And so, the curtain comes down on another year.
So....2017....How about that eh?
2017 was, for me, mostly me rediscovering Elder Scrolls Online. A game that i originally approached with reluctance is a game that I have played near exclusively in 2017. The funny thing is that the thing that turned me around was a skill re-spec for my first/main character. Since then I've made a few more characters. All of which, I have approached with a particular plan in mind. Funny thing that: I approach with a plan, and subsequently a better grasp of what I'm doing and suddenly the game becomes a lot more enjoyable. Still, it's no different from me of nearly two decades ago building a plan to work in Civ 2 and Heroes 2.
Other highlights was seeing the Conquest series appear on GoG; beating Nights into Dreams, Conquests of the Longbow and KOTOR 2 - all of which have been a long time coming; Going to PAX and Trying out Alien Swarm.
But you know what? If we go be feel alone, 2017 seems like something of a slump. Nothing came out this year that really grabbed my attention. Maybe it's me living in a backwards flowing bubble, maybe it's me having played games for so many years that it becomes harder for something to stand out of the pack, but somehow one gets the impression that gaming has reached it's zenith: There are no more frontiers to conquer, no one beyond the Steam indie crowd is prepared to make any risks and everything seems to be recycled. Funny thing how a industry that has moved at a lightning fast pace has now hit a point that resembles stagnation.
I've heard whispers that we may be due in for a second Gaming Crash but maybe we could do with one, just to shake things up a bit....
Still we can only hope that 2018 is better....
Anywho, thank you for reading this blog and i hope to speak to you again next year.
Showing posts with label Heroes of Might and Magic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Heroes of Might and Magic. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 13, 2017
Friday, February 13, 2015
We can be heroes just for one day
So Heroes of Might and Magic 2 got the distinction of being revamped in HD?
Well I suppose that's nice but when are we going to have a HD of Heroes 2?
Well I suppose that's nice but when are we going to have a HD of Heroes 2?
Monday, October 21, 2013
Second Prize
Following on from the previous post, has there ever been a game I purchased a second time around? Why yes there have - and not just one. I'm sure I'm the only one who's purchased multiple games more than once but in some cases, not without good reason.
So here's a list of the games I purchased a second time - and some cases my reasons for doing so may make for fascinating stories by themselves:
Age of Empires
Had the original but seeing it on Steam was too good to miss (expect to see those words a lot ahead). Funnily enough I am still hanging onto the original disc seeing as Steam tends not to be kind to the modding community
Freedom Force
Got it on ebay but it didn't come with an install code. But then I saw it on Steam....
Dragon Age
In my previous post, I mentioned I was considering buying Dragon Age for the PC just to get my meat-hooks onto the mods available. But what would come as a surprise to some people is that my current version of Dragon Age Origins isn't the first: I got my first version of Dragon Age Origins second hand and Awakenings on the cheap. And then I found about about the Special edition....
So I got the special edition, with all it's DLC but to this day I'm still not sure if I saved any money from not buying the DLC on XBLA
Still one can't argue having all the DLC on a handy disc.
Half Life
In 2009, I was in Melbourne and I saw this in a store. I grabbed it and thought I was very lucky to get such a find. And then in 2013, I discovered something called Steam...
Pharaoh
I got Pharoah as a birthday present in 2001. Sadly, in recent years, the original disc disappeared on me so I got a new version. I was fortunate to find one in a Melbourne EB store for $10 - and this one had the Cleopatra expansion too!
Rock Band
I had a Wii at the time so naturally I'd download songs to use for it. But then I got a 360 and discovered that songs could be saved to the console's hard drive and utilized the songs from all the Rock Band games. So I got all the Rock Band games for the 360 and downloaded all the songs I liked a second time. A terrible lack of foresight true but at least I'm keeping certain musicians from going hungry.
Secret of Monkey Island
I managed to get this game working using Scummvm - only to go on Steam and finding the special edition/version.
Sonic CD
I got the Sonic gems collection on PS2 to play this - but then it reappeared on XBLA in HD graphics and with the original soundtrack restored.
Soul Calibur
Once again, it was nice in it's original format (Dreamcast) but to see it on XBLA in HD is even better (still bitter they dropped the Direct the Opening feature though....)
Stars Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
Funny story: I purchased this game on the PC before encountering the Xbox and figure dit may be a better played on the console (stay with me). I played the Xbox version a lot but found, much to ym dismay that it wouldn't work on the 360. Solution? Download it on Steam
Xcom
Again: Had it on disc but then saw it on Steam
The GoG parade
Duke Nukem 3d, Baldurs Gate, Deus Ex, Thief 2, Rayman 2, Planescape Torment, Sim City 2000, Clive Barker's Undying, Fallout, Heroes 2, System Shock 2. Why buy them all again? Well I like that I have them all in digital format and they are continuously updated for modern OS by the tireless folk at GoG. Duke Nukem 3d is of special note: I had it on XBLA but then I saw a special event where GoG was giving it away for free for a limited time...
Looking back over what I've just typed, I can see a pattern emerging: If I've purchased games a second time it's largely down to two reasons: 1) a lack of foresight and 2) the game in question comes on a preferred format or system. The former can be dismissed as pure human error but the latter is more interesting: There is certainly a lot on offer for a digital format in that it is always in easy reach, it takes up less physical space than a boxed game (besides my 500g game hard drive isn't going to fill up itself) and, in the case of GoG and Steam, it's not going to disappear any time soon. And in some cases, sometimes it's better for some games to be played through gripping a console controller than bashing a keyboard. And at the same time, modded games can sometimes yield a greater experience than the restrictions imposed by a console game.
Still, once again, there is the thought that if I'm continually striving for the best than I deserve to be ripped off.
So here's a list of the games I purchased a second time - and some cases my reasons for doing so may make for fascinating stories by themselves:
Age of Empires
Had the original but seeing it on Steam was too good to miss (expect to see those words a lot ahead). Funnily enough I am still hanging onto the original disc seeing as Steam tends not to be kind to the modding community
Freedom Force
Got it on ebay but it didn't come with an install code. But then I saw it on Steam....
Dragon Age
In my previous post, I mentioned I was considering buying Dragon Age for the PC just to get my meat-hooks onto the mods available. But what would come as a surprise to some people is that my current version of Dragon Age Origins isn't the first: I got my first version of Dragon Age Origins second hand and Awakenings on the cheap. And then I found about about the Special edition....
So I got the special edition, with all it's DLC but to this day I'm still not sure if I saved any money from not buying the DLC on XBLA
Still one can't argue having all the DLC on a handy disc.
Half Life
In 2009, I was in Melbourne and I saw this in a store. I grabbed it and thought I was very lucky to get such a find. And then in 2013, I discovered something called Steam...
Pharaoh
I got Pharoah as a birthday present in 2001. Sadly, in recent years, the original disc disappeared on me so I got a new version. I was fortunate to find one in a Melbourne EB store for $10 - and this one had the Cleopatra expansion too!
Rock Band
I had a Wii at the time so naturally I'd download songs to use for it. But then I got a 360 and discovered that songs could be saved to the console's hard drive and utilized the songs from all the Rock Band games. So I got all the Rock Band games for the 360 and downloaded all the songs I liked a second time. A terrible lack of foresight true but at least I'm keeping certain musicians from going hungry.
Secret of Monkey Island
I managed to get this game working using Scummvm - only to go on Steam and finding the special edition/version.
Sonic CD
I got the Sonic gems collection on PS2 to play this - but then it reappeared on XBLA in HD graphics and with the original soundtrack restored.
Soul Calibur
Once again, it was nice in it's original format (Dreamcast) but to see it on XBLA in HD is even better (still bitter they dropped the Direct the Opening feature though....)
Stars Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
Funny story: I purchased this game on the PC before encountering the Xbox and figure dit may be a better played on the console (stay with me). I played the Xbox version a lot but found, much to ym dismay that it wouldn't work on the 360. Solution? Download it on Steam
Xcom
Again: Had it on disc but then saw it on Steam
The GoG parade
Duke Nukem 3d, Baldurs Gate, Deus Ex, Thief 2, Rayman 2, Planescape Torment, Sim City 2000, Clive Barker's Undying, Fallout, Heroes 2, System Shock 2. Why buy them all again? Well I like that I have them all in digital format and they are continuously updated for modern OS by the tireless folk at GoG. Duke Nukem 3d is of special note: I had it on XBLA but then I saw a special event where GoG was giving it away for free for a limited time...
Looking back over what I've just typed, I can see a pattern emerging: If I've purchased games a second time it's largely down to two reasons: 1) a lack of foresight and 2) the game in question comes on a preferred format or system. The former can be dismissed as pure human error but the latter is more interesting: There is certainly a lot on offer for a digital format in that it is always in easy reach, it takes up less physical space than a boxed game (besides my 500g game hard drive isn't going to fill up itself) and, in the case of GoG and Steam, it's not going to disappear any time soon. And in some cases, sometimes it's better for some games to be played through gripping a console controller than bashing a keyboard. And at the same time, modded games can sometimes yield a greater experience than the restrictions imposed by a console game.
Still, once again, there is the thought that if I'm continually striving for the best than I deserve to be ripped off.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
The Uncanny Xcom
Another game I had a go at over my Christmas break was Xcom: UFO Defense. Not the recent remake (although I've heard a lot of good things said about it), but the original from way back in 1994.
I recall my high school years, 1994-1997, to be something of a golden age for strategy games. Everyone I knew played Civilization 2, Warcraft, Command and Conquer, Dune 2 and, eventually, Starcraft. Even Syndicate and Heroes of Might and Magic 2 had it's fans. But strangely, I can't recall anyone ever playing Xcom or, as it was known in Europe and Australia, UFO: Enemy Unknown (incidentally now that I think of it I'm not sure if this game was ever released in Australia).
I was only aware of it through being an Amiga owner and even then I thought it had a really bizarre image for the box art:
Still, with absolutely no idea what to expect, I took the plunge and played Xcom: UFO Defense.
And to be honest I was really surprised: This was completely different from the strategy games I'd grown up with. The flow of time could be altered, resources weren't in easy reach and required proper management, solider deaths actually mattered and something was always happening - even if the player wasn't aware of it. It wasn't enough buying soldiers: I had to provide guns and amour as well as engineers to build it and scientists to discover it.
And the combat sections were indeed tense affairs with the aliens suddenly appearing, dreading that every shot might miss and the loss felt when a soldier died (for the record: I kept an Xcom tradition with naming all my soldiers after people I know).
One thing I found tricky was the handling of the income: As I found out, it takes a lot of money to establish a base and fit it out with the necessities required. But, of course, you're expected to have an eye on every location on the glove and if one nation isn't getting the necessary attention - most likely because you're trying get a base going to deal with potential aliens - they will cut their funding. And this will make the task of organizing the defense even more tougher. Indeed, far too often I would find myself sitting on my thumbs wondering what to do and even advancing the time to get to the monthly payout - only to find that something else was already happening beyond my notice.
Still this is indeed game that grabbed me by the throat and refused to let go. Sure it may have had it's slow moments but somehow, the accolades of the 'Greatest PC game EVAH' somehow seem justified.
Needless to say, I do feel excited to one day tackle the remake but, I suspect, it won't be for a while yet. Why? Because I'm far too busy playing the original!
I recall my high school years, 1994-1997, to be something of a golden age for strategy games. Everyone I knew played Civilization 2, Warcraft, Command and Conquer, Dune 2 and, eventually, Starcraft. Even Syndicate and Heroes of Might and Magic 2 had it's fans. But strangely, I can't recall anyone ever playing Xcom or, as it was known in Europe and Australia, UFO: Enemy Unknown (incidentally now that I think of it I'm not sure if this game was ever released in Australia).
I was only aware of it through being an Amiga owner and even then I thought it had a really bizarre image for the box art:
Still, with absolutely no idea what to expect, I took the plunge and played Xcom: UFO Defense.
And to be honest I was really surprised: This was completely different from the strategy games I'd grown up with. The flow of time could be altered, resources weren't in easy reach and required proper management, solider deaths actually mattered and something was always happening - even if the player wasn't aware of it. It wasn't enough buying soldiers: I had to provide guns and amour as well as engineers to build it and scientists to discover it.
And the combat sections were indeed tense affairs with the aliens suddenly appearing, dreading that every shot might miss and the loss felt when a soldier died (for the record: I kept an Xcom tradition with naming all my soldiers after people I know).
One thing I found tricky was the handling of the income: As I found out, it takes a lot of money to establish a base and fit it out with the necessities required. But, of course, you're expected to have an eye on every location on the glove and if one nation isn't getting the necessary attention - most likely because you're trying get a base going to deal with potential aliens - they will cut their funding. And this will make the task of organizing the defense even more tougher. Indeed, far too often I would find myself sitting on my thumbs wondering what to do and even advancing the time to get to the monthly payout - only to find that something else was already happening beyond my notice.
Still this is indeed game that grabbed me by the throat and refused to let go. Sure it may have had it's slow moments but somehow, the accolades of the 'Greatest PC game EVAH' somehow seem justified.
Needless to say, I do feel excited to one day tackle the remake but, I suspect, it won't be for a while yet. Why? Because I'm far too busy playing the original!
Monday, July 2, 2012
I Need a Hero!
Thanks to my new best friend Good Old Games, not only have I've been able to play games I've enjoyed in the past but have discovered some titles that I missed out on previously. One such title was Heroes of Might and Magic 3.
I've a soft spot in my cold jaded heart for Heroes of Might and Magic 2. I played it for hours during my college years and it never got dull once. I never got around to playing it's successor so to finally have it within easy reach is an open invitation to do some exploring of unfamiliar territory. So I handed over the dosh, downloaded the game and then....?
To be honest, I'm not sure.
To begin with, this game is up against some stiff competition: I wasted countless hours on it's predecessor and thus HoMM3 has got to pull off something incredible to grab my attention. Still i was willing to give it a chance and see whether or not it could step out of the shadow of it's older brother.
First there's the graphics: whereas everything previously looked bright and colorful, everything now looks unwelcome and drab. Sure the sprites look well designed and animated but definitely looks a world apart from HoMM2.
And then there's the cities themselves: No longer are there hero-centric castles - now, they're all based on regions. It makes for some variety true but somehow the change is rather puzzling and disarming to say the least - once soldiers in opposition are now working alongside each other which certainly brings up a great big WTF,
The resource system is also puzzling as I'm not entirely clear how much I'm getting and where it's coming from. Thus I have often been left drained and helpless as some git storms in and claims my castles.
Ultimately though, this is the first impressions - There is still the possibility that HoMM3 may win me over yet. And whilst I may have come with from HoMM2 with a 'If it ain't broke don't fix it' perception, that is not going to do me any good - HoMM3 needs to stand on it's own two feet and I really should give it a chance.
So where do we go from here? Stay tuned...
I've a soft spot in my cold jaded heart for Heroes of Might and Magic 2. I played it for hours during my college years and it never got dull once. I never got around to playing it's successor so to finally have it within easy reach is an open invitation to do some exploring of unfamiliar territory. So I handed over the dosh, downloaded the game and then....?
To be honest, I'm not sure.
To begin with, this game is up against some stiff competition: I wasted countless hours on it's predecessor and thus HoMM3 has got to pull off something incredible to grab my attention. Still i was willing to give it a chance and see whether or not it could step out of the shadow of it's older brother.
First there's the graphics: whereas everything previously looked bright and colorful, everything now looks unwelcome and drab. Sure the sprites look well designed and animated but definitely looks a world apart from HoMM2.
And then there's the cities themselves: No longer are there hero-centric castles - now, they're all based on regions. It makes for some variety true but somehow the change is rather puzzling and disarming to say the least - once soldiers in opposition are now working alongside each other which certainly brings up a great big WTF,
The resource system is also puzzling as I'm not entirely clear how much I'm getting and where it's coming from. Thus I have often been left drained and helpless as some git storms in and claims my castles.
Ultimately though, this is the first impressions - There is still the possibility that HoMM3 may win me over yet. And whilst I may have come with from HoMM2 with a 'If it ain't broke don't fix it' perception, that is not going to do me any good - HoMM3 needs to stand on it's own two feet and I really should give it a chance.
So where do we go from here? Stay tuned...
Monday, May 28, 2012
Old Time Rock and Roll
This past week I've been paying a few visits to Good Old Games. I've known about this site for a while and, for me, hearing about so many classic games readily available seems like a damn good deal to me. After all, I'm all for game preservation - and the opportunity to play games that may have slipped past first time around is more so the better.
So being able to finally play Beneath a Steel Sky? Hell yes. Sim City 2000 and Heroes of Might and Magic 2 finally being able to work on my computer? Just try and stop me. Editions of Baldur's Gate 1+2 that ACTUALLY WORK?
So being able to finally play Beneath a Steel Sky? Hell yes. Sim City 2000 and Heroes of Might and Magic 2 finally being able to work on my computer? Just try and stop me. Editions of Baldur's Gate 1+2 that ACTUALLY WORK?
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