Now Playing at SUPERJUMP: Issue 3
We're back with Issue 3 of our newest article series, Now Playing at SUPERJUMP! We've asked our global team of writers and editors to chime in with what they're currently playing, obsessing over, thinking about, and looking forward to in the coming weeks. Click each author's name to see their entire portfolio, and the links in the text will let you find out even more about them. So enjoy, and we'll see you back here each week for more recommendations and odes to the games our team loves!
Gavin Annand
Alongside my current Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty playthrough, this week I've also spent some time revisiting the 1999 MMORPG EverQuest, in preparation for the next part of the Ancient Worlds series here on SUPERJUMP.
Andrew Johnston
I'm working my way through an unreleased game by a major indie developer, the review of which should be out soon. I feel like I don't praise small devs and publishers enough for working with me - over 30 reviews this year and almost all of them were from people who thought I was worth talking to. A round of applause for all of them.
Rachel Alm
I’m going to be playing Life is Strange 2! I’ve never played any game in the series, but liked the first episode enough to download the rest and grab the original game as well. Being very into decision-making story games recently, I was happy to see these in the PS+ lineup. It feels like a cozy cup of tea, and the relationship between the brothers in the game is very lovingly done. It brought back kinder memories of being a teenager too. It’s always blooming here in Honolulu, but I grew up with seasons, and I love getting to experience the downtime of fall and the quiet of winter again in games and movies this time of year.
Paul Barnes
Like many PS5 owners, I'm playing Spider-Man 2 right now. The game is beautiful and I love the new traversal options, collectibles, and as expected, the story itself. I'm in no rush to beat it but this time around I am doing more collectibles as I play through on my first run so I get more upgrades and things like that. I have nothing but praise for it and since my favorite PS4 game was the first entry in the series, this one easily will become my favorite PS5 game.
Robbert Boeijink
I've been playing way more Out Run than I should. Nothing beats hopping in my Ferrari after a busy workday, blasting the exhilarating Midnight Highway cassette tape, and speeding away. No brakes, no mercy: one slip and it’s game over (AARRGHH!). A guaranteed getaway from reality in mere seconds. I tried OutRun 2006: Coast 2 Coast this week, but the original still wins.
Lucas Di Quinzio
I've been playing Mosa Lina from Stuffed Wombat this week. It describes itself as 'a hostile take' on the immersive sim. Essentially, it's a minimalist version of an immersive sim, in which you are given a random set of levels and weapons/tools at your disposal to collect fruit and reach the exit. The hostile part is that it's truly random, meaning you might just get stuck and have to reroll everything. It's a game for short sessions, and every time I find some new, interesting interactions between the toolset and the level design.
Ignas Vieversys
I've been playing one of the most anticipated sequels of this year - Alan Wake 2. While I've only scratched the surface of it (5 hours in), I've got to say that it's unlike anything I've playing in a very long time - the same thing I've said about TV after watching Lynch's 'Twin Peaks: The Return'. Alan Wake 2 is pretty bonkers in the best way possible and it packs a lot of cool new ideas in. So if you're a fan of Remedy games (bonus if you're a 'True Detective' fan), this will be a real treat.
Nathaniel Kelly
Not many chances to play video games this week but I had time to partake in some fun Magic the Gathering shenanigans! I hosted a game night with some buddies where I kicked butt with a Jodah, the Unifier legendary deck (still lost to an Edgar Markov deck that had a well-timed ‘prevent all damage’ card) and then caused mayhem with my group hug Gluntch, the Bestower. Spent the rest of the week building a Pauper Commander Azorius Flicker deck with Soulherder as my commander to try out the new Pauper format that has been gaining popularity with Magic influencers recently, I’m planning on playing that at my LGS tournament so wish me luck!
CJ Wilson,
Over the past week, I have been playing Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. I just earned the coveted Platinum trophy after enjoying my time web-swinging through New York. It is easily my game of the year with more meaningful side content, a story with themes of forgiveness and learning from your peers, and combat that is expanded from the previous games.
I also played the first chapter of Alan Wake 2. I loved the detective aspect where you find clues and make profiles based on the suspects you gather as you explore and play through the story. I also love the meta moments like finding commercials with live-action footage that provide some humorous moments. Even though I only played for about an hour, I’m already hooked to see where Alan and Saga’s journey takes them and I’m glad that many mainstream media outlets have been giving the game high marks all around. This gives me reassurance that Alan Wake 2 will be a game that no one will want to miss.
That's a wrap for this week's Now Playing at SUPERJUMP!
Thank you for checking out the veritable treasure trove of games our team is playing right now, and be sure to check back next week when we're back with more. Happy Halloween and keep gaming, my friends!