Kraven

More people need to buy and play Unsighted. The game is one of the best Zelda-likes out there, and it has a very cool and unique concept that really makes the game standout above the rest.

Hands down, it’s Prey for me. The level design was absolutely fantastic, and on par with, and maybe even better than the interconnecting maps in Dark Souls/Bloodborne.

After getting the platinum trophy for The Last of Us Part 1 (my all time favorite game), I’ve been at a loss as to what to play. I’ve been bouncing around various games, but then I decided to read - and watch - reviews for Steelrising. The game received quite a solid reception, so I decided to buy it on a whim. I’m so glad I did, and this will tide me over until Deathloop arrives on Game Pass.

Steelrising is quite the gem. Is it graphically impressive? No. Is it technically and mechanically fluid? No. And yet, the game oozes charm despite it being janky, especially for a Souls-like game. I find the combat satisfying, and there are tons of weapons, armor, and other equipment to really create a fun build, which is something I’ve never cared much for in games similar to this. Typically, once I find a weapon I like, I stick with it; however, in this game I experiment a lot because all of the weapons are a blast to use.

Moreover, I love its linearity - something I wish more games would harken back to instead of a gigantic open world. And while the game is linear, there are moments to explore off the beaten path and it is always rewarding to do so. Speaking of, I also find the level design to be quite spectacular. Similar to the Soulsborne genre, there are locked gates throughout the world that can eventually be unlocked that will connect back to other parts of the map.

Overall, the game isn’t perfect, but it’s damn fun. I’m really happy I decided to buy the game. I can’t wait to see what developer Spiders will make next. Their future is bright, I believe.

Lost Odyssey is a masterpiece and I wish more people would talk about it. That game is one of my favorite JRPGs. My other mention is Dragon Quest XI. It’s such a great game, and in my top 10 of all time.

If I was Phil/Microsoft, I just wouldn’t say a word about anything. Let Sony and whomever throw a fit, and stay quiet and close the deal. This whole feud is similar to a bad breakup. The one who doesn’t respond to all the bad mouthing and drama is the one who typically moves on gets on with their life.

The fact that we are getting Guilty Gear on Xbox is huge, and that’s what’s exciting overall.

There has been several postings about Deathloop appearing on Xbox for preorder. With the exclusivity ending, I have a feeling the game will be on the Xbox platform (and Game Pass) within the next week.

I hope so. I’ve been itching to play it again. It took me awhile to really grasp everything the game was trying to do, but once everything clicked, then it became one of PS5’s best games in my opinion. Arkane never disappoints me.

It depends on what you mean by “completed.” If we are talking purely games we’ve beaten, then I’d say Sonic the Hedgehog 2 for the Sega Genesis or Super Mario Bros. 2 for the NES. However, if we are speaking in terms of 100% completion then my answer is Super Mario World for the SNES.

I just had surgery on Thursday and will be recovering for two weeks, so most of my gaming time will be spent with my Nintendo Switch. Right now, I’m playing (and the list is long):

Shovel Knight Treasure Trove. I remember buying this game day one when it originally released back in 2014 on the PS4, and loving it so much I got the platinum trophy for it. Since then, I haven’t touched it at all, including its subsequent DLC expansions - but I did buy it for the Switch and have been replaying it. My goodness - it’s such a masterpiece in all facets of its genre.

Continuing with my retro kick - I finished Super Castlevania 4 for the SNES. It was a tough game, but fun as hell. I thought the environments were really interesting, and the room spinning in circles was such a cool moment. Onward to Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse (or a replay of CoTM - one of my favorites from the entire franchise).

I also completed two modern retro throwback games: Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon 1 and 2. Those games are short, sweet, and a total blast to play. There is a ton replayability with character swapping and branching paths. Moreover, Zangetsu’s character is really interesting and I love how in the sequel you can acquire an ability to provide a moveset up to three attacks with his Soul Eraser and then ultimately the Zanmatou. Also, Dominique is cool - and I just have an affinity for spears in a video game.

Another game on my list is I’ll be ANNO: Mutationem. The cyberpunk aesthetic will always garner my attention. So far, the pixel art and combat looks gorgeous and is fun to play. I almost bought this game for the PS5 when it released months ago but held off on the hope it would come to the Switch. The performance is great, too. The only major downside is the long load times, but that’s minimal compared to the complete package on offer. I can’t wait to see where the ride takes me.

Lastly, I’m going to be playing The Last of Us Part 1. The original from 2013 is my all time favorite game. It had a profound effect on me and changed me as a man, father, and simply impacted my life in ways I never even considered. I was initially skeptical about buying the remake - not because I don’t expect it to be phenomenal - but because I was worried whether or not it would have the same impact as it had before, or if its appeal would run dry for me. It’s safe to say I had nothing to worry about. I know for most people the $70.00 price tag might be too much for a remake, but I personally don’t see it that way. I can spend $25.00 for a two hour movie experience, and if it was good then I won’t have any complaints. So, spending seventy dollars on a product that I’ll always have and will spend a significant amount of time on is not a bad deal in my opinion.

They had a solid start in my opinion. I think the campaign for Infinite is actually fantastic, and the story wasn’t bad either. It honestly felt like Combat Evolved in the best of ways. However, 343 simply didn’t take anything else as serious it seemed like. The co-op, particularly split screen, is one of the most beloved things about this franchise, and the fact that they are unable to provide that is incredibly disappointing, especially since it’s typically a staple in the majority of the other games in the series. How can they bungle something like that? And at first, the live service aspect was a revolution for the series, and giving us free multiplayer prior to the campaign’s release was a sign to people that they believed in their product. But then no updates were occurring. And still aren’t, really. It’s not always about how you start, but about how you finish … and the finishing touches look to be bare and obsolete. By the time they finally deliver on their “promises”, people will have officially moved on to other games that are simply providing better experiences. It’s a real shame that Halo used to be a flagship franchise for Microsoft, and now it’s just another franchise that lost its way.

I loved Halo Infinite’s campaign, and I thought it told a great story. With that said, it’s insane to me that they can’t even figure out splitscreen co-op - a staple point in most Halo games, and one of the main reasons the game thrived outside of its multiplayer aspect. This is really disappointing news.

I finally played and beat The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. This game is a masterclass in game design, and so inventive for its time. I might be late to the party, but this will easily go down as one of my favorite games of all time. There were only two instances where I had to look at a guide for help - but none of them were regarding collectible items; I found those all organically. It’s insane to think about how amazing this game was for its time. It transcended gaming, and became incredibly influential.

Now that I’ve beaten ALtoTP, I’m going to start Super Castlevania IV (Nintendo Switch, Castlevania Anniversary Collection). This game doesn’t get talked about enough, but it should because it’s fantastic. It’s such an atmospheric game with an incredible soundtrack that sets the tone immediately. Moreover, it doesn’t overstay its welcome; it can be completed in a couple of hours. It’s a shame I wasn’t old enough to play this game when it was distributed to the public because, if I recall correctly, it was released the day of Halloween in 1991 - a perfect game to play during that celebration.

I’ll be out of town all weekend for a wedding so I won’t get to play much; however, when I do get a chance I’ll be sinking time into:

Xenoblade Chronicles 3. I’m 55 hours into the game and just reached chapter 5. The game is phenomenal on every level. And Eunie is my main gal - and her as Ashera’s defender role is quite fun to play. That said, I need a break from the game because all of my (limited) free time is being spent on the game and I don’t want to lose the desire to finish it due to burnout.

As a palate cleanser, I’m playing The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (Nintendo Switch Online). Admittedly, I had this game on the SNES as a kid but never really put effort in playing it because my time was spent with neighborhood friends playing Super Mario World (one of my all time favorite games) and Donkey Kong Country 2.

Now that I’m finally playing it - what is there to say about this game that hasn’t been said before? The game is a masterpiece in every facet. The atmosphere is incredibly immersive with distinctive art direction (I’m a sucker for 16-BIT) for each location you traverse. The pacing is also fantastic, and it feels like you never lose steam in your progression. One thing that blows my mind is the level design. Though I’ve never played this game before, I have played A Link Between Worlds (3DS) and Cadence of Hyrule (Switch) and I immediately feel at home in this world. The sheer fact that it holds up three decades later is a testament to its brilliance.

I was so excited for High on Life — I still am, but these delays are getting annoying. Please stop announcing a release date for games until you know it’s guaranteed to be releasing then.

My main course this weekend is Xenoblade Chronicles 3. This franchise might be my favorite as far as JRPGs go. These games know how to balance quirky anime tropes and heartfelt moments in ways most games are unable to. I’m currently two hours in and I’ve already gotten misty eyed. The characters so far are relatable; and there is a certain scene early on that really resonates with me. The combat arts and talents is very much improved, and the animations are really cool. I already know there will be twists and turns and I’m excited to discover them.

I’ll also be progressing more in Monster Hunter Rise / Sunbreak. I’m currently 80 hours in, just reached HR40, about to hunt one of the Elder Lords in Sunbreak, and the game continues to surprise me, particularly with new monsters. The gameplay loop is so addicting, and respects your time because you get as much out of it as you put in.

I was thinking about it yesterday - MH: Rise might be the first game in probably a decade (maybe longer) that I’ve played repeatedly for the sheer fun of it. Typically, I play games for the story. If there are side quests I do my best to complete all of them before I beat the game; however, once I see the credits roll I have no desire to go back and play more. This is the main reason why I haven’t got the Platinum trophy for Spider-Man Miles Morales - I can’t stomach going through the game on NG+ despite having every single trophy aside from that. And yet, MH has done the unthinkable and is constantly rewarding me with new things that actually compel me to continue playing. For me, this is a game that I consider “essential,” and it may go down as one of my favorite games of all time solely for that reason.

I’m still playing Monster Hunter Rise / Sunbreak. Since I accidentally deleted my original save, I had to start Rise all over. Initially, it was a chore due to all the tutorials but I buckled down and got through it - and became addicted once more. I didn’t want to cheat myself and use the Defender gear sets just to rush through the game; because I needed to reacquaint myself with the mechanics and intricacies of the game, particularly the weapon and talismans crafting (which I’m still struggling to understand even after 40hrs in the game).

I did finally defeat the Thunder Serpent Narwa (my first time fighting this creature since I stopped playing after defeating Magnamalo). The fight was rather easy, but it was thrilling spectacle that was quite impressive.

So, I’m now officially into Sunbreak and it’s an absolute blast. I’ve only done a few hunts, but there is obvious QoL improvements that make the game more enjoyable. Furthermore, the new locations and monsters are a joy to learn and explore; there’s deeper layers to them compared to previous levels. I fought the Blood Orange Bishaten last night and that was a very fun romp.

I’m also playing Kirby and the Forgotten Lands with my 7-year-old daughter. We are having a ton of fun with this game; in fact, I’m surprised by how much I am loving it. Last night we beat the first area and Gorimondo, and we are now at the beach. It’s incredibly creative, and that is what Nintendo does best. Y’know when you play first party Nintendo games there will be some intriguing new features that will simply put a smile on your face, and at the end of the day, that’s what video games are about.

If I get the time (I work for the next seven days straight, and my fiancé has her friends over at the house for the weekend) I will start up Live A Live. I’ve been itching for an old school RPG, and I absolutely adore the 2.5 HD art style, so this game looks like a melding of everything I’m craving right now.

For me, I’m playing Monster Hunter Rise / Sunbreak. I remember playing it last year and loving it, but I stopped after defeating Magnamalo, and subsequently deleted my save accidentally. What a mistake I made. I’m back at the game, taking my time with it because there’s no rush to get into Sunbreak, and enjoying every minute. I was unaware that the game doesn’t actually begin until after beating Magnamalo.

I’m still kind of confused on the weapon and amulet crafting systems. It’s overwhelming; and I’m not sure if you can upgrade your amulets, or if you have to continually craft more once you obtain better monster parts, and whether or not certain monster parts are better to use than others.

Regardless, I’m slowly figuring things out and I think that’s the beauty of a game like this. Once it clicks, man - there is no other game like it on the market. I’ve never been one of those people who can put hundreds of hours into a game, single player or multiplayer, but now I can see how it’s possible with Monster Hunter and I think I’m ready.

Edit: I did not realize that you are able to unlock Sunbreak via Gathering Hub quests. I’ve been doing nothing but Village quests, so this may take longer than expected. I’m hoping multiplayer isn’t a requirement considering I primarily play solo.

I’m also playing Bayonetta on the Switch in handheld mode. It’s my first time with the series, and it has always intrigued me since its original release but I never played it because I was busy with life. So far, it’s really great. Platinum Games know how to make games with incredible combat. Also, the story and characters are absolutely bonkers. I’m excited to play more to get myself ready for Bayonetta 3.

Monster Hunter Rise/Sunbreak (Nintendo Switch) - I played the base game for about 60 hours when it originally released, but haven’t touched it in a year or more since. Unfortunately, I forgot that I deleted my entire progress from Rise so I have to start completely from scratch. This isn’t that much of an issue, but the endless amount of tutorials and dialogue in the beginning hours almost put me off from even playing the game again. Sometimes less is more. Other than the initial cumbersome hours, the game is still a blast to play. Hopefully, I can get to Sunbreak soon.

Diablo III (Nintendo Switch) - I’m halfway through Act II in the campaign and still loving every second of it. I’m hoping to get to Act III by the end of the weekend. This game is special, and I can’t believe how well it’s optimized for the Switch. I have only had one issue and that is the sound of NPC’s randomly gets very quiet sometimes and I can’t hear a single word they say. Aside from that, it runs flawlessly.

I don’t even care anymore. All of these mentions and hints about unannounced games in the works means nothing to me until some of these games actually start releasing. Once Redfall and Starfield finally release - and hopefully to critical success - then I’ll start getting excited once more for the AAA Xbox ecosystem. No more talking; start delivering.

This weekend I’ll be playing two games. First up:

Neon White (Nintendo Switch) - This is one of the best games I’ve ever played. It may very well exceed Elden Ring for my GOTY.

I decided to buy this game on a whim because I wanted to try something different from what I usually play. In about an hour I could tell this game was special. The entire game has a unique color to it, and the characters you meet along the way are just as colorful. Each person has their own personality (there’s a cat named Mikey who loves mob related movies and television!). As you play the game you can find gifts that you are able to bring back to the hub world and give to characters. By doing so, you’ll unlock new dialogue options, memories, and side quests that will flesh out their backstory. Some people might consider the people and dialogue cringe, but I think it hits all the right notes due to its exceptional voice acting, humor, self awareness, and references to pop culture.

All of this would be meaningless if the game wasn’t fun to play; thankfully, it’s an absolute blast. The controls are tight and responsive, which is the most important thing considering the game is essentially a speed-runner’s dream. There are about 90 levels to traverse through and each one is different and incredibly well designed. You’ll never encounter the same level twice. The more you progress the more challenging it becomes, but your skills are advancing as well, so each level can still be completed in less than a minute. As a result, there is a perfect balance between the two that motivates you to replay prior levels to get a better score than your original run.

Overall, I think this game is a masterpiece. I understand no game is “perfect”, but Neon White is perfect for me. One main reason is because I don’t get to play games as much as I used to due to adulthood and raising a family, and when I do get to play I get burnt out if I play any longer than ten hours. However, I find it impossible for me to lose steam with this game because of how rapid levels can be completed. It almost feels like a whole new game each time. I really hope more people will play this gem because it deserves recognition.

Lastly, I’ll be playing Diablo III (Nintendo Switch). I originally started the game on my Xbox Series X and made it to Act III, but then I noticed it was on sale for the Switch and instantly jumped on it because of the portability. Thankfully, the game runs smoothly and I’ve had no issues at all. I’m currently halfway through Act I and am enjoying every minute of it. I can’t wait to see what Blizzard does with Diablo IV.

I honestly think this game is going to be fantastic. I’m really looking forward to a game that might be co-op driven, but also narratively rich as this game suggests. More games need to have that implementation, and I have no doubt Arkane can pull it off.

I played this game for the first time a couple of months back and it was fantastic. The character development was really well done. I liked how your character continued to show his anger and aggression through gameplay situations via executions and dialogue, which was unique. The story was also great. In terms of combat, I thought it was quite serviceable and engaging. Overall, I really liked this game and wish it would have been more successful.

This weekend I’m playing a few different things. First up:

Diablo III (Xbox Series X) - I just reached Act II at level 40 on hard difficulty, and sometimes switching it to expert. The moment to moment gameplay is so satisfying. The game encourages player agency each time due to its randomly generated map and quest system. I’ve heard people knock on this game due to its story, but I find it quite serviceable and compelling. I really can’t wait for Diablo IV.

TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge (PS5). I’m chipping away at the Platinum trophy. I just got the trophy for the 250-hit combo without being touched (I did it legitimately, too, which was a pain), so now I need three more trophies. This game is absolutely excellent. Each character feels unique and are fun to learn, but Casey Jones is the best behind Michaelangelo. I would love to see the developer tackle an X-Men beat-‘em-up some day.

Fire Emblem Warriors Three Hopes (Nintendo Switch) - I haven’t touched my Switch in months, but this game intrigued me. I’m a fan of Musou games dating back to Dynasty Warriors 2, and particularly 4, in which I used to play cooperatively with my best friend on the PS2 for hours a day during summer vacation.

Neon White (Nintendo Switch) - I started the game last night and it is absolutely incredible. I haven’t been able to put it down. Before I knew it, four hours had gone by. Everything about this game is so well done. The writing and characters are goofy; the controls are tight and responsive; the soundtrack is fantastic; and overall the game is incredibly addicting. I haven’t played a game like this before, and it’s very special. In fact, it might be my GOTY so far.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again - Xbox Game Pass is killing it. I know we may not be getting AAA games at the same rate as Sony, but we are still receiving fantastic games nonetheless on this ecosystem. My backlog is way too large to even bother considering playing a new AAA game.

The one game I wanted to see via BC is “Singularity.” I never had the chance to play it back in the day. I’m wondering if it will come to Game Pass once the Activision/Blizzard deal is officially complete. Does anyone know whether or not that can be feasible, or does adding older generation of games to GP the same as backwards compatibility? I’m not sure how it works.

@GuyinPA75 What games are you talking about (rhetorical question)? You’re making it seem as if all games on Game Pass are those types of games.

Off the top of my head, there are many incredible games on Game Pass:

Mass Effect Legendary Edition
Hitman Trilogy
AC Origins
Gears of War franchise
Master Chief Collection
Doom/Eternal
Skyrim
Fallout series
Prey
Dishonored
Tunic
Death’s Door

There are many more, of course. Sure, there are games on there that harken back to the NES/SNES days, but there are tons of other options that are more modern and current. Plus, those old school types of games are generally well received, such as Infernax (a must play, in my opinion).

I’ll definitely check this out because it sounds excellent. That said, the review read like a “9” so it was kind of shocking to see a “7” though that isn’t a bad score by any means.

Far Cry 5 is a great addition even though it’s my least favorite in the franchise. With that said, a lot of Ubisoft games are coming to Game Pass lately so I wonder if that’s a sign of things to come.

It looks really good, and I’m excited to try it out. The game wasn’t even on my radar until a couple of months ago.

This is looking real good! I’m excited to play it for the first time.

I am ten years too late, but with the announcement of Diablo IV and how stunning it looks, I decided to buy Diablo 3 Eternal Collection (my first entry in the series) and it is phenomenal. I’m not that far in the game; I just discovered what the “Fallen Star” was and defeated The Skeleton King.

I love the loot system and the randomly generated maps and quests that pop up. I find them intriguing and also haunting. For example, I was exploring and found a rundown shack. I got swarmed by monsters after killing them a farmer storms out and says his wife has been wanting them gone for days. He led me inside, and down in the basement was his deceased wife sitting in a rocking chair. Her head fell off and rolled onto the ground. Turns out, the husband was in denial that she had passed away. It was a rather sad story.

Another thing I love is how it’s not overwhelming in its systems and mechanics. It’s easy to grasp, and yet it can be as deep as you want it to be. The customization in skills is really fantastic, and that’s not to mention the different classes and abilities for each one.

Overall, I’m incredibly satisfied with the game. My excitement level for Diablo IV is quite high now.

Other than that, I’ll of course be playing TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge. I played yesterday morning with my 6-year-old daughter and we made it to level six before I had to go to work. It’s so good! And, embarrassingly, she’s much better at it than I am.

@GunValkyrian I got in on Game Pass but I also bought it on my PS5 to support the devs.

The game is awesome! I’ve been playing all morning with my 6-year-old daughter before I go to work. It’s embarrassing but she is much better at the game than me, but I’ll get back in the groove of things. The soundtrack is also phenomenal. There is so much replayability, too. I can’t wait to have a day off work so I can sink some more time in this game.

This actually sounds fine to me because it seems to be narrative driven. Plus, for me and my tastes, I like to play games like these solo during my first play through, and then co-op next. Honestly, I really love the look of this game and it’s one of my most anticipated for next year.

@Ashadelo Just go to the Xbox store and type in Street Fighter 2 and it will be there.

Just a head’s up, Street Fighter 2 is FREE for everyone.

Aside from that, there’s a great selection of games in this sale. Unfortunately, the one game I want is not available in backwards compatibility and that is Singularity. Hopefully, once the Activision deal has gone through it will get put on Game Pass.

This sounds absolutely phenomenal! I can’t wait for tomorrow. This has been my most anticipated game all year.

@A01 One city will be bigger than Skyrim itself apparently, so that sounds pretty awesome. If there are four main cities with a size similar to that, I think players are in for a real treat. I don’t know about you, but I know that I would never want to play a game that has 1,000 planets that are able to be fully explored, and with depth and variety. That sounds redundant and honestly like an absolute chore. I don’t know who would want to experience that. And I don’t expect a team like Bethesda to take the time to fully flesh out those planets - they would never get the game released. Lol.

@Deljo Nope. I think it has been great. Sniper Elite 5, Ninja Gaiden Master Collection, AC Origins, For Honor, and others. I think they have been killing it.

I’m all on board for Signalis; it looks gorgeous and terrifying. It’s a perfect October release.

Third person mode sounds so epic! I can’t wait for this. RE: Village was one of my favorite games of last year.

Everything about this game sounds right up my alley. I’ve yet to play an Arkane game that has disappointed me.

I’ve never played a Diablo game before, but this announcement had me hyped. The game looked so cool. I can’t wait to give it a try!

@Bleachedsmiles I did watch it. Was it as strong as last year? Not necessarily, but it was still pretty damn solid. I understand your complaint about no real first party games being shown in their second year, but it is what it is.

That said, we do know that Avowed, Hellblade 2, Indiana Jones, Outer Worlds 2, and a ton of more games ARE coming, but the fact that all of these games shown today are coming within the year, and even on Game Pass is pretty damn awesome.

Redfall looks awesome (in my opinion).
Starfield looks great.
Scorn will be cool.
Forza will do their thing.
A Plague Tell Requiem genuinely looks fantastic and a huge improvement over the first one.
Persona 5 Royal (and two other Persona games)? Are you kidding me? That is massive.
High on Life looks new, refreshing, and fun.
Riot Games and LoL on Xbox/Game Pass? Huge.
Flintlock looks cool, too.

I get that some of these games might not be your cup of tea; and I definitely understand the sentiment of, “We are waiting another year for AAA exclusives” but we have plenty of games to tide us over. In my opinion, I think this showcase was fantastic because a lot of new games were shown that we didn’t know anything about. So, imagine the presence Xbox will have once their AAA first party games are ready.

That’s not to mention we are getting Deathloop, Ghostwire, Dead Space, The Callisto Protocol, RE4 Remake, Street Fighter 6, and more. And I’m sure we will also get a lot more Xbox Game Pass games throughout the year that wasn’t mentioned in the conference.

Look, man - I get that we are once again waiting for the big games, but what we are getting in just a years time (barring no delays), I think we as an Xbox ecosystem have a lot of great things in store. Regardless, I also have a PS5 and Switch so I’m not lacking in games to play.

@Bleachedsmiles Did you even watch the show?

@Casco Very wrong. Lol.

This is freaking incredible! What an announcement.

The Last Faith looks so good; the pixel art is incredible. Bright Memory Infinite also looks to be shaping up nicely.

@Casco Agreed! I think we will get a shadow drop.

I can’t even begin to describe my level of excitement for TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge. I grew up playing these games at the arcade and on the NES/SNES.