killamch89

You're mostly right. AI will always have some bias because their creator will input commands to favor certain preferences.

Ah, yes, I remember those days! The screeching sound was almost like a rite of passage. It was always a gamble - would the connection hold, or would I have to retry 10 times? I vividly remember how exciting it felt to see that AOL or Yahoo homepage finally load after what felt like an eternity. It was a slow process, but it made the simplest things feel like major achievements. Yes, I don't miss it all but the pain and suffering you had to go through just to get on the internet in late 90s to early 2000s, will not be forgotten anytime soon.

Licensed music in games can really set the mood and enhance the experience, but sometimes it feels like a cheap cash grab. Do you think it adds value to the game, or do you prefer original soundtracks? Are there any instances where licensed music made a game better (or worse) for you?

I’ve been thinking a lot about indie games lately, and I’m curious to hear your thoughts on underrated indie developers. There are so many smaller studios doing incredible work that flies under the radar. Which indie developer, in your opinion, deserves more recognition for their games, creativity, or unique approach to design?

I'm always on the lookout for fun couch co-op games, especially indie ones that are easy to pick up and play with friends. What are your go-to titles for a great couch co-op experience?

We all love the charm and creativity of indie games, but sometimes it feels like there’s more potential left untapped. Whether it’s a world you want to explore more, characters you wish had deeper storylines, or mechanics you wish were expanded, which indie game do you think deserved more content? What would you add or change to make it a more immersive experience?

With the growing popularity of multiplayer games and live service models, do you think story-driven, single-player games should be priced lower? Multiplayer games often have continuous updates, live events, and microtransactions, which can make them more profitable in the long run. On the other hand, story-driven games are usually standalone experiences with limited post-launch content. Given the different development models, should we expect to pay less for a single-player, story-focused game, or does the cost of production remain similar across both types? What’s your take on this?

With the rise of mobile gaming and the growth of more accessible platforms, there’s been a shift in how games are designed. Should game developers focus more on casual players by simplifying mechanics, offering shorter play sessions, or reducing difficulty? Or should they continue to prioritize hardcore gamers with deeper systems and longer playtimes? What’s the balance between satisfying casual and hardcore audiences, and where do you think the industry should go in the future?

Gacha mechanics seem to be everywhere in gaming these days, from mobile apps to big-budget titles. While some argue they're a fun way to earn rare items and characters, others feel they push players into spending money for a chance at something good. How do you feel about them? Do you think gacha systems add value to a game, or do they just take advantage of players' desire to collect?

Imagine you’re stuck with just one game for the rest of your life - no sequels, no expansions, just the game itself. What would you choose? Would it be a timeless classic with endless replayability or a game with deep mechanics that keep you coming back?

When it comes to RPGs, do you lean towards the strategy and pacing of turn-based combat, or do you prefer the fast-paced action of real-time combat? What do you find more engaging? Does one style better suit your playstyle or the narrative of certain games?

I'm looking for recommendations on the best cooperative multiplayer games out there. Whether it's teamwork-focused, story-driven, or just plain fun with friends, I'd love to hear your experiences. What game has provided the most memorable and engaging co-op moments for you?

Not looking forward to it. I just know Ubisoft are going to ruin it if this is true.

*Sigh* At this point, I'd love if Ubisoft went bankrupt. They just keep making bad decisions repeatedly in the past 5+ years and are going downhill pretty quickly. It pains me because they have such iconic game franchises such as Splinter Cell, Ghost Recon, Rainbow Six, Watchdogs and Assassin's Creed.

Facts. Cuphead is definitely my favorite hand-drawn indie game as well. The 1930s-inspired art style is incredible - it really feels like playing a classic cartoon. The visuals are stunning, but what makes it stand out even more is how well the gameplay complements the art. Every boss fight feels like a piece of art brought to life, even if they’re frustratingly difficult at times.

One of my favorite purchases was a Hollow Knight enamel pin set. The quality was fantastic, and seeing those little characters on my desk always reminds me of how much I loved the game. It felt worth it because it supported Team Cherry, and it’s great to see indie devs grow through community support

I think permanent death mechanics can be a fantastic design choice when implemented thoughtfully. For example, XCOM uses permadeath to make you emotionally attached to your soldiers, and every loss feels meaningful. However, in games like Rogue Legacy, permadeath is more about learning and progression through repetition, which makes failure feel less punishing. It ultimately depends on the balance between the stakes and how much a game respects the player's time.

So true - episodic gaming has its flaws, but it can create a unique sense of community. Games like The Walking Dead sparked great discussions and fan theories between episodes, which enriched the experience for me. Sure, waiting can be frustrating, but it’s also fun to anticipate and speculate what’s next. If developers stick to a consistent release schedule, I think episodic gaming can actually enhance the experience. The key is balance - delays and cliffhangers only work if the payoff is worth it.

Agreed. Stricter regulation is absolutely necessary. Loot boxes and gambling mechanics often target vulnerable demographics, like minors, who may not have the cognitive ability to recognize the risks. The psychological tricks behind these systems, such as variable reward schedules, mirror actual gambling tactics, which is why they're so effective at hooking players. While personal responsibility is important, developers have a duty to create ethical games, and when they fail, governments should step in to protect consumers.

For me, Hollow Knight has to be one of the most fascinating indie games in terms of lore. Its vast, interconnected world is rich with history, tragedy, and mystery, but much of it is left for players to piece together on their own. From the fall of Hallownest to the strange nature of the Pale King, it strikes a perfect balance of storytelling and discovery.

I agree. The game is visually minimalist, with simple geometric shapes and muted colors, but it uses those elements brilliantly to tell a deeply emotional story. The minimalism enhances the gameplay by keeping your focus on the puzzle-solving and the witty narration, which gives each shape its own unique personality.

I think games with historical settings should aim for a balance between historical accuracy and creative liberties. Total accuracy might appeal to history buffs but could alienate casual players or limit storytelling opportunities. For example, games like Assassin’s Creed sprinkle in historical facts but take liberties to weave compelling narratives. As long as the core essence of the time period is preserved, creative adjustments can make history feel alive and relatable without making it a dull history lesson.

In my opinion, it really depends on the studio’s resources and goals. Creating a new IP is a huge risk - just look at how many promising games from smaller studios fail to gain traction. Sequels, on the other hand, are a safer bet and keep studios afloat. I think larger studios with the means to take risks should definitely explore new IPs, but for smaller ones, sequels might be the smarter choice. The industry needs both to thrive.

Personally. I’d recommend Stardew Valley. It’s incredibly beginner-friendly with its relaxing farming gameplay, charming art style, and deep but approachable mechanics. You can play at your own pace - farming, fishing, exploring the mines, or building relationships with the townsfolk. It also captures what makes indie games unique: a single developer (ConcernedApe) poured their heart into creating something that feels personal and engaging. Perfect for a newcomer.

For some older games, I have them all saved to excel sheets. Otherwise, Gamefaqs and a couple other sites still have guides from back then which also helps.