Kraven

This weekend I’m still playing the brilliant Lies of P. I’m going to challenge myself and get the platinum trophy. If I had to give an estimate, I’d say 90% through the game. So far, I’ve completed all available side quests, hunted down all trinity key(s) and locations, as well as the collectibles.

To be honest, I might even consider this an “all-timer” — even going so far as having it stand shoulder to shoulder to Bloodborne. It takes the best elements from Bloodborne and Sekiro, and creates its own identity. Sure, FromSoftware might have invented, or at least perfected the genre, particularly with its gameplay that feels tightly focused, but Lies of P has the best of both worlds.

Meanwhile, it tells a coherent story that’s full of intrigue, but not obscure. To tell a lie or truth to certain characters really add a fascinating depth to its overall narrative. And with its story, there’s a fully rich world that’s interconnected similarly to its admirations, and it’s executed very well.

This game is just exceptional. The 1 million copies sold is well deserved, too. I know I’m not finished with it, but I’m already excited for its upcoming DLC. And I don’t typically do NG+, but I simply need more of this game.

This weekend I’m finishing up Alan Wake 2 for the PS5. I’m on my way to the platinum trophy, with all collectibles obtained. My focus now is leisurely completing the main story and I should be set.

As of right now it’s my GOTY. I believe it’s in a league of its own and has officially stamped Remedy into legendary status. I would compare them to Naughty Dog (to me) and Kojima in that regard. They should have free rein to do whatever they want because of their creativity.

And just when I think games can’t shake things up in originality, Remedy comes along to remind me that it’s still possible. How they are able to pump out consistent titles at a frequent volume is astonishing. The best way to describe it is simply Nintendo-esque.

Speaking of Nintendo, I’m slowly chipping away in Super Mario Bros. Wonder. I’m presently on the 5th world, and have managed to procure all Wonder Seeds minus a small handful. I’ve also unlocked secret locations that provide really fun challenges. I love how there are secrets everywhere — not just in the actual levels themselves, but in the over world as well. Wonder definitely harkens back to my favorite Mario game, Super Mario World.

Next up on my list: Super Mario RPG. I can’t wait for its release next Friday.

This weekend I’m playing Super Mario Bros. Wonder. It’s been an absolute joy so far. I’m not that far, but I just beat W3. The level of creativity and imagination in every stage is mind-boggling. The platforming is also precise, and the powers are all fun to use. I’m really enjoying my time with this one, and it’s up there with Super Mario World for my favorite 2D game in the series. I can’t wait for Super Mario RPG.

The main game I’m focusing on, however, is Alan Wake 2. It has been absolutely sublime, in more ways than one. Remedy creates incredible game worlds that are full of rich, environmental details that draw you into the atmosphere. It oozes in style, and is easily their most stylish game to date.

One thing I find great is how methodical the game presents itself. It knows the story it wants to tell and it goes at its own pace with unbelievable confidence. It trusts you to be patient and let it unfold naturally. And there is a story to everything - even upgrading your weapons. If you pay attention, there are references to Control during this aspect.

The characters are great, too. Saga Anderson is a fresh, unique character that is very memorable. I like how enthusiastic she is despite being an FBI agent; she loves a great mystery. I think her character taps into the modernism of true crime fans today (something I’m a big buff of myself), but with a touch of Twin Peaks.

I am also pleased with the exploration. There is almost an Metroidvania element to it. I don’t want to provide spoilers, but you’ll understand what I mean if you are playing the game. In the first Alan Wake you weren’t rewarded for exploring due to hardware limitations. While that’s still present here, with new technology the world feels more alive. Nothing feels out of place. Some of the best moments are optional side areas that provide environmental storytelling.

At the end of the day, I’m extremely impressed. Remedy knocks it out of the park once again, and despite their larger budget they stay true to their roots. This game does things that I’ve never seen in a game before and I can’t wait to see what’s next for them.

This weekend my goal is to complete and platinum Spider-Man 2. How people are achieving this in a matter of days is beyond me. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a long game — but I played for almost 6 hours straight two days in a row (thanks to my supportive wife) and still only managed to get 15-20% more completion rate, with it currently being 70% after 25 hours.

With all of the trifling aside, I was initially lukewarm on the game because I felt the game wasn’t providing enough. And then I realized I was playing the game wrong. My approach to Spider-Man how I do most open worlds - do all side content before I tackle the main story. What I didn’t realize is that the world, common crime activities, and the gameplay evolves as you progress the storyline, and even gets more challenging.

From gameplay perspective, it has the best traversal in any game I’ve ever played. The swinging feels incredible, and the web suit is such a fun tool to use. As for combat, it’s quick and snappy, with a ton of tools to use at your disposal that are all equally valuable. The web-line alone is a phenomenal tweak that makes the game standout, and offer diverse ways of completing missions. And the powers you get — good lord, are they a blast. They amplify the gameplay significantly, and animations for them are so full of painstaking detail, it’s hard to grasp how it’s possible.

In terms of story, find the game expertly paced. I do have two complaints, though. For starters, the developers sprinkle out really intriguing concepts that you hope will continue throughout the game but only seem to offer a one-and-done situation. Not overstaying your welcome is a positive in some respects, but it’s a shame because they are excellent additions. Lastly, I feel like some of the story beats are undercooked. Without providing any spoilers, some of the character developments and revelations seem a bit rushed. Thus, the emotional impact wasn’t there with some of the cutscenes. That said, when the story beats are good, they are extremely good. High highs and low lows.

Ultimately, despite my grievances, Spider-Man 2 is amazing. In my opinion, Insomniac is Sony’s best and most consistent developer in terms of quantity and quality. I can’t wait to see how they handle Wolverine, especially with its violence and more grittier tone.

This seems so arcade-y and I love it. I grew up watching the RoboCop movies and playing the games on the NES. Honestly, I may just pick this up for nostalgic sake, even if the reviews are bad for the game. I think it looks like a blast.

It’s unfortunate only one Xbox exclusive is on this list, and it released in January.

I’m having a much deserved weekend getaway with my wife so I won’t be playing much until late Sunday evening. However, I do have Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 waiting for me - preordered, downloaded, and ready to go - when I get back.

Throughout the week, I managed to beat and get the platinum trophy for Cyberpunk 2077 (the base game). It was a phenomenal experience, even after 100+hours. I’ve yet to touch Phantom Liberty, but I plan on setting that expansion to the side until I beat Spider Man 2 and Alan Wake 2.

I don’t want to risk burnout on what’s critically considered an incredible addition to what is now one of my all time favorite games. Near the end of base 2077, I felt myself not reading archived conversations, looking at my phone while some dialogue conversations played out, and simply running and gunning throughout some gigs. Clearly, I need(ed) a break, and I don’t want to do Phantom Liberty a disservice.

I’m definitely going to try out Persona 5 Tactica. Man, it’s such a great year for games.

This weekend I’m still playing Cyberpunk 2077. Last week, I praised this game immensely and my thoughts have only grown fonder, so much so I put it in my top 10 of all time. I’m near the end of the base game, and I’m trying to finish up all of the “romance” questlines that I can before I head into Dog Town.

My goal is to beat and platinum Cyberpunk before Spider-Man 2 releases. Unfortunately, I’m having issues unlocking a couple of trophies. First is “Two Heads, One Bullet” - my sniper rifle refuses to kill two people at once despite having a high tier 5+ rifle. The other, although it can be multiple, is finishing all gigs and NCPD missions in a district. Hopefully, this isn’t a bug or, if it is, it gets patched relatively soon.

When I’m not gaming, I’m getting back into reading — a hobby that I’ve sadly put on the wayside for too long. A coworker suggested I start reading books set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. I started with The Horus Heresy - Horus Rising. So far, it’s pretty good, and overwhelming. The lore is fantastic, though. I have a feeling I’ll be getting lost in this world for a long time to come.

I am really hoping we can somehow get Singularity on Game Pass. Diablo 2 and 3 will also be welcome additions.

I’m all for this. I thought Dead Island 2 was a very good game, and although it won’t win any awards it was a low key game of the year contender for me.

Honestly, all I want is Singularity. That is literally it.

This weekend I’m playing Cyberpunk 2077 and its DLC, Phantom Liberty. I have put 40hrs in with a completion rate of 38%. It took me a while to adjust to an open world game, particularly an RPG, that focuses on verticality because I don’t recall another game similar. Now that I’m accustomed to it, I’ll just cut to the chase — this game rules.

I now want to go on a rant about one aspect of the game that some people (still) consider flawed despite the 2.0 update being a drastic and much needed overhaul of the game. And that is meaningful choices.

I’ve seen a lot of criticism over dialogue choices not having an impact on the outcome of the mission. I do understand this since Cyberpunk is technically an RPG, and The Witcher had so many varying threads throughout conversations that effected other side and main missions. However; for me, I’m not always looking for that when I play this genre.

I just got off the heels of playing the massive undertaking Baldur’s Gate 3. The choices you are dealt have a genuine impact either immediately, ten hours down the road, or the overall ending — whether it’s environmental or the characters and your party members themselves. That is incredible.

With that said, I don’t feel like making those types of choices immediately after. Instead, as soon as I booted up the game I immediately wanted to get lost in Night City — a different aspect in an RPG setting that often gets ignored. And for me, when I want to lose myself in a game world, I’m. It looking for dialogue choices that change my outcome; instead, I’m wanting to learn more about the world and its inhabitants.

This is why I love the blue dialogue options — it expands on the characters, their motivations, and gives you a taste of how life currently is when living in Night City. I care more about that than I do making tough decisions that could ultimately leave me unhappy (like Baldur’s Gate 3). Granted, there are choices that do have consequences so that also shouldn’t be ignored. Give me a relatively linear narrative with amazing character interactions, and a game world that genuinely feels as if it’s living and breathing any day of the week and twice on Sunday.

Speaking on the world of Night City - this might be one of the best settings in any game. The vibe and portrayal of a dystopian world is really great. I was born in 1990, but grew up watching the likes of Blade Runner, Demolition Man, Twelve Monkeys, and even early Batman movies with Michael Keaton. I remember the world those movies were set in, and Cyberpunk nails that aesthetic to a T and then some.

One mission titled “Down on the Street” really drives this point home. I’ll try and keep it spoiler free. There is no gunplay involved, but how things unfold, whether it’s the lighting, mysterious meet ups, traveling in a car with neon lights flashing around every corner while jazz music is playing on the radio, is amazing. When a game can captivate you even without much action involved, that is a sign of something special to me.

Overall, the game has engrossing characters and a captivating world. When you mix that with fun gameplay, cools weapons and abilities, and a gritty Blade Runner aesthetic, you come across a game that hasn’t ever been done like this before.

The majority of my weekend will be spent playing Cyberpunk 2077 on the PS5. I bought the game the day it released but did not touch the game due to all of the negative reception. And then, I almost started the game once the 1.5 patch released, but was too busy with other games.

However, with the praise of 2.0 and Phantom Liberty I decided to reinstall the game. So far, I’m blown away. I’m roughly 8 hours in and the game has already introduced fascinating characters, intriguing world building, smart and gritty writing that I’m personally a big fan of, and a captivating world that you want to get lost in.

I just finished “The Heist” mission, and the interlude where you get introduced to Johnny Silverhand. The entire concept and how it came together was very cool. Moreover, the voice acting is phenomenal and adds so much depth to the scenes and characters. I have a feeling it’s going to be a fun ride.

As for my other obsession for the past three weeks - I’m taking a (short rest; see what I did there?) break from Baldur’s Gate 3. I’m at the end of Act II after 80 hours and I’m starting to get burned out. Also, I accidentally completed a few minor quests prematurely and overwrote the save file (and I’ll be damned if I reload an autosave that makes me backtrack quite a bit) and that has me frustrated.

I hope it’ll come to Game Pass, but who knows. What I do know is that this happens way more often than it should — games being “announced” for the service on accident. It gets annoying after a while.

My life is being consumed by Baldur’s Gate 3. This game is so damn good. I’ve been playing it for 45+ hours now (this is not including 20hrs playing before starting a fresh new character).

I decided to go the Underdark route and did as many side quests as I could, including the Adamantine Forge, which included a relatively tough boss fight. Afterward, I back tracked and decided to go through the Mountain Pass to try and absorb as much as I can during my first play through.

I’m now officially in Act II and exploring the Shadow Cursed Lands which is unsettling, but it’s not that difficult to traverse. What is difficult is discussing my experience because it’s very spoiler heavy.

I’m really starting to feel the weight of my choices. Some of outcomes are good, while others have had serious implications. I’m interested in some of my recent decisions because I’m genuinely torn as to whether or not they were good moves, particularly with Lae’zel and Shadowheart’sstory line. I haven’t been nervous for an outcome in an RPG like this in quite some time.

Speaking of Shadowheart, I think I’m on the verge of finding Nightsong for her. The whole quest line has been phenomenal, especially the optional areas that lead to really fun exploration experiences. And the characters and choices along the way (of this particular companion quest) have been interesting. I can see the ripple effects from my decisions in Act 1 which is a sign of excellent writing.

This game is going to go down as one of my favorite games of all time. And in the RPG space, it’s in my top 3. What a year for 2023 — arguably the greatest year of all time in terms of video games.

@somnambulance Agreed. It’s one of the best survival horror games in years.

I’m unfortunately sick with Covid, so I don’t know how much energy I have for gaming, but I am solely playing Sea of Stars on the PS5. I thought the hype of Starfield and Baulder’s Gate 3 would sway me to put it aside, but alas, the game has its daggers hooked in me quite deep.

It amazes me how the game continues to evolve and get better every hour of playtime. It’s hard not to be charmed due to the engaging characters (Garl, ftw!), and there are so many surprises, particularly with the gameplay and story. The game is expertly paced. You’re constantly doing something new, and nothing outstays its welcome. And then, there are specific references to The Messenger that has me grinning from ear to ear.

Let’s not forget the soundtrack, which is superb. Even my wife, who doesn’t play video games and always wants me to use a headset, was captivated by the score. That says a lot.

I find this game to be an utter masterpiece. This feeling is bolstered by the incredible sales the game has reached — 250k — despite being on PS Plus and Xbox Game Pass. It goes to show that if you make a really solid game, people will buy it. This is what the industry needs.

“Isn't the great game-changer it was built up to be.” This was built up by various media outlets and not necessarily Bethesda, although they had a part in it, undoubtedly. It’s a shame many people think this game “failed”, all the while considering it Bethesda’s best RPG narratively and overall. I don’t understand it, even though the majority of reviewers have scored it 9s and 10s. I understand the game isn’t perfect, but good lord, the discourse surrounding this game is disappointing. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Some people aren’t happy unless they are complaining about something.

P.S. I know my rant says otherwise, but great review.

That’s some great praise. I’ve been avoiding the discourse on Twitter because it’s generally full of trolls and console wars — but from all of the people in my life personally, they absolutely love this game. I shamefully bought the premium edition to get early access, but I’ve yet to play it due to Sea of Stars consuming me. Oh, well — I don’t mind supporting a Bethesda game. I can’t wait to jump in!

This week I finished up Red Dead Redemption on the PS5. It took me about 40 hours to get a 90% completion rate. I’ll more than likely take a break and come back and collect the remaining outfits and treasures I’ve missed along my journey. People can call this a barebones port all they want — the game still looks gorgeous, runs fantastic, and is such a fantastic game narratively. It holds up incredibly well, especially in tone and atmosphere. It’s a masterpiece, and I can’t wait to see where the franchise inevitably goes from here.

My main source of gaming will be focused on Sea of Stars for the PS5. So far, the game is excellent and hits all the right notes for a nostalgic 16-Bit RPG experience, similarly to Chained Echoes last year. Thankfully, this game lives up to my own lofty expectations. It features some of the best pixel art I’ve seen in a game and gorgeous cinematics that is bolstered even more by its charming characters and world. And the soundtrack; my god, it’s amazing. My only real complaint is the lack of a map early on, which is minuscule to begin with. This will be my main priority as I wait for Starfield to release, although I’m tempted to obtain early access by buying the premium addition after reading the rave reviews.

@Fiendish-Beaver I have the same issue with Eurogamer. If it’s not some obscure indie game then it hardly ever gets a fair shake. Plus, a few of their reviewers seem to have a political agenda that I’m not a big fan of; the same goes for Polygon as well. Polygon’s “recommendations” are honestly ridiculous.

This weekend I’m chipping away at the Uncharted Golden Abyss platinum trophy. I did my first play through without a guide and managed to get all weapon related trophies, and half of the treasures. I’m now going to focus on mopping up the rest of what I’ve missed via a guide and complete the game on crushing mode.

The main game I’m playing, however, is Unit 13 on the Vita. It’s the perfect pick up and play type of game, especially when portable. Missions are only a few minutes long, so you always feel like you’re accomplishing something. There’s a ton of replay value too — getting better rankings, unlocking new weapons and attachments, and there is variety between missions. I’ve been playing the game when on my fifteen minute break or my lunch. It’s very addicting.

I’m now eagerly waiting for Blasphemous 2 and Sea of Stars. I don’t know about anyone else - but I’m going to be eating quite well for the next couple of months!

This weekend I’m keeping my gaming pretty light due to work obligations. That said - I’m working my way through Uncharted: Golden Abyss for the first time on the PlayStation Vita. I have the Platinum trophies for Uncharted 1-4, but never got the chance to play this game.

I have to say - I find this game quite remarkable. For starters, the pacing is top notch. Secondly, I’m surprised by how well the controls are, and how the touchscreen isn’t mandatory for the basics - jumping, shooting, and so forth.

Overall, it’s nice to jump back into this universe, particularly when Nolan North is at the helm. Nathan Drake is such a great character. And most importantly, it still feels like an Uncharted game, with its quirky dialog and humor, despite being developed by another studio (Bend).

I’m hoping this game, along with multiple play throughs to get the platinum trophy, will hold me over until Sea of Stars comes out in a couple of weeks.

I’m in Las Vegas on vacation with my wife —we arrived yesterday morning — so I have my PlayStation Vita with me. Obviously, I won’t be playing a ton of stuff, but I am slowly chipping away at The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel II. It’s a slow burn, but it’s an excellent game. I’m really excited to get to Act II to see the story pick up its pace.

I’ll be heading to Vegas soon for vacation so for my flight I decided to bust out my PlayStation Vita this weekend and get a good start on The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel II. I played the first one years ago and loved it, but I accidentally broke my handheld but never got around to playing the rest of the series despite owning a PS4 and now PS5.

I also picked up Gravity Circuit for the PS5. This game is rad. It’s essentially an ode to Mega Man X, only with this your combat is melee based rather than long range weaponry. It’s tough as nails, and I’m not entirely sold on the controls, but if you like 2D action platformers, this is a must play.

I haven’t played much of anything this week since I was on vacation (Blink-182 was amazing live!) and subsequently worked once I got back; however, I finally beat Final Fantasy 16.

I did absolutely everything you can do - all hunts, trials, side quests, and so forth. Personally, I find it the best PS5 exclusive by a quarter mile and I don’t think I’ll ever forget this experience.

As for what I’ll be playing this weekend - I briefly started Killzone: Liberation on the PSP. I’ve been in an old school mood, and I have had this game in my backlog for a long time. So far, it’s fun. It’s definitely a good palate cleanser from the heavy narrative in FFXVI.

I also decided to buy The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel II. I loved and beat the first game many years ago, and then I accidentally broke my PS Vita and never got around to playing the rest of the series even though I owned a PS4 and now a PS5. I considered the game(s) the perfect handheld JRPG experience - but I am getting another PS Vita soon, and I need another game to tide me over until Starfield releases.

I’m not playing anything this weekend because I’m in Nashville, TN with my wife. I surprised her with Blink-182 tickets for her birthday, so we are both excited to celebrate the occasion.

With that said, I’ve still been playing Final Fantasy 16. Unfortunately, I was unable to beat the game before heading out of town, but I am 92% of the way complete, with 64hrs played according to my PSN stats, and 41/50 trophies. I’m taking my time with the game and doing every side quest that comes along.

My thoughts have stayed the same - this game is absolutely incredible. It continues to get better and better as the story progresses, and the side quests - if you do them all as they present themselves - really tell a compelling story towards the end.

The amount of optional cutscenes is fantastic, especially during: Trading Places II; Rekindling the Flame II; Blacksmith Blue’s IV — the side quests that provide signboards to you for the trophy. This, along with the missives that are back at the hideaway provide world-building and character development with fulfilling payoffs.

I’m really looking forward to completing this journey even though I don’t want to end. The last few boss fights and everything leading up to it is phenomenal and I want more. And the soundtrack in its entirety, particularly near the endgame — just wow. Here’s hoping for that potential DLC!

@Cherip-the-Ripper Lol, I’ll tell you what I tell my daughter: You get what you get and you don’t throw a fit. Lol 😂

Really though, I wasn’t expecting to write that much, but I had a lot to say about the game. And yeah, it was me who did it over at PushSquare as well. Haha.

This weekend I’m playing Final Fantasy 16 on the PS5. According to the PSN, I’m 70% through the game clocking in at 44hrs. If that’s the case, it has been some of the best forty hours I’ve experienced in this current generation.

It’s crazy how good FFXVI is, at least to me. There are obvious flaws in the game - level design, the lack of proper RPG elements, and not the greatest of side quests - but I can’t stop thinking about the game. The story is absolutely gripping, with memorable characters and excellent voice acting. And the combat is really damn fun.

Now that I’m over halfway through the game, it has opened up a lot more in terms of content, story, quests, and it truly does get better and better as you progress through the game. I really like the structure of the game. Unlike most RPGs (I’m looking at you, Xenoblade Chronicles) you are never bogged down by a list of mundane side quests and conventions. It’s nice to have only two or three side quests available after a main quest. Some of these side quests may be fetch quests, but they are meaningful with the rewards. And these rewards aren’t just items acquired - it’s the character(s) development and world building.

I’ve heard complaints that say this game is “empty”, and I don’t understand that. We are talking about a linear, narrative driven game. Not every game needs to be this massive open world that has bustling towns and cities, with NPCs that you’ll never remember, and quests that are essentially meaningless.

When I hear people say this game is empty, I am confounded because the locations you visit - and I would classify them more as “levels” - do have some sort of life to them. However, these places are simply a serviceable open playground to fight monsters, go on hunts, and get experience. It’s essentially a means to an end to reach the next story beat. And this is fine because, as I stated earlier, FFXVI is a story driven and linear game, focusing on a handful of characters in order to make it feel more of a personal journey.

Honestly, this may be my favorite FF title. It’s easily my favorite PS5 exclusive at the moment. I’m hoping I can beat the game before I head to Nashville, TN next weekend. Regardless, I’m definitely going to do a NG+ in order to get the Platinum trophy, which is something I rarely do.

This weekend I’m taking a break from Diablo IV and putting in some quality hours in Final Fantasy XVI on the PS5.

So far, the game is excellent. The voice acting is top notch and brings the characters to life. Clive Rosfield and Cid are genuinely deep characters and some of the best in the entire series. And the story is fantastic as well, and well told. It’s dark and twisted, but people seem to forget that FFIV and FFVI are quite similar in nature.

At the moment, I have a love hate relationship with the action. This is certainly a proper FF game through and through with “random” enemy encounters, albeit not turn based. Combat is fast, kinetic, but also as monotone or deep as you want it to be, which is great. With that said, sometimes it’s hard to actually see what’s happening - the vibrant colors overcrowd the screen and it’s hard for me to grasp what’s happening until it’s too late.

Keeping in line with RPGs, I downloaded and purchased Rogue Galaxy. It’s a game I sadly never got the chance to play in the PS2 era even though I’ve always wanted to. I’ve heard nothing but positive things about the game, so I’m looking forward to diving into that this weekend.

I’m still playing Diablo 4 on my XSX. I don’t have much new to say - the game is still fantastic. I’m currently in Act IV, received a mount (finally), and reached level 50. From here on out, I’m gonna focus on the main story so I can start some new characters to tackle more dungeons and side quests. Oh, and trying not to die by The Butcher for the third time.

I also decided to buy Final Fantasy XVI for the PS5. Let me preface this by saying I did not play the demo, and I avoided all spoilers or discussion regarding it. I haven’t played much, but I did beat the prologue. Holy smokes. The production value alone is mind blowing; but ending of the introduction had me in genuine shock and awe. That stuff was dark as hell, and I love it. I can’t wait to see what happens next.

This game used to rotate on my N64 between Goldeneye 007 and Mario Kart 64 when I was a kid playing with my older brother and friends. I would definitely love a remastered version similar to Quake on Xbox Game Pass, of which I’ll probably replay this weekend because why not?

This weekend I’m playing Diablo 4. This game is an absolute blast. I convinced my best friend to buy the game, and now he can’t put it down. This is the first time in years that we have played a game cooperatively, whether with each other or someone else. It’s been really fun, too. We have just reached Act II, as we take our time and do everything we possibly can before venturing off into the main quest.

I chose the Barbarian class. I’m currently working on a crowd control build, and let me tell you - it’s absolutely sensational. My best friend is also playing as a Barbarian, and it’s interesting to see how drastic our builds are; it’s almost as if we are two different classes altogether.

With all of that said - I do have a secondary character that is a Rogue, and I’ll occasionally use him to play cooperatively. This is primarily due to having somewhat of a variety when playing together.

I also find the (side) quests to be fantastic. One in particular stood out titled Malady of the Soul. It turns out to be a lengthy 3-parter that has a good narrative with memorable characters. Another quest that is unforgettable for me is called “Cries of Innocence” (Black Asylum). It is a very twisted story involving a father and son, and it has left a lasting impression.

Overall, the grind and addiction is real. The dopamine I receive from this game is on another level. I can’t wait to play more once I’m off work tonight.

I never expected this game to be 60fps due to the scope of it. For those who do, I personally think they have unrealistic expectations. I, for one, can’t wait for this game.

I’m all for this game. Wasteland 3 was excellent and had superb writing, and the RPG elements really shined throughout.

I see hints of BioShock (Infinite) in this trailer, and that’s a huge plus for me. With that all said, I really dislike the name “Clockwork Revolution”. It doesn’t sound all that appealing. Oh well - if the game is good, that’s all that matters.

This is great news. I absolutely loved Dead Island 2. It had a fantastic campaign, fun characters, and never outstayed its welcome.

I would like to see the game have more horror elements, but I can’t complain regardless.

Neon White was one of my favorite games last year. This is awesome news! I can’t wait to replay it.

I’m also very excited for Sea of Stars. I love The Messenger, and I can’t wait to see how this game turns out. The only problem is that it’s so close to Starfield. Regardless, having too many good games is never a bad thing.

@RBRTMNZ Again, no. You said you won’t play the game, so I said bye. It’s pretty cut and dry.

@RBRTMNZ I’m perfectly fine — I just said bye. If you don’t want to play this game then okay, cya later. If you’re taking offense to that, then perhaps you’re reading too much into things.

@FatalBubbles I get wanting 60fps; I think we would all want that. And I also get the false marketing on the box of the Series X. With that said, every console will have its limitations, and so will the games.

We are talking about a Bethesda game. They create incredible worlds with a lot of scope and depth. Starfield is going to seemingly be bigger than every mainline Bethesda game combined. And not only in size, but also quests, settlements, ships, companions, quests, and “1000 planets” to explore. Something had to give, and if that’s 60fps then so be it. And if it is bothersome to you, feel free to try and make a video game of your own on this level of scale and have it be 60fps.

I don’t expect miracles, but I guess other people do. If this game runs smoothly right out of the gate, I think the argument about 30fps and 60fps for this game in particular will be irrelevant.

@RBRTMNZ Bye bye 👋

30fps does not bother me in the slightest when it comes to this game. If it’s as massive as Bethesda and crew are saying, I find it nearly impossible to have it running at 60fps.

To be honest, I haven’t been sold on the game at all, or even slightly interested in it, until now. That was possibly one of the best (singular) video game showcases I’ve ever seen.

This weekend I’m playing Diablo IV (Xbox Series X). I finally beat The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom after 120+ hours, and it has gone down as my favorite game of all time. I obviously haven’t done everything in the game - but I’ll come back to it after a well deserved break.

As for Diablo IV - this is such a great game. I’m surprised by how well it functions right out of the gate. It seems quite balanced in its current state, so I’m interested in seeing how future patches and updates tinker that.

I’m really liking the darker and grittier tone of this game more than I did in Diablo 3, all the while keeping 3’s combat in this game. It’s the best of both worlds. I’m currently playing as a Rogue, and I’m pleased by how fun this class can be. It has such an insane amount of options for the build of your preference. I enjoy being able to attack from a distance, or be up close and personal. If you choose the right skill abilities from the start, you will never be at a disadvantage regardless of your play style.

Overall, I’ve been eating good the past month. Diablo IV will no doubt keep my entertained for months to come. So, bring on Hell, baby.

Honestly, if Hellblade 2 can get a confirmed release slated for this year, and Avowed gameplay with a possible release for Spring of next year, and some surprise Game Pass announcements such as SMT on the service and maybe even Perfect Dark (N64) remastered, then that will be quite successful in my book. Plus, Phil Spencer did say to expect more games similar to Goldeneye 007. I’m really hoping to see more about those games.

I actually don’t think they need to go “all out”, but they do need to give us something to genuinely look forward to for the next six months. And, if Starfield can truly deliver, then Xbox should be eating good for the foreseeable future.

The one game I want more than any other is Singularity. If this Activision/Blizzard deal goes through, I sincerely hope we will see the game on Game Pass at some point.

This weekend I’m still playing The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. I had to take a four day hiatus since last Friday due to work and family obligations, but I was finally able to pick it back up yesterday, and I made some fun progress.

So far, I’m roughly 80hrs in. I’ve finally unlocked the entire base map and have completed all of the main dungeons/temples. I’ve gotta say - the temple in Gerudo Town was absolutely brilliant. I loved the entire quest line.

Regardless of the hours I’ve poured in, I’m still being surprised by little secrets here and there. In fact, I randomly found the auto-build feature, which in itself was a fun discovery. And with this unearthing, it brings forth two more quests that are extremely valuable to you.

Speaking of, I have fully upgraded my Purah Pad, found the last geoglyph I needed, and retrieved the Master Sword - a quest that simply gave me chills. I’ve also restored The Lost Woods and The Great Deku Tree, bested Master Kohga of the Yiga Clan, and unlocked all memories.

Now it’s time to fight Ganondorf, but before I do I’m going to spend more time in the depths and explore more mysterious things down there. I’m also planning on obtaining each domain’s prized weapon(s) by scouring for diamonds, and tackling side quests.

Overall, I’m simply blown away by how deep this game is, and how there are mysteries around every corner that continuously amaze me. Here is to another week of playing this masterpiece.

I’m still playing the fantastic The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. My affinity for this game has only increased over time — it’s a masterpiece, and will go down as one of, if not the best game of all time.

I just discovered the auto-build feature, and it has come in handy tremendously. Furthermore, the quest to obtain this ability was incredibly fun, and I happened to stumble upon it by happenstance.

Speaking of quests, the main objectives are truly a joy. I’ve been tackling them a little bit more, and reaching the Water Temple was a real blast — literally. That said, some of the initial quests with the Zora was a little confusing with not a lot of context.

Furthermore, I’m 50 hours in, and I’m still experiencing new things. Last night, I discovered a really cool shrine in a unique way. I found this sky island that had a device that you could interact with. Nearby had a shield that is literally meant for sledding. If you activate it, it creates a green orb that you can sled down and through, and it becomes a relay race of sorts. If you manage to pass through all of the circles without them disappearing it will turn into a shrine to explore.

Overall, I’m still taking my time with this game. I’m continuing making notes and reveling in all of its brilliant glory - and being blown away by the game nearly every second, and around every corner.

I’ll have to pass. I used to love Ubisoft, but as of the past 10-15 years, if you’ve played one Ubisoft game then you have played them all.

Until they can evolve their open world formula, they will continue to be a mediocre business, which is sad to say since they were once one the top dogs in the industry.

This weekend is dedicated to The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. I apologize in advance if this is long and tedious.

I have spent 20hrs + in this game and I haven’t done much of anything yet (I’ve wanted to spend more time with it, but alas, I work full time and I’m married with a child) which is not a bad thing. I’ve done a handful of shrines, completed one main quest after receiving the paraglider - the one involving the Hebra Mountains. Other than that, I’ve done nothing but explore and experience the game at my own pace, in my own unique and personal expedition.

I’m not going to sugarcoat it - this might be the greatest game ever made, and that is surprising to me because I was lukewarm on BoTW. Here, the majority of elements that I wasn’t keen on in BoTW have been revamped with something I thoroughly enjoy: rewarding exploration. In the first game, exploration wasn’t exciting because all it led to was a shrine, or a treasure chest that had five arrows in it, but it took a lot of work to get it. The risk vs. reward wasn’t worth it.

In this game, exploration is so much more rewarding. You can discover caves and wells, some of which contain side quests, shrines, and extra areas to explore if you look closely for destructible walls; or just an enchanting view that creates an innate reaction to reach that location but you’ll end up getting sidetracked because there is a mystery around every corner that is provided a genuine sense of wonder. Everything seems to have depth and layers to it the more you peel away at it.

I want to bring up a slight spoiler (I don’t know how to fade it out; apologies in advance) - I was exploring a location near a sky view tower. It’s a well hidden cave. As I trekked my way down to the bottom I discovered a shrine. It was on the other side of the cave, upon a ledge you’d have to climb up to. When I jumped down to make my way forward, I got ambushed by a group of gloom hands. I panicked, of course, and used a lot of my weapons and arrows to dismantle them. I thought, “That was tough, but I pulled through, despite losing a few hearts to the gloom.” Immediately after killing them, a boss fight triggered and it was a Phantom Ganon that was in the form of the gloom. It was such a surprising moment - an Elden Ring-ish type of discovery - that blew me away.

And these types of moments keep happening. Again. And again. This game is a GOAT. The Last of Us has always been my favorite game of all time, and I never thought anything could surpass it due to how I connected to it on so many different levels - but ToTK might overtake that spot, which is wild because I haven’t even scratched the surface of this game.