Do you like the concept of MMO sandboxes but don't actually care much for the actual multiplayer elements? This is the game for you. This game started as an MMORPG but evolved into a massive single player games, but it still has that MMO DNA. That said, the critic reviews don't do this game justice, because so many critics play this game like it's their job to finish it and get their review out. If you play the game with that kind of mindset, you're going to DESPISE it. But if you play this game looking for a massive immersive world, then you're in for a treat! It's not perfect, specifically around the controls, but Pearl Abyss has a good track record of listening to their community and putting out fixes and adjustments where needed.

In terms of performance, the game runs smooth as butter (settings maxed out, DLSS 4.5 balanced) and looks absolutely STUNNING! Haven't really encountered any graphical issues as of yet.

All that said, this game isn't for everyone, and it's not trying to be. It doesn't hold your hand, particularly with the puzzles, but that's what Google is for if you do get stuck. If you're a gamer who likes to focus solely on the MSQ and finish the story and not come back to the game, this is not the game for you. But if you like exploring, seeing what the world has to offer, and just let yourself become immersed in the game, then this might be your GOTY.

I see this game being timeless, with people still talking about and playing it in 10-15 years.

Do you like the concept of MMO sandboxes but don't actually care much for the actual multiplayer elements? This is the game for you. This game started as an MMORPG but evolved into a massive single player games, but it still has that MMO DNA. That said, the critic reviews don't do this game justice, because so many critics play this game like it's their job to finish it and get their review out. If you play the game with that kind of mindset, you're going to DESPISE it. But if you play this game looking for a massive immersive world, then you're in for a treat! It's not perfect, specifically around the controls, but Pearl Abyss has a good track record of listening to their community and putting out fixes and adjustments where needed. In terms of performance, the game runs smooth as butter (settings maxed out, DLSS 4.5 balanced) and looks absolutely STUNNING! Haven't really encountered any graphical issues as of yet. All that said, this game isn't for everyone, and it's not trying to be. It doesn't hold your hand, particularly with the puzzles, but that's what Google is for if you do get stuck. If you're a gamer who likes to focus solely on the MSQ and finish the story and not come back to the game, this is not the game for you. But if you like exploring, seeing what the world has to offer, and just let yourself become immersed in the game, then this might be your GOTY. I see this game being timeless, with people still talking about and playing it in 10-15 years.