Inb4 the flames start.
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Early impressions from RPS for ME:A. It's... not good
- Thread starter Kumquat
- Start date
Inb4 the flames start.
I'm actually buying ME:A because I'm a huge fan of the series. I'm just really scared I will be disappointed.
And then we look at the list of games the article's writer hated previously...
Baleoce
Member
Yeah, if you have an open enough mind about these things, hearing opinions to the contrary shouldn't bother you in the slightest.
This is the real issue. It always has been.
TheMrPliskin
Member
If the vast majority of previews are positive and yet one of them being negative is enough to make you lose all interest in the game then you'd already made your mind up long before reading the negative preview.
He appears to be quite unique in his viewpoint but stands by and validates all that he says. I do prefer that than bland uniformity.
I mean I can't say I can put myself in his shoes but that bears out in describing the experiences and games he enjoys. Another example: he also hated Journey and thought everyone was spellbound by a truly dull game. I loved it and performed absolute pee suppression in order to experience the game end to end without a pause.
Moon_frogger
Member
Well I'm pretty sure the big sites will be accepting a lot of money in adversiting revenue from this game specifically but RPS won't be. It is a valid point, although I wouldn't expect it to really colour the final reviews so much. It's more of the preview culture that is pretty pervasive with these sites. They'll be having mass effect unboxing parties, hanging out with the developers on twitch streams, doing weeks of 'behind the scenes' exclusive developer interviews and other shenanigans that might colour their perception. It's normal and healthy to be wary of preview coverage from these sites I think
EatChildren
Currently polling second in Australia's federal election (first in the Gold Coast), this feral may one day be your Bogan King.
As I've said in the community thread, it's great to see some dissenting perspective, given most if not all of the previews from last month fell at various points on the positive spectrum. Much like Sterling, Walker is exceedingly earnest in his views, and I find that commitment to honesty refreshing. Helps that he can write too.
That being said, I don't always find myself in agreeance with his perspective. He lamented his feelings that playing The Witcher 3 could be likened to eating cardboard, and he praised LIMBO while blasting INSIDE. My love for the former cannot be overstated, and with the latter two I'm reversed. So I'm not entirely sure his thoughts on Andromeda will echo my own.
As I also noted, I also think it's important that people find reviewers/writers that resonate closely with their own tastes as a means to gauge weight of a preview and how relevant it may be to their own interests, and avoid fixating on pieces simply because they fit their own presumptions and enforced consensus, while in the same breath dismissing alternatives.
That being said, I don't always find myself in agreeance with his perspective. He lamented his feelings that playing The Witcher 3 could be likened to eating cardboard, and he praised LIMBO while blasting INSIDE. My love for the former cannot be overstated, and with the latter two I'm reversed. So I'm not entirely sure his thoughts on Andromeda will echo my own.
As I also noted, I also think it's important that people find reviewers/writers that resonate closely with their own tastes as a means to gauge weight of a preview and how relevant it may be to their own interests, and avoid fixating on pieces simply because they fit their own presumptions and enforced consensus, while in the same breath dismissing alternatives.
General Lee
Member
I don't put a lot of stock in previews, good or bad. Usually though most previews tend to be overly positive and ignore any negatives outside the most obvious nitpicks they come across. For negative opinions you gotta read between the lines and try to see where it's coming from and whether it applies to you or not. I enjoyed the hell out of Inquisition, so while I can recognize why someone might hate it for understandable reasons, it doesn't mean I'll hate it.
I do like it that there's more critical previews of games out there, since most of the preview looks are essentially just shilling.
I do like it that there's more critical previews of games out there, since most of the preview looks are essentially just shilling.
Links so we have context?
LaunchpadMcQ
Banned
All I'm saying is GAF is still mad about the ME3 ending, and may or may not want BioWare cut up into small pieces and fed to dogs.
I looked over the first few pages and didn't see a thread about ME:A previews. Please move it to that thread then.
Bioware stan
wolfhowwl
Banned
Yeah, but do you really trust those sites for something as huge as this title?
Mass Effect 3's reviews were completely in-line with the critical treatment of the first two games.
The same gamers that weren't upset when ME1's technical problems, poor combat, and empty worlds were given a pass by reviewers were apparently very upset that the third game received the same kid glove treatment and scored the same.
The preview is obviously a little hysterical, but it does raise the question: why another Mass Effect? It seems like Andromeda is a LOT like the previous games, and we got 3 of those last generation. Aside from being prettier what's the compelling argument for more Mass Effect? My own experience with the series is that the first one delivered the quintessential single player RPG experience, the second was a fun diversion, and by three I'm all set. No more Mass Effect necessary. Nothing shown in Andromeda has me excited about scanning planets, using mass effect magic to make bad guys float, or driving a ATV across another planet with weird shit in the sky.
So if Andromeda can't justify it's existence by being fresh, can it at least be the best Mass Effect? Can the UI finally be good? If Mass Effect wants to be an action game, can it have action game quality combat? Can the characters be better than Wrex and Tali and Garrus and Saren? Story wise Mass Effect has been on a downward slope from the first game. Mordin is a winner. I guess some people really liked the fishman. Apparently the forerunner from ME3 is well received, but I didn't pay for the DLC so I wouldn't know. I could not tell you who the bad guy was in ME3.
I'm ready to love Mass Effect. The first game made me care about video game characters in a way no game has ever done. It's been a mixed bag ever since. Nothing I'm seeing in Andromeda makes me think it will capture the magic of Mass Effect.
So if Andromeda can't justify it's existence by being fresh, can it at least be the best Mass Effect? Can the UI finally be good? If Mass Effect wants to be an action game, can it have action game quality combat? Can the characters be better than Wrex and Tali and Garrus and Saren? Story wise Mass Effect has been on a downward slope from the first game. Mordin is a winner. I guess some people really liked the fishman. Apparently the forerunner from ME3 is well received, but I didn't pay for the DLC so I wouldn't know. I could not tell you who the bad guy was in ME3.
I'm ready to love Mass Effect. The first game made me care about video game characters in a way no game has ever done. It's been a mixed bag ever since. Nothing I'm seeing in Andromeda makes me think it will capture the magic of Mass Effect.
It has taken on a life of it's own, lol. I am kind of expecting a lot of reviews in the 5-7 range, but do not give a shit as long as I am enjoying myself.
Also, there was an earlier preview on RPS that was more positive from Holly Nielsen.
They're right though, it's definitely just pure RPS being untainted from dem bribes and not a difference of opinion!
3 had more wrong with it, though:
It relegated the conclusion of plot arcs to entries in the codex, generally ignored all player choice from the previous games, that dumb ninja dude, and then that ending...
The actual gameplay of 3 is pretty good, aside from some of the shitty side-quest war asest stuff.
I have disagreed with almost every single one of this guys reviews. I'm not sure if he just thinks that much differently than I do, or if the guy just writes shit to be click bait, but I no longer trust most of the reviews on RPS because of him.
I mean the guy talked shit about the Witcher 3 being boring and terrible.....and it was my GOTY along with thousands of other GAFers.
Not saying he is wrong about Anromeda, because I haven't played it, but his opinion means shit to me
I mean the guy talked shit about the Witcher 3 being boring and terrible.....and it was my GOTY along with thousands of other GAFers.
Not saying he is wrong about Anromeda, because I haven't played it, but his opinion means shit to me
I am sorry to use such a dusty old cliche, but if this isn't "pre-order cancelled" material, I don't know what would be.
John Walker is a tremendous asshole, though, so.... we'll see. But I mean, I'm not really disappointed because of his opinions, those are actual quotes from the game, and they are terrible.
LaunchpadMcQ
Banned
Bravo BioWare!
Interstellar gif because you believe it should also be an Academy Award nominated space film based on this writing? I agree!
I see what you are trying to do, OP.Yeah, but do you really trust those sites for something as huge as this title?
AlfredX1990
Banned
Push a panic button over one single negative preview among a lot that are positive? Especially over an article this bad that says that doesn't understand how could the writers not kill themselves?
So, what would've happened if Jim Sterling was the first review Zelda received?
So, what would've happened if Jim Sterling was the first review Zelda received?
Wolfgunblood Garopa
Member
Not worried. Then again, DA:I is one of my favorite games. Ok, the shot at the writing has me a slight bit concerned. The writing in DA:I is fantastic.
The Salt Life
Banned
I'm buying this for the MP which looks amazing, I'll give the story a shot eventually.
I'm not worried and really looking forward to this. What I have learned is, my opinion differs greatly from reviewers like this. I'm not fearing this being a bad purchase.
What this person calls bland dislodge I might find enjoyable. It's an opinion, it's noted, but I'm not panicking at all.
I'm not worried and really looking forward to this. What I have learned is, my opinion differs greatly from reviewers like this. I'm not fearing this being a bad purchase.
What this person calls bland dislodge I might find enjoyable. It's an opinion, it's noted, but I'm not panicking at all.
SolicitorPirate
Member
Yeah, but do you really trust those sites for something as huge as this title?
Posts like this makes GAF's reputation as a mature gaming forum feel unearned
I have disagreed with almost every single one of this guys reviews. I'm not sure if he just thinks that much differently than I do, or if the guy just writes shit to be click bait, but I no longer trust most of the reviews on RPS because of him.
I mean the guy talked shit about the Witcher 3 being boring and terrible.....and it was my GOTY along with thousands of other GAFers.
Not saying he is wrong about Anromeda, because I haven't played it, but his opinion means shit to me
He writes his articles well and backs up his claims. I think his opinion is honest, and plenty of people with dissenting opinion exist on GAF which proves he's not some kind of unicorn.
His opinion rarely aligns with my own, but some of his critiques of the games he doesn't like I can nod with. In general though, I'm not really concerned when he says he doesn't like a game. It's rare I agree.
I don't always agree with Walker either, but he is not "click bait". Do you even know what that is? Having an opinion you find distasteful is not click bait.
Bravo BioWare!
i-don't-know-what-i-expected.gif
Does the game at least have a dialogue volume slider? Maybe I can enjoy what otherwise sounds like decent gameplay with Bioware's shitty dialogue muted.
UnluckyKate
Member
yeah we kinda all saw this coming.
Yeah, the gameplay looks so much better that it is not even funny. But on the other side of the coin, I also think that I can handle BioWare jank, filler quests and some cheesy space drama.
After all, that is part of the deal with Mass Effect.
Tekomandor
Member
Yeah, but do you really trust those sites for something as huge as this title?
ME3 got plenty of good scores from more independent outlets too.
Good Game gave it double tens, and it's not like they were trying to make a profit via advertising.
Spikematic
Member
This guy likened playing The Witcher 3 to eating cardboard? Lol, looks like I'm going to adore Andromeda as well.
shinobi602
Member
He's entitled to his opinion? I'm enjoying the game a lot, as are a bunch of others playing it. It's pretty far left field from what the majority of previews and impressions have been saying. There's even another writeup from another Rock, Paper, Shotgun writer that was praiseworthy: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/02/23/mass-effect-andromeda-is-looking-good/
Anyway, this person also hated The Witcher 3 and thought Inside was shit among others so our tastes certainly don't align.
I had issues with Inquisition, which I've made known before. I don't blindly love anything.
Really conflicted about the pre-order right now. I feel optimistic about the game's potential in about half a year's time with multiple patches but certain core problems won't be aided in that regard.
ME:A is starting to sound like one of ubisoft's annual releases but with more melodrama.
I have over a year's worth of backlog in games but I really want to play ME.
ME:A is starting to sound like one of ubisoft's annual releases but with more melodrama.
I have over a year's worth of backlog in games but I really want to play ME.
Purposefully being contrarian is click bait. Armond White has made a career out of it.
tkscz
Member
Yeah, but do you really trust those sites for something as huge as this title?
Never understood while 6/10 is "its all a dream".
I think a lot of the negativity we'll see for this game over the next few weeks is due to it following the release of both Horizon and Zelda. Those games set a higher bar of expectations for what an open world game should be in 2017; Horizon with its tightly focused and interesting narrative, and Zelda for its "What's over the next hill" sense of exploration.
Coming from those, Mass Effect must seem like a souped up Dragon Age Inquisition set in space. I went back to DA:I last fall to play the Trespasser DLC and it felt archaic to me, especially coming off Witcher 3. Can't imagine what it would be like after playing Horizon and Zelda. And this is coming from a big Mass Effect fan.
Coming from those, Mass Effect must seem like a souped up Dragon Age Inquisition set in space. I went back to DA:I last fall to play the Trespasser DLC and it felt archaic to me, especially coming off Witcher 3. Can't imagine what it would be like after playing Horizon and Zelda. And this is coming from a big Mass Effect fan.
I've preordered ME:A. That said, I think the RPS author's points are largely fair. The examples provided do support the position that the dialog (at least early in the game) and UI are poor.
However, atrocious writing is unfortunately par for the course in video games; the best I'd expect from ME:A is something fun but dumb (like KotOR/ME1/ME2 and unlike DA:I, which was just dumb). The UI design is also an anticipated flaw, given Bioware's history (DA:I's crafting and equipment menus were infuriating). Is the moment-to-moment gameplay enjoyable and pacing/storytelling/worldbuilding engaging? The author is largely silent on those points.
In short, I don't intend to cancel my preorder on the basis of this preview.
However, atrocious writing is unfortunately par for the course in video games; the best I'd expect from ME:A is something fun but dumb (like KotOR/ME1/ME2 and unlike DA:I, which was just dumb). The UI design is also an anticipated flaw, given Bioware's history (DA:I's crafting and equipment menus were infuriating). Is the moment-to-moment gameplay enjoyable and pacing/storytelling/worldbuilding engaging? The author is largely silent on those points.
In short, I don't intend to cancel my preorder on the basis of this preview.
At the very least, I wouldn't be surprised if the writing is as bad as its made out to be. With what has been shown of it so far based on previews, it doesn't sound very good.
Besides that, OP clearly has his own agenda against the game and Mr. Walker didn't like The Witcher 3 which largely contrasts my views of that game.
I'll take this thread and the article itself with a grain of salt.
Besides that, OP clearly has his own agenda against the game and Mr. Walker didn't like The Witcher 3 which largely contrasts my views of that game.
I'll take this thread and the article itself with a grain of salt.
texhnolyze
Banned
I knew it that it's just a matter of time before someone make this thread.
Happy trashing, folks.
Happy trashing, folks.