Fallout Mania!

As I mentioned last week, the Amazon Prime Fallout series is a video game adaptation that's actually worth watching.  I found it to be a faithful representation of the games with just enough new plot twists to keep it engaging.  Due to the popularity of the series, many people are feeling an urge to check out (or re-play) the games.  Fallout 4 and the semi-doomed multiplayer flop that was (emphasis on the was) Fallout 76 have seen a burst of player activity.  (Fallout 76 was bad at launch, but when I played it, I found it to be an enjoyable experience--you can read my review here) Fallout is having a moment and I've got to admit, I've felt a bit of an itch to go back and give some of it a re-play.

On of my beautiful creations in a settlement.

Bethesda has also decided to capitalize on this moment by releasing the "next gen" update to Fallout 4.  You might've noticed the almost 14 gig update when you popped open your Steam library.  Now, you might be thinking "YESSSS! It's the perfect opportunity!"  however...I'm here to rain on your parade just a little bit.  According to several sources, the PC update is a bit of a crapshoot (this PC Gamer article breaks it down)--at least if you're on PC; the console updates seem to be much better.  If you don't want to read the article, here's the gist of it:

1.) There are basically no graphics updates.  They added widescreen support but it seems to be screwed up and causes a weird, stretched look.

2.) Like any major update, if you use mods (which many PC gamers do) they are all also broken.  This is to be expected, but it means having to wait until the makers of those mods have time to get them compatible with the new update.

3.) Certain settings can cause crashes--apparently RTX cards are impacted by this.

So, if you were feeling extra excited about diving back into Fallout 4, it might be worth waiting until the update gets patched to address some of these issues.  Personally, I'd recommend diving into one of the older titles--Fallout 3 or New Vegas come immediately to mind.  If you're feeling VERY nostalgic or haven't experienced the OG games, I'd also recommend giving them a whirl (Epic Games game them away for free at some point, but you can get all three on Steam for $19.99--worth it, in my opinion).

Happy wasteland adventures!

A Three Pack of Good Gaming News

I'm feeling excited over three items of gaming news (okay, one isn't news, but I'm counting it anyway) this week.  It's not often that we don't get bogged down in many of the negative details, so let's all just enjoy the good vibes!  Here are three items that made me feel happy--enjoy!

1.) Hades II looks fabulous!

Supergiant games did a three hour stream of a technical test of the sequel to the amazing Hades this week.  If you missed it, here's the video:

I haven't given much thought to Hades II, but this play test made me feel excited.  It doesn't look like much of the base gameplay is changing--you're still going to be fighting through procedurally generated levels of baddies--which is a good thing.  I'm intrigued by the story and characters though.  It looks like the protagonist is Melinoe who is possibly the sister of Zagreus (the protagonist and son of Hades and Persephone) and that there's some sort of rebellion going on in the underworld.  (Here's where I'll admit that I don't know exactly how Hades ended--I got far enough with it to have Persephone return to the underworld, but didn't start to unravel the larger plot about the Olympian gods and their banishment of Hades--it kind of makes me want to go back and keep playing through it)  If you know a little bit of Greek mythology, the presence of witches is noticeable when the video gets to the point where Melinoe returns to the central staging area.  Maybe the witches are tied to the rebellion plot?  The big baddie appears to be Chronos, a titan who is tied to time.  Sadly, the play test only features the introductory zones and no boss fights.

Overall, I like what I see so far.  The spirit of the gameplay and gradually unraveling storyline in Hades seems to have been kept intact.  The music and environments are both awesome!  I liked Melinoe's combat skills (with what appears to be a staff) and thought that the ability to freeze foes looks especially promising.

If you're also feeling pumped for Hades II, you can request to be included in the playtest on Steam.

2.) We're getting a SteamWorld Heist II!

Earlier this week Thunderful Games started dropping some hints about an upcoming title and it turned out to be the sequel to the highly enjoyable SteamWorld Heist. (If you're unfamiliar with the SteamWorld series or Heist itself, you can read my review of the first game here) Unlike the previous game which took place in space, this one looks like the Steambots will be battling foes in aquatic environments.  There's a whole new cast of bots to get to know and it looks like there will be plenty of hats to collect.  This unexpected announcement made me feel all kinds of happy because Heist is my favorite game in the genre-hopping SteamWorld series.  Here's the announcement trailer:

3.) The Fallout series is actually good!

Even though I went into it with very low expectations, Amazon Prime's Fallout show has been entertaining.  I've enjoyed the attention to detail--there are so many items and locations from the games that bring back many a fond memory of being randomly scared by an unseen feral ghoul or exploring a creepily empty vault to find out what horrible experiment occurred there.  The story hasn't really done anything too crazy and has stuck to a lot of the same major flashpoints as the games.  There are a few details that players of the game will probably question--for example, there's the addition of some sort of serum that keeps ghouls from turning feral and the weirdly connected vaults 31, 32, and 33.  I'm on the last episode and can say that I'm a bit sad that I've watched it all.  I would recommend giving it a watch.

That Nostalgic Buzz

After finishing up Nobody Saves the World, I decided to take a glance at my wishlist and see if anything was on sale.  That turned out to be a bust, so instead I turned to my library to see if one of the large number of titles that I possess would call out to me--think of a Marie Kondo style "does this one spark joy" type of internal questioning.  I felt a bit flummoxed, but then remembered that awhile back the 1.6 update to Stardew Valley released and that it would be the perfect opportunity to start up yet another farm in that quaint little community.  There's nothing quite like those nostalgic vibes you get when you return to one of your perennial favorites!

If it has been awhile since you've ventured on down to the ol' farmstead in Stardew Valley, it's time to make that trip.  There's tons of new stuff to make that return feel worthwhile.  I was immediately struck by the fact that there are now multiple layouts for your farm that can be tailored to a specific activity--for example, raising animals or fishing.  (The real question--did I choose one of the new ones?  No, I did not.) There are new items--I personally have enjoyed the "mystery boxes" which function like geodes but can turn up from a variety of activities (like digging up worm patches or from fishing treasure chests).  One of the best additions that I have encountered so far is "prize tickets" for completing villager requests.  You can cash in your tickets at a new machine in Lewis's house for a rotating lineup of prizes--some fairly minor, and some that are much better--I got a cool new bed and a giant cow decal!

My newest farm that looks like all my other farms.

If completing quests is your deal, villagers also periodically offer up opportunities for longer, more involved missions that revolve around all the major activities (farming, fishing, mining, etc.).  These missions offer up a cash reward as well as a prize ticket but will also unlock new cutscenes.  They're a fun new addition and an opportunity to find something else to do outside of the normal rotation of tasks.

Many new options for customization have also been added--you can paint your farm buildings different colors, choose custom bobbers while fishing, and even add additional room to the traditional house layout!  I feel like I've barely dipped my toes into what appears to be a deep pool of improvements that have been added in several major updates.  Overall, the world of Stardew Valley has greatly expanded and it's worth revisiting if you're feeling that urge to play something relaxing and wholesome.

On the non-gaming, but still gaming related entertainment front, I've started watching the Amazon Prime Fallout series.  The sense of nostalgia is strong with that one!  Before the first scenes even rolled, I was thinking...they better start this off with an old-timey song or else I don't even know if I can watch this.  Sure enough, one of those classic radio songs that was drilled into your head from playing one of the games came rolling out.  I've got to hand it to them, the attention to detail to the game is very strong--from Vault 33 with it's pristine Vaulti-ness to the items--a stimpack, Pip-Boys, and a Nuka Cola machine.  It was a bit magical when the story switched gears to the Brotherhood of Steel and fully power armor clad paladins came striding into the base.  

There were a few details that I found a bit surprising--namely the fact that they decided to make some of the vaults connected (there's reference to 31, 32, and 33 being connected).  The idea behind this seems to be to address something that I never really thought much about in the game--if it was the same pool of people living in the vaults and reproducing...wouldn't things get a little genetically iffy (there are some funny jokes in the show about messing around with your cousins)?  The show built in an entire wedding/marriage scenario where the vaults exchange members.

I'm enjoying all the fun little game details in the show and plan on watching the entirety of the first season.  The story so far seems a bit typical and it still has a little bit of that janky "this is a video game adaptation feeling," but it's fun.  I'd recommend giving it a watch if you have Prime and are looking for something new.

Microtransactions R' Us

I've been keeping my lil' peepers open for big stories from the gaming world and got a chuckle when I saw some boiling controversy over one of the more debatable aspects of modern games--namely, the addition of microtransactions.  A hotly anticipated game, Dragon's Dogma 2 (*a game and series that I have not played and am not familiar with), released to positive critical review but, to the horror of eager gamers, contained day one microtransactions.  The internets were outraged and quickly expressed their displeasure through rapidly review bombing the bejeezus out of it (it sat at "mostly negative" at release but has now improved to "mixed").  The real question...is freaking out over microtransactions in games warranted?  I have mixed feelings about microtransactions and thought I would pontificate about them to absolutely no one (or the bot that scans my page for DATAS).

Firstly, let it be known that I do not think that I've ever purchased anything that would be considered a "microtransaction."  In general, I'm opposed to spending more than I have to for something that I've already paid full price for.  The closest I've probably come is buying 1 or 2 cute pets in World of Warcraft.

One of those memes.

In general, I think most microtransactions are fine.  If people want to spend more money on something, that's their own business.  It turns out that the microtransactions in Dragon's Dogma 2 are all for items that can be obtained in the game through normal play.  You don't have to purchase an extra item to fast travel or anything like that--you can choose to purchase the additional items.  To me, that's fine.  Many people who play games have a limited time to play and if they don't have the time to grind out extra items, why not?  There are so many goofy memes and jokes about people who want to game but have limited time and there seems to be mounting evidence that gamers actually want shorter games (CD Projekt Red gathered data from The Witcher 3 that showed that most players didn't even finish the game and I just recently read an article about the upcoming HellBlade: Senua's Sacrifice 2 where the devs indicated that gamers want shorter games).  If people want to pay extra to maximize their limited gaming time, I don't see the harm.  The same goes for cosmetic items--if you want that banging, sparkly item and are willing to fork out the cash, that's also totally fine.

However, I do think there are times where microtransactions are egregious.  I don't play any multiplayer games, but any option that could be described as "pay to win," is not okay.  And boy is that a complicated can of worms!  Say you've got the extra cash to buy a bunch of loot boxes or card packs (or whatever item/currency), don't you already have an advantage?  Maybe.

Microtransactions are also a problem when games are intentionally designed to drive people to purchasing them.  It seems like Ubisoft got some flak for this in one of their games awhile back--making parts of it intentionally grindy in order to push players to buy "XP boosts."  That's not okay and definitely deserves the scorn of gamers.

Love them or hate them, the reality is that I don't see the microtransaction system changing any time soon.  I think it's important to be on the lookout for the types that are exploitative or egregious but that most are relatively harmless and totally optional.  If you are really and truly opposed to microtransactions, don't play the games that have them built in--that's really the only way to prove your point.  

Somebody Saved the World

I've spent a bit of time playing through my most recent Steam sale purchase, Nobody Saves the World, and I've managed to save the world.  Shocking, I know!  Now it's time to report on the experience for the benefit of others who are hoping to also do their part to save a fictional world in a video game.

What is it?

Nobody Saves the World  is an open-ish world ARPG-lite type of game.  The story follows a mysterious character (who takes the form of a blobby, humanoid figure with no defining features) who wakes up in a garden shed only to find that they don't remember anything about who they are (amnesia is a classic) and that the world is currently being afflicted by some kind of arch-baddy called "the calamity."  As Nobody, you must join forces with a cast of goofy characters to unlock your own identity and in the process, defeat the calamity.

The gameplay is in an ARPG style but features the ability to change "forms" mostly at will.  Each form has its own special set of abilities and fighting style.  Part of the game involves exploring the map and discovering new locations, quests, challenges, and dungeons.  The other part is, of course, following the main storyline.

How long does a playthrough last?

I finished the entire thing in 30 hours.  It can definitely be finished much faster--I (stupidly) decided to grind out an achievement and that tacked on a good chunk of extra time.  Playtime is dependent on how much time and effort you want to dedicate to completing side content.

Slug form is one of my favorites.

Pros:

+ Ran like a charm and has low specs.  It would run on a potato!  Plus, I bought it for $9.99 on sale, so it can be found for a nice, low price.

+ Goofy sense of humor that brings a lightness to the game.  It's silly without being stupid.

+ SO MANY FORMS!  The most unique aspect of the game is the fact that you unlock forms and can (mostly) switch them at almost any time.  Forms range from the more traditional--the melee-heavy guard or the ranged-arrow flinging ranger--to the whacky; horse and slug forms come immediately to mind.  Each form has its own playstyle that is fun to experiment with and figure out.  Aspects of exploration and gameplay lean on switching forms--narrow passages can only be navigated by small forms (rat or slug); water can be navigated in turtle or mermaid form (you'll get a kick out of mermaid form--it's more Barnum & Bailey than The Little Mermaid).  Finding a favorite is part of the fun.

+ Tons of customization.  Besides being able to swap forms, you can also swap out abilities between classes.  Yes, you can be a horse that also fires arrows (does it make sense?  No, but who cares!).  You can also equip up to four passive abilities that can be shared between forms.  It's a bit mind-numbing, but allows for experimentation to find the best build for a situation or just for blasting baddies.

+ Co-op play.  I'm pretty sure it's only local, but Nobody would be a great game to play with kids.  The gameplay is easy to pick up and the game is very G/PG-rating-esque.

+ Optional side content.  The base game offers up the "impossible dungeon" which is a procedurally generated timed challenge.  It's one of those "complete X levels" type of deals. It's very challenging--I only made it to the 9th level (and there are 18 total!).  The major perk of completing the challenge is unlocking another form...dinosaur form!  There are also side quests and optional dungeons to complete, so there's plenty to do.

+ Music nicely complements the gameplay.  It's no Guacamelee, but it's not bad.

+ A large map to explore with hidden nooks and crannies.  Gotta find all those mana fairies!

Cons:

- Controller recommended (and honestly, I was glad because all the clicking with a mouse in ARPG-style games gives me carpal tunnel).  If you're not a fan of ye olde controller, you can play with mouse and keyboard, but the game STRONGLY advises a controller.  (Amazon Basics XBOX 360 controller!)

- Dungeons feel pretty same-y.  There are some unique bosses in the dungeons that are part of the main storyline, but the rest of them have basically the same vibe.  They're procedurally generated, so they are different every time you go in, but I think they could've made them a bit more interesting and unique.  I expected more boss fights.

- This might seem a bit flaky since I listed the many forms as a PRO, but they're also a bit of a CON.  There's a ranking system attached to forms and levelling up the skills in a form unlocks new abilities and upgrades to your abilities.  I would barely settle into a form before I unlocked a new one and then felt like I should switch over to level up the new form.  The switching is kind of fun, but at the same time, it's hard to fully get a grasp on one form before you feel like you should switch to a different one.  

- The main story is pretty meh.  

Recommendation:

Nobody Saves the World isn't as good as Guacamelee, but the gameplay did keep me entertained.  It's not a hardcore ARPG, so if you're looking for something that's ARPG-lite or a fun co-op game to play with a kid/partner, it would be a good choice.  Buy it on sale though (I paid $10 and it seems to go on sale frequently).

Those Sweet Deals

I spent my gaming time this week doing a bit more advancing in Against the Storm.  I'm officially in the "prestige" levels--ooh la la, the elite!  Things get a bit different when you hit prestige--you start off at level 0 and can advance to the next level once you've successfully completed a settlement.  Each new level throws a new set of difficulties at you--a longer storm season (by 100%....yuck), greater reputation requirements, and others that I haven't discovered yet.  I played through P3 and decided to take a break to check out my one purchase from the recent Steam Spring Sale.  Although it was tempting to take the plunge into Diablo IV, I decided that I didn't want to spend $35.  Instead, I opted for the indie ARPG-like Nobody Saves the World.

Nobody Saves the World is made by the developers of the fabulous Guacamelee (which I greatly enjoyed, even though I sort of suck at it).  I've spend a few hours tooling around with it and I've mostly enjoyed what I've played so far.  There's the same goofy sense of humor that was present in Guacamelee and a number of different "forms" to play.  Rather than having "classes" like in other ARPG style games, you can change forms--and some of the forms are wild!  You have your more traditional forms--the warrior/knight-like guard or the bow & arrow ranged attacks of the ranger; but you also can turn into a horse, a slug, or a very hideous mermaid.  Each form has its own unique playstyle and abilities and one of the best parts of the mechanics is that you can combine passive and active abilities from other classes.  I can be a slug that also fires arrows!  It's fantastic!

It's spring break here in real life, and I plan to spend some quality time with Nobody Saves the World.  I haven't quite mastered quickly switching forms and still feel awkward with some of the forms.  Slug form has weirdly become one of my favorites--its playstyle involves an ability to quickly sprint away, leaving behind a giant layer of slime that slows enemies while you fire damaging tears from a distance (and the slug has an awesome crit bonus for status effected enemies).

Happy spring (and spring break if you're lucky enough to be having it) to everyone!  

It Finally Happened!

That's right, I finally did it!  After two failed attempts at the closing the gold seal in Against the Storm, I finally managed to get the lil' mofo done.  (*If you have no idea what I'm talking about, I would refer you to the following--my review of the game Against the Storm and multiple running entries about my life goal of completing the gold seal--all are past entries of this very blog, so scrolleth forth) It was a moment of great triumph...and then the soul crushing reality of that "what now?" feeling.  For now, bask in the glory of my screenshot of the moment I managed to finish the final task to close the seal.

My moment of triumph!

If you haven't done it yet, I would highly recommend grabbing Against the Storm in the current Spring Sale on Steam (it's currently $19.49 which is a great price for a solid game).  Now I've got to figure out what's next in my gaming journey.  Do I try to go for the prestige 5 goal and the next seal in Against the Storm?  Honestly, I think I need a little break from it, so I think I'll shelve that one for now.  Since there is currently a sale on and I get paid in a few days, I've been eyeballing some of the deals.

Do I finally grab the Phantom Liberty DLC for CyberPunk 2077?  I have yet to play it and heard mostly positive things about it.  I'm not sure the $4 price cut is enough for my cheap self though and I generally like to play the big RPG's in one go over the summer.

Another game that I haven't given much thought to is Diablo IV which is currently 50% off ($35).  I played a bit of Diablo III back when it was cool (enough to give myself some light carpal tunnel).  I'm not the type of competitive/hardcore player who grinds out seasonal stuff or would drop any cash on microtransactions, but I do enjoy the utter deluge of loot and messing around with the different classes.  It's mildly tempting.

For now, I think I'm content to simply sit back and relax with some current titles in my library.  I'll save my sale purchases for the summer when I have more time to play.  If you're feeling in the market for a new game, do check out the Spring Sale on Steam.