First Impressions from a mature gamer..

TheDarco · 09-10-2009, 11:53 PM

Hello guys and girls..

I thought I'd donate some time to give all the people who haven't bought this game an insight to what to expect. I will try to be as unbiased as possible as I am no 'fanboy', which I have heard been barked at a few others. I am a big fan of the Flashpoint name and have always enjoyed the more realistic game as I feel it gives the player more satisfaction completing it.

I have tried all the mainstream fps shooters, 'tactical shooters', mil-sims and arcard type games so I will be basing my review on these factors. I went out and purchased the game for the PC as I dont have a console and I have found that PC games have more depth and longetivity then their console relatives.

First Impressions:
The menu before the game is very well done and is a typical Codemasters style creation. It gave me that sense of excitement before playing which most blockbuster titles do. However, once I started the campaign I was startled to see no character building dialog or real introduction to the game. I have always found that a good introduction to a game, with some indepth character famalirisation helps you build a relationship with the person you are meant to be playing. Dont get me wrong here, the way the story was presented before the starting mission was very cool, and actually was pretty refreshing but I felt like I was chucked in at the deep end and suddenly the game started..

It would of been nice to get know your comrades a bit, their history and yours, to learn about the different weapons etc. I like liked how COD4 put you through a SAS type training before you went out to battle. This all brings the immersion levels up.

Gameplay:
After playing for a few hours I will give you my two cents of the game play as you quickly learn how things are done in Dragon Rising. Movement in Dragon Rising feels a little bit sluggish, moving from cover to cover does not feel as fluent as it should be. For instance, changing stance from crouching to walking/running could be a bit quicker. One thing that I did feel annoyed about was the speed in which you can run. Yes I do know that having heavy gear isnt exactly going to help you run Usain Bolt speeds across 100m, but in battle I can imagine that adrenaline would make you run quick if you had to. Overall the movement is good, but needs tweaking to make it more fluid and fun. Running is not really that fun, seeing as many checkpoints are far from each other it would help if you felt as you were really sprinting to get to that wall for cover.

I really do enjoy the aiming and shooting part of this game, from picking up your gun to aim and firing long distances to shooting rocket propelled grenades is fun, but also gives you a sense of the power in your hands.
I do however feel the guns are a little bit to accurate at 300-400 meters and this could be tweaked a little so we cant pick off the AI so easily.

The commands that you can give your squad are good, and the menu system to order your squad to do things, is also very carefully thought about. Your most used tactics are on the first page of the radial, and more complex ones further into the subsystems. I did feel that their were some commands missing. For instance, telling your squad to move slowly, or to stay crouched would of been nice.

I have heard the issues about the rolling mice button not working as fluidly as it should, I have indeed come across this problem, and yes it is annoying but not a game breaker. CM could easily fix this.

One thing that annoyed me was that I was not punished for running into enemy fire, the bullets seemed to go around me instead of hitting and finishing me off. I didn't feel the need to use cover or clever tactics to kill the enemy as it felt I was slightly overpowered in the armour arena. The slogan ''one shot can kill you'' certainly did not show here

Graphics:
This area I felt a little let down as the menu to customise which graphical enhancements you want or do not were not their to tweak the game if necessary. Even at the highest of resolutions and 4X MSAA (multi sampling anti aliasing) does not really improve the image on-screen to give you the same effect the screen shots that CM gave us. I suspect some photo shop or something going on there. The world does seem slightly more bland and brown than I imagined it would be. But hey, over here in the UK there are some pretty bland and dull areas too. Some textures on trees and vehicles seem to have been overlayed with a lower resolution than they should be on the PC.

AI: So far the AI seems smart enough to play with, they are alot smarter that the ones I have played with in ARMA II for instance. They often listen to commands (not always!) and cover and retreat when in need. Very happy on that front.

Sound: the sounds seems well recorded and implemented in this game and I was very happy with that aspect of the game.

Overall, Flashpoint 2 seems a solid game. It does however have some issues that purists, fanatics and realism freaks will go ''arghhh'' about. With some tweaking, balancing and editing CM are on too something here.

My main worry is what I am going to do once the game has been completed as their is no good multiplayer at the moment. I do not want this game to gather dust after waiting soo long for this, playing it then leaving it.

So far, I give this game 7/10

I hope this review/preview has helped you guys,

Thanks for reading

M

Kaching · 09-10-2009, 11:56 PM

tl;dr

TheDarco · 10-10-2009, 12:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaching

tl;dr

What does that mean?

Spacemanc · 10-10-2009, 12:02 AM

Good review, but remember there's already hundreds of people working on custom missions, which will extend the life. I have a quick look around the editor, and I'm unsure why CM haven't created any more exciting missions. As far as I can see, great tank battles are possible for example, and it would be great to see that element in the game.

All the flaws in the game are very minor non-game breaking things, and I think that the vast majority will be fixed in the first patch ( I think CM we're really pushed by the COD : MW deadline

)

If CM have the balls to release full modding tools, and also get some dedi server files out quickly, then this game will become a classic.

TheDarco · 10-10-2009, 12:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spacemanc

Good review, but remember there's already hundreds of people working on custom missions, which will extend the life. I have a quick look around the editor, and I'm unsure why CM haven't created any more exciting missions. As far as I can see, great tank battles are possible for example, and it would be great to see that element in the game.

All the flaws in the game are very minor non-game breaking things, and I think that the vast majority will be fixed in the first patch ( I think CM we're really pushed by the COD : MW deadline

)

If CM have the balls to release full modding tools, and also get some dedi server files out quickly, then this game will become a classic.

I totally agree with you, yes the modding side to things will indeed extend the game for many people. But when it comes to bringing the community together to play each other, this is where the multiplayer aspect of the game such as BF2, should shine through. If OF

R had the amount of servers and the fluid online play as BF2 with more game modes this game would be amazingly fun.

SmokeyMcPot06 · 10-10-2009, 12:11 AM

He's being a ****. TLDR means Too Long Didn't Read. I thought your review was great, and makes me wish I had it even more, which of course makes me hate you for having it before me even more!

I'm disappointed to hear about that one shot can kill you bit though. I'm really hoping this game pushes me and makes me focus.

I keep coming back to it, but back in the days of when I used to play xbox live, I played a lot of GRAW coop, and that was really unforgiving. It only took 2 or 3 shots at most to kill you, no exceptions, and there was no healing or reviving or anything. If you got shot, you died, and you had to spectate the rest of the round. I'm hoping this is somewhat similar, although I wont be complaining about having the ability to bandage myself with that magical healing bag thing you seem to carry in this game.

I'm quite stubborn, plus from what I've seen on the live streaming the game's living up to my expectations, but I wont really know that untill I play. But it's because of those things that I've been refusing to believe this negative feedback the game's been getting. That and also a lot of the negative feedback is coming from people who were expecting Battlefield 2 with updated graphics.

Anyway, thanks for the review and goodluck finishing the game, I hope I can join you in coop with my mate tomorrow when I (hopefully) get the game!

Manfred89 · 10-10-2009, 12:30 AM

I'm with Spacemanc, its growing on me ( graphics wise, the first mission is so ugly compared to the next few, why they led with it I don't know. I realise it was more of a training level, but still? ).Providing CMs release some stellar modding tools and let the pc users really get under the bonnet of this they could have something.

Jaymaster007 · 10-10-2009, 01:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheDarco

What does that mean?

Looks like he meant to put "Too Long, Did Not Read".

Dangerdog · 10-10-2009, 01:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheDarco

One thing that annoyed me was that I was not punished for running into enemy fire, the bullets seemed to go around me instead of hitting and finishing me off. I didn't feel the need to use cover or clever tactics to kill the enemy as it felt I was slightly overpowered in the armour arena. The slogan ''one shot can kill you'' certainly did not show here

So far, I give this game 7/10

I hope this review/preview has helped you guys,

Thanks for reading

M

I think they did that because 1) they thought it was a good idea to have one AI difficulty for all players and 2) it would be pretty frustrating to play without a save feature if the AI were super deadly.

I've had a mix of moments where the AI is 100 meters from me and spray bullets all around me without a hit, and then there is the random one shot kill that has me reloading from my last checkpoint.

Having the highest difficulty 'Hardcore' centered around removing the hud and no in mission checkpoint saves isn't a good design decision. I'd rather keep the in mission checkpoints but be able to buff up the AI alertness and accuracy.

TheDarco · 10-10-2009, 01:25 AM

Maybe that was the idea I dont know. But it just seems a little bit too relaxed. They need to put the fear back into the player.

09-10-2009, 11:53 PM	#1 (permalink)
TheDarco Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 20	First Impressions from a mature gamer.. Hello guys and girls.. I thought I'd donate some time to give all the people who haven't bought this game an insight to what to expect. I will try to be as unbiased as possible as I am no 'fanboy', which I have heard been barked at a few others. I am a big fan of the Flashpoint name and have always enjoyed the more realistic game as I feel it gives the player more satisfaction completing it. I have tried all the mainstream fps shooters, 'tactical shooters', mil-sims and arcard type games so I will be basing my review on these factors. I went out and purchased the game for the PC as I dont have a console and I have found that PC games have more depth and longetivity then their console relatives. First Impressions: The menu before the game is very well done and is a typical Codemasters style creation. It gave me that sense of excitement before playing which most blockbuster titles do. However, once I started the campaign I was startled to see no character building dialog or real introduction to the game. I have always found that a good introduction to a game, with some indepth character famalirisation helps you build a relationship with the person you are meant to be playing. Dont get me wrong here, the way the story was presented before the starting mission was very cool, and actually was pretty refreshing but I felt like I was chucked in at the deep end and suddenly the game started.. It would of been nice to get know your comrades a bit, their history and yours, to learn about the different weapons etc. I like liked how COD4 put you through a SAS type training before you went out to battle. This all brings the immersion levels up. Gameplay: After playing for a few hours I will give you my two cents of the game play as you quickly learn how things are done in Dragon Rising. Movement in Dragon Rising feels a little bit sluggish, moving from cover to cover does not feel as fluent as it should be. For instance, changing stance from crouching to walking/running could be a bit quicker. One thing that I did feel annoyed about was the speed in which you can run. Yes I do know that having heavy gear isnt exactly going to help you run Usain Bolt speeds across 100m, but in battle I can imagine that adrenaline would make you run quick if you had to. Overall the movement is good, but needs tweaking to make it more fluid and fun. Running is not really that fun, seeing as many checkpoints are far from each other it would help if you felt as you were really sprinting to get to that wall for cover. I really do enjoy the aiming and shooting part of this game, from picking up your gun to aim and firing long distances to shooting rocket propelled grenades is fun, but also gives you a sense of the power in your hands. I do however feel the guns are a little bit to accurate at 300-400 meters and this could be tweaked a little so we cant pick off the AI so easily. The commands that you can give your squad are good, and the menu system to order your squad to do things, is also very carefully thought about. Your most used tactics are on the first page of the radial, and more complex ones further into the subsystems. I did feel that their were some commands missing. For instance, telling your squad to move slowly, or to stay crouched would of been nice. I have heard the issues about the rolling mice button not working as fluidly as it should, I have indeed come across this problem, and yes it is annoying but not a game breaker. CM could easily fix this. One thing that annoyed me was that I was not punished for running into enemy fire, the bullets seemed to go around me instead of hitting and finishing me off. I didn't feel the need to use cover or clever tactics to kill the enemy as it felt I was slightly overpowered in the armour arena. The slogan ''one shot can kill you'' certainly did not show here Graphics: This area I felt a little let down as the menu to customise which graphical enhancements you want or do not were not their to tweak the game if necessary. Even at the highest of resolutions and 4X MSAA (multi sampling anti aliasing) does not really improve the image on-screen to give you the same effect the screen shots that CM gave us. I suspect some photo shop or something going on there. The world does seem slightly more bland and brown than I imagined it would be. But hey, over here in the UK there are some pretty bland and dull areas too. Some textures on trees and vehicles seem to have been overlayed with a lower resolution than they should be on the PC. AI: So far the AI seems smart enough to play with, they are alot smarter that the ones I have played with in ARMA II for instance. They often listen to commands (not always!) and cover and retreat when in need. Very happy on that front. Sound: the sounds seems well recorded and implemented in this game and I was very happy with that aspect of the game. Overall, Flashpoint 2 seems a solid game. It does however have some issues that purists, fanatics and realism freaks will go ''arghhh'' about. With some tweaking, balancing and editing CM are on too something here. My main worry is what I am going to do once the game has been completed as their is no good multiplayer at the moment. I do not want this game to gather dust after waiting soo long for this, playing it then leaving it. So far, I give this game 7/10 I hope this review/preview has helped you guys, Thanks for reading M

09-10-2009, 11:56 PM	#2 (permalink)
Kaching Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 112	tl;dr __________________ This is my rifle. There are many like it, but this one is mine. My rifle is my best friend. It is my life. I must master it as I master my life. My rifle, without me, is useless. Without my rifle, I am useless. KACHING Israel ██████ ██████ ██████

10-10-2009, 12:02 AM	#4 (permalink)
Spacemanc Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: UK Posts: 599	Good review, but remember there's already hundreds of people working on custom missions, which will extend the life. I have a quick look around the editor, and I'm unsure why CM haven't created any more exciting missions. As far as I can see, great tank battles are possible for example, and it would be great to see that element in the game. All the flaws in the game are very minor non-game breaking things, and I think that the vast majority will be fixed in the first patch ( I think CM we're really pushed by the COD : MW deadline ) If CM have the balls to release full modding tools, and also get some dedi server files out quickly, then this game will become a classic. __________________ Join the Reality Teamwork OFP : DR X-Fire Community Click Here

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10-10-2009, 12:30 AM	#7 (permalink)
Manfred89 Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 50	I'm with Spacemanc, its growing on me ( graphics wise, the first mission is so ugly compared to the next few, why they led with it I don't know. I realise it was more of a training level, but still? ).Providing CMs release some stellar modding tools and let the pc users really get under the bonnet of this they could have something.

10-10-2009, 01:25 AM	#10 (permalink)
TheDarco Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 20	Maybe that was the idea I dont know. But it just seems a little bit too relaxed. They need to put the fear back into the player.