What are you currently playing?

[NerfedFalcon]

Accessing the DLC is a pretty obtuse process; so much so you’d likely miss it short of having an epiphany, a lot of dumb luck, or a lot of scouring every area of the game. If you want to remain spoiler free, the only hint I could say is to
kill all the big crystalline things, wait until you have a key inventory item that might need fixing, then look for the longest ladder at a lake for a rough starting point, and loop around to investigate a dark disturbance of sorts.

Only use that advice when you’re about to give up on ever finding it though.

...Yeah, I'm definitely going to need to read the actual spoilers. I've tried looking around the area that your hint and the other one I got gave me, and I did find something, but nothing like you described. Well, if I'd need the spoilers on a subsequent run anyway, I might as well just look it up.

Looking at it, and... I thought I already did part of that sequence. Guess I must've been wrong. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

[Catfood220]

Some of the infected behavior isn’t very reliable for stealth either. Like sometimes I’ll be completely still and a random clicker will freak out and make a dash for me.

This is one of the things that annoyed me about the game. I only ever played it Normal and it was that bit where you play as Ellie in that building after a bunch of Infected attack you and David. There is a bit where you are in an area with a bunch of Clickers and I actually enjoyed hunting the Clickers, so I took down all but one who was on a lower level but coming my way. So, I was sat crouched still as a stone, waiting for him to emerge and as soon as he did he flipped out and charged me. "Ok" I thought, "maybe I moved a bit." So I replayed the section and it happened again. This raised an eyebrow, I tried again and same result. At this point, I just thought "Oh fuck you game, play by your own rules". To be fair, I was over the game by then and was basically playing because of pure stubbornness.

 

[NerfedFalcon]

Well, I figured out how to enter the DLC area, but I'm just not having any fun with it. The first boss is a massive pain, and the area after that feels like a copy of Darkroot Garden without the dark. The enemies in it aren't particularly varied or interesting, either, and the groups you're expected to fight are just ridiculous. It feels like it was designed for top-level players only.

Maybe I just suck at the game, but whatever. I'm not having fun with it, so I'm just gonna go finish the main quest instead. Maybe it'll go better next time after I git gud.

 

[wings012]

I replayed Fallout 1. I was hankering for some nostalgia I suppose. While I played heaps of Fallout 2 in my childhood, I never really did play FO1 much. I sure broke the game really quickly, but all my futzing about racing to get Power Armor and a Turbo Plasma Rifle led me to visit Necropolis way too late. I also ended up killing the Master before dealing with the Military Base. While normally you would want to get the psychic inhibitor from the base first, since I was already at the cathedral I decided to just shrug and pump myself with stimpaks as I ran through the Master's psychic attacks.

I also played Fallout 1.5, which is a total conversion mod for Fallout 2. It was kinda like playing another brand new Fallout game, though I'm not a fan of the difficulty level of the game. It feels like they just throw you off the deep end too early and there's very little you can do to really defend yourself. Armorless, armed with a 10mm pistol against a horde of desert eagle wielding raiders... but I managed to persevere through a mixture of savescumming and caravan grinding. I think it was a fun enough distraction, though not quite as good as the actual Fallout games themselves.

 

[Casual Shinji]

This is one of the things that annoyed me about the game. I only ever played it Normal and it was that bit where you play as Ellie in that building after a bunch of Infected attack you and David. There is a bit where you are in an area with a bunch of Clickers and I actually enjoyed hunting the Clickers, so I took down all but one who was on a lower level but coming my way. So, I was sat crouched still as a stone, waiting for him to emerge and as soon as he did he flipped out and charged me. "Ok" I thought, "maybe I moved a bit." So I replayed the section and it happened again. This raised an eyebrow, I tried again and same result. At this point, I just thought "Oh fuck you game, play by your own rules". To be fair, I was over the game by then and was basically playing because of pure stubbornness.

This happened to me too on nearly every playthrough. I don't know if it's due to Ellie having a different trigger radius due to her size, or if Naughty Dog decided to make the clickers more aware to offset Ellie having indefinite stealth attacks with her switchblade, but it's very weird. I never had this issue with Joel versus clickers, or when Ellie was stealthing through the blizzard with human enemies. It's only that one area that's twitchy.

 

[laggyteabag]

Finally getting around to DOOM Eternal.

I don't think it is as good as 2016.

I like the combat a lot, and it is framed in a way that I haven't seen explored all that much, as if it is some kind of puzzle - and it is very interesting, and for the most part, very well done. That being said, some aspects of the combat, like the flame belch, and the grenades, can feel a little clunky at times, and not like they fit into just how smooth the rest of the game is. It can feel a little inconsistent.

I also feel like the game wrestles control away from the player too much. Playing 2016, and I cannot recall a single cutscene, or at least nowhere near as many as this. In Eternal, you are getting tutorial prompts, and mandatory tutorial rooms. You are getting short cutscenes to show you that a door has opened. And then you are getting the story cutscenes. I just feel like the game is dragging me away far too much to be like "Ooh, ooh, look at this!" whereas the first game hardly ever needed to do that.

Talking about the story, and I feel like it is getting a bit too big for its boots. 2016's story was light, but perfectly functional. You kill demons, and demons are on Mars. Humans have been corrupted, trying to harvest hell's energy. Go stop them.

Now there is some evil demon lady, and hell has invaded earth. The Doom Slayer also now has some ancient flying fortress, and you are jumping between planets that all seem to have some story that they are trying to tell about the Doom Slayer's past, and the history of DOOM's world - with these mysterious ghost kings, and some guy called the "betrayer", and some hell sword thing that Im trying to unlock... and its all just too much. This game could, and should, have just been about the Doom Slayer coming to a hell-infested earth, and trying to push the demons back into hell - and that would have been just fine.

But ultimately, my least favourite part is the platforming. I don't need this. I want to kill demons, not do the monkey bars, or climb up cliff edges. I don't mind this stuff in combat arenas, but these platforming sections are testing my patience, and im only 5 levels in.

2016 was just more consistent, though I can definitely see the potential of Eternal.

 

[hanselthecaretaker]

I didn't mean NG+, I meant NG with a new character and a different build philosophy. I'm probably going to do NG+ at some point as well, but I've heard it's difficult enough that even beating the game once doesn't mean I'm ready for it.

I did get a hint somewhere else for where to go to start, but I'm still considering whether to go for it. Supposedly a lot of it is geared around the hack-and-slash playstyle I'm already using, so it might be worth it...

Another good thing about the SoulsBorne games is that all the DLC is worth it, especially considering they’re included in the complete editions now. They all host some of the best boss fights in the series.

As long as you’re leveling enough it shouldn’t be a problem to finish any of them. Every game is balanced a bit differently, but generally only veteran players typically say there’s a step back in challenge doing them in NG.

 

[hanselthecaretaker]

This is one of the things that annoyed me about the game. I only ever played it Normal and it was that bit where you play as Ellie in that building after a bunch of Infected attack you and David. There is a bit where you are in an area with a bunch of Clickers and I actually enjoyed hunting the Clickers, so I took down all but one who was on a lower level but coming my way. So, I was sat crouched still as a stone, waiting for him to emerge and as soon as he did he flipped out and charged me. "Ok" I thought, "maybe I moved a bit." So I replayed the section and it happened again. This raised an eyebrow, I tried again and same result. At this point, I just thought "Oh fuck you game, play by your own rules". To be fair, I was over the game by then and was basically playing because of pure stubbornness.

Yeah I’ve pretty much made up my mind that a Grounded play through would be too masochistic based on the questionable game logic. In cases like this I’m actually glad Part 2 has a ton of difficulty tweaks because unless they overhauled the AI it probably needs them.

 

[NerfedFalcon]

Guys, I did it.

I beat Dark Souls.

Just at the start of this month, I never would've thought I'd be saying that. Even after the soundscape, the tactical flexibility and the story, probably the most amazing thing about Dark Souls is its ability to unlock your true potential. To give you a chance to look back and think, "I did that, and I didn't think I could." Probably all of the games in the series are like that, but the 'first' one is the total package, and a game that I think probably everyone should play once.

Now I have to decide what to move on to. Bloodborne and Dark Souls 3 are the obvious choices, but I've also got Nioh, Code Vein and Hollow Knight lying around unfinished. And now I know I can handle whatever they can throw at me, because I beat the Capra Demon, and Ornstein and Smough, and the Bed of Chaos... and Gwyn.

 

[hanselthecaretaker]

Well, I figured out how to enter the DLC area, but I'm just not having any fun with it. The first boss is a massive pain, and the area after that feels like a copy of Darkroot Garden without the dark. The enemies in it aren't particularly varied or interesting, either, and the groups you're expected to fight are just ridiculous. It feels like it was designed for top-level players only.

Maybe I just suck at the game, but whatever. I'm not having fun with it, so I'm just gonna go finish the main quest instead. Maybe it'll go better next time after I git gud.

It does get more varied the deeper you go, but yeah that chimera beast was the biggest pain for me too. Pretty much had to cheese him from the tunnel, and even then I died more to him than all subsequent bosses combined. Ironically I one-timed the final boss using the same gear IIRC.

 

[hanselthecaretaker]

This happened to me too on nearly every playthrough. I don't know if it's due to Ellie having a different trigger radius due to her size, or if Naughty Dog decided to make the clickers more aware to offset Ellie having indefinite stealth attacks with her switchblade, but it's very weird. I never had this issue with Joel versus clickers, or when Ellie was stealthing through the blizzard with human enemies. It's only that one area that's twitchy.

My issue was with Joel vs clickers in two separate gameplay sections. The first in the skyscraper where you have to clear the lower floor to open the door, and another in the museum when you get split up. It seems to be pretty random, but frustrating all the same.

 

[hanselthecaretaker]

Started TLoU Part 2. I like how this one begins more than the original, and it does a good job of introducing the different gameplay systems so far. Melee feels really intuitive and smooth with the new dodge system. Movement and traversal also generally feel smoother and more context-sensitive. Horseback riding feels similar to The Witcher 3 but a bit more restrained. I like how they introduce new characters. Can’t wait to hear/see how they explain Abby.

The forest scenery with the snow falling looks like a painting come to life and is aesthetically even better then Red Dead: Redemption 2, but certain things aren’t as detailed. Like a tractor drives by and most of the snow is undisturbed in one scene. The main characters and snow deformation is top notch though, along with being on horseback. Watching ice breakup from their hooves is cool, and they even applied swirly water physics when you circle around in it.

I only played an hour or so and it’s slow so far, but there’s more story threads being woven already.

 

[Dalisclock]

Guys, I did it.

I beat Dark Souls.

Just at the start of this month, I never would've thought I'd be saying that. Even after the soundscape, the tactical flexibility and the story, probably the most amazing thing about Dark Souls is its ability to unlock your true potential. To give you a chance to look back and think, "I did that, and I didn't think I could." Probably all of the games in the series are like that, but the 'first' one is the total package, and a game that I think probably everyone should play once.

Now I have to decide what to move on to. Bloodborne and Dark Souls 3 are the obvious choices, but I've also got Nioh, Code Vein and Hollow Knight lying around unfinished. And now I know I can handle whatever they can throw at me, because I beat the Capra Demon, and Ornstein and Smough, and the Bed of Chaos... and Gwyn.

The Artorias fight and the area around him is considered a lot better then the Daylight Darkroot Garden but if you're not feeling it, there's nothing wrong with bailing out. I got all the way to the final boss of the DLC, smacked my head against him a few times before deciding "Fuck it, I'm going to fight Gwyn". I had a similar pattern with Bloodborne. Got to the end of the DLC, Boss wrecked me enough to send me to go finish the game because I'd pretty much seen and done everything else and not taking out one optional boss isn't something I'm going to lose sleep over.

Out of your list, Bloodborne and Hollow Knight are the only games I've played(and finished) and both of them are awesome. If I could only keep one FROM game for the rest of my life, it would be Bloodborne(Dark Souls would be a close 2nd) and Hollow Knight is a damn good Metriodvania with a nice soulsy atmosphere. I can't comment on any of the others.

 

[hanselthecaretaker]

Guys, I did it.

I beat Dark Souls.

Just at the start of this month, I never would've thought I'd be saying that. Even after the soundscape, the tactical flexibility and the story, probably the most amazing thing about Dark Souls is its ability to unlock your true potential. To give you a chance to look back and think, "I did that, and I didn't think I could." Probably all of the games in the series are like that, but the 'first' one is the total package, and a game that I think probably everyone should play once.

Now I have to decide what to move on to. Bloodborne and Dark Souls 3 are the obvious choices, but I've also got Nioh, Code Vein and Hollow Knight lying around unfinished. And now I know I can handle whatever they can throw at me, because I beat the Capra Demon, and Ornstein and Smough, and the Bed of Chaos... and Gwyn.

Congrats! That feeling is pretty much exactly why the developers make the games the way they do. There are undoubtedly much more difficult games out there via insane difficulty options, but very few that demand the same starting agreement of all players.

I already commented on DS3 and Bloodborne, but if you already started those other games maybe that would be a better option, unless you’re not really that far or don’t care to as much as starting something new. I got Nioh on a PS+ sale but haven’t tried it yet. Want to finish Sekiro and then take a long break before even looking at another “difficult” game.

 

[stroopwafel]

Congrats! That feeling is pretty much exactly why the developers make the games the way they do. There are undoubtedly much more difficult games out there via insane difficulty options, but very few that demand the same starting agreement of all players.

I already commented on DS3 and Bloodborne, but if you already started those other games maybe that would be a better option, unless you’re not really that far or don’t care to as much as starting something new. I got Nioh on a PS+ sale but haven’t tried it yet. Want to finish Sekiro and then take a long break before even looking at another “difficult” game.

Definitely don't pass on Nioh. The combat is god-tier. Nioh 2 is much, much better though. Less recycled environments, more enemy variety, every boss is cool with crazy varied repertoires almost no flukes and better animation quality and sound fx. Music really good as well. If you want a game with nothing but divine gameplay this is it. Team Ninja are absolute masters of their craft.

The game is also divided in small missions so ideal for short bursts. It's not necessary to play it non-stop till completion to really enjoy it. Though you probably will because you'll get hooked. xD

 

[hanselthecaretaker]

Definitely don't pass on Nioh. The combat is god-tier. Nioh 2 is much, much better though. Less recycled environments, more enemy variety, every boss is cool with crazy varied repertoires almost no flukes and better animation quality and sound fx. Music really good as well. If you want a game with nothing but divine gameplay this is it. Team Ninja are absolute masters of their craft.

The game is also divided in small missions so ideal for short bursts. It's not necessary to play it non-stop till completion to really enjoy it. Though you probably will because you'll get hooked. xD

I still want to finish Sekiro first as I’m about half way through it, but them’s encouraging words. I was unsure about it based on their *other* popular series that’s pretty much sado-masochism on a stick, and the general consensus seemingly being the combat is all it has going for it.

 

[meiam]

Ehhhhhh Nioh has a lot of downside. The recycle environment is not a joke, you constantly have to go back trough the same place. It also has wayyyyyyy too many weapons, you constantly receive a crapton of weapon that are just slight variation of each others (like a diablo). To me that just negate the main interest in the soul like genre weapon system since getting a new weapon is not a new discovery it just mean making some math to figure out which deal more damage.

Honestly I wouldn't touch it unless you've finished literally every other soulborne (and maybe a few of the other soul like game).

 

[Martintox]

Ehhhhhh Nioh has a lot of downside. The recycle environment is not a joke, you constantly have to go back trough the same place. It also has wayyyyyyy too many weapons, you constantly receive a crapton of weapon that are just slight variation of each others (like a diablo). To me that just negate the main interest in the soul like genre weapon system since getting a new weapon is not a new discovery it just mean making some math to figure out which deal more damage.

Honestly I wouldn't touch it unless you've finished literally every other soulborne (and maybe a few of the other soul like game).

That's pretty much it. By the time you get 20 hours in, you have so much equipment that sifting through it to have an optimal loadout is a complete chore; micromanaging your arsenal is already a convoluted process at the start, and it only gets worse from there. The combat is indeed very good (it's complex in a genuinely meaningful way without harming the pace of battle), but in addition to recycling certain locales constantly, it stops introducing new enemies after a while and instead jacks up their stats so that you die in two hits tops, something that's all the more bothersome since they can attack multiple times in a row and you have just about no i-frames. It's one of those games where everything other than the general gameplay and the controls is average at best, so if you get tired of the gameplay loop, you might as well quit right there.

 

[NerfedFalcon]

That's pretty much it. By the time you get 20 hours in, you have so much equipment that sifting through it to have an optimal loadout is a complete chore; micromanaging your arsenal is already a convoluted process at the start, and it only gets worse from there. The combat is indeed very good (it's complex in a genuinely meaningful way without harming the pace of battle), but in addition to recycling certain locales constantly, it stops introducing new enemies after a while and instead jacks up their stats so that you die in two hits tops, something that's all the more bothersome since they can attack multiple times in a row and you have just about no i-frames. It's one of those games where everything other than the general gameplay and the controls is average at best, so if you get tired of the gameplay loop, you might as well quit right there.

I have played Nioh before, up to about the fifth story mission, and I think it's actually really good. I probably haven't gotten to the bad parts yet, but I just got a change in plans. A friend of mine has told me he's willing to lend me Sekiro for a while in exchange for Final Fantasy 7 Remake, so I'm going to try that next.

 

[CriticalGaming]

That's pretty much it. By the time you get 20 hours in, you have so much equipment that sifting through it to have an optimal loadout is a complete chore; micromanaging your arsenal is already a convoluted process at the start, and it only gets worse from there. The combat is indeed very good (it's complex in a genuinely meaningful way without harming the pace of battle), but in addition to recycling certain locales constantly, it stops introducing new enemies after a while and instead jacks up their stats so that you die in two hits tops, something that's all the more bothersome since they can attack multiple times in a row and you have just about no i-frames. It's one of those games where everything other than the general gameplay and the controls is average at best, so if you get tired of the gameplay loop, you might as well quit right there.

So long as you keep your gear up-to-date every couple stages, you don't really need to keep that close of an eye on the gear that drops for you.

Gear doesn't matter much until your 2nd playthrough. It sounds to me like you let the loot get to you when it really isnt that important.

You don't have i-frames except in High stance, in which your roll behaves like a Souls roll. Med and low stance you are suppose to block as your primary defense.

The enemy variety does suck though. And the game does become a "master it or GTFO" type of affair.