twentieth December
Howdy and welcome again to our common function the place we write a little bit bit about a few of the video games we have been enjoying. This week Bertie swears he did not contact the tablets, Kelsey screams (or is {that a} chuckle?), and Tom goes up North.
Sektori, PC
‘It is like Geometry Wars on tablets’ was the primary thought that got here to my head, not that I would know what that is like in fact. However the Geometry Wars similarities are huge and quick: fly a little bit ship round with the left thumbstick and shoot with the appropriate stick, and survive big, screen-filling, kaleidoscopic waves of enemies in contained areas whereas a soundtrack thumps like a heartbeat in your ears. Sure please; I’ve missed you Geometry Wars.
However there’s extra right here, too. There are layers of nuance. There’s technique in spend the improve factors you acquire as you play, and ranges break aside and reform round you, dynamically creating pockets of security and hazard, with teleports linking them. There is a highly effective sprint skill to consider, and methods to chain it, and there are boss battles separating arenas of play. Like Geometry Wars, then, but additionally uniquely itself. Right here, even the menus pulse to the beat. Sektori is irresistible.
-Bertie
Creation calendar – cardboard, pen and paper
Bear in mind final yr when my husband shocked me with an escape room introduction calendar? Nicely, I cherished it a lot, this yr he did it once more. This time, I’m attempting to flee a really raucous penguin social gathering within the South Pole. You see, this pesky lot has plundered my provides and commandeered my patrol boat, which is all very inconvenient as I’m certain you’ll be able to think about.
This introduction calendar is a tad more durable than final yr’s, and contains some crimson herrings which, for those who fall for them, lead you to the improper door and a penalty level. Thus far, I’ve bought two penalties (rattling, that is annoying!). Simply kidding, they’re all a part of the enjoyable, and I’m loving my night ritual of tearing off doorways to then fold/glue/manipulate/flip them into a special form or angle so I can proceed making my method to freedom.
How will I lastly escape from these partying penguins? There is not too for much longer to search out out… assuming I do not get too many extra penalties.
-Victoria
Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Change 2
I am in full preparation mode for the replace coming in January. After restarting my island, I’ve a clean canvas to do what I need with. The issue is, I am not totally certain what I need to do with it now. I used to be certain I had an concept. However now, as I clear bushes and transfer villagers in to succeed in a 5-Star Island, the chances are countless – and that excites me.
Additionally, it is simply began snowing correctly on my island and my annual ‘how unhealthy might be my subsequent Snowboy creation’ season has begun. I do know you get rewarded for making the proper one, however I’ve all the time discovered the imperfect creations a extra entertaining use of my time.
-Marie
Thank Goodness You are Right here!, PS5
I lastly performed this weird, humorous slice of English life, and to date it is dwelling as much as my expectations. I am intentionally taking my time as I concern it should be over in a flash and I actually need to ensure that I do not miss any little jokes.
-Tom
Species Unknown, PC
It has been some time since I’ve performed a co-op horror recreation (Resident Evil 5 and 6 do not rely so far as I am involved), so when my pal prompt we strive the early-access title, Species Unknown, I used to be desperate to dive in. This four-player sci-fi horror recreation duties you with occurring totally different excursions throughout deserted spaceships, the place you need to race to finish an goal with out changing into alien meals.
Whereas the premise is nothing new, Species Unknown has a shocking quantity of element packed into its £8.50 package deal. It appears nice, you have totally customisable characters, and you have a degree of autonomy about which goal you want to full subsequent. Whether or not that is capturing a ‘specimen’ or killing them, or destroying the ship they’ve made their house. These specimens pose totally different threats, have totally different bounties, and a few of them look deceptively lovable, and what ensues because of that is hilarious co-op enjoyable that can make you belly-laugh simply as a lot because it makes you squirm.
-Kelsey
Umamusame: Fairly Derby, PC
December has sadly been a little bit tough within the Makar family, and as such I’ve fallen again into unhealthy habits. This contains ordering a little bit an excessive amount of takeaway, consuming a little bit an excessive amount of mulled wine, and spending a little bit an excessive amount of enjoying Umamusame: Fairly Derby.
This TGA 2025 award winner nonetheless has its hooks in me, I concern. There is not actually a contemporary recreation prefer it. The one drawback is, I am unable to play it on my telephone. I simply cannot. The one telephone video games I play, I play on the fitness center. If anybody on the fitness center noticed me enjoying Umamusame: Fairly Derby I’d throw the dumbbells at an ideal vertical angle and shut my eyes.
Mihono Bourbon stays my favorite – she’s not particularly nice however I bought her within the early days of the Western PC launch and due to this fact I am trip or die. I will play it till New Years after which I will type my life out, promise.
-Connor
Dispatch, PS5
Do you play video games together with your important different? I do not. We each love video video games however I concern my aggressive spirit will get in the way in which; plus our tastes are inclined to differ (and he likes to troll me). Dispatch, although, has introduced us collectively on the couch to take pleasure in a recreation a bit like a TV present. That is right down to its episodic nature, in fact, however contemplating neither of us are notably into superhero stuff, the hilarious writing has drawn us each in. The builders aren’t afraid to “go there” – I imply, they swing in proper firstly, if you realize what I imply – and the precise dispatching minigame is surprisingly enjoyable. I am late to the social gathering, however I can see why that is in Sport of the 12 months competition.
-Ed
Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Mega Dimension DLC, Change 2
I’ve performed a couple of hours of this, and remorse to tell you that to date I completely hate it. It is as humorous as ever, which is nice. The characters are as goofy and out-of-pocket, the Pokémon battles are nonetheless oddly alluring regardless of their chaotic awkwardness, and I am nonetheless keen on Lumiose Metropolis as a extra centered setting. Sadly although you aren’t getting to spend a lot time in Lumiose itself since you’re off within the mega dimension, grinding and grinding and grinding away at extremely naff, time-limited duties which provide you with assets you’ll be able to spend on gadgets that let you proceed grinding naff duties for assets… eugh. I ought to’ve completed this by now and had one thing written on the positioning, however that is a type of the place I am discovering it such a drudge to get via that it is taking a bit too lengthy. I hear it will get good although! Simply many, many extra floating Poké Balls to smash and I will be there quickly… (TCG Pocket remains to be nice although, a minimum of. Mega Charizard!)
-Faucets
Observe: In case you are studying this (effectively completed!), come again on Christmas Day for a particular festive version of What we have been enjoying – the proper excuse to spend an hour observing a pc display on Christmas morning as an alternative of watching Frozen once more.
