So, I just started my new job on Monday. Yesterday was day 2 of my new venture into the financial world. I was almost going to pass on trying the demo after work, but I had some buddies who wanted to have a simultaneous shit storm of a playthrough so we could talk (make fun of) and discuss (trash) the game. I come home after looking at a computer for 8 hours and sitting in traffic for what seemed like forever. I begrudgingly jump on Ventrilo and begin my download of DmC. There were too many funnies riding on this demo, I had to be there. Totally exhausted, I stumble may way through half of the demo and start to feel sick. First impression? The game runs like ASS. Feels like SHIT. Totally not into it, turned off my PS3, signed off Vent, and went to bed.
Day 3, half day at work, got out early because of Thanksgiving. Feeling better overall about everything. On my way home I picked up some food, ate, cleared my head, and decided to retry the demo. I figured I didn't give the game a fair shot the first time so let's see how much better things are under the right (positive) conditions. Second impression? Not much better!
Here's a quick rundown of my impressions. I'm probably going to mention stuff that wasn't even brought up in the thread (Although, I honestly haven't kept up with the impressions so who knows if other people mentioned these things):
CONS:
-As I've mentioned, game runs like ass. Feel of 60!? Yeah, right. Screen tearing all over the place, game feels like it's going to explode during some cut scenes. Wait for PC version, everyone says? Well, performance isn't everything and this game has a lot more wrong with it than its framerate. The PC version won't magically fix everything.
-I'll say it a THOUSAND TIMES. Cut scene/cinematic direction SUCKS. I didn't have to play this demo to know this shit either. I knew this from just watching videos/trailers online. Yuji Shimomura's not going to show up in the second half either and blow us away with amazingly choreographed cinema either. This is just junky western cut scenes, I'm sorry.
-So, one thing I liked about my old DMCs were their key items and artifacts. I loved reading the descriptions for the key items too. They always had an interesting graphic/design as well. DMC had that Resident Evil-like vibe to it because of this attention to detail. What do we get in place of those items in DmC? Generic keys with no descriptions which unlock secret missions that have NO MUSIC! What the fuck was that about!? Fighting silently in secret missions? Was that not intended or what?
-I had to make another bullet point for this one, but it relates to the above complaint. When you complete a secret mission you are greeted with a vomit green colored Microsoft paint-looking "CLEAR" message. Holy shit, it was probably the most offensive thing I saw in the game. The second secret mission I found led me to a checkered flag/field goal. TOTALLY OUT OF PLACE AND BARF-Y! Does anyone not notice this shit!? This nonsense on top of the barf green Microsoft Paint "CLEAR" message and music-less secret rooms is like AMATEUR HOUR CITY! My First Video Game 101 kinda-stuff. Come on, people.
-Not really a con, but is there any place to access a Divinity Statue in the demo? I was extremely curious about the Divinity Statue theme, but it doesn't seem to be accessible. Oh well, disappointed that I won't be able to hear it (if there even is one).
-I also don't like how the collectables influence your total rank. That's not how you do a proper ranking system. Keep that shit separated. Does it at least not make you recollect everything (I haven't replayed a mission yet). So, do you only have to ultimately worry about Style Points and Time (excluding negatives from item usages and deaths, of course)? The transition to the Mission Complete screen is boring too. I don't even think there is one! No bullet spray/patterns? Disappointing. Again, this game LACKS ALL ATTENTION TO DETAIL.
-Double tapping to Stinger feels like ass.
PROS:
-One positive thing about the Mission Complete screen is the music. This is the kind of tracks/themes I'm curious about. Those in-between mission moments in DMC games, I love them. I've been sitting here typing this bullshit up while listening to the track because I dig it.
-Combat is somewhat competent. I don't like the way the game feels/performs, but I had some fun parrying the enemies (although I HATE how you perform it). Switching the weapons and mixing up your moves is sort of satisfying too. There's JUST ENOUGH there not to be completely boring, but it's also not presenting anything new. The EX Revs in DMC4 were godlike. I don't see anything of the sort here. So, I'm not sure if I could call this a positive.
Well, that's it, I guess. I'm sure I'm missing stuff, but I wanted to point out some other shit about the game that I'm sure most people didn't pick up on (see bold text). I would never buy/support this day one and I'm not really looking forward to trying out the final game either. My bro said he would still get this for me as a gag gift in April (my bday) so I'm sure it will be dirt cheap by then (or he can find it used).
Either way, I don't give a shit about arguing anymore. After starting a new job and being unemployed for so long after college, all of this bickering and sniping seems ridiculous. Stepping away from this shit and reentering the real world puts things in perspective, you know? So, that's all I'll say. Enjoy it for those who can put up with this shit. I knew I wasn't going to like this from the moment I saw it and playing a demo only solidifies my feelings further. Peace out.
Or maybe there's something else wrong with the game. Bayonetta plays fine without using lock-on. And the God of War games as well feel fine in terms of input and precision.
