Alien: Isolation is an intense and nerve-wracking experience, perfectly capturing the essence of the Alien franchise. Although I’m not typically a fan of horror games, this one stands out as an exceptional entry, and I firmly believe it’s the best Alien game ever made—a sentiment I’m sure many fans would agree with. The game’s standout feature is its brilliantly crafted Alien AI. The Xenomorph is unpredictable and relentless, creating an atmosphere of constant tension. The sense of vulnerability is palpable, forcing you to carefully plan your path to objectives while evading not only the Alien but also other threats. This balance of strategy and survival keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout. While I’m not a fan of jump scares—and the game has a few—the meticulously designed environments and hauntingly atmospheric music more than make up for it. The sound design and visuals perfectly capture the eerie, claustrophobic feel of the original Alien film, immersing you fully in the experience. Overall, Alien: Isolation is a masterclass in survival horror, blending tension, strategy, and atmosphere in a way that few games manage. I can’t wait to see what the sequel has in store and how it builds on this incredible foundation.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is an ambitious game, but it ultimately feels like a double-edged sword. While it delivers a vast open world and plenty of content, its length and design choices often detract from the overall experience. The main issue lies in the game’s emphasis on quantity over quality, a mistake reminiscent of Assassin’s Creed Unity. Unlike Unity, which was eventually patched and became a solid experience, Valhalla struggles under the weight of its overstuffed content. The story, in particular, is too long and meandering, causing it to lose focus. Some arcs feel disconnected, making it easy to forget about key characters like Sigurd and Basim, who should have been central to the narrative. While the story does improve near the end, the journey there often feels like a slog. For players attempting to achieve the Platinum trophy, the game’s design choices can be especially frustrating. Collecting everything on the map—a requirement for completionists—feels more like an exercise in tedium than an enjoyable challenge. Compared to Assassin’s Creed Origins, which also had a lot to collect but balanced it with a more concise and rewarding experience, Valhalla feels like it’s dragging you along for eternity. That’s not to say the game is without its merits. The world is beautifully crafted, and the Viking setting is both rich and immersive. However, the excessive length and focus on filler content detract from what could have been a truly memorable experience. In the end, Valhalla might appeal to players who enjoy sprawling open-world games and don’t mind sinking countless hours into exploration. For others, though, it may feel like an over-extended journey that prioritizes quantity over quality.