What game(s) are you playing now?

[kongs_speech]

Working on Earthworm Jim 2 on Switch. Fun times.

[flavo5000]

I finished NORCO and Return to Monkey Island since my last post - but really just playing Trackmania. 200 hours in...

I played quite a bit of one of the Trackmania games. Can't remember which one but really fun game.

[Traveller]

I finished NORCO and Return to Monkey Island since my last post - but really just playing Trackmania. 200 hours in...

I played quite a bit of one of the Trackmania games. Can't remember which one but really fun game.

Never played any of the previous ones, but can imagine they are just as addictive.

[kongs_speech]

Death Stranding is pretty incredible so far.

[mightysparks]

I didn’t get far with Death Stranding coz it’s basically RSI: The Game might have to just watch someone else play it

[mightysparks]

Been playing Baldur’s Gate 3 and Stardew Valley recently. For some reason despite my love of farm sims and the like I could never get into SV but now I’m loving it. It is also a perfect warmup and cooldown game for BG3.

My bf told me about BG3 and that it was like DND—something I’ve always wanted to play but never had friends to play with and the one time I did try to play everyone got drunk and it went nowhere—sooo this feels like it’s really scratching that lifelong itch. Really great game. My bf is also playing (both single player) and every night we discuss the things we did and compare methods while trying to avoid spoilers as much as possible.

[Leopardi]

I just started up Champions of Krynn tonight, the first in the Dragonlance series from the early 90s (I finished up the four-part Pool of Radiance series earlier this year, which took me more than two years to complete). I plan to keep at the Gold Box series until I run out of games, then I'll probably move on to Baldur's Gate. I should get to BG3 by 2035.

I hadn't realized you were still itching to play D&D - I have a group that you'd be welcome to join (we play via Zoom sessions), but I have a feeling you wouldn't like it all that much, it's fallen on hard times in the last few years with absenteeism, short and infrequent meet-ups, that sort of thing. I don't think we could compete with BG3, it sounds like you have a pretty good thing going on there - comparing notes at the end of the night sounds like fun!

[flavo5000]

I've finished a few games lately including Alone with You (a very good narrative driven sci-fi adventure), Gargoyle's Quest for Gameboy (pretty innovative for its time and fun too), Stray Souls: A Dollhouse Story (a pretty mediocre hidden object/point n click adventure), Zelle (a weird adventure game with a vaguely Undertale vibe to it) and Down to Bermuda (a puzzle adventure). So yea, been playing a lot of puzzle/adventure games lately which one of the main kinds of games I tend to play. Playing Home right now, a horror adventure from the same developer as Alone With You.

[mightysparks]

I just started up Champions of Krynn tonight, the first in the Dragonlance series from the early 90s (I finished up the four-part Pool of Radiance series earlier this year, which took me more than two years to complete). I plan to keep at the Gold Box series until I run out of games, then I'll probably move on to Baldur's Gate. I should get to BG3 by 2035.

I hadn't realized you were still itching to play D&D - I have a group that you'd be welcome to join (we play via Zoom sessions), but I have a feeling you wouldn't like it all that much, it's fallen on hard times in the last few years with absenteeism, short and infrequent meet-ups, that sort of thing. I don't think we could compete with BG3, it sounds like you have a pretty good thing going on there - comparing notes at the end of the night sounds like fun!

The Zoom thing seems cool but I think I'm too shy and scared of strangers for that lol

[mjf314]

I finished Nier: Automata.

[mjf314]

I finished What Remains of Edith Finch.

It's interesting how it kept switching between different styles and types of gameplay, but I thought the gameplay was boring, and the story was average.

[mjf314]

I started playing Her Story, but I got bored and dropped it.

I found it tedious watching so many random clips out of context, without knowing the story. I think the game would've worked better as a movie.

[kongs_speech]

I started playing Her Story, but I got bored and dropped it.

I found it tedious watching so many random clips out of context, without knowing the story. I think the game would've worked better as a movie.

I just played Immortality by the same dude. It's hard to evaluate as a "game," but it's one of the best pieces of interactive media I've ever played.

[PeacefulAnarchy]

I started playing Her Story, but I got bored and dropped it.

I found it tedious watching so many random clips out of context, without knowing the story. I think the game would've worked better as a movie.

The game part is figuring out search terms to put the videos in order. Watching the whole thing in order is the reward. I agree it's not so great as a game, but I did enjoy the detective work even so.

[flavo5000]

I started playing Her Story, but I got bored and dropped it.

I found it tedious watching so many random clips out of context, without knowing the story. I think the game would've worked better as a movie.

The game part is figuring out search terms to put the videos in order. Watching the whole thing in order is the reward. I agree it's not so great as a game, but I did enjoy the detective work even so.

I liked Her Story but it's a stretch to really call it a game. More an interactive novel.

On the game front, I just finished Steamworld Dig 2. Really enjoyed it and definitely recommend it if you like metroidvanias.

[mjf314]

I finished Link's Awakening DX.

I played part of the game a long time ago but never finished it, so I finally got around to finishing it.

[kongs_speech]

I finished Link's Awakening DX.

I played part of the game a long time ago but never finished it, so I finally got around to finishing it.

That will be my next Switch game after I beat Earthworm Jim 2.

[outdoorcats]

I Platinum-ed Sekiro. The only game I have ever gotten a Platinum Trophy for, and maybe ever will? I have no interest in trophy hunting, I just really, really, really love Sekiro. Replaying it (beaten it almost 10 times now) became kind of a comfort food.

[kongs_speech]

I like achievement hunting, I find it very fun and a way to get the most out of my games.

[45MinuteZoom]

Board gaming is one of my hobbies, but since having a kid I haven’t had time for in person board gaming with anyone, so I’ve been playing some of the apps.

I’ve got Concordia on the switch and iPad. Both apps work, but the iPad is easier to use with a touch screen than the switch with a controller. Through the app is mainly the way I have played Concordia, and I really enjoy the game.

Been playing some Root on the switch as well. This app is a legit great way to learn how to play the game through the tutorials. The mechanics of the game aren’t overly complex, but all of the factions play very differently with different win conditions, so it’s a lot of work before playing your first game to learn the rules, but the tutorials here make that a lot easier. It’s been a while since I played last, so I think I actually need a refresher with the tutorials.

Finally I’ve been playing some quick games of Turning Machine solo on boardgamearena. This is a quick logic deduction game where you’re trying to guess one number based on certain logic rules that you test.

There is a competitive mode where you can play against people, but in that mode you are just trying to find the final number the fastest, I prefer the solo mode of just trying to find the number.

I own a copy of the game, but the bga version saves a lot of time with putting out the cards you need.

[toromash]

I trophy hunt as well, it's very fun, you maximise what the game has to offer, and sometimes it requires you to master a game. In 14 years I now have 81 platinum's, which doesn't include Sekiro, but both Dark Souls and Bloodborne. They are very fun games to complete and very intuitive journeys.

[mightysparks]

Board gaming is one of my hobbies, but since having a kid I haven’t had time for in person board gaming with anyone, so I’ve been playing some of the apps.

I’ve got Concordia on the switch and iPad. Both apps work, but the iPad is easier to use with a touch screen than the switch with a controller. Through the app is mainly the way I have played Concordia, and I really enjoy the game.

Been playing some Root on the switch as well. This app is a legit great way to learn how to play the game through the tutorials. The mechanics of the game aren’t overly complex, but all of the factions play very differently with different win conditions, so it’s a lot of work before playing your first game to learn the rules, but the tutorials here make that a lot easier. It’s been a while since I played last, so I think I actually need a refresher with the tutorials.

Finally I’ve been playing some quick games of Turning Machine solo on boardgamearena. This is a quick logic deduction game where you’re trying to guess one number based on certain logic rules that you test.

There is a competitive mode where you can play against people, but in that mode you are just trying to find the final number the fastest, I prefer the solo mode of just trying to find the number.

I own a copy of the game, but the bga version saves a lot of time with putting out the cards you need.

I've always wanted to get into board gaming but don't have friends lol. I've never played Concordia or Root, are these fun to play with AI?

[45MinuteZoom]

I've always wanted to get into board gaming but don't have friends lol. I've never played Concordia or Root, are these fun to play with AI?

Yeah, I’ve had a great time with the AI on both. Generally with these apps I’ll start out on easy and ramp up the difficulty. Do you have any modern board game experience? Games like Catan, Ticket to Ride, or Dominion?

Concordia is a medium weight complexity, I think I learned the game by watching a YouTube video on the rules and then playing the app tutorial.

The Root tutorial is fantastic, and a great way to learn the game, but there is a lot going on in that game, I don’t think I’d recommend it to someone totally new to board gaming.

And in general I recommend checking meetup or your local board game stores to see if they have in person game nights. I’ve met a ton of very nice people who are excited to teach rules and experienced at explaining rules. All of my board game friends I meet through these meetups.

[mightysparks]

I've always wanted to get into board gaming but don't have friends lol. I've never played Concordia or Root, are these fun to play with AI?

Yeah, I’ve had a great time with the AI on both. Generally with these apps I’ll start out on easy and ramp up the difficulty. Do you have any modern board game experience? Games like Catan, Ticket to Ride, or Dominion?

Never played any of those games but have wanted to

And in general I recommend checking meetup or your local board game stores to see if they have in person game nights. I’ve met a ton of very nice people who are excited to teach rules and experienced at explaining rules. All of my board game friends I meet through these meetups.

Scared of people

[45MinuteZoom]

And in general I recommend checking meetup or your local board game stores to see if they have in person game nights. I’ve met a ton of very nice people who are excited to teach rules and experienced at explaining rules. All of my board game friends I meet through these meetups.

Scared of people

Yeah, I get it, it can be very intimidating, but everyone at a night like that has a goal of playing new games and meeting new people. You just need to ask a group if they are looking for more players, and they’ll either say yes or no.

But in any case, Carcassonne and Wingspan both have fun apps. Carcassonne is easier to learn and Wingspan is slightly less complicated than Concordia.

You could also try getting a game that you can play solo as well as with people. A game like Calico is perfect for that, calico is pretty easy to learn and the rule book gives you different goals to try and hit if you are playing solo. Calico is also supposed to have an app out later this fall called Quilts and Cats of Calico.

[monclivie]

I started playing Her Story, but I got bored and dropped it.

I found it tedious watching so many random clips out of context, without knowing the story. I think the game would've worked better as a movie.

I just played Immortality by the same dude. It's hard to evaluate as a "game," but it's one of the best pieces of interactive media I've ever played.

This weekend I played Her Story and the "sequel" - Telling Lies. Sure, it's more of a story exploration than a game, but I enjoyed both and finished each in one sitting, although Her Story's story was less far-fetched and exhausting, the revelations more "wait.. what??" and the ending more chilling.

[flavo5000]

I started playing AI: Somnium Files. Pretty cool so far. The plot is ridiculous and the gameplay reminds me of the Phoenix Wright games.

[mjf314]

I started playing AI: Somnium Files. Pretty cool so far. The plot is ridiculous and the gameplay reminds me of the Phoenix Wright games.

It was made by the same writer/director as the Zero Escape games, so you might want to play them as well, if you haven't done so already.

[Pretentious Hipster]

The Malgrave Incident is a huge surprise. It's a wii hidden object game but I'm finding it to almost be a masterpiece. It's a hybrid of that and a myst clone, utilizing both logical and inventory-based puzzles (you find the inventory items by playing the hidden object games). The graphics are fantastic for the wii, and it has an incredible atmosphere. It actually reminds me a lot of Bioshock.

[mjf314]

I started playing The Lion King (SNES). I played the game as a kid but I never finished it, so I wanted to finish it... but I dropped it again.

This game is terrible, one of the worst 2D platformers that I've played. Bad jumping physics, bad collision detection, bad level design, a camera that won't stay centered, unfair fights.

[mightysparks]

I found a subreddit r/CozyGamers the other day and it's totally my thing and I'm happy I finally know what to call the type of game I like. So I've been on a cozy game spree (plus already playing Stardew Valley which I'm pretty much endgaming right now). I'm loving Littlewood -- I used to play this game called Qbicles where you placed items in an office and it was like the water cooler had to be x blocks away from a plant but not next to a desk or whatever and this has a similar mechanism that I enjoy. Perfect cozy game.

Also enjoying Ooblets which I've been playing for a bit in bed on my Switch every night. A little of Roots of Pacha but not too far into it. Today I bought The Shape of Things which is super cool and chill, and The Last Campfire which is also quite nice so far. I also plan to revisit My Time at Portia which I was enjoying but never returned to after a few hours of play. Want ALL the cozy games

I also haven't played Baldur's Gate 3 in forever after a tough battle which exhausted me and put me off. My bf is way ahead of me now. I plan to lower the difficulty to baby mode so I can make it more cozy instead.

[Leopardi]

I found a subreddit r/CozyGamers the other day and it's totally my thing and I'm happy I finally know what to call the type of game I like. So I've been on a cozy game spree (plus already playing Stardew Valley which I'm pretty much endgaming right now). I'm loving Littlewood -- I used to play this game called Qbicles where you placed items in an office and it was like the water cooler had to be x blocks away from a plant but not next to a desk or whatever and this has a similar mechanism that I enjoy. Perfect cozy game.

Hey, I just started Stardew Valley a couple of days ago! Still have no idea what I'm doing and I don't have any time to play it so it'll take me forever to finish, but I'm enjoying it. Also started Bioshock Infinite last week, which is pretty mind-blowing considering I'm used to playing games from the mid-90s or earlier.

[flavo5000]

I found a subreddit r/CozyGamers the other day and it's totally my thing and I'm happy I finally know what to call the type of game I like. So I've been on a cozy game spree (plus already playing Stardew Valley which I'm pretty much endgaming right now). I'm loving Littlewood -- I used to play this game called Qbicles where you placed items in an office and it was like the water cooler had to be x blocks away from a plant but not next to a desk or whatever and this has a similar mechanism that I enjoy. Perfect cozy game.

Also enjoying Ooblets which I've been playing for a bit in bed on my Switch every night. A little of Roots of Pacha but not too far into it. Today I bought The Shape of Things which is super cool and chill, and The Last Campfire which is also quite nice so far. I also plan to revisit My Time at Portia which I was enjoying but never returned to after a few hours of play. Want ALL the cozy games

I also haven't played Baldur's Gate 3 in forever after a tough battle which exhausted me and put me off. My bf is way ahead of me now. I plan to lower the difficulty to baby mode so I can make it more cozy instead.

I just got my son into Little Inferno, a super cozy game where you just burn things. I don't know why but I find that game super relaxing to play.

[mightysparks]

I found a subreddit r/CozyGamers the other day and it's totally my thing and I'm happy I finally know what to call the type of game I like. So I've been on a cozy game spree (plus already playing Stardew Valley which I'm pretty much endgaming right now). I'm loving Littlewood -- I used to play this game called Qbicles where you placed items in an office and it was like the water cooler had to be x blocks away from a plant but not next to a desk or whatever and this has a similar mechanism that I enjoy. Perfect cozy game.

Also enjoying Ooblets which I've been playing for a bit in bed on my Switch every night. A little of Roots of Pacha but not too far into it. Today I bought The Shape of Things which is super cool and chill, and The Last Campfire which is also quite nice so far. I also plan to revisit My Time at Portia which I was enjoying but never returned to after a few hours of play. Want ALL the cozy games

I also haven't played Baldur's Gate 3 in forever after a tough battle which exhausted me and put me off. My bf is way ahead of me now. I plan to lower the difficulty to baby mode so I can make it more cozy instead.

I just got my son into Little Inferno, a super cozy game where you just burn things. I don't know why but I find that game super relaxing to play.

Yea I play it every few years. I love it

[mightysparks]

I found a subreddit r/CozyGamers the other day and it's totally my thing and I'm happy I finally know what to call the type of game I like. So I've been on a cozy game spree (plus already playing Stardew Valley which I'm pretty much endgaming right now). I'm loving Littlewood -- I used to play this game called Qbicles where you placed items in an office and it was like the water cooler had to be x blocks away from a plant but not next to a desk or whatever and this has a similar mechanism that I enjoy. Perfect cozy game.

Hey, I just started Stardew Valley a couple of days ago! Still have no idea what I'm doing and I don't have any time to play it so it'll take me forever to finish, but I'm enjoying it. Also started Bioshock Infinite last week, which is pretty mind-blowing considering I'm used to playing games from the mid-90s or earlier.

I just worked stuff out on my own for the first year of Stardew Valley and then I ended up playing with a spreadsheet + wiki to keep track of things lol. But it's fun to work stuff out on your own for a bit. I got nearly 100 hours played on Steam and I'm still trying to unlock the last couple of things. And I only recently had my first game-child with my game-husband so I'm waiting for it to age up. I have it on the Switch as well so I planned to start a new game soon with a different map and randomized bundles to play it again. Idk why I never got into it years ago but now I'm obsessed.

[kongs_speech]

Didn't play anything this week due to being extremely sick. Metal: Hellsinger is leaving Game Pass soon and looks cool, I'd like to try to get through that one.

[mightysparks]

Can't remember who mentioned Beacon Pines but finally got around to checking it out. I thought it sounded interesting but wasn't super convinced until I actually started playing it (I feel like the 'shit' moment is when you know you're in for something cool). Excited to see how things play out from here.

Also bought Sticky Business, a very cozy casual game about running a sticker business. I was worried I would get put off making stickers because I'm not creative but it hasn't actually been an issue. Cute and chill.

Have been playing this 'idle' game Factory Town Idle. It's a little bit of a management game too, nothing super special but I couldn't get into it when I downloaded the demo ages ago and then I tried it again and something clicked. Fun trying to get all productions and markets running smoothly and in the green/blue.

My brother and I were discussing games last week and ended up with us deciding to start fresh OldSchool RuneScape accounts in an Iron Man group. I haven't played in a loooong time but man I just really love being in OSRS. Can't believe that game has been part of my life for nearly 20 years.. and was where I first used this username (since Sparks was taken).

[kongs_speech]

Didn't play anything this week due to being extremely sick. Metal: Hellsinger is leaving Game Pass soon and looks cool, I'd like to try to get through that one.

That game was great. I am currently playing Quantum Break on Xbox and The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX via Game Boy Color on Nintendo Switch Online.

Next games might be Beacon Pines and Prodeus (both leaving Game Pass this month), as well as new purchase Blasphemous, which has been hyped greatly for me by friends.