Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

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.

Verdict: 5 out of 5 stars

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 Stars! 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.

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.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I’ll be real—I never played the first Marvel’s Spider-Man game. I started with Miles Morales on PS5, and that game blew me away. So when I heard about Spider-Man 2, I had to swing into it. And honestly? It delivered.

Gameplay – Dual Heroes, Double the Action

What instantly stood out was how smooth the gameplay felt. I loved how the devs smoothly pulled Miles Morales into the story, making it feel like a natural continuation of his journey. Since I started with Miles, those story beats felt familiar and hit home.

I actually played Spider-Man 2 on my Legion Go Steam Deck, and this was my first real open-world experience on it. Took me a minute to get used to the controls, but once I locked in? Combat was fluid, and the abilities, gadgets, and spider suits gave you so many ways to style your fights.

Combo-ing regular enemies and even bosses? So satisfying. There’s just something about web-slinging straight into a takedown that never gets old.

Graphics & Exploration – NYC Never Looked This Good

Just like Spider-Man Miles Morales, Spider-Man 2’s open-world map is massive. And yeah, I had a blast swinging around NYC, diving off rooftops, and breaking up street fights like a boss. The game runs and looks amazing—even on Steam Deck, the visuals held up well.

That said… playing as MJ? Not my favorite part. Those sequences slowed the momentum for me. But honestly, it’s a small gripe in an otherwise great experience.

Should You Play the First Spider-Man Game?

Funny thing is, now I’m thinking about going back to the original Spider-Man and playing the whole journey in reverse. Kind of like a flashback after knowing the sequel. If you’re in the same boat—yeah, maybe we both should.

Verdict: 5 out of 5 stars

From combat mechanics to dual storytelling, Spider-Man 2 is packed with action, emotion, and style. Whether you’re a Miles fan, a Peter fan, or just here to swing around and wreck goons—it’s worth it. Even without playing the original, this game had me hooked from start to finish.

Played Spider-Man 2 Yet?

Which Spidey do you main—Miles or Peter? And should I go back and play the first one? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

When I start a new game, I don’t just look at the graphics or the combat. I ask myself:
“What language should I hear this world in?”

It might sound like a small detail, but for me, the spoken language in a video game can change the whole experience. It’s not about being flashy—it’s about respecting the world the game was built in.

Why I Match the Language to the World

Take Sekiro, for example. A game rooted in feudal Japan, drenched in samurai code and spiritual myth. Playing that in English felt off. Switching to Japanese audio brought it all to life—the honor, the tension, the atmosphere.

Or A Plague Tale: Requiem—a game steeped in medieval French history and scenery. Naturally, I went with French voice-over. Suddenly, the emotion felt more real, the world more grounded. The same goes for Red Dead Redemption, where American English just fits the gritty Wild West vibe, and Black Myth: Wukong, which absolutely sings in Mandarin Chinese—it feels like playing an epic poem.

It’s not about stereotypes. It’s about immersion. Hearing characters speak in a language that fits their world helps me feel like I’m in that world—not just pushing buttons from the outside.

Ghost of Tsushima: My Turning Point

I remember my first playthrough of Ghost of Tsushima. I played it in English. Great voice acting, no doubt—but something didn’t feel right. The second time, I switched to Japanese audio with English subtitles.
That changed everything. The pacing, the tone, even how I interpreted silence.
It just hit deeper.

The Bonus Perk: Language Learning Through Games

I speak five languages, and gaming has helped sharpen them in unexpected ways.
It’s not academic, sure—but on a conversational level, it works.
You pick up expressions, tone, cultural mannerisms. 

It’s not just gameplay—it’s language exposure.
So when I play in a different language, I’m not just learning how to parry or combo—I’m learning how people talk, react, and express in a new tongue.

The Challenge: Subtitles and Focus

The only downside? Reading subtitles while dodging attacks.
It can be tricky. Sometimes you’re so focused on the dialogue, you miss the action—or vice versa. But to me, that’s part of the challenge I actually enjoy.
You’re not just reacting—you’re absorbing. Listening. Paying attention.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the spoken language in a video game isn’t about being fancy or different. It’s about respecting the art and setting. It’s about immersion, culture, and challenge.

If you’ve never tried it, pick a game with strong cultural roots. Switch the language. Add subtitles. Feel the shift. You might find that the game doesn’t just sound better—it means more. Because when a game is built with love for its world, the least I can do is meet it in its native tongue.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

I found Batman: Arkham Knight sitting in my PS Plus collection, and since it was free, I thought—why not? And honestly, I’m glad I gave it a shot. Despite not being a next-gen game, it still holds up surprisingly well on the PS5.

Gameplay – Slick Combat, Heavy Driving

Let’s start with the good stuff: the combat is clean and satisfying. The rhythm-based fighting style is easy to pick up but tough to master. Gotham feels alive, and the game leans heavily into its dark, gritty atmosphere—which I loved.

Now, the Batmobile? That’s where things got messy for me. It was cool at first, but there were just too many missions tied to it. It felt like every other quest had me behind the wheel, and to be honest, it kind of killed the pace. Maybe it’s a skill issue, maybe I just don’t like Bat-tanks. But either way—it was a lot.

Same goes for gliding and aerial movement—wasn’t my favorite part, but I managed to power through all those flying quests. So hey, git gud, right?

Story & Puzzles – Gotham at Its Best

The storyline is solid, classic Batman vibes with a nice narrative flow. What really stood out to me were the Riddler puzzles—those were super fun and actually made me slow down and think instead of just smashing through everything.

Even though I didn’t go all the way to earn the Platinum Trophy, I still finished the main questline and most of the side stuff. No regrets—this game was worth my time.

Verdict: 4 out of 5 stars  

Batman: Arkham Knight is dark, immersive, and a solid ride through Gotham. The combat, storytelling, and atmosphere are top-tier. But that Batmobile overload knocked it down just a bit for me. Cool vehicle? Yes. Cool quest mechanic? Not always.

Great game—just wish it had a little less time behind the wheel.

Played Arkham Knight?

Did you love or hate the Batmobile? And who else gave up halfway on the Riddler trophies? Drop your Gotham story in the comments.