Can’t stop Twitching

Another gaming milestone for me or rather a key decision save point. With Last of Us II and the Division 2 Raid dropping this month I’m pondering on being a gaming spectator until PS5 arrives. 

Option 1 – Jump into the Last of US II

Just remembering how brilliant and involved the first scene of Part I was fills me with so much anticipation. The drama, the soundtrack and the gameplay were first class.  We have waited for months for the Division 2 second Raid and from what we know of the first Raid this one will no doubt be seriously tough and require teamwork, a mix of Builds (Damage, Skill, Healer and Tanks) and top-notch group communication, coordination and leadership skills.

And of course, there is always the Division Survival PvP Tournaments.

Option 2 – Play suspended until PS5

Being out of hardcore gaming for 5+ months is achievable, in fact, it’s been 12 days since I deleted Division 2 and my absence has been noted.  The device is not with me and I can leave it in storage for months.

Play on: BenefitsPlay suspended: Benefits
Rich social ecosystems, clans and communitiesEnriched real-life relationships with non-gamers
 First wave to complete the 2nd Wave and Last of US II story.Proof that I’m not addicted
Cost / benefit analysis
Play on: DisbenefitsPlay suspended: Disbenefits
Time investment: 10-20 hrs a weekLoss of entertainment
Degraded real-life relationships with non-gamersLoss of escapism
 Loss of Dopamine
 Loss of real-time friendships
Cost / benefit analysis

Either way, the second-hand experiences of being that kid in the arcade that was always there but never play would be available through Twitch.tv, those who can’t game Watch.

With PS5 on the horizon, this could also be the perfect time for Play suspension as I’ll no doubt want to jump onto the hype train with the added benefit of purchase justification. After all “I haven’t played a game in 5 months”.

So, I’ll keep on Twitching…for now.

Moving fast

There does come a time when you need to make like a tree and “leaf”. Yeah I know, terrible old joke but pretty true for me right now.

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. I want to go fast.” 

Jadis – AMC’s The Walking Dead
Getting out of here no matter what……Tom Clancy’s The Division™

Vienna Airport opens today so there is hope.

Zombie flights

Any fan of AMC’s original series The Walking Dead will be taking note of the parallels to our current lockdown state. Restricted travel is bad enough but travel docs are now more critical than ever. From tomorrow, additional clearance is needed for anyone returning to the UK whether you are a National or Visitor. You are greeted by a horrendous warning if you try to renew your UK Passport from outside the country.

Normal service standards are currently suspended. We cannot confirm when a passport will be received, or when documents provided in support of an application will be returned.

Sunday 7th June 2020 UK Government – Passport renewals

Like the The Walking Dead we do not know the root cause of the outbreak and do not have a cure or vaccine….just don’t get bitten.

Who do you think you are?

Re-inventing your character is a daunting yet a pleasure to re-boot.  Let’s see who wins. For the first time in ages, I’ll need to rapidly assess people.

  • The Know-it-alls
  • The Passives
  • The Dictators
  • The “YES” people
  • The “NO” people
  • …and the Gripers

Truth is we all show these traits and they revolve and mutant depending on the season, circumstances and the environment. I’ve officially had to all clear…COVID-19 Negative. Now it’s time to pick up and prepare for the next season.

Preparing for another season

Which reality?

I’m as uncertain as ever with what is meant to be my “new normal” but a rapid deletion of 1.5GB Tom Clancy’s The Division 1 & 2 severed me from my Clan and gaming buddies for now. My gym is open again and free movement of the people is happening albeit through masked up faces.

Time to move the body, my body

Season 1 is completed and I’ve stashed 3 exotic caches ready for my return after the summer. Last of Us 2 is due for release but I won’t get to play this titles until the autumn which is a pity after waiting years for the sequel.

Which way now? Tom Clancy’s The Division 2