What is it about a new year that makes us all want to completely redefine our sense of selves and become ‘better’ than the year before? Why is it that, as soon as the calendar flicked over to 2024, we all committed to going to the gym or not eating chocolate? Whythen?
Despite knowing that January 1 is an arbitrary date to make resolutions in the pursuit of self-betterment, I still partake in such frivolity. This makes my puzzle all the more brain teasing. What has gone on in my brain to put such prominence on this date?
Anyway, as a part of my new year celebrations, I made some resolutions, like millions of other people across the world. Most are personal goals, attainable and measurable each, but I’ve made some specific goals too: professional and hobby…al? And, despite being a day late on publication, I thought I’d share these gaming resolutions with you, in the hope that they can inspire you to change something about your gaming habits in 2024.
Play More Indies
I played a lot of indie games last year – myPS5lessnessmeant I missed a fair few blockbusters – but few really grabbed me like previous years. I enjoyedDredge, but it wasn’t on the same level asCitizen SleeperorBefore Your Eyes, my top picks from previous years. Withmore games releasing on Steam than ever before in 2023, this wasn’t due to a lack of options, and I’m already eyeing titles like The Plucky Squire and Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector, but I’m also taking it upon myself to actively seek out moreindie games in 2024. It’s easy to miss hidden gems when the sheer volume of releases is so high, and they’re all fighting for attention.
Finish Baldur’s Gate 3
It felt very strange to nameBaldur’s Gate 3as myGame of the Yearwithout having finished it, but rest assured I did play a huge amount, just not all in a linear manner. I am now juggling four different playthroughs concurrently, just about keeping each metaphorical plate ephemerally spinning. I’m going to commit to one – probablymy Monk, let’s be honest – and play it to completion. I promise.
Rediscover My Painting Style
I’m counting tabletop games in these resolutions, and as such I’m throwing in aWarhammerresolution. When I fell off the hobby around seven years ago, I was in the throes of the Adeptus Convertorum, buying multiple kits to build single miniatures, and painting them in an oil-based,Blanchitsu-esquestyle. This is something I’ve struggled to recapture since rejoining the hobby, partly thanks to deadlines but also due to a lack of practice. I’m planning a Deathwing force for 2024 (like just about everyone else), and they may be the first recipients of the Classic Ben Sledge Painting Treatment.
Start Another Ring Fit Adventure Run
I have no desire to lose weight, mostly because I value good food and cheer too highly to make any significant progress, but I’d like to be fitter than I currently am. I’d like to not be out of breath by half time during my football matches, that sort of thing. I know I won’t go to the gym or take up running because all my exercise has always come from team sports. Without that competitive element, I can’t be bothered – I guess I just don’t see the point in running for running’s sake. Running to beat up a spandex-clad dragon, though? That might be just the ticket.
Go To The Gym. Not Like That.
In 2024, I am going to Nuzlocke every mainlinePokemongame. Or, at least, one game from each generation. I’ll probably go Yellow, Crystal, Emerald, Platinum, Black, Black 2, X, Moon, Ultra Moon, Shield, Violet, but that’s yet to be decided. I might even spice things up by making it all into one giantHatelocke. But yes, I am going to beat every Pokemon game as a Nuzlocke in 2024. What can I say, I want to be the very best, like no-one ever was.
