Now Playing at SUPERJUMP, Issue 26

We're back with another issue of Now Playing at SUPERJUMP. We've gone monthly with this format, giving our writers the time to truly sink into the games they're playing. True to form, they've been toiling away at a wildly eclectic and diverse set of games, and they're dying to tell you about them! Enjoy this week's entries and we'll see you back here soon with more recommendations and odes to the games we love!

Cat Webling

I've had the absolute JOY of playing a cute little game called Nif Nif. You play as a pig trying to save his forest from a goo infection by cleaning his friends! Each run only takes about 10 minutes and is played as a turn-based "fight" that involves lots of cleaning up and mud baths. It's adorable, lots of fun, and easy to get the hang of. Perfect for a relaxing evening of play.

Jahan Khan

So I think I've run into a problem lately... a mild gambling problem that is. Balatro was released earlier this year and became an overnight success, attracting unanimous universal acclaim and making more money than a perfect night in Vegas. The game was released with a Mature rating. Violence ? Gore? Suggestive themes ? Nope. It was slapped with said rating simply for simulating gambling. People can debate video game ratings, but gambling is seriously addictive, and being a clever spin on poker makes Balatro the most addictive video game in a long while. I always heard great things about this rogue-like deckbuilder but I never saw myself as much of a poker player.

Then I saw it received a special edition physical release, and honestly, giving a game a physical edition with collectibles just has a way of legitimizing it for me. The box looked cool, and it wasn't too expensive, so I gave it a go. A five minute test run seamlessly melted into a four hour play session without me realizing, and I've been playing it every chance I get. The mechanics are simple yet immensely deep, there are just so many possibilities and it's always exciting when discovering a new Joker card. It's a satisfying game for the brain; it just feels good to hit those huge multipliers. Oh, and there are boss battles here too, which are just pure genius, both in terms of clever play design and dramatic presentation. Balatro might just be the greatest single-player card game since solitaire.

CJ Wilson

I have been playing some of the most creative games that I have played all year so far. The first one I've finished is Astro Bot from Sony-owned Team Asobi. I absolutely adore this game for its charm, unique level design, and interesting powerups like boxing gloves that can grab objects and a bulldog-looking jetpack. It provided tons of fun for me as I collected all of the special VIP bots themed around PlayStation properties and puzzle pieces along the way. Some of the challenge levels gave me frustration that wasn’t detrimental to the game, but rather my ability to complete it that made me persevere in the end. It made me want to earn another platinum trophy for my collection and the fact that it was released close to my birthday was a gift that I'll cherish forever.

The other game I want to mention is The Plucky Squire. Like Astro Bot, there is some clever level design here, hopping from 2D to 3D in quick succession as you progress through the story. Each chapter has an enjoyable minigame that sometimes includes a boss to defeat, which shows off its creativity. Its charming storybook aesthetic is pleasing to watch and it’s not too difficult with its puzzles. The Plucky Squire is certainly a chill-out game that eases your mind after a long day at work or school.

Bryan Finck

Like my esteemed colleague CJ, I also spent much of September with Astro Bot and The Plucky Squire. Coming along first, Sony's magical celebration of its history and plethora of characters is truly one of the best games of this generation and truly earned all the praise than it has already received. Not just a hit of nostalgia, the gameplay is rock solid, the environments are a joy to explore and discover, and the game's soundtrack and effects are among the best you'll find on any system.

The Plucky Squire is the perfect example of a game that will benefit from inclusion as a free Day One PlayStation Plus title. It is delightful, light-hearted, simple yet still packed with fun gameplay mechanics that will bring a smile to your face. It likely wouldn't have gotten the shine it deserves without its inclusion in the service, but it deserves a look from anyone who loves a good platformer. Whether 2D or 3D is your bent, developer All Possible Futures has seamlessly integrated the two perspectives into a single wonderful experience.

I'm looking for a story-heavy experience to come next, so I'm heading for Hideo Kojima's Death Stranding, which I've somehow missed since it was released to great acclaim and bewilderment. With the sequel on the semi-near horizon, I figure I'll complete the original just in time.

Big thank you to our writers for dropping by and to all our loyal fans for being here to check it out! Be sure to tell us what you're playing in the comments and check back next month for more of what our team is getting into.