But wasn't the animation better in DA:I? Or did they simply do a better job hiding it with the camera angles/distance? I remember not having any issues with the animation in DA:I besides the gorilla walk the female protagonist had occasionally. I really thought it would only get better in ME:A given that DA:I was the first game they did on the new engine.
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Mass Effect: Andromeda PAX Livestream
- Thread starter shinobi602
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But wasn't the animation better in DA:I? Or did they simply do a better job hiding it with the camera angles/distance? I remember not having any issues with the animation in DA:I besides the gorilla walk the female protagonist had occasionally. I really thought it would only get better in ME:A given that DA:I was the first game they did on the new engine.
Heckler456
Banned
Can you think of a single game studio that actually became worse in terms of animations as the games went on? I sure can't. It just doesn't work like that.
Their animation work evidently looks better than the trilogy, and I'm sure that as a whole, it'll be an improvement on Dragon Age Inquisition. A handful of GIF's that don't even amount to 2 minutes of total footage doesn't really change that.
2 minutes out of their selected footage. That's another thing that is weird. Animation jank generally don't take me out of the game so i'm fine. But there are people who are bothered by such things in games, and i can totally sympathize with the trepidation some people feel with what Bioware are showing.
You shouldn't dismiss people's worries so easily because it dosen't bother you.
Yup. Mass Effect has crazy marketing and appeal. Multiplatform release. Will do big numbers.
I got it for like $39.99 with two day ship from amazon.ca due to the E3 promors from like 2 years ago.
Heckler456
Banned
I think you're giving those people a little too much credit. I'm sure there exist people who are genuinely bothered by bad animation in an of itself, but the people who say "I can't stand her face!" and "these GIF's are comedic gold!" sure aren't them.
And again, the fact remains that the animation quality in ME:A is pretty much in line with other games in its class; even when compared to something like Horizon, which has the advent of being a first party studio, and having made a first person shooter with pretty great facial tech previously. And mind you, even Horizon has plenty of examples (even in the marketing, like for example that Brom thing (spoilers for a sidequest in H:ZD)) when it comes to bad animation. Like, I've had conversations with people in the same dying animation at least 7 times by now. And emotion? I've had sidequest NPC's that were supposedly crying, but had entirely blank faces. It's just the nature of this type of game.
Besides, I keep wondering... What would good animation look like to these people? Surely people must realize that there is a limit to what a developer can do, especially when the game is 50+ hours long. Correct me if I'm wrong here, but I'm relatively certain that most great looking animation, if not all great looking animation (even facial animation) is done with facial mocap. Now, I don't think you can do facial mocap for every single one of your NPC's, including sidequest NPC's. I also don't think you can hand-animate every single one of them to have the detail of a regular human being. So you're pretty much stuck with having to do it procedurally combined with a bank of general animations or something like that, right? So there you already have a point in the pipeline where you're inherently going to have some stiffness to the animation.
So, point being, where do people get the pretense from that Bioware should somehow be doing so much better than they already are? Like, what open world RPGs with or without a character creator look objectively better to such a degree that all animation in ME:A is supposed to look terrible?
Don't know if this was brought up but in Liam's loyalty mission near the end when the airlock opens and they're hanging on, shouldn't Cora and Liam be dead since they don't have helmets? I remember this catching my eye specifically because Ryder actually has a helmet on which I thought was weird for a preview
HelloNewman
Member
According to the fanboys on Reddit, them wearing the same gear and no space helmets adds character because you can't tell them what to do.
I think it's painting with a wide brush to say Andromeda has bad animations since in combat the game looks incredible. It's only the facial animation that looks wack. I'm hoping it isn't too distracting, I just replayed the trilogy and while there's some bad faces it didn't bother me too much.
It could be like Dragon Age 2 where companions automatically changed their look throughout the game (and I think it was tied to your relationship with them).
It could be like Dragon Age 2 where companions automatically changed their look throughout the game (and I think it was tied to your relationship with them).
Tenacious-D
Member
The whole "you can't change squadmates appearances and weapons" thing is odd considering that we've seen Peebee in a different outfit in that one early trailer.
https://gfycat.com/DeafeningVelvetyFruitfly
Seems counter-productive to have a crafting system but not be able to craft things for your companions.
Ian Frazier said on the logitech stream that there are no alt. outfits.
The Nomad has more customisation than our squadmates. What a silly move.
https://gfycat.com/DeafeningVelvetyFruitfly
Seems counter-productive to have a crafting system but not be able to craft things for your companions.
Ian Frazier said on the logitech stream that there are no alt. outfits.
The Nomad has more customisation than our squadmates. What a silly move.
HelloNewman
Member
They really want you to get attached to the Nomad when you get six wheel drive you'll really feel a connection to it.
BigTnaples
Todd Howard's Secret GAF Account
The lack of squad customization is going to bug the shit out of me.
God I love Mass Effect, even ME3, even the ending.
All that said, Andromeda has me a bit worried, even though I love the premise. It feels undercooked, like it could use a 5 month delay.....
Hope I am wrong.
God I love Mass Effect, even ME3, even the ending.
All that said, Andromeda has me a bit worried, even though I love the premise. It feels undercooked, like it could use a 5 month delay.....
Hope I am wrong.
I don't think we can draw any definitive conclusions about this just yet. After all, they said basically the exact same thing about the squad mates in ME2, everything about how the outfit was part of who they are and that they want characters to be unique and recognizable, and that game still had alternate outfits and outfit DLC.
If they were to say that they were customizable, people would take that as the ME1 system of "stick anything on anyone and they'll probably look just like you with a different head" is back. They're clearly not willing to do that again.
GasProblem
Member
I went with default Shepard because he looked better then anything I could create. Will probably try to make a custom character this time though.
lucebuce12
Member
I usually try to make a good looking character but felt like the character creator in the ME Trilogy wasn't THAT robust.
DA: I was incredibly good though, so I'm hoping for a great one with this game.
CommandThrower
Member
I always go with the default, because it's the face on the box and the face in the trailers.
HelloNewman
Member
I'm not even going to play single player unless I have to for multiplayer I hope I don't though. But if I did I'd use the default Scott with a different haircut and no facial hair.
I am not talking about you personally, but its fascinating to me, that some people are interested in ME for multiplayer and not Singleplayer.
I have always felt that there are some games that you can strictly categories in single or multi player and Mass Effect was always one of them for me(Single player only).
It is definitely a pretty interesting phenomenon. Personally speaking, ME3's multiplayer component was what first hooked me onto the franchise. They offered it as a free beta and I downloaded it on a whim; I fell in love almost immediately. Some of the most engaging and enjoyable "Horde Mode" style MP out there, and it acted as the gateway for me becoming immersed in the single player as well. The rest is history, and now I'm a dedicated fan.
EatChildren
Currently polling second in Australia's federal election (first in the Gold Coast), this feral may one day be your Bogan King.
It's unusual that someone would buy Andromeda almost exclusively for the multiplayer, but interest in multiplayer is more of a testament to the brilliance of Mass Effect 3's. For many the notion of introducing multiplayer into a single player action RPG seemed ludicrous and unnecessary, but the end result was for me one of my favourite multiplayer games ever.
Where is footage or impression of MP from PAX? Or they havent shown it in the end like they promised?
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There so many great singleplayer games that are in my backlog, but because they are singleplayer i recently do not have desire to play them.
As a person who played through Mass Effect 2 five times, I'm buying Andromeda mostly for multiplayer for example
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There so many great singleplayer games that are in my backlog, but because they are singleplayer i recently do not have desire to play them.
As a person who played through Mass Effect 2 five times, I'm buying Andromeda mostly for multiplayer for example
FallenGrace
Member
No companion customisation for weapons or armour? Seriously? That is a huge let down...
Lord of Castamere
Member
I hope the multiplayer is good. Was never able to play Mass Effect 3s as I was banned from the EA forums and thus banned from every EA game. Dragon ages multi was disappointing, with all the ME3 hype and what not, so I hope this lives up.
Ivory Samoan
Gold Member
I'm thinking the numbers will be massive.... I thought the timing was off with Zelda and Horizon so close, but now I'm thinking it's about perfect - there is real thirst in the mainstream gaming crowd for this game, that trailer was great too.
Their blitz on media feels right now for sure, the IGN first and PAX/Event coverage every other day is crazy, so much Mass Effect around everywhere right now.
Yes
lol...You in for a bad time.
How do you know, did you play it? Please, tell us more.
Andodalf
Banned
Me3 had amazing multiplayer and this is an extension of that. Unless you went to pax, that's all either of us know, so there's no reason to assume it's not solid.
Laughing Banana
Weeping Pickle
I've spent more than 1000 hours in ME3 mp, easily the biggest amount if time I've spent in a game in my entire gaming history.
To me, ME3 has a much more compelling allure in its MP than SP. Hopefully MEA can replicate that.
Clarkus Darkus
Member
Cant even customise you're squadmates? That's ridiculous when a ship get's more custom options than the team you are suppose to care about.
It's be like DAI where i won't care for any squadmates and get bored halfway through of the story.
Is weird knowing it's a standalone game unlike the trilogy where we knew it was continuing and our decisions carried over, Kinda made it more appealing waiting for the next installmant so we carry on the adventure.
I don't know if i have moved on from these types of games now, ME3 burned me out, Then i gave up with DAI halfway through, And think it's only nostalgia for the series that makes me want it.
It's be like DAI where i won't care for any squadmates and get bored halfway through of the story.
Is weird knowing it's a standalone game unlike the trilogy where we knew it was continuing and our decisions carried over, Kinda made it more appealing waiting for the next installmant so we carry on the adventure.
I don't know if i have moved on from these types of games now, ME3 burned me out, Then i gave up with DAI halfway through, And think it's only nostalgia for the series that makes me want it.
TheContact
Member
Was able to play the multiplayer at pax. Excited for the real game it feels nice
I have finished every ME and look forward to this game...wouldn't touch the MP with a 10 foot pole.
I have limited time and there are far better MP games out there.
Reckless Onion
Member
You still didn't give an answer to your drive by shit post.
HelloNewman
Member
Does anyone know if the armor you could get from the loot boxes in Dragon Age Inquisition worked? Did it actually change your armor or was it just stat sticks? Also if it did it's pretty sad that they can let you manage stats in multiplayer but don't trust players enough to gear followers.
There's some but not a lot
Hands-on:
http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/03/10/pax-east-2017-mass-effect-andromeda-multiplayer-preview
http://www.mmorpg.com/mass-effect-a...ast-2017-hands-on-with-multiplayer-1000011602
http://www.polygon.com/2017/3/10/14881302/mass-effect-andromeda-multiplayer-preview-pax-east
And crappy video : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Afmix6AAq38
prag16
Banned
I don't have data on this (though Bioware probably does) but I'd be willing to bet most people didn't even bother swapping around squaddies weapons. Or if they did just as an afterthought, not because it was fun or tactical beyond the tactic of getting them off of level one trash weapons.
To me, yes, micromanagement of something that barely matters can be a type of bloat (the extreme case of this idea would be ME1's horrific loot/inventory system).
This 'issue' doesn't bother me. Removing the traditional combat pause and what it entailed is the bigger deal go me.
Andodalf
Banned
This. We might not like it, but Bioware has the data, and this game will cater to what the majority of players did in previous games. That's just common business sense. Why waste time making something that the majority of players never mess with?
Ivory Samoan
Gold Member
Not sure what you're referencing in regards to ME:A's MP quality...but if it's anything like the quality of ME3's MP, it's going to one of the finest cooperative multiplayer suites out there.
ME3MP and TLoU Factions are easily my favourite 2 MP games of last gen, by a country mile even.
The MP in Mass Effect is nearly as big a draw for me as the SP, something I thought I would never say when ME3 was coming up to release.
Thanks look like ME 3 MP on steroids, so great.
Also quite 'amazing' that none of those journalist played ME 3 MP ...
Familienoberhauptvogel
Banned
In all the ME games once you realised how dumb af these guys are in combat you gave them the most accurate weapon in your arsenal and were done with it.
Liara in ME1, didn't even have a type of gun she was good at.
I had hoped weapons aren't fixed, we knew armor was.
We do know most players played Mass Effect 2 and 3 as a shooter it's very likely "he = most players".
This is the kind of response that drives me a bit crazy, because I distinctly remember when this was the opposite.
I remember the PRAISE their animations once received. How groundbreaking their lighting, dynamic camera work, and NPC movements were compared to their competition. I remember how liberating it was after Oblivion and Fallout 3's rigid, ramrod stiff animations and unengaging conversations. How characters would shift weight, play with their hands, fidget, change expressions, have facial responses, change positions or poses, gesticulate, and general be 100x better than standard NPCs haunting other games at the time.
"Bioware jank" wasn't really a thing because of how AHEAD of the curve they once were.
Hopefully you're right and all I'm doing is guessing on a game we have yet to see in full, so I'm just jumping the gun. I'm just afraid that the animation bugs will be so bad that they'll be in prominent cutscenes like the PeeBee one.
EatChildren
Currently polling second in Australia's federal election (first in the Gold Coast), this feral may one day be your Bogan King.
There will be bugs. Animation bugs, quest bugs, graphics bugs, audio bugs, loot bugs; all kids of bugs. It'll be a bug buffet. Not because of BioWare exclusively, but because I cannot think of a single massive ARPG like this that didn't launch with an impressive assortment of bugs.
Regardless of how "ready" the game is at launch, anybody remotely cautious of bugs would lose nothing waiting a few months after launch for the most stable and bug free build. I have zero regrets picking up The Witcher 3 at launch, but there's no denying how many bugs were squashed and general QOL improvements were added all these months later.
If you're worried, just wait.
Regardless of how "ready" the game is at launch, anybody remotely cautious of bugs would lose nothing waiting a few months after launch for the most stable and bug free build. I have zero regrets picking up The Witcher 3 at launch, but there's no denying how many bugs were squashed and general QOL improvements were added all these months later.
If you're worried, just wait.
prag16
Banned
This. I'm not saying I love their decision, and I certainly wasn't pounding the table for it, but in the end it doesn't matter much to me because it's not like it added a whole lot in terms of depth, and it's likely a great many players DID see it as totally ignorable.
deafmedal
Member
You are entitled to your opinion and all, but I would imagine there are a lot of people, myself included, who played the trilogy multiple times that are very much looking forward to MP- even some *gasp* that may be looking forward to MP equal to/more than SP.
I know I am, and I'm really excited for SP.
What are these 'better than' AAA co-op games out there, I'd like to try them? I'll give you Destiny (raids), Division's best mode has a PvP flavor, and GTAO, which I adore, has shitty co-op with even shittier gameplay. If ME:A MP is just more/new ME3 MP it will be awesome and if you don't even give it a chance because "lol, SP" then I dunno, your opinion is irrelevant.
I want to wait, but Mass Effect games tend to punish you with missing characters, missions, and gear if you wait, and even some bonus you can never get again if you don't pre-order the right version at the right time.
My friend Morgan wanted her own robot dog, dammit. Collectors edition only.
And I want that pet pyjak...