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2014/04/24 16:20:18
Subject: Video Games. Oh Video Games... Video Game Recommendations!
So many of you might not know this but I am moving to study Game Design. (I have a lot of art experience, and coding and writing experience as well)
But as many of you know I am also a big video game player. So I always like giving shotouts to gaming companies that are small and make fantastic games. Now this is similar to my book recommendations list, from a few months ago. But this time it is for Video Games that are enjoyable! You can also list the worst game if you wish to but.
So my recommendations would be....
Pixel Piracy (Include a short blurb here) So this is a game i recently got. IT is a 2d game with a pirate ship and you explore the high seas. Unforunately you only have one life, and it is really really difficult. It is currently in Alpha stages but so far it is quite a good game. (Indie Game)
Terraria- So this game I found by a recommendation by one of my friends, who said that we both were getting tired of minecraft, so we decided to play Terraria which looked similar. ANd yeah that is the only similarity. Terraria is the adventure and dungeon crawling of old yore, and it is a welcome change. Infact It is quite fun, and has multiple tiers of armor. This game makes minecraft look absolutely terrible. Its very difficult to get into first sadly.
Sanctum 2- Need be said about this game? This is a first person tower defense. If that doesn't give you interest. I don't know what will.
Diablo 3 Reaper of Souls- Though Diablo 3 was an absolute terrible piece of gak. Reaper of Souls brought back what it really meant to be a diablo game. Its dark atmosphere was back, and the game actually was functional and fun! (If you could believe that. I am in no way have been paid by Blizzard to broadcast this message )
Don't Starve- Though I recently replayed this game. Think of it as a true survival game. You have an insanity meter, a hunger meter, a hydration meter (if you have reign of giants installed, which I recommend, it adds new bosses and new biomes and gives alot more features and characters to play with), and many other things you have to watch. This game makes me cry at how difficult late game can get. Winter is well... Winter. When winter comes you better be sure to have a fully operational base and renewable resources and food source or else a great monster will slay you in the night.
Castle Crashers- Okay. This game. Originally an Xbox 360 Exclusive from the market place. It is now on steam and is actually a great RPG game.
Halo 1- Alright I am going to get alot of flak for this. But Halo 1 is probably the fifth best shooter I have ever played. Why? Because it doesn't feel like a conveyor belt like most modern FPS games. WE can explore we can do what ever we want in Halo 1. See that warthog yeah you can use it, but wheres the fun with that. Because there is a sniper vantage point up there.
Half Life The Entire Series- Sorry Half Life is basically the apex of all FPS games. One of the Best shooters and best storylines in an a FPS shooter of all time. The game was functionally incredible. The game is replayable.
Doom The entire series- Doom is a great FPS and the first one. Doom 3 for example is my most favorite game I have ever played? Why? Because of one thing. Context. I know why I am killing these demons. I know they are bad guys because they are demons and they killed all my buddies. The game is Erie and allows me to back track. That and not to mention there is a fourth one coming out which I am giddy about.
Call Of Duty 4- As Much Flak I give the Call Of duty games. Call of Duty 4 is probably one of the only Modern FPSes that got to me. How so? The Beginning, the middle and the end of course. As a Designer I understand that this game was truly a Masterpiece of a game. It is actually kind of sickening because this game is showered with love and given much polish that rivals that of any great game.
Ride to Hell Retribution 1%- Okay. This is a funny game, and a terrible game at that. But still. I think it should be like our fanasication with really bad movies. The graphics are terrible, the cutscenes are horrendous. The gameplay oh god the gameplay. The characters look like as Yahtzee from zero punctuation puts it as talking Garbage cans. It is not a true game, it only thinks it does.... And Thats why everyone should buy it. Just to make the entire marketing department raise a few eyebrows. Invite your friends watch how bad this game is. It is something that literally has to be seen. The glitches are game breaking but you know what. I like it! it is so adorably bad that I recommend it.
Halo 3 ODST- Okay. I loved this game. I hate everyones opinions on it that it was a really short campagin. Yeah If you didn't look for the audio files it would be. You know how many hours I spent looking for those audio logs? Do you know how rewarded I felt when I got a secret unlocked? And when I came up behind a brute and beat it's face in with my pistol? Do you know how accomplished I felt when I stalked my prey in the darkness? This was a stealth game with halo mechanics. Don't believe me? Play it.
Sins of a Solar Empire (Expansions)- This game took me a while to get into as the learning curve hurt my brain. I would say this is a game that often gets ignored by the populace but it is quite an enjoyable game. It takes tactics and an extensive macro.
Minecraft- If you haven't heard of it.. I don't know what to say.
Age Of Wonders 3- Think Might and Magik and Hero Customization from Diablo combine it with turn based strategy give it a fantasy feel, give diplomacy, controlling territories and army building and warfare. This game is incredible. I cannot believe this game actually exists. Though this is not recommended for those who dislike turn based strategy and spending eons playing a single game.
This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2014/04/24 16:47:13
From whom are unforgiven we bring the mercy of war.
2014/04/24 16:56:28
Subject: Video Games. Oh Video Games... Video Game Recommendations!
Anything Halo: Great setting, alien-blasting dual-wielding superhuman fun. Halo 3 would be my pick of the bunch, followed by Reach. I do agree ODST is underrated, though.
Battlefield Bad Co 1&2: Everything is destructable, and you have grenade launchers as default on most weapons. For sheer carnage, it doesn't get better, and the characters are pretty cool as well, with a kind of Expendables/Dirty Dozen feel and some hilarious dialogue between fights.
Skyrim: So much to do, so little time. Get the Legendary Edition with the DLC and you get 2 extra 'main quests' as well, one of which (Dawnguard) I actually preferred to the base game's main storyline.
Star Wars Battlefront 1&2: oldies but goldies, there's literally nothing wrong with these even after years of playing.
Assassin's Creed Black Flag: because pirates.
More obscure stuff:
Il-2 Sturmovik- Birds of Prey: awesome WW2 flight sim, very realistic, great graphics and a lot of planes to choose from
Fracture: A bit dated, but good graphics for the time, and the gameplay is very unique, centring around altering the terrain in combat.
Batman- Arkham City/Origins: awesome, caped-crusader action, great combat system, and a nice detective aspect as well.
Star Wars Republic Commando: Halo meets Star Wars, this one's a classic if you can get hold of it.
2014/04/24 17:18:11
Subject: Video Games. Oh Video Games... Video Game Recommendations!
Journey - The most worthwhile and moving 2 hours of your life.
Bastion - Solid gameplay and narration that makes your knees weak with how smooth and awesome it is.
Okami/Okami HD - Exquisite beauty in the art and sound design, all wrapped up in a great Zelda-esque adventure game.
Ace Attorney series - The whole batch, by far one of the most successful franchises on the DS/3DS (8 going on 9 games now) with good story and challenging puzzle-solving/logic.
i would shy away from the mainstream seriese games and take a look at games that were "industry breaking" or "revolutionary" or just did something first or different.
Black and White had some really great AI for when it came out. The game also had some cool and creepy things it would do such as go through your microsoft outlook and name your villagers after your contacts and if your character name was on their select list of names the game would whisper your name occasionally.
Battlefield 1942 was really a break-out game for the FPS genre. It created the capture mode so many other games have emulated.
Warcraft 3: The Frozen Throne really added some cool things to the RTS game but the game itself gave birth to Tower Defense and DOTA games.
Take a look at Sid Meier's Pirates, Railroads or Civilizations games, many gaming textbooks will touch upon some of his works.
Don't forget the classics such as Mario Bros, Donkey Kong, Zelda or Sonic.
2014/04/24 17:32:00
Subject: Video Games. Oh Video Games... Video Game Recommendations!
Deathklaat wrote: i would shy away from the mainstream seriese games and take a look at games that were "industry breaking" or "revolutionary" or just did something first or different.
Black and White had some really great AI for when it came out. The game also had some cool and creepy things it would do such as go through your microsoft outlook and name your villagers after your contacts and if your character name was on their select list of names the game would whisper your name occasionally.
Battlefield 1942 was really a break-out game for the FPS genre. It created the capture mode so many other games have emulated.
Warcraft 3: The Frozen Throne really added some cool things to the RTS game but the game itself gave birth to Tower Defense and DOTA games.
Take a look at Sid Meier's Pirates, Railroads or Civilizations games, many gaming textbooks will touch upon some of his works.
Don't forget the classics such as Mario Bros, Donkey Kong, Zelda or Sonic.
Agreed on all. Frozen Throne was a fantastic game. Plus one of my inspirations for me to become a Video Game Designer. That game I have so many fond memories of. And still play to this day.
Journey - The most worthwhile and moving 2 hours of your life.
Bastion - Solid gameplay and narration that makes your knees weak with how smooth and awesome it is.
Okami/Okami HD - Exquisite beauty in the art and sound design, all wrapped up in a great Zelda-esque adventure game.
Ace Attorney series - The whole batch, by far one of the most successful franchises on the DS/3DS (8 going on 9 games now) with good story and challenging puzzle-solving/logic.
Forgot these four games.
Journey is a fantastic game. Ugh. Oh my gawd.
From whom are unforgiven we bring the mercy of war.
2014/04/24 18:37:28
Subject: Video Games. Oh Video Games... Video Game Recommendations!
DoW2 and CR were fantastic imo.
Really captured 40k well. Amazing production values too, from the voice acting to the little minimaps to the settings of the worlds.
Felt like the designers actually "got" 40k, its nuances, universe and characters.
Retribution was pretty decent too but too repetitive.
And Deus Ex1. Probably one of my favourite games of all time.
Dman137 wrote:
goobs is all you guys will ever be
By 1-irt: Still as long as Hissy keeps showing up this is one of the most entertaining threads ever.
"Feelin' goods, good enough".
2014/04/24 19:06:49
Subject: Video Games. Oh Video Games... Video Game Recommendations!
Shadow Warrior (2013) : Hey kids, do you remember the time when FPS games were fast paced, over the top silly fun with excellent single player, instead of being a slow trudge of a game that takes itself too seriously? Well, this remake (technically a Prequel) of the 1997 captures just that. The sheer amount of mayhe, and carnage one can perform is just breathtaking, and the dash-strafe maneuver is very satisfying to perform, especially when you slip behind a demon and split him in half with a qi-empowered Katana. There are tons of references to the old game as well, for those who are looking for a touch of nostalgia, and of course, death metal rabbits.
This message was edited 3 times. Last update was at 2014/04/24 19:13:50
What I have
~4100
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Westwood lives in death!
Peace through power!
A longbeard when it comes to Necrons and WHFB. Grumble Grumble
2014/04/25 04:41:53
Subject: Video Games. Oh Video Games... Video Game Recommendations!
If you're interested in game design you can't go wrong with most of Nintendo's back catalogue. Seeing where the 3 Golden stars/ Coins are hidden in each stage of a Mario game is often a masterclass in game design. Their placement teaches how to introduce the true limits of new game mechanics and how to tantalize the player with advance play.
Alot of the games you list are great games but don't teach great lessons in basic game design. Even Doom is not a classic because of it's basic game mechanics but because of advanced stuff like it's pioneering visuals (it took them months to work out a way to render two storey spaces and even longer to construct the areas with differing heights to traverse), it's novel AI and it's finessing of 'Burn Rates' to affect pacing.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2014/04/25 14:05:45
Mary Sue wrote: Perkustin is even more awesome than me!
2014/04/25 16:11:13
Subject: Video Games. Oh Video Games... Video Game Recommendations!
Perkustin wrote: If you're interested in game design you can't go wrong with most of Nintendo's back catalogue. Seeing where the 3 Golden stars/ Coins are hidden in each stage of a Mario game is often a masterclass in game design. Their placement teaches how to introduce the true limits of new game mechanics and how to tantalize the player with advance play.
Alot of the games you list are great games but don't teach great lessons in basic game design. Even Doom is not a classic because of it's basic game mechanics but because of advanced stuff like it's pioneering visuals (it took them months to work out a way to render two storey spaces and even longer to construct the areas with differing heights to traverse), it's novel AI and it's finessing of 'Burn Rates' to affect pacing.
Yes. I know. But this is a recommendation list not a things to play as a game designer. If I was introducing stuff like that my list would be over a hundred pages long. Every game you can learn something from. Every bad game has something we can learn from. I've learned basic stuff, and the most basic games like Mines and a few arcade games are simple and easy to learn from. But it is good to take a look at newer games and learn from them. (Also I'm not just interested I actually am going to a game design school. I am more focused on the arts and script writing and the concept art stuff. Not the coding. That is the programmers job, not the game designers.) Designers create but they are the main leaders.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2014/04/25 16:14:06
From whom are unforgiven we bring the mercy of war.
2014/04/26 02:56:37
Subject: Video Games. Oh Video Games... Video Game Recommendations!
Perkustin wrote: That's fair enough, especially if you're more interested in the pre-production side of things/writing and not developing games from the ground up.
Then games like Call of Duty and Half Life 2 are very useful as they both feature great writing and excellent art design.
Well debatable on call of duty. The main reason why people buy call of duty is because of the IP and because they know what expect. I mean what was the main reason why halo 4 was bought immediately at launch. It was because of the IP. I mean why do people buy blizzard games? Its because we expect quality because of their IP.
Call of duty has alot of things we can learn from and take as a good example in great art design, but not in the writing department. We have to rely on books and movies still till a game just blows everything out of the water in terms of writing.
As a tip from someone who was an industry they told me to play older games. But one thing I do not want to work on is an FPS. My aspirations are to work on a strategy game or an adventure game. Or a horror game and do it right, and make the first triple A horror game that is actually scary. But eh. I am dreamer
Anyway I want to add to this list one game that I played as a kid.... That is... Shadow Caster- Okay this game was originally created by the company that makes the call of duty games (Activision) It is a first person... RPG. You can morph you can take on the shape of any creature. As a designer I see it as a game that is quite addicting and fun. But extremely complex. There are around 5 morphs if I remember correctly. Unforunately it is a cult game and not many people know about it. But it is one of those games that I still love with fond memories and I remember playing it recently and forgot how beautifully crafted it was. Think of Deus Ex but more exploration and even more RPG elements and its fantasy game. (Plus the ending to the game O.o)
Then the next few games I do not recommend to kids under the age of 18. Because of one reason. Gore, and violence to a degree I have never seen before a game. These games questioned if I was even old enough to play them....
These games are:
Song of Saya: This game really got to me. I really don't want to spoil it, but it is a game that is from japan and makes us question the characters sanity. It has sex, violence and disturbing images. It is done in a comic book style. It is disturbing but extremely well done.
Memories of a Broken Dream: just play it. You'll see why. (Warning it will crash your computer at the end of it)
Castle Doctrine: About a family man who protects his family and sets up elabroate
I have no Mouth, and I must scream: Okay this game has fanastic reading. Game so dark that is very mature. Grimmest game I've ever played. Even darker than spec ops: The line.
Pathologic: russian horror game. If that doesn't interest you. Well then....
Off: Earthbound, kind of hard to play though. (very difficult to play.)
Other Games: Cart Life: Homeless man living off of nothing.
Papers Please: No comment. Engaging game.
Hot Line Miami: This game is a puzzle brutal game.
Warframe: Awesome game. Don't ask me why I like it so much.
Boredom: Really difficult game. PLay it and you will see
Thomas was Alone: Just play it and you will never feel soo much for a fething square.
Tokyo Jungle: All the people in toyko have gone missing. It is really hard to play.
Mark of the Ninja: Stealth Game done right!
Home: A horror Game, I played recently that scared the bejesus out of me.
The Unfinished Swan: Beautiful Beautiful game. I can't even say why. Its just. I can't even begin to say why. Its touching and beautiful. Did I say it was beautiful? Its like journey but even better
Natural Selection 2: Okay you may of heard this game. RTS + FPS. A pretty big learning curve though.
Dear Esther: Okay this is a wierd game. I mean a really weird game. It is nonlinear. I mean completely you are dropped off on an island and you are given a story. Its creepily erie it really pushes what is a game.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2014/04/26 04:11:08
From whom are unforgiven we bring the mercy of war.
2014/04/26 04:27:18
Subject: Re:Video Games. Oh Video Games... Video Game Recommendations!
I've begun making my way through Metro: Last Light, and I'm enjoying the hell out of it. It's got a slow start, but I'd recommend it because the sheer stress and intensity it puts on you without being what I'd label horror. It's like a really good action/suspense movie. I think a lot can be learned from that game, honestly. That is, unfortunately, my only contribution.
Kingdom Death Fanatic. Dark Eldar: Kabal of the Fragile Breath. Dark Elves: Allegiance to the Black Crown. Also, Masons, Cygnar, and Legion of Everblight. All unnamed.
Manchu wrote:
The Fragile Breath wrote: . . . something but I was distracted by the username.
Holy gak that is an awesome username. Please tell me your army is called Kabal of the Fragile Breath. Morathi's Darkest Sin has some competition here for best handle, I think.
2014/04/26 04:28:08
Subject: Video Games. Oh Video Games... Video Game Recommendations!
Also another game....
Spec Ops: The Line: Third Person shooter. Watch this review
Warning harsh language!
Shadow of the Colossus: This game is just epic along the lines of truly being epic. It is a fantastic game and I can't believe I almost forgot about it.
Resident Evil 4: Probably one of the best survival horrors I have ever played hands down. Ammo is scarce and the monsters are truly terrifying at the beginning of the game. Up the difficult and you will see what I mean.
From whom are unforgiven we bring the mercy of war.
2014/04/26 15:49:04
Subject: Video Games. Oh Video Games... Video Game Recommendations!
Got a few that I'm surprised haven't turned up yet....
Deus Ex: Seriously no one else has mentioned this yet?
Kerbal Space Program: I've never played a game that give the player such a sense of achievement and it even gives you a decent lesson in orbital physics.
Stalker Shadow of Chernobyl/Call of Pripyat: Post Apocalypse done right, Fallout 3 and New Vegas look bland and featureless compared to the zone. Oh and these game are absolutely terrifying.
Deus Ex: Seriously no one else has mentioned this yet?
Kerbal Space Program: I've never played a game that give the player such a sense of achievement and it even gives you a decent lesson in orbital physics.
Stalker Shadow of Chernobyl/Call of Pripyat: Post Apocalypse done right, Fallout 3 and New Vegas look bland and featureless compared to the zone. Oh and these game are absolutely terrifying.
I've mentioned Deus Ex. But I have yet to play it to the end. So I really can't recommend till I have finished it.
From whom are unforgiven we bring the mercy of war.
2014/04/27 04:36:02
Subject: Video Games. Oh Video Games... Video Game Recommendations!
If you want a more detailed recommendation for Deus Ex I've played it through at least once a year since release and I still find new things every time. I seriously doubt that there is any game out there with as much detail or as many options for completing a level as Deus Ex.
Any of you could do worse than getting hold of a SNES emulator and downloading a copy of 'Terranigma'. It's one of the best, if not THE best, 16 bit RPG's out there. I rate it higher than Zelda on the same platform. The graphics are great, the soundtrack is awesome, the storyline is ace and the game is involving from the very first minute to the last.
Check it out here:
Might I also shove you gently in the direction of 'Rise Of The Triad'?
It's ridiculous just how much fun this game is.... Just make sure its the original 90's version and not the remake. Which is bad....
2014/04/29 10:41:39
Subject: Video Games. Oh Video Games... Video Game Recommendations!
Just played through Saints Row The Third. Strongly recommend it, from a strict gameplay standpoint. It's pretty much GTA San Andreas on acid and steroids. Story and voice acting is meh, but bloody hell is it fun!
Shotgun wrote: I don't think I will ever understand the mentality of people that feel the need to record and post their butthurt on the interwebs.
2014/05/07 00:45:02
Subject: Video Games. Oh Video Games... Video Game Recommendations!
It wasn't a great "Game" so to speak, but the little experience called "Loneliness" was quite awesome, even if the people I showed it to didn't understand it.
I fully recommend it, but just know that it's not something that you are going to necessarily enjoy, or even understand. But hey, what is two minutes of your time?
I've never feared Death or Dying. I've only feared never Trying.
2014/05/18 22:40:37
Subject: Re:Video Games. Oh Video Games... Video Game Recommendations!
Slarg232 wrote: It wasn't a great "Game" so to speak, but the little experience called "Loneliness" was quite awesome, even if the people I showed it to didn't understand it.
I fully recommend it, but just know that it's not something that you are going to necessarily enjoy, or even understand. But hey, what is two minutes of your time?
I remember hearing about this game I will give it a try. Is it free XD
From whom are unforgiven we bring the mercy of war.
2014/05/18 22:47:06
Subject: Video Games. Oh Video Games... Video Game Recommendations!
)
~4100
~1660
