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Digital Gaming => Computer Gaming => Topic started by: JasonPratt on February 28, 2013, 02:05:42 PM

Title: Strategic RPGFPSOMGWTFBBQ werewolfery
Post by: JasonPratt on February 28, 2013, 02:05:42 PM
...okay, I have to confess. I have needs.

And one of those needs, is to roleplay as one of two werewolf brothers in 18th century Canada, constantly outnumbered and overpowered by devilish enemies (and human soldiers/lackeys) thus requiring that I constantly use strategic cunning and fear to win and save my kidnapped sister from Satan.

I also confess that this is a suspiciously complex and detailed need. Also, it may point to having a complex.

Fortunately, next month is March. And aside from something to do with leprechauns, March is also the month when Sang-Froid: Tales of Werewolves (http://store.steampowered.com/app/227220/) releases on Steam. (Possibly elsewhere, too, but it's a Steam Greenlight project.)

I've already bumped this game to the top of my next-buy list. Now I just need to finish seven or so other games first.

You may feel free to pray for me now.
Title: Re: Strategic RPGFPSOMGWTFBBQ werewolfery
Post by: son_of_montfort on February 28, 2013, 02:45:41 PM
Are the brothers werewolves or are they fighting werewolves? I was not clear about that.

The game does look really interesting. If pulled off correctly, it could be a heck of a lot of fun!
Title: Re: Strategic RPGFPSOMGWTFBBQ werewolfery
Post by: LongBlade on February 28, 2013, 02:50:14 PM
Hmmm.

I'm not sure if this will help at all, Jason, but I'll toss it out there. For one reason or another lost to me now I found myself looking for werewolf games.

According to my research, this one is the top pick: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/38159/ultimate-werewolf-ultimate-edition

Amazon has it: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003MB398O/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003MB398O&linkCode=as2&tag=grogheads-20

I've never played it - just chased down something that looked pretty good.
Title: Re: Strategic RPGFPSOMGWTFBBQ werewolfery
Post by: JasonPratt on February 28, 2013, 04:07:16 PM
The brothers are werewolves fighting demonic (and I think occasionally human) forces, possibly also including other werewolves on occasion. As wolves they're just intelligent wolves (as far as I can tell from the promos), as humans they use weapons.

LongBlade, that game reminds me of the movie The Beast Must Die.
Title: Re: Strategic RPGFPSOMGWTFBBQ werewolfery
Post by: Nefaro on February 28, 2013, 04:56:53 PM
I was checking this out a few days ago and wondered just how much "tower defense" junk it had in it. 

After the mention of setting traps and fighting off any that get through, it sounds like an Orcs Must Die! clone.  Which will make Longblade a happy werewolf hunter but still makes me wonder how the mix is.

Edit:  Also - I didn't see any mention of multi-player co-op, which I'd expect to be a big draw for something like Orcs Must Die.
Title: Re: Strategic RPGFPSOMGWTFBBQ werewolfery
Post by: LongBlade on February 28, 2013, 05:47:25 PM
Quote from: Nefaro on February 28, 2013, 04:56:53 PM
Edit:  Also - I didn't see any mention of multi-player co-op, which I'd expect to be a big draw for something like Orcs Must Die.

I have played exactly one multiplayer game of Orcs Must Die.

I liked it, but nobody else seems to love it like I do. Also, it's too bad I can't give partners my skulls because I've pretty much made every unlock and have about 800 sitting around doing nothing.
Title: Re: Strategic RPGFPSOMGWTFBBQ werewolfery
Post by: Tpek on February 28, 2013, 05:53:50 PM
I've tried the beta of Sang Froid a bit (having pre-ordered it).
I still didn't see enough to really form an opinion but it is somewhat interesting.
Title: Re: Strategic RPGFPSOMGWTFBBQ werewolfery
Post by: Nefaro on February 28, 2013, 06:51:59 PM
Quote from: LongBlade on February 28, 2013, 05:47:25 PM
Quote from: Nefaro on February 28, 2013, 04:56:53 PM
Edit:  Also - I didn't see any mention of multi-player co-op, which I'd expect to be a big draw for something like Orcs Must Die.

I have played exactly one multiplayer game of Orcs Must Die.

I liked it, but nobody else seems to love it like I do. Also, it's too bad I can't give partners my skulls because I've pretty much made every unlock and have about 800 sitting around doing nothing.

I've not even tried OMD.  But seeing as this Werewolvery thing is similar, but has the unusual setting, the latter may get me off the fence to check it out. 

Sad to hear you've not played your favorite smash-em-up in multiplayer.  I'm pretty sure OMD was designed for multiplayer co-op, no?  That's why I'm a bit surprised Werewolver, here, may not support it.  ???
Title: Re: Strategic RPGFPSOMGWTFBBQ werewolfery
Post by: Gusington on February 28, 2013, 08:14:24 PM
I've been tracking this...I likey.
Title: Re: Strategic RPGFPSOMGWTFBBQ werewolfery
Post by: LongBlade on February 28, 2013, 09:17:20 PM
Looks like a level higher in complexity than OMD. Still, I'm thinking it could be fun.
Title: Re: Strategic RPGFPSOMGWTFBBQ werewolfery
Post by: LongBlade on February 28, 2013, 09:18:22 PM
Quote from: Nefaro on February 28, 2013, 06:51:59 PM
I've not even tried OMD.  But seeing as this Werewolvery thing is similar, but has the unusual setting, the latter may get me off the fence to check it out. 

Sad to hear you've not played your favorite smash-em-up in multiplayer.  I'm pretty sure OMD was designed for multiplayer co-op, no?  That's why I'm a bit surprised Werewolver, here, may not support it.  ???

OMD is great fun. It's a hybrid FPS/tower defense.

While I'd like to do some MP, single is fine. It's a great way to just relax and have fun.
Title: Re: Strategic RPGFPSOMGWTFBBQ werewolfery
Post by: tgb on February 28, 2013, 09:23:21 PM
I watched a video of a couple of the IGN guys playing it.  It seems to be a little tower defense, a little ARPG.  Some interesting skill upgrades.  Plus, during the day, you work as a lumberjack to make money for equipment. 

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fxellos.tripod.com%2Flumber2.jpg&hash=d3bae843fb58ca11f287006c37a8d2c9e4ecd419)


I'm interested, but not quite ready to pull the trigger.
Title: Re: Strategic RPGFPSOMGWTFBBQ werewolfery
Post by: Arctic Blast on March 01, 2013, 12:51:16 AM
Quote from: Gusington on February 28, 2013, 08:14:24 PM
I've been tracking this...I likey.

You? Interested in a game?!

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-4hhG5klgfUs%2FTnyRkY-TcBI%2FAAAAAAAAAWM%2F0JCoJKyZ4UM%2Fs1600%2Finconceivable-1.jpg&hash=b064e68d2cf30047b45e543ad61b91f16c02c7a5)
Title: Re: Strategic RPGFPSOMGWTFBBQ werewolfery
Post by: Nefaro on March 01, 2013, 05:38:11 AM
Quote from: LongBlade on February 28, 2013, 09:18:22 PM
Quote from: Nefaro on February 28, 2013, 06:51:59 PM
I've not even tried OMD.  But seeing as this Werewolvery thing is similar, but has the unusual setting, the latter may get me off the fence to check it out. 

Sad to hear you've not played your favorite smash-em-up in multiplayer.  I'm pretty sure OMD was designed for multiplayer co-op, no?  That's why I'm a bit surprised Werewolver, here, may not support it.  ???

OMD is great fun. It's a hybrid FPS/tower defense.

While I'd like to do some MP, single is fine. It's a great way to just relax and have fun.

Yeah, that's why I mentioned that it's gameplay reminded me of Orcs Must Die.  The mix of ARPG and Tower Defense. 

While I love ARPGs, I'm not so crazed about the Tower Defense part.  I always thought of the restricted little maps as being a bit of a content cop-out compared to creating a full-sized ARPG (or strategy game in many Tower Defense games), where your character is always exploring further into the unknown, because they didn't have to do as much work/randomization with map assets.  I suppose that's why there are so many - it's less work for a small indie crew to do.  Having trap planting as a big focus kinda detracts from the ARPG side of things, IMO, but I'll give this one the benefit of the doubt and give them some monies.  :)  It's just personal preference as I'm an Explorer type.   Too bad it may not have multi-player, though.  :-[
Title: Re: Strategic RPGFPSOMGWTFBBQ werewolfery
Post by: Nefaro on March 01, 2013, 07:31:20 AM
Dammit!

I grabbed it. 

Then I found out that it only runs in 1280x720 screen resolution.  It looks like ass on my 1680x1050 monitor.  After digging around for a settings file (nothing to fix this problem), I came across some of the old engine files.  And I do mean old.  There are notes from 2001 regarding the old Matrox G400 video cards having issues with whatever old engine this is, and notes about DirectX 7.  :o

I actually expected this to be somewhat modern.  I dunno if they're gonna be able to properly support most video resolutions.  What a let down.  The only way I'll end up playing this much is on the small Notebook (if I can even force it to play in a window?!) or if they somehow manage to shoehorn in proper resolution support for this old gfx engine, which isn't something that's often possible after a game is nearly finished - especially in an engine from earlier than 2001.

I should've investigated before purchasing.  Hell.. even Matrix' latest games support more than one screen resolution these days!
>:(
Title: Re: Strategic RPGFPSOMGWTFBBQ werewolfery
Post by: JasonPratt on March 01, 2013, 10:47:36 AM
Quote from: tgb on February 28, 2013, 09:23:21 PM
I watched a video of a couple of the IGN guys playing it.  It seems to be a little tower defense, a little ARPG.  Some interesting skill upgrades.  Plus, during the day, you work as a lumberjack to make money for equipment.

"I'm a lumberjack and I'm okay; I wolve all night and I chop all day!"  ;D
Title: Re: Strategic RPGFPSOMGWTFBBQ werewolfery
Post by: JasonPratt on March 10, 2013, 10:13:07 AM
Update: either I was high on allergy medicines, or they've removed the concept that the brothers can turn into werewolves themselves.

That's okay; it still looks awesome. It's still only in beta, so hopefully the resolution problem will be resolved (so to speak).
Title: Re: Strategic RPGFPSOMGWTFBBQ werewolfery
Post by: Tpek on March 10, 2013, 12:18:50 PM
Quote from: JasonPratt on March 10, 2013, 10:13:07 AM
Update: either I was high on allergy medicines, or they've removed the concept that the brothers can turn into werewolves themselves.

That's okay; it still looks awesome. It's still only in beta, so hopefully the resolution problem will be resolved (so to speak).

I don't remember seeing that in game at all. though it was mentioned in the game's description and features earlier on.
Title: Re: Strategic RPGFPSOMGWTFBBQ werewolfery
Post by: JasonPratt on March 11, 2013, 01:48:34 PM
Quote from: Tpek on March 10, 2013, 12:18:50 PM
Quote from: JasonPratt on March 10, 2013, 10:13:07 AM
Update: either I was high on allergy medicines, or they've removed the concept that the brothers can turn into werewolves themselves.

I don't remember seeing that in game at all. though it was mentioned in the game's description and features earlier on.

Thank God someone else remembers that!  ???

Of course, it might still be included late in the game, as a powerup ability of some kind. That would explain why they removed mention of it: it isn't nearly as important to the gameplay mechanics overall and might be a story spoiler.


Anyway, I bought into the open beta last night. Would have downloaded it overnight, but I have trouble sleeping while the cooling fans of The Presence are whirring away across the room; meant to swing by the house at lunch and set up for this afternoon, but forgot. Sigh.
Title: Re: Strategic RPGFPSOMGWTFBBQ werewolfery
Post by: JasonPratt on March 11, 2013, 07:37:25 PM
Just played first (tutorial) mission, taking a break before the second (also tutorial). I'm playing Jacques, who isn't a lumberjack but a trapper (his brother, Jos, is the jack.) Basically this means he lacks the supernatural strength and stamina of his brother, so has to rely on longdistance rifle shooting and traps more.

The graphics are scaling up fine on my system, full screen 720 (on a 1080p monitor).
Title: Re: Strategic RPGFPSOMGWTFBBQ werewolfery
Post by: JasonPratt on March 12, 2013, 01:11:00 PM
Up to mission #4 or 5 (I forget which--I'm about to start the first mission where I'm responsible for also protecting the nearby sawmill). Enjoying the game immensely. Lots of strategic preplanning to ensure I have the easiest time possible dealing with oncoming enemies, just like any good tower defense -- in the most recent mission no one even got close to me.  ;D (Which is good because Jack isn't a burly lumberjack like Jos.)

Voicework for Jack could be better; he sounds like a modern urban West Coast American. Voicework for Jos is somewhat better -- I forget who exactly the voice actor is, but he's done a lot of this work before, and I recognized his voice immediately. Other acting is more on par with Jos than Jack.

Frantically clicking the right mouse button to speed up loading the rifle while things prowl the darkness sort-of-beyond sight, is hilarious, in a good way.  ;D

Crushing werewolves with boulders == all the win. Especially since the sound design is creepy at night (except when West Coast American Jack yells out G-rated curses to try to scare or get the attention of enemies.  :P ) I know a frakking werewolf is coming up that path, heard the horrible growling. (The large radar-action map is perhaps a little too helpful, showing all enemies all the time; would be nice to have the option to turn that off or tone it down, kind or ruins immersion.) Wait... wait... snip, YIP! ha ha wolftrap, BLAMTHENETWITHMYRIFLENOWWWW!! Squnch. Win.


Annoying artistic/thematic inconsistency: the game starts on the afternoon of Dec 6, with the first action that night. The calendar explicitly says this is the night of the new moon -- and that makes sense, the threats should ramp up as the moon grows to full. But I'm positive the first mission has a great big full moon in the skybox, as well as at least one subsequent mission (even more obviously).


I appreciate that the game's ultimate mission comes on Christmas Eve (Dec 24, a few days after full moon by the way) -- nicely appropriate to the religious theme of the game. That does mean there are only 19 missions, though, and that includes two fairly easy tutorial missions. (The third tutorial mission is a bit tougher, but also still included in that total.) Still, for about $13 that's reasonable I guess. And this is only "volume one" of the "tales".
Title: Re: Strategic RPGFPSOMGWTFBBQ werewolfery
Post by: Nefaro on March 12, 2013, 05:54:27 PM
I played the first couple tutorials thus far, but the camera movement is quite annoying.  I dunno if there's a way to turn it off and use the RMB for mouselook?

The auto-camera adjustment moves your view by itself.  Whenever you're moving it will move your view up & down as if you're walking over varied heights - going up an incline it will move up and then back down on it's own.  It hasn't given me motion sickness much just yet, but I could foresee getting a headache after playing a bit.   :'(

The gameplay mechanics seem decent.  The way the wolf packs attack, mixed with the timer countdown and the intimidation factor, is interesting. 
Title: Re: Strategic RPGFPSOMGWTFBBQ werewolfery
Post by: Gusington on March 12, 2013, 05:57:57 PM
Thanks for the impressions...despite some of the annoyances it still sounds original and like a must-buy for me.
Title: Re: Strategic RPGFPSOMGWTFBBQ werewolfery
Post by: JasonPratt on March 12, 2013, 06:16:47 PM
I haven't seen any way to turn off the mouselook default yet.


Here's a subtle touch: fire adds to my fearfactor total, making my foes more nervous about being near me; consequently setting up bonfires the day before each attack is important. However, my farm has torches scattered at semi-realistic distances in plausible areas (i.e. the brothers only have a few torches they can use every night and they don't have time to go around lighting a bunch right before dark), so I can be trotting across one of my fields away from the house to go check on something, and a torch will be lit at the end of the treeline where the curve into another area of the property happens.

Those torches add small amounts of fire-fear if I'm standing near them. Only two points, which is only enough to add a couple of seconds of delay for enemies (at most!), so it isn't even practically useful. But the designers included the effect anyway, because it would logically be there even if it's too small to be useful. :)


On the other hand, while the professional author was able to come up with in-story explanations for things like how we can know to plan in advance for whatever's coming, I haven't seen any good explanation yet why whichever-brother-wasn't-chosen-to-be-played (Jos in my case) doesn't seem capable of helping defend the main house at least! Jos ought to be able to axe enemies trying to break in! There really ought to be a bit of code added so that the other brother runs outside to chop up attackers when the house is being threatened. He shares hitpoints with the house, the idea being that if he goes down the enemies near the house can just go in the front door and get the girl (who isn't in any position to latch the door and delay them further).

I guess that would make the game a little too easy. But still. It breaks my story-belief somewhat to keep wondering what the hell Jos is doing in there with our sister that's so important!