***Gamers*** What are you playing?

Recently been playing Black Ops for the 360. Never really got into any of the previous ones, but I find myself liking the game (for the most part). Also have never been much of a console gamer unless I was playing with a group of friends but I can find myself playing this game all day by myself.

Aside from the console gaming, I've always been a computer gamer. Had a love for the MMORPGs of the year 2000+ era, and of course an infatuation of great Blizzard games such as Warcraft 2, 3 and expansions as well as Diablo 2 + expansion (D3 PLZ). Had a brief stint (haha) with WoW where I found it tough to leave my house for a year straight even when friends were offering to smoke me up: "I'm almost done with this raid, dude, just wait!". Aside from WoW, I played Aion, Warhammer Online, Guildwars and a couple other free MMORPGs. WoW was by far the best I played, the most polished and user-friendly with very few glitches. The problem I had was they were producing way too many expansions (go figure, Blizzard) and the game was becoming ridiculously watered-down after I had worked so hard to get all my items on both my characters. Needless to say, I got rid of the game and my account before they released the next expansion.

Other than that, I have always found myself playing this very simple online computer 2d top-down spaceship Capture the Flag based shooter game. So ridiculously plain and simple but the strategy and skill it takes to master is almost never-ending. It's the only game I have NEVER quit and still find myself playing daily because of the small, tight-knit community and also just pure love for the game. It has survived countless owners and mis-treatment but has finally been purchased by a few long-time players with a real passion for fixing and furthering the game as its user-base is almost non-existant aside from a small group of players on a first-name basis who have been friends for a long time. It's ridiculous how well everyone knows each other on this game. Anyways, if you ever feel you are bored beyond reason (and vaked/stoned!) feel free to check out "Spark" formerly known as "ARC" at http://spark-hq.net
There is a strong learning curve and a period of frustration you will encounter due to the fact there are very few new users, like I said, and everyone has been playing the game for probably at least 5+ years. But if you can get over the initial starting period (and the immaturity which seems to never go away) you can really find yourself with a great time-killer and a game that you will NEVER be able to master. I've played for almost 10 years, and while I consider myself a top player by all means, I still find myself going down to a newb every now and then Thanks for reading guys, would love to hear about any small-type games you guys may partake in because you really get a chance to learn about each player as an individual moreso than the mass produced/marketed games where a user is one upon a million.

Yeah, I was a WoW addict myself. Once I joined an end-game raiding guild, my life was over as I knew it. I actually had to give my 'puter to my sister for a month to get off of it. When I deleted my account and trashed my character, my hands were sweating. Man, talk about being a dumbass WoW addict.

Have you ever played Starcraft? I've been thinking about getting it, but I have no idea if I would like that kind of game or not.

Do it! You'll love it , it's such an intense game. Each game you play is unique... it's definitely, hands down, the best RTS to date. ^.^

If you liked Age of Empires you should like it, same concept.

It really works your brain sometimes, and it certainly involves a lot of strategy if you want to excel. Even just watching Sc2 videos on youtube is entertaining! , and you learn a lot if you do play the game.

Husky and HD are probably my two favorite broadcasters, in that order . Psystarcraft is alright too.

I never played an RTS before. Is super quick reflexes and reaction time totally necessary to play and be competitive?

Haha, not necessarily. I mean those certainly do help in a game like Starcraft, but I think that's something you'll learn from playing. Also do not underestimate the amount you can learn from watching pro-gamers and listening to the commentators!

But there are several leagues and ranks within the leagues, so the system pairs you up with someone it would consider your skill level. But of course that's only based on their laddering score... Anyway, my point is you will play people better than you, and you will play people worse than you are. It's pretty much impossible to go undefeated even if you're better than everyone else, sometimes you just get pwned if you make mistakes

But there are also custom games which are a lot of fun and create much less stress if you lose , custom games are pretty much mini-games... I guess? That's the best way I can describe it, but they're made by users and are often very different from the game itself.

Your question reminded me of a hilarious read on cracked. Check it out if you have some time to kill.

http://www.cracked.com/article_18763_5-insane-true-facts-about-starcraft-professional-sport.html

Fuck. That's insane. I'd have to be having a seizure to get my fingers to move that fast.

Shocking, as an avid fan of Blizzard, I never really got into Starcraft. I think it's quite similar to the Warcraft series (RTS) but a bit faster paced with more emphasis on rushing, whereas in Warcraft it's more of a slow-paced build-your-town then fight kind of game. But don't get me wrong, there still are rush-oriented strategies and players that rely heavily upon early harrassment/rushing. I've always been a fan of the Warcraft series, but never really gave much of a try at SC. Though the new Starcraft looked awful tempting, I did manage to resist the urge

Hmm, yeah I gave the trial run of WoW a shot in the middle of last year - 10 days free playing to a max of level 20. I just wanted to finally see what the fuss was about. I understand I may have missed the boat with WoW considering the changes that have occurred since launch, but I was a bit underwhelmed to be honest. Kind of fun, but there just didn't seem to be much skill in it, and I like games of skill. It felt a bit like popping bubblewrap. A hell of a time sink for not enough reward.

Mind you I did make it to level 20 by around day 8, so I lost access then, but I didn't feel pulled in by it enough, and haven't had the urge to cough up for a permanent account. Though I might have bought the game if there wasn't a monthly fee.

By the way, when it comes to first person shooters, I can't understand how anyone could play them without a mouse, as I understand people do on consoles. Things have come a long way since Doom, and I see the mouse for direction to be an essential element of FPS control. How you can possibly aim with a controller pad I have no idea.

haven't played an mmo in along time. was real deep into phantasy star online for years and years. shin megami tensei: imagine too...

then i gave final fantasy XIV online a shot...

stay far away my friends.


anyone played DC Universe yet?

Played through RDR. Its awesome! Working on Undead RDR now!

/agree

lol

There are games for consoles, and games for PC...FPS for a true FPS player are done on a PC. <period>

I had a friend who was amazing with a trackball (on a PC) in Counter Strike...and it boggled my mind.
But even a track ball can be spin and accelerate progressively (a stick/controller can't [afaik]).

Maybe I'm just an elitist when it comes to FPS...being growed up on Doom and Quake n all.

I did play 007 on SNES (I think it was SNES era?), and after 30 mins I was wondering wtf anyone would play an FPS that way.
Regardless, the game is actually pretty damn good if you get past the input issues.

My keyboards WASD and shift key letters are almost completely wore off...so I prob spend way too much time FPSing/gaming. FWIW. lol



Any Team Fortress 2 players out there? That seems to get most my time lately.
With Left 4 Dead (1 and 2) following up at number 2/3.

I haven't played any TF2 lately as I have been busy with school and the like but I do play it when I have free time. Was a bit more fun before they added all the custom items but it still has a good feel to it. I bought my roommates L4D2 for Christmas and we have been playing that a bit too. Aside from those games I have also been playing a lot of Battlefield Bad Company 2. Can't get over how cool it is to blow holes in walls or take down whole buildings.

word

When Gears2 came out, I played it for months...was seriously awsome playing campaign mode.

Now while waiting for Gears 3 I basically like Xbox arcade games. Things that are simple to control but needs your undivided attention, like Geometry Wars 2, Rez HD, Astroids, Megaman,etc

Geometry Wars 2 is probably 1 of the best games to play while tripping on some good bud.....things seems to fly off the side of the LCD and it requires mind numbing concerntration....so much that only when you die, you rember that your actually in a chair playing a game.

Maybe a little generic but I haven't stopped playing the Call of Duty since I purchased about a month ago...next on the list is Fifa 11, the Fifa series has always been one of my favorites. Any online PS3 players in here? I'm hereatlast on the PS3 network as well

I've been playing Blackops nonstop since modern warfare 2 became a hackers paradise (actually going to trade it in for another game since it is virtually unplayable now on ps3) . HAL, add me, psn name DevoStrange.

Dead Space 2... apparently moms hate it


so i havent had too much time for gaming lately, but when i do this has been my go-to. loved the atmosphere, sound and brutality of the first one, and its all present here, with more refined graphics and controls. I was pleasantly surprised when i tried using the mouse and keyboard for this game and found the aiming to be super tight and accurate, unlike the first game which always felt sluggish, causing me to just sit back and use a 360 pad in the end.

but anyway, the game is great. I never play it unless its at night in the dark, usually with headphones on. The audio and visuals work together so well to build up tension, and when the shit hits the fan, it hits it hard. I normally play games on harder difficulties, but even on normal DS2 made me feel like i was literally fighting for my life at times (granted, it got a LOT easier once i ditched the controller). This game throws a LOT more necromorphs at you than the first. You'll find yourself coming out of battles on the verge of dying or out of ammo or both, especially if you didnt use as good of strategies as possible (use stasis a lot, take out wing guys first before they create more necros, dont let explosive enemies near you, etc).

but yeah, if you like survival horror/action sort of games, definitely check it out, its just as good as the first game... better in some ways. been having a lot of fun vaping a stem every checkpoint/save spot. helps calm my nerves lol

Gotta second the Dead Space 2 recommendation. If you're a fan of survival horror, this is the current cream of the crop. Graphics, gameplay, and especially sound design all combine for an amazingly creepy atmosphere...turn up the surround sound and turn out the lights....then be sure to check your shorts!

Lwein:
Don't know if this is still applicable, but Red Dead Redemption is definitely worth playing through if you haven't done so already. Amazing open world western setting with excellent writing...good times.

Happy gaming,
mudstar

No, I haven't played it yet, but Dead Space 2 looks kinda fun too.

Chrono Trigger! I love getting nice and vaped then playing classic 2D rpg's.

I'm a fan of nostalgia in general... especially vaped.

I'm going to third the recommendation on Dead Space 2... picked it up yesterday... A proper sequel to the first game. Just an awesome game all around. So far good story, and lots of tense moments. I also love how they immerse you in total darkness at some points in the game. something they didnt do in the first game. Has a lot more "Holy Crap" moments than the first.
Online multiplayer is fun, but not as fun as the single player game..... cant wait to see how this game ends....

And on the red dead redemption, after you play the game, should try out the Undead Nightmare add on (or you can buy it on its own without picking up the original game) lotsa zombie killing...

yeah i love vaping and revisiting the classics.

speaking of nostalgia, just watched the new AVGN ep today, Star Wars.
http://www.gametrailers.com/video/angry-video-screwattack/710076
The Atari 2600 and especially NES game parts brought many frustrated memories flying back lol. Especially the random "The lightsaber is the weapon of the jedi" part at the beginning of empire.

yesssss. classic jrpgs are my favorite. not too many jrpg's make it to these shores anymore.


just tried out the Killzone 3 open beta...

its okay. feels just like black ops... just what i need. another cod...

like KZ2 realistic approach better.