Welcome back to another What We’re Playing This Week. This is another jam-packed article with a ton of games and handhelds! If you want to be featured in an article in the future, fill out this form here.

Jalanimal: Eastward

Eastward

• Played on: Steam Deck OLED

I’ve been sick and also busy this week/weekend, but I started Eastward. It looks gorgeous, especially on the Steam Deck OLED. It’s like an easier Zelda with an interesting story. There’s also a DLC that is 20 hours long as it’s their take on Stardew Valley.

Zu: Final Fantasy X

• Played on: AYN Odin 2 Mini

FFX on the Odin 2 Mini. I’m grinding the cat man in the Calm Lands because I haven’t used him up until this point.

Joe: Paper Mario and the Thousand-Year Door

• Played on: Nintendo Switch

Right now, I am back on Paper Mario and the Thousand Year Door for the Nintendo Switch. I am near the end of the game in just acquired this mouse character. I’m both sad and glad to report that this character isn’t hotter than Vivian. However, Legends foretell that the hottest character of all the saved for the final boss. Who is going to be the hottest character in Paper Mario? Stay tuned!

Ban: AK-xolotl

AK-XOLOTL

• Played on: Lenovo Legion Go

I’m still plugging away at AK-xolotl. A twin-stick shooter Roguelike with a pseudo chao garden to either harvest for love or grow into new fighters. You’re trying to plow through dungeons in an attempt to collect money, children, and most importantly food. It’s a repetitive but addictive game, but I’m here for the grind.

Team Retrogue: Final Fantasy XIV and Downwell

• Played on: ROG Ally X, Anbernic RG Cube

I didn’t play much this week due to the return to work for the beginning of the school year, and my son’s birthday party. When I did have a few minutes, I did squeeze in a few games:

Final Fantasy XIV on ROG Ally X: I’m 3/4 of the way through Dawntrail. Two more dungeons and two more boss fights to go. The story is still meh.

Downwell on RG Cube

Downwell on RG Cube: This is my “before bed” game. I’m trying to learn the mechanics and progress farther than level 2. So far I have not succeeded, but I’m getting better. I can play using the cube’s built-in key mapper, and the Cube’s 1:1 screen is a perfect fit for Downwell’s vertical orientation. Thanks to Ban for introducing me to this game.

Nick: Valfaris: Mecha Therion

• Played on: Steam Deck and PC

There is never only one thing being played, but if I had to say where I’ve spent most of my time this past week, it would be Valfaris: Mecha Therion on PC and Steam Deck. The original game was a 2D action platformer, reminiscent of games like Black Thorne on the SNES.

The sequel shifts things to a scrolling shooter-style gameplay that somehow manages to up the intensity and difficulty of the already tough-as-nails original. PS1 graphical styling meets an awesome heavy metal and industrial soundtrack. Worth it for the presentation alone, but the gameplay is top-notch.

Bespu: Wipeout Pulse

Wipeout with puppy pals

• Played on: AYN Odin 2

I’ve been house-sitting for the past couple of days, keeping myself busy with Wipeout Pulse. It’s been my go-to time killer game for the past couple of years, and it’ll run on nearly anything. The Odin 2, of course, eats it up at 1080p and lasts literal days while doing it. I’m using an ‘HD Texture Pack’ that pulls some higher-res textures from the PS2 version of the game, but the original forum post has disappeared. Luckily, it’s not too hard to find re-uploads.

Stubbs: Super Metroid, The Messenger, Aero the Acrobat 2

The Messenger

• Played on: 40XXV, MSI Claw, Ugreen NASync DXP4800 Plus

Super Metroid on 40XXV, The Messenger on the MSI Claw still, and Aero the Acrobat 2 on my Ugreen NASync DXP4800 Plus!!

Azile: Pokemon Pinball

Pax Pokemon Pinball

• Played on: TrimUI Smart

Pokemon Pinball on the Trimui Smart at Pax!

From Our Readers!

• Played on:  AYN Odin 2

This is my first time playing Shining Force and once I got into I have loved it. So much so that I am looking into the entire franchise.

What Are YOU Playing?

If you would like to be featured in a future article, please fill out the Google Form here! Happy Gaming.

Now’s your turn to join in on the fun! Drop us a line in the comments below, letting us know what games YOU are playing, along with the devices that you’re using. We’re hoping to make this a weekly feature, and there’s a chance that you might see your comment pop up in one of these in the future.

Share What You’re Playing!

What did you think of this article? Let us know in the comments below, and chat with us in our Discord!

This page may contain affiliate links, by purchasing something through a link, Retro Handhelds may earn a small commission on the sale at no additional cost to you.