The Gaming Thread
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Got Lara Croft: Game of the Year yesterday and tried it for a couple of hours. Man, this game is tough. Trying to figure out the keys and what they do took me a little while, during which I died ... and died ... and died. 
Why couldn't there be fewer keys for me to memorise, I don't know. I quit after I had to fight off two wolves, but they moved too damn fast.
And that brings me to another issue, and apologies in advance for the rant:
Haven't we had just about enough of wolves acting like monsters, not just in games but in films, TV, and books? Huh?!
Almost every RPG you might care to name does this, and I'm sick and tired of it. Neverwinter Nights, Elder Scrolls, Heroes of Might and Magic, Lara Croft. Stop it, please.
Wolves in the wild are beautiful, social creatures, and they don't generally attack humans unless they're starving or desperate. Even if humans fire at wolves first, the wolves will try to flee. Leave the poor creatures alone, for Christ's sake!
Yet the moment a game pits "human against the wild", wolves get the short stick and become furry, toothsome, ravening, nightmarish monstrosities. Gee ... I think SOMEONE is either projecting their own prejudices, or else forcing these things to do what humans do (i.e. being jerks to other humans). Sigh.
Can't we ... I don't know -- can't we have a game where you can simply observe these wolves from a distance? Maybe even -- I dunno -- befriend them (e.g. leave them some meat as a peace offering)? I mean, is that such a ludicrous thing to wish for?
Again, sorry to rant. I'm just tired of seeing wolves that way. As soon as I do, I stop taking the game/film/whatever seriously ... but my fear is that other people do, and it makes them fear and hate wolves, which is a shame. Because they're so beautiful. But of course, I'm not saying "Let's all go out and find wolves and give them a great big hug", either.
Thanks for reading!
Why couldn't there be fewer keys for me to memorise, I don't know. I quit after I had to fight off two wolves, but they moved too damn fast.And that brings me to another issue, and apologies in advance for the rant:
Haven't we had just about enough of wolves acting like monsters, not just in games but in films, TV, and books? Huh?!
Almost every RPG you might care to name does this, and I'm sick and tired of it. Neverwinter Nights, Elder Scrolls, Heroes of Might and Magic, Lara Croft. Stop it, please.
Wolves in the wild are beautiful, social creatures, and they don't generally attack humans unless they're starving or desperate. Even if humans fire at wolves first, the wolves will try to flee. Leave the poor creatures alone, for Christ's sake!
Yet the moment a game pits "human against the wild", wolves get the short stick and become furry, toothsome, ravening, nightmarish monstrosities. Gee ... I think SOMEONE is either projecting their own prejudices, or else forcing these things to do what humans do (i.e. being jerks to other humans). Sigh.
Can't we ... I don't know -- can't we have a game where you can simply observe these wolves from a distance? Maybe even -- I dunno -- befriend them (e.g. leave them some meat as a peace offering)? I mean, is that such a ludicrous thing to wish for?
Again, sorry to rant. I'm just tired of seeing wolves that way. As soon as I do, I stop taking the game/film/whatever seriously ... but my fear is that other people do, and it makes them fear and hate wolves, which is a shame. Because they're so beautiful. But of course, I'm not saying "Let's all go out and find wolves and give them a great big hug", either.
Thanks for reading!
I wonder how much games can help us with our writing.
If it wasn't for my time in World of Warcraft, one of the first big massive multiplayer online games, I wouldn't have been forced to develop my English beyond the basics. Other games helped as well of course.
They can also be inspirational. Like a hidden gem called Echo, where there is classical architecture everywhere. I really enjoyed the idea of it and it created my idea for Palace Planets, where almost the entire interior of the planet is one big palace, while there are vast gardens on the topside. There would be things like windows inside the palace that overlooks the gardens and their exotic animals. Along with elevators in many places to take you topside should you want to.
If it wasn't for my time in World of Warcraft, one of the first big massive multiplayer online games, I wouldn't have been forced to develop my English beyond the basics. Other games helped as well of course.
They can also be inspirational. Like a hidden gem called Echo, where there is classical architecture everywhere. I really enjoyed the idea of it and it created my idea for Palace Planets, where almost the entire interior of the planet is one big palace, while there are vast gardens on the topside. There would be things like windows inside the palace that overlooks the gardens and their exotic animals. Along with elevators in many places to take you topside should you want to.
I picked up Bannerlord and War Sails in a holiday sale, and although I’ve only been playing for week so far, I’ve had a blast.
Over the last week, I’ve also learned Vlandian cavalry are terrorists
A game called Strategos came out on Tuesday. It's an ancient-era battle simulator that is supposed to be following the tradition of the Total War series, but I have to say it's been a bit of a disappointment so far. Not much ability to customize your army when setting up a battle other than swapping a few units.
For anyone who's ever played role-playing games ... and especially online ones ...
Finished Final Fantasy VII Remake today. That was pretty fun. A brisk 45-hour adventure with great graphics and challenging boss battles. I never played the original, though some urged me to do so before playing this one. I just can't handle those old 3D games with the massive polygons. I didn't have an N64 or Playstation, so I never got used to how shitty they look.
Guess I better order Rebirth next. It's only $45 whereas the other games on my radar are still $90 CAD. Sheesh.
Guess I better order Rebirth next. It's only $45 whereas the other games on my radar are still $90 CAD. Sheesh.
I need something new to play. Any suggestions? Xbox, no PC. I like engaging but not to the point where I need a notebook to keep track of what's happening.
Well, I will recommend Dark Souls 1. It has minimal plot and and doesn't really need a notebook. You can play it like, "HULK SMASH!" and it's a pretty short game. Just don't attack anything until it begins to attack you. If it does NOT attack, it is an NPC you can talk to who will guide you on your quest. Also, the world is small, but meaningful.
Yeah, played all those. And Elden Ring. What else ya got?
Have you tried Assassin's Creed Odyssey? It's like taking a 200 hour vacation in Greece, while destroying people and things.
Alan Wake 2 is quite interesting from a story perspective. Plus the art direction is (can be, anyway) amazing.
I want to fast forward time to play Resident Evil 9.
Okay, let me see. Stardew Valley? It's a very chill farming game. Fallout 3 or 4?
Hmm. I like Horror Survival... lemme see if it's available free/cheap.
... THAT'S your next suggestion? I love Stardew Valley, but that wouldn't be my first follow-up after Dark Souls.
If you have a gaming buddy/wife, It Takes Two is hilarious, and Split Fiction looks good too. Spiritfarer is gloomy and beautiful. No Man's Sky is a bit manic these days if you want something strange and fun.
Unfortunately God of War isn't on Xbox. Nor Horizon: Zero Dawn. Those would've been my first suggestions. Get yourself a PS5!
Have you considered Tomb Raider Game of the Year Edition? It's on special right now at GOG.
Just be warned: it's very, very difficult. Be prepared for button-mashing galore and throwing your controller at the screen more than a few times.
Both excellent, wonderful games, a couple of the best gaming experiences I've had in years. Split Fiction is worth playing just for the wackadoodle storytelling gymnastics it pulls off. It's a game very much about story, about writing, and I think it can be a great bit of inspiration for anyone working (or hobbying) in creative fields. It's also just pure, endlessly varied fun.
I'll also recommend A Way Out by the same studio for a grittier, more grounded adventure. A bit clunkier than the newer ones, and much less whimsical, but still full of heart and no less compelling.
A damned fun and pretty underrated game. Still holding out hope for a sequel.
@Homer Potvin I'm trying to think of some suggestions of my own, but drawing a blank at the moment. Haven't touched my console in months, it's been pretty much PC exclusives all the way lately. I guess Lies of P, if you like those FromSoft titles. It's closer to Bloodborne (the best one) than anything, which you might not have played if you're an Xbox guy.
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