Random Video Game Talk

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Originally Posted by bdoughty

I love the Bethesda games, faults and all. Others do not. Are you messing around with the smithing, enchanting, alchemy, etc? If not then you are missing a really big part of the game. If you are just doing missions and running with a greatsword, I can see that getting boring pretty quick.

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That's exactly what I have been doing lol. I haven't had all the materials yet to craft anything I don't think. I'm level 8 with a 34 battle axe. I am still clueless about enchanting and alchemy. I just realized I can restore health with magic. I did map fire and ice magic in favourites but they haven't helped me beat the ice troll who always kills me on the way to the grey beards. I may be strong enough now but will wait a little longer to take him on again. Tried starting with arrows, then use fire and then my axe but he lays a beating on me.

You have to level up magic for it to be useful. Like anything in Skyrim it takes time. Do you even have your shout equipped? You can use that against an enemy. If you are Nord you have Battle Cry that will make it flee for 30 seconds. Other races have similar boosts. Crafting is really easy. Even if you don't have the materials the blacksmith sure does. You can improve the weapon and armor with some leather/strips and iron/steel ingots. Did you even talk to the blacksmith in Riverwood? It gives you a tutorial of sorts on how to smith and improve both armor and weapons.

Alchemy is easy and saves you money by not having to purchase potions. Did you go into the Inn at Riverwood? The guy behind the counter tells you the first recipe and has the ingredients for sale to make it. If you take the time to collect all those little flowers and shrooms, etc. You can play around with them and figure out potions or you can find an alchemist or other vendors that sell an ingredient list for a potion.

Enchanting is a little tough at first as you have to disenchant a bunch of those special armors and weapons and then figure out how soul gems work in regard to enchanting. Plus weapons require recharging, etc. The mentality is not to just use a weapon you found in a chest that has special attributes but to capture those attributes so that they can be used with whatever weapon/armor you choose to make. Level Enchanting up to 100 and you can put two different enchantments on each weapon/armor. It can make you pretty bad ass. There are certain smithing enchantments that you can add to some armor pieces and jewelry that you can wear "while enchanting/creating new items" to improve stuff even more. Of course you should always consider drinking a potion of enchanting and smithing (forget what it is called exactly) but it will make all those things even more powerful.

I think you are trying to run through the game when that is not really the point of having this open world with tons of things to do. You seem to be skipping all the things to do and getting agitated at the game for progressing to fast and getting thy buttock kicked by an Ice Troll.

I have my shout after I killed my first dragon but I don't think I have it set to make people run away. Maybe I should try that against the Ice Troll. I can't remember if I talked to the Blacksmith. Probably not. I've created a couple potions myself and have 2 recipes I think but I was just guessing when mixing some things together. I tried enchanting once but I didn't have the ingredients to upgrade my stuff.

You misunderstand me. I'm not agitated by losing to the Ice Troll. Getting beat while under levelled hasn't really bothered me in any game. I'm just trying to figure out the point of this game. Combat is not that good. The controls and movement are clunky. Exploration in this world is pretty good. I don't mind wandering around, unlocking new places and finding caves and things. That seems to be the entire point of the game so far to me. There isn't much emphasis on the main story. I'm not sure I want to talk to every single person in a town either (especially if one voice actor with the bad European accent is 1/3 of the people I run into). I found some of those tedious type of things in DAI annoyed me as well.

The truth is combat matters quite a bit to me in any game. I'm not a true RPG fan but I like this genre. I read a ton of fantasy books so I'm always hoping a game can bring some of the good stuff of books into this environment. This game probably isn't for me. I'm going to keep playing for awhile as I'd like to get closer to 20 hours in before I decide whether to move on or not. This is more of a reflection upon my personal gaming tastes and habits.

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Originally Posted by Rudy

I've only played 11-12 hours so far but combat is not a strength or focus of this game. The massive world along with exploration and finding caves or hideouts seems to be the true focus. The story and quests feel like just a reason to move through this massive world. It's interesting but I'm not hooked yet. It's simply OK imo.

Just curious as to the main reason people enjoy Skyrim here? B, Jaymo? I know Mors grew tired of it.

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I grew tired of it because I've grown tired of open world games in general. There's only so much aimless wondering that you can do in a world before you look at the quests you have and go, "Is this story REALLY where you're going with this?". Bethesda has proven they really can't write a good story that isn't just the normal cliche crap.

I understand that people love the world and super get into it (I have a friend that's easily put one thousand hours into it, but it's also because he mods stuff so there's that as well), but it's just never been for me. I've grown to the point where I need direction or something. I LOVE RPGs. I mean, LOVE LOVE LOVE them. But that's because I care about the characters and/or the story that's happening around me. When you have a fully fleshed out world to go with it, that's a HUGE plus, but the world isn't going to be something that can carry things by itself. I need more than just a good world (and, honestly, Skyrim isn't even that good of a fleshed out world).

I totally agree that certain gaming formats get old. I loved GTA III and put a ton of hours into it. Then when San Andreas came out (or is that the one I played?) I didn't even complete 10% of the game before getting bored. Black Flag was my first AC game and I had a blast. My son has AC Syndicate and I pumped at least 5 hours into it before sort of deciding on playing something else. I've grown tired of Madden. Things change. Maybe I'm just getting old. I've read a lot more (just discovered I've read 24 books this year for a personal record) and find video games aren't holding my interest as much.

I think my most anticipated game is actually For Honor. I really enjoyed the alpha and playing online. That and being a pilot in SW Battlefront area about the only games I've ever really played online.

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Originally Posted by Rudy

I totally agree that certain gaming formats get old. I loved GTA III and put a ton of hours into it. Then when San Andreas came out (or is that the one I played?) I didn't even complete 10% of the game before getting bored. Black Flag was my first AC game and I had a blast. My son has AC Syndicate and I pumped at least 5 hours into it before sort of deciding on playing something else. I've grown tired of Madden. Things change. Maybe I'm just getting old. I've read a lot more (just discovered I've read 24 books this year for a personal record) and find video games aren't holding my interest as much.

I think my most anticipated game is actually For Honor. I really enjoyed the alpha and playing online. That and being a pilot in SW Battlefront area about the only games I've ever really played online.

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I'm excited for For Honor as well. That'll probably be a game that I give a few months to see how the response is and then grab for $40 or so. I'm interested in Battlefield 1, but not to the point where I'm going to run out and buy it. Dark Souls 3 was the last game I really poured a lot of time into, but, even then, it was only like 30 hours total or so. I beat the game and bought and beat the DLC. I'll gladly buy the next DLC when it comes out, but it's not something that I'm going to put more time into before that.

I do have the new Tomb Raider game coming in the mail and my best friend has been playing the crap out of it so I'm excited to play it, but it does seem a bit too open world for me and I'm probably going to have a hard time playing it consistently.

Before buying Madden a while back, I hadn't touched a sports game in ages, and it didn't last long. It was, once again, a giant disappointment to me. Felt like the exact same game from like 5 years ago, just prettier with a few more options. Still played the same. Still had the same issues. Was sad to see.

I've personally gotten into retro gaming more than playing new stuff. Need to fire up my PS3 again and play more Tales of Symphonia Chronicles instead of playing stuff I don't much care about right now (too much League of Legends again, sadly, because I'm a stupid addict).

I was basically choosing between Skyrim and Tomb Raider about which game I would get. I definitely want to play the new Tomb Raider game and I should probably do it before Horizon Zero Dawn at the end of February since they will be similar imo (slightly open world, Uncharted type of game) with some RPG elements.

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Originally Posted by Rudy

I was basically choosing between Skyrim and Tomb Raider about which game I would get. I definitely want to play the new Tomb Raider game and I should probably do it before Horizon Zero Dawn at the end of February since they will be similar imo (slightly open world, Uncharted type of game) with some RPG elements.

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I'm excited as shit for Horizon Zero Dawn. That'll probably be a day one purchase for me, unless it tanks in reviews, which I really hope isn't the case. That game is the type of open world stuff I can get behind because it has the overarching story and has a world where there are more questions than answers.

I was tempted on the Skyrim Remastered, but seeing the videos I saw, I realized it was just a texture (and really only slightly upgraded) and lighting upgrade for it and that was it. I mean, for people like yourself that haven't played it on PC, it's great, especially if you've never played a Bethesda game before, but for anyone that's played a few of them, especially on PC, it's not worth it.

Yeah Skyrim I'm going to wait for it to be cheap and replay it again or ask for it for Christmas.

I think this Dwarves game seems pretty cool. Barely heard anything about it. It's an Indy title that seems a bit like Diablo but half price.

https://youtu.be/-faFpuirBac

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Originally Posted by Rudy

I've only played 11-12 hours so far but combat is not a strength or focus of this game. The massive world along with exploration and finding caves or hideouts seems to be the true focus. The story and quests feel like just a reason to move through this massive world. It's interesting but I'm not hooked yet. It's simply OK imo.

Just curious as to the main reason people enjoy Skyrim here? B, Jaymo? I know Mors grew tired of it.

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For me... I love open world exploration. Travelling to a place I have never been is great. I'm not really into the fighting. Given the choice I would explore 10x out of 10. In games like GTA, Watchdogs, Fallout, I explore the entire map often before I do most of the missions.

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Originally Posted by bdoughty

For anyone playing on the XB1, forget about your gamerscore/achievements and try playing with Vivid weathers mod. At the very least see what you are missing as Vivid is great in Fallout but spectacular in Skyrim. Save a game at night. Go to mods and install Vivid weathers. Continue game, it will make a new mod save and you will still have the unmodded save. Look at the sky, enjoy! Also the storms and cloudy skies are a ton better.

Plenty of really good mods out there for Xbox One, if you want some really good ones that won't break your game let me know.

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Alright, I'll bite... top 5 mods that you believe enhance the game without making it crash???

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Originally Posted by jaymo76

Alright, I'll bite... top 5 mods that you believe enhance the game without making it crash???

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Top 5, it really depends on how you want to play the game.

Vivid Weather (Obviously my favorite, I put it at the bottom just above the Skyrim Graphic Overhaul)

Unofficial Skyrim Patch (has to be at the top of the load order)

Skyrim Graphic Overhaul (Must be at the bottom of the load order)

Lamp Posts of Skyrim (tons of them across the roads of Skyrim, any load order)

Relationship Dialog Enhancement (a bunch of new lines for companions, friends, lovers, etc, any load order)



5 more that still wont make your game crash

Adorable females (they look a little better, any load order but it must be above the Natural eyes)

Natural Eyes (quite a difference here, any load order but best if it is places below Adorable females)

Better loot (More coins and enchanted items to be found, any load order)

Rich Merchants of Skyrim (those poor bastards never have enough money, they have 10,000 coins now, any load order)

50 percent more perk points (gotta have more perk points and is not really a cheat per say, any load order)


There is a ton of Witcher 3 stuff being made.


Here is one you might like. (any load order)

and this one (any load order)

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Campfire and Frostfall look cool but I have yet to try them.

I have toyed with The Forgotton City (any load order) which is an entirely new quest line and will add 5-10 more hours of gameplay in a new area. Did not crash but you still have a ton to do before going to new places made by fans.

Same goes for Falskaar (I hear it automatically loads at the top ahead of the Unofficial Skyrim patch) but have yet to play it. Completely new landscape and they claim 20-30 new hours.


I can't play Fallout or Skyrim or Fallout 4 without my mods. Fallout 4 in the snow is a joy (still no snow for Nuka World). Vivid Weather for Skyrim makes a huge graphical jump in regards to the weather and clouds). Also with Vivid Weather you have control of indoor/outdoor darkness, Saturation and Bloom.

This PC mod just made it's way to the Xbox One. Looks really interesting. Roughly a 6 hour quest, Big Castle with two large dungeons and you can live there, after you figure out how to escape.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9vv9qPAhgM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXJFbsQBvLw

So what was in the patch that arrived yesterday (for Skyrim?)

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Originally Posted by jaymo76

So what was in the patch that arrived yesterday (for Skyrim?)

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https://bethesda.net/en/devnote/6Gth...ion-1-2-update

Just joined the Stormcloaks and had to battle in Whiterun. It was a great battle. One thing that is annoying me a little... too many dragons. It was rare early in the game. I have now fought 12 dragons!!!

Gotta beat all those dragons to unlock all those shouts you find. I am assuming you are unlocking the shouts? Also dragons are a big part of the game, seeing that you are the Dragonborn.

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Originally Posted by bdoughty

Gotta beat all those dragons to unlock all those shouts you find. I am assuming you are unlocking the shouts? Also dragons are a big part of the game, seeing that you are the Dragonborn.

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The dragons are the worst part of that game... They are just so boring after like the 4th fight with one that's the exact same thing. They're cool the first couple of times, but after that, it's just a hassle. The game is actually better if you avoid fighting the dragon at the watchtower in the beginning and just go about your own way, and that's a really sad thing.

This Final Fantasy trailer looked interesting. I like the party based, real time combat. Reminds me of DAI but it also has counters. I find the merger of a fantasy world and modern/sci fi things odd though. We have swords and magic but also guns, cars and ships. I've never liked that idea in fantasy books.

https://shar.es/18n6v2

This is different for a collector's edition item...

https://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/oqK...959/re7_ce.jpg

The Sonic Mania game coming out later this year looks interesting, so does the $70 collectors edition.

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon....AC_SL1500_.jpg

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Originally Posted by JBHuskers

The Sonic Mania game coming out later this year looks interesting, so does the $70 collectors edition.

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon....AC_SL1500_.jpg

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I know a lot of people liked it but I never found Sonic interesting or compelling. However, I do appreciate the historical sentiment.

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Originally Posted by jaymo76

I know a lot of people liked it but I never found Sonic interesting or compelling. However, I do appreciate the historical sentiment.

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I'm of the same mindset. I was never any good at Sonic and couldn't get into it, though I understand the appeal and those that did.

The Sonic concept always seemed better than how fun it actually was. It was supposed to compete with Mario I think but Mario was definitely better.

Sonic 1 and 2 were GREAT on the Genesis. After that, I haven't liked a single Sonic game...

Ghost Recon looks pretty cool. Not sure if this is for me but I would think fans of the Division and RB6 would like it.

https://youtu.be/lynE_QYFmgg

If you like to chill with a fun timekiller, get Stardew Valley for PS4. It's kinda like Farmville and Minecraft combined. Lots of fun.

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Originally Posted by Rudy

Ghost Recon looks pretty cool. Not sure if this is for me but I would think fans of the Division and RB6 would like it.

https://youtu.be/lynE_QYFmgg

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I'm looking forward to it. I've always liked the Ghost Recon games, plus with this one supposing to be wide open with the ability to pick and choose what order you do things and not a hard structured mission order like BF or COD, as well as the individual missions themselves not having a specific order about them, but rather multiple different ways you can approach and attack the missions.

I haven't decided if I'm gonna get it day one or not, that'll depend on what more I see between now and release, but I'll definitely be getting it at some point.

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I've got Ghost Recon preordered at $50 ($30 off over here). Four games in February and March I'm getting either for me and/or the kids. For Honor beta next weekend. Hopefully I get a code. I will share extras if I get them.

Yeah, I got an email to register for the beta, hoping I see a code pop up in my email.

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Unsure if related, but both Marvel & Square Enix have announcements coming today.

UPDATE -

Big News: @SquareEnix and @Marvel announce a multi-game partnership leading with The Avengers project. #Reassemble pic.twitter.com/DS87Iuzk7G

— Square Enix (@SquareEnix) January 26, 2017

What kind of game will that be? I'd love see another Marvel Ultimate Alliance game. Couch co-op would be great.

Sony now adding games to the PS4 that could not even get on Steam.

$14.99 and all this can be yours.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRN1b60dBus&feature=youtu.be

Bonus game. Free Android game that Sony sells for $9.99.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YD8IdhhQyaQ

Yet Sony won't allow me to pay for EA Access.


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Originally Posted by souljahbill

Yet Sony won't allow me to pay for EA Access.

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As they stated, it did not offer a good enough value for you the consumer. The same company that offers PS Now in place of backwards compatibility. :dunno:

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Originally Posted by bdoughty

As they stated, it did not offer a good enough value for you the consumer. The same company that offers PS Now in place of backwards compatibility. :dunno:

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For JB, it might not be a good value but I'd happily pay the $30 a year. I've even seen New Egg sell cards for $20-$25.


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Originally Posted by souljahbill

For JB, it might not be a good value but I'd happily pay the $30 a year. I've even seen New Egg sell cards for $20-$25.

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JB is obviously the exception, not the rule. The $30 is going to pay for itself in no time. Allows you to play full versions games you would never buy. Discounts when buying direct from EA for digital download. This is a biggie because digital downloads of retail CONSOLE games see far fewer discounts at launch versus discs.

I keep forgetting to download the new Mirrors Edge which is in the vault. Might even try Battlefront and just ignore all the Star Wars junk.

Just the free previews of games alone is nice.