Re: What Have You Been Playing... IN FEBRUARY 2025?

On Tue, 04 Mar 2025 10:05:00 +0200, Anssi Saari
<anssi.saari@usenet.mail.kapsi.fi> wrote:

>
* GTA4
>
I installed GTA4 some time ago, I was a little worried if I still have
access to the DLC. I have little interest in the main game but as I
recall the DLC is more fun. Turns out my old DVD release was converted
to a downloadable from Rockstar and the Games for Windows bought DLC
also came from there. I was pleasantly surprised.
>
I remember I played the lost and damned biker DLC a little bit back when
I installed this and started again. Turns out increasing the FPS messes
up the physics in the game and not in a fun way. Oh well, back to
plodding 60 fps. Keyboard also refuses to work in combat. When combat
starts apparently WASD doesn't means forward-left-right-back, it's more
like nothing-right-nothing-back. So pressing left goes right back goes
back.

The problem I had with the DLC is that, after mucking my way through
the main quest, I was waaaay too tired to go on another adventure in
Liberty City. Plus, the bikers were annoying with their forced
machismo. ;-)

GTA4's best part was the city itself, though, and not the storyline.
The physics engine was glorious in both its realism and over-the-top
silliness (it would seemingly switch between the two states at a
whim). The sequel was incredibly disappointing just because they
dialed down the awesome physics.

The visuals were impressive in scope, but even in 2008, they were
looking a bit behind the curve in implementation. The whole world was
just too grey. Now, in part this was an artistic choice but the
limited console technology also forced the developer's hand, and the
game could have used more splashes of color. Fortunately, PC modders
have done what PC modders do, and there are a host of extensions and
texture packs and whatnot that make the game look absolutely gorgeous.
(case in point: https://imgur.com/a/nmGhn9J). It makes the game a lot
less painful on the eyes.

* Star Wars Outlaws
This went on sale with 50% off so I figured it's time. Star Wars game,
even if it sucks, is still a Star Wars game.
All I've managed so far is fumble around on the starter planet,
collecting junk for money to get a data spike fixed which would enable
some lucrative thievery. The game's ambiance is great, other than that
it's pretty humdrum so far.

Working my way through this one too, for pretty much the same reasons.
So far, my opinion is more or less the same as well. The detailing of
the world is quite impressive. It's a shame the gameplay didn't
receive the same attention.