@gbanas92 As I said to you on Twitter recently, your original review pushed me to get the game and I’m glad I did!
Beautiful artwork, an amazing soundtrack (in fact, the only gaming soundtrack I’ve actually listened to outside the game), and a truly magnificent story.
It absolutely isn’t for everyone as it almost feels like an antithesis to what a “video game” is but that’s why it’s so unique. It’s a great example of enjoying the journey as much as the destination.
@BowTiesAreCool The soundtrack by 65daysofstatic is fantastic and I recommend checking out their other stuff if you like it! ————————————————————————— One of the things I really enjoyed in the game that I rarely see mentioned elsewhere is the slow learning of the language of the different alien species. You start out knowing nothing but eventually piece some words together to understand what is being said.
Kotaku used to features on games post-release talking about how their feelings have changed and also linking to articles about the game since it came out. Re-reviews of games I often find quite interesting.
I tend to pick games up later on now because of the sheer number of patches and updates that often come out but also to pick them up in one of the many sales. I finally picked up TLOU2 in the Black Friday sale.
I can’t quite understand if the levels from the bronze to gold trophies mean some are more valuable than others or whether it’s progress towards the overall trophy. I assume the former?
@Matroska The thing I wonder is how many people are still buying the game?
I picked it up for £5 or something silly a few years ago post Atlas and enjoyed it but nothing since has made me desperate to go back. So I wonder how many people are deciding now is finally the time to buy it.
But big respect to them for continuing with such big free updates this far down the line.
Hoarders (and Egg Scramble to a lesser extent) are about not losing rather than winning for me. Once two teams get ahead in Hoarders, I find it best to stop the losing team getting a ball rather than trying to get one for yourself.
Rock ‘n’ Roll I find it easiest to block the balls from the teams to the side as you can press it against a side wall making it harder to free.
Fall Guys was the sort of game I rolled my eyes when it was first announced but the more I’ve seen of it, the more fun it looks. It’s also the perfect kind of game to throw on PS+ in my opinion.
I had PS+ since PS3 and it does feel like decreasing value.
Online used to be free but I got it for the great free games and online storage (after my PS3 got YLOD but was resurrected).
It wasn’t a problem for me then when you needed it for online but they’ve now bumped up the price and, in my opinion, the freebies are a bit of a mixed bag.
Especially strange when you can play Fortnite without PS+
@ApostateMage Having just replayed TLOU1 the trophy list is such a chore as it requires a second play through not only to get the NG+ but also upgrade all weapons/stats fully. The collectibles are pretty well hidden, optional conversations easily missed, and the jokes sometimes don’t trigger.
And then on top of that you’ve got the multiplayer ones too. Yeesh.
@Bioth Jurassic World costs so little I’d say it’s definitely worth a go, especially if you’ve played Tropico 5 (that has started to come up in sales regularly too now).
There’s only a handful of levels in JW so you spend lots of time on the parks before jumping to another level. They each have their own quirks to mix it up. The tasks you get during levels are mostly interesting to do as well, and I liked the aspect of taking time to design a cool enclosure with monorails, viewing platforms etc.
My biggest gripe was that the layout of levels could limit what you could do quite a bit but it’s not a huge frustration.
And just to say, Surviving Mars is good but tough. I’ve only had successful runs when starting in a resource rich area and having the setting that gives double factory output for the same resource input. If you like hardcore sims than give it a go but it’s another one that comes up in sales regularly now.
tl;dr It's a fun improvement on Tropico 5 but with plenty of the same flaws.
Jurassic World Evolution is good fun for a chilled out strategy/simulation game.
Surviving Mars is also in the sale and enjoyable but brutal as one mistake can utterly ruin your play through. The "mysteries" are a neat feature that make each play different and the Green Planet DLC, which allows you to terraform Mars, makes the game even more fun and gives it more of an end point.
I hope the rest of their games fare better than Biomutant. The game’s official twitter account hasn’t posted since September 2019 and the last news article on the official website is from December 2018!
I’m slightly surprised they haven’t gone for an updated playlist (or maybe even an option to have the old or a new one) but I guess they’re going all in on the nostalgia value.
It was kind of weird to have different music on the phone version they released a few years ago though.
I'd like to say Biomutant too but who even knows what's going on with that game now; the game's twitter account hasn't been update since August and the last news article on the game's own site is from 2018!
This is still the most fun I've ever had with a game online. Playing with a huge group of people from another forum I use was just brilliant fun and completing all of the online heists with the same group was equally awesome. I'd never be able to dedicate time to do something like that again though..
Excellent. This was one of the most interesting Telltale games so I’m delighted to hear its back.
I hope the new developers learn to focus on each series rather than spread themselves across too much at once. And a wait or under 6 months between episodes 1&2 of this will be a big improvement on the first game!
Oddworld: Abe's Odyssey has particular memories for me. My family aren't gamers but it really captured my dad's imagination as well as my uncle's (who was staying with us at the time).
We used to sit taking it in turns at the game and all found the verbal commands (and farts) hilarious.
@johncalmc always seems to be reviewing the games I've got my eye on, you lucky swine.
I'm a little disappointed the DLC isn't included in the console version seeing as it has already been released and is, in fact, ready to purchase on day one as well. Have you had a go with these or just the base version?
I've played Civ5 so many times on my MacBook that I know the game inside out. The complete overhaul of the game mechanics looks a bit overwhelming but I will be giving it a go for sure.
Surviving Mars is on there and is a neat strategy/city builder game. The Green Planet DLC is excellent but the first main DLC pack less worth it. I previously ended up getting both as the season pass worked out cheaper than getting just the latter.
@LiamCroft Do you know how the social features will change the game long term? If I pick the game up in 6 months, is traffic on the 12 lane road built through the middle of the map going to be more dangerous than the BTs?
Comments 281
Re: Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown Is Now the Best-Selling Game in the Series
It’s a fun game and almost permanently on sale now which must help sales somewhat!
Re: Soapbox: 2021 Is the Year to Tackle Your Backlog, Because So Many Games Are Going to Be Delayed
@Gosberg Zero was about 90hrs for me. Enjoy the ride!
There are some really good guides online for Pocket Racer if you're struggling on a race in particular (CyricZ does great guides on gamefaqs).
Re: Soapbox: 2021 Is the Year to Tackle Your Backlog, Because So Many Games Are Going to Be Delayed
No one has an excuse not to complete the Yakuza series this year then (myself included with just 5&6 to go).
Re: Soapbox: Kentucky Route Zero Was a Game Made Specifically For Me
@gbanas92 As I said to you on Twitter recently, your original review pushed me to get the game and I’m glad I did!
Beautiful artwork, an amazing soundtrack (in fact, the only gaming soundtrack I’ve actually listened to outside the game), and a truly magnificent story.
It absolutely isn’t for everyone as it almost feels like an antithesis to what a “video game” is but that’s why it’s so unique. It’s a great example of enjoying the journey as much as the destination.
Re: Poll: What Is Your PS5 and PS4 Game of the Year 2020?
Damn, I forgot Kentucky Route Zero was a 2020 release on PS4. Fantastic game.
Re: CD Projekt Red Apologises for Hiding Cyberpunk 2077 on Base PS4, Makes Refunds Widely Available
The mental gymnastics in the replies to say they appreciate CDPR’s transparency is pretty astonishing.
Re: No Man's Sky (PS5) - Divisive Survival Game Plays Best with This Next-Gen Upgrade
@BowTiesAreCool The soundtrack by 65daysofstatic is fantastic and I recommend checking out their other stuff if you like it!
—————————————————————————
One of the things I really enjoyed in the game that I rarely see mentioned elsewhere is the slow learning of the language of the different alien species. You start out knowing nothing but eventually piece some words together to understand what is being said.
I thought this was such a neat idea.
Re: Metal Gear Solid Movie Reportedly Picks Up Oscar Isaac as Solid Snake
...but that’s Big Boss in the picture.
Re: Soapbox: The Conversation About Games Moves Too Quickly
Kotaku used to features on games post-release talking about how their feelings have changed and also linking to articles about the game since it came out. Re-reviews of games I often find quite interesting.
I tend to pick games up later on now because of the sheer number of patches and updates that often come out but also to pick them up in one of the many sales. I finally picked up TLOU2 in the Black Friday sale.
Re: PlayStation Trophy System to Be Updated Today on PS4, Also Coming to PS5
I can’t quite understand if the levels from the bronze to gold trophies mean some are more valuable than others or whether it’s progress towards the overall trophy. I assume the former?
Re: No Man’s Sky Origins Is Latest Major Update, Releases Next Week
@Matroska The thing I wonder is how many people are still buying the game?
I picked it up for £5 or something silly a few years ago post Atlas and enjoyed it but nothing since has made me desperate to go back. So I wonder how many people are deciding now is finally the time to buy it.
But big respect to them for continuing with such big free updates this far down the line.
Re: Fall Guys Patch 1.07 Available Now on PS4, Adds Big Yeetus and Other Level Variations
https://twitter.com/fallguysgame/status/1305860869973323778?s=21
Re: Random: Is This the Luckiest Fall Guys Player Yet?
@mikeym Ha, that is unlucky.
As is losing Royal Fumble after the clock hits zero...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02THnm1Qf1Q
Re: PlayStation Store Essential Picks Sale Discounts Some of PS4's Best Games
What a generous discount that is on TLOU2.
Re: Fall Guys Is Officially the Most Downloaded PS Plus Game of All Time
Brilliant move by the devs to put it straight on PS+
And the game was number 1 & 2 in the Steam charts as well.
Re: Fall Guys PS4 Patch 1.06 Available Now, Here's All the Patch Notes
The game (especially outside of the actual gameplay) looks a lot smoother on my base PS4 now.
Re: Fall Guys: All Rounds and How to Win Every Game Type
@Sorteddan My approach to Tip Toe is to launch myself for the line when one or two squares from the end.
Better to go for it and miss out than chance it with the pack.
Re: Fall Guys: All Rounds and How to Win Every Game Type
Hoarders (and Egg Scramble to a lesser extent) are about not losing rather than winning for me. Once two teams get ahead in Hoarders, I find it best to stop the losing team getting a ball rather than trying to get one for yourself.
Rock ‘n’ Roll I find it easiest to block the balls from the teams to the side as you can press it against a side wall making it harder to free.
Re: Fall Guys Is the Internet Sensation Everyone Wants to Collaborate With
Hollow Knight costumes need to happen.
Re: PS Plus August PS4 Games Available to Download Now
Fall Guys was the sort of game I rolled my eyes when it was first announced but the more I’ve seen of it, the more fun it looks. It’s also the perfect kind of game to throw on PS+ in my opinion.
Re: Poll: Would You Still Pay for PS Plus if Online Multiplayer Was Free Elsewhere?
I had PS+ since PS3 and it does feel like decreasing value.
Online used to be free but I got it for the great free games and online storage (after my PS3 got YLOD but was resurrected).
It wasn’t a problem for me then when you needed it for online but they’ve now bumped up the price and, in my opinion, the freebies are a bit of a mixed bag.
Especially strange when you can play Fortnite without PS+
Re: Sony's First-Parties Have Perfected the Art of Compelling Trophy Lists
@ApostateMage Having just replayed TLOU1 the trophy list is such a chore as it requires a second play through not only to get the NG+ but also upgrade all weapons/stats fully. The collectibles are pretty well hidden, optional conversations easily missed, and the jokes sometimes don’t trigger.
And then on top of that you’ve got the multiplayer ones too. Yeesh.
Re: Is GTA V Getting a VR Mode on PS5?
Jeez, I replayed the game in first person mode and found that disorientating enough (I couldn’t drive on first person mode at all).
If true, at least they’re doing something new with it. Crazy that it will make it onto three consecutive console generations though.
Re: Huge Mid-Year Deals Sale Starts Today on NA, EU PlayStation Store
@Bioth Jurassic World costs so little I’d say it’s definitely worth a go, especially if you’ve played Tropico 5 (that has started to come up in sales regularly too now).
There’s only a handful of levels in JW so you spend lots of time on the parks before jumping to another level. They each have their own quirks to mix it up. The tasks you get during levels are mostly interesting to do as well, and I liked the aspect of taking time to design a cool enclosure with monorails, viewing platforms etc.
My biggest gripe was that the layout of levels could limit what you could do quite a bit but it’s not a huge frustration.
And just to say, Surviving Mars is good but tough. I’ve only had successful runs when starting in a resource rich area and having the setting that gives double factory output for the same resource input. If you like hardcore sims than give it a go but it’s another one that comes up in sales regularly now.
Re: Huge Mid-Year Deals Sale Starts Today on EU PlayStation Store
@grahamd I wrote some thoughts on the game recently after picking it up in a sale earlier this year;
https://www.pushsquare.com/forums/retro_and_other_gaming/user_impressionsreviews_thread?start=740#reply-748
tl;dr It's a fun improvement on Tropico 5 but with plenty of the same flaws.
Jurassic World Evolution is good fun for a chilled out strategy/simulation game.
Surviving Mars is also in the sale and enjoyable but brutal as one mistake can utterly ruin your play through. The "mysteries" are a neat feature that make each play different and the Green Planet DLC, which allows you to terraform Mars, makes the game even more fun and gives it more of an end point.
Re: Can You Name These PS1 Games?
11
I was a long term subscriber to the Official Playstation Magazine so played a lot of random demos.
Re: THQ Nordic, Koch Media Owner Has a Ludicrous 118 Games in Development
I hope the rest of their games fare better than Biomutant. The game’s official twitter account hasn’t posted since September 2019 and the last news article on the official website is from December 2018!
Re: Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 Soundtrack Won't Bring the Noise
I own ten of the albums from those tracks..
I’m slightly surprised they haven’t gone for an updated playlist (or maybe even an option to have the old or a new one) but I guess they’re going all in on the nostalgia value.
It was kind of weird to have different music on the phone version they released a few years ago though.
Re: Civilization VI Reveals Content Roadmap, New PS4 Season Pass
New game modes? For Civ???
Re: Final Fantasy VII Remake Has Over 2000 Anime-Style Grunts and Sighs in Its Main Story
I find it nnnngh so annoying ach.
Nier grah Automata was the same huh.
Re: Hands On: Final Fantasy VII Remake's Modern Combat Thrills, But Level Design Feels Stuck in the Past
To be honest, it’s the cheesy voice acting that puts me off as much as anything!
Re: Feature: The Best PS4 Music of January 2020
The KR0 soundtrack is just wonderful. Big ups to the Bedquilt Ramblers!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81ZDfujSCkU
And that scene in Act III really is so special.
Re: Tony Hawk's Pro Skater to Get Its Very Own Documentary
The soundtracks to the first couple of games were almost better than the games themselves.
And seeing as this one gives the name for the doc..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nt9bkgRQbLs
Re: Gallery: All Final Fantasy VII Remake Character Art
Wait, where the hell did Carbuncle come from? And why does it look so weird??
Re: SEGA Will Announce Sonic the Hedgehog News Every Month in 2020
Paging @RogerRoger
Re: Feature: 10 Under-the-Radar PS4 Games to Look Out for in 2020
I'd like to say Biomutant too but who even knows what's going on with that game now; the game's twitter account hasn't been update since August and the last news article on the game's own site is from 2018!
Re: Soapbox: We Need to Talk About Font Sizes in Games
@get2sammyb It's not just you; Kotaku have gone on about it before and recently had an article "The Year in Tiny Video Game Text".
I can't say I've ever found it to be a significant problem. I think God of War was one of the worst culprits I remember from recent times though.
Re: Gallery: Check Out the Top Entries from Push Square Community's PS4 Screenshot Competition
@KingPev Agreed
Re: Gigantic EU PlayStation Store January Sale Offers Discounts on a Huge Range of PS4 Games
40% of Civ 6 seems crazy seeing as it's only been out for weeks. Just a shame the DLC isn't equally as discounted..
Re: Game of the Decade: Grand Theft Auto V Set the Precedent for Persistent Online Worlds
This is still the most fun I've ever had with a game online. Playing with a huge group of people from another forum I use was just brilliant fun and completing all of the online heists with the same group was equally awesome. I'd never be able to dedicate time to do something like that again though..
Re: The Wolf Among Us 2 Lives Again Following Re-Announcement
Excellent. This was one of the most interesting Telltale games so I’m delighted to hear its back.
I hope the new developers learn to focus on each series rather than spread themselves across too much at once. And a wait or under 6 months between episodes 1&2 of this will be a big improvement on the first game!
Re: Feature: As PlayStation Turns 25, We Share Our Fondest PSone Memories
Oddworld: Abe's Odyssey has particular memories for me. My family aren't gamers but it really captured my dad's imagination as well as my uncle's (who was staying with us at the time).
We used to sit taking it in turns at the game and all found the verbal commands (and farts) hilarious.
Re: Feature: As PlayStation Turns 25, We Share Our Fondest PSone Memories
How did @Quintumply manage to mention the PSone demo that came with the console and not mention the most iconic bit of it?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCtZIlolG6w
Also, Adidas Power Soccer was great. There was a very random "cheat" to give you female commentators (who came out with same grade A cringey lines).
Re: EU PlayStation Store Christmas Flash Sale Discounts Death Stranding, MediEvil, and More
That's quite a tank in price for MediEvil already.
Count me in.
Re: Civilization VI - The Best Strategy Game on PS4
@johncalmc always seems to be reviewing the games I've got my eye on, you lucky swine.
I'm a little disappointed the DLC isn't included in the console version seeing as it has already been released and is, in fact, ready to purchase on day one as well. Have you had a go with these or just the base version?
I've played Civ5 so many times on my MacBook that I know the game inside out. The complete overhaul of the game mechanics looks a bit overwhelming but I will be giving it a go for sure.
Re: Cyberpunk 2077 Will Have Twice As Much Keanu Reeves As Initially Planned
Re: PS Plus Members Get Double Discounts on PS4 Games in New PlayStation Store Sale
Surviving Mars is on there and is a neat strategy/city builder game. The Green Planet DLC is excellent but the first main DLC pack less worth it. I previously ended up getting both as the season pass worked out cheaper than getting just the latter.
Re: Death Stranding - Hideo Kojima's Next Revolutionary Masterpiece
@LiamCroft Do you know how the social features will change the game long term? If I pick the game up in 6 months, is traffic on the 12 lane road built through the middle of the map going to be more dangerous than the BTs?
Re: Frostpunk - Alternate History City Builder Survives Against The Odds
@johncalmc With regards to your last point in the cons; does the main campaign play out the same every time or just with minor variations?
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 292
A bit of Yakuza Kiwami 2 and MLB: The Show as well. I’m quite enjoying the latter but am playing on an easy setting at the moment.