ToteRose's recent activity
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Comment on Overwatch 2 now: how does it look to you? in ~games
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Comment on Overwatch 2 now: how does it look to you? in ~games
ToteRose Link ParentI forgot about the "looking for a team" feature again, every now, and then I get reminded of its existence in the past. I don't know why it was removed or even when, since I didn't really use it...I forgot about the "looking for a team" feature again, every now, and then I get reminded of its existence in the past. I don't know why it was removed or even when, since I didn't really use it much, but it was really useful.
Also, I understand that it's difficult for a new player, that's the exact same reason I have not been able to enjoy League of Legends, for example. There's not a middle point between adding new content to make the game feel fresh to your current player base and not make it overwhelming for newcomers. That's a big problem of live-service games in general as well, and something they tried to balance when they locked heroes behind a progression system. I'm fairly certain it was removed because of the critic against it (from already experienced players, mostly).
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Overwatch 2 now: how does it look to you?
I get the feeling that, outside its own communities, Overwatch has mostly slipped out of the wider conversation. We've had: Blizzard’s various incidents/controversies The shift to OW2 and all the...
I get the feeling that, outside its own communities, Overwatch has mostly slipped out of the wider conversation.
We've had:
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Blizzard’s various incidents/controversies
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The shift to OW2 and all the confusion/anger around that
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The battle pass / shop pricing / F2P monetization complaints
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Cancellation of PVE mode
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General live-service fatigue
Most of that hasn’t really been “fixed”, but I'm not seeing nearly as much noise about it anymore, good or bad.
My own (slightly biased) view as someone still playing:
As a now free-to-play, live-service game with ongoing updates and "events", I feel like OW2's cosmetic pricing is (unfortunately) pretty standard compared to similar big titles. I'm not saying that's good, I think aggressive monetization is a wider industry problem, but within that landscape, the model itself doesn't feel uniquely outrageous to me if the goal is keeping a big, polished game running long-term.
I also doubt the actual dev team has much control over pricing, so that part lands more on Blizzard/ABK as a company (shocker).
Setting that aside: purely in terms of gameplay, the game currently feels the best it ever has to me. There's a good variety of modes, and things like the new Stadium mode feel very different from the usual Quick Play/Comp loop while still keeping the core of what makes Overwatch fun: the heroes, the readability, how smooth and well-designed everything feels.
What I'd like to hear from you:
Especially if you're not deep in the OW ecosystem anymore (or never were):
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Do you think about Overwatch at all these days?
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Did you drop it because of Blizzard, OW2’s launch, monetization, balance, something else?
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From the outside, does it feel “fine now”, “permanently tainted”, “kind of irrelevant”, or just background noise?
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If you never really played it: is there anything that would actually make you try Overwatch 2 in its current state?
And if you are still playing or following it closely, I'm also interested in how you feel about the state of the game vs peak OW1 / early OW2, especially whether it's earned back any trust or enthusiasm.
Not trying to rehash every incident in detail, just curious how the game and its reputation land for people who aren’t immersed in it every day.
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Comment on Playing with words in ~creative
ToteRose Link ParentThat's exactly the point! These rules work for us, but the fun part is that you can add/change/eliminate anything to make the game fit whoever is playing!That's exactly the point! These rules work for us, but the fun part is that you can add/change/eliminate anything to make the game fit whoever is playing!
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Comment on Playing with words in ~creative
ToteRose Link ParentTotally fair questions! We made this up for our friend group, so we keep it super casual. It's self-policed, so if someone slips (repeat word, wrong letter, out of category), anyone can call it...Totally fair questions! We made this up for our friend group, so we keep it super casual. It's self-policed, so if someone slips (repeat word, wrong letter, out of category), anyone can call it out, and we just fix it and play on. Everyone tracks their own points since it's more about the wordplay than the scoreboard, so we don't sweat mistakes, just roll them back if we notice any and keep going.
We normally play it in person, so timing is just whatever you feel like.
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Comment on Playing with words in ~creative
ToteRose LinkI don't know if this one counts, but I started to play this version of word chain. It has all the basics, and we've been adding so many different things to make it more dynamic and challenging. It...I don't know if this one counts, but I started to play this version of word chain. It has all the basics, and we've been adding so many different things to make it more dynamic and challenging. It goes like this:
1) Core Loop
- Take turns with chained words: your word must start with the last letter of the previous word.
- Min length: 4 letters.
- Not allowed: proper nouns; words already used.
- Allowed: accents/diacritics and plurals.
- A category (e.g., food, animals) may be active; if so, every word must fit it.
2) Scoring
- +1 for every valid word.
- –1 for breaking a rule (invalid/repeated/out of category, etc.).
- Bonuses: add points from any Power you trigger that turn.
Power Bonus Chart
Power Bonus Rhyme +2 Double +1 Long +1 Bomb +1 - Win: first to 10 points (or more if you want a longer match or words flow faster in your group).
3) Powers effects
- Rhyme (your word rhymes with the previous one): You may change the required starting letter for the next player.
- Double (your word has a doubled letter, e.g., rr/ll/ss…): You set a new category for both players. (+1)
- Category notes: The category stays until changed by another Double.
- If any player fails the active category, the category resets to none and that player loses 1 point.
- Long (8+ letters): Your opponent must reply with a word of the same length. (+1 for the player who triggered Long)
- The forced reply cannot trigger Long again nor score it.
- Bomb (your word starts and ends with the same letter): You ban one letter for your opponent.
- Bans stack: A player can have unlimited consonants banned, but only one vowel at a time; banning a new vowel replaces the previous vowel ban. (This is thought for 10 points to score, if you do it indefinitely or higher score goals you'd need a limit for consonants too.)
- Fair exception: If a banned letter equals the mandatory starting letter, the opponent may use it only as the initial, not elsewhere in the word.
4) First Turn
The first player starts with +1 point and cannot trigger any Power on the first move.
(edit: some minor formatting mistakes)
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Comment on Fitness Weekly Discussion in ~health
ToteRose LinkBeen getting back into moving my body after realizing how rusty I've gotten from working + gaming (sitting 12–15 hrs/day some days). I'm 25, not overweight thanks to decent metabolism, but I've...Been getting back into moving my body after realizing how rusty I've gotten from working + gaming (sitting 12–15 hrs/day some days). I'm 25, not overweight thanks to decent metabolism, but I've noticed I get tired easily, mood dips, and just feel… off.
I've picked up playing some basketball with friends 1 or 2 times a week. So fun, but feels like not enough plus it's a bit inconsistent, so I bought a skateboard for the days our schedules don't line up, mostly cruising for a couple of hours to get fresh air and some low-impact cardio.
Never before I've been this active, and whenever I tried I stopped after a few weeks because working out on my own is just boring and can't really be bothered, so finding fun things to do that are healthy has helped me a lot!
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Comment on What games have you been playing, and what's your opinion on them? in ~games
ToteRose Link ParentI'm with you on Dispatch. The episodes flew by. I went in blind (just "Telltale vibes, The boys/Invincible-like take on superheroes, famous voices and original gameplay") and was a little bummed...I'm with you on Dispatch. The episodes flew by. I went in blind (just "Telltale vibes, The boys/Invincible-like take on superheroes, famous voices and original gameplay") and was a little bummed when I hit the end of chapter 2, but the short-session format kind of works here. It really does feel like a weekly show you keep up with.
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Comment on Changes to Advent of Code starting this December in ~comp.advent_of_code
ToteRose Link ParentOh, I did just that! I'm halfway through 2015 already in just one day! These challenges are addictive.Oh, I did just that! I'm halfway through 2015 already in just one day! These challenges are addictive.
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Comment on Changes to Advent of Code starting this December in ~comp.advent_of_code
ToteRose Link ParentFirst time seeing this, and I can't believe I haven't found about it sooner! I've always loved those "escape room" advent calendars where each door gives you a hint for which the next day's door...First time seeing this, and I can't believe I haven't found about it sooner! I've always loved those "escape room" advent calendars where each door gives you a hint for which the next day's door is, and programming in general is super satisfying once you get it right. I've played a few programming puzzle games in the past and had lots of fun, so this seems like such a good idea. I can't wait for the first puzzle! Meanwhile, I'll be checking previous years to get an idea of how this goes.
Also, about the changes, it's my first year so it doesn't really make a difference for me, but they all sound like completely valid reasons, and I'm glad you're prioritizing your own health and still providing us with fun challenges, so thank you!
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Comment on What games have you been playing, and what's your opinion on them? in ~games
ToteRose Link ParentThese are my thoughts exactly!! I love the character design/customization of the game, even if the world itself lacks a lot of detail. I've had so much fun exploring the stores, learning how the...These are my thoughts exactly!! I love the character design/customization of the game, even if the world itself lacks a lot of detail. I've had so much fun exploring the stores, learning how the new battle mechanics work and exploring all the different routes despite the mobility itself being so limited.
I have not tried the Ranked Battles yet since I want to wait until I finish the story, but I'm so hyped to get the stones!
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Comment on Is there a service that a regular joe can use to provide subs or dubbing for a movie? in ~movies
ToteRose LinkI'm unsure if this is what you're looking for, since it's strange that none has mentioned it yet. But have you tried checking on places like Fiverr? Or any other freelance hiring websites, for...I'm unsure if this is what you're looking for, since it's strange that none has mentioned it yet. But have you tried checking on places like Fiverr? Or any other freelance hiring websites, for that matter.
If not, you can go the complete opposite route and post your job, so freelancers can apply, on a website like Upwork.
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Comment on What's your video game comfort food? in ~games
ToteRose LinkProbably an odd pick since it's mostly seen as a chaotic, money-grab, rage-inducing ADHD playground, but Overwatch has to be my pick. I've played this game since launch, and at this point it's...Probably an odd pick since it's mostly seen as a chaotic, money-grab, rage-inducing ADHD playground, but Overwatch has to be my pick.
I've played this game since launch, and at this point it's almost instinctive to boot up my PC and queue up. I can slip into auto mode on the days my brain needs to disconnect and still perform well. The little "dings" on hits are absurdly satisfying, the movement and abilities feel so fluid compared to any other game I've tried, and you can do the stupidest thing and still somehow play "well". Also, every time I decide to take it seriously, I still notice myself improving.
On top of all that, the Workshop (and more recently the Stadium mode) adds a ton of variety when I'm bored of the core game. Nothing else hits the same mix of feedback, flow, and “just one more” for me.
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Comment on Looking for a beginner turntable and near field speaker in ~hobbies
ToteRose Link ParentThanks for the advice! This lines up with my suspicions about the LP60 being the sensible pick at my range. The LP120's upgrade path makes sense, but the current price jump puts it out of reach...Thanks for the advice! This lines up with my suspicions about the LP60 being the sensible pick at my range. The LP120's upgrade path makes sense, but the current price jump puts it out of reach for now.
And agreed on focusing on the music, my "wish list" of albums is already pricier than the whole setup budget, so keeping the gear simple and reliable seems the smart move hahaha.
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Comment on Looking for a beginner turntable and near field speaker in ~hobbies
ToteRose Link ParentNot unwanted at all, every answer helps me learn, even if our wallet starts shaking just from reading haha. The JBL/Kali point is noted; if Black Friday drops them into reach, we could be tempted...Not unwanted at all, every answer helps me learn, even if our wallet starts shaking just from reading haha. The JBL/Kali point is noted; if Black Friday drops them into reach, we could be tempted to wait and stretch a little.
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Comment on Looking for a beginner turntable and near field speaker in ~hobbies
ToteRose Link Parent10 years trouble-free on the RT80 is great data, even if the current pricing doesn't help my ~€150 hunt much, it's useful context. Thanks for checking!10 years trouble-free on the RT80 is great data, even if the current pricing doesn't help my ~€150 hunt much, it's useful context. Thanks for checking!
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Comment on Looking for a beginner turntable and near field speaker in ~hobbies
ToteRose Link ParentThanks for the first-hand notes, that's really helpful. The reliability issues you saw with the LP60 are exactly what I'm trying to avoid since I don't know much about this new hobby just yet. Do...Thanks for the first-hand notes, that's really helpful. The reliability issues you saw with the LP60 are exactly what I'm trying to avoid since I don't know much about this new hobby just yet. Do you know if the LP60XBT has the same issues or is it the same model but with Bluetooth?
I've seen the Sony PS-LX310BT around, it may be a solid option if I can't find anything that convinces me 100% for my budget.
Edifier keep popping up as solid near field picks and this particular model you mention is around my budget so it's good to know they sound great!
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Comment on Looking for a beginner turntable and near field speaker in ~hobbies
ToteRose Link ParentThat's similar to what I think I'll go for after the little I've explored, compared to how huge this world seems. Edifiers look like a solid choice, lots of models, good value, and consensus seems...That's similar to what I think I'll go for after the little I've explored, compared to how huge this world seems. Edifiers look like a solid choice, lots of models, good value, and consensus seems mostly positive. The R1280DBS fits my budget/desk setup too, so it's helpful to hear you're happy with that combo. Thanks!
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Comment on Looking for a beginner turntable and near field speaker in ~hobbies
ToteRose Link ParentThank you for your input! I understand the many benefits of buying a used table but doesn't seem to be an option for us here. We live on an island so the second hand market is not as varied as...Thank you for your input! I understand the many benefits of buying a used table but doesn't seem to be an option for us here. We live on an island so the second hand market is not as varied as other places. Our city is not small at all (almost a million people) but shipping from outside can be tricky, so for this we're trying to stick to new gear.
I checked for Wharfedale Diamond 9.1, and from what I can tell these aren't being made anymore, so availability here is spotty. I'll keep an eye out in case something interesting pops up locally, though. Besides, these are passive, right? If I end up going for the LP-60 I would need speakers with built-in amp, isn't it?
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Looking for a beginner turntable and near field speaker
I recently got my first vinyl (Breach by Twenty One Pilots) for my birthday. I've had it on streaming nonstop but want to play it properly and start a small collection. I've seen a lot of...
I recently got my first vinyl (Breach by Twenty One Pilots) for my birthday. I've had it on streaming nonstop but want to play it properly and start a small collection.
I've seen a lot of recommendations for the Audio-Technica AT-LP60 as a beginner option (affordable and apparently decent quality) but also read that spending a little more can get something more "serious", though I need speakers too.
The thing is that it needs to be new gear only or easy to buy: My partner plans to gift the setup for Christmas and marketplace/used gear is hard to source locally where we live, so that's probably out. We have a budget of around €150 for the turntable and other €150 for the speakers, or €300 total. Open to a modest stretch if it avoids an early upgrade. Manual or semi-auto is fine but preferable plug-and-play.
Prefer compact powered speakers with good near field clarity, not necessarily loud since they'll sit behind my PC monitor on my desk.
Questions:
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If I'm considering the AT-LP60, what's the smartest "slightly more €" upgrade path for a first set-up?
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For small desks, which powered speakers pair well with entry-level turntables (good clarity but not boomy)?
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Anything to avoid or other advice you may have for a beginner?
Appreciate any guidance. I’m looking forward to spinning Breach and building out a few more records.
Ps: Already ordered anti-static inner sleeves, outer sleeves, and a carbon-fiber record brush to keep things clean!
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I've heard this from a lot of people. For me, purely on gameplay, many OW2 changes (5v5, faster pace, etc.) actually clicked. I'm curious what specifically felt alien vs OW1 for you. Was it mainly 5v5, or did the later disappointments pile up and wipe out anything in its favor?