StaceyPowers

What video games give you the Tetris effect? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tetris_effect if you do not know what I am talking about. Like when you are falling asleep at night, and you see or feel images/hallucinations of the thing you were doing while you were awake. Real-life experiences which produce it for me include things like rollercoasters or going on long drives or boat rides. Sometimes I get it from video games like Skyrim if I do a lot of walking, and occasionally I get it from repetitive and long boss fights (the latter is just annoying). I also get it from the train ride in RDR (which is kind of relaxing and pleasant). I notice it is most common when a game experience is fresh and new, but after I've done it a lot, the Tetris effect (ironically) reduces. What about you? Do you experience this?

It’s been ranging up above 100 degrees F in my home the past few days during the daytime. I have been running my PS3 in the evening and at night. It wasn’t that hot last night—I think it was maybe 75ish indoors, but the console got really hot and noisy. Anyone have any recommendations or warnings regarding playing on the console on hot days, and what to do with it when it gets loud and hot like that?

What is the most you are willing to pay for a console, whether new or used? $300-400? $500 or more? $600 or more?

When playing open world games in particular, players commonly complain about the lack of mission or quest variety. A good example is Skyrim, which is a fabulous game—but which has quite a few repetitious quests and experiences. What are some games that do well in this regard? So far I have been impressed with the variety in RDR’s missions.

Wow, I had no idea that happened. I went through a similar thing with D&D and other RPGs being considered "satanic," so I can relate. But adorable Pikachu, being thought of as some sort of demonic evil? That's so wrong 😞

It is. I've even though of changing my name on the servers and looking for her so I can win, but I doubt she still plays. Plus, if I so much as see her, I may smash my monitor in a fit of rage.

I don't even know where to get a fork in the game. I'm trying to picture seeing one anywhere, and I can't. lots of bowls everywhere, but not a lot of forks. Do you recall where you found/bought it? Aside from the pickaxe, my silliest weapon is a wooden sword which I leveled as high as it will go and put a Soul Trap enchantment on. It's still a really weak weapon, so I need to make sure I really am down to like the last hit or two before I try to use it.

@killamch89 @The Blackangel I remember being interested in Magic: The Gathering as a kid, but never got into it because 1-I recall my mother thinking it was evil, and 2-well, it meant buying a lot of cards. In terms of video game card games, somehow they never seem to hold my attention. Though I do admit to playing way too much poker in RDR. But that's a different sort of card game.

I'd love to have a chance to go someday too. I think the most exciting thing to me would be having a chance to talk to some of the developers and writers.

Just wondering if anyone here is attending E3 in person.

I thought I'd make a thread to share trailers we found exciting from E3. I'll start: I have to admit the graphics in The Outer World look a little previous-gen to me, but I did kind of expect the wooden characters. The art design is right up my alley though, and the sense of humour is spot-on. I laughed out loud about the "scheduled scarcities."

I remember Sphere. I also recall that for its time, it featured cutting edge special effects. An R-rating? Nah, let’s aim for G =D

I've had moments, sure .... but they're definitely the exception to the rule. The best moment was probably when I had flawless victory over a former friend on my favourite Quake III map. But the next week my least-favourite map loaded, and I got destroyed. And then she ditched me. And I'm left forever with the memory that she trounced me last 😞

Wait, can you actually use a fork for attacks? Or am I missing a joke ...

It says silver and gold. It's $30-something with the discount the seller said they'd give me. I plan to buy it for myself as a reward for getting some work-related tasks completed.

True, I have never gotten into card games either now you mention it. I tend to forget that they even exist.

This can't be played on PS3, can it? Because it looks like something I would play if I could :/

Ah hah, but therein lies your answer. Surely a mystical entity is better at logical design work than a human being.

That one sticks with me too. I was actually looking at a ring on Etsy the other day with that inscribed on it which I really want =D

Don’t underestimate that pickaxe! I got the enhanced one from the top of the Throat of the World, and have given it full upgrades. It does about the same damage as a weak standard axe at this point. So it’s not great, but it’s a usable weapon. Very helpful for killing people in Markarth.

@DylanC Capturing Rapture itself would indeed be a challenge, specially getting the ambiance right. I think Guillermo Del Toro could probably manage it. As far as budget goes, there might be workarounds there because of the setting, actually. You can see it in the games themselves. There is actually very little detail or resolution on the cityscapes through the windows, but the rippling water and the low detail we'd expect at the bottom of the ocean doesn't make it seem weird. Low light and low visibility in a film also could help to reduce special effects budget requirements. I'd be interested in a story that explores the origin of the splicers, as we never really see anything from their point of view. A story about Tannenbaum would interest me as well, as I adored her character.

Have you discovered any cool non-gaming hobbies through gaming? I spend a lot of time in Bioshock games staring at the advertisements, typefaces, architecture, and overall design of Rapture and Columbia. Over time, I’ve taken note of the different elements which typify the Deco and Nouveau styles (Infinite’s architectural is more neoclassical, but there are Nouveau elements throughout the game). Finally, I ended up purchasing a set of drafting templates as well as a bendable straight edge, and now I am working on creating Art Deco and Art Nouveau designs of my own. So far without a lot of success, but I’ve been making some strides. I’d love to hear about hobbies you would never have picked up if not for playing video games.

So, I’m struggling with a hunting challenge in RDR. I thought it’d be really easy, and I have been having zero luck with it. It’s the one where you’re supposed to kill two animals from two different species in one Dead Eye use. I am having an impossible time finding two animals from two different species in close enough proximity to one another. I’m in the area south of Bonnie’s ranch where there are lots of deer, coyotes and birds, and still have barely even encountered any candidate shots. Anyone have any advice on this? I almost feel like I’m missing something obvious/doing something wrong.

@DylanC Thank you, that was incredibly insightful. It also sheds light on why use of the vigors in Columbia doesn't seem to be all that widespread.

I've never had such a "problem" with any game, lol. I'm just not that competent at anything I've played.