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HAZE impressions & media thread
- Thread starter AltogetherAndrews
- Start date
UnholySpectacle
Member
VonGak! said:
Don't worry, I know it is multi-plat and I am glad they are releasing on PS3 first. Gives it some breathing room against H3. I might double dip on this one if the online community turns out better on the 360, which it probably will.
GrayFoxPL
Member
From the blog:
:lol Can't wait to see that in game. Rebel hilarity confirmed!
But why rebels are supposed to be those inexperienced ones? Don't they have more true, 'real' experience in field then 'artificially' enhanced soldiers? Maybe I'm getting it wrong. I think it's been said in Haze story that Mantel troops are merc army used in various conflicts so maybe they really are the 'pro' ones .:lol
:lol Can't wait to see that in game. Rebel hilarity confirmed!
But why rebels are supposed to be those inexperienced ones? Don't they have more true, 'real' experience in field then 'artificially' enhanced soldiers? Maybe I'm getting it wrong. I think it's been said in Haze story that Mantel troops are merc army used in various conflicts so maybe they really are the 'pro' ones .:lol
New Video Interview of Haze from IGN.
InterMoniker
Member
Yeah the whole nectar thing online should be optional. It's looking good though I just wish the video wasn't so lo res :/Kittonwy said:
Edit: Those throwing knives are bad ass! Gives me memories of Goldeneye 64
AltogetherAndrews
Banned
The SP really does look damn good. Jekyll and Hyde, I wonder where it will eventually land?
InterMoniker
Member
Also it seemed like the mantel troops have way more advantages the aiming, highlighting the characters, nectar forsight, and melee. While the rebels can just play dead. Hopefully you can turn it off in multi-player, I still try it out it could be really fun.Kittonwy said:
~Devil Trigger~
In favor of setting Muslim women on fire
im really warming up to this game
AltogetherAndrews
Banned
Gamespot hands-on
Playing as a Mantel trooper for the first time, it was easy to see how you could become dependent on the "Nectar" drug that they use to augment their abilities. Enemies are easier to see, targeting becomes semiautomatic, you're able to move more quickly, and the only possible adverse side effects--which may or may not bother you--are that your vision becomes blurred, and as friends and enemies become indistinguishable, you'll literally lose control and have to watch helplessly as you shoot at anything at moves. Another odd but very much intentional side effect of Nectar is that it prevents you from seeing dead bodies--which, as we'll explain shortly, isn't necessarily a good thing in multiplayer games.
As we scoured the relatively small Jungle level, our comrades did a good job of following us when we were headed in the right direction, and also of hanging back or moving away from us when they wanted us to go elsewhere. They also did their fair share of killing, but not to the point that we ever felt inferior or unnecessary in any way. The most memorable set piece in the level saw us standing atop a cliff and watching Mantel's military aircraft drop bombs into another jungle area in an attempt to flush out the remaining rebels. They succeeded, and so by the time we had made our way down the cliff path, there were plenty of enemies waiting for us there.
The second level was set in and around a large quarry, and tasked us with driving a four-man all-terrain vehicle to the end of a long road in pursuit of a rebel boss named Skin Coat. He likes to skin his enemies and make coats from them, apparently, but it's highly unlikely that we were after the guy because of his questionable wardrobe. The Mantel vehicle was easy to drive and, in the cooperative session that we watched, it was well defended courtesy of two players riding shotgun and a third manning a gun turret. Unfortunately, our comrades in the single-player game weren't nearly as effective, and, before reaching the end of the level, we'd lost both of the guys riding shotgun. The body of the guy on the turret was hanging limply from the roof of the vehicle.
http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/action/haze/news.html?sid=6177238
IGN hands-on
Needless to say, thanks to all this cutting edge equipment, when playing as a Mantel soldier the action comes thick and fast. Our first mission provided us with an introduction to combat, going through the basics of Nectar use. This took place in the jungle level that's been seen a lot since Free Radical began demoing Haze to the world. However, what doesn't come across in screens or even videos is how beautiful and lush the environment is. Poppies are dotted around grassy fields (which billow as you run through them) and mildew-encrusted rocks provide handy cover during fire-fights. Plus, the explosions that send clouds of black smoke billowing into the air look amazingly realistic. The guys at Free Radical were keen to point out that Haze doesn't just take place in a jungle but, after playing through several levels in the rainforest, we're certainly not complaining if the rest of the game looks this gorgeous.
Anyway, enough talk of flowers and smoke - onto the fighting. During Mantel sections, an icon at the top of the screen (shaped like the Mantel logo) indicates the direction of your next objective. Initially, this doesn't come into play too much, given the linearity of the jungle. However, this should be handy for later levels featuring multiple objectives. Alongside this, during co-op, other icons appear display the position of your team-mates - you'll also have these when playing as a rebel warrior. These are especially useful when planning flanking attacks against foes, making quick tactical strikes beautifully simple.
Admittedly, as an early stage in the game, there wasn't a great need for tactics. However, we did get to experience the excellent gunplay: aiming feels extremely tight and sweeping over enemies to pepper them with ammo is a doddle thanks to the responsive controls. What's more, despite the rumble-less PlayStation 3, each weapon manages to convey a real sense of force and you can practically feel each round making impact with your target. In another nice, subtle, touch, all guns are weighted meaning you can see them physically lean as you change your direction. It's extra layers of polish like this that really add to the overall Haze experience.
--------------------------
Our first rebel experience was played out in a level set around an abandoned block of flats, overrun by the Mantel Corporation. It's a complete contrast to the lush jungle we'd played previously and looked more like something from the debris-heavy Ghost Recon. As the complex is full of corridors, empty rooms and balconies, you never know where the next attack might come from, meaning you're constantly ducking behind cover just in case an enemy is camping round the next corner. As with all rebel stages, progress is extremely tense thanks to your extremely powerful Nectar-fuelled opposition. In fact, in many ways, we actually preferred the taught, terrifying atmosphere of these sections compared to the free-for-all gunplay earlier in the game.
Ultimately though, there's no denying Haze is shaping up to be something special. Not only do both contrasting halves of the game hold up well on their own, the four-player co-op mode is instantly gratifying - it feels great to be backed up by a squad of people, rather than AI-controlled bots. Free Radical has a long history of creating great shooters and it looks like Haze could even go one step further than the developer's previous titles.
http://ps3.ign.com/articles/814/814150p1.html
Playing as a Mantel trooper for the first time, it was easy to see how you could become dependent on the "Nectar" drug that they use to augment their abilities. Enemies are easier to see, targeting becomes semiautomatic, you're able to move more quickly, and the only possible adverse side effects--which may or may not bother you--are that your vision becomes blurred, and as friends and enemies become indistinguishable, you'll literally lose control and have to watch helplessly as you shoot at anything at moves. Another odd but very much intentional side effect of Nectar is that it prevents you from seeing dead bodies--which, as we'll explain shortly, isn't necessarily a good thing in multiplayer games.
As we scoured the relatively small Jungle level, our comrades did a good job of following us when we were headed in the right direction, and also of hanging back or moving away from us when they wanted us to go elsewhere. They also did their fair share of killing, but not to the point that we ever felt inferior or unnecessary in any way. The most memorable set piece in the level saw us standing atop a cliff and watching Mantel's military aircraft drop bombs into another jungle area in an attempt to flush out the remaining rebels. They succeeded, and so by the time we had made our way down the cliff path, there were plenty of enemies waiting for us there.
The second level was set in and around a large quarry, and tasked us with driving a four-man all-terrain vehicle to the end of a long road in pursuit of a rebel boss named Skin Coat. He likes to skin his enemies and make coats from them, apparently, but it's highly unlikely that we were after the guy because of his questionable wardrobe. The Mantel vehicle was easy to drive and, in the cooperative session that we watched, it was well defended courtesy of two players riding shotgun and a third manning a gun turret. Unfortunately, our comrades in the single-player game weren't nearly as effective, and, before reaching the end of the level, we'd lost both of the guys riding shotgun. The body of the guy on the turret was hanging limply from the roof of the vehicle.
http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/action/haze/news.html?sid=6177238
IGN hands-on
Needless to say, thanks to all this cutting edge equipment, when playing as a Mantel soldier the action comes thick and fast. Our first mission provided us with an introduction to combat, going through the basics of Nectar use. This took place in the jungle level that's been seen a lot since Free Radical began demoing Haze to the world. However, what doesn't come across in screens or even videos is how beautiful and lush the environment is. Poppies are dotted around grassy fields (which billow as you run through them) and mildew-encrusted rocks provide handy cover during fire-fights. Plus, the explosions that send clouds of black smoke billowing into the air look amazingly realistic. The guys at Free Radical were keen to point out that Haze doesn't just take place in a jungle but, after playing through several levels in the rainforest, we're certainly not complaining if the rest of the game looks this gorgeous.
Anyway, enough talk of flowers and smoke - onto the fighting. During Mantel sections, an icon at the top of the screen (shaped like the Mantel logo) indicates the direction of your next objective. Initially, this doesn't come into play too much, given the linearity of the jungle. However, this should be handy for later levels featuring multiple objectives. Alongside this, during co-op, other icons appear display the position of your team-mates - you'll also have these when playing as a rebel warrior. These are especially useful when planning flanking attacks against foes, making quick tactical strikes beautifully simple.
Admittedly, as an early stage in the game, there wasn't a great need for tactics. However, we did get to experience the excellent gunplay: aiming feels extremely tight and sweeping over enemies to pepper them with ammo is a doddle thanks to the responsive controls. What's more, despite the rumble-less PlayStation 3, each weapon manages to convey a real sense of force and you can practically feel each round making impact with your target. In another nice, subtle, touch, all guns are weighted meaning you can see them physically lean as you change your direction. It's extra layers of polish like this that really add to the overall Haze experience.
--------------------------
Our first rebel experience was played out in a level set around an abandoned block of flats, overrun by the Mantel Corporation. It's a complete contrast to the lush jungle we'd played previously and looked more like something from the debris-heavy Ghost Recon. As the complex is full of corridors, empty rooms and balconies, you never know where the next attack might come from, meaning you're constantly ducking behind cover just in case an enemy is camping round the next corner. As with all rebel stages, progress is extremely tense thanks to your extremely powerful Nectar-fuelled opposition. In fact, in many ways, we actually preferred the taught, terrifying atmosphere of these sections compared to the free-for-all gunplay earlier in the game.
Ultimately though, there's no denying Haze is shaping up to be something special. Not only do both contrasting halves of the game hold up well on their own, the four-player co-op mode is instantly gratifying - it feels great to be backed up by a squad of people, rather than AI-controlled bots. Free Radical has a long history of creating great shooters and it looks like Haze could even go one step further than the developer's previous titles.
http://ps3.ign.com/articles/814/814150p1.html
AltogetherAndrews
Banned
And some screens
AltogetherAndrews
Banned
1up preview
The game's first level is likely what you've seen of Haze so far -- the one set in the jungle. It's immediately impressive visually; the world is absolutely overflowing with vegetation. And while the framerate leaves a bit to be desired at times, the experience of intense firefights within the dense forestry almost makes up for it. (Almost.) There's also a great sense of verticality as you make your way down steep hills while firing at enemies below. Haze's visuals don't seem revolutionary by any means, but the game does a damn fine job building a convincing atmosphere.
At least it does at the start. Later areas, such as an abandoned military structure, seemed rather bland by comparison -- but following the really impressive jungle, perhaps this is unavoidable. Or perhaps these areas are still waiting to receive the same level of polish the jungle has had.
What is consistently great, however, is the gameplay and control -- it's already clear that Haze just feels right. The controls are super tight and firing the weapons is really rewarding. Using the Nectar also works well, though it takes a bit of time to get used to (you have to make sure you don't overdose). The entire screen fills with a motion blur and your skills increase -- you get faster, are more aware of enemies, and can target them easier. That said, the driving section we played, where you control a large armored buggy, seemed pretty rough.
Perhaps most impressive, though, is the four-player co-op gameplay. The intensity and enjoyment is completely heightened with the addition of other players and it's clear this will be one of the main selling points for the game (we did experience a few graphical hiccups during our co-op session, but fully expect those to be resolved later).
http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3162241
The game's first level is likely what you've seen of Haze so far -- the one set in the jungle. It's immediately impressive visually; the world is absolutely overflowing with vegetation. And while the framerate leaves a bit to be desired at times, the experience of intense firefights within the dense forestry almost makes up for it. (Almost.) There's also a great sense of verticality as you make your way down steep hills while firing at enemies below. Haze's visuals don't seem revolutionary by any means, but the game does a damn fine job building a convincing atmosphere.
At least it does at the start. Later areas, such as an abandoned military structure, seemed rather bland by comparison -- but following the really impressive jungle, perhaps this is unavoidable. Or perhaps these areas are still waiting to receive the same level of polish the jungle has had.
What is consistently great, however, is the gameplay and control -- it's already clear that Haze just feels right. The controls are super tight and firing the weapons is really rewarding. Using the Nectar also works well, though it takes a bit of time to get used to (you have to make sure you don't overdose). The entire screen fills with a motion blur and your skills increase -- you get faster, are more aware of enemies, and can target them easier. That said, the driving section we played, where you control a large armored buggy, seemed pretty rough.
Perhaps most impressive, though, is the four-player co-op gameplay. The intensity and enjoyment is completely heightened with the addition of other players and it's clear this will be one of the main selling points for the game (we did experience a few graphical hiccups during our co-op session, but fully expect those to be resolved later).
http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3162241
Solid gunplay, beauty, and satisfying variety in gameplay and atmosphere. Hopefully this is the last sickening, plunging swing of the pendulum and the demo is also going to be good - from the sounds of things, I think that's really quite likely. It gets harder, at least, to assert that there's nothing to love here.
AltogetherAndrews
Banned
Pharmacy said:
4 player online co-op
I think this is a game that's going to define 'niche' online gaming community when it launches.
Though, as has been endlessly discussed here. only a timed exclusive, I think the fact that HAZE is now a (temp) PS3 exclusive is really giving this more attention then it would have done if it were released into the multi format wilderness along aith all the other FPS at year's end.
Long story short, this is, without a doubt, my most anticipated game this year.
Though, as has been endlessly discussed here. only a timed exclusive, I think the fact that HAZE is now a (temp) PS3 exclusive is really giving this more attention then it would have done if it were released into the multi format wilderness along aith all the other FPS at year's end.
Long story short, this is, without a doubt, my most anticipated game this year.
AltogetherAndrews
Banned
Busty said:
Any new news on that, by the way? I saw some thread earlier that mentioned a possible full exclusive, but that was just bullcrap yeah?
AltogetherAndrews
Banned
New gameplay videos (multiplayer). I really like the gun motion, particularly in down sight view. Dude's got a crazy large arsenal of knives though. :lol
http://www.gametrailers.com/player/24087.html
http://www.gametrailers.com/player/24088.html
http://www.gametrailers.com/player/24087.html
http://www.gametrailers.com/player/24088.html
DemonCleaner
Member
played that one on gc, and beside the nectar features (as a drug on the mantel-side and as weapon-enhancer for the rebels), this game pretty much sucks at the moment:
- controlls
- minimalistic geometry
- few good textures
- framerate
- controlls
- minimalistic geometry
- few good textures
- framerate
DemonCleaner
Member
Yixian said:
well maybe they didn't play the ps3 version!?
the public version on GC isn't rly worth the effort to write detailed impressions
Opus Angelorum
Member
Opus Angelorum
Member
Duck said:
I'm not going to get into the merits of Resistance as a launch title
DemonCleaner
Member
well i can't understand this chorus of praise in those previews. either they played a much much more progressed version of the game, or the press was given quite a dose of nectar before playing that.
funny that you mention resistance... it was presented directly beside haze on the sonybooth and look destinctly better.
funny that you mention resistance... it was presented directly beside haze on the sonybooth and look destinctly better.
Opus Angelorum
Member
DemonCleaner said:
When?
DemonCleaner
Member
maybe my articulation was a bit iffy: i wanted to say that the haze demo units stood directly beside the resistance once.
Opus Angelorum
Member
DemonCleaner said:
Some time ago I assume?
DemonCleaner
Member
GC 23/08/2007... well i don't know how u define "some times ago"
wtf oO
wtf oO
~Devil Trigger~
In favor of setting Muslim women on fire
saw that interviewNo_Style said:
the game is really moving up my list
B_Rik_Schitthaus
Banned
No_Style said:
Poor guy he must have seen how good Halo 3 is an hit the drink
Guy Legend
Member
This game looks very promising. It's a PS3 exclusive for at least this year, correct?