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Amaya wrote:Just saying that The Burning Crusade and Wrath of the Lich King actually added complexity to WoW and upped the skill cap aside from the occasional FOTM faceroll spec. Cataclysm is the first expansion to arguably step backwards and dumb down the game.
Granted, that remark wasn't referring to dumbed-down game mechanics but rather the lore rape that came with BC and went on from there. I used to like the original Warcraft setting from WC3 - and whilst basic WoW was still "close enough" to it, each expansion fethed it up some more in order to appease a specific target demographic out of such stunning reasons like "the Horde needs a sexy race" (actual quote). It's why the devs were recently forced to admit that the entire franchise is no longer able to be considered consistent, renouncing their earlier stance that all the officially released material, especially the rather detailed P&P RPG, is compatible with and complementing each other.
Fo' shame. That said, of course I understand the marketing reasons behind them, and I'm sure that I'm in a minority concerning such "hardcore" attitudes about canon and lore consistency. Yet for me it's a big part of the overall gameplay experience. No consistency = no immersion.
Aldarionn wrote:The idea that the galactic cycle must continue in all circumstances is narrow minded and reminiscent of a broken machine repeating a task it was assigned that made sense at the time, but no longer does.
To be fair, that's what the Catalyst admits when confronted with the hard truth that the Cycles are not perfect - that organics can potentially resist the Harvest and break them. Just a chance, of course, and this Cycle's species would have still failed. But what about the next? Or the Cycle after it? It's a chance no different from the risk of synthetic rebellion.
I'm playing devil's advocate on this one, because I agree this part could've been done better. I just don't think it deserves that level of hate it currently gets from the internets.
As for the geth' act of rebellion (which is also called that way in the game's own Codex), I guess a more accurate comparison might be the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising?
What's funny is how my perception of the geth changed in ME3. In all prior games, I was firmly with the hardliner quarians, thinking that I'd like to present Tali with her homeworld on a silver platter, that the quarians should fight to take back what is theirs. It was not before seeing those recordings that I began to think that both sides have a point and that they should work out their differences in a peaceful way. A rather sad truth - in a way, the geth never wanted to be anything more than faithful servants.
Chemical Cutthroat wrote:@Aldarion - All the more reason to kick back and play some mulitplayer. I admit it's been my fault, as I have been spending more time painting than gaming... but hey, this is a Wargaming forum, I think that's a good thing.
We'll have to have a long-distance drink while fragging some Reapers at some point in time.
Sounds good. I'll be playing sometime tonight, and likely tomorrow during the day as well.
"Duty is heavier than a mountain, death lighter than a feather."
@Lynata & Chemical Cutthroat: Thanks for the pep talk. It is nice to see I am not alone on these fears and even better to see you all commenting on some of the positives. I still am looking forward to some good games like The Last Guardian.
Lynata wrote:
Spoiler:
Lord Scythican wrote:I haven't like the progression of gaming in the last few years either. The trends in gaming are picking up things that I don't like. You young ones might not see it or you are pulling the wool over your eyes.
You know, entirely independent from the whole ME debate, I do harbor similar fears. It's true, games are looking better and better and more real with every year - but on the downside, I see a loss in depth and complexity. Stuff gets "dumbed down" because some bean counters in management feel that a particular title will sell better if it requires less thinking. And the worst thing is - they seem to be right. Makes you feel like being a dinosaur instead of the driving force of the future we once considered ourselves to be as this new technology started to become commonplace.
Still, as the Cutthroat said, there will probably always be something fun out there. It just gets harder to find, and occasionally you'll have to face disappointment when a franchise you used to like is hit by this development. For me, titles that have evoked this feeling include Dragon Age 2, The Force Unleashed, or the WoW expansions. Yet for every such title, I've found at least one counter-example that had me delve deeply into its world and soak it up with newfound enthusiasm.
In terms of indy games, I can recommend Mount & Blade. It's quite awesome.
Bean counters. You are right there...just look at Angry Birds.
Chemical Cutthroat wrote:
Spoiler:
It's a strange and interesting time for gaming. With the explosion of downloadable titles, streaming, cloud serviecs... there's a lot of potential, for both good and evil.
I don't want to derail this away from Mass Effect, but the DLC argument comes up pretty hard in this title, so I feel it doesn't go too far off topic.
As I said, I'm not unhappy with Mass Effect as a whole. The game has brought me way more enjoyment than most, and I think it's unfair to let a crappy ending ruin all the other great gameplay moments for me. If I can enjoy Skyrim, a terribly buggy game with a crappy ending, I can certainly enjoy Mass Effect.
Gaming as a whole is gradually going to develop into some kind of strange turf-war I think. Slowly but surely, I'm being pulled back to the PC, due to the deluge of great Indie titles you can pick up for cheap. Whereas other games charge you for the game... and then charge you for more stuff down the road. Admittedly, some DLC is more exploitive than others, but others supply genuinely good content, at reasonable prices. Especially when you think of the time crunch so many of these big budget titles are on, DLC makes sense as they can get the game out, and then add things to it later. Rather than what happened early on in gaming, where if something didn't fit initially it was cut never to be seen again, we get a chance to see a more complete game as things are refined over time.
And then there's the whole Capcom thing... but I don't want to start a DLC rant.
All in all, I'm trying to be positive. Games are fun for me, if there is nothing on the market that looks fun, then I won't buy them. When I first slipped and fell into Minecraft, it was a complete joy. That joy has failed to fade... it does exactly what I want in a game. Exploration, fun, adventure, creation...
When games stop being fun, I'll stop playing them. Try and buck up L. Scythican, there will be other things out there that will entice and amaze. I'm sure there will be a point where there is a gaming rebellion once a company reaches too far... but we haven't hit that yet... and there are still cool companies out there who want to make fun stuff for us to play.
Keep your chin up sir.
You are right there. Just because there is a lot of stuff I don't like, doesn't mean I can't find a few enjoyable titles. I don't know what my breaking point will be. I know I am troubled by enjoying a game greatly and then getting shafted by sequels that cash in on the other game's success. It wouldn't be so bad if the games were made to be better.
I guess as long as I get games like Dead Space, Deus Ex, and a few others I will be happy.
As for Mass Effect, do any of you remember that feeling you had while watching The Avengers? I wanted that feeling at the end of Mass Effect 3. Is that too much to ask?
People wanted a predictable, happy, hollywood ending and no one should ever not make one of those.
You're...entirely wrong, though.
I was EXPECTING Shepard to die. That's how I figured it would end. I would have been disappointed in a happy ending because Mass Effect is hardly happy.
The ending that was given is gak. The employee who left Bioware after ME3 was released said EA rushed Bioware into making the ending quickly because they were already, reportedly, 3 months beyond schedule.
So, the two tops guys whose names I forget were the sole people who made the ending. They didn't consult the rest of the team on the ending, they just put it in and rushed the game out.
The ending isn't what Bioware actually wanted, its what EA made them pull out of their ass.
The ending is just plain bad, and Bioware would tell you that themselves if they could.
Actually, he isn't entirely wrong - which gets obvious when you listen to the rants on the BSN forums. People throw around all kinds of ... weird opinions there. And yes, I've certainly seen a large number of "omg Shep dies wtf" posts and people campaigning for the aforementioned "Disney ending". Here is just one example. Are they the majority of the haters? Here is where it gets fuzzy. At a glance, it's like there are a dozen sub-groups who are united only in that the ending isn't what they wished for. The funny thing is, if BioWare would truly give in and change the ending, they'd still complain, only about different things!
Hell, I've even seen utterly clueless people who thought the Catalyst is the "ghost" of the kid from Earth or some gak. The demotivationals you posted follow the same route. "Ending: Blow up universe in red, blue or green" - really? Either that is extremely simplified and completely dismisses the actual repercussions of these choices, or it was made by another one of those clueless people who didn't really pay attention to the story. But hey, it has always been more fun to go with the flow.
In fact, the whole thing reminds me of a sketch from the Muppet Show:
It's like an anti-hype. People who enjoyed 99% of the game come onto the internets with minor complaints and then collect and escalate each other's (at times actually valid) concerns to ridiculous levels as if they'd feed on the unleashed rage because it was "the worst thing they ever played". That said, the contagion theory is nothing new in the field of crowd psychology.
I've never been able to witness it this intensely "from the outside", though.
@Canuck: That was a pretty interesting read - I wasn't even aware of these minor differences and thought there were "only" three endings.
Now, there are some valid criticisms to be raised (and partially BioWare or rather EA's marketing is at fault, too, for raising people's expectations to levels that could not possibly be fulfilled), so one shouldn't dismiss any and all negative opinions outright. I'm just strongly opposed to what I regard as a completely counterproductive and actually somewhat embarassing overreaction about a combination of minor flaws and unfulfilled wishful thinking, or because BioWare "dared" to do a Sean Bean on Shep.
Karon counters point that "ME3 IS WORST ENDING EVAR!!!!" an internet meme gone wrong with internet memes.
@Lynata
I'm right there with you. Don't know if you followed this thread http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/210/436319.page#4081865 but I've never been so embarrassed to be a gamer before. The whole series has been ruined for me because of this unrelenting force of belligerent dorks.
Still, I won't allow the haters to ruin the franchise for me, and you shouldn't either. The setting is too awesome and I've enjoyed the games so far more than enough not to drop it just because some other people on the internet don't like it.
In fact, I'm currently working on a P&P adaption using the AGE rules from the Dragon Age RPG. Fortunately, my tabletop group feels the same way I do about the ending. After I told them how I perceived it, one of them said: "Congratulations, you're not emotionally ret*rded."
Can't wait for any new DLC, and can't wait for the upcoming Mass Effect anime either. I'm also still addicted to ME3's multiplayer and play 2-3 rounds each evening after work.
I've criticized some of BioWare's decisions in the part (particularly about DA2 or TOR), but I think I will remain a loyal customer for some more time. I've got way too much fun being one.
My only wish is that the people who, by their own words, don't like the game would finally shut up and stop spamming and instead go away to a game they like better. But, oh wonder, I don't see that coming either.
PS: the spamming part doesn't refer to this thread here, but to the countless repetetive rants on BSN or the random off-topic comments on BioWare's FB page or various youtube videos
This message was edited 3 times. Last update was at 2012/05/09 22:15:22
KamikazeCanuck wrote:Karon counters point that "ME3 IS WORST ENDING EVAR!!!!" an internet meme gone wrong with internet memes.
@Lynata
I'm right there with you. Don't know if you followed this thread http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/210/436319.page#4081865 but I've never been so embarrassed to be a gamer before. The whole series has been ruined for me because of this unrelenting force of belligerent dorks.
Did you not see this part of my post? The important part?
I was EXPECTING Shepard to die. That's how I figured it would end. I would have been disappointed in a happy ending because Mass Effect is hardly happy.
The ending that was given is gak. The employee who left Bioware after ME3 was released said EA rushed Bioware into making the ending quickly because they were already, reportedly, 3 months beyond schedule.
So, the two tops guys whose names I forget were the sole people who made the ending. They didn't consult the rest of the team on the ending, they just put it in and rushed the game out.
The ending isn't what Bioware actually wanted, its what EA made them pull out of their ass.
The ending is just plain bad, and Bioware would tell you that themselves if they could.
WTH?? When was this announced?? I'm all for an ME anime provided it doesn't just follow Shepards story given that Shepard is meant to be "ours". Count me interested regardless.
When the rich rage war it's the poor who die
Armies I have: Chaos Space Marines, Tau, Necrons, High Elves
Armies I want:Lizardmen, Warriors Of Chaos, Dark Eldar
Armies I may get: Dark Angels, Tomb Kings, Vampire Counts
johnscott10 wrote:WTH?? When was this announced?? I'm all for an ME anime provided it doesn't just follow Shepards story given that Shepard is meant to be "ours". Count me interested regardless.
From what I've heard, it's gonna be about Vega.
Yeah, yeah, I could imagine more interesting characters, too. I actually liked him well enough to enjoy the occasional dialogue, but for me, he still he never had a chance against Garrus and Liara (or Tali, whenever I could squeeze her into my squad). Not sure how much this was influenced by me simply being "more used" to the two due to the previous games. But hey, I'm gonna take what I can get, and who knows how his character will be developed/explored in the anime. Plus, I'm sure he will have a couple sidekicks and acquaintances!
It's going to be produced by Studio I.G. - the guys who made Ghost in the Shell:
Wild guess: it's gonna play in exactly the 6 months in which Shepard is conveniently locked away on Earth...
This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2012/05/10 01:07:02
KamikazeCanuck wrote:Yes Karon, I saw the important part of your post. People who disagree with you are pathetic. Got it.
Lynata wrote:
johnscott10 wrote:WTH?? When was this announced?? I'm all for an ME anime provided it doesn't just follow Shepards story given that Shepard is meant to be "ours". Count me interested regardless.
From what I've heard, it's gonna be about Vega.
Yeah, yeah, I could imagine more interesting characters, too. I actually liked him well enough to enjoy the occasional dialogue, but for me, he still he never had a chance against Garrus and Liara (or Tali, whenever I could squeeze her into my squad). Not sure how much this was influenced by me simply being "more used" to the two due to the previous games. But hey, I'm gonna take what I can get, and who knows how his character will be developed/explored in the anime. Plus, I'm sure he will have a couple sidekicks and acquaintances!
It's going to be produced by Studio I.G. - the guys who made Ghost in the Shell:
Wild guess: it's gonna play in exactly the 6 months in which Shepard is conveniently locked away on Earth...
I don't know about a Mass Effect Anime, but the people who made Ghost in the Shell are genius's when it comes to their craft.
I'll watch it, without a doubt.
This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2012/05/10 12:03:39
That's a broken link Karon. I agree if it's the same quality of GitS it'll be worth a watch, but considering I can count the number of anime shows and films I consider to be that quality on one hand...I really doubt it.
Cerberus defectors have verified key intel on Reaper banshees to help provide us a vulnerability to exploit. Banshees are created from a specific kind of asari that cannot be replaced quickly, so we are diverting forces to focus on an all-out banshee extermination effort.
This task is an onerous one, and many of you are right to dread contact with these particular foes, but rest assured that we are prepared to reinforce your battalion with reserves. The vorcha want in, and as soon as they complete combined-arms training with our technically-skilled personnel, we will let them loose.
It’s time to make our enemies scream.
Allied Goal: Kill 3,000,000 banshees
Squad Goal: Survive until a full extraction on any map against any enemy on gold difficulty.
Successful completion of the allied goal will grant all players a Victory Pack.
Successful completion of the squad goal will grant all squadmates a Commendation Pack.
Welcome to the next N7 Weekend Operation, Operation SILENCER, beginning this Friday, May 11 at 6:00PM PST until Monday, May 14 at 5:00PM PST, on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC. Please remember to set the “Upload Gameplay Feedback” setting to “On” in the online options to be able to participate in this N7 Operation.
Please note that due to a known issue, PlayStation 3 users will not see the promotion screen but they will be participating in Operation SILENCER and will be rewarded.
lord_blackfang wrote: Respect to the guy who subscribed just to post a massive ASCII dong in the chat and immediately get banned.
Flinty wrote: The benefit of slate is that its.actually a.rock with rock like properties. The downside is that it's a rock
"-and all that time in Paris, when you were wallowing in debauchery with your doxies, tarts and pirates... you were trying to convince me you were a disgusting, swinish, lecherous, drunken sot... Well I want you to know it worked.
"Phoenix" is clearly a codename, with speculation being that they will be ex-Cerberus individuals or a group of genetically engineered Protheans created by Cerberus. Hence the title of the DLC pack, "Rebellion".
3 new weapons will be added, along with two new maps--both taking place on Thessia.
"-and all that time in Paris, when you were wallowing in debauchery with your doxies, tarts and pirates... you were trying to convince me you were a disgusting, swinish, lecherous, drunken sot... Well I want you to know it worked.
Amaya wrote:That's a broken link Karon. I agree if it's the same quality of GitS it'll be worth a watch, but considering I can count the number of anime shows and films I consider to be that quality on one hand...I really doubt it.
IG did a pretty good job on the matrix short, and other shorts ive seen, so the quality should be pretty good
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Originally I was a bit leery of the information, but then the line of:
The vorcha want in, and as soon as they complete combined-arms training with our technically-skilled personnel, we will let them loose.
came out.
Add to that, a BioWare dev put up a photo of a male Quarian and said "Coming soon to Multiplayer near you!" and promptly had his account locked down and the photo removed. Even more, someone actually found the two Firebases which are rumored to be coming ("Jade" is a Jungle map, with "Goddess" being on Thessia proper) in the MP files.
Kanluwen wrote:Add to that, a BioWare dev put up a photo of a male Quarian and said "Coming soon to Multiplayer near you!" and promptly had his account locked down and the photo removed. Even more, someone actually found the two Firebases which are rumored to be coming ("Jade" is a Jungle map, with "Goddess" being on Thessia proper) in the MP files.
When the rich rage war it's the poor who die 
