What Game Are You Currently Playing?
Erik Wolpaw, co-writer of the acclaimed games Portal and Portal 2, is currently immersed in Slay the Spire, specifically its sequel, Slay the Spire 2. He enjoys playing it either solo or in co-op mode with his son. Although he finds the co-op gameplay enjoyable, he notes that it might not be perfectly balanced. Wolpaw suspects that two-player mode could be more challenging than intended, while three and four-player modes seem easier. Even with these potential balance issues, he remains excited about the gameplay experience.
There's still a novelty factor to it, in terms of it just being Slay the Spire, but more stuff and different stuff.
Erik Wolpaw
Wolpaw appreciates the novelty of Slay the Spire 2, describing it as “more stuff and different stuff,” though he acknowledges it doesn’t yet match the balance of the first game. He trusts the developers to refine the experience, recalling how well they balanced the original.
What Is the Highest Number of Hours You Have in Any Given Game?
Wolpaw holds a staggering 1,500 hours in Slay the Spire, a figure he believes undercounts his total playtime since he also plays on his phone. His second most-played game is Dark Souls 3, with 571 hours logged, although he questions the accuracy of that total. He is a fan of the Souls series, enjoying the challenge and depth they offer, but he plays them differently than most. He tends to avoid the multiplayer aspects, preferring to engage in combat solo.
What Game Will You Never, Ever Uninstall?
Wolpaw declares he will never uninstall Slay the Spire, alongside another favorite, Burnout Paradise. He expresses a deep affection for Burnout Paradise, saying, “I love that game and I play it once a year.” He finds the open-world racing experience exhilarating and appreciates the risk-reward dynamics that come from speeding through city streets. This thrill of nearly crashing while simultaneously trying to knock opponents off their path keeps him coming back for more.