@Travis Yeah it says "beta" still in the top right corner and pretty much every where else. It's confusing, I wonder why they haven't changed it.

I feel like I've spent a good bit of time with it already and I've seen some tech issues. I had a major FPS drop. I'm running at 2560x1440@165hz w/ VSync and Gsync on, so I do see 165FPS. I've had two NPCs who didn't show a walking animation while I was following them. Also, sometimes I don't hear a voice over, I just see the text box during an NPC conversation. I'd say that one happens more frequently than any other I've experienced. I think these are minor issues that don't greatly distract from gameplay and could probably be resolved easily (my assumption there at the end).

Unfortunately it says my phone isn't compatible. I see some people got this erroneously, however I did some Googling and I don't think my phone meets the system (mobile) requirements.

I'm reading a GameSpot regarding tips for beginners. Maybe we should try to make a warband. I've seen different servers, but they only show how many friends are on a server if they are, but not which friends are on which servers. It looks like we're all spread out.

I'm level 34 now, very close to 35, which is my new questline (reach level 35).

I pretty much agree w/ Jon's assessment of this being a great Diablo game. I mean, I do see some flaws. I mentioned technical issues I've come across, but I also feel like everything is just so spread out in the menus and such. There's a lot of it. I'm not complaining really, but I am glad for the red markers showing me things I need to look at. Otherwise I see somethings here I really like. In a way I'm still talking about all that menu stuff. If feels like there's so much you can do within the menus. It can look overwhelming, but it's also cool to be able to do a lot of that stuff. I also like that you can upgrade a piece of armor and be able to transfer the upgrades (and gems if applicable) to the new piece of armor you want to replace it with. I think it's kind of a QoL treat.

I may have more to say about this later. (And so I've updated this comment.)

Tips for Beginners: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/diablo-immortal-tips-for-beginners-early-tips-for-raising-hell-in-blizzards-mobile-rpg/1100-6504018/

How to play for free: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/diablo-immortal-microtransactions-explained-and-how-to-play-for-free/1100-6504071/

>You could try downloading it anyway and trying it? It might work, but... be quite slow? That said, the PC port should help you out. I hope over time it improves some, it's good but could be a bit better. I also hope the PC port is a base to port it to consoles. This would be another great F2P addition to the XBox, Playstation and Switch.

I thought about that. I had to side load the Windows 10 Phone Link app so that I could get that working (and I love being able to text w/ my keyboard!). I'm not too concerned though. I don't have much interest in mobile gaming these days and I really hate cell phones.

I've seen plenty of technical issues. It's playable and good enough, but I'd still like to see these issues resolved. I did see an Activision Tech Support character in-game. I thought that was interesting. Maybe I should get back into my habit of trying to resolve issues or report them as bugs if they seem to be.

Oh, I need to join a Warband Raid for Lassal. It requires 8 people. I haven't had any luck getting this done yet. My current objective is to "reach level 40," I'm just a few levels away.

Aw dang, you cannot transfer characters between servers. I'd love to see us all together in the game and play together if we can or want to. If anyone would like me to join them, please feel free to let me know and tell me which server you're playing on. Let me know what your class is, too, and I'll think about what kind of character to create on your server.

"Who knew playing with others would be so fun?!" Yes, that is a quote from silly me. I must agree with the general sentiment I see in chat, I'm really enjoying this game! The game guided me to join a Warband Raid for Lassal. Luckily, I managed to accomplish that (oh and I'm 51 now). Then it guided me to join a clan. I'm now in the Death Eaters and we're full now. When I left late last night/early this morning we were only a few signets away from becoming a Dark Clan. We may have already accomplished that today. I partied up w/ others and had so much fun running around playing w/ my new clan mates and friends I made (I got two friend requests). I've been constantly learning more about the game and it's exciting. I like this game so much more than D2!

I wonder why it's FTP. This seems as good, if not better, as D3. I understand they'll get money from microtransactions, but couldn't they make even more by charging everyone at least $20-30?

Yeah, you're right. I guess I'm just thinking of people like me that might never even buy anything. I guess the ones that do buy things make up for those who don't. Wow that's a lot of money!

I'm glad you shared that link, mostly because it told me when the story takes place, which is something that's kind of crossed my mind. I assumed it was just it's own separate Diablo world and story.

The Death Eaters are a Dark Clan now! :)

I don't know what Orbs are. I visited the auction once or twice, but wasn't interested. I think I wanted to sell some gear, but couldn't (was learning). I used my platinum to open up chests in Iben Fahd's Sanctum, which you'll have access to after talking to Cain and Charsi at a certain point (around level 60).

I haven't paid for anything. I don't want to. I'm not interested in buying anything. I'm having fun and enjoying the experience. I'm paragon 2 or 3 now I think. My warband sucks, because no one wants to party up to work on campsite monster kills, but my clan is awesome. Sometimes world chat is awesome and sometimes not. There was a long discussion about cryptocurrency I didn't get into (not interested). Later chat was being helpful answering other player's questions about the game. I participated I think on both sides.

Lower level gems are worthy, but you can get them with Hilts, too, I'm sure. You combine them to get higher ranked gems, which takes 3 for 1. I need to get some more so I can upgrade. You can upgrade a slotted one, but make sure the other two you need to use aren't slotted, slotted gems won't count (except for the one you're upgrading).

Wow. Well once my level got into the 50's or so picking up an item that's better than what I have has been rare or very uncommon. I'm not sure if all of my gear is Legendary, but most of it is. I might have a piece of armor that isn't, but not much more than that, if any. I'm paragon 5 or so now, I think. I'm assuming paragon levels would be the end game, but I still don't want to spend any money or feel like I need to.

What level are you about? I'm about 5 or 6 (P), I think. I enjoyed it, but took a break and now have other things I want to do. I look forward to perhaps playing it more in the future and also DIV.

I read they did add Legendary transmutation in D3, but it doesn't act in the same way as DIm. I really loved this feature in DIm.

Interesting site! I'm not sure when I might return to the game. I'm happy w/ what I got out of it, but other things are popping up (so much released lately!).

Wow, here's an impressive article about the microtransaction controversy and how bad it really is. I didn't think much on it, but I think this does a great job of showing that the game is seriously flawed because of this. I enjoyed my time with it, making it to about paragon level 5. I had much more fun than I thought I would and I enjoyed being social in a video game, something I haven't done in a very long time. However, other games updated with new content, which caught my interest. So after a point, I felt pretty much done with DI. I'd like to see this issue resolved. It is a fun game, but this is ridiculous.

I never intend to spend money in these games. I don't have an excessive amount of income to do so either. I would have been ok paying for the game, especially if it did not include these microtransactions. I just hope they get it all right with Diablo IV.

https://www.gamespot.com/articles/diablo-immortal-is-exactly-what-fans-feared-it-would-be/1100-6504870/

DI Honest Game Trailer: https://youtu.be/AITraUoqcJE

100GB! Oh my sweet NVMe SSD!

Oh, 4K textures? I didn't think about that.

Yay a new Roy album! I can't wait to listen! ❤️ What you've written here and the lyrics of the embedded song speak to me and I just want to say "THANK YOU!!!" This all speaks to me very much!

As for Chris Hemsworth's abs, it's time to write a sequel, check out Natalie Portman's biceps!!! (Thor Love and Thunder) https://youtu.be/tgB1wUcmbbw

“If JJ Abrams Rebooted the Little Mermaid" we'd see a LOT of lens flares! LOL

(Dang it Jon, I hope others are looking at this site with a resolution above 1080p. 1440p lets me see two stories on the front page and I always feel guilty when I notice someone's posted right as I'm about to and their post gets bumped down. Clearly this isn't the first time. LOL)

Wow, what an amazing thing I totally forgot about, playing Minecraft with your son! However, in contrast to your experience, my son is the reason I got into Minecraft. Once I started, I was hooked! We haven't played together much, but I did set up a Java server briefly. I don't know if you're aware of this, but the Bedrock version, which is the one all consoles run, is actually playable cross-platform. So, while you're playing on the Switch, I could join with my PC, and my son (now 18!) could join with his PS4 (for example). I haven't played the Bedrock version very much, but in my experience it seems to run a lot smoother than the Java version. I got my Windows 10 edition when it was offered for free when it was released for Windows 10.

I'm so happy for you that you've entered the Minecraft world with your son! It's an exciting time! It's a fantastic game for people of all ages. It's one of the few games I can think of that actually brings very many people together. As you probably know, it's extremely popular and you know they're still adding content. The next update will include mangrove forest, frogs, and more.

Ya know what's funny? My son got me into Minecraft, now he wants to follow in my footsteps and get into Ark: Survival Evolved since it's on PS Plus right now. LOL

How so?

Hey guys. I just learned that the release date for 1.19 is June 7th. Here's an article if you want to read more about it: https://www.pcgamesn.com/minecraft/1-19-update-release-date

Awesome! How old is he? High school graduation for mine (18) is next Saturday assuming he gets his work turned in on time.

Paul Soares, Jr. has a 1.18 playthrough on YouTube I've continued watching. It's making me want to jump in. I may check out the latest snapshot after I see what's on xismavoid's channel. It's been about a couple of months since I last played and I'm worried I'll tire of it quickly.

Wow, yeah Minecraft kids are smart! They know how to get the beta content.

If you have "cheats enabled" on the world, you could use the "/locate" command to find a village and /tp there. I haven't used that command, but I keep /tp coordinates in a document so I can just /tp to where I want to go. Minecraft commands: https://minecraft.fandom.com/wiki/Commands/locate

Yeah, Minecraft is seeming more like Terraria now, that's a good observation. I think this is great, because the underground is getting variety that we've only seen above ground until recently. Speaking of Terraria, did you know there's a Terraria update coming? https://forums.terraria.org/index.php?threads/terraria-state-of-the-game-may-2022.112582/

As far as I understand it, you don't need to spawn a new world to get the new content for each update, you need to explore areas you haven't yet discovered. I'm sure I've heard or read that the devs have taken extra care to make sure that updates don't destroy worlds that already exist. The C&C Update extended the height and depth of the world border so they had to take extra care to make sure they didn't break existing worlds.

Here's a bit more detail: Minecraft worlds are made up of chunks. They are invisible (though you can make them visible) and they contain everything. "A chunk in Minecraft is a procedurally generated 16 x 16 segment of the world that extends all the way down to the" bottom of the world and all the way to the top of the world. (IGN quote) As you explore, new chunks in the world are created. If you started your world with 1.8 then all of the chunks that have been created by exploring are 1.8 chunks. If you want to see the new content you have to explore further into your world so that it will create new chunks, which contain 1.9 content if that's what you're playing after the update.

IGN "How big is a chunk" (gave me an answer I was looking for): https://www.ign.com/wikis/minecraft/How_Big_is_a_Chunk_in_Minecraft

FYI Minecraft Java and Bedrock editions are being bundled together on PC. Players who own either version will receive the other for free in a new update coming. The brief article I just read is worth reading. It helps briefly give you an idea about why there are these two different versions of Minecraft and which is run by different platforms.

I bought my Minecraft codes (one for me and one for Vinny) at Wal-Mart many years ago. When they released it for Windows 10, they gave it away for free to those of us that already owned the Java version. So, that's how I have both versions (and this update will be insignificant to me).

Source: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/minecraft-is-bundling-java-and-bedrock-editions-on-pc-starting-june-7/1100-6504197/

Yes, but it isn't called "an XBox version." There are two main versions of Minecraft; Java and Bedrock Edition. When I heard about why bundles aren't in the game yet, I was reminded that there is a third version called Pocket Edition. I thought they got rid of it, but it's the one used on tablets and similar touch devices. I used it on the Kindle Fire I had.

The Java Edition is only on PC, because it was originally written in Java, which is incompatible w/ pretty much everything else. So, they created the Bedrock Edition, which is written in C++.

"Parity!" Thanks, you just helped me remember the right term I was trying to use in my Wild Update post (now corrected). I thought it was "polarity," but knew it didn't sound right. LOL! Parity is something the devs are taking very seriously. They want to make sure that every version of Minecraft contains the same content so that there are few if any differences in gameplay.

I'd say each version has it's own unique thing about it. Java is the one with mod support, while Bedrock is the one that has access to the Marketplace.

Both versions and Minecraft Dungeons used to have separate launchers, but they all now use the same one. Currently the Bedrock Edition is listed in the launcher as "Minecraft for Windows," but that's only calling it a different name. I don't know why it doesn't just say "Bedrock Edition."

I like both versions, but Bedrock does seem to look a bit nicer and run a bit smoother. I've been avoiding it since I discovered a nasty bug that AFAIK hasn't been resolved. I (and others) noticed Villagers disappearing, which apparently happens due to chunk borders.

Are you aware of Minecraft RTX? That's a Bedrock Edition exclusive, too.

Wow that's awesome and congrat's on the graduation. Vinny graduated high school almost a full week ago. I don't know if he's played it, but I did tell him about it and the Ark update coming in a couple days. I checked out the snapshot, but Diablo Immortal is the game keeping me occupied these days (and I'm loving it!).

It's nice to see he's so enthusiastic. I shared a video by xisumavoid where he was talking about how he's seeing so much negativity towards this update and he explained why that could be (really, expectations not being tempered). I can't wait to get an Allay, though I'm worried I'll lose it since I "/tp" so much. Sorry, I'm repeating myself from my post. LOL

How was the RTX? What GPU are you using? I wish I had a good RTX. Luckily, I've decided I actually don't want a 3090Ti. That thing requires extra power connections and a powerful PSU. It's also big and while I read that it has good thermals, it makes everything else hot. I don't have $2,000 anyway. I'm still happy w/ my 3 year old 1660Ti XC Gaming GPU (which I bought a 10 year warranty for), but RTX is something I'd love to be able to do.

I still want a better GPU for Ark, even though I haven't been playing it as much. There's a new map in a couple days though so I'll probably jump back in soon. Some maps (especially Genesis Part 2) still perform horribly. Although the first map runs really well most of the time.

I got a new monitor at the end of last year, though. Now I'm running 1440p@165hz. I like it, I can even get games to do 2K, but that extra resolution has an impact and I'm not sure the better quality is very noticeable. I haven't played much Ark with it yet, but when I did try it out, it kind of seemed crisper.

I'm jealous, but this is interesting. As recent as last year I think, I looked up how much Amazon still listed my GPU, which I bought from them (2019). It was listed double what I paid for it. Now it looks like that's the price of your GPU, which is more reasonable than the $1,000+. I believe we did finally get a break with outrageous GPU prices in recent months. My previous GPU was a 980Ti and about about the price of yours, but this one was half that and better (of course it's newer). The one I had before that was a GTX690. It was a $1,000 card, I got in an Alienware and was a major disappointment. I wanted it so bad, but I came to learn how ignorant I was about it.

I think I'm reaching your point, too, actually. I still want a better GPU, because I want steady performance. I want to be able to have beauty like RTX. I've been pretty satisfied with most games and don't have much trouble running on "High" settings, but Ark could still benefit from new hardware.

What kind of monitor? Or what res and refresh rate are you playing with and how's your FPS?

1080p is still the great standard IMO. As for me, I want a constant 60 and not much lower. Anything much less than that seems noticeable and I don't like it. Some games are really good at 30 and unnoticeable. 30 isn't good enough for Ark, though, not for me.

The Dell monitor I got with my Alienware served me by being my monitor for two PCs. It still works and is perfectly fine, but I wanted to experience this new tech. I wanted to see what a higher res and refresh rate would look like. I also wanted GSync. Honestly, I'm not sure I'm seeing much of a difference. It's hard to tell. I'm happy with what I have now, so I guess that's what matters most.

The GPU is perhaps the one piece of hardware I always wish I could afford to upgrade. LOL I'm not quite where I want to be, but this GPU of mine seems to be still very good even at about $300-400 and being about 3 years old.

You stating that you're at the point where graphics don't wow you as much reminds me of Moore's Law.

Cool! My TV is about 12 years old. It helped bring me to HD w/ 1080p@60hz with my PS3. Yeah, that sounds like Moore's Law. Res above 1080 doesn't seem noticeable. 720 seems fine for video, but I don't like much less than that.

FPS above 60 doesn't seem noticeable to me either. <60 is what I notice and don't like. (Although some things are fine at 30. I'm used to seeing that this is a console standard.) I've been able to do 2K w/ this monitor and I'm still not sure of a noticeable difference. I played Monster Hunter Rise this way. It apparently locks the FPS max at 60, maybe it's just something it can't do @ a higher rate.

I'm playing on Ark's new map, finally with my new monitor, at 1440p. At times I see FPS over 30 (at one point I saw it was 31), 40's, and 50's. I don't recall seeing it higher, but it could have been. I haven't been keeping an eye on it the whole time. I want that steady 60 FPS, but don't want to change my resolution or tinker w/ settings once again. What I'm realizing is that 30+FPS is fine and I don't think I'm noticing a difference (between this and 60FPS). I'm not sure if I'm noticing a difference between this res and the 1920X1200 I was using before.

That's a good thing to point out. I thought movies and TV were 30 and yes they are totally fine. Thanks man!

https://youtu.be/GD6qtc2_AQA

I'm glad we're having this discussion again (I remember asking what you all thought about it). You make a good point, Jon. We experience them differently.

I'm not use to 120, but I can do 1440p@165. I'm sure I get that in Minecraft (without my favorite shader pack). Other games are more demanding, certainly, so my FPS varies. I can push it to 2K, but I believe 165 drops to 60. I'm just glad I finally got a new monitor so I could expand my 1080p@60 experience. I'm still unsure about it. I'm not sure I've figured out HDR either and I'm not sure I like it. I've read complaints that Windows 10 HDR wasn't implemented well.

What resolution do you use while playing normally or most of the time (for games in general)? I'm playing Jurassic World Evolution 2 now (new DLC) at 1440p on some high or very high settings. I'm getting about 30+ FPS and I'm happy with it. 2K wasn't as acceptable. I'm not sure I notice the higher resolutions anyway, unless things get smaller (like text). I think I care more about the flashier side of it all and getting as much performance as I can. I don't like having to make sacrifices, but it's usually manageable. I believe I know Jon's playing with 4K on his XBox.

I believe Jon mentioned this. I'm not sure how I learned about it, probably GameSpot news that I read daily. Anyway there's an announce trailer for Minecraft Legends. I like the "cinematic footage," but I'm not so sure about the "pre-release gameplay." I was happy to see two Allay, one blue. I love them, even though I haven't played w/ them yet. You can see the trailer here (https://youtu.be/1JSjZqV-YK8). I might have more details later.

Cowabunga dude! I had the first Game Boy game. I remember playing the arcade game. I'm not sure if I actually played it in the arcade, but I did play the console version, which I think/thought was on the SNES. Oh! I just remembered playing a TMNT NES game, too. It was out on PC, too, in '95 but my parents wouldn't get it for me and I had no money in high school. All these games I've mentioned, I think, are the first ones that came out for each console/arcade.

Thanks for sharing!

Steam says Aug. 30 and still no price listed.

Cool, thanks!