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What have you been playing: before the forum was deleted?
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(last edited Feb 22, 2022 08:17AM)
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Feb 22, 2022 07:04AM
Hello all - I spent the weekend playing around with Children of Morta while I wait for Elden Ring. Funny after reading about Horizon, but I'm really struck by this game's art style and graphics. It has a pretty primitive pixel art style, but the way it comes together is just gorgeous. Maybe it's just the color palette. I didn't think much of what I saw on trailers. It looks really great when actually playing though. I'll describe it as Gauntlet-feeling roguelike with a family (of playable character) working together to save the land from "corruption". The story advances through progress made during runs, much like Hades. Good stuff.
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I quite liked what I played of Children of Morta too, the characters are a bit of an eyesore (and that's an understatement) but the locations are quite good. One I'll definitely go back to in a gaming drought
Mostly just stuck with Forbidden West last night but threw in a bit of Voice of Cards and Asseto Corsa Competizione (a bit daft with a couple of other racers imminent but there was a free PS5 upgrade).Definitely think I need a break from Horizon FW though, it's becoming a bit of a chore
I see Grid Legends has a 10 hour trial for EA Play subscribers, I'm guessing that means I could play the trial with Game Pass?
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It does.
So games media has essentially crowned Elden Ring the best game ever already. Mostly perfect scores across the board. I'm feeling pretty good about pre-ordering, pre-loading, and taking Friday off from work right about now.
Yeah, I've Elden Ring downloading as we speak. Watched a longish trailer yesterday and it looks great. Looking forward to getting stuck in, just need to get Thursday out of the way.Gave the early Grid Legends trial a go and yep it's still Grid. Have to say playing on the Series S I was a little disappointed with it visually, not quite as sharp as some others, though I partly blame HDR for that.
Don't know whether to try and plough through the rest of Forbidden West later. I've a feeling one way or another I'll be pretty close to the end of it but will definitely be leaving it to the side tomorrow
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I couldnt sleep well because of Elden Ring.
Just before calling the night out, i went to metacritic just to check the score and it had a 97 out of 44 reviews.
Damn...
I should at least be able to create a character and maybe do the tutorial before bed tonight. Very excited!
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From what i gathered, is it an open world Dark Souls?
Managed to polish off the Forbidden West story yesterday evening, as well as knocking off most of the trophies. I'll probably come back to it at some point to knock off the last 2 as they look doable with a little patience. Glad I got it done, as trying to get back into a game when I've left it for a while I'd often rather start from scratch than try to remember the controls and what's going on. Overall, a few frustrations and a bit glitchier than the average PS exclusive but probably enjoyed it a bit more than Zero DawnOn to Elden Ring with maybe a bit of Grid Legends thrown in. Good stuff.
And yeah Glass, I've only completed the character creation but Elden Ring is very Soulslike (picked a wretch - loincloth and club, what more do you need to have a good time ;) )
Elden Ring - frame rate issues aside, I'm liking a lot. Feels like a good wee evolution of the Souls formula. Beat a few bosses (well Margit and a few sub-bosses anyway) and just generally wandering about exploring. Grid Legends - More of the same from the last Grid, with a few additions (like a pointless story mode). Some of the trophies look like a bit of a grind but nowhere near the around the world one of the previous game. Solid racer but yeah, not much changed from the last one
Not made much more progress in Elden Ring - mostly because I've a habit in these sort of games of thinking I'd like to use a certain weapon, then grind out the levels to use it properly, only to find it doesn't really suit the way I play. Pretty happy with my wretch at the minute though, though I think he'll have a hard time taking his helmet off, looks way too small for his head
So I used a four-day weekend to put in 30hrs of Elden Ring (don't judge, my wife gave her blessing). This is like a From Soft greatest hits remix with choose your own adventure styling. The story is there if you choose to advance it. I chose to get myself lost and in all sorts of trouble for a few days before bothering. I may have beaten 7-8 "mini" bosses before I beat one that led to an achievement popping. After my 30hr I've had 4 of 45 achievements pop and have opened up what appears to be a bit over half the map. The amount of content hidden in caves, catacombs, and entire hidden zones may mean I'm less far along than I thought.I'm playing on the One X. Every so often the frames get a bit low in certain open world sections, but no other complaints. The game is often very beautiful, and I've stopped to take many screen shots. The exploration and discovery feel amazing. No checklists, just amazing organic happenings. My astrologer character just hit level 40. I'm backing up my sorcery with a flail, which is great fun.
This very much feels like the definitive FROM experience.
The exploration in Elden Ring is a highlight for me. I had a bit of a moan at Horizon Forbidden West about open worlds being too big but I think I'll be disappointed when I reach the edge of the map in Elden Ring. It's one you want to just keep going. Exploration and Souls combat, it's a potent combination. I'm still fairly early stages but have a feeling this could well become (if it hasn't already) my favourite Soulslike game
Decided I'm not going to pick up old Granny Turismo day one, Babylon's Fall either (think it'll be one that the price plummets fast). Between Elden Ring and Grid Legends, I'll be sorted for the foreseeable future
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I confess that all this Ucranian crisis has killed my gaming mojo lately.
After 2 years of covid what we really needed was a crazy guy wanting to destroy the world.
ffs...
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When bad things happen, most people try to escape from reality rather than return to it ;)I'm still having a blast with Elden Ring. Found a cave with someone in it that I shouldn't really have been too surprised to see, but was surprised anyway. Also was just wandering around the first few areas a bit more and had a bit of a crazy fight - first there were giants, followed by bats, followed by a sub-boss, then a couple of goats tried to headbutt me. Had a pretty productive time exploring though, found a lot of stuff I'd missed and changed my weapon for the 47th time - now wielding a +4 crescent axe (could be my imagination but the bigger weapons seem to swing faster in Elden Ring, I'd previously avoided them in Souls games because they were too slow for my liking).
And I see Resi 2, 3 & 7 are getting next gen upgrades, wouldn't mind replaying all 3
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I just feel a bit more stressed out lately which prevents me from feeling completely immersed in what im playing.
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Watching too much news can be really damaging to our mental health.
I felt that during the covid outbreak where i literally had to force myself to stop watching news cause i felt like i had an overload of negativity and pointless information on daily basis.
Now its the same.
I was watching a couple of comentators the other day and suddenly i realized they were actually discussing the number of nuclear attacks russia would do and where the fallouts would go based on winds at the time.
I mean...wtf?
That was my red line and i just stopped following the news after that and i feel a lot better now.
Yesterday I was going to write about how I've plunged head first into escapism. Also about how I feel my teenage boys have been robbed of a traditional adolescence with years of pandemic and the general state of the world. I deleted what I had wrote because I thought it would seem selfish and uncaring.Truth is, I am greatly disturbed by the situation in Ukraine, and somewhat encouraged by their indomitable spirit. The larger truth is, I made a resolution not to engage with news media this year. I've had limited success with that, but the more I focus on my family and local issues the better I feel. I've been hyper-focused on global events in an effort to stay ahead of the pandemic and keep everyone safe over the past two years. At this point, it seems like it might be best to disengage in order to be happy and healthy.
I hope everyone here manages to keep themselves sane in these trying times. : )
Mod
wise words mate and i feel the same way.
Doing a game analogy its like im tired of open worlds both in games and real life.
Reducing the scope makes me enjoy the closer things just like you said.
Media business is to sell news, whatever they are and we turn into apathic persons digesting everything, regardless if we truly need it or not and if it makes us feel better or not.
I dont think that´s being selfish. I think its a much needed survival mechanism because we´re not computers and i personally have a hard time dealing with the overload of information all the time.
I need to be mentally healhy even if only to allow my kids to feel relaxed and happy.
Nothing wrong with losing your sanity, we live in a time of neurodiversity after all. In fact sanity these days is probably a hinderance ;)I think trying to thoroughly explore Stormveil Castle will likely drive me nuts. I just keep finding more and more "pathways" (not sure ledges of buildings and falling down holes normally count as pathways). And I've found a couple more weapons I think I want to use, just to make my character build even more chaotic
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Im not sure if that was my brain trying to get me to haw Dying Light 2...
I think its pretty clear your inner haw is working you on the subconscious level ; )No hawing for me, at least for a while. Elden Ring and a new drum set should occupy me at least until April.
No hawing for me until....erm I may have went ahead and hawed Gran Turismo anyway...Had one of those days in Elden Ring where it looked like I'd picked up a controller for the very first time. Died in lots of ridiculous ways, so of course I thought what the hell I may as well try one of the main bosses. Funnily enough, it didn't go well. First phase - no problem, second phase I just kept messing up. I think it'll be one of those that one day you struggle against, the next you breeze through and wonder what all the fuss was about. Still enjoyed it though I'm not sure he's the best boss From has created
Mod
Had one of those days in Elden Ring where it looked like I'd picked up a controller for the very first time. Di..."
haha. We all have those days in From Software games.
How hard is Elden Ring when compared to the other games?
Personally, it's somewhere in the middle difficulty wise. Maybe tougher than Dark Souls 1 but not as tough as Dark Souls 3. And it's definitely more Soulslike than Bloodborne or Sekiro. From what I've played at least, it's not been too hard or frustrating
Mod
Awesome!
Im in a tough stop in series.
I finished DS 1 and finished it. Then moved to DS 2 and was having a blast but stopped when i reach the twin bosses. It was getting so annoying that went for another area and reached a pirate cave with a ship.
Them for some reason i stopped playing and enough time passed that when i played again i was benny hilling due to having lost the muscle memory for attacks, rolls and all that.
Now i dont know if i should restart at one point or keep going. I have DS 3 but it doenst feel right to start it while i have 2 on hold.
I was level 42 when i stopped.
I'm still partying with the Guardians of the Galaxy at the moment. Still think it's a good game but there are some horrendous difficulty spikes (at least for me) and I'm playing on easy as usual.I'm at the bit where I have to blow up Captain Glory (or Glah-Ree, to give him his official name!) and the controls for the ship are really awkward. A few have this problem, so at least I know it's just not me. I think it's a case of having got used to controlling things in a certain way and the ship just doesn't control the same. I keep doing rolls when all I want to do is turn! Anyhoo, got a few pointers from YT so hopefully will get it out of the way tonight.
Guardians sounds like a great game when you are looking to be entertained by the game characters. An actual story-driven guardian sounds like a good time to meGlass - All Souls games are stand-alone. It really doesn't matter if you play out of order. There might be a few Easter eggs, but nothing important. Elden Ring is both easier and more difficult than previous entries. There are some extremely tough fights (and I'm relatively early on) but you have more tools at your disposal than ever before. There is a form of magic that lets you summon various types of characters to fight at your side. I have a trio of wolves I upgraded that will take down a mini boss on their own. Having them distract enemies is also so helpful. Elden Ring basically lets you customize your difficulty with when you choose to approach areas, leveling, summons, and other support.
I have a friend who quit Dark Souls 2 exactly where Glass did. Hasn't played a Souls since. He needed some coaching, but is really loving Elden Ring now.
Mod
Glass - All Souls games are stand-al..."
I need to get back to it.
It takes me a long time to get in the mindset to play a Souls game but when i do i always have a really great time.
I could always repeat the areas in DS 2 but, if i remember correctly, i already cleared most areas out of enemies due to that (stupid) mechanic they implemented.
But i do remember liking it more then i expected.
Btw, is Elden Ring DAT GAME as anyone is claiming?
Its starting to feel a bit strange to buy games for the PS4 pro when i know there´s better versions for the PS5... :(
Have to say 2 is probably my least favourite From game. Didn't like the fact enemies stop respawning either. Not bad but loved 3 and will always have a soft spot for 1.And Elden Ring, if you like Souls I don't think you'll be disappointed. The open world could have lessened the atmosphere but really adds a lot and there are compact/complex Souls like areas too. I'm loving it so far
The way I don't see Elden Ring being the definitive From game is its scope. I don't it will be possible to complete a second playthrough in 20hrs or something. I think after spending (likely) hundreds of hours trying to see everything with one character, less people will be interested in playing again than others Souls games.I could be wrong though, it's a very addicting game.
BTW - Dark Souls 2 is a wonderful game, but likely the hardest of their games to enjoy. You have to make it through a couple early difficulty spikes to see the best areas, and they tend to bombard you with big mobs of enemies, which can feel cheap.
Took a break from Elden Ring on Friday and Saturday and got stuck into Gran Turismo 7. Wasn't completely convinced to begin with but it grew on me. Managed to knock out the career but don't think I'll be platting. They've one trophy to drive 8000+ miles online. 8000 miles is one thing but having it restricted to online races would be really time consuming. The dirt racing is still a bit of a joke as well but generally another solid racing game.Went back to Elden Ring yesterday and, as is always the way, beat the boss who I kept messing up on the other day first time. Beat a few more mini-bosses (well some of them not so mini but not full bosses) and now don't know which direction to go. Might do a bit more of the Grid Legends career before getting stuck back in.
Mod
Still enjoying Greedfall despite its "eurojankary".
Sometimes it feels really cheap but suddenly pulls out some story moment or setting that feels better then many AAA titles.
What i like mostly about the game its the deepness the developers put in the characters and their stories and personalities. They dont shy away to go into more sad and dark territories which make them feel believable (Constantine really made me feel his despair).
Im 42 hrs into at level 24 and i just went thought the whole Coup situation with the coin guards so i dont have a clue how far i am.
Its feels like im halfway through the game though.
Its a good rpg for sure.
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Also bought some cheaper games pass ultimate vouchers online (with CD Keys) which saved about £35 on the usual price - saves me mining for MS points every day. I mean MS points are good - I was getting a free month of Ultimate for around one month of effort acquiring MS Points - but it does save 10 minutes of my time a day. So now have over 2 years of Ultimate.
Mod
Awesome Rob.
I think now Cyberpunk is good enough to be properly played.
The latest patch improved a lot of gameplay features acording to everything i´ve watched.
Cant wait to play it.
Also, i have a huge itch to haw Dying Light 2... :/
Mod
Yea it's good enough. I really don't rate the gun play - it's really difficult to aim over a distance.
To be honest I found the shooting in Cyberpunk to be alright. Although I loved Witcher 2 & 3, I wasn't convinced they could pull off a shooter, so was surprised that it was actually pretty solid. It's maybe not a CoD or Far Cry even but it does the job fine for me. Does very much depend on your weapons though, some of them are borderline uselessMore Elden Ring for me last night. I seemed to keep wandering into places I don't feel quite strong enough to take on. If I'm careful I'm can take on most things but there always seem to be one or two in the areas that annihilate me. That said, it'll definitely not stop me from exploring. That huge underground cavern was worth a few deaths ;)
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Could it be due to lack of some specific skill?
I remember in the original Deus Ex, shooting was atricious until you raised enough skill points. You had to raise probably 4/5 points in sniping just to keep the reticule from keep moving around.
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No I don't think it's that. It's not jumping around. It's like it has next to no auto-aim - even though it's enabled in the settings. I just tried a different controller - no difference.
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Maybe the auto-aim is also tied to skills?
I mean, if its not then it would negate any skills attached to it, i guess.
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It looks to be a common complaint with the game so looks like I've got to accept it for what it is. I play a lot of FPS so perhaps I'm sensitive to it too.
