As an ex-gaming sub-editor, you’d definitely hope I had got up to my fair share of gaming over the summer. Much of my time was split between Overwatch 2 and Marvel Rivals - my go-to shooter game and its latest competitor. I also finally got around to finishing NieR Replicant - a remake of the 2010 game of the same name. The incredibly emotional Ending E was one of the most moving experiences I’ve had playing a game in my life, and it immediately spurred me on to replay 2017’s NieR Automata. Aside from this, it’s been a very nostalgic summer for me, from replaying the Sonic Adventure series for the umpteenth time to going through the original God of War games. I even visited the NQ64 bar in Shoreditch with some friends for the first time which was a great deal of fun. I particularly enjoyed checking out the Mortal Kombat cabinets, as well as challenging some strangers to a few rounds of Super Smash Bros. Melee.
Roblox’s infamous Dress To Impress fully took over my 2024 summer. I’d never even stepped foot on Roblox until earlier this year, and it wasn’t long before I found myself paying for a VIP membership on DTI at the big old age of 20. From Charli XCX’s Brat partnership, to the Roblox anniversary mini games which finally introduced mermaid tails, DTI turned out to be my game of the summer. I found myself winding down from every long day of work with a couple rounds of the dress-up game. The creator even incorporated a rich backstory for DTI’s nail technician, Lana, in which she was seemingly cloned and now lives imprisoned in a secret room beneath the salon. It’s safe to say, this obsession will be following me into September and beyond.
This summer, I have rediscovered my love for Hayday on my iPad. This farming simulation game allows you to manage and grow your own farm with planting crops, raising animals and crafting and selling products. This game is just super easy to play mindlessly and also get creative. Now on Level 50, I do not want to know what my screentime on the app is but I have no shame in redecorating my farm every week. I can't lie my favourite part is the no ads, getting loads of in-game freebies and earning decorations to making my farm really cute. If Hayday is ever brought up in conversation I have sat people down and given them a tour of my farm! Hopefully my crippling addiction cuts me some slack come the start of the semester.
Road 96 on the Switch offers a unique narrative-driven experience where players embark on a procedurally generated journey through the fictional country, Petria. The branching choices and diverse characters provide a strong sense of unpredictability and freedom. In the game you play as various different teenagers all from different distances from the boarder, with different money under their belts to start with. You’re attempting to escape Petria’s oppressive regime by reaching the boarder. As you make choices the game changes. However, be warned that on the Switch the graphics, while functional, feel a bit underwhelming. The soundtrack is very atmospheric and each character has their own genre as you encounter them, adding depth to the road trip theme. The game’s episodic structure can feel repetitive at times, and some storylines feel underdeveloped. When you finish the game I’d say you’d need a few months to forget the storylines before replaying. Overall, Road 96 shines for its immersive storytelling and moral choices, though it may lack polish in certain areas. Fans of narrative adventure games will enjoy its emotional depth. I played this after I finished Firewatch - the two are very different - but if you liked that then I think you’ll love this game for its immersive feeling. You’ll develop some favourite characters too - I hope you enjoy meeting them all if you play.