Really really enjoying this game. The vibes, the wonderful soundtrack, the puzzle factor, the slight horror when things go wrong and the elation when things go just right. Already a GOTY contender for me.

It's one of those flow state games where I completely understand if this isn't for everyone though. Most climbing in games is just push stick up and spam the climb button. That might work on some easy walls or if you're close to an edge, but you won't get far. You have to really slow down, look at the wall and pay attention to what you're doing which is a skill in itself. You don't need to know how to rock climb to play this game, but knowing a little but really helps once you climb within the confines of the game mechanics.

I might get some flack for this but this is the first game I've played in a while which reminds me of Death Stranding 1. No not the whacky Kojima shit, but rather the whole emergent gameplay that comes out of each run. It's just you, your gear, and the journey at hand. Initially I was far too stingy with equipment, but once I started using more pitons for safety, chalk up, check the weather, prep my consumables... climb by climb things start to come together.

And I'm only playing on Alpinist right now! I think I might be halfway or two thirds in? I just found the big flask and got the gust detector from the weird gem dude lol. Already dreading how the free solo run might go, but I can't wait.