the gentle reflections get me the most. it's not necessarily the most outsized or exacting story, but there's a well of emotion, and there's almost never going to be an exact mapping that resonates completely. but what's present, in story, in narrative cohesion, and its sense of self-othering while never letting go of that true self, is wondrous.

there's been enough digital ink spilled, you know that as much as its movement is unforgiving, an exercise in wonky mechanics built upon themselves to (especially upon later, non-story levels) a fever pitch, its ramping up in its challenges is achieved near-perfectly.

chapter five might be the only hiccup, a spike that makes you just happy that it's over with. but with what's to come, especially immediately succeeding it in chapter six, is more than enough to make the whole thing click back into place. that segment, of simultaneous chase and exploration through unforeseen waters, is awe-inspiring.

through wonky mechanics and enemies bearing down in new (maybe frustrating) ways, in crafting a well-oiled machine once you finally get it down with skill jumps and muscle memory, in its poetic, expertly choreographed 'boss fights' and chases and reckonings—it's all so seamless, so beautifully painted, and an unforgettable summiting and self-realizing odyssey.