@Grumpalo Exactly. This game’s attention to detail is astonishing. It makes the player pay attention, and if they don’t this is what happens. It’s not the fault of the game, but the gamer.
I was kind of shocked when it happened, but walking up to it I felt like it was in an odd spot. My instincts were right, haha. I immediately found the switch to turn it off though, but what a pain in the butt to get back to that hellish spot.
This is good news. My expectations are in check, but Metroid Prime 4 should be getting a release date, my guess is in November. Other than that, I would like to see a new Fire Emblem and Xenoblade Chronicles game. And perhaps add Chrono Trigger to the SNES to their service.
@Henmii Nice! It sounds like we are having a very similar experience. One thing I was questioning myself on was to go to Hunter’s Marsh first or the Deep Docks. I chose the latter option.
No, I don’t think it’s too difficult. Now, that could change the further in progress, but I have yet to encounter anything that hinders my momentum. I’ve defeated several bosses, just beat Lace, and am making my way smoothly. This is coming from someone who didn’t enjoy the original Hollow Knight.
I’m not finding the game all that difficult. It can be tough in a few areas, but it’s not halting my progress whatsoever. That said, the game does feel unbalanced overall, so I’m welcome for the update. As others mentioned, I wish there would be a difficulty option—but I’ll take whatever is given to me.
@The_Nintendo_Pedant I get that, and I agree to a point. But when are we going to start judging other games to the same merit? Resident Evil hardly ever does anything revolutionary with its combat and gameplay, so will RE9 get the same kind of criticism if indeed it plays like all the other titles in the franchise? I’m just curious as to how we differentiate gameplay between new IPs and existing ones that have a household name.
I’ve seen a lot of reviews that have said the game lacks originality in its gameplay. Despite reading this, I don’t see how it’s an actual issue. There is not much more a game can do to spice things up in a survival horror game unless you add a unique mechanic like Dead Space. Other than that, 98% of games in this genre are the same.
@Wewewi Correct, but it’s also a numbered list, and people are making a big deal for it being the highest on the list. Your comment applies to both sides of the coin. The game is clearly meeting, if not exceeding expectations, and is one of the most popular games in years, and it’s an indie game.
What am I playing this weekend? What do you think - Baldur’s Gate 3, of course. As I sit by the campfire playing fetch with my dog Scratch, I can’t help but reflect what one day can do to a man, or in this case, a Dwarf monk.
My journey in the Shadow Lands has been quite an adventure. I messed around and found out because I’m somehow the savior of this disastrous locale. Throughout my time, I’ve told Marcus Falgor, this bulking man with childish harpy wings, to scram. He didn’t, but I made him, y’know? Afterwards, to celebrate my victory, I shared a few drinks with Thisobald. I used my monk’s willpower to stay sober while we swapped stories. I can’t say the same for him. Who knew beer could cause spontaneous combustion? It was a darn shame - I was enjoying his company. Oh, well; things happen.
Subsequently, upon leaving the tavern I got stopped by this gold blob - a toll collector by the name of Gerringothe Thorm. I didn’t like the cut of her gib, not one bit. She was too damn shiny. I convinced her to see the error of her ways and she responded by giving me all of her coin, including herself. It was just another day in the Forgotten Realms … so I thought.
In comes this googly-eyed weirdo; Malus Thorm is his name. What are with these Thorm people, anyway? Lady Shar Almighty. Anyway, I just wanted a touch-up to survive the evening. Instead, I walked into a hospital filled with undead nurses performing surgery on some poor man screaming in agony. Malus had a brilliant idea: having his nurses perform surgery on me. Are you a jester? We just met, you clown. I told him I don’t float that boat because I don’t let people under my skin until people are properly trained. He understood and told his staff to practice on each other. Let me tell you - they did an excellent job. Too good, in fact. That wasn’t enough, though. I told him practice makes perfect. He was confused, so I urged him to see how surgery feels on himself. That was the end of that.
So yeah, long story short, my playthrough is going better than expected. Me and Scratch are hanging out, playing fetch, and just mingling by the campfire before I see what shenanigans I can get up to at the Moonrise Towers.
I’ve yet to get a Switch 2, but from afar it doesn’t appear to have that must buy game yet. I have no doubt Donkey Kong is great but I don’t see a much discourse on the game compared to other big Nintendo hits.
With that said, I will be buying a S2 soon, particularly when Metroid Prime 4 releases. Let’s hope it’s still on track for 2025. I’m also expecting third party titles to come to the console; i.e.; Metaphor Refantazio and Baldur’s Gate 3. As with the original Switch, it is essentially my RPG machine. Whenever I get a S2 I should be eating good. Persona 3 Reload, Trails in the Sky Remake, hopefully Metaphor, and then your classic indie games that I feel shine brightest in handheld - Mina the Hollower and Demonschool. That line-up of games alone have given me the reason to buy a Switch 2.
I wish I could share the same sentiment you have. It is my most least excited feature in the upcoming game, but that’s also a personal preference because I’ve never been a fan of city building games.
I have no doubt 0 will be good, but OT2 was phenomenal, and I think it’s one of the best RPGs ever made, but the prospect of adding more to what is already an overwhelming amount of content (8 characters) is unappealing. My wish is that they would scale down rather an upscale.
Nonetheless, I’ll cautiously keep an eye on this one. Perhaps it will surprise me in unexpected ways.
Last week I talked about how I’m playing Baldur’s Gate 3 - taking my time, playing in spurts, and eventually completing it after reaching the end of Act 2. It would be at this point where fatigue settles in and I would ultimately shelve the game for months, only to come back, forget the mechanics, and create a new character. This process would be repeated over and over.
Meanwhile, my initial goal was to play BG3 between other games: Metal Gear Solid Delta, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, and Hollow Knight Silksong. Let me state for the record - those goals have gone to hell in a hand basket. I am in DEEEEEEP waters on my trek to reach the pinnacle of Act 3. I genuinely can’t get enough of it, and I’m about to wrap up the second act with a newfound sense of energy.
What blows my mind is how different this playthrough is compared to my previous ones. I have this awful habit in RPGs where I tend to choose the “good guy” route whenever there is dialogue choices. Moreover, I play the same type of character if I can - a high-elf, rogue assassin. And when I get a bad roll of the dice I reload my save until I get the outcome I wanted. This time, however, I’m a Dwarf monk and it has been awesome. I’m letting the rolls dictate the story, good or bad - a true RPG experience. What I wasn’t expecting is how unsatisfying rolls can actually create better moments throughout side quests and main campaign.
Simply put, there is a lot of game here. You never feel as if you missed out on something special regardless of your good or bad choices because the writing is so top notch that every thread is meticulously fleshed out so you can get the ultimate experience. My actions are generally good, but also morally grey. I tend to find the root of the problem and rip it out, but if I can use it to my advantage then I will. I’m living my best life in BG3 and wouldn’t have it any other way.
I want to conclude my rant by making a bold proclamation: from a video game perspective, BG3 might be the greatest of all time. That’s not to say it’s my favorite, but in totality I think it measures up to that threshold. To me, it’s the epitome of what I have always envisioned games to be ever since I could comprehend the basics in 1994.
A rich, lush world beckoning to be explored, filled with many secrets to uncover? Check. Freedom and allows for player expression? Double check. An incredible cast of characters with unique personalities, deep history to learn about, fully fleshed out, and having an experience tailor made to each individual and play-style? Triple check. Writing that is on another level, to the point where each interaction with any character or NPC feels meaningful? Quadruple check. Every facet of this game is seamlessly woven together, and I don’t understand it. I don’t want to, either. I’m just happy it exists.
This sounds great. I played the original Switch version but never beat it. I let my young daughter play it on the Switch lite I got her and she lost it. Whenever I get a S2 I’ll be buying and keeping and playing again.
This weekend I’m not playing anything. My wife and I surprised our daughter with her first ever tickets to a concert in Chicago, so that’s where we will be for the next couple of days. It will be our first time there, so we are going to do all of the touristy things. To say I’m excited to finally try Chicago deep dish pizza for the first time is an understatement.
However, throughout the week I decided to start a fresh playthrough in Baldur’s Gate 3. I’ve done this twice - both times reaching the end of Act 2, but getting fatigued and putting the game down for a long while. It’s truly a special game, but I have a tendency to implement the same style of play each time - a high elf, rogue assassin that focuses on stealth and archery. I do this with The Elder Scrolls, too.
This time I’m making a devoted effort to play in different ways. For starters, I’m a Dwarf with the subclass of Paladin. Secondly, I have a terrible habit of save scumming and being a good guy. While I will still be good, I’m going to choose dialogue options that are appropriate rather than solely choosing the “right” response, and whatever the dice rolls I am going to allow myself to accept the decision, good or bad. And lastly, I’m going to try new character abilities during combat. I generally play it safe and focus on raw strength and advantages rather than coming up with unique methods to approach combat, or not at all.
So far, my experimentation has turned out quite well. Who knew using magic was so fun? I’m throughly enjoying how I approach every situation and living with the results. Moreover, by doing so, I’m discovering unexpected side quests that I never found in my first two endeavors, and branching narratives that I can tell will have an impact later on. I’m really curious to see how things evolve.
The one thing that will never change: romancing Shadowheart. That will remain a constant until Gale decides to end us all with an explosion of jealousy and addiction. And on an unrelated side note - I’m praying for a Nintendo Switch 2 port because I’ll be doing a lot of traveling this upcoming year and it would be the perfect companion piece.
It sounds like it’s shaping up to be another monstrous hit. It also sounds like the definition of “what isn’t broke, don’t fix it”. There are some added tweaks to the formula and a more refined essence of how traversal and combat is with a new protagonist, and I’m looking forward to seeing how it all comes together. I truly believe this will be worth the wait.
This game continues to look more impressive each time I see it. Their Silent Hill 2 Remake is one of my favorite games this generation - I had fun getting all endings and the platinum trophy - so this looks to be an even more confident project.
This looks incredible. I’m glad it finally has a release date, but what an unfortunate time because there are so many games releasing within a week or two of each other. MGS 3 Delta, Hell Is Us, Gears of War Reloaded, Demonschool, and more - all around the same time. It’s overwhelming, but in a good way.
I’ve beaten this game twice already on PlayStation, but I’ll double dip when it comes to the Switch 2. I’m happy to hear it seems to be shaping up to be a solid port.
This is great news. I plan on buying a Switch 2 in early or mid September, so this will be the perfect companion piece. I adore the Trails Of and Ys games - they have helped me through some tough times in my life. To say I’m excited is an understatement. And I’m glad to see the upgrade is only a dollar.
@zockermiller Are you eventually going to stop playing games? It’s obvious that digital is where Nintendo is going. Or, are you going to cave in and buy games on a storefront once physical media becomes slim to none?
@JokerCK Exactly this. And people act like buying a game digitally will disappear in a few years time. That is simply not the case, and it’s incredibly rare when games don’t transfer to new consoles. I do understand the want for physical, but it shouldn’t negate the fact that a great game is announced for the Switch 2 and hopefully people will support it.
I finished up the platinum trophy for Mafia: The Old Country this week. I found it to be the epitome of a 7/10 game which is a compliment. I honestly would rate it higher if not for a couple of nagging issues that prevent it from excelling.
The story and characters are very well written and acted. I managed to get invested in their arc(s) and care about the main protagonist and his fate. It may have been a predictable tale, but that didn’t stop it from being effective. My complaint, however, lies with its ending. It wasn’t bad—it was rushed. There should have been a few more chapters sprinkled in to flesh out the narrative. There are character perspectives that go from adoring someone in the Mafioso family to complete defilement in the span of one chapter. It didn’t make sense. Thematically, I understand, but how we got to that destination felt diluted.
On the other side of things, I found the gameplay solid and enjoyable. The driving felt more intuitive than Mafia 1, and the combat and stealth mechanics were great, albeit uninspired. It felt like an Uncharted game from the early PS3-era, with its cover based shooting, stealth elements, and set pieces.
The only real annoyance I have with the game - and this dates back to Mafia 1 - is the collectibles. My goodness, talk about atrocious. The developers really needs to come up with a better system for how you acquire these items, particularly when it’s an limited open world that encourages you to stay on the main course by having a countdown of 15 seconds to return to the main objective if you stray off the beaten path. Guess where at least a partial amount of those collectibles are; yep, you guessed it.
Thankfully, once you beat the game there is an option for chapter replay and “explore” mode, meaning you have access to the entire world map. This sounds great in theory, but it still makes hunting for collectibles tiresome. They won’t appear on the map unless you are physically next to it. This wouldn’t be much of an issue if there was an incentive to get out of your vehicle or dismount from your horse, but there isn’t. Speaking of the map, you can’t set any markers, so you are constantly opening and closing your map to see how close you are to your destination.
What doesn’t appear on the map regardless if you are near is the infamous foxes that you can obtain. There are 50 of them total, and unlike other collectibles such as Newspapers, Saint cards, and Photographs, they don’t have a specific name registered to them. Moreover, some of these collectibles are exclusively tied to main missions, and since there is no tracker for what you have or haven’t collected in the story, good luck with the hunt.
Overall, I think the game is good to borderline great. If you’re a fan of a tight narrative with compelling characters and serviceable gameplay you should definitely try this game out. There are a few stumbles along the way with its pacing, but if you’re looking for something to beat over a weekend then you can’t go wrong with this game.
This week I managed to obtain the platinum trophy for Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound. It was a sublime experience, and only gets better once you unlock hard mode. It’s here where the game truly begins as you endure the classic difficulty of the original NES trilogy.
The last trophy was the hardest, and I’m not sure how I managed to accomplish it. In order to get the platinum you need to complete the game in hard mode. This difficulty setting introduces more difficult enemies in the earlier stages as well as more traps sprinkled throughout the levels. It’s a brilliant way to make the second playthrough feel fresh. Subsequently, you are required to do a boss rush without dying. What makes this even more challenging is that there are no health items or power upgrades. I have no idea how I did this, but it’s one of my proudest platinum trophies.
I’ve said it last week - The Game Kitchen deserves to make a 2D Castlevania game. The Blasphemous games were fantastic, and now NG has surpassed all expectations. This developer simply understands how to make 2D action platformers along with Metroidvania games, from precise platforming, challenging combat and levels that steadily progress in difficulty, rewarding abilities that are paced out expertly, and atmosphere that sucks you into their world.
I have also started Mafia: The Old Country. I am a couple of hours in but I consider it pretty good. in fact, it’s exactly what I expected from a Mafia game; a gripping narrative with solid gunplay.
I understand some people’s hesitation on the game due to its archaic design (PS2 energy) with its gunplay and stealth mechanics. From time to time it’s a cover based shooter, an on-rails set piece, and stealth sections that are mandatory but simplistic in nature. However, my question to some is: Why is this a bad thing? I’m not sure why there were expectations that The Old Country was going to reinvent the wheel in its gameplay. The Mafia games have always emphasized narrative over gameplay. That isn’t to say it couldn’t be better — it absolutely could — but I knew what I signed up for and it’s exactly what I wanted.
With all of that said, I do have one minor complaint and that is its limited open world that generally keeps you on the straight and narrow. While I absolutely adore a linear experience, The Old Country does an exceptional job of recreating 1900s Sicily that it’s a shame you can’t fully explore it because it’s a beautiful landscape that is rich with history and deserves your undivided attention. Nonetheless, it still immerses you deeply and I’m excited to see how things ultimately unfold.
That’s awesome news! It may have taken a decade, but Yacht Club seems like they are back and better than ever. I’m really looking forward to getting my hands on this, and it’s crazy that it’s releasing the same day as Terminator 2D. November is looking to be an incredible month for gaming.
I think we all get it - Silksong still hasn’t released or even has a date, but how is that relevant to Terminator? Oh, well; this game looks phenomenal.
I’ve been waiting for this game for a couple of years now, and it’s nice to see it finally nail down a proper release date. I’ll definitely be picking this up on day one.
I’m also playing, finally, Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound. It’s brilliant, challenging, features precise platforming and engaging combat, but it doesn’t rush you to the next transition screen. You can take your time if you want, but you also feel like a badass if you rush in and mow down enemies without being hit. There is a deep level of satisfaction due to the degree of difficulty Ninja Gaiden is as a whole. With Blasphemous and now this, I can’t wait to see what TGK cooks up next. Castlevania, perhaps? Please.
I want to start by saying I’m very easy to please when it comes to video games and thank goodness for that. Throughout my 35-years I have seen many game reviews that are either mediocre, average, or my favorite, 7/10, and oftentimes I end up adoring them. I reflect on the pre-internet days in the 90s when my parents would take me to the movie/game rental store and I’d pick out NES games based on the box art; sometimes they were great games, sometimes they weren’t, but I discovered a lot of games that I love that I later found out weren’t reviewed well once the internet became prominent.
That brings me to Blades of Fire. It has a respectable user score of 8.2 on Metacritic, while (some) critics weren’t that high on the game. Nonetheless, it clearly made a positive impression on the players, and I am one of them. I’m glad I took a chance on it despite its generic box-art because it’s the definition of “don’t judge a book by its cover”, and I’m enthralled by it.
First and foremost, it’s a 3D action adventure whilst simultaneously being a Metroidvania. This should come to no surprise considering their most recent game was a new 2D Metroid (Dread). Some people have touted it as a Souls-like, which I think is an inaccurate comparison. It may feel that way in terms of its difficulty, and believe me, it’s not even close to being that hard in terms of defining it as an entire genre built on that punishment.
The game shines in its combat, offering a wide array of weapons and combat techniques. Each weapon has its unique move-set and the way to attack enemies is based on directional hits. It’s a distinctive combat system that really requires you to experiment. And the way to acquire new weapon types is by defeating enemies a certain number of times, making you feel like you’re always progressing. However, you have to forge these weapons in order to obtain them. It’s an addictive mini-game that plays a drastic role in your success or failure in future combat encounters.
The game world itself is charming—it really does feel like that old school PS3/Xbox 360-era of action adventure games where the characters are over the top, the story is bombastic but fun, and it doesn’t take itself too seriously. It evokes feelings of when I played the original original God of War for the first time, and that’s probably the most accurate description for the entire game because it plays like it in terms of progression, exploration, and combat.
I have only one real complaint, and if it was handled a little bit more eloquently this game would be top tier for me; that is the level design and map. While exploration is rewarding, it’s very easy to get lost despite the game being touted as linear. There are so many interweaving paths in dense sections and it can become confusing, and the overworld map does little to help with navigation. I think it would benefit greatly with a mini map. With that said, it has Metroidvania DNA so it’s meant to be obtuse. Additionally, I’m playing on the hardest difficulty where it doesn’t show you where your next objective is, so exploring your surroundings and paying attention to dialogue is key to advancing the story.
I’ll probably pick this up on PlayStation mainly for performance, but I’m glad it’s getting a S2 release. Depending on how I like it, I might double dip.
@jojobar You don’t have to play them this year if you don’t want to. That’s the beauty of games — enjoy them when you want to and not just during its zeitgeist.
The game looks great, but I think SE is wearing out the welcome for its HD 2D artistic style. Don’t me wrong, it’s absolutely stunning, but they are starting to become over saturated, to the point where if I didn’t have any knowledge I would say all of the games are just a singular unit instead of multiple titles. Nevertheless, I’ll probably pick this up.
This is a great addition to the system. I was hoping for Metaphor, but that is no doubt coming at some point. I’ll definitely be picking up a S2 soon and this will be one of the games to go along with it.
@NotTelevision I haven’t bought a Switch 2 yet, but I plan on it soon. If BG3 got announced, it would make my decision to buy the console more quicker. That’s a prime handheld experience if the console can properly run the game without any dips in performance.
This weekend I am trekking the plains, hills, and desert landscapes in Death Stranding 2, delivering precious cargo. My MP3 player has tailor made playlists for my traveling needs, and I have a varied arsenal of weapons to combat any hostile situation while on my journey.
I have to say - DS2 is a masterclass in every facet. That’s not hyperbole; it really succeeds on every level. The story is compelling and paced brilliantly. It’s also much easier to understand and follow along than the first game, but it still has the heart of Kojima within, with mysteries and bizarre things unfolding. Characters are interesting and fleshed out, all having their own unique identity’s and backstory. The cinematography is gorgeous, with an incredible art design, while the animation is punching above its weight. One word: Dollman.
Last but not least, there is gameplay. Traversal and combat itself has been upgraded since its predecessor. It all controls very well and is balanced between the two, especially when having to partake in both at the same time. You have a wide array of options to tackle these scenarios that will suit your play style whilst providing meaningful upgrades consistently to change your strategy if you deem it necessary. Don’t let the naysayers fool you - this is way more than a “walking simulator”. It might just be one of the best open-world sandbox games ever made, because it doesn’t forget what a game is ultimately meant to be: fun.
It’s genuinely hard to discuss this game properly without providing spoilers because there is so much depth within each episode (chapters). To say anything about the mechanics is only ruining the surprise - and believe me, I’m only 30 hours in, but I’ve been blown away by the amount of tools the game offers you. Simply saying that feels like a disservice to the player(s) that haven’t had a chance to play the game yet.
Death Stranding 2 is a remarkable achievement in game design, and one of the best sequels to a game I’ve ever played. It’s a game I didn’t know needed and has become one I’ll never forget. I’m utterly blown away. This is the PS5 experience we have truly been waiting for.
Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition for me. It was an absolute incredible experience. I love the trilogy, but never played this one before. I would also like to choose The Hundred Line but I did not like the characters whatsoever. I put 10 hours into it, and liked the concept of it all. I would like to give it another chance.
I don’t have a Switch 2 yet, but this game sold me completely. It looks absolutely incredible, and once I get a S2 I’ll be picking it up, along with Metroid Prime 4.
I haven’t had much time to play games this week, let alone this weekend. Whatever free time I do have I will be spending it in the world of Cyrodiil in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion.
I always find Bethesda RPGs interesting because I tend to forget how they are meant to be played, and it’s incredibly easy to become overwhelmed. I never know if I should immediately set out and explore, or start the main quest. And yet, the result is always the same - I wander aimlessly and complete dungeons I’m not a high enough level for, pick locks and break into homes, read random notes and journals that lead me down an interesting quest line, and stealth my way through enemies with my bow and arrow.
Somehow, after discovering towns and stumbling my way through tons of side quests, I always manage to organically start the main narrative, unsure of how I did so. I think this is the brilliance that modern Bethesda games are missing — Fallout 4 (I really enjoyed that game; got the platinum for it) and Starfield particularly. There is a certain magic to the art of discovery that will eventually lead you to where you’re meant to go even if it doesn’t appear that way initially.
With that said, there is one issue I have with the game design, albeit it’s a product of 2006. Exploring caves and dungeons are great, but it can be disheartening when at the end of the area there isn’t an exit — you have to backtrack to leave. This isn’t with every area, mind you, but it’s incredibly noticeable. Thankfully, Skyrim fixed this problem.
Other than that minor quibble, Oblivion is sublime. When it first released in 2006, I did not like the game whatsoever. My best friend was obsessed with it, and watching him play it I thought, ”Man, this looks so cool”, but it was never fun to play for me. I had the same reaction to Fallout 3. It wasn’t until Skyrim that these types of games clicked with me. Fast forward 19-years, and it has become my favorite genre. And when Bethesda does make a good game, you know it, and there is no other feeling like it.
This week I managed to finish Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo. It is a game that never outstayed its welcome, and its Metroidvania and Zelda-like qualities were incredibly well done. It took me about 17 hours, with completion rate of 78%. I feel quite satiated with my experience.
Subsequently, I was perusing my back catalog of games and saw Sea of Stars. I then realized Sabotage Studios released their hefty free expansion/DLC, Throes of the Watchmaker a week or so ago, and I decided to redownload the game.
I have beaten it before, but I noticed I missed a ton of optional content. Once I booted the game back up, I was immediately drawn back into this gorgeous world, almost without missing a beat. Within a couple of hours I mopped up all side bosses and collectibles, and even got the platinum trophy for it.
It is truly an outstanding retro-inspired JRPG. And, having not played it since release, all of the patches and updates have made it an even more enjoyable experience; it is more streamlined, in a positive way. As of right now, I’m a couple of hours in the DLC and it’s been sublime. I’m really looking forward to the new classes, abilities, and story.
I’m not sure what I want to play next. I have my eye on two games: MindsEye (I honestly think it looks solid despite the hooblah) and Blades of Fire. I’m not looking for anything special - just a simple spray and pray or hack and slash. Really, I’m just biding my time until Death Stranding 2 releases.
Comments 807
Re: "I Have No Words" - Silksong Fans Are Losing Their Minds Over One Bench
@Grumpalo Exactly. This game’s attention to detail is astonishing. It makes the player pay attention, and if they don’t this is what happens. It’s not the fault of the game, but the gamer.
Re: "I Have No Words" - Silksong Fans Are Losing Their Minds Over One Bench
I was kind of shocked when it happened, but walking up to it I felt like it was in an odd spot. My instincts were right, haha. I immediately found the switch to turn it off though, but what a pain in the butt to get back to that hellish spot.
Re: Nintendo Direct Announced For Friday, 12th September 2025
This is good news. My expectations are in check, but Metroid Prime 4 should be getting a release date, my guess is in November. Other than that, I would like to see a new Fire Emblem and Xenoblade Chronicles game. And perhaps add Chrono Trigger to the SNES to their service.
Re: Talking Point: Is Hollow Knight: Silksong Too Difficult?
@Henmii Nice! It sounds like we are having a very similar experience. One thing I was questioning myself on was to go to Hunter’s Marsh first or the Deep Docks. I chose the latter option.
Re: Talking Point: Is Hollow Knight: Silksong Too Difficult?
No, I don’t think it’s too difficult. Now, that could change the further in progress, but I have yet to encounter anything that hinders my momentum. I’ve defeated several bosses, just beat Lace, and am making my way smoothly. This is coming from someone who didn’t enjoy the original Hollow Knight.
Re: Hollow Knight: Silksong's Upcoming Patch Will Nerf The Difficulty In Certain Areas
I’m not finding the game all that difficult. It can be tough in a few areas, but it’s not halting my progress whatsoever. That said, the game does feel unbalanced overall, so I’m welcome for the update. As others mentioned, I wish there would be a difficulty option—but I’ll take whatever is given to me.
Re: Review: Cronos: The New Dawn (Switch 2) - Strong Story Elevates Otherwise Safe Survival Horror
@The_Nintendo_Pedant I get that, and I agree to a point. But when are we going to start judging other games to the same merit? Resident Evil hardly ever does anything revolutionary with its combat and gameplay, so will RE9 get the same kind of criticism if indeed it plays like all the other titles in the franchise? I’m just curious as to how we differentiate gameplay between new IPs and existing ones that have a household name.
Re: Review: Cronos: The New Dawn (Switch 2) - Strong Story Elevates Otherwise Safe Survival Horror
I’ve seen a lot of reviews that have said the game lacks originality in its gameplay. Despite reading this, I don’t see how it’s an actual issue. There is not much more a game can do to spice things up in a survival horror game unless you add a unique mechanic like Dead Space. Other than that, 98% of games in this genre are the same.
Re: The Best Nintendo Switch 2 Games
@Wewewi Correct, but it’s also a numbered list, and people are making a big deal for it being the highest on the list. Your comment applies to both sides of the coin. The game is clearly meeting, if not exceeding expectations, and is one of the most popular games in years, and it’s an indie game.
Re: The Best Nintendo Switch 2 Games
The amount of disdain for Silksong is insane to me. That said, can we ignore numbered lists and just appreciate good games?
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (6th September)
What am I playing this weekend? What do you think - Baldur’s Gate 3, of course. As I sit by the campfire playing fetch with my dog Scratch, I can’t help but reflect what one day can do to a man, or in this case, a Dwarf monk.
My journey in the Shadow Lands has been quite an adventure. I messed around and found out because I’m somehow the savior of this disastrous locale. Throughout my time, I’ve told Marcus Falgor, this bulking man with childish harpy wings, to scram. He didn’t, but I made him, y’know? Afterwards, to celebrate my victory, I shared a few drinks with Thisobald. I used my monk’s willpower to stay sober while we swapped stories. I can’t say the same for him. Who knew beer could cause spontaneous combustion? It was a darn shame - I was enjoying his company. Oh, well; things happen.
Subsequently, upon leaving the tavern I got stopped by this gold blob - a toll collector by the name of Gerringothe Thorm. I didn’t like the cut of her gib, not one bit. She was too damn shiny. I convinced her to see the error of her ways and she responded by giving me all of her coin, including herself. It was just another day in the Forgotten Realms … so I thought.
In comes this googly-eyed weirdo; Malus Thorm is his name. What are with these Thorm people, anyway? Lady Shar Almighty. Anyway, I just wanted a touch-up to survive the evening. Instead, I walked into a hospital filled with undead nurses performing surgery on some poor man screaming in agony. Malus had a brilliant idea: having his nurses perform surgery on me. Are you a jester? We just met, you clown. I told him I don’t float that boat because I don’t let people under my skin until people are properly trained. He understood and told his staff to practice on each other. Let me tell you - they did an excellent job. Too good, in fact. That wasn’t enough, though. I told him practice makes perfect. He was confused, so I urged him to see how surgery feels on himself. That was the end of that.
So yeah, long story short, my playthrough is going better than expected. Me and Scratch are hanging out, playing fetch, and just mingling by the campfire before I see what shenanigans I can get up to at the Moonrise Towers.
Re: Poll: Three Months In, How Would You Rate Switch 2's Library So Far?
I’ve yet to get a Switch 2, but from afar it doesn’t appear to have that must buy game yet. I have no doubt Donkey Kong is great but I don’t see a much discourse on the game compared to other big Nintendo hits.
With that said, I will be buying a S2 soon, particularly when Metroid Prime 4 releases. Let’s hope it’s still on track for 2025. I’m also expecting third party titles to come to the console; i.e.; Metaphor Refantazio and Baldur’s Gate 3. As with the original Switch, it is essentially my RPG machine. Whenever I get a S2 I should be eating good. Persona 3 Reload, Trails in the Sky Remake, hopefully Metaphor, and then your classic indie games that I feel shine brightest in handheld - Mina the Hollower and Demonschool. That line-up of games alone have given me the reason to buy a Switch 2.
Re: Opinion: HD-2D Might Be Old News, But Octopath 0's City Building Has Me Buzzing
I wish I could share the same sentiment you have. It is my most least excited feature in the upcoming game, but that’s also a personal preference because I’ve never been a fan of city building games.
I have no doubt 0 will be good, but OT2 was phenomenal, and I think it’s one of the best RPGs ever made, but the prospect of adding more to what is already an overwhelming amount of content (8 characters) is unappealing. My wish is that they would scale down rather an upscale.
Nonetheless, I’ll cautiously keep an eye on this one. Perhaps it will surprise me in unexpected ways.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (30th August)
Last week I talked about how I’m playing Baldur’s Gate 3 - taking my time, playing in spurts, and eventually completing it after reaching the end of Act 2. It would be at this point where fatigue settles in and I would ultimately shelve the game for months, only to come back, forget the mechanics, and create a new character. This process would be repeated over and over.
Meanwhile, my initial goal was to play BG3 between other games: Metal Gear Solid Delta, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, and Hollow Knight Silksong. Let me state for the record - those goals have gone to hell in a hand basket. I am in DEEEEEEP waters on my trek to reach the pinnacle of Act 3. I genuinely can’t get enough of it, and I’m about to wrap up the second act with a newfound sense of energy.
What blows my mind is how different this playthrough is compared to my previous ones. I have this awful habit in RPGs where I tend to choose the “good guy” route whenever there is dialogue choices. Moreover, I play the same type of character if I can - a high-elf, rogue assassin. And when I get a bad roll of the dice I reload my save until I get the outcome I wanted. This time, however, I’m a Dwarf monk and it has been awesome. I’m letting the rolls dictate the story, good or bad - a true RPG experience. What I wasn’t expecting is how unsatisfying rolls can actually create better moments throughout side quests and main campaign.
Simply put, there is a lot of game here. You never feel as if you missed out on something special regardless of your good or bad choices because the writing is so top notch that every thread is meticulously fleshed out so you can get the ultimate experience. My actions are generally good, but also morally grey. I tend to find the root of the problem and rip it out, but if I can use it to my advantage then I will. I’m living my best life in BG3 and wouldn’t have it any other way.
I want to conclude my rant by making a bold proclamation: from a video game perspective, BG3 might be the greatest of all time. That’s not to say it’s my favorite, but in totality I think it measures up to that threshold. To me, it’s the epitome of what I have always envisioned games to be ever since I could comprehend the basics in 1994.
A rich, lush world beckoning to be explored, filled with many secrets to uncover? Check. Freedom and allows for player expression? Double check. An incredible cast of characters with unique personalities, deep history to learn about, fully fleshed out, and having an experience tailor made to each individual and play-style? Triple check. Writing that is on another level, to the point where each interaction with any character or NPC feels meaningful? Quadruple check. Every facet of this game is seamlessly woven together, and I don’t understand it. I don’t want to, either. I’m just happy it exists.
Re: Ys Memoire: Revelations In Celceta Is Coming West In 2026
I adore the Ys franchise. I’ll definitely be picking this up once it releases in the west.
Re: Review: Kirby And The Forgotten Land - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World - Kirby's Best Shines Even Brighter
This sounds great. I played the original Switch version but never beat it. I let my young daughter play it on the Switch lite I got her and she lost it. Whenever I get a S2 I’ll be buying and keeping and playing again.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (23rd August)
This weekend I’m not playing anything. My wife and I surprised our daughter with her first ever tickets to a concert in Chicago, so that’s where we will be for the next couple of days. It will be our first time there, so we are going to do all of the touristy things. To say I’m excited to finally try Chicago deep dish pizza for the first time is an understatement.
However, throughout the week I decided to start a fresh playthrough in Baldur’s Gate 3. I’ve done this twice - both times reaching the end of Act 2, but getting fatigued and putting the game down for a long while. It’s truly a special game, but I have a tendency to implement the same style of play each time - a high elf, rogue assassin that focuses on stealth and archery. I do this with The Elder Scrolls, too.
This time I’m making a devoted effort to play in different ways. For starters, I’m a Dwarf with the subclass of Paladin. Secondly, I have a terrible habit of save scumming and being a good guy. While I will still be good, I’m going to choose dialogue options that are appropriate rather than solely choosing the “right” response, and whatever the dice rolls I am going to allow myself to accept the decision, good or bad. And lastly, I’m going to try new character abilities during combat. I generally play it safe and focus on raw strength and advantages rather than coming up with unique methods to approach combat, or not at all.
So far, my experimentation has turned out quite well. Who knew using magic was so fun? I’m throughly enjoying how I approach every situation and living with the results. Moreover, by doing so, I’m discovering unexpected side quests that I never found in my first two endeavors, and branching narratives that I can tell will have an impact later on. I’m really curious to see how things evolve.
The one thing that will never change: romancing Shadowheart. That will remain a constant until Gale decides to end us all with an explosion of jealousy and addiction. And on an unrelated side note - I’m praying for a Nintendo Switch 2 port because I’ll be doing a lot of traveling this upcoming year and it would be the perfect companion piece.
Re: Round Up: The Final Previews Are In For Hollow Knight: Silksong
It sounds like it’s shaping up to be another monstrous hit. It also sounds like the definition of “what isn’t broke, don’t fix it”. There are some added tweaks to the formula and a more refined essence of how traversal and combat is with a new protagonist, and I’m looking forward to seeing how it all comes together. I truly believe this will be worth the wait.
Re: Video: We've Played Cronos: The New Dawn On Switch 2
This game continues to look more impressive each time I see it. Their Silent Hill 2 Remake is one of my favorite games this generation - I had fun getting all endings and the platinum trophy - so this looks to be an even more confident project.
Re: Hollow Knight: Silksong Finally Has A Release Date
This looks incredible. I’m glad it finally has a release date, but what an unfortunate time because there are so many games releasing within a week or two of each other. MGS 3 Delta, Hell Is Us, Gears of War Reloaded, Demonschool, and more - all around the same time. It’s overwhelming, but in a good way.
Re: Video: We've Played Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade On Switch 2
I’ve beaten this game twice already on PlayStation, but I’ll double dip when it comes to the Switch 2. I’m happy to hear it seems to be shaping up to be a solid port.
Re: Trails In The Sky 1st Chapter Switch 2 Edition 'Upgrade Pack' Confirmed
This is great news. I plan on buying a Switch 2 in early or mid September, so this will be the perfect companion piece. I adore the Trails Of and Ys games - they have helped me through some tough times in my life. To say I’m excited is an understatement. And I’m glad to see the upgrade is only a dollar.
Re: Indiana Jones And The Great Circle Will Launch On Switch 2 In 2026
@zockermiller Are you eventually going to stop playing games? It’s obvious that digital is where Nintendo is going. Or, are you going to cave in and buy games on a storefront once physical media becomes slim to none?
Re: Indiana Jones And The Great Circle Will Launch On Switch 2 In 2026
@Duncanballs Amen to that! You and I think alike.
Re: He-Man Is The Next '80s Icon Getting His Own Stunning Arcade-Style Retro Revival
This looks absolutely stunning. I’ll definitely be picking it up on release day.
Re: Indiana Jones And The Great Circle Will Launch On Switch 2 In 2026
@JokerCK Exactly this. And people act like buying a game digitally will disappear in a few years time. That is simply not the case, and it’s incredibly rare when games don’t transfer to new consoles. I do understand the want for physical, but it shouldn’t negate the fact that a great game is announced for the Switch 2 and hopefully people will support it.
Re: Nightdive's Latest Remaster Is A Rip-Roaring Wild West Cult Classic
Man, Nightdive is really becoming a massive deal in the industry. Keep it coming!
Re: Hollow Knight: Silksong "Special Announcement" Is Coming This Thursday
It’s going to be shadow dropped on Thursday - that’s my guess, anyway.
Re: Critically Acclaimed Text-Based RPG 'Roadwarden' Comes To Switch Next Week
This looks like the perfect handheld experience. I’ll definitely pick it up on release day!
Re: Feature: 32 Games We're Dying To See On Switch 2
If BG3 and Metaphor got announced for S2 I would buy it immediately. It would be the perfect handheld experience.
Re: Review: OFF (Switch) - A Worthy Remaster Of A Weird Cult Classic RPG
I’ve never heard of this game before but it sounds really interesting. I might just check it out — I’m in the mood for something different.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (16th August)
I finished up the platinum trophy for Mafia: The Old Country this week. I found it to be the epitome of a 7/10 game which is a compliment. I honestly would rate it higher if not for a couple of nagging issues that prevent it from excelling.
The story and characters are very well written and acted. I managed to get invested in their arc(s) and care about the main protagonist and his fate. It may have been a predictable tale, but that didn’t stop it from being effective. My complaint, however, lies with its ending. It wasn’t bad—it was rushed. There should have been a few more chapters sprinkled in to flesh out the narrative. There are character perspectives that go from adoring someone in the Mafioso family to complete defilement in the span of one chapter. It didn’t make sense. Thematically, I understand, but how we got to that destination felt diluted.
On the other side of things, I found the gameplay solid and enjoyable. The driving felt more intuitive than Mafia 1, and the combat and stealth mechanics were great, albeit uninspired. It felt like an Uncharted game from the early PS3-era, with its cover based shooting, stealth elements, and set pieces.
The only real annoyance I have with the game - and this dates back to Mafia 1 - is the collectibles. My goodness, talk about atrocious. The developers really needs to come up with a better system for how you acquire these items, particularly when it’s an limited open world that encourages you to stay on the main course by having a countdown of 15 seconds to return to the main objective if you stray off the beaten path. Guess where at least a partial amount of those collectibles are; yep, you guessed it.
Thankfully, once you beat the game there is an option for chapter replay and “explore” mode, meaning you have access to the entire world map. This sounds great in theory, but it still makes hunting for collectibles tiresome. They won’t appear on the map unless you are physically next to it. This wouldn’t be much of an issue if there was an incentive to get out of your vehicle or dismount from your horse, but there isn’t. Speaking of the map, you can’t set any markers, so you are constantly opening and closing your map to see how close you are to your destination.
What doesn’t appear on the map regardless if you are near is the infamous foxes that you can obtain. There are 50 of them total, and unlike other collectibles such as Newspapers, Saint cards, and Photographs, they don’t have a specific name registered to them. Moreover, some of these collectibles are exclusively tied to main missions, and since there is no tracker for what you have or haven’t collected in the story, good luck with the hunt.
Overall, I think the game is good to borderline great. If you’re a fan of a tight narrative with compelling characters and serviceable gameplay you should definitely try this game out. There are a few stumbles along the way with its pacing, but if you’re looking for something to beat over a weekend then you can’t go wrong with this game.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (9th August)
This week I managed to obtain the platinum trophy for Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound. It was a sublime experience, and only gets better once you unlock hard mode. It’s here where the game truly begins as you endure the classic difficulty of the original NES trilogy.
The last trophy was the hardest, and I’m not sure how I managed to accomplish it. In order to get the platinum you need to complete the game in hard mode. This difficulty setting introduces more difficult enemies in the earlier stages as well as more traps sprinkled throughout the levels. It’s a brilliant way to make the second playthrough feel fresh. Subsequently, you are required to do a boss rush without dying. What makes this even more challenging is that there are no health items or power upgrades. I have no idea how I did this, but it’s one of my proudest platinum trophies.
I’ve said it last week - The Game Kitchen deserves to make a 2D Castlevania game. The Blasphemous games were fantastic, and now NG has surpassed all expectations. This developer simply understands how to make 2D action platformers along with Metroidvania games, from precise platforming, challenging combat and levels that steadily progress in difficulty, rewarding abilities that are paced out expertly, and atmosphere that sucks you into their world.
I have also started Mafia: The Old Country. I am a couple of hours in but I consider it pretty good. in fact, it’s exactly what I expected from a Mafia game; a gripping narrative with solid gunplay.
I understand some people’s hesitation on the game due to its archaic design (PS2 energy) with its gunplay and stealth mechanics. From time to time it’s a cover based shooter, an on-rails set piece, and stealth sections that are mandatory but simplistic in nature. However, my question to some is: Why is this a bad thing? I’m not sure why there were expectations that The Old Country was going to reinvent the wheel in its gameplay. The Mafia games have always emphasized narrative over gameplay. That isn’t to say it couldn’t be better — it absolutely could — but I knew what I signed up for and it’s exactly what I wanted.
With all of that said, I do have one minor complaint and that is its limited open world that generally keeps you on the straight and narrow. While I absolutely adore a linear experience, The Old Country does an exceptional job of recreating 1900s Sicily that it’s a shame you can’t fully explore it because it’s a beautiful landscape that is rich with history and deserves your undivided attention. Nonetheless, it still immerses you deeply and I’m excited to see how things ultimately unfold.
Re: Mina The Hollower On Switch 2 Supports 120fps
That’s awesome news! It may have taken a decade, but Yacht Club seems like they are back and better than ever. I’m really looking forward to getting my hands on this, and it’s crazy that it’s releasing the same day as Terminator 2D. November is looking to be an incredible month for gaming.
Re: Forget Silksong, This New Terminator 2D Overview Trailer Looks Stupidly Good
I think we all get it - Silksong still hasn’t released or even has a date, but how is that relevant to Terminator? Oh, well; this game looks phenomenal.
Re: Tactical RPG 'Demonschool' Finally Gets A Launch Date, And It's Real Soon
I’ve been waiting for this game for a couple of years now, and it’s nice to see it finally nail down a proper release date. I’ll definitely be picking this up on day one.
Re: 'Mina The Hollower', Yacht Club's Retro Zelda-Inspired Adventure, Scores Switch Release Date
This will be a day one purchase. Shovel Knight is one of my favorite games — got the platinum for it too — and this looks absolutely sensational.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (2nd August)
I’m also playing, finally, Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound. It’s brilliant, challenging, features precise platforming and engaging combat, but it doesn’t rush you to the next transition screen. You can take your time if you want, but you also feel like a badass if you rush in and mow down enemies without being hit. There is a deep level of satisfaction due to the degree of difficulty Ninja Gaiden is as a whole. With Blasphemous and now this, I can’t wait to see what TGK cooks up next. Castlevania, perhaps? Please.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (2nd August)
I want to start by saying I’m very easy to please when it comes to video games and thank goodness for that. Throughout my 35-years I have seen many game reviews that are either mediocre, average, or my favorite, 7/10, and oftentimes I end up adoring them. I reflect on the pre-internet days in the 90s when my parents would take me to the movie/game rental store and I’d pick out NES games based on the box art; sometimes they were great games, sometimes they weren’t, but I discovered a lot of games that I love that I later found out weren’t reviewed well once the internet became prominent.
That brings me to Blades of Fire. It has a respectable user score of 8.2 on Metacritic, while (some) critics weren’t that high on the game. Nonetheless, it clearly made a positive impression on the players, and I am one of them. I’m glad I took a chance on it despite its generic box-art because it’s the definition of “don’t judge a book by its cover”, and I’m enthralled by it.
First and foremost, it’s a 3D action adventure whilst simultaneously being a Metroidvania. This should come to no surprise considering their most recent game was a new 2D Metroid (Dread). Some people have touted it as a Souls-like, which I think is an inaccurate comparison. It may feel that way in terms of its difficulty, and believe me, it’s not even close to being that hard in terms of defining it as an entire genre built on that punishment.
The game shines in its combat, offering a wide array of weapons and combat techniques. Each weapon has its unique move-set and the way to attack enemies is based on directional hits. It’s a distinctive combat system that really requires you to experiment. And the way to acquire new weapon types is by defeating enemies a certain number of times, making you feel like you’re always progressing. However, you have to forge these weapons in order to obtain them. It’s an addictive mini-game that plays a drastic role in your success or failure in future combat encounters.
The game world itself is charming—it really does feel like that old school PS3/Xbox 360-era of action adventure games where the characters are over the top, the story is bombastic but fun, and it doesn’t take itself too seriously. It evokes feelings of when I played the original original God of War for the first time, and that’s probably the most accurate description for the entire game because it plays like it in terms of progression, exploration, and combat.
I have only one real complaint, and if it was handled a little bit more eloquently this game would be top tier for me; that is the level design and map. While exploration is rewarding, it’s very easy to get lost despite the game being touted as linear. There are so many interweaving paths in dense sections and it can become confusing, and the overworld map does little to help with navigation. I think it would benefit greatly with a mini map. With that said, it has Metroidvania DNA so it’s meant to be obtuse. Additionally, I’m playing on the hardest difficulty where it doesn’t show you where your next objective is, so exploring your surroundings and paying attention to dialogue is key to advancing the story.
Re: Surprise! Bloober Team Is Bringing Sci-Fi Scares To Switch 2 With 'Cronos: The New Dawn'
I’ll probably pick this up on PlayStation mainly for performance, but I’m glad it’s getting a S2 release. Depending on how I like it, I might double dip.
Re: Yakuza Kiwami 2 Brawls Onto Switch 2 In November
@jojobar You don’t have to play them this year if you don’t want to. That’s the beauty of games — enjoy them when you want to and not just during its zeitgeist.
Re: Square Enix Is Bringing A Brand New HD-2D RPG To Switch 2 Next Year
The game looks great, but I think SE is wearing out the welcome for its HD 2D artistic style. Don’t me wrong, it’s absolutely stunning, but they are starting to become over saturated, to the point where if I didn’t have any knowledge I would say all of the games are just a singular unit instead of multiple titles. Nevertheless, I’ll probably pick this up.
Re: Octopath Traveler 0 Will Bring More Adventures To Switch 1 & 2 This Year
Octopath Traveler 2 is one of my all time favorite RPGs, so I’m definitely looking forward to Zero.
Re: Persona 3 Reload Is Making The Jump To Switch 2 This October
This is a great addition to the system. I was hoping for Metaphor, but that is no doubt coming at some point. I’ll definitely be picking up a S2 soon and this will be one of the games to go along with it.
Re: Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase Announced For Tomorrow, 31st July 2025
@NotTelevision I haven’t bought a Switch 2 yet, but I plan on it soon. If BG3 got announced, it would make my decision to buy the console more quicker. That’s a prime handheld experience if the console can properly run the game without any dips in performance.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (5th July)
This weekend I am trekking the plains, hills, and desert landscapes in Death Stranding 2, delivering precious cargo. My MP3 player has tailor made playlists for my traveling needs, and I have a varied arsenal of weapons to combat any hostile situation while on my journey.
I have to say - DS2 is a masterclass in every facet. That’s not hyperbole; it really succeeds on every level. The story is compelling and paced brilliantly. It’s also much easier to understand and follow along than the first game, but it still has the heart of Kojima within, with mysteries and bizarre things unfolding. Characters are interesting and fleshed out, all having their own unique identity’s and backstory. The cinematography is gorgeous, with an incredible art design, while the animation is punching above its weight. One word: Dollman.
Last but not least, there is gameplay. Traversal and combat itself has been upgraded since its predecessor. It all controls very well and is balanced between the two, especially when having to partake in both at the same time. You have a wide array of options to tackle these scenarios that will suit your play style whilst providing meaningful upgrades consistently to change your strategy if you deem it necessary. Don’t let the naysayers fool you - this is way more than a “walking simulator”. It might just be one of the best open-world sandbox games ever made, because it doesn’t forget what a game is ultimately meant to be: fun.
It’s genuinely hard to discuss this game properly without providing spoilers because there is so much depth within each episode (chapters). To say anything about the mechanics is only ruining the surprise - and believe me, I’m only 30 hours in, but I’ve been blown away by the amount of tools the game offers you. Simply saying that feels like a disservice to the player(s) that haven’t had a chance to play the game yet.
Death Stranding 2 is a remarkable achievement in game design, and one of the best sequels to a game I’ve ever played. It’s a game I didn’t know needed and has become one I’ll never forget. I’m utterly blown away. This is the PS5 experience we have truly been waiting for.
Re: Poll: What's Your Switch (2) Game Of The Year So Far?
Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition for me. It was an absolute incredible experience. I love the trilogy, but never played this one before. I would also like to choose The Hundred Line but I did not like the characters whatsoever. I put 10 hours into it, and liked the concept of it all. I would like to give it another chance.
Re: Poll: So, Will You Be Getting Donkey Kong Bananza For Switch 2?
I don’t have a Switch 2 yet, but this game sold me completely. It looks absolutely incredible, and once I get a S2 I’ll be picking it up, along with Metroid Prime 4.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (14th June)
I haven’t had much time to play games this week, let alone this weekend. Whatever free time I do have I will be spending it in the world of Cyrodiil in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion.
I always find Bethesda RPGs interesting because I tend to forget how they are meant to be played, and it’s incredibly easy to become overwhelmed. I never know if I should immediately set out and explore, or start the main quest. And yet, the result is always the same - I wander aimlessly and complete dungeons I’m not a high enough level for, pick locks and break into homes, read random notes and journals that lead me down an interesting quest line, and stealth my way through enemies with my bow and arrow.
Somehow, after discovering towns and stumbling my way through tons of side quests, I always manage to organically start the main narrative, unsure of how I did so. I think this is the brilliance that modern Bethesda games are missing — Fallout 4 (I really enjoyed that game; got the platinum for it) and Starfield particularly. There is a certain magic to the art of discovery that will eventually lead you to where you’re meant to go even if it doesn’t appear that way initially.
With that said, there is one issue I have with the game design, albeit it’s a product of 2006. Exploring caves and dungeons are great, but it can be disheartening when at the end of the area there isn’t an exit — you have to backtrack to leave. This isn’t with every area, mind you, but it’s incredibly noticeable. Thankfully, Skyrim fixed this problem.
Other than that minor quibble, Oblivion is sublime. When it first released in 2006, I did not like the game whatsoever. My best friend was obsessed with it, and watching him play it I thought, ”Man, this looks so cool”, but it was never fun to play for me. I had the same reaction to Fallout 3. It wasn’t until Skyrim that these types of games clicked with me. Fast forward 19-years, and it has become my favorite genre. And when Bethesda does make a good game, you know it, and there is no other feeling like it.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition (7th June)
This week I managed to finish Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo. It is a game that never outstayed its welcome, and its Metroidvania and Zelda-like qualities were incredibly well done. It took me about 17 hours, with completion rate of 78%. I feel quite satiated with my experience.
Subsequently, I was perusing my back catalog of games and saw Sea of Stars. I then realized Sabotage Studios released their hefty free expansion/DLC, Throes of the Watchmaker a week or so ago, and I decided to redownload the game.
I have beaten it before, but I noticed I missed a ton of optional content. Once I booted the game back up, I was immediately drawn back into this gorgeous world, almost without missing a beat. Within a couple of hours I mopped up all side bosses and collectibles, and even got the platinum trophy for it.
It is truly an outstanding retro-inspired JRPG. And, having not played it since release, all of the patches and updates have made it an even more enjoyable experience; it is more streamlined, in a positive way. As of right now, I’m a couple of hours in the DLC and it’s been sublime. I’m really looking forward to the new classes, abilities, and story.
I’m not sure what I want to play next. I have my eye on two games: MindsEye (I honestly think it looks solid despite the hooblah) and Blades of Fire. I’m not looking for anything special - just a simple spray and pray or hack and slash. Really, I’m just biding my time until Death Stranding 2 releases.