Two months into the year already? Wow time flies, but that’s probably because we are enjoying so many games. What are we up to this month?
February is stacked with new releases so there is a lot to look forward to, but there are also a lot of games we haven’t finished. It’s pretty safe to say that Marvel Rivals is still on a lot of our lists, and if the team still wants to discuss that as their selection that’s awesome. New heroes were released, and the first season started, so of course we are still enjoying it. But what else is the team gaming this month?
Dustin
Balatro
I’ve been addicted to this game since I bought it in December, and I still have a few trophies to clean up. A quick boot up makes it perfect for a game to boot up after work. It also sucks you in and makes time go by so fast because you start to strategize and think “just one more run” will get you to the end.
Alan Wake 2
I haven’t had a chance to play this or Silent Hill 2 yet, and it’s been killing me! I’m using my spare time on my weekends to at least get through this one this month. It’s been a while since I played a horror (ish) game since MADiSON gave me nightmares in VR.
MiSide
This game caught my attention on Steam when I got my Steam Deck, and I gave it a shot. Little did I know it would end up being one of the best horror inspired games in my library. Its slow build and character building is incredible, and the subtle scares are so organic and well done. It doesn’t just jump out at you, it actually programs scenarios to just outright creep you out, like the character standing oddly too close to you. I honestly could write a whole review praising this game, so go check it out!
Katy
Marvel Rivals
As said above, it’s a safe bet we’re playing Marvel Rivals! I’m currently on the quest for diamond (and stuck in Plat 1!), but it’s great to see how devs are adjusting seasonal buffs and integrating new characters, especially considering developers have said they aim to add two new characters every three months – my guess? We’ll get characters related to the latest film launches so I’m guessing, at a baseline, we’ll see Falcon drop alongside/close to Captain America: Brave New World when it hits theaters on February 14.
Stardew Valley
I’m one achievement away from my first ever Perfection run in Stardew – all I need is the Golden Clock! Just farming up the $10 million price tag takes time, but I’m very motivated with my Ancient Fruit Wine empire and current balance of about $8 million.
I began the Perfection run on the newest farm type and now just have a few auxiliary achievements to 100% the game: Joining Joja which I have never done, having 2 kids (I hate the wasted space in the house), shipping 15 of every crop (working through that now), and the DREADED requirement to beat the Journey of the Prairie King arcade game. Pray for me.
Hello Kitty and Friends Minecraft DLC
Minecraft farming sim with almost 200 pieces of furniture and Sanrio friends? Sold. Need I say more?
Ryan Z
Alan Wake 2
I also finally took the time to sink my teeth into Remedy’s magnum opus this month, and I’m so glad that I did! This riveting psychological thriller kept me fully enraptured in a way few games have lately. I’ve long thought my days of extra-long gaming binge sessions behind me, but I found that I had the stamina and drive to play through all of the base Alan Wake 2 plus the Night Springs DLCs over the course of a long weekend! This is definitely one of the greatest games to come out this decade, do not sleep on it!
Nine Sols
I started this one in December, but it took up the greatest portion of my usual gaming time for the first two weeks of this month. I’ve always been a sucker for a good Metroidvania, and Nine Sols delivers in spades. The exploration is in-depth but not overwhelming, and the story IS overwhelming in its emotional depth despite the simple graphics and presentation. Add on top of that some of the most frenetic and fast-paced combat I’ve ever experienced in the genre and you’ve got a real keeper on your hands! If you’re looking for a sleeper hit this year, look no further than Nine Sols!
Outer Wilds
Another game I’d been meaning to get into for years now, but never found the time. I finally sat down with a friend and played through Outer Wilds earlier this month, and couldn’t be happier for it. This is one of the best single-player games you can play with a friend, spouse, child, or any loved one in your life. The nonlinear nature of unraveling the story combined with a strict time limit on each “run” allows each player to explore whichever corner of the solar system they want, and makes for all the more interesting discussion about what should be done next. Plus it’s truly a game for all ages, with upbeat music and bright aesthetics and a story throughline that, while subtle, preaches the need for hope and friendship even in the shadow of certain doom.
