Let's start at the beginning.

This is a thread to list all the games you start in 2008. Some of us have kept track of the number of games we've finished in a year, but I thought it might be interesting to also see how many we begin. I have a feeling the balance may be obscenely tipped in favor of one side for most of us. :sweat:

Obviously, feel free to bump official threads if you have something substantial to say about a game (I personally like it when an old thread returns from the light with a new player's perspective).

So far, this year, I've started:

1. Ys II - PC: Using the wonderful English patch from Nightwolve. I'm digging the added Bestiary and Character Lists. I also love the item artwork. Reminds me of Chrono Cross. All RPGs should show you what your items look like.
2. Tales of Symphonia - GC: I was bad and started this before finishing the Character Quests in Legendia. I won't be able to concentrate until I wrap those up.
3. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City - Xbox: The '80s theme makes this game much more palatable to me, but unfortunately it doesn't appear they fixed any of GTAIII's problems.
4. Ar Tonelico - PS2: Feels like a poor man's Atelier Iris. Not winning me over yet.
5. killer7 - GC: Restart. I'll have plenty to say about this when I'm done (in the Completion thread I guess), which won't be long.
6. Silent Hill 4: The Room - Xbox: So far about as disappointing as everyone said. Still not horrible or anything. I'll finish it.

i've started Ys 1 and 2 complete as well. just wish i could get OoF working properly.

so my 2008 list right now is

1. Ys 1 and 2 Complete (pc) still a great game after all these years
2. Theif (xbox) pretty good game so far. only on the 4th mission
3. Sam and Max Season 1 Ep 4 (pc) i'll sit there at one time and knock an episode out. i can't do more than that.

Compass if you have any info on how to get Oath of Felghana working let me know. what i did for the first game isn't working for me. seems to install fine but when i add the English patch it tells me some not nice things and the game hangs at launch. using Vista 64.

1. Contra 4 (HARD mode)
Having an honest go of it. Time to knock this bitch out. :D

2. Harvest Moon: Rune Factory DS
Fuck off. I have cows now.

Finishing up KOFXI challenges, finishing off Phantom Hourglass if I ever feel like playing it again.

1) Dead Rising (360). I played through a bunch of this when I first got it and completely forgot about it. Started over because I completely forgot how to play the game and where I was at.

2) Tomb Raider: Legend (360). Seems pretty good so far, though the camera is kind of annoying.

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Originally Posted by Compass

Ar Tonelico - PS2: Feels like a poor man's Atelier Iris. Not winning me over yet.

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There's no such thing. You haven't done the diving thing yet, have you?

'kay

1)Odin Sphere- I don't know what y'all are talkin' 'bout, it's a perfectly playable game. You play it the way it wants you to play or you don't play it. The only thing i found to be especially clumsy is the item selection and other stuff screens. i get it, you need backpacks to expand your inventory, and you have this whole clever circular thing going on. Next time, please just give us the old fashioned squares that pop up at a touch of one button and that allow us to access status, options, etc. from one screen. On the advice of someone else, i'm playing this one in chunks, i expect to finish it sometime before December 21, 2012.

2)Neutopia- I have some kind of problem with Turbo games where they all feel like they were made by a competent but not spectacular company, like Hudson. Oh, right. Neutopia's one of the best games i've played so far. I like the idea of splitting the worlds up instead of having a huge overworld, i just wish the overworlds didn't seem so haphazardly thrown down.

3)Star Tropics- It's an old game that i haven't played in a long enough time that i can form a new opinion of it. It's pretty good, but not as good as it was when i was in 3rd grade. The bosses take way too long to take down, and the square movement is just weird. Besides random traps, the dungeons are decently designed and interesting to explore. I love the blocky overworld graphics, takes me back to a time yonder.

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Originally Posted by Compass

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City - Xbox: The '80s theme makes this game much more palatable to me, but unfortunately it doesn't appear they fixed any of GTAIII's problems.

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Stop playing GTA on console.

1. Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal- It's okay. The Captain Quark 2D platforming sections are neat. The PS2's 3D capabilities are looking very dated.

2. Sam & Max Season One- Still just on episode 1. Movement is sooo slow.

3. Final Fantasy VI (GBA)- Never did finish this game on the SNES, though I got pretty far considering I only rented it.

4.Stuntman: Ignition (360)- Very good. Chaining many of the scenes for 5 stars seems nigh-impossible, though... doing an e-brake turn pretty much puts you at a complete stop in most vehicles, so if there's no obstacle right next to the zone, the combo counter times out.

5. Omega Five- Last play I got to the level 3 boss for the first time. Don't know the pattern + very small safe zones = game over. It told me I unlocked 5 credits right before I quit, though, so I should be able to handle it next time. This game makes my right thumb hurt if I play it too long.

1. Eternal Sonata - Just rented this from Gamefly and I'm loving it. Gonna bump the original thread with a post about it.

2. Blue Dragon - I'm actually about to start it, close enough, also rented this from Gamefly.

3. Bloodlines The Masquerade - Due to losing hard drives I have yet to complete this game. I know I absolutely love it, and hope to finish it this time. For those who want a pretty simple comparison; think Mass Effect with more interesting dialog trees due to the setting, and worse combat.

4. Phantasy Star - I started it late last year but still haven't finished it. Up to Medusa's tower.

hmmmm

1. Starcraft - I'm terrible at RTSes. This is really cool, but I don't know if I'll be able to even finish the Terran campaign.

2. Omega Five - Finished it recently, but I've been working on unlocking some things and raising my score here and there. Really a great beginner's shooter.

Don't think I started any others.

Dyne, sorry, never played Oath of Felghana. There's not an English patch for that, is there?

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Originally Posted by Finch

There's no such thing. You haven't done the diving thing yet, have you?

'kay

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The "t" in "Ar tonelico" should be lowercase in my first post. I don't want that "Last edited..." thing at the bottom, though, so I won't change it.

Anyway, yes, I did dive once, and it was my favorite part of the game. Or, I should say, it's the one and only thing I really liked so far. But I've only played for a couple hours. There's still plenty of time for me to warm up to it.

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Originally Posted by Finch

1)Odin Sphere- I don't know what y'all are talkin' 'bout, it's a perfectly playable game. You play it the way it wants you to play or you don't play it. The only thing i found to be especially clumsy is the item selection and other stuff screens. i get it, you need backpacks to expand your inventory, and you have this whole clever circular thing going on. Next time, please just give us the old fashioned squares that pop up at a touch of one button and that allow us to access status, options, etc. from one screen. On the advice of someone else, i'm playing this one in chunks, i expect to finish it sometime before December 21, 2012.

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It makes me happy you posted this, Finch. I'd been wanting to pick this up, and enjoyed noodling around with it for an hour at a friend's house, but TNL bile about the gameplay has kept me away from it. I might give this one a try now.

Actually Yellerdog, if you want to wait a bit, I keep meaning to try playing through this, I could sell it to you, in pretty much mint condition, for ultra cheap in a month or so. Yoshi sold it to me for $30 so I'd probably try to make that up or something. (or like $20 whatever).

Or we could try what I think was recommended a while ago, like TNL trading games. I lend you Odin Sphere you lend me some other game we both play our fill and send em back or whatever.

That sounds good, actually. Let's work it out over PMs.

1. Mass Effect (360) - Starting to really enjoy it. The Mako is fun to drive and I don't think I'll ever change Wrex out of my party.

2. Simpsons (PS3) - I liked the 360 demo enough to add it to my Christmas list and got it. Very stiff platforming with wonky controls and a poor camera, but it stands a chance of getting finished.

How's the "episode" in the game? re:Simpsons

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It makes me happy you posted this, Finch. I'd been wanting to pick this up, and enjoyed noodling around with it for an hour at a friend's house, but TNL bile about the gameplay has kept me away from it. I might give this one a try now.

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I didn't think it was that horrible, myself. It's nothing fantastic, but I had no trouble adjusting to the stamina-oriented combat and the wonky item system.

I've decided to take a break from RPGs for a while, so I finally got around to starting Yakuza, which may as well be an RPG.

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Originally Posted by YellerDog

It makes me happy you posted this, Finch. I'd been wanting to pick this up, and enjoyed noodling around with it for an hour at a friend's house, but TNL bile about the gameplay has kept me away from it. I might give this one a try now.

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It's tied together with the duct tape of love.

What I started in 2008:
Breath of Fire V Dragon Quarter - I decided to replay this game annually because it's fun, and it doesn't have fluff-pacing. Unfortunately, I was trying to ironman (no hardsaves) my way through the game and died about 2 hrs before the final boss. I guess there's always next year.

What I started at end of 2007 that I'm continuing now that BoF5 is outta the way:
Contact - wacky jappy DS RPG with poor combat, but with some interesting ideas elsewhere. it's strangely amusing.

Grim Grimoire - really fun game with an interesting story, and is by far the best rendition of a console RTS yet. i like it more than PC RTSes because actions stop the clock (and I hear all PC RTS players groan...)

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Originally Posted by portnoyd

1. Mass Effect (360) - Starting to really enjoy it. The Mako is fun to drive and I don't think I'll ever change Wrex out of my party.

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Unfortuneatly, the story isn't going to allow that. ;)

Oh? When do they stop? Spoiler tag that for me, because I never saw a situation I couldn't use Wrex.

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Originally Posted by Thief Silver

Oh? When do they stop? Spoiler tag that for me, because I never saw a situation I couldn't use Wrex.

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When Wrex finds out that they aren't going to allow the cure for his people. Wrex gets angry and another member of you party shoots him in the back. I didn't see a way out of that scenario.

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Originally Posted by gamevet

When Wrex finds out that they aren't going to allow the cure for his people. Wrex gets angry and another member of you party shoots him in the back. I didn't see a way out of that scenario.

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I knew what you were talking about, it's because you suck ;). If your intimidate or charm are high enough, you can talk him out of it.

AKA, Get your charm or intimidate as high up as possible.

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Originally Posted by Thief Silver

I knew what you were talking about, it's because you suck ;). If your intimidate or charm are high enough, you can talk him out of it.

AKA, Get your charm or intimidate as high up as possible.

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Yeah!

I'd concentrated on my fighting skills first and then my abilities to heal and wear better armor.

I'd finished the game at level 35, so that probably was why my charm levels weren't up to snuff.

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Originally Posted by Compass

Dyne, sorry, never played Oath of Felghana. There's not an English patch for that, is there?

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yeah there is. i seem to install the game fine but i can't tell if it's the no-cd crack or the translation giving me the problems.

1) Zombies ate my neighbors (never finished it)
2) Front Mission (translated of course)
3) Baseball Mogul 2008 (PC)

1. StarTropics (NES) -- Dodonpachi to Zelda's Raiden. Difficult, but so, so good.

2. Gears of War (XB360) -- I finally freed the beast from its cellophane straightjacket.

1. Odin Sphere - I had played this briefly before last year, but I didn't get my own copy until Christmas. Small chunks is the only way to play it, but yeah, the game's problems are greatly overstated... when you start from the beginning. Playing a small bit out of context made me frustrated as I kept getting stunned and getting my ass kicked following. Granted, I still wish the game played differently. I don't think it's great or even good, but it's manageable just so I have an excuse to look at it. It's an absolutely beautiful game.

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Originally Posted by Dyne

yeah there is. i seem to install the game fine but i can't tell if it's the no-cd crack or the translation giving me the problems.

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Have you patched up to the most recent version? Are you getting a black screen that doesn't go away until you exit the game? There's a lot that could be going wrong here, and though Deuce and Nightwolve's patch has anti-piracy messages, as far as I know it wouldn't be causing this.

Is there an error log you can check? The Ys II English patch had one that helped me diagnose a similar problem lickity split.

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Originally Posted by Grave

Have you patched up to the most recent version? Are you getting a black screen that doesn't go away until you exit the game? There's a lot that could be going wrong here, and though Deuce and Nightwolve's patch has anti-piracy messages, as far as I know it wouldn't be causing this.

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that's exactly what happens. i hear noise but the screen just stays at black, or actually wont even do anything while my cpu loads at 100%. there's also like three executables after installing the translation and no-cd. it's probably something during my install that i'm doing.

FFDShow problems. There have been some posts about this on Nightwolve's forum.

http://nick.serveblog.net/forums/ind...prev_next=prev

I found some other info there, but I can't find the thread now. I screwed with something in the CCCP (codec pack I use) setup that fixed it.

thank you good sir. hopefully this pertains to my problem.

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Originally Posted by Tsubaki

i like it more than PC RTSes because actions stop the clock (and I hear all PC RTS players groan...)

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1.) Real-time pausing? Is it a psuedo-real time system like KOTOR did or am I just missing something here?
2.) PC RTS'? Other systems do them a different way?

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Originally Posted by Some Stupid Japanese Name

I've decided to take a break from RPGs for a while, so I finally got around to starting Yakuza, which may as well be an RPG.

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I started to play Yakuza, then a friend of mine wanted to try it out before buying it. Now the fucking guy is in jail (for something he didn't do) and I have to wait at least 2 more months to get it back.

Shadow Hearts: From the New World - I can't get into this one that much because of the characters. While Covenant had its silly moments, it was still serious. This one, damn near all the characters are a fucking joke. Whenever I play it, I can't stop thinking how ri-goddamn-diculous my party looks. But I'll still trudge my way to the end because I don't necessarily hate it.

Tombe Raider Legend(GC) - had this for awhile, and always meant to start it, but it wasn't until my nephew started playing it that I realized just how awesome it is. I'm about halfway through.

Final Fantasy 8 - started playing this again due to GAF. Amazingly enough, I don't hate it as much as I did back in 99. Time is making me look at it with new eyes I guess. Love the soundtrack.

Jericho(PC) - I'm kinda glad I used Gametap to play this. Its not normally the type of game I would buy(squad based shooter), and while I'm enjoying playing it, it would be something I'd finish once and never touch again.

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Originally Posted by Lordmrw

Final Fantasy 8 - started playing this again due to GAF. Amazingly enough, I don't hate it as much as I did back in 99. Time is making me look at it with new eyes I guess. Love the soundtrack.

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Weird, I loved FFVIII at the time of its release and couldn't stand it when I tried to play it again a year or two ago. The drawing system is completely broken and boring as hell. Find new magic, spend ten minutes drawing a fuckton of it, junction accordingly. No thanks.

Have I mentioned how good StarTropics is?

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Originally Posted by A Robot Bit Me

Weird, I loved FFVIII at the time of its release and couldn't stand it when I tried to play it again a year or two ago. The drawing system is completely broken and boring as hell. Find new magic, spend ten minutes drawing a fuckton of it, junction accordingly. No thanks.

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Yeah, I don't like FF8 either, but he's got a point. That music is pretty great.

Also, the outpouring of StarTropics love since the game got a VC release has made me strongly consider picking it up. Haven't played it since I was really young, and I didn't even come close to beating it back then. Also I'd be lying if I said that the "Dodonpachi to Zelda's Raiden" comment wasn't what pushed me to seriously think about this.

Since I subscribed to Gamefly I'll be playing more. Now if I can just remember to keep up with this thread.

1. Lost Planet - 360: Wow. After playing Gears and Halo 3, Lost Planet's floaty camera, plodding movement (omg LIKE REAL SNOW!), and gameplay features like "lose all your heat and DIE" really turned me off. Plus the grapple rope seemed almost worthless unless you were forced by the game to use it. Enemies were unintelligent and generally boring. Voice acting was expectedly awful. Oh, and it wasn't as pretty as I remember thinking people might have thought it was. Returned after a few yawn-inducing levels on medium difficulty.

2. Beautiful Katamari - 360: Only the second part of the series I have played after buying the original years ago. Enjoying it at least as much as the first one.

3. Two Worlds - 360: Got this one in the mail today. Very early impressions include - the battle reminds me of Gothic 3 (attack attack attack attack attack attack attack attack win), text is WAY too small and I find myself five inches from the screen trying to determine which sword is better, menu system is clunky and obviously not intended for a controller, voice acting is awesomely bad. Eh, we'll see. I usually like this sort of game so I'll give this one a chance.

4. Fallout - PC: Yeah, I know, I know. So far, despite an antiquated interface, the game holds up well and is much more enjoyable than when I first attempted it in 97 (too busy with XvT (<3<3) at that time).

Man, I start like a million games a year but so far it hasn't been many.

Sanitarium (PC) - I didn't get into this years ago but I decided to give it another chance. I'm at the beginning of Chapter 3. It's pretty cool so far. It's butt ugly to look at but the story and puzzles make me want to keep playing.

Advance Wars: Dual Strike (DS) - Because it's so similar to the GBA games (which I love) I decided to wait a long time before playing it. I'm digging the touchscreen interface. It seems awesome but I might wait until I have beaten more of the games I'm currently playing given the time consuming nature.

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Originally Posted by Finch

2)Neutopia- I have some kind of problem with Turbo games where they all feel like they were made by a competent but not spectacular company, like Hudson. Oh, right. Neutopia's one of the best games i've played so far. I like the idea of splitting the worlds up instead of having a huge overworld, i just wish the overworlds didn't seem so haphazardly thrown down.

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It warms my heart to read of people playing TG16 games because of the VC (I'm assuming that's where you're playing it). I should play this game again (I think I still own it). I don't know how it has aged but at the time, pre-Zelda 3, it was quite impressive.

Yeah, VC. After NES, TG-16 games are what i'm usually playing in this world of 2008. I actually like Neutopia a lot more than the original Zelda, and i think it's aged better than Zelda 3, even if it's hard for me to judge if it's as good or not. I'm looking forward to playing Neutopia 2.

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Originally Posted by Grave

1. Odin Sphere - I had played this briefly before last year, but I didn't get my own copy until Christmas. Small chunks is the only way to play it, but yeah, the game's problems are greatly overstated... when you start from the beginning. Playing a small bit out of context made my frustrated as I kept getting stunned and getting my ass kicked following. Granted, I still wish the game played differently. I don't think it's great or even good, but it's manageable

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DON'T LIE! You love it, you're just afraid of being compared to me!

I purchased Panzer Tactics for the DS today used, meh what the hell worth a shot.

In a few hours, I probably will love it. I know this and it does scare me!

But it's no Dino Crisis 2, that's for sure.

Odin Sphere... is a strange beast. It's as equally deserving of unbridled adoration as it is unmitigated hatred.

Finch, I wrote a review.

I'm probably going to put some more time into it soon, but this voice thing is bugging me. I like them both, but they're really different. I wish I could hear them both at the same time. That would be beautiful. DOUBLE VOICES.

I've barely started anything this year so far since I'm trying to finish up stuff from 2007.

1) Nodame Cantabile: Dream Orchestra - Wii (import): A classical music rhythm game! <3 <3 Still working on the Story Mode to unlock all the songs.

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Originally Posted by Finch

There's no such thing. You haven't done the diving thing yet, have you?

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Diving seemed like the only redeeming point about Tonelico 1. I played a bit of part 2 and it seemed like everything about it was better, especially the combat system. Kind of a shame I haven't heard any plans for that being localized.

1: Zack and Wiki
2: God of War II

3: Diablo II, again. This game is crack.

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Originally Posted by Compass

Odin Sphere... is a strange beast. It's as equally deserving of unbridled adoration as it is unmitigated hatred.

Finch, I wrote a review.

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Yep, that is definately a GameFaqs review. :lol:

GameFaqs is awesome

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Originally Posted by GameFaqs Guide

===Section 1=== Introduction

The Barbarian for Diablo 2 is a very good character to be. I think the
Barbarian is the best character simply because it is so much fun to
play with the Barbarian. Many people argue with me online saying that
the Barbarian is the least fun to play, well they are wrong. Using
certain skills and wiping out hoards of enemies is what I call fun and
that's what you do with the Barbarian.

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Originally Posted by Grave

In a few hours, I probably will love it.

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HA! THIS IS KARMA PAYBACK FOR MAKING FUN OF BREAKDOWN!

I still haven't opened Breakdown, and it's sitting right here. I should finally start that today and choose a side.

It's funny how a lot of people are under the impression that I play bad games like it's my job (see: my undying love for Dream Factory) and yet I could probably not be paid to play Breakdown in its entirety.

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Originally Posted by Compass

I still haven't opened Breakdown, and it's sitting right here. I should finally start that today and choose a side.

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Breakdown is awesome if you enjoy good ideas with poor execution.

I do!

Uh-oh! Trouble's a-brewing!

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Originally Posted by VividAriah

1) Nodame Cantabile: Dream Orchestra - Wii (import): A classical music rhythm game! <3 <3 Still working on the Story Mode to unlock all the songs.

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!!!! <3<3<3 Nodame!!!!

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Diving seemed like the only redeeming point about Tonelico 1. I played a bit of part 2 and it seemed like everything about it was better, especially the combat system. Kind of a shame I haven't heard any plans for that being localized.

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Well, it's a Gust rpg. If it's anything above average, it's good. I thought the localization was clever, and it was competent otherwise. That was enough for me to love it. I thought the second was announced, i guess not.

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Finch, I wrote a review.

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Nice. See, something about that pow meter feels like it's slowly snapping into place for me. You don't have to stand still, you just have to be doing on thing for a moment before it starts to refill, and you can still use items and spells.

I'm pretty sure you have to first stand still -- doing nothing -- in order for the gauge to begin to refill. Then, after it starts refilling, you can move around, or use an item or whatever.

1. Omega Five (also finished, but have not 1CC yet)

2. Tiger Woods 07, fun golf game, and yearly updates to golf games is silly so I will be happy to play this "old" game.

7. Dragoneer's Aria - PSP: I didn't bother with Hitmaker's last PSP RPG, Blade Dancer, but picked this up because it supposedly fixed a lot of that game's problems. I like it so far. It's amusing to see JRPGs start to ape Monster Hunter in a quest for a taste of its success. There's a focus on crafting, and the shop music may very well have been lifted straight from Monster Hunter Freedom 2. Battles take forever though. I spent like ten full minutes fighting this garden variety plant creature in the first area. I don't think it was even a mini boss!

8. Breakdown - Xbox: It's cool so far, if a little tough. I'm playing on Normal, and finding Auto-target absolutely required. Also, I died seriously 30 times in a row trying to fight off two of those burly guys at the same time, hand-to-hand. On one reload, they didn't notice me for some reason and I was able to grab the gas mask, and then run away like a child. I still don't see how I was supposed to realistically win against those guys -- at least not at this stage when I'm still learning the controls. Right now, I'm out on the crumbling ledge of a roof. I keep falling and I don't see where I'm supposed to go. I really hate how bad I suck at videogames. Makes this hobby more stressful than it should be.

1.) Call of Duty 4. While completely, unreasonably bitter about the lack of splitscreen anything, I am going to try to finish the game alone and enjoy it. I watched the entire thing and it looks epic and beautiful and I want to play past the first mission now. I will continuing hoping and praying for a splitscreen over Live multiplayer patch in the meanwhile.

I don't see that Grave has started StarTropics yet. What will it take? How many appetizing similies must I draw?

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Originally Posted by Compass

Also, I died seriously 30 times in a row trying to fight off two of those burly guys at the same time, hand-to-hand.

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Everyone dies there a bunch of times, it's just tough is all. I was determined to kill them so I eventually did but a bunch of people on TNL just ran past. My method was to keep swapping back and forth between them with each knockover combo to keep them both off-balance. On the bright side, I don't think there's another spot tough like that until the end.

Also: <3

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Originally Posted by Nomi

I will continuing hoping and praying for a splitscreen over Live multiplayer patch in the meanwhile.

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You can also join us in multi without split screen if you are ever not playing with your emotional friend.

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Originally Posted by Brand X

You can also join us in multi without split screen if you are ever not playing with your emotional friend.

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I have yet to really start the game, and it not being Halo, I fucking suck and will continue to fucking suck. I want to finish the campaign off and try to get to a respectable point before I play with any of you guys ;_; You guys should hit my boyfriend up for some matches, he's playing a bunch of multiplayer and not sucking that much. Guess the CS carries over a bit or something. He's much better at this.

Continuing from the end of last year, playing through Legend of Zelda: Dreaming Island DX but my Q broke (wtf) over the New Year's break so haven't touched it since then. I'm actually working through the Zelda series as a whole in chronological order (just went through FCDS Zelda 1-2, SFC Zelda 3, never finished Ocarina as it bored me to death 3 different times...).

Assassin's Creed (PS3) - I completed the first three missions and just couldn't force myself to finish the rest. I loved the look, but the rest of the shortcomings were just too much for me. It became a chore. I promptly put it on Goozex which got snagged up within 20 minutes.

Ninja Gaiden Sigma (PS3) - I've requested this with some of the points I gained from Creed.

NHL 2K7 (PS3) - I had a few left over points and liked the demo I dled on my old 360 before it crapped out on me. The last hockey game I owned was Open Ice on PSone.

God of War (PS2/3) - I sold off my PS2 long before this came out, so I'm glad to play this. I'm a few hours into the game and really like it so far.

Uncharted (PS3) - I just passed the jetski level and am having a blast with it.

COD4 (PS3) - Thus far, this game makes me miss my 360 the most. It's great on PS3, but I can't help but think how much more fun I'd be having with it if my 360 didn't go apeshit on me.

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Originally Posted by A Robot Bit Me

I don't see that Grave has started StarTropics yet. What will it take? How many appetizing similies must I draw?

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Today was liquor buying day. Next time I get paid will be Virtual Console game buying day. We're getting there!

Odin Sphere update, because you wanted to know: I feel like I'm either not very good at this or it's not going to be very forgiving no matter what. Enemies always seem stronger than they ought to be and I get poisoned and juggled around until I get knocked out and/or die. Also I can't carry enough shit. Or get enough money.

But it's pretty. And I think maybe I might like it a little. Using the English voices again. I still really like both, though. Breakdown still sucks.

so far ive started...

TMNT - Xbox 360: I'm actually surprised at how much fun I'm having with this game, its really nothing more than a "beat'em up" kinda takes me back to the old ones I grew up on.

Aqua Teen Hunger Force Zombie Ninja Pro-AM - Ps2: really what can I say about this game? its just as ridiculous as the cartoon and thats why I love it!

Biker Mice from Mars - Ps2: This game isn't too great, I doubt I'll actually beat it, but it is a nice reminder of how much I loved the old cartoon.

DragonBall Z Tenkaichi 3 - Ps2: Not too much different from the last game in the series, but it is still a fun little fighting game

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But it's pretty. And I think maybe I might like it a little. Using the English voices again. I still really like both, though. Breakdown still sucks.

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I'mma be a salty little pretzel if you beat Odin Sphere and not finish Breakdown.

3. Dragon Quest Monsters Joker

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Originally Posted by Grave

Odin Sphere update, because you wanted to know: I feel like I'm either not very good at this or it's not going to be very forgiving no matter what. Enemies always seem stronger than they ought to be and I get poisoned and juggled around until I get knocked out and/or die. Also I can't carry enough shit. Or get enough money.

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Poisoning is nothing! Only thing that's pissed me off so far is getting frozen. Now that sucks. Those stupid snow flakes are the worst enemies ever.

I've only played two games so far this year:

1. Wario Ware: Smooth Moves, which I finished
2. Mario Strikers: Charged, which I am through the first cup

I need to go take a shower. :sweat:

At least they are both rentals.

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Originally Posted by Thief Silver

I knew what you were talking about, it's because you suck ;). If your intimidate or charm are high enough, you can talk him out of it.

AKA, Get your charm or intimidate as high up as possible.

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That wink is a direct quote.

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Originally Posted by Shou

Continuing from the end of last year, playing through Legend of Zelda: Dreaming Island DX but my Q broke (wtf) over the New Year's break so haven't touched it since then. I'm actually working through the Zelda series as a whole in chronological order (just went through FCDS Zelda 1-2, SFC Zelda 3, never finished Ocarina as it bored me to death 3 different times...).

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That doesn't sound like such a bad idea. There's quite a few games in the series that I haven't played (mostly the handheld ones), and its been so long since I've played most of the games that they'll feel almost brand new.

I'm playing Link's Awakening right now.

It's pretty awesome.

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Originally Posted by Finch

Poisoning is nothing! Only thing that's pissed me off so far is getting frozen. Now that sucks. Those stupid snow flakes are the worst enemies ever.

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That happened to me today! I didn't like it that much... but I hate that whole "needing a Warmer every new screen" thing more. But now I can go get money and or grind levels or waste time doing alchemy junk, and I'm liking this game a whole lot more. I think the problem before was that I wasn't planting enough seeds or eating enough food, and I was pretty underlevelled.

The game is terribly charming despite gameplay flaws, and I'm glad I decided to give it a chance from the beginning despite previous negative experiences!

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Originally Posted by Lordmrw

That doesn't sound like such a bad idea. There's quite a few games in the series that I haven't played (mostly the handheld ones), and its been so long since I've played most of the games that they'll feel almost brand new.

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Now that the handheld titles can all be played on the big screen outside of the DS installment, it's really a different experience. I personally stopped playing Zelda after Ocarina....

I plan on doing this with a few other series like Ys, Final Fantasy, Metal Gear, etc, as you get to see the progression of the series much more closely.

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Originally Posted by Grave

That happened to me today! I didn't like it that much... but I hate that whole "needing a Warmer every new screen" thing more. But now I can go get money and or grind levels or waste time doing alchemy junk, and I'm liking this game a whole lot more. I think the problem before was that I wasn't planting enough seeds or eating enough food, and I was pretty underlevelled.

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The warmer/freezer thing was nothing for me, since each mix gave you 3 uses and you didn't have to use it if you backtracked. It just added more ocd to the game, something i like.

The only game I've really started in 2008 is TimeShift. I'm about two-thirds through the game. It's an enjoyable game so far. The time powers are fun to use, although I wish the time meter depleted slower and recharged faster. I'm finding the difficulty a little inconsistent at times. Some parts are way easy, especially with time powers, whereas others are pretty tough, despite time powers. Another thing I would change is the game not telling you which time power to use when confronted with puzzles. It takes the fun out of figuring things out for yourself.

So far this year all I've started is Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga. Hopefully I'll 100&#37; it by the end of the year.

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Originally Posted by Bacon McShig

I'm playing Link's Awakening right now.

It's pretty awesome.

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Best Zelda game IMO.

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Originally Posted by Peas

Best Zelda game IMO.

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Awakening is my go to game to play while i'm sad, it always makes me happy.

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Originally Posted by Peas

Best Zelda game IMO.

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I'll have to disagree. While it's the more challenging, it's also quite annoying that acquired abilities aren't automatically mapped to buttons like they are in the SFC version. Having to bring up the subscreen every screen to just switch on the power bracelet and boots is just frustrating. I realize it creates new abilities such as the dash and jump but they should have thought this out better.

NeoZeedeater will be proud of me. I finally started Vampire the Masquerade: Bloodlines (3) today. I wish I would have played it when the graphics were current, but it still holds up pretty well, especially if you keep it in first-person. I love the quest set up, which is reminiscent of MMOs, and the dialog seems better than what I saw of Mass Effect.

it's a great game. post in the completion thread when you're done.

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Originally Posted by Yoshi

NeoZeedeater will be proud of me. I finally started Vampire the Masquerade: Bloodlines (3) today. I wish I would have played it when the graphics were current, but it still holds up pretty well, especially if you keep it in first-person. I love the quest set up, which is reminiscent of MMOs, and the dialog seems better than what I saw of Mass Effect.

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:)

Just make sure to save often. It is possible to get fucked by glitches (at least on the original release, I haven't tried any patches). Screw Activision for rushing Troika.

And a few I briefly played since I last posted:

3. Tiger Woods PGA 2007 (360) - A buddy brought it over. I'm not big on golf but it was enjoyable for a few games.
4. Day of the Tentacle (PC) - I haven't played this for a while. SCUMMVM rules.
5. Ninja Gaiden 2 (NES) - I played a bit on emulator so I can just play and save instead of bothering to dig out my cartridge. I still can't believe the 8-bit cinemas hold up that well today.

9. Pinball FX - XBLA: I like the Buccaneer and Speed tables the most. Xtreme one not so much

10. Steambot Chronicles - PS2: English dub is painful. Seems like a fun game to explore around in. Lots to collect. I obliterated some guy's bus with my robot, and the girl got kinda pissed. When I went back to the area, the bus was still gone! So now I'm kinda stressed about repercussions for my actions.

11. Arcanum - PC: Restart. I want to like this game, but something tells me it shouldn't require so much effort. It feels like a wildly unrefined version of Fallout. I do like the world though. And the manual is fantastic (I have the original big box version). I can't resist going the technologist route even though I've read it can be impractical.

So far this year, I've started:

Half-Life 2 (Xbox 360) - Seems to be a damn good game, but there are stretches that just get really fucking irritating. Its like the puzzles and level designs fight you every step of the way. I'm on the "Entanglement" level now, so hopefully its almost over...because its starting to drag.

Stranglehold (PS3) - My friend bought me this for Christmas, and I just started it last night. It seems pretty enjoyable so far...if not ultra repetitive. How many drug lab tables am I going to have to destroy in this game? UGH.

Star Tropics (Wii) - Downloaded this off of Virtual Console, and its the same great game that I couldn't figure out way back when I was 9 years old. I'm really digging this now though. I'd like an updated sequel for the Wii or DS please.

Sin and Punishment (Wii) - This has turned out to be a pleasant surprise. Seems to be a really fun shooter with great controls, and graphics that could still pass for an early PS2 game. Good stuff.

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Originally Posted by Compass

I can't resist going the technologist route even though I've read it can be impractical.

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It's a lot harder than the magical route, but the rewards are better.

I started playing Gun for 360 this weekend, it's a pretty fun game if you are into the whole "wild west" scenario and after I'm done with this game I think I'm gonna start playing Condemned: Criminal Origins again, I never actually finished that game.

i reinstalled Oblivion to put a lot of the mods in that i couldn't run before.

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Originally Posted by Dyne

i reinstalled Oblivion to put a lot of the mods in that i couldn't run before.

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i seriously have waaay too much time into Oblivion for 360, I've logged over 330 hours into that game and there are still things for me to do. Talk about getting your money's worth! lol

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Originally Posted by Elkino1

i seriously have waaay too much time into Oblivion for 360, I've logged over 330 hours into that game and there are still things for me to do. Talk about getting your money's worth! lol

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I played Oblivion like that, I got like 250 hrs of playtime and never even touched half the game.

12. Metal Saga - PS2: Oooh, this game is special.

13. Pikmin - GC: Started yesterday. Finished today. Good stuff. Never thought I'd say this, but...

14. Pikmin 2 - GC: ...I kinda miss the time limit in this one. Now there's no sense of urgency. Still, all the neat treasures to collect are tickling my fancy.

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Originally Posted by Granderoho

I played Oblivion like that, I got like 250 hrs of playtime and never even touched half the game.

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i love games like that, there is just so much depth to it

2. The Bouncer - ~ <3 Dream Factory ~
Okay, so I remembered it looking a lot better, but I still really like almost everything about this game. One of the few times I really thought Tetsuya Nomura's chains/zippers/silly-looking pants designs really worked. I'd really like to see another story in this world. :(

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Originally Posted by Compass

10. Steambot Chronicles - PS2: English dub is painful. Seems like a fun game to explore around in. Lots to collect. I obliterated some guy's bus with my robot, and the girl got kinda pissed. When I went back to the area, the bus was still gone! So now I'm kinda stressed about repercussions for my actions.

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I'll probably be trying this one again soon too. I really wanted to like it, just... I didn't really feel it. I did like the idea of the musical sections, but the control made me sad.

Of course, I also thought Odin Sphere kinda sucked a very short while ago. I'm playing as Mercedes now and I was so wrong that I'm willing to give almost everything on my shelf a shot again. But I don't think I'll love them quite this much.

6. Splinter Cell: Double Agent (360) - I was surprised it was only $10 at EB so I picked it up. It's impressive from what I played but I also picked up...

7. the original Splinter Cell which I think I will play through first. I borrowed it a few years ago and loved it but I never beat so I'm starting again from the beginning on my 360 instead of my old save on the original Xbox. I forgot about the lack of inverted aiming, though. That pisses me off.

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Originally Posted by NeoZeedeater

I forgot about the lack of inverted aiming, though.

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Really? I'm a total "inverter," and I don't recall encountering this when I played through Splinter Cell.

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Originally Posted by Compass

12. Metal Saga - PS2: Oooh, this game is special.

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Yes it is! I hope you like it.

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Originally Posted by Dyne

i reinstalled Oblivion to put a lot of the mods in that i couldn't run before.

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I'm really thinking of getting the PC version just so I can do all the visual mods.

Worth it?

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Originally Posted by Nash

Really? I'm a total "inverter," and I don't recall encountering this when I played through Splinter Cell.

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Unless I'm blind, I cannot find an invert option for Splinter Cell 1 on Xbox. The PC version probably has it.

4)The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess- I feel i didn't give it a fair shake back when it came out. I loved it at first, then just didn't care. Starting again from the beginning, i'm starting to see things i didn't notice before, like the mail man tucked away in front of a fireplace drying a letter to read, and the villagers' reactions to the discovery that their children are still alive. Then there's that whole melancholy thing i forgot about. On the outside it's just plain old Ocarina of Time, but there's still a little Majora on the inside. It looks a lot better than i remember too, funny since it really is a GC game with motion controls.

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Originally Posted by Opaque

I'm really thinking of getting the PC version just so I can do all the visual mods.

Worth it?

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ill get you some links when i get home.

i started The Minish Cap over the weekend. beat the 2nd dungeon. decent game so far.