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Happy 4th of July - 2025!  I hope everyone has a safe and wonderful holiday weekend.

Stop by, say hi... and Post up a bit!  We would love to hear from you!

@Mai Valentine  --> you were right.  Stock was not hard to find.  I went 2 for 2 in finding Switch 2's at 2 different stores.  Our local Best Buy received something like 80 of them last Wednesday.  I ended up purchasing a Switch 2. 

It probably helps that there are no games other than Mario Kart that I want to play... and this might be the same as others as well.  Donkey Kong is coming pretty soon... so that will be a welcomed edition... but for $70...   

The other part I'm having somewhat of an issues with is the upgrade packs to make games "better playable" on the Switch 2. I will create a separate topic on this.

The system looks cool. Transferring is pretty easy.  The screen looks really good, HDR where HDR works!  Part of me still wants to return mine LOL    but the other part... wants to break it out and run.

So... Who has one?  Who is getting one or will get one in the near future?  What are your thoughts on the Switch 2?  It's not THAT hard to get them if you want one.   Post it up!

Whew... Sniper Elite 4 took a long time.  @targetrasp and I chipped away at it for... 6 or 7 years, I Think.  This game has several trophies that 0.1-0.3% of people have accomplished.  It took replay after replay... grind after grind, but we both finally 100% platinum trophied the game a short time ago.

Sniper Elite 4 was made really well... with many well executed mechanics.  There were some buggy and frustrating aspects, however, it played really well.

For me, this was one of those impossible to platinum games due to the time investment.  However, it is 100% done and complete!   Woot woot 

I believe this game is platinum trophy number 16 for me.   

Outside the new theme, I upgraded the forums to a new version! If you run into any issues, please let me know so I may fix.  I appreciate your help!

[UPDATE]

For the next 4-7 days... or unless it gets annoying.  It has light and dark features (top left by CHICKEN DINNER GAMING COMMUNITY). 

Please let me know what you think.  I DO notice the smiley set doesn't look totally right as you can see the white around the images.  I probably will revert to the procurve theme again until I find something "right."

Thoughts? Comments? Post it up!

UPDATE - added sidebar

At some point super early this year, I ended up receiving and using a MacBook Pro 2024... and have been using it as my daily driver since January.  I was asked to write a bit of a review by @CreepinDeth and @retro junkie .  I can now say that I can use Windows, Linux AND MacBook (MacOS) as my daily driver without issues.

It has the Apply M4 chip - 10 Cores CPU and GPU (4 performance, 6 efficiency), 16GB memory, and 512 SSD.  I am running MacOS... no changes.

It really runs many processes well.  I have at least 4-5 Safari windows open with 15 (at least) tabs each and several applications.  If I run something like Starcraft 2 or a game on top of the processes while on Discord, the system still works but chugs a little bit.

Overall... it handles everything well and the Apple apps (Pages, Numbers, Keynote, Notes, TextEdit..etc) are good enough to get by with most everything you need to do except some power applications.  You can do resumes and about everything else you need to do on the standard day... within good reason.

Gaming - I haven't done a ton of gaming, but it the MacBook handles games like StarCraft, Starcraft 2, Diablo 2 and Diablo 3.  Diablo 4, However, is still not Mac compatible.

Where the MacBook really shines... is audio.  The MacBook has amazing sound for a Laptop.  I was truly blown away.  Nothing will beat awesome studio monitors or other dedicated sound systems, but the audio on the MacBook is absolutely better than all other Laptops I've heard (not saying others do not exist out there).

Most of my automation, infrastructure and testing utilities are setup and works as standard... Such as AWS Cli, VS Code, Amazon Q, Terraform, GitHub and many other integrations I use for my certifications and projects (and keeping up on cloud/automation skills).

Peripherals are a little odd... but I'm working through that.  Such as, I have a decent Dell docking station with thunderbolt.. and the Logitech peripherals do not work exactly like the Native Keyboard and trackpad.  I didn't install software and am still working through some of those things.

If you have questions, please let me know.  Thoughts... comments, Post it up!

I get digital games... I do.  There is a time and place for them... and many find them convenient.  I like physical games for many reasons, for which you can see in many other topics on Chicken Dinner Gaming

However, the cases for sale with no games inside and only codes?!  Unacceptable!  The case state "Game Key Card Inside."  There is no game card inside... just in case you didn't get that lol.  How annoying is this?!

I know @SpartanEvolved has comments on this one!

Thoughts?  Comments?  Post it up!

Just a heads up... Switch 2 designator has been added to the Nintendo section:

https://www.chickendinnergaming.com/forum/index.php/board,9.0.html

Time for new Switch 2 Posts!  Let's GOOOOO

We are now in 2025... it's been 2 years since Google Stadia died and other cloud gaming platforms rolled up.  I believe we have the following left:

Xbox Cloud, Amazon Luna, Playstation Plus Premium and Nvidia Gforce Now.  To date, I have not tried any of these platforms.  I was going to try Amazon Luna, but was distracted with a massive gaming backlog (massive is an understatement) and ... life.

Where are you at?  Are you playing any of these services?  Any other services I didn't list that you are enjoying?  Post it up!

So... lately I have been extremely pre-occupied with certain life events that happened this year.  So... some of my birthday messages are coming late.  I swear I sent this... but ... I looked and I DID NOT.

Without Further... anything else lol... HAPPY BIRTHDAY @targetrasp   I hope you ENJOYED your digital cake. 

If you received the gift of gaming, you need to post it up... even a happy "birthday to me" type gift. 

There have been recent increases in game prices.  IE many Nintendo, Xbox and Playstation games are jumping to $79.99.  Not all manufacturers are following this structure... IE Sega.   However, certain games (Such as Switch 2 games) can or will charge for upgrades from the Switch 1 games to make them Switch 2 compatible.

What are your thoughts on the whole pricing strategy at this time?

I grew up on NES and Super NES games... where the game prices started getting VERY high.  Adjusted for inflation, many of the company arguments revolve around "it's cheaper than it was in the 90's... so it's time for an increase."   Do you agree with these sentiments?  I remember those days and the amount of games per person were MUCH less.  Plus, they had some value to the resale if they needed to sell a game.  Not digging on digital distribution, but there is 0 recoup value on digital distribution games... a big difference between the on-going analyses in price differentials.

What are your thoughts?  Post it up!

@Mai Valentine nothing like a Happy Birthday - a bit late.  Sorry for the late Birthday message!  Never-the-less, Happy Birthday!

If you received the gift of gaming, please post up your spoils! 

 

I don't know if any one else is pumped for this movie... but Mission Impossible: Final Reckoning!  is in Theaters - May 23rd, 2025.  Hard to believe Dead Reckoning was launched 2 years ago... time flies when you're having fun... 

Some have said this is the final movie, others have stated this is not the final movie and the series may continue.  Others have said someone will die (not a spoiler, this is literally every Mission Impossible)...

Either way, I'm pumped for this movie.  Are you looking forward to Mission Impossible: Final Reckoning?

Thoughts? comments? post it up!

We just got out of the theaters for Marvel's newest move Thunderbolts*.   In this movie, a band of misfits and loners get together.  This movie features a few characters - namely Red Guardian, Winter Soldier, US Agent, Ghost and of course Black Widow (Yelena).

Spoiler - in case you have NOT seen the movie or previews:

Spoiler: ShowHide

The movie title was changed at the end to be "The New Avengers" lol   

^^^^  I think this was more tongue in cheek though.

This was a pretty good movie, it received great Reviews... and I thoroughly enjoyed watching it.

Has anyone else seen this movie?  If so, what are your thoughts?  If not, is it on your list?

Thoughts? Comments?  post it up!

Happy birthday Snatcher_L ... and fellow steel book collector!  This is a bit late, but hope you had a wonderful birthday.

IF you received the gift of gaming... post up your spoils!

Alright - here is the new Binge-Watching Shows Thread

Older topics are found here:
Binge-watching shows during the Corona-pocalype? Post it up
Binge-Watching Shows - 2022 edition
Binge-Watching Shows - 2024 edition

What are you currently binging?  What are you planning to binge?   What are you repeat binging 

Post it up!

Avengers: Doomsday is looking to be a massive release.  Look at all the chairs... some X-men in there as well.  Not a spoiler... trailer is out.  I posted that Robert Downey Jr was back ... but as a different character in this post last summer:
Robert Downey Jr... what? New Avengers Movie

Now... we are seeing more.  It's looking to be pretty awesome.

Check out the trailer:



Thoughts, comments.... POST IT UP!

The next in the Marvel series was released earlier this year.  Captain America: Brave New World was the next installment of not only Captain America... but also Marvel.

This movie is well done - in my opinion.  It somewhat follows after Captain America and the Winter Soldier.   Ross is now played by Harrison Ford.. and appears to be trying to change the way he's been in the past.   It seems he's trying to make things right.

Obviously (from trailers) ... you know the Red Hulk is involved.  Anthony Mackie is now Captain America (as you know from Captain America and the Winter Solider).  There are other comments and tie-ins from some of the older movies like The Hulk from 2008.

This is a well done Movie - in my opinion.   Has anyone else checked it out?  What do you think?

Thoughts, Comments... post it up!

Late to the party?  Sure.  We got a really good deal on the complete series of Picard Blu-Ray!

The series is really really good.  Ratings were not favorable for the 1st 2 seasons.  Honestly... I really liked them.  Outside a couple oddities, I don't see what the fuss was.  The 3rd season is so far really awesome as well.

We had an older Topic a few years back:
Star Trek Picard - is it good?
There were a couple good comments at the time.

How many have seen this?  Have you gone back and re-watched?

Thoughts? Comments?  Post it up!!

I was talking with @targetrasp a couple weekends ago... and was reminiscing on a few mind blowing games.   Essentially... it's been a very long since a game REALLY immersed or blew my mind.   I think the last game was the original Call of Duty: Modern Warfare.  That experience was pretty crazy.

While it's not super mind-blowing in the same way, this level is absolutely awesome.  The level "Beat the Heat" is from Sackboy for the PlayStation 5 (PS5).  Sackboy is a platformer style game. The Song played is Jungle Boogie by Kool and the Gang.  The song is looped in a very awesome way to match up to actions in the level.  The effects are matched to the groove of the song.  For example, fireballs in different parts of the level are shot to the beat of the music.  I was in awe of the stage... it's one of the coolest I've seen in a long time.  And the song... it's just an epic song.

Check this level out below:


Thoughts? Comments? post it up!

@retro junkie - a wonderful happy birthday to you!  I apologize for the late message!


And for you.. and especially you... if you get the gift of gaming, please post up your spoils.  Your spoils never disappoint!

Happy birthday, @mastermario !  I hope it's an awesome day. Enjoy your digital cake!

Remember to post up your spoils if you get the gift of gaming.

This one didn't take quite as long as the Marvel Super Heroes series.  We 100% Completed / Platinum Trophied Lego Marvel's Avengers for the PS4.


This game follows the Avenges plots and movies.  You play through several classic scenes from the Avengers ... and it's a lot of fun. The sounds are great, music is great... etc.  If Lego games aren't your cup of tea, you may not like this title.  It is, however, one of our favorite Lego games!

If you dig Lego games, give this one a try!  It's pretty awesome.

Done! Done! Onto the next one! 

This is another one that took a few years of off and on play. However, we have 100% Completed / Platinum Trophied Lego Marvel Super Heroes for the PS4.

Again, we didn't complete all the dlc trophies, only the main game.  We may go back and 100% the rest, but it gets to be a lot.

There are a lot of fun moments in this game.  It's cool as you traverse many of the scenes from several Marvel movies... and also creative levels that did not appear in movies. 

Glad to be at 100% - it was a fun time. 

Happy New Year A little early!  Pretty crazy we are going into 2025.  I wish you all happy new year!  Thank you for being a part of this community. 

With that, we are looking to start up the podcast again. More information coming soon.

Finally - What are your gaming resolutions for 2025?

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and yours from Chicken Dinner Gaming!

If you get the gift of gaming... make sure to post it up!   

There is a new Delta Force: Black Hawk Down coming out!     This game looks good... but seems the reviews so far are mixed on Steam. 

Trailer:


I used to play all of the Delta Force games by NovaLogic.  Delta Force: Black Hawk Down released by Novalogic a couple decades ago was amazing... well ahead of its time... in my opinion.  The new game appears to not have any affiliation with the old Novalogic... which was absorbed by THQ.   My understanding is NO ONE from the old team is working on the new game.

I'm wondering how good this game is.  I'm thinking of trying it.  Is anyone else watching or looking into this game?

test

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone...  This happened while we were down, however, catching up!

We have been down for awhile.  It's going to take me some time to fix the themes again.  I might need to find a new theme.

Sorry it took so long, the issues were very hard to over come this time around. Triaging at this time...

Happy birthday @MegaDrive20XX

I hope it was awesome.   If you received the gift of gaming... post up your spoils!

Also - enjoy your digital cake!

RayStorm X RayCrisis HD Collection - Nintendo Switch is 25% off right now on Amazon.  Games like this can be harder to find later on when they're no longer widely in stock


https://amzn.to/4dzpLQp

Purchase from the links help support the site.

RayStorm X RayCrisis HD Collection for the Nintendo Switch is 25% off right now on Amazon.  Games like this can be harder to find later on when they're no longer widely in stock

https://amzn.to/4dzpLQp

Purchase from the links help support the site.

Castle of Shikigami 2 for the Nintendo Switch Is 15% off right now on Amazon.  Games like this can be harder to find later on when they're no longer widely in stock

https://amzn.to/3BBCWTO

Purchase from the links help support the site.

It appears all site and email services were down Friday through roughly last night / this am.  At least I couldn't access.  Working with the host

Please let me know if there are any issues.

Mario Party Jamboree is coming out very soon for the Nintendo Switch. 

You cannot view this attachment.

I'm pumped for this title... anyone else?

Thoughts, comments... post it up!

Do any of you have Nintendo Switch game case suggestions?  I have a Nintendo Switch console case, but it only holds like 8 games. I know many people are just buying digital games ... and avoiding physical games. Personally, I buy physical games and just swap games.  Others find this task tedious now.

I'm looking into something like this case: 
https://amzn.to/3zy3pko
Or
https://amzn.to/4ejmwha

Do you have suggestions?  Thoughts, comments... post it up!

Has anyone seen this?  It's a pretty cool console design. It's a Nintendo OLED Zelda Tears of the Kingdom Nintendo Switch console.

Nintendo OLED Zelda Tears of the Kingdom Switch - Amazon.com


Thoughts, comments... post it up!

Is anyone looking forward to Zelda: Echos of Wisdom?  I've purposely not looked at a ton of video or footage of this game as I'd like to just play it.  It comes out 9/26/24... I'm thinking about it.  You play as Zelda in this one:

https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/the-legend-of-zelda-echoes-of-wisdom-switch/

More info:
https://zelda.nintendo.com/


Looks like the Amazon store page is not there right now... I'll add it later

Thoughts, comments... post it up!

The Next Marvel show is on Disney+ now.   Agatha All Along has started and the 1st 2 episodes dropped.

The 1st 2 episodes dropped and catch you up from where WandaVision left off... basically the gap of events that occurred.  It's an interesting series so far ... and is just starting.

Is anyone else excited for this show?   Has anyone checked out the 1st 2 episodes yet?

Thoughts, comments... post it up!

I have been waiting for this for a long time.  It's been a long 2 years ... so the new season 2 of the Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is long overdue (imo)

We are pumped to watch this tonight. It looks like the 1st 3 episodes launched with the remainder being a weekly release. 

Who else is pumped to watch the season 2 of The Rings of Power?!

Holy cow this one took at least few  years on and off.  However, we finally 100% Completed / Platinum Trophied Lego Marvel Super Heroes 2 for the PS4.


This game is extensive.  We did not finish all the DLC trophies but have many of them... and plan to complete them at some point.

This was a major effort.  Woot woot!    

lol... had to do it... but you can pay with your palm.  Go ahead... use the force to pay for your goods 

Is anyone look at this title or already have it?  The physical copy of Nes World Championship has some pretty good Swag included.

https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/nintendo-world-championships-nes-edition-deluxe-set-121051/

Has anyone played this?  What are your thoughts?   Do you think the swag appears to be collectible?  Maybe @targetrasp can jump in there as well.

Thoughts? Comments?  Post it up!

Thoughts, Comments... post it up!

Happy birthday @Grindspine a day early. However, I hope it's awesome.    Hopefully some birthday gaming or jamming is in the works.

As always, if you get the gift of gaming, post up your spoils!

We started watching The Acolyte last week on Disney+.  This is a new Star Wars series that is ... I believe 100 years before Star Wars The Phantom Menace.

So far, this series started off pretty cool.  It's interesting how they portray certain aspects in certain light... but I won't spoil it right now.

Is anyone else watching?  Thoughts, comments... post it up!

@Mai Valentine  ... seriously late on this one.  Happy Birthday!  I hope it was an awesome day.

If you received the gift of gaming... POST UP YOUR SPOILS!

[Direct Link to the video]

Has anyone seen this?  It looks hilarious.  It looks like the "Marvel's What If" series for Star Wars... done in Lego fashion:

lego-star-wars-rebuild-the-galaxy-trailer-darth-jar-jar - gamesradar.com

Direct Link to the video:
https://cdn.jwplayer.com/previews/iLeaymsy

The best part is at the end... which is pretty funny in my book.  Check it out!

Thoughts, comments... post it up!

Happy Birthday @targetrasp —> I hope it's an awesome birthday.  ENJOY your digital cake. We hope to see you around!

BY THE WAY, if you get any gifts of gaming (I know you do sometimes)... make sure to post up your spoils!