Welcome new members (introduction topic)

Royta/Raeng wrote:Welcome!

Curious to know, you seem to have come into the genre quite later than most here, how'd you make the jump and gain such interest in it?

Thanks for asking!
Interest accumulated overtime through Youtube. Since I loved MGR:R, I got a lot of recommendations on memes and music. That's how I discovered DMC and other action titles, after all Bury the Light is such a banger of a song. Most importantly, I gained interest through video essays. Foxcade, SphereHunter, CodexEntry, and more, I kept getting these video essays and found them interesting. That's how I learned of different action titles and got enough information to decide whether I wanted to play them or not.

It must be said while MGR:R planted that desire to chase combat high, getting into DMC essentially trained a new mindset in me. Not to say MGR:R was easy (it wasn't for me 1st time), but DMC 3/4 were on different level of tough. I wanted to get good. After growing in skill, these games successfully integrated the desire to be stylish in combat.

That's also in conjuction with my psychological need to escape my current reality and the need to express myself in some way. I needed a creative outlet. Normally after consuming a piece of media I have the desire to study it and make something of my own that pays homage to it.

I was interested in writing and enjoyed videos on writing characters. I wouldn't know MGR:R without that. After playing MGR:R of course I had a feeling that it was the best thing ever and justified playing other games as "learning" cause I want to make my own action game of sorts.

My journey is weird, convoluted and largely strays far from how others got into the genre. If I didn't want to make a game imitating MGR:R maybe I wouldn't play DMC in the first place. Your website really helped me too, I got into game design, found my way into a stinger magazine somehow and found gold.

So I hope we have lots of good discussion here. Unfortunately, the difference in time zones as well as college really fucks with the timing on when I can engage with a person real-time. That's pretty much it, further topics I will ask are fueled by this need. Again, thanks for asking! It's quite relieving.

As noted, it's a forum, so don't worry about it. It can at times be quiet here, no posts for a few days or even weeks. We all have jobs, lives, school, families - so no need to apologize or whatever. We're all patient here :) Hell, I have a kid on the way in 6 weeks, so don't expect much out of me for a bit haha.

> found your way to stinger and struck gold
First off, great to hear that the articles still strike a cord. How'd you find the site do you remember? I'm always interested in hearing that haha

Royta/Raeng wrote:As noted, it's a forum, so don't worry about it. It can at times be quiet here, no posts for a few days or even weeks. We all have jobs, lives, school, families - so no need to apologize or whatever. We're all patient here :) Hell, I have a kid on the way in 6 weeks, so don't expect much out of me for a bit haha.

> found your way to stinger and struck gold
First off, great to hear that the articles still strike a cord. How'd you find the site do you remember? I'm always interested in hearing that haha

I remember you mentioned the kid) congrats!

I don't quite remember how I found your website, I think I was scrolling through game design articles, specifically action games on gamedeveloper.com or something. Then went through links and found yours at a certain point.

@Royta/Raeng

I think I remember now. It was an article about what action games can learn from Doom, I consider this your magnum opus of a post. Brilliant.

Hello everyone. Hopefully by joining this forum, we can have some nice discussion on not just action games, but games in general. A little difficult to do that these days. I've already known some of the members here (Wright, Raeng etc.), so that's good.

Oh Hi, I remember you from Zesty's chat. Welcome, Welcome!

Hey Fattah! Nice to see you made the jump to here, great to see :) Welcome!

Paul Allen:

Howdy, I think I've seen you in Zesty's chat too. His OHKO streams were legendary.

Raeng:

Nice to see you too mate. One of these days, I still need to go back to NG2 and do single-weapon runs. I've only done that for two weapons.

Hello Fattah. Nice to see another NG2CHAD join the forum.

>NG2 single-weapon runs
Have to try them myself someday.

I recognized that pfp, Hyperfist. Hello, fellow NG2CHAD. Yes, single-weapon runs are very fun, you learn about the game a whole lot more, and you're not committing CBT on yourself like challenge runs.

> single weaponruns
Only did a few myself, Dragon Sword, Dual Kats and Claws. Working on Kusari currently but got a bit burned out so took a break. I do them all on Master Ninja on my NG+billion run, so I can just skip the tedious stuff like Gigadeath and Worm by firing 10+ Void Ninpos at it haha. Not interested in wasting my time on those fights anymore. Only did the Dragon Sword one fresh.

Welcome, Fattah. Glad to see that you decided to join this great place.

>NG2 talk
One day. I'll join in.

Hey all! I am glad to be joining you guys. Looking forward to interesting discussions. I can already recognize some familiar faces here, mainly from interactions about GoW and challenge running. My go-to genre is racing, but I like action games as well.

I am currently deep into GoW challenge running. Finished GoW II and GoS No Upgrade Runs. Did GoW I No Upgrade Run+ No Chest Run. Recently, I have created a custom mod for GoW II that drains resources until you die. Been doing a challenge run with it, and it has been spicy so far (and goofy).

I also like Vanquish very much. Haven't done God Hard yet, but can confidently say that the game rocks.

Welcome Kira!

> another GoW player
Is there a high-level GoW player promoting the site? Not hating, just curious. You're all very welcome here since GoW challenge running is the highest form of art imo (or, close to). Just noticing a small influx of GoW related players.

> likes Vanquish
You're especially welcome by that alone. I met SBK and GMG through that game, fantastic title. God Hard will make a man out of you.

Thanks!

>GoW player promoting this site
I have certainly came across it before. When looking for some data Mr Wright has here. Maybe recent GoW players find out about Stinger from YT somehow?

>Vanquish
Well, it is a different beast. I am looking at your shotgun-only run as a guide of sorts. I really need to get back and do this. Too busy with GoW stuff right now.

>Met GMG and SBK through Vanquish
What a rewarding game man

Welcome, Kira. Another Chad GoW challenge runner is joining. Very glad to see this.

>promoting
Maybe someone from Zesty's streams mentioned or gave the link.

Yoo Wright. So good to see familiar people. This place already feels like home.

>Promotion
You once told me about it when I was looking for GoW I data. Around the time when the desert siren launch was being inspected. Later, I got another notice from buddies (registered as Egyptian Slayer here). I know Stinger was mentioned in Zesty's chat sometime as well.

>it was me
Now that you mention it, yes, I believe I did so. Just wasn't sure because YT usually hates links, so not sure what I ended up doing.

Either way, enjoy your stay.

Wright:

All in due time.

Also, welcome aboard, Kira. Good to have you here. What a coincidence you joined right after I did the same.

Yo Fattah. Nice to se you here as well.

>Coincidence
A welcome one

Fattah:

I've riled up chat with my DMC comment hah. I'm not that frequent in Zesty's streams, but I hope to have good convo here as well.

Hello, I dont have that many incredible achievments in challenge running at all but I find it fun. The game I focus the most on is mgr. Ive spent most of my time in speedrunning but then I got interested in challenge runs too. I think thats about it for the introduction? sorry if im missing some crucial piece of information that I shouldve put here too.

Welcome! I started with MGR:R eons ago too, so you're in good company!

Hi, I hate vidja games.

Prox0451 wrote:Hi, I hate vidja games.

Yo, Enigma?

SultanHayabusa wrote:

Prox0451 wrote:Hi, I hate vidja games.

Yo, Enigma?

Wow, that's literally me.

Prox0451 wrote:

SultanHayabusa wrote:

Prox0451 wrote:Hi, I hate vidja games.

Yo, Enigma?

Wow, that's literally me.

Lol welcome bro, you hopping on jak 3 soon? How was Jak II the GOAT?

SultanHayabusa wrote:

Prox0451 wrote:

SultanHayabusa wrote:

Prox0451 wrote:Hi, I hate vidja games.

Yo, Enigma?

Wow, that's literally me.

Lol welcome bro, you hopping on jak 3 soon? How was Jak II the GOAT?

I played a little bit of Jak 3, its pretty good so far. As for Jak 2, 5 out of 5 stars.

Damn, didn't think you'd make the jump! Welcome brother!

Yo Enigma's here. Good to see you oomfie.

Hey, stumbled upon the stinger articles while looking up stuff about action games and the saw there was a forum so I decided to join since I thought it'd be cool to join a community to talk about these action games. the Devil May Cry games and Wonderful 101/Bayo1 are my favorites but right now I'm currently playing a lot of Zone of the Enders 2 and Astral Chain. Hope to have some good discussion here.

>DMC
A popular choice.

>Bayo 1
Hey, alright. A fine general selection.

>W101
Royboy, maybe.

>ZotE2
I'm sure Wright will be thrilled (wonder if SBK will ever join here *should probably invite him to do so*).

>Astral Chain
I forget. Perhaps SBK. Maybe Birdman. There are typically people around liking the various titles one might discuss to vary degrees in a variety of ways (though largely in terms of mechanics and challenge running as compared to say speedrunning or glitching *not so much 'combos' for their own sake*).

>There are typically people around liking the various titles one might discuss to vary degrees in a variety of ways
Nice to hear, there's lots of interesting action games that should be talked about as much as DMC/NG so I'll definitely check out all the various topics.

>though largely in terms of mechanics and challenge running as compared to say speedrunning or glitching *not so much 'combos' for their own sake*
sounds much more my speed. Never really tried speedrunning anything and I enjoy playing stylishly in DMC but never got too into the combo mad stuff.

>a lot of interesting titles deserving attention
Birdy in particular is good at variety, I'd say. Some surprising choices. Though, even I can be emblematic of that much. Some more respectable than others. My focus is plain to see. However, I did a fair bit with Bayo 1 and DMC3. The latter never getting all the love I wanted for it, sadly. Came at the wrong time in my life. Bayo 1 kept taking L's from fate (3 100% files erased before challenge runs could start). Such is the curse of the PS3 edition. Sticking more closely to our sub-genre (less so on very unrelated things), did some extensive testing in X-Men:W:O finding merit in the systems even if some of the systems were clearly overly dominant (these things happen). Sadly, another case (a trend forming) where higher runs didn't materialize.

DI is a similar case, but at least the highest setting got a some attention. Even just H with a challenge run of seemingly minor sounding nature (Fresh Evil ONLY) was rough at times. VH NUR+ would be fucked up in some places even without going "Evil". The first stage of the final boss would probably not even be possible without maybe the DLC giving an item them might make it doable with more than godlike luck and play doing a fucking Potara fusion (because the dance cutting it). Stage 2? Far less daunting (unless we're talking Holy ONLY riding high until getting its anus destroyed here). SWFU1 (not so much SWFU2), however, did get extensive runwork of all sorts. ME:SoM is probably too distant a cousin (at least one time removed if not second) to really mention. Souls is in a similar spot (and contentious for other reasons).

>not much for speedrunning
A similar sentiment. I could never make myself rush. I dislike skipping encounters. High level glitching work can be fun as with finding such things, but using them for a run about just avoiding things isn't for me. Still, it can be amusing to watch. Categories that actually play the game more legitimately while still going fast are preferable, but far, FAR more rare even before asking for the highest setting in some challenge condition (a rare breed, indeed). Just not a lot of overlap in the mentalities in question.

>playing stylishly
Zesty will be glad to hear it.

>not so much MAD
Yes, that's when one gets to the level of 'cuhrayzee' mentality (a community that needed a reality check). Obsessing over flourish to the point of absurdity (usually crossing over into the territory of downplaying other titles that don't as well encourage mixing and matching mostly samey moves just for the sake of variety *ignoring even the gaming of the point system known as "style" for its intended purpose*). These types often get so fixated they can't imagine doing any work without it. Speedrunning? But you didn't get S ranks, so the run is invalid. Challenge run? Sorry, that NUR+ didn't have S ranks, so it is a no from me, dawg. It gets a just a bit silly.

That wasn't how the community was at the start of even DMC3. By the time DMC4 came out, that's another matter. Things sort of went off the rails. There was a time and a place for combos (even I enjoyed them in the early days for tech, high level play skill showcasing, working mechanics creatively, taking into consideration the arena selection, etc.), but it just got so absurd (overshadowing and consuming all focus). Somehow also developing a disdain for efficiency. Nothing upset them more than rapidly and easily killing some boss (all the worse if the style meter bends the knee to the approach). DMC4's case of DRI comes to mind readily.

>Bayo 1 kept taking L's from fate (3 100% files erased before challenge runs could start). Such is the curse of the PS3 edition.
That sucks. Reminds me of an opinion I've seen before about how action game movesets should be completely unlocked from the start. At first I kinda disagreed with this take because I thought the whole progression in unlocking everything as you make your way through every difficulty was kinda neat and i didn't see any tedium with it. Now I agree with the take as I play more action games because of things like moves that should be unlocked from the start being in the shop and not apart of the basic moveset (could be overwhelming at first but it feels like it ends up being the better option), the whole process of trying to unlock everything over time which takes a while (At first I liked this for adding reason to replay but I know I'm already replaying these games so I would rather have things already unlocked. Though certain things like the secret weapons can stay as bonus things), and the possibility of things like save files being corrupted or buying another copy of the game later down the line and having to do it all again. Could see how it completely swayed you away from wanting to really delve into challenge runs.

> Still, it can be amusing to watch. Categories that actually play the game more legitimately while still going fast are preferable, but far, FAR more rare even before asking for the highest setting in some challenge condition
Yeah Mario 64 seems like a good game to speedrun and its great seeing people who really have a good grip on the mechanics play that game but I never saw the appeal in speedrunning a game like Dark Souls. Nothing against it but i feel the challenge should fit the game and some games aren't "speedrun" games to me.

>(usually crossing over into the territory of downplaying other titles that don't as well encourage mixing and matching mostly samey moves just for the sake of variety *ignoring even the gaming of the point system known as "style" for its intended purpose*).
It gets pretty annoying the way some action game fans act. I'm subscribed to the DMC subreddit and recently there was a post discussing a DMC1 remake and if Kamiya should return for it. I didn't comment in the post because I don't think DMC1 needs a remake at all so I didn't have anything to add to the discussion but I still looked through the comments to see what people had to say. I was annoyed to see how many people were downplaying DMC1 as "dated" and even the other games Kamiya's worked on. It's something I've seen a lot in some DMC fans and I've always disagreed with the downplay of DMC1 as a "clunky prototype" just because you don't have as many moves. I understand not getting into it as much as the later ones because of that, It's not even my favorite, but it feels like some fans just write it off as a game that was "good for the time but hasn't aged well at all" when it's still one of the best action games today. Criticizing a game's mechanics for being "dated" is also one of the most overused and misused criticisms in game discussions. Though there were plenty of people who said DMC1 didn't need a remake and people defending Kamiya's other games from people trying to downplay those ones as well so I'm not the only one who feels this way.

>That wasn't how the community was at the start of even DMC3. By the time DMC4 came out, that's another matter. Things sort of went off the rails. There was a time and a place for combos (even I enjoyed them in the early days for tech, high level play skill showcasing, working mechanics creatively, taking into consideration the arena selection, etc.), but it just got so absurd (overshadowing and consuming all focus). Somehow also developing a disdain for efficiency. Nothing upset them more than rapidly and easily killing some boss (all the worse if the style meter bends the knee to the approach). DMC4's case of DRI comes to mind readily.
I've definitely gotten tired of the many arguments that have come out of the community but thankfully there's still people out there who are open minded and want to have meaningful discussion. Like most most gaming communities they all have their specific divides and arguments.

Welcome!

You're in good company. Big fan of Astral Chain and ZoE2 myself, Phoenix is currently diving into that game and we're exchanging notes so if you want to join in on it feel free. Also feel free to necro old topics of games you want to talk about, it's all allowed, the more talk the merrier.

@GMG
> SBK
Already did, IIRC he refused. Would love to have him here (if only to bypass the shitty Gfaqs PM limit).

>Nice to hear, there's lots of interesting action games that should be talked about as much as DMC/NG so I'll definitely check out all the various topics.

I specialize in Chaos Legion, Okami and Lollipop Chainsaw.

@Royta/Raeng
>Big fan of Astral Chain and ZoE2 myself
Yeah I've read through the Stinger articles and saw the Zone of the Enders one. Great article for a very great game. I've never been a huge mecha fan so I don't have as much experience with the genre of games but Zoe2 really is something special. I've looked into other mecha games for something similar but I haven't really been able to find something that feels the same. I bet there's a lot of great mecha games but they're mostly a different kind of style of gameplay to Zoe2 so there hasn't been anything like Zoe2 at least from what I've seen. Still looking though and I still hold out hope that there might be a Zoe3 one of these days.

I'm playing the post-game of Astral Chain right now and I'm really getting into it. The combat system was really interesting to me and I enjoyed playing so much that the more story focused stuff didn't bother me as much as I though it would. I even did a good amount of the side missions at first. I stopped and just went for the main objective towards the end but I enjoyed my experience with the main game enough that I didn't feel it was too bothersome for me which I was a bit worried about when hearing from people who were disappointed with the game. The post-game is where the game really gets good though with everything unlocked and just having a ton of combat focused missions. There's definitely a lot to this game's combat system and I'm really enjoying learning and messing around with everything you can do.

>Also feel free to necro old topics of games you want to talk about, it's all allowed, the more talk the merrier.
Cool, I've looked through some of the topics and it seems there's one for every game ha. A lot of obscure ones too, good way to keep track of the games I need to get around to playing.

@Birdman
>I specialize in Chaos Legion, Okami and Lollipop Chainsaw.
I replayed Okami recently, such a great game. Haven't gotten around to Lollipop Chainsaw yet but I've played the No More Heroes series, Killer7, and Killer is Dead. I liked Killer is Dead's gameplay the most out of the Suda51/Grasshopper games. I think Lollipop Chainsaw shares similar ideas with what they were doing with No More Heroes and Killer is Dead so I want to check it out at some point. Chaos Legion is one I'm definitely going to play probably after I'm done with Astral Chain's post-game. I know they're both summoner combat games and from what I've played of Astral Chain I've really enjoyed and from what I've seen of Chaos Legion, it looks like a game I'd enjoy a lot.

>LC vs NMH

I barely touched NMH. JulietStMoon knows all about this comparison though.

NMH is pretty simple mechanically but for a Wii action game that incorporated motion controls into it's combat, it worked out pretty well I'd say though a little weird to control. Killer is Dead seemed to influence NMH3's gameplay so I could imagine a similar situation with Lollipop Chainsaw being a more refined version of the first NMH's gameplay

Welcome! Good to see some new members!

How is Legend of Dragoon? It's been on my wishlist to play for years now but never had the time.

I remember playing legend of dragoon a bit but I dont know how far I got. Like, atleast 25 hours? It felt like mid-way through the game. I really enjoyed the QTE timing attack mechanic or however its properly called. It added more interactivity to the turn based system. And it wasnt something that a 6 year old could do. Certain attacks were easy but others had me really focusing to get the timing correct.

I would like to finish it but cant do that anymore due to lack of console and only having been able to play it with ps premium.

Hi all, just wanted to introduce myself. Not so good at intros but you only make first impressions once haha. I wouldn’t call myself an expert on action games but I enjoy a fair amount of them and I think discussions around them can be interesting. Played most of the big names like DMC (fave is a toss up between 1 & 3), NG (thoroughly over due for replays), Bayonetta, MGR, etc. No Vanquish or Zone of the Enders though, but they’re on my radar. But I also love stuff like the POP SOT trilogy, most Kingdom Hearts games, most Resident Evil’s, most MGS games, and Monster Hunter. Way more I haven’t listed lol.

I’m more of a general game enjoyer overall so I kinda know about a lot but I’m not much of a master or well of knowledge . You can poke me for Monster Hunter questions if it ever comes up haha but I’m hoping to pop into random topics to give my thoughts. Currently about to play the new Dragon Age, I’m a fan of the franchise but I’m extremely on the fence about this new one; going in cautiously optimistic but I have some concerns. If a topic gets made for it I’ll gladly lend my thoughts.

I have some unorthodox opinions on certain things but hoping to get along with everyone.

>YT style avatar
Curious.

>not necessarily an expert, but enjoy them
And that's sufficient.

>most big names
The usual suspects, yes.

>no XYZ
More moving away from the particular brand of 'Action' in question with those, anyway.

>more not listed
By all means.

>general game enjoyer
I wonder.  Probably not so much in this last generation or so.

>Monster Hunter
I'm sure a gent or two here has some familiarity.

>concern with new entry
I've heard through the grapevine that not all is well in paradise.

>gets made
Don't wanna be the guy?

>unorthodox takes
>certain things
Don't we all?

>pop into random topics to give thoughts
I'm sure Royboy would approve.

Hey SR, welcome! Feel free to pop in old topics and add to the discussions, always welcome and don't worry we have plenty of odd-ball opinions here haha. Curious what you'll think of ZoE2, fantastic title.

In the same boat as you regarding DA, loved DAO and DA:I wasn't as bad as I expected... but this kinda came out of nowhere and I'm not sure what to think of it just yet. Haven't bought it yet though. You?

Thanks for the warm welcome gents, much love.

Hoping to get around ZOE2 at some point next year if all goes well, I’ve heard great things!

I actually already got Veilguard, think I finished two main scenarios but I’m still early game. Leaning on liking it at the moment and I think it’s at least more enjoyable than DAI which isn’t a high bar to clear but I went in hoping it would at least clear that. Jury is out on the writing and characters but I do think it’s mechanically sound in the gameplay department. Only thing holding it back so far is enemy design, hope it picks up later.

Yeah ZoE2, for me, is like the hidden gem of the genre. People tend to dismiss or avoid it since it's a Kojima game or doesn't immediately seem action, but it's so good, and one of those games that gets better per replay. The initial run, I will warn you, is a tad rough with some wacky sections that get a lot easier on replays. Just keep that in mind when playing.

>SRBG
Welcome to the forum.

>interested in ZoE2
Do try it when you have the chance. Very awesome game all around. Also super short (shortest Action game I have played).

Raeng: >dismiss it because of Kojima
Would have thought combat people would actually look forward to a game with Kojima on it. Although IIRC didn't you say he didn't even direct the game in your article?