2022 - 12 Month Pile Program

trueheart78 wrote:
Forlorn Hope wrote:

As I feared, I had to make the difficult decision to say goodbye to my dog. Not what I wanted to do but it is what it is. So I'm not going to make any backlog goals for next month. Just going to take care of myself.

Man that sucks.

I forgot to say this in my post above, but I'm sorry for your loss, too. I hope you're doing okay, and take care of yourself!

Eleima wrote:
trueheart78 wrote:

It's kind of awesome (and a bit weird) when you know you're playing your GOTY IMAGE(https://emojipedia-us.s3.dualstack.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/thumbs/240/apple/325/smiling-face-with-hearts_1f970.png)

Best feeling ever in my book. ^^ I’m so glad for you.

While it was close between two games last year (Haven and The Artful Escape), I don’t see a contender on the horizon for the emotional trajectory of this year intertwined with True Colors and the Wavelengths DLC. So yeah, pretty happy atm

IMAGE(https://media0.giphy.com/media/WQUEcGyoiTgEhTsChZ/giphy.gif?cid=5e2148866bom2l1frb51029xcfnw6wulwopsxjjddds3kz8v&rid=giphy.gif&ct=g)

Thanks for the reminder, I need to push Haven at the top of the Pile. And good grief, that gif is gorgeous.

It's a great game. I think you'll love it.

Oh, I know I will, I just need to squeeze it in there, somewhere...

Eleima wrote:

Thanks for the reminder, I need to push Haven at the top of the Pile.

They recently (like, 6 months ago?) added a couples update (M/M, M/F, F/F ), so you can choose how you wanna play (og was M/M).

IMAGE(https://media0.giphy.com/media/WQUEcGyoiTgEhTsChZ/giphy.gif?cid=ecf05e47n2o4zic95u8mcfls9fzdedqtxo92ih8ywxarh4y3&rid=giphy.gif&ct=g)

trueheart78 wrote:
Eleima wrote:

Thanks for the reminder, I need to push Haven at the top of the Pile.

They recently (like, 6 months ago?) added a couples update (M/M, M/F, F/F ), so you can choose how you wanna play (og was M/M).

I saw!!!! That was really awesome of them! But watch me be horrifyingly boring and so heterosexual and go M/F.

Eleima wrote:
trueheart78 wrote:
Eleima wrote:

Thanks for the reminder, I need to push Haven at the top of the Pile.

They recently (like, 6 months ago?) added a couples update (M/M, M/F, F/F ), so you can choose how you wanna play (og was M/M).

I saw!!!! That was really awesome of them! But watch me be horrifyingly boring and so heterosexual and go M/F. :D

Don’t worry about anything like that. I did M/F and it was an amazing ride. <3

Me too (it was before the patch, though I probably would have anyway), and it was great. Easily one of my favorite games of last year.

Summer is now officially over, the friend/temporary roommate who had been living with me for the past four months had to go back home because his visitor's visa expired (lots of tears were shed), my work contract is ending in 2 weeks (although I do expect a short extension), and I bought a Steam Deck (which I hasn't shipped yet), so hopefully I get to play more in the near future! But for now, it's time for the September report!

Purchased:

  • Stray (PS5, thanks to PS+)
  • Ys IX: Monstrum Nox (PS5, for the GWJ JRPG Club, also thanks to PS+)
  • Mega Man 11 (PC/Steam)
  • God Eater 3 (PC/Steam)

Completed:

  • Submerged: Hidden Depths (PC/Epic)
  • Tomb Raider 1996 (PC - Replay)

Dropped:
None

Currently playing:

  • Shin Megami Tensei Persona 3 Portable (PSP) - Continuing my day-by-day playthrough - Playing once or twice a week. I'm a few days behind, but should be able to catch up this weekend (I got stuck on a boss on floor 135). I might decide to just get it done at some point though, especially if I'm going to be unemployed for a little while.
  • Monster Hunter Rise Sunbreak (PC/Steam) - Still playing mostly on Friday evenings with some GWJ folks.
  • Gravity Rush 2 (PS4) - I was really hoping to have that one done by the end of September, but I barely made it past the halfway mark. I'm enjoying it in short sessions (although I'm mostly sticking to main story missions).
  • Mega Man 11 (PC/Steam) - I played about 2 hours of this (according to Steam), and yet have not been able to beat a single level yet. That game's hard.
  • Stray (PS5) - Just started. I should be able to beat it this weekend. I think it's going to be my game of the year.
  • The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III (PC/Epic) - I think I made exactly zero progress this month.

Planned purchases for the year:

  • Monster Hunter Rise Sunbreak (PC) - Purchased
  • The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel 3 (PC) - Purchased
  • Waiting for an Atlus sale on the 3DS eShop to buy a bunch of stuff for potential future play - Done
  • Monster Hunter Rise (PC) - Purchased
  • Final Fantasy VI Pixel Remaster (PC) - For the JRPG game club
  • The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (Switch) - Delayed to next year

Ramblings:
Another slow month for me in terms of videogames. Again, lots of running and some biking though!

I received the email to order a Steam Deck and, after thinking about it for an hour or two, I went ahead with the purchase. For some reason, orders for Canada are slow to ship, so who knows when I'm actually going to get it. I have a trip planned for Thanksgiving weekend, and I was hoping to get it before then, but that doesn't seem very likely at this point. Edit: It has shipped and should be here Tuesday.

One of the reasons for me to get the Steam Deck is that I am finally getting back into game development and will be using it for testing. I've been documenting my progress in the game making thread and on my own blog (link in my signature). Progress is slow, but has been picking up recently.

A few months after getting rid of my backlog spreadsheet, I do notice that I am (somewhat unconsciously) starting to build a new one. If I listen to a podcast and they bring up a game I am interested in, I will add it to the mental list. As I am browsing the game collection on Playstation Plus, I'm thinking "I should play that", or "That looks good, maybe I should install it and play it after I'm done with X". If I'm looking at the list of this year's purchases, I find myself thinking "Oh yeah, I bought that, I need to play it". I'm not sure what to make of that (other than the fact that I like making lists and overwhelm myself with future tasks).

Agathos wrote:

my Game Pass subscription... PS+ Middle Tier... so my September progress will be mostly sideways.

So anyway, that happened.

Started

  • Tunic
  • NORCO
  • Chicory
  • Splatoon 3
  • Nobody Saves the World: The Frozen Hearth
  • Cyberpunk 2077
  • Square's Embracer's Crystal Dynamics's Disney's Marvel's Avengers

Finished

  • Immortality

Jettisoned with a lot of multi-axis tumble. You can't dock with this.

  • Space Docker VR

Also Played

  • I Was a Teenage Exocolonist
  • Microsoft Flight Simulator

Paused

  • Returnal
  • Final Fantasy X
  • VTOL VR

In the Queue

  • CrisTales
  • Crying Suns
  • Lost Words: Beyond the Page
  • OPUS: Echo of Starsong
  • Persona 5 Strikers
  • Slipways
  • Teardown

Things were going according to (a really bad) plan, when suddenly I watched a five-hour commercial for Cyberpunk and well, they hooked me. As for these Game Pass/PS+ items, I think the subscription services are doing their job: I can see what the fuss is about without feeling obligated to finish them. I suspect my end-of-October "jettisoned" list will be legendary.

September Report ~

Added:
Doki Doki Literature Club Plus! (Switch)
Walkabout Mini Golf VR (Oculus)
Spiritfarer (Switch)

Beat:
(nothing)

Made Progress In:
Yakuza Kiwami 2 (Steam)
Little Nightmares II (Steam)
Chicory: A Colorful Tale (Switch)
Resident Evil 4 VR (Oculus)

Thanks everyone for the kind words last month. Still miss my dog terribly but it doesn't hurt quite as much now. September wasn't as relaxing as I hoped for because of a multitude of factors beyond my control but I did enjoy my game time. My trip to the Seattle area was also really nice.

I cancelled Gamepass so I don't have those games vying for my attention but I also impulse bought a few games. Oops. The creator for Doki Doki Literature Club! was at PAX West so I got the Plus version for him to sign. Also, Spiritfarer was on sale and I had gold points sitting in my Nintendo account. Because I need to cry more after I've already cried a lot. Yes. Paid less than $4 when it was all said and done. I picked up Walkabout Mini Golf VR on a whim because it sounded like it might be a fun time with GWJers. Hopefully, I get to play it this weekend.

As for October, my only planned purchase is New Tales from the Borderlands if it reviews well. Plan on playing more of Yakuza Kiwami 2 and Little Nightmares 2. I am going to try to start Vampyr for the cRPG club too. Beyond that, who knows.

Hello autumn and welcome back. Here's my September report.

Added:

  • Return to Monkey Island (Steam) IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/new.gif)IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unfinished.gif) - I'd forgotten about this until the day before it dropped, so I preordered. And played it. And like it. And have some thoughts about it! <3

Finished:

  • Saints Row (Epic) IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/new.gif)IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/beaten.gif) - Good, crazy, stupid fun, but ultimately... I was unimpressed, honestly.
  • Torchlight 2 (Steam) IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/beaten.gif) - Wrapped it up. Good old clickfest with friends.

Dropped:
None at this time.

Played:

  • Touken Ranbu (Browser/Android) IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unfinished.gif) - It's KASEN SI TIME, WE'RE TOTALLY GETTING SIWAMES IN DECEMBER, BRING ON THE COPIUM!!!
  • Touken Ranbu Musou (Steam) IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/new.gif)IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/beaten.gif) - Still playing to unlock cheevos. Love it dearly. So dearly.
  • Saints Row the Third Remastered (Epic) IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unfinished.gif) - Sporadically with a friend.
  • Spiritfarer (Steam) IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unfinished.gif) - I'm so invested in this game and THERE WILL BE TEARS. SO MANY TEARS.
  • Return to Monkey Island (Steam) IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/new.gif)IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unfinished.gif) - Looking forward to playing more after I finish Spiritfarer.

Remaining games: 52 IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unfinished.gif) (49 IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unplayed.gif))
Progress (Games): 18 IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/beaten.gif) + 4 IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/null.gif) - 14 IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/new.gif) = 8
Est. remaining hours: 638 IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unfinished.gif) (620 IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unplayed.gif))
Progress (Est. total hours): 365 IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/beaten.gif) + 17 IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/null.gif) + 52 played IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unfinished.gif) - 181 IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/new.gif) = 253

Backloggery is at 16. So a bit of a step forward, but not totally, because I did add another game and there's Romancelvania dropping on Monday, and Tales from the Borderlands 2 on October 21st. But... you know what? I'm having a blast. And I'm REALLY REALLY looking forward to Extra Life. Might even expand and add an extra day, I'm just that excited about it. Also looking forward to more writing with some October prompts. So yeah, I'm having a blast, I'm back in the groove, and yaaaaaaay.

Start: 45

Added:
Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & the Secret Fairy (Switch)
Legend of Heroes: Trails From Zero (Switch)
Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel IV (PS4)
Taiko no Tatsujin: Rhythmic Adventure Pack (Switch)

Beat:
Nothing

Dropped:
Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky 3rd

Progress In:
Persona 5 Royal (2020) (PS4) [Real time project]
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 (2022) (Switch)

End: 48

Also Played: As Dusk Falls (Xbox); Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & The Secret Hideout DLC (Switch); Genshin Impact; Mario Kart 8 Deluxe; Pokemon Yellow (GB) (BEAT); Tales of Destiny Director’s Cut (PS2); Valkyrie Elysium Demo (PS5)

Spoiler:

Another month not really focused on the backlog. The backlog is 90% PS4/5 games so I added some Switch stuff, including Trails From Zero which I'd been planning on purchasing. Speaking of which, I decided I'd watch a playthrough or summary of Trails in the Sky 3rd as I've long been feeling like that's a game I need to get through to play the installments I want to... like the just acquired Zero. Still plugging along at Xenoblade 3 here and there. I like it quite a bit but don't seem in a rush to finish it.

Finished:
Octopath Traveler
Scarlet Nexus
Norco

Added:
Troubleshooter: Abandoned Children
The Dungeon of Naheulbeuk
Crusader Kings III

Forlorn Hope wrote:

Added:
Spiritfarer (Switch)

shadout wrote:

Added:
Troubleshooter: Abandoned Children

Same and same.

September:

Added:
Nothing!

Finished:
Nothing!

Played:
Lego Star Wars - The Skywalker Saga - still chipping away at 100%
Fell Seal: Arbiter's Mark - finishing up third temple now so making progress
Arcadegeddon - decent co-op game to play with eldest son on Sunday nights
God Wars Futures Past - just found the Vita and trying to clear my massive backlog in this system
Bravely Default - this game hasn't grabbed me yet and I only play it when my children are playing the other systems. This isn't a bad game, just not an interesting one yet. I would like to be done with this game and Fire Emblem so I can be done with the 3DS.

COVID finally hit our house which slowed everybody down a bit. I didn't have much energy for gaming so little progress was made in backlog. Main goal is to finish off more of the handheld games--if only I could bring myself to turn the 3DS on. Still looking out for deals on Horizon 2 and interested in looking into some of the recent Square Enix releases but no big purchases still. The Playstation 5 can still wait.

September: I'm so happy autumn is finally here. It's such a great season. I love cooler air, sweater weather, the change of seasons, fall flavors, and football. Unfortunately, I've had a little less time for gaming this past month, but fortunately, for a good reason: work's been busy (and I like what I do, so that's a good thing), and my major "extracurricular" hobby -- coaching a college mock trial team -- has kicked into full gear very quickly. So a few purchases, and not much real progress.

Added: 2
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unfinished.gif)The DioField Chronicle (PS5) - What a fun and surprising little tactics game
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unfinished.gif)Ys IX: Monstrum Nox (PS5) - Like Ys VIII -- which I loved -- but one higher

Finished: 0*
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/completed.gif)Demon's Crest (Switch / SNES)
I had beaten Demon's Crest as a kid, but never fully completed it. So, this doesn't count toward the backlog, but it was a fun trip down memory lane. I really had to cheese the save states to beat the final boss.

Also Played:
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unfinished.gif)King's Bounty: Armored Princess / Crossworlds (PC)
Was hoping to finish this in September. I think the thing that has interrupted my progress is that the last few things I have to do -- beating the Gremlion, K'Tahu, and Ba'al -- all involve boss fights, and those are obnoxiously hard (vs. army fights. So I just haven't wanted to.
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/beaten.gif)Super Mario Galaxy (PS5)
Honestly, most of the time during the past month, I've just been playing this rather than making backlog "progress." And, I'm loving it. I beat Bowser in July, so now it's Mario's World Tour as I explore each of the delightfully crafted worlds. I think I'm up to around 550 power moons.
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/beaten.gif)Final Fantasy VII Remake (PS5) - testing out my new TV and sound bar (both are awesome!)
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unfinished.gif)Endless Space 2 (PC)

Dropped: 0

2022 Progress: 0 [11 finished + 3 dropped - 14 added]

Current backlog state: IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unfinished.gif)62/ IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unplayed.gif)11

Goals for Q3 2022: Clear as many of these as possible:

Things below the dashed line simply won't be finished, because this month I'll likely be playing a lot of my new purchases, plus Super Mario Odyssey.

IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/beaten.gif)Super Mario Odyssey (Switch)
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/beaten.gif)Shin Megami Tensei V (Switch)
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/beaten.gif)Yakuza: Like a Dragon (PS5)
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/completed.gif)Fell Seal: Arbiter's Mark (Switch)
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/completed.gif)Death's Door (Switch)
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/completed.gif)Unpacking (Switch)
-----------------------------------------------
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unfinished.gif)Endless Space 2 (PC)
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unfinished.gif)Kena: Bridge of Spirits (PS5)
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unfinished.gif)Indivisible (PS5)
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unfinished.gif)Sifu (PS5)

GotY Contenders:

Spoiler:

Astro's Playroom (PS5)
Actraiser: Renaissance (Switch)
Bug Fables: the Everlasting Sapling (PS5)
Death's Door (Switch)
DioField Chronicle (PS5)
Fell Seal: Arbiter's Mark (Switch)
Indivisible (PS4)
Kena: Bridge of Spirits (PS5)
Overcooked 2 (Switch)
Shin Megami Tensei V (Switch)
Sifu (PS5)
Super Mario Odyssey (Switch)
Unpacking (Switch)
Yakuza: Like a Dragon (PS5)
Ys IX: Monstrum Nox (PS5)

So this month was a mindset change for me. I've realized that the way I've been tracking games is not relevant to how I feel about my interactions with them, so... I'm changing what I do.

I spent 30+ hours in Tales of Arise and 115 hours in Elden Ring, and I don't feel like putting them in the Jettisoned section actually gives them the relevance that they should have. So, I'm adding a third option to the Beaten and Jettisoned options I've been using: Played.

So the idea is:

  1. Played: Games I've spent time with (but haven't beaten).
  2. Beaten: Games I've watched the credits roll on.
  3. Jettisoned: Games I've not spent time with that I no longer plan to track.

So, with that, onto September's report.


September IMAGE(https://emojipedia-us.s3.dualstack.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/thumbs/120/apple/285/cherry-blossom_1f338.png)

IMAGE(https://media2.giphy.com/media/d5qnRLkdQknTvoEUqL/giphy.gif?cid=790b761136395e7dc346d2f5169426361224856ecc8e5fe3&rid=giphy.gif&ct=g)

Playing IMAGE(https://emojipedia-us.s3.amazonaws.com/source/skype/289/video-game_1f3ae.png)

  1. Deathloop (XSX) IMAGE(https://emojipedia-us.s3.dualstack.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/thumbs/120/facebook/65/green-heart_1f49a.png)
    • Enjoying the humor.
  2. Wildermyth (PC)
    • Halfway through the second campaign and I just love it so much.
    • The storytelling is so good.
    • Couldn't wait for the console port, so installed it on my new laptop.

Played IMAGE(https://emojipedia-us.s3.dualstack.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/thumbs/120/whatsapp/326/playground-slide_1f6dd.png)

  1. Down The Rabbit Hole (VR) [3hr]
    • It was fun for a bit.
  2. Yakuza: Like a Dragon (XSX) [45hr]
    • Ichi is wonderful. IMAGE(https://emojipedia-us.s3.amazonaws.com/source/skype/289/sparkling-heart_1f496.png)
  3. You Suck At Parking (XSX) IMAGE(https://emojipedia-us.s3.dualstack.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/thumbs/120/facebook/65/green-heart_1f49a.png)
    • Fun for a short bit.

Jettisoned IMAGE(https://emojipedia-us.s3.amazonaws.com/source/skype/289/fire_1f525.png)

  1. AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES (XSX) [28hr] IMAGE(https://emojipedia-us.s3.dualstack.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/thumbs/120/facebook/65/green-heart_1f49a.png)
    • Not a priority.
    • September purge.
  2. Children of Morta (XB1) [19hr] IMAGE(https://emojipedia-us.s3.dualstack.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/thumbs/120/facebook/65/green-heart_1f49a.png)
    • Not a priority.
    • September purge.
  3. Cris Tales (XB1) [28hr] IMAGE(https://emojipedia-us.s3.dualstack.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/thumbs/120/facebook/65/green-heart_1f49a.png)
    • Not a priority.
    • September purge.
  4. Deadpool (XB1) [10hr] IMAGE(https://emojipedia-us.s3.amazonaws.com/source/skype/289/optical-disk_1f4bf.png)
    • Not a priority.
    • September purge.
  5. DRAGON QUEST II: Luminaries of the Legendary Line (NS) [17hr]
    • Maybe someday, but not any day soon.
    • September purge.
  6. Nobody Saves the World (XSX) [16hr] IMAGE(https://emojipedia-us.s3.dualstack.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/thumbs/120/facebook/65/green-heart_1f49a.png)
    • September purge.
  7. Persona 5 Strikers (NS) [36hr] IMAGE(https://emojipedia-us.s3.dualstack.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/thumbs/120/google/313/floppy-disk_1f4be.png)
    • Musou games aren't for me.
  8. South Park: The Fractured But Whole (NS) [18hr]
    • Unlikely I'll ever play this.
    • September purge.
  9. The Banner Saga Trilogy (NS) [10hr]
    • Maybe someday, or maybe not...
    • September purge.
  10. Valentino Rossi: The Game (XB1) [19hr] IMAGE(https://emojipedia-us.s3.amazonaws.com/source/skype/289/optical-disk_1f4bf.png)
    • September purge.

Added IMAGE(https://emojipedia-us.s3.dualstack.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/thumbs/120/google/313/t-rex_1f996.png)

  1. Deathloop (XSX) IMAGE(https://emojipedia-us.s3.dualstack.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/thumbs/120/facebook/65/green-heart_1f49a.png)
    • Enjoying the humor.
  2. You Suck At Parking (XSX) IMAGE(https://emojipedia-us.s3.dualstack.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/thumbs/120/facebook/65/green-heart_1f49a.png)
    • Fun for a short bit.

Learned IMAGE(https://emojipedia-us.s3.dualstack.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/thumbs/120/apple/285/face-with-monocle_1f9d0.png)

  1. Combat that feels like I'm just whittling away at the enemy's health wears thin. It can look cool, but the monotony is too much, and I will stop playing it. Chip damage games. It's like the inverse of a Musou game.
    • See Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Tales of Arise and Xenoblade Chronicles 3.
  2. I don't care for physical media.
  3. Musou games are not for me.
    • See Persona 5 Strikers and Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity.
  4. A new guideline might be restricting the game length of items added to the pile. I enjoy a lot of games, and sometimes the length of a game can be a put off. Having a reason to break the guideline is fine, it would simply be a deterrent.
    • See AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES and Scarlet Nexus and Mass Effect: Legendary Edition.
  5. Having played a game as the goal is what I want to track, not just if I saw credits roll. Yes, I am logging if I've played a game. You wouldn't know I loved some of them unless you dug deep, and even then you might miss it.
    • See Elden Ring (115 hrs+) and Tales of Arise (30 hrs+).

Legend IMAGE(https://emojipedia-us.s3.dualstack.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/thumbs/120/facebook/304/information_2139-fe0f.png)

IMAGE(https://emojipedia-us.s3.dualstack.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/thumbs/120/facebook/65/green-heart_1f49a.png) = Xbox Game Pass
IMAGE(https://emojipedia-us.s3.amazonaws.com/source/skype/289/optical-disk_1f4bf.png) = Disc version
IMAGE(https://emojipedia-us.s3.dualstack.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/thumbs/120/google/313/floppy-disk_1f4be.png) = Cartridge version
IMAGE(https://emojipedia-us.s3.amazonaws.com/source/microsoft-teams/337/video-game_1f3ae.png) = Spent time playing it

IMAGE(https://media3.giphy.com/media/QCD9YNS6KZSFf3Bql8/giphy.gif?cid=790b76112b478b84b83c61e649617058bb50153514ef00ad&rid=giphy.gif&ct=g)

Wildermyth (PC)

Halfway through the second campaign and I just love it so much.
The storytelling is so good.
Couldn't wait for the console port, so installed it on my new laptop.

Yes yes yes. Welcome to fun.

Cats make everything better. Thank you Trueheart.

Stele wrote:
Wildermyth (PC)

Halfway through the second campaign and I just love it so much.
The storytelling is so good.
Couldn't wait for the console port, so installed it on my new laptop.

Yes yes yes. Welcome to fun.

It’s been something I’ve been playing off and on the past few months, when I get the itch for great storytelling. Its just now showing up because I’m changing the way I am thinking about my pile.

IMAGE(https://media4.giphy.com/media/SwaGCEw8JE43hgI8YB/giphy.gif?cid=5e2148863edis2lq6ulxtg2oub8jteplp1n2utz0pohq8cgw&rid=giphy.gif&ct=g)

My least favorite holiday, Halloween, is almost here, so time for another monthly gaming report!

Purchased:
None!

Completed:

  • Stray (PS5) (actually completed 3 times, once normally, once to get everything, and a speed run for a trophy)
  • Ys IX: Monstrum Nox (PS4)

Dropped:

  • Gravity Rush 2 (PS4)

Currently playing:

  • Monster Hunter Rise Sunbreak (PC/Steam) - Still playing mostly on Friday evenings with some GWJ folks.
  • Shin Megami Tensei Persona 3 Portable (PSP) - Currently on hold, but will resume shortly.

Planned purchases for the year:

  • The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel 3 (PC) - Purchased
  • Waiting for an Atlus sale on the 3DS eShop to buy a bunch of stuff for potential future play - Done
  • Monster Hunter Rise (PC) - Purchased
  • Monster Hunter Rise Sunbreak (PC) - Purchased
  • Final Fantasy VI Pixel Remaster (PC) - For the JRPG game club
  • The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (Switch) - Delayed to next year

Ramblings:
After a few months of consideration, I finally subscribed to PS+ Extra, mostly because the selected game for the JRPG game club was included (Ys IX: Monstrum Nox). Also included: Stray! Despite the game being relatively short, I ended up playing it for a good 16 hours, and I managed to get the platinum trophy in the process. Overall, Stray is my game of the year so far!

The rest of the month was devoted to Ys IX. It was good and, at roughly 35 hours, it didn't overstay its welcome.

I also decided to drop Gravity Rush 2 earlier this week. The game isn't bad. Its world is amazing, and shifting gravity is an interesting concept. My biggest problem was the boring missions. I made it about halfway through back in September. After a month of not playing it and thinking I should go back to it, I came to the realization that I'm probably never going to, and to just let it go.

My big game for November is going to be Persona 3 Portable. I made it to floor 135 back in September, and reached a boss I was not able to beat at the time. Now that I have the game running on my Steam Deck (thank you, Emu Deck), it will be my main game for November. I think my save game is on September 26th. I have not decided if I'm only going to try and catch up and stick with my day-to-day play through, or just get to the end. We shall see.

Also on my list for November: Live-A-Live. I bought it for Switch back in July and I haven't touched it yet.

Started

  • Troubleshooter: Abandoned Children -- With the strategy club.
  • Tinykin

Finished

  • Chicory
  • I Was a Teenage Exocolonist

Jettisoned

  • Tunic -- You got your Dark Souls in my Zelda... not for my tastes.
  • NORCO -- A lot to like here but it didn't really pull me in.
  • Marvel's Avengers -- As planned, I bailed out of the Reassemble campaign once the looter shooter structure kicked in.
  • Cyberpunk 2077 -- My Edgerunners buzz has faded and the midgame seems... just okay. Maybe I'll get back to it next year.

Also Played

  • Nobody Saves the World: The Frozen Hearth
  • Elden Ring -- It's back! As I threatened, I am all in on walkthroughs this time. I've roughly matched my playtime from this spring, and the best part is I'm not wandering in circles.
  • Sifu -- Apparently it's February again because I'm playing this too. Trophy chasing, and perhaps reviewing my thoughts before GotY list season..

Paused

  • Returnal
  • Final Fantasy X
  • VTOL VR
  • Splatoon 3

In the Queue

  • CrisTales
  • Crying Suns
  • Lost Words: Beyond the Page
  • OPUS: Echo of Starsong
  • Persona 5 Strikers
  • Slipways
  • Teardown
  • Triangle Strategy -- Kind of an awkward pairing with having just started Troubleshooter, but I was waiting for the Steam release.

October Report ~

Added:
West of Loathing (Steam) (gift)
Walkabout Mini Golf DLC courses (Oculus)

Beat:
Before Your Eyes (Steam)
Little Nightmares II (Steam)

Made Progress In:
Yakuza Kiwami 2 (Steam)
Chicory: A Colorful Tale (Switch)
Silent Hill 3 (PC)
Spiritfarer (Switch)
Walkabout Mini Golf VR (Oculus)

An OK month for gaming. Reviews for New Tales from the Borderlands were lukewarm so I got the DLC courses for Walkabout Mini Golf VR instead which seems like the right choice. Cheaper and more fun.

I noticed that I spent more time on games that I regularly schedule time for like Discord stream games (Little Nightmares II/Silent Hill 3) and weekend events (Walkabout Mini Golf with GWJers and other friends). Not that I need to schedule all my game time but it does help.

November plan is to beat Chicory, Silent Hill 3 and Yakuza Kiwami 2. And purchase Pokemon Violet.

What happened to this month...

Played:
Troubleshooter: Abandoned Children

Finished:
Expeditions: Rome

I almost forgot about this, but then I realized it's already November. Here's my October report.

Added:

  • OZMAFIA!! (Steam) IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/new.gif)IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unplayed.gif) - It was on sale, and it's a highly reviewed otome. 'Nuff said.
  • Birushana: Rising Flower of Genpei (Switch) IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/new.gif)IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unplayed.gif) - It was on sale, and it's a highly reviewed otome made by IDEA Factory (who did Hakuoki). 'Nuff said.

Finished:

  • Saints Row the Third Remastered (Epic) IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/beaten.gif)
  • Spiritfarer (Steam) IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/beaten.gif)
  • Return to Monkey Island (Steam) IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/new.gif)IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/beaten.gif)
  • Happy Game (Steam) IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/new.gif)IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/beaten.gif)

Dropped:
None at this time.

Played:

  • Touken Ranbu (Browser/Android) IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unfinished.gif) - WTE, Kashuu SI, UTC and big update in December teased. HOW EXCITING!!
  • Touken Ranbu Musou (Steam) IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/new.gif)IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/beaten.gif) - Only a few more cheevos left...
  • Shigatari (Steam) IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unfinished.gif) - It's FTL but in medieval Japan.
  • Yes, Your Grace (Steam) IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/new.gif)IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unfinished.gif) - Interesting, but I'm not sure I really wanted to play a game where you marry off 13 year olds.

Remaining games: 50 IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unfinished.gif) (48 IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unplayed.gif))
Progress (Games): 22 IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/beaten.gif) + 4 IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/null.gif) - 16 IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/new.gif) = 10
Est. remaining hours: 653 IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unfinished.gif) (656 IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unplayed.gif))
Progress (Est. total hours): 458 IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/beaten.gif) + 17 IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/null.gif) + 14 played IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unfinished.gif) - 236 IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/new.gif) = 253

Backloggery is at 17. Some progress, but not as much as I was hoping for. Extra Life has proved harder this year, very tiring, and I don't know that I'll have the strength to do it again next. I knew fundraising would be harder this year, between the recession and streaming so far ahead of Game Day, but it's harder not to feel despondent about it. At least I'm really enjoying Shigatari and TR Musou and Yes, Your Grace is fun. And I'm really enjoying writing again. Finishing up those October prompts and diving into NaNoWriMo.

October: Very late to the party here -- it's almost halfway through November -- but the past month feels like it's contained 3 months. During October, I finished a trial, traveled with a mock trial team I coach to many people's first-ever in-person tournament, got a promotion at work (more work, no extra pay, but some deep satisfaction about what I'll be doing), and binged Persona 5 Royal real, real hard.

Added: 1
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unfinished.gif)Persona 5 Royal (Switch) it is SO GOOD to be back with my buddies. This morning, I took down Kaneshiro. That makes about 4 palaces in 3 weeks, which is honestly not healthy

Finished: 0*
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/completed.gif)Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales (PS5) - beat NG+ and got the platinum. The game is a really fun, quick, tight package when you're just playing the main story

Also Played:
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/beaten.gif)Super Mario Galaxy (PS5) - 710 moons! I've traveled to the Darker Side, but haven't made it past the first area
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unfinished.gif)DioField Chronicle (PS5) - Chapter 6, nearing the endgame
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unfinished.gif)Humankind (PC) - a new PC means I can finally explore this!
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unfinished.gif)Marvel Snap (iOS) - Damn, but this game is addictive

Dropped: 0

2022 Progress: -1 [11 finished + 3 dropped - 15 added]

Current backlog state: IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unfinished.gif)63/ IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unplayed.gif)11

Goals for Q3 2022: Clear as many of these as possible:

Things below the dashed line simply won't be finished, because this month I'll likely be playing a lot of my new purchases, plus Super Mario Odyssey.

IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/beaten.gif)Super Mario Odyssey (Switch)
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/beaten.gif)Shin Megami Tensei V (Switch)
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/beaten.gif)Yakuza: Like a Dragon (PS5)
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/completed.gif)Fell Seal: Arbiter's Mark (Switch)
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/completed.gif)Death's Door (Switch)
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/completed.gif)Unpacking (Switch)
-----------------------------------------------
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unfinished.gif)Endless Space 2 (PC)
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unfinished.gif)Kena: Bridge of Spirits (PS5)
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unfinished.gif)Indivisible (PS5)
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unfinished.gif)Sifu (PS5)

GotY Contenders:

Spoiler:

Astro's Playroom (PS5)
Actraiser: Renaissance (Switch)
Bug Fables: the Everlasting Sapling (PS5)
Death's Door (Switch)
DioField Chronicle (PS5)
Fell Seal: Arbiter's Mark (Switch)
Humankind (PC)
Indivisible (PS4)
Kena: Bridge of Spirits (PS5)
Marvel Snap (iOS)
Overcooked 2 (Switch)
Shin Megami Tensei V (Switch)
Sifu (PS5)
Super Mario Odyssey (Switch)
Unpacking (Switch)
Yakuza: Like a Dragon (PS5)
Ys IX: Monstrum Nox (PS5)