If there was one thing I loved about
The Witcher III: Wild Hunt
Gwent was the focal point. I believe many players either adored or felt indifferent towards the game. In my conversations, it became apparent that a substantial number leaned towards admiration rather than apathy.
Now that
The Witcher
With the new series now available on Netflix, receiving mixed feedback, it's not unexpected to observe.
The Witcher III
The surge in simultaneous players is remarkable. I, too, reinstalled the game, not only to relive the experience but also to explore why it has earned the title of 'game of the decade'.
Having gained deeper insights into the backstory of the characters, I contemplated replaying the core game. However, the extensive 90-plus hours required to complete the main storyline, coupled with the absence of meaningful achievements to pursue, deter me from embarking on another challenging journey.
(
The Witcher 2
However, that's a different tale. I initiated this within the past day, but I plan to delve into it further in a separate blog entry.
The main reason for its existence, however, is Gwent. Therefore, besides reinstalling W3 on Xbox, today I spent time downloading Gwent on my iPhone. Rediscovering the game, I find myself more enamored with its gameplay than ever before. While it remains uncertain how many enhancements have been introduced since its initial release, Gwent appears to be a user-friendly and entertaining alternative.
Hearthstone
or
Magic: The Gathering
or the myriad of other CCGs in the market.
In a highly competitive market, I remain cautiously optimistic about the future of Gwent. While many top CCGs are supported by major corporations like Activision, Bethesda, and Wizards, Gwent benefits from CD Projekt Red's backing. However, profitability ultimately determines a game's success, and therefore, its long-term viability is a crucial factor to consider.
The Witcher
‘s success as a franchise.
At present, I am determined to give my best shot at achieving success in Gwent this "season" to gauge my progress. Regardless of my performance, the drive to advance seems more compelling than in other endeavors.
Hearthstone
The program appears to highlight my shortcomings instead of motivating improvement. The true test will come at season's end to assess any change in perception.
It seems like I have been away from gaming for some time now, and I haven't had the opportunity to share my thoughts on gaming recently. To be honest, most of my evenings are dedicated to catching up on some much-needed sleep, as being a father to a teething six-month-old baby requires extra attention and care.
This leads to an expansion of gaming options. A relaxing late-night game that allows you to doze off without missing much of the storyline. I've mentioned it previously and will reiterate: I have a fondness for idle clickers. My preferred clicker game is still.
Idle Champions of the Forgotten Realms
.
While it took me quite a while to work out how to play an idle clicker, something beyond the simple click-and-upgrade methodology, and learning about resets and the benefits that it entails has made the game far more strategic than I first envisioned. This means that I’m now paying more attention to things like individual hero DPS and things like race-relations, that is, which races have better buffs when aligned with others. Understanding these in a little more detail is more helpful than simply trying to leverage a guide that doesn’t take into account which quests you’ve completed and what your current buffs are, or what equipment you are using. It doesn’t take into account what point in the game you’re ‘stepping in’ on (there are a number of formation guides that have heroes in it that I either haven’t unlocked, or it assumes that I’m able to unlock them easily).
One aspect that particularly frustrates me is the absence of cross-save functionality. At present, I play Idle Champions on PC, Xbox, and Mobile, each with different purchased DLCs and progress levels. The inability to synchronize all platforms is truly exasperating. While I understand the appeal of allowing players to access their progress across different devices, I believe a system similar to Destiny 2 and Bungie's model would be more beneficial. This model restricts the use of specific items or familiars on a platform unless purchased on that platform. Implementing such a system is not overly complex; it simply aligns with player-friendly practices. The lack of universal implementation of this feature across platforms is a source of considerable frustration for me.
In addition, developers have the opportunity to benefit twice. I believe CFOs of most major game publishers would eagerly welcome this idea.
Historical records suggest that the process of teething can be prolonged. While others engage in various activities, teething continues steadily.
Jedi: Fallen Order
, or flossing in
Fortnite
I will gradually reduce my Torm’s Favour balance...
I remember when I undertook the
Achievement a Day
Facing the challenge of finding travel-friendly games without having to carry the entire Xbox console, I recall this task with a hint of nostalgia. This was before the era of xCloud or Game Pass for PC, significantly limiting my choices. Apart from a handful of first-party games and a couple of iOS options, my selection mainly comprised of thoughtfully chosen console games like the Telltale series. I reserved some games for special occasions, like Christmas, making the most of my limited options back then.
In recent times, while I still prefer the Xbox ecosystem, I have become less dependent on it. Traveling over the past couple of weeks made me reassess my collection of mobile games. I searched for high-quality games that I could play offline during flights. This led me to discover some engaging titles, as online games were not an option in airplane mode.
Hearthstone
and
Call of Duty Mobile
Satisfy my craving for gaming with substantial content.
I am not completely sure if I fully addressed the requirements.
For the most part, my gaming life over the past few weeks has consisted of Gears POP! and Tetris Blitz, bath staples on my mobile, but other than the occasional path towards an achievement on Gears, the pair don’t really offer much substance. Recently, I’ve been considering a play through of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic on iPad considering I haven’t really managed to ever finish it, but that takes away from the excellent backwards compatibility option available to me on Xbox, or the comfort offered by playing on PC. But, still, as history tells me, it might also be the only way I’ll ever get the game finished. I haven’t made a decision about the best approach to take – but it’s food for thought.
In recent weeks, I have come to realize the necessity of transitioning from Mac back to PC. It is a significant acknowledgment for me, especially given that I have been using the same Mac since 2012, which has outperformed any PC I have owned. While it is challenging for me to identify a PC brand, particularly a laptop, that matches the quality of a Mac, I acknowledge that the market has evolved. Brands like Dell, including Alienware, are becoming increasingly appealing options that I am considering exploring further.
The return to using a PC can be attributed to two main factors. Firstly, my extensive collection of games requires attention and care. Secondly, the Game Pass for PC has been continually improving, offering an impressive selection. Picture the convenience of enjoying top-tier games such as The Outer Worlds while traveling for a week.
It sure beats Tetris Blitz.
I aim to increase my activity on this blog. I took a short break to participate in NaNoWriMo this month. However, it was challenging to balance my writing goals with family commitments. Unless I can write 30,000 words in a week, it seems like I might not meet my 2019 writing target.
I am fine with that. I have lots of other writing and gaming activities to occupy my time!
Without a doubt, I have a profound admiration for Call of Duty. While I appreciate the gameplay in both historical and futuristic war scenarios, my heart truly belongs to the Modern Warfare period. This preference stems from my keen fascination with military affairs and modern combat strategies. The simplistic yet effective run-and-gun mechanics of this era resonate with me the most, as they seem to mirror the practicalities of real-world warfare.
While today is the launch day for the reboot of the Modern Warfare series, I wanted to spend a few moments talking about the quiet sibling of the COD series, Call of Duty Mobile. I’ll be honest, it’s probably not something that I expected to enjoy quite as much as I had, but after my first few wins, well, I’m not ashamed to say that I’ve become a little enamored with the game – to the point where I’m now consistently winning Battle Royale’s and multiplayer games at a fairly regular rate. I mean … I don’t want to tout myself as the Ninja of Call of Duty Mobile … but I’m the Ninja of Call of Duty Mobile.
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Based on the usernames in the game, it appears that COD Mobile has a diverse player base in Japan and the broader East region. The mix of Russian, Chinese, and Japanese names in each game lobby indicates a healthy player community. This is not unexpected, considering that TiMi Games, the developer of COD Mobile, is owned by the Chinese company Tencent. The high quality of games produced for mobile devices by this developer makes playing with individuals from different backgrounds a rewarding experience.
The game features nostalgic references to classic COD maps like Nuketown, evoking a sense of delight. While the exact names may not be recalled, the familiar layouts resonate strongly. TiMi skillfully incorporates two or three beloved maps, adapting them effectively for mobile play.
One of the actions I took in the game was adjusting the graphics settings to Low. While it may not be essential, I aimed to avoid straining the data connection further, especially considering its reliability can be questionable. Dealing with connectivity issues, particularly in a multiplayer setting, is frustrating enough without the added humiliation of being eliminated while attempting to reconnect. Australia's network challenges certainly put this to the test!
I have not made any in-game purchases, but I am thoroughly enjoying the experience. Truth be told, I am absolutely thrilled with it! This game has seamlessly joined my collection of mobile games and outshines popular titles like PUBG and Fortnite.
A cross-save feature would greatly enhance the experience of the main Call of Duty game.
There is no doubt that we are currently in the era of distribution and subscription services. In terms of distribution platforms, we have industry giants like Epic, Microsoft, GOG, and the prominent player, Steam. When it comes to subscription services, in the past, Netflix was the unrivaled leader in this domain, towering over others who seemed insignificant. However, the landscape has significantly changed now. Each player has established its own platform, offering a plethora of choices such as Netflix, Stan, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video, Ten All Access, and soon we can expect NBC and other major players to introduce their own services to the market.
In the realm of gaming, subscription services are still in their early stages. Humble Bundle was one of the pioneers, providing a range of games for a monthly fee, which remains a popular model. Xbox followed suit with its Game Pass, later enhancing it to include PC games under the Game Pass Ultimate umbrella. Google introduced Stadia as a predominantly subscription-based service, although users can still make individual game purchases. It is highly likely that PlayStation and Nintendo will also introduce subscription services in the near future, possibly as part of their upcoming next-generation releases.
Introducing Apple Arcade, the new player in town this week.
Over the past few months, I have been thoroughly immersed in mobile gaming. Despite some skepticism in recent times, particularly regarding the perception of female gamers playing titles such as Candy Crush, the landscape of mobile games has evolved significantly. Today, the variety and quality of mobile games have elevated to a level where they can be considered a robust gaming option comparable to traditional gaming platforms. The introduction of Fortnite to mobile platforms initially raised doubts, but its ability to attract a substantial audience, along with impressive numbers, has established it as a viable and practical alternative for experiencing AAA gaming on the fly.
My cautious approach to spending on mobile games stems from a desire to make prudent choices. I consider purchasing games on mobile platforms a somewhat uncertain investment compared to buying games for consoles. Unlike mobile games, I can still access and play a wide range of digital games on my PS3 or Xbox, thanks to features like backward compatibility championed by Phil Spencer. Therefore, the concept of a subscription-based model for mobile gaming appears to be a logical solution.
Nevertheless, the focus of this post is on two noteworthy concerns.
One valuable aspect is the opportunity to maintain and document a mobile gaming trajectory. While some may dismiss the importance of achievements, I find great satisfaction in recording my gaming experiences and monitoring the titles I have engaged with. Therefore, I have opted for a combination of Xbox and Steam as my preferred platforms due to their exceptional capability to track my gaming history effectively. In comparison, Game Center on iOS falls short in this regard and lacks the robust features of Xbox Live or PlayStation Network, despite significant progress over time. PlayStation Network, for instance, only recently introduced the option for name changes after more than a decade, utilizing a somewhat cumbersome workaround that does not offer a permanent solution. Additionally, it took a considerable amount of time for PlayStation Network to develop a functional mobile app and web interface. While personal preferences may vary, my decision to favor a particular gaming service is heavily influenced by this factor. Consequently, I have shifted my focus away from PlayStation in the current gaming era, except for select exclusive titles, and embraced the Xbox ecosystem. When assessing different platforms and gaming options, iOS Game Center noticeably lags behind in terms of functionality and user experience.
One aspect that raises concern for me regarding Arcade is its pricing. The cost of AU$8 per month (or should I say "$7.99") is quite steep. Personally, when it comes to mobile gaming, I tend to allocate only $1-2 sporadically for in-app purchases. However, shelling out close to $100 annually in addition to my $15 per month Xbox Arcade subscription, $10 for Stan, another $10 for Ten All Access, and approximately $9 for Netflix (depending on the daily exchange rate) seems excessive. While I do find value in all these services and use them regularly, the idea of adding another $8 on top just to play 1-2 games for a few minutes each doesn't quite resonate with me.
I wanted to revisit my first take on
Gears POP!
given the
rather harsh assessment offered by Kotaku
My concern is that I might be overly optimistic about a game that others consider mediocre.
However, I disagree. I continue to find it enjoyable - and Kotaku's opinion is incorrect.
Upon initial inspection, achieving Level 6 may not seem like reaching the pinnacle of enlightenment, warranting the disregard of Kotaku's narrow perspective on the game. However, reaching this level requires substantial effort. It is evident that the allure of casual gaming is fading for many.
Gears POP!
In my field, the remaining competitors are either devoted enthusiasts or newcomers who arrived late. I appreciate the dedication required to reach this intermediate level, considering the numerous challenges and victories one must experience. Thus, I hold a significant amount of respect for those participating at this 'mid-tier' level.
I must admit that I often find myself losing a considerable number of games. The win-loss ratio is approximately 50-50, but unlike with Hearthstone, the appeal hasn't diminished as rapidly. It could be due to the steady stream of rewarding Xbox achievements or simply because I genuinely relish the game. Regardless of the reason, whether viewed from a philosophical angle or a business standpoint, my continued engagement holds significance.
I am curious to observe whether other first-party studios at Microsoft will embrace mobile development or if xCloud will attract the mobile user base. Nevertheless, I consider this endeavor far from being a failure.
As a connoisseur of mobile games featuring Xbox achievements, I find great delight in immersing myself in challenges. Microsoft Solitaire is a favorite indulgence of mine, and I am always eager to extol the virtues of Wordament to fellow enthusiasts. Regrettably, my unique appreciation for digital accomplishments is not always shared by others, who often prefer returning to their match-three games or perusing Instagram instead.
However, I was much quicker. It only took me about fifteen seconds to pre-order after receiving the notification.
Gears POP!
Prepared to download the game and launch it.
Then the connectivity issues happened.
I’m not going to labour the point because I don’t mind a few teething errors, and thankfully they corrected themselves fairly soon thereafter, which meant that after an hour of gameplay, I had already earned myself two or three achievements, and by the end of the day yesterday, I was at 9% completion.
Not bad for a very brief afternoon’s work.
The game appears to be a replica of Clash of Clans, featuring POP! characters inspired by the Gears of War series. It seems like numerous complex licensing agreements were drawn up by inexperienced lawyers and then integrated into the game, yet surprisingly, it functions well. As I am currently only at level two, using characters that are essentially improved editions of the initial set, I am uncertain about the extent to which the gameplay will evolve with the introduction of new characters or when facing tougher adversaries in the future.
Moving forward, progress may be gradual as certain achievements necessitate playing hundreds of games. This task is not insurmountable but will certainly require a significant time investment. In my experience, matches against human opponents often extended due to time constraints, resulting in unexpected outcomes where some games ended with conquering just one base or reaching sudden death. To optimize your chances of success, allocating uninterrupted time for gameplay is crucial. However, the true test lies in sustained performance and whether personal limitations will eventually surface.
Meanwhile, I will continue striving to achieve those delightful goals.
I feel no need to justify my passion for Pokemon. When a game connects with The Pokemon Company and my Nintendo Account, I am compelled to give it a try.
I am uncertain of the purpose that this game serves, yet it offers a simplistic journey into the realm of Pokémon. Potential future integration could enhance its appeal.
Pokémon Bank
I appreciate the integration of Nintendo titles utilizing the Nintendo Network. Witnessing such collaboration in mobile gaming is truly inspiring. I am eager to observe Xbox further embrace this trend in the upcoming months.
xCloud
Furthermore, iOS updates have been introduced to enable the use of Xbox and PS4 controllers.
The future will reveal whether developers embrace and back it, but I will maintain a positive outlook!
The Ubisoft name truly convinced me to try this out, to be completely honest.
Horse Haven
I decided to try it out, even though it's not a game I would typically choose.
In its essence, this game resembles typical world-building titles – upgrade, cultivate, nurture. The unique feature centers around horses, appealing to a teenage niece fond of them. However, for a mature individual with a preference for indoor activities, the appeal might be limited.
On it own, that isn’t enough for me to discredit
Horse Haven
because it operates as advertised. I don’t know how long the game has been around, but it’s operating in a market that is saturated with similar games, though, like the pull which originally roped me in, it’s the Ubisoft name which offers perhaps the greatest confident that the game will be supported longer-term.
Is it worth trying out? Definitely. If you have an interest in the genre and wish to witness the AAA developers' approach, this is a solid choice. However, if you've exhausted the genre, anticipate nothing groundbreaking or captivating here.
Upon commencing the game, I recognized it as a Match 3 genre, yet I couldn't resist the chance to reunite with my beloved characters, Woody and Buzz, in a gaming setting.
This game lacks originality, relying mainly on occasional appearances of licensed characters. The simplistic art style appears to prioritize preventing phone overheating over capturing the Pixar aesthetic.
While I did find the game enjoyable, there were some missed opportunities in its execution. I anticipate a swift release of another game to address these shortcomings.
Toy Story
game or film or toy in the works. And another …
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