April 19th marks another installment in our regular feature where we dive into the captivating realm of video games. This week, Tom has been diligently navigating the sprawling landscapes of Avowed, while Bertie finds himself engaged in the intricate world of designing a mansion, albeit with limited success, and absorbing second-hand enthusiasm from his partners gaming sessions.

So, what games have you all been immersing yourselves in lately?

To catch up on our previous gaming explorations, feel free to browse through our What We've Been Playing archive.

Blue Prince - PS5

In my latest adventures within the game Blue Prince, I stumbled upon a curious book titled Red Prince during one of my sessions. The implications of this find remain tantalizingly unclear. Watch the journey unfold on YouTube.

The layers within this game are truly remarkable. For those who are yet to experience it, the premise involves constructing a blueprint of a house, seeking to unlock the mysteries of its elusive 46th room. Each day presents a new iteration as you interact with various doors, choosing from three options to create rooms until space runs out or you inadvertently trap yourself. This cycle repeats as you return to sleep, only to begin the puzzle anew the following day.

Despite its seemingly simple concept, I find myself alarmed at my slow progress. After seven attempts, Ive invested several hours into my builds, yet they seem to shrink rather than expand. This phenomenon speaks volumes about the nature of gaming; that initial surge of confidence often gives way to the realization that my assumptions were misplaced. Its a familiar narrative, transitioning from boasting about gaming prowess to confronting the challenges that lie ahead.

Yet, within each failed attempt lies the potential for discovery. As I analyze my surroundings, I become more attuned to the intricate details woven throughout the game, gradually uncovering the mansion's enigmatic narrative and the unique puzzle mechanics. A hallmark of exceptional games is their depth, and Blue Prince certainly delivers on that front. I remain thoroughly impressed.

- Bertie

Avowed - Xbox Series X

Meanwhile, my journey through Avowed has taken on a more leisurely pace. My sporadic gaming sessions have led me to abandon any aspirations of mastering its intricacies; instead, Im treating it as a scenic stroll through uncharted territories. By lowering the difficulty level, combat has become a non-issue, allowing me to focus on the breathtaking vistas and elaborate environments.

Ive taken it upon myself to resolve conflicts through dialogue, although this approach doesnt always yield positive results. When faced with aggression, my response has been to unleash fiery spells, turning foes into ashes.

According to my save file, Ive spent an impressive 13 hours exploring, and Ive only just reached the Emerald Stair region. A brief online search indicates that many players progress there much more rapidly, but Im content with my deliberate pace. Check back in six months to see if Ive finally rolled credits!

- Tom O

South of Midnight - PC

In a slight departure from gameplay, Ive been closely observing my partner as she streams her sessions of South of Midnight. Although I havent personally played it, her commentary provides valuable insights into the game.

To encapsulate my thoughts: first, its visually stunning. The stylistic choices, including a low animation frame rate and unique character movements, evoke a strong resemblance to the acclaimed film Into the Spider-Verse, often blurring the lines between reality and animation. Second, the music, composed by the talented Olivier Deriviere, elevates the overall experience. Rather than merely providing background tunes, the music intricately intertwines with the gameplay, a signature approach of Deriviere that I explored in a previous interview.

Whats most refreshing is my partners infectious enthusiasm for the game. She expresses a genuine eagerness to play South of Midnight, eclipsing her interest in other popular titles like Assassin's Creed: Shadows and The Last of Us Part 2both of which she is currently tackling. Its a reminder of the joy that gaming can bring, especially in a landscape where critical opinions sometimes overshadow pure enjoyment.

- Bertie