Moot_Geeza wrote:

Amusing myself by reading Reg's post in the brain hormone gremlin voice. Good stuff.

Too fuckin right that's me

SpaceGazelle wrote:

Indies have never better. A lot depends on what platform you're on. 

https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2020-12-30-2020s-best-games-gave-me-the-quiet-magic-i-was-seeking

https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2020-12-27-having-a-proper-heart-to-heart-with-2020s-best-games
 
And props to Nintendo for finally getting their indie act on with the Switch.

Those are personal lists from journos, which aren’t really all that representative of the official end of year lists from their publications.

But, I agree, notwithstanding the struggles that Cinty mentioned, that indies are generally in a pretty good place as far as visibility for the gaming public goes. They’re in a good place for me personally too, as so many appear on Game Pass for me to try out.

@Yoss

You seem to be dismissing indies because they're not on many GOTY lists, which is weird. I think we should encourage Matty to play some don't you?

SpaceGazelle wrote:

@Yoss

You seem to be dismissing indies because they're not on many GOTY lists, which is weird. I think we should encourage Matty to play some don't you?

I’m not dismissing indies at all, I probably play more indies than anything else. I’m just discussing whether they’re more prevalent on end of year lists this year than previous years, that’s all.

And I didn’t get the impression that Marty wasn’t playing indies from his post.

Yossarian wrote:

SpaceGazelle wrote:

@Yoss

You seem to be dismissing indies because they're not on many GOTY lists, which is weird. I think we should encourage Matty to play some don't you?

I’m not dismissing indies at all, I probably play more indies than anything else. I’m just discussing whether they’re more prevalent on end of year lists this year than previous years, that’s all.

And I didn’t get the impression that Marty wasn’t playing indies from his post.

Don't mix me up with Matty.

regmcfly wrote:

Yossarian wrote:

SpaceGazelle wrote:

@Yoss

You seem to be dismissing indies because they're not on many GOTY lists, which is weird. I think we should encourage Matty to play some don't you?

I’m not dismissing indies at all, I probably play more indies than anything else. I’m just discussing whether they’re more prevalent on end of year lists this year than previous years, that’s all.

And I didn’t get the impression that Marty wasn’t playing indies from his post.

Don't mix me up with Matty.

Damn you autocorrect.

I didn't expect a gushing response. I'd gush for you anytime bbz.

regmcfly wrote:

Moot_Geeza wrote:

Amusing myself by reading Reg's post in the brain hormone gremlin voice. Good stuff.

Too fuckin right that's me

The sequel all sequels wish they were.

Hello.

Gaming experiences I have enjoyed this year:

Undermine
Hades
Spiritfarer
Carrion
Fall Guys
The Last Campfire
Fuser
Tetris Effect: Connected
Hyperdot
The Touryst

Wow, I played more games than I thought this year. Hope you are all well, fellow enjoyers.

Olimite wrote:

Hello.

Hello.

Gonna tally up on Friday.  Lock yer votes in.

1. Slay The Spire (iOS) - one of the bestest games ever that only gets better and better the more you play.  So I dipped in on Mac, then DS kindly gifted it to me on Switch and I've put in so many hours on that.  Bought on 360 and I play now and then during rest periods during a workout.  And on iOS on my train rides and bedtime and downtime.  Not sure why I don't have this on PS4.  IT'S. THAT. GOOD.

2. Persona 5 Royal (PS4) - a 140hr journey through one year in the life of a delinquent... Became a big fan when I played P4G on Vita which sits in my top 10 games, and this didn't disappoint - improved dungeons, although they can drag later; better battles; some of the best audio and visual design; and a great cast of characters and villains.  I have other Persona games on my radar and this is becoming one of my favourite series.

3. The Last of Us Part II (PS4) - a big improvement in the gameplay area, this was actually very fun to play but I found only when stealthing mostly, which is how I play anyway.  Reservations about the plot itself or at least some of it, but the story is expertly told and the impact of some of the scenes will last a long time.  Any game which has me thinking back to certain scenes even when I'm not playing, and for a long time, is doing something right for me.  And of course there are some big jaw dropping set pieces.  It overstays its welcome a little, and the lack of real choice is a bummer - which is something most games suffer from although it feels more pronounced here - otherwise this is the current pinnacle of narrative driven cinematic action adventures.  It will take some beating and it feels like only Naughty Dog themselves can do it.

4. Kentucky Route Zero: TV Edition (PS4) - a strange game that isn't really a game.  Extremely hard to describe and even harder to judge in any meaningful way.  All I can say is that it's beautiful in many ways and a lot of thought has gone into it, not least the superb script and audiovisuals.  A flowing, moving piece of artwork that makes you feel glad that it exists and that there are people out there with the talent and guts to make it happen.  A one of a kind.

5. A Short Hike (Switch) - one lazy afternoon taking a break from work and kids, spent just enjoying this wonderful little thing.  Such a joy to wander around an island, exploring and talking to the inhabitants and visitors, collecting, flying, just smiling at it all.  Over in 2 hours (or less) but one of the happiest 2 hour-sessions I've ever had.

Honorable Mentions:
Doom Eternal - different to the 2016 reboot.  In your face, chaotic, hectic, relentless - but with all the options and tools at your disposal, it makes for an exhilarating ride.
Hades - still playing and it is lovely.  Not finished it or unlocked much, but as with Slay The Spire, I'm expecting it to just get better and better.  Or it may not (for me).  I keep going back to it, the incremental drip feed of progress and feeling of getting more powerful being such a draw.
Paradise Killer - another that sits unfinished but great what I played of it.  That music!

Moot_Geeza wrote:

Another rejig:

1. Huntdown 
2. MO: Astray 
3. Streets of Rage 4 
4. Kentucky Route Zero 
5. Super Meatboy Forever 

---- 

6. Gears Tactics
7. Ori & the Will o' the Wisps 
8. What the Golf? 
9. Spiritfarer 
10. Journey to the Savage Planet 


DOOM Eternal - Relegated!

Can't decide if ScourgeBringer cracks the top 5 yet but otherwise this still looks right for me.

Edit: It does, at no.4 too.  So Huntdown, MO, Streets of Rage 4, ScourgeBringer, Kentucky Route Zero.

Moot Rules allow it!

And 360???? Where the fuck did I get that?! I clearly meant Bone.

Right, in gonna update this lot in situ, having played a couple not...

acemuzzy wrote:

The muzz update, following a spin through the thread / a bit more playing...

Played, approx order:
TLoU 2
Demon's Souls
Ghost of Tsushima
Ori 2
AstroBot
HyperDot
The Last Campfire
Undermine
A Short Hike
ScourgeBringer
Journey to the Savage Planet
Fall Guys
Hades
Touryst
Flight Simulator
SMB Forever
Gunfire Reborn
Tell Me Why
Hotshot Racing
SoR4

Not yet played but likely to compete favourably:
Vigil
Foregone
FFVII Remake
Ghost of Tsushima
Lightmatter
The Last Campfire
Spelunky 2
FFVII Remake
Remnant from the Ashes
MO:Astray
KRZ
Cyberpunk
Doom Eternal

Pretty happy with my top ten, not totally happy with ordering within it / what's top 5. And definitely a couple of the extras which I really ought play...