Community MetaSteam | October 2021 - Guardians of Ashes: Maiden of Empires

[prudis]

I started playing Inscryption yesterday (the card game from the pony island dev)
I have no idea how far i am, but so far this game is an actual 11/10.

like holy shit. This is not a drill.

The thing the game just made me do, is beyond anything i have expected.

actual spoiler 10 hours in

like for reals

the last warning

the game made me fucking upload files from my computer to damage a boss, with the size of the file being the amount of damage it deals. So i have been uploading hentai pics, which then have been visibly displayed ingame, and one of which is kept hostage by the game, i now have a card ingame tied to the file and if the card dies in combat, the file gets deleted from my computer

actual nsfw warning

for reals bruh

poor baby hentai pics

 

[Mivey]

I'm currently playing PS1 rpg. Actually technically a SNES rpg that was re-released/remade for PS1, Tales of Phantasia.

You can never play to many Tales of Phantasia remasters. There's also a great one for PSP, with some nice additions there.

 

[fokkusu]

Ordered custom color Xbox controller, first one ever Had always like Sony or Nintendo controller.

 

[Le Pertti]

Ordered custom color Xbox controller, first one ever Had always like Sony or Nintendo controller.

One day I will do that! Been planning that for ever but can’t decide what my color scheme is!

 

[Cacher]

So many games in my Steam backlog yet here I am starting another old PS2 RPG.

I am on handheld mood lately. Finished Kirby Planet Robobot (a masterpiece) and have been playing Puzzle and Dragons Z on 3DS. It is very fun to play, to say the least.

Also discover how much I love scanlines. Need to get the new Gleylancer port soon.

 

[fokkusu]

One day I will do that! Been planning that for ever but can’t decide what my color scheme is!

Yeah I spent like 3 weeks to decide what will it be. Here is the one now that I ordered.

 

[Li Kao]

Also discover how much I love scanlines. Need to get the new Gleylancer port soon.

Scanlines Bros Assemble !

 

[fantomena]

Work OneDrive almost fucked my private documents, got hella stressed when I started deleting document from online onedrive and they got deleted on my local, but got it fixed, it seems.

Such an amazing game! Cant wait to see if there is a sequel, that is much meatier and more living world.

Play this next

 

[Cacher]

Scanlines Bros Assemble !

 

[pinson]

I am on handheld mood lately. Finished Kirby Planet Robobot (a masterpiece) and have been playing Puzzle and Dragons Z on 3DS. It is very fun to play, to say the least.

Also discover how much I love scanlines. Need to get the new Gleylancer port soon.

It's not a real retro playthrough without a very lengthy pre-game "which shader am I gonna use this time???" moment.

 

[Avern]

I just finished Inscryption and without wanting to get too spoilery, I thought the first part was so much more enjoyable than the later parts that it kind of brought down the experience for me. The initial stuff is 10/10, but the later stuff is just 7/10 fine, and it feels worse than that because I just want to go back to the early content. It's really interesting to see how the different parts compare to each other, but they just weren't equally fun.

Late game spoilers, please don't click if you haven't played

The way P03's version of the game is more modern and balanced is super clever. The way it uses Dark Souls style progression and Hearthstone energy kind of feels like a commentary on how card games have changed over the years to be more sterile in pursuit of balance. That was definitely the read I walked away with, since the broken nonsense of Leshy's game was so fun in comparison. Why yes, I will win the fight on turn 1 by playing a buffed up Mantis God, thank you.

 

[PhaZZe]

the prices of gpu are so random.

i can buy a evga 3080ti xc3 cheaper that a asus strix 3080

 

[dex3108]

 

[Dragon1893]

Finally got around to playing Dishonored 2 and I'm already regretting putting it off for so long.

 

[Deku]

Also discover how much I love scanlines. Need to get the new Gleylancer port soon.

Scanlines for life! I am currently playing the SNES version of Trials of Mana with scanlines enabled. The game look so much with better with it

Greylancer looks nice, too bad it's not available on PC

 

[xinek]

I just finished Inscryption and without wanting to get too spoilery, I thought the first part was so much more enjoyable than the later parts that it kind of brought down the experience for me. The initial stuff is 10/10, but the later stuff is just 7/10 fine, and it feels worse than that because I just want to go back to the early content. It's really interesting to see how the different parts compare to each other, but they just weren't equally fun.

How are you all getting past the first part, which I'm assuming is the card game? The best I've gotten is halfway to the third boss.

Spoiler for card game mechanic

One thing I just realized is that you get a chance to play your death cards. Here I was building crappy death cards, because I thought I'd possibly be playing AGAINST them. So now there's a big cache of crap death cards, and I don't even see them every game anyway.

 

[Mor]

This week

 

[Wok]

The best I've gotten is halfway to the third boss.

The trick with card games is usually to fond a broken mechanic and exploit it to its fullest potential.

I think you only get to keep the last one of your death cards for the next game. If you want to focus on building an awesome death card, you can try to lower one card's cost, buff one card's strength, and have a great ability, and hope you get a chance to merge all of these at the end of your run.

However, there are other mechanics which you can use. Keep an open mind (and be lucky).

Finally, when you feel like you are hitting a wall in a game, it can be a good idea to stand up, walk away, do other things, and come back later with a fresh mind.

 

[MomoVideo]

 

[Avern]

How are you all getting past the first part, which I'm assuming is the card game? The best I've gotten is halfway to the third boss.

Spoiler for card game mechanic

One thing I just realized is that you get a chance to play your death cards. Here I was building crappy death cards, because I thought I'd possibly be playing AGAINST them. So now there's a big cache of crap death cards, and I don't even see them every game anyway.

Spoiler

Progress in that part of the game is one part learning ways to break the game and one part metaprogression, mostly through the escape room mechanics. Be sure to occasionally poke around the room to see if there's anything you can solve or interact with that you couldn't before, especially the puzzles on the drawers. Not all of it is necessary to win, but some of the stuff can lead to massive boosts in your overall power.

It's also worth noting that the bosses are mostly based around gimmicks. Once you understand them, they should become pretty trivial to beat as long as you play around them. Outside of that, be sure to take your time, think ahead, and if you're going to lose, it's almost always worth it to spend items if they'll get you through. Having full candles when you enter a boss fight is huge for building momentum.

 

[Arc]

This week

FH5 is going to do insane numbers on Steam.

 

[lashman]

FH5 is going to do insane numbers on Steam.

not with that regional pricing

 

[Alexandros]

A Sony exec advertizing a Sony game running on a non Sony platform. Crazy times we live in.

 

[lashman]

A Sony exec advertizing a Sony game running on a non Sony platform. Crazy times we live in.

Win3 Means Life

 

[yuraya]

Sony will definitely do a PS5 portable device. Steam Deck is running plenty of demanding games so there is no way these PS5 and PS4 games can't run in portable mode at 720p res.

AMD partnership is already there too. Its all a matter of a little bit of effort from Sony at this point.

No way they don't try it with how dominant the Switch has been and all the hype for the Deck.

 

[Wok]

I have had a look at Steam250's list of hidden gems released this year. I have tailored the list to games in the 14.99€-20€ price range with 100 to 600 reviews.
I might as well list the results below for everyone else to enjoy.

~ 500 reviews, 97% positive

~ 400 reviews, 97% positive

~ 300 reviews, 99% positive

~ 200 reviews, 98% positive

Edit: You can easily browser similar results on GameDataCrunch with a filtered view:

Top hidden gems on Steam, by GameDataCrunch

Top hidden gems on Steam, sorted by hidden gem score

www.gamedatacrunch.com

Here are 4 other hidden gems release this year found using GameDataCrunch.

~ 300 reviews, 97% positive

~ 200 reviews, 96% positive

~ 200 reviews, 95% positive

~ 200 reviews, 95% positive

 

[toxicitizen]

Finally got around to playing Dishonored 2 and I'm already regretting putting it off for so long.

I felt the same way about both Dishonored 2 and Prey and I expect I'll feel the same way about Deathloop once I get around to it. At some point I'll realize that I should just play all of Arkane's games at launch but I guess I'm not quite there yet. And I don't think Redfall is the one that's gonna sway me. If they ever make Prey 2 or Dishonored 3, though....

 

[fantomena]

This week

aka "pc players don't really care for game pass"

 

[dex3108]

I returned to Bully after Far Cry 6 and i kinda enjoy playin Bully more than i did FC6 XD

 

[Aaron D.]

Finished Northern Journey. 32 hours (I'm a hidden loot hunter so my times are always inflated.)

Hot damn what a hidden gem. ATM it's locked in at #3 for my GOTY list.

I'm an indie snob so my top picks for the year are typically under-the-radar affairs to begin with. But it's been a LONG time since I've enjoyed something this much that virtually everyone is sleeping on. Even my favorite nerd-out logistics games get some kind of traction within the niche audiences they serve.

For a one-man team Northern Journey is an absolute triumph.

Just wowzers.

 

[dex3108]

I really hope that Hogwarts Legacy will scratch that Bully itch that many of us have (and i hope that it will scratch it next year)

 

[gabbo]

Finally got around to playing Dishonored 2 and I'm already regretting putting it off for so long.

More thoughts! I really need to dive back in and play as Emily at some point

 

[xxr]

I am on handheld mood lately. Finished Kirby Planet Robobot (a masterpiece) and have been playing Puzzle and Dragons Z on 3DS. It is very fun to play, to say the least.

Also discover how much I love scanlines. Need to get the new Gleylancer port soon.

Scanlines Bros Assemble !

Absolutely disgusting. I bet you sickos add intense chromatic aberration and bloom to your games as well.

Don't even reply to me, filth

 

[Dinjoralo]

Dorf fortress is gonna be... interesting.

I keep making posts and forgetting to send them.

 

[Avern]

Finished Northern Journey. 32 hours (I'm a hidden loot hunter so my times are always inflated.)

Hot damn what a hidden gem. ATM it's locked in at #3 for my GOTY list.

I'm an indie snob so my top picks for the year are typically under-the-radar affairs to begin with. But it's been a LONG time since I've enjoyed something this much that virtually everyone is sleeping on. Even my favorite nerd-out logistics games get some kind of traction within the niche audiences they serve.

For a one-man team Northern Journey is an absolute triumph.

Just wowzers.

I picked this up after your last post highlighting it, and I just got around to digging in this morning. I'm really enjoying it so far, so thanks for recommending it!

I think something early 3D games were great at was creating spaces with a sense of mystery and intrigue. The combination of obscure secrets and areas that genuinely served little/no purpose made it feel like there could be revelations around any corner. But most modern games feel more utilitarian. If a space exists, you can count on it having a purpose.

So far, Northern Journey is doing a fantastic job of tapping into that sense of adventure. I'm only a bit over an hour in, and already I have a laundry list of questions about things I've encountered, whether they might hide secrets or if the dev just dedicated time creating bespoke assets just to add flavor. It's delightful to explore.

I've seen more and more indie games successfully doing this stuff lately, and I love it. Between Broken Reality, Fatum Betula, Cruelty Squad, the Peripeteia demo, and now Northern Journey, it's feeling like a feast for someone who loved exploring game spaces back in the N64 days.

 

[dfghstrbght]

companies here already telling people they'll be wfh until 2023, can't say I'm sad and I'm not massively enjoying this

 

[Stallion Free]

I have had a look at Steam250's list of hidden gems released this year. I have tailored the list to games in the 14.99€-20€ price range with 100 to 600 reviews.
I might as well list the results below for everyone else to enjoy.

~ 500 reviews, 97% positive

Edit: You can easily browser similar results on GameDataCrunch with a filtered view:

Top hidden gems on Steam, by GameDataCrunch

Top hidden gems on Steam, sorted by hidden gem score

www.gamedatacrunch.com

Read a bunch of the reviews for this and added to my wishlist. 1000% my type of game. Great find !

 

[Aaron D.]

I picked this up after your last post highlighting it, and I just got around to digging in this morning. I'm really enjoying it so far, so thanks for recommending it!

Sweet. Glad you're enjoying!

I think something early 3D games were great at was creating spaces with a sense of mystery and intrigue. The combination of obscure secrets and areas that genuinely served little/no purpose made it feel like there could be revelations around any corner. But most modern games feel more utilitarian. If a space exists, you can count on it having a purpose.

This is a big thing that struck me as noted in my initial impressions earlier. The dev doesn't fuss or muss over 100 map objective markers like you see in almost every similar title today. They simply say, "Hey, here's a list of 4 or 5 current objectives in your journal. Now GO!"

It serves to give the world a sense of identity and space outside of the player. A level isn't a list of A to B to C map icons to be beaten before moving on. It feels like an authentic place that's indifferent to the player's presence. "Figure it out on your own. Or not. I'll still be here either way."

When I think of the Ubisoft brand of map-icon chasing, it just makes the worlds feel claustrophobic & dynamically stagnant. Where NJ's dev, perhaps inspired by older genre titles, is willing to let the world breath with gargantuan maps and little hand-holding.

I've seen more and more indie games successfully doing this stuff lately, and I love it. Between Broken Reality, Fatum Betula, Cruelty Squad, the Peripeteia demo, and now Northern Journey, it's feeling like a feast for someone who loved exploring game spaces back in the N64 days.

Thanks for the lead on Fatum Betula! Looks sweet and the $5.99 price tag makes it an easy purchase. Though I just nabbed Wildermyth so it might be a minute.

Can't wait for Peripeteia as well. The demo felt a little jank, so I'm hoping the dev cleans it up a bit before launch. Looks quite promising.

 

[dex3108]

If you have issues with Ubisoft games it's not their fault XD

 

[Wok]

Read a bunch of the reviews for this and added to my wishlist. 1000% my type of game. Great find !

Be careful that the game is short!

How long is Adios? | HowLongToBeat

How long is Adios? HowLongToBeat has the answer. Create a backlog, submit your game times and compete with your friends!

howlongtobeat.com

 

[curi0usBystander]

If you have issues with Ubisoft games it's not their fault XD

 

[Stevey]

lol how can fucking Afterburner fuck your game up Ubi?
Jeez

 

[Knurek]

lol how can fucking Afterburner fuck your game up Ubi?
Jeez

It uses RTSS, and RTSS has been known to interfere with (badly coded) games.

 

[Deleted member 113]

I recently picked up Minecraft Dungeons, because of the Halloween event (I was in the mood for a "casual" action game, with Halloween content), and my early impressions are quite positive.

I didn't play more than 10 minutes of Minecraft (building/survival games are not really my thing), so I didn't have any affinity to the brand, but in this case the game is exactly what I expected and wanted it to be: a simple, enjoyable, action rpg, with the block aesthetics working surprisingly well, and a really good soundtrack.
It's the type of game that pretty much anyone can play.

 

[Dragon1893]

More thoughts! I really need to dive back in and play as Emily at some point

I went with Emily, already played as Corvo in the first game and I feel like she'll be more interesting. Besides, I just love badass female characters.

 

[CommodoreKong]

companies here already telling people they'll be wfh until 2023, can't say I'm sad and I'm not massively enjoying this

My company was planning on going hybrid by the end of this month but that got pushed back with no hybrid date currently set.

My company was also going to have a big event in Flordia this week but it got canceled due to covid. Understandable though I was really looking forward to it because a number of the people on my team work in offices in different states and this was going to be my first time meeting some of them in person.

 

[Le Pertti]

I recently picked up Minecraft Dungeons, because of the Halloween event (I was in the mood for a "casual" action game, with Halloween content), and my early impressions are quite positive.

I didn't play more than 10 minutes of Minecraft (building/survival games are not really my thing), so I didn't have any affinity to the brand, but in this case the game is exactly what I expected and wanted it to be: a simple, enjoyable, action rpg, with the block aesthetics working surprisingly well, and a really good soundtrack.
It's the type of game that pretty much anyone can play.

Yeah I really liked it also! I played it on release and been meaning to go back to it, heard they added lots of new stuff into it.

 

[Lashley]

I deleted my system 32 folder and ubisoft games run well now

Highly recommend

 

[thekeats1999]

I find it easier to not play ubisoft games

 

[Arulan]