What video games are you currently playing?

[degenhead]

Anyone else playing Balatro?

<SNIP>

Game of the year, unironically.

Yep! It is also out now on mobile for people with good impulse control.

It even teaches the key investing concept of compounding!

[AlohaBill]

My granddaughter is teaching me how to play Dreamlight Valley on Nintendo Switch.
I played for awhile and she showed me some things. The next day I tried to play but I had trouble turning on the game. When I got it going , l found out I had to eat. I got frustrated and quit. Then I tried to save the game and turn it off. That created more frustration. I will try again someday. She gave a game card with Pac-Man. I’ll try that too. My problem is shaking hands and general old age foibles. Cheers!

[investingdad]

As an Atari kid (born in 1973) I’ve had the pleasure of truly growing up with video games and being there right at the start. In my mind the biggest graphics leap happened around the time the Sega Dreamcast hit the market, that’s when photorealistic games started to become the norm for those designers that were aiming for that. The Switch is truly a masterpiece of intuitive usage.

The two games I’ve been playing are Risk Online and Star Wars Outlaws. Polar opposites for sure.

[heywhoathere]

Tactical Breach Wizards! Really slick turn-based tactics game that heavily focused on manipulating enemy movement and positioning (similar to Into the Breach which was mentioned earlier in this thread). Surprisingly funny writing and dialogue too.

Does anyone own and recommend buying a Steam Deck? Been toying with getting one since I don't always like playing games in my office since I also WFH in the same room all day.

[Afty]

Does anyone own and recommend buying a Steam Deck? Been toying with getting one since I don't always like playing games in my office since I also WFH in the same room all day.

/raises hands

I love my Steam Deck. When I bought it, I wasn't sure I would actually use it, but wanted to try it out. Turns out I use it a lot.

There are certain games that are especially well suited to the Steam Deck. It does great with games from a few years ago, indie games, and games in your Steam backlog. It's not great at the latest and greatest AAA games; you'll probably want to use another device for those. There are excellent streaming clients for the Deck, so you can stream those AAA games from a gaming PC, a PS5, or a cloud service like GeForce Now.

Some of the games I've played on my Deck are:

• Hades
• HiFi Rush
• The Talos Principle 1 & 2
• The recent Doom + Doom II remaster
• Doom (2016)
• Resident Evil 7

I use it to play games in bed, when I'm taking my kids to activities and have to wait for them, or when my family is using the TV. It's also great for long flights.

[MultiVitamin]

Just got Europa Universalis IV and it has been fun so far. I can't believe my Chromebook can run this game. Great way to learn geography, for me anyway.

[Elsebet]

Hi - I thought this would be an appropriate thread for this question instead of making a new one. I am nearing 50 and have fond memories of playing NES/SNES games in my youth and as an adult with emulators and heard you can play them on the Nintendo Switch. I was thinking of getting the Switch bundle from Costco for my husband and I for Christmas.

Would 1 of them be enough for both of us to play together or should I get two?
Any opinions for/against?

Thank you!

Link to what I'm considering: https://www.costco.com/nintendo-switch- ... 14544.html

[SnowBog]

Hi - I thought this would be an appropriate thread for this question instead of making a new one. I am nearing 50 and have fond memories of playing NES/SNES games in my youth and as an adult with emulators and heard you can play them on the Nintendo Switch. I was thinking of getting the Switch bundle from Costco for my husband and I for Christmas.

Would 1 of them be enough for both of us to play together or should I get two?
Any opinions for/against?

Thank you!

Link to what I'm considering: https://www.costco.com/nintendo-switch- ... 14544.html

At its heart, a Switch is made to be a portable device. But unless you want to use it's portability (and it's small screen size), with the included dock you can connect it to a regular TV just like a regular console - with multiple players using the same console.

As such, buying 1 is all you probably need or want.

That said, the included controllers are rather small (smaller than the old NES controllers, but more comfortable). Would recommend considering getting other controllers.

The "pro" version are the most modern/comfortable. But they even make retro versions if interested. https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/hardw ... ntrollers/

Of note, not all games work with all controllers. Usually this is for motion control type reasons, for example a game like Sports playing something like tennis with the motion controllers (aka Joy-Con) let's you play by simply singing your arm (with the controller) as you would if holding a racket. That wouldn't make sense with a different type of controller... But for playing some of the older games, that's probably not an issue as those were before motion controllers were a thing.

[Afty]

Hi - I thought this would be an appropriate thread for this question instead of making a new one. I am nearing 50 and have fond memories of playing NES/SNES games in my youth and as an adult with emulators and heard you can play them on the Nintendo Switch. I was thinking of getting the Switch bundle from Costco for my husband and I for Christmas.

Would 1 of them be enough for both of us to play together or should I get two?
Any opinions for/against?

Thank you!

Link to what I'm considering: https://www.costco.com/nintendo-switch- ... 14544.html

FYI, to play NES and SNES games on the Switch, you have to subscribe to Nintendo’s online service. It’s relatively cheap at $20/yr for individuals, but still.

[Oddball]

Just finished a play through of Aliens: Dark Descent. It's a super interesting mash-up of different genres:

• Squad-based RTS with really large and detailed persistent maps
• Map manipulation via traps, barriers, shortcuts, etc. (again with persistent maps where these things stay the same between missions)
• Stealth with an emphasis on avoiding combat where possible but also being prepared for when combat inevitably happens
• Resource/time/risk management with constant pressure put on you by the game
• Stress/insanity management (similar to the old Call of Cthulhu RPGs if you ever played those)
• XCOM-lite base building and roster management

I had a lot of fun with it and would recommend it if any of the above sounds interesting to you. It's a game that can definitely scratch a lot of different itches.

Only warning is it can be extremely stressful (by design), so not the right game if you just want a fun and relaxing evening

I have started playing this, really enjoy it so far after completing the intro + 2 first missions. I am a fan of both the Alien franchise and XCom, so this is right in my wheelhouse.

[AlohaBill]

Well, I tried Dreamlight Valley again and I progressed a bit. I played for about 2 hours. Unfortunately, my eyes really bothered me from staring at the screen. I guess I’ll have to play on the tv. However, I think I’m just going to give it up. Good luck to all you gamers out there.

[HomerJ]

Just finished a play through of Aliens: Dark Descent. It's a super interesting mash-up of different genres:

• Squad-based RTS with really large and detailed persistent maps
• Map manipulation via traps, barriers, shortcuts, etc. (again with persistent maps where these things stay the same between missions)
• Stealth with an emphasis on avoiding combat where possible but also being prepared for when combat inevitably happens
• Resource/time/risk management with constant pressure put on you by the game
• Stress/insanity management (similar to the old Call of Cthulhu RPGs if you ever played those)
• XCOM-lite base building and roster management

I had a lot of fun with it and would recommend it if any of the above sounds interesting to you. It's a game that can definitely scratch a lot of different itches.

Only warning is it can be extremely stressful (by design), so not the right game if you just want a fun and relaxing evening

I have started playing this, really enjoy it so far after completing the intro + 2 first missions. I am a fan of both the Alien franchise and XCom, so this is right in my wheelhouse.

Does it have "scare" moments? I mean the Aliens movies have a lot of those. One or two or a ton of jump out and get you surprises?

I love most every kind of game, except "jump out of the darkness and make me jump in my chair" horror games.

I'll fight 200 Robots or Space Marines out in the open pinning me down, flanking me, whatever.... But I HATE the long-haired girl from "The Ring" jumping out at me from a dark corner (that happens in F.E.A.R. - great shooter from like 15 years ago, but I cannot relax playing a game like that)

[heywhoathere]

Just finished a play through of Aliens: Dark Descent. It's a super interesting mash-up of different genres:

• Squad-based RTS with really large and detailed persistent maps
• Map manipulation via traps, barriers, shortcuts, etc. (again with persistent maps where these things stay the same between missions)
• Stealth with an emphasis on avoiding combat where possible but also being prepared for when combat inevitably happens
• Resource/time/risk management with constant pressure put on you by the game
• Stress/insanity management (similar to the old Call of Cthulhu RPGs if you ever played those)
• XCOM-lite base building and roster management

I had a lot of fun with it and would recommend it if any of the above sounds interesting to you. It's a game that can definitely scratch a lot of different itches.

Only warning is it can be extremely stressful (by design), so not the right game if you just want a fun and relaxing evening

I have started playing this, really enjoy it so far after completing the intro + 2 first missions. I am a fan of both the Alien franchise and XCom, so this is right in my wheelhouse.

Does it have "scare" moments? I mean the Aliens movies have a lot of those. One or two or a ton of jump out and get you surprises?

I love most every kind of game, except "jump out of the darkness and make me jump in my chair" horror games.

I'll fight 200 Robots or Space Marines out in the open pinning me down, flanking me, whatever.... But I HATE the long-haired girl from "The Ring" jumping out at me from a dark corner (that happens in F.E.A.R. - great shooter from like 15 years ago, but I cannot relax playing a game like that)

Everyone has their own definition of "scary", but no it's not really a horror game and there's no jump scares or anything that I remember. The game uses a top-down camera angle, so even if something jumps out at your squad you as the player are only seeing it from a birds-eye view 25-30 feet in the air (I'm sure it's very scary for the characters you're controlling though ).

It definitely has an unsettling atmosphere and tries to invoke a general sense of dread throughout the missions, so depending on your tolerance for that kind of stuff it might be considered scary.

[zhiwiller]

Does anyone own and recommend buying a Steam Deck? Been toying with getting one since I don't always like playing games in my office since I also WFH in the same room all day.

/raises hands

I love my Steam Deck. When I bought it, I wasn't sure I would actually use it, but wanted to try it out. Turns out I use it a lot.

There are certain games that are especially well suited to the Steam Deck. It does great with games from a few years ago, indie games, and games in your Steam backlog. It's not great at the latest and greatest AAA games; you'll probably want to use another device for those. There are excellent streaming clients for the Deck, so you can stream those AAA games from a gaming PC, a PS5, or a cloud service like GeForce Now.

Some of the games I've played on my Deck are:

• Hades
• HiFi Rush
• The Talos Principle 1 & 2
• The recent Doom + Doom II remaster
• Doom (2016)
• Resident Evil 7

I use it to play games in bed, when I'm taking my kids to activities and have to wait for them, or when my family is using the TV. It's also great for long flights.

Yes, I recently upgraded from the LCD to the OLED and handed the LCD down to my wife. With family library sharing, it is amazing value.

Also, if you are semi-tech-literate and play at home, you can use Moonlight to stream from your gaming PC to your deck which works much better than I thought it would.

The correct answer for the perfect Deck game is probably Vampire Survivors although I've been having a lot of fun with a genre-like in Halls of Torment.

[MBB_Boy]

Persona 5 Royal. Can't believe I could have been playing this years ago

[azanon]

Everquest, Teek Server

It makes me happy people are still playing EQ. I played from the beta through the first 6 expansions and absoultely loved the game but left for WoW. I still feel like EQ is the pinnacle of risk/reward when it comes to the MMORPG genre so its nice to see its still around.

Teek honestly had more people up until the point I'm playing now, than my server did back when Everquest originally launched. Shadows of Luclin drops tomorrow on Teek, and it's still going pretty strong in terms of population. So with these Time Locked Servers, you really do get the full experience in terms of multiplayer interaction.

So if you want to make a Beastlord, tomorrow is the day!

[Onlineid3089]

Still slowly working my way through Horizon Forbidden West a couple hours per week. It'll probably take me another year or so to finish it if I don't start playing a little more and progressing quicker when I do.

I did pick up South Park Snow Day last month and looking forward to playing that. I haven't watched South Park in 20 years, but still had a great time playing both Stick of Truth and The Fractured But Whole a few years ago.

[jjunk]

It makes me happy people are still playing EQ. I played from the beta through the first 6 expansions and absoultely loved the game but left for WoW. I still feel like EQ is the pinnacle of risk/reward when it comes to the MMORPG genre so its nice to see its still around.

Teek honestly had more people up until the point I'm playing now, than my server did back when Everquest originally launched. Shadows of Luclin drops tomorrow on Teek, and it's still going pretty strong in terms of population. So with these Time Locked Servers, you really do get the full experience in terms of multiplayer interaction.

So if you want to make a Beastlord, tomorrow is the day!

I just might have to check this out since I've been looking for a new game as I recently retired and Evercrack might just be the drug

[Damocles]

These days, I rotate through:

WARNO... https://store.steampowered.com/app/1611600/WARNO/
ARMA Reforger... https://store.steampowered.com/app/1874 ... _Reforger/
Cold Waters... https://store.steampowered.com/app/541210/Cold_Waters/

Something of a late Cold War/Early Gen X gaming trifecta...

[SuperSaver]

Currently playing MILES MORALES on PS5

Have to say it is my favorite game in my short career. Mostly because

• - Great story line
  - Much shorter game (about 10 hours as a newbie)
  - Amazing graphics
  - Much fewer side quests (a busy map just overwhelms me and takes away enjoyment)
  - Very familiar combat to Spiderman 1 (which is a plus for me)

Some scenes are repetitive, but I play this on 2nd easiest level. I was going to buy OLED TV, but will hold on to my 4K Samsung (not HDR sadly) for a bit longer.

[Mrbogleheads]

Beyond All Reason. An RTS. Basically a remake of Total Annihilation from the 90s. It's free for now, eventually will be on steam. I have over 1000 hours into it.

https://www.beyondallreason.info/

[cutterinnj]

Currently playing MILES MORALES on PS5

Have to say it is my favorite game in my short career. Mostly because

• - Great story line
  - Much shorter game (about 10 hours as a newbie)
  - Amazing graphics
  - Much fewer side quests (a busy map just overwhelms me and takes away enjoyment)
  - Very familiar combat to Spiderman 1 (which is a plus for me)

Some scenes are repetitive, but I play this on 2nd easiest level. I was going to buy OLED TV, but will hold on to my 4K Samsung (not HDR sadly) for a bit longer.

It's a fun game.
Once you're done, definitely do Spiderman 2, which was great

[xb7]

These days, I rotate through:

WARNO... https://store.steampowered.com/app/1611600/WARNO/
ARMA Reforger... https://store.steampowered.com/app/1874 ... _Reforger/
Cold Waters... https://store.steampowered.com/app/541210/Cold_Waters/

Something of a late Cold War/Early Gen X gaming trifecta...

Huh, I looked at short videos of these games in play and all of those weapon systems seem so very familiar --- stuff that I used and stuff that I had to learn about the OpFor. I think I still have sets of Warsaw Pact equipment playing cards that doubled as vehicle and aircraft recognition flash cards.

I wonder how well such games could include all of the more mundane aspects of such a conflict --- vehicles broken down due to lack of replacement parts, logistics (resupply) problems, and the conflict between doctrine vs. what might actually work best in practice. Grateful I never ended up in such a conflict, but constantly training for it back in the day leaves a sort of (mental) mark that hasn't faded after decades.

Of those games I think I might do best with the submarine "Cold Waters" game; ARMA Reforger looks to be like a first person shooter type of game, and I just don't do those any more.

Thanks for sharing.