Misc

From time to time, I play games which I didn't have on my wishlist (but sometimes i did) or even on my "radar".
Mostly these are games which are free, like the weekly games on Epic Game Store, or I brought in a spring|summer|autumn|something else sale. These are games I usually doesn't play to the end, maybe they are not so interesting for me (but enough to give it try), I don't like it that much after playing or doesn't fit in my time plan.
However, besides the ones I played < 1h, this page lists the games I invested some more time.

Helldivers II

played on	got it on	time spend playing
Steam	04.09.2025	10.2 hours

This game occupies a somewhat special position. On the one hand, it doesn't fit in with my interests as a pure single-player, and on the other hand, I didn't buy it on special offer or anything like that, as is usually the case with games in this category.
I was massively hyped about this game...on the one hand by the media as a game that could end the console war, and on the other hand because my older son is a Helldiver and only had good things to say about it. So I got in for around €30.
At first, I experimented a little on my own, and that works quite well on the lower difficulty levels, but to progress further, you have to raise the bar, and that's where you need a team.
I was really surprised that it worked so smoothly. Teaming up with complete strangers who are willing to help you out, share equipment, and sometimes even play babysitter. I never felt like the typical noob in any of the rounds and always felt like I had contributed to the victory.
In the end, I "only" played up to level 10, but it was more fun than I expected, and so I ended up collecting 14 out of 38 achievements.

Doom Eternal

played on	got it on	time spend playing
Xbox App	06.11.2024	3.5 hours

I'm really not sure where I got the game...maybe from one of the Prime Gaming give-aways, but it was for free.
I missed removing it from my Wishlist, and so I nearly bought it again by mistake. It was just a coincidence, that I found the proof of purchase in my mails, as I normally don't have or buy anything from the Microsoft store.
After installing it, the first (minor) drawback was...only mono in my BT headphone(s) and for whatever reason I could not convince it to "upgrade" the sound.
However, playing the first level shows the typical DOOM feeling: fast gameplay, gore, shortage of ammunition...I LIKE it.
The downside? My play style!
I've played the first level three times because my inner monk tells me to collect ALL stuff for 100% level completion. In the middle of the second level, I also planned to replay it, because I realized I forgot something again. So I decide that's it, with a view to my pile of shame, this is nothing I could finish, and I can't bring myself to leave all the records, codex entries and toys lying around either.

Need for Speed: Unbound

played on	got it on	time spend playing
EA App	17.03.2024	7.5 hours

Got this one for €6.99 on the EA spring sale in 2024.
In the first 4 hours i thought this one wasn't worth its money (the 1 hour per € rule) and I only manage to reach the midfield in the racing, and it doesn't feel like one of the good old NFS games like Underground or even earlier titles.
The rivals pop up in front of your own car out of nowhere, and the comic style isn't something I enjoyed, even after disabling the car effects.
After I was able to get a German car, an AUDI S6 Sportback and from now on the tide turned. I won a few races and also pass the first qualification before i turned back to play Starfield.

The Outer Worlds: Spacer's Choice Edition

played on	got it on	time spend playing
Epic Games	25.12.2023	15 hours

Got this one for free on the holiday special on Epic Game Store in 2023.
I have to say this one did pleasantly surprise me with his black humor and the freaky story. On the other hand, the game is from Obsidian Entertainment which did a great job on Fallout: New Vegas, so maybe this isn't such a great surprise.
It doesn't fit in my time plan, so I leave it alone after around 15 hours and maybe ¼ of the story.