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[phaonica]

Oh, the Loghain thread perked up while I wasn't looking

Skadi_the_Evil_Elf wrote...
Have a classic Loggy moment from ostagar

Sexy beast. <3

greengoron89 wrote..
I've never had Loghain in my party (short of getting the Recruiter achievement) and missed out on all the chats with him. I'm looking forward to hearing what he has to say. 

Oh, I'm excited for you.

I am realizing more and more that Bioware is becoming obsolete for me

It seems like when I first picked up Dragon Age, it was one of only a few titles that did anything significant with a choice mechanic. Now it seems there are many other game out there that are attempting it and doing it better. I still hold on to hopes for DA3, but not if everyone is going to be (imo) a caricature from now on.

Were it not for the community that I've come to consider my internet family, I would most likely not be here. 

Same. I do very much appreciate the discussions we have here. I know it's just a video game, but I find the conversations intellectually stimulating nonetheless.
But also it seems like after DA2, it's hard for even old friends to get along.

Addai wrote...

Yeah I'm running on fumes.  If it weren't for talking to people I like, I'd never be on BSN.  

Same here. Seriously, Bioware, the forums are claustrophobic recently. Give us something new to talk about.

I read an interesting article on the effect of video games on the brain and particularly older brains.  The Navy ran tests and found that playing video games increased "brain plasticity."  

Oh, neato, I want to read this. Thanks.

[KnightofPhoenix]

Well DA2 has such an effect (negative), that even those who dislike it can't get along.

[phaonica]

KnightofPhoenix wrote...

Well DA2 has such an effect (negative), that even those who dislike it can't get along.

I suppose. Part of me thinks that since Dragon Age is designed to have us make judgments and take sides, that the conflict naturally comes into the forums. It engages us to discuss, not with malicious intent, but that's just the way the Internet is sometimes...

[Costin_Razvan]

I read an interesting article on the effect of video games on the brain and particularly older brains. The Navy ran tests and found that playing video games increased "brain plasticity." Sounds like a good excuse to me.

It should be mentioned the Navy ( and army in general actually ) only runs shooters and flight simulators as far as I've heard and while I do think strategy games, especially fast paced ones, can also increase brain plasticity I kinda doubt something like ME2 or TW2 or DA:O or Total War games achieve that.

Modifié par Costin_Razvan, 09 septembre 2011 - 06:18 .

[phaonica]

Costin_Razvan wrote...

I read an interesting article on the effect of video games on the brain and particularly older brains. The Navy ran tests and found that playing video games increased "brain plasticity." Sounds like a good excuse to me.

It should be mentioned the Navy ( and army in general actually ) only runs shooters and flight simulators as far as I've heard and while I do think strategy games, especially fast paced ones, can also increase brain plasticity I kinda doubt something like ME2 or TW2 or DA:O or Total War games achieve that.

Don't know. I suppose it depends on exactly what kind of stimulation is found to result in the plasticity. Is it the twitch mechanics that do it? Is it the stimulation of the survival instinct? Or does intellectual engagement alone do it (in which case the type of video game wouldn't really matter)?

I know next to nothing about brain plasticity, and this article doesn't mention how the stimulations from video games compare to stimulations from other physical or intellectually engaging activities (sports, chess games, playing paintball, etc.). Maybe the only point the article is trying to make is not that video game are better or comparable to other activities, but rather only the beginning of proof that they can be postitively stimulating, and are not a completely negative influence.

[Costin_Razvan]

Don't know. I suppose it depends on exactly what kind of stimulation is found to result in the plasticity. Is it the twitch mechanics that do it? Is it the stimulation of the survival instinct? Or does intellectual engagement alone do it (in which case the type of video game wouldn't really matter)?

The article specificly talks about training for constantly shifting situations against enemies who change their tactics, and RPGs and hell most single player games are generaly the exact same ( Exceptions would be stuff like Sins of a Solar Empire, Total War games in the campaign map though not battles themselves and shooters to a certain degree ).

I don't doubt any game can provide mental stimulation when played for the 1st and maybe even 2nd time ( perhaps even more depending on the game ) but for a game like DA:O or ME2 while the initial runs are quite stimulating for the brain once you understand what's going to happen, when and how to deal with it I think that stimulation of the brain if lost.

For instance I played ME2 over 11 times, and at first the Suicide Mission was quite very challenging, once I learned how to deal with and basically was headshotting EVERY SINGLE ENEMY in it suddenly stopped being fun for me.

Sorta like my recent situation with TW2: Finished the game on Insane several times yet I wouldn't do it again since really the gameplay has no real challenge left to offer me, not that the game is easy mind you but I just learned to deal with it very well.

It also applies to singleplayer shooters ( I liked playing a LOT of campaigns in many shooters yet can't find it in me to repeat them ) but switching to multiplayer...well it's a whole other situation.

Shooter MP is a very competitive playground for people, no one ( well at least those that are completley idiotic ) will repeat his mistakes too many times and they will seek new ways to kill people.

Modifié par Costin_Razvan, 09 septembre 2011 - 08:53 .

[CalJones]

I must admit I have little to say right now - I did enjoy Legacy but I've played it through several times now and I think I'm done with DA2. I guess I'll have to wait for the next big Bioware epic to come along.

Brain plasticity - interesting. I know games improved my coordination. I am dyspraxic and as a child I had horrible hand-eye coordination. Playing pinball and arcade shooters improved it a great deal (enough that I can now teach PE without embarrassing myself in front of the kids).

[Skadi_the_Evil_Elf]

Addai67 wrote...
Yeah I'm running on fumes.  If it weren't for talking to people I like, I'd never be on BSN.  Though it's kind of sad that here and on Twitter, the DA people I like- we have nothing left to talk about except the usual chatty type things.  Oh well.

I read an interesting article on the effect of video games on the brain and particularly older brains.  The Navy ran tests and found that playing video games increased "brain plasticity."  Sounds like a good excuse to me.    Unfortunately I'm sort of bereft of anything to play right now.  Waiting for FNV Lonesome Road to come out.  I would like to play Deus Ex HR, but not sold on it yet, at least at full price.

Yeah, like everyone else, its mostly the interesting people on here that has kept my interest, at least as far as the boards go. I'm still finding new uses for old gameplay mods, as far as origins go, that do a good job of minimizing the most annoying aspects of origins combat. But I don't have anything new to play either, and I'm not motivated to really play DA2 again until someone manages to put out some new mods (a difficult task without a toolset). I'm eagerly awaiting the new Sins of a Solar Empire expansion, but other than that, nothing particularly new thats exciting me. Mostly looking at older games for possible amusement.

But yes, that's why I like video games, I find them a great source of mental stimulation, when they are well written and produced. Video games to require alot of active descision making and problem solving. Even a simple hack and slash or shooter still requires some tactical and creative thinking, when planning new ways to slaughter pixels.

Edit to add: And welcome back, by the way. Hope you enjoyed your two weeks in germany!

Modifié par Skadi_the_Evil_Elf, 09 septembre 2011 - 05:31 .

[phaonica]

Skadi_the_Evil_Elf wrote...

But yes, that's why I like video games, I find them a great source of mental stimulation, when they are well written and produced. Video games to require alot of active descision making and problem solving. Even a simple hack and slash or shooter still requires some tactical and creative thinking, when planning new ways to slaughter pixels.

I agree. I find a good video game to be every bit as stimulating as a good book or a good movie. 

I think that currently the multiplayer, FPS games probably offer the most potential for "brain plasticity" because of the reasons Costin said, particularly the constant adaptation cycles stemming from playing against human players, and playing with human teammates, as opposed to programmed AI. I'd be tempted to try out some of the more popular titles if they didn't entail so much vitriol spewing out of the speakers (or perhaps the tales are overexaggerated).

[phaonica]

Skadi_the_Evil_Elf wrote...

Edit to add: And welcome back, by the way. Hope you enjoyed your two weeks in germany!

@Addai, I noticed you were back in the forums, but I hadn't said welcome back yet. I'm sorry.

Welcome back!

[Costin_Razvan]

Skadi: You could always play TW2 Yes I know I am nagging you but come on it's an awesome game.

phaonica: There are 3 shooters out there that are worth getting, forget bloody Call of Duty, it's not awesome in MP.

Counterstrike: THE ORIGINAL one, Battlefield ( Bad Company 2 or just Battlfield 2 ) and Crysis ( 1 or 2 ). Each of these brings it's own unique elements to bear on the multiplayer experience...and as for vitrol...well CS doesn't have a story, nor do Battlefield games ( except Bad Company ones, where I wouldn't say there's is too much vitrol ) and Crysis which has a serious story to it ( or at least tries to be serious ).

[phaonica]

Costin_Razvan wrote...

phaonica: There are 3 shooters out there that are worth getting, forget bloody Call of Duty, it's not awesome in MP.

Counterstrike: THE ORIGINAL one, Battlefield ( Bad Company 2 or just Battlfield 2 ) and Crysis ( 1 or 2 ). Each of these brings it's own unique elements to bear on the multiplayer experience...and as for vitrol...well CS doesn't have a story, nor do Battlefield games ( except Bad Company ones, where I wouldn't say there's is too much vitrol ) and Crysis which has a serious story to it ( or at least tries to be serious ).

Thank you for the suggestions. Someday when I can afford the time to start a new game, I'll be sure to have this list nearby. The gameplay in the upcoming Battlefield 3 game looks interesting. I might rent that one sometime to try it.

[Costin_Razvan]

Battlefield 3 will be AWESOME

64 player battles, Jets, Helicopters, Tanks, APCs etc.

If only they had SHIPS in it like in the original Battlefield...oh well.

[phaonica]

Costin_Razvan wrote...

Battlefield 3 will be AWESOME

64 player battles, Jets, Helicopters, Tanks, APCs etc.

If only they had SHIPS in it like in the original Battlefield...oh well.

LOL. I'm glad you have this response. I feel better about drooling over the trailers.

[Skadi_the_Evil_Elf]

Costin_Razvan wrote...

Skadi: You could always play TW2 Yes I know I am nagging you but come on it's an awesome game.

Meh. Maybe sometime or another, but preset characters still are a major demotivation, as it limits my replayability interest. And replayability is a major factor in my getting a game, I'm not a play and toss gamer. I don't get easily bored when I like a game.

Counterstrike: THE ORIGINAL one, Battlefield ( Bad Company 2 or just Battlfield 2 ) and Crysis ( 1 or 2 ). Each of these brings it's own unique elements to bear on the multiplayer experience...and as for vitrol...well CS doesn't have a story, nor do Battlefield games ( except Bad Company ones, where I wouldn't say there's is too much vitrol ) and Crysis which has a serious story to it ( or at least tries to be serious ).

Counterstrike. YESSSS!!!!!!!! That was probably the last shooter I ever really played. I used to have a blast with my buddies doing LAN battles. Many grenades tossed, friends fragged, beers drunk. Ahhhh, good times.

[KnightofPhoenix]

The only thing counter strike taught me is Arabic insults lol

@ Skadi
I can pseudo-guarantee at least 2 playthroughs in TW2, if the story interests you. If it cheapens, I highly recommend it.

I also recommend Deus Ex: Human Revolution, but it's a preset character. But it's great, I really loved it.

[Skadi_the_Evil_Elf]

Our insults were more directed at each other's mothers, skanky love interests, piece of crap car, dead end jobs, lack of ambition, lack of masculinity, or grotesque living habits.

I might get Witcher 2 sometime down the road, though its unlikely to run well on my current system, judging from the graphical detail.

[phaonica]

Skadi_the_Evil_Elf wrote...

I might get Witcher 2 sometime down the road, though its unlikely to run well on my current system, judging from the graphical detail.

It doesn't run well on mine. I had to temporarily abandon it.

[Addai]

Skadi_the_Evil_Elf wrote...

Edit to add: And welcome back, by the way. Hope you enjoyed your two weeks in germany!

I did!  Though I sprained my ankle and am now fighting a cold/ flu I got on the plane home.  lol  I'm a disaster.  It was still fun.  There's something to be said for an entire change of scenery once in a while.

Re shooters, I love 'em, but can't play 'em.  My reflexes aren't good enough to play them well, and I end up more stressed out than enjoying them.  Since I play games when I'm otherwise on low burn, that doesn't work out too well.  I'd rather read a book.

[Costin_Razvan]

I might get Witcher 2 sometime down the road, though its unlikely to run well on my current system, judging from the graphical detail.

Depends, what is your current system?

[phaonica]

Addai67 wrote...

Re shooters, I love 'em, but can't play 'em.  My reflexes aren't good enough to play them well, and I end up more stressed out than enjoying them.  Since I play games when I'm otherwise on low burn, that doesn't work out too well.  I'd rather read a book.

I find that I am pretty much useless at a shooter if I'm using a console control. But I like to play them on PC.

Have you ever tried Bioshock? I think that shooter is a lot of fun, and I've never played it multiplayer. The story is engaging and the horror aspect is well done without being over the top gory.

[Costin_Razvan]

Eh my perspective on that is that getting used to a new type of gameplay takes time. It most definetly took me MONTHS to learn to play WoW as a hardcore raider, and years to play RTS and Shooter games as I do now. Yes it's a very frustrating and abrupt learning curve but the rewards are worth it.

I find it strange however that there are very few top US players in video gaming in general. You see Europeans and Koreans mostly. Never bought the whole US players suck argument ( hell I learned to play WoW from mostly US players ) but still it's something to consider I guess.

Modifié par Costin_Razvan, 09 septembre 2011 - 09:48 .

[KnightofPhoenix]

After watching all the endings of DX:HR, I think I know what Skadi and Addai would pick lol.

Skadi is probably going to go with the technophile choice, while Addai will go wit hthe choice that has ordinary people decide the fate of humanity, and not certain individuals (I was like "Addai!" when I saw the cutscene lol).

Who I would pick would be pretty obvious to people here, I think.

It's pretty interesting.

[Addai]

phaonica wrote...

Addai67 wrote...

Re shooters, I love 'em, but can't play 'em.  My reflexes aren't good enough to play them well, and I end up more stressed out than enjoying them.  Since I play games when I'm otherwise on low burn, that doesn't work out too well.  I'd rather read a book.

I find that I am pretty much useless at a shooter if I'm using a console control. But I like to play them on PC.

Have you ever tried Bioshock? I think that shooter is a lot of fun, and I've never played it multiplayer. The story is engaging and the horror aspect is well done without being over the top gory.

I liked Bioshock and wish I could play it, but it gives me migraines like crazy.  The combination of dark background and flashing neon... not good.  See I would've thought I'd prefer console to PC for shooters.  We don't have a console, but I've been tempted to get one for games like Red Dead Redemption.

Oh, now that KoP is making predictions I should try DEHR just to see if he's right.  lol

[phaonica]

Addai67 wrote...
I liked Bioshock and wish I could play it, but it gives me migraines like crazy.  The combination of dark background and flashing neon... not good. 

Oh no, that's too bad.

See I would've thought I'd prefer console to PC for shooters.

I have trouble with shooters on console because I have some weird problem where my instinct is to press left to aim right and right to aim left. It's only a problem on shooters. I don't understand it, but I haven't had the practice to overcome it yet. 

We don't have a console, but I've been tempted to get one for games like Red Dead Redemption.

I wonder if it would be easier for you to play Bioshock on a console, where you wouldn't be quite so close to the screen?