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Finally got a laptop and want to get into some PC gaming, gimme advice


Bloodporne

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It has happened. For the first time in a decade plus I actually own a computer of any sort that isn't a garbage work desktop for unpaid overtime work. Purchased the following:

 

Acer Predator Helios 300 Gaming Laptop PC, 15.6 inches Full HD 144Hz 3ms IPS Display, Intel i7-9750H, GTX 1660 Ti 6GB, 16GB DDR4, 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD

 

1. What are some essential PC-only games I may have missed in the past, well, 10+ years in your opinion? 

2. Can I use my PS4 DS4 controller on Steam? Signing up for an account tonight. 

3. I really want to get Dark Souls: Prepare To Die and try out some mods etc. but I see it's not available on Steam after the Remastered version came out. Where does one purchase digital PC games outside of Steam generally? 

4. Recommend me a decent wireless mouse/keyboard combo.

5. I'm not looking to do any crazy high-end gaming on this shit and its main use will be my DAW programs, so if these specs aren't sikk enuff for you, I apologize in advance. 

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17 minutes ago, Keyser_Soze said:

2. Yes

3. If you want the non remastered version you can’t find it on any storefront unless you purchased it previously.

5. Fuck your apology, I’ll probably hit the other question in a bit

But I fucking want it!!!!!!! I'm not buying that stupid ass "Remastered" one that looks worse and has sound glitches. Bastards.

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DS4 does work through Steam, just make sure it's turned on in your controller preferences.  If you want to use non-Steam apps and not launch them through steam, you'll need DS4Windows or an equivalent.

PC only games?  Can't think of much outside of strategy games, mobas, mmos and the occasional PC exclusive CRPG, which aren't genres I typically follow much.

You'll often see indies on PC first, or more commonly now, PC/Switch.  Slay the Spire an Into the Breach fit into the latter category.  Nintendo's Indie Directs are pretty much PC directs these days.

I highly recommend downloading the Epic Launcher and getting in on the freebies there every week.  They gave away 6 dozen games last year for nothing.  If you don't support their business practices for whatever reason, just be a leach and never spend money there.  It's a good starting point to building a PC library. 


Subscribe to r/gamedeals if you want to save a ton.  You'll get better deals on Humble, Fanatical and GMG than through Steam itself.  Bundles are always a great option.  GamesPass promos pop up there a lot as well.  Humble Choice got a price hike, but now you get to build your own bundles with it essentially.


Lastly, look into GoG Galaxy 2.0 if you want to keep your Steam/Epic/Uplay/Origin/etc games all in one place.  Or if you plan on using your laptop on your TV with controllers / want to emulate retro games / are more organizational minded, I'd recommend buying a Launchbox forever-license for $50:
 


That's been my choice as a catch-all launcher.  It's a bit of work to get trailers and the layout as you want it, but the results are worth it to me.

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16 minutes ago, crispy4000 said:

Lastly, look into GoG Galaxy 2.0 if you want to keep your Steam/Epic/Uplay/Origin/etc games all in one place.  Or if you plan on using your laptop on your TV with controllers / want to emulate retro games / are more organizational minded, I'd recommend buying a Launchbox forever-license for $50:
 


That's been my choice as a catch-all launcher.  It's a bit of work to get trailers and the layout as you want it, but the results are worth it to me.

Thanks for your feedback and this part really interests me as I'm definitely looking to use it through my TV as an emulation box a lot as well, especially Dolphin and so on. Just to be clear, that video is LaunchBox and what you recommend for emulation/TV mainly and then this is something else completely, right:

 

"Lastly, look into GoG Galaxy 2.0 if you want to keep your Steam/Epic/Uplay/Origin/etc games all in one place"

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28 minutes ago, Bloodporne said:

But I fucking want it!!!!!!! I'm not buying that stupid ass "Remastered" one that looks worse and has sound glitches. Bastards.

 

A lot of the what DSFix did for Dark Souls is actually get it to run at a proper resolution and improve textures (among other things) which is what the remaster does.

 

But you can still run mods with the remaster: https://www.nexusmods.com/darksoulsremastered/mods/

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5 minutes ago, Keyser_Soze said:

 

A lot of the what DSFix did for Dark Souls is actually get it to run at a proper resolution and improve textures (among other things) which is what the remaster does.

 

But you can still run mods with the remaster: https://www.nexusmods.com/darksoulsremastered/mods/

I'm thinking of biting the bullet and going with Remastered and this:

 

https://www.nexusmods.com/darksoulsremastered/mods/7

 

That looks really fucking good to me and like a massive improvement as I loved that massive bloom effect etc. on everything in the original. The only thing I'm concerned about is that I don't see patches/mods for the ambient sound issues that the PS4 version at least had. I'll cross my fingers and hope the PC version doesn't have the same problems that I know Prepare... had originally fixed.

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Just now, Bloodporne said:

That looks really fucking good to me and like a massive improvement as I loved that massive bloom effect etc. on everything in the original. The only thing I'm concerned about is that I don't see patches/mods for the ambient sound issues that the PS4 version at least had. I'll cross my fingers and hope the PC version doesn't have the same problems that I know Prepare... had originally fixed.

 

I'm guessing it's probably not an issue on PC.

 

Maybe @Man of Culture will chime in.

 

Personally I haven't played the remaster mainly because the upgrade price (for owners of the original) was kind of a rip off at the time and I don't think I've checked to see if it has been on sale since. Maybe if it springs up on indiegalia or something one day. :p

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On 1/14/2020 at 8:33 AM, Bloodporne said:

Thanks for your feedback and this part really interests me as I'm definitely looking to use it through my TV as an emulation box a lot as well, especially Dolphin and so on. Just to be clear, that video is LaunchBox and what you recommend for emulation/TV mainly and then this is something else completely, right:

 

"Lastly, look into GoG Galaxy 2.0 if you want to keep your Steam/Epic/Uplay/Origin/etc games all in one place"

 

Yes, Launchbox (paid for) is the one you want for a big screen mode like that.  GoG just does a list view.

It's an awesome program with a ton of features, gets updated a lot, has a lot of themes to choose from, etc.  But you will need to track down preview videos, or edit your own for non-retro titles.  PM me if you decide to go with it and I can help a bit.
 

One other downside is that while Steam is fully supported, it doesn't fully integrate with Epic/Origin/etc in the way that GoG does.  I do have to add games from other storefronts manually.  Because I don't just install everything, I typically make a shortcut to the launcher itself and tell Launchbox that's the game.  But it does automatically scrape for cover art, screenshots, etc once it knows what it's looking for.

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9 minutes ago, Keyser_Soze said:

 

I'm guessing it's probably not an issue on PC.

 

Maybe @Man of Culture will chime in.

 

Personally I haven't played the remaster mainly because the upgrade price (for owners of the original) was kind of a rip off at the time and I don't think I've checked to see if it has been on sale since. Maybe if it springs up on indiegalia or something one day. :p

It's definitely a weird, and probably small and nitpicky to most, problem so maybe some players haven't even really noticed. I've bitched about it on D1P before so I feel kind of bad bringing it up again but...I do want to play a "proper" version after only knowing the PS3 of my, possibly, favorite game for once. 

9 minutes ago, crispy4000 said:

 

Yes, Launchbox (paid for) is the one you want for a big screen mode like that.  GoG just does a list view.

It's an awesome program with a ton of features, gets updated a lot, has a lot of themes to choose from, etc.  But you will need to track down preview videos, or edit your own for non-retro titles.  PM me if you decide to go with it and I can help a bit.
 

One other downside is that while Steam is fully supported, it doesn't fully integrate with Epic/Origin/etc in the way that GoG does.  I do have to add games from other storefronts manually.  Because I don't just install everything, I typically make a shortcut to the launcher itself and tell Launchbox that's the game.  But it does automatically scrape for cover art, screenshots, etc once it knows what it's looking for.

Yeah all this is confusing to me as a console player. I'll have to put my hands on it all and it'll make sense. Will get into this on the weekend, setting things up etc. I  mean. Thanks for your input and I"ll PM you with further questions about it if I have any once I get to it!

 

 

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7 minutes ago, Bloodporne said:

 

Yeah all this is confusing to me as a console player. I'll have to put my hands on it all and it'll make sense. Will get into this on the weekend, setting things up etc. I  mean. Thanks for your input and I"ll PM you with further questions about it if I have any once I get to it!

 

 

You could try to importing things just to see how it works, but you can't try the big screen mode unless you pay.

IMO, it's more of an enthusiast thing.  Like I said, it takes a little work, especially if you want to use it for non-retro stuff too.

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2 minutes ago, crispy4000 said:

 

You could try to importing things just to see how it works, but you can't try the big screen mode unless you pay.

IMO, it's more of an enthusiast thing.  You have to be willing to tinker with things.

 

He really doesn't need this for a guy who has like zero PC games. :p

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6 minutes ago, Keyser_Soze said:

 

He really doesn't need this for a guy who has like zero PC games. :p

 

That changes quickly if you grab Epic's stuff. :p

It's probably better start something like this from the beginning.  I've spliced almost 600 trailers for my PC games to catch up.  Removing ESRB intros, cutting down length, etc.

But I'm happy to share what I have if anyone's interested.

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First thing I want to get into actually is some emulation I've been waiting for. I have a bit of a list compiled at this point including stuff like Metroid Prime that I'd love to play with increased resolution, filters and so on. I've been holding off replaying a whole slew of these for this particular reason. 

 

Also really want to get that Resident Evil 4 HD Texture mod I've read about. 

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16 minutes ago, Bloodporne said:

First thing I want to get into actually is some emulation I've been waiting for. I have a bit of a list compiled at this point including stuff like Metroid Prime that I'd love to play with increased resolution, filters and so on. I've been holding off replaying a whole slew of these for this particular reason.

 

Yeah, I'd get Launchbox then.  Doesn't take much work to make an emulated library look snazzy.
 

 



I don't think the RE4 HD mod is done yet?  That's for the PC version of RE4 I believe.

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Getting back to the OP questions

 

1. I think it's hard to approach this question somewhat. There are PC only games and then there are games that are best on PC. Even some games that were previously PC only like Path of Exile or Wasteland 2 have come to consoles, so maybe I'll suggest a mix of both. Also, it's helpful to know what you're into, you maybe don't like strategy games  for instance.

  • Disco Elysium - PC only for now and you were interested in it so yeah check it out I suppose
  • Portal 1 & 2 - These were released on consoles but are best experienced on a PC
  • S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Series (Supposedly the sequel comes out next year)
  • Papers Please
  • Amnesia: The Dark Descent (I guess these came out on consoles but you probably never played them... right?)
  • Divinity Original Sin 1 & 2 - (These are on consoles but I'd imagine playing with a controller would be not great)
  • Hitman 2 (These are on consoles but if you want to see it really sexy looking get it on PC)
  • Darkest Dungeon (I guess this is on consoles but I'll throw it in here)
  • Dota 2 (roffle, don't play this you'll hate me for even suggesting it to you)
  • Crusader Kings 2 (or wait for 3 probably - But I think the base game is free)
  • Battletech (I actually haven't played it (yet) but it's only on PC)
  • Vampire the Masquerade Bloodlines (Only mentioning it so you can get ready for the sequel - So just get the sequel when it comes out instead)
  •  Games you probably won't want to play (or have played)but look nice: Tomb Raider / Alan Wake / Control / Cysis / Doom / Witcher 3

 

4. Have no idea on the Wireless keyboard and mouse combo. Do you want a mechanical keyboard? How many buttons do you want on your mouse?

Logitech is pretty solid, generally. You could look at Corsair, steelseries or Hyper X as well. However, I don't know how many of them make wireless ones.

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38 minutes ago, Keyser_Soze said:

Getting back to the OP questions

 

1. I think it's hard to approach this question somewhat. There are PC only games and then there are games that are best on PC. Even some games that were previously PC only like Path of Exile or Wasteland 2 have come to consoles, so maybe I'll suggest a mix of both. Also, it's helpful to know what you're into, you maybe don't like strategy games  for instance.

  • Disco Elysium - PC only for now and you were interested in it so yeah check it out I suppose
  • Portal 1 & 2 - These were released on consoles but are best experienced on a PC
  • S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Series (Supposedly the sequel comes out next year)
  • Papers Please
  • Amnesia: The Dark Descent (I guess these came out on consoles but you probably never played them... right?)
  • Divinity Original Sin 1 & 2 - (These are on consoles but I'd imagine playing with a controller would be not great)
  • Hitman 2 (These are on consoles but if you want to see it really sexy looking get it on PC)
  • Darkest Dungeon (I guess this is on consoles but I'll throw it in here)
  • Dota 2 (roffle, don't play this you'll hate me for even suggesting it to you)
  • Crusader Kings 2 (or wait for 3 probably - But I think the base game is free)
  • Battletech (I actually haven't played it (yet) but it's only on PC)
  • Vampire the Masquerade Bloodlines (Only mentioning it so you can get ready for the sequel - So just get the sequel when it comes out instead)
  •  Games you probably won't want to play (or have played)but look nice: Tomb Raider / Alan Wake / Control / Cysis / Doom / Witcher 3

 

4. Have no idea on the Wireless keyboard and mouse combo. Do you want a mechanical keyboard? How many buttons do you want on your mouse?

Logitech is pretty solid, generally. You could look at Corsair, steelseries or Hyper X as well. However, I don't know how many of them make wireless ones.

Actually I've always been interested in the STALKER series so that was a good reminder. I've seen screenshots of it with mods that look incredibly atmospheric. Disco Elysium is going on the list as well. 

 

I did play The Dark Descent on PS4 actually. Very cool game minus the dog shit enemy "encounters". 

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5 hours ago, Bloodporne said:

It has happened. For the first time in a decade plus I actually own a computer of any sort that isn't a garbage work desktop for unpaid overtime work. Purchased the following:

 

Acer Predator Helios 300 Gaming Laptop PC, 15.6 inches Full HD 144Hz 3ms IPS Display, Intel i7-9750H, GTX 1660 Ti 6GB, 16GB DDR4, 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD

 

1. What are some essential PC-only games I may have missed in the past, well, 10+ years in your opinion? 

2. Can I use my PS4 DS4 controller on Steam? Signing up for an account tonight. 

3. I really want to get Dark Souls: Prepare To Die and try out some mods etc. but I see it's not available on Steam after the Remastered version came out. Where does one purchase digital PC games outside of Steam generally? 

4. Recommend me a decent wireless mouse/keyboard combo.

5. I'm not looking to do any crazy high-end gaming on this shit and its main use will be my DAW programs, so if these specs aren't sikk enuff for you, I apologize in advance. 

1) What genres do you like?  There is everything from simulators (iRacing, American Truck Simulator), RPGs, adventure games, MOBAs, small indie games, strategy games that just aren't available elsewhere.  (Due o M/KB, FPS games are better on PC too....)

2)  Yes.

 

"Buying games" is different than consoles as well.  It is usally cheaper to buy games during sales or from 3rd party key resellers (ie. Green Man Gaming).  I haven't purchased anything directly on Steam, except during a Steam sale, in years...

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5 hours ago, crispy4000 said:

Lastly, look into GoG Galaxy 2.0 if you want to keep your Steam/Epic/Uplay/Origin/etc games all in one place.  Or if you plan on using your laptop on your TV with controllers / want to emulate retro games / are more organizational minded, I'd recommend buying a Launchbox forever-license for $50:

I finally installed GoG Galaxy 2.0.

1)  Do you know if there is anyway for it to scrape the Rockstar Launcher?

2)  I synced it with Xbox -- buy it doesn't seem to be able to install games from the Windows store.  Am I doing it wrong?

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2 hours ago, Nokt said:

can you explain the appeal of this game to me? Every time I watch Shroud stream it I’m bored out of my mind

Too be honest, I’ve watched a ton of it whether it’s shroud, dr. Disrespect, summit1g - and I’m not never sure exactly what this game is and how to classify it. 
 

it seems to be a sort of BR game where the objective is to get to the extraction point. There are real players and NPCs in the world. It’s supposedly incredibly difficult - like the dark souls of FPS’. 

 

they call each game a “raid”, maybe to suggest its difficulty, I dunno. You scavenge for loot throughout the match and whatever you acquire and extract, you keep and can use on your loadout in the next match. There is also a “flea market” where you can sell the gear you extracted for in-game credits to buy the gear you want. 
 

it’s an interesting concept and the more I watch the more I understand and the less confused and boring it seems,  bc the game is high-stakes and high-tension from the minute you drop in. 

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1 hour ago, AbsolutSurgen said:

I finally installed GoG Galaxy 2.0.

1)  Do you know if there is anyway for it to scrape the Rockstar Launcher?

2)  I synced it with Xbox -- buy it doesn't seem to be able to install games from the Windows store.  Am I doing it wrong?

 

I haven't tried it yet.  Just been sticking to Launchbox.

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8 hours ago, Bloodporne said:

First thing I want to get into actually is some emulation I've been waiting for. I have a bit of a list compiled at this point including stuff like Metroid Prime that I'd love to play with increased resolution, filters and so on. I've been holding off replaying a whole slew of these for this particular reason. 

 

Also really want to get that Resident Evil 4 HD Texture mod I've read about. 

 

Wii and Gamecube games look pretty good on PC with just the simple resolution increase, thanks to Nintendo's art style.  I haven't tried Metroid, but Wind Waker and Mario Galaxy are spectacular showpieces.

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1 hour ago, cusideabelincoln said:

 

Wii and Gamecube games look pretty good on PC with just the simple resolution increase, thanks to Nintendo's art style.  I haven't tried Metroid, but Wind Waker and Mario Galaxy are spectacular showpieces.

I had seen some videos of Prime 1 and 2 in high resolutions etc. run through Dolphin and it looks fantastic. Been looking forward to playing them like that ever since.

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1 minute ago, cusideabelincoln said:

Actually I might have a 3-Month Game Pass for PC that I can't use because it tells me the code is for new customers only and I've already used a different code previously.  I can give you the code and if it works then enjoy, because I have no use for it now.

That'd be extremely generous of you! I'll PM you.

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