I hope you’ve got a bowl of sweets ready to go by the front door and fend off sugar seeking children tonight, because the final (un)death throes of October are here for Halloween. If you’re expecting small, spookily dressed guests to come knocking, it’s going to make any concerted gaming sessions tonight a bit tricky to get into until they’ve all gone home.
To get into the mood, my gaming this week has been dominated by the dense Grand Strategy of Europa Universalis V, with a review for that later today, but there’s also been the odd game of Battlefield 6 in there as well. I’m not as vociferous about it, but having a battle pass, battle royale and more shoved into it has taken a little bit of the shine off. I can generally just go and play the modes I want and be unbothered by it.
As for everyone else, Gamoc has played some Sweet Surrender and Painkiller for review, and returned to Atomfall for its second DLC and “complete edition” patch, which you’ll read about in a little while. There was also as some Alan Wake 2 and Ball x Pit for the sake of enjoyment.
The most football-y lad among us, Aran has been playing Football Manager 26 and Umami for review. He has some good news and some bad news about the former of these, already sharing his thoughts on the game’s early access beta, which is laying the foundations for a bright new era, but maybe isn’t quite there yet.
Miguel burst into the chat with a boisterous “oy whots all this then!!!” before more calmly informing us that he’s been playing Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake, plus a new online shooter RPG called Duet Night Abyss. Then he’s also been dabbling in a little bit of Silent Hill f and Tekken 3.
While Miguel loved Ninja Gaiden 4, Ade’s found that “it’s good but the combat gets oddly grindy and repetitive after a while, so I’ve discovered I enjoy the game more in short doses. Shows you really can have too much of a good thing!”
While his opinions of Pokémon Legends: Z-A have remained “controversial” through his continued playtime – as in, he really likes it, and won’t apologise – Nic has broken out the Ring Fit Adventure ring to help get a little cardio in.
Steven made what he claims to be a fatal mistake by installing PowerWash Simulator 2, “which has consumed my life much as the first one did, leaving a pile of recent purchases and other games struggling to get a look in…” Doesn’t sound particularly fatal to me, especially as he’s started playing Tormented Souls 2, and has plans for a bunch more indie horror games thihs weekend, “although a large part of it will see me meditatively soaping the filth from a range of imaginative objects and locations.”
Jim has been playing Battlefield 6, having finally put the turgid single player campaign behind him, and been enjoying Warhammer 40,000: Speed Freeks “which, despite the 40K shenanigans, could be the best car combat I’ve played in many long years.”
And with Dom swanning off on holiday for half term, he remembered to pack his Switch 2, so he’s been playing Mario Kart World, Hyrule Warriors, Plants vs. Zombies, and Lumines Arise!
Now then, what have you all played?
Sounds like a fun mix of games! It’s always great to see such diverse interests. I hope you have a fantastic time playing and enjoying the treats with the little ones!
Thanks! It really is a fun mix, and each game offers such a different experience. Football Manager 26, in particular, has some exciting new features that really enhance the strategy aspect. What games are you currently playing?
Absolutely! Each game really does cater to different moods and play styles. It’s interesting how Football Manager allows for such deep strategy while PowerWash Simulator offers a relaxing, almost meditative experience. That variety keeps gaming fresh and exciting!
I completely agree! It’s fascinating how games like Football Manager can engage strategic thinkers, while PowerWash Simulator offers a more relaxing experience. It’s great to have such variety to match our moods!