The Video Game Thread

[USCoug]

For those on the PS3, is there anyone thinking about getting the new Twisted Metal? The release date is set for Valentine's Day (my girlfriend and I are going to have to compromise...) so that's in a little under a month.

http://ps3.ign.com/objects/951/951234.html

There's some previews from the game from IGN's standpoint. There's some written previews as well as gameplay videos in that link. It seems like it's going to be good, just with the passionate way that Jaffe (original creator of the Twisted Metal series, and lead designer of this game) talks about it. The other game I bought this year, the new Mortal Kombat (which is also worth playing if you liked the old ones) also had kind of the same events happen with it. If the lead designer is passionate about a game, it turns out really good.

It was supposed to be released this past October, but was delayed. Although it's unfortunate when a game is delayed, it usually means it's going to be polished up pretty nice so it's actually a good thing. I can't wait.

[BigPiney]

For those on the PS3, is there anyone thinking about getting the new Twisted Metal? The release date is set for Valentine's Day (my girlfriend and I are going to have to compromise...) so that's in a little under a month.

http://ps3.ign.com/objects/951/951234.html

There's some previews from the game from IGN's standpoint. There's some written previews as well as gameplay videos in that link. It seems like it's going to be good, just with the passionate way that Jaffe (original creator of the Twisted Metal series, and lead designer of this game) talks about it. The other game I bought this year, the new Mortal Kombat (which is also worth playing if you liked the old ones) also had kind of the same events happen with it. If the lead designer is passionate about a game, it turns out really good.

It was supposed to be released this past October, but was delayed. Although it's unfortunate when a game is delayed, it usually means it's going to be polished up pretty nice so it's actually a good thing. I can't wait.

Looks fun. If you are looking for someone to play with, you can send me a copy and I will be your friend.

[Colly Wolly]

I got Skyrim for Christmas but wasn't able to play until last night as I was out of town. Does the game tend to play better as a mage or a warrior. I don't want to waste 10-15 hours building a character only to discover that I would prefer to play another style.

Skyrim ended up being my favorite game released last year. I put more than 110 hours into it and loved it.

I played as a two-handed weapon warrior, but I also spend time leveling magic abilities, especially healing. It's up to you, but I say go one hand melee weapon, other hand spell (destruction or restoration). The beauty of Skyrim is you can play however you want and level at the same rate no matter how you play.

[SCcoug]

I got Skyrim for Christmas but wasn't able to play until last night as I was out of town. Does the game tend to play better as a mage or a warrior. I don't want to waste 10-15 hours building a character only to discover that I would prefer to play another style.

Try a few different styles and see what you like. You really aren't locked into any path as you level up abilities by using them. Are you playing on PC or console? If you're on PC you may want to check out some mods to add.

[cougjunkie]

I was reading a gaming magazine yesterday. They polled about 20 of the "experts" Skyrim was the number 1 game of the year for 18 of the 20 and number 2 for the other 2.

I have not played it and not sure I will like it. It does seem popular though.

[TripletDaddy]

I was reading a gaming magazine yesterday. They polled about 20 of the "experts" Skyrim was the number 1 game of the year for 18 of the 20 and number 2 for the other 2.

I have not played it and not sure I will like it. It does seem popular though.

Here is what the real experts were saying about Skyrim a few months ago:

http://cougaruteforum.com/showpost.p...&postcount=235

http://cougaruteforum.com/showpost.p...&postcount=247

[MartyFunkhouser]

Skyrim ended up being my favorite game released last year. I put more than 110 hours into it and loved it.

I played as a two-handed weapon warrior, but I also spend time leveling magic abilities, especially healing. It's up to you, but I say go one hand melee weapon, other hand spell (destruction or restoration). The beauty of Skyrim is you can play however you want and level at the same rate no matter how you play.

I've ended up playing basically a mage anelsed nothing . I've put in about 60 hours in the game and have leveled up all the magic schools to 100. I occasionally fight with a one handed weapon, but it is really only when I'm out of magicka.

It really is the best game that I've played all year. It rivals Mass Effect 2 as the best game I've played.

[MartyFunkhouser]

Here is what the real experts were saying about Skyrim a few months ago:

http://cougaruteforum.com/showpost.p...&postcount=235

http://cougaruteforum.com/showpost.p...&postcount=247

Speaking of Western RPGs have you tried the demo of Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning yet? I played it for about 45 minutes the other day and it certainly has potential. Combat seems really interesting and refined. Not a huge fan of the more cartoony art style after playing Skyrim. If the reviews are good, I'll probably give it a try when it goes down in price.

[Indy Coug]

Details of the upcoming update to the best sports game on the market. MLB The Show.

The Gamer Blog's exclusive "MLB 12: The Show" hands-on preview - Page 2 - ESPN

[SCcoug]

Speaking of Western RPGs have you tried the demo of Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning yet? I played it for about 45 minutes the other day and it certainly has potential. Combat seems really interesting and refined. Not a huge fan of the more cartoony art style after playing Skyrim. If the reviews are good, I'll probably give it a try when it goes down in price.

I'm hopeful for that game as many of the developers used to work at Bethesda. Funk if you're looking for a nice and a bit different RPG try Bastion on steam or XBL arcade. It was one of my favorite games from last year and has an awesome soundtrack and an innovative story telling style.

[TripletDaddy]

Speaking of Western RPGs have you tried the demo of Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning yet? I played it for about 45 minutes the other day and it certainly has potential. Combat seems really interesting and refined. Not a huge fan of the more cartoony art style after playing Skyrim. If the reviews are good, I'll probably give it a try when it goes down in price.

havent but I have heard good things about the game through development. Demo just launched, no? I have been watching it because if it does well out of the box, there are rumors of an MMO to follow, which would obviously pique my curiosity.

I agree, I do NOT like the Asian style RPGs.....the cartoonish art style, turn based combat (won't even play those anymore), and less compelling plot development. I want to love Fable but I just don't. And Skyrim is showing us what RPGs can really do. Why would anyone play Fable after they play Skyrim or Mass Effect even once?

[RobinFinderson]

My Skyrim report: I'm playing a mage assassain class, focusing on Destruction and Sneak attacks. Secondary focus on alchemy, and whatever branch lets you summon things. I just finished the Dark Brotherhood quests, which I try to complete early in these games, because it sets you up with money, equipment, a cool horse. Also finished the Mage quests, and enjoying the Arch-Mage's quarters, which I primarily raid every so often for alchemy ingredients. I've mostly avoided the main quests. I'm about level 27. I can do a wicked sneaky dagger backstab for x30 damage, which can be well over 600 points.

[Colly Wolly]

My Skyrim report: I'm playing a mage assassain class, focusing on Destruction and Sneak attacks. Secondary focus on alchemy, and whatever branch lets you summon things. I just finished the Dark Brotherhood quests, which I try to complete early in these games, because it sets you up with money, equipment, a cool horse. Also finished the Mage quests, and enjoying the Arch-Mage's quarters, which I primarily raid every so often for alchemy ingredients. I've mostly avoided the main quests. I'm about level 27. I can do a wicked sneaky dagger backstab for x30 damage, which can be well over 600 points.

PC or PS3? I've heard there are real problems with the PS3 edition that make it almost unplayable on that system. Glad you are enjoying it.

[Colly Wolly]

Speaking of Western RPGs have you tried the demo of Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning yet? I played it for about 45 minutes the other day and it certainly has potential. Combat seems really interesting and refined. Not a huge fan of the more cartoony art style after playing Skyrim. If the reviews are good, I'll probably give it a try when it goes down in price.

Played through the Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning demo twice and really enjoy it. The combat is very satisfying, and I dig the colorful, lush world. Noticed several disturbing glitches in the demo, though, that I hope are fixed before the release of the game. Rivers and streams disappearing (leaving deep empty ravines) when my camera view changes, buggy camera and camera angles, shields being held upside down, weird stuff you'd think would have been caught in testing.

[RobinFinderson]

PC or PS3? I've heard there are real problems with the PS3 edition that make it almost unplayable on that system. Glad you are enjoying it.

PS3. We have not had any of these problems, though I have heard about them. Maybe there was a patch that fixed them.