Sony Help me prioritize my backlog

[TD]

So recently I've managed to finally kinda start getting back into some gaming after a pretty sizeable lull.

However, after looking at the folders on my PS5, I've realized I have close to 130 games I'm interested in.

I'm narrowing it down to 10 and I'm interested in input based on this list if there's any you think I should move higher or lower.

Some are purchased, some are catalog. Worth noting games can disappear from the catalog so I may never get to them.

That said.

Currently playing: Dragon's Dogma 2

The backlog:
1) NieR Automata
2) Midnight Suns
3) Tales of Arise
4) Secret of Mana
5) Tiny Tina's Wonderlands
6) Fallout 4
7) Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir
8) Nioh
9) 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim
10) Mass Effect Trilogy

 

[Smacktard]

If I were you I'd start with Mass Effect Trilogy -- but only because you'd probably want to space out the three games that make up that game. Start with ME1 and then move on to something wildly different, like Secret of Mana. That's what I do to keep things fresh.

 

[TD]

More votes for that Mass Effect train - it's that good, eh?

 

[VashTheStampede]

I think Kelly is on it, start with ME1, then toss something else in between.

If you're a big Marvel nerd you can't go wrong with Midnight Suns. If you're a more casual or just an MCU fan, it's still a good game but it doesn't jump to S tier.

Most people who play it seem to agree that Nier Automata is something special but you have to dedicate quite a chunk of time before it hits that level. Before that point it's still a solid little action RPG with some surprising gameplay twists.

Fallout 4 is Fallout and it's hard to go wrong there in my book.

 

[Jawneh]

Tiny Tina is a wonderful goofy time.

Secret of Mana is just a classic all around.

NieR, just like I saw Vash post, is a very good time, but is pretty darn long. You can "beat the game" in an okay amount of time, but to get the most out of it, there are 20 something endings in the game both with minor and major developments.

 

[VashTheStampede]

I absolutely adored Tiny Tina and it has one of my favorite comedic moments in gaming history.

But boy was it a buggy mess when I played it at launch.

 

[TD]

If you're a big Marvel nerd you can't go wrong with Midnight Suns. If you're a more casual or just an MCU fan, it's still a good game but it doesn't jump to S tier.

So one of the things that really draw me to this game as well is the unique combination of a tactical rpg and the card system.

Would you say that part of it is particularly well done?

Most people who play it seem to agree that Nier Automata is something special but you have to dedicate quite a chunk of time before it hits that level. Before that point it's still a solid little action RPG with some surprising gameplay twists.

NieR, just like I saw Vash post, is a very good time, but is pretty darn long. You can "beat the game" in an okay amount of time, but to get the most out of it, there are 20 something endings in the game both with minor and major developments.

Automata has been on my radar for years and I finally caved and bought it this week when it was 70% off. I've heard about the crazy amount of endings. Good to know it's a slow burn game though.

Tiny Tina is a wonderful gppfy time.

I absolutely adored Tiny Tina and it has one of my favorite comedic moments in gaming history.

I typically play Borderlands games co-op, how does Tiny Tina check out for single player?

It's heavily tied to D&D I think, right?

 

[Spiner202]

I have played none of those, but have two possibly conflicting thoughts: (1) Mass Effect would be my vote as I'm pretty interested in playing it as well; (2) I usually like to start with shorter games because it cuts down the list a bit faster.

 

[VashTheStampede]

So one of the things that really draw me to this game as well is the unique combination of a tactical rpg and the card system.

Would you say that part of it is particularly well done?

When the game was first announced as being by the XCOM team I was very excited. Then all the news of it being a card based tactics game came out and I softened my stance and went in just hoping for it to be at least somewhat fun.

After playing it, as much as I want a sequel, I would be on board for any other license they want to attach to that combat system. I had an absolute ball.

I typically play Borderlands games co-op, how does Tiny Tina check out for single player?

It's heavily tied to D&D I think, right?

Single player was a lot better than multi-player. Not perfect by any stretch, but playable and fun.

Most of the humor is derived from making fun of D&D tropes and such.

 

[Smacktard]

(2) I usually like to start with shorter games because it cuts down the list a bit faster.

I get that feeling too. I keep buying short games but never get around to them because I've been going from one long game to the next. It feels great though when a few long ones are out of the way and you can knock a few short ones out real quick

 

[Benzine]

I've been loving shorter games recently, but that may be due to being a parent.

I third/fourth/eighth Kelly's suggestion of starting with ME and spacing them out. Or, if you love it and have heaps of time to play, just rush through them. Good to have the option.

 

[TD]

Alright well, sounds like I'll bump Mass Effect all the way up since it seems pretty well received by most.

 

[TD]

As I wrap up with DD2 for now...

My backlog will look something like this:

Next: Mass Effect

1) Tunic
2) Mass Effect 2*
3) Animal Well
4) Mass Effect 3*
5) NieR Automata

(yes I realize 2 of these weren't even on the original list)

 

[Smacktard]

Oh man I can't wait to hear your thoughts on Tunic

 

[Andy]

Mass Effect takes a pretty significant jump in gameplay between 1 and 2 in my opinion. Still love 1 but 2 is one of my favourite games ever.

 

[Andy]

Also Fallout 4 was my least favourite of the more recent ones (3 and NV) but still good fun. Always enjoy those games and looking forward to when progress on a new one finally kicks off.

Nier was odd but appreciate a different setting than the usual crazy fantasy world that RPGs tend to operate in. I did only complete one play through, though, and read about the others.

 

[TD]

I'm about 2 hours and change into the first Mass Effect and to put it bluntly - I'm pretty bored. It's been pretty much all dialogue. Does it ramp up or is this the ME experience?

 

[TD]

Oh man I can't wait to hear your thoughts on Tunic

So I put Mass Effect down for a while and hopped into Tunic for a couple hours.

The first thing that immediately caught my attention was the music and general sound design, followed shortly by the atmosphere.

Very. Very enjoyable game to play and I think fits what I want right now. The combat is simple, but also - satisfying.

I'll give more detailed thoughts when I beat it, but I'll definitely go the distance with this one

Oh the things not being English and needing to find the manual is kinda confusing, not sure how I feel about that part.

 

[Smacktard]

All I am willing to say so far is: lmao.

 

[TD]

So I've put in another 3 hours... Tunic is... great.

But...

The combat is simple, but also - satisfying.

...oh. Oh. Does this ever ramp up.

Wtf Siege Engine??

Oh the things not being English and needing to find the manual is kinda confusing, not sure how I feel about that part.

...so early on I didn't get it... but now I kind of seem to have an idea where this part is going. It's very, very unique the way they do this... and I'm very into it.

 

[Smacktard]

Hell yeah, I knew you'd like it.
...but you're still not there yet...

 

[Andy]

Dialogue is definitely a big part of mass effect. I’d say that lessens in 2 and 3. I’m sure I remember a lot more combat. It’s been a while though

 

[Smacktard]

dong ding
hello @TD i demand a tunic update

 

[TD]

dong ding
hello @TD i demand a tunic update

Okay... sooooo.
I may have binged it like crazy and beat it. I'm going to be doing some post-game stuff and cleanup. Took me 10h.

Apparently there's a wackload of Secret Treasures and I only found 1? So I definitely have some exploring to do there, and I need to get the rest of the manual among other things. I'll be aiming for the Platinum on this, even if I need a second playthrough.

So with that - this game is a rock solid 10/10. It's got everything I'm looking for in a game. Amazing atmosphere, challenging combat (more on this in a moment), awesome exploration, confusing puzzles, a meaningful story told without the use of cutscenes and excessive dialogue, and an emphasis on gameplay... I need more of this type of game.

The boss I mentioned earlier was the hardest boss for me for a while but that was while I got used to mechanics and how the combat flow.

That said - the hardest and most insane boss by far for me was the final boss. The first phase wasn't that bad, but that second phase? Damn did it catch me off guard in the best way possible, especially cause it was epic.

But the in between, the level design and mob placement, along with the variety of monsters? It reminds of Souls games in that, that was the more challenging part of the game for me.

As far as indy games that came out of nowhere but are exceptional - this is up there with the likes of Hollow Knight for me.

 

[Smacktard]

It sounds like you opened the Golden Door, right? How long did it take you to solve that puzzle?

 

[TD]

It sounds like you opened the Golden Door, right? How long did it take you to solve that puzzle?

Is that the giant door on top of the snowy mountain? If so, I haven't yet. That's one of the things I'll be figuring out in postgame (or a new playthrough). Right now I have absolutely no clue but I'm assuming it'll require some kind of button input or something, just like the small purple-ish doors.

 

[Smacktard]

Keep going

 

[Quagmire]

So recently I've managed to finally kinda start getting back into some gaming after a pretty sizeable lull.

However, after looking at the folders on my PS5, I've realized I have close to 130 games I'm interested in.

I'm narrowing it down to 10 and I'm interested in input based on this list if there's any you think I should move higher or lower.

Some are purchased, some are catalog. Worth noting games can disappear from the catalog so I may never get to them.

That said.

Currently playing: Dragon's Dogma 2

The backlog:
1) NieR Automata
2) Midnight Suns
3) Tales of Arise
4) Secret of Mana
5) Tiny Tina's Wonderlands
6) Fallout 4
7) Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir
8) Nioh
9) 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim
10) Mass Effect Trilogy

Mass Effect and it isn't even close

NieR Automata is good, be sure you're played Replicant first IMO

After that Im indifferent. Secret of Mana was good for the time, but dont think it holds up that well, at least in terms of story. Fallout 4 really disappointed me from the role playing perspective. Odin Sphere I liked but was really disappointed when I became a new character and had to grind for new pouches to expand my limited inventory

 

[TD]

Keep going

Still plugging away at it. I've been focused on the secret treasures and the faeries. Got almost all the secret treasures.

The way this game handles puzzles though and the clever use of the directional pad on top of it?

Not sure I've ever seen anything like this.

 

[Smacktard]

Still plugging away at it. I've been focused on the secret treasures and the faeries. Got almost all the secret treasures.

The way this game handles puzzles though and the clever use of the directional pad on top of it?

Not sure I've ever seen anything like this.

I got sick of trying to find the treasures and fairies organically tbh. There were SO many places they could be, so I did what I could and then used a guide for the locations of the rest so to preserve my sanity.

...Still haven't opened the Mountain Door yet?

 

[TD]

I got sick of trying to find the treasures and fairies organically tbh. There were SO many places they could be, so I did what I could and then used a guide for the locations of the rest so to preserve my sanity.

...Still haven't opened the Mountain Door yet?

I've used the Game Help feature on PS5 for a few of them. I love the feature. If you're not familiar, it'll give you a hint on what to do next but not explicitly tell you. So for example, the hints for secret treasures would be something like "check page #x for a hint", it's a really great way of nudging you somewhere without explicitly spoiling.

And nope. No mountain door, yet.

 

[Smacktard]

I've used the Game Help feature on PS5 for a few of them. I love the feature. If you're not familiar, it'll give you a hint on what to do next but not explicitly tell you. So for example, the hints for secret treasures would be something like "check page #x for a hint", it's a really great way of nudging you somewhere without explicitly spoiling.

And nope. No mountain door, yet.

That's a great feature! I kind of wish I'd approached the final few treasures and fairies that way. Everything up until those was pure gold, but by the time I got to those end-game optional collectables I was getting a bit burnt out. Just hard to know where you might've missed something and having to backtrack multiple times through the whole game isn't super fun.

 

[TD]

That's a great feature! I kind of wish I'd approached the final few treasures and fairies that way. Everything up until those was pure gold, but by the time I got to those end-game optional collectables I was getting a bit burnt out. Just hard to know where you might've missed something and having to backtrack multiple times through the whole game isn't super fun.

I finished the manual and the door. That was a great puzzle - but I'd be lying if I said I didn't get some help on that one. Either way, what a game - very happy I played it. Going to do some trophy cleanup and get the Platinum.

Mass Effect will continue as a backlog for now. I get the vibe I need to be immersed to enjoy it.

 

[Smacktard]

I finished the manual and the door. That was a great puzzle - but I'd be lying if I said I didn't get some help on that one.

I got the gist of it and drew all of the door panels together, then decided to just look up the directions online because it's like a 100-step process and I didn't want to repeat it if one of my drawings was a little off or something. Such a great puzzle though. When it finally clicks what the Golden Path is, it's a complete brainsplosion.

I guess I'll keep Mass Effect Trilogy on the side for a while too. I'm a bit RPG'd out; I've noticed I'm skipping all optional dialogue in Xenoblade 3 now. That's usually how it goes for jRPGs with me -- I start off very invested, read all of the text, closely follow all of the cutscenes, then eventually get burnt out about halfway through the game and stop paying attention. The gameplay is fun but damn the chain attacks REALLY need a "skip cutscene you've seen for the 3232th time" button.

 

[TD]

I got the gist of it and drew all of the door panels together, then decided to just look up the directions online because it's like a 100-step process and I didn't want to repeat it if one of my drawings was a little off or something. Such a great puzzle though. When it finally clicks what the Golden Path is, it's a complete brainsplosion.

Oh yeah I figured out the gist myself too. The page with the blocks and the page numbers really helped figure it out but same deal as you, that was a lot to potentially screw it up.

I guess I'll keep Mass Effect Trilogy on the side for a while too. I'm a bit RPG'd out; I've noticed I'm skipping all optional dialogue in Xenoblade 3 now. That's usually how it goes for jRPGs with me -- I start off very invested, read all of the text, closely follow all of the cutscenes, then eventually get burnt out about halfway through the game and stop paying attention. The gameplay is fun but damn the chain attacks REALLY need a "skip cutscene you've seen for the 3232th time" button.

Maybe that's what it is for me... RPG'd out. My current gaming habits don't really support that kind of in-depth RPG right now either. I'll play for a few hours, then play nothing for several days, rinse and repeat. Really hard to say immersed in an RPG story when that's your routine. I've been in more of an... "actively playing" mood lately if that makes any sense.

I hear you on RPGs... and a big issue for me on them now is lengths and trying to remember what'll happen.

 

[Smacktard]

Oh yeah I figured out the gist myself too. The page with the blocks and the page numbers really helped figure it out but same deal as you, that was a lot to potentially screw it up.

I figured out quickly that the blocks = pages but took me a lot of head scratching to figure out what to do with that info. When it all clicked, it was amazing. Fuck, what a good game. I wish I could play it again for the first time.

 

[TD]

I figured out quickly that the blocks = pages but took me a lot of head scratching to figure out what to do with that info. When it all clicked, it was amazing. Fuck, what a good game. I wish I could play it again for the first time.

Agreed. I wonder if they'll ever come up with a spiritual successor or sequel.

Also, feel like you can appreciate this.

Spoiler

https://www.reddit.com/r/TunicGame/s/7aErhAE0wL

 

[Smacktard]

Agreed. I wonder if they'll ever come up with a spiritual successor or sequel.

Also, feel like you can appreciate this.

Spoiler

https://www.reddit.com/r/TunicGame/s/7aErhAE0wL

Holy hell

When it came to solving the last bonus puzzle I knew I didn't have it in me. It moved away from a game and into Enigma decryption territory cool easter egg for those that can be arsed though