Mini-Review/Backlog Destruction Thread

I'm adding more games to the backlog pile:

XB1: UFC3, Wolfenstein 2, DragonBall FighterZ, Injustice 2, Mafia 3
PS4: Persona 5.

At this point, I don't know if I'll ever be free and clear.

You and me both, I am so off gaming and have been for the past 7 months.

I just can't find the want to play.
 
I'm making some progress.

I finished UFC3 and Wolfenstein 2.

UFC 3 was more of the same. The career mode was slightly better than the previous game.

Wolfenstein 2 was great. Had everything I wanted in a SP shooter. A few cons were that the game went a bit longer than I would have liked and stealth was not really an option in alot of parts. Other than that it was a stellar experience and I can't wait for the sequel/spinoff, Youngblood.
 
Cuphead: Finally finished it up. Brutal, but, fun as hell, super satisfying to finish. Top notch graphics, sound and gameplay.

IMG_9939.jpg
Got that bad boy on that prick Dice King guy.
 
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Just finished up Rise of the Tomb Raider. I'd give it a 7 overall. The story was just way too hokey and poorly written to keep me engaged on that level. So many groan-inducing moments. This series could be so much better if they got some competent writers. Being interested in a game's story and characters is important to me (at least in a game like this), so the poor writing really got in my way of enjoying the game.

The shooting/action elements were good, though, so that's where I focused my attention. At first I felt bored by yet another game where I have to collect stuff and craft weapons and ammo, but once I got into the swing of it, it was fun. Lots of weapons and upgrade choices. The game kept the action up, and there were some good combat scenarios, especially later in the game.

It was pretty easy on normal difficulty. There wasn't much challenge up until the last 15% of the game or so. I could've raised the difficulty and given myself more of a challenge, but I play most games on normal difficulty.

The levels felt contrived, because it was always clear exactly what you needed to do next -- where to climb, how to get there, etc. The game kept giving you prompts about what to do, even up to the boss fights at the end.

I didn't find any of the lore or collectibles of much interest. Way too much junk littering the map, imo.

I might have enjoyed the game more if I had played through the challenge tombs along the way, rather than save them for after the game. I didn't see much point in doing them after the main story is over (unless you just enjoy solving the puzzles), because the rewards are meaningless.

So, overall, it was fun as an action game, but the story was so poorly written that I finished it yesterday, and I've already forgotten it. Either that or I've got dementia.
 
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Just finished up Rise of the Tomb Raider. I'd give it a 7 overall. The story was just way too hokey and poorly written to keep me engaged on that level. So many groan-inducing moments. This series could be so much better if they got some competent writers. Being interested in a game's story and characters is important to me (at least in a game like this), so the poor writing really got in my way of enjoying the game.

The shooting/action elements were good, though, so that's where I focused my attention. At first I felt bored by yet another game where I have to collect stuff and craft weapons and ammo, but once I got into the swing of it, it was fun. Lots of weapons and upgrade choices. The game kept the action up, and there were some good combat scenarios, especially later in the game.

It was pretty easy on normal difficulty. There wasn't much challenge up until the last 15% of the game or so. I could've raised the difficulty and given myself more of a challenge, but I play most games on normal difficulty.

The levels felt contrived, because it was always clear exactly what you needed to do next -- where to climb, how to get there, etc. The game kept giving you prompts about what to do, even up to the boss fights at the end.

I didn't find any of the lore or collectibles of much interest. Way too much junk littering the map, imo.

I might have enjoyed the game more if I had played through the challenge tombs along the way, rather than save them for after the game. I didn't see much point in doing them after the main story is over (unless you just enjoy solving the puzzles), because the rewards are meaningless.

So, overall, it was fun as an action game, but the story was so poorly written that I finished it yesterday, and I've already forgotten it. Either that or I've got dementia.

Agree with just about everything in this review. Story wasn’t interesting. Gameplay, for all the stuff you can do, wasn’t dynamic. AI was bad. Combat was standard. Environments along the main story path were very constrained.

I pushed my way through the entire game because I heard it got better. For me, it never got above average.

I also missed out on exploring tombs and wonder if that would’ve changed my impression of the game.
 
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Still playing Dark Souls Remastered. Right now has 80% of my single player game time...only taking breaks after I’ve died too many times in the same area or lost a ton of Souls for good.

Dark Souls might have moved up to #2 on my favorite single player franchises of all time behind only classic Halo.

Difficult but fair is a hard balance that few franchises ever perfect. Outside of Halo 2, Classic Halo did a great job of it on Legendary. Now I’ll add Dark Souls to the mix.

What other franchises can you think of that would fall into that difficult but fair category.
 
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Just finished Mario Odyssey. Loved every second of it. Easy 10/10 from me.

It's not an overly difficult game but it's got a charm to it that most other games dont.
 
Finally beat Dark Souls Remastered. Debating whether to focus on Dark souls 2 or Monster Hunter World.

Realize I like having a grindy, non cut-scene driven game in my rotation for those times I want to game while listening to something else.
 
Not really backlog, but something I've wanted to play for a while now. I didn't realize until earlier this year that the PS3 could play PS1 discs, so I found a cheap copy of Ape Escape. I either only played the demo or rented it back in the day, and with the realization of the ability to play PS1 discs, decided to give some old classics another play through. I still have quite a few PS1 games still, but there are a lot of games I never got to. Quite a few of those are available for sub-$10 on the PS Store which isn't bad, but Gamestop and other sources have discs as well.

So far I have purchased Ape Escape, Tenchu 1 and 2, and Legend of Legaia. I had Legend of Legaia back in the day but either misplaced the disc or traded it in. Can't remember the other PS1 games I have off hand but will have to dig them out. Otherwise, games on the PS Store I want to get are games like the Chrono series, Final Fantasy, Dino Crisis (need a remake of this next Capcom), Parasite Eve, Twisted Metal, etc.

At least right now when I've been fairly bored with gaming, I have the urge to play a bunch of these old classics.
 
Not really backlog, but something I've wanted to play for a while now. I didn't realize until earlier this year that the PS3 could play PS1 discs, so I found a cheap copy of Ape Escape. I either only played the demo or rented it back in the day, and with the realization of the ability to play PS1 discs, decided to give some old classics another play through. I still have quite a few PS1 games still, but there are a lot of games I never got to. Quite a few of those are available for sub-$10 on the PS Store which isn't bad, but Gamestop and other sources have discs as well.

So far I have purchased Ape Escape, Tenchu 1 and 2, and Legend of Legaia. I had Legend of Legaia back in the day but either misplaced the disc or traded it in. Can't remember the other PS1 games I have off hand but will have to dig them out. Otherwise, games on the PS Store I want to get are games like the Chrono series, Final Fantasy, Dino Crisis (need a remake of this next Capcom), Parasite Eve, Twisted Metal, etc.

At least right now when I've been fairly bored with gaming, I have the urge to play a bunch of these old classics.

I didn’t know the PS3 plays PSone games. I have copies of Final Fantasy VII and XII plus a copy of Final Fantasy Tactics. May give them a play through again on our PS3.
 
I didn’t know the PS3 plays PSone games. I have copies of Final Fantasy VII and XII plus a copy of Final Fantasy Tactics. May give them a play through again on our PS3.
I'm not sure if it matters the version of PS3, but mine isn't one of the originals that played PS2 games, so I'm guessing all models play PS1 discs. I never did beat FF7 so might have to give it a shot, although I started 6 earlier this year and never finished lol.
 
I never played 6 heard it was great. That is the one with the different classes and skills system right?
I really don't remember lol. I feel like there were classes but don't remember if I really had the ability to change between them per character.
 
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Dead by Daylight - It's a horror themed 4 v 1 competitive multiplayer game. After about 10 hours of play time, these are the things I don't like about it.

- It's janky as ****.
- I think the maps suck but I can't tell if it's by design.
- After 10 hours playing almost exclusively as a survivor, I have two wins. Part of me likes this though.
- It feels a lot like a crappy version of Splinter Cell Spies vs Mercs, one of my favorite games of all time. So many things, like stealth and gadgets were executed so much better back when Pandora Tomorrow released.

Yet I play, and enjoy, because this is almost exactly my type of game.
 
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I have a large backlog of AAA games but keep getting stuck on the simpler to pick up and play Indies. Right now it’s mostly Dead Cells and Skyforce. Super addictive games.
 
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Dead by Daylight - It's a horror themed 4 v 1 competitive multiplayer game. After about 10 hours of play time, these are the things I don't like about it.

- It's janky as ****.
- I think the maps suck but I can't tell if it's by design.
- After 10 hours playing almost exclusively as a survivor, I have two wins. Part of me likes this though.
- It feels a lot like a crappy version of Splinter Cell Spies vs Mercs, one of my favorite games of all time. So many things, like stealth and gadgets were executed so much better back when Pandora Tomorrow released.

Yet I play, and enjoy, because this is almost exactly my type of game.
I played it back shortly after it came out. Enjoyed it but didn't hold my attention for very long.
 
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I have a large backlog of AAA games but keep getting stuck on the simpler to pick up and play Indies. Right now it’s mostly Dead Cells and Skyforce. Super addictive games.

Man, I'm digging me some Skyforce right now too. I loved the first one and Reloaded is just as good, though, infinitely more grindy. You should checkout the leader boards.
 
I'm currently playing:

X1: Mafia 3. Really interesting game. Very strong narrative that resonates with me. Outside of some questionable control mechanics I don't know why the game bombed.

Ps4: Persona 5. Game is oozing with style and flair. Very enjoyable so far

Switch: Octopath Traveler. Best sprite based game I've played in a while. Seems like its going to be a long burn though.

I've dropped Dragon Ball Fighterz for now. After playing through Injustice 2 and its story mode, DB fighters can't hold my attention.
 
Man, I'm digging me some Skyforce right now too. I loved the first one and Reloaded is just as good, though, infinitely more grindy. You should checkout the leader boards.

Damnit! You already passed me up. I thought I was doing good. Lol
 
One mission left in Strange Brigade. Been a fun game playing through once solo. Wanted to do so first to enjoy the story and explore before going with randoms that just want to sprint through as fast as possible. Couple other game modes I haven't tried yet including horde which would be fun.

Reading the Steam forums everyone was crying about the price being too high but meh. Think it's $50 (maybe $40-45 for pre-order) which isn't bad. Already sitting at 10 hours played in one playthrough and haven't even dug into coop fun. I'm sure I can hit my one hour per dollar spent on the game goal.
 
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One mission left in Strange Brigade. Been a fun game playing through once solo. Wanted to do so first to enjoy the story and explore before going with randoms that just want to sprint through as fast as possible. Couple other game modes I haven't tried yet including horde which would be fun.

Reading the Steam forums everyone was crying about the price being too high but meh. Think it's $50 (maybe $40-45 for pre-order) which isn't bad. Already sitting at 10 hours played in one playthrough and haven't even dug into coop fun. I'm sure I can hit my one hour per dollar spent on the game goal.

I really liked ZAT, and Sniper Elite games were alright. Will be definitely picking up SB sometime in the future.
 
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I beat the story mode and decided to try out horde mode. It was a laggy s***fest but fun. Hopefully just a laggy host and not a sign of issues overall. It can get really hectic and we only beat the first round of 15 waves. Looks like it goes to 5 rounds. It does save your progress to the next time I play I could start at Round 2, but not sure what that means as far as the weapons I purchased, or money picked up throughout the previous round.


Other than that, I'm playing F1 2018 (PC) and NBA 2k19 (PS4). With Strange Brigade beat I need to pick up a new single player game. I am maybe halfway through Witcher 2 but really lost interest in playing that unfortunately. I decided to download a few games on the PS4, Bloodborne, God of War 3 Remaster, and Infamous First Light. I'm thinking of finally trying to play through Bloodborne and get further than the second or third boss this time. Tis the season of horror and it definitely fits the atmosphere.
 
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Dead Cells - 7/10

Pick it up if you were crazy about Rogue Legacy.

For most of my experience, this game was a 9/10. Problem is it’s not super hard to get to the last boss once you get the right weapons (bows and turrets) but it’s an hour journey to get a shot at him every time. It’s a bit daunting to know your going to spend an hour to get a 30 second dual with the boss.

To me, that difficulty imbalance drops the game to a 8/10. Too easy to get to the end...to get a shot at mastering 30 seconds of difficulty.
 
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For most of my experience, this game was a 9/10. Problem is it’s not super hard to get to the last boss once you get the right weapons (bows and turrets) but it’s an hour journey to get a shot at him every time. It’s a bit daunting to know your going to spend an hour to get a 30 second dual with the boss.

To me, that difficulty imbalance drops the game to a 8/10. Too easy to get to the end...to get a shot at mastering 30 seconds of difficulty.

Crap.

Tell me one thing though...The locked doors (this door was sealed 1:46 seconds ago). What purpose do they serve and should I be trying to get to them before they lock? Right now I just fight everything I see.
 
Crap.

Tell me one thing though...The locked doors (this door was sealed 1:46 seconds ago). What purpose do they serve and should I be trying to get to them before they lock? Right now I just fight everything I see.

I still fight everything I see. There’s goodies behind the locked doors but from what I understand, they aren’t game changing. More important to collect everything on the main map and get the runes. Bows and turrets make the game much easier.
 
Started up Bloodborne tonight. Only played to the first shortcut unlocked, but had a ton of fun. After not getting very far at launch, I feel Nioh did a good job of getting me hyped for this type of game so hopefully I can keep at it. Hopefully I can remember how to take down the Cleric Beast....
 
Finally putting down Dead Cells. Was a great game up to the last boss. It’s not that the last boss seems impossible. It’s that it takes an hour to get a try at him. 5 hours+ to get 5 short attempts at him. There should be some unlockable short cuts to get there to balance the game out. It’s artificial grind that’s no longer fun when the rest of the game is unchallenging for an hour to get one shot at him. Can’t speed run because won’t be powered up enough to take him on.

Tried Destiny 2 again. Just don’t get it. Still cannot force myself to like it. As a longtime Classic Halo fan who also likes the gameplay of both old and new Halo, I dislike this blend. The campaign is nonsensical, boring and bland. Can’t grind my way through this to be leveled up enough to join a party. One of the most boring FPS campaigns I’ve played in recent years.
 
I’m taking a newish approach to gaming. No longer thinking I have to beat games or bust. Playing until I get my fill then moving on. Going to look online to get remainder of story in some cases.

I went nearly a 10 year period starting in 2006 where I barely played single player games. Went through life struggles and mostly walked away from games with the exception of a few comfortable online games and sports games during this period. So this backwards compat thing is a benefit to me more than most.

Batman RTAA - first Batman I’ve played and this game is damned good. I’m not usually a fan of superhero games (or even most movies) because I think it’s easy to predict who’s going to live and die. As purely a videogame, Arkham Asylum is excellent. Fun combat and sandbox. 8.75 so far but I’ll keep playing. Confident I’ll eventually beat it.

Splinter Cell Conviction - got this as a Game with Gold. Haven’t played a Splinter Cell since the 2nd one on OG Xbox. Bit more shooting than I remember in the old ones and so far not enough cool gadgets but story and sandbox are decent. 7.5 so far but I’ll keep playing.

Updated Dead Cells score - 8.25. This game ruined other 2D games for me because of the excellent controls and overall gameplay feel. Tried Hollow Knight and couldn’t get into it thanks to Dead Cells. Game could be a 9+ with rebalancing. Too easy with some builds...up to the final boss. Impossible with others.