Post about any video game you would like to talk about here. Review it. Recommend it. Whatever. Just make it video game related and consoles and computers and arcade machines are all fair subject matter. Okay, I'll start A PC game called"The Witcher" (link to reviews and stuff on GameFaqs.) Has managed to make me happy about RPGs again (though it beats the fuck out of my computer hardware). I played Two Worlds and Gothic3 (number 2 rocked the block) (the most recent PC rpgs I checked out). The reason why is that they were both buggy and even with hardware that could supposedly run them both easily they played like absolute shit. The English voice acting localization (the game was made by Germans) was awful and both games looked nice if I was standing still admiring the grass but played like I was controlling a laden mule or an ox. HINT: do not give my character a horse in a game unless it is possible to steer it, I mean things like getting stuck in trees or rocks. I could get it maybe if it were huge rocks but these rocks could have been stepped over easily by a horse (I know how to ride, I am not shitting you, a small rock isn't a sticky obstacle for a horse). If you give me a shitty horse it forces me to fucking *walk* over the whole goddamn map. Lame. So I bought the witcher because it has received some good reviews and I am really enjoying it, it has a plot, the characters aren't stupid and extraneous and it makes you feel like your character is progressing as a person. Role Playing. I haven't been gaming it for so long yet and I will probably find some issues I dislike but for now it is restoring my faith in decent PC RPGs. If you want to know where I am coming from just know that Fallout 2 is the best game ever invented. Can you say "atmosphere"? It pukes in BioShock's rectum when it comes to setting a grim tone properly. In Fallout 2 the only way to accumulate the most negative carma is to play a female character. Fuck yeah.
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conquistador Deactivated User
Hellhamster. 2947 Posts 10/03
Posted - Dec 19 2007 : 3:23PM
More on "The Witcher" Just to get it out of the way, there are not many of them but the loading times are long. They are even long when you save a game. I don't mind shit like that, good things take time but it really annoys some gamers so I am telling you about it. Had my first boss fight and it took about 40 minutes. It was really fucking tough but once I got the "trick" of it I did okay. They are slowly introducing elements of the game to me at a nice pace. My dude just learned about "meditating" which seems to be resting but might serve some other function (even just passage of time, night to day, whatever). My computer exceeds the specs of this game but not by much and it really hows in complex battles (I still have a few settings on medium even though I could probably get it to be totally not choppy if it was all set to low. I don't mind some choppiness in favor of a longer draw distance, whatever works for you). All the combat so far has been sword based but I have seen a few dudes with cross-bows so I am hoping to find one at some point. I have a bit of magic, it is pretty much a Star Wars style "force shove" kind of telekinetic thinger. If "force shove" made sense to you then you know exactly what this power does. I just got let loose in some kind of alchemy lab place so I hope it is time to learn some magic. "The Witcher" has been a very fun RPG for me.
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conquistador Deactivated User
Hellhamster. 2947 Posts 10/03
Posted - Dec 21 2007 : 3:00PM
Sorry Mods, looks like I have another TechTalk thread where I get to talk to myself. Anyway, I abandoned "the witcher" for now because for some reason games still can't get decent load times when going from indoors to outside, even if "indoors" is a 1 hex 10 shack and the outside is expansive. While generally I am patient I got mad when I was walking and came to an intersection with 2 abandoned unlocked houses. I entered one (que load time. no problem). What was inside the house? FUCK ALL. a skeleton, some cabinets and some other crap. Nothing to even pick up for my inventory. I decide to leave the shack and endure the load. The house across the street -- SAME SHIT. Except I found a mug of beer in a sack (!?!). One of the most common items in the world so far. Exit - loading time really getting annoying. Now as a gamer a game is giving me fucking ANXIETY about weather to explore houses because I don't want to wait for nothing. If there is a place to explore make it worth my time. Otherwise just give it a fucking locked/unopenable door so I will leave it alone. It cannot be both. ********very very minor spoiler*********
I realize that finding the skeletons was a hint that people were dying of a disease and there was some kind of scourge descending upon the lands (it's a fucking RPG for fuck sake) but they could have had the skeletons leaning ona tree or a bench to tell me the same thing. I also thought it was brilliant that they has a character actually as as an insult "yer mother sucks dwarf cock!"
So it is a game I like and I want to keep playing because everything else about it so far has been way cool and the skill system is massive and amazingly simple to deal with. Inventory is a bit wonky but I am not sure any game has ever gotten it right (Fallout 2 was close). Even in the Diablo games we were left storing huge heaps of items on the ground in town. I am not sure I have ever seen a game get Inventory completely right, maybe...ummmmm....Well most shoorter do it by just using the number keys to represent various guns. So I think that in a non pencil-paper RPG there is no way that will make everyone happy to do inventory. **Do note that I have not yet explored that issue of mapping hotkeys as it hasn't been an issue** But in a game like the Witcher that involves ingredients and alchemy and shit inventory ease becomes important. I haven't gotten to fuck with alchemy yet. The fist fighting mini game is cool and the drinking mini game is funny. All in all the world FEELS populated. I just have had one gripe about it so far.. The map system is easy to understand and the journal doesn't give baffling instructions (I am looking at you Morrowind). For now I am switching to "Viva Pinata" because it is like nothing I have ever seen before and am hugely impressed from the 2 hours I played lastnight. I actually had a dream about my Pinta farm. So the game is that you are a Pinata farmer/gardener. Yup. That is how I can explain it. If you buy it new it should be cheaper even for PC because it has been out on consoles for a year. Don't let the kiddy look fool you or keep you from giving it a try. There is some kind of online functionality and it came with a free 1 month of microsoft live service. I will probably never even check it out. When I want to be social playing games I want it to involve kicking asses. Hope someone is enjoying my gaming thread, such a lonely thread. I know there are other people here who game..... Edited by - conquistador on 12/21/2007 3:06:52 PM
I'm with you in spirit, but I rarely play video games anymore. I tend to re-play things I enjoy, like Grand Theft Auto. I bought one of the 007 Agent Under Fire recently, but haven't played it yet. I expect to fire that up after Xmas.
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conquistador Deactivated User
Hellhamster. 2947 Posts 10/03
Posted - Dec 22 2007 : 6:47PM
It would seem a 1.2 patch is out for the witcher today. I wish I could say I had something "better" to do then video gaming but I really love gaming. I have since I was little. I loved the few years I worked in a video arcade. I am just hooked. The game patch promises improved loading times and the documentation even is nice enough to say what settings to use with what specific video cards.
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conquistador Deactivated User
Hellhamster. 2947 Posts 10/03
Posted - Dec 22 2007 : 7:54PM
Okay taking a quick break to say that "The Witcher" is 100% better after the patch. The load times are more then 100% better and the graphics seems to look nicer and run better. I am kind of a weenie about this because I am always excited when games take advantage of SLI. And there is something I didn't even notice because of the choppiness before. Instead of Diablo-style left mouse mashing there is actually a combo system that involves button timing. I suck at it and hope it isn't totally necessary to master.
I loved video games as a teen, but things rapidly changed in a direction I didn't like. So many games now are based on bad movies, comic books and anime cartoons, which is fine if you like it, but it sucks if you think most of it is shit. The stories are banal, the acting is bad, the music annoying. For most games I really, seriously don't care at all about the story. Even the Grand Theft Autos, which are fairly well done--I don't care about the story at all. I just want the mission and give me control as fast as possible. I think this year (2008) I'm going to dedicate to trying to get back on Flight Simulator again. I used to love it. I have a recent version but it's changed enough that I need to read the docs, but I hate most online docs. They're fine for searching for things that are specific, but miserable for reading at a more leasurely pace, or trying to read while doing something in another screen. I miss having the book there in front of me.
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conquistador Deactivated User
Hellhamster. 2947 Posts 10/03
Posted - Dec 23 2007 : 2:54PM
I have never tried a flight sim since a game called "Falcon" on the mac. Which I could never figure out. Recently I read about a train simulator game which did modern and old trains. The thing came with it's own train control panel. And I was just thinking how cool that would be for a mech game cause I don't care about trains. Let us know if you get back into doing flight sims I would be curious to check that out.
God hates us all, you know it's true, God hates this place. - Slayer 1726 Posts 10/03
Posted - Dec 24 2007 : 11:44AM
Well I guess saying Rock Band and Guitar Hero 3 are simply bad ass. Both games are loads of fun to play, but I found Rock Band to have an over all better set list (for my tastes). However I do miss Even Flow, Paint it Black and Raining Blood in Rock Band's set list.... Game play wise, Rock Band was much easier on guitar and bass than Guitar Hero 3 was, however I preferred that difficulty as I felt more challenged. Also, Guitar Hero seemed a little forgiving on your window for hitting notes and the power-ons and pull-offs are easier to see in Guitar Hero Now the real keys to Rock Band was the fact you can sing and play drums as well, adding a new dimension to the fun of Guitar Hero. The singing is fun, even more so if you like karaoke, but the drums are where it's at. I played through on easy and had an interesting time getting the rhythm and stuff down, then moved on to medium and did well, but now on hard... Wow, big jump. But I love a challenge, so I'm happy with that. Besides, playing the guitar on thes games is nothing like areal guitar, but playing these drums are pretty much on par with a real set - even down to the kick drum pedal. Another big thing Rock Band has going for it, the downloadable content! Already it has 6 downloadble packs (3 songs in each pack, and some good names too such as Metallica and Black Sabbath) and 9 downloadable songs. Additionally, they have plans to release whole albums for Rock Band, something I'm very excited about. Now where Guitar Hero excels is the battles. I like the idea of attacking in a game vs all score based. Makes a fun time when you throw a lefty flip and flashing notes at some one . Additionally, Guitar Hero has a better guitar. It feels better and Rock Band has already admitted to a ton of faulty guitars. I have one and it's going back this week - at least EA is paying for it, and I kept my guitar from Guitar Hero 2. And for the record, Guitar hero guitars will work with Rock Band, but Rock Band's guitars will not work with Guitar Hero. My overall summary, for someone choosing, or just wanting to listen is this: Rock Band is a better game overall if you play out ALL the instruments and could/would have people around to play. Playing as a band is so much fun! It really takes Guitar Hero to the next level. Especially with all the downloadable content, the game is constantly evolving from. However if you want a game that will be more challenging, Guitar Hero 3 is the way to go. For people like me who can't get enough of the "Guitar Hero" games, both are a must. Oh and for those out there who have a guitar, you can buy Rock Band now, and add on the mic and/or drums in early '08, when they start selling them officially and from 3rd parties. Guitar Hero 3 8/10 Rock Band - 9/10 World Class Adult Reviews
Hitman: Blood Money for the PS2 is really great. I had played the others before (I own the second one) but this one was clearly the best. The series gets better and better. It is a great third (optional first) person shooter, because while you have objectives, such as kill ___ and retrieve ____, it is up to you how you do it. You can either do it like a professional, with full stealth and subtlety, or you can blast the fuck out of everyone and everything. I hate games where if you are sneaking and someone sees you the game is over. great graphics and gameplay. great everything. i highly recommend it. my only *criticism* is that there were only about 12 levels, and i completed them all fairly quickly, BUT that is only because i did it on the easiest setting, which is practically cheating. there are four difficulty levels. i would provide a link but... meh...
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conquistador Deactivated User
Hellhamster. 2947 Posts 10/03
Posted - Dec 25 2007 : 11:28AM
^^^^ I checked that game out at a friends place. I only played once and made no attempts at stealth because I was so happy to find a "stealth" game that would allow Rambo to play it. Fun for me too, but I had very little play time.
it's great because if you fuck up the stealth, you can just pull out a silenced shotgun or ak-47 and blast an entire crowd and the game won't stop and say 'you've failed'. you just might not be able to finish the level before you die.
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conquistador Deactivated User
Hellhamster. 2947 Posts 10/03
Posted - Dec 25 2007 : 9:06PM
I'll have to look into one of the Hitman games when I get back to Canada. I know I have the disc for one of them at home but I never installed it. My friends and I tend to pass games on to each other when through because it is pretty much worthless to sell used PC games back to shops.
I played Hitman 2 and there are a lot of times when I enjoyed sneaking around, but you're right--sometimes I enjoyed just Dirty Harry'ing my way out of things. I'll have to see if it's for PS2. Flight Sim: I like MS Flight Sim, the private pilot one. Not exciting at all, but since I've always wanted to fly and likely never will, it's fun. I enjoy tuning the radio to air traffic control and setting the VOR and all that junk. But it's the sort of thing you really have to enjoy on its own merits, and you have to bring a lot to the table yourself. I don't know if you were talking about MS Train Simulator or not about trains. I bought it and it was so-so. I love trains but couldn't get into it. I wanted to run the old steam types, and the "simulation" part was very simple and not very interesting at all. Couldn't get interested in the modern deisel/electrics. Regardless, a lot more energy went into the graphics and the "cameras" than in the "simulation", and I thought that was backward. I'd prefer (especially on a steam engine) to see the various gages and be able to make adjustments and look out the window at the scenery passing, than be able to see the train from outside in 18 different POVs and cinematics.
Finally finished Half-Life 2. Brilliant in every sense of the word. I loved the end with the Ultra Gravity Gun. Now on to Episode 1. "All other things being equal, the simplest solution is usually stupidity."
God hates us all, you know it's true, God hates this place. - Slayer 1726 Posts 10/03
Posted - Mar 10 2008 : 6:08PM
I have been absent in this thread too long.... Sigh. Well I have played Assassin's Creed for the 360 and I like it,. I haven't devoted enough time to it though, but defiantly a unique game and a beautiful one at that. So far, I'd say 8.5/10 Also picked up Army of Two, also for the 360. Although not the most unique game ever, it's focus on two player tactics is GREAT! When playing the single player mode, the AI can get retarded, but playing online in co-op or playing the multilayer, THAT'S where the monkey is at. Again, I haven't beat it, but 8/10. Call of Duty 4 (Xbox 360)... Wow... Amazing game. As an FPS person, I'm very picky on what I like. This nails it on the head and then some. Although the single player is short, and good, the multi-player MORE than makes up for it. It's one of the deepest MP games I have played. It's a must own game, 9.5/10. I also picked up F.E.A.R. for the 360 cheap. I had started playing it on the PC back when it came out, but I abandoned it. When I seen this, I decided to pick it up and try again, this time in 5.1 surround sound and in HD! I really like it. The controls are somewhat clunky compared to Ao2 or COD4, buy the atmosphere set is great. Once of those games fun to play when the lights are off. Haven't beat it yet, but I think I'm close, regardless, 7/10. Super Mario Galaxy I picked up for the new Wii system we got back at Christmas. Another great cool game. It makes good use of the motion controller and it isn't too hard to pick up and play. Hell my 5 year old son picked it up in no time... It's defiantly not the best Mario of all time, but it's defiantly one I think will be remembered as a damn good one. I haven't played it much because my son plays it so much , but for me, it's a solid 8.5/10. I know there's more I have played, but I don't remember.... Maybe I'll stop back if I recall World Class Adult Reviews
God hates us all, you know it's true, God hates this place. - Slayer 1726 Posts 10/03
Posted - Apr 6 2008 : 10:56PM
Played and beat Condemned 1, got it free when I bought Condemned 2, so I figured I would play and beat it first. Good game, another great atmosphere game. The melee in the game is fuckin brutal! I'm excited about playing 2, but I have so many I have to beat in anticipation for GTA4.... Anyway, Condemned gets a solid 8 out of me. After beating Ao2... I'm pretty disappointed. Very shallow game. It loses points with me for the crappy ending and the brevity of the game, so 7 is where it stands with me now. Basically it's a nice rental. World Class Adult Reviews
God hates us all, you know it's true, God hates this place. - Slayer 1726 Posts 10/03
Posted - Jan 25 2009 : 1:29AM
I too beat COD4 and, well I haven't even touched the single player for COD World At War... COD4, as a whole, get a 9.5 out of me. Amazing game. So far, COD WaW is a close of it and I couldn't rate based on no SP play yet. MANY games I'm playing now I have not finished. Still playin GTA4 (very sparingly though), Dead Space, Fallout 3, Pure, Brothers In Arms: Hell's Highway, Left 4 Dead, Gears of War 2, Battlefield: Bad Company... And more. Santa Clause was nice to me for X-mas At this point (if you can't tell), I've gone console exclusive. At this point, I like my 42 HD TV with HDMI video and audio (although I don't have 7.1 setup yet, but 5.1 still sounds AMAZING!) - just can't get the same feeling on PC games now... World Class Adult Reviews
I'm working my way through it. So far I think San Andreas is the high water mark. They ruined the combat system, particularly drive-bys. I get out of my car and immediately take hits because it's a pain in the ass to get oriented and target someone. And drive-bys, unless I'm totally doing something wrong (I don't see how), are pretty much impossible. Vice City, Vice City Stories and SA all have replay value to me. Every so often I load one in and goof around. This one I see playing once and that's it.
God hates us all, you know it's true, God hates this place. - Slayer 1726 Posts 10/03
Posted - Jan 25 2009 : 5:35PM
Same here jayo. Although a good game, they have taken the 'fun' out of it. It's no where near as fun as the others you mentioned. I did however forget to mention I'm playing Saint's Row 2. That seems to have that fun factor I'm looking for. World Class Adult Reviews
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