Kane99

As you know the recent Call of Duty games have started to release character skins of popular celebs and characters from other media and games. You could see the likes of Skeletor, Ash from the Evil Dead movies, Lara Croft, 21 Savage, Nicki Minaj, Snoop Dogg, Homelander (From the Boys show), Shredder and more. I'm sure you get my point. The once Call of Duty franchise that took war history seriously, but now you got these character skins in multiplayer that make it more of a Fornite clone than Call of Duty for me. I get that the main story has no connection with the multiplayer, but COD was never about character skins, hell you don't even see them until you do a melee attack on someone. I get why they are doing it, it's making them tons of money because people are into playing as these characters. And I know some will say it doesn't matter, as it can still be fun. It's just weird to me that a Call of Duty game has these options. It's just another way for them to make cash, and doesn't innovate on that game in any way. With Fortnite it sort of makes sense, because you actually see the character in action. Otherwise you're only seeing other people play as those characters. As a fan, I wish their focus was on improving the gameplay, the maps and so on. The character skins aren't important to me, I'd rather them working to make the game a better experience, and maybe even put more work into the single player campaign instead on another version of Nicki Minaj or Skeletore lol.

Xbox has been getting some heat recently for promoting an image that looks oddly AI generated. You can view it via the tweet below. https://twitter.com/WarwickOnX/status/1740293431166197961?s=20 This article discusses more on the matter - https://www.purexbox.com/news/2023/12/xbox-sparks-fury-over-using-ai-generated-art-to-promote-indie-games If you have seen AI before, you will notice this looks oddly AI generated. There are some subtle signs, like arms in odd positions, the dudes face in the middle, one kid looks to have two different colored scarfs, etc. And another sign is that it looks almost exactly like what Bing AI's image generator can do. I have messed around with it, and the images look as AI as you can get. My guess is the person running their socials probably didn't want to make a custom graphic, or didn't have one on hand, so used their AI image generator and got this. I know AI is a hot topic, and people are very split on it. But when you're a billion dollar company, it feels odd to use AI images for your promotion needs, you shouldn't have to. And I don't think AI should be allowed to be used for those means. Especially considering AI uses samples of others art and works, so that what you're producing with AI isn't even your own. I've already seen others using AI to promote stuff, so it's going to continue to happen. And when it gets too sophisticated, we won't be able to tell the difference, or some wont. And that creates other problems. Anyway, it looks like ID by Xbox deleted that tweet after the backlash, but who knows what else they could be using AI for in terms of promotion.

It feels like it was forever ago when Bulletstorm dropped on PS3, 360 and PC back in 2011. Now I'm seeing there is a VR game and new DLC dropping. I never would have expected a game that originally came out in 2011 getting new content. I mean, we did get remastered versions for the Xbone, PS4 and even the Switch. And now we just got a VR version earlier this month with new story DLC that includes 2 new levels for Trishka. Sadly the original releases likely won't see this DLC as it looks exclusive to the Meta Quest and PSVR2 version of the game. And to be fair, I don't think we would have seen this DLC released on old hardware anyway. You'd probably be lucky to get the DLC on last gen consoles. Bulletstorm is clearly a great option for a VR game, especially with the style of gameplay it promotes. I kind of hope to see more of these classics get the VR treatment. Who here has played this new version of the game? If not, is this something you'll get down the road? I don't own a PS5 or a Meta Quest yet, but when I do, this will be one of the first games I check out.

If you're one of the many dealing with ADHD and have had trouble finding working treatments, you might have an alternative option to look into. EndeavorRX (prescription) or EndeavorOTC (off the counter) is a video game treatment meant for those dealing with ADHD. It's a simple, 25 minute mobile game that you play up to five times a week, repeating the process for four consecutive weeks. It is said to help improve attention and focus. Someone who has played it, explained the game is like a boring version of Mario Kart, and makes you practice on focus and multitasking. I'm not 100% in agreement with the price for it though, as the article (link below post) states that EndeavorRX is $99 for a 30-day prescription, while EndeavorOTC costs $25 per month, or $130 per year, and does not require a prescription. The article also states you can use your FSA or HSA dollars on it, but I see no mention of if insurance would cover any of the costs. I imagine you may have to check with your insurance provider on whether they can cover something like this or not. Article discussing what it is and what it is for - https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/what-to-know-about-endeavorrx-the-video-game-to-treat-adhd/ar-AA1lYTau You can find more on this game and how to get a prescription here - https://www.endeavorrx.com/ If you have ADHD, could you see yourself trying a treatment plan like this? I know if I did I would consider it, but would rather play other video games as they would be far cheaper than this.

It's surprising to me that Princess Peach hasn't been the main protagonist for more games. It seems she was only the main protag in another game that dropped back in 2005, but has she been featured as a main playable character in anything else between that and this new game? Just surprises me that Nintendo hasn't done much in terms of giving her a game of her own, aside from a couple. So it's good to see Nintendo making her the main character of her own game again. Especially now days as she's not played as a damsel in distress anymore. This one looks like a lot of what the previous Mario games are, and I'm for that. Check out the most recent trailer they released for it below. Is this a day one buy for you? It's expected to release this March.

Apple is putting in the work to make their macs more accessible when it comes to gaming. I don't know how well gaming is on a mac right now, but I know they've come a long way in recent years. Now they're making changes with macOS to include GameKit tools for users, and especially with macOS Sonoma now having a dedicated Gaming Mode for players. Playing those popular games on a mac is going to get a lot easier. Do you think mac can become one of the top dogs? Or will it just tag along the PC side? I think it's great they are trying to make macs more accessible for gaming. They've come a long way already. What are some things macs still need to do though to catch up? If there is anymore catching up to do that is. Here's an article about Apple and their work to make - https://bgr.com/tech/apple-pulls-back-the-curtain-on-mac-gaming-plans-in-new-interview/

Did anyone play the first house flipper game? I really enjoyed it for what it was, an oddly relaxing game where all you do is remodel rundown houses you purchase, and then attempt to sell them for a profit. If you like something simple and relaxing, I think you should give House Flipper a shot. And I know, these types of games aren't for everyone. But if you just want something that isn't a huge challenge, House Flipper would be perfect for that. In regards to this new game, it doesn't look a whole lot different, but the graphics do look a bit better with more design options and more stuff to fill your house with. Has anyone played the new game yet? Is it worth getting? From what I am seeing, I think this could have worked more as an update or DLC instead of a new game. Though the story mode could be interesting. The first game didn't really have a story mode though, so that could be fun.

Believe it or not, Rockstar was once a dev/publisher that released different kinds of games instead of just GTA and RDR. The most recent new IP that isn't any of those franchises, was I think L.A. Noire in 2011, oh and Max Payne 3 in 2013. Otherwise, all I see are re-releases for PC, like Manhunt 2 in 2009. Rockstar seems to focus on their two big IPs in GTA and RDR. We haven't seen a new Midnight Club game, and I'm sure people would really enjoy that. And of course a new Bully game would be dope, but that is likely never going to happen with their focus being so heavily on GTA 6 going into 2024-2025. I really think GTA's focus will mostly be on GTA and RDR going forward. I doubt we'll see a Bully 2 like I've been hoping for. I doubt we'll see a new L.A. Noire. Hell, I'd even take a new Table Tennis game, but there's no way they will make a sequel or remaster of that. And I know with TakeTwo there are many other franchises, but I'm specifically referring to what Rockstar's side does, and it's clear their focus is mostly on GTA and will probably be that way for the foreseeable future. What do you think? Could Rockstar one day dig back into their back catalog to draw inspiration for new games, or revivals?

If you happen to stream on twitch or any other major streaming platform, have you ever received a decent donation? I haven't streamed much, and the time I did I didn't make anything haha. I was thinking of trying out Kick and see if I have a better chance of getting popular there and making donations, but I figure Twitch is still king for getting donations. If you do stream, what is the biggest donation you received?

Steam and some other marketplaces will allow you to do a refund on digital games purchases, so long as you don't go over 2 hours of playtime (with Steam). I know Xbox and Sony offer refunds, but I don't know if there's a similar time limit. Anyway, I wanted to ask how many games have you gotten refunded through steam and other platforms? How was the refund process? I haven't refunded many games. There have been some games I didn't like and played only a short amount of time, and I probably am in the window to refund. But most games that are cheap I just don't bother. But, I do know people who will try a game out, and then will grab a refund anyway. A few friends of mine got the game raft, we played one weekend and they all got it refunded, while I decided to keep it. I'm pretty sure it was on a sale to. Do you do the refund process often? Or is it on rare occasions when a game is a real stinker?

Remember that Game/tv show Konami was hyping up when all those different Silent Hill games were announced? Well that game and show has already come out, and I don't think most people even knew about it. Has anyone here attempted to play the new Silent Hill: Ascension game/show? It's a mix of a tv show, but has a mobile app companion where you can pick choices. When it was announced it was said you could play along with the rest of the audience to pick the outcome of the show. I haven't played the actual game portion, as I tried to watch the show on Tubi (It's there for free if anyone wants to take a gander), and I just could not get into it. The show, for those wondering, doesn't look good, it looks cheaply made. I've seen far better animation in game cutscenes from 10 years ago, and yet this is supposed to be played as some kind of show. Has anyone here played it yet? There's a mobile app you can download. You can find the links to them below. All free it seems. Though for this quality, I would expect this to be free anyway. Main site - https://ascension.com/ Google - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.genvid.shascension Apple - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/silent-hill-ascension/id6468639920 There are currently 7 episodes on Tubi. You can view them here if you really want to - https://tubitv.com/series/300001825/silent-hill-ascension

I heard rumors about this the other day, but it looks like Steam is making it official. Steam is going to allow users the option to private certain titles on their profile, so that users are unable to see that you own them. It also won't show that you're playing said games if they're marked private. This won't block it from view on your launcher though, so anyone who has access to your PC and steam client can still see said games. Though I think there is a way to hide games in your library for your launcher, but I may be wrong. Guess it's a cool feature. I think Xbox has something similar where you can outright remove a game from your history, but it only removes it if you dont have any achievements. Otherwise you can't remove that game. You can appear offline though if you're worried about people seeing what you play on Xbox. Not sure how it is on PlayStation these days. Source: https://www.ign.com/articles/steam-users-can-now-completely-hide-certain-games-from-their-profile

With the recent Robocop: Rogue City game doing fairly good, it's made me wonder if we could expect more popular media from the 80s and 90s made into video games again. Do you think we could see some classics given new games? As an example, I'd be down for a game based on Highlander, as I don't think we ever had one, or if we did we haven't had one in quite a while. I heard there is talk of a movie, so maybe they'll make a game too. Are there any 80s or 90s shows, movies, or even books you'd like to see made into a video game?

What are your thoughts on games that are just walking sims? Like Dear Ester, where you walk around a map or small world uncovering secrets and other story arcs as you go along. There usually is no combat or threats to worry about. I think Dear Ester was great for it's story, but I doubt I would ever replay it. Gone Home was another walking sim, this time where you're in a house unraveling a story about your family. In that game you go around doing puzzles, reading notes and uncovering the story of your sister. Virginia is another that comes to mind that I really liked. This one has you collecting evidence trying to investigate a missing persons case. I'd also say Layers of Fear is a walking simulator, but with a lot of horror elements. It's essentially a walking sim with jump scares. Walking sims can work, I do find some quite relaxing, but i feel they need to make the world I'm walking around in exciting at least.

I feel it's time to come back to the extreme sports style games, like with NFL Blitz and NBA Jam and the Street series. Doesn't it feel like we haven't had those style of games in a while? Most of the games I'm seeing were live service games like that rumble wrestling game and that dodgeball game that dropped a few years ago. I feel were missing out from these franchises. NFL Blitz especially since it was such a blast with the first couple games. NBA Jam and Street are some of my favorite sports games. NFL street too is something I'm surprised hasn't been done. But that's EA for ya, rarely listen to their audience. Do you think we're due for these types of sports games making a resurgence?

With the Red Dead Redemption making its way on the switch, it made me wonder if we'll see GTA IV get the same treatment. I feel as if almost anything could run GTA IV these days, even a switch, so could Rockstar end up releasing a version of GTA IV for the Switch? If they could get RDR1 to work, I could see GTA IV working too. Or would it be a waste for Rockstar to bother with?

With the way Gamestop is going, it looks to be turning into a toy store more than it is a game store. I heard a while back they mostly sell action figures, funko pop figures and gaming collectibles, while their gaming selection seems to dwindle with each passing year. Do you think that Gamestop will soon become just a store to buy collectibles? What is the selection of video games like at a gamestop these days? How far back do they go in terms of consoles? Or do they only sell mostly the new gen games and last gen only? I haven't been in a gamestop in maybe 5 years.

We used to get a ton of games in the Simpsons world, especially at the height of its popularity in the 90s. The show may not be as popular these days, but I still feel as if the show is popular enough to warrant more game releases . I'm sure we got a few mobile games, but Idk If I'd count those. I want games on the level of the Simpsons video game that came out for the 360 and PS3. Or even a remake or sequel to the Simpsons Hit & Run or Road Rage. Don't you think we're kind of due for another adventure game at least? Or maybe even a remaster of some of their classic arcade/retro games.

Has anyone played the new Counter-Strike 2? I didn't know it was a free upgrade to Counter-Strike: GO. I played GO on the 360 back when it released on there, but I was never any good at the game so gave up pretty fast. I remember played the original Counter-Strike and CS: Gold during a LAN party when I was a teen and I thought I would have been good at GO, but that was not the case haha. Anyway, what is the difference between #2 and GO? What does #2 do differently? What additions does the new game have? I doubt I would ever play it myself, the community is too competitive for me, but from what I see, it looks like fans will easily be into this one.

I remember back when release parties were a thing for video games. I went to a few of the Call of Duty release parties, I think they were for MW2 and Black Ops back in the early 2010s or so. My local gamestop would hold a little party where they'd feed us, give us free stuff, and more. I even remember they would give people the displays and posters as prizes at the end of the party. I think they even gave away a console and games. I never won anything though. :( Now days with digital games I don't think we even have release parties. Plus I think Covid stopped it for a good while. Idk, I guess I just miss the release or launch parties they did for new releases. I wish they would do it again, because I'm always down for free food and possibly winning stuff in return for hanging out a while. Do you think we'll ever see release parties again? What midnight release parties did you go to?

This looks like a lot of fun. I wish I could afford to get my hands on a PS5 and a PS VR2 to play this. Reminds me of that Red Steel game for the Wii, the one that tried to make you into some cool sword/gun wielding dude. But this looks bounds better. It has already released, has anyone here played it yet?

I'm surprised no one posted a topic about the upcoming South Park: Snow Day game that drops March 26, 2024. It looks like a co-op tower-defense strategy game mixed with action. I like the choice to go 3D for it, looks much better than I thought it was going to be. Just looks like the show but in 3D. Anyway, I'm not sure this is game is really for me. Not a big fan of this style of game. I'd rather have an adventure game, but that's just me. I'm sure fans will enjoy this game. It's releasing on pretty much everything: PC, Switch, PS5, and Xbox Series S|X.

If you're a collector, do you guys put your retro games in a case? Especially if you have them complete in box? Would you rather use these cases for just cart based games? Or do you also use them for disc based games to help keep them in pristine condition? My collection is not in any protective cases, but I would consider putting them in one if they are in great condition. Of course it also depends on the price for all these protective cases. I know some can be expensive to get. Would you start putting your games into protective cases and sleeves?

Source - https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/21/24010787/microsoft-windows-mixed-reality-deprecated Looks like Xbox is done with AR and VR, at least in regards to making their own VR/AR headsets and devices. Along with this, they removed the Mixed Reality Portal app and Windows Mixed Reality for Steam VR. This also looks to include the Hololens. I guess it makes sense for them to move on from VR considering there are so many different headset options out there. Microsoft could easily just use one of the available VR headsets on their hardware.

Are you by any chance worried as a collector with the way retro game prices are rising? I've been wanting to start collecting physical games again, and want to start with retro games from the NES era all the way up to the PS2/Xbox/Gamecube era. But I'm even seeing prices for PS3/360 games rising, as it seems to be entering that stage where people are trying to build their collections. Soon enough we'll be hearing about Xbox One and PS4 games rising in price. Are you at all worried that retro games are going to be less affordable? Or will we end up seeing a point where the prices will fall again and collectors can get back to collecting? I also blame the rise of prices to those sites and services like Wata that grade and appraise what retro games are worth, but when I see a mass produced game like Super Mario Bros 3 go for millions, it makes me worried about what other games they can inflate the price of. Sure there may be some games that are worth exactly what they appraise it for, but when one day you could unearth a ton of unopened copies at an old warehouse, that price is going to go down a lot. Sorry for rambling, but I am worried that retro gaming is going to become more unattainable in the future because people think a mass produced game should be worth a ton of money because it's still in the box or something. What do you guys think? Are prices rising too much? Will the drop down soon? Or will the gaming market only keep getting worse from here on out?