10th May
Greetings, gamers! Welcome back to our weekly dive into the exhilarating world of gaming. This week, we bid a heartfelt farewell to Jessica as she embarks on an exciting journey into freelance journalism—your shining talent will be missed! Bertie shares his thoughts on fluctuating moods while gaming, and Tom O explores the uncharted territories of PlayStation VR2. What adventures have you been on recently?
Don’t forget to check out our archives to catch up on past games we’ve explored.
Clair Obscur, PS5
The mindset we bring into a gaming experience can dramatically shape our reactions. It’s intriguing to ponder how much of our enjoyment hinges on our emotional state at that moment. Just consider how important this becomes for developers aiming to connect with players on a deeper level.
This week, I fired up Clair Obscur on a bank holiday Monday, energized by the rave reviews circulating in the Nova Play Discord and having seen my partner’s excitement while playing. I was instantly captivated. The mesmerizing graphics and uniquely crafted setup hooked me, and I reluctantly paused my journey at bedtime.
However, when I returned later in the week, my perception shifted dramatically. What once felt enchanting now seemed narrow and clunky, the bright scenery overwhelming rather than appealing. Combat that initially thrilled me became a source of frustration as I focused on limitations rather than possibilities. The dynamic, emotional storytelling that I found charming the first time now felt almost excessive.
This contrasts is fascinating and reveals the fragility of our perspectives. That day’s irritability turned my experience sour, yet it’s a testament to how much our frames of mind can alter our gaming journey.
-Bertie
Zenless Zone Zero, PS5
Last autumn, I made the tough decision to step away from Zenless Zone Zero, as I was anticipating upcoming titles like Silent Hill 2 and Dragon Age: The Veilguard. The overwhelming number of live service games on my plate made it seem impractical, especially after failing to snag the character I wanted countless times. If you’re stuck in the gacha grind, you know what I mean—it can be liberating to walk away!
But with the highly-anticipated 2.0 update looming, I revisited the neon-lit streets of New Eridu to see what’s changed in the past several months. Surprisingly, the removal of the ‘TV mode’ gameplay, which initially felt like it might strip the game of its uniqueness, was soon overshadowed by the sheer adrenaline-fueled combat. Blasting through enemies with ease, I quickly fell back in love with the game’s dynamic mechanics.
Although I’m still haunted by my bad luck in character draws (seriously, Koleda, just give me a break!), the allure of its fast-paced combat offers a delightful distraction from my misfortune.
-Jessica
The Midnight Walk, PS5 and PSVR2
It’s a pity that virtual reality has yet to become a staple in gaming households. Though some may argue it’s ready, the reality is that mainstream adoption is still out of reach. PSVR2 exemplifies this predicament perfectly: a truly immersive device hampered by high costs and a lack of must-have titles.
One of my main gripes with the PSVR2 is its physical tethering to the console, particularly after enjoying the freedom of a Meta Quest 2. Yet, the charm of The Midnight Walk shines through; while not flawless, it’s enchanting—a short stroll through a beautifully designed experience. Sadly, I wonder if it alone can motivate gamers to invest in a VR headset. Fortunately, it also features a regular TV mode for those hesitant to take the plunge.
Despite its shortcomings, the potential of VR remains boundless. I hope we eventually see titles that truly push the boundaries of what this technology can achieve.
-Tom O
This revision maintains the original content’s core information while providing a fresh perspective, richer context, and engaging comparisons to make it appealing for gaming enthusiasts. It also includes placeholders for images that can enhance the visual engagement of the presentation.
