Weekly Gaming Highlights

Hello and welcome once again to our weekly roundup of gaming adventures. This week, Tom O has delved into a full-fledged game that’s not a remake or remaster, while Mat 'Social' Jones hasn’t set foot in Essex recently. Alex has been battling sleepless nights, and Chris has been resisting his darker impulses. Meanwhile, Dom has been trying to recover after attending a festival.

What about you? What games have been occupying your time lately?

Feel free to revisit previous editions of this column in our 'What We've Been Playing' archive to catch up on past gaming stories and insights.

Watching videos on YouTube has become a favorite way to unwind during the school holidays. Recently, I've been revisiting split-screen co-op games with my son in the evenings, and while it's still enjoyable, I can't help but compare it to the studio's previous masterpiece, It Takes Two. Honestly, I preferred the earlier game's more engaging setup.

Lately, my interest has waned a bit with the heavy leaning towards fantasy and sci-fi themes, and some of the levels feel a tad monotonous. However, when the game hits its stride, it truly shines. The space-themed sections that challenge you to use a grappling hook to navigate were particularly exhilarating, and I loved the racing segments—especially the one involving a gigantic squid, which was quite the spectacle.

That said, the pacing can sometimes drag, causing the experience to lose momentum. I might sound a bit critical, but I genuinely enjoy split fiction; it just hasn't quite reached the same exhilarating heights as It Takes Two—yet. I've heard the final stage is a real highlight, and I'm looking forward to seeing how it all concludes.

Many avid Eurogamer readers might recall the game expelled or even have already given it a try, as it received a positive review from Katharine back in March. Unfortunately, I missed that coverage since I wasn’t with Eurogamer at the time, and the game largely slipped past me. A few weeks ago, a friend mentioned it enthusiastically in a Discord chat, and from their description alone, I knew I’d missed out on something special. I quickly bought it on Steam and installed it without delay.

Life’s been hectic lately, and I haven’t had much free time. But last week, I caught a pesky cold and had a restless night with little sleep. Instead of lying awake in bed feeling miserable, I decided to head to my office and indulge in a midnight gaming session. Looking for something calming, I chose expelled, recalling my friend’s high praise for it. And I must say, I was genuinely impressed.

Sometimes, it’s really enjoyable to experience a game with minimal prior knowledge. I hadn’t read any reviews before playing, and I didn’t even realize until I started that it’s connected to the excellent game overboard. It turned out to be a delightful surprise—a charming, time-loop-driven adventure that balances heart, intrigue, and light stakes that still feel meaningful. I’ve scratched the surface of what it offers and am excited to dive back in this weekend.

Lately, my gaming habits have taken a peculiar turn. I find myself returning to Pokémon TCG Pocket with a mix of fascination and self-reproach. Earlier this year, while at SGF, my attention was so divided that I completely overlooked the Ultra Beasts promo set and the exclusive Necrozma EX card that came with it. At first, I saw this as a rare moment of liberation—an acknowledgment that I might never complete the collection, especially if trading rules shift again. I thought perhaps I could accept the imperfection and just enjoy the game on my own terms, playing whenever I felt like it rather than chasing every last card to maximize my collection.

Yet, reality didn't align with that hope. I still indulge daily, opening every free pack that comes my way. I persistently battle within ultra ball tier 1 of competitive play, hitting a wall that feels insurmountable. I could push myself to reach tier 2, maybe even tier 3, if I chose. But do I really want to? Honestly, probably not. Still, I suspect I’ll end up trying anyway, compelled by some stubborn streak.

Switching gears, I can't help but think about the oddities of game collecting. For instance, if you ever find yourself in Romford—an unlikely destination—you might stumble upon a unique relic: a single copy of Resident Evil 2: Dead Shot. It’s not just a game; it’s a rare artifact, a lightgun shooter styled after one of the greatest titles in gaming history, yet with its own distinct identity. The thrill isn’t just in playing; it’s in owning something that no one else likely possesses, perhaps never to be officially released. How often do we get moments like that? Very rarely, unless you’re a game journalist, in which case, those chances are always just around the corner.

Classic Skating and Culture

Check out the full video on YouTube to see all the highlights and details.

Feel free to explore more content from Mat J and stay updated with the latest uploads.

Lately, my downtime has been dedicated to revisiting classic skateboarding games, specifically Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 and 4. These titles serve as a perfect escape after a weekend at 2000trees, an incredible festival that embodies everything I love about underground music scenes. It’s a gathering of the hardcore, punk, and emo communities, headlined this year by bands like Coheed & Cambria and Taking Back Sunday.

While none of those bands are featured on my playlist during gameplay, the spirit of the festival—community, alternative culture, and a rebellious DIY attitude—is vividly captured in the game. Playing as Lizzie Armanto, a Finnish-American skater sponsored by Birdhouse, I feel a connection not just to the game’s vibe but also to her inspiring career. She recently launched an inclusive capsule collection with Vans, marking the first women-designed signature skate shoe in over two decades—a gesture that resonates with the game's emphasis on diversity.

Admittedly, THPS 3 and 4 aren’t without flaws. Some menu transitions and challenge designs can feel a bit frustrating or obscure. Yet, the core joy of skating and exploring remains just as captivating now as it was nearly a quarter-century ago. It’s remarkable how this series has maintained its relevance and continues to champion inclusivity and diversity—values that are at the heart of punk culture. I stand by that perspective, and I’m ready to defend it against any criticism.

What is Pokémon TCG Pocket and Poké Gold?

Poké Gold serves as the primary currency in Pokemon TCG Pocket, allowing players to buy exclusive items, unlock special cards, and restore stamina to enhance their gameplay experience. You can conveniently acquire Poké Gold through top-up services on trusted platforms such as Lootbar.gg, which offer efficient and supportive customer assistance. By topping up Poké Gold, collectors and battlers can expand their card collection and enjoy more features within the Pokemon TCG Pocket app. This currency is essential for accessing premium content and making the most of your adventures in the game.

Why do you choose Lootbar.gg for Poké Gold Top up?

If players are looking to top up Poké Gold for their Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket accounts, they may want to consider using the lootbar game trading platform. As the main currency in the Pokemon TCG Pocket, Poké Gold is essential for unlocking new cards, customizing decks, and enhancing the overall gameplay experience. Selecting a trustworthy and efficient platform for Pokemon TCG Pocket recharge is crucial for a seamless gaming journey, and lootbar.gg stands out as a top choice for players.

One of the primary advantages of using lootbar.gg is its commitment to providing users with highly competitive prices and frequent special discounts, allowing players to save more on every transaction. The platform’s advanced security features ensure that every Pokemon TCG Pocket recharge is conducted with 100% secure transactions, utilizing cutting-edge encryption and strict data protection protocols. Furthermore, lootbar.gg guarantees rapid delivery, with most Poké Gold top-ups processed and delivered within three minutes, minimizing wait times and letting players get back into the action almost immediately.

Additionally, lootbar.gg is dedicated to delivering excellent customer service, offering 24/7 support to address any questions or issues related to purchases or the Pokemon TCG Pocket recharge process. The platform also features a vibrant Lootbar Blog community, where players can find the latest game news, event updates, and in-depth guides. With its reliable service, attractive pricing, robust security, and comprehensive support, lootbar.gg is an ideal destination for players seeking a hassle-free and rewarding Poké Gold top-up experience.

A Step-by-Step Guide to top up Pokémon TCG Pocket on LootBar

To complete a Pokémon TCG Pocket Poké Gold top up on the Lootbar trading platform, follow these steps:

1. First, visit the official Lootbar.gg website and select your preferred language and currency, then log into your account.
2. Next, navigate from the homepage to the dedicated Pokémon TCG Pocket top up section.
3. Choose the desired amount of Poké Gold you wish to buy and proceed by clicking the “Top-up Now” button.
4. You will need to enter your login account information, password, and character name as prompted in the on-screen instructions.
5. Select the payment option that best suits you and complete the transaction by clicking "Pay Now."
6. After your payment is successfully processed and your order is confirmed, the purchased Poké Gold will be delivered to your account within a few minutes.