Why Windjammers 2 and Rainbow 6 Extraction could be your next summer fling and how Google’s Nest Wifi could solve your Wi-Fi woes.
Despite only being in the first few weeks of 2022 there are already plenty of new games hoping for your attention.
But just in case your video game funds are limited, we’ve rounded up a few that could get you through summer, starting with Windjammers 2.
Windjammers 2 (Switch, PS4, Xbox Series X, PC)
Despite releasing way back in 1994 on a long forgotten console, Windjammers has become something of a sensation. A fascinating blend of frisbee and air hockey, it’s a sports arcade game that won over countless fans with its fast and frenetic gameplay.
This sequel takes much of what made the original game so great and then smartly builds upon it. There’s new stages, characters and even moves that will allow long-time fans or newcomers to introduce even more strategy to each match.
Bumpers that move or a stage that randomises points, for example, all do well to create an incredible amount of tension that’ll make the hands sweat profusely.
The AI is arguably a little too hard at times, but that won’t stop Windjammers 2 from becoming one of the best multiplayer games of 2022.
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Rainbow Six Extraction (PS5, Xbox Series X, PS4, XBO, PC)
Few games in recent memory have led to the level of anxiety that Rainbow Six Extraction can produce.
A spin-off of Siege, this 1-3-player PvE tactical shooter is all about communication and cooperation. It’s also a hell of a lot of fun as you sneak around environments constantly on alert for the game’s dangerous alien threat.
Our team thoroughly enjoyed working out which Operator would work best for each incursion, and watching a good plan come to fruition was equally satisfying. Extraction’s decision to have damage and effects carry across post-mission is controversial, but it smartly forces you to try new approaches.
No matter how you choose to play though, Rainbow Six Extraction is an incredibly tense experience that is perfect if you have a few friends looking for a new challenge.
God of War (PC)
One of the best PlayStation games ever made, God of War nails its transition to the PC. The game looks better than it ever has before with a wealth of new graphical options designed for the PC.
There’s not much else to say, really. If you have the grunt in your machine and have yet to check it out, God of War is an absolute must-play. It’s powerful, emotional and expertly designed.
This is also the perfet time to jump in before the release of God of War Ragnarök.
Shovel Knight Pocket Dungeon (Switch, PS4, PC)
With a fresh story told in a whole new visual style, Shovel Knight Pocket Dungeon is a neat little spin-off will see you attempt to escape the titular dungeon by working your way through various 8×8 grid levels. To do so you’ll need to wipe out falling blocks and foes that gradually fill up each grid until you eventually reveal a locked door that marks your escape.
Should you fail you’ll be sent packing back to camp without any upgrades you may have invested in along the way. You will, however, be able to keep gems that can be used to try it all again and further your progress.
This rougelite loop creates an appealing hook for puzzle fans that expertly balances fun and challenge. Highly recommended.
Nobody Saves the World (Xbox Series X, XBO, PC)
A creative top-down action-RPG, Nobody Saves the World is all about variety. With a world-ending calamity approaching, it’s naturally up to you to fix it. Only problem is you start out your journey as the titular Nobody – barely capable of hurting a fly.
But by taking control of a missing magician’s power you’ll soon be able to focus on unlocking and upgrading a whole range of creative forms. Before long you can effortlessly swap from a horse, to a rat, to a magician and everything in between.
There’s a lot of depth and customisation to Nobody Saves the World as a result, but it’s a satisfying loop that does well to constantly entertain. Backed up by a striking art style and enjoyable soundtrack this is one quirky adventure worth trying – especially if you have Xbox Game Pass where the game is already available.
Hands on with Google Nest Wifi
Finding yourself a reliable router can be something of a challenge these days, especially as stable connections become more important for modern gaming. But where there are problems Google once again comes up with the answers – thus bringing us the Nest Wifi.
The first thing you’ll notice is that the unit is incredibly unassuming. Its sleek white round form factor is unassuming and allows it to effortlessly blend into any home. The fact that it features Google Assistant and can function as a pretty capable Bluetooth speaker only bolsters that versatility.
We were even able to hook it up to our nifty Audio-Technica wireless record player to get some relaxing video game tunes pumping through our office space.
Thankfully setup is a relatively painless affair as well. That is largely thanks to the integration with the Google Home smart phone app which does most of the heavy lifting provided you’ve plugged everything into the right spot. Should you invest in an extra Wifi Point that’s even easier – plug it up to power and you’re away.
In our experience, the connection performance improvement with the Nest was instantly recognisable. Where our prior router struggled to provide enough coverage to a small two-bedroom apartment, using the Nest our woes were instantly alleviated. That’s not to mention the extra coverage a Mesh network provides thanks to the second Point.
Our one minor gripe is that unlike some competitors, the Nest Wifi will automatically choose which Wifi band it will send to your device – either 2.4GHz or 5GHz. Unfortunately that means that some smart devices that demand a specific 2.4GHz band will be unusable – an issue we’ve been unable to solve during our time with the device.
Outside of that quibble though, Google’s Nest Wifi is an exceptional unit that ticks a hell of a lot of boxes for most gamers. It looks good, works even better and packs a whole lot of versatility into a compact unit.
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