Forget the classics: remaster the duds

[Compelling introduction paragraph] This week, we dive into the gaming experiences of our team, from revisiting iconic titles to exploring new frontiers. Kelsey finally got her chance to experience Elden Ring for the first time on the Nintendo Switch 2, a moment many of us have been waiting for. Bertie is lost in Middle-earth with Aragorn, while the rest of the crew returns from Germany, promising more insights next week. But before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s talk about what you have been playing! And don’t worry if you can’t remember last week; our “What We’ve Been Playing” archive has got your back.

ELDEN RING: A FRESH START ON THE SWITCH 2

Kelsey recently had the opportunity to experience Elden Ring on the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, and her initial impressions are surprisingly positive. While there are occasional frame drops, the ability to seamlessly switch between docked and handheld modes is a game-changer. The text size might be a bit small in handheld mode, but the sheer novelty of playing Elden Ring anywhere you want is something many gamers have been craving for years. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to experience the game from the very beginning again after countless playthroughs and randomizer runs. Kelsey jokingly mentioned she would sacrifice a limb to play Elden Ring for the first time again, and while that might be an exaggeration, playing it fresh on the Switch 2 has come pretty close to making that a reality.

MIDDLE-EARTH ADVENTURES AND BUSY WEEKS

Meanwhile, Bertie is immersed in a Middle-earth adventure, lost in the Prancing Pony with an edgy Aragorn. The rest of the team has been incredibly busy, juggling work and life, making it difficult to find time for gaming. One team member even missed “Big Walk Tuesday,” but thankfully, the community rallied together to organize a stand-in walk.

A SURPRISE HIT: MIDDLE-EARTH REMASTERED

One of the most surprising discoveries this week has been a remastered version of a classic Middle-earth title. Initially expecting a straightforward action RPG focused on Orc battles, the team found themselves immersed in the charming town of Bree, completing quirky quests for characters with delightfully dodgy regional accents. The voice acting has come a long way since the game’s initial release 13 years ago. While it might be tempting to judge this title through the lens of nostalgia, it’s clear that this remaster offers a fresh and enjoyable experience. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of Middle-earth and a reminder that even “duds” can find new life with a bit of polish. As Kelsey put it: Forget the classics: remaster the duds.