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Topic Summary

Posted by: fox
« on: 17. December 2023, 11:28:40 »

Blood West - Full Game Launch Trailer - Weird West legends meet eldritch horror in a new stealth FPS

It's really good. Feels a bit like Thief overall. Well, a less stealthy, violent Thief in a Weird West setting. I have not beaten this game yet but from what I have seen, this seems like a fair review:

Splattercatgaming: "One of the Year's Last Open World RPGs is Also One of the Best"
Posted by: icemann
« on: 29. June 2023, 08:47:29 »

The last few days was spent playing the Doom 2 mod "MyHouse", which is a tribute to one of the first ever fan made levels (of the same name) released for Doom back in the 90s, after the death of the original levels creator.

The original was a simple recreation of a guys house in the Doom engine. The tribute mod on the other hand, takes that level and gives it the PT / Silent Hill treatment, with it gradually turning into a more hellish version (over numerous iterations) as you progress through it.

This was the 1st mod to pull me back into the Doom mod scene in several years after watching John Romero play through it. I HIGHLY recommend this one to everyone here, and don't just judge a book by it's cover, as its so much more than that. Plus your in for a real treat.

The one bits of warning I would give would firstly be to play it blind for your first play through (not that I did) for the best experience. After that I'd recommend trying for the "good ending", but that if you choose to go down that path then A LOT of reading or experimenting in the mod is required.

If you do choose to go down the rabbit hole and play it, then also be warned that the music and general feel of the mod tends to stick with you for a while, even after being away from the PC.
And there is some supplementary story content:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/18Nx7kUQwmxUGoXqL6FiUwFY--up64fgo
Posted by: icemann
« on: 06. March 2023, 02:45:07 »

Ah good to know.
Posted by: Creamy
« on: 05. March 2023, 18:26:02 »

If you're playing on an emulator, I'd recommend using the right analog stick to control your accelerating and braking if you're not already. The reason being the buttons on the DualShock 2 are analog but unless you're gone through some hoops to configure them as such on PCSX2 - they'll be read as digital inputs, meaning you'll either be fully accelerating or fully braking and lacking the finer control that you may need to effectively race.

Both GT3 and GT4 allow for analog accelerating and braking (though GT3 will require you to change it from the default cross and square buttons in the options menu)
Posted by: icemann
« on: 05. March 2023, 18:19:36 »

Noted on GT4. Will have to give that a go. I gave GT3 a solid attempt several years ago, as it had been one I'd always wanted to fully complete. Then I realized bit by bit the level of commitment required to do that, and thus only beat the 1st 2 difficulties, and this was via emulator too, but played with an actual dual shock controller.
Posted by: Creamy
« on: 05. March 2023, 17:23:07 »

Quote by icemann:
Ah nice. I picked up a RetroTink after MetalJesus did a review of it on his channel. Works great with most older systems except the n64 where all the games appear quite dark.

Gran Turismo 3: Dayam that game is easily my favourite racing game of all time. Always seen the GT games are the RPGs of racing due to the level of grinding for money to upgrade your cars, trying to get top spot in all of the races, getting the best cars, all the licences and so much more. Love GT3. GT4 is apparently very good as well.

Most I have managed is completion of the first 2 difficulty mode races.

How far in are you?

A fellow RetroTINK owner, nice! I've had mine since early 2021. Primarily it's for enjoying my PlayStation 2 and original Xbox libraries, though I may take the Dreamcast out for a spin soon. Not surprised to hear about N64. That console is going to have rubbish output regardless of what it's hooked up to. Not a system that I particularly care for, personally.

Gran Turismo is a series I've enjoyed since the beginning, but one I started taking more seriously since around the time GT5 released. I opted for Xbox that generation and didn't get a PS2 until a few years later. Your comment about GT titles feeling like the "RPGs of racing" is a sentiment I agree with too. Car-PGs, even?

Owning every main entry in the series, I'd say GT3 is my favorite as well. Last night I was just messing around on the Arcade Mode, but I plan on going through the licenses and finishing off the Amateur League today.

It's kind of funny... I have a Fanatec GT DD Pro direct drive wheel that I purchased for playing Gran Turismo 7 and Assetto Corsa with, and here I am with a DualShock 2 playing a game from 2001! Don't get me wrong, I've put a lot of hours into GT7 and AC, respectively, but the nostalgia for those earlier titles is still very strong.

Racing games are something I've found myself getting a reinvigorated love for in recent years. I've always been a huge fan of them, but moreso now than ever. WipeOut, Gran Turismo, Road Rash, Dirt, Project Gotham, Assetto Corsa, MotorStorm, Need for Speed, OutRun, Ridge Racer... arcade, sim-cade, you name it!

It sounds like you've not tried Gran Turismo 4 yet, you should definitely give it a shot when you can! Objectively speaking, it's probably the the best in the series. It's still the most content heavy entry in the franchise to the point of being borderline overwhelming. They went all out for that game, and it stands to reason why it's considered by many to be the fan favorite.
Posted by: icemann
« on: 05. March 2023, 07:36:35 »

Quote by Creamy:
Currently playing Gran Turismo 3 again. I've been making heavy use of the RetroTINK 5X upscaler as of late and playing a ton of old PS2 and original Xbox games. Mostly racing titles, but it's always nice to go back and play the classics and pretend like my ever-growing backlog of newer games doesn't exist...

Ah nice. I picked up a RetroTink after MetalJesus did a review of it on his channel. Works great with most older systems except the n64 where all the games appear quite dark.

Gran Turismo 3: Dayam that game is easily my favourite racing game of all time. Always seen the GT games are the RPGs of racing due to the level of grinding for money to upgrade your cars, trying to get top spot in all of the races, getting the best cars, all the licences and so much more. Love GT3. GT4 is apparently very good as well.

Most I have managed is completion of the first 2 difficulty mode races.

How far in are you?
Posted by: Creamy
« on: 05. March 2023, 06:39:04 »

Currently playing Gran Turismo 3 again. I've been making heavy use of the RetroTINK 5X upscaler as of late and playing a ton of old PS2 and original Xbox games. Mostly racing titles, but it's always nice to go back and play the classics and pretend like my ever-growing backlog of newer games doesn't exist...
Posted by: vurt
« on: 05. March 2023, 02:06:49 »

back to Elden Ring. i just love this game, it gets so many things right.
Posted by: icemann
« on: 04. March 2023, 14:12:44 »

Good points.

I just love how dynamic they make things in scares that aren't all fixed. Some are yes, but not all, and those mostly come down to the mimics. And I like being scared in games. Not many games can do that to me anymore. Been so desensitized. Prey though still makes me jump. So I give it major props for that.
Posted by: JDoran
« on: 28. February 2023, 13:37:19 »

I'm playing Atomic Heart at the moment. It's not bad, but not nearly as good as I was hoping.

Icemann, Prey 2017 is fantastic (aside from becoming predictable after a few playthroughs, and the last third of the game losing it's wonder and inventiveness), and there are a couple of things you can do to spot camouflaged Mimics, other than by using the scan helmet;

1. Mimics are not intelligent, and also seem only to be able to copy an item that is close by, so always look for two identical objects close by, such as two stoodup long vertical ashtrays, two boxes of the same size, etc. If there are, then one might be a Mimic.

2. Mimics are easily startled, so if one is camouflaged and then it detects nearby movement then it will revert to it's physical Mimic state. You can make use of this by, in an area where you suspect the presence of a Mimic(s), pick up and throw an object towards anything that might be a Mimic. You don't have to hit the Mimic directly, the item you throw just needs to be close enough to startle the Mimic.
Posted by: icemann
« on: 27. February 2023, 06:12:49 »

Currently playing Prey (2017) for the 3rd time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUCF8_hrLgA

Really great game. The mimics throw me off every time (before you get the scan helmet thing).
Posted by: fox
« on: 20. February 2023, 18:18:19 »

Finished "Return To Monkey Island" recently and finally managed to play Disco Elysium past the initial confusion. Quite an interesting and fascinating game indeed.

Got "Ready Or Not" recently too but haven't played much yet. Didn't really like how indirect the controls felt, maybe I have to fiddle with the settings ome more. It's still in early access but at least in gameplay videos seems quite a promising contender for a worthy successor of tactical shooters/semi-sims like "SWAT 4" and "Rainbow Six: Raven Shield".
Posted by: icemann
« on: 20. February 2023, 06:12:40 »

Quote by Join2:
Let's get one of these threads going.

There already was a "what are you playing" thread sticked to the forum here. Join2 please check prior to starting a thread if one already exists.

Anyway. Currently playing:

* Lego Battles (DS) - Fun little RTS game. Pretty easy most of the time, but I love the humour and unique game setting with most of the campaigns being set in different time periods.
* Taos Adventure: Curse of the Demon Seal (DS) - Very unknown sequel to the JRPG "Azure Dreams" on the Playstation. This game is a shadow of the original, with them having taken out around 80% of the unique stuff from the original (eg Town sim elements, ability to upgrade your house, dating sim elements, procedurally generated levels in the tower ditched in favour of far larger but fixed levels) and the music is just bad. Somehow the game is worse graphics wise to the original as well. If it was not for my love of the original, I'd not be sticking with it.

When I'm done with Tao's Adventure, the plan is to do 3rd playthrough of Prey (2017).
Posted by: sarge945
« on: 20. February 2023, 05:03:43 »

I just finished Metro Exodus, now playing Sam's Story DLC.

Exodus is one of the most blursed games I have ever played. Some parts of it are excellently designed, intricately carved survival experiences ala Stalker, which feels amazing to play. But then the developers shoehorn a bunch of hamfisted linear sections in, or long boring "story" cutscenes and it really brings down the gameplay.
Posted by: Chandlermaki
« on: 20. February 2023, 02:53:15 »

Currently flipping between the Dead Space remake and Signalis. I also recently blasted through the Mass Effect trilogy via the Legendary Edition, which I always enjoy doing every few years.

Dead Space Remake is... basically just the original game with better visuals, some changes for the better, others not so much. Biggest issue for me is the new voice cast - the direction is completely off.

Signalis is really, really fantastic if you're into oldschool survival horror. Incredible atmosphere, art direction, music, the whole package. Some really interesting puzzles here and there too. Would absolutely recommend.

Otherwise, I play racing sims a lot. I have a G29 with the DF shifter and a basic stand, nothing fancy. Assetto Corsa is essentially my car sandbox of choice, with some Gran Turismo when I'm looking for something a bit more casual with actual progression.
Posted by: OName
« on: 19. February 2023, 21:54:10 »

Carrion has been surprisingly addictive to me. I keep being drawn to it with straight replays and challenges, like avoiding combat, sparing unarmed humans and keeping eating to the minimum required.

Some time ago I got into playing Dishonored 2 and DOTO. The latter is rather innovative, and the former really improves on the original game in gameplay. Can't say the same about the story and themes, though.
Posted by: Join2
« on: 19. February 2023, 19:31:54 »

Let's get one of these threads going. You have, or should have, old school standards so I want to see what you're up to and if you are playing anything I should check out. Let's keep each other in the loop. Games have gone to shit but there are still gems to be discovered.

Of late I have really enjoyed:

Everspace (8.5/10 indie roguelike 6dof space FPS)
Darkwood (8.5/10 indie top-down survival horror)
Immortal Redneck (7.5/10 indie roguelike FPS)
Ashes: Afterglow (9/10 Doom 2 TC FPS. note it is "episode 2" that is truly good and a full-length game while Ep 1 is like a intro and tutorial)
Xcom 2 WOTC (9/10 w/mods & Ironman mode).

Curently playing Skyrim with over 100 gameplay mods for the first time since I got it on release and gave up shortly in disgust. It's sort of almost a good game now, but it's not gonna last.
Posted by: Jules
« on: 28. October 2022, 22:28:54 »

I've recently been replaying this visual novel (don't say anything just yet! I never liked visual novels myself but this is a really good exception) called VA-11 Hall-A. I'm genuinely surprised not to have seen more mentions of this game around here, as pretty much everything about it is classic cyberpunk themes/aesthetics with a strong anime flair. And as for the soundtrack...I know the trend of '80s-inspired music is a thing from some years ago but I still dig this genre more than many others. When it comes to this game, I'm almost tempted to say the soundtrack is better than the game itself, as good as the latter is.

Incidentally, I feel like mentioning two of the games that served as an inspiration to VA-11 Hall-A and that are just really good games in their own right. They're two games Hideo Kojima made before creating the massively successful MGS series: Snatcher and Policenauts. Both games are just classic cyberpunk, with the first one having an especially strong Blade Runner vibe to it. Think of them as adventure games with a focus on a (of course) neo-noir detective story, only without the puzzles typical of those released in the West. Definitely give them a try if you haven't yet.
Posted by: Berathraben
« on: 09. October 2022, 11:51:14 »

tiphares4
I have been interested in World of Horror for a while. But just waiting for it to release out of early access. I love the aesthetic of it's art style and the UI. The aesthetic reminds me a lot of My Work is Not Yet Done. Which has been in development for quite a while now.

I am still patiently waiting. :D https://store.steampowered.com/app/1207690/My_Work_Is_Not_Yet_Done/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmwlUFxTwc0
Posted by: Berathraben
« on: 09. October 2022, 11:35:39 »

I am currently playing Ctrl, Alt, Ego, replaying Soma for probably the 4th or 5th time, and playing Sundered.

Mostly playing Ctrl, Alt, Ego though. Soma is my taking a break game, and Sundered is my backlog game. :)
Posted by: Xkilljoy98
« on: 09. October 2022, 03:48:09 »

I haven't been playing anything specific, I have just been playing a bit of this and a bit of that, been awhile since I sat down and did a full playthough of anything and there are a lot of games in my backlog.
Posted by: fox
« on: 02. October 2022, 10:11:53 »

Weird West

Got it on sale yesterday and honestly can't say yet if the later game is actually able to live up to the promises the first couple of tutorial quests make but I'm quite delighted with the ImSim-gameplay design so far! I personally love the setting too.

It actually feels very much like an "Arkane Studios gone Devolver-Indie"-game, which isn't too surprising, given that RedWolf Studios features Raphaël Colantonio (Founder and former Creative Director at Arkane Studios) and Julien Roby (former Executive producer at Arkane Studios).

Conveniently you can currently play a sizeable chunk (about 5 hours, they say) for free and see for yourself, whether it suits your tastes or not:
https://www.indiegamebundles.com/weird-west-the-bounty-hunter-journey-free/
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1097350/view/3386166695438807232

Or just get the entire game right away, which is currently 50% off! That's what I did.
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1097350/Weird_West/

---

Writing games with players in mind - Weird West x Arkane Co-Founder | Video Game Writing 101
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoV_HcdJ4_w

'F*** Ladders', And 19 Other Design Mantras For Arkane's Prey
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1iXNX-U3HqA
Posted by: sarge945
« on: 31. July 2022, 08:26:32 »

Quote by fox:
The reason I'm not getting the first Horizon game (PC) is due to the alleged extreme data collection. They added an opt-out option for Days Gone a while after release but not for Horizon Dawn. Not sure about the second entry though.

But what if they removed it and we all bought it and got a crappy by-the-numbers cookie-cutter open world survival game without the data tracking?

I wouldn't buy it even if it wasn't egregious. No Horizon game has appealed to me since I have already played them before countless times, and better versions of them.

Anyway, I haven't been playing much recently. Mostly just been playing Path of Exile and revisiting System Shock 2 and Prey.
Posted by: icemann
« on: 30. July 2022, 04:00:07 »

Interesting. Looks like an early Mac game done on Hypercard.

This week been playing something out of left field. Rune Factory - A Fantasy Harvest Moon adventure. So if you know what Harvest Moon is about (building up a farm). Add in dungeons with monsters to fight, and thats pretty much the game. Great to play in bursts. Found it to be quite addictive.
Posted by: tiphares4
« on: 30. July 2022, 02:34:08 »

World of Horror™


it's an rpg, it has horror-elements, it has survival elements & ressource management, it is even rouge-like, and it has extremely nice graphics; maybe some of you will like it:
Posted by: fox
« on: 02. March 2022, 15:57:39 »

I recall reading that it's one of those games that require a permanent internet connection but either way I wouldn't want to support them with my money for that kind of intrusive behaviour.
Posted by: vurt
« on: 02. March 2022, 06:46:17 »

cant you just block the exe in the firewall though?  i do that with some stuff.
Posted by: fox
« on: 02. March 2022, 02:23:55 »

The reason I'm not getting the first Horizon game (PC) is due to the alleged extreme data collection. They added an opt-out option for Days Gone a while after release but not for Horizon Dawn. Not sure about the second entry though.
Posted by: vurt
« on: 01. March 2022, 23:05:08 »

Horizon Forbidden West + expansion (PS5).
Initially i bought it for PS4, didn't really get into it, played perhaps 6h. Restarted now, years later, because i want to play the follow up.

I still have a bit of a hard time with the setting for this game, it's really ridiculous. I mean a game like SS2's is too of course, 99% games are, probably, but even within this realm i find it a little too cringy/stupid. Anyways, i do like the combat and i think the graphics are truly excellent. Having a really good time with it this time around. You can tell these guys took some inspiration from SS2 with the logs later on in the game.. and sure, there are other games with these logs, quite a few, but they felt very SS2'ish in it's writing, voice acting etc + overall what's going on with AI etc...

I also finished a game(!) this happens like once ever 10th year. Uncharted 4. It was really great, fantastic graphics too. Gotta play the DLC too later...
 


Posted by: Marvin
« on: 25. December 2021, 21:28:21 »

Chorus. Awesome space shooter with a unique momentum driven combat mechanic. It's a bit rough in some places and obviously done by a small team but a really fun romp nonetheless.
Posted by: icemann
« on: 24. December 2021, 03:09:02 »

Ah see there ya go. Makes sense now. Thanks for the link :).
Posted by: Olfred
« on: 23. December 2021, 18:43:45 »

This article might be of interest for you.
https://screenrant.com/plants-vs-zombies-creator-fired-ea-microtransactions/
Posted by: icemann
« on: 23. December 2021, 14:21:39 »

I finally "beat" Plants vs Zombies 2. It took me something like 8 years of on again, off again play, but I FINALLY did it. And what do you get for that? Surely an awesome song and dance like the first game. Right?

Wrong. You get an achievement and that's it. No ending, no credits. Zip. Whaaaa? God dammit. Still glad I managed it, as several of the worlds were hard as hell. In those 8 years I've seen the game change drastically as well. It started out very similar to the first, in that coins and diamonds were easy to get in battles, the bee in the Zen Garden (who speeds up growth time of plants) could be prodded (via clicking on it) to wake up and speed up some more, there was no ads and only a few plants that if you wanted, you had to pay for (with real cash).

Well fast forward 8 years and well. The games changed A LOT. Very microtransaction heavy, ads are now in and frequent (though at least you can watch a few daily for in-game diamonds and coins, but it's restricted to only a few per day), gone is the set stats per plant (as in PvZ 1) and in is a levelling system. Requires a large time investment but gets you incrementally better stats on those plants. FAR harder game as well, though that is in the later worlds that were added bit by bit over the years. 11 in total now. The first 9 are great, but the last 2 are an absolute slog. Either spend real cash to get more in-game currency (used for both upgrading plants and to use special ability powers during battles), or it's going to take you a LONG time (as it did me).

As a huge fan of the first game I just had to see it through. And I'm the determined sort. So it took 8 years but it's done now. I remember specifically getting a better phone just to be able to play that game. Dayam. Nowadays I just played it in Bluestacks (Android phone emulator). Still a fun game, and is one of the rare few mobile games that I got into. The other being Dungeon Keeper, which is largely hated with a passion by much of the internet, and yet as a lover of tower defence games, I just loved it for what it is rather than what it's not (a true sequel to the PC strategy games).

Ask me again in 8 years and maybe I'll have fully finished that game off as well. Though it lacks much on the singleplayer end, though there are levels. Primarily PvP more than anything.
Posted by: fox
« on: 12. December 2021, 19:17:23 »

Quote by Kolya:
Or the fact that NPCs don't look like they spent years in a Californian gym and just had some makeup artist put some stylish coal smears on their cheeks - No these guys actually live in that world, they look and talk the way. They're resigned to the world being a shit place but their humanity and camaraderie shines even brighter for that.
For some reason that makes me think of "Das Boot".
Posted by: Kolya
« on: 12. December 2021, 18:45:18 »

That is all true but on the less technical level: What got me in Exodus was the great (and very Russian) atmosphere, like standing at the front of the train and just watching the world roll by. Or the fact that NPCs don't look like they spent years in a Californian gym and just had some makeup artist put some stylish coal smears on their cheeks - No these guys actually live in that world, they look and talk the way. They're resigned to the world being a shit place but their humanity and camaraderie shines even brighter for that.
Posted by: RoSoDude
« on: 12. December 2021, 01:34:43 »

I've been playing Metro Exodus myself. The first hour is an unbearable slog of handholdy "gameplay" and unskippable cutscenes. but once I got through that the game opened up a lot and hooked me. The two mini-open worlds I've gotten to explore so far (Volga River, Caspian Desert) have been brilliant, with solid stealth/combat mechanics and supporting systems. The Volga area had a lot of threatening mutant wildlife that made navigating the marsh very dangerous in between missions taking me from cult bases to irradiated bunkers to bandit outposts. The Caspian area is easier to get around in thanks to a van I commandeered to drive through the dunes, but in turn is frequented by raiders in a seamless mixture of scripted and emergent conflicts. On one occasion I cleared out a small encampment of traps and mutants and slept in the bed, only to wake up in the middle of the night as bandits were about to ambush me. Under the cover of darkness, I retaliated by raiding one of their bases. As I was systematically and silently eliminating their guards, a patrol of thugs drove in, noticed the guards had been taken out, and rushed in to find me as I scrambled for cover from the rear. The interiors are a mixed bag; there are some good stealth/combat complexes with multiple routes, stealth sightlines and cover as well as some great exploration dungeons with platforming, environmental hazards, and mutants abound, but then there are linear missions with a glaringly obvious stealth route replete with guards turning their back to every entrance. If this is a taste of what the previous Metro games were like, I'm glad I never bothered.

While it's no Thief or System Shock, the simulation has just enough fidelity to make for a compelling experience. The stealth mechanics are pretty standard avoid the light, throw tin can to distract guard fare but I like it as a way to avoid or start confrontation. Guards aren't magically aware of your whereabouts even after they're alerted, so it's possible to escape into the shadows and re-engage from stealth. There's a night/day cycle where the cover of darkness aids in stealth but also brings the danger of increased mutant activity. Enemy AI is a bit inconsistent, sometimes they're glued to cover but other times they flank and lay down suppressing fire effectively. There are some cool behaviors too; I crippled a grunt and he blasted me with his shotgun while laying on the ground after I thought him dead, mutants hunt in packs and fake you out. The gunplay is really visceral with simulated weapon handling, recoil, and ballistics. I'm enjoying it even more after disabling hitmarkers -- the split second after shooting where I have to guess if I actually killed the dude or not adds a lot of tension, and I pay more attention to my surroundings and buy into it more. Body armor on enemies will deflect small arms fire, so you either need to burst fire to shoot off helmets, equip a more damaging weapon, or aim at exposed areas (shooting through a helmet's eyeholes works!). The weapon attachment system is the real highlight, with every weapon accommodating different barrel, stock, magazine, sight, and gadget setups. Heavier attachments give better accuracy, recoil control, magazine size, zoom etc. but also make weapons slower to aim, reload, and swap. There's reason to travel light vs putting on your best stuff, and the effects feel very tangible in the weapon behavior. Additionally, more complex attachments (suppressors, fancy optics, extended mags, laser sights) get dirty faster leading to degraded accuracy and increased tendency to jam, so I travel with a basic loadout and gear up for assaults. There's a crafting system with only 2 resources (metal and chemical) which are reasonably scarce, avoiding unnecessary bloat and giving a bit of a survival element. Then you have micromanagement of gas mask filters, flashlight battery, and BB gun pressure which adds something to worry about when sneaking and spelunking, and makes for some emergent "oh shit" moments when a mutant shows up around the corner.

Overall highly recommended, but with a word of caution about the linear setpiece crap that brings the experience down and almost put me off getting to the good stuff.
Posted by: sarge945
« on: 12. December 2021, 00:36:59 »

Regardless of how good the game itself is, I am glad someone actually tried to do something cool with some source material, rather than this being a cynical cash grab, so I am happy for their success.

That alone might be reason to buy it, even if it is raw
Posted by: icemann
« on: 11. December 2021, 14:10:42 »

Well having now fully completed the game + the free Infiltrator Mode DLC:

The game is HEAVILY influenced by the first Terminator film. Much like how Alien Isolation is much more akin to "Alien" rather than "Aliens". So whilst it's action heavy sure, the sound, music and look is very "Terminator" rather than "Terminator 2" if that makes sense. It also has much more of a horror angle than pure action. I would recommend playing it on Hard difficulty to give a good challenge. On that I found the game to be quite difficult but not overly.

It's 100% set in the future war, so nothing in modern times or elsewhere. As per the first film, if you do encounter an infiltrator unit (aka a T800 with flesh/cybernetic stuff) then expect quite the challenge. It has some RPG elements of gaining XP via kills and completing quests, and you use those on skills. All of which have a use, and all are highly useful. Some of the levels are open world-ish, with you free to explore around, look for loot in houses etc, and have optional SKYNET bases you can take on. Use of stealth HIGHLY recommended for those.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AggWZrmzAuc

Video above shows a bit of the resistance base you return to a fair bit in the game, and of some of the open world-y gameplay.

Other levels go more the linear route, with you taking part in large scale attacks etc. Story is quite decent as well, and you do have some levels of choice in how you choose to respond to people which has knock on effects later on. If your like me and absolutely LOVE the first film, then this game should be a must play. However if Terminator 2 or the later films are more your thing, then you may not get the same level of enjoyment from it.

I absolutely loved it. Oh and the free "Infiltrator Mode" DLC has you in control of an infiltrator tasked with gaining access to a rebel base. It consists of 1 level, but you can't save at all and repair items are few and far between. So it is VERY hard. Kinda like the first Alien vs Predator game before gold edition (which added in manual saving). So if you die, your straight back to the start. The cool side to it, is seeing the world via Terminator vision, and your playing as the bad guy. Expect around 1-3 hours of gameplay depending on skill level.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTzl3GE4RUA

Video above is my play through of that DLC.

Just today a 2nd DLC (this one being a paid DLC) entitled "Annihilation Line" was released. I've not had a chance to play it yet, but it appears to be more of a linear style, from the gameplay trailer released.
Posted by: sarge945
« on: 11. December 2021, 02:39:16 »

I am not sure whether to get it. It seems pretty raw in places from gameplay I have seen
Posted by: fox
« on: 10. December 2021, 17:29:47 »

Hm... I'm tempted too now.
Posted by: Kolya
« on: 10. December 2021, 16:49:09 »

icemann Terminator Resistance is 50% off on Steam
Posted by: sarge945
« on: 09. December 2021, 01:29:15 »

I've been playing the absolute shit out of Subnautica recently. It's quite good, albeit with some issues. Because the entire game source code can be modded, maybe I should attempt to fix some of the more structural issues.

Overall though, I'd recommend it.
Posted by: icemann
« on: 05. December 2021, 06:28:00 »

I remember Alien Breed. Games like that made me want to get an Amiga back then. Amiga had a very unique feel to it. Art and sound wise. Played the first one a few times + some fan remakes of it. Never got very far in it, but loved the aliens inspired setting.
Posted by: Kolya
« on: 04. December 2021, 23:15:55 »

Quote by icemann:
If your an old school Terminator fan (like me) of the first 2 films and grew up with them, then you owe it to yourself to play it. Been a blast so far.

This is relevant to me. Wishlisted, waiting for a deal.

I'm currently playing Alien Breed: Impact which is a direct descendant of an earlier Alien Breed game that I played in the 90s on Amiga, even by the same developer, Team 17. There is a trilogy of these games now, which I recently picked up for 5 EUR. Apparently I planned to play this 12 years ago and only now I'm getting around to it.

The first game in the trilogy is fine, albeit a bit slow paced and it requires miles of backtracking. The environments look great, but the fights with the aliens (that look like ticks now, probably for trademark reasons) lack some kinetic feedback. Shots fired pass over their heads and yet they die somehow. The missions are pretty ordinary activate this, destroy that stuff, but it's entertaining enough to keep me going.

Before that I replayed Jedi Knight Dark Forces 2 as I do every few years. The routine is to update the mods and then start a new game, because in Jedi Knight changing the mods usually breaks your save games. It doesn't matter much because Jedi Knight was my first PC game and I still consider it the best by a long shot. It's level design and especially its use of space is unsurpassed.
Posted by: icemann
« on: 04. December 2021, 03:46:02 »

Currently playing Terminator Resistance. Game is set completely within the "future war" that you got to see a few bits of in the first Terminator film.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTnwu6YCF1c

Starting out had me nerding out big time, as I'd as a kid dreamed of what it would be like to be in the future war. Game has the sounds and setting down. Quite an excellent game all round really. Best Terminator game that I've played in a LONG time. It's at it's most fun when your left free to roam around at your leisure and just explore and take on what you choose. That said, even the linear levels are quite fun. When the T800's are first introduced in-game, that was great and quite stressing.

If your an old school Terminator fan (like me) of the first 2 films and grew up with them, then you owe it to yourself to play it. Been a blast so far.
Posted by: icemann
« on: 14. November 2021, 03:54:44 »

Since AM2R played through Metroid - Samus Returns, which is the official remake by Nintendo of Metroid 2. Compared to AM2R, Nintendo went the 2.5D route with all 3D models and added a parry mechanic thats really annoying but you get the hang of it eventually. Very little in the way of memorable good music (unlike AM2R which did) as they went the atmospheric route for the most part. Though some remixes of classic tracks are present.

They majorly changed the controls, as you now must aim exactly where you want to shoot vs the fixed angles of earlier games. Plus you can't aim and shoot at the same time anymore. On the positive end, they went for a FAR longer game, some of the later boss battles are Dark Souls levels of hard, and the game despite its faults is excellent. Plus they added some great new abilities, and a map scan feature.

If your looking for Super Metroid style gameplay, this game aint that. Play AM2R for that. Where as if your looking for something new this is that, and great at it.

After completing Samus Returns moved to Metroid Dread on the Switch. This ones VERY MUCH in the same way as Returns went. Parry mechanic, 2.5D with 3d models, difficult boss battles, music you wont even notice most of the time and precise controls. The new EMMI robots make for a good change of pace.

My main negative with Dread so far, is that it goes for the Fusion route of locking off areas as you progress, which = no backtracking. Yet this is supposed to be a Metroidvania, where backtracking for power ups is a core part of it. Why they went that route - I dunno. Good game regardless, but I'd love to see this game done in proper 2D with sprites, and with better music.

I don't get at all why games companies feel compelled to move away from the traditional art styles (of sprites) and gameplay, in favor of 3D. We already have the Metroid Prime series for that. When you have the rare instance of the fan remake of Metroid 2 (with AM2R) and Samus Returns, you get the clear comparision to see and play of both styles. Give me classic Super Metroid gameplay and art atyle and I'll be as happy as a pig in mud.

[edit]
The closed off stuff with Metroid Dread appears to only be for a short chunk of the game. Once you get wide beam it opens up substantially. So disregard my earlier complaints regarding that.
Posted by: Ivan The Insect
« on: 27. October 2021, 09:07:36 »

Quote by icemann:
Once one gets into Warhammer, they never leave. I stopped collecting the miniatures for fantasy and 40k due to how expensive they were becoming plus ran out of room for them. Despite that, I've had a ongoing love for the universe in all it's forms, and still stop and look into Games Workshop stores / minature wargaming stores whenever I pass one.

I'm mostly in for the lore and art  ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Posted by: icemann
« on: 23. October 2021, 05:19:23 »

Once one gets into Warhammer, they never leave. I stopped collecting the miniatures for fantasy and 40k due to how expensive they were becoming plus ran out of room for them. Despite that, I've had a ongoing love for the universe in all it's forms, and still stop and look into Games Workshop stores / minature wargaming stores whenever I pass one.
Posted by: Ivan The Insect
« on: 21. October 2021, 19:14:55 »

Quote by icemann:
Well the PSP has a fair few great games on there. Depends on what your into. I played A LOT of Dungeon Maker plus the various GTA games.

My PSP is pretty much dead at the moment though... The battery become swollen to the point of cracking the whole thing open. I still have my collection of games, I think the game I played the most was Monster Hunter.

Quote by Kolya:
Didn't keep me from trying several times. This game is so mysterious in its lore but also in its mechanics, I loved that. It's like its own world. You can feel in every detail the huge ambition and love the devs put into it. Not a lot of polishing though, it's a raw diamond.

Absolutely! I beat the campaign once so far, need to beat it twice more for the "final" ending. But I meant you can't truly finish it because it's meant to be replayable to the absurd. In fact after beating it I'm now just playing solo custom missions just to try out what I can mess with and learn for my second playthrough, plus some grinding you know  :thumb:

I'm more than sad I can't play Space Hulk or the most recent Hired Gun which are by the same devs but from what I know they're not exactly EYE 2. I've been into 40k for almost 10 years now even though I knew about it further back by researching the Tyranids (fictional insects and space bug swarms are kind of my thing) but I never dug into the lore proper. I might sound like a heretic but I actually find the setting a bit too rich if you know what I mean, I prefer smaller more consistent worlds that hide their lore and expansiveness.
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