Last Game You Finished and Your Rating

Corazon de Leon wrote:

fry87 wrote:

Jordan UK wrote:

kazanova_Frankenstein wrote:Sunset Overdrive (X1)

Fun, funny, action packed game. If you like the whole Deadpool vibe (perhaps slightly less meta) then this should appeal to you.

Not an overly challenging game, and i pretty much mainlined the main story, avoiding just abo

ut all the side quests.

I was always impressed by how easy it was to make everything you do look stylish, it made you feel like you had an unnatural ability to judge jumps / landings etc, when clearly there must have been a generous amount of "auto aim" in use.

Absolutely awesome soundtrack and nice colourful graphics. Well worth about 10 hours of your time. Only bits i did not like were the sections where you set traps, the placings always felt arbitrary, and it seemed like a bit of a stress as to whether you would be able to defend the relevant vats.

7/10

I love Sunset Overdrive. An underrated gem in my eyes. One of my favourites of this gen. Sad we won’t see a sequel.

Agreed. One of my favourite Xbox One games.

Who owns the IP? If it's Insomniac could they do another one for PlayStation (assuming they aren't too busy with Spiderman/Ratchet games)? Otherwise I wouldn't imagine Microsoft will give the IP to someone else.

I think it might be a Microsoft IP, sadly. Recently went back to SO to mop up some achievements and it is a magnificent game. You can see where the blueprint for Spider-Man's mechanics came from in it, which is really cool.

Sony actually own the IP now. Microsoft own the publishing rights to the original so they’d have to agree to a port but Sony could make a sequel if they wanted.

Recently finished in my backlog of DOOOOOOOM:

Bentley Hackpack

A collection of mini games from the Sly games. Didn’t like the motion control levels. They were a load of bollocks. No one, not even Satan,would like motion controls.

Not bad, not great.


Beyond Good & Evil HD

Great game. Can’t fault it. Got a bit frustrated with the final part of the final boss but once you work him out you realise he’s nothing more than a little bitch.


Brothers : A tale of two sons

Well that was a bit bleak You don’t always get a happy ending but I love gooseberry fool like that. Fiddly controls are what bring down a touch & that final boss can go strawberry float itself But great game.


Next game : Carnivores HD

JediDragon05 wrote:Bentley Hackpack

A collection of mini games from the Sly games. Didn’t like the motion control levels. They were a load of bollocks. No one, not even Satan,would like motion controls.

Not bad, not great.

Beyond Good & Evil HD

Great game. Can’t fault it. Got a bit frustrated with the final part of the final boss but once you work him out you realise he’s nothing more than a little bitch.

Brothers : A tale of two sons

Well that was a bit bleak You don’t always get a happy ending but I love gooseberry fool like that. Fiddly controls are what bring down a touch & that final boss can go strawberry float itself But great game.

Oh man, replace the hackpack with the actual collection and these are 3 wonderful games - you've been spoiled!

The Stanley Parable - 5/10

+ Interesting idea
+ Some amusing moments

- The whole shtick starts to wear thin very quickly
- Gets annoying having to repeat things
- Quickly gets boring

I'm slightly confused by the amount of praise this game seems to get, and the reviews from the time of its release lauding it as something amazing. It's a nice idea, but one with little depth, and everyone seems to think it's far cleverer and deeper than it really is.

Prototype - 7/10

+ Exploring/traversing the city is generally fun
+ Combat can be enjoyable
+ Varied missions/side activities
+ Plot was a bit different

- Controls are poorly thought out
- Controls are also floaty and...weird. Basic movements can be far more frustrating than they need to be sometimes, with imprecise movement and Alex seemingly having a mind of his own at times
- Loads of upgrades and abilities that aren't useful or fun to use

Took me about 13 hours to complete the main missions, along with a reasonable number of side activities. As usual with these kinds of games there are way too many hidden items to find and side quests to do, and so even at the point when you're thoroughly bored with them, there's still dozens and dozens of them to find or do. So I've given up now that I've seen the credits. Less is more with things like that, I feel. Was reasonably enjoyable on the whole though. Might check out Prototype 2 if they've fixed some of the points above.

Spider-Man

Just as excellent as when I first played it and the DLC was good fun as well. Really can't wait for a PS5 sequel and I'm very curious to see what they do differently as they've nailed everything about being Spider-Man already.

Lotus wrote:The Stanley Parable - 5/10

+ Interesting idea
+ Some amusing moments

- The whole shtick starts to wear thin very quickly
- Gets annoying having to repeat things
- Quickly gets boring

I'm slightly confused by the amount of praise this game seems to get, and the reviews from the time of its release lauding it as something amazing. It's a nice idea, but one with little depth, and everyone seems to think it's far cleverer and deeper than it really is.

As a meta-narrative on player choice in a typical game's narrative (or as the game stresses, the illusion of choice) I think it's pretty unparalleled. It asks whether player choice in branching narratives is really meaningful, specifically in the form that The Stanley Parable itself takes, which is a branching path of predefined and written stories. Stanley is supposed from the outset to have no free will as he is not a real person, but in taking control as the player the game initially supposes that you do. Quickly this reverses as you understand whatever you do, even when it appears to be self-directed, you are only following a predestined path as anticipated by the developer. Even when you appear to unveil the game as a game, it's only an illusion as another part of the game itself, leading to the conclusion that the only free and meaningful choice you have as a player is to stop playing.

The game is of its time in that it's a reaction to the dominant forms of storytelling in gaming - it's not really got anything to say about emergent gameplay or the sorts of narratives created between the player and the randomised nature of roguelikes for example. I still think it's relevant to today's market, even as walking sims continue to evolve as a genre (which is what The Stanley Parable is) and we are seeing interesting real-time developing narratives in "live" games and games as a service, like with Fortnite.

I think what The Stanley Parable does so well is being entertaining at the surface level, with genuinely amusing writing (and a good lead performance in the narration) as well as constantly surprising and subverting expectations, but also being more introspective and challenging with its themes as outlaid above, so it's more than just idle amusement.

I completely understand that not everyone is going to engage with the game in the same way as me though! It's just as valid to only play it as an amusing but throwaway game, and I can see how the shortness and one-note gameplay would dampen reception.

Yakuza 0

Now, this is weird. For me, the bad far outweighed the good and I was going to rate it 4/10. The constant protracted, melodramatic dialogue wore thin in the first hour and only got worse, and EVERY speech before a fight follows EXACTLY the same cadence, where the character starts off speaking slow and quiet and ends with a shout. Really? You have to do that EVERY time? Utterly moronic. And then there's the dialogue after someone has just been beaten-up/shot/maimed etc, which is r...e...a...l...l...y...s...l...o...w (and lots of people end up getting beaten-up/shot/maimed etc). It's a game that clearly thinks it's story is better than it is. However, I did sink around 10 hours (maybe more) into the Sunshine Club mini game, so what that says about me, I don't know...

So, after 50 hours I finally got through the godawful last fight (in fact the whole last chapter was tedious), watched the final cutscenes (see previous comment re tedious), and thanked strawberry float I'll never have to play it again. 4/10.

And now Yakuza Kiwami is staring at me from my Playstation Plus collection and I'm staring right back at it...

Johnny Jalfrezi wrote:Yakuza 0

Now, this is weird. For me, the bad far outweighed the good and I was going to rate it 4/10. The constant protracted, melodramatic dialogue wore thin in the first hour and only got worse, and EVERY speech before a fight follows EXACTLY the same cadence, where the character starts off speaking slow and quiet and ends with a shout. Really? You have to do that EVERY time? Utterly moronic. And then there's the dialogue after someone has just been beaten-up/shot/maimed etc, which is r...e...a...l...l...y...s...l...o...w (and lots of people end up getting beaten-up/shot/maimed etc). It's a game that clearly thinks it's story is better than it is. However, I did sink around 10 hours (maybe more) into the Sunshine Club mini game, so what that says about me, I don't know...

So, after 50 hours I finally got through the godawful last fight (in fact the whole last chapter was tedious), watched the final cutscenes (see previous comment re tedious), and thanked strawberry float I'll never have to play it again. 4/10.

And now Yakuza Kiwami is staring at me from my Playstation Plus collection and I'm staring right back at it...

Out of interest, are you a fan of Shenmue?

I should really get back to Yakuza 0 and mop up the last 15 or so sub-stories.

Johnny Jalfrezi wrote:Yakuza 0

Now, this is weird. For me, the bad far outweighed the good and I was going to rate it 4/10. The constant protracted, melodramatic dialogue wore thin in the first hour and only got worse, and EVERY speech before a fight follows EXACTLY the same cadence, where the character starts off speaking slow and quiet and ends with a shout. Really? You have to do that EVERY time? Utterly moronic. And then there's the dialogue after someone has just been beaten-up/shot/maimed etc, which is r...e...a...l...l...y...s...l...o...w (and lots of people end up getting beaten-up/shot/maimed etc). It's a game that clearly thinks it's story is better than it is. However, I did sink around 10 hours (maybe more) into the Sunshine Club mini game, so what that says about me, I don't know...

So, after 50 hours I finally got through the godawful last fight (in fact the whole last chapter was tedious), watched the final cutscenes (see previous comment re tedious), and thanked strawberry float I'll never have to play it again. 4/10.

I agree that the dialogue does tend to linger on many an occasion, often getting hung up on superficial fluff that occasionally takes you out of the moment. Yakuza's melodrama, on the other hand, is something I wholeheartedly approve of in this game; instead of diluting the core drama, as above, I find the odd metaphor and self aware trope adds to this particular series' overall charm.

On the whole, Yakuza 0's story is very well told and, in my opinion at least, the fact both protagonists come across extremely likeable/endearing is a clear testament to that.

I loved every minute of Yakuza 0 and it's a good job too as I put close to 90 hrs into it.

Zilnad wrote:Spider-Man

Just as excellent as when I first played it and the DLC was good fun as well. Really can't wait for a PS5 sequel and I'm very curious to see what they do differently as they've nailed everything about being Spider-Man already.

I’ll buy a PS5 for that game. Spider-Man was the absolute peak of superhero games for me and one of the best of the generation - everything a Spider-Man IP should be in this day and age.

Hime wrote:Out of interest, are you a fan of Shenmue?

Never played them and I can't say they honestly appeal - from what I've read, there seems to be a lot of busiwork involved.

I honestly don't know what to make of Yakuza 0. I found most of it to be a tedious slog but something obviously kept me at it for 50 hours, and knowing this is the first part in a narrative that follows the characters (right?), I am curious to see what happens to them. The last scene was obviously a knowing wink to those who have already played the original games.

I tried Yakuza 0 when it came to Game Pass and just could not get on with it at all. I loved Shenmue back in the day but this just didn't grab me, that said I suspect I would struggle going back to Shenmue these days as well!

OrangeRKN wrote:

Lotus wrote:The Stanley Parable - 5/10

+ Interesting idea
+ Some amusing moments

- The whole shtick starts to wear thin very quickly
- Gets annoying having to repeat things
- Quickly gets boring

I'm slightly confused by the amount of praise this game seems to get, and the reviews from the time of its release lauding it as something amazing. It's a nice idea, but one with little depth, and everyone seems to think it's far cleverer and deeper than it really is.

As a meta-narrative on player choice in a typical game's narrative (or as the game stresses, the illusion of choice) I think it's pretty unparalleled. It asks whether player choice in branching narratives is really meaningful, specifically in the form that The Stanley Parable itself takes, which is a branching path of predefined and written stories. Stanley is supposed from the outset to have no free will as he is not a real person, but in taking control as the player the game initially supposes that you do. Quickly this reverses as you understand whatever you do, even when it appears to be self-directed, you are only following a predestined path as anticipated by the developer. Even when you appear to unveil the game as a game, it's only an illusion as another part of the game itself, leading to the conclusion that the only free and meaningful choice you have as a player is to stop playing.

The game is of its time in that it's a reaction to the dominant forms of storytelling in gaming - it's not really got anything to say about emergent gameplay or the sorts of narratives created between the player and the randomised nature of roguelikes for example. I still think it's relevant to today's market, even as walking sims continue to evolve as a genre (which is what The Stanley Parable is) and we are seeing interesting real-time developing narratives in "live" games and games as a service, like with Fortnite.

I think what The Stanley Parable does so well is being entertaining at the surface level, with genuinely amusing writing (and a good lead performance in the narration) as well as constantly surprising and subverting expectations, but also being more introspective and challenging with its themes as outlaid above, so it's more than just idle amusement.

I completely understand that not everyone is going to engage with the game in the same way as me though! It's just as valid to only play it as an amusing but throwaway game, and I can see how the shortness and one-note gameplay would dampen reception.

Have you played The Beginner's Guide, the creator's more linear follow up?

Jenuall wrote:I tried Yakuza 0 when it came to Game Pass and just could not get on with it at all. I loved Shenmue back in the day but this just didn't grab me, that said I suspect I would struggle going back to Shenmue these days as well!

That's why I asked, I went back to Shenmue and still loved it. I've never played a Yakuza game and there doesn't seem like there is a 1:1 cross over with the fan base of both series.

I haven't - not heard of it to be honest! Seems like I should check it out

JediDragon05 wrote:Recently finished in my backlog of DOOOOOOOM:

Bentley Hackpack

A collection of mini games from the Sly games. Didn’t like the motion control levels. They were a load of bollocks. No one, not even Satan,would like motion controls.

Not bad, not great.


Beyond Good & Evil HD

Great game. Can’t fault it. Got a bit frustrated with the final part of the final boss but once you work him out you realise he’s nothing more than a little bitch.


Brothers : A tale of two sons

Well that was a bit bleak You don’t always get a happy ending but I love gooseberry fool like that. Fiddly controls are what bring down a touch & that final boss can go strawberry float itself But great game.


Next game : Carnivores HD

You actually got to play some good games here. We can't have that, here's a copy of Duke Nukem Forever and YOU'LL BE THANKFUL FOR IT.

Ah Duke Nukem Forever. Played it. Finished it. Got the platinum for it. A lot of the time I’ll go back & play
games I’ve finished. But not that one

Finished Carnivores: Dinosaur Hunter HD

A bit of a short game. Wish it had more maps. More dinosaurs & some cool weapons. Nice, chilled game though.

Next stop : Castle Of Illusion.

Used to play this on my mates master system back in the day. It was as hard as hell back then.

I completed Snow Bros lately. I know it's old but it is still one of the best. I rate this game as 10/10

Wolfenstein: Youngblood

Completed the story mode on GamePass. Given the largely negative response this received this proved a bit better than I'd expected, but still wasn't exactly great. The plot, characters, level design, etc aren't as good as the game's predecessors and it does have issues with too much backtracking and reusing the same environments. It also has some issues with difficulty spikes and bad check pointing. However the gun play is still fun and I'd be interested to have tried it in co-op. 7/10