2022 - 12 Month Pile Program

November report!

Purchased:

  • Utawarerumono: Prelude to the Fallen (PC/Steam)
  • The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt GOTY (PC/GOG)

Completed:

  • Tomb Raider II (PC) - Replay
  • Tomb Raider Legend (PC) - Replay - Love that game, but for some reason that playthrough felt way glitchier than the last time I played it.

Dropped:
None

Currently playing:

  • Shin Megami Tensei Persona 3 Portable (PSP)
  • Oceanhorn 2 (Apple Arcade)
  • Utawarerumono: Prelude to the Fallen (PC/Steam) - Mostly because I've never really played a visual novel, so I figured I should play one if I'm going to make one
  • Final Fantasy X Remaster (PC/Steam) - Replay
  • Monster Hunter World Iceborne (PS4) - Trying to get the Platinum trophy
  • Monster Hunter Rise Sunbreak (PC/Steam) - With the Friday GWJ group

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:
I managed to resist most of the Black Friday sales, although I did end up buying Witcher 3 for pennies. Some of the podcasts I'm listening to (including last week's GWJ CC) are doing a very good job of selling me on Pentiment but, so far, I've resisted.

Due to some other projects, I haven't been spending as much time gaming as I thought I would, and that's a good thing. I still managed to replay two Tomb Raider games, and made some significant progress in Persona 3 Portable. I thought I would be able to finish it in November, but I got sidetracked with JLPT preparation.

I am currently juggling 3 long JRPGs: Persona 3, Utawarerumono, and Final Fantasy X. That's too much for me, if I'm being honest. Now that I got Persona 3 running on my Steam Deck, I think I can focus on it and get it done before the end of the year.

I also started Oceanhorn 2 on a whim. I haven't played that much of it, but it seems OK. We'll see if it manages to hold my interest for more than a few hours. So far, it feels like a low-budget Wind Waker clone. Which is not a bad thing.

November Report ~

Added:
Pokemon Violet (Switch)
Walkabout Mini Golf: Myst DLC course (Oculus)

Beat:
Yakuza Kiwami 2 (Steam)
Chicory: A Colorful Tale (Switch)
Silent Hill 3 (PC)

Made Progress In:
Silent Hill 2 (PC) (Replaying on stream)
Walkabout Mini Golf VR (Oculus)
Pokemon Violet (Switch)

Yay, I beat all my goals for this month and resisted Black Friday deals. Proud of myself. Now to keep up that momentum. In December, I want to beat Pokemon Violet, Spiritfarer and Metroid: Samus Returns which might be unrealistic. I am planning on taking a week off of work at the end of the month which will help.

Started

  • Triangle Strategy - these characters sure like to talk
  • Teardown
  • Slipways - Holy carp this is addictive. In fact I think I'll sneak a run in right now...
  • The Case of the Golden Idol

Finished

Nothing!

Jettisoned

  • Tinykin
  • Troubleshooter: Abandoned Children

Also Played

  • Final Fantasy X
  • VTOL VR - trying to get this physical controls mod to work

Paused

  • Elden Ring - it's strange, after picking it up again, I just as suddenly lost interest exactly 40 hours later
  • Returnal
  • Splatoon 3
  • Nobody Saves the World: The Frozen Hearth

In the Queue

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

Jettisoned

  • Troubleshooter: Abandoned Children

Although I haven't played in 2 weeks myself. Really want to finish but it's tough

Honestly I skimmed the Troubleshooter thread and saw reports of 70+ hour play times and I noped out early. I'm still a bit perplexed as I leave. I think I was looking for something new in the tactics formula, and I got a core loop I'd seen before but with a lot of extra management systems I wasn't really excited to dig into.

But Agathos, you immediately proceeded to start Triangle Strategy...

I have no comment at this time.

Finished:
Troubleshooter: Abandoned Children !
Well, the release story anyway, in the first DLC now. I really like the character building, but I have no idea what the story is, nor have it managed to make me care. Combat seems like it could be fine, but is dragged down by overly long missions.

Playing:
WoW: Dragonflight

Added:
King Arthur: Knight's Tale
Resident Evil 3
Solasta: Crown of the Magister

November:

Added:
Horizon Forbidden West - I saw a $30 deal so I picked it up

Finished:
Fell Seal: Arbiter's Mark - played this game for the JRPG club and it was a good time although was a little long

Played:
Horizon Forbidden West
Lego Star Wars Skywalker Saga - still working on 100%; will be here for awhile
Crew 2 - good co-op game for adult son game night

No other planned purchases during this holiday season. I have seen some decent deals on games that I am mildly interested in but know that Horizon is going to take me awhile to get through. Haven't had much desire to do anything with the handhelds lately so no progress in Bravely Default. I have noticed that I find other things to do when I see the 3DS sitting by my gaming couch so I'm wondering if it is just time to jettison that game from my list. Only one 3DS game left and then I can retire that whole system--Fire Emblem Awakening.

I very nearly forgot my November report.

Added:

  • We Know The Devil (Steam) IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/new.gif)IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unplayed.gif) - a much appreciated gift from Taharka!

Finished:

  • Yes, Your Grace (Steam) IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/new.gif)IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/beaten.gif)
  • The Banner Saga 3 (Steam) IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/beaten.gif) - Interesting close the trilogy. Wish I'd played it sooner, because I'd kinda forgotten the previous two and lost my save.

Dropped:
None at this time.

Played:

  • Touken Ranbu (Browser/Android) IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unfinished.gif) - UTC in progress (bring on the koban, gimme those Oni & Hakusan drops) and big update in December. Very much looking forward to it.
  • Touken Ranbu Musou (Steam) IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/new.gif)IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/beaten.gif) - Need to get back to it.
  • Shigatari (Steam) IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unfinished.gif) - Need to get back to it.
  • PC Building Simulator (Epic) IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unfinished.gif) - Tried to play this to get rid of the PC building itch. It didn't work.

Remaining games: 51 IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unfinished.gif) (49 IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unplayed.gif))
Progress (Games): 24 IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/beaten.gif) + 4 IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/null.gif) - 17 IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/new.gif) = 11
Est. remaining hours: 672 IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unfinished.gif) (668 IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unplayed.gif))
Progress (Est. total hours): 478 IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/beaten.gif) + 17 IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/null.gif) + 14 played IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unfinished.gif) - 254 IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/new.gif) = 255

Backloggery is at 18. Not great, but I had family on the 17-19th and then almost immediately got sick afterwards. Barely made my 50k for NaNoWriMo. Throat still raw, can't speak for extended periods of time, so I'm not streaming. Haven't fired up a game since November 20th. Contemplating hibernation.

I did forget my November report! November was even busier than October. Not much news here, as I mostly just played Persona 5 Royal. And, no lengthy navel-gazing this time.

Added: 0

Finished: 1
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/completed.gif)The DioField Chronicle (PS5) - wrote about it at length over here

Also Played:
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/null.gif)Marvel Snap (iOS) - still very addictive
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unfinished.gif)Ys IX: Monstrum Nox (PS5) - back at it!

Dropped: 0

2022 Progress: 0 [12 finished + 3 dropped - 15 added]

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

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)

Watch out, there’s some great holiday sales atm and… well..

IMAGE(https://media.giphy.com/media/26FeUnkyCrV1jQQBa/giphy.gif)

Oh that is super useful, thank you!!! Can’t say I see a whole lot that would get me hyped, though. Aside from Baldur’s Gate 3 (will they actually release it for realz though?) and The Wolf Among Us 2. Anyone else looking forward to anything?

Final Fantasy 16, Assassin's Creed Mage, Starfield, and Diablo 4 are all my big hitters next year. I assume there will be some big surprises as the year goes on too.

Thanks for posting the list. For me, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and maybe Final Fantasy 16 but nothing else jumped out at me. I'm sure that there will be plenty of new and shiny things to tempt me but looks like I can hold off on buying a PS5 for at least awhile into 2023.

Eleima wrote:

Anyone else looking forward to anything?

  • Persona 3
  • Fire Emblem Engage
  • Atomic Heart
  • Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty
  • Star Wars: Jedi Survivor
  • Sifu on Xbox (just announced)
  • Crime Boss: Rockay City (this looks like a disasterpiece)
  • Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
  • Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League
  • Forza Motorsport
  • Starfield
  • Plucky Squire
  • System Shock Remake

So just a couple…

IMAGE(https://media.giphy.com/media/26Ff1vXMSPl1NmwTK/giphy.gif)

Persona 3
Fire Emblem Engage
Star Wars: Jedi Survivor
Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Starfield

Yes to all of this. Well I need to play Jedi Fallen Order first. But assuming I have fun with it.

trueheart78 wrote:
farley3k wrote:

I just bought Triangle Strategy, Elden Ring, Horizon: Forbidden West, and Elex. Meanwhile I still have Y's 9 and Y's 8 which I do want to play....

So I thought I would post here so I could try to keep track.

Welcome! I hope you find some semblance of success. Feel free to ask anything about long-term management of your pile.

IMAGE(https://media.giphy.com/media/1zlF0KxNxpAtnarYHg/giphy.gif)

Well, December now and I can say without a doubt that .... I played some games this year Not ones on this list but games!

I will post again in the 2023 thread and try to figure out a way to actually finish games.

Having said that though I have enjoyed my gaming time this year quite a bit so I am not unhappy.

So I got curious and went back to check something in my GOTY post...

Eleima wrote:

Games to look forward to in 2022
The Backlog still looms as always, and I only wish I had more free time.

  • 100 Hidden Cats (Steam) IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/beaten.gif)
  • Cinderella Phenomenon: Evermore (Steam) IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unplayed.gif)
  • Control (Steam) IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unplayed.gif)
  • Escape Simulator (Steam) IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/beaten.gif)
  • Haven (Steam) IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unplayed.gif)
  • In Other Waters (Steam) IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unplayed.gif)
  • Lamplight City (Steam) IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unplayed.gif)
  • Life Is Strange: True Colors (Steam) IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/beaten.gif)
  • Nightshade (Steam) IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unplayed.gif)
  • Shigatari (Steam) IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/beaten.gif)
  • Spiritfarer (Steam) IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/beaten.gif)
  • The Darkside Detective : A Fumble in the Dark (Steam) IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unplayed.gif)
  • Unavowed (Steam) IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unplayed.gif)

Those were all marked "unplayed" when I posted last year, and you can see how well I did... Not that well! I've only played five games out of that list! Ah well. I played other stuff too, some of them were nice surprises!

Eleima wrote:

EDIT TO ADD: I can't believe I forgot about Touken Ranbu Musou that's set to be released in Feb in Japan and globally in May. Yeah. You better believe I'm gonna play the crud out of that.

Oh yeah... That was totally a thing. <3

My internet was down on Christmas so I decided to start Eiyuden Chronicles: Rising (a game I’d actually already jettisoned, but was still installed), and it got it’s hooks in me.

Wrapped it up last night.

IMAGE(https://media.giphy.com/media/1gdzyKTYLYBdCz6HxM/giphy.gif)

Also closing in on the finale of Pentiment.

IMAGE(https://media.giphy.com/media/ggMADnajRESlgicPYd/giphy.gif)

How are you all holding up as we ebb closer to the new year?

I binge-purchased, or was gifted, 7 games around the holidays and also have Fire Emblem Engage on pre-order! New to me: Triangle Strategy, Tales of Arise, XCOM 2, Return of the Obra Dinn, The Case of the Golden Idol, Chained Echoes, and Citizen Sleeper. Some of those are fairly short; some are the equivalent of a doorstopper fantasy novel.

My pile's going to be stuffed as we head into the new year!

Well, 2022 is almost over, so I thought I'd put this together. I went through and aggregated all my monthly posts, so if I revisit this next year, I can see everything in one place. It's always fun to take stock of the past year!

2022 was a good year for work, a good year for "extracurriculars," and a good year for returning to some real life after too much pandemic isolation. It was also a great year for games. I didn't play a whole lot of variety this year, rather focused on a handful of big, long games that really drew me in. Of course, I'll write about that more in the Game of the Year thread! It also was a fair year for the backlog: right up until this past week's holiday sales, I was about even for the year (by Backloggery's metrics, which don't count Nulls) or slightly positive (by mine). I end the year adding to the backlog, but I'm excited to play every single one of the games I bought.

Added: 21 - the unplayed games are the ones I just bought
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/completed.gif)Actraiser: Renaissance (Switch)
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unfinished.gif)Bug Fables: The Everlasting Sapling (PS5)
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unplayed.gif)The Case of the Golden Idol (PC)
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unplayed.gif)Chained Echoes (Switch)
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unplayed.gif)Citizen Sleeper (Switch)
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/completed.gif)Death’s Door (Switch)
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/completed.gif)The DioField Chronicle (PS5)
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/completed.gif)Fell Seal: Arbiter’s Mark (Switch)
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/completed.gif)Final Fantasy VI Pixel Remaster (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)Overcooked 2 (Switch)
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unfinished.gif)Persona 5 Royal (Switch)
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unplayed.gif)Return of the Obra Dinn (Switch)
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/beaten.gif)Super Mario Odyssey (Switch)
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unplayed.gif)Tales of Arise (PS5)
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unplayed.gif)Triangle Strategy (Switch)
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/completed.gif)Unpacking (Switch)
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unplayed.gif)XCOM 2 (Switch)
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/beaten.gif)Yakuza: Like a Dragon (PS5)
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unfinished.gif)Ys IX: Monstrum Nox (PS5)

Finished: 13 - the games identified above, plus
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/completed.gif)Astro’s Playroom (PS5)
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/beaten.gif)Fire Emblem Three Houses (Switch)
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/beaten.gif)Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch (PS5)
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/completed.gif)Dungeon Encounters (Switch)

Completionism: 3 - for games that I beat in a prior year, but went back to 100%
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/completed.gif)Demon’s Crest (SNES / Switch)
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/completed.gif)Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales (PS5)
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/completed.gif)Pikmin 3 Deluxe (Switch)

Also Played:
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/completed.gif)Breath of Fire (SNES / Switch)
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/beaten.gif)Civ VI (PC)
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unfinished.gif)Endless Space 2 (PC)
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/beaten.gif)Final Fantasy VII Remake (PS5)
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unfinished.gif)Humankind (PC)
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unfinished.gif)Kena: Bridge of Spirits (PS5)
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unfinished.gif)King’s Bounty: Crossworlds (PC)
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/null.gif)Marvel Snap (iOS)
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unfinished.gif)Sifu (PS5)
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unfinished.gif)Stardew Valley (PC)
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unfinished.gif)XCOM: Enemy Within (PC)
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/beaten.gif)Zelda 2: The Adventures of Link (SNES / Switch)

Dropped: 6
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/null.gif)Dragon Age Inquisition (PS4)
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/null.gif)The Last Guardian (PS4)
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/null.gif)Kid Icarus Uprising (3DS)
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/null.gif)Marvel Snap (iOS) - I had to delete this from my phone, it was too addictive!
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/null.gif)Trials of Fire (PC)
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/null.gif)Warlock: Master of the Arcane (PC)

2022 Progress: -2 [13 finished + 6 dropped - 21 added]

Current backlog state: IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unfinished.gif)67/ IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/unplayed.gif)16

Goals for the First Quarter of 2023:
General Goal
Get my backlog under 60. I’m not sure if this will be feasible, as my January through March will be extremely busy. But, I think a bunch of the games I added are relatively short, so I may be able to make it happen.

One more game will be added, as I preordered Fire Emblem Engage. But, other than that, I don’t think I’m buying anything else for a while.

Specific Goals
Finish the following games. I want to put more on the list but I also don't want to overcommit myself and feel badly about how much I do (or don't do):
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/completed.gif)Ys XI: Monstrum Nox - for the JRPG Club
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/completed.gif)Legend of Grimrock - for the CRPG Club
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/completed.gif)The Case of the Golden Idol - it’s short
IMAGE(http://backloggery.com/images/completed.gif)Citizen Sleeper - it’s also short

Wow, that's quite the write up, LastSurprise! (Though you forgot the symbol on "Breath of Fire", sorry, it's driving me bonkers XD ) Feels very throrough, I love that you compiled the entire year, super impressive. So excited for you in regards to Return of the Obra Dinn, it's such a gem. Impressive list on the whole, though. Super curious about your thoughts regarding Kena: Bridge of Spirits ? What are your impressions?

Also on my end, there's a non zero chance I might binge buy during the Steam winter sale. I make no promises, I got some Steam credit.

Thanks! And, fixed it (I had beaten the game a long time ago). Those sorts of typos in my own writing drive me nuts when I see them, too, but I often refrain from editing my own posts because I know other people find that quite annoying, because it makes it appear that there's something "new" in the thread. Here, though, you caught it quickly!

Overall, about Kena: it purports to be a relatively short game for an over-the-shoulder, open world style game. But, it did not feel that way to me -- especially if you are making an effort to find all the little collectibles. It's beautiful, and charming, and I enjoyed most of it a lot, but I found the combat really frustrating. I just never felt good at it, and the timing of a variety of moves (especially parrying) felt off. I died and restarted against bosses dozens of times, and eventually quit around the Adira, who's the 2nd of the major spirits you're trying to exorcise.

The game felt clunky in a way that reminded me about how other people reacted to Jedi: Fallen Order. Which is a shame, because I loved so much else about it. I'm not sure I'll go back to it, though.

I am prepping my 2023 list and wondered what worked for you in terms of finishing games? Last year I took the "play whatever until something else caught my eye" and it was ... ok but I don't feel like I really got as much out of my game time as I wanted. So for 2023 I have a list of 19 games and I want to tackle them a bit more systematically.

Any suggestions?

Here is the list BTW (small as it is compared to many of you)

To the Moon
Steelrising
Vampyr
Astral Chain
Mad Max
XCOM: Chimera Squad
ELEX
Chained Echoes
No Man's Sky
FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE
Phoenix Point
Ys 8
The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero
Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire
Tales of Symphonia
Elden Ring
Divinity: Original Sin 2
Persona 5
Fire Emblem Engage

What's been going well for me the past year or almost 1 is playing 1 game per system at a time. PC, PS5, and Switch.

Partially that's a function of having 1 TV, so juggling when the kids are awake, when the wife wants to watch TV, when I might want to watch sports but play Switch handheld, etc.

And then I try not to start or buy anything on the system until that game is done. But that part is where I usually screw up and the pile keeps growing hah.

farley3k wrote:

I am prepping my 2023 list and wondered what worked for you in terms of finishing games? Last year I took the "play whatever until something else caught my eye" and it was ... ok but I don't feel like I really got as much out of my game time as I wanted. So for 2023 I have a list of 19 games and I want to tackle them a bit more systematically.

Any suggestions?

I’m very fickle when it comes to a game abusing my time. I seek enjoyment, whether that be a dope battle system, a delightful or intriguing narrative, or an enjoyable gameplay loop. Good music helps, too. Couple a few of those together and I’m likely going to be more interested in keeping with a game. If a game starts to feel like work (or I need a podcast to power through it), it’s a good sign I’m not enjoying it. If I’m actively bored, then better to cut my losses once I realize it.

That being said, we are human, and being slapped in the face with zeitgeist is fine. There are some games I haven’t followed that, upon release, I am enamored with what I’m hearing/seeing, and I buy in. Sometimes it pays off handsomely, other times… not so much.

As for where to start? Really, it comes down to whatever is currently catching your eye (pile or new), and basically putting some constraints around what you expect. If you want to enjoy what you’re playing, then give the game X amount of time to get to the good stuff, or walk away and sweep it from the pile. There is a lengthy list of GOTY contenders I couldn’t have been happier to walk away from.

Just remember who the pile is for, and don’t be afraid that you’re missing out if you walk away from something. Because in the end, it’s about what you. Not your pile.

IMAGE(https://media.giphy.com/media/YOjDPj0bF0sIU/giphy.gif)

December report!

Purchased:

  • Tales of Arise (PC/Steam)

Completed:

  • Oceanhorn 2: Knights of the Lost Realm (Apple Arcade)

Dropped:
None

Currently playing:

  • Shin Megami Tensei Persona 3 Portable (PSP)
  • Utawarerumono: Prelude to the Fallen (PC/Steam)
  • Monster Hunter World Iceborne (PS4) - Trying to get the Platinum trophy for the Iceborne expansion. Damn those gold crowns.
  • Monster Hunter Rise Sunbreak (PC/Steam) - With the Friday GWJ group
  • Tales of Arise (PC/Steam) - For the JRPG club

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:
It's been almost a year since I deleted the "Backlog" spreadsheet from my Excel document. I'm not sure how I feel about it. On the one hand, it was nice to just get rid of it, but on the other hand I still think about it, and I'm slowly building a mental list of games I'd like to play at some point in the future. And I also track the list of games I buy (for budgeting reasons) in the same Excel document, so that provides another way for me to figure out what I have purchased but not played yet. One improvement I will make moving forward is just writing the platform, store and amount of the game, not keeping track of the titles. I will still have the receipts in my email archive (or in the game box for the rare physical game), if I ever need to figure out what game I bought on a specific date (which, let's face it, is unlikely to happen).

I was hoping to get Persona 3 Portable done this month, but it keeps not happening. I barely touched the game in December, after making good progress in November. I will do my best to rush through it in the first week of January, as I will be starting a new job on January 9th, and I also want to start Tales of Arise for the JRPG club (I have it installed and ready to go on my PC).

2023 Game Plan
Same as always: Buy fewer games, play the ones I already own. We'll see how that goes.

The only games I plan to purchase next year so far are:

  • The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel IV (PC)
  • The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (Switch)

I will end up buying more than that, of course, depending on what I want to play, the JRPG game club, and sales.

trueheart78 wrote:

For those of us looking to start planning our 2023, Polygon just posted a list of upcoming games scheduled for 2023, and Wikipedia has a similar article I usually reference.

I just made a thread specifically for 2023 anticipation.

2023 Upcoming Games Look-Forward-to-All

Never did post my November list, so I've combined it with December.


November IMAGE(https://emojipedia-us.s3.dualstack.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/thumbs/120/apple/285/fallen-leaf_1f342.png) & December IMAGE(https://emojipedia-us.s3.amazonaws.com/source/skype/289/snowflake_2744-fe0f.png)

IMAGE(https://media4.giphy.com/media/XXtWEjRo2xRwfMiyAJ/giphy.gif?cid=790b76113efa16ef84e8d2b05a1c305454f4b7fa21dd36f0&rid=giphy.gif)

Beaten IMAGE(https://emojipedia-us.s3.amazonaws.com/source/skype/289/chequered-flag_1f3c1.png)

  1. Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising (XSX) [14hr] IMAGE(https://emojipedia-us.s3.dualstack.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/thumbs/120/facebook/65/green-heart_1f49a.png)
    • Such good music! IMAGE(https://emojipedia-us.s3.dualstack.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/thumbs/240/apple/325/musical-notes_1f3b6.png)
    • The art style is a delight. IMAGE(https://emojipedia-us.s3.dualstack.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/thumbs/240/apple/325/artist-palette_1f3a8.png)
    • Loving the humor. It's is exactly what I need right now.
    • Not overly complex, and that's also what I want right now. IMAGE(https://emojipedia-us.s3.dualstack.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/thumbs/240/apple/325/smiling-face_263a-fe0f.png)
    • I laugh everytime that one builder is upgrading a shop IMAGE(https://emojipedia-us.s3.dualstack.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/thumbs/240/apple/325/rolling-on-the-floor-laughing_1f923.png)
    • CJ's attitude is wonderful. Positive and hopeful. I love that silly girl. IMAGE(https://emojipedia-us.s3.dualstack.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/thumbs/240/apple/325/two-hearts_1f495.png)
    • I never knew stamp collecting could be so enjoyable. IMAGE(https://emojipedia-us.s3.dualstack.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/thumbs/240/apple/325/smiling-face-with-smiling-eyes_1f60a.png)
    • That ending got me. I love CJ, Garoo, and Isha. IMAGE(https://emojipedia-us.s3.dualstack.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/thumbs/240/apple/325/face-holding-back-tears_1f979.png)
    • IMAGE(https://emojipedia-us.s3.dualstack.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/thumbs/240/apple/325/star_2b50.png)IMAGE(https://emojipedia-us.s3.dualstack.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/thumbs/240/apple/325/star_2b50.png)IMAGE(https://emojipedia-us.s3.dualstack.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/thumbs/240/apple/325/star_2b50.png)IMAGE(https://emojipedia-us.s3.dualstack.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/thumbs/240/apple/325/star_2b50.png)½
  2. Pentiment (XSX) [13hr] IMAGE(https://emojipedia-us.s3.dualstack.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/thumbs/120/facebook/65/green-heart_1f49a.png)
    • Enjoying the art style.
    • Wow. Act two was legit IMAGE(https://emojipedia-us.s3.dualstack.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/thumbs/240/apple/325/fire_1f525.png).
    • Act 3 is... wowzers. IMAGE(https://emojipedia-us.s3.dualstack.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/thumbs/240/apple/325/exploding-head_1f92f.png)
    • What an amazing game! I loved it!
    • That finale was simply wonderful. Holy f*ck. Like... seriously.
    • IMAGE(https://emojipedia-us.s3.dualstack.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/thumbs/240/apple/325/star_2b50.png)IMAGE(https://emojipedia-us.s3.dualstack.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/thumbs/240/apple/325/star_2b50.png)IMAGE(https://emojipedia-us.s3.dualstack.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/thumbs/240/apple/325/star_2b50.png)IMAGE(https://emojipedia-us.s3.dualstack.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/thumbs/240/apple/325/star_2b50.png)
  3. Transistor (NS) [6hr]
    • Originally jettisoned this but wanted to give it another try.
    • I quite enjoyed the combat and ability functions().
    • The story was alright
    • SuperGiant Games isn't usually my jam, but this was nice.
    • IMAGE(https://emojipedia-us.s3.dualstack.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/thumbs/240/apple/325/star_2b50.png)IMAGE(https://emojipedia-us.s3.dualstack.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/thumbs/240/apple/325/star_2b50.png)IMAGE(https://emojipedia-us.s3.dualstack.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/thumbs/240/apple/325/star_2b50.png)
  4. Firewatch (XSX) [4hr] IMAGE(https://emojipedia-us.s3.dualstack.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/thumbs/120/facebook/65/green-heart_1f49a.png)
    • The setup was very interesting.
    • Oh Julia...
    • Reminds me of my wife and my family. IMAGE(https://emojipedia-us.s3.dualstack.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/thumbs/240/apple/325/crying-face_1f622.png)
    • Definitely spooky vibes. IMAGE(https://emojipedia-us.s3.dualstack.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/thumbs/240/apple/325/ghost_1f47b.png)
    • Those credit pics... IMAGE(https://emojipedia-us.s3.dualstack.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/thumbs/240/apple/325/crying-face_1f622.png)
    • Was a good, short experience.
    • IMAGE(https://emojipedia-us.s3.dualstack.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/thumbs/240/apple/325/star_2b50.png)IMAGE(https://emojipedia-us.s3.dualstack.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/thumbs/240/apple/325/star_2b50.png)IMAGE(https://emojipedia-us.s3.dualstack.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/thumbs/240/apple/325/star_2b50.png)IMAGE(https://emojipedia-us.s3.dualstack.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/thumbs/240/apple/325/star_2b50.png)

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

  1. Tunic (XSX) [14hr] IMAGE(https://emojipedia-us.s3.dualstack.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/thumbs/120/facebook/65/green-heart_1f49a.png)
    • Fun.
    • Enjoyed what I played of it.
    • Interesting concepts.
    • Eventually got bored with it.
  2. Vampire Survivors (XSX) [2hr] IMAGE(https://emojipedia-us.s3.dualstack.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/thumbs/120/facebook/65/green-heart_1f49a.png)
    • Had a nice OP run after a few hours.
    • Satisifed with the game for now.

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

  1. Bugsnax (XSX) [10hr] IMAGE(https://emojipedia-us.s3.dualstack.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/thumbs/120/facebook/65/green-heart_1f49a.png)
    • December purge.
  2. Road 96 (XSX) [12hr] IMAGE(https://emojipedia-us.s3.dualstack.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/thumbs/120/facebook/65/green-heart_1f49a.png)
    • December purge.
  3. Sniper Elite 5 (XSX) [12hr] IMAGE(https://emojipedia-us.s3.dualstack.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/thumbs/120/facebook/65/green-heart_1f49a.png)
    • December purge.
  4. Triangle Strategy (NS) [42hr] IMAGE(https://emojipedia-us.s3.dualstack.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/thumbs/120/google/313/floppy-disk_1f4be.png)
    • December purge.

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

  1. Bayonetta 2 (NS) [25hr]
  2. Disco Elysium (NS) [25hr]
  3. Tails of Iron (XSX) [9hr]
  4. Tinykin (XSX) [6hr] IMAGE(https://emojipedia-us.s3.dualstack.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/thumbs/120/facebook/65/green-heart_1f49a.png)
    • Came up alot in GOTY discussions so I want to taste test it.
  5. Vampire Survivors (XSX) [2hr] IMAGE(https://emojipedia-us.s3.dualstack.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/thumbs/120/facebook/65/green-heart_1f49a.png)
    • Had a nice OP run after a few hours.
    • Satisifed with the game for now.
  6. Weird West (XSX) IMAGE(https://emojipedia-us.s3.dualstack.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/thumbs/120/facebook/65/green-heart_1f49a.png)

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

  1. If I am playing a game and want to watch something while doing it, I’m either doing the game a disservice, or the game isn’t keeping me as interested as I desire
    • See Vampire Survivors.

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://media1.giphy.com/media/lKpvazmTdunaHjd5az/giphy.gif?cid=790b76117fa0e37fa7db39d723ae0f064061f7bc39513b86&rid=giphy.gif)


It was a good year for games this year. I played 33 games, and beat 13 of them. I even wrote a top 10 list!

I'm also putting together the 2023 12 month thread. I will have that up shortly after the new year. I'll post here when I create it.

IMAGE(https://media1.giphy.com/media/xULW8r5x8buUZlWELu/giphy.gif)

December Report ~

Added:
Yakuza 3 Remastered (Steam)
Yakuza 4 Remastered (Steam)
Yakuza 5 Remastered (Steam)
Inscryption (Steam)
Kayak VR: Mirage (Steam)
Fallout 3: Game of the Year Edition (Epic) (freebie) (second copy)
Star Wars: Squadrons (Epic) (freebie)
Sable (Epic) (freebie)
Death Stranding (Epic) (freebie) (second copy)
Metro Last Light Redux (Epic) (freebie)
Ghost of a Tale (GOG) (freebie)

Beat:
Silent Hill 2 (PC)
Pokemon Violet (Switch)

Made Progress In:
Walkabout Mini Golf VR (Oculus)
Metroid: Samus Returns (3DS)
Spiritfarer (Switch)
Kayak VR: Mirage (Switch)
Half Life 2 w/ VR Mod (Steam)

So.. not so great progress. Got too tied up playing Pokemon Violet. I also got a new dog from a local shelter which has been great but she's needed a lot of attention and training so there's that. A lot of added games but they were either free giveaways or gifts from friends.