I didn’t finish any games in November, I thought we were doing surprisingly well this year. Depending how December goes though, we might get a couple more in before the end of the year.
Games played during November
Axiom Verge 2 – PS5
I did get back to this for a bit, but then got distracted by something else. Hopefully not the end for Axiom Verge 2 because it’s definitely good. Just might be a bit before I get to it again.
Vampire Survivors: Ode to Castlevania DLC – Xbox Series X
I have played a lot of this, but still around 30 unlocks to go. Having a great time and will definitely stick with it.
Day of the Tentacle Remastered – Xbox Series X
My current GamePass daily rewards game. Still going.
Gears 5 – Xbox Series X
Went back to this in co-op, but mixed up which Gears game I was playing with which friend. Had an entertaining moment of resuming in the middle of Act 3 with someone who had clearly never played the Gears 5 campaign at all before.
Colin McRae 2.0 – SteamDeck (PS1)
Following my move to BlueSky and discovering a lot of friends I used to talk to on the platform previously known as Twitter, I got into a bit of chat with a mate about how we’d never really played this game properly. So now we are. It’s very nice to play on the SteamDeck, and I’ve been really enjoying it. Not sure if I’ll manage to finish the world rally though, I’m struggling in Australia.
What’s been on the arcade?
Just Ten Pence Arcade to thank for the games I’ve been on again, more Demon Front and the new choice, Spelunker. Not sure this ones for me to be honest.
Games purchased this month
Spider-Man 2 – PS5
Finally got round to grabbing this, picked up a physical copy from CeX with a bunch of store credit I’ve had for a while. Only played the first hour but this is what’s derailed Axiom Verge 2 again.
UFO 50 – PC
Had my eye on this when it came out, but missed the initial discount. It was in the Steam Sale though so I’ve got it now. Yet to load it up, but I’ve installed it on the deck where it seems like a perfect fit.
Games retired during November
Alan Wake 2: The Lake House – PS5
I played a bit more of this but still wasn’t really enjoying it. Then my friend whose game library I share bought herself a PS5 Pro and now owns two consoles, so we had to stop sharing, and it was her copy of Alan Wake 2 I played. Definitely don’t care enough about this DLC to buy the whole thing myself.
*As usual, these links are affiliate ones (if I’ve actually included any), which may earn me a small commission if you buy something.
A few completions again this month, including one that wasn’t at all on my radar but got its hooks in me when it arrived on GamePass. Also just realised I’m not about much this week, so if I didn’t get this out today it’ll be heading into the middle of the month before I publish.
Games completed this month
Cocoon – Xbox Series X
Yes after completion my sentiments remain the same, it was good, and some of the puzzling was really fun. However, it doesn’t come close to Limbo or Inside for me.
Vampire Survivors – Xbox Series X
You know the drill, a big content patch arrives with loads of new unlocks – including achievements for playing through the main Adventures. I complete them all, and count it as completing the game again. Excellent.
Inscryption – Xbox Series X
This was the surprise drop on GamePass that I got into. Wasn’t planning on playing Inscryption, but when I saw it pop up in the newly added list I remembered hearing about it on the DLC podcast and they had been very positive. Thought it was worth a look. Proceeded to do not much else until I rolled credits. Great fun as a roguelite deck-building game, with some very cool meta things going on too. Creepy and well worth playing.
Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons – Xbox Series X
I did try this a while back when it was free on PS+ for the PlayStation 3. Didn’t really grab me then, but I thought I’d give it another shot as my next daily achievement gameplay for the Xbox Rewards. I did get to the end, but definitely don’t hold it in as high regard as others seem to.
Games played during October
Axiom Verge 2 – PS5
Well, I just about started this, and then the game below appeared and I immediately dropped it for that. Hoping to come back to it though, I liked the hour I played.
Alan Wake 2: The Lake House – PS5
Alan Lake. Well as above, new Alan Wake DLC appeared so I dropped Axiom Verge and then started this instead. However, once the Vampire Survivors DLC turned up in the purchases below, I realised I’ll probably not play much of anything else till that’s done. This DLC seems good but hasn’t got it’s hooks in as quickly as the last one did. Feels a bit like Control so far, I need to push on I think.
Day of the Tentacle Remastered – Xbox Series X
Next up for the daily achievement hunt on Xbox, this classic point and click. I never properly played it first time round so should be fun. It does do the cool “switch between old and new graphics with one button” thing which is always satisfying.
What’s been on the arcade?
Another month not playing a great deal on the arcade cab, but I have spent a little time with the latest Ten Pence Arcade game, Demon Front.
Games purchased this month
PRIM – PC
Well I didn’t really purchase it as the publisher sent me a steam key. Looks interesting though so hopefully be one I get round to playing and talking about.
Vampire Survivors: Ode to Castlevania DLC – Xbox Series X
The most obvious DLC, but also what I would have considered the least likely when the game first came out. Vampire Survivors used a whole bunch of Castlevania assets to create the original game, but now we’ve come full circle with the biggest DLC pack yet, adding mountains of licenced Castlevania content. I’ve had a very quick go, but it only came out on Halloween so I’m yet to get properly stuck in.
Games retired during October
Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom – Xbox Series X
Well I gave it a good crack, but I did not enjoy the weird skirmishes and they put me right off. Found I didn’t feel like loading the game back up after they appeared. A shame because I loved the first game, and was enjoying this up to that point.
*As usual, these links are affiliate ones (if I’ve actually included any), which may earn me a small commission if you buy something.
Only the one completion this month, but it’s been a busy one for everything else. I managed to get away to various locations along the coast for three separate breaks. Well two breaks and a mini-triathlon anyway.
Games completed this month
Botany Manor – Xbox Series X
This month’s game played to complete Xbox Reward quests. I quite like having something chilled to progress a bit at a time, and this was very mellow. Not particularly challenging but a few interesting puzzles along the way and these plants lived a lot longer than any I’ve attempted to keep alive in the real world.
Games played during September
Returnal – PS5
Dabbled a bit more with this but haven’t made any real progress. Got a bit distracted playing shmups and now I fancy a change of pace for a bit.
Caladrius Blaze – PS4/5
Played while revisiting some of my old shmups, creepy artwork aside (that you can thankfully disable), this is a pretty entertaining time. Gradually chipping away at completions with the different characters though I’m unlikely to be getting any single credit completions any time soon.
Castlevania Advance Collection – Nintendo Switch
With the recent release of the Castlevania Domunius collection, which collates the previously Nintendo Switch exclusive Castlevania games, I managed to stop myself from buying it immediately by going back and playing this one. I made a start on Castlevania Aria of Sorrow which I should really try and finish before I get the new collection.
Cocoon – Xbox Series X
After finishing Botany Manor, this was the next GamePass game up for daily progress. I’m enjoying it, but not as much as their previous games, Limbo and Inside.
Assault Android Cactus – Xbox Series X
More shmup good times, this time one I originally played on Steam. I picked up the Xbox version some time ago and in my head I was sure I’d finished it. Discovered recently that I was barely half way though, so have been dropping back in.
Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom – Xbox Series X
Which brings us to the change of pace. It’s been a while since I played an RPG, and I really enjoyed the first game so I figured I’d check out the sequel while it’s on GamePass. Enjoying it so far, but I’ve only just got to the Strategy elements so we’ll see how well I stick with it now.
What’s been on the arcade?
I have mostly just played a bit of Yie Ar Kung Fu. The cab hasn’t been on a great deal, mostly because I’ve been away so much.
Games purchased this month
Laptop (not really a game, but still)
In the ongoing saga of me trying to establish a system to use my Sinden light guns that could perhaps be built into my next arcade cabinet, I figured out it would be cheaper to use my existing gaming PC to power this, and just replace it with a cheap system that I could use as a desktop PC for the bits of browsing and any creativity etc. I might do. I was originally looking at mini pcs, but realised a laptop hooked up to the docking station I use with my work laptop would give me much more flexibility. After a bit of research I found a good deal on a Lenovo IdeaPad, it’s a 16″ Laptop with AMD Ryzen 5 cpu, RTX 3050 gpu and, 512 GB ssd. It’s just enough of a gaming machine if I do want to play some strategy games at my desk, but now my main PC is in the lounge thinking it’s a console. At some point I need to start configuring it for the guns.
*As usual, these links are affiliate ones (if I’ve actually included any), which may earn me a small commission if you buy something.
A bit late with the round up I think, but here we are.
Top 5 played in 2023
1. Octopath Traveler 2 – PlayStation 5
Didn’t quite finish Octopath Traveler 2 in 2023 but almost, and I was playing it for most of the year. It improves on the first, already great, game in every way, but without changing anything too dramatic. At some point I’ll be revisiting that All Time Top JRPG post again…
Also available on PC and Switch, but I played this PS5 version*.
2. Dead Cells & DLC – Xbox Series X
I didn’t see this coming at all. When I first tried Dead Cells I bounced off pretty hard. I don’t have a great track record with roguelike/lites (or at least I didn’t until the Vampire Survivors model appeared). However, when the Castlevania DLC got announced I knew I’d want to play that so I tried again. It really hooked me, and I ended up playing over 80 hours and all 4 DLC packs.
I played on Xbox, where the base game was on GamePass and I just purchased the DLC. These multiple platform versions here* on Amazon contain the base game and all 4 DLC packs up to and including the Castlevania one.
3. Forza Horizon 5 – Rally Adventure
Once again Forza Horizon puts in an appearance. This didn’t have as long a tail as previous versions though. The janky multiplayer is a continuing disappointment, don’t really understand what the problem is there. Anyway I really enjoyed the new content, and played until I’d done 100% of the additional stuff.
Best way to get Forza Horizon is still to buy GamePass* then the premium DLC bundle. It might be cheaper to buy from the Xbox Store direct, but you can get it from Amazon*.
4. Street Fighter 6 – Xbox Series X
This might be my favourite Street Fighter, I’m just not sure if it’s surpassed Street Fighter IV though. I haven’t played as much as I’d expected to, but Octopath is to blame for that as much as it is for everything else I didn’t play. I am very happy with the new arcade stick* I bought to play it with though, so all good.
5. Humanity – PlayStation 5
I almost didn’t pick this up, as so much fuss was made about it as a VR title (exclusive to PSVR2) that I thought it would be a waste trying to play before I had that. Fortunately I was able to try it at someone else’s house, and discovered that it’s a great game even playing on a television. I’ve since tried it in VR, and to be honest, I think I prefer it flat.
Also mention:
Vampire Survivors – Xbox Series X
My favourite game in 2022, almost appeared in the top 5 again for 2023. There were two more DLC packs for it, as well as a bunch more free content, and I played it all. There are quite a few good clones of the game appearing now and I expect to be playing more of those as well as anything else that gets added to Vampire Survivors during 2024.
10 games for 2024
As usual I like to set out a few games I intend to play over the coming year, so that I can mostly ignore the list and fail entirely. From last years list, I did play (and still expect to complete) Octopath Traveler 2. I also played Harvestella and Castlevania: Circle of the Moon, but ended up abandoning them. I’ve kept 3 others on the list below, and scrapped the rest for now.
1. God of War: Ragnarok – PS5
I did buy this last year as planned, but I ended up spending most of the year playing Octopath Traveller 2 and never getting round to starting it. It’s definitely up soon though, not starting another 40+ hour game until after I’ve played this!
It’s come down a bit since launch, Amazon* does have a few quid off RRP atm.
2. Alan Wake 2 – PS5
At time of writing I’ve actually made a start with this one, but only started in January so I’m counting it. I adored the first game, and most of what I have heard of this sequel has been positive so I’m on board.
3. Spider-Man 2 – PS5
I didn’t get round to picking this up last year, I was still playing Octopath when it came out. It’s firmly on the list for 2024 though. I’m pretty certain I’ll manage these first 3 games, regardless of what happens to the rest of the list…
4. StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void – PC
Thanks to Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard, and the subsequent exiting of Bobby Kotick I feel a little bit better about reinstalling Battle.net, and playing their games again. As such, it’s time to dust off the final part of this campaign trilogy, and actually play it this year.
5. Llamasoft: The Jeff Minter Story – PC or PS5
Only just found out this was a thing due out in 2024, but as a collection / tribute to my favourite games developer I am definitely in. This is coming from Digital Eclipse, who put together the excellent Atari 50 compilation. I’m currently leaning towards getting it on PC, but it may be another PS5 titles. We’ll see.
6. Half-life – PC
After all the years I’ve played this, I don’t think I’ve ever actually completed the campaign. Last year Valve released a free update for the game, adding support for modern hardware and higher resolutions. Last year I finally completed Quake 2, so I think it’s time to finally see the end of Half-life and tick off another classic.
7. Sea of Stars – Xbox Series X
In my JRPG era, it seems I should definitely have one on the list. Considering Octopath Traveler 2 was over 100 hours long and derailed last years plans, I’ve gone for something that should be a bit shorter. At least until my little gaming group settles on a new communal JRPG to play anyway.
8. Axiom Verge 2 – PC or PS5
Considering how much I enjoyed the first one it’s amazing I never got round to trying this. I’ll almost certainly pass over it for Silksong if that comes out. That’s highly unlikely though so let’s go for it.
9. I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream – PC
Another from the back catalogue that has been kicking around forever. Obligatory that I put a point and click game on the list, and thought I’d change it up since I didn’t play the last ones I chose.
10. Hollow Knight: Silksong – Xbox Series X
Popping this on the end of the list, it’s become a bit of a joke as to whether it’ll ever get released. Going to play it when it does come out though, so we’ll leave it here and hope for the best!
Other 2024 releases I’m looking forward too
Simon the Sorcerer Origins – PC
Something else I only just spotted as due this year (the release calendar for 2024 so far looks a bit sparse for things I’m actually interested in) but I am up for a new Simon the Sorcerer. Apparently due to be a prequel, I’ll take a look!
*these are affiliate links, I’ll get a small commission if you buy something.
Time for the annual round up of the previous year’s games, and a plan for which games I think I’ll play this one (but probably wont).
Top 5 played in 2022
1. Vampire Survivors – Xbox Series X
No prizes for this appearing at the top of my list, it took over my life in a big way at the end of 2022 and I’m already wondering if we’ll see more content. The couple of clones I’ve picked up since haven’t really captured me in the same way, but I am also open to something new scratching the same itch. Vampire Survivors is a masterpiece of pure gameplay demonstrating that you don’t need fancy graphics to create a great game.
This is only £3.99 on Steam or Xbox, but also included on GamePass*
2. Tales of Arise – PS5
As I rattle through JRPGs these days, it seems likely that another refresh of the All-time JRPG list could be in order. As it stands I don’t think Tales of Arise breaks into the top 5 but I did really enjoy it, and until Vampire Survivors late appearance in the year, I expected this to be my favourite game of 2022. Tales of Arise was also the only major PlayStation 5 game I played this year. Hopefully the PS5 will see more use in 2023. It was off the back of this game that we also played the definitive edition of Tales of Vesperia, but I think some of the older trappings of RPGs held that one back. I may try some others in the series, but not for a while.
At time of writing the PS5 version isn’t in stock, but multiple platform versions are here* on Amazon.
3. Forza Horizon 5: Hot Wheels DLC – Xbox Series X
Always interesting putting a DLC on the list, but it feels fair with these as I did 100% complete all the new content. I think I prefer these Hot Wheels expansions to the LEGO one that was in Horizon 4, but it’s close. I’m excited to see what they have in mind for the other planned expansion for Horizon 5. On previous form we’d expect this to be more ‘traditional’ content.
Best way to get Forza Horizon is still to buy GamePass* then the premium DLC bundle. It might be cheaper to buy from the Xbox Store direct, but you can get it from Amazon*.
4. Guardians of the Galaxy – Xbox Series X
I wasn’t expecting too much from this after the travesty that was the Marvel Avengers game, but I was pleasantly surprised to hear it review positively. Even better it came to GamePass so I was able to play it “for free”. It is a great game, nicely captures the characters and manages to deliver them well despite not being the MCU versions that people may be more familiar with. It is it’s own thing, but as a single player, squad based action game, it is very well done and the writing manages to capture the humour of the comics.
I don’t think it’s on GamePass any more, but the Xbox version seems to be much cheaper* than on PlayStation currently.
5. Life is Strange: True Colours – Xbox Series X
I wasn’t sure about this after not really enjoying Life is Strange 2. Pleased to report that this is much closer in tone to the first two games, and I had a great time with it. Think it’s still on GamePass too.
Also mention:
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge – Xbox Series X
This was almost my number 5, but as I only really find these games fun in co-op, Life is Strange edged it out. Shredder’s Revenge is a fantastic brawler though, up there with Streets of Rage 4 showing there is still life in the genre. Was something else I played on GamePass too.
GamePass in general
As well as 4 of the 6 games mentioned above, this year I also played and enjoyed enough to complete all of the following on GamePass. I don’t think I would have played any of them otherwise. Very pleased with the value I’ve had out of my subscription this year and it continues to feel pretty essential.
Boyfriend Dungeon
Soccer Story
Escape Academy
Coffee Talk
Gorogoa
HUE (technically part of Games with Gold, but that’s included in GamePass now)
10 games for 2023
As usual I like to set out a few games I intend to play over the coming year. A few of these aren’t out yet but I’m optimistic will turn up. I’ve added on the end a couple of others that are due out in 2023 that I’m potentially interested in playing too.
1. God of War: Ragnarok – PS5
It did come out in time that I could have played it in 2022, but it was towards the end of the year so I decided to hold it over. It was originally my plan for my January game, but I think number 3 on this list may get in first.
Firmly in the premium pricings of PS5 games, but Amazon* does have a few quid off RRP atm.
2. Myst III: Exile – PC
One of the games I’m bringing forward from last year’s list, it was on there the year before too. I am still intending to play through all the MYST games. Though they have also announced a fancy new remake of Riven: The Sequel to MYST, so I may end up playing that before I get to Exile.
3. Harvestella – Switch
Possibly the next game my JRPG group is playing. Well one of them at least. I played the demo and am suitably intrigued so I think this will be my next game. (I have now bought it, but yet to make a start)
I picked my copy up in the closing down sale of my local GAME, the price isn’t bad on Amazon* though.
4. Castlevania: Circle of the Moon – Switch
Another one from the list last year. I still really want to make the most of this collection so hopefully I’ll get on it, may depend on when the next game in this list comes out.
5. Hollow Knight: Silksong – Xbox Series X
Optimistic that 2023 is the year this finally comes out. It feels like forever since it was first previewed. I think it was on my list for 2020. They did announce in 2022 that it was going to be day one on GamePass so I’ll definitely be on it as soon as it does appear.
6. Octopath Traveller 2 – Switch (or Xbox)
Very much enjoyed the first game, it did make number 5 on my list when I updated the All-Time Top 5 JRPGs post. Interested to play the next one. I’ll probably play on Switch again, unless it turns up on GamePass or something dramatic.
7. Oxenfree II: Lost Signals – Switch or PS5
This was supposed to come out in 2022 but the release date got pushed back to 2023. The first game was great though so looking forward to this sequel. Although I played the first one on Xbox and this appears to only be coming to PC, Switch & PlayStation. Not sure which I’ll go for, probably decide based on price.
8. Command & Conquer Remastered – PC
Again, I’ve kept this from last year as I do still want to go back to it. I don’t think I’ve played any RTS games since so at least I haven’t replaced it with something else. Half the problem here is getting round to gaming on the PC.
9. Spider-Man 2 – PS5
Assuming this comes out towards the end of the year as planned, I’ll definitely be playing this. The first game was great, although I preferred the Miles Morales spin-off, I’m very much ready for a new one, and it wouldn’t hurt to have another PS5 exclusive that I actually want to play.
10. Return to Monkey Island – Xbox Series X
I do enjoy a good point & click game, and I think I missed that this was on GamePass. Providing it doesn’t disappear from there too soon, I think I’ll play this during 2023.
Other 2023 releases I’m looking forward too
Street Fighter 6 – PS5 or Xbox Series X
Never any doubt that I’d be playing this, especially after getting to preview it at EGX and loving the demo. Only question is which platform. If the crossplay is good enough that I can play on PS5 and play properly with a friend on Xbox then that’s the way I’ll go. Otherwise it’ll be an Xbox purchase. My good fightstick is on the PlayStation though, and I’d rather not need to buy another. Ouch.
Forza Motorsport – Xbox Series X
It’s been a while since Forza Motorsport 7, and although they’ve got increasingly ‘stale’ since FM3, I have still found enjoyment in most of these. What they’ve shown so far of this new version looks incredible though, and I am keen to get back to it.
*these are affiliate links, I’ll get a small commission if you buy something.
Later than planned with this, mostly because I was having trouble finding 10 games I wanted to play this year. The struggle is real.
From the 2021 plan I only managed to complete 3 of the games. I did at least play Shadow of the Tomb Raider, but it was terrible so I gave that one up. For the 2022 list I’m going to keep Myst III Exile and The Last Express on there for another year, but I’m parking the others.
Super Metroid and Call of Cthulhu can just return to the backlog. Hollow Knight: Silksong seems to be never coming out, but if it does I’ll want to play it immediately anyway. Finally, I did almost get to StarCraft: Legacy of the Void, then the ongoing and awful revelations about Blizzard Activision as a company left me feeling unable to buy or play their games.
Before we get to the new playlist for 2022 though, time for a quick look back at the highlights from 2021.
Top 5 played in 2021
1. Forza Horizon 5 – Xbox Series S / PC
No surprises here, could have almost called this a year in advance. The series just keeps getting better in my opinion. At some point I need to update my All-Time Top 5 Racing Games list, although I’d probably just lump all the Forza Horizon games together at the top.
Forza Horizon may have been a given, but I did not see this one coming (or its friend lower down). I think it turned up at the right time, and playing alongside my ex-wife to compare progress with no doubt helped, but I had a great time with this.
I 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.
4. Ori and the Will of the Wisps – Xbox Series S
As disappointed as I was that the Hollow Knight sequel, Silksong, didn’t come out in 2021 for me to play, this was a worthy alternative. The original Ori didn’t quite make my Top 5 Metroidvania games, but it was a near miss. I think the Will of the Wisps is a better game than the original, I’d still suggest playing them both in order though. Excellent and I was delighted / surprised that my Xbox Series S was able to play it in 4K at 60fps. Lovely.
As I played on the Series S, there is no point linking a physical copy to buy. Think I played on GamePass anyway. You can pick it up here* on Switch though, and Metroidvanias are always a good fit for that.
5. Octopath Traveller – Switch
The second JRPG I completed last year, and caused me to update my All-Time Top 5 JRPG list too. I don’t think it’s as good a game as Bravely Default 2, but the art style is fun and there are a lot of good gameplay mechanics to it.
Realising two of the best games I played in 2021 were JRPGs, I’ve put another two on my list for 2022. Whether I play them both partly depends on convincing my ex-wife to join in too.
Sometimes difficult to find in stock this one, if Amazon have it, it’ll be here*. I ended up buying it digitally anyway when I couldn’t get a physical edition.
Also ran:
Control: Ultimate Edition – PS5
I almost let this pass me by but I’m glad I gave it a go. Sort of X-Files the action videogame, I enjoyed Control quite a bit. Very much liked the various nods towards Alan Wake too.
This* is the edition I played. I had it free with PS Plus though, so check you don’t already own it before you buy.
10 games for 2022
1. The Last Express – PC
Last time I’m allowing myself to keep this on the list. If I don’t get round to it this year it goes “back on the shelf”.
2. Myst III: Exile – PC
The other game I’m taking forward, I do still intend to progress my way through all these. However long it takes. I did dabble a bit last year with the MYST remake on PC and Xbox but it had a few stability issues that I hope will be fixed with updates.
3. Final Fantasy VII Remake – PS5
I did suggest I’d consider this one when I updated the All-Time Top 5 JRPG list. Sony gave the PS4 edition away free with PS Plus a while back, but it was exempt from a free upgrade to PS5. However, over Christmas they relaxed that and I was then able to upgrade for free, so I thought I’d give it a go.
The PS5 edition is available here on Amazon*, if you missed it on PS Plus.
4. Castlevania: Circle of the Moon – Switch
In the continued absence of Silksong, I wanted a Metroidvania for the list. Since I’ve banished Super Metroid back to the backlog, I thought I’d try to make an effort to play the Gameboy Advance games I never finished. I’ll play them on the recent compilation for the Switch, starting with Circle of the Moon and see how I get on.
5. Guardians of the Galaxy – PS5
Haven’t bought this yet but I intend to pick it up early 2022. I’ve heard lots of good things and I am a fan of the characters.
Available here* but at time of writing it’s back at full price. Has been discounted a few times already so I expect to pay no more than £35.
6. Tales of Arise – PS5
Another I haven’t bought yet but I do want to play. I think my successfully playing this may be dependent on convincing my ex-wife to play too, so fingers crossed.
Haven’t played anything through fully on my Saturn for a while, and I had been thinking of replaying this game too. I’ll pop it on this list, it’ll be a good excuse to get the Saturn Mouse out.
8. Command & Conquer Remastered – PC
I did get part way through the GDI campaign on this and get stuck. However I’d like to go back and finish that as well as play through the NOD one. Seems I should have an RTS on this list and since I’ve abandoned StarCraft now is the time.
9. Doom Eternal – PC
Almost forgot this existed, still haven’t got round to playing. I think I will play this year but I’m not completely set on what platform. Too much choice. I’ve set it for PC for now, but may change it up during the year.
10. Uncharted 4 – PS4
Another one I forgot I never played… Happy to put this on the list as I think it should be nice on the PS5.
2022 releases I’m looking forward too
God of War: Ragnarok – PS5
Can see this getting delayed again, but I’m keen to play it if it does come out. The first game was great.
Oxenfree 2: Lost Signals
Again, loved the first game so was pleased to hear we were getting another. Not sure what platform I’ll play it on yet. Think the first one was on GamePass.
*these are affiliate links, I’ll get a small commission if you buy something.
Decided an update for this post was necessary. Some minor text updates and a new entry. If you’re interested in the original list (it’s pretty similar) you can read it here.
Number 5 – Octopath Traveler (Switch)
I’m still playing this at time of writing, but over 60 hours in and confident of its position on this list. It’s not going to topple my top 4, but I’m still having a great time. Playing in parallel with my ex-wife, sharing tips (and a variety of game over screens) over What’s App, a process we first followed playing a game further down this list. If anything the main thing Octopath suffers from, is that the game further down came out after and improved on it so much. If we’d played them the other way round I would probably hold this in higher regard.
The choice of eight protagonists to form your party of four is interesting, but in reality you need to keep swapping one out to progress the various stories, which just becomes a bit annoying in trying to balance levels. Octopath Traveler is now on GamePass, and available for Xbox and PC as well as the Switch version I’m playing.
A game I played mostly by chance, got a bargain on release without knowing anything about it and fired it up just to see what it was. I was blown away by the graphics, it was easily the best looking game I’d seen so far on a console, and at first was just playing to admire the aesthetics. I got sucked in though, and it became the first JRPG I ever saw through to completion. The story was ridiculous, which I suspect may be an essential criteria for a JRPG, and the costume designs left me questioning the usefulness of such armor in a swordfight.
I really liked the combat though, and the timing based boost you could give to your attacks was surprisingly satisfying. I sometimes think I might replay this, but then I laugh at the thought of me replaying anything, never mind a 40+ hour epic, and the impulse goes away.
While you can probably find a second hand copy kicking around, you can also buy this digitally here, and it does seem to go on sale quite often. It’s an Xbox 360 game but plays great on an Xbox One or the new Xbox Series S / X.
Number 3 – Panzer Dragoon Saga (Sega Saturn)
Played through this for the first time back in 2017, and I am amazed how well it has held up. I was a big fan of Panzer Dragoon and Panzer Dragoon Zwei first time round on the Saturn, and this is doubtless the main reason I took to Saga the way I did. The art style was consistent with the previous games, and immediately felt like a comfortable return to that world.
The shift to turn-based combat was a concern before I started, I didn’t know how the previous rail-shooter style would translate. I need not have worried, the combat is superb, with the two basic attacks being lifted straight out of the other games to feel instantly familiar. The need to constantly keep re-positioning around the enemies and the bonus to attack speed granted for attacking as you move ensures that the combat remains engaging.
I found the controls in general to be very well done, particularly in the parts where you’re navigating the world on your dragon. When revisiting early 3D games you often have to make allowances for the controls and/or camera, but I can honestly say I had no issues with either.
While the story here is no exception to my understanding of the JRPG norm, I did find myself happily reading all the subtitles and enjoying the many cut-scenes. This extra flavour for the world is a big part of why I’ve gone back to playing the original games, and why I’m optimistic that I might even beat them this time round.
Bit of a nightmare recommending ways to play this. Not sure how well it runs under SEGA Saturn emulation. Best option would probably be a modded SEGA Saturn and downloading it (is what I did). It’s a pricey game to buy second hand if you can find one.)
Number 2 – Bravely Default 2 (Switch)
This did come very close to toppling number 1, played through this recently and loved it. This was the game I played alongside my ex-wife before Octopath Traveler and having someone to discuss progress, strategy and which are the best outfits very much helped. The characters and various systems in Bravely Default 2 are very satisfying and improve on the first game in every way. You can even see the blueprints of Octopath in this, and again they have all been built on and improved to make this.
Frankly if Bravely Default 2 had Chopin, it would probably take the top spot.
At time of writing you can still get the nice bundle with stickers, poster and postcards from Amazon*.
Until Eternal Sonata, I always found cel-shading to be a bit of a novelty. It’s such a perfect fit for making the whole game feel like an elaborate cartoon. It’s joyful, twee and yet manages to be interestingly educational at the same time, as along with the story cut-scenes it also has video history lessons relating to Chopin’s life. (From reading some commentary these weren’t to everyone’s taste, but I loved it)
The music in the game is obviously Chopin influenced, and accordingly spectacular. There are very few game soundtracks I listen to outside of playing the games, but the 4 disc album produced for this is still a staple on my iPod.
I remain annoyed the PS3 release afterwards had extra content, as I didn’t want to start over from the beginning after I completed it on the 360. I think I’d happily replay it now though if it was given a refresh for the modern consoles.
I’ve heard plenty of critique about Eternal Sonata, more than one person declare it “the worst JRPG I ever played”. I take some amusement from this, as it seems likely that as a generalisation, I can still say I don’t like JRPGs, and perhaps I like the ones I do because they are outliers within the genre.
Mentions?
Bravely Default (3DS)
I gave this a go when struggling to find something other than Animal Crossing or Mario Kart to play on my 3DS. Discussions about it described a game with a similar feel to Final Fantasy VII which made me think perhaps I’d enjoy it. I was aware of the “outrage” at the changes made for the Western release from the anti video game censorship crowd, but they all seemed like changes for the better to me, so figured I’d give it a go.
I mostly enjoyed the game for maybe 18 hours. The story was nonsense and even with the localisation there was a a sufficient creepy ‘ick’ factor that never quite went away. (I think it was hard to distance from the fact that these characters were originally written to be 15 years old). However, the gameplay mechanics were fun, and I liked the ‘job’ system in building my party. It all got a bit grindy and dull though, and I just lost the will to come back to it.
Final Fantasy VII on the original PlayStation was my first JRPG, and apparently, the first one many of my friends played too. This game was a fairly major event back in a high school, and for a while it seemed everyone was playing FFVII. I was quite enjoying it, albeit a departure from my usual choice of game. I do remember that trying to navigate the world map while also dealing with random encounters tested my patience, but the whole thing collapsed when my memory card corrupted around 20 hours in. I appreciate in the grand scheme of things, 20 hours isn’t very long, but that was pretty huge for me at the time, and certainly more than I’d be happy to play over.
I pretty much swore off the genre after this, and it would be quite a few years before I was to try them again. I am considering playing the remake though, and giving it another chance as a modern game.
*Can’t update an old blog post without throwing in some affiliate links. If you buy something from one of the Amazon ones on this page, I’ll get a small cut. Thanks.
Continuing to only slightly progress the planned list, I have decided to drop off some of the titles that I have already rolled forward previously. Going back to the 2020 list I allowed myself four games I didn’t play to take forward. The others were either abandoned during my updates in 2020 or “back on the shelf”.
Top 5 played in 2020
1. Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Switch
This was on the playlist from last year, and after putting in 400 hours, it does have to be my game of the year really. I did stop playing when I moved house over the Summer, and I haven’t been back to it. I’m sure I’ll get the urge again this year though, if only to do the Autumn and Winter seasons I didn’t play yet.
If you have a Switch you must own this* already, right?
2. Marvel’s Spider-man – PS4
Yes everyone else played it the year before, but it does deserve most of the praise. I did find some of the side content tedious, too much busy work. It’s only the same problem that most open world games have, and the main story did make up for it.
Despite the initial false start attempting this on the Xbox One originally, and then the gap to progress for a year when I got stuck on the “Bloodless” boss, I did really enjoy this. It seems to still be getting content added as well so I may have another look at it for that later too. As “metroidvanias” go, this almost certainly deserves a place on my top 5. Will need to think about where it goes if I ever refresh that list.
As per previous posts, the Switch version* doesn’t run as well as the PC or other console ones, but if you mostly play your Switch in Handheld mode, it’s a very satisfying experience now they’ve fixed the original issues.
4. 51 Worldwide Games – Switch
I was a bit torn with this, as I was hoping for more in terms of the online multiplayer options. As a standalone piece though, and with local multiplayer, this is a worthy follow up to the stellar 42 All-time Classics on the Nintendo DS.
As a cheaper release anyway, 51 Worldwide Games* is still easy to recommend for the money if the idea interests you at all.
5. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019) – PC
Really enjoyed the campaign, but mostly what I enjoyed was spending a lot of time during this pandemic playing online with my best mate. I remain grateful that they finally got proper cross platform working. It has been really great to be able to play on my PC, while he was on his PS4, and it to just, work. Complete with voice chat. The multiplayer remains some of the best around.
Also rans:
Core Grafx Mini
Didn’t think I could really list one of the mini consoles as a top game of the year, but it was certainly a highlight. Still an easy recommend.
Bit of a surprise this. Unfortunately it was so well done and polished that it destroyed the lacklustre Warcraft 3: Reforged, and derailed my plans to replay that campaign. I did get a bit stuck (as usual) on the original C&C GDI story though, so I should try to go back to it.
Streets of Rage 4 – Xbox One
I think a lot of people were surprised how well this turned out. A real gem this year. Didn’t make my list though as while it’s great fun in local multiplayer, I still don’t really rate brawlers like this as single player games.
Think I assumed this was digital only (outside of those heinous ‘limited’ collectors editions). Apparently not*.
10 games for 2021
1. Super Metroid – Switch / SNES
Despite my statement last year, I’m giving this one more run out. If only because I’m still yet to play any of the NES or SNES games on the Switch and I should at least get to one. It is year four though, oh dear.
2. StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void – PC
Another one that survives for another year on the list, I think I would have gotten to this if I wasn’t distracted by the Command & Conquer Remaster. Oh and if Blizzard hadn’t become a terrible company that made me actively not want to play their games. I do want to close out the StarCraft II trilogy though so hoping to get to it.
3. The Last Express – PC
“Last one on the list that I’ve brought with me from last year. Gotta have a train game!” – Think I’ll keep that quote from last year too…
4. Myst III: Exile – PC
Last of the ones I’m taking forward, I do still intend to progress my way through all these. However long it takes. I can already see me replaying the original MYST again when the new VR version comes to Steam though.
5. Airborne Kingdom – PC
Only picked this up in December, and I already know I want to play it through. It is very pretty, and seems to have an interesting campaign / story for a city builder.
6. Shadow of the Tomb Raider – PS4
I really enjoyed the first two games in this trilogy, but wasn’t in a rush to play more. It’s been long enough now that I’m looking forward to this one, and Sony were kind enough to make it one of the free games for January. Excellent.
7. Call of Cthulhu – Xbox / PC
Think I have this on both Xbox and PC so we’ll see how I feel when I get round to starting it. We all know I enjoy a Lovecraftian Videogame and I’ve heard good things about this one.
8. Ori and the Will of the Wisps – Xbox
Very much enjoyed the original, despite some of the more punishing platforming sections. I’ll probably play it on the next Xbox I pick up, likely a Series S.
9. Miles Morales – PS5
The first of two games I don’t actually own yet, it’s still my intention to pick up a PlayStation 5 once they’re available again. I’m hoping I can get one by February, and take a week off work to play. This game is first on the list. Second and third on the list are my free upgrades to the PS5 versions of Madden 21 and Mortal Kombat 11. Obviously.
Think you need the ultimate edition* if you want the remastered original game. And of course you want that.
10. Hollow Knight: Silksong – Switch?
As expected, this didn’t come out in 2020, but should arrive in 2021, and I shall be there when it does. The first game was a perfect fit for the Switch, but as my home situation changed, I find I don’t play it handheld anymore. I might then go for whichever version of Silksong is going to look best on my big TV.
2021 releases I’m looking forward too
Returnal – PS5
The new one from Housemarque. I’m not entirely sure I’ll like this, as I’m not big on third person shooters or roguelikes. However, Housemarque still made some of my favourite games, so I’m going to give it a go.
Back 4 Blood – PC
After getting back into Left 4 Dead 2 last year, I’m quite looking forward to this. Not sure I’ll get it on release though, looks pretty pricey for something I’ll only play casually with friends. We’ll see.
God of War: Ragnarok – PS5
Another sequel to a game I enjoyed previously. All going well this should be a real showcase for the PS5.
Gotham Knights – TBC
Not sure where I’ll play this, but if it’s anything like the Batman Arkham games, I should enjoy it, and it is very appealing to play as the Bat Family.
*these are affiliate links, I’ll get a small commission if you buy something.
As history repeats itself right here on my blog, once again I played very little from my intended playlist as planned at the start of 2019. Will I learn from this? No, I shall give the list a shake and roll it forward anyway!
Played in 2019
1. Gears of War 4 – Xbox One
It’s still here! We still haven’t finished this but we did play a bit more. I’m sure this could be our year! Maybe we’ll jump straight to Gears 5 when we’re done.
2. Riven – Saturn
Hurrah, this was on my 2019 list, and I even completed it. Well done me. Reminder that MYST 3 should be on the list for 2020 then.
3. Quantum Break – Xbox One
I did try to play this, but abandoned it back in March due to it not being any good. Oh well.
4. The Witcher 3 – Xbox One
Another one I tried to play, but although it is undoubtedly a great game, it just wasn’t for me. I’ll stick to reading the books and now watching the TV show.
10 games for 2020
1. Super Metroid – Switch / SNES
Will be the third year for this on the list now, I’m more confident I’ll get to it with it now being playable on the Switch, but I’ve decided 2020 is the last time I plan to play it. If I don’t get to it this year it can go back on the shelf.
2. StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void – PC
Keeping this on the list as well, just haven’t played enough PC games this year.
3. Fable Anniversary – Xbox One
Yep, let’s keep this too. I did make a bit of a start with it ahead of the discussion on the Original Xbox episode of the podcast, but I need to make more of an effort.
4. Indigo Prophecy: Fahrenheit – PS4
Another one being given its last chance in 2020. If I don’t get to it this year… blah blah.
5. Marvel’s Spider-man – PS4
Well I did get round to buying Spider-man towards the end of 2019, so I definitely intend to play it this year.
6. The Last Express – PC
“Last one on the list that I’ve brought with me from last year. Gotta have a train game!” – Think I’ll keep that quote from last year too…
7. Warcraft III: Reforged – PC
Warcraft III remains at the top of my All-Time Top 5 RTS Games post, although this remake got pushed back into January 2020 for release. Definitely ready to play it this year now.
8. Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Switch
Also due out this year after getting delayed in 2019, I’ll certainly be playing this from launch. Unlike this time last year, I now have the Switch ready for it.
9. Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom – Switch
One I picked up in December, hoping to get to it properly soon so it deserves a place here.
10. Myst III: Exile – PC
As promised after successfully playing Riven last year, let’s continue with more MYST. I think I’ll be playing on PC, but I do have a couple of console versions kicking around too.
2020 releases I’m looking forward too
Along with Warcraft III: Reforged and Animal Crossing, just a couple of other mentions:
1. Doom Eternal – PS4
Still looking forward to this, and I think we can expect it in 2020.
2. Halo Infinite – Xbox One / PC
I am interested to see more of this, although must concede that I still didn’t finish 4 or 5. I put that down to wanting to play co-op eventually though and having a bunch of games in the queue to clear first.
3. Ori and the Will of the Wisps – Xbox One
Really enjoyed the first game, so will definitely give this one a go. Specially as it’s coming to Game Pass.
4. Hollow Knight: Silksong
I’m not even sure this will make a 2020 release, but the first game is one of the best I’ve ever played so will be all over this when it does come out.
Quite a departure from my usual topics, I’ve been meaning to put this post together for months now. Would have been a good thing to write about in January, but hopefully my picking it up in August still makes sense. Also this probably should be two separate blog posts, but I didn’t just want to make a post called “single-use plastic” that was heavy on affiliate links but light on content. Instead, it’s a wall of text. Hurrah?
Personal goal setting
Every year I like to set a few personal goals. These are essentially New Year’s Resolutions as I set them in January, but I much prefer the term goal. Not sticking to something you “resolved” to do immediately frames itself as a failure. Goals feel more aspirational, and thus positive. “This year I’m going to try to achieve these things, and if I don’t, then I might try again next year”. I also find it useful to check in every few months during the year, to see how I’m doing, if I even still want to do these things, or if I want to adjust them a bit.
Fairly obvious ones:
I like to set a reading challenge on goodreads – although I also set a personal target of how many of them can be graphic novels (usually aim for 50% of the target with non-comics)
Diet, exercise, weight loss, same as everyone else
Career / professional development – these have focused around either changing jobs or continued study. I’ve been pretty good at achieving my goals in this area, but studying and working full time continues to take its toll.
Money, get a better grip of budgeting and the like. Generally one of those most likely to be carried forward every year. Haha.
Some things I’d like to do:
Previously this included starting a blog, then I had one to move to private hosting, and subsequent years have focused on keeping it going. This year I’ve tried to move towards proactively scheduling more posts in advance. Very much still a work in progress.
Now I’m on a podcast I’ve started to think about ways to develop that. At the moment I’m just trying to get ‘better’ at it.
Hardware projects, previous years included building my RetroPie arcade stick. I now have one to finish modding a Dreamcast arcade stick with better parts. Still in progress…
Finally, things I think I should do:
I always try to budget to be able to support things my creative friends put out, whether that’s people I know personally or ‘mutuals’ on Twitter. Not something I can always afford to do as much as I’d like, but I have been setting myself goals around my support of other people’s creativity i.e. via Patreon and Etsy. (Also, if I know you and you write a book, damn straight I’m going to buy it).
Tend to be one or two personal goals in here, and this year is the reason for this post. Pretty late to the game, I started with the simple intention of getting a reusable cup for the coffee shop, to avoid single use cups with plastic lids. (Yes I saw Blue Planet 2 and got the single-use plastic message as well). I also realised that by the end of last year, I was buying a 600 ml bottle of Pepsi Max every day. I decided I was done buying those plastic bottles, so the obvious extension was to buy a reusable water bottle too.
Falling down a single-use plastic rabbit hole
Disclaimer here: the links to products on Amazon are affiliate links, where I’ll get a small commission if you buy something. Secondary disclaimer: I am of course aware of the ethical issues around Amazon as a retailer. Feel free not to use them. However, these are the switches I’ve made this year, hopefully someone reading might discover something they’d like to try for themselves.
Travel cup
This was a bit of a challenge, it took me ages to decide what cup I wanted. I even bought new ceramic ones from HMV for me and my girlfriend, then discovered they don’t hold much liquid. Certainly not enough for a large mocha from my choice of coffee shop. (Didn’t stop me picking up a third one from NERG last month though). Then I realised that a Marvel Comics one my parents bought for me years ago was actually perfect, and have used it constantly since. My girlfriend went one better, and now has a bamboo one, like this. I’ll probably do that when my Marvel one dies, since I wouldn’t have chosen to buy a plastic one.
Water Bottle
This was also difficult to decide which to get. A lot of the available ones have intricate “sipping” systems in the lids that make me think they would be difficult to clean. I went with a very simple metal bottle from Wilko that was about £5. I now have my eye on one of the fun designs from Chillys though.
Razors
Probably the most daunting change, I decided I needed to stop buying plastic disposable razor head cartridges. The alternative meant getting involved in the whole “double edge safety razor” scene, and they are a bit terrifying. However, as well as being a great alternative to the plastic system I was used to, they’re incredibly cheap. I bought this Bamboo Razor Handle* and these 100 blades* which helpfully came with some shaving soap. I notice that the blades I bought are currently out of stock, there are plenty of options for these though. However, do check the packaging details. Some of the “Derby” branded ones have each 5 blades packaged in little single-use plastic cases. Pretty much defeats the point of making the change!
I am starting to get better at using the razor now too, although still manage to do myself minor injuries. Oops.
Toothbrush
An easy change, I was a bit sceptical at first as to what they’d be like to use, but I bought these bamboo toothbrushes* and have been very happy with them. I could do with a solution for my electric toothbrush too, but not sure what to do about that yet.
Sandwich wrap
This was less about single-use plastic, but more the realisation that I was buying kitchen foil simply to wrap my lunch for work everyday. I assumed there must be a solution to this, and Google didn’t let me down, sending me to this Guardian article picking out 5 options. I had a look at them all, and decided to go with Re-Wrap-it. I’ve got this green and white one, because of course I have.
Metal Straws
So far I’ve resisted buying these as I very rarely use straws, but the deeply unsatisfying experience of a McDonald’s milkshake through a paper straw is making me consider it. More so given recent revelations that there are even issues with recycling the paper ones. These straws from Chilly’s are well regarded, but I’m tempted by the more portable, collapsible straw variety. I’m considering something like these straws from Amazon*, as I might actually remember to take them out with me.
Cling film
Something else I haven’t tried myself yet, but I’ve heard good things about using these bees wax wraps* as an alternative to cling film, so will probably give them ago.
*these are those affiliate links I was talking about. By all means use them if you’d like to kick me a few pence. ^^
