The THIRD Official Althanas Gaming thread

[Letho]

Yeah, let's do another one of these. I should probably try to make one a month, but I keep forgetting. Anyways, instead of a specific topic this time around, I figure we turn this one into sort of a "what are you currently playing?" thread or something like that, and see where it goes from there. I figure everybody name the game they currently play, the last one they played and the next one they plan to sink their teeth into (optional) and share some opinions on them, maybe recommend them, maybe warn people of the suckage. I'll start.


Last played - Red Dead Redemption (hence the new avatar)

Let me start with the fact that I rather dislike sandbox-type games. Up until Red Dead Redemption, the last one I finished was like GTA3 or something. However, I got into RDR because I absolutely love the westerns. And surprisingly, I actually loved this game. I found the main character rather enjoyable, the story was interesting enough, the setting is spot on and the ending is pretty awesome. However, it's not a flawless. Other than the main story, there really isn't that much to do, and gimmicks like breaking horses and chasing after challenges and playing poker aren't really interesting unless you're the kind of a person that has to catch'em all. All in all, an enjoyable game, worth a play in my book.

Currently playing - Starcraft II

It's been a long wait, but frankly I wasn't exactly sitting on the edge of my seat for this one. I never was a fan of the first one (I know, blasphemy!) and when it comes to space and aliens and men in oversized armor, I'm more of a fan of Dawn of War II. However, the production value of the Blizzard games is always high and I've been aching for some RTS action, so I figure I give this baby a go. From the first few missions I've played, I can confirm that not much has changed in all these years. And while some would argue that you shouldn't fix what isn't broken, I find the Starcraft gameplay a bit archaic, especially when compared to the squad-based, cover-using, semi-RPG system of the DoW2. But we'll see.

Next on the list - Probably Dragon Age: Origins again. This game calls me back from time to time, reminding me just how awesome it is. This would be the third time for me to play it and I'll probably go through it with a mage character, having covered the other two classes in my first two goes.


Now let's see yours. :)

[Lisean]

May as well give my two cents, considering the last game I played was the same one, Letho.

Last Played - Red Dead Redemption

I'm usually one that doesn't immerse myself in Rockstar's games such as the GTA series, but for something that works the same way and in a different setting, they've really pulled it off with Red Dead Redemption. Not only can it be entertaining to go out and shoot up a bunch of civilians and/or go bandit/animal hunting in the free roam, but the story behind the main character was pretty engaging. It made me look forward to immediately run to my next mission, which unfortunately gave me little time to soak up the extras they have in the single player. Multi-player was just was addictive, with gameplay similiar to that of GTA and Gears of War multiplayer modes, where cover is your greatest asset. There are ranks with weapon and mount unlocks, and even prestige modes much like Call of Duty, where you get legendary mounts and characters you can play as online. A great game for both offline and online play.

Currently Playing - Alan Wake

This game single-handedly captures everything in a story I could hope for, and it's the kind of game I've been waiting to play again. Ever since Max Payne, I haven't really found anything to immerse myself into with 100% interest until I sucked it up and entered Albion with Fable 2, but the moment I heard about Remedy's project, I got everything I could muster on this game. It felt like a favourite before I even watched my brother begin playing it. Now that I recently got my hands on it, I started playing with a thunderstorm one night, and the thriller never gets more breathtaking than that. Sure, it may feel a little repetitive with the scenario, running around in the woods in the middle of the night with gun and flashlight, but you feel like you really are trying to survive with the atmosphere it brings. The storyline is amazing, the characters are well-constructed, and it's everything you could ask for in a psychological supernatural thriller. 10/10.

Next On The List - If I had the computer upgraded, I'd be having a go at Dawn of War II to help me with my recent pull into Warhammer 40k. I only recently started my own army of miniatures and focusing more on painting them at this time, but a little insight and RTS gameplay could perhaps help further with soaking it all up. Other than that, I'm keeping my options open this month and kind of planning out the last quarter of the year. Many titles to look forward to in the meantime. Fable 3. Fallout: New Vegas. Gears of War 3. Halo: Reach (Though I despise Halo I may actually give this one a go). Until then it's shredding it up on Skate 3's freeroam, and trying to 100% Alan Wake for me.

[Atzar]

Last Played: Civilization 4

Everybody has at least heard of this game. It's quite possibly the most popular turn-based strategy game for the PC ever, and for good reason. Civ 5 comes out in September, and I can't wait!

Now Playing: Monster Hunter Tri

Get this game. It's a mix of Action and RPG, and it blends together seamlessly. The game starts slow as it teaches you to gather, move, hunt small monsters, etc., but once you get into the bigger guys you'll be hooked.

Next: Super Mario Galaxy 2 or Civ 5

Most likely Civ 5, since I don't see myself putting Tri down before I head back to school, and I won't be bringing the Wii with me.

[SirArtemis]

last played: Elder scrolls oblivion game of the year (ive beaten the regular a couple times, but this had all the expansions.)

currently playing: monster hunter tri

Next game: depends what comes out and i hear about. plenty sound good.

[Jalim Mandren]

I'll admit that I'm not really much of a gamer, but I'll give some input...

Last played: Metal Gear Solid - Yup, the original stealth action game from the PS1 era. Absolutely love it! A good plot, great characters, and a mix of action and strategy. Apparently it's possible to complete the game with the only kills being bosses and the comm tower guards. Never managed it though. Never really wanted to, either!

Currently playing: Final Fantasy XII - Truth be told, I've been 'playing' this game for about two years. I don't really give much time to gaming, but do love the FF series. And I'm at a point where I need to do some serious grinding to progress. And with an Elemental around (for any who haven't played the game - they're ridiculously overpowered and come hunting for you) it's so hard to get anywhere without dying.

Next: Metal Gear Solid 4 or Final Fantasy XIII - Because I don't play games much, I have yet to buy a PS3. I don't see the point in spending so much money on something I might play a handful games on. So, when the price comes down, I'll buy one specifically for those two games. I know I'm considerably behind, but oh well.

[Letho]

Currently Playing - Alan Wake

This game single-handedly captures everything in a story I could hope for, and it's the kind of game I've been waiting to play again. Ever since Max Payne, I haven't really found anything to immerse myself into with 100% interest until I sucked it up and entered Albion with Fable 2, but the moment I heard about Remedy's project, I got everything I could muster on this game. It felt like a favourite before I even watched my brother begin playing it. Now that I recently got my hands on it, I started playing with a thunderstorm one night, and the thriller never gets more breathtaking than that. Sure, it may feel a little repetitive with the scenario, running around in the woods in the middle of the night with gun and flashlight, but you feel like you really are trying to survive with the atmosphere it brings. The storyline is amazing, the characters are well-constructed, and it's everything you could ask for in a psychological supernatural thriller. 10/10.I have this one in the queue. I heard it was really good from several people, as if all the positive reviews weren't enough. I'm not a huge survival horror fan, but I pop in an occasional Silent Hill here and there, so figured to give this one a shot as well somewhere down the line. Wasn't too thrilled with Fable 2, though, but to each their own, I guess. The combat system was rather dull, the story wasn't particularly good and I found characters very shallow.

Next On The List - If I had the computer upgraded, I'd be having a go at Dawn of War II to help me with my recent pull into Warhammer 40k. I only recently started my own army of miniatures and focusing more on painting them at this time, but a little insight and RTS gameplay could perhaps help further with soaking it all up.I found Dawn of War II amazing, easily my favorite strategy game ever. I never really had any contact with the Warhammer universe up until that point, but the game was damn good. I still have to play through the expansion though. Maybe it's not that good to warrant upgrading your computer, but it's not too far either, especially if you like such games.

Last Played: Civilization 4

Everybody has at least heard of this game. It's quite possibly the most popular turn-based strategy game for the PC ever, and for good reason. Civ 5 comes out in September, and I can't wait!Civ games are something you can spend hours upon hours on, then restart the map and still have tons of fun. I was a huge fan back in the time of Civ 3, but since I'm not particularly fond of strategy games in general, I didn't give 4 more than a couple of maps here and there.

last played: Elder scrolls oblivion game of the year (ive beaten the regular a couple times, but this had all the expansions.)Jesus, beaten it a couple of times?! In all honesty, I couldn't make myself do it once. And I was a huge fan of Morrowind. Like, probably spent over 150 hours on it, got all the legendary gear and whatnot. And I expected the same from Oblivion. But I always got stuck on the fact that enemies level up as you do in Oblivion. So depending on your level, you end up fighting a lot of same type enemies and it gets dull. On top of that, I didn't find exploration nearly as rewarding or interesting as in Morrowind. But maybe it's just a matter of personal preference.

Next: Metal Gear Solid 4 or Final Fantasy XIII - Because I don't play games much, I have yet to buy a PS3. I don't see the point in spending so much money on something I might play a handful games on. So, when the price comes down, I'll buy one specifically for those two games. I know I'm considerably behind, but oh well.FF XIII is not a game for which you should buy a PS3. It's just not worth it. It's not necessarily a bad game. But Final Fantasy games aren't about being OK. They're about being fucking awesome. And I just didn't felt that about XIII. Sure, the visuals are pretty spiffy and the chicks are hot and there are Aeons or whatever they call it this time around. But you basically have no freedom for like 90% of the game and there is practically no side stuff to do other than just killing more and more enemies with ramped up HP. For a first FF on this generation of consoles, I personally found it lacking.

MGS4 is good, though (it is MGS after all). It's perhaps a matter of taste - some people I talked to said there's too much bullshitting in it, some like me loved it. But I'm a big fan of the series, so I probably would've liked it if they made a MGS sidescroller and made Snake collect mushrooms (actually, I don't think I would, I hate that fucking plumber). ;) But it's worth at least one or two playthroughs.

[Letho]

Come on, folks! Don't tell me there's a grand total of four people on Althanas that play games. Even if you play like Bejewled when your boss is not looking or something, do post here. I'm really interested in gaming habits of Althanas people, hence all these threads I'm making. :P


In the meantime, I'll try to chase the tumbleweed away by expanding on the question from the poll. So, sandbox games. My biggest gripe with sandbox games is that most of them are just filled with irrelevant crap. Usually these games don't have an overly good story, so one would expect that the best part of it is this vast world in which it takes place. But in most cases, it's filled with just a bunch of random stuff that gets repetitive after a while. Like side-missions that keep recycling, or collecting x number of this or y number of that, or killing someone while hopping on one foot during the full moon, just so you get some achievement or something. So when given a chance to do anything in these games, I often wind up doing nothing. Or just doing the story missions. And I understand that there are people who like to collect stuff and get all the shiny medals or whatever. But aren't there more creative ways to keep someone playing the game other than just creating random goals they need to achieve?

[MetalDrago]

Last Played: Dragon Age Origins.

I have very little to say besides "that game kicks ass".

Currently Playing: Pokemon Soul Silver

Despite "catching 'em all" now being virtually impossible (unless you have an enormous amount of free time and literally no life), being able to go back an relive the good old days of Gold and Silver has been nice. I only have one complaint about this game, and that's that it feels like the overall story ends way too soon (even with 16 Gym Leaders!).

Playing Next: I really have no idea. Maybe I'll go to a Gamestop or EB Games and pick up that version of Chrono Trigger they made for the DS and take it for a spin.

[Musica the Chao]

Last played: Dragon age origins- Fun to play I easily spent 100 plus hours on that game going through most of the storylines. Mostly I found playing rouge more satisfying than the others. The one "bad" point that would ruin the game for most people is there are a ton of glitches that make the game to easy.

What I'm playing now: Nothing really, my Xbox got the red ring (Ironicly around the time Red Dead Redemption came out) so I literally have nothing but crappy Wii games left.

What I'm playing next: Depends on if I get a new Xbox for Christmas of a PS3. Fable 3 is coming out soon so I might take a few shots at that.

[Visla Eraclaire]

Last Played: The goddamned bar exam. Before that Disgaea 3 and Civilization 4.

Currently Playing: Starcraft II

Next up: 12 hour a day job

[Revenant]

Last Played: Gears of War 2 - Borrowed this game and finished it in a day and a half. Good mindless shooter but better is better with other people and I prefer alone-time games.

Currently Playing: Final Fantasy V - Used GoW2 as a break from this. I could easily run through X-Death by this point, but I'm working on Mastering all of the classes right now. *grumble grumble stupid 999 Mimic mastery* This'll bring my completed FF game list to I, IV, V, VII, VIII, IX, X, XII. I've nearly beat VI and I know that it seems to be one of the most popular FF games, but I find it boring and never really got into it despite making it through most of the 2nd world. I'll probably finish it after I finish V.

Up Next: Who knows. Having made a row of beating Dragon Age, FFXII, FFIX, and FFV I'm feeling a little RPG'd out. Since my previous run was Silent Hill 3, Silent Hill 4, and Silent Hill: Shattered Memories I figure I should jump back on and play Silent Hill: Homecoming, which I've had for a year and a half but haven't played. Playing through the experty levels on Portal for the umpteenth time is always a good way to enjoy some mindless fun though, so maybe I'll do that to tide me over until Portal 2 comes out.

And on topic, I give sandbox games a so-so. Like Letho, I tend to just focus on the mediocre storylines as running people over can only hold me attention for so ling. It's fun to just let go every once in a while though and run around mindlessly hitting things, so they're not a complete write-off.

[Letho]

Last played: Dragon age origins- Fun to play I easily spent 100 plus hours on that game going through most of the storylines. Mostly I found playing rouge more satisfying than the others. The one "bad" point that would ruin the game for most people is there are a ton of glitches that make the game to easy.I'm really happy to see several people mentioning Dragon Age and giving it a thumbs up. I used a dual-wielding rouge in my second playthrough and I can honestly say that I rarely had more fun than that in an RPG. What glitches are you talking about, though? I haven't really run into that many. Then again, I did install the latest patch before I started it last time, so maybe they fixed it.

Next up: 12 hour a day job You should probably go to gamefaqs and get a walkthrough for that one.

Up Next: Who knows. Having made a row of beating Dragon Age, FFXII, FFIX, and FFV I'm feeling a little RPG'd out. Since my previous run was Silent Hill 3, Silent Hill 4, and Silent Hill: Shattered Memories I figure I should jump back on and play Silent Hill: Homecoming, which I've had for a year and a half but haven't played. Playing through the experty levels on Portal for the umpteenth time is always a good way to enjoy some mindless fun though, so maybe I'll do that to tide me over until Portal 2 comes out.What's Shattered Memories like? I've had it for a while now, but never really got around to play it. Silent Hill 3 is probably my favorite SH game, but I didn't particularly like 4 and I fear they've been getting worse and worse from that point.

And on topic, I give sandbox games a so-so. Like Letho, I tend to just focus on the mediocre storylines as running people over can only hold me attention for so ling. It's fun to just let go every once in a while though and run around mindlessly hitting things, so they're not a complete write-off.I found Prototype a particularly good example of this. The story was crap and the side missions were annoying and pointless, but occasionally you just need a release valve, and crushing a tank with your bare fists and fighting off hordes of enemies, cutting them to ribbons, certainly counts as that.

[Revenant]

What's Shattered Memories like? I've had it for a while now, but never really got around to play it. Silent Hill 3 is probably my favorite SH game, but I didn't particularly like 4 and I fear they've been getting worse and worse from that point.

My wife, who is a big Silent Hill fan as well, hated Shattered Memories while I thought it was great. I felt it was a lot more phychological than other Silent Hills, as there was no combat and the nightmare worlds seemed designed to make you frantic and disoriented. I like stuff like that.

SH2 is easily my favorite. Though the storyline had nothing to do with the other three the raw human element and reasoning behind the story were fantastic. SH3 was really good as well but went back to the mystic mumbo-jumbo. There was a lot to like about SH4, but a lot that was annoying as hell.

From what I hear, SH:Homecoming is a lot more action oriented, which disappoints me, but I guess its inevitable (see the de-evolution of Resident Evil from survival-horror to action).

[Jack Frost]

In ostagar there was glitch where you got the three vials of blood duncan asked for and talked to him. He asks you to go get the scrolls and gives you exp. Talk to him agian, more exp. I was level 25 (The legit limit) before I left ostagar. There were also item dupe glitches for infinite skill points and gold glitches.
(FYI Alt of Musica)

[Revenant]

In ostagar there was glitch where you got the three vials of blood duncan asked for and talked to him. He asks you to go get the scrolls and gives you exp. Talk to him agian, more exp. I was level 25 (The legit limit) before I left ostagar. There were also item dupe glitches for infinite skill points and gold glitches.
(FYI Alt of Musica)

Eh ... while fun to use maybe once, I think abusing glitches just takes the fun out of games. I'd say the same thing about 'optimization' builds and the like. That's me though, and if it brings you more enjoyment in your games then more power to you.

[Jack Frost]

Eh ... while fun to use maybe once, I think abusing glitches just takes the fun out of games. I'd say the same thing about 'optimization' builds and the like. That's me though, and if it brings you more enjoyment in your games then more power to you.

They're mostly helpful for achievement hunting and quick play throughs. Also if your bored they can make things interesting.

[Letho]

If you're bored, than why play the game at all? With the wide selection of good games out there, there's really no point on wasting time on something that bores you. I agree with Rev. Abusing such glitches just kills the game for me.



At any rate, I went through Starcraft II on Casual. Yes, I suck at most RTSs, so I play them on Easy. At any rate, I have to say it's pretty good. There are things I felt could be done better. Like, they could've used the hero units more often. Out of the 25-26 missions of the campaign there are perhaps three or four where you control a hero unit. And they are mostly those where you don't actually build a base, but have to make do with the units you have/gather. And frankly, I found these most fun in the whole game. The story is rather good too, but as you know that SC2 is split in three different games, so it's not really complete. And I wouldn't mind that if I didn't have to wait for the second one for like a year or something. At any rate, it's a good buy. It's basically just improved SC1, but isn't that what most people wanted anyways?

Now I'm back on Dragon Age, finally going through it with a mage. And all is well in the world. Playing Bioware games for me is like putting on an old shirt you wear around the house on your day off. Sure you like to wear new stuff when you go out all clean and tidy, but nothing feels as good as slipping into something well known and comfortable.


Are there others here that feel similar about some specific games/developers? Is there something in the gaming world that just hits the spot for you?

[Amaya]

Haven't completed anything recently cos of exams and stuff, but currently playing ffx and ffxii, addicted to both!

Final Fantasy X - I love the story, characters and turnbased battles, although it feels like it 'starts' when you get to Besaid, although the intro's pretty cool.

Final Fantasy XII - took me a while to get into it but I was hooked by the time I got Fran and Balthier in the party. The Gambits make the gameplay more interesting to, I wasn't sure if I liked the battle system at first.

Will probably play Kingdom Hearts next. I played it a bit before exams and liked it, but didn't get that far in.

[Silence Sei]

Last Played : Penny Arcade Adventures, Episodes 1 and 2: On The Rain-Slick Percipice of Darkness. A very funny, greatly written game. Both episodes will having you rolling around laughing if you're familiar with the comic strips at all. It very much saddens me that they canceled Episode 3.

Currently Playing: I'm juggling Ultimate Alliance 2, Suikoden 2, and Tactics Ogre, the first to collect all my trophies, the second because it's just awesome, and the third because its been years since I've played that great game.

Up Next: Probably Earthworm Jim HD, if I'm lucky. Though I may rent something from Blockbuster to prepare for a gamer party I'm going to have in a couple of weeks. I'd still rather hear 'GROOVY!' again.

[Max Dirks]

Sei, what's your PS3 name.

And since this thread was founded upon "sandbox games," does anyone want to posse up and crank out some hideouts with me tonight on RDR? PS3 ONLY SUCKAS.

[giga123]

Ps3 sucks sucka

u offend 360s everywhere

[Revenant]

Last Played : Penny Arcade Adventures, Episodes 1 and 2: On The Rain-Slick Percipice of Darkness. A very funny, greatly written game. Both episodes will having you rolling around laughing if you're familiar with the comic strips at all. It very much saddens me that they canceled Episode 3.

Quoted for truth. *sniff*

[Wolfman 20]

Last Played: PS3: Assassins Creed 1 and 2. Infamous and COD2:MW

Currently Playing: old school Need for speed Underground 2

Next up: when the time comes, Assassins Creed Brotherhood. Till then, Bayonetta and Dante's inferno.

[SirArtemis]

to those who care, and/or have steam, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, game of the year edition (also game of the year deluxe edition) are both on sale right now for 66% off. you can get hte deluxe for 9 dollars. You can easily clock in 50 hours in one play through.

[Letho]

You can easily clock in 50 hours in one play through.Yeah, but the question remains, would you want to? ;)

[Izvilvin]

I always wanted to get into Oblivion and have tried it a few times, but the game is a bit too open for me.

[Wolfman 20]

Ha. Give me games where I could either go down a dark side or a light side, and I'm good. Hell, InFamous is a perfect game. Even Fable is a good one for me. Anything like that, and I'm good to go.

[Letho]

I enjoy a bit of light side/dark side myself, but not all the time. You kind of get fed up between choosing eating unborn babies and saving the world and every single person in it. Mass Effect had an interesting system. You didn't have good/bad morale points. Instead you had Paragon/Renegade, but then again you seldom had a choice of what to do there, but rather how to do it. Still, it was a nice change.

[Arsène]

I enjoy a bit of light side/dark side myself, but not all the time. You kind of get fed up between choosing eating unborn babies and saving the world and every single person in it. Mass Effect had an interesting system. You didn't have good/bad morale points. Instead you had Paragon/Renegade, but then again you seldom had a choice of what to do there, but rather how to do it. Still, it was a nice change.

Mass Effect 2 needed a better system so you had some idea what you were getting into. I wanted to make a generally kind-hearted but tough Shepard, and instead she ended up as some bipolar, ultra-dyke.

Still, punching that cunt reporter in the face made the game for me (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QnEDQc-FrCo&feature=related).