faetal on 7/5/2017 at 18:38
I'm also getting a heavy SS2 spiritual successor vibe. It has materials-based crafting / upgrading, research, audio logs, nowhere feeling safe even after being cleared (with the upside of the re-spawning system, if there is one being completely opaque).
It doesn't have the OTT caricature / cartoon vibe which annoyed me about Bioshock either.
SDF121 on 7/5/2017 at 23:33
Quote Posted by Vicarious
maybe I'm completely incompetent that even on Normal it's not a walk in the park for me...
I always play immersive sims on the highest difficulty and the enemies are quite brutal on the nightmare difficulty in Prey. I didn't think either System Shock was that difficult on the highest difficulty as ammo was plentiful and you could pretty much take everyone on with your pistol ignoring most of the latter weapons. I was really surprised by how tough the the basic
mimic enemies are even though I'm about five hours in. I have been taking my time though searching every nook and cranny but am really digging it so far. It definitely feels like a worthy spiritual successor to System Shock 2. I'm hoping the overall difficulty and sense of powerlessness continues throughout the game as its a welcome change to most immersive sims that can quickly become power fantasies once you have all the right equipment. Granted, I still haven't gotten any of the
psi powers yet so that may very well change the flow of the game but I feel like the enemies are already getting tougher.
I'm just about to go to the psi section where I assume I'll get my psi powers but the basic mimic characters are already stronger. My character gets winded before I can finish one off with the wrench now and they seem quicker to kill me than the mimics initially were although they were just as deadly at the beginning especially if you fought several at once. I've mostly been sneaking and using stealth to completely avoid fighting the
phantoms though. I'm really curious to see where this game ends up going as I'm having a blast so far.
Vicarious on 8/5/2017 at 20:56
Quote Posted by SDF121
I always play immersive sims on the highest difficulty
I used to do that too but I've realized that it's actually hurting my experience with unnecessary frustration. On the first playthrough I want to focus on more than just dying all the time.
Anyway, this game is stunning, it just keeps getting better and better. PLEASE do not turn into crap at some point...
SDF121 on 9/5/2017 at 00:49
Quote Posted by Vicarious
I used to do that too but I've realized that it's actually hurting my experience with unnecessary frustration.
I can understand that sentiment. I certainly had that issue with the beginning of Dishonored 2 and Mankind Divided attempting a non lethal play through. Although I'm getting killed left and right in Prey I'm still finding it enjoyable because I have to get real creative with how I navigate through the levels or ration my items. There were a few moments where I thought I was simply screwed and should restart but then I would scrape by and continue. It's been a lot of trial and error and quick save has been a god send but its still pretty fun despite getting my ass handed to me. I'm really enjoying this game though and hope it doesn't fall apart towards the end. I'm just surprised by the length and depth of everything as well. I thought I would have been finished with the game by now but I think I'm only halfway through.
Malleus on 9/5/2017 at 12:57
I haven't played Prey yet, but for me it seems the major difference between it and D2/DXMD regarding difficulty is that you can use stealth in the latter two. That allows for a more safe playstyle regardless of difficulty, while in Prey you have to do combat, like in SS2. This is why I started D2/DXMD on the highest difficulty right away, but I'll probably play Prey on the easiest when I get around to it.
newton on 9/5/2017 at 13:09
Haven't logged in since I don't know when but guys, don't hesitate one bit. Do not dawdle.
Prey is the new
Shock we've been waiting for, with emphasis on new.
That circular intro screen. The neuromods. The research and crafting. The interconnected decks. The looking glass servers. The friggin' grav shafts (which enemies happily use)!
Inline Image:
http://i66.tinypic.com/4h42ec.jpgBut it's
not just a rehash, it takes what made the second game great and RUNS WITH IT. Reviewers citing
BioShock as the chief influence clearly missed the point. Sure, there are shades of Rapture but it's
Shock 2 first and foremost, with added saltiness. I'm 40 hours in - about halfway through I'd guess - and completely mesmerized. The only thing missing is Terri Brosius (Russell has a cameo btw).
While I'm obviously looking forward to what's Neurath & co. cooking up in OtherSide, I hope they follow a different direction because they can't possibly top this humongous production. What. A. Game.
Judith on 9/5/2017 at 13:31
It sure feels like SS2, but watching the videos I also often thought "Half-life". Maybe it's the color palette here and there. Anyway, will be playing it tonight :)
Jason Moyer on 9/5/2017 at 14:44
Something about it reminds me of Half-Life as well, it might be the kinda blocky art style or the character design or something.
Anyway only a little bit into it and it's fab so far. I'm also finding it more than a little intimidating; as far as I can tell the station is massive and I've repeatedly found myself in places I clearly can't handle this early in the game. And that was just going somewhere to finish the very first sidequest.
Renault on 9/5/2017 at 15:46
To anyone and everyone playing - how's the stealth?
Judith on 9/5/2017 at 16:05
Quote Posted by Abysmal
Arkane doing what they do best: making games that (too) distinctly resemble other games instead of developing their own ideas or style. This kind of "safe" approach results in some pretty decent games overall, but this company could be so much more if they found the courage to take some actual creative leaps (what ever happened to The Crossing?) in order to be regarded as the next-in-line brilliant development house they aspire to be instead of merely aping those past inspirations. The talent sure is there.
AFAIK, Arkane consists of ex Looking Glass / Ion Storm employees, so they're not aping anything, because people who work there developed immersive sims and the whole design philosophy that Arcane lives by to this day.
