Video Games Randomness - Prioritize specific game threads!

Daehawk · Post by **Daehawk** » Tue Jun 12, 2018 10:55 am

Kasey Chang wrote: Tue Jun 12, 2018 5:19 am Getting into Technomancer, which is related to Mars: War Logs, albeit kinda sequel. So far, I'm just running around inside the city of Abundance, doing Fedex quests. The game doesn't quite give you arrows to your objectives. But it *does* give you some non-combat options like charm, lockpick, and so on IF you did add some points to those attributes. Right now, I feel more like a cop with a tilted moral compass and secret agenda than a technomancer.

I try not to think of Technomancer. I haven't finished Mars yet. After 3 tries I got way into Mars and got stuck. Weeks later I got past that part and no more than 200 feet from that I got stuck again. So I haven't been back in months. I will finish the game first before thinking of the sequel. I love the game. Just these tough bits drive me crazy.

Kasey Chang · Post by **Kasey Chang** » Tue Jun 12, 2018 2:45 pm

Me neither. (never finished Mars Warlogs. I don't think I ever even left the dome. I remember doing down to the caves and killed some big critter, then ended up doing Fedex quests back and forth about some great escape thing. And that's when I stopped playing.

Smoove_B · Post by **Smoove_B** » Tue Jun 12, 2018 6:25 pm

Holy crap - big news from STEAM:

Windows XP and Windows Vista Support

Starting on January 1 2019, Steam will officially stop supporting the Windows XP and Windows Vista operating systems. This means that after that date the Steam Client will no longer run on those versions of Windows. In order to continue running Steam and any games or other products purchased through Steam, users will need to update to a more recent version of Windows.

The newest features in Steam rely on an embedded version of Google Chrome, which no longer functions on older versions of Windows. In addition, future versions of Steam will require Windows feature and security updates only present in Windows 7 and above.

For the remainder of 2018 Steam will continue to run and to launch games on Windows XP and Windows Vista, but other functionality in Steam will be somewhat limited. For example, new features such as the new Steam Chat will not be available. We encourage all users on these operating systems to upgrade to newer versions of Windows in order to have ongoing access to the latest features of Steam, and to ensure future access to all games and other Steam content.

I suspect quite a few PC games aren't going to survive the transition.

Daehawk · Post by **Daehawk** » Tue Jun 12, 2018 6:40 pm

I use Win 7 but thats a buncha shit right there.

Fitzy · Post by **Fitzy** » Tue Jun 12, 2018 6:49 pm

Makes sense. You can't keep supporting operating systems that aren't even supported anymore.

Blackhawk · Post by **Blackhawk** » Tue Jun 12, 2018 6:57 pm

XP is 17 years old. It's been ten years since XP has had an update, and nine for Vista. They have to let it go sometime. Nobody is complaining that they aren't supporting Windows 95 anymore, either. At some point you end up not being able to release better versions of a piece of software because there is no way to run them on the older OS.

And the latest Steam Hardware Survey shows that XP represents 0.22% of those polled. That's less than one in four hundred. Vista didn't even make the list.

Paingod · Post by **Paingod** » Wed Jun 13, 2018 7:07 am

Daehawk wrote: Tue Jun 12, 2018 6:40 pm I use Win 7 but thats a buncha shit right there.

Seriously. I'm pretty pissed that my Windows 95c install won't work with Steam at all.

I'm still a Windows 7 guy, and will move to Windows 10 when there's absolutely no option. I just don't care for the interface at all. I support it at work and am familiar with it, but think it's a mess.

GreenGoo · Post by **GreenGoo** » Wed Jun 13, 2018 7:15 am

Everything at home is still windows 7 here too.

Daehawk · Post by **Daehawk** » Wed Jun 13, 2018 9:56 am

Ive owned and used PCs since 1994 and had BASIC stuff since the late 70s early 80s and I cannot use my wifes laptop with Win 10 on it. I hate it.

coopasonic · Post by **coopasonic** » Wed Jun 13, 2018 10:13 am

Friggin old people.

Daehawk · Post by **Daehawk** » Wed Jun 13, 2018 10:24 am

Are you on our lawn again?? Hey guys he's on the lawn again and I think he is holding up a boombox!!!

Max Peck · Post by **Max Peck** » Wed Jun 13, 2018 10:55 am

If someone is still running an internet-connected Vista/XP system, I'm surprised they can run games on it at all, what with all the malware they'd be hosting by now.

Kasey Chang · Post by **Kasey Chang** » Fri Jun 15, 2018 5:29 am

Technomancer is growing on me a little. Combat requires a bit of tactical thinking and heavy use of the "active pause" (i.e. bullet time) If you just go real-time you'll die. The problem is the map and quests, and that's the same as its predecessor, Mars War Logs (MWL). Apparently, there are quite a few missions you can do for the local mob, i.e. the Vory and the leader, Anton Rogue. Apparently everybody's "surname" describes their role. Technomancers are all surnamed Mancer. Traders are all surnamed Goodsman, and so on. For people who don't belong, they got surname of Rogue.

The player character is one of the rarest... A rogue who somehow has technomancer gifts, so he has TWO surnames, Zacariah Rogue Mancer.

The story right now is apparently Colonel Viktor doesn't believe in my mostly benevolent approach to problem solving. Mutants doing a work stoppage to complain about lack of tools and lack of medicine for the sick? I provided those and got them to work, but I got framed as "mutant sympathizer", and apparently one of my former combat team member is a spy sent by the ASC (local KGB) to spy on me. WTF... I got rid of him, but it's too late. I and my two companions that are left have to run and hijack one of the few rovers, and make a run to a mythical city of Labyrinthe Noctis, oversaw by a "merchant prince". I am now officially an outlaw, and some of my missions take me back helping the opposition through smuggling and stuff.

The map is large, and while the map does show a semi-3D, there's no real arrow pointing you the way, or to mark something you want to navigate toward. And the map are truly 3D, with staircases, ladders, and more and multiple vertical levels/layers. While you do get an indicator that whatever it is you're looking for is on this level, above, or below, you're not give clear clues as to how to get to them, other than "look for stairs nearby". Getting lost should happen quite frequently, and the map and mini-map can use some work.

Some of the mechanics are just... weird. To loot something off, say, a chest, you go up and hit E (to open). You can press E again to "loot all". If the container is locked and you have the required lockpicking skill, you E to unlock, E to open, AND E again to "loot all". WTF!? Why make it multiple steps? There is an emcumberance limit, but unless you're carrying around dozens of clothing and other items, I doubt you'll ever hit your limit.

KDH · Post by **KDH** » Fri Jun 15, 2018 11:09 am

.
... Farming Simulator 19 ... Featuring John Deere
.

...

Spoiler:

.

GIANTS Software and Focus Home Interactive unveil the highly anticipated John Deere brand, joining the largest garage ever in a Farming Simulator game, in this E3 trailer. Farming Simulator 19 is the deepest, most complete farming simulator ever as the multimillion-selling franchise takes a giant leap forward with a complete overhaul of its graphics engine that provides the most striking and immersive visuals to date. It is the richest farming experience ever made for consoles and PCs, releasing at the end of the year!

Farming Simulator 19 takes the biggest step forward yet with the franchise’s most extensive vehicle roster ever! You’ll take control of vehicles and machines faithfully recreated from all the leading brands in the industry such as Case IH, New Holland, Challenger, Fendt, Massey Ferguson, Valtra, Krone, Deutz-Fahr and many more. We’re also happy to welcome the world’s largest agriculture machinery company, John Deere. The brand arrives with iconic tractors such as the 8400R seen in today’s E3 trailer.

Farming Simulator 19 will feature new American and European environments, in which to develop and expand your farm. The game also introduces many exciting new farming activities, including new machinery and crops with cotton and oat! Tend to your livestock of pigs, cows, sheep, and chickens - or ride your horses for the first time, letting you explore in a brand-new way the vast land around your farm.

Farming Simulator 19 will be available Fall 2018 on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC and Mac.

Kasey Chang · Post by **Kasey Chang** » Fri Jun 15, 2018 9:47 pm

The background for Technomancer is pretty good, actually. The different factions/corporations have different cultures, and completely different styles. Then you have cities/domes owned by each corporation/guild. The story centers on the city Ophir, owned by the corporation "Abundance", in a perpetual war with rival corporation "Aurora", and you start as Zacariah Mancer working for Abundance. Add a merchant faction (not aligned with the various corporations) and it's interesting. (In the prequel, Mars War Logs, you play a prisoner from Aurora being held by Abundance in a prison labor camp).

But there's just way too much forcing you to run back and forth, even when there's really no reason to run back other than to close out the quest.

Daehawk · Post by **Daehawk** » Fri Jun 15, 2018 10:39 pm

In Mars I escaped there and am in a town. its there gangs beat the shit out of me in numbers. I even have a partner helping and we both die. Frustrating.

Torfish · Post by **Torfish** » Sat Jun 16, 2018 11:58 am

Playing Diablo 3 season 14 that started last night. I always say that I'm done with the game. But once a new season opens, I always seem to come back with new interest. I'm not a crazy person that levels to 70 in a couple of hours. It will be a full day or two with my available play time. Trying out a crusader on normal seasons. I'll change up with a Monk hardcore later one. It's also pretty fun to watch the streamers play the first few days to see what's new and tips. Good stuff for now.

My interest will only last for about 2-3 weeks most likely. I'll switch between this, Hearthstone, Grim Dawn, and Civilization VI. My go-to games for the last couple of years.

Kasey Chang · Post by **Kasey Chang** » Sat Jun 16, 2018 12:56 pm

Daehawk wrote: Fri Jun 15, 2018 10:39 pm In Mars I escaped there and am in a town. its there gangs beat the shit out of me in numbers. I even have a partner helping and we both die. Frustrating.

Combat in MWL/Technomancer is frustrating. You have to use the active pause quite a bit, and learn how to block/disrupt with good timing. Else if you play it like a straight brawler you'll just die. Personally I just load a trainer and say F*** this, I'm just here for the story.

Daehawk · Post by **Daehawk** » Sat Jun 16, 2018 1:15 pm

I may reinstall and use a trainer so I can see that story and how it ends but first Ill give her a few more goes at it.

gbasden · Post by **gbasden** » Sat Jun 16, 2018 11:53 pm

Daehawk wrote: Tue Jun 12, 2018 6:40 pm I use Win 7 but thats a buncha shit right there.

No, no it's not. It's a good idea for security as well as developer resources. If some fool is still running XP without security patches, don't cater to them.

Kasey Chang · Post by **Kasey Chang** » Sun Jun 17, 2018 4:02 am

I just used the trainer and I've gone all the way to the end. And it's one heck of an ending, even though some of the rewards you get really really sucks.

Spoiler:

Kasey Chang · Post by **Kasey Chang** » Mon Jun 18, 2018 4:45 am

I've started playing Van Helsing II, which is basically a Diablo clone, albeit with a lot more story. I went through the first battle, then rescued Telsa. So I guess next would be taking another quest.

Z-Corn · Post by **Z-Corn** » Mon Jun 18, 2018 8:35 am

gbasden wrote: Sat Jun 16, 2018 11:53 pm
Daehawk wrote: Tue Jun 12, 2018 6:40 pm I use Win 7 but thats a buncha shit right there.
No, no it's not. It's a good idea for security as well as developer resources. If some fool is still running XP without security patches, don't cater to them.

What if some fool is running Win7 but doesn't apply the security patches? Is that the same thing?

Asking for a friend...

KDH · Post by **KDH** » Mon Jun 18, 2018 11:32 am

.
... Games removing Redshell SDK amid Spyware accusations:
.

A thread on Reddit has a week's worth of discussion about Red Shell, an SDK used in a bunch of games that's facing accusations of being a form of spyware. This is used to allow publishers to track the success of affiliate campaigns in selling games, but apparently it also creates a fingerprint that includes information about individual users. This situation has already progressed to the point where they have a lengthy list of game that have removed or have pledged to remove the controversial SDK, and an even lengthier list of games where it remains in place according to community reports. The number of prominent titles shows just how widespread this is:

.

Games:

Spoiler:

From: Blues

gbasden · Post by **gbasden** » Tue Jun 19, 2018 12:16 am

Z-Corn wrote: Mon Jun 18, 2018 8:35 am
gbasden wrote: Sat Jun 16, 2018 11:53 pm
Daehawk wrote: Tue Jun 12, 2018 6:40 pm I use Win 7 but thats a buncha shit right there.
No, no it's not. It's a good idea for security as well as developer resources. If some fool is still running XP without security patches, don't cater to them.
What if some fool is running Win7 but doesn't apply the security patches? Is that the same thing?

Asking for a friend...

Pretty comparable.

Kasey Chang · Post by **Kasey Chang** » Tue Jun 19, 2018 4:19 am

Playing Van Helsing II some more, what's a tower defense game doing in the middle of my 3rd person RPG?

Right now I'm on a quest to find Perun the Thunder God, already went up the mountain, and went through the caves, and did part 1. Almost ready for Part 2.

EDIT: Just fought through the digger and the citadel before that. So managed to conclude chapter 2 altogether.

I'd imagine chapter 3 is the grand finale, when I tried to go after the General myself.

I'm playing on easy, and let's just say this game has so many hidden little in-joke half the fun is going back and finding them. There are jokes referecing everything from Star Wars to Sherlock Holmes, Star Trek to Dr. Who, even Jack the Ripper. OTOH, even on easy, death happens relatively often, esp. when bad guys have special tricks. Bone cage, ground spikes, tether (tractor beam?) make you impossible to run away to heal. OTOH, my weapons are much improved once I figured out the upgrade system. (Weapons, armor, and accessories can be enhanced by enchantments, essenses (if available), and possibly runes. The stuff I find is almost always magical, so only "rare" or even "unique" stuff is worth something. I found the Baskerville set of belt, gun, and headgear, and there are apparently quite a few other sets out there.

GreenGoo · Post by **GreenGoo** » Wed Jun 20, 2018 10:22 am

My son has been playing fallout 3 and the sepia-like visuals are really appealing to me.

Might be time to finally play it.

Daehawk · Post by **Daehawk** » Wed Jun 20, 2018 10:32 am

Theres a mod to remove that

KDH · Post by **KDH** » Wed Jun 20, 2018 12:35 pm

.
... American Girl™ Xbox Gamer Doll Set Now Exists
.

Spoiler:

Isgrimnur · Post by **Isgrimnur** » Wed Jun 20, 2018 12:38 pm

Bring on the giant meteor. We had a good run.

Kasey Chang · Post by **Kasey Chang** » Thu Jun 21, 2018 12:05 am

Finished Van Helsing II. it seems the recommendation is try VH1, but do NOT buy VH3 or VH:Final Cut. Hmmm...

I'm doing it on easy mode, so I guess I can try it again on Veteran mode, and try to find all the Easter Eggs and callouts.

GreenGoo · Post by **GreenGoo** » Thu Jun 21, 2018 8:40 am

Wildlands doesn't have it's own thread that I know of.

How awesome is it to be driving across the Bolivian countryside and then suddenly hear a predator's scream from somewhere in the distant jungle?

It's very awesome, that's how awesome.

coopasonic · Post by **coopasonic** » Thu Jun 21, 2018 9:46 am

GreenGoo wrote: Thu Jun 21, 2018 8:40 am Wildlands doesn't have it's own thread that I know of.

http://octopusoverlords.com/forum/viewt ... =2&t=93889

GreenGoo · Post by **GreenGoo** » Thu Jun 21, 2018 10:59 am

Thanks. Didn't come up on the first page of searching so I immediately gave up. I'm not Isgrim. Oh, and I just did a general search of the forums, so don't bother telling me it's on the first page of PC Games.

Kasey Chang · Post by **Kasey Chang** » Fri Jun 22, 2018 5:23 am

Playing one of the simpler games: JunkerBot. It's like auto combat, but with strafing and 360 view so you circle each other, but it's usually 1 v 2 or 1 v 3. The base building interface is not explained well, but for less than $2 I guess I can't complain. It's pretty fun, though probably a bit repetitive.

Daehawk · Post by **Daehawk** » Fri Jun 22, 2018 5:41 am

Paingod wrote: Mon Apr 07, 2014 7:33 am I want to know how I managed to buy KoTOR II and never played it - it was installed and everything. I'm only a few hours in and I'm having about as much fun with this one as I did the first - though I miss my HK droid. I hope the one on my ship is as amusing as the original was.

How many games do I have that I look at and say "I've had that for so long that I must have played it by now" ... ?

In many ways its a better game but the way they either were forced to throw out the game early or they just didn't make a good ending ruined it to me. Ive played them both multiple times and finished them. had great fun with both too.

Where Id rate the first KOTOR a perfect 10 Id give the second one an 8 or a 9. If it either had a good ending or just didn't have the one it has Id rate it a 10 as well.

Fitzy · Post by **Fitzy** » Fri Jun 22, 2018 8:37 am

Daehawk wrote: Fri Jun 22, 2018 5:41 am
Paingod wrote: Mon Apr 07, 2014 7:33 am I want to know how I managed to buy KoTOR II and never played it - it was installed and everything. I'm only a few hours in and I'm having about as much fun with this one as I did the first - though I miss my HK droid. I hope the one on my ship is as amusing as the original was.

How many games do I have that I look at and say "I've had that for so long that I must have played it by now" ... ?
In many ways its a better game but the way they either were forced to throw out the game early or they just didn't make a good ending ruined it to me. Ive played them both multiple times and finished them. had great fun with both too.

Where Id rate the first KOTOR a perfect 10 Id give the second one an 8 or a 9. If it either had a good ending or just didn't have the one it has Id rate it a 10 as well.

There is a big mod that restores the endings and other fixes. It’s on the steam workshop too. https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/ ... =485537937

It is a great mod, but I can’t say if it’s something that should be experienced on a first play through. I’d lean yes, but understand if others disagreed.

Kasey Chang · Post by **Kasey Chang** » Fri Jun 22, 2018 12:15 pm

Speaking of KOTOR, I really need to play that. I remember getting into the game, was wandering the different levels of the "mall", nabbed almost everything that wasn't nailed down, and got to the point where I need to find jobs to go into the sewers/underlevel or something, and I think that's where I lost interest and went onto play something else. *sigh*

Kasey Chang · Post by **Kasey Chang** » Sat Jun 23, 2018 3:46 pm

Junkerbot: I'm in my 4th crater and difficulty had been ramped up. I'm now facing like 4-5 bad guys at once, and it gets pretty darn hard. I need to build a fusion reactor to power my teleporter but I'm not finding enough metal quite yet. There are just too many enemies at once, so even if you are up-armored there are just too many guns hitting you at the same time. May have to try different tactics.

Trying AutoCraft, the scifi physics puzzler that's a lot like Besieged (where you build those medieval machines) but somewhere in the previous updates they screwed up the physics engine (or maybe it's the update to Unity 5?). Now the second puzzle (out of 34) is unsolvable.

Moliere · Post by **Moliere** » Sat Jun 23, 2018 4:39 pm

Is there a thread somewhere talking about Red Shell's alleged spyware?

In Mario Kart, red shells target your nearest rival and ruthlessly stop them in their tracks. Everybody hates them. Marketing company Red Shell, meanwhile, helps video game companies more accurately target potential customers with their ads. This fact has not sat well with some players who have recently discovered the software in a veritable kartload of Steam games.

According to Red Shell’s website, their software is meant to help game companies “measure the effectiveness of their marketing campaigns” by “tying information from marketing campaigns to in-game play.” Basically, it’s installed alongside games and tracks information about your devices (operating system, browser version number, IP address, etc) in order to ascertain how effective advertisements for that particular game are. The company swears up and down that it doesn’t collect personal information.