It really does look like they're putting in the work and I'm excited to check it out. I'm just waiting to hear that the performance has been ironed out to pick it up.
I think it comes down to different approaches to writing. One is to only keep what's absolutely necessary to the plot. Done well, this can result in a tight narrative, but done poorly it can be way too predictable.
Another is to add little details that, while not necessary to the plot, may make the world/characters feel more real. Done well you can get some believably human characters, but done poorly it just feels bloated.
What sort of performance are you seeing now? I've been interested in this one but have been holding out since the initial reviews said it didn't run very well
Great list! The only thing I'd add is to check with your credit card company if you plan to use it abroad. Some require you to notify them if you're traveling, otherwise they may flag your transactions as fraud and deny them.
Thanks, this info is super useful. Story progression not carrying over isn't a huge issue to me, so long as you're allowed to keep playing with the host past where your own game world is. I never liked how dark souls required you to play levels multiple times in a row if you want to keep playing with friends.
These two bits are really nice to see too
When playing online, the host’s game world will reflect their progress in the storyline. As an accompanying player, you won’t advance your own story, but you’ll keep any items, levels, achievements, and currencies you earn during the online session. These will carry over when you return to your own game world.
As a joining player, you have only one life. If you lose it, your body will fall to the ground and you’ll switch to spectator mode. The host has two options for resurrecting you: they can either interact with your fallen body on the spot, risking exposure to enemies as it’s not a quick ritual, or they can do so via a nearby Vestige.
I hit a couple walls like that but I had fun with this game. I appreciate that it encouraged me to rework my build to fit the mission or encounter.
In the souls series and the like, you're encouraged (and somewhat forced) to pick a build and commit to it. Gear is expensive to upgrade, many of the best weapons have high stat requirements, and respecs are limited.
With Armored Core I felt like they wanted me to constantly rebuild my mech. They're pretty generous with the currency so I was able to build up a huge stock of parts without much trouble. They also give the option to rework your mech whenever you die. If a boss gave me trouble I could usually pivot without restarting the whole mission
I started helping a friend with his first playthrough of Elden Ring and I've been completely sucked back in. I've got a couple new characters going now
It really does look like they're putting in the work and I'm excited to check it out. I'm just waiting to hear that the performance has been ironed out to pick it up.