Wait a year for the not-yet-announced-but-inevitable PC version. You'll have AA, faster loads, and no tearing or framerate dips.
As someone who loved Jade Empire and both KOTOR games, I'm not enjoying Mass Effect much. I mean it does have the good ol' Bioware dialogue, but this combat system saps the enjoyment from the game. The equipment menu is terrible. And I don't know if this is a bug or not, but after I defeated those baddies before riding the Mako, I saved the game. When I went to load by accident instead of resume, the only load file was before the pain in the ass fight. I had to do that fight all over again. Does the game only save up to the auto save point? I manually saved the game and it still wouldn't start me at the point of my save.
I'm hoping I'll like it more as I progess further into the game. Maybe I just prefer wielding a light saber or a sword?
I'm hoping I'll like it more as I progess further into the game. Maybe I just prefer wielding a light saber or a sword?
Maybe you like turn based better... I tried playing KOTOR but after the first fight I stopped playing. I'm loving ME's fight system though.
PS - F the patriots.
I've played for around 10 hours and this game is a blast. The visual glitches can get annoying but it doesn't really detract from the game. Also the included intruction booklet and tutorial don't really help that much so i had to learn as i went. I have some minor complaints about the sell menu and equipment menus but overall this is probably the best game i've played on 360 yet.
- Jul 26, 2006
- 3,835
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Wow, I've been busy pursuing a lot of the side quests. Taking the Mako across the galaxy is a blast, however repetitive it may become. I have about 16 hours under my belt (not including time spent on 'do-overs' due to save negligence), although I've only completed the first two missions (Eden Prime and Feros) 
. I don't even have Liara in my party yet!
Overall combat is satisfying, though not perfect--it can be brutal at times. I think the controls are fine as far as the cover system and weapons go, and the problem is the poor enemy AI. When you get within a certain proximity of enemies (i.e. they become aware of your presence) they like to bum rush you.
This is acceptable for the unarmed zombies and other strange creatures, but when facing the geth, space pirates, etc. it's a little more frustrating and often defeats the purpose of the cover system. Don't get me wrong, I've had many great firefights, but even then the enemy is usually changing positions constantly. This also makes using biotic powers difficult because it's hard to hit a moving target (maybe calling biotics from the menu rather than mapping it to RB would eliminate this issue?).
As for the cover system, the only complaint I have is that sometimes while I'm blasting and strafing away, I end up going into cover against a wall to my right or left when I run into it. This can be annoying, but isn't a big deal.
The only other complaints that come to mind are that I occasionally getting stuck in a piece of landscape or other object, and that the equipment management and purchasing menus are too difficult to use. They need more organization and simplicity. The management is OK, but trying to sell items can be overwhelming.
I also didn't realize the Mako had a canon until about 12 hours into the game. Man, that would have been useful on Feros. Up until then I had only been using the machine gun.
. I don't even have Liara in my party yet!Overall combat is satisfying, though not perfect--it can be brutal at times. I think the controls are fine as far as the cover system and weapons go, and the problem is the poor enemy AI. When you get within a certain proximity of enemies (i.e. they become aware of your presence) they like to bum rush you.
This is acceptable for the unarmed zombies and other strange creatures, but when facing the geth, space pirates, etc. it's a little more frustrating and often defeats the purpose of the cover system. Don't get me wrong, I've had many great firefights, but even then the enemy is usually changing positions constantly. This also makes using biotic powers difficult because it's hard to hit a moving target (maybe calling biotics from the menu rather than mapping it to RB would eliminate this issue?).
As for the cover system, the only complaint I have is that sometimes while I'm blasting and strafing away, I end up going into cover against a wall to my right or left when I run into it. This can be annoying, but isn't a big deal.
The only other complaints that come to mind are that I occasionally getting stuck in a piece of landscape or other object, and that the equipment management and purchasing menus are too difficult to use. They need more organization and simplicity. The management is OK, but trying to sell items can be overwhelming.
I also didn't realize the Mako had a canon until about 12 hours into the game. Man, that would have been useful on Feros. Up until then I had only been using the machine gun.
You should go get Liara... I keep her in my squad constantly now. She's full Biotics and if you have your squad set to be active, she constantly uses her powers. In firefights, she's usually behind me so I don't see her "casting" but I do see enemies suddenly tossed aside, or floating around from Lift, Singularity going off... it's just.. fun. I've started using my Biotics finally, too, though mostly Shield boost and Barrier for protection, and I have Carnage mapped to the hot key (love that talent with the shotgun!).
Yeah, the cannon is great, I use it almost exclusively as the gun seems a bit weak... I usually get to some high ground, use the trigger and stick zoom to get real close and blast 'em! Works great.
Yeah, the AI can be a mixed bag. Though I don't mind when they rush since I use the shotgun most of the time. A lot of times though, I'm fighting in that one large room with all the boxes (you guys know that room if you do a lot of side quests) and they use the cover effectively enough that I have to hunt them down...and a lot of the time get hit from behind when I'm stalking.
Agree with you on the equipment management and buy/sell menus... I've gotten used to it now but it could be much better. The sorting is terrible and trying to sell armor/ammo upgrades is a real pain.
Still having a blast playing it though! I keep getting more side missions!
By the way, on the side mission planets... there's more on each one than shows on the original map you have when you land. If you explore other parts of the map you will find more "metals" and sometimes artifacts, etc. Finding these, especially the rare metals, gains you xp and a pretty nice pile of credits. Also, in the system view of the Galaxy Map, there's sometimes a "hidden" ship or asteroid in the asteroid fields circling that system's sun.
I've started using my Biotics finally, too, though mostly Shield boost and Barrier for protection, and I have Carnage mapped to the hot key (love that talent with the shotgun!).Yeah, the cannon is great, I use it almost exclusively as the gun seems a bit weak... I usually get to some high ground, use the trigger and stick zoom to get real close and blast 'em! Works great.
Yeah, the AI can be a mixed bag. Though I don't mind when they rush since I use the shotgun most of the time. A lot of times though, I'm fighting in that one large room with all the boxes (you guys know that room if you do a lot of side quests) and they use the cover effectively enough that I have to hunt them down...and a lot of the time get hit from behind when I'm stalking.
Agree with you on the equipment management and buy/sell menus... I've gotten used to it now but it could be much better. The sorting is terrible and trying to sell armor/ammo upgrades is a real pain.
Still having a blast playing it though! I keep getting more side missions!
By the way, on the side mission planets... there's more on each one than shows on the original map you have when you land. If you explore other parts of the map you will find more "metals" and sometimes artifacts, etc. Finding these, especially the rare metals, gains you xp and a pretty nice pile of credits. Also, in the system view of the Galaxy Map, there's sometimes a "hidden" ship or asteroid in the asteroid fields circling that system's sun.
I'm on my second play-through. I really love the game. The unlockables really give it a nice bit of replay value.
I generally agree with the criticisms, though. Inventory management is a pain, especially since they hand out upgrades like candy. Some of the driving missions are frustrating. And, of course, the team AI isn't always as good as it could be. It makes you really excited to think about what ME2 will be like - kinda like Crackdown, in that sense.
I generally agree with the criticisms, though. Inventory management is a pain, especially since they hand out upgrades like candy. Some of the driving missions are frustrating. And, of course, the team AI isn't always as good as it could be. It makes you really excited to think about what ME2 will be like - kinda like Crackdown, in that sense.
- Jul 26, 2006
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I completed Noveria last night and a few side missions. I plan on getting Liara next. I wonder what it would be like if I had gotten Liara before completing Noveria... guess I'll have to try that next time.
Looking at the achievements and judging by some of the dialogue with other characters, I'm under the impression there are only a couple of main missions left. Is it really that short? Granted, I've been playing for over 20 hours, but the bulk of that has been side missions and exploration. I find it hard to believe that there are only five or six main quests, although I suppose some of them, like Noveria, are pretty beefy.
Looking at the achievements and judging by some of the dialogue with other characters, I'm under the impression there are only a couple of main missions left. Is it really that short? Granted, I've been playing for over 20 hours, but the bulk of that has been side missions and exploration. I find it hard to believe that there are only five or six main quests, although I suppose some of them, like Noveria, are pretty beefy.
If it's the only game you're ever going to buy then no (unless you got money to burn), but the 360 has tons of other games to keep you satisfied.
They said its about an 18-30 hour game, so it all depends on how thorough you are. I was planning on getting EVERYTHING my first play through, but after seeing the achievements I think I'll be better off just playing through a couple times instead.
I finished the game a couple of days ago. (39hrs, lvl 48)
You can get 2 or 3 slightly different endings just by 2 decisions you make within 10 minutes of the final cutscene.
I have started replaying it with the same lvl 48 character, on hardcore difficulty.
You retain all experience, all skills, all equipment and weapons (!!!), and your team mates are the same level as you - though you have to distribute all of their skill points at once.
The paragon/renegade points are reset.
I'll be playing the ass this time.
I noticed that the dialog options very often do not result in different responses from whomever you are talking to.
As far as completion time goes....I really took my time and tried to complete all side missions and visit all systems.
I think the main mission can be completed in 15 hours.
You can get 2 or 3 slightly different endings just by 2 decisions you make within 10 minutes of the final cutscene.
I have started replaying it with the same lvl 48 character, on hardcore difficulty.
You retain all experience, all skills, all equipment and weapons (!!!), and your team mates are the same level as you - though you have to distribute all of their skill points at once.
The paragon/renegade points are reset.
I'll be playing the ass this time.
I noticed that the dialog options very often do not result in different responses from whomever you are talking to.
As far as completion time goes....I really took my time and tried to complete all side missions and visit all systems.
I think the main mission can be completed in 15 hours.
GrantMeThePower
Platinum Member
- Jun 10, 2005
- 2,923
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Finished my first play through last night at the 16 hour mark. I focused mostly on the main quest items though because I'm going through the game several times, and I'd rather have a bunch of new quests to keep it interesting.
Also, do you have to beat the game on "Hardcore" to get "Insane"? Reading the achievements makes me think I'm going to need 4-5 playthroughs to get 1000gp.
Also, do you have to beat the game on "Hardcore" to get "Insane"? Reading the achievements makes me think I'm going to need 4-5 playthroughs to get 1000gp.
Weird, the very first planet I went to just happened to have Liara on it. Good luck I guess.
Anyway, has anyone ever had a teammate disappear? On my 2nd planet I went to, where you fight a bunch of pirates, Wrex went down and just disappeared. He showed up as a dot on the radar but was nowhere to be found. And is there any way to get Liara to throw her biotics on her own?
I need a guide for this game...
Anyway, has anyone ever had a teammate disappear? On my 2nd planet I went to, where you fight a bunch of pirates, Wrex went down and just disappeared. He showed up as a dot on the radar but was nowhere to be found. And is there any way to get Liara to throw her biotics on her own?
I need a guide for this game...
In options-->gameplay there is an option for npcs using their powers. It is set to defensive only by default. I like it better that way. THat way when I need Ashley to use assassination, it isn't on cooldown.
adairusmc
Diamond Member
- Jul 24, 2006
- 7,095
- 78
- 91
I just finished the game last night, and got most of the achievments too. Great game.
best way to make huge money - mineral surveys on planets. With that and with selling off unused hardware I was able to get like 13 million credits before I went and fought sarin. Not that it mattered, I still did not need the money.
Kev - I noticed that once in the game too, a teammate of mine disappeared. If you go into an elevator, they seem to show right up though (or if you save and re-load).
best way to make huge money - mineral surveys on planets. With that and with selling off unused hardware I was able to get like 13 million credits before I went and fought sarin. Not that it mattered, I still did not need the money.
Kev - I noticed that once in the game too, a teammate of mine disappeared. If you go into an elevator, they seem to show right up though (or if you save and re-load).
- Jul 26, 2006
- 3,835
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Since I started this thread I figured I'd share the fact that I finally completed my first playthrough on Sunday. I think it was around 35 hours (and far more credits than the game could display). This game seriously rocks and I hope the EA acquisition doesn't tarnish the sequel because I'm looking forward to it...
Anyway, I am sure I missed some side quests (and there were a few I didn't really complete because I was following the Paragon path) but before I ventured on to the final mission I made sure that I had explored every available planet and completed every other available mission/assignment. I somehow managed to finish the game at Level 49 and I bet I'm only a couple frags away from 50. I guess I'll have to replay as the same character for a bit to get the achievement.
The planet exploration side quests definitely get old fast since they're pretty cookie cutter. They're a nice way to grind out your characters, though, and provide a decent distraction in-between the main quests. The primary missions are top notch. There really were some tough decisions, and a few places in the game I was tempted to save and play through twice just to see what would happen.
Oddly enough I had no significant technical issues. There's definitely some tearing here and there, clipping issues, and the AI could use work, but I almost never had framerate issues. In fact, the only time I remember encountering slow down is a section towards the end of the game. All in all there wasn't anything that significantly detracted from my experience aside from the AI on occasion.
EDIT: I should note, though, that texture pop-in is rampant and very noticeable. It can be distracting but I guess I got used to it (it didn't bother me too much in Gears of War either).
I thought the end was fantastic. Not only was it an epic finish, but I loved the ending credits track--it really put a nice cherry on top of an excellent game (in fact, I'm listening to it right now)! I was pumped and ready to start the next mission! Too bad I'll have to wait for the sequel . For now I'll settle for starting a new Renegade character on hardcore, and trying to get Ashley in the sack instead of that stupid blue freak. That was disappointing...
Anyway, I am sure I missed some side quests (and there were a few I didn't really complete because I was following the Paragon path) but before I ventured on to the final mission I made sure that I had explored every available planet and completed every other available mission/assignment. I somehow managed to finish the game at Level 49 and I bet I'm only a couple frags away from 50. I guess I'll have to replay as the same character for a bit to get the achievement.
The planet exploration side quests definitely get old fast since they're pretty cookie cutter. They're a nice way to grind out your characters, though, and provide a decent distraction in-between the main quests. The primary missions are top notch. There really were some tough decisions, and a few places in the game I was tempted to save and play through twice just to see what would happen.
Oddly enough I had no significant technical issues. There's definitely some tearing here and there, clipping issues, and the AI could use work, but I almost never had framerate issues. In fact, the only time I remember encountering slow down is a section towards the end of the game. All in all there wasn't anything that significantly detracted from my experience aside from the AI on occasion.
EDIT: I should note, though, that texture pop-in is rampant and very noticeable. It can be distracting but I guess I got used to it (it didn't bother me too much in Gears of War either).
I thought the end was fantastic. Not only was it an epic finish, but I loved the ending credits track--it really put a nice cherry on top of an excellent game (in fact, I'm listening to it right now
)! I was pumped and ready to start the next mission! Too bad I'll have to wait for the sequel . For now I'll settle for starting a new Renegade character on hardcore, and trying to get Ashley in the sack instead of that stupid blue freak. That was disappointing... TRENDING THREADS
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