Shponglefan wrote on 2024-05-27, 14:56:

Apparently The Sims 3 doesn't require an internet connection for the base game. I believe it does require it for some of the expansions though (e.g. Showtime).

Yup, no activation for The Sims 3, will see what happens when I get the expansion and stuff packs for it...

Added a PC version of Far Cry 2 to my collection.
As well as an Xbox 360 version of Saints Row IV Game of the Century Edition. I was not happy with the Re-elected update, even though the original is still accessible I feel safer having a physical copy.

RandomStranger wrote on 2024-06-03, 17:19:

Added a PC version of Far Cry 2 to my collection.
As well as an Xbox 360 version of Saints Row IV Game of the Century Edition. I was not happy with the Re-elected update, even though the original is still accessible I feel safer having a physical copy.

Far Cry 2 is the only game in the series that I really don't like.

I don't know if I like it yet. Played something like an hour some time before FC3 released and lost interest in the series after FC3.

A round up of pocket change scrapings from the last month...

Guess I like those movie licences even if the games got a lukewarm reception.. the case for a dedicated early XP rig is getting stronger... S3 CD just has the demos of course, you can find it archived in the usual sort of places.

Shagittarius wrote on 2024-06-03, 18:21:

Far Cry 2 is the only game in the series that I really don't like.

It is quite a different game to the rest but I've had some great fun with this one over the years - I like the setting and the gun battles. It is repetitive as hell though of course.

Finally got a big box for Marble Drop. Have had this game for a long time, but never had the box for it.

badmojo wrote on 2024-06-03, 23:06:

Shagittarius wrote on 2024-06-03, 18:21:

Far Cry 2 is the only game in the series that I really don't like.

It is quite a different game to the rest but I've had some great fun with this one over the years - I like the setting and the gun battles. It is repetitive as hell though of course.

yes it is repetitive, i like it though - the environment and the 'atmosphere' of the game. its immersive and looks and sounds great - but that immersion gets spoiled a bit by some of the repetition and 'respawning'

johnvosh wrote on 2024-06-04, 01:10:

Finally got a big box for Marble Drop. Have had this game for a long time, but never had the box for it.

windows 3.1 😀 might be one of the last commercial games compatible with win 3.1

that box is nearly new condition - amazing it has almost no wear and tear

gerry wrote on 2024-06-04, 12:15:

johnvosh wrote on 2024-06-04, 01:10:

Finally got a big box for Marble Drop. Have had this game for a long time, but never had the box for it.

windows 3.1 😀 might be one of the last commercial games compatible with win 3.1

that box is nearly new condition - amazing it has almost no wear and tear

Ya, the box is in really great shape! The disc, not so much, but that's okay as I have my original disc which is in way better shape (way less scratches). It is interesting how there was an instruction manual for Full Tilt pinball in the box as well, too bad no disc for that game though.

Shagittarius wrote on 2024-06-03, 18:21:

Far Cry 2 is the only game in the series that I really don't like.

I really liked Far Cry 2. The fire effects in that game were amazing.

Shponglefan wrote on 2024-06-04, 12:38:

Shagittarius wrote on 2024-06-03, 18:21:

Far Cry 2 is the only game in the series that I really don't like.

I really liked Far Cry 2. The fire effects in that game were amazing.

This is one of the most debated games with many drastically different opinions. I hated a lot of the main mechanics of the game and couldn't get into it. I also hated the Souls series, for the same reason: poor mechanics. I think the thing is some people find clunky mechanics endearing and don't mind repetition. I think both Far Cry 2 and the Souls games are designed to be clunky and ponderous. I just don't think its good game design.

Shagittarius wrote on 2024-06-04, 13:45:

This is one of the most debated games with many drastically different opinions. I hated a lot of the main mechanics of the game and couldn't get into it. I also hated the Souls series, for the same reason: poor mechanics. I think the thing is some people find clunky mechanics endearing and don't mind repetition. I think both Far Cry 2 and the Souls games are designed to be clunky and ponderous. I just don't think its good game design.

By Souls games you mean like Dark Souls?

That's another one of my favorites. 😁

Shponglefan wrote on 2024-06-04, 14:06:

Shagittarius wrote on 2024-06-04, 13:45:

This is one of the most debated games with many drastically different opinions. I hated a lot of the main mechanics of the game and couldn't get into it. I also hated the Souls series, for the same reason: poor mechanics. I think the thing is some people find clunky mechanics endearing and don't mind repetition. I think both Far Cry 2 and the Souls games are designed to be clunky and ponderous. I just don't think its good game design.

By Souls games you mean like Dark Souls?

That's another one of my favorites. 😁

I'm not surprised if you like Dark Souls you like Far Cry 2, for the reasons stated before. Nothing wrong with that of course, everyone has their own tastes.

I prefer "clunky" gameplay a million times over games that practically play themselves. But I'm a lover of eurojank as well. That's one of the reasons the 2013 Tomb Raider reboot is irredeemable garbage and why I have absolutely no interest in the recent God of War games.

Shagittarius wrote on 2024-06-04, 14:20:

I'm not surprised if you like Dark Souls you like Far Cry 2, for the reasons stated before. Nothing wrong with that of course, everyone has their own tastes.

I guess I'm curious what you found 'clunky' about Dark Souls?

Shponglefan wrote on 2024-06-04, 14:54:

Shagittarius wrote on 2024-06-04, 14:20:

I'm not surprised if you like Dark Souls you like Far Cry 2, for the reasons stated before. Nothing wrong with that of course, everyone has their own tastes.

I guess I'm curious what you found 'clunky' about Dark Souls?

Sure, I found the combat to be extremely clunky. Every action needed to be carefully premeditated because of once you perform an action you commit to it. In addition to that add the exhaustion mechanic further adding another slowing mechanic (which at the same time forces you to action) for even being able to block. I also found the design to be of the style of play, die ,repeat. I don't think having to memorize levels in order to pass them is effective game design. I prefer my combat to support an adaptive Bruce Lee style of combat that allows me to rapidly change my execution to fit the circumstance. There are places in Dark Souls games that punish you by death you could not possibly have known was coming until it occurs.

I've tried to play Dark Souls multiple times, each time thinking that I MUST be missing something because so many people love this series. Each time I bounce off it, I just have to assume its not for me. And its not just Dark Souls , its all the Souls-Alike games too. I did manage to get through the Star Wars Souls like game, i forget what that was called, but it was really light on most of the mechanics and the combat was way more reactive.

I haven't touched those games for a while since my last attempt so I hope my recall is good enough to at least give you an idea of my issues with it.

also a huge fan of the *souls series - hooked on them on the PS3 Demon's Souls original (one of the main reasons I got a ps3 back then - alongside the nice exclusives)
and I always imagined back then a game with a granter scope and world - which came with Elden Ring for me...
But although I tried to like other souls-like games I never could - I bought several but it was ultimately wasted money , with the last being Lords of the Fallen (I actually have both the new and old one, didn't like either...). So for me it's either FROM Software souls or nothing - at least for now.... Miyazaki really nails down what makes a good souls game.
I can understand Demon's and Dark Souls 1 & 2 to be considered "clunky" but all other entries have no such speed issues - but stamina management is present in all entries.

Ofcourse taste is taste - that is why there are many different genres/games/whatever available 😀

Shagittarius wrote on 2024-06-04, 15:46:

Sure, I found the combat to be extremely clunky. Every action needed to be carefully premeditated because of once you perform an action you commit to it. In addition to that add the exhaustion mechanic further adding another slowing mechanic (which at the same time forces you to action) for even being able to block.

I do find the combat in Dark Souls games to be highly divisive. Personally, I don't find it clunky; I would describe it as methodical.

It reminds me of fighting game mechanics, especially games like The Last Blade or Samurai Shodown. It has a heavy emphasis on timing, blocking/defence, distance management, counter attacks, etc. Basically all the things that go into a lot of fighting game mechanics. Even the different weapon move sets are akin to picking different characters in a fighting game.

I've always considered Dark Souls a fighting game disguised as an action-RPG. Anyone wanting more traditional hack 'n slash or 3D action game mechanics probably wouldn't like it as much.

I've tried to play Dark Souls multiple times, each time thinking that I MUST be missing something because so many people love this series. Each time I bounce off it, I just have to assume its not for me. And its not just Dark Souls , its all the Souls-Alike games too. I did manage to get through the Star Wars Souls like game, i forget what that was called, but it was really light on most of the mechanics and the combat was way more reactive.

That's perfectly fair. Not all mechanics will appeal to all players.

All the more reason so many different games and game genres exist. 😀

Another week of thrifting and came away with another stack of games including a brand new copy of Civ IV.