How do you get back into gaming?

When you have been away from gaming for a while for whatever reason, how do you get yourself back into it? Do you play an old favorite, or play the latest new game everyone is talking about?

I'm thinking I may play some Shivers or Riven to get back into the groove. I haven't played in a very long time and I think I may have lost my edge.

~Dee

Dee, give Aura a shot. I thought it was super.

Good question, Dee! I always have at least one game going , but I may put it aside for weeks or longer before I get back to it,

Sometimes, I just don';t feel like playing, or in nice weather I spend more time outside, away from the computer, I almost
always get back to it eventualy. (but there are some games I have abandoned after not playing them for a long time)

Louis

Dee,

For ME, I've always had to "jump back in" by playing something very UNUSUAL, and often even from a different genre, to get my interest "re-peaked!"

Have you played any of the really GREAT rpgs? Divine Divinity really got ME back into gaming after a long slump.

Runaway and Black Mirror were two adventures that worked for that too.

RE-playing a game, however, never works for me, as it makes me think I'm going back to the "same old same old."

Deedle knowing your game tastes I'd have to agree with JB about Aura. I really think you'd enjoy it and it just might put you back in the groove.

As for me - I switched and tried a different genre to get me back into gaming. I was getting tired of the same old stuff in adventure games which weren't feeling much like an adventure to me anymore. Now that I cross genre I am enjoying the whole gaming process much more. Guess variety did it for me, and more importantly, it gives me a whole bunch more games I can buy

Syd, it appears we are hopelessly devoted to baags!

I also think Alida will get your Riven-loving game juices flowing again, Dee. The Windows version should be out soon.

I just finished Aura too, I think you will really like it Dee

Play Shivers. Riven would be good too.
Play Aura after the patch is ready, which should be some time in the next week. Not everyone gets the nonfunctional cursor problem, but I sure wouldn't want to run into something like that on my first game in a long time.

Guess Aura should be my first game out, or maybe Alida. I have it for my poor old Mac but it ran way too slow. I am looking forward to Alida for Win.

Thanks Jenny for the heads-up on the patch. It would really frustrate me to no end to run into a problem first time out. I did try to dabble in Uru, but it had too many action bits in it for not playing in a while.

Syd.....admit it. You just switched genre's so you would have more games to buy. :kiss:

I did pop in Shivers while awaiting a reply.

~Dee

Dear Dee, How are you? I have thought of you often these last few months. How is your health? Mine- not so good- a lot of back pain since the car accident I told you about, but am able to work, so that's good, huh? Still praying for your good health.
I usually only get to play very much during the summer months, because of my job, teaching. I have Aura now- finding it a bit difficult as I get bored setting up machinery pretty fast. But am hoping for more exciting stuff soon. Everybody seems to like it.
For you, I was thinking maybe Aura, but the brand-new Nancy Drew "Shadow Ranch", sure sounds good, too.
I Like these because they are so relaxing, I like the character, and they usually have both humor and some tenseness/danger, but are not "scary". Sometimes I like scary and sometimes I don't- I just want fun.
My best to you,

Hi Dee

I certainly can't improve on all this good advice you're gettin'

And hope to hear you are back in the throes very soon

Cheers.

Mad

Kathyo, we've never "met", but I want to express sympathy in your not feeling up to snuff. I have arthritis; since May it has been giving me fits! But this past week at my regular appointment with the specialist, he gave me a shot that seems to be taming Arthur just a bit.

MacDee, I would suggest SHIVERS I. It shouldn't take you too long to play; sometimes the puzzles are fun just to play by themselves and you can get the old gaming muscles buffed back up slowly and surely!
Happy Gaming!

This thread is just what I needed. I have been away from gaming for a while too. I am waiting for my new computer to be ready. Until then, I can't play any new games because my old computer can't handle them. So, I put in Crsytal Key to have something to play and to get reacquainted with this game before I play Crystal Key 2. I'm still waiting...

Thanks, Vertex, I got it, too, have had since I was in late 20's- due to a car accident. But am used to it.
Shivers is a good one. I don't know much about Alida, but have heard enough good things about it that my curiosity is piqued. There's about 4 games that I'd like to get right now, but I keep hearing this inner voice (how I hate that thing), saying, "It's time to start getting ready for school. No more games 'til you finish this one!" How I hate that voice of reason!

Hi Dee,
I don't game to much in the summer[to much other things that need done].
I start out with a game i played before,but long enough ago that i can't remember most of the puzzles,
but don't spend alot of time wondering around.
It works for me.This fall it will be Night long..
Hope you get the old spark back for gaming.......
ron.etti

So nice to hear from you Kathy, will email you soon. And.....don't listen to that silly voice.

Hi Mad!

Vertex....Just finished Shivers. Love the music and colorful graphics not to mention some of the replayable puzzles. Well, maybe not the Chinese Checkers.

Glenna....I have both CK games but haven't played either. I will one of these days though. (I seem to say that about a lot of games. )

I hope I can get back into gaming too Ron.

Oh, and arthritis is the pits.

~Dee

Dear Dee, re: "that silly voice"- you're funny! Will be looking forward to that, And, yes, it is the pits.

MacDee Glad to see your back. Well, here is my 2 cents. How about a new game The Arrangement ? I'm planning on this one after I finish with BS3 but I've read that this seems to be a great little game to play. Read that it's slightly better than Michael B. Clark's first game "Harvest".

Anyway good luck in getting that adventure game feel back.

Jana

Kathy O,
I still hear that silly voice, and I retired from teaching last June!

Vertex,
It's funny that you call arthritis Arthur. My sister, who has some speech difficulties, calls it arthurlitis. It's one of those family jokes we use so often that we're in danger of forgetting the correct pronunciation.

Hi Deedle! How ya doin? Since you asked, when I get out of the game mode, for whatever reason...I always end up finding my way back by playing a short online game that I can usually get done in a couple of hours...like MOTAS or some such game. It kinda rev's me up to tackle some good juicy puzzles! It helps to have a new game waiting to be unwrapped...ah the joy! After I jump start my gamebrain, I can't wait to start! I've even played little adventures from the cartoon network! But it always works for me!

Good luck and I wish you ...
Happy gaming!!!

Dee, I think you should play Shivers while you are waiting for something better to come along. If anything can get the juices going its that one. IMHO.

Karen

So good to see that Butterfly....dear Dee...you know you liked Amerzone if I recall and I replayed it the other day cuz nothing sounded good. I really enjoyed it and it was easy and beautiful...no stress...

Hap

Hi Dee,
I just re-played Dracula Resurrection yesterday afternoon. Forgot how good it was. Maybe this would ease you back in.
Happy Gamer has a good suggestion with Amerzone as well.

Rusty

I just came back, too. I was looking for the latest Nancy Drew game, and found Aura by accident. So far it's an excellent game. I only had the cursor problem once, and I save often. In my opinion, it is a good game to bring back the feeling of being in another Age. Do you think our hiatus was a coincidence? Or was there a drought in quality of adventure games since Syberia II?

Glad to see you're getting back into gaming Dee after so long and all your troubles!

I'm having problems re-entering gaming after a hiatus of just weeks. The nearest I'm getting to it so far is playing patience on the computer.

Dee, just started Aura and have to agree with the others, it is perfect for you.

Vertex, never heard of anyone calling arthitis by a nickname like that. must be nice to get a shot that helps it. sure wish i could.

I think a stroll around GameBoomers will lift up the gaming mood anytime.

Morning Dee,
I would say yes to Aura. It is not that long and the puzzles are very intuitive, lots of great graphics and it's under $20.00.
I did see MYST series, tenth anniversary edition at EB GAMES for $18.00. All DVD and I so much want to play RIVEN on DVD, this time. Go with what your heart tells you.

I can't add anything more to all the good ideas everyone is giving you Dee. I haven't tried Aura yet but it does look very good. Syd's suggestion to try a selection from the dark side might just do the trick too. I know it worked for me, now I have two favorite game genres adventures and rpg's!!

Hi there--

well, I've been gameless for a while (it may only have been 2 or 3 weeks, but it seems like longer...) and I'm wanting Aura or Alida, but I haven't been able to find either one! Usually, tho', when I've been not gaming due to other pieces of life, the way I get back into it is, first I get this intense craving to play--actually more like an intense craving to GO to a game world. Then I look around for a gameworld that I want to go to. But sometimes, it gets so that any gameworld will do--like getting in the car and driving just anywhere after being stuck at home for too long!

WW

Thank you all for your wonderful ideas and comments. :kiss:

For those of you that don't know, I haven't played a game since Syberia I, Oh, and Dark Fall, they came out at the same time. I've been busy fighting breast cancer and a month ago, I had carotid artery surgery. So, I am WAY behind on my gaming and BAAGS.

I just ordered Aura and the new Nancy Drew. I pre-ordered Alida. I had forgotten how much fun BAAGS is! Any more? I have Uru, CK II and Schizm II.

I have The Arrangement. Indies are my favorite people!

Good idea about playing Amerzone, it is one of my favorites. I have Riven on DVD and I haven't played it yet. It should look great on my 19 inch screen. That should keep me busy until Aura arrives.

Syd and Zanthia have been trying to get me to give RPG's a shot for years. In fact, Zanthia said she would play with me.

Peter......I hope this isn't a secret, but CONGRATULATIONS on your brand new marriage. I wish you both much happiness!

Rick....I just love your avatar!

WW.....do you order online? I can send you the link to EB Games. I always shop online. Little Battle Creek doesn't have any good computer stores.

Rusty.....I haven't played any of the Dracula games believe it or not.

~Dee

Kathyo, MacDee, speaking from my experience, sometimes a lengthy illness induces a malaise. And sometimes that "inner voice" should be gently treated to a firm
"SHUT UP, YOU IDIOT!!!"
In the midst of the on-going stress of not feeling good in a world that DEMANDS you attend to it, I find it is helpful to hang up the metaphorical NO TRESPASSING sign and let the genius of some game creator wrap me in the web of fantasy so I can forget.............
everything else. I am not dodging responsibility, by doing this I make myself more capable of dealing with my responsibilities. Despite opinions to the contrary, I am human and any sick human needs rest so to either recuperate or slow the downward spiral.

So tell the inward voice to go.......to go play an Action Game!

Happy Gaming!

PS. And forums such as this one help a lot also!

What?! Haven't played the Dracula games? Well now, you just might need to BAAG them. I will give a link to the first step. It is a great deal as they are the original boxed versions - not the reissue cr*p with the manuals on the disks.
You need to play these Dee!

Rusty

the Arrangement is great Dee, I loved it Just finished Aura and now started on CK2 so we could be diving for MaG's walkthrough and the Hints pages together

Dear Vertex, you are a sweetie, and have such a great attitude. Maybe we arthritics should form a club- I'll bet there's a lot of here.
Thanks for the good advice.
Zanthia, sorry to hear you are suffering from the same affliction. But it does automatically make you a member of our club.

Thanks, Kathyo! And to everyone else, it's not just for those who spent time with "Arthur", but other chronic problems. My dad lost his primary hand when he was 17, (in about 1914), and he literally could do anything; we were always used to knowing bad would be good after one learned how to change it! (Dad and Mom had 10 kids; I was the 10th.)

FriedMonkey, I enjoyed both DRACULA's very much. I didn't know there were differences in PC versions. What are they?

Vertex,

I don't think there is a difference in the actual games, just that the originals came with paper manuals, the 'budget' versions come with manual on disc.

I bet your dad was an inspiration to many.. certainly has rubbed off on you :kiss:

Theres no such word as Can't, just haven't worked out how yet

Hi Vertex,
There is no difference in the games themselves. What I meant was that the link above is for purchasing both Dracula games as one package in their original retail boxes with manuals, etc. There was a susequent release of these games in a cheesy little cardboard sleeve type thing with no paper manual. The manuals were put on the CD's in PDF fomat. This is fine for some people but, personally I always like to buy the original full retail boxed version of games when I can. Maybe that is the "collector" in me.

Rusty

Welcome, Dee. I'm a 12 year survivor.

12 years?

Rusty.....I have those Dracula games in my stack. You would just shake your head if you saw my stack. Syd made me do it.

I was playing some Amerzone yesterday. It made me feel eager to play Syberia II. I loved Syberia I. I am so excited that Mr. Sokal now has his own company.

~Dee

Hi, Dee--

Battle Creek, huh? I grew up in Detroit and I remember driving past the big sign with the Kellog's Rooster every time we went to visit my grandfather in Midland. Is that still there?

I do occasionally shop online, but usually my credit card is so maxed out that that's not an option. It's way easier to go someplace local and float a cheque out of my grocery money! Also, shipping charges just annoy the he!! out of me. I just got my husband a birthday present on line and got charges $10 shipping for a $20 book!!

WW

Yep, the sign is still there WW, so are the corporate offices. We have Sugar Bear here too. The air just reeks of cereal in the summer. Blech!

I'm very picky about where I shop online. Those shipping charges can really get you.

~Dee

Hi Dee, glad to see you posting again. Bill and I played Shivers I a few months ago, our second time. Enjoyed it as much as the first time. It really is a fun game.
Bets

Dee,
I'm glad to see you post here! I hope things are looking up!

Play Syberia 2. Yeah, it's not first person (and you like first person), but I think you said you liked Syberia 1. It's a beautiful, wonderful game, with a great story. I can't recommend it highly enough.

YOU GO, CAT IN THE HAT!! That is great news. My sister-in-law had colon cancer and wasn't supposed to live. That was over 30 years ago. And did not just scrape by; she had a baby about 20 years ago and now has 2 grandbabies, (my niece was/is a total brat, but I only blame myself!)

Thank you, FriedMonkey. I do see your point about wanting box and all; I take out the cardboard "sleeve", remove the CD's, tape the sleeves and fix it so it stiffens up the flimsy boxes and put the games back inside rather than strip them naked and let them shiver in an open CD rack.

I do wish there was another DRACULA,though. Happy Gaming!

Yes, I really did love Syberia I. I even wrote a little mini review so other 1st person lovers would play it.

Luckily, I have a huge attic to store all my boxes intact.

My Aura was shipped yesterday.

~Dee

So see, it has to be Syberia 2, particularly since you usually prefer 1st person, and you loved Syberia!

The story will sweep you along, you will forget about your troubles for a little bit, and you will be back into gaming. That's my prediction!

When I played SYBERIA 2, it was really hard to tear away for things like bed, eat, work; the unimportant things, you know. And all the puzzles had decent hints with only a few exceptions. I DID get tired of fishing, though... Happy Gaming!

Aura arrived yesterday but now you guys have me tempted to play Syberia II.

~Dee

Syberia 2 is definitely a great game to get you back in the swing Dee. Breathtaking graphics and sound plus being a direct continuation of the first game. The ending in this one is nothing short of amazing.

Bill