Eidolon's recent activity
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Comment on November 2025 Backlog Burner: Week 2 Discussion in ~games
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Comment on November 2025 Backlog Burner: Week 2 Discussion in ~games
Eidolon LinkMode: Standard Bingo! Finished 2/25 Has both combat and puzzles You chose it based on title alone You can create your own character You have to tinker to get it running Someone else has played it...Mode: Standard Bingo! Finished 2/25 Has both combat and puzzles You chose it based on title alone You can create your own character You have to tinker to get it running Someone else has played it for their Backlog Burner Randomness determines your fate Has a lives system You can save/pet/care for animals Has great reviews, but not your usual type Recommended by someone on Tildes You can complete it in only a few hours Has driving ★ Wildcard Has a score system A modded game Has a first-person perspective
✅ Gothic IIIs mostly text-based You're giving it a second chance Has a moody vibe
✅ UnderRailHas a moral choice system Popular game you never got around to playing Has a fishing minigame From a genre you don’t normally play You wanted it when you were younger Adaptation of other media type (e.g. board game, movie) UnderRail
UnderRail is a modern old-school inspired CRPG set in a post-apocalyptic underground metro station. Released in 2015, the game was developed by a small indie dev team and quickly gained a strong cult following. It's a game that gets under your skin. Definitely a moody vibe, helped by great sound design and the dystopian worldbuilding. I got hooked initially, but it was punishing enough that I put it down for a while. It's a fully fleshed out vision of a sprawling world that conveys the beauty of decay but with a brutality that forces you to stay on your toes constantly. The visual design is just great, with so much clever lighting and attention to detail. The tactical combat is challenging and favours following a premade build on your first run, which I am doing. But nothing about this game is easy, which I think is why it gets so much praise. It's supposed to have been inspired the most by Fallout and Planescape Torment, the former I haven't played and the latter which I am just starting for this burner. So I am a bit ignorant of the genre, but I do really like the game so far. It's very polished and I can see it has a lot of depth, although I'm only 10 hours in. The world is quite expansive and the worldmap is sometimes just downright confusing because of all the layers, but I love being able to write my own little notes which are attached to each zone on the worldmap, as reminders of what I've missed or where the dangers are etc. I really wish I had the time to write out a decent review for this game, one day when I'm finished I will.I'll be shelving this game back into the backlog for now, simply because I am wanting to the play oldschool classics for a bit so that I have more perspective on RPGs in general, but for those that like oldschool CRPGs, I recommend checking it out. The second installment UnderRail 2 Infusion is also in development and has recently been listed on Steam, though it will be a couple of years away I think.
I've already given away my game for next week - Planescape Torment, which I just dipped into for the first time last night. Back next week!
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Comment on November 2025 Backlog Burner: Week 1 Discussion in ~games
Eidolon Link ParentI would recommend it, though I don't know much about Risen. I think the early Gothic series is the most cherished. And yes I can definitely see the bones of later RPGs in Gothic , like the 24-hour...I would recommend it, though I don't know much about Risen. I think the early Gothic series is the most cherished. And yes I can definitely see the bones of later RPGs in Gothic , like the 24-hour NPC routine and the 'guild' affiliation questline based on a basic class type. But I need to understand the context and do some more reading to understand the influence it had.
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Comment on November 2025 Backlog Burner: Week 1 Discussion in ~games
Eidolon LinkHere's my card: Mode: Standard Bingo! Finished 1/25 Has both combat and puzzles You chose it based on title alone You can create your own character You have to tinker to get it running Someone...Here's my card:
Mode: Standard Bingo! Finished 1/25 Has both combat and puzzles You chose it based on title alone You can create your own character You have to tinker to get it running Someone else has played it for their Backlog Burner Randomness determines your fate Has a lives system You can save/pet/care for animals Has great reviews, but not your usual type Recommended by someone on Tildes You can complete it in only a few hours Has driving ★ Wildcard Has a score system A modded game Has a first-person perspective
✅ Gothic IIIs mostly text-based You're giving it a second chance Has a moody vibe Has a moral choice system Popular game you never got around to playing Has a fishing minigame From a genre you don’t normally play You wanted it when you were younger Adaptation of other media type (e.g. board game, movie) Gothic II
My first week in and I've fully completed Gothic II, including the DLC (Night of the Raven). Completion is pretty rare for me in Burners as usually I just dip in and don't get to finish a game - although admittedly I was reasonably near the end of the game. And I'd probably say I got to around 80-90% completion of all the sidequests and additional stuff, though I haven't looked up what I've missed. I started Gothic II because I'm playing old RPG classics. I thought I had better try a Piranha Bytes game to see what all the fuss was about. I should have really started with Gothic I, given that the storyline continues, but was still fine to go in without prior knowledge. And it turns out everyone was right. They really did excel at exploration mechanics and world design. I also really enjoyed the brutal combat difficulty which the DLC brought to the base game experience (though that subsided once I got OP quite a way into the game). The often non-linear questing was cool also and I enjoyed the characters. The voice acting was tonally a bit overwrought and annoying, and I did switch to German with English subs for a bit, but I went back to English for the entertainment value. I still have to play other RPGs to really get a sense of how it compares to other titles at the time because I haven't played enough, but I suspect it would be up there with the best of the 3D RPGs of the time. Now I've got Gothic I (original, not too interested in the upcoming remake) and of course the fan-made total overhaul spiritual successor, Chronicles Of Myrtana: Archolos to try out, but I think I need to move on to something else for a bit before I get back into the series...perfect timing for this burner to come around.
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Comment on Announcing the Backlog Burner event for November 2025: Shrink your unplayed games list this coming month! in ~games
Eidolon Link ParentI'm in and just as time constrained as I have been on every Burner, but I will be dropping in when I can. I just might post a little late sometimes!I'm in and just as time constrained as I have been on every Burner, but I will be dropping in when I can. I just might post a little late sometimes!
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Comment on Save Point: A game deal roundup for the week of October 12 in ~games
Eidolon Link ParentAmazing, I'm humbled by your generosity. What you are describing with your recent move is very similar to what I've been through with a city move a long time ago. Having to get used to a new place...Amazing, I'm humbled by your generosity.
What you are describing with your recent move is very similar to what I've been through with a city move a long time ago. Having to get used to a new place while you've got your own headspace to battle with is very challenging and I'm glad you're finding some perspective. The most important thing is to stay connected and reach out whenever you need to.
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Comment on Save Point: A game deal roundup for the week of October 12 in ~games
Eidolon Link ParentEchoing @DistractionRectangle. I don't post very much but I do check this thread every week. Welcome back! I'll put my hand up for Jagged Alliance 3. I'm a fan of JA2 and will be playing through...Echoing @DistractionRectangle. I don't post very much but I do check this thread every week. Welcome back!
I'll put my hand up for Jagged Alliance 3. I'm a fan of JA2 and will be playing through JA1 quite soon, as I'm working my way through old school classics. JA3 is apparently a worthy successor in the series.
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Comment on Tildes Game Giveaway: June/July 2025 in ~games
Eidolon Link ParentNoted. I haven't played Resident Evil so didn't pick up on this, it makes sense. I am pretty ignorant about horror in general, I scare too easily so quite happy to pass this one on. I did not know...Noted. I haven't played Resident Evil so didn't pick up on this, it makes sense. I am pretty ignorant about horror in general, I scare too easily so quite happy to pass this one on.
I did not know any of these beaver facts...the first two seem like great evolutionary qualities, the last one not so much. Now I'm wondering why they produce that oil in the first place, I will have to look into this.
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Comment on Tildes Game Giveaway: June/July 2025 in ~games
Eidolon Link ParentRegistered - great pick, I'm liking the game so far. I have heard this fact! Bees never cease to impress me. I would love to have a garden some day that is designed to bee friendly (sorry couldn't...Registered - great pick, I'm liking the game so far. I have heard this fact! Bees never cease to impress me. I would love to have a garden some day that is designed to bee friendly (sorry couldn't help myself).
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Comment on Tildes Game Giveaway: June/July 2025 in ~games
Eidolon Link ParentFantasy General, for the old school flavour, please!Fantasy General, for the old school flavour, please!
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Comment on Tildes Game Giveaway: June/July 2025 in ~games
Eidolon Link ParentNoted! I had heard about the trinkets but not these other traits. Very cool. I'd love to make friends with one, but they aren't present where I live so I've never seen one.Noted!
I had heard about the trinkets but not these other traits. Very cool. I'd love to make friends with one, but they aren't present where I live so I've never seen one. -
Comment on Tildes Game Giveaway: June/July 2025 in ~games
Eidolon Link ParentThank you @kfwyre! You never cease to impress me with all your creative ideas for game giveaways.Thank you @kfwyre! You never cease to impress me with all your creative ideas for game giveaways.
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Comment on Tildes Game Giveaway: June/July 2025 in ~games
Eidolon (edited )LinkGiveaway: Animal facts Steam keys From the latest Humble Bundle puzzle A Guidebook of Babel Homebody Kingsgrave Games I got from kfwyre's giveaway that I already have AER Memories of Old - About...Giveaway: Animal facts
Steam keys
From the latest Humble Bundle puzzle
A Guidebook of Babel
Homebody
KingsgraveGames I got from kfwyre's giveaway that I already have
AER Memories of Old - About 75% through this - very chill exploration/puzzle game with lots of flying.
Citizen Sleeper - Sci-fi dice-roller visual novel-esque sidescroll scifi. Lots of text. Only about 20% through this so haven't got an opinion yet.Rules: Name one of more of the above games you'd like. State one animal fact you like or find interesting. Entries close at the end of the steam sale. If there is more than one claimant, I'll assign numbers based on priority and roll a virtual dice.
I'll start. This week I saw an article posted on Hacker News about which side cats tend to sleep on (whether lateral to left or right paws). This was something I'd never considered. Interestingly most cats have a leftward bias, which they think is related to right-brain hemisphere activity and optimising responsiveness upon waking. The findings are also presented in an adorable video summary! And now I've been requesting sleeping photos of my cat I'm living apart from at the moment, to try and figure out which one he is....
Edit: Giveaway is now over and steam keys have been sent :)
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Comment on Tildes Game Giveaway: June/July 2025 in ~games
Eidolon Link ParentHero of the Kingdom please! I like the sound of a laid back RPG that I can spin when my brain is too tired at the end of the day.Hero of the Kingdom please! I like the sound of a laid back RPG that I can spin when my brain is too tired at the end of the day.
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Comment on Tildes Game Giveaway: June/July 2025 in ~games
Eidolon Link ParentI have already declared myself to be an ailurophile in the giveaway above, so it would have to be cats. The reason is because of the depth of bond I have with a cat who I'm currently living apart...I have already declared myself to be an ailurophile in the giveaway above, so it would have to be cats.
The reason is because of the depth of bond I have with a cat who I'm currently living apart from, not by choice because there's life stuff I have to do that required me to move town temporarily. In the seven years I spent with him we gradually became attuned to each other. Post-move during regular co-op gaming sessions, my voice will be playing through the speakers - he jumps up on the desk and sits right next to the speakers for a long while. I'm not actually sure whether he can hear me, but he does do this almost every session. I've always loved cats, but this cat in particular has shown me the intricacies of his intelligence and personality and above all, the simple joy of just being fully contented when in each other's presence. I miss him so much!
I'll put my hand up for 'Warhammer 40k: Mechanicus'. I've only just been introduced to the behemoth that is the Warhammer universe over the past year, including Vermintide and Rogue Trader. I can't believe as a sci-fi fan that it took me this long, although I'm still overwhelmed by all the lore. Mechanicus looks Turn-based RPGs are one of my favourite game genres and I've been enjoying Rogue Trader (although I think it's a little problematic with more than 2 players due to an unusual execution of the host-to-player relationship).
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Comment on Tildes Game Giveaway: June/July 2025 in ~games
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Comment on Tildes Game Giveaway: June/July 2025 in ~games
Eidolon (edited )Link ParentAs an ailurophile, I feel bound to select mr mischievous, Basil the homely cat 😼. He always gets what he wants and he's perfected the art of continuously raising the bar for his expectations. He...As an ailurophile, I feel bound to select mr mischievous, Basil the homely cat 😼. He always gets what he wants and he's perfected the art of continuously raising the bar for his expectations. He rules the roost and yet he can do no wrong...
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Comment on May 2025 Backlog Burner: Week 5(ish) Discussion in ~games
Eidolon LinkFinal Bingo Card Mode: Standard Winning Bingo! Finished 8/25 Has survival mechanics ✅ Balatro Has a robot antagonist ✅ Yoku's Island Express ✅ A Short Hike Music/rhythm-focused ✅ Baldur's Gate 3...Final Bingo Card
Mode: Standard Winning Bingo! Finished 8/25 Has survival mechanics Nominated for The Game Awards
✅ BalatroHas a robot antagonist Has punctuation in the title
✅ Yoku's Island ExpressHas a fishing minigame
✅ A Short HikeMusic/rhythm-focused It’s already installed
✅ Baldur's Gate 3Focuses on exploration Your friend loves it You have to tinker to get it running Has a campaign longer than 10 hours
✅ Divinity: Original Sin Enhanced EditionFocuses on relationships
✅ The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt★ Wildcard Part of a long-running series Has a skill tree Is considered emotionally resonant Someone else has played it for their Backlog Burner
✅ HadesHas a score system Adaptation of other media type (e.g. board game, movie) An updated version (remake, re-release) of an older game Came out more than 9 years ago Has a review score above 90
✅ Outer WildsYou heard about it in our weekly gaming topics Features a mystery From now-defunct dev studio Bingo completed! I don't have time to write up much right now, but did want to say that this has been my most successful Backlog Burner yet, because I actually got a couple of games to 100% completion. So the bingo was just a bonus!
Hades - I've played all the Supergiant games except for Pyre - so it's taken an unreasonable amount of time for me to finally give Hades a go. Loving it already - it's so witty and imaginative.
Outer Wilds - I'm at the very end of the base game and am struggling (those who've played the game will know what I mean) and didn't get to strike this off my backlog as I'd hoped to. But that's ok!
Thanks to all and to @kfwyre - see you next time!
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Comment on May 2025 Backlog Burner: Week 4 Discussion in ~games
Eidolon (edited )LinkEidolon's Bingo Card Mode: Standard Bingo! Finished 6/25 Has survival mechanics ✅ Balatro Has a robot antagonist ✅ Yoku's Island Express ✅ A Short Hike Music/rhythm-focused ✅ Baldur's Gate 3...Eidolon's Bingo Card
Mode: Standard Bingo! Finished 6/25 Has survival mechanics Nominated for The Game Awards
✅ BalatroHas a robot antagonist Has punctuation in the title
✅ Yoku's Island ExpressHas a fishing minigame
✅ A Short HikeMusic/rhythm-focused It’s already installed
✅ Baldur's Gate 3Focuses on exploration Your friend loves it You have to tinker to get it running Has a campaign longer than 10 hours
✅ Divinity: Original Sin Enhanced EditionFocuses on relationships
✅ The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt★ Wildcard Part of a long-running series Has a skill tree Is considered emotionally resonant Someone else has played it for their Backlog Burner Has a score system Adaptation of other media type (e.g. board game, movie) An updated version (remake, re-release) of an older game Came out more than 9 years ago Has a review score above 90 You heard about it in our weekly gaming topics Features a mystery From now-defunct dev studio The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (with all DLCs and the two expansion stories: Heart of Stone and Blood and Wine) = Game that focuses on relationships - fully completed and struck off the backlog!!
The Witcher 3 is one of my most-played games of all-time on Steam, but weirdly I don't feel like I've sunk as many hours into it as the other games in my top 10. I purchased the game a few years ago at the regular sale price, as I was looking for an RPG and the game has such a strong fanbase on the internet that I thought I'd better give it a go. It was my first introduction to the series and the studio, CD Projekt Red.
The story is its biggest selling point and is anchored by Geralt's relationships to the key characters. I ended up binging it, completing the first game, the expansion Heart of Stone and then arriving in the duchy of Toussaint in Blood and Wine completely burnt out. It's been three years now, until this month's burner.
Setup was a little painful. I forgot that I'd elected to stay with the classic rather than 'next gen' update and my saves wouldn't work on classic. The launcher also blocked me from using mods but thankfully as they were small QoL additions, I was able to load my save. However, one of my mods had allowed me to ignore carry limits. Normally I'd never even think of applying such a mod as I like encumbrance features, but this was the first game that I thought vanilla was insufferable. Now I had 80% of my playthough's unsold pickups in my inventory, with a large amount of sundry trash. Even with fast travel, it took 30 minutes just to be able to dump my loot in the master chest - and then I got annihilated by a pack of ordinary wolves along the way. I had to re-learn the combat all over again - although it's simplistic enough that it didn't take much.
I was at the beginning of the 'main quest' in Blood and Wine, and I wasn't prepared to have gotten as sucked in as I did. It presented everything I enjoyed about the game at once: Geralt's layered personality, Regis (my absolute favourite character!!), the aesthetic nod to dandyism, the cinematic music, the twists and turns of yet another set of relationships, this time focusing on other characters rather than Geralt himself. And Gwent, which I continue to be very average at.
Of course I was soon reminded of the reasons that I left the game alone for so long. The combat is lackluster, repetitive and simplistic. The core gameplay loop for side-quests and contracts wears thin quite fast (but I should really have disabled quests showing up on the map and the minimap quest guide, to encourage more genuine exploration). Treasure hunts were pointless as I had already crafted a good kit. A lot of the characters in the side-quests are just quite bland and uninteresting compared to those in the main storyline. Horse travel is clunky. There's plenty of attention to detail in the game world, but a lot of it lacks substance (the 100s of doors that you can approach but are 'locked', the generic nature of the caves).
I think The Witcher 3 is the complete opposite to a game like Kingdom Come Deliverance which shines more in the mundane experiences of the world, such as casual exploration and side-quests. On the balance, spending a good 75% of your time outside of the main questline, I think that aspect of the game is essential - and is why Witcher 3 probably wouldn't be top of mind for RPG recommendations, despite its heights. I'm glad I persisted though, but it is a relief to finally strike this off the backlog.
I'm not sure if I'll try the first or second games - or Cyberpunk 2077 for that matter - I've got so many other RPGs I want to play.
Divinity: Original Sin Enhanced Edition = Campaign is more than 10 hours
I've played a few Larian titles now - Divinity II (Director's Cut, 2012), the start of Divinity Original Sin 2 (DOS 2) and Baldur's Gate 3 (BG3). I was looking for a co-op game and Divinity: Original Sin (DOS 1) allows for a two-player experience (unless modded). On a Steam-GOG PC crossplay, the game is running flawlessly via Direct Connection. But I'm amazed that DOS 1, DOS 2 and BG3 all have such similar starting sequences! We are, once again, on a beach. We're playing Tactician mode and have already wiped a couple of times. I'm enjoying the challenge and the lack of handholding in the questlines. Visually the Enhanced Edition is also really impressive - the game looks gorgeous in ultra with 4k. I am looking forward to chipping away at the campaign this year and just hanging out with my pal. If anyone has any tips let me know! I'm playing a mage and using the NPC Madora as a tank.
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Comment on May 2025 Backlog Burner: Week 2 Discussion in ~games
Eidolon Link ParentThere's my laziness not looking up who gifted to me! How delightful. Thanks again, I look forward to continuing with over the month.There's my laziness not looking up who gifted to me! How delightful. Thanks again, I look forward to continuing with over the month.
Thanks, it's very much a long-term thing. It will probably take me a decade to work through a good amount of the classics as I have so little spare time!