The latest installment of Eurogamer's "What We've Been Playing" feature offers a diverse look at the games currently capturing the attention of its writers. This week's roundup includes a colorful roguelike, a stylish James Bond game, a candid account of family gaming, and an early look at a promising Soulslike title.
A Fiendish Roguelike Mashup
Bertie dives into Chivalware, a solo-developed PC roguelike that boldly combines match-three mechanics with Mega Man-style action and grid-based battling. Players embody a "disk knight" who powers abilities by activating same-colored tiles on a grid. Larger tile clusters provide more power, while smaller ones can disrupt the flow. The gameplay demands players avoid incoming enemy attacks, which often occupy desirable areas, while simultaneously lining up their own offensive maneuvers. The experience is further enhanced by energetic electronic music, lending the action a dance-like quality. Between battles, players navigate branching paths, visit shops, and upgrade their powers, with a strategic emphasis on building complementary abilities to counter specific enemy types. Bertie describes Chivalware as immediate and fiendish, calling it an irresistible and captivating experience. A demo is currently available on Steam.
The Best Video Game Tutorial?
Matt found himself unexpectedly impressed by 007: First Light, a James Bond game developed by IOI. Despite initial skepticism, Matt was won over by Patrick Gibson's charismatic performance as Bond and, most notably, what he deems a superb tutorial. The early stages in Malta, where the team trains to become the next generation of Double-0 agents, are described as a stylish and classic training montage. The sequence rapidly cycles through mechanics like punching, sneaking, and driving with relentless energy. This rapid-fire approach, which might seem overwhelming, is made coherent and informative through clever chronological repetition. Matt states that this sequence eradicated any lingering doubts about engaging with the Bond franchise, and he also highlights the enjoyable exploration of MI6, Q's lab, and the slapstick combat sequences.
The Perils of Backseat Gaming
Victoria shares a more personal gaming experience with Split Fiction on Xbox Series X, which has become a shared activity with her children. However, the presence of her kids has introduced the challenge of "backseat gaming," with frequent unsolicited advice on gameplay decisions. Victoria expresses affection for her children but draws a firm line when it comes to their directing her play style, humorously suggesting earlier bedtimes to circumvent the issue.
A Soulslike Returns
Sherif is drawn back into the Soulslike genre with the Mortal Shell 2 beta. As a dedicated fan of the genre, he admits to a desire to recapture the initial thrill of discovering it. The beta, which offers the opening three hours of the game, exceeded his expectations in length, requiring six hours to explore fully, with one bonfire still undiscovered. Sherif notes that the Mortal Shell 2 beta makes a strong first impression, improving upon the original's beloved elements. He praises the deliberate and rewarding combat, the open yet focused world design, and the excitement of discovering new "Shells" (classes) and weapons. The new "Seal" mechanic is highlighted as a fundamental shift in Soulslike combat that Sherif finds surprisingly innovative.