As if I’m not stressed out enough. As if by the time the kids are in bed and it’s gametime I’m not already utterly blitzed and in dire need of decompression. Some stupid part of my stupid brain thought it a good idea to purchase and play a game where I am perpetually hunted by a fierce and pure organism. As if my razor-sharp instinct is still intact by the time I press play. 
And maybe – just maybe – that’s why Alien: Isolation is perfect for me at this juncture. I shall not pucker, cower and scoot. I must outfox this cunning beast. I must overcome my IRL fatigue, not use it as a crutch but to dominate it so that I may stand tall and face my aggressor (except when she acquires visual sight… then I scramble like a badger and hide under a desk). Xeno’s got nothin’ on me, son (except for maybe my scent, my anxiety and my audible whereabouts).
I just completed the fifth mission and suspect that this is the mission where the game removes the training wheels and throws them out the airlock. Xeno’s prowl is not confined to zones, nor is it a predefined route, always always always seemingly right on top of me. Jumpscares are fatal; they mean I have been outplayed. I must locate my objective and noodle my way there. Increase variance. Confuse the beast.Yes.
Silly anecdotal introduction aside, I made an exception for Alien:Isolation. I had my eye on it for a while, interested in the audio production and setting. I have previously made exceptions for other games, taking that risk, and sometimes I kick myself for not sticking to my instincts. Thus far I’m glad I made the decision for A:I. I dig on the true-to-form 1970’s Ridley Scott Sci-Fi setting. The audio truly is top notch, accomplishing many things. And having completed the fifth mission (twice impaled in the process) I think I am just now comprehending what I am getting myself into…
… Or maybe I have no clue. That’s what this weekend’s gaming will reveal.
What are you playing this weekend?
– I’d like to think I’m fairly current with video game news and what-not, but this was the first time I have heard of a game called “Zombie Army Trilogy”. I mean, for starters, it’s the first game but it’s called Trilogy. That seems odd, but a quick Google search reveals that there were two previous Zombie Army games which were stand-alone “expansions” to Sniper Elite V2. This trilogy has the two Nazi Zombie Army games, along with third, unreleased installment. You learn something new everyday! (Game still doesn’t look that great)
– … speaking of killing Nazis…
– Rampage 2015?
– “Banana Split” Edition?
