apac4245

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Everything posted by apac4245

  1. Episode 453: Black Hawk Down and Zulu

    I will say this in complete contrast to my previous post: I read the first book of the Malazan Book of the Fallen because of our good friend Dr. Bruce and I completely bounced off of it. I did finish the book but I decided against reading any more books in the series. Can't win them all I suppose.
  2. Episode 453: Black Hawk Down and Zulu

    Just chiming in to say that I really enjoyed the episode. Similarly as SamS, I could listen to Troy and Rob discuss anything. I would also like to throw out (as someone else said too) that a discussion on books would be phenomenal. There could almost be a book club type cast out there. Rob at one point on Idle Weekend discussed the book Six Frigates and I picked it up and was totally blown away with how awesome it was (maybe it was 3MA come to think of it...). Troy is always discussing great books or book suggestions as well -- I see a lot on his Twitter anyway! Also, speaking of, can we get a list of those books and other films talked about in the show notes? Thanks all -- continue to love this podcast!
  3. I gotta say I also really enjoyed this one, too! I always love 3MA but I really enjoyed the pseudo-After Action Report (to take someone from above name for it) nature of this one. Interestingly, the discussion caused me to go back and forth as to whether or not I would actually want to purchase the game myself. It seems like this game should be a worker (hero) placement game, yet it is presented in the form of a war game. I kind of think that, having listened to this show, I'm "in the know" with respect to what to actually do if I played. That's probably an unfair advantage I would posses over another new player. Still, listening to you guys talk about the nuances of the game was really entertaining. And, to be fair, I rarely play board games at all so I likely would not have ever purchased the game to begin with.
  4. Episode 378: EUIV and Rights of Man

    This is an interesting point. Similar to the Space 4-X genre episodes 3MA has done in the past where they lament Alpha Centari, we could get an episode where a grizzled Rob, Rowan, and a Troy, who now looks like Cable from X-Men, talk about CK4's inability to bring back the feelings of CK2. Oh and BTW -- I have definitely fallen for EU4 at this point. It has taken up the lion's share of my gaming while over the holidays and time off from work. I've been playing, reading up on guides, and watching the youtube series, "Filthy [Robot] Learns EU4 With Arumba." There goes the next hundred hours of my gaming life. I've got half the DLC's in my cart from the Steam Sale right now consisting of Art of War (which I understand to be a must have), Common Sense (another near mandatory pack), and Wealth of Nations. I think I will forgo Rights of Man until a later date, though.
  5. I feel like in the interest of "transparency" Game of the Year lists need to have a "games I didn't play section." Like most people I'm assuming, I spent a lot of time in 2016 playing catch-up from 2015 and even 2014. I have barely scratched the surface on games that came out in 2016 except for Doom, Battlefield 1 (which I still haven't played the campaign at all), X-Com 2, Destiny Rise of Iron (which really doesn't count since I'd never played Destiny before and never even got to the new content). Then I happened to purchase Madden 2017 to play a league with friends, and somehow I bought The Division. I also got Civ 6 but have played maybe 5 hours in it total. Most of my time was playing strategy games from the last few years. Also, I really laughed when Danielle said in January they'd do a catch up show for 2016. Danielle's backlog for games, movies, shows, and books is so long we'd be waiting until January 2033 before she got caught up! At that point though we'll likely all be living in Metro 2033's world due to nuclear holocaust ... Oh and Rob -- Dang you! Why did you have to talk about Darkest Dungeon and Deserts of Karak! I don't need more games and now they're sitting in my "cart" on Steam, along with most of the DLC to Europa Universallis 4 (which is another game I blame on you and the 3MA crew).
  6. Episode 378: EUIV and Rights of Man

    Hey all! I really enjoyed this week's episode. Good job guest hosting as well, Sean! I love the Paradox games however I have barely played them or scratched the surface of what they offer (collectively around 40-50 hours). I love the idea of what they are able to do and simulate and the stories that come from the games themselves. The games are a mess to figure out but each time I pick up and try to play CK2 or EUIV I learn a little more and a little more. I recently started up trying EUIV again and I have enjoyed figuring out the game a little more than last time. The barrier to these games is so high though and it doesn't help with the constant flows of expansions. I, personally, have a hard time wanting to purchase the expansions when I feel like I've barely touched the vanilla base games. Does anyone else feel that way? Any thoughts on this problem I have? I partly feel like I wouldn't really appreciate the expansions if I don't have any idea what issue they actually address or mechanic they expand. I'm also happy that the Paradox style has started to creep into other games. For instance, I think much of the strategy layer of Total War: Attila and Charlemagne borrowed from CK2 and EUIV with respect to governor and other cabinet like positions. Also, I believe that Massive Chalice borrowed some from CK2 with the genealogy aspects. I apologize if I project some of this "Paradox Creep" incorrectly but that is something I thought. Anyway, I am really happy the Paradox games exist to allow for simulations of this sort. When Civ 5 first launched there was an ongoing debate about playing Civ as a board game, i.e. something to be won, versus playing Civ as a history simulator and fudging with the simulation; I believe that Paradox games gear towards the later. Nonetheless, thanks for the great show!
  7. Episode 371: 3MA After Dark

    Lovely episode! Really, really enjoyed it! Also, I just called my library and asked them to hold Gardends of The Moon for me -- so that will be fun. As for a meet up/gameathon I'm in the Midwest (St. Paul, MN) but I would be more than happy to travel to Chicago. But for Troy, MN is basically just southern Canada so there's that sales pitch for you. Then, per the last episode, I know Bruce has roots in Chicago/Illinois and I believe Rob is also another Midwest ex-pat. Again, awesome episode!
  8. The good doctor may have this one wrong unless the Austro-Prussian war involved steam punk Victorian era knights against werewolves that is! I recently purchased Destiny "The Collection" which includes the main game and all of the DLC, including Rise of Iron. Although I have yet to get to the Rise of Iron content, I must say that I am thoroughly enjoying the game. Is it a grind? Yes. Is the story super disjointed and fairly lame? Yes. Is the gunplay and gameplay mix buttery smooth and delightful? Yes. I am two years late and absolutely clueless about the game. When I told my friend I was playing Destiny, her response was, "people still play Destiny?" But I am really digging it. This is kind of what happened with me and Diablo 3 -- I picked it up years late (towards the later half of 2015 actually) but by the time I did all of the kinks for the most part had been worked out and the wrinkles had been ironed (pun?) out. Destiny feels the same; I can see why this game would drive people bonkers. I can see how early adopters and die hards were left frustrated. For now though, I am really enjoying my time with it as someone who is late to the party but who has oodles of content to digest.
  9. Episode 370: Dean Essig

    Very interesting and enlightening episode. I always love the perspective of folks who have been in the service or armed forces and have also been part of the game community for a long time. I went to law school in Chicago and I will always have a fondness for the land of Lincoln from my time there. I have had difficulty reconciling the juxtaposition of having worked in social service while there, predominantly on the south and west side of the city, and then the affluence of also being a graduate student later. It is strange city (Chicago) and state (Illinois) and one that causes immense amounts of cognitive dissonance.
  10. Episode 362: Alternate Histories

    I just finished "The Killer Angels" actually and I can confirm with the good Doctor that it is a great book to read, generally, but also is a good intro to Gettysburg. It depicts the events, albeit not completely, but also presents the various generals and officers in their colorful light.
  11. I had to I'm sorry but: "Idle Thumbs 649: Jeff "Castro" Goldbloom"
  12. Episode 359: Chess in 2016

    Just wanted to check in (pun? maybe...anyway!) and say that this was a really great episode. I think I have always been afraid of chess because I am awful at it. But it is really refreshing to see all of these resources out there that can help folks along and learn and advance. The history of the game is so intriguing in that it has been around for 1,000 years give or take. That's wild! Great job 3MA and it was wonderful to hear Michael out and about.
  13. Episode 356: Ashes of the Singularity

    That sounds like a lovely idea! Also, how does this game compare to Sins of a Solar Empire? Obviously, they are fairly completely different games. Space vs. Ground and RTS vs. Pseudo 4X -- but how does the control compare? I feel like the control of Sins often goes overlooked (as does the game itself possibly) but it really was well done. They both had a huge scale and, it seems, similar pacing. Is that where the similarities end? Just curious. Also, also, amazing episode! Great work -- and -- Mr. Hermes best of luck with sick kiddo!
  14. Episode 338: Legion Wargames

    Fantastic episode! Love all the Space Rumsfield we have been getting recently on the Idle Thumbs network. Gotta love my fellow Minnesotans getting some love on the show -- even a transplant to Wisconsin -- gotta love the midwest! Anyway, a lot of fun! I am a boardgame/wargame neophyte so I always love the Winter of Wargaming and this was an awesome way to kick it off. Quick question, and unrelated to this particular episode, but will there be a discussion this winter about War of the Ring? I know it had been mentioned previously and even on the previous episode thread, yet I am curious if there will be time enough this winter. Thanks for this podcast!
  15. Episode 330: Churchill

    Loved this episode! Always great to have Dr. Bruce hosting the show. I have a few questions though if someone would entertain them: 1) How does this game play with only one person?; 2) How does it play with two people?; 3) I am fairly new to wargamming/boardgaming and do you believe this is a good game to jump in with?; and 4) What are some other suggestions the community here has as to a good intro/beginner game for someone like me who loves strategy video games but hasn't dabbled in boardgaming other than risk? Thank you all!
  16. Episode 307: Roguelikes

    Really interesting episode. I think it's interesting that as gaming become more and more popular and "mainstream" we tend to emphasize the more skilled aspects of gaming to distinguish ourselves. I know that no one was ragging on The Uncharted series or anything like that, but I think it is fascinating that we kind of belittle twitch shooter games, or experience heavy/cinematic games like Uncharted while celebrating more difficult games like the Souls series. I know next to nothing about Roguelikes but I really enjoyed the episode. I've heard Xcom described as a roguelike due to its difficulty, permadeath, and randomness. I think I need to check out more roguelikes as they seem to emphasize decision making and strategy over twitch skills and real time manipulation of controls. I've been leaning more and more towards turn based games and I think it is because I stink at real time games. I really like RTS games but I can't keep up with all of the split second decisions. It becomes overwhelming. Rather, I enjoy being able to take my time and plan things out rather than have to make those snap reactions. I also think that I've become a bit of a wimp when it comes to gaming in general. I have beat the first Dark Souls but nearly went insane in the process. Now, I would not have the patience to do that. I enjoy gaming but I don't like playing extra difficult games. However, I would temper "difficult" with games that are cheap. Games where failure could be based on something that is out of your control. That is what is piquing my interest with respect to roguelikes, that the rules, although rigid, are known and that the gameplay can be forecast ahead of time. Meh, I'm just rambling now. Good episode!
  17. Thank you both spacerumsfeld and MikeO! I'm half way through the Channel Four series and a few of those books are already in my "cart" for order. Again thank you both! Alas, it seems like the search for a good video game will continue. I'm still looking into the ones suggested but not sure if I want to take the plunge on them. And any movie with Kirk Douglas has got to be viewed! That snarl!
  18. Hi folks! Interesting episode. It seems like you guys weren't too keen on this game. I've been trying to consume any and all WW1 media as of late. I just finished Fall of Giants which is a historical fiction book regarding the events up to and including WW1. It's not exactly a reliable source but it was entertaining nonetheless. At this point I have two questions for the community here: 1) Can someone recommend me a good WW1 game? I've been looking at Commander: The Great War (I know there was a show on this not too long ago), as well as Battle of Empires 1914-1918. The John Tiller game piqued my interest but after listening to the podcast I'm a little deterred. Any suggestions or thoughts would be greatly appreciated! and; 2) Would you peeps mind recommending me some other WW1 media? Doesn't have to be video/war game specific. Any books, movies, shows, podcasts, etc. Really anything. As I mentioned I just finished Fall of Giants, I've read All Quiet on the Western Front, and I'm currently listening to the BBC WW1 at home podcast. Again, any suggestions or thoughts would be welcomed! Keep up the great work 3MA -- you guys rock!
  19. Episode 300: Vietnam '65

    This is exactly the show I wanted! Go check the suggestions for episodes thread Very happy to have Tom back, and Bruce, of course, is always a welcome addition. I really like Vietnam 65 -- it is an easy to learn, pick up and play strategy game. I definitely can see the allusions to Xcom in that each game starts the universe of play over again. Very fun game and I've put many hours into it (15-20). Not as grand as Civ but still a great game with deceptively simple rules. I've yet to try veteran, but after handily beating the "regular" level a few times I'm ready to make the jump. Also, let me congratulate everyone at 3MA, past and present panelists, and of course the listeners who get to enjoy this podcast regularly. I'm relatively new to 3MA and have only been listening since August of 2014. Yet, this is the ONLY podcast that I listen to where I have actually gone back and listened to all of the archived episodes. It's that good. It's that informative and fun. Thank you all who are part of the show and part of the community. Can't wait to get the cream soda for episode 400. Thank you once again.
  20. I completely get that. It's one of the reasons I don't enjoy it while gaming. Another reason, other than becoming a social worker, why I gave up casual marijuana use. I feel like that is one of the things that rarely gets talked about with weed -- it makes you sleepy! Although weed naps are terrific, it zaps my energy to the point I don't (or wouldn't) want to do anything period. Fair enough -- I guess it still kind of stuck out to me though.
  21. Episode 299: Earliest Access

    This was a fantastic episode! Of course I feel that about 3MA episodes... Regardless, I think Early Access, or early access in general (not the capitalized and non-capitalized), can be a boon or draw back. I see the postives and negatives from both a developer and publisher standpoint. More imporantly, I view Early Access and its ilk through the lense of what I consider myself: a consumer. I've determined Early Access and betas, alphas, zetas, ipsilons, etc. just aren't for me. I have to look at my game time as opportunity cost. I have a finite amount of video game time and I need to maximize my fun ratio. If I'm playing one game, I cannot, therefore, play another game. I would very much enjoy being apart of the development process and to help a game grow. I just don't have the time and attention span to do it. That's not to say my time is more important than a more dedicated gamer who is willing to help a game through that process. I'm just not willing to do that. I also suffer from video game ADHD in that I can't play any one game for too long. I can put many hours into a game and not think twice but I will eventually get tired of it. As such, if I spend most of the time helping guide a game to where I would like it to be, by the time it gets to something I want to play, I'll be bored with it and want to move on. Also, if I'm playing a game and run into a glitch or poor performance I get frustrated and won't go back. For instance I gleefully picked up Day Z when it first launched in Early Access and jumped head first into it. I put roughly 15-20 hours into the game and walked away just disgusted. I experienced several glitches and poor performance. Never again. Before H1Z1 launched a couple friends wanted to hop on to Day Z in prep for it. I refused. I also have refused to pick up H1Z1. Obviously an isolated incident but I just don't want to put time into something that I know for sure isn't finished and will likely not work.
  22. Is there going to be any negative repurcussions to Danielle admitting to getting stoned? I understand that it took place in California but I was wondering how the folks at Polygon would feel about one of their editors blazing it? It's been many years since I've engaged in some puff puff pass, but I occassionally will drink some libations while gaming. I actually don't particularly enjoy it. Some times while playing a turn based strategy game game it can be nice, but anything that actually requires some concentration or quick reaction I usually regret drinking and playing. I will say that I was recently played Wind Waker HD while a little buzzed and I thought the graphics looked even more amazing! Nonetheless, I've never been too big of a fan of gaming under the influence -- thoughts?
  23. Ideas for 3MA shows

    Vietnam 65 -- bring back the old panel: Rob, Troy, Bruce, and, if he's up to it, Tom.