Mercenaries: Playground of Destruction -- The Thread
- Thread starter Matlock
- Start date
I loved the demo, saw the glowing impressions in the thread, and it's on sale this week so I snagged my copy of Mercenaries. I meant to just try it out for a little bit and ended up getting sucked in and ended up doing all the "meet the factions" missions.
It's nice to see a developer(other than Rockstar) finally get the GTA open-ended style right in a game. Plus, they didn't just rip off the theme of GTA(cops and criminals)like others have done and went with something different(the war concept).
I really like the little touches. On one of the early cards, I spotted his location. I zoomed in with the binoculars and assesed the situation. I snuck in from behind, hopped a wall and managed to stun him and tie him up without any of his associates noticing. But I didn't go completly unnoticed...a news cameraman was there and spotted me. I scooped up the target and hauled him off as this cameraguy followed filming me for posterity.
Oh, and for Kotor fans, Jennifer Mui's voice is done by Jennifer Hale aka Bastilla.
It's nice to see a developer(other than Rockstar) finally get the GTA open-ended style right in a game. Plus, they didn't just rip off the theme of GTA(cops and criminals)like others have done and went with something different(the war concept).
I really like the little touches. On one of the early cards, I spotted his location. I zoomed in with the binoculars and assesed the situation. I snuck in from behind, hopped a wall and managed to stun him and tie him up without any of his associates noticing. But I didn't go completly unnoticed...a news cameraman was there and spotted me. I scooped up the target and hauled him off as this cameraguy followed filming me for posterity.
Oh, and for Kotor fans, Jennifer Mui's voice is done by Jennifer Hale aka Bastilla.
Bastilla rocks, she was totally hitting on me in KOTOR, then she got all "it's part of training"-y and gave me the blueballs equivalent of WTF. She never left my team though.
Back to the game, I was in the middle of capturing one of the Diamonds, and was getting the crap shot out of me. I only got to subdue the Diamond before I had to make a hasty retreat. Pissed, I called down an artillery barrage to clear out the mechanical riff-raff.
But the Diamond was still there.
Crap.
So in the limited amount of time I had before the barrage, I jacked an NK jeep drove to him. Then the barrage started. I was getting slammed with splash damage, but I managed to get to my target and put him in the jeep. Then I had to drive BACK THROUGH HELL since one of the strikes blew several tanks in my original escape route. My jeep got rocked hard, and eventually made it through explosions and bullets. I get to a safe open area just away from ground zero and pop smoke to get the copter. As I walk over to the Diamond, imagine a Band of Brothers moment when random bullets are flying haphazardly in your direction, and one makes a swoosh sound and just so happens to hit my target's head while he's laying on the ground.
And I haven't saved in hours.
FUCK. I'm not going through that Chinese Fuel Depot mission again. Say cheese...
Back to the game, I was in the middle of capturing one of the Diamonds, and was getting the crap shot out of me. I only got to subdue the Diamond before I had to make a hasty retreat. Pissed, I called down an artillery barrage to clear out the mechanical riff-raff.
But the Diamond was still there.
Crap.
So in the limited amount of time I had before the barrage, I jacked an NK jeep drove to him. Then the barrage started. I was getting slammed with splash damage, but I managed to get to my target and put him in the jeep. Then I had to drive BACK THROUGH HELL since one of the strikes blew several tanks in my original escape route. My jeep got rocked hard, and eventually made it through explosions and bullets. I get to a safe open area just away from ground zero and pop smoke to get the copter. As I walk over to the Diamond, imagine a Band of Brothers moment when random bullets are flying haphazardly in your direction, and one makes a swoosh sound and just so happens to hit my target's head while he's laying on the ground.
And I haven't saved in hours.
FUCK. I'm not going through that Chinese Fuel Depot mission again. Say cheese...
Well I hijacked any fuel trucks that came by to get the drivers out so they wouldn't be casualties. Then I'd park 5 at a time next to the first two fuel tanks to blow them up with a rocket or C4. With the fuel trucks out of the way, the Chinese are pissed but I'm not losing any friendship points. Then I rocketed the last fuel tank that was in Chinese territory. This took time of course and took away my speed bonus but it's harder to keep friends than it is to make money in this game so I took the financial hit. Also remember that when starting this mission, there is an SK Hummer at the SK Base mounted with a guided rocket launcher so you can use that to keep out of sight of any Chinese near the destruction.
But it's hard as hell to do all that exploding and not lose points, and I promised myself I wouldn't do that mission again until I played as another character. That bit me in the ass later
But it's hard as hell to do all that exploding and not lose points, and I promised myself I wouldn't do that mission again until I played as another character. That bit me in the ass later
Warm Machine
Member
I didn't realize that you can get people into your vehicle by honking the horn! Now I canload up a APC with guys, park in the middle of a war zone and tell them all to get out.
Lemming_JRS
Member
I just made it to the Ace of Diamonds mission - if someone can tell me how the hell this mission is possible without cheating... you've got
Fortunately, they gave me a few carpet bombs for free... those are good fun. 
to take out this massive gun that you can't actually reach b/c it's in the middle of a radioactive wasteland (which causes cool vision effects, but anyway), so you have to drive around this huge island to ANOTHER gun which is guarded by like the entire NK army AND your transmissions are getting jammed...
I had found one of the cards and went in after him and got my ass handed to me. So, I grabbed a mafia truck, drive up to one of their hangouts, honk my horn, one guy mans the gun and another hops in the driver side. I drive to the target and hop out to engage the bad guys on foot while my pals fight them from the truck. I run over to an enemy tank, plant some C4, run away and blow it. I stun the card and subdue him. Enemy choppers arrive and I shoot them down with my rocket launcher and machine gun fire. My mafia associates were toast by now, so I grabbed the card and ran off. There were still 2 bad guys taking shots at me but I was able to get away and called in retrieval.
I decide to head back to the site and I elimnate the 2 stragglers. I spot an overturned enemy jeep, so I blast it til it blows for some cash. Unfortunately, that draws the attention of a North Korean chopper who swoops in and starts shooting at me. I manage to find some cover but my ammo is low. I look around and notice a slope to a nearby hill. I make a run for it and get to higher ground. I hide just behind the crest of the hill and the chopper can't get a clear shot. He comes charging toward my location and as he passes a few feet overhead, I press Y and I grab on and toss the pilot out. Voila, my own North Korean Chopper.
I decide to head back to the site and I elimnate the 2 stragglers. I spot an overturned enemy jeep, so I blast it til it blows for some cash. Unfortunately, that draws the attention of a North Korean chopper who swoops in and starts shooting at me. I manage to find some cover but my ammo is low. I look around and notice a slope to a nearby hill. I make a run for it and get to higher ground. I hide just behind the crest of the hill and the chopper can't get a clear shot. He comes charging toward my location and as he passes a few feet overhead, I press Y and I grab on and toss the pilot out. Voila, my own North Korean Chopper.
Turns out there were some ex-Black Isle and Blizzard folks (90's, I guess) involved in developing Mercenaries. That certainly helps explain the end result to me- the way the interface works, the little touches in the environment, etc.
I'm having trouble taking some of the missions, though. I just really don't wanna go kill a bunch of South Koreans for the chinese. /Wussy.
Does anyone have the PS2 version? Is the framerate decent? I have a friend who wants to try the game, but I can only comment on the xbox vers.
I'm having trouble taking some of the missions, though. I just really don't wanna go kill a bunch of South Koreans for the chinese. /Wussy.
Does anyone have the PS2 version? Is the framerate decent? I have a friend who wants to try the game, but I can only comment on the xbox vers.
Pedigree Chum
Banned
Gorey said:
Other than the long-ish load times the PS2 version is very solid IMO.
XboxGamers
Member
Well I'm still waiting for my copy to come in but just from the demo it's a blast to be in a free roaming world with military arsenal on hand. Calling in air-strike, Air-surport etc. makes this game a gem in everyway. Another thing I like about this game is using accurately detailed vehicles molds which is a plus for me.
I'm not very far in because I've been playing RE4 more, but I just did the mission "Nobody Will Ever Know" or something for the Chinese where you have to
I'm sure I'll figure it out when I go back and play more, but I'm just asking anyway.
kill three mafia guys without the mafia seeing you. On my third try they saw me, but I said fuck it and continued anyway. I had just done two or three Mafia missions previously, but can I still do more, or am I not on good terms with the Mafia anymore?
I'm sure I'll figure it out when I go back and play more, but I'm just asking anyway.
Go and read this thread over here. Yeah, sure it's possible that it's a bunch of people just making shit up, but given the overall legitimacy of this particular board, I seriously doubt it.
Edit: Scott Warner is the principal in question.
Edit: Scott Warner is the principal in question.
Lemming_JRS said:I just made it to the Ace of Diamonds mission - if someone can tell me how the hell this mission is possible without cheating... you've gotFortunately, they gave me a few carpet bombs for free... those are good fun.to take out this massive gun that you can't actually reach b/c it's in the middle of a radioactive wasteland (which causes cool vision effects, but anyway), so you have to drive around this huge island to ANOTHER gun which is guarded by like the entire NK army AND your transmissions are getting jammed...
Hard as hell.
After i blew up the gun i went after the ace of diamonds and when i got there i was blown up by a damn tank. took me so long just to get there too. 
i was pissed
i was pissedSlartibartfast
Member
Well, I thought it about time to chip into the thread that I've been reading for some time. I can't recommend this game highly enough. I wasn't totally convinced on first playing (though I loved the demo)...but just not a HUGE GTA fan (I like it a lot...but no more, although haven't played San Andreas yet), but once you get the hang of the controls and a few missions in it really kicks in. Part GTA, part Freedom Fighters, part Battlefield Vietnam but mostly it's own thing.
The world just seems so alive, and inspires in me the same longing that Halo did to repeat a mission or section just to see how things turn out. And it makes me laugh a lot due to the chaos that is all around, although the blood boils on occasion too...but I think that is all part of the fun.
RE: Honking your horn in order to get people on board...most amused when some mafia heavies got on board with my two allied friends. It felt like all we needed was suitcases and we could head on vacation. And blowing stuff up (when it looks like this) is just so satisfying and never gets old. And I'm sure I'll be opening up some more extreme forms of demolition yet.
While it may not have the panache in some ways of the GTA series (thinking cut scenes here) it certainly has gameplay in spades (and hearts, diamonds and clubs!!). I really hope this sells well as even though I am not even half way through it yet I already want a sequel.
One final thing, am I right in thinking that you can't change character once you have started, ie you would have to start a new game to play as someone else?
Looking forward to hearing more stories from the front line.
The world just seems so alive, and inspires in me the same longing that Halo did to repeat a mission or section just to see how things turn out. And it makes me laugh a lot due to the chaos that is all around, although the blood boils on occasion too...but I think that is all part of the fun.
RE: Honking your horn in order to get people on board...most amused when some mafia heavies got on board with my two allied friends. It felt like all we needed was suitcases and we could head on vacation. And blowing stuff up (when it looks like this) is just so satisfying and never gets old. And I'm sure I'll be opening up some more extreme forms of demolition yet.
While it may not have the panache in some ways of the GTA series (thinking cut scenes here) it certainly has gameplay in spades (and hearts, diamonds and clubs!!). I really hope this sells well as even though I am not even half way through it yet I already want a sequel.
One final thing, am I right in thinking that you can't change character once you have started, ie you would have to start a new game to play as someone else?
Looking forward to hearing more stories from the front line.
Littleberu
Banned
At first, I couldn't believe how much difference the HDLoader makes. But now with games like Gladius or Mercenaries, it's quasi-instant loading.Gek54 said:
gunstarhero
Member
Arg! I may have to put Echoes to sleep for a bit and pick this up -
How are the graphics/framerate in the Xbox version? (dont feel like sniffing through this thread).
How are the graphics/framerate in the Xbox version? (dont feel like sniffing through this thread).
gunstarhero said:Arg! I may have to put Echoes to sleep for a bit and pick this up -
How are the graphics/framerate in the Xbox version? (dont feel like sniffing through this thread).
Fantastic graphics/framerate. Very very little slowdown, even when your leveling 10 city blocks with massive air strikes and you got particles, fire, explosions and havoc physic affected debris flying all over the place. Quite impressive really.
Kung Fu Jedi
Member
I picked this game up last week as I was heading out of town for a long weekend with some of my buds. We were all kind of anxious to give it a shot, through it in my friends Xbox and started having all kinds of troubles. The game would load up the intros to the characters, and I could usually play through the first mission, blowing all kinds of stuff up, but it would hang after the mission was over or before I could take another one. It was a blast for what we did get to play but was a little disappointed that I couldn't get any further. We tried cleaning the Xbox lense, and it seemed to speed up load times greatly, but still had problems with hanging. We suspected that there was a problem with my friend's Xbox and I haven't had a chance to check the disk in my own box yet, so I'm praying that it isn't a problem with the disk itself. Anyone else have any problems with the game hanging?
Kabuki Waq
Member
Azih said:
also i dont like how light poles dont move when you hit them while driving.
Slartibartfast
Member
Gunstarhero: The graphics aren't overwhelming at first, but grow on you (or at least me) over time. Healthy use of fog, but you can always see where you need to and I started really liking the look of the game once the action hots up. Nice particle effects, great smoke, good solid framerate and most importantly really captures the feel of a warzone (not that I've been in one). But water is pretty bland, although you don't see it that often. They really come into their own when you are driving on your way to a mission passing skirmishes here there and everywhere with things kicking off. It's the dynamic feel of the world that is the most impressive part of the engine to me. So in conclusion, good looking game, great at times and the visuals suit the game 100%
My only real niggles with the game relate to the vehicles. Particularly handling. Once you get used to it (which doesn't take long), it's fairly easy to precicely control everything but the tanks. So zipping around the map is easy, however they just don't feel that much 'fun' to drive, for me at least. I would have liked to have seen the triggers used for accelerate / brake with a face button for handbrake. I do really like the feel of flying the Helicopters though, especially the smaller ones. But that is pretty much my only gripe, and something I'm sure could be improved in a sequel (please let there be a sequel)
My only real niggles with the game relate to the vehicles. Particularly handling. Once you get used to it (which doesn't take long), it's fairly easy to precicely control everything but the tanks. So zipping around the map is easy, however they just don't feel that much 'fun' to drive, for me at least. I would have liked to have seen the triggers used for accelerate / brake with a face button for handbrake. I do really like the feel of flying the Helicopters though, especially the smaller ones. But that is pretty much my only gripe, and something I'm sure could be improved in a sequel (please let there be a sequel)
Yeah, I'd agree on the tanks (tracked vehicles). They handle like stuck pigs on fire trying to get out of a pit of sludge. The South Korean K200 APC is the worst- that thing is so touchy and swervy it's almost undriveable. Too bad it has such a great cannon... However, I did 'jack my first Bradley IFV the other night, and it handled much tighter and turned sharper; so perhaps the higher end tracked stuff will be better.
My only real complaint about the vehicular controls is that you have to (usually) take your finger off the right stick to use them, which is a pain in the neck. This is one area were the tanks are usually better than the wheeled stuff....
My only real complaint about the vehicular controls is that you have to (usually) take your finger off the right stick to use them, which is a pain in the neck. This is one area were the tanks are usually better than the wheeled stuff....
Apharmd Battler
Member
Gek54 said:
That remind me I should try it on ome of my modded XBoxes, but the load time on the XBox or very short as it is.
Pedigree Chum
Banned
bishoptl said:
My friend has the XBox version, and other than the loading times, there isn't a massive difference. As people have said, the framerate is smoother on the Xbox, but the differnce is negligible. Personally I like the controls on the PS2 better.
Slartibartfast
Member
op_ivy, I wasn't feeling it upon first couple of plays but found it a real 'grower', to the point that I'm now wondering how I underestimated it's charms on first play through. I'm loving the experimentation angle, and the Ace of Diamonds mission was a blast trying various different approaches.
Also, may have underestimated the visual appeal. Just because nothing leaps out (apart from the often spectacular explosions) it didn't really hit me. But it's got a real solidity and cohesion to it, something I find lacking in many games. Definitely my favourite game since Halo 2 and this one might see more playtime (I'm not really into multiplayer Halo 2, apart from co-op). The mountainous landscape is done so well that it is pretty easy to get sidetracked. I'm continuing to love it, there seems enough variety in the missions that unless something drastic happens to the gameplay (ie becomes too hard) then I will be seeing this one all the way through and collecting all those cards (and full completion in terms of further collection once the game is beat is something I hardly ever do).
And finally it's one of those games where you can plan it and ponder your strategy while not in front of the console and then come back and try it in the game later to see what happens. Sometimes you can nail a particularly tricky bit easily with just a little thought and strategy, and other times you have to adapt quickly as your strategy, quite literally, gets blown apart. Beautiful!
Also, may have underestimated the visual appeal. Just because nothing leaps out (apart from the often spectacular explosions) it didn't really hit me. But it's got a real solidity and cohesion to it, something I find lacking in many games. Definitely my favourite game since Halo 2 and this one might see more playtime (I'm not really into multiplayer Halo 2, apart from co-op). The mountainous landscape is done so well that it is pretty easy to get sidetracked. I'm continuing to love it, there seems enough variety in the missions that unless something drastic happens to the gameplay (ie becomes too hard) then I will be seeing this one all the way through and collecting all those cards (and full completion in terms of further collection once the game is beat is something I hardly ever do).
And finally it's one of those games where you can plan it and ponder your strategy while not in front of the console and then come back and try it in the game later to see what happens. Sometimes you can nail a particularly tricky bit easily with just a little thought and strategy, and other times you have to adapt quickly as your strategy, quite literally, gets blown apart. Beautiful!
Slartibartfast said:
the graphics are definitely very nice. i noticed that almost rigt aw3ay with the attention to detail in the various offic e buildings etc. the explosions also rock, and literally send flying concrete and smoke everywhere...
but, i'm still very underwhelmed...
i think its probably a much better game then i'm giving it credit for, its just aside from stellar AAA games (halo 2 for example), i'm pretty much burnt out on this gen. this isnt the first "good" game that i couldnt get into.
i'll try to get into it again in a few weeks when maybe my infatuation with halo 2 has died down a bit...
Just finished off the Ace of Diamonds, it does open a new map, but you can still go back to the first one as well from the looks of it. Got a freaky new outfit too, using Mattias Nillson.
I'm assuming that since Mattias can understand the Russian mafia speaking russian that Jacobs can understand the South Koreans and that Mui can understand the chinese, this true? If so does it add much to the game?
Also, does anyone know if the missions are different for each of the three different characters? I'm about halfway through with Nillson and am already looking forward to playing through again with Jacobs or Mui.
Game rocks, better than GTA:SA to me. Very polished and very open ended, but with enough direction to keep the action constant and fresh. Even using the same map for clubs and diamonds didn't bother me because its used so differently.
I'm assuming that since Mattias can understand the Russian mafia speaking russian that Jacobs can understand the South Koreans and that Mui can understand the chinese, this true? If so does it add much to the game?
Also, does anyone know if the missions are different for each of the three different characters? I'm about halfway through with Nillson and am already looking forward to playing through again with Jacobs or Mui.
Game rocks, better than GTA:SA to me. Very polished and very open ended, but with enough direction to keep the action constant and fresh. Even using the same map for clubs and diamonds didn't bother me because its used so differently.
If you can go back to the old overworld map, that's great. Cool about the outfit change, too. Nice attention to the little things.Drek said:
The only place the language stuff really seems to matter is in the briefings- when you walk in and the faction leader and his lieutenant are already talking, you can understand what they're saying. It provides some background in terms of what's going on plotwise, but isn't super vital. If translation is happening out in the world, I haven't noticed it. I'm playing as Jacobs, and Buford's comments have mostly been about the chinese.
Lucky Forward
Member
I don't know if this has been posted here yet, but for anyone trying to find all the blueprints, national treasures, monuments, and listening posts on the first map, here you go:
http://coolbluenetwork.com/mercenaries/
http://coolbluenetwork.com/mercenaries/
Yeah, it appears so since there's a pilot standing in the MASH of the Kousong region with a green arrow, walking next to him it has "Y - return to *name of first place*".
Changing uniforms was also in the mash unit, a tent has a green circle in front of it, you walk up and are given the choice. Mattias' new outfit is a brown t-shirt with a white bullseye on the front, his mowhawk is died brown, and he gets rid of the sunglasses. You can also see that he's got tattoos on his forearms similar in patern to the one on his neck.
I've also gotten a code that unlocks playing as a Russian Mafia heavy, as the game called it. Basically one of their bigger thugs. Oddity about that is your second gun doesn't show up on his back, but you can still change back and forth. I haven't checked to see if it makes you disguised to everyone, allowing you to enter Russian Mafia restricted areas, or if it does anything else. I got that for finding some of the extras.
FYI, I also got an extra $50,000 over the standard money made when I found a hidden teasure a bit ago, I'm pretty sure it was my 25th out of 100. Its caused me to plan an evening back in the old map in an attempt to make sure I didn't miss anything.
Another FYI for everyone playing, starting the second suit, when
the Chinese control the northwest air-port and the SK control Ichon
The Shadow
Member
I like the game a lot but I think it was a big mistake not to allow you to keep your disguise when you attack allies. If you're in a NK tank, everyone starts shooting at you but the instant you fire at them, your disguise is gone.
I went all over the map trying to find a NK tank so I could blow up the fuel depot without them blaming me. Can't do it, your cover is blown automatically. Lame.
I went all over the map trying to find a NK tank so I could blow up the fuel depot without them blaming me. Can't do it, your cover is blown automatically. Lame.
Mr.Sparkle
Member
The Shadow said:I went all over the map trying to find a NK tank so I could blow up the fuel depot without them blaming me. Can't do it, your cover is blown automatically. Lame.
Well, you don't expect them to just sit around and get shot at, right?
The Shadow
Member
Mr.Sparkle said:
I expected them to think it was a NK attack.