*No Spoiler Review - and if you do want to play this game to its full potential, go in knowing nothing about it*

Outer Wilds is the perfect mix of challenging puzzles, complete freedom for exploration, a mesmerising story, and a beautiful soundtrack. As you start playing, it becomes clear that this isn't just another game built around completing objectives and following checkpoints to progress to the next area. This game gives you total control over where you want to go and what you want to do. You are introduced to a whole solar system to explore at your finger tips but knowledge is the only thing that prevents you from going through and 'beating' the game in your first 20 or so minutes of playing.

"It's about the journey and not about the destination" is the embodiment of this game. You start as a young inexperienced traveller that has no idea what this solar system has in store for them and end the game satisfied with what you have found, but wishing that you could experience it all again for the first time. So take it slow, enjoy the music, and read everything while you can.

If you have the patience and really get involved with this game, it will be an unforgettable journey filled with surprise, joy, sadness, laughter, and some of the best a-ha moments that you won't find anywhere else. Once you've finished the game, it may leave you wondering for a while, but - depending on how much you've managed to figure out yourself along the way - the game truly has a masterpiece of a story when it all comes together. And the good thing is, there's an equally brilliant DLC that will give you much of the same emotions as the base game (maybe mixed with a few more scares), but will also provide you with answers to questions you didn't even know you had about the original story.

I have so many memories of my first time playing this game and even more from watching my friends play through it, uncovering everything for themselves. This will always be my go-to game recommendation for anyone that hasn't played it and my clear favourite game of all time.

Before you jump right in your space suit though, make sure to pack your favourite note-taking pen and paper. It's the best way to piece together all the puzzles and follow the story as a whole - and it's a lot more fun that way! I promise you won't regret it.