Recent reviews by aghmality

After completing Cyberpunk 2077 for the first time, my biggest regret is that I discovered this world so late. Initially, when we finally received the game’s official announcement after years of teasers, I felt a slight spark of excitement. However, the challenging launch for the developers pushed the game to the back of my mind, and I forgot about it. My deep attachment to the Witcher universe and my passion for Geralt’s adventures made me reluctant to risk tarnishing my opinion of CDPRED's work.

Now, I see how wrong I was.

The beauty of Night City, though undeniable, isn’t the most important aspect for me when evaluating the game. That said, it’s impossible not to admire the cityscape of towering skyscrapers intersected by highways or the immersive sound design that perfectly complements drives through its diverse districts. But what truly left a lasting impression on me were the dialogues – something RED excels at. While the main story may not be as sprawling as the narrative in The Witcher 3, the side quests and interconnected threads made it nearly impossible for me to step away from the game. The desire to see what happens next was simply too compelling.

The core narrative of Cyberpunk 2077 was captivating, but the real masterpiece lies in the Phantom Liberty expansion. What starts as a seemingly simple story, without any flashy hooks, evolves into something extraordinary. The way this tale unfolds is so masterful that its conclusion left me with an emotional void and a deep sense of loss – a testament to how profoundly it resonated with me.

Together with the Edgerunners series, the game and its expansion have transformed Mike Pondsmith’s universe into something unique and breathtaking. Yet, what I appreciate most is how Night City refuses to offer happy endings. Every story ends as it should, leaving a vast space for reflection on your choices.

"Goodbye, V. And Never Stop Fighting."

No other game has left me with such a profound sense of emptiness as Red Dead Redemption 2. It’s not about the graphics or technical aspects – although these elements are top-notch and perfectly enhance the experience. Ultimately, though, technical details pale in comparison to the story itself, which is the true heart of this journey.

No other story has moved me as deeply as Arthur Morgan’s tale. Throughout the game, I felt as if I wasn’t just controlling the character but merging with him, becoming him, and experiencing everything as intensely as he did. Every struggle, every choice, every doubt – they were as much mine as they were his. It’s incredible how one can feel so close to a fictional character – to bear the weight of his fate and decisions.

The creation of Arthur as a character, along with the moral choices the game presents, may seem simple, even childish at times: do we help someone, or do we walk away? Yet these moments have a deeper meaning and genuinely shape how we see Arthur, how others see him, and how we see ourselves. Every time we choose to act rightly – to "be a good person" – we’re reminded that life is full of small decisions that, over time, shape who we are.

The deepest emotions are stirred by the bond that develops between the player and the protagonist. At first, Arthur may feel like just an avatar, a tool for exploring the game’s world, but as we get to know him, we grow attached. Each decision we make on his behalf impacts not only his story but also who he becomes and how others perceive him. Perhaps many players, like myself, see a part of themselves in Arthur, making decisions on his behalf a profoundly personal experience.

It may sound strange, but the story of the van der Linde gang has had a more lasting impact on me than I ever expected. After this journey, I started seeing things in life a bit differently – noticing new aspects of human choices, their consequences, and the strength of relationships.

"You're a good man, Arthur Morgan..."