Here’s a peek into our gaming escapades this week.
ESCAPE ACADEMY ON XBOX SERIES X
Having recently tackled a month brimming with puzzle challenges that came with delightful perks, I found myself missing that adrenaline rush of solving riddles daily.
A timely suggestion from a Eurogamer reader, themightyant, led me to the whimsical world of Escape Academy.
True to its name, Escape Academy plunges players into an elite school dedicated to escape artistry.
So far, I’ve managed to outsmart various scenarios, like escaping from the principal’s tastefully decorated office as it filled with gas, navigating a flooded maintenance area, and even indulging in a bit of spraying graffiti in the courtyard—much to my teacher’s enjoyment, of course!
The puzzles maintain an enjoyable balance.
They’re challenging enough to keep you engaged yet intentional in avoiding frustration.
The variety adds freshness, keeping each new area to explore interesting.
However, I did find myself jotting down extensive notes—staying organized is key to unlocking these conundrums!
The developers cranked up the excitement by adding timers for each mission, which can feel a bit intense but ultimately spurs motivation.
Even if you slightly miss a deadline, it’s not catastrophic—but for those with a competitive edge, finishing “on time” definitely feels rewarding.
In short, if you’re on the hunt for a satisfying at-home escape room experience, Escape Academy is a fantastic choice.
You can tell this game was crafted with love by genre enthusiasts.
Although it doesn’t completely replicate the real-life escape room, it captures the essence beautifully.
Puzzle lovers should definitely give it a whirl.
ANIMAL CROSSING ON SWITCH
In a bittersweet turn, I’ve finally completed the art gallery in Animal Crossing.
For me, this was the main reason to log in daily since the game’s launch.
Having acquired a stunning Bruegel painting—namely, the exquisite “Hunters in the Snow”—I’m left scratching my head about what to do next.
Thinking back on my journey, I remember my first encounter with Animal Crossing on the GameCube.
It felt like an endless adventure where immersion was key.
Daily visits became like returning to a beloved routine, offering a slice of life more than a mere game.
Still, my quest to amass items escalated with each new installment, culminating in the gallery of the Switch version.
Even as I recognized that finishing the gallery signified nearing the game’s endpoint, the thrill of collecting kept pulling me back.
Alas, my bus is beckoning, so I’ll wrap up.
I genuinely appreciate my time in Animal Crossing, and though it feels like our adventure has reached a conclusion, I look forward to returning.
If only to check in on Spike and admire that brilliant Bruegel piece one more time.
THE SIMS 4 ON PC
It had been years since I last dived into The Sims 4, and I had forgotten how much I loved it.
After a short period reacquainting myself with the game’s shortcuts and tactical tricks, I found myself joyfully entrenched in creating my perfect protagonist.
Whenever I start anew in The Sims, I can easily spend hours designing the ideal character.
I weave intricate backstories even before their lives have truly begun.
Presently, my character is an artist living in a cozy studio apartment with her charmingly quirky cat, Salem Socks.
But oh, how I agonized over decorating her kitchen and bedroom! Two hours passed as I endeavored to capture the essence of an artist’s life.
Should she be organized or embrace a carefree, bohemian style? Such choices weighed heavily on my creative spirit!
Finally wrapping up the apartment, another question arose: should I build her a house? The Build/Buy menu presents an overwhelming array of options, especially outdoor goodies like grills and gardens.
But setting up this lovely apartment only to move seemed counterintuitive.
Still, my desire for flexibility pulls me in different directions.
If inspiration strikes to transition her career to a countryside equestrian or a high-powered emergency surgeon, that option is wide open! The beauty of this game lies in its limitless trajectories; players can venture wherever their creativity leads.
Ultimately, The Sims shines in its empowering freedom of creation, inviting players like me to dive back in for more adventures.
Source: Eurogamer