When I’m playing a game, I zone pretty hard into it so that I’m not seeing the room around me anyway. But I also like the option to turn my head and look at other things — for instance, my family if they’re around. I do NOT want my kids to grow up seeing their dad play games with a mask on, shutting them out. If I do play games while they’re awake, it’s nice to have them hop on my lap, take over jumping duties for my character (hop hop hop), and talk with me about the various sights we’re passing. Being able to look at each other and communicate is key to not shutting ourselves in a game. (And wearing headphones is bad enough, sometimes). – Bio Break, “Virtual reality? Thanks, but no thanks.”
Bloodborne: Toolbox
Slowly adding to my Bloodborne toolbox:
- The Front Stab – L2, then R1
- The Backstab – Hold R2 to charge attack, then hit R1
- Leaping Attack – Up on the left analog stick, then hit R2
- L1 transforms a weapon, R2 to charge up
- L2, with a transformed weapon, swings said weapon in a wide arch. Great for enemy groups.
- Pebbles are your friends, use them to draw an enemies attention.
- Put down your gun and swing!
Tales from the Borderlands Episode 3 – Shifting Gears
Taking a break from my Yharnam hunt, I fired up Tales from the Borderlands Episode 3 – Catch a Ride. Telltale’s third act of the Borderlands saga begins to reveal a grander story. The introduction of Gortys, a Pixar-like robot, made me smile. I haven’t finished the episode yet but every plot beat has felt solid so far. Take a moment to check out the introduction:
A Delightful Reminder
Woke up feeling anxious this morning, a heaviness on my chest. Not sure if a chain of nights staying up late has anything to do with it, but I’m exhausted.
Have been going through a period of bitterness and a lack of hope. Just feeling like I will never move beyond my current job, no matter how hard I try to break free. Reminded that God delights in every detail of our lives, that God holds us in His hand, I needed that this morning. Thought I’d share.
Bloodborne: Caution To The Wind
I played the same run for over an hour. Don’t laugh.
At first I was cautious, taking on one enemy at a time. Many deaths later, I embraced speed. Plunging into mob groups, swinging in true wild style. Yeah…
In the above video, I had a solid nine minute run. I applied the MMO concept of pulling, of drawing away a few enemies from a larger group. My MMO roots served me well until I became reckless. One moment of complete surprise by the enemy at the end, death. Logic dictates that large things should not move quickly, especially troll-like creatures.
Logic: Amended
Mental Database: Upgraded
My friend Zach pointed out that:
- The stamina meter is my friend. Not to attack to the point where I lose the ability to dodge.
- I need to walk, rather than run. (I’m not sure I 100% agree with this piece of advice. From a mechanical perspective, Bloodborne seems to beg for speed in movement. Wondering if this is like having a gun in Metal Gear Solid V. Just because the gunplay feels amazing doesn’t mean one should go Rambo with it. Stealth and all that.)
- Use ranged attacks to pull enemies. (I’m going to have to experiment with this. The gunplay seems built for close range combat. Used to stagger an enemy, open a single moment of weakness, in order to attack.
For those hunting in Yharnam, any other crumbs of advice? I promise to eat them up! As long as advice crumbs taste good.
JohnnyBGamer 