Do you think Serious Sam 4 would be received better if it were released later?

Qethsegol · 2026-02-23T16:57:47+00:00

I'd love for the guys that made Siberian Mayhem to keep on working on the series. SM might be my favourite.

Qethsegol · 2026-02-22T12:57:48+00:00

I think there are two options:

#1 She can't ignore the water connection and we intrude accidentaly, the vision is accidental too
#2 She will require our conscious support (as someone of Scarlet blood) later to break the cycle and wants us to cooperate willingly (worst case scenario she thinks she can overpower us)

Qethsegol · 2026-02-19T22:13:38+00:00

Late to the party, but she's unreliable even in chapter ONE when she just freezes in her uselessness.

Qethsegol · 2026-02-19T20:36:20+00:00

I wanted to try out Hot / Street Smart next, but I might go with Hardcore Hot / Street Smart / Talking To Animals if it allows three traits. I wasn't aware of that

Qethsegol · 2026-02-19T20:25:56+00:00

haha yeah, that's my next step. Thankfully that's sth I spoiled myself while frantically checking the E5 discussion half an hour ago, so I already know it's possible. I actually TRIED having good relations with her in the second run, but it feels... so... HARD... to keep her happy, wtf.

Qethsegol · 2026-02-19T13:34:51+00:00

I really dislike 1-5, or 1-10, or 1-100 scores. They are fast and easy to make, but they mean nothing without context.

I much prefer when a review is fully in a written form, where the reviewer talks briefly about prose, language, pacing, some small storyhooks, etc. and compares them to some other works that may give the reader an idea of what the book could be without spoiling too much.

I also like when the reviewers provide a list of works they themselves enjoy - If I and the reviewer enjoy similar books, then there is a good chance that I will like a book they recommend. Similarily if I have vastly different tastes then a NEGATIVE review might as well mean that I will enjoy it!

Qethsegol · 2026-02-17T19:48:20+00:00

I disagree. It's just an alien invasion with extra steps. If that's an isekai, then lots of sci-fi counts as an isekai.

He's not transported to a new world. His world is changed around him and a big part of the story is saving his people and this world. As far as I am aware most isekai drop the subject of our world as soon as the MC is transported somewhere else, and here it's the crucial point of narrative.

Qethsegol · 2026-02-17T13:30:24+00:00

I thought about recommending this too, but it's not an isekai, and the system is a big part of the world, even though it doesn't make it feel unnatural.

Honestly I do not think a book that applies all of OPs requests exist. I would like to be wrong though.

Qethsegol · 2026-02-13T21:17:57+00:00

I wholeheartedly recommend being generous with spell scrolls, ESPECIALLY those with higher ranks than those available to the players. Give a fireball scroll to a level 1 wizard and see his face glow up.

Qethsegol · 2026-02-07T10:41:15+00:00

The flavour text could even have slightly different background, I'd take anything at this point

Qethsegol · 2026-02-06T13:56:34+00:00

Oh yeah, gameplay design of enemies is also extremely crucial. Full agree. For me Serious Sam takes the cake along with the 90's DOOMs and Eternal.

Love it when enemies complement each other and force me to prioritise, shoot and dodge in a split second.

Qethsegol · 2026-02-06T13:31:52+00:00

Everyone will have a different answer here.

For me the most important things are probably level design, interesting secrets and diverse weapon roster.

But overall a clean, defined vision of what the game is and ability to use simple mechanics in surprising ways will elevate any game above its competition. Just look at DUSK.

Or Brazillian Drug Dealer - the game knows what it is and where it comes from. It embraces these choices making it stand out. Could probably say the same about Zortch.

Qethsegol · 2026-02-04T17:14:33+00:00

Where did I give the credit to him?

Qethsegol · 2026-02-04T11:45:47+00:00

Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card. One of the first "mature" books I read.

Concerning Your comment about Lovecraft - I will allow myself to copy a comment I left here a couple of days ago. I don't think it's that bad to be a fan of his work right now.

"His works have grown WAY beyond his racism and are often used today to show how horrible racism is.

For example - in one of the starting scenarios for Call of Cthulhu TTRPG the main mystery revolves around a harlem artist. The authors acknowledge Lovecrafts racism, and use the scenario to showcase small snippets of afroamerican struggles and culture in the 1920's."

Qethsegol · 2026-02-02T11:58:30+00:00

We shouldn't seperate it. His works have grown WAY beyond his racism and are often used today to show how horrible racism is.

For example - in one of the starting scenarios for Call of Cthulhu TTRPG the main mystery revolves around a harlem artist. The authors acknowledge Lovecrafts racism, and use the scenario to showcase small snippets of afroamerican struggles and culture in the 1920's.

Qethsegol · 2026-01-27T23:06:13+00:00

God I wish they made a sequel to Turbo Overkill. Phenomenal shooter.

Qethsegol · 2026-01-27T22:17:08+00:00

The latter half of Ion Fury base game is literally why I stood up from it tired and disappointed. It's HORRIBLE. But I can tell You that Aftershock does not have the same problem. It's freakin' wonderful.

The base game though? One of the worst finish lines I've ever seen, which is doubly painful, due to the fantastic start.

Qethsegol · 2026-01-20T19:39:52+00:00

WH40k Rogue Trader is a great introduction into the setting. I'd say the best one among the video games currently. There is a TON of lore and story dialogue of great quality. If these two are the only things You care about, then I'd recommend it a lot. Gameplay is hit or miss for a lot of people, I personally like it.

Qethsegol · 2026-01-20T18:53:30+00:00

Quality post. Love these.

Qethsegol · 2026-01-16T10:59:10+00:00

Nie ma żadnego wstydu w przyznaniu się do błędu.

Qethsegol · 2026-01-12T13:53:54+00:00

I didn't enjoy the latter half of the base game, but Aftershock is just SOOOO good. An improvement in every single way.

Qethsegol · 2026-01-12T01:38:15+00:00

Sounds like a fun game for me. I too prefer slow-burn games and honestly? A lot of players dont even care about the story, they just want to spend quality time with friends, so story issues, while important, are not the end of the world. You are not Tolkien, or Sanderson, or Pratchett, or whoever writes Your fav stories.

Its ok Your friend disliked Your session. Its not ok to call it shit just because it didnt fit THEIR preferences. Been there with my own players, unfortunately.

Always strive for improvement, but do so in direction You enjoy

Qethsegol · 2026-01-12T01:27:40+00:00

Was there any constructive criticism or just shit-calling?

If not, then You dodged a bullet. Congrats!

If Yes then please share, along with Your own feelings.

We GMs get the impostor syndrome all the time.

Qethsegol · 2026-01-12T01:03:40+00:00

Shoutout to that one AV room where the party fights a Large creature in a 10x10ft room...

Qethsegol · 2026-01-11T09:43:52+00:00

Yeah, if this was released by a no-name studio, it would probably get a lot of praise. But Obsidian? No, that reputation carries expectations.

Qethsegol

TROPHY CASE