As the summer heat continues, Eurogamer staff are finding unique ways to engage with video games, whether it's drawing inspiration for crafts or immersing themselves in unconventional narratives. This week's "What We've Been Playing" feature highlights a diverse range of titles and experiences.
Kelsey has turned to embroidery, using the characters and world of Hollow Knight and its upcoming sequel, Silksong, as artistic inspiration. The bold outlines and simple yet captivating designs of the 2D characters lend themselves well to the medium, with projects ranging from a simple Hornet depiction to more ambitious plans for a Soul Master piece. Beyond Silksong, Kelsey also spent time in the Caribbean exploring in Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag Resynced.
Bertie is enthralled by the unique time management system in The Blood of Dawnwalker. Unlike many RPGs where time is a passive element, Dawnwalker requires players to actively choose when to advance time, tying it to quest progression. This deliberate approach means players must make strategic decisions, as not all quests can be completed in a single playthrough. Bertie notes that developers have indicated approximately 80 percent of quests are achievable per run, making time a significant factor in the adventure.
Marie is experiencing the supernatural dating sim Moonlight Peaks, where players can romance various characters, including Death himself. She highlights a humorous encounter with Death, who casually acknowledges the inconvenience of drinks passing through his skeletal form. Marie finds the game magical, despite her usual tendency to drift away from farming and life-sims, appreciating its blend of familiar mechanics with fantastical elements like being Dracula's offspring, talking to ghosts, and cultivating Blood Grapes for wine.
Matt found a particularly clever piece of fourth-wall-breaking in Paranormasight: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo. He compares the experience to a memorable puzzle from Another Code: Two Memories on the DS, appreciating how the game uses imagination to delight players. While much of Paranormasight unfolds as a traditional visual novel, following characters bound by deadly folklore over a single night, its atmospheric presentation and multi-perspective narrative structure effectively shift player sympathies. Matt is already looking forward to the game's follow-up, The Mermaid's Curse.