July's Platinum Trophies And 100% Game Completions: A Gaming Retrospective
Hey guys! July has been an absolute blast for gaming, and I'm stoked to share my platinum trophies and 100% completions. It's been a month filled with diverse adventures, from intense action to captivating stories, and I can't wait to dive into the details. Whether you're a trophy hunter, a completionist, or just someone who loves gaming, I hope you'll find some inspiration or discover your next favorite title in this rundown. So, let's jump right into the gaming highlights of July!
Platinum Trophies Achieved: A Journey Through Virtual Worlds
Earning a platinum trophy is more than just collecting all the other trophies in a game; it's a testament to dedication, skill, and a deep appreciation for the game's design. It signifies that you've explored every nook and cranny, mastered the gameplay mechanics, and overcome every challenge the developers threw your way. For me, it's the ultimate way to celebrate a game I truly love, and July was a month packed with these celebrations. Let's delve into the games where I earned that coveted platinum.
1. Elden Ring: A Triumph in the Lands Between
Elden Ring is an absolute masterpiece, and securing the platinum trophy was a monumental achievement. FromSoftware's sprawling open-world RPG is renowned for its challenging combat, intricate lore, and stunning environments. My journey through the Lands Between was nothing short of epic, filled with intense boss battles, hidden secrets, and countless hours of exploration. To achieve platinum, I had to master various combat styles, defeat every major boss (some multiple times!), and uncover the many endings the game offers. This required not only skill and perseverance but also a deep understanding of the game's mechanics and world. I spent hours researching optimal builds, learning enemy attack patterns, and exploring every corner of the map. The satisfaction of finally earning that platinum trophy was immense, a true testament to the game's brilliance and my dedication to conquering it. The feeling of accomplishment after defeating Malenia, Blade of Miquella, one of the most notoriously difficult bosses in gaming history, was particularly sweet. The intricate level design, the haunting soundtrack, and the sheer depth of the world made Elden Ring a truly unforgettable experience. Achieving platinum in Elden Ring also meant engaging with the game's community, sharing strategies, and helping other players overcome challenges. This collaborative aspect enriched the experience even further, making it a platinum trophy I will always cherish.
2. Horizon Forbidden West: Exploring a Breathtaking Post-Apocalyptic World
Horizon Forbidden West is another open-world gem, this time from Guerrilla Games. This sequel to Horizon Zero Dawn takes Aloy's adventure to the West Coast of a post-apocalyptic United States, a land teeming with mechanical beasts and compelling mysteries. The platinum trophy in Horizon Forbidden West demanded a thorough exploration of this beautiful yet dangerous world. The visual fidelity of the game is simply stunning, and I often found myself stopping just to admire the landscapes. The combat is also incredibly satisfying, with a wide array of weapons and strategies to employ against the various machines. Earning the platinum involved completing all the main story quests, side quests, and errands, as well as mastering the game's combat challenges and collecting a plethora of items. I particularly enjoyed the hunting grounds, where I had to use specific tactics to take down different types of machines. The story of Horizon Forbidden West is also incredibly engaging, delving into themes of environmentalism, artificial intelligence, and the human condition. Aloy's character development is another highlight, and I felt deeply invested in her journey. Achieving platinum in this game was a rewarding experience, as it allowed me to fully immerse myself in this captivating world and appreciate the craftsmanship of Guerrilla Games. The sense of progression, from a skilled hunter to a master of the Forbidden West, was incredibly gratifying.
3. Ghost of Tsushima: A Samurai's Path to Platinum
Sucker Punch Productions' Ghost of Tsushima is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant samurai epic set in feudal Japan. Playing as Jin Sakai, a samurai warrior who must embrace unconventional tactics to protect his home from a Mongol invasion, was an unforgettable experience. The platinum trophy in Ghost of Tsushima requires mastering the game's combat system, exploring the beautiful island of Tsushima, and completing a variety of side quests and challenges. The game's combat is both elegant and brutal, requiring precise timing and strategic thinking. The duels against enemy leaders were particularly intense, demanding focus and skill. Exploring the island was a joy, with its breathtaking landscapes and hidden secrets. I spent hours simply riding my horse through the countryside, taking in the sights and sounds. The side quests in Ghost of Tsushima are also exceptionally well-written, often delving into the lives and struggles of the island's inhabitants. Earning platinum in this game felt like a true samurai journey, requiring discipline, perseverance, and a deep understanding of the Bushido code. The sense of honor and duty that permeates the game's narrative made the platinum trophy all the more meaningful. The game's photo mode also allowed me to capture some stunning moments, further enhancing my appreciation for its visual beauty.
100% Game Completions: Leaving No Stone Unturned
While platinum trophies mark the completion of a game's main trophy list, 100% completion takes things a step further. It means not only earning all the trophies but also completing every in-game challenge, collecting every item, and unlocking every secret. It's the ultimate test of a completionist, requiring even more time, dedication, and attention to detail. This month, I managed to achieve 100% completion in a few games, and the feeling of accomplishment is unparalleled. Let's take a look at the games where I left no stone unturned.
1. Marvel's Spider-Man: Swinging Through 100% Completion
Insomniac Games' Marvel's Spider-Man is a superhero masterpiece, and achieving 100% completion in this game was an absolute blast. The game's open-world recreation of New York City is incredibly detailed and fun to explore, and the web-swinging mechanics are simply exhilarating. To achieve 100% completion, I had to complete all the main story missions, side quests, and challenges, as well as collect all the backpacks, landmarks, and secret photos. The challenges, which range from combat trials to stealth missions, tested my Spidey skills, and the side quests offered engaging stories that fleshed out the game's world and characters. Collecting all the backpacks, landmarks, and secret photos was a fun scavenger hunt, encouraging me to explore every corner of the city. The game's post-launch DLC also added new story content, challenges, and collectibles, extending the 100% completion journey. Swinging through the city, foiling crimes, and taking down iconic villains made me feel like the true Spider-Man. The sense of satisfaction after achieving 100% completion was immense, a testament to the game's addictive gameplay and engaging story. The game's photo mode also allowed me to capture some epic moments, further enhancing my appreciation for its visual fidelity.
2. God of War (2018): A Father's Journey to 100% Completion
Santa Monica Studio's God of War (2018) is a masterpiece of storytelling and action, and achieving 100% completion in this game was an emotional and rewarding experience. This reimagining of the God of War franchise takes Kratos on a journey through Norse mythology, as he navigates the challenges of fatherhood while protecting his son, Atreus. To achieve 100% completion, I had to complete all the main story quests, side quests, and challenges, as well as defeat all the Valkyries, find all the collectibles, and upgrade all of Kratos' equipment. The Valkyries, notoriously difficult optional bosses, tested my combat skills and required careful strategy and precise timing. The side quests offered engaging stories that delved into the game's rich lore, and the collectibles provided insights into the world and its inhabitants. Upgrading Kratos' equipment was a satisfying process, as it allowed me to customize his abilities and playstyle. The emotional depth of the story, coupled with the visceral combat and stunning visuals, made God of War a truly unforgettable experience. Achieving 100% completion in this game felt like a true journey, requiring not only skill and perseverance but also an emotional investment in Kratos and Atreus' story. The sense of accomplishment after defeating the Valkyrie Queen, the game's ultimate challenge, was particularly sweet. The bond between Kratos and Atreus, and the themes of family, loss, and redemption, resonated deeply, making this 100% completion a truly meaningful achievement.
3. The Last of Us Part II: A Riveting and Emotional 100% Completion
Naughty Dog's The Last of Us Part II is a controversial but undeniably powerful game, and achieving 100% completion was a challenging and emotionally draining experience. This sequel to The Last of Us delves into themes of revenge, trauma, and the cycle of violence, with a narrative that is both gripping and heartbreaking. To achieve 100% completion, I had to complete the game on the Grounded difficulty, find all the collectibles, upgrade all of Ellie and Abby's skills and weapons, and earn all the trophies. The Grounded difficulty, which significantly reduces resources and increases enemy damage, tested my survival skills and required careful planning and resource management. Finding all the collectibles, which include notes, artifacts, and trading cards, provided insights into the game's world and characters. Upgrading Ellie and Abby's skills and weapons was essential for survival, and allowed me to tailor their abilities to my playstyle. The game's intense combat, coupled with its emotionally charged story, made 100% completion a grueling but ultimately rewarding experience. The narrative complexity of The Last of Us Part II, its exploration of difficult themes, and its unforgettable characters made this 100% completion a truly unique and impactful achievement. The game's post-apocalyptic world, its haunting soundtrack, and its unflinching portrayal of human nature left a lasting impression. The sense of satisfaction after completing the game on Grounded difficulty and achieving 100% completion was mixed with a sense of emotional exhaustion, a testament to the game's powerful storytelling.
Reflecting on July's Gaming Achievements
July has been an incredible month for gaming, filled with platinum trophies and 100% completions that I'm immensely proud of. Each game presented unique challenges and rewards, and the journey to completion was just as enjoyable as the final achievement. From the sprawling open world of Elden Ring to the emotional depth of The Last of Us Part II, these games have left a lasting impression. As I look forward to the next month of gaming adventures, I'm excited to see what new challenges and experiences await. Thanks for joining me on this journey, and I hope you found some inspiration for your own gaming endeavors. Happy gaming, everyone!
What's Next? Anticipating August's Gaming Lineup
As July draws to a close, I'm already buzzing with anticipation for the gaming lineup that August has in store. There are a few titles on my radar that I'm particularly excited about, and I can't wait to dive into new worlds and challenges. The thrill of exploring new game mechanics, uncovering intricate stories, and pushing my skills to the limit is what keeps me hooked on gaming. August promises to be another month filled with adventure, and I'm eager to share my experiences with you guys. Whether it's a highly anticipated AAA release or a hidden indie gem, I'm always on the lookout for games that offer unique and engaging experiences. The sense of discovery is one of the most rewarding aspects of gaming, and I'm excited to see what new surprises August will bring. From action-packed adventures to thought-provoking narratives, the possibilities are endless, and I'm ready to embrace the next chapter in my gaming journey. So, stay tuned for more updates on my August gaming adventures, and let's continue to celebrate the joy of gaming together!
