The Weekly Digest: Uncovering the Gems You Might Have Missed
Welcome back, dear readers! Another week has flown by, and we're here to recap some of the most intriguing stories that might have slipped under your radar. From video game reviews to developer insights, we've got it all covered.
Ninja Gaiden 4: A Blast for the Unskilled?
Tom Orry, our editorial director, braved the challenge of Ninja Gaiden 4 and discovered a surprising amount of fun. Despite his self-proclaimed incompetence, Tom encourages others to give it a go, proving that skill level doesn't always determine enjoyment.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus' Dark Side
Eurogamer contributor Edward Hawkes delves into the subtle darkness beneath Pokémon Legends: Arceus' rose-tinted past. Set in a reimagined Japan of the late 1800s, the game explores a tumultuous period of history, raising questions about colonization and its impact. Edward's article offers a fascinating examination of GameFreak's choices.
Death Stranding's Emotional Devastation
In anticipation of the upcoming Strands of Harmony concert tour, we chatted with Ludvig Forssell, the composer behind Death Stranding's emotionally charged moments. The song accompanying one of the game's most devastating scenes is a labor of love, with Forssell spending more time on it than any other piece in his career.
Arc Raiders: Loot and Social Interaction
After a lengthy development, Arc Raiders is almost here, and it's a loot gremlin's dream come true. But what sets it apart is its clever use of social interaction. Connor Makar shares an exceptional anecdote, highlighting how player interactions add a unique layer to the game.
Pragmata: Rhythm and Accessibility
Capcom's Pragmata, after years of delays, is finally making its way to players. Eurogamer's Alex Donaldson believes he's cracked the code on how this third-person action-adventure will play, and its secret sauce lies in rhythm. The game's developers aim to create an accessible experience, offering a unique blend of action and puzzle-solving.
2XKO: Ambitious Character Promises
Connor, fresh from his EVO France adventures, chats with Riot Games about their 2v2 fighting game, 2XKO. With an ambitious plan to deliver more new characters annually than Street Fighter 6 and Tekken 8 combined, Connor questions the sustainability of this approach. He interviews 2XKO's champion designer, Peter Rosas, to explore this further.
PowerWash Simulator 2: More of the Same, and That's Okay
Our reviewer takes on PowerWash Simulator 2, a sequel that offers more of the same addictive squirting. Despite its simplicity, the game's charm and engaging nature make it a worthy addition to the series. It's a game that provides a social hangout or a peaceful escape, and its refinements justify its existence as a standalone title.
The Outer Worlds 2: A Strong Sequel
Alex Donaldson reviews The Outer Worlds 2, an action-RPG that improves upon its predecessor in many ways. While it may not be as memorable, the sequel excels in getting out of its comfort zone, offering a more refined and engaging experience. Its robust RPG systems and improved gameplay make it a strong contender for multiple playthroughs.
Galaxies Showcase: A Jam-Packed Autumn Edition
The video game industry showcases are coming thick and fast, and the Galaxies Showcase is no exception. With close to 50 games packed into 60 minutes, it's a whirlwind of announcements and trailers. Our round-up helps you keep track of some pretty cool games that might have otherwise gone unnoticed.
DayZ Creator Dean Hall: A Changed Man
Bertie chats with DayZ creator Dean Hall, who reflects on his journey from a big name in the industry to saving his studio, RocketWerkz, from the brink. Hall's survival game, Icarus, faced a disastrous launch, but four years later, the studio has turned a corner, and Hall is focused on rebuilding.
Fast and Furious: Arcade Edition - Video Game Junk Food
Tom Orry raises a glass to trash, or rather, video game junk food. He reviews Fast and Furious: Arcade Edition, a spiritual successor to Cruis'n Blast, which offers an endearingly fun racing experience. While it may not be a Game of the Year contender, there's a time and place for mindless fun, and this game fits the bill perfectly.
Stay tuned for more weekly digests, and don't miss out on the latest gaming insights and reviews!
