@bluesforbuddha Sounds like it’s just two names. “Papo Y Yo” would be translated to “Papo and I”.

@angryjedi Good point.

It’s sad, really, because Zynga is quite capable of producing original IP. Take a look at the trailer for an upcoming Android game they’re a part of called “Horn” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsjCnrI2JFg

@bluesforbuddha Check out Taksi (http://www.osalt.com/taksi). It’s an open-source alternative to FRAPS. Windows only at present.

Somebody convince me that Fallout New Vegas isn’t a good pickup at $4.99. I had it for XBox and traded it in, but might have been burnt out on Fallout 3 at the time.

Anyone?

I’ll probably hop on here and there. Minecraft sucked me in for a few weeks, and then Diablo 3 came out.

Ok, @bowlisimo, I picked up Walking Dead. You’re a ruthless salesman. Ruthless.

Only picked up Tropico 4 and Orcs Must Die so far. I was tossing around the idea of picking up Fallout: NV for $5, but I bought it for $60 the first time around and sold it for significantly less a few weeks later when I realized I didn’t want to play it anymore.

The $15 Walking Dead series seemed interesting, but I’m still sitting on episodes 4 and 5 of Back to the Future that have yet to be played, so it just seems like a waste of money at this point.

Have we finally hit a point where the Steam Sale has over-saturated the market with shit I don’t want to buy and/or play anymore?

Apparently SPAZ is also 50%, but not listed. I guess Valve is doing hidden game sales this time around, too? http://store.steampowered.com/app/107200/

@bluesforbuddha build-it-yerself spells like in Magicka? Because, I’ll be honest, I have every expansion for that game and haven’t played more than 10 minutes of it for 2 reasons:

1. My magic mouse doesn’t really work well with it
2. I don’t understand it

I’m a simple man, and I need simple things.

As a reminder and a PSA, don’t buy a game unless it’s the Daily Deal or one of these Flash Deals, until the very last deal. Chances are good you’ll buy it, and it’ll be the next day’s daily deal.

Edit: @Beige I would bank on ARMAII being a daily deal in the next couple of days.
Edit 2: Better explained via Reddit –

“During the big sales, Steam discounts just about every game for the entire length of the sale (they last 14 days). Each day, Steam takes a handful of those discounted games and discounts them even further, calling them the “Daily Deal”. So a game that was 25% off during the first three days of the sale might become a daily deal on day 4 and get marked down to 75% off. On day 5, it goes back to 25% off and stays that way until the end of the sale.

Not every game becomes a daily deal. So if you’ve got your eye on, say, Civilization V at 50% off, you should wait to see if it becomes a daily deal and maybe get 75% off instead. If it never becomes a daily deal, then on the last day of the sale, you can still at least pick it up for 50% off because you won’t see at better deal at that point.”

Howdy Gang!

Been toying with the idea of getting Indie Game: The Movie from Steam, but in the meantime, I stumbled upon the soundtrack – http://jimguthrie.bandcamp.com/releases

It’s done by the guy who did the Superbrothers: Sword and Sworcery soundtrack, and it’s some really great “chill” music.

@redswir1 I don’t think it’s so much that the game has reached 4000, moreso the fact that he’s been playing it for 10 years; the same game, with the same people, from start to current. He’s watched the people evolve and has hit a bit of a stalemate, it would seem. Whereas most of us play to win, he’s playing as if he wants a victory for all, not just for himself.

Hey gang, just a real quick (and that’s how much time you’ll have to jump on it, too). Looks like Ticket to Ride Pocket is currently free for iOS. Probably only going to be good until around 10am EST tomorrow.

Hey Gang! Long time no post! Haven’t really had a lot to comment on, most of my gaming has been pretty mainstream. It’s odd that, as I get older and married, my time to play games has exponentially decreased. If only there was a group of folks who were in the same boat as me, sharing their views on what it was like to hang on to yesteryears while still growing older…

But I digress. I just ripped through the first 32 cubes in Fez and am trying to figure out the next round. I’ve made it through the first batch without glancing at a single FAQ, Walkthrough or guide, but the internet has exposed enough of the deeper stuff that I’m toying with the idea of doing so for the language and code-based portions of the next 32 and beyond. Again…just not sure I have the time to take notes and figure out the codes.

On top of that, I’ve been watching a lot of Geek and Sundry. If you’re not familiar, it’s Felicia Day’s new channel. Say what you will about that crowd, but they’re definitely embracing high quality, high definition web content. It’s to the point that I’ve nearly considered watching it on my actual TV and not just on a mobile device while I’m TCB. That being said, one of the shows on that network is Table Top. It’s hosted by Wil Wheaton (again, say what you will about it) and got me thinking about how I feel like I’m really missing out on table top gaming. I don’t have any friends around here that have the time or patience to do something like that. This past weekend’s Weekend Confirmed brought to light the fact that nearly all of the really “hot” games are actually on iOS. Some of them even have online multiplayer.

It got me thinking that maybe I could tap into the squad for some knowledge and maybe even set up some sort of Squad-based board game club? I don’t know, maybe I’m just spit balling here, but I figured it anyone had an appreciation for someone looking to get into that type of gaming, the Squad would be it.

Thoughts?

Oh, and I also joined Pete’s fitocracy group. I really like that concept, I just wish the tracking didn’t suck as much.

Mostly resigned myself to lurking nowadays, but wanted to comment @feenwager and anyone else who has been playing Gears. Finally beat the single player last night, mainly due to beast mode.

Horde is “so Gears 2”. Beast mode is the multi-player game you want to hop into. I’m on frequently, (zegolf on XBL) so feel free to ask me if I want to play!

Hey Gang,

Real quick aside from the Starcraft and what-not. Anyone that enjoye L.A. Noire should really check out L.A. Noire: The Collected Stories [Kindle Edition]

They’re dark, depressing, and an all-around great read. Not sure if they were mentioned, but they’re free on Amazon.com and worth, at least, a look.

WRT Champions – They’re running a special “Welcome to Steam” promotion until 1pm (maybe for the weekend) where you get a ton of bonus stuff if you just log in. I won’t be on much today, gotta get the house clean and pack stuff for the wedding, but might be able to make an appearance tomorrow.

Good luck.

@cgrajko – The Giant Bomb Quick Look is about all you need to see.

@angryjedi I was just going to hop on here and say the same thing.

Spiral Nights.

Free to Play.

Best part? Mac and PC!

If the Squad ever DID want to do an Earthbound mission, I could probably be easily convinced to allow my copy to be passed around. I’d rather it be in the hands of appreciative people, who I know would eventually send it back, than sell it for a hundred bucks or so and watch it disappear into oblivion.

Just saying…

@sinfony I’ll agree with you, 100%, on the remakes. I don’t want a remake, though. I want a new Earthbound game. Doesn’t even have to be the same characters, or even a sequel. I just want the same quirkiness and emotion that a game like Earthbound was able to draw from me. I don’t really see what’s wrong with wanting more of a good thing. I always want more steak, because I love steak.

I will, from time to time, put my copy of Earthbound (also have the original players guide!) back in my SNES and just replay the ending save, so I guess that’ll have to suffice, because I don’t ever see that franchise coming back.

I generally loathe Kotaku, only because of their “Gawker-ness” but this comic really hit home for me….

That being said, I really wish the Squad would do Earthbound. How many people have actually played, and completed, this gem?

I’ll go out on a limb and say this:

I like the new format, better than the old.

Sure, it was nice to hear some different voices every once in a while, but when I got down to thinking about it, most of the talking came from the main group anyway, and the parts I enjoyed most about the Squadcast were the end parts, where more current topics were discussed. And, let’s be honest here, I was probably never going to play any of the games discussed, as I’m not as dedicated as you guys to buckling down and tackling games like that. Unless you all did Earthbound. I’ll never turn down a chance to play Earthbound…

Regardless, consider me a +1 for the new format, and even the length between episodes. If listening to each Squadcast (and more recently, the 5 hour long episode of Giant Bomb) has taught me anything, it’s that my commute isn’t long enough to knock out 3 hour podcasts more frequently than once a month or so.

Keep up the good work, folks!

@rocgaude Those were my exact thoughts. You had great “inside baseball” talk from the Microsoft guys, and even Gary Whitta, and then Blow had to go and…blow…the whole thing by doing what basically amounted to whining about having to play to a set of standardized rules. I like how the MS guys put him in his place and told him they were catering to their fan base, and he really shouldn’t get his panties in a bunch.

I know a bunch of you guys are Giant Bomb fans, but have you listened to their E3 Day Zero Podcast yet? They’ve got Braid creator Jonathon Blow, as well as Microsoft’s “e” and “StepTo” on there, among other guests, and Blow really starts ripping on Microsoft. Kinda comes off like a dick.

It’s a pretty good, insightful listen, if you’ve got nothing better to do for 3 hours today.

Ya know, as the resident “I only pop on here when I’ve got something to say that nobody is going to read anyway, and also to advertise something that nobody really pays attention to, or to just say “Great show”” guy on this squawkbox, allow me to be the first to defend Microsoft and say that, except for that stupid Star Wars game which NOBODY wants, I was actually a bit impressed with their showing, especially with Kinect.

As someone who doesn’t have a lot of time to play games anymore, things like Kinect Fun Labs are a great way for me to convince my “better half” that what I’m doing ISN’T really a time waster, and that she, too, can have fun with video games. This allows me to give her a better understanding of what it is I’m fascinated with, and gives me more time to play things like L.A. Noire.

Getting drunk on a Friday night? There aren’t a lot of things more fun than having friends over and dicking around with something like Dance Central. Sure, you look like an ass, but so does everyone else, and that’s the fun of it.

I’m really jazzed up about Mass Effect 3’s integration of Kinect, even if it does seem a bit added-on, and won’t really make a big difference in gameplay, but ask yourself this:
How many times have you sat on your couch, yelling at Tali to flank right? How many times has Garrus retreated, when you wanted him to charge head-long into the thick of battle?

Game developers have to do SOMETHING with this new technology, lest it go the way of Playstation Move and the Wii. So they use the camera and voice recognition a bit more, and stay away from motion controls.

As for me? My inner redneck can’t wait to load up Ghost Recon and just say “Random Gun” a few thousand times, just to see what combinations I can get, seeing as I’ll never get the chance to actually play with something like that.

I know the Squad prides itself on being smart gamers, and intellectuals, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have some stupid fun now and again. I mean, really, what is the video game world offering us in terms of innovation? Each one of the Big 3 is at fault for giving us the same shit-content again and again, so good on Microsoft for stepping outside of the box with some of there stuff and trying something new.

And when all else fails, at least we can shoot shit.

/end fanboi rant.

@angryjedi I’ve also bought Trackmania. Only played about 3 minutes of it, but I’ve gotta say…it was totally worth the $10.

Also picked up L.A. Noire, but in a sudden realization of what married life is going to be like, I had to put together a bar instead of ripping open the box and slapping it in my X-Box for 5 or 6 hours. Hopefully I’ll get to start it tonight, as I’ve given the Mrs. the “I hear a lot of girlfriends and wives are really enjoying watching their mens play this game!” argument.

Hopefully I’m right.

@jeffgrubb I stalked iTunes for about 2 hours last night waiting for it to drop on us EST folks. Finally, around 11pm, it hit. I normally go to bed at 11, because I have to be up at 0500 hours for work, but ended up staying awake for another 35 minutes playin SS&S:EP. I have to admit that I bought into a lot of the hype mentioned by @unmanneddrone, but the game seems really unique and fun. The fighting approach IS very “punch out” and the gameplay seems as though THIS is what iPad gaming should be like.

And for you audiophiles, you should really think about picking this one up. I’m really looking forward to playing this with headphones, because the sound quality is top notch.

Another interesting feature (and one that I’m sure will piss a lot of you off) is that every single bit of text in the game is less than 140 characters. And every single line can be tweeted. Some of them, believe it or not, are actually “tweet-worthy.” I’d definitely recommend picking it up, if you have an iPad. Not sure the graphical representation will transfer well to an iPhone. It’s very busy, and that might be tough to handle on a smaller screen.

One of the podcasts that I have on my feed reader is the Mobcast. I really only keep it on there for the occasional Davison or Minotti cameo, but this past Mobcast featured Clifford B. I have to say, he was actually really insightful and one of the best guests I’ve heard on the show. I honestly think the guy has a innovative look into the industry and really seems to recognize how it has changed and where it’s going.

Just thought I’d pass along a recommendation to check it out, even if that’s the only episode that you listen to from their list.

I think I’m going to have to go back to the argument I seem to have for every contrivance brought forth by today’s video games: The Old Man Argument.

I work 40+ hours a week, come home and have to take care of a dog, a wife (soon) and a house. Some days I have to work a second job. My video game playing time is growing ever shorter during the week, so the last thing I want is to have my ass kicked every which way but Tuesday by a game.

Why do I like a game like Bulletstorm? Because I can sit down, play for an hour, make decent progression, and not feel as though I’ve accomplished a whole-lot-of-nothing. A game with a cranked up difficulty, where I can play for four hours, die, and have all of that progress wiped away in a matter of seconds, has very little place in my day-to-day play.

Does that mean I have no appreciation for wickedly difficult games? No, but those games had better be worth the amped-up difficulty if they’re going to squeeze themselves into my near-absent free time.

As for “Game Over” screens, I’m going to have to side with the camp that says there’s just no place for them anymore. If I’m playing a game that has a storyline, I don’t want to be told that the story has ended in a “Game Over.” Little Red Riding Hood didn’t end with “Game Over” just as our lives don’t end with “Game Over.” Legacies live on, stories are retold, and when a disruption occurs in a particular path, the path just diverts and finds a new way to continue. If I die in a game, figure out a way to explain my resurrection, or just consider me dead, but continue with the storyline. A perfect example of this? Infinity Blade. When you die, you die, but the story doesn’t end there. The next generation in your lineage continues on where you left off. I like that, because I get a sense of “don’t die” but I know that the consequences of death aren’t permanent from a gameplay stance.

Also, I have Bulletstorm, and would love to play online sometime. Provided we play on easy, and I can’t die.

How is the squad feeling about Sword and Sorcery?

@feenwager Yes, I bought it, and it’s a ton of fun. Say what you will about the dude-broness of it, but the skillshot system is unique and provides a nice change to the normal shooter.

Howdy Gang! I mentioned this to Pete last night, but a fun little RPG fell across my lap last night that I thought a few of you with i-Devices might enjoy. It’s called “Battleheart.” It’s from the guys who created Zombieville USA and OMG Pirates! and is a neat little point-and-drag RPG. It’s about $3 and, so far, has sucked up about an hour of my time.

I’m also going to be picking up Bulletstorm. It’s intriguing, and the Giant Bomb guys gave it a pretty good nod so, as soon as I can find a Gamestop with one in stock, I’ll be grabbing it. If anyone wants to play the online co-op, just let me know.

My biggest problem with “Rain Slick” was actually the difficulty. Actually, I shouldn’t say that it was a problem, moreso a deterrent to getting through it. This game is a legitimately difficult RPG. You HAVE to use items to get through random battles. You HAVE to restore your health and cannot rely on standard attacks to defeat enemies.

And I guess that’s why I, personally, am the most disappointed that they’re not going to finish the series. This game had a lot of promise and broke a lot of today’s current trends, and now we won’t get the chance to finish the fight.

Sorry.

At least we’ll get resolution to the story.

So…anyone playing Magicka? http://store.steampowered.com/app/42910/

@feenwager I could be persuaded. Playing with people is way more fun anyway. Name the server and faction.

@feenwager @bowlisimo I’m running around on Elune. Rolled a Worg. It’s fun, but I’m not sure how much longer I’m going to pay for it. I’ve got other ventures that I’m considering diverting that $15 a month toward. More lucrative opportunities.

You guys were spot-on. Assassin’s Creed 2 has blown the first game out of the water in the first hour of play. The controls are better, the story is better, the gameplay is better, the usage of vaginal euphemisms is better!

Glad I stuck around for it, and I can’t wait to make my way to Brodeo, so I can jump on board and play some squad action!

@mjpilon I’d totally be up for some Brodeo, provided I don’t throw all three games out in my quest to beat them. I’m on the last mission of AC1, and I’m not going to lie to you all, I’m fucking done with this stupid intel gathering crap. It’s tedious, boring, painstakingly difficult and not fun at all. Seriously, I can be walking along, and Altair farts the wrong way and I’m surrounded by 10 guards and my intel runs away.

F.

As promised, here are the assets from Darksiders…

Darksiders Hellbook

I’m still trying to figure out a good way to host the rest of the files. They’re all in folders, and DropBox kinda sucks for that. If anyone can think of a good way, let me know.

Also, picked up BTTF on Steam for 10% off. I’m enjoying it so far!

@rocgaude et al. – I’ll post that stuff when I get home this afternoon. It won’t be as classed up as @redswir1 made his, but there’s some really nice art assets in there!

Along the lines of @redswir1, I just found my Darksiders supplemental disk. If anyone wants that information posted online, just let me know!

@bowlisimo – Thanks, homey.

Whoever said the Steam sale was a’comin, you were exactly right. Looks like it starts at 1300 today and continues through the holidays.

Looks like there’s going to be a big emphasis on Indie bundles this year, as CheapAssGamer has their list of bundles posted already.

http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showpost.php?p=7970333&postcount=1721

I’m actually pretty excited about this year’s sale, because I’ve finally got a machine that is powerful enough to run most of the stuff. Anyone hoping for anything in particular?

So TellTale pulled a bait and switch on everyone and the “free” episode of Back to the Future isn’t going to be made available until February, despite a Dec. 23rd release date. I’m usually not one to complain about free stuff, but….

really?

Since Pete can’t stop going on and on about DD, I figured I’d toss this link out for those of us against the tyranny of iPhoners.

http://kotaku.com/5714596/dungeon-defenders-heading-to-android

Hopefully we’ll get to join you in a week or so.

Speaking of Steam…

Anyone else getting the impression that this “Treasure Hunt” is Steam coping out of their huge Christmas sale?

It’s running until the 20th, and things aren’t looking good.

My severe lack of ever having played an Uncharted game is the prelude to my lack of excitement. Sorry :-\

Yeah, I jumped back in. You can add me by realID if you’d like. Just my wordpress name with gmail attached to it.

Lame.