What game are you wasting time on?

[Unkillable Cat]

Revisited Prince of Persia 2: The Shadow and the Flame, which I originally played and beat back in 1994 or thereabouts.

A direct sequel to the classic Prince of Persia, it does everything by the book in being bigger, better and newer... and yet fails somehow.

By far the biggest change from the prequel is how cinematic the gameplay becomes. At its core the gameplay of the two games is identical (save towards the end, but more on that later) but the level design takes a sharp turn. Each level in the original was a puzzle box of sorts, expanding level by level. Here the first level makes the game feel like a beat'em-up as the Prince must hastily escape a near endless horde of guards. No puzzles involved, just lots of swordfighting and the occasional jump. Each level is then followed by a short cutscene to add to the cinematics. 'Normal' gameplay doesn't return until the Prince finds himself in a cavern hideout, now seemingly abandoned (yet someone left the lights on).

The problems arise while in those caverns though. The quintessential timer is brought back, putting the Prince on the clock to save the princess again. Fair enough, except the Prince's escape from the caverns takes him... someplace. The ruins of a palace, it seems. For no discernible reason (a bush calling out to me in cinematic sequences doesn't count). It's also here that new gameplay elements are introduced in the form of new enemies and traps - and chief among them are the very VERY annoying floating heads. They take two hits to remove every health pip they have, but they take two health pips out of you with every bite. Lovely. It isn't until about 3/4 through these ruins that the reason for coming here reveals itself - nice as it is, it sadly also has no effect upon the plot itself, which is to save the princess in time.

And what does the (now literal) Prince of Persia do, with the minutes ticking down? He hops on a magic horse and rides to some temple, for some reason, to fight a fuckton of birdmen, only to reach a blue flame and... well, not gonna spoil it, but for a highly cinematic game, there's no explanation for the Prince's actions. I'm guessing the Prince needs this blue flame to be able to save the princess? How come the game couldn't tell me this?

Another sad fact I noticed at this point, is that the level design just becomes generic and bland and all-too familiar. Which really contrasts with the endgame, as after the temple the game jump-skips to the end to fight the endboss - and the game trips ballz here. M.C. Escher designed the final level after puffing on a hefty reefer. (To see what I mean, on the first screen of the final level don't go right, go down.) The boss fight is some strange moon logic-based affair involving brand-new gameplay mechanics that haven't even been explained by the game, and it all just feels so disjointed that I didn't even feel attached to the game anymore.

Those were my impressions then, and they're the same 30 years later. The game is sadly a massive disappointment, especially towards the end. It's still Prince of Persia though, so players can probably get some enjoyment out of it.

 

[Great Deceiver]

I have to admit I was filtered by PoP 2 back in the day (played it on release) and never went back to it aside from the occasional replay through the caves.

I remember the later portions being infuriatingly difficult. I'll give it an honest try again sometime.

 

[axx]

Event though PoP2 was designed by Mechner it seems to lack his personal touch as he didn't do any programming, perhaps that's why the levels seems so disjointed. I liked it's weirdness, but hated the difficulty and the zoomed out look, less emphasis was put on the character's fluid motions which made the first game what it is today.

 

[Darth Roxor]

I picked up Halo Wars for multiplayer purposes (and funnily enough it was it that made me revisit Halo 1), but only now I checked out the singleplayer campaign, and I have to say I'm very positively surprised by it. There's unexpectedly much effort that went into this game that you'd just assume to be a dumbed down console RTS with zero depth.

There's quite a bit of mechanical complexity to it that is lacking in actual big boy RTSes, like the fact that all attacks are actual projectiles with actual ballistics, which means you can do a lot of juking with faster units, and unit accuracy has even more of a tangible feel to it. I was also taken aback to see Spartans (who are single-entity units in a squad-based game) actually dodging around by themselves within their 'zone of unit space' to avoid getting hit by shit.

I'm also surprised by how tough the fucking campaign is, at least on the highest difficulty. The first three levels are really vanilla and ez, but then suddenly level 4 kicks you in the fucking balls and level 5 is about the same.

For example in that level 4 - you start with a buggy and four ospreys. You have to rescue some civilians shot at by angry aliums, which triggers an endless respawn of civilians that will run to 3 evac points. There are dropships at each evac point, and you have to protect them from constantly incoming aliums - if all 3 are down, it's mission failed. You only get a base spot unlocked after one of the dropships is busted (in a scripted sequence), which means you have to build it up real quick to get your shit going while the enemy is already running rampant around the place. And the AI is aggressive as all hell, meaning you need to have troops posted all over the freaking map because you need to (1) protect the two dropships (which are each in different locations), (2) protect the civilian waves for a higher score, (3) protect your stupid base from getting overrun, (4) scramble to secure a second base slot and take it over because the AI can do it as well, and giving it another base is going to fuck you in the ass even harder than usual.

The only thing that I strongly dislike so far is the shitty console interface with very limited unit commands. I'd kill to have a 'stand ground' command, because all units are ridiculously suicidal and acquire aggro very easily. Attack-move would be a blessing as well.

 

[NecroLord]

Still playing Star Trek: 25th Anniversary.
All the cast is here and the "Big Three" that is Shatner, Nimoy and Kelley do a really great job even as voice actors.
Great game back from when Star Trek was actually Star Trek, and not some edgy teen fantasy shit with lens flare all over...

 

[Hag]

So, beat World of Horror for the first time on my third run.

Wonderful art and atmosphere, many good ideas such as the way the interface is built, lot of items, encounters, mysteries and general what-the-fuckery. All these marvels marred by a repetitive gameplay loop. Fighting is a perfect summary of the game : there is a nice enemy rooster, each with different stats, attacks, powers, you have a nice pool of weapons from the steak knife to the firearms, spells, utility objects, and several offensive/defensive available actions to combine... but 90% of the encounters will be won by the same sequence, so optimal you have no reason to do otherwise.
And it's a goddam shame since it comes this close to being a great game, but it feels it's less than the sum of its parts. It is not that bad and still very worth getting on sale, simply... disappointing, and a bit heartbreaking. We could use more games with such a lovingly crafted world and imagery.

I'll keep on playing a bit more anyway. I really want to love this game.

 

[NecroLord]

Alright, completed the first mission of Star Trek: 25th Anniversary - Demon World. Pretty cool introductory mission, got a 100% rating and each of the crew got 4 commendations each.
Second mission has you go and check on the status of a Ptolemy class ship called USS Masada.
It's been damaged and captured by Elasi pirates. I hailed the ship and attempted to parley with the Elasi Captain unsuccessfully. You need to lower the Masada's shields by inputting its prefix code to lower its shields temporarily and then beam aboard it with Kirk, Spock, McCoy and a security officer.
Now I need to rescue the ship's remaining crew (only they are captured in the brig and there is a bomb rigged to blow if tampering with the brig's access panel!!), there's also two Elasi guards in the brig which you can stun with your phaser.
Also apprehend the Elasi captain on the Masada's bridge...

 

[kites]

Still playing Shiren 5. It wasn't as obnoxious at the outset, but the meta-progression/management of items has marred the experience for me. It's been quite a while, but in my mind Shiren DS was mechanically far superior. I'm looking forward to the post-game dungeons that are balanced around forcing you to start from zero with no items/companions..

 

[Kabas]

Came to realise that i played nothing but Doom and a bit of Quake for the past month or so. Needed a break so i finally played The Coffin of Andy and Leylely that made so much noise some time ago.

There is just something about the plot and the artstyle that makes me 100% sure that the author is a women. Somewhat accurate sibling dynamics despite the horny incest undertones and the absurdity of their circumstances. Story got me completely hooked and i came to love this pair of psychos, not gonna lie. Can't wait for chapter 3.

I do have a sister by the way.
And before someone asks, no. I don't want to fuck my sister.

 

[Caim]

And before someone asks, no. I don't want to fuck my sister.

Most incest media is written by people who don't have sisters. The ones that have should be avoided at all costs.

 

[mold]

Finished The Dark Queen of Krynn. Nice enough game but had some frustrating parts - areas that were difficult to navigate, too many teleporters, tricksy elves, and often tedious combat. Too many fights against enchanted draconians and mages spamming delayed blast fireballs. The game was considerably harder than the previous ones and got pretty crazy towards the end. Liked it more than Champions, but Death Knights I liked the most because it had good balance in all things and fun world map / locations, and there was just something sweet about it. That one I'll be replaying, but one playthrough was enough for the other two. One thing I don't get is why these games give the party heaps of money when there's almost nothing to spend it on. Meh loot in general. I'm taking a break from Gold Box but I do want to play more of them.

Finished replaying Underrail and will be playing Solasta next.

 

[Zed Duke of Banville]

One thing I don't get is why these games give the party heaps of money when there's almost nothing to spend it on. Meh loot in general. I'm taking a break from Gold Box but I do want to play more of them.

Money (and non-monetary treasure with a monetary value) grants experience points. In Dungeons & Dragons, characters would ordinarily save most of the treasure gained, ultimately spending it after reaching name level on strongholds or certain other aspects (e.g. creation of magic items) not utilizable at low levels, but the Gold Box games, as with nearly all CRPGs, lack those sort of money sinks.

 

[Avonaeon]

Finally got around to completing Unreal. Only 25 years late to the party. I've started it many times, and maybe got to the Nali Church a few times in the past, but then for whatever reason never got further. Anyway, a very enjoyable game overall, with some quite challenging encounters all throughout. Level design is great for the most part, but did get lost a couple of times (mostly having to do with switch hunting and defeating some enemies before a new path opens up). It has a really nice pace going from interior to exterior several times. Lots of atmosphere helped a lot by the amazing soundtrack.

 

[NecroLord]

Finally got around to completing Unreal. Only 25 years late to the party. I've started it many times, and maybe got to the Nali Church a few times in the past, but then for whatever reason never got further. Anyway, a very enjoyable game overall, with some quite challenging encounters all throughout. Level design is great for the most part, but did get lost a couple of times (mostly having to do with switch hunting and defeating some enemies before a new path opens up). It has a really nice pace going from interior to exterior several times. Lots of atmosphere helped a lot by the amazing soundtrack.

Since you've completed the main game, might as well also play the expansion - Return to Na Pali.

 

[Avonaeon]

Finally got around to completing Unreal. Only 25 years late to the party. I've started it many times, and maybe got to the Nali Church a few times in the past, but then for whatever reason never got further. Anyway, a very enjoyable game overall, with some quite challenging encounters all throughout. Level design is great for the most part, but did get lost a couple of times (mostly having to do with switch hunting and defeating some enemies before a new path opens up). It has a really nice pace going from interior to exterior several times. Lots of atmosphere helped a lot by the amazing soundtrack.

Since you've completed the main game, might as well also play the expansion - Return to Na Pali.

Just started it

 

[Darth Roxor]

Return to Na Pali is very bleh, you wouldn't miss anything by skipping it.

 

[NecroLord]

Return to Na Pali is very bleh, you wouldn't miss anything by skipping it.

Got filtered by that battle with the marines?

 

[Darth Roxor]

Return to Na Pali is very bleh, you wouldn't miss anything by skipping it.

Got filtered by that battle with the marines?

filtered by a single encounter in the game against dudes that basically are one hit killed? yeah sure enough

return to na pali is an uninspired mess with the only good bits being levels scrapped from the original



Also Avonaeon I find it pretty funny that I was playing Unreal around a time when you were playing Halo, and now I'm playing Halo while you're playing Unreal

 

[502]

Overall it's fine. Still would play it over 4 and definitely over 76.

You know how it goes. Once Fallout 5 and 6 are out people will say that Fallout 76 is "fine", that they would definitely play it over 5 and 6.

 

[jackofshadows]

Fallout 1.5

So far I love it. It lacks the luxury of new assets as some other global mods but man do they reuse the original assets tastefully. And the writing is top-notch, better than in F2 I'd say. It's all very consistent and within the setting, bravo. Also the amount of quests for cynical mercenary type/straight up bad guy is impressive and I think exceeds the one in the OG.

Spoiler

 

[Naraya]

Just finished SoU + Bridge + HotU and loved every minute of it. Deekin is such a fun companion to journey with, even though I swear he holds off casting Summon Creature until the last foe is barely alive

Off to Swordflight I go!

 

[Darth Roxor]

Das it for Halo Wars.

Weird game. It has 15 missions that can be divided into a few distinct phases:

1-3 - The extended tutorial. Very easy, very vanilla.
4-7 - The gloves are off. You are going to get raped. Missions 4-6 are some of the most excellent RTS scenarios I've ever played, where the AI is very aggressive, you're working against the clock and need troops everywhere to protect vulnerable shit across the map. I imagine mission 7 could be hard as well though it bugged out in a way for me that made it trivial so lul.
8-11 - The Flood appears. The game takes a drastic turn for the easier, because the Flood is a weirdo half-baked half-faction that is trivial to win against as long as you don't use infantry. It's also a lot less aggressive than the Covenant. My theory is that the Flood was supposed to be the third faction in the game but was cut mid-development and left in a kind of shitty state that rubbed off on the rest of the game.
12-15 - The Covenant comes back and also guardian bots appear, which should lead to a bunch of fun 4x FFAs among you, flood, covenant and bots, but that just doesn't happen, even in the final mission which is clearly supposed to be like that - because the Flood is too shitty and too passive. Missions 13 and 15 have brief bouts of real difficulty around the start but then turn trivial. 14 is a joke that feels borderline bugged.

I had fun with the game to the end, the only stinker was mission 14, but it's really too bad that it doesn't uphold the level of quality set by missions 4-6. The weirdest part to me is how it's the later missions that turn much easier as if the designers suddenly became afraid of challenging the player too much, even though there are very obvious avenues in which they could be made harder in ways similar to 4-6, but those are simply not used despite being plain to see.

 

[Morgoth]

Apotheosis X.
https://www.moddb.com/mods/apotheosis-x

Better than Doom and Duke.

 

[Renfri]

Metal Gear Rising: Revegeance

It was blast even if short. Great action and better humor than Larian by a mile. Perhaps most annoying part was trying to use bazooka in tight spot and then it tries to reload it right after shot, it's just annoying for such fast action game. Game also had cool characters and satisfying ending. One of the DLC had boss fight that was basically budget version of last boss from main game, which was strange. Doggo DLC was surprisingly challenging (or maybe I sucked), if you don't count last boss there. After sitting more than 2 years in my steam library it's done, I got easily my money's worth.

 

[Morgoth]

Try demo. Be charmed.