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Westwood

[H]F Junkie
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Nov 17, 2012
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Could use some recommendations. Something that I can get into. Been playing COD for a few weeks now, and my anxiety shoots up any time I play it. I get caught up in the whole, one more win then I'll go to bed routine. Next thing I know, its midnight and I've had one win in the past five hours.

Before COD, it was Path of Exile, but the league just feels dead.

Fired up AOE2: DE and played that for a few hours. Got my ass handed to me despite the lobby saying "new players only". Play for an hour and a half only to have teammates leave 15m in a game and I get wiped out in a 2v4 battle against elites.

I'm about 66% the way through Farcry, but it doesn't seem to stick with me. I guess I should try to complete that.

The last decent SP game I got myself into was Fallout 3, but it kept crashing on me so I stopped playing.

RDR2 looks good, but I see it has a lot of issues on PC.

Iunno. Need something that I doesn't get me amped up before I head to bed, heh. I think I'm going to try that X-Box PC game pass thing. Try a few games. See what happens there.
 
Westwood Arrakis said:
Could use some recommendations. Something that I can get into. Been playing COD for a few weeks now, and my anxiety shoots up any time I play it. I get caught up in the whole, one more win then I'll go to bed routine. Next thing I know, its midnight and I've had one win in the past five hours.

Before COD, it was Path of Exile, but the league just feels dead.

Fired up AOE2: DE and played that for a few hours. Got my ass handed to me despite the lobby saying "new players only". Play for an hour and a half only to have teammates leave 15m in a game and I get wiped out in a 2v4 battle against elites.

I'm about 66% the way through Farcry, but it doesn't seem to stick with me. I guess I should try to complete that.

The last decent SP game I got myself into was Fallout 3, but it kept crashing on me so I stopped playing.

RDR2 looks good, but I see it has a lot of issues on PC.

Iunno. Need something that I doesn't get me amped up before I head to bed, heh. I think I'm going to try that X-Box PC game pass thing. Try a few games. See what happens there.
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Witcher 3 is the best game I’ve ever played in 30 years of gaming. Its like $20 on sale with both expansions. If you missed it, try that. I missed it too. I didn’t try it till last year on my Brother’s note that it was the best game he’d ever played - so good he didn’t even know what to play next because it so completely overshadowed any other game he’d ever played. He bought me a copy or I’d still not have played. I traditionally haven't enjoyed that type of game, so it wasn't really on my radar. I agree in full with his assessment.
 
Archaea said:
Witcher 3 is the best game I’ve ever played in 30 years of gaming. Its like $20 on sale with both expansions. If you missed it, try that. I missed it too. I didn’t try it till last year on my Brother’s note that it was the best game he’d ever played - so good he didn’t even know what to play next because it so completely overshadowed any other game he’d ever played. He bought me a copy or I’d still not have played. I traditionally haven't enjoyed that type of game, so it wasn't really on my radar. I agree in full with his assessment.
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You're not the first to recommend Witcher 3 either. Though, any time I check out gameplay videos it doesn't really get me excited. I think I'll have to give it a shot. Is there like customization or progression? Like, learning new skills, modding weapons, etc? I sort of need that type of thing.
 
If you liked Path of Exile, check out Pillars of Eternity and/or Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire. Kind of spiritual successors to Baldurs Gate. Both are single player. Pure RPG progress and leveling across multiple party members, multiclass builds and crafting, enchanting etc.

If you want something a little different Rebel Galaxy: Outlaw is great if you like space games, it is an old school Wings Commander: Privateer type game. Very well done for a small studio. Pure single player. It is EGS only though (oooo scary), but was one of the games that started out as EGS only, they did not do the pre-order/bait and switch.

Witcher 3 is fantastic. However if you want quick linear game play then do not bother. It is open world, and a lot of the game hinges around exploring, unless you like to play by having a YouTube guide up as you play. It also has lengthy dialog and cut scenes. 1 and 2 are not a prerequisite but I would watch a "what happened before" video or read a synopsis so you get some of the references (being the third game and all). You also only play the protagonist (with a a few quick areas where you play a side character).

Kingdom Come: Deliverance is also a great game. It goes for "historical accuracy" rather than a normal spells and mythology type game, which you either love ot hate. It has difficult to learn but rewarding combat, and has good writing and characters. It is one my favorite games of the last decade, even better than The Witcher 3 (in my opinion). It is absolutely not for everyone as it makes very little attempt to hold your hand at anytime.

The Outer Worlds is pretty good if you liked Fallout 3. I'm only a few hours in, but I'm really liking it. Can be played on the Xbox Game Pass on PC or Xbox.
 
The Outer Worlds is pretty fun, as mentioned. I have not played the new game, but Borderlands 2 is pretty fun and you can buy it + all DLC for pretty cheap. I also had fun with Shadow of Mordor/Shadow of War.

Torchlight 2 was also pretty fun for a more " PoE" style game that is single player.
 
I see Bioshock has a remastered update. I've played through the first one and it was neat. I also have Bioshock 2 and Infinite that I've never played. Maybe I'll give that a whirl .
 
Westwood Arrakis said:
You're not the first to recommend Witcher 3 either. Though, any time I check out gameplay videos it doesn't really get me excited. I think I'll have to give it a shot. Is there like customization or progression? Like, learning new skills, modding weapons, etc? I sort of need that type of thing.
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I missed this post.

The answer to the question is ABSOLUTELY!

The Witcher 3 thread has a whole slew of guys who agree its the best game they’ve played. It’s story driven. If you hate dialogue - then its not your game, but its like playing through a fantastic book. There are 36 endings IIRC and your in game decisions through the game determine your ending. The main quests are epic and even some of the secondary quests have better storylines than the plotline of triple A games. It truly is an epic experience. As to skill progression and customization — oh yes. You can basically pick one of three masteries sword, alchemy (potions and bombs), signs (magic) or any hybrid of the above. Every sword or armor you find looks dramatically different. There are sword oil recipes to find and apply, potions, legendary sets of armor and weapons. Man, progression and customization? YES!
 
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Dan_D said:
Jedi Fallen Order is worth picking up.
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I second this. While not my GOTY, Fallen Order is quickly becoming the runner up. It is a very good game. Also a very good looking game.

That aside, if you're grabbing Game Pass you definitely should check out Outer Worlds, Gears 5, and a bunch of others. Game Pass has a ton of good single player games on there.
 
Sounds like you'd like a good linear, story-based action/adventure game to play through if you keep losing interest in the open-world ones you mentioned for whatever reason. So here's some of those if you want something that isn't so much of a time-sink.

Enslaved: Odyssey to the West - Kind of a sleeper hit several years back and one that has stuck with me through. It's up there with the Uncharted games for me and I wish it had turned into a series.
Tomb Raider games - I've only played through the 2013 game so far and the first couple hours of Rise of the Tomb Raider before I got distracted by moving and other AAA games this year. But they're definitely interesting and worth playing through.
Resident Evil 7 and 2 Remake - Not sure if you like horror/suspense games, but if you do at all (they're not really jump scary either, maybe a couple jump scares in RE7), these are definitely worth playing. RE7 in VR is pretty awesome too if you happen to have a VR set.
Mad Max - This game surprised the hell out of me when I got it for free on PS4 (PS Plus game) last year. Excellent story, graphics, and game play (both on foot and driving). It's definitely more open world though with side quests/missions, but I had to still mention it here, heh.

All I got time to post right now.
 
Farcry 5
Doom
Metro Exodus
Observation
Control
Rage 2
The Beast Inside
Wolfenstein: Youngblood
Outer Worlds
Time Break
Borderlands 3
Reframed
Call of Cthulhu
Vanquish
SOMA
Call of Juarez
Alan Wake
Gears 5
Grim Dawn
 
Auer said:
No Man's Sky is a excellent late nite game :)
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This.
Unless you get in a heated pirate battle and you get a pulse going it's very chill and easy to put down. My favorite night game, 2nd only to FF8 lol.
 
I really only play SP games, these seem to be the ones I've enjoyed the most over the years.

Dark Souls
Dark Souls 2
Dark Souls 3
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (might get you amped up compared to Dark Souls)
Hitman 2 + Legacy Pack
The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Resident Evil 2 Remake
Metal Gear Solid V
Kingdom Come: Deliverance
Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen
Subnautica
Rise of the Tomb Raider
Shadow of the Tomb Raider
Tomb Raider 2013
Final Fantasy VII
Final Fantasy VIII
Final Fantasy IX
Deus Ex: Human Revolution
Deus Ex: Mankind Divided
Skyrim
Dishonored
Dishonored 2
Grand Theft Auto V
Grand Theft Auto 4 (4 is a bit dated, and I wouldn't recommend the other GTA Ports, they're best played on console)
Red Dead Redemption 2 (I played a bit of it on my friends PS4 Pro, but I'm waiting for it to be patched a bit before buying it on PC, was tempted to get it this week for $44 at GMG though.)

I highly recommend Dark Souls to anyone, they may not be the best games in the world as many see the Witcher 3, but especially for new players to the series you get a good sense of progression and walk away satisfied in the end.
 
T4rd said:
Sounds like you'd like a good linear, story-based action/adventure game to play through if you keep losing interest in the open-world ones you mentioned for whatever reason. So here's some of those if you want something that isn't so much of a time-sink.

Enslaved: Odyssey to the West - Kind of a sleeper hit several years back and one that has stuck with me through. It's up there with the Uncharted games for me and I wish it had turned into a series.
Tomb Raider games - I've only played through the 2013 game so far and the first couple hours of Rise of the Tomb Raider before I got distracted by moving and other AAA games this year. But they're definitely interesting and worth playing through.
Resident Evil 7 and 2 Remake - Not sure if you like horror/suspense games, but if you do at all (they're not really jump scary either, maybe a couple jump scares in RE7), these are definitely worth playing. RE7 in VR is pretty awesome too if you happen to have a VR set.
Mad Max - This game surprised the hell out of me when I got it for free on PS4 (PS Plus game) last year. Excellent story, graphics, and game play (both on foot and driving). It's definitely more open world though with side quests/missions, but I had to still mention it here, heh.

All I got time to post right now.
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Enslaved: Odyssey to the West

Wow...just watched some game play and this still holds up pretty well. Reviews are very good. Adding this to my list!
 
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T4rd said:
Sounds like you'd like a good linear, story-based action/adventure game to play through if you keep losing interest in the open-world ones you mentioned for whatever reason. So here's some of those if you want something that isn't so much of a time-sink.
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Honestly, I was thinking the opposite. I would have continued with FO3, but the game kept crashing every 5m. I was really deep into it too. But that was on my old, old system of 770 and a 3470. Perhaps with my new running gear that's been fixed. I also have New Vegas purchased, but I didn't even start it because FO3 never let me finish it. Which leads to perhaps giving FO4 a shot? I recall a LOT of hype for that game when it released.

I have no idea why I stopped Farcry 5. I'm like 66% complete. I think I'm going to focus on that right now. I was following the story, and it was pretty decent too because, well, 'murica.

I've asked around, and I've had probably a dozen people recommend Witcher 3. I'll have to give that a whirl. The gameplay videos don't really appeal to me, but those can be inaccurate of actual gameplay from my experience.

Another one was the Bioshock series. I completed the first one, but never got around to playing the 2nd or Infinite.

Still going to wait out on RDR2. Just seems like it needs a few things fixed before I buy it.

mmk. I have a rough idea now. I'm just on the COD fix right now that I cannot explain. I fire it up after kiddo goes to bed, and it just gets my heart rate going like crazy. I get myself so amped up on it trying to not land last place. Need to pull myself away from that.

Thanks for the input. I'll check some of these other games out too.
 
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Westwood Arrakis said:
Honestly, I was thinking the opposite. I would have continued with FO3, but the game kept crashing every 5m. I was really deep into it too. But that was on my old, old system of 770 and a 3470. Perhaps with my new running gear that's been fixed. I also have New Vegas purchased, but I didn't even start it because FO3 never let me finish it. Which leads to perhaps giving FO4 a shot? I recall a LOT of hype for that game when it released.
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I wouldn't recommend Fallout 4. I enjoyed it at the beginning but I was lying to myself that it was a good game. It is actually trash. I would recommend playing New Vegas and Fallout 3, there are community fixes for most issues you will run into if you want to spend a little time modding them. If you don't want to mod a game, I would say play The Outer Worlds instead, it should scratch that same itch for the most part but is about half the length and no mods.
 
It's different from the games you've listed but Hollow Knight is a must play.

If you're thinking about Witcher 3 look into Assassin's Creed Odyssey; the writing isn't quite as good but the actual game is a whole hell of a lot more fun.
 
Played Farcry 5 last night. I forgot how compelling of a game that is. The whole story of "The Cook". Man, that's some rugged shit there. Think I'll grab New Dawn once I'm done with this.
 
Westwood Arrakis said:
Played Farcry 5 last night. I forgot how compelling of a game that is. The whole story of "The Cook". Man, that's some rugged shit there. Think I'll grab New Dawn once I'm done with this.
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I just finished it, and it's my least favorite Far Cry so far. It's fun, but it just didn't grab me and felt like a chore playing.

I really really enjoy Far Cry Primal though. If you haven't played that one, I recommend it.
 
scojer said:
I just finished it, and it's my least favorite Far Cry so far. It's fun, but it just didn't grab me and felt like a chore playing.

I really really enjoy Far Cry Primal though. If you haven't played that one, I recommend it.
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I just want to kill the John Seed guy. I'm 71% through and I'm enjoying the story.

Never heard of Primal. Just read up on it now. I'll try that for sure. looks neat.
 
Rage 2

Sniper Ghost Warrior 3

Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts

Remanant

Divinity Original Sin I

Pillars of Eternity 2

Ghost Recon Breakpoint
 
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Westwood Arrakis said:
I just want to kill the John Seed guy. I'm 71% through and I'm enjoying the story.

Never heard of Primal. Just read up on it now. I'll try that for sure. looks neat.
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Primal was really, really well done. You can be stealthy, or go full on Rambo and it felt a lot better than FC5.

The story of FC5 was alright, but the gameplay mechanics are what ruined it for me.

Stealth is near impossible, but sending your "buddy" into a camp, they'll run right up to someone's face and kill them, stealthily. Use a sniper rifle with a silencer, hidden in a bush, they'll somehow know where you are. Or, my favorite, flying a plane that you unlocked that looks like one of theirs, they instantly know it's you flying, and not one of them.

It's a fun game, but not fun enough.
 
scojer said:
Primal was really, really well done. You can be stealthy, or go full on Rambo and it felt a lot better than FC5.

The story of FC5 was alright, but the gameplay mechanics are what ruined it for me.

Stealth is near impossible, but sending your "buddy" into a camp, they'll run right up to someone's face and kill them, stealthily. Use a sniper rifle with a silencer, hidden in a bush, they'll somehow know where you are. Or, my favorite, flying a plane that you unlocked that looks like one of theirs, they instantly know it's you flying, and not one of them.

It's a fun game, but not fun enough.
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Helicopter and just nuke the entire place. :D
 
Bigbacon said:
get the bioshock collection.
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Have it. Played through the first one when it first came out. Bought the other...two? Never got around to installing them. I got hooked up into Warcraft of Path of Exile at the time. I'll have to go back and revisit those. Looks like there is an "redux" version of them too.
 
Westwood Arrakis said:
Have it. Played through the first one when it first came out. Bought the other...two? Never got around to installing them. I got hooked up into Warcraft of Path of Exile at the time. I'll have to go back and revisit those. Looks like there is an "redux" version of them too.
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The new remaster didn't do much in my opinion.
I liked bioshock 2. Infinite was great.
Bioshock 1 is one of my favorite games of all time.
 
The Witcher 3, one of the best games ever made. If you like a fantasy setting & great storytelling.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. if you like FPS Horror & cheeki breeki

Resident Evil 2 remake is amazing, though nerve-racking at times.

Far Cry 5 if you want to move to Montana and raise a flock of dental floss.

Also, would you kindly play Bioshock?
 
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A lot in here was already recommended that I would definitely take a look at.

A few other options?
Deus Ex: Mankind Divided - This game hasn't aged as well as perhaps some other games have. But it's still written really well with plenty to do in the game. But the graphics do look dated.
Deus Ex: Human Revolution - Building off the last title this game is better in virtually every way.
Tomb Raider (2013) - One of the best games of its type. If you like uncharted you'll like this. The production value, level design, direction, and art in this game is some of the best I have ever seen. It's weak in terms of combat, but the combat feels like it's the least necessary part of the game compared to the exploration and puzzle solving (I honestly would have preferred the game to have less combat).
I imagine the other TR games are also worth playing, though I haven't gotten to either Rise of the or Shadow of the.

Like I said: everything else I'd recommend was suggested already. No need to relist. I think you should be covered for a while. Also note, that Steam + Black Friday is coming up. Should be a good time to stock up.
 
Dragon Age 1, haven't played through the other 2 yet, so can't recommend them. But DA1 seems right up your alley.
 
DA2 is not a bad SP game as long as you go in with the mindset that it is a standalone game. It is plagued with repetitive use of areas, but has a decent story and good characters.

If you Play DA1, and then go into DA2 expecting a good sequel, you will be disappointed, as it is a steaming pile of garbage in that regards.

DA3 is good, but is open world, and frankly the areas are too large, it is plagued by MMO level fetch quests, and find the sparkling bits game play. It has a really good story, great characters and some pretty cool areas. A lot of people burn out really early in the game, because they stay in the initial area, which was not designed to be cleared before moving on. In fact most of the games areas are set up that way, you need to pay attention to the quests you pick up along the way, and if they are in a different area, then pick up and move to that area. It actually makes the game much more enjoyable.
 
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termite said:
DA2 is not a bad SP game as long as you go in with the mindset that it is a standalone game. It is plagued with repetitive use of areas, but has a decent story and good characters.

If you Play DA1, and then go into DA2 expecting a good sequel, you will be disappointed, as it is a steaming pile of garbage in that regards.

DA3 is good, but is open world, and frankly the areas are too large, it is plagued by MMO level fetch quests, and find the sparkling bits game play. It has a really good story, great characters and some pretty cool areas. A lot of people burn out really early in the game, because they stay in the initial area, which was not designed to be cleared before moving on. In fact most of the games areas are set up that way, you need to pay attention to the quests you pick up along the way, and if they are in a different area, then pick up and move to that area. It actually makes the game much more enjoyable.
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DA2>DA1>DA3, change my mind.
 
Archaea said:
Witcher 3 is the best game I’ve ever played in 30 years of gaming. Its like $20 on sale with both expansions. If you missed it, try that. I missed it too. I didn’t try it till last year on my Brother’s note that it was the best game he’d ever played - so good he didn’t even know what to play next because it so completely overshadowed any other game he’d ever played. He bought me a copy or I’d still not have played. I traditionally haven't enjoyed that type of game, so it wasn't really on my radar. I agree in full with his assessment.
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I can't get past being to play as a white haired character.
 
Jumpem said:
I can't get past being to play as a white haired character.
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The story explains why. All witchers go through a intense tortured process of mutation, which nearly kills them (does kill most who try it), and turns their hair white, but gives them special powers (signs) to use in their monster hunting abilities.
 
Archaea said:
The story explains why. All witchers go through a intense tortured process of mutation, which nearly kills them (does kill most who try it), and turns their hair white, but gives them special powers (signs) to use in their monster hunting abilities.
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I played the demo a long time ago, and uninstalled it because of the lack of character customization. Coming from other RPGs it was a huge negative being forced into a character.

People do seem to like the game. I don't like a lot of dialogue or playing as a certain character. I just want to play games and have fun. If I want to become engrossed in a story there are plenty of good television series for that.
 
Jumpem said:
I played the demo a long time ago, and uninstalled it because of the lack of character customization. Coming from other RPGs it was a huge negative being forced into a character.

People do seem to like the game. I don't like a lot of dialogue or playing as a certain character. I just want to play games and have fun. If I want to become engrossed in a story there are plenty of good television series for that.
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There is where I like to go. Lots of customization, gear, builds, etc. I love modding weapons, choosing trees, and working on some form of crafting.
 
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