Members of the team have been diving into a fresh batch of games this week, from a newly launched tactical shooter to a vampire-hunting adventure and a nostalgic return to a classic arena shooter.
Horde Siege steals the show
Dom has been spending considerable time with Gears of War: E-Day on Xbox Series X, particularly drawn to the Horde Siege mode. Initially skeptical that the mode felt overly complicated compared to the straightforward Horde experience that longtime fans traditionally seek, Dom found the open-ended map design and potential for cross-squad coordination won them over. The emergent moments that arise from the mode's structure deliver what Dom describes as pure video game spectacle, the kind of high-energy, accessible fun that keeps players coming back. What began as a playthrough intended for review purposes has stretched into extended sessions, with Dom acknowledging that the lack of other major releases on the immediate horizon means there is little reason to step away.
Exploring every corner of a dark world
Bertie has been returning to The Blood of Dawnwalker on PS5, even after completing the main story. A reload of an earlier save has allowed for a more thorough exploration of the game's world, with Bertie deliberately slowing the pace to uncover hidden details and side content. The narrative context involves a race against time—one day remains before the antagonist Brencis reaches his coronation, which threatens Bertie's family. Despite knowing the ending, the replay has revealed new encounters and character depth that justify the extended playthrough.
Recent discoveries include a closer look at Xanthe, a veiled vampire member of Brencis' gang, whose backstory and personal motivations gradually unfold through exploration. Bertie notes that the game consistently rewards curiosity with genuine narrative substance rather than throwaway flavor text. The storytelling carries an unsettling tone—creepy and twisted—yet remains emotionally resonant. An encounter with Xanthe led to a deal struck between the characters, and Bertie is now curious to see how that choice shapes the remainder of the journey.
A blast from the past, digitally reimagined
Bertie also spent time with Quake 3, though not in its original form. The version played was recompiled using artificial intelligence and runs directly in a web browser, a technical novelty that prompted testing for a news story. While the AI recompilation might seem like the headline, the experience itself proved far more engaging than anticipated. What began as a quick five-minute session extended considerably once Bertie found themselves climbing the scoreboard and claiming the top position.
The particular server was chaotic, with player counts far exceeding what the map could comfortably accommodate. Spawning directly on top of other players was common, leading to frequent deaths by gauntlet—the melee weapon—before any proper combat could develop. Despite the mayhem, or perhaps because of it, the session highlighted the enduring appeal of Quake 3's core design. The game's fast-paced, accessible nature remains compelling, especially in crowded matches where the sheer volume of activity creates a frenetic energy that keeps players locked in.
Looking ahead
These three very different experiences—a modern tactical multiplayer mode, a narrative-driven single-player adventure, and a decades-old arena shooter—represent the range of gaming available this week. Readers are invited to share what they have been playing, adding their own voices to the ongoing conversation about current gaming trends and rediscoveries.
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