What are you playing nowadays? Share yo' thoughts.

[Fallen Kell]

Wow, that is weird. What happened to your upgrades? Was this a bug or something? Quite unfortunate if they lose your progress.

Don't really know. That said, a lot of these were changed slightly from what they did originally, so I almost wonder if for some reason they removed them, but had it in the code to re-enable the changed version if you logged in again within a certain timeframe if you had the previous version, or some other strange mechanism like that. As I said, it isn't really too horrible. I mean, I guess if I focus on speed farming it really won't take 60 hours, as I could just look for open missions from other groups that are at or near the end and join in, essentially on the extraction, and get anything they had collected throughout the mission... I have avoided doing that in the past, but it is a method a lot of people do.

 

[EXCellR8]

Tried the Outer Worlds 2 on release day with Game Pass. I'm not sure if I'll stick with it yet, but I'm glad the reviews for it are generally good. I also really like Obsidian as a developer but Avowed didn't really do much for me. I did enjoy the first Outer Worlds even though it was pretty short and somewhat under-cooked. The follow up is supposedly better in nearly every way, I'm just not sure I've stayed a fan of the overall delivery.

Fun fact: When I first played Fallout NV in 2010 I didn't care for it that much. Something about the setting and characters didn't really appeal to me after Fallout 3. Tried it again a whopping decade later and absolutely loved it 🤷‍♂️

 

[Fallen Kell]

To be perfectly honest, Fallout NV was probably my absolute favorite of all the Fallout series games. Add in all the different endings and the replay is really good. And then once you add in all the modding done by the community, it really is an amazing game.

I should probably start a Helldivers 2 thread, but had a blast the last day or so. I have sort of been speed farming. Obviously I am doing so on the current main plot planet, so I am also helping the overall community, not just helping myself. I have really kind of turned into that extraction savior/hero guy, finding groups that have only 2 or 3 people in mission and are nearing the end of their mission time and I come jumping in and making sure the job gets done. I think I have really optimized my loadout specifically for the current bug planet we are trying to liberate, with most of these cases I am dropping into and ending up with the most or second most number of kills (and I am sometimes only in the mission for less than 5 minutes while they were in it for 30+ minutes more than me).

My current loadout is the following:
primary weapon:arc blitzer
secondary: the ultimatum
grenades: thermite
medium armor with "Engineering Kit" (+2 grenades is extremely useful, especially at the end of most missions)
stratagems: spear, gatling sentry, rocket sentry, and auto-cannon sentry

With the recent patch update, the arc blitzer is by far one of the best weapons again for bugs. Infinite ammo, hits multiple targets at once, provides a mini-stun, medium armor penetration. You can effectively stunlock most bugs with give up just a tiny amount of ground if you are solo. The spear is by far the best weapon anti-tank for bugs, especially when dragonroaches are involved as it's lock-on and seeking capability lets you not have to worry about precision aiming, leading the target, or anticipating the target moving a certain way. Just lock-on, fire, and switch back to your primary weapon or reload the spear (if you have time). The ultimatum is kind of the trump card you have in your back pocket for when you are getting chased down by a ton of bugs. Run away towards a choke point if you can and then fire it off to kill upwards of 40-50 bugs, including chargers and bile titans. Speaking of the chargers, this is what all those thermite grenades are for. The spear is also perfect for taking out any kind of heavy as well as various structures like chargers, impailers, bile titans, spore spewers, terminid nests/bug holes, and shrieker nests.

The sentries are then perfect for those end game stands while waiting for pickup. Place them such that they can cover each other while also not limiting their lines of fire and you are golden, as the auto-cannon and rocket sentry chew threw the heavies (and not so heavies) and the gatling sentry just mows down the smaller bugs. As I said, I usually end up with most kills just arriving for the end of the mission than the other players got spending 6-7 times the amount of time in the mission and I have no problems taking down anything on the current main planet (as I have probably more anti-tank that almost any other loadout, as well as plenty of crowd control between the arc blitzer and the ultimatum. Sure I only have 2 shots with the ultimatum before I need a resupply container, but that is usually something everyone calls in on the extraction point if possible, so there are plenty around)...

 

[CP5670]

I'll check out Outer Worlds 2 at some point. I liked the first game overall but it was kind of bland compared to past Obsidian games. Same issues as Starfield really, nothing really wrong with it but just dull. The shorter scope of it was a plus in my book.

 

[EXCellR8]

Ugh... Starfield. I understand new IP's can be risky, but I've never had a game wear out it's welcome so fast. Once the fourth wall stuff got introduced, I was totally out.

 

[IronWing]

Trying Firmament. I spent quite a bit of time trying to get around the unchangeable key bindings. It is ridiculous to have no way to change the bindings in a modern game. WASD is all you get for movement which sucks for left-handers. I ended up programming a wireless ten key to mimic the WASD keys but there is a slight lag. The game is pretty but conventional so far.

I also just started on INFRA. No opinion on it yet.

I finished Firmament. As much as I like most of the Cyan games, I can't recommend this one. There is a lot of pointless running back and forth to implement puzzle solutions after you know what needs to be done. Taking out the running around filler, the game is pretty short. The story line isn't all that great either. It's a pretty game but otherwise, meh.

 

[MoragaBlue]

Ok, think I'm going to purchase and play Clair Obscure: Exp 33. I recall some months ago, the game was highly recommended here and I recall some pointing out that though while it's turn based, there are also real time skill elements?

I have the option to pick this up either on Steam or the Sony store, and both are the same price--the Deluxe version at 20% off, though I'd rather have the discount on the standard version.

Is one version better than the other? Better to play with a keyboard and mouse (I've always used k&m with turn based games) or with a controller because of the real time combat element?

Thanks!

 

[quikah]

Ok, think I'm going to purchase and play Clair Obscure: Exp 33. I recall some months ago, the game was highly recommended here and I recall some pointing out that though while it's turn based, there are also real time skill elements?

I have the option to pick this up either on Steam or the Sony store, and both are the same price--the Deluxe version at 20% off, though I'd rather have the discount on the standard version.

Is one version better than the other? Better to play with a keyboard and mouse (I've always used k&m with turn based games) or with a controller because of the real time combat element?

Thanks!

AFAIK the deluxe just has some extra outfits. I only played it with controller, but keyboard should be fine also. Excellent game. Don't read too much about it, best experienced with limited knowledge.

 

[IronWing]

Working my way through INFRA, a first person puzzle mystery game. It was on sale for about five bucks so I gave it a try. Game play is very linear, the puzzles are okay but finding some required pass codes can be ridiculous. It would benefit from more above ground levels. Endless tunnels get old. It is a very long game, much longer than I expected for the price.

 

[MoragaBlue]

AFAIK the deluxe just has some extra outfits. I only played it with controller, but keyboard should be fine also. Excellent game. Don't read too much about it, best experienced with limited knowledge.

Generally, I really don't care for the "deluxe" versions, but it's the one on sale. And, given the pretty good chance they're going to win GOTY, I'd just as soon pick up now rather than waiting until the next sale.

Picked it up on Steam and will use my Razor Xbox controller. I read the devs recommend using a controller, and that's good enough for me! I still recall playing ER, just one look at FromSoft's K&M bindings (if anyone wants a good laugh, just look at their default key bindings) was enough to convince me, along with some very good advice from this board, a controller was the way to go on certain games.

As with all games, I like to go in blind and just stumble around. Frankly, if it weren't for all the word of mouth praise for this game from fellow gamers, I likely would never play it. On the surface, just doesn't appear to my sort of game, but we'll see how the journey unfolds.

 

[EXCellR8]

Expedition 33 wasn't a game I thought I'd like... and then after like 10-15 minutes of playing I was all 🙂

Still need to finish my initial playthrough actually, fantastic title though.

 

[MoragaBlue]

Quick question to those who have played Ninja Garden Black 2 & the new Gaiden 4.

I know in the past, the console versions had some input lag which made the game an overall better experience on the PC. Is this still the case? Both are on sale on Steam and the Sony store, but I'm thinking it's better to purchase these for the PC, since Black 2 is on UR5.

Any insights would be greatly appreciated, since the Ninja Garden games have been amongst my favorites. Well, until that one where they took away the blood and gore.

Thanks!

 

[MoragaBlue]

Expedition 33 wasn't a game I thought I'd like... and then after like 10-15 minutes of playing I was all 🙂

Still need to finish my initial playthrough actually, fantastic title though.

Ok, just started the game. I see exactly what you mean. My first impression is a very good one, and this appears to be a game I should enjoy immensely.

This will be the game I'll focus on during the Thanksgiving break.

 

[EXCellR8]

I think they did a great job with the world/setting and characters. Hooks you in pretty quick even if turn-based JRPG style games aren't your cup of tea. I think they purposely made it approachable for general audiences and that seems to have worked. There's a little bit of shade when it comes to the timing and stuff on certain enemies, but it's pretty tight overall I think. Has both flash and substance.

 

[MoragaBlue]

I think they did a great job with the world/setting and characters. Hooks you in pretty quick even if turn-based JRPG style games aren't your cup of tea. I think they purposely made it approachable for general audiences and that seems to have worked. There's a little bit of shade when it comes to the timing and stuff on certain enemies, but it's pretty tight overall I think. Has both flash and substance.

Generally, I tend to avoid purely turn based games, if only because it lacks the adrenaline and fun factor of the "Soulslike" real time combat environment FromSoft has spoiled those of us who love their games--watching battles decided mostly by RNG ain't my cup of tea. Of course, this doesn't mean I'll categorically avoid purely turn based games, just that it'll be on the back burner awaiting the 50% sales. If BG3 ever gets to 50% off, I may finally give it a try.

Thus far, I find the combination of the real time element of parrying (which I mostly opt for) and dodging to be a nice addition over purely purely turn based combat. Thus far, the story has been captivating, the characters very likable, and the music is just amazing, though I may be biased here since the Belle Epoque era is one of my favorites in history.

Regardless, if it had not been for gamers' recommendations, I likely would never have played it. It's the same with Silkong which I have on queue to play after I finish this one. I started with Exp 33 because I just can't recall this kind of praise from gamers' since ER.

 

[SteveGrabowski]

Generally, I tend to avoid purely turn based games, if only because it lacks the adrenaline and fun factor of the "Soulslike" real time combat environment FromSoft has spoiled those of us who love their games--watching battles decided mostly by RNG ain't my cup of tea. Of course, this doesn't mean I'll categorically avoid purely turn based games, just that it'll be on the back burner awaiting the 50% sales. If BG3 ever gets to 50% off, I may finally give it a try.

Thus far, I find the combination of the real time element of parrying (which I mostly opt for) and dodging to be a nice addition over purely purely turn based combat. Thus far, the story has been captivating, the characters very likable, and the music is just amazing, though I may be biased here since the Belle Epoque era is one of my favorites in history.

Regardless, if it had not been for gamers' recommendations, I likely would never have played it. It's the same with Silkong which I have on queue to play after I finish this one. I started with Exp 33 because I just can't recall this kind of praise from gamers' since ER.

I like the Shin Megami Tensei series for having fun and challenging turn based combat. It really only comes down to RNG in the early game before you have built out your character and a good support team of demons. After that it comes down to adapting to your enemies and building good teams to strike at enemy weaknesses while minimizing the specific weaknesses they have to who you'll be fighting. Boss fights are unwinnable without building teams with good buffs and debuffs and adapting to bosses strengths and weaknesses but a well constructed team will usually win difficult battles if you don't make stupid moves (e.g. healed with the wrong demon or forgot to have another demon debuff the boss before I unleash my high powered physical attack on him).

 

[MoragaBlue]

I like the Shin Megami Tensei series for having fun and challenging turn based combat. It really only comes down to RNG in the early game before you have built out your character and a good support team of demons. After that it comes down to adapting to your enemies and building good teams to strike at enemy weaknesses while minimizing the specific weaknesses they have to who you'll be fighting. Boss fights are unwinnable without building teams with good buffs and debuffs and adapting to bosses strengths and weaknesses but a well constructed team will usually win difficult battles if you don't make stupid moves (e.g. healed with the wrong demon or forgot to have another demon debuff the boss before I unleash my high powered physical attack on him).

I'm not familiar with Shin Megami Tensei, but it sounds interesting. The last turn based game I played was BG2? I recall some of the strategic elements you mentioned, but, of course, not to suggest the experience of a game so long ago would be similar to the one you mentioned.

For me, the best game experience is still the ER & SOTE bosses. Some of those boss fights are, in my estimation, the best ever made in a video game; and though some have close to their overall quality and refinement (Lies of P & DLC comes to mind, it just lacks the From "je ne sais quoi." Subsequent games just seem lacking when compared to the best SOTE boss experience, though I realize it isn't for everyone.

By the way, I see what you mean about physical games sales. Amazon has the PS5 ER & Armorcore for $19. I mean, anyone with a PS5 disc version should be those games on general principle, in my view.

 

[MoragaBlue]

RE: Exp 33

Ok, after about 20 hours into the game and getting to understand their combat system, this is a "must play" for RPG/Soulslike gamers, in my view.

It has certain elements I value most in the genre. Though it of course has RPG elements, most of the game's enemies may be overcome if one's skill is good enough, e.g., all ER bosses can be defeated at level one by skilled players. There is that element here with the parry mechanic, and it stays true to the time honored fighting game tradition where if there is a parry element, it's the most "over powered" mechanic in the game. Though I'm only 1/3 (I suspect) into the game and the more challenging end game bosses may not be the case, a player can defeat anything encountered in this game just by parrying everything.

There's also a deeper element to their combat system. Each party member has elements that are complimentary and synergistic to other members where the turn base order of battle will allow for tacticians and strategists to plan for moments where the team can dispense incredible DPS. On the intended difficulty (Expeditioner), I suspect one can enjoy this game without having to master parry, or even dodge. There's just an amazing combination of tactics for creative players to adopt to a play style of their choice. I'm actually having lots of fun experimenting with this aspect of combat.

I won't go into the amazing music and story so far, since I'm sure others will do a better job articulating this aspect of the game. However, I will say, in my estimation, it has the best beginning of a game I've ever played; meaning, the opening sequence does a masterful job of introducing elements of the story, basic mechanics of the game, and just drawing a player into the plot. It's the best I've ever experienced.

Since it's French and to abide with the time honored tradition of theirs, I have to offer some criticism. For Souls veterans, the combat is pretty easy, since one can just more or less parry everything. Thus far, I don't think it's taken me more than several tries to defeat any of the bosses, even the early one where Maelle suggests to avoid, the one which begins with a B and swallows you. The game does have legs and I think any gamer who enjoys this genre--RPG/Action/Souls--would enjoy this game immensely.

PS5 20% off the standard edition is a no brainer and a "must buy" in my view. This doesn't feel or play like an Indie game, but a full fledged AAA.

 

[quikah]

RE: Exp 33

Ok, after about 20 hours into the game and getting to understand their combat system, this is a "must play" for RPG/Soulslike gamers, in my view.

It has certain elements I value most in the genre. Though it of course has RPG elements, most of the game's enemies may be overcome if one's skill is good enough, e.g., all ER bosses can be defeated at level one by skilled players. There is that element here with the parry mechanic, and it stays true to the time honored fighting game tradition where if there is a parry element, it's the most "over powered" mechanic in the game. Though I'm only 1/3 (I suspect) into the game and the more challenging end game bosses may not be the case, a player can defeat anything encountered in this game just by parrying everything.

There's also a deeper element to their combat system. Each party member has elements that are complimentary and synergistic to other members where the turn base order of battle will allow for tacticians and strategists to plan for moments where the team can dispense incredible DPS. On the intended difficulty (Expeditioner), I suspect one can enjoy this game without having to master parry, or even dodge. There's just an amazing combination of tactics for creative players to adopt to a play style of their choice. I'm actually having lots of fun experimenting with this aspect of combat.

I won't go into the amazing music and story so far, since I'm sure others will do a better job articulating this aspect of the game. However, I will say, in my estimation, it has the best beginning of a game I've ever played; meaning, the opening sequence does a masterful job of introducing elements of the story, basic mechanics of the game, and just drawing a player into the plot. It's the best I've ever experienced.

Since it's French and to abide with the time honored tradition of theirs, I have to offer some criticism. For Souls veterans, the combat is pretty easy, since one can just more or less parry everything. Thus far, I don't think it's taken me more than several tries to defeat any of the bosses, even the early one where Maelle suggests to avoid, the one which begins with a B and swallows you. The game does have legs and I think any gamer who enjoys this genre--RPG/Action/Souls--would enjoy this game immensely.

PS5 20% off the standard edition is a no brainer and a "must buy" in my view. This doesn't feel or play like an Indie game, but a full fledged AAA.

Small suggestion/warning. It is extremely easy to outlevel the final act if you do a lot of the side content. You can go back after the final battle to do whatever you want. After you beat the game you have the option of New Game+ or just continue to explore.

 

[MoragaBlue]

Small suggestion/warning. It is extremely easy to outlevel the final act if you do a lot of the side content. You can go back after the final battle to do whatever you want. After you beat the game you have the option of New Game+ or just continue to explore.

Yeah, I can see that happening.

I was so captivated by the world and music that I explored every nook and cranny fighting everything I could find. It's hard for me to resist trying to reach for that shiny object and bypass a potential optional fight.

I've only platinumed 4 games (ER, Sekiro, Bloodborne and Lies of P), and this may be my 5th. I never set out to platinum any game, but, at this point, like the other ones, I enjoy the game play so much that I mind as well since I'll likely achieve 80% of the trophies organically.

 

[AMD64Blondie]

Assassin's Creed Shadows PC. (Picked it up on a UConnect sale.)

Just started playing. 32 minutes in, and it felt like 32 seconds.

Very addictive game.

 

[alexrobers33]

RE: Exp 33

Ok, after about 20 hours into the game and getting to understand their combat system, this is a "must play" for RPG/Soulslike gamers, in my view.

It has certain elements I value most in the genre. Though it of course has RPG elements, most of the game's enemies may be overcome if one's skill is good enough, e.g., all ER bosses can be defeated at level one by skilled players. There is that element here with the parry mechanic, and it stays true to the time honored fighting game tradition where if there is a parry element, it's the most "over powered" mechanic in the game. Though I'm only 1/3 (I suspect) into the game and the more challenging end game bosses may not be the case, a player can defeat anything encountered in this game just by parrying everything.

There's also a deeper element to their combat system. Each party member has elements that are complimentary and synergistic to other members where the turn base order of battle will allow for tacticians and strategists to plan for moments where the team can dispense incredible DPS. On the intended difficulty (Expeditioner), I suspect one can enjoy this game without having to master parry, or even dodge. There's just an amazing combination of tactics for creative players to adopt to a play style of their choice. I'm actually having lots of fun experimenting with this aspect of combat.

I won't go into the amazing music and story so far, since I'm sure others will do a better job articulating this aspect of the game. However, I will say, in my estimation, it has the best beginning of a game I've ever played; meaning, the opening sequence does a masterful job of introducing elements of the story, basic mechanics of the game, and just drawing a player into the plot. It's the best I've ever experienced.

Since it's French and to abide with the time honored tradition of theirs, I have to offer some criticism. For Souls veterans, the combat is pretty easy, since one can just more or less parry everything. Thus far, I don't think it's taken me more than several tries to defeat any of the bosses, even the early one where Maelle suggests to avoid, the one which begins with a B and swallows you. The game does have legs and I think any gamer who enjoys this genre--RPG/Action/Souls--would enjoy this game immensely.

PS5 20% off the standard edition is a no brainer and a "must buy" in my view. This doesn't feel or play like an Indie game, but a full fledged AAA.

I’ve been playing this game as well, and I’m right around the same point as you. The combat system really clicked for me after a few hours, especially the parry mechanic.
Also got Indiana Jones and the Great Circle yesterday, and I think I will start today
I'm curious if it will as good as I expect it to be

 

[MoragaBlue]

I’ve been playing this game as well, and I’m right around the same point as you. The combat system really clicked for me after a few hours, especially the parry mechanic.
Also got Indiana Jones and the Great Circle yesterday, and I think I will start today
I'm curious if it will as good as I expect it to be

Yeah, I've logged about 50 hours in this game?

Had someone told me I'd ever spend 50 hours on a turn based RPG type game I'd never have believed it. Debating whether or not to platinum, but probably not. Would like to get on to Hollow Knight and then Silksong before I vote on Steam for my GOTY selection.

My final thoughts on combat (which is the element I care most about in any game I play).
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Potential minor spoiler warning:

I'm not a RPG player, so I just played the 3 characters I knew and built them by maximizing the damage scaling on my weapons(s) of choice and ignored every other stat. I just used all the pictos & Luminas where you enhance damage at the expense of healing or receiving more damage from enemy hits. I was adept enough at parries and dodges where I found this allocation of stats the most efficient.

 

[QueBert]

Recently got a new video card, I've been on IGPU for years so I haven't played much newer shit outside of a few retro games. I picked up Ready Or Not because Swat 3/4 were awsome games and this looks close. I've only played the 1st level, but it's damn fun. It's like Swat 4 with much better graphics and the AI seems better. The developers also added some sort of mental component, so if team members die it affects you and your squad. And if one of them dies you have to hire a new member. Not sure how this will actually change the gameplay, but having a psyche aspect seems like it could add a lot if they implemented it well. Even if it turns out to just be a gimmick, the core game feels a lot like playing SWAT so I'll enjoy it to the end.

Like Swat 3/4 it's slow paced and the enemies are totally unpredictable. Even the hostages will refuse to get down when you tell them. So you have to toss a smoke grenade or give them a fist bump to the head to make them comply. One thing I loved about Swat 4, you could play the same level as many times as you wanted and it would never play out the same. It made a lot of the levels incredibly frustrating because you couldn't just replay 50 times and memorize it. But that kept it fresh. I've only played the 1st level once, but I'm guessing it's the same and if I replayed it, it would play out differently. And like Swat it has all sorts of damn controls.

A few months ago I installed Swat 4 with a user-made mod upgrade and it's still pretty damn fun. This looks like an awesome successor.

 

[MoragaBlue]

F125.

Years ago, the old Micropose F1 was one of my favorite games of all time. My brother and I spent years playing it and tinkering with all the different simulation car set ups. This is the first F1 game I've played since, and it's fabulous. Brings back so many memories of tinkering with setups, experimenting with different configs, and trying to squeak out better lap times during practice. Hats off to the devs for making a wonderful F1 racing game.

Some constructive criticism, just as I had with Exp 33. While I both understand and appreciate the need to appeal to a wider audience, in my view especially compared to the Microprose version, the sim options appeared a little light. Not a deal breaker and still great, but it's just a tad on the simplistic side. Also, the game is a little on the easy side when competing vs the AI. I'm not a sim pro racer, but with the AI on max difficulty, I should not be able to win races driving the Kick Saber besting McLaren. Since there is a difficulty slider, they need to add a few notches here.

Nonetheless, fabulous F1 game and can't recommend it enough. Kudos to the devs for addressing the tire temp & wear issue--much appreciate it! Will be playing this a long time and have picked up some racing sim equipment, so those vendors can thank Codemasters for making a fabulous game.