Weekly “What are you playing” Thread || Week of April 13th : gaming

[–] ProdigalFrog@slrpnk.net 10 points 6 days ago* (last edited 6 days ago) (1 children)

A Mind Forever Voyaging, by Infocom.

It's an old text adventure from the 80's with a particularly cool and oddly relevant concept: You take the role of an AI that's been meticulously raised in a simulation to truly become a general intelligence. The reason this project was undertaken was to eventually send you, the AI, into other simulations based in the near future to test the outcomes of various political policies of the new republican government, record your interactions, and report back to the engineers who created you.

The game's designer said that he created the game in response to the despair he felt from Ronald Reagan being elected.

I haven't gotten super far in it, but it has an incredibly well written short story in the manual that details all the events leading up to the start of the game, and so far the game itself is unlike anything else I've ever played.

[–] Megaman_EXE@beehaw.org 3 points 5 days ago (1 children)

How can I play this? It sounds really interesting!

[–] ProdigalFrog@slrpnk.net 2 points 5 days ago* (last edited 5 days ago)

You can play the game here on Archive.org, or you can download a copy from that page and play it in DOSBox Staging.

Here's all the physical documentation you'll need, such as the short story, how to play manual, and an in-world map (you'll have to draw your own, but it'll give you a rough idea of the land. If you find map making tedious, you could use a map someone else made).

Lastly, you'll need this interactive copy protection wheel when it prompts you for a combination in game, right before entering a simulation.

Good luck! :D

[–] Poopfeast420@discuss.tchncs.de 8 points 5 days ago

Still trying Baldur's Gate 3 solo Honor Mode. I've died a lot, to all kind of different enemies. Currently, I got a good run going, made it to level 6, still Act 1, but almost done. Hopefully I don't turn off my brain again in a crucial moment and just eat dirt.

[–] Coelacanth@feddit.nu 6 points 5 days ago* (last edited 5 days ago) (2 children)

Blue Prince is monopolising a majority of my mental bandwidth currently as I'm growing increasingly obsessed with it. I've spent about 11 hours on it so far and have taken probably a dozen pages of notes in my little notebook next the to the PC.

I think this game could go down as a modern classic, and if it sticks the landing it will likely be my GOTY. It's cheap too, and even 10% off right now as a release week sale.

I can't really say anything more because, much like Outer Wilds, the less you know about it going in the better. If you even remotely enjoy mysteries and puzzles do yourself a favour and go play it like... right now.

[–] Krauerking@lemy.lol 4 points 5 days ago

Same.

I'm now 15 hours in, my runs look nothing at all like my first ones, and are rapidly changing each new run but also still haven't "beaten" it once.

Feels like I built a skyscraper and yet still have to get across the grand canyon to actually win and it has nothing to do with the skyscraper.

Except now I have foundation.

[–] chloyster@beehaw.org 2 points 5 days ago (1 children)

It's so good isn't it? Figured out some big brain puzzles yesterday and was blown away. Absolutely loving it

[–] Coelacanth@feddit.nu 2 points 5 days ago (1 children)

I'm loving it, but definitely also constantly second guessing whether I'm smart enough for this game haha. Especially when you come across a problem and can't work out whether you're supposed to wait for the clue/solution to turn up later or whether it's something you're supposed to be able to solve but are being too stupid to notice/connect.

How far in are you in terms of Days/time played. I'm at about 12 hours and 12 days played.

[–] chloyster@beehaw.org 2 points 5 days ago (1 children)

I think I'm at day 21 or 22. Made it to the antechamber for the first time yesterday. Not sure hours played atm

[–] Coelacanth@feddit.nu 2 points 5 days ago (1 children)

I could probably have made the antechamber last night if I had picked up a pair of dice I missed and found on the way back. But I'm kind of glad I didn't as there is so much unexplored and unexplained still.

[–] chloyster@beehaw.org 2 points 5 days ago (1 children)

I will say the antechamber is just the beginning of the end game stuff. There's a lot more to go after making it inside

[–] Coelacanth@feddit.nu 2 points 5 days ago (1 children)

I presumed as much based on clues and indicators I've been finding.

[–] chloyster@beehaw.org 2 points 4 days ago (1 children)

Just rolled credits! Really amazing. But there's still sooooooooo much more

[–] Coelacanth@feddit.nu 2 points 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago) (1 children)

I just got

spoiler

down to the basement

and I'm shocked at how much there is. I thought I was going to get somewhere this run.

spoiler

I look like I'm stuck, I assume the gear puzzle can't be solved first time? I can't figure out how to move the mine cart. And maybe drain the reservoir? Is this supposed to happen? It looks like there is another entrance from the Tomb (though I've never even seen a tomb when drafting!). Am I on to something? Am I not supposed to be able to get further this run?

[–] chloyster@beehaw.org 2 points 3 days ago (1 children)

small hint

Yeah I've also never seen a tomb while drafting, but there is one other entrance that the map shows. Have you found the pump room?

[–] Coelacanth@feddit.nu 2 points 3 days ago (1 children)

spoiler

The Fountain right? I assume it's on the east side lawn, but I haven't found any way to open a door to the outside on the east side. I've been through the Garage on the west side.

I have found the pump room and drained as much of the reservoir as I could, but there is still a touch of water at the bottom preventing me from going down there and both tanks are full, as are all rooms. No idea how to empty the last bit. I thought it was opening the tap in the kitchen to drain the water, but that doesn't seem to affect the water level...

[–] chloyster@beehaw.org 2 points 3 days ago (1 children)

another small fountain hint

The fountain isn't where you think. And is much more accessible. Calling it a fountain is a bit much to be frank. If you were to drain it I think you would see what it's referring to

[–] Coelacanth@feddit.nu 2 points 3 days ago (1 children)

spoiler

Drained the fountain, now I need the basement key again. Still don't know how to get the chests at the bottom of the reservoir as I don't know how to drain the final bit. Maybe pump room needs to be next to boiler room to get the last tank in play? I'm starting to see I'm going to need to get through insane amounts of RNG to finish. I already basically concluded I probably need the boiler room adjacent to the lab to get the lever machine working.

I also am tearing my hair out about the

spoiler

drawing room safe code. The other safes had the clue in the same room but for the life of me I can't figure out the paintings with the steps.

[–] chloyster@beehaw.org 2 points 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago) (1 children)

spoiler

Oh damn I haven't unlocked any of the safes yet. I need to work on that. Also for the boiler it doesn't have to be immediately next to what you're trying to power. They just need to be connected by rooms that also have vents going through them. The passageway and the security room for instance are 2 I know that have them. Look out for rooms that have vents going through the top to each door

[–] Coelacanth@feddit.nu 2 points 2 days ago (1 children)

spoiler

Wait didn't you roll credits? That's very interesting that you did that without opening any safe...

Anyway thank you so much for your responses, they've been perfect hints without being too spoily, which is a hard thing to pull off! I might bug you again at some point, we'll see what I accomplish today.

Actually, maybe we need a Blue Prince community...

[–] chloyster@beehaw.org 2 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Yeah it's surprising how little you actually need to roll credits. Also no problem! Happy to help :)

[–] Coelacanth@feddit.nu 1 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Just rolled credits. Really strange actually haha. There are so many unsolved mysteries! I feel like I'm close to piecing together the narrative but I'm still missing crucial pieces.

[–] chloyster@beehaw.org 2 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Congrats! Yeah there's sooooo much left to discover. Definitely try and make it back to room 46 again. There's a lot in there to point you in new directions :)

[–] Coelacanth@feddit.nu 2 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago) (1 children)

Good lord there is so much still to do haha! Every time I think I've seen most of the puzzles a new secret bottom opens up to an entirely new layer. I'm loving putting together the narrative but my god some of the puzzles didn't work for me (I had to look up a couple of hints - would never have organically gotten them). How have you been progressing with the safes?

[–] chloyster@beehaw.org 2 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Doing well! I got the clue written out that tells you how to solve the safes. Have opened 3 now I think. Also have two of the sanctum keys. I've been continually coat checking the gear wrench so I can someday make the boiler room common.... But I've yet to find it again lol. I'm trying to hook up the pump room so I can drain the reservoir.

[–] Coelacanth@feddit.nu 2 points 1 day ago (1 children)

One of the safe solutions really pissed me off. Which ones do you have? I have six, no clue where the last one is supposed to be.

Are you looking to fully drain the reservoir? That's the only thing you need boiler power connected for I think, provided you have the Tomb open.

The sanctum thing is so frustrating too, still haven't solved my first sigil though I know what to look for now I guess. Still haven't made it back to room 46 a second time either, RNG has been hitting badly. Maybe that will help.

[–] chloyster@beehaw.org 2 points 1 day ago (1 children)

I think I only have 2 actually thinking about it. I have the boudoir safe and time release safe from the shelter. I think I know how to open the office safe though. Yes I want to fully drain the reservoir and getting the boiler again had been a pain. I also got the tomb for the first time yesterday and opened that entrance to the basement too. The sanctum things, yeah I know generally what is needed but the clues needed are eluding me. Though I think I found one at the top of the clock tower. The main thing in room 46 is a list of where all the sanctum keys are. There is another puzzle in there involving a map but I haven't figured that out yet.

Also really want to get to classroom 8. I've only been able to make it to 5 so far

[–] Coelacanth@feddit.nu 2 points 1 day ago (1 children)

I've only gotten 3 classrooms I think, taking notes on the subjects though! I also think the first classroom helps with the sigil puzzle. Have you lit all the braziers?

Btw I just had to call it a day with 2 sanctum keys in my inventory. Had to take Weight Room twice.

[–] chloyster@beehaw.org 2 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Oh my god that sucksssss. Yeah the first one does help with the sigils I think. Grade 4 does too. I also started getting a bunch of letters delivered to the mail room but they're like basically just solutions to early puzzles I already figured out

[–] Coelacanth@feddit.nu 2 points 1 day ago (1 children)

It was even 2 RNG heavy ones but I was forced to take Weight Room twice (thanks Hall of Mirrors!) so I couldn't make it downstairs. Worst feeling I've had in a game in a long time actually. I honestly think sanctum keys could be permanent without the game being too easy.

[–] chloyster@beehaw.org 2 points 1 day ago

Yeah I def think that would be a fine change. Though when you actually unlock the doors they stay open thankfully so that's something

[–] knokelmaat@beehaw.org 4 points 5 days ago (1 children)

I'm also starting to lose myself in Blue prince. I was a bit hesitant in the starting hours, feeling like progress was limited, the puzzle element rather basic and the whole game too RNG based.

But now that I'm further in, I'm really starting to unravel the hidden depth of a lot of its mechanics and secrets. I'm keeping notes on my netbook and it's starting to become more of a wiki. I'm currently unlocking and discovering new stuff at a very satisfying pace, and my opinion of the game is growing immensely.

If I remember correctly you were also a huge fan of Outer Wilds. While I do understand the comparisons, this does feel like a whole other thing to me. More mysterious and strange, but also a bit more sterile. Outer Wilds is just so filled with love and beauty on top of its mystery, that I cannot fathom any game ever pushing it from the top spot in my favorite games of all time.

[–] chloyster@beehaw.org 3 points 4 days ago (1 children)

Yeah I agree there so far. I'll have to see once I beat it and peel back some of the layers. But yeah while it is scratching that same discovery itch for me, outer wilds is an unmatched experience. I will say though, while the rng is definitely different, there is a similar feeling to starting a new loop in OW and starting a new day in BP

[–] knokelmaat@beehaw.org 3 points 4 days ago

True, that same "I wonder what I'm going to discover today?" feeling. Just had an insane run in BP with lots of new stuff an an absolute abondance of all resources. Sadly no antechamber, but I'm getting closer. Also starting to unravel the story, this too seems way more interesting than at first glance.

[–] swordgeek@lemmy.ca 4 points 6 days ago (1 children)

Morrowind.

Ages ago I got a new video card that came with bundled games, including the slightly-old Morrowind.

That was the intro for me to deep RPGs, and I fell hard.

A few weeks ago I decided to revisit it, and went with Open-MW and a vanilla experience.

So awesome.

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[–] chameleon@fedia.io 2 points 5 days ago (2 children)

Started Blue Prince, but to be honest I haven't gotten past the initial "RNG wall" and I'm sorta over it. I'm 5 hours in and continue to get the same rooms I've documented in detail in my notes with little new to show for it, and while I have some leads and puzzle pieces, nothing fits. Not particularly excited about a lot of the small repeat puzzles anymore either. I get the impression that I just need one or two pieces of knowledge that the game is refusing to provide to me. Kinda hoping that the good old trick of complaining on the internet will make things work out.

[–] knokelmaat@beehaw.org 3 points 4 days ago (2 children)

I too had this at the start. My hint is to indeed make sure you visit all rooms at least once, even if they are bad for your layout for that specific day. Make sure you read the notes you find and make us of the items too. Some items have a clear purpose for the basic runs (just helping out with money or steps) but some seen less useful. It is these items that actually often help you unlock new things though, just think logically where you would be able to make use of them.

Also, there is actually quite a bit of permanent progression / unlocks. This only started happening for me after that long initial phase of just mocking about, but once it starts happening you are better equiped for further discoveries.

My final tip is to actually not see it as a roguelite. You don't need to just have luck / better insight for a winning run, every run is a new moment to investigate new stuff and attempt new things, not to get better at doing the same stuff like other roguelikes. I hope I've explained this well.

[–] chameleon@fedia.io 2 points 4 days ago (1 children)

That's what I've been trying, yesterday ended up being a little more fruitful (internet complaining trick worked!) and luckily gave me more interesting rooms, though I'm not convinced it was any action on my part that did it.

[–] Coelacanth@feddit.nu 1 points 4 days ago

You kind of have to just bumble around for a bit and take notes on everything and hope it starts making sense later. I've been playing it like "take notes and screenshots first, ask questions later". The roguelite part and the puzzle/mystery part sort of play out in parallel.

[–] Coelacanth@feddit.nu 2 points 4 days ago (1 children)

My final tip is to actually not see it as a roguelite. You don't need to just have luck / better insight for a winning run, every run is a new moment to investigate new stuff and attempt new things, not to get better at doing the same stuff like other roguelikes. I hope I've explained this well.

Exactly this. You start out thinking "oh okay, its a roguelite and I need to get to rooom 46". But that's not actually the point and once you realize there is more depth to it you start seeing value in every run, even those that never get close to rank 9.

At least that's been my experience so far, and I've yet to even enter the antechamber myself.

[–] knokelmaat@beehaw.org 2 points 4 days ago

I totally agree and am currently in the same spot as you, less and less interested in the antechamber and more in the puzzle as a whole!

[–] chloyster@beehaw.org 3 points 5 days ago

Yeah I kinda get that. I've had a couple of those walls. But I think if you purposely try to pick rooms that you've not had, even if it seems bad or not useful things might start to piece together more. A lot of things can be useful in ways you might not expect. I think I've maybe had 1 or 2 runs where I truly learned nothing. Every other run has had some sort of knowledge or permanent progress. Also some rooms only appear on certain edges of the house. I've found some of the important profession related ones that way.

But yeah it's a game you gotta treat as much as a roguelite as you do a puzzle game. And it unfortunately isn't for everyone

[–] raod_guitar@feddit.org 3 points 5 days ago (1 children)

Played through Chants of Sennaar - great unique language puzzle game.

Started Dredge now and it seems really fun.

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[–] Maestro@fedia.io 3 points 5 days ago

I just started playing "Dave the Diver". It's been a lot of fun so far. There are a lot of systems to play with, and you keep unlocking more. I just unlocked the fish farm.

[–] wildflowertea@slrpnk.net 3 points 5 days ago

Starting Little Nightmares today… orrr at some point this week, depending on Life™️.

[–] pete@social.cyano.at 3 points 5 days ago

@chloyster Grim Dawn on my highest level character (Lvl73) but still getting my head bashed in by some Mini-Bosses on Ultimate difficulty.

Blasphemous - gave it a swirl for about an hour / hour and a half. Lovely world building and premise, but for the souls-like platforming I really need to be in the mood first it seems.

[–] SweetCitrusBuzz@beehaw.org 3 points 5 days ago* (last edited 5 days ago) (2 children)

Cassette Beasts and soon Lost Records: Bloom and Rage, Tape 2

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[–] AceFuzzLord@lemm.ee 3 points 6 days ago (1 children)

Just saw a video on Blue Prince earlier. Would totally love to play it but I saw someone play through the demo enough to where I feel spoiled enough to not wanna play it because I know I'd probably just cheat. Probably a game I'd pick up in a few years, after I've forgotten it, similar to Baba Is You, which I've been stumped on certain levels of recently.

Otherwise I've mostly been absolutely addicted to Pokemon Rejuvenation because of debug mode making the game a lot more fun. Absolutely would not recommend it if you don't like long pokemon games or edgier stories in your pokemon.

Same thing with Feudal Tactics on my phone/laptop. Very simple game. You have a map made up of coloured tiles. Six different colours. Two or more of the same make a city/kingdom(?). Get resources by having/taking over more connected tiles, buy/upgrade people, conquer land, defeat everyone else.

[–] Coelacanth@feddit.nu 4 points 5 days ago

You should still play Blue Prince. I sincerely doubt you can be spoiled enough by the demo to not make the game worthwhile. There is so much in this game to find and figure out.

[–] totallyNotARedditor@lemm.ee 3 points 6 days ago (2 children)

I basically stopped playing everything except chivalry 2. I don't know why, but it's the only thing I've been playing for months

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