Random Video Game Thoughts 2: A Link To The Past

[Artimus]

I think good processing power is key nowadays, because a lot of the basics we've become used to require it (A.I., bubbling environments, etc.) and I don't doubt it'll improve in ways that make games "better". But an extra $400 for that? When we have so many good games still coming out? No thanks. The end of a generation is often when you get he most intriguing and cool stuff, and I'd love to see that last another 2 years.

[shooter_mcgavin]

Anyone interested in downloading the Final Fantasy games in the PSN. They are now 50% off for two weeks to celebrate the 25th Anniversary. I already have FFVI (Wii VC), FFVII, IX, and V before so I got myself FFVIII and FF: Origins. I'd buy FF Tactics but the translation was so horrid for the PSN it wasn't even funny anymore when I couldn't follow the plot.

As for FFVIII replaying it for the first time in years I must say how much more I appreciate the junctioning system now. It's a very flexible and creative approach to character building and I guess my only complaint is how easy to abuse the system by drawing 100 Spells in one battle. That and the game is not really that challenging.

I have $34 remaining on my PSN but I plan to get The Skyrim DLC's when they are half off in the first week. Other than that I wonder which game to get. I might also try and get The Back to the Future game since I was quite impressed with Telltale's Walking Dead but I wonder if I will be dissapointed with the purchase because The Walking Dead is seen as the better game.

[Artimus]

No FFIV?

[shooter_mcgavin]

I already have the DS version and probably is the most replayed FF game (since I was like 9 years old ... and im 29 now) so there's no urgency me to replay it. If I was going to get another copy of it I'd rather get the PSP version, which is a device I don't have but I am hoping one day that PSP games will be available to the PS3 via digital distribution.

I'm happy with my Origins purchase the graphics are fine and the game's difficulty isn't gimped unlike the more recent versions. MP in FFI? What blasphemy.

[RRA]

I can't remember if it was last week or not but with my PS Plus, for good deals I swooped in and got several PS2 games for my PS3 for less than 9 bucks: Ratchet & Clank, Psychonauts, and Jak & Daxter.

And on a blind buy I bought NIGHTS INTO DREAMS... which since I didn't bother with Sega Saturn back in the day I didn't get to play but its well-regarded, considered one of the best games from that console and shows up alot in lists. (Plus it was only $2.50 so it was worth a shot.)

I'm pleased that Rockstar released Grand Theft Auto 3/Vice City/San Andreas in the last 6 months for PSN, along with Bully just before Christmas. (That was a joy replaying again.) I would be shocked if other RS games from that generation like say THE WARRIORS don't also join PSN later this year.

[RRA]

The makers of Fallout: New Vegas and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II are pitching a new Star Wars RPG video game to Disney.

http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2013...s/#more-141549

[Bean]

I'm having a lot of fun with Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood right now. The story is as silly as ever, but the Roman setting and enjoyable missions are a very good time.

[Critix]

I know there was a lot of controversy with the Mass Effect 3 ending, but the series as a whole is remarkable.

I get teary-eyed at the ending, and I NEVER get emotional while playing video games.

[siowafc]

LOL, Critix.

I think if you play it now, you get to play the revised ending, but, oh man, when I first finished that game last year...ugh. What they came up with was so illogical.

That said, it's still my favorite video game/series of all-time.

[Critix]

LOL, Critix.

I think if you play it now, you get to play the revised ending, but, oh man, when I first finished that game last year...ugh. What they came up with was so illogical.

That said, it's still my favorite video game/series of all-time.

I know, and to be honest, I don't care? Sure when you really think about it, it's vague and confusing, but that aside, the writing has been impeccable.

[siowafc]

I didn't hate it or anything, I just thought it was really surprising that those few scenes were all they could come up with. After building up everything for so long, it just ...ends. It kind of screamed, "rush job".

[RRA]

First look at what is apparently leaked images of the PS4 controller.

[Artimus]

God. They're not even trying. The Dualshit has sucked since the PSX days.

[RRA]

God. They're not even trying. The Dualshit has sucked since the PSX days.

Now I'll reveal my age and ignorance when I ask this.

WTF is the point of that screen? I think the WiiU does that, but really what's the idea?

[Artimus]

I believe it's supposed to be a haptic touch like the Vita.

[shooter_mcgavin]

Having trouble with Dragonborn for the PS3. Everytime I hit the water near the quest market it freezes.

[kupo]

I'm fine with that controller. The PSX basically perfected that type of controller. I've still never played with a "standard" controller that felt that comfortable and intuitive, and I think one of PS's best decisions each generation has been to leave that mostly alone. Now, obviously controllers are going through a bit of a metamorphosis right now, but until I'm happier with how all these new types of controllers are developed for and implemented in actual games, I'm quite happy to stick with a standard controller like this.

Also, I'm playing through Resident Evil 6 now, and while I'm not sure it's as shit as everyone says (so much of this is so similar to the beloved RE4), it's still definitely pretty mediocre (I was never one of RE4's bigger fans, lol).

There are elements of a great game here, really and truly. And giving each campaign its own unique flavor really was an interesting idea that could have probably worked.

But, the core problems are just that it's too big, too much, all the time. And when you're blaring at fortissimo the whole time it all blurs together and becomes shrill, grating, and exhausting in the worst possible way. No fucking snowmobile chases, or car chases, or wonky mine cart hijinks, or helicopter vs. helicopter battles. Fuck having each boss die like 15 times only to come back more and more badass each time. There's just no appreciation for atmosphere, or suspense at all. It's all loud, all the time. No crescendo. Fuck the J'avo. None of the enemies should have machetes or assault rifles, for chrissakes. Monsters and zombies, those should be it. You can still make an action game that prizes atmosphere.

There are elements of a great game here. Moments of one. The beginning of Leon's campaign has the atmosphere so lacking in the rest of the game, before it descends into ridiculousness as well. Ustanak could have been awesome as a Nemesis redux if it was actually implemented in a similar way, but it's not. Carla Ramades' "boss fight" is a fascinating sequence that feels like the proper sort of ridiculous that maintains what Resident Evil was originally about. But these are but moments lost in a huge mess of loud overbearingness.

[Critix]

I didn't hate it or anything, I just thought it was really surprising that those few scenes were all they could come up with. After building up everything for so long, it just ...ends. It kind of screamed, "rush job".

Fair enough.

I'd say my favorite video game ever is Metroid Prime.

[Artimus]

I think the last game console with a worse controller than the Playstation/2/3 was probably the N64. Ok, no, XBOX was worse. But GameCube and 360 are far superior to the Dual_____.

[kupo]

Nah, I can't stand the Gamecube controller. The puny little handles always were so awkward for me. Can't say much about the 360 controller. I'm not sure I've played an Xbox since they debuted with the ridiculous brick they started with. That's how little Microsoft's systems have interested me.

But I've loved the PS controller back since I first picked one up to play The Lost World. Man, those were the days.