Crimson Desert, developed and published by Pearl Abyss, is an ambitious open-world action-adventure that aims to deliver a cinematic, system-heavy experience set within a vast and often chaotic fantasy world. Taking place on the continent of Pywel, the game follows Kliff, a mercenary leader caught in the middle of political conflict, personal loss, and supernatural forces. From the very beginning, it presents itself as a large-scale production, blending narrative-driven storytelling with sandbox-style freedom, and it is clear that the developers are striving to create something expansive rather than tightly focused.

The world itself is one of the game’s most impressive aspects. Pywel feels dense and alive, filled with varied environments, dynamic encounters, and a wide range of activities that extend far beyond the main storyline. Exploration is consistently rewarding, with unexpected events, hidden locations, and side content that often rival the main narrative in terms of engagement. There is a strong sense of unpredictability in how the world unfolds, encouraging players to wander and experiment rather than simply follow objectives. However, this abundance of content can also feel overwhelming, as the game does not always provide clear direction on how its many systems and activities connect.

Combat plays a central role in shaping the experience, offering a system that is both visually striking and mechanically involved. Battles combine weighty melee attacks with a variety of abilities, grappling mechanics, and environmental interactions, creating encounters that feel chaotic yet controlled when mastered. There is a noticeable emphasis on player expression, allowing for different approaches to combat depending on timing, positioning, and skill usage. At its best, the system delivers satisfying and dynamic encounters that reinforce the game’s sense of scale and intensity. At the same time, the complexity of the controls can be a barrier, particularly in the early stages, and occasional inconsistencies in responsiveness can disrupt the flow of combat.

Progression is layered through multiple systems, including skill development, equipment upgrades, and resource management. These elements provide a steady sense of growth, but they also contribute to a feeling of excess. The interface can be cluttered, and the game does not always do enough to guide players through its mechanics, leading to moments of confusion or friction. Over time, players may become more comfortable navigating these systems, but the initial learning curve can be steep, especially for those unfamiliar with similarly complex designs.

The narrative attempts to balance personal storytelling with broader political and supernatural themes, but it struggles to maintain consistent momentum. While the premise is compelling and the world-building is rich, character development often feels uneven, and the pacing can fluctuate between engaging and disjointed. Some story moments carry emotional weight, but they are not always supported by the surrounding structure, which can make the overall narrative feel less cohesive than intended. In contrast, many of the game’s emergent moments—those that arise from exploration and player choice—tend to leave a stronger impression than the scripted story itself.

Visually, Crimson Desert is striking, with detailed environments, dynamic lighting, and large-scale set pieces that contribute to a cinematic presentation. The world feels expansive and varied, and the attention to environmental detail helps reinforce the sense of immersion. These strengths are somewhat offset by technical inconsistencies, including performance issues and occasional glitches, which can interrupt the experience. While not constant, these problems highlight the challenges of maintaining stability in such a complex and ambitious game.

One of the more distinctive aspects of the game is how its design reflects the developer’s background in online multiplayer experiences. Even as a single-player title, it incorporates layered systems and progression structures that feel reminiscent of MMO design. This adds depth but also introduces a level of complexity that may not always align with the pacing of a narrative-driven experience. The result is a game that can feel both rich and unwieldy, depending on how well the player adapts to its systems.

Ultimately, Crimson Desert is a game defined by its ambition. It offers a vast and visually impressive world, a combat system with moments of genuine excitement, and a wealth of content that encourages exploration and experimentation. At the same time, its lack of cohesion, steep learning curve, and uneven execution prevent it from fully realizing its potential. It is a game that can deliver memorable experiences, but one that requires patience and a willingness to navigate its complexities.

Definitely my Game Of The Year!

Rating: 10/10

FromSoftware’s Dark Souls III is less a game and more a gauntlet—a bleak, punishing, and strangely beautiful pilgrimage through ash and anguish. Released in 2016, the final chapter in the Souls trilogy feels like a greatest hits album of everything the series has done best, wrapped in haunting gothic architecture and steeped in the melancholy of a world on the verge of final collapse.

The gameplay is refined to a surgical edge. Combat is fast, fluid, and brutally fair. Every swing, parry, and dodge has weight and consequence. This is a game that demands your full attention; button mashing is suicide. Yet, once its rhythm clicks, battles become balletic—deadly dances with enemies that punish overconfidence but reward patience and precision.

Level design, always a hallmark of the series, is exceptional here. Lothric Castle, the Road of Sacrifices, and Irithyll of the Boreal Valley are just a few of the unforgettable locations—each interconnected, meticulously detailed, and dripping with lore. Secrets hide around every corner, and exploration feels rewarding, if always treacherous.

Boss fights are both a highlight and a trial by fire. From the towering abyssal beast Pontiff Sulyvahn to the poetic final confrontation with the Soul of Cinder, Dark Souls III delivers spectacle without losing its soul. These aren’t just enemies—they're stories in motion, often silent, but rich with implications for players willing to dig.

The narrative, as ever, is obtuse—told through item descriptions, cryptic dialogue, and environmental clues. It's not spoon-fed, but pieced together like a shattered stained glass window. It’s deeply rewarding for those who engage with it, especially fans familiar with the broader Souls mythos. As a finale, it carries a quiet sadness, a sense of inevitability and reflection, that hits hard by the end.

If there’s a critique to be made, it’s that Dark Souls III sometimes feels like it’s playing it a bit safe. Some bosses echo past glories, and veteran players might find fewer surprises. But what it does, it does with such grim majesty and polish that it's hard to fault it for consolidating rather than revolutionizing.

Dark Souls III is not just a game—it’s a trial, a sermon, a farewell. It's about perseverance, discovery, and the strange satisfaction of being broken and reforged in fire. A fitting and poignant end to one of gaming's most influential sagas.

Score: 9/10

When Overwatch 2 launched, it had big shoes to fill — not just as a sequel, but as the next chapter in a game that redefined the hero shooter genre. And while it hasn’t been without growing pains, I’m happy to say that Overwatch 2 delivers a faster, more exciting version of the original formula that still captures what made it so special.

The shift to 5v5 is easily the best change Blizzard could’ve made. Matches feel more dynamic and strategic, with every player’s role having more impact. The new pace encourages aggressive play and rewards good positioning and timing, especially for tanks and support players who now have more agency.

Hero reworks like Orisa and Bastion have breathed new life into old favorites, and new heroes like Sojourn, Kiriko, and Ramattra are genuinely fun to learn and master. The combat is as smooth and satisfying as ever — few games nail the "feel" of their gameplay quite like Overwatch 2 does.

Blizzard's move to a seasonal model means there’s always something new around the corner — maps, heroes, balance changes, and events. While the battle pass structure was controversial at first, it’s grown into a fairly generous system, especially with added challenges and in-game earnable currency for cosmetics.

Compared to the original game’s long content droughts, Overwatch 2 feels more alive and responsive to its player base. It’s clear the developers are listening and iterating, which gives me confidence in its long-term health.

Graphically, the game has seen a solid upgrade — it’s cleaner, more vibrant, and still runs great on a wide range of systems. The sound design remains top-tier, from the satisfying ping of a headshot to the voice lines that give each hero so much personality. The polish here is undeniable, and that Blizzard charm is still very much intact.

With its free-to-play model, Overwatch 2 is more accessible than ever. It’s easy to hop in, play a few rounds with friends, and experience those unforgettable team fights that can swing in a second. Whether you’re here for casual fun or competitive climbing, there’s a space for you.

Toxicity is still present (as it is in many online games), but the updated reporting tools, endorsement system, and matchmaking improvements have helped smooth the edges.

Overwatch 2 isn’t just a sequel — it’s a revitalization. It may not have reinvented the wheel, but it tuned the engine, polished the chassis, and hit the gas. If you’re looking for a shooter that blends teamplay, personality, and polish, Overwatch 2 is absolutely worth your time.

A thrilling refresh of a beloved classic. Faster, tighter, and more alive than ever.

Rating: 10/10