I’d poured many hours into Elden Ring and felt like I had finally earned a break. And then Shadow of the Erdtree dropped. Of course, I couldn’t resist diving back in.

The DLC does exactly what a great expansion should: it builds on what the base game already did well. It opens up a vast new region, rich with secrets and designed to push your curiosity to its limits. Exploration is just as rewarding—and dangerous—as ever.

I went into Elden Ring cautiously optimistic. I had heard so much about its punishing difficulty and vague storytelling, and I honestly wasn’t sure it would be for me. But after diving in, I found myself completely hooked. It’s a sprawling, mysterious world that both amazed and overwhelmed me.

There’s a kind of magic in how Elden Ring refuses to hold your hand. It rewards curiosity and punishes recklessness—and somehow, I kept coming back for more. Even when I wasn’t playing, I was thinking about where I wanted to go next.

After finishing Final Fantasy VII Remake, I had high hopes—but also a bit of hesitation—for Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. I’m happy to say I enjoyed this one more. It took everything the first part did well and expanded it—literally. Having access to the world map and being able to explore more of Gaia really made the experience feel closer to the original FF7, just with a modern twist.

I grew up on the original Final Fantasy VII, and like many fans, it holds a nostalgic place in my heart. So when Final Fantasy VII Remake was announced, I was excited—hopeful even. And while the updated visuals and deeper character moments were a joy to experience, the overall game left me with some mixed feelings.