I need a Game Recommendation

[The Milkman]

Okay, I'll admit, it was a bit vague. I don't really like RTS games; they tend to get too frantic and competitive for my taste. Turn-based games seem to be the right balance of thought and time that I need, and I personally now have none of them, as I really haven't bought any game like this before. So you could say I'm a newbie at things like this.

Hope that gives some sort of clarity.

I'm going to go ahead and recommend King's Bounty or Heroes of Might and Magic. HOMM probably requires a bit more thought, but they're both turn-based strategy games in a similar style, you can play them at whatever pace you want, and they're both on GOG for cheap.

Problem with HOMM: it can't run on Windows 7. And it seemed like the only game that I would enjoy; King's Bounty looked very...temporary to me.

[Eseell]

I've run the GOG version of HOMM2 on Windows 7 64-bit. There were some strange artifacts on the menu screens but it was playable. That's the only one I've tried so far.

[The Milkman]

I'm looking at the requirements for HOMM5 on Steam, and it says 2000 or XP only.

[Jorpho]

There seems to be significant disparity in the system requirements for some of these old games on GOG vs Steam. The example I keep bringing up (because it's so freakin' weird) is that Riven requires Vista or 7 on Steam, but not on GOG.

[Adacore]

I'm looking at the requirements for HOMM5 on Steam, and it says 2000 or XP only.

I know HoMM3 can be played on Windows 7, because it works on mine. And it's the best game of the series (imo). Although HoMM5 is meant to be pretty good too, I've not played it enough to judge, really.

[Menacing Spike]

I'm looking at the requirements for HOMM5 on Steam, and it says 2000 or XP only.

I know HoMM3 can be played on Windows 7, because it works on mine. And it's the best game of the series (imo). Although HoMM5 is meant to be pretty good too, I've not played it enough to judge, really.

HoMM5 is 3, but better. Nostalgia googles aside, it's superior (gameplay wise; lol at the plot and acting).
HoMM4 is a very, very different game. I liked it, but it seems darn unpopular.

[Phrozt]

I'm looking at the requirements for HOMM5 on Steam, and it says 2000 or XP only.

I know HoMM3 can be played on Windows 7, because it works on mine. And it's the best game of the series (imo). Although HoMM5 is meant to be pretty good too, I've not played it enough to judge, really.

HoMM5 is 3, but better. Nostalgia googles aside, it's superior (gameplay wise; lol at the plot and acting).
HoMM4 is a very, very different game. I liked it, but it seems darn unpopular.

I got HOMM5 on the recent steam sale. I was a big fan of HOMM2 and played a bit of 3... Gotta say I'm not that impressed w/5. There are definitely some cool aspects of it, but it seems kind of... dumbed down.. at least graphics wise (in some areas) which I was surprised at.

I'm running it fine on win7 btw. Straight from Steam launcher.. no special patches/configs/anything.

[legopelle]

Hi.

I'm looking for some games that me and my brother can play. In the same room. It's sad that every game is just online multiplayer these days.

We're looking for anything but sport games, realistic racing, and grim FPS:es. My brother isn't keen on fighting games, but that hasn't stopped him from playing SSBM and Brawl for hours. Split-screen is good, but something on a single screen is preferred.

And we're not limited to retail. Arcade and the other games on live are most welcome.

What are the good ones?

[Adacore]

I happen to have answered a similar topic earlier today on another site, so I'll just refer you there. That's only focussed on co-op, though. The only games I can think of off-hand that work really well in local versus mode are racers (split screen, obviously), fighting games and sports games. Although I wouldn't advise playing Madden in versus on the same console - you can see what play the other team is calling, which ruins the game.

I assume by 'in the same room' you mean 'on the same console' as opposed to 'on two system-linked 360s'? The setup I had at my old houseshare we had three TVs hooked up to three 360s in the front room - playing games like L4D with that setup was awesome.

[clockworkmonk]

The lego games tend to have a solid setup for both players on the same screen. And exploring arcade can find some gems of beat-em-ups like Castle Crashers which is fantastic, and Scott Pilgrim which can be fun for the retro throw-backness of it. There is a nice selection of top down rpg games, some of which are fantastic. Marvel Ultimate Alliance 1&2 come to mind for that catagory. For fun racing more like Mario Cart, Blur is fun. If you want a more traditional JRPG, there are a few, one which I enjoyed despite its flaws was Eternal Sonata.

that should be a solid place to start, if you have more questions, ask. finding solid single system games is always a challange, and one I take often, with the added restriction of allowing 4 players. if you have any questions about one of the games, ask.

[legopelle]

I happen to have answered a similar topic earlier today on another site, so I'll just refer you there. That's only focussed on co-op, though. The only games I can think of off-hand that work really well in local versus mode are racers (split screen, obviously), fighting games and sports games. Although I wouldn't advise playing Madden in versus on the same console - you can see what play the other team is calling, which ruins the game.

I assume by 'in the same room' you mean 'on the same console' as opposed to 'on two system-linked 360s'? The setup I had at my old houseshare we had three TVs hooked up to three 360s in the front room - playing games like L4D with that setup was awesome.

Yeah, i've been to that site, but it's kinda the same FPS:s as everywhere.

The lego games tend to have a solid setup for both players on the same screen. And exploring arcade can find some gems of beat-em-ups like Castle Crashers which is fantastic, and Scott Pilgrim which can be fun for the retro throw-backness of it. There is a nice selection of top down rpg games, some of which are fantastic. Marvel Ultimate Alliance 1&2 come to mind for that catagory. For fun racing more like Mario Cart, Blur is fun. If you want a more traditional JRPG, there are a few, one which I enjoyed despite its flaws was Eternal Sonata.

that should be a solid place to start, if you have more questions, ask. finding solid single system games is always a challange, and one I take often, with the added restriction of allowing 4 players. if you have any questions about one of the games, ask.

I've seen Scott Pilgrim, and maybe it's suitable. Fun racing is probably the best for us, so I'll definately check out Blur. Same for castle crashers.

[PhoenixEnigma]

My significant other and I have been trying to find a good game(s) to play together, as it's something we can do together that isn't particularly distance limited, and we're looking for suggestions.

Mostly the goal is something that will be fun to play together, so likely something co-op and closer to the "casual fun" than "hardcore grindfest" end of the spectrum. It'll need to be run on fairly moderate PC hardware, too - think newish integrated graphics - and ideally be free-to-cheap (and recurring fees are pretty much a no-go).

FPSs and racing games are pretty much nixed from the start; RPGs, sandbox, puzzle and strategy games are probably better bets.

So...any suggestions?

[Jorpho]

As per the above, why not the Lego games? They seem to fit all your requirements.

[AvatarIII]

My significant other and I have been trying to find a good game(s) to play together, as it's something we can do together that isn't particularly distance limited, and we're looking for suggestions.

Mostly the goal is something that will be fun to play together, so likely something co-op and closer to the "casual fun" than "hardcore grindfest" end of the spectrum. It'll need to be run on fairly moderate PC hardware, too - think newish integrated graphics - and ideally be free-to-cheap (and recurring fees are pretty much a no-go).

FPSs and racing games are pretty much nixed from the start; RPGs, sandbox, puzzle and strategy games are probably better bets.

So...any suggestions?

the problem i see here is that co-op games to be played on a single PC simultaneously are pretty rare.

[existential_elevator]

DeathSpank has a pick-up-and-play local co-op setting, though I haven't tested it. As an RPG, the mechanics are annoying, but the voice acting is great and the writing is pretty excellent. It's more hack-and-slash with a smattering of humor, definitely leaning casual.

For more completely casual single PC multiplayer, there's Audiosurf. It runs cheap, and is pretty easy to play, and you won't need an extra controller as it will run with a player on keyboard and a player on mouse.

Depending on availability of legal ROMs and your own preferences, some emulators can be configured for local co-op. If your other half was a fan of old-school, you could well take a trip down memory lane. Some of the old SNES games are easily legally available via Steam, so that's a pretty easy way of getting hold of them.

I may well come back later with other suggestions, but those are the first things that come to mind.

[Eseell]

Neverwinter Nights is inexpensive now and a very good co-op RPG.

[PhoenixEnigma]

the problem i see here is that co-op games to be played on a single PC simultaneously are pretty rare.

It seems I should clarify. We're roughly 3500km apart, so local play is, alas, not a concern.

[AvatarIII]

the problem i see here is that co-op games to be played on a single PC simultaneously are pretty rare.

It seems I should clarify. We're roughly 3500km apart, so local play is, alas, not a concern.

oh ok, that's what you meant by not distance limited

[Jorpho]

I heard a lot of good things about Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light.

[existential_elevator]

Minecraft?

If you're brave, you can run a local server (I can manage this n my little laptop). Building a world together can be a geeky and romantic pastime.

[Adacore]

Building a world together can be a geeky and romantic pastime.

So you can lock away a secret, something you once knew to be true... but chose to forget?

[Beardhammer]

I heard a lot of good things about Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light.

Very fun little game.

Also, 3500km? Jeeeeez-us.

[emceng]

the problem i see here is that co-op games to be played on a single PC simultaneously are pretty rare.

It seems I should clarify. We're roughly 3500km apart, so local play is, alas, not a concern.

Borderlands? It's FPS with RPGish elements, but lots of fun co-op. Saints Row 2 is also a ton of fun co-op or solo, but I think it's only on the 360. NWN is a good suggestion though.

[SecondTalon]

Also, 3500km? Jeeeeez-us.

? It's only something like Sydney to Perth, or across the continental US/Canada. Not like it's Kansas to India or something.

[Adacore]

Also, 3500km? Jeeeeez-us.

? It's only something like Sydney to Perth, or across the continental US/Canada. Not like it's Kansas to India or something.

From a European perspective, that's like London to freaking Damascus - you'd be hard pressed to travel that distance from anywhere in Europe and still be in the same continent, let alone the same country - which is pretty darn far.

[SecondTalon]

Sure, but.. as hilarious as this is coming from a fricken American...

The World is not Europe.

[Mumpy]

Sure, but if you travelled 3500 Km you'd be up in a glacier, or South America somewhere. So it's hardly walking distance either. /knows you're southern, but can't for the life of him remember precisely which state.

At any road, I second Borderlands, and put forward something like age of empires 2 (conquerers expansion) Nothing like a bit of shared nostalgia, even if it's only every now and then. I'm assuming you guys are already on the whole Portal (either 1 or 2) thing?

[You, sir, name?]

Sure, but.. as hilarious as this is coming from a fricken American...

The World is not Europe.

I have a medieval map that very much begs to differ.

[Beardhammer]

Also, 3500km? Jeeeeez-us.

? It's only something like Sydney to Perth, or across the continental US/Canada. Not like it's Kansas to India or something.

That's still a hell of a distance. Shit, as far as I'm concerned the East Coast (bunch of stuck-up fucking New Englanders) and the West Coast (bunch of lazy good-for-nothing hippies) might as well be different countries.

Borderlands? It's FPS with RPGish elements, but lots of fun co-op. Saints Row 2 is also a ton of fun co-op or solo, but I think it's only on the 360. NWN is a good suggestion though.

Borderlands is very fun co-op. Just be aware, just like Diablo (it's basically Diablo with guns and cars), it gets repetitive very fast. Virtually every quest is some variety of "Go here and kill this motherfucker," "Go there and kill a whole bunch of those motherfuckers (and possibly steal their shit while you're there)," or "Go here, there, and over there, collect a bunch of journals and shit, then bring them back so I can yell at you to mind your own fucking business." Alcohol comes highly recommended - it's one of those games, as my brother so eloquently states, "You can play this sober?" That's not saying it's a bad game while sober - just that it's actually really, really fucking fun when drunk (depending on what kind of drunk you/she is/are, I guess.) Oh, Borderlands has a pretty funny sense of humor, too. And gibs. Lots of glorious gibs. I also like the art style.

Oh, and for someone looking for something Metroid-like:

Go pick up Capsized from Steam. It's a little indie 2D side-scroller with really fun physics and it's actually pretty tough - I've been playing it on hard and I actually failed to complete a level the first time through. I can't overstate how fucking rare that is for me, regardless of genre. It's not as heavy on exploration as the Metroid titles are (it's an indie game, what're you expecting? Super Metroid?), but every level has a few different little secrets (they aren't necessarily hard to find - the difficulty is in finding the secret entrance to get to them, which quickly stop being "there's an invisible hole in that wall.") There's 12 missions in the campaign, and I'd guess it'd take three, maybe four hours to plow through them (I'm on the 7th and I'd guess I spent maybe... 90 minutes on the game today?) and apparently some fun little arcade modes as well - there's a time attack mode where you have to scamper around finding oxygen tanks (assuming you also have to kill shit while doing this), a last stand type mode where you fight endless waves of monsters, and an unarmed mode where the only defense you have are your gravity ram (knock objects around, instantly kill little weak monsters) and your grappling hook (grab things like rocks and logs and drag them around, and alternatively blast them forward to use as impromptu weapons.)

Supposed to be a two-player same-screen co-op mode, but I've heard it's really buggy.

[KaosuHiryuu]

I've been craving a game like Escape Velocity: Nova for ages. I played it, and one mod that changed the universe (there was a sort of...rectangular wall around the inner systems). I suppose the game type is PC-only, but if you know of something for any of the consoles, please point me in the right direction!

Some qualities of the game I'm looking for:
Top-down like EV:N, and not first-person (I just don't like first-person), 2D
Single ship
Open-ended (though, I've never tried any other kind)
It doesn't always have to be combat-based, but that's fun (I loved jacking pirates in EV)

[Izawwlgood]

I've been craving a game like Escape Velocity: Nova for ages. I played it, and one mod that changed the universe (there was a sort of...rectangular wall around the inner systems). I suppose the game type is PC-only, but if you know of something for any of the consoles, please point me in the right direction! I like it in 2D and not 3D.

Oh god, this, this, this. I fucking loved EV:Nova, and still think of the Vell-Os periodically.

Space Pirates and Zombies is mildly like it, but not even close to as awesome.

[Jorpho]

It seems to me the only way Ambrosia is ever going to drop the prices on their software is if someone finally buys them out and forces them to do so. I am not especially inclined to pay $30 for a game released nine years ago!

Anyway, how about Star Control II, available through GOG or in a much improved, authentic freeware form as The Ur-Quan Masters? (UQM finally got its first major update in four years earlier this month, by the way.)

Or how about Strange Adventures in Infinite Space? The original is freeware; the sequel still costs money. (Combat really sucks.)

Or maybe Masters of Orion?

[Beardhammer]

I don't know if this is the specific kind of game you're after, but:

Swarm Gold might be what you're looking for. It's a top-down, free-movement space shoot em up. I remember playing a demo back when they released it in 2008 (apparently it's an updated version of the original 1998 game) and thought it was pretty fun.

[SecondTalon]

Or maybe Masters of Orion?

MoO is a turn based strategy game. Not quite the same thing.

[KaosuHiryuu]

Ah thanks for the suggestions, but none of them come close to giving me the same feeling as EV:N...

[existential_elevator]

It's completely a different kind of thing, but if you're looking for an interesting 2-D top-down shooter, I recommend Inside a Star Filled Sky.

[Izawwlgood]

Anyone play Star Ocean: Last Hope or Tales of Vesperia? I'm wondering what peoples thoughts are on either, and am sort of in the mood for an RPG that'll last me a while and be entertaining to work through. I loved SO:Second Story, but hated Till the End of Time. I played Tales of Destiny, but never finished it...

[Eseell]

I very much enjoyed Tales of Vesperia, both as a co-operative game and a single player game. It was very long, had fun combat, a decent story, and fun side missions. The voice acting was pretty over the top, though.

[bigglesworth]

Just bought a new mouse, and need a new FPS.

I really liked Half-Life 2, but have played practically nothing newer on a PC. I also can't go too much higher in system specs required on my laptop.

What else from that era/similar PC load is good?

[Beardhammer]

Depending on what kind of FPS you're into:

- Painkiller and Serious Sam HD (if you can run HL2 you can run both of these at maxed settings, or somewhere in that area depending on how well you run Source) if you want old-school monstermashing. There aren't even any "find red key, use on red door" bits - you just enter a new area, gib a hundred monsters, and repeat. Painkiller has tons of environment and monster variety, while Serious Sam is fucking HARD on the highest difficulty levels - most pickups and powerups are trapped and spawn in more monsters and most monsters can kill you in only two hits. I haven't played it on easier difficulty settings.

- Doom 3 should run just fine if you can run Source. Mostly just "find red key and enter red door" gameplay.

- You should be able to run FEAR and maybe FEAR 2 if you can run Source. Not scary at all, but the gameplay is fun, if horribly repetitive.

- You SHOULD be able to run Borderlands. It's basically Diablo with guns.