Having desensitized myself to a large slice of violence, I was then in need of some calming. I spotted Donkey Kong Country Returns, which is a Wii updating of the classic game that boasts a two player mode. The single player mode was like its predecessor, fun and engaging, and just the antidote I needed to all of my previous swordplay. It might be still 2D but its a lot of fun. The dynamic duo of Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong are back and most importantly they can team up. In fact, when there’s only one player, Diddy sits on DK’s back as he runs and jumps. Much like New Super Mario Bros., if one player dies the remaining player can simply shake the Wiimote to make them re-appear in a barrel suspended from a balloon.

The last game i managed to insert my flagging self into was Bayonetta. The game plays like a cross between the PS3 games Heavenly Sword and Devil May Cry. Its graphics were stunning, and the gameplay was fast paced. It was also probably not the game I should have started playing late in the day! The gun and sword weaponary that Bayonetta wields is a potent mix, and when used appropriately (he says, alluring to the fact that the developer demonstrated it), leads to some jaw dropping fight combinations and some incredibly gratuitous endings! The other thing that i noticed was that enemies don’t just stand around while you’re admiring the view. They get stuck in quick, so you have to have your wits about you. With the last of my nerves then frazzled, I decided to call it a day.

I enjoyed my day, it was busy but when I managed to speak to many of the game companies, the mood was both relaxed and warm. As I vacated the hall, the costumed players were still in buoyant mood. Many were offering passers-by free hugs, and seeing a stormtrooper offering to hug people was somewhat reassuring. The evil imperial forces are just people too! I left thinking the universe was a better place.