Support NeoGAF

[SlimySnake]

Lets talk about combat for a bit. I finally got the Slicing Hunter bow last night which makes combat much more fun. I had invested all my skill points into the Hunter skill tree upgrading to the last tier and was still struggling to take down enemies. I think they are far too aggressive in this game and barely ever stop to recover from their attacks. I recorded a fight where raptors and scorchers basically gang raped me constantly jumping at me with absolutely no recovery time between attacks.

With this new Slicing Hunter bow, I can easily take out their components in 1-3 hits. It has the full bow bonus that they introduced in the Frozen Wilds DLC. This time it has a nice click noise to let you know its fully corked up which is a nice touch. The combat instantly feels better.

I also unlocked the valor that gives you more critical hit chance + damage which for some reason is in the melee skill tree. Maybe these valor changes and new skill trees will make sense in the mid to late game, but right now, I dont think unlocking new skills has had any appreciable impact on me getting more powerful.

I also dont like how they tied the 3 arrowshots to a skill. It basically removes any experimentation with L2+R1 attacks since that is easily the best skill for any fight.

And lastly, its disheartening to see your arrows doing 1 damage on body shots. I get that its more realistic but come on man, every enemy in this game is super aggressive which means hitting the damn weakpoints is already hard enough. Getting 1-2 damage just feels like Ive wasted every shot that didnt hit a weakspot.

 

[Con_Z_ǝdʇ]

The Specters look so awesome!

 

[Woggleman]

The Specters look so awesome!

I won't spoiler anything but I recently ran into them and I hope that isn't the last of them. I am really into where the story seems to be going and there seems to be some character development coming for Aloy.

 

[RafterXL]

What lag? The speed of crafting is tied to the speed of the slowdown effect: it's fastest with no slowdown and for people who need a bit more breathing room in combat, the speed is much slower. If they had one speed for crafting, there would be zero incentive to play with the faster combat is no slowdown.

I'm not talking about crafting speed, I'm talking about how the UI literally lags out when adjusting this setting. You can clearly see it studdering, everything from the progress wheel to the +5 arrows created message lags horribly like the fps is tanking to single digits. Hell, even changing weapons is much worse.

Seriously, put that setting on "none" and then move the weapon wheel around in a circle. Then put it on "slowest"...choppy as hell. It's significantly smoother on none and gets progressively worse the lower you change the setting.

There is no way in hell this is intended because even the default setting is worse than "none".

 

[Anos Voldigoad]

First night shots after killing everyone in the rebel base. Having a dance right now

 

[Con_Z_ǝdʇ]

I won't spoiler anything but I recently ran into them and I hope that isn't the last of them. I am really into where the story seems to be going and there seems to be some character development coming for Aloy.

There are Prime Specters but i haven't encountered one yet.

 

[Fess]

And lastly, its disheartening to see your arrows doing 1 damage on body shots. I get that its more realistic but come on man, every enemy in this game is super aggressive which means hitting the damn weakpoints is already hard enough. Getting 1-2 damage just feels like Ive wasted every shot that didnt hit a weakspot.

Yeah I agree on this, even early on it’s clear that the big focus this time is weak points and weaknesses. Had some issues taking down the gang of acid bristlebacks outside the daunt, not sure if I did it wrong but focus zoom aiming the weakpoints when multiple enemies charge you wasn’t optimal.

 

[Airbus Jr]

It could be my TV but when I am switching between resolution and performance mode I can't really tell the difference. It looks good in both.
I'm past the

Spoiler

snake boss fight

and enjoying the game so far!

Go with resolution mode man

Anyway that spinos dino look amazing my favourite so far

 

[Spaceman292]

For real. Witcher 3 was praised to the high heavens and is far more flawed than Forbidden West if you ask me.

Witcher 3 had huge flaws, it was basically just the fabulous writing that put it above everything else.

 

[GooseMan69]

This game is no joke difficulty wise. I’m playing on hard and even low level machines will fuck my shit up if I’m not careful.

 

[Woggleman]

The side quests are a major step up from the first game. Some of them are on par with main missions.

 

[jorgejjvr]

A stamina bar isn’t revolutionizing open worlds

The open air concept and the idea to climb literally anywhere, I haven't seen as well executed as there

In that game if I thought of something, I could most likely do it, use a long line of metal swords to make a really long electrical current to solve a puzzle? Works, wasn't even the "right" way of doing it

 

[G-Bus]

Had some crazy slow down that stayed and had to reset the game. Caught on geometry and in a hole, couldn't get out. Restart. Aloy wouldn't grab a section while climbing and I got stuck on the side of a mountain until I was finally able to get her to grab back on to the holds.

All in the span of a half hour and I had enough. Turned it off for the night. Hopefully see a patch sooner than later for some of this stuff.

Surprised to see this in a first party Sony game.

 

[Con_Z_ǝdʇ]

 

[Huevos de Oro]

I'm pleasantly surprised at the quality of sidequests in this game. Well written, acted and mo-capped to the point they feel like part of the main quest.

 

[Magic Carpet]

I got Minerva up and going.

 

[James Sawyer Ford]

The Specters look so awesome!

Yeah just got to this part and the story in this game is amazing!

The enemies they've introduced have been bad ass, and the character designs are incredible. The Sci Fi lore is really rich in this and so much better told to than the first.

 

[Con_Z_ǝdʇ]

Yeah just got to this part and the story in this game is amazing!

The enemies they've introduced have been bad ass, and the character designs are incredible. The Sci Fi lore is really rich in this and so much better told to than the first.

I also really dig the overarching plot. Some unexpected turns. Curious how it will unfold.

Also cool to have these sci-fi settings in contrast to all the natural parts of the game.

 

[Woggleman]

I am a sucker for crazy sci fi stuff and I like where this is going.

 

[nowhat]

While I'm glad that the OT is seeing a lot of traffic (not so glad that much of it seems to be noise), a friendly reminder - do tag your spoilers, eh?

 

[ANDS]

Man. The hunting trials still are a pain in the ass.

I'm not talking about crafting speed, I'm talking about how the UI literally lags out when adjusting this setting. You can clearly see it studdering, everything from the progress wheel to the +5 arrows created message lags horribly like the fps is tanking to single digits. Hell, even changing weapons is much worse.

Seriously, put that setting on "none" and then move the weapon wheel around in a circle. Then put it on "slowest"...choppy as hell. It's significantly smoother on none and gets progressively worse the lower you change the setting.

There is no way in hell this is intended because even the default setting is worse than "none".

Just tested this. I have zero difference in the UI speed of weapon selecting or in the messages showing up in the crafting log across all slowdown settings.

 

[Classicrockfan]

Anybody with c1 lg oleds what do you do with all the text and icons on the screen ,scarred of burn in.

 

[TheAssist]

I am so impressed with the cutscene animation. Even the most mundane side quests are well animated and voice acted. And like really good animation and cinematic camera angels. Really impressive.

Not so impressed with the way parts of the scenery pop into existence a lot of the times during cutscenes. Makes the picture look very unstable.

 

[Chris_Rivera]

Not everyone can have poor eyesight or be an undiscerning mf.

 

[jorgejjvr]

I'm guessing ps5 pro will be able to do fidelity at 60fps, man consoles have made it far

 

[SCB3]

I continuously impressed with Aloy's model here, so many little details on her that makes her feel real in a lot of ways

 

[Luipadre]

I'm pleasantly surprised at the quality of sidequests in this game. Well written, acted and mo-capped to the point they feel like part of the main quest.

Yes, im doing every single one of them. This game is so fucking good

 

[Luipadre]

Anybody with c1 lg oleds what do you do with all the text and icons on the screen ,scarred of burn in.

what? use dynamic HUD, barely any stuff on screen and man... dont be scared of burn in, especially not on a C1.

 

[Classicrockfan]

what? use dynamic HUD, barely any stuff on screen and man... dont be scared of burn in, especially not on a C1.

Cool thanks first oled .

 

[Luipadre]

Cool thanks first oled .

Enjoy it and forget burn in

 

[Fess]

BOTW vibes are kicking in! Got the ”Paraglider” now and is cruising the open ”Hyrule Field” with the dead ”Guardians” laying around all over the place. This is so so good!

 

[Feel Like I'm On 42]

I keep hearing from players and reviewers that it's a proper sequel, and improves on the first game in so many ways, yet it has a slightly lower MC score than the first.

They got screwed over with that MC score. I usually don't put stock in reviews but I like seeing a high MC when a game really deserves it. It really is better than the first in every way and deserved over a 90

 

[Feel Like I'm On 42]

Cool thanks first oled .

Just remember to turn the TV off when your not using it and don't pause a game with bright hdr for a really long time. I've had two oleds and neither got burn in by following those rules. Ut really us a non issue

 

[Huevos de Oro]

I was at the first hunting grounds doing that trap challenge and a scrounger lured me under a trap and killed me with it. Fuck this.

 

[elcapitano]

Played for about 4 hours or so. Haven't seen any bugs yet

 

[Darklor01]

Cool thanks first oled .

It’s honestly better with less HUD anyway.

 

[rofif]

I like the game but it’s so bloated. So much open world crap and combat is annoying.
Gear system is a bit too confusing, skills are pointless.
So much resistance and weaknesses. You even have to shoot explosive barrels with right arrow… cmon.
So I carry 3 fucking bows with me and bunch of other crap weapons.

I enjoy some of it but it’s too complex… in a wrong way. And I am at 18% after 20 hours. Who are these super long games for.

And it’s not like you can explore. Playing main story first is essential before exploring and side quests. Then I find myself 2 levels below recommended and grind side quests…. This game did not had to be an rpg. And don’t get me started on stash and cost of tear arrows crafting. Wtf.

Story, graphics, production are all great

 

[elcapitano]

I keep hearing from players and reviewers that it's a proper sequel, and improves on the first game in so many ways, yet it has a slightly lower MC score than the first.

Metascore has nothing to do with if a game is better because if you released a game from say 2016 now it would get a much worse score.

 

[Magic Carpet]

Never played Metroid, huh.

I got the blow up the firegleem walls and went back to blow em up. But I noticed that the map is not removing all the done icons. So metrovaning back and redoing areas is going to be awkard.
maybe it will get fixed in a patch.

 

[digoutyoursoul]

A few hours in and I have mixed feelings. I like the world, visuals, the combat. The writing and story aspects I’m having a difficult time staying engaged.

. Some of the dialogue is ropey to say the least and I’m already fed up of the “saviour” remarks which reminds me of Mass Effect Andromeda’s constant “pathfinder” label in conversations.

The first one wasn’t perfect however I feel it was better paced and easier to follow from a story aspect.

 

[TrebleShot]

I like the game but it’s so bloated. So much open world crap and combat is annoying.
Gear system is a bit too confusing, skills are pointless.
So much resistance and weaknesses. You even have to shoot explosive barrels with right arrow… cmon.
So I carry 3 fucking bows with me and bunch of other crap weapons.

I enjoy some of it but it’s too complex… in a wrong way. And I am at 18% after 20 hours. Who are these super long games for.

And it’s not like you can explore. Playing main story first is essential before exploring and side quests. Then I find myself 2 levels below recommended and grind side quests…. This game did not had to be an rpg. And don’t get me started on stash and cost of tear arrows crafting. Wtf.

Story, graphics, production are all great

Did you play ZD cos everything you said was in the first game.

 

[adamsapple]

Question for people who have the PS4 version of the game.

Does it have a motion blur toggle, if yes, is it a toggle or an Uncharted/TLoU style slider to select intensity ?

 

[sainraja]

Go with resolution mode man

Anyway that spinos dino look amazing my favourite so far

Cool and yeah that is what I decided to stick with.

 

[Markio128]

I find myself not wanting to complete the main missions because the side quests, errands and jobs are so well done. 15 hours in and I’ve probably only opened up a quarter of the map, if that - and there is still a ton of stuff to do in the areas I have opened up. It’s up there with the Witcher 3 for me, where I just want to soak in the world for as long as I can.

 

[SlimySnake]

I was at the first hunting grounds doing that trap challenge and a scrounger lured me under a trap and killed me with it. Fuck this.

Hunting ground challenges offer pretty shit rewards. Just do side missions which give you 2 skill points each.

 

[Putonahappyface]

I just discovered this game doesn't support the PS5 auto HDR ajust calibration settings. I've left hdr settings to default and hdr on which doesn't look quite right, so what settings are people using please?

Has anyone followed this guys settings?

 

[Belthazar]

The game is definitely less polished than the original, bit I can't be too mad at it with the amount of fun I'm having. The world is WAY more interesting this time, I've been playing for around 5 hours and there seems to be something interesting to see or do at every corner.

 

[Dr. Claus]

I like the game but it’s so bloated. So much open world crap and combat is annoying.
Gear system is a bit too confusing, skills are pointless.
So much resistance and weaknesses. You even have to shoot explosive barrels with right arrow… cmon.
So I carry 3 fucking bows with me and bunch of other crap weapons.

I enjoy some of it but it’s too complex… in a wrong way. And I am at 18% after 20 hours. Who are these super long games for.

And it’s not like you can explore. Playing main story first is essential before exploring and side quests. Then I find myself 2 levels below recommended and grind side quests…. This game did not had to be an rpg. And don’t get me started on stash and cost of tear arrows crafting. Wtf.

Story, graphics, production are all great

I am enjoying the game, but I agree with you. Its an issue with 99% of open World games though. The “systems bloat” seems to be a prevailing issue with AAA games these days in general as well. So many systems that ultimately don’t mesh well together and just waste the players time. Instead of focusing on a handful of systems that flow into each other and create depth, they toss as much as they can at you and its depth is that of a puddle.

As for the art direction, I really love it in this game. Story is interesting, but Aloy is still rather bland. Also still not sure why they made her even more hideous in this game than the first. But oh well. Just reached the point of the story and passed the mountain ranges.

 

[AdjudicatorHead]

I am enjoying the game, but I agree with you. Its an issue with 99% of open World games though. The “systems bloat” seems to be a prevailing issue with AAA games these days in general as well. So many systems that ultimately don’t mesh well together and just waste the players time. Instead of focusing on a handful of systems that flow into each other and create depth, they toss as much as they can at you and its depth is that of a puddle.

As for the art direction, I really love it in this game. Story is interesting, but Aloy is still rather bland. Also still not sure why they made her even more hideous in this game than the first. But oh well. Just reached the point of the story and passed the mountain ranges.

What is this weird thing about people saying Aloy is hideous? Everyone was calling her fat in pre release footage too. Did you expect her to look like a fake Instagram model?

I don’t think Guerrilla set out with the idea of creating material for gamers’ wank banks.

 

[Dr. Claus]

What is this weird thing about people saying Aloy is hideous? Everyone was calling her fat in pre release footage too. Did you expect her to look like a fake Instagram model?

I don’t think Guerrilla set out with the idea of creating material for gamers’ wank bank.

Been stated numerous times with numerous threads about the subject, I would advice you to actually read - but given your immediate response is the typical “you just want masturbation material“ it is clear you have no intention of having a discussion and instead just want to continue to create strawman arguments and be a disingenuous troll.