Mystery Steam Reviews: animals in video games

Sure, we could’ve tried to tie this week’sMystery Steam Reviewsinto the bedlam of Handforth Parish Council’s December Zoom call, or whatever happened during the American equivalent of the FA Cup on Sunday, but we decided to change things up this week.

Last Thursday we put a poll up on theRock Paper Shotgun YouTube channelasking you what you wanted us to focus the next MSR on. And, whilst open-world video games gave it a run for its money, the winner was video games with animal protagonists / playable animal characters.

The PC Gaming Weekspot: Mass Effect Legendary Edition! Persona 5 Strikers! Werewolf: The Apocalypse!Watch on YouTube

The PC Gaming Weekspot: Mass Effect Legendary Edition! Persona 5 Strikers! Werewolf: The Apocalypse!

Cover image for YouTube video

So, both of us had to choose three games each that allow you control some animals. Now, we were a little loose on our definition of “animal”: basically, anything that isn’t human or an alien, pretty much. Before you watch, I’m happy to report that this is one of those rare weeks there’s no debate over the chosen games. Hooray.

If you like this, then you may very well enjoy this week’s episode ofThe PC Gaming Weekspot. We chatted about all of theMass Effect: Legendary Editionnews that came out in the last week, Matthew spoke about the lacklustre time he had playingWerewolf: The Apocalypse - Earthblood. and I told every Persona andDynasty Warriorsfan why they should playPersona 5 Strikers.

While you’re here, why not have a look atlast week’s episode of Mystery Steam Reviewsthat focused on psychics in video games.

MYSTERY STEAM REVIEWS RULE BIBLE™

For those not in the know, or who need a refresher.

Colm and Matthew both bringthreeSteam reviews to the MSR arena (yes, arena), but they omit the name of the game each review is for. Their opponent must correctly guess the name of that game, including any numbers or subtitles. However, there is some leeway for things such as “Complete Edition” or “Definitive Edition.” One correct answer = one point.

While both combatants have90 secondson each Mystery Steam Review, they also have help in the form of three lifelines. These can be used at any stage during battle, and pause the 90-second timer. Each lifeline can only be used once.

Questionallows whoever is in the hot seat to ask a simple yes or no question, as long as the question isn’t, “is the name of the game [insert name of the game here]?". WhenSecond Opinionis used, the man in the warm chair will get to hear a second Steam review of the same game. And whenGenreis activated, the genre of the game is revealed to the man with the fiery arse.