As the semester winds down and assignment deadlines become nothing more than painful memories, the time has come to sink your teeth into some well-deserved gaming time.
But with limited time and money yet seemingly infinite options, it can be a struggle to even figure out what to play.
So, to help the weary gamer make the most of their precious gaming time, we’ve compiled a few recommendations, with something to fit every taste.
Try Out the JRPG-Inspired Game of the Year, Clair Obscure: Expedition 33
If you’ve been around the online gaming sphere at all in the past eight months, then you’ll have no doubt heard of Expedition 33.
The debut game from French studio Sandfall Interactive takes inspiration from both classic JRPGs like Final Fantasy and modern action games to create a next-level turn-based combat system.
The introduction of a parry system adds extra levels of action, momentum and dynamism, without losing the strategic depth that makes turn-based combat beloved.
Beyond the gameplay, Expedition 33 features stunning graphics, a gorgeous French fantasy aesthetic and outstanding music.
But the highlight of the game may actually be the moving story and gripping characters with fantastic performances from big names such as Jennifer English and Ben Starr.
So why not see what all the fuss is about, and settle into the RPG that’s collecting game of the year awards all over the world.
Combine mindbending story, outstanding visuals and oddly therapeutic gameplay in Death Stranding 2: On The Beach
If you’re up for a game that’s story, world and gameplay are entirely unique and indescribable, then you might just connect with Death Stranding 2.
Following up on 2019’s ‘Stand Game’ masterpiece, On The Beach retains much of what made the original beloved while massively improving on the combat and stealth gameplay.
In many ways, it almost feels like a combination of Death Standing and Hideo Kojima’s previous game, Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, in the best way.
While the action gameplay is levelled up in the sequel, the game also retains the oddly therapeutic aspects of hiking across a continent alone, slowly building up connections with your companion fetus, Lou.
And that’s not even mentioning the story, which plays out over many hours of Hollywood-quality cutscenes starring actors such as Norman Reedus, Elle Fanning and Léa Seydoux.
Together, this creates a game that is engaging, relaxing, moving and, ultimately, entirely singular.
Death Stranding 2 is not for everyone, but if you give the game a try, it may just grab you as no other game has, it certainly grabbed me.
Face the Indie Action Masterclasses Hades 2 and Hollow Knight: Silksong
If you’re more looking to blow off some steam over the break, then the indie game scene has you covered.
With gorgeous art and tight gameplay, both sequels here a easy to recommend.
Hollow Knight: Silksong features far tougher gameplay in a 2D Metroidvania world of bugs.
Hades 2, on the other hand, brings brilliant characters and music to the rougelike genre, set on the stage of Greek Mythology.
Both games have incredible, pulse-pounding gameplay with incredibly high skill ceilings that will easily keep you busy all break.
Plus, both games retail for less than a third of the average triple-A game, so you really can’t go wrong with them.
Get a Front Row Seat to One of the Best Superhero Stories in Years with Dispatch
Fancy something that swaps intense gameplay for deep characters and impactful choices? Then look no further than dispatch.
Combining the choice-based storytelling of games like Life is Strange or Telltale’s The Walking Dead, with strategic management akin to Civilisation, Dispatch is deeply gripping and emotional.
With an all-star cast delivering amazing performances and deeply human writing that has become all too rare in superhero stories.
The game has exploded on social media for good reason: your choices truly matter, and they impact your relationships in meaningful ways.
This also makes the game incredibly replayable, making it a great companion for a more laid-back break game.
There are plenty of other great games released this year, and undoubtedly plenty more in everyone’s personal backlogs.
But, hopefully one of these picks will serve as a good gaming companion over the winter break and allow you to truly rest, relax, and get lost in the world of games.
Featured Image Credit: Kojima Production/Sony Interactive Entertainment/Supergiant Games/Sandfall Interactive
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Fourth-year Journalism and Politics student.
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