Our regular feature, "What We've Been Playing," returns with a diverse roundup of recent gaming experiences. This week, writers discuss their engagements with titles including Hitman World of Assassination, the foundational Korean MMO MapleStory, Marvel's Wolverine, and the unique collaborative experience of Big Walk.
Kelsey finds solace in the intricate assassination sandbox of Hitman World of Assassination, appreciating the freedom to explore its detailed environments and devise creative elimination methods, such as using an explosive rubber duck. The appeal lies in the satisfying execution of complex plans within the game's meticulously crafted scenarios.
In anticipation of MapleStory Classic World's release, Connor revisited the modern iteration of the 2D Korean MMO. He describes the experience as disorienting, noting how much the game has evolved since his childhood. Despite the initial feeling of being lost, the familiar social aspects, with players congregating in towns and showcasing their gear, reignited excitement for the upcoming Classic version.
Chris offers further thoughts on Marvel's Wolverine, addressing the criticism of the game's hand-holding mechanics. While acknowledging that the excessive signposting can be excessive, he posits that it is not the game's most significant issue. He characterizes Wolverine as a "brain-off linear game" akin to a Marvel movie, suggesting that its shortcomings lie more fundamentally than in its guidance systems, even if the protagonist himself remains an enjoyable element.
Bertie continues his engagement with Big Walk, the Eurogamer reader's game. Despite not reaching the intended endgame within the week, he reflects on the game's core philosophy. He realizes that the true value of Big Walk lies not in achieving specific goals, but in fostering shared experiences and creating space for social interaction. The pleasures derived from the game come from collaborative problem-solving, engaging in silly activities, and overcoming challenges together, rather than a singular focus on completion.
Marie is revisiting Spyro: Reignited Trilogy in celebration of Spyro's birthday. While she enjoys most aspects of the game, the flying levels continue to be a persistent challenge, hindering her ability to achieve 100 percent completion. The precise timing required for navigating aerial courses remains elusive, making them the sole obstacle to fully mastering the game.
These varied experiences highlight the diverse ways players engage with games, from methodical puzzle-solving and strategic assassination to reliving childhood favorites and exploring emergent social dynamics.