I don’t even care what the reviews are for this game — I’ve preordered it and have it ready to go for Friday morning. I’m looking forward to playing a classic in a reimagined form.
For me, ToTK is one of the best games ever made. I never managed to enjoy BoTW — I didn’t find the exploration rewarding like many other people did. However, ToTK genuinely shocked me by how much there was to discover. The caves, puzzles, genuine mystery, the depths, and much, much more. I typically don’t replay games, especially if they were released recently, but even after beating the game, doing a ton of shrines and side quests, I’ve been craving this game world again. I may have to jump back in very soon.
This weekend I’m finishing up Alan Wake 2 for the PS5. I’m on my way to the platinum trophy, with all collectibles obtained. My focus now is leisurely completing the main story and I should be set.
As of right now it’s my GOTY. I believe it’s in a league of its own and has officially stamped Remedy into legendary status. I would compare them to Naughty Dog (to me) and Kojima in that regard. They should have free rein to do whatever they want because of their creativity.
And just when I think games can’t shake things up in originality, Remedy comes along to remind me that it’s still possible. How they are able to pump out consistent titles at a frequent volume is astonishing. The best way to describe it is simply Nintendo-esque.
Speaking of Nintendo, I’m slowly chipping away in Super Mario Bros. Wonder. I’m presently on the 5th world, and have managed to procure all Wonder Seeds minus a small handful. I’ve also unlocked secret locations that provide really fun challenges. I love how there are secrets everywhere — not just in the actual levels themselves, but in the over world as well. Wonder definitely harkens back to my favorite Mario game, Super Mario World.
Next up on my list: Super Mario RPG. I can’t wait for its release next Friday.
@thesilverbrick To be fair, there really isn’t much releasing the rest of the year that sticks out, other than Super Mario RPG, and I highly doubt it will be GOTY.
It’s nice to see Baldur’s Gate 3 win overall, but also obvious to see ToTK win Nintendo’s GOTY. I personally love the game which is shocking since I did not like BoTW whatsoever.
This weekend I’m playing Super Mario Bros. Wonder. It’s been an absolute joy so far. I’m not that far, but I just beat W3. The level of creativity and imagination in every stage is mind-boggling. The platforming is also precise, and the powers are all fun to use. I’m really enjoying my time with this one, and it’s up there with Super Mario World for my favorite 2D game in the series. I can’t wait for Super Mario RPG.
The main game I’m focusing on, however, is Alan Wake 2. It has been absolutely sublime, in more ways than one. Remedy creates incredible game worlds that are full of rich, environmental details that draw you into the atmosphere. It oozes in style, and is easily their most stylish game to date.
One thing I find great is how methodical the game presents itself. It knows the story it wants to tell and it goes at its own pace with unbelievable confidence. It trusts you to be patient and let it unfold naturally. And there is a story to everything - even upgrading your weapons. If you pay attention, there are references to Control during this aspect.
The characters are great, too. Saga Anderson is a fresh, unique character that is very memorable. I like how enthusiastic she is despite being an FBI agent; she loves a great mystery. I think her character taps into the modernism of true crime fans today (something I’m a big buff of myself), but with a touch of Twin Peaks.
I am also pleased with the exploration. There is almost an Metroidvania element to it. I don’t want to provide spoilers, but you’ll understand what I mean if you are playing the game. In the first Alan Wake you weren’t rewarded for exploring due to hardware limitations. While that’s still present here, with new technology the world feels more alive. Nothing feels out of place. Some of the best moments are optional side areas that provide environmental storytelling.
At the end of the day, I’m extremely impressed. Remedy knocks it out of the park once again, and despite their larger budget they stay true to their roots. This game does things that I’ve never seen in a game before and I can’t wait to see what’s next for them.
This weekend my goal is to complete and platinum Spider-Man 2. How people are achieving this in a matter of days is beyond me. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a long game — but I played for almost 6 hours straight two days in a row (thanks to my supportive wife) and still only managed to get 15-20% more completion rate, with it currently being 70% after 25 hours.
With all of the trifling aside, I was initially lukewarm on the game because I felt the game wasn’t providing enough. And then I realized I was playing the game wrong. My approach to Spider-Man how I do most open worlds - do all side content before I tackle the main story. What I didn’t realize is that the world, common crime activities, and the gameplay evolves as you progress the storyline, and even gets more challenging.
From gameplay perspective, it has the best traversal in any game I’ve ever played. The swinging feels incredible, and the web suit is such a fun tool to use. As for combat, it’s quick and snappy, with a ton of tools to use at your disposal that are all equally valuable. The web-line alone is a phenomenal tweak that makes the game standout, and offer diverse ways of completing missions. And the powers you get — good lord, are they a blast. They amplify the gameplay significantly, and animations for them are so full of painstaking detail, it’s hard to grasp how it’s possible.
In terms of story, find the game expertly paced. I do have two complaints, though. For starters, the developers sprinkle out really intriguing concepts that you hope will continue throughout the game but only seem to offer a one-and-done situation. Not overstaying your welcome is a positive in some respects, but it’s a shame because they are excellent additions. Lastly, I feel like some of the story beats are undercooked. Without providing any spoilers, some of the character developments and revelations seem a bit rushed. Thus, the emotional impact wasn’t there with some of the cutscenes. That said, when the story beats are good, they are extremely good. High highs and low lows.
Ultimately, despite my grievances, Spider-Man 2 is amazing. In my opinion, Insomniac is Sony’s best and most consistent developer in terms of quantity and quality. I can’t wait to see how they handle Wolverine, especially with its violence and more grittier tone.
I’m having a much deserved weekend getaway with my wife so I won’t be playing much until late Sunday evening. However, I do have Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 waiting for me - preordered, downloaded, and ready to go - when I get back.
Throughout the week, I managed to beat and get the platinum trophy for Cyberpunk 2077 (the base game). It was a phenomenal experience, even after 100+hours. I’ve yet to touch Phantom Liberty, but I plan on setting that expansion to the side until I beat Spider Man 2 and Alan Wake 2.
I don’t want to risk burnout on what’s critically considered an incredible addition to what is now one of my all time favorite games. Near the end of base 2077, I felt myself not reading archived conversations, looking at my phone while some dialogue conversations played out, and simply running and gunning throughout some gigs. Clearly, I need(ed) a break, and I don’t want to do Phantom Liberty a disservice.
This weekend I’m still playing Cyberpunk 2077. Last week, I praised this game immensely and my thoughts have only grown fonder, so much so I put it in my top 10 of all time. I’m near the end of the base game, and I’m trying to finish up all of the “romance” questlines that I can before I head into Dog Town.
My goal is to beat and platinum Cyberpunk before Spider-Man 2 releases. Unfortunately, I’m having issues unlocking a couple of trophies. First is “Two Heads, One Bullet” - my sniper rifle refuses to kill two people at once despite having a high tier 5+ rifle. The other, although it can be multiple, is finishing all gigs and NCPD missions in a district. Hopefully, this isn’t a bug or, if it is, it gets patched relatively soon.
When I’m not gaming, I’m getting back into reading — a hobby that I’ve sadly put on the wayside for too long. A coworker suggested I start reading books set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. I started with The Horus Heresy - Horus Rising. So far, it’s pretty good, and overwhelming. The lore is fantastic, though. I have a feeling I’ll be getting lost in this world for a long time to come.
This weekend I’m playing Cyberpunk 2077 and its DLC, Phantom Liberty. I have put 40hrs in with a completion rate of 38%. It took me a while to adjust to an open world game, particularly an RPG, that focuses on verticality because I don’t recall another game similar. Now that I’m accustomed to it, I’ll just cut to the chase — this game rules.
I now want to go on a rant about one aspect of the game that some people (still) consider flawed despite the 2.0 update being a drastic and much needed overhaul of the game. And that is meaningful choices.
I’ve seen a lot of criticism over dialogue choices not having an impact on the outcome of the mission. I do understand this since Cyberpunk is technically an RPG, and The Witcher had so many varying threads throughout conversations that effected other side and main missions. However; for me, I’m not always looking for that when I play this genre.
I just got off the heels of playing the massive undertaking Baldur’s Gate 3. The choices you are dealt have a genuine impact either immediately, ten hours down the road, or the overall ending — whether it’s environmental or the characters and your party members themselves. That is incredible.
With that said, I don’t feel like making those types of choices immediately after. Instead, as soon as I booted up the game I immediately wanted to get lost in Night City — a different aspect in an RPG setting that often gets ignored. And for me, when I want to lose myself in a game world, I’m. It looking for dialogue choices that change my outcome; instead, I’m wanting to learn more about the world and its inhabitants.
This is why I love the blue dialogue options — it expands on the characters, their motivations, and gives you a taste of how life currently is when living in Night City. I care more about that than I do making tough decisions that could ultimately leave me unhappy (like Baldur’s Gate 3). Granted, there are choices that do have consequences so that also shouldn’t be ignored. Give me a relatively linear narrative with amazing character interactions, and a game world that genuinely feels as if it’s living and breathing any day of the week and twice on Sunday.
Speaking on the world of Night City - this might be one of the best settings in any game. The vibe and portrayal of a dystopian world is really great. I was born in 1990, but grew up watching the likes of Blade Runner, Demolition Man, Twelve Monkeys, and even early Batman movies with Michael Keaton. I remember the world those movies were set in, and Cyberpunk nails that aesthetic to a T and then some.
One mission titled “Down on the Street” really drives this point home. I’ll try and keep it spoiler free. There is no gunplay involved, but how things unfold, whether it’s the lighting, mysterious meet ups, traveling in a car with neon lights flashing around every corner while jazz music is playing on the radio, is amazing. When a game can captivate you even without much action involved, that is a sign of something special to me.
Overall, the game has engrossing characters and a captivating world. When you mix that with fun gameplay, cools weapons and abilities, and a gritty Blade Runner aesthetic, you come across a game that hasn’t ever been done like this before.
My life is being consumed by Baldur’s Gate 3. This game is so damn good. I’ve been playing it for 45+ hours now (this is not including 20hrs playing before starting a fresh new character).
I decided to go the Underdark route and did as many side quests as I could, including the Adamantine Forge, which included a relatively tough boss fight. Afterward, I back tracked and decided to go through the Mountain Pass to try and absorb as much as I can during my first play through.
I’m now officially in Act II and exploring the Shadow Cursed Lands which is unsettling, but it’s not that difficult to traverse. What is difficult is discussing my experience because it’s very spoiler heavy.
I’m really starting to feel the weight of my choices. Some of outcomes are good, while others have had serious implications. I’m interested in some of my recent decisions because I’m genuinely torn as to whether or not they were good moves, particularly with Lae’zel and Shadowheart’sstory line. I haven’t been nervous for an outcome in an RPG like this in quite some time.
Speaking of Shadowheart, I think I’m on the verge of finding Nightsong for her. The whole quest line has been phenomenal, especially the optional areas that lead to really fun exploration experiences. And the characters and choices along the way (of this particular companion quest) have been interesting. I can see the ripple effects from my decisions in Act 1 which is a sign of excellent writing.
This game is going to go down as one of my favorite games of all time. And in the RPG space, it’s in my top 3. What a year for 2023 — arguably the greatest year of all time in terms of video games.
I finally beat Sea of Stars and it was absolutely wonderful. I’ve been raving about the game for the past couple of weeks, so I’ll spare you all another rant about the game. All I’ll say is: Go play it.
I’m now playing Baulder’s Gate 3 on the PS5. I’m not sure how long I’ll dabble with the game, but so far it’s quite a masterclass in writing, world-building, and RPG mechanics. I’m also not entirely overwhelmed which is even more astonishing. I thought the onboarding would be a difficult process, but it hasn’t been bad. That said, I still don’t understand a lot of its systems, but I’ve yet to feel punished by them.
So far, I’m not sure what I’m even doing narrative wise. I know the arc, but I’m just walking around, chatting with people, intervening various situations that lead to fun side quests, and most importantly, letting things play out with my choices which is something I never do often. I like being the good guy, and I’ll typically reload a save just to make the right decision — but the writing is so good that I’m fine with how things play out. In fact, I’ve had one party member kill another already, and I’m not even mad about it. I will say, I recommend camping as much as possible. You’ll get some of the best character interactions and overall development that I’ve ever seen in a video game, particularly in this magnitude.
I do have one complaint though — the density. You never seem to have a moment to breathe. You’re always in conversations, or doing some kind of quest, and then another before finishing the prior one and the trend continues. Everything then becomes jumbled and [I] you feel like you’re not having significant meaning behind what you’re doing because you forget about the situation you were last in. I do not like that.
With that said, I did decide to start a completely new play-through yesterday despite having 20+ hrs logged, and halfway through Act 1. I had the house to myself and I was able to truly focus on the characters and environmental storytelling without being interrupted by my wife and child (we have been sick with Covid). I took things at my own pace. Things are now clicking together and I can’t get enough of the game.
BG3 is a new benchmark for CRPGs, or any RPG for that matter. The writing is exquisite, and your choices have genuine consequences that pay off — good or bad. And the level of consistent polish is mind blowing considering the scope of this game. This is quite easily one of the best CRPGs of all time, and may just earn the status as GOAT and GOTY.
I’m unfortunately sick with Covid, so I don’t know how much energy I have for gaming, but I am solely playing Sea of Stars on the PS5. I thought the hype of Starfield and Baulder’s Gate 3 would sway me to put it aside, but alas, the game has its daggers hooked in me quite deep.
It amazes me how the game continues to evolve and get better every hour of playtime. It’s hard not to be charmed due to the engaging characters (Garl, ftw!), and there are so many surprises, particularly with the gameplay and story. The game is expertly paced. You’re constantly doing something new, and nothing outstays its welcome. And then, there are specific references to The Messenger that has me grinning from ear to ear.
Let’s not forget the soundtrack, which is superb. Even my wife, who doesn’t play video games and always wants me to use a headset, was captivated by the score. That says a lot.
I find this game to be an utter masterpiece. This feeling is bolstered by the incredible sales the game has reached — 250k — despite being on PS Plus and Xbox Game Pass. It goes to show that if you make a really solid game, people will buy it. This is what the industry needs.
This week I finished up Red Dead Redemption on the PS5. It took me about 40 hours to get a 90% completion rate. I’ll more than likely take a break and come back and collect the remaining outfits and treasures I’ve missed along my journey. People can call this a barebones port all they want — the game still looks gorgeous, runs fantastic, and is such a fantastic game narratively. It holds up incredibly well, especially in tone and atmosphere. It’s a masterpiece, and I can’t wait to see where the franchise inevitably goes from here.
My main source of gaming will be focused on Sea of Stars for the PS5. So far, the game is excellent and hits all the right notes for a nostalgic 16-Bit RPG experience, similarly to Chained Echoes last year. Thankfully, this game lives up to my own lofty expectations. It features some of the best pixel art I’ve seen in a game and gorgeous cinematics that is bolstered even more by its charming characters and world. And the soundtrack; my god, it’s amazing. My only real complaint is the lack of a map early on, which is minuscule to begin with. This will be my main priority as I wait for Starfield to release, although I’m tempted to obtain early access by buying the premium addition after reading the rave reviews.
This weekend I am playing Red Dead Redemption on the PS5. I shamefully bought it, but I have gotta say—it looks and runs fantastic. I haven’t played the game since it first released back in 2010. And honestly, it’s nice being back in this world again. It feels like a fresh new experience. The game is also fundamentally better after experiencing its prequel, RDR2. In fact, I think it enhances the overall brilliance because there is more context and history between various characters. It’s safe to say, the game is still a stone cold masterpiece.
This weekend I’m chipping away at the Uncharted Golden Abyss platinum trophy. I did my first play through without a guide and managed to get all weapon related trophies, and half of the treasures. I’m now going to focus on mopping up the rest of what I’ve missed via a guide and complete the game on crushing mode.
The main game I’m playing, however, is Unit 13 on the Vita. It’s the perfect pick up and play type of game, especially when portable. Missions are only a few minutes long, so you always feel like you’re accomplishing something. There’s a ton of replay value too — getting better rankings, unlocking new weapons and attachments, and there is variety between missions. I’ve been playing the game when on my fifteen minute break or my lunch. It’s very addicting.
I’m now eagerly waiting for Blasphemous 2 and Sea of Stars. I don’t know about anyone else - but I’m going to be eating quite well for the next couple of months!
This weekend I’m keeping my gaming pretty light due to work obligations. That said - I’m working my way through Uncharted: Golden Abyss for the first time on the PlayStation Vita. I have the Platinum trophies for Uncharted 1-4, but never got the chance to play this game.
I have to say - I find this game quite remarkable. For starters, the pacing is top notch. Secondly, I’m surprised by how well the controls are, and how the touchscreen isn’t mandatory for the basics - jumping, shooting, and so forth.
Overall, it’s nice to jump back into this universe, particularly when Nolan North is at the helm. Nathan Drake is such a great character. And most importantly, it still feels like an Uncharted game, with its quirky dialog and humor, despite being developed by another studio (Bend).
I’m hoping this game, along with multiple play throughs to get the platinum trophy, will hold me over until Sea of Stars comes out in a couple of weeks.
I’m in Las Vegas on vacation with my wife —we arrived yesterday morning — so I have my PlayStation Vita with me. Obviously, I won’t be playing a ton of stuff, but I am slowly chipping away at The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel II. It’s a slow burn, but it’s an excellent game. I’m really excited to get to Act II to see the story pick up its pace.
I’ll be heading to Vegas soon for vacation so for my flight I decided to bust out my PlayStation Vita this weekend and get a good start on The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel II. I played the first one years ago and loved it, but I accidentally broke my handheld but never got around to playing the rest of the series despite owning a PS4 and now PS5.
I also picked up Gravity Circuit for the PS5. This game is rad. It’s essentially an ode to Mega Man X, only with this your combat is melee based rather than long range weaponry. It’s tough as nails, and I’m not entirely sold on the controls, but if you like 2D action platformers, this is a must play.
I haven’t played much of anything this week since I was on vacation (Blink-182 was amazing live!) and subsequently worked once I got back; however, I finally beat Final Fantasy 16.
I did absolutely everything you can do - all hunts, trials, side quests, and so forth. Personally, I find it the best PS5 exclusive by a quarter mile and I don’t think I’ll ever forget this experience.
As for what I’ll be playing this weekend - I briefly started Killzone: Liberation on the PSP. I’ve been in an old school mood, and I have had this game in my backlog for a long time. So far, it’s fun. It’s definitely a good palate cleanser from the heavy narrative in FFXVI.
Edit: I decided to buy The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel II. I loved and beat the first game many years ago, and then I accidentally broke my PS Vita and never got around to playing the rest of the series even though I owned a PS4 and now a PS5. I considered the game(s) the perfect handheld JRPG experience - but I am getting another PS Vita soon, and I need another game to tide me over until Starfield releases.
I’m not playing anything this weekend because I’m in Nashville, TN with my wife. I surprised her with Blink-182 tickets for her birthday, so we are both excited to celebrate the occasion.
With that said, I’ve still been playing Final Fantasy 16. Unfortunately, I was unable to beat the game before heading out of town, but I am 92% of the way complete, with 64hrs played according to my PSN stats, and 41/50 trophies. I’m taking my time with the game and doing every side quest that comes along.
My thoughts have stayed the same - this game is absolutely incredible. It continues to get better and better as the story progresses, and the side quests - if you do them all as they present themselves - really tell a compelling story towards the end.
The amount of optional cutscenes is fantastic, especially during: Trading Places II; Rekindling the Flame II; Blacksmith Blue’s IV — the side quests that provide signboards to you for the trophy. This, along with the missives that are back at the hideaway provide world-building and character development with fulfilling payoffs.
I’m really looking forward to completing this journey even though I don’t want to end. The last few boss fights and everything leading up to it is phenomenal and I want more. And the soundtrack in its entirety, particularly near the endgame — just wow. Here’s hoping for that potential DLC!
This weekend I’m playing Final Fantasy 16 on the PS5. According to the PSN, I’m 70% through the game clocking in at 44hrs. If that’s the case, it has been some of the best forty hours I’ve experienced in this current generation.
It’s crazy how good FFXVI is, at least to me. There are obvious flaws in the game - level design, the lack of proper RPG elements, and not the greatest of side quests - but I can’t stop thinking about the game. The story is absolutely gripping, with memorable characters and excellent voice acting. And the combat is really damn fun.
Now that I’m over halfway through the game, it has opened up a lot more in terms of content, story, quests, and it truly does get better and better as you progress through the game. I really like the structure of the game. Unlike most RPGs (I’m looking at you, Xenoblade Chronicles) you are never bogged down by a list of mundane side quests and conventions. It’s nice to have only two or three side quests available after a main quest. Some of these side quests may be fetch quests, but they are meaningful with the rewards. And these rewards aren’t just items acquired - it’s the character(s) development and world building.
I’ve heard complaints that say this game is “empty”, and I don’t understand that. We are talking about a linear, narrative driven game. Not every game needs to be this massive open world that has bustling towns and cities, with NPCs that you’ll never remember, and quests that are essentially meaningless.
When I hear people say this game is empty, I am confounded because the locations you visit - and I would classify them more as “levels” - do have some sort of life to them. However, these places are simply a serviceable open playground to fight monsters, go on hunts, and get experience. It’s essentially a means to an end to reach the next story beat. And this is fine because, as I stated earlier, FFXVI is a story driven and linear game, focusing on a handful of characters in order to make it feel more of a personal journey.
Honestly, this may be my favorite FF title. It’s easily my favorite PS5 exclusive at the moment. I’m hoping I can beat the game before I head to Nashville, TN next weekend. Regardless, I’m definitely going to do a NG+ in order to get the Platinum trophy, which is something I rarely do.
There are so many games midway through the year, but similarly to everyone else, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is my current GOTY. It’s quite possibly my favorite game of all time, which is crazy considering I didn’t like BoTW at all.
Runners up:
Octopath Traveler II Resident Evil 4 Remake Dead Space Remake Hi-Fi Rush Metroid Prime Remastered Final Fantasy 16 Diablo IV
Possible contenders in the future:
Starfield Super Mario Bros. Wonder Super Mario RPG Spider-Man 2 Sea of Stars
Interesting that all of the possible contenders start with the letter S.
This weekend I’m taking a break from Diablo IV and putting in some quality hours in Final Fantasy XVI on the PS5.
So far, the game is excellent. The voice acting is top notch and brings the characters to life. Clive Rosfield and Cid are genuinely deep characters and some of the best in the entire series. And the story is fantastic as well, and well told. It’s dark and twisted, but people seem to forget that FFIV and FFVI are quite similar in nature.
At the moment, I have a love hate relationship with the action. This is certainly a proper FF game through and through with “random” enemy encounters, albeit not turn based. Combat is fast, kinetic, but also as monotone or deep as you want it to be, which is great. With that said, sometimes it’s hard to actually see what’s happening - the vibrant colors overcrowd the screen and it’s hard for me to grasp what’s happening until it’s too late.
Keeping in line with RPGs, I downloaded and purchased Rogue Galaxy. It’s a game I sadly never got the chance to play in the PS2 era even though I’ve always wanted to. I’ve heard nothing but positive things about the game, so I’m looking forward to diving into that this weekend.
I’m still playing Diablo 4 on my XSX. I don’t have much new to say - the game is still fantastic. I’m currently in Act IV, received a mount (finally), and reached level 50. From here on out, I’m gonna focus on the main story so I can start some new characters to tackle more dungeons and side quests. Oh, and trying not to die by The Butcher for the third time.
I also decided to buy Final Fantasy XVI for the PS5. Let me preface this by saying I did not play the demo, and I avoided all spoilers or discussion regarding it. I haven’t played much, but I did beat the prologue. Holy smokes. The production value alone is mind blowing; but ending of the introduction had me in genuine shock and awe. That stuff was dark as hell, and I love it. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
This weekend I’m playing Diablo 4. This game is an absolute blast. I convinced my best friend to buy the game, and now he can’t put it down. This is the first time in years that we have played a game cooperatively, whether with each other or someone else. It’s been really fun, too. We have just reached Act II, as we take our time and do everything we possibly can before venturing off into the main quest.
I chose the Barbarian class. I’m currently working on a crowd control build, and let me tell you - it’s absolutely sensational. My best friend is also playing as a Barbarian, and it’s interesting to see how drastic our builds are; it’s almost as if we are two different classes altogether.
With all of that said - I do have a secondary character that is a Rogue, and I’ll occasionally use him to play cooperatively. This is primarily due to having somewhat of a variety when playing together.
I also find the (side) quests to be fantastic. One in particular stood out titled Malady of the Soul. It turns out to be a lengthy 3-parter that has a good narrative with memorable characters. Another quest that is unforgettable for me is called “Cries of Innocence” (Black Asylum). It is a very twisted story involving a father and son, and it has left a lasting impression.
Overall, the grind and addiction is real. The dopamine I receive from this game is on another level. I can’t wait to play more once I’m off work tonight.
This weekend I’m playing Diablo IV (Xbox Series X). I finally beat The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom after 120+ hours, and it has gone down as my favorite game of all time. I obviously haven’t done everything in the game - but I’ll come back to it after a well deserved break.
As for Diablo IV - this is such a great game. I’m surprised by how well it functions right out of the gate. It seems quite balanced in its current state, so I’m interested in seeing how future patches and updates tinker that.
I’m really liking the darker and grittier tone of this game more than I did in Diablo 3, all the while keeping 3’s combat in this game. It’s the best of both worlds. I’m currently playing as a Rogue, and I’m pleased by how fun this class can be. It has such an insane amount of options for the build of your preference. I enjoy being able to attack from a distance, or be up close and personal. If you choose the right skill abilities from the start, you will never be at a disadvantage regardless of your play style.
Overall, I’ve been eating good the past month. Diablo IV will no doubt keep my entertained for months to come. So, bring on Hell, baby.
This weekend I’m still playing The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. I had to take a four day hiatus since last Friday due to work and family obligations, but I was finally able to pick it back up yesterday, and I made some fun progress.
So far, I’m roughly 80hrs in. I’ve finally unlocked the entire base map and have completed all of the main dungeons/temples. I’ve gotta say - the temple in Gerudo Town was absolutely brilliant. I loved the entire quest line.
Regardless of the hours I’ve poured in, I’m still being surprised by little secrets here and there. In fact, I randomly found the auto-build feature, which in itself was a fun discovery. And with this unearthing, it brings forth two more quests that are extremely valuable to you.
Speaking of, I have fully upgraded my Purah Pad, found the last geoglyph I needed, and retrieved the Master Sword - a quest that simply gave me chills. I’ve also restored The Lost Woods and The Great Deku Tree, bested Master Kohga of the Yiga Clan, and unlocked all memories.
Now it’s time to fight Ganondorf, but before I do I’m going to spend more time in the depths and explore more mysterious things down there. I’m also planning on obtaining each domain’s prized weapon(s) by scouring for diamonds, and tackling side quests.
Overall, I’m simply blown away by how deep this game is, and how there are mysteries around every corner that continuously amaze me. Here is to another week of playing this masterpiece.
I’m still playing the fantastic The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. My affinity for this game has only increased over time — it’s a masterpiece, and will go down as one of, if not the best game of all time.
I just discovered the auto-build feature, and it has come in handy tremendously. Furthermore, the quest to obtain this ability was incredibly fun, and I happened to stumble upon it by happenstance.
Speaking of quests, the main objectives are truly a joy. I’ve been tackling them a little bit more, and reaching the Water Temple was a real blast — literally. That said, some of the initial quests with the Zora was a little confusing with not a lot of context.
Furthermore, I’m 50 hours in, and I’m still experiencing new things. Last night, I discovered a really cool shrine in a unique way. I found this sky island that had a device that you could interact with. Nearby had a shield that is literally meant for sledding. If you activate it, it creates a green orb that you can sled down and through, and it becomes a relay race of sorts. If you manage to pass through all of the circles without them disappearing it will turn into a shrine to explore.
Overall, I’m still taking my time with this game. I’m continuing making notes and reveling in all of its brilliant glory - and being blown away by the game nearly every second, and around every corner.
I do like classic dungeons, but I’m also really impressed with the modern dungeons, in particular ToTK. It feels more grand, and I like how they can be solved in numerous of ways if you set your mind to it.
With that said, I actually found a really cool shrine that has a classic dungeon feel. I don’t want to spoil how to solve it, you do can obtain a small key from a chest to unlock another area. I found it to be a cool nod to the classic dungeon design.
I’m at about the 35 hour mark and I’ve literally done nothing, yet I’ve done a lot. I know that’s essentially a catch 22, but it’s true. I’ve done two temples (or dungeons, in this case), a handful of shrines, a few side quests here and there, and collected numerous korok seeds.
Honestly, I’m just letting the game come to me, which is rare because I tend to start with a clear objective but with this game, I’m simply exploring and letting the discovery come naturally. I don’t have any quest highlighted or anything. If I just so happen to stumble upon a main quest, so be it; if I find a side quest, perfect; if I find a cave or shrine, I tackle it. I find it much more immersive that way.
As of right now, I have a ton of awesome armor that I discovered in amazing ways. This was an awesome surprise. Even more-so, considering that all of my armor I’ve discovered protects me from each kind of region (cold, hot, thunder, etc.).
I’ve also taken a TON of notes on my phone. I did this with Elden Ring. Any cool location, discovery, cave, or what have you that I’ve found, I write it down. I do this not only for reminders to go back to certain locations, but also because there are an ample amount of amazing things that happen that are really cool memories, and I like to discuss them with friends. That may sound silly, but it’s something I really enjoy.
This weekend is dedicated to The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. I apologize in advance if this is long and tedious.
I have spent 20hrs + in this game and I haven’t done much of anything yet (I’ve wanted to spend more time with it, but alas, I work full time and I’m married with a child) which is not a bad thing. I’ve done a handful of shrines, completed one main quest after receiving the paraglider - the one involving the Hebra Mountains. Other than that, I’ve done nothing but explore and experience the game at my own pace, in my own unique and personal expedition.
I’m not going to sugarcoat it - this might be the greatest game ever made, and that is surprising to me because I was lukewarm on BoTW. Here, the majority of elements that I wasn’t keen on in BoTW have been revamped with something I thoroughly enjoy: rewarding exploration. In the first game, exploration wasn’t exciting because all it led to was a shrine, or a treasure chest that had five arrows in it, but it took a lot of work to get it. The risk vs. reward wasn’t worth it.
In this game, exploration is so much more rewarding. You can discover caves and wells, some of which contain side quests, shrines, and extra areas to explore if you look closely for destructible walls; or just an enchanting view that creates an innate reaction to reach that location but you’ll end up getting sidetracked because there is a mystery around every corner that is provided a genuine sense of wonder. Everything seems to have depth and layers to it the more you peel away at it.
I want to bring up a slight spoiler. I was exploring a location near a sky view tower. It’s a well hidden cave. As I trekked my way down to the bottom I discovered a shrine. It was on the other side of the cave, upon a ledge you’d have to climb up to. When I jumped down to make my way forward, I got ambushed by a group of gloom hands. I panicked, of course, and used a lot of my weapons and arrows to dismantle them. I thought, “That was tough, but I pulled through, despite losing a few hearts to the gloom.” Immediately after killing them, a boss fight triggered and it was a Phantom Ganon that was in the form of the gloom.It was such a surprising moment - an Elden Ring-ish type of discovery - that blew me away.
And these types of moments keep happening. Again. And again. This game is a GOAT. The Last of Us has always been my favorite game of all time, and I never thought anything could surpass it due to how I connected to it on so many different levels - but ToTK might overtake that spot, which is wild because I haven’t even scratched the surface of this game.
This weekend I had planned on continuing my journey through the epic Star Wars Jedi Survivor but c’mon - The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom overshadows any other game at the moment.
As someone who was disappointed by BoTW, everything about ToTK somehow managed to excite me. Thankfully, my initial issues with the former seems to be remedied in this sequel - and the way reviews have been indicating, it seems as if this open world is similar in nature to Elden Ring. Add proper dungeons to the mix and a supposedly emotional story, then you have me hooked.
So far, I’ve played a few hours and it’s fantastic. While it may be a little same-y in terms of the tutorial, I still consider it better than BoTW. Personally, I find it to have the best intro in a LoZ game; it was dark, mysterious, and yet charming all at once. Overall, the abilities are simply much more fun to use, and the fusion capability is ingenious.
In terms of what comics I’ve read, the list isn’t much. I finished Frank Miller’s Daredevil Born Again and found it to be exceptional. I’m now jumping into Chip Zdarsky’s run. I’m currently on the third volume and absolutely loving it.
This week I have completed Dead Island 2. As of right now, it’s in my top five for the GOTY discussion, behind Hi-Fi Rush, Octopath Traveler 2, and RE4 Remake. I really enjoyed the game from start to finish.
My only issue with the game is its lack of guidance on some side quests. Oftentimes, I was left wondering where to go to advance the plot, and it broke my immersion. Nonetheless, it is a fantastic game.
As for the weekend, I shockingly have the place to myself for two days because my wife and child will be out of town. This will be perfect to finally start Star Wars Jedi: Survivor (Xbox Series X).
I’ve also been reading more comics and graphic novels. I’m really enjoying the #1 issues of the new Dawn of DC. Most recently read was Shazam #1 which was wonderful.
Keeping it in the DC family, Peacemaker Tries Hard! #1 was brilliant and I’m looking forward to this current run, along with the upcoming Green Lantern and Titans run.
I also recently finished Kevin Smith’s Daredevil Guardian Devil and it was absolutely brilliant, and quite possibly one of the best graphic novels I’ve ever read. I’m now reading Frank Miller’s Daredevil Born Again, and then I’ll be moving on to Chip Zdarsky’s run into this superhero.
This weekend I’m playing Dead Island 2. The game is simply dumb fun. Sometimes, I’d rather play a solid 15-20hr linear experience that doesn’t take itself too seriously instead of an emotionally gripping narrative driven game, or a long winded RPG. I’m having a lot of fun with the game, and I find the flesh system quite grotesque and impressive all at once. I’m really looking forward to finishing this one.
I do want to play Star Wars Jedi: Survivor but with Redfall releasing soon, I don’t want to juggle too many games all at once. I’ll probably hold off until mid-summer or so. There are just too many games I’m interested in that are releasing so soon together.
As for my other hobby - I’ve read a few more graphic novels and comics. My list includes:
Batman: Hush Watchmen Local Man #1-3 (awesome new series!)
Green Arrow #1 (Dawn of DC) by Josh Williamson - It was very compelling for a first issue, and I’m excited to see what’s next. JW is a very good writer. Also: chainsaw arrow; that is all, folks.
All Eight Eyes #1 Worldtr33 #1 Alien #1 No/One #1
I have Frank Miller’s Daredevil: Born Again arriving in the mail soon. Once I read that I’m going to jump into Chip Dzarsky’s current run of DD. I have the first few volumes, and I’ll probably buy the rest until I’m caught up completely.
Today is my birthday, so this weekend my me and my wife are going out of town for celebration. We have all sorts of activities lined up — all thanks to her wonderful planning. It’s safe to say I won’t be playing any video games.
Shockingly, I haven’t played anything in over a week because my new hobby is keeping me occupied. That said, if I do play anything it will be Final Fantasy Pixel Remastered Collection (or, primarily FFVI) on the Nintendo Switch, or Dead Island 2 on the Series X. I’ve put two hours into the latter and it’s been fun so far.
I have also been continuing my journey of collecting and reading graphic novels and comics. So far, I have read:
Batman: Year One // The Dark Knight Returns // Batman: The Long Halloween (one of the greatest pieces of fiction I’ve ever read) // Batman: Dark Victory // TMNT: The Last Ronin
Comics I’ve read this week include:
Wasp #1 // Bloodlines Daughter of Blade #1-3 // Clear #1-2 // Marvel’s Guardian of the Galaxy #1 (2023) // Superman Dawn of DC #1-3 // The Seasons Have Teeth #1 // TerrorWar #1 - and the reason I have that in bold is because it’s quite possibly my new favorite comic, and I’m patiently waiting for the second issue. It features an fun and fantastic premise, and I’m intrigued to see how it turns out because I think it has the potential to be real special.
This weekend I’m not sure if I’ll play anything. I’ve been in a reading mood as of late. That said, I did manage to beat Signalis (Xbox Series X). It was fantastic, and one of the best survival horror games I’ve played in a long time, aside from RE4 Remake and Dead Space.
If I do play anything it will be Ryse: Son of Rome on the Xbox Series X. It’s been in my backlog for a long time, so this should tide me over until Star Wars: Jedi Survivor releases. From what I played, it’s pretty fun. I don’t expect much from it, but that’s okay for a short 6-8 hour experience.
As for what I’m reading comic(s) and graphic novel wise - TMNT: The Last Ronin has me hooked. I can’t wait to see how the story unfolds, and how it fares in the AAA gaming space. I’m also going to be reading Batman: Court of Owls.
In terms of Batman stories, I have only read Frank Miller’s Batman Year One and The Dark Knight Returns. It’s an incredibly well written story, with superb artwork. I’m probably going to dive more deeply into his work, particularly with Daredevil. That said, next up on my reading list will be his take on Ronin.
I’m still a beginner, and learning the in’s and out’s of comics, runs, series, omnibus, and what-have-you; but I am learning and have finally come to a somewhat comfortable understanding of how things work in this field. I’m looking forward to when I can have good conversations about my new hobby, and possibly passion.
This week(end) I finished my first playthrough of the Resident Evil 4 Remake (Xbox Series X). I may start a NG+ and unlock a few more achievements, but I doubt I’ll go for the 100% completion. That said, this will easily go down as one of my all time favorite games.
I have also started Signalis (Xbox Series X). What a gem of a game. I didn’t know if it would hold my attention considering I just beat an all time classic - but this game is punching way above its weight. I’m looking forward to diving deeper into the game.
Other than that, I might take a break from gaming this weekend and do some reading. I’ve been getting into graphic novels as of late - even if my wife thinks I’m a kid, she still supports my interests - and started with Batman Year One. So far, it’s outstanding.
I’m going to read TMNT: The Last Ronin next. I’ve heard this is an incredible story, and with the announcement of a AAA game set in this particular universe, my interest is piqued.
If anyone has any other suggestions for graphic novels to read for beginners (I’m just now starting), feel free to message me. I have Daredevil: Born Again and Infinity Gauntlet on my list to read soon, but I’m welcome to all kinds even if it isn’t superhero related.
This weekend I won’t be playing Octopath Traveler II because I finally beat the game. What an incredible game and even more fantastic experience. To me, the game belongs in the pantheon of the all-time great JRPGs. It will hands down go in my top 10 of all time in terms of RPGs.
My main game I’ll be focusing on is Resident Evil 4 Remake (Xbox Series X). I’m roughly halfway through the game and it has been wonderful so far.
What I’m impressed by the most is its level design and pacing. As a kid playing originally, these two things never interested me. Now that I’m older and can appreciate the finer things — I see how much difference the little things can make.
The level design is reminiscent of From Software’s Dark Souls series and beyond. Everything interconnects and it’s fascinating to see how it all comes together in an incredible layout, particularly with the castle. And the developers knew how to balance action and horror as you make your way through this backcountry side and ominous castle.There’s never too much of one or the other.
Overall, it’s a superb remake that I find to be essential. I’m glad the fond memories I have playing this game in the GameCube and PS2 era aren’t sullied — in fact, they are probably enhanced.
The last game I’ll be playing is Sifu (Xbox Series X). I recently watched John Wick 4, which is an amazing movie with some of the best fight scenes I’ve ever witnessed on film, so I’ve been in a brawler mood. And yes, I’ve watched The Raid 1 & 2 and The Man From Nowhere.
I played it originally on the PS5 and it quickly earned a spot in one of my favorite PlayStation games, but I never completed it due to Elden Ring releasing shortly thereafter. Now that it has come to Xbox, I decided to support developer Sloclap and purchase the game on this platform. It’s just as good as I remember, if not better.
This weekend I’m (still) playing Octopath Traveler II (Nintendo Switch). As soon as I thought I was getting fatigued after 70+ hours, I took a two day break from the game and felt recharged to tackle more stories. That statement alone has this as my current GOTY.
As of right now, I have completed two character stories and working on my third. I’m still taking my time—grinding, doing side quests, and exploring. In fact, I just discovered a few secret locations to unlock other jobs. I’m sure many people know about these already, but it was surprising to me considering I haven’t looked up any information in walkthroughs or by word of mouth. It was such a rewarding experience.
This is a game that simply keeps on giving. Hopefully, Square Enix will do the same and release the game on Xbox/Game Pass. OTII is a game that needs more attention because I truly believe it’s one of the greatest JRPGs of all time.
Aside from OPII, half of my attention will be focused on Resident Evil 4 Remake (Xbox Series X). I haven’t played this game since its original release approximately 16 or 17 years on the Nintendo GameCube and subsequently the PS2.
With it being so long since I’ve played this game, the two hours I sunk into the game last night has practically been a fresh experience for me. I’m on chapter 3 and it’s been fantastic so far. That said, I have several fond memories I will never forget, but I have forgotten when and where those moments occur, so I’m curious to see how it makes me react when I come across them again.
I’m still playing Octopath Traveler II (Nintendo Switch). With 65+ hours, I believe I’m nearing the end, I believe, having the 3rd and 4th chapters left of most characters. I did nothing but grind yesterday, so all of my characters are now level 60 or higher, so I’m going to push through the story now. The fatigue is starting to set in, however, as I want to get around playing some other games. That said, my opinion still hasn’t wavered: OP2 is one of the finest RPGs ever made.
I was going to get around to playing the plethora of games in my backlog, such as Wo Long Fallen Dynasty, Dead Space Remake, and a few others, but I saw that a new DLC campaign mission dropped for one of my favorite games, Sniper Elite 5, and I’ll be jumping back into that world. I find the game to be an utter masterpiece in stealth and level design, and the overall gameplay loop is addicting.
I also purchased Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion and Paranormasight: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo on the Nintendo Switch, so I’ll probably jump into that soon. All of these games mentioned should keep me plenty busy until The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Redfall releases.
This was a fantastic piece to read. Unfortunately for me, I just could not enjoy this game. I’ve made several attempts, putting in at least 5+ hours each time, and it just never hooked me. I’m glad that it has for other people. I’ll maybe try it again one day, and I’ll probably play Silksong when that comes out.
I dabbled in the Castlevania DLC for a few hours once I could pull myself away from Octopath Traveler 2, and it’s a fantastic mesh of Dead Cells rougelike gameplay and the 2D action platforming of Castlevania. It’s such a perfect pairing, and I’m surprised it took so long to consider the idea. I wonder if they will incorporate any other games into their product. I love reading the little book in the beginning that talks about Blasphemous, Hollow Knight, and all of those other games. It’s a hilarious nod.
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Re: The First Review For Super Mario RPG On Switch Is In
I don’t even care what the reviews are for this game — I’ve preordered it and have it ready to go for Friday morning. I’m looking forward to playing a classic in a reimagined form.
Re: Soapbox: Six Months Later, Tears Of The Kingdom's Sense Of Wonder Is Still Unmatched
For me, ToTK is one of the best games ever made. I never managed to enjoy BoTW — I didn’t find the exploration rewarding like many other people did. However, ToTK genuinely shocked me by how much there was to discover. The caves, puzzles, genuine mystery, the depths, and much, much more. I typically don’t replay games, especially if they were released recently, but even after beating the game, doing a ton of shrines and side quests, I’ve been craving this game world again. I may have to jump back in very soon.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (November 11th)
This weekend I’m finishing up Alan Wake 2 for the PS5. I’m on my way to the platinum trophy, with all collectibles obtained. My focus now is leisurely completing the main story and I should be set.
As of right now it’s my GOTY. I believe it’s in a league of its own and has officially stamped Remedy into legendary status. I would compare them to Naughty Dog (to me) and Kojima in that regard. They should have free rein to do whatever they want because of their creativity.
And just when I think games can’t shake things up in originality, Remedy comes along to remind me that it’s still possible. How they are able to pump out consistent titles at a frequent volume is astonishing. The best way to describe it is simply Nintendo-esque.
Speaking of Nintendo, I’m slowly chipping away in Super Mario Bros. Wonder. I’m presently on the 5th world, and have managed to procure all Wonder Seeds minus a small handful. I’ve also unlocked secret locations that provide really fun challenges. I love how there are secrets everywhere — not just in the actual levels themselves, but in the over world as well. Wonder definitely harkens back to my favorite Mario game, Super Mario World.
Next up on my list: Super Mario RPG. I can’t wait for its release next Friday.
Re: Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom Wins Nintendo GOTY At Golden Joystick Awards 2023
@thesilverbrick To be fair, there really isn’t much releasing the rest of the year that sticks out, other than Super Mario RPG, and I highly doubt it will be GOTY.
Re: Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom Wins Nintendo GOTY At Golden Joystick Awards 2023
It’s nice to see Baldur’s Gate 3 win overall, but also obvious to see ToTK win Nintendo’s GOTY. I personally love the game which is shocking since I did not like BoTW whatsoever.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (November 4th)
This weekend I’m playing Super Mario Bros. Wonder. It’s been an absolute joy so far. I’m not that far, but I just beat W3. The level of creativity and imagination in every stage is mind-boggling. The platforming is also precise, and the powers are all fun to use. I’m really enjoying my time with this one, and it’s up there with Super Mario World for my favorite 2D game in the series. I can’t wait for Super Mario RPG.
The main game I’m focusing on, however, is Alan Wake 2. It has been absolutely sublime, in more ways than one. Remedy creates incredible game worlds that are full of rich, environmental details that draw you into the atmosphere. It oozes in style, and is easily their most stylish game to date.
One thing I find great is how methodical the game presents itself. It knows the story it wants to tell and it goes at its own pace with unbelievable confidence. It trusts you to be patient and let it unfold naturally. And there is a story to everything - even upgrading your weapons. If you pay attention, there are references to Control during this aspect.
The characters are great, too. Saga Anderson is a fresh, unique character that is very memorable. I like how enthusiastic she is despite being an FBI agent; she loves a great mystery. I think her character taps into the modernism of true crime fans today (something I’m a big buff of myself), but with a touch of Twin Peaks.
I am also pleased with the exploration. There is almost an Metroidvania element to it. I don’t want to provide spoilers, but you’ll understand what I mean if you are playing the game. In the first Alan Wake you weren’t rewarded for exploring due to hardware limitations. While that’s still present here, with new technology the world feels more alive. Nothing feels out of place. Some of the best moments are optional side areas that provide environmental storytelling.
At the end of the day, I’m extremely impressed. Remedy knocks it out of the park once again, and despite their larger budget they stay true to their roots. This game does things that I’ve never seen in a game before and I can’t wait to see what’s next for them.
Re: Hands On: Super Mario RPG Is The Most Faithful Remake We've Ever Played
I’m really looking forward to this. It sounds like a perfect game for the holiday/Thanksgiving season.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (October 28th)
This weekend my goal is to complete and platinum Spider-Man 2. How people are achieving this in a matter of days is beyond me. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a long game — but I played for almost 6 hours straight two days in a row (thanks to my supportive wife) and still only managed to get 15-20% more completion rate, with it currently being 70% after 25 hours.
With all of the trifling aside, I was initially lukewarm on the game because I felt the game wasn’t providing enough. And then I realized I was playing the game wrong. My approach to Spider-Man how I do most open worlds - do all side content before I tackle the main story. What I didn’t realize is that the world, common crime activities, and the gameplay evolves as you progress the storyline, and even gets more challenging.
From gameplay perspective, it has the best traversal in any game I’ve ever played. The swinging feels incredible, and the web suit is such a fun tool to use. As for combat, it’s quick and snappy, with a ton of tools to use at your disposal that are all equally valuable. The web-line alone is a phenomenal tweak that makes the game standout, and offer diverse ways of completing missions. And the powers you get — good lord, are they a blast. They amplify the gameplay significantly, and animations for them are so full of painstaking detail, it’s hard to grasp how it’s possible.
In terms of story, find the game expertly paced. I do have two complaints, though. For starters, the developers sprinkle out really intriguing concepts that you hope will continue throughout the game but only seem to offer a one-and-done situation. Not overstaying your welcome is a positive in some respects, but it’s a shame because they are excellent additions. Lastly, I feel like some of the story beats are undercooked. Without providing any spoilers, some of the character developments and revelations seem a bit rushed. Thus, the emotional impact wasn’t there with some of the cutscenes. That said, when the story beats are good, they are extremely good. High highs and low lows.
Ultimately, despite my grievances, Spider-Man 2 is amazing. In my opinion, Insomniac is Sony’s best and most consistent developer in terms of quantity and quality. I can’t wait to see how they handle Wolverine, especially with its violence and more grittier tone.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (October 21st)
I’m having a much deserved weekend getaway with my wife so I won’t be playing much until late Sunday evening. However, I do have Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 waiting for me - preordered, downloaded, and ready to go - when I get back.
Throughout the week, I managed to beat and get the platinum trophy for Cyberpunk 2077 (the base game). It was a phenomenal experience, even after 100+hours. I’ve yet to touch Phantom Liberty, but I plan on setting that expansion to the side until I beat Spider Man 2 and Alan Wake 2.
I don’t want to risk burnout on what’s critically considered an incredible addition to what is now one of my all time favorite games. Near the end of base 2077, I felt myself not reading archived conversations, looking at my phone while some dialogue conversations played out, and simply running and gunning throughout some gigs. Clearly, I need(ed) a break, and I don’t want to do Phantom Liberty a disservice.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (October 14th)
This weekend I’m still playing Cyberpunk 2077. Last week, I praised this game immensely and my thoughts have only grown fonder, so much so I put it in my top 10 of all time. I’m near the end of the base game, and I’m trying to finish up all of the “romance” questlines that I can before I head into Dog Town.
My goal is to beat and platinum Cyberpunk before Spider-Man 2 releases. Unfortunately, I’m having issues unlocking a couple of trophies. First is “Two Heads, One Bullet” - my sniper rifle refuses to kill two people at once despite having a high tier 5+ rifle. The other, although it can be multiple, is finishing all gigs and NCPD missions in a district. Hopefully, this isn’t a bug or, if it is, it gets patched relatively soon.
When I’m not gaming, I’m getting back into reading — a hobby that I’ve sadly put on the wayside for too long. A coworker suggested I start reading books set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. I started with The Horus Heresy - Horus Rising. So far, it’s pretty good, and overwhelming. The lore is fantastic, though. I have a feeling I’ll be getting lost in this world for a long time to come.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (October 7th)
This weekend I’m playing Cyberpunk 2077 and its DLC, Phantom Liberty. I have put 40hrs in with a completion rate of 38%. It took me a while to adjust to an open world game, particularly an RPG, that focuses on verticality because I don’t recall another game similar. Now that I’m accustomed to it, I’ll just cut to the chase — this game rules.
I now want to go on a rant about one aspect of the game that some people (still) consider flawed despite the 2.0 update being a drastic and much needed overhaul of the game. And that is meaningful choices.
I’ve seen a lot of criticism over dialogue choices not having an impact on the outcome of the mission. I do understand this since Cyberpunk is technically an RPG, and The Witcher had so many varying threads throughout conversations that effected other side and main missions. However; for me, I’m not always looking for that when I play this genre.
I just got off the heels of playing the massive undertaking Baldur’s Gate 3. The choices you are dealt have a genuine impact either immediately, ten hours down the road, or the overall ending — whether it’s environmental or the characters and your party members themselves. That is incredible.
With that said, I don’t feel like making those types of choices immediately after. Instead, as soon as I booted up the game I immediately wanted to get lost in Night City — a different aspect in an RPG setting that often gets ignored. And for me, when I want to lose myself in a game world, I’m. It looking for dialogue choices that change my outcome; instead, I’m wanting to learn more about the world and its inhabitants.
This is why I love the blue dialogue options — it expands on the characters, their motivations, and gives you a taste of how life currently is when living in Night City. I care more about that than I do making tough decisions that could ultimately leave me unhappy (like Baldur’s Gate 3). Granted, there are choices that do have consequences so that also shouldn’t be ignored. Give me a relatively linear narrative with amazing character interactions, and a game world that genuinely feels as if it’s living and breathing any day of the week and twice on Sunday.
Speaking on the world of Night City - this might be one of the best settings in any game. The vibe and portrayal of a dystopian world is really great. I was born in 1990, but grew up watching the likes of Blade Runner, Demolition Man, Twelve Monkeys, and even early Batman movies with Michael Keaton. I remember the world those movies were set in, and Cyberpunk nails that aesthetic to a T and then some.
One mission titled “Down on the Street” really drives this point home. I’ll try and keep it spoiler free. There is no gunplay involved, but how things unfold, whether it’s the lighting, mysterious meet ups, traveling in a car with neon lights flashing around every corner while jazz music is playing on the radio, is amazing. When a game can captivate you even without much action involved, that is a sign of something special to me.
Overall, the game has engrossing characters and a captivating world. When you mix that with fun gameplay, cools weapons and abilities, and a gritty Blade Runner aesthetic, you come across a game that hasn’t ever been done like this before.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (September 23rd)
My life is being consumed by Baldur’s Gate 3. This game is so damn good. I’ve been playing it for 45+ hours now (this is not including 20hrs playing before starting a fresh new character).
I decided to go the Underdark route and did as many side quests as I could, including the Adamantine Forge, which included a relatively tough boss fight. Afterward, I back tracked and decided to go through the Mountain Pass to try and absorb as much as I can during my first play through.
I’m now officially in Act II and exploring the Shadow Cursed Lands which is unsettling, but it’s not that difficult to traverse. What is difficult is discussing my experience because it’s very spoiler heavy.
I’m really starting to feel the weight of my choices. Some of outcomes are good, while others have had serious implications. I’m interested in some of my recent decisions because I’m genuinely torn as to whether or not they were good moves, particularly with Lae’zel and Shadowheart’sstory line. I haven’t been nervous for an outcome in an RPG like this in quite some time.
Speaking of Shadowheart, I think I’m on the verge of finding Nightsong for her. The whole quest line has been phenomenal, especially the optional areas that lead to really fun exploration experiences. And the characters and choices along the way (of this particular companion quest) have been interesting. I can see the ripple effects from my decisions in Act 1 which is a sign of excellent writing.
This game is going to go down as one of my favorite games of all time. And in the RPG space, it’s in my top 3. What a year for 2023 — arguably the greatest year of all time in terms of video games.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (September 16th)
I finally beat Sea of Stars and it was absolutely wonderful. I’ve been raving about the game for the past couple of weeks, so I’ll spare you all another rant about the game. All I’ll say is: Go play it.
I’m now playing Baulder’s Gate 3 on the PS5. I’m not sure how long I’ll dabble with the game, but so far it’s quite a masterclass in writing, world-building, and RPG mechanics. I’m also not entirely overwhelmed which is even more astonishing. I thought the onboarding would be a difficult process, but it hasn’t been bad. That said, I still don’t understand a lot of its systems, but I’ve yet to feel punished by them.
So far, I’m not sure what I’m even doing narrative wise. I know the arc, but I’m just walking around, chatting with people, intervening various situations that lead to fun side quests, and most importantly, letting things play out with my choices which is something I never do often. I like being the good guy, and I’ll typically reload a save just to make the right decision — but the writing is so good that I’m fine with how things play out. In fact, I’ve had one party member kill another already, and I’m not even mad about it. I will say, I recommend camping as much as possible. You’ll get some of the best character interactions and overall development that I’ve ever seen in a video game, particularly in this magnitude.
I do have one complaint though — the density. You never seem to have a moment to breathe. You’re always in conversations, or doing some kind of quest, and then another before finishing the prior one and the trend continues. Everything then becomes jumbled and [I] you feel like you’re not having significant meaning behind what you’re doing because you forget about the situation you were last in. I do not like that.
With that said, I did decide to start a completely new play-through yesterday despite having 20+ hrs logged, and halfway through Act 1. I had the house to myself and I was able to truly focus on the characters and environmental storytelling without being interrupted by my wife and child (we have been sick with Covid). I took things at my own pace. Things are now clicking together and I can’t get enough of the game.
BG3 is a new benchmark for CRPGs, or any RPG for that matter. The writing is exquisite, and your choices have genuine consequences that pay off — good or bad. And the level of consistent polish is mind blowing considering the scope of this game. This is quite easily one of the best CRPGs of all time, and may just earn the status as GOAT and GOTY.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (September 9th)
I’m unfortunately sick with Covid, so I don’t know how much energy I have for gaming, but I am solely playing Sea of Stars on the PS5. I thought the hype of Starfield and Baulder’s Gate 3 would sway me to put it aside, but alas, the game has its daggers hooked in me quite deep.
It amazes me how the game continues to evolve and get better every hour of playtime. It’s hard not to be charmed due to the engaging characters (Garl, ftw!), and there are so many surprises, particularly with the gameplay and story. The game is expertly paced. You’re constantly doing something new, and nothing outstays its welcome. And then, there are specific references to The Messenger that has me grinning from ear to ear.
Let’s not forget the soundtrack, which is superb. Even my wife, who doesn’t play video games and always wants me to use a headset, was captivated by the score. That says a lot.
I find this game to be an utter masterpiece. This feeling is bolstered by the incredible sales the game has reached — 250k — despite being on PS Plus and Xbox Game Pass. It goes to show that if you make a really solid game, people will buy it. This is what the industry needs.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (September 2nd)
This week I finished up Red Dead Redemption on the PS5. It took me about 40 hours to get a 90% completion rate. I’ll more than likely take a break and come back and collect the remaining outfits and treasures I’ve missed along my journey. People can call this a barebones port all they want — the game still looks gorgeous, runs fantastic, and is such a fantastic game narratively. It holds up incredibly well, especially in tone and atmosphere. It’s a masterpiece, and I can’t wait to see where the franchise inevitably goes from here.
My main source of gaming will be focused on Sea of Stars for the PS5. So far, the game is excellent and hits all the right notes for a nostalgic 16-Bit RPG experience, similarly to Chained Echoes last year. Thankfully, this game lives up to my own lofty expectations. It features some of the best pixel art I’ve seen in a game and gorgeous cinematics that is bolstered even more by its charming characters and world. And the soundtrack; my god, it’s amazing. My only real complaint is the lack of a map early on, which is minuscule to begin with. This will be my main priority as I wait for Starfield to release, although I’m tempted to obtain early access by buying the premium addition after reading the rave reviews.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (August 26th)
This weekend I am playing Red Dead Redemption on the PS5. I shamefully bought it, but I have gotta say—it looks and runs fantastic. I haven’t played the game since it first released back in 2010. And honestly, it’s nice being back in this world again. It feels like a fresh new experience. The game is also fundamentally better after experiencing its prequel, RDR2. In fact, I think it enhances the overall brilliance because there is more context and history between various characters. It’s safe to say, the game is still a stone cold masterpiece.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (August 19th)
This weekend I’m chipping away at the Uncharted Golden Abyss platinum trophy. I did my first play through without a guide and managed to get all weapon related trophies, and half of the treasures. I’m now going to focus on mopping up the rest of what I’ve missed via a guide and complete the game on crushing mode.
The main game I’m playing, however, is Unit 13 on the Vita. It’s the perfect pick up and play type of game, especially when portable. Missions are only a few minutes long, so you always feel like you’re accomplishing something. There’s a ton of replay value too — getting better rankings, unlocking new weapons and attachments, and there is variety between missions. I’ve been playing the game when on my fifteen minute break or my lunch. It’s very addicting.
I’m now eagerly waiting for Blasphemous 2 and Sea of Stars. I don’t know about anyone else - but I’m going to be eating quite well for the next couple of months!
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (August 12th)
This weekend I’m keeping my gaming pretty light due to work obligations. That said - I’m working my way through Uncharted: Golden Abyss for the first time on the PlayStation Vita. I have the Platinum trophies for Uncharted 1-4, but never got the chance to play this game.
I have to say - I find this game quite remarkable. For starters, the pacing is top notch. Secondly, I’m surprised by how well the controls are, and how the touchscreen isn’t mandatory for the basics - jumping, shooting, and so forth.
Overall, it’s nice to jump back into this universe, particularly when Nolan North is at the helm. Nathan Drake is such a great character. And most importantly, it still feels like an Uncharted game, with its quirky dialog and humor, despite being developed by another studio (Bend).
I’m hoping this game, along with multiple play throughs to get the platinum trophy, will hold me over until Sea of Stars comes out in a couple of weeks.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (August 5th)
I’m in Las Vegas on vacation with my wife —we arrived yesterday morning — so I have my PlayStation Vita with me. Obviously, I won’t be playing a ton of stuff, but I am slowly chipping away at The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel II. It’s a slow burn, but it’s an excellent game. I’m really excited to get to Act II to see the story pick up its pace.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (July 29th)
I’ll be heading to Vegas soon for vacation so for my flight I decided to bust out my PlayStation Vita this weekend and get a good start on The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel II. I played the first one years ago and loved it, but I accidentally broke my handheld but never got around to playing the rest of the series despite owning a PS4 and now PS5.
I also picked up Gravity Circuit for the PS5. This game is rad. It’s essentially an ode to Mega Man X, only with this your combat is melee based rather than long range weaponry. It’s tough as nails, and I’m not entirely sold on the controls, but if you like 2D action platformers, this is a must play.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (July 22nd)
I haven’t played much of anything this week since I was on vacation (Blink-182 was amazing live!) and subsequently worked once I got back; however, I finally beat Final Fantasy 16.
I did absolutely everything you can do - all hunts, trials, side quests, and so forth. Personally, I find it the best PS5 exclusive by a quarter mile and I don’t think I’ll ever forget this experience.
As for what I’ll be playing this weekend - I briefly started Killzone: Liberation on the PSP. I’ve been in an old school mood, and I have had this game in my backlog for a long time. So far, it’s fun. It’s definitely a good palate cleanser from the heavy narrative in FFXVI.
Edit: I decided to buy The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel II. I loved and beat the first game many years ago, and then I accidentally broke my PS Vita and never got around to playing the rest of the series even though I owned a PS4 and now a PS5. I considered the game(s) the perfect handheld JRPG experience - but I am getting another PS Vita soon, and I need another game to tide me over until Starfield releases.
Re: Poll: Which Dormant Nintendo Franchise Would You Most Like To See Return?
If the answer isn’t Golden Sun then you are wrong. Lol.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (July 15th)
I’m not playing anything this weekend because I’m in Nashville, TN with my wife. I surprised her with Blink-182 tickets for her birthday, so we are both excited to celebrate the occasion.
With that said, I’ve still been playing Final Fantasy 16. Unfortunately, I was unable to beat the game before heading out of town, but I am 92% of the way complete, with 64hrs played according to my PSN stats, and 41/50 trophies. I’m taking my time with the game and doing every side quest that comes along.
My thoughts have stayed the same - this game is absolutely incredible. It continues to get better and better as the story progresses, and the side quests - if you do them all as they present themselves - really tell a compelling story towards the end.
The amount of optional cutscenes is fantastic, especially during: Trading Places II; Rekindling the Flame II; Blacksmith Blue’s IV — the side quests that provide signboards to you for the trophy. This, along with the missives that are back at the hideaway provide world-building and character development with fulfilling payoffs.
I’m really looking forward to completing this journey even though I don’t want to end. The last few boss fights and everything leading up to it is phenomenal and I want more. And the soundtrack in its entirety, particularly near the endgame — just wow. Here’s hoping for that potential DLC!
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (July 8th)
This weekend I’m playing Final Fantasy 16 on the PS5. According to the PSN, I’m 70% through the game clocking in at 44hrs. If that’s the case, it has been some of the best forty hours I’ve experienced in this current generation.
It’s crazy how good FFXVI is, at least to me. There are obvious flaws in the game - level design, the lack of proper RPG elements, and not the greatest of side quests - but I can’t stop thinking about the game. The story is absolutely gripping, with memorable characters and excellent voice acting. And the combat is really damn fun.
Now that I’m over halfway through the game, it has opened up a lot more in terms of content, story, quests, and it truly does get better and better as you progress through the game. I really like the structure of the game. Unlike most RPGs (I’m looking at you, Xenoblade Chronicles) you are never bogged down by a list of mundane side quests and conventions. It’s nice to have only two or three side quests available after a main quest. Some of these side quests may be fetch quests, but they are meaningful with the rewards. And these rewards aren’t just items acquired - it’s the character(s) development and world building.
I’ve heard complaints that say this game is “empty”, and I don’t understand that. We are talking about a linear, narrative driven game. Not every game needs to be this massive open world that has bustling towns and cities, with NPCs that you’ll never remember, and quests that are essentially meaningless.
When I hear people say this game is empty, I am confounded because the locations you visit - and I would classify them more as “levels” - do have some sort of life to them. However, these places are simply a serviceable open playground to fight monsters, go on hunts, and get experience. It’s essentially a means to an end to reach the next story beat. And this is fine because, as I stated earlier, FFXVI is a story driven and linear game, focusing on a handful of characters in order to make it feel more of a personal journey.
Honestly, this may be my favorite FF title. It’s easily my favorite PS5 exclusive at the moment. I’m hoping I can beat the game before I head to Nashville, TN next weekend. Regardless, I’m definitely going to do a NG+ in order to get the Platinum trophy, which is something I rarely do.
Re: Poll: What's Your Game Of The Year Of 2023 So Far?
There are so many games midway through the year, but similarly to everyone else, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is my current GOTY. It’s quite possibly my favorite game of all time, which is crazy considering I didn’t like BoTW at all.
Runners up:
Octopath Traveler II
Resident Evil 4 Remake
Dead Space Remake
Hi-Fi Rush
Metroid Prime Remastered
Final Fantasy 16
Diablo IV
Possible contenders in the future:
Starfield
Super Mario Bros. Wonder
Super Mario RPG
Spider-Man 2
Sea of Stars
Interesting that all of the possible contenders start with the letter S.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (July 1st)
This weekend I’m taking a break from Diablo IV and putting in some quality hours in Final Fantasy XVI on the PS5.
So far, the game is excellent. The voice acting is top notch and brings the characters to life. Clive Rosfield and Cid are genuinely deep characters and some of the best in the entire series. And the story is fantastic as well, and well told. It’s dark and twisted, but people seem to forget that FFIV and FFVI are quite similar in nature.
At the moment, I have a love hate relationship with the action. This is certainly a proper FF game through and through with “random” enemy encounters, albeit not turn based. Combat is fast, kinetic, but also as monotone or deep as you want it to be, which is great. With that said, sometimes it’s hard to actually see what’s happening - the vibrant colors overcrowd the screen and it’s hard for me to grasp what’s happening until it’s too late.
Keeping in line with RPGs, I downloaded and purchased Rogue Galaxy. It’s a game I sadly never got the chance to play in the PS2 era even though I’ve always wanted to. I’ve heard nothing but positive things about the game, so I’m looking forward to diving into that this weekend.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (June 24th)
I’m still playing Diablo 4 on my XSX. I don’t have much new to say - the game is still fantastic. I’m currently in Act IV, received a mount (finally), and reached level 50. From here on out, I’m gonna focus on the main story so I can start some new characters to tackle more dungeons and side quests. Oh, and trying not to die by The Butcher for the third time.
I also decided to buy Final Fantasy XVI for the PS5. Let me preface this by saying I did not play the demo, and I avoided all spoilers or discussion regarding it. I haven’t played much, but I did beat the prologue. Holy smokes. The production value alone is mind blowing; but ending of the introduction had me in genuine shock and awe. That stuff was dark as hell, and I love it. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Re: Nintendo Direct Showcase Confirmed For Tomorrow, 21st June
Will they finally give us Windwaker and Twilight Princess? I can only hope; but I doubt it will happen.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (June 17th)
This weekend I’m playing Diablo 4. This game is an absolute blast. I convinced my best friend to buy the game, and now he can’t put it down. This is the first time in years that we have played a game cooperatively, whether with each other or someone else. It’s been really fun, too. We have just reached Act II, as we take our time and do everything we possibly can before venturing off into the main quest.
I chose the Barbarian class. I’m currently working on a crowd control build, and let me tell you - it’s absolutely sensational. My best friend is also playing as a Barbarian, and it’s interesting to see how drastic our builds are; it’s almost as if we are two different classes altogether.
With all of that said - I do have a secondary character that is a Rogue, and I’ll occasionally use him to play cooperatively. This is primarily due to having somewhat of a variety when playing together.
I also find the (side) quests to be fantastic. One in particular stood out titled Malady of the Soul. It turns out to be a lengthy 3-parter that has a good narrative with memorable characters. Another quest that is unforgettable for me is called “Cries of Innocence” (Black Asylum). It is a very twisted story involving a father and son, and it has left a lasting impression.
Overall, the grind and addiction is real. The dopamine I receive from this game is on another level. I can’t wait to play more once I’m off work tonight.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (June 10th)
This weekend I’m playing Diablo IV (Xbox Series X). I finally beat The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom after 120+ hours, and it has gone down as my favorite game of all time. I obviously haven’t done everything in the game - but I’ll come back to it after a well deserved break.
As for Diablo IV - this is such a great game. I’m surprised by how well it functions right out of the gate. It seems quite balanced in its current state, so I’m interested in seeing how future patches and updates tinker that.
I’m really liking the darker and grittier tone of this game more than I did in Diablo 3, all the while keeping 3’s combat in this game. It’s the best of both worlds. I’m currently playing as a Rogue, and I’m pleased by how fun this class can be. It has such an insane amount of options for the build of your preference. I enjoy being able to attack from a distance, or be up close and personal. If you choose the right skill abilities from the start, you will never be at a disadvantage regardless of your play style.
Overall, I’ve been eating good the past month. Diablo IV will no doubt keep my entertained for months to come. So, bring on Hell, baby.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (June 3rd)
This weekend I’m still playing The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. I had to take a four day hiatus since last Friday due to work and family obligations, but I was finally able to pick it back up yesterday, and I made some fun progress.
So far, I’m roughly 80hrs in. I’ve finally unlocked the entire base map and have completed all of the main dungeons/temples. I’ve gotta say - the temple in Gerudo Town was absolutely brilliant. I loved the entire quest line.
Regardless of the hours I’ve poured in, I’m still being surprised by little secrets here and there. In fact, I randomly found the auto-build feature, which in itself was a fun discovery. And with this unearthing, it brings forth two more quests that are extremely valuable to you.
Speaking of, I have fully upgraded my Purah Pad, found the last geoglyph I needed, and retrieved the Master Sword - a quest that simply gave me chills. I’ve also restored The Lost Woods and The Great Deku Tree, bested Master Kohga of the Yiga Clan, and unlocked all memories.
Now it’s time to fight Ganondorf, but before I do I’m going to spend more time in the depths and explore more mysterious things down there. I’m also planning on obtaining each domain’s prized weapon(s) by scouring for diamonds, and tackling side quests.
Overall, I’m simply blown away by how deep this game is, and how there are mysteries around every corner that continuously amaze me. Here is to another week of playing this masterpiece.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (May 27th)
I’m still playing the fantastic The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. My affinity for this game has only increased over time — it’s a masterpiece, and will go down as one of, if not the best game of all time.
I just discovered the auto-build feature, and it has come in handy tremendously. Furthermore, the quest to obtain this ability was incredibly fun, and I happened to stumble upon it by happenstance.
Speaking of quests, the main objectives are truly a joy. I’ve been tackling them a little bit more, and reaching the Water Temple was a real blast — literally. That said, some of the initial quests with the Zora was a little confusing with not a lot of context.
Furthermore, I’m 50 hours in, and I’m still experiencing new things. Last night, I discovered a really cool shrine in a unique way. I found this sky island that had a device that you could interact with. Nearby had a shield that is literally meant for sledding. If you activate it, it creates a green orb that you can sled down and through, and it becomes a relay race of sorts. If you manage to pass through all of the circles without them disappearing it will turn into a shrine to explore.
Overall, I’m still taking my time with this game. I’m continuing making notes and reveling in all of its brilliant glory - and being blown away by the game nearly every second, and around every corner.
Re: Soapbox: Modern Zelda Dungeons Are, In Fact, Divine
I do like classic dungeons, but I’m also really impressed with the modern dungeons, in particular ToTK. It feels more grand, and I like how they can be solved in numerous of ways if you set your mind to it.
With that said, I actually found a really cool shrine that has a classic dungeon feel. I don’t want to spoil how to solve it, you do can obtain a small key from a chest to unlock another area. I found it to be a cool nod to the classic dungeon design.
Re: Zelda: TOTK Playtimes Start To Appear, And Some People Haven't Been Getting A Lot Of Sleep
I’m at about the 35 hour mark and I’ve literally done nothing, yet I’ve done a lot. I know that’s essentially a catch 22, but it’s true. I’ve done two temples (or dungeons, in this case), a handful of shrines, a few side quests here and there, and collected numerous korok seeds.
Honestly, I’m just letting the game come to me, which is rare because I tend to start with a clear objective but with this game, I’m simply exploring and letting the discovery come naturally. I don’t have any quest highlighted or anything. If I just so happen to stumble upon a main quest, so be it; if I find a side quest, perfect; if I find a cave or shrine, I tackle it. I find it much more immersive that way.
As of right now, I have a ton of awesome armor that I discovered in amazing ways. This was an awesome surprise. Even more-so, considering that all of my armor I’ve discovered protects me from each kind of region (cold, hot, thunder, etc.).
I’ve also taken a TON of notes on my phone. I did this with Elden Ring. Any cool location, discovery, cave, or what have you that I’ve found, I write it down. I do this not only for reminders to go back to certain locations, but also because there are an ample amount of amazing things that happen that are really cool memories, and I like to discuss them with friends. That may sound silly, but it’s something I really enjoy.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (May 20th)
This weekend is dedicated to The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. I apologize in advance if this is long and tedious.
I have spent 20hrs + in this game and I haven’t done much of anything yet (I’ve wanted to spend more time with it, but alas, I work full time and I’m married with a child) which is not a bad thing. I’ve done a handful of shrines, completed one main quest after receiving the paraglider - the one involving the Hebra Mountains. Other than that, I’ve done nothing but explore and experience the game at my own pace, in my own unique and personal expedition.
I’m not going to sugarcoat it - this might be the greatest game ever made, and that is surprising to me because I was lukewarm on BoTW. Here, the majority of elements that I wasn’t keen on in BoTW have been revamped with something I thoroughly enjoy: rewarding exploration. In the first game, exploration wasn’t exciting because all it led to was a shrine, or a treasure chest that had five arrows in it, but it took a lot of work to get it. The risk vs. reward wasn’t worth it.
In this game, exploration is so much more rewarding. You can discover caves and wells, some of which contain side quests, shrines, and extra areas to explore if you look closely for destructible walls; or just an enchanting view that creates an innate reaction to reach that location but you’ll end up getting sidetracked because there is a mystery around every corner that is provided a genuine sense of wonder. Everything seems to have depth and layers to it the more you peel away at it.
I want to bring up a slight spoiler. I was exploring a location near a sky view tower. It’s a well hidden cave. As I trekked my way down to the bottom I discovered a shrine. It was on the other side of the cave, upon a ledge you’d have to climb up to. When I jumped down to make my way forward, I got ambushed by a group of gloom hands. I panicked, of course, and used a lot of my weapons and arrows to dismantle them. I thought, “That was tough, but I pulled through, despite losing a few hearts to the gloom.” Immediately after killing them, a boss fight triggered and it was a Phantom Ganon that was in the form of the gloom.It was such a surprising moment - an Elden Ring-ish type of discovery - that blew me away.
And these types of moments keep happening. Again. And again. This game is a GOAT. The Last of Us has always been my favorite game of all time, and I never thought anything could surpass it due to how I connected to it on so many different levels - but ToTK might overtake that spot, which is wild because I haven’t even scratched the surface of this game.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (May 13th)
This weekend I had planned on continuing my journey through the epic Star Wars Jedi Survivor but c’mon - The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom overshadows any other game at the moment.
As someone who was disappointed by BoTW, everything about ToTK somehow managed to excite me. Thankfully, my initial issues with the former seems to be remedied in this sequel - and the way reviews have been indicating, it seems as if this open world is similar in nature to Elden Ring. Add proper dungeons to the mix and a supposedly emotional story, then you have me hooked.
So far, I’ve played a few hours and it’s fantastic. While it may be a little same-y in terms of the tutorial, I still consider it better than BoTW. Personally, I find it to have the best intro in a LoZ game; it was dark, mysterious, and yet charming all at once. Overall, the abilities are simply much more fun to use, and the fusion capability is ingenious.
In terms of what comics I’ve read, the list isn’t much. I finished Frank Miller’s Daredevil Born Again and found it to be exceptional. I’m now jumping into Chip Zdarsky’s run. I’m currently on the third volume and absolutely loving it.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (May 6th)
This week I have completed Dead Island 2. As of right now, it’s in my top five for the GOTY discussion, behind Hi-Fi Rush, Octopath Traveler 2, and RE4 Remake. I really enjoyed the game from start to finish.
My only issue with the game is its lack of guidance on some side quests. Oftentimes, I was left wondering where to go to advance the plot, and it broke my immersion. Nonetheless, it is a fantastic game.
As for the weekend, I shockingly have the place to myself for two days because my wife and child will be out of town. This will be perfect to finally start Star Wars Jedi: Survivor (Xbox Series X).
I’ve also been reading more comics and graphic novels. I’m really enjoying the #1 issues of the new Dawn of DC. Most recently read was Shazam #1 which was wonderful.
Keeping it in the DC family, Peacemaker Tries Hard! #1 was brilliant and I’m looking forward to this current run, along with the upcoming Green Lantern and Titans run.
I also recently finished Kevin Smith’s Daredevil Guardian Devil and it was absolutely brilliant, and quite possibly one of the best graphic novels I’ve ever read. I’m now reading Frank Miller’s Daredevil Born Again, and then I’ll be moving on to Chip Zdarsky’s run into this superhero.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (April 29th)
This weekend I’m playing Dead Island 2. The game is simply dumb fun. Sometimes, I’d rather play a solid 15-20hr linear experience that doesn’t take itself too seriously instead of an emotionally gripping narrative driven game, or a long winded RPG. I’m having a lot of fun with the game, and I find the flesh system quite grotesque and impressive all at once. I’m really looking forward to finishing this one.
I do want to play Star Wars Jedi: Survivor but with Redfall releasing soon, I don’t want to juggle too many games all at once. I’ll probably hold off until mid-summer or so. There are just too many games I’m interested in that are releasing so soon together.
As for my other hobby - I’ve read a few more graphic novels and comics. My list includes:
Batman: Hush
Watchmen
Local Man #1-3 (awesome new series!)
Green Arrow #1 (Dawn of DC) by Josh Williamson - It was very compelling for a first issue, and I’m excited to see what’s next. JW is a very good writer. Also: chainsaw arrow; that is all, folks.
All Eight Eyes #1
Worldtr33 #1
Alien #1
No/One #1
I have Frank Miller’s Daredevil: Born Again arriving in the mail soon. Once I read that I’m going to jump into Chip Dzarsky’s current run of DD. I have the first few volumes, and I’ll probably buy the rest until I’m caught up completely.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (April 22nd)
Today is my birthday, so this weekend my me and my wife are going out of town for celebration. We have all sorts of activities lined up — all thanks to her wonderful planning. It’s safe to say I won’t be playing any video games.
Shockingly, I haven’t played anything in over a week because my new hobby is keeping me occupied. That said, if I do play anything it will be Final Fantasy Pixel Remastered Collection (or, primarily FFVI) on the Nintendo Switch, or Dead Island 2 on the Series X. I’ve put two hours into the latter and it’s been fun so far.
I have also been continuing my journey of collecting and reading graphic novels and comics. So far, I have read:
Batman: Year One // The Dark Knight Returns // Batman: The Long Halloween (one of the greatest pieces of fiction I’ve ever read) // Batman: Dark Victory // TMNT: The Last Ronin
Comics I’ve read this week include:
Wasp #1 // Bloodlines Daughter of Blade #1-3 // Clear #1-2 // Marvel’s Guardian of the Galaxy #1 (2023) // Superman Dawn of DC #1-3 // The Seasons Have Teeth #1 // TerrorWar #1 - and the reason I have that in bold is because it’s quite possibly my new favorite comic, and I’m patiently waiting for the second issue. It features an fun and fantastic premise, and I’m intrigued to see how it turns out because I think it has the potential to be real special.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (April 15th)
@MannequinRaces I just joined! It seems like a really cool community, and informative for a newbie like myself.
Re: Nintendo Announces Indie World Showcase For Tomorrow, April 19th 2023
I have a feeling Vampire Survivors will be announced for the Switch. I hope so, anyway.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (April 15th)
This weekend I’m not sure if I’ll play anything. I’ve been in a reading mood as of late. That said, I did manage to beat Signalis (Xbox Series X). It was fantastic, and one of the best survival horror games I’ve played in a long time, aside from RE4 Remake and Dead Space.
If I do play anything it will be Ryse: Son of Rome on the Xbox Series X. It’s been in my backlog for a long time, so this should tide me over until Star Wars: Jedi Survivor releases. From what I played, it’s pretty fun. I don’t expect much from it, but that’s okay for a short 6-8 hour experience.
As for what I’m reading comic(s) and graphic novel wise - TMNT: The Last Ronin has me hooked. I can’t wait to see how the story unfolds, and how it fares in the AAA gaming space. I’m also going to be reading Batman: Court of Owls.
In terms of Batman stories, I have only read Frank Miller’s Batman Year One and The Dark Knight Returns. It’s an incredibly well written story, with superb artwork. I’m probably going to dive more deeply into his work, particularly with Daredevil. That said, next up on my reading list will be his take on Ronin.
I’m still a beginner, and learning the in’s and out’s of comics, runs, series, omnibus, and what-have-you; but I am learning and have finally come to a somewhat comfortable understanding of how things work in this field. I’m looking forward to when I can have good conversations about my new hobby, and possibly passion.
Re: Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom's Final Pre-Launch Trailer Is Absolutely Stunning
Holy cow - this trailer gave me chills. This is now looking like a proper sequel. May 12th can’t come soon enough.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (April 8th)
This week(end) I finished my first playthrough of the Resident Evil 4 Remake (Xbox Series X). I may start a NG+ and unlock a few more achievements, but I doubt I’ll go for the 100% completion. That said, this will easily go down as one of my all time favorite games.
I have also started Signalis (Xbox Series X). What a gem of a game. I didn’t know if it would hold my attention considering I just beat an all time classic - but this game is punching way above its weight. I’m looking forward to diving deeper into the game.
Other than that, I might take a break from gaming this weekend and do some reading. I’ve been getting into graphic novels as of late - even if my wife thinks I’m a kid, she still supports my interests - and started with Batman Year One. So far, it’s outstanding.
I’m going to read TMNT: The Last Ronin next. I’ve heard this is an incredible story, and with the announcement of a AAA game set in this particular universe, my interest is piqued.
If anyone has any other suggestions for graphic novels to read for beginners (I’m just now starting), feel free to message me. I have Daredevil: Born Again and Infinity Gauntlet on my list to read soon, but I’m welcome to all kinds even if it isn’t superhero related.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (April 1st)
This weekend I won’t be playing Octopath Traveler II because I finally beat the game. What an incredible game and even more fantastic experience. To me, the game belongs in the pantheon of the all-time great JRPGs. It will hands down go in my top 10 of all time in terms of RPGs.
My main game I’ll be focusing on is Resident Evil 4 Remake (Xbox Series X). I’m roughly halfway through the game and it has been wonderful so far.
What I’m impressed by the most is its level design and pacing. As a kid playing originally, these two things never interested me. Now that I’m older and can appreciate the finer things — I see how much difference the little things can make.
The level design is reminiscent of From Software’s Dark Souls series and beyond. Everything interconnects and it’s fascinating to see how it all comes together in an incredible layout, particularly with the castle. And the developers knew how to balance action and horror as you make your way through this backcountry side and ominous castle.There’s never too much of one or the other.
Overall, it’s a superb remake that I find to be essential. I’m glad the fond memories I have playing this game in the GameCube and PS2 era aren’t sullied — in fact, they are probably enhanced.
The last game I’ll be playing is Sifu (Xbox Series X). I recently watched John Wick 4, which is an amazing movie with some of the best fight scenes I’ve ever witnessed on film, so I’ve been in a brawler mood. And yes, I’ve watched The Raid 1 & 2 and The Man From Nowhere.
I played it originally on the PS5 and it quickly earned a spot in one of my favorite PlayStation games, but I never completed it due to Elden Ring releasing shortly thereafter. Now that it has come to Xbox, I decided to support developer Sloclap and purchase the game on this platform. It’s just as good as I remember, if not better.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (March 25th)
This weekend I’m (still) playing Octopath Traveler II (Nintendo Switch). As soon as I thought I was getting fatigued after 70+ hours, I took a two day break from the game and felt recharged to tackle more stories. That statement alone has this as my current GOTY.
As of right now, I have completed two character stories and working on my third. I’m still taking my time—grinding, doing side quests, and exploring. In fact, I just discovered a few secret locations to unlock other jobs. I’m sure many people know about these already, but it was surprising to me considering I haven’t looked up any information in walkthroughs or by word of mouth. It was such a rewarding experience.
This is a game that simply keeps on giving. Hopefully, Square Enix will do the same and release the game on Xbox/Game Pass. OTII is a game that needs more attention because I truly believe it’s one of the greatest JRPGs of all time.
Aside from OPII, half of my attention will be focused on Resident Evil 4 Remake (Xbox Series X). I haven’t played this game since its original release approximately 16 or 17 years on the Nintendo GameCube and subsequently the PS2.
With it being so long since I’ve played this game, the two hours I sunk into the game last night has practically been a fresh experience for me. I’m on chapter 3 and it’s been fantastic so far. That said, I have several fond memories I will never forget, but I have forgotten when and where those moments occur, so I’m curious to see how it makes me react when I come across them again.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (March 18th)
I’m still playing Octopath Traveler II (Nintendo Switch). With 65+ hours, I believe I’m nearing the end, I believe, having the 3rd and 4th chapters left of most characters. I did nothing but grind yesterday, so all of my characters are now level 60 or higher, so I’m going to push through the story now. The fatigue is starting to set in, however, as I want to get around playing some other games. That said, my opinion still hasn’t wavered: OP2 is one of the finest RPGs ever made.
I was going to get around to playing the plethora of games in my backlog, such as Wo Long Fallen Dynasty, Dead Space Remake, and a few others, but I saw that a new DLC campaign mission dropped for one of my favorite games, Sniper Elite 5, and I’ll be jumping back into that world. I find the game to be an utter masterpiece in stealth and level design, and the overall gameplay loop is addicting.
I also purchased Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion and Paranormasight: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo on the Nintendo Switch, so I’ll probably jump into that soon. All of these games mentioned should keep me plenty busy until The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Redfall releases.
Re: Square Enix Launches Huge Switch eShop Sale, Includes Multiple 2022 Titles (North America)
I might pick up Crisis Core. That’s not a bad price at all.
Re: Soapbox: Why I Love Deepnest, Hollow Knight's Most Divisive Area
This was a fantastic piece to read. Unfortunately for me, I just could not enjoy this game. I’ve made several attempts, putting in at least 5+ hours each time, and it just never hooked me. I’m glad that it has for other people. I’ll maybe try it again one day, and I’ll probably play Silksong when that comes out.
Re: Review: Dead Cells: Return To Castlevania - An Intense, Brilliant Nostalgia Trip To Dracula's Castle
I dabbled in the Castlevania DLC for a few hours once I could pull myself away from Octopath Traveler 2, and it’s a fantastic mesh of Dead Cells rougelike gameplay and the 2D action platforming of Castlevania. It’s such a perfect pairing, and I’m surprised it took so long to consider the idea. I wonder if they will incorporate any other games into their product. I love reading the little book in the beginning that talks about Blasphemous, Hollow Knight, and all of those other games. It’s a hilarious nod.