What I’m Playing Now

I used to run a video game and DVD/Blu-ray news and review website. When I had to give that up (the monthly cost was $250 and the income was $0 – I was, and still am, $4,ooo in debt) I didn’t sever all ties with the industry. You can see the results of my continued reviewing here on the blog.

Semi-inspired by today’s entry on Zwolanderd I thought I’d write down a few of the games that I am currently playing, both for review and recreation. These shouldn’t be taken as reviews, just… status updates.

FINAL EXAM (Xbox 360 via XBL – for review)

This is a fun side-scrolling arcade style monster brawler that is kicking my ass. I really wish there was a map. If you like old-school style arcade action this should warrant a look.

FARMING SIMULATOR (PS3 via PSN – for review)

I wonder how Farm Aid would change if Willie Nelson, Neil Young and John Cougar Mellencamp had played this. A large part of me wonders why I volunteered to play this. It’s hard. I don’t even want to look in the produce section at the store these days.

BEN 10 SOMETHINGOROTHER (WiiU – for review)

August, my 10 year old is the one playing this the most. The fact that neither one of us can remember the title off the top of our heads should tell you something. It’s based on a cartoon series which also has toys. Fans of the show will like it.

BEYBLADE EVOLUTION (3DS – for review)

Not my thing, really, but it’s based on the show which is based on the toy. There’s a market segment for it, and while it’s not bad, it’s just not the sort of “broad appeal” type of game I was hoping it would be.

BOSS MONSTER (card game – for fun)

August and I are playing this a bit. Inspired by 8-big video games this is a card game (thankfully not a collectible card game) where players are in control of a boss monster and build dungeons to attract heroes to their doom. It takes about a half hour or so to play and can be played by 2 – 4 people. The box says it’s for ages 13 and up, but I play it with a 10 year old (though some of the jokes on the cards are a bit risque).

Munchkin (card game – for fun)

There are a number of different sets, and while it’s not a collectible card game, it is possible to simply buy different sets and mash them together for a large game. This is a very humorous game where players battle monsters and work both with and against each other. In many ways this is like a regular board game, but played with cards instead. A normal cam can run about an hour but more epic games much longer. This is my favorite of all the things being played in the house right now.

CONNECT 4 (board game – for penance)

Trying to teach my 3 year old how to play this game is an exercise in patience.