Whatcha Been Playing?

[Michiel K]

I'm still nibbling away at Valkyria Chronicles. The best thing I can say is that this game definitely gets better as I get more accustomed to its internal logic over time. Interesting story. Great mission design. Very engaging. Quite the enjoyable contrast to the plethora of modern AAA games that are seemingly designed around the players burning themselves out halfway through, too. (*cough* RDR2 *cough*) I'll have more to say when I'm done, but I'm certainly glad the podcast has inspired me to finally play it.

Good stuff. And yes, the mission designs are some of the best and most varied of any game in the genre. Always a huge plus for me.

Last week was spent trying to clear at least the first loop of the World version of Ghouls'n Ghosts on Capcom Classics Collection Vol. 2. Not an easy task, but I did it and I'm now confident I can clear both loops if I dedicate myself to it.

Meanwhile, I keep chipping away at Project X Zone while commuting for my new temporary on-site assignment.

Also, I bought Project Warlock on GOG and am trying to get into it. I love the way it looks; an old-school, Doom, Heretic and Blood inspired FPS with high quality Japanese, Famicom-style 8-bit sprite work. But it took me a while to get the hang of it. You start out rather weak and with limited offensive capabilities, so it's not immediately satisfying to play. Once you get more powerful weapons and upgrades, though... Hooo boy. Crazy carnage ensues.

[Joshihatsumitsu]

I'm still nibbling away at Valkyria Chronicles. The best thing I can say is that this game definitely gets better as I get more accustomed to its internal logic over time. Interesting story. Great mission design. Very engaging. Quite the enjoyable contrast to the plethora of modern AAA games that are seemingly designed around the players burning themselves out halfway through, too. (*cough* RDR2 *cough*) I'll have more to say when I'm done, but I'm certainly glad the podcast has inspired me to finally play it.

Man, reading others experience with the first game make me a little envious! It's in my Switch watch list, so I will definitely get to it, but first I must finish VC2 - a game that is definitely reflective of PSP design, similar to how MGS: Portable Ops was a series of smaller, bite-size gameplay elements.

Another game I've been playing in bite sizes is Red Dead Redemption 2... bah, just kidding! I've been playing Mars Matrix (CPS2), and my habit of switching between shmups with different mechanics requires a little adjustment period!

Basically you have the 8 way joystick control, and then one button for everything else. Short taps give you quick/weak fire; a single button press (you kinda have to pause before pressing) creates a powerful/slower blast; holding the button down around bullets kinda sucks them in and spits them back out at enemies... still wrapping my head around it.

It's an interesting control scheme, and it's a little bit about finding your rhythm as much as anything else. Good fun: kinda would like to see it get re-released in some capacity.

[duskvstweak]

I just started The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker.

I went from the N64 to a Playstation 2 so all but a few Gamecube games passed me by. It's been 18 years since I played a Zelda game, way back in 2000 when Majora's Mask was new.

I'm excited to give this one, and Twilight Princess, a go.

[Simonsloth]

I'm still nibbling away at Valkyria Chronicles. The best thing I can say is that this game definitely gets better as I get more accustomed to its internal logic over time. Interesting story. Great mission design. Very engaging. Quite the enjoyable contrast to the plethora of modern AAA games that are seemingly designed around the players burning themselves out halfway through, too. (*cough* RDR2 *cough*) I'll have more to say when I'm done, but I'm certainly glad the podcast has inspired me to finally play it.

Simon, have you played this one? I couldn't help but notice its absence in your otherwise incredibly thorough yearly slate.

Yes I did play it on the PS3 a few years ago. I had a whirl on the ps plus PS4 remaster but couldn’t bring myself to play beyond the notorious tank mission. It’s a great game but the memories of it’s huge difficulty spike came flooding back.

I’m slowly working my way through the PSP sequel although it’s been 2 years of slow progress.

[Chopper]

That said, last night I played Tetris Effect with headphones for about two hours and then couldn't sleep til about half one because I was over stimulated and was having mild visual hallucinations. Probably better off with Red Dead tonight.

The same thing happened to me last night. No hallucinations but definitely overstimulated.

I would really love to borrow a PSVR for a couple of days just to see if it's worth the investment. Like, I know it isn't but then...hhhnnnggghhh.

Funny, I played in VR for the first two hours; I wasn't that impressed* but that was because I was concentrating on the game so much I thought I wasn't taking in the visual effects. Then I turned off VR and played for 30 mins or so and was horrified at the small flat screen. In VR it is right in your face. I was thinking, 'this game doesn't really benefit from VR', but it really does add something.

Good game, I am rocking a solid 'D' on the levels.

I am stuck on the Hula Soul level....on Beginner.

* I don't know if it was the overwhelming effect of VR after six months without it, but 30 seconds into the first level the tears were running down my face, so that was a thing. I blame the Nineties.

[Suits]

I just started The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker.

One of my gaming shames this.

I have the GameCube and Wii U version at home and I’m often, very, very tempted.

[Alex79]

Just mopping up a few missed things before taking on the final boss in Hollow Knight. Currently cleaning out the Queens Gardens, then it's on to the last battle. 32 hours, it's been amazing!

[DomsBeard]

I just started The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker.

One of my gaming shames this.

I have the GameCube and Wii U version at home and I’m often, very, very tempted.

I bought it day one and I seem to remember it not being too long and being rather easy?. Could be wrong.

Picked up Black Ops 4 last night to try Battle Royale spontaneously as Sainsburys had a good deal (will pop in the deals bit). Disappointed in how bland it was to be honest I have just traded it in. I thought the map was dull and graphically I thought it was very disappointing. I managed a 6th place but nah not for me.

Started Shadow Of The Tomb Raider too. Lara getting bashed about 30 seconds in for a change

I liked the opening bit as my son makes me watch Coco every day so knew where we were and what everything meant.

[duskvstweak]

I just started The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker.

One of my gaming shames this.

I have the GameCube and Wii U version at home and I’m often, very, very tempted.

I was one of those snooty teenagers upset at the art style, because he just wanted another Ocarina. But now, I'm looking forward to it just because it IS different.

Growing up is a strange thing.

[KSubzero1000]

I went back to Flower for a little while earlier today. Walking sims / experimental... programs are usually the least of my worries, but when I do indulge, I like the good stuff. As great and melancholic as ever. Like if Fumito Ueda got ahold of the Õkami first draft and thought to himself "This is nice and all, but 90% of all this needs to be cut. Let's distill it to the bare essential(s)."

I also impulse bought the Valkyria Chronicles 4 CE with the cute little tank, so now I can be cool and hip and up to date with the latest technological advancements like the rest of you lot.

[Michiel K]

Speaking of cool, hip and the latest technological advancements, I've been playing Power Stone and Marvel vs. Capcom 2 on the Dreamcast, this evening.

Another game I've been playing in bite sizes is Red Dead Redemption 2... bah, just kidding! I've been playing Mars Matrix (CPS2), and my habit of switching between shmups with different mechanics requires a little adjustment period!

Basically you have the 8 way joystick control, and then one button for everything else. Short taps give you quick/weak fire; a single button press (you kinda have to pause before pressing) creates a powerful/slower blast; holding the button down around bullets kinda sucks them in and spits them back out at enemies... still wrapping my head around it.

It's an interesting control scheme, and it's a little bit about finding your rhythm as much as anything else. Good fun: kinda would like to see it get re-released in some capacity.

Maaaaaaan, I love Mars Matrix. Got the Dreamcast port. I suck at it, though.

Don't forget there is a fourth attack: if you hold the button pressed all the way down, you deploy the black hole bomb that sucks everything in. Only thing is that it leaves you wide open, as it fully depletes your gauge.

[DomsBeard]

Played Fallout 76 for 4 hours tonight and very impressed by it.

No major issues so far and I have had some great staged and organic moments. It does feel lonely with no NPCs but at the moment that does add to its charm.

[Joshihatsumitsu]

Speaking of cool, hip and the latest technological advancements, I've been playing Power Stone and Marvel vs. Capcom 2 on the Dreamcast, this evening.

Another game I've been playing in bite sizes is Red Dead Redemption 2... bah, just kidding! I've been playing Mars Matrix (CPS2), and my habit of switching between shmups with different mechanics requires a little adjustment period!

Basically you have the 8 way joystick control, and then one button for everything else. Short taps give you quick/weak fire; a single button press (you kinda have to pause before pressing) creates a powerful/slower blast; holding the button down around bullets kinda sucks them in and spits them back out at enemies... still wrapping my head around it.

It's an interesting control scheme, and it's a little bit about finding your rhythm as much as anything else. Good fun: kinda would like to see it get re-released in some capacity.

Maaaaaaan, I love Mars Matrix. Got the Dreamcast port. I suck at it, though.

Don't forget there is a fourth attack: if you hold the button pressed all the way down, you deploy the black hole bomb that sucks everything in. Only thing is that it leaves you wide open, as it fully depletes your gauge.

Don't worry... I suck at it too! Good to be in the company of other hip, cool and up-to-date cats!

Did the Dreamcast version have a few extra modes? I've heard (i.e., read) positives things about it.

[Alex79]

Played Fallout 76 for 4 hours tonight and very impressed by it.

No major issues so far and I have had some great staged and organic moments. It does feel lonely with no NPCs but at the moment that does add to its charm.

Ah OK, so maybe you're in a better position than any preview I've read over the last year - what IS it? (Read that in a Barry Burton voice for extra effect)

Is it an online only MMORPG? Is there a single player story? Do you have to play co-op? How do you buy stuff if there are no NPCs? Everything we've seen and heard has done a terrible job of explaining literally anything.

[Suits]

Played Fallout 76 for 4 hours tonight and very impressed by it.

No major issues so far and I have had some great staged and organic moments. It does feel lonely with no NPCs but at the moment that does add to its charm.

Ah OK, so maybe you're in a better position than any preview I've read over the last year - what IS it? (Read that in a Barry Burton voice for extra effect)

Is it an online only MMORPG? Is there a single player story? Do you have to play co-op? How do you buy stuff if there are no NPCs? Everything we've seen and heard has done a terrible job of explaining literally anything.

Yeah, I've put a 5 hours or so into it at the moment too and I'm just finding my way about it all.

It's OK, so far, still working it out but I'm enjoying the adventure, hoarding, levelling up mechanics.

As far as a story goes, it what ever you want it to be I think. The basis is set to literally create your own adventure with some mild pointers and overall story aspects.

If I'm being totally honest, this is more like how I try and play Fallout 4.

The no NCP's thing hasn't caused me any issues yet as the scraps of paper and notes lying about are more than detailed to paint a picture of what things were like when the bombs fell 25 years prior.

There are shops of sorts, they're just Automatrons.

The interactions I've had with others so far has been fun, very fun. I'm making my own way at the moment but a few the lads have picked this up also and tonight we're going to group up and do some group adventure stuff.

I wasn't sure if I was going to like this but so far.....I am.

[DomsBeard]

I would echo what Suits has said. Being on your own I have found really immersive. I read one computers detail of a new creature in Fallout and that sounds more terrifying than seeing it through it attacking some NPCS.

Highlights last night:

1. Saving another player who was surrounded by Feral Ghouls
2. Asking another player to trade and him telling me over mic to f**k off . I then followed him around for 5 minutes closing doors behind him
3. Walking around the corner into a gang of Super Mutants and then running for my life
4. Joining a public event that was way over my head and again running for my life.
5. Meeting another player who had built a great C.A.M.P. and using it to upgrade weapons and make some food.

Speaking of public events I like how they are done. They are clearly highlighted on the map and you can fast travel to them for a few caps. I took place in 4 or 5 last night with varying degrees. If you complete them (I failed one and ran from another and got nothing) you get caps and some food and maybe a weapon.

First one I did on my own which was a pretty straightforward take out some naughty robots and flip a switch. The second I walked in to be surrounded by 10 or so Scorched so had to leg it. Third one I had two other players with me and was a protect something which we failed. I properly buddied up with someone and defended an area from Scorched and got some good perks and bonuses. My favourite was me arriving at one where you have to escort a robot from A to B. I arrived as the robot was taking the last 3 steps to B and got full bonuses for completing that mission

Not being able to ''pause'' it by going into your pip boy has been the biggest change for me. If you are getting a beating you have to hide to heal yourself and it makes it more immersive and scary. If you die you Dark Souls style have to go back to where you died to collect your stuff which has made me run rather than fight on.

Have not really figured out the C.A.M.P. yet and where and when I should set up.

I will be playing this all night tonight and I cannot wait

[Alex79]

Hmm interesting, thanks. I love the world of Fallout, but a lack of an overall goal tends to kill games for me, even though in those huge open world RPGs I tend to avoid the main story for as long as I can, I still find that I need an end goal to keep playing. I know that sounds stupid, it must just be something about the way my brain works!

Aside: I'm assuming the game can't use the VATS system for combat? I can't see how that would work online.

This does sound good, but I've got an abandoned game of Fallout 4 still on the go if I feel like returning to the world any time soon.

EDIT: Ah, I've got the itch now! I'm going to get back on to Fallout 4 tonight. Ive avoided installing any mods because it cancels trophies, but who really cares about trophies, I think I'll explore the fairly limited selection available for PS4 and have some fun.

[DomsBeard]

Hmm interesting, thanks. I love the world of Fallout, but a lack of an overall goal tends to kill games for me, even though in those huge open world RPGs I tend to avoid the main story for as long as I can, I still find that I need an end goal to keep playing. I know that sounds stupid, it must just be something about the way my brain works!

Aside: I'm assuming the game can't use the VATS system for combat? I can't see how that would work online.

This does sound good, but I've got an abandoned game of Fallout 4 still on the go if I feel like returning to the world any time soon.

Vats is there, but the world slows down slightly (not much) rather than pausing whilst draining your action points. I have only used it to scout areas ahead so to not get ambushed. I bought Fallout 4 with all the DLC day one and never really got into it, never ever found my kid. With regards to goals you are tasked with following the footsteps of the people who have left the vault already and your overseer who has a very specific mission so there is enough there but I already got sidetracked making my own stories and the map itself rather than the usual is intriguing with what is on there

[Michiel K]

Don't worry... I suck at it too! Good to be in the company of other hip, cool and up-to-date cats!

Did the Dreamcast version have a few extra modes? I've heard (i.e., read) positives things about it.

Yeah, there's a shop with which you can unlock extra credits, artwork, separate stages for score attacks and super play recordings for the separate stages. The currency is your score in the main game, which is an extra incentive to get those massive gold cube combos.

[ColinAlonso]

Just started Final Fantasy 8 despite saying I wouldn't until the new year. I think its because I've gotten into a routine when playing the fist 6 games of finishing one and starting the next a month later. And its been nearly a month since I finished 6.

I have a few negative thoughts from previous attempts at it. There are reasons why its the only PS1 entry I didn't finish, but lets see if this playthrough will change my mind. Squall will annoy me though, so for his dialog choices I will pick the upbeat/friendlier option. Hopefully this will make me dislike him less. If a friendly option isn't available, I will pick the line with more words.

Also the game handed me cards and the opportunity to get into card games before any actual battles. I think its a statement of intent by FF8.

Finally I might actually try to get the platinum trophy Valkyria Chronicles 4. I don't trophy hunt but I'd like to add to the notably easy (26% have it) Sly 1 platinum I got 8 years ago and this one doesn't look too bad.