Not sure what to play? This week we take a look at two new expansions, a remaster of three classics, and also an idea for getting more out of a recent classic.
Final Fantasy XIV: Stormblood
If MMORPGs (massively multiplayer online role-playing games) are your thing, then you can’t go wrong with the latest expansion for Square Enix’s Final Fantasy XIV. This is a game that has received excellent updates and support over the years, and it reaches its greatest heights yet in the form of Stormblood.
There’s a lot of new content here to keep even the most demanding of players busy for quite some time, with a story that maintains a grand scope but also focuses on how the struggles for power of the rich and powerful affect the ordinary man or woman.
Along with an increased level cap comes the ability to swim and engage in underwater exploration, new cities and other areas inspired by Asian cultures, history and mythology, and two brand new jobs (classes) in the form of the Samurai and Red Mage.
You now also get more inventory space, and furnishing limits have been increased for those players who like to indulge their inner interior decorator.
Final Fantasy XIV: Stormblood is the work of master craftsmen at the height of their abilities, confident that they know what their audience wants; it’s a confidence that is very much justified.
Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy
Here’s one for the older gamers keen to revel in some nostalgia, or for younger ones to find out what all the fuss was about.
Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy updates the three original Crash Bandicoot games for the HD/4K generation, while staying true to the gameplay and style that made the originals such classics on the first Playstation.
There was a time (back in 1996) when Crash was battling it out with Mario and Sonic for the title of king of the gaming mascots. While he’s long since faded into obscurity in comparison with his former rivals (although let’s face it, Sonic hasn’t done so great either), these remasters make it obvious why Crash was once on top of the world. They’re also a reminder that Naughty Dog were up to great things even before Nathan Drake made his first foray into Uncharted territories.
Diablo 3: Rise of the Necromancer
There was a lot of disappointment when Diablo 3 was released without the necromancer class that was so popular in Diablo 2. Now, more than five years later, the pleas of players have been answered as the necromancer makes his Diablo 3 debut. This “expansion” consists mostly of just this new character — this is not the content heaven that was Reaper of Souls. Whether it’s worth its $15 (Dh55) asking price all depends on how much you love the necromancer class. If you’re a fan you will not be disappointed, as the necromancer is translated perfectly into the Diablo 3 world. If you’ve been looking for an excuse to go on another multiple-day loot hunt, you’ve now got one.
Dark Souls 3
If you’re not keen on spending money on any new games right now, why not revisit one already in your collection (as one of the best games of recent years, it really should be)?
Having always gone for strength/dexterity builds in From Software’s games, I’m now trying my luck as a sorcerer focusing on intelligence/attunement. It makes for a very different experience, making what had become ordinary encounters feel fresh again as I’m forced to come up with new approaches to tackling the game’s many challenges.
This is an approach that can be applied to many other class-based games as well. It’s not just a lot of fun for no extra cost, it also ensures you’re actually getting your money’s worth.
