Zero Punctuation: Ghost Recon Wildlands

[Igor-Rowan]

Snip

I took it from the Everybody's Gone to the Rapture review that Yahtzee is on the fence about Gone Home and and doesn't like other games like it, the "walking simulators" genre. However he did say he liked The Stanley Parable.

 

[GrumbleGrump]

I get the bizarre feeling Yathzee really wanted to do a full review for Night in the Woods but was told he needed to do Wildlands, so he just snuck a review for NITW in there anyway.

Reminds me that I need to play NITW. Sounds pretty good.

I've heard some things an seen some videos that make it look quite like shit. Like Life is Strange tier shit.

 

[Sheo_Dagana]

I'm pretty burned out on sandbox games myself. I'm sure Breath of the Wild is a great game, but after playing several games like it in the last few years, I'm not enjoying it as well as all the critics seem to be. Probably what's happening with this one.

 

[aegix drakan_v1legacy]

Oh man, that was a brutal smackdown of ghost recon. And it sounds totally deserved too.

...I gotta wonder, is he going to play Styx Shards of Darkness, you think? It's a pretty decent (if hardcore quicksave-happy) stealth game that goes for pure stealth rather than the "you can stealth if you want to but you can also fight your way out of everything too if you want" we've seen modern gameplay adopt, and I do know that Yatzee loves a proper stealth game.

Honestly, outside of the immersion-breaking 4th-wall-vreaking game over quips and that one mission with way way way too many of those stupid blind-but-super-keen-hearing beetle things, I have no complaints with the game, and the level design is a joy to explore most of the time.

 

[O maestre]

I still find the game fun, on single player and mostly co-op.

It really reminds me of the old ps2 franchise Mercenaries mixed with Just Cause.

But he is absolutely right the game has a lot of grind, it is however right up my ally when it comes to mindless entertainment.

 

[Grouchy Imp_v1legacy]

I honestly don't know what he's going on about. Hitbox detection for me is actually really small and it's very very easy to miss headshots.

Anyway I still love the game! Its great fun for us 'Silent Hill 2 isn't the best story ever and is actually pretty boring' types.

I think where the review fell down was that Yahtzee was clearly playing through the game in single-player, where I will agree that the infallibility of your AI teammates does somewhat strip 90% of the challenge (and tictacs) from the game. Where the game really shines for me is when you have a full squad to human teammates who take different roles and can assault bases in different ways, so for example you can have a couple of players infiltrating the base with suppressed SMGs while an LMG toting heavy causes a distraction at the main gates in order to draw out the defenders who are then picked off by the sniper in the woods. It really is very much a four-player co-op game, and a single-player review doesn't do it justice.

 

[Nate Gervais]

Let's see, didn't bother to mention the co-op (Oh what a special snowflake he is, since he doesn't wanna play with other people),and bullshit about the hitboxes. I guess points for bringing up Night in the Woods which indeed is a good game, but for comparing a good game like it to pretentious shit like Gone Home? Seriously, why doesn't he just wear a sandwich board that say's he's a hipster so he can stop pretending he ain't one.

I've heard some things an seen some videos that make it look quite like shit. Like Life is Strange tier shit

I'd say you are full of shit, since NiTW isn't anything like Life is Strange.

 

[ToastyMozart]

I just hope my PC can play it. Does anyone know the requirements for Night in the Woods?

Basically nothing, it's a 2D game using the Unity engine. A dual-core and ~8 gigs of ram.

I've heard some things an seen some videos that make it look quite like shit. Like Life is Strange tier shit.

As someone who really didn't like LiS, NitW is WAAAAAY better. The characters are actually 3-dimensional characters instead of just a gormless doormat and a whiny asshole (ironically, for a 2D game), and it never gets bogged down with stupid bottle hunts or easy-mode puzzles. There's really not much similar between them at all aside from a narrative focus, TBH.
Also the ending doesn't shit itself inside out, the partial tone shift mentioned in the review aside.

 

[Nate Gervais]

Also the ending doesn't shit itself inside out, the partial tone shift mentioned in the review aside.

Even said partial tone shift seems somewhat vague, because it can be attributed to the main characters mental illness.

 

[Silentpony_v1legacy]

I honestly don't know what he's going on about. Hitbox detection for me is actually really small and it's very very easy to miss headshots.

Anyway I still love the game! Its great fun for us 'Silent Hill 2 isn't the best story ever and is actually pretty boring' types.

I think where the review fell down was that Yahtzee was clearly playing through the game in single-player, where I will agree that the infallibility of your AI teammates does somewhat strip 90% of the challenge (and tictacs) from the game. Where the game really shines for me is when you have a full squad to human teammates who take different roles and can assault bases in different ways, so for example you can have a couple of players infiltrating the base with suppressed SMGs while an LMG toting heavy causes a distraction at the main gates in order to draw out the defenders who are then picked off by the sniper in the woods. It really is very much a four-player co-op game, and a single-player review doesn't do it justice.

See I cut my teeth on this game in single-player, and I didn't think the 3 shot mechanic made it too easy. Yeah they never missed when they got the target, but there's a good chance they'll loose the target, get spotted, or any number of other things. And even then, well cool, you killed two snipers and the dude at the minigun. Now all you have to deal with is the mortar team, the sirens, the helicopter patrol, and 15 guards in bodyarmor to prevent headshots. And uh oh, Unidad patrol comes in during the breach. Looks like you have an entire gunfight in the center of the compound while mortars zero in on you, and Unidad calls in more helicopters.

I'm guessing he played on easy, single player, and did 2 areas. I doubt he even got to the helicopter patrols, mortar teams or sirens calling for backup parts.

 

[ToastyMozart]

I'm guessing he played on easy.

When has Yahtzee ever not played on Easy? It's kind of a known thing ever since the MGS4 video way back when.

 

[Grouchy Imp_v1legacy]

>snip<

>snip<

See I cut my teeth on this game in single-player, and I didn't think the 3 shot mechanic made it too easy. Yeah they never missed when they got the target, but there's a good chance they'll loose the target, get spotted, or any number of other things. And even then, well cool, you killed two snipers and the dude at the minigun. Now all you have to deal with is the mortar team, the sirens, the helicopter patrol, and 15 guards in bodyarmor to prevent headshots. And uh oh, Unidad patrol comes in during the breach. Looks like you have an entire gunfight in the center of the compound while mortars zero in on you, and Unidad calls in more helicopters.

I'm guessing he played on easy, single player, and did 2 areas. I doubt he even got to the helicopter patrols, mortar teams or sirens calling for backup parts.

Urrgh, don't get me started on bloody Unidad patrols. The number of times I've been halfway towards an objective - completely undetected - and then a Unidad chopper just 'decides' to circle the area and ends up busting my team ... damned purple vultures.

 

[Silentpony_v1legacy]

I'm guessing he played on easy.

When has Yahtzee ever not played on Easy? It's kind of a known thing ever since the MGS4 video way back when.

Haha! Busted!

...but that's the only example I can think of.

 

[Nate Gervais]

.

See I cut my teeth on this game in single-player, and I didn't think the 3 shot mechanic made it too easy. Yeah they never missed when they got the target, but there's a good chance they'll loose the target, get spotted, or any number of other things. And even then, well cool, you killed two snipers and the dude at the minigun. Now all you have to deal with is the mortar team, the sirens, the helicopter patrol, and 15 guards in bodyarmor to prevent headshots. And uh oh, Unidad patrol comes in during the breach. Looks like you have an entire gunfight in the center of the compound while mortars zero in on you, and Unidad calls in more helicopters.

I'm guessing he played on easy, single player, and did 2 areas. I doubt he even got to the helicopter patrols, mortar teams or sirens calling for backup parts.

So, here's my question anyone bothered using the rebels for help? 'Cause I tried a few times and man these guys were more of a problem than help when it came to combat and not delivering a new jeep for my guys to ride in.

 

[Silentpony_v1legacy]

.

See I cut my teeth on this game in single-player, and I didn't think the 3 shot mechanic made it too easy. Yeah they never missed when they got the target, but there's a good chance they'll loose the target, get spotted, or any number of other things. And even then, well cool, you killed two snipers and the dude at the minigun. Now all you have to deal with is the mortar team, the sirens, the helicopter patrol, and 15 guards in bodyarmor to prevent headshots. And uh oh, Unidad patrol comes in during the breach. Looks like you have an entire gunfight in the center of the compound while mortars zero in on you, and Unidad calls in more helicopters.

I'm guessing he played on easy, single player, and did 2 areas. I doubt he even got to the helicopter patrols, mortar teams or sirens calling for backup parts.

So, here's my question anyone bothered using the rebels for help? 'Cause I tried a few times and man these guys were more of a problem than help when it came to combat and not delivering a new jeep for my guys to ride in.

I found two good uses for them. In the defend the relay missions or I'm getting overwhelmed in an assault by cartel and Unidad forces calling in some Rebel dudes to just help you fight it is very useful. It's usually a truck and 3-4 dudes with submachine guns. So it's not overpowering but it's a nice distraction and they usually clog up the roads nicely.

Secondly, and to be fair I've stopped using it because it does make things too easy, calling in rebel spotters. They spot ever single enemy in the area instantly. No wait, no enemy cap, no chance of detection. I don't even think anyone even appears on the map. Just boom, all targets marked instantly.

Took all the fun out of planning and reconing the area yourself.

 

[Nate Gervais]

.

So, here's my question anyone bothered using the rebels for help? 'Cause I tried a few times and man these guys were more of a problem than help when it came to combat and not delivering a new jeep for my guys to ride in.

I found two good uses for them. In the defend the relay missions or I'm getting overwhelmed in an assault by cartel and Unidad forces calling in some Rebel dudes to just help you fight it is very useful. It's usually a truck and 3-4 dudes with submachine guns. So it's not overpowering but it's a nice distraction and they usually clog up the roads nicely.

Secondly, and to be fair I've stopped using it because it does make things too easy, calling in rebel spotters. They spot ever single enemy in the area instantly. No wait, no enemy cap, no chance of detection. I don't even think anyone even appears on the map. Just boom, all targets marked instantly.

Took all the fun out of planning and reconing the area yourself.

Really now? I tried using 'em once to storm some fort and those guys all got gunned down instantly, after that I really didn't bother using 'em again. But, it does sound like the spotters does make things OP and way too easy.

 

[ToastyMozart]

Snip

Really now? I tried using 'em once to storm some fort and those guys all got gunned down instantly, after that I really didn't bother using 'em again. But, it does sound like the spotters does make things OP and way too easy.

I mean if they could raid the enemy's encampments all on their own, your characters probably wouldn't have needed to be involved in the first place. It makes sense they'd be more suited to support roles, what with knowing the area and all.

 

[Silentpony_v1legacy]

Really now? I tried using 'em once to storm some fort and those guys all got gunned down instantly, after that I really didn't bother using 'em again. But, it does sound like the spotters does make things OP and way too easy.

I usually use them for support or distractions. In those 'defend the relay' missions they're good for just bothering enemies coming from the other way long enough for me or a squadmate to go sort them out. In the 5 star areas its not unusual for badies to attack from 3 or 4 directions, with snipers, helicopters and those fucking tanks. So a few militia dudes to clean up some of the smaller forces so I can start shooting grenades at helicopters is useful.

In assault missions I just use them to clog up the roads outside the base so enemy reinforcements don't just charge in behind me while I'm trying to snipe the dude in the turret.

Also to be fair I've spent upgrade points on rebels. in the squad upgrades you can train the rebels to be better coordinated, higher health, and the occasional support weapon. One guy showed up once with a shotgun. And that was kewl.
Got run-over by a truck, but he was kewl while it happened.

 

[Nate Gervais]

Really now? I tried using 'em once to storm some fort and those guys all got gunned down instantly, after that I really didn't bother using 'em again. But, it does sound like the spotters does make things OP and way too easy.

I usually use them for support or distractions. In those 'defend the relay' missions they're good for just bothering enemies coming from the other way long enough for me or a squadmate to go sort them out. In the 5 star areas its not unusual for badies to attack from 3 or 4 directions, with snipers, helicopters and those fucking tanks. So a few militia dudes to clean up some of the smaller forces so I can start shooting grenades at helicopters is useful.

In assault missions I just use them to clog up the roads outside the base so enemy reinforcements don't just charge in behind me while I'm trying to snipe the dude in the turret.

Also to be fair I've spent upgrade points on rebels. in the squad upgrades you can train the rebels to be better coordinated, higher health, and the occasional support weapon. One guy showed up once with a shotgun. And that was kewl.
Got run-over by a truck, but he was kewl while it happened.

Oh man, that mental image with the shotgun guy getting run is so damn hilarious. I never did bother to upgrade 'em, so guess that was my stupidity since I kinda forgot about it, then yeah when I came upon the fort I said "Well, why not" and yeah those guys went down fast. Gonna need to remember to upgrade 'em

 

[sXeth]

This game is already on sale on PSN. This is sad.

Sorry to burst your bubble, but Wildlands sold like hotcakes https://www.pcgamesn.com/ghost-recon-wildlands/ghost-recon-wildlands-launch-sales.

OT: I find Wildlands to be a solid 7/10 "it's ok". It does nothing extraordinary but all the pieces are solid and well executed, and unless you are playing on easy (like I suspect Yhazee was) the game does feel "tactical" or at the very least high lethality, with both the player and foes dying in a few hits.
Also strongly disagree that the game doesn't let your approach things your way. Yea stealth is the best approach, it's a stealth game, but within that framework I have had quite a few fun emergent moments, from speedy helicopter landings, to using C4 boobytraped cars to take out a generator, to lining up enemy trucks to serve as makeshift fortifications when I know a "defend the area" moment is coming.

Funnily enough, for complaining about formula this video was so rote and predictable bar the ending that I almost wonder if it was a mandate from The Escapist or something. I was hoping Yahtzee would skip this one, not because I object to him shitting on the game, but because I could practically hear the broad strokes of the video before he ever made it.

I was wondering what setting he's on. The marked target thing is on 3 kills, takes times to set up, and there's a good chance the squadmates will get scene while doing it. Likewise enemies can find the dead bodies.
And aiming with sniper rifles is a lot more difficult than he makes it seem.

And I agree, this feels like one of the ones Yahtzee wanted to skip, but had to do anyway.

In probably about 20 attempts, I have never once had the squadmates ever get to the point of being in position for the sync shot. Combined with their apparent apathy about actually shooting anything ever, outside of sync shot (to the point of reviving me literally in the middle of 3 enemeis after I died when they got seen and refused to shoot anyone and I got surrounded), I've basically written off playing the game at all without my buddies that talked me into getting it.

The Rebel stuff works vaguely better. They work about 80% of the time anyways, for what they do. Other then occasionally dropping a car on my head or the fact that a mortar strike from Rebels on the opposite side of a base somehow inspires investigation of your location like you fired a flare up.