My ever lengthening gaming slump continues. Only, now it's more than a simple slump. In a sense it's always been a more than a slump. The difference now is that I have physical limitations that make gaming impractical (but not impossible) even should I want to resume it.

Looking back, I believe this current slump began when I received notification of YouTube's upcoming 2-step verification requirement. At that point I had (and still have) footage 'in the can' for one further Train Simulator episode plus three long-delayed Transport Fever 1 episodes, as well as firm plans for capturing two further TS2021 episodes. But when 2-step rear its ugly head, I lost all incentive to work on any of these projects, or play games just to play them. This lack of incentive didn't change once I discovered that 2-step likely doesn't apply to me.

Now that my right hand is messed up, gaming is even less tempting. I can still use mouse and keyboard (duh!) as is obvious, if awkwardly. But, I've discovered that my hand brace digs into my mouse pad. This might not be a dig deal except that my pad is also my mouse recharging station. A rather expensive mouse/pad combo I like very much. I don't dare damage the pad. I'm as careful as I can be using the mouse due to this, but know I'd lapse while seriously gaming. So gaming is out for now, at least until my followup appointment, when it will be determined if my damage will heal on its own over time or require physical repair. Hey, no one ever said being decrepit is easy.

Damn D, that sucks! I’m sorry

Here’s hoping that follow up is good news!

Thanks to Renee forcing me to, I am now playing January in Morrowind (rather than Morroblivion).

I now have this strong urge to join the Navy!

Edit: I'm also playing CoD: Vanguard on the Xbox Series S and so far it has some pretty awesome graphics and---.
Players: HOW DOES IT PLAY!!!
It's Call of Duty there's not much to speak of.

This post has been edited by Dark Reaper: Nov 10 2021, 07:01 PM

Just bought KotOR for my Nintendo Switch! That’s going to be handy during my vacation this coming week! Going for a whole week to the Florida gulf coast!

This post has been edited by TheCheshireKhajiit: Nov 11 2021, 02:59 PM

This morning, I drove an LSWR (SR) M7, hauling passengers, on Riviera Line in the Fifties, Train Simulator route. Not sure why it is rated three marks. There's nothing to it: a circa 30-minute run with two station stops. The 70min passenger run on North Lincolnshire I drove the other day is, if anything, a tad more complicated, yet is rate two marks. Not that difficulty ratings matter in the least, so long as I enjoy myself, which I did in both instances.

I am pleasantly surprised to find the M7 pleasant to drive. I've not driven it since early on, and recall it being a hassle. I suspect my issue with it back then was that I was not yet used to 'reverser lock/drift' and didn't understand 'brake-lapping', both of which the M7 implements.

Watch out for the Rad Toads and the Gatorclaws. Not to mention those Swamp Ghouls.

Heh, will do!

Currently playing KotOR! Running a scoundrel named Saryn S’antiles, who I plan on holding at scoundrel lvl 4 and then leveling the rest of the way as a Sentinel after Jedi training.

Lost some files at work due to... Gods know! Some computer smartness. Time to blow off some steam! In comes the Naughty Bear!!

Made my first train/railway-related gaming purchase in months yesterday. Discovered the new, totally redone Trainz Healesville route on sale for half-price on Steam. Being a fan of old Healesville, I took the plunge. This new version is indeed a marked improvement over the old, graphically. The entire route runs through sparsely populated plains/prairie, which tends to be one of the hardest landscapes to realistically emulate in both Trainz and Train Simulator. Here it looks pleasingly realistic.

I haven't driven a Trainz session in ages. Not since sometime mid last year (2020) if memory serves. Saying I'm rusty is a gross understatement. I first attempted a graded session/scenario, but almost immediately realized I'm nowhere close to being able to drive those successfully. I then settled on the route's Quick Drive, treating it as both a steam-loco driving refresher and a first look at the route. My driving left much to be desired, but I at least made it to the end without any fatal errors. I 'filmed' the drive, primarily to critique myself afterward. After five (!) viewings, I've halfway decided to create an YouTube episode of it. It's really not half bad, all things considered. Inept driving aside, it does serve to show off the route's scenery. Will it happen? Who knows. I certainly don't. I do know that if I do, the majority of my narrative text will be spent explaining what goes wrong (or at least doesn't go right).

ADDENDUM:
One thing I simply HAVE to do is alter Trainz keyboard settings so that they closely resemble Train Simulator. That in an of itself will solve some of my driving issues.

This post has been edited by Decrepit: Nov 26 2021, 02:52 PM

I recently returned to Trainz 2019, a game abandoned a-year-and-a-half ago in favor of Train Simulator 2021. What brought me back to Trainz is the recent release of a total redo of the old Healesville route. This new route, VR Healesville 1913-1920, is visually lovely, possibly my favorite route in either Trains or Trainz from a graphical perspective. Due to my long Trainz absence, my driving skills had atrophied to near non-existence. I used the new Healesville to reacquaint myself with Trainz, deciding to capture a driving practice session for private, self-evaluation purposes. When all was said and done, I opted to publish the footage, driving warts and all. Here it is:

(video) Trainz 2019 ep03: VR Healesville 1913-1920, route tour & driving practice (video)

Just played game number 22000 of Windows Chess Titans at level 3.

This post has been edited by mirocu: Dec 2 2021, 09:42 PM

Finally got to work Two Worlds II on PC and immediately installed the World Merge mod. A lot has changed in Antaloor since my last visit, it apears! Hauk can explore the Savannah while I finish up and release version 1.1 of my Skyrim for Oblivion mod. Then he and Lena are finally going South to Elsweyr, and he'll have the stories of the Savannah to entertain her with along the way. One desert is much like another, isn't it?

My gaming slump is weakening. I've recently driven a number of Train Simulator and Trainz 'Quick Drives', creating a video of my most recent TS2022 run. Here it is:

(video) Train Simulator ep16: Purbeck Colliery to Smallbrook Wharf coal delivery - GWR/BR 4200 class 2-8-0T (video)

Steam had "Call of Juarez: Gunslinger" for the low, low price of 0, so I decided to try it. The review that pointed me toward it was positive, and since I like shooters as well as Westerns, why not?

Early days, but I like the narration, the graphic novel look, and the mechanics. The story is also pleasant, as it weaves the player character into historic events- such as the arrest of Billy the Kid at Stinking Springs, as well as the subsequent jailbreak.

Just picked up Baldur's Gate II Enhance Editions for $2.99 on Gog. I used to play it years ago. Though I've no immediate plans for it, I couldn't resist the price and having a reasonable 'no internet required' rpg just in case.

Ooh! Will we see a return of Baldur's Gate Buffy? Wasn't she in that?

I've spent the half of my youth playing BG II (and also BG to some extent). Good choice!

Although I haven't played it for years, I still know a lot of quotes by heart.

"Ah, the child of Bhaal has awoken. It is time for more [pause] experiments."

And as I got slightly bored of BG II, also I had a non-serious girlfriend back then, who didn't really like that I game, I discovered how many mods for that game exist! And I guess that I spent a few more years playing it. Another important reason why I stuck to BG II for such a long time is that my computer at that time couldn't handle any modern games, that's why I kept playing BG, Fallout (original two) and original GTAs. But I wouldn't want to change it in any way, now that I think of it.

This post has been edited by Lopov: Dec 14 2021, 07:55 PM

Morrowind and Oblivion are on sale at GOG.com right now for about $5 each if anyone here somehow doesn't already own them. Horizon Zero Dawn is 50% off, too.