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[Hellgate: London] Raising the Titanic...err...SS Minnow!
Morvidus
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
I apologize for the lack of media on this post. I am currently at work behind seven thousand proxies and web filters. When I get home, I will post screenies and videos for all to enjoy (or loathe, depending on your experience with the game).
On January 31, 2009, I said farewell to a great group of people I met in a sub-par game full of bugs. This game was...
Hellgate: London
Despite random freezes, invincible enemies that don't move, yet continue to damage you, zoning into one area to end up in another, fire-based weapons that instead deal shock damage, random pieces of armor randomly turning pink, and other unusual bugs, the game developed quite a following for those desperately awating Diablo III.
According to Wikipedia,
As I'm currently unable to find a decent site that isn't blocked by the government web filter, I will have to paraphrase the plot. Anyway, back in the Middle Ages, the Templar society was more than just a bank for traveling royalty. Their secret purpose was to preserve magic to combat the threat of demons invading our world. These demons used Hellgates, portals that would temporarily join their world with our, and would flood through these gates, pillaging, raping, kicking toddlers, etc. The Templars successfully defeated the demon threat, but knew they would come again someday.
Fast forward to the year 2038. The Templars are but a mere myth, as is the magic they once sought to preserve. When a Hellgate opens in London, the few remaining Templars say, "Told you so!" and begin recruiting any capable human to combat the demons once again. However, technology alone was not enough to drive the darkness away, and London was quickly overrun by the minions of Sydonai, the demon in charge of sacking London. Forced to the subways, the last hope of humanity plans their attacks, and slowly but surely, London is returning to the hands of mankind.
Classes
Weapons
THE MINIGAME!
Demise of HG:L
NEW GAMER TERM: Flagshipped!
How to Ressurrect the Dead (and mock the logic of another game company)
I know a lot of people jumped on the media hype about this game REALLY sucking, but it wasn't that bad. There were some things I had to overlook as I played, but it never really destroyed my experience with the game. I'm really rooting for HanbitSoft bringing it back to the US!
On January 31, 2009, I said farewell to a great group of people I met in a sub-par game full of bugs. This game was...
Hellgate: London
Despite random freezes, invincible enemies that don't move, yet continue to damage you, zoning into one area to end up in another, fire-based weapons that instead deal shock damage, random pieces of armor randomly turning pink, and other unusual bugs, the game developed quite a following for those desperately awating Diablo III.
According to Wikipedia,
Hellgate: London is an action role-playing game that builds upon the core design of roguelikes by using random generation of maps, monsters, and loot to allow for replayability. The game can be played in either third person perspective or first person perspective. Melee classes are set to a third-person view and cannot select first-person perspective, whereas ranged classes default to a first-person view but can switch to third-person if so desired. Precision aiming is not required to use most weapons; which track their targets, “lock-on”, or carpet an area with explosives. The game contains sniper rifles and other weapons that require accurate manual aiming, though most are exclusive to the Hunter faction. Hellgate: London can be played offline or online without a fee. Players can pay a monthly fee to gain additional content over time, including new areas, weapons, monsters, classes, quests, events, titles, game modes and other content. The game consists of six acts to unify the areas a player travels through on a greater scale. All acts account for approximately 25–40 hours of single-player gameplay.
The game world of Hellgate: London is a set of demon-infested dungeons and city streets, featuring safe zones such as disused Underground stations. The safe zones scattered across the world act as havens, where players can purchase and upgrade items at NPC merchants, interact with other players in the game world, and commence or complete quests. The journey between zones is randomly generated, levels are fully 3D, rendered with the game's own proprietary graphics engine. Included in these environments are randomly generated enemies, bosses and items. The game features historical London areas and buildings, St Paul's Cathedral was featured in an early concept art drawing. Another building that has been brought up in an interview is the Clock Tower which houses Big Ben.
Source: Wikipedia
As I'm currently unable to find a decent site that isn't blocked by the government web filter, I will have to paraphrase the plot. Anyway, back in the Middle Ages, the Templar society was more than just a bank for traveling royalty. Their secret purpose was to preserve magic to combat the threat of demons invading our world. These demons used Hellgates, portals that would temporarily join their world with our, and would flood through these gates, pillaging, raping, kicking toddlers, etc. The Templars successfully defeated the demon threat, but knew they would come again someday.
Fast forward to the year 2038. The Templars are but a mere myth, as is the magic they once sought to preserve. When a Hellgate opens in London, the few remaining Templars say, "Told you so!" and begin recruiting any capable human to combat the demons once again. However, technology alone was not enough to drive the darkness away, and London was quickly overrun by the minions of Sydonai, the demon in charge of sacking London. Forced to the subways, the last hope of humanity plans their attacks, and slowly but surely, London is returning to the hands of mankind.
Classes
There were some pretty cool classes in HG:L. My personal favorite was the Blademaster. He was rape in a plate tin can. Anyway, here's the rundown:
Classes were divided into 3 groups. Cabalist, Hunter, and Templar.
Cabalist
Hunters
Templars
Classes were divided into 3 groups. Cabalist, Hunter, and Templar.
Cabalist
Cabalists were your "magic" users. With the ability to harness the power of magic from the time of the Templars of Old, and the abundant technology available to them, they can basically shoot magic fireballs from cannons attached to their arms. How cool is that? They are further divided into Evokers and Summoners.
Evokers
Summoner
Evokers
Evokers are the "nukers" of HG:L. Their offence is also their best defence. They have plenty of spells that will outright obliterate an enemy before it reachers the Evoker. Those that do reach her fall prey to a plethora of spells that incapacitate or distance them from the Evoker.
Evokers also gain the ability to equip two focus items, further amplifying their magic powers.
Evokers also gain the ability to equip two focus items, further amplifying their magic powers.
Summoner
Summoners are, you guessed it, the pet class of HG:L. Unlike the usual pet class, a Summoner can have multiple pets available at once. You can have a flesh beast acting as a tank, while elementals are butt-raping an elite enemy while you asborb life lost from a nearby corpse. The only real drawback as a Summoner is not being able to have complete control over your pets.
Hunters
Hunters are the tech-savvy warriors of HG:L. Guns, shields, and drones all play major roles in the survival of Hunters.
Marksman
Engineer
Marksman
Marksmen are the uber AoE class. They have a massive arsenal of grenades that do any and every kind of elemental damage the game offers, and at higher levels, they earn beacons. Beacons are the most overpowered attacks in the game. They direct a FUCKING SATTELITE to rain hell down on your enemies. We're talking a 60 ft radius of napalm that burns enemies for FUCKING EVER. Call in a beacon right in front of you, and then plink an enemy in the ear with your rifle. He calls his buddies to kick your ass because you pissed him off, and 50 little demons get SHIT ON by the GOD OF FIRE!
Uber class. Just Uber
Uber class. Just Uber
Engineer
Another pet class, except the pets are robotic drones, not demons. An Engineer's drones serve many purposes. Some heal the Engineer, some debuff the enemy, and the best drone of all floats alongside you and attacks your enemies with WEAPONS YOU EQUIP IT WITH! Engineers are an amazing solo class because of the innumerable debuffs that keep enemies at bay, and most of the time, your robot ally takes all the threat before you do.
Templars
Templars are the remnants of the ancient order of Templars who vowed to prevent the arrival of another Hellgate. They focus on the ways of old, using mainly blades and heavy armor to combat the darkness. They have been known to occasionally pick up a gun, or augment their armor with tech shields.
Blademasters
Guardians
Blademasters
Blademasters are the whirlwind of steel, flinging demon body parts every direction. Blademasters are able to wield two weapons at once, whether it be a sword and shield, a sword and pistol/grappler, or two swords at once. Either way, shit dies. Most Blademasters favor a direct damage sword in the main hand, with a physical splash damage sword in the off hand to keep multiple enemies at bay while they rape their brother.
Blademasters benefit the most from the multiple weapon scheme feature. My BM always had dual swords set to F1 for rapage, a sword and shield for F2 when I was the one getting raped, and a pistol and grappler set to F3 to pull enemies towards me while I was pinging them, and when they got close, I switched back to F1 to continue rapage.
Blademasters benefit the most from the multiple weapon scheme feature. My BM always had dual swords set to F1 for rapage, a sword and shield for F2 when I was the one getting raped, and a pistol and grappler set to F3 to pull enemies towards me while I was pinging them, and when they got close, I switched back to F1 to continue rapage.
Guardians
Guardians are the true-to-the-end defenders of humanity. They are the tanks of HG:L, and solo well solely due to their survivability. Guardians are also the only class able to use their shields as weapons. The bread and butter of a Guardian is the Shield Spin, which the Guardian uses to knock every enemy around them down. They are also able to plow through enemies in the way to their target.
Weapons
Weapons are a MASSIVE part of the game. There are several different types, ranging from launchers, pistols, swords, etc. They all serve the same purpose (to RAEP), but the differ in type and attributes.
Types of Weapons
Weapon Attributes
Upgrades
Finding a good combination of type, attribute, and upgrades for your weapon will take you a long way against the minions of Sydonai.
Types of Weapons
Direct - These deal damage directly to the target in the reticule. These commonly have the highest base damage.
Splash - These deal damage to an area surrounding the target reticule. Splash weapons have an average amount of base damage.
Field - Field weapons form a large AoE based on their landing. Field weapons usually have low damage, but their attributes affect a large number of enemies. Most launchers are field type weapons, and often fire slower than other ranged weapons.
Splash - These deal damage to an area surrounding the target reticule. Splash weapons have an average amount of base damage.
Field - Field weapons form a large AoE based on their landing. Field weapons usually have low damage, but their attributes affect a large number of enemies. Most launchers are field type weapons, and often fire slower than other ranged weapons.
Weapon Attributes
Physical - Physical weapons have a chance of stunning the enemy.
Fire - Fire weapons have a change of setting the enemy on fire, reducing their maximum health by 5% each second they burn.
Spectral - Spectral weapons debuff the enemy with a phase shift. This causes the enemy to deal 50% less damage and suffer 50% more damage.
Poison - Poison slowly drains an enemy's health, but the real kicker is the enemy can't be healed until the poison wears off. Works on bosses!
Shock - Shocked enemies are unable to use skills for the duration of the debuff.
Weapon attributes are measured in Strength. The chance of applying the debuff is measured against the enemy's Defense against that attribute. For example, 6000 Ignite Strength against an enemy with 0 Ignite Defense almost guarantees they will be set on fire.
Fire - Fire weapons have a change of setting the enemy on fire, reducing their maximum health by 5% each second they burn.
Spectral - Spectral weapons debuff the enemy with a phase shift. This causes the enemy to deal 50% less damage and suffer 50% more damage.
Poison - Poison slowly drains an enemy's health, but the real kicker is the enemy can't be healed until the poison wears off. Works on bosses!
Shock - Shocked enemies are unable to use skills for the duration of the debuff.
Weapon attributes are measured in Strength. The chance of applying the debuff is measured against the enemy's Defense against that attribute. For example, 6000 Ignite Strength against an enemy with 0 Ignite Defense almost guarantees they will be set on fire.
Upgrades
Weapons have a plethora of upgrades available! There are 6 different types of upgrades, and in most cases, they apply to specific classes. Upgrades can change add different types of attribute damage to a weapon, increase criticals, create burst-like effects upon enemy contact, and so much more! The best part about mods is that your weapon actually reflects the change in-game. Your rockets can change color, your rifle can gain a scope, and your magazines can change color.
Ammo - This alters the ammunition of the weapon. This applies mostly to guns.
Batteries - This applies mostly to energy weapons, although I have seen many swords with battery slots.
Fuel - This is common in throwers and some energy weapons.
Tech - This is probably the most common upgrade, although not many swords have tech slots.
Rockets - This applies to, well, launchers.
Relic - Relics are mostly used in focus items for Cabalists, but any weapon can have a relic slot.
Source: Wikipedia
Ammo - This alters the ammunition of the weapon. This applies mostly to guns.
Batteries - This applies mostly to energy weapons, although I have seen many swords with battery slots.
Fuel - This is common in throwers and some energy weapons.
Tech - This is probably the most common upgrade, although not many swords have tech slots.
Rockets - This applies to, well, launchers.
Relic - Relics are mostly used in focus items for Cabalists, but any weapon can have a relic slot.
Source: Wikipedia
Finding a good combination of type, attribute, and upgrades for your weapon will take you a long way against the minions of Sydonai.
THE MINIGAME!
The minigame is a cool feature that makes grinding not so tedious. At the bottom right of the screen, you will see 3 icons with numbers inside them. Icons represent types of enemies, weapon attributes, and item icons. If you were to see a shock icon with a 4 inside of it, that means you would have to kill 4 enemies with shock damage for it to light up. Once you light up all 3 icons, you are showered with pretty loot and the icons change to a different set of 3.
Source: Hellgate Guru
Source: Hellgate Guru
Demise of HG:L
In August 2008, Flagship Studios shut down and lost the intellectual property (I fucking hate that term. Aren't my fantasies about Amy Adams and Scarlett Johansson in the shower together my intellectual property?) rights, as the IP was collateral for funding the game.
In November of the same year, one of Blizzard's software distributors, HanbitSoft, acquired the rights. Serves those defunct Diablo developers right! HanbitSoft continued supporting the game in Southeast Asia, but offered no support for Europe or North America, (bastards). Namco offered to keep the game alive until January 31, 2009, when the servers shut down for good.
Source: Wikipedia
In November of the same year, one of Blizzard's software distributors, HanbitSoft, acquired the rights. Serves those defunct Diablo developers right! HanbitSoft continued supporting the game in Southeast Asia, but offered no support for Europe or North America, (bastards). Namco offered to keep the game alive until January 31, 2009, when the servers shut down for good.
Source: Wikipedia
NEW GAMER TERM: Flagshipped!
This term was coined as a mockery of Flagship Studios after the failure of HG:L. If you were somehow screwed over by a game that promised you wouldn't get screwed over, you were "flagshipped"
Source: Urban Dictionary
Source: Urban Dictionary
How to Ressurrect the Dead (and mock the logic of another game company)
HanbitSoft has now expressed interest in bringing HG:L back to the US! The only problem they have now is Namco. For some reason, they don't seem interested in giving up their publishing rights to a game they killed in the first place. How can a company that OWNS the IP not be able to bring a game back because a different company owns the rights to publish said IP? That's like saying I have this sexual fantasy that I told my wife about a threesome with her and her friend, but her not asking her friend to join us in bed.
Source: Destructoid
Source: Destructoid
I know a lot of people jumped on the media hype about this game REALLY sucking, but it wasn't that bad. There were some things I had to overlook as I played, but it never really destroyed my experience with the game. I'm really rooting for HanbitSoft bringing it back to the US!
Morvidus on
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I uh...I remember it looking way better than this when I first played it. I have everything at max and running it in DX10 (I even tried DX9 to see if something was up with 10 support), and still, the models, lighting, textures, etc just don't seem as good as they did before and I have no idea why.
Maybe It never looked as good as I remembered. Maybe I've played too many other games since then that look far far better and now it just looks terrible in my eyes.
I honestly have no idea.
Too bad there's no LAN co-op since the online is dead. I mean the game isn't amazing anyway, but I'm gnawing at the bit for Borderlands and it lead me to the mistake of loading this now.
Ah well. I'm not sure what my point is.
Origin: Galedrid - Nintendo: Galedrid/3222-6858-1045
Blizzard: Galedrid#1367 - FFXIV: Galedrid Kingshand
I guess it's still doing ok in Korea.
Origin: Galedrid - Nintendo: Galedrid/3222-6858-1045
Blizzard: Galedrid#1367 - FFXIV: Galedrid Kingshand
Concept was good, but it was too much... backpedal and fire. I can't believe this type of gameplay was actually compared to diablo at times.
Origin: Galedrid - Nintendo: Galedrid/3222-6858-1045
Blizzard: Galedrid#1367 - FFXIV: Galedrid Kingshand
I played Hellgate single-player quite a lot and enjoyed it, but man, Mythos was phenomenal. I was only in the beta for a short while before it went away.
PSN ID : Xander51 Steam ID : Xander51
http://www.hellgateaus.net/forum_x/
They're going to rebuild the entire game engine in Torque3D, using all the datafiles available from the original HGL installation. Uh...
Holy shit! It's devoir: herald of Hellgate!
Still bringing us hellgate news after all this time. How's it hanging!
This cannot end well.
Origin: Galedrid - Nintendo: Galedrid/3222-6858-1045
Blizzard: Galedrid#1367 - FFXIV: Galedrid Kingshand
I can't fault their passion though, bless 'em.
Haha :P Been a long time duder. I literally only just found out about that because it was mentioned in passing in an unrelated thread on Something Awful this afternoon.
I'm hanging out for Borderlands this October, hoping it scratches the itch of shooty looty.
I'm going to be so sad if Borderlands isn't fun.
It doesn't have to be groundbreaking, or amazing.
Just fun.
That's all I ask.
Origin: Galedrid - Nintendo: Galedrid/3222-6858-1045
Blizzard: Galedrid#1367 - FFXIV: Galedrid Kingshand
I just remember how mindfuckingly strange and underwhelming the the ending was.
But I guess Mythos was pretty good
PSN ID : DetectiveOlivaw | TWITTER | STEAM ID | NEVER FORGET
Frankly, the writers were on crack. And I remember you.
Too bad I lost my disc.
The Raid
Cheat Engine.
The Raid
The Raid
Sure, it was buggy as all fuck, but it was fun while it lasted.
IOS Game Center ID: Isotope-X
'Nuff said.
The Raid
If they ever allow lanplay and release the latest patch they were working on, consider my shit flipped.
Steam/PSN/XBL/Minecraft / LoL / - Benevicious | WoW - Duckwood - Rajhek
Ah fuck. I can't believe you've done this!
Origin: Galedrid - Nintendo: Galedrid/3222-6858-1045
Blizzard: Galedrid#1367 - FFXIV: Galedrid Kingshand
RESPEC DEBATE. FIGHT!
Origin: Galedrid - Nintendo: Galedrid/3222-6858-1045
Blizzard: Galedrid#1367 - FFXIV: Galedrid Kingshand
Will definitely play this if they bring it back.
Also, Mythos...
For all the potential it had, the game was a complete dud. The developers (specifically Bill Roper) hyped it up as "Half Life 2 meets Diablo 2 meets World of Warcraft". It's funny how he later came out to say that it was unfair for anyone to compare the game to anything else, all the while citing Guild Wars as an example of a failure, or some such. Considering GW's relative success (2 million copies sold) and Hellgate's ability to drive several companies into bankruptcy, one can only surmise that he was referring to Hellgate's success as a disaster.
Good riddance to bad rubbish.
Well yeah. that's the point.
EDIT: Also, GW has over 6million units sold (In the whole series); it is/was an unqualified success.
Only an idiot would use it as an example of a failure.
Origin: Galedrid - Nintendo: Galedrid/3222-6858-1045
Blizzard: Galedrid#1367 - FFXIV: Galedrid Kingshand
Runs? As in still runs?
..
I can't believe that website is still live...
It's derelict. I don't update it anymore. I've since moved over to the new site Hellforge (which started off as a D3 fansite, but has since become pretty damn versatile), as have a good number of the community. Most of us loathe the game.