Video Games...Discuss Them

[Watashi]

Probably going to buy this when it comes out since I really want to play part 3. I don't need to play the first one, right?

[Watashi]

Is the new XCOM anything like Final Fantasy Tactics/Valkyria Chronicles? Those are the only turned-based strategy games I played (I never got into the Civ franchise... too complex).

[Winston*]

Playing Jade Empire on Steam. Finding the combat in this a lot more fun than in Mass Effect 3. You can turn into a giant frog!

[Scar]

Is the new XCOM anything like Final Fantasy Tactics/Valkyria Chronicles? Those are the only turned-based strategy games I played (I never got into the Civ franchise... too complex).

It seems similar to Valkyria Chronicles. You move, they move.

Hell, I'd play it now, but after a few gin and tonics, I'd be overly aggressive and lose all my best officers.

[D_Davis]

Playing Jade Empire on Steam. Finding the combat in this a lot more fun than in Mass Effect 3. You can turn into a giant frog!

I don't know why Jade Empire is so disliked. I think it's the best Bioware game since BG2.

[Winston*]

I don't know why Jade Empire is so disliked. I think it's the best Bioware game since BG2.

I didn't know it was so disliked. Why? Doesn't seem a million miles away from Dragon Age or Mass Effect.

[D_Davis]

I didn't know it was so disliked. Why? Doesn't seem a million miles away from Dragon Age or Mass Effect.

I remember gamers talking mad yang on it when it came out. At the time, I liked it way more than KOTOR - mainly because the setting/subject jived with me.

[Winston*]

I think I would have liked it if I played it when it came out but I tried playing KOTOR for the first time a few months ago and found the battle system way too stilted and dated to be enjoyable.

[Sycophant]

The point is that you should all play Frog Fractions (for free!).

[Dukefrukem]

I just beat GTAIV finally. Only 63% complete the game though. :-/

[Morris Schæffer]

[

Show Spoiler

The white phosphorous.

]

That was a huge turning point in the game.

Well, I definitely gathered that it was an awful weapon, but you seem to give that moment a lot more impact than I did. Care to elaborate some more? I sometimes tend to lose track of who does what to who in games so maybe I'm missing something specific.

[megladon8]

Well, I definitely gathered that it was an awful weapon, but you seem to give that moment a lot more impact than I did. Care to elaborate some more? I sometimes tend to lose track of who does what to who in games so maybe I'm missing something specific.

[

Show Spoiler

They went there under the impression that it was an enemy stronghold and bombed the hell out of it.

When they went down to ground level they found that it was actually the rescue operation (the good guys) and all of the civilians they had rounded up to evacuate. They killed everyone they were there to save and help.

]

It completely changed the dynamic in your squad, their attitudes towards their mission and the events they were part of and seeing.

And again, you need to play right to the end to get the full effect of everything.

[Morris Schæffer]

Ok Meg. I'll be back after I complete it.

Edit: actually, I want to weigh in. During that first attack with PA, [

Show Spoiler

I was under the impression the attack was orchestrated by the rogue forces in place led by what I assumed was John Konrad. And I thought the attack was somewhat shocking because it was a cowardly and unwarranted act of warfare against civilian numbers. However, now it seems I got all that wrong and the attack with PA was in fact in support of Walker (Me!) and his two compagnons.

]

Also, I guess the way you describe it makes it sound like a pretty dumb move, but perhaps the attack was based on incomplete/incorrect intel. i forgot whether the dialogue made a point of this.

[megladon8]

Ok Meg. I'll be back after I complete it.

Edit: actually, I want to weigh in. During that first attack with PA, [

Show Spoiler

I was under the impression the attack was orchestrated by the rogue forces in place led by what I assumed was John Konrad. And I thought the attack was somewhat shocking because it was a cowardly and unwarranted act of warfare against civilian numbers. However, now it seems I got all that wrong and the attack with PA was in fact in support of Walker (Me!) and his two compagnons.

]

Also, I guess the way you describe it makes it sound like a pretty dumb move, but perhaps the attack was based on incomplete/incorrect intel. i forgot whether the dialogue made a point of this.

Yes it was based on incorrect intel.

You also seem to be getting two events in the game mixed up. Are you playing half asleep? :lol:

[Acapelli]

The point is that you should all play Frog Fractions (for free!).

this was fun

[megladon8]

"Max Payne 3" continues to enthrall me. Just beat the game on Hard, and I am now doing a run through of a select few levels on Easy so that I can finish finding the rest of the golden guns and the clues.

After that I may try a playthrough on Old School, which sounds insane - realistic damage (aka 1-2 shot kills) and no Last Man Standing. It may very well be impossible.


Anyone else been watching "Forward Unto Dawn" (the Halo live-action series)?

It's pretty great stuff. While it's certainly not particularly "deep" by any means (to be expected of something geared towards gamers, as sad as that is), the acting and pacing are surprisingly good.

The characters introduced through the first three episodes are interesting, with Lasky providing a good flawed-hero archetype.

Also, huge props to the creators for actually PACING the thing. When all 5 episodes are out I believe it will play as a really nice little movie. Each episode is 20 minutes, and there's no real action until the end of the third episode.

They also use the Covenant sparingly and effectively. Episode 4 was very tense, with a Covenant Elite hunting down the main characters in a scene that was quite obviously conceived as a horror film set-up.

Then the appearance of Master Chief (which, again, they held off on until the second half of episode 4) was suitably epic.

It's really good stuff. Perhaps only really "special" if you're a Halo fan, but still, a respectable work that was clearly made with some passion behind it.

[Spun Lepton]

Picked up a used copy of Batman: Arkham City. Good gravy this game is fun!

[megladon8]

Picked up a used copy of Batman: Arkham City. Good gravy this game is fun!

Totally!

Combat feels great, eh?

Love incorporating the gadgets.

[Spun Lepton]

Totally!

Combat feels great, eh?

Love incorporating the gadgets.

I'm still getting my ass beat on occasion. I'm also still button-mashing a lot and learning how the timing works.

[Morris Schæffer]

Picked up a used copy of Batman: Arkham City. Good gravy this game is fun!

I've to play it, but own it. It's taken a backseat to other games, but perhaps it shouldn't have. I expect it'll blow me away.

[Morris Schæffer]

I'm still getting my ass beat on occasion. I'm also still button-mashing a lot and learning how the timing works.

With the first game, The combat really clicked towards the end. I remember a sort of circular room through which would burst some really big baddies along with the usual assortment of henchmen. Took me about 10 attempts to complete that, and every single one was fierce, challenging and exhausting, but never frustrating (although it came close). The last one was nuts. I had a sliver of health left, possibly 1/15 of the entire energy bar, and about 7 baddies left. Suddenly, incredulously, I was jumping to and fro, from foe to foe, dishing out punishment left and right without getting hit, stringing together combos with staggering precision and perfect timing. It was like being one of the kids in Chronicle who discovers that he can fly. The whole thing lasted maybe 25 seconds. I was in the moment, marveling at my own talents, but unable to savour it for it just took me completely by surprise. I knew that enjoyment would equate with potential lack of concentration which I couldn't afford. I screamed when the last baddie was down. A primal scream of elation, of euphoria, echoeing through the house. That happened once before, when I beat Final boss Metroid Prime in the original Gamecube game.

[Ezee E]

Purchased the Uncharted 3 PS3 bundle. Can't wait.

[Dukefrukem]

Purchased the Uncharted 3 PS3 bundle. Can't wait.

I may replace those next....I love the character Drake.

[megladon8]

"Max Payne 3" on Old School is surprisingly...not too difficult.

I think it may be that I've just gotten really damn good at the game after three consecutive playthroughs.

If anyone wants a game to help them with their aiming in console shooters, play "Max Payne 3" with free aim on. It's fantastic.

[Dukefrukem]

If the power stays on, it's gonna be a great video game night.