In which we do things for a second time.

A few thoughts on finishing my second playthrough of Elden Ring, which I think is now my favorite videogame of all time:

1. This time I chose to pursue a sorcerer’s path as opposed to my warrior last round. This meant much more combat from a distance, and learning all of the spells instead of the combat arts and enemy attack patterns. It felt a bit like playing a different game, and started giving me ideas of an entirely different playthrough for next time (maybe in 2024).
2. It was a lot easier. Some of this is just playing through a second time, some of it is allowing myself to use guides (I didn’t use any on the first time through), but a lot of it is that spells are really strong and some combinations (hello Comet Azur) are devastating.
3. I was able to follow the opaque story more closely. Fromsoft tends to tell their stories through item descriptions instead of live dialogue, and I got a lot of joy from collecting nearly every item and poring over the lore.
4. Strangely, I think I enjoyed it even more this time. The first time through, everything was new, and I was overloaded in the best way. This time through I got to appreciate the craft that went into making the game. That space allowed for a different appreciation, and reminded me of reading a book or watching a show for the second time. No longer solely engrossed in following plot, you can see and appreciate the threads of what the creators have sewn together.

Reading: The Dispossessed by Ursula K. LeGuin

Watching: We just finished season 1 of Silo. The finale was superb. I don’t usually dig post-apocalyptic sci-fi, but this really hit the spot for me. We’re also mid-way through season 2 of The Bear, which is my favorite thing ever.

Listening to: A bunch of relatively new records:

• Weathervanes by Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit
• supernatural thing by M. Ward
• Western Cum by Cory Hanson
• This Far South by Tommy Prine
• 3D Country by Geese
• Heaven is a Junkyard by Youth Lagoon
• I’ve Got Me by Joanna Sternberg
• Toil and Trouble by Angelo De Augustine

Playing: Tears of the Kingdom. I made my way underground for the first time this week, and I’m digging it.

Habit Review: 5 of 7 days meditated, 6 of 7 days exercised