Quite a bit to cover again, played a few different games. Most likely because we decided to take the month off before we start the next big Japanese RPG in September.
Games completed this month
Death Smiles 2 – Switch
I suspect this is equivalent to just playing on very easy, but I managed a 1 credit completion of Death Smiles 2. “Rank 1” in the console mode but I’ll take it.
I picked up the physical copy of Death Smiles 1&2 as mentioned in a recent blog, at time of writing it’s also on sale at Amazon*.
Coffee Talk – Xbox Series X
Basically started playing this as a friend was questioning the validity of it as a game. It’s a fun little visual novel style story, running a coffee shop in a world where the customers include vampires and werewolves etc. I enjoyed it, and as it is on GamePass it was simple to give it a go.
Forza Horizon 5: Hot Wheels – Xbox Series X
Finished all the new content in Hot Wheels, had a great time and carried on doing some of the seasonal stuff for a bit but now I might have a break again for a while.
Again I’m playing on GamePass, but if you would prefer to own it on disc you can buy it here*. If you are on GamePass like me, this bundle of extras* includes both Hot Wheels and the next expansion as well as other content like extra cars.
Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan – PS5
Played this story through with my girlfriend, after Until Dawn it did feel very familiar. It’s a really nice touch for these that you choose characters to control at the start though and then the game prompts you to take over when it is that characters part of the story. Looking forward to playing the next one now. Little Hope.
This game was free this month with PlayStation Plus, but if you missed it I think it goes on sale often on the eshop, or can be had physical for relatively cheap from Amazon* too.
Games played during August
Forza Horizon 4 – Xbox Series X
Played a bit more of this alongside Forza Horizon 5 just doing some of the things I didn’t finish last time round, mostly on the Treasure Island expansion.
It’s still on GamePass, but also quite cheap here* if you don’t have that and want to check it out.
Mario Kart 8 – Nintendo Switch
The next 8 tracks from the Booster Pass came out, although I think I only played three of them. Need to go back to it really.
Nintendo Wii
I’d been having a bit of a craving to play some GameCube and Nintendo Wii games, I haven’t done much more yet than set the Wii back up but at least it’s ready now for when the craving strikes again.
Animal Crossing New Horizons – Nintendo Switch
As my girlfriend is playing Animal Crossing, I’ve found myself getting back into it too. I’m sure I’m still missing a couple of sea critters but they’re not back in season till March…
Destiny 2 – PC & Xbox Series X
Destiny 2 had a bit of an event launching the pre-order for the next expansion, got me interested to play with friends again. I picked up the previous expansion Witch Queen for my Xbox (also included in the pick-ups below) and Epic Game Store gave away the 30th Anniversary pack for free on the PC, so I’ve been playing a bit on both. I still have no idea what is going on, but I am enjoying myself.
Halo 4 (Master Chief Collection) – Xbox Series X
Thanks to my friend recently picking up an Xbox Series X and GamePass, we have finally been able to pick up our co-op playthroughs of the Halo games. Starting where we left off.
What’s been on the arcade?
The Ten Pence Arcade podcast had a good game for August that I’d never previously heard of. Guzzler, an interesting but challenging maze game. I entirely failed to get a decent score, but very much enjoyed dabbling with it.
August Pick-ups
Warlock of Firetop Mountain – Nintendo Switch
This was like 80p. Suspect it may be terrible but it looked too interesting to pass up for that much.
Project Cars 2 – PC
Heard good things about this in VR, and it was inexpensive. Just as well, I’m terrible at it and haven’t finished a race. I might come back to it, but it’s not Forza so…
Destiny 2: Witch Queen – Xbox Series X
With the event happening around Destiny 2, the expansions went on sale. Thanks to Microsoft Rewards on GamePass I had around £45 worth in store credit, so I used half of it to pick up Witch Queen and the season pass without spending any money.
They Bleed Pixels – Nintendo Switch
Another cheap pick up, this time for less than £2 in the eshop sale on Switch. I played it a lot on PC a few years ago. Not sure if I’ll play it again but for that price I thought I’d get it on the off chance.
Games Retired this month
Uncharted 4 – PS4
This was one of my 2022 “to play” list. I enjoyed it for a few hours, though I think I’m just over this gameplay loop. The action set pieces are fun, but each time you move into a new area of enemies to deal with I just find myself wanting to do literally anything other than stumble over the clumsy stealth mechanics again. I tried.
*As usual, these links are affiliate ones, which may earn me a small commission if you buy something.