Random Gaming Thoughts

[Exhuminator]

Plus, it's relatively cheaper and more space-conscious to only focus on one physical console.

I understand that this makes things much simpler to sift through and focus on. And I also understand having one's own personal tastes. Personally speaking however, I do not wish to artificially constrain myself to a limited set of gaming libraries, and rather choose to have as many available to myself as possible. Hence the large amount of systems I keep at the ready both retro and modern. This approach has its own shortcomings as well however, including the ability to feel overwhelmed by choice and overtaken by impulsive spending urges.

[Damm64]

I constantly find things to like in even the worst of games because I keep expectations low and look for the things the game does to interest me.

The good side to that approach is that you can have fun with even the worst games. The bad side is that when you're making due with a bad game you could be spending that time with one that's legitimately great instead.

This is the first time in months i played a game expecing to love it, usually i do keep semi low expectations. I should just stop hyping myself with the games i want to play to avoid this.

[Sarge]

I understand that this makes things much simpler to sift through and focus on. And I also understand having one's own personal tastes. Personally speaking however, I do not wish to artificially constrain myself to a limited set of gaming libraries, and rather choose to have as many available to myself as possible. Hence the large amount of systems I keep at the ready both retro and modern. This approach has its own shortcomings as well however, including the ability to feel overwhelmed by choice and overtaken by impulsive spending urges.

Yep, that's me in a nutshell. I've gotten better about impulsive spending urges, though. Especially since I've gotten pickier about indie bundles, and pretty much ignoring games I have some tangential interest in, but almost never finish in practice. Most SRPGs fall into that category for me, so I stopped buying all but a few years ago.

And I can almost never shake the feeling that I'm not playing the "right" game. First-world problems and all that.

[Snatch1414]

I definitely have a constant paralysis when choosing a game. I usually have 2-3 games I play in short spurts for a week or two but never get anywhere near beating. I don't even buy newer games I legitimately want because when am I going to have time to really sink my teeth into The Witcher 3 for example, when I have 50 other games I want to get to?

In terms of conserving space, I like to have everything hooked up on an old tube TV for nostalgia. I just got a Retron 5, but I'd still need to have all my disc-based systems hooked up anyway so it will mostly be used for capturing video and for when I want to play something old upstairs as to not feel like I'm holed up in the basement for hours.

[Sarge]

Big releases from my absolute favorite series will always scoot stuff out of the way, though. A Zelda game, Mario, Dragon Quest, at one time Castlevania, that sort of stuff. Definitely no problems with analysis paralysis in those cases!

There are games that I'll play that, while I'm at work, I can't wait to get back home and play. That's when I know I've got a keeper, and finishing those usually isn't a problem. I actually had this feeling with Child of Light most recently, and also Freedom Planet. Those are fewer and further between, though, these days. Not sure if the problem there is with the quality or with me, though. (Well, in the case of JRPGs, I'd definitely say the problem is the former.)

[Exhuminator]

had this feeling with Child of Light most recently

BTW I ordered that off Amazon today for Vita based on your praise. It looks unique if nothing else.

Not sure if the problem there is with the quality or with me

When you've been playing games for as long as most of us have, it gets harder and harder to find a new game that excites and invigorates one's attention the way they used to. That doesn't mean it's impossible of course, but the "been there, done that" feeling is much more likely to set in sooner rather than later. I am okay with pleasant mediocrity as an average. Once in a while a real winner still shines through though, and if you get a couple of those gems a year then the hobby's worth sticking with. Or at least, it is for me.

[prfsnl_gmr]

had this feeling with Child of Light most recently

BTW I ordered that off Amazon today for Vita based on your praise. It looks unique if nothing else.

I also enjoyed Child of Light. Here is my very short review from this year's :Games Beaten" thread:

Child of Light (WIIU) is a platformer/JRPG hybrid that uses the UbiArt Framework. The game's world is hauntingly beautiful, and the game's soundtrack is excellent. Moreover, the game's characters are (mostly) well-realized, and the game has an outstanding active-time battle system. The game is too easy to justify its excellent battle system, however, and you can easily brute-force your way through battles without taking advantages of its complexities. (In my opinion, the game would have benefitted greatly from some optional bosses and content that required players to learn the intricacies of the game's battle system and the proper use of the various characters' skills.) Finally, the game is narrated in rhyme, but it is apparent the author had no sense of meter. Accordingly, the game's dialogue, while occassionally charming, often comes across as awkward. Those criticisms aside, my daughter enjoyed the game immensely, and she was able to play through it with me utilizing the game's co-op mode. (She controlled the firefly, Igniculus, who deactivates traps, opens treasure chests, and provides critical support during battles.) She was also deeply moved by the game's somber story, and I very much appreciate the fact that I was able to play through the game with her. Finally, the game is not very long for an modern JRPG, and you can beat it in 10-12 hours without grinding. Accordingly, I recommend it to anyone looking for a beautiful, modern game with classic JRPG sensibilities. (I also recommend it to anyone who is looking for a great "kindergarten co-op" experience.)

Since you will be playing it on the Vita, the co-op mode probably won't be available, but I still hope you enjoy it!

[Exhuminator]

I didn't know the game was co-op compatible. But I don't mind playing it single player. My only concern is if the game will be too twee for its own good, or too easy for my tastes. However I've only seen praise for it on this board, so I spent the cash accordingly.

[Sarge]

I think it was a little too easy on the default. You might want to consider bumping up the difficulty a bit, especially if you're familiar with Grandia's battle system.

I used almost no potions my entire playthrough. I died twice. (But I also managed things very, very carefully. Not sure if I just played that well, or if everyone else had that easy a time with it overall.)

But then, I wasn't necessarily playing for challenge, it's more the sense of exploration and wonderment, combined with a battle system that really does reward some strategic thought. I could see playing again on a tougher level down the road, although the exploration aspect will be sadly gone.

[prfsnl_gmr]

But then, I wasn't necessarily playing for challenge, it's more the sense of exploration and wonderment, combined with a battle system that really does reward some strategic thought. I could see playing again on a tougher level down the road, although the exploration aspect will be sadly gone.

Same here. For me, the art direction and the "kindergarten co-op" experience were the best parts of the experience. If I was playing it again - and by myself - I would turn the difficulty up to the highest setting. (Having my six-year-old daughter controlling a critical aspect of the game certainly added to the challenge during my playthrough...even if she did great. )