OK, ME3 demo opinions

[CGAdam]

Just finished it up, and I'm wondering what the general impressions are so far. Here's mine...

For a demo, the character customization is pretty in depth. Being able to play a "light" version of my Shep was was a nice touch. I'm hoping for a few more options in the full mode, though.

I played through as Adept, and nothing too new there. Powers, moves, etc, all pretty stock. Anything good in the other classes?

Visuals actually seemed a touch off; maybe just too high res (yes, there is such a thing) or maybe only mostly polished? I actually think ME2 looked a little better- less uncanny valley.

The opening level: Shep's in jail, I suspect for the Arrival events, but could just be general Renegade stuff, if you play that way. The Reapers carve through Earth's fleet and storm the planet; it kinda reminded me of the Convenant's attack in Halo 2. I don't know what the settings will be in the full game, but Admiral Anderson, not Councilor Anderson (again, my version) is trying to get Shepard to convince Earth's military to move their butts. Then the Reapers blast the building and everyone except Shep and Anderson die. Whee. Let's go sprint through the wreckage and shoot a bit.

The next section was on a Salarian colony world, and we see Wrex, Liara, Garrus, and Morden. Glad to know we can play at least a bit with them; I'm holding out for Legion to show at some point.

Gameplay didn't really seem too different from ME2. The life system is more like Halo 1, except you can effectively carry health kits instead of auto using them. That cost me a life against the boss at the end, since I didn't take time to really go into the menus and system. Seems pretty solid to me, though. I stuck to my biotics and guns, so I don't know about what the other classes might have added, but Adepts didn't get any new powers in this demo. I know there will be some, so I guess they're just not showing yet.

Two levels, widely spaced, short but effective. I guess I would've liked to see more new things in play, but I can wait. Here's to March 6th, I guess.

What did you all think?

 

[Zhukov]

Ah, it's out. I can finally talk about it without people stoning me to death for spoilers.

I really like the new health system. It's nothing amazing, but it's a neat little hybrid.

Story-wise, I thought they were in a bit too much of a hurry to get the ball rolling. The Reapers commence with their long-awaited wrecking of shit within, what, 10-15mins of hitting new game? Granted, there have been two whole games of set-up. Still, a slightly more gentle intro wouldn't have hurt.

I'm ambivalent about the thing with the kid at the start. On the one hand it feels kind of artificial and manipulative. But on the other hand it's handled well and they don't try to make it into a huge deal. Just a quick glimpse at one little episode in the bigger picture.

I love how companions take part in conversations more. Like when you meet Captain (now Major) Kirahee, he takes a second to greet both Garrus and Liara. Also, there's a ton of banter during gameplay. Bioware banter is always a treat.

That final bit with the female Krogan (where she shoots the two guys) was really silly. It's like the two enemies turned up on a stage cue, just so she could get her token "badass" moment in.

Lastly, Wrex is still very much Wrex. That makes me happy.

 

[violent_quiche]

The combat felt fluid enough but aside from the opening, the story wasn't showcased too much. I'm expecting a lot more climactic battles and heroic speeches than intrigue and twists, but it's kinda getting to the sharp end of the story so I'm at least prepared for it. Surprised to run into Kirrahe, it would be nice to spot a few more minor characters along the way so long as they don't overcook it. Not every minor character is going to make it

Yessir, I like it but I loved 1 and 2 so I'm hardly objective. Roll on March.

 

[PiCroft]

God dammit, I don't want to play the demo because I know its going to make me even more impatient for the game release.

Why must you torment me so?

 

[putowtin]

3 weeks 3 days....
I'm gonna hold out for the full game!

 

[Coreless]

Of course the reapers are going to attack early on in the game? Didn't you see the reaper countdown? It was really short til they invaded.

I mean seriously, its been a foregone conclusion since the first game that they would invade at some point in the future...what kills me is people that have played the games still haven't figured that out yet with all the foreshadowing.

I also like how people are already calling BioWare out for trying to go the "Call of Duty" route with huge explosions and set pieces, because I guess it never occurred to them that skyscraper sized machines would require large set pieces and explosions to truly capture their destructive scale.

 

[Valanthe]

Is the demo released for PC, or is it only available on Live?

 

[AstylahAthrys]

I saw my LI and shouted "babycakes!" My own reactions and attachments are enough to keep the game super fun. The combat was solid, and I am REALLY craving more. I just need to redo ME2 to get that game how I want it. That will have to do for now.

No, but really, seeing my babycakes on Single Awareness Day was fun and silly. I had to be over the top.

 

[PiCroft]

Of course the reapers are going to attack early on in the game? Didn't you see the reaper countdown? It was really short til they invaded.

I mean seriously, its been a foregone conclusion since the first game that they would invade at some point in the future...what kills me is people that have played the games still haven't figured that out yet with all the foreshadowing.

I also like how people are already calling BioWare out for trying to go the "Call of Duty" route with huge explosions and set pieces, because I guess it never occurred to them that skyscraper sized machines would require large set pieces and explosions to truly capture their size and scale.

I'm actually really looking forward to this. The previous games were kind of muted in terms of big action set pieces (ME 1 definitely, ME2 not so much) so if there is a point where ME needed big set pieces, it would be when Earth gets invaded by life-devouring machines!

 

[tendaji]

Is the demo released for PC, or is it only available on Live?

It's not out for PC yet, we have to wait for Bioware to wake up apparently...

 

[Valanthe]

Is the demo released for PC, or is it only available on Live?

It's not out for PC yet, we have to wait for Bioware to wake up apparently...

As long as it's coming out today I'm happy... well actually I'm frantically F5-ing the demo page on Bioware's site... but I'll suppress the urge to devolve into frothing madness for a little while longer.

 

[tendaji]

Is the demo released for PC, or is it only available on Live?

It's not out for PC yet, we have to wait for Bioware to wake up apparently...

As long as it's coming out today I'm happy... well actually I'm frantically F5-ing the demo page on Bioware's site... but I'll suppress the urge to devolve into frothing madness for a little while longer.

Yeah I just saw a ME3 twitter feed, for PC the demo releases at 3:00 PM EST. Sorta annoys me that it can't be out now, but I guess if I have to wait, I'll wait.

 

[Zhukov]

Of course the reapers are going to attack early on in the game? Didn't you see the reaper countdown? It was really short til they invaded.

I assume you're referring to the one in Arrival.

If so, you're a little off the mark. That countdown indicated the moment at which the Reapers were due to hit the alpha relay. That arrival was delayed by the destruction of said alpha relay.

ME3 takes place about 6-12 months after ME2/Arrival.

 

[dreadedcandiru99]

I also like how people are already calling BioWare out for trying to go the "Call of Duty" route with huge explosions and set pieces, because I guess it never occurred to them that skyscraper sized machines would require large set pieces and explosions to truly capture their destructive scale.

Right, I guess the people comparing this to a Bayformers movie figured that the invading race of giant sentient killbots bent on galactic omnicide would choose to attack its victims with snarky wisecracks or something. Perhaps they weren't paying attention to the climax of the first game.

 

[Erttheking]

Personally I thought that it was pretty good, kind of short but then again that's the point of a demo, to last just long enough for you to start enjoying it but not long enough so that you're satisfied when it ends. The Salarian Captain (sorry Major) was around for thirty seconds...thirty AWESOME seconds, if they just take a little bit of time here and there like that for other characters to get a little limelight, this is going to be one awesome story.

Combat felt like ME2's, only polished, so I liked it. I had a little trouble with the new rolls and cover system, but then again it's been awhile since I played a 3rd person shooter, I should be able to adapt within another hour or two of gameplay. I really did enjoy how Wrex was talking to Garrus and Liara like they weren't random squadmates (I guess I can make room for you too Garrus, I loled) I'm hoping that you were able to chose squadmates for that mission and that they weren't assigned to this mission, it would really help bring the game to life if everyone had specific lines for specific areas depending on squadmates.

All in all, can't wait for the multiplayer to go live and can't wait for the 6th of March.

EDIT: wait I minute, I have a battlefield 3 online pass...I can play the demo today...I'll be back in a few hours!

 

[Andy Shandy]

I must admit, the one thing I was worried about was the Kinect integration, but it works really well, in my opinion. Can't wait til the 17th to try the mulitplayer out then March to play the full game!

 

[Doc Theta Sigma]

I would tell you but it seems us PS3 users can't get at it... Due to it not being on PSN.

 

[GoddyofAus]

Ah, it's out. I can finally talk about it without people stoning me to death for spoilers.

I really like the new health system. It's nothing amazing, but it's a neat little hybrid.

Story-wise, I thought they were in a bit too much of a hurry to get the ball rolling. The Reapers commence with their long-awaited wrecking of shit within, what, 10-15mins of hitting new game? Although I guess there have been two whole game of set-up. Still, a slightly more gentle intro wouldn't have hurt.

I'm ambivalent about the thing with the kid at the start. On the one hand it feels kind of artificial and manipulative. But on the other hand it's handled well and they don't try to make it into a huge deal. Just a quick glimpse at one little episode in the bigger picture.

I love how companions take part in conversations more. Like when you meet Captain (now Major) Kirahee, he takes a second to greet both Garrus and Liara. Also, there's a ton of banter during gameplay. Bioware banter is always a treat.

That final bit with the female Krogan (where she shoots the two guys) was really silly. It's like the two enemies turned up on a stage cue, just so she could get her token "badass" moment in.

Lastly, Wrex is still very much Wrex. That makes me happy.

I think you'll find a fair chunk of the opening sequence was cut out, to avoid too many spoilers. I think the moment shown in the demo is actually the second time you are in front of the Courtroom. The first time is where you defend yourself from the charges.