null on 8/10/2004 at 22:50
I'm withholding any (public) judgment until I finish it.
The short version, though, is that they don't seem to be interesting in improving the design of their games, whereas Resident Evil (a far less subtle or disturbing series, unfortunately) is making some long-overdue leaps.
(Check out the new RE4 videos -- no more crippling cinematic camera system, the concept of taking 'territories' and defending them until they're battered in by insane people -- not just zombies anymore -- et cetera.)
I really don't like to see Team Hill so clearly outgunned; their sound and video people just dominate the horror genre. But this is an interactive medium, and their core gameplay is a bit green around the gills. I mean this in the most respectful way possible, but -- they need a thorough redesign before they release another game.
Edit -- Go watch the video interview about "BioShock" from Irrational, at GameSpot, ladies and gentlemen. Emergent horror gameplay, as the focus of an entire release. Very. Exciting.
242 on 10/10/2004 at 11:03
I almost finished SH4 now and I can say that I agree with you that the gamedesign of the SH2/3/4 is just about the same. It feels like playing 3 chapters of one game, like they are SH2.1, SH2.2 and SH2.3.
On other hand, I'm still quite impressed with the story and the whole dark atmosphere of SH4. It is obviously weak in terms of gamemechanics but stll it manages to immerse in its dark horror world very much, and people models and their animation (just like in Sh2 and 3) possibly are the best in the industry. Also, for me it's frightening as hell, Doom3 f.e. feels like a child movie comparing to it. I didn't believe that there could be so frightening games until I played SH2 about a year ago. After 8 years of playing various games I was plainly overwhelmed by its unusual style and quality of art and sound design.
I hope that SH5 will be much better in all aspects because they do it for next generation consoles and I read they do it from scratch (at last!), including engine, so it won't be released at least until 2006.
Thanks for BioShock news!
Blood Dragon on 17/10/2004 at 17:18
I just got out of the Cradle this day. That undead insane patient which is lying on the floor near the unique Bag of Gold Teeth can be dealt as follow:
1-Flashbomb it, then it will get up
2-Hide in a shadow, then shoot it with a broadhead arrow to get its attention.
3-Quickly press against the wall to avoid it.
4-It may then leave that area for a short while. Grab the loot as fast as you can
In this way, you won't kill it but can get the loot. Good luck
Banedon on 21/10/2004 at 19:06
Just like to also commend Null on the level, my absolute fave ever.
Lockpicking a cell while hearing on of the puppets coming closer from around the corner was the scariest moment of my life.
:thumb: :thumb:
richardhamer_00 on 23/10/2004 at 10:34
Yeah, though I think the subtle, psychological horror of the cradle is nowhere near as frightening as the very real, *physical* horror of having one of the puppets chasing you down a corridor screaming whilst flailing it's mad bandaged arms about.
Mechstra on 23/10/2004 at 14:22
I didn't see a figure at the fountain, but on my first play I was convinced I saw a figure just behind one of the pillars near the fountain. Having never seen the figure again, I assumed it was just my imagination.
richardhamer_00 on 24/10/2004 at 09:41
So, is there a figure near the fountain or not? I've never seen it...so is it real or do you lot have over-active imaginations.
Bob-R-ctor on 25/10/2004 at 08:49
I played TDS year or more after TII (then TG after TDS...), and at the time what I noticed is that the cradle is NEWER than everything else. Even though it is old and deserted, been there ages, it is still a victorian style building in a medieval city.
Then I played the other thiefs and sighed at how crap continuiety was, the cradle was the only good bit of that. Maybe rust gas ate all the brick :(.
Yukitopia on 25/10/2004 at 11:07
I searched everywhere in the [SPOILER]Storm Cellar [/SPOILER] but i didnt find the blood vial...
Where it's supposed to be?
theBlackman on 25/10/2004 at 15:52
look on the shelves in the far north corner by at the very end of the passages farthest from the generator. If you mean the DISSOLVER that is in the surgery beyond the treatment rooms behind the Hall of Records.
