Video games...what ya playing? And what are you looking forward to? (10 Viewers)

[SlaX]

I think Half Life 2 holds up just fine. I think you spend a little too much time in the car and hoverboat thing but the story is developing nicely (after giving you virtually nothing to open with, which was cool by its own right). I am surprised by the quality of some of the AI enemies, some of them are superior to AI enemies in recent games.

Hope you enjoy it. Play Episodes 1 and 2 after.

Okay WTF? Seriously they just stopped after Episode 2? Buncha #######s!

Valve claimed that they were taking the Episode route so that they would get the games out faster: every two years. By years, they mean decades.

Also, if you never played the first Half-Life (or if you did), download Black Mesa and play the free remake. It's not 100% complete, but you can play the game up to Xen, which is where the game started going downhill. I expect them to improve the gameplay for Xen when the Black Mesa team completes it. At least, I hope.

 

[Chaka]

The Witcher 2 - Geralt of Rivia may be one of the coolest characters in video game history. His great wit coupled with a serious moral ambiguity* make him far more interesting that the vast majority of characters I have played.

I only just started playing but TW2 is really well scripted for most of the dialogue, clearly they took the complaints with TW1 to heart. I absolutely echo the sentiments of everyone who said that if you want to play a story driven game then TW2 should be very near the top of the list. They really went through a lot of effort to provide an extensive narrative.

So far the only problem I have is that combat seems a little more button-mashy than TW1 (I really liked having to time attacks to string them together) and I am not especially happy that they revamped virtually all of the interfaces from TW1. There seem to be a lot of hotkeys to commit to memory. Add that to mutagens, crafting, alchemy and all the armour/weapon upgrade options, with almost no tutorial to explain what they are, and it becomes a bit overwhelming.

OTOH it seems that you only really need to use a limited amount of these options to be effective. With the top notch storytelling and the excellent visuals (in particular I love the look of the combat mechanics) I think this is a game that I am going to get a lot of play time out of.

*Geralt's morality choices are really intriguing, as I understand it there are two entirely different second chapters in TW2 which depend on the choices you make in the first chapter. This apparently makes a second playthrough almost mandatory, which is very cool IMO.

 

[Chaka]

I think Half Life 2 holds up just fine. I think you spend a little too much time in the car and hoverboat thing but the story is developing nicely (after giving you virtually nothing to open with, which was cool by its own right). I am surprised by the quality of some of the AI enemies, some of them are superior to AI enemies in recent games.

Hope you enjoy it. Play Episodes 1 and 2 after.

Okay WTF? Seriously they just stopped after Episode 2? Buncha #######s!

Valve claimed that they were taking the Episode route so that they would get the games out faster: every two years. By years, they mean decades.

Also, if you never played the first Half-Life (or if you did), download Black Mesa and play the free remake. It's not 100% complete, but you can play the game up to Xen, which is where the game started going downhill. I expect them to improve the gameplay for Xen when the Black Mesa team completes it. At least, I hope.

I never played Half Life, I felt like there were some key elements I was missing while playing HL2 (particularly the "guy" in the suit who appears at the end of HL2).

So is Black Mesa just a update of the original HL or is it a unique story?

 

[SlaX]

I think Half Life 2 holds up just fine. I think you spend a little too much time in the car and hoverboat thing but the story is developing nicely (after giving you virtually nothing to open with, which was cool by its own right). I am surprised by the quality of some of the AI enemies, some of them are superior to AI enemies in recent games.

Hope you enjoy it. Play Episodes 1 and 2 after.

Okay WTF? Seriously they just stopped after Episode 2? Buncha #######s!

Valve claimed that they were taking the Episode route so that they would get the games out faster: every two years. By years, they mean decades.

Also, if you never played the first Half-Life (or if you did), download Black Mesa and play the free remake. It's not 100% complete, but you can play the game up to Xen, which is where the game started going downhill. I expect them to improve the gameplay for Xen when the Black Mesa team completes it. At least, I hope.

I never played Half Life, I felt like there were some key elements I was missing while playing HL2 (particularly the "guy" in the suit who appears at the end of HL2).

So is Black Mesa just a update of the original HL or is it a unique story?

It's a remake of the original Half-Life using the Half-Life 2 Source engine. It's completely redone and is a very well-made game. For those who feel that the original Half-Life hasn't aged well should at least play this one. If you want the full Half-life experience and the age doesn't bother you, I recommend all of the games: Half-Life, Opposing Force, and Blue Shift. I like to play through the entire series at least once every year or two. Black Mesa was like playing the original for the first time again. It's not often you can bring back that feeling.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

The Witcher 2 - Geralt of Rivia may be one of the coolest characters in video game history. His great wit coupled with a serious moral ambiguity* make him far more interesting that the vast majority of characters I have played.

I only just started playing but TW2 is really well scripted for most of the dialogue, clearly they took the complaints with TW1 to heart. I absolutely echo the sentiments of everyone who said that if you want to play a story driven game then TW2 should be very near the top of the list. They really went through a lot of effort to provide an extensive narrative.

So far the only problem I have is that combat seems a little more button-mashy than TW1 (I really liked having to time attacks to string them together) and I am not especially happy that they revamped virtually all of the interfaces from TW1. There seem to be a lot of hotkeys to commit to memory. Add that to mutagens, crafting, alchemy and all the armour/weapon upgrade options, with almost no tutorial to explain what they are, and it becomes a bit overwhelming.

OTOH it seems that you only really need to use a limited amount of these options to be effective. With the top notch storytelling and the excellent visuals (in particular I love the look of the combat mechanics) I think this is a game that I am going to get a lot of play time out of.

*Geralt's morality choices are really intriguing, as I understand it there are two entirely different second chapters in TW2 which depend on the choices you make in the first chapter. This apparently makes a second playthrough almost mandatory, which is very cool IMO.

It also might have the best demo/pre game movie in the history of gaming. All the other cut scenes are top notch too.

REALLY, good story.

 

[NCCommish]

The Witcher 2 - Geralt of Rivia may be one of the coolest characters in video game history. His great wit coupled with a serious moral ambiguity* make him far more interesting that the vast majority of characters I have played.

I only just started playing but TW2 is really well scripted for most of the dialogue, clearly they took the complaints with TW1 to heart. I absolutely echo the sentiments of everyone who said that if you want to play a story driven game then TW2 should be very near the top of the list. They really went through a lot of effort to provide an extensive narrative.

So far the only problem I have is that combat seems a little more button-mashy than TW1 (I really liked having to time attacks to string them together) and I am not especially happy that they revamped virtually all of the interfaces from TW1. There seem to be a lot of hotkeys to commit to memory. Add that to mutagens, crafting, alchemy and all the armour/weapon upgrade options, with almost no tutorial to explain what they are, and it becomes a bit overwhelming.

OTOH it seems that you only really need to use a limited amount of these options to be effective. With the top notch storytelling and the excellent visuals (in particular I love the look of the combat mechanics) I think this is a game that I am going to get a lot of play time out of.

*Geralt's morality choices are really intriguing, as I understand it there are two entirely different second chapters in TW2 which depend on the choices you make in the first chapter. This apparently makes a second playthrough almost mandatory, which is very cool IMO.

I started this and got busy but I am definitely going back to it.

 

[Chaka]

The Witcher 2 - Geralt of Rivia may be one of the coolest characters in video game history. His great wit coupled with a serious moral ambiguity* make him far more interesting that the vast majority of characters I have played.

I only just started playing but TW2 is really well scripted for most of the dialogue, clearly they took the complaints with TW1 to heart. I absolutely echo the sentiments of everyone who said that if you want to play a story driven game then TW2 should be very near the top of the list. They really went through a lot of effort to provide an extensive narrative.

So far the only problem I have is that combat seems a little more button-mashy than TW1 (I really liked having to time attacks to string them together) and I am not especially happy that they revamped virtually all of the interfaces from TW1. There seem to be a lot of hotkeys to commit to memory. Add that to mutagens, crafting, alchemy and all the armour/weapon upgrade options, with almost no tutorial to explain what they are, and it becomes a bit overwhelming.

OTOH it seems that you only really need to use a limited amount of these options to be effective. With the top notch storytelling and the excellent visuals (in particular I love the look of the combat mechanics) I think this is a game that I am going to get a lot of play time out of.

*Geralt's morality choices are really intriguing, as I understand it there are two entirely different second chapters in TW2 which depend on the choices you make in the first chapter. This apparently makes a second playthrough almost mandatory, which is very cool IMO.

It also might have the best demo/pre game movie in the history of gaming. All the other cut scenes are top notch too.

REALLY, good story.

They clearly put a ton of effort into the cut scenes and story line. I really appreciate that but may have been willing to sacrifice a bit of that for improved mechanics.

Still I think I am going to enjoy this quite a bit.

 

[Chaka]

The Witcher 2 - Geralt of Rivia may be one of the coolest characters in video game history. His great wit coupled with a serious moral ambiguity* make him far more interesting that the vast majority of characters I have played.

I only just started playing but TW2 is really well scripted for most of the dialogue, clearly they took the complaints with TW1 to heart. I absolutely echo the sentiments of everyone who said that if you want to play a story driven game then TW2 should be very near the top of the list. They really went through a lot of effort to provide an extensive narrative.

So far the only problem I have is that combat seems a little more button-mashy than TW1 (I really liked having to time attacks to string them together) and I am not especially happy that they revamped virtually all of the interfaces from TW1. There seem to be a lot of hotkeys to commit to memory. Add that to mutagens, crafting, alchemy and all the armour/weapon upgrade options, with almost no tutorial to explain what they are, and it becomes a bit overwhelming.

OTOH it seems that you only really need to use a limited amount of these options to be effective. With the top notch storytelling and the excellent visuals (in particular I love the look of the combat mechanics) I think this is a game that I am going to get a lot of play time out of.

*Geralt's morality choices are really intriguing, as I understand it there are two entirely different second chapters in TW2 which depend on the choices you make in the first chapter. This apparently makes a second playthrough almost mandatory, which is very cool IMO.

I started this and got busy but I am definitely going back to it.

My biggest concern is that TW1 took well over 40 hours of game play (I did most of the side quests) and I worry that TW2 will be even longer.

 

[NCCommish]

The Witcher 2 - Geralt of Rivia may be one of the coolest characters in video game history. His great wit coupled with a serious moral ambiguity* make him far more interesting that the vast majority of characters I have played.

I only just started playing but TW2 is really well scripted for most of the dialogue, clearly they took the complaints with TW1 to heart. I absolutely echo the sentiments of everyone who said that if you want to play a story driven game then TW2 should be very near the top of the list. They really went through a lot of effort to provide an extensive narrative.

So far the only problem I have is that combat seems a little more button-mashy than TW1 (I really liked having to time attacks to string them together) and I am not especially happy that they revamped virtually all of the interfaces from TW1. There seem to be a lot of hotkeys to commit to memory. Add that to mutagens, crafting, alchemy and all the armour/weapon upgrade options, with almost no tutorial to explain what they are, and it becomes a bit overwhelming.

OTOH it seems that you only really need to use a limited amount of these options to be effective. With the top notch storytelling and the excellent visuals (in particular I love the look of the combat mechanics) I think this is a game that I am going to get a lot of play time out of.

*Geralt's morality choices are really intriguing, as I understand it there are two entirely different second chapters in TW2 which depend on the choices you make in the first chapter. This apparently makes a second playthrough almost mandatory, which is very cool IMO.

I started this and got busy but I am definitely going back to it.

My biggest concern is that TW1 took well over 40 hours of game play (I did most of the side quests) and I worry that TW2 will be even longer.

I am used to Skyrim so 40 hours is nothing. I expect TW2 to go 70 hours or so you can do it faster but I love to wander around. I think I read there are a couple of different paths to play in TW2 but I am not very far in so I am not sure.

 

[PitbullTD]

Anybody playing FFXIV: A Realm Reborn? Damn good relaunch, Square Enix has gotten me back into MMO's.

 

[Run It Up]

Half Life 1 was one of the most revolutionary PC games. Such a great game and Black Mesa is a great remake in the source engine, they really nailed it.

People don't realize how influential Half Life was, Valve release a free to use mod kit for working with their games and this has led to most of Valves big name titles. Team Fortress (originally a quake mod, remade into a HL) was remade in the Source engine as the sequel Team Fortress 2, which if im not mistaken before DOTA2 was released was the most played free game on Steam. Counterstrike was originally a mod for Half Life. Portal was originally a mod for Half Life 2. The list goes on its had a huge impact on the PC gaming world.

And now they make us wait, seemingly forever - when Gaben? When can we Gordon Freeman? I need my crossbar fix.

 

[SlaX]

Half Life 1 was one of the most revolutionary PC games. Such a great game and Black Mesa is a great remake in the source engine, they really nailed it.

People don't realize how influential Half Life was, Valve release a free to use mod kit for working with their games and this has led to most of Valves big name titles. Team Fortress (originally a quake mod, remade into a HL) was remade in the Source engine as the sequel Team Fortress 2, which if im not mistaken before DOTA2 was released was the most played free game on Steam. Counterstrike was originally a mod for Half Life. Portal was originally a mod for Half Life 2. The list goes on its had a huge impact on the PC gaming world.

And now they make us wait, seemingly forever - when Gaben? When can we Gordon Freeman? I need my crossbar fix.

There was a time when the top 3 PC multiplayer titles were Counterstrike, Team Fortress 1.5 (aka TFC) and Everquest.

 

[TLEF316]

Half Life 1 was one of the most revolutionary PC games. Such a great game and Black Mesa is a great remake in the source engine, they really nailed it.

People don't realize how influential Half Life was, Valve release a free to use mod kit for working with their games and this has led to most of Valves big name titles. Team Fortress (originally a quake mod, remade into a HL) was remade in the Source engine as the sequel Team Fortress 2, which if im not mistaken before DOTA2 was released was the most played free game on Steam. Counterstrike was originally a mod for Half Life. Portal was originally a mod for Half Life 2. The list goes on its had a huge impact on the PC gaming world.

And now they make us wait, seemingly forever - when Gaben? When can we Gordon Freeman? I need my crossbar fix.

Its really sad how all of the big budget shooters have mostly eliminated MOD/map creation support.

The best thing about Team fortress classic was that there were always new maps being made by the community. Yeah, some of them were total garbage, but others were awesome. Some of the most played maps in competitive TFC were community-made. If the guys at Dice (just an example) would release the map dev kit, we'd be swimming in brand new awesome Battlefield maps on a weekly basis.

Unfortunately, their main goal is to sell their own maps as DLC, so this will likely never happen again. Their argument is that map creation programs are much more complex now (which I'm sure is true) but I know there are plenty of nerds out there who would be able to figure it out and provide content.

 

[SlaX]

Half Life 1 was one of the most revolutionary PC games. Such a great game and Black Mesa is a great remake in the source engine, they really nailed it.

People don't realize how influential Half Life was, Valve release a free to use mod kit for working with their games and this has led to most of Valves big name titles. Team Fortress (originally a quake mod, remade into a HL) was remade in the Source engine as the sequel Team Fortress 2, which if im not mistaken before DOTA2 was released was the most played free game on Steam. Counterstrike was originally a mod for Half Life. Portal was originally a mod for Half Life 2. The list goes on its had a huge impact on the PC gaming world.

And now they make us wait, seemingly forever - when Gaben? When can we Gordon Freeman? I need my crossbar fix.

Its really sad how all of the big budget shooters have mostly eliminated MOD/map creation support.

The best thing about Team fortress classic was that there were always new maps being made by the community. Yeah, some of them were total garbage, but others were awesome. Some of the most played maps in competitive TFC were community-made. If the guys at Dice (just an example) would release the map dev kit, we'd be swimming in brand new awesome Battlefield maps on a weekly basis.

Unfortunately, their main goal is to sell their own maps as DLC, so this will likely never happen again. Their argument is that map creation programs are much more complex now (which I'm sure is true) but I know there are plenty of nerds out there who would be able to figure it out and provide content.

TLEF, did you ever say whether you played TFC competitively or not? I can't recall. My only gaming clan was in TFC. {-=IoA=-} Instruments of Anarchy. We were known for one of the worst clan tags ever. The best we ever got was playing STA-Gold division.

 

[TLEF316]

Half Life 1 was one of the most revolutionary PC games. Such a great game and Black Mesa is a great remake in the source engine, they really nailed it.

People don't realize how influential Half Life was, Valve release a free to use mod kit for working with their games and this has led to most of Valves big name titles. Team Fortress (originally a quake mod, remade into a HL) was remade in the Source engine as the sequel Team Fortress 2, which if im not mistaken before DOTA2 was released was the most played free game on Steam. Counterstrike was originally a mod for Half Life. Portal was originally a mod for Half Life 2. The list goes on its had a huge impact on the PC gaming world.

And now they make us wait, seemingly forever - when Gaben? When can we Gordon Freeman? I need my crossbar fix.

Its really sad how all of the big budget shooters have mostly eliminated MOD/map creation support.

The best thing about Team fortress classic was that there were always new maps being made by the community. Yeah, some of them were total garbage, but others were awesome. Some of the most played maps in competitive TFC were community-made. If the guys at Dice (just an example) would release the map dev kit, we'd be swimming in brand new awesome Battlefield maps on a weekly basis.

Unfortunately, their main goal is to sell their own maps as DLC, so this will likely never happen again. Their argument is that map creation programs are much more complex now (which I'm sure is true) but I know there are plenty of nerds out there who would be able to figure it out and provide content.

TLEF, did you ever say whether you played TFC competitively or not? I can't recall. My only gaming clan was in TFC. {-=IoA=-} Instruments of Anarchy. We were known for one of the worst clan tags ever. The best we ever got was playing STA-Gold division.

I played on a couple of really low level clans WAAY back in the day (probably like 97-98). I wasn't a great TFC player (I always had the most fun playing sniper, which obviously wasn't very helpful in competitive matches) and to be honest, 14 year old TLEF thought it was kind of weird talking to dudes (most of whom seemed uncomfortably older than me) using a mic over the internet.

I actually pre-ordered Team Fortress 2 way back when it was announced in like 1999. When the first vids/images starting coming out, it was much more like an early version of Battlefield than the cartooney shooter it ended up being. I had my mom drive me to EB games so I could give them 5 bucks to reserve my copy. The dude gave me a paper receipt, which I kept in a drawer in my room for like 4 years. Obviously that game never game out, so EB games has 5 bucks of mine that they don't deserve...

 

[TLEF316]

Early team fortress 2. LOL

 

[SlaX]

Early team fortress 2. LOL

I remember those days. It looks more Day of Defeat than Team Fortress. I'm actually glad they went in the direction they did, even though I hate what it's become today (starting at introduction of hats).

 

[SlaX]

Here is a video made by some old friends in a TFC clan called [bAD] (vimeo link, Youtube link parts 1 and 2). I think it's a great look at the game, especially for those who really didn't know what it was like other than playing in public games.

 

[Run It Up]

There was a time when the top 3 PC multiplayer titles were Counterstrike, Team Fortress 1.5 (aka TFC) and Everquest.

This was the best part of my childhood, I played all three, so many good memories.

When Run It Up, was little Run It Up junior, poor as dirt and couldn't afford a gaming PC or a new console all of my friends would go to the one internet cafe in my town (of 200k people, this was the 90s), pay 2 dollars an hour or 10 dollars to stay over night. Show up with 8 of your best friends and close family members, spend 10 bucks and Lan party all night.

Half Life 1 Deathmatch, Counter Strike, Team Fortress Classic, Everquest, Starcraft, Warcraft 2, Diablo 1&2, Day of Defeat (suck it COD). Best days of my life imo.

 

[thecatch]

The Witcher 2 - Geralt of Rivia may be one of the coolest characters in video game history. His great wit coupled with a serious moral ambiguity* make him far more interesting that the vast majority of characters I have played.

I only just started playing but TW2 is really well scripted for most of the dialogue, clearly they took the complaints with TW1 to heart. I absolutely echo the sentiments of everyone who said that if you want to play a story driven game then TW2 should be very near the top of the list. They really went through a lot of effort to provide an extensive narrative.

So far the only problem I have is that combat seems a little more button-mashy than TW1 (I really liked having to time attacks to string them together) and I am not especially happy that they revamped virtually all of the interfaces from TW1. There seem to be a lot of hotkeys to commit to memory. Add that to mutagens, crafting, alchemy and all the armour/weapon upgrade options, with almost no tutorial to explain what they are, and it becomes a bit overwhelming.

OTOH it seems that you only really need to use a limited amount of these options to be effective. With the top notch storytelling and the excellent visuals (in particular I love the look of the combat mechanics) I think this is a game that I am going to get a lot of play time out of.

*Geralt's morality choices are really intriguing, as I understand it there are two entirely different second chapters in TW2 which depend on the choices you make in the first chapter. This apparently makes a second playthrough almost mandatory, which is very cool IMO.

I started this and got busy but I am definitely going back to it.

My biggest concern is that TW1 took well over 40 hours of game play (I did most of the side quests) and I worry that TW2 will be even longer.

IIRC, my two completionist play throughs took 40-50 hours combined. But I think they added a little bit of new content since I played the PC version when it was first released.

 

[SlaX]

There was a time when the top 3 PC multiplayer titles were Counterstrike, Team Fortress 1.5 (aka TFC) and Everquest.

This was the best part of my childhood, I played all three, so many good memories.

When Run It Up, was little Run It Up junior, poor as dirt and couldn't afford a gaming PC or a new console all of my friends would go to the one internet cafe in my town (of 200k people, this was the 90s), pay 2 dollars an hour or 10 dollars to stay over night. Show up with 8 of your best friends and close family members, spend 10 bucks and Lan party all night.

Half Life 1 Deathmatch, Counter Strike, Team Fortress Classic, Everquest, Starcraft, Warcraft 2, Day of Defeat (suck it COD). Best days of my life imo.

The name SlaX originated in TFC. I used to go by "The People's Slacker" for a while and then shortened it to Slacker when I started clanning. I went on a hiatus for a few months when my personal life got busy, but returned to gaming with an even shorter name: SlaX. My clan friends thought it was clever, since the whole shtick was being a slacker. No. It has nothing to do with pants.

To any of my old clan buddies who run across this post doing a search for that. Hi! And for the rest of you not caring about my life story...

 

[bosoxs45]

Beyond: Two Souls looks awesome.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Speaking of The Witcher 2, I read about the development of The Witcher 3 recently.

TW3 is being described as 20% bigger than Skyrim and features no loading screens (is this going to be a first for an open world game?).

Game is being developed for XB1, PS4 and PC.

 

[Run It Up]

Beyond: Two Souls looks awesome.

A little bummed its a PS exclusive, also bummed that we likely won't get a PC MGS5 release.

 

[Sand]

Speaking of The Witcher 2, I read about the development of The Witcher 3 recently.

TW3 is being described as 20% bigger than Skyrim and features no loading screens (is this going to be a first for an open world game?).

Game is being developed for XB1, PS4 and PC.

IN

 

[dparker713]

The Witcher 2 - Geralt of Rivia may be one of the coolest characters in video game history. His great wit coupled with a serious moral ambiguity* make him far more interesting that the vast majority of characters I have played.

I only just started playing but TW2 is really well scripted for most of the dialogue, clearly they took the complaints with TW1 to heart. I absolutely echo the sentiments of everyone who said that if you want to play a story driven game then TW2 should be very near the top of the list. They really went through a lot of effort to provide an extensive narrative.

So far the only problem I have is that combat seems a little more button-mashy than TW1 (I really liked having to time attacks to string them together) and I am not especially happy that they revamped virtually all of the interfaces from TW1. There seem to be a lot of hotkeys to commit to memory. Add that to mutagens, crafting, alchemy and all the armour/weapon upgrade options, with almost no tutorial to explain what they are, and it becomes a bit overwhelming.

OTOH it seems that you only really need to use a limited amount of these options to be effective. With the top notch storytelling and the excellent visuals (in particular I love the look of the combat mechanics) I think this is a game that I am going to get a lot of play time out of.

*Geralt's morality choices are really intriguing, as I understand it there are two entirely different second chapters in TW2 which depend on the choices you make in the first chapter. This apparently makes a second playthrough almost mandatory, which is very cool IMO.

I started this and got busy but I am definitely going back to it.

My biggest concern is that TW1 took well over 40 hours of game play (I did most of the side quests) and I worry that TW2 will be even longer.

I am used to Skyrim so 40 hours is nothing. I expect TW2 to go 70 hours or so you can do it faster but I love to wander around. I think I read there are a couple of different paths to play in TW2 but I am not very far in so I am not sure.

40 hours is funny. I had 100 days easy for my main in EQ.

 

[Dickies]

Half Life 1 was one of the most revolutionary PC games. Such a great game and Black Mesa is a great remake in the source engine, they really nailed it.

People don't realize how influential Half Life was, Valve release a free to use mod kit for working with their games and this has led to most of Valves big name titles. Team Fortress (originally a quake mod, remade into a HL) was remade in the Source engine as the sequel Team Fortress 2, which if im not mistaken before DOTA2 was released was the most played free game on Steam. Counterstrike was originally a mod for Half Life. Portal was originally a mod for Half Life 2. The list goes on its had a huge impact on the PC gaming world.

And now they make us wait, seemingly forever - when Gaben? When can we Gordon Freeman? I need my crossbar fix.

Its really sad how all of the big budget shooters have mostly eliminated MOD/map creation support.

The best thing about Team fortress classic was that there were always new maps being made by the community. Yeah, some of them were total garbage, but others were awesome. Some of the most played maps in competitive TFC were community-made. If the guys at Dice (just an example) would release the map dev kit, we'd be swimming in brand new awesome Battlefield maps on a weekly basis.

Unfortunately, their main goal is to sell their own maps as DLC, so this will likely never happen again. Their argument is that map creation programs are much more complex now (which I'm sure is true) but I know there are plenty of nerds out there who would be able to figure it out and provide content.

TLEF, did you ever say whether you played TFC competitively or not? I can't recall. My only gaming clan was in TFC. {-=IoA=-} Instruments of Anarchy. We were known for one of the worst clan tags ever. The best we ever got was playing STA-Gold division.

I used to play CS competitively a long time ago. Our clan made it to CAL-i and got slaughtered in online league play, but we would clean up at local tournaments and ended up making a bit of money. I had a lot of late-night hours into that game.

 

[Run It Up]

In case anyone has played and liked, or hasn't played - Terraria just came out with a huge content patch the game is absolutely massive now.

I've been enjoying it so far.

 

[biggamer3]

Just bought Tomb Raider and Dishonored for 10 bucks each. I dont have time to play these games for a while since I am starting GTA 5, but these games seem solid and they will never go below 10 bucks.

 

[Chaka]

Just bought Tomb Raider and Dishonored for 10 bucks each. I dont have time to play these games for a while since I am starting GTA 5, but these games seem solid and they will never go below 10 bucks.

Just bought Tomb Raider and Dishonored for 10 bucks each. I dont have time to play these games for a while since I am starting GTA 5, but these games seem solid and they will never go below 10 bucks.

I imagine they will both get to $7.49 during either of the next two steam sales but I am not sure what that means to non PC gamers.I thought tomb raider was the best game of 2013, the story was solid, not spectacular, but the style and game play transitions from 3rd person shooter to frantic "wtf is going here" were absolutely top notch. Totally worth it.

Dishonored suffered from a basic story lacking in originality but the gameplay mechanics were excellent, even if I think some of the special abilities were borderline game breakers.

You will enjoy both a lot particularly at that price.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

I thought tomb raider was the best game of 2013,

Seriously? It was okay, but I don't see it as being in the same universe as TLOU or GTA. Those two games are going to account for pretty much every single GOTY award.

 

[Mad Cow]

I thought tomb raider was the best game of 2013,

Seriously? It was okay, but I don't see it as being in the same universe as TLOU or GTA. Those two games are going to account for pretty much every single GOTY award.

I believe he was thinking 2012 and typed 2013, yet TR was still fantastic.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Just hit level 50 in Diablo and finished the nightmare mode. Getting ready to take on hell mode next. Enjoying the game quite a bit. It does not give you the character flexibility that Path of Exile did but the fighting is more fun, at least on the big screen. This will be a grind for the platinum because of the 5 million gold trophy but I am going to go for it.

 

[SlaX]

I thought tomb raider was the best game of 2013,

Seriously? It was okay, but I don't see it as being in the same universe as TLOU or GTA. Those two games are going to account for pretty much every single GOTY award.

I believe he was thinking 2012 and typed 2013, yet TR was still fantastic.

It came out this year. It has been early favorite for GOTY, but that was before TLOU and GTAV released.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

I thought tomb raider was the best game of 2013,

Seriously? It was okay, but I don't see it as being in the same universe as TLOU or GTA. Those two games are going to account for pretty much every single GOTY award.

I believe he was thinking 2012 and typed 2013, yet TR was still fantastic.

It came out this year. It has been early favorite for GOTY, but that was before TLOU and GTAV released.

Right. It came out in same general time window as Bioshock Infinite, and everybody seemed to agree that Tomb Raider was the better game.

For what it's worth, I found TR to be fun, but it was strictly a one-and-done for me. Usually I replay games like this several times, but I had no desire to start over again after finishing the first time. And again, I say that as a confirmed game-replayer.

 

[Run It Up]

Just hit level 50 in Diablo and finished the nightmare mode. Getting ready to take on hell mode next. Enjoying the game quite a bit. It does not give you the character flexibility that Path of Exile did but the fighting is more fun, at least on the big screen. This will be a grind for the platinum because of the 5 million gold trophy but I am going to go for it.

The combat in D3 is much more fluid, even more so on the console version. On PC it has similar problems as PoE has, it goes about rectifying them differently however so the end result is similar but different.

To be specific, in PoE the game constantly checks client and server side info and rubber bands your character around if your connection drops a packet. In D3 it only checks your essential client side information which is why as long as you are in attack range of a monster even if you move out of attack range before they swing the monster will always hit you.

PoE chose the ability to dodge, D3 chose less rubber banding. Everything is give and take in game design. Something I found interesting while studying game design.

 

[Copeman]

Still play the original Day of Defeat from time to time. Sure it has aged, but it's still fun and has great gameplay. Just find the right server. Still a good amount of people playing it. When I play I play on the BAW server (for those that are interested in maybe firing it back up).

 

[Master of Past and Present]

Got a free rental from Redbox and grabbed FIFA '14. First time ever playing a soccer game. Started a career as a player. Through most the game I am doing fine with my rating btu near the end of games, it starts going down pretty quickly. Game one I had a rating of one point of 9.4 but ended up in the low 7.s. Game 2 I only got in the 8s but ended in the 6s. Game 3 I had a high of 9.5 and got myself subbed out when I was at 8.3 or so. All three friendlys were easily in control when I noticed my rating to start to drop so while I didn't change my way of playing, maybe the game wanted me to? Was I supposed to go super passive or something? My position I think was center forward.

 

[Ashem]

Just hit level 50 in Diablo and finished the nightmare mode. Getting ready to take on hell mode next. Enjoying the game quite a bit. It does not give you the character flexibility that Path of Exile did but the fighting is more fun, at least on the big screen. This will be a grind for the platinum because of the 5 million gold trophy but I am going to go for it.

The combat in D3 is much more fluid, even more so on the console version. On PC it has similar problems as PoE has, it goes about rectifying them differently however so the end result is similar but different.

To be specific, in PoE the game constantly checks client and server side info and rubber bands your character around if your connection drops a packet. In D3 it only checks your essential client side information which is why as long as you are in attack range of a monster even if you move out of attack range before they swing the monster will always hit you.

PoE chose the ability to dodge, D3 chose less rubber banding. Everything is give and take in game design. Something I found interesting while studying game design.

Can PS3 and PC guys play Diablo 3 together?

 

[NewlyRetired]

Just hit level 50 in Diablo and finished the nightmare mode. Getting ready to take on hell mode next. Enjoying the game quite a bit. It does not give you the character flexibility that Path of Exile did but the fighting is more fun, at least on the big screen. This will be a grind for the platinum because of the 5 million gold trophy but I am going to go for it.

The combat in D3 is much more fluid, even more so on the console version. On PC it has similar problems as PoE has, it goes about rectifying them differently however so the end result is similar but different.To be specific, in PoE the game constantly checks client and server side info and rubber bands your character around if your connection drops a packet. In D3 it only checks your essential client side information which is why as long as you are in attack range of a monster even if you move out of attack range before they swing the monster will always hit you.

PoE chose the ability to dodge, D3 chose less rubber banding. Everything is give and take in game design. Something I found interesting while studying game design.

Can PS3 and PC guys play Diablo 3 together?

No, there are a number of differences in the console version from the pc version.

In the console, you can now dodge using the right stick, also there is the addition of Nephalem Power Orbs which drop from kills which temporarily buff your character (they can stack as well)

 

[wazoo11]

http://www.playstationlifestyle.net/2013/06/26/h-hour-worlds-elite-interview-socom-ps4-kickstarter/

This just made my night

 

[Chaka]

I thought tomb raider was the best game of 2013,

Seriously? It was okay, but I don't see it as being in the same universe as TLOU or GTA. Those two games are going to account for pretty much every single GOTY award.

I believe he was thinking 2012 and typed 2013, yet TR was still fantastic.

It came out this year. It has been early favorite for GOTY, but that was before TLOU and GTAV released.

Right. It came out in same general time window as Bioshock Infinite, and everybody seemed to agree that Tomb Raider was the better game.

For what it's worth, I found TR to be fun, but it was strictly a one-and-done for me. Usually I replay games like this several times, but I had no desire to start over again after finishing the first time. And again, I say that as a confirmed game-replayer.

i should caveat by saying that I am a PC gamer so the last of us is not an option for me. Not sure how you can have a solid opinion on gta v as it has only just been released. I need to be convinced it is better than saints row let alone goty material.I am also not much for replaying games. Most of them don't really offer much new by way of outcomes so I don't see the point other than it providing the opportunity to do things with more confidence. I have too many games in. My queue to give another 20-70 hours towards playing a game I know twice. Maybe a couple years down the line I could see revisiting a game but otherwise it has to offer something new for it to be worth it to me. Although that is not a hard rule. I think I will end up playing the watcher 2 twice but there are two entirely different second chapters so it will offer new gale play experiences.

 

[bonesman]

Beyond: Two Souls looks awesome.

Played this to near completion tonight. Interesting story and awesome graphics, but not much "game play" wise. It's pretty intense though. A lot like Heavy Rain, which I only played for like 20 min.

 

[hagmania]

Suppose very, very few of you play LoL. Tonight is the night! S3 Grand Finals.

 

[Run It Up]

Suppose very, very few of you play LoL. Tonight is the night! S3 Grand Finals.

I just could never get into it, after playing at least 1000 hours in WC3 playing DOTA. That being said, I enjoy E-Sports and LoL brings in the crowds.

 

[Todem]

I have been playing NBA2K11 since it's release.

I never picked up nor played 2K12 nor 2K13.

I bought 2K14 after seeing some great reviews and feedback from some sports gamers I trust.

So happy I did it. It is amazing. Hands down the best console basketball game ever made. It is a huge upgrade for those coming from 2K11.

If you loved 2K11 then 2K14 (PS3) is a must buy.

 

[hagmania]

Suppose very, very few of you play LoL. Tonight is the night! S3 Grand Finals.

I just could never get into it, after playing at least 1000 hours in WC3 playing DOTA. That being said, I enjoy E-Sports and LoL brings in the crowds.

Did you pick up Dota2? Or has that gone by the wayside too?

Agreed about e-sports. I think it has a healthy future.

 

[Run It Up]

Suppose very, very few of you play LoL. Tonight is the night! S3 Grand Finals.

I just could never get into it, after playing at least 1000 hours in WC3 playing DOTA. That being said, I enjoy E-Sports and LoL brings in the crowds.

Did you pick up Dota2? Or has that gone by the wayside too?

Agreed about e-sports. I think it has a healthy future.

I play Dota2 casually, its a great game though just don't have the patience anymore to play games competitively.

 

[Herc]

I have been playing NBA2K11 since it's release.

I never picked up nor played 2K12 nor 2K13.

I bought 2K14 after seeing some great reviews and feedback from some sports gamers I trust.

So happy I did it. It is amazing. Hands down the best console basketball game ever made. It is a huge upgrade for those coming from 2K11.

If you loved 2K11 then 2K14 (PS3) is a must buy.

thanks was thinking of grabbing this on the PS4 glad to hear its a big upgrade since 2k11

 

[Bull Dozier]

I have been playing NBA2K11 since it's release.

I never picked up nor played 2K12 nor 2K13.

I bought 2K14 after seeing some great reviews and feedback from some sports gamers I trust.

So happy I did it. It is amazing. Hands down the best console basketball game ever made. It is a huge upgrade for those coming from 2K11.

If you loved 2K11 then 2K14 (PS3) is a must buy.

thanks was thinking of grabbing this on the PS4 glad to hear its a big upgrade since 2k11

I have 2k11, 2k12, and 2k13. The nice thing about these games is that the bonus challenges keep changing each year, so you're not just buying a roster upgrade like the Madden games. I still have all three, and could easily pick up 2k11 and try some of the jordan challenges again. All great games.