Clipper Ride

If you like a good deep strategy game and are willing to tackle 3 or 4 false starts, as you learn the various systems and how they interact, you’ll love Crusader Kings 3. With no "win conditions" you take on the role of successive rulers through the ages, interacting with those around you. Deciding your own goals, or rolling with the punches to make the best of an awkward turn of events. Playing on console (PS5) works really well for a game so suited to the mouse/keyboard combo. You soon get the hang of finding the right window to carry out your plans. The real joy comes from the stories that unfold. Each character has a set of traits that govern their behaviour. While you free to choose decisions that go against your current rulers instincts, doing so builds up stress; with amusing/tragic consequences! It's a game you can loose hours playing and still be ready to hit "continue" the next time you game.

First of all - this isn't a game for everyone, but I and many others love it. I was put off from trying it for a long time by the Survival Game tag but, on the normal difficulty level, it's more Survival Lite. Can't remember where you saw that mineral you now need? The game will guide you to the type of planet that will have it. I love that the new content is free and unlike at launch, gives you a lot to do. I love the developers commitment. They could have simply taken the money from the over hyped launch and walked away. Instead Hello Games have kept working on what is now a wonderful game. I'm so glad I decided to give No Man's Sky a chance.