Malf on 7/12/2018 at 13:51
It's nothing like a Skyrim, but while it does share some of its DNA with GTA (the aforementioned linear missions, clunky controls, best-in-class animation), it's pretty far from a GTA game too. It's also wonderfully free of icon hunting.
I'm quite a bit further than henke, but there's a large part of the map still locked off to me, which I believe only becomes accessible later one, or even after the main story. There's nothing to stop you poking your head over the border, but it will very quickly get blown off.
Outside of the missions and side missions, the game is increddibly non-linear, and filled to brimming with pastimes that are very satisfying. The systems are deep and slightly wonky, and it's fun for the most part testing their limits.
Crime and punishment can get a bit annoying in Saint Denis, the big city to the south east. Even if someone attacks you first, if you retaliate, you're likely to pick up a bounty, and if you fight your way out, that bounty just gets bigger.
I had a really annoying series of events while trying to access a mission there.
I was riding there, when a pedestrian walked into my horse and I got reported for assault. I had to escape the town without killing anyone, only to pay of off the bounty, return to Saint Denis to try and access the mission again. I unfortunately triggered a random gang encounter 10 yards from starting the mission. They started shooting at me, so I shot back, only to pick up a bounty for murder, at which point I had to once again ride out of town and pay the bounty before returning a third time.
I pretty much turned off the game in disgust at this point.
So while they're deep and involved, the systems can be very annoying at times.
I have however found a loophole which keeps me amused. If you lasso people instead of shooting them, as long as that's all you do, you don't get a black mark on your honour. And as long as you get away before anyone spots you in the area, you don't end up wanted. Cue many an overly hostile cowboy at camps across the land being hogtied and left hollering. It's a simple thing, but it keeps me amused.
Thirith on 10/12/2018 at 07:54
I finished chapter 2 this morning and celebrated by upgrading the camp's horse station. Yee-haw!
While I understand the criticism that the missions don't allow for much creativity, I have to say that I don't particularly mind. I like the game's systems when it comes to making the world feel more real and alive, but I don't mind that the gameplay is more strictly authored. Perhaps I'm also predictable enough that I always feel the game allows me to do what I'd do anyway (or perhaps rather what I think Arthur would do).
Having said that, I do like the more systemic gameplay opportunities that coop affords, and I'm hoping that they build in smart and interesting ways on the coop missions in GTA Online.
henke on 15/12/2018 at 11:07
I'm up to chapter 4 now. Tho I'm still spending a lot of time trying to pull off the perfect train robbery, here's a couple pretty good attempts.
[video=youtube;L2SbfEu4o58]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2SbfEu4o58[/video]
Still got recognized though, guess I should've worn a different set of clothes.
Thirith on 20/12/2018 at 13:51
Quick question about the trapper: so far I've dutifully delivered and sold all the legendary animals, and I've bought the occasional bit of gear, but I haven't really made a habit of checking what the good man is selling. Is it worth getting gear at the trapper's, and to put in the time to collect the needed materials, if I'm not particularly interested in the cosmetic options?
Malf on 20/12/2018 at 15:21
The complete sets offer special bonuses as far as I'm aware, but I haven't completed a single set yet, and I doubt they make a huge difference to the game.
As an aside, are you guys playing on PS4 standard or Pro?
I ask because the game has shut down my PS4 standard a couple of times while playing. I'm worried that my PS4 might be dying, but no other games do that and I watch Netflix every day on it without issue. Has anyone else had unexpected shut-downs?
It's possible it's because I've installed the game to an external USB 3 drive, but I just want to see if anyone else has seen similar problems before I go troubleshooting.
Thirith on 20/12/2018 at 15:30
I've got a Pro, but for what it's worth I've also installed the game on an external drive. No problems there.