What [not shmup] game are you playing now?

[null1024]

Star Ocean: First Departure [PSP].

I see myself playing this more than SO3, even if I mostly play it at home.

Something really bothers me about enemy balance though. Either it's precariously balanced, where if I get hit, there goes 1/3d of my health bar [but the same goes for my hits to enemies], or then 2 levels later I'm killing them in half the time and they are doing nearly no damage to me. It feels screwy.

also, what the hell game, inviting players into a dungeon when they are so underleveled that they actually do 0 damage to the enemies
It's a good thing I saved right before, I'd have been pissed.

[Daigohji]

Skyrim: Dragonborn. This isn't your usual lean scrap of DLC, it's a good old-fashioned expansion pack. I've been playing it for 15 hours so far, and I'm still encountering new quests and locations. The look of the new island is an interesting blend of Skyrim and Morrowind. Two of the three new towns have a striking appearance, with one in paricular being something unique. I don't think there are any new dungeon tile-sets, but it does a good job of building new layouts. Dragonborn isn't as bold or varied as The Shivering Isles, but it's well worth the price.

[Ruldra]

Renegade Ops. Awesome top-down shooter, had it sitting in my backlog for a while. Played one stage, now I'm hooked and want to play the whole thing. Game is also available on Steam and XBLA.

Playing on normal difficulty for now to familiarize with the game and level up my character (Armand). Once I have all the upgrades I need, I'll attack Hardcore difficulty.

[SuperGrafx]

Capcom Arcade Cabinet - X360

To be honest, I'm getting quite bored of these games. I've played them to death on MAME and/or the past Capcom compilation discs on the original Xbox. Guess I'm just buying it in hopes of supporting future game pack releases.

[mesh control]

Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate demo, until Etrian Odyssey IV comes out.

[rapoon]

Path of Exile (PC)

Had planned to wait for an official release, but curiosity got the better of me. This game is freaking amazing. Just started Act 2 with a witch, trying for a necromancer build. Also tried out a bit of the Duelist class, which is also a lot of fun to play. I have to say that I had my doubts about the skill gem system and passive skill tree, but they really work and work well. Even bartering works far better than I expected. Looking forward to sinking hours and hours into this one. Sorry, Torchlight 2.

did this get a major patch since the open beta launch a month ago? I got on day 1 and melee combat was sluggish. I played a shadow? (I can't remember) and I had to navigate him right beside the mob (almost ontop of it) for a hit to register. the game looked great but lacked the fluidity that's present in diablo and torchlight. these guys are taking customer feedback seriously, so i'll revisit after some major patching. the skill gem system/synergies and passive skill tree are genius and work extremely well.

[Moniker]

Not sure about patch details, but playing as a Duelist feels fluid and natural. Better than D2 or TL2, to be honest. It may be that the different weapon types have different amounts of reach. If a Shadow starts off with daggers or claws, it may have just been that. I'd recommend giving it another go.

[EmperorIng]

"Nah."

If that quote is any indication, I just finished System Shock 2. Wowzers, what a ride. Though the Rickenbacker was pretty boring, everything after that was top-notch, edge-of-my-seat type stuff.

Awesome atmosphere for the endgame, awesome twist to the environment, and all around fun time - though it seems as if I played too cautiously... I had more than enough ammo for everything! That usually happens whenever I play a survival-horror game; I am very parsimonious with supplies.

A great game, to be sure. I should probably play Deus Ex now, to continue my "great PC games I need to play" binge.

[null1024]

Dragon's Fury [Genesis].

dem graphics

dat sound

So sexy. That game is metal as fuck.

[Vexorg]

Batman Arkham City. Picked it up back in the Steam holiday sales but I'm just now getting around to playing it on my newly built PC, and quite frankly, it just isn't clicking with me. I've never been a big fan of the grimdark style Batman, and the combat seems to be pretty much button mashing. I can see some potential in the game, but I doubt I'm going to spend the time wading through it to get there.

[Vexorg]

And another one:

Runner 2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien: This just got released on Steam and Wii U (with the 360 version coming today.) So far I'm quite liking it, but with one big caveat.

I actually quite enjoyed the first Bit Trip Runner game, but was really terrible at it, to the point that after a few hours of playing I had a pretty good idea I was never getting anywhere close to beating it. Still, that was enough to get me to spring for the second one, and so far, I'm enjoying it a lot more than the first. For one thing, the soul-crushing difficulty has been toned down, and even though the game is still heavy on memorization and all sorts of trial and error, it feels a lot more fair now. I think the checkpoints have a lot to do with that; messing up on a really long level right near the finish line in the first was really frustrating at times. The jump mechanics also seem a lot more forgiving, with a "float" ability to slow down your fall after a jump by holding down the button. The game also has a lot more to keep the levels interesting; stuff like branching paths with collectable items, different characters, alternate exits and things like that. I've been playing at "Just right" (default) difficulty, but there are also two higher difficulty levels that I haven't tried, plus an "Easy" difficulty below that.

The one main problem I have with it is that the keyboard controls on the PC version are really terrible, and cannot be remapped. In fact, they specifically recommend that you just use an Xbox360 controller. That's what I'm doing and it seems to work OK, but non-remappable keys in PC games are a bit of a pet peeve of mine.

[null1024]

Ristar [Genesis].

This game is so damn enjoyable. Graphics, sound, control, level design, all spot-on. A couple annoying parts here and there, but this ranks up there with S3&K as one of the best platformers on the Genesis. Nothing like jumping through the air, grabbing a wall to dodge something, grabbing the bastard that shot at you, and then grabbing a pole to pass through. It feels like you're the king of the world, the grab mechanics feel great.

and it's 20x harder than any Sonic game, but it's still fairly easy

I've probably gushed about this game before, but it still deserves love.
Hell, it has a water stage that's completely enjoyable in every way because Ristar can effing swim.

I would love a romhack that put smiling Ristar back into the US version though, he'd smile unless there was an enemy on screen in the JP version. He's always angry over here, and it's silly, because making cutsey characters angry looking doesn't do much other than look stupid.
I could just play the JP version, but bleh.


I just noticed, I've been using my PSP like a portable Genesis more than anything. I love this damn handheld. I just hate the screen ghosting.

[Moniker]

I love Ristar too. Especially the melody stages where every rooster thing you kill modifies a few bars of the background music until it's completely redone.

@Vexorg-

I loved Bit.trip Runner (and all the bit.trip games), but for some reason I'm hesitant to pick up Runner2. How different is it in gameplay terms from the original? I get the sense it's basically Runner with new levels, a fresh coat of paint and extra moves.

[Kaiser]

Not sure about patch details, but playing as a Duelist feels fluid and natural. Better than D2 or TL2, to be honest. It may be that the different weapon types have different amounts of reach. If a Shadow starts off with daggers or claws, it may have just been that. I'd recommend giving it another go.

Oh running around as a Duelist with ~1200 evasion rating (i'm at the start of act 3) and a one-handed sword is a thrill indeed, especially against the hard bosses like the act 2 end boss.

[Squire Grooktook]

Playing Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne.

Ordered it for my birthday, and I'm already in love. Hearing the whole ost and not just the few top tracks everyone points to makes me realize just how great it is. I love the art style which averts same face syndrome and makes characters look charismatic without being generically beautiful. Love the writing, story, and dialogue. Love the strategic gameplay. Can't wait to play some more.

[Shelcoof]

Ristar [Genesis].

This game is so damn enjoyable. Graphics, sound, control, level design, all spot-on. A couple annoying parts here and there, but this ranks up there with S3&K as one of the best platformers on the Genesis. Nothing like jumping through the air, grabbing a wall to dodge something, grabbing the bastard that shot at you, and then grabbing a pole to pass through. It feels like you're the king of the world, the grab mechanics feel great.

and it's 20x harder than any Sonic game, but it's still fairly easy

I've probably gushed about this game before, but it still deserves love.
Hell, it has a water stage that's completely enjoyable in every way because Ristar can effing swim.

I would love a romhack that put smiling Ristar back into the US version though, he'd smile unless there was an enemy on screen in the JP version. He's always angry over here, and it's silly, because making cutsey characters angry looking doesn't do much other than look stupid.
I could just play the JP version, but bleh.


I just noticed, I've been using my PSP like a portable Genesis more than anything. I love this damn handheld. I just hate the screen ghosting.

I played the Game Gear version first and I loved that version. I didn't give the Genesis version a chance yet but one day I'll break out the Genesis Ultimate Collections and play it on my PS3. Its funny I think I have a boxed version of the game for the genesis too somewhere in the basement.

[broken harbour]

Just finished Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando (HD PS3 Collection) and now I'm playing through the 1st Jak and Daxter game, which went under my radar 12 years ago.

I'm incredibly impressed w/J&D - I figured being from 2001 it'd feel super-dated, but it really doesn't.

[Kaiser]

Playing Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne.

Ordered it for my birthday, and I'm already in love. Hearing whole ost and not just the few top tracks everyone points to makes me realize just how great it is. I love the art style which averts same face syndrome and makes characters look charismatic without being generically beautiful. Love the writing, story, and dialogue. Love the strategic gameplay. Can't wait to play some more.

It's shame that the next main SMT will be on 3DS, no fucking way in hell (pun intended) that it will top Nocturne.

[mortified_penguin]

Was fumbling around a bit after beating System Shock 2, finally gave The Secret World another shot and glad I did. 2013, the year I found an MMO I don't absolutely hate.

[Vexorg]

I love Ristar too. Especially the melody stages where every rooster thing you kill modifies a few bars of the background music until it's completely redone.

@Vexorg-

I loved Bit.trip Runner (and all the bit.trip games), but for some reason I'm hesitant to pick up Runner2. How different is it in gameplay terms from the original? I get the sense it's basically Runner with new levels, a fresh coat of paint and extra moves.

At its core, the gameplay is still pretty well intact. I haven't gotten too deep into it yet (I'm just past the first boss) but there's nothing too radically different in terms of the mechanics. Branching paths are clearly marked and generally indicate which routes are easier or harder (with the harder ones usually leading to extra rewards), or which one leads to an alternate exit. There are also optional levels that unlock based on the amount of gold collected, and areas where you need to find keys to unlock locks that lead to different paths with chests (unlockable costumes). The bonus levels are also still there, but handled differently (you find cartridges in the regular levels that lead to the bonus stages instead of getting them at the end of a level for collecting all the gold.

Graphical changes aside, it's largely an enhancement on the original formula rather than anything radically different.

[Squire Grooktook]

Playing Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne.

Ordered it for my birthday, and I'm already in love. Hearing whole ost and not just the few top tracks everyone points to makes me realize just how great it is. I love the art style which averts same face syndrome and makes characters look charismatic without being generically beautiful. Love the writing, story, and dialogue. Love the strategic gameplay. Can't wait to play some more.

It's shame that the next main SMT will be on 3DS, no fucking way in hell (pun intended) that it will top Nocturne.

I wouldn't write it off just because it's on 3ds, but Nocturne certainly is looking like a tough act to follow.

[Marc]

Renegade Ops. Awesome top-down shooter, had it sitting in my backlog for a while. Played one stage, now I'm hooked and want to play the whole thing. Game is also available on Steam and XBLA.

Playing on normal difficulty for now to familiarize with the game and level up my character (Armand). Once I have all the upgrades I need, I'll attack Hardcore difficulty.

It's still in my backlog as of yet. I swear I will not pay full price for XBL stuff anymore as I barely ever play any of it straight away.

[KAI]

Psychic Force 2012 EX (PS2)
I enjoy every single thing on this game.

[Moniker]

Started Fable: The Lost Chapters (PC)

Surprisingly good! After hearing people trash Fable 2 & 3 all over the place, I wasn't sure what to expect, but the game looks amazing, the combat's great, and I get to fart on people. The UI is a bit of a mess, but after some creative keybinding I think I'll sort it out fine.

Graphical changes aside, it's largely an enhancement on the original formula rather than anything radically different.

Thanks for the skinny. I think I'll probably wait a bit on this one then. Still have to finish out Bit.trip Complete.

[Ed Oscuro]

Be sure to keep a variety of save games in The Lost Chapters. There's a very rare bug I ran into which necessitated replaying a good part of the game.

The actual "lost chapters" part of the game is pretty neat. If you thought the early areas are stunning-looking (they are), the expansion content areas will rekindle that feeling for a while.

Haven't actually finished the game, was a victim of a OS migration. Still have the saves around though, maybe I'll feel bothered to reinstall it sometime for finishing it up.

[ChainsawGuitarSP]

Psychic Force 2012 EX (PS2)
I enjoy every single thing on this game.

>MFW Psychic Force invented nearly everything I love about GGXX, IaMP and various other air based fighters almost all in one go
>MFW the only reason it failed to catch on was because it was far too ahead of its time for anyone to appreciate and because of general saturation

Discovering old games like this is simultaneously the best and worst feeling.

[EmperorIng]

I'm playing through System Shock right now, the free "portable" version.

Really cool game so far. Haven't made it through the Medical Bay yet, and this place feels huge!
Great atmosphere and music. Especially music!

[AweOfShe]

Since my 360 is connected to the net again, I grabbed Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds off XBLMP.

Pretty fun game. Been craving some Beat-em-ups lately. Also, it's better than the fighting game from where it spawned.

[Ed Oscuro]

Mind all G.A.P.S.!

Got an excellent Flame Gunner PCB from dayo, and I hope to spend some time with it

Strangely, it looks better on my LCD, I guess, but it's still quite nice. I guess all the data (including the awesome short movie, from three angles, of the APC breaking through the wall as the first stage boss for the first character) must be mostly held on a dozen (or so) mask ROMs. When I first got it I was astonished to find that there's no optical hardware. The board layout is quite flexible - with ports for p3 and p4 as well as stereo output and even a trackball - but still quite compact. Ahh the wonders of mid '90s miniaturization, and Sony's economies of scale.

An interesting note, the game was identified as Tecmo by dayo because the (data) daughterboard is labeled as such, but the base hardware board is Sony branded. I'll have to try to find out something about what kind of relationship Tecmo had with G.A.P.S., because it doesn't seem likely that Tecmo would have been supplying everybody with daughterboards for Sony's ZN system; if they were actually just standard parts Sony would be distributing them.

[Zaarock]

Since my 360 is connected to the net again, I grabbed Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds off XBLMP.

Pretty fun game. Been craving some Beat-em-ups lately. Also, it's better than the fighting game from where it spawned.

Same here. Nightmare mode is a lot of fun with a level 50 character (doesn't take long to reach in coop)