The Numbers Game

In recent weeks I've acquired more games to play around with for a little bit before going back to my current ones.  But once I picked these up, I couldn't put 'em down.

Disgaea DS (Nintendo DS)

I've caught the tactical bug again after trying out the Switch ports of Nippon Ichi and NIS America's acclaimed series of strategy RPG's.  Since then, I now own all the mainline games in one form or another, along with the Prinny spin-off series.  A port of the original games, Disgaea DS tries to take advantage of Nintendo's portable hardware, specifically the duel touch screens on the DS.

The game's humorous plot touches on Laharl, prince of the Underworld, and his quest to claim his father's throne, taking out literally everything in his way.

And that's the name of the game.  In place of more specific goals, you just have to rout the enemy; leveling up, recruiting allies and hoarding items along the way.  It may not be as deep as Fire Emblem or Advance Wars, but it's much easier.  You can also move each character across the game's isometric field with the stylus, though I prefer using the D-pad because reasons.

After the first few battles, you face off against the first mid-boss, who Laharl hilariously renames "Mid-Boss."  Really level up for this one, though; should you lose this fight the game ends, the credits roll and you'll have to start from the beginning!

Resistance: Burning Skies (PS Vita)

So far, this was probably the most sought-after cart in my Vita collection.  Though not too hard to acquire, I waited to buy a copy at a specific price.  Once I did, though, the cart was loaded with bugs that rendered the game unplayable.  After buying another copy, again at around my price range, I aimed to play a little bit to test it out--only to keep playing almost non-stop for a week.

Set in 1950's New York, you're a fireman who joins the fight when the Chimeran invasion reaches American shores.  My first shooter since Wolfenstein 3D on the PC, I've found Resistance to be a great reintroduction to the genre.

With the Chimera nearly overrunning America, there's no shortage of enemies to fight, such as this handsome devil.

Using "Grey Tech" (which is actually a glowing blue cube), you can customise conventional and alien weaponry to your liking.

I'm currently stuck on the third level, set on the heavily damaged George Washington Bridge, pinned by the enemy with limited firepower.  I went further along in the level while keeping my Vita on all week, for fear that I'd have to start over once I turned it off--which is exactly what happened.

Tetris 99 (Nintendo Switch)

Nintendo's unique take on the battle royale, I've been playing Tetris 99 sparingly since it's release.  Actually, this is my most played free-to-play title out of the other games that take up the disc space on my Switch.  This time I participated in the game's 22nd Maximus Cup, where players can unlock a theme inspired by the newest entry in the Mario Tennis series.

For every line of blocks you clear, a new line of blocks pop up someplace else.  If too many people attack you, you'd wind up with something like this.

I never cared about reaching the top; I just rack up enough Event Points . . .

And I win the new theme and a matching icon for my profile.

I did beat 99 AI opponents in a private match, though.

And that about does it.  I hope you'll join me next time as I continue to empty my armchair, one toy at a time.  See you then!