Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 534

I’m making a bit more progress with Crow Country. I think I’ll have a bit more Arizona sunshine 2 and Talos Principal 2 dlc if I get enough caffeine in me. I might also have a go at a window so vm and get wizardary 8 and Simpsons hit and run working. Have a great weekend folks!

Will be primarily playing Far Cry Primal on PS5 but also Kirby: Planet Robobot on 3DS. Or at least, I'll try to play Primal seeing as how the game constantly crashes on PS5. It seems like one of those PS4 games that doesn't work well on the system. Hopefully I'll be able to finish it as I'm really enjoying the game.

I beat the AW 2 Nightspring dlc. It was a great time though Jesse's story was weak. Last episode was brilliant 7.5/10.

Started Erdtree today and beat the Blackgaol Knight after 45 mins of attempts.

Also got Vanquish on sale. But that's a game for a lean period to pass the time. Heard great things about it.

Amongst family life and football there will be Dead Space remake, dead island 2, fallout 4 and Snooker 19.
Probably end up playing only a tiny bit of these games but that’s family I guess.
Have a great gaming weekend everyone

I got the platinum trophy for Stellar Blade, but I’m still playing it for a 3rd play through. Throwing in some WWE 2K24 as well.

Just 2 chapters left on my hard playthrough on Enslaved: Odyssey to the West for the plat. If I manage to get those done this weekend, I’m gonna try and make a start on Strange Brigade.

Although I have finished all of the main games in the Life is Strange series, I've never played the Before the Storm DLC. It's at least as good as the rest of them, so I plan to finish it after work today. Tomorrow, I will dive into Still Wakes the Deep. I hope I don't end up with more than one barcode on my pants after playing it.

Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin

Can't say I'm loving it, though :/

Blasting Kett, making planets viable and dropping snarky replies in the rather very decent Mass Effect Andromeda.

Shin Megami Tensei V month for me.

@naruball not enough CHAOS!

First days of summer vacation, so awesome 😎

Rise of the Ronin - its very fun to play this game regardless of its flaws. Im going bonkers clearing the map for collectibles while trying to keep focus on the main missions as well, but its just so satisfying clearing each area 😅 Switched to japanese as well which is so much better!

Still wakes the deep - Havent played very much yet but really like it so far. Great scottish dialects and good voice acting, very good atmosphere in the game as well and it looks good but performance is not very good on the Series S. Still, looking forward to playing more!

Elden Ring DLC and EURO for me...Have a nice weekend, everyone!

Re-playing Jedi survivor. Performance mode is so much better now. Just wish Beyond Good and Evil was available now instead of Tuesday

Shadow of the Erdtree, my chosen Tarnished has been camping outside that cocoon for ages! I got through two Remembrance bosses yesterday fairly easy. Right now I just came up out of a dried well to see a burnt out village that begs to be explored.

There is no feeling like exploring a new From Soft space.

Final Fantasy XVI: I think the thing I enjoy most about this game (apart from the exceptionally fluid combat) is the worldbuilding. Various database entries, sidequests connecting previously met characters and towns/cities, the descriptiveness of the plight of Bearers and the Plague affecting Valisthea - it's all done justice and complimented by a suitably earnest (albeit at times conflicted) main character in Clive.

PS5
Elden Ring
Checked out the dlc for a bit. Explored the first area, beat that fire ***** that roams the fields, then acted as a summon to help people trying to beat Moog at the dlc entry point. Just taking my time, enjoying new content for this, no need to rush.

PSVR 2
Vertigo 2
Awesome game, and a big step forward from the first title, which was solid but not as memorable. The imagination gone into design and levels is really admirable, just wish they would patch in DFR support to really do it justice.

Switch
Metroid Fusion
Having beat Super Metroid recently, I dived into this one. It's fine if slight, they took out a lot of the exploration and mystery for a more streamlined experience, which has pros and cons.

SMT V. I’m having a blast with it

It’s sunny outside but I shall be basking in the Shadow of the Erdtree!

Probably the same again this weekend. Rise of the Ronin, Gran Turismo 7 and Hellblade 2. Although I must say I'm starting to grow tired of RotR and Hellblade 2 so I'm not sure if I'll continue them. GT7 is fun though.

I’m itching closer to Deus Ex mankind divided platinum trophy. Then I’m gonna jump into SpongeBob cosmic shake.

Gone obsessed with yakuza games so playing judgment atm then onto lost judgment

@breakneck haha. It's one of the things I don't mind, but the combat so far leaves a lot to be desired. Maybe it gets better...

@ThorsHammer I see PSVR2, I press like

Scarlet Nexus. Downloaded it on a whim and really enjoying it.

Running around seeing what I can destroy with a crowbar on Dysmantle (PS5).
Have a good one everybody.

Playing tourist taking a lot of screenshots in the Shadow of the Erdtree. Who are those enemies again? No problem, dealing with them with a +10 Morgott's sword. What a land of beauty.

AC Mirage. Only a few hours in but liking it so far. Parkour feels really good, nice blend of the old and new. Feels much better than the full on auto pathing in the RPG games. Have a good weekend all!

Still powering through Assassin's Creed Valhalla really enjoying the mundanity of it all it's quite chill

I’ll be playing ghosthunter on the ps5, fiddling with debug mode in heavy rain on rpcs3 and I might play something on switch.

On Ps5 Shadow of the Erdtree and Still Wakes The Deep on Game Pass

Started Stranger of Paradise FF Origin but I've dropped it like a hot plate. Utterly awful, not for me
So I'm gonna replay the amazing Stellar Blade to compensate with more of my GOTY so far Dragons Dogma 2 and Forza on XBX
Have a great weekend guys and gals ❤️

@naruball ...I've recently started it, got 5 chapters in, dropped it. Awful

I'm on disc 2 of Final Fantasy VIII. So I'll be playing more of that. It's an odd game, definitely flawed and I can see why it's divisive, but I'm still enjoying it. You can't go wrong with any PS1 Final Fantasy really. Also playing a bit of Valkyria Chronicles 2 on the Vita, which has been a lot of fun so far and looks great for an old PSP game. Happy gaming all 👍

I’ve kind of become addicted to Football Manager 24 since it hit plus. And with the portal always to hand and the first season drawing to a climax it’ll be hard to play anything else

I finally started Resident Evil 4 remake yesterday so I'll continue with that and I'm going to go back to Fallout 4 after a break. On Xbox I've been playing Still wakes the deep it's OK but glad it's on Gamepass.

Got an itch to play Fallout after finishing the series which was excellent, bit less of that 50's music for the next season tough please!
Want to give Kayak VR a whirl on PSVR2 too, really loving getting VR games on plus

Plus plenty of the Euros and some sunshine!

Happy gaming folks

Touching some grass this weekend

No seriously, theres this game on steam called touch grass

I'm jumping between Stellar Blade, Witcher 3, Alan Wake 2 DLCs and BG3 (finally made it to act 2).

Shadow of the erdtree and tekken 8. Have a great weekend folks😎

Shadow of the Erdtree. So far so awesome.

Starting to play a lot of 3d platformers . Going through Kao The Kangaroo at the moment at a snails pace cause the weather is too nice to not go out . Plus the European football is certainly keeping me occupied for the next month .

Hello there fellow gamers.
This weekend is all about Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree.
It´s all I can think about right now, playing this gem of a game.
And Nothing Else Matters....... Until I´m done with it.
Then, I´ll probably go back to AC Odissey and Rise of the Ronin.
Cheers everyone and happy gaming weekend to us all

I can't get started on Shadow of the Erdtree yet, as badly as I want to.

I've been playing Demon's Souls and enjoying it a lot. I sense that I'll probably clock up at least 30 hours in that game. It's not as hard as I thought it would be but the boss runs are unforgiving, the run up to the Tower Knight in particular.

A lot like Dark Souls fundamentally, but the intricacies make it seem like an entirely different game altogether once you really get into it.

Like most it’s a journey to the Realm of Shadow this weekend… and with any luck I might by Sunday actually defeat the Blackgaol Knight about 5 mins into the game 😄

Also been playing through Unicorn Overlord, which will definitely be a nice break if things in Elden Ring get too intense. Honestly, Unicorn Overlord is a complete and utter joy and just looks stunning. I think it’s going to sneak in there as game of the year for me… don’t sleep on that one folks!

Have a good one all (and for most enjoy dying over and over 😄)

AC Mirage and Starfield. The latter of which, despite being such a cluttered mess of nonsense, and clearly just a re-skin of other Bethesda games, is actually quite chill and addictive to play and I'm enjoying it quite a bit.

I’m playing Elden Ring’s red-headed step sister, Dark Souls 2. So far, I’d consider it underrated. It’s a solid Souls game and having a great time with it.
Well.. not sure that’s the right way to describe the experience. I’m not a masochist. Dying over and over to gangs of enemies in a dark and depressing world shouldn’t be considered a good time, but somehow I like it. 😄

@Mythologue the run up to the Maneaters (and the actual boss fight) is the one I always struggle on. That one is brutal!

@Th3Solution I’m the same! I went back and played all the Souls games for the first time after beating Elden Ring and had a really good time with 2! Although the health lowering each time you die scared the hell outa me 😄. Still got 3 sitting there waiting for me when my backlog clears up.

I'm almost done with YS VIII Lacrimosa of Dana (Still best JRPG of all time for me).. and probably going to start Atelier Ryza for the first time. I've never played this franchise before, so i'm curious to see how it'll go.
Also still playing Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2. Just unlocked SSJBlue!

@Hootnoodle good luck buddy, the data master trophy is a right ****! Satisfying once achieved though 😉

I have the PS4 version of ER downloaded and making progress to Lucaria before diving into Erdtree, and I downloaded my completed PS5 version so I can dive straight into Erdtree. So I hope to experience it with both characters.

Other than that more Rise of the Ronin and continuing my Diamond Dynasty Season 2 in The Show 24.

Congratulations to my boston Celtics 💚🖤🏀 🏆 for winning the 2024 nba championship.we got banner 18.we different here.we got more championship then the Los Angeles fakers now.we have been the best team all year.and the Boston Celtics dominated the dallas mavericks.and Boston got the best defense in the nba.they lock in on luka and kyrie on game 5.boston Celtics 💚🖤 is easily one of the best nba team ever. will be playing.and continue playing.the instant classic the amazing monster hunter world 🌎 world master edition.because the boston Celtics are the 2024 world champions.im still playing with the heavy bowgun.its so much fun.the gameplay is excellent.the graphics is amazing.boss fights is incredible and the story is awsome.i will also be playing the awsome Kingdom hearts the story .because boston Celtics is the king of basketball.and that team have a lot of hearts.i will be playing the excellent one of the best video games ever in kingdom hearts final mix.sora is one of the best protagonist ever.the gameplay is excellent.the story is wonderful.the graphics still looks good.its awsome.and the boss fights is incredible.i will still be playing one of the best video games ever in the excellent.divinity 2 definitive edition.2 is for jason tatum second chance at the nba finals.this time the Boston Celtics destroyed the theyre opponent in the nba finals.jaylen brown mvp.al horford finally got his championship win.derrick white and jru holiday best defensive backcourt guards in the nba.and kristaps porzingis without him the Boston Celtics wouldn't win game 1.payton Pritchard and sam hauser are magician with the three ball.xavier till man amazing defender.and knock down the 3 also.im still playing divinity original sin 2.its one of the best video games ever.the graphics.the story.the gameplay and the boss fights is incredible.and i willbe playing my favorite video games consoles on my ps4 in the early 1990s in sega genesis classic.because the Boston are the original classic nba franchises.and they now got more nba championships than the los Angeles Lakers.i will be playing my favorite sega genesis video games ever in the incredible streets of rage 1.axel is a incredible protagonist.the graphics.the gameplay.the music is excellent.thats my video games from the 1990s.i will be watching legendary sitcoms tv 📺 comedy shows in Sanford and son.good times.the Jeffersons.and saved by the bell.word life.word to god.word to your mother.word is born .word up son

Shadow of the Erdtree and Enotria demo, maybe a sprinkling of dead space to cleanse the pallette.

Fallout 76 skyline valley update

by the way theres a free multiplayer weekend this weekend 22-23rd june

@playstation1995 couldn’t help but think of you as I saw the Celtics dominate the Mavericks. Congrats on your team winning another championship!

@KingPev that sucks. Was hoping it'd get better eventually.

Assassin's Creed Valhalla

Continuing to make my way through all of the DLC that I didn't play years ago. Started with Wrath of the Druids. I'm well into it now, but I'm still enjoying it.

@colonelkilgore thanks, yeah I’m currently having loads of fun with it (heavy sarcasm)

Stellar Blade is so good, but I'm really bad at it. I just reached the Wasteland, and I can't beat either of the bosses I've come across.

I won't have too much time to play this weekend, so I'll play a bit more of Stellar Blade. If I get frustrated, I'll switch back to Scarlet Nexus. Gaming time is hard to come by lately, so I think I'm done buying for 2024.

Bloodborne The Old Hunters: just beat Lady Maria and now onto the next area

Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree: still in the very early starting area. Found a boss while exploring the I thought would be a cake walk. I mean he kinda was but he was killing me in 2 hits if I wasn't careful. All the enemies hit like a truck so far

Back to FF7:Rebirth after finishing Stellar Blade. Also need to go back to Armored Core in a major way. Too many flippin games… Also currently enjoying Sea of Stars in my Switch-OLED.

@IntrepidWombat Definitely upgrade the parry/dodge abilities first—that will help a lot. Take your time too, it’s not a game about rushing in to battle. Have fun! Such a fantastic game!

@naruball great minds think alike 👍

Tales of Arise. I like the game but for the love of god can it end already! I might head over to Mass Effect 1 after.

Obviously playing Elden Ring. The Lands of Shadow aren't going to explore themselves after all!

I also picked up the good ol' Vita again and am playing through MGS Portable Ops again as well as finding all the remaining collectables in Sly 4. Still to this day its my favorite handheld console by a mile. Sorry Switch!

And finally, I picked up A.K.I. in SF6 for the first time and am learning how to play as her. I think she is a good fit for my style of play. I just need to not forget how to do her combos when the opportunity arrives!

So I've been pretty busy lately!

I’m not playing much this weekend. For starters, I have to conduct inventory Saturday and Sunday at my job. On top of that, I’m a manager so it’s going to be a long and stressful couple of days/nights. Furthermore, there aren’t any games really holding my attention. Earlier this week, however, I got the platinum trophy for Tomb Raider Legend. It was a pretty solid game, with clever puzzles to acquire the gold rewards. I’m glad I finally got to play it.

As for what I’m trying to earnestly play right now, it’s Metroid Zero Mission — the remake of the first game in the series. The latest Nintendo Direct had me quite excited for the console, with Metroid Prime 4, despite being seven-years-old, so I decided to turn on my Switch for the first time in over six months.

I actually never finished this game as a kid on the GBA, so it’s basically a new experience for me. It’s quite sublime. I’ve beaten Kraid, acquired the Ice Beam, an ability to hang from ledges, and an “unknown” item because it isn’t compatible with my current suit.

I love this about Metroid games — the sense of discovery. You are never truly lost. Ever. There may be instances where you feel utterly lost, but if you pay close enough attention to your surroundings the answer will open up. There is a certain level of interactivity that requires you to use every tool at your disposal, along with using the entire map as your playground. You don’t see this often with modern games. And it’s so satisfying to hear the music that follows after getting a new item, similar to the jingle that plays when opening up a chest in The Legend of Zelda. Sometimes, Nintendo just does it best.

Two days ago I got a brand new copy of Medievil remake so i'm playing it right now (just reach Inside the Asylum stage). Despite two weird bugs that i need to restart the stage and the camera kinda annoying, this game is really fun and the graphics looks pretty good too for an AA platformer. Not sure why it didn't review and sold well, although the insomniac leaks said it sold more than 500K copies ww? I hope that's enough for Sony to greenlight a sequel or another remake.

Another games that i'm still playing are SF 6 because it's still super fun and i need to git gud for next month CPT World Warrior. And Secret of Mana remake which i already got 5 mana seeds so that's left 3 more seeds. Oh and Shadow of the Beast remake because i want to Platinum this fun game.

I’m currently playing through the DLC for Dying Light I don’t have completed (Parkour Fever & The Bozak Horde) and quite enjoying it. Really fun coming back to that game after not having played it in 10 years or so.

I’ve also started playing through the Trapped In Limbo DLC for Atomic Heart but a combination of things is preventing me from enjoying it too much. That being the DLC itself is pretty bad and not at all like the base game itself. Plus, one of the trophies is glitched (and I suspect others might be as well). I may just hold off on that one until I know it’s been patched and there’s a trophy guide out for it. The DLC is just so far off of what the game itself is, it’s hard to find it very enjoyable, though strangely enough it does have an addictive quality to it in a masochistic way 🤣🙄🤦🏽🤷🏽

I’ve also noticed that some trophies have been added to Astro’s Playroom all of the sudden out of nowhere so I may go back and give that some time.

Hope everyone enjoys their gaming this weekend!

@playstation1995 Congrats to your Celtics m8! Was pulling for them as one of my best friends is from Boston. Also REALLY impressed with and like their coach a LOT. Dude is a man of very strong faith. Enjoy that championship glow - it’s fun! My Wolverines are NCAA champions themselves right now and it’s a nice feeling, I know.

Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes - it's the game I've waited two decades for.

Elden Ring - loaded up the old character so I could have a mooch in the DLC. Stomped the Blackgaol Knight and then got murdered by a laundry basket that was on fire. With my curiosity satisfied for now, I've gone back to my new character to build them up a bit more. No point rushing it

Been playing through Paper Mario TTYD Remake. Nice to relive my childhood with the remake.

I do plan on getting Nine Sols during the Steam Summer Sale next week so I'm hoping I can have Paper Mario all wrapped up by then.

Seeing as it's such a nice day I went to the local 9 hole golf course to practice my short game and putting..went there at 10:00 this morning and I've just got home in time for the footie and some rally driving later..have a great weekend everybody 👍.

@ErrantRob. Thanks playa.its been a while.since 2008.and the 2024 Boston Celtics won the championship 16 years later on the same day the 2008 Boston Celtics won the nba championship on 6/17/2008 and on 6/17/2024.total domination by boston Celtics especially on the nba finals.they been the best team all year.word up son

@DETfaninATL haha thanks playa.oh yeah its been fun and its been a while since boston won the nba championship.2008.now boston got 18 nba championship.they won it on 6/17/ 2008 and now they won on 6/17/2024 and 617 is boston area code.oh yeah total domination from the Boston Celtics.word up son

Yup, another week another rehash of the same games I'm playing just with a dash of Salt and Sacrifice added in cause everyone else if playing elden ring 😝
New Seqson of Foamstars just started but I'm not sure I like the changes or the new character. I need to get back to Rebirth as I paused to play Monster Hunter World again. And I'm watching the US Olympic Trials.

Happy gaming everyone.

1. HomeWorld 3
2. Shin Megami Tensei V
3. F1

93 outside... indoors, AC + videogames weekend. Stay cool and hydrated.

I've been playing some Dark Souls 1, along with some Hitman: Blood Money and Last Window: The Secret of Cape West.

Been working on the Cyberpunk 2077 platinum and playing some smaller games on the side. Just got the plats for Dredge and Dave the Diver the past few weeks, going to start up Deliver us Mars later today. Really enjoyed Deliver us the Moon so we will see how the sequel holds up!

Still on Doom Eternal (PS5); such an excellent game! And that soundtrack 😍😍😍

@Onearmbandit nice shout for snooker 19, still a regular of mine 👍

Erdtree, SMT: Vengeance and Destiny 2.

My main game is Trails of Cold Steel II, but I'm also playing Resident Evil 2 Remake (Leon Second Run), Hades, and Powerwash Simulator to relax after all of the above.

I finished Sea of Stars, maybe my taste is off because I can not see how this game got such good reviews.

Started Tales of Kenzera, just finished the first act. The game feels pretty empty, on the side I play some Far Cry 5. But mostly I watch the Euro 24.

Enjoy your games and weekend.

Spider-Man trilogy this weekend

Am not battling the crazy lookin mofo I’ll grant you that 😬 breezin’ thru ghostrunner 2

@Lord_Malice Cold Steel 2 and RE2R are some of my favorites, so maybe we have some similar tastes. How are you liking Hades? It's been on my Amazon games list for years, I just haven't ever pulled the trigger.

@ear_wig Thank you! I managed to beat the bosses in Wasteland today. I'm being stubborn and refuse to put it on easy mode.

@Kanji-Tatsumi going into that game after 7 as a teenager, I just couldn't do it, I just remember really disliking the whole setting and characters.

Also I think the story and the connection in 7 for me was so spot on and I just never connected with the world or the story of 8

I am playing the game of life. I am working this weekend. With some Paper Mario 2 switch in between.

@IntrepidWombat I'm really enjoying Hades. I'm not a massive fan of Roguelite games, but the addition of story progress in between runs, and the ability to purchase some permanent upgrades balances the potential for frustration. Also, it has a phenomenal soundtrack, that feels modern and ancient at the same time.

Spending a lot of time in hospital with my son. So its mostly Switch gameplay. With the likes of Deaths door, Sonic Superstars and Super Mario.

Haven't played (until today) in 3 weeks. First I was sitting a heartbreaking death watch for my friend of 45 years. Thankfully, she went peacefully. Then the stress, not eating & sleeping properly & just all-around mess of things got me sick as a dog. Yesterday was the first day I started feeling much better (thank you, antibiotics!).

Anyway, reacquainted myself with Sea of Stars this morning. Every time I play it, the word that comes to mind is that it's a charming RPG. I think I'm somewhere between a third & halfway through.

@IntrepidWombat I love it! Rise to the challenge! Have fun!

@Deljo Cheers 🍻. hoping to get a few frames in this afternoon.

Well here we are with another superb WAYP. That Nintendo Difect this week eh? Definitely gotta say my next most anticipated games this week are gonna be Mario and Luigi and Zelda. Them and Metaphor. Weekends been pretty neat with some Apollo Justice Trilogy and Like a Dragon Infinite Wealth. Tho I feel I’ve been neglecting my switch a lot with how work is so that along with a really rough emotional dream has me thinking I’m gonna do some Paper Mario and start Chapter 3 and then either some FFXIV and get set for Dawntrail with some Pandemonium wrap up or some SMTV: Vengeance because I’ve really been wanting to show that game some love. Thinking it’s gonna be XIV tho. Thinking this week is gonna be some Like a Dragon Infinite Wealth, Paper Mario, more P3R and maybe more Stellar Blade. Oh and some Ed/Akuma/M.Bison sets in SF6 with a buddy. Gonna be a weird gaming week as my only day off is when I get to go to Madison Square Garden and get to see FRIDAY NIGHT SMACKDOWN. Very excited for all the Money In the Bank Qualifiers I’m gonna get to see like with Logan Paul and Tiffany Stratton and Blair Davenport. Hoping to get to see Cody Rhodes, Solo Sikoa and the Wise Man Paul Heyman as well. Also got two new games coming this week in the form of Super Monkey Ball and Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD. Extremely excited. Also think I’ll check out and chill in some of the new Hololive EN Girls streams now that I’ve reorganized my VTUBER love to focus exclusively on the Hololive English Speaking streamers. Anime of the week gotta go to Kaiju No.8, Go Go Loser Ranger, Delicious in Dungeon and Urusei Yatsura of course. All absolutely superb. Podcasts of this week gotta go to Castle Superbeast, Big Think Dimension, Into The Aether, RPGsites Tetracast,Minnmax, Jeff Gerstmann, Kit and Krysta, Last Stand Media, Easy Allies, Second Wind, Nextlander, Cultaholic Wrestling and Remap Radio. And alas we wouldn’t be done without an incredible huge magnificent lovely shoutout to my dear friend over at twitch.tv/akibread and their wonderful amazing streams please give them a look. As always yall stay safe in this wild heat, be incredible to each other. Have an excellent weekend and of course Happy Gaming.

@colonelkilgore fantastic choices. Enslaved is such an underrated game and Strange Brigade is just a solid, good time.

I beat Stellar Blade this weekend, played some Astro’s Playroom, and I jumped back into FFVII Rebirth for a bit. Most of my game time this weekend was spent on Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree. I wasn’t going to get it but I was between games and had a weekend all to myself so I decided why not. It’s punishing, brutal, and phenomenal.

It was gonna be elden ring but the DLC is kinda horrible so I put it down after finishing the main ‘story’ bosses and went back to god of war Ragnarok. I really didn’t like the latter originally but came back after someone showed me valhalla and I’ve honestly been loving it. I expected it to just be a filler game.