Touring Ancient Greece and Building PC's

 I've basically played my most recent summer sale purchases to the point where I'm content and don't really feel the urge to start them up.  Instead, I've found myself merging back into some old familiar territory--namely that of Assassin's Creed: Odyssey and also into the world of virtually building PC's in PC Building Simulator.  These two games are completely different, but I can always find enjoyment in them.

The exact reasons that motivated me to want to dive back into AC: Odyssey are a bit murky--I felt the urge to play something large and complex but still familiar.  My feelings about the AC games are complicated; I like them, but I wouldn't say I love them (not the way I love Mass Effect).  Kassandra is a great character that I really like (and with the recent Ubisoft controversy--should have been the featured character) and  I adore the historically-based worlds that Ubi creates.  On the other hand, the map is completely bloated with locations and I find myself locked in this inner battle about my compulsive need to complete all of them versus the need to just enjoy playing the game and it becomes more about checking off  a list.  Eventually I undoubtedly start to feel bored with the pattern of doing a few story missions and then spending the bulk of my time mindlessly stabbing people to check off a goal.

Tour Ancient Greece as one of many characters.

One addition to Odyssey that has come out since I last played is Discovery Mode.  As a history nerd I enjoy the guided tours around different parts of Ancient Greece and learning about many aspects of life.  There are also little tidbits about the game design embedded in the tour so you can learn about what research and decisions were made about creating the world.  There are tons of locations to explore and many of the tours are themed--I completed one tour that was centered around Greek theater and plays--you can pick topics that interest you and find some cool details in the game world.  Another tour I completed was about the area around the Parthenon--I learned the myth of the founding of Athens and about all the different temples present in complex.  If you like learning about history and want a relaxed mode of play, check out Discovery Mode.

When I get tired of stabbing 10,676 people (that's a real number...sigh) I have inevitably found myself turning to the non-stabby world of PC Building Simulator.  It's always interesting to log back because of the fact that they are regularly adding new components and new companies.  One of the more interesting additions is the ability to create custom water cooling systems.  I also decided to try to knock out some of the achievements that I hadn't managed to snag--I finally landed a 5-star rating, which is something that had been difficult to do.  The jobs at the higher levels of career mode have gotten more complicated and include overclocking.  I am unsure if custom water cooling comes into play in career mode at all (apparently it does at some point, but I haven't received any other than adding AIO coolers).  My little shop now bears my name (thanks to finally being able to own 30% of the company and removing uncle Tim's name) and I have to decide if I want to continue trying to level up my shop (there are still parts to unlock).

In exciting PC Building Simulator news, the first DLC launched earlier this week.  The ESports Expansion adds in a new gameplay mode that takes you out of your shop and into the esports spotlight.  Your new role is managing the many technological needs of a budding esports in team.  The expansion promises to provide variety in gameplay that differs from career mode but that still involves using your PC building skills.  I recently snagged the expansion and am looking forward to taking a turn at the madcap world of esports.