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Post by Onecrazymonkey1 on Oct 15, 2020 17:31:41 GMT
I'm hopeless, I started another play-through with a female human Warlock and put my male elf wizard on hold. He suffered the Gale treatment of getting hammered by enemies and it wasn't as fun, I'd try another class but I also discovered that high charisma is extremely important to me as well...Well, at least I made her look different. :/ IakusAlso I'd recommend a lot of camp rests. I've been discovering on my new play-through that I missed a lot of triggered companion conversations on my previous character because I wasn't resting enough. There are probably certain conversations you'll miss and won't trigger if you wait too long.
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Post by novatrex on Oct 15, 2020 20:59:42 GMT
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Post by Onecrazymonkey1 on Oct 16, 2020 5:22:44 GMT
Well I suppose since I already completed one play-through I'll share some of my feelings on it. When it comes to size I found it pretty large for only one part, I ended up putting in 66 hours total on my first run and I think I explored the entire map. There are a number of ways that quests can go depending on who you side with, save, kill and the powers you use. There's just a lot of options and I know I haven't seen every angle, and I'm pretty sure I missed quests. Is the game glitchy? yes, bodies will flop around when you kill them, the dice rolls are not always accurate, I've succeeded in a couple of rolls only for the game to say I've failed. There are some enemies I fought that got three extra turns. Companions will repeat conversations and NPC's lips wont sync most of the time. The worst I've had were crashes (although the hotfixes and update helped with that a bit.) and there was one bug where I couldn't save so I had to reload a previous save. But tbh I never ran into a bug yet that was so game breaking that I couldn't continue the story. Actually I think Bethesda releases their games in a worse state and they don't get the excuse of early access. The combat is turn based and I know that turns a lot of people off but like I said before that's a matter of taste, as I always liked turn based myself. Depending on your level and if you're not used to the game yet, battles can take a long time but once you get the hang of it and learn some strategies combat can actually move along pretty fast. In my first run there were some enemies in the beginning that I couldn't even beat so I would sneak by, now I can beat them and blast through in less then a minute. The longest battle I think is at the goblin camp just because there are so many of them, but you don't have to kill them all if you don't want to anyway. I've also mentioned before that enemies will continuously go for your weakest characters over and over again like wizards for example. Your front line fighters can get completely ignored and hopefully that's changed in the future, maybe have it get based on an enemy's intelligence or something. The world itself is really beautiful to look at and well designed, along with the CC, NPC's and companions etc. Some of the presets in the CC are a little odd looking but there are also a good chunk of really beautiful ones, hair is exceptionally well done imo. Unfortunately there are no sliders and I would like to see those added along with more presets. I also hope they will allow us to zoom the camera into a third person view, it's not necessary but I think it would be cool. Just a warning on the companions, some have really been rubbing people the wrong way, three of them in particular if you play a goody goody character. However Larian has said that they wanted to release all their most selfish and evil companions first for feedback, there will be more good aligned companions that we haven't seen yet. I'm also getting the feeling that you'll be able to influence both Shadowheart and Astarion a bit as the game goes on, due to some companion story spoilers....but I could be wrong. Both Shadowheart and Astarian can be pretty bitchy with the sass and brutal with their burns if you say the wrong thing and Lae'zel is really damn aggressive (and probably the most evil? I mean she is a githyanki after all). Imagine three Morrigans in your party disapproving all the time. For myself I actually like the sass and think it can be downright hilarious, I also didn't have a hard time getting at least Shadowheart and Astarion's approval high on a good character. As long as you just stumble on quests and end up doing the right thing instead of playing the hero and offering yourself up to every Tom, Dick and Harry you should be fine. There are at least two companions Gale and Wyll who usually likes when someone plays the hero though. All in all, I give it an 8 out of 10 only because it's unfinished, its like a diamond in the rough with so much potential. I can imagine that once it's completed I'd probably give it a perfect 10, hell I want to give it a 10 now just because I've enjoyed it so much. It's honestly the most fun I've had with a game in a while. I'm pretty sad that it's over for now, so I'll just try some different play-throughs. EDIT: oh I forgot, I would like to clarify on not being allowed to save on one game, that only happened on an auto save and never once with my main save. I almost never use auto saves in any game because they always seem like they mess up more often, but it had auto saved right before a battle and I thought I would try it, that was a mistake because after I finished the fight the save was corrupted. Even though I lost only a couple minutes of game time, I would not recommend using any auto saves, at least for right now.
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Post by dazk on Oct 16, 2020 5:50:55 GMT
Well I suppose since I already completed one play-through I'll share some of my feelings on it. When it comes to size I found it pretty large for only one part, I ended up putting in 66 hours total on my first run and I think I explored the entire map. There are a number of ways that quests can go depending on who you side with, save, kill and the powers you use. There's just a lot of options and I know I haven't seen every angle, and I'm pretty sure I missed quests. Is the game glitchy? yes, bodies will flop around when you kill them, the dice rolls are not always accurate, I've succeeded in a couple of rolls only for the game to say I've failed. There are some enemies I fought that got three extra turns. Companions will repeat conversations and NPC's lips wont sync most of the time. The worst I've had were crashes (although the hotfixes and update helped with that a bit.) and there was one bug where I couldn't save so I had to reload a previous save. But tbh I never ran into a bug yet that was so game breaking that I couldn't continue the story. Actually I think Bethesda releases their games in a worse state and they don't get the excuse of early access. The combat is turn based and I know that turns a lot of people off but like I said before that's a matter of taste, as I always liked turn based myself. Depending on your level and if you're not used to the game yet, battles can take a long time but once you get the hang of it and learn some strategies combat can actually move along pretty fast. In my first run there were some enemies in the beginning that I couldn't even beat so I would sneak by, now I can beat them and blast through in less then a minute. The longest battle I think is at the goblin camp just because there are so many of them, but you don't have to kill them all if you don't want to anyway. I've also mentioned before that enemies will continuously go for your weakest characters over and over again like wizards for example. Your front line fighters can get completely ignored and hopefully that's changed in the future, maybe have it get based on an enemy's intelligence or something. The world itself is really beautiful to look at and well designed, along with the CC, NPC's and companions etc. Some of the presets in the CC are a little odd looking but there are also a good chunk of really beautiful ones, hair is exceptionally well done imo. Unfortunately there are no sliders and I would like to see those added along with more presets. I also hope they will allow us to zoom the camera into a third person view, it's not necessary but I think it would be cool. Just a warning on the companions, some have really been rubbing people the wrong way, three of them in particular if you play a goody goody character. However Larian has said that they wanted to release all their most selfish and evil companions first for feedback, there will be more good aligned companions that we haven't seen yet. I'm also getting the feeling that you'll be able to influence both Shadowheart and Astarion a bit as the game goes on, due to some companion story spoilers....but I could be wrong. Both Shadowheart and Astarian can be pretty bitchy with the sass and brutal with their burns if you say the wrong thing and Lae'zel is really damn aggressive (and probably the most evil? I mean she is a githyanki after all). Imagine three Morrigans in your party disapproving all the time. For myself I actually like the sass and think it can be downright hilarious, I also didn't have a hard time getting at least Shadowheart and Astarion's approval high on a good character. As long as you just stumble on quests and end up doing the right thing instead of playing the hero and offering yourself up to every Tom, Dick and Harry you should be fine. There are at least two companions Gale and Wyll who usually likes when someone plays the hero though. All in all, I give it an 8 out of 10 only because it's unfinished, its like a diamond in the rough with so much potential. I can imagine that once it's completed I'd probably give it a perfect 10, hell I want to give it a 10 now just because I've enjoyed it so much. It's honestly the most fun I've had with a game in a while. I'm pretty sad that it's over for now, so I'll just try some different play-throughs. If I can get past the combat it sounds like i will really like it. Waiting for another patch or two before I try EA, still not sure when I buy if I do as I want to play AC Valhalla first.
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Post by Iakus on Oct 18, 2020 4:24:23 GMT
Okay, fighting three phase spiders and two ettercaps at level three strikes me as...excessive. I may not be ready for that part...
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Post by Iakus on Oct 20, 2020 14:50:08 GMT
Finally started unlocking some of these illithid powers. Was able to "Jedi mind trick" my way into a goblin camp. Though the narrator said it "took something from me" Also, I hope these aren't all the companions in the game. Having a hard time building any kind of faction with him by being remotely good. Shadowheart is {https://i.imgur.com/AXqOMrX.png}A Shar worshipper which by definition means 'evil" and keeps a lot of secrets Lae'zel is a githyanki, and thus, evil. Plus she's an arrogant b*tch who hates everything Shadowheart seems to like and vice-versa. Astarion seems to be an opportunistic psychopath more interested in controlling the mind flayer powers than, you know NOT TURNING INTO ONE! Gale reminds me of Varsuvius from the Order of the Stick comic: a wizard utterly convinced in the superiority of arcane power and looks down his nose at anyone lacking it, or even lacking ENOUGH of it (like warlcoks) Wyll seemed nice enough at first. You know, for a fiend-packed warlock. But he's got a lot of anger issues to work out. plus he blamed me for killing a goblin leader (that HE TOLD ME TO KILL!)because he wanted to question it.
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Post by Onecrazymonkey1 on Oct 20, 2020 18:38:45 GMT
Okay, fighting three phase spiders and two ettercaps at level three strikes me as...excessive. I may not be ready for that part... I had to come back at level 4, that fight was too much. Finally started unlocking some of these illithid powers. Was able to "Jedi mind trick" my way into a goblin camp. Though the narrator said it "took something from me" Also, I hope these aren't all the companions in the game. Having a hard time building any kind of faction with him by being remotely good. Shadowheart is {https://i.imgur.com/AXqOMrX.png}A Shar worshipper which by definition means 'evil" and keeps a lot of secrets Lae'zel is a githyanki, and thus, evil. Plus she's an arrogant b*tch who hates everything Shadowheart seems to like and vice-versa. Astarion seems to be an opportunistic psychopath more interested in controlling the mind flayer powers than, you know NOT TURNING INTO ONE! Gale reminds me of Varsuvius from the Order of the Stick comic: a wizard utterly convinced in the superiority of arcane power and looks down his nose at anyone lacking it, or even lacking ENOUGH of it (like warlcoks) Wyll seemed nice enough at first. You know, for a fiend-packed warlock. But he's got a lot of anger issues to work out. plus he blamed me for killing a goblin leader (that HE TOLD ME TO KILL!)because he wanted to question it. Don't worry from what I've seen Larian say in the past, they put some of their most selfish and evil companions into EA and wanted players to be evil for feedback. There are supposed to be more good aligned ones later, unless they change their mind.... I'll try to find where I've read that. My thoughts on the companions. Shadowheart- I think you'll be able to influence her eventually, or not everything is as it seems, she's like a lost soul imo. If you go through the evil path against the tieflings, she gives a little approval at first but seems really depressed later on, someone even said it locks you out of the romance (although I'm unsure). If you go through the good path, you might lose a little approval in the beginning but she is eventually happier in the end, while saying her goddess wouldn't approve. People are speculating she might be a captured selunite that had her memories removed? She's a tough one to get approval up but as long as you usually say a healer comes first, help animals, or if you want to help someone, do so but without actually offering your help etc. the approval will slowly get up there. I've also noticed certain statues of selune unlock conversations with her, unless it was just a coincidence in my game. What I personally don't like are all the persuasion checks with her in some conversation. Gale- Despite his arrogance, so far is the only one who seems genuinely good and doesn't mind you taking a detour from saving yourself to help others. I suppose since his character is a time bomb anyway, he's used to it....Or he could like the fact that you help others because it means there will be better chances of you helping him? hmmm, he might be fooling me. Astarion -Is a snobby prick but from certain things he's said in conversation, I feel like you'll be able to influence him eventually as well. Actually it was easier for me to play a good character with him than with Shadowheart, however while there are aspects of him I find evil, I don't really think wanting to control the parasite is imo, at least not in his case, because without it he'll go back to being a slave to his master. You can usually get his approval by helping people with their freedom like the Karlach quest, preform pranks during some quests, ask for rewards and compensation for your troubles etc. or for a more evil play-through, kill. He seems very much about his survival at all costs to me, doesn't matter how that's achieved, through good or evil means. Wyll- Can you explain the Goblin situation? That's interesting, I killed the goblin leader but didn't lose approval. If it's the situation I'm thinking of, I like to do things strategically and Wyll is too hot headed, so I told him now wasn't the time or whatever. Wyll I think is a character that really wants to do good but is more concerned with a heroic image, rather then putting in the time and dedication it takes to actually be good. Through the game, he has no problem doing some terrible things if he feels he has no choice and he doesn't really have what it takes yet, hence warlock pact crutch. Doing anything heroic, will get his approval up, so him and Gale are the easiest to please for a good PC. Lae-zel - Is literally the only companion I can not get above neutral and I'm not sure it's possible you can even remotely play a good character with her. I'm sorry but I have no advice there. Most of this is my speculation, I have no idea If we'll be able to influence any companion, I just hope and get the feeling we will. EDIT: Had to fix a spoiler tag
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Post by Onecrazymonkey1 on Oct 20, 2020 22:27:01 GMT
One irritation I will mention about the romances is how a majority of the companions all want to jump your bones at the party, sometimes even regardless of your approval Seriously, I was romancing one companion and everyone randomly got jealous. I know my character is cute but she's not that cute! All of the companions should get their scenes spread out and have different timed triggers. Shadowheart, Gale, Wyll and Lae'zel should not be wanting to romance me if I gave no indication of interest, (especially if you didn't get along).... I hate you but we'll bang ok? And if it's a hate fling, it has to be done right or it seems forced ha. I think it's only this way because they want testing for EA, but I just have to mention it because it was so jarring and hopefully it gets toned down a lot. A lot of people have already been giving feedback on that though.
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Post by Iakus on Oct 20, 2020 22:48:41 GMT
Okay, fighting three phase spiders and two ettercaps at level three strikes me as...excessive. I may not be ready for that part... I had to come back at level 4, that fight was too much. Finally started unlocking some of these illithid powers. Was able to "Jedi mind trick" my way into a goblin camp. Though the narrator said it "took something from me" Also, I hope these aren't all the companions in the game. Having a hard time building any kind of faction with him by being remotely good. Shadowheart is {https://i.imgur.com/AXqOMrX.png}A Shar worshipper which by definition means 'evil" and keeps a lot of secrets Lae'zel is a githyanki, and thus, evil. Plus she's an arrogant b*tch who hates everything Shadowheart seems to like and vice-versa. Astarion seems to be an opportunistic psychopath more interested in controlling the mind flayer powers than, you know NOT TURNING INTO ONE! Gale reminds me of Varsuvius from the Order of the Stick comic: a wizard utterly convinced in the superiority of arcane power and looks down his nose at anyone lacking it, or even lacking ENOUGH of it (like warlcoks) Wyll seemed nice enough at first. You know, for a fiend-packed warlock. But he's got a lot of anger issues to work out. plus he blamed me for killing a goblin leader (that HE TOLD ME TO KILL!)because he wanted to question it. Don't worry from what I've seen Larian say in the past, they put some of their most selfish and evil companions into EA and wanted players to be evil for feedback. There are supposed to be more good aligned ones later, unless they change their mind.... I'll try to find where I've read that. My thoughts on the companions. Shadowheart- I think you'll be able to influence her eventually, or not everything is as it seems, she's like a lost soul imo. If you go through the evil path against the tieflings, she gives a little approval at first but seems really depressed later on, someone even said it locks you out of the romance (although I'm unsure). If you go through the good path, you might lose a little approval in the beginning but she is eventually happier in the end, while saying her goddess wouldn't approve. People are speculating she might be a captured selunite that had her memories removed? She's a tough one to get approval up but as long as you usually say a healer comes first, help animals, or if you want to help someone, do so but without actually offering your help etc. the approval will slowly get up there. I've also noticed certain statues of selune unlock conversations with her, unless it was just a coincidence in my game. What I personally don't like are all the persuasion checks with her in some conversation. Gale- Despite his arrogance, so far is the only one who seems genuinely good and doesn't mind you taking a detour from saving yourself to help others. I suppose since his character is a time bomb anyway, he's used to it....Or he could like the fact that you help others because it means there will be better chances of you helping him? hmmm, he might be fooling me. Astarion -Is a snobby prick but from certain things he's said in conversation, I feel like you'll be able to influence him eventually as well. Actually it was easier for me to play a good character with him than with Shadowheart, however while there are aspects of him I find evil, I don't really think wanting to control the parasite is imo, at least not in his case, because without it he'll go back to being a slave to his master. You can usually get his approval by helping people with their freedom like the Karlach quest, preform pranks during some quests, ask for rewards and compensation for your troubles etc. or for a more evil, play-through kill. He seems very much about his survival at all costs to me, doesn't matter how that's achieved, through good or evil means. Wyll- Can you explain the Goblin situation? That's interesting, I killed the goblin leader but didn't lose approval. If it's the situation I'm thinking of, I like to do things strategically and Wyll is too hot headed, so I told him now wasn't the time or whatever. Wyll I think is a character that really wants to do good but is more concerned with a heroic image, rather then putting in the time and dedication it takes to actually be good. Through the game, he has no problem doing some terrible things if he feels he has no choice and he doesn't really have what it takes yet, hence warlock pack crutch. Doing anything heroic, will get his approval up, so him and Gale are the easiest to please for a good PC. Lae-zel - Is literally the only companion I can not get above neutral and I'm not sure it's possible you can even remotely play a good character with her. I'm sorry but I have no advice there. Most of this is my speculation, I have no idea If we'll be able to influence any companion, I just hope and get the feeling we will. EDIT: Had to fix a spoiler tag Shadowheart: I did find a broken statue of Selune behind a windmill where she had some kind of magical reaction, and got some conversation with her. Wyll: It was at the windmill with the deep gnome tied to it. We beat up the goblin boss there and interrogated him. Wyll then told me to finish him. I did so, then he complained that the goblin was dead. I didn't get disapproval for it, though I didn't get any approval either. I just thought it odd...and annoying. Lae'zel: I think when I do a "real" playthrough I'm gonna play something tanky then
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Post by Onecrazymonkey1 on Oct 20, 2020 23:34:05 GMT
Shadowheart: I did find a broken statue of Selune behind a windmill where she had some kind of magical reaction, and got some conversation with her. Wyll: It was at the windmill with the deep gnome tied to it. We beat up the goblin boss there and interrogated him. Wyll then told me to finish him. I did so, then he complained that the goblin was dead. I didn't get disapproval for it, though I didn't get any approval either. I just thought it odd...and annoying. Lae'zel: I think when I do a "real" playthrough I'm gonna play something tanky then Ah ok I was thinking of something else but I know the area you're talking about. As I was already a Warlock, I didn't have Wyll in my party at the windmill and he didn't make any mention of it later, I'll have to take him there on another run. I really wonder just how much they will change around though when this gets out of EA.
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Post by Iakus on Oct 21, 2020 13:11:44 GMT
Shadowheart: I did find a broken statue of Selune behind a windmill where she had some kind of magical reaction, and got some conversation with her. Wyll: It was at the windmill with the deep gnome tied to it. We beat up the goblin boss there and interrogated him. Wyll then told me to finish him. I did so, then he complained that the goblin was dead. I didn't get disapproval for it, though I didn't get any approval either. I just thought it odd...and annoying. Lae'zel: I think when I do a "real" playthrough I'm gonna play something tanky then Ah ok I was thinking of something else but I know the area you're talking about. As I was already a Warlock, I didn't have Wyll in my party at the windmill and he didn't make any mention of it later, I'll have to take him there on another run. I really wonder just how much they will change around though when this gets out of EA. I brought him along since dealing with the goblins seems to be "his quest" There was quite a bit of back and forth between him and the goblin, including a spot where it looks like there was a cinematic still to be added.
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Post by Iakus on Oct 27, 2020 23:09:40 GMT
New patch today
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