As I await the much anticipated 'ELDEN RING', I have heard many fellow gamers recommend a small space-exploration game that could scratch my itch in the mean time...

What I actually received from this experience was bigger than I could have imagined, and they hype was absolutely true. After completing 'Outer Wilds', I can honestly say it has become one of the coolest gaming experiences I've ever had.

If you have any inkling of exploring space or how mysterious the solar system can be, then you need to do yourself (and your future self) a favor. This game fires on all cylinders and never fails to blow your mind, while you are piecing the mysterious narrative together throughout. Don't believe me? Let's dive deeper...

Gameplay: 10/10
Gameplay here is simple. It's a single-player first-person exploration game. You don't have weapons, and you won't be engaging in any type of combat. You will be exploring a shit ton though. And with that, you have a suit, a ship, a scout, and a flashlight. You explore this game's solar system and can individually search, scavenge, and traverse different and unique celestial bodies within. The amount of interesting lore and bits of story found throughout is just fascinating, and the way they present it sure is satisfying.

Story: 11/10
The reason you purchase this game is because of how unique the gameplay and story are. I will not be spoiling anything during this review because the entire purpose of the game is to explore and build the narrative. It has a mysterious element that really kept me questioning the world around me as well as the narrative the story was building. You are a Hearthian alien, who wakes up and is assigned with the task of launching your ship into space! Everyone in the village is excited for you, but it is your job to find out why and what your goal is. My mind was blown to bits numerous times throughout the game, and it truly was a unique gameplay experience combined with it's story.

The Soundtrack: 10/10
For those of you who know me, I absolutely love video game soundtracks that I mesh with. This sound track is fantastic, and really instills a sense of awe, mystery, ambience, and even simple joy. I have a Studying / Ambient playlist, and some of these fit right in there. I love discovering new game music.

Echoes of the Eye DLC: 9/10
I will be honest, I haven't yet finished the DLC, but I really wanted to get this review out because of how awesome the game is. However, so far, the DLC is hinting at having the same magic as the base game, but with a bit of a twist and eeriness. From what I have seen, it will certainly not disappoint--truly another unique take.

Graphics: 7/10
The graphics in this game are nothing too crazy, but it honestly doesn't even matter. Think of the most memorable games you've ever played, and I can guarantee that you don't even think of the graphics. Art direction, gameplay, and story have a much bigger impact on a gamer's experience imo.

Level Design / The World: 10/10
Rather than having separate 'levels', you play one gigantic level--the game's solar system. Within that level are smaller levels such as celestial bodies of different sorts. This fluid connection between flying between planets and landing on different bodies really helps break any monotony in gameplay and sequence. It can however, be quite difficult at times. Where as other games may have conventional boss fights with a health bar and combat, this game has a different kind of 'boss fight.' That meaning, you may have to get to a certain place in the solar system and be in that certain place at a certain time or you may miss exploring something you needed to. Details like that really help bring this world to life.

Overall, this game was a fresh experience to a gamer who has been paying his entire life. It has a combination of exploration, unique gameplay, a slight horror vibe at times, and a serious amount of pure wonder. I'll never forget my first play-though of 'Outer Wilds', and I am really eager to see what Mobius Digital is working on next. So, fellow traveler, what are you waiting for? Go fetch those launch codes from the observatory and good luck on your journey!!