Support NeoGAF

[Gormenghast]

Sometimes I wonder how these people even played games before 2015. The animations aren't top of the industry quality

Because this is a product of Uncanny Valley, or a very deep discrepancy between the technical level of the graphic engine and the quality of animation.

This game looks particularly bad because it's in high detail. Final Fantasy 7 models didn't need motion capture to look good and show emotion. The problem is that graphically these games make leaps ahead, and animation is stuck at like three generations behind.

If the model has high detail, the animation HAS TO BE equally good. Otherwise everything looks like shit.

No one is going to complain about animation quality in Persona 5, for example.

 

[Memorabilia]

Thanks for the impressions Shinobi. I'm going in eyes open, knowing about its various (alleged) weaknesses...but I'm personally really excited for ME:A, regardless (and most normal/mainstream/casual gamers I know are too...). At this point, it's not a surprise the GAF echo chamber has to turn every positive impression, thread, or post into a "let's take a dump on EA/Bioware" circle-jerk. Lol

 

[Drewfonse]

I can't wait for this game to get 8s and 9s. Some of the hyperbolic criticisms have been charming.

 

[LaunchpadMcQ]

Can someone confirm what's the scanning like? Do have to scan the odd thing or do you have to constantly walk around with the scanner open?

No, they usually tell you when to scan or scanning is an obvious "oh I haven't seen that mechanism/plant before". It's really quick too, unless you're interested in reading what the information on the object is. You can just pull up scanner, scan, close scanner in less than a few seconds to progress or collect research points as needed. As far as this type of gameplay mechanic goes, it's one of the least instrusive I've seen.

 

[Catdaddy]

Couple hours in and digging it so far. Playing one X1 no noticeable issues (I not sensitive to it anyways). Leaning for a full buy on Tuesday.

I was worried going in based on alot of stuff here and other outlets but no where near as i thought it was going to be

 

[Daft_Cat]

I can't wait for this game to get 8s and 9s. Some of the hyperbolic criticisms have been charming.

Eh - not that scores matter, but I think you're going to be surprised.

 

[bananafactory]

I've played 4 hours now.

It's definitely a slow start. After the initial prologue and H7 intro (which I think is pretty great), the next couple hours are very plodding if you're intent on exploring the entire Nexus and doing everything. This is maybe my own fault/playstyle here, but I'm wondering if it's a mistake opening this all up at this point. The characters and crew seemed pretty uninteresting at first, but once you start opening up the deeper conversations with them and peeling back layers there's a growing level of interest. I still wouldn't say I'm particularly fond of them, but they are growing on me, for sure. Anyways, the game is good enough to hook me and I just purchased it so I can keep playing.

I'm about to head down to Eos now, so we'll see if things start ramping up.

 

[wesleyshark]

Having some serious withdrawal. My ten hours ended yesterday and I'm itching to get back to Eos.

This game has been fantastic so far.

 

[Meifu]

Having some serious withdrawal. My ten hours ended yesterday and I'm itching to get back to Eos.

This game has been fantastic so far.

Honestly thats what I keep thinking. I have having too much fun playing the game, and getting mass effect 1 uncharted worlds vibes to really let the jank bring it down personally.

 

[wesleyshark]

Honestly thats what I keep thinking. I have having too much fun playing the game, and getting mass effect 1 uncharted worlds vibes to really let the jank bring it down personally.

Just from these ten hours, I've gotten some heavy ME1 vibes. Hoping that continues!

 

[Lime]

Honestly thats what I keep thinking. I have having too much fun playing the game, and getting mass effect 1 uncharted worlds vibes to really let the jank bring it down personally.

Just from these ten hours, I've gotten some heavy ME1 vibes. Hoping that continues!

That's actually really, really nice to hear.

 

[wesleyshark]

That's actually really, really nice to hear.

Eos is a really interesting world to explore, at least, what was allowed in the trial anyway. The region has a story to tell, and driving and walking around leads you to different pieces of that narrative puzzle. What happened here? Why? What happens next?

It's done really well, imho.

 

[diaspora]

Honestly thats what I keep thinking. I have having too much fun playing the game, and getting mass effect 1 uncharted worlds vibes to really let the jank bring it down personally.

Vibes but better executed IMO. Rather than Matriarch writing and stuff there's pretty meaningful reasons to pursue the side-quests imo

 

[wesleyshark]

Vibes but better executed IMO. Rather than Matriarch writing and stuff there's pretty meaningful reasons to pursue the side-quests imo

Yes, yes. This.

The side quests have weight and structure, and that all seem to tie-in with the main beats in one way or another.

 

[Microsofts Hunert Smoke]

Shinobi got them hook ups.

I got a copy

 

[Snagret]

That's actually really, really nice to hear.

I'd say it's closest to ME1 in terms of atmosphere, pacing, and even dialogue. Whether or not you're bothered by the game resembling the most antiquated entry in the series, warts and all, is up to personal taste and expectation.

Personally I find it kind of charming, and the combat is the best in the series yet. It's not going to push the industry forward or anything like some other contemporary third person action/adventure games might be doing, but judging by my time with the trial it seems like a solid game in its own right. Disappointing in some aspects for sure, but not enough to drag it down to the level of "hilariously terrible" that a lot of people are describing it as.

 

[wesleyshark]

If you were a fan of biotic gameplay in the previous games, you're going to have a hell of a good time in MEA.

(I haven't tried the other classes yet, so I can't speak on how they play)

 

[MegaSackman]

Did anyone pre-order this on PS4? Did the pre-load start? I'm checking my pre-order but I can't even access the page where the countdown is, I can see it on the thumbnail tho (the countdown). Obviously pre-load hasn't started for me.

 

[Jocund]

Did anyone pre-order this on PS4? Did the pre-load start? I'm checking my pre-order but I can't even access the page where the countdown is, I can see it on the thumbnail tho (the countdown). Obviously pre-load hasn't started for me.

The pre-load has been available since last Tuesday I think

 

[JayEH]

Did anyone pre-order this on PS4? Did the pre-load start? I'm checking my pre-order but I can't even access the page where the countdown is, I can see it on the thumbnail tho (the countdown). Obviously pre-load hasn't started for me.

It pre loaded for me last Tuesday.

 

[MegaSackman]

Damn! I need to contact service support then.

 

[lem0n]

I was worried going in based on alot of stuff here and other outlets but no where near as i thought it was going to be

Thisisneogaf.gif?

 

[MegaSackman]

This is how it looks for me. :/

 

[lucebuce12]

This is how it looks for me. :/

Pre-load's been available since 14th March. I had that same bug.

https://www.reddit.com/r/PS4/comments/5zom3k/cant_preload_mass_effect_andromeda_on_ps4/dezsagh/

Alternatively, open the playstaton store on your mobile/PC, log in, go to download list, and add the game to your download queue. If your PS4 is your Primary, then it should start downloading.

 

[ironcreed]

If you were a fan of biotic gameplay in the previous games, you're going to have a hell of a good time in MEA.

(I haven't tried the other classes yet, so I can't speak on how they play)

Comments like these give me hope that I will be able to find a lot of good among the bad I am seeing.

 

[wesleyshark]

Comments like these give me hope that I will be able to find a lot of good among the bad I am seeing.

The bad is miniscule in comparison to all of the things the game does right.

 

[lucebuce12]

Comments like these give me hope that I will be able to find a lot of good among the bad I am seeing.

A lot of the comments now that we're closer to release have me really excited.

The common theme is that the game REALLY gets good after the place where the trial ends, the combat is apparently AMAZING and there is generally a lot of depth.

 

[MegaSackman]

Pre-load's been available since 14th March. I had that same bug.

https://www.reddit.com/r/PS4/comments/5zom3k/cant_preload_mass_effect_andromeda_on_ps4/dezsagh/

Alternatively, open the playstaton store on your mobile/PC, log in, go to download list, and add the game to your download queue. If your PS4 is your Primary, then it should start downloading.

Is not, I switched accounts with a friend. Will it work on release date, right?

 

[lucebuce12]

Is not, I switched accounts with a friend. Will it work on release date, right?

As long as you're logged in to the account that owns the game (assuming the PS4's not primary) then yes.

 

[ironcreed]

The bad is miniscule in comparison to all of the things the game does right.

I have had my fun laughing at the avalanche of awful the past few days, but in reality I of course want the game to surprise me. We shall see.

 

[MegaSackman]

As long as you're logged in to the account that owns the game (assuming the PS4's not primary) then yes.

Well, good thing I have to work all day.

 

[The Salt Life]

Been playing on Xbox one but just purchased a pro because I don't think I can't hold off and not play mass effect until the Scorpio comes out. I'm hoping whatever pro modes they have are good.

 

[Drewfonse]

Been playing on Xbox one but just purchased a pro because I don't think I can't hold off and not play mass effect until the Scorpio comes out. I'm hoping whatever pro modes they have are good.

It's a great console. Tomb Raider, TF2, BF1, and Horizon all look amazing on the Pro/4K. Here's hoping for a similar wow factor for ME:A.

 

[Drewfonse]

Eh - not that scores matter, but I think you're going to be surprised.

A sprinkling of 10s, then?

 

[Gamezone]

Scanning is fun? I disagree, but I respect your opinion.

 

[JoeBoy101]

I have had my fun laughing at the avalanche of awful the past few days, but in reality I of course want the game to surprise me. We shall see.

'Rough around the edges' is a great descriptor for this game. It doesn't often throw the messy bits (animation glitches, bad faces, etc.) at you but instead exist at the periphery. If you watch for them, you can spot them, but if you just play, its not rarely jarring. At least, that's my experience. This would be more problematic if the gameplay was worse. And for all the decrying of terrible writing, the plot is interesting. The complaints sound more focused on dialogue, which, again, are on the periphery except for infrequent/rare instances.

 

[Ivory Samoan]

I can't wait for this game to get 8s and 9s. Some of the hyperbolic criticisms have been charming.

I with you on this: there will be a fair amount of crow getting eaten if it surfaces with good or even great review scores.

What I played so far is easy in the 8.5/10 territory, but if the story gets cranking I would be shooting for more like a 9 or even higher (depending on the crank level).

'Rough around the edges' is a great descriptor for this game. It doesn't often throw the messy bits (animation glitches, bad faces, etc.) at you but instead exist at the periphery. If you watch for them, you can spot them, but if you just play, its not rarely jarring. At least, that's my experience. This would be more problematic if the gameplay was worse. And for all the decrying of terrible writing, the plot is interesting. The complaints sound more focused on dialogue, which, again, are on the periphery except for infrequent/rare instances.

This is a very good description of the rough bits, my sentiments pretty much as well

 

[Crossing Eden]

Because this is a product of Uncanny Valley, or a very deep discrepancy between the technical level of the graphic engine and the quality of animation.

This game looks particularly bad because it's in high detail. Final Fantasy 7 models didn't need motion capture to look good and show emotion.

Yes they do at this point as their keyframed facial animation is inadequate so you'd best hope remake uses performance capture.

 

[MegaSackman]

Pre-load's been available since 14th March. I had that same bug.

https://www.reddit.com/r/PS4/comments/5zom3k/cant_preload_mass_effect_andromeda_on_ps4/dezsagh/

Alternatively, open the playstaton store on your mobile/PC, log in, go to download list, and add the game to your download queue. If your PS4 is your Primary, then it should start downloading.

Mason Sewell‏ @RobynBanques 8 minHace 8 minutos
Más
@MegaSackman @AskPlayStation @bioware @masseffect When you go to your library, SEARCH for ME:A. Should let you when selected from there.

Thanks to this guy! that strangely worked!!

 

[lucebuce12]

Thanks to this guy! that strangely worked!!

The link I posted was the same solution lol.

 

[RAIDEN1]

Sooner the embargo is lifted the better...

 

[AgentOtaku]

Sooner the embargo is lifted the better...

!?

 

[MegaSackman]

The link I posted was the same solution lol.

Oh haha didn't click on the link, I thought what you wrote was the same content.
Well, thank you for the goodwill.

 

[Venfayth]

!?

Well, I don't think anyone (in the media) is supposed to talk about anything past where the trial ends. There's a point on Eos where you've activated 3 towers and then something is supposed to happen, but that's where the trial ends.

 

[BossDarkseid]

Honestly thats what I keep thinking. I have having too much fun playing the game, and getting mass effect 1 uncharted worlds vibes to really let the jank bring it down personally.

This is kinda me. I didn't play too much because I ended up restarting after i realized my character had a ton of makeup/lipstick on that I didn't mean for her to have in CC (and I just hadn't noticed, and Ian Fraizer said that changing some facial features is something they've discussed adding in a patch rather than it in already)....but after I played up to the Nexus (?) I took a break and found myself thinking it felt like that sense of discovery, the combat was pretty fun and more evolved than before and so on...and the planet didn't feel like I was being railroaded to see everything.

 

[Poodlestrike]

Scanning is fun? I disagree, but I respect your opinion.

At worst, it's as minor an inconvenience as a Detective Vision analogue could be. At best, it's a great way to get fun little lore snippets on demand, in a Metroid Prime sort of way.

 

[GinoFelino]

I didn't. In fact, if you actually read the post you directly quoted, you'll see I mentioned a few other things that I took issue with.

Ugh. Don't do that. Such a needlessly snide thing to say and it never leads to meaningful discussion.

 

[Daft_Cat]

A sprinkling of 10s, then?

Doubt it, but hoping to be wrong!

 

[N7.Angel]

I'm curious to read what Shinobi think now after playing more than 3 hours... I disagree with almost everything he said in the first place, maybe he changed his mind about it or not...

 

[T.O.P]

I'm curious to read what Shinobi think now after playing more than 3 hours... I disagree with almost everything he said in the first place, maybe he changed his mind about it or not...

You ain't gonna get an answer, ask on Twitter