Community MetaSteam | May 2019 - Raging About the Rats in Kamurocho

Which of these 4 SEGA games are you getting?


  • Total voters
    123
  • Poll closed .
Status
Not open for further replies.

Ascheroth

Chilling in the Megastructure
Nov 12, 2018
5,335
12,317
113
For some inexplicable reason I'm currently downloading FF XIV :thinking-face:
Well, it's not that inexplicable, they are giving away Heavensward for free atm and I remembered you can play up to level 35 for free and I have the starter edition with a month of playtime from Twitch Prime.

Figured I'd give it a try. Though knowing me I'll probably not play past the free limit. I really don't like subscription based games, more of a Buy2Play person. Especially since I tend to play those games solo anyway and don't give a shit about the MMO aspect and I tend to hop between games all the time.
 

Dan Longman

Custom Title!
Apr 17, 2019
11
64
13
42
Regina, Saskatchewan
Figure I will post these here are well if anyone is curious about Close to the Sun, as it has gotten next to no coverage. I was really pulled in by the Bioshock like atmosphere

Here are some more in depth impressions on Close to the Sun, I have played about 4 hours, I have heard its short 4-5 hours so assuming I will finish tonight.

It looks good for the most part:









It's a dark game, even in areas that should be well lit it's dark it's clear they are going for atmospheric but at the detriment to the game. Enviroments look good but characters and animations look bad.

Technical stuff:
My specs: 2700x @ 4.2 all cores, 2080ti +150mhz core, +800mhz memory, 16GB DDR4 3200cl14, installed on Samsung EVO 860 ssd
On my system it runs for the most part 4k60 solid, but there are occasionally spots where the framerate will drop, yet not utilizing my CPU or GPU even close to 100%.
Graphic options are super limited you have:
Resolution, Full Screen yes or no (no borderless), Vsync, then 3 options: Textures, Shadows and Effects, with Low, Med, High, Very High
you can't change FOV

The soundtrack is pretty great.

Gameplay stuff:
You move slow, you have a sprint (one of the triggers on control and can't change to a stick) but it is very slow.
They are clearly going for a bioshock vibe, show up at a place (this time a ship) and it looks nice, find out very quickly things went to shit. you have a radio with someone talking to you, you are finding notes and codes and opening locked doors. Tesla built the ship. Tesla seems to be the Andrew Ryan stand in.
There is no combat. You get chased at certain times and have to just run, Sort of SOMA like but feels bad and they are horrible sections. you are being chased by (and I shit you not, Jack The Ripper) It reminds me of Everybody has Gone to the rapture in ways as you find "ghosts" of people walking around but you don't actually see anyone other than Jack as stated above and he chases you. but he is animated like a PS2 game. it's so jarring. you basically explore this good looking space but it's boring there is almost no interaction and the notes and whatnot you find are not that interesting (you find Einstein's passport for example and notes people left)
There are some jump scares.

Oh yeah in the chase scenes they put the chromatic aberration to 10 and no way to disable it is the heaviest amount I have ever seen in a game.

Also voice acting while not the worst is very mediocre at most. And story seems really not that interesting to me at all.

Final Thoughts:

It's not a horrible game, but it definitely isn't special. It is trying to be Bioshock but fails hard in that regard. I would have a hard time recommending it to anyone, especially if you are already hesitant to buy it on EGS, maybe it will come to steam someday and I would say if it was on sale I would pick it up. But even at the cheap $30CAD I paid I think I paid too much.

I will continue it and comment when I beat it as I stated I heard it was short but as for now these are my thoughts.
 

「Echo」

Reaper on Station。
Nov 1, 2018
2,771
7,739
113
Mt. Whatever
Humble has used this for long time now. But there should be option to gift it too before you redeem. (For monthly bundles, regular purchases do not have gift option after purchase)
Oh, I see. I guess the recent news had me thinking it was new.

Thanks for clearing it up. (y)

Figure I will post these here are well if anyone is curious about Close to the Sun, as it has gotten next to no coverage. I was really pulled in by the Bioshock like atmosphere

Here are some more in depth impressions on Close to the Sun, I have played about 4 hours, I have heard its short 4-5 hours so assuming I will finish tonight.

It looks good for the most part:









It's a dark game, even in areas that should be well lit it's dark it's clear they are going for atmospheric but at the detriment to the game. Enviroments look good but characters and animations look bad.

Technical stuff:
My specs: 2700x @ 4.2 all cores, 2080ti +150mhz core, +800mhz memory, 16GB DDR4 3200cl14, installed on Samsung EVO 860 ssd
On my system it runs for the most part 4k60 solid, but there are occasionally spots where the framerate will drop, yet not utilizing my CPU or GPU even close to 100%.
Graphic options are super limited you have:
Resolution, Full Screen yes or no (no borderless), Vsync, then 3 options: Textures, Shadows and Effects, with Low, Med, High, Very High
you can't change FOV

The soundtrack is pretty great.

Gameplay stuff:
You move slow, you have a sprint (one of the triggers on control and can't change to a stick) but it is very slow.
They are clearly going for a bioshock vibe, show up at a place (this time a ship) and it looks nice, find out very quickly things went to shit. you have a radio with someone talking to you, you are finding notes and codes and opening locked doors. Tesla built the ship. Tesla seems to be the Andrew Ryan stand in.
There is no combat. You get chased at certain times and have to just run, Sort of SOMA like but feels bad and they are horrible sections. you are being chased by (and I shit you not, Jack The Ripper) It reminds me of Everybody has Gone to the rapture in ways as you find "ghosts" of people walking around but you don't actually see anyone other than Jack as stated above and he chases you. but he is animated like a PS2 game. it's so jarring. you basically explore this good looking space but it's boring there is almost no interaction and the notes and whatnot you find are not that interesting (you find Einstein's passport for example and notes people left)
There are some jump scares.

Oh yeah in the chase scenes they put the chromatic aberration to 10 and no way to disable it is the heaviest amount I have ever seen in a game.

Also voice acting while not the worst is very mediocre at most. And story seems really not that interesting to me at all.

Final Thoughts:

It's not a horrible game, but it definitely isn't special. It is trying to be Bioshock but fails hard in that regard. I would have a hard time recommending it to anyone, especially if you are already hesitant to buy it on EGS, maybe it will come to steam someday and I would say if it was on sale I would pick it up. But even at the cheap $30CAD I paid I think I paid too much.

I will continue it and comment when I beat it as I stated I heard it was short but as for now these are my thoughts.
I'm definitely interested in the game, and I love how atmospheric it looks.

Unfortunately I am not interested in supporting EGS however. So, what can I say...? Hope the game gets all of it's issues fixed by the time it rolls around to Steam? :p

Thanks for your detailed write-up.
 

Knurek

OG old coot
Oct 16, 2018
2,525
6,239
113
For just a few bucks more (at least on Amazon US) the G603 will double your battery life and has a high(1000hz)/low switch for even more battery conservation. Plus the 603 is a little heavier compared to only 99 grams for G305, I dunno if you prefer a ultra-lite mouse but for me they feel a little too flimsy. :face-with-cold-sweat:

I've had my G603 for over a year now and still haven't changed the batteries, despite every-day use. ;)

That said, if the G305 has to be the one you get, it definitely seems to have reviewed well with customers.
Can you tell me if you had the same issue RPS reviewer had with this mouse? Supposedly the scroll has some sharp corners, resulting in hurt fingers.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 「Echo」

「Echo」

Reaper on Station。
Nov 1, 2018
2,771
7,739
113
Mt. Whatever
Can you tell me if you had the same issue RPS reviewer had with this mouse? Supposedly the scroll has some sharp corners, resulting in hurt fingers.
Not me no. But it depends how you hold the mouse. Cuz if I run my finger over that area I can definitely feel how it would be annoying over time.

... but I have never felt that before this post. Because I don't do that claw grip thing lol. My hand sits pretty far back with palm resting on it and my finger only ever touches the tippy-top or back of the wheel. Never the front where those edges are.

The RPS reviewer must have very long fingers or a weird grip. Or am I the weirdo? :unsure: (Looking at customer reviews it doesn't seem to crop up... like at all?)
 

Hektor

Autobahnraser
Nov 1, 2018
5,983
16,588
113
For some inexplicable reason I'm currently downloading FF XIV :thinking-face:
Well, it's not that inexplicable, they are giving away Heavensward for free atm and I remembered you can play up to level 35 for free and I have the starter edition with a month of playtime from Twitch Prime.

Figured I'd give it a try. Though knowing me I'll probably not play past the free limit. I really don't like subscription based games, more of a Buy2Play person. Especially since I tend to play those games solo anyway and don't give a shit about the MMO aspect and I tend to hop between games all the time.
Heavensward is a legitimately great JRPG story, you should finish that MQ at least.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ascheroth

Ge0force

Excluding exclusives
Jan 12, 2019
4,129
14,354
113
Belgium
Speaking of mice, anyone can shard their thoughts in G305? Don't want a massive mouse like the one lashman posted, needs to be wireless, and priced around €50, so G305 seems to fit all criteria
I'm using the corsair glaive and I love it!
 

beep boop

MetaMember
Dec 6, 2018
2,170
4,558
113
I am only missing the DLC content for DoS2. Do I want it?
No. It's just some PDFs and the OST. I think you get the Sir Lora DLC automatically with the purchase. In any case, also not really important from what I played.
 

kio

MetaMember
Apr 19, 2019
1,616
5,178
113
As someone who spent countless hours in Chivalry when it released, and loved every second of it, I can't even begin to describe how much Mordhau is testing my willpower. Everything screams bigger and better but I must prevail and not buy it... the backlog purging quest must continue. I must not get sidetracked by mp games...
 
  • Like
Reactions: lashman

Arulan

Lizardman
Dec 7, 2018
563
1,979
93
Dan Longman Thanks for the impressions, but I won't support anything on the Epic Games Store.

I'm actually really happy with how well my Steam controller holds up. I got it at launch, and used it at least 10-15 hours every week since then, and I haven't noticed any wear on it.

The one thing I might want is a revision with 2 grip buttons on each side.

FWIW, I use a single basic layout for almost all controller games (standard mapping, but with the right touchpad as a low-friction trackball), and just configure the grip buttons individually.

Edit: I said "bumper" when I meant "grip".
I haven't used mine that much, but it still holds up.

I think what I'd like to see improved the most is its D-Pad functionality (It currently works okay when set to touch only with haptics). Perhaps have the pads click better like those on the HTC Vive controllers, or make the left pad rock like a Sega Saturn D-Pad.

Aside from that, another pair of grip buttons as you suggest could be nice, though squeezing with one finger maybe uncomfortable over a general squeeze. And if we're being picky, the shoulder buttons could feel a little less like a micro-switch.

We're getting these "pc gaming is dead" stories at the start of each console generation. I've even heard the fact that the new consoles will have SSD's as a reason for this on Era. But in the end, pc gaming is more successful than ever, so I'm not too worried. :p
It has never been healthier. There are more good games being released today than ever before, of a vast variety of genres, and all thanks to ease of development and publishing, and alternative forms of funding such as Early Access and crowd-funding. Console exclusives are almost a thing of the past, and you can play just about everything on the platform.

Even the conveniences are better than ever. I can pick up just about any controller and play (my Steam games) on every single display in my house whenever I want. I can grab my phone and play on that. I can even leave my house and continue playing all of my games.
 

BO7AMMOOD

Lucas isn't sure what to do anymore
Apr 18, 2019
650
1,964
93
37
Nothing beats the Metropolis Zone music. Nothing!
Oh I'm not sure about that :face-with-stuck-out-tongue-and-winking-eye:
Oh boy, if you're worried about the lack of pirate stuff in Rogue... Well, let me just say I don't want to ruin any possible surprises :censored:
The setting, while not being the tropical paradise of 4, still reminds me of it at times. Rogue can be very colorful, and the addition of snow (another thing borrowed from 3) is nice.

And yeah, if you're into Rush, pay attention to the mission names. The very first one ("The way the wind blows") already made me think of them. When it kept happening over and over ("Freewill", "The color of right", "Armor and sword", "Circumstances", "Scars" and "Cygnus X-1 Book II: Hemispheres" -welp, not the last one, I made that one up, but the others are real, although they spell it "colour" and "armour") I realized it must have been on purpose. Haven't finished the game yet, so there may be more later; these are the ones I can remember right now. Guess someone at Ubi was a huge Rush fan!
Oh I was under the impression that it was basically all snow! It's good to hear that I shouldn't be worried about that! Let's just say I can see myself getting to it sooner now than I previously had in mind ;)

And yeah, I don't think that all these references are a coincidence! I'll definitely keep an eye out for those mission names when I play it! Now you've got me wishing they actually went ahead and licensed them for those missions! I especially wouldn't mind it if they had specifically included "Closer to the Heart ", "The Twilight Zone", "The Spirit of Radio" :D
 
  • Like
Reactions: RionaaM

RionaaM

Vogon Poetry Appreciator
Sep 6, 2018
887
2,187
93
Oh I'm not sure about that :face-with-stuck-out-tongue-and-winking-eye:

Oh I was under the impression that it was basically all snow! It's good to hear that I shouldn't be worried about that! Let's just say I can see myself getting to it sooner now than I previously had in mind ;)

And yeah, I don't think that all these references are a coincidence! I'll definitely keep an eye out for those mission names when I play it! Now you've got me wishing they actually went ahead and licensed them for those missions! I especially wouldn't mind it if they had specifically included "Closer to the Heart ", "The Twilight Zone", "The Spirit of Radio":D
I call your bluff, and raise you the options menu song!


Man, now I wanna play something with "The spirit of radio" in it, haha. Something that's not Rocksmith, that is, since I'll never be able to play it decenty on bass. Also, Ubi should totally have put the song "Far Cry" during the credits, to tease fans of that franchise.
 

MJunioR

MetaMember
Mar 13, 2019
2,059
5,433
113
While rare in Frontline, 1v1 are extremely thrilling in Mordhau, especially when you and your enemy have a rapier. I'm enjoying it so much, shame that the founders pack don't work at the moment or else I'd buy it too.
 

MonthOLDpickle

我會打敗你!!
Oct 31, 2018
1,712
2,078
113
Taiwan
The early unlock is pretty bad. If it included all modes it may have been slightly better.

Can you pause and unpause increase the next reveal is decent?
 

Myradeer

Rayon de Soleil
Apr 17, 2019
320
498
63
I must admit that I see little difference between Humble Monthly and Gacha grab bag mechanically. Monthly does give you guaranteed spotlight (XCOM2 highlight month was coincidentally only Monthly I bought), but you do have to wait for a month to access rest of the mystery games.
 

Dan Longman

Custom Title!
Apr 17, 2019
11
64
13
42
Regina, Saskatchewan
finished Close to the Sun

That game could have been so good, but the heavy amount of chase sequences that were not Scary just tedious and boring and frustrating when you get hung on geometry to die as there is almost no grace time. and then do it over again. over and over.

Also such a beautiful world with almost no reason to explore, you find notes but they are not interesting. I really wish it was better. But at least the world looks very good and has great atmosphere and it's short, I think I played about 4.5 hours.

5.5/10 from me.


(I have to say the no crappy games on EGS may not be true guys) maybe this Sweeny fellow aint all that honest... 🤔
 

Kvik

Crossbell City Councillor
Dec 6, 2018
4,311
10,708
113
Downunder.
bsky.app
Continuing my playthrough of Ace Attorney, on case 3-2 now.




"That's my line, judge!~"

I was looking for a copy of Ace Attorney 4 on Ebay and they're all fucking expensive. Damn Nintendo shit is always expensive no matter what year. Also, 5-6 doesn't have a physical edition, apparently?
 

MJunioR

MetaMember
Mar 13, 2019
2,059
5,433
113
Well, I be damned, Mordhau just received a patch. Along fixes for matchmaking and the custom server browser, it also fixed the supporter pack items not being received by who bought it. Seems that the new servers might come earlier than expected, and once that's off, we should start seeing new content along with balancing updates. Future is looking bright.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 「Echo」
OP
lashman

lashman

Dead & Forgotten
Sep 5, 2018
32,141
90,538
113
Well, I be damned, Mordhau just received a patch. Along fixes for matchmaking and the custom server browser, it also fixed the supporter pack items not being received by who bought it. Seems that the new servers might come earlier than expected, and once that's off, we should start seeing new content along with balancing updates. Future is looking bright.
dayum, that was FAST!

so glad they're having this much success with it
 
  • Like
Reactions: MJunioR

texhnolyze

Child at heart
Oct 19, 2018
3,621
8,660
113
Indonesia
For some inexplicable reason I'm currently downloading FF XIV :thinking-face:
Well, it's not that inexplicable, they are giving away Heavensward for free atm and I remembered you can play up to level 35 for free and I have the starter edition with a month of playtime from Twitch Prime.

Figured I'd give it a try. Though knowing me I'll probably not play past the free limit. I really don't like subscription based games, more of a Buy2Play person. Especially since I tend to play those games solo anyway and don't give a shit about the MMO aspect and I tend to hop between games all the time.
I know this sounds discouraging, but FFXIV is not a mmorpg that you can simply try. The combat is so boring early on, and the story is nothing special either until you reach the very end and Heavensward. The game shines on its endgame, as the combat will become more engaging with lots of combos and rotations. The dungeons and bosses are also more fun and challenging in later stages of the game. Furthermore, there are tons of side activities which will be unlocked as you progress further, and some of them would require lots of money and/or commitment.

That said, the game can absolutely be played solo, that's what I did.
 

RionaaM

Vogon Poetry Appreciator
Sep 6, 2018
887
2,187
93
AC Rogue is done. That was quick, less than 14 hours for the main story and zero extra stuff. I liked it, it was entertaining enough. Now on to Chronicles: China or whatever it's called, before I tackle Unity.

And now I can 100% confirm many missions are titled after songs from Rush. You don't name a mission "Caress of steel" unless you're referencing the Canadians' third album. Especially not when you've just had two missions called "Cold fire" and "Bravado". I'll be disappointed if the next games in the series don't follow this awesome trend of using prog rock songs and albums for the story quests. AC Genesis next?

Continuing my playthrough of Ace Attorney, on case 3-2 now.




"That's my line, judge!~"

I was looking for a copy of Ace Attorney 4 on Ebay and they're all fucking expensive. Damn Nintendo shit is always expensive no matter what year. Also, 5-6 doesn't have a physical edition, apparently?
You can buy AA4 on the 3DS eShop, if you don't mind having a digital copy.
 

Kvik

Crossbell City Councillor
Dec 6, 2018
4,311
10,708
113
Downunder.
bsky.app
Kvik Can you elaborate on Chrono Trigger mods?
A number of mods come to mind:

  • SNES Classic translation mod. I never played the DS version and although some people prefer the DS port translation, I'm just sticking with what I know.
  • Reduced UI mod, stripping off most of the mobile-esque UI.
  • 6 characters name mod, allowing Crono to be named Chrono.

There are a bunch of other UI mods as well to rearrange the layout of UI elements.

Some helpful links to get you started:



 
Status
Not open for further replies.