80s Bad Guy
Banned
Just a few hours in but really loving this game. I did feel lost at first, but I just kept exploring and now I can't get enough.
Hyper Light Drifter |OT| We On A HyperLight Beam
- Thread starter More_Badass
- Start date
The newest beta patch already seems to make the game easier. Healing is faster now and "Various health kit placement adjustments" probably means a lot more of the thing that we already had a ton of.
Great.
I really need to finish my stuff so I can have time to beat this at least once before all the challenge is gone.
Great.
I really need to finish my stuff so I can have time to beat this at least once before all the challenge is gone.
It's freaking me out a bit to be honest. I've gone my whole life believing I wasn't any good at games, and yet I beat HLD with surprisingly little trouble. There were areas and bosses that had me tearing my hair out certainly, but never for long. A little persistence and practice did the trick.
Seeing people who play and review games professionally struggle hard enough to ruin the fun is really strange to me.
afternoon delight
Member
Five hours in/one and a half corners complete and I think the combat is incredibly fair and fun, I love its pace even if
.
Just an all around incredible game.
the back dodge is almost OP like Dark Souls or Castlevania combat
Just an all around incredible game.
I believe it's possible by opting into the beta update branch via Steam.
Replaying long combat sections is my favorite part however, like the hordes in certain RE4 rooms.
I'm assuming borderless fullscreen is the "WINDOW MAX" option in the beta build? Even so, it doesn't change a thing for me. If it's truly locked at 30 fps on a 60hz monitor then I don't see how the stutteriness can be fixed...
Ugh.
Cool. Am I out of luck for purchasing on GOG?
The really weird part is how many of these guys like the challenge offered by the Souls series. I don't think HLD is an easy game but I had far more trouble with many Dark Souls and Bloodborne bosses. And unlike the Souls series, I very rarely had to walk for long to get back to the place where I died.
I guess I just loved the battle system so much that I didn't mind replaying some of the fights multiple times.
afternoon delight
Member
Currently as of right now, I believe so. These quick fixes are being sent out nearly every day at this point since release, I don't think GOG has experimental build distribution? I don't use their Galaxy client often. However, the update notes make it seem like they're quite hasty.
As for people's concern about the difficulty, oi, I worry with the rest of you. It's challenging but perfect as is and I haven't seen the faster healing change. Not even the mobs present scenarios that take longer than ten, twenty minutes to clear. The gun(s) eallow for maximum cheesing.
CrunchyFrog
Member
Just beat this today and I'd agree, combat felt finely balanced as it was, probably a little too easy towards the end once you had some of the sword/dash upgrades. For real, get chain dash, dash shield and the dash+sword combo and you're pretty much set. Admittedly I cheesed the chain dash challenge because fuck that noise 800 dashes is ridiculous doing it the "right" way.
I was satisfied with the game overall, though the game wouldn't be nearly so without the great soundtrack and visuals to push you along. The combat while solid isn't particularly deep and could've done more to incentivize using your ranged weapons (and frankly the chain dashing mechanic with the stupid unreliable windup timing is probably my biggest gripe), the exploration is great with lots of beautifully varied environments and plays on traversal though all the worthwhile upgrades can be gotten just over a third of the way through the game and some of the single pixel wide "hints" were just silly with a handful of locations stumbled onto through sheer brute force and luck, and while I know the game is trying to go all minimalist artsy fartsy no text/all pics with the story it feels a little tacked on, the only bits being through the handful of storyboard dialogues with random NPC's and the short recycled cutscenes at the end of each chapter. Some sort of lore/archives collectible maybe fleshing out some more of the various creatures and cultures at play would've been nice, because lord knows I could take any excuse for some more of that fantastic art. While it's probably not a game I'd play through again anytime soon, it's worth the asking price for what takes maybe 4-5 days to 100%. It's an altogether unique aesthetic that pushes this otherwise unremarkable game over the top though.
Great last boss. Great boss fights all around. A RE4 level boss fight experience.
This is a truly terrific game. One of the best I've ever played. A little lack of technical polish and some iffy encounter designs are the only problems. Art, music, design, sublime. Fantastic. Heart Machine is on a short list of developers now. I'll buy their next game automatically.
edit: lol @ these credits. On and on and on...
This is a truly terrific game. One of the best I've ever played. A little lack of technical polish and some iffy encounter designs are the only problems. Art, music, design, sublime. Fantastic. Heart Machine is on a short list of developers now. I'll buy their next game automatically.
edit: lol @ these credits. On and on and on...
afreaknamedpete
Member
I get that this game is supposed to be difficult but there's hard and frustrating for really stupid reasons.
Case in point, the dash upgrade. The timing for dashing more than once in a row is ridiculous. Feels like a one frame link. I can't get it go more than once every like a dozen tries. I'm just stuck at this one zone with a large spike field because I keep being unable to dash. Why the hell is the timing so tight? Make a game hard by using interesting puzzle, exploration of combat scenarios. Don't make a game hard by making the controls finicky as fuck.
Case in point, the dash upgrade. The timing for dashing more than once in a row is ridiculous. Feels like a one frame link. I can't get it go more than once every like a dozen tries. I'm just stuck at this one zone with a large spike field because I keep being unable to dash. Why the hell is the timing so tight? Make a game hard by using interesting puzzle, exploration of combat scenarios. Don't make a game hard by making the controls finicky as fuck.
You mean can't even switch via the start menu now? You could only ever quick switch between two guns.
I think it has a pretty generous window actually, the problem I have is that it's hard to mentally switch between the timings for initiating the chain dash and keeping it up.
I mean if anything I find the controls finicky elsewhere
that's just mastering a skill. it's very precise timing yeah but once you get it down it's very hard to miss
the flaw I have with the game is mostly checkpoint related. sometimes it really fucks you over by reviving you with 1 health beside an area full of enemies instead of say, back when you entered the dungeon at full health
and you're just trapped in repetition till you get it right
THAT is somewhat of a "fuck you" design decision, think the dash is fine
really??
then the glitch was the other way around cause I can assure you I was quick switching 3
Movalpolos
Banned
Why make the game easier... It's not difficult, it's just people unwilling to learn. The mechanics are solid.
I mean
there's no need for any of us to act all high and mighty like "lol ppl it's not hard by any means". that's always annoying.
the combat is hard
the game is hard
what is not; cheap. but hard? sure.
(except on that checkpoint thing I said, kinda)
It's certainly a lot harder than someone going into it like "oh this looks like zelda"
weird thing to patch tho, sure.
You still havent finished it?
And you should have your other weapons in the inventory menu, you can only have 2 out to quick choose tho
You still havent finished it?
And you should have your other weapons in the inventory menu, you can only have 2 out to quick choose tho
im taking my time
playing so much gungeon fucks me up as soon as I reload a checkpoint on this lol
but I rather go at it slow since I know im near the end (one boss and final one remaining)
Movalpolos
Banned
Yeah, I would just retreat to heal, use the environment even. It's all about learning the timing of enemies and their "tells". Having situational awareness. I feel like that's an important nuance in this game and if people just don't "get it"... it's probably not for them.
While I love the open nature of the game, I feel forcing the player to unlock chain dash as well as maybe the projectile absorption/reflection abilities before they can purchase other upgrades (or maybe suggest them somehow) would go a long way to alleviate difficulty complaints. I actually thought the health placement and heal timing was perfect, but those abilities almost feel required to play the game.
Crash55118
Member
Watching comments about this game online has me so confused.
I guess I bought what it was selling since the Kickstarter, and even if it didn't deliver on the minute details presented in the original pitch, it definitely delivered the core of what I wanted in the look and feel department.
I still think too many people still don't understand the software development lifecycle - especially as it pertains to small teams.
Here's hoping to more stylish action from Heart Machine.
I guess I bought what it was selling since the Kickstarter, and even if it didn't deliver on the minute details presented in the original pitch, it definitely delivered the core of what I wanted in the look and feel department.
I still think too many people still don't understand the software development lifecycle - especially as it pertains to small teams.
Here's hoping to more stylish action from Heart Machine.
I like it. I can usually chain dash 5 or 6 times before losing control and smashing into a wall. Comes in real handy for boss battles when you need to get away fast.
The timing is tricky, you don't want to dash right when you stop. You need to dash just a tiny bit earlier than that. Listen to what it sounds like when you chain dash a couple times. You will get the hang of it.
D4rth Man7iz
Member
This game looks so interesting, might get it after beating Dark Souls III.
hitsugi
Member
What's difficult is going to vary from person to person. I didn't find the game to be hard, but I could see how a couple of areas would be tough or seem overwhelming at first to others.
Also anyone that played the beta and was expecting to play like that starting off is in for a huge reality check. I agree with whoever said those first two upgrades make a major difference - namely in the feel of the game. It felt off without them. Still feels weird to not be able to damage the turret drones (or am I missing something there)
Dr.Sanchez
Neo Member
Oh man, ng+ is great. The game becomes a lot more tense due to having only 2 health points and no extra cloak abilities.
Just beat the North boss, which one shots with every attack. Took a while, thanks to the screen constanly shaking during its attacks! I'm also learning which moves are the most efficient and safest to use in different situations.
Just beat the North boss, which one shots with every attack. Took a while, thanks to the screen constanly shaking during its attacks! I'm also learning which moves are the most efficient and safest to use in different situations.
So I am annoyed that I still haven't gotten a key or a response from humble bundle about it. I still get this "Thanks for backing Hyper Light Drifter! When Hyper Light Drifter is ready, you'll be able to get it right here on your download page. If you requested a console version, you will be contacted when it is available for that platform."
Does anyone else know who else I should contact?
Does anyone else know who else I should contact?
Great game gets bad review because of its difficulty. That's the DKCR TF syndrom !
People don't want difficult games anymore they want a peace walk. They want to be told a story after a working day.
You just need to see what kind of games are the most popular to understand. I have nothing against the TellTale games or Uncharted (I actually love them) but they are what we have today.
Games like Dark Souls, DKCR are anomalies.
People don't want difficult games anymore they want a peace walk. They want to be told a story after a working day.
You just need to see what kind of games are the most popular to understand. I have nothing against the TellTale games or Uncharted (I actually love them) but they are what we have today.
Games like Dark Souls, DKCR are anomalies.
GlamFM
Banned
On the contrary, there's a reason HLD is charting on the top sellers on Steam. There's a large disconnect between game journos and the real audiences for these games.
Normally I like shorter games, but another couple zones or bosses would have been sweet. However, I do feel like this is a big game. Each zone is heavy with content. I feel both satisfied with the amount of game I got, and I finished the final boss wanting more. That's a tough balancing act.
Vire
Member
Awesome!
Totally deserved. I hope it gets a bit more publicity once the console version runs around, I'd like to see Heart Machine take a crack another game again. Hopefully it won't take as long next time.
afternoon delight
Member
There has to be. There's no way this is their first and last product... It's too damn wonderful to be a one-off.
Not sure if this has been posted or not, but SuperBunnyHop released a really good review of this game.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWFYccSCk0Y
I don't necessarily agree with all of it (especially that part about the music), but he does a great job of explaining why the game not being 60 fps is really hurting it. It's a pity that this can't easily be modded to support 60 fps.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWFYccSCk0Y
I don't necessarily agree with all of it (especially that part about the music), but he does a great job of explaining why the game not being 60 fps is really hurting it. It's a pity that this can't easily be modded to support 60 fps.
Can't wait to watch this after my first playthrough. I love his reviews because they all seem well thought out, even when I disagree with absolutely everything he's saying.
Question for those who have beaten the game without giving away spoilers... does the story get clear by the time you complete it? I was playing through the West path last night after completing the North path (man that boss was hard but so satisfying to beat) and I came up with a kind of hypothesis about what's happened in this world...
I usually agree with his opinions, but I think he really missed the mark with this video.
Yes, the 30fps issue is a bummer and HLD would be pure bliss at 60fps, but Ys on psp and vita are 30fps and are equally as enjoyable combat wise as HLD. He seemed to be rambling and nitpicking throughout the entire review.
He was also on the border of starting to complain about the difficulty which would have made me roll my eyes and said "...another RPS situation". He didn't outright complain about the difficulty, but he brought it up a lot. Yes, the dodge doesn't have i-frames. Yes, the game requires you to be patient and not run in slashing away madly. etc
I do agree that the NG+ two health highly discourages exploration though.
Your comment hurts my heart (but I get why some people wouldn't enjoy the soundtrack... it's especially heavy on ambiance compared to Fez which was more melodic).
I think it's nice and makes the tone of the game better, but I'm much more into melodic soundtracks. I won't get the album and listen after I finish the game, compared to melodic ones.
North area of the game is an exception so far.
jimbobsmells
Member
Wow so glad this turned out well. Backed the Kickstarter and opted for the Ps4 version so will have to wait a bit, but still really good to see the positive reception.
antennaehead
Member
Finally finished HLD yesterday. I have mixed feelings about this game:
On one hand, there are lots of things to love. Art style is beautiful, narrative approach is interesting (I've really enjoyed those short stories from different NPCs), no hand holding is always great in my book, and more importantly - the core of the battle system is really really good - great illustration of "easy to learn, hard to master" approach, the overall combination of sword-dash-gun with great feedback, and the more strategical combat in general - where button mashing won't get you anywhere.
However, there were plenty of things that ended up to be a sore. The whole formulaic approach of "defeat x bosses to proceed", "gather x things to open this" etc undermines a lot of initial mystery of exploration in my opinion. The exploration itself is also rather dull, since a lot of subareas look very similar to each other, and you end up thinking "Have I been to this room already or is it something new?". Unlike mini-stories, the overall story is so vague that it's almost non-existent leaving everything to player's imagination.
And while core combat itself is awesome, there are a lot of minor things that lead to "bullshit" moments, which isn't exactly compliment for a "hard but fair" game. Enemies can hit you while you're down, you cannot move for a split second after getting up (again, taking damage), medkits doesn't heal instantly (and you may end up dying after healing). Those are minor gripes, but in a challenging game they lead to frustration of dying when you couldn't do anything to prevent it.
So yeah, still a good game, just not as great as I thought initially.
On one hand, there are lots of things to love. Art style is beautiful, narrative approach is interesting (I've really enjoyed those short stories from different NPCs), no hand holding is always great in my book, and more importantly - the core of the battle system is really really good - great illustration of "easy to learn, hard to master" approach, the overall combination of sword-dash-gun with great feedback, and the more strategical combat in general - where button mashing won't get you anywhere.
However, there were plenty of things that ended up to be a sore. The whole formulaic approach of "defeat x bosses to proceed", "gather x things to open this" etc undermines a lot of initial mystery of exploration in my opinion. The exploration itself is also rather dull, since a lot of subareas look very similar to each other, and you end up thinking "Have I been to this room already or is it something new?". Unlike mini-stories, the overall story is so vague that it's almost non-existent leaving everything to player's imagination.
And while core combat itself is awesome, there are a lot of minor things that lead to "bullshit" moments, which isn't exactly compliment for a "hard but fair" game. Enemies can hit you while you're down, you cannot move for a split second after getting up (again, taking damage), medkits doesn't heal instantly (and you may end up dying after healing). Those are minor gripes, but in a challenging game they lead to frustration of dying when you couldn't do anything to prevent it.
So yeah, still a good game, just not as great as I thought initially.
Agreed. After I got an upgrade the game was pretty easy.....
Movalpolos
Banned
Retreat to use medkits, use the environment, like in a souls game. I don't recall ever having an issue with getting knocked down and taking damage while knocked down....
This game was always going to be a "defeat x bosses" to proceed. That complaint seems like a non-issue and just your misunderstanding.