I think I used to print out a map of where the jumps were, and then would mark them off with a highlighter if I successfully completed it.

I am as well, and also have experienced this. I'm no longer a completionist, pretty much only play games that come out in my 3-4 favourite series, and sometimes play games (like Batman or Uncharted) on easy so I can get through without having to replay too many levels.

Putting the rocket in the right place always took out all three racers (two instantly, one takes off in flames and explodes down the road). That was the only way I got 100% on VC. I hate any and all GTA races. I was upset with the series when you weren't allowed to take out the opponents anymore.

Hm, I never thought of trying that. Makes sense.

Is everyone talking about the RC chopper level where you have to plant bombs on the building site, with some people shooting at you? Took me awhile to get the controls down, but eventually I was able to do it pretty easily. Subsequent RC chopper levels were a breeze.

I've always been absolute rubbish at the RC plane, and I'm not sure why. Actually, I'm not that good with the full size ones either, at least in close quarters and landing.

Ha! Me as well. It's the only one I've ever completed 100%.

I really need to play the game before I keep discussing. :) But with your wall comment, I'm wondering if you could build a wall, and then put some blocks or the like in a pattern so that you could jump up and over? I'm thinking the NPCs probably wouldn't do that. And then you could have steps/ramp back out. Not sure…

That is strange if there are mannequins. I guess it's only for armour?

Definitely looking forward to that. I imagine that the Common and statehouse, as well as Fenway, have to feature prominently.

Yeah, not very keen on repetitive timed rescue missions. I'm also a big fan of GTA, and having to defend territory in Vice City Stories and San Andreas really put me off what I otherwise was enjoying very much.

Hard to elaborate not having played yet, but yes, castle defence isn't interesting to me. That said, castle building very much is. In previous Fallout and Elder Scroll games, I spent an inordinate amount of time putting rare and unique items around to make the place look good. If you are able to put up display…

I've never taken any drugs in the Fallout games I've played. I'll make a mental note of that safe or puzzle, go until I've read enough magazines or levelled up, and go back.

Not cool. Hearing mixed reviews like you on this one (and see above). Having just lived in Boston for 1.5 years, I'm looking forward to getting into it and seeing if I recognise a lot. But some things like having to defend houses kind of puts me off.

That Ghoul Mask turned walking through the tunnels an absolute delight. And I did a lot of walking through them. God knows how, but I didn't realise V.A.T.S. and fast travel existed until about 75% of the way through the game.

I also don't (can't, really) do a melee character. But I'm not against taking a very long time to stalk an enemy, combined with retreat and advance, retreat and advance*. I would try to keep any sniping perks high if I could, but speech and tech skills first.

I understand the anti-climactic aspect to that. For me, my favourite part of interaction in any group is finding good items/missions, and figuring out which 1-2 of the characters I identify with. Then I always try to see what they're up to when in the area.

I think having dead character not be revivable should be an option on most games. Give the kids a taste (and a much more customisable, personal one) of what we went through in the 80s. I'm not sure how it'd work; I think it'd have to have permission to eat your save files, which may not be ideal.

Talking your way out of confrontation has shaped every Fallout game I've played. Well, that's just 3 and NV, but still. I select my upgrades based first on what will open better speech options.

Surely the point there is that, after he defeats you, he plans to do much, much more?