January 17th
Hello and welcome back to our weekly roundup of the games we’ve been playing. This week, we dived back into the addictive Sims character creator, struggled with a new puzzle game, and reached a bittersweet end in Animal Crossing.
What games have you been enjoying lately?
Check out our previous editions in the What We’ve Been Playing archive.
Escape Academy, Xbox Series X
Recently, I completed a puzzling adventure calendar that left me craving more challenges. Thanks to a recommendation from Eurogamer reader themightyant, I discovered Escape Academy – a game that plunges players into a school dedicated to escapism.
So far, I’ve navigated my way out of precarious situations, including escaping a gas-filled office, maneuvering through a flooding maintenance area, and fulfilling quirky requests from my teacher. The puzzles have struck a perfect balance of difficulty, keeping me engaged without causing frustration. Each area presents a fresh set of challenges, making the experience exciting and diverse.
Escape Academy introduces a sense of urgency through time limits for missions, adding to the thrill of gameplay. While these timers can be a bit stressful, they enhance the overall experience without detracting from the enjoyment.
If you’re a fan of escape room experiences, Escape Academy is a must-try. The game exudes passion for puzzles and delivers an immersive gaming experience that rivals real-life escape rooms.
-Victoria
Animal Crossing, Switch
After completing the art gallery in Animal Crossing, I found myself reflecting on the journey the game has taken me on. Collecting artwork became a daily ritual that added purpose to my virtual life, and now that it’s over, I’m left with mixed emotions.
Animal Crossing has evolved from a laid-back experience to a collection-driven adventure over the years. Each installment deepened the desire to complete specific tasks, leading to fulfilling moments like finishing the art gallery.
Though my time with Animal Crossing may be over for now, I’ll always cherish the memories and look forward to revisiting the game in the future.
-Donlan
The Sims 4, PC
Returning to The Sims 4 after some time away reminded me of the joy of creative freedom the game offers. From customizing Sims to designing dream homes, every aspect of gameplay is a canvas for self-expression.
Creating intricate backstories for my Sims and meticulously crafting their living spaces became a captivating journey of exploration. The ability to shape their lives and destinies without limitations is truly liberating.
Whether I decide to focus on a specific career path or embark on unexpected adventures, The Sims 4 allows me to dictate the course of gameplay and immerse myself in a world of endless possibilities.
-Marie