Astromarine
Erudite
Comes out the 25th of February. Anyone getting this?
http://play.com/play247.asp?page=title& ... tle=587101
http://play.com/play247.asp?page=title& ... tle=587101
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Star Wolves
- Thread starter Astromarine
- Start date
Otaku_Hanzo
Erudite
Yeah. Been wanting it for awhile now.
Astromarine
Erudite
fez, did you try the demo?
Fez
Erudite
- Joined
- May 18, 2004
- Messages
- 7,954
Only a quick go, first impressions were good, but much too early for me to say anything final. I'd still like a review of the full game after I am bored with the demo. I am sure we've all been burned a few times by buying a game before we've waited to hear what the game was really like.
Jed
Cipher
Shouldn't this be in either General RPG or Space Sims?
Yes, it should.
Oyarsa
Novice
no dollars for you
Holds promise, but I'm waiting. The demo raised more questions than it answered and the fact that the publisher apparently killed the english language site and forum before the demo release annoys me.
Holds promise, but I'm waiting. The demo raised more questions than it answered and the fact that the publisher apparently killed the english language site and forum before the demo release annoys me.
Well, it's only out in Europe AFAIK.
Otaku_Hanzo
Erudite
Well, I found out that one of my friends overseas owns the game and I asked him to give me his thoughts on it. He said he hadn't gotten too far yet, but gave me a mini-review of what he'd seen so far.
1. Anyone who's played the demo knows what the graphics are like. Think Homeworld with a bit more detail.
2. Gameplay also smacks of Homeworld but only with mothership and fighters. The mothership is way more active than the one in HW was though and can be used in fights and such. Also, when you start, you choose a name and one of four skill paths for the main hero. The skill paths are Pilot, Gunner, Missiles, and Systems. Depending on which one you choose, more skills in that area will open up in the skill tree. He said it's nothing really super detailed and any NPCs you pick up along the way already have their paths chosen for you. You just get to choose how they level up when it happens.
3. The non-linearity is really an illusion. There are three paths you can follow, each one opening up at different points in the game. For instance, pretty early on you can go with the pirates, or stay on the good side of the law. Depending on which path you take, the missions will change. From what he'd seen so far though, he said the different paths were pretty much linear. Sometimes you would get two or three missions that you could choose from to do in any order you wanted, but he hasn't seen where doing them in any given order has had effect on the storyline. So, it appears there's replay value, just don't expect anything open ended.
Oh, and he did point out the fact that you aren't free to travel around wherever you wish. Once you complete a mission and enter the portal leading from the system, you end up back at base where you can level up, purchase new stuff, and then choose another mission. You also get to equip your fighters and he said there are alot of different fighters you can purchase, but not right away. Also, while on a mission, you are free to roam the sector you are in and sometimes you can find hidden stuff or bonus missions.
Overall, he recommends it. Especially if you liked Homeworld and RPGs. While it's nothing revolutionary, he did say it's fun and that there is some strategy involved in the RTwP combat system. He also mentioned that if they ever released an editor for the game, some kick ass mods could come of it.
I'll most likely be giving it a purchase once it comes this way.
1. Anyone who's played the demo knows what the graphics are like. Think Homeworld with a bit more detail.
2. Gameplay also smacks of Homeworld but only with mothership and fighters. The mothership is way more active than the one in HW was though and can be used in fights and such. Also, when you start, you choose a name and one of four skill paths for the main hero. The skill paths are Pilot, Gunner, Missiles, and Systems. Depending on which one you choose, more skills in that area will open up in the skill tree. He said it's nothing really super detailed and any NPCs you pick up along the way already have their paths chosen for you. You just get to choose how they level up when it happens.
3. The non-linearity is really an illusion. There are three paths you can follow, each one opening up at different points in the game. For instance, pretty early on you can go with the pirates, or stay on the good side of the law. Depending on which path you take, the missions will change. From what he'd seen so far though, he said the different paths were pretty much linear. Sometimes you would get two or three missions that you could choose from to do in any order you wanted, but he hasn't seen where doing them in any given order has had effect on the storyline. So, it appears there's replay value, just don't expect anything open ended.
Oh, and he did point out the fact that you aren't free to travel around wherever you wish. Once you complete a mission and enter the portal leading from the system, you end up back at base where you can level up, purchase new stuff, and then choose another mission. You also get to equip your fighters and he said there are alot of different fighters you can purchase, but not right away. Also, while on a mission, you are free to roam the sector you are in and sometimes you can find hidden stuff or bonus missions.
Overall, he recommends it. Especially if you liked Homeworld and RPGs. While it's nothing revolutionary, he did say it's fun and that there is some strategy involved in the RTwP combat system. He also mentioned that if they ever released an editor for the game, some kick ass mods could come of it.
I'll most likely be giving it a purchase once it comes this way.
Sol Invictus
Erudite
Does anyone know if there's a difference between "Quick Learner" and "Express Learning"?
According to the description in Quick Learner, your character learns 20% faster. I assume that refers to his experience. The description of Express Learner is also 20%, so that's either a typo or... ?
According to the description in Quick Learner, your character learns 20% faster. I assume that refers to his experience. The description of Express Learner is also 20%, so that's either a typo or... ?
Sol Invictus
Erudite
It isn't as pretty as Nexus but it looks better than Homeworld and Homeworld 2. The foley isn't anywhere as good as either title. In Homeworld, a deep humming sound would usually play when the camera took over. This game lacks those little details. The voice-overs also suck, but it's no big deal. The music's very nice, though. It's a bit like the Starcraft Terran music.Otaku_Hanzo said:
Yep, and each character has their own special abilities which you can level up. Ace is a laser specialist and has an attack called Sniper Shot. Red Corsair is a missile expert and has an ultimate perk called "Missile Guru". Astra has "Impressive Luck" which you can use a few times each mission for 30 seconds, that bestows temporary invulnerability to every member in the wing she's in.
The NPCs each have their own specializations, and the perks they have access to are different than the ones your character has. I'm pretty sure the player who picks Missile Specialization won't get access to "Missile Guru". Likewise I don't think a Gunner gets Ace's Laser specialization. Each NPC has their own specialization that sets them apart from each other, and the player. The player gets perks like Fearless and Inspire which none of the other characters have. The skill trees aren't the same for most of the characters, so some characters may get certain abilities for lower point costs than others, and the way the skill tree is sorted out is different, too.
How can you say the non-linearity is an illusion if he hasn't finished the game yet? Actually, there are 3 "definite" endings. While most of the missions occur in linear fashion (I'm only past the Pirate Blockade mission) I've come across a chunk of optional quests involving the Red Corsair when I chose to keep him instead of giving him up to the cops for the 50,000 reward. One of his missions gave me access to another character named Heretic, which in turn opened up another quest path which I have yet to come across, but the character says he'll let me know.
On top of that you salvage all of your kills, and occasionally you can come across a freighter that's carrying ships. I really hit the jackpot earlier when I blew up a freighter carrying 3 red pirate ships, which I now use.
Yeah, I recommend the game. Just don't be so put off by the voiceovers, it's not a big deal. You get used to it after awhile.
I don't know if the game is ever getting released outside of Europe so you might have to wait a very, very long time, and I wouldn't recommend that. I bought the game off the Excalibur Publishing website, and they ship worldwide:
http://www.contact-simulations.com/acat ... MITED.html
Otaku_Hanzo
Erudite
Exitium said:
Well, he saved on the Red Corsair mission and turned him in, played for a bit, and then went back and didn't turn him in, playing for a bit that way. He said the missions differed, but the basics of the story unfolded the same way. I.E. - he eventually ended up finding the same things, exploring the same sectors, picking up the same pilots. He did point out that by going the non-pirate route, he got access to an extra NPC that he didn't doing the pirate route, but for the most part he felt the story was unfolding the same way, just with different missions. Therefore, non-linearity being an illusion. Yes, I questioned him extensively on this as non-linearity is something I really miss in RPGs of today. Still, it sounds like a game I could sink my teeth into and will give it a shot.
Oyarsa
Novice
Frivolous pantsuits
Ex,
How deep in is the Pirate Blockade mission (assuming it is the one from the demo where you can pick up Astra)?
Exitium said:
Ex,
How deep in is the Pirate Blockade mission (assuming it is the one from the demo where you can pick up Astra)?
Sol Invictus
Erudite
It is the same mission from the demo, though the full game is easier and feels more balanced as you have more money/skill points and have salvage from previous missions. The pirate blockade mission is actually pretty early.
It's the 2nd mission unless you do the Red Corsair missions of which there are 2, one of which gives you access to a teammate named Heretic. His symbol is represented by a shattered crucifix. If you don't get Red Corsair you will never find out who stole Ace's ship at the beginning, or why.
Right now I'm doing Heretic's mission which is after the Pirate Blockade mission. I don't know if it's there if you don't save Red Corsair. I did notice a difference in dialogue while having Red Corsair around, though. When you first meet up with Astra who is piloting the supply freighter, you'll meet up with some Patrols. If Red is in your party she will almost blab about how Red is around, and you have to tell her to shut up. If he's not there, you won't get that dialogue.
The website for the game boasts non-linear storyline and gameplay so that may be true in the long run, as there are multiple endings. I don't know if it all culminates in the last mission (like Deus Ex and KOTOR2) or if there are are actually plot branches 50% through the game.
It's the 2nd mission unless you do the Red Corsair missions of which there are 2, one of which gives you access to a teammate named Heretic. His symbol is represented by a shattered crucifix. If you don't get Red Corsair you will never find out who stole Ace's ship at the beginning, or why.
Right now I'm doing Heretic's mission which is after the Pirate Blockade mission. I don't know if it's there if you don't save Red Corsair. I did notice a difference in dialogue while having Red Corsair around, though. When you first meet up with Astra who is piloting the supply freighter, you'll meet up with some Patrols. If Red is in your party she will almost blab about how Red is around, and you have to tell her to shut up. If he's not there, you won't get that dialogue.
The website for the game boasts non-linear storyline and gameplay so that may be true in the long run, as there are multiple endings. I don't know if it all culminates in the last mission (like Deus Ex and KOTOR2) or if there are are actually plot branches 50% through the game.
I've played the game a little so far and it's not too bad, a little linear but it's got more freedom then Freedom Force does and FF was basically the same structure (home hub - mission - rewards/home hub).
The real-time with pause combat isnt that bad, you do have to do more then just click and you have to manage your stuff a bit (such a missiles only come in few amounts, so you have to wait for the right moments to turn them on (to shoot them) to not waste them).
It's decent and interesting. Voice-overs are bad, but not omg terrible and i've pretty much gotten used to Russian games having bad voices but good music, so I dont really care.
The real-time with pause combat isnt that bad, you do have to do more then just click and you have to manage your stuff a bit (such a missiles only come in few amounts, so you have to wait for the right moments to turn them on (to shoot them) to not waste them).
It's decent and interesting. Voice-overs are bad, but not omg terrible and i've pretty much gotten used to Russian games having bad voices but good music, so I dont really care.
Oyarsa
Novice
Exitium said:
More salvage and experience than the demo? As the third demo mission I found I was hard pressed for adequate equippage at the start, and that was after taking out the pirate base in Demo Mission Two, which yielded a nice bit of booty.
Trash
Pointing and laughing.
Very much looking forward to this game, lets hope this sucker will be in the shops tomorrow (only day I've got some time to play)
Other new shit.
Star Wars: Republic Commando was a fairly decent yet short shooter. I somehow also don't really enjoy the time frame. Somehow it feels much better to kill a jap or german with some ancient rifle than to blow up a droid with generic blaster 9.01. Still a fun game to try.
Freedom Force 2; Same as the first. Which ain't that bad. More interesting missions, more fun enemies and team members and a whole lot more destructable terrain. I like it, but don't seem to be able to love it.
Other new shit.
Star Wars: Republic Commando was a fairly decent yet short shooter. I somehow also don't really enjoy the time frame. Somehow it feels much better to kill a jap or german with some ancient rifle than to blow up a droid with generic blaster 9.01. Still a fun game to try.
Freedom Force 2; Same as the first. Which ain't that bad. More interesting missions, more fun enemies and team members and a whole lot more destructable terrain. I like it, but don't seem to be able to love it.
Sol Invictus
Erudite
This game is definitely long. I'm just past killing the Berserks and I'm up to the point where you get to choose between escorting a corporation (InoCo) cargo vessel for 35,000 and helping one Captain Kidd raid that very cargo vessel for 30,000.
Here's what goes down:
Escort
If I agree to this, I get 35,000 and a free Trident ship when Astra talks to her dad, who works at the corporation. Pretty straightforward mission.
Pirating
Now, this is pretty neat - you get a few choices within the mission itself. When at first you start, you hear a distress signal of a nearby astronomy lab under attack by pirates.
a) If you decide to help them, you forfeit the 30,000 and the pirates attack you. If you manage to rescue the scientists in time the Patrol will arrive and offer you 2,000 to destroy the pirate base plaguing the sector.
After that, you can attack InoCo and grab the cargo for yourself. You will find yourself under attack by some serious InoCo firepower as well as pirate and NAVY forces. It's hard, but if you win, you'll salvage a 4th Generation prototype fighter, the best of its kind at least to this point in the game. It's totally worth it.
2) You can decide not to help the astronomy lab and just go with the pirates and get 30,000 and nothing else.
Hmm, neat. I think I'll go with the nice prototype ship. The thing is, though, I'll be forfeiting any relationship with that company and possibly the NAVY, but I don't know yet.
Here's what goes down:
Escort
If I agree to this, I get 35,000 and a free Trident ship when Astra talks to her dad, who works at the corporation. Pretty straightforward mission.
Pirating
Now, this is pretty neat - you get a few choices within the mission itself. When at first you start, you hear a distress signal of a nearby astronomy lab under attack by pirates.
a) If you decide to help them, you forfeit the 30,000 and the pirates attack you. If you manage to rescue the scientists in time the Patrol will arrive and offer you 2,000 to destroy the pirate base plaguing the sector.
After that, you can attack InoCo and grab the cargo for yourself. You will find yourself under attack by some serious InoCo firepower as well as pirate and NAVY forces. It's hard, but if you win, you'll salvage a 4th Generation prototype fighter, the best of its kind at least to this point in the game. It's totally worth it.
2) You can decide not to help the astronomy lab and just go with the pirates and get 30,000 and nothing else.
Hmm, neat. I think I'll go with the nice prototype ship. The thing is, though, I'll be forfeiting any relationship with that company and possibly the NAVY, but I don't know yet.
Jed
Cipher
Thanks for taking the time to detail all this info, Rex. I'm really looking forward to playing this game...
Sol Invictus
Erudite
It's pretty neat how your actions in the game affect what missions you get later on. For instance there's this one guy in one of the Triad Debris sector missions where the guy you're escorting tries to extort. You can kill the poor guy right there and then, or you can persuade your Triad contact to let him go, and later on, he'll give you a mission.
Jed
Cipher
How many do you think you've put in already? What's your overall impression, thus far?: fair, average, good, etc... Will you be doing a full review for the site?
Sol Invictus
Erudite
Hmm, I've honestly lost track of how much time I've spent on the game thus far. I'm not sure if I'd review it, but I'd rate it as good, though.
space captain
Liturgist
Im having alot of fun with this game... been playing it like MAD - and finally got to what I think may be the beginning of the endgame... where you have to make a choice between siding with the Corps or the NAVY...
But getting to that point took a good long while.. its an epic storyline that unfolds really well. Its actually more immersive than many other games with cutscenes, somehow. There are also PLENTY of non-linear branching points that will change what happens to you and the storyline itself - although the "big" plot twist will most likely be the same for everyone.. but once it happens you will understand why that is.
Combat is also alot more tactical than I thought it would be, given that the ships behave in a more realistic manner and cant turn on a dime and fire continously forever. Plus their AI can be very good at times, damaged guys hanging back to let their shields replenish and others going to cover their escape, etc. They also make dumb moves, but so do people and it seems to be more along those lines... i.e. rare.
My biggest beef is that there are 2 people doing the voices, 1 guy and 1 girl - and that can get old after a while because they suck as voice actors and each character sounds like the same person.
this game is more addictive than anything ive played in many years tho... somehow its really satisfying to plot your guys skill tree, upgrade their ships, and waste a bunch of dudes...
there are also plenty of dialogs with significant choices... meaning that they clearly affect things in the world
all in all its a bit archaic - but somehow that gives it an oldschool charm
highly recommended!!!!
But getting to that point took a good long while.. its an epic storyline that unfolds really well. Its actually more immersive than many other games with cutscenes, somehow. There are also PLENTY of non-linear branching points that will change what happens to you and the storyline itself - although the "big" plot twist will most likely be the same for everyone.. but once it happens you will understand why that is.
Combat is also alot more tactical than I thought it would be, given that the ships behave in a more realistic manner and cant turn on a dime and fire continously forever. Plus their AI can be very good at times, damaged guys hanging back to let their shields replenish and others going to cover their escape, etc. They also make dumb moves, but so do people and it seems to be more along those lines... i.e. rare.
My biggest beef is that there are 2 people doing the voices, 1 guy and 1 girl - and that can get old after a while because they suck as voice actors and each character sounds like the same person.
this game is more addictive than anything ive played in many years tho... somehow its really satisfying to plot your guys skill tree, upgrade their ships, and waste a bunch of dudes...
there are also plenty of dialogs with significant choices... meaning that they clearly affect things in the world
all in all its a bit archaic - but somehow that gives it an oldschool charm
highly recommended!!!!
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