Video games...what ya playing? And what are you looking forward to? (9 Viewers)

[ShamrockPride]

I cannot overstate this enough, it is not made by EA. It is made by Bioware. It is published by EA, which yes is absolutely a negative. Still, none of your original claims have any basis in reality. I'm not trying to sell you on playing the game; it's perfectly understandable if looter/shooters aren't your thing.

But for the sake of other people trying to decide on playing this game, or any other game, spreading a bunch nonsense off the top of your head based on ignorant assumptions is not helpful.

Sure, my mistake. Publishers vs Devs, I get them mixed often tbh. Either way, EA has a stigma in the industry that we both agree with. Much of what I said was opinion based, and other points like my expectations of the heavy DLC/loot box content, is simply based upon things this exact same publisher has done in the past (i.e. Battlefront 2). I don't see the nonsense in pointing out the company's history, and why it may give some pause.

And I don't mean to dissuade anyone. This is a thread of gamers. I'd expect most in here who are going to spend a hard earned $60 are going to be smart about it and do some research, read up on a game, and check some gameplay for themselves before making a decision, and then maybe coming here as a source for some secondary discussion.

 

[-arcK-]

Sure, my mistake. Publishers vs Devs, I get them mixed often tbh. Either way, EA has a stigma in the industry that we both agree with. Much of what I said was opinion based, and other points like my expectations of the heavy DLC/loot box content, is simply based upon things this exact same publisher has done in the past (i.e. Battlefront 2). I don't see the nonsense in pointing out the company's history, and why it may give some pause.

And I don't mean to dissuade anyone. This is a thread of gamers. I'd expect most in here who are going to spend a hard earned $60 are going to be smart about it and do some research, read up on a game, and check some gameplay for themselves before making a decision, and then maybe coming here as a source for some secondary discussion.

Fair enough, no harm done. I apologize if I came across as antagonistic. It just rankles me because the things you said about Anthem are things I'm seeing all over the place and I'm wondering why people are parroting incorrect information.

But yes EA has earned its terrible reputation. I think in the case of Anthem, however, it's important to point out that because of EA's history, especially recently, Bioware has much more leverage than they normally would on how this game is being handled. EA has crapped the bed and they know it, so they've had to take a step back to avoid another PR catastrophe.

Thus Bioware has been completely upfront with players on exactly how Anthem will be monetized. And I think they're doing it in a way that I'd like to see other AAA titles handled in the future. They've stated that story/mission/map content DLC will come at no cost, to avoid splitting the player base. It will be funded by purchases of cosmetics, and potentially add-on classes. No loot boxes, no pay-to-win items. Only optional items that no one really needs to play the all game content. Insein has pointed out that there's a possibility those items might seem pretty expensive. We don't know yet, but for me personally, if they don't seem like good value I just won't buy them. I'll vote with my wallet.

As for the Destiny comparison, I've played both games and I'd say Anthem is more akin to a Mass Effect/Diablo hybrid. Again, I'm not trying to sell you, just putting all this out there for everyone else's benefit on a game they may or may not yet be considering.

 

[Foosball God]

I'm also in the camp of I'll let the price come down.  It probably helps (hurts?) that it doesn't appear to be the type of game I gravitate towards so it makes it easier.  I also think the latest Fallout has me re-evaluating getting most titles the minute they come out.  To be sure there will still be a handful I will get no matter what, and maybe some of it is just the amount of time I have available to game these days.

 

[-arcK-]

I'm also in the camp of I'll let the price come down.  It probably helps (hurts?) that it doesn't appear to be the type of game I gravitate towards so it makes it easier.  I also think the latest Fallout has me re-evaluating getting most titles the minute they come out.  To be sure there will still be a handful I will get no matter what, and maybe some of it is just the amount of time I have available to game these days.

In hindsight I'm so glad I bought FO76 at a discount. I only got a few weekends out of it and now it's collecting dust. Paying full price would have been a real kick in the nuts.

Agreed on waiting is usually the best policy. I purchase very few games these days at full price. Anthem will be a rare day 1 buy for me, but I've followed its development long enough to feel pretty good about that decision. CyberPunk 2077 may possibly be another, as far as new or unknown IPs go.

 

[thecatch]

I’ll buy Anthem if there’s a meaningful single player experience with a good story.  If it’s solely a Destiny/Borderlands 1/Diablo loot fest, no thanks. 

 

[shadyridr]

Just checked my stats for Assassins Creed Odyessy:

32 hours, 30% complete

Still not bored yet. Loving the exploration

 

[-arcK-]

Just checked my stats for Assassins Creed Odyessy:

32 hours, 30% complete

Still not bored yet. Loving the exploration

I've seen this on sale a few times for 30 bucks. When it hits 20 or so I think I'll have to pull the trigger. I loved the previous one in Egypt. Played 100+ hours and got close to a platinum trophy, but then lost my save.

 

[Insein]

Can't you say that about every RPG? The Witcher,  Tomb Raider, Fallout, even Mass Effect etc. Loot, level, loot, level, rinse and repeat.

The good/great games don't pull that pay-to-win ####, but even they offer pre-order or GOTY bonus perks but they are never relevant to enjoying a story driven game. It's when you get into the MMO arena with limited story and a bunch of needy spazzes running around screaming PEW-PEW-PEW and rage quitting that the scheme becomes insidious.

Borderlands is entirely the former and has the unique distinction of being perhaps the best co-op series ever. They do have the golden key system, or whatever, that gives access to some unique loot but they are very generous giving out free keys if you follow Randy Pitchford's Twitter feed.  But not having that loot does not inhibit enjoying the game.

Good RPGs are about the story and the combat is a means to get to that end. The driving force of Mass Effect and Dragon Age is not the combat. It's the conversations and interactions you have with the characters and NPCs. Same with a Fallout or Witcher type game. Tomb Raider and Uncharted are more 3D platformers. There's some upgrades and better guns but they are all linear design to help you on the higher levels. The point is that all of those games are story driven and have a specific beginning middle and end. 

Anthem and Destiny and games of that I'll have a loose story to explain the basics of why you are where you are but the driving force is always shooting swarms of enemies to get their sweet loot so you can go kill more swarms of enemies to get different loot. There isn't really an end to the game. It just goes on forever. 

 

[Insein]

I’ll buy Anthem if there’s a meaningful single player experience with a good story.  If it’s solely a Destiny/Borderlands 1/Diablo loot fest, no thanks. 

There is no single player content. All online multiplayer either with friends or randos. Some semblance of a story. Not sure to what extent. That's not the sell of this game though. If you liked Mass Effect Andromedas multiplayer, then you get more of that but on a much larger world with prettier graphics and you can fly a mech suit. That's about it.

 

[-arcK-]

There is no single player content. All online multiplayer either with friends or randos. Some semblance of a story. Not sure to what extent. That's not the sell of this game though. If you liked Mass Effect Andromedas multiplayer, then you get more of that but on a much larger world with prettier graphics and you can fly a mech suit. That's about it.

Technically not true. Aside from 3 strongholds specifically built for 4 players, you can play the story missions solo all the way to the end, if you choose to. I will probably opt for solo when my friends aren't available.

But as you pointed out, playing co-op with buddies is the game's big draw.

 

[thecatch]

There is no single player content. All online multiplayer either with friends or randos. Some semblance of a story. Not sure to what extent. That's not the sell of this game though. If you liked Mass Effect Andromedas multiplayer, then you get more of that but on a much larger world with prettier graphics and you can fly a mech suit. That's about it.

I’ve seen some interviews where they are trying to make it sound like there is some value for players who like story-driven gameplay. That could be and probably is lip service as you suggest. It blows my mind that EA is taking the #1 RPG studio and making them push out a Destiny clone. 

 

[Poke_4_Life]

Has there been any talk in here about Days Gone?  PS4 exclusive set for release on 4/26/2019, first announced in 2016.  Supposed to be single player only, no online.  I stumbled upon the trailer earlier this week and was intrigued.  

Harsh Open World: Using the power of PlayStation 4 and Unreal Engine 4, Days Gone offers an incredibly realistic and detailed open-world experience. But be careful— day and night cycles, all affect gameplay and enemy behavior.

Brutal Sandbox Combat: Perfect your gameplay with an endless combination of strategy and play in every situation. Craft customized items using pieces and parts found in the field, from brutal melee weapons to traps and more.

Compelling Story: At its core, Days Gone is about survivors and what makes them human: desperation, loss, madness, betrayal, friendship, brotherhood, regret, love— and hope. It’s about how hope never dies.

 

[-arcK-]

I have friends excited about it but I haven't followed it. What little I have seen does look fun, though. Seems like your maintaining and upgrading your motorcycle is big part of the game play. I'll likely give it a go at some point, always up for a zombie massacre.

 

[ShamrockPride]

Has there been any talk in here about Days Gone?  PS4 exclusive set for release on 4/26/2019, first announced in 2016.  Supposed to be single player only, no online.  I stumbled upon the trailer earlier this week and was intrigued.  

I really want to give this game a chance and probably will when price drops, but man it's disappointing it doesn't have an online component. That's a must have for me with any zombie title. I think the zombie genre is the most fun to play with friends.

 

[Poke_4_Life]

I really want to give this game a chance and probably will when price drops, but man it's disappointing it doesn't have an online component. That's a must have for me with any zombie title. I think the zombie genre is the most fun to play with friends.

In some ways I'm opposite.  I love single player open world games.  FO4, RDR2, etc.  

 

[Insein]

I’ve seen some interviews where they are trying to make it sound like there is some value for players who like story-driven gameplay. That could be and probably is lip service as you suggest. It blows my mind that EA is taking the #1 RPG studio and making them push out a Destiny clone. 

It doesn't really sound like it to me. The "single player content" is basically the multiplayer content as a solo player. Plus it doesn't allow you to solo the strongholds (dungeons). The developers flat out said "solo players may find the game play not as rewarding" as co-op players.

https://gamerant.com/anthem-game-single-player/

 

[IvanKaramazov]

I'm about halfway through my first run of the Resident Evil 2 remake.  I'm exploring every nook and cranny and generally taking it very slow, but now I'm starting to have a good sense of the map.  I have about five hours of total playtime, and I'm very confident that I could get back to where I currently am in an hour or so now that I know what I'm doing.  This is a lot like RE7 in the sense that you spend a lot of time in a relatively small area, but the map is extremely well-designed and you develop a good mental image of how things are laid out after a while.  I'm looking forward to doing multiple runs of this game.

One note that folks need to be aware of before buying is that this game employs the "Invincible Evil Guy Who Follows You Around Relentlessly" mechanic for portions of the game.  I'm not a huge fan of that personally and I kind of wish it hadn't found its way into this title.

 

[Mad Cow]

As a VR update, I played a little of one of the freebie games which is basically a shooter where you have waves of robots attacking and you have to destroy them.  I cannot believe how many times I was jumping because the graphics and 3D looked so good.

 

[Insein]

I'm about halfway through my first run of the Resident Evil 2 remake.  I'm exploring every nook and cranny and generally taking it very slow, but now I'm starting to have a good sense of the map.  I have about five hours of total playtime, and I'm very confident that I could get back to where I currently am in an hour or so now that I know what I'm doing.  This is a lot like RE7 in the sense that you spend a lot of time in a relatively small area, but the map is extremely well-designed and you develop a good mental image of how things are laid out after a while.  I'm looking forward to doing multiple runs of this game.

One note that folks need to be aware of before buying is that this game employs the "Invincible Evil Guy Who Follows You Around Relentlessly" mechanic for portions of the game.  I'm not a huge fan of that personally and I kind of wish it hadn't found its way into this title.

But this is the title that made that a thing. I feel it's perfectly warranted in this kind of game. Especially since like you said, you've played for several hours and are starting to feel comfortable and confident. Just when you get that way, the game flips that on it's head and says nope. Solve #### with this ******* on your heels now. It gives an even further sense of dread.

I can't wait for RE3 Remake with Nemesis. He's gonna make Mr X look like a regular zombie.

 

[GroveDiesel]

Did anyone else get the emails from Ubisoft about the Division 2 beta?



Oops.

If you didn't, they sent out an email promoting their beta with the subject line "Come see what a real government shutdown looks like" followed a few hours later by another email apologizing profusely and trying to do damage control for trivializing the shutdown.

 

[ShamrockPride]

Did anyone else get the emails from Ubisoft about the Division 2 beta?



Oops.

If you didn't, they sent out an email promoting their beta with the subject line "Come see what a real government shutdown looks like" followed a few hours later by another email apologizing profusely and trying to do damage control for trivializing the shutdown.

Obligatory "Oof."

 

[Chaka]

I honestly know next to about Anthem but I'm baffled by people who didn't find the Borderlands story to be awesome and ####### hilarious.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I honestly know next to about Anthem but I'm baffled by people who didn't find the Borderlands story to be awesome and ####### hilarious.

I thought the Borderlands 1 story was ok but still really funny, but Borderlands 2 was both brilliant and really funny especially adding in back story that helps flesh out #1 and probably the best use of NPC's I have ever seen in a video game by turning the playable characters in 1 into NPC's of 2.

Claptrap was consistently funny and Tina Tina in 2 deserved some sort award for humor.

 

[Chaka]

I thought the Borderlands 1 story was ok but still really funny, but Borderlands 2 was both brilliant and really funny especially adding in back story that helps flesh our #1 and probably the best use of NPC's I have ever seen in the video game by turning the playable characters in 1 into NPC's of 2.

Claptrap was consistently funny and Tina Tina in 2 deserved some sort award for humor.

Tiny Tina

 

[DallasDMac]

Has there been any talk in here about Days Gone?  PS4 exclusive set for release on 4/26/2019, first announced in 2016.  Supposed to be single player only, no online.  I stumbled upon the trailer earlier this week and was intrigued.  

Read about this one in Game Informer a few months back. Sounded really promising to me. Looking forward to reading reviews once it comes out.

 

[Insein]

I honestly know next to about Anthem but I'm baffled by people who didn't find the Borderlands story to be awesome and ####### hilarious.

I enjoyed the humor. The endless fighting just got boring to me after awhile. Combine that with never having time to play with friends and the humor was not enough to carry me through solo. 

 

[Chaka]

I enjoyed the humor. The endless fighting just got boring to me after awhile. Combine that with never having time to play with friends and the humor was not enough to carry me through solo. 

Gotta play BL with friends. Just gotta.

As a solo experience it's fine but as a co-op experience it is transcendent. BL2 is the best co-op game ever. I hope, pray, sacrifice animals that BL3 happens.

 

[GroveDiesel]

Gotta play BL with friends. Just gotta.

As a solo experience it's fine but as a co-op experience it is transcendent. BL2 is the best co-op game ever. I hope, pray, sacrifice animals that BL3 happens.

That studio is apparently a total mess and the guy that runs is seems insane. I'm not sure that they'll even be around much longer.

 

[Chaka]

That studio is apparently a total mess and the guy that runs is seems insane. I'm not sure that they'll even be around much longer.

Yeah I read about some crazyness between Pitchford and corporate counsel.  Such a shame if that derails the BL series.

 

[Mad Cow]

I tried playing the pre-sequel BL and never really got into it as much.  Hard to replicate those first 2.

 

[Chaka]

I tried playing the pre-sequel BL and never really got into it as much.  Hard to replicate those first 2.

Agreed. But I still have hope for a BL3.

 

[Sand]

Did anyone else get the emails from Ubisoft about the Division 2 beta?



Oops.

If you didn't, they sent out an email promoting their beta with the subject line "Come see what a real government shutdown looks like" followed a few hours later by another email apologizing profusely and trying to do damage control for trivializing the shutdown.

PC ninnies.  That's pretty funny stuff, there.

 

[Dickies]

I honestly know next to about Anthem but I'm baffled by people who didn't find the Borderlands story to be awesome and ####### hilarious.

Anthem looks more like Destiny than Borderlands.  I really wanted to like Destiny, but the base game feels like it's incomplete.... of course they have hundreds of dollars worth of DLC to fix that.  Meh.

Borderlands 1 was a great game, but Borderlands 2 improved on it in almost every imaginable way.  The story was fantastic and hilarious.  The Torgue and Tiny Tina DLCs were more enjoyable on their own that most stand-alone games I've played.  I put more time into that game than any other in the last 15 years.

 

[Dickies]

I tried playing the pre-sequel BL and never really got into it as much.  Hard to replicate those first 2.

Agreed.  I got the Handsome Collection on PS4 primarily for the Pre-Sequel, but it's a struggle to get through.  The maps feel way too big which makes the side missions feel tedious, the low gravity is annoying, and the story feels uninspired despite having a great premise.  I still haven't finished one play-through even though I revisit it every few months.

 

[EYLive]

Gotta play BL with friends. Just gotta.

As a solo experience it's fine but as a co-op experience it is transcendent. BL2 is the best co-op game ever. I hope, pray, sacrifice animals that BL3 happens.

Is there couch co-op? I'm getting my wife into gaming. (She's terrible, but enthusiastic and learning).

 

[ConnSKINS26]

Is there couch co-op? I'm getting my wife into gaming. (She's terrible, but enthusiastic and learning).

Yeah the Borderlands franchise is one of the few last bastions of split screen play. It's a blast that way, played all of them with my gf that way

 

[Chaka]

Is there couch co-op? I'm getting my wife into gaming. (She's terrible, but enthusiastic and learning).

I don't think so.  Pretty sure it's all online but I never played on consoles so that may be different.

 

[Dickies]

I don't think so.  Pretty sure it's all online but I never played on consoles so that may be different.

You're wrong.  BL2 definitely has couch co-op.

 

[Chaka]

You're wrong.  BL2 definitely has couch co-op.

Cool.  Like I said, I never played on consoles.

 

[-arcK-]

Is there couch co-op? I'm getting my wife into gaming. (She's terrible, but enthusiastic and learning).

A few years back my gf really struggled on first person shooters. Now we play BL2 pretty often and I'm continually amazed at how improved she is. We can run the 3rd play-through difficulty level without much trouble. BL2 is a super fun way to bond together. Next thing you know you won't need couch co-op anymore because she'll want her own console.

 

[TLEF316]

Yeah borderlands 2 was an incredible game. I don't like FPS single player modes at all and I played through that game 3 times plus the dlc and a ton of boss farming runs to try and get rare loot.

Top 10 game of all time for me

 

[GroveDiesel]

Anyone play the Epic Tales Borderlands game, get all the way through while saving tons of $ and choose the secret mystery character at the end?

 

[EYLive]

A few years back my gf really struggled on first person shooters. Now we play BL2 pretty often and I'm continually amazed at how improved she is. We can run the 3rd play-through difficulty level without much trouble. BL2 is a super fun way to bond together. Next thing you know you won't need couch co-op anymore because she'll want her own console.

Awesome. If my wife gets her own console... I won't have to share mine... waiting for her to sort her Diablo 3 inventory is how serial killers are created.

 

[DallasDMac]

Someone stole my Gilded Grasshopper! Seriously, what's the point of building a house for yourself in Fallout 4 if people can just walk in and steal your stuff? I never had ANYTHING disappear out of my cribs in other Fallout games. WTH?

 

[SlaX]

Someone stole my Gilded Grasshopper! Seriously, what's the point of building a house for yourself in Fallout 4 if people can just walk in and steal your stuff? I never had ANYTHING disappear out of my cribs in other Fallout games. WTH?

I've never had anything stolen from any of my settlements in Fallout 4.  

 

[DallasDMac]

I've never had anything stolen from any of my settlements in Fallout 4.  

I read that items can clip through things like floors when fast travel have occurred. So supposedly it could be under the floor, maybe regenerated on the roof, or even be back where I first found it. I'll look on the roof but, as far as it being back where I found it, I don't care enough to go look.

Anther settlement question. If I want to have lights in my house, do I have to have a generator inside? Or is there a way to have it outside and still power inside lights?

 

[Insein]

I read that items can clip through things like floors when fast travel have occurred. So supposedly it could be under the floor, maybe regenerated on the roof, or even be back where I first found it. I'll look on the roof but, as far as it being back where I found it, I don't care enough to go look.

Anther settlement question. If I want to have lights in my house, do I have to have a generator inside? Or is there a way to have it outside and still power inside lights?

Generator outside and run power lines to the house. Then hang lights close enough to the power lines. It's not an exact science though. I'd check out a tutorial on YouTube for how to do it properly.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

I finished my first run of RE2 last night (Claire) and started my second run (Leon) this morning.  This second playthrough is quite a bit harder than the first.  I'm pretty early into the run and I've already had to use a first aid spray to get off red health status, and I'm down to a single clip of handgun ammo.  This game isn't messing around anymore.

 

[Insein]

I finished my first run of RE2 last night (Claire) and started my second run (Leon) this morning.  This second playthrough is quite a bit harder than the first.  I'm pretty early into the run and I've already had to use a first aid spray to get off red health status, and I'm down to a single clip of handgun ammo.  This game isn't messing around anymore.

Fun and terrifying. Just when you think you have enough ammo, the game throws a wrench at you and you're left with a handful of bullets and no health. 

 

[DallasDMac]

Generator outside and run power lines to the house. Then hang lights close enough to the power lines. It's not an exact science though. I'd check out a tutorial on YouTube for how to do it properly.

My bar is popular. I guess the disco ball I added draws them in.