Video Games Randomness - Prioritize specific game threads!

Daehawk · Post by **Daehawk** » Mon Jun 05, 2023 4:58 pm

jztemple2 wrote: Mon Jun 05, 2023 4:29 pm
Blackhawk wrote: Mon Jun 05, 2023 12:10 pm Do ya know what I miss? Space games that aren't sandbox economy simulators (IE - Galactic Truck Simulator.) There are a few, but not many.
I think I know what you mean, but for the life of me I can't quite think of one . Anyone have examples? I'd love to try one of these myself as I think I've burned out of games that have economy aspects in them, such as pretty much every colony and city builder. I'm OK with games with basic economy systems like Jagged Alliance, but more than that is putting me off right now.

Nothing new'ish springs to mind. But older titles aplenty...Freespace 1 & 2, Starlancer, Tachyon The Fringe(You're Bruce Campbell!).

Blackhawk · Post by **Blackhawk** » Mon Jun 05, 2023 5:17 pm

jztemple2 wrote: Mon Jun 05, 2023 4:29 pm
Blackhawk wrote: Mon Jun 05, 2023 12:10 pm Do ya know what I miss? Space games that aren't sandbox economy simulators (IE - Galactic Truck Simulator.) There are a few, but not many.
I think I know what you mean, but for the life of me I can't quite think of one . Anyone have examples? I'd love to try one of these myself as I think I've burned out of games that have economy aspects in them, such as pretty much every colony and city builder. I'm OK with games with basic economy systems like Jagged Alliance, but more than that is putting me off right now.

Back in them olden days? Freespace, several Star Wars games, Wing Commander, Tachyon: The Fringe, etc. Modern? Other than Squadrons, maybe Everspace?

I like sandbox games quite a bit, and would love some genuine plot-driven space sandbox games, but I find the popular "Land, buy low, hit warp, sell high, buy something else low, hit warp, sell high. Maybe kill a pirate now and then.' to be tedious and dull. I don't mind an economy, but I don't want to just haul cargo back and forth for hours. I do like the Truck Sim games, but at least they have scenery.

jztemple2 · Post by **jztemple2** » Mon Jun 05, 2023 5:21 pm

Blackhawk wrote: Mon Jun 05, 2023 5:17 pm I like sandbox games quite a bit, and would love some genuine plot-driven space sandbox games, but I find the popular "Land, buy low, hit warp, sell high, buy something else low, hit warp, sell high. Maybe kill a pirate now and then.' to be tedious and dull. I don't mind an economy, but I don't want to just haul cargo back and forth for hours. I do like the Truck Sim games, but at least they have scenery.

Did you mean "I don't like the Truck Sim games, but at least they have scenery"? I agree with you. I got into Elite Dangerous way back when it was still only available on the dev's website, but space was pretty boring. At least driving through Texas in ATS there are cows and billboards

Blackhawk · Post by **Blackhawk** » Mon Jun 05, 2023 5:28 pm

jztemple2 wrote: Mon Jun 05, 2023 5:21 pm Did you mean "I don't like the Truck Sim games, but at least they have scenery"? I agree with you. I got into Elite Dangerous way back when it was still only available on the dev's website, but space was pretty boring. At least driving through Texas in ATS there are cows and billboards

No, I do like them. I spent a lot of time engaged in long-distance travel growing up, and have been practically everywhere (or at least close by) that the game goes, so I find the travel itself to be enjoyable. Not mechanically engaging, but relaxing.

Daehawk · Post by **Daehawk** » Mon Jun 05, 2023 5:43 pm

Blackhawk wrote: Mon Jun 05, 2023 5:17 pm
jztemple2 wrote: Mon Jun 05, 2023 4:29 pm
Blackhawk wrote: Mon Jun 05, 2023 12:10 pm Do ya know what I miss? Space games that aren't sandbox economy simulators (IE - Galactic Truck Simulator.) There are a few, but not many.
I think I know what you mean, but for the life of me I can't quite think of one . Anyone have examples? I'd love to try one of these myself as I think I've burned out of games that have economy aspects in them, such as pretty much every colony and city builder. I'm OK with games with basic economy systems like Jagged Alliance, but more than that is putting me off right now.
Back in them olden days? Freespace, several Star Wars games, Wing Commander, Tachyon: The Fringe, etc. Modern? Other than Squadrons, maybe Everspace?

I like sandbox games quite a bit, and would love some genuine plot-driven space sandbox games, but I find the popular "Land, buy low, hit warp, sell high, buy something else low, hit warp, sell high. Maybe kill a pirate now and then.' to be tedious and dull. I don't mind an economy, but I don't want to just haul cargo back and forth for hours. I do like the Truck Sim games, but at least they have scenery.

I used to play a series of games called X. They let me build factories and sell my own products and such.

hitbyambulance · Post by **hitbyambulance** » Mon Jun 05, 2023 5:57 pm

With Game Mode enabled in macOS 14, the Mac prioritizes CPU and GPU power for the running title, thereby improving gaming hardware performance across the board. For example, Game Mode makes gaming on Mac even more immersive by dramatically lowering audio latency with AirPods.

Apple says it has also doubled the Bluetooth sampling rate for paired Xbox and Playstation controllers, while a new Game Porting toolkit for developers makes it easier to port games from other platforms.

Game Mode works with any game, including all of the recent and upcoming Mac games, according to Apple.

The developer beta of macOS Sonoma is available through the Apple Developer Program at developer.apple.com starting today, and a public beta will be available through the Apple Beta Software Program next month at beta.apple.com. The release will be available as a free software update this fall.

"This is Apple realising they’re going to struggle to get the VR/AR market unless they sort gaming out"

wouldn't be surprised to see the _Linux_ gaming market being larger than OS X by now

jztemple2 · Post by **jztemple2** » Mon Jun 05, 2023 8:22 pm

Blackhawk wrote: Mon Jun 05, 2023 5:28 pm
jztemple2 wrote: Mon Jun 05, 2023 5:21 pm Did you mean "I don't like the Truck Sim games, but at least they have scenery"? I agree with you. I got into Elite Dangerous way back when it was still only available on the dev's website, but space was pretty boring. At least driving through Texas in ATS there are cows and billboards
No, I do like them. I spent a lot of time engaged in long-distance travel growing up, and have been practically everywhere (or at least close by) that the game goes, so I find the travel itself to be enjoyable. Not mechanically engaging, but relaxing.

My wife and I have taken long road trips across the country and I find the driving relaxing as well, especially out West.

Daehawk · Post by **Daehawk** » Mon Jun 05, 2023 8:54 pm

I wonder if they'd ever add a Route 66 DLC to American Truck Sim?

Zarathud · Post by **Zarathud** » Mon Jun 05, 2023 9:10 pm

Almost the 25 year anniversary of FreeSpace. I was planning to send Adam Pletcher and Dave Baranec a bottle of champagne, but they’re no longer at Volition.

coopasonic · Post by **coopasonic** » Tue Jun 06, 2023 3:45 pm

Daehawk wrote: Mon Jun 05, 2023 8:54 pm I wonder if they'd ever add a Route 66 DLC to American Truck Sim?

ATS is expanded by state and the western half of Route 66 is already there.

jztemple2 · Post by **jztemple2** » Tue Jun 06, 2023 5:26 pm

coopasonic wrote: Tue Jun 06, 2023 3:45 pm
Daehawk wrote: Mon Jun 05, 2023 8:54 pm I wonder if they'd ever add a Route 66 DLC to American Truck Sim?
ATS is expanded by state and the western half of Route 66 is already there.

And just like in real life, sections of Route 66 in the game are marked with either roadside signs or the shield actually painted on the road. A couple of years ago we were in Tulsa and when we drove from the hotel to a pizza joint a few miles away we were actually on Rte 66 for a couple of miles and saw those markers.

Rumpy · Post by **Rumpy** » Tue Jun 06, 2023 6:50 pm

From what I understand, it's no longer the major artery it once was, but that they've included it because of how iconic it is.

jztemple2 · Post by **jztemple2** » Tue Jun 06, 2023 8:29 pm

Rumpy wrote: Tue Jun 06, 2023 6:50 pm From what I understand, it's no longer the major artery it once was, but that they've included it because of how iconic it is.

The part of it we drove in Tulsa was just a two lane secondary road, but it was still special.

Daehawk · Post by **Daehawk** » Wed Jun 07, 2023 2:23 pm

Only the first game trailer shown is Unreal 5 engine. But there are some neat looking MMOs mixed in there and some that look like derivative clunkers.

Madmarcus · Post by **Madmarcus** » Thu Jun 08, 2023 9:28 am

Decisions, decisions! I'm getting the itch to dive into a party based rpg with satisfying character building. Do I jump back into Solasta user made campaigns, attempt to finish Pathfinder: WotR, or try to find a hidden gem in my backlog?

Max Peck · Post by **Max Peck** » Thu Jun 08, 2023 10:35 am

I've been hearing really good things about the current state of the Baldur's Gate 3 early access build, but I haven't fired it up any time recently to see for myself.

Madmarcus · Post by **Madmarcus** » Thu Jun 08, 2023 11:07 am

I've avoided buying BG3 so far. If nothing else my current computer is a little old so I've been thinking more of older games or ones I already know work fine.

Daehawk · Post by **Daehawk** » Thu Jun 15, 2023 6:39 pm

Can you guys check my thread on a SSD real fast. I want to buy tonight if I can..my SSD is failing fast.

https://octopusoverlords.com/forum/view ... 3#p2976453

Jolor · Post by **Jolor** » Thu Jun 15, 2023 7:39 pm

New Jagged Alliance on July 14. Baldur's Gate 3 (aka DivDiv3) on Aug 31. Starfield shortly thereafter. Shadow Gambit looking great and is scheduled for Aug 17 release. System Shock remake, DREDGE, The Pale Beyond, and Shadows Over Loathing looking great. And I'm already in the time sink that is Diablo IV. I'm set for not only the rest of 2023 but into mid-2024 with just those games, assuming I pull the trigger.

Isgrimnur · Post by **Isgrimnur** » Thu Jun 15, 2023 7:40 pm

Spoken like a man without a backlog

Jolor · Post by **Jolor** » Thu Jun 15, 2023 7:51 pm

Oh, if only.

Smoove_B · Post by **Smoove_B** » Thu Jun 15, 2023 7:54 pm

I had the similar thoughts when I saw Baldur's Gate 3 and Starfield were coming out ~7 days of each other (allegedly). Can't remember the last time I was in a PC gaming conundrum like that.

That said, I'm sure coop will have them both beat before I can finish the tutorial on whatever I end up choosing.

Daehawk · Post by **Daehawk** » Thu Jun 15, 2023 8:12 pm

He is a machine.

jztemple2 · Post by **jztemple2** » Thu Jun 15, 2023 9:25 pm

Something new for motorheads

The Crew Motorfest Release Date Set for September 14; Beta Upcoming

The Crew Motorfest will launch on September 14 for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows PC through the Epic Games Store and the Ubisoft Store. Players can also get the game three days early by pre-ordering the Gold or Ultimate Edition: this Premium Early Access is also included in the Ubisoft+ subscription on PC via Ubisoft Connect, Xbox, and Amazon Luna. Also, players looking to get an early taste of The Crew Motorfest’s high-speed action can sign up for the Closed Beta, which will run from July 21-23 on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X.

An all-new open-world motorsports game, The Crew Motorfest is set on the Hawaiian island of O’ahu, where players can freely explore Honolulu’s streets, off-road down volcanoes, and race more than 610 vehicles (at launch) through rainforests, beaches, and winding mountain roads. A central part of The Crew Motorfest is the introduction of Playlists – multi-event campaigns built around a single car-culture theme, which players can tackle at any time, in any order

Race around Oahu in an open world game? Reminds me of Test Drive Unlimited.

Daehawk · Post by **Daehawk** » Thu Jun 15, 2023 9:31 pm

coopasonic · Post by **coopasonic** » Fri Jun 16, 2023 10:57 am

Smoove_B wrote: Thu Jun 15, 2023 7:54 pm

I had the similar thoughts when I saw Baldur's Gate 3 and Starfield were coming out ~7 days of each other (allegedly). Can't remember the last time I was in a PC gaming conundrum like that.

That said, I'm sure coop will have them both beat before I can finish the tutorial on whatever I end up choosing.

I think BG3 is a Deep Discount game for me... I have 148 hours in D:OS2 and have never finished it. I reinstalled last month and barely got to the island before I wandered away bored... again. This, combined with my lack of enthusiasm for Pathfinder: Kingmaker makes me think I should not rush into BG3. I loved the originals back in the day but that day was long, long ago.

coopasonic · Post by **coopasonic** » Fri Jun 16, 2023 10:58 am

jztemple2 wrote: Thu Jun 15, 2023 9:25 pm Something new for motorheads

The Crew Motorfest Release Date Set for September 14; Beta Upcoming

The Crew Motorfest will launch on September 14 for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows PC through the Epic Games Store and the Ubisoft Store. Players can also get the game three days early by pre-ordering the Gold or Ultimate Edition: this Premium Early Access is also included in the Ubisoft+ subscription on PC via Ubisoft Connect, Xbox, and Amazon Luna. Also, players looking to get an early taste of The Crew Motorfest’s high-speed action can sign up for the Closed Beta, which will run from July 21-23 on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X.

An all-new open-world motorsports game, The Crew Motorfest is set on the Hawaiian island of O’ahu, where players can freely explore Honolulu’s streets, off-road down volcanoes, and race more than 610 vehicles (at launch) through rainforests, beaches, and winding mountain roads. A central part of The Crew Motorfest is the introduction of Playlists – multi-event campaigns built around a single car-culture theme, which players can tackle at any time, in any order

Race around Oahu in an open world game? Reminds me of Test Drive Unlimited.

I really hope it is a more compelling experience than The Crew 2.

Carpet_pissr · Post by **Carpet_pissr** » Sat Jun 17, 2023 2:14 pm

I'm in the middle of playing Return to Castle Wolfenstein with the realRTCW mod (which is amazing btw, games looks fantastic), and was trying to figure out what single player game in the series comes next. I've seen a couple of mentions of just "Wolfenstein" that came out in 2009 (RtCW came out in 01 I think), but I can't find it ANYwhere...not on Steam, not on GoG...any ideas? Is it even worth playing?

Raven/id software FWIW.

Smoove_B · Post by **Smoove_B** » Sat Jun 17, 2023 2:32 pm

It apparently disappeared in 2014 for "unknown reasons" (according to Wiki). That's weird.

I looked through a bunch of screen shots and I'm not even sure I played it. I was heavily into using my Xbox360 at the time because my PC wasn't great, so that's probably why I missed it. I personally wouldn't sweat it and just jump right into Wolfenstein: The New Order, which I really enjoyed.

Carpet_pissr · Post by **Carpet_pissr** » Sat Jun 17, 2023 2:36 pm

Smoove_B wrote: Sat Jun 17, 2023 2:32 pm It apparently disappeared in 2014 for "unknown reasons" (according to Wiki). That's weird.

I looked through a bunch of screen shots and I'm not even sure I played it. I was heavily into using my Xbox360 at the time because my PC wasn't great, so that's probably why I missed it. I personally wouldn't sweat it and just jump right into Wolfenstein: The New Order, which I really enjoyed.

I didn't even see that referenced in the wikipedia article...I wonder if it got canceled for some reason, or maybe changed the name? Very odd.

Edit: nvm, I see the reference to the disappearance now. I did see a physical copy on Amazon for something crazy like $40

Daehawk · Post by **Daehawk** » Sat Jun 17, 2023 2:38 pm

You can buy Wolfenstein (2009) on Etsy and such. But I dont remember playing it. I started with Wolfenstein: The New Order (2014). then Wolfenstein: The Old Blood (2015). After that I swear I played Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus (2017) but I dont own a copy so not sure how I played it. I now own Wolfenstein: Youngblood but haven't played it.

I have to reinstall Steam today and games..may toss it in.

Smoove_B · Post by **Smoove_B** » Sat Jun 17, 2023 2:47 pm

Carpet_pissr wrote: Sat Jun 17, 2023 2:36 pm Edit: nvm, I see the reference to the disappearance now. I did see a physical copy on Amazon for something crazy like $40

Googling around a bit more:

The company presumably allowed the game to remain on Steam until just before the release of Wolfenstein: The New Order on May 19th. Since The New Order largely reinvented the Wolfenstein canon that came before it, Zenimax may have chosen to delist the 2009 release to avoid brand confusion.

Anonymous Bosch · Post by **Anonymous Bosch** » Sat Jun 17, 2023 3:11 pm

Carpet_pissr wrote: Sat Jun 17, 2023 2:14 pm I'm in the middle of playing Return to Castle Wolfenstein with the realRTCW mod (which is amazing btw, games looks fantastic), and was trying to figure out what single player game in the series comes next. I've seen a couple of mentions of just "Wolfenstein" that came out in 2009 (RtCW came out in 01 I think), but I can't find it ANYwhere...not on Steam, not on GoG...any ideas? Is it even worth playing?

Raven/id software FWIW.

It is available for download courtesy of Archive.org.

I have not played it personally though, and its Wikipedia entry suggests it received a lukewarm reception from critics back in the day, so I dunno if it's worth playing.

Daehawk · Post by **Daehawk** » Sun Jun 18, 2023 2:03 pm

Daehawk · Post by **Daehawk** » Mon Jun 19, 2023 4:27 pm

Max Peck · Post by **Max Peck** » Thu Jun 22, 2023 2:10 pm

EA Games is dead, long live EA Entertainment and EA Sports

EA are cutting themselves down the middle, with EA Games and EA Sports now making up two separate units, and the former getting a rebrand. From now on, EA Games will be known as EA Entertainment, which really doesn't have as good a ring to it (no one's going to be quoting "it's in the entertainment," any time soon are they?). The name change does imply a broader expansion into more than just games, but it's obviously a bit of a wait and see kind of situation until EA show off something that isn't a video game.

Rumpy · Post by **Rumpy** » Fri Jun 23, 2023 3:53 pm

I think in its early days they were known as Electronic Arts Entertainment, so if anything, it sounds like a return to their roots.

Isgrimnur · Post by **Isgrimnur** » Fri Jun 23, 2023 4:07 pm

Blackhawk · Post by **Blackhawk** » Mon Jun 26, 2023 2:41 pm

Uh-oh...

In the last couple of days I have installed, launched, and uninstalled a half a dozen games.

Gaming slump alert!

The proximate cause: A couple of bad game experiences in a row. First was an early access title that I'm not going to name, as it has a lot of potential and I don't want to give it a black mark. It just isn't ready to play yet. The second was another attempt at Fallout 76, which has improved - it used to be a flaming pile of shit. Now it's just a steaming turd. Still, five weeks of trying to play it and dealing with poor design, aggressive monetization, and bugs caused mostly by lazy developers (I had issues with a number of bugs that were present in Fallout 4 at launch and have been reported hundreds of times, and the fact that they crammed coop gameplay into a single player game created all sorts of problems.)

Max Peck · Post by **Max Peck** » Mon Jun 26, 2023 3:06 pm

I know several people who think Fallout 76 is the best thing since sliced bread and play it daily as their game of choice. I haven't played it all that recently (I played for a few months at launch, then again a year or two ago). My only real complaint is one that also applies to ESO, in that they have gone out of their way to make it a PITA to manage inventory/storage, especially for crafting, unless you pony up for the subscription to get the bonus capacity and unlimited crafting component storage. My inner thrifty Scotsman will only tolerate one game subscription at a time, so ESO won out and I have not been playing F76. When I eventually burn out on ESO and drop the subscription, there's a good chance I'll switch back to F76. It's janky, but I had fun with it.