What are you currently playing?

[Johnny Novgorod]

Playing an 89¢ game called Geometric Sniper. You look down a sniper rifle into a black and white cartoon city and shoot your one bullet once you spot your target (people are basically stick figures with different head shapes and ornaments as distinguishing features). Miss, shoot a civilian or run out of time and you simply restart the level. There're only 12 levels, each with a hidden object variation. It's not very exciting.

 

[NerfedFalcon]

I wasn't planning on using any of the 'boost' features in the Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster games, but to get through Zeromus in FF4, I decided to turn on the 4x EXP boost, which by my math saved me about four hours of grinding to get strong enough to defeat him. I mean, I've played Runescape, so four hours is nothing compared to the things I've done in that game; but for a game like this, where I really just wanted to see the ending, I don't feel bad about skipping a lot of the grind.

Ultimately, I do think that FF4 is still a pretty good game, and a worthy 'first of a new era' title. It doesn't rank as high as some others I've played, 7 and 1 come to mind, but I did like it better than 3, and I would recommend it to first-time Final Fantasy players still, with the caveat of being ready for some level grinding. In that regard, Pixel Remaster coming with those boosts is actually a positive, I'd say. Guess we know where I land on the 'you cheated not only the game, but yourself' debate now.

Still got 5 and 6 to get through, and Resident Evil Requiem dropping tomorrow. It'll definitely be either Requiem or FF5 next. I haven't forgotten about Dino Crisis, but I'll likely save that for after Requiem at least. After 6... well, maybe I'll pick 7 Rebirth back up, if I still feel like I'm on the Final Fantasy train.

 

[thebobmaster]

Finished the Mysterio sidequest in Spider-Man 2. I actually mostly enjoyed that one, and the little twist at the ending was nice. Also had a fantastic line from Quentin Beck. "Mysterio will always be a villain. Just like Spider-Man will always be a hero. It's when you start looking at the people beneath the masks that things get messy."

 

[Drathnoxis]

Ultimately, I do think that FF4 is still a pretty good game, and a worthy 'first of a new era' title. It doesn't rank as high as some others I've played, 7 and 1 come to mind, but I did like it better than 3, and I would recommend it to first-time Final Fantasy players still, with the caveat of being ready for some level grinding. In that regard, Pixel Remaster coming with those boosts is actually a positive, I'd say. Guess we know where I land on the 'you cheated not only the game, but yourself' debate now.

I don't see how skipping the grind is cheating yourself. If it's not a matter of coming up with a new strategy or improving your skill to overcome a challenge and the only option is to do a repetitive task for X amount of time to progress, you aren't in any way cheating yourself of the experience. This is why I dislike RPG mechanics in general, they are basically all purpose filler used to avoid needing to properly balance a game. You weren't in any danger of dying from the random encounters you faced (or from 99% of random encounters in any RPG ever), it was just padding to make sure the game wasn't too short.

 

[Casual Shinji]

I've been playing a bit of Resident Evil 9, and if this is suposedly the highest rated RE game then I think want I what from a Resi game has fallen out of favour. I'm already not a fan of two big things that have found their way into this franchise: FPS and intrigue. Now, the first-person sections in RE9 work as a contrast for the third-person sections as Leon, highlighting the difference in experience and skill. And Grace at least gets a face and a character model we get to see in cutscenes, unlike Ethan Winters who was just a faceles guy. But the way these sections just jerk you around for the sake of scares annoys the piss out of me.

The best Resi games allow for efficient tactics, so that when you know what you're doing you can race yourself through the game. But RE9 throws a bunch of unskippable scripted scare moments at you (as Grace), and the way the game forces you to not miss anything makes them immediately not scary, because they just come off as cinematic flourishes and not genuinely scary moments.

Also, there's a cutscene early on where Leon just lets a woman get chainsawed to death when he could've easily shot the obvious looking zombie guy making his way to her. Like I think Leon of all people should be able to immediately clock a shambling grey skinned guy wielding a revved up chainsaw as the clear threat that he is. A senior moment perhaps.

 

[BrawlMan]

FPS and intrigue. Now, the first-person sections in RE9 work as a contrast for the third-person sections as Leon, highlighting the difference in experience and skill. And Grace at least gets a face and a character model we get to see in cutscenes, unlike Ethan Winters who was just a faceles guy. But the way these sections just jerk you around for the sake of scares annoys the piss out of me.

You know know you could turn her camera into third person at any time, right? That's what i'm going to do as soon as I start the game and go into the menu.

Also, there's a cutscene early on where Leon just lets a woman get chainsawed to death when he could've easily shot the obvious looking zombie guy making his way to her. Like I think Leon of all people should be able to immediately clock a shambling grey skinned guy wielding a revved up chainsaw as the clear threat that he is. A senior moment perhaps.

Not rhe first time a RE protagonist could have easily saved someone. RE5 and one of the animated CG movies rings a few bells.

He needed to say something witty and funny. Just let us have this!

 

[Casual Shinji]

You know know you could turn her camera into third person at any time, right? That's what i'm going to do as soon as I start the game and go into the menu.

Yeah I know, but I figure I'll play it the way the game intends for me to play it. Also, turning it to third-person isn't going to change the scripted "spooky" events.

 

[BrawlMan]

Also, turning it to third-person isn't going to change the scripted "spooky" events.

I know. RE8 did the same thing when it got that 3rd person update.

 

[Bartholen]

Decided to boot up Bioshock 2 Remastered again after... 6 years? Man, time does fly. It's something of a frustrating game, because in terms of gameplay and overall design it blows the first one out of the water: the level design is better, there's way more enemy variety, the dual wielding is incredibly satisfying, and the powers way more interesting. It's just that the narrative is simply not up to snuff. The writing's not outright terrible, but following a game with one of the most famous narratives in gaming history that also had many interesting meta elements to it, Bioshock 2 smacks of the writers having only a surface level understanding of the first game. It also feels very soapbox-y in a way the first game didn't, and the first one wasn't subtle about its themes and political leanings. Sophia Lamb just feels overwrought and hokey, like a 15-year old's version of an evil collectivist villain. The gameplay is unequivocally what carries this game.

It's also wild looking back that this game came out in 2010. Obviously the remaster snazzes it up quite a lot, but the art deco design and environmental detail still feels next level, especially considering how expansive some of the environments are. I suppose it helps a lot that the game takes place mostly in enclosed environments with little need for draw distance. I wish the game had a dedicated toggle for movement speed, because it's a game where I just want to sink into the atmosphere and take in all the environmental storytelling.

 

[meiam]

I don't see how skipping the grind is cheating yourself. If it's not a matter of coming up with a new strategy or improving your skill to overcome a challenge and the only option is to do a repetitive task for X amount of time to progress, you aren't in any way cheating yourself of the experience. This is why I dislike RPG mechanics in general, they are basically all purpose filler used to avoid needing to properly balance a game. You weren't in any danger of dying from the random encounters you faced (or from 99% of random encounters in any RPG ever), it was just padding to make sure the game wasn't too short.

Some RPG will have some skill required in grindding, like disgeae, so it can work that way.

Well made, RPG mechanic allow new gameplay mechanic to be introduced at a good pace and let player customize their gameplay experience.

 

[Drathnoxis]

Some RPG will have some skill required in grindding, like disgeae, so it can work that way.

Disgaea can need skill with the random levels in the item world and the enemy stats getting pretty ludicrous towards the end, but it can also be pretty broken with the right abuse of mechanics. You are just as likely to spend hours doing the same regular level over and over combining every enemy on the map and killing them for triple XP from the assembly.

Well made, RPG mechanic allow new gameplay mechanic to be introduced at a good pace and let player customize their gameplay experience.

There are other ways of introducing gameplay mechanics and customization that don't wreck the difficulty balance and force players to walk a tightrope between being under and over leveled.

 

[thebobmaster]

Say what you will about the story, but Chrono Cross had a good idea with its leveling system. Basically, while random encounters got you loot and stuff, you only got stat increases from boss battles. If a battle didn't go your way, mind you, you could run away and come back later, but that didn't mean grinding to overpower yourself, it meant maybe finding better gear if you could or rethinking your battle strategy.

 

[Johnny Novgorod]

Finished Geometric Sniper. Then played some more of Isaac, beat Cathedral/Sheol with Judas and Samson. Guess I'll start another short game to hold me over.

 

[Worgen]

Decided to boot up Bioshock 2 Remastered again after... 6 years? Man, time does fly. It's something of a frustrating game, because in terms of gameplay and overall design it blows the first one out of the water: the level design is better, there's way more enemy variety, the dual wielding is incredibly satisfying, and the powers way more interesting. It's just that the narrative is simply not up to snuff. The writing's not outright terrible, but following a game with one of the most famous narratives in gaming history that also had many interesting meta elements to it, Bioshock 2 smacks of the writers having only a surface level understanding of the first game. It also feels very soapbox-y in a way the first game didn't, and the first one wasn't subtle about its themes and political leanings. Sophia Lamb just feels overwrought and hokey, like a 15-year old's version of an evil collectivist villain. The gameplay is unequivocally what carries this game.

It's also wild looking back that this game came out in 2010. Obviously the remaster snazzes it up quite a lot, but the art deco design and environmental detail still feels next level, especially considering how expansive some of the environments are. I suppose it helps a lot that the game takes place mostly in enclosed environments with little need for draw distance. I wish the game had a dedicated toggle for movement speed, because it's a game where I just want to sink into the atmosphere and take in all the environmental storytelling.

That was pretty much my take on it also. I think on its own it would have been really fondly remembered since it played pretty well. But, its the sequel to one of the big narrative surprises in gaming. Its almost impossible to top that even with a game that plays better. A good story can really elevate a mediocre game.

Was still in the mood for some point and click goodness after Gobliins 6 so I started a game I got during the summer steam sale called Tsioque (pronounced chock). Its pretty interesting. The art is all hand animated and its a combination of point and click parts with quick time parts, al la Dragons Lair. So you can die, but the game is really quick to just put you back where you were. Also the story is interesting and goes places you will not expect.

 

[Worgen]

Beat Tsioque. Much shorter then I expected, but still quite good. Gobliins 6 took me like 30 hours, partially from getting badly stuck on a few puzzles and partially from falling asleep a couple times since with the music it can be annoyingly relaxing when you are stuck. Tsioque only took like 3. None of the puzzles were bad enough to get stuck on, movement was slow because everything was animated. Anyway, did really enjoy it, even though it was short.

 

[BrawlMan]

Resident Evil Requiem - I am loving this! I am still early in the game, but I do love how the character switching is done. Leon is so much fun! God I missed you!

 

[XsjadoBlayde]

RE Requiem. Damn this is intense. Some actual horror and neat scares plus acting is a step above for the series. Arse gripped firmly to seat.

 

[Worgen]

Still in holding pattern for Monster Hunter Stories 3 so trying to get things in my back log. Tried Gungrave Gore for 30 minutes then uninstalled it. Its got an ok style but I find the mostly automated gunplay pretty dull.

Did a run on Star of Providence, had it since it was just called Monolith or something like that. I mean its a neat twinstick shooter, but something about it doesn't quite click for me. Its good but not the sort of thing I can see myself really playing a lot of.

Decided to get Robocop: Rogue City: Unfinished Business. I do miss the police procedural parts, but its hard to argue with solid gunplay. I am having to relearn how it plays which is adds to the difficulty of the highest diff since I tend to do that. But, I'm having fun.

 

[BrawlMan]

RE Requiem - I finished Grace's first major section, and did the second Leon section. I do his sections were a little longer, but I get the point. His areas are more so catharsis, but can be challenging. A detail I've noticed a lot of people aren't saying, is that Capcom actually brought back the zapping system. If you leave items or enemies around (or if you didn't permanently kill the zombies), then Grace/Leon will encounter them later depending on where you go and/or the next designated path.

 

[NerfedFalcon]

Resident Evil Requiem: Been having a pretty good time with it so far, other than a couple of deaths that felt a little unavoidable. The contrast between Grace and Leon is pretty palpable, though it feels like most of the focus is on Grace, with Leon only getting to go up for a few minutes in between her much longer sections. That isn't inherently a bad thing; as BM pointed out, Leon's sections are focused on catharsis, kinda like that one part of RE8 near the end (IYKYK), but I am kinda hoping unlike in that game that we get a longer Leon section before the end.

Still don't really know what to make of the plot, but it's early yet. Don't want to say too much in case I end up being wrong.