Something Completely Different

Surprised to see we didn't have this thread yet. So here it is. What games are you playing right now? What do you like/dislike about them?

I recently picked up Pikmin 4. The last one came out my first year of college, 10 years ago, so it's been a hot minute. But 4 reminded me of why I fell in love with the series with Pikmin 2. Graphics are great, colors pop, the worlds are beautiful, and it's just a good time. First Switch game I've picked up in a long time.

Besides that, I've finally started dabbling in the Hitman series with the 2016 reboot. Like it a lot so far, though the loading times, specifically between saving/loading (which you do a lot if you play like me where you test strategies out and if they don't work, you reload a save). Really makes me wish there was a way to play the old Splinter Cell games on PS5 (that is the series that got me into stealth-action games). Oh well, guess I'll have to wait for the Splinter Cell remake. If you have a PS5, then I'd recommend you pick up MGSV if you're looking for great stealth-action. Mechanically, it's probably the greatest stealth-action game ever made (even though MGS2 will always be my favorite).

In a surprising turn of events, I actually played a video game recently! We both wanted to play the latest Pokemon game, Scarlet/Violet, and for once I was on the sticks for the whole playthrough. The mister likes Pokémon aesthetically, but he doesn't really get super deep into the mainline games like I do.

We played under the self-imposed Nuzlocke rule set, which means to play through the game while only being allowed to catch a limited number of Pokémon and every time one of those Pokémon faints, it is considered dead and cannot be used anymore. It's intended to make the game more challenging, but it also led to us getting attached to our Pokémon and not wanting to let the little guys die. In the end we won the challenge, with 12 total deaths. Their sacrifices shall not be forgotten.

Also the game has this doggo in it. His name is Greavard and I love him so much.
(https://i.ibb.co/rbMHnDH/0971-Greavard.png)

I don't think Ive played a Pokemon since Gen 4 or 5. It just got too samey for me. Still impressed how popular it remains though.

Quote from: SGR on Aug 06, 2023, 11:35 PMI don't think Ive played a Pokemon since Gen 4 or 5. It just got too samey for me. Still impressed how popular it remains though.

I skipped generations 5 and 6, played 7 for just a bit, and then got way heavily back into it for gen 8, which was my lockdown entertainment of choice, haha.

Mostly I just like the Pokémon themselves, and I like the mechanics of the mainline games more than Pokémon Go, which was Mr. Waffles's big obsession during the early days of our relationship. So because of that and both being card carrying 90s kids, we are definitely a bit of a Pokémon household.

I've been playing Loop Hero for a while, but recently stopped as I'm stuck on the last boss and what I need to do is basically grind a lot.

But I've unlocked everything and have seen all the gameplay the game has to offer AFAIK. Am I supposed to have to just repeat / grind the same sort of levels over and over again? I've become too jaded, I think.

I should find something else to justify my gamepass subscription.

Quote from: Mrs. Waffles on Aug 06, 2023, 11:57 PMI skipped generations 5 and 6, played 7 for just a bit, and then got way heavily back into it for gen 8, which was my lockdown entertainment of choice, haha.

Mostly I just like the Pokémon themselves, and I like the mechanics of the mainline games more than Pokémon Go, which was Mr. Waffles's big obsession during the early days of our relationship. So because of that and both being card carrying 90s kids, we are definitely a bit of a Pokémon household.

I skipped over Generation 3 and 4 but played every single one after except the most recent one. Which is 10 I believe now?

I like both Pokeman mainline games and Pokemon Go. I still play actively to do this. I'm even going to Pokemon Go Fest in NYC in like two weeks.

I'm currently playing Mario and Rabbids Spark of Hope which I think is the sequel to the first game. A Mario style xcom game.

Quote from: DJChameleon on Aug 10, 2023, 06:03 PMI skipped over Generation 3 and 4 but played every single one after except the most recent one. Which is 10 I believe now?

I like both Pokeman mainline games and Pokemon Go. I still play actively to do this. I'm even going to Pokemon Go Fest in NYC in like two weeks.

I'm currently playing Mario and Rabbids Spark of Hope which I think is the sequel to the first game. A Mario style xcom game.

Ah nice! Yeah I take breaks from Pokemon for a while but I always come back at some point. I played Go during that summer of 2016 but I stopped after that. I remember I went to a music festival that summer and everyone was playing it.

The mister still played up until Covid hit, I always used to accompany him to local raid battles and have fond memories of driving past the local poke spots. I remember I had to sometimes remind him of type matchups, as he doesn't always keep all that information straight in his head. He stopped playing the main games after gen 1 or 2.

But it's funny because when we decided to start the new game, I asked him if he knew what a Nuzlocke was, and he didn't, and I explained it and he was immediately sold on the death thing, haha. The man tends to pendulum from being a wholesome teddy bear to wanting to watch the world burn.

Quote from: Mrs. Waffles on Aug 10, 2023, 06:17 PMAh nice! Yeah I take breaks from Pokemon for a while but I always come back at some point. I played Go during that summer of 2016 but I stopped after that. I remember I went to a music festival that summer and everyone was playing it.

The mister still played up until Covid hit, I always used to accompany him to local raid battles and have fond memories of driving past the local poke spots. I remember I had to sometimes remind him of type matchups, as he doesn't always keep all that information straight in his head. He stopped playing the main games after gen 1 or 2.

But it's funny because when we decided to start the new game, I asked him if he knew what a Nuzlocke was, and he didn't, and I explained it and he was immediately sold on the death thing, haha. The man tends to pendulum from being a wholesome teddy bear to wanting to watch the world burn.

I don't think I could ever play Nuzlocke mode. The way that I always play is the first 5 pokemon I catch plus my starter is my crew for the whole game regardless of their types. So I usually end up with a team full of normals lol but I make them work and they become my dream team to finish up the game.

Quote from: DJChameleon on Aug 11, 2023, 01:11 AMI don't think I could ever play Nuzlocke mode. The way that I always play is the first 5 pokemon I catch plus my starter is my crew for the whole game regardless of their types. So I usually end up with a team full of normals lol but I make them work and they become my dream team to finish up the game.

Ah I like that idea, kind of makes it its own challenge since the early game pokemon tend to have lower stats and, yeah less type diversity.

I've done a couple Nuzlockes in the past and honestly I've never lost one under the standard rules. The real challenge is when you start stacking more rules, like no items, level cap of the next gym leader's highest level, etc. Those can get absolutely brutal, haha.

Quote from: Mrs. Waffles on Aug 11, 2023, 01:56 AMAh I like that idea, kind of makes it its own challenge since the early game pokemon tend to have lower stats and, yeah less type diversity.

I've done a couple Nuzlockes in the past and honestly I've never lost one under the standard rules. The real challenge is when you start stacking more rules, like no items, level cap of the next gym leader's highest level, etc. Those can get absolutely brutal, haha.

The thing with normal types is that they are usually versatile with learning moves. So if I need a specific type for a gym I just TM it in. When I get to a fighting gym it is usually rough though. I tend to grind and over level fighting gyms so I stand a chance.

I recently bought an old Game Cube and I'm playing Animal crossing and Super Monkey Ball. I'm not all that much on playing console games, but I decided I hate using Wiimotes, so I wanted a regular controller for a change. Much better. I have been playing The Sims on computer since it first came out though. I've wasted a lot of my life on it.

Quote from: MonaSomona on Aug 29, 2023, 11:45 AMI recently bought an old Game Cube and I'm playing Animal crossing and Super Monkey Ball. I'm not all that much on playing console games, but I decided I hate using Wiimotes, so I wanted a regular controller for a change. Much better. I have been playing The Sims on computer since it first came out though. I've wasted a lot of my life on it.

Monkey Ball is awesome. Monkey Ball 2 is even better.

I haven't played either of those.

I'm playing a 2019 remake / reskin of A Bard's Tale, that old RPG from the 80s. It's grindy, repetitive, but also kinda fun.

I'm playing Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope. I guess it's a sequel to the first game. Idk I didn't play the first one either. I'm enjoying this so far though.

Quote from: SGR on Aug 29, 2023, 05:15 PMMonkey Ball is awesome. Monkey Ball 2 is even better.

More Monkey.

More ball.

Quote from: MonaSomona on Aug 30, 2023, 12:43 PMMore Monkey.

More ball.

They recently released a sort of remake/remaster of the stages (and minigames) from the first two games in blisteringly beautiful high definition. I very much enjoyed it - and then remembered how friggin hard the games can get haha.

Stay away from Super Monkey Ball Adventure though - even as a kid, I was glad that I only rented it.

Quote from: SGR on Aug 30, 2023, 02:23 PMThey recently released a sort of remake/remaster of the stages (and minigames) from the first two games in blisteringly beautiful high definition. I very much enjoyed it - and then remembered how friggin hard the games can get haha.

Stay away from Super Monkey Ball Adventure though - even as a kid, I was glad that I only rented it.

I bought Monkey Ball Step'n Roll (I think it's called) for the Wii. You use the balance board from Wii Fit and you are the monkey, but man... it was terrible. I couldn't get my center of balance set right and I had to lean too far forward for any of it to be fun or comfortable.

The concept was great, the execution not so much.

Quote from: MonaSomona on Aug 30, 2023, 02:31 PMI bought Monkey Ball Step'n Roll (I think it's called) for the Wii. You use the balance board from Wii Fit and you are the monkey, but man... it was terrible. I couldn't get my center of balance set right and I had to lean too far forward for any of it to be fun or comfortable.

The concept was great, the execution not so much.

I vaguely remember that game - never played it. But I did play Banana Blitz, where you'd have to control it through the Wii remote's motion controls - and even that was excruciatingly frustrating, much less trying to control it with the friggin Wii Fit balanace board.

Monkeys, balls and bananas. These games are probably great, but my god do they sound thematically boring.

Where are the extraplanar Lovecraft monsters?

Quote from: Guybrush on Aug 31, 2023, 11:48 AMMonkeys, balls and bananas. These games are probably great, but my god do they sound thematically boring.

Where are the extraplanar Lovecraft monsters?

I don't know how keyed into modern gaming you are, but believe me, there's beauty in simplicity these days where half the games feel compelled to adopt an open world format, with repetitive tasks, practically endless dialogue and cutscenes, and endless MacGuffins you need to collect. I just want gameplay. As an adult, my attention span isn't what it used to be for games when I was a kid, so I basically never pick up JRPGs any more. Something like Monkey Ball, which is purely a test of your reflexes, timing, and mastery of the controls is refreshing - with a premise so simple that anyone could understand and pick up and play - you're a monkey in a ball, get the monkey to the goal without falling. Sometimes though, it becomes a lot harder than it sounds.


If you want Lovecraftian monsters, Bloodborne might be up your alley.

I probably complete one, two or three AAA games a year, so Elden Ring was something I did this year. I might play the remake of Dead Space too and possibly Jedi Survivor. Most likely, if I get them, it'll be after I pick those up during a Christmas sale. I'm patient, very selective and a little frugal 😄

My favorite games are typically smaller indie titles of which there's a fair bunch of on my gamepass subscription. I still haven't finished loop Hero, but maybe I will soon.

Still playing Tears of the Kingdom, I already beat it but there's still SO MUCH left to do, exploring the depths, caves, wells, searching for hidden shrines and treasure, I gotta have all those armor sets and there's still plenty to find.

I've also been playing a lot of retro games on my Twitch stream, especially NES games which I play every Wednesday and it's been a lot of fun even though I'm terrible at NES games, like, all of them. Punch Out!! is one I keep revisiting, it's so fun and every time I revisit it I get a little better at it, will I ever beat it? Maybe. Tune into my stream to find out. ;) (https://www.twitch.tv/drrobuttnik)

Quote from: Queen Boo on Sep 03, 2023, 10:26 AMStill playing Tears of the Kingdom, I already beat it but there's still SO MUCH left to do, exploring the depths, caves, wells, searching for hidden shrines and treasure, I gotta have all those armor sets and there's still plenty to find.

I've also been playing a lot of retro games on my Twitch stream, especially NES games which I play every Wednesday and it's been a lot of fun even though I'm terrible at NES games, like, all of them. Punch Out!! is one I keep revisiting, it's so fun and every time I revisit it I get a little better at it, will I ever beat it? Maybe. Tune into my stream to find out. ;) (https://www.twitch.tv/drrobuttnik)

You ever played the sequel, Super Punch Out on the SNES? I grew up with the game, probably started playing it age 4 or 5. I didn't end up actually finishing the damn thing until I was in high school. Great game though!

Quote from: SGR on Sep 05, 2023, 04:17 PMYou ever played the sequel, Super Punch Out on the SNES? I grew up with the game, probably started playing it age 4 or 5. I didn't end up actually finishing the damn thing until I was in high school. Great game though!

I played Super Punch Out way more than the NES original. Even though I played both.

Same thing goes for Zelda. I hated the two Zelda games on NES but on SNES, I played A Link to the Past over and over again.

Quote from: DJChameleon on Sep 05, 2023, 07:49 PMI played Super Punch Out way more than the NES original. Even though I played both.

Same thing goes for Zelda. I hated the two Zelda games on NES but on SNES, I played A Link to the Past over and over again.

Yes, I've not finished either of the first two Zelda games for the NES.. But A Link to the Past, I finished over and over again. It's my favorite SNES game of all time ❤️

Quote from: Guybrush on Sep 05, 2023, 09:01 PMYes, I've not finished either of the first two Zelda games for the NES.. But A Link to the Past, I finished over and over again. It's my favorite SNES game of all time ❤️

Those first two Zelda games on NES are madness. I might look to see if anyone has gameplay on Youtube of the ending. I have never gotten far in either of those games.

Hot take but Breath of the Wild is massively overrated and represents more things I don't want in a Zelda game than things that I do. Part of my disdain for open world games is well represented by BotW. Nothing against those that do enjoy it though, more power to ya

I've started playing Starfield and it's fun enough that I'm starting to get hooked.

It's an RPG by Bethesda that feels like a mixture of various things. It's a bit of Fallout, a bit of Skyrim and a bit of No Man's Sky all put together.

The things that are a bit like No Man's Sky is the various planets, systems and exploring them. No Man's Sky does this way better. If that's why you wanna play Starfield, just play NMS instead. It's got more to do in terms of exploration and the worlds in NMS seem more vibrant and alive too. NMS also has seamless gameplay from flying around in space to flying down to the surface of planets to docking on space stations or huge ships, etc. Starfield doesn't - which feels like a step back - instead replacing these transitions with loading screens. On the other hand, getting around in Starfield is very quick due to its emphasis on fast travel. However, you do lose some of that sense that this is a seamless world as it's clearly not. The illusion is further shattered by weird things like how zones are connected. Like someplace seems far away if you travel by A, but very close to if you travel by B. How can a zone be both close to and far away? Sloppy.

BUT raiding abandoned industrial facilities on far-off worlds and killing all the space pirates that hang out there is fun. There's a lot of stuff to loot, as is usual in these Bethesda games. It's got some of those familiar gameplay tropes that many of us have become fond of over the years.

It's far from the classic that Skyrim was and not quite as engaging as Fallout 3 or 4, but I'm still having fun.

Quote from: SGR on Sep 05, 2023, 04:17 PMYou ever played the sequel, Super Punch Out on the SNES? I grew up with the game, probably started playing it age 4 or 5. I didn't end up actually finishing the damn thing until I was in high school. Great game though!

I played this on my Twitch stream last night, it's a lot of fun.

https://www.twitch.tv/videos/1924162881

Ive been playing Rainbow Islands a bit recently having discovered the retrogames.cc site. Also getting back into chess.

I'm in the middle of four games.

Spiderman 2
Pokemon Violet
God of War Ragnorak
Jedi Survivor

I'm on chapter 7 of the Dead Space remake and having a blast 🙂

I'm also not done with Starfield, but honestly got a little bored with it.

The last few days, I've been playing Minecraft more with my daughter which, honestly, is still a lot of fun. I've been playing it on and off since one of the early versions when they'd just gotten multiplayer and it was a buggy mess. It's been a little while now, though, so there's quite a bit of new things to do.

I've also been playing a bit of Rider's Republic. I loved the SSX games, especially the third, and of course also the early Tony Hawks and the Skate series. I saw Rider's Republic had gotten a skate add-on, so that game pretty much scratches all those itches now. Only sad thing is it didn't take me long to play through the skate career.

I also bought the BMX addon, but it seems way less fun than skating. I just started that, though, so maybe it'll improve.

Quote from: DJChameleon on Nov 25, 2023, 11:50 AMI'm in the middle of four games.

Spiderman 2
Pokemon Violet
God of War Ragnorak
Jedi Survivor

Lemme know your thoughts when you have enough time with them!

@Key I forget, are you a Sonic fan?

Recently, I downloaded Sonic Adventure 2 on PS3, since I've been craving it lately (I grew up with it on Gamecube) - and I'm finally commiting to get every emblem/A-rank in the game. So far so good - but it's going to get more difficult (I'm starting with the easier stages lol).

Quote from: SGR on Jan 03, 2024, 03:08 AM@Key I forget, are you a Sonic fan?

No, this is a Sonic fan.

https://www.houseofantiquehardware.com/sonic-52-inch-ceiling-fan?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cse-nc&utm_campaign=gdf&partner=bing&CATARGETID=120035490000057372&CADEVICE=c&msclkid=17f54c7e214c122ca9f329e8f10799ca

Quote from: SGR on Jan 03, 2024, 03:08 AM@Key I forget, are you a Sonic fan?

Recently, I downloaded Sonic Adventure 2 on PS3, since I've been craving it lately (I grew up with it on Gamecube) - and I'm finally commiting to get every emblem/A-rank in the game. So far so good - but it's going to get more difficult (I'm starting with the easier stages lol).

Oh man, I attempted that back in the day. Even when my gaming skills were less dulled it was beyond my ability. Those secret costumes were so cool, they knew how to make a tantalizing reward.

Quote from: SGR on Jan 03, 2024, 03:08 AM@Key I forget, are you a Sonic fan?

Recently, I downloaded Sonic Adventure 2 on PS3, since I've been craving it lately (I grew up with it on Gamecube) - and I'm finally commiting to get every emblem/A-rank in the game. So far so good - but it's going to get more difficult (I'm starting with the easier stages lol).

I bought that new Sonic game but only played a few stages. I love that they made it four person co-op.

What I'm playing right now is "The Fantastic Adventures of Dizzy". And The Last of Us.

Picked up Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora and have been playing it nonstop. One of the most beautiful games I have ever played.

So I've got a Samsung S24 Ultra and the thought just struck me the other day: "I wonder how it handles emulation?"

I don't normally emulate games, I usually play the PS5, but I decided to give it a test run with Dolphin, running Gamecube games.

Surprisingly, everything was buttery smooth. I was a bit gobsmacked, since only maybe 4 years ago, I was impressed my iMac could emulate Gamecube, even with the occasional stuttering.

So I started doing more research, and found a mobile gaming controller (Gamesir G8 Galileo) that would allow me to hook my phone up to it and play it as a portable (instead of wirelessly connecting a separate controller to my phone and then either needing to prop up the screen with the kickstand or connect it to the TV via Dex).

I needed to get a new, slimmer case for my phone for the USB-C connection to work (my previous case was really chunky), so I got a Spigen Liquid Air case - very low profile.

Just got the controller the other day, and damn, this shit works like a dream. I can't believe I can flawlessly emulate Gamecube games on my phone and play them whenever I want with this controller - it's crazy. This isn't my picture, but this is what it looks like:

(https://preview.redd.it/s24-ultra-galileo-g8-v0-nnnxzn8u5txc1.jpeg?width=1080&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=c1d3c3d25b09e954425172aba7a498f3b6e1760a)

So I'm finally gonna get around to some Gamecube games I missed during my childhood (like Killer 7, Wario World, Eternal Darkness, etc) - but before I do that, I'm going to do something I never managed to do in my childhood.

@tristan_geoff, I've decided it must be done, I'm finally gonna beat fucking Frogger Beyond! The nightmare must be conquered. Also, fuck this overly-difficult bullshit game.  I'm already on World 4 and I'm getting my friggin ass kicked. :laughing:

(https://www.fullyretro.com/images/items/54558975-item-main-GC-FROGGERB-B-1.jpg)

Holy shit this minecart mission, World 4-1 is complete horseshit. How did I beat this as a kid?

Nice, SGR! Looks like a fun emulation project 🙂

The only GameCube game I played the shit out of was Wind Waker. Probably not as fun today as it was back then 🤔

The last game I myself had a minor obsession with was maybe a little more than a month ago when I started playing Shattered Pixel Dungeon on my phone. Those of you who like roguelikes really should check it out. It's a good one 👌

Quote from: Guybrush on May 12, 2024, 11:11 PMNice, SGR! Looks like a fun emulation project 🙂

The only GameCube game I played the shit out of was Wind Waker. Probably not as fun today as it was back then 🤔

The last game I myself had a minor obsession with was maybe a little more than a month ago when I started playing Shattered Pixel Dungeon on my phone. Those of you who like roguelikes really should check it out. It's a good one 👌

I definitely feel like I'm getting the $1300 value out of this phone  :laughing:

I'm so conflicted with Wind Waker. I'd take Wind Waker any day over Breath of the Wild or Tears of the Kingdom, but I don't like it as much as Ocarina, Majora's Mask, or Twilight Princess, and that's largely because of how much idle time there is traveling the sea from point A to point B with very little happening in between. As an adult, it just feels like filler. I think I've told this story here before, but my wife is a big Zelda fan that loves most of the games, and she was replaying Wind Waker, and I caught her setting the boat "cruise control" up to get to where she wanted to go, and she put her controller down and started browsing her phone while Link was sailing in the boat and I'm like: "See?! It's unengaging filler gameplay!!"  :laughing:  :laughing: 

Quote from: SGR on May 12, 2024, 11:17 PMI definitely feel like I'm getting the $1300 value out of this phone  :laughing:

I'm so conflicted with Wind Waker. I'd take Wind Waker any day over Breath of the Wild or Tears of the Kingdom, but I don't like it as much as Ocarina, Majora's Mask, or Twilight Princess, and that's largely because of how much idle time there is traveling the sea from point A to point B with very little happening in between. As an adult, it just feels like filler. I think I've told this story here before, but my wife is a big Zelda fan that loves most of the games, and she was replaying Wind Waker, and I caught her setting the boat "cruise control" up to get to where she wanted to go, and she put her phone down and started browsing her phone while Link was sailing in the boat and I'm like: "See?! It's unengaging filler gameplay!!"  :laughing:  :laughing: 

Yes, it has a lot of filler. When it came out, I enjoyed it because I'm an ocean guy and that feeling of boating was unsurpassed in anything I'd played up until then, so I kinda loved the feeling even though not much entertainment actually happened.

I wouldn't feel that way today, but I did or do feel that way about Sea of Thieves which is a pirate game. Like Wind Waker, there's a lot of filler sailing from A to B (and no fast travel), but I also find it vaguely enjoyable due to the way the game kinda mimics actually being on a boat 🙂

Quote from: Guybrush on May 12, 2024, 11:22 PMYes, it has a lot of filler. When it came out, I enjoyed it because I'm an ocean guy and that feeling of boating was unsurpassed in anything I'd played up until then, so I kinda loved the feeling even though not much entertainment actually happened.

I wouldn't feel that way today, but I did or do feel that way about Sea of Thieves which is a pirate game. Like Wind Waker, there's a lot of filler sailing from A to B (and no fast travel), but I also find it vaguely enjoyable due to the way the game kinda mimics actually being on a boat 🙂

That's fair. I do give Wind Waker more slack than I do with BOTW or TOTK (the open worlds of which I find at least equally, if not more boring). I enjoyed Wind Waker myself when it came out. Besides the somewhat uneventful seafaring, my only other real problem with it was the Triforce shard hunt near the end of the game. As a kid, I thought I was about to fight Ganon, but no, I had to go on a big long multi-MacGuffin fetch quest before I was allowed to fight the final boss. This resulted in me putting the game off for years.  :laughing:

I've seen a bit of Sea of Thieves, but haven't had the chance to play it myself yet.

I spent my summer of 2003 100%ing Wind Waker, including the new game plus, all the figurines and the GBA sidequests.

I love that game to bits.

Wind Waker was trash to me and I never completed it.

My younger self got bored even though I had the strategy guide. I knew back then it wasn't worth my time. Not a fan. I also skipped over Twilight Princess. I think they back ported it to GameCube but I remember it being a Wii game and I refused to get a Wii or WiiU.

Quote from: Lexi Darling on May 13, 2024, 04:06 AMI spent my summer of 2003 100%ing Wind Waker, including the new game plus, all the figurines and the GBA sidequests.

I love that game to bits.

Same. One of the few Zelda's i did every single thing in and I look back on it with fond memories. Probably my favorite Zelda game tied with Breath of the Wild.

Quote from: DJChameleon on May 13, 2024, 04:55 AMWind Waker was trash to me and I never completed it.

My younger self got bored even though I had the strategy guide. I knew back then it wasn't worth my time. Not a fan. I also skipped over Twilight Princess. I think they back ported it to GameCube but I remember it being a Wii game and I refused to get a Wii or WiiU.

I wouldn't go so far as to call it trash, but it's way overrated. I even like Skyward Sword more - less filler. Still would take Wind Waker over the two new ones, which don't even feel like Zelda games to me any more.

Tears of the Kingdom was not very good imo and I'm someone that played through both BOTW and TOTK. There just wasn't enough for me to feel like a sequel was warranted. Could've just been a DLC as far as I'm concerned.

Quote from: SGR on May 15, 2024, 10:15 PMI wouldn't go so far as to call it trash, but it's way overrated. I even like Skyward Sword more - less filler. Still would take Wind Waker over the two new ones, which don't even feel like Zelda games to me any more.

The only thing I liked about Wind Waker was the animation style but everything else just no.

Quote from: SGR on May 12, 2024, 10:04 PM@tristan_geoff, I've decided it must be done, I'm finally gonna beat fucking Frogger Beyond! The nightmare must be conquered. Also, fuck this overly-difficult bullshit game.  I'm already on World 4 and I'm getting my friggin ass kicked. :laughing:

(https://www.fullyretro.com/images/items/54558975-item-main-GC-FROGGERB-B-1.jpg)

Holy shit this minecart mission, World 4-1 is complete horseshit. How did I beat this as a kid?

@tristan_geoff I beat FUCKING FROGGER BEYOND! Such an unfair game at times. Can't believe they expected kids to figure out how to beat that fire boss. That was the bastard I was stuck on as a kid. Fuck him and FUCK YOU FROGGER BEYOND!  :laughing:

Quote from: SGR on May 18, 2024, 05:48 PM@tristan_geoff I beat FUCKING FROGGER BEYOND! Such an unfair game at times. Can't believe they expected kids to figure out how to beat that fire boss. That was the bastard I was stuck on as a kid. Fuck him and FUCK YOU FROGGER BEYOND!  :laughing:

Congrats!

@tristan_geoff and I had a pretty crazy day on discord a few months ago trying to identify some of the classical pieces they used in the soundtrack of that game lol.

Quote from: Lexi Darling on May 18, 2024, 06:13 PMCongrats!

@tristan_geoff and I had a pretty crazy day on discord a few months ago trying to identify some of the classical pieces they used in the soundtrack of that game lol.

I had noticed a couple of the classical pieces, but I spent so much time dying, it was usually an afterthought.  :laughing:

Quote from: SGR on May 18, 2024, 10:54 PMI had noticed a couple of the classical pieces, but I spent so much time dying, it was usually an afterthought.  :laughing:

the soundtrack is so earwormy.  glad u beat it :) that game seems near impossible, I love the graphics and world building in that game.

have u ever played I-Ninja?

Quote from: tristan_geoff on May 20, 2024, 01:50 AMthe soundtrack is so earwormy.  glad u beat it :) that game seems near impossible, I love the graphics and world building in that game.

have u ever played I-Ninja?

It is near impossible, that much I can confirm. Trial and error ramped up to the tenth degree.

I have not heard of or played I-Ninja. Should I?

Quote from: SGR on May 20, 2024, 01:53 AMIt is near impossible, that much I can confirm. Trial and error ramped up to the tenth degree.

I have not heard of or played I-Ninja. Should I?

one of my top 3 games!!

played it on the same modded xbox it's pretty fun

Quote from: tristan_geoff on May 20, 2024, 01:57 AMone of my top 3 games!!

played it on the same modded xbox it's pretty fun

Now that I'm emulating games right on my phone, I'll definitely check it out!! I do remember seeing the box art, but never did play it. :)

Just got started on Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 and I'm loving it so far, perhaps an hour or two in. It takes its time with storytelling so it's kind of a slower gaming experience because you're watching a lot of cutscenes, but it's so well done and the game is hugely atmospheric. Straight away, I like it more than the previous one.

I also love the horror elements. Looking forward to spending more time with it.

Octopath traveler 1 and 2 just hit game pass and I am so fucking excited. OT 1 is easily one of my favorite games I played on the switch and never got to finish it and have been itching to play it and the sequel for quite some time. Super excited I get to do that now.

Quote from: Key on Jun 07, 2024, 02:48 AMOctopath traveler 1 and 2 just hit game pass and I am so fucking excited. OT 1 is easily one of my favorite games I played on the switch and never got to finish it and have been itching to play it and the sequel for quite some time. Super excited I get to do that now.

Yes, I did notice.. I haven't tried Octopath traveler, but they seem interesting. However, I have to get started on Jedi Survivor first 🙂

I hear XBOX has kinda lost the console war to PlayStation, but game pass is just perfect for me.

Also, Hellblade 2 on game pass was quite an experience. Completed it a while ago and it definitely feels like next gen gaming.

I played the demo for Octopath 1 and loved it but never got the game. I didn't have time to log so many hours into a new rpg.

It is a very long RPG as it has 8 different character storylines to play through as you go through but it is absolutely a good time. I've done the first chapter of 5 of the 8 and have clocked around 10 hours or so. They say it can take anywhere from 80 to 100 hours to get through it all so I'm in for the long haul. Gonna play a bunch this weekend

I too prefer the sort of games I can quickly get in and out of and still feel like I've accomplished something.

Some roguelites are very good in this respect 🙂

I really miss Roguebook. It was free on Stadia, I believe.. or maybe I bought it there 🤔 I've already 100%ed it so don't wanna buy it full price all over again. Come to gamepass!

Quote from: Guybrush on Jun 08, 2024, 07:16 PMI too prefer the sort of games I can quickly get in and out of and still feel like I've accomplished something.

I feel this way more and more as I grow older. I used to absolutely love the deep RPG games where I could spend 80 hours before I completed it. Nowadays, when I play them, I find myself losing patience with all the dialogue and exposition and just want to fucking get on with the game. i.e. Enough bullshit, bring me to the gameplay.

I have actually been playing Bug Fables recently, which is like a Paper Mario clone, or at least Paper Mario inspired. Lots of fun. And the story plays a small enough role and the dialogue is so little that I can enjoy it.  :)

My brother is a bigger RPG fan than me and has tried to get me into Octopath Traveler, but I haven't ventured into it yet

I am still enjoying Octopath but decided to dive into Overwatch 2 since I never played Overwatch before and really loving it. I'm a longtime TF2 player and this scratches the exact itch I was looking for

Quote from: Key on Jun 11, 2024, 06:17 AMI am still enjoying Octopath but decided to dive into Overwatch 2 since I never played Overwatch before and really loving it. I'm a longtime TF2 player and this scratches the exact itch I was looking for

Damn, wish I had a convenient way to play TF2 now - it's been a long time

Many hours spent in TF2 my dude but I'm the same boat. Don't have a PC anymore but OW is on console so I've been playing on Xbox. So many good memories of TF2 tho and OW does enough things right in the vein that it feels good to play and is chaotic much like TF2 but man I do miss running around as a scout with my scattergun.

I played a lot of Half-Life 2 deathmatch. Something about the pace and simplicity of it just appealed to me.

Fortnite is my go to when I wanna get a few matches in but can't game for too long.

Any Marvel Snap enjoyers? Been my main game since the beta. It's absurdly addicting.

No. I looked at it but I was still entrenched in Hearthstone so didn't get into Snap.

I've just started on Jedi Survivor. I'm not super eager, but it's fun. I just got to the first planet you travel to after the intro mission.

Woah, the Elden Ring DLC is dropping this Friday? I know what I'm gonna be playing... :laughing:

Quote from: SGR on Jun 18, 2024, 09:56 PMWoah, the Elden Ring DLC is dropping this Friday? I know what I'm gonna be playing... :laughing:

I just started a new character last night (my 4th so far) to get a nice refresher even tho i already love every single thing about this game. Doing a samurai build. So excited for the DLC.

Quote from: Key on Jun 18, 2024, 10:30 PMI just started a new character last night (my 4th so far) to get a nice refresher even tho i already love every single thing about this game. Doing a samurai build. So excited for the DLC.

I'll be honest, I only ever did one character. I've done multiple runs in other Souls games, but the thing for me about open-world games is, a key part of the experience is the exploration and the 'discovery'. After you do this for the first time, it loses its luster the next time - and moreso the more times you do it. In essence, it becomes a little less replayable when its a giant open world game. It's almost daunting thinking about doing it all over again. I suppose after enough time passes, and my memories of it fade, it would feel close to the excitement and elation of that original experience.

My favorite Souls game, oddly enough, is Dark Souls II (Elden Ring and DS2 are the only ones I bothered 100% completing). Elden Ring to me felt like the closest FromSoft game in terms of a spiritual successor to the philosophy of that game. I love 'em both and I'm mad excited to get new content. My work productivitiy was suffering after Elden Ring came out because of how late I'd stay up to play it. It was so captivating I'd lose track of time.  :laughing:

Quote from: Key on Jun 18, 2024, 10:30 PMI just started a new character last night (my 4th so far) to get a nice refresher even tho i already love every single thing about this game. Doing a samurai build. So excited for the DLC.

Forgive me if I've asked this before Key, but have you ever played either of the Nioh games?

(https://image.api.playstation.com/vulcan/img/rnd/202011/0423/cRd7B2E3CXaNumw5qawpwqbm.png)

Quote from: SGR on Jun 18, 2024, 11:01 PMI'll be honest, I only ever did one character. I've done multiple runs in other Souls games, but the thing for me about open-world games is, a key part of the experience is the exploration and the 'discovery'. After you do this for the first time, it loses its luster the next time - and moreso the more times you do it. In essence, it becomes a little less replayable when its a giant open world game. It's almost daunting thinking about doing it all over again. I suppose after enough time passes, and my memories of it fade, it would feel close to the excitement and elation of that original experience.

My favorite Souls game, oddly enough, is Dark Souls II (Elden Ring and DS2 are the only ones I bothered 100% completing). Elden Ring to me felt like the closest FromSoft game in terms of a spiritual successor to the philosophy of that game. I love 'em both and I'm mad excited to get new content. My work productivitiy was suffering after Elden Ring came out because of how late I'd stay up to play it. It was so captivating I'd lose track of time.  :laughing:

I completely understand this perspective and it's why I get a little sad when I finish some open world games because I know that if I try to jump in again, that initial excitement is either not there or it's more shallow in a way. Somehow tho Elden Ring continues to pull me back in and I think it's just the variety of classes there are that allows for some different styles of gameplay and I don't mind going through this particular world again and again because it is so captivating and so interesting that I just find myself in awe many times over with just how beautiful the game is. I usually am in the same boat with you but Elden Ring is such a one of a kind game where I can jump in again and again and the experience feels rich every time.

As for your other question, I have play both Nioh 1 and 2 and absolutely loved them but if I were to say which souls like that isn't FromSoftware is my favorite, it'd go to Lies of P. I had a blast playing through that game and to me it is the closest a souls like has gotten to be nearly on par with FromSoftware souls likes. The theme is perfect and the gameplay just feels so so so good.

Quote from: Key on Jun 19, 2024, 03:20 AMI completely understand this perspective and it's why I get a little sad when I finish some open world games because I know that if I try to jump in again, that initial excitement is either not there or it's more shallow in a way. Somehow tho Elden Ring continues to pull me back in and I think it's just the variety of classes there are that allows for some different styles of gameplay and I don't mind going through this particular world again and again because it is so captivating and so interesting that I just find myself in awe many times over with just how beautiful the game is. I usually am in the same boat with you but Elden Ring is such a one of a kind game where I can jump in again and again and the experience feels rich every time.

Totally fair, and I get that! It is, fundamentally, an excellent video game.

Quote from: Key on Jun 19, 2024, 03:20 AMAs for your other question, I have play both Nioh 1 and 2 and absolutely loved them but if I were to say which souls like that isn't FromSoftware is my favorite, it'd go to Lies of P. I had a blast playing through that game and to me it is the closest a souls like has gotten to be nearly on par with FromSoftware souls likes. The theme is perfect and the gameplay just feels so so so good.

Lies of P better than Nioh 2?!?

(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/b2/92/20/b2922039f6c40f82668bfaa73d9ba3ba.gif)

I think I've said this before, but I'm a bit of a Team Ninja stan. I cut my teeth on Ninja Gaiden: Black and Ninja Gaiden II growing up. I still firmly believe that those games, on their harder difficulties, are more of a challenge than any Souls game is. Those games literally fucking hated you, especially NGII, where the game wasn't even fair. You could have hundreds of missiles launched at your ass off-screen and your only recourse was to 'git gud' (or 'git lucky').

Despite those shortcomings, Team Ninja designed the most fun and engaging character action game in the business. God of War, Bayonetta, and yes, even Devil May Cry, lingers in Ninja Gaiden's shadow. Team Ninja fundamentally understands what makes for great action combat and this was plainly evident in Nioh, which in its combat was a mixture of Souls/Ninja Gaiden and in its loot was the soul of Diablo. I personally think Nioh 2 is the best of the genre. There's nothing else like it for me, it legit helped me maintain my sanity during COVID (while also occasionally helping me lose my sanity depending on the boss).

I do think Souls games combat can be improved fundamentally. At its base level, it's too clunky and slow - and even different games from the same studio (Bloodborne/Sekiro) proved this to be true. Dark Souls 3 tried to remedy the speed, but it ended up feeling like, instead of straight molasses, melted molasses poured quickly through a funnel.

What FromSoft games do excel in, even better than Nioh (but which I value less personally) is world-building and atmosphere. Lies of P hits similar notes.

What I'll ask though @Key, and this is embarassing to admit, but about a year ago (or so), I gave up on Lies of P when I got to the Green Monster of the Swamp. I was getting thrashed by this boss completely. Eventually, I looked it up and found out that I was getting completely trounced in its first phase and it had yet another phase I'd yet to see which just demoralized me. Any tips, tricks (or cheese) would be appreciated. It's been so long I feel like I'd have a tough time settling back into the combat mechanics.

I have been aware of the Elden Ring DLC june launch for a long time and will definitely pick it up, but I will wait until I'm done with jedi Survivor as I'm having a blast with that ATM 🙂

Talking of staying up late and missing sleep, I played Survivor until 00:30 in the morning last night 😅 Not good! Ah well.

My guess is it's gonna be august before I pick up Elden Ring again, what with all that summer coming up.

Quote from: SGR on Jun 19, 2024, 05:30 AMTotally fair, and I get that! It is, fundamentally, an excellent video game.

Lies of P better than Nioh 2?!?

(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/b2/92/20/b2922039f6c40f82668bfaa73d9ba3ba.gif)

I think I've said this before, but I'm a bit of a Team Ninja stan. I cut my teeth on Ninja Gaiden: Black and Ninja Gaiden II growing up. I still firmly believe that those games, on their harder difficulties, are more of a challenge than any Souls game is. Those games literally fucking hated you, especially NGII, where the game wasn't even fair. You could have hundreds of missiles launched at your ass off-screen and your only recourse was to 'git gud' (or 'git lucky').

Despite those shortcomings, Team Ninja designed the most fun and engaging character action game in the business. God of War, Bayonetta, and yes, even Devil May Cry, lingers in Ninja Gaiden's shadow. Team Ninja fundamentally understands what makes for great action combat and this was plainly evident in Nioh, which in its combat was a mixture of Souls/Ninja Gaiden and in its loot was the soul of Diablo. I personally think Nioh 2 is the best of the genre. There's nothing else like it for me, it legit helped me maintain my sanity during COVID (while also occasionally helping me lose my sanity depending on the boss).

I do think Souls games combat can be improved fundamentally. At its base level, it's too clunky and slow - and even different games from the same studio (Bloodborne/Sekiro) proved this to be true. Dark Souls 3 tried to remedy the speed, but it ended up feeling like, instead of straight molasses, melted molasses poured quickly through a funnel.

What FromSoft games do excel in, even better than Nioh (but which I value less personally) is world-building and atmosphere. Lies of P hits similar notes.

What I'll ask though @Key, and this is embarassing to admit, but about a year ago (or so), I gave up on Lies of P when I got to the Green Monster of the Swamp. I was getting thrashed by this boss completely. Eventually, I looked it up and found out that I was getting completely trounced in its first phase and it had yet another phase I'd yet to see which just demoralized me. Any tips, tricks (or cheese) would be appreciated. It's been so long I feel like I'd have a tough time settling back into the combat mechanics.

Oh I said that with the most upmost respect for the quality of Nioh/Nioh 2. I think they are fantastic games and I genuinely enjoyed them a lot. The combat was amazing and the difficulty was just right for someone like me and I think they absolutely nailed the soulslike feel and I wholeheartedly would go back to them in a heartbeat. It's been a good while since I've played them but I have fond memories of the playthroughs I had of them and find them both to be spectacular additions to the soulslike genre. I mentioned Lies of P solely for what you said, the world building and the theme. I just have a soft spot for puppet style/ gothic themes in games like this because I'm a huge fan  of Bloodborne and since I don't see myself ever getting another Playstation, I just have to take what I can get that gets close to that itch and Lies of P nailed that for me. I wouldn't say one is necessarily better than the other but for what I wanted out of a soulslike game, Lies of P just matched what I wanted a little more than Nioh, but both are spectacularly quality games that I think anyone should try. I also don't have many tips for fighting the bosses in these games as I tend to just hope I get lucky and get the right dodges and just unleash hell on them. There are so many people out there that are better at these games than I am but I genuinely do my best and Lies of P just allowed me to have more success in that regard.

I will be honest tho, Elden Ring was actually the first game in the genre that I actually felt I was getting good at the soulslike style of gameplay, with being able to take down the bosses and figuring out how to dodge roll at the right times and learning the mechanics to add to my advantage. I've never been the greatest at these games in general but I definitely always try and sometimes I succeed and a lot of times I fail. Lies of P was kind of the same way where I actually felt like I "got it" and was able to progress through it pretty well. Granted, the bosses are still pretty tough but as any soulslike player knows, just try and try and...try...and try again. That's honestly the best advice I've got. It certainly helped me lol. My younger brother is actually far better at these games than I am but I enjoy them more for the atmosphere and the overlaying theme and world building and while the combat does take some trial and error, I will either keep moving forward in these games or I'll admit defeat and put them down for a while before finishing them. But on that same note, I don't think I've ever played a game in a different genre that gives even close to the same amount of satisfaction and feeling of victory when you prevail than a soulslike which is one of the main reasons I love the games in this genre above all else. Because it takes your own skill and perseverance into consideration and you really have to put your best foot forward with these games to truly prevail.

Did anyone catch the Nintendo Direct from yesterday?

Quote from: DJChameleon on Jun 19, 2024, 12:41 PMDid anyone catch the Nintendo Direct from yesterday?

I did. Seemed a little lackluster to me tho a lot of interesting looking RPG's. Wasn't expecting anything big but the Zelda game looks neat.

Quote from: DJChameleon on Jun 19, 2024, 12:41 PMDid anyone catch the Nintendo Direct from yesterday?

I didn't but my younger brother was texting me about it.

METROID PRIME 4 BABY! AT LONG LAST!!

Welp, my husband is working from home now, right when the Elden Ring DLC is coming out. I think I might just have to figure out how to get a butt dent out of a couch...  :laughing:

Quote from: Lexi Darling on Jun 19, 2024, 09:21 PMWelp, my husband is working from home now, right when the Elden Ring DLC is coming out. I think I might just have to figure out how to get a butt dent out of a couch...  :laughing:

He picked a perfect time!  8)

Quote from: Lexi Darling on Jun 19, 2024, 09:21 PMWelp, my husband is working from home now, right when the Elden Ring DLC is coming out. I think I might just have to figure out how to get a butt dent out of a couch...  :laughing:

"Yeah sorry I won't be able to get any work done today."
"Why's that?"
"Well it all starts with the Erdtree..."
"Say no more, enjoy your day off."

My Time at Sandrock got put on gamepass so I'm gonna have to pause on Elden Ring for a while and put time into that. I played so much of My Time at Portia and I'm so fucking excited they put the sequel on gamepass

@Key you're gonna laugh man, but I started up Elden Ring after installing the DLC. I haven't kept up with all the details, but I quickly learned that you needed to go to Mohg's palace to start the DLC - no problem I thought, since I've 100% the base game. I load up my map and...half of my sites of grace are just gone. None in Mohg's palace, none in consecrated snowfield, none in Farum Azula. "What the fuck is going on?", I thought.

Okay, I spawned in Leyndell, I'll just run real quick to the consecrated snowfields and find the portal. The path was blocked by a boss seal. Well fuck, I thought.

Then it hit me - when I played through the original game, I missed a legendary weapon needed for a trophy - and it was missable. Meaning what I remembered is that I actually started NG+ and plowed my way all the way to Leyndell to get the stupid weapon for the trophy and that's where I left my game save.

So I had to do this convoluted quest involving invading three players and dipping a maiden's cloth in blood to receive an amulet that allowed me to transport to Mohg's Palace. Then I proceeded to make my way up to him, beat his ass (not without dying a couple times) and finally I can start the DLC.

Add to all of this that it's been a couple years since I've really played the game and had to remember how all the buttons and mechanics worked. Took me a whole lot of googling to put it lightly. But I'm now in the shadow realm!  :laughing:

That's actually hilarious. I'm still working on my samurai so I haven't made my way to that point yet but I think one of my previous characters has taken down Mohg so I'm gonna check when I get home before I pick up the DLC just so I'm well prepared before I spend the money on it. I've heard nothing but good things about it and also heard that it's incredibly unforgiving. Perfect!

Still gives me goosebumps

Quote from: Key on Jun 21, 2024, 10:42 PMStill gives me goosebumps

I never had an Xbox as a kid, but one of my friends did. I remember us playing through the entire campaign of Halo 1 in co-op all culminating in that final sequence. Man, Halo was unlike anything else during its heyday.

Quote from: SGR on Jun 22, 2024, 10:32 PMI never had an Xbox as a kid, but one of my friends did. I remember us playing through the entire campaign of Halo 1 in co-op all culminating in that final sequence. Man, Halo was unlike anything else during its heyday.

It really was. I could still playthrough it now and still have as rich of an experience as I had when I played it the first time as a kid. Halo 2 and Halo: Reach are both tied as my 2nd favorite under the first one.

I never played Halo, but perhaps had similar feelings about Half-Life 2, a game I played so much. Might be nice to revisit too.

Quote from: Guybrush on Jun 23, 2024, 08:07 AMI never played Halo, but perhaps had similar feelings about Half-Life 2, a game I played so much. Might be nice to revisit too.

Ooh yes, both Half Life and Half Life 2 would be really fun to go back and revisit

Quote from: Key on Jun 23, 2024, 03:02 PMOoh yes, both Half Life and Half Life 2 would be really fun to go back and revisit

Yes 🙂 BTW, Half-Life Alyx was such a huge gaming experience to me and actually one of a kind. It's weird how it seems little talked about and underappreciated, but I guess the game being VR has a lot to do with it.

Still looking forward to Half-Life 3 😄

Quote from: Guybrush on Jun 23, 2024, 11:42 PMStill looking forward to Half-Life 3 😄

Me realizing that I've been been waiting for Sonic Adventure 3 for three years longer than Half Life fans have been waiting for Half Life 3.

(https://media1.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTc5MGI3NjExeDJmcGpqdnk4NXFpMXBwb2ZxenJnaDhjc2duczEybmo5bzNxY2pyaSZlcD12MV9pbnRlcm5hbF9naWZfYnlfaWQmY3Q9Zw/9V3e2mxWvD89wyw5l5/giphy.webp)

Psh, and here I am still waiting for a true sequel to Banjo-Tooie. And no, Nuts and Bolts doesn't count.

*shrugs and cries*

Quote from: Key on Jun 27, 2024, 05:36 PMPsh, and here I am still waiting for a true sequel to Banjo-Tooie. And no, Nuts and Bolts doesn't count.

*shrugs and cries*

How bout Yooka Laylee?

Quote from: SGR on Jun 27, 2024, 05:33 PMMe realizing that I've been been waiting for Sonic Adventure 3 for three years longer than Half Life fans have been waiting for Half Life 3.

(https://media1.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTc5MGI3NjExeDJmcGpqdnk4NXFpMXBwb2ZxenJnaDhjc2duczEybmo5bzNxY2pyaSZlcD12MV9pbnRlcm5hbF9naWZfYnlfaWQmY3Q9Zw/9V3e2mxWvD89wyw5l5/giphy.webp)

Wasn't Sonic 2006 kinda like Adventure 3? Structurally with the different campaigns, overworld and such. Of course it's also Sonic 2006, which might actually be just as bad as having no Adventure 3.  :laughing:

Quote from: Lexi Darling on Jun 27, 2024, 09:28 PMWasn't Sonic 2006 kinda like Adventure 3? Structurally with the different campaigns, overworld and such. Of course it's also Sonic 2006, which might actually be just as bad as having no Adventure 3.  :laughing:

(https://www.tundras.com/media/shush.31291/full?d=1693883162)

NO!

NOT ADVENTURE 3, NOT LIKE IT!

NO TREASURE HUNTING, NO MECH SHOOTING, NO GOOD MUSIC!

THE STORY FUCKING SUCKED! WAY TOO CONVOLUTED! AND WHO'S IDEA WAS IT TO MAKE A HUMAN FALL IN LOVE WITH A FUCKING HEDGEHOG?!

IF IT WAS SONIC ADVENTURE 3, THEY'D HAVE CALLED IT SONIC ADVENTURE 3!

THEREFORE, WHERE'S MY SONIC ADVENTURE 3?!?

(https://media1.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTc5MGI3NjExdDVhb2w1eXZkMjduY2t4YXVuaW9pZmc1ZzBtMnc2Y2c3M21rd2o4NCZlcD12MV9pbnRlcm5hbF9naWZfYnlfaWQmY3Q9Zw/yZwnd32LJ56t23zbeR/giphy.webp)

Quote from: SGR on Jun 27, 2024, 08:15 PMHow bout Yooka Laylee?

It was a solid attempt and I really liked Yooka Laylee but I want the bear and bird duo and i won't settle for less. I won't do it!

Quote from: Key on Jun 27, 2024, 10:11 PMIt was a solid attempt and I really liked Yooka Laylee but I want the bear and bird duo and i won't settle for less. I won't do it!

Did you play the 2D platformer Yooka Laylee? Honestly I thought that was a better game.

Quote from: SGR on Jun 27, 2024, 10:15 PMDid you play the 2D platformer Yooka Laylee? Honestly I thought that was a better game.

I did! And I thought it was quite good. I recently watched speedruns of Banjo Kazooie and Tooie so I've just been itching for a collectathon. I should play Yooka Laylee again because I did honestly enjoy it and it's been a hot minute since I've played it

Quote from: Key on Jun 27, 2024, 10:50 PMI did! And I thought it was quite good. I recently watched speedruns of Banjo Kazooie and Tooie so I've just been itching for a collectathon. I should play Yooka Laylee again because I did honestly enjoy it and it's been a hot minute since I've played it

I don't remember how you normally play your games (Console v PC), but word on the street is that they're remastering/improving the original Yooka-Laylee, might be worth waiting for that.

https://gamerant.com/yooka-laylee-remaster/

Years ago, I tried playing it with my wife, and for whatever reason, we both became disinterested in it. I kinda felt like the zones were almost too big, the camera kinda stunk, and it was just kinda janky - maybe this remaster will fix that.

I don't think I'm as big on collectathons as I was when I was a kid (I grew up on Mario 64 and DK64) - I generally prefer more engaging gameplay mechanics found in games like Elden Ring or Nioh or (my holy grail of gameplay mechanics) Ninja Gaiden. But I do on some level still enjoy them and find them a little more laid back and relaxing than the typical games I reach for.

Case in point, the somewhat recently released (jesus does time fly) 'Hell Pie'. Did you ever have a chance to play this one? It's like Banjo-Kazooie if it was M-rated and had potty humor and sex jokes. I haven't gotten around to completing it yet (it's another one I play with my wife), but it's complete ridiculousness never failed to bring a smile to my face. I think it's legitimately a better 3D platformer than Yooka Laylee.

That's kind of what happened with me. As much as I liked what they were going for with Yooka Laylee, I feel like the nostalgia wore off pretty quickly with me and I kind of lost interest. I grew up with those games as well and I still think SM64 is one of the best 3D platformers ever made. But I'm with you, I've kind of transitions into enjoying more deep RPG style games tho recently Fallout 76 has taken grasp of my attention with the new expansion. This game has come a long way since it's release and I genuinely have a fun time when I play it. Fallout is probably my top favorite game series similar to you and Ninja Gaiden etc. Fallout 3 was such a good experience for me the first time I played it and it changed me in ways I didn't think gaming could and I've been better since then because of it.

I sometimes have a hard time with games that cater hard to kids. It's something about these cutesy gameworlds that doesn't appeal to me.

Like where's the appeal with Sonic as a character or even that world / setting? I don't really see it 😅

Mario I can stomach, but that also doesn't exactly excite me.

Quote from: Guybrush on Jun 28, 2024, 03:56 PMI sometimes have a hard time with games that cater hard to kids. It's something about these cutesy gameworlds that doesn't appeal to me.

Like where's the appeal with Sonic as a character or even that world / setting? I don't really see it 😅

Mario I can stomach, but that also doesn't exactly excite me.

Sonic I only ever really liked as a kid and i like it now because I grew up with it.

I love Pokémon as much as I did as a kid though, I just love the creativity and breadth of all the different pokemon and I like how customizable the experience can be with so many of them with different abilities and such.

Quote from: Guybrush on Jun 28, 2024, 03:56 PMLike where's the appeal with Sonic as a character or even that world / setting? I don't really see it 😅

I've heard it said before that Sonic is kinda like professional wrestling. Either you got into it at a young age and still love it now, or you don't understand it at all.  :laughing:

From it's inception, Sonic as a series was really about environmentalism and corporate greed destroying the environment. It evolved over the years and its storytelling eventually peaked with Sonic Adventure 2, with not only the environment, but all of humanity hanging in the balance due to a revenge plot killswitch activated by a dead scientist through brainwashing one of his creations. It was back when Sega wasn't afraid to challenge their players with an engaging story, as the scientist's young daughter is shot by the military, and the military later kills him via firing squad. By the end of the story, one of the primary characters in the game that you grow to love hurdles towards Earth from space and dies, sacraficing himself for humanity. He was so popular though, Sega had to craftily find a way to bring him back in later games by introducing the idea of cloning.

Mario stories be like:

Princess captured by evil turtle, go save her!

Sonic stories be like:

Sonic has such a cult fan base as well nowadays that I don't associate Sonic with being for the kids because of how corrupted that fan base has made Sonic and the Sanic parodies and all the fanfic stuff.

Quote from: DJChameleon on Jun 28, 2024, 06:20 PMSonic has such a cult fan base as well nowadays that I don't associate Sonic with being for the kids because of how corrupted that fan base has made Sonic and the Sanic parodies and all the fanfic stuff.

As a Sonic fan, I stay as far away from Sonic fans as I can. It doesn't matter what you say about Sonic, good or bad, you'll have a legion of lunatic fans shouting at you for whatever your opinion is.  :laughing:

Also, given how shoddy Sonic games have been since the Adventure days, it kind of baffles me how popular he's remained with young kids.

Rule 34

Quote from: Key on Jun 28, 2024, 10:33 PMRule 34

Yeah, Sonic community is notorious for that. Can't deny that Rouge the Bat has it goin' on though.  :laughing:

(https://en.wikifur.com/w/images/thumb/a/a1/Rouge_the_Bat_%282D%29.png/418px-Rouge_the_Bat_%282D%29.png)

Even though Sega literally just stole Morrigan's design from Darkstalkers and threw it on an actual bat:

(https://wiki.gbl.gg/images/thumb/f/ff/VSAV_Morrigan_Art.png/309px-VSAV_Morrigan_Art.png)

Gaming companies back in the '90s were notorious for pandering to young male fantasies (they still do today, but it's more frowned upon if it's blatant).

I couldn't help myself, I picked up Yooka Laylee and the sequel on Xbox this morning and have been playing all day. I was just itching for a collectathon type game that I can just chill and play and I'm having a wonderful time. I probably won't 100% it but i at least would like to complete most of it, or at the very least see every level. I don't think I got very far the last time I played when it had first come out so i'm excited to play all weekend. It's definitely got the same Banjo Kazooie charm that I know and love.

Quote from: Key on Jun 30, 2024, 02:03 AMI couldn't help myself, I picked up Yooka Laylee and the sequel on Xbox this morning and have been playing all day. I was just itching for a collectathon type game that I can just chill and play and I'm having a wonderful time. I probably won't 100% it but i at least would like to complete most of it, or at the very least see every level. I don't think I got very far the last time I played when it had first come out so i'm excited to play all weekend. It's definitely got the same Banjo Kazooie charm that I know and love.

Should I offer an apology for bringing it up?  :laughing:

Quote from: SGR on Jun 30, 2024, 02:46 AMShould I offer an apology for bringing it up?  :laughing:

Nope. No apology necessary. I'm having an absolute blast

I'm still playing Jedi: Survivor, currently just treasure hunting now that I can get to new areas. A small fly in the ointment is the treasures are mostly just cosmetic stuff and I don't really give a shit about it. I find a new hairdo or a mustache or an ugly pair of pants? Yawn.

I've come to realize the game's simplicity is its best and worst feature. The game has health bar and force bar. You have two main types of force attacks, confusion and telekinesis. It has two weapons if you count the blaster (though yes, different stances). There's no armour, no magical rings, no magical potions (only stims). BD1 (your droid) does have some tricks, but still it's a relatively stripped down game compared to much else.

I kinda like the simplicity when it comes to blasting through the storyline missions. You're not bogged down by equip choices or inventory management. The combat is fun.

When it comes to exploration, the game is too shallow. The simplicity doesn't allow for really interesting finds or rewards. That felt so much more fulfilling in, say, Elden Ring which is kinda the opposite with a lot of depth and options. It's always interesting finding a new weapon.

I played The First Descendent all day today and as a longtime Warframe player, I am having a great time. The game has a few small flaws that I'm sure will be worked on overtime but the gameplay and gun mechanics are an easy 9.5/10. I'm havin' a good time and got into a group and took down the first two main bosses before I stopped playing for the day. If you like Destiny and Warframe, you'll love this. It's free to play so you have no excuse.

Has anyone here played Bug Fables? I finally beat it the other day! It's like a slightly harder Paper Mario. Very good game! Incredibly charming!

(https://assets.nintendo.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_1200/q_auto:best/f_auto/dpr_2.0/ncom/software/switch/70010000021034/963b28e4992d8f966c3d127b981dc1ff09173515fba267283ddadc5d7e715ddd)

Little Kitty, Big City is game of the year.

I wanna play the OG Fallout games so bad these days ahhhh

One day I'll figure out how to get it running on mac.  Can't figure out the virtual machine thing yet

Decided on a whim to install the Mass Effect legendary collection on Xbox and have been connected to my TV playing the first Mass Effect literally all day. I have never actually played through any of these games before and I am repeatedly kicking myself right now for not doing so earlier because holy shit I'm not even really that far into the game and I'm having an absolute blast. I just finished a series of mission on an asteroid after you leave the Citadel and i wasnt even expecting there to be anything on this asteroid. I just chose it randomly when i went to the galaxy map. I've been a long long longtime fan of the KOTOR series and everyone has always told me to check out the Mass Effect series but I just never did.

I unfortunately have Covid for the 2nd time so I won't be back to work until next Monday so I needed something to take up my time while I'm basically 'bedridden'.

Sorry to hear about the COVID @Key, I hope you feel better soon!

Mass Effect was totally unique for the time. The idea back then of a series in which you'd take your save file and choices into a completely new game, and those choices would have consequences for the new game was pretty much unheard of then. To be honest, I don't love the combat/gunplay of the series, but the role-playing elements definitely more than make up for it. Great series that I need to revisit.

I also remember being in high school when Mass Effect 3 dropped. There was a huge outrage, without spoiling anything, about the ending of the game. People were fucking livid. After a little while, the developer dropped a DLC (I think it was free) that corrected things and provided a more proper ending to the series.

Quote from: SGR on Sep 12, 2024, 04:09 AMSorry to hear about the COVID @Key, I hope you feel better soon!

Mass Effect was totally unique for the time. The idea back then of a series in which you'd take your save file and choices into a completely new game, and those choices would have consequences for the new game was pretty much unheard of then. To be honest, I don't love the combat/gunplay of the series, but the role-playing elements definitely more than make up for it. Great series that I need to revisit.

I also remember being in high school when Mass Effect 3 dropped. There was a huge outrage, without spoiling anything, about the ending of the game. People were fucking livid. After a little while, the developer dropped a DLC (I think it was free) that corrected things and provided a more proper ending to the series.

The combat took a little to get used to and I don't think it's particularly excellent but it does the job well enough that combat at the very least, feels decent to good. I've really been impressed with the writing and interactions between characters, especially given that you have a voiced protagonist. That's not an easy thing to pull off and to have conversations feel natural. I also really like that, so far, the choices you make in dialogue tends to have an effect on the outcome of whatever you're doing. It often times makes me want to revert my save just to see what would've happened had I chosen a different route. But I typically don't like to do that. I feel it has more of an impact on character development if you're kind of stuck with the choices you make. I've also really enjoyed the companions I've gotten as they are all unique and interesting. But yeah, I would say the dialogue, story and the overall feel of the writing are my favorite parts of the game so far. I've heard a lot about how the 3rd game is kind of the weak link of the bunch, and I think I know what you're getting at as I've seen a lot of game publications talk about these games over the years. I'm just excited that I'll be able to say I've finally experienced these games for myself.

I'm currently playing through Star Wars Outlaws and I got back into Fire Emblem Engage after acquiring another Switch.

Quote from: DJChameleon on Sep 12, 2024, 06:17 PMI'm currently playing through Star Wars Outlaws and I got back into Fire Emblem Engage after acquiring another Switch.

I need to find something else than Elden ring, having smashed the base game again on New Game+. My motivation is dwindling.

How are you finding Outlaws?

Quote from: Guybrush on Sep 16, 2024, 12:26 AMI need to find something else than Elden ring, having smashed the base game again on New Game+. My motivation is dwindling.

How are you finding Outlaws?

If you like stealth/ cover shooters in 3rd person. You will love this game.

Speaking of stealth games, they're remaking the original Splinter Cell. I'm so stoked for that. Absolutely love the series.

I don't really love stealth games that much, even though I occasionally so enjoy that approach in games like Skyrim and the Far Crys.

Quote from: Guybrush on Sep 16, 2024, 07:27 PMI don't really love stealth games that much, even though I occasionally so enjoy that approach in games like Skyrim and the Far Crys.

Those games' implementation of stealth mechanics is rather bare-bones and basic. Splinter Cell, Metal Gear Solid, and Hitman are the real shit. Absolutely love those games. And much of the time, those games allow the gameplay to devolve into pure chaos once you've been spotted - so you go from secret spy mode into Rambo mode until you can hide again. I love how the games offer so many different approaches to every encounter in the game. Neutralizing enemies, where you hide the bodies, who you should interrogate for information, learning enemy paths, creating distractions, etc. Many games, it feels like you're a dog chasing a bone. With stealth games, it makes you feel like a cat stalking its prey from the shadows.

I'm fondly revisiting the games of my era by watching world record speedruns of Apogee/Id classics like the Commander Keen series and other MS-DOS platformer arcade classics.

Sorry @Guybrush, I never really got into the point-and-click SCUMM adventure titles like The Secret of Monkey Island, but I wholly respect their iconic role in video game history.

(https://i.imgur.com/ZusDriCl.jpg)

I looked through the long list of game pass titles and picked out Firewatch, so started that. It's really a walking simulator, at least so far, with a very human story and characters. It's a nice change of pace from all my Elden Ringing.

One annoying thing is the game takes place out in nature, but this character you play is locked to paths in that annoying way where things you'd easily traverse in real life - like say pushing a branch our of the way or a rock that comes up to your knees - become insurmountable obstacles. Seems kinda incompetent for an outdoorsman 😅

@Lexi Darling @Queen Boo

Just picked up Sonic X Shadow Generations for PS5! I will report my findings after I soak in all the nostalgia.  :)

(https://64.media.tumblr.com/e4b289f66d646bdab89778f9f7583e7f/a5288455bb1b8a98-5a/s1280x1920/ca089aa8a3d38cc9a74148adca00a49781feb731.gif)

Oh snaps lemme know. I was tempted to grab it on the Switch.

Quote from: DJChameleon on Oct 26, 2024, 04:23 PMOh snaps lemme know. I was tempted to grab it on the Switch.

I just finished the Shadow part of the game (first run-through) - I loved it! I can see myself playing it over and over again in the near future to try and get better times, but if you're a fan of the 2000s 3D Sonic games, especially SA2, I'd definitely recommend it. If you've already played Sonic Generations, I might advise you to wait a bit for the price to drop ($50 is a bit steep for what is in essence some DLC) - unless you're really hankering for some 3D Sonic (like I was lol). The different abilities you get as Shadow in the game are so fucking cool and really open up how you can approach the levels, especially in the post-game.

Lego Indiana Jones, got it as for free on Prime Gaming, pretty solid.
4/6 so far.

Playing the original Grid and Dirt 2 since my PC isn't exactly Speedy Gonzales.

It's been a mixture of New World, Avowed, and Balatro. Atomfall comes out tomorrow which i am also very much looking forward to.

I've been having fun with Avowed myself, although I'm kinda looking forward to be done with it. Its pretty good, though a bit boring now in terms of enemy variation. You get human types, lizard men, big beetles, bears, ghosts, skeletons and spiders in the first region and although these are not the only ones, they've remained the bread & butter mobs throughout the game.

I'm about to get done with, uh, Shatterscarp or something?

Quote from: Guybrush on Mar 27, 2025, 06:30 AMI've been having fun with Avowed myself, although I'm kinda looking forward to be done with it. Its pretty good, though a bit boring now in terms of enemy variation. You get human types, lizard men, big beetles, bears, ghosts, skeletons and spiders in the first region and although these are not the only ones, they've remained the bread & butter mobs throughout the game.

I'm about to get done with, uh, Shatterscarp or something?

That's where I'm at as well, area wise. It's definitely an 8/10 or 9/10 game for me. I'm feeling very similar to you in that I'm excited to finishing it but I've been really enjoying it for the most part. The combat is incredibly satisfying and the quests are fun to do. I've got a few gripes with it i.e. enemy variation and the skill trees aren't as in depth as I was hoping, but it does enough things right. The voice acting and the writing in general has been a huge plus.

Quote from: Key on Mar 27, 2025, 06:40 AMThat's where I'm at as well, area wise. It's definitely an 8/10 or 9/10 game for me. I'm feeling very similar to you in that I'm excited to finishing it but I've been really enjoying it for the most part. The combat is incredibly satisfying and the quests are fun to do. I've got a few gripes with it i.e. enemy variation and the skill trees aren't as in depth as I was hoping, but it does enough things right. The voice acting and the writing in general has been a huge plus.

Nice! I'm doing a fairly straight up fighter build with lodestone (1h mace with great stun) and shield in the other 🙂

It's fun enough to the point where I've made the decision to stick with it, so have been breaking down uniques I won't use.. So my main weapon is legendary now and I think I can upgrade my armour (death knight) to legendary as well.

It's a good game 🙂 any lack of enjoyment is probably more due to me being a little saturated already with the kind of gameplay it offers.

Also working on getting into Kai's pants 👌

Quote from: Guybrush on Mar 27, 2025, 10:07 AMNice! I'm doing a fairly straight up fighter build with lodestone (1h mace with great stun) and shield in the other 🙂

It's fun enough to the point where I've made the decision to stick with it, so have been breaking down uniques I won't use.. So my main weapon is legendary now and I think I can upgrade my armour (death knight) to legendary as well.

It's a good game 🙂 any lack of enjoyment is probably more due to me being a little saturated already with the kind of gameplay it offers.

Also working on getting into Kai's pants 👌

I'm doing a full on 2H greatsword build and my secondary set is an ice wand / named staff i found earlier in the game. I mostly use the 2H tho. I've been finding TONS of materials so I'm almost able to upgrade everything I'm wearing / using to tier IV. But yeah, I pretty much agree. It doesn't necessarily do anything new to the RPG  formula but it's also not nearly as bad as review sites would make it seem.

Atomfall comes out today tho so I'll be spending time on that and putting Avowed aside for the time being

I've put about an hour into Atomfall and it's really good. It's got a nice mixture of S.T.A.L.K.E.R and Fallout vibes and it's very unapologetically british. I'm really looking forward to jumping into more but so far, this exploration loving Fallout fan is quite happy with Atomfall.

Quote from: Key on Mar 29, 2025, 04:59 AMI've put about an hour into Atomfall and it's really good. It's got a nice mixture of S.T.A.L.K.E.R and Fallout vibes and it's very unapologetically british. I'm really looking forward to jumping into more but so far, this exploration loving Fallout fan is quite happy with Atomfall.

Nice! I'll check it out if it comes to Gamepass 🙂

I tried Stalker 2, but after an hour or so in I just wasn't having fun so left it.

I've put a few more hours in and I'm really liking Atomfall. I played STALKER 2 as well and I wasn't TOO big on it but this one in particular has enough of a mixture of STALKER and Fallout that it still feels fresh while also feeling familiar. It's already on Game Pass so you should definitely check it out. The combat can be punishing but once you get used to the movement, you'll get really good at it. I took down a group of 5 enemies with guns and molotov cocktails and it felt really good

I went back to Fire Emblem Ngage because I didn't finish it. Having fun but I'm playing it on Hard difficulty so if one unit dies. I have to play the chapter over from the beginning because it's on classic with permadeaths.

I recently played through Ninja Gaiden 2 Black 8 times over - the original Ninja Gaiden 2 (360) is probably my all time favorite video game, so I'm a little obsessed, and still can't believe that after all these years, I'll be playing a 'Ninja Gaiden 4' later this year  :laughing: But NG2 is one of the most badass video games ever. I don't think I'll ever get sick of it.