The Eurogamer team has been diving into a diverse range of games this week, from the organizational challenges of running a virtual thrift shop to revisiting beloved RPGs and braving the spooky seas of a nautical horror title. These personal insights offer a glimpse into how staff are unwinding and engaging with different gaming experiences.
Marie found herself drawn to Thrifty Business, a game that offers a relaxing escape. The game's vibrant art style and the chaotic yet cohesive organization of a thrift shop were immediate attractions. Beyond simply stocking shelves, players must strategically order and arrange merchandise, considering customer needs and current shop themes. The inclusion of fulfilling customer requests and hosting events adds further depth, making it a perfect title for short, restorative play sessions.
Connor has returned to Dragon's Dogma 2, an all-time favorite, ahead of its Dark Arisen expansion. He highlighted the game's subtle details and the small hurdles it presents to players. His current goal involves collecting one of every armor and weapon set, alongside maxing out upgrades and completing in-game collections like seeker tokens and golden beetles. Connor advocates for enjoying the journey in Dragon's Dogma 2, suggesting that while fast travel via ferrystones is tempting, the experience of traversing the world by oxcart or on foot remains integral to the game's charm. He also mentioned that his pawn might be available for hire for those seeking assistance with formidable foes like Chimera.
Dom celebrated the 25th anniversary of Final Fantasy 10 by revisiting the game on Switch. He described the world of Spira as uniquely nostalgic and subtly unsettling, a blend of coziness and dread that he considers one of the most complete worlds in the Final Fantasy series. The inclusion of progression boosters, such as permanent overdrives and speed options, has allowed him to better appreciate the game's balanced design and enjoy its more scenic areas without the slower pace of earlier playthroughs. Despite acknowledging the dated graphics of the HD remaster, Dom affirmed that Final Fantasy 10 has aged exceptionally well.
Kelsey has been unwinding with Dredge, a game that blends fishing simulation with nautical horror elements. Initially joining late to the experience, Kelsey expressed regret for not playing it sooner, finding it to be an ideal cozy game for fans of both fishing mechanics and the horror genre.