1702

I really enjoyed Alpha Protocol as well. From what I can remember of AP, Hitman lacks the branching storyline decisions, fun plot, or RPG elements. However, Hitman is THE best game for a sandbox open-plan assassination simulator. Sneak around, take disguises, think about which of a dozen different ways you should try and assassinate your target(s) (including sniping), and then feel the tension as you try and get to an exit without getting spotted or killed. There are a bunch of challenges for each mission, so even though it’s open-ended how you do it there’ll be goals to aim towards.

1703

Hrrrmmmmmmmmmmmmm, that does sound intriguing.

1704

They do.
The confusion is because Steam is selling those as DLC, and require you to own a game to buy any DLC for it (to prevent any mistake - let’s not argue about the stupidity level they assume we all achieve). For soundtrack, this is quite silly indeed.
On that same note : you will have to install the whole game to get the soundtrack, as Tom noted elsewhere about Brigador…

1705

Thanks. Off to buy it then.

1706

Weird, Steam is not letting me buy anything. Tried “My Paypal Acct” “Paypal” (figuring it would take me to the Paypal site), tried a credit card. What the heck is going on?

Hmm-- 10 minutes later I was able to make purchases fine through the iOS Steam app, go figure.

1707

The real question is whether you can walk around with a giant ridiculous beard. Because you can totally do that throughout the entirety of Alpha Protocol.

1708

Only way to play it IMHO.

1709

I can’t speak for the 2016 edition but the original was brutal. Intriguing and clever, but the devs at the time were dead set against the ability to save so you played missions sometimes many times over. I know many of the group here like the challenge of “no save” play even though it’s already included in every game ever made but I have limited gaming time and gaming for me is a leisure activity. When it becomes like work…

I do agree though with the compliments for the game posted here. It is indeed an inventive thing.

1710

[quote=“Bernie_Dy, post:1709, topic:77935, full:true”]
I can’t speak for the 2016 edition but the original was brutal. Intriguing and clever, but the devs at the time were dead set against the ability to save so you played missions sometimes many times over.[/quote]

In the 2016 game you can save as many times as you like in the main missions no problem (whether the first time or going for the challenges). There’s two secondary modes where your targets are other people in the map and you can’t save in those, but they are almost always shorter. It’s the perfect balance to me.

1711

Yeah, I was going to say the same thing. I’ve only ever played the first one, Codename 47, and it is probably the most difficult game I’ve ever played. There was an early level that took place in Hong Kong, I believe, that I spent several days trying to get past.

I think my favorite memory from that game was in one of the later levels that took place in a jungle. I was blown away by the collision detection when I noticed that foliage moved fairly realistically when your character brushed past it. Earliest game I remember seeing that.

1712

I can only buy one game for PC: GoW4, BF1, Titanfall 2 - which one should I get?

1713

Titanfall 2 is now $31.99 on Origin - use code TITAN20.

1714

Man, you are missing out. Silent Assassin, Contracts and Blood Money were all brilliant. Atmopsheric assassination simulators. For me who loves movies about assassins (Leon is still the greatest), this is one of my favourite series. And this new Hitman seems to be the best yet, although I did not play it yet, despite owning full season since release (was waiting for all eps to be out before playing).

1715

If you like wargames, skip all three and get Strategic Command WWII, otherwise Titanfall2 if you want a good campaign no not much mp, or BF1 if you want a crappy campaign and lots of mp. No idea about gow4.

1716

Gears of War 4 is supposedly a good game but it’s Windows Store exclusive on PC so fuck that.

1717

Shadow Warrior 2!

Failing that, either Battlefield 1 or Titanfall 2.

1718

That’s a strange comparison. The first time I see someone trying to compare it with AP.

Hitman isn’t a narrative heavy, third person shooter/stealth game with linear levels, like AP. They are ‘assassin simulation’ games, where you have to kill a target in sandbox map and get away with it, and how you approach the mission is up to you. They are in that simulation/sandbox category with emphasis on replayability, not on narrative, with the gameplay being stealth/puzzle-y.
They have the ability of ‘go loud’ and start killing with shotguns and assault rifles, but to be honest it’s a legacy feature that came from the first games, as they progressed with sequels all the improved systems and features have focused on improved the more ‘pacific’ gameplay. It would be a waste of money to buy the game just to shoot people and run. The fun part of the game has always been not killing the targets, but killing them without no one noticing.

1719

While the grand narrative of Hitman is mostly ignorable tripe, the little stories they sprinkle around in the missions are great. This game has pretty much the best ambient dialogue ever.

(I’d recommend Hitman pretty much unconditionally, it’s easily my game of the year. A real bargain at 50% off.)

1720

Cross-posted from the grognard thread:

GMG has Hegemony III for $6.

Apparently there were a couple of updates that completely reworked city management, raiders, added more tactical options etc, making for a better game.

I bought it at release and was disappointed enough at the lack of progress to get a refund, but for 6 magic beans I’m willing to give it another shot.

1721

I have been to Best Buy on Black Friday, and that was a bit of a nightmare both times. First time was in 2000, then next time wasn’t as bad in 2008.

I’ve never been to Walmart on Black Friday. Has anyone else been? How does that work for games? Normally when you go to the games section in Walmart, you have to find someone who is not busy, which is impossible, and they come and unlock the games behind the glass and then you can buy it. Is that how it works on Black Friday too? Or do they put all the games on sale in a gaint bin?