I finally did it. I finally “finished” Everything.

As I had suspected, it did the impossible: it has usurped the original BioShock as my favorite game of all time.

There is literally no one who I wouldn’t recommend Everything to. I feel like every single person could benefit from playing Everything. Gamer, non-gamer, child, adult, everyone. It is meaningful in all the ways I want an experience to be meaningful. I feel heavier and lighter; I am a better person for having experienced it.

It is so much greater than the sum of its parts. If I were to explain its premise, it sounds painfully simple: it’s a simulation game. It’s a simulation game done in a largely polygonal style where the movement is far from fluid and you listen to lectures.

However.

Those lectures are from Alan Watts. Those polygons take you through changes big and small and in the process show you that even though you might feel alone, you are part of everything and everything is a part of you.

If I had a zillion dollars, I’d buy a copy of this game for everyone I could. It’s not only my favorite game of all time, I think it’s one of the greatest pieces of art of our time. And that’s not hyperbole. I truly believe this game carries a great power for those who are willing to play it.

And the score! Oh my goodness, the score by Ben Lukas Boysen and Sebastian Plano is exceptional in its own right. Over the past year, I’ve easily listened to it more than any other video game score; it’s hauntingly beautiful.

I wish someone could remind David OReilly every morning that he created a piece of art that is brilliant, meaningful, whimsical, and powerful.

If I have a soul, Mr. OReilly has found a direct path to it. I am eternally grateful for his contribution to both video games and art.

I think I could write a full dissertation on Everything and David OReilly, but I will either save that for another time or hold it inside forever. Suffice to say, my love for the game and creator run deep.

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Aside from Everything, I spent more time with The Division 2 beta and came away with mixed feelings. While I didn’t get to liberate the Declaration of Independence as I’d hoped (seriously, it looks like there’s a side mission to do that), I was able to finish all the main story missions of the beta so I could try out the high level version of my character. I thought it was a nice idea to allow beta players access to some high level gear and skills, but I was more than a little disappointed with the connectivity issues. My co-op partner and I could not matchmake to save our lives. He wound up queuing with strangers and I tried the high level mission on my own. I did not come away impressed. Not only were the enemies more bullet spongy than ever, but my high level weapons didn’t seem to be doing me any favors. There were robots (??) and enemy drones and it was just a barfy time. After spending about 15 minutes only getting a third of the way through the mission, I decided to let it go, particularly since none of the loot or experience would carry over to the retail version of the game next month.

I’ve found the gunplay and the movement to be floatier than the first game, but I’m still all in. I love the location and the dynamic weather. I was caught in a rainstorm and it both looked and sounded fantastic. During the storm I walked down a covered hallway and it was dark and damp and looked so good.

Now that I’ve “finished” Everything, this week I am allowing myself to play whatever I want! I’m going to go back and get the platinum for Everything (because I want to see every possible thing I can), something I rarely bother to do. I would love to play Wandersong, but I’m also looking to play something actiony. I’m thinking I will either go back to my playthrough of the first BioShock on the remastered collection, or finally play the DLC packs from Far Cry 5 to get ready for Far Cry: New Dawn on Friday.

With that I ask: what are you hoping to play this week?

Please stay safe and warm out there, friends. Cheers.