Ah, step right up, step right up, ladies and gentlemen, to the exhilarating, heart-wrenching, and awe-inspiring rollercoaster ride that is “The Last of Us”. Now, tighten those seat belts because, dear gamer, you’re about to embark on a remarkable adventure that is brimming with impeccable storytelling, breathtaking visuals, and a gameplay experience that could only be described as a sumptuous banquet for your gaming appetite. Yes, indeed, it seems the gods of the gaming world convened to bestow upon us mortals a gem that shines with the brilliance of a thousand suns in the vast cosmos of video games.

Now, let us traverse the rich tapestry that is the narrative of this masterpiece. Picture it, a post-apocalyptic world, where every nook and cranny tells a story, where the remnants of a fallen civilization whisper secrets to those who dare to listen. It’s as if the writers reached into the very depths of human emotion, pulled it out, and painted a sprawling canvas that brings tears to your eyes and sends shivers down your spine with its raw and unfiltered portrayal of the human condition. It’s storytelling so grand, so rich, and so profound that even Shakespeare would tip his hat to the masterminds behind this narrative spectacle.

Now onto our protagonists, Joel and Ellie, a duo that redefines chemistry in video gaming. Oh, dear reader, prepare to have your heartstrings played like a grand piano as you witness the evolution of this unlikely camaraderie. From strangers to familial bond stronger than any forged in the fires of Mount Doom, their journey is nothing short of poetry in motion. Joel, with a heart as rugged as the harsh landscapes he navigates, and Ellie, a beacon of resilience and hope, lighting up the dark corners of a world teetering on the edge of despair. Together, they embark on a journey that is a testimony to human resilience, an ode to survival, a symphony of the undying spirit of hope amidst chaos. It’s a partnership that would make even the legendary duos like Batman and Robin seem like mere acquaintances.

But oh, we cannot overlook the marvel that is the gameplay, a symphony where every note, every crescendo, is a testament to gaming excellence. As you navigate through this desolate yet beautiful world, every encounter is a pulse-pounding experience, a ballet of survival where strategy, stealth, and skill harmonize to create a gameplay experience that is nothing short of a magnum opus. The mechanics are so finely tuned, it feels like piloting a Ferrari through a world that demands your utmost attention, rewarding your prowess with a sense of accomplishment that is as exhilarating as summiting Everest.

And let us not forget the visual spectacle that is “The Last of Us”. Ah, the graphics, a visual feast that tantalizes your senses with its staggering attention to detail, painting a world so real, you can almost reach out and touch it. Every frame is a masterpiece, a canvas where the hues of a fallen world dance in a melancholy ballet, evoking a beauty that is haunting yet mesmerizing. It’s a virtual gallery where every scene could very well be framed and adorned on the walls of the Louvre, such is the artistic brilliance on display.

Ah, but what would this grandiose experience be without a soundtrack that echoes the very heartbeat of this epic journey? The music, a character in its own right, weaves a tapestry of sound that envelopes you, carrying you on a wave of emotions that ebb and flow with the narrative tide. It’s a symphony that resonates with the very core of your being, a melody that lingers long after you’ve put down the controller, a testament to the auditory masterpiece that accompanies this gaming journey.

“The Last of Us” is an experience, a journey into the depths of human emotion, a celebration of gaming excellence, a beacon of artistic brilliance in a sea of mediocrity. So, grab your controllers, step into the shoes of Joel and Ellie, and prepare yourself for a gaming odyssey that promises not only thrills, laughter, and tears but a voyage that redefines the very essence of what video gaming can achieve. It is a beacon, nay, a lighthouse in the stormy seas of the gaming world, guiding us towards a future where games are not just played, but lived, experienced, and cherished as monumental works of art. Bravo, “The Last of Us”, bravo!

One day, a good few years ago, I came across an advert on the internet (as one does) and found a video of a man running across a rope bridge from hundreds of zombies. At the time, I paid it no regard – sure, it looked good and the idea of hundreds of zombies swarming would indeed be terrifying, but it didn’t really stick in my mind, or so I thought.

So imagine my surprise a good year, maybe two later, when I find myself playing this very game, being reminded of the man on the rope bridge, and thoroughly enjoying myself.

Days Gone (2019) absolutely didn’t get the recognition it deserved. This is a fantastic game which far too few people have even tried – granted it was a PlayStation exclusive first, but once it was ported to PC it should have been everywhere.

So what’s so good about this game? First of all, the story, it’s amazing – my better half, Katie, found herself drawn in and invested in the characters without even witnessing half of the game. The game does a fantastic job of making you give a damn – whether it’s the “is she, isn’t she?” of the main character’s love interest, the brotherhood between the main character and Boozer, the betrayals, the will to survive and more.

The world – almost fully interactive, with you being able to enter and loot the majority of the buildings and with danger lurking around every corner – whether it’s accidentally running into a horde, which is FANTASTIC for getting your heart racing and the adrenaline pumping, accidentally running into rippers and bandits and maurauders, and NERO checkpoints to find some decent loot or upgrades. The “freaks” have their own schedules and routines, where they come out to roam at night and retreat to their caves at sunup. Wildlife roams throughout the world where they can, and when you combine this with sunrises and sunsets makes for picturesque scenes which make you stop and pause. In fact, the world is so immersive and pleasant (for the most part) to drive around that I found myself not using the fast travel at all in the game, instead choosing to ride on my motorcycle through the beautiful world that was crafted for us.

The characters are all relatable – Deacon St John, the main character, is your broody but good-hearted biker who found love only for it to be taken when the world fell. Boozer, the brother-in-arms of St John helps keep St John grounded and has a realistic lookout of the world. Then there’s your side characters, Rikki, Iron Mike, Tucker, Copeland all who have their own camps, their own motivations, and their own stories to draw you in and care about what happens to them.

This is a game I could easily lose 500 hours of my time into and I really hope Bend Studio know what a brilliant game they have created, because I can’t wait to see more out of them.

Imagine if a group of boisterous, ale-loving dwarves crash-landed into a sci-fi movie, armed with pickaxes and a sense of humor sharper than a freshly forged axe. That’s “Deep Rock Galactic” for you – a game where the beer flows as freely as the alien guts and the punchlines hit as hard as the rock you’re mining.

Developed by the whimsically genius minds at Ghost Ship Games, “Deep Rock Galactic” is what happens when you throw a bunch of space dwarves into the most hostile caves in the galaxy and tell them to bring back shiny things. You and up to three beard-toting buddies dive headfirst into alien-infested caverns, mining precious resources while fending off creatures that definitely didn’t get the memo about being hospitable hosts.

Each dwarf class is a stand-up comedy act in its own right. The Engineer is essentially your crafty uncle who’s always got a gadget for everything, the Scout is that one friend who’s always wandering off and getting into trouble, the Driller is your burly neighbor who takes DIY way too seriously, and the Gunner is just there to shoot things and chew bubblegum – and he’s all out of bubblegum.

“Deep Rock Galactic” is a masterclass in cooperative gameplay, where every plan falls apart in the most hilarious way possible. Imagine meticulously planning your mining route, only to have a buddy accidentally detonate a massive explosive, sending everyone flying and waking up every creature within a five-mile radius. It’s like a well-orchestrated ballet, if the dancers were drunk and the stage was constantly trying to kill them.

The game’s ability to blend chaos and humor is nothing short of art. One second, you’re peacefully mining, and the next, you’re running for your life from a bug the size of a small car, screaming and laughing as your friend accidentally drills a hole under your feet. It’s like a surprise party, but the surprise is usually a horde of angry aliens.

No two missions in “Deep Rock Galactic” are alike, thanks to its procedurally generated caves. Each mission is like a box of chocolates – you never know what you’re gonna get, but it’s probably going to try to eat you. The caves are a maze of wonder and danger, filled with alien flora and fauna that are as beautiful as they are deadly.

As you complete missions, you get to upgrade your gear and abilities, turning your dwarf into a lean, mean, mining machine. And let’s not forget about the fashion – because even in the face of mortal danger, one must ensure their beard is impeccably groomed and their armor stylishly accessorized.

The game’s visuals are a delightful spectacle, capturing the beauty of underground chaos with a style that’s equal parts charming and menacing. The sound design is a symphony of hilarity – from the grunts of your dwarf as he exerts himself, to the comical yelps when a bug catches you off guard.

The developers are as much a part of the fun as the game itself, engaging with the community in a way that’s refreshingly honest and hilariously transparent. They’ve created not just a game, but a gathering place for those who appreciate the finer things in life – like exploding caverns and dwarf puns.

“Deep Rock Galactic” is an uproarious adventure where every mining expedition turns into a story worth retelling. It’s a testament to the fun that can be had when you mix dwarves, danger, and a dash of insanity. For those seeking a game that’s as funny as it is thrilling, look no further – just grab your pickaxe, call your most unreliable friends, and dive into the madness. Rock and Stone, to the bone!