Community MetaSteam | September 2021 - Welcome to Punxsutawney

[dex3108]

I guess this is another game finished after 31h (maybe more because some game time didn't get logged due to crashes..)

I liked what i have played and it is Arkane game through and through. But i must say that i would put it behind all other Arkane games since Dishonored. I simply expected more from just 4 maps. And even those puzzles and secrets you can discover didn't felt good for one reason (big reason why i got disappointed by entire game) and that is bad rewards. You can go and solve some elaborate puzzle for an hour and reward you get is usually disappointing (you get duplicate trinket, weapon or some amount of residium). It depends when you solve that puzzle (earlier you do less chance to get duplicate item). Also after some time game becomes linear. Also story is shallow, even if you read a lot of documents (there are way less lore documents than in Dishonored for example) and after you finish game you still have more questions than answers.

All in all as i said i liked it enough and there is enough Arkane game in it to spend over 30h in game but i hope that they return back to bigger immersive sims like Dishonored and Prey.

 

[Nabs]

 

[Ge0force]

Anyone here played Embracelet? Does it live up to the reviews?

I've played it, it's a very charming game. Definitely worth playing.

 

[dex3108]

I forgot to post some Deathloop screens XD

 

[thekeats1999]

I take it that is the Nacon version?

 

[dex3108]

 

[Stevey]

Been playing Bloodhunt recently and I kind of want to play Vampire: The Masquerade Bloodlines. Anywhere I can get it cheap? It seems like it used to go for $5 but now only goes to $10 on sale.

I also want to try and get into RTS games. Anything you recommend I try first? Anything I should look for in a sale?

Spoiler

Dawn of War and Dawn of War 2
Homeworld Remastered
C+C Remastered
Starcraft and Starcraft 2

All completely different playstyles, but all very very good.

 

[Futaleufu]

I also want to try and get into RTS games. Anything you recommend I try first? Anything I should look for in a sale?

I played Iron Harvest recently and it's a simplified take on the style of games like Men of War and Company of Heroes, with less micromanagement.

 

[Jav]

What Atelier games are actually good?

 

[NarohDethan]

What Atelier games are actually good?

All of them. But Ryza is the most newbie friendly. Nelke is a spin off so you might want to stay away from it.

 

[Stone Ocean]

What Atelier games are actually good?

Atelier is a somewhat consistently decent series, it's just held back by budget restraints.

 

[Kvik]

What Atelier games are actually good?

Atelier Sophie is beginner-friendly. You don't have the time-constraint mechanics of the older games, but the synthesis mechanic is good and more involved compared to the previous entries.

If you're comfortable with time management, consider the older games as well, especially the Arland quadrilogy. They have a lot of endings and sadly require a lot of grinding to acquire certain endings.

 

[Cacher]

Tales of Arise's main story done~ A solid 8/10. I still like Vesperia more but this one is pretty good, too.

I may write up something in the rating thread later. For now, time to head back to some games that I have abandoned.

Edit: After putting in more thought, I think it deserves a lower score. 7.5/10

Reviews - Rate the game you finished/retired

I completely agree about both God of War and Horizon being overhyped to high heavens. They are solid games and technically brilliant, but GOTY they ain't.

metacouncil.com

 

[Lashley]

The true Nvidia RTX legacy isn't ray tracing, it's DLSS | PC Gamer


Not a good look

 

[Stone Ocean]

Tried the Voice of Cards demo. I was under the impression it was a card game, but it's just a normal JRPG with a card game presentation. Really lovely, might grab it at launch if I can find a decent price.

 

[Digoman]

So..... "if you don't like it just refund the game and shut up".

Even if they decide that abandoning their strict no DRM policy is a "good" idea, Hitman 2016 is probably not best game to do it with. All those online elements were already annoying at release, but now are just stupid.

Also... this talk of GoG and bad PR reminded me of that "shutdown" stunt.... and then I realized that was f*cking 11 years ago

 

[Durante]

Atelier Sophie is beginner-friendly. You don't have the time-constraint mechanics of the older games, but the synthesis mechanic is good and more involved compared to the previous entries.

If you're comfortable with time management, consider the older games as well, especially the Arland quadrilogy. They have a lot of endings and sadly require a lot of grinding to acquire certain endings.

I kind of miss the time management aspect and do not miss it at the same time. I really enjoyed that "logistics & supply chain management" part back then, and the feeling of having optimized every hour of every day, but I don't know if I could do it these days.

Anyway, Totori is still my all time favourite.

 

[Cacher]

Sword Boy Musou has a PC version on DMM in Japan. Not sure if it will be released on Steam in the future, nonetheless, it's interesting to see that it is coming west.

News - Touken Ranbu Warriors (Switch) - releasing on 24 May, 2022

https://www.koeitecmoamerica.com/touken-warriors/ The Year is 2205. "History Revisionists" began attacking the past to change history. In order to stop them, the Government of the Time appointed the "Saniwa" with protecting history. Saniwa can awaken tsukumogami (tools with spirits), the Touken...

metacouncil.com

 

[QFNS]

Tried the Voice of Cards demo. I was under the impression it was a card game, but it's just a normal JRPG with a card game presentation. Really lovely, might grab it at launch if I can find a decent price.

I checked it out also. Not what I expected. Seems interesting. I'm probably in for anything Yoko Taro does.

 

[PC-tan]

Sword Boy Musou has a PC version on DMM in Japan. Not sure if it will be released on Steam in the future, nonetheless, it's interesting to see that it is coming west.

News - Touken Ranbu Warriors (Switch) - releasing on 24 May, 2022

https://www.koeitecmoamerica.com/touken-warriors/ The Year is 2205. "History Revisionists" began attacking the past to change history. In order to stop them, the Government of the Time appointed the "Saniwa" with protecting history. Saniwa can awaken tsukumogami (tools with spirits), the Touken...

metacouncil.com

It will likely not release on Steam in the future. DMM is the owner of the IP, that is there involvement with the game and from my understanding (from what it says on gemastsu).

The game will be shown at TGS but it will be the DMM version and not the N/S, so that should tell you something especially when it comes to gameplay of how they show off the game on consoles instead of PC even though more often then not tbe PC build runs a lot better.

DMM has used Steam in the past themselves and while in interviews they mention that they don't see Steam as a rival you still shouldn't expect to see a lot of their stuff/stuff that they are publishing on Steam.

As for coming west it seems like N/S will be the only way to play since DMM is Japan only from what I remember (I don't know if it's region locked or not) which is sort of funny even though they themselves have mentioned about trying to expand to the west and have DMM available to those in the west.


Something else to note about DMM for those that don't know they also publish/localize western games and release them in Japan and in doing so also pretty much take the Japan localization of certain PC games hostage, so if you wanted to play the game in Japanese you would have to buy it from DMM and not Steam. So they wanted to get some western indie to be DMM Japanese localization exclusive I guess.


I know a little something something from looking around over the years. I'm not an expert like I'm sure that some of the others here (and which is why information that I share could be wrong and my own misinterpretation) know more on the subject matter.

 

[inky]

Releasing a game that requires an internet connection at all times for progression and extra content on GOG is so dumb.

Calling it a review bomb is even dumber.

 

[Lashley]

Releasing a game that requires an internet connection at all times for progression and extra content on GOG is so dumb.

Calling it a review bomb is even dumber.

yup, and people defending it ffs

 

[QFNS]

I dunno who was surprised that Hitman would have issues on GOG. Like the whole game was an online always connected thing. Don't acted surprised. It's like a 4+ year old game.

 

[xxr]

I dunno who was surprised that Hitman would have issues on GOG. Like the whole game was an online always connected thing. Don't acted surprised. It's like a 4+ year old game.

Sorry but who are you to dictate how people should react

 

[Lashley]

I dunno who was surprised that Hitman would have issues on GOG. Like the whole game was an online always connected thing. Don't acted surprised. It's like a 4+ year old game.

aksually, only 90% of the game is tied to online

So it is DRM free

 

[ListeningGarden]

imo it wouldn't be such an issue if it were just an inability to access community created content - needing a connection and some kind of authentication for the backend makes sense there. it's the unlocks and progression being fully tied to the online system locking offline players out on a service which people buy from specifically to avoid needing always on connections or publisher mandated limitations on their access to content which makes this egregious. by selling on gog, i would have thought some time would have been taken to at least nullify whatever authentication would be required to validate equipment upgrades and location advancements before selling on the service, so i understand this being a pain point for the usual gog clientele.

 

[Kyougar]

I kind of miss the time management aspect and do not miss it at the same time. I really enjoyed that "logistics & supply chain management" part back then, and the feeling of having optimized every hour of every day, but I don't know if I could do it these days.

Anyway, Totori is still my all time favourite.

I also loved the time mechanics and I can't get into the new Atelier games because it feels more like a semi-open-world exploration game.
And the biggest issue I have with the non-time-management games is the loos of the feeling of the progress of time and years itself. This was especially prevalent in Escha to Logie and Ayesha (my favorites)

 

[Cacher]

It will likely not release on Steam in the future. DMM is the owner of the IP, that is there involvement with the game and from my understanding (from what it says on gemastsu).

The game will be shown at TGS but it will be the DMM version and not the N/S, so that should tell you something especially when it comes to gameplay of how they show off the game on consoles instead of PC even though more often then not tbe PC build runs a lot better.

DMM has used Steam in the past themselves and while in interviews they mention that they don't see Steam as a rival you still shouldn't expect to see a lot of their stuff/stuff that they are publishing on Steam.

As for coming west it seems like N/S will be the only way to play since DMM is Japan only from what I remember (I don't know if it's region locked or not) which is sort of funny even though they themselves have mentioned about trying to expand to the west and have DMM available to those in the west.

Something else to note about DMM for those that don't know they also publish/localize western games and release them in Japan and in doing so also pretty much take the Japan localization of certain PC games hostage, so if you wanted to play the game in Japanese you would have to buy it from DMM and not Steam. So they wanted to get some western indie to be DMM Japanese localization exclusive I guess.

I know a little something something from looking around over the years. I'm not an expert like I'm sure that some of the others here (and which is why information that I share could be wrong and my own misinterpretation) know more on the subject matter.

Yeah, I guess this is why many older games from Japanese developers do not have Japanese on steam. They want people to play on their own platforms, or platforms that can make more money.

I doubt many people in the west are interested in Toukan Ranbu, so limiting the release on one platform does seem logical.

 

[inky]

yup, and people defending it ffs

Some people's whole reason to go on forums is to take the opposite stance of whatever anyone says. It's probably their favorite hobby. Losers.

 

[Jawmuncher]

What Atelier games are actually good?

I kind of miss the time management aspect and do not miss it at the same time. I really enjoyed that "logistics & supply chain management" part back then, and the feeling of having optimized every hour of every day, but I don't know if I could do it these days.

Anyway, Totori is still my all time favourite.

I'm glad it isn't just me. I recently beat Ryza and while it was enjoyable, it just didn't catch me the same way totori did (Which is the one i'd recommend as a first time play). The time management there was just a really nice hook and the flow just felt more worthwhile? Not sure how to put it but I felt like I was on a fun adventure and making friends in Totori. The events of Ryza I felt like my friend group got forced on a job lol.

 

[Deku]

Tried the Voice of Cards demo. I was under the impression it was a card game, but it's just a normal JRPG with a card game presentation. Really lovely, might grab it at launch if I can find a decent price.

Voice of Cards: The Isle Dragon Roars & DLC Set | PC - Steam | Game Keys

Pick up your Voice of Cards: The Isle Dragon Roars & DLC Set PC copy from Green Man Gaming today and remember to sign in for our best price

www.greenmangaming.com

20% off on GMG

 

[dfghstrbght]

 

[fantomena]

I bought Sinking City. I feel disgusted by myself. Considering refunding it now.

 

[curi0usBystander]

I bought Sinking City. I feel disgusted by myself. Considering refunding it now.

I take it's the nacon version ? Did they ever update the full version or are they still using that hacked up version

Speaking of nacon games in a weird limbo, whatever happened to paranoia ? (truth be told the only reason I remember this game exists is because one day it dissapeared from the EGS and nobody realised for like a month).

 

[Tomasety]

Your Bronze Loyalty Page | Green Man Gaming XP | Game Keys

Claim your Bronze rewards - level up and get access to enhanced discounts on top tier games, exclusive rewards, giveaways, contests, access to industry partner offers and much more!

www.greenmangaming.com

If you don't have access to the xp program I believe you can ask for an invite code from an xp user like this:

----


8 times in a bundle.

----

Sinking City is Nacon version, they even added 2 DLCs to the game.

---

Hard Reset Redux + Redeemer Double Pack | Steam Game Bundle | Fanatical

Fists and firearms at the ready, get ready to join the fight...

www.fanatical.com

 

[Ascheroth]

That Yoko Taro card game is super interesting from what I played from the demo.
But why is it locked to 1080p? Call me petty, but this made me go from "hm, maybe I'll preorder it, it's neat", to "I'll pick it up in a sale unless they fix this".
In the year 2021 I have no desire to go out of my way to "reward" games that don't even fulfill the bare minium. 60 fps lock is also stupid but whatever, but 1080p lock on a 1440p monitor just looks bad.

 

[Mor]

Sword Boy Musou has a PC version on DMM in Japan. Not sure if it will be released on Steam in the future, nonetheless, it's interesting to see that it is coming west.

News - Touken Ranbu Warriors (Switch) - releasing on 24 May, 2022

https://www.koeitecmoamerica.com/touken-warriors/ The Year is 2205. "History Revisionists" began attacking the past to change history. In order to stop them, the Government of the Time appointed the "Saniwa" with protecting history. Saniwa can awaken tsukumogami (tools with spirits), the Touken...

metacouncil.com

Short answer: no it won't
Long answer: there'a tiny chance (like 0.0000085663258%) it will but don't hold your breath.

I take it's the nacon version ? Did they ever update the full version or are they still using that hacked up version

Speaking of nacon games in a weird limbo, whatever happened to paranoia ? (truth be told the only reason I remember this game exists is because one day it dissapeared from the EGS and nobody realised for like a month).

Nobody knows what happened between dev and publisher, dev simply disappeared. Not even media knows.

 

[madjoki]

I take it's the nacon version ? Did they ever update the full version or are they still using that hacked up version

It's updated, and recently also got DLCs released which Nacon has rights for. (Switch and Gamesplanet exclusive DLC not included)

Your Bronze Loyalty Page | Green Man Gaming XP | Game Keys

Claim your Bronze rewards - level up and get access to enhanced discounts on top tier games, exclusive rewards, giveaways, contests, access to industry partner offers and much more!

www.greenmangaming.com

Can't use existing credit, I guess so you can give credit code for friend and loop that way?

 

[Jawmuncher]

 

[fantomena]

Tried the demo of


that was really good.

 

[Alexandros]

I am finishing up Encased, it's a really solid Fallout-style cRPG. My review for it will be going live within the next couple of days. It's quite impressive how there is so much choice these days in genres that were once considered as dying.

 

[Joe Spangle]

I hate the always online stuff about Hitman. Ordinarily wouldn't have got a single player game with that restrictive bollocks in it but Hitman just about gets a pass as its so good. Definitely don't think it should be on GOG though, call it whatever you like but the game requires an online connect to get anything out of it. I love 1&2 but after the eggsclusivity ill be waiting on a big discount for 3.

 

[Prodigy]

All in all as i said i liked it enough and there is enough Arkane game in it to spend over 30h in game but i hope that they return back to bigger immersive sims like Dishonored and Prey.

Honestly, I'm still in the middle of my playthrough (and I am enjoying it ), but everytime I'm doing something or running through these levels, all I want to do is install dishonored 2 or death of an outsider again.

 

[Li Kao]

Psychonauts 2 100% finished.

|OT| - The 2021 MetaCouncil's Addiction Log (track your finished games here!)

13 - Carrion - PC (Game Pass) - 05/08/21 A neat concept (which I'm pretty certain has been done before, can't remember the games, though) that maybe should have stayed in its idea form. There is not enough there to make a compelling game that doesn't overstay its welcome HARD. Basically...

metacouncil.com

Flawed masterpiece, multi-year GOTY. Come for the sequel to a minor cult plate-former, stay for the incredible writing. They went above and beyond.

 

[fspm]

Personally, I find it hard to see how this game became so popular.

Chainsaw.
Active reload was neat too.

 

[Knurek]

Hitman should be on GOG only if they'd include a offline server emulator.

 

[Deku]

Hitman should be on GOG only if they'd include a offline server emulator.

And include all the elusive targets as always available

 

[Dragon1893]

Shin Megami Tensei III Nocturne HD Remaster

Historical low 23,79€.

 

[Digoman]

So, how is everyone doing toda.....

- Sees the ERA's Hitman discussion where people are stupidly arguing semantics and that having to connect and authenticate to a online server for a single player progression is not technically DRM

Okay.... that's a facepalm gif for me here.....

- Goes to a local forum Steam/PC thread and reads users complaining about how Bayonetta has too many clothes now and also how every major female character is getting uglier, including Lara Croft having "ugly sjw face" and that Aloy is going to be a overweight old woman by Horizon 3

And that's a faceplant on the desk one.

I see the internet is being very.... "internety" today. So I will just say that I really like this place

 

[Parsnip]

Blossom Tales sequel under new pub huh. I wonder what happened there for the devs to make that change.