Author Topic: A Mustachian Gamer  (Read 28605 times)

Iron Mike Sharpe

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Re: A Mustachian Gamer
« Reply #50 on: June 04, 2014, 07:32:46 AM »
I started using the library to get games, at least the ones that don't take weeks/months to finish. 

unix_kung_fu

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Re: A Mustachian Gamer
« Reply #51 on: June 04, 2014, 08:26:46 AM »

2. You could mod your systems and pirate everything.  Yes, this is morally wrong and illegal, but hey, it's an option.

Please don't do this. This isn't for xbox,etc, but if you like games, a lot of indie devs are going with the 'pay what you think it is worth' model. Check out the Humble Bundle, a collection of pretty cool games and you pay what you want.

jasonw223

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Re: A Mustachian Gamer
« Reply #52 on: June 04, 2014, 09:25:18 AM »
I've had various consoles but also would strongly suggest PC gaming.  Here's what I do...

1) Learn how to build / upgrade your own PC properly.  I sold my first gaming PC after a year or so and MADE money.  This has since snowballed into a side-gig for me.  And I usually have a pile of free game codes from buying video cards etc.

2) Don't buy new games very often.  There are TONS of quality games out there for free or cheap.  Watch the Steam and Origin sales.  Last weekend for example, Origin was giving away Battlefield 3 and Plants vs. Zombies away for free.  And try out League of Legends, Hearthstone, Planetside and other F2P games.  Oh, and make sure to buy ALL of the skins and whatnot.  They are a great investment.

3) Take money from stupid people.  I figured out a small part of the Diablo 3 economy when the RMAH was running and made a few hundred bucks with very little effort.  People will also pay money in games like League of Legends if you can get them to the next tier (Silver, Gold, etc.). 

4) If you're really good at something - capitalize on that - especially if you're in a smaller city.  I've made some money / won prizes in LoL and CoD tournaments.  My city is big enough that it has these, but small enough that no one really good shows up...  Also it can be kind of embarrassing to do this as an adult.  Oh well.

ketchup

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Re: A Mustachian Gamer
« Reply #53 on: June 04, 2014, 10:24:46 AM »
any good PC investments to look at if i decide to go this route?

I'm sure you've heard that PC gaming is expensive....and it definitely CAN be, so beware.  Since the graphics CAN look so much better and you can get higher FPS at higher resolutions than consoles, sometimes it is hard to resist upgrades - and those upgrades can be expensive!  But the games are certainly cheap on Steam and if you can build your computer yourself it will help reduce the cost.  But personally I enjoy it enough that I spend most of my "fun money" on either PC upgrades or video games.
Absolutely, this.  You can buy a $500 graphics card every year so you can run all the newest games at 140fps on Ultra at 2560x1600, or you can be more sensible about it.

My card probably can't do now-current games, but it got me through the end of 2011 playing Skyrim on Medium at 1920x1080.  That was a 2008 graphics card that cost me $130 then.  It's really not that expensive if you don't get picky about cranking up the settings all the time.

San

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Re: A Mustachian Gamer
« Reply #54 on: June 04, 2014, 12:26:45 PM »
I'm less of a console gamer (these days) and more of a pen and paper (I know, nerd alert) kind of gamer.

But that wasn't always the case. We used to spend more money than I like to think about on video games. We don't as much anymore. Some of this stuff has been mentioned above, but here's what we did:

-Stay a generation or two behind on consoles. And if we upgrade, we upgrade *1*.
-Don't buy games new. Ever. If I can't get it used, I don't buy it, where ever it's coming from.
-Try to play it without buying it first. A lot of the titles I ended up disappointed in, and if I had just asked friends to borrow it first, I wouldn't have dropped 30 bucks on something that I didn't enjoy playing.
-Pick games with high replay. The last game we bought was Skyrim. We have legitimately been playing that, off and on, for the last two years. It's ridiculous. But awesome.
-Play less. Find other things to do and a single game purchase gets you further.
-Find a group who wants to play table top. Seriously, this one night a week thing for us makes video gaming less appealing. You can meet in one place and game, or use Skype or GooglePlus, which is what we do. We've been running a D&D game for two years now that is WAY more entertaining than anything we could buy for the console or PC.

Shropskr

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Re: A Mustachian Gamer
« Reply #55 on: June 04, 2014, 03:46:48 PM »
Gamefly.com  Rent games works like netflix except for games. 

We use it for husbands ps3, ps2, Xbox, and wii.    Yes I know that's a lot of game systems it makes him happy.  And we can easily afford it.  I like with game fly no disks to keep.  Better for the earth.  He like new games whenever he wants them.

unix_kung_fu

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Re: A Mustachian Gamer
« Reply #56 on: June 11, 2014, 07:48:28 AM »
there are free games on steam. not all games suck and are crippled with in-app purchases, there is a lot of 'abandonware' out there as well.

ShortInSeattle

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Re: A Mustachian Gamer
« Reply #57 on: June 11, 2014, 09:58:16 AM »
I love games of the board game and Xbox variety.

The Xbox Gold subscription includes two free games every month (games with gold) and I've mostly been playing those. 24 games a year for $60 ain't bad. Some of them are awful,but there have been plenty of good ones too. Once in a while I'll pick up a used game at Gamestop, play it for a while, then sell it back. Or trade games with a friend. It's pretty cheap entertainment IMO.

I did resist the siren call of the Xbox One. The 360 is just fine, and since we don't have cable, is also our streaming device for Netflix & so on.

taekvideo

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Re: A Mustachian Gamer
« Reply #58 on: June 11, 2014, 11:08:03 AM »
Stay 2 console generations behind... you can buy secondhand for next to nothing that way.


Case in point:
http://cedarrapids.craigslist.org/vgm/4514764578.html
http://cedarrapids.craigslist.org/vgm/4514578513.html

only checked the last 2 days in my local area... and what do you know :)

rabidshark

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Re: A Mustachian Gamer
« Reply #59 on: June 12, 2014, 10:27:43 AM »
I would recommend trying to buy classic cartridge games (NES, SNES, N64, Genesis, etc.). They have already hit rock bottom in depreciation, and are starting to gain in value. From a price standpoint, it's unlikely they will depreciate much more than they have. A nice part of these games is they're generally pretty easy to find, and if you ever decide to sell, the sale price will likely be the same or more than you purchased them for. Talking as someone who has tossed $1500 at a collection that is now worth $6500+. Or, you can emulate like the criminal scum you are.

S0VERE1GN

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Re: A Mustachian Gamer
« Reply #60 on: June 13, 2014, 01:26:28 PM »
Also: DOTA2.

if you like strategy, and free games, and you don't play DOTA2, you're wrong.

I find its a wonderful way to bond with all of my buddies that are across the nation for literally no money except the electricity and internet connection to play it as well.  And there's no end to the multitude of combinations in characters and builds you can do. I find it a great joy.

Ascotillion

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Re: A Mustachian Gamer
« Reply #61 on: June 24, 2014, 05:14:50 PM »
How's the Steam sale going for everyone? I've made about ten bucks in credit from selling the cards, which has bought me five games I was really looking forward to, which will keep me going until the winter (summer for me!) sale :)

robotclown

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Re: A Mustachian Gamer
« Reply #62 on: June 24, 2014, 06:05:02 PM »
I bought Skyrim on steam for 5 dollars.  If it keeps me entertained for as long as I except, it was well worth the cost. 

sleepyguy

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Re: A Mustachian Gamer
« Reply #63 on: June 24, 2014, 06:28:14 PM »
Best (easily approachable) game ever made imho.  Great deal for $5.  I got the Legendary Edition last year for $20 I think.

There are alot of good PC mods available that really make the game better.  HD textures is one, and skyrimUI is another.

Tomb Raider is another great pick for $5.

I bought Skyrim on steam for 5 dollars.  If it keeps me entertained for as long as I except, it was well worth the cost.

Ascotillion

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Re: A Mustachian Gamer
« Reply #64 on: June 24, 2014, 07:28:49 PM »
Yeah, definitely pick up SkyUI. Another one I love is Frostfall, which makes you vulnerable to hypothermia and gives you penalties for not drying out after swimming or wearing full clothing. Not for everyone, but if you like immersion, look it up!

Roland of Gilead

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Re: A Mustachian Gamer
« Reply #65 on: June 24, 2014, 07:44:56 PM »
what are some of the ways you have found to make gaming more affordable or more mustachian for lack of a better term?

Having a spouse that is a dev in the Xbox division helps.  I was playing Xbox One in early 2013  =)

That being said, I really enjoy playing board games on Brettspielwelt for free.  Puerto Rico and Imperial are two of my favorites.

YoungInvestor

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Re: A Mustachian Gamer
« Reply #66 on: June 24, 2014, 07:48:36 PM »
I'd be curious to see a dollar figure /month for your spending. A friend of mine just buys a bunch of stuff during steam sales and plays it throughout the following year on a < 100$ budget. Is there perhaps an equivalent for the XBOX 360?

I used to be a huge gamer (My gaming peak was just before and in my first years of college where I'd easily spend my full weekends and evenings (Even days, if my class schedule would let me) gaming) and somehow, I lost interest at some point.

I still play once in a while (Stuff like a skirmish in age of empires), but really, I'm probably below 1hr/week on average. Other hobbies include reading, playing an instrument or watching some series (Seriously, is it me or did tv series get ridiculously good in the last few years?). Reading is basically free (Library membership), an instrument is a one-time purchase, albeit a fairly expensive one and Netflix is something like 7$/month.

Zillo7

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Re: A Mustachian Gamer
« Reply #67 on: June 24, 2014, 07:53:29 PM »
Here's the games I love to play, a lot of them are free and the ones that aren't have a lot of re-playability.
  • Arma 2 (3 isn't as good, even with mods)
  • Warzone 2100
  • Tremulous
  • Open TTD
  • Railroad Tycoon 3
  • Robocraft (it has a cash shop, don't fall for it)
I used to play way too much, but I've almost completely stopped now. It's nice to have time to do other things too.

MidWestLove

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Re: A Mustachian Gamer
« Reply #68 on: June 24, 2014, 09:15:33 PM »
I would second what others said
- PC gaming is higher initial investment in the hardware (you will have fun putting together your PC) but _much_ cheaper over a long run. Steam/GOG sales are a small fraction of the console monopoly pricing.
- if you are not picky ask for spare parts , most of the people who deal with hardware have more than enough spares to build few more PCs. I have sent people i do not know video cards that I no longer need as it is better than having it collect dust in my basement.  Ask, the worst you will get is no interest.
- gaming = entertainment (same as reading or any other activity). as long as you do not overdo it and have fun doing it - enjoy!
- type of gaming you like would influence console vs PC choices , i.e. the good storytelling i am interested in (i.e. Witcher) is much harder to get on the console. or  total war type strategy



 

S0VERE1GN

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Re: A Mustachian Gamer
« Reply #69 on: June 26, 2014, 05:57:11 AM »
Steam Summer Sale Mustachians!

There are some great deals on there, and subsequently some horrible ones as well.

One of the best ones I've seen thus far is CS:Global Offensive for $7.  If you're an FPS fan its hard to beat counter strike, especially at this price.

just don't get caught up in the DLC trap. apparently there are "gun packs" that are in the hundreds.
« Last Edit: June 26, 2014, 06:14:14 AM by S0VERE1GN »

wtjbatman

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Re: A Mustachian Gamer
« Reply #70 on: June 26, 2014, 11:01:00 AM »
Steam Summer Sale representation here. I've held myself in check compared to my pre-mustachian days, but I've still managed to buy myself three games so far, all at 75% off or more. The Last Remnant (I know know, but I've always wanted to play it), Supreme Commander 2, and the indie game Unepic.

Really hoping Halo Spartan Assault, Baldur's Gate II Enhanced Edition, and The Walking Dead Season 2 go 75% off at some point during this sale. Or any of the other 20 games on my wishlist, hah.

Anatidae V

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Re: A Mustachian Gamer
« Reply #71 on: June 26, 2014, 06:49:54 PM »
I got some fun looking games. Two were partly due to art style - "Brothers - a tale of two sons" and "Child of Light". Also got castle crushers for multiplayer fun :)

zolotiyeruki

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Re: A Mustachian Gamer
« Reply #72 on: June 26, 2014, 10:28:27 PM »
I'm bummed that I missed out on Kerbal Space Program when it dropped below $20 last week :(  Heard about the sale a day late!

Zillo7

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Re: A Mustachian Gamer
« Reply #73 on: June 26, 2014, 10:49:38 PM »
Supreme Commander 2
Why... Supreme Commander FA is better in every way.
http://www.faforever.com/

Grog

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Re: A Mustachian Gamer
« Reply #74 on: June 27, 2014, 01:06:25 AM »
sell all your console but keep a wireless Xbox controller to use with the PC.

Then Steam -> download Rogue Legacy for 10$

When you need to play, make a couple of dungeon. Is the perfect combination, retro style game of SuperMarioBros meets Diablo 2. Random generating castels, lot of things to do. Is funny as hell, difficult but doable, like the good old game and after months of play I still love it. Like Diablo 2, it has the same addictiveness. Years of gaming ahead are guaranteed, I swear. I play two hours a weeke and after 50 hours I've barely scratched world 2 of 4 and still has to beat a final boss.

An alternative is going to gog.com ('good old games') and download older gem for small bucks.

In twenty years, you'll find Xbox360 games to download. You may not have the most shiny new technology, but try to shift '20 years in the past', like with cars. You'll find today's technology in 10 years in cheap used cars. Do the same for videogames: go back to 10-15 years ago (thanks to www.gog.com and Steam), spend 3.99 for a 50 hours game and in 10 years you'll be playing today's game.

Is exactly like car: Moustachian buy used and old, and sometimes is difficult to resist to the new "graphics and gameplay" of new cars, but we know that in 20 years they will be available used. That's mustachianism in videogames I think.


Ian

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Re: A Mustachian Gamer
« Reply #75 on: June 27, 2014, 02:16:54 AM »
Then Steam -> download Rogue Legacy for 10$

When you need to play, make a couple of dungeon. Is the perfect combination, retro style game of SuperMarioBros meets Diablo 2. Random generating castels, lot of things to do. Is funny as hell, difficult but doable, like the good old game and after months of play I still love it. Like Diablo 2, it has the same addictiveness. Years of gaming ahead are guaranteed, I swear. I play two hours a weeke and after 50 hours I've barely scratched world 2 of 4 and still has to beat a final boss.
Seconded; Rogue Legacy is a fantastic game. However, in the interest of full disclosure, Grog may be on the higher end of getting gameplay out of it. The game's quality shines in its depth, not its length, so the actual amount of time you get out of it will depend largely on how you play and how familiar you are with rogue-likes.

Grog

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Re: A Mustachian Gamer
« Reply #76 on: June 27, 2014, 02:50:32 AM »
Seconded; Rogue Legacy is a fantastic game. However, in the interest of full disclosure, Grog may be on the higher end of getting gameplay out of it. The game's quality shines in its depth, not its length, so the actual amount of time you get out of it will depend largely on how you play and how familiar you are with rogue-likes.

Re-seconded :) it saved my videogames life, I couldn't find anything and I didn't want to spend money, RogueLegacy saved this hobby of mine, cheaply and awesomely.

wtjbatman

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Re: A Mustachian Gamer
« Reply #77 on: June 27, 2014, 07:20:18 AM »
Supreme Commander 2
Why... Supreme Commander FA is better in every way.
http://www.faforever.com/

Calm down, this isn't the gaming subreddit. I like what I like because I like it ;)

morjax

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Re: A Mustachian Gamer
« Reply #78 on: June 27, 2014, 09:08:27 AM »
Grew up a console gamer, began switching ot PC ~10 years ago, conversion to PC more or less complete ~6 years ago.

I'm pretty shocked that no one has mentioned Let's Play videos! They're free, and surprisingly satisfying in most cases. I suppose for those into MMOs (not so much for me), but not interested in watching competitive videos, Let's plays may not scratch your itch, but for most other game types, they work pretty well.

I found that for the majority of single player games, especially those that I sort of want to play, but sort of don't want to buy, I'll look on LParchive or youtube for a good player. Like audiobooks, you're subject to the players commentary, so that's sometimes distracting or not so great, but I've probably Let's Played 20-30 games and saved a lot of money by doing so.

Maybe it's not true for everyone, but I get very nearly as much satisfaction from LPs as I do from playing it (except for open world/sandbox types or MMOs, as they'll likely not make the same choices as you would want to). For me, I can't play horror games, but enjoy watching other peoples reaction while they play (See Amnesia), so that opens up a whole new genre for my viewing that I wouldn't otherwise play.

Another benefit is that quite a few of the bigger LP channels on youtube will pick up new releases and start LPing very soon after release.

Some LPs that I rather enjoyed are Amnesia: the dark descent, Dwarf fortress (similar to checking out other people's Minecraft debaucheries), dead space, Bioshock 1, 2, and 3 (I played 1 and 2 before, but LPs give me my nostalgia fix here), Dishonored, assassins creed franchise, Ocarina of time (again for the nostalgia fix), and I highly, highly recommend Let's Plays of the uncharted series - they play like a movie and are great fun to watch. I enjoyed the Uncharted 2 LP about 98% as much as when I actually played it myself.

Some channels I like are Toegoff, SeaNanners, PewDiePie (I'm not always in the mood for his high energy, but they're usually fairly funny. Highly recommend his Last of Us LP), etc. Check out here for a whole bunch more: http://letsplay.wikia.com/wiki/List_of_let%27s_players

Other games that can be fun are ones like Impossible Mario for their reaction. These can get old, but are usually good for a quick laugh.

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!