TGIF: Gaming Trend’s Weekend Lineup

It’s Friday, which means it’s time to hunker down in our man (or lady) caves, reinforced by a fortress of snack foods and beverages, and sit far too close to our televisions–despite all of the “you’re going to go blind warnings” from our loving mothers–for a whole weekend of video games.

Some GT staffers are exploring Hyrule in its most pixelated, and, evidently, most frustrating incarnation, while others are trying to survive a post-apocalyptic journey across America in the remastered version of one of last year’s most critically acclaimed titles. Here’s what the GT staff is playing:

Josh Devlin, Reporter

This is the weekend before finals, so I have an exam paper to write, which means there probably won’t be much time for video games, but if I can fit in a little here and there, this is the plan.

I am on the last dungeon of The Legend of Zelda on NES, and if you’ve ever seen that thing, it’s a massive atrocity. The worst part is that, even after farming hundreds of rupees and blowing through two life-refilling medicines, I died when fighting Ganon … and it wasn’t even close. The idea of having to re-farm and re-collect everything is heartbreaking because it is so tedious and takes so long. This game has become more of a chore than anything, yet I continue to play. Video games are the only medium that I can think of where its consumers are compelled to continue using it, even after all of the fun is gone. To finish this game would be both a blessing and a curse, but, mostly, I’ll just look back at the several hours I spent with it and wonder, “why the hell did I waste my time?”

If there is any time for something enjoyable this weekend, I’m going to jump into Fable Anniversary or Dragon Age: Origins to get my fantasy RPG-ing on.

Sean Lama, Senior Editor

The Last of Us: Remastered is the name of the game this weekend. I’m not sure why, but my first attempt to play through the game on PS3 didn’t go well. Perhaps my expectations were blown out of proportion, or maybe I was just going through something personal at the time that didn’t let me enjoy anything. I secretly prayed that a PS4 port would happen long before it was officially announced and the Gaming Gods answered my call. This weekend I turn the lights down, crank the volume up, and disappear into the dilapidated world of The Last of Us.

I’m also going to play some co-op Divinity: Original Sins with fellow staffer Lucious Barnes. Apparently in co-op mode players can flirt with each other… that should make for some interesting gameplay.

Lucious Barnes, Staff Writer

This weekend is pretty cramped for me. There is going to be some time spent putting Divinity: Original Sin back through its paces (And despite the in-game mechanic, I’m sorry to say you just aren’t my type Sean. I like boobs. Specifically of the female variety. lol) along with a number of other RPG’s.

Since my recent PC disaster my game saves have all gone up in smoke, and with Dragon Age: Inquisition right around the corner, I have roughly 70 hours in pre-breach Thedas to catch up on. It feels a bit daunting, but there’s no way I’m going to be out of the loop for one of my favorite franchises most climactic installments.

Outside of that it’s all about saving money… because the next 60 days are gonna hurt with over 20 new game releases. Oh, what a beautiful nightmare.

What are you playing this weekend? Tell us in the comments section below.