I need to finish Mina the Hollower - I’m at the final boss (I think), and I’m gradually whittling away the boss’ health bar but I’m guessing there’ll be multiple phases…

I’ve also been playing through Botany Manor. From what I can tell, I don’t have much left of the game. But that’s not a bad thing - it’s been charming throughout and sometimes a short but sweet experience is exactly what you’re after.

FFXII has been on my Steam wishlist for a while - I should give that a go sometime. The battle system sounds fascinating!

Aw, those dragon animations are so cute. So this was originally a board game and is now being adapted to a videogame? I’ll definitely keep an eye out :)

New Xenoblade title interested me the most!

It seemed quite different from the other games in terms of its setting. Not so sure about the Three Houses looking school - that feels a little uninspired? Wonder if there’ll be an English voice cast. I’m was surprised to see the trailer in Japanese.

I’d love to get one, but I’m guessing it won’t be particularly cheap!

Yay mouse game! I don’t have VR so it’s nice to see this coming to standard platforms.

What?

Yeah, I’m sure the Switch 2 is capable of much more. Mario Kart World looks really pretty, and they managed to get FF7 Rebirth running on it. So I’m sure the Pokemon devs could do a lot better really - but by their standards it’s an improvement at least.

From 1:31 onwards?

Interesting! I haven’t played a Pokemon game since Sword and Shield, but I’m liking the setting here. And it looks a little bit more graphically impressive than previous instalments?

Whoa what the hell, that’s insane!

Nothing on my Switch at the moment, but I have been meaning to borrow Echoes of Wisdom from a colleague at some point.

On PS5 I’m nearing the end of Act 2 of Baldur’s Gate 3. Loving the game so far - excellent writing and the streamlined D&D gameplay is incredible.

I’ve also just purchased Squeakross: Home Squeak Home on Steam! It’s a picross game, where each completed puzzle earns pieces of furniture to decorate a little house for your rat character. I love rodents and picross, so this is right up my street! Apparently it’s on Switch as well.

It looks cute and I’m a fan of all the silliness. If the reviews are good and it runs well on the original Switch I might consider it :)

Oh god, the most annoying part of Mario Wonder has broken into the real world :')

(I didn’t mind him in the game to be fair, he made me chuckle a few times)

Nothing on my Switch right this moment, and given that I’ve just started a rather large game it may stay that way for a little while!

The game in question is Baldur’s Gate 3. I’m quite late to the party, but I’m finally getting around to playing it. I’m not that far in yet, but I’ve been enjoying it so far (and slowly getting my head around the mechanics). I’ve never played D&D so a lot of it’s quite a lot to take in - but playing other RPGs has given me some idea of the basics.

Relatedly, I finished Disco Elysium the other day (which has a character sheet and ability checks like D&D). It was just surreal and beautifully written, with some really memorable characters. Some of the interactions you can have with people are great.

Yes I think you’re right - there’s a lot of lead-up to christmas and it’s usually a time where you come together over a few days. Whereas NYE is one evening, and it doesn’t involve special food or presents etc. (just lots of booze)

That’s a good point. I wonder if there are many songs dedicated to new year for people following those calendars?

Ohh a good selection, thanks!

Oh that’s interesting to hear! What new year’s songs do you know then?

I’m from the UK. Whereabouts are you from, to have never heard a christmas song?

That’s true, but you don’t really hear them being played once christmas is over