I'll add that I wish there was a trophy room like in games past, and that you could skip all the cut scenes between plays/quarters. I've accidentally chosen a bunch of shit plays just hitting X trying to get back to the game haha.
Virginia Beach 2000; Pittsburgh 2000; Columbus 2003; D.C. 2003; Pittsburgh 2006; Virginia Beach 2008; Cleveland 2010; PJ20 2011; Pittsburgh 2013; Baltimore 2013; Charlottesville 2013; Charlotte 2013; Lincoln 2014; Moline 2014; St. Paul 2014; Greenville 2016; Hampton 2016; Lexington 2016; Wrigley 2016; Prague 2018; Krakow 2018; Berlin 2018; Fenway 2018; Camden 2022; St. Paul 2023; MSG 1 2024; Baltimore 2024
I'll add that I wish there was a trophy room like in games past, and that you could skip all the cut scenes between plays/quarters. I've accidentally chosen a bunch of shit plays just hitting X trying to get back to the game haha.
I finally got into the game this weekend
Agreed that the drum corps menu music is maddening. Need to bring back the fight songs
Overall, the game is great and fun. I'm having fun in dynasty playing and recruiting as Wyoming. Every game so far is unique, challenging, and has a few unusual plays in it. I have won 3 games in a row, 1 more and I am going to bump the difficulty up.
Menu interface isn't great. Not awful, but should be better. Also agree on the cut scenes. Should be able to skip through... I like to watch them, but the presentation should be better
Overall, I'm happy with it. It definitely feels like a decent foundation they can and will build off of.
As always, this award is for games I played in 2024, not necessarily
released in 2024
Game of the Year: Unicorn Overlord
Probably one of the most unique games I’ve played in some
time. A mix of RPG and Real Time
Strategy battles. Amazing art and graphics. Great music.
Altus Games has established itself as the premier game studio in the
industry this year. They have the golden
touch and have four great JRPG franchises setup: Persona; Shin Megami Tensei;
Metaphor ReFantazio and now Unicorn Overlord.
Western game studios should take some serious notes
Runner Up: Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
I almost made this game of the year … It is an expertly
designed Metroidvania 2D game. It is
the best I’ve played since Castlevania: Symphony of the Night in 1997. Even my old man reflexes are able to handle
this game and perform some crazy platforming.
If you find this game on sale, it is a no-brainer buy.
Honorable Mention:
· Astrobot – Sony’s Mario. ‘Nuff said.
·College Football 25 – Amazing polish for the
first version of a new sports game. A little
complicated for the Tecmo Bowl player in me
·
Final Fantasy 16 – Half Game / Half Movie and
all holy shit!
·
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 – Old school
chainsaw gun fun! Fans of the OG Gears
of War will love this game.
·
Tekken 8 – Plays great with a controller; Prefer
this game’s style to the blood bath of Mortal Kombat
·Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred – Good dumb fun
Backlog for 2025: Metaphor: ReFantazio; Resident Evil 4; Final Fantasy
Remake; Indiana Jones; Balders Gate 3; Elden Ring
As always, this award is for games I played in 2024, not necessarily
released in 2024
Game of the Year: Unicorn Overlord
Probably one of the most unique games I’ve played in some
time. A mix of RPG and Real Time
Strategy battles. Amazing art and graphics. Great music.
Altus Games has established itself as the premier game studio in the
industry this year. They have the golden
touch and have four great JRPG franchises setup: Persona; Shin Megami Tensei;
Metaphor ReFantazio and now Unicorn Overlord.
Western game studios should take some serious notes
Runner Up: Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
I almost made this game of the year … It is an expertly
designed Metroidvania 2D game. It is
the best I’ve played since Castlevania: Symphony of the Night in 1997. Even my old man reflexes are able to handle
this game and perform some crazy platforming.
If you find this game on sale, it is a no-brainer buy.
Honorable Mention:
· Astrobot – Sony’s Mario. ‘Nuff said.
·College Football 25 – Amazing polish for the
first version of a new sports game. A little
complicated for the Tecmo Bowl player in me
·
Final Fantasy 16 – Half Game / Half Movie and
all holy shit!
·
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 – Old school
chainsaw gun fun! Fans of the OG Gears
of War will love this game.
·
Tekken 8 – Plays great with a controller; Prefer
this game’s style to the blood bath of Mortal Kombat
·Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred – Good dumb fun
Backlog for 2025: Metaphor: ReFantazio; Resident Evil 4; Final Fantasy
Remake; Indiana Jones; Balders Gate 3; Elden Ring
I appreciate this list and will have to check some of these games out in '25. Downloaded the Final Fantasy Pixel Remasters and working my way through those, on IV at the moment. I still need to play the newest Zelda as well.
Virginia Beach 2000; Pittsburgh 2000; Columbus 2003; D.C. 2003; Pittsburgh 2006; Virginia Beach 2008; Cleveland 2010; PJ20 2011; Pittsburgh 2013; Baltimore 2013; Charlottesville 2013; Charlotte 2013; Lincoln 2014; Moline 2014; St. Paul 2014; Greenville 2016; Hampton 2016; Lexington 2016; Wrigley 2016; Prague 2018; Krakow 2018; Berlin 2018; Fenway 2018; Camden 2022; St. Paul 2023; MSG 1 2024; Baltimore 2024
As always, this award is for games I played in 2024, not necessarily
released in 2024
Game of the Year: Unicorn Overlord
Probably one of the most unique games I’ve played in some
time. A mix of RPG and Real Time
Strategy battles. Amazing art and graphics. Great music.
Altus Games has established itself as the premier game studio in the
industry this year. They have the golden
touch and have four great JRPG franchises setup: Persona; Shin Megami Tensei;
Metaphor ReFantazio and now Unicorn Overlord.
Western game studios should take some serious notes
Runner Up: Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
I almost made this game of the year … It is an expertly
designed Metroidvania 2D game. It is
the best I’ve played since Castlevania: Symphony of the Night in 1997. Even my old man reflexes are able to handle
this game and perform some crazy platforming.
If you find this game on sale, it is a no-brainer buy.
Honorable Mention:
· Astrobot – Sony’s Mario. ‘Nuff said.
·College Football 25 – Amazing polish for the
first version of a new sports game. A little
complicated for the Tecmo Bowl player in me
·
Final Fantasy 16 – Half Game / Half Movie and
all holy shit!
·
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 – Old school
chainsaw gun fun! Fans of the OG Gears
of War will love this game.
·
Tekken 8 – Plays great with a controller; Prefer
this game’s style to the blood bath of Mortal Kombat
·Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred – Good dumb fun
Backlog for 2025: Metaphor: ReFantazio; Resident Evil 4; Final Fantasy
Remake; Indiana Jones; Balders Gate 3; Elden Ring
I appreciate this list and will have to check some of these games out in '25. Downloaded the Final Fantasy Pixel Remasters and working my way through those, on IV at the moment. I still need to play the newest Zelda as well.
Oh, I forgot about Zelda! Still have to beat the 1st game and have several hundred hours in it ... took me about 7 years to get into but now I see the genius. Pixel Remasters is pretty awesome as well. I have a big backlog on my Switch ... was hoping the Switch 2 has backwards compatibility to help improve the load times of the Switch.
In reality, they could stop making games for the next five years and that would give me time to catch up on games I already own.
I've got a few hours into Indiana Jones and as a big fan of the franchise the atmosphere of this game just feels so good.
Do you have game pass? I canceled because I don't have the time to justify premium accounts for both PS5 and Xbox, and Xbox seems to be dropping the ball this generation after starting in a great position.
I've got a few hours into Indiana Jones and as a big fan of the franchise the atmosphere of this game just feels so good.
Do you have game pass? I canceled because I don't have the time to justify premium accounts for both PS5 and Xbox, and Xbox seems to be dropping the ball this generation after starting in a great position.
Yes I do. I just picked up a PS5 Pro but don't have plans for Plus.
I've got a few hours into Indiana Jones and as a big fan of the franchise the atmosphere of this game just feels so good.
Do you have game pass? I canceled because I don't have the time to justify premium accounts for both PS5 and Xbox, and Xbox seems to be dropping the ball this generation after starting in a great position.
Yes I do. I just picked up a PS5 Pro but don't have plans for Plus.
If you get anything for PS5, get the basic plan if you need it for online. Not worth the upgrade for an old game library when most the games you would want to play can be bought pretty cheap on sale. Sony is fickle with their library. No way they would release Indy on Plus for several years.
I've got a few hours into Indiana Jones and as a big fan of the franchise the atmosphere of this game just feels so good.
Do you have game pass? I canceled because I don't have the time to justify premium accounts for both PS5 and Xbox, and Xbox seems to be dropping the ball this generation after starting in a great position.
Yes I do. I just picked up a PS5 Pro but don't have plans for Plus.
If you get anything for PS5, get the basic plan if you need it for online. Not worth the upgrade for an old game library when most the games you would want to play can be bought pretty cheap on sale. Sony is fickle with their library. No way they would release Indy on Plus for several years.
Thanks for the tip! I have GT7 and the two FF7 remakes to go through. GT says Plus is required for online play but it seems like I can play online without it for whatever reason.
Stellar Blade could make it into the top 3 games of the year
for me. Picked it up on sale and it is a
very solid game. Mechanics are good and
the XP grind isn’t near as grindy as a Dark Souls game. Seems to level up with my understanding of
the game. As for the game itself, it
consists of a 90% naked fembot fighting monsters that have taken over earth … I
think that is all you need to know. I
will take a well-designed game over a movie masquerading as a game.
The boy (both kids, really) got a Switch for Christmas. I have to say this is an absolutely fantastic console for kids. We've been playing Mario Kart, Mario Bros. Wonder, and Bluey - all great games to play as a family.
The boy (both kids, really) got a Switch for Christmas. I have to say this is an absolutely fantastic console for kids. We've been playing Mario Kart, Mario Bros. Wonder, and Bluey - all great games to play as a family.
Yoshi's Crafted World is a great game for young kids. 2 player and an easy mode help. My six year old niece loves it.
We have downloaded 116 pages of different new doom games including Mario Doom, Sonic Doom, Clint Eastwood Doom amongst many others. It must be Christmas xxx
Switch 2 finally announced ... I'm just happy that it is backwards compatible as my biggest issue with the Switch is the load times. I still have lots of good games to play. I don't use in portable mode often, but maybe the bigger screen and better joy-cons will change that. They say the new joy-con can be used as a mouse so hopefully that means PC ports are coming.
I was happy to see a new Mario Kart! Loved that series since the first game, looking forward to what’s next.
Also was reading this morning that Nintendo share dropped after the announcement. I wonder if most people have the same reaction as me: is Nintendo really doing the Wii-to-Wii U fiasco again?
Virginia Beach 2000; Pittsburgh 2000; Columbus 2003; D.C. 2003; Pittsburgh 2006; Virginia Beach 2008; Cleveland 2010; PJ20 2011; Pittsburgh 2013; Baltimore 2013; Charlottesville 2013; Charlotte 2013; Lincoln 2014; Moline 2014; St. Paul 2014; Greenville 2016; Hampton 2016; Lexington 2016; Wrigley 2016; Prague 2018; Krakow 2018; Berlin 2018; Fenway 2018; Camden 2022; St. Paul 2023; MSG 1 2024; Baltimore 2024
I was happy to see a new Mario Kart! Loved that series since the first game, looking forward to what’s next.
Also was reading this morning that Nintendo share dropped after the announcement. I wonder if most people have the same reaction as me: is Nintendo really doing the Wii-to-Wii U fiasco again?
Nintendo let the leaks go on for so long in silence, that this announcement confirmed what most had already speculated. The other thing is they have yet to announce a release date or pre-order time yet, which most are speculating an early April. Investors are probably worried it won't be release this year.
Switch 2 finally announced ... I'm just happy that it is backwards compatible as my biggest issue with the Switch is the load times. I still have lots of good games to play. I don't use in portable mode often, but maybe the bigger screen and better joy-cons will change that. They say the new joy-con can be used as a mouse so hopefully that means PC ports are coming.
From what I've seen so far, I'm not overly impressed. It just mostly seems like a regular Switch just bigger. Size, screen, components, processor, memory... Doesn't seem like there was much if any new innovation from the last one. I got the OG Switch when it came out, and while it is a good system, I rarely play it. I travel a lot for work and I never bring it because I find the screen insanely too small (maybe my old eyes aren't as good as they used to be). It almost seems to be like the "Pro" version of the Playstation. Same exact thing, just a little more power. I don't know. They're going to need to have some great games out of the gate for me to consider it.
I'm just annoyed my kid started to get into Nintendo right before Christmas and couldn't wait a year when the regular Switch would wayyy cheaper.
Yeah I'm really hoping my 8 year old doesn't realize Switch 2 is coming out for awhile. Although sounds like it isn't a huge upgrade.
And to 100% be the 'back in my day' guy, what's with all these kids preferring to play on the tiny ass screen instead of hooking it up to the nice 65 inch HDTV?!? My son's friends come over and they sit there playing with each other on the handheld. Drives me nuts. Hooking up my N64 to the big screen was a thrill when I was a kid!
I'm just annoyed my kid started to get into Nintendo right before Christmas and couldn't wait a year when the regular Switch would wayyy cheaper.
Yeah I'm really hoping my 8 year old doesn't realize Switch 2 is coming out for awhile. Although sounds like it isn't a huge upgrade.
And to 100% be the 'back in my day' guy, what's with all these kids preferring to play on the tiny ass screen instead of hooking it up to the nice 65 inch HDTV?!? My son's friends come over and they sit there playing with each other on the handheld. Drives me nuts. Hooking up my N64 to the big screen was a thrill when I was a kid!
Yeah my 5 year old is already on the early side on all this, if he gives me shit about a new one he can take a walk.
I don't get it, any time I play on a handheld the screen never feels big enough. Mariokart sucks on the portable screen.
Civ 7 comes out on 2/11 ... curious to see what micro-transactions are involved for a $70 game, but most likely will be picking up for PS5 ... and then the Switch 2 ... and then the iPhone ... and then PC ...let the soaking of the wallet begin! Civ 6 played great on a playstation with a controller.
Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 out on 2/4. Medieval Simulator that is very realistic. Maybe too much sim as I thought the first game was done very well but I just didn't have the time to spend hours looking for ingredients to create a "save" potion and then go thru an over-complicated potion creation like it's ye 'old times. If you like survival games, this is worth checking out. Avoid if you are looking for a GTA experience ... the local blacksmith will whup you if you sass him.
I think Assassins Creed got pushed back again. Bad times for Ubisoft.
Civ 7 comes out on 2/11 ... curious to see what micro-transactions are involved for a $70 game, but most likely will be picking up for PS5 ... and then the Switch 2 ... and then the iPhone ... and then PC ...let the soaking of the wallet begin! Civ 6 played great on a playstation with a controller.
Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 out on 2/4. Medieval Simulator that is very realistic. Maybe too much sim as I thought the first game was done very well but I just didn't have the time to spend hours looking for ingredients to create a "save" potion and then go thru an over-complicated potion creation like it's ye 'old times. If you like survival games, this is worth checking out. Avoid if you are looking for a GTA experience ... the local blacksmith will whup you if you sass him.
I think Assassins Creed got pushed back again. Bad times for Ubisoft.
I don't have high hopes for Civ 7 at all based on some of the mechanics that I see. I couldnt get through a game of Civ 5 and made it a little farther, not finishing a game, and starting a new one that I never finished in Civ 6. I probably played Civ 2 - 4 about 250 hours each.
I wish they could reset the series back to 4 and build off that. 1 Unit per tile really is a sucky thing as far as I am concerned. There was also no randomness. People complained that it was like a giant spreadsheet, but I like that a lot. It is like a complex board game on the CPU.
Comments
I finally got into the game this weekend
Agreed that the drum corps menu music is maddening. Need to bring back the fight songs
Overall, the game is great and fun. I'm having fun in dynasty playing and recruiting as Wyoming. Every game so far is unique, challenging, and has a few unusual plays in it. I have won 3 games in a row, 1 more and I am going to bump the difficulty up.
Menu interface isn't great. Not awful, but should be better. Also agree on the cut scenes. Should be able to skip through... I like to watch them, but the presentation should be better
Overall, I'm happy with it. It definitely feels like a decent foundation they can and will build off of.
(2000) Mansfield I, Mansfield II (2003) Montreal (2005) Montreal, Ottawa (2006) Albany (2008) Montreal I + II (EV) (2022) Québec City
Video Game of the Year 2024
As always, this award is for games I played in 2024, not necessarily released in 2024
Game of the Year: Unicorn Overlord
Probably one of the most unique games I’ve played in some time. A mix of RPG and Real Time Strategy battles. Amazing art and graphics. Great music. Altus Games has established itself as the premier game studio in the industry this year. They have the golden touch and have four great JRPG franchises setup: Persona; Shin Megami Tensei; Metaphor ReFantazio and now Unicorn Overlord. Western game studios should take some serious notes
Runner Up: Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
I almost made this game of the year … It is an expertly designed Metroidvania 2D game. It is the best I’ve played since Castlevania: Symphony of the Night in 1997. Even my old man reflexes are able to handle this game and perform some crazy platforming. If you find this game on sale, it is a no-brainer buy.
Honorable Mention:
· Astrobot – Sony’s Mario. ‘Nuff said.
· College Football 25 – Amazing polish for the first version of a new sports game. A little complicated for the Tecmo Bowl player in me
· Final Fantasy 16 – Half Game / Half Movie and all holy shit!
· Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 – Old school chainsaw gun fun! Fans of the OG Gears of War will love this game.
· Tekken 8 – Plays great with a controller; Prefer this game’s style to the blood bath of Mortal Kombat
· Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred – Good dumb fun
Backlog for 2025: Metaphor: ReFantazio; Resident Evil 4; Final Fantasy Remake; Indiana Jones; Balders Gate 3; Elden Ring
Do you have game pass? I canceled because I don't have the time to justify premium accounts for both PS5 and Xbox, and Xbox seems to be dropping the ball this generation after starting in a great position.
If you get anything for PS5, get the basic plan if you need it for online. Not worth the upgrade for an old game library when most the games you would want to play can be bought pretty cheap on sale. Sony is fickle with their library. No way they would release Indy on Plus for several years.
GT says Plus is required for online play but it seems like I can play online without it for whatever reason.
Stellar Blade could make it into the top 3 games of the year for me. Picked it up on sale and it is a very solid game. Mechanics are good and the XP grind isn’t near as grindy as a Dark Souls game. Seems to level up with my understanding of the game. As for the game itself, it consists of a 90% naked fembot fighting monsters that have taken over earth … I think that is all you need to know. I will take a well-designed game over a movie masquerading as a game.
what a freaking game...from the amazing OST , gameplay , story, everything.
its gonna be torture to wait 3 years for the finale.
Runner ups : (no order)
Astrobot
Sea Of Stars
Street Fighter 6
Resident Evil 4
Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered (LOVE this IP)
Yoshi's Crafted World is a great game for young kids. 2 player and an easy mode help. My six year old niece loves it.
I got the OG Switch when it came out, and while it is a good system, I rarely play it. I travel a lot for work and I never bring it because I find the screen insanely too small (maybe my old eyes aren't as good as they used to be).
It almost seems to be like the "Pro" version of the Playstation. Same exact thing, just a little more power.
I don't know. They're going to need to have some great games out of the gate for me to consider it.
And to 100% be the 'back in my day' guy, what's with all these kids preferring to play on the tiny ass screen instead of hooking it up to the nice 65 inch HDTV?!? My son's friends come over and they sit there playing with each other on the handheld. Drives me nuts. Hooking up my N64 to the big screen was a thrill when I was a kid!
I don't get it, any time I play on a handheld the screen never feels big enough. Mariokart sucks on the portable screen.
Tecmo Super Bowl
Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
Fallout 3
Dark Souls 3
Final Fantasy 2 (US SNES)
Red Alert 2
Civilization IV
Mass Effect Trilogy
I don't have high hopes for Civ 7 at all based on some of the mechanics that I see. I couldnt get through a game of Civ 5 and made it a little farther, not finishing a game, and starting a new one that I never finished in Civ 6. I probably played Civ 2 - 4 about 250 hours each.
I wish they could reset the series back to 4 and build off that. 1 Unit per tile really is a sucky thing as far as I am concerned. There was also no randomness. People complained that it was like a giant spreadsheet, but I like that a lot. It is like a complex board game on the CPU.