The weekend is upon us, and the staff at Rock Paper Shotgun are diving into a diverse array of games. From continuing sprawling RPGs to revisiting beloved indie titles and even dabbling in some virtual construction, the team has a packed schedule.
Julian is finally making significant progress in Cyberpunk 2077, a game they've previously struggled to engage with. The ‘Deus Ex-ness’ of the experience seems to be clicking this time, and they hope to push further through the weekend. Julian also found time for snatched rounds of Jet Lancer, praising its punchy action and rapid dogfights as a perfect tonic after a long day. For those seeking something more relaxing, Tavern Master on the Steam Deck also provided a late-night diversion.
Edwin is torn between finishing Zero Parades and indulging a desire to play a Penumbra game, specifically Penumbra: Overture, a precursor to Frictional Games' acclaimed Amnesia series. They are also looking forward to a weekend of reading and relaxation, potentially trying the demo for the deckbuilder Burn With Me, which involves incinerating cards to summon a demon.
Ollie continues to split their time between the persistent chaos of Overwatch and a return to Dyson Sphere Program. They find the early hours of the factory-building game particularly marvelous, especially after launching off the starting planet. Ollie also recently enjoyed the Onimusha demo and plans to revisit it at a slower pace to better appreciate its combat options.
James is attempting to get a handle on Mina the Hollower, though has not yet fully connected with its combat mechanics and wishes for more environmental interaction. Meanwhile, as a palate cleanser from the Summer Game Fest hype cycle, they are also spending time with the decade-old Team Fortress 2, a game for which marketing is now virtually non-existent.
Mark is continuing their playtime with Forza Horizon 6, now that its festival playlists are active. They are also replaying the original Red Dead Redemption via its recent PC port, appreciating the simpler pleasures of riding and shooting on the western plains compared to the more complex RDR2. John Marston is currently making his way through Mexico in the playthrough.
Jeremy, who has been undertaking a walkthrough of Clair Obscur: Expeditions 33, will continue with this project if time allows, despite having a key plot twist spoiled by a YouTube recommendation. They also recently enjoyed a small-scale Soulslike, Mortal Shell, in preparation for a potential sequel. Jeremy will also be on holiday in Turkey, potentially playing Final Fantasy XII on their Steam Deck or reading tabletop RPG rulebooks like Outgunned Adventure.
Callum has been engrossed in Satisfactory, a factory simulation game that has permeated their dreams with constructor placements. They also intend to return to Zero Parades and have been tinkering with Unity, though this often involves frustration when code doesn't function as expected. Callum also experienced an ‘agonizingly protracted, yet somehow soothing noise of failing machinery’ and a ‘creaking yawn of tearing metal’ from their throat, suggesting a deep immersion in complex systems.