).
I can't wait to play a final version of this game.I started playing Elite: Dangerous again. I kitted out a ship for deep space exploration and decided to head out on an expedition. It was a relatively short journey, taking me only two (real life) days and taking me 500 lightyears away from the 'bubble' of civilized space around Sol. I decided to end my journey at Betelgeuse.
Here's a nice shot of my planetary rover, taking in the milky way as Betelgeuse rises in the distance (it really is very far away... thing's just huge)
Dark Souls 3 basically doesn't have poise, which super makes it twitchier than older Souls and more like Bloodborne.
I played shieldless dex through both my runs through DS3, so I looked at it as having to be twitchy anyway. That said, I thought DS2 was easier, DS1 still harder, but in the end it's really tough to figure out since once the games are understood, player perception changes.
Bloodborne DLC is still fucking rough. I'm curious how DS3 DLC will compare.
At first glance I thought you meant Dungeon Siege, not Dark Souls. I was confused.
--Patrick
So, why do I love Elite: Dangerous? Is it because it's a finished, feature complete game? Hell no... maybe in 10 years. But it is still impressive, huge, and fun, and I've taken up exploring the cosmos in my newly kitted ship. Here's a quick rundown of my first expedition, which was really more of a test run to Betelgeuse.
First, the ship. Meet the Lakon Spaceway's Diamondback Explorer, seen here flying over the surface of a binary moon. (these images will all be behind spoilers because they're huge)
I love this ship. The little brother to the popular Asp Explorer, the Diamondback is a small ship with a big heart. Literally... the core of any exploration vehicle is its Frame Shift Drive (which is what allows FTL travel) and the Daimondback can fit one meant for much larger ships. It is still small, though, meaning to fit the exploration scanners I need, a fuel scoop to allow me to refuel from stars, a vehicle bay for exploring planets, and a shield generator (because I never fly without one, especially when landing on planets, I've pancaked into surfaces too many times) I had to exclude some things, like an auto-maintenance field module. What this means is that if I take any damage during the expedition, I have no way to repair it. Outside of populated space, I shouldn't have to worry about anyone attacking me (hopefully) but I still risk damage, especially heat damage incurred from warping into star fields or flying to close while scooping hydrogen for fuel. I'll just have to fly careful.
Also, for anyone who notices that my engines aren't on in any of these screenshots, that's because I'm launching a probe camera to take a space selfie. And since I can't pilot my ship while maneuvering the camera, I reduce my momentum to 0 and cut engines so I don't, you know, crash into anything. Onto the rest of the expedition! I'm heading out first to the Pleiades Nebula, and then to Betelgeuse and back, a 1000ly round trip. The fact that I'm flying into a nebula for most of it means we should get some pretty starfields!
Never having done exploration before, I decided I needed to test how well I can land on planets. This is only about 10ly outside of "the bubble" (populated space) where I chose the small moon of a gas giant to practice landing on.
It's worth pointing out here how travel in Elite works. Within a star system, your frame shift drive will allow you to go into supercruise, a FTL travel system that allows you to easily travel through the system, but it's still time consuming. To move between systems, you do a hyperspace jump, which is limited by the maximum jump distance of your ship. The ship computer needs a star in range to plot its jump to, using the gravity of the star as a beacon. I mention this because when I jump into my next system, I naturally come out next to the main star, but discover that this is a binary system, and the other star is 300,000 light-seconds away. THAT'S A LONG WAY!
I managed to get my ship up to a speed of around 1,200C before I had to start reducing speed to not overshoot. This took a long time, but I scanned that star data!
Here's a shot of that same star, only from one of the outer planets that orbit it. It's the tiny red dot right in the center, just over the left side of my ship.
Found my first water world! You can see it has ice at the poles, and a huge liquid ocean around the center. I've named it Costner
I noticed a named star within the nebula named Maia that I thought I would visit. When I got there, I discovered a giant blue star, which I began to scan and was ready to take screenshots of, but I then encountered something I didn't expect...PEOPLE! My scanner picked up another ship, a pirate, which immediately began to fire on me. WTF is a pirate doing out here? Then I do a scan of the system (while running away) and discover it has civilization!
There's a space station here. Turns out this is where research on the Unknown Artifacts (hereby known as UAs) is being held. These are strange objects of seeming alien origin, and when discovered in deep space, they all seem to always align themselves to point at a specific location. It took players a long time to figure out they were pointing to the Pleiades nebula, and so now there's this science station.
It was here I decided to end the first day of my journey, and docked at the station to call it a night. The following day had me going out all the way to Betelgeuse, which I've already posted a screenshot of, so I'll save you from reading the rest of that trip.
All in all, I thought it was really cool, and plan to explore more. Eventually, I want to make the 14,000ly+ journey to Sagittarius A*, the supermassive black hole at the center of the galaxy, but that's a much longer trip than I'm prepared to make right now.
First, the ship. Meet the Lakon Spaceway's Diamondback Explorer, seen here flying over the surface of a binary moon. (these images will all be behind spoilers because they're huge)
I love this ship. The little brother to the popular Asp Explorer, the Diamondback is a small ship with a big heart. Literally... the core of any exploration vehicle is its Frame Shift Drive (which is what allows FTL travel) and the Daimondback can fit one meant for much larger ships. It is still small, though, meaning to fit the exploration scanners I need, a fuel scoop to allow me to refuel from stars, a vehicle bay for exploring planets, and a shield generator (because I never fly without one, especially when landing on planets, I've pancaked into surfaces too many times) I had to exclude some things, like an auto-maintenance field module. What this means is that if I take any damage during the expedition, I have no way to repair it. Outside of populated space, I shouldn't have to worry about anyone attacking me (hopefully) but I still risk damage, especially heat damage incurred from warping into star fields or flying to close while scooping hydrogen for fuel. I'll just have to fly careful.
Also, for anyone who notices that my engines aren't on in any of these screenshots, that's because I'm launching a probe camera to take a space selfie. And since I can't pilot my ship while maneuvering the camera, I reduce my momentum to 0 and cut engines so I don't, you know, crash into anything. Onto the rest of the expedition! I'm heading out first to the Pleiades Nebula, and then to Betelgeuse and back, a 1000ly round trip. The fact that I'm flying into a nebula for most of it means we should get some pretty starfields!
Never having done exploration before, I decided I needed to test how well I can land on planets. This is only about 10ly outside of "the bubble" (populated space) where I chose the small moon of a gas giant to practice landing on.
It's worth pointing out here how travel in Elite works. Within a star system, your frame shift drive will allow you to go into supercruise, a FTL travel system that allows you to easily travel through the system, but it's still time consuming. To move between systems, you do a hyperspace jump, which is limited by the maximum jump distance of your ship. The ship computer needs a star in range to plot its jump to, using the gravity of the star as a beacon. I mention this because when I jump into my next system, I naturally come out next to the main star, but discover that this is a binary system, and the other star is 300,000 light-seconds away. THAT'S A LONG WAY!
I managed to get my ship up to a speed of around 1,200C before I had to start reducing speed to not overshoot. This took a long time, but I scanned that star data!
I got you, you bastard. It's a brown dwarf! Even though it looks red to me... I didn't name these stars
Here's a shot of that same star, only from one of the outer planets that orbit it. It's the tiny red dot right in the center, just over the left side of my ship.
Found my first water world! You can see it has ice at the poles, and a huge liquid ocean around the center. I've named it Costner
I noticed a named star within the nebula named Maia that I thought I would visit. When I got there, I discovered a giant blue star, which I began to scan and was ready to take screenshots of, but I then encountered something I didn't expect...PEOPLE! My scanner picked up another ship, a pirate, which immediately began to fire on me. WTF is a pirate doing out here? Then I do a scan of the system (while running away) and discover it has civilization!
There's a space station here. Turns out this is where research on the Unknown Artifacts (hereby known as UAs) is being held. These are strange objects of seeming alien origin, and when discovered in deep space, they all seem to always align themselves to point at a specific location. It took players a long time to figure out they were pointing to the Pleiades nebula, and so now there's this science station.
It was here I decided to end the first day of my journey, and docked at the station to call it a night. The following day had me going out all the way to Betelgeuse, which I've already posted a screenshot of, so I'll save you from reading the rest of that trip.
All in all, I thought it was really cool, and plan to explore more. Eventually, I want to make the 14,000ly+ journey to Sagittarius A*, the supermassive black hole at the center of the galaxy, but that's a much longer trip than I'm prepared to make right now.
GasBandit
Staff member
I thought I took a screenshot of it, but I guess I didn't. Found a major shortcoming in Empyrion: Water doesn't flow. At all. If you dig a canal to a hole well below sea level, the water will sit there steadfastly refusing to flow into the trench.
Furthermore, since the "you are underwater so your vision is murky and distorted" visual effect doesn't even happen if you aren't physically in the water... so, to hunt down those elusive blue crystals for warp fuel, just dig the sand out of the shoreline, and stand below the water line but back away from the self-supporting wall of water! You can see everything on the sea bed clear as day, and at maximum range.
/doh
Furthermore, since the "you are underwater so your vision is murky and distorted" visual effect doesn't even happen if you aren't physically in the water... so, to hunt down those elusive blue crystals for warp fuel, just dig the sand out of the shoreline, and stand below the water line but back away from the self-supporting wall of water! You can see everything on the sea bed clear as day, and at maximum range.
/doh
I can't decide if this is better or worse than Space Engineers' "All water is in Ice Form, even on planets with alien monsters and trees".
Dead By Daylight
As much as I like this game, there are a few key issues that keep popping up.
- There is little incentive to try and rescue a friend from a hook. Yes, you get blood points, but it's always a safe bet to assume the killer is nearby, watching, which means trying to save your friends isn't a worthwhile gamble.
- This is because killers almost always watch their victims die. There is simply too much to lose by letting someone get away and killing SOME of the kids is better than killing NONE of the kids. This means that trying to manually escape (already low odds) is pointless and the chances of rescue by your friends is slim. People have sent me messages complaining that I didn't sit through the struggle the full length of my timer because it's "better for the team" if I do. Fuck you, you're supposed to save me, not let me die every time.
- The Wraith is OP. Yes, his invisibility isn't long lasting or that effective visually, but that doesn't matter. The only thing that matters is that it stops your heart from beating faster as the killer approaches, allowing him to sneak up from anywhere that isn't directly in your sight. This needs to slow him down or something because he can chase you down, while invisible, and you'd never know it until he pops up right next to you... far too late to get away.
- Flashlight needs a buff. Wide Lens should be the default setting, as using a basic flashlight to stun a killer is virtually impossible.
- Trapper's bear traps are too visually noticeable. Makes it hard to actually place them anywhere you'd actually want them, as survivors will walk around every time.
Suggested fixes?
- Add a multiplier for saving friends near the end of a match. Saving someone near the start is just good form but doing it when you can lose everything should be worthwhile.
- Performing a full struggle should be worth damn near all the survival points you can get a round, especially if the game knows the killer is watching you. You're doing your part for the team, so you should be rewarded thusly.
As much as I like this game, there are a few key issues that keep popping up.
- There is little incentive to try and rescue a friend from a hook. Yes, you get blood points, but it's always a safe bet to assume the killer is nearby, watching, which means trying to save your friends isn't a worthwhile gamble.
- This is because killers almost always watch their victims die. There is simply too much to lose by letting someone get away and killing SOME of the kids is better than killing NONE of the kids. This means that trying to manually escape (already low odds) is pointless and the chances of rescue by your friends is slim. People have sent me messages complaining that I didn't sit through the struggle the full length of my timer because it's "better for the team" if I do. Fuck you, you're supposed to save me, not let me die every time.
- The Wraith is OP. Yes, his invisibility isn't long lasting or that effective visually, but that doesn't matter. The only thing that matters is that it stops your heart from beating faster as the killer approaches, allowing him to sneak up from anywhere that isn't directly in your sight. This needs to slow him down or something because he can chase you down, while invisible, and you'd never know it until he pops up right next to you... far too late to get away.
- Flashlight needs a buff. Wide Lens should be the default setting, as using a basic flashlight to stun a killer is virtually impossible.
- Trapper's bear traps are too visually noticeable. Makes it hard to actually place them anywhere you'd actually want them, as survivors will walk around every time.
Suggested fixes?
- Add a multiplier for saving friends near the end of a match. Saving someone near the start is just good form but doing it when you can lose everything should be worthwhile.
- Performing a full struggle should be worth damn near all the survival points you can get a round, especially if the game knows the killer is watching you. You're doing your part for the team, so you should be rewarded thusly.
This game is super cool, but not done yet. It still needs to cook.
Monster Hunter Generations demo ... is going to be my crack. I got Kirby: Planet Robobutts coming in the mail from Gamefly tomorrow and I already know it's going to be tough tearing myself away to play that when I could be trying out all the different weapon + hunter style combos. It's also going to make the wait for the real game insufferable. Really glad Zero Time Dilemma is coming out between now and then.
Sounds like your fortune's in deep shit.If the pirates want my haul, they're gonna have to dig for it
Broken Age
Damn good game, great character designs, nice lore and story, good jokes here and there, and a nice duality theme.
BUT...I have a PRETTY major qualm, there was not enough of it. It NEEDED a third act, while I liked what I played I still feel UNFULFILLED, I want to see MORE of this world.
Damn good game, great character designs, nice lore and story, good jokes here and there, and a nice duality theme.
BUT...I have a PRETTY major qualm, there was not enough of it. It NEEDED a third act, while I liked what I played I still feel UNFULFILLED, I want to see MORE of this world.
I think Mr. Director from Animaniacs has taken over Yoshi's account.
Also, Kirby: Planet Robobot is hella fun. The controls are much more responsive than other Kirby games I've played, which makes a huge difference. The robot stuff is like getting Ramby the Rhino in Donkey Kong--stuff that was an obstacle in the slightest way as normal Kirby are just punched to death by the robot.
I really love the mecha's version of Kirby's copy ability. Flamethrowers, energy swords, sawblades, twin piston tesla coils that charge up Kirby's kamehemeha blast if you tap the D-pad while charging it. I can't wait to get further in the game and see what else it can do.
I really love the mecha's version of Kirby's copy ability. Flamethrowers, energy swords, sawblades, twin piston tesla coils that charge up Kirby's kamehemeha blast if you tap the D-pad while charging it. I can't wait to get further in the game and see what else it can do.
After my previous nostalgia-fueled playthrough of Half-Life 2, I decided to fire up another FPS that was released in 2004: Doom 3.
Thank you, Doom 3, for once again reminding me that I'm not really a fan of scary games. I'd forgotten how intense an experience this thing can be. I can only play in, like, 20 minute spurts.
Also, I'd forgotten how the game shakes your camera around whenever you get hit, which means regaining your aim is a huge chore when you're surrounded by enemies.
Hmm, I guess I'm not having as much fun with Doom 3 as I did with HL2. It's a well crafted game, but seriously someone needs to teach the UAC the virtues of indoor lighting.
Thank you, Doom 3, for once again reminding me that I'm not really a fan of scary games. I'd forgotten how intense an experience this thing can be. I can only play in, like, 20 minute spurts.
Also, I'd forgotten how the game shakes your camera around whenever you get hit, which means regaining your aim is a huge chore when you're surrounded by enemies.
Hmm, I guess I'm not having as much fun with Doom 3 as I did with HL2. It's a well crafted game, but seriously someone needs to teach the UAC the virtues of indoor lighting.
See, I never found Doom 3 scary. And I felt like it's biggest weakness was trying to be a horror game instead of an action shooter. I find it difficult to be frightened when I'm armed to the teeth.
Yeah, the scares don't come from feeling vulnerable, because as you say Doom 3 gives you a bunch of big guns to shoot enemies with. Doom 3 relies more on jump scares and monster closets.
Maybe that was the other factor. I could always tell where monsters would spawn. Oh, a bunch of health pickups and ammo? Yeah, as soon I collect those, there's going to be a spawn.
The only scary game I was never able to finish was Amnesia
Did you ever try Outlast? It started as an amnesia mod, and was a game I really enjoyed (and hated)
Just finish Shadowrun Hong Kong - Director's Cut.
What. A. Game.
Dragonfall was slightly better storyline wise but Hong Kong was a better overall product.
Storyline is good, great runs, lots of options. Music is amazing! Companions are great, really loved the dynamic relationship with my brother Duncan. Gaichu was my bro. Ractor was pure entertainment. Isob0l was OK but if I'd ever replay, I'd be a decker/rigger. Didn't make much use of Gobbet maybe next time.
I recommend picking this game up, if you like Shadowrun, it does the lore justice. Man, what I'd give for a sandbox world of Shadowrun.... a good game.
Off to my next project, Witcher 3, Heart of Stone and while I'm playing it, alternate with some Life is Strange.
What. A. Game.
Dragonfall was slightly better storyline wise but Hong Kong was a better overall product.
Storyline is good, great runs, lots of options. Music is amazing! Companions are great, really loved the dynamic relationship with my brother Duncan. Gaichu was my bro. Ractor was pure entertainment. Isob0l was OK but if I'd ever replay, I'd be a decker/rigger. Didn't make much use of Gobbet maybe next time.
I recommend picking this game up, if you like Shadowrun, it does the lore justice. Man, what I'd give for a sandbox world of Shadowrun.... a good game.
Off to my next project, Witcher 3, Heart of Stone and while I'm playing it, alternate with some Life is Strange.
The first game was a good, not great. Dragonfall makes it look like amateur hour. Hong Kong is even better as an overall product however the main story in Dragonfall was great.
The music too, I mean seriously.
Auntie was exactly what I hoped to see as a fixer.
All I want now is a sandbox of this game, maybe a coop game with upwards to 5 players, oh that would be insane.
They all do, albeit Dragonfall has the most available.
Finished Kirby: Planet Robobot. The fact that I started it Friday, finished it Sunday, and played just as much Overwatch in between should tell you this is best as a rental (though there are other modes and things, but it's pretty quick for the story mode). That said, it was a lot of zany fun. The climax gets pretty crazy.
I don't get why Kirby is allowed to have new villains every game, but Mario has to keep fighting Bowser. Legend of Zelda gets a new baddie here and there, but overall it's just Ganon. At this point Kirby's known his villains so long that they end up helping him half the time because even if they're at odds for one reason or another, whenever there's a baddy that threatens all of Dreamland, well, it's their home too.
I'm not saying Link and Zelda should start palling around with Ganondorf, just that Kirby seems to get a steady diet of new bad guys while Mario and Link only seem to get them once every few years.
I don't get why Kirby is allowed to have new villains every game, but Mario has to keep fighting Bowser. Legend of Zelda gets a new baddie here and there, but overall it's just Ganon. At this point Kirby's known his villains so long that they end up helping him half the time because even if they're at odds for one reason or another, whenever there's a baddy that threatens all of Dreamland, well, it's their home too.
I'm not saying Link and Zelda should start palling around with Ganondorf, just that Kirby seems to get a steady diet of new bad guys while Mario and Link only seem to get them once every few years.
To be fair, King DeDeDe has always been shown to willing to stop being a jerk long enough to do the right thing if people are in actual danger. He's just really selfish otherwise. Same with MetaKnight: yes, he's basically a blood knight that wants to rule the world, but he's also not some bloodthirsty scumbag that wants to hurt a bunch of innocent people to do it. As such, it's not surprising that Kirby's villains are willing to work with him as often as they are against him.