Oxenfree

Over the last few weeks I've been focused on playing Oxenfree, a game by Night School Studio.  The game is part supernatural thriller, part teen relationship movie, with some of the elements from the Sierra Online adventure games I enjoyed playing as a child.  I can't go into the plot too much without spoiling it, other than it involves a few teens that take an evening trip to an island in the Pacific Northwest.

Some of the things that drew me to Oxenfree were the clean and effective graphics, along with the great soundtrack.  Its creepy atmosphere channels Stranger Things or one of the classic Stephen King movies.  There are few games that have evoked such emotion and nostalgia in a long time. The great character development and intriguing story heavily invested me in the outcome of the story.

I finished the game after five or six hours and greatly enjoyed the whole experience. I highly recommend it if you are looking for a rewarding gaming experience.

Rules of Survival

My iOS gaming these days is limited to playing pretty much one game - Rules of Survival, a great PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG) clone for the iPad.  Despite disliking most competitive online shooters, the awkwardness in the controls is a benefit to me, since my lack of skill compared to other players isn't as much as a handicap, comparatively speaking.

Another reason I enjoy the game is that it is as much about hiding and sneaking as it is about shooting.  My typical strategy is:

1. Jump off the airplane as soon as allowed,
2. Glide as far as fast as possible, getting to ground quickly,
3. Gather as many supplies as possible from the nearest buildings,
4. Start heading toward the center of the safe zone,
1. Using a vehicle, if possible,
2. Otherwise, running (when concealed) or crawling (in open),
5. Take opportunity shots against other player only if I'm almost guaranteed a kill,
6. Hang out in the middle of the safe zone until end game, letting the other players and the constricting safe zone winnow out the competition.

I've been in the final 2 one time, and in the top 3 more than a few times.  I haven't yet come out on top yet, but hope to sometime.  But even without coming out on top, the game is a blast to play.

Warhammer 40,000: Freeblade - iOS

Most of my computer gaming time these days has been limited to playing games on my iPad.  One of the games I spend a few minutes with each week is Warhammer 40,000: Freeblade.  Freeblade is a great, simple on-rails shooter that takes place in the Warhammer 40K universe.  Your opponents are Orks or Chaos, and there are a number of fun map environments.  I enjoy upgrading the different weapon options for my Imperial Knight.

A few months ago I purchased a Warhammer 40K Imperial Knight which I eventually plan to assemble and paint to represent Salocin, my in-game Freeblade from the game.