Official POP 2 thread
- Thread starter Lakitu
- Start date
I finished the game last night and was surprised it had a pretty good length. It must've taken me around 16 hours.
Here's my take on the positives and negatives:
+ Graphics: Nice graphics, but the main deal is that the quality remained about the same, albeit, this version had more slowdown than the previous. That said, the level architecture/design was simply superb. Majestic seems to be a proper word to describe it.
+ Platforming: Fantastic. Better than the first one in this respect. Some platforming/trap levels were created by truly sadistic individuals. I'd end up laughing at how ridiculously hard a section would seem many times. Fun stuff.
+ Animation: Great, just as the first.
= Sound: Same ol'. Nothing changed much here.
- Art: The art designers seemed to have been locked in a room with only RED CURTAINS. A little variety please. The areas, while varied, in architecture, were not very diverse in terms of their 'decoration'. Most enemy designs were decent, with a few being quite excellent (e.g. Dahaka, Sand Wraith.) Overall, I just didn't get the revamping they made to the game to make it mature. It just felt out of place considering this is the sequel to the Sands of Time.
- Puzzles: Too few localized puzzles. I would've liked more 'smaller' puzzles rather than the usual switches. These people have very good level/architecture design concepts, and I'm sure they could've done much better/varied puzzles to spice up the game a bit more.
- Story: Clichéd and unsurprising. Not a bad story, but I saw the twists coming very early in the game. The dialogue was uninspired and seemed to have been written by angsty adolescents. Get Mechner to pen the next PoP UbiSoft.
- Combat: Dear UbiSoft: PoP is about platforming and figuring out ways to go from one point to another. Any combat should not be intrusive. KThxBye! Anyway... the combat was just an extension of the first game's combat system (albeit much deeper,) but at times feels unresponsive and buggy, and some other times, the Prince feels like he's being controlled by Satan and driven to suicide, by means of jumping off a cliff. I, frankly, didn't care much for the combat until it became the obstacle to get to the next platforming area. Then it was just annoying and bothersome. The bosses seemed nice, until the end boss, which was just cheap and annoying.
--- Music: AWFUL. AWFUL. AWFUL. Did I mention it was AWFUL? One of the worst soundtracks this generation. I usually don't mind when the music is unnoticeable. I just continue playing and the music just does nothing... plays in the background with no effect whatsoever. This game's music was so very annoying. Figure this: You go into a room, see the wonderful architecture and the imaginative platforming, and suddenly, a few enemies spawn. A rock riff lasting all of 4 seconds plays, and repeats itself until you beat all the enemies. Not only you have to deal with the flaky buggy combat, but you have to stand the awful music. The first game's (PoP: SoT) music felt organic and fitting. The sequel's music feels uninspired, forced and incredibly repetitive.
Anyway, I'd score this an 8.5.
Here's my take on the positives and negatives:
+ Graphics: Nice graphics, but the main deal is that the quality remained about the same, albeit, this version had more slowdown than the previous. That said, the level architecture/design was simply superb. Majestic seems to be a proper word to describe it.
+ Platforming: Fantastic. Better than the first one in this respect. Some platforming/trap levels were created by truly sadistic individuals. I'd end up laughing at how ridiculously hard a section would seem many times. Fun stuff.
+ Animation: Great, just as the first.
= Sound: Same ol'. Nothing changed much here.
- Art: The art designers seemed to have been locked in a room with only RED CURTAINS. A little variety please. The areas, while varied, in architecture, were not very diverse in terms of their 'decoration'. Most enemy designs were decent, with a few being quite excellent (e.g. Dahaka, Sand Wraith.) Overall, I just didn't get the revamping they made to the game to make it mature. It just felt out of place considering this is the sequel to the Sands of Time.
- Puzzles: Too few localized puzzles. I would've liked more 'smaller' puzzles rather than the usual switches. These people have very good level/architecture design concepts, and I'm sure they could've done much better/varied puzzles to spice up the game a bit more.
- Story: Clichéd and unsurprising. Not a bad story, but I saw the twists coming very early in the game. The dialogue was uninspired and seemed to have been written by angsty adolescents. Get Mechner to pen the next PoP UbiSoft.
- Combat: Dear UbiSoft: PoP is about platforming and figuring out ways to go from one point to another. Any combat should not be intrusive. KThxBye! Anyway... the combat was just an extension of the first game's combat system (albeit much deeper,) but at times feels unresponsive and buggy, and some other times, the Prince feels like he's being controlled by Satan and driven to suicide, by means of jumping off a cliff. I, frankly, didn't care much for the combat until it became the obstacle to get to the next platforming area. Then it was just annoying and bothersome. The bosses seemed nice, until the end boss, which was just cheap and annoying.
--- Music: AWFUL. AWFUL. AWFUL. Did I mention it was AWFUL? One of the worst soundtracks this generation. I usually don't mind when the music is unnoticeable. I just continue playing and the music just does nothing... plays in the background with no effect whatsoever. This game's music was so very annoying. Figure this: You go into a room, see the wonderful architecture and the imaginative platforming, and suddenly, a few enemies spawn. A rock riff lasting all of 4 seconds plays, and repeats itself until you beat all the enemies. Not only you have to deal with the flaky buggy combat, but you have to stand the awful music. The first game's (PoP: SoT) music felt organic and fitting. The sequel's music feels uninspired, forced and incredibly repetitive.
Anyway, I'd score this an 8.5.
I'm on my second playthrough right now. I really like this game! Can't wait to try out time attack and combat arena on Live 
Anyway, I got the Water Sword (took all those 9 health upgrades) so now I can get that alternate ending. I hear it's really good, hints at a sequel. And the final boss is supposed to be different too.
Anyway, I got the Water Sword (took all those 9 health upgrades) so now I can get that alternate ending. I hear it's really good, hints at a sequel. And the final boss is supposed to be different too.
The second ending is the real one, that's for sure. In the first one you only see a glimpse of what will happen. In the second one there's a completely new and extended FMV. Really good, I recommend everyone to get it. POP3 isn't too far away I hope 
Teaser screens of the second ending
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v610/enversi/Evil2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v610/enversi/Evil.jpg
Teaser screens of the second ending
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v610/enversi/Evil2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v610/enversi/Evil.jpg
shpankey
not an idiot
Xbox version here. No glitches everything smooth and no probelms.
All I can say is holy shit this game is amazing. Every bit as good as SoT and I think better. The graphics are just gorgeous. I am using a Sony 36" direct view HDTV and playing in progressive scan and let me tell you, they are just breathtaking. What's weird is... I haven't experienced any slowdown or framerate problems whatsoever as some people are claiming. This game's framerate has been perfect for me for some reason, and I am a framerate whore! The level design and architecture is unmatched. It blows away the first game and even beats out games like Ico IMO.
I dunno why there is so much complaining about the music. For the most part it is the same as SoT but every once in awhile you get a heavy metal riff like when the Dahaka thing or whatever it is comes after you. It doesn't last long and I'd hardly call it distracting when it is so rare. For the most part, while adventuring the music is good traditional adventuring kind of stuff and is nice.
The game so far is amazingly long. I have spent 2 whole nights on just one level (the Clockwork level) and that's about halfway through the game, at least level wise. This is my 5th night playing and I'm only half way through so definately much MUCH longer than SoT.
As far as complaints about having to fight more, I don't really get it. All you have to do if you don't want to fight much is put the game on "Easy" difficulty. It makes the fighting a breeze and it won't take you long to rid any enemies then you can get back to adventuring and exploring. Having the game on Easy will not change any of your adventuring and platforming and puzzles, it will just make fighting easier and have less enemies. Perfect for those who don't want it. Also the game has so many more moves to beat the enemies in combat the fighting stays varied and all these new moves just make it that much more easy. So any complaints about fighting are unwaranted IMO.
So if you liked SoT you are gonna love this game. It's deeper, longer, better graphics, way better fighting and just astonishing architecture and atmosphere that will blow you away. I love this game.
I give it a 9.7 as it's probably the best game I've played this year and should not be missed. Trust me on this.
p.s. how do i get that second ending you spoke of?
All I can say is holy shit this game is amazing. Every bit as good as SoT and I think better. The graphics are just gorgeous. I am using a Sony 36" direct view HDTV and playing in progressive scan and let me tell you, they are just breathtaking. What's weird is... I haven't experienced any slowdown or framerate problems whatsoever as some people are claiming. This game's framerate has been perfect for me for some reason, and I am a framerate whore! The level design and architecture is unmatched. It blows away the first game and even beats out games like Ico IMO.
I dunno why there is so much complaining about the music. For the most part it is the same as SoT but every once in awhile you get a heavy metal riff like when the Dahaka thing or whatever it is comes after you. It doesn't last long and I'd hardly call it distracting when it is so rare. For the most part, while adventuring the music is good traditional adventuring kind of stuff and is nice.
The game so far is amazingly long. I have spent 2 whole nights on just one level (the Clockwork level) and that's about halfway through the game, at least level wise. This is my 5th night playing and I'm only half way through so definately much MUCH longer than SoT.
As far as complaints about having to fight more, I don't really get it. All you have to do if you don't want to fight much is put the game on "Easy" difficulty. It makes the fighting a breeze and it won't take you long to rid any enemies then you can get back to adventuring and exploring. Having the game on Easy will not change any of your adventuring and platforming and puzzles, it will just make fighting easier and have less enemies. Perfect for those who don't want it. Also the game has so many more moves to beat the enemies in combat the fighting stays varied and all these new moves just make it that much more easy. So any complaints about fighting are unwaranted IMO.
So if you liked SoT you are gonna love this game. It's deeper, longer, better graphics, way better fighting and just astonishing architecture and atmosphere that will blow you away. I love this game.
I give it a 9.7 as it's probably the best game I've played this year and should not be missed. Trust me on this.
p.s. how do i get that second ending you spoke of?
You gotta find all those 9 Life Upgrade Pedestals.shpankey said:
http://cheats.ign.com/ob2/068/654/654733.html
It's definitely worth getting. The first ending is just a teaser of the real one.
Luscious LeftFoot
Member
I'm liking the game a lot more than I thought I would.
Music sucks, and the generic rage is godawful (although, it does makes sense that his character would be like that), but the combat is fun and the story seems interesting.
Music sucks, and the generic rage is godawful (although, it does makes sense that his character would be like that), but the combat is fun and the story seems interesting.
FrenchMovieTheme
Member
i want to buy this game, but i think i'll wait until its $30 or less in a couple months.
Luscious LeftFoot
Member
shpankey said:
I'm pretty sure you can still get them all. Back tracking is a bitch though...
shpankey
not an idiot
i was trying last night and this morning but can't figure out how i can get back to the earlier levels. i can backtrack ok once i get there, just getting to the level is the problem. is there a level select cheat that will allow me to maintain my progress in the game? i REAAAAALLLLY want that special ending, as i heard it blows away the normal one.
Ok I just picked this game up last night. Target had it for 32 bucks (It was also the last Xbox copy too SALES GIANT) so I figure I would take a chance on it. I've played it for about an hour, and as soon as I saw that CGI ass walk up the steps I told myself I wouldn't let the setting get me down. As an aside, I'd rather see a chick with a nice body and showing it off as a protaganist than a half naked male. Anyway, back to the game, the combat is better. I do like the free form combat system but I think there are things that can make it better. First of all, the amount of attacks is nice, but in a way the fighting in this game reminds me of Mortal Kombat in the mindset that all the attacks are preset canned combos. It isn't just the attacks, but the animation is a bit stiff too in the same way. On the other hand, Ninja Gaiden reminds me more like street fighter in the way the action takes place. More elegant and smoother moving, plus the animation is much better. Having said that, this isn't the greatness of NG, but it isn't horrible. PoP:WW would probably be considered some of the best action in an adventure game if it wasn't for Ninja Gaiden. The graphics in Warrior Within are pretty good too. The only complaint I have is segments being too grey. It looks good for what it is, but the setting in the present seems dull. The colors when you go to the past are much more vibrant. At least what I have seen. The grey color of the present also sometimes makes it hard to see where to jump around in your surroundings.
The platforming sections have been pretty good. Some nice jumps that make you think. Again, in a way, Ninja Gaiden has also tarnished this aspect for me. Even something as simple as wall running you still have to hold onto the R trigger. In Gaiden all you need to do is run on the wall while moving and Ryu will automatically wall run. This leads to some cooler platforming segments in Ninja Gaiden as well where you run from wall to wall, building speed and then flipping up onto a higher platform. Not bad, but I had hoped for some simplification so you don't need to use as many buttons. I think Warrior Within makes you use more buttons than you should have too to do some platforming.
Couple other minor complaints:
1) What is with the prince grunting and screaming? I don't remember that from the demo. Here I am taking out some birds with my stick in the beginning and the Prince is going "ARRRRRH" "OHHHH". It caught me by surprise and I had to pause the game 'cause it made me laugh. Come on UBI.
2) Music. Nuff said
3) Some of the fighting aspects could still be refined. The battle system could be smarter. Maybe I need more practice, but sometimes when I get close to an enemy as I want to jump over him I accidentally springboard off of him backwards. And I have had a couple deaths where I spring board myself over a ledge!!!!
Secondly, with doing jumping attacks off walls the game shouldn't let you do them near a cliff. I did one near an edge and I hit the enemy and went flying off the ledge. It gets frustrating sometimes fighting in this game when stuff like that happens.
All in all, not a horrible game so far. Better than I thought it would be but it is just like I thought it would be in some aspects. Due to the increase in fighting abilities, I know I'll like this game better than PoP: SoT. But I don't think it will be a better game overall.
The platforming sections have been pretty good. Some nice jumps that make you think. Again, in a way, Ninja Gaiden has also tarnished this aspect for me. Even something as simple as wall running you still have to hold onto the R trigger. In Gaiden all you need to do is run on the wall while moving and Ryu will automatically wall run. This leads to some cooler platforming segments in Ninja Gaiden as well where you run from wall to wall, building speed and then flipping up onto a higher platform. Not bad, but I had hoped for some simplification so you don't need to use as many buttons. I think Warrior Within makes you use more buttons than you should have too to do some platforming.
Couple other minor complaints:
1) What is with the prince grunting and screaming? I don't remember that from the demo. Here I am taking out some birds with my stick in the beginning and the Prince is going "ARRRRRH" "OHHHH". It caught me by surprise and I had to pause the game 'cause it made me laugh. Come on UBI.
2) Music. Nuff said
3) Some of the fighting aspects could still be refined. The battle system could be smarter. Maybe I need more practice, but sometimes when I get close to an enemy as I want to jump over him I accidentally springboard off of him backwards. And I have had a couple deaths where I spring board myself over a ledge!!!!
Secondly, with doing jumping attacks off walls the game shouldn't let you do them near a cliff. I did one near an edge and I hit the enemy and went flying off the ledge. It gets frustrating sometimes fighting in this game when stuff like that happens.All in all, not a horrible game so far. Better than I thought it would be but it is just like I thought it would be in some aspects. Due to the increase in fighting abilities, I know I'll like this game better than PoP: SoT. But I don't think it will be a better game overall.
siamesedreamer
Banned
The stupid red jumping chicks are annoying as hell. What's the best way to defeat them? Hacking them to death seems to be impossible to do - like you have to kill them with a special move (even though when you try to jump over them they block you).
Luscious LeftFoot
Member
siamesedreamer said:
Just block their combo's and counter, it's easiest way to kill them.
You can also try running up a wall and hitting the attack button, which make you do some sort of backflip attack that does a lot of damage. If you have two swords it does a sort spin flip --I think that kills them instantly.
Edit* There's some ninja chicks later that are even worse.
FrenchMovieTheme
Member
i'm liking the game so far, but everything feels like you are running underwater. its not to be confused with the jittery/crappy graphics of the ps2 version. the ENTIRE game feels "slow". but other than that its good