Paeroka's Ponderings: Paradox and unmet expectations

Saying that you’re a fan of Paradox isn’t the most popular statement lately. When I hear that Paradox announced a new game, I am generally very interested, though, as I like quite a few of their games! So, even with the recent disappointments, I would not say that I hate them or dislike them or anything. It just makes it hard to call myself a “fan”. They seem to be really quick to kill off games…

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Humble Choice (April 2024): Victoria 3

Victoria 3 is part of April’s Humble Choice. “Paradox Development Studio invites you to build your ideal society in the tumult of the exciting and transformative 19th century. Balance the competing interests in your society and earn your place in the sun in Victoria 3, one of the most anticipated games in Paradox’s history.”   As usual, there was a leak about which games would be in this…

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Guild Wars 3 announced! ... What?

Apparently, Guild Wars 3 just got announced! Or, well, to be more precise, it was mentioned in an NCSoft shareholders meeting. This means that we know nothing except that it is in development. We have no idea about the setting, planned features, release window, etc. But what we can assume, at least, is that the Guild Wars franchise is a strong one as stock prices apparently dropped before and…

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Recent adventures in Crusader Kings III

As much as I like Crusader Kings III, the past was just a bad place for some people (and with the recent DLC introducing plagues, a bad place for a lot of people) and I wanted to spice things up a bit. It all started with allowing same-sex couples and making the game favour women over men… Only for me to realize that there is a difference between couples and showing your love – and marriage. So,…

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13 years of Nerdy Bookahs!

It has now been an unbelievable 13 years with this blog. And even though I have been writing much less often, I still do not want to let it go. My free time is greatly reduced, my priorities have changed, my game preferences have changed… but it’s still fun to write! I still love most of the genres I always loved except for MMOs. While I still like the idea of MMOs in general, I think they are…

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Humble Choice (February 2024): Life is Strange: True Colours

Life is Strange: True Colours is part of February’s Humble Choice. “Alex Chen hides her ‘curse’: the psychic power of Empathy, the ability to absorb the emotions of others. When her brother dies in a so-called accident, Alex must embrace her power to find the truth. “ I will try not to write any game spoilers in this blog post! The game costs 59.99 €. It takes about 10 to 13 hours to finish…

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Humble Choice (February 2024): Snowtopia

Snowtopia is part of February’s Humble Choice. “Build your ideal ski resort. Keep skiers smiling with fresh pistes and fine facilities. Ski, build and chill in the wintry world of Snowtopia where everyone is welcome! “ This is another of those games that I should love. In theory. I had never heard of this game before, but when I saw that it’s part of this month’s Humble Choice, I was happy to…

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Looking forward to... in 2024

We have just moved on from 2023 to 2024 and the next new game releases are already around the corner! It actually feels like there are a lot of games going to release in the first couple of months of 2024 that I am interested in. In theory, this is great. But since time is a limited resource (as is money to buy said games), it’s not as great as it sounds when you are like me and can’t prioritize.…

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Humble Choice (January 2024): Twin Mirror

Twin Mirror is part of January’s Humble Choice. “The small town of Basswood will be changed forever by ex-investigative journalist Sam Higgs in this thrilling narrative experience from award-winning studio DON’T NOD. Will you find the truth – no matter the cost?” The game costs 27,99 €. It has previously been on sale for 60 to 75 % off. How long to beat says it takes about 6 to 11 hours to…

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Humble Choice (January 2024): Two Point Campus

Two Point Campus is part of January’s Humble Choice. “Build the university of your dreams with Two Point Campus, the sim with a twist from the makers of Two Point Hospital. Build, hire staff and run an academic institution packed with wild courses.” The game costs 29,99 €. It has previously been on sale for more than 60 % off and more (the lowest price listed for Fanatical is 8,24 €). So, if…

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My personal game disappointments of 2023

Apart from good games, there have also been disappointments. Thankfully, there weren’t many for me! The most obvious one is, of course, Cities Skylines 2. This is no surprise for anybody who follows the PC game scene. The developers even announced that the game would have a lot of issues at launch. I guess we can all agree that the game was released too early. I would have loved for them to put…

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My personal best games of 2023

I end the gaming year of 2023 with the verdict that my MMO times may be over. This is mostly because of a lack of gaming time as it always feels that I would need a lot more time to get progress in MMOs. At the same time, there is good old Lord of the Rings Online. An MMO that does add new content and new levels regularly, but I never feel pressured to get to max level. I just enjoy the trip and…

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Humble Choice (December 2023): Last Call BBS

Last Call BBS is a game that is part of December’s Humble Choice. “Boot up your Z5 Powerlance and dial into Last Call BBS, the last game from Zachtronics! The Barkeep’s loaded up his retro computer with a full set of puzzle games for you to download and play. No need to worry about copy protection, they’re all fully cracked and ready to enjoy!” The game costs 19,50 €. It has previously been on…

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Jingle Jam 2023 - Game Link List

The annual Jingle Jam is live and it comes with 70+ games. It’s not about the games, though (although it is a great incentive, of course!). The money goes to charities. But still, if you do donate at least 35 GBP (about 42 €), then you get all the games included in the bundle. The only catch is that you have to redeem all codes before December 31, 2023! Bookahnerk and I do have a few game genres…

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Humble Choice (November 2023): Unpacking

Unpacking is another game that is part of November’s Humble Choice. “Unpacking is a zen puzzle game about the familiar experience of pulling possessions out of boxes and fitting them into a new home. Part block-fitting puzzle, part home decoration, you are invited to create a satisfying living space while learning clues about the life you’re unpacking.” The game costs 19,99 €. It has previously…

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Alternatives to Cities Skylines II

Anybody who is even remotely interested in Cities Skylines II has probably heard, read or even experienced first-hand the issues that the game currently has. I have given the game a few tries and will continue doing so when the developers release patches because I am certain that the game will be great – one day. Once they have had the time to iron out the many bugs and the performance…

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Too much to play...

I have a difficult time deciding what to play in the evenings. First of all, there are fall and halloween festivals in MMOs. I am only playing Lord of the Rings Online at the moment with a bit of Guild Wars 2 on the side. But that is still two festivals! Guild Wars 2 is finally offering the Clock Tower jumping puzzle without the time-limit which is really great especially for players like me who…

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