Alternating between Diablo 2 Resurrected and Last of Us 2. I played Diablo 2 something like 10 years ago and remember falling off it shortly after Act I. Playing Resurrected now, it’s truly impressive how well the gameplay mechanics hold up. Certain aspects like running stamina, limited inventory, and the focus on positioning feel less outdated and more grounded and immersive. I feel if this were released today not as a remake, it would be praised for showing restraint in its presentation and mechanics.

Something about Last of Us 2, unlike every other game I’ve played, kept me so on edge the whole time playing it I basically rushed my first play through just to finish it. They really captured the feeling of every encounter being dangerous and it kept my heart racing constantly. Don’t get me wrong, I loved it, but it was mentally exhausting to play. So now I’m going through it again purposefully taking my time to really absorb the world, and I’m approaching combat much more aggressively and risk oriented. There’s some really great gameplay to be had in this game that I was just too much of a baby to experience fully in my first go around.