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drkeiscool
Aug 1, 2014
Soiled Meat

Zedsdeadbaby posted:

You know you've failed as a developer when all you're associated with are your terrible romance gimmicks and not your actual stories and/or gameplay. This is despite Bioware making some truly incredible games in the past, yet they did the equivalent of loving one goat and now it's all they hear about.

Bioware's best work imo was Mass Effect 2; the actual plot was silly, but the character writing was the strongest in the industry at the time, and probably still is. There's a reason people quoted stupid memes about Garrus and Tali and whoever else even though they were only heavily featured in one or two games. Bioware, unfortunately, hasn't really hit that peak since.

They just can't catch a break, either. Dragon Age 2 was a rushed mess, Mass Effect 3's ending was a little controversial to say the least, and even if Andromeda wasn't made by the main studio, it still has Bioware's name on it. I never really got into Inquisition, so I can't comment on it.

I think the worst thing about all this is that I hope that Bioware succeeds, but I don't have the faith that they will, and if they don't, EA will probably just shutter them. I've never been a Bioware fan per se, but I've always been happy that they were making games. They've always... been there. It'd be like if Bethesda were to shut down. It might be easy to criticize their output, but they've been around since before I remember, and it feels wrong somehow for a developer that's been making games since I was three years old to just disappear.

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A 50S RAYGUN
Aug 22, 2011
i hope this game is good. i'm not sure how much it'll hold my attention if it's only pve, but i'm a sucker for robots so i'm gonna buy the 100 dollar version anyway.

The REAL Goobusters
Apr 25, 2008
I'll let you guys beta test the game for me

Eastbound Spider
Jan 2, 2011



Thank you for your service god bless :canada:

marshmallow creep
Dec 10, 2008

I've been sitting here for 5 mins trying to think of a joke to make but I just realised the animators of Mass Effect already did it for me

Inquisition had really strong character writing but a lot of people couldn't past the game play which is more action game than strategy anything and set in a world that looks and feels like a bit like a repurposed MMO. It also has a strong middle but and absolute wet fart of an ending unless you get the Trespasser dlc, which has a few intense boss sequences and a good actual ending.

I almost let them rope me back in with Andromeda. I ran the thread, but at least I never bought the game.

Perestroika
Apr 8, 2010

marshmallow creep posted:

Inquisition had really strong character writing but a lot of people couldn't past the game play which is more action game than strategy anything and set in a world that looks and feels like a bit like a repurposed MMO. It also has a strong middle but and absolute wet fart of an ending unless you get the Trespasser dlc, which has a few intense boss sequences and a good actual ending.

I almost let them rope me back in with Andromeda. I ran the thread, but at least I never bought the game.

Yeah, Inquisition is also just padded all to gently caress. There's a ludicrous amount of optional poo poo to do, and the game doesn't particularly advertise which of those activities yield useful results and which are just filler. But it did manage something that very few other RPGs do, which is making the player's side feel actually capable. Instead of just running around putting out fires and gambling everything on some 11th hour bossfight, you instead formulate an actual plan on how to deal with the antagonist, put it into action, and dismantle his plans pretty thoroughly every step of the way. That was pretty cool.

Meme Poker Party
Sep 1, 2006

by Azathoth
I'd say Inquisition was ok. Had some fun but didn't finish it.

Good: Generally entertaining characters, lots of content, cool enough home base, good production values.

Bad: Poor pacing/level system (you quickly outgrow most content if you do a lot of side stuff), tedious and boring itemization, several characters that would make Whedon blush.

ICR
Dec 31, 2008

Nothing crazy in here, but new article: https://www.theverge.com/e3/2018/6/21/17487916/anthem-bioware-preview-casey-hudson-interview-e3-2018

Basically, it’s trying to explain they’re gonna do their Bioware story everybody knows and combine into Destiny action.

I...I don’t think we will be getting that Bioware story we all know and love with barebones dialogue options already confirmed.

Casey Hudson and Mark Darrah have said that every play through is different because of the choices you make, but I have no idea how that transfers over in Co-Op play. The terrain changes are part of your choices, as well as how NPCs treat you.

But I still can’t get my Javelove on.

Zedsdeadbaby
Jun 14, 2008

You have been called out, in the ways of old.
I really hope they don't make the story the #1 focus though. The story in this kind of game is about as integral to the whole thing as it is to porn.
Bioware needs to focus on making sure it's got a decent feedback loop and a meaty endgame. Nobody cares about the story, they will bomb through it real quick on day 1 and then spend the next 20-30 days chasing loot.

feller
Jul 5, 2006


I would NOT have played MH if the story wasn't so good so i disagree with you there brother

Cythereal
Nov 8, 2009

I love the potoo,
and the potoo loves you.

Zedsdeadbaby posted:

Nobody cares about the story, they will bomb through it real quick on day 1 and then spend the next 20-30 days chasing loot.

I, for one, won't buy it unless it has a good story. A decent story with decent character is what I shop Bioware for.

ICR
Dec 31, 2008

When you’re talking to Bioware, sometimes you have to gingerly let them know that your game may suck, but it better not...so here’s what we are thinking. One of the game directors just answered these. Dodgy, but I enjoy reading off the cuff responses like these:

1) While we know Strongholds are going to be the mainstay of the endgame, we are unaware of how many there will be. If there are only 3 or 4 strongholds in the endgame it will lean towards getting extremely stale very quickly. Can we get an approximation as to how many strongholds there will be? Also will there be difficulty levels for the strongholds to play them at higher difficulties for higher rewards? (The latter question I think was answered but I have to look it up).

Answer: 1) Can't give numbers. But I'm not sure that's the root of what you're asking. I think what you want to know is will there be a set amount of static strongholds at launch with no reason to return to them, and my answer would be no. There will be several reasons to replay strongholds, to the point that I don't think quantity of strongholds really gives you any meaningful answer. If I said 20, and you can only play them once and you've experienced all they will ever have to offer, I don't think that's necessarily a better answer than one, which has lots of reasons to return. It's the whole 'How many maps does League of Legends have' type of question. Different game, but I hope you get where I'm going with that

2) Story is an important part to the Bioware brand. Generally story is left on the backburner for the looter shooter RPG genre. While I am not worried about how much lore there will be in the game, I worry about the length of the campaign in terms of world building. I know this question cannot be answered so it'll have to wait till reviews come out to see how long the story lasts.

Answer given: 2) I would give a similar answer. I think the 'How many hours is the critical path' question is a dated one. If you asked GTA 5 that question, what does the answer mean? In a game like Anthem, there has been lots and lots of effort around world building. And that manifests itself in many places, not just traditional critical path storytelling. So I would say there are lots of mysteries to discover and rocks to turn over. I couldn't begin to guess how many hours of total content we will launch with to 'discover it all'

3) Mark has been quoted as saying we will be able to get all four Javelins before the first 25% of the game. This makes Point 2 above even more worrisome as that seems like a very short time to get all of the Javelins. I know the looter shooter genre is based in longevity of the endgame, but as a Bioware fan, I want the journey to the endgame to take awhile so we can explore more lore.

Answer given: 3) we want to give you your suits as fast as possible that makes sense. That is part of the power of player choice. I don't want you to be stuck with one playstyle that you may not particularly like much. I want you to make that choice. And since you can freely switch between javelins once they are unlocked, this is a bit of a change between other games. I would phrase it more like... The suits themselves aren't a major progression piece, but the equipment ON the suits (customization) are the focus. Think Diablo. Classes aren't the important piece, but the equipment progression is. Does that make sense?

4) Casey Hudson stated that there will be world changing events such as the following: “We thought, what if we have a game where the whole point of the experience is for everyone to talk about what’s going on right now?” says Hudson. “‘There’s going to be a huge snowstorm that’s gonna hit next Saturday.’ And every day the weather starts getting crazier and crazier, and then on Saturday, everything hits, everyone shows up to see what’s going on, and there’s a whole different set of things you get to do in the game.”

While that sounds great in concept, just from being sold similar set pieces in other games (Destiny and Division), it's felt a lot more underwhelming than the initial concept. Is this something we will see within the launch month or are these larger events that will happen much further out from launch? I know this question is super vague, sorry :(

Answer given: 4) Very good question. I will preface my answer by saying that often there is a grey area between being taken literally in a press/marketing context and being evocative. Saying the world is dynamic means different things to different people. Expectations range from person to person. I can't talk about our plans post-launch, but I can say Casey is saying we have built the game with a dynamic world in mind. This has many implications. Tools, tech, crafting stories, etc. So I can't tell you how well we will live up to your post launch expectation, but I can say it's something I'm very passionate about personally, and am putting a great deal of effort into executing.



I’m hearing them talk Diablo a lot...which makes me feel they’re going ARPG over MMO route. Which, I’m more than happy with.

Over little nuggets of newer information, some that matters, most that doesn’t:

BioWare says that systemic events like changing weather or incoming alien attacks will also be a major focus.

There will be dynamic events that alter the game, and much of it is built around seasons. As the weather changes on the alien world, you’ll experience different conditions, new creatures, and even new story elements as the storyline progresses.

quote:

From new Ben Scott interview. Ben Scott is the guy who only works on raids/strongholds. End-Game Content:

- The end game is really important!
- The end game gets more important the day after launch.
- Replayability is a core goal of the content.
- The community is going to help us improve, shape, and drive the long-term direction of the end game content. We will involve you and we will listen to you!
- The end game should be accessible to as much of the community as possible. BUT it shouldn't be watered down in the name of accessibility!
- Content can be difficult, exciting, rewarding, and still be accessible.
- It should NOT foster toxicity or elitism.
- It SHOULD reward achievement, skill, and mastery.
- Easy to understand, difficult to master.
- Puzzles, secrets, and discovery is cool!

Skills have a Point-Unlock System, and you will have the option to Respec your Freelancer.

Cosmetics are Javelin specific.

Colossus, aka the best javelin and super cool Marvel superhero, will have a deployable shield as one of his skills.

And this isn’t news, but I’m being an awful, broken record about clan sizes not being capped at 100. I’m coming from Destiny and I hate that cap. I need like, 102 so I can account for every goon that will be buying this game because you will fall for the trap like you always do.

ICR fucked around with this message at 18:37 on Jun 23, 2018

ICR
Dec 31, 2008

Raids got de-confirmed. Sounds like it’s strongholds only. And they’re sounding closer and closer to Incursions from Division. They’re going to be 20-40 minutes long.

So, strongholds are your endgame content.

A 50S RAYGUN
Aug 22, 2011
aren't incursions p much raids? i don't remember the division naming etymology.

also the only end-game activity being 20-40 minutes will be a tough sell for some.

Zedsdeadbaby
Jun 14, 2008

You have been called out, in the ways of old.
The thing to remember is that it's a Diablo-style loot chase endgame, not a dungeon/raid crawler like Warcraft or Destiny. There are obviously fixed loot in fixed places, but the developers have been giving the distinct impression that this is more Diablo than Destiny.

ICR
Dec 31, 2008

Zedsdeadbaby posted:

The thing to remember is that it's a Diablo-style loot chase endgame, not a dungeon/raid crawler like Warcraft or Destiny. There are obviously fixed loot in fixed places, but the developers have been giving the distinct impression that this is more Diablo than Destiny.

Which really excites me. It’ll be great to see what that means. I just hope it has great loot variety and a lot to chase.

Give me that Diablo 2 FPS game, Bioware. Redeem yourselves.

Meme Poker Party
Sep 1, 2006

by Azathoth

SUN GOD AVATAR posted:

Give me that Diablo 2 FPS game

Warframe

ICR
Dec 31, 2008


Great game. Ok ok, give me Diablo 2 2: FPS Loot Edition.

gently caress, I’m gonna lose this one I just know it.

Mercurius
May 4, 2004

Amp it up.

SUN GOD AVATAR posted:

Great game. Ok ok, give me Diablo 2 2: FPS Loot Edition.

gently caress, I’m gonna lose this one I just know it.
It's okay, friend. I'm here because I make bad decisions and like Bioware even if they're basically trash now. I'll be here to enjoy the bad iron man MMO with you.

ICR
Dec 31, 2008

Thank you mercurius. This is that time for us bad decision makers to bond together. It is critical to the success of this small indie studio.

Meme Poker Party
Sep 1, 2006

by Azathoth
This is a safe space for all fans of bad games.

I play Star Wars Battlefront 2.

ICR
Dec 31, 2008

Chomp8645 posted:

This is a safe space for all fans of bad games.

I play Star Wars Battlefront 2.

That’s how I knew you were good people. I saw the OP. And I played the game for awhile.

Bad Gamers Unite.

TheTrend
Feb 4, 2005
I have a descriminating toe

Do not read this thread. Do not believe his lies.


Also I want this to be warframe/borderlands in a cool aesthetic which is what this is shaping up to be, but much like what made borderlands go south (bad writing lack of content updates) and what makes warframe good (free to play the fastest content roll out of like any game ever) are both weak points for modern bioware. I just want to see COMBO in big yellow block letters and log in for a 2 hour story content pack everything now and then.

Meme Poker Party
Sep 1, 2006

by Azathoth
Kinda curious how they say the dialogue/cutscene/whatever choices are suspended when in a party but at the same time they make it clear the game is best played with a party and not solo.


imo they should just do the SWTOR thing where if you're in a party each player just rolls for the chance to be the one who speaks. It could be pretty entertaining playing as a SUPER BI-POLAR SQUAD who randomly does heroic or evil deeds based on dice. Better than an a locked-in default path anyway!

ICR
Dec 31, 2008

TheTrend posted:

Do not read this thread. Do not believe his lies.


Also I want this to be warframe/borderlands in a cool aesthetic which is what this is shaping up to be, but much like what made borderlands go south (bad writing lack of content updates) and what makes warframe good (free to play the fastest content roll out of like any game ever) are both weak points for modern bioware. I just want to see COMBO in big yellow block letters and log in for a 2 hour story content pack everything now and then.

First off, hello friend and trust me, you WANT to BELIEVE these TRUTHS.

Secondly, those combo letters are going away. Mark Darrah has already said one of their first pieces of feedback they received from the floor demo was that people hated seeing the big numbers and letters. So there will be a way to toggle those off. You’ll want to do that, trust me like you always have.

Chomp8645 posted:

Kinda curious how they say the dialogue/cutscene/whatever choices are suspended when in a party but at the same time they make it clear the game is best played with a party and not solo.


imo they should just do the SWTOR thing where if you're in a party each player just rolls for the chance to be the one who speaks. It could be pretty entertaining playing as a SUPER BI-POLAR SQUAD who randomly does heroic or evil deeds based on dice. Better than an a locked-in default path anyway!

I’m curious about this too. Basically the entire SWTOR team is working on this game. They’ve learned a ton from that game but I have no idea what that means.

The guy designing the Strongholds also designed the Flashpoints for SWTOR.

CottonWolf
Jul 20, 2012

Good ideas generator

Chomp8645 posted:

This is a safe space for all fans of bad games.

I play Star Wars Battlefront 2.

...I like Dragon Age 2.

Meme Poker Party
Sep 1, 2006

by Azathoth

CottonWolf posted:

...I like Dragon Age 2.

:stonk:

QuasiQuack
Jun 13, 2010

Ducks hockey baybee
I enjoyed Andromeda



Edit:

SUN GOD AVATAR posted:


Secondly, those combo letters are going away. Mark Darrah has already said one of their first pieces of feedback they received from the floor demo was that people hated seeing the big numbers and letters. So there will be a way to toggle those off. You’ll want to do that, trust me like you always have.


The first time I was watching the E3-reveal and saw a yellow number cover the ENTIRE enemy model I burst out laughing. What were they thinking?

ICR
Dec 31, 2008

Yeah that was a boneheaded move. I remember watching the stream and it was endless “WTF GET THAT OFF THE SCREEN ANNOYING!!” chatter. Was hilarious to read.

Their E3 reveal was so bad. The floor demo got a ton of love from people and journalists. Maybe one day, EA/Bioware* will learn how to do this stuff.

*or maybe there won’t be a next time. Do not gently caress this up Bioware. This is supposed to be amazing.

ICR
Dec 31, 2008



Please for the love of god don’t do what Destiny did. Release clan chat at the very least.

ICR
Dec 31, 2008

6 tiers of loot confirmed.

Common/Uncommon/Rare/Legendary/Exotic/Ancient

And finally something different than Destiny.

https://twitter.com/BioMarkDarrah/status/1013133804267974656

So you can equip as many Ancients as you want.

ICR
Dec 31, 2008

Also, gamers asking the hard hitting questions. Mark Darrah confirmed it’s a no. I wanted all of you to be sure to know this in case you aren’t allowed.



I look forward to playing with you icestone, since now I know you can play.

A 50S RAYGUN
Aug 22, 2011
growing up, i played steel battalion with a Jehovah's witness. i was like 12 -14 but he seemed like an alright guy and would hate it when people swore very strongly and hated excessive violence, nudity or gore. i thought it was a religious objection so i did my best to tone down my language. i found out years later he just didn't like those things and i felt deceived.

Cythereal
Nov 8, 2009

I love the potoo,
and the potoo loves you.

SUN GOD AVATAR posted:

Also, gamers asking the hard hitting questions. Mark Darrah confirmed it’s a no. I wanted all of you to be sure to know this in case you aren’t allowed.



I look forward to playing with you icestone, since now I know you can play.

They said at E3 that there would be no romances of any kind in the game, so this isn't news.

ICR
Dec 31, 2008

Cythereal posted:

They said at E3 that there would be no romances of any kind in the game, so this isn't news.

This young man’s tweet was about one-night stands and the occasional tinder response.

OK OK, good point. I concede. Here’s some actual news:

https://mobile.twitter.com/BioMarkDarrah/status/1013160264433201153

https://mobile.twitter.com/BioMarkDarrah/status/1013162603994992640

So the trailer was...inaccurate to say the least. Grenades are for Rangers only.

ICR
Dec 31, 2008

Not that this is indicative of anything, but hey, always nice to see some love. Anthem won two E3 Critics awards for Best PC Game and Best Action Game.

http://www.gamecriticsawards.com/winners.html

ICR
Dec 31, 2008

Latest little piece of news is there is a day/night cycle and it lasts for an hour in game.

Gonna traverse the night like Batman.

Raged
Jul 21, 2003

SUN GOD AVATAR posted:

Raids got de-confirmed. Sounds like it’s strongholds only. And they’re sounding closer and closer to Incursions from Division. They’re going to be 20-40 minutes long.

So, strongholds are your endgame content.

So, the endgame will be utter poo poo then

Mr. Meagles
Apr 30, 2004

Out here, everything hurts


YOU'RE NOT GONNA TRICK ME A 5TH TIME

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Owl Inspector
Sep 14, 2011

As someone who's allergic to the word "raid" and just hopes this is a fun action game with some good repeatability/staying power, it sounds fine to me so far

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