polytourist97 on 26/4/2010 at 18:10

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Are you trying to channel some dethtoll or something? You're better than that barf.

What people are implying is that SS2 was designed as a single-player experience, and thus if one wants to make the most of the game's strengths on their first play-though, they'll want to play it that way.

Also, playing the game by oneself on the first play-through will not potentially "spoil" subsequent play-throughs on coop. However, playing the game first on coop could potentially spoil subsequent play-throughs on single-player. That's probably the main reason I would caution against playing the game coop first.

Obviously if one isn't concerned about such things then they can have at it. Those of us that love the game just want others to experience it in the way most likely for it to make a lasting positive impression for what it truly is (a fantastic single-player experience), rather than what it can be albeit to a lesser degree (a fun multi-player experience).

ZylonBane on 26/4/2010 at 23:21

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Someone who has more fun playing SS2 co-op than singleplayer is the sort of person who'd be better off playing a different game entirely. Something like say, Doom 3.

Heretic^ on 27/4/2010 at 14:14

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At the end of the day it is only opinion. I am sure that it was designed / written to be played as a single player game and tend to agree with others but if someone wants to play it as a multiplayer then its up to them, not for others to react to someone elses decision, just because it's not what they would do.

I have recently begun playing using SHTUP and rebirth mod. I have turned off weapon degredation, which, IMO, was unrealistic, not enough sense of balance. I have also used some of the upgraded weapon image mods too. I have left the music as it is though.

Very impressed with what, a ten / eleven year old game. :)

Nameless Voice on 27/4/2010 at 18:41

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Well, Irrational have explained that they accidentally left out a log that explained why guns break all the time, so it's at least more realistic than the weapon degradation in Fallout 3 (where they never give any reason as to why the guns all break after firing a few rounds.)

RocketMan on 28/4/2010 at 00:23

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SP and MP in ss2 satisfy different criteria for a player's enjoyment, that much is certain. In SP it's likely to be the success of the game to immerse the player and drive his emotions in different directions while keeping him feeling vulnerable, yet empowered to change the outcome with his actions. In MP you could say that it's the mutual reliance aspect and the synergy of working together and depending on each other that brings out the best of that mode of play.

As to whether one is better than the other there probably isn't a definate answer. There is an assymetry however in that playing MP first reveals all of the game's content to memory so that the next playthrough isn't as surprising. This would certainly impair the SP experience in a way that can never be undone since lack of information is key in making that initial impact. However playing SP first, IMO, doesn't subtract from the benefits of any subsequent MP playthroughs because knowledge of the game doesn't hurt the co-op fun factor as much if at all.

The odd gamer might not be affected at all by the arguements above, which is probably rare but if that's the case I suppose there's no problem if he wants to play MP first. I still think there's merit in pointing out the obvious though.