TheCapedPillager on 22/3/2011 at 20:40

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Now that you've pointed this out it seems even more jarring than before. I'm going to assume they're probably still working on some of the in-between animations for the 1st/3rd person switch, I just wish instead they'd have an option to do away with that crap altogether. This just seems to be evidence that EM don't really understand immersion, and they're working on probably the best known 'immersive sim' franchise. :(

Also, holy crap... is Pritchard voiced by Kitt from Knightrider? :D

T-Smith on 22/3/2011 at 21:05

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I noticed that it's mentioned in the video that the cover system is "entirely optional". It reminds me of Deadly Shadows. That game had a wall-hugging mechanic that was introduced very early on, but you could play through the entire game without ever using it. As long as leaning is in the game, I think the complaints about the cover system can be dismissed. Those that don't want to use it, won't.

Overall I like the video. The button pop-ups are intrusive, the highlighting sucks, and the take-downs are a bit unnecessary (though I'm not seething with rage at them like some around here). Those complaints aside, I see more to like in that short preview than in everything I've played of Invisible War so far. It isn't perfect, but then again nothing ever will be. Eidos is trying to find that line between pleasing the old fans and making profit with new ones, and I've got high hopes they'll do it well.

Then again I loved Bioshock, so I'm probably a idiot.

Papy on 23/3/2011 at 00:21

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Deadly Shadows had... shadows where you could hide and observe. That's why going into 3rd person was not necessary. Unfortunately, I remember someone once said (I don't remember who) that shadows were not necessary with Human Revolution because of the cover system. So unless something changed, it's safe to say that the only stealth gameplay possible will be with using the cover system.

Edit : I forgot, I find strange that you think this game will be better than Invisible War, because it looked to me a lot like Invisible War, only dumbed down.

Chade on 23/3/2011 at 21:38

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Observing guards who can't see you is central stealth gameplay. Traditionally it has been accomplished with shadows, now with the cover system and hud elements.

In theory, the change could make stealth more dynamic ... shadows won't provide regular spots which are "perpetually safe".

In practice, I'm sure they'll playtest the thing until it's a piece of cake.

heywood on 23/3/2011 at 22:44

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It's not really stealth gameplay if you get the benefit without any tradeoffs. Those tradeoffs should be a loss of mobility and a loss of situational awareness.

Part of what makes stealth gameplay interesting is not being able to see everything when you're hiding, so you have to take the risk of leaning around the corner and possibly being spotted in order to see what's going on. Or using your ears, or guessing where the guards are going based on their patterns. Have you never had one of those oh shit moments when you think the coast is clear and then move out from hiding and there's a guard right on top of you? If you never have to take that risk its boring.

You're also not supposed to be able to run around and make noise without giving away your position. So if you want to remain stealthy, you have to move slow, which increases the time you're exposed in the open and makes it more critical to plan your movements.

There's a difference between plain old shooter gameplay with a cover mechanic and stealth gameplay. If you have full situational awareness while hiding and can move fast without being heard, then it's not really stealth gameplay.