What We’ve Been Playing

Hello there! Welcome back to our regular roundup where we share our gaming experiences from the past few days. This week, join us as we explore festive levels, solve plant-based puzzles, and embark on thrilling adventures in open worlds with fabulous attire.

Missed our previous editions? Catch up in our archived What We’ve Been Playing column.

Astro Bot, PS5

Image credit: Team Asobi

With a long list of games waiting to be played, the free winter/holiday level in Astro Bot was too enticing to resist. Upon diving in, I was greeted with a delightful experience that inspired me to create an original, festive song to commemorate the occasion.

DualSense rings, are you listening,

What a pain, Retro Rampage

A beautiful sight,

Puzzle Piece tonight,

Walking in an Astro wonderland.

Gone away is the Deckster,

Here to stay is my blister

Damn that time trial,

Live in denial,

Walking in an Astro wonderland.

-Tom O

Botany Manor, Xbox Series X

A double-page from the Herbarium in Botany Manor, showing a plant called Windmill Wort, with petals bent to catch the wind. — Image credit: Balloon Studios/Whitethorn Games/Eurogamer

As December winds down, I found myself catching up on missed games from earlier in the year. One such gem was Botany Manor, a serene puzzle game set in a majestic stately home in Somerset. Dive into a world of unique and exotic plants that require specific conditions to bloom, offering a delightful challenge of intellect and observation.

Immerse yourself in this artfully crafted environment, uncovering clues and solving puzzles to nurture these extraordinary botanical wonders. With vibrant visuals reminiscent of The Witness, Botany Manor is a beautiful and engaging experience, perfect for a sunny day even in the chill of December.

-Katharine

Infinity Nikki, PS5

While open-world games can often feel overwhelming, Infinity Nikki manages to create a joyous and inviting experience that focuses on delight rather than sheer size. Explore a whimsical world filled with hot air balloons, magical creatures, and endless customization options for your character, Nikki.

Despite minor bugs and common open-world tropes, Infinity Nikki shines with its cheerful atmosphere and attention to detail. Step into a world of wonder and whimsy, unlike anything you’d expect from a game rooted in the dress-up genre.

-Jessica

Stay tuned for our special Christmas edition of What We’ve Been Playing coming your way on Christmas morning. See you then!

Dragon Age: The Veilguard, PS5

A close-up of the iconic Solas character from Dragon Age: The Veilguard - by turns the antagonist or a friend, depending on how you interpret his actions. He is a slender elven male character with a bald head. He has strong features and a sultry glare. — Image credit: Eurogamer / EA BioWare

While not a diehard Dragon Age enthusiast, the latest installment, The Veilguard, managed to capture my attention with its streamlined gameplay and visually stunning world. Despite some drawbacks like repetitive combat and dated quest design, there’s a certain charm to the mindlessness of Veilguard that offers a relaxing escape.

Join me on this journey through a fantasy world that may not be perfect, but certainly provides a soothing and engaging experience. Sometimes, that’s all we need.

-Ed