Blah. You almost had me and I nearly watched it. But stopped. I'll watch later today, provided all goes well with the install.
As for the review, I didn't really notice how badly it was written. I think that was because I already knew it was 2D ISO, had zoom, had characters, had story... the list goes on. I guess it's hard for me to be objective about the game. The only things I cared to know are:
1) Does it work?
2) Is it out?
Any more is just fluff. However, for people thinking, "Should I try this?" For that audience, the review was completely worthless.
Sorry, but these new cinematics are absolutely terrible compared to the originals. The lack of any character movement totally ruins them, what were overhaul thinking?
Just curious: In the latest posted review the author states "Overhaul, founded and headed by BioWare/ Interplay alumni Trent Oster and Cameron Tofer, both of whom worked on the original title..." Can someone tell me what his role was during the BG series? I know he was the "head honcho" for the NWN program, I was just curious to understand his (and I guess Cameron's) role during the BG period.
Thanks mate! Good info. The BG series was by far the best video game I've ever played (PST = best story)... This coming from someone who has a few games under his belt starting with spending the summer of '82 in the basement with Wizardry on my Apple II+. I don't want to sound like a hater but I just really, really didn't like the direction NWN took at which point he was at the helm. It's one thing to overhaul an existing game, it's another to do one from scratch. I will continue to support Overhaul and buy their releases (EE of BG2, IWD, PST, etc), I just hope that if and when they do make a "BG3" it will be in lines of the story/character driven masterpiece of the original concept with modern architecture for today's machines.
The second review is of significantly higher quality. While I'm usually skeptical towards reviewers starting out along the lines of "I'm a massive nerd", this one wasn't so bad.
Is insulting console gamers really necessary? I was primarily a console gamer until recent years, and this sort of attitude is exactly the thing that narrows the community and drives off people who might otherwise be interested.
The intro looks...ok. Mostly ok because I'm so used to the original that the new visuals combined with the old sound just seems jarring to me, otherwise it'd be pretty awesome.
I hope we can get a mod for the original cinematics, like I said earlier it's not a big deal (Some of the new ones are even better) but with the intro especially some just scream "RUSHED" at me.
I just miss the sentence "There are others!" which is essential, actually just at the end of the game you understand why he said that - which was quite awesome.
What a completely crappy review ... I think that Trent is paying off the reviewers / previewers to blabber about dark alliance instead, as surely people can't actually be that dumb?
Or no, they are just dumb console gamers.
Insert trolololol gif, facepalm gif, smash head against desk gif, smash head against tree gif, I don't want to live on this planet anymore jpg right here.
You know.. i see this insult thrown around a lot.. "console gamers".
What exactly is so bad about playing a game on consoles? I own a nice gaming rig but i still play consoles from time to time.. I also really liked Dark Alliance; Me and my step brother played through both games together and we always had a blast. Even got to play as drizzt in the second one. I'm a fan of BG1&2, and the Icewind dale series so why can I not be a fan of DA?
I don't know if Neera's stats were already out, but there they are. And we can also see what's probably one of the new portraits. It looks cool from here.
The new intro is much much higher quality. The original 3D intro is just horrible. Its 3D and animated, but that doesn't make the quality any better.
I would have changed how the blood spreads at the end, have it some texture from the stones below but other than that the new one is decent. Its not stellar but I think that it was a correct decision to not invest that much resources on these.
I don't know if Neera's stats were already out, but there they are. And we can also see what's probably one of the new portraits. It looks cool from here.
Thanks for the screenshots. I'll be using that for my good guy play though with the monk and Iomen to try things out.
The only SP review says that STR bonus is not displayed in the inventory for your weapon damage range or attack. That is odd since dex is displayed as a AC bonus screen. Is the review wrong? @Nathan
Hey guys, Lachlan Williams from onlysp.com here. Thank you for your interest in my review. I'll hang around here for a little while, if you want to ask me a few questions.
Kilivitz - those are indeed Neera's stats, and they're rather decent, too. You are also correct - that is one of the new portraits. If you look closely, you can see two other new ones in that screenshot, too!
bigdogchris - I don't think that I am wrong. The character in the screenshot was a level 9 Kensai with 20 STR with four ranks in long swords, which, by my calculations (and those shown on the character screen), should be +11 damage from STR. Four ranks longswords gives you +4 to damage. Coupled with the +2 from enchantment and 1 base, the range of 7-14 seems to only account for weapon base, enchantment, and proficiency, and not STR bonus.
That intro is AWESOME! Way better than the original was, you can really feel the fear of that guy getting killed! I mean his so scared he can't even move!
The new intro is bad? Have you guys *watched* the original intro lately? It was cool for 1998, but it has not aged well at all. It's terribly and unrealistically animated and employs a lot of the "Hannah Barbera" over-exaggerated gestures. The only thing I miss was the blood pooling around the game's logo.
Methinks some of your nostalgic glasses are of an extra rosy tint as of late.
The original animation is solid, flows well, and tells a great story. The new animation is crappy, an insult to the players and the storyline, and is only worthy of a free flash game. Methinks someone needs to *get* some glasses.
Edit: I *expected* improved cinematics. What I got instead was a cheap degredation.
@lawksland Hi Lachlan, it's great to have a review from a fan of the game. I like how you compare it to the existing ToB engine mods for BG1. It's also not just gushy praise, you mention things brought up on these boards like the eternal "but is it as good as the whole saga from GOG + mods" question. Guess we've all got to wait until 2013 for BG2:EE and find out.
Some of the comments and your responses do bring up some (?hidden) strengths of BG:EE though. I play a few games on my phone. There is nothing out there for phones or tablets even vaguely like Baldur's Gate. I play a stripped-down version of Civ on my phone, and it's still one of the richest and most complete experiences on there. To go from Civ lite to full on Baldur's Gate is a big step on a portable touchscreen device.
Multiplayer might also be a bit of a draw. I know I'm planning a couple of games with friends and some input as to how this works would be appreciated. Tutu has never worked multiplayer for me without major, gamebreaking workarounds.
As you said though, your review code was for PC and multiplayer's not necessarily up-and-running on pre-release code.
The animation is solid? Is that why at 21 seconds in, the character stumbles about like a marionette on strings and that gravity seems to fluctuate between low and high with each awkward stumble? Or how at 25 seconds Sarevok floats and half-crouches while swinging his arms in a way that a real person never would? Or how at 40 seconds he makes a cartoonish gesture that would make Yogi Bear proud?
Again, this was all cool for 1998. 3D animation for gaming was still in its relative infancy. But if that cinematic were to be released with the exact same animations today, even with a high poly-count models and high-res textures, it would be laughed at by everyone in comparison to everything else that is out there.
It has not aged well. Does that somehow undo our past first experience with BG? Hell no. I loved it then, and I still love it today. But that doesn't mean I've fooled myself into thinking it holds up in today's cinematic world.
For how much I paid for this game, the new intro is neither more nor less than what I expected. I am fine with it.
@corvino I can't wait for BG2:EE. As I said in my review, this is the most complete commercial release to date, which will definitely appeal to some, as it should. I personally prefer GoG+mods, but the new content on offer here is very high quality.
I will freely admit that I didn't cover the game comprehensively - for that, I'd need a novella. My aim was to make the review accessible for newer players with an RPG interest, without debating too many of the minutia. I also assumed a basic knowledge of the original, or the ability to look up an existing review for more detail on the mechanics and story - 3000 words just isn't enough.
I agree about the tablet idea, though. I think this will do very well on tablets, if the interface has been nailed. I don't think it will be on phones for a while - Trent Oster has tweeted it's just for tablets initially, until a UI overhaul can be completed to make it playable, if I recall.
The multiplayer features aren't really in our website's remit, since we focus on single player, however the multi does look good. Simplifying connection, and cross-platform play will be great, when it happens.
The animation is solid? Is that why at 21 seconds in, the character stumbles about like a marionette on strings and that gravity seems to fluctuate between low and high with each awkward stumble? Or how at 25 seconds Sarevok floats and half-crouches while swinging his arms in a way that a real person never would? Or how at 40 seconds he makes a cartoonish gesture that would make Yogi Bear proud?
Again, this was all cool for 1998. 3D animation for gaming was still in its relative infancy. But if that cinematic were to be released with the exact same animations today, even with a high poly-count models and high-res textures, it would be laughed at by everyone in comparison to everything else that is out there.
It has not aged well. Does that somehow undo our past first experience with BG? Hell no. I loved it then, and I still love it today. But that doesn't mean I've fooled myself into thinking it holds up in today's cinematic world.
For how much I paid for this game, the new intro is neither more nor less than what I expected. I am fine with it.
In order: It's called stumbling and collapsing after fleeing Sarevok. Solid.
Sarevok does not "float". He comes through the door low so his horns don't catch on the doorframe. Then stands menacingly. Solid.
Nothing "cartoonish" about any of his gestures. Solid.
Today's 3D animations? You mean the obviously fake clockwork characters of the Mass Effect saga, perhaps?
For the record, I am bashing the new "cinematic" only. Not the game itself. I look forward to Dorn, Neera, and Rassad. I fully support this game. But I know an eyesore of an animation when I see one, and am not ashamed to point it out. This does not make me any less of a fan. It makes me an honest one.
Others have compred it to the SOA/TOB opening cinematics, which were not nearly as herky-jerky. Hopefully when BG2EE comes, they won't feel the need to sabotage those, as well.
Comments
Ah well, it's only a cinematic.
As for the review, I didn't really notice how badly it was written. I think that was because I already knew it was 2D ISO, had zoom, had characters, had story... the list goes on. I guess it's hard for me to be objective about the game. The only things I cared to know are:
1) Does it work?
2) Is it out?
Any more is just fluff. However, for people thinking, "Should I try this?" For that audience, the review was completely worthless.
Moreover, I've changed the title accordingly.
Please have a look at update [10] of my list of all interviews with the developers.
Trent was “3D department head”, overseeing level art development.
I actually wish they'd gone further with the "drawn" stylizing though.
Also, @Mungri
Is insulting console gamers really necessary? I was primarily a console gamer until recent years, and this sort of attitude is exactly the thing that narrows the community and drives off people who might otherwise be interested.
Looking forward to the rest.
What exactly is so bad about playing a game on consoles? I own a nice gaming rig but i still play consoles from time to time.. I also really liked Dark Alliance; Me and my step brother played through both games together and we always had a blast. Even got to play as drizzt in the second one. I'm a fan of BG1&2, and the Icewind dale series so why can I not be a fan of DA?
http://www.onlysp.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/31.jpg
I don't know if Neera's stats were already out, but there they are. And we can also see what's probably one of the new portraits. It looks cool from here.
I would have changed how the blood spreads at the end, have it some texture from the stones below but other than that the new one is decent. Its not stellar but I think that it was a correct decision to not invest that much resources on these.
Thanks for the screenshots. I'll be using that for my good guy play though with the monk and Iomen to try things out.
The only SP review says that STR bonus is not displayed in the inventory for your weapon damage range or attack. That is odd since dex is displayed as a AC bonus screen. Is the review wrong? @Nathan
@Balquo
Do you know about this bug/confirm it?
*update* It is fixed in BG:EE current version.
Kilivitz - those are indeed Neera's stats, and they're rather decent, too. You are also correct - that is one of the new portraits. If you look closely, you can see two other new ones in that screenshot, too!
bigdogchris - I don't think that I am wrong. The character in the screenshot was a level 9 Kensai with 20 STR with four ranks in long swords, which, by my calculations (and those shown on the character screen), should be +11 damage from STR. Four ranks longswords gives you +4 to damage. Coupled with the +2 from enchantment and 1 base, the range of 7-14 seems to only account for weapon base, enchantment, and proficiency, and not STR bonus.
Methinks some of your nostalgic glasses are of an extra rosy tint as of late.
Edit: I *expected* improved cinematics. What I got instead was a cheap degredation.
Hi Lachlan, it's great to have a review from a fan of the game. I like how you compare it to the existing ToB engine mods for BG1. It's also not just gushy praise, you mention things brought up on these boards like the eternal "but is it as good as the whole saga from GOG + mods" question. Guess we've all got to wait until 2013 for BG2:EE and find out.
Some of the comments and your responses do bring up some (?hidden) strengths of BG:EE though. I play a few games on my phone. There is nothing out there for phones or tablets even vaguely like Baldur's Gate. I play a stripped-down version of Civ on my phone, and it's still one of the richest and most complete experiences on there. To go from Civ lite to full on Baldur's Gate is a big step on a portable touchscreen device.
Multiplayer might also be a bit of a draw. I know I'm planning a couple of games with friends and some input as to how this works would be appreciated. Tutu has never worked multiplayer for me without major, gamebreaking workarounds.
As you said though, your review code was for PC and multiplayer's not necessarily up-and-running on pre-release code.
Again, this was all cool for 1998. 3D animation for gaming was still in its relative infancy. But if that cinematic were to be released with the exact same animations today, even with a high poly-count models and high-res textures, it would be laughed at by everyone in comparison to everything else that is out there.
It has not aged well. Does that somehow undo our past first experience with BG? Hell no. I loved it then, and I still love it today. But that doesn't mean I've fooled myself into thinking it holds up in today's cinematic world.
For how much I paid for this game, the new intro is neither more nor less than what I expected. I am fine with it.
I can't wait for BG2:EE. As I said in my review, this is the most complete commercial release to date, which will definitely appeal to some, as it should. I personally prefer GoG+mods, but the new content on offer here is very high quality.
I will freely admit that I didn't cover the game comprehensively - for that, I'd need a novella. My aim was to make the review accessible for newer players with an RPG interest, without debating too many of the minutia. I also assumed a basic knowledge of the original, or the ability to look up an existing review for more detail on the mechanics and story - 3000 words just isn't enough.
I agree about the tablet idea, though. I think this will do very well on tablets, if the interface has been nailed. I don't think it will be on phones for a while - Trent Oster has tweeted it's just for tablets initially, until a UI overhaul can be completed to make it playable, if I recall.
The multiplayer features aren't really in our website's remit, since we focus on single player, however the multi does look good. Simplifying connection, and cross-platform play will be great, when it happens.
In order:
It's called stumbling and collapsing after fleeing Sarevok. Solid.
Sarevok does not "float". He comes through the door low so his horns don't catch on the doorframe. Then stands menacingly. Solid.
Nothing "cartoonish" about any of his gestures. Solid.
Today's 3D animations? You mean the obviously fake clockwork characters of the Mass Effect saga, perhaps?
For the record, I am bashing the new "cinematic" only. Not the game itself. I look forward to Dorn, Neera, and Rassad. I fully support this game. But I know an eyesore of an animation when I see one, and am not ashamed to point it out. This does not make me any less of a fan. It makes me an honest one.
Others have compred it to the SOA/TOB opening cinematics, which were not nearly as herky-jerky. Hopefully when BG2EE comes, they won't feel the need to sabotage those, as well.
BGEE is awesome. That "cinematic" isn't.