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What games have you been playing, and what's your opinion on them?
What have you been playing lately? Discussion about video games and board games are both welcome. Please don't just make a list of titles, give some thoughts about the game(s) as well.
I'm about 90 hours into Elden Ring. I had essentially zero interest in Elden Ring before its release since I had previously played a couple FromSoftware games (Dark Souls 1, Bloodborne) and found them far more frustrating than fun. But given Elden Ring's critical reception, I decided to give it a shot.
And holy hell, this game has gradually begun to consume my life. I fall asleep thinking about Elden Ring. I wake up thinking about Elden Ring. In my off-time (when I'm away from my console), I research Elden Ring. Honestly I think I ought to finish it because this obsession is becoming unhealthy.
Frankly, I think game is a better Elder Scrolls game than any of the Elder Scrolls games – the loot is bespoke, the locations vary more, and the magic hits harder. As someone playing as a magic user (lvl 182 currently, INT/FAI build), I appreciate that each spell has a unique animation, rather than just color-coding a generic projectile/finger spray. Personally I this game has the best magic system since at least Dragon's Dogma, and that's in spite of the wacky balancing issues regarding spells.
But what I appreciate the most is just how accessible this game is compared to previous titles. The beginning, when you have essentially nothing, will of course be tough. And sure, you could rush the first boss and take three dozen attempts trying to beat him. But this game greatly rewards exploration, both with levels and unique items. If you instead take a 30 hour detour to explore the rest of the starting (and adjacent) areas, you can instead beat that boss on your first or second try. The game is still challenging (you can easily die if you're unprepared), but the windows for failure become much larger.
Relatable. I spend a lot of time thinking about Elden Ring nowadays, especially as I'm going to sleep. I think it's my favorite game I've ever played despite still being trash at it.
Before this I really spent very little time gaming. Before, my gaming consisted solely of some casual Switch games. I got a used PS4 entirely for this game and now I'm hooked.
Gunfire Reborn
I started playing this with a friend on Saturday morning. By Sunday evening, my husband and two more friends had also picked up the game.
I'd put in a full 15 hours across only two days. It is powerfully addictive.
The game is an FPS roguelite. Feels a bit like Borderlands meets Rogue Legacy. It's playable solo, but it shines much brighter with other players because you can trade drops and get a lot better interplay between abilities and elements.
This is going to be our multiplayer game of choice for quite a while. The talent tree grind is both long and satisfying.
Also, bonus points for being a multiplayer game that works on Linux via Proton. I'm running it flawlessly on Proton 7.0-2, and I'm able to connect and play with my friends on Windows machines. I have had two crashes when trying to join a lobby (nothing during actual gameplay though, so I've never lost a run), but it's unclear if those crashes are due to Proton or are the fault of the game itself.
Been playing the crap out of risk of rain 2, going for 100%, all I have left are monsoon wins on captain and mercenary, and mercenary's completing a prismatic trial without falling below 100% health, which is virtually impossible on most prismatic trial configurations.
I recommend checking out cabbage's videos on Youtube. He's a speedrunner that covers each Prismatic trial, showing you the best option for completing it quickly and effectively.
https://www.youtube.com/c/Cabbage123/videos
If you prefer to go it alone, I'd recommend waiting for a day with artifacts of glass or command (or both!). They will make the challenge considerably easier.
Thanks for the channel recommendation! I finally got it on the most recent trial, didn't follow the video 100% but after I saw how doable it was I went for it. Turns out in spite of artifact of honor, the current configuration is actually really good for the achievement. You get a guillotine, watch, and (I got) a crowbar on the first level, then the second level is rally point delta with the guaranteed preon accumulator in a really convenient spot. The only awful part about it is blazing wisps spawning and setting the air on fire 🙄 which can ding you on the way down from the bossfight.
Awesome, well done! It's a tough challenge but that makes it all the sweeter when you complete it.
Yup, that's what I'm going for. Or at least glass without bullshit like honor or soul, which were the last two pairings.
Cousin! Would you like to go bowling?
Not sure if you're planning to yet, but definitely check out the two DLC for the game. They're really good in their own ways, The Ballad of Gay Tony in particular smoothing over a lot of the base game's rougher edges.
To avoid the negative rep, you can accept the invitation and then cancel.
The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe
If you liked the 2013 game or the free mod, you are obliged to play it. I'm sorry, but I don't make the rules.
If you didn't play any, you probably should play Ultra Deluxe. It has the previous game in it, so you won't be missing out on much.
Unfortunately, I can no longer play it for the next 10 years.
I got Roundguard for my Switch after seeing some positive buzz around it and noticing that it was on sale for $8.
It's basically a Peggle-like rogue-lite where your "ball" is a hero of a specific class (warrior, rogue, mage, druid) with different abilities that use mana. Dungeons are randomly generated each time you play, where some of the pegs in each room are enemies that you have to clear out before moving on to the next room, collecting potions, treasures, equipment, and other powerups as you go. Some rooms are boss fights, others are treasure rooms. It's actually a lot of fun and scratches the Peggle itch on the Nintendo Switch quite nicely.
I'm not the biggest fan of the visuals (it's very cartoony) but I've been enjoying the gameplay so much that it doesn't bother me at all anymore.
If you like the gameplay but not the visuals, keep an eye on Peglin. It just entered early access at $20, and imo is nowhere near having that level of content yet, but with a sale or further development it'll be worth it.
Thanks for making me aware of Roundguard. It's on sale right now for $10 on the eStore, so I picked it up. I have only played it for about 30min, but I'm really enjoying it so far. I love Peggle and play it fairly often (on PC), but it gets a way too repetitive after a while, so Roundguard having a bit more depth to it is a nice change of pace.
edit: I have played it for several hours now, and am still enjoying it! :)
I've been playing Root, which I've seen around a lot and whose cute little critters have caught my eyes on many occasions. i finally picked up a copy, and I really love it. This is the first asymmetrical board game I think I've played, even though I grew up playing lots of board games with my family. The mechanics are very cool, but the art and flavor is what really makes it for me. I also picked up a copy of the computer game, since I've only been able to play it with groups at a table 2-3 times. I'm still learning the flow of each faction. Haven't tried the Vagabond yet. Has anyone else here played it?
I also recently played Horrified for the first time last week, and that is a game I would love to pick up! Another one with very beautiful art and fun flavor. Easier to learn than Root lol