Hi hope your holiday was peaceful. I think around this time of year people are playing a lot of video games; it’s the perfect moment. It’s cold outside and there’s not much to do so no one can blame you or get mad at you cozying up to the glow and getting your gaming hours in. I’m currently at 16 hours of playtime in Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess and have just started the Ice Dungeon. I've also played 4 hours of the vs. shmup: Twinkle Star Sprites.

Twilight Princess
I’m really falling for this game in a lot of ways. I think my hesitancy about the sheer spectacle of every moment started to dissolve once I hit the halfway(?) point and the rhythm of the game started to settle into something really enjoyable. I’m having a really lovely time just walking around and taking in sights, the few mini games have been fun as well. The fishing especially has my attention—it’s honestly kind of unintuitive to play but the fishing hole is so gorgeous that I don’t even care that the actual mechanics are a little less than fun.

The ice dungeon has already stolen my heart with it’s visual design, and the little twists on the formula as well. Having people living in the haunted house that makes up this dungeon feels so new and fresh despite the fact that it’s a really subtle change. I’ve only stepped foot in a few rooms so who can say if it’s good yet but I’m already a fan so It’s going to be a challenge to make me change my tune. As for any complaints or worries.. I’d have to say the last two bosses (Desert and Water temples), were kind of underwhelming despite the game really committing to ‘setpiece-mode’. The Forest and Fire temple bosses felt very intuitive in how they incorporated new items into the fight strategy but in the case for the two most recent bosses it felt like a roller-coaster which is less fun.

Also, I haven’t really been able to start The sidequest, and I’m finding that a little strange because the first section of it involves saving up 1000 rupees? I’m not sure what they were thinking in regards to that choice. I’ll try to scrape together that cash but I may have to opt out if I don’t get that solved before I’m too deep into the story.
Twinkle Star Sprites:
I played this on a whim, but it’s been on my ‘to play’ list. I think I have a very soft spot for this kind of game, the versus shmup style comes off as overwhelming at first, especially when so many of it’s mechanics aren’t articulated to you in any way. But being able to learn as you play and find you own approach is really satisfying. Calculating out the risk/reward of deflecting your opponent’s shots feels especially complex and engaging, there are a bunch of circumstances where it can hurt or help you; incredibly satisfying.
I’m enjoying this little gaming moment I’m having where I can sink a couple hours everyday into something depending on my mood, but I know that’s not going to last, so I’m trying to enjoy it while I can. My birthday is this Sunday: I’m turning 26 (T_T). Hoping to finish twilight princess by the end of next week. xoxo