Hello and Happy New Year!
Hope you had a relaxing holiday break filled with fun and games. In this edition of our regular feature, we’ll discuss some of the games we’ve been diving into over the festive season. From loot-filled adventures in Diablo 4 and Path of Exile 2 to the delightful surprises of Indiana Jones and the ingenious gameplay of Animal Well, let’s explore our gaming escapades.
Check out our What We’ve Been Playing archive for previous editions of this column.
Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred, PS5
During the Christmas break, I bounced back and forth between Diablo 4 and Path of Exile 2, immersing myself in the world of action role-playing games. What struck me the most was the contrasting styles of these two games. Path of Exile 2 is challenging and rewards are scarce, making progress a slow and steady journey. On the other hand, Diablo 4 is a loot festival, especially during the festive Slay Ride to Hell event where Treasure Goblins filled every nook and cranny with abundant riches. Transitioning from one extreme to the other was a thrilling experience for me as I savored the overflow of loot that Diablo 4 had to offer.
Exploring the new Vessel of Hatred expansion zone, Nahantu, was a refreshing experience as I dived into a sea of new loot and content that had accumulated over the past year. The generous loot drops and exhilarating gameplay of Diablo 4 kept me hooked, allowing me to fully indulge in the wealth of rewards the game had to offer.
While the abundance of loot eventually reached saturation point, it was a joyous ride that I relished before returning to the challenging realms of Path of Exile 2, a fitting cleanse for the excess of Diablo.
-Bertie
Animal Well, PC (Steam Deck)
Over the holiday season, I embarked on a captivating journey through Animal Well, a true gem in the world of Metroidvania games. Developer Billy Basso has crafted a masterpiece that stands out for its innovative gameplay mechanics and clever design. Venturing through the whimsical world of Animal Well felt like a breath of fresh air, thanks to its unique traversal tools and engaging mysteries that kept me hooked throughout.
Delving deeper into the layers of Animal Well, I uncovered its hidden secrets and challenges, including a thrilling 64-egg hunt that added another dimension to the game. The meticulous attention to detail and the intricate puzzles scattered throughout the game showcased the developer’s creativity and dedication. It was a truly immersive experience that left me captivated and eager to explore every corner of Animal Well.
-Katharine
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Xbox Series X
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Discovering the wonders of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle was indeed a pleasant surprise, especially for a die-hard fan of the franchise. Despite initial reservations, the game’s captivating narrative, attention to detail, and true-to-character portrayal of Indy won me over completely. MachineGames has done a remarkable job in capturing the essence of Indiana Jones, from his witty humor to his adventurous spirit.
Exploring the world of Indiana Jones felt like stepping into a classic adventure film, with each discovery and puzzle adding to the excitement. The meticulous design and immersive gameplay kept me engaged throughout, making it a standout title from last year’s releases.
Indiana Jones, you’ve returned in spectacular fashion, and I couldn’t be happier with this thrilling new chapter in your legendary saga.
-Tom