I played (to completion or just a whole bunch of) a bit over thirty video games this year. Here are the ones I wanna talk about on my blog.
Silent Hill f
I’m so glad a good, new Silent Hill game is possible. f contains some of the most gruesome creatures I’ve seen in games, and is a disgustingly enjoyable journey through the horrors of feminine existence in 1960s Japan. Very keen to play through this a few more times to eke out a bit more understanding of what was going on.
Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor
I technically started playing this one the year before in early access, but it came out proper this year. It’s the game that sold me on the Steam Deck, and a fun exploration of new mechanics in the burgeoning Survivor-esque format.
I hope we find a better word for it than Survivor-like.
Croc: Legend of the Gobbos
One of the best remasters I’ve played. The new visual style captures the mid-nineties pre-rendered style of the game’s cover and promo artwork but in real time. They even made a tank-control game work fantastically with analogue movement without ruining the feel of the game.
And Roger…
I felt this one so impactful that it triggered me to blog about it earlier in the year. One of those games that uses mechanics to help you truly feel what a character is going through. Masterful.
Death Stranding 2: On The Beach
I can’t decide how I feel about the streamlining of mechanics. On one hand it reduces friction, but on the other - friction was kind of the point.
Regardless, I love making my way through Kojima penned storylines, and the feeling of connection with people around the world was even more emphasised this time. It feels nice to know that all the roads and structures in the game took people some actual effort, and they went to that effort knowing it would make like easier for other people they will never know playing alongside them.
FAITH: The Unholy Trinity
My friend James put me onto this 2022 collection of episodes, and far out I’m glad he did. Another that inspired me to take to the keyboard, FAITH juxtaposes old computer graphics styles with unsettling moments of rotoscoped horrors amidst a good old Catholic demonic exorcism story. This one rips.
Quantum Break
I’ve loved every Remedy game I’ve played so I’m not sure why it took me so long to get to Quantum Break. You can really see some earlier stages of the game/live action combo the studio went ham with in Alan Wake 2. Ultimately I think it’s one of the weaker entries from the studio but still well worth playing for the sheer Remedy of it all.
Fear The Spotlight
Another James rec, this one’s a survival horror that borrows liberally from the PS1 era in visuals and puzzles. Some genuinely creepy moments and pleasantly cozy (as odd as that sounds to describe a horror game) adventure progression and story.
Dragon Quest XI S
After really enjoying Dragon Quest 3, I resolved to finally play XI. It’s as great as Tim Rogers explained in his lengthy but compelling review years ago. Comfortable RPG times and a bunch of cool friends to hang out with.
Cast Away
A neat little Link’s Awakening-inspired action game where you fight your way through dungeons filled with enemies and puzzles. Short and sweet, and once you’re done it uncovers a rogue-lite tower to run through as well. This one’s a great weekend of game.
So yeah, a bunch of neat games this year! I hope something catches your eye and you find a neat game too!