hardeyez: I have to agree with this.

Over the weekend I decided to give D3 a spin again after having been away (since around 1.3 or 1.4, can't remember which). And, I was having the same frustrations -- tons of lag deaths, lots of dying before I even saw the champion pack monsters, etc. So I was annoyed all over, and put it away for the next several revisions.

Today, I tried 1.8 because of this post. And, WOW, what a difference. The game feels *so* much better. I died a couple times against the champion packs, but it was from fighting (and packs that have bind and pull buffs -- I'm a ranged DH and hate getting close). It was fun again. I might actually pick it back up and finally hit level 60... Yeah, I have a fairly low tolerance for annoying gameplay so I never maxed out as I was stuck in act 1 of hell mode. I didn't want to grind for gold to buy AH items (or pay cash). I just want to play, have fun, get loot I want to use (instead of sell). So I really hate the AH and don't use it... which feels like a major disadvantage. But, if I can play again, make progress (reasonably quickly -- no grinding for hours with nothing to show for it and losing gold due to repair costs), and have fun, then that is awesome. In fact, I got about 25% of a level in a quick half to quarter hour of play which is much better than I'm used to (I'm level 53, almost 54).

So, yeah, I'd second the thought that you should try it again after this patch.

jdodson: I played this a bit tonight. Very fun as you said Travis but WOW the lag was incredible.

Travis: Interesting, I haven't had any lag problems in the past few days playing it. Luck of the draw I guess.

I just love the new monster density. Last night in Act 2 inferno at monster power 1 I had to walk through three screens to pick up the loot that I had left behind.

jdodson: Yeah the loot drops do seem better. I mean most of it is trash compared to what I have. In fact most of it is. I get tons of loot, but none of it is better than the stuff I've had for a few levels now.

Travis: That gets better once you hit level 60, but it is a little annoying when you're leveling a character yeah.

jdodson: Thats really funny. Booker plays how I do at times. Sometimes you just wanna run and gun, you know? :D

Travis: How many trolls are there who put up incorrect flags just to mess with people?

hardeyez: Ah, you can't. Incorrect flag placement gives you a big points deduction, just like hitting a mine. It works great. But yeah, kinda weird that you know the flags are mines.

Chowda: Such a brilliant idea. After you shared this with me I promptly bookmarked it and played for much longer than I should have. Performance is even really good until you zoom out to the world view and try to scroll around. Everyone should at least give this a two minute look!

scrypt: Two minutes turned into an hour... stop clicking...

jdodson: :D

jaelte: Hmm. Sure, I'll give it a shot.

scrypt: I actually have 4 invites that I'm sitting on, as well! Anyone that wants are welcome to them.

I decided to jump into Firefall last October (I think it was October...), but haven't been on since January, as there wasn't really that much more to do at the time. Very entertaining though. Almost like a World of Warcraft meets Borderlands feel. I'll make my way back in eventually. Sounds like quite a few things have changed.

jdodson: @jaelte sent.

@scrypt: I am hacking on the site tonight, let me know what you find. I only played the game a little bit and quite enjoyed what I found.

WhiteboySlim: I'd love one! I just got a new PC and would love to break it in. :)

jdodson: @WhiteboySlim: Sent.

jaelte: Thanks! It's downloading now. I hope to get some time in tonight, if it's not too late when it's done installing.

scrypt: Peeked back into the game to see what's what. I really like that they added a tutorial/testing area at the beginning. VERY glad to see that all of my content and progress was saved, and hope that continues through the release. I don't expect it to, but it would be nice. See they have Twitch integration now, and more robust system options. Lots of new items to acquire, which will undoubtedly be my prime reason for spending more time in New Eden :).

BR: I'll take one of those. I'd like to give it a shot

Adym: Hey O could I get an invite too?

jdodson: Adym & BR: Invites sent.

Tungsten: If you still have on laying around, I wouldn't mind checking it out.

jdodson: Tungsten: Sent

WhiteboySlim: Ha ha ha! That's awesome.

jdodson: Totally.

Tungsten: I've been looking for a reason to buy stacking for a while now. This will do.

jdodson: Right, trying to figure out if I want to stop at Brutal Legend of go to the $35 Double Fine Adventure pre-order.

Travis: I stopped at Brutal Legend. The preorder is $15 so I can get it by itself for way less money.

jdodson: Yes but Charity. And they also blended games and drank them.

Tungsten: I've now bought Psychonauts.... 5 times I think?

scrypt: Update to the Humble Double Fine Bundle adds 9 prototypes from Double Fine's Amnesia Fortnight sessions. Well, 8 prototypes and a collection of 2Player Productions vidocs. Sweet!

jdodson: POST WAR!

PS I Am excited about this game too :D

jdodson: Seriously, fighting Nazi robots in the future? Sign me up.

Travis: Day one purchase, no question. I'm bummed about the lack of id on it, but I trust Bethesda to give it a good home.

PS: don't read the comments on the Bethesda Blog post. It's full of people who don't get that one company can own multiple studios and that "YOU STOPPED DEVELOPING SKYRIM FOR THIS!?" isn't a valid thing to rage over.

jdodson: I agree, it will be day one purchase for me too. Coming out at the end of this year too. So yeah, now I have a triple A game on my radar. :D

Travis: Here's one guy who won't be playing it. Wow.
http://www.destructoid.com/warren-spector-so-tired-of-stuff-like-wolfenstein-253257.phtml

jdodson: I mean, does the world __need__ a game about anything? I mean gosh, we could funnel that time/energy into __INSERT THING HERE__ right?

Yeah so Master Spector isn't excited about a new Wolfenstein game. I understand that. But getting all huffy about is kind of strange to me. Warren, does the world need another Mickey Mouse thing? I mean obviously his answer is yes, but you know its a stupid question to ask in the first place.

People create because they do, personally people should do what they feel they must regardless of opining artists or anyone saying otherwise.

scrypt: The whole situation with Junction Point and Disney was unfortunate, and I would be bitter, too. I don't think anyone starts a company, just to be bought out by someone (a Disney-sized someone, no less), and then be expected to create what they are told to create (i.e. I don't think they wanted to make a Mickey Mouse game, but were under certain obligation to do so). Sounds very unsatisfying. If I were Warren Spector, I'd get my project on Kickstarter, if he's really struggling to find an audience.

I get his frustration. This new Wolfenstein trailer doesn't thrill me, but I've not been a diehard fan of the series anyway. However, his points that the gameplay and mood at first appear to be predictable and generic, are valid and concerning. I mean, the teaser is about as generic as you can get, and I don't think they were trying to be ironic. Then again, it could turn out to be an amazing game that pushes the genre in new directions. You know, like Aliens: Colonial Marines...

Seriously, though, I think he was just targeting this announcement as a metaphor for the state of the triple-A scene. If it wasn't for the Indies, you have to admit we'd have a lot less options for new experiences.

jdodson: Warren Spector created Junction Point studios and sold it to Disney. If one doesn't want the man running the show then don't sell to the man. Selling your company typically means the man throws money at your face to put in your checking account, something I typically don't lament when it goes south.

That said, I see your point with "churn FPS's" and Warrens point as well. I can understand why people would want all video games made they way they would see fit. I want the market to cater to me as well. Thing is, I don't typically get upset at seeing "yet another grind triple A title" or "yet another vapid pop star gaining popularity." If I got upset whenever something happened that wasn't my style I would be upset often. There are people that get upset about things they can't change a lot, I wish them luck with that.

I agree with you about Indies but I would say that point entirely is keeping gaming interesting, for me anyway. Until the new Wolfenstein reveal, I had no triple A games on my radar I was interested in other than indie games.

jdodson: So, yeah did this Wolf. reveal showcase anything we haven't seen before? No. But its part of a Marketing cycle where you tease something, then keep the drum beat up until release. Its a good strategy and works pretty well.

When I watched the trailer, because I am a Wolf. fan I ate it up. Well until the Hendrix music, it didn't seem to fit the whole future robot thing. But whatever, I had stylistic points with Terraria and Anodyne too.

jdodson: http://www.gamespot.com/features/rewriting-history-in-wolfenstein-the-new-order-6408113/?tag=Topslot%3bSlot1

So the game will take place in the 60's. Huh. Id rather a time travel plot, but ok. Excitement waning.

Travis: Waning? That actually makes it more interesting to me.

jdodson: Yeah, I am going to still get it, but time travel with Nazi robots? Something about going absurd while trying to remain serious appeals to me.

jdodson: When Disney shuttled Lucas Arts and said they were going to license the IP I figured some big company would snatch up the licenses. *sigh*

I don't have much vested in Star Wars video games anymore, though I do still need to play Knights of the Old Republic.

Travis: I still don't get closing Lucas Arts. It's a sad loss.

jdodson: Its really a money thing I bet. If the just license the IP they get scrilla per year for doing little. I bet Lucas Arts was, at the time, making little or operating at a loss.

BR: No...this can't be happening...no....no,no,no NOT EA. NOOOOO.

IT IS A SAD DAY

jdodson: I agree, its not an awesome thing.

Travis: Oh man. That music is so good. The gameplay looks good too, but... man that music blows me away.

jdodson: I know its really good. Very Maga Man esque.

Travis: ALL HAIL THE FLAK CANNON.

Seriously, that gun is amazing. It may be that I'm just not super at FPS games and the Flak Cannon makes it easier, but man I'm Sir Frags-a-lot with that thing.

jdodson: The Flak cannon is dope. Recently I picked up the Rage expansion and really enjoyed the nail gun. When I play Rage again, ill get it much sooner so I can use it throughout the game and that should be quite a bit of fun.

BFG is a pretty epic gun too but the Flak will be my goto gun when I play any version of Unreal Tournament.

WhiteboySlim: When I first moved into an apartment with room mates we use to play a lot of Unreal Tournament. The flak cannon was always a favorite!

I was also a big fan of the shock rifle (is that the right name)? It was the one where you could fire off a orb of energy, then blast it with another shot to make it explode.

jaelte: Pfft. Obtanium has nothing on unobtanium.

jdodson: Well. At least you can collect Obtanium.