The Weekend Download: From Kitchen Chaos to Cosmic Journeys, What the RPS Team is Playing

The relentless march of home renovation has a way of consuming not just physical space, but also precious free time. For the team at Rock Paper Shotgun, this weekend promises a much-needed respite from the dust and dilemmas of DIY, offering a chance to dive headfirst into the virtual worlds that ignite their passion. While one writer grapples with the final, frustrating touches of a kitchen makeover, others are preparing for interstellar dogfights, navigating complex economies, and revisiting beloved fantasy realms. This week’s "Weekend Download" offers a glimpse into the diverse gaming landscapes our writers are exploring, from the deeply personal to the universally captivating.

A Return to Sanity: The Kitchen Renovation Saga Nears Its End

The smell of fresh paint and the lingering scent of sawdust are the unwelcome companions of the author of this piece. The kitchen renovation, a project that began with optimistic visions of a culinary sanctuary, has devolved into a protracted battle against unforeseen obstacles. "I really thought I’d be done with the decorating this week," the writer laments, "but it continues." The narrative of this week’s preamble is one of hard-won progress, punctuated by the mundane yet crucial tasks that separate a habitable space from a construction zone.

The Final Stretch: A Triumphant, Though Grimy, Advance

The immediate focus is on the tangible victories: "all of the cabinets back on the walls, the larder unit painted and assembled, and regained ready access to the fridge." For anyone who has endured a similar domestic upheaval, the relief of regaining access to basic amenities like refrigeration is palpable. The author’s plea, "No more cheese sandwiches for a while, I pray," speaks volumes about the dietary deprivations that often accompany such extensive home improvements.

However, the finish line is not yet in sight. The "last stretch" is characterized by the meticulous, often tedious, final touches. "I need to touch up all the paintwork where I’ve left fingerprints and scratches, screw on all the door knobs, and then clean away all the paint stains on the floor and countertops." These are the details that transform a functional space into a polished one, the kind of tasks that demand patience and a keen eye for imperfection.

Despite the lingering chores, the overriding sentiment is one of anticipation and a deep yearning for normalcy. "I am so close to having a kitchen I can cook in again. I can almost taste it." This evocative phrase encapsulates the profound connection between our living spaces and our ability to engage in cherished activities, like preparing a meal. The kitchen, for many, is more than just a room; it’s the heart of the home, a place of creation and connection. The prospect of its full functionality represents a return to a more comfortable and fulfilling existence.

The Team’s Digital Expeditions: What the RPS Crew is Playing

With the domestic drudgery temporarily set aside, the focus shifts to the virtual realms that offer escape, challenge, and camaraderie. The question posed to the team – "What are the team playing this weekend?" – unlocks a diverse array of gaming experiences, reflecting the varied tastes and current obsessions of the Rock Paper Shotgun staff.

Ollie: Seeking Solace in Strategy

Ollie’s update reveals a familiar cycle of competitive gaming frustration. His previous aspiration of improving at Overwatch has been met with a stark reality: "Forget what I said last week about getting better at Overwatch. I think we’re getting worse." The limitations of solo play in a team-based shooter are a recurring theme for many players, and Ollie articulates this challenge concisely: "Without a full team there’s a limit to how much we can control the game with counter-picks."

However, Ollie has a well-established coping mechanism for such gaming woes. "But I’ve got a few games I can retreat to when the frustration gets too much." This reliance on strategy games for a more controlled and predictable experience is a common diversion. His current port of call is Songs Of Silence, a game he admits to vastly preferring over his "recent dip into Olden Era," suggesting a deliberate shift towards experiences that offer a greater sense of agency and strategic depth.

James: A Pre-Departure Pilgrimage to New Eden

James faces a unique professional challenge this coming week: "I desperately need to play more EVE Online before I’m shipped off next week to speak to a room of people who professionally play EVE Online." This situation is ripe for a touch of self-deprecating humor, and James delivers: "Remember: it’s not imposter syndrome if you are, genuinely, an imposter." His impending engagement underscores the vast and often intimidating complexity of EVE Online, a game renowned for its steep learning curve and dedicated player base. The need to immerse himself in the intricacies of New Eden before presenting himself as an authority highlights the profound respect and perhaps a healthy dose of trepidation he holds for the EVE community.

Jeremy: A Narrative Reckoning and a Familiar Embrace

Jeremy’s contribution offers a potent critique of narrative design in Shadow of the Tomb Raider. His short but impactful rant details his dissatisfaction with the game’s story, despite acknowledging its "decent gameplay." The core of his criticism lies in what he perceives as a clumsy and problematic portrayal of Central and South American cultures.

"Never before have I seen a game that claimed it took care portraying Central/South American cultures fumble the ball so badly," he declares. His specific examples – Lara Croft’s unintended destruction of villages and a "secret civilization" controlled by a villain, complete with a human sacrifice pit and inhabitants speaking perfect English – paint a picture of narrative choices that feel disconnected from authentic cultural representation.

To cleanse his palate of this disappointing narrative experience, Jeremy is turning to a tried and true favorite: Final Fantasy XII. He notes, with a touch of wry resignation, that this beloved title "at least is only mildly Orientalist in its setting." This comparison highlights the varying degrees of problematic representation in media, and his choice signifies a preference for a familiar, albeit imperfect, comfort.

Edwin: The Anticipation of the Unknown

Edwin’s update is shrouded in a playful sense of mystery. He is ostensibly waiting to play a "Mystery Review Game," an intriguing prospect that sparks his imagination. "Where are you, Mystery Review Game?" he asks, his tone conveying a mix of eagerness and playful impatience. His declaration, "I’m off to squat in front of my email inbox like an expectant dog," is a humorous metaphor for his vigilant anticipation, waiting for the digital equivalent of a treat to be delivered. This enigmatic approach to his weekend gaming plans adds a layer of intrigue to the collective download.

Mark: The Whispers of Secrecy

Mark’s entry is deliberately cryptic, adding to the burgeoning theme of hidden or unannounced games. His short, almost cinematic, description – "(A car pulls up and its window rolls down). Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Secret game. (The window rolls up and it speeds off)." – suggests a clandestine gaming session, one that is not to be openly discussed. This deliberate ambiguity invites speculation and further fuels the sense of shared, yet unspoken, gaming experiences within the team.

Callum: The Enigmatic Absence

Callum’s absence from the usual "what are you playing" segment is notable and framed with a touch of dramatic flair. The narrative recap, "The last we saw of Callum he said ‘I am off in search of a secret of my own’. He is yet to return," implies a quest or an adventure beyond the immediate scope of the team’s usual discussions. The humorous addendum, "Though, he might just have popped down to Tesco," injects a dose of relatable reality into the whimsical mystery, suggesting that his "secret" might be as mundane as a quick trip to the grocery store.

Julian: Embracing the Hush-Hush and Charting New Space

Julian, like Mark, is leaning into the clandestine nature of some of the team’s gaming plans. He states, "I, too, am spending this weekend playing hush hush games. They aren’t as big and fancy as the others but I want to join in with the general secrecy." His commitment to this theme is further emphasized by his sartorial choice: "I’ve put on a fedora and black gloves to blend in."

Beyond this playful adherence to the "secret game" motif, Julian reveals a more concrete gaming objective. "After hearing about In The Deep, I also really want to play a chunky spacefighter, so I’ve reinstalled Everspace 2." This indicates a renewed interest in space combat simulations, inspired by a recent mention of a game called "In The Deep." His decision to reinstall Everspace 2 suggests he’s seeking out that particular genre’s thrill. However, he concludes with a characteristic dose of self-awareness: "Let’s see if I actually get around to playing any…" This acknowledges the perennial challenge of finding dedicated playtime amidst life’s many demands.

The Reader’s Turn: A Call to Arms for Weekend Gaming Plans

The article concludes with a direct address to the reader, a customary invitation to participate in the ongoing conversation: "And you, reader dear, what are you playing this weekend…?" This inclusive approach transforms the article from a simple report into a communal exchange, fostering a sense of shared passion for gaming within the Rock Paper Shotgun community. It encourages readers to reflect on their own weekend gaming plans and to contribute their experiences to the ongoing narrative of digital exploration.