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[Game On] Exteel: Free Giant Robots

AccualtAccualt Registered User regular
edited April 2009 in Games and Technology
GIANT ROBOTS ARE ATTACKING!

skycaptainrobotspi3.gif

uh, just each other.

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yeah, only more Asian.

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Exteel

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What is this, why are you showing it to me?
Because it is free and fun.
In my head it is like a persistent Counter Strike, the weapon purchases you've made carry over between matches, with a 3rd person perspective and boosting similar to Tribes.
You build your mechs and tweak them out how you want. You can be that big old base defending bastard with a cannon, HPtexas, and movement speed equal to that of a walrus. Or you could be low HP, super booster guy who spends 50% of the time in the air firing dual uzis at people, or pretty much whatever you want based on how you mix and match parts. It does have in-game advertising but it is just stuff on billboards, not at all annoying.

I was told this is an awesome trailer or something.

Game Modes
Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, Territories, Capture the Flag, and Last Man Standing.
I've only played TDM and Territories (called something else in-game) but they are a blast. I especially like Territories, partly because when you cap a point it spawns AI guards. There is a lot of potential for tactics, especially if you are in a clan and know what rolls various people have specced their mechs out for. (hint, hint)

Game Play
It is fairly fast paced, not as fast as tribes but still a good kick of speed. The boosting feels right.
The skills you can get (more on that later) can only be activated by building up enough SP. You get SP from attacking enemies, and maybe healing allies...I haven't tried that yet.
Left click fires/swings your left weapon and right click your right one. You can over heat your weapons, which is nice, adds a bit more strategy. If you have a shield you can block with it by holding down the proper attack button, and actually if you are not actively blocking but someone fires at you from the side the shield can block that. I've seen a couple of healers running around with a healing gun in one hand and a shield in the other. :^:
The maps have wide open areas and cramped hallways mixed throughout. They seem well designed, so far, but I'm not sure how many there are. This is an ongoing project so stuff will be added.

Note: I resized this screenshot, it looks MUCH crispier at the native resolution I took it at (1680).
exscreenbp1.jpg


Customization
In true mech fashion you can buy items from a multitude of categories and then slap them on in any combination. You can also paint each individual part but only the main color of it, highlights on them can not be changed.
Categories include Head, Torso, Legs, Arms, Booster, Weapons, Skills, Other (mostly paint).

This is your starter mech, but I used the free paint to change it up a bit.
exsnpnd9.jpg


Weapons
This is where the largest variety of items hang out. You can dual wield everything...except maybe shields, I haven't tried that. You also get two Weapon Sets when you go into battle so you can switch it up based on the situation. The weapon types have fairly varied gameplay. Currently I run around with a sword in one hand and a shotgun that shoots fireballs in the other for up close battle and a rifle with a chance to stun and a SMG in the other.
You can pick form Spears, Swords, Rocket Launchers, Cannons, Shotguns, Hand Guns, SMGs, Shields, Rifles, some gun like things that heal team mates, possibly something else I'm forgetting.

Oh, here's a cannon for ya.

exbfgrv7.jpg


Abilities
As you play you get experience points that can be used to improve your pilot. Typical stuff, Accuracy, HP, SP, Energy, Radar (how far out your radar picks up enemies), I think some other stuff.
Also as you use weapons from the four categories (melee, SMG/Handguns?, Rifle, Cannon) you level up the use of those weapons. It just auto unlocks little bonuses, like a 5% dmg boost or 10% heat reduction, but its another hook to keep you playing.


Skills
These are special powers you can purchase. They are mostly special attacks played out in a true anime tradition. When activated you become invincible as the animation plays out and the camera goes all cinematic to track your wtfawesome, actually it even does it for the person who gets hit by it, at least for the melee ones. There are things like firing lasers from your wings, uppercutting a guy into the air and then shooting him, super jumping straight up while spinning in a circle firing bullets, pounding the ground with your rocket launcher for a PBAE explosion, but really all you need to know is this screenshot.

exghettozi6.jpg


$$$
Wait, why did you put $ signs, you said this thing was free.
It is! I swear! But you have the option to buy NC Coin to purchase some in-game items. The vast majority of items are only purchasable via in-game currency that you earn through playing but there are a few that you can charge to your credit card. From what I can tell the purchasable stuff isn't any/much better than any of the other items but you can only get them buy paying for them. You can also purchase paint and skills this way, or use in-game currency, either works on those. NC Coin is $1 for every 100pts. A full mech (short of boosters and guns) costs $4.25 but you can buy parts individually as well, like $0.20 weapons. The prices, to me, seem reasonable and you really don't have to buy anything to be successful. I saw fully kited guys place last.


More info?
Exteel Wiki
Exteel Homepage


The bad.
The game is free so it can't all be good.
  • The actual in-game matches support widescreen but the hub (match selection, hangar, store, etc) does not. This isn't a big deal at all, just a little annoying. I imagine they'll eventually fix it.
  • In a move designed to keep you playing and not let you hoard money, or so I assume, skills and paint last 30 days after you purchase them. So you have to keep earning in-game cash. I can understand it for skills but for paint? Really?
  • The mini-map is accessed by hitting tab but it doesn't toggle it on, you have to hold it down. Just seems strange. The mini-map is also to mini for me to make much use of at 1680x1050. But, hey, at least is supports that resolution.
  • The tutorial sucks, clearly this isn't a western developed game. The plus side of it is you get a bunch of items and currency for completing the whole thing so do it.
Those are my only negatives, so far, and are really more nitpicking then anything.


System Requirements?
Yeah, you can run it.
Minimum System Requirements
Windows 2000/XP
AMD Athlon 800 MHz or Intel Pentium� III 800 MHz
256 MB RAM
1 GB available HDD space
GeForce Series 4 video card
16-bit sound card
Broadband Internet connection
Keyboard and mouse

Recommended System Requirements
Windows� 2000/XP
AMD Athlon 64 2800+ or Intel Pentium 4 2.0 GHz
512 MB RAM
1 GB available HDD space
GeForce 5700 or ATI Radeon 9200 Series video card
16-bit sound card
Broadband Internet connection
Keyboard and mouse

Penny Arcade Clan?
YES! Well, no, not yet. I don't even know how to make one but I'll try and figure it out after work tonight.


Who's playing?
There is a friends list but I think people need to be online and in the same chat room to add each other.
Accualt
LastSon
Bitstream
Ragsykov
Aulin
Kingshand
I'm fairly sure I'm forgetting stuff, and by forgetting I mean I don't even know about it, so I'll probably end up updating.

Accualt on
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Posts

  • AccualtAccualt Registered User regular
    edited March 2008
    Saved

    Accualt on
  • VicVic Registered User regular
    edited March 2008
    Looks pretty cool. Will try it out.

    Vic on
  • darleysamdarleysam On my way to UKRegistered User regular
    edited March 2008
    Well provided I remember, I'll be up for this tonight.

    darleysam on
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  • SilpheedSilpheed Registered User regular
    edited March 2008
    It looks interesting, once I get a new video card I'll try it out.

    Silpheed on
  • subediisubedii Registered User regular
    edited March 2008
    I've been looking at this for a while now, didn't know it was open for signups. Might look into it sometime, but probably not now.

    Anyway, some vids to give you an idea as to what this game looks like:

    http://www.gametrailers.com/game/1870.html

    subedii on
  • BlueDestinyBlueDestiny Registered User regular
    edited March 2008
    Exteel is pretty fun, like Gunz without stupid glitches. I might start playing it again if theres enough interest.

    BlueDestiny on
  • Last SonLast Son Registered User regular
    edited March 2008
    'Last man Standing' is actually just Last Stand. Its a human Vs AI match where you are given two aerogates to defend while the computer sends waves of bots at you
    Accualt
    LastSon

    Last Son on
  • SegSeg Registered User regular
    edited March 2008
    Doesn't this game use GameGuard as it's anti-cheat program?

    Seg on
  • BitstreamBitstream Registered User regular
    edited March 2008
    Accualt
    LastSon
    Bitstream

    I'll be on later, have to spend the afternoon at the hospital.

    Also, sniping in this game is fun.

    Bitstream on
  • reVersereVerse Attack and Dethrone God Registered User regular
    edited March 2008
    Exteel is pretty fun, like Gunz without stupid glitches. I might start playing it again if theres enough interest.

    I was gonna say it's like Gunz except without the horrible lag.
    Accualt
    LastSon
    Bitstream
    Ragsykov

    reVerse on
  • see317see317 Registered User regular
    edited March 2008
    Free giant robots?
    I'm in. Downloading now.

    see317 on
  • KajustaKajusta Registered User regular
    edited March 2008
    I'm in as Aulin.

    Need clan now plz.

    Kajusta on
    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
    XBL
  • Cynic JesterCynic Jester Registered User regular
    edited March 2008
    A skill named "Ghetto Blaster"? For reals? Ahahahaha.

    Also Acc, you might want to link that awesome intro/teaser video. Because it's awesome.

    Cynic Jester on
  • Squirrel RancherSquirrel Rancher Registered User regular
    edited March 2008
    I suck ass at shooters but my love for giant robots cannot be denied. I am all over this shit.

    Squirrel Rancher on
  • AccualtAccualt Registered User regular
    edited March 2008
    A skill named "Ghetto Blaster"? For reals? Ahahahaha.

    Also Acc, you might want to link that awesome intro/teaser video. Because it's awesome.

    You actually smack them to the ground with your shield, cock your gun sideways, and unload a clip while they are laying on the ground.

    I assume you mean the one when the game loads up.

    ESC...I haven't watched it.
    Last Son wrote: »
    'Last man Standing' is actually just Last Stand. Its a human Vs AI match where you are given two aerogates to defend while the computer sends waves of bots at you

    Oh, huh...is it fun? I mean I like those kinds of modes in RB6 buuuuut that has good AI.

    Accualt on
  • Cynic JesterCynic Jester Registered User regular
    edited March 2008
    Cynic Jester on
  • ArthilArthil Registered User regular
    edited March 2008
    You can't create a clan, sadly. Which is kind of... weird, considering what kind of game it is.

    Arthil on
    PSN: Honishimo Steam UPlay: Arthil
  • LemmingLemming Registered User regular
    edited March 2008
    Overall, this game is very similar to Gunz, but I think Gunz is better.

    Lemming on
  • KajustaKajusta Registered User regular
    edited March 2008
    Lemming wrote: »
    Overall, this game is very similar to Gunz, but I think Gunz is better.

    Because getting 'korean' styled on Gunz is totally cool.

    We at least need to get a channel made, if clans can't be.

    edit: Acc, you spelled my callsign wrong.

    Kajusta on
    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
    XBL
  • JustinChar99JustinChar99 Registered User regular
    edited March 2008
    Installing now. I'll give it a shot after I get home from the dentist, but I'm definitely interested. For one, I really liked Gunz.

    JustinChar99 on
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    Einhander wrote: »
    I've heard that Usenet is the dark, seething underbelly of the internet, and that the porn you find there isn't the porn you ever, ever want to see.
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    Pokemon FC: 2749 7579 5931
  • KajustaKajusta Registered User regular
    edited March 2008
    I'm in a channel called PA, if anyone is on hop in it.

    Kajusta on
    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
    XBL
  • chamberlainchamberlain Registered User regular
    edited March 2008
    Vista, yes/no?

    chamberlain on
  • ValkunValkun Registered User regular
    edited March 2008
    You had me at giant robots. <3

    It's too bad we don't have a vent server for playing games on-Oh wait, we do. ;-)

    Valkun on
  • AccualtAccualt Registered User regular
    edited March 2008
    Kajusta wrote: »
    Lemming wrote: »
    Overall, this game is very similar to Gunz, but I think Gunz is better.

    Because getting 'korean' styled on Gunz is totally cool.

    We at least need to get a channel made, if clans can't be.

    edit: Acc, you spelled my callsign wrong.

    Fixed!

    And no clans yet? Huh, I noticed some people had names under their names so just assumed. This makes me sad.

    Accualt on
  • see317see317 Registered User regular
    edited March 2008
    This game appearently hates me.
    I've installed it, but when I try to login and play it freezes on the login screen. Can't use my mouse at all.

    Sometimes, if I'm lucky, it'll let me put in my name and password before freezing on me.

    see317 on
  • HandkorHandkor Registered User regular
    edited March 2008
    I played it a couple of weeks ago and It's ok for what it is but when this was first announced I was hoping for a mech version of CoX.

    I like the weapon switching, it works well also movements are ok. It free so I can't complain. My biggest problem is I have other things to play.

    Handkor on
  • UEAKCrashUEAKCrash heh Registered User regular
    edited March 2008
    Looks cool, downloading now. I'll try it if I get a chance tonight or, if not, tomorrow.

    UEAKLSNCrash for my name.

    UEAKCrash on
  • BitstreamBitstream Registered User regular
    edited March 2008
    Handkor wrote: »
    I played it a couple of weeks ago and It's ok for what it is but when this was first announced I was hoping for a mech version of CoX.

    I like the weapon switching, it works well also movements are ok. It free so I can't complain. My biggest problem is I have other things to play.

    I was under the impression that this was a different game, too - am I crazy, or was there at one time a more "traditional"-style mecha RPG under this name? I remember promotional shots of human soldier NPCs with players in big mechs. Maybe it wasn't Exteel, but I distinctly remember something.

    That said, I was pleasantly surprised by what I found.

    Regarding the clan situation - from what I've pieced together from chat snippets, there is a clan system, or rather, was at some point, but that it's down for tweaking. Hooray for gamma-release games!

    Bitstream on
  • NocrenNocren Lt Futz, Back in Action North CarolinaRegistered User regular
    edited March 2008
    You sure this isnt a Theta release?
    Anyway, downloading now.

    Maybe by the time I finish my stats homework it'll be done.

    Nocren on
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  • ValkunValkun Registered User regular
    edited March 2008
    Just finished the tutorial. Strangely, I found the sword and shield to be the most interesting weapon set introduced.

    Are there no shoulder mounted missles?

    Valkun on
  • Last SonLast Son Registered User regular
    edited March 2008
    Accualt wrote: »
    Last Son wrote: »
    'Last man Standing' is actually just Last Stand. Its a human Vs AI match where you are given two aerogates to defend while the computer sends waves of bots at you

    Oh, huh...is it fun? I mean I like those kinds of modes in RB6 buuuuut that has good AI.

    Eh, its fun in the "Watch as I singlehandedly blow up 30 enemies" kind of way. The AI is really pretty stupid though and their tactics are mostly swarm the hell out of you. The higher levels of difficulty are hard, but only because the AI has incredibly high HP/firepower.

    Valkun wrote: »
    Just finished the tutorial. Strangely, I found the sword and shield to be the most interesting weapon set introduced.

    Are there no shoulder mounted missles?

    Some of the advanced boosters can fire missiles if you have the right skill, but they are kind of underwhelming.

    Last Son on
  • reVersereVerse Attack and Dethrone God Registered User regular
    edited March 2008
    Bitstream wrote: »
    Handkor wrote: »
    I played it a couple of weeks ago and It's ok for what it is but when this was first announced I was hoping for a mech version of CoX.

    I like the weapon switching, it works well also movements are ok. It free so I can't complain. My biggest problem is I have other things to play.

    I was under the impression that this was a different game, too - am I crazy, or was there at one time a more "traditional"-style mecha RPG under this name? I remember promotional shots of human soldier NPCs with players in big mechs. Maybe it wasn't Exteel, but I distinctly remember something.

    You might be thinking of RF Online (which to my understanding is free-to-play nowadays).

    reVerse on
  • ValkunValkun Registered User regular
    edited March 2008
    Oh right, Callsign Valkun. Hanging out in the PA room for now, just looking over the various options. Doesn't the server go down soon for maintenance or is the NCLoader a liar?

    Valkun on
  • BitstreamBitstream Registered User regular
    edited March 2008
    reVerse wrote: »
    Bitstream wrote: »
    Handkor wrote: »
    I played it a couple of weeks ago and It's ok for what it is but when this was first announced I was hoping for a mech version of CoX.

    I like the weapon switching, it works well also movements are ok. It free so I can't complain. My biggest problem is I have other things to play.

    I was under the impression that this was a different game, too - am I crazy, or was there at one time a more "traditional"-style mecha RPG under this name? I remember promotional shots of human soldier NPCs with players in big mechs. Maybe it wasn't Exteel, but I distinctly remember something.

    You might be thinking of RF Online (which to my understanding is free-to-play nowadays).

    That's it! Looks like I know where I'm heading when Exteel gets old.

    Bitstream on
  • KajustaKajusta Registered User regular
    edited March 2008
    In RF Online there's the actual mechs in which players get in, and then there is the mech race.

    Two times the mech.

    Two times the goodness.

    Kajusta on
    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
    XBL
  • Cynic JesterCynic Jester Registered User regular
    edited March 2008
    Man dawgs, timing sucks. How long will the servers be down for?

    Also, callsign is CynicJester.

    Cynic Jester on
  • ValkunValkun Registered User regular
    edited March 2008
    Looks like the server just went down for maintenance.

    After it comes back up, why doesn't someone host a low level PA game?

    Valkun on
  • LemmingLemming Registered User regular
    edited March 2008
    Kajusta wrote: »
    In RF Online there's the actual mechs in which players get in, and then there is the mech race.

    Two times the mech.

    Two times the goodness.

    Except RF Online is just about the worst game ever.

    Lemming on
  • Squirrel RancherSquirrel Rancher Registered User regular
    edited March 2008
    Alright I'm in as Squirrels.

    I was able to run it on Vista, but it was unstable until I ran it in compatability mode, at which point the server went down for maintenance while I was working on the tutorial.

    Squirrel Rancher on
  • AccualtAccualt Registered User regular
    edited March 2008
    I've been running it on Vista 64 with no problems, fyi.

    Accualt on
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