## A Reflection on This Year’s Advent Calendar Highlights

This year’s Advent Calendar brought forth a mix of excitement and disappointment from a gaming enthusiast’s perspective. Among the plethora of games highlighted, four titles stood out as personal favorites: [Arc Raiders](https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/arc-raiders-best-guns-tier-list), [Silksong](https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hollow-knight-silksong-walkthrough), [Clair Obscur](https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/games/clair-obscur-expedition-33), and [Hades 2](https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/games/hades-2). Despite their high acclaim, none of the other games I enjoyed as much made it into the main feature of the Calendar. In hindsight, perhaps a more strategic ordering of titles would have improved their visibility.

Advent Calendars traditionally offer a curated experience, allowing gamers to explore a range of anticipated titles. Even with a limited selection, this year’s offerings provided an opportunity to delve into a few phenomenal gaming experiences that managed to surprise and delight.

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### Nightreign


**Developer:** FromSoftware
**Publisher:** Bandai Namco Entertainment
**Available on:** [Steam](https://store.steampowered.com/app/2622380/ELDEN_RING_NIGHTREIGN/) | [Microsoft](https://www.xbox.com/en-GB/games/store/elden-ring-nightreign/9PJ22QNVCZ3G)

Nightreign emerges as an unexpected gem from the Elden Ring universe. This title stands apart as a roguelite experience that combines familiar elements from the original game with a more polished design and refined gameplay mechanics. The quality-of-life improvements significantly enhance the pacing, creating an engaging experience filled with exploration and excitement. While it may not replicate the intricate craftsmanship of the base game, Nightreign successfully preserves the sense of discovery and challenge, marking it as a successful experiment from FromSoftware.

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### Word Play


**Developer:** Game Maker’s Toolkit
**Available on:** [Steam](https://store.steampowered.com/app/3586660/Word_Play/)

Word Play captivated my family with its engaging gameplay mechanics. Assembling words from letter tiles, players compete to achieve score targets while enjoying the hilarity of unconventional word creations. The charm of this word game lies in its simplicity and competitive spirit, reminiscent of the Balatro style of gameplay. It’s a delightful experience that combines challenge with humor, making it a standout in this genre.

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### Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2


**Developer:** Warhorse Studios
**Publisher:** Deep Silver
**Available on:** [Steam](https://store.steampowered.com/app/1771300/Kingdom_Come_Deliverance_II/) | [Epic](https://store.epicgames.com/en-US/p/kingdom-come-deliverance-2-664783) | [Microsoft](https://www.xbox.com/en-GB/games/store/kingdom-come-deliverance-ii/9n4w31hsmvvd)

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 stands as a monumental RPG that deeply immerses players in a captivating narrative. The sheer intricacy of the characters and the rich, interactive world offers a mesmerizing experience. A notable highlight is a quest set within Trosky Castle where players must utilize both physical and diplomatic skills to rescue a friend. This quest is a testament to the game’s design, allowing players the freedom to navigate challenges creatively within a living world.

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### Demon Bluff


**Developer:** UmiArt
**Available on:** [Steam](https://store.steampowered.com/app/3522600/Demon_Bluff/) | [Itch.io](https://uzabiart.itch.io/demon-bluff)

Demon Bluff presents a unique twist on social deduction by seamlessly integrating the genre into a single-player format. The challenge lies in discerning the truth amidst a cast of characters represented by cards, each with special abilities. This game brilliantly captures the essence of manipulation and deception, making for a surprisingly compelling experience. Its interesting mechanics and social dynamics have made it one of the most anticipated titles on my wishlist.

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In conclusion, this year’s Advent Calendar highlighted a mix of new experiences and beloved genres, offering a glimpse into some of the most intriguing developments in the gaming world. Each title, whether expected or surprising, provided significant