April update
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- Bugless
Cons:
- lack of custom save slots
- inability to rebind combat control keys how we like
- sprint is unlocked as last ability, so it's hard to get away from annoying random encounters before
- as always "main" heroes are way better than side characters in combat
- lack of side quests
- maps are really small and boring
- need to teleport to hub area to reach other fast travel points
Conclusion:
If original game was worse, I don't want to play it. This game is not bad, but it's also not any good. jRPG with generic story, lack of side quests (there is honestly handful of them here, I won't count "go, kill, bring" as side quest), repetitive enemies and not entertaining combat.
- maps are detailed
- use of clones give interesting opportunities to kill guards
- story is ok. Although not a masterpiece
Cons:
- enemies are stupid
- after half of the game maps are re-used, with devs throwing there few stronger enemies to patrol area
- collectibles progress is not remembered, so when you want to repeat mission for coins you need to collect them all
- unlockable abilities feel useless
- inability to silence enemy instead of killing it
- last boss fight in open area, that's basically reduced to "kill enemies fast" in stealth game!!
Conclusion:
I started this game in January, and had drop it for 2 months due to lack of both will to play games, and not being in the mood for stealth game. My 1st try was bad, as I wanted to grab all achievements. Which was frustrating. Thankfully I was able to persuade myself that I don't need them. Which made game on 2nd attempt in April way more enjoyable.
Still it's not experience I want to repeat, as game didn't show me anything that'd leave some positive memories. I also removed sequel from my wishlist.
- nice, brainless slaughter
- enemy IQ? what IQ D:
- level checkpoint system that allows easy backtrack to farm kills or look for secrets
Cons:
- hitboxes aren't the best
- constant graphic bugs after enemy is killed (though they look.. interesting)
- boss fights that forced me to find cover position and unload ungodly amount of ammunition
- achievements are bugged, and are awarded for things we didn't do (like for beating game in 4h xD)
- graphic is meh
Conclusion:
I got this game for free after I was "whining" that I need to play in some brainless FPS. As a break from long RPGs or stealth games. And I got this. Nice, brainless, Serious-Sam like FPS. And I really enjoyed it, playing in short bursts to kill bunch of enemies with missile launcher or dog bark. Still objectively due to lack of enemy IQ, and constant graphic bugs after they are killed, I can't give it more than 3 stars.
Next month gaming:
- Alpha Protocol - After initial frustration of check point system, enemies AI and stiff animations game is ok. Having pistol with tranquilizer darts do make all the difference in this game.
- Deus Ex: Mankind Divided - I did list it as this month challenge. So I will beat it. I hope....
On hold:
Pillars of Eternity
Side note
I have driving exam tomorrow. Wish me no luck. As with driving ID I’m sure to kill someone on a road. Hopefully nun or priest.
My need to grab achievements messed up my profile. As my average completion is now 70%. I need to have few games with low percentage of achievements now…
Good luck on your exam! Just picture pedestrians as achievements and you’ll quickly hit a highscore :D (That is how it works, right?)
I need to get back into Rise of the Triad. I’m not sure why I left it halfway through, though not being able to remember it might be exactly the problem D:
Your review of Earthlock makes me glad I didn’t cave in and bought a key before they updated to the remastered version :/
Best of luck for your driving excam, I hope it all goes well :3
Well, I wish us a good luck, hopefully we’ll never meet you on the road haha :P
I liked Alpha Protocol, even with all its flaws. The stealth and the meaningful dialogue choices were really well done in my opinion :)
It looks like this crop of games was only middling at best. I hope the next ones you play you find more enjoyable! Earthlock does sound like the kind of JRPG I’d pass up.
Good luck on your driving exam!! You can do it! Just take your time and don’t freak yourself out and you’ll be fine.