If you've been around as long as I have you have seen gaming devolve into a business model. What once created wonderful worlds of escape and fantasy for me are now littered with micro transactions and paywalls.

Grim Dawn is a return to form that the old sages of video games had that is now lost in the cubicles of modern developer studios. First let me talk about the writing; it's my favorite in any ARPG ever. And I've played them all. From the small journal entries you find lying around to the big lore plots, all of it harmonizes with what you see and feel around you. Absolutely unheard of today. When I pick up a piece of scrap with some lore I WANT to read it, because it's meaningful and has interesting developments to where I am and what I'm doing. That's a lost art that Grim Dawn has masterfully implemented into my entire journey thus far. It makes me want more, so much that I explore every inch of every map hoping to find something new. This has led into interesting side quests and developments that otherwise I would have missed had I stayed on the beaten path. Exploration feels meaningful and fun, I absolutely adore this.

Easily my favorite ARPG. This coming from a hardcore Diablo fan. The combat is addictive, with skills and levels feeling impactful to my playstyle. I don't feel like I'm just running through mobs trying to level, I care about the type of mob and environment I'm in. Lore reflects on why you are there and what you are fighting. Monster's have a reason to be what they are and where they are. Often tragic or grey instead of the outright evil thing wants you dead. Bosses even more so, with each I've encountered being filled with lore and meaning that makes the fight feel necessary. I began this game blind, no guides no reviews. It has been an absolute joy, and I would recommend this game to anyone. It's an oasis.

Grim Dawn is one of the last bastions of hope I have for gaming. After all I've experienced up to this point in game, nothing but good will come from further play which is why I am excited to continue playing and confident in writing this review. Hats off to everyone involved in the making of this masterpiece. I hope they continue for many many years to come in expanding Grim Dawn and lose none of the vision they have shared with us thus far. I am excited to continue my adventure and see what's next!