Just wrapped up Metro: Last Light. Overall a superior experience to Metro 2033 in every way I thought, and I liked Metro 2033 quite a bit. Combat and stealth are both significantly better than in 2033, you see a lot more of the metro stations, and there's a wider variety of more interesting environments in general. Some people say the story is worse in LL but in my opinion it's much more fleshed out and I enjoyed getting a more detailed look at the various factions in the Metro, and actually having some specific antagonist characters. For being more shooty/combat-oriented than 2033, I think LL also does the suspense/surrealism/horror thing better than its predecessor; it feels like they were less afraid to go all-out with the weirdness and supernatural elements. And obviously it's a beautiful game if you have the rig to run it (and probably looks better than most games even with some settings turned down).
Rambly ending/story thoughts...
Couldn't help but feel the ending of the game was a bit of an anticlimax. The last surface section and its boss are not very hard at all, then we have a couple of dialogue pseudo-cutscene sections, then the last level of the entire game is just a very straightforward shootfest which I completed without dying once. The telepathic maze shit in 2033, even if it was kind of tedious and silly, was at least different enough to be interesting.
For those of you who don't know, LL treats the "bad" ending (the one you get by default if you don't get enough "moral points" for doing specific - but not indicated - things throughout the game), where you nuke the Dark Ones' hive, as the "canon" ending and continues from there. I have to say at times it got old how LL sort of tries to browbeat you into feeling guilty about letting the nukes fly. Based on the information available to Artyom at the time (the Dark Ones are super fucking creepy and drive everybody that they come in contact with homicidally/suicidally insane, except for Artyom himself), I don't blame him a bit for cleansing them from the earth with the power of the atom.
Anyway for LL I had a pretty good idea of how the "moral points" system worked and the type of stuff that earns points so I was making much more of a real effort to earn good juju... listening to every long conversation between NPCs, sparing surrendering Nazis/Reds, helping kids find their lost teddy bears, etc. The only thing I can think of I did knowing I would probably lose points for it is letting Pavel die, because fuck that piece of shit. I don't even care about getting back at him for betraying me, but complicity in what the Reds did to Oktyabrskaya is basically unforgivable IMO. (To be totally honest, the game doesn't make it clear what you even need to do to save him if you want to there, I guess simply go towards him... I just stayed put until my lil' buddy said we needed to go.)
Aaaaaaand I still got the "bad" ending to LL too. Honestly a little pissed about it, not sure what I needed to do differently. Looking at the wiki now, shooting at Lesnitsky when he's holding Anna hostage loses a point, which is silly because I am standing ten feet from him with a clear bead drawn on his face... one trigger pull seems like it should be problem solved (I have yet to meet man with knife hand that can outrun boolet). Not seeing anything else that would have cost me points. Feel like I should have earned enough, but I also can't find anything that says what the sufficient score actually is. Oh well. I will probably wait until the Redux version of the game is out to try another run.
Steam clocks me in at 10 hours playtime from start to finish. I was only playing on the normal difficulty and I didn't struggle with any particular section too long. There was one level I replayed on purpose because I discovered at the end I had accidentally loaded military-grade rounds (in-game currency) and wasted a lot. If you're playing on the higher difficulties (and/or Ranger mode) I guess it might run a little longer, but for me 10 hours was just right for a satisfying experience. I'd definitely recommend this game to anybody who was on the fence... if you are reading this and regretting not pulling the trigger on it for <$7 in the summer sale now, I sincerely apologize, I know my timing is deplorable, but I am sure it will be marked down heavily again. Hell, $20 regular price for the complete edition is not a terrible price.
That said, there is the issue of the "Redux" versions of LL and 2033 coming out later this summer. Apparently they're supposed to be getting graphics enhancements (sprucing up LL even though it only came out a year ago and looks great, and bringing 2033 up to LL's standard even though it still looks great too, even if it's rather poorly optimized) and they're adding options to change the playstyle of each game... so you can turn 2033 into a more combat-oriented experience, and LL into more of a survival horror game like 2033. If you own one or both of the Metro games already you get heavy discounts on the Redux versions. I am not totally sure why 4A/Deep Silver thought it was necessary to do this but personally I like the Metro games enough that I will probably spring for the re-release. If you've never played either game before but you're interested, or maybe if you've played 2033 (which has been on sale for $5 or less countless times and at one point was literally given away for free as a pack-in with Homefront - Homefront! Ha ha! Remember that?) but not LL, I guess I'd say maybe hold out for the "definitive" versions when the Redux pack drops.
There's no greater shame and backlog motivation than a gifter who says something like "I'd rather someone who will actually PLAY this game get it!" or "Now I want to know your opinions of this game".
I tried that once and he still hasn't played the game with me
But I totally understand at the same time. You all gift way more than I can handle, but I try to give each game a fair chance.
Also @Broncbuster is a monster for gifting me Bad Rats.
Just because in my stupor I mentioned I didn't own it.
I am going to bed now.
So, go watch CorriganX for his turn!
Your stream was awesome @Krummith
Finishing out with that DLC was just hilarious, and sold me on the Saints Row IV season pass just before the end of the sale.
put an hour or so into each game I received by the end of the sale
I...uh...what?
I don't understand what this even means.
I thought collecting games and playing a free one all the times was the way to go?
That seems to be one of the two prevailing philosophies. The other being start up all of the games and maybe put a few hours in each but probably never finish unless they're real short. Both of which are cool with me, as long as you're having fun because that's the point.
But I'm a weirdo and for the most part will usually stick to two games at a time max and will generally play them until credits roll but never to 100% completion. Now that I think of it, completionists could probably be a third camp. Anyway, it's almost always something RPGish and long and then sometimes shorter more actiony/platformy stuff alongside for when I feel the need to mix it up. So I feel like trying to briefly check out my gifts for a week or so actually puts me more in line with people here than usual.
Not gonna list the ones I gifted out because I don't like tooting my own horn. All told, not as significant damage to my wallet as I anticipated. I even still have a couple games to wait for when Winter Sale rolls around.
Like Duck Tales had a baby with Castlevania around circa of the Gameboy Color-era! With both of their talents for musical jams!
Firebird on
STEAM ID: Firebird
XBOX Live: FirebirdLR
Playstation: FirebirdXR
0
StragintDo Not GiftAlways DeclinesRegistered Userregular
I've tried all the games I bought this sale and now I don't know where to start with my backlog. I think I'm gonna stick to XCOM for now and see how that goes. Playing Enemy Within right now I think.
PSN: Reaper_Stragint, Steam: DoublePitstoChesty
What is the point of being alive if you don't at least try to do something remarkable? ~ Mario Novak
I never fear death or dyin', I only fear never trying.
Awesome, now I have a permanent record in my steam profile about how I did the least amount of contribution possible to the "pat on the head consolation prize" team.
Go blue.
+2
BeryllineOne Tiara to rule them allRegistered Userregular
This sale was a fun one. I'll try to do a final thank-you wrap up post, but I'll be honest. My record keeping was not perfect. (I did at least write individual thank-you posts.) Things got a little busy at certain points...
Anyway, here are a few things that people should own. Maybe you missed picking them up during the sale? (Some of them might look a bit familiar to viewers of some of my streams, both old and recent.) Open to Adventure Team members!
*
*How Long to Beat says this is a 6.5 hour game. See if you can beat my time of 16 hours!
RPGVXA DLC
Blackwell Series Bundle
Wolfenstein: The New Order
There were some really nice deals overall, admittedly a lot on titles I already owned. Still, it was great to see stuff like Shadowrun and the Blackwell series get some love, and Wolfenstein turned out good enough that I didn't mind missing the daily. And again, the charity drive was impressive to the point of being humbling. I've only been able to check on the stream periodically, but you all brought a lot of heart and class into the sale, and deserve some serious recognition for the effort. Wouldn't want to be anywhere else for the festivities
Now if you'll pardon me, the Stanley Parable beckons. In fact I'm not entirely sure I've stopped playing. Is there a me that exists if I did? And why am I hearing all this aloud?
Finished the new Wolfenstien! Even hearing all of the people say how surprisingly good it is...I was, well, really surprised at how good it was! It's a shame that it's in the texture-pop-in-heavy Rage engine, but otherwise it has all of the gameplay, story (really, it's quite thoughtful here and there!), and pretties you could expect from the next big FPS campaign to blow our socks off. I'm can't think of a post HL2 FPS campaign I've enjoyed more than it.
I very much appreciate it. Sorry not to thank you guys sooner. It was all I could do just to keep up with posts from a phone on the road with the family. Thanks very much!
Arithon32Member of the PinquisitionRegistered Userregular
Thought I was free of the sale, but @an_alt hit me with Battleblock Theater just after the deals expired. That doesn't mean retaliation won't be coming!
Arithon32Member of the PinquisitionRegistered Userregular
edited July 2014
So this sale was the first time I didn't feel like a heel at the end of the sale for not being able to keep up with the stupendous amount of classiness that this thread is known for.
Gifts given:
System Shock 2
Transformers: War for Cybertron
Unepic
Papers, Please
Hammerwatch
Puzzle Quest
Puzzle Quest 2
Steamworld Dig
Shadowrun Dragonfall x2
Dungeon Hearts
Amnesia: Machine for Pigs
One Way Heroics x2
Deadlight
They Bleed Pixels
Space Hulk
Shamelessly bought for myself:
State of Decay: Breakdown DLC
Transistor
Long Live the Queen
Baldur's Gate 2 Enhanced Edition
Nidhogg
Delver
Unepic
One Way Heroics
Halo: Spartan Assault
I know I don't post here often (longtime lurker), but you guys are seriously some of the best folks I've ever seen. To celebrate a sale by giftbombing the hell out of one another while still raising nearly 6 grand for Child's Play is amazing.
I thought I'd just take a screenshot of the email list of gifts received. Just to give you all an idea, this had to be zoomed out so I could fit it on one page! Thanks everybody for once again making it a fantastic sale and an even better Charity run!
This was my second sale and it was pretty dang awesome I must say. I don't know if I'm doing it right but I think I bought/gifted out/received just about equal numbers of games, somewhere around 12-15. We serve the Newell?
So... I have no idea what I gave out and I don't think it's too important for me to list that. They know. And honestly, I'd rather not know what I spent either because, dear lord.
but what i do know:
I bought myself
Walking Dead S2
Far Cry Blood Dragon
The Bureau ($3. what's the worst that can happen)
Ducktales
rocksmith 2014, import tool and one dlc pack
which means I can directly blame you jerks for
Bioshock infinite
noitu love 2 devolution
sine mora
risk of rain
tomb raider GOTY
spelunky
unmechanical
brothers
transistor
castle crashers
system shock 2
dead rising 3
outlast
state of decay
soul reaver 2
metal slug 3
payday 2
I actually didn't get some of these as emails to double check who was who so in the interest of fairness, you're all wonderful people and I love you
I also wanted to thank @artaxes for trying to gift me Gone Home when I was super sad but wasn't accepting gifts at the time. But it was super nice of him to try!
Then a few days later @bloodatonement gifted me Hydrophobia but then felt bad and then sent Marlow Briggs! @TeeMan saw that I was accepting gifts again and quickly hit me with Gone Home @DasUberEdward jumped on the phobia band wagon and sent me They Breathe @Shadowfire right behind him with Strike Vector!
I really wanted to say thank you to everyone for both the birthday wishes and gifts, and also everyone for the condolences.
And for letting me have a bit of a breakdown in chat. And for being not just random people on the internet, but a community that has often been there for me.
Posts
Rambly ending/story thoughts...
For those of you who don't know, LL treats the "bad" ending (the one you get by default if you don't get enough "moral points" for doing specific - but not indicated - things throughout the game), where you nuke the Dark Ones' hive, as the "canon" ending and continues from there. I have to say at times it got old how LL sort of tries to browbeat you into feeling guilty about letting the nukes fly. Based on the information available to Artyom at the time (the Dark Ones are super fucking creepy and drive everybody that they come in contact with homicidally/suicidally insane, except for Artyom himself), I don't blame him a bit for cleansing them from the earth with the power of the atom.
Anyway for LL I had a pretty good idea of how the "moral points" system worked and the type of stuff that earns points so I was making much more of a real effort to earn good juju... listening to every long conversation between NPCs, sparing surrendering Nazis/Reds, helping kids find their lost teddy bears, etc. The only thing I can think of I did knowing I would probably lose points for it is letting Pavel die, because fuck that piece of shit. I don't even care about getting back at him for betraying me, but complicity in what the Reds did to Oktyabrskaya is basically unforgivable IMO. (To be totally honest, the game doesn't make it clear what you even need to do to save him if you want to there, I guess simply go towards him... I just stayed put until my lil' buddy said we needed to go.)
Aaaaaaand I still got the "bad" ending to LL too. Honestly a little pissed about it, not sure what I needed to do differently. Looking at the wiki now, shooting at Lesnitsky when he's holding Anna hostage loses a point, which is silly because I am standing ten feet from him with a clear bead drawn on his face... one trigger pull seems like it should be problem solved (I have yet to meet man with knife hand that can outrun boolet). Not seeing anything else that would have cost me points. Feel like I should have earned enough, but I also can't find anything that says what the sufficient score actually is. Oh well. I will probably wait until the Redux version of the game is out to try another run.
Steam clocks me in at 10 hours playtime from start to finish. I was only playing on the normal difficulty and I didn't struggle with any particular section too long. There was one level I replayed on purpose because I discovered at the end I had accidentally loaded military-grade rounds (in-game currency) and wasted a lot. If you're playing on the higher difficulties (and/or Ranger mode) I guess it might run a little longer, but for me 10 hours was just right for a satisfying experience. I'd definitely recommend this game to anybody who was on the fence... if you are reading this and regretting not pulling the trigger on it for <$7 in the summer sale now, I sincerely apologize, I know my timing is deplorable, but I am sure it will be marked down heavily again. Hell, $20 regular price for the complete edition is not a terrible price.
That said, there is the issue of the "Redux" versions of LL and 2033 coming out later this summer. Apparently they're supposed to be getting graphics enhancements (sprucing up LL even though it only came out a year ago and looks great, and bringing 2033 up to LL's standard even though it still looks great too, even if it's rather poorly optimized) and they're adding options to change the playstyle of each game... so you can turn 2033 into a more combat-oriented experience, and LL into more of a survival horror game like 2033. If you own one or both of the Metro games already you get heavy discounts on the Redux versions. I am not totally sure why 4A/Deep Silver thought it was necessary to do this but personally I like the Metro games enough that I will probably spring for the re-release. If you've never played either game before but you're interested, or maybe if you've played 2033 (which has been on sale for $5 or less countless times and at one point was literally given away for free as a pack-in with Homefront - Homefront! Ha ha! Remember that?) but not LL, I guess I'd say maybe hold out for the "definitive" versions when the Redux pack drops.
I tried that once and he still hasn't played the game with me
But I totally understand at the same time. You all gift way more than I can handle, but I try to give each game a fair chance.
Your stream was awesome @Krummith
Finishing out with that DLC was just hilarious, and sold me on the Saints Row IV season pass just before the end of the sale.
That seems to be one of the two prevailing philosophies. The other being start up all of the games and maybe put a few hours in each but probably never finish unless they're real short. Both of which are cool with me, as long as you're having fun because that's the point.
But I'm a weirdo and for the most part will usually stick to two games at a time max and will generally play them until credits roll but never to 100% completion. Now that I think of it, completionists could probably be a third camp. Anyway, it's almost always something RPGish and long and then sometimes shorter more actiony/platformy stuff alongside for when I feel the need to mix it up. So I feel like trying to briefly check out my gifts for a week or so actually puts me more in line with people here than usual.
Bought For Self
Devil May Cry + Vergil DLC
Castlevania LoS Ultimate
Defy Gravity (for the cards I swear!)
One Way Heroics
Shadowrun Returns Upgrade to Deluxe + Dragonfall
Bioshock 1
Bioshock 2 + Minerva DLC
Bioshock Infinite + Season Pass
UnEpic
Tomb Raider DLC
Borderlands 2 Ultimate Vault Hunter Upgrade Pack 2
Can't Stop Laughing Bundle
Saints Row IV + DLC
You Need a Budget
Gifts Received
Half Minute Hero from @Broncbuster
Outlast from @Big Classy (donated to akajaybay's raffle)
Mount and Blade: Warband from @staplerofpaper
FTL: Faster Than Light from @Corsini
Mirror's Edge from @Tofystedeth
Secret of the Magic Crystals from @Broncbuster
SteamWorld Dig from @TeeMan
Aquaria from @DaxterMax
Not gonna list the ones I gifted out because I don't like tooting my own horn. All told, not as significant damage to my wallet as I anticipated. I even still have a couple games to wait for when Winter Sale rolls around.
We thought we were safe!
Shovel Knight is so~ good!
Short, fairly challenging, but worth $15 dollars.
Like Duck Tales had a baby with Castlevania around circa of the Gameboy Color-era! With both of their talents for musical jams!
STEAM ID: Firebird
XBOX Live: FirebirdLR
Playstation: FirebirdXR
What is the point of being alive if you don't at least try to do something remarkable? ~ Mario Novak
I never fear death or dyin', I only fear never trying.
Want to play co-op games? Feel free to hit me up!
Steam ID: Good Life
I think it's mostly that switched from shooters and Divinity to horror games and it's dark out. To be fair, this shit it creeping me out.
PSN Hypacia
Xbox HypaciaMinnow
Discord Hypacia#0391
i have no idea why, but this typo amuses the living heck out of me. i know it wasn't intended, but well done Botz.
時計仕掛けの子の丸々太った磁器の顔に表情は無いが、転がりながら、口がカチッと開閉して、腕が上下に動い た。
ージョン・タインズ、作家
ー無名狂師、翻訳者 （俺）
Wanna watch a gaijin butcher monsters and the Japanese Language all at once? Sure you do, and now you can!
There is (currently) only one game in my library that I never plan to install and play.
I have 212 games, including several F2P MMOGs.
I have no idea how I'll get through them all, but I've got 6 months before the next sale, and I'm out of money at least until November, so . . .
The way he scheduled his stream, he did the co-op stuff earlier and the horror stuff later. His nerves should be shot by morning.
3DS Friend Code: 2165-6448-8348 www.Twitch.TV/cooljammer00
Battle.Net: JohnDarc#1203 Origin/UPlay: CoolJammer00
Did I miss the part interactive horror game part? What game was that again, where twitch viewers are able to affect what is happening in the game?
What's the schedule?
Steam ID: Good Life
Go blue.
Anyway, here are a few things that people should own. Maybe you missed picking them up during the sale? (Some of them might look a bit familiar to viewers of some of my streams, both old and recent.) Open to Adventure Team members!
*How Long to Beat says this is a 6.5 hour game. See if you can beat my time of 16 hours!
Received:
Bloodrayne (@Polaritie )
Miasmata (@iolo )
Broforce (non-PA friend Xerozohar)
Gifted:
Shadowrun Returns (Deluxe edition)
Skyrim (Legendary edition)
Shadow Warrior
Baldur's Gate 2: Enhanced Edition
Dishonored (GOTY)
Bought:
RPGVXA DLC
Blackwell Series Bundle
Wolfenstein: The New Order
There were some really nice deals overall, admittedly a lot on titles I already owned. Still, it was great to see stuff like Shadowrun and the Blackwell series get some love, and Wolfenstein turned out good enough that I didn't mind missing the daily. And again, the charity drive was impressive to the point of being humbling. I've only been able to check on the stream periodically, but you all brought a lot of heart and class into the sale, and deserve some serious recognition for the effort. Wouldn't want to be anywhere else for the festivities
Now if you'll pardon me, the Stanley Parable beckons. In fact I'm not entirely sure I've stopped playing. Is there a me that exists if I did? And why am I hearing all this aloud?
Man. This break room is amazing.
That's Daylight. He's saving that for a different, announced stream since it was a stretch goal. Same with Berylline and Influx.
3DS Friend Code: 2165-6448-8348 www.Twitch.TV/cooljammer00
Battle.Net: JohnDarc#1203 Origin/UPlay: CoolJammer00
@minor incident for Alan Wake!
@Big Classy for Euro Truck Simulator 2!
@TreadLife for Interstellar Marines!
@ArbitraryDescriptor for The Last Federation (Drake Approved)!
I very much appreciate it. Sorry not to thank you guys sooner. It was all I could do just to keep up with posts from a phone on the road with the family. Thanks very much!
Steam profile.
Getting started with BATTLETECH: Part 1 / Part 2
It's pretty damn awesome.
The hypest stream on the internet
Want to play co-op games? Feel free to hit me up!
DLC Quest IRL friend
Vampire The Masquerade: Bloodlines @chris: waffle king
State of Decay @Berylline
Startopia @Elin
Paper Sorceror IRL friend
Witcher 2 @durandal4532
Tomb Raider GOTY @Karoz
Risk of Rain @Talus9952
Gone Home @Asharad
Brothers @durandal4532
They Bleed Pixels @an_alt
Castle Crashers @durandal4532
Battleblock Theater @an_alt
Child of Light @Werewolf2000ad
Strike Vector @bloodatonement
Call of Cthulu: The Wasted Land @chris: waffle king
Gifts given:
System Shock 2
Transformers: War for Cybertron
Unepic
Papers, Please
Hammerwatch
Puzzle Quest
Puzzle Quest 2
Steamworld Dig
Shadowrun Dragonfall x2
Dungeon Hearts
Amnesia: Machine for Pigs
One Way Heroics x2
Deadlight
They Bleed Pixels
Space Hulk
Shamelessly bought for myself:
State of Decay: Breakdown DLC
Transistor
Long Live the Queen
Baldur's Gate 2 Enhanced Edition
Nidhogg
Delver
Unepic
One Way Heroics
Halo: Spartan Assault
I know I don't post here often (longtime lurker), but you guys are seriously some of the best folks I've ever seen. To celebrate a sale by giftbombing the hell out of one another while still raising nearly 6 grand for Child's Play is amazing.
I'm constantly amazed at how giving you are!
Thanks to everyone who gifted me! Her'es the full list of classy muggins!
@Dyvim Tvar
@SmokeStacks
@Pixelated Pixie
@Malakaius
@Talus
@Antoshka
@Arithon32
@Invisible
@Isorn
@Berylline
@BornToHula
@ManetherenWolf
@Radiation
@initiatefailure
@Madican
@Usagent (for the gift war!!!!)
@MrVyngaard
@Sumanai
@Shiflett
@minor incident
@Spoit
@Gear Girl
@AnteCantelope
@aerynkelly
@Zebukiel
Didn't send a thing.
but what i do know:
I bought myself
Walking Dead S2
Far Cry Blood Dragon
The Bureau ($3. what's the worst that can happen)
Ducktales
rocksmith 2014, import tool and one dlc pack
which means I can directly blame you jerks for
Bioshock infinite
noitu love 2 devolution
sine mora
risk of rain
tomb raider GOTY
spelunky
unmechanical
brothers
transistor
castle crashers
system shock 2
dead rising 3
outlast
state of decay
soul reaver 2
metal slug 3
payday 2
I actually didn't get some of these as emails to double check who was who so in the interest of fairness, you're all wonderful people and I love you
Even sitting it out I still got the bejeezus gifted out of me
Gave away:
Monaco
Recieved (deep breath):
Farcry 3 from @Big Classy or would have if I didn't already have it for xbox
Nekro from @Krummith
The Bureau from @chris: waffle king
Risk of Rain from @Talus
State of Decay from @Berylline
Wolf Among Us from @akajaybay
Outlast from @initiatefailure
Ringrunner from @Broncbuster, who then followed that up with Call of Juarez: Gunslinger!
Battleblock Theater from @staplerofpaper
Dragon Age: Origins from @LostNinja
I also wanted to thank @artaxes for trying to gift me Gone Home when I was super sad but wasn't accepting gifts at the time. But it was super nice of him to try!
Then a few days later @bloodatonement gifted me Hydrophobia but then felt bad and then sent Marlow Briggs!
@TeeMan saw that I was accepting gifts again and quickly hit me with Gone Home
@DasUberEdward jumped on the phobia band wagon and sent me They Breathe
@Shadowfire right behind him with Strike Vector!
I really wanted to say thank you to everyone for both the birthday wishes and gifts, and also everyone for the condolences.
And for letting me have a bit of a breakdown in chat. And for being not just random people on the internet, but a community that has often been there for me.
also: hugs to @Pixelated Pixie
you lying scallywag