Your Mundane Yet Intriguing Job
Your daily tasks are both strange and basic. There's a train that needs to maintain a specific speed, indicated by a colored light. If the train goes off track, you can use a Half Life 2-looking whistle machine to bring it back on pace. Additionally, you're responsible for cleaning out the gunk that accumulates at the end of a river and depositing it in a machine. For completing these tasks, you're rewarded with punchcards that can be used to purchase air canisters. These canisters are made of glass due to the altitude, and biting them creates a dramatic crunching sound while filling your mouth with blood in the corner of the screen.The game's trailer initially gives the impression of high energy, but in reality, during most of its short playtime, it moves at a relatively slow pace. Although the need for air canisters adds some pressure, it's quite easy to keep yourself supplied. For a significant portion of the game, you simply focus on your job - wandering from the river to the dumping place and rushing to the whistle machine when you hear the train slowing. You have enough downtime to watch the punchcard machine print your air tickets, and this downtime also allows you to start exploring the station, which is where the real strangeness begins.The Mysterious Queries
Threshold gradually prompts you to start asking questions. You wonder about the whistle - what's its purpose? What lies behind the dam? What happened to the previous yellow clerk? Why are some of the buildings broken? Where did the fish in the river come from? And what's inside the train? You explore these questions by observing and poking around. Clues lead to more clues, and it's easy to miss things. If you want to uncover everything, multiple playthroughs are necessary, but with a playtime of about an hour per run, it's not too burdensome. The more you find and piece together, the stranger and more oppressive the game becomes.Unanswered Questions and Personal Interpretations
After finishing Threshold, you might find yourself searching the internet for some kind of consensus about its meaning. However, there doesn't seem to be a clear answer. (The game claims to be based on a "true story," but its true nature remains a mystery.) There are numerous possibilities for what the game could be a metaphor for or a commentary on, and you'll likely find yourself agreeing and disagreeing with different interpretations. The more you think about it, the more you appreciate what the game is doing - how much lies beneath its surface and how, for every question it answers, it leaves even more unanswered, allowing you to bring your own perspective to it. You'll feel uneasy about everything you did in the game, from following your routine to deviating from it. You still won't know if you should have trusted the characters or made the right choices, whether it's regarding the multiple endings or the opaque country-based difficulty system.The Emotional Impact
Initially, you might have been worried that Threshold would be too scary for you as an inveterate wuss. But in reality, it's more unsettling than truly horrifying. (It was a relief to find a Steam discussion from the creator reassuring players that there are no jump scares, although there are a few mildly startling moments, and the Steam page warns of the "presence of dead bodies.") Despite this, you still enjoyed your time with the game. Watching other players ponder and evaluate the strange experience has added to your enjoyment. It's a game that leaves a lasting impression and makes you think deeply about its themes and messages.Please play Threshold so that you can share your thoughts and interpretations with me. It's a game that offers a unique and thought-provoking experience.Three Games, One Epic Dilemma
Path of Exile 2
The renowned ARPG series, Path of Exile, is back with its long-awaited sequel. Since its 2013 launch, it has been continuously expanded and updated. Now, it's going all out in the hardcore ARPG market, setting itself apart from the relatively more welcoming Diablo series with its D4's Vessel of Hatred expansion. Early embargo-broken information suggests a vast campaign, high difficulty levels, and endless build possibilities. This game is set to be a monster in the genre that players like me enjoy the most.
Path of Exile 2 offers a unique gaming experience that keeps players engaged for hours. The updated mechanics and new features make it a must-try for ARPG enthusiasts. It's not just about slaying monsters; it's about crafting the perfect build and exploring a world filled with challenges.
Marvel Rivals
At first glance, NetEase's Overwatch-clone-with-superheroes might have seemed unremarkable. But gradually, the hype has been building, and it could potentially become the next big thing in the hero shooter genre. In a landscape where many hero shooters have failed, Marvel Rivals stands out with its stunning character designs and awesome abilities. Early gameplay has shown that it's not only fun but also has the potential to be a major hit.
Unlike some hero shooters that have struggled with aesthetics, Marvel Rivals gets it right. The characters look amazing, and the gameplay is fast-paced and exciting. It's a game that caters to both casual and hardcore players, making it a great addition to the hero shooter genre.
Indiana Jones and The Great Circle
This game by Microsoft-owned MachineGames is a bit of a wild card. Early previews were positive, but late release copies have raised some concerns. It's a dedicated single-player experience that will launch on Xbox Game Pass along with PC. The fact that it has a controversial timed release window for PS5 in spring 2025 adds to the intrigue.
Indiana Jones and The Great Circle has the potential to be a hit this winter. The team at MachineGames has a proven track record with games like Wolfenstein, and they are bringing their expertise to this new adventure. Whether it lives up to the expectations remains to be seen, but the early signs are promising.
With three genres and three games that I'm eager to try, it's a tough decision. Path of Exile 2 takes the top spot on my priority list as it seems to be a true beast in its genre. Marvel Rivals looks too good to ignore, even though I'm not a big hero shooter player anymore. And Indiana Jones and The Great Circle has that certain charm that makes me want to give it a shot. Only time will tell which one will emerge victorious.
Will any of these three games be specifically "hurt" by the others? My instinct tells me that Indiana Jones might face some challenges, but given the differences in genres, there's likely enough room for all of them to find their audience.
Follow me on Twitter, YouTube, Bluesky and Instagram.Pick up my sci-fi novels the Herokiller series and The Earthborn Trilogy.Dive into the Gaming Universe with AIPT's End-of-Year Awards
Infinity Nikki (12/5)
The Nikki games have long been a favorite among mobile gamers, offering a delightful experience of collecting various outfits to dress up and style Nikki. Now, Infinity Nikki takes this beloved series to new heights by bringing it to PC and PS5 with an open-world adventure. Imagine exploring a cozy fantasy world as you embark on a quest to collect outfits, some of which possess magical powers that will enhance your exploration. It's a whole new level of gaming fun!
You'll be immersed in a world of fashion and fantasy, with each outfit adding a touch of uniqueness to Nikki's look. The open-world aspect allows for endless exploration and discovery, making every playthrough a new adventure. Whether you're a fashion enthusiast or a gaming aficionado, Infinity Nikki is sure to captivate your heart.
Stranger Things VR (12/5)
Stranger Things VR made a splash earlier this year on Meta Quest, and now it's making its way to Steam and PS VR2. This time, instead of following the familiar characters like the kids, Joyce, or Hopper, you get to step into the shoes of Vecna, the ruler of the Upside Down. Relive Henry Creel's transformation into Vecna by delving into his memories at Hawkins Lab through a unique hive mind experience.
Not only will you haunt the dreams of characters from the show like Will and Billy, but you'll also gain a deeper understanding of the story and the Upside Down. The immersive nature of VR takes you right into the heart of the Stranger Things universe, making you feel like a true part of the action. It's a must-play for fans of the series and VR enthusiasts alike.
Marvel Rivals (12/6)
It was only a matter of time before a superhero Overwatch clone emerged, and Marvel has stepped up to the plate with Marvel Rivals. This free-to-play third-person hero shooter allows players to take control of their favorite Marvel characters and battle it out in teams of six across three different game modes. The story is filled with multiverse shenanigans as heroes are pulled together to take down Doctor Doom.
Fan favorites like Spider-Man, Black Panther, and Wolverine are joined by deeper cuts like Luna Snow, Jeff the Land Shark, and Cloak and Dagger, creating a diverse roster of characters. Expect explosive battles and destructible environments as you showcase your skills with your favorite heroes. Marvel Rivals is set to be a hit among gamers looking for an action-packed superhero experience.
Also worth wishlisting:
Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp Complete offers a charming and relaxing gaming experience, allowing you to build and customize your own island paradise. Warhammer 40,000: Darktide on PS5 brings the intense world of Warhammer to life, with thrilling combat and strategic gameplay. Dog Man: Mission Impawsible combines the fun of the Dog Man series with interactive gameplay. The Thaumaturge on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S offers a unique and mystical gaming experience. And Entropy Survivors promises intense survival gameplay in a post-apocalyptic world.