StaceyPowers

Who here enjoys watching streamers playing video games? If so, what is the main draw for you? Do you just like watching the gameplay, or do you tune in for their sense of humor, their commentary on other issues, or to learn from how they play, or another reason altogether?

More than a wee bit, for me.

How do you feel about turn-based combat in video games? Initially, I hated it, because I played nothing but shooters for a really long time, and couldn't see the appeal of being pulled out of real time in any way, shape or form. But after playing some games with turn-based combat for some time now, I've come to appreciate the tactical side of playing in that way, and realize it just offers a different type of challenge. So now I enjoy turn-based combat as well. Where do you weigh in?

In Skyrim, I usually prefer single-handed weapon + conjuration, actually. So I guess a sort of warrior mage.

What types of games do you find most immersive to play? For me, among graphical games, I would say that shooter and stealth games seem to keep me most immersed in the moment. But in general, the most immersive gaming experiences I can remember ever were still MUDs.

In the dark. Easier for me to see the screen, plus less sensory distractions = greater immersion.

When I first started playing Fallout games, I found the VATS system annoying because it disengaged me from the present. But by now I am so used to using it that it doesn't feel disruptive at all. While it takes away the need to aim accurately, it does help me think tactically. And I'm a dreadful shot, so I don't mind leaning on it. Do you like VATS?

I second that!

I often am not really overtly aware of how repetitious most games are until I really think about it, but they do for the most part entail doing the same actions on repeat, more or less. That being the case, do you think games are annoyingly repetitious and wish there were more variation in what you can do in them? Or do you find the repetitious nature of games soothing and relaxing? I think I lean more toward the latter, but sometimes I do wish for more variety.

Do any of you have pets that do funny or annoying things when you game? I have this cat that seems to get jealous of the console. Whenever she senses that I’m hyper-focused on a tough fight in a game, suddenly she shows up and jumps up on my lap and blocks my view of the screen. Many a boss fight has been lost to her antics.

For a long, long time I was a PC gamer, and couldn't fathom how anyone could use a gamepad effectively. This was because the only gamepad I'd ever used was the original NES one, and I would be willing to wager I'd still be atrocious with it. I've been gaming almost exclusively on my PS3 for a couple years now though, and I've gotten used to the Dualshock. And what's funny is that every time I try and game on my PC with my mouse again, now I am totally uncoordinated and play abominably. What works better for you? A gamepad or a mouse and keyboard?

I run into a lot of folks who downright loathe open world games. I’m obviously not one of them, but I do understand some of their complaints. In particular, I agree that it’s easier to tell a story with a strong narrative and get a player emotionally invested in a linear game with a set storyline and character. But I don’t think open world games are necessarily impossible to do that with. It seems like even if you let the player create a character, it’s just a matter of having strong narratives tied to followers to create that emotional connection and context in the game. Thoughts?

I'm playing RDR for the first time, and one thing I've enjoyed so far about it is some of the silly, random stuff I'm able to do, like play horseshoes or watch a movie. I'd love to see more stuff like this in open world games. I know GTA is good for this too. Anyone else have any other suggested games that offer this sort of thing?

Awesome, thank you!

Thank you! Very nice review :)

Yes, I love narrative-focused games. That's insightful, thank you!

Have any reference links to share? I'd like to learn more.

I'm so far very much enjoying my first playthrough of RDR, but I keep thinking about all the awful crunch time stories I've heard about Rockstar (and other companies). It really bothers me that developers are seen as "throw away" resources--and it seems like even game creators often burn out from the high pressure involved with tight release schedules. Personally, I don't mind waiting a long time for a really amazing game, and wish that crunch culture would change. What about you?

I haven't played this game, but it seems to show up in lists of games that I might be interested in. Anyone have any opinions on it?

I had no idea, lol. That's ironic. On my first playthrough, I was an Argonian, and imagined I was a foreigner. On my second, I'm an Orc, and imagine that I'm (like the Forsworn) another displaced native.

Hello fellow gamer! Where in the frozen north are you from? I've spent some time up there. I also love Skyrim and will be playing Oblivion soon. Fallout NV is another favorite :)

I wouldn’t say I’m a “bad” gamer, but I’m not really a “good” one either. I suppose I’m pretty mediocre. But as a kid, I was downright terrible, to the point where I didn’t even grasp the appeal of playing. I just watched other people with great interest instead. There were a few games I liked anyway when I was younger, but I still remember the day I was playing Quake III Arena in CTF mode online, and suddenly something “clicked” in my brain, and abruptly, I could fight. I started scoring frags like crazy, and after that, a whole universe of gaming was suddenly accessible and awesome. Anyone else ever have that sort of experience?

What do you look for in a HUD? Do you prefer them to be super minimalist, or do you like to be able to easily see everything at a glance about your status? Initially, I remember really detesting Skyrim’s minimalist HUD, but once I got used to it, I like it just fine. I also like the one in TLOU.

How are they? I actually got curious about them before the games were huge (the books came first), but they weren't translated to English back then.

Is it canon that the Dragonborn is a Nord? I always assumed the Dragonborn was just whatever race the player selects. I'm not sure I even assumed the character is native to Skyrim.