Game Night: Eve Online

So normally I would say that I played this game tonight, but that wouldn't be exactly accurate as I've been playing this game for about a year now. Eve Online is a space simulator, and it focuses strongly towards strategy. It isn't a flight simulator - you direct your ship rather than fly it.

Eve Online

Although this game can be pretty rewarding, it is also very (very) complicated so it can be difficult to get into. PVP is a huge part of the game as well - any player can kill another player, and they often do.

it can get a bit overwhelming

It's been around for more than 10 years, so it's a very established MMO game.
I really enjoy it, but do keep in mind that after the initial trial you have to pay a monthly fee (unless you are good enough at the game to pay with in-game money).

Game Night: Torchlight

Tonight I played Torchlight. Torchlight is a top-down dungeon-crawler RPG, essentially a Diablo clone. The art style is significantly different from Diablo, as it is much more colourful and a bit blocky.

Torchlight

It's pretty fun, but if you are looking to scratch the Diablo itch I would go for Diablo II or Diablo III as it feels like it's missing some special ingredient. There is a sequel out, so one of these nights I'll have to take it for a spin.

Game Night: Borderlands 2

Tonight I played Borderlands 2. Borderlands is kind of Diablo 2 crossed with a first-person shooter. You play as a Vault Hunter, shooting your way across the world of Pandora. The gameplay is similar to most shooters - you run around and shoot anything that moves.

Borderlands 2

The twist that makes this game really interesting is the leveling and loot systems. It is very reminiscent of Diablo II as there are skill trees that you expand, and huge piles of randomized loot. Each character class has a special ability that they can periodically active, plus 3 skill trees that add lots of variety.
This is the first time in years that I've enjoyed a shooter, so I definitely recommend it.

Game Night: BIT.TRIP BEAT

Tonight I played BIT.TRIP BEAT. This game is like Pong on acid. You move a paddle with your mouse and bounce blocks back that come at you. As you hit the blocks you will transition into trippier dimensions with success, and if you miss a lot you will drop down into more boring ones. Miss enough, and it's game over.

BIT.TRIP Beat

This game is part of the BIT.TRIP series, so it is all about cool pixel art and chiptunes. As with other games in the series the music gets more complex the better you do. It can get pretty hard to keep track of all the blocks, but it feels pretty rewarding if you pull it off.