And here we are, at the end of February. And the idea of listing the highlights of media I’ve consumed for entertainment seems daunting, at least when I push the act of writing about it until now.
I kind of failed in my predictions, even though I wrote about what I (thought) I was about to do. More of that below.
Games
February has actually been more quiet for me on the games front. I had planned to play more Dragon Age: Origins, but I have felt burned out on that, with combat being a bit too much and the feeling that the writing tapered off after a while. I haven’t given up on it, I’ve just left it sitting for a month.
The main game played has been Car Mechanic Simulator 2018, and I really don’t know why. I’m not much of a car person so I recon it must be some kind of relaxing thing, Zen flow or something like that. I have passed the “Ok, now I’m happy and it isn’t as fun” point, but I still drop in to play a bit of story mission now and again.
This is a game where I have ideas as to what would give it longevity for me. It would involve more use for money and parts scavenged, but I won’t rant on about it here.
CMS2018 also got me to buy Plane Mechanic Simulator (early access), this looks nice, plays ok, and is as of now more of a story game. It also has a fiddly mini-game for repairs (which is a deal-breaker for me), and also seems a bit… I don’t know. It expect more accuracy (pixel hunt). I will keep trying this out as time passes I guess.
I’ve also played a bit more Slay the Spire, but without actually achieving anything – including wins. It is still fun, but I fear I will need to start “thinking about the game and deck” to progress.
As a last try I’ve also put some hours into Tharsis. This is an Dystopian Horror Survival Dice game about going to Mars. I’ve managed to beat the game on easy and normal, and get a couple of characters through. I haven’t completed the game, but I think I can call it beaten.
In a LAN session with co-workers I’ve died a bit in CS: GO, and had a blast with (up to 8 player) co-op Alien Swarm: Reactive Drop. Really recommend it, it’s free, friendly, friendly-fire, tactical and quick fun.
Also, when I think about it:
- more Marvel Puzzle Quest on Android
- more Tents and Trees on Android
- Sega Heroes on Android (quick match three, uninstalled)
- Card Thief on Android (some kind of car based stealth game)
- Roots on Android (puzzle game)
Books
I’m now a few books ahead of my goal, and it is helped by me counting children’s books. Still I have gotten through
“Don’t Panic: Douglas Adams & The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” by Neil Gaiman as I planned.
I’ve also gone through “Nice Dragons Finish Last” and
“One Good Dragon Deserves Another” by Rachel Aaron. This universe mixing future tech and really old school magic is strangely captivating. The books are an easy read; good young-adult type of literature.
TV, film and series
Of note we’ve watched “Robin Hood: Men in Tights” by Mel Brooks. Or re-watched. Again. For some of us. :) It really hit the spot.
I’ve also gone through Twitch content and YouTube videos, nothing specific or outstanding. Most noteworthy would be some videos by Curiosity Incorporated, and 1985 Fiero 2M4 Revival by Ronald Finger.
Listening to
The usual suspects. Nothing specific on the music front, more of the same on the podcasts:
- Gamers With Jobs conference calls
- Diecast
- This Week in Google
- Designer Notes
Next month…
…is March. I don’t think I should try and predict anything. I might end up trying Anthem with a friend, but probably just for the 10 hours I think would be included in Origin Basic.
I’ll probably read a bit more by Rachel Aaron, and I have a few more books lined up. The Princess Bride is on the plan for sharing with the young ones.
Also Formula 1 season starts March 17th, and will be seen.
Thoughts and Responses 