Yup, been a hot minute again since I’ve posted anything here. In my defense, I have been working on my fantasy project, but also on a couple of game projects that I’m planning to make with my husband. And because I am now into my first ever TCGs (Lorcana and Weiss Schwarz), it seems I am constantly organizing cards. In between all of those things, video games have been played! I decided to jot down some thoughts and feelings for two of them: Balatro and Infinity Nikki. Figured this would be a good mix of games, plus they have all seen some notoriety these past few months between The Game Awards, BAFTAs, and GDC.

Balatro

We picked up Balatro pretty much because I wanted to support a friend/former co-worker. It didn’t hurt that it was a fun and new representation of poker, either. I figured I’d probably play a few hours here and there since I’m not a huge gambler. Then I remembered how much I actually loved playing blackjack in the Dead or Alive Xtreme Volleyball games. I loaded up the game and saw all of these things I needed to unlock and collect! Now, if you know me (and you very well may if you are reading this post), you know I love collecting everything I possibly can in video games. Which leads me down the path of “gotta purchase new unlocks first.” A goal which I am still in progress with.

I do enjoy completing a run here and there, however there are just so many games out there, and I feel Balatro best fits into my life as a pick up and play for 30-60 minutes every here and there experience. One day I will have unlocked every card design, every wild Joker, and foiled every single card. It’s just going to take me a little longer to 100% this award winning indie.

Infinity Nikki

Infinity Nikki exists in an odd space for me right now. I have nothing against free to play games that offer a good time with low to no payment required for enjoyment. I think it’s the veneer that keeps throwing me for a loop. It’s a pretty, pastel world that promotes helping one another and using the runway to settle one’s differences instead of throwing punches. Much of it is free roaming; you can literally run from one end of the map to the other and barely touch the story content. There are platforming sections, connection puzzles, resource gathering, and lots of mini-games to track down, too. But for me, it’s all about collecting as many pieces of clothing and accessories as possible.

And Infinity Nikki‘s story is pretty straightforward, making it super accessible for stylists young and old. Perhaps that’s exactly what my problem is. Maybe, after playing so many games with heavier themes, this is a step backward for me. Look, there’s nothing wrong with simpler games. God knows I have more than enough of them in my gaming library. But sometimes you pick up a book or start a new show and even though you’ve given it a few chapters that piece of art isn’t what you need right now. Just isn’t clicking. And I think that’s where I am with it.

Now that I’ve completed the available Wishfield main story content, I am trying to remain engaged with the event calendar while we wait for the next story installment. That might be the turning point for me. Fingers crossed because it really is such a lovely world to explore.