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[McDougles]

No need for the personal attacks. Just because they found one part bullshit and you didn't doesn't mean they're "scrub-level".

I did find it hard. If you play the game and get to that part, you'll wonder how anybody could conceivably take near 300 minutes to beat. It's the most upsetting thing I've heard within the criticism of any game.

That said, I do recognize that I went a bit overboard, there.

 

[Ouroboros]

Has there been any screens of the PC version with the high res pack implemented?

 

[Finn of Ooo]

So why hasn't this unlocked yet? Today's the day right?

 

[Fbh]

Have this game since yesterday (over here there is allways a store that breaks street date).
Have played for something like 4-5 hours.

Honestly I don't feel it's as bad as some of these reviews make it seem, but it has been rather dissapointing. I still have to finish it so nothing I say is final, but so far I liked the first one better.

So far:

+ Nice graphics
+ Fun combat with a decent amount of moves to unlock
+ Great art direction inside the castle areas as well as some of the enemies and bosses

+/- Soundtrack isn't bas but isn't as good as the original
+/- Lacks more puzzles like the original

- Story is "meh"
- Extreme handholding
- Terrible stealth segments
- Modern day areas couldn't be more generic. Won't say which areas as to not spoil it but they are just incredibly unoriginal.


Still I'm having a good time. I love the hack and slash genere and we don't get enough games like this one.
Sadly the overall feeling I get from this game is that it's a solid hack and slash with some light platforming that simply turns mediocre as soon as it tries to be more than that.

 

[Levyne]

10 AM PST

 

[Homunculus]

Is it possible that the reason why most of the modern day areas of the game seems generic is because most modern day architecture today is pretty generic to begin with?

 

[Punished_Snake]

Is it possible that the reason why most of the modern day areas of the game seems generic is because most modern day architecture today is pretty generic to begin with?

Yes, indeed. But why make most of the game in these areas? The Castle areas are beautiful, so why they didn't make most of the game in the castle area?

 

[ZeroX03]

Just finished a good five hours with the game. So far...

+ Performance. Good 30fps, only drops at things like save points/item collections.
+ Art direction. It's impressive.
+ Upgrade system gives you some freedom and encourages using all attacks.
+ Gameplay is sharp. Dodge is much better. Satisfying.
+ Dracula's executions look great.
+ Void/Chaos add a lot to the experience with different movesets.
+ Platforming is quick and requires timing and spacial awareness.

- The sub resolution does lead to things appearing pixely/jagged at times. Play PC if you can.
- Modern areas aren't bad, they just seem meaningless. The modern setting barely adds anything.
- Music can be glitchy. I've been scared by music randomly starting/stopping for no reason.
- Haven't encountered a lot of stealth, it's all been easy, just slows the pacing down.


Definitely not a 4/10 game. Probably 7.5/10 for me so far. So far I don't like it as much as LoS1, but I preferred that that game was more straightforward. Transition reminds me a lot of Arkham Asylum to City, the gameplay opens up and becomes a lot better, but the story becomes more haphazard and your goals in both a plot and destination sense aren't as clear. That and less exciting environments. QTEs are off and playing on Hard. Few deaths so far, mostly just to learning enemy/puzzle patterns.

Also the first hour is very cutscene heavy but it soon stops.

 

[Sir_Crocodile]

Is it possible that the reason why most of the modern day areas of the game seems generic is because most modern day architecture today is pretty generic to begin with?

It's set in London though. There's plenty of iconic architecture there if mecurysteam really wanted to go for it

 

[SlasherJPC]

Is it possible that the reason why most of the modern day areas of the game seems generic is because most modern day architecture today is pretty generic to begin with?

MIND BLOWN! I actually am looking forward to these moments in the game, call me crazy.

 

[Sanctuary]

+ Platforming is quick and requires timing and spacial awareness.

The platforming was the weakest aspect of the demo. And I played the demo right after saying that I hoped that they toned down all of the annoying platforming from the first. Instead of toning it down, they added more, and made it more obnoxious with the bats and "hold L2 to not get lost" mode.

 

[ZeroX03]

The platforming was the weakest aspect of the demo. And I played the demo right after saying that I hoped that they toned down all of the annoying platforming from the first. Instead of toning it down, they added more, and made it more obnoxious with the bats and "hold L2 to not get lost" mode.

That platforming part in the demo was just to teach players how to do it, it just stood out because it was a weird place to put it. Platforming in the main game is more natural, and there's things like activating switches/timing/avoiding pitfalls etc.

And as far as obnoxious bats and L2... okay then? I don't really use L2 but the bats are nice so you don't jump to your death trying to find the right spot like so many other games.

 

[Morue]

I've watched almost the entire playthrough on youtube since I couldn't find it before release like I hoped. Gotta say I'm a little disappointed by the ending.

I'll get it anyway. Don't care for the bad reviews. I guess knowing where the story leads will allow me to take my time and explore before finishing it.

 

[AmethystEnd]

Well, I got the game and it's now installed.

Screw you for now, GAF! Time to go be Dracula.

 

[ZeroX03]

Anyone else noticed the somersault is a lot more effective now? Really good on guarding enemies. A combo from behind shreds the armored flying dudes. Learning a lot thanks to varying moves for mastery. There also appears to be less mobs of enemies and more smaller groups of tougher foes. Specific dodge direction and timing for everything too

Combat is really deep and satisfying. It's not a Platinum action game, but much better than other Western action titles IMO.

 

[JehutyRunner]

Livestreaming the Xbox 360 version right now if anyone would like to watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3n9diwzDx0

 

[ZalinKrow]

Man, that review thread is pretty depressing. I've never really let reviews dictate what I buy, so I guess I find it unfortunate to see so many people decide against trying it out now based on that. Who knows though, maybe I'll be disappointed too. But I'm still really looking forward to getting it in a few days time

I had a blast with the first one, though I admit I had put it down for ages due to it's slow start. But since beating it I've always encouraged friends to give it a shot. As for Mirror of Fate, I'm glad I got a chance to play through it, but ultimately I was disappointed with it. I don't think LoS 2 will have a hard time surpassing that anyway haha.

 

[Dio Brando]

Man, that review thread is pretty depressing. I've never really let reviews dictate what I buy, so I guess I find it unfortunate to see so many people decide against trying it out now based on that. Who knows though, maybe I'll be disappointed too. But I'm still really looking forward to getting it in a few days time

I had a blast with the first one, though I admit I had put it down for ages due to it's slow start. But since beating it I've always encouraged friends to give it a shot. As for Mirror of Fate, I'm glad I got a chance to play through it, but ultimately I was disappointed with it. I don't think LoS 2 will have a hard time surpassing that anyway haha.

Couldn't agree more. And it's like the good reviews don't exist, or they just care about the scores, and don't read the reviews. Nowadays i actually prefer reading users reviews here on neogaf.

 

[Grisby]

Picked it up.

Cover is hot ya'all.

 

[ironcreed]

I broke down and watched some of the Giant Bomb quick look and did not see anything abhorrent. I'm thinking the worst offender for me will be some of the modern setting. Anyway, I'll find out when it gets here.

 

[Foffy]

Installing the game on Steam as we speak. As based Steam does not have a manual, are there any goodies for the console release, or is it more of the advertisement slips and buttfuck else?

 

[Grisby]

Installing the game on Steam as we speak. As based Steam does not have a manual, are there any goodies for the console release, or is it more of the advertisement slips and buttfuck else?

Some Konami Club slip. No proper manual but a controller layout as the reversible cover

 

[Foffy]

Some Konami Club slip. No proper manual but a controller layout as the reversible cover

..That seems silly to have. Like, we don't even have controller layout slips anymore? It's in the cover?

 

[prudislav]

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 - Revelations DLC
-extracted from game's texts

Play as

Spoiler

Alucard

and reveal a whole new aspect of Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2. Uncover new plotlines and discover the true extent of his involvement!

Play as

Spoiler

Alucard

in this extensive add on for Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2. The immersive story is expanded further as new branches of the plot are uncovered, along with rich new environments and challenging puzzles. Fight creatures of darkness and discover the true extent of

Spoiler

Alucard's

involvement in Dracula's story, his deal with death and his fight against

Spoiler

Satan

. Experience a whole new aspect of the thrilling conclusion to the 'Lords of Shadow' saga, including some enlightening revelations

 

[brandonh83]

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 - Revelations DLC
-extracted from game's texts

oh god yes.

edit: there could be spoilers in that DLC description

 

[Grisby]

..That seems silly to have. Like, we don't even have controller layout slips anymore? It's in the cover?

Yeah, it's the other side of the cover.

 

[brandonh83]

Playstation Store: Lords of Shadow 2 dynamic theme is up.

 

[EatChildren]

Going by my Steam library the install size for this is ~6.6GB. That's crazy small for a modern game.

 

[Levyne]

I've had a crappy day at work, can't wait to go home and sink my fangs into this

sensually

 

[burgerdog]

Going by my Steam library the install size for this is ~6.6GB. That's crazy small for a modern game.

No pre-rendered cutscenes. Look at skyrim, massive game and an install size of 3.3gb at launch, another 3 if you download the official high res(ha) texture pack.

 

[matrix-cat]

Played about an hour before my computer decided to restart itself to install some no-doubt vital updates, and I really like it so far. It's gorgeous on PC, runs really well, and so far the gameplay has been a big improvement over the first game. I'm not far enough in to see how the game opens up, though, so I don't really know what I'm in for.

I do know that I can't wait to fight

Spoiler

Zobek's bodyguard. God that sword of his is cool

 

[SlasherJPC]

Man, that review thread is pretty depressing. I've never really let reviews dictate what I buy, so I guess I find it unfortunate to see so many people decide against trying it out now based on that. Who knows though, maybe I'll be disappointed too. But I'm still really looking forward to getting it in a few days time

I had a blast with the first one, though I admit I had put it down for ages due to it's slow start. But since beating it I've always encouraged friends to give it a shot. As for Mirror of Fate, I'm glad I got a chance to play through it, but ultimately I was disappointed with it. I don't think LoS 2 will have a hard time surpassing that anyway haha.

I posted this on twitter but when it comes to review scores "Donkey Kong Tropical Freeze,Thief, and Castlevania LoS2 all got rated by some folks as a 6/10. Think about that long and hard people." If anything this just goes to further show, you can't take peoples opinions as your own. Play the game regardless as long as you have interest and go from there.

 

[swazzyswess]

I posted this on twitter but when it comes to review scores "Donkey Kong Tropical Freeze,Thief, and Castlevania LoS2 all got rated by some folks as a 6/10. Think about that long and hard people." If anything this just goes to further show, you can't...

... just look at the scores for games, but have to read the words too.

 

[ambientmystic]

Waiting for the game to finish loading from Steam.

Hoping that it'll run as good as the first one (900p30) on my lousy system.

I've already been burned by Thief lol, it runs like absolute shite for a UE3 based game on my oldish laptop.

 

[burgerdog]

Can we get some comparison shots with the high res texture pack enabled? 4pm, where are you.

 

[SlasherJPC]

... just look at the scores for games, but have to read the words too.

Dem people. They do not!

 

[LTWood12]

So my package is in town, but not scheduled for delivery until tomorrow. Anyone have any experience calling UPS to pick up a package instead? I've check the website but it's not very clear.

 

[AmethystEnd]

So my package is in town, but not scheduled for delivery until tomorrow. Anyone have any experience calling UPS to pick up a package instead? I've check the website but it's not very clear.

Yeah, my local one didn't have any problems as long as I brought my ID. I also brought the tracking number with me as proof.

I'd definitely call the local office and schedule a pickup instead of just making the trip though, just in case they have weird protocol.

 

[hank_tree]

I'm glad I cancelled that Dracula's Tomb edition now. I can wait and pick this up in the bargain bin.

 

[Krusenstern]

I'm currently at the beginning of the

Spoiler

Bioquimek facitlity

. Is that one of the stealth sections everyone is bitching about?
What hasn't changed is the way the game makes you aware of interactive objects. Still treats you like a fool. Not only does it hover the camera several seconds over an object but also highlights it bright and shiny and displays the button you need to press, so everyone gets the idea what you're supposed to do here. I wish you could have turned that off as well.
The combat system is easy to get into when you played the first LoS. Many combos and moves are known from the first game.

Need to play more of course till the game unfolds itself some more.

 

[K.Sabot]

Someone please license Mercurysteam a different font.

 

[Sanctuary]

That platforming part in the demo was just to teach players how to do it, it just stood out because it was a weird place to put it. Platforming in the main game is more natural, and there's things like activating switches/timing/avoiding pitfalls etc.

And as far as obnoxious bats and L2... okay then? I don't really use L2 but the bats are nice so you don't jump to your death trying to find the right spot like so many other games.

There aren't many modern games that I can think of where you jump to your death because of it not being completely obvious where to go.

Also, not too far into the game yet, but already the platforming feels silly. Notice how the chandeliers move in the opposite way physics would have them move in reality?

 

[Bor]

I just

Spoiler

rescued the chupacabra

and there were definitely quite a few wtf moments alrrady, i'm having a lot of fun right now tho. The combat already feels alot better compared to the first, it looka and runs very well on my mediocre pc + exploring the areas and looking for upgrades is very enjoyable to me. I hope that people will give this game a Chance and not dismiss it because some reviewers Bad their problems with it

 

[Grisby]

Played about an hour or so.

I love playing as Dracula. Having spent all that time in the original Los being a good dude only to be the villain here really works. All of the religious mumbo jumbo is fantastic. The scene with the paladin

Spoiler

(who looks awesome btw) gripping the cross was pretty cool and I like the idea of Gabriel being the chosen one.

-art direction is superb in those opening scenes
-music is top notch

Combat seems fun so far. I'm up to the stealth area and while it doesn't seem terrible it feels a bit uninspired.

 

[Tizoc]

A little help please. I am at city of the damned and reached the wolf portal where do I go from here? Seems I need a gate key but where do I find it? Do I need to back track somewhere?

 

[LowParry]

A little help please. I am at city of the damned and reached the wolf portal where do I go from here? Seems I need a gate key but where do I find it? Do I need to back track somewhere?

Spoiler

Chains are your friend.

I've been enjoying it so far. Few hours in. The pacing between encounters is a bit strange and off. So far there seems to be a lack of music variety. And I don't like that. The visuals though are pretty damn awesome on PC though.

 

[Papercuts]

Using the chandeliers to jump feels super weird here. Opposite of how they should be.

 

[Krusenstern]

I just beat

Spoiler

Volkova

. What an ugly bitch. Graphics look stunning though. I missed taking a few screenshots. The devs didn't lied when they said this looks almost next-gen.

Switching to rat form is a bit stupid. Meh. Why should the mighty Dracula do this? However, I haven't encountered anything yet that would make me say it's a below average game (4/10 wtf?). I'm really enjoying this game so far. Was easy to get the hang out of the combat.

 

[unknownhero]

I just beat

Spoiler

Volkova

. What an ugly bitch. Graphics look stunning though. I missed taking a few screenshots. The devs didn't lied when they said this looks almost next-gen.

Switching to rat from is a bit stupid. Meh.

Spoiler

Why should the mighty Dracula do this?

However, I haven't encountered anything yet that would make me say it's a below average game (4/10 wtf?). I'm really enjoying this game so far. Was easy to get the hang out of the combat.

because

Spoiler

the mighty dracula isn't so mighty yet.

 

[Tizoc]

Spoiler

Chains are your friend.

I've been enjoying it so far. Few hours in. The pacing between encounters is a bit strange and off. So far there seems to be a lack of music variety. And I don't like that. The visuals though are pretty damn awesome on PC though.

Weird I didn't notice them, thanks mate.