The heart of winter darkness is taking its toll now as every morning is a struggle to get up from bed in a merry mood. Today however is winter solstice, so only a few months more and the light will clearly surpass the darkness again. Anything going on?
Status check with gaming
Well, the PlayStation annual wrap-up is here again. In my case, it was revealed that I’ve spent over 580 hours this year holding the DualSense controller. It’s a lot, but I gotta spend my evenings some way, right?
The wrap-up told me I’ve played 10 games, of which the Tactics Ogre: Reborn was the one I spent the most time with (113 hours). Speaks volumes about the game’s long campaign that I only gained three trophies (out of 34) during that time! I think I’m nearing the final chapters of it, though.
Yet another Final Fantasy game underway
But for now I’ve started playing Final Fantasy XVI, despite having doubts will I really like it based on what I’ve read about it. After 25 hours I can say at least the major battles are the most cinematic one’s I’ve played possibly ever. Amazing work really.
Graphics in Final Fantasy XVI probably would look even greater if I had a 4K television.
The game is known for taking some inspiration from Game of Thrones (a series I haven’t watched further than its first season) with many conspiring factions plotting against each other and having way more graphic violence and character deaths than I’m used to in a Final Fantasy game.
I can see the series wants to take a more mature direction and is willing to take risks with its fans (quite usual, in fact). Too early to say yet was this a good move in my case, though I must admit I haven’t been completely spellbound either. Feels like the glory days of Final Fantasy are not restored with this installment.
Picking up fights against foes larger than yourself once again.
One service trial to replace another
My free three month Apple TV+ subscription trial ended a few days ago. I managed to watch a few movies (Finch and The Last of the Sea Women), a few episodes of For Mankind and the first episode of Silo during the last week of the trial. It isn’t a bad service really, but I notice myself struggling should I spend time with it when my life needs attention elsewhere.
So I let the trial end. However, I activated another three month trial Apple has been offering me, this time their gaming service Apple Arcade. I didn’t really improve my situation, did I?