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Grabbed Fez and Walking Dead during the steam sale this past weekend. Getting all up ins Fez. Cool idea, done well enough, but the platforming mechanics could've used just a bit more polish to 'em. Loving the aethestics too. More games need to rip off Pixel's art style.

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Arts

Farts

Twarts

The pixelated art style or the style of Studio Pixel (of Cave Story fame)?

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Check the "What games are you playing at the moment?" thread for updates on what I've been playing.

You can find me on the Fediverse! I use Mastodon, where I am @[email protected] ( https://sakurajima.moe/@glennmagusharvey )

Being the complete idiot that I am I went and bought the Paradox Interactive Humble Bundle during a heavy crunch period. So now I'm struggling to resist the urge to play Crusader Kings 2 while trying to study for exams. Not easy.

Hell of a good game though. I picked the Earl of Dublin as my character and recently formed the Kingdom of Ireland after fabricating claims to the other Irish counts' titles then beating the hell out of them (I'm not a very nice king). Now I need to provoke the Earl of Desmond (nominally my vassal) into rebelling against me so I can revoke his title without looking bad, because he's kind of a jerk and I don't like him. I've just awarded him the rather insulting title of Court Jester, so I'm waiting for him to decide that he's taken enough humiliation from me.

I'm never getting my studying done, am I?

Quote (Glenn Magus Harvey @ 10th September 2013 00:30)

The pixelated art style or the style of Studio Pixel (of Cave Story fame)?

Yeah Studio Pixel, which is just one guy who calls himself Pixel. The 'inspiration' for Fez's art design is pretty blatant.

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Arts

Farts

Twarts

Had to add a couple to this list. With it's release yesterday I started playing Kingdom Hearts on the 1.5 HD remix. It looks gorgeous and I see that they added some good stuff to round out the story in Final Mix. They may have tightened the controls too or maybe I'm finally just better at video games than I had been when I first started playing them again. But I'm enjoying it a lot.

I have also been playing the more low key but definitely endearing Attack of the Friday Monsters which is a 3DS shop download by Level-5. it's not a terrible difficult game by any means but it's very cute and nostalgic.

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Chewbekah ^_^

Currently Playing: Final Fantasy XIV: ARR, Attack of the Firday Monsters, Animal Crossing: A New Leaf, Lego City Undercover, Kingdom Hearts 1.5 Remix

Recently Finished: Fire Emblem: Awakening

Favorite Game: Suikoden III

Just finished Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs. No spoilers. It was pretty tough but I liked the different game mechanics from the first Amnesia. The story and music were exceptional. Very scary in places and the oppressive dark tension didn't alleviate once. Some bits were really horrible. Fantastic game!

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Scepticism, that dry rot of the intellect, had not left one entire idea in his mind.

Me on the Starcraft.

Quote (sweetdude @ 13th September 2013 16:52)

Some bits were really horrible. Fantastic game!

Nice, this sums up all good survival horror really

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www.youtube.com/blinje
The victor sacrificed the vanquished to the heavens

Started another playthrough of The Witcher 2, then started another playthrough of Dragon Age 2. Both series are seeing new installments next year, and I guess that inspired me to try out material and playstyles I've yet to try in both of those games.

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Console RPG Cliches

I have apparently racked up over 30 too darn many hours playing 100% Orange Juice now. Almost finished with it -- just missing four cards and have two more missions to complete. I've even beaten the bonus boss mission.

It's a virtual board game, with the playable characters being mascot characters from a few other games by the same developer (which is named Orange_Juice, hence the game's name). It's a 4-player board game where the players compete against each other to gain stars or get wins. Different players have different stats that affect their play style.

Each player also starts off by contributing 10 cards (and their unique special card, called a Hyper) to a common deck that everyone draws from. So when you choose cards, you have to be careful to pick ones that are likely to help you but also can't be too good and help other people too much because they can be used against you too. These cards include trap cards that force dice battles, cards that change conditions of a battle, cards that enhance the amount of stars (they're basically in-game currency) you get, and cards to roll two dice instead of one.

After you finish a game, whether you win or lose, you get to keep some number of stars you had, plus bonus amounts. You use these at the in-game card store to buy booster packs and extra characters.

http://fruitbatfactory.com/100orange/

It's a fun little game. Extra fun if you've played other Orange_Juice offerings, such as Flying Red Barrel (which I have), Suguri, Sora, or QP Shu~, and recognize the characters and their special abilities.

The game's campaigns are one-player but you can do online multiplayer with up to 3 friends in free play mode.

The game itself has been around for several years now, but Japanese-only until recently. The English version debuted with an Indie Royale bundle a few weeks ago.

Unfortunately, there's no demo, but if you do pirate it and like the game, please do pick it up sometime, maybe the next time it goes on sale.

The game is currently available via Desura. It's also on Steam Greenlight.

Edit: Now I've finished the whole game. Except for three pesky cards (probably all rares) that I have yet to get. That's just gonna involve spending star points at the store and hoping to get them, and I get star points from playing matches under free play and in missions. I've done all the missions; I could go do them again but i don't feel like it. Let me save this for showing off the game to other people. Time to mark this game completed.

What should I play next? Here are some choices:

• Recettear (continuing existing playthrough)
• Ys Origin (starting a second playthrough, with Hugo this time)
• Dragon Age: Origins (starting new)
• FTL: Faster Than Light (starting new)
• La-Mulana (starting a second playthrough; played the old version years ago)
• Ether Vapor Remaster (starting new)
• Fairy Bloom Freesia (continuing existing playthrough)
• Diadra Empty (trying it out)
• Cloudphobia (trying it out)
• Salvation Prophecy (trying it out)

This post has been edited by Glenn Magus Harvey on 29th September 2013 11:58

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Check the "What games are you playing at the moment?" thread for updates on what I've been playing.

You can find me on the Fediverse! I use Mastodon, where I am @[email protected] ( https://sakurajima.moe/@glennmagusharvey )

I've been playing Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, as part of the HD collection. I'm a huge fan of this series, and very much enjoying this offering.



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www.youtube.com/blinje
The victor sacrificed the vanquished to the heavens

Quote (Blinge Odonata @ 29th September 2013 21:40)

I've been playing Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, as part of the HD collection. I'm a huge fan of this series, and very much enjoying this offering.

Nice. I liked that game a lot. The whole outer heaven thing is fun. I think the story is a bit more bananas than normal though.

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Scepticism, that dry rot of the intellect, had not left one entire idea in his mind.

Me on the Starcraft.

Haha the main story that actually deals with the Peace Walker concept was.. more reigned in, especially compared to the narrative trainwreck that is MGS4! But then in the final ( almost bonus ) chapter you're right, it's muchas bananas...

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www.youtube.com/blinje
The victor sacrificed the vanquished to the heavens

I'm playing Final Fantasy 6 and Summon Night: Swordcraft Story


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So Zetta Slow!

I've stopped playing video games for the moment. I just don't derive any enjoyment from them without my brothers and sisters around. My parents have a phobia about them or something, and my nephew is angry with me. None of my friends have felt comfortable approaching me in a long time, probably cuz I've been trying to work out unresolved childhood issues (of which there were many).

In a nutshell: I'll go back to playing when there's someone to play with, but till then, it'd just be spinning my wheels.

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X is blue.

Quote (Raiden314 @ 30th September 2013 15:36)

I'm playing Final Fantasy 6 and Summon Night: Swordcraft Story

Ooh! Who are you playing as and which companion did you get?

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Check the "What games are you playing at the moment?" thread for updates on what I've been playing.

You can find me on the Fediverse! I use Mastodon, where I am @[email protected] ( https://sakurajima.moe/@glennmagusharvey )

Right now between beer games college and work I don't have much time for games but I'm working on dark souls , GTA5, Tekken tag 2 and FF5 and phantasy star for the older games. Recently finished Bahamut lagoon for the 30th time and FF6 and phantasy star 4 for the 15th time each

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PSN : everum89
Before your mother, before your god, you will call for me, for I am your medic, and I will always come for you!

Just started playing Ether Vapor (Remaster edition). (Yes, the "Remaster" is not really part of the game's name. It took me a while to notice.)

I suck at shmups but this is actually pretty fun. I like how you have a choice of three weapons anytime, and you also have background/foreground things to worry about.

I think I end up sticking to the homing weapon until I learn the pattern well enough to actually know which other weapon is most useful. And sometimes the homing weapon still is.

This post has been edited by Glenn Magus Harvey on 2nd October 2013 17:46

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Check the "What games are you playing at the moment?" thread for updates on what I've been playing.

You can find me on the Fediverse! I use Mastodon, where I am @[email protected] ( https://sakurajima.moe/@glennmagusharvey )

Final Fantasy VI
I rarely touch FF! its just if i got nothing to do
FF Tactics Advance but that hasn't been touched in awhile
DJ Hero
I haven't play this in awhile but Phantasy Star for the GBA

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So Zetta Slow!

Hey Raiden you should play Raiden

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www.youtube.com/blinje
The victor sacrificed the vanquished to the heavens

^ LOL

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Meatspace stuff!

There's a Chinese cultural organization on campus that spent two sessions introducing people to Chinese games. Among them were Chinese chess, a sliding-block puzzle, and mahjong. That's mahjong the gambling game, not "mahjong solitaire" the tile-matching game. I got to play a few rounds, and won a couple of them. Chicken soup both times (i.e. the most basic win, nothing fancy).

I really want to play mahjong. But unfortunately, it's widely perceived and used as a gambling game (it's roughly the Chinese analogue of poker), and I don't like to do gambling. It's hard to find people who play it, and even harder to find people who'll play it without gambling. Heck, there are even some people who object to playing it without gambling because then it doesn't incentivize more interesting winning hands. Sigh...

Also, played my first game of Cards Against Humanity recently. I'll post in another thread a few more comments about that.

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In other news, I'm this close to beating the final boss of Ether Vapor Remaster.

They made this shmup game very newbie-friendly: while the later levels are definitely more difficult than the earlier ones, the more you play the more shields (i.e. lives) and continues you get. You don't have to use them, but if you want to get through the game, they are really heplful. So it's a lot less frustrating than if you only got a fixed number of shields and continues and the game gave you advancement purely based on skill.

This post has been edited by Glenn Magus Harvey on 5th October 2013 21:32

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Check the "What games are you playing at the moment?" thread for updates on what I've been playing.

You can find me on the Fediverse! I use Mastodon, where I am @[email protected] ( https://sakurajima.moe/@glennmagusharvey )

Just looked up that shmup, Glenn.. Got some rather scathing reviews.

"Namely, the bullets and enemies often blend too easily with the background. Everything in the game feels designed with aesthetics in mind first and gameplay second. Missiles take the form of neon streaks across the screen, which become very confusing when you are bombarded with them, later in the game.

There is rarely a section in Ether Vapor where I felt I could immediately recognize everything happening on screen. In a genre where all info needs to be perfectly communicated and the player requires flawless control, these blemishes are unacceptable and sour the entire experience."

Was your experience like this?

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www.youtube.com/blinje
The victor sacrificed the vanquished to the heavens

It's not easy to tell background and action from bullets sometimes, yes, and that's actually a specific reason I didn't give it a 5/5.

However:

1. The game is not a jerk about letting you try again and learn the patterns. First, as you play, you gain more shields (essentially lives/ships, and you can keep these low if you want) per continue, and more continue credits. Both of them let you continue immediately where you last got hit. Second, you get to practice each scene (level) by itself...and the practice mode is unlocked immediately once you reach the level (rather than only after you beat it), and you can spend all your credits in the practice mode; by the end of the game, you should have like 12 continues which basically means you can practice the final boss with impunity.

2. You can turn on "show hitbox" which outlines everything that can hit you with a red border (as well as your own craft). This really helps to see where stuff is.

3. I think there are no random elements, so everything is practiceable -- either fixed pattern, or targets you in some way. I did find some of the projectiles hard to see at first, but after playing a few more times, I've gradually been able to sort out what's happening.

The problem you talk about is probably most prominent in a part of scene 4, one of the phases of the scene 5 boss, and an early part of scene 3. I do think they could have been made a bit clearer. But, overall, I enjoyed the game.

I should emphasize that I'm not an experienced shmup player, but this game actually got me to finish it, rather than put it down in frustration or waned interest after an initial bout of excitement, which has happened with some other shmups.

(And having an intriguing story didn't hurt, of course.)

Edit

I should add that the Remaster version does improve on the graphical quality, making everything more crisp and clear, compared to the original Ether Vapor release.

This post has been edited by Glenn Magus Harvey on 7th October 2013 00:35

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Check the "What games are you playing at the moment?" thread for updates on what I've been playing.

You can find me on the Fediverse! I use Mastodon, where I am @[email protected] ( https://sakurajima.moe/@glennmagusharvey )

The fact that you stuck it out definitely convinces me to give it a try!

Experienced shmuppers can condemn a game for having shots that are hard to see rather quickly, despite Battle Garegga having really indistinguishable bullets rather often. and Garegga is considered to be one of the best shmups ever

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www.youtube.com/blinje
The victor sacrificed the vanquished to the heavens

Tried playing some eXceed games. eXceed 1 (subtitled "Gun Bullet Children"; let's see you come up with a sillier subtitle) unfortunately can't seem to be resized or windowed...and heck, I heard that it's not even translated...but it's reportedly because they've actually lost the source code to the game. eXceed 2 (subtitled "Vampire REX") appears to be about some demonic forces fighting the church, and at the very least the graphics are crisp (and adjustable!) and the script is translated! The gameplay is a pretty difficult Ikaruga-like thing, with polarities and bullets you can absorb if you're the right polarity...I'm no good at it, but I haven't even played more than a few minutes of it. I haven't tried eXceed 3 ("Jade Penetrate Black Package"...whatever that means) yet, but I hear it's the best of the three.

Incidentally, all three have Steam trading cards, which I admit are a bit of an incentive to play at least an hour or so worth of them. Which I think is actually a pretty fair thing to ask.

Also started playing Dragon Age: Origins. Playing a female human rogue with human noble background. I hear there was a planned human commoner background (which I would have picked) but it was scrapped due to lack of time. No, I haven't even left the opening castle yet.

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Check the "What games are you playing at the moment?" thread for updates on what I've been playing.

You can find me on the Fediverse! I use Mastodon, where I am @[email protected] ( https://sakurajima.moe/@glennmagusharvey )

Quote (Blinge Odonata @ 2nd October 2013 11:21)

Hey Raiden you should play Raiden

LOL i actually came up with all my user names from the game Raiden Trad and MGS2 Sons Of Liberty

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So Zetta Slow!

I bought a doujin shmup collection because it was on steam sale - Exceed collection. Published by Capcom no less, so i thought they'd make a decent job of it.

Tried the first game- Gun Bullet Children. It is the worst shoot'em up i have ever played. F this game. The localization is a few translations on the main menu, the rest is in japanese. Want story? lol NO, not in capcom's house, now get out, gaijin.

Can't change keybindings, no controller support, everything other than the bosses bores me to tears.

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www.youtube.com/blinje
The victor sacrificed the vanquished to the heavens

@ Blinge:

I thought I just warned you about that first game.

Quote (Glenn Magus Harvey @ 7th October 2013 14:39)

Tried playing some eXceed games.  eXceed 1 (subtitled "Gun Bullet Children"; let's see you come up with a sillier subtitle) unfortunately can't seem to be resized or windowed...and heck, I heard that it's not even translated...but it's reportedly because they've actually lost the source code to the game.  eXceed 2 (subtitled "Vampire REX") appears to be about some demonic forces fighting the church, and at the very least the graphics are crisp (and adjustable!) and the script is translated!  The gameplay is a pretty difficult Ikaruga-like thing, with polarities and bullets you can absorb if you're the right polarity...I'm no good at it, but I haven't even played more than a few minutes of it.  I haven't tried eXceed 3 ("Jade Penetrate Black Package"...whatever that means) yet, but I hear it's the best of the three.

Also, Nyu-Media did the localization; Capcom is only the publisher. Well, in the case of the first game, no one did the localization.

This post has been edited by Glenn Magus Harvey on 11th October 2013 21:10

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Check the "What games are you playing at the moment?" thread for updates on what I've been playing.

You can find me on the Fediverse! I use Mastodon, where I am @[email protected] ( https://sakurajima.moe/@glennmagusharvey )

Oh god. You did warn me!!! hahahah. 2 days is enough for me to forget apparently. =/

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www.youtube.com/blinje
The victor sacrificed the vanquished to the heavens

Playing a few things...

Disgaea D2: A Brighter Darkness

Just finished Episode 2 of what are probably 10 to 12 total. It's less serious and a little less interesting than the Netherworld situations of the other Disgaea games, but the dialog ranges from amusing to hilarious and it's great to see the original Disgaea trio back in action. Customization systems are still good, with a move back to Disgaea 1/2 weapon levels with some of the smarter changes from Disgaea 4. If you like Disgaea, this is an okay game with excellent combat. If you don't like Disgaea, then this won't be the one to change your mind.

Dragon Age: Origins

4th playthrough of DAO, but first as a Warrior. My first DAO run was as a Mage, and I liked it so much that it was hard not to pick Mage for a THIRD time (did Rogue once). Why am I doing this? I want to set up an ideal save file for Dragon Age: 3, er... Inquisition when I eventually get that. Right now I'm at The Fade, which is the worst part of the game. Goody....

Persona 3: Portable

3rd playthrough of Persona 3, but first time on PSP. Playing as the female MC, and her story differences (a few Social Links) are neat while the new gameplay changes (navigate the world like a visual novel, menu-based travel, easier character menus, unique weapons for MC) are hit/miss, but make the game go WAY faster. I'm enjoying it okay, but this is the kind of thing I play while watching sports or working out. Already know the basics; not devoting 100% focus to it.

Ys: The Oath in Felghana

Moving through Ys slowly. Stuck at Valestein Castle. I need to do some leveling up and possibly some sidequesting, but want to make some progress in other games before I revisit. I will finish Felghana before the year is over, though.

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this is a blog mostly about comics and videogames
END SPOILER

Play while working out..... lolwut?

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The victor sacrificed the vanquished to the heavens