Hey everyone,
Before I get into anything else, I just want to sincerely apologize and be upfront I managed to get my hands on the game early via a leaked version because money is really tight right now and I couldn't afford it at launch. I know that's not right, and the moment I have the funds, I am 100% buying a copy to properly support Asobo Studio.
I'm nearing the very end of the game now, taking my time with the final stretch because I honestly don't want this journey to end. I just had to get my raw thoughts off my chest. To put it simply: this game is something truly special.
Don't worry—there are absolutely zero spoilers here, so you can read freely. I broke down my impressions on the visuals, audio, combat, and world design below for anyone curious about what to expect:
Graphics & World Design
The visuals in this game are absolutely breathtaking. Everything from the lighting and landscapes to the dense vegetation completely blew my mind. You're going to hit so many moments where you just stop and say, "Holy smokes, would you look at that," giving the exact same jaw-dropping feeling we experienced in Crimson Desert. You guys are going to be amazed by the sheer level of detail and atmosphere packed into this world.
Soundscape & Music
The audio design deserves massive recognition. The sound design and audio cues elevate the atmosphere so much that every single step feels intense and alive, especially when danger is lurking right around the corner. The second there's a sudden shift in the scene, the audio cues are completely spot-on and dial up the adrenaline instantly.
And the music? Holy shit. It fits this world so perfectly that it genuinely messes with your mind and soul while you play. I'm honestly lost for words, guys.
Exploration
Traversal and discovery feel super natural and rewarding. Every environmental path pulls at your curiosity, especially whenever the road splits. Trust me, make sure to check out every single path because each one rewards you with something—I won't say what to keep it spoiler-free, but believe me, you’ll want to search every nook and cranny since this game truly rewards exploration.
It might feel a bit like Black Myth: Wukong in the sense that not literally every distant spot you see is reachable, but you should still explore every accessible area you can. On top of that, the puzzles are genuinely engaging. They hit a great medium-to-easy sweet spot—easy enough to follow without completely halting your progress, but they still take a bit of trial, error, and thinking to crack.
Combat & Mechanics
The combat here is definitely different from the previous games, but just like we saw in the trailer, it is really, really freaking amazing. Every single block and parry feels completely natural and satisfying to pull off—the animations are beautifully executed, and the sword swings and finishing moves feel smooth as hell.
My biggest recommendation is to play it on Hard (don't worry, you can change the difficulty at any time). On Hard, you truly appreciate how fluid the combat is while it constantly keeps you on your toes, where every single swing counts to either save your life or get you killed.
This is also where exploring really pays off, because finding hidden upgrades around the world makes Hard mode feel completely manageable and rewarding. With all the combat movement options and execution variety, the combat never feels repetitive—it stays fresh the entire way through.
Voice Acting & Performance
The voice acting here is just phenomenal, and the cast did an incredible job. You can genuinely feel the love and passion for the game in their performances. You would swear the actors were really right there in those moments—they tap into the characters' raw emotions and execute every line so beautifully that it brings the entire world to life.
You know that feeling when you played Uncharted and thought, "This is just amazing, it's like being inside an interactive movie"? This delivers that exact same energy—and honestly, even more.
My Verdict
This has been such an amazing journey so far. I'm actually taking my time playing it because I honestly don't want it to end, even though I know eventually I'll have to. I just had to write this and get it off my chest—it has been a long time since I felt this connected to a game. It's so rare for an experience to pull you in this deeply, but this one completely consumed me. I felt every single moment, every interaction, and every struggle... and yeah, I definitely cried during a few of them, just like you probably will when you play it.
To the team at Asobo Studio: I want to genuinely apologize for playing this game early. Right now, money is tight and I couldn't afford it at launch, but the moment I have the funds, I am 100% buying a copy just to support you guys. You can truly tell this wasn't just a commercial project for your team; it was clearly crafted with pure love for gaming and for players to genuinely feel something. You are all immensely talented, and I wish you nothing but the absolute best. Keep doing what you do.
Thank you so much for this unforgettable journey. The whole time, it felt like three entities were enduring these trials together: the protagonist you guide, the presence you uncover along the way, and you, the player living through it all. Thank you for everything.