Rounding out the year by finishing 4 (well more like 3) games. Finished with a more respectable total.
Games completed this month
Spider-Man: Miles Morales – PS5
Think I enjoyed this more than the main Spider-Man game. Granted it is much shorter, but also had a lot less of the open-world ‘busy work’ that I find tedious. Also helped that it’s all set in a snowy December, probably the first time I’ve really been impressed by ray-tracing, the night levels look great.
This* is the edition I picked up, it’s a bit more expensive than I found it for on eBay though.
Forza Horizon 5 – Xbox Series S & PC
I think I ‘finished’ this in November, but forgot I’d achieved the Hall of Fame space that marked the end of the story. Wanted to include it so it didn’t get missed altogether, but I will be spending more time with the game anyway.
Best way to get this is still to buy GamePass*
Unpacking – PC
A pretty short game, took around two hours to play through in one sitting. It’s a very satisfying “putting things away” sim, but with a lot of heart. Very much enjoyed my time with it, and it is definitely worth a look. Specially if you have GamePass.
Again, buy GamePass*
Cthulhu Saves Christmas – Switch
After finishing Miles Morales I was ready for another Christmas themed game and this was on sale on the Switch eShop for less than a fiver. Another short one at only 4 or so hours, but it was a lot of fun.
Games played during December
Animal Crossing New Horizons – Switch
Played quite a lot throughout December, enjoying the snow and festive activity. After only managing one perfect snowman out of 5 attempts though I gave up on that part.
Traditional Amazon link*.
Duke Nukem 3D: World Tour – PS Vita
Had a bit of an itch to play the Christmas expansion pack for Duke, Nuclear Winter. I’d forgotten that it’s missing from the “Megaton” edition that came out a few years after this World Tour – 20th Anniversary one. So after firing up my Switch and discovering the version I have on there doesn’t have Nuclear Winter, I dug out my PS Vita and played a bit on there instead.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Switch
Of course it wouldn’t be Christmas without some local multiplayer and a few rounds of Mario Kart. Essential.
You don’t have this* already? For shame.
What’s been on the arcade?
With all the Christmas going on, I haven’t been on the cabinet as much. I did play a fair bit of Super Pang for the Ten Pence Arcade game of the month, which is excellent. However I didn’t play enough to really improve my score so I’m going to be disappointed by the leaderboard I think.
December Pick-ups
Neo Geo Pocket Color Selection Vol 1 – Switch
A Christmas gift from my sister, I’ve had my eye on this for a while. I loved my Neo Geo Pocket Color, receiving it for Christmas the year it launched in the UK. This compilation plays perfectly with 10 of the games that are not available to play anywhere else. The fighting games and Metal Slug ports are worth it, but had been available separately from the Switch store. The real star here for me is Neo Turf Masters, one of my favourite ever golf games.
Amazon link* if you were interested in this one, it’s a solid collection but it’ll help if you have some familiarity with the system already.
*As usual, these links are affiliate ones, which may earn me a small commission if you buy something.