Mission Cleared: Backlog #7

Backlog: an accumulation of something, especially uncompleted work or matters that need to be dealt with.

Oxford Dictionary

Week 6 Progress

• The Gardens Between (XGP) – 100%
• Metro 2033 Redux (XGP) – 40%
• Quantum Break (XGP) – 0%
• Tell Me Why Chapter One (XGP) – 100%

This week was exactly what I needed to rehabilitate my gaming senses. These games have a variety of playstyles and made cleansing my palate between play time very easy. The Gardens Between was quick and relatively easy, but was visually appealing and the lack of a physical challenge was nice (use the triggers and the A button, that’s it). It was a fun, uncomplicated puzzler.

The Gardens Between is a unique puzzler worthy of your time

Chapter One of Tell Me Why was breathtaking in story and execution of the prototypical Dontnod gameplay. I will absolutely play the remaining chapters over the next couple weeks to satisfy the plot of this engaging title. I have plenty to say about it, but I will reserve that for when I’ve finished the final chapter.

As for Metro 2033: Redux, it is what it is. It’s an old game with a still kind-of-old remake, that has great atmosphere and a slightly different story presentation than most shooters–but it is still plainly a shooter. The gunplay here is not really that satisfying, being slow and the plot necessitating a lack of ammo. The design of the world and creatures are the most interesting reason to play, and thankfully it’s relatively short, so I will complete it this upcoming week.

Unfortunately, Quantum Break was given the shaft this week, but I will definitely put in the hours soon. I don’t foresee any real issue getting through it, as Remedy makes some of my favorite games.

Metro 2033 is starting to feel a bit old; the Redux is sharp, though

WEEK 7 – September 1st – Sept 7th

LEGEND: XGP=XBOX GAME PASS, XGWG=XBOX GAMES WITH GOLD, NS=NINTENDO SWITCH, NSO=NINTENDO SWITCH ONLINE, PC=PC

*Added estimated time remaining to completion*

• Hypnospace Outlaw (XGP) – 6 hrs
• Metro 2033 Redux (XGP) – 5 hrs
• Quantum Break (XGP) – 10 hrs
• Tell Me Why Chapter Two (XGP) – 3 hrs
• CASUAL – Madden 20 (started a 7th season 😃)

This week’s challenge looks quite a bit like last week’s, but I’m confident next week will be a completely new roster of games. I’ve got a lot of decisions to make. That said, I’m particularly feeling a couple new releases, including the indies Inmost and A Short Hike, which are both great values AND relatively short. We’ll see which titles I earn the chance to play next week.