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The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing

antitrop

Member
Yeah I'd be interested if it had a great story/quests. I'd say Torchlight 2 is my favourite ARPG (was never a fan of the genre and didn't play Diablo growing up), Path of Exile lost my attention pretty quick.

None of these games seems to have a good story, it's just go here kill lots of shit, bring it back sell your stuff, is Helsing just more of that?

I would say it's easily better than both Diablo III and Torchlight 2 in regards to having to the story. There are some nice animated cutscenes, and the companion character Katarina is well-written. Her dialogue is charming and I enjoy the voice acting of both characters. No "hidden footprints!" and I don't remember Torchlight 2 having much of a plot at all and not any particularly interesting characterization.

This game deserves a bit of success, I think. Got 7 hours clocked on Steam and I think it easily holds up to any other good isometric loot RPG out there, once they fix all the technical issues. I was surprised how easily I got sucked in, it ramps up extremely quickly. It doesn't take long to get some interesting abilities and perks, and the loot drops are pretty decent. I just turned on auto-equip and pick up everything. Performance issues aside, the gameplay is polished.

The game is fairly accessible: town portals are free, there is no repair cost, gold drops very, very generous (at least early on), and penalties for death seem minimal to nonexistent. It's very easy to compare items in your inventory to what you have equipped, and that goes for your partner as well.

I dig the skill tree, although I wish there were perhaps more interesting options available. I think this is maybe where the game is the weakest, especially compared to Path of Exile. I really enjoyed Diablo III's unique skill system and I thought Torchlight 2's was respectable, if not easy to become ridiculously overpowered very early on by min-maxing a few things.

Good news is they have literally released a patch every single day since launch, which is fairly unprecedented. I have high hopes for this game, I think it was a steal at $13. I would just like a steady locked 60fps, please.
 

Ultryx

Member
This game looks pretty cool. If it's going to be $20 like someone else mentioned, I'll definitely be buying this.
 

antitrop

Member
This game looks pretty cool. If it's going to be $20 like someone else mentioned, I'll definitely be buying this.

$13.49 on Steam right now. In a day it goes back to $15, so it's really not that big of a deal if you miss the launch sale.
 
One thing I rather like about the skill trees in this is that it keeps track of how many total points you've put into each field (melee & range) and at set points (every 10 upgrades), you unlock special passives.
 

spirity

Member
One of the things I liked about Golden Axe was the treasure goblin. Blizzard put it in D3 and I'm glad to see it in Helsing too.
 

psykomyko

Member
I am really enjoying this so far. Bought my friend a copy so we could play co-op. Is it still having troubles in online co-op?
 

Card Boy

Banned
Game just some free DLC.

The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing - Free DLC Update Now Available
Product Release - Valve
Included in update v1.1.00 for free

The Scenario DLC enables players to fight high-level monsters that are above the level 30 threshold throughout the new levels reachable from the Secret Lair. Additional levels will be added to the Scenario DLC throughout the year along with unique in-game items and spectacular boss fights. After future updates, players will earn ’’Heroic Deeds” to boost their character to an even more legendary status as they slay the mysterious threats to the world of Borgovia.

Good hunt, fellow Hunters!

Seems like they are supporting the game alot.

The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing Update Released
Product Update - Valve
Updates to The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing have been released. The updates will be applied automatically when your Steam client (in on-line mode) is restarted.

Major changes include:

The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing v1.1.00

Known issues:
The multiplayer game still has some issues. Please play it with a character created for the multiplayer only because data loss may occur sometimes.

Balance changes:
- Lady Katarina has percentage based HP regeneration on each difficulty level.

Fixed bugs:
Multiplayer:
- Fixed an issue with Snowpelt.
- Fixed a Multiplayer-related issue with the Parry skill.
- Players cannot teleport outside the map anymore.
- Custom colors of other players work correctly.

General:
- Fixed a rare issue where Lady Katarina forgot which combat form she used last time.
- Fixed the second Set bonus of the Ravenscar Belt. (Giving some Weapon Damage bonus to a Belt doesn't really help much ;) )
- Items couldn’t get dropped inside terrain objects.
- Whirlwind Ornithopters fixed.
- Wasp Ornithopter fixed.
- Assault Ornithopter fixed.
- Some pathfinding improvements have been implemented.

New features:
- Scenario Mode is available in the game.
- Achievements got in-game icons.
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31 May 2013The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing Update Released
Product Update - Valve
Updates to The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing have been released. The updates will be applied automatically when your Steam client (in on-line mode) is restarted.

Major changes include:

The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing v1.0.07

Known issues:
- The multiplayer game still has some issues. Please play it with a character created for the multiplayer only because data loss may occur sometimes.

Fixed bugs:
- Multiplayer:
- The Server Browser periodically refreshes the list.
- A new column and filter is introduced for searching regional games. (Regional games have lower Ping and thus less lag.)
- "Safety" column removed. Games are available to play if your selected Character shares this option. (Characters stored solely in Steam Cloud can join games featuring similar Characters only. Same rule applies to Hardcore Characters.)
- Fixed an issue which sometimes applied after rejecting to join a Bossfight.
- Fixed an issue with the Drunken Man (remained clickable if the client clicked on him).
- Being invited to a Bossfight automatically cancels any teleportation attempts.
- Players see the traps placed by the host.
- Players can be kicked from the game during the waiting period before Bossfights.
- The client returns to the Main Menu if the host disconnects during loading (loading screen).
- Fixed an issue where conversations got stuck on the screen sometimes.
- NPCs and critters synchronized.
- When a conversation starts all the players are halted.
- Fixed some issues with scripts restarting sometimes.

- General
- Fixed an issue with the Lightning Collectors quest.
- Fixed an issue with the Lost in the Ink quest.
- Fixed an issue with Lady Katarina when she wandered off to gather loot after you respawned, leaving you all alone...
- Fixed a rare crash near the Gorgon Pass Bridge.
- Fixed an issue with the Harpies coming out of the Wishing Well.
- Fixed an issue with the effect of the Earthquake spell.
- Your latest Character appears in the Main Menu (even if you only have Online Characters).
- Fixed an issue with Skill reset.
- The Credits button in the Main Menu closes all other windows.
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31 May 2013The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing Update Released
Product Update - Valve
Updates to The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing have been released. The updates will be applied automatically when your Steam client (in on-line mode) is restarted.

Major changes include:

The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing v1.0.06

Known issues:
- The multiplayer game still has some issues. Please play it with a character created for the multiplayer only because data loss may occur sometimes.

Fixed bugs:
- Fixed the bug of the Riddle Wisp drops.
- Fixed some issues of the Hungarian localization.
- Fixed the sounds of the Dreadknecht, Behemoth and Mouthbeast monsters.
- Fixed a bug what makes you unable to respawn in the town
-Multiplayer:
- Some bandwith optimization have been made
- Fixed the camera at the cutscene of Saffi in the Dreadworks
- Fixed bug with exiting and recreating a multiplayer game
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29 May 2013The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing Update Released
Product Update - Valve
Updates to The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing have been released. The updates will be applied automatically when your Steam client (in on-line mode) is restarted.

Major changes include:

The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing v1.0.05

Known issues:
- The multiplayer game still has some issues. Please play it with a character created for the multiplayer only because data loss may occur sometimes.
- The cutscene after the Lair Siege might trigger once again even if you have done that quest before patch 1.0.05.
- Options are reset in 1.0.05. Sorry for the inconvenience – we had to do it for “greater good”.

Performance:
- Sync CPU to GPU is enabled (default).
- Affect GUI Resolution (Fullscreen) is enabled (default).

Balance changes:
- Second siege slightly weakened

Fixed bugs:
- Multiplayer:
- It should no longer try to join to a friend, when double clicked on them, and they are not in a game.
- There are some quest rewards what you no longer receive, if you have already received once( like ability points, skill points, skills )
- Some performance fixes

- You can now use the Enchanter again.
- Lagging in Lair Sieges fixed
- Fixed "Lair Protected" message at second Lair Siege.
- Fixed a random bug at Borislav's Statue
- Fixed an issue where the active Objective list disappeared after a Lair Siege.
- Fixed the XP requirement of Lady Katarina's 20th level.
- Fixed exploit - Lady Katarina does not return automatically if teleport cancelled.
- Splitting quest item stacks is not possible anymore

New Features
- Polish language available (subtitles only, no audio support)
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28 May 2013The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing Update Released
Product Update - Valve
Updates to The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing have been released. The updates will be applied automatically when your Steam client (in on-line mode) is restarted.

Major changes include:

The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing v1.0.04

Known issues:
- The multiplayer game still has some issues. Please play it with a character created for the multiplayer only because data loss may occur sometimes.
Fixed bugs:
- Multiplayer:
- Fixed several issues with the server list in different resolutions.
- Fixed a bug that could cause your character to teleport off screen making it impossible to move.
- Fixed a bug where you joined a multiplayer game and get “Quest Completed” windows for every quest that the host has completed.
- Fixed a bug where your character started outside the map when you loaded a multiplayer game.
- Fixed a bug that could potentially cause inconsistencies in single player after playing a multiplayer game (doors not opening, NPCs missing, etc.).

- Lady Katarina shouldn't run away from harmful spells if the player is also standing in them (e.g. if the enemy uses Harmful Sigil she does not try to escape if you are also in the area of the spell).
- Lady Katarina no longer flees from spells that have a very short duration (like explosions).
- Spirit Guardian no longer aid while Lady Katarina is away for shopping.
- The Potions used by Lady Katarina are no longer counted for unlocking the Drinker Perk.
- Fixed an issue with the Sphere of Timelessness. (It no longer causes enemies to become invisible and frozen if you exit and return.)
- Fixed the tooltip of Earthbound Soul for the Earthquake skill. It reduces the Mana cost by 15% from now on.
- Fixed an issue of the Inventory at Forge, Enchant, etc. windows. Right-Clicking on an unusable item (i.e. that you can't use on that particular window) no longer try to equip the item.
- Fixed an issue where summoned monsters could bypass the effect of the Sphere of Timelessness.
- Ray of Destruction uses Rage properly when using PowerUps.
- Fixed a major issue with the Lair Siege where the Werewolf companions of Breda were immune to Grind-O-Pit™ traps. (Breda is still immune to all traps thanks to his trap disabling device.)
- Fixed an issue with the DPS of certain skills.
- Fixed an issue with elevators and direct moving.
- Fixed an issue with the Puddle of Goo (not having a proper effect and not being clickable).
- Fixed the crash at the end of the second Lair Siege.
- Fixed an issue where you could end up stuck in the Lair after quitting and returning while the Siege was in progress.
- Vrikolaks in the Werewolf Den spawn properly.
- Fixed an issue where Vrikolaks spawned out of the map.
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28 May 2013The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing Update Released
Product Update - Valve
Updates to The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing have been released. The updates will be applied automatically when your Steam client (in on-line mode) is restarted.

Major changes include:

The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing v1.0.03

Known issues:
- The multiplayer game still has some issues. Please play it with a character created for the multiplayer only because data loss may occur sometimes.
Balance changes:
- HP of some champion creatures adjusted in Chapter3
- Some of the random encounters changed

Fixed bugs:
- Multiplayer:
- Fixed a bug: the client player could teleport inside of the wall making him unable to move.
- Added a new line to the tooltip of other player which indicates where the other player is.
- Active quests window fixed (the current progression appears there after joining)
- Version check inserted before joining an online game (configuration files and game version)
- Pressing the “Go online” option in Single no longer shows "Empty name!" but "'s game" instead.
- "Resurrect" appears when you point at a dead character.
- Fixed path finding problems
- "Show Allied HP Bar" option displays the name of the other players above the HP bar.

- Blackthorn item name fixed
- Baskerville Antiques set bonuses fixed
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27 May 2013The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing Update Released
Product Update - Valve
Updates to The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing have been released. The updates will be applied automatically when your Steam client (in on-line mode) is restarted.

Major changes include:

The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing v1.0.02

Known issues:
- The multiplayer game still has some issues. Please play it with a character created for the multiplayer only because data loss may occur sometimes.
Balance changes:
- The damage of the Explosive Round PowerUp has been adjusted.

Fixed bugs:
- Multiplayer
- Fixed a lot of crash/disconnects.
- Should no longer put you out off the map (the black screen problem)
- The matchmaking window no longer lists lobbies where you can't join (You do not meet the requirements to enter the server). You can still see these servers if you press the "Show full rooms" button.

- Researching the Thunderthr-O-Wer™ properly removes the Trap Plan item from the inventory.
- Music changes properly after the Siege of the Lair
- Fixed some issues that potentially caused FPS drop and stuttering when the game launched from Steam.
- Different types of Vermin have their own race.
- If Lady Katarina is sent to do shopping, then you also start shopping she concludes her transactions right away. (With her usual reduction in the selling price, of course!)
- Some localization issues fixed in German, Spanish, French, Italian and Portuguese language versions
- The music plays correctly in the Old Town
- The icon and the text of the Ice Bolt spell appear properly
- Fixed effects (e.g. shooting effect)
- Katarina does not change form during Circle of Timelessness
- Fixed ambient sounds on the Rooftop and Old Town maps
- Repeating starting cutscenes (on certain maps) fixed
- Icons added to Achievements

New features:
- 1824x1026 resolution is added
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24 May 2013The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing Update Released
Product Update - Valve
Updates to The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing have been released. The updates will be applied automatically when your Steam client (in on-line mode) is restarted.

Major changes include:

The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing v1.0.01

Known issues:
- The multiplayer game still has some issues. Please use it with a character created for the multiplayer only because data loss may occur sometimes.

Balance changes:
- The Blood Rabbit is a lot stronger now.
- The monsters in the Sewers around the Secret Lair are weaker now.
- The final wave of attackers in the Siege of the Secret Lair has been reduced in numbers.
- The price of some epic items has been modified.
- The shooting range of the Dreadknechts has been decreased

Fixed bugs:
- Multiplayer
 Fixed an issue at "Online character" saving.
 A lot of crash/disconnect issues have been fixed.
 The ping column has been removed from the game list.

- Fixed an issue with the audio volumes.
- Fixed an issue with Veteran Domovoys AI.
- Fixed an issue with the scrollbar in the Ink Gate window.
- The final boss will talk your head off - like he should do.
- The outro movie is played when the final boss has collapsed - not when he gets the killing blow.
- You could only select from the first 10 skills you've learned even though there are 11 active skills. This has been fixed.
- Fixed crash on the Artifact Forge window.
- Fixed an issue with conversations in different resolutions.
- Localisation issues have been fixed in the German, Spanish, Hungarian and Portuguese language versions.
- Cloak appears properly on Van Helsing when the equipped item is changed.
- The area of the bridge detonation cutscene has been adjusted (it could be avoided)
- Fixed a bug with the customize button. (It didn't save your settings if you used online character.)

New features:
- 2560x1080 and 6052x1200 resolutions are supported.

It also seems to have pretty good reviews on Metacritic. It's got 76-77 out of 17 reviews but one site game it 4 out of 10 which dragged down the average alot.
 
Are you able to respec at anytime in the game?

Not quite any time, but the ability to do so at an NPC does open up quickly after an early sidequest and then again in your lair.

The new content looks good, but far too punishing for my non level capped (read: under half the level cap and all mobs are over the cap) Van Helsing yet.
 
One thing I haven't seen answered.

Are you able to respec at anytime in the game?

Both you and Katarina have the most readily available respec I've seen in any game tbh.

I also love the fact that you are able to buy back stuff you sold at the price you sold them for in at least 1 store.
 

Cerity

Member
Picked this up yesterday and I have to say neocore should be commended on this game. Sounds like it was a bit of a mess at launch but they've worked on it immensely and what I'm playing now is great fun. The game has that D1/D2 grittiness to it and thanks to the combat system I'm having way more fun in this than I've had with PoE/TL2/D3.

Wouldn't hesitate to recommend this game to others at $30+ let alone the $7.50 it's currently on sale for right now.
 

Kuro Madoushi

Unconfirmed Member
I liked this game in the beginning, but I don't like some of the systems involved and while all games of this ilk are repetitive, this game seems more so when I hit the hideout.

Not sure I'm going to finish this now... :(
 

Decado

Member
Picked this up yesterday and I have to say neocore should be commended on this game. Sounds like it was a bit of a mess at launch but they've worked on it immensely and what I'm playing now is great fun. The game has that D1/D2 grittiness to it and thanks to the combat system I'm having way more fun in this than I've had with PoE/TL2/D3.

Wouldn't hesitate to recommend this game to others at $30+ let alone the $7.50 it's currently on sale for right now.

I'd want to play in co-op, so it's a no-go for me until they fix that.
 
Not only does this game do charming storytelling right, it has solid Diablo mechanics as well. I like it better than Torchlight II.
 

Ricker

Member
They just added controller support for this now(detected my 360 controller right away),needs getting use to when you have been playing with M/KB but it works pretty good...Inventory is a Diablo III wheel type.
 

Card Boy

Banned
Game is fucken amazing. I would say one of the best Loot games out there.

I playing on the hardest difficulty and i'm always finding even better loot to replace my current gear. Something i never got from Diablo 3, PoE and Torchlight 2.
 

Ricker

Member
Completly stuck in this game now...I have to find Breda but I have no more marker for the quest and I dont understand the whole traps thing...plus with the last update,they made all the area's respawn with ennemies if you go out and back in...not sure what to do in that Secret Lair...basically,nothing is happening anymore...
 

Card Boy

Banned
..plus with the last update,they made all the area's respawn with ennemies if you go out and back in...not sure what to do in that Secret Lair...basically,nothing is happening anymore...

There is an option to get rid of respawning enemies in the settings so they stay dead when you shutdown the game and go back in.
 

Card Boy

Banned
What Melee Hunter builds are people running? Also how about you guys building Katarina? I got all the DLC and am playing on the hardest difficulty.

PEmaH.jpg


I got 1 Point each in the Occult Hunter generic passive skills aswell, no ranged stuff. I have dumped all my Ability points into ½ Body and ½ Willpower.

I'm wondering if i should take 4 points out of Strike and get Flowing Strike? (Last 3 Strike attack next to Earthquake).
 

Ricker

Member
There is an option to get rid of respawning enemies in the settings so they stay dead when you shutdown the game and go back in.

Thanks,that was it,I guess it defaulted to on with the patch as oppose to the original default...made me find Breda and all now,going to place traps first though...

I use Katarina as melee since I went Occult Hunter,strickly guns(playing in french,that's the second tab for the skills)...playing on normal though,which is quite easy,I think I only died at the Drill Boss a few times.
 

hurzelein

Member
So is this game out yet on 360? Can't find it on the german Xbox store, can't find any information about a 360 release on the internet.


On the Steamsale atm, but I want it for 360 (PS3)
 

Wag

Member
I just picked up the game during the most recent Steam sale. I like it but I really wish there was a full manual (.pdf) or something explaining the game mechanics a bit more as some of it I know I'm not using.

Can someone please explain to me:

1. What powerups are for? I see they're there in the control setup, just not sure how to use them.
2. How do I send Katrina back to town to sell items, buy potions? No explanation in the game on how to do this.
 

Sinatar

Official GAF Bottom Feeder
I just picked up the game during the most recent Steam sale. I like it but I really wish there was a full manual (.pdf) or something explaining the game mechanics a bit more as some of it I know I'm not using.

Can someone please explain to me:

1. What powerups are for? I see they're there in the control setup, just not sure how to use them.
2. How do I send Katrina back to town to sell items, buy potions? No explanation in the game on how to do this.

1. The power ups are in your skill tree. They are modifiers that increase the power of that skill for one shot usually adding extra damage or debuffs to it. Basically an emergency 'oh shit' button when things get crazy.

2. It's a button in Katrina's inventory screen.
 
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