Coping with Loss

For over a month, I've been trying to keep myself busy now that I'm unemployed (It's gotten so quiet I can hear my wristwatch tick).  I've been job hunting, of course, but beyond that I'm struggling to fall back into my daily routines and pastimes.  I'm still gaming bit by bit, hoping to level up enough for the next challenge.

Fire Emblem: Awakening (3DS)

Even when trying to escape real life through video games, I can't seem to avoid dealing with loss.  Losing several of my party members right out of the gate (and buying several more), I'm back to training my party and cooking up new strategies, though fully fully aware that characters can still die during these sessions (damn Permadeath).

I own 2 other Fire Emblem games but if I could save enough for all the maps and DLC, I might end up playing this one forever.

Pokemon Gold (GBC)

Starting this game again after taking a break, I continue to grind my team to fight trainer Red.  Then, lord willing, I'll transfer all my Pokemon in time to use 'em in the upcoming Pokemon Sword/Shield.  All it takes is beating the Elite Four a few hundred times, same as with Generation 1.

Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection (Switch)

I've had my eye on this one for a while, before learning there'd be no pre-order bonus; then I waited for a sale.  And then I stuck the game card into my Switch . . . to collect reward points.  After that it sat in my Switch case for the past few months.  I've really only loaded the game now to check out Street Fighter Alpha 3's roster (a previous port I owned had more characters).  The point is after the first match, it was hard to put the game down.  Coming back to it, I want to play and learn from each title so I don't get my arse kicked too hard online.

If succeeding in competitive play means being 2 to 3 steps ahead of your opponent, then the CPU's on Step 6.

To bring the feel of the arcade home and on the go, borders resembling a game cabinet are added to the screen.  Of course, these can be removed in favor of full-screen action.

Museum Mode features artwork, music and character bios from the entire collection.  I wouldn't say it's complete, though; pretty sure Ryu's surname is Hoshi.

Super Kirby Clash (Switch)

Actually a port of Team Kirby Clash Deluxe for the 3DS, this free-to-play title has players gang up on oversized lackeys in multiplayer beatdowns, or fighting solo with their AI buddies.  Just started this one after clicking a link on Nintendo's news feed for in-game money.

On the first quest it's just you, a poultry weapon and one AI partner.  That quickly changes as you progress through Story Mode.

During battle, players can each pick up a piece of a broken talisman that, once assembled, sends a crystal star crashing down on the boss.

Though microtransactions are possible, you can win currency by putting the toilet seat down.  I got all these gems from playing another game.

That's it for now.  The next post will be about my progress in watching every program on my DVR, and most likely recording a dozen more.  If you like what you see, follow me on Facebook and Twitter or, better yet, become a follower on the blog itself.  I hope to see you see you next time as I battle my way to the TOP OF THE HEAP.