Dark Souls is a masterclass in game design, a monumental achievement that has left an indelible mark on the gaming landscape. From the moment you step into the hauntingly beautiful world of Lordran, you are enveloped in an atmosphere thick with mystery and danger, dare I say suffocating at times. The game’s intricate level design is a marvel, with interconnected paths and shortcuts that reveal themselves through careful exploration. Combat is deeply rewarding, requiring patience and skill. Each victory feels hard-earned and exhilarating.

The lore is another stellar achievement, woven into the fabric of the world through environmental storytelling and cryptic dialogue. It will take more than one playthrough to understand the ongoings of the world. It invites players to piece together the story, creating a rich tapestry that is both haunting and compelling. The game's art direction sits among the greatest ever, with unforgettable locations and enemy designs. Playing this game reminded me of Berserk in the best of ways, I was enchanted by this game from start to finish.

Personally this game has had a profound impact on me, the crushing, suffocating atmosphere and difficulty is juxtaposed with beautiful moments of serenity and calmness that engulf you with a certain warmth that I only experienced in a couple of art pieces in my life.

I adore this game and like a few other things that have left this much of an impact on me, I wish I could forget it so that I can experience it all over again.

Dark Souls is not just a game, it is a life lesson and an experience.

It really saddens me when I look at the Fallout franchise overall. The series has seen a mix of mediocre to not-so-great games (like Fallout 76) and, in my opinion, a very subpar TV series for anyone who actually knows the Fallout lore. That being said, Fallout: New Vegas stands as a beacon of greatness and is regarded by many, including myself, as the greatest Fallout game.

It would be nothing short of a crime to call this game anything other than iconic. In terms of story, characters, locations, and variation of enemies, it really knocks it out of the park. However, it suffers immensely from the Bethesda Creation Engine curse. You know it, I know it—bugs, crashes, and an overall sense of being "outdated." The game itself doesn't hold up that great, but—and this is a big but—if you can put up with it and install a lot, and I mean a LOT, of mods, this game will reward you with such a fun time that you will forgive its shortcomings.

Highly recommended if you can stomach the jank.