What game are you wasting time on?

[Denim Destroyer]

I decided to do another attempt at Baldur's Gate 2 which, for some indeterminate reason, has enthralled me this time around. This is my third or fourth attempt at playing the game but in the past I never got too far due to frustration from the realm time combat system and general annoyance with a few encounters. If I were to link anything to my new found love of the game it would be the feelings of disappointment Wrath of the Righteous left me. Unlike that game, Baldur's Gate 2 has a level of creativity and passion which elevates the game to a whole new. My original post had a lengthy writeup consisting mostly of my gripes with Wrath compared to Baldur's Gate but I decided to remove that wall of text and leave a simile instead. Wrath is to Baldur's Gate as Hollywood remake of a beloved classic is to the original. A potentially enjoyable experience that lacks the originals heart.

 

[BruceVC]

But you cant like Annah more than Grace....not if you appreciate optional Romance. Grace was a good Succubi. She is definitely hotter and cuter than Annah

I dunno, Annah's reaction to receiving a direct compliment won me over. And the way she was hissing at you everytime you comlimented a girl in Grace's brothel was super cute.

Good point raised. I forgot about the brothel interaction, they both cute and hot in different ways

 

[deuxhero]

Almost done with Metal Max 2 R. It's a great game, and the main thing stopping it from being one of the greatest jRPGs ever is some major balance issues, and some underdocumented stuff. Half the classes are useless as main classes, and boss fights tend more towards slogs than quick and dangerous.

Played a bit of Ion Fury. Seems fun so far. Enemy placement is the most notable thing here. In open areas it seems it's often actually better to run forward through the level and avoid them rather than kill everything since locating them is harder than you'd expect (not sure how much is intentional). Another unique quirk is the heavy use of enemies spawning as you complete objectives and loop back through areas you've cleared. This does keep the player on their toes and ensure cleared areas are never dull, but does lessen, if not deprive you, of one of the essential rules for action games with more open levels (go to the place where there's still more stuff to kill). I've mostly used the shotgun because ammo for the others (revolver and SMG, plus 3 grenades) is overly scarce (not just in pickups, but how much you can carry relative to their damage) and kept the others only for more open areas to hit far away enemies, or for hoardes the SMG rips through. I love arsenals that make every weapon important, but it seems the shotgun is too important and the others not enough. The maps are very detailed for a Build game (which already held some of the more detailed FPS levels, even compared to more modern ones), but that does make it difficult to tell what's actually important for progression.

 

[BruceVC]

Many people, like me, are just terrible joke tellers

I decided to play Bioware 1 Remastered

Liar!

It also has the most interesting hacking mini-game I have ever seen...its really enjoyable

It's enjoyable the first few times you do it, but by the time you get halfway through the game it becomes unbearable. No wonder they scrapped it in Bioshock 2.

I can say with complete honesty I enjoyed the hacking element right to the end, I found it to be challenging with some of the objectives like the safe hacking where you have more pressure and more " trap" grids
Normally I get bored with this type of RPG mechanic but for some reason not in Bioshock 1

 

[jackofshadows]

I enjoyed Planescape, it had some uniquely brilliant and revolutionary narrative themes and writing. I just prefer combat as the solution to problems in RPG and in Planescape I remember you could talk your way through many obstacle without combat....I am not use to that

If that's what you prefer then just do that. It bugs me a little when people are talking about P:T they automatically imply int/cha/wis mage build or something close and nothing else. Which makes sense since the combat there kinda sucks and the narrative is where the game shines at and yet - you absolutely can choose who to take with you or who to kill on a spot. Who to talk to and who to slaughter. Like, you know, in a proper role-playing game. So again, that makes sense but in a way it is underselling.

 

[Kabas]

By the way, just finished P:T EE.
Curst was probably the worst offender then it comes to "constant running back and forth" quests.
Kinda regret switching Nordom for Vhailor, the only ranged combatant on the entire planes was a lot more useful and i prefered rogue modron personalty wise. Vhailor did allow me to loot a nice dagger for my wizard while keeping my lawful good aligment intact though.
Shame that only during the final fight(which is kinda optional, a lot of ways to talk it out) you can go wild with all these cool "Mechanus cannon" or "Celestial host" spells. Made the fight properly epic.
The plot was spoiled to me long time ago but i still didn't regret finishing it.

 

[ferratilis]

Finished Cyberpunk, in around 50 hours. Did most of the side quests, while ignoring many repetitive and inconsequential gigs. Ended up with Path of Glory ending, which wasn't that good imo (Panam's ending was way better). Even though the game was perfectly stable, with no performance dips, there were numerous bugs, some funny, some infuriating. Some of them are crazy, like when you summon your car, it moves away from you instead of towards you so you have to chase it, or a boss getting stuck mid-air so you can't loot him etc. The open world is boring to explore, with no interesting activities to do, so once you finish the story, there's fuck-all to do. RPG elements are there just to tick a box, adding nothing meaningful to the game. Just thinking about what it could've been, and what we got, leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. Even if you view it as just an open world game, it can't stand against its competitors. Like, why the hell are we still forced to stare at the minimap in the year of our Lord 2021 when we're playing a game in cyberpunk setting in which you have advanced Kiroshi optic implants. Just put a waypoint on the road itself and let the player take in the beautiful world. Even a game like Sleeping Dogs has figured this out, 10 years ago. There are so many elements that just feel outdated, or lazily designed. 6/10, for now.

 

[Jack Of Owls]

I'm about 30-40% through Metroid Prime using the PrimeHack build of Dolphin and the HD texture pack. Runs like a dream and looks like a fully remastered version of the Wii classic but with all the extreme annoyances and no QoL of the era (early 2000s). Still, I'm enjoying myself despite MASSIVE backtracking and outrageous cock-blocking of fun with all those puzzles almost every step of the way. And I encountered a balls-hard boss already that made me truly feel like the incredible shrinking man if he was fighting gargantuan rock god monsters instead of adorable little house tabbies.

It's the closest thing to Super Metroid out there, I think. For newbies to the Prime trilogy, two tips you must follow or abandon all hope of ever finishing the game: 1. master the morph ball half-pipe ability. 2. learn to use your map 100% effectively, especially how to scroll (rather spectacular use of a 3D map system, I must say). I'm using a DS4 controller through DS4Windows so none of this Wii Remote nonsense. I did have to fight the interface instead of the game enemies for awhile because all on-screen button prompts are for the Wii controller and it takes some quick on-the-fly brain adjusting to xInput buttons but once you figure it out, this game is a blast.

If I don't burn myself out before then, I have Metroid Prime 2 & 3 waiting in the wings, all from the same "Trilogy" iso with PrimeHack & the HD texture pack.

 

[BLOBERT]

BROS IM NOT TRYING TO BRAGF

BUT THE ONLY REASON IM WITH MY WIFE IS BECAUSE SHE REALLY REALLY WANTED TO FUCK ME

IM A MALE NURSE BROS ITS NONSTOPP BITCHES AFTER MY FIRST MARRAGE WAS OVER WOMEB FUCKING THREW THEMSELVES AT ME

THIS REALLY HOT VAMPIRE GOTH NURSE PRACTITIONER WAS ALL UP IN MY SHIT AS WELL AS ONE SORT OF GOOD LOOOKING NURSE ANS A REALLY UGLY AND FAT NURSE AND A ASIAN HI SCHOOL GIRL

LOLLLOLOL I ONLY FUCKED THE UGLY FAT ONE LOLLLOLLOL FIRST PEACE OF ASS SINCE I GOT DIVORCED ANS I FUCKED HER FIVE TIMEAN ONLY CAUSE SHE RAN OUT OF CONDOMS

MY CURRENT WIFE IS THE NICEST HOTTEST BEST FUCK I EVER HAD AND HAD PARENTS WITH TONS OF MONEY THAT THEY GAVE US ALL THE TIME

 

[BLOBERT]

BRO WRONG THREASD LOLLOLLOL111!!

DONT GIVE A FUCK THOUGH KERRY CHRISTMASNFAGS

 

[Bigg Boss]

BLOBERT is like the drunken Krampus of KKKodex that pops up randomly and shits all over the place loudly. I approve.

 

[BLOBERT]

I'm about 30-40% through Metroid Prime using the PrimeHack build of Dolphin and the HD texture pack. Runs like a dream and looks like a fully remastered version of the Wii classic but with all the extreme annoyances and no QoL of the era (early 2000s). Still, I'm enjoying myself despite MASSIVE backtracking and outrageous cock-blocking of fun with all those puzzles almost every step of the way. And I encountered a balls-hard boss already that made me truly feel like the incredible shrinking man if he was fighting gargantuan rock god monsters instead of adorable little house tabbies.

It's the closest thing to Super Metroid out there, I think. For newbies to the Prime trilogy, two tips you must follow or abandon all hope of ever finishing the game: 1. master the morph ball half-pipe ability. 2. learn to use your map 100% effectively, especially how to scroll (rather spectacular use of a 3D map system, I must say). I'm using a DS4 controller through DS4Windows so none of this Wii Remote nonsense. I did have to fight the interface instead of the game enemies for awhile because all on-screen button prompts are for the Wii controller and it takes some quick on-the-fly brain adjusting to xInput buttons but once you figure it out, this game is a blast.

If I don't burn myself out before then, I have Metroid Prime 2 & 3 waiting in the wings, all from the same "Trilogy" iso with PrimeHack & the HD texture pack.

BRO I LOVE DED PRIME

THE NEXT ONE NOT AS MUCH

SAME FORMULA WORSE CONTEBT

OR SAME FORMULA TO MUCH OF SAME CONTENT CANT REMEMBER I L PLAYED THHAT SHIT ONG THE FAGCUBE WHEN IT FIRST CAME OUR

 

[Abu Antar]

I played Resident Evil 7, yesterday, but I am a coward. Had to turn it off, qnd I even uninstalled. My nerves aren't built for horror games.

I'm chgging along on all the other games that I have previously written about.

Other than that, the PS+ game on my play list is Final Fantasy XV. So far, I am not feeling it. I might give it a few more hours, but I'm leaning on pushing the uninstall button sooner, rather than later.

 

[ferratilis]

Alien Isolation was the game I used to overcome fear of horror games. When a monster spots you, instead or running away, get in its face and let it kill you. Do that a few times and when you familiarize yourself with death, fear goes away. Works every time. Let that crazy chick in RE7 kill you a few times and you're good to go.

 

[Abu Antar]

Alien Isolation was the game I used to overcome fear of horror games. When a monster spots you, instead or running away, get in its face and let it kill you. Do that a few times and when you familiarize yourself with death, fear goes away. Works every time. Let that crazy chick in RE7 kill you a few times and you're good to go.

It was the father that got me. When he breaks the wall, and comes after you, I was like "fuck this".

 

[fork]

That sounds more like you quit because of cheap game design though.

 

[Abu Antar]

That sounds more like you quit because of cheap game design though.

Oh, he didn't kill me. He scared me! I was just thinking about how many more times I would have more "nopenopenope" moments, and decided that I had enough. I had no problems with the design of the game.

 

[fork]

k, fair enough.
Does that happen with classic titles like the original RE or Silent Hill as well?

 

[Ryzer]

I personally love games in which I have to face my fears. It grows some epic moments and tension is at its stake. Sweat starts to flow and fear is a strong emotion that creates a strong experience. That's why the night in Dying Light is an unforgiving experience (just like Outlast for the first time).

 

[Abu Antar]

k, fair enough.
Does that happen with classic titles like the original RE or Silent Hill as well?

Nope. The weird thing is that it didn't used to happen when I was younger. This is something that has come up in the past five years or so. Maybe my body can't handle stress. I don't know, to be completely honest.

 

[Ryzer]

Nope. The weird thing is that it didn't used to happen when I was younger. This is something that has come up in the past five years or so. Maybe my body can't handle stress. I don't know, to be completely honest.

It is probably caused by graphics improvement. The more detailed your worst nightmare is, the better scared you'll be.

 

[Bigg Boss]

Silent Hill 2 did this to me then I fought through it and now when a game tries to make me quit I smash my computer to show it how tough I am.

 

[Curious_Tongue]

Silent Hill 1 was the only game that made me dread progressing to a new level.

 

[Abu Antar]

When I think about it, in later years, I have been more and more uneasy with more closed environments. Is it claustrophobia? Maybe. That's probably how I felt when I was nopeing out of the game. There was a non-scary portion when you're in deep water, in a tunnel leading to a door. It made me feel uneasy. I guess it could be that. While the house isn't that enclosed in Resi 7, I guess it stil felt that way with jack so close up to you.

I had this feeling when I was swimming in the caves in Maneater. There was nothing scary about it at all, but I got a feeling that I really needed to get out of there as quickly as possible.

It's either claustrophobia, or being a coward. I guess I gotta pick a poison.

 

[Adon]

Went through the entire Thief series

Thief: Gold

What can I say about this game that probably hasn't been said a million times? Great ass level design, good stealth mechanics, moody as hell atmosphere, amazing music, and the freedom to approach any level the way you want, or at least most of them. Writing is nothing spectacular, but it's a nice build-up to the twist. Thief's supernatural elements are included in the way that I like them best, minimalist -- where it exists, but it isn't meant to be a part of everyday life. Thief 1 is a definitely a point where they created a framework and managed to do the best they possibly could with what they had.

Thief 2: The Metal Age

But overall, I find myself being more keen towards Thief 2 in general. Admittedly, the lower points are lower than in Thief 1, but there's more than enough to make up for it everywhere else. Thief 2 basically took the framework of the first game, and increased the complexity of objectives in each level after giving you two introductory levels. Whereas Thief 1's missions mostly played out in a straightforward manner, Thief 2 goes out of its way to essentially start subverting your expectations for a how a mission will develop. It becomes a bit of a hassle in later levels, but the only one that feels obnoxious is Sabotage at Soulforge.

I'd also say the writing is more noteworthy in this game in comparison to its predecessor. Notes that you find in the missions are actually interesting and even relevant to events that happen later on in the game. The world is much more fleshed out in this game as is the worldbuilding, and it is apparent very early on in Framed when you find notes that refer to the internal conflict within the city watch, which actually come into play later on with Blackmail and Trace the Courier. I was also a bit of a fan of how the events of the first game were directly responsible for shaping what happens in this game with the Hammerites and the Mechanists, and I honestly think this is what elevates the game for me over Thief 1.

Thief: Deadly Shadows

The weakest of this trilogy, but it's still pretty good in its own way. Deadly Shadows is more interesting to think about what they changed than it was to actually go through. Levels are bite-sized chunks of the bigger levels in previous Thief games, and as a result, some of them end up fairly linear despite still having the same core framework. Main difference here is that instead of level-based missions, you are free to explore the city in between missions to do side-quests or to just to get more loot. The city itself isn't that interesting to explore, but it was nice to see the progress in terms of AI where you could walk around normally with regular civilians, and would have to hide from the City Watch.

Dynamic lighting system would've been a great addition if they had done more with it. The House of the Widow Moira is one of my favorite levels partially because of how the lightning strikes will momentarily illuminate you, but unfortunately that whole system is never used in an interesting way other than giving guards torches. Cradle is also a nice change of pace, and a pretty great level except for the tail end of it where it outstays its welcome, but other than that, there's still some gems in this game.

Thief (2014)

Fuck this game.