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So, what are you playing?

by: Randy -
More On: What we're playing
 
Sony and Microsoft launched the new generation of video gaming this week, and both are enjoying a boost in sales from Covid. The Washington Post ranks every mainline Assassin's Creed game and you'll never guess where your #1 is because they made two lists. And this study declares, yes, Mario Kart is the most stressful game you can play—and that's in a list that includes Among Us and Dark Souls III.
 
So, what are you playing?

Charlie Coleman
It's a Viking life for me in Assassin's Creed Valhalla. Truth be told, I had no intention of playing it on my PS4, thinking I would wait a few days for the superior PS5 version. But, I downloaded it and told myself I'd just play a little bit of the opening just to see what it's like and then I'll switch over to the PS5 version. Well...things didn't work out like that. In fact, I've hardly been able to put it down. Between a gorgeous world, the intrigue of Norse mythology, the crude wit shared with friends and strangers alike, meeting quirky folk as I stray from the narrative path, it's all come together to create a very enjoyable experience I seem to keep getting lost in. 
 
Sean Hattingh
Destiny 2: Beyond Light has successfully swept away my next-gen FOMO, for now at least. This weekend will consist of me grinding my little bum off before I have to go to bed early on Sunday evening so that I don't fall asleep at work. 
 
So far, Beyond Light has been great. Sure, there are community concerns and issues, and the salt is flowing on Reddit (don't go there, seriously, just don't), but the campaign is the best since Forsaken. Variks is back, and we get a new super with an entirely new damage type. I've played with Stasis on my Titan and my Warlock, and I can say two things: 1) it's extremely fun, and 2) it's going to be extremely broken in PvP. The story and lore elements alone could have me gushing too. Resisting the urge to wax lyrical about Beyond Light (with the usual interjections of the issues that only a veteran Destiny player can give), I'll say this for the experience so far: a hearty thumbs up and a happy smile. 
 
Eric Hauter
Good lord, this week is more of a case of "So What Are You Not Playing?" I knew that release week was going to be a roller coaster, but I've cleared the decks due to my extreme willingness to fly face first into video game oblivion.
 
(Deep breath) Assassin's Creed Valhalla on Luna. PAC-MAN Mega Tunnel Battle on Stadia. On PS4: Five Dates. On PS5: The Pathless, GodfallSackboyAstroBotMiles Morales, the other Spider-Man game, and a bit of Watch Dogs: Legion just for fun. 
 
Somebody please send help. Or soda. I like those Citrus and Green Tea AHA seltzer waters. Thanks!
 
Randy Kalista
I mean, I knew I'd like Assassin's Creed Valhalla, but is it too soon to talk about love? Do I just quit beating around the bush and me and Valhalla go out and adopt a kitten or a puppy together? Should I give it some more time before bringing Valhalla around for the holidays to meet my parents? But yeah, just like Charlie, I'm having a great time with this one. "Mysteries" are a weird in-game word for the tiny blue-lit side quests you find around England and Norway. They're more like encounters. Similar in scope and stature to encounters you find out of the blue in Red Dead Redemption II. A lot of them have to do with people fishing for religion, or at least a way into the realm of Valhalla, many of which will probably never see the place. But what do I know, I'm only 20 or so hours in, and anybody that's played an Assassin's Creed knows that a lot can happen in the next 60.
 
Jon Krebs
Genshin Impact released their first big update, so I'm going to be busy farming some city reputation and being sad that my poor free-to-play status doesn't allow me to get all the new shiny toys from the gacha-esque portion of the game. I tried already and failed spectacularly. I've got a block on my calendar Saturday night to play some Secret Hitler online with friends. And Sunday I'm going to fulfill my annual tradition of playing Tiger Woods PGA Tour 14 while watching the final round of the Masters.
 
John Yan
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War just dropped Friday, so I'm going to spend some time this weekend going through the single-player portion. I always enjoy the Black Ops campaign and it'll be fun to see Mason and Woods again. They were two of my favorite characters in the Call of Duty games.
 
I feel I should start to finish some of my backlog. Perhaps The Outer Worlds is in order. I finally have time to drop into a good RPG, and while Baldur's Gate 3 is calling my name, that game is still in early access with just Act I in play, so I'll go ahead and see how The Outer Worlds does at feeding my New Vegas appetite.