Tomi on 14/2/2019 at 22:53
So another big update has just been released. Could this be what makes the game somewhat playable at last? I still haven't recovered from the release day disappointment, so I think I'll wait for a bit longer before I jump in, but obviously it's great to see that they're still at least trying to fix this thing.
Some interesting (in my opinion) pickings from the update notes:
* The world is now a series of interconnected levels, accessible through The Grand Staircase. Updated quest flow now focuses on important narrative quests that highlight both new and refined story and content, while allowing the player to freely explore the environment and optional side-quests.
* Updated enemy patrol paths and lighting pass in all levels to enhance tactical stealth gameplay, and enemy population overhaul/refinements on all main quests.
* New and streamlined story elements along main critical path, with supplemental story elements moved to explorable space.
* Players can now use F5 to quick save and F9 to quick load said quick save.
* Updated enemy patrol paths and AI behavior models to improve their reaction to player actions
* Standard trunks are now smaller to reflect that they don’t hold treasure on the level of the mighty Typhon chests.
* Additional refinements to combat feel and responsiveness
* Creatures may be knocked down during combat and get back up to continue the fight.
* Further refinement of player movement
* New challenges and rewards to discover in all levels!
* General performance improvements to improve load times, increase FPS and reduce hitching.
The rather long list of changes can be read in full here: (
https://steamcommunity.com/games/692840/announcements/detail/1750114627288546134)
twisty on 15/2/2019 at 15:45
It definitely appears to be a step in the right direction but I'm going to sit it out for a little while as well. Plenty of other games to keep me busy in the meantime.
Twist on 15/2/2019 at 20:05
I was skeptical we'd see improvements of this scope so soon given the disastrous launch.
I'm sure it's still a couple of updates away from being anything like it could have been, but now I have hope it might just get there.
Man, it is a damn shame they didn't release this as an Early Access project.
Pyrian on 15/2/2019 at 20:21
Whoa, just got put on sale 75% off on Steam. I think they're trying to push this version? Definitely seems like some mix of confidence and desperation.
EDIT: They even put "Update 2 Live" prominently around the basic store image. I think they're really trying to convince people that this is the time to jump in.
Bucky Seifert on 16/2/2019 at 07:49
So far I am enjoying it more than I did at launch, but I'm someone who is willing to put out with a lot of jank for the sake of emergent gameplay, so don't take this as a sign that the game is worth buying at full price, because even so, I only bought it because it's on sale for $7.50.
henke on 16/2/2019 at 11:57
Y'know what, I've been watching (with morbid curiosity) from the sidelines long enough. With this update and discount it's finally time to take the plunge.
henke on 17/2/2019 at 17:13
Ok, I've played it for 7 hours and reached the 3rd depth now. Thoughts!
Technical
Performance has been fine on my GTX1070, except it did get quite sluggish on the 3rd depth in a huge water-filled room. I like the way the game looks. Had one crash to desktop which cost me half an hour of progress. At one point I died from merely climbing a ledge. I've also had clothing items straight up disappear when I try to apply them to my character.
Gameplay
The combat is pretty barebones but decent. The stealth is hampered by enemies having slightly irregular patterns for when they stop or when they keep patrolling, makes it hard to plan ahead. Also it doesn't seem like stealthy takedowns are possible at all? I even have the "Backstab" skill, but it never does enough damage for a takedown, and it always turns into a duel. I like the exploration, tho movement feels a tad too floaty. The game occasionally reminds me of Dark Souls, but not in any good way, rather in the way of having a lot of obscure systems that you need Google to help you understand. The one gameplay element I can unequivocally say I love is the way fire works. Setting fire to doors, floors and roofs to make progress is very satisfying.
Overall, it's a clunky mess that don't quite work right. I also kinda like it.
Questions:
-Where can I get a bigger backpack? The cramped inventory space is getting annoying.
-Can I see the DOOM COUNTER (or whatever) somewhere? I've put 2 mana cores in the big thingy but I'm not sure if that actually did anything.
-What are those big statues with 2 characters on either side and some kinda round port similar to the one where you put mana cores?
henke on 17/2/2019 at 18:20
Just did a quest where I have to destroy an Animus and get an Aether Core. Destoyed the thing but didn't get a core. Am I gonna have to abandon the quest and try it again? Because if so, I give up.
Tomi on 18/2/2019 at 19:21
Thanks for volunteering to try this, henke :D
You make UA sound somewhat playable at least and not like a total mess, so I'll push it a little higher on my to-play-list. I think it's a terrible shame that even here on TTLG the general consensus is kinda "meh" towards the game.
ZylonBane on 18/2/2019 at 22:47
Especially here at TTLG, since we know more than most fan communities what kind of game this was supposed to be.