It’s been way too long since I wrote anything. I’m supposed to be doing two posts a week, and yet I haven’t posted anything since my Donkey Kong Bananza review. That doesn’t mean I haven’t been playing anything though. So, I thought that before I jump back into updating the blog regularly, I would do a post with some quick thoughts on games I’ve played in the downtime.

Doom: The Dark Ages

If you’ve been reading this blog for a long time now, you might remember that Doom (2016) was the first game I awarded Game of the Year to. I wasn’t as hot on it’s sequel, Doom Eternal, but was still really looking forward to The Dark Ages. One of the big things that I didn’t enjoy in Eternal was the platforming sequences, which thankfully, The Dark Ages scales back to being more just running and gunning. It does have some levels that mix things up, like riding a dragon around a castle and attacking specific targets or piloting a giant mech and punching massive creatures, and those are fine, but most of the game is exactly what I’m looking for from Doom. I unfortunately didn’t finish the game, but I really liked what I played and would like to go back.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

I don’t play as many traditional turned based RPGs as I used to, but every once in a while, one really hits for me. That was Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 for me this year. It has a really good story, which is usually what sticks with me in these kind of games, but in this case, it was the gameplay that really stood out for me. It has a very active battle system, where you can dodge or parry enemy attacks with carefully timed button presses. This makes for very difficult fights where you have to stay on your toes to not take hits and deal extra damage. It also means that you actually take down bosses that you are not an appropriate level for if your timing is good enough. I’ve mentioned before that I never really understood Soulslike games until I beat the first big boss in Elden Ring. The feeling I got from that fight was very similar to the feelings I got throughout the second half of the game. I would finish a fight absolutely exhausted but also ready to do it all over again. I did finish Expedition 33 and think I might do it again when I can find the time.

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater

I know it’s kind of blasphemous to say, but Metal Gear Solid 3 has always been my least favorite Metal Gear game. It has a really good story, but also one that lacks that crazy, mind-bending twists that the series is known for. It also has some gameplay additions, like healing and eating, that simply aren’t fun. I still really like the game though, so I absolutely picked up the remake, Delta. This is a really good remake, but it didn’t do anything to change my opinion. Well worth playing through though.

Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles

Growing up, I always really wanted to get through Final Fantasy Tactics, but it was just too hard for me. Thankfully, this new release includes an easy mode, and I have no shame in choosing to play it that way. I’m now further into that game than I’ve ever been, but have still lost fights. I guess that means I’m not any better at it than I was in high school, but at least there’s now a difficulty that makes sense for someone who sucks like me. I’m really enjoying it.

Silent Hill f

I didn’t buy Silent Hill f right away because even with how good last year’s Silent Hill 2 remake was, I wasn’t quite ready to trust a new Silent Hill. But after seeing some positive buzz, I picked the game up and I’m really glad I did. Despite not actually taking place in the town of Silent Hill, this new game nails the vibe of the old ones while also feeling like it’s own thing. My one big criticism is that I did not enjoy the combat, and unfortunately, there’s a lot of unavoidable fights. But that was not enough to sour me on the game as a whole.

Playdate Season 2

I had big plans to cover Playdate Season 2 as the games came out, but then that didn’t happen at all. But I will say, I really enjoyed all the games that were included in this season! I especially liked Dig Dig Dino, which is a pretty simple puzzle games about digging up dinosaur bones and Shadowgate PD, which is the official port of an NES favorite. If you have a Playdate and haven’t already, Season 2 is definitely worth the pick up.

Pokemon Legends: Z-A

I’m not going to talk a whole lot about Pokemon Legends: Z-A because I think I might still write a full review of it. But I really like this game, it’s a lot of fun.

And that’s my catch up post! Hopefully I won’t fall off another cliff and you can expect more posts regularly again. Maybe even a new Random Game Wednesdays in a couple days. We’ll see.