With the month half over and some welcome support from longtime backloggers we have hit double digits on our score. Just nine more games to top last year

I have another straw to add to the camel's back. I made my last delivery in
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach on the Playstation 5. I started the game shortly after launch but just earned the Platinum trophy last week. This was my most anticipated game of the year and it did not disappoint. Despite large differences between this and Zelda and Horizon I could not help but compare it. Breath of the Wild, Zero Dawn, and Death Stranding were all 10's for me and in my top games of all time. They each had a sequel that was similar in style and while all improved on gameplay, I think only On the Beach really stuck the landing with a better narrative than the first.

My overall play time was 176 hours and while there was a little issue at the end with completion, the experience was still one of the best ever. From laughter to tears this game moved me to every emotional extreme. The gameplay loop was even more refined and satisfying. The new characters so developed that they seem real. The game is easily a 10 and my goty, but also possible my favorite game of all time now, though that might be recency bias.
While the game is better in almost every way and there is a story recap, I still recommend playing the first game first to truly appreciate the second game. Also, if you do get stuck at the end with the last trophy feel free to message me as I might have some tips. Cannot wait for the movie(s) and anything else Kojima does next.