so is three (3) day one release DLC packages. This REALLY annoys me. These packages were not even available for free to pre-orders. This is simply bull$hit content that was left out of the original game so that it could be released immediately for an extra charge. DLC that comes out a month or two after release doesn't so much bother me, but day one DLC just strikes me as particularly criminal.
On top of it, the game is probably going to suck. I regret pre-ordering already and I haven't even installed.
I finally got around to playing the demo last night and I don't think I like it. Too hectic and less tactical than it appears.... I think JA will suffer the same fate as X-com - the first games were great than the rest went right into the shitter !
Sorry to hear that Migs...I had high hopes for another great JA experience. :(
A) This Lots-a DLC immediately upon release are an industry standard nowadays, most unfortunately.
B) All these 3 DLCs offer trivial cosmetic changes that can probably be modded anyway. They just retexturize some equipment with different colours.
I'm aware of both "A" and "B," tpek, but that doesn't make it any better. Its still just annoying.
one thing I found funny in the official forums is that some twit of a fanboi suggested that they could add in FOW as a DLC package for like $2 or $3!?!?! How can you even suggest something like that? This is a feature that absolutely, positively should have been included in the final product. Anyway, one of the admins responds with "we really do not like DLC, so we may add FOW as a free patch later." Really, great news, but how can you say you don't like DLC if you release three DLC packages on day 1 release?
As far as how the game plays, I truly don't believe the demo is representative of the final product. I'm not defending the game yet because I have not played it...but I think you really need to closely review the many official gameplay videos out there. It strikes me as a game that you have to play "right." You have to use the commander mode very smartly. If you play the game the way it was meant to be played, then I do believe there is a very tactical experience buried inside. But if you just run around aimlessly, the game will give you a frustrating, miserable experience.
I noticed you did at least run the full game on Steam.
So any impressions yet?
Is it actually any good?
Quote from: Tpek on February 09, 2012, 09:00:04 AM
I noticed you did at least run the full game on Steam.
So any impressions yet?
Is it actually any good?
LOL! I couldn't actually play. I was literally running out of the house to go to work, but wanted to run it really quick and tweak my settings so when I get home tonight, I can hit the ground running.
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on February 09, 2012, 09:41:21 AM
Quote from: Tpek on February 09, 2012, 09:00:04 AM
I noticed you did at least run the full game on Steam.
So any impressions yet?
Is it actually any good?
LOL! I couldn't actually play. I was literally running out of the house to go to work, but wanted to run it really quick and tweak my settings so when I get home tonight, I can hit the ground running.
You've got another surprise in your Inbox that may distract you, too.
Quote from: LongBlade on February 09, 2012, 09:42:11 AM
You've got another surprise in your Inbox that may distract you, too.
Got it boss. I'll get cracking. I'm assuming I do not have to be nice? :D
Just be fair :)
Quote from: LongBlade on February 09, 2012, 10:11:50 AM
Just be fair :)
Hey, that's my middle name...uhhhh...Jar "fair" Head.
Silly me, I always thought it was Jar FullOfAmmo Head.
Where's my surprise? And where's my inbox? :o
Quote from: Bison on February 09, 2012, 10:37:27 AM
Where's my surprise? And where's my inbox? :o
Surprise!
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fjs3.top-10-list.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2011%2F10%2FHot-Looking-Girl.jpg&hash=8e650f0894fab058f0b9ef8d7c25420762f1b64d)
That's pretty good.
I like Bison's surprise better.
I'd also like to attempt a crack at it... ;D
Quote from: Tpek on February 09, 2012, 10:49:30 AM
I like Bison's surprise better.
I'd also like to attempt a crack at it... ;D
Gentlemen, if I had her name and number I'd introduce you.
My apologies that I do not.
Quote from: Tpek on February 09, 2012, 10:49:30 AM
I like Bison's surprise better.
I'd also like to attempt a crack at it... ;D
Cheat code: alt/right shift/up-down/backspace/home
Quoteone thing I found funny in the official forums is that some twit of a fanboi suggested that they could add in FOW as a DLC package for like $2 or $3!?!?!
Wow... that IS an idiotic thing to say. Let's reactivate something that was supposed to be in the game for a charge? Geez. A modder should be able to fix that up for free.
FWIW, the demo was entertaining but WAY to hard for me to enjoy long term.
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on February 09, 2012, 07:04:36 AM
so is three (3) day one release DLC packages. This REALLY annoys me. These packages were not even available for free to pre-orders. This is simply bull$hit content that was left out of the original game so that it could be released immediately for an extra charge. DLC that comes out a month or two after release doesn't so much bother me, but day one DLC just strikes me as particularly criminal.
On Amazon, they are advertising a Crusader King II DLC to be available on 02-14 which is its release date (Mongols and Dynasty Shields DLC Pack). I'm with you Jarhead, its total BS that a company sells DLC on the same day the game is released. It teaches one to never to pre-order a game because you could be paying full price for a stripped down product.
Technically, you get the CKII DLC for free if you pre-order.
I just installed this. Will let you know how it works out.
I just finished the first mission and I'm happy to report that its not half bad. I enjoyed myself, planned a cautious, slow approach and took down the ill-equipped enemies in small groups of ones or twos. My three man squad also gathered a bunch of better gear in the process too. The airport is now open and my insurgency is ready to grow.
The AI is not the brightest when it comes to spotting, detecting and reacting to enemies, so if you can isolate them you can use pretty basic tactics to take them out without too much danger to your own men (and women). But that doesn't mean there is no challenge. You really do need to exploit the "pause & go" mode or else it will be overly difficult and not fun.
It definitely still feels like JA to me. It may ultimately prove to not be as good as the original titles in the series, but so far, I'm actually having a good time.
Quote from: Fighting Farmer on February 09, 2012, 06:13:47 PM
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on February 09, 2012, 07:04:36 AM
so is three (3) day one release DLC packages. This REALLY annoys me. These packages were not even available for free to pre-orders. This is simply bull$hit content that was left out of the original game so that it could be released immediately for an extra charge. DLC that comes out a month or two after release doesn't so much bother me, but day one DLC just strikes me as particularly criminal.
On Amazon, they are advertising a Crusader King II DLC to be available on 02-14 which is its release date (Mongols and Dynasty Shields DLC Pack). I'm with you Jarhead, its total BS that a company sells DLC on the same day the game is released. It teaches one to never to pre-order a game because you could be paying full price for a stripped down product.
I really don't get the uproar when it's cosmetic. Oh no, fewer costume options or some of the cultures won't look quite as varied...and? It doesn't have any effect on game play.
Quote from: Arctic Blast on February 09, 2012, 10:48:38 PM
Quote from: Fighting Farmer on February 09, 2012, 06:13:47 PM
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on February 09, 2012, 07:04:36 AM
so is three (3) day one release DLC packages. This REALLY annoys me. These packages were not even available for free to pre-orders. This is simply bull$hit content that was left out of the original game so that it could be released immediately for an extra charge. DLC that comes out a month or two after release doesn't so much bother me, but day one DLC just strikes me as particularly criminal.
On Amazon, they are advertising a Crusader King II DLC to be available on 02-14 which is its release date (Mongols and Dynasty Shields DLC Pack). I'm with you Jarhead, its total BS that a company sells DLC on the same day the game is released. It teaches one to never to pre-order a game because you could be paying full price for a stripped down product.
I really don't get the uproar when it's cosmetic. Oh no, fewer costume options or some of the cultures won't look quite as varied...and? It doesn't have any effect on game play.
Then why sell them and not just include them with the original release? Why try to make extra money for cosmetic enhancements that arguably should be there to begin with. Why should a game about a mercenary led insurgency in a small island nation with jungle and desert terrain, not come with camo gear suited for those theaters? Why should I have to pay extra to get that camo?
Ok I'm addicted. The lack of fog of war is a minor issue. The game is very challenging already without it. I have to reload several times to get the correct approach. You are constantly undermanned and outgunned. The enemy is no pushover, they have powerful weapons, body armor and are as accurate as your mercenaries.
The trick to fighting is doing what insurgents do... hit and run. Ambush a lone guard on patrol. Send a lone decoy to shoot at the enemy then quickly run back to your friends in ambush position and take down whoever follows you. Conventional tactics like bounding overwatch also works great in a big firefight. I also like the pause command feature where you can give chained commands and synchronize the steps. Makes it feel like Rainbow Six.
Overall this is the worthy Jagged Alliance sequel (actually it is a remake of JA2... story is the same). It's very polished and has a streamlined UI compared to those 3D Jagged Alliance wannabe games that have cropped up the past few years.
By the way I had a frustrating thing happen to me. In a small room, the NPC's blocked my character in a small corner. I miss the "switch position" button in the old JA. So my other character is left alone to clear the town by herself. Then I apparently figured out that you can actually go out into the strategic map as long as there's no battle to reset the positions. Duh.
I cleared up your double post, Jomni.
What's the word on this one? Reviews so far have not been very favorable, but I'm holding out for one of my trusted sources here to come out with an opinion.
Quote from: Bison on February 13, 2012, 04:47:58 PM
What's the word on this one? Reviews so far have not been very favorable, but I'm holding out for one of my trusted sources here to come out with an opinion.
Honestly, I am enjoying it a lot and finding it very addictive. It definitely "feels" like Jagged Alliance in spirit. It is not as complex, but this has not proven to be a bad thing yet.
It wasn't too hard getting a foothold in Arulco; I cut through the Queen's thugs pretty easily. But now I'm starting to run into the Queens more professional troops and they are very well armed and equipped. It's become quite challenging.
The "pause and go" system really works. i was skeptical at first, but its a pretty good system that really rewards tactical play styles.
In sum...so far, I give it two thumbs up.
Sweet. This is what I was hoping to hear especially about the pause and go system.
Quote from: Bison on February 13, 2012, 04:59:16 PM
Sweet. This is what I was hoping to hear especially about the pause and go system.
From my time with the demo, I would say that - not only does the pause and go system work well - but if you don't use it the game is darn near impossible.
Which begs the question... why didn't they just make it turn based... ;)
I just think "turn based" doesn't hold the appeal of "real time" combat from a marketing stand point and in the minds of many gamers.
Quote from: son_of_montfort on February 13, 2012, 05:14:50 PM
Which begs the question... why didn't they just make it turn based... ;)
I must say that the pause & go system helps the game flow much smoother. You have complete control over when and under what circumstances you can pause the game. Sometimes there may be no need to pause, so you can wait until your mercs are in position. then you can pause, set your guys up, pick targets, etc. and then press the action forward until you are ready to pause it again and give new orders.
Its really a flexible, sophisticated (yet simple) system that may be the next evolution in tactical squad based combat gaming.
I am tempted to get the demo and see what this game is all about but then I might have to go and buy it :)
How easy would it be for someone to get into this game thats never played one like it before.
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on February 13, 2012, 04:57:03 PM
Quote from: Bison on February 13, 2012, 04:47:58 PM
What's the word on this one? Reviews so far have not been very favorable, but I'm holding out for one of my trusted sources here to come out with an opinion.
Honestly, I am enjoying it a lot and finding it very addictive. It definitely "feels" like Jagged Alliance in spirit. It is not as complex, but this has not proven to be a bad thing yet.
It wasn't too hard getting a foothold in Arulco; I cut through the Queen's thugs pretty easily. But now I'm starting to run into the Queens more professional troops and they are very well armed and equipped. It's become quite challenging.
The "pause and go" system really works. i was skeptical at first, but its a pretty good system that really rewards tactical play styles.
In sum...so far, I give it two thumbs up.
Good enough for me. I'm downloading it now. Thanks, JH.
Quote from: Steelgrave on February 13, 2012, 07:43:04 PM
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on February 13, 2012, 04:57:03 PM
Quote from: Bison on February 13, 2012, 04:47:58 PM
What's the word on this one? Reviews so far have not been very favorable, but I'm holding out for one of my trusted sources here to come out with an opinion.
Honestly, I am enjoying it a lot and finding it very addictive. It definitely "feels" like Jagged Alliance in spirit. It is not as complex, but this has not proven to be a bad thing yet.
It wasn't too hard getting a foothold in Arulco; I cut through the Queen's thugs pretty easily. But now I'm starting to run into the Queens more professional troops and they are very well armed and equipped. It's become quite challenging.
The "pause and go" system really works. i was skeptical at first, but its a pretty good system that really rewards tactical play styles.
In sum...so far, I give it two thumbs up.
Good enough for me. I'm downloading it now. Thanks, JH.
Enjoy it, brotha!
Quote from: SCDJ on February 13, 2012, 07:34:37 PM
I am tempted to get the demo and see what this game is all about but then I might have to go and buy it :)
How easy would it be for someone to get into this game thats never played one like it before.
Really easy SCDJ, but it helps if you have some experience with squad based tactical games, ie. x-com.
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on February 13, 2012, 08:14:23 PM
Quote from: SCDJ on February 13, 2012, 07:34:37 PM
I am tempted to get the demo and see what this game is all about but then I might have to go and buy it :)
How easy would it be for someone to get into this game thats never played one like it before.
Really easy SCDJ, but it helps if you have some experience with squad based tactical games, ie. x-com.
Thanks. Does the demo give a good showing of what the full game will be like?
I'm buying. After seeing the Gamespot preview, I'm ALL IN. http://www.gamespot.com/jagged-alliance-back-in-action/platform/pc/
Quote from: son_of_montfort on February 13, 2012, 05:14:50 PM
Which begs the question... why didn't they just make it turn based... ;)
Because it's very boring. I remember old JA times where there were endless turns doing movement to contact, manipulating objects, scavenging, etc. Now, we can just move in real time and pause when things get hot. You don't even need the pause and go when you have total advantage.
I honestly believe this is better than the previous JA titles at least for my tastes. As Jarhead said, it's the next evolution. So for grognards maybe they should put FOW in the next installation, better camera angles, first person and shoulder views, farther rendering distance..
On GamersGate, they have this under the DRM:
"Requires a 3rd party download and account".
Is that Steam?
Quote from: Slick Wilhelm on February 14, 2012, 06:42:23 PM
On GamersGate, they have this under the DRM:
"Requires a 3rd party download and account".
Is that Steam?
Probably. I got mine on steam and did not have to create any other accounts or software download.
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on February 14, 2012, 06:48:36 PM
Quote from: Slick Wilhelm on February 14, 2012, 06:42:23 PM
On GamersGate, they have this under the DRM:
"Requires a 3rd party download and account".
Is that Steam?
Probably. I got mine on steam and did not have to create any other accounts or software download.
+1 Sounds a lot like Steam. If it's not, expect something similar.
Just got home from work. The demo finished download, the wife is working late, perhaps I'll give it a spin.
Quote from: Slick Wilhelm on February 14, 2012, 06:42:23 PM
On GamersGate, they have this under the DRM:
"Requires a 3rd party download and account".
Is that Steam?
It is Steam. I bought from GG, downloaded the stuff, ran the installer which has the Steam interface. If you look at the download folder, it has some Steam files there.
It's in my Steam now and it actually got automatically patched once (or twice) already.
Quote from: jomni on February 14, 2012, 08:35:39 PM
It is Steam. I bought from GG, downloaded the stuff, ran the installer which has the Steam interface. If you look at the download folder, it has some Steam files there.
It's in my Steam now and it actually got automatically patched once (or twice) already.
*Sigh*