<
The Sims Franchise
I have been playing the Sims since August ’05. I was on vacation for a week and was bored. I remember my sister mentioning this game called The Sims so I asked if I could borrow her copy. I was hooked the first time I played and bought the expansions she was missing. She had already moved on to Sims 2 at this point and it only took me a few weeks to decide to try Sims 2 myself. Once again I loved it and soon had all the expansions. When Sims 3 was announced I was thrilled. The one thing I didn’t like about Sims up to this point was the static nature of the inactive households. With the new version that would no longer be a problem and I could happily ignore the other households because they would live their lives without me. Now I spend my time playing the different challenges and participating in various competitions. I even tried Sims 2 Stories (Life Stories, Pet Stories, Castaway) and Sims Medieval. Those particular titles felt a little constricting so I didn’t play them for long. With the release of Sims 4, I really enjoy the emotional aspect, but find myself still playing Sims 3 and trying to finally complete my DITFT (15-generation Differences in the Family Tree) challenge.
Update Jan 2016: With the end of 2015, I finally completed all 15 generations of my DITFT. Moving permanently to Sims 4, I have never looked back.
Lord of the Rings Online
When not playing Sims I can generally be found in the worlds of Middle Earth. I have been playing Lord of the Rings Online since August 07 when during a break from Sims I was looking for another game. One of the simmers I followed regularly had been playing this game and so I gave it a shot. I really enjoy the storyline and have made a few friends along the way. My favorite aspect of the game is the exploration of Middle Earth.
I can be found on the Brandywine server playing my Elf Minstrel, Loraiel. She is currently level 106-ish and – it has been awhile since I have had a chance to really play so she is way behind on leveling and exploring the new regions
Star Trek Online
I played this game when it first released (I bought in with a lifetime membership, so as long as the game is active, I can play). Currently, I have a Betazoid Science officer at level 60. Her name is Mari – but it has been awhile since I have played. I have a tendency to get caught up in the dailies and not so much on the stories and missions.
Planet Zoo
I suck at building just about anything, but I love playing this game. The animals look so real and I have learned so much about them since I started playing. If I could just have a great franchise zoo I would be so happy.
Wizard 101
I played this game for awhile, long enough to get my daughter playing. I currently have a Life wizard sitting in the low 70s and will play with my daughter on occasion. At least at one time we would play together. Real life has interfered and play time is scarce.
Civilization VI
My kids bought Civ 5 for me for Christmas 2010. This is another game I dabble with. I was never good playing Risk and this is a lot like that but I enjoy the challenge. When Civ 6 was released I bought it and the rest of the expansions and DLC. I don’t get to play it much these days due to real life.
Hogwarts Legacy
Ahh, Hogwarts. This game gives the ability to explore Hogwarts and Hogsmeade, along with various towns and villages and camps. Lots of fighting, lots of exploring and collecting. I completed the game with only two helpers. My son fight one battle to show me some tricks and my nephew finished the last of the flying race. According to Steam, I completed every achievement. I’ll take it. I hope that there is some sort of expansion at some point. I will go back to Hogwarts any time.
Disney Dreamlight Valley
2023 is the year I played other games. Dreamlight Valley is one of those. I love this game, and especially the part where there is no fighting at all. I played it basically non-stop until my character had unlocked all regions and completed all available quests. The following month, a new character was added, which I still need to play.
Pogo.com
When I am not in the mood for an involved play session I turn to Pogo. My favorite games are the match-3, bingo, and lottery games along with the board games. I have had a membership since February 2008 and recently they have started to update the games to non-flash versions due to Flash and Java being phased out across the internet.
