keep it grounded but flexible.

That said, the ending felt a bit off to me. It wrapped things up, but not in a way that stuck with me emotionally. It could’ve hit harder, especially after such a strong mid-game.

Final Verdict – 4/5 Ups!

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is one of the freshest entries the series has had in years. A breathtaking world, dual combat systems, and that immersive feudal Japan setting all make this one stand out hard.

4/5 Ups! Still a must-play—might go for that Platinum Trophy anyway, but the underwhelming boss fights and slightly off-key ending pulled it down just a bit. Want to try it yourself? Grab your copy here.

Split Fiction started popping up all over my feed, and the social media hype was real. After digging a bit deeper, I found out it’s from the same developers as It Takes Two—so I already knew I was in for a co-op adventure. And yeah, I played it. And yeah, I get the hype.

Gameplay – Two Dimensions, One Goal

Just like It Takes Two, Split Fiction is a full-on two-player game, but this one adds a cool twist: each player has their own dimension—literally. What I loved the most was how each world is custom-built for that character, but progressing means you have to sync up and help each other out.

You can’t just do your own thing and coast—you really need teamwork, communication, and sometimes patience when things get chaotic (trust me, we had some discussions ). But that’s also what made it fun—laughs, fails, and those moments where you both go “aaah okay we got this now!”

Visuals – Two Worlds, Double the Beauty

Each dimension is visually unique, and honestly, both look amazing. The game switches you between worlds so seamlessly that it’s easy to forget how much design went into it. Whether it’s a neon-lit tech space or a soft nature-driven fantasy zone, each side looks and feels alive.

Story & Co-Op Vibes – Strong Connection

The story is solid, but it’s the core co-op experience that carries this game. You’re not just playing next to someone—you’re actually building the journey together. There were moments where I was stuck, and my partner pulled through—and vice versa. That back-and-forth makes every level feel like a real team victory.

And yep, the challenges are tough. But that’s part of the fun. When you finally beat a level you struggled on, the satisfaction hits hard.

Final Verdict – 5/5 Ups!

Split Fiction is beautiful, challenging, and packed with creative co-op mechanics. Whether you’re laughing, arguing, or planning your next move together, it keeps you both hooked the entire time.

5/5 Ups! Definitely worth the hype, and a must-play for anyone into two-player story-driven games.

Played Split Fiction Yet?

How did you and your partner survive the chaos? Which dimension did you love most? Drop it in the comments—let’s hear your co-op war stories!

Horror games are easily one of my favorite genres, and Resident Evil: Village proved why. Even though the game felt a bit short, I still enjoyed every second of it—from the quiet tension to the chaotic boss fights. I haven’t played all the older Resident Evil titles, so I don’t know the full franchise lore. But even coming in half-blind, the story of Village held up. Not mind-blowing, but definitely good enough to keep me invested.

Gameplay – Guns, Guts, and Grit

Let’s talk combat. It’s solid—tense, responsive, and just the right amount of chaotic. I was living for the jump scares, and some of the boss fights were seriously fun. My favorites? Definitely Karl Heisenberg and Urias—those fights were intense, gritty, and satisfying.

The final boss though? A bit underwhelming in terms of story payoff, but on highest difficulty… it’s a different beast. That’s the one thing standing between me and the Platinum Trophy. I keep dying. Is it bad gear? Not enough ammo? Or maybe I just need to git gud. Either way, it’s personal now.

Atmosphere – Gorgeous and Creepy AF

This game knows how to set a mood. The graphics are top-notch, with every dark corner and snowy village alley dripping in detail. And let’s not forget that baby scene—you know the one. Creepy AF, easily one of the most disturbing moments I’ve ever played through.

The way Village balances survival horror, action, and psychological horror is impressive. It kept me guessing and kept me tense—exactly what I want from a horror title.

Final Verdict – 4/5 Ups!

Resident Evil: Village might not be the longest entry, but it’s packed with enough horror, chaos, and boss fights to keep you hooked. If you’re new to the series or just love horror like me, this one’s worth the play.

4/5 Ups! And maybe a full 5 once I beat that final boss on max difficulty and grab that Platinum.

Still Stuck on the Final Boss Too?

Which fight was your favorite? Did that baby scene mess you up too? Drop your thoughts in the comments—we survive horror together.

God of War: Ragnarok, developed by Santa Monica Studio, was a fun ride on PS5. The haptic feedback made every swing of the axe feel weighty, and the combat was as satisfying as ever. With some new features and strong character development, it did a great job keeping players invested. But did it surpass its predecessor? That’s up for debate.

Gameplay – New Additions, But Familiar Combat

Combat in Ragnarok is solid, but if you’re expecting major changes, you won’t find many. The biggest new addition? The Draupnir Spear—a new weapon for Kratos, and it’s a great addition to his arsenal. Atreus’ bow also got a few upgrades, and later in the game, you can even fight alongside Freya, not just Atreus.

The combat mechanics remain fluid and responsive, but in terms of challenge, God of War 4 felt harder and more rewarding. Boss fights and puzzles were more engaging in the previous game, while Ragnarok felt a bit more streamlined.

Level up your game shop

That said, I still enjoyed the game enough to go all-in—I obtained all trophies, including the Platinum Trophy. It was a grind, but completing every challenge felt satisfying.

Graphics & World-Building – Visually Stunning, But Not Truly Open-World

Visually? No surprises here—Ragnarok is stunning. Santa Monica Studio nailed the graphics, and some scenes are so breathtaking they could be wallpapers.

But as for the world itself, this isn’t really an open-world game. It feels more linear—you’re mostly following predetermined paths, rather than freely exploring. Sure, there are some side areas, but if you’re looking for a true open-world experience, this isn’t it. Craving a bigger map and more freedom? Check out the best open world games.

Story & Mythology – Strong, But Lacking the Wow Factor

I really appreciate how Norse and Greek mythology blend together in Ragnarok. The character development is great, and the story is well-written, but something about it didn’t hit as hard as God of War 4. Maybe it was the pacing, or maybe it was just the boss fights not feeling as intense—but it lacked that “wow” moment I was hoping for.

Final Verdict – 4/5 Ups!

God of War: Ragnarok is a great sequel, but it didn’t blow me away like God of War 4 did. The combat is fun, the graphics are top-tier, and the story is engaging, but the game felt a little too safe.

That said, I still enjoyed it enough to 100% complete it and earn the Platinum Trophy, which proves how fun it is despite its flaws.

4/5 Ups! Definitely worth playing, but if you loved God of War 4, don’t expect Ragnarok to surpass it.

What Do You Think?

Did you prefer God of War 4 or Ragnarok? Which weapon was your favorite? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

At first, I wasn’t sure if Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice was for me. Developed by FromSoftware, this game has been out for years, but 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.

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!