So I'll just offer up some minor impressions:
-I spent quite a bit of time with this game, and even though the intro sequence is a bore, it does offer some good information and sets up the story well. After that, the game really kicks in.
-The locale is just fucking amazing; such a detailed world. The art direction is one of the best things this game has going for it. A great blending of ideologies and art movements, architecture, literature etc etc. I spent a lot of time reading eBooks and emails (Just couldn't help myself, the hacking mini-game is so awesome). There's a lot of lore and underlying plot going on here. Feels exactly like the first game.
-I love the cover system, though I don't recommend toggle (who would). Gun-play seems fine, I've had no complaints. Ammo seems to be somewhat scarce, but there are vendors. Problem is, I don't know how often they restock.
-Movement is janky right now, but I suspect that to be just a beta-build issue
-I was able to complete missions in a variety of satisfying, and I mean SATISFYING ways. I blasted through one, talked my way through another, and went non-lethal/stealth through the major ones.
-Side quests are very deep, and remind me a lot of both the first game and Vampire: Bloodlines...
-Adam's apartment = fucking awesome. Ever play the Blade Runner game? Well, let's just say it hearkens back to that feeling you get...
-I think one main concern I have is the level of detail with NPCs. Most seem to be placeholders as there are character models that are reused for race and gender. Voices too. Again, I suspect this to be just placeholder stuff. I also have a feeling graphics settings aren't quite optimized yet. I had issues in the beginning turning off 3D, somehow it was enabled. DirectX 11 has gamma issues. I'd bet most issues will be squared away by launch. This is obviously an older build.
Overall, the depth and variety in this game is outstanding. The team has outdone themselves by far, and this will please both non-Vets and Vets of the first game. It hearkens back to what made the first game so awesome, SO AWESOME. I really can't express enough just how successful the team is. They fucking nailed it in my opinion. It will definitely scratch that "Cyberpunk" itch and then some.
Oh yea, and being able to play with highlighting off, and objective markers off is just great.
I had a really positive experience, and I'm glad I could share it with people. Thanks GAF mods!
Edit: I forgot to comment on the score. Has got to be one of my favorite scores in the last few years. Really adds another dimension to the game. It's amazing.
My build:
I put points into lifting heavy objects, hacking, and some stealth. I hacked the shit out of most things I could.
Using the stun-gun is so fun!
