DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 3/10 Assassin's Creed II is a highly regarded game that I consider one of the best I have played, and I rate it 5 stars. This game builds upon the strengths of its predecessor and elevates the experience, providing a compelling sense of being in Renaissance Italy. The story engages you from the beginning. You play as Ezio Auditore, a young nobleman whose life is disrupted by betrayal and tragedy. Watching his development from a carefree individual into a skilled assassin seeking revenge offers a meaningful narrative. The plot features several twists and incorporates real historical figures like Leonardo da Vinci, enhancing the game's authenticity and educational value. I found myself curious to continue playing, and the ending leaves a lasting impression. Gameplay is a key strength of this game. The parkour system allows smooth movement across buildings, rooftops, and through crowds, making traversal feel natural. Combat has been refined to be more fluid, with options to counter enemies, use hidden blades, swords, and disarm opponents creatively. Exploring cities such as Florence and Venice is enjoyable, with side missions that add depth, like collecting feathers or upgrading a villa. The assassination missions require planning and stealth, resulting in satisfying moments when executed well. Visually, the game was impressive for its time, with detailed architecture, busy streets, and scenic landscapes that invite thoughtful observation. The soundtrack complements gameplay effectively, featuring orchestral music during intense scenes and softer tunes during exploration. Voice acting captures Ezio’s personality well, making the character engaging. Overall, the game is a well-crafted experience that offers immersive escapism. Ubisoft Montreal created a game that remains memorable beyond gameplay. I rate it 5 stars and recommend it to fans of adventure, history, or compelling storytelling.

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 7/10 Sword of the Berserk: Guts' Rage effectively captures the dark and intense atmosphere of the Berserk series, and Yuke's did a commendable job bringing it to the Dreamcast at the time. As a fan of the manga, I appreciated the opportunity to experience Guts' journey firsthand, wielding the massive Dragonslayer sword and confronting a variety of twisted monsters and apostles. The story takes place between significant arcs, with Guts protecting Casca from a mandrake curse that transforms people into beasts. It maintains the gritty and emotional tone associated with the manga, without feeling like a mere cash-in. In terms of gameplay, the focus is on engaging combat. Players can perform combos, block attacks, and build a rage meter to enter a berserk mode, where Guts becomes an especially formidable force. The weight of the sword swings is satisfying, providing a realistic feeling with each strike. During boss fights, quick-time events introduce moments of tension that enhance the experience. The exploration is fairly straightforward, mainly involving linear levels, but the core appeal lies in the combat. While repetitive enemy waves might occur, the visual effects and animations help keep the experience engaging. Graphically, the game holds up reasonably well for a late '90s title. The character models, particularly Guts with his distinctive scars and armor, are detailed and expressive. The environments feature moody settings, such as foggy forests and dilapidated ruins, fitting the dark fantasy theme. The soundtrack includes orchestral tracks that escalate during combat sequences, and the voice acting is adequate, with occasional lines that may seem a bit cheesy. Puck's presence offers some lighter moments to balance the darker tone. Some limitations include the game's relatively short length, able to be completed in a weekend, and limited replay value beyond a hard mode. The controls can sometimes feel a bit unwieldy, especially when trying to dodge in tight situations. Nonetheless, as a faithful adaptation that delivers fast-paced action, it earns a solid rating of 4 stars. For fans of Berserk or those seeking a gritty hack-and-slash experience, it is worth revisiting on the Dreamcast.