Funcom’s atmospheric and hugely ambitious MMO The Secret World is another game that I don’t think has found the audience it deserves, and with the constant stream of new content and events, they really deserve it. No subscription’s required — just a one-time purchase like it should be — and it brings with it a bevy of content, including a Christmas event, which will run up until Jan 2nd. In it, you have the chance to take on the Krampus (demon Santa, more or less), as well as a handful of new loot, outfits and pets.
The only tie I was able to make between this and the holidays is that Shattered Memories has lots of ice. I know, that’s tenuous at best. Even still, if you haven’t played it yet this is a stellar survival horror game that proves there’s still plenty of innovation left for the struggling franchise. It’s a game that manages to get in your head, adapting itself to mess with you in some clever and incredibly subtle ways. I suggest doing the story bits yourself, then as soon as you make it to a chase sequence quickly hand the controller to grandma and see how long she lasts.
In a related note, if you’re looking for a delightful holiday prank to pull on an elderly relative, soak your hand in ice water, sneak up behind them and grasp their shoulder firmly. Cloak and scythe are entirely optional, as is the sinister laugh you’re free to follow it up with. I call it ‘The Grim Reaper’.