Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (December 23-24)

Im gonna get stuck into Alan Wake 2 and play a bit off mass effect and maybe a little high on life ha

Getting towards the end of Half Life 2 on Series X. What a game (yes, I’m a bit behind the times!) Merry Christmas everyone.

RE4 and the weekly quest forced me to start Watchdogs 2 so a bit of that as well.

Merry Christmas everyone! Have a great time whether you celebrate or not.

I hope Santa brings everything lots of games!

Happy gaming all.

Still playing Sherlock Holmes devil's Daughter, if I finish it today I plan to start Hoggwarts Legacy for the Holiday.

We’ve got a full house here for Christmas so mostly “phone party games” like Jackbox, What the Dub and Use Your Words. Possibly some Smash Ultimate, Make Way and Vampire Survivors.

Maybe I might sneak a little Halo in but unlikely.

@Feffster It may be old but one of the best games ever are you playing it on the orange box collection?

Bought Max Payne 3 the other day so probably continue with that and still trying to finish Cyberpunk on PS5 so i can start the dlc.

Just started Star Wars Jedi: Survivor. About two hours in and I'm loving it. Finished Alan Wake 2 a few days ago. I think I might be the only one who didn't like it. It was a 25 hour game that should have been 15. Just my opinion.

Baldur's gate 3 is all im playing and thinking. 6 hours in, i might watch a tutorial about combat cause im getting my ass whooped at the goblin camp. Im level 3, perhaps that has something to do with it.
I also installes farcry 6 but i dont think ill have time to play it tbh.

@Rangers420 max payne 3 is superbe..i played it not long ago and it holds up really well

I'm having a GOTY kind of weekend.
PS5: Alan Wake 2
Series X: Baldurs Gate 3
Switch: Super Mario Wonder

Recently finished: GoWR Valhalla. That was fun! Awesome addition to the base game with a very good expanding on the lore.

Happy holidays!

Uncharted: Golden Abyss (Vita) - Started a playthrough on Normal difficulty taking turns with my son.

Ice Age Village (Windows Phone) - Still doing dailies. My wife has been putting the most time into this.

Plants vs. Zombies (Windows Phone) - Struggling on the Hard fog levels, they're way harder then I remember.

This weekend I’m playing Kingdoms of Amular: Re-Reckoning (the remastered version). Somehow, I managed to overlook the original when it released back in 2012 — I was probably consumed by Skyrim. Who wasn’t? But I’m here now and that’s all that matters.

This game is just phenomenal, and may be one of the best RPGs ever made (for me personally). Currently, I got wrapped up in The Teeth of Naros DLC, and it’s been great. I didn’t realize it was downloadable content and I’m not even a quarter of the way through the base game.

Now, don’t get me wrong - as a remaster it’s poorly done, but as a video game it’s very special. Some people might complain that it’s dated, but if you look at its developmental history, which was taking place probably back in 2008 or 2009, it is quite the achievement.

The story is your typical trite in terms of RPGs, but it’s the over-world that’s plastered with environmental stories that brings the world to life. And the game is very dialogue heavy — a typical component in any well realized RPG — and is all fully voiced, adding more texture to it all.

I like how all towns have their own personal stories and hardships they are going through. There are certain conflicts within the confines of their town and it makes it worthwhile to learn about them. Sometimes, it can be daunting maintaining who is who and what is what, but it’s not entirely overwhelming. That brings me to the adventure itself.

I’m thoroughly enjoying the quests. The side stories, although they typically end in the same fashion, are written beautifully. There is a plethora of quests that have made me genuinely laugh and subvert my expectations. And if you like to get the most out of your RPGs, there are several factions that you can join - i.e.; Thieves Guild; Warsworn; Mage, and so forth. It’s designed like Skyrim in that regard.

However, where the game shines brightest is its combat. My goodness; what a system that is under-utilized in not only modern ARPGs, but action games in general. It plays like the original God of War trilogy and Dragon’s Dogma, all the while forging its own identity.

There is so much build variety with weapons, armor, and classes. You are not bogged down by a weight limit or stamina meter, or even a particular class. The game is all about experimentation. Want to be a warrior? Check. Want to be a rogue? Go for it. How about a mage? Absolutely. Better yet, how about being all three? The world is at your oyster and you can play however you like regardless of your skill level.

My only two complaints are: Inventory and density. The game has a loot system similarly to Diablo — you’re constantly picking up new weapons, armors and items, but your backpack can only carry 70 things. Trying to balance everything is a pain. You can upgrade your inventory but it has a minimal effect.

As for density, the game features a myriad of side quests in close proximity to every location you’re at. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it can become cumbersome when you’re trying to focus on a single quest and get side tracked by talking to NPCs — but that could be my OCD kicking in.

Choo Choo Charles is on my list of games to beat this weekend. Followed by Lego Fortnite and Warhammer 40k Darktide.

Hi there fellow gamers;
This I´ll continue playing my birhtday present Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition on my Series X and some Street Fighter 6 olnine matches on my PS5.
Merry Chistmas, enjoy the Holidays and happy gaming to us all

I’ll be playing the Tekken 8 demo.

I'll be finishing up Trails of Cold Steel today and then we'll see.
I might honestly go straight into Trails of Cold Steel 2 afterwards.
On Xbox, I may continue to play Inscryption.

Disney Speedstorm and plenty of Starfield which I continue to love! So much exploring to be done and I love diving into battles.

Another game I’m on is Pool Blitz. A free game that is really simple but bloody addictive!

The very festive Aliens Fireteam Elite, which I picked up in the sale, and probably some Lego Brawls.

@eire-shabba - yes, playing via The Orange Box and the recent ‘mod’ to give 4K60fps.

Finishing Persona 5 Strikers (Sony exclusive sadly) before jumping into Tactica. Finally.

I'm kind of holding off on anything switch related. Waiting to see if I get some eshop credit for Xmas and I'll more than likely buy arkham trilogy, then start asylum. I did start steamworld dig 2, just not sure if I'm into it.

On my raspberry pi, I'll start Crusader of Centi. I've always heard about this zelda clone, so I want to give it a shake.

On a xbox, Psychonauts 2.

Merry Christmas 🎅 🎄

I'm currently playing Pokemon Violet

I'm hitting the road this afternoon to visit family for the holidays, so very little time for gaming the next couple days. I'll have my laptop with me, so I'll probably try to get in a couple late night sessions on Batman: Arkham Origins.

I also started playing High on Life this week, and I gotta say the comedy in that is right up my alley. Looking forward to playing more of that after I get back.

Merry Christmas everybody

My first ever Xbox arrives tonight! I’m looking at a game pass core subscription, so outside of that, any game recommendations?

Im gonna be playing North Pole Slaughter. Here is the description from the developer: Santa gets an LSD laced wish list letter and quickly finds out, he "can't handle his high". He goes on a halucenagenic rampage slaughtering the elves, the reindeer, even Mrs. Claus, as well any other unsuspecting innocent creature that dares to cross his path. Little does he know, a yeti has been watching and doesn't like what he sees. Prepare for an epic battle between a trippin' ballz Santa and pissed off yeti to satisy your holiday gaming needs.

@Ravio18 welcome to the Xbox fam. Honestly you’ll be good to go with gamepass as all the big exclusives are on there, at least first party. The nice thing about Xbox is the backwards compatibility too so maybe browse Xbox and 360 titles too

I’m playing crusader kings 3 on Xbox and started baldurs gate 3 on ps5. Still have Mario wonder and ocarina of time going on switch too

Spider man 2 on ps5

4 day weekend, hopefully I can knock out a couple of these from the backlog.

Xbox - Gotham knights
Pc - prince of persia (2008), halo infinite multiplayer
Ps5 - forspoken
Nintendo - metroid prime remastered

I resisted the patches for some time, but finally decided to give in, so this weekend will be all about Starfield. Sure hope they get the mods going sooner in 2024 rather than later otherwise I'll regret downloading the patches. I've always felt that the glitches/exploits were an integral aspect of what made Bethesda games so bloody awesome. Pity should they alter that marvelous legacy now. Still, Starfield is so much better than some would lead us to believe, but hey, to each their own. Peace & Love & Happy Xboxmas Everybody, Always!

@Ravio18 Congrat! The sale right now is very good and you could dive right and buy a few or when you are ready upgrade to Ultimate and enjoy the power of GamePass…. Quick recommend is the Borderlands Pandora box - lots of value there if you like FSP

Got the Watch Dogs 2 weekly reward by putting on a pair of pants - not my idea of gaming…. Happy holidays everyone! The 5 day weekend will be all about RPG … Starfield and Divinity 1….

Wait, where’s the rest of the Pure Xbox team?

As for me:

Switch: I’m working on finishing up Tears of the Kingdom.

Xbox: I was replaying Max Payne for Xmas, but then got sidetracked (once again!) by Vampire Survivors

PS5: Just finished and platinumed Spidey 2, so now I’m diving in to the incredible — and free! — Valhalla DLC for God of War: Ragnarok. I’m honestly loving this more than the base game….

@FraserG and Craig...Hades was an amazing game, truly had me hooked with it's run-throughs after each death.. hope they make some sort of sequel or add on

A bit of Hogwarts Legacy. I want to get to the Christmas season timeline in game then do all the side quests then. POE is pretty fun with the new season as well. Merry/Happy Christmas everyone!

Happy Christmas all. I’ll be on Starfield and picked up back4blood on sale

A lot of stuff thanks to all the seasonal sales lately. Been stocking up on lots of games.

I just finished the new Pokemon DLC yesterday, and am trying to beat one more game before the year is done - currently at 68 games/DLCs so far. Thinking about playing the RE4 Remake Separate Ways DLC, House of Ashes, or Stay Out of the House but haven't decided which one just yet - leaning toward House of Ashes because it's the shortest and the only one I don't own outright. Probably playing The Finals or WWZ Aftermath with the guys tonight too.

@Reptilio Thank you! I hadn’t thought about the backwards compatibility aspect much and I’ll be sure to check out some older games!

@AlwaysPlaying Thanks! I’ll be sure to check out that sale!

Will still be exploring Starfield, and keen to finish Jusant. Hopefully get into Cocoon finally, plus a few I picked up in the sales: Alen Wake 1, Bulletstorm: full clip (looking forward to this one!), After Us, & Blacktail. Happy X-boxmas all!!!

Just finished Forespoken last night. Despite its rep, theres plenty to like, its a 7.5 type of game. Picked up for £20 and got good value.
Picked up Jedi survivor in the sales, so Ill probably start that today.

Have a fantastic Xmas break!

Exploring Starfield loving the game I have no life.

I finally decided to give Redfall a go, now that it’s had several patches. Quite enjoying it, though it’s still early days. Gunplay seems pretty solid, and the 60fps performance mode is nice and smooth. For my racing fix I’m still playing Forza Motorsport and WRC. On PS5 I’m playing Avatar FoP.

I work over the festive period, and I've started a new relationship so that's a time stealer too. I'll try and get some Evil West in and thinking about Pillars of Eternity

Xbox Series X - Sonic Superstars, Rumble Roses XX

Switch - Super Mario Bros. Wonder

PS5 - Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name

I'm starting my final run of Cyberpunk - haven't played the add on yet, so should keep me busy for a while.

Also a bit of Stardew Valley .. um, I mean Coral Island on the side

Have a fab Christmas everyone!

Well we got ourselves a very festive week eh hehehehe. As for the week well I wrapped up Super Mario RPG this week and snagged this little PlayStation Indie called Eternights so kinda fun on that front. And currently the plan is to try to beat FFXVI tonight after my work shift. With that and some anime catch-up this week it’ll then be to task making all my Top 10 Lists of the year to share with friends. Of course we can’t forget the big day and yes like anyway else even I can’t resist the mood even with some extenuating circumstances. Personally for most of the holiday I’ll be in good old NYC with family. Excited for next week to share the gifts with all of y’all. Otherwise I’m not gonna lie I’m kinda feeling like most people where it’s like eh I don’t really feel like much games seeing as I either beat them or know i won’t be beating them by the end of the year. I guess the games this week will be things like Baldurs Gate 3, Like A Dragon Gaiden so I’m prepared for Like a Dragon Infinite Wealth, Sea of Stars, Granblue Fantasy Versus Rising on the PS5 and games like Star Ocean 2, Persona 5 Tactica, Pokémon Scarlet The Indigo Disk and Trails Into Reverie on switch. Still looking at Dave The Diver. Who knows maybe a mystery benefactor will feel like spreading holiday cheer? 🥺 hehehehe. In anime this week yet another terrific performance by Jujutsu Kaisen, Eminence In Shadow, SHY, Frieren and Spy X Family. Definitely looking at some top 10 candidates there. In podcasts this week it’s GOTY Season so I’m loving the meaty length episodes I’m getting from stuff like Fire Escape, Minnmax, RPGsites Tetracast, Castle Superbeast, Big Think Dimension, Into the Aether, Nextlander and Remap Radio. Of course I always save the best for last and yeah I’m thinking the newest consistent addition to this is gonna be shouting out my awesome retro stoner catgirl friend at twitch.tv/akibread. This holiday season getting to give them hopefully even the smallest boost of support is one of the greatest gifts I can get please y’all go give some love and support if you can. As of writing this journal tonight they’re streaming Fatal Frame 4 if you want some spooky while you’re warm and cozy. As always y’all stay beautiful stay kind stay safe and have a terrific weekend. Merry Christmas. Happy Holidays and Hqppy Gaming.

mass effect 1 for the first time and outer worlds for the third time.

Working until boxing day, then few days with family so not much gaming till next week. I'll be continuing:
PS4 : Uncharted
XsX : Forza and ACOdyssey
Switch: Sega collection Final Fight 2(great game for a 10min blast every now and again).
Evercade : playing through Alien Breed series on Team 17 collection.
Also picked up Alan Wake remastered for £8 from the sale. Never played the OG and I wanna dive in before I start AW2 (which is hopefully in my xmas stocking 😀).
Have a great holidays people and may your fun continue long into the new year and many more to come ✨️ 😊.

For me it's Antstream and Elder Scrolls Online

I’m playing pillars of Eternity on Xbox and the surprisingly fun Mario+Rabbids sparks of hope. Unless I get a gift card tommorow then I’m starting AC mirage.

Anyone know what the deal is with the Microsoft rewards page? Functions, puzzles games and questions I completed not adding to my points total and I can’t get my day streak going again! So annoying! On a side note they got real cheap with the points being awarded!!