It's doubtful we'll see another open world as grand as this one for quite some time. Wandering through the trash-strewn outskirts, the vistas offer striking silhouettes from a distance. Up close, it's a different story – a mess of debris. Occasionally, the smog grows so thick in the heart of downtown, where Arasaka holds sway, that the buildings' summits become invisible, all bathed in an eerie orange light. Here, I observed the busy corporate world, its employees rushing to and fro. However, a closer inspection reveals the seams. NPCs are little more than aimless automatons or rigidly posed puppets. I've encountered the same character, or at least the same character model, playing a guitar on a couch all over the city. I made the mistake of stopping to check out a roadside rave in the Badlands, only to realize that three sets of triplets were in attendance. Sometimes, distant textures load in tardily, or the evening rush hour materializes before my very eyes. Night City is a stage, not a simulation. The Many Faces of Night City The inhabitants of Night City are a testament to the variety of human expression, with futuristic fashion, outrageous hairstyles, and intricate cyber enhancements. Rodeo cowboys sport mechanical legs, tattooed yakuza members, and individuals adorned with cyberware, all intermingle with '80s metal enthusiasts flaunting neon visors. The city thrives as a vibrant, multifaceted metropolis layered with history and culture, where everyone looks undeniably cool. The main storyline in Cyberpunk unveils a host of captivating ideas, but is hindered by inconsistent character portrayals and focus. The central figures are Johnny Silverhand, portrayed by a grumpy Keanu Reeves, and V, a voice-acted, mercenary character. As V, I unwittingly bear witness to a high-profile corporate assassination and am thrust into a partnership with Johnny. Together, we must uncover the truth and, more importantly, prevent Johnny from overwriting V's consciousness, which is slowly consuming his mind. The influence Johnny has on V, and the corresponding influence V exerts on Johnny, serves as the heart of the game's narrative. Johnny is a crude, repulsive character with a deeply misogynistic persona. The game presents a moral dilemma: whether to suppress Johnny's influence with special pills or attempt to change him, a morally agonizing choice befitting an RPG. This gray area, where you question your decisions, represents an integral aspect of the experience. Bugs in the Future Regrettably, the serious dramatic moments are often undercut by various bugs, ranging from a cluttered UI with persistent notifications and crosshairs to scripting errors that disrupt otherwise impressive action sequences. For example, an exhilarating infiltration mission during a crowded public event, which should have been a highlight, was marred by two malfunctioning elevators. One of the more absurd bugs occurred when children inexplicably spawned in front of a timed shooting contest I participated in with a friendly nomad. I couldn't fire my weapon anywhere near them, as it automatically aimed away. I ended up just watching the timer expire as my companion continued to taunt me. More often, the bugs manifest as audiovisual quirks, such as the sound of a car loudly screeching its tires during a leisurely ride as a passenger, characters phasing through solid elevator doors, or Johnny's floating cigarette duplicating itself while he smoked another and rambled on about my cowardice. While I can tolerate these issues to some extent, they occurred in almost every quest. Even the final scene of my chosen ending featured cars spawning directly in the path of an NPC-driven vehicle. It was a poignant moment disrupted by an unforeseen collision, visible only to me. Despite installing the Day 0 patch, Night City still feels like it's barely holding itself together. The good news is that these problems can be fixed, but it also means that the ideal Cyberpunk 2077 experience remains a few months away. Decked Out With a wealth of clothing options, fashion – and car acquisition – essentially becomes the endgame of Cyberpunk. However, be prepared to trade off armor and stat bonuses for your preferred style. Combat remains acceptable, combining elements of stealth and hacking reminiscent of Deus Ex with the snappy ADS gunplay akin to Call of Duty. Weapons and armor offer distinct stats, though these can often be boiled down to the damage you deal, the damage you can absorb, and the level of your adversaries. The rest, including fashion, comes down to personal choice. The initial hours are exhilarating, with a plethora of statistics and weapons to consider, but the novelty wears thin quickly. Night City abounds with warehouses, armories, and secret laboratories to infiltrate, often through jobs facilitated by local fixers. These missions often blend together due to repetitive objectives, whether you're infiltrating, rescuing, or pilfering data. I initially wanted to be a cyber ninja, utilizing quickhacks to disable cameras, destroy turrets, and blind enemies before engaging with my katana. This approach worked for a while, but I became nearly invincible with enemies rendered as soft as marshmallows after investing in blade skills. It's satisfying, but I believe that beheading ten foes per minute should never feel so simple. Even if you slow down and adopt a cautious approach, the enemy AI proves disappointingly formulaic. Stealth boils down to navigating vision cones and patrolling routes, with little differentiation between the gangs and corporations. The lack of diversity in enemy types and level designs after the first few hours discourages experimentation. A Relentlessly Hopeful World In the face of the relentless onslaught of bugs, what strikes me about Cyberpunk 2077 is its unwavering optimism. The game's portrayal of a techno-capitalist future relies heavily on genre conventions, with characters ranging from punks to corrupt cops conforming to roles established by William Gibson's "Neuromancer." Nevertheless, Cyberpunk 2077 remains a devoted love letter to the genre, constantly urging me to find a glimmer of hope amid the bleak urban landscape. Even if you guide V toward a life of criminality and greed, the consequences highlight the opportunities that arise when you cast aside your principles in pursuit of power and wealth. Cyberpunk 2077 explores close relationships and, if you choose a colder character, the realities of life at the top, all set against a backdrop of urban decay. The Verdict The temptation to adopt extreme views about Cyberpunk is undeniable. There are moments when you become completely engrossed in the game's world and characters, making the valid criticisms seem trivial. However, there are also instances when the game's flaws become painfully apparent, and you wish the mastermind responsible for them had hidden them better. The game's ambition teeters on shaky ground, always on the verge of collapsing. While there is greatness to be found, uncovering it requires an arduous effort that shouldn't be necessary. The next generation of gaming has arrived, yet we're also taking a moment to reminisce about the previous generation. Final Score:

From boomerangs to bombs, dungeons to magic swords, and puzzles to green tunics, The Legend of Zelda has captivated gamers since its inception. In the mid to late 1980s, Nintendo ushered in a new era in video games, placing the 8-bit home entertainment system in living rooms around the world. As the 1990s began, Nintendo prepared to introduce their next console, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), in 1991. This system marked a technological leap that transformed how players experienced their favorite franchises. A Link to the Past: The Super Nintendo Era In 1992, players were treated to a new installment in the Zelda series: The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past . This game returned to the overhead perspective reminiscent of the original adventure while adding exquisite detail and vibrant graphics. Exploring the Overworld of Hyrule felt both familiar and fresh as players slashed through each gridlocked environment. The gameplay mechanics featured a health meter represented by hearts, which could be expanded by collecting pieces scattered throughout the world map. Collecting four of these pieces granted players an additional life vessel, enticing exploration of every nook and cranny. Once again, Link found himself facing his eternal nemesis, Ganon. However, players soon discovered that Ganon had been sealed away in an alternate dimension known as the Sacred Realm, a parallel universe that mirrored Hyrule but was corrupted by Ganon's evil powers. Link had to navigate between these two worlds, introducing a compelling dual-realm mechanic that became a hallmark of the series. Innovation in Gameplay Mechanics The third installment of the series showcased Link's newfound agility. He could now move diagonally, which doubled his directional options, and pick up items to throw at enemies. This ability to attack sideways proved essential for facing multiple foes simultaneously. A Link to the Past  introduced new items, such as the Hookshot, Pegasus Boots, and the iconic Master Sword, which would become central to Link's character. Dungeons in the game featured a new mechanic: multiple levels within castles and underground interiors. Players could traverse up and down, often returning to previous screens with new perspectives and challenges. This innovative design not only enriched the gameplay but set the stage for future 3D experiences in subsequent titles. A Link to the Past's Impact and Success After the mixed reception of Zelda II: The Adventure of Link , A Link to the Past  restored faith in the series. The bird's-eye view allowed players to take in entire rooms, towns, forests, and battles in a single glance. With smoother combat, expansive environments, and an arsenal of new items, players felt a sense of triumph each time they discovered a new weapon. The game became a smash hit, earning critical acclaim and holding the top spot on Nintendo Power's list of top games for over five consecutive years. The Shift to Handheld Gaming Nintendo sought to further innovate the series by moving it to the Game Boy, their first handheld device, in The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening . While not the first RPG on the platform, it allowed developers to take the series in unexpected directions. In this adventure, Link is shipwrecked on Koholint Island and must awaken the Wind Fish to return home. Unlike previous entries, Link's Awakening  was set outside of Hyrule, with Princess Zelda only mentioned at the start. This game introduced jumping mechanics, akin to those in the Super Mario series, adding new platforming elements to the Zelda formula. Additionally, players could assign buttons to different items, enhancing puzzle-solving possibilities. Side Quests and Humor Link's Awakening  was notable for introducing trading sequences involving multiple NPCs and locations to unlock bonus items. The game also had a surprising comedic edge, featuring self-aware characters and humorous dialogue, which added a unique charm to the experience. The Game Boy version was filled with cameos from familiar Mario characters, such as Goombas and Chain Chomps, adding a whimsical touch to the adventure. Although some fans missed the vibrant colors of the console versions, Link's Awakening  would later receive a color upgrade with the Game Boy Color's Link's Awakening DX  in 1998. Legacy and Influence The innovations introduced in Link's Awakening  laid the groundwork for future handheld titles in the series, such as The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons  and Oracle of Ages , and The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap . Thanks to the Game Boy's remarkable battery life, players could take Link's adventures on the go, making the game even more enticing. Looking Ahead Next, we will explore Link's transition into the third dimension with the Nintendo 64. This next installment, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time , is often hailed as one of the finest video games ever made, along with its time-traveling sequel, Majora's Mask .

Boomerangs, bombs, dungeons, magic swords, puzzles, and green tunics —Welcome to the world of The Legend of Zelda . For over 40 years, this franchise has captivated millions of players worldwide, earning its place as one of the most beloved and critically acclaimed series in gaming history. With over 164 million units sold, the familiar characters of the Zelda universe have become icons of Nintendo's legacy. Origins: A Game Born from Adventure The Legend of Zelda  was created by Shigeru Miyamoto, inspired by his childhood experiences exploring the forests around his hometown of Kyoto. The game made its debut in 1987 on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), introducing players to Link , a quiet boy in a green tunic, embarking on a quest to rescue Princess Zelda. Unlike other games of its time, Zelda offered a sprawling, open world where players were free to explore the land of Hyrule  without much guidance. This groundbreaking design gave players the freedom to choose their path, making Zelda one of the earliest examples of a non-linear, free-roaming adventure game. Some dungeons were only accessible with specific items like the raft , and the challenge level varied depending on the player’s choice of route. The game’s world was vast and mysterious, and even though Nintendo provided maps via its Fun Club newsletter , the size and difficulty of the game remained formidable. Players were encouraged to explore and figure things out on their own, which contributed to the immersive experience. Pioneering Mechanics and Gameplay The Legend of Zelda  introduced several innovative gameplay mechanics that set it apart from its contemporaries. The game's advanced inventory system allowed players to collect and store a wide variety of items, which they would use to solve puzzles and defeat enemies. This was complemented by real-time combat, a feature that kept players on their toes. Zelda also made history as the first console game to allow players to save their progress  through battery-backed memory. This was revolutionary, as it meant players could return to their adventure at any time, a necessity given the sheer scope of the game. After completing the game by rescuing Zelda and defeating the evil Ganon , players were offered a "Second Quest," a slightly altered version of the game with even more difficult dungeons. This added an extra layer of challenge and replayability, enhancing the game’s longevity. Iconic Music and Legacy The music of The Legend of Zelda  was another standout feature. Its now-iconic theme remains one of the most recognizable melodies in video game history. While other classic franchises like Super Mario Bros.  and Metroid  have evolved or changed their original themes, every Zelda  game has preserved its famous anthem, cementing its place in gaming culture. The original The Legend of Zelda  set a new standard for action-adventure games, with its unique blend of exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving. Despite being imitated numerous times, few games have managed to capture the magic of the original, and the franchise continues to be revered for its emotional depth and innovation. Zelda II: A Bold Sequel In 1988, Nintendo released Zelda II: The Adventure of Link . Unlike its predecessor, this game dropped the overhead perspective for a side-scrolling format and introduced role-playing elements such as experience points. While it maintained a connection to the first game through characters and lore, it introduced new gameplay features that would become hallmarks of the series. Zelda II  was known for its challenging difficulty, partially due to its three-life system , where losing all lives forced players to restart from the beginning. It also introduced the magic meter , which would become a key feature in future Zelda games. While fans initially struggled with its departure from the original formula, Zelda II  brought in groundbreaking mechanics, including a more advanced combat system that required players to outmaneuver enemies’ shields and block their high and low attacks. The townspeople in the game also had more dynamic roles, interacting with Link in new ways, foreshadowing the intricate NPC interactions seen in later games. Cultural Impact Both The Legend of Zelda  and Zelda II  were massive hits on the NES, establishing Link as one of Nintendo’s top-tier characters. The franchise's success transcended gaming, spawning merchandise such as toys, breakfast cereals, and even a short-lived animated TV series that added to the cultural impact of the brand. As the series moved forward into the next generation of consoles, with games like The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past  on the Super Nintendo and Link’s Awakening  on the Game Boy, Zelda continued to evolve and solidify its place in video game history. Conclusion The Legend of Zelda  is more than just a game—it's a journey, a puzzle, a battle for adventure, and above all, a landmark in the world of gaming. Stay tuned for Part 2 of our retrospective, where we'll explore how Zelda transitioned to the Super Nintendo and portable gaming systems with titles like Link's Awakening .

This mission serves as the true ending of the game, where you'll replay the Prologue to uncover the full story behind the events. To unlock it, you must complete all main story missions (excluding duplicates such as extreme, subsistence, and total stealth variations), finish all significant Side Ops indicated by yellow icons, and construct all 28 platforms at Mother Base. To expedite the process, consider building a Forward Operating Base in online mode.

Follow the road to the Mountain Relay Base. If you're relying on short-range weapons, the bridge in this area can be challenging. To make the crossing easier, bring your sniper rifle and take out the enemies from a distance. Alternatively, you can drop down into the valley, run across the bottom, and then climb up the other side to sneak past everyone. Beneath the bridge, you’ll discover a few tents and some items at the bottom of the steps. If you thoroughly scan the area, you’ll notice that the troops on the far side of the bridge are holding a prisoner. However, he won't remain there for long, as they will soon start transporting him to the same location as your objective. Proceed carefully along the road, leaving the area with the large bridge, and head toward your target. As you pass an outpost, a helicopter will appear; you can either shoot it down or simply hide until it moves on. The valley housing Smasei Fort is striking, filled with caves along the north wall and swarming with enemy soldiers. It’s beneficial to sneak around the perimeter and interrogate a few guards to gather information on troop positions. We suggest avoiding the main entrance and continuing along the road a bit further west. Use the footpath to enter the fort from the southwest side. The west rock wall offers a relatively safe route to the caves. Once you enter, head toward the center and then move to the left relative to the cave entrances. As you approach the cave system, you should spot the prisoner if you didn’t extract him at the relay base. The caves are filled with diamonds, many of which can be seen glimmering in the dim light. Navigating through the caves can be disorienting, so stick to the main path as it ascends. You'll eventually come across a hole in the floor. Drop down into the room below and inspect the base of the walls for a small hole that you can crawl through. Proceed through the crawl space, then turn left. Follow the slope down to the lower cave chamber, where the Honey Bee weapon is waiting (refer to the screencap above for its exact location). The weapon is tucked away in a small alcove inside the room, so be sure to grab it to complete the objective. Afterward, you can exit the caves using the same path or through the large opening on the other end. Once you emerge from the caves with the Honey Bee, you'll encounter the formidable Skulls for a major battle. You have the option to either flee or confront them using the Honey Bee, which typically requires two shots per Skull. Alternatively, you can use regular weapons against them; they are tough, but a well-placed shot to the head will still take them down. It's beneficial to eliminate them, as you'll earn a significant number of bonus mission points. If you'd rather avoid a confrontation with the Skulls, make a quick dash out of Da Smasei Laman toward the main road to break their line of sight. Once the Skulls have been dealt with, destroy the AA radar and call the chopper to Da Smasei. Exfiltrate the area to complete the mission, and be sure to extract any stunned soldiers if you need to boost your Mother Base staff.

Changing classes in FFXIV is a breeze once you've unlocked them. Simply equip the weapon corresponding to the desired class, and you're set. For instance, if your character is currently a Lancer but you wish to switch to Gladiator, just equip a Gladiator's main weapon, and presto, your character transforms into a Gladiator. This method applies to all classes—it's that simple. If you want to revert to your previous class, just equip its weapon. However, make sure you've completed the starting quest for the desired class before switching to it. To unlock new classes, you first need to reach level 10 in your character's starting job, which triggers a job-specific quest. Completing this quest unlocks quests for other classes, which you can tackle at your leisure. For example, if you began as a Gladiator, reaching level 10 and completing the Gladiator job quest will unlock quests for other classes.

In comparison to what you've encountered so far, the barracks is a considerably larger facility. Your target is located in a cell at the top of the complex. Be aware of regular guard patrols, overlapping towers, spotlights, and areas with clear lines of sight. It’s advisable to approach this mission under the cover of darkness. There are two routes to the hill: one near the bridge and the other lined with cargo containers. We recommend taking the bridge approach. Stay to the left and eliminate any enemies in this area using stealth takedowns and tranquilizers. Gradually move to the right, clearing out the lower defenses as you go. After clearing all the guards on this side, sneak past the main building and into the cargo area to approach the patrols quietly. Ensure you eliminate all threats in the lower region before entering the compound. While you're down here, you'll also find a box pickup and an intel file in the shed. Now, proceed into the compound, moving cautiously behind the barracks trailers while gradually taking out their defenders. Keep in mind that navigating this large area can be time-consuming. The ZZZ darts should keep enemies unconscious long enough, but be careful not to leave anyone stunned from a choke-out, as they may wake up and raise the alarm. Instead, eliminate them or drag them away to Fulton them out. One of the trailers contains a blueprint, while another holds a tape. The entrance to the basement is visible from the trailers, but you'll probably need a supply drop before you attempt to access it. Use your dart pistol to take out the guards on the lowest level quietly. Eliminate them without drawing attention and search the rooms for resources. Consider dragging the stunned guards outside for extraction. Once you've secured the target, Fulton him out (aim for the hole in the cell block instead of going outside). You can also explore upstairs, but it's advisable to clear the prisoner first in case anything goes awry.

This is a straightforward mission focused on infiltration and destruction, so make sure to bring your C4. The operation is relatively simple, and given the camp's density, your silenced pistol will be quite useful. Approach the post carefully, staying close to the cliff wall on your left. Patrols frequently traverse this road, so capture them and interrogate them for valuable intel. Once you have the information, Fulton them out from a concealed location to support Mother Base. The equipment you're looking for is located near the top of the compound, and you'll find a tape in the vicinity as well. The radio equipment can be easily destroyed with C4, so if you have it unlocked, be sure to bring some along. Once you locate the equipment, set the C4 in place, but wait to detonate it until you've moved a significant distance away from the communications outpost.

In Mission 3, Snake is assigned to infiltrate a Russian base and extract a Spetsnaz soldier from the command room. The area is heavily guarded, featuring a series of low, broken walls that divide the terrain. This mission offers multiple gameplay options based on your current equipment level. It’s advisable to attempt this at night for a stealthier approach as you navigate through the camp quietly. Alternatively, you could go in guns blazing with a sniper rifle, which serves as an optional objective and keeps you safely out of danger. For this discussion, we will assume you are choosing the stealthy route. You can take advantage of various cliffs and elevated spots to scout the area effectively. Make sure to tag enemies to get a clear understanding of the opposition you'll encounter. While there are many troops present, they are generally dispersed among the smaller outer buildings. Your primary objective is to locate the commander wearing a red beret, who will likely be near or inside the central building. Once you've located the commander, proceed into the base. If you've tagged most of the enemies, you should find this part manageable. However, if you haven't, be prepared to take down anyone you encounter quickly. Given the number of troops in the area, it’s advisable to bring a silenced assault rifle, allowing you to eliminate each soldier with a quick headshot and move on. When you reach the commander, use a tranquilizer on him instead of killing him, as you’ll earn bonus mission points for extracting him. Your target will be downstairs, where you’ll also find a tape and a diamond. Additionally, there’s plenty of loot available upstairs.