PixlBit

Games Beaten

-Cat Quest (Switch)

Cat Quest is a very simple and easy action RPG but intentionally so. It's charming and pretty and riddled with cat puns (don't hold that against it). It would be a slog if it was any longer but you can finish it in a couple of sittings and that feels about right. It's relaxing in its simplicity. The orchestral soundtrack fits the game well but is utterly forgettable. I'm glad there is a Cat Quest II but I hope it evolves the gameplay in a meaningful way. [Oh, the suspense! Keep reading!]

-Cat Quest II (Switch)

Cat Quest II is a great example of a well-done sequel, keeping the fundamentals of the original while expanding them in meaningful ways. It's still a simple action RPG at heart but there is more variety in the gear, more spells, a much bigger world, and it's noticeably more difficult (a good thing!). But the biggest addition: Co-op! I played this with my 7-year-old son and we had a great time. The end teases a Cat Quest III and I hope it materializes one day. The dev has a good thing going here.

Games Bought

Christmas always brings new games! Especially with game-loving children in the house  This year, for the Switch, we got Mario Party Superstars (which I'm excited about after the solid but underwhelming Super Mario Party), Super Mario 3D World/Bowser's Fury (I've played the former to death already but am excited to try the latter), Just Dance 2022 (kids like dancing, what can I say?), and the very hard Contra-like Valfaris (that one was for me). I bought Mass Effect: Legendary Edition (PS4) for my wife and who knows, maybe I'll play through that trilogy again sometime since this collection includes all the DLC too. After Christmas I used some money I'd gotten to pick up Danganronpa Decadence (Switch), the long-awaited collection of the three main Danganronpa games as well as a bonus boardgame-style game that brings the different casts together. I also grabbed Cris Tales (Switch), the gorgeous RPG that mixes past, present, and future together at the same time. It's not a perfect game but I've been interested in it since it came out and I got it for a good price.

Games Being Played

-Slay the Spire (Switch)

I finally started playing this deckbuilder rogue-like game and I am hooked! The possible strategy goes so deep and the classes are so different while still being viable on their own. It's really fantastic.

-Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate (Switch)

My group is still prepping for G Rank and it was a little slow going in December just because everyone was so busy. There is so much content in this game.

-New Pokémon Snap (Switch)

The time I would've spent on this game went to the Cat Quest games in December but I'll get back to it this month. I enjoy this game but feel zero urgency in getting through it.

-Destiny 2 (PS4)

I don't know if anyone on here will know what I'm talking about but we finally completed a run of the Legendary Astral Alignment activity (those time limits are brutal!) and I earned the Realmwalker title. Go me!

Check back later this week (hopefully!) for my 2021 wrap-up blog