Topics created by DIPSET

I would love it if Sci-Fi games explore more scenarios and problems that are unique to their own setting. For example, there's so many interesting angles that Mass Effect Andromeda could tackle with the story of being transported to another galaxy, but instead, the cliché thing of saving the galaxy from a savage species overshadows everything else that is potentially more interesting. Like, the game should have been focused on the story of a group of very different lifeforms banding together to somehow co-exist with a different group of lifeforms in a totally new world that might never accept them. It could essentially turn into this overall quest to not only learn about new species we never heard about, but also learn more about ourselves and the ones we thought were familiar. Like, imagine a quest line where one of the lifeforms in Andromeda requested help to deal with an animal species that is wrecking their settlements in one of their planets, but you had to find ways to cooperate and share knowledge with other lifeforms who may or may not have the technology or knowledge required to deal with them. With the way Andromeda is structured, this aspect is so minimally explored. I feel like a more imaginative take on this subject could have been so refreshing for the genre.

Now I'm officially getting excited to get the new toy. Just 5 days for my XSX!

I take it that not too many people have played or completed this. I just finished it last night. I really enjoyed it. It's 3 episodes at 2-3 hours apiece and I think it was starting to wear out its welcome a tiny bit near the end so the length is about right for these kinds of games. I definitely enjoyed it way more than LiS2 and it brought back those cozy, at home, small town vibe from LiS 1 and LiS BTS. In fact, as the story goes on, the ideas of keeping bonds through thick and thin, keeping home close to your heart, and spreading fond memories are central themes. Like any Dontnod game, there is some stilted storytelling and conflict that seems so one sided. In this case, Alison has a hard time coping with her past. I had a hard time connecting with that because her brother seems so levelheaded by comparison. So some of her internal conflict was a bit beyond me. This game has a great carrot at the end of the stick - what happened to your mom? The resolutions are solid and it's nice that player choice affects the final outcomes, but I wasn't necessarily gripped by the twists, turns, and revelations throughout. A solid game, I recommend it, but it isn't going to be super impactful in the grand scheme of things. EDIT: I just want to add that after Chapter 1, I thought there might be a gameplay mechanic where your decision on whose memory to believe affects your relationship with your sibling. Turns out it DOES. But I didn't even know until I hit the Outcomes screen in Chapter 3 and I was among the other 89% of people who kept a strong bond between the siblings soooooooo I have NO CLUE how somebody could even manage to destroy that bond because I did some very hot headed stuff throughout and still kept the bond in-tact.

@el-shmiablo For sure and I watched some Halo 5 campaign videos and it looks like a complete dumpster fire. I just mean the MP has a lot of solid elements so I know they are capable of doing Halo justice but I have yet to see anything the artistically looks like something I can physically stare at for more than 10 minutes. Those games just look so blah so I’m happy Infinite already looks better.

@bard91 I know "sweet old lay" is probably accidental, but it's very funny to me. Also I've been following her on Twitter for a little while and she's super sweet.

I just want to say that I'm happy the game let me cheese escaping a trap room full of fire by sending all my companions back to camp, and then with my fire-resistant Tiefling, just running thru solo. lol

This isn't how I wanted to bump this thread... :( -- My completely speculative take is that Hardsuit Labs might've bit off more than they could chew. Perhaps they agreed to deliver within a certain time and budget and it's become clear that it was unrealistic. Either way, it doesn't mean they are untalented or incapable, but if Paradox is going to play in the AAA market, they need to spend whatever they can to deliver the game—especially with next gen in full force, the PS4 / XBO versions will feel dated if they putter around too long. Silver lining is that they can maybe bring back Brian Mitsoda to finish off the project, but I somehow doubt he'll want to work with Paradox ever again. Fingers crossed for Bloodlines 2 in 2022.

@TokyoSlim that's what I watched after, then in the comments there's a clarification about it. I never take anything at facevalue, though. It's cool to see these videos anyway, they're interesting and it doesn't mean that we should extrapolate from them.

The Video Game History Foundation has an archive dedicated to media and promotional materials; you might be able to find what you need through them. They also have a patron-exclusive Discord, which might help.

I'll always go back to King's Quest V, but always with a guide, because there are a couple of game stopping points.

Week One of changes begins. Joining a spin class trial on Thursday (RIP) Meal prepped for 3 days Vita changed (and my DSLR cam, two hobbies ready-to-go) High spirits!! Thanks guys

Turns out GT actually did a Top 10 Openings: Youtube Video Their descriptions are quick and I'm not really a fan of countdown videos in general, but there are some good ones on here. Portal 2 is one that I think we all missed but is a prime example of an amazing game opening for the reasons they described. Portal 2 teaches you how to play the game while being cinematic, but without removing your control as a player. This is even better because it teaches you through humour.

@Tragosaurus said in Considering Crunchyroll Subscription - Recommendations??: @SabotageTheTruth I don't mind watching ads throughout the show, they usually aren't that long and don't bother me too much. What really makes me want to throw my phone across the room is when I am forced to watching the same terrible ad 5 times in a row (I'm looking at you Kahiki) during each of the commercial breaks. I can feel it slowly making me go insane. The absolute worst was when I chromecasted it to my TV and noticed I was treated with the same number of ads but it was a 90 second one over and over opposed to the 15-30 second ones when I wasn't. And don't get me started on how Crunchyroll throws a whole new set of ads at me when I go from watching on my phone to on chromecast mid episode for reasons. The hell I put myself through to save myself $7. Hulu is honestly worse, and they seem to throw MORE ads at you when you're watching anime or cartoons than any of their sponsored shows or regular TV. I shamefully pay for the ad free package....I couldn't deal with it anymore. The awkward breaks were just too much and the ads were getting longer and longer.

We used to have this going back at GT and I didn't think anybody had done it again here at EZA but apparently Guess the Metascore is a thing and I've even commented on it before. I prefer Open Critic but somebody else is in charge of that thread. No sense in having two.

3-player gaming night tonight. I think we're going with Hitman Bloodmoney (I know, random and totally not what anybody suggested). Then we may get some Perfect Dark in. Not that anybody cares but games with friends in each other's physical presence is a dying breed.

@GoTaco My feeling is that she's been typecast into very particular roles for a lot of her career, but she's shown in the past that she has more to her than comedy. She's even slated to play the titular character of an upcoming film, Cruella. I'd be cautiously optimistic. This could be an opportunity for her to show a different part of her acting range, and that could either be awesome or underwhelming. Assuming that the rumor is real at all, that is.

Thanks fellas I suppose I did understand the Hz a bit more than I originally thought. I'm sticking with the ASUS 2K monitor. It'll look very good and the screen is gigantic which will be amazing for Premiere Pro CC. Later down the road when I wanna go 4K and run 60-120Hz, I'll upgrade on my own dime. Thanks again!

@GoTaco I personally thought that Killzone 3 and Resistance 3 were great with the Move. I personally think it is way to early to say if VR has succeeded or not. Resident Evil ain't even out yet.