Recently got back into MWO, and it's still got a really healthy population. Matches generally take less than 2 minutes to find (and since matches require 24 total players, that's no insignificant feat), so props to them for keeping that game fresh and attractive. They also keep iterating on the systems, having added a large skill system for each mech that you can use to customize your mech's niche and improve its overall performance by a small bit.
X4 is quickly becoming the solid sandbox space universe simulator it struggled to be at release due to bugs. They've resolved the station resource issue that prevents the player from upgrading or building new ships already. It's making rapid progress on those bugs.
I used to play a lot of MWO, is it still really cash shop focused? I remember only being able to get clan mechs in the cash shop. I've been wanting to boot it up again as I have a lot of the cash shop currency due to buying a founders pack back in beta or whatever, but I just can't remember if it was P2W or not.
Clan mechs aren't new anymore, so my gut tells me they're sold for C-bills now.
As for P2W, I've never encountered anything that would indicate it. All levels of mechs have models and/or variants available for C-bills, and there's no lootbox shenanigans to boot.
In addition, no one mech is OP enough to make it seem as if you're disadvantaged if you don't have that mech. TTK is much too high, the mechs much too lumbering, and a complete lack of regen prevents one mech from dominating multiple mechs unless the other folks just can't seem to hit the mech with anything.
The only game on the list I would query is Civ 6 which shows the series has started to head in an easy mode direction.
You'll have to be specific for me, as I haven't played Civ 6 (I like Civilization on many levels, but would never have the time or opportunity to actually get my money's worth out of any of them), but streamlining is not always a bad thing and can actually be remarkably beneficial when done correctly to the right parts of the game.
For example, Monster Hunter World streamlined the tracking and inventory management aspects of the game, which allows players to cut down on the least fun parts of the gameplay loop, focus on the meat of the experience, and enjoy more interesting maps.
The problem for gaming is that "streamlining" is often used as an excuse for making a game more easy mode. You seem to be talking about UI/Inventory changes in Monster World, what I am thinking of is less classes, or pruned Power/skill trees.
The best Civilisation game is Civ 5, there were certain changes that Civ purists where not happy with but over all it is the best Civ. Civ 6 replaced a lot of the strategic thinking you do in a Civ game with some city planning, you have to think about where you place districts more. That in no way made up for the fact you lost tactical thinking elsewhere. Also in Civ 6 you get less than Civ 5 in terms of scenarios, it is not as moddable (or players just can't be bothered to mod it), and less gameplay options.
I nearly forget to mention the cute colourful caricature leaders of nations, but then every game has to be cute and colourful now doesn't it.
As much as I loved 5, it ultimately was just settle 4 cities with the same social policy/tech/build openers each time and build every building in every city. 6 lets you specialize cities and actually think about how to develop them and it doesn't punish you for expansion, which you have to admit is a weird thing to do in a 4X game. Unsure what you mean about less gameplay options or the loss of tactical thinking, you'll have to expand on that.
As far as modding goes, Civ 6 modders don't have access to the DLLs just yet, which limits the scope of mods. DLL access wasn't given to modders of 5 until after both expansions were out. With Gathering Storm (which looks awesome!) releasing in Feb, we may get DLL access in 6 soon. Impressive mods such as 5's Vox Populi weren't possible until DLL access was given.
Just trying to live long enough to play a new, released MMORPG, playing New Worlds atm
Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions. Pvbs 18:2, NIV
Don't just play games, inhabit virtual worlds™
"This is the most intelligent, well qualified and articulate response to a post I have ever seen on these forums. It's a shame most people here won't have the attention span to read past the second line." - Anon
Hey, it's the only three newer games (or had expansions) I tried this year.
Otherwise it was all FO4, XCOM1 and maybe one other.
I swear, some of you folks play more new games (for like what, 2 hrs each?) than I change underwear in a year.
"I wear 'em front. I wear 'em back. I go inside out. Then I go front and back." Fred, BH6.
No XCOM 2?
I actually own it already, just haven't found time to play it.
Maybe this year.
Same here, it joins the other 22 games bought but not installed yet on Steam.
You are a bit ahead of me, but I have at least 10 plus never played games in either my Steam or GOG libraries, as well as several I want to revisit such as NMS.
All of those have to wait. As dumb as it sounds I really am enjoying Fallout 76, I guess I just love traipsing through post apocalyptic wastelands too much.
Just trying to live long enough to play a new, released MMORPG, playing New Worlds atm
Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions. Pvbs 18:2, NIV
Don't just play games, inhabit virtual worlds™
"This is the most intelligent, well qualified and articulate response to a post I have ever seen on these forums. It's a shame most people here won't have the attention span to read past the second line." - Anon
Hey, it's the only three newer games (or had expansions) I tried this year.
Otherwise it was all FO4, XCOM1 and maybe one other.
I swear, some of you folks play more new games (for like what, 2 hrs each?) than I change underwear in a year.
"I wear 'em front. I wear 'em back. I go inside out. Then I go front and back." Fred, BH6.
No XCOM 2?
I actually own it already, just haven't found time to play it.
Maybe this year.
Same here, it joins the other 22 games bought but not installed yet on Steam.
You are a bit ahead of me, but I have at least 10 plus never played games in either my Steam or GOG libraries, as well as several I want to revisit such as NMS.
All of those have to wait. As dumb as it sounds I really am enjoying Fallout 76, I guess I just love traipsing through post apocalyptic wastelands too much.
I have about 200. But I'm much, MUCH, younger than you. So it is fine, I've got time!
Ps. BTW what's this exotic shooting pain that I'm experiencing in my left arm?
Constantine, The Console Poster
"One of the most difficult tasks men can perform, however much others may despise it, is the invention of good games and it cannot be done by men out of touch with their instinctive selves." - Carl Jung
Hey, it's the only three newer games (or had expansions) I tried this year.
Otherwise it was all FO4, XCOM1 and maybe one other.
I swear, some of you folks play more new games (for like what, 2 hrs each?) than I change underwear in a year.
"I wear 'em front. I wear 'em back. I go inside out. Then I go front and back." Fred, BH6.
No XCOM 2?
I actually own it already, just haven't found time to play it.
Maybe this year.
Same here, it joins the other 22 games bought but not installed yet on Steam.
You are a bit ahead of me, but I have at least 10 plus never played games in either my Steam or GOG libraries, as well as several I want to revisit such as NMS.
All of those have to wait. As dumb as it sounds I really am enjoying Fallout 76, I guess I just love traipsing through post apocalyptic wastelands too much.
I have about 200. But I'm much, MUCH, younger than you. So it is fine, I've got time!
Ps. BTW what's this exotic shooting pain that I'm experiencing in my left arm?
Err, first sign of a heart attack? Any other weird symptoms? (Elevated pulse, blood pressure, headache, dizziness?)
If so, consider downing some aspirin ASAP and heading to ER.
Just trying to live long enough to play a new, released MMORPG, playing New Worlds atm
Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions. Pvbs 18:2, NIV
Don't just play games, inhabit virtual worlds™
"This is the most intelligent, well qualified and articulate response to a post I have ever seen on these forums. It's a shame most people here won't have the attention span to read past the second line." - Anon
Hey, it's the only three newer games (or had expansions) I tried this year.
Otherwise it was all FO4, XCOM1 and maybe one other.
I swear, some of you folks play more new games (for like what, 2 hrs each?) than I change underwear in a year.
"I wear 'em front. I wear 'em back. I go inside out. Then I go front and back." Fred, BH6.
No XCOM 2?
I actually own it already, just haven't found time to play it.
Maybe this year.
Same here, it joins the other 22 games bought but not installed yet on Steam.
You are a bit ahead of me, but I have at least 10 plus never played games in either my Steam or GOG libraries, as well as several I want to revisit such as NMS.
All of those have to wait. As dumb as it sounds I really am enjoying Fallout 76, I guess I just love traipsing through post apocalyptic wastelands too much.
I have about 200. But I'm much, MUCH, younger than you. So it is fine, I've got time!
Ps. BTW what's this exotic shooting pain that I'm experiencing in my left arm?
Err, first sign of a heart attack? Any other weird symptoms? (Elevated pulse, blood pressure, headache, dizziness?)
If so, consider downing some aspirin ASAP and heading to ER.
It feels like my heart is pounding harder than usual, I can feel my pulse in my left foot's sole. I have a faulty mitral valve but I never had an episode like this before.
Constantine, The Console Poster
"One of the most difficult tasks men can perform, however much others may despise it, is the invention of good games and it cannot be done by men out of touch with their instinctive selves." - Carl Jung
Comments
As for P2W, I've never encountered anything that would indicate it. All levels of mechs have models and/or variants available for C-bills, and there's no lootbox shenanigans to boot.
In addition, no one mech is OP enough to make it seem as if you're disadvantaged if you don't have that mech. TTK is much too high, the mechs much too lumbering, and a complete lack of regen prevents one mech from dominating multiple mechs unless the other folks just can't seem to hit the mech with anything.
No XCOM 2?
As much as I loved 5, it ultimately was just settle 4 cities with the same social policy/tech/build openers each time and build every building in every city. 6 lets you specialize cities and actually think about how to develop them and it doesn't punish you for expansion, which you have to admit is a weird thing to do in a 4X game. Unsure what you mean about less gameplay options or the loss of tactical thinking, you'll have to expand on that.
As far as modding goes, Civ 6 modders don't have access to the DLLs just yet, which limits the scope of mods. DLL access wasn't given to modders of 5 until after both expansions were out. With Gathering Storm (which looks awesome!) releasing in Feb, we may get DLL access in 6 soon. Impressive mods such as 5's Vox Populi weren't possible until DLL access was given.
1: MH;W
2: Subnautica
3: Warhammer Vermintide 2
MH;W is pretty much my favorite game.
Maybe this year.
"True friends stab you in the front." | Oscar Wilde
"I need to finish" - Christian Wolff: The Accountant
Just trying to live long enough to play a new, released MMORPG, playing New Worlds atm
Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions. Pvbs 18:2, NIV
Don't just play games, inhabit virtual worlds™
"This is the most intelligent, well qualified and articulate response to a post I have ever seen on these forums. It's a shame most people here won't have the attention span to read past the second line." - Anon
All of those have to wait. As dumb as it sounds I really am enjoying Fallout 76, I guess I just love traipsing through post apocalyptic wastelands too much.
"True friends stab you in the front." | Oscar Wilde
"I need to finish" - Christian Wolff: The Accountant
Just trying to live long enough to play a new, released MMORPG, playing New Worlds atm
Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions. Pvbs 18:2, NIV
Don't just play games, inhabit virtual worlds™
"This is the most intelligent, well qualified and articulate response to a post I have ever seen on these forums. It's a shame most people here won't have the attention span to read past the second line." - Anon
Ps. BTW what's this exotic shooting pain that I'm experiencing in my left arm?
If so, consider downing some aspirin ASAP and heading to ER.
"True friends stab you in the front." | Oscar Wilde
"I need to finish" - Christian Wolff: The Accountant
Just trying to live long enough to play a new, released MMORPG, playing New Worlds atm
Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions. Pvbs 18:2, NIV
Don't just play games, inhabit virtual worlds™
"This is the most intelligent, well qualified and articulate response to a post I have ever seen on these forums. It's a shame most people here won't have the attention span to read past the second line." - Anon
God of War
Horizon Zero Dawn
Beyond Two Souls
RDR2
AC: Odysssey
I only bought one game for computer and that was BFA for WoW. 2019 has one title I'm looking forward to (The Last of Us 2) and that is it so far.
I'm not an IT Specialist, Game Developer, or Clairvoyant in real life, but like others on here, I play one on the internet.