Mustachian video gamers - what are you PLAYING?

[daverobev]

Been playing the shit out of Baldur's Gate 3 since its release a couple weeks ago. Spectacular game, especially if you like D&D. It's literally D&D in a video game format. Same classes, spells, abilities, etc. Almost all of the mechanics are pulled straight out of the 5th edition D&D rulebooks. I haven't played D&D since the beginning of COVID, so this really scratches an itch for me.

One of the best things about BG3 in my opinion is that there are no in game purchases / microtransactions. You're actually getting a complete game with your purchase - something that is all too rare these days.

How does it compare to BG and BG2? Story-wise etc (bearing in mind the 20, 25 year gap, of course!)

[Valley of Plenty]

Been playing the shit out of Baldur's Gate 3 since its release a couple weeks ago. Spectacular game, especially if you like D&D. It's literally D&D in a video game format. Same classes, spells, abilities, etc. Almost all of the mechanics are pulled straight out of the 5th edition D&D rulebooks. I haven't played D&D since the beginning of COVID, so this really scratches an itch for me.

One of the best things about BG3 in my opinion is that there are no in game purchases / microtransactions. You're actually getting a complete game with your purchase - something that is all too rare these days.

How does it compare to BG and BG2? Story-wise etc (bearing in mind the 20, 25 year gap, of course!)

I can't really speak to that, as I never played the previous two. I had heard of the franchise but never had a PC capable of serious gaming until recently.

From what I've been hearing from people who have played the previous titles, BG3 is considered a solid improvement in every way.

[Adventine]

I've been playing Genshin Impact steadily for a couple of years now (free to play, of course). I find the main story mostly tedious and boring (too much unskippable dialogue) but there have been some great moments (like the Sumeru arc). I play mostly for the open world exploration and puzzles. It's been a lot of fun exploring the new Fontaine region!

[LennStar]

Yeah, I like the voiced stories, but they always draw it out too long. And with those updates they more or less force you to go into areas I would prefer to explore laisurely on my pace.
Fontaine for me starts tomorrow.

[SotI]

Been playing the shit out of Baldur's Gate 3 since its release a couple weeks ago. Spectacular game, especially if you like D&D. It's literally D&D in a video game format. Same classes, spells, abilities, etc. Almost all of the mechanics are pulled straight out of the 5th edition D&D rulebooks. I haven't played D&D since the beginning of COVID, so this really scratches an itch for me.

I looked into it as I quite like fantasy RPGs (been playing Skyrim for a decade), but it's the similarity to table-top D&D that actually puts me off.

Hardly Mustachian, but I will play Starfield on release. Ofc, I hope it will turn out to be as epic as Skyrim, despite its "Fallout in space" vibes (I found Fallout too depressing as backstory).
Let's see if BGS will deliver to the hype ...

Edit: typo

[farmecologist]

Been playing the shit out of Baldur's Gate 3 since its release a couple weeks ago. Spectacular game, especially if you like D&D. It's literally D&D in a video game format. Same classes, spells, abilities, etc. Almost all of the mechanics are pulled straight out of the 5th edition D&D rulebooks. I haven't played D&D since the beginning of COVID, so this really scratches an itch for me.

I looked into it as I quite like fantasy RPGs (been playing Skyrim for a decade), but it's the similarity to table-top D&D that actually puts me off.

Hardly Mustachian, but I will play Starfield on release. Ofc, I hope it will turn out to be as epic as Skyrim, despite its "Fallout in space" vibes (I found Fallout too depressing as backstory).
Let's see if BSG will deliver to the hype ...

Starfield will likely become my next "forever game" after Skyrim, Fallout 3/4, etc...  In terms of entertainment per dollar, they have no equal...at least for me.

[grantmeaname]

Yeah, the only things close for me are the bioware big world RPGs like DA Inquisition

[Arbitrage]

Been playing the shit out of Baldur's Gate 3 since its release a couple weeks ago. Spectacular game, especially if you like D&D. It's literally D&D in a video game format. Same classes, spells, abilities, etc. Almost all of the mechanics are pulled straight out of the 5th edition D&D rulebooks. I haven't played D&D since the beginning of COVID, so this really scratches an itch for me.

I looked into it as I quite like fantasy RPGs (been playing Skyrim for a decade), but it's the similarity to table-top D&D that actually puts me off.

Hardly Mustachian, but I will play Starfield on release. Ofc, I hope it will turn out to be as epic as Skyrim, despite its "Fallout in space" vibes (I found Fallout too depressing as backstory).
Let's see if BGS will deliver to the hype ...

Edit: typo

I'll play Starfield as well, though it'll be "free" with my Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.  Game Pass is certainly not free, but through various deals I'm averaging about $5/month.  Technically I'm still on the first 3 year conversion deal which ran me about $100 for 36 months, but have been extending it out.

Right now, I'm playing Remnant 2 (or would be if I stopped taking trips and having guests over).  Loved the first game, and the second is supposed to be better in every way.  Haven't played it enough to make that statement, but it's fun so far.

I'll play Baldur's Gate 3 eventually, but am content to wait until I can find a great deal on it in a year or so.

[Wolfpack Mustachian]

Anyone here ever played Red Dead Redemption? It's been released for switch, and I'm considering it.

[Arbitrage]

Anyone here ever played Red Dead Redemption? It's been released for switch, and I'm considering it.

Sure, a long time back.  Completed the base game (which often doesn’t happen to me with open world games); don’t think I finished the zombie expansion.  Great game for the time; not sure how it holds up.  Reminds me that I do need to get back to RDR2, though. 

[SotI]

Anyone here ever played Red Dead Redemption? It's been released for switch, and I'm considering it.

Sure, a long time back.  Completed the base game (which often doesn’t happen to me with open world games); don’t think I finished the zombie expansion.  Great game for the time; not sure how it holds up.  Reminds me that I do need to get back to RDR2, though.

RDR2 is still on my wishlist, in case there are some special offers sometime. It still looks pretty awesome.

[evme]

Anyone here ever played Red Dead Redemption? It's been released for switch, and I'm considering it.

Thanks for bringing this up -- I've been wanting to play the original for a while and hadn't realized it's being released on Switch/PS4. That said, is there any kind of remastering done on it? It was originally released in May 2010 so it's ancient.

RDR2 remains one of the highest quality games ever released (graphics, story, soundtrack, all top notch).

[evme]

Beat Ghost of Tsushima on PS5. That was excellent.

Just picked up Cocoon on PS5, been looking forward to this indie game from one of the creators of Inside and Limbo which were both excellent puzzle games.

[Sanitary Stache]

I’m still playing destiny 2. I spent $25 on the first three expansions, but haven’t played them. I am getting into the harder content and mot of it is not free. I need to find some friends though to play the hardest stuff. So find a clan or some fireteam members is my next step. I am not a very consistent player so I am hestitant to reach out to people. I play less than once a week on average.

[Arbitrage]

I’m still playing destiny 2. I spent $25 on the first three expansions, but haven’t played them. I am getting into the harder content and mot of it is not free. I need to find some friends though to play the hardest stuff. So find a clan or some fireteam members is my next step. I am not a very consistent player so I am hestitant to reach out to people. I play less than once a week on average.

I toyed with getting back into it - haven't played since the second expansion - but didn't want to have to pony up.  Playing Diablo 4 season 2 right now, and started a bit of Starfield on Game Pass.  Starfield hasn't quite grabbed me, but I'm not giving up on it yet. 

[grantmeaname]

My house has been on an Assassin's creed journey the last month. First up was Origins which is a GREAT game and my fave AC to date. Then Syndicate which was a step back but also a much smaller, faster game. Now I'm on AC Valhalla. I'm not crazy about it - several of the game systems don't make any sense, most of the game is about shooting the back sides of doors through windows or finding jars of oil to throw at piles of rocks, and there's more AC Jankiness than in Origins even though Valhalla is the newer game. But it's still a nice time overall - the core stealth, shoot, stab mechanics are all great fun.

[evme]

My house has been on an Assassin's creed journey the last month. First up was Origins which is a GREAT game and my fave AC to date. Then Syndicate which was a step back but also a much smaller, faster game. Now I'm on AC Valhalla. I'm not crazy about it - several of the game systems don't make any sense, most of the game is about shooting the back sides of doors through windows or finding jars of oil to throw at piles of rocks, and there's more AC Jankiness than in Origins even though Valhalla is the newer game. But it's still a nice time overall - the core stealth, shoot, stab mechanics are all great fun.

I kind of want to try AC Mirage. I heard it is about getting back to basics for Ubisoft.

[grantmeaname]

Yeah. I'm looking forward to picking it up when it's $20 someday

[ender]

Factorio.

Still :)

[beee]

Factorio.
Still :)

Vanilla? Mods? How excited are you with FFF updates about the Space Age expansion?

[ender]

Factorio.
Still :)

Vanilla? Mods? How excited are you with FFF updates about the Space Age expansion?

I’ve been playing the Space Exploration mod and loving it. It adds a depth to the game which is fantastic.

I’m definitely excited for the expansion. The FFF updates have been great :)

[lemonlyman]

Making my way through Rogue Legacy 2.

[lexde]

I got mGBA and am playing through Gameboy Advance games I missed as a kid when they came out.
I’m playing a ROM Hack of Pokemon FireRed called Rocket Edition right now which is a great fan hack. It’s amazing how creative the people who made it were; they basically re-wrote the entire game from the antagonist’s perspective.

Once I finish that, I’ll play Harvest Moon (Friends of Mineral Town) and the Pokemon Gens I missed. I played Red/Blue/Yellow and then Platinum, Shield, and Scarlet, so there are several generations I missed.

I also got Stardew Valley on mobile, so I’m playing that on my tablet. I have a really bad habit of stressing over sandbox games and trying to do everything perfectly, so I’m hoping that playing Stardew a bit more casually will be a nice change of pace.

[Rubyvroom]

LEGO FORTNITE

Ok seriously though this game exceeded my expectations, and the price is right.

Lots of room for improvements too, and I assume because it's in the early stages with already millions playing, Epic will have enough justification to dump some development time into this thing.

Merely wanted to mention it here for anyone looking for a calm, free to play, explore/build game that you can play with friends/family w/out dropping a single dollar on it.

[lexde]

I purchased a Retroid Pocket 3+ for $190 last month. I picked up the dot Hack series (original 4 games) for PS2 and they play PERFECTLY on the handheld! It’s a little smaller than the switch, has a great battery life and it’s so nice to have save states etc.

I beat the first 3 games in the series (they are short) and the save files carry over.

I never got to play all 4 games because I couldn’t find a copy of the 4th anywhere. So having all 4 games and getting to play through them has been really amazing!

I’m on the final game, .hack//Quarantine, with about 50 hours in the bank for the series. It’s been a ton of fun.

After this, I will probably play a different franchise for a short while, then do the .hack//G.U. series after.

Great purchase and has opened up a whole new world to me. I can play everything from GameBoy to PS2/Gamecube/Ps Vita/PSP/ etc.

I really like that I can take console games and not have to sit in front of a computer to play.

[evme]

The Outer Wilds

Dang, I am late to the party on this one but it is sooo sooo good. Never played anything like it, the closest comparison I can think of is a mix of The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask and Myst. Such a unique game, and best to know as little as possible going in. Any other mustachians played this? I'm currently on the DLC expansion, Echoes of the Eye.

[LennStar]

The Outer Wilds

Dang, I am late to the party on this one but it is sooo sooo good. Never played anything like it, the closest comparison I can think of is a mix of The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask and Myst. Such a unique game, and best to know as little as possible going in. Any other mustachians played this? I'm currently on the DLC expansion, Echoes of the Eye.

You are not talking about "The Outer Worlds" that was free on EPIC last week? Because I am probably playing that one next.

[evme]

The Outer Wilds

Dang, I am late to the party on this one but it is sooo sooo good. Never played anything like it, the closest comparison I can think of is a mix of The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask and Myst. Such a unique game, and best to know as little as possible going in. Any other mustachians played this? I'm currently on the DLC expansion, Echoes of the Eye.

You are not talking about "The Outer Worlds" that was free on EPIC last week? Because I am probably playing that one next.

No. They are commonly confused because the names are so similar and both came out around the same time back in 2019. Very different games.

[Sugaree]

The Outer Wilds

Dang, I am late to the party on this one but it is sooo sooo good. Never played anything like it, the closest comparison I can think of is a mix of The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask and Myst. Such a unique game, and best to know as little as possible going in. Any other mustachians played this? I'm currently on the DLC expansion, Echoes of the Eye.

That sounds really cool.  I loved Myst as a kid, but my kid recently got it for the VR headset.  I don't know if it's the fact that it wasn't made for VR, but that one really makes me motion sick to the point that it's unplayable for me.  He seems to like it though.

[farmecologist]

The Outer Wilds

Dang, I am late to the party on this one but it is sooo sooo good. Never played anything like it, the closest comparison I can think of is a mix of The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask and Myst. Such a unique game, and best to know as little as possible going in. Any other mustachians played this? I'm currently on the DLC expansion, Echoes of the Eye.

You are not talking about "The Outer Worlds" that was free on EPIC last week? Because I am probably playing that one next.

Epic has had...pretty epic freebies lately.  Also a really great 33% off coupon that is stackable with their sales....and it "renews" after each purchase.  I picked up a few titles using the sale/coupon combo.

BTW - I am currently playing Jedi Survivor.  It is FAR better than I thought it would be.  Just an awesome game, especially for star war fans.

[grantmeaname]

Shoot, I forgot about how they do daily giveaways around Christmas.

[Arbitrage]

The Outer Wilds

Dang, I am late to the party on this one but it is sooo sooo good. Never played anything like it, the closest comparison I can think of is a mix of The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask and Myst. Such a unique game, and best to know as little as possible going in. Any other mustachians played this? I'm currently on the DLC expansion, Echoes of the Eye.

You are not talking about "The Outer Worlds" that was free on EPIC last week? Because I am probably playing that one next.

I've played both "The Outer Wilds" and "The Outer Worlds."  Actually got distracted out of the Wilds after doing a dozen or so cycles, and haven't gotten back to it.  Someday. 

Played The Outer Worlds on Gamepass a while back.  It was certainly Fallout-esque, and kept me entertained enough to finish. 

Of course, I've been grabbing all of the free Epic games.  Got to do that as a frugal gamer.

Did a bunch of Robo Quest on Gamepass.  FPS Rogue-lite that's pretty fast-paced and fun. 

Lately, I've been back to Warhammer 40K:Darktide on Gamepass PC.  Was hyped for it for years as a big Vermintide fan, and played it on release, but it was soooo unstable and beyond the capabilities of our old PC.  Much more fun now. 

Been thinking about going back to RDR2, as I never finished.  Updated/patched it the other day.

[BC_Goldman]

Speaking of Epic...this week's game is Guardians of the Galaxy.

[Arbitrage]

Speaking of Epic...this week's game is Guardians of the Galaxy.

I played that back on Xbox through Game pass about a year ago.  Not terribly replayable or crisp in its gameplay, but the plot and dialogue make it pretty entertaining for a run through.  Definitely great for a free game.

[evme]

I beat the Outer Wilds DLC called Echoes of the Eye. It was very good and I even figured out most of the puzzles without help unlike with the main game. I think the linearity of a single location to explore helped me in this regard. Awesome game, truly awe struck at the imaginative minds that created it (along the lines of The Three-Body Problem trilogy of books).

[salt cured]

I beat the Outer Wilds DLC called Echoes of the Eye. It was very good and I even figured out most of the puzzles without help unlike with the main game. I think the linearity of a single location to explore helped me in this regard. Awesome game, truly awe struck at the imaginative minds that created it (along the lines of The Three-Body Problem trilogy of books).

Did you play on the Switch by any chance? I want to pick it up but if it runs like crap, I’ll wait and hope it comes to the “Super Switch”.

[evme]

I beat the Outer Wilds DLC called Echoes of the Eye. It was very good and I even figured out most of the puzzles without help unlike with the main game. I think the linearity of a single location to explore helped me in this regard. Awesome game, truly awe struck at the imaginative minds that created it (along the lines of The Three-Body Problem trilogy of books).

Did you play on the Switch by any chance? I want to pick it up but if it runs like crap, I’ll wait and hope it comes to the “Super Switch”.

PS5, haven't heard anything about it's performance on Switch.

[BlueMR2]

I'm on 2 different ends of the spectrum right now, having just picked up the new release of Elevator Agent for Atari 2600 and on the other side putting tons of time into Forza Motorsports on X Box.  The youtube reviews of Forza are pretty terrible, but I'm finding it to be great.  I haven't seen any of the weird display issues that youtube is full of and I love the car progression plan that everyone else seems to hate.  :D

[farmecologist]

The Outer Wilds

Dang, I am late to the party on this one but it is sooo sooo good. Never played anything like it, the closest comparison I can think of is a mix of The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask and Myst. Such a unique game, and best to know as little as possible going in. Any other mustachians played this? I'm currently on the DLC expansion, Echoes of the Eye.

You are not talking about "The Outer Worlds" that was free on EPIC last week? Because I am probably playing that one next.

Epic has had...pretty epic freebies lately.  Also a really great 33% off coupon that is stackable with their sales....and it "renews" after each purchase.  I picked up a few titles using the sale/coupon combo.

BTW - I am currently playing Jedi Survivor.  It is FAR better than I thought it would be.  Just an awesome game, especially for star war fans.

Update on Jedi Survivor...I actually finished it.  That doesn't always happen when I start a game.   Love the exploration elements.  Runs great on my 4070 GPU as well.

[evme]

Update on Jedi Survivor...I actually finished it.  That doesn't always happen when I start a game.   Love the exploration elements.  Runs great on my 4070 GPU as well.

I am tempted to order this. I like the old school Star Wars games from Lucasarts that were HARD. For example, Dark Forces and Jedi Knight from way back in the day. Is it like those?

[evme]

Started Bloodborne on PS5 and loving it. I read this is considered one of the best titles from From Software, the makers of Elden Ring. I see a lot of Bloodborne's influences on Elden Ring as well. It is super challenging but very rewarding too.

[LennStar]

Songs of Synx

A city builder in early access. If you love deciding everything in your city, this is a game for you. You can also build an Empire but I can't say too much about that part.

Be aware it is still EA in the real sense and major upgrade (looks like 1 per month) is safegame incombatible.

[farmecologist]

Update on Jedi Survivor...I actually finished it.  That doesn't always happen when I start a game.   Love the exploration elements.  Runs great on my 4070 GPU as well.

I am tempted to order this. I like the old school Star Wars games from Lucasarts that were HARD. For example, Dark Forces and Jedi Knight from way back in the day. Is it like those?

Yep...it is a lot like those....but far better.


I also started Forspoken.  I was skeptical, but once I started playing, it is pretty good.  I'd even go so far as to say it is vastly underrated.  I think the turnoff for many is the main character.  Some cringeworthy "zoomer talk"...but if you can get past that, the game is great.  I like "fish out of water stories" like this...reminds me of some of the fantasy novels I read as a kid way back when.

[evme]

Finished Bloodborne, loved it. Now playing Hollow Knight.

[onecoolcat]

I am on a Zelda binge.  My last three games have been Breath of the Wild (Switch), Link's Awakening (Switch), and now Skyward Sword HD (Switch). 

From 2021 to 2023 I played other Zelda games starting with Ocarina of Time 3D (3DS), Majora's Mask 3d (3DS), Phantom Hourglass (DS), Spirit Tracks (DS), and Minish Cap (GBA). 

Before that, my last Zelda game was some 20 years earlier (when did I get old?) when I played Wind Waker (Game Cube), Ocarina of Time (N64), Majora's Mask (N64), A Link to the Past (SNES), and Links Awakening DX (GBC).

I guess it only makes sense if Twilight Princess HD (Wii U), Tears of the Kingdom (Switch), Wind Waker HD (Wii U), and the Oracle games (GBC) are next.

[salt cured]

I am on a Zelda binge.  My last three games have been Breath of the Wild (Switch), Link's Awakening (Switch), and now Skyward Sword HD (Switch). 

From 2021 to 2023 I played other Zelda games starting with Ocarina of Time 3D (3DS), Majora's Mask 3d (3DS), Phantom Hourglass (DS), Spirit Tracks (DS), and Minish Cap (GBA). 

Before that, my last Zelda game was some 20 years earlier (when did I get old?) when I played Wind Waker (Game Cube), Ocarina of Time (N64), Majora's Mask (N64), A Link to the Past (SNES), and Links Awakening DX (GBC).

I guess it only makes sense if Twilight Princess HD (Wii U), Tears of the Kingdom (Switch), Wind Waker HD (Wii U), and the Oracle games (GBC) are next.

I am hoping WW or TP (or Link Between Worlds) comes out for Switch this year. They gotta release something if Switch 2 isn’t coming until next year.

[onecoolcat]

I am on a Zelda binge.  My last three games have been Breath of the Wild (Switch), Link's Awakening (Switch), and now Skyward Sword HD (Switch). 

From 2021 to 2023 I played other Zelda games starting with Ocarina of Time 3D (3DS), Majora's Mask 3d (3DS), Phantom Hourglass (DS), Spirit Tracks (DS), and Minish Cap (GBA). 

Before that, my last Zelda game was some 20 years earlier (when did I get old?) when I played Wind Waker (Game Cube), Ocarina of Time (N64), Majora's Mask (N64), A Link to the Past (SNES), and Links Awakening DX (GBC).

I guess it only makes sense if Twilight Princess HD (Wii U), Tears of the Kingdom (Switch), Wind Waker HD (Wii U), and the Oracle games (GBC) are next.

I am hoping WW or TP (or Link Between Worlds) comes out for Switch this year. They gotta release something if Switch 2 isn’t coming until next year.

That would be sweet, but they did WW and TP HD versions not so long ago on the Wii U.  It may be too soon for Nintendo to release a switch version of those games.  Maybe the Oracle games should get the Link's Awakening treatment?

[E.T.]

I picked up the Halo Master Chief Collection on the summer sale for $10. I've never played Halo before other than noodling around on someone else's game once or twice. Playing through it with my spouse now and it's a lot of fun.

[evme]

I am looking for PS5 game recommendations.

I just finished Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree expansion which was awesome.

I picked up Deathloop for cheap, plan to try that next. After that, maybe Death Stranding Director's Cut or Baldur's Gate 3?

[beee]

BG3 is a must if you like complex RPGs with a lot of lore and systems to play with.
The quality is also top notch.