Gaming The RedCafe General/Random Gaming Chat Thread

[Redlambs]

Every days is a school day Mr Lambs!

I remember the OG game, was one of the best looking and coolest things I’d seen at the time.

Absolutely great times when that came out.

It's worth a look into Lake/Remedy and how they come up with this stuff. It'll give people an even bigger appreciation of what they do and why their games are so revered (even if not all are great in the gameplay department, looking at you Quantum Break).

I remember listening to Muse while playing the game and it was a perfect combination. Great game.

I would have guessed Catatonia or Busted knowing you.

 

[Volumiza]

I remember listening to Muse while playing the game and it was a perfect combination. Great game.

I was playing all the Muse experiences on Synth Riders PSVR2 last night. That is how all Muse tracks should now be enjoyed I reckon, perfect vehicle for them. Love me a bit of Muse

 

[Redlambs]

Also, the actors and roles are crossed in the remedy games.

For example, the voice of Max Payne is the actor who plays/was modelled for Director in control and a couple of characters in the Wake games. Wake's voice actor, but not model actor, is Dr Darling in control (and I think he was in Starfield too). And the actual band The Old Gods of Asgard are actually a full real band who occasionally sideline 2 of them who don't fit the look and release albums under both names

 

[RedSky]

I would have guessed Catatonia or Busted knowing you.

Actually Lambs, Busted came to fame in late 2002. Max Payne was released in 2001.

I think I basically played Origin of Symmetry on loop. It had that snowy, action vibe down to a tee.

 

[Redlambs]

Actually Lambs, Busted came to fame in late 2002. Max Payne was released in 2001.

Oh Sky, my poor boy, I just knew you'd know that without googling


This chat reminds me though, I meant to try to Max Payne 3 speed running at some point. Looks fun to grind.

 

[RedSky]

feck, rumbled!

 

[Redlambs]

feck, rumbled!

On another subject, I've been watching my boy do some Valheim with mods. There's some excellent rebalancing/combat and building mods out there, the game also looks a lot smoother lately. Might be getting near that time where the boat races could actually happen properly

 

[Organic Potatoes]

On another subject, I've been watching my boy do some Valheim with mods. There's some excellent rebalancing/combat and building mods out there, the game also looks a lot smoother lately. Might be getting near that time where the boat races could actually happen properly

Oh really…? Just booted this back up; will have to look into some mods.

 

[Redlambs]

Oh really…? Just booted this back up; will have to look into some mods.

Yes mate, there's loads but some of the good ones add skills to help the stamina, better weapons with damage effects, better enemy balance and all sorts. The sort of stuff that the game should have as standard by now to be honest. But it's definitely looking and running smoother, I'm watching him now and it's finally acceptable to build and mess with the floor in terms of fps it seems.

Also I know you love to fish, have you seen SoT has safer seas mode? From what I can tell, you can still get commendations in it. I haven't played in a while because of all the reg issues, but that looks a good place to practice all the new world events before taking them on for real at least.

 

[Organic Potatoes]

Yes mate, there's loads but some of the good ones add skills to help the stamina, better weapons with damage effects, better enemy balance and all sorts. The sort of stuff that the game should have as standard by now to be honest. But it's definitely looking and running smoother, I'm watching him now and it's finally acceptable to build and mess with the floor in terms of fps it seems.

Also I know you love to fish, have you seen SoT has safer seas mode? From what I can tell, you can still get commendations in it. I haven't played in a while because of all the reg issues, but that looks a good place to practice all the new world events before taking them on for real at least.

Ha, watching Boxyfresh as we…speak. Still good background noise.

 

[Redlambs]

Ha, watching Boxyfresh as we…speak. Still good background noise.

Same. His relationship with chat is great, I love trying to make him do that thing where he turns his head away and you can see him trying to process something.

I've gone off the beard's (aggeadon and behaving) and others who are sucking up to Rare and the state of the game lately a little too much, but Boxy, LD and Flot are still great. Also, Saika for that southern belle accent

 

[amolbhatia50k]

They seem to be removing It Takes Two from Ps Plus this Jan. I still haven’t figured out how to play it. Anyone planning to?

 

[Redlambs]

Just been watching Romero and Carmack on a live stream talking about Doom's 30th.

Won't mean a jot to anyone on here, but that is a huge moment having those 2 back together with such great talk about game development and how that game made 3D and what is possible a thing. Also, you can find out what Doom can run on...including fancy toasters and pregnancy tests

 

[Volumiza]

Just been watching Romero and Carmack on a live stream talking about Doom's 30th.

Won't mean a jot to anyone on here, but that is a huge moment having those 2 back together with such great talk about game development and how that game made 3D and what is possible a thing. Also, you can find out what Doom can run on...including fancy toasters and pregnancy tests

Is it anywhere that can be watched? That was such a game changer. I had it on PC first but still remember when I got that on PS1. Nicking my Mum and Dads TV and making my bedroom a Doom death match den.

I always credit the OG doom as being one of my all timers. I still occasionally fire it up and have completed it on every machine I’ve owned since its release. It’s still fun and plays well.

 

[Dan]

Just been watching Romero and Carmack on a live stream talking about Doom's 30th.

Won't mean a jot to anyone on here, but that is a huge moment having those 2 back together with such great talk about game development and how that game made 3D and what is possible a thing. Also, you can find out what Doom can run on...including fancy toasters and pregnancy tests

Any talk of a Daikatana sequel?

 

[Balljy]

I've finally started playing Half Life: Alyx on the Quest 3 and it blows every other VR game I've played out of the water. It feels so different and meticulously designed in comparison. It's a bit of a shame that it's not going to reach a wider audience until the format properly takes off as it's such a good game so far.

Maybe they should do a PS5 release of it to try and reach more people.

 

[AaronRedDevil]

Someone recommend me a game for Christmas on the PS5. Physical game only. Is Robocop worth it?

 

[Ainu]

I'm losing my patience with The Ascent, it's a stunning and cool game but fecking hell did they completely forget to play test this or what? Why are level 2 side quests gated behind level 15 story progression, why does my current level 17 main mission put me in a swarm of level 22 enemies, why is the map so fecking useless and why do you need a telescope to read the tiny UI text?

This could've been a really good game, but it desperately needs a complete rebalancing and a lot of quality of life features that it's lacking. In its current state, I really wouldn't even call this an okay game. So much wasted potential, I don't think I'll be finishing this one.

 

[One Night Only]

Someone recommend me a game for Christmas on the PS5. Physical game only. Is Robocop worth it?

AC Mirage if you haven't played it is decent, should be cheap too now

 

[Volumiza]

I'm losing my patience with The Ascent, it's a stunning and cool game but fecking hell did they completely forget to play test this or what? Why are level 2 side quests gated behind level 15 story progression, why does my current level 17 main mission put me in a swarm of level 22 enemies, why is the map so fecking useless and why do you need a telescope to read the tiny UI text?

This could've been a really good game, but it desperately needs a complete rebalancing and a lot of quality of life features that it's lacking. In its current state, I really wouldn't even call this an okay game. So much wasted potential, I don't think I'll be finishing this one.

Yeah, pretty much my experience with it too. I really liked it ... at first but then realised it was a sad wasted opportunity because it could have been brilliant.

 

[amolbhatia50k]

I'm losing my patience with The Ascent, it's a stunning and cool game but fecking hell did they completely forget to play test this or what? Why are level 2 side quests gated behind level 15 story progression, why does my current level 17 main mission put me in a swarm of level 22 enemies, why is the map so fecking useless and why do you need a telescope to read the tiny UI text?

This could've been a really good game, but it desperately needs a complete rebalancing and a lot of quality of life features that it's lacking. In its current state, I really wouldn't even call this an okay game. So much wasted potential, I don't think I'll be finishing this one.

I liked whatever I played of it but I keep playing other stuff instead. I will go back to it but there’s definitely something missing beyond the levelling. It’s an odd game where the core loop feels really great and it’s designed excellently but the rest of the systems - sense of progression, side quests, item / upgrades and narrative just seem really half baked. The map is possibly the worst I’ve seen in any game.

 

[Superunknown]

Played a shit load of Shadow of the Colossus over the last two days. What an amazing game. Beautiful landscapes, very peaceful and minimalistic in so many areas. When videogames get talked about for being 'art', I honestly think that this deserves to be in that category. The combat is great in its puzzle-like design, as you takes a few moments to figure out what you need to do. There's a good sense of satisfaction with it. I could honestly just gallop around the field on Agro and it was enough to just look the views and take it all in. There's a great dream-like feel throughout this, a bit hellish in some ways. Found the ending very impactful, beautiful, haunting, and so many other things at the same time.

Only criticisms I have are minor. I didn't enjoy the last two Colossi for different reasons. Didn't particularly enjoy the style for the 15th Colossus and found the whole encounter to be boring and meh, compared to half a dozen that came before it. That last Colossus, as cinematic as it was, was a real pain in the arse to see what you were doing due to the dark lighting, the lightning, the zoomed out camera, the fact that the Colossus is constantly moving its hand (which you are latching on to), making it a pain to control. I generally got on fine with the controls, but the last two Colossi (last one especially) were the only real times where it felt like I was fighting the controls, rather than playing the game. The last one was more frustrating than it needed to be. I think it would have been amazing to watch somebody else play that and for them to nail all of the jumps first time (without running out of stamina), and to be able to take in the visuals. It might be one that maybe I'll appreciate more on a second run through. In fairness, I had been playing the game for about...6 hours before that encounter, so perhaps tiredness was a factor.

It doesn't take the shine off what is an incredible game, though. I like Ueda's games. Hope to god we get another one soon.

 

[Ainu]

I watched this whopping 3 hour and 50 minute investigation on Billy Mitchell last weekend:



I know it's all pretty meaningless stuff, but I found it truly fascinating. It takes pretty much the entire first hour to explain all the technical details about the frame drawing, CRT stuff, how the camera affects it, etc. The sort of stuff one either finds incredibly boring or super interesting. The amount of effort that went into this must've been insane.

 

[Shane88]

Rest in peace, Max Payne. His voice actor, James McCaffrey has passed away at 65. One of gaming's most iconic voiceovers, in my opinion.

 

[One Night Only]

I watched this whopping 3 hour and 50 minute investigation on Billy Mitchell last weekend:



I know it's all pretty meaningless stuff, but I found it truly fascinating. It takes pretty much the entire first hour to explain all the technical details about the frame drawing, CRT stuff, how the camera affects it, etc. The sort of stuff one either finds incredibly boring or super interesting. The amount of effort that went into this must've been insane.

I've watched a few of these type things, I am like "this is stupid" but then can't stop watching and reading about it. he's a proper cheat and a weird bugger all round.

 

[amolbhatia50k]

How do y’all rate Divinity Original Sin 2? I missed out on it and am not a fan of turn based combat but the whole branching storyline’s and quality writing does appeal to me. Plus I have a feeling I’d love BG3 and this seems to have gotten 9-10s back when it came out. It’s available for around 12 dollars.

 

[Massive Spanner]

How do y’all rate Divinity Original Sin 2? I missed out on it and am not a fan of turn based combat but the whole branching storyline’s and quality writing does appeal to me. Plus I have a feeling I’d love BG3 and this seems to have gotten 9-10s back when it came out. It’s available for around 12 dollars.

One of my favourite games. Would definitely play it before BG3 as BG3 might make it feel far less accessible.

 

[amolbhatia50k]

One of my favourite games. Would definitely play it before BG3 as BG3 might make it feel far less accessible.

Is the writing genuinely excellent? I'm also thinking playing this first is a good way to set me up for BG3 (probably a couple of years later!). I wish they had a PS5 uprade for 60FPS but it shouldn't impact a game like this so much. Just wary of the turn-based combat as that has burnt me many a time.

 

[Ainu]

One of my favourite games. Would definitely play it before BG3 as BG3 might make it feel far less accessible.

Did you play the first one as well? If so, how much of an improvement is it? That's the only thing holding me back from trying DOS 2, that I didn't really like the first one.

 

[Massive Spanner]

Did you play the first one as well? If so, how much of an improvement is it? That's the only thing holding me back from trying DOS 2, that I didn't really like the first one.

I didn’t and wasn’t a big fan. The second is a lot more accessible.

 

[SilentWitness]

Keen to try out new pc when it arrives so what are some games I should be picking up in the Steam sale?

 

[caid]

Keen to try out new pc when it arrives so what are some games I should be picking up in the Steam sale?

You have a ps5 dont you?
You've probably played most stuff really. Maybe an RTS like Age of Empires or an MMO like Final Fantasy XIV? Maybe some of Microsofts stuff? Sea of Thieves is very good, Forza Horizon has its moments.
Just browse through, theres probably good deals on something or other you've missed.

 

[DutchSerb]

Are there any fighting game enthousiasts here on the Caf that have experience with a hitbox? I've been playing Tekken with a stick for some time now, but I'm debating whether I should get one or not. I know the price is steep and would probably never be worth it, but is the hitbox itself a better experience?

 

[One Night Only]

Wanted something a bit simpler and slower paced so decided to give deaths door a go (was free at some point I think).

It's brilliant! Really enjoying it. Doesn't over complicate itself, doesn't hold your hand either. The enemies seem fairly fair overall, yeah the bosses have extra health but they don't appear to change form 4 times and bring a new set of attacks constantly.

It's perfect for what I wanted. I hate games which are just made artificially more difficult by bumping health of enemies or making the bosses stupidly boringly repetitive for a 20 minute battle of simply repeating yourself.

Boss battles here maybe last 3-4 minutes.

 

[RedSky]

How do y’all rate Divinity Original Sin 2? I missed out on it and am not a fan of turn based combat but the whole branching storyline’s and quality writing does appeal to me. Plus I have a feeling I’d love BG3 and this seems to have gotten 9-10s back when it came out. It’s available for around 12 dollars.

It's very combat focussed. It's a decent game if you love the genre and the combat itself is fun until you burn out.

BG3 is much more refined and enjoyable experience.

 

[Revan]

I am so tired of Persona 5 Royal. 90 hours in and still have to finish the second semester. Cannot wait to finish it and then won't play the third semester (essentially a DLC).

 

[CassiusClaymore]

Been playing the DLC for Resi 4 the last couple of nights. It's really good.

Also picked up Armoured Core with a couple of trade ins but haven't got into it yet.

Still 50/50 on whether I want to go down the VR rabbit hole.

 

[Redlambs]

Also picked up Armoured Core with a couple of trade ins but haven't got into it yet.

Play with a controller (if on PC) and use the sword more often than you think.

Only advice I'll give, apart from sticking it out early and really getting into it of course. But that last one if From all over.

One of the best games of the year, in a year that has been exceptional for gaming. That, Zelda, BG3, AW2, 2 great Mario games...about 20 others I've not listed.

Rest in peace, Max Payne. His voice actor, James McCaffrey has passed away at 65. One of gaming's most iconic voiceovers, in my opinion.

Oh director! My director!

 

[SilentWitness]

You have a ps5 dont you?
You've probably played most stuff really. Maybe an RTS like Age of Empires or an MMO like Final Fantasy XIV? Maybe some of Microsofts stuff? Sea of Thieves is very good, Forza Horizon has its moments.
Just browse through, theres probably good deals on something or other you've missed.

I do but just excited to run the new PC. Happy to play games I have before if they look nice on PC too. Already plan to replay RDR2 and get WoW on again. Sea of Thieves I will check out.

Anyone know if any of the new Total War games are good?

 

[amolbhatia50k]

So I’ve been playing Zelda Breath of the Wild over the past…months and really struggling with it. It’s such a strange game for me as it does a lot of things I should and usually do love in a game but also is severely lacking in many others. It’s a very good game by most objective metrics but for me just not a great one.

Exploration has become one of my favourite things in gaming full stop, I love wandering around gaming spaces either admiring their detail or discovering stuff happening, as well as a sense of freedom and ambiguity. So on those counts the game definitely excels but in terms (and they’re interconnected) of fun factor / impact / reward of the gameplay loop, it does not. While I love heading it out in any direction to chart my course, I am also constantly left with a sense of dissatisfaction at no tangible reward for doing so. I’ve probably put in 50-60 hours but I can barely recall any moments that I remember fondly. I always like playing the game but I rarely find myself really wanting to play it. And IMO it’s because the game lacks a hook.

At the end of the day, korok seeds, shrines, towers - it’s far too checklisty - combined with the odd combat set piece just isn’t fulfilling enough a loop for me meaning that I never walk away from the game feeling wowed / fully satisfied. As points of comparisons, I am also playing through God of War Ragnarok and just completed Dying Light (original), and GoWR has me by the balls to the point where I can recount most of my 10 hours playing it and every part is so expertly crafted whereas Dying Light is a mediocrely written game but the moment to moment gameplay - traversal and combat - is so exceptional and full of tension, that it feels highly rewarding..

I’m still enjoying Botw and will see it through for what it does do well but I do find it extremely overrated, and wish it had something more to latch on to. Will give my usual rating once I’m done.