February 2025 General Game Discussion Thread

[ZedClampet]

I had a funny dream about how idiotic corporate greed has become. To keep it short, I was running down the hall of a hotel to get to the emergency box, but when I got there, I discovered I had to put 50 cents in to get the fire extinguisher out.

 

[Johnway]

More AssCreed Valhalla, i've been pissing about with mechanics and ultimately i combined the run/sprint key and the climb up key (space) together and rebound dodge to space. Whilst they say there its going to cause conflicts, i didn't really find/have any issues (or it was negligible that i didn't notice) A plus is that it makes moving around a lot more faster and on top of that i'm doing much better in combat.

Speaking of combat, i'm still getting my head around it, the parry system is a bit off, when weapons flash i would have thought that was the correct time to counter, but its not. you have to keep an eye on when the weapon actually strikes i believe in the previous games it was when the weapon flashed but a bit of practice to make perfect. I'm still checking for any special abilities like an auto heal, but i doubt it.

But what about playing the game? well its more of the asscreed game that i'm familiar and comfortable with. being set in england, it seems like we're missing a few things that made the previous games so special. origins/odyssey was exotic enough for more variety, of animals and locales. We'll see how it shapes up once i play more and perhaps it will change my mind.

As a viking i would have expected more violence. Stealing/raiding monasteries and burning it to the ground? Not a problem. Murdering innocents because i want to wash myself in the blood of my enemies? nope. its a bit weak tbh. hell even assassins creed odyssey i could murder civilians and the consequence was mercs chasing/hunting players. Maybe AC:V will bring that mechanic in, but if not, i will be disappointed.


POE news, more info on the new mechanics with some new ascendancies to play with. Personally i'm more interested in the rewards and apparently all i have to do is make it to lvl 80 and i get everything.

 

[January's Ghost]

What would you think about using AI as an interface for gaming? Not for generating content or NPC dialog, but for voice input?

I already use a program called VoiceBot that lets me use my voice to execute keyboard inputs, but I was thinking more along the lines of AI being able to do more than just responding to your voice commands. Being able to remember how you play and recognizing your weaknesses to both anticipate your next requests and remind you if you're about to do something stupid (again) to help you from a self inflicted death.

The AI could remind you how many rounds your current weapon has, how much time is left in the mission timer, etc. Of course developers and mod makers would have to work to make this kind of information available to the AI but that wouldn't be much different than normal mods or even trainers.

It seems like if there is a truly useful feature for AI in gaming this would be it.

 

[Pifanjr]

What would you think about using AI as an interface for gaming? Not for generating content or NPC dialog, but for voice input?

I already use a program called VoiceBot that lets me use my voice to execute keyboard inputs, but I was thinking more along the lines of AI being able to do more than just responding to your voice commands. Being able to remember how you play and recognizing your weaknesses to both anticipate your next requests and remind you if you're about to do something stupid (again) to help you from a self inflicted death.

The AI could remind you how many rounds your current weapon has, how much time is left in the mission timer, etc. Of course developers and mod makers would have to work to make this kind of information available to the AI but that wouldn't be much different than normal mods or even trainers.

It seems like if there is a truly useful feature for AI in gaming this would be it.

I don't need a robot backseat gamer, thank you very much.

 

[neogunhero]

The AI could remind you how many rounds your current weapon has, how much time is left in the mission timer, etc. Of course developers and mod makers would have to work to make this kind of information available to the AI but that wouldn't be much different than normal mods or even trainers.

It seems like if there is a truly useful feature for AI in gaming this would be it.

I'm not so sure how much I'd enjoy that personally. A lot of that information is easy to find out yourself, so the specific things you listed wouldn't be of much use to me, and I may just get annoyed at it. However I do like the idea of using AI in games as mods you install. The one AI mod for Skyrim that allows you to have full on conversations with the NPCs is pretty funny, and I'd like to try it out, just haven't yet. As for AI being implemented in games by the developers, I'd rather them try to find a truly unique and useful way to implement it, not just as a backseat gamer trying to help you out. PUBG is introducing an AI ally system (Insider Gaming article), which in theory could actually be useful but we'll have to see how it really performs. Having an AI teammate that listens to you every command could be funny. I enjoy games where I can make a little village full of NPC's or be able to command a companion, such as Fallout 4's base system or Far Cry 5's companion system, so to have something like that where you can give it much more specific commands could be fun. I hope we can see that tech come to other games in the form of mods.

---

---

I got very sick yesterday. It's day like that where I really wished I had a Steam Deck. I didn't feel good enough to sit at my desk and game, so I booted up my Xbox One and played Skate 3 for a bit. Such an amazing game, I really hope the Skate reboot is just as good if not better, and it's coming to PC! That is definitely one of my most anticipated games right now. All of the teaser footage they've been releasing over the years makes me so excited. I especially like how they've made the on-foot travel a lot more fluid, essentially allowing you to do parkour now.

One of the best features of the Skate franchise is how it allows you to create custom spots and really mess with the mechanics to pull off some crazy moves. Being able to place custom objects in the world to make your own skate spot is genius, and the new Skate game seems to take that idea and run wild with it. I have more fun making my own spot and trying to conquer it than I do going to the actual skate parks in the game. I just hope they make the world a lot more open and seamless, with tons more places to go.

 

[DXCHASE]

Happy Valentines Day! Weird maybe if i say it but nonetheless!

Wife got me this Diablo 4 Barbarian/Necormancer set because we are running these characters this season (shes actually running the blood necro since its the #1 meta build) and they are super cheap for McFarlane Toys.

So now that i have 3 classes worth (have a druid one already) im lookin to just fill in the other classes and have a shelf set up the way they have the classes next to each other. They are pretty detailed looking:

Also, my cat likes to keep my forearm warm while i play lol

I got very sick yesterday. It's day like that where I really wished I had a Steam Deck. I didn't feel good enough to sit at my desk and game

I had the same thought when i was sick for most of january. I couldnt sit at my pc but i felt that if i had a steam deck and i laid in bed, i might have been able to enjoy.

 

[Johnway]

What would you think about using AI as an interface for gaming? Not for generating content or NPC dialog, but for voice input?

I already use a program called VoiceBot that lets me use my voice to execute keyboard inputs, but I was thinking more along the lines of AI being able to do more than just responding to your voice commands. Being able to remember how you play and recognizing your weaknesses to both anticipate your next requests and remind you if you're about to do something stupid (again) to help you from a self inflicted death.

The AI could remind you how many rounds your current weapon has, how much time is left in the mission timer, etc. Of course developers and mod makers would have to work to make this kind of information available to the AI but that wouldn't be much different than normal mods or even trainers.

It seems like if there is a truly useful feature for AI in gaming this would be it.

I suppose in RTS games its would be a real boon as you could set up starting gambits and production or focus on economy whilst you deal with fighting or vice versa. Of course this means that you're playing half a game and the Ai tool is very much a crutch during games. But on the other hand, the game does offer a limited verson of this as well. Whenever you're under attack, research complete or production complete, you're notified.

But for other games? maybe announcements when something has completed. But again more advanced stuff, i think its for the player to master the game rather then someone reminding you, you need to block/parry or tell you to watch out for snipers in a certain area of the map or something. you know gaming awareness.

 

[Pifanjr]

I played an hour of Baldur's Gate 3 today and spend most of it trying to figure out how to get all of my people to the next door.

I noticed that it looked as if it should be possible to go up, but the camera doesn't zoom out far enough to get a proper overview of the map. So instead I had an imp familiar fly up and explore the area backwards to find the place where the rest of my party could get up.

When I finally did get up, I had to disarm about 11 traps and unlock 3 doors (all trivial but bothersome), then walked into another trap while I wasn't looking at where my people were going.

 

[isleepinabed]

Finally cracked on buying my first game this year, Firmament, as it's on sale.

I'm slightly below minimum requirements but I'm hoping those are for the VR version as they're usually a little beefier. If it's unplayable or barely playable on my system I'll probably get UFO50 which is also on sale at a similar price.

Fingers crossed.

EDIT: Success!

 

[Frindis]

When I finally did get up, I had to disarm about 11 traps and unlock 3 doors (all trivial but bothersome), then walked into another trap while I wasn't looking at where my people were going.

Let me guess, you were sneaking around in Grymforge?

 

[Frindis]

Me on my way (final level before boss) to kill the boss while severely struggling to find the route. I didn't have the best equipment and most definitely not the most hard-hitting spells, but it worked out just fine because of some solid perks and a bit of luck. In case you wondering why I don't shoot much, it is because I am invisible (a perk you can get), and if I get a stain on me (walking in water, getting hurt, etc) or shoot I will lose it and all hell will break loose.

(Just skip to the end if you want to see the boss fight.)

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rnTT93IgiU&t=243

Noita is a super fun platform-based wizard wand spell throwing pixel-based game and I highly recommend it since it is easy to get into and a full round will take around 30 minutes if you are not doing any heavy grinding for early currency or full exploration. Tons of fun spells to play around with, some so powerful that you can instantly nuke the whole screen or perhaps drown all enemies with unlimited water. So many possibilities and also so many ways to die.

Noita on Steam

Noita is a magical action roguelite set in a world where every pixel is physically simulated. Fight, explore, melt, burn, freeze and evaporate your way through the procedurally generated world using spells you've created yourself.

store.steampowered.com

 

[Kaamos_Llama]

After all the talk around about Civ 7 around I started a new game of Old World which Ive had for quite a while and only played 20 or so hours of before this.

Im no expert on Civ, but played my fair share of 1,2, 4 and a bit of 5. Its the same itch, but with a little Crusader Kings politics sprinkled over it. I like it, its the same historical 4x hex based one more turn thing with the extra flavour of events with heirs and ministers getting upset with your decisions and/or not liking you personally on top. Pretty easy to pick up if youre used to 4X. Tech tree is slightly randomized as you get to pick from 4 options drawn from the deck, but it seems that anything not drawn goes back into the pack and comes up later so you dont lose out completely like you could in a roguelike system.

The main difference from the Civs I know apart from the personal politics I think are Orders. You generate a certain number every turn and theyre basically action points for the turn. Everything to do with moving and using military units takes orders, but also your workers use orders to move and build infrastructure. On top of that character actions like influencing rivals opinions, diplomatic actions, and tutoring heirs and courtiers to improve their skills also take Orders, so youre always making a choice. At least in this game I am, maybe I should be building orders generating buildings more or something and I'll work that out later. Anyway fun little twist on the system, I'm into it.

 

[Pifanjr]

Let me guess, you were sneaking around in Grymforge?

Is it still sneaking if there's no one left alive to see you?

Me on my way (final level before boss) to kill the boss while severely struggling to find the route. I didn't have the best equipment and most definitely not the most hard-hitting spells, but it worked out just fine because of some solid perks and a bit of luck. In case you wondering why I don't shoot much, it is because I am invisible (a perk you can get), and if I get a stain on me (walking in water, getting hurt, etc) or shoot I will lose it and all hell will break loose.

(Just skip to the end if you want to see the boss fight.)

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rnTT93IgiU&t=243

Noita is a super fun platform-based wizard wand spell throwing pixel-based game and I highly recommend it since it is easy to get into and a full round will take around 30 minutes if you are not doing any heavy grinding for early currency or full exploration. Tons of fun spells to play around with, some so powerful that you can instantly nuke the whole screen or perhaps drown all enemies with unlimited water. So many possibilities and also so many ways to die.

Noita on Steam

Noita is a magical action roguelite set in a world where every pixel is physically simulated. Fight, explore, melt, burn, freeze and evaporate your way through the procedurally generated world using spells you've created yourself.

store.steampowered.com

Noita has been on my wishlist for forever, but I'm not entirely sure I'd like it so I've never bought it. Sadly it doesn't have a demo.

 

[Frindis]

Is it still sneaking if there's no one left alive to see you?

Is one of the cows still alive?

Noita has been on my wishlist for forever, but I'm not entirely sure I'd like it so I've never bought it. Sadly it doesn't have a demo.

Now would be the time to jump in though because the price is the lowest it has been: https://gg.deals/game/noita/

 

[BeardyHat]

After all the talk around about Civ 7 around I started a new game of Old World which Ive had for quite a while and only played 20 or so hours of before this.

Im no expert on Civ, but played my fair share of 1,2, 4 and a bit of 5. Its the same itch, but with a little Crusader Kings politics sprinkled over it. I like it, its the same historical 4x hex based one more turn thing with the extra flavour of events with heirs and ministers getting upset with your decisions and/or not liking you personally on top. Pretty easy to pick up if youre used to 4X. Tech tree is slightly randomized as you get to pick from 4 options drawn from the deck, but it seems that anything not drawn goes back into the pack and comes up later so you dont lose out completely like you could in a roguelike system.

The main difference from the Civs I know apart from the personal politics I think are Orders. You generate a certain number every turn and theyre basically action points for the turn. Everything to do with moving and using military units takes orders, but also your workers use orders to move and build infrastructure. On top of that character actions like influencing rivals opinions, diplomatic actions, and tutoring heirs and courtiers to improve their skills also take Orders, so youre always making a choice. At least in this game I am, maybe I should be building orders generating buildings more or something and I'll work that out later. Anyway fun little twist on the system, I'm into it.

I really gotta sit down and commit to learning this one. I bought it on Epic when it came out and played like 5 hours or so and haven't been back to it since, but it lives rent free in the back of my head.

I picked-up Outward just over two weeks ago and just started playing it yesterday. I've got 2.6-hours into it so far and it feels...ok? I'm not exactly sure how I feel about it yet, but I'm leaning towards kind of janky (I'm usually ok with jank), but feels weird, combat isn't very good or fun (though I don't have any skills yet) and I'm not sure I really enjoy the gameplay conceit. Anyone else played this one? I feel like the negative reviews on Steam do a good job of pointing out my issues with it so far, but tough to say yet.

I'm tempted to just put it down, as it feels like a game where I "get it" and fundamentals aren't really going to change much after what I've played so far. Exploration doesn't feel terribly interesting so far either.

 

[Frindis]

Anyone else played this one? I feel like the negative reviews on Steam do a good job of pointing out my issues with it so far, but tough to say yet.

I got a few hours in it and I think it has some interesting mechanics around random events and the risk factor that goes with it. I'm not that fond of timed quests, but at least in this game, I think it worked out ok enough. The main reason I stopped playing it was because of the fighting. At the start it was ok, but if you didn't do this and that further in the game, then you were basically in for a hard time. So I appreciate that it got some freedom for you do go about exploring, but unfortunately, it also felt a bit set in stone when it came to what you should or could not do combat-wise. I also want to throw in that I did appreciate the camping in the game and the way you could have different tents that gave you perks.

 

[Frindis]

Surprisingly relaxing with a lot of cat meowing.

100 Korea Cats on Steam

🐾 Join the cutest adventure in the 🇰🇷 Korea 🍙, full of cats! Explore the charming hand-drawn artwork of Korean 🥟🥢🍢 themed locations as you embark on a quest to find 100 adorable cats hidden throughout the game. 🕵️‍♂️❌ Can you find them all? 🕵️‍♂️🐈✅

store.steampowered.com

 

[Pifanjr]

Is one of the cows still alive?

I'm not a monster. Only one of the Deep Roths is dead and it's because they decided to fight for their freedom.

There are actually two other guys alive as well, but they're too busy admiring some stonework to notice or care about the rest of their kind having been slaughtered.

Now would be the time to jump in though because the price is the lowest it has been: https://gg.deals/game/noita/

That is a good price, but I don't have time to play it right now, so I'll wait for the next sale.

 

[Zloth]

Playing 3 games at once!

I'm still trying to finish my big terraforming project in X4. It's getting close to done... I think? I've gotten everything else done that I want to do, so I hope so.

Baldur's Gate 3 has been on hold for some time now. I'm just not feeling very motivated to play it.

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth ran into a difficulty spike: a boss that wiped me out before I could hurt it much at all, even after three tries. I looked it up, and it seems I need to use the dodge mechanic instead of just trying to block attacks. The game taught me how to do that when I started, but I never needed it until now. Guess it's time to re-learn.

 

[BeardyHat]

I got a few hours in it and I think it has some interesting mechanics around random events and the risk factor that goes with it. I'm not that fond of timed quests, but at least in this game, I think it worked out ok enough. The main reason I stopped playing it was because of the fighting. At the start it was ok, but if you didn't do this and that further in the game, then you were basically in for a hard time. So I appreciate that it got some freedom for you do go about exploring, but unfortunately, it also felt a bit set in stone when it came to what you should or could not do combat-wise. I also want to throw in that I did appreciate the camping in the game and the way you could have different tents that gave you perks.

There's just something about it that's not really grabbing me. As a fan of stuff like Gothic and Valheim, I feel like it shares some DNA with them, but I'm just finding it a little outputting. Though I didn't put anymore time into it since my post earlier, so we'll see if I end up playing more.

Ended up playing a lot (for me) of WoW on my favorite private server this evening. Honestly, the funniest part of that is that I had to basically ok it with my wife, like I was going out for the evening; I wanted to run some dungeons with my buddies, but that just meant I wouldn't really be around to help with the kids bedtime, though I did end up taking a break in between runs to put the oldest to bed.

But it was a good time. I had a couple of drinks, lots of laughs and talking crap to my friends, so it was a few hours well spent.

 

[isleepinabed]

After all the talk around about Civ 7 around I started a new game of Old World which Ive had for quite a while and only played 20 or so hours of before this.

Im no expert on Civ, but played my fair share of 1,2, 4 and a bit of 5. Its the same itch, but with a little Crusader Kings politics sprinkled over it. I like it, its the same historical 4x hex based one more turn thing with the extra flavour of events with heirs and ministers getting upset with your decisions and/or not liking you personally on top. Pretty easy to pick up if youre used to 4X. Tech tree is slightly randomized as you get to pick from 4 options drawn from the deck, but it seems that anything not drawn goes back into the pack and comes up later so you dont lose out completely like you could in a roguelike system.

The main difference from the Civs I know apart from the personal politics I think are Orders. You generate a certain number every turn and theyre basically action points for the turn. Everything to do with moving and using military units takes orders, but also your workers use orders to move and build infrastructure. On top of that character actions like influencing rivals opinions, diplomatic actions, and tutoring heirs and courtiers to improve their skills also take Orders, so youre always making a choice. At least in this game I am, maybe I should be building orders generating buildings more or something and I'll work that out later. Anyway fun little twist on the system, I'm into it.

I loved Old World. The strategy is simpler and more streamlined than Civilization and politicking is not as insane as Crusader Kings yet, at the same time, that adds a lot to its appeal due to the fact that it combines both in a well rounded package that, at the same time, is unique because there isn't another game that's quite like it. Games like King of Dragon Pass/Six Ages are somewhat similar but a lot more complex and punishing to the point of being unfair.

It's still not realistic, of course, but the fact that the developers limited its scope to a single historic period and geographical settings that make sense gives it some credibility, as well as its slower pace, with a session possibly lasting for a few generations of rulers.

I was also quite impressed with how much the developers are dedicated to keeping the game alive (not being a major release) as there have been loads of DLC out since the game was released - and most are pretty good too or, otherwise, add relevant stuff to the base game.

 

[Kaamos_Llama]

I really gotta sit down and commit to learning this one. I bought it on Epic when it came out and played like 5 hours or so and haven't been back to it since, but it lives rent free in the back of my head.

It didnt suck me in like this the first time so maybe I was primed for it now. Cant wait to play it again but the kid is a bit sick still so guess I'll be playing some Minecraft today.

I loved Old World. The strategy is simpler and more streamlined than Civilization and politicking is not as insane as Crusader Kings yet, at the same time, that adds a lot to its appeal due to the fact that it combines both in a well rounded package that, at the same time, is unique because there isn't another game that's quite like it. Games like King of Dragon Pass/Six Ages are somewhat similar but a lot more complex and punishing to the point of being unfair.

It's still not realistic, of course, but the fact that the developers limited its scope to a single historic period and geographical settings that make sense gives it some credibility, as well as its slower pace, with a session possibly lasting for a few generations of rulers.

I was also quite impressed with how much the developers are dedicated to keeping the game alive (not being a major release) as there have been loads of DLC out since the game was released - and most are pretty good too or, otherwise, add relevant stuff to the base game.

Its one I feel like I'm going to go back to from time and again now. Are there DLC's any you'd recommend to pick up that improve the base game ?

 

[linhlop009]

@Kaamos_Llama​

I think open my topic again so when I need, can continue asking. i cant contact private to you. Thanks

 

[isleepinabed]

Its one I feel like I'm going to go back to from time and again now. Are there DLC's any you'd recommend to pick up that improve the base game ?

Well, I was mostly interested in the adventure aspect of it, as well as their commitment to historical research. I got the first 4 on a sale. The bigger ones add whole campaigns but even the cheapest one adds more events, characters and mechanics.
They don't turn the game on its head but if you enjoy the setting (and I really do enjoy it very much) it's a way to appease that feeling of "give me more of this, but new and different".

 

[DXCHASE]

Just started playing Avowed.

Ive always liked the lore and look of Pillars of Eternity and used that as the game to try to enjoy a turn-based game. It never really went too far but ive always liked that world. So i guess im kinda bias in saying ive enjoyed Avowed so far.

Only have about an hour or so in it, i got by the epilogue and its been fine. 1st and 3rd person view is nice, the graphics look good and the game runs pretty well for me. 4080super @ 4k Native max settings i get between 40-60fps, but with all the goodies and at 3440x1440 (my regular gaming res.) it goes up to 110-130. So should be pretty decent on older gen cards. Have no real dip in frames anywhere yet.

The combat...is mid at best and maybe a little unexciting? I havent had too many big battles yet but from what i have it could be more fun. Its really just arena combat right now. I do like that you can hold books of magic and use the 4 spells that are in it along with whatever you have learned spell-wise. Having the ability to have two different loadouts switch is also nice and there are guns, but the combat felt lacking to me overall. Its not bad where i cant stand it though.

As for the quest and dialogues, its pretty decent so far. It has its place in the world of games based on dialogue decisions making differences that change based on class.

The character creator is also kinda deep. I know a lot of people are reacting negatively to the "godlike" look that applies to your character (that you can turn on and off) but it has no effect on how much you can change your character.