Hectic month between moving home while recovering from surgery and trying to prepare for Christmas! Still time for plenty gaming though, seeing as I could only help so much with moving our belongings (my fiancé has been a star getting things done!).
Making good progress through Fire Emblem: Three Houses. Finally got to the elusive "Part 2", I'd been wondering when that was going to happen! On chapter 13 at the moment. Hopefully still on track to finish it before the end of the year. Some unexpected twists in the story for sure!
Made a small amount of progress in Final Fantasy V too, making my way toward the fire crystal, still only a few hours into the playthrough.
Also decided to start a new playthrough of Celeste, one of my big surprise games played in 2025 that blew me away unexpectedly. Got through to Chapter 4 during one evening, and got the majority of strawberries found along the way. Still an incredible game to playthrough again.
Planning to take a look again at Guilty Gear Strive, following its update this week, see what's new in there. Not sure how much I'll play though, I wasn't very good even back when I was playing it, let alone now after months away! Still great fun though, no matter how bad I am at it.
@Oldstalk I certainly did chose the Blue Lions! They stood out to me in talking around the Houses to start the game and very happy with my choice, some great characters. Annette has been my favourite so far of the group, her Wind Reason magic has been fantastic to use in combat, and very likeable character too.
After taking a little while to warm up to it, really invested now in Fire Emblem: Three Houses. The story has fleshed out a bit more and the sometimes one-note characters have opened up a bit more. I'm at Chapter 10, which seems to be about half-way through, after taking a sneak peak at how many chapters I ought to expect.
Combat is really fun, though I don't enjoy it quite as much as the only other strategy/tactics RPG I've played in Triangle Strategy, mainly due to generally less interesting and creative maps and terrains relative to that one. Some fun mechanics though and excited to hopefully complete Three Houses by the end of the year!
Also started up a first playthrough of Final Fantasy V. First couple hours have been fantastic, really throws you into the story straight away. Just gone through some sort of haunted shipyard, shortly after exploring the first major settlement. I adored FF4, so we'll see if it matches up to that, but either way, excited to play more.
Those are my only active main story games at the moment, after completing a few others in quick succession last week in Hades II, Super Mario Galaxy 2, and Opus: The Day We Found Earth. I am still playing Kirby Air Riders as well, which is nice to fire up in between RPG sessions!
@molkom It's tricky to put my finger on it. It's a common point made about the less engaging hub world and overall charm, but I think those are valid, when comparing Galaxy 1 to Galaxy 2, it did feel that way for me too. I've also heard people mention though that outside of that, that the level design, platforming, challenge etc were better in 2, making up for that. I'm not sure I agree though. I loved the design and ideas of 1 more, and even found some of the levels a bit frustrating in how they were laid out, and some awkward and unintuitive moments in there too. I wasn't a huge fan of the Yoshi segments personally. Again, fun game for sure, but for me, nowhere close to my three faves of Galaxy 1, 3D World and Odyssey! Glad I played it though, nice to complete another in the series!
I've played a lot of games this year! ...But only four that were actually released in 2025 haha. And so I shall rank those: 1. Hades II, 2. Donkey Kong Bananza, 3. Kirby Air Riders, 4. Fast Fusion. All great games!
I actually played 5 of my top 9 games ever during 2025 (yes, I keep a spreadsheet and list). So if I was to rank my top 5 games played since January they would be: 1. Xenoblade Chronicles 3, 2. Persona 5 Royal, 3. Octopath Traveler 2, 4. Hades II, 5. Celeste. Been a heck of a gaming year!
Plenty of gaming getting done during my time off work for the next while. Just rolled credits on two games this weekend. It took a little bit to come around to it, but Hades 2 absolutely won me over and exceeded the original, the scale of that game and how much more challenging it ended up being to complete. Both games are among the best I've ever played.
Then, earlier today, completed Super Mario Galaxy 2, first time playing it. Only did the minimum number of stars to complete it, that was sufficient for me. I thought it was a solid Mario game, had a good time with it, but didn't love it like the first Galaxy game, and overall is towards the lower end of my favourite Mario platformers. That bar is high though, so it's not meant to be too negative!
Hoping to finish yet another game this weekend, a shorter experience in OPUS: The Day We Found Earth. Played it a couple hours and don't think it's supposed to take too long. Fairly simplistic in scanning planets via a telescope with an engaging narrative built around it. I have my guesses as to how the story plays out, looking forward to seeing if that happens or if it goes another direction!
Working through the checklists on Kirby Air Riders, which has continued to be an absolute delight. Completed a first run on Road Trip and completed the event unlocks yesterday.
On Chapter 5 in Fire Emblem: Three Houses. Been doing a couple battles here and there between other games. With two games completed, I might start another one to play alongside Three Houses, could be either Final Fantasy 5 or Sea of Stars.
Thanks for the review! Adore the first two games, which are among my all-time faves, and just recently completed OT2. I'll wait to use some upcoming Christmas vouchers on the physical switch 1 version, but it's a must-buy for me. Sounds great in terms of having new ideas and plenty familiarity, the combat to me is the best turn-based mechanics in a JRPG that I've enjoyed, and having the 8-member party as a fleshed-out concept will be great after it was briefly used earlier in the series. The art style never gets old, love it every time, adds to the joy of playing these games!
@Solid_Python Definitely agree in wishing they could implement cross play. Switch player base even at launch didn't seem big and presume it's pretty minimal just now.
Glad to hear! Not played much since about July, but will absolutely go back to it in December and January. I'm pretty terrible at it, so I'll be easy fodder in Ranked, but no matter, still fun!
Off work and recovering from surgery for the next few months, so there's plenty time to occupy myself with gaming to pass the time! Massively into Kirby Air Riders from the jump, fantastically fun, much more going on beyond the relatively simple controls! Trying to learn the Winged Star machine, seems like it has a lot of potential if I can learn the courses well enough to take advantage of it. Working through a run of the single player Road Trip mode, loving the quick-fire Top Ride mode, and just rolling through a bunch of online matches has been great in between. So much to do, complete and experiment with.
Elsewhere, making a bit more progress in Hades 2. Finally broke through the wall that was the second area boss, and was only a few hits away from a first win over the third area boss, gutted as it was such a good build too! Ah well, still making steps forward, even if slowly! The game gets better the more you play, really into it now.
Fire Emblem: Three Houses is still on the go, a few chapters into it, but been about a week since continuing. It's fun, just not fully grabbed me yet. In Super Mario Galaxy 2, just finished the boss fight at the end of the second world/galaxy, still playing in short bursts.
Close to completing Chapter 5 in Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity. It's been such a fun playthrough that has me very excited for the eventual Age of Imprisonment follow-up (a bit later on, need a little gap between the two!).
Tried out Kirby Air Riders with the test ride earlier today, loved it! Didn't expect to have such a good time with City Trials but it was fantastic. Going to be very tempted now to get it at launch.
Just a short update from me this week! Not anticipating much else this weekend, have some traveling to do. Other playthroughs that are on hold are Fire Emblem: Three Houses, Super Mario Galaxy 2 and Hades 2.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity has gotten the majority of the focus currently. About 20 hours in, working through Chapter 4. The last main mission I completed led to about 50 new icons popping up on the map, working through all of those!
Doing occasional runs of Hades 2, stuck on the second area boss at the moment, not broken through that wall yet. In world 2 in Super Mario Galaxy 2, still just grabbing two or three stars at a time in that one.
Started Fire Emblem: Three Houses. Not formed an opinion on it just yet, only done a couple battles and explored the monastery twice. It's a slower start than the other strategy RPGs I've played so far, so need to see how the combat opens up, quite basic so far.
Minimal gaming as spent the weekend visiting family and going to see Australian Pink Floyd (incredible)! Got to do some handheld Switch gaming on the train up north though, and in that time, finally completed the long-running playthrough of Octopath Traveler 2, with 135 hours on the clock.
Wonderful game, beautiful, and with one of the best soundtracks I've experienced. Stories were so much better than the first (which I already liked), even ones that I weren't sure about became my favourites by the end. I wasn't too sure on Agnea's story initially for example, but in the last chapter, it had me in tears and may have been the one I loved the most.
The stories were still mostly separate, so if that was an issue for some people in OT1, it still might be in this one too, but adding in the crossed paths storylines and then how they crafted the ending, were fantastic in bringing the whole group together, and the final battle was awesome and cleverly done, loved that too. What a great playthrough that was all round!
Anyway, onto other things. I also played some more Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, so will continue with that on the train home this afternoon. I only have one more of the initial four main area quests to go, so I'm intrigued to see where the main story goes next. I likely will also finally fire up some more Hades 2 and Super Mario Galaxy 2 either today or tomorrow.
And the next big game that will be started is going to be Fire Emblem: Three Houses. Super excited for that one, will be interesting to see how long I can resist just getting started on that, but I'd ideally want to make more progress on the other three active games first! Have a good weekend, all.
Still playing Octopath Traveler 2. I thought I was all set up last week to run through the final chapters of each story, but I didn't realise that not every story had 4 chapters! So there was much more still to do.
As of this afternoon, I've wrapped up 6 of 8 stories and almost every side quest, so that part will get completed today. But there's still so much I can already see to do after that, we're nowhere near done with this playthrough, 120 hours into it. Fantastic game, the first was one of my all-time favourite games, but this one definitely exceeds OT1.
Not touched anything else for a while, so the playthroughs of Hades 2, Mario Galaxy 2 and Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity are on hold for now.
Octopath Traveler 2 has taken over the majority of my gaming this week, so much so that I haven't opened the excellent Hades 2 in ages (I'll get properly back into that soon for sure). I'm 85 hours into OT2, and might finish the main part of the game today. I'm all set up to just run through the gauntlet of Chapter 4's for each character. I already get the impression that there is plenty to do after that though, so I fully expect to keep playing beyond the credits to see everything. Have absolutely loved this game. The boss designs in particular have been incredible.
I did decide to do a playthrough of a shorter game from my backlog earlier this weekend, with What Remains of Edith Finch. Taking my time with it, it was about 4-5 hours. Very uncomfortable and memorable experience, and I mean that complimentary. The way in which so many of the character chapters were told were so creative, especially for Lewis.
Also completed another main story quest in Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, playing through "Revali, the Rito Warrior" quest. Completed a few stars in Mario Galaxy 2 as well, I'm best enjoying that one in small doses at the moment.
I've yet to find anyone who has the same favourite Pokémon as me. Ever since is saw that adorable, dumb face, Numel has been my fave of the entire bunch!
Playing more Octopath Traveler 2, about 60 hours-worth now. Discovered a number of things now that they've added that weren't in the first game which really do add to the experience. Also, Partitio might be my new favourite character in the series! Still so far from completing any of the main stories, this playthrough could get into the triple digits it seems (my slow pace of play aiding that of course).
Playing some Super Mario Galaxy 2. I had it for the Wii but didn't get very far with it. I wasn't a big gamer at the time, plus I don't think the controls were doing it for me, so ended up not playing too much. Time to rectify that now, I liked the controls set up for Galaxy 1 in All Stars so I'm enjoying it much more.
Plan for today is to finally get some more runs in Hades 2! Only done 6 attempts so far. My partner doesn't want to see much of it as he's waiting for the PS version, but he's away for a little while so it's time to fire it back up! Only early on but love it already.
Last month, I just finished playing the Steam version of the original. Absolutely fell in love with the story and characters, the depth of the world and the huge script that made the NPCs and world all come alive. The combat was fun and the end game challenging. The visual style while dated of course, was charming, clean and had an appealing vintage look that I'm glad I played.
I really don't know if this update will top the original playthrough I just completed, but it looks fantastic and excited to play through it, will definitely pick this up. I think though, that I'm going to play through the original versions of the next two games in the series first. I loved the retro version of Chapter 1 so much that I'd like to continue that way first, then try the remakes after. Will still grab my physical copy of this in the near future though and glad it turned out well!
The main adventure continues to be Octopath Traveler 2. Over 40 hours into it now, though at my slow pace of play, that still only about half way through the various chapter 2 stories.
Elsewhere, I probably will grab Hades 2 and make a start on that today! Sequels to some of my favourite games is definitely the theme of the weekend, with the first Octopath and Hades games among my all time top playthroughs.
Continuing the playthrough of Octopath Traveler 2! About 20 hours in, taking my time in each new town, and completed 6 of the 8 stories in Chapter 1. Shouldn't take too much longer to gather the last two protagonists and start on Chapter 2. Not certain yet whether I'll like it more than the first game but it's off to a strong start with some excellent openers to these tales, so it's got a good chance of surpassing one of my all-time favourite games in the first entry!
I've done two main missions in Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, hope to make time to do a couple more during the weekend. Struggling early on in using Zelda, but Impa is the most fun by far to this point.
I also picked up the first Hades game in a sale. Got over 100 hours in it on my Steam version, but starting a fresh file with none of the upgrades or unlocks reminded me of the greatness of this game, going through the story again. Got about a third of the way through Elysium on my fourth run, so not too bad, still got some of the muscle memory, and even more excited now for when Hades 2 releases!
Elsewhere, done a couple runs of Andro Dunos 2. I'm useless at shmups, but really enjoy them, I will one day complete a run through this... right?
Playing Octopath Traveler 2, and also started Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity. Never played a Warriors game, but my partner is a huge fan of the series. I can see why, great fun!
Also completed Xenoblade Chronicles 3: Future Redeemed earlier today. Maybe the most enjoyable 30 hours of gaming I've potentially played in any game. Much shorter of course, but probably enjoyed it even more than the main game!
Started Octopath Traveler 2 this weekend. The first OT is a top ten all-time game for me, so anticipation for this one is high! Started the last game as the hunter, wanted to go differently this time so chose Throné the Thief for this one. Completed her Chapter 1, fell right back into the rhythm of the mechanics and combat, love it already, excited to keep going with it.
I'm also about 11 hours into Xenoblade Chronicles 3: Future Redeemed, the expansion to the main game. I might even be enjoying this more than the base game so far, the gameplay and exploration loop, the collectopedia/checklist completion is ridiculously satisfying.
That's it for me, unless I do a little bit more in Majora's Mask. Decided to delay playing Daemon X Machina, as Octopath Traveler 2 has been waiting in the backlog too long, I'll get to that one soon though.
So many great games this month! I have Daemon X Machina pre-ordered, excited for that after completing the demo this weekend.
I won't buy it immediately, but will definitely get Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter at some point. I've just finished playing the original, loved it but will take a little time before replaying it in its remake form.
Final Fantasy Tactics will also be an eventual purchase, but I'll hold off for now as I have too much to play as it is. Shuten Order is definitely interesting, maybe a future sale purchase. Hollow Knight wasn't really for me, so I'll be in the minority and give Silksong a pass myself, but glad to see the excitement for it!
Completed Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky (original version) today. Took around 60 hours at my usual slow pace. The ending was tough, might have been slightly under-leveled, and took a few attempts to get through to the end. Wonderful story, can't say too much about the ending for spoiler reasons, especially with the remake releasing soon, but I'll just say that I'm excited to play the second chapter! I'll play the remake at some point, but there's something about this classic version that will take some beating.
Very close to finishing the demo for Daemon X Machina. I've seen mixed opinions on it here, but I loved it enough to order the full game physical copy, excited to get that! I'll probably finish the last chapter of the demo later today.
On chapter 2 of the expansion to Xenoblade Chronicles 3: Future Redeemed, fantastic start, so much intrigue for where this might be headed. Some fun change-ups so far to the combat and the tasks to complete.
No progress in the first playthrough of Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask this week, need to be carful not to leave it too long to resume. Itching to start Octopath Traveler 2, that will be the next big game to start, now that Trails in the Sky is complete.
Main focus continues to be Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky. Played about 30 hours, just completed the festival play, no idea how far through I am or how long to go! Feel like the story hasn't even truly opened up yet, we do seem to be building up to something bigger soon.
I've made a start on Xenoblade Chronicles 3: Future Redeemed, so I'll likely try and get the first couple hours of that done today. Intrigued by the beginning, no idea where they are going with it...
After completing my first ever playthrough of Donkey Kong Country last week (good fun!), my next NSO retro game is a first ever playthrough of Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask. Tried to begin this back in February, but got distracted away from it, so began again for a proper attempt.
A busy weekend hasn't left a lot of time for gaming, unfortunately. Progressed a little with two first time playthroughs - Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky, and Donkey Kong Country. Will carry those on today.
That's about it! Wanting to get started with the expansion/DLC for Xenoblade Chronicles 3: Future Redeemed, but will likely save that for next weekend. Downloaded the demo for The Adventures of Elliot, dabbled around a little with it, unlike some I will never get bored of that visual style!
EDIT: Donkey Kong Country complete! Very enjoyable. Though I may have legit set a new world record for number of save states used in a playthrough.
Well, Donkey Kong Bananza has been completed! Last few hours were outstanding. Not too interested in trying to collect everything for the 100% completion. Maybe I dive back in to it later on, but for now, happy with the 30 hours I put into it. On to other things...
The playthrough continues, Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky. Such a fantastic game, will be super excited to play it again too, when the remake launches on Switch later this year.
More DK, slowly progressing a couple levels at a time through a first ever play through of Donkey Kong Country. I appear to be at Kremkroc Industries, next level is Trick Track Trek, think I'm into the latter stages now.
In Guilty Gear Strive, trying to learn to use Anji Mito, and potentially Leo Whitefang as well. Evo 2025 this weekend, so be watching that as well!
Mostly continuing with Donkey Kong Bananza. It's been an up and down ride so far. Loved it, then found things a little repetitive and frustrating around the middle, thought I was souring on it a bit. But now, working through the latter stages, the fun has returned and all is well once again! The last few layers have been really fun, I'll refrain from specifying for spoiler reasons of course.
In my other main playthrough, Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky, I feel like I've play playing for an age. And yet, I've just been hit with a "prologue complete" followed by "Chapter 1...", so um, still early days I guess. Partly through taking my time, that did still take around 10 hours! Fantastic fun so far, love it. First time playing a game in this series.
That's it for me! other games are currently on hold which means no progress this week in: Donkey Kong Country, Fast Fusion, Guilty Gear, and Switch 2 replays of TOTK and Pokemon Scarlet.
@Andee Just wondering, what's missing from Persona 5 Royal on Switch 2, or that needs updated? I recently completed the game for the first time on Switch 1 back in April, before the Switch 2 came out, but it's one I could see myself replaying at some point, loved it that much!
Playing Donkey Kong Bananza! This is the first big Switch 2 release I've picked up (wasn't too interested in getting MKW). It's been nice to be a part of a new game like this on a new console alongside everyone else. Most other consoles were bought later (got Switch 1 in 2021 for example) other than the N64, when I didn't really understand or follow any gaming community stuff at that younger age! DKB is a bunch of fun so far, impressed!
Also getting stuck back into my playthrough of Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky, which has hooked me right back in! Love this world and characters so far, even if still relatively early on at about 7 hours in.
In time for DKB, I did complete my playthrough of Xenoblade Chronicles 3! Clocked in at around 190 hours after doing all the option content I could find. Phenominal final few hours to close it out, and another masterpiece from Monolith Soft overall. It may rank last of the series so far behind 2 and then 1 for me, but that still places it as my third favourite game ever, so hardly a knock on it haha. Excited to get to the DLC/expansion Future Redeemed soon, and later to X: Definitive Edition at some point in the future, it's ready to go on the shelf.
Finally, my partner and I played through Thank Goodness You're Here! last night. Only a few hours, but they packed a heck of a lot into it! Had us both crying with laughter, very funny if the brand of humour is your kind of thing. The couple of neighbours arguing over their wheelie bin situation was a particular highlight.
There are a wild number of side quests and optional content in Xenoblade Chronicles 3! And I feel compelled to do as much of it as possible, and so the playthrough continues, again with only a small amount of main story progress. Fantastic game, even if still my least favourite of the three I've played, the entire series is incredible.
If I somehow were to finish it before the end of today, I might try and progress a little with my first ever playthrough of the first Donkey Kong Country game.
Only played one of the listed games, so my opinion is therefore severely limited! That said, really enjoying Fast Fusion, impressive and fun to jump into every now and then since launch. Of the other games, most interested in trying Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess.
The playthrough on Xenoblade Chronicles 3 continues, into Chapter 7. That's about it really! Earlier in the week I played classic games when visiting family: Mario Party, Mario Party 3, Mario Kart 64, Goldeneye and Star Fox 64. And then a bunch of local multiplayer Guilty Gear Strive, which was a blast as always.
Took the Switch 2 travelling this past week, played a bunch of the upgraded Tears of the Kingdom. Happy with how it performed in handheld, no issues with over-heating and screen looked good to me. Also, watched my brother-in-law playing TOTK on his Switch 1, I didn't think the difference was as big as it was when seeing them one after the other!
We also played the first couple areas in Thank Goodness You're Here! So that will get continued soon too. Also picked up Yakuza Kiwami on sale using some e-shop vouchers, one for a later date.
Another week of only playing Xenoblade Chronicles 3. The game clock is at about 125 hours, in the middle of chapter 6. I don't think I've actually progressed the main story this week while doing nothing but side content and exploration!
Visiting family in a couple days, so expecting some Mario Party Jamboree, and also picking up Thank Goodness You're Here to play with my bro and sis for us to have a laugh with.
@Kiff Not for everyone, but personally it's my favourite game series. This 3rd game in the series is on track to round out my top 3 of all time to all be Xenoblade Chronicles games.
They are epic-length JRPG games with wonderful world-building, huge scope and exploration, varied mechanics and combat depth, wonderful characters, they hit for me in a way that no other games do.
The first game (Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition on Switch 1) is not without it's flaws, arguably the least-best (but still fun) combat and some side quest content that I loved but some find a bit repetitive/fetch-based, but playing it first is still recommended in order to get the full effect of the world and references. I think plenty people started with XC3 though, and still had a great time, so each to their own of course!
Definitely worth investigating though to see if it sounds like something you might enjoy, might not work for you, but maybe you discover something great
A bit late this week, so I'll keep it brief! I was off work unwell all week, so I have now racked up 110 hours played in Xenoblade Chronicles 3 in the past two weeks... Another exceptional entry from Monolith Soft, and still a long way to go. I didn't play anything else.
I'm 40 hours into Xenoblade Chronicles 3, and still only in Chapter 3! As fully expected, this is going to be a long playthrough. While I don't like the characters, combat and overall game as much as I did XC2 (yet), it's really opened up and getting better all the time. Know I'm only scratching the surface of the story, excited. Can't stop playing it!
In between, playing a bunch of Fast Fusion, my only Switch 2 launch purchase. Such a fun game, have completed first place in all races/championships on the subsonic difficultly, time to learn and improve for the medium difficulty level now.
Dabbling in my new playthrough of Pokemon Scarlet when I can pry myself away from the other two games, which wasn't for long this week!
One of the few who bought a Nintendo Switch 2 but without getting Mario Kart World! I'm absolutely fine with that and having a blast with Fast Fusion! It looks stunning, the tracks are awesome and it plays so nicely, very impressed. I'll get MKW eventually, but I'm good for now!
Also was waiting for the new console to begin Xenoblade Chronicles 3. Was pleased to see it was also getting a small upgrade for the Switch 2. The first two games are my favourite of all time, so safe to say the anticipation to get going with XC3 was high! So far, it does not disappoint, the opening chapter has me hooked yet again.
I've also started a brand new save in Pokemon Scarlet. What a drastic improvement, it runs so well now. I know plenty don't care for how it looks overall regardless, but I love this game, and have had so much fun going through this again. I started another save of TOTK as well, but right now, I'm more interested in progressing in Scarlet of the two.
Last week, I was trying to finish Alan Wake remastered prior to the new console's arrival. Mission accomplished! Completed it last Sunday, and enjoyed it immensely, much more than I expected. Great narrative that I'm pleased that I saw through to the end.
Playing now and it is running so much better. I loved this game when first out, put 650 hours into it gladly, but it is nice to see it running as it ought to have initially
Flying through Alan Wake Remastered. On Episode 5 of 6, should get it finished today! Was really struggling to get through some sections on normal difficulty, very glad I dropped down to easy. The engrossing story and thriller moments are what makes it so good, so I'm fine with the reduced challenge on this one, especially as it's not my usual genre.
Also completed the extra stories (A Requiem for Innocence and Reincarnation) for visual novel The House in Fata Morgana. There are a few short stories left, but I'm considering this game/novel complete now after over 90 hours, and sure I'll come back to the short stories later on after a break!
Continuing to play Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky on Steam. Started last week on the laptop as didn't want to start something new on console before Switch 2. I'm a few hours in, excellent turn-based RPG with a little bit of light strategy to the combat. Very enjoyable so far.
Still dabbling in Celeste post-completion. Gone back through and collected all strawberries, crystal hearts and B-side cassettes from the first four levels.
Also playing Donkey Kong Country on NSO, first time playthrough! Very fun through the first bunch (hehe) of levels.
I will be carrying on with Alan Wake Remastered today, starting Episode 2. Fascinating story stands out above the gameplay, but that side has still been fun too so far.
Began the weekend by finishing Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness and the Secret Hideout. Final boss was tough, took a fair bit of prep to be able to get through it, challenging end to a mostly cozy playthrough!
Also completed the Requiem for Innocence part of the DLC for The House in Fata Morgana. Another excellent and emotional story. Now working through the last significant part, called Reincarnation, so that plus Alan Wake will be the main focus before Switch 2's arrival.
Added a couple more physical games to the collection this week, with Lunar Remastered Collection and Tokyo Xanadu eX+. Also had a lovely visit from the in-laws, been a nice weekend so far!
I think that I'm very close to finishing Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness and the Secret Hideout. Current chapter is called "The Final Battle?". The question mark at the end is throwing me off though, so maybe there will be more to go!
Had a run through of Star Fox 64. I used to be so good at this game, but the lack of practice certainly shows haha. Maybe if I put in the hours I did as a kid I'd get good again, but definitely more of a struggle that I expected! Still fun though
Other than that, minor progress with Final Fantasy X-2. I've not played any more of either Alan Wake Remastered or The House of Fata Morgana this week. We we out at an awesome food and drink festival this weekend in the sun, which was lovely.
@Jack_Goetz I'm from the UK, and I've ordered an English language version of The Hundred Line from Play Asia. I've never used them before, so I'm eager to see how it goes. No update since placing the order, but it did suggest that it might take a few weeks to get here on standard shipping cost. Hopefully all goes smoothly!
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Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (20th December)
Hectic month between moving home while recovering from surgery and trying to prepare for Christmas! Still time for plenty gaming though, seeing as I could only help so much with moving our belongings (my fiancé has been a star getting things done!).
Making good progress through Fire Emblem: Three Houses. Finally got to the elusive "Part 2", I'd been wondering when that was going to happen! On chapter 13 at the moment. Hopefully still on track to finish it before the end of the year. Some unexpected twists in the story for sure!
Made a small amount of progress in Final Fantasy V too, making my way toward the fire crystal, still only a few hours into the playthrough.
Also decided to start a new playthrough of Celeste, one of my big surprise games played in 2025 that blew me away unexpectedly. Got through to Chapter 4 during one evening, and got the majority of strawberries found along the way. Still an incredible game to playthrough again.
Planning to take a look again at Guilty Gear Strive, following its update this week, see what's new in there. Not sure how much I'll play though, I wasn't very good even back when I was playing it, let alone now after months away! Still great fun though, no matter how bad I am at it.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (13th December)
@Oldstalk I certainly did chose the Blue Lions! They stood out to me in talking around the Houses to start the game and very happy with my choice, some great characters. Annette has been my favourite so far of the group, her Wind Reason magic has been fantastic to use in combat, and very likeable character too.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (13th December)
After taking a little while to warm up to it, really invested now in Fire Emblem: Three Houses. The story has fleshed out a bit more and the sometimes one-note characters have opened up a bit more. I'm at Chapter 10, which seems to be about half-way through, after taking a sneak peak at how many chapters I ought to expect.
Combat is really fun, though I don't enjoy it quite as much as the only other strategy/tactics RPG I've played in Triangle Strategy, mainly due to generally less interesting and creative maps and terrains relative to that one. Some fun mechanics though and excited to hopefully complete Three Houses by the end of the year!
Also started up a first playthrough of Final Fantasy V. First couple hours have been fantastic, really throws you into the story straight away. Just gone through some sort of haunted shipyard, shortly after exploring the first major settlement. I adored FF4, so we'll see if it matches up to that, but either way, excited to play more.
Those are my only active main story games at the moment, after completing a few others in quick succession last week in Hades II, Super Mario Galaxy 2, and Opus: The Day We Found Earth. I am still playing Kirby Air Riders as well, which is nice to fire up in between RPG sessions!
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (6th December)
@molkom It's tricky to put my finger on it. It's a common point made about the less engaging hub world and overall charm, but I think those are valid, when comparing Galaxy 1 to Galaxy 2, it did feel that way for me too. I've also heard people mention though that outside of that, that the level design, platforming, challenge etc were better in 2, making up for that. I'm not sure I agree though. I loved the design and ideas of 1 more, and even found some of the levels a bit frustrating in how they were laid out, and some awkward and unintuitive moments in there too. I wasn't a huge fan of the Yoshi segments personally. Again, fun game for sure, but for me, nowhere close to my three faves of Galaxy 1, 3D World and Odyssey! Glad I played it though, nice to complete another in the series!
Re: Community: It's Time To Rate Your Switch 1 & 2 Games Of The Year
I've played a lot of games this year! ...But only four that were actually released in 2025 haha. And so I shall rank those: 1. Hades II, 2. Donkey Kong Bananza, 3. Kirby Air Riders, 4. Fast Fusion. All great games!
I actually played 5 of my top 9 games ever during 2025 (yes, I keep a spreadsheet and list). So if I was to rank my top 5 games played since January they would be: 1. Xenoblade Chronicles 3, 2. Persona 5 Royal, 3. Octopath Traveler 2, 4. Hades II, 5. Celeste. Been a heck of a gaming year!
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (6th December)
Plenty of gaming getting done during my time off work for the next while. Just rolled credits on two games this weekend. It took a little bit to come around to it, but Hades 2 absolutely won me over and exceeded the original, the scale of that game and how much more challenging it ended up being to complete. Both games are among the best I've ever played.
Then, earlier today, completed Super Mario Galaxy 2, first time playing it. Only did the minimum number of stars to complete it, that was sufficient for me. I thought it was a solid Mario game, had a good time with it, but didn't love it like the first Galaxy game, and overall is towards the lower end of my favourite Mario platformers. That bar is high though, so it's not meant to be too negative!
Hoping to finish yet another game this weekend, a shorter experience in OPUS: The Day We Found Earth. Played it a couple hours and don't think it's supposed to take too long. Fairly simplistic in scanning planets via a telescope with an engaging narrative built around it. I have my guesses as to how the story plays out, looking forward to seeing if that happens or if it goes another direction!
Working through the checklists on Kirby Air Riders, which has continued to be an absolute delight. Completed a first run on Road Trip and completed the event unlocks yesterday.
On Chapter 5 in Fire Emblem: Three Houses. Been doing a couple battles here and there between other games. With two games completed, I might start another one to play alongside Three Houses, could be either Final Fantasy 5 or Sea of Stars.
Re: Review: Octopath Traveler 0 (Switch 2) - A Bit Of A Retread, But Unmissable (And Enormous)
Thanks for the review! Adore the first two games, which are among my all-time faves, and just recently completed OT2. I'll wait to use some upcoming Christmas vouchers on the physical switch 1 version, but it's a must-buy for me. Sounds great in terms of having new ideas and plenty familiarity, the combat to me is the best turn-based mechanics in a JRPG that I've enjoyed, and having the 8-member party as a fleshed-out concept will be great after it was briefly used earlier in the series. The art style never gets old, love it every time, adds to the joy of playing these games!
Re: Anniversary: Monolith Soft Celebrates Xenoblade Chronicles 2 With A Post, But We're Desperate For A Switch 2 Revamp
Not only my favourite Xenoblade game, but my fave game ever. Wouldn't say no to some upgrades! But if not, still will love it just as much anyway.
Re: Guilty Gear Strive Switch Edition Update And DLC Finally Arrives This December
@Solid_Python Definitely agree in wishing they could implement cross play. Switch player base even at launch didn't seem big and presume it's pretty minimal just now.
Re: Guilty Gear Strive Switch Edition Update And DLC Finally Arrives This December
Glad to hear! Not played much since about July, but will absolutely go back to it in December and January. I'm pretty terrible at it, so I'll be easy fodder in Ranked, but no matter, still fun!
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (22nd November)
Off work and recovering from surgery for the next few months, so there's plenty time to occupy myself with gaming to pass the time! Massively into Kirby Air Riders from the jump, fantastically fun, much more going on beyond the relatively simple controls! Trying to learn the Winged Star machine, seems like it has a lot of potential if I can learn the courses well enough to take advantage of it. Working through a run of the single player Road Trip mode, loving the quick-fire Top Ride mode, and just rolling through a bunch of online matches has been great in between. So much to do, complete and experiment with.
Elsewhere, making a bit more progress in Hades 2. Finally broke through the wall that was the second area boss, and was only a few hits away from a first win over the third area boss, gutted as it was such a good build too! Ah well, still making steps forward, even if slowly! The game gets better the more you play, really into it now.
Fire Emblem: Three Houses is still on the go, a few chapters into it, but been about a week since continuing. It's fun, just not fully grabbed me yet. In Super Mario Galaxy 2, just finished the boss fight at the end of the second world/galaxy, still playing in short bursts.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (6th November)
Close to completing Chapter 5 in Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity. It's been such a fun playthrough that has me very excited for the eventual Age of Imprisonment follow-up (a bit later on, need a little gap between the two!).
Tried out Kirby Air Riders with the test ride earlier today, loved it! Didn't expect to have such a good time with City Trials but it was fantastic. Going to be very tempted now to get it at launch.
Just a short update from me this week! Not anticipating much else this weekend, have some traveling to do. Other playthroughs that are on hold are Fire Emblem: Three Houses, Super Mario Galaxy 2 and Hades 2.
I do miss Octopath Traveler 2 though...
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (1st November)
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity has gotten the majority of the focus currently. About 20 hours in, working through Chapter 4. The last main mission I completed led to about 50 new icons popping up on the map, working through all of those!
Doing occasional runs of Hades 2, stuck on the second area boss at the moment, not broken through that wall yet. In world 2 in Super Mario Galaxy 2, still just grabbing two or three stars at a time in that one.
Started Fire Emblem: Three Houses. Not formed an opinion on it just yet, only done a couple battles and explored the monastery twice. It's a slower start than the other strategy RPGs I've played so far, so need to see how the combat opens up, quite basic so far.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (25th October)
Minimal gaming as spent the weekend visiting family and going to see Australian Pink Floyd (incredible)! Got to do some handheld Switch gaming on the train up north though, and in that time, finally completed the long-running playthrough of Octopath Traveler 2, with 135 hours on the clock.
Wonderful game, beautiful, and with one of the best soundtracks I've experienced. Stories were so much better than the first (which I already liked), even ones that I weren't sure about became my favourites by the end. I wasn't too sure on Agnea's story initially for example, but in the last chapter, it had me in tears and may have been the one I loved the most.
The stories were still mostly separate, so if that was an issue for some people in OT1, it still might be in this one too, but adding in the crossed paths storylines and then how they crafted the ending, were fantastic in bringing the whole group together, and the final battle was awesome and cleverly done, loved that too. What a great playthrough that was all round!
Anyway, onto other things. I also played some more Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, so will continue with that on the train home this afternoon. I only have one more of the initial four main area quests to go, so I'm intrigued to see where the main story goes next. I likely will also finally fire up some more Hades 2 and Super Mario Galaxy 2 either today or tomorrow.
And the next big game that will be started is going to be Fire Emblem: Three Houses. Super excited for that one, will be interesting to see how long I can resist just getting started on that, but I'd ideally want to make more progress on the other three active games first! Have a good weekend, all.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (18th October)
Still playing Octopath Traveler 2. I thought I was all set up last week to run through the final chapters of each story, but I didn't realise that not every story had 4 chapters! So there was much more still to do.
As of this afternoon, I've wrapped up 6 of 8 stories and almost every side quest, so that part will get completed today. But there's still so much I can already see to do after that, we're nowhere near done with this playthrough, 120 hours into it. Fantastic game, the first was one of my all-time favourite games, but this one definitely exceeds OT1.
Not touched anything else for a while, so the playthroughs of Hades 2, Mario Galaxy 2 and Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity are on hold for now.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (11th October)
Octopath Traveler 2 has taken over the majority of my gaming this week, so much so that I haven't opened the excellent Hades 2 in ages (I'll get properly back into that soon for sure). I'm 85 hours into OT2, and might finish the main part of the game today. I'm all set up to just run through the gauntlet of Chapter 4's for each character. I already get the impression that there is plenty to do after that though, so I fully expect to keep playing beyond the credits to see everything. Have absolutely loved this game. The boss designs in particular have been incredible.
I did decide to do a playthrough of a shorter game from my backlog earlier this weekend, with What Remains of Edith Finch. Taking my time with it, it was about 4-5 hours. Very uncomfortable and memorable experience, and I mean that complimentary. The way in which so many of the character chapters were told were so creative, especially for Lewis.
Also completed another main story quest in Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, playing through "Revali, the Rito Warrior" quest. Completed a few stars in Mario Galaxy 2 as well, I'm best enjoying that one in small doses at the moment.
Re: Feature: From Z To A — Honouring My Favourite Pokémon, One Letter At A Time
I've yet to find anyone who has the same favourite Pokémon as me. Ever since is saw that adorable, dumb face, Numel has been my fave of the entire bunch!
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (4th October)
Playing more Octopath Traveler 2, about 60 hours-worth now. Discovered a number of things now that they've added that weren't in the first game which really do add to the experience. Also, Partitio might be my new favourite character in the series! Still so far from completing any of the main stories, this playthrough could get into the triple digits it seems (my slow pace of play aiding that of course).
Playing some Super Mario Galaxy 2. I had it for the Wii but didn't get very far with it. I wasn't a big gamer at the time, plus I don't think the controls were doing it for me, so ended up not playing too much. Time to rectify that now, I liked the controls set up for Galaxy 1 in All Stars so I'm enjoying it much more.
Plan for today is to finally get some more runs in Hades 2! Only done 6 attempts so far. My partner doesn't want to see much of it as he's waiting for the PS version, but he's away for a little while so it's time to fire it back up! Only early on but love it already.
Re: Review: Trails In The Sky 1st Chapter - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition - A Comprehensive Update Of A Classic Series Opener
Last month, I just finished playing the Steam version of the original. Absolutely fell in love with the story and characters, the depth of the world and the huge script that made the NPCs and world all come alive. The combat was fun and the end game challenging. The visual style while dated of course, was charming, clean and had an appealing vintage look that I'm glad I played.
I really don't know if this update will top the original playthrough I just completed, but it looks fantastic and excited to play through it, will definitely pick this up. I think though, that I'm going to play through the original versions of the next two games in the series first. I loved the retro version of Chapter 1 so much that I'd like to continue that way first, then try the remakes after. Will still grab my physical copy of this in the near future though and glad it turned out well!
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (27th September)
The main adventure continues to be Octopath Traveler 2. Over 40 hours into it now, though at my slow pace of play, that still only about half way through the various chapter 2 stories.
Elsewhere, I probably will grab Hades 2 and make a start on that today! Sequels to some of my favourite games is definitely the theme of the weekend, with the first Octopath and Hades games among my all time top playthroughs.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (20th September)
Continuing the playthrough of Octopath Traveler 2! About 20 hours in, taking my time in each new town, and completed 6 of the 8 stories in Chapter 1. Shouldn't take too much longer to gather the last two protagonists and start on Chapter 2. Not certain yet whether I'll like it more than the first game but it's off to a strong start with some excellent openers to these tales, so it's got a good chance of surpassing one of my all-time favourite games in the first entry!
I've done two main missions in Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, hope to make time to do a couple more during the weekend. Struggling early on in using Zelda, but Impa is the most fun by far to this point.
I also picked up the first Hades game in a sale. Got over 100 hours in it on my Steam version, but starting a fresh file with none of the upgrades or unlocks reminded me of the greatness of this game, going through the story again. Got about a third of the way through Elysium on my fourth run, so not too bad, still got some of the muscle memory, and even more excited now for when Hades 2 releases!
Elsewhere, done a couple runs of Andro Dunos 2. I'm useless at shmups, but really enjoy them, I will one day complete a run through this... right?
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (13th September)
Playing Octopath Traveler 2, and also started Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity. Never played a Warriors game, but my partner is a huge fan of the series. I can see why, great fun!
Also completed Xenoblade Chronicles 3: Future Redeemed earlier today. Maybe the most enjoyable 30 hours of gaming I've potentially played in any game. Much shorter of course, but probably enjoyed it even more than the main game!
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (6th September)
Started Octopath Traveler 2 this weekend. The first OT is a top ten all-time game for me, so anticipation for this one is high! Started the last game as the hunter, wanted to go differently this time so chose Throné the Thief for this one. Completed her Chapter 1, fell right back into the rhythm of the mechanics and combat, love it already, excited to keep going with it.
I'm also about 11 hours into Xenoblade Chronicles 3: Future Redeemed, the expansion to the main game. I might even be enjoying this more than the base game so far, the gameplay and exploration loop, the collectopedia/checklist completion is ridiculously satisfying.
That's it for me, unless I do a little bit more in Majora's Mask. Decided to delay playing Daemon X Machina, as Octopath Traveler 2 has been waiting in the backlog too long, I'll get to that one soon though.
Re: Video: 13 Exciting New Games Coming To Switch 1 & 2 In September 2025
So many great games this month! I have Daemon X Machina pre-ordered, excited for that after completing the demo this weekend.
I won't buy it immediately, but will definitely get Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter at some point. I've just finished playing the original, loved it but will take a little time before replaying it in its remake form.
Final Fantasy Tactics will also be an eventual purchase, but I'll hold off for now as I have too much to play as it is. Shuten Order is definitely interesting, maybe a future sale purchase. Hollow Knight wasn't really for me, so I'll be in the minority and give Silksong a pass myself, but glad to see the excitement for it!
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (30th August)
Completed Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky (original version) today. Took around 60 hours at my usual slow pace. The ending was tough, might have been slightly under-leveled, and took a few attempts to get through to the end. Wonderful story, can't say too much about the ending for spoiler reasons, especially with the remake releasing soon, but I'll just say that I'm excited to play the second chapter! I'll play the remake at some point, but there's something about this classic version that will take some beating.
Very close to finishing the demo for Daemon X Machina. I've seen mixed opinions on it here, but I loved it enough to order the full game physical copy, excited to get that! I'll probably finish the last chapter of the demo later today.
On chapter 2 of the expansion to Xenoblade Chronicles 3: Future Redeemed, fantastic start, so much intrigue for where this might be headed. Some fun change-ups so far to the combat and the tasks to complete.
No progress in the first playthrough of Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask this week, need to be carful not to leave it too long to resume. Itching to start Octopath Traveler 2, that will be the next big game to start, now that Trails in the Sky is complete.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (16th August)
Main focus continues to be Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky. Played about 30 hours, just completed the festival play, no idea how far through I am or how long to go! Feel like the story hasn't even truly opened up yet, we do seem to be building up to something bigger soon.
I've made a start on Xenoblade Chronicles 3: Future Redeemed, so I'll likely try and get the first couple hours of that done today. Intrigued by the beginning, no idea where they are going with it...
After completing my first ever playthrough of Donkey Kong Country last week (good fun!), my next NSO retro game is a first ever playthrough of Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask. Tried to begin this back in February, but got distracted away from it, so began again for a proper attempt.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (9th August)
A busy weekend hasn't left a lot of time for gaming, unfortunately. Progressed a little with two first time playthroughs - Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky, and Donkey Kong Country. Will carry those on today.
That's about it! Wanting to get started with the expansion/DLC for Xenoblade Chronicles 3: Future Redeemed, but will likely save that for next weekend. Downloaded the demo for The Adventures of Elliot, dabbled around a little with it, unlike some I will never get bored of that visual style!
EDIT: Donkey Kong Country complete! Very enjoyable. Though I may have legit set a new world record for number of save states used in a playthrough.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (2nd August)
Well, Donkey Kong Bananza has been completed! Last few hours were outstanding. Not too interested in trying to collect everything for the 100% completion. Maybe I dive back in to it later on, but for now, happy with the 30 hours I put into it. On to other things...
The playthrough continues, Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky. Such a fantastic game, will be super excited to play it again too, when the remake launches on Switch later this year.
More DK, slowly progressing a couple levels at a time through a first ever play through of Donkey Kong Country. I appear to be at Kremkroc Industries, next level is Trick Track Trek, think I'm into the latter stages now.
In Guilty Gear Strive, trying to learn to use Anji Mito, and potentially Leo Whitefang as well. Evo 2025 this weekend, so be watching that as well!
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (26th July)
Mostly continuing with Donkey Kong Bananza. It's been an up and down ride so far. Loved it, then found things a little repetitive and frustrating around the middle, thought I was souring on it a bit. But now, working through the latter stages, the fun has returned and all is well once again! The last few layers have been really fun, I'll refrain from specifying for spoiler reasons of course.
In my other main playthrough, Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky, I feel like I've play playing for an age. And yet, I've just been hit with a "prologue complete" followed by "Chapter 1...", so um, still early days I guess. Partly through taking my time, that did still take around 10 hours! Fantastic fun so far, love it. First time playing a game in this series.
That's it for me! other games are currently on hold which means no progress this week in: Donkey Kong Country, Fast Fusion, Guilty Gear, and Switch 2 replays of TOTK and Pokemon Scarlet.
Re: More Switch Games Reportedly Receive Switch 2 Compatibility Fixes
@Andee Just wondering, what's missing from Persona 5 Royal on Switch 2, or that needs updated? I recently completed the game for the first time on Switch 1 back in April, before the Switch 2 came out, but it's one I could see myself replaying at some point, loved it that much!
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (19th July)
Playing Donkey Kong Bananza! This is the first big Switch 2 release I've picked up (wasn't too interested in getting MKW). It's been nice to be a part of a new game like this on a new console alongside everyone else. Most other consoles were bought later (got Switch 1 in 2021 for example) other than the N64, when I didn't really understand or follow any gaming community stuff at that younger age! DKB is a bunch of fun so far, impressed!
Also getting stuck back into my playthrough of Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky, which has hooked me right back in! Love this world and characters so far, even if still relatively early on at about 7 hours in.
In time for DKB, I did complete my playthrough of Xenoblade Chronicles 3! Clocked in at around 190 hours after doing all the option content I could find. Phenominal final few hours to close it out, and another masterpiece from Monolith Soft overall. It may rank last of the series so far behind 2 and then 1 for me, but that still places it as my third favourite game ever, so hardly a knock on it haha. Excited to get to the DLC/expansion Future Redeemed soon, and later to X: Definitive Edition at some point in the future, it's ready to go on the shelf.
Finally, my partner and I played through Thank Goodness You're Here! last night. Only a few hours, but they packed a heck of a lot into it! Had us both crying with laughter, very funny if the brand of humour is your kind of thing. The couple of neighbours arguing over their wheelie bin situation was a particular highlight.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (12th July)
@batmanbud2 Glad you enjoyed! XC2 doesn't seem to be for everyone, but my number one all-time game personally
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (12th July)
There are a wild number of side quests and optional content in Xenoblade Chronicles 3! And I feel compelled to do as much of it as possible, and so the playthrough continues, again with only a small amount of main story progress. Fantastic game, even if still my least favourite of the three I've played, the entire series is incredible.
If I somehow were to finish it before the end of today, I might try and progress a little with my first ever playthrough of the first Donkey Kong Country game.
Re: Shuten Order Trailer Gives Us Our Best Look At Its Multi-Genre Gameplay
Looks great! Thinking I might get the physical for this one shipped over
Re: Feature: Nintendo Life eShop Selects (June 2025)
Only played one of the listed games, so my opinion is therefore severely limited! That said, really enjoying Fast Fusion, impressive and fun to jump into every now and then since launch. Of the other games, most interested in trying Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (5th July)
The playthrough on Xenoblade Chronicles 3 continues, into Chapter 7. That's about it really! Earlier in the week I played classic games when visiting family: Mario Party, Mario Party 3, Mario Kart 64, Goldeneye and Star Fox 64. And then a bunch of local multiplayer Guilty Gear Strive, which was a blast as always.
Took the Switch 2 travelling this past week, played a bunch of the upgraded Tears of the Kingdom. Happy with how it performed in handheld, no issues with over-heating and screen looked good to me. Also, watched my brother-in-law playing TOTK on his Switch 1, I didn't think the difference was as big as it was when seeing them one after the other!
We also played the first couple areas in Thank Goodness You're Here! So that will get continued soon too. Also picked up Yakuza Kiwami on sale using some e-shop vouchers, one for a later date.
Re: Review: Chronicles Of The Wolf (Switch) - A Spot-On Castlevania Tribute That May Test Your Patience
Not my type of game, but enjoyed reading through the review! Thanks. Love the retro look of this.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (28th June)
Another week of only playing Xenoblade Chronicles 3. The game clock is at about 125 hours, in the middle of chapter 6. I don't think I've actually progressed the main story this week while doing nothing but side content and exploration!
Visiting family in a couple days, so expecting some Mario Party Jamboree, and also picking up Thank Goodness You're Here to play with my bro and sis for us to have a laugh with.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (21st June)
@Kiff Not for everyone, but personally it's my favourite game series. This 3rd game in the series is on track to round out my top 3 of all time to all be Xenoblade Chronicles games.
They are epic-length JRPG games with wonderful world-building, huge scope and exploration, varied mechanics and combat depth, wonderful characters, they hit for me in a way that no other games do.
The first game (Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition on Switch 1) is not without it's flaws, arguably the least-best (but still fun) combat and some side quest content that I loved but some find a bit repetitive/fetch-based, but playing it first is still recommended in order to get the full effect of the world and references. I think plenty people started with XC3 though, and still had a great time, so each to their own of course!
Definitely worth investigating though to see if it sounds like something you might enjoy, might not work for you, but maybe you discover something great
Re: Review: RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery Of The Soulless Army (Switch 2) - A Unique, Action-RPG Take On The SMT Formula
Tempted to pick this one up at some point! Have enjoyed the couple Atlus games I've played so far, and this one looks rather good.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (21st June)
A bit late this week, so I'll keep it brief! I was off work unwell all week, so I have now racked up 110 hours played in Xenoblade Chronicles 3 in the past two weeks... Another exceptional entry from Monolith Soft, and still a long way to go. I didn't play anything else.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (14th June)
I'm 40 hours into Xenoblade Chronicles 3, and still only in Chapter 3! As fully expected, this is going to be a long playthrough. While I don't like the characters, combat and overall game as much as I did XC2 (yet), it's really opened up and getting better all the time. Know I'm only scratching the surface of the story, excited. Can't stop playing it!
In between, playing a bunch of Fast Fusion, my only Switch 2 launch purchase. Such a fun game, have completed first place in all races/championships on the subsonic difficultly, time to learn and improve for the medium difficulty level now.
Dabbling in my new playthrough of Pokemon Scarlet when I can pry myself away from the other two games, which wasn't for long this week!
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition (7th June)
One of the few who bought a Nintendo Switch 2 but without getting Mario Kart World! I'm absolutely fine with that and having a blast with Fast Fusion! It looks stunning, the tracks are awesome and it plays so nicely, very impressed. I'll get MKW eventually, but I'm good for now!
Also was waiting for the new console to begin Xenoblade Chronicles 3. Was pleased to see it was also getting a small upgrade for the Switch 2. The first two games are my favourite of all time, so safe to say the anticipation to get going with XC3 was high! So far, it does not disappoint, the opening chapter has me hooked yet again.
I've also started a brand new save in Pokemon Scarlet. What a drastic improvement, it runs so well now. I know plenty don't care for how it looks overall regardless, but I love this game, and have had so much fun going through this again. I started another save of TOTK as well, but right now, I'm more interested in progressing in Scarlet of the two.
Last week, I was trying to finish Alan Wake remastered prior to the new console's arrival. Mission accomplished! Completed it last Sunday, and enjoyed it immensely, much more than I expected. Great narrative that I'm pleased that I saw through to the end.
Re: Video: Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Side-By-Side Gameplay Comparison (Switch & Switch 2)
Playing now and it is running so much better. I loved this game when first out, put 650 hours into it gladly, but it is nice to see it running as it ought to have initially
Re: Video: Check Out 14 Minutes Of Blistering Fast Fusion Gameplay On Switch 2
Absolutely love this game so far! Bargain.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (31st May)
Flying through Alan Wake Remastered. On Episode 5 of 6, should get it finished today! Was really struggling to get through some sections on normal difficulty, very glad I dropped down to easy. The engrossing story and thriller moments are what makes it so good, so I'm fine with the reduced challenge on this one, especially as it's not my usual genre.
Also completed the extra stories (A Requiem for Innocence and Reincarnation) for visual novel The House in Fata Morgana. There are a few short stories left, but I'm considering this game/novel complete now after over 90 hours, and sure I'll come back to the short stories later on after a break!
Continuing to play Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky on Steam. Started last week on the laptop as didn't want to start something new on console before Switch 2. I'm a few hours in, excellent turn-based RPG with a little bit of light strategy to the combat. Very enjoyable so far.
Still dabbling in Celeste post-completion. Gone back through and collected all strawberries, crystal hearts and B-side cassettes from the first four levels.
Also playing Donkey Kong Country on NSO, first time playthrough! Very fun through the first bunch (hehe) of levels.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (24th May)
@GregamanX If you do play Afterparty, will be interested to hear your thoughts! Just completed it a couple weeks ago myself
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (24th May)
I will be carrying on with Alan Wake Remastered today, starting Episode 2. Fascinating story stands out above the gameplay, but that side has still been fun too so far.
Began the weekend by finishing Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness and the Secret Hideout. Final boss was tough, took a fair bit of prep to be able to get through it, challenging end to a mostly cozy playthrough!
Also completed the Requiem for Innocence part of the DLC for The House in Fata Morgana. Another excellent and emotional story. Now working through the last significant part, called Reincarnation, so that plus Alan Wake will be the main focus before Switch 2's arrival.
Added a couple more physical games to the collection this week, with Lunar Remastered Collection and Tokyo Xanadu eX+. Also had a lovely visit from the in-laws, been a nice weekend so far!
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (17th May)
I think that I'm very close to finishing Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness and the Secret Hideout. Current chapter is called "The Final Battle?". The question mark at the end is throwing me off though, so maybe there will be more to go!
Had a run through of Star Fox 64. I used to be so good at this game, but the lack of practice certainly shows haha. Maybe if I put in the hours I did as a kid I'd get good again, but definitely more of a struggle that I expected! Still fun though
Other than that, minor progress with Final Fantasy X-2. I've not played any more of either Alan Wake Remastered or The House of Fata Morgana this week. We we out at an awesome food and drink festival this weekend in the sun, which was lovely.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (10th May)
@Jack_Goetz I'm from the UK, and I've ordered an English language version of The Hundred Line from Play Asia. I've never used them before, so I'm eager to see how it goes. No update since placing the order, but it did suggest that it might take a few weeks to get here on standard shipping cost. Hopefully all goes smoothly!