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.

Final Thoughts: 5 UPS, No Doubt

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 UPS, no doubt.

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.

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 – 4/5 Ups!

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.

4/5 Ups! 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!

For me, choosing the right difficulty setting isn’t about showing off—it’s about matching the challenge to the type of game I’m diving into. Some games I want to breeze through and enjoy the ride. Others? I want to suffer, grind, and come out sharper than when I started.

Shooters? I Play to Learn. Samurai Games? I Play to Bleed.

If I’m playing a shooter like Cyberpunk 2077 or Dead Space, I usually start on medium difficulty.
Not because I’m scared—but because I’m still learning.
Shooting isn’t really my main skillset, so I use those playthroughs to practice mechanics, pacing, and strategy.
Once I get comfortable, I sometimes ramp it up to hard mode—especially if I feel like I’ve earned it.

But when it comes to samurai or shinobi games?
I don’t hold back.
Games like Ghost of Tsushima, Nioh, or Assassin’s Creed?
I go straight for the hardest difficulty—no hesitation.

Why? Because that’s where the real rhythm lives. The timing. The tension. The reward.
It’s not just about XP or better loot (though that helps). It’s about discipline, growth, and mastering the mechanics.

Some Games Don’t Let You Choose. You Just Have to Git Gud.

Then there are titles like Sekiro—games that throw you in the fire and say:
“Survive.”
No easy mode. No training wheels.
You either adapt, evolve, or die trying.

And honestly? I respect that.
It forces you to lean into the mechanics, study enemy patterns, and build real skill.
Every boss you beat in a game like Sekiro feels like an achievement, not a checkpoint.

It’s Okay to Dial It Down, Too

That said—there’s no shame in scaling difficulty down if the game stops being fun.
Some games let you start on hard and switch to normal or easy mid-game.
If I’m just not feeling the grind—or if the mechanics are frustrating instead of rewarding—I’ll switch it up.
Gaming should challenge you, not punish you.

With Dead Space Remake, for example, I started on medium to get a feel for the pacing. Then I replayed it on hard mode.
Was it wildly different? Not always.
But small things—like how fast your health bar drops, or how tight your timing needs to be—make a big difference when the pressure’s on.

Final Thoughts: It’s All About Progression

Whether you play on easy or nightmare mode, the core of it is the same:
Practice. Learn. Adapt.
That’s the real heart of gaming.

So I don’t judge anyone’s difficulty setting.
Sometimes I want to get wrecked.
Sometimes I just want to enjoy the story.
What matters most is that you’re in the game, learning, and leveling up—at your own pace.