What [not shmup] game are you playing now?

[FinalBaton]

Doom

Why have I JUST discovered zDoom? this thing is a godsend. Plays perfectly fine, and does so at the game's original resolution (well, not mode13h, but rather VGA), no HD remake, no upscaling nonsense. Just pure old school Doom goodness on a modern OS! I'm plugged into my plasma TV and it does indeed detect 640x480p. Also looks great on the NEC XM37 Plus, which displays 480p natively. Feels very authentic this way. I'm having a god damn blast playing this!

[Xyga]

^ What are you waiting for ? add Brütal !

[FinalBaton]

I'm waiting to finish replaying Doom 1 and 2 Then I will play Br00tal for sure! *thumbs up*

[WelshMegalodon]

I prefer Chocolate Doom for my "pure old school Doom goodness". Unlike ZDoom, it focuses on accurately reproducing a 90s Doom experience rather than enhancements (though it is not without its own share of optional enhancements) and is probably better than emulating the original in DOSBox. (PCem might be a different story, but I haven't tried it with Doom yet.)

[FinalBaton]

What enhancements are there in zDoom?

Chocolate Doom seems interesting too. What difference are there between it and zDoom? I'm running the original WAD (the first one to contain all 3 episodes of Doom)

[null1024]

(G)ZDoom's main draw is modding features. Scripting, real skyboxes, room-over-room support, vertical mouselook, actual water, jumping, colored sectors, etc.
You get a lot of wads made for GZDoom since it gives map makers a lot more freedom to work with.
If you're going to play mods like Brutal Doom or Reelism or Demonsteele, you need GZDoom.

Chocolate Doom's lets you play Doom as it was in 1995, but on modern machines, without emulating a machine running DOS.
Resolution, framerate, wad support and rendering are just how they used to be. Even game bugs are represented as accurately as they can be without being dangerous.
The only additions are some little quality of life stuff that OG Doom didn't have that don't actually change how the game behaves compared to the original DOS executables: you can enable autorun in config [OG Doom doesn't actually support this, but if you set joyb_speed to 29 or 31 in the settings manually, autorun would be enabled], you can disable vertical mouse movement [which moved the player, you needed a TSR called novert to do this back in the day], you can map the scrollwheel [OG Doom doesn't let you since scroll wheels weren't standard yet], you can remap a lot more keys, etc.

[FinalBaton]

Interesting. Thanks for the breakdown

[Mischief Maker]

Warhammer 40K: Sanctus Reach

This came out the day before Trump's inauguration. Because what better way to distract from the looming nightmare of the next four years than a game about a fascist military dystopia engaged in a genocidal war against encroaching hordes of migrant aliens?

It's a turn-based tactical strategy game by wargame grognard company Sliterine that has random map generation. It's fun.

[WelshMegalodon]

I don't have a problem with My Unit/Avatar. It's just that the story in Fates/If is a clusterfuck even by the standards of the last game. They hired a mangaka to pen the script, and by his own admission they tossed 90% of what he wrote into the trash at the last possible moment, and it shows.

I really do enjoy the series for fast paced, streamlined, arcade-y tactics with no filler. But Fates made me realize that it's just not the same when most of the flavor text to the adventure pisses me off. And ignoring it all just makes the experience feel sterile for me.

Have you tried the Akaneia games? I don't remember them having much in the way of shipping. Monshou no Nazo does have that dismounting thing, but I've never heard any complaints about Ankoku Ryu other than the usual cries of "It's outdated!!1".

[ED-057]

Neptunia Rebirth 2 & 3 just appeared on GOG. I was thinking I might do something productive this week, but now...

[rapoon]

Nioh: Last weekend for trial. Excellent, responsive combat. Phenomenal camera mechanics (it doesn't magically unlock or operate at it's own leisure).

Bloodborne: Started about 2-weeks ago. Great combat marred with the most deplorable camera mechanics I've experienced in 10+ years. Oddly familiar though, but not like any souls games. I dig up Tenchu Z and there it is!
The same camera that won't stay locked behind the protagonist, and is epileptic when restricted by a wall. It's bearable in all souls games; the environment/architecture isn't as constrained (as is present in Bloodborne and Tenchu Z). It's interesting that when Tenchu Z was released, the aforementioned problems w/ the camera yielded a rating ranging from 2 - 4. Now critics and fans deflect core, shit-mechanics with 'it's an intentional, obstacular function'. ok....

[Ed Oscuro]

Original software DOOM is pretty crazy.
Another "in-between" option is PrBOOM+ (PrBOOM Plus). It is pretty good, though it's useful for things "in-between" Chocolate DOOM and a fully reworked modern (g)zDOOM type engine.

I've been playing the DOOM III BFG edition (LE GASPE!) and it's not bad really. (Digital Foundry didn't realize why the original two games run at 35fps.) It's not a high-effort port; the little "whiz" effect in "Suspense" sounds indescribably terrible, possibly a screwup with the included MIDI instruments. You can't strafe+strafe run (SR50) because you can't map a strafe key, and in fact all three games share one configuration (which is a pain if you don't realize you have to go into DOOM III to configure movement). Some other things are just normal - I noticed a lot of slime trails and wallrunning this time, and the 35fps feels "familiar" and makes the low framerate animations more bearable. Some things I just didn't remember - having to trigger the exit switch to find out the secrets count is kind of foreign to me these days, and while mousewheel weapon selection is convenient, having the super shotgun at the end of the weapon rotation is pretty unwieldy.

If you want a laugh, play the first episode on "I'm Too Young To Die!" It smells like rotten meat, but it's just touch typing. It must have been aimed at people who would play DOOM like this:

Okay, where's the "Control" key...
That didn't do anything...
Hey, there's a monster.
Why can't I do anything? My guy doesn't look good.

Luckily for them, "Hangar" has no enemies that can reach you from the starting position on ITYTD, and in fact only has two riflemen and two imps! The first seven maps are poor training for dealing with the Twin Barons, though.

After the first episode it's striking how many screwups there are in levels. There are two maps in the fourth episode with bugged secrets, and at least a couple places with glued-together enemies. I did have fun relying on monster infighting to clear out the tough E4M1. DOOM's third episode would have been a rather disappointing ending to the game, though I liked the "play E3M1 backwards" trick a bit (though here it makes the episode seem even more threadbare). I've gotten more appreciation for the DOOM II maps - starts out with fun stuff (like Tricks and Traps - this time I went ahead and opened everything up right at the start, and let the Barons demolish everything) and then finally gets in gear around the halfway point (at about The Factory).

While I still used the regular shotgun way too much in DOOM, I've gotten more appreciation for the BFG (clears out that first room of Imps in The Factory nice), the Spawning Vats, for punching pinkies / spectres, and for people who are crazy enough to punch out cacodemons and barons (and similar things), where the shitty moving hitboxes foul me up repeatedly.

DOOM III is also moving at a nice pace, though Steam overlay + screenshots bug achievements; restart + reload your save if you have to open the overlay or take a screen. I think DOOM III is a lot more fun now that I've learned now to hoard the plasma ammo. The much-complained-about textures seem...well, they do seem low rez but I've not found any decisive source on that. The FOV and 16:9 support, and the increased brightness, actually look fine on my monitor, with FOV issues only rarely appearing in cutscenes.

tl;dr: DOOM III BFG on PC is the definitive version, a few quirks aside. DOOM II and DOOM III both have new episodes. Some of the Xbox 360 DOOM levels are missing I guess, but other than that (and Final DOOM, a sad exclusion) this is pretty much it. You may wanna play them DOOM levels in a source port though.

[BrianC]

Been playing Ninja Ryukenden GB. Made it all the way to stage 5 without continues, but haven't beaten the final boss yet.

[Immryr]

Nioh: Last weekend for trial. Excellent, responsive combat. Phenomenal camera mechanics (it doesn't magically unlock or operate at it's own leisure).

Bloodborne: Started about 2-weeks ago. Great combat marred with the most deplorable camera mechanics I've experienced in 10+ years. Oddly familiar though, but not like any souls games. I dig up Tenchu Z and there it is!
The same camera that won't stay locked behind the protagonist, and is epileptic when restricted by a wall. It's bearable in all souls games; the environment/architecture isn't as constrained (as is present in Bloodborne and Tenchu Z). It's interesting that when Tenchu Z was released, the aforementioned problems w/ the camera yielded a rating ranging from 2 - 4. Now critics and fans deflect core, shit-mechanics with 'it's an intentional, obstacular function'. ok....

i've played bloodborne for at least 150 hours and never really had any problem with the camera. the only thing i think nioh does better with the camera is make stuff transparent when it would otherwise block your view, which is obviously very sensible. other than that i much prefer the camera in bloodborne / souls games in general. i find the camera in nioh to just be a little bit too low down / close to the protagonist for my taste.

[Blinge]

Hey Blinge,

If you have a medic, does it have Immunize? That works to bolster physical defense, not just elemental defense. It's so effective, many players complained that it made the game too easy.

so the Wyrm wiped my maxed party with one fire attack - again

This time I had lvl 10 Immunize cast. Also the bard had used the fire resist spell. Also 3 of my party were wearing elemental resist gear.
I don't have a protector because I didn't choose one at the very start of the game.

I could try levelling a new guy up from lvl 1 but at this point that just means i'm following prescribed hints from the wiki, so why bother playing it anymore? It's not like i'd be winning through skill..

[rapoon]

Nioh: Last weekend for trial. Excellent, responsive combat. Phenomenal camera mechanics (it doesn't magically unlock or operate at it's own leisure).

Bloodborne: Started about 2-weeks ago. Great combat marred with the most deplorable camera mechanics I've experienced in 10+ years. Oddly familiar though, but not like any souls games. I dig up Tenchu Z and there it is!
The same camera that won't stay locked behind the protagonist, and is epileptic when restricted by a wall. It's bearable in all souls games; the environment/architecture isn't as constrained (as is present in Bloodborne and Tenchu Z). It's interesting that when Tenchu Z was released, the aforementioned problems w/ the camera yielded a rating ranging from 2 - 4. Now critics and fans deflect core, shit-mechanics with 'it's an intentional, obstacular function'. ok....

i've played bloodborne for at least 150 hours and never really had any problem with the camera. the only thing i think nioh does better with the camera is make stuff transparent when it would otherwise block your view, which is obviously very sensible. other than that i much prefer the camera in bloodborne / souls games in general. i find the camera in nioh to just be a little bit too low down / close to the protagonist for my taste.

I never had much of an issue w/ the Souls games, other than in narrow hallways and such. I find Bloodborne mostly bearable in open areas, but narrow, meandering streets and the chalice dungeons drive me mad. Your observation of Niohs camera is interesting; I felt opposite.

I appreciate the 'freedom' the souls games provide in the camera. however, I placed those quotes because it's an erroneous characterization derived from FROMs inability to develop a decent lock on system (fighting Darkbeast Paarl w/ lock on is seizure inducing). I rarely use lock on other than w/ ranged weapons, but the point is that you simply can't w/ certain bosses.

I've had mixed feelings about Bloodborne. Combat is polished but other facets (covenants) feel half-assed. I'm almost done with the main game and then I'll start old hunters.

[wgogh]

now soo buzy with these

Astroneer
Osiris New Dawn
Resident Evil 7 Demo (PC)
Forest

======

btw just finished Root of Evil: The Tailor
sucn an amazing short creepy/puzzle game..i finished it
in 2 hours..awesom puzzles and atmosphere..it just need some
graphics edit for characters..thats it

Astroneer have a great atmosphere... But I'll wait until the multiplayer is playable without lots of bugs.
Its the kind of game that is better that way, I feel. Same with Forest, but Forest gets boring really quickly.

[Marc]

Taken a break from Metal Slug for the time, made it as far through stage six as the helicopters on the auto-scroll boat, got a resume point at the start of ST6 stored when I’m ready to pick up the gauntlet again as I’m pretty much comfortable of 1 lifing up to that point.

Wouldn’t have touched it at full price, but as it was on sale I picked up TRON: Run/r, and stupid name aside… it’s quite good. It’s more complex than the standard mobile endless-runner with a surprisingly wide moveset, and as of yet, I’m not getting the feeling of being pushed into IAP’s. Both modes are fast, smooth and control really well, and although the light cycle levels initially feel tacked on, now I’m getting the hang of the controls I’m actually starting to prefer them to the running levels. Worth six quid while it’s still on sale for sure.

Also picked up Aqua Moto Racing as I’m desperate for something to scratch the Wave Race itch, but not tried that yet.

Just started Dishonored 2 (went to buy either Resi 7 or Yakuza 0 but both were sold out, at least as far as I could be arsed to walk) seems like more of the same, as with Deus Ex. Non-lethal with Corvo, then a kill ‘em all with Emily I think, if it warrants a second playthrough – always meant to do it with the original, but I’d pretty much had enough by the time I finished the DLC.

[KennyMan666]

Have any of you players of Crimsonland HD gotten past the hardcore version of the Spideroids mission? Holy shit, I've been stuck on it for over a year. To the point where I tried to see if anyone posted any save files but to no avail.

I can't imagine passing it one Grim difficulty.

I've beaten it on Grim. It's not actually that bad, you just need to get a bit lucky - a workable first weapon drop, then when you get your first levelup rush in and grab dropped powerups while you have the temporary shield. Then basically just fire at the ball of spiders and hope you get powerup drops that'll keep you alive until the end. And of course, be smart with perk picks. It sounds like obvious advice, but it's how I beat it. I did have problems with it - until I found that the game had been updated, adding, among other things, getting levelups to quest mode. So maybe you're on an old version, because if you can't level up then that mission is extreme ass.

I'm waiting to finish replaying Doom 1 and 2 Then I will play Br00tal for sure! *thumbs up*

Counterpoint: Don't play Brutal Doom.

[BulletMagnet]

Picked up Yakuza 0 and Tales of Berseria the other day; not terribly far into either yet, but early IMO-pressions are positive for both, so here's hoping!

[kaicooper]

i'll start playing these from today

SOMA
Layers of Fear

[Chaos Phoenixma]

Been playing Jotun.

Currently trying to finish up the Steam achievements, but it's hard. I didn't care too much for the exploration and story stuff, but the boss fights are mostly good.

I have all the achievements for the maingame as well as the ones for clearing Valhalla Mode and the one for clearing Valhalla Mode without using the god powers. Just need to defeat the Valhalla mode versions of Jera, Fé , Hagalaz, and the final boss without taking damage to finish the no damage Valhalla mode achievement since the other 2 bosses I've managed without taking a hit.

Have strategies for Jera and Fé , so those are just a matter of properly executing the strategies and not messing something up. The final boss shouldn't be too bad to do either though the always throwing 3 spears(Normal mode does 1 or 3 depending on what part of the fight you're in) and more Jotun summons will make it tougher. Hagalaz is going to be absolutely horrible to manage a no damage on when compared to the maingame fight.

[kaicooper]

playing NEAR DEATH on PC
its amazing tens survival game..its like u playing
in THE THING world without the creatures..wow

[rapoon]

Been playing Jotun.

Currently trying to finish up the Steam achievements, but it's hard. I didn't care too much for the exploration and story stuff, but the boss fights are mostly good.

I have all the achievements for the maingame as well as the ones for clearing Valhalla Mode and the one for clearing Valhalla Mode without using the god powers. Just need to defeat the Valhalla mode versions of Jera, Fé , Hagalaz, and the final boss without taking damage to finish the no damage Valhalla mode achievement since the other 2 bosses I've managed without taking a hit.

Have strategies for Jera and Fé , so those are just a matter of properly executing the strategies and not messing something up. The final boss shouldn't be too bad to do either though the always throwing 3 spears(Normal mode does 1 or 3 depending on what part of the fight you're in) and more Jotun summons will make it tougher. Hagalaz is going to be absolutely horrible to manage a no damage on when compared to the maingame fight.

I've been on the fence about Jotun. It was released around the same time as HLD and opted for the later and it's more robust combat mechanics. How would you rank it on a 1-10 scale?

playing NEAR DEATH on PC
its amazing tens survival game..its like u playing
in THE THING world without the creatures..wow

Kai, do you start a new game every day? You posted that you'd been playing 'The Forest'. Brilliant game. Did you finish it?

[kaicooper]

playing NEAR DEATH on PC
its amazing tens survival game..its like u playing
in THE THING world without the creatures..wow

Kai, do you start a new game every day? You posted that you'd been playing 'The Forest'. Brilliant game. Did you finish it?

lol..can u imagin that?..The Forest..played for hours but i heard there's more coming for STORY so i stopped
cus all i care about is the Story..is it finshed or still coming in the next updates?

last couple days finished Freespace 2 (main campaign)..this's the BEST SPACE FLIGHT SIM ever
Near Death..tens..survival..try to stay alive as possible u can
Virginia..amazing surreal world/music but short and liner, average

Osiris New Dawn..played for hours but i need more missions and story..(its coming next updates)
KONA..such great detective game man..u guys need to check this out..but wait for final full release in March

[ED-057]

I got an old version of SSF to work on my computer, loaded up my save file for Tengai Makyou 4 and was able to proceed to the 2nd disc. Then the entire sprite plane disappeared so I was wandering around blindly. Luckily the guide from gamefaqs hinted at which room I needed to go to and talk to an (invisible) NPC and save my game. This is now back in the queue as I can continue on my Saturn.

[wgogh]

this's the BEST SPACE FLIGHT SIM ever

How do you play Freespace regarding the controlers? Keyboard and mouse or did you found a better way to do it?
I that game, that makes a whole of a difference.

[kaicooper]

this's the BEST SPACE FLIGHT SIM ever

How do you play Freespace regarding the controlers? Keyboard and mouse or did you found a better way to do it?
I that game, that makes a whole of a difference.

with flight Joystick better but i dont have one
but i play with Controller...PS4 cotroller or Xbox controller if u want

i have full control maps by 2 softwares..(Antimicro + Glovepie)
u can choose one only but i prefer both for more options
i can help u with that if u want

[wgogh]

this's the BEST SPACE FLIGHT SIM ever

How do you play Freespace regarding the controlers? Keyboard and mouse or did you found a better way to do it?
I that game, that makes a whole of a difference.

with flight Joystick better but i dont have one
but i play with Controller...PS4 cotroller or Xbox controller if u want

i have full control maps by 2 softwares..(Antimicro + Glovepie)
u can choose one only but i prefer both for more options
i can help u with that if u want

I'll probably get a xbox 360 very soon, so I'll try with that controller. The mouse isnt working great...
Thx, man, but i had my share with that kind of programs (for the Ikaruga PC port), I'll know how to use if i ever need. ;]

[Mischief Maker]

this's the BEST SPACE FLIGHT SIM ever

How do you play Freespace regarding the controlers? Keyboard and mouse or did you found a better way to do it?
I that game, that makes a whole of a difference.

Xbox controller is doable but definitely not ideal. The best flightsticks (best-playing, not best-looking) come from CH.

You're gonna want to use the Freespace Open Patch. Even if you're a purist who doesn't want the (substantial) graphics updates, it brings a greater degree of stability and quality of life improvements to the experience on a modern OS. Plus there are a bazillion fan campaigns to keep the experience going and going. I suggest Derelict to start.