Video Games...Discuss Them

[megladon8]

Especially over videos that are not gameplay or even showing stuff running on an actual system.


Um...so what?

It was kick-ass is what it was.

[Scar]

Especially over videos that are not gameplay or even showing stuff running on an actual system.

This.

And I might finally get Arkham Asylum for $20.

[megladon8]

So what if it's not gameplay? It was an awesome video.

[number8]

Gameplay was only half the reason I loved Arkham Asylum. The story was really solid, so the trailer showing what looks to be another cool story featuring Hugo Strange, why wouldn't I be super excited?

[Sycophant]

I don't think I've ever been sexually excited over the kinds of things Match Cut usually claims to gets off over. One of the weirder, grosser quirks.

Non-ingame trailers for video games really don't do much for my anticipation.

[megladon8]

Gameplay was only half the reason I loved Arkham Asylum. The story was really solid, so the trailer showing what looks to be another cool story featuring Hugo Strange, why wouldn't I be super excited?


Yes. Plus awesome Batman action, very impressive cinematic graphics, and a cool gothic look to it all.

It had me pretty excited.

[megladon8]

Made this list for another forum figured I'd post it here.

My top ten retail games of 2010:

1. Mass Effect 2
2. Fallout: New Vegas
3. Red Dead Redemption
4. Enslaved
5. God of War III
6. BioShock 2
7. Darksiders
8. Alan Wake
9. Final Fantasy XIII
10. Deadly Premonition

My top five downloadable games (PSN/XBLA):
1. Limbo
2. Costume Quest
3. Plants vs. Zombies
4. Pinball FX 2
5. Pac-Man CE: DX


This is a great list, EWO, absolutely filled to the brim with games I haven/t played yet :lol:

Hey, speaking of Pinball, I'm a huge Pinball fan, and I think there was some kind of Marvel Pinball game released on XBLA recently. Have you played it? Is it any good?

[EyesWideOpen]

This is a great list, EWO, absolutely filled to the brim with games I haven/t played yet :lol:

Hey, speaking of Pinball, I'm a huge Pinball fan, and I think there was some kind of Marvel Pinball game released on XBLA recently. Have you played it? Is it any good?

Those are Marvel tables for Pinball FX 2. Pinball FX 2 is a free "hub" download and then you can purchase table packs for it. The Marvel pack was the most recent. I've played a ton of Pinball FX 2 but I haven't bought the Marvel pack yet. Too busy with Fallout. I'm only maybe 10 hours into the main story and I've already been playing for 35 hours and am at level 27 (level cap is 30). I love the side quests in these games.

[Morris Schæffer]

Hey Eyeswideopen, what about Braid for XBLA? I never finished it, but restarted the whole thing a few days ago. It's still difficult to fathom how one unknown guy can cook up such cunningly devious puzzles. And how a combination of soundtrack and vague text blurbs and admittedly marvellous clouds can create quite the mood.

Get it buddy!:)

[Dukefrukem]

I missed the discussion around Carmaggedon . That game was TONS of fun. Played them both and Carmaggedon was first game I copied with a CD burner.

[Dukefrukem]

Uncharted: Drake's Deception full VGA trailer:

http://www.gamersyde.com/stream_uncharted_3_drake_s_dec eption_vga_trailer-18348_en.html

And SSX: Deadly Descent teaser:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyD06pPTsJI

And Batman: Arkham City:

http://www.gametrailers.com/video/vga-10-batman-arkham/708342

OMG that Uncharted trailer is so fucking awesome.

[Dukefrukem]

How'd you guys miss this over the weekend??

G6pzK92Ts4s

[Dukefrukem]

or this?

WuFBkiXbo-w

[Ezee E]

How'd you guys miss this over the weekend??

G6pzK92Ts4s
Holiday 2011...... Booooo.

[Dukefrukem]

3sRpfQIPxcQ

Talk about ripping off the Inception score

[Spun Lepton]

3sRpfQIPxcQ

Talk about ripping off the Inception score

Prototype was not worthy of a sequel. Gameplay became ultra-repetetive after a while. The control-scheme was a pain in the butt, too. EA FAIL, per usual.

[Acapelli]

nothing about that ssx trailer excited me

[bac0n]

nothing about that ssx trailer excited me

Same here, apart from the fact that the trailer means that a new SSX game is on the way.

:pritch:

[Spun Lepton]

Same here, apart from the fact that the trailer means that a new SSX game is on the way.

:pritch:

SSX Goth

Part of the fun was the light-hearted nature of the game. Loud, raucous, upbeat, great music. What the hell is this crap? It's the same thing they did with Burnout. Completely undermine a major aspect of the game to appeal to people other than an established fanbase. Lame. Ultra-lame. I'll probably pass on it.

[bac0n]

SSX Goth

Oh hell ya. Nothing quite like pulling a double 1080 Japan over a 100 yard gap to the music of Bela Lugosi's Dead to get the adrenaline really pumping!

[number8]

Least out of left field appearance ever.

ySjCOVUYFa8

[Dukefrukem]

That's epic.

[MacGuffin]

Just traded Borderlands and Arkham Asylum plus $3.93 for Bayonetta! About to start it now.

[bac0n]

Now if we could get Mortal Kombat vs. DC Heroes vs. Kratos, I'd be all over that shit. Maybe throw in Nathan Drake, Sackboy and a Gran Turismo car for sheer WTF factor!

[number8]

I admit, I really want to see a car vs Liu Kang.

[megladon8]

I've always loved "Mortal Kombat".

And I also always preferred Scorpion to Sub Zero.

[Dukefrukem]

I admit, I really want to see a car vs Liu Kang.

I loled

[EyesWideOpen]

Hey Eyeswideopen, what about Braid for XBLA? I never finished it, but restarted the whole thing a few days ago. It's still difficult to fathom how one unknown guy can cook up such cunningly devious puzzles. And how a combination of soundtrack and vague text blurbs and admittedly marvellous clouds can create quite the mood.

Get it buddy!:)

Braid came out in 2008. My list was best of 2010. :P

But yeah it's fantastic. Not better then Limbo but still fantastic.

[bac0n]

I admit, I really want to see a car vs Liu Kang.

Well, in Street Fighter 2 we got to see Ryu vs a car and that did not go that well for the car.

[Henry Gale]

I was really fooled by some of the early shots in the Arkham Asylum trailer. I thought it was just really glossy, digitally-shot live-action. Then I realized just how awesomely animated it really was.

The first game is one of my favourites from the past few years, so I'm definitely excited, especially with the impression in my mind that it could basically turn out like Escape From New York, except Gotham and Batman, and as a game.

And nothing's ever gonna top SSX Tricky. Why they even tryin'?

[Spun Lepton]

I stopped being a Mortal Kombat fan a while ago. I'll buy it full-price if the reviews are raving. But, they need to be raving. Otherwise, bargain bin at best.

[MacGuffin]

I just got a pure platinum in Bayonetta. I'm loving this game.

[Dukefrukem]

I just got a pure platinum in Bayonetta. I'm loving this game.

Jealous.

I need to beat this game. I bought it on Day 1 and got to the third stage and haven't picked it up since.

[Sycophant]

I just got a pure platinum in Bayonetta. I'm loving this game.

On a chapter or on a verse? Either way, feels good.

[MacGuffin]

On a chapter or on a verse? Either way, feels good.

A verse - it was just two big guys before a bridge, but it was nice to achieve flawless victory for once. I just beat Chapter 2.

[Scar]

Anybody play Vanquish?

[Sycophant]

Anybody play Vanquish?

I've spent about an hour with it. I really like the way it handles and expect I'll like it more when I get more time to put into it (starting this weekend, I hope!).

[Scar]

I've spent about an hour with it. I really like the way it handles and expect I'll like it more when I get more time to put into it (starting this weekend, I hope!).

I saw some gameplay in a video review, and it definitely looks fun. I think its $50 at Amazon, but might be $40 at Gamestop.

[MacGuffin]

I saw some gameplay in a video review, and it definitely looks fun. I think its $50 at Amazon, but might be $40 at Gamestop.

If it's all the same to you, it will surely be much cheaper in about six months. Bayonetta is already $20 for a new copy. (And yes, I want to play the game too. Particularly since Bayonetta is delivering so well on all fronts).

[megladon8]

On Amazon.com, "Bayonetta" is currently $15.

Other deals that caught my eye:

Mass Effect 2 - $10.96

Crackdown - $1.98


Yes, "Crackdown" is two bucks.

[Sycophant]

I'm glad you're loving Bayonetta, MacGuffin. I think I'm gonna attempt a platinum playthrough over Christmas break. It just hits all the right notes, I can't get tired of it.

[Acapelli]

on the last level of arkham asylum. great game. getting all the riddler stuff is really addicting

[MacGuffin]

I am enjoying it a lot. Is it normal to get a lot of stone medals after each chapter though? I feel like I'm doing better on individual verses (mostly getting silvers it seems), but then I only end up with a stone medal on the whole chapter. Does it come down to the fact that I'm using lots of green lollipops and dying a fair number of times?

[megladon8]

I'm glad you're loving Bayonetta, MacGuffin. I think I'm gonna attempt a platinum playthrough over Christmas break. It just hits all the right notes, I can't get tired of it.


I'll let you know what I think of it in a few days :)

[Sycophant]

Yeah, I think my first playthrough I only had like 3 non-stone trophies. I think items equal one third of a death and mega items equal two-thirds of a death or something. Deaths pull you down pretty hard, but it's possible I think to still manage a bronze or maybe even a silver if you're really kicking ass on your individual verses if you suffer a death or three. Also counting against you are any of the verses you miss (there's some that can be found my alternate routes/backtracking, as well as the Alfheim challenges).

[Sycophant]

I'll let you know what I think of it in a few days :)

Glad to see you giving it a shot. I think you'll most likely enjoy it.

[megladon8]

Glad to see you giving it a shot. I think you'll most likely enjoy it.


I'm really looking forward to it. I actually played the demo around the time it came out and thought it was pretty neat, I just didn't buy it until now.

I mean...$15...I couldn't say no.

[Morris Schæffer]

Glad to see you giving it a shot. I think you'll most likely enjoy it.

Gonna try this one also in the next couple of days. Will report back, like Meg.

[Scar]

If it's all the same to you, it will surely be much cheaper in about six months. Bayonetta is already $20 for a new copy. (And yes, I want to play the game too. Particularly since Bayonetta is delivering so well on all fronts).

Good point. I've got my copy of Arkham Asylum showing up when I get home, so hopefully that keeps me entertained.

[megladon8]

Good point. I've got my copy of Arkham Asylum showing up when I get home, so hopefully that keeps me entertained.


Yeeessssss. Have fun with that one, dude!!!

[Kurosawa Fan]

Good point. I've got my copy of Arkham Asylum showing up when I get home, so hopefully that keeps me entertained.

I finished this tonight. Aside from the final showdown with the Joker being shorter and less challenging than I thought it would be, I have no complaints. Easily among my favorite games for the PS3, though I haven't played very many games. Awesome atmosphere, fairly challenging (especially the fight with Ivy), and never felt too repetitive. Can't wait for the next one.

[Acapelli]

finished arkham asylum too. thought the final boss was really lame, but otherwise great game. love the combat, even though i'm not that great at it. i thought i would go on and finish up red dead redemption, but i fired up challenge mode instead. predator is my shit

[Dukefrukem]

Metro 2033 is fun and spooky as hell.......................... .........

[Morris Schæffer]

They really nailed the controls in AA. The flying, special moves, the gargoyle bits, it's incredibly intuitive and awesome.

@Duke: Metro 2033 is terrific.

[number8]

When the hell are they going to release the Fatal Frame games on the PSN.

[bac0n]

It's amazing how, in Rock Band and Guitar Hero and similar games, you play songs that you would normally not give a shit about (eg. Steve Miller's Keep On Rockin' Me Baby) and suddenly you're enjoying the shit out of playing them.

[D_Davis]

I always give a shit about Steve Miller - dude can write some awesome tunes.

[megladon8]

Has anyone noticed that the progression in video game graphics can be seen through their cinematics?

It seems like the graphics in each new generation of console look like the graphics in the previous generation's cut-scenes.

For example, I remember when I first played "Final Fantasy VII" on the PSX, I thought the cut-scene graphics were amazing. Then, the PS2 came out, and the in-game graphics in "Final Fantasy X" were pretty much that good.

Then games on the PS2 and X-Box had hi-res cutscenes whose graphics look very much like the graphics found in-game in 360 and PS3.


Here's hoping that the next generation of consoles have the graphics of that "Arkham City" teaser.

I can't get over how great the animations and textures are in that video.

[Yxklyx]

On the other hand PC games have been using their graphics engines to display cut scenes since 1998 when Half Life came out.

[Dukefrukem]

my god this is awesome

ZY7RYCsE9KQ

[megladon8]

Duke, I know, right??

Watching that video kind of blew my mind. Those animations are AMAZING.

I am also really intrigued by the premise of this game - the idea that you very much have to be a detective, reading peoples' facial expressions and body language trying to tell if what they are saying is the truth or not.

I'm hoping that this game has lots of depth and a well-written story and dialogue to warrant this type of gameplay. I'm trusting Rockstar, because usually their dialogue and story-telling are pretty great.

[Winston*]

I'm trusting Rockstar, because usually their dialogue and story-telling are pretty great.
Can't say I agree with this.

It would be awesome if they got actual James Ellroy to write their James Ellroy game.

[megladon8]

When it comes to dialogue, I can't think of any video game companies who write it better than Rockstar.

Maybe Valve.

[Winston*]

Naughty Dog for one example. The dialogue in the Uncharted games is much better than Rockstar dialogue.

[Dukefrukem]

Naughty Dog for one example. The dialogue in the Uncharted games is much better than Rockstar dialogue.


Bioware > all

[megladon8]

Bioware > all


Agreed, particularly for interactive dialogue trees.

"Mass Effect" took it to a new level.

[[ETM]]

Duke, I know, right??

Watching that video kind of blew my mind. Those animations are AMAZING.

I'm not sure I get it, really - the animations themselves are great, but it's painfully obvious that they're doing body and facial motion capture separately. The faces are incredibly realistic for a video game, but the lighting is often all wrong and they just don't mesh with the bodies well enough. Also, they have a pretty awesome cast, and this takes up even more of their time for no particular reason. On the other hand, I'm sure James Cameron has patented his facial camera rig to hell, and this is cheaper.

[monolith94]

When it comes to dialogue, I can't think of any video game companies who write it better than Rockstar.

Maybe Valve.

Bungie's writing for their "Myth" series was pretty good.

[Morris Schæffer]

Uncharted 3 shows itself:

http://images.gamersyde.com/image_uncharted_3_drake_s_dece ption-14324-2182_0004.jpg

http://images.gamersyde.com/image_uncharted_3_drake_s_dece ption-14324-2182_0005.jpg

http://images.gamersyde.com/image_uncharted_3_drake_s_dece ption-14324-2182_0007.jpg

http://images.gamersyde.com/image_uncharted_3_drake_s_dece ption-14324-2182_0002.jpg

http://images.gamersyde.com/image_uncharted_3_drake_s_dece ption-14324-2182_0003.jpg

[Morris Schæffer]

As does Killzone 3!

http://images.gamersyde.com/image_killzone_3-14325-2035_0002.jpg

http://images.gamersyde.com/image_killzone_3-14325-2035_0006.jpg

http://images.gamersyde.com/image_killzone_3-14325-2035_0009.jpg

http://images.gamersyde.com/image_killzone_3-14325-2035_0005.jpg

http://images.gamersyde.com/image_killzone_3-14325-2035_0003.jpg

[Morris Schæffer]

Crysis 2 trailer

http://www.gamersyde.com/stream_crysis_2_nano_suit-18415_en.html

Looks like a great shooter with bits that resemble an Emmerich movie, as well as the runner game Mirror's Edge.

[Morris Schæffer]

Uncharted 3 gameplay

http://www.gamersyde.com/stream_uncharted_3_drake_s_dec eption_castle_demo-18427_en.html

My God I'm really taking care of you guys this morning from a little town in Belgium!

[Spun Lepton]

my god this is awesome

ZY7RYCsE9KQ

Wow, that's insane. Betcha there are uncanny valley problems all through the game.

[megladon8]

"Pinball FX 2" is definitely one of the best releases of the year.

What an awesome, addictive game.

I only wish the layout wasn't so bad. It could use some serious clean-up on the menus.

[Dukefrukem]

Morris, those shots are insane.

[Acapelli]

It would be awesome if they got actual James Ellroy to write their James Ellroy game.
this

and while the facial animations look great, etm is right about the way the bodies move. it looks totally unnatural and kind of distracting

[Acapelli]

bakshi's lotr as reinterpreted by poorly preserved corpse heads sewn onto life-sized marionettes
i loled

[D_Davis]

Just Cause 2 may be the most fun game I've ever played.

[Winston*]

Now I'm a bit into it I realise Darksiders is more like a Zelda in God of War skin than a God of War clone. Fun game.

[EyesWideOpen]

Now I'm a bit into it I realise Darksiders is more like a Zelda in God of War skin than a God of War clone. Fun game.

Yeah it's basically Ocarina of Time. Boomerang, hookshots, bombs, it even has the same noise when you unlock a door.

[EyesWideOpen]

One annoying thing about Fallout: New Vegas is the level cap. I've not even made it to the strip yet and I've already hit the level cap. I could see in a multiplayer game having a level cap to keep people on equal footing but it makes no sense here.

I played through all of Fallout 3: GOTY Edition and beat every quest and side quest in the game and didn't hit the level cap until the last few quests in the last DLC.

[megladon8]

EWO, I had that problem with "Fallout 3", though it was just the standard edition. I believe one of the features of the GOTY was that it raised the level cap.

I played the game for a total of something like 87 or 88 hours, and it took me about half of that to reach level 20 (the cap at the time).

[Morris Schæffer]

Just Cause 2 may be the most fun game I've ever played.

Got this one, but haven't started it though I must say I'm itching to. Soon!

[Dukefrukem]

Now I'm a bit into it I realise Darksiders is more like a Zelda in God of War skin than a God of War clone. Fun game.

Zelda, God of War, and like... 20 other games.

[Dukefrukem]

Beat Metro 2033 over the weekend. It was a great experience even though it ripped STALKER off down to the tooth.

[Scar]

Ended up picking up Vanquish since I found out it was discontinued. So, it could still be $40 a few months from now, could be $20, or it could be expensive on the used market.

[Dukefrukem]

wynpaq4sl-I

[Dukefrukem]

huge steam sale going on now. (http://store.steampowered.com/)

Examples:

Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light $7.49

Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands for $5

[shaun]

huge steam sale going on now. (http://store.steampowered.com/)

Examples:

Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light $7.49

Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands for $5Welp. Gonna end up spending more money.

Bought the FEAR complete pack for $10.

[Sycophant]

Nier is so good.

[Morris Schæffer]

http://images.gamersyde.com/image_batman_arkham_city-14342-2101_0001.jpg

http://images.gamersyde.com/image_batman_arkham_city-14342-2101_0002.jpg

http://images.gamersyde.com/image_batman_arkham_city-14342-2101_0003.jpg

[Dukefrukem]

Yeh that's a day 1 buy for me.

[Kurosawa Fan]

With Batman holding that door (as a shield?), it gives me hope that they've fixed one of the most annoying flaws of the game: the fact that you can't pick up a weapon that one of the thugs was using after kicking his ass, to help you handle the rest of the group. I don't want to grab a gun and start plugging away, obviously, but when they're using metal pipes, there's no reason Batman shouldn't be able to grab it off the ground and club a few baddies into unconsciousness.

[number8]

That's what I'd like to see, too. Batman is proficient at weapons as well as hand-to-hand combat, so why not show that? Have him pick up a street sign and use it as a bo staff.

[Morris Schæffer]

Aaaaagh!! Bayonetta is chaos...at least in the beginning, with that falling clock tower, myriads of colors, bad camera angles. The story appears crap, the cut scenes will probably leave me utterly cold, but it does have very cool visuals and attacks. I just barely started so I've yet to grasp whether the combo system is deeply satisfying, intuitive after a while or just mashing buttons to beat enemies into submission. I doubt I'll ever see the brilliance that Syco evidently has.

[Dukefrukem]

Aaaaagh!! Bayonetta is chaos...at least in the beginning, with that falling clock tower, myriads of colors, bad camera angles. The story appears crap, the cut scenes will probably leave me utterly cold, but it does have very cool visuals and attacks. I just barely started so I've yet to grasp whether the combo system is deeply satisfying, intuitive after a while or just mashing buttons to beat enemies into submission. I doubt I'll ever see the brilliance that Syco evidently has.

I'm half way through the game and I still don't know what the fuck is going on.

[shaun]

http://store.steampowered.com/app/24010/

http://www.giantbomb.com/quick-look-railworks/17-2557/

Railworks 2 is on sale for 85% off. It's sort of a punchline on Steam because it has over $1000 worth of DLC available but I have to admit, I kind of want to drive some trains. Sold. That, and Sid Meier's Pirates because that game is awesome.

[Sycophant]

Did you even start the prologue/first chapter, Morris? The clock tower pre-prologue is pretty brilliant, I think, because it throws your right into all the insane action of the game and lets you no-lose button mash trying to figure it out instead of just giving it to you as a cutscene. You don't know what you're doing and that's okay for right now. Eventually, this will actually all make sense, once the game has taught you how to play it and how to read its visual language.

One of my favorite things is that you can use the loading screens to practice your combos and learn new stuff. You can press SELECT to extend the amount of time to practice it gives you.

The story's purposely, gloriously retarded. It's a celebration of the schlocky, dirty, twisty storytelling of countless games and genre products. It doesn't really matter--you can kind of follow it, or you can just pay enough attention to catch the gratuitous and ridiculous gags.

[megladon8]

Yeah, so far I've found the game (and Bayonetta herself) to be hilarious spoofs of the overly convoluted, creepily sexualized anime-style games that have come out of Japan over the years and often gained quite a following in the USA.

I don't take any of it seriously, and it's fun as hell.

[Morris Schæffer]

Did you even start the prologue/first chapter, Morris?

Yeah, I did. I'm now at the point where I've gained the possibility to walk on walls and ceilings and such. I still don't quite understand the combo system. I mean, I'm hitting my foes, trying to chain things together, but not sure whether this game is all about combos. Not feeling the combo stuff like I did in Batman: AA for instance. There's lots of numbers in the top right of the screen, and shit seems to be tallied up (I think), but I'm suriving rather easily so far so I must be doing something right. :D

I guess Devil May Cry really springs to mind a few times, another game where being cool while offing baddies was more important than simply winning. And at this point, I'm not sure I'm cool enough in Bayonetta though I certainly get the job done.

[EyesWideOpen]

I beat Bayonetta and I still have no idea how to play it. I have zero interest in that sort of combo heavy gameplay (ala Devil May Cry). The only reason I finished it all the way through was because it was fairly easy, if I would have hit a rough spot I would have taken it out and sent it back to gamefly.

[megladon8]

Really, EWO?

While the story is certainly utter nonsense and I have no idea what is happening in the game, I'm not having any trouble understanding how to play it.

I'm playing on "Normal" (the hardest difficulty available from the start) and am finding mastering the combos to be fairly straight-forward exercises in timing.

I love pulling of torture attacks.

I just really hope that there is some more variety in the enemies coming up. I'm getting sick of fighting the same set of angels over and over and over.

[MacGuffin]

I just really hope that there is some more variety in the enemies coming up. I'm getting sick of fighting the same set of angels over and over and over.

What else would you like to see?

[Dukefrukem]

Almost done the Aliens vs Predator marine campaign. This is a bad bad bad game.

[Morris Schæffer]

Almost done the Aliens vs Predator marine campaign. This is a bad bad bad game.

That was, predictably, the best of the three campaigns. Does it do its licence justice? No, I guess not, but it is not a Bad x3 game imo. I thought it had great lighting, it was still suitably scary, I was sorta on the edge of my seat.

In other news, I'm seeing some brilliance in Bayonetta now what with the combo system. I'm in the burning city now, descending into the catacabombs of the city. Lots of Lava, a bridge has collapsed and there's a portal to a heavenly realm. When I enter, there's an hourglass nearby as well as what appears to be a time challenge. I must defeat all the angels within two minutes. Impossible! Unless I don't need this to proceed, but I think I do. I think the hourglass turns back time so that the collapsed bridge may be whole again, but it's tough at this point.

[Dukefrukem]

I've been hearing the opposite. That the Aliens campaign is well done and fun.

[Morris Schæffer]

I've been hearing the opposite. That the Aliens campaign is well done and fun.

Surprisingly solid, well worth playing as well, but that palpable feeling of suspense just wasn't there for me when I played as the alien. I've just had the weird feeling that somehow we weren't meant to play as the titular adversaries. It sort of devalues their legacy as legendary Hollywood villains. But again, the controls were rather good, during the alien levels that I also enjoyed them.

[megladon8]

What else would you like to see?


I don't know specifically. With a game that's so all-over-the-place like this, ANYTHING would be cool.

I'm just getting tired of fighting the same one or two angels with staffs.

[Morris Schæffer]

Merry Christmas from Isaac Clarke:

http://www.gamersyde.com/gallery_14354_en.html

[Spun Lepton]

Is Aliens vs. Predator worth, say $20? I think I may pick it up used.

[Morris Schæffer]

Is Aliens vs. Predator worth, say $20? I think I may pick it up used.

Are you a fan of the movies Alien, Aliens and Predator? Are you a fan of previous games in the series? Then perhaps. If not, best wait til it comes down to 15 or 10.

[Spun Lepton]

Are you a fan of the movies Alien, Aliens and Predator? Are you a fan of previous games in the series? Then perhaps. If not, best wait til it comes down to 15 or 10.

Aliens, yes, very much. Predator, yes, but to a lesser extent. I would probably play the Alien campaign over and over again if I liked it enough. :D

[Watashi]

How was Enslaved? May pick it up for really cheap.

[D_Davis]

How was Enslaved? May pick it up for really cheap.

I've heard nothing but good things about it. Garnett Lee from Weekend Confirmed said its his game of the year. I definitely want to check it out, if only because its a new take on the Journey to the West myth.

[Dukefrukem]

Is Aliens vs. Predator worth, say $20? I think I may pick it up used.

No! It's not even worth the $5 i paid for on steam. They don't even have the right sound effects for the guns!

[megladon8]

I'm getting very, very curious about "Darksiders".

I think I might pick it up when I'm done with "Bayonetta", seeing as it's like $20 everywhere now.

[Dukefrukem]

Darksiders is fun as hell. I wrote something about it a couple pages back... let me see if i can find it.

[Dukefrukem]

Actually, you and I already talked about it. haha. (http://match-cut.org/showthread.php?p=235801#post23 5801)

[D_Davis]

Yeah, Darksiders is awesome.

[Morris Schæffer]

No! It's not even worth the $5 i paid for on steam. They don't even have the right sound effects for the guns!

Hm, I must admit to not noticing this.

[Watashi]

How often do you guys use strategy guides? I usually always use them. I've tried playing through the game blindly, but I'm always kicking myself when I read that I missed this ultra cool looking weapon in a hidden treasure chest in some corner of the wall. I'm usually a completist when I play a game.

[Watashi]

For Christmas, I got myself BioShock, Darksiders, and Enslaved all for around 35 dollars.

That should keep me busy.

[eternity]

I'm thinking of picking up one of the packs on Steam right now. About $1800 worth of games for a few hundred.

http://store.steampowered.com/sub/6937/

http://store.steampowered.com/sub/4587/

http://store.steampowered.com/sub/6942/

http://store.steampowered.com/sub/4247/

http://store.steampowered.com/sub/6931/

http://store.steampowered.com/sub/683/

http://store.steampowered.com/sub/6928/

http://store.steampowered.com/sub/2546/

[Dukefrukem]

How often do you guys use strategy guides? I usually always use them. I've tried playing through the game blindly, but I'm always kicking myself when I read that I missed this ultra cool looking weapon in a hidden treasure chest in some corner of the wall. I'm usually a completist when I play a game.

I use them for Final Fantasy and that is it.


I'm thinking of picking up one of the packs on Steam right now. About $1800 worth of games for a few hundred.

http://store.steampowered.com/sub/6937/

http://store.steampowered.com/sub/4587/

http://store.steampowered.com/sub/6942/

http://store.steampowered.com/sub/4247/

http://store.steampowered.com/sub/6931/

http://store.steampowered.com/sub/683/

http://store.steampowered.com/sub/6928/

http://store.steampowered.com/sub/2546/

I own them all already. :-/

[megladon8]

So even though I'm progressing through "Bayonetta" without much of a problem, I'm still only getting Stone Awards at the end of each Chapter.

I gather this is a game meant to be played and re-played and re-played until perfection is achieved.

At least I've really gotten the hang of the dodge mechanic, which seems to be integral to any kind of success.

Some of the bigger boss battles get quite confusing, though. There have been moments where I've completely lost Bayonetta herself on the screen. I also had a few moments during the fight against the dragon heads inside the church, where I jumped and Bayonetta ended up off-screen, and I couldn't figure out where she went yet I was taking damage.

The camera is absolute crap, though saying a 3rd person action game has a terrible camera is about as useful as saying it came in a box.

Pretty much any fight or sequence involving "witch-walking" (where you attain zero-gravity and walk up walls and such) is a mess because of the horrible camera.


However, all that aside, I'm still having a great deal of fun with it. The combo system is pretty easy to master, particularly when you can take as much time to practice it as you like.

[Acapelli]

enslaved is a hell of a game

[Sven]

Batman is such a boring character in Arkham Asylum. It's kind of a bummer. Cool game otherwise.

[Sven]

Also, not that this observation is breaking new ground at all, but it bears saying that Hamill's interpretation of the Joker is pretty much the best one out there. The WB folk (Timm, et al) certainly found a way to satisfyingly skirt the line between loopy jokester and serial killer, but Hamill absolutely NAILS it with his tone. One of the best ongoing voice acting gigs, for sure.

[Winston*]

Played the first part of Alan Wake. The dialogue isn't so hot, but I'm finding the game pretty interesting. Neat atmosphere.

[megladon8]

Also, not that this observation is breaking new ground at all, but it bears saying that Hamill's interpretation of the Joker is pretty much the best one out there. The WB folk (Timm, et al) certainly found a way to satisfyingly skirt the line between loopy jokester and serial killer, but Hamill absolutely NAILS it with his tone. One of the best ongoing voice acting gigs, for sure.


Totally!! Mark Hamill is The Joker before Luke in my books.

I also love Kevin Conroy as Batman.

Like Batman and Joker in the comics, Conroy and Hamill should be forced to combat each other vocally as those characters for the rest of time.

[megladon8]

Played the first part of Alan Wake. The dialogue isn't so hot, but I'm finding the game pretty interesting. Neat atmosphere.


Is it frightening at all?

I'm looking for a good scary game. I haven't had a genuinely scary gaming experience in quite a while. Not since playing the first "Condemned" about 2 years ago.

[Winston*]

Is it frightening at all?

I'm looking for a good scary game. I haven't had a genuinely scary gaming experience in quite a while. Not since playing the first "Condemned" about 2 years ago.

I'm finding it quite creepy.

[Spaceman Spiff]

If you have a PS2 (or a backwards compatile PS3 [do they make these?]), I'd just try to find me a copy of the Silent Hill games, meg. They just don't make them creepier. Well some point and click and text adventure games are very scary indeed, but I'm willing to bet you're not looking for something that different.

[eternity]

Played the first part of Alan Wake. The dialogue isn't so hot, but I'm finding the game pretty interesting. Neat atmosphere.
The storyline and gameplay pretty much stay stagnant from the end of Act 2 until the very end. It's worth a play-through but it's just "flashlight shoot flashlight shoot dark dark dark no plot la la la".

[Ezee E]

The storyline and gameplay pretty much stay stagnant from the end of Act 2 until the very end. It's worth a play-through but it's just "flashlight shoot flashlight shoot dark dark dark no plot la la la".
Yeah. I got bored of it by the time I got to Act 3. Some great moments at the beginning though. I never did finish it.

[Scar]

Love Hamill's Joker. One of my favorite parts in Arkham Asylum was:

Listening to the last Harley Quinn interview tape, when Harley breaks him out. She says she brought him something, and he's actually surprised. I laughed.

[number8]

The Harley tapes were actually lifted from the "Mad Love" episode of the cartoons. I got a geek hard-on when I realized that.

Man, those tapes are so much fun to listen to. The Zsasz ones are particularly creepy.

[Acapelli]

winston, i know you like platforming games, so you should probably get enslaved

reminds me of uncharted and the prince of persia games

[Winston*]

winston, i know you like platforming games, so you should probably get enslaved

reminds me of uncharted and the prince of persia games

Yup, played the demo and seems like my kind of thing. Got enough games atm but will pick it up eventually when I find it cheap.

[megladon8]

Isn't "Alan Wake" supposed to have some stellar DLC, though?

If I remember correctly, one of the DLC episodes got higher reviews than the full game.

[MacGuffin]

If I remember correctly, one of the DLC episodes got higher reviews than the full game.

That raises immediate red flags for me. In my opinion, it should never happen.

[megladon8]

That raises immediate red flags for me. In my opinion, it should never happen.


Why?

They improved on the original formula. What's wrong with that?

[MacGuffin]

Why?

They improved on the original formula. What's wrong with that?

Okay, but you could also look at it like it was never good in the first place. Alan Wake never got particularly head-turning reviews, so I'd never feel compelled to buy the game and then spend even more money and buy the DLC (which should really just be free in the first place if they didn't want to make another game).

[megladon8]

Eh...I don't agree, MacGuffin.

I absolutely loved "Battlefield: Bad Company 2", but the "Vietnam" DLC is even better than the game. It doesn't mean the original was bad at all - far from it.

And while "Alan Wake" didn't get stellar reviews, there have still been a number of people who loved the hell out of it, even saying it's one of the best games of the year.


As for DLC being free, I'd love that (as would anyone) but the fact remains that the company worked more to produce it. People need to get paid that for that work.

Though I do love the way "BC2" did their DLC, where those who legitimately bought the game got the first few DLC map packs for free as a "thank you" for supporting the game financially.

I think that's a model that should be used more often.

I do still think a lot of DLC is much too expensive, though - like being charged $15 for 3 new maps and 2 old ones in "MW2".

[MacGuffin]

Fair enough. That Battlefield: Vietnam thing sounds pretty fun.

In other news, Gran Turismo 5 is probably the best racing game I've ever played (although I don't know if I'm counting CTR). I just got it yesterday and haven't really done too much else since. I'm only up to using a Mercedes-Benz, but I know I haven't even come close to scratching the surface. The physics and controls are absolutely incredible and I'm playing on a Sixaxis controller! I really don't even regret not having a wheel since the controls are so fluid. Finally, while I've only played the Forza demo, this probably blows it out of the water not just based on physics, but I'd be very surprised if Forza were able to beat GT5's cars list and the many tracks in GT5, which are incredibly designed. The fact that this game has been getting 8.0s for some old tree and people textures is mind-boggling.

[megladon8]

That's great to hear, MacGuffin. I was a big fan of the "Gran Turismo" series back on the PSX - the first and second games were regular "go-to's" for me for several years.

It was kind of disheartening to read the (relatively) low scores for it by reviewers.


I'm not sure it has more cars than "Forza 3" though. By my count, it's nearing 1,000 now, and there's still more cars and tracks being released almost every month.

[MacGuffin]

I'm not sure it has more cars than "Forza 3" though. By my count, it's nearing 1,000 now, and there's still more cars and tracks being released almost every month.

I didn't know that. I'm not necessarily claiming GT5 has more cars (nor am I trying to imply Forza 3 is anywhere near a bad game), I'm just saying I think I prefer the Japanese-leaning cars list of GT5. Also, the premium cars in GT5 are impeccably designed--I've been playing onboard camera and the inside of the car looks so detailed. I can't wait to race in the rain so I can use my windshield wipers! While the standard cars may not look as good and may not have the onboard camera, I still think the cars in GT5 are nothing to complain about, considering what they give you.

[MacGuffin]

One more thing about it: I traded in an Alfa Romeo for a Mercedes-Benz and it was cool to note that it felt significantly weightier and handled better than the Alfa Romeo.

[megladon8]

Yeah, I love the range of subtle to drastic differences between cars in these sim racers.

I've always been big into racing games, and I love both simulation and arcade-style.

You know what was a great series? "Ridge Racer". I loved those games.

[Morris Schæffer]

You know what was a great series? "Ridge Racer". I loved those games.

Yeah, that first one on the PSone back in 1995 especially was awesomely memorable. Just one track, but that was a first taste of next-gen gaming and I gobbled it up in large, hungry chunks. :D

[Dukefrukem]

Beat AvP last night. bad.

[Morris Schæffer]

I flirted with the idea to quit playing Bayonetta, but I tried one more time and I gotta say I ain't lookin' back no more. I'm totally into it right now. The ass-whuppin' that can be dealt out is on a totally astronomical scale and the boss fights - well, it's all boss fights right now it seems - are thrilling stuff! Some cheap deaths here and there, no biggie and I although I'm pulling of some great combos, I can't say I'm cognitively aware of what combinations I gotta press. It's kind just button mashing. Is that how everyone feels about pulling of the combos?

It's just so cool to be in the craziest, fastest fight you've ever been in and repeatedly manage to evade the enemies' attacks thus hereby activating bullet time.

[Dead & Messed Up]

Word to the Wii-ers: Dead Space Extraction is a fast blast, well worth the $15 or $20 price. The on-rails gameplay occasionally frustrates, but the graphics are great, the weapons are diverse, many sequences are intense. For tone, think Event Horizon by way of Aliens. Especially at the end, when you're rocking a flamethrower and a machine gun.

[Dukefrukem]

For tone, think Event Horizon by way of Aliens.

Meets the Thing, meets Doom, meets Resident Evil 4...

[Sven]

Aren't all of those more or less the same thing? Humans banding together to destroy monsters, dark tone, research stations, lots of shadows...

[Dead & Messed Up]

Aren't all of those more or less the same thing? Humans banding together to destroy monsters, dark tone, research stations, lots of shadows...

An unhealthy amount are, yes. I was a bit disappointed that the game didn't have more head-fakes. Given that your characters are risking sanity by staying near an alien monolith, why not have elements where you think you're killing monsters (but killing people instead)? Or have a character direct you around who's actually an avatar for the alien monolith? Instead, it's (superior) monsters-go-boo.

[megladon8]

"Dead Space" rocked the house.

I didn't find it particularly frightening, but the atmosphere was fantastic and it's one gorgeous and beautifully controlled game.

I can't wait for "Dead Space 2".

Didn't muster up much excitement for the Wii rail shooter, but I may just have to check it out.


My gaming rotation at the moment looks like this:

A few rounds of "Halo: Reach" - see what the challenges are for the day, and complete any I can.

"Bayonetta" - play a few more new levels, followed by going back and trying to best my scores and times in earlier levels.

"Pinball FX2" - try (unsuccessfully) to beat any of EWO's scores :lol:

[Acapelli]

just finished enslaved. i would definitely count it among my favorite games this generation. gorgeous, fun, fantastic story, there are some technical issues, but they're easily ignored

moving onto demon's souls now

[D_Davis]

just finished enslaved. i would definitely count it among my favorite games this generation. gorgeous, fun, fantastic story, there are some technical issues, but they're easily ignored

Nice. Looking forward to checking this out next year.

[Stay Puft]

If anybody's curious about Dead Space Extraction, take note that the PS3 version of Dead Space 2 is going to include Extraction with Move support (maybe only in a special edition bundle or something). So you've got options available.

[Acapelli]

anybody got any advice what class to use in demon's souls?

[Dead & Messed Up]

If anybody's curious about Dead Space Extraction, take note that the PS3 version of Dead Space 2 is going to include Extraction with Move support (maybe only in a special edition bundle or something). So you've got options available.

Well, there you are. Damn PS3 and its much-better graphics processors and more readily available adult content.

::hugs stuffed Samus doll::

[Biff Justice]

anybody got any advice what class to use in demon's souls?

Either the Royal or the Temple Knight depending on how you want to play at first. The Royal gets a ring that allows you to regenerate mana, and the knight starts with some of the strongest armor. There's very little reason to start with anything other than these two since you can make any character into whatever playstyle you want fairly quickly.

[EyesWideOpen]

"Pinball FX2" - try (unsuccessfully) to beat any of EWO's scores :lol:

I've purposely stopped playing it just to give you a chance. But if you beat any of them I will be back with a vengeance. ;)

[Skitch]

I'm not usually pages behind on this thread...have Twilight princess to thank for that! I've finished it, btw.

I use strategy guides for rpg types, like twilight princess! I came to play rpgs late in my gaming years (no particular reason why I didn't play em), so I'm not very good at them. I am good at overstepping my bounds in the beginning of rpg third acts, and passing that barrier where your supposed to level up a bunch before crossing, and being screwed rest of game. Strategy guides save me from doing that.

[megladon8]

I've purposely stopped playing it just to give you a chance. But if you beat any of them I will be back with a vengeance. ;)


Believe me, it's not going to happen any time soon.

I absolutely love pinball, but I freely admit I'm not very good at it.

[Lasse]

I absolutely love pinball, but I freely admit I'm not very good at it.

That's how I feel about sex and Fallout 3. :P

[KK2.0]

I flirted with the idea to quit playing Bayonetta, but I tried one more time and I gotta say I ain't lookin' back no more. I'm totally into it right now. The ass-whuppin' that can be dealt out is on a totally astronomical scale and the boss fights - well, it's all boss fights right now it seems - are thrilling stuff! Some cheap deaths here and there, no biggie and I although I'm pulling of some great combos, I can't say I'm cognitively aware of what combinations I gotta press. It's kind just button mashing. Is that how everyone feels about pulling of the combos?

It's just so cool to be in the craziest, fastest fight you've ever been in and repeatedly manage to evade the enemies' attacks thus hereby activating bullet time.

i'm definitely not the best Bayonetta player, got stone trophies in most stages :P all i did was pretty much attack-dodge all the time, but it felt great when after a string of attacks i've pulled an enemy up in the air, hit jump and then kick to a devastating dash attack and finished with one of those huge stomping feet. And i've noticed that those combos can actually stretch bullet time a few seconds more, but these are precious seconds.

[Morris Schæffer]

i'm definitely not the best Bayonetta player, got stone trophies in most stages :P all i did was pretty much attack-dodge all the time, but it felt great when after a string of attacks i've pulled an enemy up in the air, hit jump and then kick to a devastating dash attack and finished with one of those huge stomping feet. And i've noticed that those combos can actually stretch bullet time a few seconds more, but these are precious seconds.

Yeah, I've definitely felt badass a few times and I'm sure I'll experience that a few more times. Will I replay this game? Highly unlikely - there's too much other stuff waiting for me - but I can see how replaying it will hone one's skillz.:)

[megladon8]

I'm already having fun replaying the earlier stages in "Bayonetta", and I haven't even gotten to the end of the game yet.

I got a Platinum Award at the end of the first level. I was proud, even though it wasn't much of an accomplishment.


Oh and I love and greatly appreciate that it has mid-boss checkpoints. Some of the bosses are colossal, and go on for quite some time. I've had a few instances where a boss has 3 or 4 health bars, and right before I've depleted the last one I died.


I also think it's cool that the game has kind of a "you haven't seen anything yet" attitude with the bosses. Every boss in the game so far has become a fairly standard enemy later on - even the huge ones. As you acquire more power and more skill with the game, bosses that seemed very hard in level 2 are push-overs in level 6.

[Watashi]

What are Match Cut's thoughts on The Prince of Persia trilogy. I just recently bought the Sands of Time on PS3 remastered. I'm completely new to this franchise.

[megladon8]

What are Match Cut's thoughts on The Prince of Persia trilogy. I just recently bought the Sands of Time on PS3 remastered. I'm completely new to this franchise.


"The Sands of Time" is the first one, right? The one from like 8 years ago?

If so, that game is incredible. I can't tell you anything about the other two entries because I never got around to playing them. But that first one was pretty much platforming perfection.

You know Yahtzee Croshaw, the guy who does the Zero Punctuation video reviews? He considers it one of the greatest games ever made.

[Dukefrukem]

What are Match Cut's thoughts on The Prince of Persia trilogy. I just recently bought the Sands of Time on PS3 remastered. I'm completely new to this franchise.

Sands of Time - Best of the trilogy.
Warrior within - the worst of the original trilogy, most repetitive of the trilogy, boring, but neat art design
Two Thrones - best graphics of the three, but it includes quick time events. you either love em or you hate em. I enjoyed this game.

Reboot - repetitive boring and broken combat

[Morris Schæffer]

The Sands of Time is awesome, but I can also proudly say that I played the shit out of Prince of Persia for the Amiga 500.


Oh and I love and greatly appreciate that it has mid-boss checkpoints. Some of the bosses are colossal, and go on for quite some time. I've had a few instances where a boss has 3 or 4 health bars, and right before I've depleted the last one I died.

This is absolutely true.

[Skitch]

The Sands Of Time: groundbreaking platforming, limited combat variation.

Warrior Within: much improved combat, and the platforming was nailbiting. Felt like I was clinging by my fingernails through most of the game. Horrible cheapass end boss.

Two Thrones: not nearly as difficult as the second, some of the new ideas feel a little disassociated with rest of series. Good, but definately the Return of the Jedi of the series.

Reboot: fun for a minute, some interesting ideas, all emotional connection lost when you realize you cannot die. Then its just repetitive.

[bac0n]

I'm probably one of the only people on the planet who enjoyed the PoP reboot.

[shaun]

I picked up Knights of the Old Republic on Steam because it was only $2.50 and I hadn't played it in like 6 years. It holds up surprisingly well. You have to mod it in order to get the game running at 1920x1200 but it still looks fantastic. BioWare rules.

[Dukefrukem]

I picked up Knights of the Old Republic on Steam because it was only $2.50 and I hadn't played it in like 6 years. It holds up surprisingly well. You have to mod it in order to get the game running at 1920x1200 but it still looks fantastic. BioWare rules.

Ah I didnt know you could run it at the res. I need to try that.

[shaun]

Ah I didnt know you could run it at the res. I need to try that.Directions here...

http://www.widescreengamingforum.com/wiki/WSGF_Hacks_for_SW:KOTOR

[megladon8]

I am stuck at a part in "Bayonetta" that has me in one of those rages where I almost never want to play it again.

[Dukefrukem]

I am stuck at a part in "Bayonetta" that has me in one of those rages where I almost never want to play it again.

What level?/chapter?

I never made it past Chapter 3.

[Ezee E]

So do these PS3 updates always take this long?

My roommate got Heavy Rain, and it's currently stuck at 24% with 136 minutes to go. It's probably been going for a good 30 mins already.

[Dukefrukem]

Well when you don't turn your PS3 on for months don't all the updates compound together? (I actually don't know and I'm just speculating)

edit: actually you're talking about the Heavy Rain update? That shouldn't take long at all.

[Ezee E]

Well when you don't turn your PS3 on for months don't all the updates compound together? (I actually don't know and I'm just speculating)

edit: actually you're talking about the Heavy Rain update? That shouldn't take long at all.
No idea either. It's just the Heavy Rain update of 1145 MB.

[Scar]

So do these PS3 updates always take this long?

My roommate got Heavy Rain, and it's currently stuck at 24% with 136 minutes to go. It's probably been going for a good 30 mins already.


Used to have problems with updates locking up on my PS3, and when the bar would stop moving, I'd wait a bit, and if it didn't keep going, I'd cancel and try again.

[Silencio]

So do these PS3 updates always take this long?

My roommate got Heavy Rain, and it's currently stuck at 24% with 136 minutes to go. It's probably been going for a good 30 mins already.This was happening to me as well, recently, and I had to reconfigure my router to fix it.

[Ezee E]

Used to have problems with updates locking up on my PS3, and when the bar would stop moving, I'd wait a bit, and if it didn't keep going, I'd cancel and try again.
Oh no, the bar is moving. 98%.

[megladon8]

What level?/chapter?

I never made it past Chapter 3.


Oh I'm pretty far in the game. Sorry, don't know the exact level/chapter.

It's a part where I'm basically stuck on a floating island in space, and there are three of the "boat bosses" (again, sorry, don't remember their name) between me and the next island.

They keep throwing attack after attack at me and I have no time to actually take any of them down.

I'm getting my ass handed to me and it's driving me nuts.

[Watashi]

Man, the combat for Prince of Persia: SoT really really sucks. The platforming is fun (though the camera can be terrible), but man, it really becomes a chore when the fighting begins.

[EyesWideOpen]

I'm probably one of the only people on the planet who enjoyed the PoP reboot.

You're not, it got pretty much universally good reviews. It's got a higher metacritic score then every other game in the series besides Sands of Time.

[Winston*]

Dug the PoP reboot too. Was disappointed they didn't continue the series.

[Thirdmango]

I beat Dead Money last night (New Vegas first DLC). It's about on par with The Pitt. They use the companion ability really well and they use some good characters referred to in the regular game.

[megladon8]

I'm officially pissed off with this part in "Bayonetta" that I just cannot pass. I've attempted it more than 20 times.

I'm thinking there must be some kind of strategy to taking on these three boat enemies, but I cannot for the life of me figure out what it is. I just cannot seem to get more than one or two hits in without being demolished.

What makes it even worse is it comes after quite a large sequence of battles with other bosses, and I've used up my green lollipops for health regeneration.

:frustrated::frustrated::frust rated::frustrated:

[Morris Schæffer]

I'm officially pissed off with this part in "Bayonetta" that I just cannot pass. I've attempted it more than 20 times.

I'm thinking there must be some kind of strategy to taking on these three boat enemies, but I cannot for the life of me figure out what it is. I just cannot seem to get more than one or two hits in without being demolished.

What makes it even worse is it comes after quite a large sequence of battles with other bosses, and I've used up my green lollipops for health regeneration.

:frustrated::frustrated::frust rated::frustrated:

Gamefaqs. Read it, but try to pick up on a just a few sentences or hints, then try again. Or check Youtube. I don't like it either, but sometimes a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do. I can't help you because I'm not there yet.

But here's a thought: PM Sycophant.

[Morris Schæffer]

Used to have problems with updates locking up on my PS3, and when the bar would stop moving, I'd wait a bit, and if it didn't keep going, I'd cancel and try again.

My PS3 just started acting really weird once I'd installed firmware 3.30. Now it won't read discs, or God of War 2 will just crash (always in the beginning). Could be a coincidence and the lens is dirty or drive is faulty, but I swear it happened right after installing the update. There's pages on the net of people having the same issues and Sony won't recognize it.

[bac0n]

Dug up this video sifting through old LiveJournal Entries.

Jd3-eiid-Uw

Anybody know if any Wii Developers have actually done something like this? Seems like it could be the coolest thing ever if someone were to actually do it.

[Morris Schæffer]

Ah yes, I saw that video about a year ago. Pretty amazing.

[Dukefrukem]

And even then it was still made in 07, a year after launch of the Wii. No developers are working on anything like that... but they should be.

[megladon8]

"Darksiders" is freakin' awesome.

It's a "Zelda" game for people who are sick to death of "Zelda" games.

[Sycophant]

I ner had that much trouble with the boat enemies. You've been jumping up to land on them and wailing on them from there?

[megladon8]

I ner had that much trouble with the boat enemies. You've been jumping up to land on them and wailing on them from there?



Yeah.

Well, when the area starts, the first thing that happens is they shoot a barrage of missiles. So I stay on the platform for a second to shoot the missiles out of the air.

Then I jump up onto the first boat and start wailing, and dodge as many attacks as I can. However, sometimes when I dodge, Bayonetta just jumps right off the boat.

Also, as far as I can tell, the barrage of missiles is something that cannot be dodged - you have to shoot them out of the sky. But there's hardly any time between each boat firing them on me, so I spend 9/10 of my time shooting the missiles, which leaves no time at all for me to wail on the boats.

[ledfloyd]

speaking of zelda i've been playing through ocarina again. 12 years later i think it's still my favorite game.

[megladon8]

speaking of zelda i've been playing through ocarina again. 12 years later i think it's still my favorite game.


I played through it again earlier this year and I was surprised both positively and negatively with much of it.

Positive: The world is still an incredible achievement, rivaling much of what we have available in modern games. It's expansive, and laid out in a way that exploring it (which often involved back-tracking) never feels like a chore. Also, it still retains a great feeling of "epicness" throughout.

Negative: Combat and camera controls are terrible. I cannot count the number of times I died through no fault of my own. Also, I thought some of the puzzles were a little obscure. I had to check an online walkthrough once or twice because I really had no clue where I was supposed to go or what I was supposed to do.


Overall I have immense respect for the game and how it advanced the platforming genre in huge ways. And from a technical standpoint, it's almost second-to-none with that generation of consoles.

But it's far from being one of my favorites. It's not even my favorite "Zelda" game - that award still goes to "A Link to the Past".

I'm actually kind of sick of the "Zelda" franchise. Same goes for "Mario". Yes, there are still great games coming out in both franchises, but they feel tired.

This is part of why I'm enjoying "Darksiders" so freaking much. It's a great platforming adventure that unashamedly steals "Zelda's" formula, but takes place in a new, incredibly stylish universe.

I'm definitely more excited for a "Darksiders 2" than I am for that new "Zelda" game coming out (I believe) next year.

[Ezee E]

Heavy Rain has clunky controls, but I'm digging the hell out of it.

[Spun Lepton]

Heavy Rain has clunky controls, but I'm digging the hell out of it.

I'm curious if you'll feel the same way after the "twist."

[D_Davis]

Darksiders > Zelda

[megladon8]

Darksiders > Zelda


Pretty much.

[EyesWideOpen]

So I'm done with Fallout New Vegas for a long while (until all the DLC comes out and I'll replay from the start since the companion glitch won't let me pick up new companions). Even with all the fun I had with it their is no way I could recommend it to anyone in the state it's in. It's still constantly freezing up on me, I have multiple quests I can never finish because of glitches, and the fact that the game thinks I have a companion with me at all times when I don't.

It's also quite disgusting that they just released a DLC pack wanting more money from us even though they can't be bothered to fix their game so it works right.

[Scar]

So I'm done with Fallout New Vegas for a long while (until all the DLC comes out and I'll replay from the start since the companion glitch won't let me pick up new companions). Even with all the fun I had with it their is no way I could recommend it to anyone in the state it's in. It's still constantly freezing up on me, I have multiple quests I can never finish because of glitches, and the fact that the game thinks I have a companion with me at all times when I don't.

It's also quite disgusting that they just released a DLC pack wanting more money from us even though they can't be bothered to fix their game so it works right.

I beat it twice, and it started to feel like a chore to play, so I traded it in. Think I lost a whopping $5 overall.

[megladon8]

Even with the tech glitches aside, from what I'm reading/hearing it seems it was hugely disappointing and that "Fallout 3" was still clearly the better game.

[Kurosawa Fan]

I beat it twice, and it started to feel like a chore to play, so I traded it in. Think I lost a whopping $5 overall.

How are you/did you like Arkham Asylum?

[Scar]

How are you/did you like Arkham Asylum?

Love it. Beat it on easy, took care of all the Riddler Riddles and trophies. Now I'm going through it on normal, then hard. Then I've got to work on the combat/stealth challenges, 'cause I'm considering going for 100%.

[megladon8]

Scar, you're hardcore man!

Some of the challenges I just could not get. Especially some of the obscure takedowns you need to get in the Predator challenges. I can't even figure out how to go about them!

[EyesWideOpen]

Even with the tech glitches aside, from what I'm reading/hearing it seems it was hugely disappointing and that "Fallout 3" was still clearly the better game.

I don't feel that way. Besides the technical glitches I liked it just as much as Fallout 3 and I spent 80+ hours with that game and probably 50+ with New Vegas. It's almost an identical game besides the story differences.

[megladon8]

I don't feel that way. Besides the technical glitches I liked it just as much as Fallout 3 and I spent 80+ hours with that game and probably 50+ with New Vegas. It's almost an identical game besides the story differences.


This is good to hear because I'm still very interested in the game.

But one thing I've heard from several people is that the game is kind of boring until you get to The Strip, and to make matters worse, it takes forever and a half to get to The Strip.


Oh well. To be honest, I am more eager to get my hands on "Red Dead Redemption" first.

[EyesWideOpen]

Yeah, Red Dead is a great time.

I've moved on to Assassin's Creed II. I loved the first one and only ever played an hour or two of the second before moving on to something else back when it came out. I played for 4-5 hours yesterday and I'm having a lot of fun with it.

[megladon8]

I still haven't tried any of the "Assassin's Creed" franchise. I should get on that, I suppose.

I'm thinking about picking up "Splinter Cell: Conviction" because I can get a brand new copy for less than $10. I gather that, even if it's a disappointing game, that price can't be beat.

My only worry is that I have never played a game in that franchise before and maybe it won't make a lick of sense to me.

[Watashi]

Beat Sands of Time. Eh. It was fun, but I thought the whole dagger thing was a gimmick. I rarely, if ever, used the dagger and only used it when I died (never in battle). A bit on the short side, but I can see how its platforming paved ways for juggernauts like God of War and Uncharted.

[Milky Joe]

I rarely, if ever, used the dagger and only used it when I died (never in battle).

Isn't that, like, the point? It's a great mechanic.

[Watashi]

Isn't that, like, the point? It's a great mechanic.
I guess it saves you from a making a stupid jump due to the godawful camera. Combat was so boring and tedious. I never used the slow-motion or freezing because it was easy enough to kill them regularly.

[ledfloyd]

Negative: Combat and camera controls are terrible. I cannot count the number of times I died through no fault of my own. Also, I thought some of the puzzles were a little obscure. I had to check an online walkthrough once or twice because I really had no clue where I was supposed to go or what I was supposed to do.
i haven't had much trouble with the camera. i can't think of many games from that era that have a great camera. i love the puzzles. the combat system could use some work. it's really a problem when you get swarmed by enemies, but thankfully that doesn't happen often.

[megladon8]

I've been watching GiantBomb's year-end top 10's, and I completely agree with what Ryan Davis said about BioWare's "Mass Effect" work.

They've created one of the richest, most fully realized sci-fi universes out there right now, regardless of the medium.

[Ezee E]

I've been watching GiantBomb's year-end top 10's, and I completely agree with what Ryan Davis said about BioWare's "Mass Effect" work.

They've created one of the richest, most fully realized sci-fi universes out there right now, regardless of the medium.
It seems a lot like Star Wars to me.

[megladon8]

It seems a lot like Star Wars to me.


No way.

It's much closer to a "Babylon 5" type of universe, with a bit of Star Trek: First Contact thrown in for good measure.

But it's quite an original take on universal travel and commerce. I love the idea of the Mass Effect Relay.

[Acapelli]

just played the mass effect 2 demo for the ps3. can't wait to get it

tried playing the dead space 2 demo, but i'm a giant wuss and stopped playing a few minutes into it

[megladon8]

just played the mass effect 2 demo for the ps3. can't wait to get it

tried playing the dead space 2 demo, but i'm a giant wuss and stopped playing a few minutes into it


Hehe...I will not be playing the "Dead Space 2" demo. I absolutely loved the first game, and I will be buying and playing the second one blind.


I did download two demos I'm looking forward to trying, though: "Vanquish" and "Castlevania: Lord of Shadows".

[megladon8]

I was very impressed with "Castlevania". Incredible visuals, and what seems to be a fairly good combat system. It's one I'll certainly pick up when the price drops.

"Vanquish" just seemed like "Gears of War" with a slow-motion mechanic. It could be that the demo just didn't pick a very exciting area of the game to show off, but even this short burst of the gameplay felt repetitive.

[Scar]

I've gotten past the first boss in Vanquish, and its been rather intense and frenetic.

[megladon8]

I've gotten past the first boss in Vanquish, and its been rather intense and frenetic.


I'll seek it out when it goes down in price.

The demo just had me killing generic foes in some kind of military base or something. I never even needed to use the slow motion or slide mechanics.


"Darksiders" continues to be totally exhilarating. I love the style and the universe they've created. I really hope they make another one.

[Ezee E]

Yeah, been hearing some good things about Vanquish.

[KK2.0]

beaten Dead Space 2 demo, can't fucking wait for this game, it's shaping up to be even better than the first which i loved btw.


I was very impressed with "Castlevania". Incredible visuals, and what seems to be a fairly good combat system. It's one I'll certainly pick up when the price drops.


I've beaten Lords of Shadow before the holidays and although it borrows a lot from Kratos series, i've found it to be a more satisfying action adventure than God of War 3.

edit: almost forgot, just rented Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Time -loving it so far, looks and plays better than the previous one.

[Ezee E]

Yep, still loving Heavy Rain despite controller issues. I hope they expand on this technology in future games.

Just finished that car scene. Crazy. Curious what would happen if I didn't try.

[Morris Schæffer]

I've gotten past the first boss in Vanquish, and its been rather intense and frenetic.

Played the demo and intense & frenetic are two words to describe it. Story will probably be blah, but I'll pick up Vanquish somewhere down the line.

Same with Castlevania: Lords of Shadow and Heavy Rain (once my PS3 is fixed).

[Acapelli]

Just finished that car scene. Crazy. Curious what would happen if I didn't try.
the same exact thing

game is bullshit

[Morris Schæffer]

Oh I'm pretty far in the game. Sorry, don't know the exact level/chapter.

It's a part where I'm basically stuck on a floating island in space, and there are three of the "boat bosses" (again, sorry, don't remember their name) between me and the next island.

They keep throwing attack after attack at me and I have no time to actually take any of them down.

I'm getting my ass handed to me and it's driving me nuts.

This was actually not too difficult Meg. Just avoid the projectiles, and try to gain some slow-motion by doing that at the last moment. If it works, you have two options. Shoot down the projectiles (Lasers obviously won't work) during slow-mo or jump on the boat by pummeling its red eye with all you've got! Do that for a brief two seconds max and jump back on the road below. BUT, best thing to do is take out one boat by jumping on in when it floats over you. When one boat is destroyed (and yes I Counted only two), the remaining one will just float ahead of you without really moving. Avoid its projectiles, get bullet time, jump on boat, strike, pull back. And repeat. Great game.

The Golem boss was awesome as hell.

Cool moment today: The soundtrack for Sega's Outrun during the stage on the freeway when you're jumping from truck to car and back.

Bad moment today: The motorcycle bit. Blech although I experienced a distinct F-Zero moment when, at the very end, of that highway chase, I was racing down the pylons of a collapsed bridge. Reminded me of this:

http://i1-news.softpedia-static.com/images/extra/GAMES/large/fzerogxgc_006-large.jpg

Well, Sort of. :)

[megladon8]

That's a different part, Morris :)

There's a section coming up later for you, where there are three of those boats and you are on a little celestial platform floating in space.

I did finally beat it though :pritch:

[Morris Schæffer]

That's a different part, Morris :)

There's a section coming up later for you, where there are three of those boats and you are on a little celestial platform floating in space.

I did finally beat it though :pritch:

:D Gotcha. I'll get in touch in the event that insanity is right around the corner.

[Morris Schæffer]

A picture of Jonathan "Braid" Blow's new game The Witness:

http://www.next-gen.biz/files/the_witness.jpg

An exploration-based puzzler apparently. I cannot wait to see what this man can do next.

[MacGuffin]

That looks pretty awesome. I wasn't a fan of Braid, but if this is some kind of "figure out how to get from Point A to Point B" type of game (and looking into the background of that screenshot, there seems to be more obstacles off in the distance), then I'm looking forward to it.

[megladon8]

Very cool, though I can't really tell much about the game from that shot.


"Darksiders" continues to blow me away. I just completed the first dungeon, the vampire/bat one with lots of lava, and it was epic.

Am now entering the forest/underwater dungeon.

I love the look of this game. Very cool aesthetic that doesn't really attempt any sort of realism.

[Ezee E]

Welp. Beat Heavy Rain. Dug it the entire time. It's short enough where I'll probably play another time just to see a different progress to the story.

[KK2.0]

Hopefully we´ll see anything from Darksiders 2 this year, that universe is pretty cool.


Welp. Beat Heavy Rain. Dug it the entire time. It's short enough where I'll probably play another time just to see a different progress to the story.

killed any of the characters? one of mine didn't make it to the end.

I want to go for another run in order to change that and find different scenes, but there are so many games i haven't played yet that i don't know if i will.

[Ezee E]

The FBI guy was killed because I couldn't push five buttons at the same time. Everyone else lived.

[Watashi]

I had no idea that BioShock was a surivival horror game. I thought it was just a futurustic FPS.

20 minutes in and I'm already creeped out.

[Morris Schæffer]

That's a different part, Morris :)

There's a section coming up later for you, where there are three of those boats and you are on a little celestial platform floating in space.

I did finally beat it though :pritch:

Yeah, these 3 ships are way tougher, but I managed to make it by destroying one, then jumping on the second and then on the third. BUT, a few moments after that, I'm running through a corridor with these plants striking at me (not difficult) and then encounter these two beasts in a fairly cramped corridor with stairs leading down. I don't understand how I get no witch team even though I frequently dodge their attacks at the last second. What's going on? My God I had to stop last night because I was totally freaked out from these intense fights. :D

[Thirdmango]

I have not at all had the same problems with Fallout New Vegas that Eyes Wide Open had. They fixed the companion bug, you just need to download the patch that came out like 3 weeks ago, then go to your world map and it should have an indicator showing you where your companion is. One thing which happened to me was my companion collapsed by some deathclaws and I warped away and the game kept my companion near the deathclaws so I had to go save him before I could get it. Also the freezing happened randomly but never in the same place and always many hours apart. The game froze for me the same amount that Fallout 3 did however so all it did was remind me to save often.

It's pretty much the exact same game as Fallout 3 but in a different location, but that's exactly what I wanted. I wanted another Fallout 3 and that's what I got. I actually want them to make another one with pretty much the exact same things. I've always been a fan of that sort of thing. Once there is a game style that you find to be perfect you leave it there. I was a huge fan of the Tony Hawk series and at Underground 2 they perfected it, but then instead of just keeping with that style they had to keep "perfecting" it until it was ruined and awful. I could play that game forever if it continued to just have more levels and more challenges.

[Thirdmango]

I downloaded X-Men the arcade game on the xbox. I played through it today and that game really is the epitome of arcade games designed to suck quarters out of people. By the third level there are random holes which kill you instantly and some enemies you have to stand next to the hole to kill. It's amazing. I'm glad these games are now on consoles so I don't ever have to throw quarters into them again.

[D_Davis]

Very cool, though I can't really tell much about the game from that shot.


"Darksiders" continues to blow me away. I just completed the first dungeon, the vampire/bat one with lots of lava, and it was epic.

Am now entering the forest/underwater dungeon.

I love the look of this game. Very cool aesthetic that doesn't really attempt any sort of realism.

Heck yeah. Darksiders is freaking sweet.

[Morris Schæffer]

I downloaded X-Men the arcade game on the xbox. I played through it today and that game really is the epitome of arcade games designed to suck quarters out of people. By the third level there are random holes which kill you instantly and some enemies you have to stand next to the hole to kill. It's amazing. I'm glad these games are now on consoles so I don't ever have to throw quarters into them again.

There are tons of side-scrolling brawlers far better than this one. It's kind of stupid that they released just this one game rather than a compilation of arcade brawlers of the same developer. Kinda like how a Capcom disc might include Final Fight, Alien Vs Predator, The Punisher, and cadillacs and Dinosaurs.

[Dead & Messed Up]

Now that I finished Dead Space: Extraction, I'm going back and working through Cursed Mountain (which I abandoned for some unknown reason), and I just bought Silent Hill: Shattered Memories for Wii, which I played for half an hour yesterday.

I don't know if any of you tried the game, but the Wiimote mechanics are very clever. You control a flashlight with the wand, and your occasional cell phone calls come through on the controller's audio speaker, so it helps to hold it to your ear like a regular phone.

Anyway, sweet game so far.