Time to sit down for another YvoCaro Plays. As always, these blurbs are mostly about the video games I’m currently playing. Sometimes though, I look back at past gaming adventures. Unedited thoughts that spring up in my mind. And sometimes a random train of thoughts starting with the game and ending somewhere completely different!
If you like these bits of gaming thoughts you can find the previous ones here
It’s Been Awhile
Yes, it sure has been! Looking back to when the last YvoCaro Plays was released I was shocked: May this year! Wow, I knew I did’t write one recently but I had no idea time got away from me like that. Back then I was under the spell of Animal Crossing New Horizons, with my island Hanalei coming slowly together. Even though we were in the middle of the lockdown and for most people, things slowed down, I still needed Hermione Granger’s Time Turner to get it all done. (YvoCaro Plays: What Else?)
Started at a new job even, which required extra time and attention. And even though I don’t miss the commute on the train, it did give me more time to play games. Of course, I’m very lucky that my job just kept on going from home. So many people have lost their jobs, and their income, with many business struggling to keep afloat.
Who could have know when the Covid-19 virus reared its head in China that it would reach us all so quickly? I still remember how I smiled at the picture I found on the internet of the dog kitted out to withstand Corona. Now, 6 months later, it’s not as funny anymore with the world still feeling the effects.
I’m still working from home, have done so since the beginning of March. As are my husband and daughter, who studies from home. The dog, Sammy, is overjoyed at having us there 24/7 though. No holidays where she would have to go to the dog hotel either, so she is a happy girl. More walks together in an attempt to stay fit and extra cuddles all day. Her life couldn’t be better.
Finding a New Balance
I’ve found my new balance. Working during the day, working on the site at night. Taking care of my mom meanwhile too and spending time with the family. And when I turn in, a spot of gaming. If my eyes permit, as they have a tendency to shut out of their own accord. And then I wake up with the Switch idle in my lap.
Played New Horizons, revisited Atelier Ryza and tried to get into Atelier Lulua, which made me wish for Atelier Ryza. Played Story of Seasons Friends of Mineral Town for my review too, and now I have another game going to review. A title that isn’t as well known and one that needs a specific sort of gamer to enjoy it. Niche.
Niche: Playing Around with Genetics
Niche is a genetics survival game that has the same vibe as Evolutions, you play around with genes like in Pocket Frog and makes you want to do one more turn like Civilization. Having said that, I must add that Niche is a game that’s quite unique and probably not for every gamer.
You start out your game with Adam and Eve who start a little family. Exploring the island they are on to find food, nesting material and maybe another animal. The nichelings you mate together are important: they make up your bloodline. In the genetics of the animals, you see they have certain properties, properties you might want to keep in your bloodline.
You see, unlike in Pocket Frog, you can’t just have your nichelings mate willy nilly, a plan has to be made taking the genes and whether they are dominant or recessive. As the Nicelings only have a lifespan of 25 years it makes you want to play just one more turn on the strategy board, wanting to see what’s next. How will the next baby look? Will I find new wild nichelings with the possibility of new genes?
See why the game might not be for everyone? All I know is that with Niche, I don’t fall asleep gaming when the light is out. I want to play on and on!
