MischiefMaker

I started playing In The Breach again earlier in the week (after finishing Earthbound), not even aware of the new DLC. I’ve played a ton of that this weekend, trying to complete more of the medals and unlocks before trying the new content.

Also Spelldrifter on iPad, making use of another free Apple Arcade trial. It’s a deck builder SRPG and seems pretty fun.

Finally finished EarthBound this morning. Quite a ride! Don’t want to start another ‘big’ game before my hols in just over a week, but might play a bit of mk8 deluxe or into the breach perhaps if I get time.

And try not to melt of course.

Near the end of Earthbound at last. Glad I’ve played it but don’t think I’d play through a second time. Also played a bit of Grindstone but on my phone since I have a couple of months free Apple Arcade - way more addictive than I was expecting

Argh I really want to, it’s also been on my wish list for like, ever, but I’m really trying not to buy new games until I’ve cleared at least some of my existing backlog. I’m almost through Earthbound I think, but on hols in a few weeks and I won’t be taking my Switch. Just going to have to resist this one for now, but I look forward to reading the comments

Still EarthBound, only getting 3 or 4 hours a week at the moment. Think I’m in the last probably quarter of the game though. Think the music is what I’ll remember most about this game.

A tiny bit of slay the spire too.

I didn’t play this but reading about it I really want to. But then I have almost 200 other games on my wish list and about 2 years worth of backlog that I already own. I could do with quitting my job really but apparently I’m supposed to pay the mortgage and feed the kids. Oh well.

I loved this game but couldn’t be bothered to play it 3 times as it was a relief when I finally completed it. Kind of sad that I sold it a while back, although I’m not sure I’d play through it again now given the backlog of new games vs amount of available gaming time, and I suspect it would frustrate me to play it now. But yeah, really fond memories so perhaps best to stay that way.

Not a whole load of video game time at the moment. Picked up earthbound again after a couple of weeks off, aiming to try and finish before I go on hols in a few weeks. More Slay the Spire too although thinking I should probably give it a rest for a while as it’s starting to get a little boring… just can’t seem to stop though!

America, purely for the nostalgia value. My did picked me up a second hand copy of this back in the day on a work trip to the states (I was after ff legend 3) and after I managed to borrow a pal converter I was hooked.

But looking at it with fresh eyes I would probably go Japan as I do love that image (I even have a notebook with it from Redbubble)

Very little this weekend. If I get chance, continue on in Earthbound, and probably some slay the spire. Have also been thinking about Into The Breach so maybe a bit of that.

This is making me want to play the game, but I’m still halfway through Earthbound with a bunch of other games I have backlogged (and I also just acquired my first 3ds game in years - Ever Oasis - after making the decision not to take my switch in my upcoming family backpack around Italy)

In other Backlog Club news, just when I thought I was getting bored of Slay the Spire I finally beat Ascension level 5 with ironclad yesterday after several failed attempts and suddenly I can’t stop thinking about it again…

Continuing in earthbound, think I’m nearly done in Fourside. Still enjoying it overall, some bits got a bit tedious but the comments on this site recently suggested it picks up from here so will keep going.

More slay the spire, can’t drag myself away.

Have also, almost by accident got a bit addicted to nes gradius. I played it on the actual nes many years ago but have never been much of one for shooters. I don’t really have the patience to play the same bits over and over in order to get good enough. But for some reason it seems to have dug it’s 8-bit claws into me.

I agree with To The Moon for sure.

First game that hit me with the feels was final fantasy 6 (or 3 as it was then in the west). I was astounded that a video game could do that. There’s some pretty heavy themes going on at the start of the second half of that game. I know ff7 has a more famous moment in it but it didn’t have quite the same resonance for me.

I seem to remember that early ds game being pretty sad too but I can’t recall the name of it or even what happens. It was a story based game, quite short, that made lots of use of the ds hardware. EDIT: another code - two memories. Googled it. Still don’t recall the specifics though.

Oxenfree had its moments too as I recall. And when it comes to Zelda, actually BOTW had an overall tinge of sadness. I know the story (the memories) only made up a small part of the game, but the flashbacks to what was with Zelda and the champions, contrasted against Link battling all alone a hundred years in the future, had a certain poignancy.

I’m only in Threed, not overly thrilled with the grind but going to persist as I am really enjoying the general tone and humour. Although for some reason whenever I think about the game I hear Golf Story music in my head. I guess the latter was probably influenced by Earthbound to some degree.

Yes I do agree it’s a little unfriendly to beginners but probably wasn’t in the 90s, when you got a new game and it was basically all you had to play so you were happy to just pootle around in the game’s world for hours on end. I don’t think it’s unfair to ask the gamer to stick with it, but of course many gamers nowadays will just get fed up and bail, as I have done with a few other games.

I’m not doing next months game so will endeavour to finish this by the end of the month, as well as more slay the spire of course (although I seem to have hit a wall at ascension level 5 with most characters)

Continuing slowly but surely with Earthbound. Just got the second character. Also a bit of MK8 deluxe multiplayer with the kids. Sadly now reached the point where my son is just about better than me. Sigh.

Also he will be getting wii sports switch or whatever it’s called for his birthday on Monday so no doubt some of that (technically not the weekend I know, but it’s school holidays and I’ve got the day off so I’m counting it, ok?)

Just a bit of earthbound and some more slay the spire. Not a whole load of video game time for me this weekend

This game genuinely made me feel anxious playing with headphones, and I’m not an anxious person in general. A really good game, although I didn’t get past about half way as I just found it too hard, to the point where I wanted to play something else. It’s meant to be hard though, I don’t see it as a fault with the game.

@KateGray Ooh exciting! The dopamine hit when you smack every enemy with lightning 15 times in one turn is REAL

@KateGray No you tell ME about it! I made the mistake of starting a run in my lunch break today (ascension level 4, not showing off, promise) working from home and failed to put it down when I had to join a zoom call (camera off) after. I don’t think i was very productive…

I’m still near the start, enjoying the humour and music but already a little bored of the battles. Hopefully this will improve once I have more party members! Think I need to try and find a few hours to power through the early game. Difficult given my recent re-addiction to slay the spire thanks to this backlog club 😁

I have put Skyrim aside for a bit to play Earthbound. Also a bit of Slay The Spire and some board games. And Duolingo on my phone…. does that count?

Skyrim but planning on starting Earthbound soon for the backlog club. Also trying to ween myself off slay the spire again as I seem to be in remission

I’ve never played Earthbound (despite buying on virtual console many years ago) so this is a good reason to give it a go.

I don’t have any of the games on next months list but that’s ok, gives me more time to finish earthbound (after wrapping my current Skyrim quests)

Oh and I also had a run this morning with defect where I chose to replace my starting relic at the start, and it gave me the one that gives you extra energy each turn but no longer able to rest. That one was a challenge (I didn’t last long, hit some enemies that whittled down my hp in the first act and I couldn’t recover - the extra energy doesn’t help much when you don’t have lots of decent cards!)

But that’s what I love about the game - the way it throws up these different conditions that make you think and try to alter your setup accordingly.

I think defect or silent is my favourite but I like playing with all of them. They all have multiple ways of playing that can feel ridiculously overpowered when you get it just right, but can see you wiped out really quickly when you get it wrong.

The Watcher is probably hardest for me but funnily enough was the first character I beat the corrupt heart with. I think I swapped my relic at the very start of the game and got the one that means you retain your hand, thought ‘how on earth can I play with that??’ And then managed to build a great deck around it, with lots of big hitter cards and stance change cards that I could just keep until I could play a really big turn. I’m sure I must have had lots of other complimentary relics and powers as well.

Played again this morning on A4 with defect and had one of those runs where I was just hitting every enemy with tons of lightning every turn, as well as lots of 0 cost attacks and the card that lets you put them all back in your hand. Lots of fun.

Cards or energy - depends on my deck I guess.

Nemesis - not sure but probably some of the hallway fights rather than a boss. Those ones that steal your gold are really annoying if you don’t have what you need to take them out quickly.

Ah, what a game though. And some of the comments are making me want to pick up into the breach for a couple of goes again.

Skyrim, but think I might finish the current main quest I’m on and then pick up something else for a bit, come back to Skyrim in a few weeks or months. Might go for Earthbound SNES, first of the bioshock games or one of my other backlogged games.
Maybe some mk8deluxe with the kids - tried the battle mode last weekend and seems pretty enjoyable.

Oh and Slay the Spire on iPad. So addictive.

Slay the spire (on ipad), inspired by the club. Managed to beat ascension level 2 with the Defect and 3 with the silent. Think I need to put it down again for a while before it takes over my life.

Skyrim on switch.

But my bro and family are staying so more time in board games (co op ones - Aeons End, Spirit Island and Epic Dungeon)

Never made that connection between majora’s mask and the millennium before which was literally at about the same time. I mean, obviously it just came and went but there was that feeling of this big impending event and no one really knew what would happen.

Of course, the moon didn’t crash into the earth, but maybe that’s because a boy from another reality came here and sorted it all? Or maybe I’ve had too much wine and should go to bed. Yes, I think it’s probably that one.

@Rainz Yeah there’s definitely some clunk to Skyrim, and it took a bit of getting used to coming from BOTW (just not being able to climb anything felt quite restrictive at first, and there’s so many different stats to level and directions to build you character in). But lots of strengths, and I think if you go in with the intention to explore, grow your character in your own way and experience your own stories rather than complete every quest then you’ll likely get a lot out of it.

Oh, and often you’ll see new cards or relics and just think ‘why would I ever go for that?’ as it just seems weak or random or just doesn’t work with everything else you have. But then if you try and focus on ways you could use it (or, you know, just google it) you come across totally different strategies based around that one thing.

Ok I’m gushing, but this game really does have layers of depth that reveal themselves over hours of play.

The thing that has kept me coming back to this game is just how different each run can be. You can hit on a strategy but then you get some random relic early on that, if you go with it and build your deck around that, ends up with you playing in a completely different way. And all of the characters play so differently to start with. So much variety.

One tip (I play on iPad but assume it’s the same on switch?) - after a few runs it can be worth looking in the settings for the option that speeds up the animations, just to keep things moving once you have the hang of the game.

On another note, much as I love this game, starting a run late in the evening is just doom for me. End up playing well into the night, and then when I do put it down and try to get some sleep all I can see are cards and eldritch monsters flashing in front of my eyes. I think I might have a problem!

Might have to get Quake and doom 64. I am currently playing Skyrim - I started over a year ago and tend to play for a few weeks and then put it down for a while to play something else, then come back again. I think I enjoy it more each time I come back to it. Gradually exploring the world, discovering new people and stories, improving my character, joining various organisations etc. There are some elements that frustrate a bit but it’s still a fantastic experience.

Visiting family this weekend and the switch really comes into its own as I got to explore Skyrim this morning. That’s probably about it for me as the rest of the weekend will be food, drink and family.

Love it. First 2 things jumped out at me straight away on that first image - vital stat that the cart is 8 whole Meg! And I think they were described in megabits as well for some reason so it’s more like 1 megabyte ( I could be wrong).

And second, the rrp for this flagship game 30 years ago is not much different to today. It’s like video games have somehow avoided inflation.

Slay the Spire works well on iPad - sunk well over 100 hours there, probably closer to 200. Would play in my phone too but sadly it doesn’t support cross saves and I’m not sure I can be bothered to unlock everything again

Picked up Skyrim again, no doubt I’ll enjoy wandering around it for a while and then put it down for something else on the backlog. Feels like I’m destined to play this game off and on for years

Finished Hob, what a great game! So probably just some MK8 and maybe some nes/SNES in the switch online as I haven’t played any of the games released for those in probably a year

Have barely touched mine in years, but planning a 3 week holiday around Italy this summer - don’t fancy lugging the switch around so think I’ll crack out the new 3ds xl- quite excited about the prospect! My son has a couple of 3ds carts I never got round too, and might download a couple of games too.

Not much video game action at the moment from me. Have played a bit more of baba is you and might continue in Hob if I get chance. Spent more time on board games, with a solo effort in Spirit Island this morning (lost but really enjoyed) and maybe some lighter board games this evening with friends. But first, picnic in the sun

@dugan Yep same here. I often get frustrated with games with backtracking or getting stuck but just enjoying the world of Hob

Still playing Hob. Probably 80% handheld so a few frame rate hiccups etc but still a brilliant game, really enjoying it. I bought mk8 deluxe a few weeks ago but can’t decide whether to pay for the dlc or get the extra online sub. Not sure how much I’ll bother with the n64 and megadrive games but I would like to at least play them a bit. But then do I really want to tie myself into annual payments to continue playing the new mk courses? Decisions decisions….

Playing Hob. Despite a couple of one off bugs I’m really enjoying it. Also a bit of mk8 deluxe.

Started Hob which I forgot I bought a few months ago. Only about an hour in but liking it so far. Also a bit of Mario kart 8, much fun.

As I suspected after picking up minecraft again a couple of weeks ago and really enjoying it I’ve run out of steam. Not much video game time this weekend but I might either play a bit of Mario kart and Into the Breach, or pick up where I left on Skyrim a while back, or start the first Bioshock.

Splatoon 2 came with a T-shirt or baseball cap from the Nintendo uk store so will wait and see if they do the same this time. I’ve also bought a couple of unofficial splatoon tees from Redbubble based on some of the in game brands - so cool.

Gone back to a couple of older games. I finally caved and ordered MK8 deluxe a couple of weeks ago (just before the dlc announcement by coincidence) - been on the fence since it was released as I have it on wii u, but really enjoying playing it again, and having it on switch makes it easier to pick up and play.

Also decided to play minecraft - it has seen countless hours of play on various consoles in my house due to the kids, but I’ve only ever dabbled. Not sure if I’ll lose interest again this time but I’ve been playing for probably 10 hours or so over the last week and I’m enjoying the freedom, creativity and exploration.

Final fantasy x. Getting near the end I think, ready to move on to something else. Not sure I’ll actually finish this weekend as limited gaming time as ever. Also got Baba is you, albeit for the iPad. Lovely brain- scratchiness.

While my son is all-in on the new Pokémon, I’m getting on with final fantasy x. Near the end so looking forward to seeing how it plays out and then moving on to something else.

I’m another one that bounced off this. I did like the quirky nostalgia and wanted to find out what happened but didn’t enjoy the gameplay enough to see it through. I picked it up for cheap so don’t regret it, and it was memorable so that definitely counts for something but yeah, won’t be going back to it.

Still ploughing through final fantasy x. Grind gets a bit wearisome at times but overall enjoying it. Also This War Of Mine for the odd few minutes here and there. My guys are not doing so well…