Your video game hot take(s) thread

[Dirty Hipsters]

Hades does not have enough gameplay content to justify the length of its story.

There are not nearly enough bosses or boss variations to keep the game interesting to play and it takes too many runs of the game to get all of the dialogue and conclude all of the side content. Even now the game still feels like an early access game because there's only 4 bosses with only a couple of variations, and the variations don't really tend to make you fight them in a significantly different way.

The game feels really good, the writing and the writing and characters are great, but there's not enough boss or environment variety to make me want to keep playing to actually experience all of the great writing. I probably would have much rather had more bosses and less complexity to each boss (Binding of Isaac style).

 

[Specter Von Baren]

Hades does not have enough gameplay content to justify the length of its story.

There are not nearly enough bosses or boss variations to keep the game interesting to play and it takes too many runs of the game to get all of the dialogue and conclude all of the side content. Even now the game still feels like an early access game because there's only 4 bosses with only a couple of variations, and the variations don't really tend to make you fight them in a significantly different way.

The game feels really good, the writing and the writing and characters are great, but there's not enough boss or environment variety to make me want to keep playing to actually experience all of the great writing. I probably would have much rather had more bosses and less complexity to each boss (Binding of Isaac style).

That depends. If you start using The Pact of Punishment, it really increases the variation on the gameplay due to the limitations it imposes. In fact, because I was looking to unlock everything I could, I actually ran out of story content before I finished the game (My completion ending once I had bought everything in the house and gotten all of Achilles's codex entries).

But to each their own. I enjoyed my time playing the game and thought it was a homerun but I don't begrudge people for not feeling the same as me.

 

[Dirty Hipsters]

That depends. If you start using The Pact of Punishment, it really increases the variation on the gameplay due to the limitations it imposes. In fact, because I was looking to unlock everything I could, I actually ran out of story content before I finished the game (My completion ending once I had bought everything in the house and gotten all of Achilles's codex entries).

But to each their own. I enjoyed my time playing the game and thought it was a homerun but I don't begrudge people for not feeling the same as me.

Adding limitations on the player character isn't the same as having more content. While it does make you play differently it doesn't actually add variety and doesn't actually make me more interested in the game.

To me it's the same thing as achievements. Achievements may make you play a game differently to unlock them, but they aren't additional content.

 

[Drathnoxis]

Adding limitations on the player character isn't the same as having more content. While it does make you play differently it doesn't actually add variety and doesn't actually make me more interested in the game.

To me it's the same thing as achievements. Achievements may make you play a game differently to unlock them, but they aren't additional content.

Well the pact of punishment does have an option that changes up the bosses movesets a bit and makes them more difficult, but yes agree that the game does not have enough variety. There are not nearly enough rooms in the pool the game randomly selects from and you've seen every one a dozen times before the credits roll. The lack of procedural generation really hurts the game in that regard. I did love the game, but the dungeon simply wasn't interesting enough to justify the game's length.

 

[hanselthecaretaker]

I like the beard just as well, but the bare chest vastly improves his design. There's something kinda boxy about Kratos' look in GoW'18, and it appears to be due to the armor. And with the bare chest he just gets more of that raw strength look back. Very few of the armors in GoW'18 look good, and Kratos just looks so much better when you strip most of that stuff away, just like how the original design was decided.

Dare I say it also gives him back an air of that youthful exuberance that seemingly helped make him a force of nature.

 

[Dalisclock]

I don't recall that, when did it happen?

I'm not entirely sure. I've seen on the internet it mentioned where there's one bit in Wind Waker where Link will shout "Come on!"(in an actual voice) but I haven't been able to confirm just yet and I haven't played the game either. I'll add a clip if I can find one.

 

[Bob_McMillan]

They better not be doing some "pro" versions of the consoles this generation. At first I was shocked at the state that Fallen Order was left in, but after watching other people's gameplay and reading comments it seems that my issues were largely due to the fact that I'm playing on a base PS4. Of course, majority of reviewers and gaming personalities played on the highest end consoles available, and so their experiences would not at all reflect those who played on the "lesser" consoles. These consoles were supposed to be upgrades, not fucking making current games just barely playable. Although considering the shortage issues right now, companies might not even have the resources to make "pro" versions this generation.

 

[BrawlMan]

They better not be doing some "pro" versions of the consoles this generation. At first I was shocked at the state that Fallen Order was left in, but after watching other people's gameplay and reading comments it seems that my issues were largely due to the fact that I'm playing on a base PS4. Of course, majority of reviewers and gaming personalities played on the highest end consoles available, and so their experiences would not at all reflect those who played on the "lesser" consoles. These consoles were supposed to be upgrades, not fucking making current games just barely playable. Although considering the shortage issues right now, companies might not even have the resources to make "pro" versions this generation.

I get where you're coming from, but don't bet on it. This has been a thing with console gaming since the NES era. Later down the console's life cycle will either be a slim, elite, or pro version of that console that is slimmer and works better or has faster loading times. I know there's a chip shortage and everything, but once this is over with, you bet your ass they're going to farm out a sleeker version of the console without a doubt cost more than the base console, instead of being cheaper. That's the main issue I have with that type of stuff. Remember back then when there was a slim and elite version of the console, it would usually cost less between $100 less. Or about $50 less, if we're talking about 360 elite.

 

[Bob_McMillan]

I get where you're coming from, but don't bet on it. This has been a thing with console gaming since the NES era. Later down the console's life cycle will either be a slim, elite, or pro version of that console that is slimmer and works better, or has faster loading times. I know there's a chip shortage and everything, but once this is over with, you bet your ass they're going to farm out a sleeker in summer version of the console without arguably cost more than the base console, instead of being cheaper. That's the main issue I have with that type of stuff. Remember back then when there was a slim and a leak version of the console, it would usually cost less between $100 less. Or about $50 less, if we're talking about 360 elite.

I don't really mind the Slim versions or whatever, or covering up the inadequacies of the launch versions, but if it leads to devs either ignoring the base version or splitting their time optimizing two experiences leading to quality issues, then that's fucked. Ironically it seems Fallen Order doesn't run so well on the "pro" versions either, you need to turn off performance mode to get an optimal version of the game.

 

[BrawlMan]

I don't really mind the Slim versions or whatever, or covering up the inadequacies of the launch versions, but if it leads to devs either ignoring the base version or splitting their time optimizing two experiences leading to quality issues, then that's fucked. Ironically it seems Fallen Order doesn't run so well on the "pro" versions either, you need to turn off performance mode to get an optimal version of the game.

That's the thing, I have a feeling later down a line there's still going to be some pro or Deluxe whatever version of these consoles, but hopefully some of these devs and publishers can learn. But I doubt it. You'll have a good amount that we'll learn from this, but you'll have others I'll make the same mistake or worse like last time. I didn't even know about Fallen Order's issues. Then again, I stopped playing about a third way into the game. Too boring for my taste, and I don't like Soul style combat.

 

[XsjadoBlayde]

One thing that the Tomb Raider reboots do far better than Uncharted is the apparent care for backstory behind the places you visit and shiny items you discover. And when I say "better" I really mean "at all." Because uncharted does not give a fuck about any questions you might have about the curious hand-made artifact you just robbed off the last guy's neck you snapped. And despite the painful attempt at monotone sincerity Lara's VA employs while describing an item's use and context, at least there's some given at all.

(Also the inspection camera zoom in is totally lackluster compared to Tomb Raider reboots. What a waste of detailed modelling. A nitpick too tiny for such zoom functionality, I know)

Uncharted just wants to go to pretty place, smash pretty place things up, steal shiny things and fuck off like a drunken rowdy British group of twats on a Mediterranean holiday. Nothing means anything outside of their own royalty-free appropriation of Indiana Jones culture. It kinda even takes the piss when I'd spend a while off-track in the game to find another descriptor-less cultural curiosity, then return to the vehicle with the game buddy sat awaiting, asks "hey did you find anything interesting?"

"Nope" replies Nathan, as I stare exasperated at the mysterious item picked up mere seconds ago.

"Nothing at all."

 

[Casual Shinji]

One thing that the Tomb Raider reboots do far better than Uncharted is the apparent care for backstory behind the places you visit and shiny items you discover. And when I say "better" I really mean "at all." Because uncharted does not give a fuck about any questions you might have about the curious hand-made artifact you just robbed off the last guy's neck you snapped. And despite the painful attempt at monotone sincerity Lara's VA employs while describing an item's use and context, at least there's some given at all.

(Also the inspection camera zoom in is totally lackluster compared to Tomb Raider reboots. What a waste of detailed modelling. A nitpick too tiny for such zoom functionality, I know)

Uncharted just wants to go to pretty place, smash pretty place things up, steal shiny things and fuck off like a drunken rowdy British group of twats on a Mediterranean holiday. Nothing means anything outside of their own royalty-free appropriation of Indiana Jones culture. It kinda even takes the piss when I'd spend a while off-track in the game to find another descriptor-less cultural curiosity, then return to the vehicle with the game buddy sat awaiting, asks "hey did you find anything interesting?"

"Nope" replies Nathan, as I stare exasperated at the mysterious item picked up mere seconds ago.

"Nothing at all."

This is one thing any future Uncharted game needs to address. Not so much the adding of a backstory to items, but just the whole white American coming to far less privileged country to 'sow their exploratory oats'. In Uncharted 4 this stands out most of all due to the emphasis on more nuanced character writing, but then it goes and has Nate, Sully, and Sam completely wreck a tourist attraction from the inside, ram their jeep through numerous market stalls that these people use to make a very meager living, and then demolish this poor towns entry harbor, again destroying people's livelihood. And then they smile like twerps from their motorcycle at the cool action sequence they just had.

 

[BrawlMan]

This is one thing any future Uncharted game needs to address. Not so much the adding of a backstory to items, but just the whole white American coming to far less privileged country to 'sow their exploratory oats'. In Uncharted 4 this stands out most of all due to the emphasis on more nuanced character writing, but then it goes and has Nate, Sully, and Sam completely wreck a tourist attraction from the inside, ram their jeep through numerous market stalls that these people use to make a very meager living, and then demolish this poor towns entry harbor, again destroying people's livelihood. And then they smile like twerps from their motorcycle at the cool action sequence they just had.

You're not wrong, but Nadine (the biatch can still can get kicked a thousand times into the vagina) and that rich boy's South African mercenaries did not exactly care about leaving everything intact either. They pretty much caused most of the destruction there. Besides, everything about Uncharted 4 pisses me off aside the from the gameplay. But this one exception: who the hell's bright idea was it to get rid of tossing back grenades?! That was a cool feature in the third game, and they got rid of it for no reason.

 

[Casual Shinji]

You're not wrong, but Nadine (the biatch can still can get kicked a thousand times into the vagina) and that rich boy's South African mercenaries did not exactly care about leaving everything intact either. They pretty much caused most of the destruction there.

Yeah, but they're the bad guys. Nate and the gang are... not saints, but we're definitely not supposed to question their actions from the perspective of the people who live in these places. It's just "all in good fun".

This also extends to the flashback in the mansion, where young Nate and Sam explore a giant house filled with exotic riches, and the point it tries to make is to first have you marvel at all the treasures, but then come to the realization that the old woman has wasted her entire life chasing these treasures instead of holding on to the relationship with her husband and son. What it DOESN'T draw attention to is that most of these treasures from foreign and poorer lands were probably stolen out from under them.

The game has this romantic and adventurous view of foreign countries that seem to primarily exist for our American heroes (and by extention the audience) to marvel at and have adventures in, instead of just normal countries where people try to make a living, or countries that probably already have a history of western nations stealing artifacts from them. And it's no surprise because along with Indiana Jones it stems from the pulp adventure fiction of the 30's, which was all about "civilized" people going to the strange, dark foreign lands.

Not every Uncharted suffers from this, the first game and The Lost Legacy avoid it, but 2, 3 and 4 definitely don't.

 

[BrawlMan]

This also extends to the flashback in the mansion, where young Nate and Sam explore a giant house filled with exotic riches, and the point it tries to make is to first have you marvel at all the treasures, but then come to the realization that the old woman has wasted her entire life chasing these treasures instead of holding on to the relationship with her husband and son. What it DOESN'T draw attention to is that most of these treasures from foreign and poorer lands were probably stolen out from under them.

Hard agree with you there. Apparently, that old woman is supposed to be to take that and deconstruction of OG Lara Croft. Obviously, they failed.

The game has this romantic and adventurous view of foreign countries that seem to primarily exist for our American heroes (and by extention the audience) to marvel at and have adventures in, instead of just normal countries where people try to make a living, or countries that probably already have a history of western nations stealing artifacts from them. And it's no surprise because along with Indiana Jones it stems from the pulp adventure fiction of the 30's, which was all about "civilized" people going to the strange, dark foreign lands.

Yep. Racism is a cruel and flippant mother fucker. It ruins things for everyone.

Not every Uncharted suffers from this, the first game and The Lost Legacy avoid it, but 2, 3 and 4 definitely don't

True.

 

[Specter Von Baren]

Yeah, but they're the bad guys. Nate and the gang are... not saints, but we're definitely not supposed to question their actions from the perspective of the people who live in these places. It's just "all in good fun".

This also extends to the flashback in the mansion, where young Nate and Sam explore a giant house filled with exotic riches, and the point it tries to make is to first have you marvel at all the treasures, but then come to the realization that the old woman has wasted her entire life chasing these treasures instead of holding on to the relationship with her husband and son. What it DOESN'T draw attention to is that most of these treasures from foreign and poorer lands were probably stolen out from under them.

The game has this romantic and adventurous view of foreign countries that seem to primarily exist for our American heroes (and by extention the audience) to marvel at and have adventures in, instead of just normal countries where people try to make a living, or countries that probably already have a history of western nations stealing artifacts from them. And it's no surprise because along with Indiana Jones it stems from the pulp adventure fiction of the 30's, which was all about "civilized" people going to the strange, dark foreign lands.

Not every Uncharted suffers from this, the first game and The Lost Legacy avoid it, but 2, 3 and 4 definitely don't.

What is your opinion on the chase scene in Bagghar in the 'The Adventures of Tintin' movie?

 

[Casual Shinji]

What is your opinion on the chase scene in Bagghar in the 'The Adventures of Tintin' movie?

I don't remember too much about it, but Tin Tin is more abstract and less realitic than Uncharted, so it can kinda skate by on that. Though I remember some of the Tin Tin comics having less than flattering depictions of foreign cultures. The more realistic you try to present these kinds of adventures the more you shine a spotlight on how questionable these adventure tales in foreign lands really are.

 

[Gordon_4]

They better not be doing some "pro" versions of the consoles this generation. At first I was shocked at the state that Fallen Order was left in, but after watching other people's gameplay and reading comments it seems that my issues were largely due to the fact that I'm playing on a base PS4. Of course, majority of reviewers and gaming personalities played on the highest end consoles available, and so their experiences would not at all reflect those who played on the "lesser" consoles. These consoles were supposed to be upgrades, not fucking making current games just barely playable. Although considering the shortage issues right now, companies might not even have the resources to make "pro" versions this generation.

Considering the supply shitshow they're experiencing, I feel it more likely than not that they won't bother with pro versions this time around. If they were planning it, they'd be better off just pushing the RnD further for what becomes the PS6 or Xbox Electric Boogaloo.

Then again, greed is usually a very safe bet.

 

[hanselthecaretaker]

Considering the supply shitshow they're experiencing, I feel it more likely than not that they won't bother with pro versions this time around. If they were planning it, they'd be better off just pushing the RnD further for what becomes the PS6 or Xbox Electric Boogaloo.

Then again, greed is usually a very safe bet.

“Upgrades” sure, but in terms of “Slim” versions that will probably happen regardless since a more efficient design will be cheaper for them to manufacture too. I’d imagine a hardware reiteration using less silicone would be more vital now than ever.

 

[hanselthecaretaker]

Since I’m currently hyped for A Wolf Among Us 2, I’ll just throw it out there that while I’m kinda glad it happened the way it did (as the new trailer looks like they stepped up the art design and visual fidelity significantly), it’s too bad the second season was sidelined in favor of all the overrated cash grabs like Tales From the Borderlands, more Walking Dead, Batman, Game of Thrones, etc.