What are you currently playing?

[BrawlMan]

played Earthworm Jim 2 for the first time on the SNES player (I loved the first one on GBA when I was little).

Don't go back to the GBA version of EJ. While okay-ish, that particular version did not age well. I think EJ2 on GBA was even worse. The best versions of either game are on the PC, Sega CD, Saturn, and PS1. The soundtrack is at its best on those versions of 1 and 2.

TMNT: Shredder's Revenge - I went over to my bro's place we co-opped through the whole game. We had so much fun playing. Next time, we will try and do six players via online.

Capcom Fighting Collection - We also did a couple rounds of Hyper Street Fighter Ann. Ed., and Vampire Savior. Big bro got in a couple wins on me, but I landed the majority of the wins. Fun times! These gams have aged beautifully! Sometimes it's cool to let the intros rock. Especially for the later Darkstalkers games and Red Earth.

 

[Hawki]

So I beat the Deadmines.

Came across what turned out to be a married couple, with the husband carrying his wife, and I tagged along. Nice people.

It actually made me appreciate the nature of MMOs more, because when you get down to it, the gameplay of the raid is simple, the voice acting is terrible (when it exists at all), and there's not much actual strategy at all. But it's the little interactions between us that carried stuff.

Good times.

 

[BrawlMan]

I beat Final Vendetta on Hard mode with Claire. Like I said before, the enemies get really overpowered on hard mode and they just throw too many at you in the last section of the game. In co-op, it might be manageable, but it's hard depending on who you're playing during a single player. Claire has it the worst because she's the weakest of the trio. I had to use two different cheat codes. I died during the middle of the sixth level, and felt it there to use the cheat code. Another cheat code had to be done so I can have the achievements with the cheat code. Worth it.

I mentioned in the general gaming news thread, that they're coming out with an update that allows continues and a casual difficulty. The update also makes enemies less overpowered, and give the player more invincibility frames. Or allows you to block when you're turning. Why didn't they just have that stuff in the game to begin with? I don't know when the update is coming out, but I'll be more inclined to play it when it does. I finally unlocked Boss Rush mode. I'll try playing Miller later. I am done for the night on this game.

 

[hanselthecaretaker]

Finished up the Mountaineering with Giants for the most part. Castle Sol was basically a placeholder for the other half of the medallion and Commander Niall is a big A-Hole; especially for sic’ing those banished knights on me. I looked them up to find out what the hell invincible combo they were pulling out their asses for insta-death and well-

Spoiler

I mean, I got used to them after a bit of adjustment, and sure it’s easy enough to kill the screamers that spawn the first batch or just run past them on the way to the gate, but they are plain hyperactive nuisances for the most part and I at least want to be able to do that combo of theirs against Malenia if nothing else.

Anyways, the Fire Giant was impressive to watch if nothing else as well. Would’ve been nice to see something like that in GoW 2018, but maybe Ragnarok will have more than trolls and a dragon to fight. Surprisingly easy too with a mimic and Alexander, but if we showdown again in NG+ I think it’d be fun to solo him with a bow build. I’m also gonna guess the big cracked cauldron will come into play for one of the endings as it seems kinda pointless for now.

So it’s on to the Haligtree and from what I hear the Valkyrie wannnabe is waiting for me there. It also looks like I finally have all the map pieces, which when zoomed out makes me think this has to be bigger than RDR2’s map. As an aside, finally got the RoB katana but my Arkane stat is lacking. Also a nice surprise was finding the weapon I originally wanted to build from, the Helphen’s Steeple. Might as well level that and see how it does next to my current three setup rotation.

 

[Dalisclock]

Expeditions Viking is still Humming along. I spent yesterday's session doing stuff around Ribe, the only real town besides my own I've found so far(also, fun fact, it's one of the oldest still extant towns in Denmark, apparently and founded around the time the game starts). I still haven't done all the quests in the town yet but I also had to restart one of the battles a time or two. Possibly my biggest gripe about the game is that positioning and the first move means so much during fights. If you mess up and one of your guys goes down in the opening round, you might as well just restart the battle because you're already on the back foot and then you have to rest and heal them later, which eats up precious time. And unlike the previous game, this one is on a time limit so I don't have the luxury to just rest whenever I feel like it.

I do kinda like the expanded camping system, where you balance who gets to sleep when, who is on guard duty, who is scouting, who is hunting and who is doing other things like mending tools and such. Realizing there's an easily purchased perk that allows each person to sleep less but still be fully rested feels like a must have early buy because they can then be doing something useful the rest of the time. Like making medicine or rations for later.

 

[Casual Shinji]

I watched a bit of someone streaming RDR2 and it gave me a hankering to go back and play it again myself (despite my misgivings about this game). And I must say, eventhough I've attempted multiple dives back in unsuccessfully (well actually I think just one, but still) I'm finding myself taking more of a liking to it now. Maybe it's because the escapism it provides, in the wake of the real world having gotten significantly shittier in recent days, hitting me just right.

I must ask though, is it possible to get any fucking animal skin crafting done in this bloody game? Apparently a perfect whitetail deer pelt does not constitute a perfect deer pelt, eventhough the only deer around ar whitetail deer. And either you just can't safely stash your pelts or I'm not finding it, because if you leave your pelts on your horse's ass and you get killed by some random bandits those pelts are just fucking gone. So what the fuck gives? Is hunting just a do-or-die endeavor, where you need to pen down the exact ingredients and go hunting for them in one go, lest you lose all your shit the next time your horse decides to trip on a rock?

Also, when's the current gen upgrade for this game coming out, the artifacting is killing me.

 

[Dalisclock]

I watched a bit of someone streaming RDR2 and it gave me a hankering to go back and play it again myself (despite my misgivings about this game). And I must say, eventhough I've attempted multiple dives back in unsuccessfully (well actually I think just one, but still) I'm finding myself taking more of a liking to it now. Maybe it's because the escapism it provides, in the wake of the real world having gotten significantly shittier in recent days, hitting me just right.

I must ask though, is it possible to get any fucking animal skin crafting done in this bloody game? Apparently a perfect whitetail deer pelt does not constitute a perfect deer pelt, eventhough the only deer around ar whitetail deer. And either you just can't safely stash your pelts or I'm not finding it, because if you leave your pelts on your horse's ass and you get killed by some random bandits those pelts are just fucking gone. So what the fuck gives? Is hunting just a do-or-die endeavor, where you need to pen down the exact ingredients and go hunting for them in one go, lest you lose all your shit the next time your horse decides to trip on a rock?

Also, when's the current gen upgrade for this game coming out, the artifacting is killing me.

Apparently it's a matter of finding a perfect animal and damaging it as little as possible for the kill. So basically, you need to take it down in a headshot so avoid damaging the pelt. And once you have the pelt, apparently you need to get it to the dude(the trapper?) or you lose the pelt. At least If you got a Legendary Pelt then it just goes straight to the trapper if you die, because there's no way to replace those.

Red Dead Redemption 2 Pelts Guide: How to get perfect pelts

Our Red Dead Redemption 2 Pelts guide will help you get perfect pelts, store them and find out where to sell them in RDR2.

www.vg247.com

 

[Casual Shinji]

Apparently it's a matter of finding a perfect animal and damaging it as little as possible for the kill. So basically, you need to take it down in a headshot so avoid damaging the pelt. And once you have the pelt, apparently you need to get it to the dude(the trapper?) or you lose the pelt. At least If you got a Legendary Pelt then it just goes straight to the trapper if you die, because there's no way to replace those.

Red Dead Redemption 2 Pelts Guide: How to get perfect pelts

Our Red Dead Redemption 2 Pelts guide will help you get perfect pelts, store them and find out where to sell them in RDR2.

www.vg247.com

And does this transfer to your camp upgrades, because that goes via the camp cook apparently. And I don't think you can store them with him, you can only sell him pelts.

All of this could've been so much easier if the game just had a personal storage box by Arthur's bedding.

 

[hanselthecaretaker]

I watched a bit of someone streaming RDR2 and it gave me a hankering to go back and play it again myself (despite my misgivings about this game). And I must say, eventhough I've attempted multiple dives back in unsuccessfully (well actually I think just one, but still) I'm finding myself taking more of a liking to it now. Maybe it's because the escapism it provides, in the wake of the real world having gotten significantly shittier in recent days, hitting me just right.

I must ask though, is it possible to get any fucking animal skin crafting done in this bloody game? Apparently a perfect whitetail deer pelt does not constitute a perfect deer pelt, eventhough the only deer around ar whitetail deer. And either you just can't safely stash your pelts or I'm not finding it, because if you leave your pelts on your horse's ass and you get killed by some random bandits those pelts are just fucking gone. So what the fuck gives? Is hunting just a do-or-die endeavor, where you need to pen down the exact ingredients and go hunting for them in one go, lest you lose all your shit the next time your horse decides to trip on a rock?

Also, when's the current gen upgrade for this game coming out, the artifacting is killing me.

I switched to manual saving after getting sick of losing stuff upon death with auto save. It takes a bit to get in the habit, like after hunting/stocking up, or just before starting missions. The only thing autosave does is fuck you over if you’re doing anything important in free roam and die somehow. The only pelts that get preserved regardless are the legendary variety, which are automatically sent to the trapper if you die with it.

Assuming you already know about ammo/weapon type used to keep 3 star pelts intact (which the compendium notes whenever studying a new animal), it’s much easier actually shooting the damn things in deadeye since it highlights the vital areas. Actually everything is easier in deadeye unless you’re sitting behind cover or using any amount of aim assist. Stock up on big game meat and season with thyme (2 star or better needed to season, and gators are especially easy prickings) and you’ll be set.

Why they never patched in more efficient crafting/cooking to at least what RDO had I’ll never kn…oh it’s Rockstar that’s why. Probably the same reason only GTA has gotten yet another next gen update.

 

[hanselthecaretaker]

And does this transfer to your camp upgrades, because that goes via the camp cook apparently. And I don't think you can store them with him, you can only sell him pelts.

All of this could've been so much easier if the game just had a personal storage box by Arthur's bedding.

Pearson can only use 3 star for different camp or satchel upgrades. I forgot that pelts/meat will also degrade if left on the horse too long, but it takes a while. Another reason to manual save. Once you do the mission with Hosea in Chapter 2 involving the fence at Emerald Ranch he becomes available to supply better gear too, including perks that you get from selling him legendary animal trinkets.

 

[Casual Shinji]

Assuming you already know about ammo/weapon type used to keep 3 star pelts intact (which the compendium notes whenever studying a new animal), it’s much easier actually shooting the damn things in deadeye since it highlights the vital areas. Actually everything is easier in deadeye unless you’re sitting behind cover or using any amount of aim assist. Stock up on big game meat and season with thyme (2 star or better needed to season, and gators are especially easy prickings) and you’ll be set.

Well, unless it's rabbits and squirrells and such - I can never get a proper headshot in dead-eye since the reticle is about the size of the damn animal. Not to mention muskrats. Granted I usually hunt on horseback, because I refuse to slowly track a damn rabbit on foot. I just ride around untill I see a rabbit running away and then I'll check if it's 3 stars and pull out my varmint rifle.

Anyway, the hunting feels like a thankless fucking undertaking.

 

[hanselthecaretaker]

Well, unless it's rabbits and squirrells and such - I can never get a proper headshot in dead-eye since the reticle is about the size of the damn animal. Not to mention muskrats. Granted I usually hunt on horseback, because I refuse to slowly track a damn rabbit on foot. I just ride around untill I see a rabbit running away and then I'll check if it's 3 stars and pull out my varmint rifle.

Anyway, the hunting feels like a thankless fucking undertaking.

Stationary targets are much easier for smaller animals, so the trick there is using the eagle eye thing to check for tracks, then quietly pursue whatever looks best. Or baiting and waiting. Honestly unless you really care about camp upgrades/trophies, or the absolute most tedious side quest in the game, you can easily get through it ignoring 99% of hunting. Legendary has the benefit of forgoing the star system too.

 

[gorfias]

7 years later, I "beat" this 7 hour game. I'm not sure you can lose. I'm not sure there is any way of winning. Just. Finish it. I enjoyed it. Top notch graphics for the time, Really reminded me of 1980s horror movies. QTE game. Until Dawn PS4. 7.5/10.

 

[Dalisclock]

7 years later, I "beat" this 7 hour game. I'm not sure you can lose. I'm not sure there is any way of winning. Just. Finish it. I enjoyed it. Top notch graphics for the time, Really reminded me of 1980s horror movies. QTE game. Until Dawn PS4. 7.5/10.

I've heard it depends on how you define "Winning". I've heard people argue the win state is where you off as many as the annoying teens as possible, so there's that.

 

[Dalisclock]

Well, unless it's rabbits and squirrells and such - I can never get a proper headshot in dead-eye since the reticle is about the size of the damn animal. Not to mention muskrats. Granted I usually hunt on horseback, because I refuse to slowly track a damn rabbit on foot. I just ride around untill I see a rabbit running away and then I'll check if it's 3 stars and pull out my varmint rifle.

Anyway, the hunting feels like a thankless fucking undertaking.

I adore RDR2. I did a couple of the legendary hunts but really that it, unless I just needed some meat to cook up for my bag(and honestly, you find so much canned food you really don't need to survive). As much as I enjoy the ambience of the RDR2 open world, I wasn't that enamoured with with it I wanted to spend all my time hunting.

 

[thebobmaster]

7 years later, I "beat" this 7 hour game. I'm not sure you can lose. I'm not sure there is any way of winning. Just. Finish it. I enjoyed it. Top notch graphics for the time, Really reminded me of 1980s horror movies. QTE game. Until Dawn PS4. 7.5/10.

If you enjoyed Until Dawn, I also recommend checking out Supermassive's latest game, The Quarry. It's very much a spiritual successor to Until Dawn, but takes from 1980's slasher films like Friday the 13th by taking place in a campsite. You can also check out their other games, which are gathered under the Dark Pictures Anthology, but I'd definitely wait for those to be on sale, as they aren't as good as Until Dawn or The Quarry.

 

[Specter Von Baren]

I've heard it depends on how you define "Winning". I've heard people argue the win state is where you off as many as the annoying teens as possible, so there's that.

That would explain a lot. I remember someone talking about how they wanted a char to die and so they deliberately made stupid choices but those counterintuitively led to the char surviving. Makes sense if killing them is your goal.

 

[hanselthecaretaker]

I adore RDR2. I did a couple of the legendary hunts but really that it, unless I just needed some meat to cook up for my bag(and honestly, you find so much canned food you really don't need to survive). As much as I enjoy the ambience of the RDR2 open world, I wasn't that enamoured with with it I wanted to spend all my time hunting.

Yeah other than legendaries I had more fun fishing since it didn’t revolve around some stupid rating system. It was a fun tug of war kind of distraction and there was just enough strategy with baits and lures that you had an idea of what you’d get, but it was still a surprise.

Doing a mess around playthrough (well not really, more like session) is also kinda liberating as you can ignore most of the story and honor system. Greet>Greet>Antagonizing the townfolk often has some interesting results too. Or just testing the limits of what the game world will respond to.

 

[gorfias]

If you enjoyed Until Dawn, I also recommend checking out Supermassive's latest game, The Quarry. It's very much a spiritual successor to Until Dawn, but takes from 1980's slasher films like Friday the 13th by taking place in a campsite. You can also check out their other games, which are gathered under the Dark Pictures Anthology, but I'd definitely wait for those to be on sale, as they aren't as good as Until Dawn or The Quarry.

Thanks for the tip, that looks fantastic! Added to my wishlist on Steam

 

[Bartholen]

My brain apparently suffered a stroke and I decided to try to get the ring in Dark Souls 2 you get for beating the main game without dying once. It is so not worth it. It's meant only for the most obsessive masochists, or professional streamers who can play the game for a living. To put that challenge into a game infamous for dodgy hit detection and collision, lingering hitboxes, floaty movement over instakill pits with platforming, bullshit ambushes and mob spam is truly a heinous act. It's especially aggravating in the Scholar of the First Sin edition that adds a buttload of NPC invaders, every single one of which is frustrating beyond words. I got as far as killing Duke's Dear Freyja, but then came the most sphincter-tightening section: dropping down into the Gutter. One misaligned drop killed the run. I got to the Grave of Saints bonfire, but decided to try to drop down further instead. Big mistake. Though chances are that the cancer that is the Gutter (ie. a whole area of nothing but instakill pits) would have done the same. Or Black Gulch. Or Shrine of Amana. Or Undead Crypt. Or most of the late game actually.

I've also been trying to get some achievements in Slay the Spire. Some of them I have no idea how they have completion percentages so high. Apparenly almost 25% of all players have gotten their deck down to 3 or fewer. I have no idea how. Myself I've been aiming to get the achievement for completing the game with only a single relic, and it seems pretty much entirely dependent on RNG. Since cards are your only method of getting stronger, you pretty much have to get at least both Demon Form and Berserk, both of which are rare cards. I think I've gotten to act 3 once, but without relics the power curve is simply too stunted to stand a real chance without tons of luck.