Games we’re playing: February 7, 2014

The Games in Asia team is playing a nice mix of games this week. We dipped our fingers into The Stanley Parable, Bioshock Infinite: Burial at Sea, Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate, Hearthstone, Final Fantasy X-2 Remastered and Chocolate Tycoon. What did you end up playing?

Mary-Anne’s choice

Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate (3DS)

by Capcom

Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate is a relatively old game but it went on sale recently and I was finally able to pick it up at a steal. The game is pretty much you running around chopping monsters to bits, and has a linear yet not-quite-that-obvious questline for you to follow through, kind of like older Japanese RPGs where your next step isn’t always all that apparent. I never thought much of it, but now that I’ve tried it, I have to say: Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate is a really well designed game and that’s probably why people are still playing it today.

Charlie’s choice

The Stanley Parable (PC)

by Galactic Cafe

I picked up The Stanley Parable during one of the Steam sales late last year, on the back of all the critical acclaim, but I didn’t get around to actually playing it until this week. I’m still not sure if it’s actually even a game, but it’s definitely weird, thought-provoking, and surprisingly compelling for something that makes you repeat the same actions over and over again. If you’re not looking for something trippy and cerebral, you will absolutely hate The Stanley Parable, but if you’re in the mood for a weird “game” that asks some big questions about free will and the nature of game development and storytelling, it’s a great way to fill an evening.

Vincent’s choice