Currently playing...

[Rhythm]

But paywalls? I didn't expect those outsides of car packs. That's not good. I know there is DLC coming, but it shouldn't impact the game. I've felt they always did that very well previously.

There's a stack of them on the front page for Game Pass. TBF the majority are "VIP pass" kind of things, but there's at least one game mode locked behind a cash payment

[MattyP]

I've been playing a bit of FH5 this week. Enjoying it other than the usual bro-dude festival stuff - your avatar even speaks in cut scenes now!

Its Forza Horizon by the numbers if you enjoyed 4 you'll enjoy this. Mexico has very diverse terrains so plenty to explore. The offroading is fun and the drive down from the volcano immensely so.

I'd say on the 4 hours or so I've played its more lively and fun than 4 and the game world more interesting.

Also if you have GamePass then its part of that so not a massive outlay anyway... other than a bit of time. Would I pay £60 for it? No.

[Rhythm]

Still playing Slay the Spire. I honestly don't think I've ever come across such an enjoyable card game.

Also used a trial code for Game Pass so I'm back on that train again. Fired up Tetris Effect, noticed it has a VR mode... fucking WOW!! Absolutely awesome stuff - it's like if Tetris and Rez had a kid and it works fantastically in VR (although it can also be played flat and it's great there too)

[MattyP]

Still playing Slay the Spire. I honestly don't think I've ever come across such an enjoyable card game.

Also used a trial code for Game Pass so I'm back on that train again. Fired up Tetris Effect, noticed it has a VR mode... fucking WOW!! Absolutely awesome stuff - it's like if Tetris and Rez had a kid and it works fantastically in VR (although it can also be played flat and it's great there too)

Indeed Tetris Effect is impressive in VR!

Think I've finished up on Forza Horizon 5 now - played for 6 or so hours and now realise I really don't like open world driving games like this and prefer tight circuit based arcade racers. Its a technical marvel mind and a good showcase for Series consoles but as a driving game it feels more like an RPG racer TBH... However because of my experience on FH5 I've gone back looking for some older style arcade racers to play.. picked up Horizon Chase Turbo on the PS5 in the recent sale... best £4 I've spent... great arcade racing fun with bright garish 80s inspired visuals and a great soundtrack. Think Lotus Turbo Challenge (ST/Amiga) on steroids.

I've also had a quick peek at Halo Infinite - more out of curiosity to see how much the engine had improved and if the game will run OK on my PC if I want to play through on campaign. Looks pretty enough and seems to run at 1080p@60fps reasonably well on my PC so good news. Not sure I'll make it through the campaign though as it looks to be quite a time commitment and also it appears to be overly complicated to pick up and play.

Think I'm slowly losing interest in "modern" gaming well at least AAA games anyhow... Although did play through God Of War recently on the PS5 - it was fun with some nice weighty weapons etc but it was definitely a "by the numbers" game... Had some lovely set pieces in it though and enjoyable - and I did for once play it through to story completion. Love the old Norse methodology setting and it had a few simple puzzles here and there scattered in it.

[Rhythm]

Yeah, I've just deleted FH5 too. Not challenging enough to be a decent racer, not open enough to be a decent open-world sandbox, all packaged within seriously rough graphics that look great for screenshots but look arse in motion.

[MattyP]

Yeah, I've just deleted FH5 too. Not challenging enough to be a decent racer, not open enough to be a decent open-world sandbox, all packaged within seriously rough graphics that look great for screenshots but look arse in motion.

I was surprised at the LOD pop-in going on... once you see it its hard to unsee.... I think the game was just too busy for me especially if I just wanted an hour or so of intense racing action. Horizon Chase Turbo does this in spades.

Also noted Dangerous Driving (burnout type game) is in the PSN sale for £6.24 at the moment. So may pick that up too.

[VNVObit]

Buckled and picked up Ghost of Tsushima
Still haven't finished Valhalla (got sidetracked on the various side missions and Irish expansion) but saw GoT discounted.

It really does feel like you are playing a samurai movie
haven't tried it in Kurosawa mode but really enjoying it. Really like the standoffs and the various other touches (following foxes, meditation moments, respect at shrines)
Looks absolutely stunning on PS5 with fast travel feeling really fast
not very far into it but really glad I picked it up so far

[Jonesey]

Had a go on The Medium using cloud since I don't have series S/X.

Flawless streaming on my XBoneX if I'm honest. 1080p, though so as I've mentioned before the colour banding on a 4K screen is pretty obvious - especially with such a dark game.

Not a bad experience, though - split screen Silent Hill works quite well. I can imagine they'll get even more creative with it next game.

[WiteWulf]

Also noted Dangerous Driving (burnout type game) is in the PSN sale for £6.24 at the moment. So may pick that up too.

Oo, top tip! Been hankering for a new arcade racer for a while now, but Dirt 5 is still too pricey for me. What I *really* want is an updated/new version of Drive Club, but I know that's never gonna happen, so this looks like it may scratch the itch for a while....

Oh and "burnout type game" is something of an understatement: Three Fields was set up by Alex Ward and Fiona Sperry when they walked away from EA (after EA bought Criterion)

NB. if you also want the classic Crash Mode from Burnout, you'll want the "Accidents will Happen - Dangerous Driving Crash Mode Bundle" (£8.99 at the moment). Crash Mode isn't included in Dangerous Driving, but the previous Danger Zone and Danger Zone 2 are dedicated to it.

[mb3018]

I've been playing Noita. It's really good. It reminds me of old stuff like Defender and Gravitar.

[Ratsoap]

Recently started having a Wednesday night Halo Infinite sesh. Multiplayer is free to play now.

They've got it just right I think. Old-school Halo enough for the fans, modern-shooter enough for the kids. It's great fun. Can heartily recommend.

The new grapple-shot and repulsor upgrades are ace as well. Grappling onto an opponent, and twatting them with the power sword is super satisfying.

[MattyP]

Recently started having a Wednesday night Halo Infinite sesh. Multiplayer is free to play now.

They've got it just right I think. Old-school Halo enough for the fans, modern-shooter enough for the kids. It's great fun. Can heartily recommend.

The new grapple-shot and repulsor upgrades are ace as well. Grappling onto an opponent, and twatting them with the power sword is super satisfying.

Not long until the Campaign is out. Looking forward to giving it a go.. seems to be getting some positive reviews but of course its on GamePass anyway so just a download and a bit of time to see if its something I'll enjoy...

[Rhythm]

I've been playing Noita. It's really good. It reminds me of old stuff like Defender and Gravitar.

Love Noita. Terrible at it but it's such a cool thing. The physics chains that can be set off are incredible

[Ratsoap]

Recently started having a Wednesday night Halo Infinite sesh. Multiplayer is free to play now.

They've got it just right I think. Old-school Halo enough for the fans, modern-shooter enough for the kids. It's great fun. Can heartily recommend.

The new grapple-shot and repulsor upgrades are ace as well. Grappling onto an opponent, and twatting them with the power sword is super satisfying.

Not long until the Campaign is out. Looking forward to giving it a go.. seems to be getting some positive reviews but of course its on GamePass anyway so just a download and a bit of time to see if its something I'll enjoy...

I put in a few hours today, it's pretty good. It's translated to the open-world format pretty well. Being able to call in a razorback and fill it with marines, then drive around twatting the covenant is ace fun.

[Foozwah]

Buckled and picked up Ghost of Tsushima
Still haven't finished Valhalla (got sidetracked on the various side missions and Irish expansion) but saw GoT discounted.

It really does feel like you are playing a samurai movie
haven't tried it in Kurosawa mode but really enjoying it. Really like the standoffs and the various other touches (following foxes, meditation moments, respect at shrines)
Looks absolutely stunning on PS5 with fast travel feeling really fast
not very far into it but really glad I picked it up so far

Just picked this up myself, as an Xmas gift for my eldest who's been asking about it. Quite looking forward to giving it a go myself.