Games Rebels Play — August
I can’t believe summer is over already. Most of us were too busy playing outside in August to spend much time with video games, but we still managed to sneak in a few sessions here and there. Read on to find out how we here at 4cr played the season out, and be sure to chime in and let us know what kept you busy during the month that was, too.
Edgar:
I played a little bit of Eve Online to try it out. I like it, but I don’t have enough time to play an MMO. In fact, I haven’t been able to fit any MMOs in my schedule since the baby came.
I’ve Also been playing Mystery Dungeon : Shiren the Wanderer on the DS, which has been kicking my ass. Shadow Complex, though, has been my main attraction since it launched. Really enjoying it.
Jody:
Haven’t really played much this month. Bits and pieces of different things, really. Wii Sports Resort is probably the most played. I started up Prince of Persia on 360 as well, but I don’t really like it. Waiting for someone to match with me on Goozex so I can trade it for points that I will use on GBA games that I probably won’t play. Hooray! I also started up Lufia for SNES. Oh, and I played a bit of The Simpsons: Hit and Run on GameCube, which is actually a good amount of fun. Nothing fantastic, but a solidly fun game. On the portable side, I have been playing Advance Wars: Dual Strike. I guess I’ve played more this month than I realized.
I’ve also been playing Star Tropics on the Wii VC. It is such a good game.
Sean Corse:
I spent most weekends in August playing Penny Arcade episodes 1 and 2. Not only am I a fan of the PA writing and visual style (handsomely represented in the game, especially the dialogue scenes), but Hothead Games succeeded in marrying that off-kilter sensibility with a fully functional adventure. What other game gives you permission to feel good about the violent dispatch of hobos?
On the surface, the games seem like a simple turn-based RPG, but mastery of the full depth of its system (hidden beneath its unassuming exterior) is necessary to unlock a good number of the available achievements/trophies. I accrued them all by the second playthrough of the first episode, and nearly all on my first playthrough of the second; I suspect the final achievement is attached to the new Insanity Mode — the full extent of which cannot be comprehended (nor accessed) until the game has already been played through once.
The second game makes some improvements over the first, largely in the interface. It was originally difficult to interact with items in the environment. This has been remedied by adding the ability to scroll through all items in your character’s field of view, much easier for locating those hard-to-find hidden sketches that you need for an achievement.
A! Highly recommended! Must buy!
Rumas:
I started the month with more Mother 3, and finished it with Wii Sports, which I will never, ever tire of. It is the perfect game for people like me — ‘core’ gamers who still love nothing more than simple, pick-up-and-play fun that can be enjoyed with family members and friends who have no experience whatsoever with video games.
I ordered Wii Sports Resort, too, and can’t wait to try it. I fear it may take over my life.
N Rumas - September 6th, 2009 - 
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i_am_error on September 6, 2009 at 12:12 pm
Metroid Prime Trilogy is probably my most played game in August, even if it was only released on the end of the month – I’m almost done with Prime. Little King’s Story is simply fantastic and challenging but so full of little sidequests and collecting stuff that I don’t know when I’ll be done with it. Also, playing Tiger Woods 10 with people is so much fun.
On the DS, the second Professor Layton game is just as good as the first one. I loved the characters and presentation of the first one and returning to this universe feels like going back home after a long trip. I’m also playing Retro Game Challenge. Really fun game, especially when you grew up playing NES games with your brother – it’s like going back in time.
jhgd on September 6, 2009 at 12:53 pm
I’ve been playing/watching a lot of MGS4 since I got my PS3. I take a break by playing a little Ninja Gaiden ∑.
EdEN on September 6, 2009 at 1:58 pm
Ah, August, the last month of the year when I can get some decent playtime before the September-November crunch time begins.
Anyway, here’s the list:
DS: Crosswords DS, Ninjatown (Finished), Mystery Case File: Millionheir (Finished) and Little Red Riding Hood’s Zombie BBQ.
DSiware: Pictobits, Mighty Flip Champs and Mario vs Donkey Kong: Minis March Again!
Wii: Wii Fit, Wii Sports Resort, Guitar Hero: Metallica, Wario Land: Shake It! and Sam and Max: Season One.
Wiiware: Eduardo the Samurai Toaster (Finished fivetimes).
VC: Breath of Fire II.
GBA: Yggdra Union (Finished) and Sigma Star Saga (go Wayforward! Now bring us the Shantae remake on DSiware)
PS2: Wild Arms 5.
ALH on September 6, 2009 at 2:44 pm
August has been wild for me, a fair chunk of train riding means lots of flitting between DS/GBA games i’ve had for ages but given no love. Lots of dialhex and warioware twisted, those two are with me at all times via my much loved micro.
I played some Dementium when my train was delayed for an hour, It was better than I expected, very creepy despite my phat being rubbish in daylight. Picked up DOW soulstorm pre-owned for on the train back and was impressed with how pick up and play it is compared to the first game.
snewbury on September 6, 2009 at 8:08 pm
Decided to try Lord of the Rings Online. Its ok, MMORPG’s are not for me, the combat is just too repetitive and boring.
Also bought a PS3 slim, and have been downloading a lot of the demos. Killzone 2 is the only one that has really caught my attention. Wondering if the PS3 is worth keeping….
Greg in PA on September 6, 2009 at 9:57 pm
I spent August playing World of Goo and Final Fantasy IV the after years on wii with little bits of arkham asylum on ps3 and dead space, shadow complex xman origins wolverine on 360. the game i played most though was resistance 2, which i beat
Nambit on September 6, 2009 at 10:41 pm
Metroid Prime Trilogy!!!!!!
I actually finished MP1 on veteran mode and now I am going again on Hyper Mode (think that’s the name). Damn, that game is totally amazing with the wiimote!! Only problem is I keep mixing up the cannon and visors when switching.
Ahh, I really should continue to MP2, but MP1 is just too amazing! Meta-Ridley kicked my ass the first time so now I wonder how awful he is in Hyper (super hard?) mode.
Oh, and I played a bit of Wipeout HD on my PS3 (slim). Fantastic game. Anyone with a PS3 should purchase that off PSN.
SeanOrange on September 6, 2009 at 11:42 pm
Wow! So many people playing their Wii! I still haven’t finished MP3, even though I’ve owned it since launch two years ago.
Greg in PA on September 6, 2009 at 11:55 pm
@ snewbury
that depends on whether or not you own a 360, if you dont then you should absolutely keep your ps3 but even if not dont get rid of before playing both uncharteds both resistances, heavenly sword, MGS4, the new katamari coming out in 2 weeks and ratchet and clank future
Greg on September 7, 2009 at 11:38 am
@ Greg in PA
I’m in PA as well.
Anyway, everybody should play Trine. I beat that, and I absolutely adored it. I caught it when it was 19.99 on Steam.
jhgd on September 7, 2009 at 11:43 am
@Snewbury
Have you tried Metal Gear Solid 4, Uncharted, Eternal Sonata, Valkyria Chronicles, Ninja Gaiden, Wipeout HD (if you like F-Zero GX you should enjoy this, although Wipeout can’t possibly compare), Dead Space, or Super Stardust HD?
I tried out all of those and thought they were great, and there are more awesome games like Demon’s Souls coming up.
chris2 on September 7, 2009 at 2:49 pm
I just started Pokemon Fire Red and I feel like about ten years younger. ^_^
kojo87 on September 7, 2009 at 11:16 pm
TF2 and Burnout Paradise mostly. starting to play through Assassin’s Creed again. not many new PC games that have really caught my eye lately. little bit of Sims 3 too
Block on September 8, 2009 at 8:17 am
Finally got around to playing FFXII on the PS2, great way to lose a lot of playing time. Been working through the new monkey island episodes and got wii sports resort which is definitely the life and soul of gatherings round my place at the moment.
It has so much more variety than the first though i don’t really notice the new attachments at all, which is a good thing i guess rather than cursing lack of precision.