Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (19th April)
By What will we Pik?
- by Jim Norman
You wait half a year for a Nintendo Direct, and suddenly there are three in just a few weeks! There’s no downtime in the realm of Nintendo right now, and we couldn’t be happier about it.
This week’s highlights focused on Mario Kart World. The showcase didn’t reveal much in terms of novelty, but we gained deeper insights into Free Roam, confirmed Battle Mode, and learned some awesome new techniques. Naturally, there were a variety of new screenshots as well.
Besides the Direct, Nintendo kicked off eShop promotions in Europe and North America, while Sony’s Shuhei Yoshida shared some thought-provoking remarks about Switch 2. We also received further information on Split Fiction‘s pricing and Star Wars Outlaws‘ launch date.
With another bustling week concluded, what are everyone’s plans for the weekend?
Jim Norman, Staff Writer
Well, I finally began playing Blue Prince on PS5 (not a Switch game, I realize, but it should be!!) and have predictably fallen into its depths. I’m at that stage common in all great puzzle games, where I’m entirely lost, but my notebook is overflowing with wild theories. I’ll continue to soak in the atmosphere until it surely consumes my entire being next week.
On Switch, I’m enjoying my whimsical puzzles in Mario’s Picross, along with exploring my happy little refuge in Pikmin 1. It’s refreshing to take a break from everything else happening every now and again.
Alana Hagues, Deputy Editor
I think my gaming agenda is nearly the same as last week’s! I was a bit slow to dive into Ender Lilies last week, but I’m quite engrossed now and really enjoying it. It undeniably carries that “first Metroidvania” feel, which has me even more excited for a sequel, and the ambiance? Absolutely perfect.
Aside from contemplating a Blue Prince purchase and juggling Xenoblade Chronicles X anew, my partner has begun playing Mass Effect for the first time, which is a blast to watch. So while I’m jumping through space across Mira, he’s bouncing around different planets. Pfft. Enjoy your weekend!
Ollie Reynolds, Staff Writer
I’m diving into Pikmin. So much Pikmin. I just acquired the original on Switch as part of an upcoming Catch-Up Crew article. Having never engaged with the series previously, I felt trepidation about venturing into a franchise I hadn’t given much thought until now. I won’t spoil my thoughts entirely, but let’s just say that I’m genuinely enjoying Pikmin… willingly… all the time. Oh, and I also grabbed Pikmin 2.
Kate Gray, Contributor
This weekend I’m engaging in “Hosting Easter Dinner For My In-Laws.” It’s a mildly nerve-wracking resource management simulation, all about trying to balance visitor happiness with a complex cooking mini-game. I excel in this genre and usually complete a run successfully, although I consistently struggle with timing, even in two-player mode! And yes, I searched for mods, but there’s just one helpful one called “Buy An Air Fryer,” which I already have installed. I suppose it’s my fault – I always choose the “Yorkshire Puddings” card, despite it not fitting my strategy, because I adore that card. I also heard rumors of a New Game Plus mode named “Make A Dessert, Too!!!,” but I doubt my skills are sufficient to tackle it…
Gavin Lane, Editor
Even though I have countless chores to tackle around the house, the weather forecast predicts rain, so I can’t go outside to do them. Oh well — video games it is!
I’m eager to progress in Prime Remastered, and I’m itching to revisit my GameCube for a trip back to PNF-404 in the original Pikmin. A couple of gloomy days during a long weekend is the perfect reason to indulge. Have an excellent weekend, everyone.
Gonçalo Lopes, Contributor
This weekend on Mira, I unexpectedly had to venture into Cauldros much earlier due to Hope’s affinity mission. With a level 30 Skell frame squad, it didn’t end well… so during this long weekend, I’ll upgrade everyone to level 50 frames and gather some serious firepower from Noctilum drops. I also finished the new content involving the flying Skell plot, receiving an atmospheric jet Skell as a reward. Experiencing high-speed flight and being able to hop between continents in no time is quite thrilling. However, when I flew into Cauldros, I accidentally collided with a level 70 Ganglion battle barge. Getting one-shotted from the sky and having to replace that Skell was not enjoyable… Cauldros is frightening, man!
For the first time in weeks, I am actually playing something other than the epic Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition this weekend. A significant new update is available for Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine II, featuring a brand-new operation in Avarax. A rescue mission, a rogue AI, a Tyranid Trygon on the hunt, and a new pocket melta-pistol are ample reasons to serve the Emperor once more.
And for those inquiring: Nope, still haven’t decided on what new TV setup I’ll be getting…
That’s what we have lined up for the weekend, but what about you? Share with us in the following poll which games you’re planning to play over the next few days.