Written by Lunar_95

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt was developed and published by CD Projekt Red and released on May 19^th, 2015. The game takes place in a rich expansive world steeped in magical history and political turmoil. There are many regions, from war torn plains to eerie forests and bustling cities. The game is visually stunning, filled with life, lore, and immersive details that make you feel like you are part of a living, breathing world.

You are the witcher Geralt of Rivia. A witcher is a genetically enhanced monster hunter. Geralt is on a quest to find his adopted daughter, Ciri, who is being pursued by the Wild Hunt, a spectral group of horsemen. Along the way you will battle dangerous beasts and face moral decisions that will shape the fate of the world. Your goal is to protect Ciri from the Wild Hunt and uncover the mysteries of her powers while contending with your own personal demons and past.

The game features open-world exploration, action RPG combat, and deep narrative choices. You will use sword fighting, magic (known as Signs), and alchemy to defeat your enemies. The world is filled with monsters, quests, and treasures making exploration rewarding. What sets The The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt apart is its remarkable focus on choice-driven narrative and consequences. The world reacts to your decisions, and your actions impact the story's progression and its ultimate conclusion.

Geralt's skills are customizable through a talent tree that allows for specialization in combat, alchemy, and magic. The game also includes a crafting and alchemy system that enhances your gameplay and adds depth. The story is deeply intertwined with the world's lore and your decisions. Side quests often carry as much emotional weight as the main storyline, making it one of the most engaging RPGs I have ever played.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a masterpiece of open-world RPG design. Its detailed world, strong narrative, and meaningful choices set it apart. The combination of well-designed exploration, combat, and story creates a fully immersive experience. I rate the game as "Excellent" on our five-tiered scale (Bad, Below Average, Average, Above Average, Excellent).

Written by Lunar_95

Developed and published by Nintendo, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom was released in May 2023. The game returns to the familiar yet evolved world of Hyrule, with even more depth and verticality. The land is now split into three major layers: the surface world, floating sky islands, and a mysterious underground. These new environments, combined with the dynamic weather, sprawling towns, and ancient ruins, offer a fresh twist on the vast world that fans loved in its predecessor The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

In Tears of the Kingdom, you once again take on the role of Link. After a catastrophic event, you must embark on a quest to stop a new threat that emerges from beneath Hyrule. Along the way, you will discover ancient powers, uncover forgotten secrets of the kingdom, and restore balance to the land. The stakes are higher than ever, as you race against time to prevent further destruction and protect those you hold dear.

The game builds on the mechanics of its predecessor, offering an even more expansive sandbox. It emphasizes creativity and player agency, with a new set of powers that let you manipulate objects in the environment in ways never before seen in the series. One standout feature is the Fuse ability, which allows you to combine weapons, items, and materials into new creations offering endless possibilities for combat and exploration. The sky islands add vertical exploration, with thrilling moments of diving from the heavens to the surface world.

The progression system is once again tied to completing Shrines to upgrade Link's stamina and health, but this time you also unlock new abilities that completely change how you interact with the world. For example, the Ultrahand allows you to build vehicles or devices from found materials encouraging experimentation. Outside of gameplay, the game's narrative dives deeper into Hyrule's lore, enriching the player's understanding of its ancient history and giving more context to the events of the previous games.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is a brilliant evolution of the Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild formula. The game expands the world, story, and gameplay in exciting new ways. With its focus on creativity, exploration, and freedom; it pushes the boundaries of what an open-world game can be. Nintendo has crafted yet another masterpiece, and for those who loved Breath of the Wild, this is an unmissable experience. I rate this game as Excellent on the five-tiered scale (Bad, Below Average, Average, Above Average, Excellent).

Written by Lunar_95

Developed by Nintendo and published by the same, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was released in March 2017. Set in the vast kingdom of Hyrule, the game offers one of the most expansive and precisely designed open worlds ever seen in gaming. The world is filled with multiple landscapes, from grassy plains to snow-covered mountains, dense forests, and ancient ruins. Hyrule feels alive, with dynamic weather, wildlife, and a sense of history embedded in every corner, making exploration truly magical.

In Breath of the Wild, you play as Link, a hero who awakens from a deep slumber in a ruined world. Your goal is to defeat the ancient evil, Calamity Ganon, who threatens the very existence of Hyrule. To do this, you must reclaim your lost memories, gather allies, and strengthen yourself for the final confrontation. It is a story of heroism, perseverance, and the rediscovery of the world and yourself.

Breath of the Wild's gameplay is incredibly fluid and emphasizes player freedom. You can climb any surface, glide through the air, and even solve puzzles in multiple ways, which separates it from most other games. Combat is a blend of strategic weapon and item usage, and the game's physics engine adds creativity, allowing for experiments with the environment (such as using fire, wind, or even gravity to outsmart enemies). The sheer freedom of exploration and the ability to tackle objectives in any order makes each playthrough feel unique.

The game uses a unique progression system where you can upgrade Link's health and stamina by completing Shrines/mini-dungeons scattered across the world. Rather than a typical level-up system, progress comes through resource management, exploration, and puzzle-solving. Another unique feature is the game's durability system, where weapons and shields break with use, forcing you to constantly adapt your combat strategies. Additionally, the minimal use of traditional markers on the map encourages players to rely on their instincts and observations.

Breath of the Wild is a monumental achievement in game design, offering players a sense of true adventure and freedom rarely found in the genre. Its world feels organic and reactive, and the many ways to approach challenges keep it engaging from start to finish. With its breathtaking visuals, emotionally resonant story, and innovative gameplay systems, it stands out as one of the best games of its generation. I rate this game as Excellent on the five-tiered scale (Bad, Below Average, Average, Above Average, Excellent).