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Games Complete #22 + #23

Game Complete #22: Jean D'Arc (PSP)

I had never heard of this game before and wasn't big on SRPGs, having only ever beat South Park Fractured But Whole, and with this being a PSP game, chances were very slim it would appeal to me. Somehow, it came to PS5/PS Plus and people online said many good things about it, and the way it looked, I wanted to check it out. Then I played the whole thing. Well, almost. You need to level up a lot in this game, and without rewind function this would've made me quit after some time. But being able to rewind and try other actions was very nice to have. I was very surprised by the story as well, and its twists. Recommended.

Game Complete #23: Mafia II Definitive Edition

The final game in the trilogy I hadn't played yet (not counting OG). Started more than once, I finally continued playing it earlier this year, now returned and finally beat it. I didn't like it as much as the other two games, and some later sections showed its age, but in some regards this game is seriously underrated. The DE is a bit botched, but overall looks nicer, so that's why I went with it (on console). Recommend playing it at least for a couple of hours.

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Games Complete #19-#21

Game Complete #19: Arkham Origins: Cold, Cold Heart

A DLC that is its own short, little game and tells the origin story of Mr. Freeze. For that, pretty good. I wish they had done more DLC stuff like this (and the Arkham Knight DLCs) instead of ruining the series with Gotham Knights and Kill the Justice League.

Game Complete #20: Metroid Zero Mission

Yes, this finally came to Switch Online, so it didn't take me long to get started with it. As usual in the series, this is a great game and I'm happy I was finally able to play it.

Game Complete #21: Astro's Playroom

This guy again, and another short game, but one I don't know why I didn't play it sooner. I played one level when I got my PS5, but not more. However, I did want to play it before Astro Bot releases, so I did, and I was as happy with it as with playing Rescue Mission. This game is just pure joy, and its crazy they didn't charge extra for it. This might have originally started as a tech demo, but it is more like a very good advertisement/museum for (the history of) Playstation. So much stuff to find there, so many references. If this is just a taste of what's to come with Astro Bot, I can't wait. (Side note: I wish more games would use the PS5 controller as ridiculously well as this game)

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Game Complete #18

Astro Bot Rescue Mission

It's been about five years since I bought a PSVR cheap to see what the hype was about. At some point, however, I decided that while fun that wasn't for me. Playing in VR is impressive, but at the same time, tiring and uncomfortable. With a new Astro Bot announced recently, I wanted to give this another chance and at the same time, sell my PSVR headset at last. So, I've continued playing in the middle of world 3, which is about halfway through, and had mostly a good time. Dying on one hit is a bit annoying, but in general this is a great, underrated game, full of creativity. Even though it's one of the early VR games, it holds up better than other VR games that came out at the same time and is something everybody should experience once. Luckily, Astro's Playroom (which I haven't really played yet) and the upcoming Astro Bot game seem to share that creativity. Of course, they're lacking things that aren't possible outside of VR, but I'm still hopeful these will be good. Support 3D platformers, people!

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Game Complete #16 + #17

#16: Journey to the Savage Planet

I've tried this game before and didn't like it. It came back to Game Pass, and people said it was like Metroid Prime, but I still didn't like it. I read that it was like Metroid Prime one more time, then tried it one more time ... and then I actually liked it and beat it in a couple of days. Turns out, only the beginning sucks because it gives you the impression that you'll have to start from your ship again each time you die - but later, there are teleporters, so it's all good. And so, this became worth playing, some minor frustrating moments aside. There are so few 3D metroidvanias, let alone first person Metroidvania, so this is a must-play in that category. There should be more of those, or at the very least first-person platformer shooter. I've been also having a good time with the Turok remasters over the last couple of years, but I wonder if I'll ever beat them. This I did, and I encourage everyone to do the same. (Differences to Metroid Prime: Open world / teleporters, funny, colorful)

#17: Daxter (PSP)

I've been waiting forever for this game to finally come to PS Plus, and it finally happened. I loved the first Jak and Daxter, but was turned off by its sequels, so it's good to know that this is a 3D platformers with little shooting. It shows what Daxter's up to during Jak 1 and 2, and it's okay at that. I played this on occasion over the last month and sometimes wondered if I even cared to continue, but in the end I didn't regret it. It's a short game after all (~5 hours for me) and since I only had a few easy trophies left to go for platinum I did this as well. I don't care much for those, but it was nice seeing one pop up on my PS5 for the first time. So, go ahead, play this one as well, because a new Jak & Daxter game (a remake at the very least) is long overdue :(

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Game Complete #14 + #15

Game Complete #14: Days Gone

I originally bought this game on release, right after playing Horizon Zero Dawn, and it felt like the same game - but with zombies. So, I dropped it and sold my copy. Then, it came to PS Plus - second chance. Dropped it again. Read some praise about it years later and gave it another try. Not having played many open world game recently, I actually enjoyed it. Finally got to the new area, which makes the game way more interesting story-wise and then I kept playing. I was a bit disappointed in the final hours, but there is an interesting secret ending that has me interested in a sequel (which might not be happening). I wouldn't mind waiting at least five years for that though, as I do not want to play the same game all over again.

I took my time with the game and it's taken me about 50 hours (no platinum trophy), which is okay for an open world game, but also shows how stretched out the story is. This is one of those "it only gets good after 20 hours" scenarios, which is why I dropped this game two times. The gameplay is always fun though, if you haven't played any open world game recently, and it looks and plays great on PS5 at 60 frames per second.

Game Complete #15: Orbo's Odyssey

After a big game like Days Gone, I couldn't just jump into the next big or story-focused game, so I played Orbo's Odyssey. A fun, short, and simple 3D platformer that I can't really compare to anything else. Sure, there is stuff to collect, but the long-distance jumping mechanic is something I haven't seen before. Just like Kiwi, I beat this in under two hours, and felt like this was the perfect time for it. And if you want more, there's Steam workshop, which lets you play as Orbo in Mario 64.

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Game Complete #13

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart

This game was one of the reasons I was interested in getting a PS5 after all. When I got one however, I still had a few PS3 Ratchets I wanted to play first, but at some point I didn't want to do that anymore, and just start with this one instead. I might've expected some Ratchet fatigue there. This game is still amazing though. It's basically a playable Pixar movie, and that doesn't mean interactive, there is a lot of gameplay here. I didn't care much for the story, as it is very predictable, but then again, I'm not a child. Still, every time I was playing I was so impressed with the graphics, making this one of the two games this gen (alongside Alan Wake 2) that really impressed me due to their 'next-gen' feel. It's sad that it's only these two, but that's more of a recommendation to check them both out!

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Games Complete #10-12

Game Complete #10: Final Fantasy VII Remake

I didn't really want to play this, but then it came to Plus. I had never played the original, but gave it a go anyway. It's a remake, right? I quit after 7-8 hours, then returned to it when they announced Rebirth, then quit because I didn't enjoy the gameplay loop, and now have come back a third time when Rebirth released. Similar to Alan Wake 1, the story is well worth the "grind" here. Apparently, Rebirth is an even better game, but right now, I'm in no rush to get there. Might as well try to beat the original game first (and Yuffie DLC).

Edit: ... and beat the DLC as well, but won't make it its own entry.

Game Complete #11: Super Kiwi 64

This game is almost too short to be counted for this list, but it is a full game, so whatever. Short N64-style platformer, can be beat in a day and it's cheap. Nothing to lose here.

Game Complete #12: Ghost of Tsushima - Iki Island

This one isn't particularly long either, but it's longer than the last one. DLC for Ghost of Tsushima, which they could've also released as a standalone game. I'm guessing they didn't because of the abilities carrying over, and that's why I'm glad it wasn't. It is more of the same, nothing really special, but still fun for those who want more.

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Game Complete #9: Darksiders

I have been trying out some stuff, while mostly playing Overwatch and beating its Battle Pass (could also be a "Game Complete", but that's an endless game, so we'll keep it off the list). I have my backlog, but I've added so much stuff from Humble that I've lost sight, and so I said, fuck it, I'll try out some more games to potentially cross off the list. But then, to my surprise, I've played this game for a few hours. I had tried it before on PS3 but got stuck on a boss and wanted to try it again after all the praise and Zelda comparisons. And I have to say, this might be somewhat of an underrated gem that has aged pretty well.

This is God of War turning into Zelda turning into Portal, making it its own unique thing. This is such a complex yet simple that I had to enjoy it even though I'm usually not a fan of the traditional hack-and-slay games. The clever puzzles helped with that, even though some of them were a bit too much for me. I even enjoyed the forced backtracking in the end because they were its own environmental puzzles.

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Game Complete #8: Spongebob Battle for Bikini Bottom Rehydrated

This was a Plus game two years ago and originally I was looking forward to it. I quit it after a few hours though due to some frustrating moments thanks to its PS2 nature. Gave it another try since the follow-up (Cosmic Shake) is supposed to be an excellent game and I do like my 3D platformers. It's still a PS2 game at heart, but there's also a lot of fan to be had, especially for a (former) Spongebob fan.

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Game Complete #7: Ghost of Tsushima

Well, this is a surprise. I had almost quit this game already due to the slow first act, but played it somewhat randomly again when I was in the mood for something relaxing. The open world is that certainly, not so much the hectic, complex combat, which is more than just button mashing. So, when Act I ended with what I originally thought was going to be the end of the game, it kinda clicked. With how long it took me to get through Act I, I am surprised that I beat Act 2 and 3 in, like, a week. That's something good though, I liked it and glad I gave it another chance. There's still some open world stuff and the DLC, but I think I'll be playing something else now. Not sure if I'll return to this game (I usually don't do open world/DLC stuff anymore), but maybe I will. Gameplay is fun.

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Game Complete #6: Alan Wake 2

I bought this game as a Christmas present for myself even though I wanted to wait for the physical release initially. All the praise and my enjoyment of the first game's story changed my mind then, though - and I couldn't be happier about it. First, I beat the original AW DLC episodes and American Nightmare, so I could go on to AW2 as well prepared as possible. I had my gripes with the gameplay of 1 but AW2 does everything so much better and I loved it from the very first minute. This game was everything I had hoped Twin Peaks - The Return would be. Not only is the story amazing, but it is also one of the few games of the current console generation that actually feels "next gen". I can't remember the last time I've played a 10+ hour game from start to finish without a break, or even a game where I felt like I don't want this to end most of the time. At some point though, everything has to end, and I'm glad it didn't overstay its due. Now we wait for the DLC!

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Games Complete #1+2: Alan Wake Special Episodes / American Nightmare

#1 Special Episodes

Two DLC episodes that continue where the main game left off. I wasn't looking forward to playing these since I wasn't the biggest fan of Alan Wake's gameplay, but since they're relevant for the story, I played them. "The Signal" continued my disdain for the combat, but I got back into it quickly. Boss fight was a bit annoying though. "The Writer" was much better and I felt both looked great despite its age. Worth playing for the story. American Nightmare next, then AW2.

#2 American Nightmare

Somehow better than the original game? I'm not sure. Combat felt way more satisfying but also makes me wonder if this killed the 'horror' for me. Gonna be interesting to see how it affects my playthrough of AW2, which I'm now finally ready for. Not sure if I'll jump into it right away, but it's there. And it's waiting.

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Game Complete #4: A Way Out

Wanted to play this forever, but was missing the right person to do it. Starting and not liking "It Takes Two" didn't help this endeavour, but at last, we did it. I liked this way better than the studio's follow-up hit, and was surprised to see the story actually being good. Nothing groundbreaking, but enough for me to care about the characters.

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Game Complete #3: Metroid Fusion

Thanks to Switch Online, I was able to play another classic Metroid game for the first time, after playing Super and Prime (and Dread) in recent years. This started like a somewhat watered-down version of Metroid, due to different, linear areas, but eventually opened up, and became good. Overall pretty playable, but the final two hours made it a bit of a hassle, with some hard-to-find areas and annoying boss fights. That's why I love the rewind function. Still a good game, I even enjoyed the story, but might be my least favorite Metroid game so far (of those I played - the 'bad' ones not included). Now I hope Nintendo will bring Zero Mission and Prime 2 to Switch (Online) soon!

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8 Games for the New Year

Continue/Finish

Tears of the Kingdom

Spider-Man 2

Start/Beat/Start

Ratchet & Clank PS3 -> Rift Apart

Alan Wake DLC/American Nightmare -> Alan Wake 2

Start/Beat?

Metroid Fusion ✔️

Baldurs Gate 3

Buy/Start

Baldurs Gate 3

Persona 3 Reload

Hyper Light Breaker

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Other possible games not yet purchased

Bombrush Cyberfunk

God of War Ragnarok/TLOU2

Hopefully Silent Hill 2 Remake

(Cyberpunk DLC)