Comments 284

Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (November 19th)

CJD87

All Switch this weekend…

1) MHR Sunbreak - have decided to plough through a ton of anomaly monsters via Multiplayer, so I can Bank a load of augmenting materials before TU3 drops!
Also looking to mitigate my cash-flow issues by selling off unwanted parts to the merchant…
Plan is to be fully stocked with money and augment mats prior to TU3 so that any tasty new armors can be forged, upgraded and augmented ASAP!

2) Thimbleweed Park - really got the bug for Point-and-Click after beating the latest Monkey Island, and TP seemed like a logical transition (considering same devs etc)
I must say I’m actually enjoying it more than RtMI so far, and the character-swapping mechanics are really unique!

The interface is also more substantial, allowing the player to manually assign verbs (push/pull/open/close/give etc) to particular puzzles. Nothing feels too obtuse thus far, and the old school art style is actually pretty cool. The plot is beginning to unfold, seems to play a bit like a satirical X-Files (in the best way).

Surprised with how much I’m enjoying the Point/Click/Adventure genre… especially after a year playing (and loving) games like Returnal, Elden Ring, Nioh, DeS etc

Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (October 22nd)

CJD87

On PS5- taking it easy and just playing a bit of online co-op Returnal… still love this game and enjoying helping out others, especially those that are struggling with early game

On Switch- Return to Monkey Island - beat the game this weekend after approx 11-12 hours of play.

I’d ultimately recommend to anyone that enjoys the genre, or has familiarity with the older games in the series (and presumably had fun playing these games).

A fun romp and a nice change of pace from more action-orientated games, nice to actually use my brain for once… and fortunately most of the puzzles are solved through cerebral rationalities - instead of obtuse/random solutions.

My only critique would be it’s a little on the easy side… and only really ‘hits its stride’ in Act IV (total of 5 acts in the game).

Act IV has a lot of moving parts, location variety, and ramps up the challenge…. And it is a real shame that all the acts don’t follow this blueprint!

I set out to avoid using the in-game hint system …. But let myself down and had to utilise the hint book for the very last puzzle in Act V (in fairness I was totally barking up the wrong tree in my solution/tactics… probably would have had me stuck for a few days!)

Overall I’d give it a solid 7/10, and maybe 8/10 if you are a huge fan of the genre.

Re: TMNT: Shredder's Revenge Has Netted A Bodacious $22 Million In Revenue

CJD87

You really can't fault the team/s behind this game... and let's remember that the goal for every company is to generate sufficient revenue, and attain a solid EBIT % so that they may continue to exist & develop etc.

Any claims of 'evil capitalistic greed' can surely be refuted in the case of this game?

TMNT: SR is a quality game, and (IMO) was sold at a very reasonable price-point that was in line with acceptable market level for indie games of this quality. IIRC, there were no quality issues or bugs at launch - nor any broken promises regarding performance/spec etc.

The guys behind this game basically smashed it, created an immaculate product and sold as a reasonable price. They deserve to enjoy the financial fruits of their labour, and as consumers we should be championing this - and encouraging the devs with their next project/output!

(NB. my tune would be different had this been a 70 £GBP release and a buggy mess at launch... obviously/thankfully it was neither!)

Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (October 15th)

CJD87

Switch: Finally burning out a bit on MHR:Sunbreak, and just keeping myself fresh with 1 or 2 hunts per day...
My build is pretty much where I want it to be, running Greatsword with Dereliction & Resentment (alongside full CritEye / AB / CB / WEC). Using this build with RageSlash/ACS, cultivating a nice 'hit and run' style.

I'm actually really really enjoying 'Return to Monkey Island' on Switch also, and just hit Act IV. My only critique is that it is perhaps a little on the easy side, albeit there have been a few moments I've got stuck. Keen to explore this genre more once I beat it.

PS5: Returnal CO-OP! Love this game so much, and have enjoyed helping out new players via the co-op DLC function. Nearly caved and got TLOU remake, but held back and decided to wait until its inevitable sale.

Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (September 24th)

CJD87

PS5: My Bloodborne playthrough was unintentionally derailed last week, due to picking up 'Thymesia' at a decent price (indie Souls-clone game, similar to Sekiro). Thymesia is relatively short, and I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would.... scooped the platinum in about 30hrs.
Then this week I've played, and managed to (finally!) beat the 'Wu Long' demo released by Team Ninja. Began really not enjoying this, but now I understand the mechanics better I've done several run throughs with different weapons - really really like it!

N.Switch: As always, playing some Sunbreak and just finishing off a couple of new builds for Greatsword. TU2 update is released in a week, and looking forward to taking the new builds for a spin...
Otherwise my main focus in the next week will be a nice change of pace - aiming to play (and hopefully beat) the new Monkey Island game. I grew up with Point-and-Click games, and am genuinely excited for this one!

Re: Zelda-Like 'Oceanhorn 2' Scores A Limited Run Physical Release On Nintendo Switch

CJD87

For anyone on the fence about buying this... please allow me to try and steer you away from your prospective purchase!!!

As others have said, this game is the very epitome of 'average' and is entirely forgettable - devoid of any creativity or excitement.

I can appreciate it is the result of efforts made by a relatively small team, but nonetheless I would not recommend you spend your money on this... especially when the Switch is so ripe right now with great games!

If anyone is looking for a BOTW-clone, I'd highly recommend 'Immortals Fenyx Rising'. Don't be put off by this being a Ubisoft property, it genuinely is quite a refreshing experience that borrows heavily from BOTW - in all the best ways.

For more traditional 'top-down' Zelda style games...:

  • Deaths Door, released last year usually on sale
  • Tunic, previous XBox exclusive got great reviews and is released next week on Switch (27th)

Other great games recently released inc. Xenoblade 3, Return to Monkey Island, Monster Hunter Rise Sunbreak expansion.... please don't make my mistake and waste your money on Oceanhorn 2!

Re: Round Up: The Reviews Are In For Return To Monkey Island

CJD87

Very happy for Ron Gilbert & team here...

This game had every opportunity to be nothing more than an unnecessary phone-in past its sell-by date, and I'm thrilled that reviews seem to stipulate very much the opposite!

Hopefully it attains a level of commercial success that brings about a bit of a renaissance for point-and-click/adventure games.... especially those with an old-school difficulty curve (Indiana Jones for example!)

Actually took a punt and pre-ordered this, really glad I did. Due to start it later this week once I've wrapped up the Wu Long demo on PS

Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (September 17th)

CJD87

Nintendo Switch - Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak, just finishing off some builds before the TU2 drops at the end of this month. I've finished all the A5 Anomaly Quests and managed to attain Anomaly Research Lv100, which is the current cap (to increase - - > 120 upon TU2 release). Then from Monday I plan to sit this aside and begin the new Monkey Island!

PS5 - Took a break from Bloodborne to play Thymesia, a Sekiro/Souls clone by an indie developer. A pleasant surprise, with a really great combat system. A short length also, and I plan to push for the platinum. Just hit a wall with a particularly rough boss ('Urd') but am pushing through! Also want to try out the Wu Long demo. My last platinum was Nioh1, and I'm a huge fan of Team Ninja... hoping for good things!

Re: Talking Point: What Did You Think Of The Latest Nintendo Direct?

CJD87

Depending on your tastes, this was either a fantastic Direct or a lacklustre one!

If you're into JRPGs / farming sims etc (nothing wrong with this at all btw!) then you would have had a great time.

For me personally, I was hoping for a 'surprise drop' akin to the Mertroid Dread announcement last year. A new Starfox game, or F-Zero, would have really impressed me.

TotK release date is comforting, but May just seems.... so far away.

Mind you, I'm currently still loving Sunbreak and have just pre-ordered Monkey Island. I'll aim to wrap MI as soon as possible, then finally crack open Xenoblade 3. If FF7 CCR reviews are solid, I'll prob use that as my holiday game.

But nothing in the direct really excited me...

However, for those who don't have PS and/or havent played SIFU yet - this game is immaculate and a real great example of indie games done right. If the Switch version/port runs smooth enough then I'd highly recommend to anyone that is into the rogue genre and martial arts.

Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (September 3rd)

CJD87

Nintendo Switch: Still hunting daily in Sunbreak, and still having such a blast! Have now cleared all the 5* Anomoly Quests, and working towards AR100 (currently AR87). I’m fairly happy with my build now, but I still have 1 Armor piece in my main set that has potential for a better Quirio roll. Still maining GS - using the Lucent Narga variant, love the aesthetic and the skills are solid as well. Currently doing a lot of Multiplayer anomoly investigations to build my AR, mainly with ransoms, and having a good time. I’m hoping TU2 gives me a reason to keep playing, maybe new armors that lend themselves to GS skills etc
PlayStation 5: Carrying on with Bloodborne, and managed to beat Vicar Amelia first try last night… albeit I must confess I’ve been doing a lot of exploring/grinding, so perhaps my level (34) helped me out there! Found VA to be far less punishing than Father Gascoigne, who was a real wall. Flirting with the idea of going for the platinum, which seems to be doable based on some guides I’ve read

Next up: Xeno3 on Switch, and maybe Thymesia on PS5 (still can’t decide, reviews have been divisive…)

Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (August 20th)

CJD87

Nintendo Switch: 'Monster Hunter Rise - Sunbreak' - Still loving the expansion, and the new Title Update has opened up some massive possibilities for new sets/builds. Nearly every weapon is viable, and I'm enjoying the ride so far. Just hit MR100, and enjoying also the online MP hunts.

PS5: 'Bloodborne' - its been sat in my backlog for some time, and is one of the remaining FromSoft titles I've not played. Many seem to rank this as their #1 FS game, even above Elden Ring, so I'm really keen to see what all the fuss is about! Shame that there is no patch for 60fps..... but luckily I've been playing a lot of Switch, so the 30fps performance likely won't bother me too much.

Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (July 30th)

CJD87

PS5: Finally kicked of Resi3Make... been holding off for months, waiting for PS5 upgrade! Enjoying it so far, about 2 hours in. I hear the campaign is relatively short, which is what I'm looking for at the moment (coming off the long hard 80+ hr grind for Nioh1 platinum!).

Switch: MHR Sunbreak, where the difficulty curve is no joke. Hit MR40 now, but there have been plenty of stumbling blocks along the way... New GS switch skills are great, as is the skill swap option. Being able to take Rage Slash and TCS into each hunt is brilliant.

Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (July 23rd)

CJD87

PS5: Having got the Nioh platinum this week, I’m looking to start a shorter game before diving into Nioh 2…. Probably Re3Make, which I understand has quite a short campaign

Switch: Really pushing forward now with MHR: Sunbreak and wanting to escape the MR cap and start crafting some endgame builds for Greatsword. Currently in MR5 and the difficulty curve has really stepped up…. Need to upgrade gear asap to avoid getting stomped! Very fun expansion though, multiplayer is also pretty good

Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (July 16th)

CJD87

PS5: Nioh 1 - just completed the final ‘main mission’ from the last region, “The Demon King Revealed”. Got a few more side-missions and busy-work to finish off, as I’m determined to pop the platinum! Some of the side-missions left seem ridiculous and mainly made up of double-boss fights…. Where’s a good mimic tear when you need one?!
Nintendo Switch: MHR Sunbreak - loving this expansion and taking my time with it. In the midst of MR3 quests and have just upgraded from HR gear into some new MR Armor and weaponry. Tons of new QoL features and mechanics to wrap my head around, and definitely feeling the challenge - especially when solo’-ing monsters. Well up for multi-player if anyone is looking to team up 👍

Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (July 9th)

CJD87

On PS5 - Nioh 1, finally made it to Region #6 (of 6) and am gunning for the platinum trophy still! Plan is to hopefully have this wrapped in next week or so, and then move on to Resident Evil 3

On Switch - just started Sunbreak and made it up for MR2 now. Still using my existing HR set and weapon (GS Narga with full Valstrax Armor set) which is doing ok for me so far. Up for group hunts if anyone else is playing! So far really enjoying the expansion, and can’t wait to start farming a new set and upgrading my weapons (+ new fashion of course ha!)

Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (July 2nd)

CJD87

MHR: Sunbreak on Nintendo Switch… but purposefully limiting myself to small sessions so as to prevent burnout! Only just kicked it off and excited to try the new Switch Skills for Greatsword (hear that they’re great) This will basically be my ‘travel game’ while I’m away with work

Then when home, still on that Platinum grind with Nioh 1 - finally made it to region 5 (of 6) and still loving it. IMO - not quite as polished as the FromSoftware outputs, but would argue that Nioh combat is far superior… just excellent fighting mechanics!

Re: Review: Souldiers - A Potent Metroidvania And Soulslike Blend, But Not Without Issues

CJD87

@Ravio18 Ah wow mate!

I love it when I can recommend this game to someone who hasn't heard ot it...... despite it's greatness, it somehow still remains an 'unsung hero'!

Seriously, I cannot praise it enough. In my opinion, irrespective of being 2D, it is THE best souls-like game to come to a non-FromSoftware developer.

Art style and character creation is fantastic, and the build diversity certainly rivals the original Dark Souls.

Normally you can grab this from the Switch e-shop at around roughly <~15 £GBP... which is a steal!! Really look forward to hearing your thoughts.

If you love souls, and especially those with metroidvania elements, then you're in for a ride

Re: Review: Souldiers - A Potent Metroidvania And Soulslike Blend, But Not Without Issues

CJD87

@Ravio18 If you don't mind games with 'Souls-like' mechanics...

I would highly highly recommend 'Salt & Sanctuary' - an amazing 2D side-scrolling metroidvania, which serves as a bit of a love letter to Dark Souls / FromSoft games.

Lots of focus on build diversity / skill tree, but great metroidvania elements too. Honestly one of my favorite games of all time, and amazing replayability! (considering different builds etc)