This weekend, the gaming world is abuzz with excitement as Nintendo's recent Direct event has left everyone with a plethora of new games to explore. The anticipation is palpable, and the community is buzzing with speculation and personal preferences. Here's a breakdown of what some of the experts at NL HQ are playing this weekend, along with their insights and commentary.
Ocarina of Time
Jim Norman, Features Editor, is gearing up for a full playthrough of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. With the remake announcement fresh in his mind, he's eager to relive the experience before the new version arrives. This annual tradition of revisiting the opening dungeons is a must for any Zelda fan, and the upcoming release only adds to the excitement.
Secret Undercover Game and Pokopia
Mai Ladyman, Video Producer, is currently immersed in a secret undercover cover game, which remains undisclosed. However, she's also making progress on Pokopia, a game that promises an underwater adventure. Ladyman's enthusiasm for the underwater aspect of the game is evident, and she's also exploring the Kingdom Hearts franchise, having tried the Switch 2 demo for Kingdom Hearts III. Her interest in the series is growing, and she's now digging out her physical copies for a weekend playthrough.
Pragmata and Wishlist Games
Gavin Lane, Editor, is ready to dive back into Pragmata, a game that has captured his attention. Additionally, he's eager to tackle some wishlist games, including Akka Arrh and El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron HD Remaster. However, his recent replay of Episode 1 Racer and the approaching Wimbledon tournament might tempt him to switch gears and play Wii Sports with the family. The challenge of balancing gaming and family time is a common dilemma for many.
Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Xenoblade Chronicles
Ollie Reynolds, Reviews Editor, is a dedicated fan of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, playing it on NSO with an N64 controller. The remake announcement took him by surprise, prompting a return to the original game. Reynolds also expresses his love for Xenoblade Chronicles, relishing the improved experience on the Switch 2. The nostalgia of playing it on a 19-inch monitor is now replaced by the glory of 4K on a 64-inch TV.
XGRA: Extreme-G Racing Association and Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth
Gonçalo Lopes, Contributor, is enjoying XGRA: Extreme-G Racing Association, a departure from the previous franchise entries. His enthusiasm for the game is evident, and he's also making progress in Sky Crawlers: Innocent Aces. Lopes is considering purchasing and reading the novels to enhance his experience. Additionally, he's excited about the upcoming release of Warhammer 40,000 Space Marine 2, a game he's already enjoyed on PC with his Discord crew. The addition of Beholgar 2 to the eShop is a tempting distraction.
Virtua Striker 3 and World Cup Fever
Kate Gray, Contributor, is gearing up for the World Cup with a playthrough of Virtua Striker 3 version 2002. The tournament's expansion to three countries provides the perfect excuse for Gray to boot up this GameCube exclusive. She's hoping Portugal doesn't get eliminated in the group stage, adding a layer of personal investment to the experience.
As the weekend approaches, the gaming community is abuzz with anticipation. The diverse range of games being played showcases the varied tastes and interests within the community. Whether it's revisiting classics, exploring new releases, or indulging in personal favorites, the weekend promises to be an exciting one for gamers worldwide.
