Stunning actually no-one, my Sport of the Yr is Elden Ring. It exceeded my Erdtree-sized expectations and, regardless of some absolute corkers being launched this yr, nothing else got here shut. The video games that made me happiest, however, are video games I’ve hardly performed, if in any respect. Pokémon Legends Arceus and Scarlet introduced me extra pleasure than all of the Elden Rings and Immortalities and Marvel Snaps put collectively.
I’m not a participant of those video games. I’ve tried a couple of, however I’ve by no means completed one, they’ve simply by no means grabbed me. My fiancee Rune (sure, they’re non-binary, why do you ask?) however, completely adores them. Solar & Moon have been the primary releases after we received collectively and I’ve been dutifully making certain they’ve each new Pokémon recreation to hit the cabinets, even throughout some robust instances.
It’s completely value it although. Nothing compares to their delight as they expertise the heady joys of one thing so comfortingly acquainted liberally sprinkled with new surprises. I assist with the all vital starter choice and contribute to the names. (Would you consider that, as a video games journo, I’m fairly good at puns?) Making them snigger is nice. Making them groan and hit me with a cushion is even higher!
I really like that mainline Pokémon video games are on the Change now. As an alternative of getting a handheld display screen shoved in my face each couple of minutes, we snuggle up on the couch and I can see all of the motion because it occurs. The entire thing has developed into an enormous occasion now. We even get snacks. I received’t find yourself watching your complete recreation, however you will be certain I’ll be alerted each time a brand new Pokémon is found, or an evolution is about to occur.
It’s helped me to realize an appreciation for different components of gaming and fandom that I don’t assume I actually noticed the attraction in earlier than. Watching streamers play video games is rarely going to be one thing that pursuits me, I’d a lot somewhat play video games myself, however I’ve realised that the sport itself isn’t actually the purpose, it’s seeing another person take pleasure in themselves.
Likewise, I’ve by no means understood how individuals will be informal followers of issues. I both like one thing, or I don’t and after I do, my intuition is to go all in. I’ve been on an enormous Star Wars kick of late, and my entrance room is presently a large number of Black Sequence motion figures, RPG books and Legion miniatures. I’ve rewatched a bunch of flicks and sequence’ and at last completed off Jedi: Fallen Order. (How good is that ending?)
With Pokémon, I’m content material to benefit from the information and hearsay surrounding a brand new launch, to smile at fan artwork and have an ever-growing listing of favorite Pokémon (with Bulbasaur all the time on the prime.) It’s fairly good. And significantly cheaper than my typical manner of participating with media.
What I’ve realised is that a few of the greatest bits of video games will be loved with out taking part in them in any respect. Unpacking was my GOTY final yr and I skilled that begin to end by way of watching Rune play it. I in all probability loved it much more than if I had performed it myself, as we identified all of the little particulars and speculated collectively. I performed by way of the aforementioned Immortality by myself, however I want I’d been taking part in it with another person. Tunic is one other great 2022 title that may have been higher collectively. (And having another person do the godawful irritating fight would have been a blessing!)
What’s your favorite recreation that you simply’ve by no means performed?
