The holiday season is upon us, and it's not just about the festive feasts and gatherings; for many, it's also a time to dive into the world of video games and enjoy some electronic escapism. This weekend, just before Christmas, the Nintendo Life community is abuzz with excitement, all set to indulge in their favorite pastime—gaming.
During this festive period, gaming offers a unique blend of nostalgia and novelty. The community at Nintendo Life took part in a discussion that centered around their weekend gaming plans. From reminiscing over timeless classics to exploring the potential of new discoveries, the conversation reflected a broad spectrum of gaming preferences.
The holiday gaming menu is rich and varied with Nintendo Life reviewers and contributors sharing their experiences. One video producer, Felix Sanchez, is particularly taken with the space-themed games Pikmin 4 and Outer Wilds. He finds the gameplay loop of Pikmin 4 unexpectedly engaging, and the musical tracks utterly delightful, while Outer Wilds presents a compelling exploration game filled with mystery and sufficient hints to propel players forward.
Staff writer Ollie Reynolds is looking forward to the traditional Jackbox Party Pack gameplay that has become an annual ritual. But he also expresses a desire to take a break from gaming, opting instead for other leisure activities like reading and taking walks.
Jim Norman, another staff writer, feels close to wrapping up Outer Wilds, amusingly noting that it’s the fourth time he's reached this conclusion. He anticipates that during the Christmas weekend, his Nintendo Switch might turn into a predominantly Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Nintendo Switch Sports gaming device.
Contributor Gonçalo Lopes shares that he's going back to basics with mini-consoles, beginning with the Super NES Classic Edition. He draws parallels between his gaming traditions and annual rewatching of Die Hard, hoping for an alternate ending, and marathoning The Lord of the Rings movies. For Lopes, a complete run of Donkey Kong Country is non-negotiable during the holidays, a title that inexplicably but enduringly resonates with Christmas for him, possibly due to its captivating soundtrack.
Editor Gavin Lane admits to missing out on adding Outer Wilds to his Game of the Year (GOTY) list, but still plans to delve into it over the holidays, despite the performance issues on the Switch version. His Christmas tradition involves playing through the wintry wonderland of Freezeezy Peak in the classic game, Banjo-Kazooie.
Contributor Kate Gray has recently purchased two new Switch games—Paranormasight and The Cosmic Wheel Sisterhood—and is eager to explore them but prioritizes completing Apollo Justice for her review first. With Christmas games on the agenda, Gray and her partner are contemplating playing The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and are bracing for the challenge of the N64's infamous camera controls.
Deputy Editor Alana Hagues is in a comfort gaming mode, returning to Baten Kaitos I & II HD Remaster to revisit the series during the cozy holiday week. She's also gearing up for a dive into Blasphemous 2, seeking some intense religious symbolism to contrast the festive cheer. Although gaming may take a backseat for Hagues to spend time with her partner, she knows there's always room for some laid-back gaming moments when he switches to Elden Ring.
The community also engaged by posting their own plans and preferences, suggesting games like Sekiro for some intense action, Castlevania Advance Collection for a dose of nostalgia, and even Clive Barker's Undying on the Steam Deck for a chilling horror experience.
The holiday excitement transcends physical gatherings, as avid gamers from the Nintendo Life family look forward to virtual adventures, be it taking down enemies, exploring new worlds, or revisiting cherished memories through classic titles. They share their enthusiasm for gaming while respecting the need for moderation and balance. As they prepare to unwind with their game consoles, the festive spirit infuses their chosen virtual worlds, creating a special blend of joy and recreation.
The holidays are indeed a time for traditions. For gamers, that can mean revisiting annual favorites, exploring new titles, or even battling through the latest challenging releases. As they power up their Nintendo Switches or dust off their retro consoles, the Nintendo Life community is making room for gaming amid the festive cheer – a common thread that ties them together in the spirit of joy and playfulness.
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