Time to look back on the week we’ve just had! What did the weekdays look like for our writers? What was the biggest news from the week? and what are we looking forward to playing during the upcoming weekend? Our Eyes on the Week article will answer all three of these questions!
We’re curious about your opinion and played games, so be sure to share your stuff on our social media channels!
Victoria
Hogwarts Legacy is once again the game I’ve probably spent the most time on this week, working my way through everything – main and side quests while also keeping an eye out for any miscellaneous collectables I can obtain along the way. I’ve also set myself a task of getting a ‘shiny’ version of every creature possible for my Room of Requirement which may take some time but I’m adamant I will succeed.
I’ve also been putting more time into both my review games – Another Crusade and Deflector. Both are very different in comparison but you should hear more about these very soon.
The only other games I have ‘played’ this week are Forza Horizon 4, Hidden Shapes: Cat Realm + Trick or Cats, and Ravenlok but these were purely to complete my challenges in the TrueAchievement Trick or Treat event.
Most exciting news of this week: The completion of Microsoft and their acquisition of Activision Blizzard has finally been set in stone and I couldn’t be happier to welcome them to the green side. I’m looking forward to which games will make an appearance on Xbox Games Pass.
Looking forward to playing: My review games. any which make an appearance on my Trick or Treat challenges on TrueAchievements, and the Dead by Daylight Halloween event. I’ve also had a massive competitive itch so I might revisit Overwatch 2 soon.
Robby
I’ve been playing the Pokémon DLC mostly so I can get started with Detective Pikachu right after. Also just had “jury-duty” for Flanders Game Hub and now enjoying two days of Unwrap in Belgium, a conference for gaming professionals. I didn’t play much else because I simply lacked the time, though my kids have been having a blast with PAW Patrol World.
Most interesting news of this week: 10 games have been selected at Flanders Game Hub to receive the support they need. Very proud to have been part of the process.
Looking forward to playing: Lords of the Fallen.
Thomas
This week, I had more time to myself, which is great because it lets me play more games. Like most weeks, I played some Final Fantasy XIV most days which saw me reach the end of the available main scenario quests for the first time since I started playing. The “To be continued” I’ve dreaded for so long has finally set up shop in the corner of my screen, where it will be until the next patch. That just means that it’s time to run down the list of side content I’ve yet to do, and luckily for me, it’s a long one. First up, Savage raids and Extreme trials.
Honkai Star Rail still sees me log in daily as well. Patch 1.4 dropped on Wednesday, bringing with it further escapades for the Trailblazer; Jingliu’s banner and companion quest; and a number of timed events to partake in. I’ve only done the companion quest at the time of writing and will be skipping the banner in an attempt to build up enough stellar jades to pull for Topaz in 2 weeks’ time. It’ll come down to the wire most likely, but seeing as they are starting to rerun old characters I’ll only be a little salty if I miss my 50/50 chance.
And while everybody and their dog are on a second or third playthrough already, I’ve started my first (hopefully complete) campaign of Baldur’s Gate 3 with 2 friends. I’m playing as an Open Hand monk with a fighter, druid and bard as companions. Already good ways into the first act I’ve made the… decision… to ask Auntie Ethel for help with my tadpole. Those who know know, but let’s just say I’ll play my character with trust issues from here on out.
The “Another Crab’s Treasure” demo also scuttled its way onto Steam, and I’ve played it a bit. I’m really liking the shell mechanic where you use random trash as armour and it gives you different special abilities. The soda can’s really came in clutch against the tutorial boss for me.
Most interesting news of this week: Steam Next Fest is live, and it’s full of promising demos.
Looking forward to playing: I’m hoping my Baldur’s Gate 3 group doesn’t go the way of my D&D group. I’ll also see if anything on the Next Fest catches my eye.
Colombo
Despite having trouble getting it working, I was able to make Everhood: Eternity Edition work for a third time, this time I was able to complete it, so look out for another review coming soon.
I’m still playing Lies of P, having plenty of difficulty with it, but it’s still pretty good and interesting.
Finally, I played a few minutes of Celeste just so I’d get some Microsoft Rewards points from a challenge.
Most interesting news of this week: The Brasil Game Show is happening, I won’t be able to attend it, but it’s still cool that it’s happening.
Looking forward to playing: More Lies of P, possibly going back to Kingdom Hearts III and maybe something else.
Genethical
You’re not gonna guess what I played this wee- Well, besides more Strive, duh! Fine, yes, I’ve actually hit training mode for a change, got myself some new routes and I’ve been focusing on execution. It’s funny how a training mode is standard for fighting games, but when it has taken me 225 hours to finally fully internalise one character, well…
For a stark change of pace, I put in some hours in Noita! If this is your first hearing of it, it is a very charming roguelike with two main selling points: wands with modular spell slots you can swap out and create, and an advanced physics/interactions engine focusing on reactions from different elements. Water in a wooden tank can be electrified, which can cause the wood to catch fire, and eventually, the water will flow down through the gaps and put out the fire, leaving smoke. It has a robust modding scene as well and it can be so much fun with the right combinations.
Last but not least, I’ve been playing Cattails: Wildwood Story for a review – which you’ll be able to read soon! While I won’t spoil it, I can say that my opinion so far is firmly rooted in one side of the recommend/avoid spectrum.
Most interesting news of this week: John Riccitiello, Unity’s CEO (and quite the controversial figure,) has resigned following the scandal that was the attempted new pricing model for the 3D engine. The company still seems set on charging a runtime fee for their new version shipping in 2024. Seems like a good time to invest in Epic Games instead… Or just get RPGMaker MZ.
Looking forward to playing: Found some new mods to try out in Noita, and more Cattails so I can wrap up my thoughts on it.
Hello, I’m Victoria. I’m from the UK and have been playing video games for as long as I can remember; back on DreamCast. I’ve pretty much fallen for Xbox since I was around eight years old and remember BioShock being my first game on the Xbox360. Although I find it thoroughly enjoyable to not only experience gameplay, I also find comfort in getting lost and engrossed in the online worlds that sometimes differ greatly from what we know. Another side of my Xbox passion would be achievement hunting and gamerscore. I thrive when I hear the little sound of one popping up on the screen and I’m always finding ways to work on my backlog when possible. Horror is my favourite genre so if you have any recommendations, don’t be afraid to send them my way!
