BeardyHat's recent activity
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Comment on What games have you been playing, and what's your opinion on them? in ~games
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Comment on What did you do this week (and weekend)? in ~talk
BeardyHat LinkRecover. My wife and I were in the UK all last week as a trip for my 40th Birthday. London was pretty cool, though I had/have zero interest in the touristy stuff like Buckingham, Big Ben, etc,...Recover.
My wife and I were in the UK all last week as a trip for my 40th Birthday. London was pretty cool, though I had/have zero interest in the touristy stuff like Buckingham, Big Ben, etc, which we saw anyway. Portabello road was pretty cool though, but I'm already a big fan of thrifting, so it was basically an extension of that. By far the coolest thing and the entire reason I wanted to go on this trip was to go to Bovington Tank Musuem which was just absolutely fucking awesome. I was astonished at some of the tanks they have there, which I just assumed, no one had any examples of, such as the Char B1. They also had a very interesting exhibit on WW1 and the evolution of the tank, with a couple of examples you could actually go inside, which was just so, so cool. My wife actually enjoyed it a good deal, as someone who has zero interest in history, warfare or tanks, though, bless her, she could only take so much. She was absolutely a good sport though and endured 8-hours over 2 days there, because I won't be able to come back anytime soon. That said, even after that 8-hours, I could easily spend more time there and hopefully will someday in the future.
The flight back wasn't so bad, but this weekend we've just been recovering. I'm still wiped out, but I managed to get some things done today while the kids were at school, such as mowing my lawn, which was dire and replacing the battery in my Sister-in-Law's car, which, by the way, fuck Ford and their designs. Utter, utter garbage. Every time I've worked on this car over the past 10 years or so has just been a cluster fuck and what should be easy never is and often requires proprietary tools. This simple battery replacement took me 2+ hours, because it's just such a janky, shitty design.
I also finished my book about Shareware, Shareware Heroes which was pretty interesting and started on reading All Quiet on the Western Front which is great so far. I'm well more than halfway through it now and very much enjoying it, though that feels like such a weird thing to say for such a book.
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Comment on What did you do this week (and weekend)? in ~talk
BeardyHat Link ParentMy wife is a good driver, generally and she has been driving manuals as long as I have (25+ years), but when we were out in the UK last week, I rented a Renault Clio with a manual. I drove it 2+...One of the scariest moments in my life was many years ago while teaching a girlfriend to drive manual; she made a poor decision to turn left, stalled in the middle of the left turn, and a huge truck stopped, inches from my face.
My wife is a good driver, generally and she has been driving manuals as long as I have (25+ years), but when we were out in the UK last week, I rented a Renault Clio with a manual. I drove it 2+ hours and the next day when we needed to do the same trip again, I asked her to drive, as I was feeling nervous about my driving skills, being on the opposite side of the car, on the opposite side of the road.
She stalled it twice in the parking lot of the place we were leaving and I just said, nope! I'll cope with my slight anxiety of driving so that we don't get stalled in a roundabout with oncoming traffic, no thank you.
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Comment on What games have you been playing, and what's your opinion on them? in ~games
BeardyHat LinkNot much. I went on a week long vacation and at the start of it, I'd been playing Dragon Quest 3 on GBC and I did make more progress, got the boat, but then just kind of stopped there. I do like...Not much.
I went on a week long vacation and at the start of it, I'd been playing Dragon Quest 3 on GBC and I did make more progress, got the boat, but then just kind of stopped there. I do like the game, I just think I've had enough of it at this point, as it's not really going to have any substantive change from here to the end.
But it was the main thing I was playing and now I'm kind of lost as far as game time goes. I've been dabbling here and there, made some more progress in Yellow Taxi Goes Vroom, which is still good, but I'm not feeling the same level of passion for that I had been prior to my trip.
Also tried playing a bit of I am an Air Traffic Controller 4, a game in a series I really love, but the game is so flawed from a technical standpoint, I have a hard time really getting into it. There's just too many annoying things about it compared to the 3DS games, that I'm really not sure it's worth getting into, although there's nothing else like it.
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Comment on What games have you been playing, and what's your opinion on them? in ~games
BeardyHat Link ParentGood on you for persisting and getting through it. All that said, I do think your correct in your assessment about game design changing. This year I've been playing both Dark Souls and Lies of P...Good on you for persisting and getting through it.
All that said, I do think your correct in your assessment about game design changing. This year I've been playing both Dark Souls and Lies of P parallel and I believe Lies really blows it out of the water from a game design perspective; this from me for whom Dark Souls was a revelation back in 2011.
I still like it, but this run for me really petered out in Sen's. I've completed it, but just haven't felt the motivation to go back into the Fortress and collect the things I missed.
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Comment on What are three things you're feeling positively about today? in ~talk
BeardyHat LinkMy flight from London to home in the States was painless and I got to read a whole lot during it. Ended up finishing the book I was on and starting a new one. I'm still riding high and feeling...-
My flight from London to home in the States was painless and I got to read a whole lot during it. Ended up finishing the book I was on and starting a new one.
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I'm still riding high and feeling great after experiencing Bovington Tank Museum, something I realistically thought I'd never be about to do. I also got a cool hoodie out of it.
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Just hanging out with my wife all week and getting to be people again. Family helped us so much watching our kids for an entire week so we could take this vacation. We were busy every day, but it was so nice just to be a couple and do everything on our own time and on our own whim. We had some stressful times during the week, but even if we had stress or anxiety, we didn't have any conflict and were able to just be present with each other.
Bonus: it would have been nice to have more time on vacation, but it's also very nice to finally be home. I'm excited to sleep in my own bed and I got the best greeting one for possibly hope for from my youngest child.
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Comment on What games have you been playing, and what's your opinion on them? in ~games
BeardyHat Link ParentYeah, exactly. With the quests and the combat that's often a component, which as you mentioned, you feel obligated to, it just takes ages and often feels like a slog when you need to wear down...Yeah, exactly. With the quests and the combat that's often a component, which as you mentioned, you feel obligated to, it just takes ages and often feels like a slog when you need to wear down Magic or Physical Armor. I know fights often went the same in the first game due to lack of it, but dammit, liked teleporting people into oil and lighting it on fire immediately.
I actually much prefer the light hearted nature of D:OS, over Mass Effect. I did enjoy ME and ended up playing though and completing the first two completely, but I have a poor memory, so I'll be damned if I can really tell you anything about either game. In that regard, I prefer D:OS just because I remember the mechanics better, as well as some of the sillier aspects of it. But, much as I love D:OS, I haven't mustered any interest in BG3, just because I was so... Disappointed in OS2, though I'm also feeling a little bit "over" D&D as a concept, so that has something to do with it as well.
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Comment on What have you been listening to this week? in ~music
BeardyHat Link ParentSorry for the slow response, been traveling for the last week and haven't had the mental energy for Tildes! Finally heading home today, so I'm currently waiting at the airport for my flight. I...Sorry for the slow response, been traveling for the last week and haven't had the mental energy for Tildes! Finally heading home today, so I'm currently waiting at the airport for my flight.
I definitely ought to take more pictures, but I struggle to get over my awkwardness at carrying my camera around and then whipping it out for pictures. I don't judge anyone doing it, so I have no Idea why I feel so self-conscious about it. Honestly, I probably should have brought it on my trip here, because it might have encouraged me to take more photos. What kind of lens do you typically run?
Not in Canada, but Colorado, USA.
Black Metal is 100% my jam and what I spend a good portion of my time listening to, though it's tied closely with Thrash, but I spend a good majority of my time listening to newer Darkthrone. Used to listen to a good deal of Prog and Death years ago, but got largely bored with both, though Hath - All That Was Promised is a fucking incredible album. First time I've really enjoyed a Death metal album in ages and Prog for me is pretty limited, just because I tend to prefer shorter albums these days. That said, I love Intervals and am always looking forward to new stuff from him.
Haven't actually heard of either of the bands you mention, but I'll check them out! Always like a recommendation and I get fewer these days since I'm largely off Reddit, though I suppose I can always go check out the Metal subreddit when I'm looking for something new.
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Microsoft's decision to close down Tango Gameworks, Arkane Austin and other game studios is largely motivated by the desire to keep IPs, and ensuring the studios can't work for Microsoft's competition
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Comment on What have you been listening to this week? in ~music
BeardyHat Link ParentOh, weird! Actually, I do like Photography, though I'd call it more of a minor hobby for myself, really. I did it much more frequently when I had more time and took several classes through high...Oh, weird! Actually, I do like Photography, though I'd call it more of a minor hobby for myself, really. I did it much more frequently when I had more time and took several classes through high school and college for it.
I did relatively recently pick up a new DSLR with a 50mm lens (my favorite workhorse lens size), but it was a used, quite old Rebel XTi to replace my old XT that was stolen. It was cheap, but I maybe should have picked up something that was easier to connect to my PC, because I find myself just using my phone more often since it'll automatically upload everything to Google Photos.
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Comment on Most people think playing chess makes you 'smarter', but the evidence isn't clear on that in ~games.tabletop
BeardyHat Link Parent40k and Age of Sigmar. I haven't tried Old World yet.40k and Age of Sigmar. I haven't tried Old World yet.
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Comment on Most people think playing chess makes you 'smarter', but the evidence isn't clear on that in ~games.tabletop
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Comment on What games have you been playing, and what's your opinion on them? in ~games
BeardyHat Link ParentI've definitely been consulting a guide here and there when I feel like I'm losing momentum. I'd generally prefer not to use them, but when I'm not sure where I go next, I do look.I've definitely been consulting a guide here and there when I feel like I'm losing momentum. I'd generally prefer not to use them, but when I'm not sure where I go next, I do look.
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Comment on What games have you been playing, and what's your opinion on them? in ~games
BeardyHat Link ParentYes, exactly. Plus there's just so much going on, it's incredibly easy to lose your way or become overwhelmed and ultimately feel directionless, ontop of feeling like I need to manage an...Yes, exactly. Plus there's just so much going on, it's incredibly easy to lose your way or become overwhelmed and ultimately feel directionless, ontop of feeling like I need to manage an overwhelming inventory and an overwhelming amount of skills. After taking a long break from the game, I find it damn near impossible to come back to my 90-hour save or whatever it is. At the end of the day, I end up feeling disappointed because I did absolutely adore the first game, so I feel like something is wrong with me regarding the second.
One thing I am finding that is completely the opposite that I'm currently enjoying is Dragon Warrior 3. It's very simple and straightforward, there's one thread to follow (so far), no real skills to speak of and everything is just simple. It's really hitting right, right now and just fits into where I am in my life currently.
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Comment on What games have you been playing, and what's your opinion on them? in ~games
BeardyHat LinkStill cracking away at Dragon Warrior 3 on GBC here and there. Finally made it out of the pyramid and to the next town, which is further than I've made it in the past, so I'm pretty happy. Wish I...Still cracking away at Dragon Warrior 3 on GBC here and there. Finally made it out of the pyramid and to the next town, which is further than I've made it in the past, so I'm pretty happy.
Wish I could tell how long I've been playing, as I feel like I've already done 15hours or so and I've barely explored the map, so it feels like there is a ton more to go, not that I'm complaining.
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Comment on What games have you been playing, and what's your opinion on them? in ~games
BeardyHat Link ParentEasily one of my favorite games on DS. Don't forget to check out Last Window: Secret of Cape West the follow-up. I actually thought it was better than Hotel Dusk.Easily one of my favorite games on DS. Don't forget to check out Last Window: Secret of Cape West the follow-up. I actually thought it was better than Hotel Dusk.
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Comment on Starfield: May update in ~games
BeardyHat Link ParentOut of curiosity, did you ever try navigating from within the ship? I found that much more enjoyable. Pick your destination and then rather than clicking the fast travel button, go back into your...Out of curiosity, did you ever try navigating from within the ship? I found that much more enjoyable. Pick your destination and then rather than clicking the fast travel button, go back into your ship, align yourself to the waypoint and hold the jump button.
It's still load screens and whatnot, but you're doing your jumps from within your cockpit and it just felt way better for me.
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Comment on What games have you been playing, and what's your opinion on them? in ~games
BeardyHat LinkI just picked up Yellow Taxi Goes Vroom and it is really fucking good. I'm closing in on 3 hours with it and while when I first started playing it I could tell it was fun and intriguing, it has...I just picked up Yellow Taxi Goes Vroom and it is really fucking good. I'm closing in on 3 hours with it and while when I first started playing it I could tell it was fun and intriguing, it has now clicked for me and I'm finding it really fantastic. It is absolutely wonderful how much developers can do essentially using only two buttons (plus D-Pad/Thumbstick), the amount of moves you can do and depth of platforming, plus skill and timing required is just, so good. I'm not even a 3d Platformer person; I've dabbled with Mario 64, beat Mario Galaxy...18ish (?) years ago because I felt obligated to and dabbled here and there with others of the genre, but they have never hooked me. Taxi absolutely has its hooks in me and I'm loving playing it and very eager to return for more as I work on mastery of the moveset to get myself around the levels. I don't often find a game where I pump my fist in the air when I accomplish something I've been trying to do, but this is one of those ones for me.
There's a demo on Steam, which is what convinced me to drop the $17 on it and I'm glad I did.
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Comment on What games have you been playing, and what's your opinion on them? in ~games
BeardyHat Link ParentNo tips here, just commiseration: I too lost steam multiple times in DOS2. First time I played, around Act 2 and then again I'm Act 3. I adored DOS, but 2 just ends up feeling like a slog a lot of...No tips here, just commiseration: I too lost steam multiple times in DOS2. First time I played, around Act 2 and then again I'm Act 3.
I adored DOS, but 2 just ends up feeling like a slog a lot of the time to me. I'm not sure if it's because it's bigger or the new combat mechanics, story, terrible inventory management or what, but I just dread going back to it.
Though I also have a similar problem to you in that I generally game in 10 to 30 minute chunks, so getting into these big RPGs anymore can be a real challenge.
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Comment on What have you been listening to this week? in ~music
BeardyHat Link ParentI don't necessarily need anything to be particularly heavy. Ki is one of my favorites of his and I very much like the Casualties of Cool album, it's just something about his work has lost...I don't necessarily need anything to be particularly heavy. Ki is one of my favorites of his and I very much like the Casualties of Cool album, it's just something about his work has lost something for me.
But it also may be that I've changed pretty dramatically in the last 10 years as well. I don't listen to albums the same way I used to, tending to prefer something concise and about 35-45 minutes long, as that tends to stick better for me now, rather than 90 minute epics.
Other than that, I can't really put my finger on why I've found most of his recent releases rather boring, but maybe that will change in the future as I have more time again.
I did get the extra classes, though admittedly, I didn't investigate them at all because I was already hitting that burnout.
But yeah, the boat definitely means now I need to explore everything and I end up feeling more directionless, which the first quarter of the game isn't about. You really get pointed to a specific thing and told to do that and I found that pretty appealing for my mood at the moment.
This isn't my first DQ though, so I did expect this to happen at some point and my mood tends to shift periodically as well, as far as what I'm interested in playing at any given moment. I'll probably come back to it, but I'm not exactly sure when that'll be at this point.