Christmas is gone and done with and we’ve unwrapped the good and the bad gifts from relatives. We’ve gorged ourselves on all the Steam Sales had to offer and now have libraries packed to the brim with more than we can play.
The new year is upon us now and with it comes all sorts of mixed feelings about resolutions. Beat that pile of shame, dust off the old classics and stop getting worked up about bad team-mates.
Sometimes you need to take a break from all of the above, sit back and play some games for fun. The staff have been doing just that. What have you been playing to kick off 2013?
Dan
I’ve recently sorted out my Steam library which is both incredibly lame and exciting at the same time. I’m one of those people who love having things organised but rarely actually do anything about it. So this has helped me somewhat plan what I want to play this year. The snag I run into is that some of my games are on Origin and UPlay which makes organising Steam a little pointless.
I’ve been playing Assassins Creed III and enjoying the runny, jumpy, climby life of Connor. Skinning hundreds of animals in my quest to become the richest land owner in the Wild West. I’m a little lost on some of the storyline aspects as I skipped Brotherhood and Revelations. The British vs Americans war would probably be more interesting if I was from either of those countries, until they make an Assassins Creed VII: Rainbow Serpent Dreamtime (Ozzie Outback edition) the history parts might go a little over my head.
The other games I’ve been finally catching up on are the Penny Arcade’s On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness. I’ve beaten the first and second with a combined total of 15 hours well spent. The enemies are amusing and the art style and humour is spot on. For anyone already a fan of Gabe and Tycho in the Penny Arcade comics, I recommend this as a fun distraction. The graphics and style seem to have taken a big turn in Episode 3, so I’m looking forward to some nostalgia creeping into the play through.
Senior Stiv
Welcome to the New Year everyone! Hope everyone is having a good one so far. I’ve been digging into some really good games these past few weeks. The first was XCOM: Enemy Unknown. Firaxis once again has delivered an awesome turn-based strategy game. Being able to outfit my squad with different weapons, armour and tools is a blast, making for some great variety on the battle field. The game’s level of challenge is a blast as well. Even though it’s heart wrenching to lose one of your best men, there’s a real sense of consequence in your choices and the game’s ability to create those emotions.
I’ve also been playing Halo 4 which I’ve been pleasantly surprised with. The campaign, though short, is just as moving as the first installment Master Chief has more personality than in past games and dealing with Cortana’s degradation makes for one emotional ride. New weapons and a new setting also help create a better, more effective story. Multiplayer has been an absolute blast. Playing online, improving your avatar and load outs, and the new co-op Spartan-ops just add more to this already great game.
Emma
I can finally can tick Dragon Age: Origins off my pile of shame list. After over 70 hours of game play it was a little sad to finish. I grew so attached to my character and all of my companions. I keep re-thinking all my decisions and became a little upset with the ending….I’m now torn whether to replay a different character or move on the Awakening expansion.
I have also been following a new StarCraft II twitch stream called “Breaking Bronze“. Dooombie is an Aussie who’s set up the channel in order to share knowledge and stream matches of himself and other followers who are of a lower level. It is developing into quite the community which has been enjoyable, especially to watch players improve and pick up tips. There’s an upcoming tournament which I’m looking forward to hearing more details about.
KRS 2
Woo! Been so busy these past few weeks with so many events, I’ve barely had time to game! So what have I been playing lately you ask? Well, I spent 3 hours playing Nintendo Land on the Wii U on New Year’s Eve and again New Year’s Day with all my friends, as well as a rousing game of The Hobbit Monopoly.
More recently however, I’ve been reliving my glory days as a defence attorney and playing the first Pheonix Wright game. Every time I do, I fantasize about a Wii U edition of the game (I think sexy thoughts) and pray Capcom makes it a reality.
More recently however, I’ve been playing Fallout 3, and I love it so much more than my brief foray into Bethesda’s other classic, Oblivion. I don’t think I’ve ever experienced a game like this before and I look forward to playing it every time I turn on the PS3… But I sure do hate those darned Fire Ants!
As always, we would love to know what you’ve been playing. Drop us a line in the comments below or send as a comment through Facebook or Twitter.
