What are you playing?

[al kusanagi]

I'm playing Soul Sacrifice on the Vita. It's pretty much what would happen if Dark Souls and Monster Hunter had a baby.

[Sabaku Ika]

[quote name='Al Kusanagi' timestamp='1367357517' post='150534']<br />I'm playing Soul Sacrifice on the Vita. It's pretty much what would happen if Dark Souls and Monster Hunter had a baby.<br />[/quote]<br /><br /><br />

I would be too if the PSN servers weren't being so grumpy today. I had no expectations except that it would be grindy and needlessly gory, but I tried the demo yesterday and it's actually good! There is indeed blood, but not in the excessive Mortal Kombatty way.

Plus, today is May 1st, which is a good day for human sacrifices anyway.

[Kahoryn]

Soul Sacrifice looks cool. I'm fairly certain I'm going to get a PS Vita for my birthday (if my husband doesn't get me one, I'll just buy one my damn self!...he wanted to get me one for Christmas but my dad said he was getting me one and then never did) ANYWAY, I know I'm going to play all the Final Fantasy titles but what are some other great games for the PS Vita? The only thing I don't really do, at least on a handheld, is FPS or like, racing. I like RPGs (but they're a dying breed), action-adventure, puzzle games and such. Thoughts?

[showraniy]

[quote name='Kahoryn' timestamp='1367419655' post='150596']

RPGs (but they're a dying breed)

[/quote]



STOP, DON'T SAY IT. <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... ryalot.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':cryalot:' /> I can still hope damn it. <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... pyeyes.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':puppyeyes:' />



I have no idea if Vita functions like the original PSP, but all I do on there is play old PS1 games from PSN. Currently slow-poking my way through Final Fantasy VI. And are we ever going to see a stateside release of that FF Type 0 game? That's the only thing I'd be excited to have a PSP for.

[al kusanagi]

You have to get them off of PSN, but the Vita can play all the PSP and PS1 games. I've got mine loaded up with all the classic SNK fighting games.



Hopefully they'll make good on all the PS4 to Vita stuff and actually make the system relevant, because it's a great little machine.

[Ap2000]

RPGs aren't dead.

JRPGs on the other hand, mostly died when Squaresoft and Enix merged.



[quote name='Kahoryn' timestamp='1367419655' post='150596']

Soul Sacrifice looks cool. I'm fairly certain I'm going to get a PS Vita for my birthday (if my husband doesn't get me one, I'll just buy one my damn self!...he wanted to get me one for Christmas but my dad said he was getting me one and then never did) ANYWAY, I know I'm going to play all the Final Fantasy titles but what are some other great games for the PS Vita? The only thing I don't really do, at least on a handheld, is FPS or like, racing. I like RPGs (but they're a dying breed), action-adventure, puzzle games and such. Thoughts?

[/quote]



I'd suggest getting a different system. <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... stling.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':whistling:' />

PS Vita is pretty much dead. It actually was dead on arrival, it sells like complete garbage. The games are also seemingly rather expensive in comparison.

If you really have to get a handheld and not a real console or upgrade your PC, then I'd much rather recommend the 3DS.

Or a cracked PSP.

[Sabaku Ika]

If I remember correctly, the PS3 was mostly ignored and ridiculed at this point in its life as well. I completely recommend getting a Vita even if it has been slow to catch on.

[Melon]

The 3DS has the better RPG library at the moment. There's Code of Princess, SMT Devil Survivor 1+2, SMT Soul Hackers, the upcoming SMT IV, Etrian Odyssey, Tales, LoZ, ect.



For the Vita, if you don't have a PSP, I would recommend getting the biggest card you can afford and get all the fabulous PSP RPGs. The PSP was a RPG beast. If you like VNs, there's an otome game called Sweet Fuse out in August for the PSP. I think it's the last game for the system. <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... >/rofl.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /> Anyway, the vita is pretty scarce in games in general, even though I love it. For RPGs, get Persona 4 if you haven't played it already. In fact, even if you own it you should still get it because they added a lot of stuff.

[Kahoryn]

Hm, decisions, decisions... I used to have an old DS and I kinda liked the games on there, but I wanted the Vita so I could have all my PS games at my disposal wherever I go. Maybe I should look into the DS too. I suppose if I hate the Vita I could always return it?

[Ap2000]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bf38HiYPMiI



GTA V's Michael will be so great. The 80s throwback, the Tommy Vercetti feeling...

[emily]

Do any of you play a game called Spiral Knights by the company Three Rings? It is a multiplayer cooperative online game.



I like the game because the developers tend to add challenges instead of making it easier, like what happened with Warcraft. I feel accomplished when I defeat an enemy that is too difficult to beat with stats alone, by working as a team and using strategy. I like that my stats are contingent on the armour that I wear. It means that I can enjoy even the beginner areas by putting on low-level armour. I also like the art.



I reconnected with some high school friends through the game and we see each other in person a lot more often, and that's nice.

[Ap2000]

[quote name='emily' timestamp='1367972432' post='151189']

Do any of you play a game called Spiral Knights by the company Three Rings? It is a multiplayer cooperative online game.



I like the game because the developers tend to add challenges instead of making it easier, like what happened with Warcraft. I feel accomplished when I defeat an enemy that is too difficult to beat with stats alone, by working as a team and using strategy. I like that my stats are contingent on the armour that I wear. It means that I can enjoy even the beginner areas by putting on low-level armour. I also like the art.



I reconnected with some high school friends through the game and we see each other in person a lot more often, and that's nice.

[/quote]



I played it for about an hour some time ago when Steam had an achievement hunt going on, but it didn't seem special to me.

[Melon]

I forgot to add, Kahoryn, no matter what system you get, for the love of all that is holy, GET VIRTUE'S LAST REWARD.

[aine]

[quote name='Ap2000' timestamp='1367976102' post='151197']

[quote name='emily' timestamp='1367972432' post='151189']

Do any of you play a game called Spiral Knights by the company Three Rings? It is a multiplayer cooperative online game.



I like the game because the developers tend to add challenges instead of making it easier, like what happened with Warcraft. I feel accomplished when I defeat an enemy that is too difficult to beat with stats alone, by working as a team and using strategy. I like that my stats are contingent on the armour that I wear. It means that I can enjoy even the beginner areas by putting on low-level armour. I also like the art.



I reconnected with some high school friends through the game and we see each other in person a lot more often, and that's nice.

[/quote]



I played it for about an hour some time ago when Steam had an achievement hunt going on, but it didn't seem special to me.

[/quote]

+1



I dropped it after getting the achievement since I was still playing WoW back then and have a million of single player games lined up anyway. But it was cute and fun, probably the best of the free games I tried during that achievement hunt.

[Kahoryn]

Update: So, I did get a PS Vita for my birthday from my husband. <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... nceman.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':danceman:' /> So far, I like it and I've gotten just a couple games that I'm enjoying (trying not to blow tons of $$$). Petit--I'll look into that game you mentioned, too.



When I was browsing the PS Store though, I noticed a lack of the spinoff Final Fantasy games I wanted to play (the only one available being Dissidia, although it is really fun). I wish I had paid more attention to that before. Oh well.

[al kusanagi]

Remember, FFX HD (which comes with FFX2 as well) is coming out for Vita.

[Kahoryn]

Ehhhh, I didn't like FF10 and anything from there on. (X2 was actually kind of fun with class changes, but I didn't really care enough to keep playing it more than day 1.)

[Ap2000]

[quote name='Al Kusanagi' timestamp='1368032976' post='151253']

Remember, FFX HD (which comes with FFX2 as well) is coming out for Vita.

[/quote]



It's kinda funny they call the Vita version also "HD", considering it's resolution. <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... stling.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':whistling:' />



The console version seems ok and might actually surpass the emulated version, because of the new 16:9 mode and some touched up textures and models.

[neshcom]

[quote name='Ap2000' timestamp='1368036293' post='151259']

[quote name='Al Kusanagi' timestamp='1368032976' post='151253']

Remember, FFX HD (which comes with FFX2 as well) is coming out for Vita.

[/quote]



It's kinda funny they call the Vita version also "HD", considering it's resolution. <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... stling.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':whistling:' />



The console version seems ok and might actually surpass the emulated version, because of the new 16:9 mode and some touched up textures and models.

[/quote]

You can't ignore that these are also the international versions which is, like, a ton of extra content for each.

[showraniy]

Oh, I can't wait for FFX HD. I could live without X2 again, but I never fought Vegnagun at the end, so I'll replay it just to finish it.



It's actually hilarious how many PS3 games I have without a PS3.

[Ap2000]

I have seen the light and been to heaven for 15 minutes.





And then FC3 - Blood Dragon crashed.



EDIT:

Holy shit, this game !!

It's as if Daft Punk wrote a loveletter to the 80s and put it into a game. And there are cheesy one-liners everywhere.

[aine]

Carmageddon, the best racing game ever, is free for Android and iOS - only today! No idea how well it plays on a touchscreen (probably like crap like just about every other action game on touchscreens), but it'd be a sin not to get it.



Also, the Humble Double Fine Bundle with Psychonauts, Costume Quest, Stacking and Brütal Legend. The last one only if you pay above the average price, $7.98 right now. I've been resisting the Double Fine hype for a long time, but Brütal Legend for less than a tenner is a no-brainer.

[al kusanagi]

But, sadly, Brutal Legend is kind of not very good... The other games in that pack are great though.

[aine]

I'll hold on to my belief that any game you can headbang to has to be awesome. At least until I'm proven wrong when I had a chance to play it some 5 years from now.



It seems like 90% of my posts here are about game deals rather than games I play or played, which is a testament to my miserable gaming existence. But I'm making slow progress through Apollo Justice, pushing away the moment where I need to face the reality of having to splurge on 3DS to play AA5.



Carmageddon does play like crap on a touchscreen, but it's a great nostalgia blast regardless.

[aine]

New Ace Attorney trailer



So apparently it will only come out as a digital download in the West. FUCK YOU CAPCOM WITH A MILLION OF DICKS IN YOUR CHEAP GREEDY ASS.



I don't even feel like ranting about it right now, but in that scene in the trailer where they transition from the old 2D style to 3D I really wish they would have just stuck to 2D.

[Ap2000]

[quote name='aine' timestamp='1368570723' post='151766']

New Ace Attorney trailer

[/quote]



Screw that, here is all a real man ever wanted:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxLX3RnGu7U

Watch in no higher than 240p for ultimate effect.

[neshcom]

Oh, what the fuck? I thought I had written my Bioshock Infinite write-up yesterday. >:T Also, holy shit, redacted much?



Okay, so my friend let me borrow Bioshock Infinite and I beat it this weekend. Overall, I really liked it, but there are some interesting missteps.

As far as storytelling, the plot is fantastic. It's not easy to throw a player into a narrative already in motion, but the use of audiologs and the commitment to staying first-person makes the immersion real. Booker is not as fleshed out as he should be (mainly because his life pre-game is not involved in Columbia hence few audiologs) and his shifting priorities in the game are odd because he really doesn't have a lot of introspection. Elizabeth is a fantastic character and is never confusing. Probably the weakest character is Daisy Fitzroy who suffers a majorly thin backstory and that she (and the Vox) was framed for Lady Comstock's death never once occured to me. Part of me is wary that filling out the Vox Populi's story will be DLC. The ending really surprised me because it definitely could have been obvious, but making the tears a functional element instead of just a narrative one distracts from the idea that Elizabeth is Anna. It also really helps that they perfectly played Anna to be his wife, not his child.



The music is great and I love the re-imagining of pop songs as muzak. I apparently missed the viral-marketing moment where Booker plays guitar and Elizabeth sings in one of the bars. It seems like that should have been more prominent since they show the making-of during the credits. A making-of for a song you missed is just boring. The graphics are stunning, but the characters heads don't always track you when you're in an in-control narrative point. Load times were decent on the PS3 version and are likely astounding on PC.



The biggest gripe I have is with the audiologs and side-quests and how they're both executed. Throughout my play-through, I only collected about half of the audio logs and ever only had one side-quest and both of those worried me. The sidequest I had was the encrypted message in blood in the bar. I found the quest while exploring during the storyline and was told to find the cypher book. Well, I didn't find it until the bank sequence near the very end of the game! By that point, I was so far away that I couldn't find any value in slogging back through almost all of the game. Maybe they were two parts of two different side-quests, but that's all the worse to me. It tells me I either missed a major pool of side-quests throughout the game (and I thought I was being pretty thorough) or a sub-story line about the Vox Populi, the criminally under-developed group. Audio logs are the same way; they're good, but where were they all? I made it a point to explore and missed half. I feel sorry for the people who missed even more because there are major story motivations hidden there.



The above makes me question why Bioshock Infinite is open-world in the first place. Linearly, it does a good job of giving you a lot of space. It's an urban setting, so it's not like you need wide open fields to cut through to get to your destinations. The player motivation to seek out side-quests that never once put themselves in front of you in the course of the story lands a mixed message: the story is such a vital element that they don't want to outright give you other things to do, but they're there because of reasons. Was the story so compacted that more background needed to be put in the side-quests? It is a fantastically paced narrative, but what good is it if you don't fully understand or comprehend it?



Go play Bioshock Infinite because it is one of the best told stories and one of the best shooters this year.

[Ap2000]

@neshcom; Did you also notice the most retarded logic flaw in the game, that the plasmids are advertised everywhere, but nobody uses them ? You can even buy them and normal weapons everywhere. It blows my mind how they just didn't resolve that in any meaningful way, contrary to BioShock.



Infinite had a lot of potential to be much better gameplay-wise. The trailers and preview gameplay was very different, with completely unknown and much more open areas of Columbia.

[neshcom]

[quote name='Ap2000' timestamp='1368637469' post='151849']

@neshcom; Did you also notice the most retarded logic flaw in the game, that the plasmids are advertised everywhere, but nobody uses them ? You can even buy them and normal weapons everywhere. It blows my mind how they just didn't resolve that in any meaningful way, contrary to BioShock.



Infinite had a lot of potential to be much better gameplay-wise. The trailers and preview gameplay was very different, with completely unknown and much more open areas of Columbia.

[/quote]

The point about plasmids/vigors is legit, but it could be reflective of Columbia. It seemed like Columbia was meant to be a) very peaceful (whether it be through societal tone or an overbearing police-state presence) and b) very gun-oriented. Unlike Rapture, which was rather gluttonous regarding plasmids because of their ambrosial nature, vigors seemed like toys for children and tools for ne'er-do-wells. There is a sense of "proper" in Columbia that vigors clash with. Also, vigors and their upgrades were the most expensive items in the game. Later on, you learn that Comstock was taking a 50% tax on everything. Vigors may have been too expensive for permanent use to the everyday Columbian.



I figured it would be pretty similar to the previous Bioshock, but you're right, the trailer (and specifically, the American TV ad with Elizabeth on a noose and getting all magic-y) doesn't match the game very much. I guess that's to be expected for something this big.

[aine]

Funny thing about MMORPGs. Please excuse for dumbler.