Here's a bold statement: perfection is a relentless taskmaster, and this week's gaming adventures prove it. From the unforgiving standards of Cooking Mama to the addictive challenges of Hades 2, our team has been grappling with the pursuit of excellence—and having a blast while doing it. But here's where it gets controversial: is the quest for perfection in gaming a rewarding journey or a frustrating trap? Let’s dive in and find out.
7th February
Welcome back to our weekly roundup of the games that have us hooked. This time, Bertie finally discovers the joys of handheld gaming on a plane, Marie battles the relentless demands of Mama in the kitchen, Kelsey falls head over heels for Nioh, Will revisits the world of mechs with BattleTech, and Victoria finds solace in skateboarding—virtually, thanks to Skate Story. What’s been keeping you entertained?
If you’re craving more, check out our What We’ve Been Playing archive [https://www.eurogamer.net/topics/what-weve-been-playing] for a trip down memory lane.
Hades 2 on Switch 2
I’ll admit it—I’m a bit of a gaming dinosaur. Until recently, I’d never taken a handheld console on a plane. But when I traveled to Blizzard last week, I brought along my Switch 2 [https://www.eurogamer.net/platforms/switch-2], and it was a game-changer. Hades 2 [https://www.eurogamer.net/games/hades-2] became my go-to, though I also dabbled in Songs of Conquest [https://www.eurogamer.net/games/songs-of-conquest], which felt a bit cramped on the small screen. Still, the experience was perfect for the journey. And this is the part most people miss: on my return flight, I sat next to a German Twitch streamer [https://www.eurogamer.net/companies/twitch] who whipped out their Switch 2 to play Slay the Spire [https://www.eurogamer.net/games/slay-the-spire]. There we were, two gamers tapping away in harmony. Plane rides will never be the same. [Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xcr_u7VKPF4]
-Bertie
Cooking Mama 2 on 3DS XL
My ongoing battle with Cooking Mama continues. After a fleeting moment of pride when my pizza earned a perfect score, Mama swiftly crushed my confidence with her fiery gaze—all because of a poorly de-boned fish. Why do I keep returning to her kitchen? I know her standards are beyond my stylus skills, yet I inexplicably raised the stakes by attempting steak. Spoiler: it didn’t go well. Mama demands perfection, and my efforts fell short. But what keeps me coming back? Is it the shiny rewards? Or the elusive hope of achieving perfection again? [And this is the part most people miss: the psychological pull of games like this is fascinating.]
-Marie
Nioh 3 on PlayStation 5
Despite knowing Nioh was my kind of game, I’d never played it—until now. Covering Nioh 3 for guides has been a revelation. The combat is hands-down some of the most satisfying I’ve ever experienced. Dom’s review [https://www.eurogamer.net/nioh-3-review] says it all, but let me add: this game is a masterpiece. I’ve been hooked for hours and still have 20+ more to go. Wahey! [Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzzlnOScjIw]
-Kelsey
BattleTech on PC
Yes, I’m writing about giant mechs again—deal with it. BattleTech is the turn-based strategy counterpart to the MechWarrior series, and it’s been my go-to this week. Playing on the Xbox Ally X Windows handheld was surprisingly smooth, thanks to Steam’s community control schemes. Even the hefty BattleTech Extended mod ran well, though load times were a bit lengthy. But let’s be real: nothing beats a mouse and keyboard. Returning home meant transferring my save to my PC, where Sourdough’s Irregulars will dominate the Inner Sphere. [But here's where it gets controversial: is handheld gaming ever as good as the PC experience?]
-Will
Skate Story on PS5
Few know this, but I’m a skateboarding enthusiast—though living in a snowy, rainy region limits my outdoor adventures. My board, Aeryn Sun-set (named after Farscape’s Aeryn Sun), has been gathering dust this year. With two feet of snow last month, I’ve been stuck indoors. So, I turned to Skate Story for my fix. The game’s demonic world, crystalized visuals, and wacky philosopher heads are a chef’s kiss. The mechanics? Not perfect—I accidentally quit mid-trick once. But the atmosphere? Immaculate. As I watch more snow fall outside, Skate Story will be my skateboarding escape until spring arrives—three months to go! [Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M79A27qQXAs]
-Victoria
Thought-Provoking Question: What keeps you coming back to games that demand perfection? Is it the satisfaction of achievement, the allure of rewards, or something deeper? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a debate!
