"Cainin, you are exactly right on why the models are slightly lower poly than some of the other games out there. With all the detail in the levels and the massive number of onscreen enemies/teammates in the SP, the polys are a bit lower in order to keep the game playable on "lower" end systems. " - D-Dogg

So I have to suffer through with low poly's because some other smuck can't pony up the money like I did for my high end video card?? BS! Make it scalable for people with ubber rigs and don't leave us out in the cold. Low polys are such a disapointment with todays video cards that have the power to do better. Too bad you had to compromise the game so your bottom line is greater. Bah.

This whole experience is so odd - I for one have had 3 show-stopping bugs, where the game crashed to desktop and gave me a dialog about sending a bug report and such, plus the other obvious issues such as horrible netcode with severe "teleportation" effects, stiff blocky models and such. But for some reason, I desperately want this game to succeed... I dont know - to me it seems the day of small game studios is coming to and end, and I hate that. These guys obviously worked pretty hard to shape this world without a million dollar budget, but it seems sad to aim high and then come up short. I hope they can resolve some of this shit, because this game needs to be big on principal alone. C'est la vie.

On a slightly related note: Planetside, which is being made by Verant (a company I swore to never by games from again) seems to be poised to break out of the entire PC game mold - which is an epic achievement. If they manage to succeed in their vision, it could possibly mark a new point in virtual reality's evolution. It is a huge endeavor though... good thing they have Sony to back them up.

...of rising development costs, etc etc, I'm suprised that Digitalo's QA team let this title sneak off to manufacture without first processing comments, suggestions and bug reports from the demo beforehand. In the three days I've been playing the demo, I've encountered numerous bugs and graphics glitches... No, no show stopper sized bugs, but just the same... For a game thats supposed to be as polished as its made out to be on fan sites - etc, I'm afraid many a consumer will be dissapointed with their purchase, and may not even give the game the chance it deserves.

With the above said, I am STILL enjoying the hell out of the demo! You can tell just by the single CTF level they included that a fair amount of thought went into level design. There are many good "camp sites" on the map, but none that you would want to stay at too long due to clever placement of exploding barrels and ratdrone wielding remote fraggers. Being a ex-TF (team fortress) addict, the first CTF map they've shown instantly found a place in my heart. I can never have enough 2fort'ish maps =]

Closing notes: If arush\digitalo\etc want to see this title succeed, they'll do a few things QUICKLY.

1) Get some SFX with balls for the wimpy popgun sounding handguns & shotties. Screw reality. If yer gonna make a action hero game, give us action hero sound fx.

2) Clean up the netcode. I've played a fair amount of ut2k3 and other unreal warfare based games.. And none of their netcode was remotely as shoddy.

3) Get 2 or 3 dedicated servers online, pronto! If the only examples of Devastation MP gaming people are seeing are laggy ass cable listen servers, they will think that this reflects on the entire game. Show them that they are WRONG by hosting a server or two done right. However, if even the DEVELOPER can't show the public a good, mostly lag free server in action, it probably can't be done at all... In which case I'll pass on buying their title.

PS: I'm a n00b when it comes to running UT based servers. Could someone kindly post a working UCC commandline to run a 8 player CTF Devastation server. Also, what ports do I need to forward\open? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

This comment was edited on Mar 25, 19:25.

Quite enjoyed the demo...my main issue was that the sound fx were weak (imo) but that looks like its being resolved.

Kinda reminds me of Kingpin for some reason I cannot quite place!

"Te audire no possum. Musa sapientum fixa est in aure"

D-Dogg

I've been watching these one develop for a while now. I've seen some of the work these guys did w/ original UT engine, and I've always been totally blown away. I'm totally envious that you were able to help to create it. I'm hoping to mod the heck outta their engine.

I just wish that people could understand what these guys were aiming at, and just what they've managed to accomplish. I really want this game to be sucessful for them. I just think that most MP players are too 'twitchy' and don't really take the time to immerse themselves.

I will continue to get the good word out on this game.

While it's important that we give the developers the respect that they're due, it's also important that we act as responsible consumers. Whether or nor we like or respect developers should have nothing to do with our assessment of their work. Being a responsible consumer (much like being a responsible voter) means making the right choice for the right reason. I like, appreciate and respect Digitalo for ther efforts so far, but if I don't like their upoming single-player demo, I won't buy their game.

Cainin, you are exactly right on why the models are slightly lower poly than some of the other games out there. With all the detail in the levels and the massive number of onscreen enemies/teammates in the SP, the polys are a bit lower in order to keep the game playable on "lower" end systems.

What you are saying about the level of detail in the areas is spot on...I've been testing this game for over a year now, since we signed Digitalo, and the one thing that has stood out is the details in the levels. I too have noticed that other games seem bare in comparison...not that that is a bad thing...I love my Vice City, I just wish there was some trash and stuff in the streets.

well said belly!

Hammer

Max: Fair enough. I'm pretty pessimistic myself, and if you want my $40, you gotta impress me. The nice thing is that quite a few stores specializing in games allow you to return a game if you don't like it.

My impression of the game has been very positive. The level of detail in the game is truly astounding. After playing it for a bit, and then going on to other games, I really noticed how 'static' and 'bare' all the levels and areas I was in felt. Devastation has created a truly immersive, believable world, imo. I found it much easier to 'be there' than Unreal 2, for example. (which I returned to the store) Shooting off Eminem's arm and other body parts on several occasions were also very rewarding. (no offense to the real Eminem)

I do agree that the player models are a bit weak, and the sound needs work. I wonder if the developers cut those items back to allow them to put more in the levels themselves and to allow for the physics system. I think it's a fair trade off, and Arush has already shown their willingness to listen to the community.

Don't get your hopes up Morgan19, it won't last

snafu

Opinions are like A**holes, everybody has one and they usually stink
(all except mine of course)

I've always been unsure about this game and I'm twice as unsure now. Gonna wait a few weeks to see what everyone's impression is of the final product. If it's as bad as I expect (hey, I'm a pessimist) then my $40 will stay in my pocket. That's my reality.

This comment was edited on Mar 25, 11:38.

Agreed a thousand times over. It's nice to see some inteliigence and common sense returning to the B'sN boards.

m19

Belly Flop: AMEN!

Arush has done a great job listening to the users, imo.

(also, make sure that you REALLY take the time to investigate something before ripping it apart in a knee jerk reaction) 'nuff said

Just one more thing. We are all disappointed when games don't meet our expectations. We live in an age where we can change that via the internet and forums like these.

Blues News is a well known establishment in the games industry and developers actually read these forums. So if you're going to critisise to ensure improvement of the title you like, make sure it is constructive critisism and not destructive. Destructive critisism distracts them from focusing on improving their products. Remember game development is a science but it is also an artform. These people are proud about their work, so the least we can do is pay them some respect.

I haven't had any problems w/ the demo.

This game went gold a few weeks ago, so you'll have to wait for a patch to get the sound fixes.

I'm betting (hoping) that the net code is better in full version. Extracting a demo from the full version isn't exactly easy, and I suspect that is why some people were having trouble.

I guess we'll all find out tomorrow...

I did not download the demo, nor am I particularly interrested in this title, but I just have to comment on the attitude of some people. I don't understand this aggressive and demanding stance. It sounds like a spoilt little brat who has never had to do anything for himself before. Grow up. The world owes you nothing. If you don't like, don't buy.

I'm looking forward to this game, I only hope they fixed all the problems, because as I recall the demo was released just a few days ago and was almost unplayable.

And lets hope they cleaned up the shitty-ass netcode, made the proper adjustments to the sound, and generally fixed every fuckin thing that was wrong with it since the demo was released.