I tried “Playing” AFK Journey just because it’s so damn pretty. I don’t like games that have to walk you through their convoluted structure with big arrows. “Now go here to check your mail and accept the 200 free Shit crystals then go here and use them to upgrade your Fuck guy.” As soon as I am presented with these freemium systems my instinct is to run. It’s a bummer because the little bit of AFK Journey I saw was gorgeous. I just wish it was literally any other kind of game.
I didn’t think cars were cool until the Pandemic hit and I watched the movie Ford vs. Ferrari on the flight to PAX East 2020. After that I got way into sim racing but I never really played the Need For Speed series. I bought a few of them during the Steam Spring sale when they were 95% off and have been giving each one a try. Based on what I’d read I had avoided NFS Payback as it was generally considered to be the worst one but after trying it I have to say it’s probably my favorite!
I get it. This NFS is set in Fortune Valley, a Las Vegas style clone and gambling is a major theme in the game. In fact the entire car upgrade system is built around getting “Speed Cards” and getting the ones you want can be tricky, due to the game's random elements.
Each card represents a part for your car and can come from one of four different manufacturers. Each brand focuses on different stats like acceleration or brakes and each individual card can come with unique perks. Stacking cards from the same manufacturer will provide a bonus effect and I’m guessing you're starting to see why I like this game.
There are things about these cards that can be frustrating, for example you can not share them between cars. They are sold in Tune Up shops around the map and the stock is constantly refreshing every so often. You are at the mercy of what’s available at the moment unless you want to spend tickets to try your hand at the roulette wheel. Again, I understand this system was probably frustrating for people who just want to put the best shit on their cars. For me it made car tuning a lot more interesting.
Besides the Speed Cards which I dig, the map and story are also excellent. Presentation wise NFS Payback plays out like a Fast and Furious movie with some genuinely fun ideas. I’m more invested in this story than any of the other NFS games I’ve tried. I also love the map which has some city elements but a lot of fun undulating roads through nature.
Payback definitely has some predatory microtransaction bullshit tied into the cards and vanity items for your cars and when it came out back in 2017 for $60 I can understand why players were upset. It’s been 7 years though and I bought the game for a couple dollars so my experience is a lot different.
STICKER NEWS!
Kara and I are done with the April sticker pack for Club Penny Arcade members. We are delivering 200 orders to the office today and they should be in the store soon. As a reminder, these stickers are handmade here at our house and include lots of goodies. The April pack has the Gabe and Tycho sayings sheet:
As well as Spring CTS:
And it will also come with a couple bonus free stickers and a signed thank you card.
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Again these are only available to Club PA members each month. If you are logged in with your club PA credentials you’ll see these packs in Gabe’s Sticker Shoppe. We also made some designs available in the PA store for everyone but most of these have sold out. You can still get the official PA sticker album to store your collection though! More designs are coming and I’m currently working on the May sticker pack for Club PA members which will include a Twisp and Catsby sheet! Thanks for supporting my sticker endeavors!
-Gabe out
