Monthly Archives: January 2025

Backlogs: The Bane of Gamers Everywhere

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If you’re a gamer, you’re likely familiar with the curse of the backlog. I’m no exception; statistics suggest that PC gamers only complete about 35% of the games they own. Those killer Steam sales are just too tempting, adding to the pile of unplayed games. As we age, life’s responsibilities and commitments increasingly chip away at our gaming time, leaving our backlogs to grow.

This year, I’ve decided to tackle my gaming backlog head-on. Here are the first three games on my list:

  • Mirror’s Edge: You play as Faith, a courier who uses parkour to navigate through a futuristic cityscape, delivering data physically across rooftops. Unlike typical shooters or hack-and-slash games, Mirror’s Edge focuses on dexterity and skill. Your only weapons are your fists and well-timed landings. I’ve struggled to find my groove with it; the linear levels can feel restrictive, but the game’s distinctive red and white aesthetic and detailed cityscapes are captivating.
  • Eden Crafters: This is an automation game similar to Satisfactory, though less refined. The mission? To rejuvenate a barren planet. It has an early access feel, yet its charm lies in its designs, particularly the base structures which evoke a retro 70s-80s space vibe. The game’s pace is engaging without being a grind. A highlight was watching the planet come to life as I built seeding and fertilization machines; grass and trees sprouted, transforming the air quality in that area. However, I’m at a crossroads with this game, perhaps due to automation game fatigue.
  • Disco Elysium: This RPG stands out with its deep narrative and decision-driven gameplay. You’re a detective with amnesia, piecing together both a murder case and your own identity in a city that blends new and old aesthetics in a way that’s neither contemporary nor steampunk, but uniquely intriguing. The fully voiced dialogue is top-notch, making every interaction memorable. It also has one groovy soundtrack. I’m committed to finishing this game and will offer a full review soon.

Until the next time I dive back into my backlog, keep gaming happily!

Here’s to gaming in 2025.

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It’s mid-January, and though it’s a bit late, Happy New Year! 2024 was a whirlwind—chaotic yet intriguing. We had an election, a mix of disappointing and stellar game releases, and we watched some game companies push heavily for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) only to falter, while others thrived with their releases. I’m quite content with my current rig, so I haven’t kept up much with new hardware, but I’m eager to see what the next generation of video cards will bring this year.

Here are some games I’ve played extensively, though not all were released in 2024. Satisfactory has been a staple since the pandemic started, offering a factory-building experience that’s now nearly perfect after leaving early access. It’s fully optimized, runs smoothly, and remains incredibly engaging. Kingdom Eighties, released in 2023, captures the essence of the ’80s with its fun storyline, retro aesthetics, and addictive gameplay, giving off a “Stranger Things” vibe. Forza Horizon 5 was another favorite, where I spent much time driving around and customizing liveries in single-player mode. Palworld was a delightful surprise, and Retrowave World with its ’80s-inspired style and gameplay, made me feel nostalgic. Dave the Diver was another enjoyable title.

However, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 stood out for me. It felt like stepping back into the early 2000s with its action, graphics, and fun gameplay. The game did the lore justice, and playing it brought a wave of nostalgia. I’m excited to see what Saber Interactive will develop next.

I’m not one for New Year’s resolutions, but I aim to tackle my backlog of games this year. While 2024 had its challenges, here’s hoping 2025 will be even better.