Topic: Pure Xbox Game Club - Spyro the Dragon (Dec)

@Balta666 please add me to the group

@Angelus74 done! Welcome aboard

I am not sure how much time I will manage to fit into the club's games as I have moved jobs and have more commute now (also because I am playing mostly FF XIV and bought dragon's dogma 2).

Because of that I decided to start the month strong by starting Solar Ash, as it is the shorter and also as I have played banjo quite a few times already (I believe I have finished it only once though).
First impression was a bit negative as I did not like the art style that much (however it has grown in me since) and the sliding is a bit strange to keep on a straight line. I have so far played about 2h and have beaten two bosses. It is fairly simple and relaxing.

@Balta666 that's good to hear. Simple and relaxing sometimes works. I'm excited to give it a shot soon.

Yeah I think with DD2 monopolising most of my limited free time Solar Ash is the one I'll be going for too. Plus also completed Banjo back in N64 days.

One more boss of Solar Ash in the bag and the game is getting a bit harder (mostly in a good way but you really have to be quick on your feet in some sections). Said so it is getting a bit samey regarding objectives, on the other hand I am intrigued about where the story is going and although it can easily get to be really cliché I am crossing my fingers they get it right.

@Balta666 I love Solar Ash, what a treat from Heart Machine. Have you done hardcore mode at all?

A hair pulling challenge. But doable, even though it doesn't feel like it

I have to say, I played a good 20 minutes of solar ash and I did not like it at all. That's a shame too, because I loved HLD. Did not like the controls and gameplay unfortunately. Oh well, onto BK.

@gingereno42 I have not as I did not finish it yet (should be close as I beat 4 bosses by now) and in general I am not one to replay games on harder difficulties. What is the difference in hardcore mode? (If they give you less time before the heat gets burning hot I would struggle as I already am replaying those sections several times lol)

@NintendoByNature that is a shame but I understand it quite well as the sliding takes some time to get used to and your never quite in control when in the "cloud sea" but it is better when fighting the bosses.
I will finish it but I am also not a fan as I am getting quite bored by its sameness (every area has the same objectives with just a few extra mechanics and harder sections)

I’ve installed both and hopefully make a start on at least one this week. Even though I’ve been itching to properly replay it, I’ve played Banjo so many times on the N64 so it might be wiser to start Solar Ash first.

Happy gaming everyone 👍

@Balta666 yea just didn't click with me unfortunately. From the sound of it, I'm not too bothered by it. More than enough stuff to play and I never played enough if banjo as a kid. I rented it a bunch of times, but never got far.

@NintendoByNature BK is a worthwhile adventure. Hope you enjoy getting through it!

@gingereno42 yea thanks. I've put it off too long in my life. Time to give it a go.

Re: BK. I've gotten 2 full stages under my belt now. It's definitely of its time. Which is odd for me to say since it came out during "my time" lol. I enjoy N64 games more than most as it's my 2nd favorite console ever. But now I remember why I wasn't as crazy about it as I was mario 64. It's definitely a decent time and has some cool mechanics to it. But it's clunky as hell. Anyone who has an issue with the controls in mario 64 and not this can go pound sand. Kidding, or maybe not 🫠. But yea.

@NintendoByNature yeah, I do like banjo but SM64 is the very first perfect game ever made (my 3rd favourite) and never understood how can someone like it more

@Balta666 exactly. I'd say it's the 2nd best game on N64 only behind Ocarina. Still holds up amazingly well.

I am at the final boss of solar Ash and even though I felt the gameplay was getting quite repetitive in it's objectives I was going to praise it's narrative and traversal (after getting used to it), however the final area is broken and twice now I got stuck in a loop in midair with my only option to reset and loose 5/10 min of cutscenes and whatnot. This is it as I am not doing it again.

@Balta666 Oh no mate, that’s awful. Such a shame when a technical issue sours an experience. Would you say it is worth sticking with for the narrative? I’ve finished the first boss but It hasn’t hooked me yet.

@Bundersvessel yeah, it is unfortunately. I do like the story even though it can be a bit cliché and predictable. In general it has a lot of shadow of colossus vibes in both gameplay and story to a point. And even though I did not finish it I believe I got the full gist of it.