OT: Video Game Talk (oh, also the Week before the All-Star Break Pre-Game Talk "archive")

[The Moops]

Always found the Uncharted series overrated. Dumb fun with an impressive presentation. Way too much handholding and scripted events, plus a lack of blood in a shooter is just bland. Put Last of Us part 2's gore system in Uncharted 4 and it becomes instantly much more enjoyable.

I had some good times with Uncharted. The new spinoff of 4 was too short and the gameplay wasn't as fun, but it was still enjoyable.

I need to get a new playstation so I can play Last of Us 2. I had to borrow my brothers PS4 so I could play all the other Naughty Dog games.

The Uncharted on the Vita was surprisingly as good as any of the other ones.

I thought the new Tomb Raider games were pretty okay. I played the first 2, but I haven't been able to get into the 3rd one.

 

[MacKaRant]

No doubt a great game. However, it would be a superior experience if Nintendo had better hardware. Gameplay is king always has been, but top visuals on top of that gameplay is even better

Sucks that Nintendo hasn’t released a powerhouse console since the SNES. N64's and Gamecube's technical limitations were self inflicted because they didn’t want to use regular CDs.

Having grown up with the NES and SNES, I don't really care that much how photorealistic the graphics are as long as the game executes its chosen style well and there aren't any major performance issues with framerate. I think if you look back at previous console generations, it's generally the games with a distinct graphical style that hold up better over time than games that strived for photorealism. To me, it's always gameplay that's king.

For N64 vs PS1, the technical specs of the N64 far outstripped what the PS1 could do (5 times more polygons). There was different factors rather than pure technical specs that caused Nintendo to lose that generation. Cartridge versus disc being the most famous one. The thought at the time was that normal gameplay interspersed with FMV or CGI cutscenes would be the wave of the future in gaming, and the compact disc format allowed for this. Also, Nintendo was charging third party developers $15-20 per cartridge whereas Sony was asking for $1 per CD, and a lot of those third party developers told Nintendo enough was enough. Lastly, the N64 was notoriously difficult to program for, compared to the relative ease of development on the PS1.

The N64 was the last time Nintendo went for top of the line specs (which I suspect was a reaction to losing a lot of market share in the US due to the Genesis's advertisements about its "blast processing"), and I'm convinced that its failure in the market caused Nintendo to pivot and refocus its future consoles towards their core values: gameplay over graphics, accessibility, affordability, expanding the total number of gamers vs pursuing the hardcore gamers.

 

[TruePowerSlave]

I guess I really don't see graphics as the end all, be all. I do still fire up 8, 16, and 32 bit consoles all the time though... so maybe it is just me. Gameplay matters the most to me. If a game is fun, it can look straight out of NES era and I can enjoy it.

Top graphics isn’t required to make a great game. However, it clearly improves the experience. It's the one clear issue Nintendo has had since the Wii. Some of their games are very good to play, but don't look impressive.

Just like you can make a good film that looks kinda crap you can also make a great game with washed visuals. The optimal result is firing on all cylinders.

 

[sethro109]

Uncharted IV was one of the best games I have ever played. I've gotten at least four to five of the endings in Nier: Automata, but will probably drop it soon.

Nier is an amazing game. It has a bunch of "endings" 26 in fact, but most of them are just little side endings that usually have some humorous text, a extremely fast credit roll and jumps you right back into the game before the ending happened. Ending E is the true ending and you can just really stop there. There's also a secret boss that you'll probably wanna level up to 99 to fight. There's a few good grind spots, but doing that is a bit of a chore. You can also spend the in game money to unlock any achievements/trophies you missed. Which I though was pretty funny.

 

[sethro109]

Too bad Tears of the Kingdom is stuck on inferior hardware. What a banger it would be if Nintendo had a console with horsepower for once.

Since I'm sure I'm gonna play tears of the kingdom multiple times, I plan to play it on switch then patiently wait for a stable release on Yuzu. The videos of BOTW running on Cemu and Yuzu with increased FPS and draw distance look like a bunch of fun.

 

[S E P H]

Nier is an amazing game. It has a bunch of "endings" 26 in fact, but most of them are just little side endings that usually have some humorous text, a extremely fast credit roll and jumps you right back into the game before the ending happened. Ending E is the true ending and you can just really stop there. There's also a secret boss that you'll probably wanna level up to 99 to fight. There's a few good grind spots, but doing that is a bit of a chore. You can also spend the in game money to unlock any achievements/trophies you missed. Which I though was pretty funny.

Thanks for the info! Yeah, I think I got A, F, G, H, and W, but I definitely don't plan on doing another playthrough at the moment so B to E will have to wait. This game probably has the best boss battles, so fun.

 

[sethro109]

Thanks for the info! Yeah, I think I got A, F, G, H, and W, but I definitely don't plan on doing another playthrough at the moment so B to E will have to wait.

B is a little boring at first because it's just Nine S's perspective, but then it opens up more near the end. Playthrough C is the same for the first hour, then it has completely new story and opens up the real back half of the game.

 

[MacKaRant]

B is a little boring at first because it's just Nine S's perspective, but then it opens up more near the end. Playthrough C is the same for the first hour, then it has completely new story and opens up the real back half of the game.

I almost dropped the game when going through the second playthrough for Ending B (in my game notes, I wrote "it is more re-run than Rashomon"). Sucks to go through basically the same game with a main character that doesn't feel as good to control. I won't risk spoiling anything past that, but to provide some encouragement, once you're through Ending B, you're about 80% through the total game, and the last 20% is some of the best content.

 

[sethro109]

I almost dropped the game when going through the second playthrough for Ending B (in my game notes, I wrote "it is more re-run than Rashomon"). Sucks to go through basically the same game with a main character that doesn't feel as good to control. I won't risk spoiling anything past that, but to provide some encouragement, once you're through Ending B, you're about 80% through the total game, and the last 20% is some of the best content.

I didn't really mind B, but I know a lot of people don't care for it. I did all the side quests in A, so it was basically just a run though of the story. It also helps that I thoroughly enjoy the hacking mini game.

 

[The Shermanator]

Anyone beat Zelda yet?

 

[MacKaRant]

Anyone beat Zelda yet?

Nope, but enjoying it a lot so far.

 

[The Moops]

I picked up "Tape to Tape" this weekend. It's been surprisingly fun. So nice to have a fun hockey game on PC again

 

[expatriatedtexan]

I picked up "Tape to Tape" this weekend. It's been surprisingly fun. So nice to have a fun hockey game on PC again

Wait, what?

Someone's made a hockey game for the PC? Would you mind giving a bit of a review?

 

[The Moops]

Wait, what?

Someone's made a hockey game for the PC? Would you mind giving a bit of a review?

I haven't started the campaign yet, but I've had a lot of fun just playing the arcade mode with my son.

Basically NHL 94 with no rules haha.

 

[ASmileyFace]

Well, BotW is amazing. So glad I picked up a switch. Probably have 20-30 hours so far. I’m 2/3 days away from beating the game at the pace I’m taking. But, I’m starting to consider what game to play next.

I bought the bioshock remastered collection since it was $9 but that will just be something I poke away at casually since I love the bioshock story.

I know the easy answer is the new Zelda, but I’m trying to find a different type of game for my next round. I’m also getting back to part-time remote work this week so I won’t be able to invest as much time.

Suggestions? I was a Pokémon kid growing up but it looks like the most recent games were a let down. Legends Arceus looks interesting, but it might be too similar in style to BotW? What switch games are y’all playing? Also, god damn switch games are expensive. Games from 2017 are still $59?! Why?

 

[henchman21]

Well, BotW is amazing. So glad I picked up a switch. Probably have 20-30 hours so far. I’m 2/3 days away from beating the game at the pace I’m taking. But, I’m starting to consider what game to play next.

I bought the bioshock remastered collection since it was $9 but that will just be something I poke away at casually since I love the bioshock story.

I know the easy answer is the new Zelda, but I’m trying to find a different type of game for my next round. I’m also getting back to part-time remote work this week so I won’t be able to invest as much time.

Suggestions? I was a Pokémon kid growing up but it looks like the most recent games were a let down. Legends Arceus looks interesting, but it might be too similar in style to BotW? What switch games are y’all playing? Also, god damn switch games are expensive. Games from 2017 are still $59?! Why?

Tears of the Kingdom is BotW on steroids... just more of the best parts of that games, so yeah that is the easy suggestion.

My favorite pick up and play for a few moment games on the system are Golf Story (it's amazing), Mario Golf, and Mario Kart 8. The Bayonetta games are great action games (though 3 has major performance issues if those bother you). Mario Odyssey is a great 3D platformer. Nier and The Witcher 3 are actually pretty solid ports, especially if you are playing handheld. Metroid Prime Remastered is great. Two indies that are great are Hades and Tunic. There is some difficulty in both, but great games. So really depends on what you're looking for (and I have zero insight into Pokemon).

On the Switch prices... that's Nintendo for ya. They keep their first party games priced high and the 3rd parties know they can squeeze a bit more out of the Switch consumer.

 

[sethro109]

Well, BotW is amazing. So glad I picked up a switch. Probably have 20-30 hours so far. I’m 2/3 days away from beating the game at the pace I’m taking. But, I’m starting to consider what game to play next.

I bought the bioshock remastered collection since it was $9 but that will just be something I poke away at casually since I love the bioshock story.

I know the easy answer is the new Zelda, but I’m trying to find a different type of game for my next round. I’m also getting back to part-time remote work this week so I won’t be able to invest as much time.

Suggestions? I was a Pokémon kid growing up but it looks like the most recent games were a let down. Legends Arceus looks interesting, but it might be too similar in style to BotW? What switch games are y’all playing? Also, god damn switch games are expensive. Games from 2017 are still $59?! Why?

Nintendo never lowers the price on their first party properties. Even a new 3DS game will cost you a full $40 to $50 bucks.


As for a new switch game to play, if you like arena battlers. You could get Smash Brothers Ultimate. It has a single player mode that's like a board game to travel the map. It has alot of unique elements to it as well. You can equip your fighter with up to 3 "spirits" and those spirits will give them various boosts and abilities. Also through the campaign, you'll unlock all the characters from the game (other than the DLC ones).


The new Metroid prime remaster is another good choice. But that one is a little dated. No fast travel (which leads to A LOT of backtracking) and objective prompts can be a bit tedious.

Kirby and the forgotten land was really fun, but starts out kinda slow.


Other than first party games, Cuphead, Dead cells and Hades are all fantastic games. I can't recommend Hades enough.

 

[MonsterMack]

As far as Switch games go I'll always recommend Fire Emblem: Three Houses, but fire emblem is very much not for everyone.

 

[sethro109]

As far as Switch games go I'll always recommend Fire Emblem: Three Houses, but fire emblem is very much not for everyone.

I thought about recommending that one as well, but it is very niche. You have to like turn based strategy on a grid with companion building and a dash of dating sim. By the time game is over, 50 hours has past and you also feel like you've read a whole novel. Then if you want the whole story you have at least 2 more playthoughs. The 100% completion is averaged at a staggering 208 hours.

 

[MacKaRant]

Well, BotW is amazing. So glad I picked up a switch. Probably have 20-30 hours so far. I’m 2/3 days away from beating the game at the pace I’m taking. But, I’m starting to consider what game to play next.

I bought the bioshock remastered collection since it was $9 but that will just be something I poke away at casually since I love the bioshock story.

I know the easy answer is the new Zelda, but I’m trying to find a different type of game for my next round. I’m also getting back to part-time remote work this week so I won’t be able to invest as much time.

Suggestions? I was a Pokémon kid growing up but it looks like the most recent games were a let down. Legends Arceus looks interesting, but it might be too similar in style to BotW? What switch games are y’all playing? Also, god damn switch games are expensive. Games from 2017 are still $59?! Why?

Really depends on what type of games you like of course. I concur with many of the recommendations above. Here are some of my faves:

First party:
Super Mario Odyssey
Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Metroid Prime Remastered
Metroid Dread

Indie:
Hollow Knight (Metroidvania)
Spelunky 2 (very difficult 2D platformer roguelike)
Dead Cells (2D roguelike with gentler difficulty curve)
Celeste (2D platformer)
Cuphead (2D run n gun with unique style)
Baba Is You (inventive puzzle game)
Into the Breach (tactics game)
Chicory: A Colorful Tale (charming, laidback kind of game)

 

[S E P H]

Well, BotW is amazing. So glad I picked up a switch. Probably have 20-30 hours so far. I’m 2/3 days away from beating the game at the pace I’m taking. But, I’m starting to consider what game to play next.

I bought the bioshock remastered collection since it was $9 but that will just be something I poke away at casually since I love the bioshock story.

I know the easy answer is the new Zelda, but I’m trying to find a different type of game for my next round. I’m also getting back to part-time remote work this week so I won’t be able to invest as much time.

Suggestions? I was a Pokémon kid growing up but it looks like the most recent games were a let down. Legends Arceus looks interesting, but it might be too similar in style to BotW? What switch games are y’all playing? Also, god damn switch games are expensive. Games from 2017 are still $59?! Why?

If you love Pokemon, you will love Persona 5. Same mechanics.

 

[SaltySkywalker]

Ok, I'm very seriously considering buying a Switch. I've always wanted a handheld to pair with Xbox and I think I'd really enjoy the Zelda games. I've always wanted to play the PS exclusives, but it just never made sense for me to have both consoles and I can't afford the steam right now as a handheld alternative. So, do you all find it would be worth the $300? Kind of surprised it's still that much, but given what you just said about Nintendo's prices, I guess it makes sense.

Next question, is there a virtual store that you can buy games digitally or am I going to have to buy hard discs or whatever the Switch uses? Thanks in advance!

 

[henchman21]

IMO the Switch is well worth the money, especially if you travel or use the handheld portion of it. If you use handheld, I'd spend a bit more to get the OLED... better screen and more storage (64gb). Which gets to the medium question. The Switch uses tiny cartridges... and with the 32gb, you can't really buy many digital games without expanding. Now the Switch can use fairly slow SD cards so you can expand pretty cheaply (I think 200gb is like $25 now), but you're relying on sd cards that are not the most reliable storage (I had one die on me a few years ago for my Switch). So I prefer the physical cartridge. The store has more games, but all the bigger games I just buy physical. Smaller games I buy digital.

Now saying all of that, signs are the next console for Nintendo will be out next year sometime in either the spring or fall. If you're not okay with that, might be best to just wait. Now Nintendo hasn't typically ported over games right away to the new system (though they did some with the Switch), so the Zelda games might be a bit before they port over if they ever do.

 

[S E P H]

IMO the Switch is well worth the money, especially if you travel or use the handheld portion of it. If you use handheld, I'd spend a bit more to get the OLED... better screen and more storage (64gb). Which gets to the medium question. The Switch uses tiny cartridges... and with the 32gb, you can't really buy many digital games without expanding. Now the Switch can use fairly slow SD cards so you can expand pretty cheaply (I think 200gb is like $25 now), but you're relying on sd cards that are not the most reliable storage (I had one die on me a few years ago for my Switch). So I prefer the physical cartridge. The store has more games, but all the bigger games I just buy physical. Smaller games I buy digital.

Now saying all of that, signs are the next console for Nintendo will be out next year sometime in either the spring or fall. If you're not okay with that, might be best to just wait. Now Nintendo hasn't typically ported over games right away to the new system (though they did some with the Switch), so the Zelda games might be a bit before they port over if they ever do.

What's the deal with the bad ratings for TotK? People are either rating it a 5 or a 1.

 

[MacKaRant]

IMO the Switch is well worth the money, especially if you travel or use the handheld portion of it. If you use handheld, I'd spend a bit more to get the OLED... better screen and more storage (64gb). Which gets to the medium question. The Switch uses tiny cartridges... and with the 32gb, you can't really buy many digital games without expanding. Now the Switch can use fairly slow SD cards so you can expand pretty cheaply (I think 200gb is like $25 now), but you're relying on sd cards that are not the most reliable storage (I had one die on me a few years ago for my Switch). So I prefer the physical cartridge. The store has more games, but all the bigger games I just buy physical. Smaller games I buy digital.

Now saying all of that, signs are the next console for Nintendo will be out next year sometime in either the spring or fall. If you're not okay with that, might be best to just wait. Now Nintendo hasn't typically ported over games right away to the new system (though they did some with the Switch), so the Zelda games might be a bit before they port over if they ever do.

I'm old, so I prefer physical cartridges, but I know people swear by digital games too. SD cards are cheap, and if you're going to play the big multi platform releases on your Xbox, you could probably get by with 256 GB or 512 GB and have enough for the life of the console. Digital games routinely go on similar sales to Steam sales, and physical games can usually be found at some kind of discount on ebay or other second hand sites.

But, as Hench also points out, there are rumors that the next Nintendo console will be coming out next year (although who knows whether they will be able to make enough to go around judging by recent console launches).

Wii supported GameCube games, Wii U supported Wii games, 3DS supported DS games. It's really only the Switch where Nintendo didn't offer backwards compatibility, and I'm sure part of the reason for that was the unpopularity of the Wii U. I think Nintendo would be crazy not to offer backwards compatibility in their next console considering the install base and what their competitors are doing with their digital library.

On the other hand, I read someone supposedly in the know about graphic chips who said that if Nintendo wants to seriously upgrade their graphics capability in their console, they basically need to drop backwards compatibility.

So if you're on the fence between getting a Switch or waiting for the next Nintendo console, it might be best to wait for official Nintendo press on the capabilities of the next console. Maybe this comes out during E3 timeframe?

If you don't want to wait, I think there is plenty of value in the Switch lineup between first-party releases and multi-platform games you might want to play in portable mode while traveling, lying down, or whatever.