Monday 31 December 2018
Horizon Chase Turbo....
I never knew there was a mobile game called Horizon Chase (still available); Then again I avoid most apps that have in app purchases. I never knew there was a version of for PC called Horizon Chase Turbo and it's been out a while. But while watching the youtubes, a youtuber was using the game as background footage and it immediately sparked my interest. Turns out there is a Demo on Steam (woooooooow a real demo!!!). I used to love demo discs. Anyway, demo played and I love the game.
A great retro feel but not too retro, simple enough racer to get into with some minor collectibles and perks to reach /unlock. A great fun game. The steam reviews are mainly positive with mixed reviews naming the games difficulty as cons when they should just be listed as design choices made to be difficult; Like narrow track sections. I'm sure there are frustrations in the game with the A.I. "cheating" or unlucky/unforgiving mechanics. But the fun factor is high. I doubt anyone is really getting this game to go 100% master Yoda on it. Fun for fun is good. Split screen party game....
Currently on steam sale -25% off.
BF 1....
I've been enjoying more of the Rush mode weekly. It really is the best mode in the game. I could gush about it for ages, larger scale maps but not too big as they get broken into smaller area's of combat. That ebb and flow is not flawless but really does hit the mark. My latest offering says it all....
Sunday 30 December 2018
STO....
An alt I've not used much (levelled up and farm admiralty missions) was the one I chose to use as a testbed for how the latest event ship handles(the T6 Fek'Ihri S'Torr Warship). One thing is clear it sucks at multi ship combat; The flip side of that coin is that it rocks against single ship engagements. Even at the usual distances (10Km ish). It handles like a glass cannon. A perfect PvP ship.
Needless to say I being all in on the PvE side was not that impressed with it in PvE.
Overall not bad for for a patch job on a character with not a lot in the first place.
Because the alt hasn't done much in game and no reputations etc she had very little to put a fit together with. So I went for the bottom dollar of the energy credit exchange. That meant one or two green/blue items but mainly purple's between level X and XII. In all I think I spend about 8 million. Cheap for most players, but bang for that kind of budget buck. The biggest let down is the item level. Higher is way better. Other slot I filled with the freebie consoles from other ships, claimable rewards etc.
I stuck to the ships auto grey loadout type, Antiproton. I'd not done a cannon fit in forever so I went with 3 duel heavy cannons up front, with an omni and 3 turrets in the back. Devices were scorpion fighters and a bunch of heavy antiproton satellites, just to keep the theme running.
Bought consoles give +40% shield capacity and +90% Antiproton damage.
I did not spring for new officer abilities, so did the best with what I had. Which worked out well enough.
I'm sure that pro players are looking at the fit and the abilities and either rofl or in spasms of leetism.
This was all in an after noon of just for fun....
Long story short, it's a PvPer's dream boat, showy and aggressive etc. Definitely a ship in need of the PvP buff items. It's a ship that also needs a pack to back it up. My testing in operations shows that once I wasn't behind a tank I was dead. But for the time I was behind a tanking ship I was a DPS god. Or at least felt like one. Go team player go.
In testing it out I only unlocked the first two ship abilities. All of those abilities smack of PvP "coolness", accuracy, crit severity/chance.....
It's special ability to grapple ships is a nice touch, again better in a PvP setting but combining it with the 'Ejected warp plasma' engineering ability was a great combo. In fact doing the grapple, at max speed in a ship belching flames and plasma.... It made this ship fell like a reaver vessel from the Firefly universe!
The Warship is fun. Of all the ships in STO it has to be the one that's made me giggle the most. Even if it's giggling out of sheer wtf is a ship like this doing in the game. But I'm not opposed to it.
But for better PvE I think I'll be switching this character back to the tried, tested and always dependable Vorgon Xyfius Heavy Escort.
Battletech....
Even for a somewhat mashed together skill set; Lance 4's pilots are powering ahead. 4 Stalkers do make a right.
The Atlas that was taken down here was salvaged and is going to be a replacement for one of the Stalkers on that lance; But now I'm second guessing myself(again). If they are doing so well as is why change the mech's at all!
The Atlas that was taken down here was salvaged and is going to be a replacement for one of the Stalkers on that lance; But now I'm second guessing myself(again). If they are doing so well as is why change the mech's at all!
Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaar....
Been a while (real years) since my character had to sully himself with personal combat. Thankfully some button mashing worked!
Victory; Never doubted it!
Victory; Never doubted it!
Dead Cells....
For a first attempt at a boss I'd no clue about (powers, abilities, tactics), I was surprised I made it through. Go me!!
The ending is good, I like the extra 'natural' form you can "do". There's fun to be had with that.
It's not a short game(If you keep going after the end boss Stem Cells) but it does replayability well. Regenerated levels and collectible/unlockables all help.
I'm not going to be a completionist with this game, there's to much to collect and unlock. I've already unlocked and gained weapons that I'm comfortable with so going forward I don't feel like I need anything. That I'm sure would change on greater difficulty levels if I push on.
I'll faff about in this game for fun because it really is fun to just be in; I'm not aiming to get the other Stem Cells.
The ending is good, I like the extra 'natural' form you can "do". There's fun to be had with that.
It's not a short game(If you keep going after the end boss Stem Cells) but it does replayability well. Regenerated levels and collectible/unlockables all help.
I'm not going to be a completionist with this game, there's to much to collect and unlock. I've already unlocked and gained weapons that I'm comfortable with so going forward I don't feel like I need anything. That I'm sure would change on greater difficulty levels if I push on.
I'll faff about in this game for fun because it really is fun to just be in; I'm not aiming to get the other Stem Cells.
Saturday 29 December 2018
Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaar....
All the recent first person pirate games have been flawed, flopped or never released. The Assassins Creed version, Black flag, never sat well with me. I was hyped for Sea of Thieves but as it turned out I'm glad I held off. I might revisit it in a year or two...... or three.
The only real pirate game I've gotten into in the last year was Don't Sink. A game that lives the "less is more" life.
The next batch of pirate games is on the horizon. But Atlas looks to be a con job, I'm now left wondering if Skull and Bones will be the real deal. It looks to be Assassins Creed: Black Flag 2.0 and then some; But given my single player casual nature, the games campaign being part of the PvP multiplayer "sandbox" is off-putting. Time will tell, as always.
Besides some quick fun in Don't Sink I'm always brought back to the classic pirate game Sid Meier's Pirates! Not the C64 version but the 2004 PC version. For gameplay and fun it still holds up.
I found some of my old game-play recordings and spliced up a lil'video on ship combat. I now need to reinstall the game and then go watch Master and Commander.
Friday 28 December 2018
Free is free.....
G I V E A W A Y— GOG.COM (@GOGcom) December 28, 2018
T I M E
L E T ' S G O !
SOMA is an existential, psychological horror that's not about jump-scares. From the creators of Amnesia. Claim yours via the giveaway banner on https://t.co/TiMFdAcy7Z by December 30! pic.twitter.com/hM41ZefSTn
STO....
With a little Lobi help I claimed this years winter event ship today, a few day's early. Using spare weapons/modules I put together a fit that worked well enough to get it in space and tested.
It's a fast ship, the extra flames, sparks and engine plume when you hit full impulse gives a certain giggle factor. It's too ridiculous not to have fun in. Like Klingon's on steroids.
In an operation the ship was strange to handle, fast yes but with the ability active to pull ships in with chains, ramming them, just felt wrong. No need to keep a mindful watch on angel of attack with this ship. It may actually be a ship that rewards button mashing. No subtly in it's use.
While claiming the daily vouchers I also decided to set daily jobs for the latest tier of reputations, tier 6. I've all done bar the Gamma rep. Another 25 or so days will see it at 6 as well. In practice it may take longer; No daily means I don't have to log in. I've been in STO for most of a month with the event daily. The event wasn't feeling like a grind but the rep would. It may not sound much but absence makes the heart grow fonder etc.
With the ship done and the event still ongoing, the next few day's may see me add to the post event reputation to gain marks for other faction rep. Probably more Gamma marks as they are what are most needed now.
Monday 24 December 2018
Battletech....
With the Flashpoint content done I'm still left with the 4th lance I recruited for it.
I'm still determined to keep them in a meaningful way; Even if cutting them loose would be a quicker more logical choice. My decision to move them away from heavy mech's and into assault was a good one. But that now means they mimic my 3rd lance. In essence they are now a backup team to the backup team for my two main teams. Hmmmmmm Maybe I like micromanagement a bit too much. I don't make it easy on myself that's for sure. So far I've done a few missions with them and as the proof is in the pudding they are on par with the 3rd lance. The only way on from here is to gain parts for Atlas and Highlander or Battlemaster mech's as upgrades(as I see it). Sounds like a plan. As such I am thinking of them as an "independent" lance. To use (only) them until the next expansion when the other teams come back into action(I don't take roleplay seriously honest).
The first trip out for the 4th lance in their new Stalkers:
Sunday 23 December 2018
Friday 21 December 2018
Dead Cells....
I've been pottering about with Dead Cells a fair bit. But today saw an interesting mix of items, picked and acquired, that combined to work really, really well.
Toxic, Bleed, Burn all mixed to bring the DPS. Invisibility with +150% damage bonus on first attack was also a nice opening move.
Also the first bunch of cursed chests I've come across. I'm aware of what happens when you do open one but I'll avoid them all.
Hitman 2....
Hitman 2....
I'd forgotten there was an Elusive Target inbound, even after posting about it; I'm really not that bothered about it.....
Intel confirms a new Elusive Target has arrived to #Hitman2 today, Agents. Travel to Colombia and eliminate Vicente Murillo before your 10-day window is up. https://t.co/AkiVdxEtSR pic.twitter.com/gyCX3JMqQf— HITMAN 2 (@Hitman) December 21, 2018
BF 1....
Finding myself on Xbox I'm drawn back to BF1. It might be the base game with no frills and a controller as a maddening control method (neeeeeed mouse and keyboard); But there is something in the basics of it all that brings me back.
This weekly rotation is the same as the PC version, Rush mode.
Match 3 saw a lot of codex pop-up's which is always gratifying. The Xbox sound and video got a little de-synced due to background downloads but it's not all bad. Editing to move the sound to sync back up was more of a pain to do so I left it as it was.....
Laptop....
After a bit of research and nothing but disappointment re ordering a replacement keyboard. It turn's out for Chrimbo my wife bought me a replacement keyboard I'd found from a Hong Kong based storefront on ebay.
Delivery time, 14 screw's and two zif connectors later I have a new keyboard fitted. Nice!
Delivery time, 14 screw's and two zif connectors later I have a new keyboard fitted. Nice!
 |
| Ignore the old keyboard dust levels...... |
ETS 2....
Getting the final delivery done wasn't a chore. The main chore was my driving and overturning the truck again. This time on a long haul run meant to also include some map discovery and an achievement. That all went out the window. After recovery I took my time and did the final few trips later yesterday and completed the event.
I like that the jobs weren't restricted by having to do them over a certain distance. Even as I type the community has almost done the community event twice over.
The reward paint pattern is ok, with the same on a trailer and custom colours it was better.
 |
| Reward pattern |
I messed about with it for a while but I'll stick to what I have already.
 |
| Back to normal..... |
As for the wooden tree, it's fine. But I doubt I'll use it at all, even now. Nice to have in the collection just in case.
Games with gold....
The January 'Games with Gold' look to have 2 games I'd like to play and two I don't care about.
The two I don't care for are:
Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light (Jan 1 to 15). I'm just not these isometric versions of Tomb Raider. Better to spend time in the Assassins Creed 2.5D "Chronicles", alternative version of that franchise, a better fork in the road.
And
Far Cry 2 (Jan 16-31). I avoided it back in the day, I don't think it will have aged well. It's the Far Cry game with the malaria mechanic. Nuff said. Avoid it at all costs!!
The two I'll be more interested in:
World Rally Championship 6 (Jan 16 to Feb 15), It's been a while since I've been in a more modern rally game. I'll play a bit and see if I get stuck into it.
And
Celeste (Jan 1 - 31). A very interesting platformer. Hype over the game is high. Given I've played Shovel Knight, Super Meatboy and Dead Cells recently, Celeste's proof will be in the pudding.
Thursday 20 December 2018
Wednesday 19 December 2018
BF1....
A new week and a new set of map rotations, this time in Rush mode. Nice!
And just for good measure, an epic moment from that second match:
Tuesday 18 December 2018
ETS 2....
There maaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay have been a slight hiccup....
.... I can live with 5/12 event deliveries for today.
Hitman 2...
The second Elusive target for Hitman 2 is incoming.
I've only recently started the third map. I think he is going to be on the fourth map (Mumbi). I'm very much in a meh mood regarding it. And the game in general.
I've started to care less and less about the challenges in H2, Variations from the first game and/or needing you to do more later in the game to unlock challenges listed at the beginning area's is annoying as a completionist.
Take the first mission of Hitman 2. Hawke's Bay.
I've played and done everything on it; Yet it lists Total Completion at 90% because of 4 missing challenges.
Going into challenges you can see I've completed all the Assassinations, Discoveries, Feats and Targets. But that last part "Classics" has 4 missing.
Classics to me are the legacy content. Why list the Nightcall mission, the first of the new game, as part of a challenge in CLASSICS! Just for the rewards!?!?! It's irritating to have so much mashed up. Do that as an overall thing away from the map your on! Their fuppin up my stats!! And if that doesn't matter than why should I give a fig about the rest. Why spend time and effort on stuff that's mixed up.
I swear this game is like a split personality, love it one second, hate it the next.
As for the Tuppence a wish challenge, I did it before, the devs can go fupp themselves if they think I'll be doing it again. More stat fuckuperry.
I'm in no rush to finish this game....
I've only recently started the third map. I think he is going to be on the fourth map (Mumbi). I'm very much in a meh mood regarding it. And the game in general.
I've started to care less and less about the challenges in H2, Variations from the first game and/or needing you to do more later in the game to unlock challenges listed at the beginning area's is annoying as a completionist.
Take the first mission of Hitman 2. Hawke's Bay.
I've played and done everything on it; Yet it lists Total Completion at 90% because of 4 missing challenges.
Going into challenges you can see I've completed all the Assassinations, Discoveries, Feats and Targets. But that last part "Classics" has 4 missing.
Classics to me are the legacy content. Why list the Nightcall mission, the first of the new game, as part of a challenge in CLASSICS! Just for the rewards!?!?! It's irritating to have so much mashed up. Do that as an overall thing away from the map your on! Their fuppin up my stats!! And if that doesn't matter than why should I give a fig about the rest. Why spend time and effort on stuff that's mixed up.
I swear this game is like a split personality, love it one second, hate it the next.
As for the Tuppence a wish challenge, I did it before, the devs can go fupp themselves if they think I'll be doing it again. More stat fuckuperry.
I'm in no rush to finish this game....
Free game....
🎄🎅❤ happy holidays, everyone! here's a gift just for you ❤🎅🎁— Daniel Linssen 🦊 (@managore) December 18, 2018
>> https://t.co/gv52hdUHXF << pic.twitter.com/VviZ5LGMQW
ETS 2....
While not as good as previous present trailers; I get why they have gone with the trailers with special paint jobs. Own-able trailers being a new addition etc. But still, when I saw there was a candy cane delivery, I imagined a giant candy cane on a flatbed trailer.....
The trailer paint jobs are nice....
The trailer paint jobs are nice....
Hitman 2....
I've noticed a bit too much additional content being drip def that should have been given on release. Like escalations; Seasonal or not.
ETS 2....
I was just wondering where the Chimbo event for ETS 2 was......
https://blog.scssoft.com/2018/12/xmas-event-2018.html
Complete at least 12 deliveries of Christmas cargo:
Christmas Candy Canes
Christmas Ornaments
Christmas Candles
Christmas Wooden Gifts
Christmas Crackers
Christmas Chocolates
Christmas Socks
Christmas Tree Lights
Christmas Traditional Cookies
Christmas Decorations
This should be good for some screenshots....
Monday 17 December 2018
BF1....
Battlefield is a big game, large maps and lot of players on each side. True to it's name. Not so much when it's late/early my time. Last night I found myself in what was essentially a 5v5; few players on a large map doesn't happen often. An interesting match that didn't feel odd because of the lack of players. Team-work was way more essential.
Free game....
The Anno franchise is celebrating 20 Years by giving Anno 1602 away for free:
https://register.ubisoft.com/anno-1602-giveaway
BF1....
These 'featured' map rotations are getting ridiculous.....
Sick of the sand!
The next bunch can't arrive soon enough.
Sick of the sand!
The next bunch can't arrive soon enough.
Guild of Dungeoneering....
It's been a while since I last visited the Guild of Dungeoneering. Browsing the GoG store for games on sale I saw the game, clicked in and did a dungeon....
I like the game, it's style and content and as I said last time I was in the game it's not the games fault I've not been back to it. It just seems to be my way with it.... Do dungeon, forget game for month's, oh look Guild of Dungeoneering!
A fun game and going cheap; Currently available on GoG.com for €4.99
https://www.gog.com/game/guild_of_dungeoneering
Sunday 16 December 2018
Saturday 15 December 2018
GRW....
Getting back to Ghost Recon for the new mission, I found myself poking around the menu's. Apparently I had prestige points to spend. There wasn't anything fantastic unlocked in the 8 or so crates I got. In opening them I passed the requirement for a free non prestige crate. I went for the spec ops instead of the ghost war version. But I think they both offer the same items these day's.
"meh":
"meh":
STO....
The chimbo event is ploughing on (pun intended!). After doing the daily and adding some vouchers bought with lobi crystals, the winter ship project is not at 50%.
The ship looks cool but the more I see about the stats the more I need to see it on a character, fitted and practical.
The ship looks cool but the more I see about the stats the more I need to see it on a character, fitted and practical.
GRW....
Last night I decided on the spur of the moment to give the last section of the latest "special" mission a go again.
I started off by crashing a helicopter in a very noobish way. Thankfully the mission auto restarts you 400 meters from the objective. So I ran. Better safe than sorry.
As things went I died about 5 times. Tier one is a pain with being one shotedededed. Lucky for me after every second death I must have gotten a kill in to "reset" the auto fail mission death counter; So I got there in the end. Running out in front of traffic didn't help either. What can I say it was 3 a.m.
Clearing the town and getting to the truck portion of the mission was better than before.
As it turns out the ramp I thought I was aiming for was not the ramp I was supposed to be aiming for.
Ramp I was aiming for:
Ramp I should have aimed for:
It's the difference in description with U.S English language...
I was looking for the first description when I should have been looking for the second. Sill European that I am.
Less Evel Knievel, more road safety. Never through I say that about GRW.
Anyway barreling a 'dirty bomb' truck down the hill is a far superior way of getting to the "real" jump off point. Which I was wrong about(the jump); They give a large off the cliff gantry(ramp apparently, obviously!!!) and an automatic bailout and roll for your character.
Teammates on the other hand go down with the ship.
Glad that mission's done with.
As for the predator camo, it has the cool factor but practically you still get spotted at about the same distance from an enemy as you sneak about.
The mission:
I started off by crashing a helicopter in a very noobish way. Thankfully the mission auto restarts you 400 meters from the objective. So I ran. Better safe than sorry.
As things went I died about 5 times. Tier one is a pain with being one shotedededed. Lucky for me after every second death I must have gotten a kill in to "reset" the auto fail mission death counter; So I got there in the end. Running out in front of traffic didn't help either. What can I say it was 3 a.m.
Clearing the town and getting to the truck portion of the mission was better than before.
As it turns out the ramp I thought I was aiming for was not the ramp I was supposed to be aiming for.
Ramp I was aiming for:
Ramp I should have aimed for:
It's the difference in description with U.S English language...
I was looking for the first description when I should have been looking for the second. Sill European that I am.
Anyway barreling a 'dirty bomb' truck down the hill is a far superior way of getting to the "real" jump off point. Which I was wrong about(the jump); They give a large off the cliff gantry(ramp apparently, obviously!!!) and an automatic bailout and roll for your character.
 |
| Classy exit |
 |
| He'll be back!! |
Glad that mission's done with.
As for the predator camo, it has the cool factor but practically you still get spotted at about the same distance from an enemy as you sneak about.
The mission:
BF1....
Another decent match(Spot the sore looser).
I did find a moment a little funny, trading grenades with the enemy...
Here we see the assault class finding an open nesting spot. The ammo crate provides an excellent source of grenades. Lets watch the assault:
I did find a moment a little funny, trading grenades with the enemy...
Here we see the assault class finding an open nesting spot. The ammo crate provides an excellent source of grenades. Lets watch the assault:
Friday 14 December 2018
Epic Games....
I'm not sure about this new Epic Games service/launcher... Not for it's content but for it's existence; So many launchers now. I can understand why/how dev's get more money/their cut. But as a user this is getting annoying.
But I've registered with Epic games, downloaded the launcher and claimed the first free game, Subnautica(free till the 27th). Super Meatboy is available later in the month(from the 28th to the 10th of Jan).
Free is free. I'd already bought Subnautica on Steam ages ago. I've already claimed Super Meatboy on Xbox as part of the games with gold, also ages ago. So I've claimed them for the sake of claiming them.
Looking at the Epic Games lineup of titles there's a few that interest me. Both Rebel Galaxy Outlaw and Maneater are already on my radar. Journey is of interest as well. But I'll be waiting to see what prices are like. Even if it's cheaper on Epic I might still go on Steam for the simple reason that it's all in one place. With 95% of my other games. The discouns will need to be worth it.
The only other significant launcher I'd go for is GoG and it's DRM free software, for the reason that the games are "yours" as an installable. That's a massive plus for me. Looking at my shelves I still have a collection of discs from the 90's and 2000's. Replayability and compatibility is a big thing for a PC gamer like me(not to mention old hardware in storage).
Each companies launcher is good until it all goes bang, then I'll be annoyed by not having access to the software I paid for.
Steam needs to step up and nip this proliferation in the bud, I'm speaking as a user of course. I suppose this is a lesson for Steam. It's not safe up on that pedestal.
But I've registered with Epic games, downloaded the launcher and claimed the first free game, Subnautica(free till the 27th). Super Meatboy is available later in the month(from the 28th to the 10th of Jan).
Free is free. I'd already bought Subnautica on Steam ages ago. I've already claimed Super Meatboy on Xbox as part of the games with gold, also ages ago. So I've claimed them for the sake of claiming them.
Looking at the Epic Games lineup of titles there's a few that interest me. Both Rebel Galaxy Outlaw and Maneater are already on my radar. Journey is of interest as well. But I'll be waiting to see what prices are like. Even if it's cheaper on Epic I might still go on Steam for the simple reason that it's all in one place. With 95% of my other games. The discouns will need to be worth it.
The only other significant launcher I'd go for is GoG and it's DRM free software, for the reason that the games are "yours" as an installable. That's a massive plus for me. Looking at my shelves I still have a collection of discs from the 90's and 2000's. Replayability and compatibility is a big thing for a PC gamer like me(not to mention old hardware in storage).
Each companies launcher is good until it all goes bang, then I'll be annoyed by not having access to the software I paid for.
Steam needs to step up and nip this proliferation in the bud, I'm speaking as a user of course. I suppose this is a lesson for Steam. It's not safe up on that pedestal.
Thursday 13 December 2018
Free is Free....
Two freebies I've seen today, grab'em while you can:
On GOG.com, Full Throttle Remastered
On Humble, LEGO The Hobbit Steam Key.
On GOG.com, Full Throttle Remastered
On Humble, LEGO The Hobbit Steam Key.
GRW....
I tried the missions yesterday and got through the heli and train-yard parts. I've cleared and defended the town successfully with no hiccups once tonight. As for the truck part after that, that truly sucks. Drive from A to B sounds simple but even that last (truck) part is naff. You have to jump from the truck as it goes over a cliff. That act(jumping) alone can be so random, you try to jump and the chute doesn't open, get run over by the truck, or just plain hit a rock at the wrong time... etc... etc.
I tried it till I got fed-up asking myself where was the fun. I don't see me going back to it any time soon.... Unless I do it on my 3rd character who isn't tier 1.
What I find more annoying than the gamplay of this mission is the "younger" ghost Kozak, what an aggravating little pr*ck!
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