At the heart of it is Lincoln Clay, a towering war vet turned unstoppable force of vengeance. His hero’s arc rise, betrayal, fall, and rise again is gripping, raw, and unforgettable. Lincoln isn’t just strong he’s layered, and his pain and purpose drive every mission. The world of New Bordeaux is atmospheric and diverse: urban streets, run-down suburbs, swamps of the Bayou, all drenched in a rich, 1960s soul soundtrack that hits deep. The interview-style storytelling gives it a cinematic edge, making it feel like a true crime documentary. The DLCs elevate the narrative even further. Roxy’s mission adds civil rights depth, while the jungle op with Donovan shows the darker layers of both characters. Speaking of which Donovan is easily the best NPC sidekick ever. Chaotic, hilarious, brilliant. You’ll wish he was playable. Despite its rocky launch, Mafia III tells one of the most mature and bold stories in gaming. It’s more than a revenge tale. It’s about identity, loyalty, race, and power.
Some games are an experience—more than just gameplay, they evoke emotions through their world, narrative, and music. Planet of Lana is exactly that, and for me, the standout element was its breathtaking soundtrack by Takeshi Furukawa. I went in expecting a compelling puzzle-platformer, but discovering Furukawa’s music was an unexpected delight. His compositions elevate the entire journey, making each moment feel grand yet intimate, like a lullaby for a lost world. Being a fan of games like Inside, Limbo, Little Nightmares, and Somerville, I was instantly drawn to Planet of Lana. It shares that same cinematic quality—where minimalistic storytelling, atmospheric visuals, and clever platforming mechanics come together seamlessly. The game doesn't spell everything out for you; instead, it trusts the player to soak in the environment, piece things together, and interpret the deeper story at their own pace. And that’s where Planet of Lana truly shines—its story isn’t just about a girl and her companion navigating a strange world. There’s a grander, more mysterious tale unfolding in the background, open to interpretation. It’s the kind of game that lingers in your mind long after the credits roll, much like Inside did for me. If you’re someone who loves atmospheric adventures, emotional soundscapes, and games that leave you with more questions than answers, Planet of Lana is a must-play. And if you haven’t already, give Takeshi Furukawa’s soundtrack a listen—it’s a journey in itself.
