Does anyone know if respeccing is a base feature of the game this time around?
My woes with the PC camera are well chronicled at this point, but after playing it on the 360, I've determined that is where the game is most fun for me. I've really enjoyed the demo on the consoles, while I was very frustrated with the demo on PC.
That said, respeccing was a mod in DA:O, and it's a mod I can't imagine living without. There some really dumb skill decisions made on some of the built in characters in DA:O, and not being able to respec them to a more optimized party would drive me batty.
There's a respec option at some point, I don't know details.
Cabezone on
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Der Waffle MousBlame this on the misfortune of your birth.New Yark, New Yark.Registered Userregular
edited March 2011
PS. I fucking love the witcher but this pretentiousness is getting old.
Anyone else having difficulty getting the PS3 Signature Edition content downloaded? It recognizes my codes but when it comes time to accept the license agreement I get an "an unknown error" occurred message.
Ugh. I played DA:O on PC and loved it, and it sounds like they took everything that made it unique and fun for me out of the game.
Sounds like instead of making a sequel to Dragon Age, they gave us a generic epic action RPG experience. Not that I hate epic action RPGs, I was just expecting a whole lot more from a sequel to Dragon Age.
Everyone who's played it says that the combat is pretty much the same on the PC other than being slightly faster (but with the pause option does that really matter?).
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Der Waffle MousBlame this on the misfortune of your birth.New Yark, New Yark.Registered Userregular
GnomeTankWhat the what?Portland, OregonRegistered Userregular
edited March 2011
Okay, so apparently respeccing has something to do with the Black Emporium. The Black Emporium is the "you get this for buying the game new" DLC right? I don't have to get the signature edition for it, or buy it separate?
Yeah, I'm not getting some of these complaints. "I can still pause the action and give orders like i did last time, but someone else can mash buttons!" "I can still select hard or nightmare and experience a real challenge, but less hardcore gamers can select normal and not struggle!"
I don't see how variety harms the consumer. The other complaints (about the camera or not being able to select the armor for your companions) are legitimate; that sort of thing involves individual taste and I have no problem with others finding that stuff unacceptable. The rest of these gripes seem silly.
Two more hours and I can go home and sink my teeth into this. Very excited.
Everyone who's played it says that the combat is pretty much the same on the PC other than being slightly faster (but with the pause option does that really matter?).
You have to fiddle with the camera a bit more. It doesn't detach as far as I can tell, so instead I find myself hotkeying to companions to switch their views. Even in the really large battles I haven't had trouble knowing whats' going on everywhere.
The largest change from the original, for PC, is the lack of friendly fire. This reduces the amount of micromanagement you have to do. I actually like this, it allows me to not be forced to play the mage or rogue myself. In 1 you could easily set up the tactics of a warrior and he'd do fairly well on his own but you had to micro the Mage and Rogue.
Cabezone on
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ZarathustraEckUbermenschnow with stripes!Registered Userregular
Ugh. I played DA:O on PC and loved it, and it sounds like they took everything that made it unique and fun for me out of the game.
Sounds like instead of making a sequel to Dragon Age, they gave us a generic epic action RPG experience. Not that I hate epic action RPGs, I was just expecting a whole lot more from a sequel to Dragon Age.
Played DA:O and enjoyed it... and the demo seemed to indicate DA2 plays exactly the same (with the addition of the R button, which I love). I'll find out for sure in a couple hours when I get off work and pick it up.
For conversation's sake, could you list what was in DA:O that made it "unique and fun" that's missing in DA2?
Okay, so apparently respeccing has something to do with the Black Emporium. The Black Emporium is the "you get this for buying the game new" DLC right? I don't have to get the signature edition for it, or buy it separate?
My understanding was that the Black Emporium let you change your face.
Reading various forums on the internet, I'm getting pretty tired of PC gamers blaming console gamers for the decisions of multi-platform game designers.
I'm not getting into this whole snide debate (or singling anyone in this thread out), but listen, generic internet motherfuckers on various fora: I'm 25 years old, I pay a mortgage and I work damn hard. Just because I can't afford a 3 grand rig (or have the time and personal wherewithal to build a 1 grand rig) doesn't make me any less intelligent. Do not place me in a box with COD players, thankyouvermuch.
Blame the designers, man the fuck up, and then download the series of excellent mod-fixes the majority of PC gamers get to benefit from. At least you get that. We get DLC merkins and matching ankle warmers... for about 6 euro a pop. Look on the brightside!
Also, in the interests of balance - and in defence of my PC/c-rpg playing compatriots here - the Eurogamer review can shove it - multiplatform releases doesn't mean the developers can't take the extra few weeks to make (and optimise) individual UI systems that suit individual gaming systems. Old school RPGs were excellent, and I enjoyed them thoroughly on my wind up PC.
Now if only I could get my hands on the Witcher 2 - that does look superb.
And now back to waiting on a Friday release. To those who have this game - enjoy it, it looks fantastic!
Katsuhiro 1139 on
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jefe414"My Other Drill Hole is a Teleporter"Mechagodzilla is Best GodzillaRegistered Userregular
edited March 2011
I'd rather fully be able to outfit my party DA:O style but the changes to combat make up for this. No longer will me warrior shamble forward only to have an enemy race by them while the sword swing is spinning up.
I played the first Witcher and it had almost no inventory to speak of, basically the same level of equipment upgrades as ME2.
Yet the Witchter is the shinning example of no compromise classic RPG and ME2 and DA2 are signs of Bioware dumbing it down.
I don't understand why I need to buy The Witcher 2 when somebody will extract all the nudity and put it on the internet for free, where I can lovingly stroke the computer screen.
I mean, why would I want to play Dance, Dance, Revolution with monsters when I can get the milk for free? FREE?
I played the first Witcher and it had almost no inventory to speak of, basically the same level of equipment upgrades as ME2.
Yet the Witchter is the shinning example of no compromise classic RPG and ME2 and DA2 are signs of Bioware dumbing it down.
I don't understand why I need to buy The Witcher 2 when somebody will extract all the nudity and put it on the internet for free, where I can lovingly stroke the computer screen.
I mean, why would I want to play Dance, Dance, Revolution with monsters when I can get the milk for free? FREE?
They revamped the combat system in The Witcher 2. I still think it looks awful, but we'll see.
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firewaterwordSatchitanandaPais Vasco to San FranciscoRegistered Userregular
edited March 2011
Oh snap this is out now huh. I guess I should pick it up, even though I have too much other shit to play! Woe!
But I see it's the same price on peecee and them consoles! Lame! I liked the "have a $10 discount and spare yourself the trip to the store, bro" system we had before.
Any word on PS3/360 stackups? I don't really care as long as there isn't a technical gap or whatever. I've played the demo on PC, but haven't tried it on either console. Cheers.
Okay, so apparently respeccing has something to do with the Black Emporium. The Black Emporium is the "you get this for buying the game new" DLC right? I don't have to get the signature edition for it, or buy it separate?
Yeah it's there and you get the Black Emporium with a new purchase of the game.
Cabezone on
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GnomeTankWhat the what?Portland, OregonRegistered Userregular
edited March 2011
Well then it's a simple choice for me. 360 it is.
Especially since I now hear that DA2 won't even be getting a toolset for PC, so the breadth of mods will be paltry compared to DA:O.
Ugh. I played DA:O on PC and loved it, and it sounds like they took everything that made it unique and fun for me out of the game.
Sounds like instead of making a sequel to Dragon Age, they gave us a generic epic action RPG experience. Not that I hate epic action RPGs, I was just expecting a whole lot more from a sequel to Dragon Age.
Played DA:O and enjoyed it... and the demo seemed to indicate DA2 plays exactly the same (with the addition of the R button, which I love). I'll find out for sure in a couple hours when I get off work and pick it up.
For conversation's sake, could you list what was in DA:O that made it "unique and fun" that's missing in DA2?
Keep in mind, this is only based on information from reviews I have read.
From what the reviews have been saying, combat involves a lot of button mashing with your first few abilities, and combat has been sped up a ton. Also, rogues automatically maneuver behind enemies for backstabs, and no more friendly fire from mages. Instead of making enemies do a crapload of damage like they did in DA:O, apparently the game just swarms you with enemies that spawn in order to make it harder.
This seems to me like it will have a few effects on how I play the game. First, I won't ever pause the action like I did in the original, because there will be no point. Second, micromanagement is no longer necessary, but I don't think that's a bad thing. I think it will make the game easier just because the original was so damn hard that you had to micromanage your party. There's a balance to be struck there, and it does sound like DA2 is on the right track with that.
Mostly, what I'm really annoyed about is that, according to reviews, they moved away from the tactical RPG formula, and more towards action RPG combat. Considering DA:O was pretty much the singular example of tactical RPG combat outside of handheld gaming since Baldur's Gate 2, this change really saddens me.
Edit: But just in case you were wondering, I am getting ready to go buy DA2 at Gamestop right now. God, I am such a Bioware whore.
Mostly, what I'm really annoyed about is that, according to reviews, they moved away from the tactical RPG formula, and more towards action RPG combat. Considering DA:O was pretty much the singular example of tactical RPG combat outside of handheld gaming since Baldur's Gate 2, this change really saddens me.
Have you not played IWD/IWD2? It was just BG2 without the story.
The number of people who go for BG2 combat but haven't played the Icewind Dale series is alarming.
I played the first Witcher and it had almost no inventory to speak of, basically the same level of equipment upgrades as ME2.
Yet the Witchter is the shinning example of no compromise classic RPG and ME2 and DA2 are signs of Bioware dumbing it down.
I don't understand why I need to buy The Witcher 2 when somebody will extract all the nudity and put it on the internet for free, where I can lovingly stroke the computer screen.
I mean, why would I want to play Dance, Dance, Revolution with monsters when I can get the milk for free? FREE?
They revamped the combat system in The Witcher 2. I still think it looks awful, but we'll see.
Its looks like the combat is now made up of rolling around and quick time events instead of rhythm action, so its not inspiring much confidence.
eEK! on
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GnomeTankWhat the what?Portland, OregonRegistered Userregular
Mostly, what I'm really annoyed about is that, according to reviews, they moved away from the tactical RPG formula, and more towards action RPG combat. Considering DA:O was pretty much the singular example of tactical RPG combat outside of handheld gaming since Baldur's Gate 2, this change really saddens me.
Have you not played IWD/IWD2? It was just BG2 without the story.
The number of people who go for BG2 combat but haven't played the Icewind Dale series is alarming.
I'm not sure why that is alarming? BG2 was transcendent because of a combination of elements, not just because of combat and not just because of story. It blended tactical D&D combat with an amazing, epic story. It was a total package.
Ugh. I played DA:O on PC and loved it, and it sounds like they took everything that made it unique and fun for me out of the game.
Sounds like instead of making a sequel to Dragon Age, they gave us a generic epic action RPG experience. Not that I hate epic action RPGs, I was just expecting a whole lot more from a sequel to Dragon Age.
Played DA:O and enjoyed it... and the demo seemed to indicate DA2 plays exactly the same (with the addition of the R button, which I love). I'll find out for sure in a couple hours when I get off work and pick it up.
For conversation's sake, could you list what was in DA:O that made it "unique and fun" that's missing in DA2?
Keep in mind, this is only based on information from reviews I have read.
From what the reviews have been saying, combat involves a lot of button mashing with your first few abilities, and combat has been sped up a ton. Also, rogues automatically maneuver behind enemies for backstabs, and no more friendly fire from mages. Instead of making enemies do a crapload of damage like they did in DA:O, apparently the game just swarms you with enemies that spawn in order to make it harder.
This seems to me like it will have a few effects on how I play the game. First, I won't ever pause the action like I did in the original, because there will be no point. Second, micromanagement is no longer necessary, but I don't think that's a bad thing. I think it will make the game easier just because the original was so damn hard that you had to micromanage your party. There's a balance to be struck there, and it does sound like DA2 is on the right track with that.
Mostly, what I'm really annoyed about is that, according to reviews, they moved away from the tactical RPG formula, and more towards action RPG combat. Considering DA:O was pretty much the singular example of tactical RPG combat outside of handheld gaming since Baldur's Gate 2, this change really saddens me.
Edit: But just in case you were wondering, I am getting ready to go buy DA2 at Gamestop right now. God, I am such a Bioware whore.
Just offering some counterpoints...
It's not that rogue automatically maneuver for backstabs. The functionality of backstabbing has been changes so you score the bonus damage on any enemy not targetting that rogue. From a numbers perspective, it's the same thing. As for gameplay, it means no longer trying to fine-tune your movement into an enemy's "flanking" area.
The no-friendly-fire and "zomg it's easier" complaints are valid from the reviews I've read, and the demo did make the game seem to be pretty easy. I'd say both are remedied by upping the difficulty (thereby allowing friendly fire and increasing the... er... difficulty) solves those problems.
For what it's worth, it seems to play exactly like DA:O, tactics and all. Hell, when I started the demo I was carefully positioning my fireballs and such so they wouldn't hit my party members. It took a situation where the benefits outweighed the costs for me to say "wait a minute... he's no being highlighted..."
I plan to start on either Hard or Nightmare and treat it the same way I did DA:O.
Mostly, what I'm really annoyed about is that, according to reviews, they moved away from the tactical RPG formula, and more towards action RPG combat. Considering DA:O was pretty much the singular example of tactical RPG combat outside of handheld gaming since Baldur's Gate 2, this change really saddens me.
Have you not played IWD/IWD2? It was just BG2 without the story.
The number of people who go for BG2 combat but haven't played the Icewind Dale series is alarming.
I'm not sure why that is alarming? BG2 was transcendent because of a combination of elements, not just because of combat and not just because of story. It blended tactical D&D combat with an amazing, epic story. It was a total package.
I'm aware of why BG2 was good, but thanks for the info!
It's alarming because a great many people have seemed to pine for tactical BG2-style combat but haven't played or even heard of IWD.
I'm planning to do the same thing, Zarathustra. I played on Normal in DA:O for my first playthrough, but it looks like I'm starting on Hard for this game. Not a huge deal, just a minor complaint.
I still expect to enjoy the shit out of this game, but it probably won't hold the same awesomeness for me as DA:O did. I guess I was expecting something like the move from Mass Effect 1 to Mass Effect 2, where I went from "Mass Effect one was great, I hope the second is good too!" to "HOLY SHIT HOW DID THEY MAKE A BETTER GAME THAN THE FIRST?!"
God, why can't Bioware make a better game than 2009's Game of the Year! Ugh, I'm SO MAD!!! :P
Spawnbroker on
Steam: Spawnbroker
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GnomeTankWhat the what?Portland, OregonRegistered Userregular
Mostly, what I'm really annoyed about is that, according to reviews, they moved away from the tactical RPG formula, and more towards action RPG combat. Considering DA:O was pretty much the singular example of tactical RPG combat outside of handheld gaming since Baldur's Gate 2, this change really saddens me.
Have you not played IWD/IWD2? It was just BG2 without the story.
The number of people who go for BG2 combat but haven't played the Icewind Dale series is alarming.
I'm not sure why that is alarming? BG2 was transcendent because of a combination of elements, not just because of combat and not just because of story. It blended tactical D&D combat with an amazing, epic story. It was a total package.
I'm aware of why BG2 was good, but thanks for the info!
It's alarming because a great many people have seemed to pine for tactical BG2-style combat but haven't played or even heard of IWD.
I don't think it's so much people just pining away for that combat. If that was the case, you could pick up BG2, and both IWD's from GoG for less than 30 bucks (which I have done).
I think it's more that DA:O had it, and in many ways DA2 does not. People are pining for what the first game had that the sequel forgoes, and simply using BG2 as a pillar of comparison. Now of course there are some good arguments that DA2 does, in some sense, keep that combat alive, but the demo (which until today is what people had to go on) really emphasizes a more Mass Effect-style run and gun style.
That said, I think when people get their hands on the game, up the difficulty, and slow their own urge to just KILLKILLKILL down, they'll find DA2 actually has some of the same elements. You just have to dig a little more to find them under the shiny action coat of paint.
firewaterwordSatchitanandaPais Vasco to San FranciscoRegistered Userregular
edited March 2011
Read the eurogamer review and am now more excited. Mostly because I don't really care about the mechanics (though no friendly fire is good times for me!). I just want to be there making the decisions.
Okay, so apparently respeccing has something to do with the Black Emporium. The Black Emporium is the "you get this for buying the game new" DLC right? I don't have to get the signature edition for it, or buy it separate?
Yeah it's there and you get the Black Emporium with a new purchase of the game.
I think in the Emporium you can buy a mirror that allows you change your appearances whenever you want and also you can buy a potion that allows respec like the respec potion in Awakenings, plus a ton of other stuff you can buy, kind of like the collector's edition merchant in BG2.
I don't think it's so much people just pining away for that combat. If that was the case, you could pick up BG2, and both IWD's from GoG for less than 30 bucks (which I have done).
I think it's more that DA:O had it, and in many ways DA2 does not. People are pining for what the first game had that the sequel forgoes, and simply using BG2 as a pillar of comparison. Now of course there are some good arguments that DA2 does, in some sense, keep that combat alive, but the demo (which until today is what people had to go on) really emphasizes a more Mass Effect-style run and gun style.
That said, I think when people get their hands on the game, up the difficulty, and slow their own urge to just KILLKILLKILL down, they'll find DA2 actually has some of the same elements. You just have to dig a little more to find them under the shiny action coat of paint.
I see your point. My biggest concern with it is that much of your argument is based on the content present in the demo, which is maybe 45 minutes of fighting only one enemy type on one difficulty at the start of the game.
Furthermore, I struggle to see what DA:O had that DA2 doesn't in terms of making a tactical combat experience. Not only was DA:O horribly balanced, but even on higher difficulties the greatest challenges can be soloed by a properly equipped PC. There's no reward for tactical combat there, it's stand in front of the harvester, activate spirit form(or whatever it's called) and hit it on the head until it falls over, killing the trash mobs to replenish your stamina as you go.
I get that not having dx11 locks me out of the super fancy graphical effects, but why the hell am I also locked out of the game not looking like complete ass?
I get that not having dx11 locks me out of the super fancy graphical effects, but why the hell am I also locked out of the game not looking like complete ass?
I just played the demo and this was my immediate thought as well. Why the fuck is the game penalising me for not having the most up to date graphics card? I can run DX10 I suppose, but if I don't apparently I get a game that looks like total shit. Gee, thanks.
I get that not having dx11 locks me out of the super fancy graphical effects, but why the hell am I also locked out of the game not looking like complete ass?
I just played the demo and this was my immediate thought as well. Why the fuck is the game penalising me for not having the most up to date graphics card? I can run DX10 I suppose, but if I don't apparently I get a game that looks like total shit. Gee, thanks.
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With its "press the button in time" based combat and whole four sets of armor.
And boobs.
Totally meant for the highbrow gold box gamer of olde.
Can't wait
PSN: Beltaine-77 | Steam: beltane77 | Battle.net BadHaggis#1433
There's a respec option at some point, I don't know details.
XBL: GamingFreak5514
PSN: GamingFreak1234
Yet the Witchter is the shinning example of no compromise classic RPG and ME2 and DA2 are signs of Bioware dumbing it down.
Why do we have to fight you're not my real parents
Sounds like instead of making a sequel to Dragon Age, they gave us a generic epic action RPG experience. Not that I hate epic action RPGs, I was just expecting a whole lot more from a sequel to Dragon Age.
Cuz mama drinks, son.
Mama drinks.
I don't see how variety harms the consumer. The other complaints (about the camera or not being able to select the armor for your companions) are legitimate; that sort of thing involves individual taste and I have no problem with others finding that stuff unacceptable. The rest of these gripes seem silly.
Two more hours and I can go home and sink my teeth into this. Very excited.
You have to fiddle with the camera a bit more. It doesn't detach as far as I can tell, so instead I find myself hotkeying to companions to switch their views. Even in the really large battles I haven't had trouble knowing whats' going on everywhere.
The largest change from the original, for PC, is the lack of friendly fire. This reduces the amount of micromanagement you have to do. I actually like this, it allows me to not be forced to play the mage or rogue myself. In 1 you could easily set up the tactics of a warrior and he'd do fairly well on his own but you had to micro the Mage and Rogue.
Played DA:O and enjoyed it... and the demo seemed to indicate DA2 plays exactly the same (with the addition of the R button, which I love). I'll find out for sure in a couple hours when I get off work and pick it up.
For conversation's sake, could you list what was in DA:O that made it "unique and fun" that's missing in DA2?
-Z
My understanding was that the Black Emporium let you change your face.
I don't know anything about respecs.
I'm not getting into this whole snide debate (or singling anyone in this thread out), but listen, generic internet motherfuckers on various fora: I'm 25 years old, I pay a mortgage and I work damn hard. Just because I can't afford a 3 grand rig (or have the time and personal wherewithal to build a 1 grand rig) doesn't make me any less intelligent. Do not place me in a box with COD players, thankyouvermuch.
Blame the designers, man the fuck up, and then download the series of excellent mod-fixes the majority of PC gamers get to benefit from. At least you get that. We get DLC merkins and matching ankle warmers... for about 6 euro a pop. Look on the brightside!
Also, in the interests of balance - and in defence of my PC/c-rpg playing compatriots here - the Eurogamer review can shove it - multiplatform releases doesn't mean the developers can't take the extra few weeks to make (and optimise) individual UI systems that suit individual gaming systems. Old school RPGs were excellent, and I enjoyed them thoroughly on my wind up PC.
Now if only I could get my hands on the Witcher 2 - that does look superb.
And now back to waiting on a Friday release. To those who have this game - enjoy it, it looks fantastic!
I don't understand why I need to buy The Witcher 2 when somebody will extract all the nudity and put it on the internet for free, where I can lovingly stroke the computer screen.
I mean, why would I want to play Dance, Dance, Revolution with monsters when I can get the milk for free? FREE?
They revamped the combat system in The Witcher 2. I still think it looks awful, but we'll see.
But I see it's the same price on peecee and them consoles! Lame! I liked the "have a $10 discount and spare yourself the trip to the store, bro" system we had before.
Any word on PS3/360 stackups? I don't really care as long as there isn't a technical gap or whatever. I've played the demo on PC, but haven't tried it on either console. Cheers.
Yeah it's there and you get the Black Emporium with a new purchase of the game.
Especially since I now hear that DA2 won't even be getting a toolset for PC, so the breadth of mods will be paltry compared to DA:O.
Keep in mind, this is only based on information from reviews I have read.
From what the reviews have been saying, combat involves a lot of button mashing with your first few abilities, and combat has been sped up a ton. Also, rogues automatically maneuver behind enemies for backstabs, and no more friendly fire from mages. Instead of making enemies do a crapload of damage like they did in DA:O, apparently the game just swarms you with enemies that spawn in order to make it harder.
This seems to me like it will have a few effects on how I play the game. First, I won't ever pause the action like I did in the original, because there will be no point. Second, micromanagement is no longer necessary, but I don't think that's a bad thing. I think it will make the game easier just because the original was so damn hard that you had to micromanage your party. There's a balance to be struck there, and it does sound like DA2 is on the right track with that.
Mostly, what I'm really annoyed about is that, according to reviews, they moved away from the tactical RPG formula, and more towards action RPG combat. Considering DA:O was pretty much the singular example of tactical RPG combat outside of handheld gaming since Baldur's Gate 2, this change really saddens me.
Edit: But just in case you were wondering, I am getting ready to go buy DA2 at Gamestop right now. God, I am such a Bioware whore.
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The number of people who go for BG2 combat but haven't played the Icewind Dale series is alarming. Damn, man. Sorry to hear that.
My copy was sent today so should be here tomorrow/Thursday. This means that I'm getting it at least 1 day prior to UK launch.
Is there any downside to this? Will the various codes etc be active before launch?
Its looks like the combat is now made up of rolling around and quick time events instead of rhythm action, so its not inspiring much confidence.
I'm not sure why that is alarming? BG2 was transcendent because of a combination of elements, not just because of combat and not just because of story. It blended tactical D&D combat with an amazing, epic story. It was a total package.
The IWD games were le rad. The bit in the 2nd one with the time-warp-flux-whatever was way memorable for me.
Just offering some counterpoints...
It's not that rogue automatically maneuver for backstabs. The functionality of backstabbing has been changes so you score the bonus damage on any enemy not targetting that rogue. From a numbers perspective, it's the same thing. As for gameplay, it means no longer trying to fine-tune your movement into an enemy's "flanking" area.
The no-friendly-fire and "zomg it's easier" complaints are valid from the reviews I've read, and the demo did make the game seem to be pretty easy. I'd say both are remedied by upping the difficulty (thereby allowing friendly fire and increasing the... er... difficulty) solves those problems.
For what it's worth, it seems to play exactly like DA:O, tactics and all. Hell, when I started the demo I was carefully positioning my fireballs and such so they wouldn't hit my party members. It took a situation where the benefits outweighed the costs for me to say "wait a minute... he's no being highlighted..."
I plan to start on either Hard or Nightmare and treat it the same way I did DA:O.
-Z
It's alarming because a great many people have seemed to pine for tactical BG2-style combat but haven't played or even heard of IWD.
I still expect to enjoy the shit out of this game, but it probably won't hold the same awesomeness for me as DA:O did. I guess I was expecting something like the move from Mass Effect 1 to Mass Effect 2, where I went from "Mass Effect one was great, I hope the second is good too!" to "HOLY SHIT HOW DID THEY MAKE A BETTER GAME THAN THE FIRST?!"
God, why can't Bioware make a better game than 2009's Game of the Year! Ugh, I'm SO MAD!!! :P
I don't think it's so much people just pining away for that combat. If that was the case, you could pick up BG2, and both IWD's from GoG for less than 30 bucks (which I have done).
I think it's more that DA:O had it, and in many ways DA2 does not. People are pining for what the first game had that the sequel forgoes, and simply using BG2 as a pillar of comparison. Now of course there are some good arguments that DA2 does, in some sense, keep that combat alive, but the demo (which until today is what people had to go on) really emphasizes a more Mass Effect-style run and gun style.
That said, I think when people get their hands on the game, up the difficulty, and slow their own urge to just KILLKILLKILL down, they'll find DA2 actually has some of the same elements. You just have to dig a little more to find them under the shiny action coat of paint.
Grim decisions.
I think in the Emporium you can buy a mirror that allows you change your appearances whenever you want and also you can buy a potion that allows respec like the respec potion in Awakenings, plus a ton of other stuff you can buy, kind of like the collector's edition merchant in BG2.
Furthermore, I struggle to see what DA:O had that DA2 doesn't in terms of making a tactical combat experience. Not only was DA:O horribly balanced, but even on higher difficulties the greatest challenges can be soloed by a properly equipped PC. There's no reward for tactical combat there, it's stand in front of the harvester, activate spirit form(or whatever it's called) and hit it on the head until it falls over, killing the trash mobs to replenish your stamina as you go.
Anyone want to beta read a paranormal mystery novella? Here's your chance.
stream
I just played the demo and this was my immediate thought as well. Why the fuck is the game penalising me for not having the most up to date graphics card? I can run DX10 I suppose, but if I don't apparently I get a game that looks like total shit. Gee, thanks.
The demo is locked into medium settings.