Acid07

I agree the most FPS probably qualify (though the Modern Warfare series will always hold a special place in my gaming heart). There are also things like the Crash Bandicoot series, which although I enjoyed the play of years ago, I have no idea what the story is or why things are as they are. As expansive as the Destiny universe seems to be (with codex and whatnot for the races, histories, etc.), I just can't seem to make myself care too much. I love the fighting, but don't really care about the logistics of why I can revive, why I fight specific enemies, who lives on what planets, etc. They put some work into creating a pretty neat universe, but I guess it was lost on me. Doesn't stop me from enjoying the game though!

So we've talked about games that have great stories that draw you back. What about the other side of the spectrum? What are some games that you simply enjoy for the gameplay and the story/universe it's set in doesn't really matter much to you? One of the games/universes that fits this for me is Destiny (and now Destiny 2). I know there's a backstory to a lot of things. There's several alien species, bosses with story arcs, and the traditional story quest type things, but overall, I don't really care about most of it. I simply enjoy it for the gameplay (fighting different types of enemies, the mix of PVP and PVE, the leveling system, general combat, etc.). I played through much of Destiny and the main story of Destiny 2, but know very little about the universe it's set in. And yet, I'm pretty content with that and enjoy the series anyway. So, what games do you enjoy playing that have no story or that you just don't care about that part?

Overall I found it to be an adequate season finale. Wasn't in awe. Wasn't upset. A reasonable close to a season that finally reached the point that we've been waiting on for years. I look forward to the last season, but it'll be a long wait. The Night is Dark and Full of Terrors.

Interesting story thus far. Magic & Dragons make for an entertaining premise (for me at least). Overall, the outcast mages at least held their own and survived against what easily could have been their end. Curious to see how the next step plays out.

Honestly, not that interested in getting one myself. I haven't read up on the specs, but I'm not overly concerned. Gaming consoles are attempting to follow the mobile phone technique by releasing more "minor" upgrades to that generation's console. However, games have to be designed to work on the current generation to cover the broader audience. While they may be optimized for the newest versions, they can't be marketed as "for the XBOX One" without being built for the base consoles. There can be features added that extend beyond what the base machines can do (VR, 4K, etc.), but I can't see the experience being that much better on the newer version of either console. So personally, as cool as these upgraded versions can be, I'm not going to be going out to buy one. I'll keep my standard XBOX One & PS4 haha.

Finally got around to booting up Andromeda. I'm probably not very far (finished the first major planet quest), but I do agree that the gameplay itself has been quite good. Definitely seems like it'll at least be an entertaining play through.

Overall, I'd find it difficult to argue against Brady. 5-2 in Super Bowls (so far), 4 of which he got the MVP for. A dozen pro bowls and a couple MVPs are nice too. As time goes, the game changes. The modern era really allows for Quarterbacks to stand out and have extremely dominant performances. The game isn't the same as when the 1972 dolphins put up their perfect season. I think as the game evolves, it'll be tougher to judge the GOAT, but Brady will probably always be part of the conversation (unless someone puts together a better resume over a 20 year span haha). As for impressive teams, in the modern era I still think the 18-1 Patriots team was one of the most impressive teams I've seen fielded. They did lose the Super Bowl, but man...they were a juggernaut. Please note, that despite having mad respect for the duo that Belichick/Brady have made for the better part of the last two decades, I'm not a Pats fan. They knocked off my Panthers in one of those Super Bowls

I've always been a huge fan of Star Wars, especially the story arcs outside of the cinematic universe. The video games written by Drew Karpyshyn (KOTOR & KOTOR II, and non-Star Wars games in Mass Effect & Mass Effect 2) have been favorites of mine (I also enjoyed his books in the Star Wars Universe). It's also part of what gives me some hope for Anthem, as he's one of the writers. Most of the time, I avoid playing MMOs. I have a bit of an addictive personality at times, so I try to keep myself from diving into them. It's not whether or not I'll enjoy it that concerns me. It's how far down the rabbit hole I'll lose myself haha.

I still haven't played it, but I did buy it. It'll probably be the next game I play (unless I put it off for long enough that Destiny 2 becomes my active game). They did have a great story in ME1. I think I felt more attached to ME2, but the original was a great story (being older console did limit its replay interest though). Overall Bioware has done some great work in the modern RPG era. KOTOR will always be one of my favorites (but I refuse to play the MMO version). Curious what their next project will be after Anthem...

As for Randyll & Dickon...I'm not sure there was really an alternative. And honestly...I didn't care that much when it did haha.

Heh, I guess that answers a lot of the questions. Kevin seems to be a pretty decent guy and will hopefully be a strong support for Josh (who deserves it). It also shows there are some in the family that Rachel could learn her hatred from. It is tough on Kevin, but having some form of support group around him is a plus. It had to be tough living under the roof of someone he knew hated a core part about him. Mel definitely hasn't changed her opinion, but she does have some grounds on paper in a favorable court. Robert did abandon TJ (even if it was at her insistence). And Texas is definitely a red state in a lot of social elements. I don't know enough about family court to weigh in much, but I feel that Josh has to be old enough to at least be able to give an opinion on where he wants to stay haha. Still, even if not, hopefully they're able to show that Robert is a much better parent to Josh than Mel would ever be. Looking forward to the next (even if now I have to wait rather than just clicking the next button).

It was nice seeing the interactions throughout the chapter. Amber is a nice addition to their support group and it's good that there are adult figures that seem to be reasonable about things (though if it wasn't from her father, you have to wonder where Rachel picked up her strong opinion). There are always going to be some people that aren't going to be understanding, but you can't just let them spew vitriol everywhere. I don't think she's at all remorseful, but it would be nice for the characters to at least not have to hear it all the time haha. Hopefully Kevin ends up being as supportive as he's started. We don't know too much about him yet, so we have to cross our fingers a bit that he is on the level haha. I don't have a very good read on Mel. At this point, she's come off as a strongly negative character. Given her history, I can't imagine her suddenly changing her opinion. Still, Josh is fairly old at this point. I wouldn't expect many reasonable judges going against his wishes if it came to court. Curious to see how it plays out though!

I don't mean to call him a jerk, necessarily, but he has been acting out lately. I feel that the strength of the relationship he's built over the years with Josh is a sign that he's a good guy on a normal day. He's been hurting and I can understand that. However, purposely trying to needle Robert (who is grieving the loss of his parents as well) was fairly intentional. Admittedly, there are some elements that Robert probably deserves for what he did to TJ. His lashing out at Josh was mean and angry, but he let his hurt get the best of him. Jerk might be harsh. He's young (which is important to keep in mind) and has been through a lot, but some of his actions would have driven less understanding people much further away. TJ is lucky to have Josh and I have hope that he'll prove he's there for him just as much as Josh has been for him recently. I don't think he's really a jerk. But some of his actions - even if understandable to an extent - were pretty rough on the people around him. The situation of outing Scott wasn't exactly nice, but he lost all of the sympathy he might have built up by attacking TJ when he was down (literally and figuratively) haha.

It was nice to see Josh rebound fairly quickly, at least on the surface. There have been times that TJ has been a bit of a jerk, but everyone was a victim of circumstance here. Things finally seem to be going pretty well for everyone, but that looks like it'll be changing quite soon...

Yeah...I had a feeling that was coming. Now I feel even worse for Josh than I did after Chapter 1 haha. Feel bad for all parties really though. TJ is probably going to feel like a traitor. Josh is going to be hurt. And Sean is caught in the middle. This...has been an awful summer for poor TJ...

Well...that's one way to open a story. TJ Definitely had a rough bit of summer. Still have to feel somewhat bad for Josh. TJ was clearly emotional, but at least he recognized how badly he crossed the line. Josh is right that it didn't excuse getting laid into like that, but at least he's understanding of the trauma going on.

I've read this story several times since I came to this site and enjoyed it every time. Its setting of inclusiveness, awesome characters, and excellent plot make it a worthwhile read (or reread). Ethan is an excellent protagonist and his actions, feelings, and thoughts drew me in throughout the story. The antagonists for each "act" of the story feel believable for where you are in the tale. Getting to go along this journey with Ethan & Aiden, along with several others, made for a great read (one that I'll probably repeat shortly). Hope to see even more in this universe sometime soon!

Morningstar was one of the first stories I read on this site and I've come back to it several times. New readers have the benefit of being able to enjoy it in its entirety, but Morningstar Mondays were a welcome thing to look forward to while it was being written. It has an enjoyable main character that is capable of impressive feats. Despite the great things he's capable of, however, his personality is even more impressive. The antagonists are extreme, but believable in their roles. The supporting characters and situations that Kellar find himself in are well-written, merging a supernatural feel with realism throughout. There aren't a ton of shifter stories on here, but this one definitely proved to be a great read (and I'd love to see even more in the universe...hint hint).

It was nice to see them be able to actually talk things out. It was especially interesting to hear that despite his power and tech, Chris isn't overly in sync with his nodes. Maria must really be able to do some amazing things if just having one great node allows him to (usually) maintain control of the temperamental nooks. Chris does come with a lot of baggage - and a very risky father. Even though I'm sure Ryan's father would not agree, at least it would most likely be out of concern compared to just being a manipulative egomaniac like Chris' father. And for Chris to show Ryan that he's not wanting to leave him, even if he insists he should, shows that he truly cares already. Still, I think Ryan is stronger than Chris is giving him credit for and they could be a force to be reckoned with, even against someone as powerful as Christian. Hopefully Ryan is able to get Chris to recant his request that they stay apart. I have a feeling it'd just hurt both of them when they clearly have some degree of compatibility. Looking forward to the next!

Excellent episode. I saw all of the hype before I got to watch, but it definitely lived up to it. I'd have loved for it to keep going, but they did it very well. Looking forward to 5!

I believe Westeros may have a broader description of "natural causes" than we do.

Acidic Neutral...that seems like either an awesome or dangerous place to be Thanks!

Yeah...that guy. I just refer to him as the trickster maester. He may have been stripped of the title, but he definitely has the role under Cersei. Though he will always have some of my dislike for...whatever he did to bring back the Mountain. I liked Oberon...

Entertaining chapter. Lot of good, with the foundation getting running, Lee finding a job he looks like he'll enjoy, and getting Stephen reinstated. I have no idea who Odie is (haven't read any of the side pieces though), but I guess more light will be shed on that next chapter. Looking forward to the next!